USA Part I

Following my introduction to North America through Canada, it was time to make my way down the coast to Seattle and on to San Francisco where I’d be meeting up with Dominic for a week of fun, exploring and my birthday. He does indeed get extra points for being the only one to make it to my birthday party.

I caught the train down to Seattle where I spent a couple days exploring as much of the city as I could and taking in some of the history and beautiful views. Although a couple of days is not nearly enough, I did get a really good feeling abut the coffee crazed city and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

The train down to San Francisco was as scenic as anticipated and a great chance to see some of the beautiful countryside. The city was every bit as picturesque and awesome as I had hoped; naturally meeting up with Dominic added to the vibe. We saw some of the sights, ate amazing food, drank good coffee and beer and generally enjoyed a great holiday. The three day trip to Yosemite was truly amazing and we enjoyed exploring the park and doing some hiking - my absolute best. I could not have asked for a better way to see in the next decade of my life except perhaps to have shared the experience with more friends and family.

Such a beautiful part of the world warrants far more illustration than prose, so I’ll leave it at that.

The space Needle, Seattle

View from the Public Market, Seattle

Golden Gate, San Francisco

Golden Gate, San Francisco

The brotherhood at San Francisco City Hall

Alcatraz, San Francisco

Half Dome, Yosemite

Enjoying the view, Yosemite

Amazing beer and bread at Tartine, San Francisco

Pancake anticipation at Lori's Diner, San Francisco

Riding the Trolley, San Francisco

Judah Street, San Francisco

Enjoying a beer on Judah Street, San Francisco

Vancouver, Canada

It’s been a while since I posted a travel update and my computer, in part, is to blame after bombing out for a couple of months. I take the rest of the blame for the neglect as I enjoyed ‘living’ in Vancouver, catching up with my brother and other good friends. But more of that later.

It seems so long ago that I was welcomed by the esteemed Jonny Cash to one of the most desirable cities to live in in the world, Vancouver. As far as cool/hip/hipster people go, Cash is among the top and his top-notch girlfriend Evelyn completes the package. They welcomed me to their home and were brilliant hosts for what turned out to be a month of living in their lounge on their very comfortable sleeper-couch. I spent a large portion of my time in Nelson the Seagull enjoying the amazing bread and coffee (all other bread has been ruined for me now). Tea is still a big part of my life but I finally understand all the hype around a good cup of coffee. I’m not much of a foodie, but we did sample some amazing coffee shops, delis, restaurants, bars etc. some on more than one occasion.

Due to the time of year it rained a fair amount while I was there, but we still did our best to make the most of it and experience the city and the surrounding area. Leisurely mornings hanging out in coffee shops, watching the Canucks do battle on the ice, the various Thanksgiving celebrations, the much celebrated Halloween and a short visit to Summerland are some of the memories I won’t forget.

The Canadians are indeed as friendly as their preceding reputation indicates and it’s definitely not the last I’ve seen of the exceptionally enticing city. 

Drinking Beer at Six Acres before ordering an amazing meal of food

Nelson the Seagull after hours

Canucks lost this one, but still managed to capture a new avid supporter in me

Fall really is this spectacular

Hiking in Lynn Valley

Prematch before Halloween partying

The barfing peppers - a reasonable effort by the RSA contingent

Vancouver Rowing Club

Vancouver enjoying a sunny day

Thanks Ev and Cash for a great time

New Zest-land

Three months of navigating Australia and only such a small part of such a big country explored marked time for the next adventure, and where better to kick off than Queenstown. The adventure, outdoorsy town was everything for which it is known: beautiful and electric (in an adrenaline fuelled way). We signed up for some much anticipated snow boarding and luckily I picked up just about where I left off all those months ago in Austria, however the experience was quite different. Hitchhiking up the mountain provided the opportunity to meet some great people and I’m still impressed at how cold weather becomes completely irrelevant when there is so much fun to be had. I’m certainly not complaining.

Helen’s friend Steen Brady was kind enough to have us to stay for ten days and on Helen’s departure, played out of her boots and lent me her car for a one week exploration of the south of the south island. The weather didn’t exactly play the part, however I did manage to spot the ever elusive yellow eyed penguins and some seals which made bracing the elements totally worthwhile. On returning to Queenstown I collected a magnificent piece of machinery which I had agreed to relocate to Auckland within nine days for a rental company. Pretty good deal with them covering a tank of fuel, insurance and a ferry ticket for the car to get across to the north island - an experience in itself. Being on my own for the journey, I had a lot of time to think about life, stop off at random spots and take many pictures of all that I came across. Below, a sample of some of the magic is to be found.

Arriving in Auckland I was hosted by a Brady once more - this time Nic stepped up and once again I was provided with some transport with which to explore the town and greater Auckland area. I do hope some day I can repay all of the generosity I’ve experienced by hosting all of my friends made abroad in the not-so-scary, but extremely beautiful and generously priced Africa.

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Boarding on The Remarkables

Harbour view, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Nic, Helen and Steen outside Steen's pad

I was the only one camping just to the left of the pic at Milford Sound

Milford Sound was spectacular

Road tripping makes it apparent how sheep outnumber people

Once in while take time out for a Cappuccino and Dr Seuss

Dunedin Train Station

Road tripping up the west coast of the south island

Hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park

The anticipated 'warmer weather' on the North Island

Nic's cool suburb - Freemans Bay, Auckland

Australia Part IV

Australia Part IV

After a frantic, but thoroughly enjoyable three weeks back home for two 30th’s, a 40th, two weddings and some much appreciated family time, it was time to pick up the journey where I left off. I headed straight to Melbourne, where I met up with Helen with whom I’d be spending the next few weeks exploring Victoria. We’d both heard what a magnificent city Melbourne is and were equally concerned about arriving with high expectations. As has generally been the norm with these things on my travels, the city lived up to the hype and did not disappoint. Melbourne is very well laid out with efficient public transport, including trams (our favourite means of navigating the city) and so much to do.

We didn’t stay long, however, and rather chose to plan a road trip including the Grampians, the Great Ocean Road and some stop offs in some cool little towns along the way. Not planning too far in advance it truly was a case of hitting the road and hoping for the best, assured that the countryside would step up and provide the entertainment. It did just that.

On returning to Melbourne, we took the chance to stay outside of the main city area, spending time in Sorrento and the cool suburb of St Kilda. The two quite different experiences totally hit the spot and I was impressed with Melbourne’s diversity and endless activities and entertainment. The pictures will most likely do a better job of portraying the experience.

Always great to have travel companion to share the experiences

Walking the city at night

Exploring in the beautiful Grampains

We heard the view from the top was good at sunset

"Good" might have been a little modest

The lighthouse at Port Fairy

Unfortunately the Shearwater Colony was not present when we were

Tea on the hill in Apollo Bay

More like "The Seven Apostles" but awesome none-the-less

Robert managed to organise for us to catch an AFL game at the MCG

We did our best to learn to rules and supported the victorious Hawthorn side

The theme park in St Kilda is a great touch

Enjoying a drink at sunset on the St Kilda beach front

Australia Part III

Continuing my journey down the east coast, my next stop was Brisbane. Nobody seemed to have too much to say for the city, but I really enjoyed my stay there. I felt free to move around and the river section is very pedestrian-friendly; walking being my go-to transport and all. I wasn’t there long before moving on to the magic little surf and chill town of Byron Bay. I’d heard good things and it didn’t disappoint (apart from the lack of swell the first few days). It really is a “pretty little town” in both senses of the phrase, and if I hadn’t signed on for another help exchange nearby, I might’ve got sucked into staying a lot longer in the town itself.

I got in touch with Candy who stays on a farm not far from Byron Bay - horses being the connection once again. They are surrounded by macadamia trees, rolling green hills and the beach not far - ideal environment really. I took care of her cat, two dogs and five horses while she was away and stuck around a while upon her return as the area and the lifestyle were truly addictive. I think the photos illustrate the experience far better than I could describe it. I was also treated to a visit from Thomas who was my dive partner in Thailand, however it was fairly brief as he was in a hurry to make his way up the east coast. 

Finally, pressed for time before my three week indulgence of home, I made my way down to Sydney for a few days. The city is picturesque and a throw back to Southeast Asia given the number of Asians in the city. The Opera house is more than it seemed in the pictures and up close the texture and detail are incredible. I also took the chance to explore some of the museums and galleries before heading to Bondi for a couple of days to enjoy the city outskirts as well. What a great decision that was.

Brisbane - the unsung city is well integrated

The water park next to the river

The perfect sets roll in all day long in Byron Bay

The eastern most point of Australia, Byron Bay

The iconic Byron Bay lighthouse

The beaches are diverse and beautiful

Taken on one of my lone missions to the beach nearest the farm

A lagoon stained a beautiful tea colour by the roots of the trees

Cardigan enjoying the spoils of living in the area

I spent many hours walking between the trees on the macadamia farm with the dogs

The ideal swing

Only in Australia is there a rescue buoy in such a remote place

Sydney in all its beauty

The Opera House was more impressive than anticipated

They even have rails to assist with entry into the rock pool

and a wall to push off and train a more accurate distance

Walking from Bondi to Coogee is beautiful