Monday, January 30, 2006
Tassie!
Hello all,
Just a quick note to say that all is well here. In Tasmania at the moment in a place called Queenstown. Arrived last Friday, and spent Saturday in Hobart with my tour guide Melody. I set off into the mountains on Sunday to Mount Field National Park, and later to the Lakes area further west. Pretty impressive for the short time that it was Sunny, and then the clouds came down - and well - it was just like Scotland really!
Pretty much out of mobile phone readh - so worry not if you cannot get hold of me. I'll be back in civilisation on Thursday, my time. And in Sydney on Friday (someones birthday).
I've seen a flat Tasmanian Devil and some other wildlife (not flattened). When do dad and el go away skiing?
Anyway, better go. I'll post some more pictures when I'm back in Sydney and have a decent T or broadband connection to upload from.
Miss you all,
Jan.
Just a quick note to say that all is well here. In Tasmania at the moment in a place called Queenstown. Arrived last Friday, and spent Saturday in Hobart with my tour guide Melody. I set off into the mountains on Sunday to Mount Field National Park, and later to the Lakes area further west. Pretty impressive for the short time that it was Sunny, and then the clouds came down - and well - it was just like Scotland really!
Pretty much out of mobile phone readh - so worry not if you cannot get hold of me. I'll be back in civilisation on Thursday, my time. And in Sydney on Friday (someones birthday).
I've seen a flat Tasmanian Devil and some other wildlife (not flattened). When do dad and el go away skiing?
Anyway, better go. I'll post some more pictures when I'm back in Sydney and have a decent T or broadband connection to upload from.
Miss you all,
Jan.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Off to Tas
Day 11
I'm off to Tasmania tonight, catching a 2 hr flight to Hobart from Sydney. Just as well, as I managed to burn myself a bit again, and I really need to head for cooler climes. I'm quietly excited; a combination of needing to get out the city, and find some space. As I said before I'm going to do Hobart on Saturday, and hire a car and explore Sunday - Wednesday. Mid afternoon flight back to Sydney on Thursday, and by that time it will be February (not long to go then Sophie).
It was Australia day yesterday, and it was quite good. Having said that, there wasn't all that much happening except an awful lot of Australians out on the street sitting around. Went down to the beach initially, but then headed into the city centre and soaked up the atmosphere at the Opera House and Botanic gardens. Loads of boats out in the harbour, and there were the usual helicopter and jet displays, sky diving etc. That night we had a few beers in the flat, before going to an indie night at the Kings' Cross hotel. It was quite good fun, as far as indie goes.
Anyway, I'm off to finalise a few bits and pieces, and pack.
Miss you all,
Jan
I'm off to Tasmania tonight, catching a 2 hr flight to Hobart from Sydney. Just as well, as I managed to burn myself a bit again, and I really need to head for cooler climes. I'm quietly excited; a combination of needing to get out the city, and find some space. As I said before I'm going to do Hobart on Saturday, and hire a car and explore Sunday - Wednesday. Mid afternoon flight back to Sydney on Thursday, and by that time it will be February (not long to go then Sophie).
It was Australia day yesterday, and it was quite good. Having said that, there wasn't all that much happening except an awful lot of Australians out on the street sitting around. Went down to the beach initially, but then headed into the city centre and soaked up the atmosphere at the Opera House and Botanic gardens. Loads of boats out in the harbour, and there were the usual helicopter and jet displays, sky diving etc. That night we had a few beers in the flat, before going to an indie night at the Kings' Cross hotel. It was quite good fun, as far as indie goes.
Anyway, I'm off to finalise a few bits and pieces, and pack.
Miss you all,
Jan
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Sydney
Day 9
Yesterday I finally made it into Sydney, and saw the usual sights of harbour bridge and opera house. Was quite good actually, though the bridge more so than the opera house. Took some pictures and will try to get them online if I can figure it out.
In the meantime I have sorted out my bank account (National Bank of Australia) and booked flights to Tasmania for Friday evening. Was going to go tomorow, but it is Australia day tomorow, so I'll try and soak up the atmosphere somewhere instead. The choice is between Sydney, Bondi or staying in Coogie for the Guiness World Record attempt for most inflatable lilo's in a bay.
Oh, I have an Australian mobile number now too. If you need it, contact me and ill email it.
Today Chris and I went shopping in Randwick, the neighbouring suburb (and where I stayed the first night). Bought a belt (I forgot to bring one) and a bit of shopping. Had an interesting afternoon, as we were destined to go to Palm beach in the hire car that Chris' flatmates still had for another day. But after 20minutes it began to smoke rather badly, and..well.. we needed to limp home.
Had enough of beach bum life now (almost anyway), so im glad that im off to Tassie soon. Should be good. Kinda looking forward to work too.
Hope you are all well,
Best wishes,
Jan.
-EDIT- Uploaded some of my photos. Just download, its a big file (22mb), unzip etc. http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=10498
Yesterday I finally made it into Sydney, and saw the usual sights of harbour bridge and opera house. Was quite good actually, though the bridge more so than the opera house. Took some pictures and will try to get them online if I can figure it out.
In the meantime I have sorted out my bank account (National Bank of Australia) and booked flights to Tasmania for Friday evening. Was going to go tomorow, but it is Australia day tomorow, so I'll try and soak up the atmosphere somewhere instead. The choice is between Sydney, Bondi or staying in Coogie for the Guiness World Record attempt for most inflatable lilo's in a bay.
Oh, I have an Australian mobile number now too. If you need it, contact me and ill email it.
Today Chris and I went shopping in Randwick, the neighbouring suburb (and where I stayed the first night). Bought a belt (I forgot to bring one) and a bit of shopping. Had an interesting afternoon, as we were destined to go to Palm beach in the hire car that Chris' flatmates still had for another day. But after 20minutes it began to smoke rather badly, and..well.. we needed to limp home.
Had enough of beach bum life now (almost anyway), so im glad that im off to Tassie soon. Should be good. Kinda looking forward to work too.
Hope you are all well,
Best wishes,
Jan.
-EDIT- Uploaded some of my photos. Just download, its a big file (22mb), unzip etc. http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=10498
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Coogee and Cogee
Day 6
I'm still in Coogee with Chris & co. His flatmates are a good bunch od lads + girl. They took good care of me when Chris was working his last shift, and we had a really good time. Scary how many other Scottish people you meet though. It's all bloody brits here.
Anyway, as nice as it is here - I've decided to move on in a few days. Not least because sleeping on a sofa isnt much fun. As I said before I was considering Tasmania, so I'm going to hunt for some airfares, well, straight after this. Failing that, I'll stay in Central Sydney for a few days and then perhaps move up or down the coast to somewhere a bit quieter and cheaper and take it easy till I start work.
Not a whole lot else to report. We stayed up late last night to watch the English Premiership football at mid-day UK time(Arsenal lost!), and I've spent the morning on the phone to Sophie and reading Oz guidebooks on a cliff face over-looking Coogie beach. Just heard from my friend Becks, who is now frantically searching for cheap flights over to join me. Oh jealousy!
It's fantastic here. Really laid back, relaxed and beside the odd grumpy local, very very friendly. It's not quite got the Hong Kong "wow" factor.. but overal I feel really very at ease.
No dangerous wildlife encounters yet.
Miss you all though,
Jan.
I'm still in Coogee with Chris & co. His flatmates are a good bunch od lads + girl. They took good care of me when Chris was working his last shift, and we had a really good time. Scary how many other Scottish people you meet though. It's all bloody brits here.
Anyway, as nice as it is here - I've decided to move on in a few days. Not least because sleeping on a sofa isnt much fun. As I said before I was considering Tasmania, so I'm going to hunt for some airfares, well, straight after this. Failing that, I'll stay in Central Sydney for a few days and then perhaps move up or down the coast to somewhere a bit quieter and cheaper and take it easy till I start work.
Not a whole lot else to report. We stayed up late last night to watch the English Premiership football at mid-day UK time(Arsenal lost!), and I've spent the morning on the phone to Sophie and reading Oz guidebooks on a cliff face over-looking Coogie beach. Just heard from my friend Becks, who is now frantically searching for cheap flights over to join me. Oh jealousy!
It's fantastic here. Really laid back, relaxed and beside the odd grumpy local, very very friendly. It's not quite got the Hong Kong "wow" factor.. but overal I feel really very at ease.
No dangerous wildlife encounters yet.
Miss you all though,
Jan.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Coogie
Day 4
Hello again everyone. It was nice to speak to Mum & Dad and Sophie yesterday. Bit of a rough day yesterday. Was up very early in Hong Kong at 5:30am to get a coach to the airport for my 9:30 flight to Sydney. Very tired, and it being a daytime flight meant that it was near impossible to get any sleep. The seats were closer together, I wasn't able to get an aisle seat - so I was cramped in between a boring English man and a chatty Welsh idiot for 9 and a half tiring hours. Immigration in Sydney was, well, really very pleasant. Everyone was really nice and chatty - but as a result, there were huge queues, and I eventually got off the plane at 10:30pm local time. Chris was supposed to get me from the airport, but had some crap excuse and told me to get a taxi instead.
So being that tired, I did get a taxi, but to a local "hotel" near his flat - so I was able to get a good nights sleep. So after checking in, getting a free upgrade (huge room!), I phoned everyone and got attacked by spiders (well..not really). And then sleep.
Checked out at 11am the following the day, and got Chris to meet me. We wondered to his flat, and have since had a very lazy day here in Coogee. His flatmates are good fun, and were going for a few beers tonight. Chris is working though - his last shift.
Trying to formulate a plan for the next few weeks. Work wants me to start on the 6th of Feb, which leaves me two and a bit spare weeks. Don't reckon I'll manage couch sleeping for more than a few days..so I might see Sydney briefly in the next three or so days, and then head down to Tasmania, to explore it while it is still nice and warm. We'll see how things go though..
That's all really. Not a terribly exciting day, except to report that they have Deal or No Deal here too. Oh and a really crap version of celebrity ready steady cook.
Oh I've caught the sun a wee bit already. Its been overcast and im a touch pink. A good lesson for the days its gonna be sunny!
Good luck to Sophie for her teaching interview on Monday.
Miss you all,
Jan
Hello again everyone. It was nice to speak to Mum & Dad and Sophie yesterday. Bit of a rough day yesterday. Was up very early in Hong Kong at 5:30am to get a coach to the airport for my 9:30 flight to Sydney. Very tired, and it being a daytime flight meant that it was near impossible to get any sleep. The seats were closer together, I wasn't able to get an aisle seat - so I was cramped in between a boring English man and a chatty Welsh idiot for 9 and a half tiring hours. Immigration in Sydney was, well, really very pleasant. Everyone was really nice and chatty - but as a result, there were huge queues, and I eventually got off the plane at 10:30pm local time. Chris was supposed to get me from the airport, but had some crap excuse and told me to get a taxi instead.
So being that tired, I did get a taxi, but to a local "hotel" near his flat - so I was able to get a good nights sleep. So after checking in, getting a free upgrade (huge room!), I phoned everyone and got attacked by spiders (well..not really). And then sleep.
Checked out at 11am the following the day, and got Chris to meet me. We wondered to his flat, and have since had a very lazy day here in Coogee. His flatmates are good fun, and were going for a few beers tonight. Chris is working though - his last shift.
Trying to formulate a plan for the next few weeks. Work wants me to start on the 6th of Feb, which leaves me two and a bit spare weeks. Don't reckon I'll manage couch sleeping for more than a few days..so I might see Sydney briefly in the next three or so days, and then head down to Tasmania, to explore it while it is still nice and warm. We'll see how things go though..
That's all really. Not a terribly exciting day, except to report that they have Deal or No Deal here too. Oh and a really crap version of celebrity ready steady cook.
Oh I've caught the sun a wee bit already. Its been overcast and im a touch pink. A good lesson for the days its gonna be sunny!
Good luck to Sophie for her teaching interview on Monday.
Miss you all,
Jan
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Hong Kong
Day 2
First of all, I hope everyone is proud of me for being able to stay away from a computer for a, oh, whole 46 hours. It's 20 to Nine here in Hong Kong, and I am about to go and have a departing beer in the hotel bar. My flight into Hong Kong was fine, thankfully never nearly as bumpy as the flight from Edinburgh to Heathrow, which was the most turbulent I had ever encountered in a flying machine. It (the long haul flight) was a drag though, and I had forgotten quite how long it is to sit on a plane for over 2 hours. The route we followed, especially for mum & dad, was rough arc northwards over the top of holland, just under Copenhagen and Moscow, before rougly 100 miles past Moscow turning Southwards. As we hit the Himalayas we basicaly flew directly around them, first directly East from mainland Russia, and then past India almost directly South towards the Southern Ocean. Then, again around 100miles before reaching the Ocean we cut a diagonal across to Hong Kong, landing on the man-made island on which the airport sits.
It's, as you'd expect, a very nice, clean, modern and pleasant airport. The pre-booked bus (read: luxury coach) was super efficient in all but one department. I stupidely put my hand luggage in the hold, and somewhere between there and me being given it back again, a can of irn bru had burst leaving Nico's Christmas gift (A shite history of nearly everything), with an interesting orange, um, smudge. Thankfully nothing else was badly harmed, and my after washing my bag and with the aid of the in-room hair dryer all was dry by the morning. I contemplated ordering a room service meal, but while perusing the menu and watching a Permiership game from two days ago, I almost fell asleep. So I went for that instead.
Hong Kong today, was utterly bonkers, but, wow, amazing. I know everyone always says that about their new favourite destination - but I've never been to a city as large, and as impressive as this. While the culture was completely alien to me, there are such strange aspects that are all too familiar. I couldn't quite put my finger on what they were, but they are all essentially of European, and especially (and obviously) of British nature. Sophie will apreciate me staying just off Knutsford Terrace, which in turn leads to Edinburgh road. There are double decker buses here. And everything, has an English translation somewhere. I also love how the people who hassle you on the street here, offer tailoring, shoe polishing and rolex watches, rather than your mediterean sunglasses and hash. And luckily are more easily dismissed.
So, a rough guide. My hotel is in central Kowloon (mainland). It's very very central. So I took a quick wander along Nathan road - the bustling city centre causeway leading to the ferry port. From here I took the ferry across to Hong Kong Island. Despite it being overcast, with low cloud, which effectively ruined the pictures I tried to take, it was a very impressive sight sailing to Hong Kong Island. I thought I'd seen skyscrapers. I hadn't until today. Then began a very strange adventure through the urban jungle, where as you leave the seafront, you are taken about 30ft up into the pedestrian area, and it is very difficult to leave it again. With the main roads underneath you, you walk from lower floor shopping centre to business centre to another shopping centre. I'm sure I walked for several miles, past several thousand designer boutique's before I eventually found my way, by sheer fluke at Hong Kong city park. Trees, waterfalls, walk-through aviary form a very bizarre environment with skyscrapers in the background. From here, I finally found ground level at the Botanic gardens, the old governors residence, and eventually the drink and food area of the city centre (sorry, forgotten the name). Some dodgy Indian enticed me with a bargain set menu, which I duly had for lunch. It was pretty good, all for little over 3 pounds. Then I wandered along the shopping streets for a while before navigating my way back to the ferry terminal and went back to Kowloon. Here, I briefly visited some of the harbour front entertainment complexes (inc. The Space museum), and even looked at jeans in Marks & Spencer (didnt buy). Then the obligatory inspection of the local park, before trying to find my hotel again. Bought some snacky foods, ate them in my room, had shower, and am now here. The end. Seriously loved it - even if I really didnt do anything of note.
Tomorow I'm up at 5am in order to catch my 9 o clock flight. Gonna be a long day, but Im looking forward to seein Chris when I get there. Wish I had a few more days to explore this wonderful city though.
Sorry, don't miss any of you yet! (I will soon)
Love,
Jan.
First of all, I hope everyone is proud of me for being able to stay away from a computer for a, oh, whole 46 hours. It's 20 to Nine here in Hong Kong, and I am about to go and have a departing beer in the hotel bar. My flight into Hong Kong was fine, thankfully never nearly as bumpy as the flight from Edinburgh to Heathrow, which was the most turbulent I had ever encountered in a flying machine. It (the long haul flight) was a drag though, and I had forgotten quite how long it is to sit on a plane for over 2 hours. The route we followed, especially for mum & dad, was rough arc northwards over the top of holland, just under Copenhagen and Moscow, before rougly 100 miles past Moscow turning Southwards. As we hit the Himalayas we basicaly flew directly around them, first directly East from mainland Russia, and then past India almost directly South towards the Southern Ocean. Then, again around 100miles before reaching the Ocean we cut a diagonal across to Hong Kong, landing on the man-made island on which the airport sits.
It's, as you'd expect, a very nice, clean, modern and pleasant airport. The pre-booked bus (read: luxury coach) was super efficient in all but one department. I stupidely put my hand luggage in the hold, and somewhere between there and me being given it back again, a can of irn bru had burst leaving Nico's Christmas gift (A shite history of nearly everything), with an interesting orange, um, smudge. Thankfully nothing else was badly harmed, and my after washing my bag and with the aid of the in-room hair dryer all was dry by the morning. I contemplated ordering a room service meal, but while perusing the menu and watching a Permiership game from two days ago, I almost fell asleep. So I went for that instead.
Hong Kong today, was utterly bonkers, but, wow, amazing. I know everyone always says that about their new favourite destination - but I've never been to a city as large, and as impressive as this. While the culture was completely alien to me, there are such strange aspects that are all too familiar. I couldn't quite put my finger on what they were, but they are all essentially of European, and especially (and obviously) of British nature. Sophie will apreciate me staying just off Knutsford Terrace, which in turn leads to Edinburgh road. There are double decker buses here. And everything, has an English translation somewhere. I also love how the people who hassle you on the street here, offer tailoring, shoe polishing and rolex watches, rather than your mediterean sunglasses and hash. And luckily are more easily dismissed.
So, a rough guide. My hotel is in central Kowloon (mainland). It's very very central. So I took a quick wander along Nathan road - the bustling city centre causeway leading to the ferry port. From here I took the ferry across to Hong Kong Island. Despite it being overcast, with low cloud, which effectively ruined the pictures I tried to take, it was a very impressive sight sailing to Hong Kong Island. I thought I'd seen skyscrapers. I hadn't until today. Then began a very strange adventure through the urban jungle, where as you leave the seafront, you are taken about 30ft up into the pedestrian area, and it is very difficult to leave it again. With the main roads underneath you, you walk from lower floor shopping centre to business centre to another shopping centre. I'm sure I walked for several miles, past several thousand designer boutique's before I eventually found my way, by sheer fluke at Hong Kong city park. Trees, waterfalls, walk-through aviary form a very bizarre environment with skyscrapers in the background. From here, I finally found ground level at the Botanic gardens, the old governors residence, and eventually the drink and food area of the city centre (sorry, forgotten the name). Some dodgy Indian enticed me with a bargain set menu, which I duly had for lunch. It was pretty good, all for little over 3 pounds. Then I wandered along the shopping streets for a while before navigating my way back to the ferry terminal and went back to Kowloon. Here, I briefly visited some of the harbour front entertainment complexes (inc. The Space museum), and even looked at jeans in Marks & Spencer (didnt buy). Then the obligatory inspection of the local park, before trying to find my hotel again. Bought some snacky foods, ate them in my room, had shower, and am now here. The end. Seriously loved it - even if I really didnt do anything of note.
Tomorow I'm up at 5am in order to catch my 9 o clock flight. Gonna be a long day, but Im looking forward to seein Chris when I get there. Wish I had a few more days to explore this wonderful city though.
Sorry, don't miss any of you yet! (I will soon)
Love,
Jan.
Monday, January 09, 2006
1 week
Sophie and I just spent the last couple of days on the West Coast of Scotland. We had a look round Fort William, and went up to Skye, then over Loch Ness and home. Had a really enjoyable time, and I'll try to post some piccies before I go. :D
It is now less than one week before I depart for Australia. I have pretty much everything major organised except travel insurance which I'll need to do over the next few days. Of course there are a million and one smaller things that I need to get on with.. and actually remember them.
Hopefully going for a last night out in Aberdeen on Friday, or Saturday..not entirely sure which yet. Should be good.
Speak soon,
Jan.
It is now less than one week before I depart for Australia. I have pretty much everything major organised except travel insurance which I'll need to do over the next few days. Of course there are a million and one smaller things that I need to get on with.. and actually remember them.
Hopefully going for a last night out in Aberdeen on Friday, or Saturday..not entirely sure which yet. Should be good.
Speak soon,
Jan.
