It wasn’t the first time I had touched down in Taiwan. In fact after having already visited this country twice I was quite used the layout of the airport. The first time had only been a stop over for twenty-four hours at hotel while I waited for a connection flight as I made my way to Japan. The second had been months earlier waiting for eleven hours for my flight back to Sydney. The difference this time around was that I would be staying in Taiwan for a month with Ya Ling, who at the time was my girlfriend, and now remains a great friend.
The two of us spent a majority of our time together travelling all over the country from Northern Taiwan down the very most southern tip which was made famous only last year in a movie called ‘Cape No.7.’ We met a lot of great and interesting people and also made some new friends who I am still in regular contact with.
We celebrated Ya Ling’s Birthday during the first week and stayed in Taipei for quite some time. The days were passed by going to theme parks, sky scrapers like the Taipei 101 or an 85 story hotel called ‘The Splendor’ in Kaohsiung to the south and just keeping ourselves busy exploring. I was even able to experience my first cyclone or ‘Typhoon’ as they are known in Taiwan, while we stayed at the beach town of Kending. Even though the beach wasn’t open for most of the week it was worth seeing the huge storm roll in over the ocean and riding on scooters, go-karts and swimming when we could. I even had the pleasure of falling off a motorbike while in riding in Kending. Admittedly I was being a cocky bastard, so I guess I had it coming to me, but a few cuts, bruises and $80 later and I have a good story to tell.
Taiwan actually led me to several strange and unique experiences. At one point I was confused for a millionaire foreigner and asked to make a speech to the graduates at Ya Ling’s graduation. I denied the request and tried to explain the situation to them with the extremely little broken Chinese I knew, but much to Ya Ling’s embarrassment I spent the remaining two hours on stage and was presented as some big shot from some university in the U.S. Go me! I always manage to get myself into some interesting predicament… I love my life!
We spent several days’ in Ya Ling’s home with her family. It was interesting to see their culture and how normal families in Taiwan live, but mostly it was awkward and humorous. They cooked huge meals for me and I ate a variety of different foods, from hearts, livers, kidneys to things like hooves and anus. Actually… Anus wasn’t so bad. They were really nice to me and I’m really grateful for all their hospitality. Her father actually had two electric guitars in his room and we had a bit of a jam one night in front of his friends and Ya Ling’s family. I think I made a good impression on them.
In all honesty there are so many experiences and events that happened while I was in Taiwan I can’t recall them. Each time I type one thing it triggers one more memory and I get a truly nostalgic feeling in the pit of my stomach.
For the most part every time I write on here I get that same feeling, and have since I began writing this blog two years ago when I first arrived in Japan. I’ve always enjoyed writing for others and telling my stories of what I do, where I go and who I meet. That is why I feel a little sad to announce this will be my last post on this particular blog. After this post I will be beginning a new blog, in which I’ll detail my life and all that goes on for the next three years. From what I can tell my life is going to change dramatically soon, and like always it will be a hell of a roller coaster ride, so I hope that you can all join me.
Thanks to everyone who has read my blog, and keeps upto date with where I am and what I do. I hope too see you soon on my new blog – The Three Year Dreamer.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Singapore - Without The Rash!
There is one kilometre bridge that serves as a border between Malaysia and Singapore. The time to cross the bridge is relatively, and it’s fairly insignificant, the change in countries is so dramatic it was possible to distinguish them just by looking out of the coach window. One of first things I noticed was the cleanliness of Singapore. While Malaysia was old, dirty and over run with the combination of pollution interspersed with vegetation Singapore was the exact opposite. It was clean, tidy and generally the landscape had an air of organization about it. The ground was spotless, and rubbish seemed to present absolutely zero problems in anyway.
After a brief stop off at the border check point I began to get my first glimpses of the city that made up what most people would consider make up Singapore. Like any other city it there were buildings, traffic, people but it lacked something. There was no graffiti, no rubbish and from what I could judge at the time there was no crime. Unlike other cities I had gone to there were no teenage delinquents hanging around on the street, or homeless people sleeping on park benches. In fact I don’t recall seeing any buskers or people asking me “Do you have a spare cigarette?” or even begging me for money during the entire week I was in Singapore. It was incredibly different from what I knew I would experience in Melbourne.
When my bus arrived at the depot I had no idea where I was or how to get too the hostel Clayrene had written down for me. So I flagged down the first taxi I saw and politely asked him to take me to the hostel on Lavender Road.
1 minute and 30 seconds later we arrived.
It was a basic hostel, but it would do for the week… Actually in retrospect it was nicer then any other hostel I had stayed in so far. It had free internet and computers, breakfast supplied every morning (so much toast) and air con… This was turned on at 8pm and turned off at 7am. I found a bed, put my pack away into the locker and decided it was time for some much anticipated exploration. I found Singapore one of the safest places I have visited, and not once was I concerned about being robbed or followed like I had in most other places. That little bump of trouble that I usually felt in a dodgy situation was pretty much non-existent in this city. It was good to have a rest from that feeling of uncertainty
Except for the day when I was drugged up on medication from the doctor my time was spent outside exploring the city in the heat. On the first day I travelled to Singapore Zoo which was brilliant. Not only was it so big that most people had to catch a shuttle bus around the enclosures but it had a huge variety of animals and the holding areas they lived in were really nice. Unlike other Zoos I’ve seen this place actually treated the animals with some respect which was nice too see. I even managed to see the Elephant show which was impressive. Watch an elephant pick up a log and throw it fifteen meters is pretty awesome. I mean I could do it… I just don’t want to right now. I was disappointed that I didn’t plan better and go to the night time Safari but in all honesty I doubt I could have afforded it. Singapore cost me more then I planned from the moment I stepped off the bus.
I spent one day exploring China town and its surrounding areas. After taking off my shoes I was able to enter a temple and see a really nice ceremony take place. I even managed to get some photos with out being charged for them, and I don’t think any one really cared I was doing it. They actually seemed happy a foreigner was taking an interest in their culture. There were two men, one playing a drum and another type of flute. The sound they made was incredible, and didn’t stop to rest once. Even after I left forty-five minutes later the two men continued to play, beads of sweat cascading over their faces.
A full day was taken up by exploring Orchard road and all the shops the area had to offer. There were some good deals here and there, and had I had more room to buy things I would most certainly have done so. I enjoyed buying some doughnuts I had watched freshly made only minutes before, and washed them down with a really thick milkshake from the store next door. I spent some time in borders that afternoon and bought some new novels to keep me busy while I travelled or at night when I had little to do. I even managed to piss of a taxi driver when I absent minded stepped into a cab that was second in line for customers at a waiting point. The guy who drove me back didn’t care, he liked the fact I had chosen his taxi for two reasons. Firstly he would be getting the fare, and secondly he could practise his English with me. His English wasn’t great but his constant remarks of “F**k that other arsehole!” and “You’re a f**king aussie!” kept me amused for over half an hour. I wished I had chosen to go further with him; he would have made my days very entertaining.
I took the insanely efficient subway to a shopping centre at the edge of the harbour the next day, and then boarded a monorail to Sentosa Island – Tourist Magnet Extraordinaire! What can I say? It was busy and expensive. I used my morning in Underwater World surrounded by school kids who had picked this particular day for an excursion, and then in the afternoon I wasted my money on rides I swear I had been on at Movie World in Queensland. Ok, so it was a waste of time and well earned cash, but it was the experience that counts right? Regardless I was glad when I had taken the monorail back to the air conditioned shopping centre and could eat some nice cheap McDonalds for lunch.
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On the final day before I would fly to Taiwan I took the subway down to the harbour side. I’m not sure how far I walked that day… But it was a long distance, even by my standards. First I visited Singapore’s acclaimed mascot, the Merlion. A huge statue consisting of half a lion and half a mermaid it shoots water into the harbour and attracts hundreds every day. I’m not sure of the story and origin behind it, but it was pretty unique I must say. After spending some time recovering from my walk to the Merlion along the harbour I began an arduous journey to the Singapore Eye also known as a really big Ferris wheel. Only this one had air-conditioned capsules that hold thirty people at a time and takes close to forty-five minutes to complete. It was a good way to rest and take in some great views of Singapore that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the country, even if I did have kids keep putting their heads in front of my lens or asking “Can we listen to your English music?” It was a nice way to finish off my time in Singapore.
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The next day I woke early and took a taxi driven by a well mannered man whose English was impeccable. He had travelled all over the world and was interested to hear about my year in Japan, which I was more then happy to share. He wished me the best for my time in Taiwan, which he had recently visited, and I was once again off towards a new an unknown country. This time I would meet my girlfriend at the time Ya Ling and spend an entire month travelling the country. I could hardly wait to get on the plane.
After a brief stop off at the border check point I began to get my first glimpses of the city that made up what most people would consider make up Singapore. Like any other city it there were buildings, traffic, people but it lacked something. There was no graffiti, no rubbish and from what I could judge at the time there was no crime. Unlike other cities I had gone to there were no teenage delinquents hanging around on the street, or homeless people sleeping on park benches. In fact I don’t recall seeing any buskers or people asking me “Do you have a spare cigarette?” or even begging me for money during the entire week I was in Singapore. It was incredibly different from what I knew I would experience in Melbourne.
When my bus arrived at the depot I had no idea where I was or how to get too the hostel Clayrene had written down for me. So I flagged down the first taxi I saw and politely asked him to take me to the hostel on Lavender Road.
1 minute and 30 seconds later we arrived.
It was a basic hostel, but it would do for the week… Actually in retrospect it was nicer then any other hostel I had stayed in so far. It had free internet and computers, breakfast supplied every morning (so much toast) and air con… This was turned on at 8pm and turned off at 7am. I found a bed, put my pack away into the locker and decided it was time for some much anticipated exploration. I found Singapore one of the safest places I have visited, and not once was I concerned about being robbed or followed like I had in most other places. That little bump of trouble that I usually felt in a dodgy situation was pretty much non-existent in this city. It was good to have a rest from that feeling of uncertainty
Except for the day when I was drugged up on medication from the doctor my time was spent outside exploring the city in the heat. On the first day I travelled to Singapore Zoo which was brilliant. Not only was it so big that most people had to catch a shuttle bus around the enclosures but it had a huge variety of animals and the holding areas they lived in were really nice. Unlike other Zoos I’ve seen this place actually treated the animals with some respect which was nice too see. I even managed to see the Elephant show which was impressive. Watch an elephant pick up a log and throw it fifteen meters is pretty awesome. I mean I could do it… I just don’t want to right now. I was disappointed that I didn’t plan better and go to the night time Safari but in all honesty I doubt I could have afforded it. Singapore cost me more then I planned from the moment I stepped off the bus.
I spent one day exploring China town and its surrounding areas. After taking off my shoes I was able to enter a temple and see a really nice ceremony take place. I even managed to get some photos with out being charged for them, and I don’t think any one really cared I was doing it. They actually seemed happy a foreigner was taking an interest in their culture. There were two men, one playing a drum and another type of flute. The sound they made was incredible, and didn’t stop to rest once. Even after I left forty-five minutes later the two men continued to play, beads of sweat cascading over their faces.
A full day was taken up by exploring Orchard road and all the shops the area had to offer. There were some good deals here and there, and had I had more room to buy things I would most certainly have done so. I enjoyed buying some doughnuts I had watched freshly made only minutes before, and washed them down with a really thick milkshake from the store next door. I spent some time in borders that afternoon and bought some new novels to keep me busy while I travelled or at night when I had little to do. I even managed to piss of a taxi driver when I absent minded stepped into a cab that was second in line for customers at a waiting point. The guy who drove me back didn’t care, he liked the fact I had chosen his taxi for two reasons. Firstly he would be getting the fare, and secondly he could practise his English with me. His English wasn’t great but his constant remarks of “F**k that other arsehole!” and “You’re a f**king aussie!” kept me amused for over half an hour. I wished I had chosen to go further with him; he would have made my days very entertaining.
I took the insanely efficient subway to a shopping centre at the edge of the harbour the next day, and then boarded a monorail to Sentosa Island – Tourist Magnet Extraordinaire! What can I say? It was busy and expensive. I used my morning in Underwater World surrounded by school kids who had picked this particular day for an excursion, and then in the afternoon I wasted my money on rides I swear I had been on at Movie World in Queensland. Ok, so it was a waste of time and well earned cash, but it was the experience that counts right? Regardless I was glad when I had taken the monorail back to the air conditioned shopping centre and could eat some nice cheap McDonalds for lunch.
+077.jpg)
On the final day before I would fly to Taiwan I took the subway down to the harbour side. I’m not sure how far I walked that day… But it was a long distance, even by my standards. First I visited Singapore’s acclaimed mascot, the Merlion. A huge statue consisting of half a lion and half a mermaid it shoots water into the harbour and attracts hundreds every day. I’m not sure of the story and origin behind it, but it was pretty unique I must say. After spending some time recovering from my walk to the Merlion along the harbour I began an arduous journey to the Singapore Eye also known as a really big Ferris wheel. Only this one had air-conditioned capsules that hold thirty people at a time and takes close to forty-five minutes to complete. It was a good way to rest and take in some great views of Singapore that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the country, even if I did have kids keep putting their heads in front of my lens or asking “Can we listen to your English music?” It was a nice way to finish off my time in Singapore.
+156.jpg)
The next day I woke early and took a taxi driven by a well mannered man whose English was impeccable. He had travelled all over the world and was interested to hear about my year in Japan, which I was more then happy to share. He wished me the best for my time in Taiwan, which he had recently visited, and I was once again off towards a new an unknown country. This time I would meet my girlfriend at the time Ya Ling and spend an entire month travelling the country. I could hardly wait to get on the plane.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Kulang!
That final night in Taman Negara was nice. The weather didn’t turn to torrential rain like it had most nights and we had new visitors come to stay in our room. One was a short haired German guy who first walked into the room covered from head to toes, a ten day old stubble and a stench that could could only be possible if you lived in a universe where soap and water didn't exist. I soon found out that he had in fact not showered for nearly eight days as he had been out hiking in the jungle on one of the more expensive expeditions to the highest point in Taman Negara. From his photos it looked like awesome fun and I wish I had seen some of the sights he had, but at the same time I was glad I didn't smell like Oscar the Grouch.
He went about cleaning himself up and showering, and as he did so two new girls walked into the room. This time they were French Swedish girls. They were pleasant on the eyes; both being about 28 years old and I immediately started talking to them in English. One was more fluent and did most of the talking. Similar to me she had worked in Japan for the past 2 – 3 years as a graphic designer. We joked around in Japanese, talked about how much we missed the language, teh culture, eating Japanese food and the country in general. The two girls were using the savings they had made over the passed years to do one final trip around the world before settling down in their home country for good.
We all left for dinner separately, and didn’t have much else to do with each other… Or so I thought at the time. I slept well that night and don’t remember waking once during the course of the night. It was possibly the best I had had in the past few weeks. However when I woke up the next morning to leave I was met by Matt who looked tired, niggly and red eyed. I asked him if had a good sleep and he thought I was trying to take the piss out of him.
Turns out while I had slept, the German guy from the night before, and the less fluent English speaking girs had been bumping uglies in the bunk above me. I’m not sure but while it may have kept Matt awake, I’m persuaded that the gentle rocking was reason I slept like a baby that night.
We took a three hour boat ride down the river back to Geruntut. It was pleasant and there was more to see then when we had caught the bus. When we arrived back in the town I wanted to get out of there quickly, so after a brief stop off at KFC for some deep friend chicken and a side of rice we walked to the station. I booked tickets to a town called Kulang to meet my friend Clayrene who lived in Malaysia, and while I invited Matt he was suspicious and booked tickets all the way to Singapore. Finally after four weeks we would go out separate ways and I would have to continue exploring alone… Yay!
After a long and tedious train ride I arrived in Kulang to be greeted by Clayrene and her friend. The town wasn’t very big, and from what I was told there was very little to do, but I think I had more fun there then anyone else. Originally I was only going to stay three days, but I ended up staying for five days in a hotel with air conditioning, a television, working toilets AND showers, and a comfortable double bed. It's amazing how after being with the same person for so long finally having time to yourself feels like an intensely satisfying freedom.
Clayrene drove me to places in her town. We went out to dinner and ate a lot of local food with her friends. She even took me to the cinemas where I saw “Angels and Demons” one night, then the next we watched “Night at the Museum 2.” I have to admit the '300' take off tickled my fancy, I couldn't stop laughing. I met a lot of new friends, and we went to karaoke and to Kulang’s only night club together for a bit of dancing to the live music. When Clayrene was busy I would walk to the local shopping centre myself, or go to pig out of good old reliable McDonalds which was open 24 hours just near my hotel. I was possibly the only white person in that town at the time, and on one occasion actually got politely asked to stop in the shopping centre by two girls so they could take a photo with me. I’m sure when I’m rich and famous I’ll get sick and tired of girls swooning towards me… But right now I’ll take what I can.
On my final day I woke up with my infamous rash covering my entire body, but even with that turn of events I had more fun in Kulang with Clayrene in those five days then I had in three weeks with my previous travel companion. I’m really grateful for her helping me out, taking me to so many places and letting me meet her friends. She is studying in Singapore now, and I'm dying to go back there, so maybe I'll be able to see her again soon.
He went about cleaning himself up and showering, and as he did so two new girls walked into the room. This time they were French Swedish girls. They were pleasant on the eyes; both being about 28 years old and I immediately started talking to them in English. One was more fluent and did most of the talking. Similar to me she had worked in Japan for the past 2 – 3 years as a graphic designer. We joked around in Japanese, talked about how much we missed the language, teh culture, eating Japanese food and the country in general. The two girls were using the savings they had made over the passed years to do one final trip around the world before settling down in their home country for good.
We all left for dinner separately, and didn’t have much else to do with each other… Or so I thought at the time. I slept well that night and don’t remember waking once during the course of the night. It was possibly the best I had had in the past few weeks. However when I woke up the next morning to leave I was met by Matt who looked tired, niggly and red eyed. I asked him if had a good sleep and he thought I was trying to take the piss out of him.
Turns out while I had slept, the German guy from the night before, and the less fluent English speaking girs had been bumping uglies in the bunk above me. I’m not sure but while it may have kept Matt awake, I’m persuaded that the gentle rocking was reason I slept like a baby that night.
We took a three hour boat ride down the river back to Geruntut. It was pleasant and there was more to see then when we had caught the bus. When we arrived back in the town I wanted to get out of there quickly, so after a brief stop off at KFC for some deep friend chicken and a side of rice we walked to the station. I booked tickets to a town called Kulang to meet my friend Clayrene who lived in Malaysia, and while I invited Matt he was suspicious and booked tickets all the way to Singapore. Finally after four weeks we would go out separate ways and I would have to continue exploring alone… Yay!
After a long and tedious train ride I arrived in Kulang to be greeted by Clayrene and her friend. The town wasn’t very big, and from what I was told there was very little to do, but I think I had more fun there then anyone else. Originally I was only going to stay three days, but I ended up staying for five days in a hotel with air conditioning, a television, working toilets AND showers, and a comfortable double bed. It's amazing how after being with the same person for so long finally having time to yourself feels like an intensely satisfying freedom.
Clayrene drove me to places in her town. We went out to dinner and ate a lot of local food with her friends. She even took me to the cinemas where I saw “Angels and Demons” one night, then the next we watched “Night at the Museum 2.” I have to admit the '300' take off tickled my fancy, I couldn't stop laughing. I met a lot of new friends, and we went to karaoke and to Kulang’s only night club together for a bit of dancing to the live music. When Clayrene was busy I would walk to the local shopping centre myself, or go to pig out of good old reliable McDonalds which was open 24 hours just near my hotel. I was possibly the only white person in that town at the time, and on one occasion actually got politely asked to stop in the shopping centre by two girls so they could take a photo with me. I’m sure when I’m rich and famous I’ll get sick and tired of girls swooning towards me… But right now I’ll take what I can.
On my final day I woke up with my infamous rash covering my entire body, but even with that turn of events I had more fun in Kulang with Clayrene in those five days then I had in three weeks with my previous travel companion. I’m really grateful for her helping me out, taking me to so many places and letting me meet her friends. She is studying in Singapore now, and I'm dying to go back there, so maybe I'll be able to see her again soon.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Jungle, rivers, boats... and a big arse Ghost Tiger!
The train ride to Geruntut was boring. I had watched the jungle and the old looking villages pass by for some time, but the sun quickly set and everything grew dark. I’m not the kind of person to sleep much while travelling so instead I spent the nearly eleven hour trip reading a novel from start to finish.
By time we had arrived in Geruntut and left the train it was close to 2am. I wanted to find a hostel quickly and fall into the sleep of the dead. Luckily for us a bus driver from a hotel was waiting at the station and said he’d shuttle us up to decent hostel. It was easy and quick, and I actually managed to get some sleep the boiling hot room that night.
The next day we walked to the local tourist centre with our packs and booked a bus to a place called Taman Negara – Malaysia biggest and most untouched national park. It was required we buy a park permit, entrance permit, camera permit, blah, blah, blah. I knew we wouldn’t be asked to show it again… and guess what? I was! Essentially for the next three days we would live in the jungle… Well we thought that at the time. We spent the time waiting on the internet, sending mail back home and just checking out news from the rest of the world. Then our bus turned up. I had thought we would travel by coach, but instead we stepped up into a Toyota Hiace van and along with a kiwi couple we were off.
I have driven Hiace vans before at work… and I was unaware they could move so fast. The trip which we had been told would take us 2-3 hours took us little more then 1 hour. The kiwi guy who we had started talking to glanced at the speedometer at one point and looked back at us a little panic striken. He mouthed to us “140km/h,” I knew we were moving fast but I never had any idea a van like that could move so fast.
When we arrived at Taman Negara the raining was pounding down. A bit of rain didn’t bother me but I was disorientated. I didn’t know where we would stay, so we found some shelter until it passed and Matt who didn’t want to walk with his incredibly heavy pack said he would sit down and watch our things. I went looking to see where there were vacancies. It took me an hour of searching and I found nothing, only a four bed room, and a double bed room that was full of mosquitoes. On my way back to meet with Matt I ran into the Kiwi guy from the bus and we decided to share the four bed room with him and his girlfriend. The four of us weren’t pleased with the room or the price we paid. There were bugs, moist spots, it was hot, there was no running water and the toilets were out of order. It was for one night we told ourselves, and the next day we would find somewhere else, and we did. For the remainder of our time we shacked up in a 12 bed room, which wasn’t overly private but provided some relief from bugs and the heat… as well as toilets that actually flushed.
The only place to buy food similar to the islands was small family owned restaurants which floated atop pontoons on the river. Morning, noon and night we would head down there and choose something from the menu. I was happy to try everything, and my favourite item on the menu was actually the tuna and cheese sandwich. It was much safer then the Green Curry I had ordered which I thoroughly enjoyed… Until I found a dead wasp mixed through it. I can say for certain that wasn’t part of the recipe.
The national forest was home to some cool activities. The first day we were ferried up river on handmade long boats to a native village which was ‘untouched’ by modern man. It was untouched to an extent, however I’m pretty sure children before white settlement didn’t wear Manchester United shirts or jeans cut off at the knees. The tour guide took us through the village and showed us how they hunter, told us about their culture and the rituals and their way of life. Things that I found funny were that teenagers as young as 11 years old could marry and have children, out there is a very different world to what we are used too. The tour guide showed us how they used a type of grass and wood to make fire using a huge amount of friction. He proposed a competition and I was the last to try it… On my first try the block of wood flew up and hit the guide in the face, nearly knocking him out cold. It still state it was his fault for not standing on the wooden block properly. On my second try I became the first person be successful. I’m still waiting for him to give me prize... That tin arse.
On the way back we went rapid shooting and enjoyed the ride as the boats raced and each driver tried to drench the other’s passengers. I was thoroughly saturated by the end, because for some reason the group of Japanese riding with us thought it would be hilarious if I was wet for days. Later that night we went on a jungle safari. It was hilarious to me when a Ute rocked up with two wood planks in the back tray acting as seats. The ride was rough and the wild life was pretty quiet. We saw a small cat like creature, and apparently a snake. All in all, the most fun was driving in the back of the Ute for three hours and trying not to fall out.
Besides the occasional monkey laughing from the trees on the opposite of the river bank wildlife in Taman Negara seemed very scarce. It wasn’t until the next day when we took part in a cave exploration group that I finally realized how deep in the jungle we were. Our tour guide who went by the name of Eko led us through the jungle for about 2kms. It was muddy and slippery; however it only took us about half an hour. As we arrived at the cave entrance Eko told us to leave our packs and belongings behind if wanted to keep them. It seems trivial and a bit suspicious but I did that, all I took with me was SLR… And while I got some cool photos I should have left it behind.
As we climbed in the cave I thought how scary this would be for a person carrying a few extra kilos. I remember crawling through spaces that barely accommodated for my shoulder width, putting my shoes, hands and feet in water to crawl under the low ceiling, grabbing onto rocks that were slippery with bat shit and at times thinking to my self if I had no torch, I would never get out. It was funny because Matt who had scoffed at taking a torch was now crawling through the darkness, calling out for light. There thousands of bats flying through the cave, getting caught in our hair and generally pissing us off. As we saw the light and pulled ourselves from the earth I was relieved to see my pack was still there where I had left it and no monkeys had gone looking for the cookies stashed in the bottom of my bag.
We began to walk back, and Eko stopped us and told us to gather around. When we got closer he showed us a giant foot print similar to the size of a small dinner plate.
“That,” he told us, “is the foot print of the white ghost tiger that haunts this jungle. It killed my father, my mother… and I fear some day it will kill me.”
Poor bastard, I don't like his chances. That tiger is after his family… and he walks around the jungle giving idiots like us tours. Some advice Eko… Get a job in the city!!
By time we had arrived in Geruntut and left the train it was close to 2am. I wanted to find a hostel quickly and fall into the sleep of the dead. Luckily for us a bus driver from a hotel was waiting at the station and said he’d shuttle us up to decent hostel. It was easy and quick, and I actually managed to get some sleep the boiling hot room that night.
The next day we walked to the local tourist centre with our packs and booked a bus to a place called Taman Negara – Malaysia biggest and most untouched national park. It was required we buy a park permit, entrance permit, camera permit, blah, blah, blah. I knew we wouldn’t be asked to show it again… and guess what? I was! Essentially for the next three days we would live in the jungle… Well we thought that at the time. We spent the time waiting on the internet, sending mail back home and just checking out news from the rest of the world. Then our bus turned up. I had thought we would travel by coach, but instead we stepped up into a Toyota Hiace van and along with a kiwi couple we were off.
I have driven Hiace vans before at work… and I was unaware they could move so fast. The trip which we had been told would take us 2-3 hours took us little more then 1 hour. The kiwi guy who we had started talking to glanced at the speedometer at one point and looked back at us a little panic striken. He mouthed to us “140km/h,” I knew we were moving fast but I never had any idea a van like that could move so fast.
When we arrived at Taman Negara the raining was pounding down. A bit of rain didn’t bother me but I was disorientated. I didn’t know where we would stay, so we found some shelter until it passed and Matt who didn’t want to walk with his incredibly heavy pack said he would sit down and watch our things. I went looking to see where there were vacancies. It took me an hour of searching and I found nothing, only a four bed room, and a double bed room that was full of mosquitoes. On my way back to meet with Matt I ran into the Kiwi guy from the bus and we decided to share the four bed room with him and his girlfriend. The four of us weren’t pleased with the room or the price we paid. There were bugs, moist spots, it was hot, there was no running water and the toilets were out of order. It was for one night we told ourselves, and the next day we would find somewhere else, and we did. For the remainder of our time we shacked up in a 12 bed room, which wasn’t overly private but provided some relief from bugs and the heat… as well as toilets that actually flushed.
The only place to buy food similar to the islands was small family owned restaurants which floated atop pontoons on the river. Morning, noon and night we would head down there and choose something from the menu. I was happy to try everything, and my favourite item on the menu was actually the tuna and cheese sandwich. It was much safer then the Green Curry I had ordered which I thoroughly enjoyed… Until I found a dead wasp mixed through it. I can say for certain that wasn’t part of the recipe.
The national forest was home to some cool activities. The first day we were ferried up river on handmade long boats to a native village which was ‘untouched’ by modern man. It was untouched to an extent, however I’m pretty sure children before white settlement didn’t wear Manchester United shirts or jeans cut off at the knees. The tour guide took us through the village and showed us how they hunter, told us about their culture and the rituals and their way of life. Things that I found funny were that teenagers as young as 11 years old could marry and have children, out there is a very different world to what we are used too. The tour guide showed us how they used a type of grass and wood to make fire using a huge amount of friction. He proposed a competition and I was the last to try it… On my first try the block of wood flew up and hit the guide in the face, nearly knocking him out cold. It still state it was his fault for not standing on the wooden block properly. On my second try I became the first person be successful. I’m still waiting for him to give me prize... That tin arse.
On the way back we went rapid shooting and enjoyed the ride as the boats raced and each driver tried to drench the other’s passengers. I was thoroughly saturated by the end, because for some reason the group of Japanese riding with us thought it would be hilarious if I was wet for days. Later that night we went on a jungle safari. It was hilarious to me when a Ute rocked up with two wood planks in the back tray acting as seats. The ride was rough and the wild life was pretty quiet. We saw a small cat like creature, and apparently a snake. All in all, the most fun was driving in the back of the Ute for three hours and trying not to fall out.
Besides the occasional monkey laughing from the trees on the opposite of the river bank wildlife in Taman Negara seemed very scarce. It wasn’t until the next day when we took part in a cave exploration group that I finally realized how deep in the jungle we were. Our tour guide who went by the name of Eko led us through the jungle for about 2kms. It was muddy and slippery; however it only took us about half an hour. As we arrived at the cave entrance Eko told us to leave our packs and belongings behind if wanted to keep them. It seems trivial and a bit suspicious but I did that, all I took with me was SLR… And while I got some cool photos I should have left it behind.
As we climbed in the cave I thought how scary this would be for a person carrying a few extra kilos. I remember crawling through spaces that barely accommodated for my shoulder width, putting my shoes, hands and feet in water to crawl under the low ceiling, grabbing onto rocks that were slippery with bat shit and at times thinking to my self if I had no torch, I would never get out. It was funny because Matt who had scoffed at taking a torch was now crawling through the darkness, calling out for light. There thousands of bats flying through the cave, getting caught in our hair and generally pissing us off. As we saw the light and pulled ourselves from the earth I was relieved to see my pack was still there where I had left it and no monkeys had gone looking for the cookies stashed in the bottom of my bag.
We began to walk back, and Eko stopped us and told us to gather around. When we got closer he showed us a giant foot print similar to the size of a small dinner plate.
“That,” he told us, “is the foot print of the white ghost tiger that haunts this jungle. It killed my father, my mother… and I fear some day it will kill me.”
Poor bastard, I don't like his chances. That tiger is after his family… and he walks around the jungle giving idiots like us tours. Some advice Eko… Get a job in the city!!
Kota Bahru and a little of the map...
So the last I had left you, I had hitched a boat ride to the beautiful Perhentian Island. Sticking to my word, after three days I wanted to leave island and go to our next destination. We took a less turbulent boat ride back to the fishing town we had departed from and along the way discussed our plans regarding how we would actually make it to Kota Bahru. We decided the best course of action would be to take another coach from the fishing town to the only all Muslim city in Malaysia.
As we stepped off the boat and began to walk back towards the bus terminal we had seen three day’s earlier we heard a man running calling out to us and quickly running up behind. When he had finally caught our attention and we turned to greet him, rather the being a Malay looking to rip us off he was short Caucasian who I quickly remembered from the island. He admitted to us he had overheard our conversation and in his very characteristic Spanish accent persuaded us to catch a taxi with him to Kota Bahru. He made a fair point; it would be faster, easier and cheaper if the three of us shared a cab fair.
We hailed down the first disgruntled taxi driver we could see and bargained with him to take us for 50MR. Really cheap considering the previous bus ride had cost us near on 50MR per person. The taxi ride was enjoyable as we talked to the Spanish guy whose name I regrettably forgot. He told us he lived in Thailand with his wife and was just jumping the border for his three monthly visa renewal, so he had decided to take a small break and go diving for a week. He was genuinely a good guy, and it was a shame to leave him when my travelling companion decided the hostel he wanted to stay in was far to expensive… even if it was millions of years ahead of the one we stayed at.
By the time we had found an ‘appropriate’ hostel and dumped our luggage in our room I was pretty fed up with my friend, and decided that soon I would go my own way and make my own journey. Even now as I look at the small collection of notes I took at every place I visited I can’t help but notice…and giggle at some of the pictures I drew and forgot about or the comment I have written and not reread until now. I can’t imagine what I would have said and sounded like.
The next few days we spent walking around and exploring. I had already begun to start my own experience. He went off and did his own thing, and I did mine. The stinking heat drove me into the air conditioned shopping centre on two days but I was fine with that, having not felt cold air for nearly one week or more. I spent my days looking in the shops, reading the surprisingly extensive collection of English books at book store and ordering McDonalds while the girls behind the counter giggled and looked, and I can only imagine, saying things like “Oh my god! Look at the white guy… He’s the first we’ve ever seen!” At nights we would head down the markets or walk around the streets. It was quite amazing to watch an entire city and drop to it’s knees before you when prayer time rolled around each day. Usually we would just stand there looking awkward or sit, some where out of view so we wouldn’t get stared out or judged for not following their culture. It was a pretty cool sight I must admit and really insightful to the going ons of other people around the world.
At the tourist centre we met a funny little man who had once lived in Melbourne. He told us he spent eleven years in South Yarra with a lady twenty-five years his senior that he met travelling. He lived with her, ate her cooking and apparently never got asked to or offered to pay her for her hospitality. Me thinks he was paying her in ‘unconventional ways’ but I didn’t care to ask him if this was true or not. This guy spoke the entire conversation in pseudo-Australian accent and thew it phrases like “she’ll be right,” “no worries,” or “G’day mate” at the most inappropriate times. After some time it became quite annoying and difficult to follow the point of the conversation.
On the final day after failing to understand what coach we need to take to get to our next town we decided to take a public bus. It was crowded and hot. We didn’t buy a ticket and got to ride for free… But don’t tell the bus driver that. Karma is a bitch though, and we missed our stop (the Tamput Train Station) by about twenty kilometres. However, when we did stop it was out the front of one of Malaysia’s biggest attractions: The Sitting Buddha.
More or less it’s one of three temples with a giant statue of Buddha sitting on top of it. The other two have a reclining budda and a kneeling Buddha… I think, I never actually got to see the other two. Inside the temple building are small statues and brilliant artworks depicting scenes that I couldn’t totally understand or comprehend. Images of demons attacking and killing humans and ferocious beasts going about their nasty business were the main theme… with Buddha coming to save the day I presume. It was pretty interesting I’ll admit, if not strange and creepy.
After our slight detour, we did eventually leave the temple and waited about an hour to catch a taxi. We told him we wanted to go to Tamput Station. It was in a word… quiet. Friday is the national day of rest in Malaysia, but this was scary quiet. Not a soul. We bought our tickets and ventured about 1 kilometre into the town to buy some food, but chances were slim. Every shop was closed except for one family owned restaurant and a small general store. I bought some food for the ten hour train ride we were going to take, and then sat at the restraint to order some food. It was very funny because I honestly believe were the first white people to visit the town in a very long time.
When we entered the restaraunt the young serving girls, who were obviously all sisters, watched us with amazement, until their mother came out smiled to them and told them to go away. When they came back they were each wearing a Hijab. They were very happy and the eldest daughter who could speak some English helped us order and talked to us a little. Asking where we were from, what we did for a living, and in typical fashion if we had a girlfriend. It was a nice way to end our time in Kota Bahru and its surrounding areas.
As 3pm rolled around we said our goodbyes and attempted to tell them in Malay that the food was great. We got on the train and went into our individual sleeping berths and for the next ten hours tried to sleep as we made our way to Geruntut.
As we stepped off the boat and began to walk back towards the bus terminal we had seen three day’s earlier we heard a man running calling out to us and quickly running up behind. When he had finally caught our attention and we turned to greet him, rather the being a Malay looking to rip us off he was short Caucasian who I quickly remembered from the island. He admitted to us he had overheard our conversation and in his very characteristic Spanish accent persuaded us to catch a taxi with him to Kota Bahru. He made a fair point; it would be faster, easier and cheaper if the three of us shared a cab fair.
We hailed down the first disgruntled taxi driver we could see and bargained with him to take us for 50MR. Really cheap considering the previous bus ride had cost us near on 50MR per person. The taxi ride was enjoyable as we talked to the Spanish guy whose name I regrettably forgot. He told us he lived in Thailand with his wife and was just jumping the border for his three monthly visa renewal, so he had decided to take a small break and go diving for a week. He was genuinely a good guy, and it was a shame to leave him when my travelling companion decided the hostel he wanted to stay in was far to expensive… even if it was millions of years ahead of the one we stayed at.
By the time we had found an ‘appropriate’ hostel and dumped our luggage in our room I was pretty fed up with my friend, and decided that soon I would go my own way and make my own journey. Even now as I look at the small collection of notes I took at every place I visited I can’t help but notice…and giggle at some of the pictures I drew and forgot about or the comment I have written and not reread until now. I can’t imagine what I would have said and sounded like.
The next few days we spent walking around and exploring. I had already begun to start my own experience. He went off and did his own thing, and I did mine. The stinking heat drove me into the air conditioned shopping centre on two days but I was fine with that, having not felt cold air for nearly one week or more. I spent my days looking in the shops, reading the surprisingly extensive collection of English books at book store and ordering McDonalds while the girls behind the counter giggled and looked, and I can only imagine, saying things like “Oh my god! Look at the white guy… He’s the first we’ve ever seen!” At nights we would head down the markets or walk around the streets. It was quite amazing to watch an entire city and drop to it’s knees before you when prayer time rolled around each day. Usually we would just stand there looking awkward or sit, some where out of view so we wouldn’t get stared out or judged for not following their culture. It was a pretty cool sight I must admit and really insightful to the going ons of other people around the world.
At the tourist centre we met a funny little man who had once lived in Melbourne. He told us he spent eleven years in South Yarra with a lady twenty-five years his senior that he met travelling. He lived with her, ate her cooking and apparently never got asked to or offered to pay her for her hospitality. Me thinks he was paying her in ‘unconventional ways’ but I didn’t care to ask him if this was true or not. This guy spoke the entire conversation in pseudo-Australian accent and thew it phrases like “she’ll be right,” “no worries,” or “G’day mate” at the most inappropriate times. After some time it became quite annoying and difficult to follow the point of the conversation.
On the final day after failing to understand what coach we need to take to get to our next town we decided to take a public bus. It was crowded and hot. We didn’t buy a ticket and got to ride for free… But don’t tell the bus driver that. Karma is a bitch though, and we missed our stop (the Tamput Train Station) by about twenty kilometres. However, when we did stop it was out the front of one of Malaysia’s biggest attractions: The Sitting Buddha.
More or less it’s one of three temples with a giant statue of Buddha sitting on top of it. The other two have a reclining budda and a kneeling Buddha… I think, I never actually got to see the other two. Inside the temple building are small statues and brilliant artworks depicting scenes that I couldn’t totally understand or comprehend. Images of demons attacking and killing humans and ferocious beasts going about their nasty business were the main theme… with Buddha coming to save the day I presume. It was pretty interesting I’ll admit, if not strange and creepy.
After our slight detour, we did eventually leave the temple and waited about an hour to catch a taxi. We told him we wanted to go to Tamput Station. It was in a word… quiet. Friday is the national day of rest in Malaysia, but this was scary quiet. Not a soul. We bought our tickets and ventured about 1 kilometre into the town to buy some food, but chances were slim. Every shop was closed except for one family owned restaurant and a small general store. I bought some food for the ten hour train ride we were going to take, and then sat at the restraint to order some food. It was very funny because I honestly believe were the first white people to visit the town in a very long time.
When we entered the restaraunt the young serving girls, who were obviously all sisters, watched us with amazement, until their mother came out smiled to them and told them to go away. When they came back they were each wearing a Hijab. They were very happy and the eldest daughter who could speak some English helped us order and talked to us a little. Asking where we were from, what we did for a living, and in typical fashion if we had a girlfriend. It was a nice way to end our time in Kota Bahru and its surrounding areas.
As 3pm rolled around we said our goodbyes and attempted to tell them in Malay that the food was great. We got on the train and went into our individual sleeping berths and for the next ten hours tried to sleep as we made our way to Geruntut.
Monday, 14 September 2009
A short boat ride to Perhentian Island
We stayed in Kuala Lumpur for three nights. I made it clear to Matt that three days was enough time to learn about the people, the place and not get to attached to any one location, and had no intention of staying any longer. So we caught an over night bus that would take us to Northern Malaysia, very close to the border of Thailand. Our intention was to catch a boat that would ferry us across the water to a group of islands that were home to several beach shacks and tourist destinations. The town we arrived in at 6am was a small water side settlement. We walked around, looking for a cheap boat ticket, however soon we began to get harassed by a local, telling us to stay in his hostel and how he could give us a ticket for half price. He was insistent and followed us for a while on his motorbike, and when we firmly refused we watched him ride back down the road, talk to another group of six men who then proceeded to mount their motorbikes and began riding towards us.
Matt and I both had the same idea going on in our head: In about thirty seconds it would be for young and old and I would be leaving behind one extremely beautiful corpse. So we began to run, but how the hell would we escape a group of seven guys on motorbikes? We frantically searched for a back alley or some road that would lead us back to the bus port we had arrived before, but it just didn't seem to exist. So I stopped in front of a house, pulled a picket fence railing from the front of some old guys garden and held it my hand while we ran. If these guys were going to try to mug me, I was at least going to hurt one or two of them. Luckily it didn't come to that, because just as they closed in we did manage to find a back alley that led to a store with plenty of friendly foreign faces from the bus we had caught that night. They eyed me carefully as I still held the huge piece of fence in my right hand and kept peering around waiting for the guys on bikes to appear like an irritated meerkat. Catching their surprised looks I simply said to them in between heathing breaths, "Big guys... On bikes... Want to kill me!"
The boat to the island was really enjoyable. We flew across the water in a long dingy pushed a long by two fair sized outboards. When I say we flew, I mean we literally left the water surface at points and became air bound before slamming back down onto the next series of waves. The timing was perfect and we got to see the sun rise up over the horizon, just behind the islands we were quickly heading for. Combined with a perfect warm morning breeze and a light spray from the waves as we traveled, it was one of those moments I was really grateful to be traveling in a new country and doing something no one I knew had done before.
As we came closer to the island and entered a bay area the boat began to slow and the driver threw his anchor over board about a kilometer from the shore. For a moment I thought we would need to swim, until I realized that a huge setup was occurring. Yellow boats with the words ' Taxi' spray painted in black on the sides kicked off from the beach and over towards us. They soon stopped next to the boats and began to pack our bags into their little 'taxi' boats, and told us it would cost 2MYR to ride to the shore. What choice did we have? I begrudgingly handed over my money and sat down in the boat, Matt following shortly after. Little more then five minutes later and we were on the beach, I grabbed my pack and hung my shoes around my neck and easily jumped in the water. Matt, fumbled with his 20kg bag, threw it to me, and proceded to fall in the water. One he managed to pull himself up and take his own bag, it was a matter of finding a chateau somewhere and then enjoying the rest of our time. I was content to find accommodation first, eat later... but that was not to happen. So while he found a restaurant and ate, I took it upon myself to find a place to stay for the next three days.
Most places were booked out, the one place that had any vacancy was about 500 meters up from the beach among the forest trees and I suspect (later confirmed) hordes of mosquitoes. Not knowing if I would find another place I took all that was left, a honey moon bungalow for two people, with one bed. I didn't care! Inside was dingy, it consisted of exactly these things: A bed equipped with a mosquito net and a desk fan mounted on the roof. Who in their right mind would spend their honey moon in this thing?! The bloody fan didn't even work until after sun down when they turned on the generator anyway... I had to remind myself, it was a place to sleep, that was it.
Once I got past the state of the bungalow and took the time to explore I realized just how nice the island was really was. It was exactly what u would expect from one of those tropical get aways you might see stamped on a postcard at a milk bar. Palm trees, exotic food, clear blue water, crystal sand, girl's wearing bikinis and sun... Of course it wouldn't be a tropical paradise with out locals trying to ring you dry of every dollar in your pockets. In all honestly, the place was beautiful, but damn they knew how to charge. Like in Bali if I sat under an umbrella I would get charged, so I found myself a nice palm tree and planted my butt there for a large portion of my time on the island. Here I could watch people swim or walk past, enjoy the sun sparkling on the water, or just fall asleep in the shade.
On the island there were about five restaurants; two of them expensive and three of them expensive, but cheaper then the others. We had to succumb to the prices because we couldn't just say "Oh, well go some where else..." because obviously there was no where else. There were five restaurants, and about seven different villas on that island, and I'm sure the people that owned them were all related. Admittedly the food wasn't too bad, although I got a nasty bout of gastro for about 24 hours after eating a tuna pasta meal. My favorite item was the Mars Bar Milkshake. They were huge and awesome, I'm not sure if I ever got around to taking a photo because I always ate the so fast. But imagine milk, ice cream and mashed up mars bar pieces mixed through. A mere straw couldn't tackle this thing, it demanded the precision of a long spoon... and a master to hold that spoon!
Besides eating I enjoyed my time swimming, or sitting in the sand and reading. I had the pleasure of watching a huge storm roll in over the Island, which I found out later was the remnant of a cyclone of shore and was cause for me to get trapped in a restaurant for three hours, which wasn't so bad. I just sat and watched the clouds roll by, the lightning crack over the ocean and listened to the roar of the thunder. It was incredible.
Another amazing thing was each day at the exact same time five huge lizards would come out of the forest and travel down the road that led from our bungalow towards the beach and the restaurants. I wondered where they went, but never bothered to follow. Just speculating what their journey was like was much more enjoyable. One of my most enjoyable experiences was laying a towel down out the front of our bungalow, and falling asleep on a warm, lazy afternoon, and just watching those lizards wander along the road, ignorant and oblivious to the ways of the world.
"How amazing," I thought, "Would it be to live such a care free life like theirs..."
Matt and I both had the same idea going on in our head: In about thirty seconds it would be for young and old and I would be leaving behind one extremely beautiful corpse. So we began to run, but how the hell would we escape a group of seven guys on motorbikes? We frantically searched for a back alley or some road that would lead us back to the bus port we had arrived before, but it just didn't seem to exist. So I stopped in front of a house, pulled a picket fence railing from the front of some old guys garden and held it my hand while we ran. If these guys were going to try to mug me, I was at least going to hurt one or two of them. Luckily it didn't come to that, because just as they closed in we did manage to find a back alley that led to a store with plenty of friendly foreign faces from the bus we had caught that night. They eyed me carefully as I still held the huge piece of fence in my right hand and kept peering around waiting for the guys on bikes to appear like an irritated meerkat. Catching their surprised looks I simply said to them in between heathing breaths, "Big guys... On bikes... Want to kill me!"
The boat to the island was really enjoyable. We flew across the water in a long dingy pushed a long by two fair sized outboards. When I say we flew, I mean we literally left the water surface at points and became air bound before slamming back down onto the next series of waves. The timing was perfect and we got to see the sun rise up over the horizon, just behind the islands we were quickly heading for. Combined with a perfect warm morning breeze and a light spray from the waves as we traveled, it was one of those moments I was really grateful to be traveling in a new country and doing something no one I knew had done before.
As we came closer to the island and entered a bay area the boat began to slow and the driver threw his anchor over board about a kilometer from the shore. For a moment I thought we would need to swim, until I realized that a huge setup was occurring. Yellow boats with the words ' Taxi' spray painted in black on the sides kicked off from the beach and over towards us. They soon stopped next to the boats and began to pack our bags into their little 'taxi' boats, and told us it would cost 2MYR to ride to the shore. What choice did we have? I begrudgingly handed over my money and sat down in the boat, Matt following shortly after. Little more then five minutes later and we were on the beach, I grabbed my pack and hung my shoes around my neck and easily jumped in the water. Matt, fumbled with his 20kg bag, threw it to me, and proceded to fall in the water. One he managed to pull himself up and take his own bag, it was a matter of finding a chateau somewhere and then enjoying the rest of our time. I was content to find accommodation first, eat later... but that was not to happen. So while he found a restaurant and ate, I took it upon myself to find a place to stay for the next three days.
Most places were booked out, the one place that had any vacancy was about 500 meters up from the beach among the forest trees and I suspect (later confirmed) hordes of mosquitoes. Not knowing if I would find another place I took all that was left, a honey moon bungalow for two people, with one bed. I didn't care! Inside was dingy, it consisted of exactly these things: A bed equipped with a mosquito net and a desk fan mounted on the roof. Who in their right mind would spend their honey moon in this thing?! The bloody fan didn't even work until after sun down when they turned on the generator anyway... I had to remind myself, it was a place to sleep, that was it.
Once I got past the state of the bungalow and took the time to explore I realized just how nice the island was really was. It was exactly what u would expect from one of those tropical get aways you might see stamped on a postcard at a milk bar. Palm trees, exotic food, clear blue water, crystal sand, girl's wearing bikinis and sun... Of course it wouldn't be a tropical paradise with out locals trying to ring you dry of every dollar in your pockets. In all honestly, the place was beautiful, but damn they knew how to charge. Like in Bali if I sat under an umbrella I would get charged, so I found myself a nice palm tree and planted my butt there for a large portion of my time on the island. Here I could watch people swim or walk past, enjoy the sun sparkling on the water, or just fall asleep in the shade.
On the island there were about five restaurants; two of them expensive and three of them expensive, but cheaper then the others. We had to succumb to the prices because we couldn't just say "Oh, well go some where else..." because obviously there was no where else. There were five restaurants, and about seven different villas on that island, and I'm sure the people that owned them were all related. Admittedly the food wasn't too bad, although I got a nasty bout of gastro for about 24 hours after eating a tuna pasta meal. My favorite item was the Mars Bar Milkshake. They were huge and awesome, I'm not sure if I ever got around to taking a photo because I always ate the so fast. But imagine milk, ice cream and mashed up mars bar pieces mixed through. A mere straw couldn't tackle this thing, it demanded the precision of a long spoon... and a master to hold that spoon!
Besides eating I enjoyed my time swimming, or sitting in the sand and reading. I had the pleasure of watching a huge storm roll in over the Island, which I found out later was the remnant of a cyclone of shore and was cause for me to get trapped in a restaurant for three hours, which wasn't so bad. I just sat and watched the clouds roll by, the lightning crack over the ocean and listened to the roar of the thunder. It was incredible.
Another amazing thing was each day at the exact same time five huge lizards would come out of the forest and travel down the road that led from our bungalow towards the beach and the restaurants. I wondered where they went, but never bothered to follow. Just speculating what their journey was like was much more enjoyable. One of my most enjoyable experiences was laying a towel down out the front of our bungalow, and falling asleep on a warm, lazy afternoon, and just watching those lizards wander along the road, ignorant and oblivious to the ways of the world.
"How amazing," I thought, "Would it be to live such a care free life like theirs..."
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Kuala Lumpur - Hold on to your Passport!
After Brendan and I walked to the Denpasar Airport together and said our farewells, I returned to my hotel feeling bored, alone and wondering when exactly I would meet my best friend again. I still had that night and the entirety of the next day to kill before my flight left the following morning at 6 am. I wasn't game enough to walk around that area alone after Brendan and I had done it earlier that day only to find it descended into slums about 200 meters from my hotel, so I had nothing to do. I walked to the closest convenience store and bought A LOT of junk food and resigned myself to the fact that I was going to spend the next 48 hours eating shit and watching fox-tel or lounging in the swimming pool. That night, and the next day are kind of one big blur. I slept in small broken fragments, and royally screwed up my sleeping pattern for the next few days, I just didn't trust the area. I would be awoken by dogs running and barking around the hotel, people yelling and screaming out the front and at one point the whirring of police sirens and flashing lights as they broke up a big brawl not 100 meters from my room. I was glad to get out of that hotel.
So I left at 4.30am, and walked down the dark road to the airport. I have to say if I felt uneasy at any point in Bali it was that night. There were beggars, groups of kids hanging out on corners and hordes of dogs running, fighting and following me. I didn't care what it looked like, I picked up an old piece of fence railing and if one of those mongrels came near me, human or dog, I'd beat them with in an inch of their life. Luckily I arrived at the airport with out being bitten or mugged, even if I did have to kick at dogs along the way or tell some homeless guy to kindly "F*** Off!"
After the brief issue I had with the immigration officers at the airport which I explained earlier I was on the plain and finally flying the Malaysia, where undoubtedly more adventures would meet me when I touched down and met Matt.
The flight was short, and hassle free, and when the food was served to the passengers I was happy that I had held back and not ordered the 'Cheese Dog' for breakfast, because it looked like vomit. Immigration was simple enough, but I mad the mistake of lending my pen to a lady in the line, and she never gave it back to me... So I couldn't line up and write, I had the to use the greasy, germ infested airport pens. Who knows who has touched them...
I met up with Matt who I hadn't seen since before I left for Bali, maybe two weeks or so before hand, and we bought tickets to a shuttle bus that ran into the center of Kuala Lumpur, where we would stay for the first few nights. The bus dropped us off unexpectedly at a road side bus stop, leaving us lost and totally confused in a place that we had no map for, or any knowledge of the area. We knew we were looking for China Town, but in this city that could have been any where. The two of us must have looked totally dazed, because another backpacker from the US came up and asked me straight out, "Are you lost? Follow me! My friend is staying China Town at a really nice place and it's not too expensive!"
So we followed this kind stranger through the streets, over bridges and down back alleys. We talked as we trudged on through the near forty degree heat, myself and the young girl up ahead of Matt by about fifty metres because his pack weighed 20 kilograms. I could tell at that time, that pack would kill him by the end of the our time in Malaysia. The girl led us to the hostel her friend had been staying at. It looked good to me, cool, somewhat tidy, plenty of people to talk too and cheap... Only $10 AUD per night. I was tired and ready to fork over my cash, put my pack in my room and explore, however... $10 was to expensive for Matt. So we left that hostel. After an hour of hot sun and terrible humidity we found a hostel suitable for his wallet. $6 per night. No toilet, running water... It was a crap shack through and through, but I was in no mood to argue, I just wanted to explore.
The first thing I noticed about the city was it looked a a lot like Melbourne, except busier and smellier. We first explored China Town, a long wide street, during the day the stalls tend to stay along the edges of it to allow traffic to pass through, however after 6pm shops are erected all over the road and it becomes an absolute maze of stalls and people. There was heaps of cool stuff, and cheap. I would love to have bought some had I not being aiming to keep my travel pack under 10kg for the entirety of my trip. It was funny how every one you passed tried to hassle you into buying their particular items. One guy tried to sell me DVD's and when I refused, pulled out a new pouch from his jacket and said, "What about porn?!" Tempting... But no...
The next day we went to the Petronas Towers shopping center to try and gain access up to the walkway that linked the two buildings, however the free tickets had run out. Apparently the only way to get them was to arrived before 7.30am, and I couldn't be bothered doing that, so I decided to walk to KL Tower, which I could see in the distance.. Much to Matt's displeasure. It wasn't far from where we were at the time... probably 10km. I had no idea how to get there, so I just walked, with Matt's persistent moaning about walking in the sun trailing behind me. In my experience the best way to explore a place is to just walk and experience what it has to offer, and I believe by the end of that day I had done just that. We arrived and traveled up to the highest level of KL tower, it gave us some awesome views of the city, and put into perspective how far we had walked. Maybe Matt did have a reason to complain after all.
The day after we decided to give the railyway system a try. They were small, and exceptionally crowded. The hot weather and humidity didn't really add to the situation, nor did the locals who kept looking at me, talking to each and laughing. Matt said I was paranoid, but I know they were talking about me...
The train ran a full circuit around the city, it was just a matter of getting on the right colored line. We looked in a lot of shopping centers, and I was lucky enough to find a Borders. All the books were in English so I bought some books to keep me busy on my travel. I forget I would have to pack them into my bag somehow, but I managed to later. I also noticed that clothes like Lee's Jeans and Timberland boots were really cheap compared to Australia or Japan. Next time I go to Malaysia I will defiantly take a bigger bag and buy a lot of things there.
We ate a lot of local cuisine in Kuala Lumpur, like noodles, rice, Indian type foods and meat dishes. I was cautious about eating from shops at the side of the roads, as I didn't want to get put in hospital for wolfing down Ecol i or Salmonella, so when in doubt I stuck to the safe things: McDonald's, KFC and shopping center food, or I bought ingredients and cooked for my self in the Hostel ' kitchen.'
A note to any one who is unaware: No matter where you go, when you eat it, or how you cook it... Toast is awesome!
So I left at 4.30am, and walked down the dark road to the airport. I have to say if I felt uneasy at any point in Bali it was that night. There were beggars, groups of kids hanging out on corners and hordes of dogs running, fighting and following me. I didn't care what it looked like, I picked up an old piece of fence railing and if one of those mongrels came near me, human or dog, I'd beat them with in an inch of their life. Luckily I arrived at the airport with out being bitten or mugged, even if I did have to kick at dogs along the way or tell some homeless guy to kindly "F*** Off!"
After the brief issue I had with the immigration officers at the airport which I explained earlier I was on the plain and finally flying the Malaysia, where undoubtedly more adventures would meet me when I touched down and met Matt.
The flight was short, and hassle free, and when the food was served to the passengers I was happy that I had held back and not ordered the 'Cheese Dog' for breakfast, because it looked like vomit. Immigration was simple enough, but I mad the mistake of lending my pen to a lady in the line, and she never gave it back to me... So I couldn't line up and write, I had the to use the greasy, germ infested airport pens. Who knows who has touched them...
I met up with Matt who I hadn't seen since before I left for Bali, maybe two weeks or so before hand, and we bought tickets to a shuttle bus that ran into the center of Kuala Lumpur, where we would stay for the first few nights. The bus dropped us off unexpectedly at a road side bus stop, leaving us lost and totally confused in a place that we had no map for, or any knowledge of the area. We knew we were looking for China Town, but in this city that could have been any where. The two of us must have looked totally dazed, because another backpacker from the US came up and asked me straight out, "Are you lost? Follow me! My friend is staying China Town at a really nice place and it's not too expensive!"
So we followed this kind stranger through the streets, over bridges and down back alleys. We talked as we trudged on through the near forty degree heat, myself and the young girl up ahead of Matt by about fifty metres because his pack weighed 20 kilograms. I could tell at that time, that pack would kill him by the end of the our time in Malaysia. The girl led us to the hostel her friend had been staying at. It looked good to me, cool, somewhat tidy, plenty of people to talk too and cheap... Only $10 AUD per night. I was tired and ready to fork over my cash, put my pack in my room and explore, however... $10 was to expensive for Matt. So we left that hostel. After an hour of hot sun and terrible humidity we found a hostel suitable for his wallet. $6 per night. No toilet, running water... It was a crap shack through and through, but I was in no mood to argue, I just wanted to explore.
The first thing I noticed about the city was it looked a a lot like Melbourne, except busier and smellier. We first explored China Town, a long wide street, during the day the stalls tend to stay along the edges of it to allow traffic to pass through, however after 6pm shops are erected all over the road and it becomes an absolute maze of stalls and people. There was heaps of cool stuff, and cheap. I would love to have bought some had I not being aiming to keep my travel pack under 10kg for the entirety of my trip. It was funny how every one you passed tried to hassle you into buying their particular items. One guy tried to sell me DVD's and when I refused, pulled out a new pouch from his jacket and said, "What about porn?!" Tempting... But no...
The next day we went to the Petronas Towers shopping center to try and gain access up to the walkway that linked the two buildings, however the free tickets had run out. Apparently the only way to get them was to arrived before 7.30am, and I couldn't be bothered doing that, so I decided to walk to KL Tower, which I could see in the distance.. Much to Matt's displeasure. It wasn't far from where we were at the time... probably 10km. I had no idea how to get there, so I just walked, with Matt's persistent moaning about walking in the sun trailing behind me. In my experience the best way to explore a place is to just walk and experience what it has to offer, and I believe by the end of that day I had done just that. We arrived and traveled up to the highest level of KL tower, it gave us some awesome views of the city, and put into perspective how far we had walked. Maybe Matt did have a reason to complain after all.
The day after we decided to give the railyway system a try. They were small, and exceptionally crowded. The hot weather and humidity didn't really add to the situation, nor did the locals who kept looking at me, talking to each and laughing. Matt said I was paranoid, but I know they were talking about me...
The train ran a full circuit around the city, it was just a matter of getting on the right colored line. We looked in a lot of shopping centers, and I was lucky enough to find a Borders. All the books were in English so I bought some books to keep me busy on my travel. I forget I would have to pack them into my bag somehow, but I managed to later. I also noticed that clothes like Lee's Jeans and Timberland boots were really cheap compared to Australia or Japan. Next time I go to Malaysia I will defiantly take a bigger bag and buy a lot of things there.
We ate a lot of local cuisine in Kuala Lumpur, like noodles, rice, Indian type foods and meat dishes. I was cautious about eating from shops at the side of the roads, as I didn't want to get put in hospital for wolfing down Ecol i or Salmonella, so when in doubt I stuck to the safe things: McDonald's, KFC and shopping center food, or I bought ingredients and cooked for my self in the Hostel ' kitchen.'
A note to any one who is unaware: No matter where you go, when you eat it, or how you cook it... Toast is awesome!
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Three Months Later...
Hey there,
Well last time I left you I had just arrived in Singapore and had developed that awesome rash all over my body. Thankfully it did go away, and it wasn't something ridiculous like Dengue Fever. You're probably all well aware that that happened a good three months ago, and since then a lot has happened. I've seen a lot of things, experienced another country, and returned back to my own home in Australia. Sounds pretty straight forward right? But of course you all know how I role. Nothing is ever that simple, and my life takes some pretty interesting turns, even when every thing seems so easy... But I wouldn't have my life any other way!
So now I beg you all to bare with me as I write up some long stories and rants about my time in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoyed the experience.
Well last time I left you I had just arrived in Singapore and had developed that awesome rash all over my body. Thankfully it did go away, and it wasn't something ridiculous like Dengue Fever. You're probably all well aware that that happened a good three months ago, and since then a lot has happened. I've seen a lot of things, experienced another country, and returned back to my own home in Australia. Sounds pretty straight forward right? But of course you all know how I role. Nothing is ever that simple, and my life takes some pretty interesting turns, even when every thing seems so easy... But I wouldn't have my life any other way!
So now I beg you all to bare with me as I write up some long stories and rants about my time in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoyed the experience.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Singapore
Hey everyone!
Well I just spent a long stint in Malaysia. It was good fun, very different but a great experience. I learned a lot from it and I think I've come to appreciate Australia just that little bit more. It was a real eye opener and that is why I love traveling. I will post some of the photos from my time there soon, and do a full rant about the people I met and the places I went to... Not to mention the things that happened while I was there.
After staying in my friends town for five days I finally said goodbye and head onwards to Singapore. I will stay here for 5 days before going to Taiwan to see Ya Ling on Saturday. I had plans and all kinds of places to see, but as usual the plans I make always fall apart some how. It's the reasoning behind my fairly impulsively nature these days... Less of a chance for fate to go 'Hey... wait a minute! I'm gonna stuff you around!"
Anyway, so the plan was to explore and see the zoo, the museum, the harbor front and every thing else that Singapore has to offer. Now I can't. I have to stay inside for the day, try to keep cool. "Why?" You ask.
BECAUSE OF A RASH!
God knows how I got it, but it itches! ALOT! I have red spots all over my body and when they first appeared I thought 'Wow thats great. A million vaccinations from that old bat in Meloburne and I get Dengue Fever!' So I went to the Doctors this morning. He was funny, probably the nicest doctor I've met.
He pissed himself laughing when he saw how far the rash had spread over my white arse, then laughed even harder when I showed him the cream I was using, which I explained had been given to me by a pharmacist in Malaysia.
"That" He told me in between shots of laughter "Is for fungal infections. It says here... In chinese!" And surely enough he translated it for me:
"For Fungal infections of the feet, armpits of... Vagina"
Brilliant, I thought, that helps me out a lot. I knw I had a real problem this morning when I woke up... AND MY VAGINA WAS MISSING!!! God damn useless people!! At least I'm covered if I ever get a case of thrush in my non existent genitalia...
So after he stopped laughing he pulled out a syringe that he said would help me. I pulled up my sleeve, knowing the drill from having done it a million times before. He lifted an eye brow and smiled. "Think again my friend..."
I sighed... Sadly enough I knew this procedure as well. So I bent over and in it popped, through my skin and straight into the muscle that structure my chiseled god like buttocks. He said the rash should be gone by tomorrow, but it puts a dent in my itinerary. The medications he gave me also knock me around a lot, and as I type this I can already feel it kicking in... I'm gonna be sleeping a few hours today!
It's a shame I was so looking forward to going to the Singapore zoo and watching a couple of monkeys doing it.... Guess I will have to do that tomorrow.
My god Singapore is a pain in the arse!
Well I just spent a long stint in Malaysia. It was good fun, very different but a great experience. I learned a lot from it and I think I've come to appreciate Australia just that little bit more. It was a real eye opener and that is why I love traveling. I will post some of the photos from my time there soon, and do a full rant about the people I met and the places I went to... Not to mention the things that happened while I was there.
After staying in my friends town for five days I finally said goodbye and head onwards to Singapore. I will stay here for 5 days before going to Taiwan to see Ya Ling on Saturday. I had plans and all kinds of places to see, but as usual the plans I make always fall apart some how. It's the reasoning behind my fairly impulsively nature these days... Less of a chance for fate to go 'Hey... wait a minute! I'm gonna stuff you around!"
Anyway, so the plan was to explore and see the zoo, the museum, the harbor front and every thing else that Singapore has to offer. Now I can't. I have to stay inside for the day, try to keep cool. "Why?" You ask.
BECAUSE OF A RASH!
God knows how I got it, but it itches! ALOT! I have red spots all over my body and when they first appeared I thought 'Wow thats great. A million vaccinations from that old bat in Meloburne and I get Dengue Fever!' So I went to the Doctors this morning. He was funny, probably the nicest doctor I've met.
He pissed himself laughing when he saw how far the rash had spread over my white arse, then laughed even harder when I showed him the cream I was using, which I explained had been given to me by a pharmacist in Malaysia.
"That" He told me in between shots of laughter "Is for fungal infections. It says here... In chinese!" And surely enough he translated it for me:
"For Fungal infections of the feet, armpits of... Vagina"
Brilliant, I thought, that helps me out a lot. I knw I had a real problem this morning when I woke up... AND MY VAGINA WAS MISSING!!! God damn useless people!! At least I'm covered if I ever get a case of thrush in my non existent genitalia...
So after he stopped laughing he pulled out a syringe that he said would help me. I pulled up my sleeve, knowing the drill from having done it a million times before. He lifted an eye brow and smiled. "Think again my friend..."
I sighed... Sadly enough I knew this procedure as well. So I bent over and in it popped, through my skin and straight into the muscle that structure my chiseled god like buttocks. He said the rash should be gone by tomorrow, but it puts a dent in my itinerary. The medications he gave me also knock me around a lot, and as I type this I can already feel it kicking in... I'm gonna be sleeping a few hours today!
It's a shame I was so looking forward to going to the Singapore zoo and watching a couple of monkeys doing it.... Guess I will have to do that tomorrow.
My god Singapore is a pain in the arse!
Friday, 8 May 2009
Bali - Island of the Gods Indeed..
Alright!
So 10 days ago I left Melbourne to fly into Denpasar, Bali. The change in the weather couldn't have been more noticable. Melbourne was cold and I was concerned about walking out the front door wearing only shorts and two layers of thin T-shirts... When I reached Bali the effect was immedidate. I could see as the plane touched down outside on the windows huge droplets of water had formed... Not from an excess of rain but because it was so damn humid. Stepping off the plane was like stepping into a huge sauna, and it would stay like the entire time we spent in Bali.
+208.jpg)
I walked off the plane and went into Customs, Immigration, etc... All the bullshit that comes with entering another country. No problems... Well not yet, but I didn't know at the time the woman at the counter had just cost me $50AUD... but that's not until later.
+007.jpg)
It was bizare. As I walked around the corner that leads from the baggage pick up to the only exit from the international arivals I was immediatly confronted by about 20 people all yelling at me. There message was pretty simple to understand: "TRANSPORT!" Over the next week I would get used to this phrase as it was repeated at least fifty times a day and in so many different ways it was humourous at times.
+090.jpg)
Every one in that place is your friend. In fact in the two hours I waited for Brendan to arrive many of those friends walked up to me, offered me 'cheap transport' then when I declined walked off... never to be seen again. Well I never said the friendships were long lived. When Brendan did arrive we were asked by a kind taxi driver if we needed cheap transport. We took him up on the offer and he took us to a hotel... THEN CHARGED US $30US for the bloody ride!! We played dumb and droped it down to $20AUD... But he quickly became one of the more annoying people we met on our trip.
+106.jpg)
Actually, over the period we spent in Bali we did compile a short list of people who really bugged us. Quick mentions are:
Milo - A tour guide we paid for... who provide no tour or guidance of any sort... or his name. Milo was my idea ^^
Fat and Sick Prostitute - Brendan was propersitioned by her... He hated her... I like her for that reason... What can I say? I found her small, sick sounding coughs and the fact that she got off her motorcycle just to come and feel up Brendan was quite endearing on her behalf :P
+204.jpg)
Angry Taxi Guy - He started off happy... but it just left him at one point. What an arse :S
Anyway, the trip was an eye operner and even though there were many strange and funny people we did meet some nice people. The beaches were pretty good, but we spent most of our time in hotel pools or just having random siestas in our room. It was really relaxing!
We saw some great temples, and I got a tonne of new photos from all over the place which I hope you can see soon. I'm not sure how fast this internet cafe is, so I've just tried to post my choice photos for you.
+226.jpg)
But as relaxing and different the country was, sadly nearly every one you met was after your money. People on the street, people in the restaraunts in the form or service taxes, even the dogs... Well I say that but maybe they were just after my meaty backside. WHO KNOWS?!
Fact remains, that up until the last moments in that country I was being played a fool for my cash, and immigration interrogated me for half an hour before telling me that I had overstayed my visa in the country and would consequently be fined for it. Oh Bali you bastard! So $50AUD forked over for some silly bitch filling out a form incorrectly and I was free! Until I got to the terminal realized "Wait... they didn't give my ticket back!" and had to go through customs to get it. They played the fool until I noticed it was being used a F***ing coffee mug placemat. Arseholes!!
+235.jpg)
Alot of people love Bali. I had a good time, it was relaxing for the most part and cool to just chill out with no where to go and nothing to rush out and do... But I was really glad to be on the plane and flying to KL. I won't be rushing back there any time soon... even for my favorite red socks :(
****EDIT****
So the guy next to me is downloading porn... My photos will take ages if he keeps it up so here are few to satisfy you for now ;)
So 10 days ago I left Melbourne to fly into Denpasar, Bali. The change in the weather couldn't have been more noticable. Melbourne was cold and I was concerned about walking out the front door wearing only shorts and two layers of thin T-shirts... When I reached Bali the effect was immedidate. I could see as the plane touched down outside on the windows huge droplets of water had formed... Not from an excess of rain but because it was so damn humid. Stepping off the plane was like stepping into a huge sauna, and it would stay like the entire time we spent in Bali.
+208.jpg)
I walked off the plane and went into Customs, Immigration, etc... All the bullshit that comes with entering another country. No problems... Well not yet, but I didn't know at the time the woman at the counter had just cost me $50AUD... but that's not until later.
+007.jpg)
It was bizare. As I walked around the corner that leads from the baggage pick up to the only exit from the international arivals I was immediatly confronted by about 20 people all yelling at me. There message was pretty simple to understand: "TRANSPORT!" Over the next week I would get used to this phrase as it was repeated at least fifty times a day and in so many different ways it was humourous at times.
+090.jpg)
Every one in that place is your friend. In fact in the two hours I waited for Brendan to arrive many of those friends walked up to me, offered me 'cheap transport' then when I declined walked off... never to be seen again. Well I never said the friendships were long lived. When Brendan did arrive we were asked by a kind taxi driver if we needed cheap transport. We took him up on the offer and he took us to a hotel... THEN CHARGED US $30US for the bloody ride!! We played dumb and droped it down to $20AUD... But he quickly became one of the more annoying people we met on our trip.
+106.jpg)
Actually, over the period we spent in Bali we did compile a short list of people who really bugged us. Quick mentions are:
Milo - A tour guide we paid for... who provide no tour or guidance of any sort... or his name. Milo was my idea ^^
Fat and Sick Prostitute - Brendan was propersitioned by her... He hated her... I like her for that reason... What can I say? I found her small, sick sounding coughs and the fact that she got off her motorcycle just to come and feel up Brendan was quite endearing on her behalf :P
+204.jpg)
Angry Taxi Guy - He started off happy... but it just left him at one point. What an arse :S
Anyway, the trip was an eye operner and even though there were many strange and funny people we did meet some nice people. The beaches were pretty good, but we spent most of our time in hotel pools or just having random siestas in our room. It was really relaxing!
We saw some great temples, and I got a tonne of new photos from all over the place which I hope you can see soon. I'm not sure how fast this internet cafe is, so I've just tried to post my choice photos for you.
+226.jpg)
But as relaxing and different the country was, sadly nearly every one you met was after your money. People on the street, people in the restaraunts in the form or service taxes, even the dogs... Well I say that but maybe they were just after my meaty backside. WHO KNOWS?!
Fact remains, that up until the last moments in that country I was being played a fool for my cash, and immigration interrogated me for half an hour before telling me that I had overstayed my visa in the country and would consequently be fined for it. Oh Bali you bastard! So $50AUD forked over for some silly bitch filling out a form incorrectly and I was free! Until I got to the terminal realized "Wait... they didn't give my ticket back!" and had to go through customs to get it. They played the fool until I noticed it was being used a F***ing coffee mug placemat. Arseholes!!
+235.jpg)
Alot of people love Bali. I had a good time, it was relaxing for the most part and cool to just chill out with no where to go and nothing to rush out and do... But I was really glad to be on the plane and flying to KL. I won't be rushing back there any time soon... even for my favorite red socks :(
****EDIT****
So the guy next to me is downloading porn... My photos will take ages if he keeps it up so here are few to satisfy you for now ;)
Thursday, 7 May 2009
29th of April to Now
So on the 29th, when that counter finished I had just arrived in Bali. I decided that with the money I saved from working in Japan I would continue traveling until my savings runs out and I have no choice but to drag my sorry arse back to Australia.
In the month that I was home I decided to travel to several countries, most of which are in south east Asia. The plan is this:
1. Bali
2. Malaysia
3. Singapore
4. Taiwan
5. Vietnam
6. Cambodia
7. Laos
8. Burma
It's a pretty long list and I have no idea if I will make it to all the places that I have planned... but I will enjoy myself where ever I go and make the best of my time there. Just like I have so far I guess.
For the past nine days I have stayed in Bali - Island of the Gods. Once you get past the harassment from the locals, the money hungry society and the hordes of rabid dogs that own the streets at night it's a nice place. When I get a chance I will post some of my choice photos and do a longer blog about my time there with Brendan.
Today I arrived in Malaysia, and I'm surprised. So far it's impressed me alot more then I expected it would. Matt and myself haven't traveled far from out $6 a night hostel but tomorrow when we have a bit more energy we will. As for tonight we're content to wander the night markets and clasp the passports in our pockets every time some one bumps into us or runs past us.
Well until next time I get the chance to post... Take it easy!
In the month that I was home I decided to travel to several countries, most of which are in south east Asia. The plan is this:
1. Bali
2. Malaysia
3. Singapore
4. Taiwan
5. Vietnam
6. Cambodia
7. Laos
8. Burma
It's a pretty long list and I have no idea if I will make it to all the places that I have planned... but I will enjoy myself where ever I go and make the best of my time there. Just like I have so far I guess.
For the past nine days I have stayed in Bali - Island of the Gods. Once you get past the harassment from the locals, the money hungry society and the hordes of rabid dogs that own the streets at night it's a nice place. When I get a chance I will post some of my choice photos and do a longer blog about my time there with Brendan.
Today I arrived in Malaysia, and I'm surprised. So far it's impressed me alot more then I expected it would. Matt and myself haven't traveled far from out $6 a night hostel but tomorrow when we have a bit more energy we will. As for tonight we're content to wander the night markets and clasp the passports in our pockets every time some one bumps into us or runs past us.
Well until next time I get the chance to post... Take it easy!
Thursday, 26 February 2009
What is THANG TANG?
Hmmmmm... So it seems that THANG TANG has you all puzzled. I thought the name was somewhat obvious... But maybe that's just me.
To help those of you who can't work out what THANG TANG is I made a site.
What is... THANG TANG
It's a bad site... but it is a site none the less. It will help you all discover the truth.
And if you can't then too bad :P Just wait for the bloody count down to finish!
To help those of you who can't work out what THANG TANG is I made a site.
What is... THANG TANG
It's a bad site... but it is a site none the less. It will help you all discover the truth.
And if you can't then too bad :P Just wait for the bloody count down to finish!
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Monday, 16 February 2009
Didn't see that coming...
Alright,
So I probably should have shut my mouth. Saying I attract trouble where ever I go... More then likely jinxed my trip to Osaka and Tokyo.
While in Shinjuku, Tokyo I had the pleasure of getting in a fight with two 'gang members' for lack of a better term.
+176.jpg)
I hadn't gone out that night looking to get into a fight... It just kind of happened. One minute I was walking past a group of what I thought were party goers and the next I had copped a blow to the face.
After stumbling into the nearby wall and having some guy beat up on me I decided that it sucked... Alot. I was able to get him off me and on the ground before his mate hit me from behind and had me on the ground.
+175.jpg)
I was able to stand up still seeing stars, and finally coming to the conclusion that I was over this experience. I lashed out at the bastard with a punch... Hard, even by my standards. I know I hurt him because it hurt my hand. I thought I had broken it by the way it began to throb from the wrist down to my fingers.
I was glad he didn't get up because he would have been pissed. I was able to get boots into him while he was down before some big black bloke pulled me off him and into a side alley.
His words too me were more or less this: "Run home as fast as you can!"
+173.jpg)
So with my arm held across my chest by my other, blood streaming down my face and hands I did just that.
Not something I want to experience again anytime soon. I took the photos the next morning before heading to Disney Land and after having a shower to wash a heap of dried blood off my face and arms.
Kind of funny... When I walked into the Hostel the sweet old lady behind the desk looked at me in my stated and asked 'Did you have fun?' in her croaky Japanese voice. Maybe she thought I had been eating Jam all night...
So I probably should have shut my mouth. Saying I attract trouble where ever I go... More then likely jinxed my trip to Osaka and Tokyo.
While in Shinjuku, Tokyo I had the pleasure of getting in a fight with two 'gang members' for lack of a better term.
+176.jpg)
I hadn't gone out that night looking to get into a fight... It just kind of happened. One minute I was walking past a group of what I thought were party goers and the next I had copped a blow to the face.
After stumbling into the nearby wall and having some guy beat up on me I decided that it sucked... Alot. I was able to get him off me and on the ground before his mate hit me from behind and had me on the ground.
+175.jpg)
I was able to stand up still seeing stars, and finally coming to the conclusion that I was over this experience. I lashed out at the bastard with a punch... Hard, even by my standards. I know I hurt him because it hurt my hand. I thought I had broken it by the way it began to throb from the wrist down to my fingers.
I was glad he didn't get up because he would have been pissed. I was able to get boots into him while he was down before some big black bloke pulled me off him and into a side alley.
His words too me were more or less this: "Run home as fast as you can!"
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So with my arm held across my chest by my other, blood streaming down my face and hands I did just that.
Not something I want to experience again anytime soon. I took the photos the next morning before heading to Disney Land and after having a shower to wash a heap of dried blood off my face and arms.
Kind of funny... When I walked into the Hostel the sweet old lady behind the desk looked at me in my stated and asked 'Did you have fun?' in her croaky Japanese voice. Maybe she thought I had been eating Jam all night...
Saturday, 7 February 2009
No kids for a whole week!
So this weekend Taz is heading up to Kitakami City - A place where Unicorns graze eating magical grass and shit out rainbows, and the towns folk all live in in Mushroom shaped houses. On the weekend they all come together in the town square to dance, carry giant lollipops and generally be gay and merry.
Well... Not exactly but those are the lies I persuaded her with to come here. It will be good to see another foreigner in my city seeing as I haven't really spoken English face to face with some one for a while.
On Monday we are going to head down to Osaka for a few days. Osaka is the city in Japan that is meant to be the most fun. While other cities inherited tradition, formality and a relentless obedience of social rules Osaka took the attitude. They speak with a cooler accent than those above Tokyo and are pretty big on music, cars and having a good time. I can't wait to see what it is like.
After that we will hit up Tokyo. Hopefully I get to go to Tokyo Disneyland again. When I left that place at Christmas I also left a part of me at the exit. Child Mike. He is trapped in there, most probably standing in the lost property building waiting - yearning for me to come and pick him up, give him a hug and run off to Space Mountain again. Seriously, being in that place is like taking some wonderful drug for a day. I'm positive I saw Disney endorsed patches in the gift store so that people don't have to come down from it cold turkey like I did.
Anyways, as always I will be taking my camera so expect a few pictures when I get back. I just realized I still haven't put up my photos from Christmas so I think I'll need to upload them when I get back as well.
I'm sure there will be plenty of stories for you... I have an uncanny habit of attracting trouble and mischief what ever part of Japan I am in.
Well... Not exactly but those are the lies I persuaded her with to come here. It will be good to see another foreigner in my city seeing as I haven't really spoken English face to face with some one for a while.
On Monday we are going to head down to Osaka for a few days. Osaka is the city in Japan that is meant to be the most fun. While other cities inherited tradition, formality and a relentless obedience of social rules Osaka took the attitude. They speak with a cooler accent than those above Tokyo and are pretty big on music, cars and having a good time. I can't wait to see what it is like.
After that we will hit up Tokyo. Hopefully I get to go to Tokyo Disneyland again. When I left that place at Christmas I also left a part of me at the exit. Child Mike. He is trapped in there, most probably standing in the lost property building waiting - yearning for me to come and pick him up, give him a hug and run off to Space Mountain again. Seriously, being in that place is like taking some wonderful drug for a day. I'm positive I saw Disney endorsed patches in the gift store so that people don't have to come down from it cold turkey like I did.
Anyways, as always I will be taking my camera so expect a few pictures when I get back. I just realized I still haven't put up my photos from Christmas so I think I'll need to upload them when I get back as well.
I'm sure there will be plenty of stories for you... I have an uncanny habit of attracting trouble and mischief what ever part of Japan I am in.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Day 21
Well its been 21 Days since I began the training now, and after three weeks it's becoming seemingly more difficult.
I have noticed changes in my body and the training is definitely having an effect. If I was to continue in this way it would certainly bring about huge changes to my body.
However for the moment I will need to put this little project on hold. Doing this in Japan is very difficult for several reasons:
1. There is no English support at my gym. I have many questions regarding technique, diet and exercise but need to rely on the internet as my only source of gaining any insight. he gym also lacks equipment necessary for me to complete my training correctly.
2. It is near impossible for me to buy foods which are nutritional and healthy. Where I live there is no such thing as lean mean. It is a delicacy to keep the fat in meats so not ideal health food for a strict diet. Tuna would be great but it is all full of oil. Just this morning I chowed into a bowl of 'Healthy Granola' which turned out to be sugar frosted... How was it healthy? I have no idea but the packet clear stated it was nutritional.
So to compensate for the lack of lean meat I have relied on Chicken for the past three weeks, and what can I say except: IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS! I'm tired of chicken. I need something else other the white meat. Every bite is like chewing into the sole of a shoe.
3. My work hours screw me around. Some days I started at 1 pm, others I start at 6.30pm. I have no consistency in the times I eat or the time I work out. For example, tomorrow I begin work at 9 a.m. It doesn't help me keep a decent diet and work out routine.
So even though I am putting this goal on pause does not mean I am not working as hard towards it. In the past three weeks I have learned quite a lot about exercise and nutrition. I will continue to visit the gym 4 - 5 times a week as I have for the past year. On top of that I will be continuing my HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Routine. This is actually a very interesting concept for any body who is trying to lose weight and tone up. I might explain it in a later post because it does work.
As for meals. I'm not going to go back to eating sweets like I once did, or junk food. I like having a clean system and functional system. These past three weeks while I have eaten healthy I have ingested more milk, Whey Protein, fruit and eggs then I could have imagined. It has messed with my digestion in strange and mysterious ways, namely racing to the toilet first thing in the morning to 'expel my waste.' And I'm not talking pushing out neat little turtle heads here... Think along the lines of a Geyser.
As far as I'm concerned I'll be glad to get back to my cornflakes every morning and sandwiches for lunch. I lost over 40kgs with Vegemite and cheese sandwiches and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg to buy a loaf of bread every week. At least I know when I go drop the kids of at the pool they'll sink straight to the bottom.
I think so long as I keep up my exercise and keep eating under 2000 calories a day by time I get home I may still change a bit more and get closer to my original goal of a six pack. The main aim is to lower my body fat percentage so I'll keep at it, you don't have to be a body builder look lean.
I have noticed changes in my body and the training is definitely having an effect. If I was to continue in this way it would certainly bring about huge changes to my body.
However for the moment I will need to put this little project on hold. Doing this in Japan is very difficult for several reasons:
1. There is no English support at my gym. I have many questions regarding technique, diet and exercise but need to rely on the internet as my only source of gaining any insight. he gym also lacks equipment necessary for me to complete my training correctly.
2. It is near impossible for me to buy foods which are nutritional and healthy. Where I live there is no such thing as lean mean. It is a delicacy to keep the fat in meats so not ideal health food for a strict diet. Tuna would be great but it is all full of oil. Just this morning I chowed into a bowl of 'Healthy Granola' which turned out to be sugar frosted... How was it healthy? I have no idea but the packet clear stated it was nutritional.
So to compensate for the lack of lean meat I have relied on Chicken for the past three weeks, and what can I say except: IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS! I'm tired of chicken. I need something else other the white meat. Every bite is like chewing into the sole of a shoe.
3. My work hours screw me around. Some days I started at 1 pm, others I start at 6.30pm. I have no consistency in the times I eat or the time I work out. For example, tomorrow I begin work at 9 a.m. It doesn't help me keep a decent diet and work out routine.
So even though I am putting this goal on pause does not mean I am not working as hard towards it. In the past three weeks I have learned quite a lot about exercise and nutrition. I will continue to visit the gym 4 - 5 times a week as I have for the past year. On top of that I will be continuing my HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Routine. This is actually a very interesting concept for any body who is trying to lose weight and tone up. I might explain it in a later post because it does work.
As for meals. I'm not going to go back to eating sweets like I once did, or junk food. I like having a clean system and functional system. These past three weeks while I have eaten healthy I have ingested more milk, Whey Protein, fruit and eggs then I could have imagined. It has messed with my digestion in strange and mysterious ways, namely racing to the toilet first thing in the morning to 'expel my waste.' And I'm not talking pushing out neat little turtle heads here... Think along the lines of a Geyser.
As far as I'm concerned I'll be glad to get back to my cornflakes every morning and sandwiches for lunch. I lost over 40kgs with Vegemite and cheese sandwiches and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg to buy a loaf of bread every week. At least I know when I go drop the kids of at the pool they'll sink straight to the bottom.
I think so long as I keep up my exercise and keep eating under 2000 calories a day by time I get home I may still change a bit more and get closer to my original goal of a six pack. The main aim is to lower my body fat percentage so I'll keep at it, you don't have to be a body builder look lean.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Day 15
It has come to my attention that there is a growing band of people rallying against me. People who have deemed the use of the my blue boxers in every photo as 'disgusting' and 'unclean'. You no who you are and now you are insisting that I change them. To you I ask this one simple question: "Why?"
The pope wears the same white clothes every day. How often does some one say to him, "Hmm I think your white clothes are a bit dull, how about this nice Hawaiian shirt today?"
Let's look at the Darlai Lama. Every time you've ever seen him what is he wearing? Oh! That's right. A red robe with that little yellow thing around his neck. No one is pushing at him to wear a green robe, or a blue robe, or a friggen hot pink robe!
What about Abraham Lincoln? Can you imagine him with out that beard? He would just be a face. I'm not American, or know nothing about American History but I think that beard helped. In fact I think that beard is what made his presidency... That and his hat. Now imagine if he had shaved it because some one said "Yeah... look... The beard isn't working... Maybe just keep a little bit of fluff under your bottom lip."
I warn you to never enter the White House, because he is there, and he will be pissed if you have thought that.
Bah! You should be ashamed, suggesting I change my blue boxers just because you don't like the colour, the pattern or the fact that by now the skid mark to cotton ratio has shifted somewhat and now favors the former. Just for you 'blue boxer haters' out there, you inhuman monsters full of hate and prejudice towards my underwear I'm going to wear them twice as hard as I was before.
You'll be sorry you ever judged my blue boxers. Stand up my brothers and sisters who have worn underwear more then one day in a row. Be proud of your underwear. Together let's end this oppression. With one voice lets shout "Forwards, Backwards, Inside Out!"
Ungrateful people. You should all consider yourselves lucky I'm even wearing underwear in this photos... Or unlucky depending on your point of view.
The pope wears the same white clothes every day. How often does some one say to him, "Hmm I think your white clothes are a bit dull, how about this nice Hawaiian shirt today?"
Let's look at the Darlai Lama. Every time you've ever seen him what is he wearing? Oh! That's right. A red robe with that little yellow thing around his neck. No one is pushing at him to wear a green robe, or a blue robe, or a friggen hot pink robe!
What about Abraham Lincoln? Can you imagine him with out that beard? He would just be a face. I'm not American, or know nothing about American History but I think that beard helped. In fact I think that beard is what made his presidency... That and his hat. Now imagine if he had shaved it because some one said "Yeah... look... The beard isn't working... Maybe just keep a little bit of fluff under your bottom lip."
I warn you to never enter the White House, because he is there, and he will be pissed if you have thought that.
Bah! You should be ashamed, suggesting I change my blue boxers just because you don't like the colour, the pattern or the fact that by now the skid mark to cotton ratio has shifted somewhat and now favors the former. Just for you 'blue boxer haters' out there, you inhuman monsters full of hate and prejudice towards my underwear I'm going to wear them twice as hard as I was before.
You'll be sorry you ever judged my blue boxers. Stand up my brothers and sisters who have worn underwear more then one day in a row. Be proud of your underwear. Together let's end this oppression. With one voice lets shout "Forwards, Backwards, Inside Out!"
Ungrateful people. You should all consider yourselves lucky I'm even wearing underwear in this photos... Or unlucky depending on your point of view.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Day 14 - Two Weeks Down
Hey everyone,
Well I haven't posted everyday as I said I would or posted the photos. Slack I know, but with the mood I have been in they would have made very dull and uninteresting posts. On the plus side though I have been going the gym as planned and having been continuously eating healthy for two weeks now.
Broccoli, Cauliflower and Asparagus still taste of like shit too me, even after two weeks of forcing it town my throat. Fiber is fiber after all. I've taken to mashing it up and mixing it with Vegemite, something that I remember Mum doing often for my sister when she had to eat the same vegetables.
When I checked my weight on Sunday morning I was happy to see that I had gone down from 80 kilograms. Looks like my metabolism works faster then it used too and all the junk I ate over Christmas came off me pretty quick. My weight is now 76 kilograms, give or take at any given time. It seems to fluctuate every time I check.
I have also noticed some significant growth in muscles, especially in my legs and arms. Today after haphazardly looking in the mirror I couldn't help but notice my biceps seem to bulge out heaps more then they had two weeks ago. A good sign, and probably cause for my fluctuating weight as muscle weighs more then fat does. It would be good if I could work myself back up towards 80 kilograms but with muscle as opposed to body fat.
As for the six-pack. Well no sign of it yet, but give me a chance. Two weeks isn't very long when you look at the length of three months. My abdominal area is a lot stronger since I've started training and if I give it a firm knock I can definitely feel a lot of muscle just waiting to escape...
So in due time it will appear.
It will shine like polished armour,
It will dazzle you with its radiance,
It may even blind some of you... So beware!
Well I haven't posted everyday as I said I would or posted the photos. Slack I know, but with the mood I have been in they would have made very dull and uninteresting posts. On the plus side though I have been going the gym as planned and having been continuously eating healthy for two weeks now.
Broccoli, Cauliflower and Asparagus still taste of like shit too me, even after two weeks of forcing it town my throat. Fiber is fiber after all. I've taken to mashing it up and mixing it with Vegemite, something that I remember Mum doing often for my sister when she had to eat the same vegetables.
When I checked my weight on Sunday morning I was happy to see that I had gone down from 80 kilograms. Looks like my metabolism works faster then it used too and all the junk I ate over Christmas came off me pretty quick. My weight is now 76 kilograms, give or take at any given time. It seems to fluctuate every time I check.
I have also noticed some significant growth in muscles, especially in my legs and arms. Today after haphazardly looking in the mirror I couldn't help but notice my biceps seem to bulge out heaps more then they had two weeks ago. A good sign, and probably cause for my fluctuating weight as muscle weighs more then fat does. It would be good if I could work myself back up towards 80 kilograms but with muscle as opposed to body fat.
As for the six-pack. Well no sign of it yet, but give me a chance. Two weeks isn't very long when you look at the length of three months. My abdominal area is a lot stronger since I've started training and if I give it a firm knock I can definitely feel a lot of muscle just waiting to escape...
So in due time it will appear.
It will shine like polished armour,
It will dazzle you with its radiance,
It may even blind some of you... So beware!
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