I saw it! It was blowing cinders into the sky, grey puffs of cinders, designed specifically to interfere with travellers from Tasmania! I saw it from the plane as we flew right above the clouds and before we came down to Keflavik Airport. And if that was the quiet volcano, it must have been spectacular when the eruption occurred. I have photos and video of the cinders but cannot seem to load much at the moment.
The landscape here is fascinating... you know how it looks up at the Great Lakes in Tasmania? Those plains covered with rocks....... here , around the airport, the plain is flat flat flat. Gradually , as you move towards Reykavik, the rocky ground looks as if a wave has passed underneath, lifting slabs of rock so that there are splits in the rocks... Imagine a slab of something a bit soft covering the land, and as a wave passes it lifts the slab and causing a wave of undulation...... fascinating to see. I haven't seen that before.
The background to Reykavik is snow covered mountains, cone volcanoes and carved rocky uplifts. and we are right on the sea.
I am meant to be staying at House of Spirits.... has been organised for yonks. I finally found it after lugging case etc along the street and back. Just as well I am only 25 still. It is within what one could say was th seedy end of town... I failed to see any indication of the luxury apartment!!!! Talk about sucked in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, as per the agreement, I knocked, rang bells and waited.... patient person that I am......... but the only answer I got was silence......... the rain began............. I value my comfort. I departed , trailing my case, and carrying the backpack.............. and I found the Hotel PLaza... surrounded by loads of food places and heaps cheaper!!!!!!! Not exactly The Radisson but it is a bed and it has WiFi so I can use my very cute hot pink netbook!
I am so tired still............... too much activity in Edinburgh. I loved that city ...... Barry and Louise were so good to take me in especially with all the crap from the airlines etc................
So, in a moment , I am going to do some serious studying on the value of the Icelandic Kronor to the Euro........ I just don't get it!
Will try and get some pics uploaded tomorrow
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Edinburgh Castle and the Secrets
Today was awesome... totally awesome! I don't actually like using that word as it is often used in a trite and meaningless way.But I got to walk where Mary, Queen of Scots, walked. I stood in the chamber where she gave birth to her son , James.
Upon the great height and power of Edinburgh castle, I stood. This volcanic monument, made greater by the human settlement that has been part of its history, has a prominent part in Scotland's history. Within the castle, kings and queens have been made and brought down. Scotland's Saint Margaret was buried. Braveheart,,, William Wallace, a true and brave patriot is featured.... David 1 of Scotland reigned.
Edinburgh Castle is a phenomenon... one that every person of Scottish descent needs to see.
Fom there I walked the Royal Mile, stopping at St Giles Cathedral. Here I learnt that the imposing monument, originally had a dirt floor and was actually the gathering place of various guilds/ who held meetings in the small alcoves of the Cathedral. Not only that, the floor was actually a burial ground, so as you walk, you are moving across the buried bodies of many.
I discovered the information about Mary King Close. Have you ever seen a close, a narrow, dark lane off a main road? Off the Royal Mile ther are so many closes. Mary King Close was walled up after a terrible time with the Black Death. the stench of dying bodies was so bad that the butchers finally had to go in and dismember the bodies, to get them out, as the close was walled off and the buildings were 14 stories high so it was impossible to move the bodies.................. CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS? Now the vaults below are the only remnant of this dark and sad Close.
We went underground into the vaults and rooms in the depths of Edinburgh today. Right underground , is a whole world of Edinburgh and it is here that the black secrets still lie hidden. Here walk the ghosts of murdered and tortured souls, still wailing for justice and peace... here stalks The Watcher, an unknown prescence who coldly makes itself knwn as its frozen breath moves across bare skin. Barry felt it today as we stood deep underground .... and the stench fo who knows what permeated the very air we breathed....
it as a Ghost Walk... and I know we were not alone.........
The Grand Finale was Hendricks Gin and Tonic, plus cucumber at Missoni.. a very schmic bar..... very very nice.................
My feet are sore but I have my beautiful leather coat...........
I have loved this but I didn't have enought time............ the upset at Singapore made my previous organisation too difficult...... but I know I will be back... I have more I need to know........
Upon the great height and power of Edinburgh castle, I stood. This volcanic monument, made greater by the human settlement that has been part of its history, has a prominent part in Scotland's history. Within the castle, kings and queens have been made and brought down. Scotland's Saint Margaret was buried. Braveheart,,, William Wallace, a true and brave patriot is featured.... David 1 of Scotland reigned.
Edinburgh Castle is a phenomenon... one that every person of Scottish descent needs to see.
Fom there I walked the Royal Mile, stopping at St Giles Cathedral. Here I learnt that the imposing monument, originally had a dirt floor and was actually the gathering place of various guilds/ who held meetings in the small alcoves of the Cathedral. Not only that, the floor was actually a burial ground, so as you walk, you are moving across the buried bodies of many.
I discovered the information about Mary King Close. Have you ever seen a close, a narrow, dark lane off a main road? Off the Royal Mile ther are so many closes. Mary King Close was walled up after a terrible time with the Black Death. the stench of dying bodies was so bad that the butchers finally had to go in and dismember the bodies, to get them out, as the close was walled off and the buildings were 14 stories high so it was impossible to move the bodies.................. CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS? Now the vaults below are the only remnant of this dark and sad Close.
We went underground into the vaults and rooms in the depths of Edinburgh today. Right underground , is a whole world of Edinburgh and it is here that the black secrets still lie hidden. Here walk the ghosts of murdered and tortured souls, still wailing for justice and peace... here stalks The Watcher, an unknown prescence who coldly makes itself knwn as its frozen breath moves across bare skin. Barry felt it today as we stood deep underground .... and the stench fo who knows what permeated the very air we breathed....
it as a Ghost Walk... and I know we were not alone.........
The Grand Finale was Hendricks Gin and Tonic, plus cucumber at Missoni.. a very schmic bar..... very very nice.................
My feet are sore but I have my beautiful leather coat...........
I have loved this but I didn't have enought time............ the upset at Singapore made my previous organisation too difficult...... but I know I will be back... I have more I need to know........
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A New Pair Of Edinburgh Leather Boots...
Oh, yes and this place is wonderful! Not just for boots! I think today, I fell in love with a city! All those years on a steady diet of Scottish history, porridge for breakfast and beliving I had a Scottish accent and hey ! This place is so familiar... I have seen it in the movies, I have read the stories, I know the history. I know where Mary Queen of Scots was and who she was..... I know about Holyrood Palace. I just know it and it was wonderful.
I have read the story of Greyfriars Bobby and cried with all my heart. I stood next to the statue of that wonderful little doggie who was so loyal to his master that he stayed by his grave until he died.
I walked through Lady Close.... and imagined how it would have been when crowded by more tenement houses, the middens, the filth, the disease and the gardy Loo being emptied from above.
The Meadows.. a huge field in the Centre of Edinburgh where people can walk their dogs and kids, they can have picnics and run and walk.... a whole lifestyle.
I went to the Urban Angel for lunch, with Barry and Louise and I ate haggis.
I am very tired.
Look at my photos and try to see what I have seen........
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tulips from Amsterdam
Barry and Louise went on to Edinburgh this morning and JO went on to Exeter so I have had all day to explore Amsterdam... I fly out at 9 tonight..... get into Edinburgh really late. Have had a great day.
Firstly , one needs to get from Schipol Airport to the city... so I promptly caught the wrong train and was saved by a hero in a suit,..... could have been superman but had no obvuious red jocks!
So I got out, looked pathetic and sought help from any sympathetic passerby.....
I got to the Central Station. So easy, such a quiet city, so calm.... and like so many of the sea trading ports in Europe..... Took a ride through the canals so got a great overview of the old parts..... Anne FRank's house where she was betrayed, the oldest house in Amsterdam, ... so many things, and what a way to see them!
Was also overwhelmed with the amount of illegal stuff I could have bought... but not taken home............ loved the few people who sat in the windows, looking somewhat dazed as the world passed them by!,,, mushrooms????? all the gear.......
Had lunch in a rather loud , over the top bar full of gaudy lights etc.... will put up pics tomorrow when I empty the camera........
Am tired..... so very tired but will be fine.... am going to curl up somewhere quiet and ignore the rest of the world.......................yawn yawn.... am 9 hours behind you Tassie or in front or soomething............................
Monday, April 26, 2010
Airlines Sell off Passengers; seats at higher prices
Arrived at Singapore Airport and guess what???? KLM had sold our seats off to someone who would pay more! Yes that's right! So I find that I am on a waiting list for the flight tonight, one of the others actually was booked on one tomorrow and I have lost my connecting flight to Edinburgh . Hopefully I can get on one when I get to Amsterdam early but if not will have to wait until tomorrow night.....
How about a few suggestions as to what can be done when an airline double sells seats....... I would suppose that there could be a few ethical and legal issues there.
After much noise and agitation, we finally got seats on tonights flight. BUT airlines are selling seats on to other passengers at this moment even if you think you have been booked onto a given flight...... MOst people accept what they are told but some of us refuse to accept such disgusting immoral behaviours.
Anyway, I have a day in Amsterdam so don't know what I will do yet..........
How about a few suggestions as to what can be done when an airline double sells seats....... I would suppose that there could be a few ethical and legal issues there.
After much noise and agitation, we finally got seats on tonights flight. BUT airlines are selling seats on to other passengers at this moment even if you think you have been booked onto a given flight...... MOst people accept what they are told but some of us refuse to accept such disgusting immoral behaviours.
Anyway, I have a day in Amsterdam so don't know what I will do yet..........
Friday, April 23, 2010
God I LOVE this life!
This place is heaven.... My hut is the best one of the whole area and it has airconditioning..... have my own patch of sand , shaded by coconut palms.... then into the water.
Food? What can I say? Have eaten different foods every night - Malay, Indian, Chinese.... all fish. Obviously it is fish as there are not too many chooks around! Cuttlefish, stingray, tuna.... all delicious.
Every evening we gather together, with others at the Hello Bar... a little wooden place with seats on the sand. As the sun goes down , the view across the water is divine... calm and the fingers of gold light across the palms. Pina Colada, Gin Fizz..zzzzzzzzzzzz..... Wearing a sarong is perfect. The funny thing is that i dumped all my summer type clothes in Vietnam...... and had only a couple of silk tps I had bought. Consequently I have bought sarongs... and will just pack them when I get back to Singapore.
Yesterday we cycled over to Tekek... the next town ont he island. Had to cart the bikes up and over a hill and we stupidly did it close to the middle of the day! There was a reason tho'. We could get no real sense out of anyone about the flights off the island. You see, the trip up here was rather... shall we say thrilling? By the time we got out of the airport, onto a bus... then through two passport checkpoints into Malaysia... then, becauase we couldn't get the express bus to Mersing, we had to get off in Larkin and get on this other bus. Well......... our driver was ambitious, if nothing else.... he seemed to be practising for the gRand Prix in a bus....... All Laws of Physics would not have allowed for the way he dealt with corners.... should have failed but on we went. Phillipe, the French student, was beside himself.... horror! I can't see in the dark!
Anyway we got here.... but wanted to get the plane straight to Singapore so we travelling out on Monday...we leave at 12.30a.m that night for Amsterdam.....
I love it here... perfect holiday... Went out snorkelling this morning... similar to many reefs but so beautiful and so peaceful... I never knew that this area of Asia was so unspoilt. It is not like Vietnam and certainly unlike Singapore. People here are happy with their lifestyle and certainly run to Island time.......
I am tanned, burnt and have a red nose.... very gorgeous look!
Food? What can I say? Have eaten different foods every night - Malay, Indian, Chinese.... all fish. Obviously it is fish as there are not too many chooks around! Cuttlefish, stingray, tuna.... all delicious.
Every evening we gather together, with others at the Hello Bar... a little wooden place with seats on the sand. As the sun goes down , the view across the water is divine... calm and the fingers of gold light across the palms. Pina Colada, Gin Fizz..zzzzzzzzzzzz..... Wearing a sarong is perfect. The funny thing is that i dumped all my summer type clothes in Vietnam...... and had only a couple of silk tps I had bought. Consequently I have bought sarongs... and will just pack them when I get back to Singapore.
Yesterday we cycled over to Tekek... the next town ont he island. Had to cart the bikes up and over a hill and we stupidly did it close to the middle of the day! There was a reason tho'. We could get no real sense out of anyone about the flights off the island. You see, the trip up here was rather... shall we say thrilling? By the time we got out of the airport, onto a bus... then through two passport checkpoints into Malaysia... then, becauase we couldn't get the express bus to Mersing, we had to get off in Larkin and get on this other bus. Well......... our driver was ambitious, if nothing else.... he seemed to be practising for the gRand Prix in a bus....... All Laws of Physics would not have allowed for the way he dealt with corners.... should have failed but on we went. Phillipe, the French student, was beside himself.... horror! I can't see in the dark!
Anyway we got here.... but wanted to get the plane straight to Singapore so we travelling out on Monday...we leave at 12.30a.m that night for Amsterdam.....
I love it here... perfect holiday... Went out snorkelling this morning... similar to many reefs but so beautiful and so peaceful... I never knew that this area of Asia was so unspoilt. It is not like Vietnam and certainly unlike Singapore. People here are happy with their lifestyle and certainly run to Island time.......
I am tanned, burnt and have a red nose.... very gorgeous look!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Island Paradise
This place is so beautiful.... think tropical island, coconut trees down to the beach,hammocks hanging over the beach, warm water, pina coladas and Tiger beer!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Life is tough.
The most sensible thing to do was to get out of the airport.... I am travelling( backpacking) with 4 others...... a young French architecture student, a young couple from Edinburgh and a nurse from the UK...............
We caught the bus up from Singapore to Mersing and stayed there overnight in a delightful little hotel......... three of us in one room................... and drank copious amounts of Tiger beer into the Malaysian night.... left the next day by ferry and arrived to blue water and warmth.......
Now we have found a cafe...
This is great. maybe snorkelling later on,,,,,,,,,, it is so laid back and no resorts.............
Am gonna have the best tan around.......... write more later!!!
Will be leaving Tioman Island probably on Saturday as we fly out on early Monday morning!!!!
The most sensible thing to do was to get out of the airport.... I am travelling( backpacking) with 4 others...... a young French architecture student, a young couple from Edinburgh and a nurse from the UK...............
We caught the bus up from Singapore to Mersing and stayed there overnight in a delightful little hotel......... three of us in one room................... and drank copious amounts of Tiger beer into the Malaysian night.... left the next day by ferry and arrived to blue water and warmth.......
Now we have found a cafe...
This is great. maybe snorkelling later on,,,,,,,,,, it is so laid back and no resorts.............
Am gonna have the best tan around.......... write more later!!!
Will be leaving Tioman Island probably on Saturday as we fly out on early Monday morning!!!!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Hey... hello Tioman... Goodbye Air France
Bloody Air France..... finally discovered that they have totally wiped us...... we are NOT passengers on any flight of theirs!!!
We have now booked with KLM to Amsterdam on 26th April and then to Edinburgh . Won't have long in Edinburgh but will stay with the friends I have made here... at their house. at this stage.. Roy, I will be in touch with your family tho... and might still spend a night with them if that will be ok.
Will only get to buy clothes in Edinburgh!!!! Then off to Iceland as long as the flights are going. If not, shall ferry across to Gothenburg.
There are about 8 of us here in the same boat, so we are all going to stay in Malaysia at a little fabulous beach call Tioman - a volcanic island group that has blue water and very white sand and is amazing . We will be there for a week and we come back here to fly out next week..... how lucky are we!!!!!
I will be in Sweden on the same date and in Denmark at the same time too..... I will go to Iceland and view the volcano...
All really positive.. and great adventure.... can't wait to get to the Malaysian beach!!!
We have now booked with KLM to Amsterdam on 26th April and then to Edinburgh . Won't have long in Edinburgh but will stay with the friends I have made here... at their house. at this stage.. Roy, I will be in touch with your family tho... and might still spend a night with them if that will be ok.
Will only get to buy clothes in Edinburgh!!!! Then off to Iceland as long as the flights are going. If not, shall ferry across to Gothenburg.
There are about 8 of us here in the same boat, so we are all going to stay in Malaysia at a little fabulous beach call Tioman - a volcanic island group that has blue water and very white sand and is amazing . We will be there for a week and we come back here to fly out next week..... how lucky are we!!!!!
I will be in Sweden on the same date and in Denmark at the same time too..... I will go to Iceland and view the volcano...
All really positive.. and great adventure.... can't wait to get to the Malaysian beach!!!
Allons Enfants de la Patrie
Le jour de gloire est arrive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have beds, food, drink, blankets.... at last.
We had to finally take on the patronising attitude of the non existant Air France officials.... We were frustrated and no information. Sleeping on the floor is loads of fun but not for two nights in a row. I had loads of laughs rolling on the airport chairs but all good things come to an end!
So I bought a Hot Pink NetBook!!! I will be here for at least two more days..... Swedish correspondant , Oesten Hansson, sent me photos of what is causing this little hiccup in my journey. I can't believe that this has happened..... it seems to be getting worse. I just want to get to Europe... I don't want to return to Australia yet.... maybe a holiday on an exotic island?????
We have a good group of people whih makes things easier. If anyone hears anything let me know.....
So roaming around, eating , drinking etc etc............
Enough. I would like to post a final comment on Air France tho... their total refusal to cooperate, their refusal rto make contact, their negation of their responsibility to their clients was unforgivable... have contacted th eAustralian newspaper and we have a consular official here...... Thanks Amanda... I reckon you put the fear of god into them!!!!
I have also written a letter expressing my disgust at their treatment of us.....
More tomorrow
We have beds, food, drink, blankets.... at last.
We had to finally take on the patronising attitude of the non existant Air France officials.... We were frustrated and no information. Sleeping on the floor is loads of fun but not for two nights in a row. I had loads of laughs rolling on the airport chairs but all good things come to an end!
So I bought a Hot Pink NetBook!!! I will be here for at least two more days..... Swedish correspondant , Oesten Hansson, sent me photos of what is causing this little hiccup in my journey. I can't believe that this has happened..... it seems to be getting worse. I just want to get to Europe... I don't want to return to Australia yet.... maybe a holiday on an exotic island?????
We have a good group of people whih makes things easier. If anyone hears anything let me know.....
So roaming around, eating , drinking etc etc............
Enough. I would like to post a final comment on Air France tho... their total refusal to cooperate, their refusal rto make contact, their negation of their responsibility to their clients was unforgivable... have contacted th eAustralian newspaper and we have a consular official here...... Thanks Amanda... I reckon you put the fear of god into them!!!!
I have also written a letter expressing my disgust at their treatment of us.....
More tomorrow
Friday, April 16, 2010
Caught by a Volcanic Eruption
Whoever would have thought it! Iceland..... the pinnacle of my travels... explodes with excitement!
I know Changi Airport very well. I am very familiar with Air France. I feel the relationship has developed to a level of honesty that is unparrallelled...............
I landed in Changi on Thursday afternoon, and waited for the plane to Edinburgh that night.
I had no idea that Iceland had undergone a much larger eruption . I didn't read the papers in Vietnam.
Our flight was cancelled.. and we were handed Immigration forms and told to fill them out and to leave the airport... going through Immigration so we had to wait outside the secure area. Human beings are very obedient when caught napping. We complied and out we went, collected luggage and tried to find accommodation bnear the airport. It was all booked upa and the hotels were charging 400-500 SD per night. I decided that one night on the floor wouldn't matter. In fact, I found a lovely little pair of seats... plastic airport variety........ and loaded my gear on them, put on a heavier jacket and put my head down......................... The cacophony of music, voices and jack hammers assaulted my senses.............. who could sleep? Hav esome really attractive pics of the efforts made!
No sleep, plenty tired
Upstairs to find some coffe in the morning at 5.... and found a comfortable seat where I stayed. Joined up with a few interesting characters............ couple from scotland , others from UK, Australia and East Timor. There was nothing we could do but we did accost the airport management re information. Air France refused to answer phones or even send a company re[p to speak with us... there was a plane full of people who were tired and cranky. Spent the day getting hopeful and losing hope.... Got texts from folk with info as we were getting nothing. Mobile phones were flat for many and ther was no place to charge them and no internet( no computer either) yes we were going, no we werent, yes, no ..... Fortuantely our little band was made of strong stuff and the constant harrassment of the staff gave us some satisfaction.
Finally at 9 it was announced that the flight was cancelled. We forced the Air France person to let our group back into the airport... good sob stories and excellent assertion of personalities!
We got in, slept on the floor again...... I am so tired. We have , in our group, an 86 year old woman, a veteran of the east Timor battles during the second World War, and they will not give her any comfortable place to be. She is travelling with her daughter. She is a beautiful woman with age that demands respect. I am disgusted with that company. She was forced to sleep on a seat last night......
I am in the Rainforest Lounge again.............. have booked a bed for tonight in case w are still here. I had a shower this morning. we were all the same and did not recognise any weird odours!
So folks......... I am ok. I have never been impacted on by a volcanic eruption before and I think it is amazing. AND I will get to Iceland and see it first hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait now..... then I will have stories to tell. Just gotta get to Paris. Then two of the people in this group are goign to Edinburgh too, so I will follow like a lost puppy.
Mobile phone is flat so am going to find a plug to charge it with today. thenwill text a few folks or you can call me .
I know Changi Airport very well. I am very familiar with Air France. I feel the relationship has developed to a level of honesty that is unparrallelled...............
I landed in Changi on Thursday afternoon, and waited for the plane to Edinburgh that night.
I had no idea that Iceland had undergone a much larger eruption . I didn't read the papers in Vietnam.
Our flight was cancelled.. and we were handed Immigration forms and told to fill them out and to leave the airport... going through Immigration so we had to wait outside the secure area. Human beings are very obedient when caught napping. We complied and out we went, collected luggage and tried to find accommodation bnear the airport. It was all booked upa and the hotels were charging 400-500 SD per night. I decided that one night on the floor wouldn't matter. In fact, I found a lovely little pair of seats... plastic airport variety........ and loaded my gear on them, put on a heavier jacket and put my head down......................... The cacophony of music, voices and jack hammers assaulted my senses.............. who could sleep? Hav esome really attractive pics of the efforts made!
No sleep, plenty tired
Upstairs to find some coffe in the morning at 5.... and found a comfortable seat where I stayed. Joined up with a few interesting characters............ couple from scotland , others from UK, Australia and East Timor. There was nothing we could do but we did accost the airport management re information. Air France refused to answer phones or even send a company re[p to speak with us... there was a plane full of people who were tired and cranky. Spent the day getting hopeful and losing hope.... Got texts from folk with info as we were getting nothing. Mobile phones were flat for many and ther was no place to charge them and no internet( no computer either) yes we were going, no we werent, yes, no ..... Fortuantely our little band was made of strong stuff and the constant harrassment of the staff gave us some satisfaction.
Finally at 9 it was announced that the flight was cancelled. We forced the Air France person to let our group back into the airport... good sob stories and excellent assertion of personalities!
We got in, slept on the floor again...... I am so tired. We have , in our group, an 86 year old woman, a veteran of the east Timor battles during the second World War, and they will not give her any comfortable place to be. She is travelling with her daughter. She is a beautiful woman with age that demands respect. I am disgusted with that company. She was forced to sleep on a seat last night......
I am in the Rainforest Lounge again.............. have booked a bed for tonight in case w are still here. I had a shower this morning. we were all the same and did not recognise any weird odours!
So folks......... I am ok. I have never been impacted on by a volcanic eruption before and I think it is amazing. AND I will get to Iceland and see it first hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait now..... then I will have stories to tell. Just gotta get to Paris. Then two of the people in this group are goign to Edinburgh too, so I will follow like a lost puppy.
Mobile phone is flat so am going to find a plug to charge it with today. thenwill text a few folks or you can call me .
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Blue DRagon
Am doing just one quick writing tonight before I lay me down to sleep....( next line??????)
Have just returned from dinner with Michael, of Blue Dragon Children's Foundation fame. I handed over to him the donations made by Roma Xiong from Campania and he was so pleased ... all things to do with education and helping the street kids are so welcome. What a difference some people can make in this world! He is certainly one of those people... besides that we had a great dinner too!
I also want to apologise for my seeming lack of spelling ability BUT the letters on this computer don't always work.... I am stopping in Singapore tomorrow for 7 hours.......................... guess how much a netbook costs in $AUD.......... cheaper than in Australia!!!! Did someone mention the fact that everyone needs a netbook?????
Have just returned from dinner with Michael, of Blue Dragon Children's Foundation fame. I handed over to him the donations made by Roma Xiong from Campania and he was so pleased ... all things to do with education and helping the street kids are so welcome. What a difference some people can make in this world! He is certainly one of those people... besides that we had a great dinner too!
I also want to apologise for my seeming lack of spelling ability BUT the letters on this computer don't always work.... I am stopping in Singapore tomorrow for 7 hours.......................... guess how much a netbook costs in $AUD.......... cheaper than in Australia!!!! Did someone mention the fact that everyone needs a netbook?????
Fabulous Halong Bay!
Halong Bay is more than awesome! I have just spent the last three days in an area of ethereal and sublime beauty. I need to explain it all but I will need to be quick as am off for dinner with Michael then early tomorrow morning off to Edinburgh.
On Monday I made the trip , via shuttle bus , to Halong Bay. Well, having waited for years to see this natural wonder, I was beside myself!!!! Listening to other people waffling about nothing, on the bus, was irritating as here we were , headed to a place of unbelievable beauty and they were talking about Australia!!!!!!!!!
Surviving the road in Vietnam is a miracle every time you get in or on a vehicle. Driving for three hours , we survivied every time there were three trucks abreast, headed towards us... we did not make any impact upon the pedestrians of Vietnam and we left all motorcycle riders safe to cause havoc the next day....... the whole trip was punctuated by Oh Gawd! Phew! AAaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!! and various other exclaimations from virgin passengers!
Halong Bay at last! I couldn't believe it. I think the whole world had turned out to meet me at Halong Bay. Besides being extremely gracious, all I could think of was..." I cam all this way for this!!!" What a waste!" The bay was littered with countless junks and like boats; people crowded the jetties, looking harrassed and frustrated... Vietnamese thronged forward with armloads of pearls, Vietcong hats and other tourist delights.......
Brave woman that I am, I meekly followed my captain down to a boat that would take me and the others out to our junk. I internalised my emotions and looked for all the wonders that would assault my senses!!! Out to the junk.....
The boat was great.... tiny cabins, ... will put up pics in a few days. There were twelve of us on board this boat and thousands on all the others......... I mean thousands. Halong Bay has 5000 visitors per day! And I didn't get lost.
I'll get on with the story cos waiting in port was not the most wonderful thing I have ever done.
We sailed away! there were two kinds of trips on board....... overnighters and those staying for two nights( me)
Will cut this short... the first part of the expedition was full of people people poeple talking ..... I hated it. We stoped to look at a cave...... 400 steps up this limestone monument... 3 huge caverns... one with a hugely shaped phallus which highly amused many of the males( shy giggles) . All hundreds of us marched up the steps , into the caverns then out the other side........ well , hey! Where was the atmosphere and the time to contemplate???? I was dissapointed........ back to the boat.
I won't go on but the quick, touristy , lets have a peek at Halong Bay is awful.
The limestone monuments rising straight out of the sea,towering over everything and thejade green sea lapping at the base.... this is why I was there. These ancient sedimentary rocks of 500million years ago had become a wonder of our world. That night we went to sleep, surrounded by huge limestone jaws... hidden from pirates who are known to lurk at times.
The next morning the one nighters left and then the real trip began... we had our own boat..... 5 of us and our own guide. We spent the day kayaking through various monuments, into limestone caverns .... we listened to the birds in the towers above... we saw monkeys.......... we had silence and it belonged to us for just a day....... it cause a huge surge of emotion just to be there..... I have never been a part of anything like Halong Bay...... The beauty of the sea and the areas we kayaked in to..... yes, truly awesome.
I am almost lost for words to describe this... it is always the geological age that catches me... how insignificant are we as humans, when compared to the forces of nature and her creations..... the eons taken to carve such works of art... the millenia needed to etch time upon the rock faces.... a wonder!
And now I am back in noisy noisy Hanoi.... scooters everywhere, noise noise and it is raining.
I will leave early tomorrow mornin. Will be a long 48 hours as I have a long stopover in Sinapore but am pondering about a netbook! Have some great pics and met some poeple who had vid cams and they are going to send me their stuff......... have a 12 hour flight from Singapore to Paris then on to Edinburgh.... probably won't be feeling like a barrell of laughs when I get there!
I can't believe my time is done in Vietnam... it has gone so quickly but I have done all I set out to do...............................
On Monday I made the trip , via shuttle bus , to Halong Bay. Well, having waited for years to see this natural wonder, I was beside myself!!!! Listening to other people waffling about nothing, on the bus, was irritating as here we were , headed to a place of unbelievable beauty and they were talking about Australia!!!!!!!!!
Surviving the road in Vietnam is a miracle every time you get in or on a vehicle. Driving for three hours , we survivied every time there were three trucks abreast, headed towards us... we did not make any impact upon the pedestrians of Vietnam and we left all motorcycle riders safe to cause havoc the next day....... the whole trip was punctuated by Oh Gawd! Phew! AAaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!! and various other exclaimations from virgin passengers!
Halong Bay at last! I couldn't believe it. I think the whole world had turned out to meet me at Halong Bay. Besides being extremely gracious, all I could think of was..." I cam all this way for this!!!" What a waste!" The bay was littered with countless junks and like boats; people crowded the jetties, looking harrassed and frustrated... Vietnamese thronged forward with armloads of pearls, Vietcong hats and other tourist delights.......
Brave woman that I am, I meekly followed my captain down to a boat that would take me and the others out to our junk. I internalised my emotions and looked for all the wonders that would assault my senses!!! Out to the junk.....
The boat was great.... tiny cabins, ... will put up pics in a few days. There were twelve of us on board this boat and thousands on all the others......... I mean thousands. Halong Bay has 5000 visitors per day! And I didn't get lost.
I'll get on with the story cos waiting in port was not the most wonderful thing I have ever done.
We sailed away! there were two kinds of trips on board....... overnighters and those staying for two nights( me)
Will cut this short... the first part of the expedition was full of people people poeple talking ..... I hated it. We stoped to look at a cave...... 400 steps up this limestone monument... 3 huge caverns... one with a hugely shaped phallus which highly amused many of the males( shy giggles) . All hundreds of us marched up the steps , into the caverns then out the other side........ well , hey! Where was the atmosphere and the time to contemplate???? I was dissapointed........ back to the boat.
I won't go on but the quick, touristy , lets have a peek at Halong Bay is awful.
The limestone monuments rising straight out of the sea,towering over everything and thejade green sea lapping at the base.... this is why I was there. These ancient sedimentary rocks of 500million years ago had become a wonder of our world. That night we went to sleep, surrounded by huge limestone jaws... hidden from pirates who are known to lurk at times.
The next morning the one nighters left and then the real trip began... we had our own boat..... 5 of us and our own guide. We spent the day kayaking through various monuments, into limestone caverns .... we listened to the birds in the towers above... we saw monkeys.......... we had silence and it belonged to us for just a day....... it cause a huge surge of emotion just to be there..... I have never been a part of anything like Halong Bay...... The beauty of the sea and the areas we kayaked in to..... yes, truly awesome.
I am almost lost for words to describe this... it is always the geological age that catches me... how insignificant are we as humans, when compared to the forces of nature and her creations..... the eons taken to carve such works of art... the millenia needed to etch time upon the rock faces.... a wonder!
And now I am back in noisy noisy Hanoi.... scooters everywhere, noise noise and it is raining.
I will leave early tomorrow mornin. Will be a long 48 hours as I have a long stopover in Sinapore but am pondering about a netbook! Have some great pics and met some poeple who had vid cams and they are going to send me their stuff......... have a 12 hour flight from Singapore to Paris then on to Edinburgh.... probably won't be feeling like a barrell of laughs when I get there!
I can't believe my time is done in Vietnam... it has gone so quickly but I have done all I set out to do...............................
Sunday, April 11, 2010
T'is wonderful.... I think I like this!
I woke at 4 a.m. to the sound of a woman screaming... in pain and terror. Really really screaming...... I tried to open my window... nothing. I am six floors up in a one room and a corridor wide hotel. I can't even see the ground of the alley and I look upon piles of rubbish heaped upon a rusting sagging roof. A board holds the iron down . I couldn't see a thing
The scream stopped and I heard laughter. 4 a.m. and this was my herald for the day.
The smog(fog) sits above Hanoi, covering any hint of actual sky and the humidity gathers strength as the day progresses, urging sweat to pour from my skin..... very bad hair day today.
I didn't want to do the Grand Tour of Hanoi with a group of tourists.... I am an individual.
With just tiny feelings of trepidation regarding the possibility of becoming a shadow of myself after a car has had its way with me... or ending up as a souvenir on the handlebars of a motorbike.... OR becoming a mere memory as I fade away among surging crowds...................... but I am brave so out I went.. into Hanoi. Well I went out into the Old Quarter anyway.
I sought support for my navigational skills from the porter who confidently informed me that it was impossible to get lost... I am a sucker for a cute face!
I went to the lake... Hoan Khiem Lake( I think that is it)..... Already the Tai CHi enthusiasts were out stretching and moving into the early morning. Strips of bubbling green covered the water, giving it a grasslike appearance in places but the reflection of the pagoda was magnificent........ peaceful and very serene.
There was some kind of youth dancing celebration on one side of the lake so I joined the throng... Glad to be the tallest person in the group cos I could block everyone else's view! I could see though..
A dear young man started walking alongside me. He inquired after my health( how thoughtful), then wondered if I might be lonely( how considerate) as I was walking alone. He was so polite ... asking where I was from.. these people are wonderful.. Yes??????? I smiled innocently at this man and informed him that he was so kind but my husband was joining me for coffee round the other side.... strangely enough he lost interest in me. I think it might have been only something akin to cupboard love.... but I did get over it!
Found the most important part of the Old Quarter................... the Silk Street. Had a little flutter there!!!!! Took ages................ I tried so hard not to give in!
This afternoon I have been at the Water Puppet Theatre... a most unusual form of entertainment but interesting and the cultural value was undeniable. It was loud and colourful.....................
Just got back a while ago...............
Off to Halong Bay tomorrow so try not to miss my comments too much........... Back on Wednesday afternoon. Will be having dinner with Michael........... Blue Dragon Children's Foundation and handing over the donations made by Roma........
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Hanoi ...... Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have just returned from a very very delicious feast at Cafe69 , just down the road from my hotel..... Hanoi Elegance Hotel 2. AND three huge mojitos!!!!! ( Much lip smacking is being done at this end!!!!!!) It is a year since I had had the enormous pleasure of a real mojito... the ones I made were never quite the same as those Made in Vietnam Mojitos!!!!!
Hanoi is huge!
That is an understatement........................
I am situated near to the Old Quarter of Hanoi and it is a busy area. Because I didn't get in until about 5 and as the fog( smog?) was quite dense , it was difficult to see too far outside of 100 metres off the road as we drove in. What I did see was wonderful... yet as I say this, I think of the number of people I have seen today and it makes me realise about how I am just one! That is all. As far as Hanoi is concerned, I don't even exist! This then brings to mind the idea that it is so vital to do all you can so that you ( the individual) lives a life that allows for peace of mind..... but I will not preach this evening... save that one for later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just wait til I come home and get each one of you alone...... Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quang Nai was wonderul and the people I met, worked with and talked with gave me an insight into the Vietnamese people. They were warm, fun and very very generous. Both Marg and myself were sorry to leave... by the way, Marg is Margaret Evans of Sister Cities Australia - national body dealing with such partnerships and the one who introduced Mr. Tap ( of Quang Ngai) and me( Campania)......
Anyway.... I have only flown and driven for three hours ( from Quang Ngai ) today and am stuffed! Tomorrow I will see Hanoi... well at least I will look and go to the Street of the Silk ( Hung Gai) and see about a few items ..... because I can!
The hotel is superb. Is so nice to have a computer in my room for my use only..... VG!
Would love to put up some pics but there is no connection on the HD for either USB or card so you are going to have to wait til I get to Edinburgh.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Le Kiet Selective High school
Only a little bit.......... If I write more the computer will chew it up and spit it out!
We met students of English from years 10,11,12 this morning... the girls were beautiful in their uniform of ao dai...all in white! The boys looking handsome in their shirt and trousers! They spoke excellent English - a credit to their teachers. It was wonderful - they sang for us and asked so many questions but we would have loved to have had longer.
Quang Ngai is an amazing place - cleaner than other places I have been - and we have eaten the best food. Today lunch with the Foreign Language Department at a little restaurant in one of the back streets. I had frog( feet and all) and fresh herbs , noodles.............. yummo! Now a nanna nap! Thena swim ... then off to farewell dinner tonight as we leave early tomorrow morning to catch the plane to Hanoi.... Marg will then join her trip and I will head off on my own adventure..........
This has been so good and there are many positives already from being in this city. A
Am not game to write any more cos computer says no................
More confidence with computer tomorrow in hanoi am hoping.................
Do I want another beer????????
We met students of English from years 10,11,12 this morning... the girls were beautiful in their uniform of ao dai...all in white! The boys looking handsome in their shirt and trousers! They spoke excellent English - a credit to their teachers. It was wonderful - they sang for us and asked so many questions but we would have loved to have had longer.
Quang Ngai is an amazing place - cleaner than other places I have been - and we have eaten the best food. Today lunch with the Foreign Language Department at a little restaurant in one of the back streets. I had frog( feet and all) and fresh herbs , noodles.............. yummo! Now a nanna nap! Thena swim ... then off to farewell dinner tonight as we leave early tomorrow morning to catch the plane to Hanoi.... Marg will then join her trip and I will head off on my own adventure..........
This has been so good and there are many positives already from being in this city. A
Am not game to write any more cos computer says no................
More confidence with computer tomorrow in hanoi am hoping.................
Do I want another beer????????
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Compter translation
Trying to get over the disastrous translations of yesterday! Vietnamese is a very difficult language to trnalsate. I am finding that the Vietnamese people have great difficulty in understadning us and the level at Which We develop Meaning and the implications of our language.
This computer took my Vietnamese words yesterday and threw them up in the air and came out with something that verb was NOT what I had said.
I begin again .......................
Spent Tuesday night at the Royal Hotel Danang. It was fine ..... Delivering Superb verb was comfortable and the breakfast !!!!! Very traditional Vietnamese food ........
Caught the train to Quang Ngai ... The Reunification Express ....
Arrived in Quang Ngai .... We Were not met by Mr. Tap! Something got lost in the translation and Was he waiting for us at the Central Hotel. ..... After the confidently Dismissal of all the taxi drivers, We had to call one back !!!!! mmmnnnnnn .............. much to their Amusement!
It was hot .. I was tired and ready to go They Were ...................
We went off to meet the teachers and school Vice Principal ................ Le Kiet has 1200 students and verb was named after a patriot who fought against the French. It has a wonderful history and this history is guarded by the school with pride ...
Besides being sweaty and tired and looking so adorable, We Were then taken, in a little mini-bus (all of us) to My Lai. Many of you Familiar with PS Would be what Happened to stand here amongst the beauty of the rice fields, with birds singing, the complete horror of what verb verb verb verb verb was perpetrated here Fully Was difficult to understand yet We did. There are the Foundations of the houses set amongst the fields and a large museam Dedicated to Completing the picture. I can not face the lack of Humanity Those that showed Americans. I have no understanding of the core of hate that Would allow one human being to massacre babies. I can not understand this. yet I felt compelled to apologise for the cruelties done to people .... 500 Arianple massacred in a morning, I wonder what Happened to Those men who did that? They are dead? They did suffer at all ever ..
Times up. The Compter is now carrying out its own version of what i am saying ......
This computer took my Vietnamese words yesterday and threw them up in the air and came out with something that verb was NOT what I had said.
I begin again .......................
Spent Tuesday night at the Royal Hotel Danang. It was fine ..... Delivering Superb verb was comfortable and the breakfast !!!!! Very traditional Vietnamese food ........
Caught the train to Quang Ngai ... The Reunification Express ....
Arrived in Quang Ngai .... We Were not met by Mr. Tap! Something got lost in the translation and Was he waiting for us at the Central Hotel. ..... After the confidently Dismissal of all the taxi drivers, We had to call one back !!!!! mmmnnnnnn .............. much to their Amusement!
It was hot .. I was tired and ready to go They Were ...................
We went off to meet the teachers and school Vice Principal ................ Le Kiet has 1200 students and verb was named after a patriot who fought against the French. It has a wonderful history and this history is guarded by the school with pride ...
Besides being sweaty and tired and looking so adorable, We Were then taken, in a little mini-bus (all of us) to My Lai. Many of you Familiar with PS Would be what Happened to stand here amongst the beauty of the rice fields, with birds singing, the complete horror of what verb verb verb verb verb was perpetrated here Fully Was difficult to understand yet We did. There are the Foundations of the houses set amongst the fields and a large museam Dedicated to Completing the picture. I can not face the lack of Humanity Those that showed Americans. I have no understanding of the core of hate that Would allow one human being to massacre babies. I can not understand this. yet I felt compelled to apologise for the cruelties done to people .... 500 Arianple massacred in a morning, I wonder what Happened to Those men who did that? They are dead? They did suffer at all ever ..
Times up. The Compter is now carrying out its own version of what i am saying ......
International TRain Trip not be missed!!!!
International Great Train Journeys of the World ........ Da Nang to Quang Ngai! Armed with nothing But A bursting at the seams case, a backpakc full of joy and a new beaut for someone no one can steal my bag bag .... Marg and I cuaght the train ... The Reunification Express! It was an Experience. We Were the Ones only on the train who could understand us sufficiently. We looked like Frotunately Delicate flowers from a man (who had given us at the station Assistance) put up our Cases. Interestingly, he came up to chest ... and no Further. The case Racks Were as high as another head on me ...... Between the contest height, strength and balance the pen Was Interesting Cases soon rested on the rack.
The journey began ...
Sleep, as the Vietnamese people traiun travels. Looking beyond all the seats I could see Was an ocean of gaping mouths, playing the olfactory opera again!
Was the country side full of eucalypts and the rice paddies.
Quang Ngai ................ PS it is a huge step platform. beinmg resourceful and tenacious, Was nothing going to impede our progress to the Actual station. A little hiccup in the form of feet in the aisle way and bottoms int he meant nothing ... We ploughed on! the way meant nothing ... We ploughed on, Leaving a swaithe of injuries in our wake !!!!!
I ahve to give up on this computer as it is rewriting all Tiếng Việt broken into my work!ve to give up on this computer as it is rewriting Tiếng Việt broken into all my work!
We got here to the Hotelhave been to le Kiet Central High School .... We have been feasted and toasted. Will write a better story tomorrow night on the computer regarding the My Lai Sorrow and horror. I want to tell you about My Immaculate Beach Where We went for a feast Seafood ............. then into town to a cafe ................... not giving away all info.
Early start tomorrow. Picked up at 7.50a.m. and going to talk to students at Immaculate High School Le then who Knows ??????? It is a truly beautiful place to be.
The journey began ...
Sleep, as the Vietnamese people traiun travels. Looking beyond all the seats I could see Was an ocean of gaping mouths, playing the olfactory opera again!
Was the country side full of eucalypts and the rice paddies.
Quang Ngai ................ PS it is a huge step platform. beinmg resourceful and tenacious, Was nothing going to impede our progress to the Actual station. A little hiccup in the form of feet in the aisle way and bottoms int he meant nothing ... We ploughed on! the way meant nothing ... We ploughed on, Leaving a swaithe of injuries in our wake !!!!!
I ahve to give up on this computer as it is rewriting all Tiếng Việt broken into my work!ve to give up on this computer as it is rewriting Tiếng Việt broken into all my work!
We got here to the Hotelhave been to le Kiet Central High School .... We have been feasted and toasted. Will write a better story tomorrow night on the computer regarding the My Lai Sorrow and horror. I want to tell you about My Immaculate Beach Where We went for a feast Seafood ............. then into town to a cafe ................... not giving away all info.
Early start tomorrow. Picked up at 7.50a.m. and going to talk to students at Immaculate High School Le then who Knows ??????? It is a truly beautiful place to be.
Monday, April 5, 2010
In TRansit at Changi Airport.
I felt slightly zombie like last night as I meandered through a very crowded airport trying to make sense of where the arrows really were pointing. I couldn't find the Transit Hotel but I did find the kids playground and Happy Jacks. Very exciting.... but I left!
Singapore Airport is huge and has a whole terminal dedicated to transit people. I stayed in a slumberette - a half walled area, like a dormitory with modern slats for walls. The gentle nasal music of comatose travellers soothed my soul which woke occasionally during the night as a particular crescendo in the Olfactory Operetta was attained.............. so here I am at 5 in the morning. I solved the problem of my little Thai friend and eliminated him from my cyber world, together with his less than inspiring bits and pieces( and I have pictures to prove).
Out and about soon.... DaNang this evening after being in Ho Chi Minh this afternoon....
Quang Ngai tomorrow.
Singapore Airport is huge and has a whole terminal dedicated to transit people. I stayed in a slumberette - a half walled area, like a dormitory with modern slats for walls. The gentle nasal music of comatose travellers soothed my soul which woke occasionally during the night as a particular crescendo in the Olfactory Operetta was attained.............. so here I am at 5 in the morning. I solved the problem of my little Thai friend and eliminated him from my cyber world, together with his less than inspiring bits and pieces( and I have pictures to prove).
Out and about soon.... DaNang this evening after being in Ho Chi Minh this afternoon....
Quang Ngai tomorrow.
Blog Infiltration by Unknown Man
Unfortunately , for those of you who have become my followers, I gained an extra little man ( or a photo at least). I felt that what he wanted to show the world was not appropriate and probably showed him up for the small man he was. Consequently I am not displaying followers atm.
Am in Singapore and feeling a bit spongey . I think Qantas Airways have become tighter with their attitude to how much space can a normal malnourished human being occupy? Some of us fall outside these bounds!
I have found a lounge where I will sleep and such. Its late and I have a full on urge to buy a netbook...................... but I can't find them. The morning will bring a whole new view of the world I think.
Just wanted to apologise for the little Thai man and his contribution!
Am in Singapore and feeling a bit spongey . I think Qantas Airways have become tighter with their attitude to how much space can a normal malnourished human being occupy? Some of us fall outside these bounds!
I have found a lounge where I will sleep and such. Its late and I have a full on urge to buy a netbook...................... but I can't find them. The morning will bring a whole new view of the world I think.
Just wanted to apologise for the little Thai man and his contribution!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Seems a bit of a trip and I haven't even started. Do you know how hard it is to even begin to think about what you need? I have all this anticipation about what it will all be like and yet I really don't know a thing!
So the case gets filled............... and stuff gets thrown out!
Roma.... you will be giving so many kids so much ! I forgot the books you made though... maybe we can send them later. Cheers to my Grade Ten Class at Campania District High.... maybe one day you will do the travelling too!
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