Groatie's Galavant

'Oh I do love reading your blog!'

2008-12-09T20:57:00.003+03:00

Ok so 1 week turns into 1 month but it's not like I have been idle or anything. I am in a foreign country and am extremely busy!

But a promise is a promise and I have yet again let you down. Well let my Dad down, seems he enjoys his random blogger update.

There is just this one little niggly thing that has been bugging me though. The popularity and hype associated with blogs these days. I just annoys me. And is the main reason I have not written a post in a little while. Blogs have become a bit too trendy and there seems to be one too many self appointed literary critics out there that want to read your post and then rip it to shreds like it is a high school essay with them the head of the English department.

I started a blog way back whenever it was as a way to communicate with may family and friends where I was in the world and what I was up to. Heaps easier than a group email because those who care and want to read it will. It seems now people around me are more worried about the spelling mistakes or a particular analogy being 'so third grade' that I think they actually forget to read the post content. When will people realise that blogs are just another product of our societies inability to personally communicate with each other and stop treating them like a literary piece waiting to be edited. And in the end if they don't like a persons blog and its content...then they shouldn't read it!

These are my words
These my ideas
This is what I have been up to
This is my blog

If I wanted to be a writer I wouldn't have studied nursing

Peace x

lessons learned

2008-11-06T09:47:00.003+03:00

Week two and it's probably time for an update. Especially after my last correspondence was a little dark and stormy. I never know what will become of the post when I set out to write it. And it's always dictated by the mood I am in when I sit down at the computer. Here we go again...

What I have learnt over the last week is that I can't expect anything. Especially from myself. I cannot make assumptions. I have to be willing to ride the wave until the very end. That is after all why I am back here in this very situation. It is lessons like these that I would like to take with me long after I have left the dusty confines of Sinon. What is... is. Take it, experience it, deal with it and move on.

I would like to think that I personally am my only constant. This would indicate to me a sense of control in my life. But at the moment it would seem that I have relinquished that role to my beloved... I am so very lucky and grateful to have him here with me. But my mind. It plays tricks on me. As I process it all and move throughout my day I can go from bright and cheery to dark and gloomy in a matter of moments, for no apparent reason at all. I don't trust myself and find it difficult to be in control.

I'm trying to read, write and take time out for myself but this has led me to be a little self absorbed. Maybe all of my daily woes would be less significant if I concentrated on something other than me... *light bulb moment*

Till next week and hopefully something a little more inspired....

H x

silent ramblings

2008-10-30T11:40:00.002+03:00

Something may have happened... or maybe my family have fallen off the face of the earth. Either way they are officially dumped. Just letting you know.

Moving on...

I'm not sure what to write. I feel sick in the tummy. Not sure what it is. 1 week back into it. I have not assumed all of the same duties as I was earlier this year - thank goodness. I have learnt never to over extend and always say yes. I have decided on a few smaller projects to fill my time here but just can't seem to find energy to commence them. I did some painting this morning. Is it lunch already. The vollage is a building site. So much noise. No quiet. No room in which to work in to escape the constant conversation and chatter in the office. How does any work get done. I miss my old bedroom. Everything is different. I knew it would be. But I was silly to think that I was prepared for it. How can you really prepare for the unknown.

Mamas are good. Kiddies are good. Same old there. Just not feeling it yet.

My new roomie Eve has the most divine singing voice. I only discovered it last night but I'm sure she will grow tired of me asking her to sing for me before the week is out.

Power out last night. Hope we don't get too many of them in the coming weeks.

Supposed to go to a halloween party on fri night. The ex-pat community generally make me sick. Things you do to keep the peace.

It's gotta be lunch time...

Update - Back in Sinon

2008-10-24T15:41:00.003+03:00

We made it to Arusha with all the usual drama that international travel brings. Sleep deprived, hungry, smelly and minus one bag (my bag 'lost' en route) we were greeted by the familiar and friendly face of Shona.

First impression being back - Tanzania is not the scary place I had prepared myself for. Actually not scary at all!. I am taking appropriate steps in the name of self preservation to make sure I am not in a situation that I might find difficult but thus far an relieved that the country and people I fell in love with 10 months ago still exists.

First day back in Sinon - The Mamas almost knocked me out as they competed for cuddles and kisses as I arrived. A lovely welcome. The kiddies a little shy initially but smiled wide when I bent down to give each of them each a personal cuddle and a hello. 2 actors shooting a mini-series locally with BBC led the Mama meeting with games yesterday afternoon. One of them Bruce was in 'the Office'. Apparently famous, I didn't recognise either of them. They joined us and the other volunteers at the local pub after Mama meeting where Nick and I caught up on the news from the last few months over a Tuska Baridi (cold beer). We caught a cab back into town and stayed the night at a hostel.

Today we are moving back into the community of Sinon. I feel like this is where I want to be and can go stay in town at any time if I choose. We are staying with other fws volunteers at Edmond Rice volunteer accommodation (called Mshomba) down the road from fws volunteer village (now dubbed the 'vollage') and will stay here for a couple of weeks until the new security system is finished at the vollage.

So much to tell but this will have to do for now...will write again soon I promise...

Happy Bday Kez!!!!!

xxx

Fear

2008-10-16T03:51:00.003+03:00

So everything went to poo after my last post...Not really worth regaling the events. If you know me then you will already know. Suffice to say that it was just one of those things. To some it might seem that I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I wasn't. Quite the contrary in fact. I was certainly in the right place... A place where I knew that I was completely useful and unique. There was not one person at that time that could offer what I could to that community. Egocentric thing to say but honestly that was my pay off. I was in my element. I had purpose.

And the timing...couldn't have been any better. For so many reason.

I knew leaving at the end of the year would be difficult. Having to leave early did sour things somewhat but I can't say that I wasn't expecting to feel what I am now. What I wasn't expecting is a fear of returning. I am angry at those men for everything that they have done. For taking Darren and everything that went along with him. For taking me away from a community that needs me just as much as I need them. For disrupting my sleep and violently helping themselves to those that I adore most in my world. I am angry at those men for the fear that I now have within me.

I have been told I am brave for going back. I think it would be more difficult not to.

Tanzania is no more or less dangerous than the country I currently reside. And an email I received this morning from a Tanzanian employee and friend at Kesho Leo is a timely reminder of that.

I will be back in Tanzania this time next week. I don't want to be afraid anymore.

The sweet gift of time

2008-06-14T10:18:00.003+03:00

A cold Saturday morning here in the village. Deciding last week in an attempt restore the balance between work and play that Saturdays will be a 'no work day'. But what does one do with this new gift of time? All I have managed to do this morning is sleep in till 8am, attempt to stomach unpalatable porridge when there is no milk left (the gods punishing me for sleeping in), check my emails - no one loves me, and now suffering the fate of my third cup of tea this morning. Honestly!

So with nothing better to do I am compelled to write... I am almost certain that no one views this blog, and that suits me. I like the idea of writing publicly for no one in particular. But what to report? There is so much to tell. So many stories. There is so much happening every day that I don't know where to start. Maybe the quandary for every avid blogger. I am not much of a story teller and historically my blog could be viewed as petty ramblings, the mental inner workings of a traveling nurse. Nothing has changed. My mind still functions primarily with emotion. Feelings before thought. This is how it has always been...

So the comment I hear most is 'it must be so hard over there'. And to be honest I have to reply 'No, it really isn't that hard!'. Certainly challenging at times, but the image of a skeletal, fly blown, sad child's face that some of the aid agencies use to help you part with your money does not really exist here, well not to the extent that one might think. Sure there is people living without access to clean water or food. Without access to a health care (and even the ones that do this service continues to fail them-but that's another post). But on a whole I would have to say that the local people I meet everyday are generally happy. Happy with their lives, happy with their families and content with what they have. For sure they have to struggle at times to make ends meet but who doesn't. Most don't know any different. I'm not saying that they don't deserve a better life. They do just as much as anyone. I'm just saying that it is not 'hard' to interact with local people who are generally happy and consider themselves fortunate to have what they have.

The most difficult element to this year so far for me would have to be living with the people you work with. You never escape them. You can never have a bad day at the office without it spilling into a bad evening at home. You go to bed tense and wake with sore shoulders and a stiff neck only to have to face it again over breakfast. I don't mean to whine. The other volunteers are mostly decent people. It's just that the smallest of things can never be aired, never be shared with friends or your partner over dinner. It just sits there, unprocessed and unresolved. Festering in the nucleus of your mind waiting for an opportune (or inopportune) moment to burst free from the cell membrane. Hoping to self that when it does- and it always does, the carnage will be slight leaving very little trail of debris for damage control to sweep up.

Maybe this blog will become the play ground for the impending massacre. Pole (sorry) in advance.

So it's 1145am and I have effectively wasted a morning. Not feeling entirely rested or ready to tackle another week of work. I might go read a book in bed and wait for my beloveds return.

Till next Saturday...

I've been slack

2008-01-10T04:32:00.000+03:00

Ok I have not used this blog for a while and I'm not too sure if anyone even checks it anymore but I thought I should pen a quick post...

Nick has already detailed the dramas leaving home and our first couple of days in Thailand on his blog so no need to go there.

In Doha airport for our mammoth 21hr stopover. Nearing our final few hours. Jet lag hit me hard today. Nausea added to a fatigue I am all to familiar with after regular night duties. An influx of what felt like 1000s of people to our quiet, friendly airport terminal at around midnight added an interesting and unexpected element to the experience. Did our best to sleep it off on stone cold tiled floors, bright fluro lights beaming against crisp white surfaces and arctic temperatures thanks to a super efficient air-con system.

It's not been all bad though. Another one of those random once in a lifetimes. I can't help but think of Tom Hanks character in that movie 'The Terminal'. As if I can remember his name. But as the hours pass I feel like I know this place better than anywhere else I've ever been. There is a phone ringing (sector 7G I would say) at the moment and Nick has just turned to me to ask if I was going to get it... Quite a fitting question for what I was writing at the time...

Anyway looking forward to our final flight for this chapter of the journey. Departs 9am. 7ish hour flight. Arriving 2.20pm Nairobi then the 5.30pm Precision air flight to Tanzania where we hopefully will meet Shona and the rest of the FWS team for a 45min trip in the ute to 'Kesho Leo'-the children's village we will call home for the next 12ish months. Phew! Well that is all working on the premise that we gain entry into firstly Kenya then Tanzania. We have not pre- arranged our visas and hoping we can get them at the airport. We don't like things to be too easy. Crossing fingers. But I guess if we are not granted visas than I'll be seeing y'all in a few days!!

We'll just have to wait and see...

Leaving on a jet plane...

2006-11-08T15:19:00.000+03:00

My bags are packed, Im ready to go. We're sitting here in Kolkata international airport... I love that song.

I don't have too much to say. My head is filled with excitement and anticipation for my return home, so not much in the mood for reflection just yet. I might write again when I get there just so you guys in Syd know that I'm safe but apart from that not too sure if I have a need to keep this blog anymore. I may write from time to time when/if I travel more. But will hopefully have more time to email again so drop me a line if you want to communicate.

We are on the 1150pm flight from Kolkata to Singapore then a 655am to Brisbane, just incase our plane goes down you will know whether to grieve or not.

Its the final countdown...so close I can almost taste the BBQ meat.

See you soon xxxx

Sick in Sikkim

2006-11-05T08:11:00.000+03:00

Was taken out of action again for a good 48hours. Couldn't even keep water down. Weather it was a bug or reaction to food it eventually passed and let me finally take some sights of Gangtok.

Nice little town nestled on a big hill. Had amazing views of Mt Kangdangzong somethingerather....3rd highest mountain in the world. Something very humbling about being amongst such natural greatness (and Im not referring to you this time, Nick darling ;->) Wont bore you with all the details but will say for the first time in what feels like ages I am starting to really enjoy myself again. Weather it's due to the fact that our trip is nearly over or maybe I am finally getting used to India...not sure. The region of Sikkim is a wonderful melting pot of people. Close boarders to Tibet China, Nepal and Butan (and Bangladesh bit further away), reflect its mix of residents. And they are so friendly. Men hardly stare and the women smile and say hello to me in the street. The youths dress like 'westerners' so I could finally wear a pair of jeans and a singlet and it appeared that most children went to school...7days a week! There were a couple of western style cafes so once I was eating again was able to reline my guts with a burger and a milkshake! If I even think about a plate of dal, rice and butter nann my stomach turns.

So that's me. Happy, healthier and high (geographically speaking). Nick on the other hand not so well... It seems old iron guts has found his match. Not sure what it was this time but it is now his turn to be nursed back to health. Unfortunately it coincided with our booked Jeep back to Silguri (where we are now) so he spent most of the trip hanging out the window as his body repelled everything he put into it the 24hours before. Not much fun but we managed to check into a decent hotel with running hot water and clean linen (insisted by the nurse) and he is doing much better today.

Well best be going...its the final of the cricket today and as per Nicks request we have a TV in our room so might go get some snacks...bananas, water and dry crackers and settle in for a relaxing afternoon.

4 more sleeps!!!!!!!!!!!!

Third time lucky

2006-10-29T07:59:00.000+03:00

ok...this is the third time I have tried to write something. The server keeps dropping out and I lose everything so I'll keep this short.

Taj Mahal was poo. Totally overrated.

30 hour train trip was not too bad despite having an upset stomach the whole journey.

Got to Darjeeling safely. Had pretty high expectations after what I had read about the region and was a little disappointed at first but a semi-good night sleep (only woke 3-4 times with the traffic, lady next door vomiting, dogs barking and the call to prayer finally around 6am) made all the difference and I woke fresh and ready to make the most out of a seemingly bad situation.

We spent the day wandering around town. Went to 'Happy Valley Tea Plantation' and had a look around and sampled some tea. Yeah I forgot to mention I am a tea drinker since living in London. Have not had a coffee in months. I've been converted.

Anyway had a nice long walk to the top of town to observation hill. Was absolutely wonderful. Little monkeys everywhere. Heaps of baby ones too which were way cute. At the top was a joint Hindu, Buddhist temple. Prayer flags everywhere. So colorful. I left feeling completely energized and excited to be traveling again, exploring and discovering new things.

We were going to go to Tiger Hill this morning at 4am to watch the sunrise but switched the alarm off and enjoyed a nice sleep-in instead. Might go tomorrow morning. Before we head further north into Gangtok, Sikkim. We need a permit to cross into the region so hopefully that all goes ok tomorrow morning when the magistrates office opens.

that's about all for now. Think Nick has put more photos up. You can open the link from his blogspot 'hoist-the-spinnaker' on the right.

xxx

Still safe...

2006-10-24T16:45:00.000+03:00

Back in Delhi after 2 great nights in Amritsar. People were so friendly and helpful. Not sure if it was the Golden Temple or the Diwali celebrations that drew many Indian (and Western) tourists to the area, but it was a lovely mix of people.

We have caught a couple of trains now despite rip off tour agents telling us they were unsafe...There are just as many thieves at the bus stations (and in the tourist agents office for that matter). The thing I do find most confronting about the public transport is the seeing the 'real face' of India and the conditions of which many Indians have to live in. I hate seeing it...But I know I have to, otherwise I could continue denying their existence. I cant begin to describe. Almost have to see to believe. The amount of severely deformed people is one that I never anticipated. As a Nurse I know that for these people, managing day to day tasks like eating and toileting would most difficult and then throw in the conditions in which they live (ie:pedestrian strip on the side of the road with a piece of wood to slide around on so as they don't scrape their ass on the ground as they try to move down the street), it would be near impossible. But they manage. For sure their are some that are conns and you see them sliding around, begging for money then walk off 5 minutes later... Im not talking about those. I saw one man in particular in Jammu...his upper torso twisted 90 degrees to the right of his lower body (if that makes sense) and legs curled under him. Like some form of cystic fibrosis. I do not know how he could breath. His lung capacity drastically reduced with the lack of flexibility of his intercostal muscles or I should say ribcage. I know I might be going on about it but its senarios like these that I am seeing every day that blow my mind. There is so much to take in that I don't know what to do with it all at the moment. I want to help them all but know that this is impossible. I give money or fruit to some kids begging for money only to have what feels like a thousand more see you do this and ask for some too. It is so hard to say no. And I am left with a horrible feeling of guilt for the rest of the day. I then take out my frustrations on poor Nick...Who is dealing with the same issues but has been in similar before and knows what I am going through. His patience with me is what keeps me going. I think I have told him every day for two weeks that I am ready to go home today...He knows I am not though.

So yeah...that feels a bit better. As I was saying am in Delhi again tonight. Off to Agra (Taj Mahal) at 6am tomorrow then back to Delhi at midnight. We have a train booked for 6 am the following morning to Darjeeling, so we might go sit at the train station with the homeless Indians. See if I can get a better understanding of how they do it everyday of their lives.

And we are safe. Will write again as soon as we can.

Love and hugs xxxxx....and see you soon! Yay!

Just a quickie

2006-10-23T08:44:00.000+03:00

to let you know I am safe. I just wrote a post but this stupid computer died right before I got to publish it.

Made it out of Kashmir ok. Security tight at the airport. Think I went through 5 X-ray machines and 4 body pat downs. They went through my entire handbag and I nearly lost the good ol' Vaseline until I put it on my lips to prove that I really was just lip jelly.

We had just got to altitude when the seat belt sign came on for decent. Very quick flight. After we arrived in Jammu I spent the rest of the day in the bathroom as my body rejected everything I tried to put into it. Nick put me up in a flashy CLEAN hotel and held my hair back as I was sick. What a sweetie. It was also Diwali (Hindu festival) so the noise of firecrackers (not to be mistaken for bombs) filled the air all night. An experience I don't think will be soon forgotten.

Got the train on Sunday to Amiritsar, home to the Golden Temple. Sikhs (turbans) everywhere. Very friendly group of people so far. Going to a boarder (Paki-India) ceremony this afternoon so that should be different. Heading back to Delhi tomorrow morn before we make our way to Agra- home of the Taj Mahal. Very much looking forward to that.

Much Love xxx

Traveling aint meant to be easy...

2006-10-20T13:30:00.000+03:00

...But that's half the fun. Its not until I reflect on what we have done over the last week that I start to appreciate it.

Finally over the Manali-Leh experience and as you no doubt can tell I am still alive! Trip from Leh to Srinigar took two days with an overnight stop at Kargil. Spent half of the trip with my face in my hands hunched up in a fetus position as I was convinced we were going to go over the edge of the very narrow one lane passes. But we didn't, and we made it. The next worry was the very big military presence here. Army everywhere. Machine guns on every corner. Big mog trucks driving past filled with masked men and mounted machine guns. I just keep telling myself that if I keep out of their way they will keep out of mine and its working well so far. Very few tourists in Shrinigar so got a fairly good deal on a house boat on Dal lake. Gorgeous. Been there two days but feels like two weeks. It seems the lovely family we are staying with have it in their head that we are filthy rich and want to leave Kashmir with every possible souvenir from the area. Even the father took us to a carpet factory yesterday during a sightseeing tour that we had paid the man good money show us around town. He still wont give up on Nick 'why you not buy a carpet?...Very good investment...'' Cant really blame them though...We are probably the last source of income they will get till next summers tourists. Its a strange feeling knowing that they will never have opportunities to things that I have back home. Watching discovery channel last night, a show on mega structures being built in Vegas or something and one of the eldest sons was fascinated saying he had never seen a big building like that before. To me it was just another skyscraper but was strange to think that this young man may go his whole life and never see a skyscraper in a big city.

I am becoming more and more aware of how fortunate I am to have the opportunities I do.

Anyway, on the main land today for some time out from the family. I swear if we allowed them to sleep in our bed they would. Its been steadily raining all day and night so they bus trip we had planned for the morning to Jammu looks sketchy. I read in my guide that the hilly road is prone to landslides too so started to get a bit worried that we may get stuck here. Its Friday today, coming to the end of Ramadan so half the town is praying at the Mosque but we finally found a travel agent who was open and had power so was able to advise us of our options. We have now booked a flight for tomorrow out of Shrinigar to Jammu where we will get a bus or train to Amiritsa. It was not too much more that a private Jeep would have cost us anyway and much less trouble so I am relieved.

Well this post is getting longish and I never read long posts so doubt anyone will read this but if you are good on you and thank you.

India pics here

Peace, love and mungbeans babes xxxx

Still alive....just!

2006-10-16T13:31:00.000+03:00

Where to begin?...Am just getting over the whole 17hr jeep trip from Manali to Leh. To explain briefly our driver who appeared off his face knew two speeds....Mega fast and stopped. Screaming along bumpy land and around sheer cliffs as high as 5000m. Driver kept taking his eyes off the road to fiddle with the tape deck (still cant get the Bollywood tunes out of my head) and to dig in his pockets for some kind of white sherbert he seemed so fond of. It took me ten minutes of being in the car to realise that it was very likely that I may die today. I found out later that Nick was having the same thoughts. We both suffered with the altitude, Nick vomiting in his cap and me experiencing a very acute and extreme agitation that Im glad didn't last very long. I wasn't hallucinating rather envisioning or daydreaming about me punching through the windows of the jeep...very strange. Our faces and hands went a patchy shade of blue with the lack of oxygen in our bodies. We couldn't stomach any food or water so we didn't eat or drink. But we did arrive in Leh...we may have been bruised, dusty, hungry, tired and thirsty but we were alive and thankful for it. Looking back (and it was only two days ago) I can smile about it but I swear it was the single most trying experience of my life.

Well that was then and moving right along tomorrow we embark on another 'journey into the unknown' as we make our way to Shrinigar. The Kashmir region boarders with Pakistan so expecting a big military presence and more Muslims. Leh being part of the Himalayas there is a really nice Tibetan influence. Mostly Buddhists and a few Muslims. And the food...best chow-mien ever. Tibetan looking kids everywhere, I just want to take one home with me. And there is something beautiful about the older Tibetans, they have the happiest wrinkly faces. They laugh and smile as they try to sell you something and all I want to do is give them a big cuddle, they are so cute. Leh has turned out to be a really worthwhile experience.

Oh well must go pack. Please pray for our safe journey to Shrinigar, I don't know if I can handle another Jeep from hell experience and we will be in contact again when we get there.

If you don't hear from me by the end of the week...Im probably dead. 'Just a little Finish humor' hey Allie ;-)

Love and hugs xx

p.s. think Nick had put more pics up and comments too...see link on post below.

Leh

2006-10-14T09:09:00.000+03:00

Just a quick one to let you know we made it to Leh safely. One of the scariest and toughest experiences of my life, but I will tell you about it later.

Had some snow this morning, which kinda made up for it.

Some pictures of Dehli and Manali at:

http://lucas.intercate.net/gallery/India

Will write when I have a chance

xxx

Get it INDIA!

2006-10-08T17:16:00.000+03:00

Ok...I know its been ages since mylast post, and heaps has happened since but that will all have to wait...

As the title sugestes Im in INDIA!!!!!!!!!!

Arrived in Dehli this morning after a long flight which would not have ben so bad except we both had throbing hangovers from a big last night out in London (thanks Allie and Steve ;->). We found a taxi to take us into the main bazzar which you think would be an easy request except it seems every man and his rickshaw wanted to take us somewhere 'safer' and 'better for lady'. I have heard the traffic was hetic but I dont think I have ever been so scared in my whole life as our taxi driver negotiated his way through what felt like a demolition darby. Suddenly from nowhere there was another man sitting in the front seat who had now asumed a role as our 'tourist guide' asking all types of personal questions of Nick who was answering true to his form, calmly and politely. This put me slightly at ease but I still would not make eye contact with the men or answer any of their questions with more than a yes or no. Two motor rickshaws and a brief walk (such a long story) we found ourselves out the front of a hotel in the main bazaar. Hot and tired we checked in and as we entred our room (which is more like a concrete prison cell) I swore to Nick that I had seen enough of India and I was ready to go home.

After a very much needed sleep, I woke with a face full of congestion (realy dusty place) and a sandpaper sore throat. Equipt with a little more knowledge from my lonley planet book (finding out that an Australian girl was killed 2 years ago by a taxi driver, making the same journey from the airport to main bazar as I had just done!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks for keeping that one quiet Nicholas!) I decided that I was not going to let a few million people, random stray cows and a bazaar ful of beautiful saris scare me, so off we went in search of food.

A good sleep and think had put everything into perspective and for the first time today I was excited to be here. So crazy. So much to tell. Had macaroni and chese for dinner (very Indian I know). Have been followed for about an hour by a man selling backgamon sets. At first we were interested and then remembered that we cant bring wood back into Aus, so he went away only to come back 10 mins later with a set made out of stone...no thanks....then again later with one made of camel skin...no thanks. I think I keep saying no just to see what he comes up with next. There is a plethora of beautiful fabrics and I am tempted to trow away all my clothes just so I can bring some home.

We are headed north to Manali tomorrow. Less crazy and sounds very picturesque. Cooler too. Dont know how I am going to cope with long pants and long sleves for a month in 35 deg heat.

By the way does anyone know if cows can kick?. I am a little cautious of the ones on the streets.

As I recall saying to Allie, I wanted to go to India for a culture shock...I dont think I fully understood what that meant. I am here to be challanged and I dont think I wil be disappointed.

I promised my Dad I will write more frequently so you all know we are safe.

Love you all and miss you heaps. Will be home very soon xxxxxx

Italy

2006-09-12T18:27:00.000+03:00

I have just returned from a long and exhausting day out in Italy. I was so inspired that I had to write a post, even if it does cost 4 euro/hour for this slow internet terminal at my camp site.

Italy! I love it. I guess I had no expectations and I came here with plans just to see what I bump into. After Florence (which I thouroughly enjoyed) we headed across to Rome. OMG Rome is awesome. Dirty and busy but amazing.

Have done a few of the touristy things...Colloseum...Trivi Fountain...Centre of Rome (where all roads lead to!)...Sistine Chapel...ruins ect. And they were all fantastic. Mind blowing even. We had a lovely alfresco dinner last night complete with Chainti (Italian red). Antipasti and ravioli...yum. There was an accordian duet as our background music and our little Italian feast would have not been complete without a generous serve of gelati.

The only thing missing was Nick :-(

It was seriously the best moment of my Contiki travels so far.

Everyone seems to be getting sick. One of our group is in ICU back in France! Long story, will save it for another time. But anyway I bought some mutivitamins today and I have not been going out every night like much of the group so hopefully it misses me. Other than being tired I am well.

We have a free day tomorrow, our first day to do absolutely nothing. I might sit by the pool. Tought life isnt it!

I miss you all terribly. My favourite tune this trip and the song I listen to nearly every morning and night...Home by Michael Buble. Listen to the words next time you hear it. It is precicly how I feel.

Love to you all xxxx

On Contiki

2006-09-10T15:50:00.000+03:00

So much has happened since my last post...where to begin????

After a very sad farwell to my Nicholas in Prague I made my way back to London. Good to see Allie and Steve again. Their new place is very nice. I also got a chance to catch up with Jenise (old school friend) and had a really nice day together shopping in Oxford Circus. I washed my clothes, repacked my bag and set off on my Contiki tour.

Contiki kinda what I expected. Dont have time right now to go into all the details but I will say that it took me a few days of convincing myself that I really did want to be here before I started to enjoy myself.

Started in France...did Paris and the east coast. Eifle tower and all the touristy thing that you do there. Headed down to Spain...Barcelona and Pampalona. I quite liked Barcelona. Vey hot. Then back up to France...Nice. Went into Monaco Monte Carlo one night. That was a pretty cool experience. I won 60 euro in the Casino so left France a happy little vegimite. In Italy now. Still lovely and hot. Florence is absolutely gorgeous. My favourite so far.

So many stories form each little place but I wont bore you with them now. Just wanted to let everyone know I am safe and well.

Booked flights today too. Looks like I will be home on the 9th of November. Looking forward to seeing you all.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Souvlakis (yum) to Czech Republic

2006-08-27T22:51:00.000+03:00

Slovakia was ordinary. We struggled to find anything Slovakian to take photos of so it got a bit silly. Nick has put a few on his gallery if you are interested. The best thing about Slovakia I think was that I cant say it out loud properly and always end up saying 'souvlaki'...yum Souvlaki...Greek style with tzaziki!!! Anyway Nick thought it was funny.

From Slovakia we took the overnight train to Czech Republic and about 12hours later found our way into a small town Cesky Krumlov. Was such a cute little town along a river with a big castle in the centre. After 10weeks traveling I am starting to become difficult to impress. Unfortunately we didn't take as many pictures as we should have. It really was a special little place. Despite our lack luster we did manager to find an underground bowling alley. It charged by the hour so 1 hour later we had 5 games under our belt. I have never bowled so hard in my life. I am a little embarrassed to say that I still have a sore forearm (apparently I should have warmed up!). We spent 2 nights at Cesky and caught a bus to Prague.

So here I am, In Prague. I have been dreading this moment. Don't get me wrong it is a gorgeous city. The architecture and the Bohemian charm is very pleasant. I just didn't ever want to get here because this is where Nick and I go our separate ways. Its been cold and rainy but we did manage to get some sight seeing in today. Tomorrow will be the last day of our little Eastern European trip together. Few last minute things still to do for our next adventures. Nick will be heading into the Middle East. While I will be back to London for a day to get some warm clothes (I have one thin jumper at the moment) out of storage and then I'm off on a 4 week Contiki tour of Western and Central Europe. Busy Busy Busy. I will write more when I'm feeling more inspired.

xxx

Poland

2006-08-22T14:51:00.000+03:00

Visited Auschwitz as planned. My knowledge on genocide and the holocaust is limited. I only knew what I had been told by others and seen in movies. I had no idea as to the massive scale of people killed whilst imprisoned here. Was quite a somber day. Nick decided he did not want to come with me so I went alone (well with a bus full of other tourists). We were shown a video on the way to Auschwitz which horrified me. After I was given the basic facts I don't think I could be shocked any further. There day was spent seeing various sites and evidence left of those who once lived there. Maybe I am naive but I just didn't know that humans could be so cruel to each other. The day taught me a lot.

We spent another couple of days on Krakow just because we could and I could not bear the thought of putting my pack on my back again. Getting very tired. One thing I have noticed about Poland is that the travelers/tourists are not like the ones we have met through out Eastern Europe. Many look to have money and are on a holiday as apposed to traveling. Even the people in the hostel were up for partying all night sleeping all day. I just don't understand this. Why go all the way to Poland to get wasted and do stupid things. You can do that at home but anyway. Had a few interesting dramas in the hostel. One included a girl coming into our dorm late one night to shack up with a guy, only to find as she jumped into bed with him that she was having a massive hemorrhage, possibly a miscarriage. Made a complete mess of the dorm as she jumped about the room screaming, blood everywhere (including some of Nicks clothes which were on the floor-that will teach him). She was taken to hospital. Management apologized and closed our 10 bed dorm fearing she may have been 'contaminated' (poor girl) and to get the carpets steam cleaned.

There were other incidents too. Great hostel but weird things just seemed to happen in the night!!!

Anyway Nick and I decided to move on and headed south to Slovakia. Got half way to a town in Poland called Zakopane in the Tatras mountain range so we have decided to stay two nights here. Nick has gone off hiking today in search of a big peak, just over 2000m I think so I am quietly praying for his safe return and doing a spot of shopping in the town. My pack has split at the seam and desperate to find a cheap but sturdy replacement. Wish me luck.

xxx

Romania to Hungary to Poland

2006-08-18T12:16:00.000+03:00

Click on the title above to see the photos.

Another whirlwind last few days! I have barely had time to catch my breath.

I did not have any expectations of Hungary so was pleasently surprised by Budapest. Very beautiful and clean city. We did stay in the more affluent side (Pest) and did not get a chance to explore the other side of the Danube but I don't think seeing Buda would have changed my opinion of Budapest. Did so much in 2 days there. Nick calculated we walked at least 15km on one day (Kerry Saxby eat your heart out!). We swam in the local mineral bathes, explored a million monuments and statues of people and events we never heard of. We caught a movie at the local shopping mall. Was soooooo good to do something 'normal' like I would back in 'reality'. Then did a spot of shopping in preparation for a lovely surprise that Nick had planned for Vienna. We even had a chance to meet up with Jodie, Kelli and Jonathan (friends we have made during our travels) for a quiet drink before we fell into bed (that we nearly didn't have after the hostel overbooked) after an exhausting day.

We took a train to Vienna, Austria. My favorite city so far. Not just because we stayed in a gorgeous hotel and ate lavish meals and spent a night at a Mozart and Strauss concert. More due to the beauty of the city. I no longer felt like I was on a movie set (as I have felt may times especially in Transylvania) but in a culturally wonderful, historical city. We also spent one night in the park (again gorgeous, lush and green) watching Cosi van tutti on a big screen like an open air cinema. There was an international food festival on the the time so the smells and the sounds and the scenery... Was an explosion to all my senses.

Anyway after 2 days of splurging we hit the road again and arrived in Krakow, Poland 4am this morning after a long sleepless night in a bus. In the hostel now waiting for some bugger to wake up so they can change the sheets so I can go to bed. Difficult decision though. After a brief walk through the city this morning at dawn I think there is more to this city then I first thought. I am planning a trip to Auschwitz (cant spell) tomorrow. And then maybe to Slovakia in a couple of days. There is another mountain Nick wants to climb! Boys!

Hope all is well. I miss everyone very much. Keep in touch xxxxxx

Leaving Romania

2006-08-12T13:12:00.000+03:00

Leaving Romania tonight headed for Hungary. Not much time to write. Nick has post a hillarious post on what we been up to, links to pics included. Go there for all the goss...

www.hoist-the-spinnaker.blogspot.com

I am well. Have finally whashed some clothes (yay) and had my first hot shower in days so am feeling (and smelling) great.

In Sighisora (Transilvania) at the moment so best get going to see the sights before it starts to rain again.

xxxxxx

Romania

2006-08-06T11:18:00.000+03:00

Again sooooo much has happened since my last post. I just cant keep up with it.

We left Sofia and headed to the second capital of the old Bugarian kingdom, Veliko Tarnivo. Arriving early afternoon it was stinking hot. Having been at much higher altitudes for the last few days meant that we had been blessed with much cooler temperatures. We found our hostel and settled in. Lucky for us the hostel had great veiws of the old fortress and we were able to see it without actually making an effort to go there. After night fell and it cooled down a bit Nick and I went into the old town and discovered that the town was hosting an international folk music/dancing festival so we watched some of the performances for a while. I unfortunately woke the next morning with an extreamly upset stomach and spent the morning in the bathroom. Recovering almost as quickly as I had taken ill I was able to make my way into town again in the afternoon for some retail therapy. Found a really cool second hand store and bought a dress and a hat for 1.50lev (0.70 euro cents). Was very happy with my efforts.

Deciding that there was not too much else to see in Veliko and feeling like we had had just about enough of Bulgaria we bought train tickets for midnight that night to head into Romania. Boarding the train I had a bit of a run in with the train guard who I thought was just a random stanger. He asked to see my tickets and then tried to take them from me telling me he would give them back in the morning. Refusing to hand over my tickets to a plain clothed man who could have very well been a bum trying to steal my tickets, he then opened the carriage door and told me to get off. Refusung to do this either we created a bit of a scene. Proper train guards with uniforms arrived within minutes and the nasty plain clothed guard turned nice as pie (typical) and then laughed when it was translated to him that we didnt know he was a train guard. So finally finding our seats we settled in for what turned out to be a sleepless night (for me not Nick) to Romania.

We had booked a hostel for 1 night in Bucharest (Romanian capital) so apon arrival at the station the next morning I called her to pick us up (as was advertised on her website). She advised that we would have to get public transport. Being tired and cranky I easily convinced Nick to ditch the hostel and make our way straight to the coast which was our plan for the next day besides that we will get a chance to go to Bucharest in transit later anyway.

So got yet another train headed for the coast. I had never seen anything like it. The train was about 20 cars long(at least) and tickets were oversold so only half of the passangers got seats for the 6.5hour trip to the coast. It felt like the entire population of Romania were headed to the beach. It was not a great start to what turned out to be the longest day in history. Not being quick enough to race the determind Romanian families to the seats Nick and I found a cosy little spot in between carriages, wedging the door open with our bags. We also were situated about 1 metre from the toilet and all its unpleasentness. About half way there the train suddenly stopped. Having terrible flash backs from Greece we eventually asked some young guys what was going on. Seems the engine had broken down and they were sending another engine to pick us up. We made friends with the young Romanian lads and they invited us to travel with them to Varna Veche. Was told we could camp on the beach, full of young people and less people than on the rest of the coast. Sounded like fun so we thanked them for offering to take us there. The train did eventually get going again and we arrived in the afternoon in Mangolia to get a bus to the beach.

Varna Veche turned out to be full of people. Tents covered the beach. Nudists everywhere. Music pumping from the beach bars. Not really the quiet beach town we were hoping for. Still we pitched our tent and had a swim. We did have a great night there, but in the morning packed our things and headed up the coast north. Got to Mangalia again and Nick declared that he thought it was time to spoil me a little and we checked into a hotel on the beach for 2 nights!!!!! So nice to sleep in a real bed in a bedroom instead of a dorm. Nick took me out for a nice dinner last night. We lashed out and bought a bottle of wine too.

So feeling very pampered and relaxed we have just made plans to head back into Bucharest tomorrow for a night to see the palace then to Brasov and Transilvania for a few days.

Phew...if your still reading thanks for the interest! I will write again when I get a chance. Hope all is well. Write me and let me know what oyu all up to xxxx

So far from home

2006-08-02T01:13:00.000+03:00

Well just got back from a night out with Nick drinking Bulgarias finest red wine (legend has it that it is hang over free-will let you know tomorrow) and thought I would write a quick post because Im too drunk to go to bed. It was not until I logged in to my emails that I found out that my Uncle Tom has passed after a short battle with prostrate cancer. I'm quite sad. The funeral today. I want all the Groats to know that I am thinking of them. Please give my love to Auntie Joyce and Grandma. Uncle Tom was a man who did alot for others. I can not think of a Groat event like the annual picnic where he and Auntie Joyce were not present. He will be sadly missed.

I had planned on relaying the latest from my travels, namely being pickpocketed today and our battle with the tram guards. Nick has already written a post. I will dircet any who are intertested there... www.hoist-the-spinnaker.blogspot.com

I am now in mourning and need to go to bed.

All my love xx xx xx

Bulgaria

2006-07-31T12:05:00.000+03:00

Been about a week since my last post and I can not believe how much we have done.

Left Athens with an awesome plan to get the night trains which connected perfectly and head up to Sofia, Bulgarias capital. We spend half a day sitting in a cafe waiting for our first train but gave us an opportunity to decide on plans for Bulgaria when we got there.

Boarded our first train headed for Thessonaliki in the early afternoon. Carriage was more like a cattle car with sun blaring in but was an experience none the less. The sun finally set and we finally were slightly more comfortable. Our train was due to arrive at 1130ish and we had a connecting train at about1230am. We were literally 2 mins from Thessonaliki station when the train came to screaching halt and the millitary fellows who were on board ran through the carriage and jumped off the train. Turns out a girl had jumped from the train and commited suicide. We then waited on the train for about three hours I think while poilce ect came and did there thing. Anyway we finally got going again and it was only then that we realised how close we were from the station!!! Did not matter because we had missed our train and had to wait for one in the morning now anyway. So arriving at Thess station we put our stuff in lockrs before we were hurried out on the street while they closed the station. We found a comfy looking patch of concrete and Nick kept watch while I slept. Station reopened at 5am and we were on the next train to Sofia Bulgaria.

Train to Bulgaria was event free. See the funny pic of Nick finally sleeping (athens link on the right will get you there). Arrived early afternoon in Sofia. Spent the next couple of days exploring the capital. Went on an awesome tour led by a local uni student. Went to heaps of temples, mosqus and churches. Such a fascinating history. The country is still rebuilding itself since the fall of the soviet. Its strange to consider that only 15years or so ago Bulgaria was a communist country. Many mixed opinions from the people who live here.

Anyway, spent the next couple of days in a town called Plovdiv. On arrival met up with people we had previously met in Sofia and found they had been pick pocketed. Losing there passports, creditcards and money. After that I did not feel at ease there. Always felt like I was looking over my shoulder. Took a bus into the mountains and visited a Bulgarian orthodox monastery.

Headed to Karlivo yesterday. A small village on the base of a mountain in the valley of roses. It is sooooo beautiful here. My favorite Bulgarian place so far. Very clean and the local are friendly and helpful.

Impressions of Bulgaria? We have found that most young people can speak a little bit of english and are willing to help you. The thing I am having most trouble with is that they shake their head for yes and nod for no! I cant get it right. I am learning a bit of the ceryllic alphabet so I can read some of the signs. My Bulgarian in very poor but it has spanish and french influence so can pretty much get away with saying 'mercie' for thankyou which is so easy to remember.

Heading to some mineral springs in a nearby town soon so best be getting ready. The links to the right are Nicks blogspot 'hoist the spinnaker', Nicks photos (can get there from the Athens photos) and my kodak website which has no new pics since London so look at Nicks for now if you are interested.

Will write again soon xxxxx

Yassu Greece

2006-07-24T19:13:00.000+03:00

I didnt realise at the time but its now in reflection that I realise how quickly 5 weeks went. Had such a great time in Santorini and met some really interesting people. There were a few things that I wnted top comment on but I dont really have the time right now. Will keep this short and fill in the blanks later.

Got to Athens yesterday after a horrible ferry ride. I have never been seasick before and it broght me back to being a child when I used to get car sick all the time. Felt so helpless. And to top it off had this annoying Greek-American woman next to me who was full of advise and dry crackers. I swear I would have punched her square in the jaw if I could hold my arm still enough. Anyway despite the choppy seas and me being sick I arrived in Athens 2 hrs late but still in one piece (just). Did some exploring and met Nick at the airport late.

Have spent today exploring Athens. Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Theatre of Dionysis, Temple of Zues and other ancient sites along the way. Lots of reconstuction going on to preserve the erosion but awesome none the less.

Am completely exhausted and burnt but had a great day. Feels like I am travelling again.

Realised today that have not really eaten any red meat in the last 5 weeks and could be partly the reason for my fatigue so Nick is taking me out tonight for a dirty big steak. Cant wait.

Heading up to Thesselonoki (cant remember how to spell it) tomorrow. Then into Sofia-Bulgaria where Nick is excited to hopefully climb some mountains and where I will suss out the Black Sea coastline.

Pictures of Athens! Have to get going now though...I can hear a dead cow calling my name!

Yassu (goodbye) Greece!

xxx

1 week in Santorini

2006-07-11T19:31:00.000+03:00

Its been a week now in gorgeous Santorini and have settled in well. Work is cool, get paid peanuts but its a laugh and not at all difficult. Finish at 3pm so have the afternoon to soak up some sun and have the nights free to do as I please. Have taken a liking to cider and larger with lime juice and as a concequence am the size of a small house! Such is when you travel hey!

I am such a moron! I was going through my camera last night trying to make the pic resolution less so I can fit more on my memory card and accidently deleated all the pic on the card!!! So annoyed but pleased that I didnt have that many from Ios and the ones from Santorini I can get again. The ones that I am spewing about are the ones from my last weekend in London with Allie, Steve and Nick. We had a wicked night out and some great pics but these things happen. I also had a few from workmates at RONIN. So sorry to those of you that I promised I would send copies of. Renee, your farewell pics were on there too but I'm sure there were others there with a camera that night.

Found a little place to stay. Sharing a room with Sharni, 6euro/night...bargin! It has everything we need and is 2mins from work and the beach.

Apologies for the attrocious spelling. Those of you who know me well know I cant spell and Allie is not here to proof all my post, but Im sure you know what Im trying to say.

Will write again soon xxxxxxx

Gorgeous Santorini

2006-07-07T21:08:00.000+03:00

What a wonderful refreshing change Santorini has turned out to be. Got here a couple of days ago. In that time have managed to meet heaps of really cool people. Got myself a job at an awsome resturant, waitressing 9-3pm every day. Sharni got a job working the night. Get paid crap but get fed as part of the deal. Just went to go find a place to stay for the next few weeks and have found a cool apartment with a pool for 10euro/night. Have to check with Sharni but think we should take it.

Explored Santorini a little. Fira is gorgeous. Cant think of any other words right now that could describe it. Staying in beach town called Perissa. Its a sleepy kninda town with a real community feel. Everyone knows everyone. People here speak Greek (not many did in Ios) so am learning the basics to get me by. Black volcanic sand beaches with no waves are an interesting contrast to those that we have back home. Have been staying in a youth hostel and there is constantly new people to talk to. Now I feel like I am travelling.

Ios Sucked

2006-07-05T11:31:00.000+03:00

Arrived in Ios-Greek Islands after a long (9hrs) ferry trip. Hungry and tired and without accomodation for the night stepped onto the port at 1am. Had met a friend from London (small world) on the ferry so we met up with his friends at the port and they kindly offered for me to stay with them for the night. Thinking I was finally going to get some sleep after being up at 2am the night before we went up to the village to their place.

We had just dropped our bags when Kelly decided that being our first night on the island we just had to go out. Long story short I did finally get to bed at about 7am that morning! and then up again at 11am to go find a place to live so I could have a shower and a proper sleep in a bed.

Found great little apartment with aircon, TV and own bathroom for 10 euro/night and slept for nearly a day. It took me a day to explore Ios- mainly because there is nothing there. Job prospects poor as still fairly early in season. Only job available they call a 'floor hore'. Basically your job is to lure people into club and then keep them there. Get paid mostly in alcohol and bit of cash but have to work 7 days per week. Other option was to eork in a resturant which I was keen to do but as I mentioned being early in season there was nothing available.

Not much to do on the island. Pretty beach but little else. Barron mountainous landscape meant exploring was a mission and usually resulted in heat exhaustion. The entite population of the island seemed to be young singles who slept on beach all day and partied all night.

Met a really cool chicka Sharni having dinner one night. We were both sitting alone and struck up a conversation. Long story short we really hit it off and the next day she moved into my place and we hung out together for a few days. She too was not overly impressed with the island so after 2 very long weeks in Ios I boarded a ferry to Santorini in search for jobs, something interesting to explore and people who wanted be your friend not your bed buddy. Sharni decided to join me.

Got this thing figured

2006-06-25T12:46:00.000+03:00

Well finally figured out how to use this thing. Not too much to write at the moment. Bit hung over after a few drinks last night. Bumped into Jess last night just before I put myself to bed then again this morning. It turns out she is staying in the same apartments as me! How random! Just bought myself a veg+potato pastie so best be going so I can eat it while its warm. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Will write when I am more capable of constructing a sentence.

Hello Baby

2006-06-20T14:00:00.000+03:00

Hello,

I set this blog up for you - it only took 5 minutes so if you don't like it or can't be bothered with it then don't worry. If you want to edit the template (put links and pics and stuff like that on the side) then let me know and I can do whatever you need.

You can also delete this post too when you log-in (instructions in email) if you want to.

Have a wonderful relaxing time in Ios and the Greek Islands and get ready for some hard core trekking travel in Eastern Europe ;-) kidding.

Love you lots sweetheart

Nick xxx