The Last Post

Well this is my final post, very sad :-(
I have had the best time ever traveling and have got so many wonderful and happy memories. To think I nearly didn't do it...!!
Ive now have many friends from all over the world and have met some amazing people. I thought this trip would get rid of my travel bug but since leaving home I quickly realized that there is no cure. I can't help but think this is the start of more incredible journeys.

To those who supported me and told me to go for it.......Thank you for giving me the courage to do so.

For those who thought I was mad and advised me not to go.......Thank you for making me cautious.

I really have had the time of my life and I cant wait to share all my memories with you.
Thank you for reading my blog and I look forward to seeing you very soon x x

The Last Post

Last stop- Toronto

Had a relaxing few days in Toronto and spent yesterday partly at a Brazilia Day street party in the centre of town and partly shopping. I'm still working out how everything is going to fit in my backpack and I feel 3 carry on bags is pushing it now!!

Today I went to Niagara Falls on an organised tour- wow this wasn't what I was expecting! So touristy and built up around them but still incredible to watch. I did the Maid in the Mist tour and got soaked (although they provided us with bright blue ponchos). I don't think anyone expected to get so close to the waterfall. After this we had some free time to explore all the hideously tacky shops and amusement places in Niagara. On the way back we stopped at a wine tasting place and sampled some Canadian table and Ice Wine (which is a dessert one). This was entertaining and it's always nice to have some alcohol- especially when its free.

Tomorrow I'm leaving in the evening so will hopefully do one more blog before then......SEE YOU SOON!!

San Francisco!

Enjoyed my mini break to San Francisco and had a really central hotel which was essential. I did a city tour- tourist style! Yep I went on a big blue open top bus and got to see loads of the city. I went to Pier 39 which is full of restaurants, shops and bars and has a real buzz. Here there are also loads of sea lions who spend their days basking in the Californian sun on wooden platforms.They are really funny to watch but are very loud and smell bad too.

Next stop I got off at was the Golden Gate Park which is where the museum and expeditions are. I went to the viewing tower for some stunning views over the city.
Next I went to the Golden Gate Bridge for some photos. We couldn't drive over it as another bridge in the city was closed and the traffic was backing up. I went back to Union Square for some shopping and then took the cable car tram to Fisherman's Wharf which is a touristy area. I took a sunset boat trip that went under the bride and around Alcatraz island. This was good as we got to go really close to it and could see loads. Couldn't do an Alcatraz Island tour itself as they sell out days in advance.

The next day I walked around the city shopping and sightseeing and also took the San Fran trolley (which is a tram). I really liked this city and can see why so many Americans fall for its charm.

I'm now in Toronto and have yet to look around- thought id make my first stop in an Internet cafe so you don't think I've forgotten you all back home!

Love love x x

I had an amazing time in Hawaii- it's paradise! My hotel was great with a gorgeous sea view and a bit of much needed luxury. I spent my days lazing on the beach and recovering from the last couple of months. The sun is so strong so I got through a lot of sunscreen and still I have some interesting burn lines!
I also did a day tour around the island and it was nice to see the 'real thing' and not just the tourist bits. Here we visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the northern surf beaches, and the waterfall in the rain forest amongst other things.
The evenings were spent watching the sunsets, sampling the local nightlife and food and browsing the many designer and gift shops. Perfect!

I love Hawaii!!

I have enjoyed the last few days in New Zealand and the 'somewhere else' turned out to be Fox Glacier. This was a bit of a disappointment to be honest as we didn't get to see the glacier (sort of the point of going there). The weather turned bad so we couldn't do our ice climb as we had hoped. We did however have quite a funny walk around a huge lake and also a night time wonder into the forest to find glow worms! They were pretty and looked like the stars. 

Our next stop was Flock Hill Lodge which is a sheep station in the middle of nowhere. We had another nice walk and even found ourselves in a field with loads of deer. I don't know who was more scared, us or them as they charged passed us. Here we also had a farm tour and watched the dogs round up the sheep. Some of our group caught them and we had cuddles with the young ones! 

Our tour ended up back in Christchurch where I spent the day browsing the market and relaxing before our final night out. I'm now sat in Sydney airport after the 3.5 hr flight from NZ- actually quite tempted to escape and stay here. Next stop is Hawaii for some much needed sunshine!!

The last photo is Doubtful Sounds where we were on the boat.
The others are from the horse trek today which was amazing. We went out for two and a half hours and everywhere we looked there were beautiful views. We went through deep, fast flowing rivers and my horse was a 'water baby' apparently so every time we went in the river he started kicking about as he wanted to swim!! The other groups guide went to test how high the water was where they were trying to cross and they got into trouble- she came off in the middle of the river. Very dramatic to watch while we were stopped for photos!

Last night we went for dinner and drinks in Queenstown and one of the places was an ice bar where everything is made and sculpted out of ice. The temperature was -5 degrees!
Tomorrow we leave in the morning for somewhere else!

Hello from Queenstown!!

I've been on tour now for a few days and have already done loads. The group is very different and there are only 14 of us, 2 friends from Brighton, 1 Swiss, 1 German, 1 Brazilian, 2 from Nepal, 4 from Asia and 2 Americans- so a real mixture!! They are another nice bunch although I still miss everyone from my Aus tour!

We spent last night on a boat in Doubtful Sounds. We didn't make it to Meaningful Sounds as there has been an avalanche and all the roads are blocked! We are really far away from the snow so there's no chance of this happening here. The boat was good and we went Kayaking yesterday evening. This was hard work but very funny and only one person fell into the freezing water! I managed to beach myself several times on the rocks which was quite an achievement!!

Now in Queenstown which is a gorgeous place and has a real ski vibe. Tomorrow I am going for a half day river horse trek which should be very scenic!

More updates to come!!

Whale Watching, Kaikoura New Zealand

Here are my pictures so far from Christchurch. The first is of the Cathedral I went to yesterday, this is in the central square and my room overlooks it.

Today I went to Kaikoura to whale watch. I left to get the bus to the north of South Island at 7am. I went out on the boat at 11am and we quickly found a huge pod of Dusky Dolphins. Hundreds swam round, below and in front of our boat and it was amazing to watch as they jumped out of the water!
During the trip we were lucky enough to find three Sperm Whales and watched each of them for a while before they dived under the water- beautiful! We also saw seals both in the water and basking in the sun on the rocks. All in all a very successful trip!!

I'm waiting in Kaikoura for the bus before heading back to Christchurch. I start my next tour in the morning so will be in touch soon x x

These pictures are all from the last few days in Sydney. The beach is Bondi and the picture with James (my cousin) and Laurel is from our day out at the zoo.
Said goodbyes to the girls which was really sad as we've been together 24/7 for 3 weeks. Also said my goodbyes to Australia which was awful too!

I arrived in New Zealand today and yes it's freezzzing but very sunny! I visited the Cathedral earlier which is very beautiful and i'm going whale watching tomorrow.

Sydney

Im now in Sydney having an amazing time!! On the way here from Byron Bay we went to the Hunter Valley for some wine tasting, lunch and chocolate tasting. This was really fun and we loaded our coach up with wine before heading to Sydney!

I have had 4 nights here so far and have been spending last moments with some of the group . Many people have already left but the girls are in my hostel so we are continuing to have more fun times! We spent the first day in the markets doing what we do best....shopping! We then spent the evening doing the other thing we do best....drinking!! We went to a stunning roof top bar and then to a backpacker club.

The second day we went to Bondi Beach which was 29 degrees but a bit cool towards the evening. Its amazing that its winter here as in England it would be considered a heatwave!
Day 3 I met up with James (Gelnar) and Laurel and we visited Taronga Zoo on the ferry. We had a really fun day and the views of the harbour were incredible. In the evening we went to Manly beach for dinner in a Bavarian Restaurant and then to a chocolate cafe afterwards for melted chocolate through a straw. We heated chocolate drops with a candle and mixed it with milk- delicious! After this I met Deepa and Sophie at the Opera House for some cocktails on the way home.

Today we walked across the bridge and took millions of pictures. We then had lunch and a stroll around the shops and narrow streets in the historic 'The Rocks' area. We then went to the Botanic Gardens to get a fantastic view of the harbour as the sun set- beautiful! I looked at the Opera House and bridge and remembered how ive wanted to come here since I was about nine!
The plan is to make the most of the next couple of days before I go to New Zealand- I can't even think about leaving this country yet as ive had the time of my life!

See next page too for more pics/ blog!!

Whooo loads of pictures....I finally got to do an upload after a couple of weeks so you get to see them all at once!!

After the Whitsundays we have been to Rockhampton where we went to a Rodeo night- this was a lot of fun! We then went to Brisbane which is just like a mini London with better weather. Next stop was Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast which i have to say I fell in love with (how many times have i said that now?!!) It's really vibrant with amazing beaches...perfect for a holiday apartment. The girls and I have already planned our next trip!!
We are now in Byron Bay and its so easy to see why everyone loves this place, its really trendy and has a hippy vibe. The beaches are amazing and I had my 1st surf lesson today!! This was so much fun but really exhausting as the waves were massive. Tonight we are heading to Cheeky Monkeys for some celebratory drinks for the guys who skydived. Don't worry I wont be doing this- I'm not that brave...(or stupid)!!

These pictures are from, (bottom to top) Byron Bay where i am now, Surfer's Paradise on The Gold Coast, Brisbane and another Whitsunday island.

More snaps from Oz....

These pictures are (last) jumping on a rock in the Outback on our bush walk. The Whitsunday Islands- Whitehaven Beach and the sunset from the boat. The girls are Emily, Sophie and Deepa from the tour!! The top picture was taken just before the 'jelly fish incident'!!

Good times- Australia

These pictures are from back in Thailand and Malaysia but were on my other camera. The beach is from our day island hopping in Thailand, the waterfall we swam in in the Malaysian jungle. The children are from a traditional Malaysian Village and were so beautiful, they were giggling and playing with a kitten!

Back to Malaysia!!

Australia!!

These pics are from the start of Oz. The beachy one is the gorgeous beach on Fraser Island. The second is with a didgeridoo at our Aborigional Night in Cairns. The third is with the Koalas in Cairns.

Hello From the Gold Coast!!

Finally I get to do my blog....I haven't forgotten you all at home (I promise) just been really busy on tour!

So where shall I start?!! I met up with the group, 29 of us in total. Mostly all from UK but some from Austria, Canada and New Zealand. A great bunch of people again so im very lucky!! I have been spending most of my time with 3 english girls and having loads of fun!

We started our tour in Cairns and went to the rainforest for the day. Here I cuddled a Koala! This was amazing and I have now put one on my Christmas list...pleeaasseee!!
We also took a trip in a cable car over the rainforest canopy which was stunning as it was so high up.
I also did a second day diving on the Great Barrier Reef and this time went to a much nicer reef which was really beautiful and the colours were amazing. Weather still windy but I got myself some extra strength sea sickness tablets which thankfully worked. Loads of our group however were in a bad way, which was unfortunate for them.

After this we headed to the outback for our nights camping which was so much fun. We cheated a bit as they were luxury tents and had proper beds in them!! We did a bush walk which was interesting and a totally different landscape from the Malaysian jungle!
In the evening we headed to a high point to watch the sunset over the amazing views of the bush. We sipped champagne and took in the magic. The night ended when we had a buffet dinner, (more bubbly) and a bonfire!!

After leaving the outback we arrived at the marina to board out boat for the next 3 days. It was a racing sailing boat named The British Defender. We sailed to a bay and dropped anchor to watch the sunset over the islands and spent our first night gazing up at the stars.
Day 2 on the Whitsunday Islands we woke up to have breakfast on the deck at sunrise. We then sailed to Whitehaven beach which has the whitest sand in the world. We went to a lookout point and the views were breathtaking over the beaches. We spent some time on the beach before heading to another bay to snorkel. Here we got lucky as it was low tide so the sun shone through the water and lit up the reef. We saw loads of fish and beautiful colours before drying out in the sun on a little beach.
Our second night we watched the sun set again and as the moon hit the water I spotted some dolphins passing our boat- amazing and totally magical! We had another fun night of drinking and dancing on deck under the stars!!
Our 3rd day on the Whitsundays was eventful. We sailed to an island (which was more of a sand strip) to snorkel and got dropped off by our small speed boat. We then had to walk along in the shallow water to reach a bigger island so we would drift the right way in the current back to the boat. A couple of minutes in Emily got stung by a jelly fish and when she lifted her foot out of the water it was still attached. Very scary as we have constantly been told about all the many things that can kill you in this country and some jelly fish stings can leave you hours to live. It luckily turned out that she was fine but we didn't get to snorkel after this and were quite glad to be out of the water and back on the boat!
We then left the Whitsundays to head back for a night in our posh resort in Airlie beach. It was Sophie's birthday so we had a night of drinking, dancing and yet more giggling!!

Hello.... Sorry it's been so long! I hope all is well back home and the rain has stopped?

Im having a nightmare trying to find internet places while on tour as its always so busy. Im on Fraser Island at the moment and we're heading further south tomorrow so I will hopefully have more time to blog then.... Speak soon!!

Just thought id write a bit to update you on the latest...which isnt much to be honest!!
Ive spent the last couple of days relaxing before my next tour starts tomorrow. Wanted to do another diving day but the weather has been bad and that = sea sickness!! Yesterday it was still really warm but raining so i took myself off to the shopping mall (whoops!).
Today is much the same so i am going to be boring and pack etc for tomorrow.

Ill update you when i have some more news!

Hello from Cairns!!

I'm loving it here so far. Spent yesterday relaxing at the lagoon which was a nice break and gave me time to recover. Went to some backpacker bars last night to get a quick sample of the nightlife and learned some of the local Aussie expressions from another English traveler!

I got up early this morning to do my trip to The Great Barrier Reef. Although the weather started off really promising, it soon changed while out at sea. This didn't matter while diving but made an interesting ride home....!

I did my first dive! Nervous at first but was comforted by a German and two Irish travelers who were a bit worried too. We got in the water and from that moment on it was amazing. We saw corals with lots of tropical fish and even saw Nemo and his friend!!
I loved it and couldn't believe 25 minutes had passed when we came back up. We then snorkeled for a bit but the sea was so choppy which made it hard work on the legs!

After the first dive we had a buffet lunch which looked really nice but with the boat rocking, I couldn't eat. We then made a trip to the 2nd reef and I snapped up the opportunity to do a second dive. This one was even better as we were no longer linking arms with our buddies but were free!! I swam with two American guys and an instructor far out to the reef and dived much deeper. We saw a turtle, 3 stingrays and loads of fish and coral. It really is a very beautiful and peaceful world underwater and I wasn't ever worried about sharks or whales!

I'm so pleased i've dived here as it must be one of my longest ambitions to dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The feeling of achievement is great and I want to do it all again!!

The trip back home was terrible as the winds had really picked up. The sea sickness must have been bad as I turned down homemade chocolate cake....so unlike me!!
Some of us made our way to the top outside deck to help with the sickness but as the rain and freezing winds came it was a choice between this or staying inside and almost certainly being really ill. I opted to stay out and although freezing, I thankfully managed not to get too ill (although i still feel like im going up and down- 4 hours later in an internet cafe!)

This was a trip high and I loved (almost) every minute!!

Finally I have uploaded more pictures! (I have written latest blog after them) The pics are not all in order and some go back a little way!

Sentosa Island- Southernmost point of Asia continent