magotOK

Continent #3

2006-11-30T01:42:00.000-08:00

We have left the sunny Oz far behind and we are now in the BALTIC Tokyo! So no more comments about the bad weather at home we got soaked today!

Its a massive city - but in a lot of ways its just like any other large city. In other words its got a McDonalds and Starbucks on every street... no only joking! (although they are here...) In reality if you removed the Japanese writing and people it would pass for London or New York. Really of course you can't ignore the language and food and multitude of neon signs and so it is very different to be immersed in.

The people are very helpful and do all the smiling and bowing craic when they give u ur coffee etc! There are very very few 'westerners' here at all and its difficult to find a man who isn't in a dark suit! I felt like a beacon of baige amoungst the swarm on the underground (as well of course as being taller...)

So we've done two shopping districts (including Electric Town with its Wii's and PS3's on demostration everywhere) and seen the main Shrine and the Imperial Palace. Tomorrow we'll see Tokyo Tower and some museums and then we are returning to 'ol Northern Ireland.

I hope the koala in my rucksack makes it...　we left the bags in storage in the airport...

Malcolm

The Great Barrier Reef

2006-11-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well, our Aussie leg (and the whole tour) is rapidly coming to a close so we thought we would go out in syle. We hired a cruise ship to take us out to the Great Barrier Reef for a bit of snorkeling. And it was fantastic!! We got to 'swim with the fishes', not quite the same meaning as the movie, thankfully. We got on a boat called Passions of Paradise and after a few hours of sailing we arrived at a small bird island near a piece of the reef. We were definitely the intruders. The island contained a small roped off section for 'humans', the rest belonged to the birds. The smell of bird droppings was quite strong but that didn't put us off. We strapped on our snorkelling gear and went for a swim. Initially Mal sturggled with his snorkle (the top was closed so he couldn't breath under water) but what a view of the reef! It was amazing!! We saw all sorts of multicolured fish, giant clams, fish having a crap (I didnt know they did that), a big fish eat a little fish, and if you listened closely you could even hear some of the bigger fish scrap food from the coral. WOW!! Some would swim quite close (I saw a few swim right beside Mal). They seemed quite content to have us there.

Great day.

PS. For those wondering what happened to Ken Blue (skip this paragraph if you don't know him), we've found him. He's now a cruise boat captain out of Cairns (see the photo). When I first saw him I thought it couldn't be him but as he was initially docked he exclaimed 'There is no gap!!'. I thought it might all be a coincidence so I had a chat with him later in the day. I asked him about sailing and he said, 'it's easy, ABC - Anchor, Board, Cruise. I cant't board the passengers before I anchor and I certainly can't cruise before they have boarded.' Later in the day when we were snorkeling in the wrong direction he even said, 'You foolish Snorkelers, who has bewitched you' (OK, Enough KB jokes....)

F.A.B.

2006-11-25T23:09:00.000-08:00

Forest Fear

Last night we spent cosy in a double bed in a lovely rain forests glorified tent affair at the Crocidylis Village hostel. Why share a bed? Well it was the one one in the hut that had a mossi net! Seriously when the sun goes down the night terrors come alive! The dragon flies were the size for hot dogs and that huge other thing that got in...? I don't even wanna know what it does for a living! It was the size of my fist and just sat there on the edge of the bed being all black and menacing! Now we'll not even get on to the crashing and rustling in the forest outside never mind the howling/screeching/buzzing/twooting craic that was going on... seriously it looked great in the daylight...

Aussi Arsonist

What do you like with your cereal in the morning? A paper to read? Polite chit chat? Some good music to wake you up? How about A THREAT TO DESTROY YOUR HOME COUNTRY? Charming McCharming the Aussi psychopath offered us the advice that we should visit this local tourist attraction on our way out of his town or he would "Come over to Ireland and blow it up..." Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight, so its stand and look at some water and big rocks for 5mins or risk getting all my friends family and loved ones blown to smithereens? "Listen my Aussi friend... let me tell YOU about blowing things up..."

Barmy Burger

Well you learn somethings about different cultures by noticing the little differences. One we have noticed (or rather Grif discovered) was that McDonalds here does a McOz burger. Sounds grand and very clever marketing... except that the distinguishing feature of the Oz burger is a lovely big slice of BEETROOT placed carefully between tomato and lettuce... WHY? Nowhere, and I mean NOWHERE have we seen the radiant beetroot linked to Aussie culture. There is a Big Pineapple, Big Banana, even a Big Mango, but no Big Beetroot... The things one discovers - what does that tell you about the Aussies?

Mal

Crocs, dingos and lies

2006-11-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

Wow! All the things we've done! Over the past few days we have put big ticks beside Australia Zoo and Fraser Island on our to do list.

Australia Zoo is the zoo that Steve Irwin set up a over a decade ago I think to particularly aim at removing the stigma around crocidiles and there bad press! There was loads of other animals there too tho including our first proper look at the big lazy wombat and some dingos. The zoo was very well run and definately gave you more of a hands-on "one with nature" kinda experience. Feeding and petting animals was the order of the day from koalas to elephants. There was also a big memorial wall of signed shirts and things to Steve.

On up the coast we took a late afternoon trip to Fraser Island from Hervey Bay and arrived about 5pm so the light was actually starting to go. Nonetheless we fearlessly plunged into the jungle for a brief wander before retreating to stroll on the beach with ice-creams (a "Golden Gay-time" in Grifs case...). We had got and read several warnings about the wild Dingos on the island but we survived (and in reality never even passed the dingo fence...)

I also accidentally got Grif and I a student discount in a bar this week by shouting "YES" without listening to a question. Regardless of my evident error neither of us were quick enought to stop her typing in the discount rate so decided it would be most judicious to leave it at that... IT WAS AN ACCIDENT GRIF!

Onwards north...

Mal

Onward and upwards

2006-11-20T01:29:00.000-08:00

We have left big ol' Brisbane behind and are now heading on North to Cairns. We are in Noosa Heads at the moment.

The city was.... mmm... like most citys. Wes would have loved the roads systems! We wandered Botanical Gardens, Mount Coot-tha observation point and sundry buildings. Once again (like Surfers Paradise) the Art Museum was closed for refurbisherment!!! We just want to enrich our minds Mr Government...! We did however happen upon the final game in the Rugby League Tri-Nations because as we left the hostel on the first night we heard the roars of fans carried on the wind from the Sun Corp stadium over the road and decided to run over to see what the event was. So we just got tickets and went on in. Unfortunately GB was down 12-0 to Australia inside 15minutes and it never got better. It ended 33-10 to Australia. Aw well it was an entertaining match.

But beyond that we actually just chilled. The second of the 2 days we were there was spent reading and eating at the Riverside Market which was great and very peaceful! We topped that day off with a couple of hours at the Brisbane Jazz Club down by the river were Grif and I BOTH won t-shirts in their 40 PROZE raffle! Go us...

Now the real 4hrs a day driving begins. 1650km to Cairns in 5 days! Fun...

Mal

The good, the bad and the...

2006-11-16T02:38:00.000-08:00

A series of highlights from the last few days then my peeps?

Well OKAY!

1) Billabong Koala Park - Excellent place! We saw koalas by the tree load right up close and got some cracking pictures as you can see in the Photo Albums. Soo much fun at this place cause we also got to FEED KANGAROOS... LIKE RIGHT UP TO YOUR HAND... WITH REALL FOOD... AND YOU COULD TOUCH THEM...! Sooooo cool! There was also some snakes and reptiles and wombats etc but KANGAROOS AND KOALAS TOO... *ahem*

2) We got a parking ticket, what else do you do in a foreign country? We ranted, we raved, we got annoyed, we tried to explain our defence to the empty air, we wrote a song about 'the man'... We paid the $179 fine. 80 quid! What the heck! Fairwell Byron Bay we miss you not.

3) Warner Movie World Theme Park - We drove to this place first thing today and indulged in commercial cartoon characters! It was actually quite good and although I was banned from the 2 biggest roller coasters because I was too tall (ack darn...) the highlight was the Police Academy stunt show which was hilerious and very well co-ordinated! There was even a pre-show guy directing the audience with a whistle and indulging in silent slap stick! And they had a planted audience member who was taken into the show and then 'accidently' fell off a roof into a canopy etc! Also got soaked on the Log Flume.

So to sum up - still enjoying it in Aussie!

Malcolm

Time

2006-11-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

Weird thing time, well not that weird really I'm kinda used to it to be honest... but it has been a long time since we blogged properly here from Aussie.

What have we done? Well Sunday saw us take a trip to Bondi Beach before we left Sydney for good. Very beautiful place - not to busy but obviously popular and a fair bit of surf but not remarkable. I suppose its fame/popularity is due to being near to Sydney.

After a stroll thru the surf there we left it behind in our rent-a-Hyundai (the most miniture Getz) and head up to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Took forever to struggle outta the city but we made it finally in mid afternoon to the new YHA which we much bigger and very friendly. Large TV rooms, kitchen and dining area and garden complete with giant Chess board!

Having just driven all day we popped out to see some of the mountains before it got dark and viewed both the Katoomba falls and Echo Point with the "Three Sisters" - a formation of rock out crops at Echo Point. It was a very long slog down a cliff path beside the waterfall and then along the valley (hardly anyone about but we got stalked by Magpies) before a difficult climb back up via "The Giant Stairway" - but it was beautiful. The area is all deeply forested and untouched.

The next day we rose and attended the Katoomba Anglican Church along with roughly 15 others. The people were friendly enough and the parish seemed to have quite a lot going on. We then left and headed across the Blue Mountains on a very windly road to Hunter Valley were Grif successfully drove over an unsuspecting snake crossing the road! We actually never made it to a Winery as we got mildly 'lost' whilst looking for a particular place and ended up at the YHA place first. The guy on reception then told us that they all closed at 5pm anyway so we headed into Cessnook town and found a brilliant Swill and Grill bar for dinner. The Aussie bartender was heading to the U2 gig later this week and was momentarily hopeful that we were road crew for the band and could have given him backstage passes... Outta luck mate!

Day off...

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

Well, it's Sunday here, so no blog (I hear the cry from you all -Thank goodness!!!)

Anyway, enjoying all of your comments (including the ones on the web album - honestly, it's Wes, you just have to stand 10 feet back from the screen)

magot

Come on you Blues!!

2006-11-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today was slightly more relaxed with a visit to the Wildlife Centre in the morning and then the Sydney Sky Tower. The usual great views of Sydney. Grif indulged in a little retail therapy and I relaxed in Borders Cafe with good book. Saw (we think) an Australian Idol contestant in Sydney centre (picture in album) - any idea who he is?(this question is mainly directed to Adam and Shirley!!) And bought a tshirt in a shop called the General Pants Co. The weather in Sydney has been really changeable!! It's blistering sunshine one minute and raining the next. Just as well we brought our raincoats.

We have heard the crys of our adoring blog reading fans and so last night we went to a FOOTY MATCH! Oh yes we sat on the terraces and roared "Come ON!!" in various throaty masculine fashions as well as "Norn Ironland!!" to the bemusement of the surrounding Sydney FC fans. The match was a resounding victory for the Aussie side with the score at 4-0 agains New Zealand Knights by the finish. It had everything a footy match should - Loads of goals, 2 groups of rival fans (all around 11) having a fight, and of course a streaker (even though a warning sign had just appeared saying you would get a $5500 fine if you did it). Very enjoyable although the burgers we bought were suitably stinking! Disappointed that the Knights didn't put up a little more of a fight, but hey, Terry's boy's did him proud!! (That masculine enough??)

Swan Lake

2006-11-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

First full day in Sydney. As usual got an early start. Headed straight to Starbucks for breakfast and then onto the harbour for our 10 am tour of the Opera house. As usual it wasn't quite how it looked in the pictures. The Opera house is obviously a visually stunning building. The tiles on the outside are apparently triple glazed so they never need to be cleaned. Also, there are 2 colours of tiles, white and cream to make the building stand out.

We joined the 10am tour got to see the different concert halls and newly refurbished toilets!! In the foyers of the buildings the concrete is exposed. The shape of the structures is built in concrete segments, a bit like orange segments. They were set in place one at a time. The concert halls are obviously built for acoustics. There is no echo (we did the clap test) and no need for amplification (but it can be added). We were v impressed so we decided to see if we could get a ticket for a show. Managed to get tickets for the ballet - more later...

After that we headed round to the Sydney Harbour bridge and climbed one of the pylons. Gave a great view over the harbour and city. Then headed to the Botanic gardens - saw government house, bats (or flying foxes as they are known), the National gallery, the Anzac memorial, another Starbucks (for a refreshing frap) and then onto the Sydney tower. So as you can probably tell we did a lot of walking!!

After tea we headed back to the opera house to the ballet. Wasn't quite sure what to expect (or if i'd like it). As we walked into the foyer in walking boots, jeans and a t-shirt I suddenly felt a bit out of place. The tour guide had said earlier that there was no dress code, you could wear what you like, but obviously he had forgotten to tell the people who greeted us in their finery. Anyway, we mingled as best we could. I bought a glass of champagne and tried to look posh and then headed in to the performance (3 seperate ballets). The musicians started and the curtains went up. The first was a study of beauty with no plot - they actually used the word plotless in the description. And sure enough it was. There was 1 male dancer and about 20 female dancers. I was impressed by the ability of the female dancers who in parts moved across stage on their tiptoes. The movement looked like a 2 legged crab wearing a white skirt on their head scuttling across stage. So technically good but otherwise dull. The 2nd ballet had only 2 dancers and because it had a plot was more satisfying. A girl returns from a party, falls asleep and dreams of dancing. The third was a full blown story. It was about a sultan who wanted to test the faithfullness of his favourite wife so he pretends he is going on a hunting trip. When he is away the fav wife and the harem get up to no good. He returns and discovers her infidelity and has the harem and male slaves killed. Obviusly this is all expressed through dance/movement/music alone (no words). It was very effective and the 2 lead dancers were excellent. I wouldn't regularly go but I did enjoy it.

Bye!!

G'day Sydney

2006-11-08T01:16:00.000-08:00

We made it! 13hours flying and boy are our arms tired - bada boom!

*ahem*

Anyway... we are safely to Sydney without so much as a "Sorry we lost your bags... only kidding!" from the flight attendent. Possibly tempting fate now but feels so smooth. We left San Fran for LA at 1am on the 7th and arrived in Sydney (after transfer in LA) at 10.30am on the 8th - there by sucessfully defeating time and space in one fell swoop. We EVEN succedded in going from a few hours behind to 11hours in front of you guys - be impressed.

Just heading to bed now after our first day out exploring Sydney. We visited one harbour area that seems to have been done for the 2000 Olympics and went into the Powerhouse Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Sydney Aquarium! The aquarium was brilliant and we have loads of great footage and pics. I'd up load one but Grif 'the technology genius' Fisher is of playing sweet toons in our hostel room on his new guitar. It falls to me to tell of our progress (and shell out for internet access) but at least I am saved the smell from the stinkiest guitar case in the world for a few minutes.

We will be touring the Opera House and bridge tomorrow plus the Botanical gardens and Sydney Tower but a few other possibilities. We pic up our car and leave on Saturday but for now this Hostel in Railway Square is our base.

Its very different atmosphere here from San Fran - more asian influences and people (not raciest!), more arty town-scapes but definately aware that it is smaller city. Shall see what our impressions are of it after a few more days.

Te'ra for now possums!

Mr Tall

Au revoir San Fran

2006-11-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Final day in San Fran. Another day of great weather, great food and great company!!! Got up early to take advantage of the 'free' breakfast in the hostel. When we got downstairs we found out that it was $5!! So we headed to our local, the crepe house, and had another nice brekkie. After that got the tram down to the docks and hired 2 bikes to see the Golden Gate bridge. It ended up being a great morning and a great way to see the bridge. As we cycled round the bay the views were outstanding. The bikes were a fun and relaxing way to see the bay.

Actually, I'd better stop there. Only been here 2 day's and I suddenly feel 'Americanised'. Everything is great and we are all doing 'good jobs'. There is definitely a bit of phoniness here. This was exemplified when we went to the cheesecake factory. We stood at reception waiting for a table and the lady behind the counter was standing there with a blank look. She then saw us and instantly there was a big smile and 'How are you doin...' Maybe I'm just too cynical!!

But the cheesecake was delicious. Just how it should be - correct consistency (didn't wobble), creamy, good base and delicious with a hot beverage. Very filling though. Half a portion would have been enough.

I also managed to buy myself a guitar on Van Ness street - great guitar shop. Bought a semi acoustic cutaway classical. (I'll stop before I bore you any more)

Off to Aussie tonight - another loooooong flight.

Mal and Grif's Big day out!!!

2006-11-05T22:21:00.000-08:00

First day of holiday and we have walked most of San Fran! We started with a facinating tour of Alcatraz (which Grif and I are still debating the merits of) and then 'did' Peir 39 (including Irish Gift Shop.... WHY?!!!), Fishermans Wharf, Coit Tower, Lombard and Hyde, China Town, the Apple Store and lastly the Cheesecake Factory @ Macys. Unfortunately due to the HUGE American portions and our general knackeredness we couldn't face any actual cheesecake after the main course but we will return to conquer a slice tomorrow.

The city is very laid back but that maybe just because it is a Sunday and the sun was shining, although there was always people about the centres and the shops and cafe's were all open just like any other day.

Great views of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, as well as generally appreciating the views up and down the hilly streets. Grif loved the twistiest road in the city at Lombard and Hyde and insists it is even twister than that twisty road in New Zealand. Amazingly this street was also the busiest section of road for traffic we saw!

Tomorrow we will CYCLE to the Golden Gate Bridge and Park and see what other sites there are on saddle back before heading to the airport again for another 12 hour flight to the second part of the holiday!

Asta la vista as the Govinator would say...

Mal

Apple Store

2006-11-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

Howdy all, were so cheap we came to the Apple store to blog. Its saving us a fortune!!!

Anyway, it's getting near the end of our first ful day here and it's been pretty good. Alcatraz in the morning and general tour round San Fran in the afternoon. More details later....

What a rip off!!!

2006-11-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

We have arrived at Heathrow. Just updating the blog - the flippin internet access is 10p per minute, I mean what a rip off. Funny thing Mal said about his large

Chill

2006-11-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

In more ways than one the word 'chill' seems appropriate right now:
1) It is has been flippin cold yesterday and today - so I am leaving to sunnier climes just in time!
2) Less than 48hrs till the Grifinator and I leap on a plane and head off to relax on the other side of the world.

Whilst there are good reasons why I don't want to leave so much behind for a whole month i am really really REALLY looking forward to the adventure and experiences we are going to walk (fly) into. Most of all I'm looking forward to 'Thong Fridays' and the liberation two people can find far across the globe...

The stories we'll have...

Nearly there...

2006-10-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

Just a week to go!! I'm packing my bags and thinking about what lies ahead. Will we have a good time? Does Mal love cheese as much as Wes? Will we get lost in Japan? Is it really true what they say about Mal? And can a magot really be as good as a wagot? All this and more to come. And hopefully the blog entries will get a little more exciting...

PS Did I mention to you that I'm going to see the world's best band next week?