After a long walk in the rain on Tuesday, we decided that hiring bicycles to ride to the closest beach 40 mins away was a good idea. It was at first.
The beach was excellent, by the way, since it's a kite surfing beach so we got to watch amazing tricks these guys could do!
After the beach we decided to stay close to the beach and have dinner with our new friend Sonja. After dinner we though we better ride home. It was around 9pm and completely dark (sunset is 6). I got on my bike to find out both tires were flat. I decided to ride it anyway as it was still faster than walking. It was making a loud flapping noise that made people stare. Either that or they were staring because Cindy and I were wearing headlamps and looked hella dorky.
Going was alright although I was constantly worried that I'd throw a tire, until we left town and started riding in the complete darkness, oh and the dogs.
Literally 45 dogs barked and or chased us as we rode home. Okay only a couple actually chased us. One particularily I could feel it's breath on my leg. Both Cindy and I were pedalling as fast as possible. And at one point Cindy even said "Oh God!" It was terrifying! I'm pretty sure French speaking dogs hate me.
The good news, we made it back. And it only took an hour! Fortunately Cindy switched bikes with me halfway. It's one heck of a workout riding a bike with 2 flat tires while being chased by mean French dogs.
C'est la vie
15 November 2007
Mo'vember
We first heard of this from a Kiwi named Sam, who was the lead singer at a Halloween show in Christchurch. He was dressed as a very convincing Jack Sparrow. He informed Cindy that he was excited it was Mo'vember so he could grow out a moustasche for the month. We both thought this was a bit odd but funny.
Later in a very tiny village by the sea named Bluff, known for it's mussels, we saw an advertisement for men to grow their Mo. This ad had the most famous stasche we all know and love, Tom Seleck's.
Anyway, turns out the Mo grow is a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer. Or to "fight the flop" as one poster said.
Sweet az.
Later in a very tiny village by the sea named Bluff, known for it's mussels, we saw an advertisement for men to grow their Mo. This ad had the most famous stasche we all know and love, Tom Seleck's.
Anyway, turns out the Mo grow is a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer. Or to "fight the flop" as one poster said.
Sweet az.
05 November 2007
Things found on TV or in a newspaper in NZ
TV: darts, extreme sports, horse racing, Monday Night football (on Wednesday morning)
Newspaper: 1 in 5 New Zealander's brain at risk from boozing, Ice cream more hazardous to health than expected--can cause Type 1 diabetes and schizophrenia (A1 Fat), Hermit sighted on Stewart Island.
Newspaper: 1 in 5 New Zealander's brain at risk from boozing, Ice cream more hazardous to health than expected--can cause Type 1 diabetes and schizophrenia (A1 Fat), Hermit sighted on Stewart Island.
Li'l Josh
Quotes by Li’l Josh our wise beyond his years 20 year old friend in Christchurch:
“You can by crack with basketball cards there.” speaking of Detroit, MI
“She wasn’t even a big filly.” In reference to a girl who broke all legs off her chair while sitting on it.
“You can by crack with basketball cards there.” speaking of Detroit, MI
“She wasn’t even a big filly.” In reference to a girl who broke all legs off her chair while sitting on it.
Never turn your back on a hooker
Today we saw a naked Hooker surfing and rolling in the sand on the beach. Get your mind of the gutter!! We mean of the sea lion variety!
Being Poor
Ways we are pinching pennies: (although NZ doesn’t actually have pennies anymore)
1.Searching car for remnants of food.
2.Accepting all donations
3.Looking through all free food cupboards at hostels
4.Searching for money on the ground/beach
5.Sleeping in car
6.Hunting/gathering/fishing/trapping
7.Whistling a tune for food
8.Counting down hours and minutes until bank transfers go through
9.Looking in all couch cushions in hostels
10.During free meals, eating 3 times faster than everyone else and taking Tupperware for leftovers
11.No drinking—unless offered to us for free, then yes of course.
12.Lauren going off coffee milk. Cindy down to one soda a day.
1.Searching car for remnants of food.
2.Accepting all donations
3.Looking through all free food cupboards at hostels
4.Searching for money on the ground/beach
5.Sleeping in car
6.Hunting/gathering/fishing/trapping
7.Whistling a tune for food
8.Counting down hours and minutes until bank transfers go through
9.Looking in all couch cushions in hostels
10.During free meals, eating 3 times faster than everyone else and taking Tupperware for leftovers
11.No drinking—unless offered to us for free, then yes of course.
12.Lauren going off coffee milk. Cindy down to one soda a day.
Lessons learned in Australia
1.There is no penny or quarter, and frequently no change is given for less than ten cents.
2.Campervans (either vans or rvs) are popular and painted with various icons like Scooby Doo or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
3.Emus are very scary looking.
4.Sweet chili sauce is served with everywhere.
5.The date of the election changes each year and is named by PM. $30-35 fee if you don’t vote.
6.Australians eat lots of fruitcake and beets. (There is a whole fruitcake aisle in some grocery stores.)
7.No shrimp on the barbie or Foster’s beer. We were told that they send that “crap beer” to America.
8.Sausage Sizzles are excellent fundraisers. (Cindy’s Sausage Sizzle benefited the Square Dance foundation of Rockhampton)
9.Any word longer than 4 letters abbreviate by adding an “o” or “ie” to the end of it. Some examples include: Fremantle = Freo, registration = rego, Brisbane = Brizzie
10.Kingston Station in the outback has had 2 inches of rain since 2004
11.Australia is home of the ute. (looks like a version of an El Camino)
12.Clubs are very strict on entry and by no means will accept people in street wanting to come in even if the bar is empty and they aren’t closing for 2 hours.
13.Trading hours = opening hours
14.Flies gravitate towards eyes and mouth.
15.No fruit/veggies/sugar cane/horses can be transported between states.
16.Sand is better kept on beach rather than tent/car.
17.Cask wine (goon) is evil.
18.Toohey’s products were very good to us. Much better than cheap American beer.
19.When driving on the left, the wipers and signals are located where they are when driving on the right. (much more confusing than it sounds!)
20.Everyone traveling in Australia is either Irish or German.
21.Iced coffee milk is a healthy way to start the day. Milk is also available in double shot, cappuccino, mocha, chocolate, mint, strawberry, vanilla malt, banana, pineapple, as well as standard. Samples of milk are given in the grocery store. Lauren’s favorite brand was M or Big M.
22.Kangaroos eat grass. Koalas live in eucalyptus trees.
23.2 million feral camels are in Oz. The population doubles every 8 years.
24.One place sand always collects even if you are very careful: bellybutton.
25.Back packer towns really know where it’s at!
2.Campervans (either vans or rvs) are popular and painted with various icons like Scooby Doo or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
3.Emus are very scary looking.
4.Sweet chili sauce is served with everywhere.
5.The date of the election changes each year and is named by PM. $30-35 fee if you don’t vote.
6.Australians eat lots of fruitcake and beets. (There is a whole fruitcake aisle in some grocery stores.)
7.No shrimp on the barbie or Foster’s beer. We were told that they send that “crap beer” to America.
8.Sausage Sizzles are excellent fundraisers. (Cindy’s Sausage Sizzle benefited the Square Dance foundation of Rockhampton)
9.Any word longer than 4 letters abbreviate by adding an “o” or “ie” to the end of it. Some examples include: Fremantle = Freo, registration = rego, Brisbane = Brizzie
10.Kingston Station in the outback has had 2 inches of rain since 2004
11.Australia is home of the ute. (looks like a version of an El Camino)
12.Clubs are very strict on entry and by no means will accept people in street wanting to come in even if the bar is empty and they aren’t closing for 2 hours.
13.Trading hours = opening hours
14.Flies gravitate towards eyes and mouth.
15.No fruit/veggies/sugar cane/horses can be transported between states.
16.Sand is better kept on beach rather than tent/car.
17.Cask wine (goon) is evil.
18.Toohey’s products were very good to us. Much better than cheap American beer.
19.When driving on the left, the wipers and signals are located where they are when driving on the right. (much more confusing than it sounds!)
20.Everyone traveling in Australia is either Irish or German.
21.Iced coffee milk is a healthy way to start the day. Milk is also available in double shot, cappuccino, mocha, chocolate, mint, strawberry, vanilla malt, banana, pineapple, as well as standard. Samples of milk are given in the grocery store. Lauren’s favorite brand was M or Big M.
22.Kangaroos eat grass. Koalas live in eucalyptus trees.
23.2 million feral camels are in Oz. The population doubles every 8 years.
24.One place sand always collects even if you are very careful: bellybutton.
25.Back packer towns really know where it’s at!
28 October 2007
Memories/Updates
“Isn’t it amazing the things we decide to do to occupy a few hours of our afternoon?” said Irish guy wearing a Darth Vader trimming a topiary shirt just before Lauren pointed out the shark swimming in the water directly below the cliff the guy was about to jump off for hang gliding.
More names for Cindy—Camelia and Barbie (when asked why Barbie was told “you know like the doll”
We saw humpback whales, kangaroos, and a koala, and yes, koalas are definitely as cute as we thought they’d be.
We head to Cristchurch NZ tuesday (tomorrow) and we are a bit sad to leave the land of OZ.
More names for Cindy—Camelia and Barbie (when asked why Barbie was told “you know like the doll”
We saw humpback whales, kangaroos, and a koala, and yes, koalas are definitely as cute as we thought they’d be.
We head to Cristchurch NZ tuesday (tomorrow) and we are a bit sad to leave the land of OZ.
Aussie Quiz
Travel Quiz: Email us your answers! The person with the most correct wins a prize!
1. Tucker is
a. Australian common goat
b. Type of tree with hardwood in the gum family
c. Food
d. Chewing tobacco
2. Pokies is short for
a. Poker machine
b. Porcupine grass
c. Aged crossing
d. Pulling a joke on a mate
3. Busk means
a. To collect driftwood
b. To get pulled over by police
c. To solicit
d. the act of toasting (Aussie version of Cheers!)
4. The most common name for creeks in Australia is:
a. 4 mile creek
b. 6 mile creek
c. 9 mile creek
d. 12 mile creek
5. What is the capital of Australia?
6. What is the capital of New Zealand?
1. Tucker is
a. Australian common goat
b. Type of tree with hardwood in the gum family
c. Food
d. Chewing tobacco
2. Pokies is short for
a. Poker machine
b. Porcupine grass
c. Aged crossing
d. Pulling a joke on a mate
3. Busk means
a. To collect driftwood
b. To get pulled over by police
c. To solicit
d. the act of toasting (Aussie version of Cheers!)
4. The most common name for creeks in Australia is:
a. 4 mile creek
b. 6 mile creek
c. 9 mile creek
d. 12 mile creek
5. What is the capital of Australia?
6. What is the capital of New Zealand?
21 October 2007
Pictures!
Here are pictures from Bangkok.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=986211193010745078/l=310563898/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Here are pictures from the Outback.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=1002211193010642772/l=310563897/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
More to come later. Sorry they aren't in order.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=986211193010745078/l=310563898/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Here are pictures from the Outback.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=1002211193010642772/l=310563897/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
More to come later. Sorry they aren't in order.
Turtles
Braving the rain, we ventured out in search of the world's most importand turtle egg laying beach, known as a rookery. We were mislead by our $4 guidebook for the egg depositing season, thus the info center was shut. Although it wasn't turtle season it did happen to be naked wandering in the forest season, or at least the one man we saw thought it was. I think he re-thought this once we pointed at him because he quickly ran off to put on some shorts (that was the only item of clothing he had, except for the bar of soap in his hand). This still baffles us as to his purpose.
16 October 2007
Cindy's Hand
A funny observation was noticed while we were in Chandigarh so I apologize for the lateness of this blog.
We discovered the best Pringles in India (Chili Cheese) and it was noticed that Cindy had difficulties removing the chips from the can when placing her hand within the chip can. I teased her and wondered what the deal was.
During the wedding festivities women wore many bangles on their wrists. A very nice member of Amit's family gave both of us some to wear. Mine went on just fine. Cindy's, being the same size, were shoved on with no luck. In fact butter was applied to her hand also without luck. This actually scraped her hand by trying.
The problem turns out that Cindy has zero flexibility in her knuckles to make her hand more narrow. We since learned that there are other containers she has problems with, such as getting peanut butter out of the jar when half empty.
I encourage you to purchase a can of pringles and offer them to Cindy so you too can see this joint fusion as work. Cindy is a bit worried that this could affect other joints too. Dru any thoughts??
We discovered the best Pringles in India (Chili Cheese) and it was noticed that Cindy had difficulties removing the chips from the can when placing her hand within the chip can. I teased her and wondered what the deal was.
During the wedding festivities women wore many bangles on their wrists. A very nice member of Amit's family gave both of us some to wear. Mine went on just fine. Cindy's, being the same size, were shoved on with no luck. In fact butter was applied to her hand also without luck. This actually scraped her hand by trying.
The problem turns out that Cindy has zero flexibility in her knuckles to make her hand more narrow. We since learned that there are other containers she has problems with, such as getting peanut butter out of the jar when half empty.
I encourage you to purchase a can of pringles and offer them to Cindy so you too can see this joint fusion as work. Cindy is a bit worried that this could affect other joints too. Dru any thoughts??
More fun Aussie sayings
Spelled: **Pronounced/Definition in Australian:
Breakfast **Brekkie
Thanks **Good on you girl/mate
Thanks **Tah
The Waifs **The Wives (aussie band)
tea **cuppa
sandwich **sanny
snack **nibbly
box of wine **cask
t shirt **singlet
bathing suit **bathers
pound your drink **scull it
Athletic Shoes **joggers
Okay it's not really all about how they pronounce it, but some of these terms are just plain hilarious.
I'm just thinking of making a sentence in Australian...
Eh, scull your cask and eat your nibblies because I need to get out of these joggers and singlet and put on my bathers for a swim. Okay that wasn't the best sentence but still good stuff.
Other discoveries:
The best cookies ever made. Called Tim Tams. If you're super lucky to hang out with us soon after we return you will be able to sample this delightful treat in one of its assorted flavors.
Update: We bought our ticket to NZ and will be heading there on Oct 30th.
Breakfast **Brekkie
Thanks **Good on you girl/mate
Thanks **Tah
The Waifs **The Wives (aussie band)
tea **cuppa
sandwich **sanny
snack **nibbly
box of wine **cask
t shirt **singlet
bathing suit **bathers
pound your drink **scull it
Athletic Shoes **joggers
Okay it's not really all about how they pronounce it, but some of these terms are just plain hilarious.
I'm just thinking of making a sentence in Australian...
Eh, scull your cask and eat your nibblies because I need to get out of these joggers and singlet and put on my bathers for a swim. Okay that wasn't the best sentence but still good stuff.
Other discoveries:
The best cookies ever made. Called Tim Tams. If you're super lucky to hang out with us soon after we return you will be able to sample this delightful treat in one of its assorted flavors.
Update: We bought our ticket to NZ and will be heading there on Oct 30th.
14 October 2007
Comments
We landed in Cairns, (pronunciation "Cans") near the Great Barrier Reef, a couple of days ago. Lots of exciting stuff planned for the week, so we'll report back soon! (skydiving, rafting, scuba diving, sailing....)
By the way, we finally turned on the comment option if anyone wants to leave a message.
By the way, we finally turned on the comment option if anyone wants to leave a message.
06 October 2007
Pronunciation
Oh those Aussie’s!
Spelled: *Pronounced in Australian:
Toohey’s Extra Dry * Ted’s
Leake St. *Lake St.
Angel’s Café *Andrew’s Café
Aqua *Ackwa
Cindy *Sydney (or my favorite) Jacinda
Who would have thought Cindy was such a difficult name?
Other great terms learned:
“He’s gone runner” -meaning a person who fled the bar after dropping a full beer on the floor, breaking the glass. Several occurrences of “runners” within an hour at the pub.
*Footie- Rugby
*Hen- Bachlorette
*Buck- Bachelor
*Capiscum- Red or Green Pepper
Other things of note:
There is the most amazing selection of flavored tuna in a can here. For instance, red capiscum with chili, lime and black pepper, tomato and onion, herb and garlic, and these are just a few. All very tasty, why do we not have this in the US?
Spelled: *Pronounced in Australian:
Toohey’s Extra Dry * Ted’s
Leake St. *Lake St.
Angel’s Café *Andrew’s Café
Aqua *Ackwa
Cindy *Sydney (or my favorite) Jacinda
Who would have thought Cindy was such a difficult name?
Other great terms learned:
“He’s gone runner” -meaning a person who fled the bar after dropping a full beer on the floor, breaking the glass. Several occurrences of “runners” within an hour at the pub.
*Footie- Rugby
*Hen- Bachlorette
*Buck- Bachelor
*Capiscum- Red or Green Pepper
Other things of note:
There is the most amazing selection of flavored tuna in a can here. For instance, red capiscum with chili, lime and black pepper, tomato and onion, herb and garlic, and these are just a few. All very tasty, why do we not have this in the US?
Australian Space Program
One of the first orders of business was for Cindy to locate a post office to mail a box home. This proved to be one of the most delightful postal experiences of our lives. As it so happens the Australian Post was celebrating 50 years in space. Celebration included commemorative free pens as a give away. When handed these pens, Cindy and I looked at each other then Cindy, patting the postal woman’s hand says, “I don’t mean to be rude, but does Australia have a space program?” The woman says “Oh god no.” So then I respond a bit confused, “so you’re just celebrating 50 years in space in general, not 50 years of Australia in space?” She responds with a laugh, “Oh yes! We don’t have a space program here!” My pen broke within 4 hrs of being in my bag. Cindy’s is still functioning well. Here’s to 50 years!
Amit's wedding Photos!
There's here finally!
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=84461191735307129/l=310168497/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=84461191735307129/l=310168497/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
02 October 2007
Perth
Greetings from Australia!
We made it safely here after a flight permeated with the smell of yellow oil (think metholatum). Only difficulty was finding a hostel to stay in. Fortunately there is a backpackers neighborhood here in perth so there are several within a few blocks. We got beds in by the 3rd place.
More later!
We made it safely here after a flight permeated with the smell of yellow oil (think metholatum). Only difficulty was finding a hostel to stay in. Fortunately there is a backpackers neighborhood here in perth so there are several within a few blocks. We got beds in by the 3rd place.
More later!
Thailand
What a beautiful country! It is very easy to travel around here. Pluses: Grand Palace, meeting up with Lauren's Mom, inexpensive everything and beautiful beaches of Ko Chang. Minuses: Weather was a bit rainy, Cindy and Lauren figuring out that the flight to Australia was a day earlier than anticipated and having 5 hours to pack, sleep and get to the airport upon this realization and Cindy getting bit by a cat.
The most interesting item found for sale on the streets of Bangkok: false teeth
The most interesting name for an accomodation: Porn Bungalows
Of note: Cindy is 3/4 way to completing open water diver certification! Lauren rode an elephant and washed it in a stream.
Good times.
The most interesting item found for sale on the streets of Bangkok: false teeth
The most interesting name for an accomodation: Porn Bungalows
Of note: Cindy is 3/4 way to completing open water diver certification! Lauren rode an elephant and washed it in a stream.
Good times.
India Friends
American attendees of Amit and Preedhi’s wedding:
Sasha: Amit’s GSB classmate and Cindy and Lauren’s travel buddy
Kriztina: another GSB classmate and a hell of a dancer
Cassie; Kriztina’s sister and photography extraordinarre
Other travel buddies:
Saul: Italian magician and only person to achieve Indian relationship on vacation (lasting 3 days, 12 hours) Irreconcilable differences due to Saul lack of looking at girlfriend in “romantic way.”
Achi: Long lost undergrad friend of Sasha who we found unexpectedly staying at our guesthouse in the remote town of Leh in the Himalayas. Talk about small world. Achi tells the most amazing stories and has really poor taste in jokes.
Sasha: Amit’s GSB classmate and Cindy and Lauren’s travel buddy
Kriztina: another GSB classmate and a hell of a dancer
Cassie; Kriztina’s sister and photography extraordinarre
Other travel buddies:
Saul: Italian magician and only person to achieve Indian relationship on vacation (lasting 3 days, 12 hours) Irreconcilable differences due to Saul lack of looking at girlfriend in “romantic way.”
Achi: Long lost undergrad friend of Sasha who we found unexpectedly staying at our guesthouse in the remote town of Leh in the Himalayas. Talk about small world. Achi tells the most amazing stories and has really poor taste in jokes.
More stories from Chandigarh, India
Beauty Salon (pronounced saloon):
Cost 600 Rs. Services rendered: 1 lady’s haircut and style, 1 man’s haircut and style, 1 scalp massage, 2 facials with backrub, 2 eyebrow threadings, 2 cups of tea, 1 travel video review of NYC and Toronto from worker’s deceased husband’s trip, and 1 group photo with staff
Facials: While eyes closed Cindy and Lauren realized that the bright flash was photos being taken of us without our permission. After Cindy was prodded 4 or 5 times, she started feeling like a science experiment. Lauren too felt like a science experiment when 7 people asked her how “long” she was. Her “length” got in the way of several observers seating during the treatment, so seating was achieved on Lauren’s lap and leg. (all while eyes closed) Strange machine vibration equipment was applied to face and back leading to inability to focus eyes for 2 hours following the procedure. Result: skin felt great.
Shopping for wedding clothes:
Armed with a note explaining the style of clothes and cost and store locations (Thanks, Amit!), we set out first to Fabindia, a fixed price linen/cotton clothing store for casual clothing items. Here Cindy and Lauren exceeded the 3 item limit for the trial room causing stress among staff members. Lost count of electricity going out. Result: Sasha happy with 2 shirts and pair of pants. Cindy content with skirt and 2 shirts. Lauren reluctantly purchasing one skirt.
Sham Fashion Mall (Level 4): Premade formalwear for wedding. Everything here was made for Cindy, and Lauren was told she was “too large” for any of the clothes in the store. Fortunately, they dug out a large lady size which was able to be altered to fit. Staff was exuberant! So much so that she offered to take us shoe shopping on her day off the next day. Result: Sasha happy, Cindy happy, Lauren happy. Refreshments: 3 Fantas, 6 Cokes, and 1 sugary black tea
Cost 600 Rs. Services rendered: 1 lady’s haircut and style, 1 man’s haircut and style, 1 scalp massage, 2 facials with backrub, 2 eyebrow threadings, 2 cups of tea, 1 travel video review of NYC and Toronto from worker’s deceased husband’s trip, and 1 group photo with staff
Facials: While eyes closed Cindy and Lauren realized that the bright flash was photos being taken of us without our permission. After Cindy was prodded 4 or 5 times, she started feeling like a science experiment. Lauren too felt like a science experiment when 7 people asked her how “long” she was. Her “length” got in the way of several observers seating during the treatment, so seating was achieved on Lauren’s lap and leg. (all while eyes closed) Strange machine vibration equipment was applied to face and back leading to inability to focus eyes for 2 hours following the procedure. Result: skin felt great.
Shopping for wedding clothes:
Armed with a note explaining the style of clothes and cost and store locations (Thanks, Amit!), we set out first to Fabindia, a fixed price linen/cotton clothing store for casual clothing items. Here Cindy and Lauren exceeded the 3 item limit for the trial room causing stress among staff members. Lost count of electricity going out. Result: Sasha happy with 2 shirts and pair of pants. Cindy content with skirt and 2 shirts. Lauren reluctantly purchasing one skirt.
Sham Fashion Mall (Level 4): Premade formalwear for wedding. Everything here was made for Cindy, and Lauren was told she was “too large” for any of the clothes in the store. Fortunately, they dug out a large lady size which was able to be altered to fit. Staff was exuberant! So much so that she offered to take us shoe shopping on her day off the next day. Result: Sasha happy, Cindy happy, Lauren happy. Refreshments: 3 Fantas, 6 Cokes, and 1 sugary black tea
“Cars require good horn and good brakes. Drivers require good eyes and good luck.”
Camel cart ride to Taj entrance: 200 Rs (roundtrip including wait)
Seeing the Taj Mahal: 750 Rs
Hiring a car from Agra to Delhi: 2500 Rs (including air conditioning)
Making it to New Delhi railway station on time and alive: Priceless
Transportation devices sighted on toll freeway from Agra to Delhi:
*truck, car, bus, tuk tuk (motorized rickshaw), bicycle rickshaw, bicycle, bicycle hauling cargo, truckbed filled with 70 people, scooter (with as many as 3 passengers and a baby), motorcycle (see scooter for passenger count), tractor, combine, horses and horses with cargo, camel with cargo (some with multiple cargo carts attached), cows, dogs, donkeys and donkeys with carts, pedestrians, 5 year old boy crossing freeway with bicycle rick shaw with cargo and several younger siblings, people standing room only external seats on a variety of vehicles, 8 year old boys riding bicycles while holding onto trucks for speed, a host of elementary school children coming home from school on foot, and only one car accident involving tuk tuk and motorcycle (minor ankle swelling incurred).
Seeing the Taj Mahal: 750 Rs
Hiring a car from Agra to Delhi: 2500 Rs (including air conditioning)
Making it to New Delhi railway station on time and alive: Priceless
Transportation devices sighted on toll freeway from Agra to Delhi:
*truck, car, bus, tuk tuk (motorized rickshaw), bicycle rickshaw, bicycle, bicycle hauling cargo, truckbed filled with 70 people, scooter (with as many as 3 passengers and a baby), motorcycle (see scooter for passenger count), tractor, combine, horses and horses with cargo, camel with cargo (some with multiple cargo carts attached), cows, dogs, donkeys and donkeys with carts, pedestrians, 5 year old boy crossing freeway with bicycle rick shaw with cargo and several younger siblings, people standing room only external seats on a variety of vehicles, 8 year old boys riding bicycles while holding onto trucks for speed, a host of elementary school children coming home from school on foot, and only one car accident involving tuk tuk and motorcycle (minor ankle swelling incurred).
19 September 2007
Pictures from the Taj Mahal
Check out this link for pictures from our sunrise viewing of the Taj Mahal today.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=159582961/a=12913770_12913770/t_=12913770
We are taking off for Chandigarh for Amit's wedding this afternoon and are looking forward to picking out clothes for the wedding on Saturday. We'll post wedding pics before we take off for Thailand.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=159582961/a=12913770_12913770/t_=12913770
We are taking off for Chandigarh for Amit's wedding this afternoon and are looking forward to picking out clothes for the wedding on Saturday. We'll post wedding pics before we take off for Thailand.
Pictures from Leh
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=697191190220080781/l=309895882/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Please click the link for photos.
Please click the link for photos.
"No hurry, don't worry, chicken curry"
Hello from Agra! The title was given to us by our taxi driver this afternoon.
Here are some random observations/experiences from from Leh in the Himalayas.
*Magnetic Hill: a white box painted in the middle of the road tempting tourists to try to test an optical illusion. We wouldn't be surprised if we show up on YouTube or Candid Camera someday since it was so foolish.
*Noctural dog fights: Lauren tried very hard to wake the dogs who just slept all day so they could fight in packs with each other all night.
*Really cute nephew of guesthouse owner. He was only one year but was much bigger than Olivia already!
*Best KitKats discovered.
*Lauren observes that flies in our room have more energy in the morning and when exposed to direct sun.
*Monastary chants heard daily at 3am.
*Best cheese and tomato toast found, as recommended by Raj our waiter. Resembles grilled cheese.
*Power surges are normal. I doesn't matter what city or quality of hotel, the power will go our about every 2 hours for a sec.
*Extremely entertaining road signs. Examples include: "I'm curvaceous, so go slow","I like you but you're going too fast", "If you are married, divorce speed","Be Mr. Late, nor Late Mr."
*American style sour cream and onion chips are really spoiled cream and onion.
*Two thumbs down for Altitude Sickness.
*Himalayas on a whole are amazing, desolate, peaceful and awe inspiring.
*Pashminas are made from goats, Angora is from rabbits. Pashmina goat seen.
*Guesthouse owner in Leh laughs at everything Cindy says as if she's naive.
Observations from Agra:
*One should gratefully choose to decline the free puppet show offered by the hotel.
Here are some random observations/experiences from from Leh in the Himalayas.
*Magnetic Hill: a white box painted in the middle of the road tempting tourists to try to test an optical illusion. We wouldn't be surprised if we show up on YouTube or Candid Camera someday since it was so foolish.
*Noctural dog fights: Lauren tried very hard to wake the dogs who just slept all day so they could fight in packs with each other all night.
*Really cute nephew of guesthouse owner. He was only one year but was much bigger than Olivia already!
*Best KitKats discovered.
*Lauren observes that flies in our room have more energy in the morning and when exposed to direct sun.
*Monastary chants heard daily at 3am.
*Best cheese and tomato toast found, as recommended by Raj our waiter. Resembles grilled cheese.
*Power surges are normal. I doesn't matter what city or quality of hotel, the power will go our about every 2 hours for a sec.
*Extremely entertaining road signs. Examples include: "I'm curvaceous, so go slow","I like you but you're going too fast", "If you are married, divorce speed","Be Mr. Late, nor Late Mr."
*American style sour cream and onion chips are really spoiled cream and onion.
*Two thumbs down for Altitude Sickness.
*Himalayas on a whole are amazing, desolate, peaceful and awe inspiring.
*Pashminas are made from goats, Angora is from rabbits. Pashmina goat seen.
*Guesthouse owner in Leh laughs at everything Cindy says as if she's naive.
Observations from Agra:
*One should gratefully choose to decline the free puppet show offered by the hotel.
12 September 2007
Delhi
We've arrived safe and are heading to the himalyas tomorrow. So far no having the easiest time functioning here. City is large and bit crazy, with constant horns honking. Looking forward to heading to the mountains. We'll write more soon!
Random Moments in Croatia
*We went rafting on the Cetina and learned a new word: bomba. We feel this word should be added to everyone's lingo for use in many settings. For example, you walk into a bar and see a person you or your friends are wishing to avoid, one of you says "bomba" upon spotting the person, and both immediately take cover under the table. Bomba can also be used for securing yourself in a raft or getting down on the dance floor.
*Sometimes it's good to accept rides from strangers, especially when waiting at bus stop with 50 pounds of backpack strapped to your back and the ride is 3 Kuna cheaper than the city bus.
*Having other people do your laundry. Fantastic!
*Taking a ten hour overnight bus ride to save $$ on lodging, maybe not the best idea, but certainly better than sleeping on fistsize rocks while camping. Of note...Croatian wine takes the edge off while sleeping.
*245--number of stairs required to climb back to our lodging in Dubrovnik. Amazing views helps with toning.
*Croatian Italian food is most tasty!
*If you take the train from Vienna to Zagreb by Sovenia, you recieve 4 stamps on your passport in two train stops. Bonus breathtaking countryside!
*Sitting in the Buza Bar, gazing at the Adriatic Sea. Bliss! Simply Bliss!
*Cindy is a foot and a half shorter than the average Croatian at a dance club.
*Lauren received silver dollar sized bugbites from sleeping bag. Learned lesson about checking presence of visitors before we encounter the larger species in Australia.
*Only chips avialable are Salt and Paprika, which taste like BBQ.
Wholeheartedly recommend Croatia for anyone's travel destination! Miss everyone and will post pics as soon as possible.
*Sometimes it's good to accept rides from strangers, especially when waiting at bus stop with 50 pounds of backpack strapped to your back and the ride is 3 Kuna cheaper than the city bus.
*Having other people do your laundry. Fantastic!
*Taking a ten hour overnight bus ride to save $$ on lodging, maybe not the best idea, but certainly better than sleeping on fistsize rocks while camping. Of note...Croatian wine takes the edge off while sleeping.
*245--number of stairs required to climb back to our lodging in Dubrovnik. Amazing views helps with toning.
*Croatian Italian food is most tasty!
*If you take the train from Vienna to Zagreb by Sovenia, you recieve 4 stamps on your passport in two train stops. Bonus breathtaking countryside!
*Sitting in the Buza Bar, gazing at the Adriatic Sea. Bliss! Simply Bliss!
*Cindy is a foot and a half shorter than the average Croatian at a dance club.
*Lauren received silver dollar sized bugbites from sleeping bag. Learned lesson about checking presence of visitors before we encounter the larger species in Australia.
*Only chips avialable are Salt and Paprika, which taste like BBQ.
Wholeheartedly recommend Croatia for anyone's travel destination! Miss everyone and will post pics as soon as possible.
23 July 2007
The Itinerary
5 September Boston to Vienna
6 September Vienna to Split, Croatia (by train)
11 September Zagreb, Croatia to Dehli, India
25 September Dehli, India to Bangkok, Thailand
3 October Bangkok, Thailand to Perth, Australia
Beginning of November to Christchurch, New Zealand
12 November Auckland, NZ to Papeete, Tahiti
17 November Home
6 September Vienna to Split, Croatia (by train)
11 September Zagreb, Croatia to Dehli, India
25 September Dehli, India to Bangkok, Thailand
3 October Bangkok, Thailand to Perth, Australia
Beginning of November to Christchurch, New Zealand
12 November Auckland, NZ to Papeete, Tahiti
17 November Home
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