http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/This is sooooo not about chicken soup!en-EUMokoFeed10http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/50/f3692f696db9078f2b88a2f7b492eb_160x200.jpghttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/08/new_arrivals_to_krabi~291512/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-11-08:/2005/11/08/new_arrivals_to_krabi~291512/Tue, 08 Nov 2005 14:18:57 +0100 <p>Let me start from where I left you last time.....</p> <p>The following day we decided to have a relaxing day, so after a lie-in, we went to the MBK Center near the National Stadium (very big, 7 floors full of cloths, shoes, etc.). Afterwards we headed for the EGV Cinema (close by) to see a movie the deluxe way (with table service), but as the movie started late, we choose the "normal" way instead (the way we know it). The rest of the evening went with packing for our next stop, Krabi.</p> <p>The departure, the flight & the transport to Krabi Town from the Airport went smoothly. The flight itself took 1h 20min, which is not bad compared to approx. 12 hours on a bus. The remaining of the day we spend eating followed by a few drinks in a bar (have to have a little bit of fun sometimes!!!!). Bars are good places to meet fellow travellers and we did. 2 Australians from Perth, who are travelling around Thailand for 2 months. It was funny to hear about their experiences and stories.</p> <p>Today we just walked around Krabi Town. Of course it ended with shopping, there is no way you can't buy anything when is so cheap....that would not be fair, would it??? </p> <p>Krabi is a small, quiet town on the west coast of Thailand. They were not badly hit by the tsunami last December, but even though, they are also suffering from the lack of tourism afterwards. As my sister was here 4 years ago, she tells me that there used to be so many shops, bars, restaurants and, the most important part, backpackers/turists. Now it is very quiet, even though it is high season. For someone who have not been here before, it is difficult to imagine and it is also very sad as the people here are so nice & helpful. Well, I am definately going to help them by spending a lot of money here..... and if anyone are thinking of travelling to Thailand, Krabi is a place to visit.</p> <p>Tommorrow we are planing of going to Railay Beach, where it is possible to do some climbing. Well, we'll see how that goes....... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/08/new_arrivals_to_krabi~291512/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/08/new_arrivals_to_krabi~291512/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/14/now_i_know_what_relaxing_means~307009/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-11-14:/2005/11/14/now_i_know_what_relaxing_means~307009/Mon, 14 Nov 2005 15:37:03 +0100 <p>To anyone out there that has not yet been to Krabi, this must be the number one relaxing place. </p> <p>We have now been here for 6 days and we have not really been doing anything. We did manage to go the Railay Beach (about 30 mins. from Krabi in a longtail boat)for a day. Lovely beach and the sea is so beautiful. It is like......huuum, how can I describe it? Not possible. If you want to see it, you have to come to Railay Beach.</p> <p>We also spend a day in Ao Nang town. We heard that the beach there is good, but got a bit disappointed. There was nothing but hard sand with crunched shells. Most of the beach is being used by the longtail boats which = not much space for swimming <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0">. Ao Nang is good for shopping though with shops after shops as long as your eyes can see.</p> <p>Otherwise we have just be sleeping in, eating good food, done some walking around the city and meeting up with some of the locals that we have had the pleasure of meeting so far.</p> <p>On the 16th November everyone in Thailand will be celebrating the end of the rainy season with a festival (called Loy Kratong) and as anyone else they like to start a little bit early. Everywhere you go there is something new going on. Opporsite our guesthouse there has been a big market now for 4 days with loud music every evening and today is the last evening of another market (seafood market) down by the river. Well there is still a couple more days/evenings to the big festival, so what will be the next thing they will be doing??? I'll let you know later.</p> <p>Sorry that's it for today, going to a party now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/14/now_i_know_what_relaxing_means~307009/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>krabihttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/14/now_i_know_what_relaxing_means~307009/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/24/time_flies_away~334341/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-11-24:/2005/11/24/time_flies_away~334341/Thu, 24 Nov 2005 17:11:23 +0100 <p>Our time in Thailand is almost coming to an end <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0">.</p> <p>On Sunday it is back to Bangkok and then on to Brisbane. I do hope that the weather will be better there as it has all most been raining everyday here for the last week and a half. When it has not raining, it has been cloudy and grey and then it is off to do some sightseeing.</p> <p>Last Sunday we went to a temple not far from Krabi, called Tiger Cave Temple (not sure where the name came from as there are no tigers, just plenty for monkeys). The temple is on top of a mountain and you need to walk up 1272 steps to get there. When I say steps, it is not the kind of steps that we know of. Imagine small steps with not much space between and when you stand at the buttom of the stairs and looking up, you will be looking straight up. That's how they are. SCARY... I managed to walk up to step number 415 and then I had enough.<br> (Info link: <a href="http://www.krabi-tourism.com/krabi/watthumsua.htm">http://www.krabi-tourism.com/krabi/watthumsua.htm</a> )</p> <p>Tuesday we went to a national park not far from Krabi. Inside this park there is a beautiful waterfall and we spend the time there swimming and walking around in the forrest. It was a nice change from the buzzing of the city.</p> <p>Thursday we spend at the Shell Fossil Cemetary between Krabi and Ao Nang. (Pictures/info: <a href="http://www.krabi-tourism.com/krabi/susanhoi.htm">http://www.krabi-tourism.com/krabi/susanhoi.htm</a> ). It was very interesting to see so many shells fossils together. This is something that you can not inmagine before you see it as it is very uniq.</p> <p>That's all for this time.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/24/time_flies_away~334341/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>krabihttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/24/time_flies_away~334341/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/05/weekend_market_in_bangkok~285023/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-11-05:/2005/11/05/weekend_market_in_bangkok~285023/Sat, 05 Nov 2005 15:25:56 +0100 <p>I can't believe that it is already Saturday and that I have already been in Bangkok for 4 days now!!!! Could easily use more time here, but there is also Krabi & area to be explored.</p> <p>Today we went to the Weekend Market. As the name says, it is only held at weekends (Saturdays & Sundays). There is about 9000 small stands in an area approximately 6 times the size of Camden Market in London (just so you have an idea). We were there for about 3 hours and did not manage to explore it all. However, shopping I did do (few small items mainly, have to remember how much space I have in my rucksack).</p> <p>When we can back to our guesthouse, it started to rain. As it is the rainy season, we were prepared for it to happen, however when it rains, it rains for hours. Which gives me a reason to write in my blog, as there is nothing else to do.</p> <p>Sorry guys, it is time to go to bed as I am completely knackered. Night, night.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/05/weekend_market_in_bangkok~285023/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/05/weekend_market_in_bangkok~285023/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/04/first_few_days_adventure~282891/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-11-04:/2005/11/04/first_few_days_adventure~282891/Fri, 04 Nov 2005 15:06:39 +0100 <p>Now I have successfully completed 2 days in Bangkok as a turist and I must say that it is definately not what I expected it to be. It's much better. </p> <p>I really didn't have any expectations beforehand, except what I have seen on TV. The Thais are so friendly and helpful, but still you have to be careful especially when you are buy things. You have to remember to negotionate about the price, which can be very funny when you get used to it.</p> <p>Yesterday we went to Chinatown market. The area is not large, but if you are not careful you can easily get lost, as it is mainly in an area made up of small allees . <strong>A good tip </strong>- always know where the river is, as it came help you navigate through the market and a riverboat is also the best way to get home again.</p> <p>Today we managed to visit 3 wats (temples) and have a bit to eat in a 7 hour timeframe. So it is understandable that my feet were hurting afterwards. </p> <p>The first wat we went to was Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha is situated (it is not made of emerald as many thinks, but of jasper quartz or nephrite jade). The buddha was smaller than I thought it would be, but the shrine underneath made up for it. It is so big and wonderful that it will take you a few minutes before you notice the buddha. What is more impressive is the rest of the compound (which is incrediable grand) and the Grand Palace. Remember your sunglasses as everything is made of gold and coloured glass mosaic. </p> <p>The next temple we went to was Wat Pho, which is Bangkok's oldest wat. Inside you will find Thailand's largest buddha, the Reclining Buddha, which is 46m long and its feet have fantastic mother-of-pearls inlays. The surrounding compound is beautiful with almost everything made of colourful mosaic. </p> <p>The third and final temple we visit was Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) which consists of 5 towers (4 small & 1 big) and all of them are covert with mosaic of brokem pottery and seashells.</p> <p>If you would like to know more about the Wats and see pictures, you can use the link below and select number 1, 2, 3 & 6. <a href="http://www.bangkok.thailandtoday.com/sightseeing/index.html">http://www.bangkok.thailandtoday.com/sightseeing/index.html</a></p> <p>Well, it has been a very impressive few days and my head is now completely num, but it was worth it. Everything I have seen and experienced so far has been amasing:<br> - The tuktuk drivers trying to barging with you to take you to places you don't want to go to and the whole tuktuk-ride experience itself, when you finally manage to find one that will do what <u>you</u> wants to do. But hey, let them just try <img src="/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif" alt=":>" class="middle" border="0"><br> - The small stands/shops everywhere, selling food, cloths, shoes or anything else that has some kind of value (it might not be of any value to you though <img src="/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif" alt=":crazy:" class="middle" border="0">).<br> - Trying to cross the streets in rush hour!!!! (apperently it is always rush hour in Bangkok <img src="/img/smilies/icon_idea.gif" alt=":idea:" class="middle" border="0">).</p> <p>That's all, folks (for now). More to come, so stay tuned!!!!!!!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/04/first_few_days_adventure~282891/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/04/first_few_days_adventure~282891/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/10/27/finally_getting_there~266087/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-10-27:/2005/10/27/finally_getting_there~266087/Thu, 27 Oct 2005 21:46:11 +0200 <p>After 6 months of planning and saving there is only 5 days left till I am going travelling with my sister for 3 months. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>We are going to Thailand, Australia & Bali (enjoying the sunshine when everyone in England is freezing <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> ) and I have never been there before. It is also the first time that I am going travelling for more than 2 weeks at any one time. Because I am travelling with my sister, everyone (including our family) believes that we will not manage to do it, as in the past we have been known to 'dislike' each other. But I would like to say that that was in the past and I am sure that we will still be alive when we get back <img src="/img/smilies/icon_question.gif" alt=":?:" class="middle" border="0">.</p> <p>I am going to use this blog as a travel dairy where I will try to explain what I am seeing & experiencing and what kind of effect it has on me, but as I am a person with few words it will be sort of difficult. But I will promise to do my best.</p> <p>Stay tuned...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/10/27/finally_getting_there~266087/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/10/27/finally_getting_there~266087/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/10/31/we_are_getting_there~273857/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-10-31:/2005/10/31/we_are_getting_there~273857/Mon, 31 Oct 2005 18:46:11 +0100 <p>Less than 48 hours til we are leaving for Thailand. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>After months of preperations and moving my "entire world" to my sister's place, I am definately ready to explore the world. I can't wait to experience different cultures, food etc. After spending the majority of my 5 1/2 years holiday in going to Denmark to see my friends and family, I feel like I need a change. Don't take this wrong. I like visiting my friends and family. But when the opportunity knocks on your door, you don't say NO!</p> <p>Today is Halloween and as this is the last opportunity to party in London for 3 months, I am definately up for it!!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif" alt=":>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Next message will be from Thailand, so stay tuned!!!!!!!!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/10/31/we_are_getting_there~273857/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/10/31/we_are_getting_there~273857/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/02/we_managed_to_get_there~278351/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-11-02:/2005/11/02/we_managed_to_get_there~278351/Wed, 02 Nov 2005 15:56:24 +0100 <p>We finally made it to Thailand, but only just.</p> <p>We decided to take a cab to the airport, which would have be fine if it was not for the London traffic. Except this was at 7pm at London Bridge going towards central. It's at that time that everyone is surpose to go out of London on their way home?????</p> <p>After being stuck in jam for 1 hour, with only 30 minutes left to check-in is starting, we decided to call Qantas Airlines. As we are on a budget ticket, we had to be there 2 hours prior to departure and still being stuck at London Bridge we decided to advise them that we will be late amd hoped that there was a way out. A very helpful lady in Australia help us as much as she could. Thank god for friendly staff!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>When we finally got out of the traffic jam, we went to Paddington Station instead to take the Heathrow Express. It takes 15 minutes and goes every 15 minutes as well (GOOD). With that time we would make it before check-in is closing. Except.......we were going to Terminal 4, which takes 25 minutes from Paddington. Even though our nerves would not have been able take any more, we only just made it on to the plane.</p> <p>SOOOOO, now we are in Bangkok. We managed to get a shower, something to eat and had a look around in the area we are staying in. That is all we have done so far as it is now 10pm here. But that is OK as we are knackered. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/02/we_managed_to_get_there~278351/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/11/02/we_managed_to_get_there~278351/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/02/aussie_land~354016/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-12-02:/2005/12/02/aussie_land~354016/Fri, 02 Dec 2005 04:50:35 +0100 <p>After a month in Thailand, we have now arrived in Australia (Brisbane to be more precise), where the weather is more cool. For some reason we have not able to shake off the rain & grey weather.</p> <p>We left Krabi on the 27th November, where we went back to Bangkok for a few days before we continued with our travel. On the day we left the sun finally came out in Krabi (Why now????), but when we arrived in Bangkok it was sunny there aswell <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> (managed to get a sunburn on my arms and shoulders).</p> <p>On one of the days in Bangkok, I went on a 1 day tour to the Floating Market, Bridge over River Kwai and Phra Pathom Chedi, which is one of the largest pagodas in the world and in Thailand. It was interesting.</p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/002.jpg" title="Floating market"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/002_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Floating market"></a></p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/003.jpg" title="Bridge over River Kwai"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/003_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Bridge over River Kwai"></a></p> <p><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/nakhonpathom01.jpg" border="0" alt="Phra Pathom Chedi"></p> <p>(More info on these 3 places: <a href="http://www.thailandguidebook.com/floatingmarket.html,">http://www.thailandguidebook.com/floatingmarket.html,</a> <a href="http://www.thailandguidebook.com/k_bridge.html,">http://www.thailandguidebook.com/k_bridge.html,</a> <a href="http://www.thailandguidebook.com/provinces/nakhon_pathom.html).">http://www.thailandguidebook.com/provinces/nakhon_pathom.html).</a></p> <p>Sorry guys. Only have a few days in Brisbane before continuing up north, so it is now off to explore the city a bit more. See ya.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/02/aussie_land~354016/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/02/aussie_land~354016/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/09/sunshine_coast~372127/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-12-09:/2005/12/09/sunshine_coast~372127/Fri, 09 Dec 2005 05:00:47 +0100 <p>After spending a few days in Brisbane (where we did nothing really except getting back into a rhythm again after a very long flight from Bangkok to Brisbane via Sydney with only 1 hour sleep) we continued our trip by going to the Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore/Cotton Tree to be more precise)</p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Cottontree.jpg" title="Cotton Tree"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Cottontree_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Cotton Tree"></a></p> <p>You definately do not come here for the sightseeing as you can see from the picture, but more for the lovely beaches & the sunshine. </p> <p>If you what to know a bit more about Australia's residents, then a visit to the Australian Zoo is a most and it is only located 1 hour away from the here via a courtesy (free) bus. Here you are able to see kangaroos and koalas up close with the possibility to touch them. But there are also dingos, snakes, lizzards, elefants, tigers and many other cretures to see (be careful, some are not locked up <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0">).</p> <p>Well, back to the beach for me. So long, folks!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/09/sunshine_coast~372127/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sunshine-coasthttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/09/sunshine_coast~372127/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/04/it_s~438637/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2006-01-04:/2006/01/04/it_s~438637/Wed, 04 Jan 2006 03:21:19 +0100 <p class="center"><em><strong>HAPPY NEW YEAR<br> from Sydney</strong></em></p> <p>It is now 2006.....time goes by so fast.</p> <p>I hope everyone that I know had a fantastic New Year celebration, I did definately.</p> <p>We celebrated NYE on Wharf 3 close to the Harbour Bridge (have a look at this view: <a href="http://www.recklessrepublic.com">http://www.recklessrepublic.com</a> ). So, with this view, 2 DJ's, one big bar and your friends it can only mean the best NYE party ever and it was for sure. We had a great time and the firework was fantastic. Sydney definately know have to put on a show.</p> <p>Just to make you all jealous....</p> <p> <a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/F1000021.JPG" title="NYE"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/F1000021_small.jpg" border="0" alt="NYE"></a></p> <p>That's it for now as we are continuing our journey today, next stop Melbourne.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/04/it_s~438637/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sydneyhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/04/it_s~438637/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/10/melbourne_a_easy_going_city~457111/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2006-01-10:/2006/01/10/melbourne_a_easy_going_city~457111/Tue, 10 Jan 2006 09:13:54 +0100 <p>Gosh, we are almost through our travels, only 3 weeks left <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0">. Have been so much involved in learning and having fun that time just disappeared from me. I don't mean that I would do anything different, but if only I had more time (and, no surprise there, more money), I could have done more of the things that I would have liked to do. Hey, I just got a reason to come back again, GREAT <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0">.</p> <p>As you already know, we are in Melbourne. The second largest city in Australia. Compared to Sydney, Melbourne is more easy-going and friendly then Sydney. There is a totally different atmosphere here and you feel welcome as soon as you step out of the airplan. And it has so much to offer...</p> <p>Relax in one of the many parks around the inner city is a most when visiting. I personally recommend Fitzroy Gardens, as it is easy to find a secluded area there where you can relax and maybe have a little nap. If you are into floura and fauna, Carlton Gardens is packed with flowers and a small pond, where you can study some of the lovely native birds.</p> <p>If you want to know about Melbourne's past, the Melbourne Museum is a good place to start, but make sure that you arrive early as there is so much to see. It is the only museum that I have ever visit that has a rain forrest inside <img src="/img/smilies/grayconfused.gif" alt=":??:" class="middle" border="0">, which is a bonus to the whole experience.</p> <p>For a trip outside of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road day-trip is wonderful for that. During the trip you will experience at least 3 different landscapes (farming areas, rain forrest and rocky territory) and pleanty of ocean ( <a href="http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au">http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au</a> ).</p> <p><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Great-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Great1"></p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Great-2.jpg" title="Great2"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Great-2_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Great2"></a></p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Great-3.jpg" title="Great3"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Great-3_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Great3"></a></p> <p><a href="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Great-4.jpg" title="Great4"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Great-4_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Great4"></a></p> <p>That's that for now, folk's. More exploring to be done. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/10/melbourne_a_easy_going_city~457111/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>melbournehttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/10/melbourne_a_easy_going_city~457111/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/16/arrived_in_bali~475173/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2006-01-16:/2006/01/16/arrived_in_bali~475173/Mon, 16 Jan 2006 05:12:34 +0100 <p>Arrived yesterday at our last stop on this journey, Bali <img src="/img/smilies/graysigh.gif" alt=":**:" class="middle" border="0">.</p> <p>It is strange being back in asian world again after having been in a civilised world for the past month and a half and especially after been travelling for approx. 15 hours. </p> <p>Starting at 4 in the morning as our first flight was leaving Melbourne at 8am. After a few hours stop-over in Sydney, we continued the trip to Bali, where we arrive at 2.30pm (5.30pm without the time difference). Sleeping and with our brains still in Melbourne, we managed to get to a guesthouse that was not to expensive and OK in standard as well. A shower and some food later, we ended up in bed at 11pm with no problems falling asleep. </p> <p>With the same situation as when we arrived in Thailand almost 3 months ago, we as well arrived in Bali during the rainy season. Hurray, was hoping to get tanned a little bit more before coming back to cold and grey London. Hope it will get better later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/16/arrived_in_bali~475173/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>balihttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/16/arrived_in_bali~475173/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/27/christmas_is_over~418883/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-12-27:/2005/12/27/christmas_is_over~418883/Tue, 27 Dec 2005 10:50:02 +0100 <p>Did manage to get in a little bit of Christmas moon when we arrived at our friend's place...they bought us a present and a Santa hat. How sweet of them <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0">.</p> <p>Well, now that it is after Christmas, it is time to do some more sightseeing of Sydney. Ups, forgot to tell you what we have done already, so let me start from the beginning.</p> <p><strong>Museum of Sydney:</strong> Was a little bit of a disappointment as it focused more on Bondi Beach than the whole of Sydney and it's history. But what they had about the history was very interesting.</p> <p><strong>Paddy's Market (in Haymarket):</strong> Is decently big, but I could not find anything that was of interest such as traditional Australian items as it says in their brochure. But if you are looking for something cheap and touristy, this would be the place to go.</p> <p><strong>The Pylon-lookout on Harbour Bridge:</strong> Compared with the A$200 they charge for a bridge-climb <img src="/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif" alt=":crazy:" class="middle" border="0">, the shorter and much cheaper tour up to the pylon-lookout is worth a go. Here you get the history of the bridge included in the price as well as the view and it only costs you A$8.50.</p> <p>Otherwise we have just been relaxing in parks, shopping and going out with people we are meeting in the hostle.</p> <p>That's it for today, tomorrow is another day with sightseeing on the program.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/27/christmas_is_over~418883/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sydneyhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/27/christmas_is_over~418883/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/24/warm_x_mas_greetings~412716/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-12-24:/2005/12/24/warm_x_mas_greetings~412716/Sat, 24 Dec 2005 09:25:02 +0100 <p>So, it is Christmas..........</p> <p>Don't really feel like it down here even after seeing Santa in full costume and hearing "White Christmas" on the radio. What does it take to get in the mood????</p> <p><strong>I know....</strong></p> <p class="center"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Snow1_01.jpg" border="0" alt="Snow1"> <img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Snow2_01.jpg" border="0" alt="Snow2"></p> <p><strong>this would do!!!!!</strong> (This is to everyone who are wishing for a white Christmas).</p> <p>To all my friends and family, I wish you all a merry Christmas with plenty of pressies and all the fun you can handle.</p> <p class="center"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/blog/c/chickensoup/img/Santa.jpg" border="0" alt="Santa"></p> <p class="center"><strong><em>MERRY X-MAS</em></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/24/warm_x_mas_greetings~412716/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sydneyhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/24/warm_x_mas_greetings~412716/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/19/sydney~397904/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-12-19:/2005/12/19/sydney~397904/Mon, 19 Dec 2005 02:38:15 +0100 <p>We have been on the move again. This time to Sydney, where we are planning to staying for the next 3 weeks. </p> <p>This means that we will be celebrating Christmas & New Year with a BBQ instead of a roast. Well, you should always try out new things, right? But I most say that it is quiet difficult to get into the Christmas sprite when you walk around in 30+ degreese and shorts <img src="/img/smilies/graysigh.gif" alt=":**:" class="middle" border="0">. For New Year we have managed to get tickets to a party at the harbour, where we will be able to see the fireworks up close. That can only mean fun <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0">.</p> <p>Well, what can I say about Sydney?? It is a lovely and relaxed city with helpful/friendly people.</p> <p>Sightseeing: The first thing that any danes need to do when coming to Sydney is to see the Opera House, so of course we did that (use the link to find out why - <a href="http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/sydneyoperahouse">http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/sydneyoperahouse</a> ). I most say that I was a little bit disappointed of the size, but that is probably normal, am I right? Then we went for a walk in the Botanic Gardens. How many kinds of palm trees are there down here??? Sorry, but to me they look the same.</p> <p>Sydney nightlife: So far we have not experienced that much nightlife except the occasional drink and a few cocktails one evening out with friends, but I have this strange feeling that that will change soon, so keep tuned......</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/19/sydney~397904/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sydneyhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/19/sydney~397904/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/20/street_names_in_sydney~401719/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2005-12-20:/2005/12/20/street_names_in_sydney~401719/Tue, 20 Dec 2005 13:09:09 +0100 <p>It is not so difficult to see that Sydney originally started out as a "prison" for English convicts as many of the streets here are named after the streets/areas of London. </p> <p>So walking around Sydney is actually making me very confused especially when I am on the corner of Liverpool St. and Oxford St. and the next minute I am going through Hyde Park. It just doesn't make sence, everything is so close to each other.</p> <p>The best part are the area names such as Kings Cross, Paddington, Surrey Hill, Lewisham, Croydon etc. You can go from one to the other in just a few minutes.</p> <p>Some of the suburbs names are quiet funny as well. Let me give you some examples: Mascot, Emu Plains & Kissing Point. I have attached a few maps for those who would like try and find other funny names ( <a href="http://www.railpage.org.au/railmaps/sydney.htm">http://www.railpage.org.au/railmaps/sydney.htm</a> ,<br> <a href="http://www.wilmap.com.au/nswmaps/sydneytc.html">http://www.wilmap.com.au/nswmaps/sydneytc.html</a> ).</p> <p>Sorry, time for bed now. Long day ahead tomorrow with sightseeing. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/20/street_names_in_sydney~401719/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sydneyhttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2005/12/20/street_names_in_sydney~401719/#commentshttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/30/back_in_london~519911/tag:chickensoup.blog.co.uk,2006-01-30:/2006/01/30/back_in_london~519911/Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:40:57 +0100 <p>After 2 weeks in Bali where we did absolutely nothing but relaxing, we are now back in London.</p> <p>Well....we arrived at 4.30am in the morning at Heathrow Airport wearing flip-flops and sarongs (a pick-up with a twist <img src="/img/smilies/icon_crazy.gif" alt=":crazy:" class="middle" border="0">). This is definately something that I would not recommend to anyone especially when it is freezing cold outside (big time culture shock for sure). If I did not have a sore throat before leaving Bali (combination of rain and a fan in the room), I will now.</p> <p>To keep me from falling a sleep, I will now tell you a little bit about Bali and what we did do there, when we managed to get our behinds out of the sun-chairs by the pool.</p> <p>A few days after we arrived, some friends of ours came to Bali as well (on their honeymoon actually). We meet up with them and had some great times together. After a week in Bali, where everytime we were walking around Kuta, we would get bombarded with "Need transport?", "Got sunglasses, cheap sunglasses" and "Want your hair braided?" we decided to go to Ubud for a few days. We were planning to go there earlier, but as I had a little accident and twisted my foot, I found it very difficult to move anywhere. </p> <p>Ubud is slightly differant than Kuta. You will still be attact, but in a slightly different way. Did not do much else in Ubud as it was raining all the time, however as we had found this lovely bungalow guesthouse, where the view was great and breakfast was being served on your veranda, it was not a problem being there with a good book.</p> <p>Might see a movie now, which I hope will prevent me from falling a sleep. We'll see. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/30/back_in_london~519911/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>balihttp://chickensoup.blog.co.uk/2006/01/30/back_in_london~519911/#comments