Happy New Years!!!
I amin sunny Queensland with my sister Mercia, and am having a fabulous time. Our first day here we spent a day on the Great Barrier Reef. We got a sailing boat over to Green Island, and I snorkelled and Mercia did a scuba dive off the island. We then relaxed for the rest of the afternoon on the island before sailing abck to Cairns with complimentary white wine, cheese and biscuits!
We went to the Woolshed (dinner included with our hostel!) and had a slap up dinner before consuming too much beer with some lads from melbourne we had met earlier that day.
Much to my remorse, we were up early the next day (very bad hangover!) and spent the day on Uncle Brians Tour. We had a fabulius day in the rainforests walking around, swimming in water holes and volcanic craters etc. We met lots of amazing people from all over the world, and Mercia celebrated her birthday.
Today has been much slower with relaxing by the lagoon on the waterfront, reading my book and generally chilling out before tonight! Then heading to sydney tomorrow morning :-)
So wishing you all a merry New Year!
Ngaira
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Townsville, Australia
Merry Christmas!
I flew to Townsville on Xmas Eve to join my family for the festive season. We were treated to an amazing meal cooked outside in the Webber BBQ. Handy because it is sooo hot here, but also because my sisters oven blew up last week during an electrical storm.
We caught a ferry over to Magnetic Island on Boxing Day, and I managed to get some much needed sun and swimming in!
My sister, Mercia, and I are catching a train to Cairns tomorrow and will be celebrating New Years there. We have booked into a backpackers, so hopefully we will find lots of things to do and people to drink with.
Best run
Ngaira
I flew to Townsville on Xmas Eve to join my family for the festive season. We were treated to an amazing meal cooked outside in the Webber BBQ. Handy because it is sooo hot here, but also because my sisters oven blew up last week during an electrical storm.
We caught a ferry over to Magnetic Island on Boxing Day, and I managed to get some much needed sun and swimming in!
My sister, Mercia, and I are catching a train to Cairns tomorrow and will be celebrating New Years there. We have booked into a backpackers, so hopefully we will find lots of things to do and people to drink with.
Best run
Ngaira
Friday, December 16, 2005
Canberra, Australia
Hi,
Well lots has changed since my last post. I arrived safely in Canberra just after a massive electrical storm. I spent my first week in town with my family and my Grandpa. After being around for less than a week I then was offered a casual job as an OT at Calvary Hospital. I started work this week on the 12th December, and am so far really enjoying it.
I have managed to catch up with lots of old mates, and even went to a Carols by Candlelight tonight on the lawns of the War Memorial.
My Grandpa passed away today, peacefully at the local hospice. I wanted to take this opportunity to thankyou all for your kind thoughts and support over the last couple of weeks. His funeral will be held in Canberra on Monday 19th December. I have had to change my Christmas plans, and will now be flying up to Townsville on Christmas eve. Apologies to those who I was going to visit on my way north.
I hope everyone is having a great leadup to Christmas, and enjoying the indulgence!
Merry Christmas!
Ngaira
xx
Well lots has changed since my last post. I arrived safely in Canberra just after a massive electrical storm. I spent my first week in town with my family and my Grandpa. After being around for less than a week I then was offered a casual job as an OT at Calvary Hospital. I started work this week on the 12th December, and am so far really enjoying it.
I have managed to catch up with lots of old mates, and even went to a Carols by Candlelight tonight on the lawns of the War Memorial.
My Grandpa passed away today, peacefully at the local hospice. I wanted to take this opportunity to thankyou all for your kind thoughts and support over the last couple of weeks. His funeral will be held in Canberra on Monday 19th December. I have had to change my Christmas plans, and will now be flying up to Townsville on Christmas eve. Apologies to those who I was going to visit on my way north.
I hope everyone is having a great leadup to Christmas, and enjoying the indulgence!
Merry Christmas!
Ngaira
xx
Friday, December 02, 2005
Airport, Kuala Lumpar
Hi guys,
Well there has been a change of plan and I have had to cut short the asian leg of my trip. My Grandpa has become very ill in Canberra, so I am on my way home. I was enjoying Ko Phi Phi Island when I got the email, and jumped on the next ferry to Phuket. Grabbed a last night flight to Bangkok, then a flight to KL this morning. I have a 5 hour stop here before boarding my flight to Sydney. Currently am arriving at 8am on the 3/12/05. Either will hire a car and drive to Canberra or go by QANTAS (I swore I would never fly them again - especially in cases of emergency - but it might be the best option).
I managed to get some late night shopping in last night in Bangkok, and hopefully have enough repsents for every one back in aus! Fingers crossed.
So for those of you that are in Australia - I will see you soon. I will be in Canberra but you can call me whenever (I have my old sim card) on my mobile or try me at Mum and Dad's.
Thankyou to everyone for their thoughts and messages, it has been a real source of strength.
Ngaira
xx
Well there has been a change of plan and I have had to cut short the asian leg of my trip. My Grandpa has become very ill in Canberra, so I am on my way home. I was enjoying Ko Phi Phi Island when I got the email, and jumped on the next ferry to Phuket. Grabbed a last night flight to Bangkok, then a flight to KL this morning. I have a 5 hour stop here before boarding my flight to Sydney. Currently am arriving at 8am on the 3/12/05. Either will hire a car and drive to Canberra or go by QANTAS (I swore I would never fly them again - especially in cases of emergency - but it might be the best option).
I managed to get some late night shopping in last night in Bangkok, and hopefully have enough repsents for every one back in aus! Fingers crossed.
So for those of you that are in Australia - I will see you soon. I will be in Canberra but you can call me whenever (I have my old sim card) on my mobile or try me at Mum and Dad's.
Thankyou to everyone for their thoughts and messages, it has been a real source of strength.
Ngaira
xx
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Krabi, Thailand
I am here..
After a one hour taxi ride to the border, then a 5 hour train journey, then 4 hours on the bus!
I am heading to Ko Phi Phi tomorrow, praying for good weather.
N
xx
After a one hour taxi ride to the border, then a 5 hour train journey, then 4 hours on the bus!
I am heading to Ko Phi Phi tomorrow, praying for good weather.
N
xx
Monday, November 28, 2005
Khota Baru, Malaysia II
Hi all,
Well I have succussfully made it north, and can almost smell the Thai border. So here is what I have been up to:
Mike and I caught the bus from the Cameroon Highlands to KL on wednesday (I was feeling much better). We booked into a posh hotel for the night and went shopping. It was Mike's last night so he bought heaps of stuff, and we haggled like professionals.
On thursday we did a bit more shopping, (apparently - you can never have enough gifts for family and friends) before going our seperate ways in the afternoon. Mike had his flight to NZ that night, so he put me in a taxi to get to the local bus station to get a bus heading north. It was quite a wierd feeling heading off on my own, I was a bit nostalgic and excited about my future plans all at the same time. Now there was no set itinerary until my flight from Bangkok on the 13th December. I had had an amazing experience travelling with Mike, he was integral in creating some unforgetable memories in Africa. I drove away feeling so blessed to have experienced the past 6 weeks, knowing that I had made the right decision to come on this trip.
I caught a bus from KL to a town called Jerantut, where I stayed overnight before getting on a very small boat with an outboard engine and going to Taman Nagara National Park. It was a 3 hour journey, but I managed to sleep most of the way.
In Taman Nagara I sat around for most of the afternoon. I opened my travel journal and wrote an entry - it had been three years since I last had opened it - so I think it deserved some attention. I ended up chatting to some locals and had a relaxing afternoon. I went for dinner that night, and was informed that my dinner had been payed for by one of the local fellas I was chatting to. Wierd! Anyway, that night I went on a night jungle safari, a total waste of time, but I did get to meet some english people to trek with the next day. When I got back to my hut there was a note from the local guy asking me for a drink, he then turned up outside my hut and I politely thanked him for dinner and turned down a drink (it was 11.30pm!).
The following day I went trekking which was amazing. There was a jungle canopy suspended walkway, which we took, then we hiked up to a lookout and took another trail back down again. We were gone about 4 hours and came back very smelly, sweaty and muddy - I also had very bloody feet from 3 leech attacks! LOVELY!!! I have a photo por anyone who wants a look :-)
I never enjoyed a cold water shower so much in my life!
As it was saturday night I joined up with some other travellers and caught the boat across the river to the posh resort (I was staying on the poor backpackers side of the river which does not serve alcohol!) for a few drinks.
There ended up being 11 of us - 8 of whom were british. They threw us out just after 11pm and we caught the last boat back across the river. I was greeted by another note from said local asking me to join him to watch the Liverpool vs Man Utd game. I ignored note and went to bed...however was woken up after midnight by him knocking on my door trying to wake me. Needless to say, I pretended I did not hear him for the next 2 hours of knocking and calling my name. I did get a bit freaked out when he managed to get into the empty room next to mine, and knock on the wall next to my head. This was when I put my bag against the door - in case he could get a key - and generaly hoped and prayed for the best!
I did not get much sleep, and was really gald to get on a boat the next morning. He was waitng outside my room in the morning - but appeared to be happy enough with me saying that I was going on the 9am boat. Wierd hey!
So that morning I caught a boat back to Jerantut then jumped on the Jungle Railway for the 10 hour journey to Khota Baru. I had a fabulous nights sleep and am going to stay here for the day and head onto Thailand tomorrow!
Best run
Ngaira
xx
Well I have succussfully made it north, and can almost smell the Thai border. So here is what I have been up to:
Mike and I caught the bus from the Cameroon Highlands to KL on wednesday (I was feeling much better). We booked into a posh hotel for the night and went shopping. It was Mike's last night so he bought heaps of stuff, and we haggled like professionals.
On thursday we did a bit more shopping, (apparently - you can never have enough gifts for family and friends) before going our seperate ways in the afternoon. Mike had his flight to NZ that night, so he put me in a taxi to get to the local bus station to get a bus heading north. It was quite a wierd feeling heading off on my own, I was a bit nostalgic and excited about my future plans all at the same time. Now there was no set itinerary until my flight from Bangkok on the 13th December. I had had an amazing experience travelling with Mike, he was integral in creating some unforgetable memories in Africa. I drove away feeling so blessed to have experienced the past 6 weeks, knowing that I had made the right decision to come on this trip.
I caught a bus from KL to a town called Jerantut, where I stayed overnight before getting on a very small boat with an outboard engine and going to Taman Nagara National Park. It was a 3 hour journey, but I managed to sleep most of the way.
In Taman Nagara I sat around for most of the afternoon. I opened my travel journal and wrote an entry - it had been three years since I last had opened it - so I think it deserved some attention. I ended up chatting to some locals and had a relaxing afternoon. I went for dinner that night, and was informed that my dinner had been payed for by one of the local fellas I was chatting to. Wierd! Anyway, that night I went on a night jungle safari, a total waste of time, but I did get to meet some english people to trek with the next day. When I got back to my hut there was a note from the local guy asking me for a drink, he then turned up outside my hut and I politely thanked him for dinner and turned down a drink (it was 11.30pm!).
The following day I went trekking which was amazing. There was a jungle canopy suspended walkway, which we took, then we hiked up to a lookout and took another trail back down again. We were gone about 4 hours and came back very smelly, sweaty and muddy - I also had very bloody feet from 3 leech attacks! LOVELY!!! I have a photo por anyone who wants a look :-)
I never enjoyed a cold water shower so much in my life!
As it was saturday night I joined up with some other travellers and caught the boat across the river to the posh resort (I was staying on the poor backpackers side of the river which does not serve alcohol!) for a few drinks.
There ended up being 11 of us - 8 of whom were british. They threw us out just after 11pm and we caught the last boat back across the river. I was greeted by another note from said local asking me to join him to watch the Liverpool vs Man Utd game. I ignored note and went to bed...however was woken up after midnight by him knocking on my door trying to wake me. Needless to say, I pretended I did not hear him for the next 2 hours of knocking and calling my name. I did get a bit freaked out when he managed to get into the empty room next to mine, and knock on the wall next to my head. This was when I put my bag against the door - in case he could get a key - and generaly hoped and prayed for the best!
I did not get much sleep, and was really gald to get on a boat the next morning. He was waitng outside my room in the morning - but appeared to be happy enough with me saying that I was going on the 9am boat. Wierd hey!
So that morning I caught a boat back to Jerantut then jumped on the Jungle Railway for the 10 hour journey to Khota Baru. I had a fabulous nights sleep and am going to stay here for the day and head onto Thailand tomorrow!
Best run
Ngaira
xx
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Cameroon Highlands, Malaysia
Hi guys,
I have been a bit quite since arriving in Asia - so here is the low down.
Flew in KL on friday morning at 6am. Checked our stuff into left luggage and caught a train into KL. Spent the day in KL, went up the twin towers, checked out some temples & mosques and went to some markets. We were running on a tight schedule as we had to be back at KL airport at 8pm for a flight at 9pm to Penang. We arrived back at the train station at 7.00pm to get the 28min express train to the airport. Only to find out that the rain storm earlier that afternoon had flooded the tracks - so we had to get a taxi to the airport instead which takes about 1 hour! Needless to say we told the cab driver to drive very quickly and we got to the airport with 5 mins to spare.
We had decided on a military precision plan to get our backpacks out of the lockers, Mike to check them in - while I spent 5 mins repacking our daypacks, with the stuff in the locker. So Mike rushed off to make check in. Upon his arrival, he was asked where his wife was! He said I was coming, deciding not to correct them on their mistake in case they wouldn't let him check my stuff in, the aiport staff then enquired as to whether his 'wife' was pregnant - therefore the delay! Fortunately Mike stated that this was not the case! Needless to say I was in stitches when he relayed the story to me!
We spent 3 nights in Penang with some friends of Mike's - wouldn't recommend it as a place to visit. A bit like the Costa Bravo. but it did have great shopping. DVD's were 4 ringit a piece (6.6 RM to the pound) so many were purchased.
We caught the bus from Penang to Tanah Rata in the Cameroon Highlands yesterday. I had an egg pancake at the bus terminal prior to leaving for breakfast - Mike just had a coffee (turned out to be a good decision). The bus trip was 6 hours, with the last 2 hours being a very windy road. Nausea overcame both of us, and we were really glad to get off the bus at the end. We had a bit of a walk around town, but I felt worse with each hour. Mike attempted to ply me with food, I had a banana milkshake and a magnum (only western food we could find!), but I felt no better.
In the end I said I needed to return to the hostel and lye down, feeling a bit silly as the bus journey wasn't that bad to incapacitate me. Fortunately or unfortunately, a little after that I threw up multiple times. I then spent the rest of the day in bed, with Mike getting me water, tablets and having to buy a sink plunger (not further details required!). I have not felt so ill for a long long time. Fortunately I am feeling a bit better today and even managed some toast and a cup of tea!
Moral to the story - no eggs at bus stations!
Until next time.....
Ngaira
I have been a bit quite since arriving in Asia - so here is the low down.
Flew in KL on friday morning at 6am. Checked our stuff into left luggage and caught a train into KL. Spent the day in KL, went up the twin towers, checked out some temples & mosques and went to some markets. We were running on a tight schedule as we had to be back at KL airport at 8pm for a flight at 9pm to Penang. We arrived back at the train station at 7.00pm to get the 28min express train to the airport. Only to find out that the rain storm earlier that afternoon had flooded the tracks - so we had to get a taxi to the airport instead which takes about 1 hour! Needless to say we told the cab driver to drive very quickly and we got to the airport with 5 mins to spare.
We had decided on a military precision plan to get our backpacks out of the lockers, Mike to check them in - while I spent 5 mins repacking our daypacks, with the stuff in the locker. So Mike rushed off to make check in. Upon his arrival, he was asked where his wife was! He said I was coming, deciding not to correct them on their mistake in case they wouldn't let him check my stuff in, the aiport staff then enquired as to whether his 'wife' was pregnant - therefore the delay! Fortunately Mike stated that this was not the case! Needless to say I was in stitches when he relayed the story to me!
We spent 3 nights in Penang with some friends of Mike's - wouldn't recommend it as a place to visit. A bit like the Costa Bravo. but it did have great shopping. DVD's were 4 ringit a piece (6.6 RM to the pound) so many were purchased.
We caught the bus from Penang to Tanah Rata in the Cameroon Highlands yesterday. I had an egg pancake at the bus terminal prior to leaving for breakfast - Mike just had a coffee (turned out to be a good decision). The bus trip was 6 hours, with the last 2 hours being a very windy road. Nausea overcame both of us, and we were really glad to get off the bus at the end. We had a bit of a walk around town, but I felt worse with each hour. Mike attempted to ply me with food, I had a banana milkshake and a magnum (only western food we could find!), but I felt no better.
In the end I said I needed to return to the hostel and lye down, feeling a bit silly as the bus journey wasn't that bad to incapacitate me. Fortunately or unfortunately, a little after that I threw up multiple times. I then spent the rest of the day in bed, with Mike getting me water, tablets and having to buy a sink plunger (not further details required!). I have not felt so ill for a long long time. Fortunately I am feeling a bit better today and even managed some toast and a cup of tea!
Moral to the story - no eggs at bus stations!
Until next time.....
Ngaira
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Cape Town, South Africa
Hi,
I landed in Cape Town on thursday night after a shocker day of travelling. I have decided that if I do not expend enough energy for a day, I start to feel like a caged animal!
Zealese picked me up from the airport, and I am staying with her and Matt (husband) and Kheya (4 month old). They have a beautiful flat in Green POint, right near the waterfront.
Spent friday checking out the waterfront area, there was a power failure at about 2pm, so our shopping was haltered significantly, so will need to repeat the exercise again this coming week. On friday night we drove down to Paternoster, which is 90 mins away on the coast. Zea's parents live there (they are on holiday in Zimbabwe) so ew had a lovely house on the beach to stay in.
Zea and I got the bikes out and went riding around the village, and even spotted whales along the coast. There were several dead seals on the beach too - phew, do they smell.
I tried voetkoek - traditional south african meal for lunch, and Matt cooked an amazing braai for dinner. We came back to Cape Town this evening in time for church at 7pm.
Lots more to do in Cape Town before I leave on thursday morning. Still have not seen the top of Table Mountain, due to the never relenting low clouds! Am praying for the situation to be reversed.
Cape Town is way more relaxed than Jo'berg. I even went out by myself this afternoon to look at some markets! Very brave!
Best run.
Ngaira xx
I landed in Cape Town on thursday night after a shocker day of travelling. I have decided that if I do not expend enough energy for a day, I start to feel like a caged animal!
Zealese picked me up from the airport, and I am staying with her and Matt (husband) and Kheya (4 month old). They have a beautiful flat in Green POint, right near the waterfront.
Spent friday checking out the waterfront area, there was a power failure at about 2pm, so our shopping was haltered significantly, so will need to repeat the exercise again this coming week. On friday night we drove down to Paternoster, which is 90 mins away on the coast. Zea's parents live there (they are on holiday in Zimbabwe) so ew had a lovely house on the beach to stay in.
Zea and I got the bikes out and went riding around the village, and even spotted whales along the coast. There were several dead seals on the beach too - phew, do they smell.
I tried voetkoek - traditional south african meal for lunch, and Matt cooked an amazing braai for dinner. We came back to Cape Town this evening in time for church at 7pm.
Lots more to do in Cape Town before I leave on thursday morning. Still have not seen the top of Table Mountain, due to the never relenting low clouds! Am praying for the situation to be reversed.
Cape Town is way more relaxed than Jo'berg. I even went out by myself this afternoon to look at some markets! Very brave!
Best run.
Ngaira xx
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Windhoek, Namibia
Hi all,
I have not written for a week, we have been flying aaround the country!
We picked up our hire car and drive for many hours south to Keetmanshoop. We stayed in an american western theme hotel with zebra print towels and leopard print duvet! Very wierd experience. The next day we drove onto the Fish River Canyon, then onto Ludewitz for the night. We ended up driving into town through sunset, the road was tarred, through sand dunes, so the sand was blowing across the road, making it difficult to see where I was driving. The enxt morning we went to this town that used to be a mining town, but when the mines closed, the town was just left. Literally to the sand, there were buildings that you couln't walk fully into, because the sand was piled up against the front door. They call it a ghost town, and we were sure glad we waited to see it in the morning, it would have been too freaky on sunset. When we went to the entrance we had to pay an admission, we lowered the window of the car, a guy came out of a no office wearing goggles (the sand was blowing a gale!), an amusing sight.
From there we headed west to the coast and went to Walvis Bay and then stayed in Swakopmund the night. We stayed in this place called the alternate space, a B & B run buy a really friendly namibian family. The room was according to Mike - like a mushroom tunnel! The slightly disconcerting thing about the room, was that it had lots of nude photos and paintings. You may ask why this was disconcerting...well the sheer number was one thing, but upon closer inspection we realised the phots were of our hostess!
We stayed here two nights, as Mike insisted that we get up at 5am to head towards Soussvlei, and I needed a sleep in. So we pottered around town, Mike swam in the Atlantic (too cold for me!) and had lots of game to eat. We found a fab restaurant and had Lobster and Oysters for dinner! Yum!! We at this stage realised that we were not quite sticking to budget or our previous backpacker lifestlye.. but oh well!
We drove on then to Soussvlei - the dunes were amazing, and we went the opposite direction from all teh tourists and climbed our own dunes, you will have to see the photos! AMAZING!
We then drove to a little town, and stayed in a farmhouse the night. We had dinner with the owner and his extended family, and learnt allot about farming in the local area.
We were up early again (5am - Mike is a hard task master) and drove to Etosha National Park. Here we stayed for one night, and spotted elephants, giraffes, waterhogs, deer (I am soo over deer) and lots of zebra. Again another amazing experience.
We then headed back to Windhoek last night.
We fly to Cape Town this afternoon.
Looking forward to seeing Matt and Zea!
Talk Soon
Ngaira
xx
I have not written for a week, we have been flying aaround the country!
We picked up our hire car and drive for many hours south to Keetmanshoop. We stayed in an american western theme hotel with zebra print towels and leopard print duvet! Very wierd experience. The next day we drove onto the Fish River Canyon, then onto Ludewitz for the night. We ended up driving into town through sunset, the road was tarred, through sand dunes, so the sand was blowing across the road, making it difficult to see where I was driving. The enxt morning we went to this town that used to be a mining town, but when the mines closed, the town was just left. Literally to the sand, there were buildings that you couln't walk fully into, because the sand was piled up against the front door. They call it a ghost town, and we were sure glad we waited to see it in the morning, it would have been too freaky on sunset. When we went to the entrance we had to pay an admission, we lowered the window of the car, a guy came out of a no office wearing goggles (the sand was blowing a gale!), an amusing sight.
From there we headed west to the coast and went to Walvis Bay and then stayed in Swakopmund the night. We stayed in this place called the alternate space, a B & B run buy a really friendly namibian family. The room was according to Mike - like a mushroom tunnel! The slightly disconcerting thing about the room, was that it had lots of nude photos and paintings. You may ask why this was disconcerting...well the sheer number was one thing, but upon closer inspection we realised the phots were of our hostess!
We stayed here two nights, as Mike insisted that we get up at 5am to head towards Soussvlei, and I needed a sleep in. So we pottered around town, Mike swam in the Atlantic (too cold for me!) and had lots of game to eat. We found a fab restaurant and had Lobster and Oysters for dinner! Yum!! We at this stage realised that we were not quite sticking to budget or our previous backpacker lifestlye.. but oh well!
We drove on then to Soussvlei - the dunes were amazing, and we went the opposite direction from all teh tourists and climbed our own dunes, you will have to see the photos! AMAZING!
We then drove to a little town, and stayed in a farmhouse the night. We had dinner with the owner and his extended family, and learnt allot about farming in the local area.
We were up early again (5am - Mike is a hard task master) and drove to Etosha National Park. Here we stayed for one night, and spotted elephants, giraffes, waterhogs, deer (I am soo over deer) and lots of zebra. Again another amazing experience.
We then headed back to Windhoek last night.
We fly to Cape Town this afternoon.
Looking forward to seeing Matt and Zea!
Talk Soon
Ngaira
xx
Monday, November 07, 2005
Swakopmund, Namibia
Left Johannesburg and flew to Windhoek. We hired a car - they call it a Toyota Tazz 2005 model. It is exactly the same as my first car 1993 Holden Nova - so I feel like I have gone back in time.
We have driven around and seen lots of game and spent yesterday in the sand dunes in Soussvlei.
We are heading to Etosha National Park tomorrow after a rest day here today.
Will email more from Cape Town next week.
Ngaira
xx
We have driven around and seen lots of game and spent yesterday in the sand dunes in Soussvlei.
We are heading to Etosha National Park tomorrow after a rest day here today.
Will email more from Cape Town next week.
Ngaira
xx
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrived in Joburg last night on sunset, therefore by the time we had got our lugagge, picked up a hire car and mobile it was dark. Not quite the strat I was thinking of - apparently driving around Joburg at night is not particularly safe! But after several wrong turns we found our way to friends of Mike's. We had a lovely dinner, and then stayed the evening at the sons empty flat (currently in Dubai) - which was pure luxury. We had two beds, two bathrooms, hot water, a television and a sofa.
The panic alarm that we were shown how to use - well shall I say it freaked me out slightly! Mike has been telling me I am not safety conscious enough - however barbed wire and electric fences seemed to shock me into a sense of reality. Amusingly enough Mike is more comfortable with these precautions - they unfortunately do not allow be to remain naive - so I would prefer a white picket fence.
We both were up at 5am this morning - so we have had a good chance to have a look around and do a spot of shopping. One more night then off to Namibia.
Ciao for now!
Ngaira
xx
The panic alarm that we were shown how to use - well shall I say it freaked me out slightly! Mike has been telling me I am not safety conscious enough - however barbed wire and electric fences seemed to shock me into a sense of reality. Amusingly enough Mike is more comfortable with these precautions - they unfortunately do not allow be to remain naive - so I would prefer a white picket fence.
We both were up at 5am this morning - so we have had a good chance to have a look around and do a spot of shopping. One more night then off to Namibia.
Ciao for now!
Ngaira
xx
Monday, October 31, 2005
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Just a quick post. Am at the aiport in the way to Johannesburg. Spent only 2 days on ZAnzibar due to the elections that were scheduled yesterday. There was rioting after the last lot of elections in 2000, so we decided it was not the best place for us to be. So we caught the ferry back to the mainland, and headed south for the beach. We stayed in a banda (hut) right on the beach for three nights. Currently suffering with a bad case of sunburn, but very relaxed.
Mike and I spent the morning in a local school, we met a nun at church on sunday, who invited us to come along. We were thrown in at the deep end, and were teaching a class by ourselves after 30 mins. We then had a class each after another 30 minutes!
Needless to say after the mornings events we are rather exhausted, and every teacher gets a big thumbs up from me!
Best run, flight to board.
Lots of Love
Ngaira
Mike and I spent the morning in a local school, we met a nun at church on sunday, who invited us to come along. We were thrown in at the deep end, and were teaching a class by ourselves after 30 mins. We then had a class each after another 30 minutes!
Needless to say after the mornings events we are rather exhausted, and every teacher gets a big thumbs up from me!
Best run, flight to board.
Lots of Love
Ngaira
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Dar Es Salaam
Caught a matatu (bus that is supposed to hold 12 people max. but we got up to 21 people at one stage) to Diani Beach, which is about an hour south of Mombassa. We stayed in a banda (simple hut with grass roof) in a bush setting, monkeys running around everywhere. This accomodation cost us 500 Kenyan Shillings for the night, which is approx. 5 pounds!
We had an early night and got up early to catch another matatu to the border to Tanzania. We crossed the border easily (luckily Mike persuaded me to catch a taxi between border points - I thought it would be a 5 minute walk - turned out to be 6km!) the got a bus to a town called Tanga.
At Tanga we spoke to some Americans, who recommended we get back on the bus (after the break) and continue to Dar. So we got back on - found we no longer had seats, so paid a bride and ended up witting in the aisle on our bags for the 5 hour trip! Not one to be repeated again shortly, I hope!
We arrived in Dar at 6pm last night and booked into a hotel. Went to the bank and got some money out! We got out the maximum allowed 40,000 shillings, in 1000 shilling notes - so a huge wad. Freaked out at the wad of money, and scampered to a local hotel bar to sort it out. When we got there we realised that somehow we had got out kenyan shillings not tanzanian, and instead of getting out 20 quid, we had 300!
Rather amusing! If not terrifying, carrying around so much cash at night.
We got up a.m , changed it to tanzanian, and we are off to Zanzibar this afternoon.
Till Later
Ngaira
xx
We had an early night and got up early to catch another matatu to the border to Tanzania. We crossed the border easily (luckily Mike persuaded me to catch a taxi between border points - I thought it would be a 5 minute walk - turned out to be 6km!) the got a bus to a town called Tanga.
At Tanga we spoke to some Americans, who recommended we get back on the bus (after the break) and continue to Dar. So we got back on - found we no longer had seats, so paid a bride and ended up witting in the aisle on our bags for the 5 hour trip! Not one to be repeated again shortly, I hope!
We arrived in Dar at 6pm last night and booked into a hotel. Went to the bank and got some money out! We got out the maximum allowed 40,000 shillings, in 1000 shilling notes - so a huge wad. Freaked out at the wad of money, and scampered to a local hotel bar to sort it out. When we got there we realised that somehow we had got out kenyan shillings not tanzanian, and instead of getting out 20 quid, we had 300!
Rather amusing! If not terrifying, carrying around so much cash at night.
We got up a.m , changed it to tanzanian, and we are off to Zanzibar this afternoon.
Till Later
Ngaira
xx
Monday, October 24, 2005
Mombassa, Kenya
Have had a busy (scoff, scoff) couple of days. From Nairobi, we caught the overnight train to Mombassa. It runs every two days, and takes over 12 hours. There were no 1st class sleepers left (sleeps 2), so we booked an entire 2nd class cabin (sleeps 4), so we had the peace of mind whilst sleeping. Our carriage did not have electricity, so we we were given a small lamp to use, much to Mike's disgust! He was totally bummed that we couldn't go first class!
We had an interesting dinner included. It was a 5 course meal, sounds good, which it was, but the portion sizes were laughable. The minestrone soup just covered the bottom of the dish and I couldn't see any vegetables or pasta! We ended up grabbing the waiters coat tails, just to get a coke. Breakfast was even funnier, and much more chaotic. Overall a fabulous experience eating with silverware from the 1960's and silver butter dishes etc. I compared it to the orient Express at a fraction of the price with ?? more charm.
When we got to Mombassa, we got the first bus north to Watamu Beach. We were riding with the locals, learnt about stomach tonic from a local herbalist who got up halfway throughout the journey to sell his products. The whole thing was in swahili, but we got the words typhoid and malaria and were suitably impressed by his drawings of intestinal worms.
We stayed in an amazing place in Watamu for three nights. It was just near the beach, had a security guard on the gates, so we were not pestered by the locals. We had out own balcony to relax on, and a fabulous 4 poster carved bed with mosquito net. We spent the first night however swatting mosquitos, that seemed to penetrate our net. So we put up pour individual nets, so we had 3 nest up for extra protection. I am sure the locals would have thought us bizarre.
we befriended a local guy, Simon, who is a secondary school science teacher. So we would meet up with him after school, and hang out with him. He introduced us to sima and sukuma, two African dishes and taught us heaps about Masai culture. Apparently women marry, then do all the work, the men just take the cattle out to pasture and kill the cattle, and that is it!! The women even build the houses! The Masai men can have as many wives as they like, the women only one husband. Obviously I was rather concerned at this, Mike rather amused (surprisingly :-).
We spent an afternoon in a town called malindi, and saw hand carving being done. There were some amazing carvings, but unfortunately we both feel our bags are too heavy to warrant any more weight.
We sat through a 2 and a half hour catholic mass in Watamu on sunday. It was an interesting experience, all in Swahili, but I think a bit too long for me! We sadly left Watamu after church and caught a bus back to Mombassa. We are staying on Nyali Beach (blew the budget) in a lovely place with a pool and ocean views.
Today we visited Fort Jesus and are bumming around (hence update!) awaiting Mike's flatmate from London, Linda's arrival from Nairobi. We are hoping to head south tomorrow towards Tanzania (as we dumped our internal flight).
Hope all is well
Ngaira
xx
We had an interesting dinner included. It was a 5 course meal, sounds good, which it was, but the portion sizes were laughable. The minestrone soup just covered the bottom of the dish and I couldn't see any vegetables or pasta! We ended up grabbing the waiters coat tails, just to get a coke. Breakfast was even funnier, and much more chaotic. Overall a fabulous experience eating with silverware from the 1960's and silver butter dishes etc. I compared it to the orient Express at a fraction of the price with ?? more charm.
When we got to Mombassa, we got the first bus north to Watamu Beach. We were riding with the locals, learnt about stomach tonic from a local herbalist who got up halfway throughout the journey to sell his products. The whole thing was in swahili, but we got the words typhoid and malaria and were suitably impressed by his drawings of intestinal worms.
We stayed in an amazing place in Watamu for three nights. It was just near the beach, had a security guard on the gates, so we were not pestered by the locals. We had out own balcony to relax on, and a fabulous 4 poster carved bed with mosquito net. We spent the first night however swatting mosquitos, that seemed to penetrate our net. So we put up pour individual nets, so we had 3 nest up for extra protection. I am sure the locals would have thought us bizarre.
we befriended a local guy, Simon, who is a secondary school science teacher. So we would meet up with him after school, and hang out with him. He introduced us to sima and sukuma, two African dishes and taught us heaps about Masai culture. Apparently women marry, then do all the work, the men just take the cattle out to pasture and kill the cattle, and that is it!! The women even build the houses! The Masai men can have as many wives as they like, the women only one husband. Obviously I was rather concerned at this, Mike rather amused (surprisingly :-).
We spent an afternoon in a town called malindi, and saw hand carving being done. There were some amazing carvings, but unfortunately we both feel our bags are too heavy to warrant any more weight.
We sat through a 2 and a half hour catholic mass in Watamu on sunday. It was an interesting experience, all in Swahili, but I think a bit too long for me! We sadly left Watamu after church and caught a bus back to Mombassa. We are staying on Nyali Beach (blew the budget) in a lovely place with a pool and ocean views.
Today we visited Fort Jesus and are bumming around (hence update!) awaiting Mike's flatmate from London, Linda's arrival from Nairobi. We are hoping to head south tomorrow towards Tanzania (as we dumped our internal flight).
Hope all is well
Ngaira
xx
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Nairobi, Kenya
Landed in Nairobi yesterday morning. Totally shattered after the flight, so checked into a hotel (not the lonely planet's recommendation... that one gave mike heart palpatations, so we quickly moved on!) and got some sleep. We visited karen Blixten's house, from Out of Africa and did a bit of shopping at the masai market. I bought a fabulous batique.
We had an adventure for dinner last night. the porter at the hotel recommended a great local place about 10 mins walk aclled Wimby. We asked some directions from locals, and ended up infront of a Wimpy counter in a food court! Needless to say we looked further afield again.
We are catching a night train to Kisumi tonight. Looking forward to getting out of the city.
Speak soon!
Ngaira
xx
We had an adventure for dinner last night. the porter at the hotel recommended a great local place about 10 mins walk aclled Wimby. We asked some directions from locals, and ended up infront of a Wimpy counter in a food court! Needless to say we looked further afield again.
We are catching a night train to Kisumi tonight. Looking forward to getting out of the city.
Speak soon!
Ngaira
xx
Sunday, October 16, 2005
20 Hours to go!
It is almost midnight on Sunday night. I fly out tomorrow at 8pm. I am all packed, just have a few odd jobs left tomorrow. I will not be contactable on my mobile from tomorrow. Please email me on ngaira@hotmail.com to contact me. I have attached a photo of me with Max Lindenmayer on the train from gatwick last week, too cute hey!
Well hope you all have a good winter, will let you know how I am going in Africa when I can.
Ngaira
xx
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Cork, Ireland
Currently in Cork, Ireland staying with Carly, John and Ella Joy (now 4 months old). Have seen the little bundle of joy, and even got a giggle or two out of her! Flying back into London tonight, meeting Virginia, Craig and Max at Gatwick for one more night of fun before they leave on Sunday to head back to Australia. Carolyn and Luke fly into Heathrow on monday morning, so currently I am touring london airpoirts!
Catch you later aligator!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Itinerary for Trip
To keep all informed here is my itinerary for the forthcoming trip.
17th October 2005 - Fly from London to Nairobi, Kenya
24th October 2005 - Fly to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
31st October 2005 - Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa
2nd November 2005 - Fly to Windhoek, Namibia
10th November 2005 - Fly to Cape Town , South Africa (via Johannesburg)
17th November 2005 - Fly to Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
13th December 2005 - Fly from Bangkok, Thailand to Sydney, Australia
15th January 2005 - Fly to Nadi, Fiji
19th January 2005 - Fly to Los Angeles, USA
22nd January 2005 - Fly to London, UK (via Amsterdam)
I am travelling with Mike until the end of November, then am flying solo! I am looking forward to seeing everyone back in Australia, and catching up with friends in South Africa.
17th October 2005 - Fly from London to Nairobi, Kenya
24th October 2005 - Fly to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
31st October 2005 - Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa
2nd November 2005 - Fly to Windhoek, Namibia
10th November 2005 - Fly to Cape Town , South Africa (via Johannesburg)
17th November 2005 - Fly to Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
13th December 2005 - Fly from Bangkok, Thailand to Sydney, Australia
15th January 2005 - Fly to Nadi, Fiji
19th January 2005 - Fly to Los Angeles, USA
22nd January 2005 - Fly to London, UK (via Amsterdam)
I am travelling with Mike until the end of November, then am flying solo! I am looking forward to seeing everyone back in Australia, and catching up with friends in South Africa.
It's working!
After battling it out with my computer, I now have a blogsite!
Now just need to work out how to do photos....... sometimes it sucks having a mac rather than a pc.
Now just need to work out how to do photos....... sometimes it sucks having a mac rather than a pc.
Monday, October 03, 2005
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