Sunday, May 31, 2009

rondz.tk (locked)

Just because I placed an automatic redirect script on my old site http://rondzter.blogspot.com - it has now been tagged as a SPAM blog by blogger. What the?! Anyway, just to announce to you all that my blog is still accessible at http://www.rondz.tk and its original web address is http://rondzdottk.blogspot.com.

I might close the other one soon. Or it might be deleted by blogger. Safe to say, I have migrated all data to this refreshed website. And for unknown reasons, I couldn't open the blogs I had when I was still in college (Dec '01 - Oct '02). But all of entries are crap anyway.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

DLSU's Blakwan

We cant help but reminisce the good ol' college days. Struggling to pass while enjoying the good times..

Last night I met Ody, Berna and Tope at MOA. *Digresses* I know how to commute from Better to MOA (haha!). We ate at World Chicken and stayed until midnight at Starbucks. *Digresses again* Finally I was able to taste affogato once more. Sydney's affogato is soo strong and I could only get this at Gelatissimo. They dont have it in Starbucks.

We looked at the journal compiled by Berna. Pictures, random notes about our block, professors... Events. OMG! Has it been that long? I feel like it has been ages! We look soo much younger back then. Full of zest and enthusiasm. Idealistic. And most of all, innocent looking! haha... I have the privilege of taking it home. Since I've got nothing to do - I volunteered to scan every pages! I just realised how onerous the task I have in front of me.

Planning to go to Anilaw (?) - a little island in Zambales. Not sure about it. And I have to make a quote for China (Shanghai and Beijing). They're interested in joining my Asian Journey..

- - - - -
Ohh. I've never heard of Coron before and when I saw the pictures from my highschool buddy. Crap?! How come I haven't been to places in the Philippines yet. It was magnificent and I asked myself why am I prioritising my foreign trips when the islands have so much too offer.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

%$^(%$^!

Woke up early. Just to accomplish one simple thing today. Passport renewal. I decided that I can do it. I can queue for a long time as long as I have my I-touch with me. But a DFA official approached me and told me to get application form from the stand. And guess what? They told me that the passport pictures that I have is unacceptable due to the reflection of the flash on my hair making it white. I retook the pictures and paid Php 180! And they told me to fill the application form in the green coloured building. Later upon payment I realised that this is a travel company that arranges for passport. They asked me for Php 1720. I have to come back for DFA appearance since it is now a machine readable passport. Plus it will take them roughly two weeks to process!!

Gesh, should I realised this earlier I should have opted for the delivery services at Pilipinas Service. Same duration but a lot cheaper. Its Php 1300 and more convenient as you wouldn't have to suffer the heat and humidity at midafternoon in Manila.

All been done, at least now I can be more cautious of fixers and the like.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I'm an official bum!

So this is how it feels like. Just hanging out in our balcony and enjoying the hot climate. Good thing its fairly windy up here. I'm hanging out with my mom and dad (both retired). I'm thinking - I am more of retired than a bum. Plainly because I'm waiting for my superannuation and planning my future travels. The whole morning were spent planning for my Japan visit.

The thought of being an official bum has occurred to me - as I am just eating. sleeping. internet surfing. watching TV/DVDs.

Yesterday, I did my laundry. All of them. Almost all of my clothes from the luggage are all soiled - so it took me half a day to wash all of them.

Today, we plan to go to Duty Free.

Monday - need to get my passport renewed. Meet a friend. Contact my Super Funds. Start applying for Japan Visa.

that's it... I don't have anything to do. Or maybe I could start on reading the books I have accumulated. I really have no idea on the next few days... Probably design my YoVille house and keep on accumulating YoVille coins.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Luxurious Living

Started with my business class experience at Singapore Airlines. It has so many benefits like jumping on long queue in checking-in. You have twice as much baggage allowances. Ideal if you are going home for good. SYD to SG takes about 8 hours - relaxation is important. An hour of sleep seems such a long time. More leg room and amazing seats! Superb food, champagne and endless wine. They even call me 'Mr Mercado'. I selected seat 17C which is near the fire exit but on the upper deck. I consulted http://seatexpert.com/ for the best seat.

I watched three movies and 1 TV show. Madagascar 2, Changeling, Monsters Inc and 30 Rock. I have read two chapters of D. Sedaris' Coldoroy... Opened my mac and budgeted the expenditures for Singapore. I have $500 budget for shopping but I reckon I won't spend everything. I must learn to save!!! or else I will regret it. I'm bum for the next few months anyway.

Took a cab going to my hotel. Nice - I got M. Benz as a cab. Cheap - it only costs $20+.

Checked-in at Orchard Hotel Singapore. Getting lucky I guess - I got an upgrade to Executive Club Room - yay! King Size Bed. Stylish room. Cable. Unlimited internet surfing. Free Breakfast Buffet. Nice view of Orchard Rd... Jacuzzi!

Am still wearing my BB shirt and BB watch. Haha - my passport to enter to all the high-end brands. I'm in search for a coin purse. I badly need one. I'm using my oakies' case for crying out loud. Gucci - no to pricey!, BB - im overdosed. Bally - I like but Syd price is much cheaper. Polo - its cheap but not that stylish. I ended up buying Lacoste for only $45.

I also bought a book to enjoy while taking a dip this evening. I'm now reading Nocturnes and kinda loving it.

And to end this luxurious living, tomorrow I will stay at KrisFlyer Lounge as an Elite Member and as a Biz Class. I deserve to be happy to cover the bitterness of how my career had been at E&Y! There I finally said it.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Goodnight Sydney.

Definitely I'm not saying goodbye. I will come back. Of course it depends on my visa. I had various dinners with my friends this past three days. At Encasa (Spanish), Hurricane (Australian) and Musashi (Japanese). I enjoyed meeting up with you guys and surely we shall see each other again.

Although I'm considering this as a vacation at home. More time for traveling around Asia. I can't help but think about uncertainties that may arise. When people ask me what my plans are - I really don't know what to say. I'm expecting too much on the visa grant. But what would happen if I will be denied? *Knocks on wood*... Plan B is to go back to SGV and if possible teach for a while. I will do this while applying for another visa in another country. Plan C (given that I would have some funds) - I would study. I'm still figuring this out though...

But anyway, I've been in Sydney for a long time now. I can't help but still be amazed at the cosmopolitan city. I reminisce my first few days when I was starting. Working at E&Y. Meeting bunch of friends. The reason I would want to stay longer is that I fell in love with SYD (as simple as that). Great friends who would help you through hard times. Share laughter and travel escapades. Thanks so much guys. I don't have to mention any names but I really appreciate all you've done for me during my stay in AU.

As for my 28-free days in Australia. I can say that I have spent them wisely. Everything is now in order. I reckon I can sleep well and count on my friends to help me out with small little things left to do. I really owe you one! If I get my HRHRM - We shall go to Paris and buy our LV's. LOL!!

Can't wait for tomorrow. I haven't planned what to do in Singapore. On top of my head - Window shopping (cos I don't have enough budget left), Dinner (hoping to meet my friends) and Clubbing (I definitely need a drink or two).

I'm running out of things to say...

Goodnight, Sydney!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

My BBies

Ticked almost all the things to do before I leave SYD. The only thing remaining is to pay some bills and pack up. Ohh.. and shopping. On second thought, I might do the latter in Singapore. I have reserved a "Wot Hotel?". I ended up in Orchard Hotel Singapore - its 5-star and its a great deal.

Digressing again. The main achievement today was to suspend my BlackBerry's plan (BB1) for two months while I am away. This is on the premise that I'll be getting my visa and will be back in August 2009. And in a month's time I will have a job? But its a bit early to stress about it yet.

Now I'm just waiting for my BalikbayanBox (BB2) to get picked up. Nothing special with the contents. Some used clothes, worn out shoes and some trashy magazines. Will just tell my family that we'll shop at Duty Free. Or I can buy some goodies here as well. If I still have time tomorrow.

As a reward for my NZ SkyDive, I bought myself a watch. It's Burberry (BB3) and it was a bit cheaper in DFS. It's my treat for myself for being good boy and surviving by myself for 2 years, 7 months and 8 days in Australia.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Auckland: My Pre-Sky Dive Experience

Arrived in Auckland at 1510H via LAN Chile. Nothing special. Sydney is still the best - haha I think I'm loving my own city. But something distinct is the Kiwi accent. The friendliness and smiles of the locals.

First night in Auckland was so cold. Either we feel different cos we wanted it to be since we're in another country or we're not wearing the appropriate warm clothing. Good thing I brought too much thermal, otherwise I would freeze. Damn! It kept on raining. And the sad part is it happened all throughout the week.

Second day we went for lunch with my cousin, Ate Bobbit. Can you imagine that I haven't seen here for more than 10 years?! Anyway, she suggested we go on a ferry ride to Devonport. It was a good view of Auckland CBD including Sky Tower and their Harbour Bridge. In order to see the best view - we struggled with the cold wind and climbing the peak of the mountain! Night time arrived and we went to their club and bar district. First bar we went to was soo isolated. Good thing the second club has few people and music was much better. Drinks were cheap as well.

Third day was a day of fun. Or what it should have been. After more than an hour of bus dizzy drive. Our head was spinning and we don't have the appetite to go to any ride in the Rainbows End. It was also a frustrating escapade as we didn't see the sparkle of gold at Rainbows End. We ate at KFC and it was much fulfilling than the rides. Another dizzy ride on the bus and after two hours (including the horrendous traffic jam) we arrived Auckland. Missed it for a while. We ate in Nando's and I loved the L&P drink together with grilled ribs at its finest.

It was a good experience doing this bizarre NZ experience with PJ. Niko arrived shortly during the night. Now my Auckland experience is just beginning. In less than 10 hours I will be jumping at 10,000 feet altitude. And God help me, I hope I will survive this fear. I realised that the more you fear sky diving the more you will enjoy conquering it and enjoying the jump. I keep reminding myself that I have spent almost half a grand for this. I came all over NZ just to do this. And one item in my list (of things to do before I die) will be ticked as complete. I was reading through website and testimonials and all of them had said that they can't help but smile all the time recalling the experience. Ohhh... and it is a tandem jump so there is a professional skydiver who will be with you during the jump! I am pretty sure there will be a time alloted to ask gazillion questions and a simple briefing to ensure that we are safe.

Written 16/05/09 0017H (before the skydive)!

Rondz

Saturday, May 16, 2009

The NZ Skydive Experience

I woke up half past seven (prounced as "siven" by kiwi). I am too excited i guess! NZSkydive team agreed to pick me up at Sky Tower by 9am. But i was there 30 mins earlier. After 15 mins they havent arrived yet. Am having doubts if i would still do it. Went to the restrooms and when I came back - a small car with NZSkydive approached.

Whilst on the car I was playing my coldplay songs to calm me down. And the music was shitty anyway. It takes about half an hour drive to Mercer where the skydive spot is.

Once i put my jumpsuits on and boarded the mini jet - there's no going back!! Mixed emotions but leaning towards excitement!! Still feeling normal until the windows were opened and i can feel the strong wind. Roy (my tandem partner) asked me to put my feet on the air. And it was so quick that its the cue to begin the fall. Everything was so quick that I left the all fears in the jet. The free fall was less than a minute. But i was loving every second of the decent. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

I got off first. everything was so fast and i realised that the free fall is the best part. The view was nice and you can even feel the clouds as gravity pulls you down. Then when the parachute was opened - everything slowed down. My ear started popping. But good enough I have enough saliva to swallow to clear my nasal and ear passage! All of it were mostly used during the screaming part. :)

I enjoyed the view for another 10 minutes. Got a bit dizzy cos the wind made our parachute spin a lot of times! Then Roy briefed me on how to do a landing. Lifting my feet up as we descend and step on my left foot when the field is reachable. Perfect landing!

It was awesome. Both Michelle (the one who jumped after me) and I were both happy and uplifted with this adrenalin rush experience.

click to see Multiply album


I got my DVD and will watch it tonight with my friends..
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on 3

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Journey to the Heart of Australian Outback

Though coupled with a lot of Qantas headaches! I have to say that it has been a very intense spiritual journey for me. When i say that it spiritual - it does not mean that it is related to any religion. It's something that had captured my soul because of the inner beauty of nature and astronomy with all the mix of colours everywhere. I never realised how through millions of years it can evolve to a masterpiece.


First day my plans got ruined cos of the delayed flight. I explored the simple city of Alice Springs. Had a scrumptous lunch - I know I should have chosen the grilled camel but ended up choosing chorizo melt with wedges. A well deserved one knowing that I got all too exhausted from the waiting and the airport sickness. There whilst eating I was planning my journey and things that I will still be needing - believe me the list never gets complete no matter how well you planned.

I decided to take a rest before and cancel my visit to the Reptile Centre. I also missed the wallaby feeding. I then went to the Red Dreaming Show - an aboriginal musical exhibit with both traditional and contemporary dances while playing Digeridoo. It was amazing cos you'll hear stories and traditions of aborigines.


Next day was a bit wasted cos the tour guide was sick. Fortunately, we had Nick as our tour guide. He's really cool and amazing! We started to write our names using violet and silver markers on the bus windows. Great way to know each other from the tour. Eventually I was able to memorise all 23 names (2 Swedish, 1 Dutch, 1 Hollander, 3 Americans, 3 English, 2 Irish, 1 Korean and the rest are Germans) and learn their own little journey stories. In the morning, we were able to enjoy a short camel ride. It was way too bumpy but still I immensely loved it.


Since the swags (our sleeping saviour) were all left in the campsite in Uluru. Nick decided to reverse the itinerary. He told us to throw it away. We went to Uluru first. Initially I am having doubts climbing Uluru for two reasons. One, I want to respect the aboriginal belief that the rock is sacred. Second, the brochure handed to us mentioned that about 35 people died during the climb. Eventually, I said what the hell. I am only here once and I want to make my journey as memorable as possible. A lot of my tour mates attempted but gave up. The only 'survivors' were me, two english girls, three american girls and one korean guy. I gave up twice but Maddy and Nancy (Brit Girls) were able to give me motivation. In short, I made it. But I have to tell you that its the toughest climb I ever did. The rock was slippery and steep and on the first parts there were no railings. But I did! I did. I jumped with joy and enthusiasm. Now you can see it in my FB profile. I am damn proud!


The other thing with Ayer's Rock is that temperature can rise up to 36 degrees and can drop as low as 4 degrees! It was so extreme. When the sun is at its highest - flies population multiplied! They all seem to race to anything black and stick to your face. It was soo annoying. Look closely on pic below. You'll see a fly sitting in my nose. Aaargh...


Then we went off to the sunset spot. Had some beer. Fruit cake. Cheese and biscuits. The view was so spectacular. Ayer's Rock seems to change its color depending on the reflections of the sun.


After the sun has set at quarter past six we headed off to the camp site. It was a convenient site knowing that there were clean toilets and nice and warm showers. It also has some vending machines in it - what more can u ask for. The previous camping at Kakadu - we just had a filthy toilet hole which smells shitty.

Next day - Kata Tjuta. It was one exhausting journey! 10km's walk around the 36 stones. It was magnificently fashioned by nature and every few steps you seem to see it better and clearer. I played around in the middle of the journey and piled stones from biggest to smallest. Along the journey, I got hungry and needed to pee during the hike. I peed when no one was looking. :P For my hunger, good thing I brought a bag of peanuts to eat during the journey.


We head out to King's Creek, which was a short distance to King's Canyon (the next day's destination). I was exhausted but I am happy at the same time. We deserved a nice meal. We had thai chicken curry and nice stir fried noodles with veggies. Camp was amazing but I got annoyed with two germans who started chatting. Its midnight for crying out loud. And to make it worse. They stayed in the quiet spot. If I have known I should have slept near the fire camp. Thank God for the miracle of music.


King's Canyon was a 6km's walk. It involved an extensive hike to the peak of the mountain. The challenge was to hike and together with the group. I was able to stick with them. But I was the last to arrive. My heart was raising and sweat started to flow profusely. I got multiple palpitation but all is good. It was an indication how my health is. I have to give credit to my spirit walks in Sydney. I was able to recover and drink lots of liquid. The next parts were easy. The view was awesome and all hard work was reaped and well-earned. Got gazillion pictures. We passed by the Lost City. The King's Canyon itself. Garden of Eden. Priscilla's Crack (I know its strange!!).


After nearly 3 hours of hiking. We decided to head back to our campsite. Eat lunch. BBQ was delicious. I even discovered a nice toast combining melted cheese with chocolate spread! The swedish people seemed to appreciate it. :)

During our last night, our group had a celebration dinner. Damn those three american girls who are soo impatient. They demanded the meal list to be ordered when they know some of us haven't ordered yet. Anyway, it was amazing cos we learned different things about each other cultures. We all then went to some local pub in the city. Music and drinks are the best tool to enjoy the night. I ended up finishing up at 1:00 am. I realised I have exhausted all my dance moves. LOL!


Overall, the tour was magnificent. More than words can describe. It was an important experience for me as this was my first time backpacking and traveling alone and I reckon I chose the best place to travel - right in the heart of the Australian Outback. Met a lot of new friends. Learned to socialise with people from various background.



------------
Click the pics below to see my Multiply album:

ULURU


KATA TJUTA


KING'S CANYON


VARIOUS ALICE SPRINGS PICS


Below are some helpful links:
  • Mulga's Adventure Tours
  • Annie's Place
  • Red Centre Dreaming
  • Uluru - Wikipedia
  • Kata Tjuta - Wikipedia
  • King's Canyon - Wikipedia
  • Friday, May 8, 2009

    The Uluru Climb

    This will be a short version of my uluru trip. Oh by the way, thank God there's good reception on the outback.



    Pretty much the highlight of the day was Uluru. At first I didnt want to climb cos its too steep. Then I said what the hell. I will be here only once. I was on seize-the-day mode. Climb up the steepy rock. Gave up three times but my fellow backpakers from the UK motivated me. Thanks girls. It was amazing. In total that was 3 hours of climbing and going down.



    I can smell dinner. So I'll update more when I have the chance.

    Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on 3

    Thursday, May 7, 2009

    Red Centre Dreaming

    It was held at the Heavi Outdoor Lodge. A bit isolated from the city. The normal price is $110 for dinner and the show. I opted for just the show for only $30.



    It was fairly good. For unknown reasons I was actually laughing. Cos they dance like chicken, kangaroo and they make funny sounds like man clearing his throat. Like the sound of a phlegm.



    My fave part is the history of the aboriginal music instrument - Dogeridoo. It was when an early aboriginal heard a marvelous sound caused by a log and the wind. The performer made some exhibition on his dogeridoo by making frog, kookabura and kangaroo sounds.



    Finally they danced. Different traditional dance imitating kangaroos. Getting rid of mossies. Some eagle dances.



    For me staying up late tonight knowing that I have an early hike start - it was all worth it.

    Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on 3

    Qantas frustrations for the day

    First - the horrible landing from Sydney to Melbourne. It hopped like a kangaroo.



    Then, a damaged engine. Something is leaking. And ohh by the way, why would they ask us to unfasten our seat belts when refueling. Can someone explain my ignorance. I couldn't see the logic apart from we bursting in flames and more chances of escaping? Preposterous.



    Now I'm eating banana while waiting. I wish they could just tell us a revised time so I can spend time wisely.

    Sent via BlackBerry® from Vodafone

    Wednesday, May 6, 2009

    Solo Flight to Alice Springs

    I was awake by 3am as promised. Cant afford to be late. Already checked-in last night though I dont have print cartridge for my boarding pass.

    I read two days ago about this column from MX (Sydney's Rail Newspaper) about flying solo. In the column it enumerated some pro's and cons of flying alone. Here are some points from recollection.

    *Ultimate freedom - true enough. I am free to wander around at my own convenience. No lazy time spent if your companion wakes late. You can definitely choose where to go and how late you wanna stay. But its scary doing it alone as they say - two heads are better than one.

    *Networking and socialising - alone you can mingle with other tourists. Find new friends and contact when you travel. But then again it might be intimidating if you tend to be shy. It can be extremes. Honestly I am quite nervous on this as I'm introvert. Really.

    *Language - well if your traveling with a companion from your birth country that is. You can speak your language without others knowing what your saying. Its easier but then you might block possibility of knowing other people. And you will be isolated from the rest of the crowd.

    *Money - you're better off traveling more than one as you can raise pool of cash and share on accommodation, food and tour packages. but the good side of it, alone you can make cheaper decisions like staying in a hostel. eating cheaper food without any preference from your friends.

    Well there are many more but I reckon I should go. I have to leave home now. Otherwise I wont catch my train. Will blog more when I have spare time in the airport. Flying off to Melbourne then to Alice Springs.

    What to bring - on Alice Springs

    ohh. that rhymes!

    been reading various blogs and in particular I found Cathriona's blog very helpful. It gives you a detailed experience she had on her journey to Kings' Canyon, The Olgas, and Uluru.

    i also been looking at the unique website from Mulgas and it also suggests what to bring.

    every travel I always list down what to bring with me. I'm really forgetful and tend to be on the extremes of being disorganised or obsessive compulsive. I prefer the latter. :)

    So here's the list that shall keep me well-organised.
    1. sun cream - i know i really need this although i have lots of melanin. but look at me now after my Kakadu trip, i'm dark and might be mistaken for an aborigine.

    2. hat - frustrated by the other tour cos I don't have my crocodile dundee hat. i shall buy one this arvo.

    3. torch - i need to buy one as well. apparently the one i had is weak and can only act as christmas light.

    4. lots and lots of wet ones - Cathriona replied back on tons of my questions regarding the trip and I quote - "Bring some hygiene wipes or baby wipes cause you won't get a shower and its not nice to wash in cold water. YOu will be dirty after the first day. As for doing a no two, the guide does stop at some public toilets during the day but if you really need to go at night when you are camped up you just take your shovel and dig a hole!!". Nuff said.

    5. sturdy shoes - my fave shoes got badly stained with orange soil from Kakadu. Now imagine what it would do when I climb Ayer's Rock. It would now be reddish orange. so I'll bring my oldie yet goodie two shoes.

    6. other toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens solution, face moisturiser, chaptsick, lotion, insect repellant, sting ointment. - omg i remember the previous experience. got bitten by dozen of mossies or what i think it is. and got my skin irritated with giant bumps all over my flawless legs. haha. i need these things. plus the moisturiser is a must. cos the last time the texture of my face is like my feet.

    7. sunnies - its a must! bright bright sun and during hiking. i'll bring my other oakies.

    8. camera with empty memory - although i think i wont consume all 2gig space. just to be sure :)

    9. towel and swimmies - last time i dont have this. can u imagine. i was using my dirty clothes to dry me up. i hope the waterhole is not too deep and i can swim. i have phobia for deep and green waters *cf*

    10. clothes - shirt, thermal and jumper - temp goes down to 5c at night, walking shorts, underpants, face towels and one pair of pants. from cathriona's email - "Don't bring anything white or light coloured. That red soil does not wash out of anything."

    11. big bottle of water - of course. we'll do hiking. and im expecting for the worst. so i'll get the biggest i can carry.

    12. warm fleece - need this as we would be sleeping in swags to add additional warmth.

    13. Of course bring cash - i reckon $150 should suffice.

    14. mobile phone.

    15. pocket book to read on the plane.

    16. gum *for my ultimate ear trouble during the flight*.

    17. ipod - sometimes the music during the travel is annoying or when i need to sleep in the dorm and the roomies are noisy.

    18. chargers.

    i guess that's all... pls comment if you think there's anything i have forgotten. i would enormously appreciate it.

    Tuesday, May 5, 2009

    How I Spent My Kevin Rudd's Stimulus Fund

    Here's the rundown of how I spent the Stimulus Fund:

    Airfare to Alice Springs from Sydney and Return (Qantas), $592;
    Two nights on Annie's Place, $44;
    Mulga's 3-day Ayer's Rock Adventure, $250; and
    Railway Ticket to Domestic Airport, $14.

    Totaling to $900. Every cent spent wisely and will return to boost Australian economy.
    Thanks again, Kevin.

    Kakadu Dreams

    Although I have to say that this is quite an expensive trip - more than one grand, this is worth all the money spent. First day in Darwin, we went for Crocosaurus Cove. It even includes a celebrity croc called Burt. He apparently starred in Crocodile Dundee. He is a 5.1m saltwater crocodile. Apart from crocodiles they also have an aquarium that includes the pig-nosed turtle! I also had a chance to see a python eat his meal.


    click above to see the album

    The second day was for Litchfield Park. Wasn't actually able to hold the python since I put a sunscreen on my hands. The tour guide said that it would make the snake sick and eventually die. Got a bit frustrated though - but on the next day on our Kakadu tour I was able to. I realised on the programme guide that we're actually going back to the Jumping Crocs @ Adelaide River. Feeling the snake move and the texture of its skin was a bit scary. Especially when you can feel its tongue on your skin. *goose bumps* Cos any time the snake could go around my neck and kill me. Fortunately it was a friendly python. Jumping Crocs was the highlight of the Litchfield event. We were able to see 3-4 metre crocodiles. And they were so hungry that they jumped high to get their food. Other places we saw in Litchfield are the Termite and Magnetic Mounds and various falls and streams including Wangi and Florence Falls. It was an exhausting day but an informative tour as well.


    click above to see the album

    Final few days is the main event, 2-day Kakadu Tour. We started off with a repeat of Jumping Crocs. This time I was able to hold the snake. Jumping Crocs was amazing cos we were able to enjoy the whole cruise in Adelaide River. This time there were heaps of crocs running its way to be fed. Then we went Ubirr located on the East Alligator region of Kakadu. The view was fantastic and we were able to see some aboriginal rock paintings, which was Ubirr is famous for. Camping on the wild is such an experience worth remembering. As the night arrives we gathered fire woods and headed to our camp site. It was in the middle of nowhere. Its scary I tell you. You don't know what to expect, I can hear the splash of the water, which has constantly reminded me that crocodiles might be surrounding us. Snakes are within the region as well. knowing that Kakadu has the deadliest snake - I wasnt able to sleep continuously. The next day was a physical event. Another spirit walk I tell you. 6k's in total just to reach a beautiful water hole but I wasn't able to swim. I wanted to but it looks like its a bit dangerous. Its deep and green - for sure there's something down there. Not frustrated at all, the next stop was rock climbing towards the most beautiful place I've seen in Kakadu. I don't know the name of the place but the pictures on my album can describe that it is indeed enchanting.

    Thanks to Kakadu Dreams for this lovely adventure. Its worth all the money spent on this vacation. And I want to thank Brad for being a very patient and amazing tour guide for us all.


    click above to see the album