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
Friday, May 8, 2009
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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