Monday, 31 March 2008
Hawaii High Five-O
Diamond Head volcano crater
Did you know that Pearl Harbor is the 51st state of America? You might not believe it's a state but it was when the Japanese had finished with it! (Apologies, but there was no better time to pass that on than this! Thanks MC)
Church on the beach, with unusual congregation
Phileas came to Hawaii for a rest; a good thing since when he arrived he found a holiday. Hawaii's reputation precedes it: a lovely set of island, a gorgeous place if you care to look. Phileas didn't do any real searching so the impression was somewhere below the idyllic paradise. The secluded beaches, lava flows, lush rainforests, craggy green mountains and imposing volcanoes will remain on the photobook page for some time to come. Phileas' memory of Hawaii is really a memory of the gateway to Oahu, the gateway to Hawaii... and perfect weather.
Mrs Phileas' surfer dude
Apparently, Hawaii is in the USA. Thankfully it's sufficiently isolated, retaining enough of its own identity to cause you to forget. Comments about race and language would be too obvious, remarks about hula dance and costume well known. What makes Hawaii stand apart from the Union is really a unique getaway atmosphere; a colony of holiday makers, permanent or otherwise; relaxed and active, it's a fashion autarky where it's OK to wear ridiculous shirts. It is easy to attain a very real sense of involvement in the Waikiki Beach community as you walk on the street. Beachwear and a board should suffice. And afterall, if nobody sees you use the surfboard you can carry so well, who knows, you could be taken for a local!
Waikiki Beach
So, Phileas leaves the USA to go to another one. Another Union where churches may well sing the National Anthem (possibly wearing more than Speedos though) - God Bless America - and broadcast adverts promoting asthma products whose side-effects may cause a rise in asthma deaths... We'll see.
Thursday, 27 March 2008
A whale of a time!
So, we took aboard a lunchtime cruise, bound for the whale fields of Hawaii. Well, to be honest, the whales seem to be everywhere and can even be seen from shore (if you're looking).
After lunch we got onto the observation deck and were fortunate enough to see about three humpback whales, blowing and doing shallow dives. But obviously things got better!
We were treated to tail slaps, pectoral slaps, lots of blowing and WOW! 4 breaches!
An amazing creature. An amazing sight.
Aloha!
Hello from Hawaii!
Thanks to everyone for their good wishes on Mr. P's special day and for other comments on the blog that keep on coming. I can assure you that Wednesday was a very good day indeed. Phileas' better half worked hard and looked after the taller bit very well! Wish you could have been here to share the day but, alas... You can view the whale pictures, but the ones of Phileas fulfilling a life long dream will have to wait till the underwater camera gets developed! I am now trying to find the approriate surfer dude T-shirt...
Friday, 21 March 2008
Middle of the North of the South
Approaching the end of our brief but exhiliarating tour of the North Island. Started out with a very enjoyable camping weekend in the beautiful Cormandel penisula. Was an occasion where three was definitely not a crowd as we spent it with our curly friend Nic. She has the honour of being the first person we have seen twice on this global trip (having already seen her in Perth).
Anyway, we were pleased to get some use out of the retro inflatable bodyboard - purist may scoff, but it is definitely a more comfortable ride!
After leaving Nic to her work (I believe some people still do) Phileas headed southwards towards the geothermal area. Alas, no earthquakes on this place straddling two great plates but the incessant action in the boiling mudpools and "thermal wonderlands" was certainly a sight to behold. In Rotorua, we even had our very own naturally heated tent site which Mrs Phileas particularly enjoyed! And this only a stone's throw from a curious hot-water lakeside beach.
Taupo was a place where we nearly skydived. Was the reason for phoning home that it could've been our last contact? Anyway, the price of the dive was... pushing it, but the price of the imperative DVD and photos pushed us over the edge. Or not as the case would be. Phileas will have to wait a while and see how much of the budget is left further down the track.
Another treat was waiting for us at Napier. Like Scott to Amundsen, Trent and Sarah were a close second. We had met these two lovelies in Vietnam and through the miracle that is Facebook, managed to arrange an evening out in the Art Deco city.
18km south of Napier is a town called Hastings. We drove through the centre, found Lawrence St, parked and walked past number 816. After causing concern to the Neighbourhood Watch, and finding no relatives or friends there, we drove away.
And now Phileas sits in Nic's brother's house, shortly returned from another pounding from oceanic waves. Great stuff.
Tomorrow, we engage in some Black Water rafting in Waitomo. The budget for New Zealand has definitely been extended! And then on Sunday we fly to Hawaii and return to the northern hemisphere. Looking forward to a week of indulgent relaxation; perhaps we'll even stay in the same place for more than one night, who knows!
Phileas has to go, he hears the distant call of Pearl Harbor....
Anyway, we were pleased to get some use out of the retro inflatable bodyboard - purist may scoff, but it is definitely a more comfortable ride!
After leaving Nic to her work (I believe some people still do) Phileas headed southwards towards the geothermal area. Alas, no earthquakes on this place straddling two great plates but the incessant action in the boiling mudpools and "thermal wonderlands" was certainly a sight to behold. In Rotorua, we even had our very own naturally heated tent site which Mrs Phileas particularly enjoyed! And this only a stone's throw from a curious hot-water lakeside beach.
Taupo was a place where we nearly skydived. Was the reason for phoning home that it could've been our last contact? Anyway, the price of the dive was... pushing it, but the price of the imperative DVD and photos pushed us over the edge. Or not as the case would be. Phileas will have to wait a while and see how much of the budget is left further down the track.
Another treat was waiting for us at Napier. Like Scott to Amundsen, Trent and Sarah were a close second. We had met these two lovelies in Vietnam and through the miracle that is Facebook, managed to arrange an evening out in the Art Deco city.
18km south of Napier is a town called Hastings. We drove through the centre, found Lawrence St, parked and walked past number 816. After causing concern to the Neighbourhood Watch, and finding no relatives or friends there, we drove away.
And now Phileas sits in Nic's brother's house, shortly returned from another pounding from oceanic waves. Great stuff.
Tomorrow, we engage in some Black Water rafting in Waitomo. The budget for New Zealand has definitely been extended! And then on Sunday we fly to Hawaii and return to the northern hemisphere. Looking forward to a week of indulgent relaxation; perhaps we'll even stay in the same place for more than one night, who knows!
Phileas has to go, he hears the distant call of Pearl Harbor....
Better late than never! The Antipodes
AUSTRALIA
"How are ya?"
It's a casual question, especially when asked by an Australian. It's the kind of greeting which affords an answer, even welcomes further comment, and is a natural and comfortable start to many a conversation. I'm half tempted to recommend it to the UN as an international ice-breaker but no doubt replacing the Strine accent with American drawl would alter the entire effect. But alas, you can have too much of a good thing. When campers ask of your mood, you can at least imagine they might be interested. When checkout girls ask you how you're going, it casts aspersions on the sincerity of a whole nation. Shame, I would love to tell Courteney what a great time Phileas was having in Australia; of all the natural wonders and extraordinary experiences. Never mind. "Good thanks" - Phileas eventually learned what the correct answer was.
Australia is a very special place. Phileas will not dwell on culture - not because there is none but because it is the land and beasts which have defined this continent rather than the quality time with Scots, English and the odd Antipodean soul. Besides, how difficult would it be to describe a nation which is essentially still teething? Yes there are BBQs galore; yes this is a place for the outdoor enthusiasts; yes it's hot and dry but yes, you're as likely to hear Chinese or Vietnamese or Russian or Dutch or Greek or Italian or any other language in the cities as the English from the Union Flag.
Australia is a land that confuses Phileas. It is, without doubt, one of the most inhospitable places that Man chooses to benand contains the world's most deadliest creatures. And yet, paradoxically, it is the place from which Phileas derives the most comfort. Perhaps it is the relief that there is no malaria, perhaps it is the alluring whiff of a eucalypt, or perhaps it is some innate connection with a landscape which is somehow closer to Creation. Whatever it is that initiates the draw, it is with the Wild that Phileas has had a most captivating and fulfilling relationship.
Australia is still largely unexplored. It is easy to believe that having seen no-one for the last 200km, you are second only to the road-builder in seeing this place. Wow! There is something quite mind-blowing in having four horizons all to yourself and then imagining the exact same situation without the life-saving single strip of tarmac. The outback may be described as a barren, featureless and boring place, but to Phileas it remains one of the most fascinating places Man can be - probably because He has no logical reason to be there!
Wherever you are, however - Coast, Outback or Bush - the star of the Australian Show is undoubtedly the wildlife. The list of memorable, captivating and enchanting experiences is just about endless: a dawn chorus of wharbling magpies, roadside displays of sunbathing snakes and prancing emus, the laughing kookaburras, the gatherings of hundreds of exotic birds at sunset, the eerie howl of dingoes and the the investigations of a host of other nocturnl species. Yet none surpasses the occasional programme of starlit boxing kangaroos, in quiet bushland just yards from the tent. It is a treat which cannot be fully described. Indeed, it is a treat which is kept sacred fro the man of simple means. How unfortunate are those that insist on riches, barricaded in luxury accommodation, procluding themselves from the most precious and inexpensive of gifts.
NEW ZEALAND
It's the perfect Sunday afternoon drive.
(I may well write more for the book :-) but for now, that's enough words to create a good image!)
"How are ya?"
It's a casual question, especially when asked by an Australian. It's the kind of greeting which affords an answer, even welcomes further comment, and is a natural and comfortable start to many a conversation. I'm half tempted to recommend it to the UN as an international ice-breaker but no doubt replacing the Strine accent with American drawl would alter the entire effect. But alas, you can have too much of a good thing. When campers ask of your mood, you can at least imagine they might be interested. When checkout girls ask you how you're going, it casts aspersions on the sincerity of a whole nation. Shame, I would love to tell Courteney what a great time Phileas was having in Australia; of all the natural wonders and extraordinary experiences. Never mind. "Good thanks" - Phileas eventually learned what the correct answer was.
Australia is a very special place. Phileas will not dwell on culture - not because there is none but because it is the land and beasts which have defined this continent rather than the quality time with Scots, English and the odd Antipodean soul. Besides, how difficult would it be to describe a nation which is essentially still teething? Yes there are BBQs galore; yes this is a place for the outdoor enthusiasts; yes it's hot and dry but yes, you're as likely to hear Chinese or Vietnamese or Russian or Dutch or Greek or Italian or any other language in the cities as the English from the Union Flag.
Australia is a land that confuses Phileas. It is, without doubt, one of the most inhospitable places that Man chooses to benand contains the world's most deadliest creatures. And yet, paradoxically, it is the place from which Phileas derives the most comfort. Perhaps it is the relief that there is no malaria, perhaps it is the alluring whiff of a eucalypt, or perhaps it is some innate connection with a landscape which is somehow closer to Creation. Whatever it is that initiates the draw, it is with the Wild that Phileas has had a most captivating and fulfilling relationship.
Australia is still largely unexplored. It is easy to believe that having seen no-one for the last 200km, you are second only to the road-builder in seeing this place. Wow! There is something quite mind-blowing in having four horizons all to yourself and then imagining the exact same situation without the life-saving single strip of tarmac. The outback may be described as a barren, featureless and boring place, but to Phileas it remains one of the most fascinating places Man can be - probably because He has no logical reason to be there!
Wherever you are, however - Coast, Outback or Bush - the star of the Australian Show is undoubtedly the wildlife. The list of memorable, captivating and enchanting experiences is just about endless: a dawn chorus of wharbling magpies, roadside displays of sunbathing snakes and prancing emus, the laughing kookaburras, the gatherings of hundreds of exotic birds at sunset, the eerie howl of dingoes and the the investigations of a host of other nocturnl species. Yet none surpasses the occasional programme of starlit boxing kangaroos, in quiet bushland just yards from the tent. It is a treat which cannot be fully described. Indeed, it is a treat which is kept sacred fro the man of simple means. How unfortunate are those that insist on riches, barricaded in luxury accommodation, procluding themselves from the most precious and inexpensive of gifts.
NEW ZEALAND
It's the perfect Sunday afternoon drive.
(I may well write more for the book :-) but for now, that's enough words to create a good image!)
Monday, 17 March 2008
Rotorua
It stinks. Rotten eggs. But in a strange kinda way it's very appealing. Perhaps it's all part of a differnt trip into nostalgia, remembering the stink bombs at school.
Friday, 14 March 2008
Tramping
Not so much net access in New Zealand. It's not that they're so far behind, just that they charge for the privilege! And Phileas is saving his pennies (despite a good exchange) so he can do marvellous things!
Anyway, we have been helped out by good friends whilst here. A great pleasure to meet up with the Dooleys, to be given helpful hints and handy tips as well as an extremely useful car, comforting air bed and liberating gas stove.
Good to meet up with another friend from long ago in Queenstown too. If you have chance, go see their house!! No need for pictures on the wall there!
So, quickly, what we been up to?
Tramping around the South Island: viewing rare penguins and mighty albatross, driving through majestic scenery, camping here and there (see below for the pick of the bunch - beside Lake Hawea, not a person in sight, not even a long drop either! And it was all for free, what could be better?)
Sidled up the west coast to crunch our crampons on Franz-Josef Glacier and then lose a stomach or two on the boat chasing whales. Certainly worth it to witness 5 Sperm Whales arch the back and dive with a flick of the tail.
Christchurch today, Auckland tomorrow. The journey past Middle Earth continues, and with a new lens soon to be in my hand, who knows what pictures to be posted...
Anyway, we have been helped out by good friends whilst here. A great pleasure to meet up with the Dooleys, to be given helpful hints and handy tips as well as an extremely useful car, comforting air bed and liberating gas stove.
Good to meet up with another friend from long ago in Queenstown too. If you have chance, go see their house!! No need for pictures on the wall there!
So, quickly, what we been up to?
Tramping around the South Island: viewing rare penguins and mighty albatross, driving through majestic scenery, camping here and there (see below for the pick of the bunch - beside Lake Hawea, not a person in sight, not even a long drop either! And it was all for free, what could be better?)
Sidled up the west coast to crunch our crampons on Franz-Josef Glacier and then lose a stomach or two on the boat chasing whales. Certainly worth it to witness 5 Sperm Whales arch the back and dive with a flick of the tail.
Christchurch today, Auckland tomorrow. The journey past Middle Earth continues, and with a new lens soon to be in my hand, who knows what pictures to be posted...
Monday, 3 March 2008
Someone is ninety!
Have you ever met the best gran in the world? She's 90 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAN!!!!! Sorry we're too far away to share your cake with you - I'm sure young Master Daniel would have helped you though. Missing you and thinking of you today! Lots of love xxx
We love you Mums!!
So it's a very big double HAPPY (day after) MOTHER'S DAY to you both!! We love you very much and miss you both. We didn't forget about Mother's Day yesterday, no; we didn't remember and then not get round to phoning you or sending you a card either (which is our normal reason - which we're sure you will ALL have experienced!) - no. This time, we just didn't actually know. We were ever so busy checking out the sky in between Oz and New Zealand at the time (neither of which celebrate this day at the same time as you pommes). Thanks Mummy J for letting us know today. Hope Mummy P had a great time with the 2nd or 3rd favourite child.
We're on our way home now Mummies. It won't be too long till we can give you hugs. Thank you for being the best mums ever! I know, those of you reading who aren't our mums will probably disagree, but we can assure you Mum Phileas is the best.
We're on our way home now Mummies. It won't be too long till we can give you hugs. Thank you for being the best mums ever! I know, those of you reading who aren't our mums will probably disagree, but we can assure you Mum Phileas is the best.
New Victorian Wales
A memorable (Jerry will understand more than anybody else) journey around Victoria and New South Wales.
The Great Ocean Road was still impressive, despite one of the Twelve Apostles having martyred itself to the sea since the last time Phileas visited.
The Grampians was a place designed to test the stability of rock formations, urge to jump into vast chasms and off open cliffs. Mr. Phileas never was able to really test himself due to the close vocal discipline and emotional blackmail techniques of Mrs Phileas.
But certainly a place to exercise the legs and avoid tour groups.
On we went to Ballarat, site of Victoria's gold rush. The excellent living museum of Sovereign Hill was the perfect place to practise the old art of panning for gold.
Some were more proficeint and successful than others. Some could even afford to find some and throw it away... twice. So, yes, we found gold! About 10 pieces. We found so much in fact, we've decided we can manage to stay away for another 5 months! Excellent!!
Lake Hume - a place of wonderful colour contrasts and trees than only better with age.
And a great place to set your chairs and admire the peace drift by.
The Three Sisters and One Beautiful Wife.
We stopped by the Blue Mountains - a last bit of wilderness before the metropolis. Mr. P. particularly enjoyed guiding Mrs P. to an expansive viewpoint... at night... during a lightning storm. Fear is a curious thing!
And the last hurrah went to Sydney. We didn't actually do very much. A stroll around the Opera House, across the bridge and through The Rocks; back the next day for a Shakespearean performance - you know how cultured we are.
Port Jackson is certainly enough to satisfy, all by itself.
The Great Ocean Road was still impressive, despite one of the Twelve Apostles having martyred itself to the sea since the last time Phileas visited.
The Grampians was a place designed to test the stability of rock formations, urge to jump into vast chasms and off open cliffs. Mr. Phileas never was able to really test himself due to the close vocal discipline and emotional blackmail techniques of Mrs Phileas.
But certainly a place to exercise the legs and avoid tour groups.
On we went to Ballarat, site of Victoria's gold rush. The excellent living museum of Sovereign Hill was the perfect place to practise the old art of panning for gold.
Some were more proficeint and successful than others. Some could even afford to find some and throw it away... twice. So, yes, we found gold! About 10 pieces. We found so much in fact, we've decided we can manage to stay away for another 5 months! Excellent!!
Yet, despite our new found wealth, we were not able to match the cost of the gold bullion bar we witnessed being smelted, cooled and paraded. Was it real gold? Yes. Was the demonstration done by an occasional Neighbours cast member? Yes! I think we're the ones being stalked! Any ideas who?
Lake Hume - a place of wonderful colour contrasts and trees than only better with age.
And a great place to set your chairs and admire the peace drift by.
The Three Sisters and One Beautiful Wife.
We stopped by the Blue Mountains - a last bit of wilderness before the metropolis. Mr. P. particularly enjoyed guiding Mrs P. to an expansive viewpoint... at night... during a lightning storm. Fear is a curious thing!
And the last hurrah went to Sydney. We didn't actually do very much. A stroll around the Opera House, across the bridge and through The Rocks; back the next day for a Shakespearean performance - you know how cultured we are.
Port Jackson is certainly enough to satisfy, all by itself.
More local encounters
Cocky Cockeys
A friendly Rosella
We were talking. Talking about the extraordinary wildlife in Australia when we happened to mention Emus. Around the very next corner... (they may appear very far away but that's only because my camera lens is broken and fixed on 28mm wide angle. Yes, it makes me very sad!)
We were talking. Talking about the extraordinary wildlife in Australia when we happened to mention snakes. Around the very next corner... a lucky snake who could found it hard to run off. Lucky for it Phileas decided to stay in the car instead of trying out snake's blood, a delicacy missed in Asia.
We were talking. Talking about the extraordinary wildlife in Australia when we happened to mention Wombats. Around the very next corner...
the open bitumen.
A friendly Rosella
We were talking. Talking about the extraordinary wildlife in Australia when we happened to mention Emus. Around the very next corner... (they may appear very far away but that's only because my camera lens is broken and fixed on 28mm wide angle. Yes, it makes me very sad!)
We were talking. Talking about the extraordinary wildlife in Australia when we happened to mention snakes. Around the very next corner... a lucky snake who could found it hard to run off. Lucky for it Phileas decided to stay in the car instead of trying out snake's blood, a delicacy missed in Asia.
We were talking. Talking about the extraordinary wildlife in Australia when we happened to mention Wombats. Around the very next corner...
the open bitumen.
Catching up
A definite highlight of this trip is being able to meet up with so many friends stationed around the globe. The Melbourne stint had a particular neon glow.
The Laceys - great to meet up and be fed by the family who had put Mr P up the last time he was in Melbourne 11 years previous.
Pete was with us the night before we left so it was kinda good to see him and his parents and Laura half way through our year, half way round the planet.
And it's ALWAYS good to catch up with the Neighbours!
The Laceys - great to meet up and be fed by the family who had put Mr P up the last time he was in Melbourne 11 years previous.
Pete was with us the night before we left so it was kinda good to see him and his parents and Laura half way through our year, half way round the planet.
And it's ALWAYS good to catch up with the Neighbours!
Half Way
The Aussie adventure is over. We are now safely grounded in the green and pleasant land of the long white cloud. It certainly was emptying when we arrived. But it's fine now and a good day has been spent refreshing clothes, planning and arranging the forthcoming whistle-stop tour.
Updates on the past 2 weeks very shortly.
P.
Updates on the past 2 weeks very shortly.
P.
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