Tuesday, December 30, 2003
A new day, a new year...
In KL at the moment and it's great to see great mates.
Celerbrating the eve of the new year is, I think, celebrating on what's to come.
I wonder what's in store for each of us? I hope that it's all good things, but then again, without the bad, who knows if it's good....
The One Ampang Avenue gang will be together again after such a long time. yippy!
It's nice to be in KL, feels like a second home, things are so familiar and recognisible... nice.
For those of you who I've not been in touch for a while, I wish you a very happy new year. May be full of peace and love (thanks Hallmark).
In KL at the moment and it's great to see great mates.
Celerbrating the eve of the new year is, I think, celebrating on what's to come.
I wonder what's in store for each of us? I hope that it's all good things, but then again, without the bad, who knows if it's good....
The One Ampang Avenue gang will be together again after such a long time. yippy!
It's nice to be in KL, feels like a second home, things are so familiar and recognisible... nice.
For those of you who I've not been in touch for a while, I wish you a very happy new year. May be full of peace and love (thanks Hallmark).
Sunday, December 28, 2003
Am bored and annoyed with Mike... hmmm...
But what can I say, life is good.
:)
But what can I say, life is good.
:)
Well now that I'm in a cheap and fast internet cafe, I can spill the beans.
I am currently in Singapore and the drama that it took to get here was unbelievable.
I asked dad to change my flight to Singapore from Delhi cause it was easier to go through our travel agent then it was for me to call Air India.
OK so our flight changed to the 26th at 6:30am! Meaning like all flights we got there 2 hours before. However the flight was delayed until 9... Not 9am but 9pm!!!!!! And we actually couldn't get into the airport because our ticket still had our original departure date... Military security was tight. The airline sent us to a hotel... The room was huge had a separate lounge room and eating area but man was it a dodgy room and we realised that the hotel put us in the dodgy area while the people that pay get the swanky area.... Anyway... the flight itself was a disaster, it was further delayed in Delhi until midnight and further delayed in Mumbai for 2 hours instead of 1 hour. The humorous thing was I think Mike was the only white guys on the flight. When we finally got to Singapore we were so relieved, I was so stressed out!
The journey through India was good, interesting and an educational experience that you won't get anywhere else... The places that I would visit again would be Jaipur and Goa. Although I have no idea how Mumbai and Varanassi were like. I was disappointed that we couldn't take a train from Agra to Varanassi to spend Christmas, but it is peak season and the waiting list lasted till the end of January.
Goa is an excellent place to relax, people are laid back, not much hustle and bustle... We stayed in South Goa which is secluded and the beaches are still in pristine quality. Too bad when you walk along the beach you still get hassled by people selling stuff. Visited North Goa and the famous Anjuna market where we saw heaps of westerners from Britain.
Jaipur was my favourite, wish we had a day or two more in that city. It was pretty and my type of old style and there were people but not the huge masses like Delhi. The touts didn't seem as bad and took no for an answer but by then we were just as pushy saying no as they were at trying to sell stuff.
Agra.. hmm.. if it wasn't for the Taj Mahal it is so not worth it. The Taj was a pretty amazing sight, very beautiful, very romantic and very busy. Apparently it receives 4,000 visitors a day, local and international tourists! The city itself was nothing much, polluted, etc...
The pollution in India is actually quite concerning. I mean I've been to places that are polluted but in India is shocking, both of us, more Mike than me, had symtoms that are pollution related, like sore eyes, a cough...
Delhi is H U G E, massive city, talk about people being anonymous. The second time around it didn't seem so scary as the first... we managed okay actually.
So now Mike and I are in Singapore and I must admit that it's nice to return to organisation, a sense of familiarity. The fact that we can stand on the street, look at our map and not be hassled by people trying to sell stuff, or show you shops "for free", or beg is kind of nice.
Hope you guys had a great Christmas.
I'll be spending NYE in KL... Unexpectedly.
Stay tuned for more.... Maybe I should rename this blog to Asian Adventure?
I am currently in Singapore and the drama that it took to get here was unbelievable.
I asked dad to change my flight to Singapore from Delhi cause it was easier to go through our travel agent then it was for me to call Air India.
OK so our flight changed to the 26th at 6:30am! Meaning like all flights we got there 2 hours before. However the flight was delayed until 9... Not 9am but 9pm!!!!!! And we actually couldn't get into the airport because our ticket still had our original departure date... Military security was tight. The airline sent us to a hotel... The room was huge had a separate lounge room and eating area but man was it a dodgy room and we realised that the hotel put us in the dodgy area while the people that pay get the swanky area.... Anyway... the flight itself was a disaster, it was further delayed in Delhi until midnight and further delayed in Mumbai for 2 hours instead of 1 hour. The humorous thing was I think Mike was the only white guys on the flight. When we finally got to Singapore we were so relieved, I was so stressed out!
The journey through India was good, interesting and an educational experience that you won't get anywhere else... The places that I would visit again would be Jaipur and Goa. Although I have no idea how Mumbai and Varanassi were like. I was disappointed that we couldn't take a train from Agra to Varanassi to spend Christmas, but it is peak season and the waiting list lasted till the end of January.
Goa is an excellent place to relax, people are laid back, not much hustle and bustle... We stayed in South Goa which is secluded and the beaches are still in pristine quality. Too bad when you walk along the beach you still get hassled by people selling stuff. Visited North Goa and the famous Anjuna market where we saw heaps of westerners from Britain.
Jaipur was my favourite, wish we had a day or two more in that city. It was pretty and my type of old style and there were people but not the huge masses like Delhi. The touts didn't seem as bad and took no for an answer but by then we were just as pushy saying no as they were at trying to sell stuff.
Agra.. hmm.. if it wasn't for the Taj Mahal it is so not worth it. The Taj was a pretty amazing sight, very beautiful, very romantic and very busy. Apparently it receives 4,000 visitors a day, local and international tourists! The city itself was nothing much, polluted, etc...
The pollution in India is actually quite concerning. I mean I've been to places that are polluted but in India is shocking, both of us, more Mike than me, had symtoms that are pollution related, like sore eyes, a cough...
Delhi is H U G E, massive city, talk about people being anonymous. The second time around it didn't seem so scary as the first... we managed okay actually.
So now Mike and I are in Singapore and I must admit that it's nice to return to organisation, a sense of familiarity. The fact that we can stand on the street, look at our map and not be hassled by people trying to sell stuff, or show you shops "for free", or beg is kind of nice.
Hope you guys had a great Christmas.
I'll be spending NYE in KL... Unexpectedly.
Stay tuned for more.... Maybe I should rename this blog to Asian Adventure?
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Okay. Stuck in Delhi Airport - Not happy Jan
Thursday, December 18, 2003
On the fifth day, clouds disappeared and the sun shined.
OK, we're in South of Goa now, and this is what I call a holiday!
People are so much friendlier, sure they still want you to buy tacky stuff but at least they take no for an answer, if not, I just shove them out of my way.
I'm learning, slowly and I'm developing a thicker skin....
The flight to Goa on a domestic airline was so much nicer then the Air India flight.
Goa has lots of nice beaches and soft sands to chill out on... and we're staying has a gorgeous pool too swim in.
Had a day tour of Goa which was nice, went to the famous Anjuna market, working on my bargaining skills and had a look at Old Goa that had old buildings and a dead saint in an old church. It seems everyone does know each other here and that's a little scary....
Well, I'm not as shell shocked, which is good...
Thanks Michelle for writing and concern, things are better now.
To all other people, no email updates?! Is everything in Melbourne still the same?
Must admit, I am missing a foccacia with boccocini cheese and salami... yummmm..
Curry day in and day out starts to do funny things to the body that you end up sweating smelling like curry...
That's all folks... check back soon...
OK, we're in South of Goa now, and this is what I call a holiday!
People are so much friendlier, sure they still want you to buy tacky stuff but at least they take no for an answer, if not, I just shove them out of my way.
I'm learning, slowly and I'm developing a thicker skin....
The flight to Goa on a domestic airline was so much nicer then the Air India flight.
Goa has lots of nice beaches and soft sands to chill out on... and we're staying has a gorgeous pool too swim in.
Had a day tour of Goa which was nice, went to the famous Anjuna market, working on my bargaining skills and had a look at Old Goa that had old buildings and a dead saint in an old church. It seems everyone does know each other here and that's a little scary....
Well, I'm not as shell shocked, which is good...
Thanks Michelle for writing and concern, things are better now.
To all other people, no email updates?! Is everything in Melbourne still the same?
Must admit, I am missing a foccacia with boccocini cheese and salami... yummmm..
Curry day in and day out starts to do funny things to the body that you end up sweating smelling like curry...
That's all folks... check back soon...
Sunday, December 14, 2003
On the third day the clouds formed and it poured rain and hail!
Have been in India for 2 days now... and so far I am still cultured shocked.
Me! Who claims to be an experienced traveler that has been to all sort of places
and has tried all sorts of adventures was not prepared for India.
The people and culture is so different and the moment you step out of the hotel,
people start basically harassing you about where you want to go and they'll take you there. NOT! So eager to part you with your money here.
Spoke to a local at the hotel who said that Delhi is not very busy these two days cause it was the weekend... if that was the weekend I wonder what Monday's going to be like....
Sighhh... I have to admit that I was soooo tempted to fly out of here ASAP but decided that was a bit rash... so instead we're going on a tour... Heading to Goa first, a nice beach is what I need...
On a lighter side of life, I was laughing so hard trying to teach Mike to wash his own underwear... Aparently he had no concept of hand washing, what a lifestyle he was leading!
Mike made it to and from the bank today, after a failed attempt yesterday. We were basically surviving on $1.50 after the taxi from the airport. Man did we bargain since then... I think we were a bit harsh cause the Indian mini bike drivers were driving off themselves....
Oh and Air India, is shocking, that should've been our warning... The divider panels that divided first and economy class was covered in art nevou wall paper that matched the vomit bags. Those of you that know airplanes - it was an Airbus 310... those of you that don't, it was OLD!
Well we'll see what tomorrow brings... hopefully some sun.
Have been in India for 2 days now... and so far I am still cultured shocked.
Me! Who claims to be an experienced traveler that has been to all sort of places
and has tried all sorts of adventures was not prepared for India.
The people and culture is so different and the moment you step out of the hotel,
people start basically harassing you about where you want to go and they'll take you there. NOT! So eager to part you with your money here.
Spoke to a local at the hotel who said that Delhi is not very busy these two days cause it was the weekend... if that was the weekend I wonder what Monday's going to be like....
Sighhh... I have to admit that I was soooo tempted to fly out of here ASAP but decided that was a bit rash... so instead we're going on a tour... Heading to Goa first, a nice beach is what I need...
On a lighter side of life, I was laughing so hard trying to teach Mike to wash his own underwear... Aparently he had no concept of hand washing, what a lifestyle he was leading!
Mike made it to and from the bank today, after a failed attempt yesterday. We were basically surviving on $1.50 after the taxi from the airport. Man did we bargain since then... I think we were a bit harsh cause the Indian mini bike drivers were driving off themselves....
Oh and Air India, is shocking, that should've been our warning... The divider panels that divided first and economy class was covered in art nevou wall paper that matched the vomit bags. Those of you that know airplanes - it was an Airbus 310... those of you that don't, it was OLD!
Well we'll see what tomorrow brings... hopefully some sun.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
On the second day the clouds opened and there was sunshine!
Hong Kong is a interesting place... but getting here was no fun...
It was a full flight and Mike and I was packed like sardines.
Why is it that economy class is so squashed?? After all with such diseases such as deep vein thromboses, you'd think they would outlaw the economy class.
Food on the plane was another matter, it was basically YUCK... There should be a good food guide for airplanes.
Anyway Mike and I are getting a lot of attention from the locals. On the airport bus I was impressed as a local couple moved to the back of the bus and let us have their seats. And we were such a funny sight with luggage on the wheelchair and me holding a map, I don't think the locals knew what to think of us...
More to tell but that's going to have to wait till next session as time in this cafe is out.
Hong Kong is a interesting place... but getting here was no fun...
It was a full flight and Mike and I was packed like sardines.
Why is it that economy class is so squashed?? After all with such diseases such as deep vein thromboses, you'd think they would outlaw the economy class.
Food on the plane was another matter, it was basically YUCK... There should be a good food guide for airplanes.
Anyway Mike and I are getting a lot of attention from the locals. On the airport bus I was impressed as a local couple moved to the back of the bus and let us have their seats. And we were such a funny sight with luggage on the wheelchair and me holding a map, I don't think the locals knew what to think of us...
More to tell but that's going to have to wait till next session as time in this cafe is out.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
In the beginning... there was a guy (Mike) and a gal (me), who were young and looking for adventure...
The place that the guy and gal had decided upon was India...
Why India people ask? Why not, it's got culture, history, monuments to visit, stuff to buy, BUT most of all to do all this is cheap (or so I've heard... or so I hope).
Planning the trip is a bit scary cause it's difficult to imagine what'll be like when we're (Mike and I, in case you were wondering) there... everything seems a bit chaotic... AND I can just see ourselves being sucked in by cons, targeting us
because of our naivity (?!)...
SO! The plan so far is:
1st destination: Hong Kong for 3 days... SHOPPING!!! But can't lug stuff all around India... hmmm... I hope post is reliable...
2nd destination: Delhi then Agra (Taj Mahal), Varanassi (River Ganges - hoping to see a floating dead body... NOT),
then on to Bollywood (Mumbai or Bombay, whichever you prefer) - wonder if I'll see any Bollywood stars? Then again,
wonder if I'll recognise them?!!! Then on to Goa for the beaches, aparently some fab market and techno stuff... Hopefully
we'll have time for Jaipur... maybe that's pushing it...
So stay tuned for the Indian Adventures of Mike and Amilia (soon to be a Bollywood film - with us dancing towards each other on a grassy hill, of course! :)
The place that the guy and gal had decided upon was India...
Why India people ask? Why not, it's got culture, history, monuments to visit, stuff to buy, BUT most of all to do all this is cheap (or so I've heard... or so I hope).
Planning the trip is a bit scary cause it's difficult to imagine what'll be like when we're (Mike and I, in case you were wondering) there... everything seems a bit chaotic... AND I can just see ourselves being sucked in by cons, targeting us
because of our naivity (?!)...
SO! The plan so far is:
1st destination: Hong Kong for 3 days... SHOPPING!!! But can't lug stuff all around India... hmmm... I hope post is reliable...
2nd destination: Delhi then Agra (Taj Mahal), Varanassi (River Ganges - hoping to see a floating dead body... NOT),
then on to Bollywood (Mumbai or Bombay, whichever you prefer) - wonder if I'll see any Bollywood stars? Then again,
wonder if I'll recognise them?!!! Then on to Goa for the beaches, aparently some fab market and techno stuff... Hopefully
we'll have time for Jaipur... maybe that's pushing it...
So stay tuned for the Indian Adventures of Mike and Amilia (soon to be a Bollywood film - with us dancing towards each other on a grassy hill, of course! :)
