Our RTW trip

Finto & Bed

2007-08-21T04:56:36Z

After leaving Roma we head on 11.5 hr flight to Bangkok. 1.5 hr stop over then to Melbourne for 9 hrs.

We had the usual stop at duty free and then the customs check and it was good to meet some customs agents with a personality unlike some airports.

Luckily enough Jo's parents had front position @ airport gate to meet and greet. Some welcomed faces they were. 45 min trip home and our unit looked a million dollars after our house warmer cleaned and polished everything (except the oven). Thnx u Ngyla.

After having a few home made cuppas and chit chat. A hot shower was calling. And OUR bed was a welcoming sight.

Going overseas was great time and we r already planning the new trip for 2010.

Hope everyone who has read our travels learnt something and found it interesting.

All the best

j & s

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florence & rome

2007-07-24T20:38:31Z

We made it to florence - our second last destination and were greated with airconditioned hotel - much beter than our venice experience - if there wasn't so much to see we would have been happy spending time there. But the sights were amazing. The views were remarkable - and could not want a better city to be spending time in. However the line to see *David* was too much for us - so we went on our merry way and saw Ponte Vechio etc.

Took a tour to Pisa as well to see the tower (greatest architectural stuff up ever) and that was a relaxing way to end our time in Florence (as well as seeing some of the Tuscan countryside).

Ice-cream is a stable diet here - it is sooooo good.

Have now arrived in final destination - ROMA.

So much to do and see if you can gain the energy in this heat.

So far we have seen the Colusseum, Pantheon, Piazza Venieza, Spanish Steps, Campo Fiori, and the ruins of ancient rome.

As we only have 3 sleeps left before our trip ends - we want to see as much as we can - but are getting very tired.

Rome is very hot - and fawlty towers does not believe in air con that works - on the positive we do have a small fan that we need to keep on all night because there is no such thing as a cool breeze during the night.

We have discovered living on alcohol is much cheaper than most other fluids.

(Not sure that is a good thing). Pace in Rome is much faster than Venice and florence.

Take care

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venezia

2007-07-20T08:17:36Z

well things have certainly heated up here.
we arrived by overnight train from Paris which was an experience. Stopped at the swiss border for over an hour with the sniffer dogs searching every carriage - and there were a lot of carriages.
We finally arrived to discover our hotel had been condemned and inhabitable. That was fun, but they had a note on the door recommending a hotel - lucky for us they had one room left - being peak season we were very lucky.
Then off to ATM - it kept returning our card because we wanted more than it was prepared to give us, so we thought we'd be stuck without money - but we
got there.

Saw St Marks square which was really nice - and still trying to work out the big deal about rialto bridge but markets on the bridge were OK.

The nights have been really warm as well. our room has no fan or aircon so sleep was minimal.

The second nite we indulged in a gondola ride - which was so peaceful and relaxing (and romantic) but be prepared for the price (2 nites accom).

We took a ferry ride to Lido and went to the beach there - which was packed and full of really brown people and some very sunburnt ones.

off to florence shortly.
ciao.

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Paris

2007-07-18T16:39:37Z

Paris!!!!!!

Good start to trip was on eurail we were fined for our travel agent not filling out our ticket validation.
but first class was good with dinner and dessert too - what more could we ask for.

first day we arrived in paris was a nice culture shock! not much english spoken here but u learn fast. bastards!!!!!!

after eating a good steak/tomato soup + the biggest beer ever seen we slept well (Sean won't be requesting a large beer for a while when they serve it by the gallon.

then seeing all paris could offer we walked and walked and walked and walked some more. we were both buggered after walked 21 km's. 1664 beer was tasty. Arc de triomphe was our favourite - watching cars make their way around the biggst ever round about. The longest ever ques at eiffel tower led us to believe the view was much better from arc de triomphe - and that's that story we are sticking too. Notre dam and louvre also on the agenda and got a picture with Mona.

We weren't around for bastille day celebrations but you can't do everything. We got to see Normandy and the beaches that the troops landed on, on d day.

today is sunday and they do believe in tradition and having a family day. we could only wish in australia. so not many shops open but jo did find out about flea market. walked there lost interest after ONE HOUR and only seen quarter of market time for the bar. midori and guinness were on order. its warm here current 31°(95 f) and climbing at 10.30 am.

one thing we have learnt is ordering in french is get it right, because this morning we order breakfast for 4 people. OOOPPPPSSSS.

Off to Venice tomorrow, hopeful we get to see the alps on the way.

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Amsterdam

2007-07-11T18:53:32Z

Hi everyone - we are having a great time - and our time in Holland has just about ended. We took a hop-on-hop-off canal cruise - which was fun, and went to a flea market, and checked out quite a few shopping strips. It took a while to get out and about as the thunderstorm that hit amsterdam - was pretty full on. Of course we checked out the RLD - and yes it is as amazing as everyone says - the smell of pot in the area is not something you could get used to back home - nor the smoking in restaurants.
Today we took a excursion to a windmill village, saw how clogs get made at shoe factory, went to edam area to a cheese factory - some very nice cheese - and another little village by a big lake called Marken, and took a cruise - and back to Amsterdam - all within 5 hours. From there it was off to the Heineken Brewery - which was fun, sean got to sample more than his share, since I'm not really the biggest beer fan. It wasn't quite "the guinness brewery" but it was still quite good. Found a really great steak restaurant for dinner so enjoyed some argentinian beef.

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heat wave...NOT

2007-07-09T19:50:56Z

We reached Dublin on Thursday, picked up our hire car, and were stuck in traffic jam for the next 2 hours. We finally got to our hotel after going round in not so round circles, and went straight to the guinness factory, where we spent the next four hours. It was quite an amazing place, even Jo tried drinking guinness, but sean was gratefully finished her entire pint.
The next morning we were up early and heading to tipperary. We stopped off at the Curragh, and then went to the Coolmore stud farm for our much awaited tour, which did not dissappoint. We got to pat Saddlers Wells and encosta de lago, as well as witness a superbly run farm.
From there we headed to Galway where we had a room booked for the night. Had a quick look around the city - but the scenery - is out on the open roads, with some breathtaking sights. From there our next stop was Derry. On the way we discovered a really cute place called Sligo were we stopped for coffee, but when we arrived in Derry the heavens had opened, so we continued on to Giants Causeway. We were so amazed by this, and lived up to all our expectations. We also stopped and checked out Dunance Castle which was also pretty cool.
On the way back to Derry we also spotted the Royal Portrush Golf Course, which once held the brittish open, so had a quick look at that as well. Then to Derry itself. Quite an empty place on a Sat night, and very scary, as everything is barred up and all windows had metal shutters. Broken glass lined every street. So we decided not to spend too long out exploring the streets at nite. By luck we met some Americans who were staying at the hostel with us. They were also going to be heading in our direction the next day - but they were in for a big night so weren't sure our paths would be crossing again. The next morning we explored the wall itself - which was really incredible, and as still nothing was open, we decided it was time to head to Belfast. As we were driving out, our new American friends were heading to the bus stop, so we picked them up and drove them to Belfast. Luckily we did, as they were staying the same place as us, and we would never have found the place. Once we got there and checked in, we all took a Black Cab tour, which takes you through the orange and green sections of Belfast, and teaches you about the history. They were also preparing for the big Bon Fires which are taking place on the 12th (good time not to be in Belfast).
Our time in Ireland/Northern Ireland managed to reach a high of 17 degrees, and rained every hour for about 5 mins.
It was such an interesting experience.
Then to the airport to drop off the car. As we drove to the international airport - we checked our itinerary, to discover we were departing from the city airport - so after quick scenic trip - we were headed back to the correct airport - then onto Amsterdam.

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Abbey road

2007-07-05T06:59:51Z

We arrived in London at about 9.15 am having had no sleep (but watching a couple of good movies - wild hogs and shooter). So we figured the best option was to try to make it through the day and wait until night to sleep. After Kate gave us a cup of tea (normal tea - not what we got in the states) and some toast and Vegemite - we felt half human - and were ready to shower - and take on some of the sites of London. We headed for the city and got off the tube at St Paul's cathederal. From there we wallked to the London eye - but london being typically wet and miserble - we figured it wasn't where we were going to spend our extremely hard earned pounds. So we walked around to Big Ben, and westminister abbey, and by this time didn't think we could make it much further, so for a much earned rest, and to get out of the rain - we bought a hop on hop off bus ticket. While dosing in and out of sleep we managed to catch a glimpse of some of the sights we intended to see the next day. We met Kate and Mark in town after they finished work, went for a bite to eat, and checked out picadilly circus and covent garden market.
That night we slept very well. By the time we woke up the next morning - and got going half the day was gone, so we went and saw Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, Picadilly Circus, and also visited Harrod's.
The final day, we went to abbey road, and walked across the pedestrian crossing as you do - but were quite shocked at how unrecognisable the area was. From the we went to Camden Town - now this place has a hip (punk almost) market - really big and worth a look if your in that area.
The day ended with a awesome home cooked meal - thanks Kate we really appreciated it. It will be the last one for a while. Next stop - Ireland.

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DC - farewell to the USA

2007-07-03T10:51:24Z

Washington is an amazing place. On our first full day we headed to what we thought would be the number one attraction - the white house. After initially being told we couldn't see it - we were then advised that this was temporary - but they wouldn't say why. Well after about 20 mins we got to see it - and it was a big white house and that was about it. So the next biggest object in our site was the washington monument - we arrived to discover that you needed to have been there at 9.00am to get a pass - we managed to get onto a tour and the view was spectacular from the top - you could see out over all of DC, and the pentagon in Virginia, plus every memorial or museum you can think of; then to the movies for some washington action - live free or die hard - bruce willis as the usual John McClane.
The next day we headed to iwo jima. The moment most recognised by fans of the movie - flags of our fathers, then onto arlington cemetary where the likes of jfk and the tomb of the unknown soldier reside, from there we headed to union station and the postal museum - which was fascinating. And lastly the Spy Musuem - which had a great james bond movie car from GoldFinger - and if someone can tell Richard A - that they were impressed with sean's mata hari t-shirt that dan designed (and sean just happened to be wearing that day)
The next morning we were up early to que for tickets to the holocaust museum. This was pretty disturbing but paints a very real picture of what happened in the 30's and 40's in many parts of europe. We then had a brief look at the folk life festival in 'the mall' but it didn't capture our interest very much, (but sean got to give some ribbing to the irish about galic footy fights)so off to the washington national zoo. I can't believe these places are almost all free. The panda's and tigers were jo's fav's, while Sean was facinated by the reptile enclosure.
Our last few hours we decided to spend in historic georgetown. Unfortuntely the place doesn't wake until midday and our shuttle was picking us up at 2 so we missed georgetown at its best. However can highly recommend the tenderloin steak from bourbon in Morgan Adams - went back two nights in a row - and reasonably priced for that area.
Until our UK entry - where we have just arrived, and luckily enough to be staying with Kate and Mark.
somehow managed a trip/tour of US capital as well - which was fascinating

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Niagara Falls

2007-06-27T22:13:21Z

Well we have now been to Canada, and really enjoyed visiting the falls. Maid of the mist was really great, journey behind the falls - wasn't anywhere near as good though.
Tax system needs some work - we actually have a decent one in comparison. GST, PST and others all get added after you have purchased your items - you never have any idea what the total bill will be.
Butterfly house was really neat. Sean was the main attraction according to the butterfly's they all came and sat on his hand, hat, neck - but they didn't come near me?
Would have been interesting to see the falls frozen over in winter. They light them up and night time - in different colours, and they also put on fireworks display the night we went down there, which looked great.
It looks like a real hick town in some parts, and like an amusement park in other parts. Very extreme town.
The travelling from buffalo to niagara - wasn't as straight forward as we thought it would be - they said the bus we were planning on taking would take about four hours, so we ended up taking a cab which only took about 45 mins, (with a flat rate of US$75) and slight delay crossing the border. Glad we weren't heading back to USA on a weekend - the queues the other way were mad.
We have now arrived in Washington - our last destination in America - and will update you toward the end of our visit here.

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New York

2007-06-23T23:57:01Z

Well we have lived it up in new york, and seen as many sites as we could.
We started out visiting Strawberry Fields, in Central park - and have heard that it is a big park - but its more than that - it is gigantic.
We then headed into Time Square. That was pretty amazing. We saw the empire state building - were about to take elevator to top - when it started pouring with rain - so we figured we'd see more on foot.
So we went to Grand Central station - the scene of many films including men in black I & II. And capped off the night with dinner in an Irish Pub??? and a trip back to Time Square to see the night lights, and a walk down broadway.
The next morning we headed to the Ferry's to decide which trip to do to see the statue of liberty. After seeing the queue for the one which stops out front and lets you climb it, we thought a nice cruise by it would be ample. We also had a good view of the brooklyn bridge, and numerous other new york sites. After we got off the cruise - took a leisurely stroll through Battery Park - and up to see the big bull who used to be out the front of New York Stock exchange. Then walked up through the financial district and saw the site of the world trade centre - which still seems quite raw. The construction they are doing there won't be finished until 2011 (i think).
We sat on the stairs of the courthouse (that is filmed in Law and Order) and walked past city hall (but due to heavy security could not get very close to that). We also walked through the streets of SoHo and are not quite sure what the fuss is all about - with people selling rip of DVD's, Sunglasses and handbags on every corner - we thought it was mistaken for Thailand.

Today we went for a walk to the Hudson river - but couldn't figure out where to cross the major highway (no pedestrian crossing in sight) - so headed back into town. Went to the Manhattan Mall, and to Hell's Kitchen Flea Market - and managed to find ourselves at yet another Irish Pub in the Port Authority Bus Terminal. We then went back to 42nd street to catch a train back to our hostel, so we can get the usual washing done, and get packed ready for our next adventure - Niagara Falls.

Until then.

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Minnesota & Chicago

2007-06-27T22:14:17Z

Well Jo got to see her host family - and it was like no time had gone by at all. Picked up right where she left off. Was great to catch up with the entire family - and their now grown up children.
The town hadn't even changed very much - just a few new houses here and there. Marlys cooked huge meals the entire time - that filled the entire table - served buffet style - we certainly were not going hungry there.
The wildlife was pretty amazing as well - saw deer everywhere - saw a snapping turtle laying eggs on the side of the road, and the birdlife was active as well. (was dissapointed that we didn't see a black bear - because there have been recent sitings). Other popular wildlife we missed out on seeing were skunks, racoons, and chipmunks - although we saw a little dead one of those.

Then we hit Chicago.
After an ealier than expected departure from Minneapolis we arrived in Chicago. The plane flight was much quicker than the met rail to our hostel from the Airport - but that's life I guess. Met system runs all nite long - every day - and quite regularly too - even off peak its every 6-7 mins.

Our minds were too busy thinking about the baseball game that night - which met and even exceeded all our expectations. The atmosphere was amazing, the fireworks when a home run was hit, and the final result - being a win to our 'beloved' white sox. There was only one row between us and the outside of the stadium (sold out game) but could still see everything really well.

Yesterday we found our way to Navy Pier - and sampled Chicago Fish and Chips. The fries looked more like potato crisps than chips, but still tasted pretty good, and the Cod wasn't bad either. The 312 beer wasn't bad either.

We also walked the length of the 'magnificant mile' - chicago's answer to Beverly Hills. It seems a lot longer than a mile.

Today we went to the Field Museum - which puts Melbourne's museums to shame. (Sean even took a photo of Winston for Pete) They have every type of preserved animal you can think of (even a tassie devil) - almost in its natural environment. The Dinosaur exibit was pretty cool as well. Most of the exibits are free to enter which contributes to why these american's understand their history so well.

Big culture shock in chicago - is when you catch a train and your the only two caucasean's in the carriage. That doesn't happen in Melbourne.

We haven't exactly witnessed a 'Windy Chicago' it's been quite warm - even the nights have been warm. We are still getting confused about which side the traffic is meant to come from - we even waited for a bus on the wrong side of the road. People don't go left or right here - everything is - north or south, east or west.

Early start tomorrow cos we have to be at airport by 7.00am. And given it took us two hours to get to the hostel - you do the math.

Until New York - cheerio

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Leaving Las Vegas

2007-06-27T22:14:45Z

So much to do so little time. Vegas was what we imagined only bigger. Casino's were so big - and full of flash stores like gucci etc.

Grand Canyon was amazing although the tiny plane that took us was a bit dodgy - however we made it back - that is the main thing. Met some other Victorian's (from Great Western) - so that was funny. Flew over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead as well - that was one big lake.

Currently we are at Denver airport waiting for another connection - which is delayed by 90 mins.

Outlet stores were good for shoes - but didn't find much else that we liked.

White tiger at Mirage was amazing - took about 500 photo's of him in 20 mins. (Highlight of Vegas) He even tried riding a ceramic Elephant in his swimming pool.

The Strip was so long exhausting given the heat - thank goodness for the Deuce bus - that you could catch from your casino to the next.
($5.00 for 24 hour pass). Still didn't see them all.

Until our next entry - ciao

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Rule No 1

2007-06-12T04:07:39Z

I remember saying i can sleep anywhere, and i have too. But the plane got the best of me especially (sean). A magically total of 1.5 hrs in 17 hours of flying. Though jo did not fare so well either 2.5 hrs.

Good news was i did get to see The astronaught farmer a billy bob thornton movie, which was good.

Jo timed her sleep waking up for a hugh grant movie music & lyrics. Maybe that was the trick for me too sleep sort of anyway.

Did have leg room on the wing and our passenger was a canadian(nothing against him) did have personality and sense of humour too.

Customs at LA was a ball. Got off the plane and raced to queue to find that u were finger printed and photographed. Before we could collect baggage. And that was too easy that bit.

Got on a shuttle to hostel with a driver who loved stevie wonder and drove like him. Doing 70mh on freeway and getting passed regularly. (dad u would have loved it)

Made hostel after a detour through downtown LA.

Thats all folks.

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Los Angeles

2007-06-12T03:55:01Z

Our time in Hollywood has just about come to an end. We haven't quite hit the big time ourselves, but stood exactly where george clooney did only 5 days earlier. Hollywood is an amazing place, some fascinating places, some real dives, but I guess it is what you expect. Hummers, porches, mercedes, latest models are about the only vehicles we see.
We caught the bus to Rodeo Drive, along sunset boulevarde, past the Viper Room, and off at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The houses are amazing and Monday morning must the gardeners morning. We were the only people walking along the street, the the gardeners would turn off their blowers while we passed by. You'd all be impressed by the amazing food van that services them.
The shops in Beverely Hills were amazing to look at from the outside - we weren't really game to enter - especially the one with the royal british guard parading out front - we took a photo to proove it.
Santa Monica was our next stop, and we walked along the pier - ate amazing cheese and bacon burgers, and then saw the shops along 3rd St Promonade - which were awesome - but still saving money for stores in Vegas.
We did a walking tour through the Hollywood Hills, and then up Runyan Canyon, that was some mean feat. And could see the 'Hollywood' sign out our bedroom window.
For those doing the GCC Challenge - we are averaging about 20,000 steps a day. (about 12 kilometres a day on foot).
Until our next entry. J&S

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One week to go

2007-06-03T05:22:10Z

The holiday is becoming a reality, and we think we have everything organised. We went out this weekend to visit some friends before we go - even though 7 weeks will go quickly.

Our travel agent is arranging our eurail passes and we can pick them up either tomorrow or tuesday, then collect a couple silk sleeping bag sheets and that's it. Look out America Sean and Jo are on their way - maybe we're not quite sure what we are in for.

Well we hope to be finding many internet cafe's so we can at least do weekly updates, and we will keep you posted.

Until then!!!!

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12 more sleeps

2007-05-29T23:01:40Z

Two weeks from now we will be waking up in Hollywood. We are not quite sure where the time has gone - but we are both looking forward to it so much.

The main things we are thinking about are all the things we still need to do before we leave. It only seemed like last week we were saying 5 months to go. This weekend will see us farewelling some friends and family for 2 months, and packing backpacks to figure out if we have everything.

Eurail tickets have now been purchased - and the only main thing left to do is to obtain an international drivers license, so we can see as much of Ireland in 4 days as we can.

Well as time is ticking we must say Arrivederci for now.

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Only 20 to go

2007-05-21T04:36:25Z

Times r getting exciting in the Burns household.

No time on the weekend to practice with our Backpacks due to average weather conditions, so was a little disappointment there.

Thought we did heading to shopping centre for the warmth to find Travel Journals and a Atlas. Gee both expensive. Having paid the earth for Airfares and accommodation, u would have hoped for some discounted items. No joy.

Searched last nite on this fine site for tips in Vegas. Have found some valuable information which will help us on the way.

Also important things to take with us such as ear plugs and baby wipes seem to be a popular items on travel.

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Less than 4 weeks to go

2007-05-14T06:19:21Z

Excitement is brewing in the Burns household, with only 27 days to go.

Just to inform every one we r having 49 days of overseas joy.

Places we will visit will include:
LA-Las Vegas-Minnestosa-Chicago-NY-Nigara Falls-DC- London-Ireland-Nth Ireland-Amsterdam-Paris-Tuscany-Rome.

On sunday Jo collected our backpacks. They cost a small fortune but we should get very good use from them. (at least we will get some GST back)

We will be testing our bodies to carry the backpacks in the local state forest getting some fitness lugging them around. And hopefully to find any niggling issues if they do occur.

Will keep u posted on how the practice mode goes.

cheers

sean

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