The world according to K

Just before I set sail for the WhitSunday Islands- I was told that Dad had been given the news that he may need a serious operation. He wanted me to see the WhitSundays -before I came home. Mum Dad – Sara many many thanks for your honesty in encouraging me to stay just that tad bit longer.Did it for you Dad.

I am heading home tomorrow.

From Airlie beach today – Sydney – LA- then London – Manchester

Am I ready to go home ?– Yes and No.

I have been travelling 8 months now- and I am a little fed up about sharing rooms and living out of a bag . Yes I’ve had the most incredible adventures most of which have been amazing– but I have always been missing out on one bit that would have made it perfect . …namely my friends and family from home to share those special moments with me. I have so missed you all and Rosie my dog . I am really looking forward to seeing everyone again.

In saying that – I have met up with some friends from home who made the concerted effort to join me on my travels.. namely Sara and Geoff – ( wasnt it fun!!! ). Joan another mate was to join me in NZ next month ..but Joan I know you can do it without me kidder. Sorry we can’t be Thelma and Louise this time round.

The friends I have made whilst on my travels – I am sure that many will come into my inner sanctum of special mates along with the other fabulous bunch that I have at home. Namely those people who actually travelled with me or who spent time alongside me whilst enduring challenging experiences .Friends like like Cathy ( The Ashram ), Annie ( Everest base camp ), Emma ( Asia) -(by the way Emma well done on the pilgrimage girl), Heather ,Gemma,
( Asia ) Gordon , Lisa , Mark ( Aussie), and many many others. Cheers for the fab times.

Yep – I am getting ready in my head to come home. Weather here at the mo is a blistering 32. hmm that will be the first shock.

I have treasured every moment that I have been travelling – ups – downs – excitement – chill outs – and education. I have witnessed horrendous povety that has made me cry, I have seen ludicrous displays of wealth that has made me laugh out loud. I have met entrepreneurs, communists, socialists,former Viet Minh fighters,famous photographers,strippers,lunatics,lepers ,monks,miners,triathletes, genius’s,and accountants.
( how many former accountants choose to travel is beyond me….and most can’t budget)

Things I’ve learnt:-

Well never ever judge by first appearances- I’ve met millionaires who dress like tramps,old people who are young at heart, reformed drug addicts who I would trust with my most personal belongings , insecure beautiful women who think they are ugly, the mean the sad, the bad and the ugly( as in robbers and thieves).

Another thing I’ve learnt is that in dire circumstances- do your best to stay calm–shouting ,crying or screaming just doesnt change anything. It just makes you look like John Clees losing his rag. Over time I really had to learn to take deep breaths.. especially after being scammed , robbed and kidded so many times in Asia.

Dont worry about losing anything of material worth – anything at all..it can always be replaced-

Treasure a spectacular sunset or sunrise.

Never be frightened of a challenge- it can be the most exhilerating thing you have ever done

Go off road

Learn to stop..you dont have to be constantly on the move- staying still can be enough sometimes.

Make an effort to learn some of the local language.

Smile..

Take photographs not just with a camera but inside your head.Those memories can never be lost.

Make sure you pack earplugs and a silk sleeping bag,

Getting somewhere whether it by bus , tram , boat plane , rickshaw , van , motorbike, tour bus, raft, long boat,train ..is all part of the journey…

Thats it! I ‘m off…..yes I ‘m frightened and a bit anxious about my next journey into unchartered territory …but journey on we must ……

A special thanks to a very special friend who encouraged me to make this world trip….C I got up to see the Lions..and there are so many more lions out there to see …Thankyou.

Cheers to all who kept reading the blog and e-mailing me. Those e-mails meant so much.See you all soon

Karen / Yoz XXXX

Airlie Beach

Photies show – the German Girls -Twyla , Karolyn and Maria – debriefing after the trip – me in my figire hugging wet suit which is wet.., The Boat Summertime, Me on Whitehaven Beach , The Essex Girls, View of Boat sailing , Sunset over the Whitsundays – Goregous

This was my first experience of the East Coast of Australia. I had been warned that it would be a totally different scene from rest of Aussie ie. young and drunken travellers just partying. However the gateway to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands is either Harvey Bay or Airlie Beach. I landed on the 23rd Oct at Airlie Beach

Airlie beach

The backpacker accom was OK and I deliberatley got a double room to myself…Thank God!

Airlie beach ..how can I describe it..well its one road full of bars , restaurants clubs and Happy Hours. It is packed with 18-30 year old mobs . Dress code for young girls – short skirt..false tan , blonde hair and at end of night top hanging off.
Dress code for boys..long shorts ( Billabong of course- or Rip Curl)- no shirt- mandatory cowboy hat or Billabong peak cap. End of night strip off and run down road naked.

Everywhere there is the sound of a party whether it be 3pm or 3 am. I dislike this place intensely ..but I’m stuck..I had to be here for the sailing trip that departs to the islands for three days…I hold on..just..with my book ..and decent coffee.

I have lost count the number of times – young Pissed men have approached me whilst I walk along the street early eve – they then get a closer look at me ( obviously my mature look does not appeal..thankfully ) and then they veer off drunkenly in another direction. Horrendous. It is a cattlemarket..and apparently this is borne out by the fact that Airlie Beach has the 2nd highest rate of reported STD’s ( mum dad -this stands for sexually transmitted diseases ) in the world. Where is the first place I ask myself ???. No surprise there then.

I have never so much disliked a place. Trapped in hell.

Sailing the Whitsunday Islands

However this was all worth it when it came to leaving the Hell Hole and getting on the most beautiful sailing boat – Summertime- for a 3 day sailing cruise of the Whitsunday Islands.

The crew- Kristen – Dave and Carla were truly fantastic. The food amazing. The cabin space tiny..but the boat oh …the boat and the views. Glorious. True paradise. The islands are stunning and I am so glad I took the trip. Thanks Sara Mum & Dad for convincing me to do it

Whitehaven Beach

Considered to be the most beautiful beach in the world..and deservedly so.
The finest white sand in the world. Like sugar..it squeeks as you walk along the beach. Pure Silica sand which is so fine it wrecks digital cameras ..but rub it into your jewelery and it comes up shiny.

Beautiful crab trails in the sand – forming patterns I have never seen the like of. The sea ..a deep blue …what a sight. I stayed on this beach for a couple of hours..only downside being bees or wasps not sure..constantly going for my head and one manageing to sting me. A bit of pain to say the least..for those travelling here ( Joan ) remember to take take bug spray. Dont let it spoil the ultimate paradise.

At night on the sailing boat

The most stunning sunset ever and the prescence of a huge full sized moon made this quite an emotional experience for everyone on the boat. Photographs will never do it justice. World beauty at its best.

Kayaking with turtles

Highlights for me were kayaking in Luncheon bay and into the Mangrove areas. This was bloody hard going taking two hours on open water to get there and back ..lovely toned arms though. The wonder of this were the huge giant turtles swimming in the bay – suddenly appearing in front of the kayak- heads peeking up and then disappearing again. They are huge and so funny to see. I saw about 6-7 on the way in and around the boat from then on. They are amazing creatures and the larger ones are aged between 60 – 80 years.

Diving in the Reef
Blue pearl bay for me was one of the most amazing diving experiences I have ever had. Part of the Great Barrier Reef it is rated one of the top dive sites in the world. I took three dives on the boat – every dive a gem but Blue Pearl Bay was stunning. Gliding through coral maizes- multi coloured coral of every description and size surrounding you. At times it closed in on you to form a tunnel or cave. Fish of every description ( inc Kieran Reece …..Nemo fish…hurrah) it was like swimming in a blue aquarium. Huge rays , shoals of barricuda and huge Napoleon Fish
( these are my favourite – huge in size and actually have a face with big lips like Napoleon. )

Absolutely spectacular- and worth a thousand memories…The Whitsunday Islands are truly stunning.

Essex Girls

The only downside to this trip was that on the boat we did have to share- space – time and conversation with what can only be described as the nightmare to all true feminists. Apart from all the German girls who were Fab –including the gorgeous Maria, Melanie ( what time is it and where am I ?) , the wonderful Karolyn and Twyla and who were all fantastic company, we also had the pleasure of ..well as cruel as it sounds ..The Essex Girls!!!!!!!!!

In truth only one girl was from Essex- the others from Canada and a male version of LOADSA MONEY ( But not really ) from Australia ….and yes the true Essex girl did have long blonde hair, over tanned, and was well ..not too bright. ( see photie)
Her friends were all false tanned, wore make up …..even when diving and spoke of such important issues such as ..;-

.”so if you use this conditioner on your hair..it well ..conditions it….”

“what am I going to do without hair straighteners on this trip ?”….and…..

“Oh look ..the sea….”

“I like Britney Spears….”

I like wet suites..they hug your figure…. but they are wet!!!!!!”

I know I am being a tad cruel ..but their only interest was what music to put on – ( yes and that did include Britney )and to hog the water spa at the back of the boat..My opinion is that they thought the world revolves around them solely.. Am I being a grumpy old woman..Jan ?????

In saying that the company of the German girls was invaluable – thanks girls for being the one bit of sanity on that trip ..and for sharing so honestly our thoughts with each other afterwards ( not during the trip.). As Karolyn said …well at least we all know more about exfoliating correctly now!!!!

Hysterical.

The Whitsundays ROCK !!!!!!!!!!

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