The world according to K

This tour has got to be one the best things that I’ve done in Aussie so far.
It was a 9 day tour – via Mini bus – camping – roughing it – from Darwin to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, then on to Alice Springs and finally Uluru ( Ayers Rock ).

photies show all the gang by a huge termite mound , A saltie crocodile , and signs warning you, the gorges, me at Litchfield with Lisa, and one of Golden boy Gordon. The man in the big hat is Steve – AKA the David Brent Guide !

Huge driving distances to cover and remember you are stuck on a bus with basically the same people for 7-9 days.

Here I struck lucky, on this trip as I met up with most hysterical and wonderful company- Gordon ( Golden Boy ), Lisa , Mark ( AKA Jimmy Cricket ) < Nick , Taylor ( Canadian Cowboy and girl), Vanessa ( Mad woman from Germany) Carolyn the Frenchie and of course the Irish contingencey as rep by Sinead. Good company truly makes a trip , but with great company that makes for a most memorable happy time.. Yea we saw some aamazing things - at the National parks in Kakadu and Litchfield we climbed in the heat- nearly collapsing from the scrambling over huge rocks, to find just around the corner the most glorious PLUNGE POOLS in the river. Swimming in these pools after viewing signs warning about crocodiles in the area ( But its OK coz these are freshwater Crocs" and they usually " leave you alone !!!!!!!!) It was exhilerating. Magic moment of lying on my back viewing the steep impressive gorge walls at either side and just floating there in the cool water..fab stuff. Another highlight - jumping into a tiny deep plunge pool - 1.5 metres below to emerge on the other side - quite scary and hair raising as once you/ve jumped into deep punge pool no other way out but to dive below the rock..... Camping in tents under - and prepping own meals etc was all part of the fun. Other sights included seeing the famous large salties - Saltwater crocs on the Mary River. I really dont like these prehistoric - menacing anilmals - they look and will tear you shreds if they have the opportunity---not good - but had to be seen. Hate to be on the receiving end of one of them . After spending one night in a huge loud noisy hostel back in Darwin again - we were off again next day for the ROAD TRIP to Alice Springs A WORD ABOUT GUIDES – GOOD AND BAD

Our first guide Steve has got to be one of the most socially de-skilled person I have met in a long time. Think of David Brent crossed with Crocodile Dundee. He didnt wear shoes , and wore the most humonguos huge hat . He was realtively new to the job and although he did indeed know his stuff- land and plants – fauna etc..his fear of talking to people in a group manifested itself as a cold stare if you said anything,- and comments with a sneer or with a hint of menace. He couldnt help it…he was really terified of us I think..

The group were quiet when he was around….but we still bonded and had a great time in the national parks.

Our next guide….

JUSTIN THE MAIN MAN

This man Justin deserves an award for being the funniest guide on the planet of OZ. He took us from Darwin to Alice – and his words – this is “not a tour ..but a road trip with interesting road houses ( bars ) on the way ..and sweet bugger all else in between..hhhhhaaa”

His honesty and forthwright descriptions of the true nature of what happened with the aboriginals of this land, made him our hero for a 3 days travelling.

His higlight stops were the interesting rock formations of the Devils Marbles, a trip to Katherine Gorge, then on to Tennant Creek.

THE DALY WATER ROADHOUSE
Here is the iconic DALY WATERS Outback hotel – literally in the middle of BUGGER ALL. Justin the guide believes that the sun has got to people who live in this area or they drink too much or spend too long on their own . Whatever the reason the pub is hotch potch of wierd and wonderful eccentric collections – phoneboxes , beer cans line the walls , stuffed – manamade huge animals – wierd signs , and even a stuffed buffalo – famed for being in Crocodile Dundee the film. However this bufalo was stuffed in America..and they botched the job – so now it looks like a short legged bison…on the bar. sorry this buffalo I’ve just been told by Golden sitting next to me whilst I type was in the first road house – the name we have forgotton…….butt out Gordon

We spent nights under the stars and I was introduced to the swag for the first time ( a large tough canvas sleeping sack with hood – that you lie on desert floor and put own sleeping bag into – and then well …..just hope the spiders and scorpions don’t get in.)

The Condiment Monster

Evenings were spent in great company around the campfire telling “pass it on ghost stories ” ( guess who started that one Jan B? ) one of which involved the emergence of a huge monster that oozed jam , and could only be killed by people throwing bread at it from a canon- “The Condiment Monster” lives on in the desert wilderness of Tennant Creek.
Other higlights were trying to play the didgeriedoo but making farting noises instead..My little Piggy…and one word stories that were so grammatically inaccurate that Nick passed out from frustration.

Mant thanks to Justin the super guide who made an otherwise none descript long journey one of the funniest. = regardless of moaning Israeli’s passengers that we helped out.

<strong>THE ANTHEM and Inane conversation

Thanks to Gordon the Scot -The Proclaimers singing – I will walk 500 miles has now been introduced to the Northern territories of OZ. On the bus this was one of the funniest highlights whilst we sang at the top of our voices- including in the the chorus the chants of BOBBY DAVRO ..BOBBY DAVRO
( try it ).
To make it even funnier ……
3 Israeli passengers had to be put on our bus as the air conditioning on their super duper posh truck broke down. They had paid a huge amount of money to be a part of a private trip, and yet found theselves stuck on our bus – to get back to Alice ..in the company of us lunatics singing at the top of our voices along with the Proclaimers. I will never forget their faces – or the fact the wife started to tap her fingers……The husband just sat there –impassive –not flinching…Hysterical

Other magical moments

Here’s how you know that you can trust that a group has bonded without a doubt. You can spend three YES 3 HOURS solid talking absolute crap – by asking the following questions- examples ebing … Red or blue? Drowning or caught in a fire?Tommy Cooper or the Crankies…Digestives or Hob Knobs? Think about this – 3 hours of complete inane , ludicruos crap conversation and we all loved it – esp when it came to play Charades.

Memorable quotes
Memorable quote made by Vanessa when asked “what book would you have loved to write?”

Her answer – My own autobiography…of
course …bloodyhell ..shit..”

Another memorable day — National Speak like a Pirate Day– we celebarted in style – OOOOOOAARRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

One of the stops we had on this tour was at WYCLIFFE a road house – which has to be the weirdist place ever.
It is famous for the number of UFO sightings – abductions by UFO aliens, and even had newspaper clippings proving the point. Yeh well it was in the middle of absolutely NOWHERE..so they had to drum up some business.
well I never saw any UFO’s ..let alone aliens ………..

Plus backtracking a bit …on the road we stopped at the strange rock formations called the Devils Marbles. Scrambling one one to climb I fell backwards…nearly over the edge to gasps of horror from Justin our guide..but I just stopped in time before the edge ..and ended up scraping my arm ..thank GOD. Only a scrape.

After saying goodbye to Steve and Jo ( who was in Sidney at that time ) and giving them my heartfelt thanks for putting up with me for so long, I left Perth and flew to DARWIN.

DARWIN

I ended up in a hostel called Elkies- which was friendly , spotless with a great communal feel to it. It was also a great base to start a Northern Territories Trip.

Darwin is an odd place, very hot and with a sort of chilled laid back tropical feel to it. However it is really quite tiny and practically all the action takes place on one long street Mitchell.

There appears to be a very lax attitude to pot filled evenings, and the smell of marijuana and the sound of papers being rolled was everywhere. Drugs are not my scene at all ,but that aside I really enjoyed the evenings around the table at night – with stoned out hippies playing the the didgerydoo, and drums.

On my birthday , I decided to retire to bed around 9pm and read . It was a glorious time , tea ,toast a room to myself and a good book. What more could you ask for?

Here at the hostel I met up with the now famous Gordon from Scotland. We discovered we had booked on to the same 9 day tour to Alice Springs then on to Uluru ( Ayers Rock).

It was the start of a beautiful travel buddy friendship. The guy is hysterical and the morning we were about to leave ( at 5am in the morning) he is distraught as he is receiving numerous drunken texts telling him that not only have SCOTLAND beaten France in the footie , but that they did it in FRANCE. “Here I am about to embark on what could be the best tour of a lifetime and I am distraught that I’m not at home at the party …”

No consolation later on the bus for Gordon when he happened to be sitting next to two french guys.Asking them what they thought about the RESULT and ready to rub it in – he was met with blank looks and the fact that they disliked footie- either that or they were totally disinterested. Ya man was inconsolable

No photies of interest for this blog sorry chaps

Just opposite Perth is a lovely island called Rottnest. I took a day trip by ferry over to the island and it was a lovely picturesque place.

It used to be a penal colony- but is mainly famous for the numerous wrecks that have occurred on the rocks around the island.

It was a quiet reflective time for me here, as I was feeling fairly low at the news of the death of my Aunty Nora and the fact the family at home were attending the funeral.
On top of that was the news that dad wasn’t too well again – so I know it comes with the territory of travelling – but here I was thousands of miles away unable to convey my thoughts or talk properly to the people that mattered to me the most at such a difficult time.

On Rottwest there is a tiny cove called Mary ‘s Cove right next to Maggies Cove ( yes Mary Austin it is true)-and here I found myself alone on a boardwalk- with a stunning beautiful beach cove all to myself.

I have to say , that as sad as it sounds , it has got to be one of the most peaceful and serene moments that I have ever had on this world trip. Reflecting back on the last 6 months of my trip and what I’d seen was apt at this time and I treasured it. Sometimes just sitting still and reflecting back is enough.

Photies show Perth skyline, Steve and Jo’s house Albany, Steve on balcony Albany, The BRIDGE Albany sea scape Close up of a REDBACK SPIDER, and me tunnelling in Fremantle prison – dressed as one of the Village People

Steve the super fit triathlon runer ( at the age of 70 ) kindly invited me to visit his and Jo’s other house in Albany . Only a short trip around 500 plus k.

In the same lovely politically correct hire car we set out on the fantastic drive to Albany. The scenery here is just so different to what I’d seen before. Lush green fields, forests, , farmland and so very very flat. It reminded me alot of Wales and the cool weather was a relief.

Albany- swimming with the locals
This little town is so quaint and the house of Steve and Jo is a wonderful old, charismatic rambling affair . Overlooking the bay and at the back a field( practically ) a garden of fruit trees and lovely lush plants and trees. It didnt feel like Australia at all, but it was bloody cold I can tell you.

Part of the deal with Steve was that he would introduce me to his swimming club pals. Aged between 50 – 70-plus and some younger people with special needs, these people could swim. The club meets regularly and organise a series of little races – in various styles of swimming. Steve I discovered had entered me into nearly every race .I came LAST every time. How mortifying.

Next day was spent exploring at a fast pace, the local gorgeous – isolated beaches, the fort,. the Monument Hill ( a fast jog up there ), and the Old Converted whaling station that is now thankfully a museum.

Other highlights included seeing the very daunting GAP a huge cliff face – narrow inlet where the sea comes crashing through . Terrifying to watch and where recently two young travellers met their deaths. Plus the BRIDGE an amazing rock monolith that forms a natural bridge.

That night was a wonderful time in the company of Bruce ( yes BRUCE ) and Barbara friends of Steve – drinking wine on a yacht club boardwalk , then steak and more wine at the house. A great laugh and great company.

This whole area around Albany is where the book Dirt Music- by Tim Winton is based. A small community that originally relied on the whaleing and fishing industry within the area. I read this book about two years ago , and fell in love with the sound and description of the place. Albany did not disappoint me.

Pemberton and Margaret River

On the 31st August was the long drive back to Perth via Pemberton and Margaret River.
On the way back we took in the GIANT TREE TOPS WALK
-a walkway through the tops trees as high as 60 metres. I also climbed the GLOUCESTER TREE. Now that seemed easy going up – very high indeed at around 60 metres, but I didn’t suffer the consequences until the next days – dear God I had thighs like I’d been in a fight with Mike Tyson.

We stopped for coffee in Margaret River which is another quaint town , but coz I was driving we could not sample the fame of area ie. the famous wines in the numerous vineyards around there.

Arriving back at Perth we worked out we had done around 800 km in a day. It felt like it I can tell you.

Back in Perth my last couple of days were spent looking at Kings Park – the views and going into the old prison tunnels in Fremantle.

POISONOUS SPIDERS In Tunnels
Here was my first encounter with a poisonous spider – the REDBACK- luckily the guide I was with spotted it first before I put my hand out on the wall…DEAR GOD. See picture of spider plus me garrbed up like one of the Village People – the construction worker..hey ho…

Pictures show Gini and I, Beach Gini with pelican, the Pelicans at Monkey Mia and the beautiful wild dolphins coming to visit

From Kalbarri we headed to a far western coastal resort called Monkey Mia. Just to reiterate there are NO MONKEY’s in Monkey Mia, but plenty of wonderful wild dolphins.

It is a goregous beach resort – with friendly pelicans wandering around the beach. In the early morning the dolphins swim inshore to be fed by volunteers,. This has been going on since the 19 50’s or so, and although only strictly 5 female dolphins are fed in this way with a quota of fish, there is a whole school of dolphins playing around further out , the males ..well being typically male and sticking together , and the calves staying close to mum.

Each morning from 7 am ,loads of people – coachloads come to see the feeding , and some get the opportunity to feed the dolphins. However the best time was when the crowds dispersed and were gone by 12ish. Then you could wade out into the shallow waters in the sea swimming area, and just stand there waiting. On one occasion a dolphin just swam up to me circled me and gave a look over. She or he stayed about twenty minutes just flirting with me in the water, then she was off. fantastic.

You are not allowed to touch ther dolphins as it has been discovere that we lovely humans pass on diseases , and they could die. So I kept to my word and just watched. That was enough./ They are such funny graceful animals and up close the way they look at you, its indescribable. They appear so intelligent , and I’m sure they know alot more than we mere mortals. I loved these creatures. Another dream come true.

At Monkey Mia – I shared a room with some great girls, Nicky a German who was volunteering at the resort and the mad Swiss Melanie. Many laughsto be had especially the competitive yoga sessions, swiss sick jokes and teeth shields..long story.

Idyllic place Monkey Mia, but by now I was geting a tad bored with idyllic beautiful beaches..isnt that wierd? I needed to see summit else and a change of scenery.

With Gini as fellow passenger – and the same bloody CD’s playing we heaed back to Geraldton towards Perthover 800 plus Kms drive.

GeraldtonIs a s*#*t Hole. I hated this place. We stayed overnight in the most scary and depressing hostel. I am pretty sure it was either a rahab place for former addicts or people with serious mental health issues..either that -or Geraldton breeds lunatics. Actually they all did look rather alike……Felt quite scared at night here and slept with my hand tightly on my money fanny pack.

Here I said tata to Gini. Good luck girl on your huge drive round.

I was strangely relieved to get back to Perth- it felt familiar and rather like a second home. Thanks thanks to Steve and Jo’s kind generosity for leting me stay so long.

Kalbarri National Park

Now driving in Australia, is quite an experience. Besides the long straight roads to seemingly nowhere,, when you do eventually reach a signpost showing a turnoff, it usually indicates that you have another 150km at least to get the next town. That’s great if it is on closed – sealed roads ( a tarmac proper road surface), not so good if its OFF ROAD. ie a sand track with ruts.

Remember I am in a hire car- it is a White Toyota Corolla- with a huge No birds logo ( I can not let that go can I ?see previous entry about start of journey). Part of my agreement with the company is that I stay on sealed roads, and only travel 550 km from Perth. I am now over 800km from Perth and faced with a dilemma. In front of me is a 50km of Off road track leading to one of the most amazing national parks with what promises to be superb desert views and gorges. I look at Gini in the passenger seat next to me and like Thelma and Louise, we smile and tyre spin our way down the track leaving a huge dust cloud trailing behind us. YEEEHAH one over the unpolitically correct car ire company..as long as we dont break down , get a flat tyre, spin over ..blah blah blah.

Yea well I took a risk and it paid off. Although the driving was tricky ( remember I’m not in a four wheel drive vehicle), it was great fun. ( see photie on track) The sand tracks appear to be bright yellow in colour and again they seemingly go on forever.

We reached the Gorges and spent an hour walking through fabulous desert wilderness ( but on marked paths- we werent that stupid), to reach the Window Rock and Z gorge. See the photies – it was worth it.

Going Off Road
You see I think life is like that- a road stretching to inifinity where you can’t actually see the end but you are familiar with its layout and side views. You can sidle along slowly taking in the views- which can be greatly rewarding but sometimes boring at times, or race along it trying to reach –well something or somewhere that you are not sure of not taking account of anything else around you. In this case you are on a mission but not sure where its leading to or why. No one really knows what lies ahead. The only certainty is that you only have a certain amount of time to reach your destination or to get your hired vehicle back. Borrowed time. THen..sometimes – you can if you want- take a risk – all be it a calculated one – to go off road. Its only then that sometimes you are able to see and experience the most incredible wonderful sights. Not everyone chooses to go off road. For many the cars too old, or unable to make the journey or it just seems like such a risk.

I am so glad I went off road . No regrets and I have been rewarded with the most incredible experiences. Nuff said. Sounding like the tail end of an Oprah Winfrey Show.

I arrived in Perth on the 14th August and headed to Claremont a lovely little suberb right in between Fremantle and Perth. Here I stayed with the wonderful Jo and Steve relatives of Sara and Paul.

Expecting to be given a put up bed somewhere, I was presented with my own flat , key and fabulous home cooked food.This was just fantastic. for me. Remember I had spent the previous 5 months not even being able to brew my own tea, or have a piece of toast when I felt like it.
I was in heaven being given a kitchen to cook in .

The first shock for me was the weather. It is winter here in Ozzie and although not cold by our standards back home..I was freezing. This was a drastic change in temp for me – I was so used to having my face melting. Hot water bottles in bed were required.

First couple of days were spent searching for warmer clothes and planning my itinery. Both Steve and Jo were fantastic company sharing time between them either shopping – seeing Fremantle or going to the local glorious beaches to watch the most beautiful sun sets.

One day I did a ladies that Lunch – with Jo and her friend Dawn. Both women are in their 60’s and hysterical company.

Dawn it turns out used to be a cattle station owner . She used to have 3 million acres and 200 staff !!!!!!She was responsible for ordering supplies and keeping stock. This involved placing an order for food for the station and staff twice a year. Tough if you didnt order enough- as in those days —-no form of transport would take you far enough to get any more supplies. Now thats what I call bulk buying – no nipping down to Tesco’s if you forgot the milk. She told the story of when her husband ( I think it was her husband) accidentially shot himself in the foot and had to drive back hundreds of miles to get back to the ranch. Even then it was on the spot do it yourself surgery until he could be seen……months later. Dear GOD!

This woman was a suvivor I can tell you. Her face spoke a thousand words, and her quiet reserve and manner hid a woman of steel. We spent the afternoon walking on the beach and watching the cormorants ( cant spell ) on a rock. Idyllic afternoon and great company.

Other days were spent looking at Perth and Fremantle (a lovely bohemium little town), having fish and chips, looking at the wild flowers in Kings park and generally walking the beaches or along the river.
A lovely chilled out time, which gave me a much needed rest before my next big Road trip- up the west coast…..

No birds

Photies show me at coastline near Pinnacles – the famous politically incorrect car, The Pinnacles,Sunset at Kalbarri, Glimpse of the whale

So I hired a car. On the side of the car is a logo saying ‘no birds“. I drive this car thousands of KM’s over a period 10 days with this blaring logo- which I think has something..well to do with birds.

When I return the car- bemused I ask what the logo stands for.I am told by Steve that this car hire company prides itself on the fact that it keeps its prices low due to the fact that it EMPLOYS NO BIRDS as front line staff.

OMG here’s me driving this bloody car all around western Australia not knowing that I am promoting the most un right on – anti -woman, politically incorrect company – that is reknowned all over Australia as being over the top. I was mortified. Move on.

Cervantes – The Pinnacles
So where was I? – the road trip. I left Perth and headed on the main coastal Highway ( which is on average 100’s kms parallel from the coast) and headed for Cervantes- home of the famous Pinnacles- strange formations in the desert coastline.

Cervantes is 200km from Perth and it looks like a a tiny hop skip and a jump on the road map. I was amazed at the space and how the road just seems to go on forever into the distance. I loved the scary sight of a road just heading towards oblivion- and not a car in sight. It gives you a great sense of freedom and I had my Priscilla Queen of the desert moment playing Pachebel a full volume..ok it wasnt Abba but I didnt have ABBA. It was wonderful.

Half a day later after a few coffee stops by the roadside ( I had my butties made and flask …)
I reached Cervantes. It was dusk when I drove ( OFF ROAD) to see the Pinnacles.
These are very very odd strange rock formations in the desert and the light going down made them appear to be golden in colour. It was very much like a lunar landscape but in an eerie orange red colour. see photies.The most stunning sight which made me jump for glee, was the appearance of kangeroos hopping around these pinnacle things. It was such a surreal moment.These Kangeroos do look so funny and with their paws ready to box. After staring you out, they hop off with alarming speed and I saw one with its little uns in its pouch..Other wildlife I saw there were Emu’s . Lots of em.

I have since found out that dusk is most dangerous time of day to drive in Aussie ,as this is when the kangeroos just hop out in front of cars. The size of these things – and the fact that you could hit them was very scary. The roadkill that I saw throughout the rest of my trip – proved the point that so many of these kangeroos are killled by cars or trucks – and are left dead on the roadside. I have never in my life seen so much roadside carnage.

I stayed the night at a hostel in Cervanes- where I met Gini- a young 20 year old German girl – who was travelling / driving her own car alone. It was her first night travelling alone – and I could tell she had the wide eyed rabbit in the headlights look- very near to tears. Her evening meal was a box of cereal. God love her I thought. After sharing some pasta with her- she asked if she could follow me in her car next day to the next town Geraldton over 200km away. No probs.

Geraldton
I left next day with Gini following in her twenty year old car ( she was planning to drive all the way around Aussie), on to Geraldton . Arriving there we discover the shock absorbers in Gini’s car have gone. The garage tell us it will be at least a week to fix. It was then we decided that Gini could travel up the coast further with me in my car ,as I would be coming back via Geraldton to Perth to return my none PC hire car. It would take at least a week. That settled we drive on further North up the West coast arriving at Kalbarri mid afternoon ( another 300 km further on)

As you have guessed distances in Aussie mean absolutely nothing.

Kalbarri

This coastal beach town is beautiful. We saw the sea gorges at sunset , and they did indeed look spectacular ( see photies of yet more sunsets). The coastline cliffs are a deep red colour and they appear to glow as the sun sets. Add in yet more kangeroos and the sight is truly stunning.
The hostel was sweet , with only 4 of us an dorm although it had room for 10. Her we met two British girls and we joined them playing pool at the pub later that night. They managed to gegg us onto a whale watching cruise that was happening early morning next day.

In the pub – I removed myself from the younger age company ( flirting with aussie blokes) and found myself in the company of a man and wife who were millionaires travelling North, a real bushman called Bruce ( I kid you not ), and a waste dispoal worker!!!! An entertaining time had by all – and the millionaire couple offered to meet me in Cairns if I got there. How funny!!

Watching Whales
This was a wondreful morning. very early – on a boat- the sea being calm – sitting on the top a prime spot ( as the skipper fancied Gini), we were asked to lok out for the tell tale water spouting of the whales.

Within half an hour Popeye ( my name for the skipper who was a hoot), spotted our first whale. Sidling up closer, when this whale emerged from the water, I became very emotional – in fact most people do apparently. The Humpbacked male whale was huge, and yet it rose out of the water as though playing the lead role in a ballet, sort of pirouetting in the water, then sinking down slowly. The last thing to disappear was his the tail, slowly descending , as though waving goodbye to us. It was so special, and these huge animals are so awe inspiring.

He let us follow him ( and it about them wanting to stay with us, as he could have so easily dived deep and gone missing), for about half an hour. Then performing is final act with a huge dive and spurt from his blow hole- he was gone.

Apparently the whales are just as curious as we are about them..so who is really watching who. seeing his watchful eye weighing us up at close quarters, I really wonder.

We also glimpsed from afar a female whale with her calf – but she wasn’t about to let us get too close, and took off protecting her offspring from our watchful eyes.

Another ambition of mine ticked off my list. A magical morning – and we were back for breakfast by 7am. As the skipper, another funny character who told politically incorrect jokes said – “This is better than being married or dead. “I couldnt agree more.

Tara to Emma

8/8/07 I flew out of Bangkok to Singapore. This was after saying a tearful and emotional goodbye to Emma in Thailand. We had became great mates on our travels and I wish Em good luck on her huge trek in across the Pyrenees – Go girl!

Sleazy Singapore

I arrived in Singapore to find that there was very little in accommodation to be had due to the fact that I had arrived the day after the National Celebrations and The Womad Festival , so the city was booked out.
I finally found a hotel called the Flower Opening ( very dubious title for obvious reasons). They rented rooms by the hour and it was very very busy especially at night with the evening traffic. Jan B it was worse than the knocking shop we stayed in in London during AFTAThought days……

The area it was situated in was – well very sleazy..and the working ladies were very friendly waving to me as I walked past. In my room I found a used toothbrush – newspaper and comb…UUUUUUHHHHH. Didnt sleep a wink with the noise- even with my earplugs in.

Next night I found another hotel which was much nicer but cost a fortune.

I found Singapore to be far too clinical for my liking. Strict laws everywhere.There is no litter, no gum , no jaywalking, you name it ..you couldnt do it..I found it also had no soul as a city.
It appears to be one huge shopping mall, with every designer shop you can think of. Maybe I’m being too critical and I realise now that I was mourning the leaving of Asia in all its true colours.

I ventured into China town and Little India and that was a welcome break from the shops.

I met up with Ann and Benedict friends I had met whilst in Namibia a couple of years back. That was a lovely afternoon – very civilised drinking coffee and seeing their fabulous apartment in the city. Later that afternoon they took me to their Yoga private club. Great stuff.

I spent a couple of days in Singapore – and spent the last night going to the Night Safari at the Zoo. That was fantastic , and absolutely not to be missed experience for anyone going to Singapore. I particularly liked the Mangrove jungle section with the fruit bats flying over head and hanging from the trees- so close you could touch them. I didnt touch em of course, but it was very disconcerting when they whizzed past your head.

No photies for this section chaps ..why ?l .. because I never took any and you can,t take decent photies of the zoo at night- nothing comes out properly.

I flew out of Singapore on the 14th August- next stop was OZZIE.