tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20640739397082333252024-03-14T01:16:35.126-07:00Travel For The MomentsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-30701793539769693222017-02-22T23:39:00.002-08:002017-02-22T23:39:38.258-08:00Live Your Dreams (motivational video) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eX4VkEnpmUQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eX4VkEnpmUQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
This is my first Youtube travel video. I wanted to put the footage I have from our travels into a view-able format. Wishing to inspire others through our experiences and what we've learned along the way. Hope you enjoy it and if you do, subscribe and comment so that I'll know I'm on the right track to creating something of value. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-17974409093135937382016-09-25T13:55:00.000-07:002016-09-25T17:01:37.594-07:00Lalu, Nepal: Where Roads Do Not Reach, Yet Humanity Can Be Found; The Modern Model Residential School.Let us support locals dedicating their lives to help locals.<br />
<br />
Past year's events of various shootings, bombings, Brexit and election frauds makes the world seem bleak. Yet there are still countless people in the world doing good, sharing their wealth and dedicating their lives in helping others. Our trip to the<b> <a href="http://www.modernmodel.edu.np/" target="_blank">Modern Model Residential School</a> (MMRS)</b> in Lalu, Kalikot, Nepal showed us evidence of the good in the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-CefwhzS-0/V-gy-KE4WXI/AAAAAAAAAiA/pggae9kAYnIeSttmP8ZZo7HvShWGiRo9wCEw/s1600/optimized%2BIMG_2666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-CefwhzS-0/V-gy-KE4WXI/AAAAAAAAAiA/pggae9kAYnIeSttmP8ZZo7HvShWGiRo9wCEw/s640/optimized%2BIMG_2666.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MMRS put together a program to say goodbye to the teachers for holiday and welcomed our arrival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><b>What is the Modern Model Residential School?</b></span></span><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.modernmodel.edu.np/" target="_blank"><b>Modern Model Residential School</b></a> was co-founded in 2008 by a former classmate of mine, Prakash Bista and his brother-in-law. Bista was born in the village of Lalu and have witnessed the turmoil civil war has placed upon his village first hand. Many of his peers were forced into the rebel group while others fled to India. Schooling was a luxury and he was one of the few fortunate enough to obtain scholarships for an education in the district head-quarter, then in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, and later in the United States at <a href="http://www.soka.edu/" target="_blank"><b>Soka University of America</b></a>. At the age of 18 Bista recognized his privileges and wanted to give back to his community by building a school on the site of his abandoned old home that was once taken as a headquarter by rebel forces and was later bombed. The mission of the school is <a href="http://www.modernmodel.edu.np/index.php?pageName=missionvision" target="_blank">"<span style="color: blue;">to empower mainly poor and disadvantaged students in extreme remote villages in Nepal through free and affordable quality education"</span></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHPwfl87Rc8/V-g6RIPWGDI/AAAAAAAAAjM/XNUxQqXY2e01TWMFzUXiqpOAhndsaf42gCK4B/s1600/optimzed%2BIMG_2640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHPwfl87Rc8/V-g6RIPWGDI/AAAAAAAAAjM/XNUxQqXY2e01TWMFzUXiqpOAhndsaf42gCK4B/s640/optimzed%2BIMG_2640.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">students prepared choreographed Nepali dances for the program</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b>Where is the Modern Model Residential School?</b></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTd8FUeFZRY/V-gzSRqzVmI/AAAAAAAAAho/IFZmlsJw0dojbmo25BIBQiynpGdh8xUpQCK4B/s1600/optimized%2BIMG_2580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTd8FUeFZRY/V-gzSRqzVmI/AAAAAAAAAho/IFZmlsJw0dojbmo25BIBQiynpGdh8xUpQCK4B/s640/optimized%2BIMG_2580.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the village of Lalu, Kalikot, Nepal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The village is located in the north-west region of Nepal. Due to its extreme remoteness (lack of roads in mountainous regions) it became war ridden as it was easier for rebel groups to gather. According to UN Human Development Report, Kalikot is ranked 70 out of 75 districts in Nepal. The region it is located in also shows statistics of 57% of the children below five years are malnourished and 81% of the total population above 10 years of age must perform extreme forms of physical labor to earn a living.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvP5ULbWt9I/V-gzg4e1LkI/AAAAAAAAAhw/1HLNW9zcwaopasOcCxZZrQUnipk3AI10QCK4B/s1600/optimized%2BIMG_1854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvP5ULbWt9I/V-gzg4e1LkI/AAAAAAAAAhw/1HLNW9zcwaopasOcCxZZrQUnipk3AI10QCK4B/s640/optimized%2BIMG_1854.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a girl working as a porter to transport goods to the village by foot on a three hour hike </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OP9wxcJoWc8/V-gzl9Z6F7I/AAAAAAAAAh4/hKfYEg7FK_AEgRCEqvStAXhK8paFfgYEQCK4B/s1600/optimized%2BIMG_2570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OP9wxcJoWc8/V-gzl9Z6F7I/AAAAAAAAAh4/hKfYEg7FK_AEgRCEqvStAXhK8paFfgYEQCK4B/s640/optimized%2BIMG_2570.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children helping on the farm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The roads do not reach this village. In order to access it you must take a man powered metal basket across a large river (created by an NGO) then hike three hours up 6,000 ft in elevation to reach Lalu. We have witnessed teenagers regularly transporting 40-50kg on their back and hike between their village and the local market.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b>The development we have witnessed at the Modern Model Residential School.</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9qCR-Yapjs/V-g42d-1LlI/AAAAAAAAAiY/_BfrqjN_4zYvpLFxcJSuGdk3qhfg3kLCQCK4B/s1600/Optimized%2BIMG_3135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9qCR-Yapjs/V-g42d-1LlI/AAAAAAAAAiY/_BfrqjN_4zYvpLFxcJSuGdk3qhfg3kLCQCK4B/s640/Optimized%2BIMG_3135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We helped in the set up of the only wifi in the village by asking a villager if we can use their home for the service. (the tower is provided by a government program at a fee)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On our way to the village we had a truck load of supplies transported to the school. The two founders of the school traveled to various cities to purchase and gather items necessary for school facility improvement. The supplies include a wide range of materials from solar panels and batteries to sleeping bags and rugs. On our arrival to the village, the school curriculum is on pause with holiday programs available for students who wish to participate. Most of the time was used to renovate the school and install the new materials from this trip. Many lower income families pay for tuition by providing services to help the school in these renovations and daily school functions. In just two short weeks, the school was repainted, the library was created and organized, a basketball court was created, mud walls were freshened, and even the first wi-fi in the village was installed. All of that, just the tip of the iceberg in creating positive changes to the lives of these children.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gefd9FVUeno/V-g4Iz5cY0I/AAAAAAAAAiI/bJVYWSFkkk4qY4zRJNtbdmusoPIKqaYRwCK4B/s1600/Optimized%2BIMG_2988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gefd9FVUeno/V-g4Iz5cY0I/AAAAAAAAAiI/bJVYWSFkkk4qY4zRJNtbdmusoPIKqaYRwCK4B/s640/Optimized%2BIMG_2988.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organizing books that have been donated to the school into a new library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxLIukVDrjU/V-g4wxMdXfI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/_8eTeT1gOe0lHebD0ZQNyvF_bY0mz-pnACK4B/s1600/Optimized%2BIMG_2999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxLIukVDrjU/V-g4wxMdXfI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/_8eTeT1gOe0lHebD0ZQNyvF_bY0mz-pnACK4B/s640/Optimized%2BIMG_2999.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud walls are refreshed when school is not in sessions by parents with low income to substitute tuition for their children.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Why it is important to support local initiatives rather than creating new initiatives.</span></b></div>
<br />
Supporting local initiatives is often more effective than to donate to large charity organizations that are aiding as foreign sources. There are various types of non-profit organizations nowadays. Some create long term changes while others only short term relieves. In our current society there is often times what is called "poverty porn", where people monetize on the sympathy and a need for self identification in first world citizens by providing programs that allows these people to become "saviors" of an exotic group of less fortunate people. I can go on for days on why that is harmful far more than beneficial, but that is for another time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZB0xeQjs94/V-g6lXCdnOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/4yd23oFipR0jT3T8kFegJfINDCbnk3QCgCK4B/s1600/Optimized%2BIMG_2662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZB0xeQjs94/V-g6lXCdnOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/4yd23oFipR0jT3T8kFegJfINDCbnk3QCgCK4B/s640/Optimized%2BIMG_2662.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Co-founder Prakash Bista encouraging his students at the program.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q10gyoZUvAM/V-g6sg2ydjI/AAAAAAAAAjc/fs7pfJuJqMAf9klkSIaV1aKUoMc99gPBgCK4B/s640/optimized%2BIMG_5690.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Principle Rajesh Shahi with his family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqjqsgmIuuc/V-g7ifoEIuI/AAAAAAAAAjo/uiZL1QigkGoSIx1vXNFZa-3b01ASv3TKgCK4B/s1600/Optimized%2BIMG_1674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqjqsgmIuuc/V-g7ifoEIuI/AAAAAAAAAjo/uiZL1QigkGoSIx1vXNFZa-3b01ASv3TKgCK4B/s640/Optimized%2BIMG_1674.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were fortunate to be able to meet with the Minister of Education of Nepal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q10gyoZUvAM/V-g6sg2ydjI/AAAAAAAAAjc/fs7pfJuJqMAf9klkSIaV1aKUoMc99gPBgCK4B/s1600/optimized%2BIMG_5690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
When we aid local initiatives we are entrusting to the locals for their knowledge of their social and political environment. These people have a much better understanding of what the people of their community want and how to carry out changes in efficient manners. By providing them with the resources they require, positive changes can be made adapted to the existing lifestyles rather than imposing on them.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">What can you do?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
You can choose to donate to the MMRS on their official website through Paypal <a href="http://www.modernmodel.edu.np/index.php" target="_blank">here</a>. If you are currently a student in college you can also apply for their fellowships and internships <a href="http://www.modernmodel.edu.np/index.php" target="_blank">here</a>. If you do not fit those categories but have something to contribute you can always contact the school <a href="http://www.modernmodel.edu.np/index.php?pageName=contactus" target="_blank">here</a>. The school welcomes all forms of support. It can come in forms of valuable information or suggestions if you are professionally experienced in rural educational development or sustainability development. It can come as opportunity for collaborative effort from an organization you may be a part of. It can also come in forms of simple encouragement. Show the MMRS your support.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0YEWUInliE/V-g5L5ZPEaI/AAAAAAAAAis/Dk4U3El7wyEbj4IW0tuxjA0nTS3nBR84ACK4B/s640/optimized%2BIMG_5686.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This kid does not stop that adorable smile of his, he's just following his older sibling to school.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2ZUPe4TuA/V-g5UEkFHzI/AAAAAAAAAjE/5khrP0-ZNUQ7uAXyA50iWDfb_7ghV8TOACK4B/s1600/Optimized%2BIMG_5679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2ZUPe4TuA/V-g5UEkFHzI/AAAAAAAAAjE/5khrP0-ZNUQ7uAXyA50iWDfb_7ghV8TOACK4B/s640/Optimized%2BIMG_5679.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing educational videos to the kids. A movie or two here and there as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPqkCk3N0Sc/V-g5RGK80YI/AAAAAAAAAi8/I-U-f3CccBY9xNLK2hrh0xHChM1qKhctgCK4B/s1600/Optimized%2BIMG_5497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPqkCk3N0Sc/V-g5RGK80YI/AAAAAAAAAi8/I-U-f3CccBY9xNLK2hrh0xHChM1qKhctgCK4B/s640/Optimized%2BIMG_5497.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris in a reading class with some of the students.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0YEWUInliE/V-g5L5ZPEaI/AAAAAAAAAis/Dk4U3El7wyEbj4IW0tuxjA0nTS3nBR84ACK4B/s1600/optimized%2BIMG_5686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tell us your thoughts on the MMRS. Do you know of other small local initiatives that are worth supporting? Share down below in the comments section!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-84243054906708643342016-07-09T13:00:00.000-07:002016-09-25T18:50:04.351-07:00How I Afford to Travel for 16 months (income edition)<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dB_Ep8fGlY/V4FW0QhrvSI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GoSPx2VPYhcJLBD06pTUsUkxYpIczG37ACLcB/s1600/how%2BI%2Bafford%2Bto%2Btravel%2Bcover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dB_Ep8fGlY/V4FW0QhrvSI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GoSPx2VPYhcJLBD06pTUsUkxYpIczG37ACLcB/s640/how%2BI%2Bafford%2Bto%2Btravel%2Bcover.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">overlooking a rice paddy in Bali, Indonesia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"My parents are loaded and I don't need to work!"</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm guessing that's what people assume when they hear that I have been travelling for the past 16 months. The reality is slightly different from that version of the story, just slightly. Here's all the numbers I have gathered from my travels.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
One of the most common reason I hear from those who wish to travel but aren't doing so is the lack of funds. As someone who has just returned home after long term travel, I feel like I have the obligation to share how I have funded my journey without taking a dime from family. Given that, I also understand that I am privilege to be able to have the experiences I had without the burden supporting anybody but myself. I'm not saying everyone should take the same path I have, I simply wish to share my experience in obtaining what I prioritize in my life. In this post I will be as honest and as detailed as I can be, but this has been a long journey and I'm not the most organized person so most numbers will be approximations. <br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Key1: currencies are marked as AUD (Australia) and USD (United States)</div>
<div>
Key2: if you just want to know the numbers look at <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">"summary"</span><span style="background-color: white;"> tabs (ctrl+F)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Chris and I have decided to go on a working holiday back in March 2014 while I was still finishing my last semester for my B.A. in Orange County, California. We had a vague plan of arriving in Melbourne, Australia in Feb, 2015 and travel within Australia and through South East Asia (SEA) for a total of six months till August, 2015. Needless to say, it didn't go as planned and we did not arrive home until Jun, 2016. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Regardless, we had about 10 months time to save up prior to departure. I was able to obtain a full time position within two months of graduation along with about $2,000 USD saved up working while studying. Within the eight months I was able to pay off the little bit of student loans I had left ($2,600 USD) and obtained a room in a house for measly ($500 USD) a month. During these 8 months and insane amounts of overtime I was able to save up approx $5,000 USD. I started with $12/ hour and received two raises since then and ended at $16.00/ hour full time. Needless to say, I barely had any social life and I did work a few side gigs during the weekends when they were available. (ask my ex-coworkers, I ate everything they didn't want to save money on food, happily!) Don't get me wrong, you don't have to give up on enjoying life all together, just choose free and fun activities on your free time instead. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I left the country I had approx $6,000 USD in my name and was later able to receive a tax return of approx $900 USD.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Summary:</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>$2,000 USD savings from part time work in school </li>
<li>$6,000 USD full time savings in 8 months</li>
<li>$900 USD tax return</li>
<li>total: approx. $9,000 USD</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">WHILE IN AUSTRALIA:</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We applied for a working holiday visa for our travels in Australia. I talk about what the visa entails <b><a href="http://travelforthemoments.blogspot.com/2015/12/what-is-working-holiday-and-how-it.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a> </b>and also how to find work with this visa <a href="http://travelforthemoments.blogspot.com/2015/12/tips-for-job-hunting-on-working-holiday.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>here</b></span></a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We started our work in Melbourne. I worked in a hotel in Warribee and did fine dining, catering, and room service work. Lots of holding a tray full of beer praying somebody would come take it and pray that I don't spill all over them. Neither of us received enough hours in Melbourne area to stay for long so we worked up to the outback where a couple of friend's friends recently left their work in a truck stop for about two months. I also searched for a second job in town during that time in a cafe. We then traveled up north and settled in a town west of Cairns called the Tablelands at a cafe. Our last stop was in the sunshine coast where I found retail work that paid lovely amounts but did not offer enough hours. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><u>Summary</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Melbourne - $21 AUD/hr weekday, $29 AUD/hr sunday, total $ 682.64 AUD after tax</li>
<li>Outback Cunnamulla - truck stop $25.05 AUD/hr weekday, $32.56 AUD/hr Weekend, total $3,202 AUD after tax</li>
<li>Outback Cunnamulla - $22.52AUD/hr weekday, $27.03 AUD/hr saturday, total $1,444 AUD</li>
<li>Tablelands -$16/hr flat, I have no record of the earnings but approx $1,500</li>
<li>Sunshine Coast - $23.73 AUD/hr weekday, $25.63/hr Saturdays, total $1,756 AUD after tax</li>
<li>Tax return $735</li>
<li>Total: $9,320+ AUD in 11 months = approx $6,983 USD</li>
</ul>
<div>
Note:AUD has dropped drastically since our arrival in Australia thus my total approximation can vary up to over a thousand dollars in difference. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">AFTER AUSTRALIA:</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
We did not seek employment in SEA since it would take too much time for too little reward. Instead we spent lots of time researching each place we go for the most affordable options during our travel. Our average spending was between $500- $600 USD/ person/ month. I came home with just a little over $1000 USD that was set aside as emergency money. (I can't stress how important it is to have emergency money! keep a certain amount untouched!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Summary:</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>$9,000 USD(savings) + $6,983 USD (earnings) = $15,983 USD</li>
<li>Came home with $1,000 USD after all spending</li>
<li>total spending over 16 month period approx $14,983 USD, avg $936/month</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">HOW I LOOK AT ALL OF THIS:</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Australia was the most expensive part of the whole trip, our earnings was barely covering our living plus in country travelling. If we went straight into SEA we would probably be able to live comfortably without working for over 10 months no problem given we do long travels and don't fly much. It is cheaper to be travelling as a couple and I have only accounted my own savings, earnings, and spending. Take all of the above with a grain of salt. I suggest setting a goal and working backwards on how to get there. Checking your income and spending should be one of those steps for sure. You don't need to be a millionaire or have six figure income to travel, in fact I think travelling on a budget has its benefits! To the point where I even wrote a whole blog post about it <a href="http://travelforthemoments.blogspot.com/2015/12/why-traveling-broke-is-better-than.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>here</b></span></a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Given all that, the point of this post is to really show everyone how travel isn't as hard as one might think. It's just what you wish to prioritize. I know people who save up all year to go to Anime Expo and buy things that they love. I also know people who have started a family young and love to stay local and enjoy family fun. That's all fine and dandy, it's what makes them happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are anything like me, I'd suggest that you invest in yourself and in your dreams. That's what I did and I don't regret a minute of it. It wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. I had times where I had to work till 11:00pm and wake up to get to work again at 5:00 in the morning or live in a house with missing window panes and holes in the wall in the heart of winter. I also had times where I swam among millions of fishes in a coral garden or glided through an ancient rainforest on a zipline.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Listen to me: Invest in yourself, you're worth it." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Thanks for taking the time to read my babbles. I'd love to know what motivates you and what you do to invest in yourself! Share with me in the comments below!</b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-58863621473517866942016-02-11T21:01:00.000-08:002016-07-09T16:24:11.653-07:00Balinese Galungan Celebration 2016Galungan is the largest celebration in Bali, Indonesia, the island of the gods. We are extremely fortunate to be here at this time and participate in the traditional prayer ceremonies. Galungan is an event based off of the 210 days Balinese calendar. Due to the shorter calendar cycle, there will be two Galungan days in 2016 (February 10 and September 7). If you would like to join the celebration be sure to plan accordingly. This day starts off a series of three days in Hindu ceremony and celebration that is unique to Balinese culture and differs from that of Indian Hindu traditions. Our experience allowed us to peer into a practice that is very much foreign to us; learning a thing or two from the dialogues we hold and the things we see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L54uSDmsjPc/V4GCFb8n-zI/AAAAAAAAAfw/3odfvoZf48EqdNzty-EOp9PWiyTwH_G9QCLcB/s1600/galungan%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L54uSDmsjPc/V4GCFb8n-zI/AAAAAAAAAfw/3odfvoZf48EqdNzty-EOp9PWiyTwH_G9QCLcB/s640/galungan%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Joining in as foreigners</b><br />
before we delve into the details, it is important to note that there are a few prohibitions that will prevent you from entering the temple and joining parts of the celebration.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndIAptdfpbc/V4GClA2SPbI/AAAAAAAAAf4/zDJjksjQoKAYypww0YbuOjpN4LyvgHVUACLcB/s1600/galungan%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndIAptdfpbc/V4GClA2SPbI/AAAAAAAAAf4/zDJjksjQoKAYypww0YbuOjpN4LyvgHVUACLcB/s640/galungan%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>you must wear a sarong regardless of gender and age.</li>
<ul>
<li>sarongs are simply a large stretch of cloth that is used to wrap around the waist. </li>
<li>It is optional to wear a sash, but most people will wear a complete set for the special occasion.</li>
<li>(note, wet sarongs are worn differently for women if you are planning to go to Tirta Empul, also known as the Holy Spring Water Temple)</li>
<li>for men: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqbHUmOH0rY</li>
<li>for women: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7deHsFNFhpA</li>
</ul>
<li>Do not go into the temple if you're menstruating!</li>
<ul>
<li>it is deemed dirty to go into the temple during menstruation, so its best to respect the practice and only observe from the outside if it happens to coincide with the day</li>
</ul>
<li>Don't snap endless pictures</li>
<ul>
<li>we all want to capture memories, but please understand the situation and don't be disrespectful snapping endless pictures during the entire ceremony. This is not a time to go shutter crazy, one of the girls there did not stop since she arrived, not even for the prayer portions. Locals kept looking at her and trying to avoid the camera, but she simply followed them with the lens. Don't be THAT tourist.</li>
</ul>
<li>All temple should be active this day</li>
<ul>
<li>most temples are closed to the public on regular days, but this is the special time to visit them!</li>
<li>From our knowledge, any temple you go to will be hosting prayer services. So go to any that you desire.</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<b>The Holiday</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-WPNP3s55A/V4GEw_WgG0I/AAAAAAAAAgM/aFKjVlfOlaQSsdpN6SQng8KFeo7tXwVrQCLcB/s1600/galungan%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-WPNP3s55A/V4GEw_WgG0I/AAAAAAAAAgM/aFKjVlfOlaQSsdpN6SQng8KFeo7tXwVrQCLcB/s640/galungan%2B3.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Galungan is a celebration of the victory of goodness over evil, the victory of dhrama over adarma. The first day is the day to visit the temples and a day of prayer. The second and third day are dedicated to visiting family and friends, while the third day specifically marks the day ancestors spirits will return.<br />
<br />
<b>The ceremony</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtyKzZYpD1g/V4GEmACTpaI/AAAAAAAAAgI/oOmnA8ahj9IvXK4evvFIC7Bp-pjO4QAxQCKgB/s1600/Galungan%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtyKzZYpD1g/V4GEmACTpaI/AAAAAAAAAgI/oOmnA8ahj9IvXK4evvFIC7Bp-pjO4QAxQCKgB/s640/Galungan%2B4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
Locals will participate in ceremonies with family members first at their own family temple, often a section of the household for religious practices. The second ceremony is conducted in larger temples where prayers are led and holy water is used to cleanse. We participated at a local temple called Pura Dalem Puri in Ubud. It is not a well known temple to say the least, but it was crowded with the residents of this area. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbj2KmA5CzY/V4GG-WkqLXI/AAAAAAAAAgg/yyKVVe34HkE_ifd5WF82576tNoG_gVNEgCLcB/s1600/Galungan%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbj2KmA5CzY/V4GG-WkqLXI/AAAAAAAAAgg/yyKVVe34HkE_ifd5WF82576tNoG_gVNEgCLcB/s640/Galungan%2B5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The prayers were led by an elderly man with an MC behind him who spoke into the microphone with guidance through the prayers. Each separate prayer required a different gesture, placing various items of offerings matching the prayer. For one prayer participants held up plumeria flowers between their plams and speak their prayers. Once they have finished speaking their prayers, they use the flower as garnish on their head. For another prayer, participants held up intricate offerings made of banana leaves holding flowers and coins. We did not have a tour guide and don't understand the Indonesian language, but we assume that each separate prayer has its own meaning for safety, love, gratitude, etc. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr5s-bjj56c/V4GG7-hXzmI/AAAAAAAAAgc/Wbx3L1pG3kIlM7D8HiLKQbAnfgXwajnpQCLcB/s1600/Galungan%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr5s-bjj56c/V4GG7-hXzmI/AAAAAAAAAgc/Wbx3L1pG3kIlM7D8HiLKQbAnfgXwajnpQCLcB/s640/Galungan%2B6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
When all prayers ended, everyone received holy water for cleansing. Each person must drink the water from their palms three times to cleanse their inner spirit. Once they have been cleansed inward, they splash the water over their head and face (some using petals to splash the water, some used leaves and brushes) . At the end of their cleanse, participants are then given rice to place between their eyebrows to signify abundance. <br />
(in their daily practice they will also place the rice between their collar bone and eat a grain or two of rice as blessings)<br />
<br />
<b>Penjor (bamboo poles)</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm5tfVMrFv4/VrtYRC3Pf7I/AAAAAAAAI-Y/ENh_lVvXskc/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm5tfVMrFv4/VrtYRC3Pf7I/AAAAAAAAI-Y/ENh_lVvXskc/s640/IMG_4823.JPG" width="480" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW3QGMaEwdc/VrtYeTFy1tI/AAAAAAAAI-c/cPK77EiqYU0/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW3QGMaEwdc/VrtYeTFy1tI/AAAAAAAAI-c/cPK77EiqYU0/s640/IMG_4829.JPG" width="480" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
Everywhere we went, we saw large bamboo flower poles called "Penjor." Penjors are erected during special events such as weddings and holidays. Each household and business will erect one or more of these large bamboo poles to welcome back deceased relatives coming back as spirits as well as the Gods. We have been told by locals that the poles represent dragons. They are composed of a small offering container at the base representing the head and the long thin overhang as the tail. This is slightly different from some information I have found online stating that the penjors represent mountains, perhaps to different people there are different meanings and symbolism for the decoration. <br />
<br />
<b>Beware, Shops and Services will be closed.</b><br />
<br />
If you are travelling Bali around these times, be aware that most if not all shops will be closed. Certain warungs (local diners) and restaurants aiming at tourists may still be open, so no worries about starving. Just make sure you don't need your laundry done or bike fixed on this day, or you will be very much disappointed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-20923945195556791642016-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:002016-01-16T19:52:03.120-08:00Australian Outback Adventures: Yowah Opal Festival (Cheapest Opals in Australia)Whether you are looking for a cheap opal or a true outback experience, the Yowah Opal Festival should be on your itinerary. Australia is known for many of its natural resources and opals are probably on the top of that list. The cheapest way to purchase it would be through a wholesale resource just like any other commodity.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsQQAvWNZak/VpDNH0lpbpI/AAAAAAAAI6k/uVPForGx_Io/s1600/IMG_9660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsQQAvWNZak/VpDNH0lpbpI/AAAAAAAAI6k/uVPForGx_Io/s640/IMG_9660.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opal on display at the exhibit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>What is this festival?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Yowah Opal Festival is hands-down the most prestigious annual gathering in the opal trade. Businesses are looking for opal miners who can provide them quality opal at a good price for their business, opal miners are here to find buyers. Although the festival isn't held for the average Joe, it gives everyone who desires a precious gem a chance to get them at a bargain!<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lz_DWUQoII/VnZy6_RFr3I/AAAAAAAAIy0/By3ZV08qibc/s1600/IMG_9668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lz_DWUQoII/VnZy6_RFr3I/AAAAAAAAIy0/By3ZV08qibc/s640/IMG_9668.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the marketplace </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>At Night:</b></div>
<div>
<br />
The Festival starts out with a night of bonfire that is taller than all of us. The firewood required was so chunky, they had to use construction machinery to drive it over. Everyone gathers around the fire while we wait for the all-you-can-eat BBQ. We eat to our heart's content with live folk music playing in the background on the little stage. Most of the participants knows each other since it's not that big of an industry and all the miners, polishers and sellers have some business with one another at any point in time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCH4lPLnRaw/VnZx3-mdZHI/AAAAAAAAIxM/YOAzQnH_yOc/s1600/IMG_9646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCH4lPLnRaw/VnZx3-mdZHI/AAAAAAAAIxM/YOAzQnH_yOc/s640/IMG_9646.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much lighting aside from these and the fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xq4_hZkwUsQ/VnZx5uAbwjI/AAAAAAAAIxU/I2imkx4bqzk/s1600/IMG_9641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xq4_hZkwUsQ/VnZx5uAbwjI/AAAAAAAAIxU/I2imkx4bqzk/s640/IMG_9641.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A miner looking into the fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_r46MXcGNU/VnZyGL2srCI/AAAAAAAAIxk/Xx-6ZraMQ9o/s1600/IMG_9647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_r46MXcGNU/VnZyGL2srCI/AAAAAAAAIxk/Xx-6ZraMQ9o/s640/IMG_9647.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris enjoying the warmth of the fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACDxdkmWiTU/VnaV3S8rHyI/AAAAAAAAIzk/hfUOkloSMFQ/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACDxdkmWiTU/VnaV3S8rHyI/AAAAAAAAIzk/hfUOkloSMFQ/s640/IMG_2714.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really good BBQ buffet resembling American Southern food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnYtYAj-dt4/VnZx866Ys-I/AAAAAAAAIxc/QFmrW8Yps-E/s1600/IMG_9644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnYtYAj-dt4/VnZx866Ys-I/AAAAAAAAIxc/QFmrW8Yps-E/s640/IMG_9644.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">embers flying high</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>In The Morning:</b></div>
<div>
<br />
The booths are set up before the break of dawn, ready for buyers to have their treasure hunt. You can always try to bargain for better deals than priced. The more you buy from the same stall, the cheaper it can get. Often times they sell more than just opals. You can find all sorts of gems including pearls and fossils around the market. Walk around, talk to people, don't commit until you're really ready. Oh and definitely bring at least a couple hundred dollars of cash with you, most if not all stalls are cash only.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wEcHQRPSijw/VpDNZnBOhcI/AAAAAAAAI7A/dLXcX0n-7Tw/s1600/IMG_9667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wEcHQRPSijw/VpDNZnBOhcI/AAAAAAAAI7A/dLXcX0n-7Tw/s640/IMG_9667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Tips on Finding Good Opal:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Many vendors will have buckets of opals sitting in water. Opals have a crystalline structure that absorbs water, making it easier for light to travel and thus reflect from. Make sure the opal stone shines even without water. While choosing your opals, dry the surface and set them aside. Decide at the end which piece of opal strikes your fancy.<br />
<br />
The price of a piece of opal is fairly subjective. There is no actual scale for the pricing and it is fairly flexible in terms of market value. You look for the value of an opal through three characteristics: the patterns, the color of light reflected through the opal, and the way light reflects off of it. The rare colors in opals are blacks and reds. Patterns can range from matrixes (kind of holographic) to pinfires (dots/ rays of holographic patterns). Marine opals are mainly blue and green and will cover the whole surface of the gem. Boulder opals are stones or fossolized trees embedded with streaks of opals through them. The small moonstone like opals with firepin or matrix patterns through them can be very valuable due to the rarity of pure opals. Overall, how much you like a piece of opal should be the deciding factor on whether you will purchase it. There is no point in having some really expensive piece of rock with you if you don't love it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lDKfpfNgDE/VpDNgiIFLJI/AAAAAAAAI7I/8euu9OMDk84/s1600/IMG_9668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lDKfpfNgDE/VpDNgiIFLJI/AAAAAAAAI7I/8euu9OMDk84/s640/IMG_9668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are also exhibits set up for rare opals and opals that has been incorporated in sculptures and other art forms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4cTjdxXukI/VpDNIzllTrI/AAAAAAAAI6o/_n5FvA9mLns/s1600/IMG_9658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4cTjdxXukI/VpDNIzllTrI/AAAAAAAAI6o/_n5FvA9mLns/s640/IMG_9658.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhWFcBxtQQ4/VpDNPjRwidI/AAAAAAAAI6w/emy45JUtak4/s1600/IMG_9662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhWFcBxtQQ4/VpDNPjRwidI/AAAAAAAAI6w/emy45JUtak4/s640/IMG_9662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AKdxHvUgeY/VpDM3ogA3BI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/poLF0awTKRY/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AKdxHvUgeY/VpDM3ogA3BI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/poLF0awTKRY/s640/IMG_9655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5Z2qDbAf-E/VpDM3ci0IkI/AAAAAAAAI6M/1lTz6XMi7wo/s1600/IMG_9651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5Z2qDbAf-E/VpDM3ci0IkI/AAAAAAAAI6M/1lTz6XMi7wo/s640/IMG_9651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-we0-DAPWJk4/VpDNCwMuZKI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/v8nZo7DuHhI/s1600/IMG_9657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-we0-DAPWJk4/VpDNCwMuZKI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/v8nZo7DuHhI/s640/IMG_9657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Location: </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bargains are extremely attractive, but the festival is never crowded with tourists due to its geological disposition. The location of this annual festival is in the heart of the great outback of Australia. For those who are unfamiliar with the outback, I will try to put things into perspective. Yowah is a small town/ community. According to the 2006 census, Yowah had a population of 142. We visited the town in July 2015, according to the locals we spoke to the population has since then decreased to around 50 residents. This town is 132 km (82mi) from Brisbane, the nearest city. The annual festival is the single big event that gathers several hundred attendants to help support the town.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w61GE8sZqzI/VpDWiO6fjTI/AAAAAAAAI7k/KNxjy3mJJlg/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w61GE8sZqzI/VpDWiO6fjTI/AAAAAAAAI7k/KNxjy3mJJlg/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">putting things into perspective, Yowah is over 13 hours away from the closest city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<b>Accomodation:</b><br />
<br />
The town is too small with too little traffic over other times of the year for any accomodation. Your best bet is camping in a tent or sleep in your car. It's quite nice to be able to chit chat with our neighbors, we learned lots about opals quality and mining.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFu1C5-ldVA/VnaVpvNu4rI/AAAAAAAAIzM/ug9CKBU-64E/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFu1C5-ldVA/VnaVpvNu4rI/AAAAAAAAIzM/ug9CKBU-64E/s640/IMG_2710.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bed in serenity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>A few of our own purchases:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We have purchased quite a few boulder opals that we absolutely love ranging from $5-20 a piece depending on how rare the pattern and colors were. (the ones shown below were less than $10 each) Throughout our travels we seeked for similar opals to estimate pricing and most were 2-5 times more expensive than our purchases. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIESixawLmQ/VpWpdnhsQ4I/AAAAAAAAI8o/kWHgoseFTro/s1600/yowah%2Bopals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIESixawLmQ/VpWpdnhsQ4I/AAAAAAAAI8o/kWHgoseFTro/s640/yowah%2Bopals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
If you love the adventure and have the time and money around July, I would highly recoomend that you visit the Yowah Opal Festival. The opal miners are really hurting at the moment as demand is plummeting. By visiting, you can support local businesses and people's livlihood. The opals are cheaper than you can find anywhere else and definitely genuine as experts are all in the area to call out fawks gems. If you are interested, you might even be able to make a bit of profit by reselling the opals you obtain there elsewhere!<br />
<br />
<b>Would you go to the Yowah Opal Festival if you're in the country around July? Which one of the exhibit pieces did you like most?</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-50166133264633713552016-01-08T23:18:00.001-08:002016-01-08T23:18:57.962-08:00Moments of 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFfzV9HOYNo/VpC0O74VdOI/AAAAAAAAI5s/Ce-q6OxALHw/s1600/Thank%2Byou%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFfzV9HOYNo/VpC0O74VdOI/AAAAAAAAI5s/Ce-q6OxALHw/s640/Thank%2Byou%2B2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2015 has witnessed the start of this blog and the start of my first year-long-travel journey. This past year I have said goodbye to my frist full-time job and went to the opposite of the globe to roam the land down under named Australia.<br />
<br />
note: a week into the year and I am finally posting this "year in review" blog post. Just once again shows that life throws curve balls and you just have to roll with it. For more of my life excuses scroll to the bottom. I will also do my best to write posts regarding all the adventure in this past year and link it on here, so stay tuned!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jan: Houston, Texas</span></b><br />
<br />
Perks of working in Human Resources for a medium sized company growing national is the occasional travel involved. I was travelling to Houston, Texas with a coworker doing recruitment. The sad part is, I came down with influenza after the flight. Overall, Texas was still a blast( can't say no to the southern food)!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HUc1CqT2Ao/VpBLembCCxI/AAAAAAAAI3c/x4szguXPOt4/s1600/10942736_10152751518198668_4389007410739154013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HUc1CqT2Ao/VpBLembCCxI/AAAAAAAAI3c/x4szguXPOt4/s640/10942736_10152751518198668_4389007410739154013_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houston we have landed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Feb: LA, California</span></b><br />
<br />
Saying goodbye was tough. It was a cocktail of excitement, fear, hope, and insecurities. I am saying goodbye to a stable income to welcome something foreign and unknown. With how uncomfortable everything felt, I knew I was doing the right thing. We can only grow from pushing our boundaries to new limits.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYLXP3qTv8c/VpBIDOZ0GpI/AAAAAAAAI3U/zoAnIbY1zAQ/s1600/IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYLXP3qTv8c/VpBIDOZ0GpI/AAAAAAAAI3U/zoAnIbY1zAQ/s640/IMG_1259.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">here's the cinnamon bun larger than my face my coworkers gave me as good bye gift. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">March: Melbourne, Victoria</span></b><br />
<br />
We arrived in Australia in late February. March was filled with "firsts". We saw our first koalas, our firstt kangaroos and wallabies, our first time road tripping on the Great Ocean Road, our first time exploring Melbourne, our first encounter with leeches, our first time going to couch surfing parties, and our first time buying a car together and travelling in it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASbpNc-0e4Y/VpBRmRYHu1I/AAAAAAAAI3s/-57-qpT2U7s/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASbpNc-0e4Y/VpBRmRYHu1I/AAAAAAAAI3s/-57-qpT2U7s/s640/IMG_2076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">April: Melbourne, Australia</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
We started staying at the first relatively long-term home in Point Cook, Victoria. We started our job search and we both got into the restaurant industry. We met some good friends and I even learned screen printing with local teens! ( I think she only took me in thinking I'm still in my teens)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sG9KpBoXKo/VpBSzruycOI/AAAAAAAAI30/tvPYQoOiYQw/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sG9KpBoXKo/VpBSzruycOI/AAAAAAAAI30/tvPYQoOiYQw/s640/IMG_2241.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">community workshop, learning how to screen print!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">May: Melbourne, Australia</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
We worked a bit and started house sitting for a friend. Lots of good food involved when you're working with catering events and people don't eat it all!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrKyOsrJeso/VpBTlp26zzI/AAAAAAAAI38/cdZRSv5lIXE/s1600/IMG_2438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrKyOsrJeso/VpBTlp26zzI/AAAAAAAAI38/cdZRSv5lIXE/s640/IMG_2438.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">free food to take home! working perks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">June: Cunnamulla, Queensland</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
We found work for the both of us in Cunnamulla, Queensland and decided to give it a try. The outback town took us two days to drive to and it was just an insane experience to say the least. Probably the lowest point of our Australia travels, but it definitely puts things into perspective. A post will be made for the full experience.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9d6aDnxMfAc/VpBVHCFwIKI/AAAAAAAAI4I/XkOOLw3itSQ/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9d6aDnxMfAc/VpBVHCFwIKI/AAAAAAAAI4I/XkOOLw3itSQ/s640/IMG_2621.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What became our home for two months.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">July: Yowah, Queensland</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
When we have saved up a decent amount, we departed and explored just a little bit more of the outback before heading back to the coast. We attended the Yowah Opal Festival and found many precious gems at the lowest price in Australia. The festival was filled with character! From the large bonfire to the people, everything played out under a canopy of stars. From there we experienced the drastically different weather and scenery Australia has to provide. It went from dry lands to luscious rainforest to beachy coasts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3wqqgGBd8w/VpBZXzStqzI/AAAAAAAAI4U/dmlZOzKL4eQ/s1600/IMG_9715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3wqqgGBd8w/VpBZXzStqzI/AAAAAAAAI4U/dmlZOzKL4eQ/s640/IMG_9715.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mini break on the road. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>August: Northern Queensland</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
We were passing the Tablelands when we decided that the beauty of this place calls for more time. The lakes, the waterfalls, the rainforest, and the wildlife all called out to us. After our exploration in the tablelands we ventured up north all the way past cook town and back. We visited Elim beach and traversed through Daintree national park, the only place in the world where two world heritage sites (Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef) meet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXnh8HnqDEU/VpB2Qu7JEzI/AAAAAAAAI4k/saTnmKMbMyY/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXnh8HnqDEU/VpB2Qu7JEzI/AAAAAAAAI4k/saTnmKMbMyY/s640/IMG_3003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rainforest canopy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sep: Magnetic Island, Queensland</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
The island life was free and beautiful. On Magnetic Island off of Townsville, Queensland, we have explored land and sea. There are some beautiful snorkelling trails as well as hiking trails on the island. We swam with colorful fishes and fed dozens of rock wallabies. We even caught our first fish on this island!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LWb1uE_U1c/VpB5NMHLcbI/AAAAAAAAI4w/KRrhqtL8B2M/s1600/2015-09-24%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LWb1uE_U1c/VpB5NMHLcbI/AAAAAAAAI4w/KRrhqtL8B2M/s640/2015-09-24%2B002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Magnetic Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oct: Cairns, Queensland</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
We worked a bit before and after Magnetic Island in the Tablelands and decided it was time to continue our exploration once complications arose at work. (again showing the not so glamous side of traveling) We spent some time in Cairns exploring the small city/ large town. The highlight was definitely our snorkeling trip out on the great barrier reef.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4z_NEO49go/VpCV6Du2QZI/AAAAAAAAI5A/4LawypObywA/s1600/chris%2Band%2Bturtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4z_NEO49go/VpCV6Du2QZI/AAAAAAAAI5A/4LawypObywA/s640/chris%2Band%2Bturtle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting a turtle on the Great Barrier Reef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span id="goog_1623194748"></span><span id="goog_1623194749"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>November: Brisbane, Queensland</b></span><br />
<br />
We drove down to brisbane in search for our last leg of work. Aside from the public gardens and lagoon, we didn't enjoy the city too much. So instead we headed a little bit up north to the Sunshine Coast instead. I found work in retail while Chris in construction. In between work hours we explored a bit of Nossa as well as the beaches and farmers markets on the sunshine coast.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JUxV5iSBSA/VpCpJwS34II/AAAAAAAAI5Q/k8xTTE7w-9U/s1600/2015-11-05%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JUxV5iSBSA/VpCpJwS34II/AAAAAAAAI5Q/k8xTTE7w-9U/s640/2015-11-05%2B006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Lagoon in Brisbane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">December: Sunshine Coast, Queensland</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
Well into the holiday season, we were experiencing lots of festivities. Our first Christmas in the summer with our toes in the sand. (check out our Aussie Christmas <a href="http://travelforthemoments.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/christmas-in-summer-aussie-christmas.html">here</a>) We then welcomed the new year at Maloolaba on the Sunshine Coast watching fireworks with friends, ending an adventurous year with the booming sounds of firework.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xmmlv_rkQ0/VpCrRh6v48I/AAAAAAAAI5c/Ss5lnlGyxe4/s1600/2015-12-04%2B069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xmmlv_rkQ0/VpCrRh6v48I/AAAAAAAAI5c/Ss5lnlGyxe4/s640/2015-12-04%2B069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog beach in Sunshine Coast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2015 was a very eventful year, a year of many treasured memories. As I'm writing this, we are actually preparing for our departure from Australia into South East Asia. We have received news that Chris's boss sold his company over the holidays just a couple of days ago. We decided that it is more cost efficient for us to leave earlier than we have planned. As we occupy ourselves with selling our vehicle and organizing the stuff we have accumulated, we are also very excited to feel "uncomfortable" again. We don't know what 2016 will bring us. Whatever it may be, I have a feeling it's going to be great! Happy New Year everybody!!!<br />
<br />
<b>How was your 2015? Any highlights, regrets, or things to be grateful about? Leave a comment down below!</b><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-68310650366428051792015-12-27T04:36:00.001-08:002016-04-19T03:31:14.427-07:00Christmas In The Summer- An Aussie Christmas Under A Blue Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ryd4AGIRco/Vn_VDGS21UI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/Mje-ACzbaK4/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ryd4AGIRco/Vn_VDGS21UI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/Mje-ACzbaK4/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Santa decorations on surfboards is truly a novel sight. A Christmas under the hot summer sun is something I have never experienced before and it has been absolutely exciting! Not to mention, this is the first Christmas with a blue moon in over four decades!<br />
<br />
Sunny Beaches:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYmAUkCBBTA/Vn_UKnhYllI/AAAAAAAAI2I/FPNfHa-ryGE/s1600/12435832_10153458534363668_1697058319_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYmAUkCBBTA/Vn_UKnhYllI/AAAAAAAAI2I/FPNfHa-ryGE/s1600/12435832_10153458534363668_1697058319_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
With water warmer than the California shores in July, we made sure to take advantage of the beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. We have searched online for a good beach to visit and decided on the beach on exit 69. (definitely easy enough of a number to remember)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQsQpviV6F4/Vn_UKWT_ORI/AAAAAAAAI2E/V7zOJ--ns_M/s1600/12435806_10153458534483668_207505106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQsQpviV6F4/Vn_UKWT_ORI/AAAAAAAAI2E/V7zOJ--ns_M/s1600/12435806_10153458534483668_207505106_n.jpg" /></a></div>
The beach is a dog beach with a view of some of the higher buildings on one end and on the other Hell's Gate of Noosa National Park. A river that connects and disconnects with the ocean throughout the day. We watched people kite surf and adorable dogs of all shapes and sizes run along the length of the beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swO8K9szcXc/Vn_UGdVCkEI/AAAAAAAAI0k/KvwOPn2mzM0/s1600/12404411_10153458534388668_676297385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swO8K9szcXc/Vn_UGdVCkEI/AAAAAAAAI0k/KvwOPn2mzM0/s1600/12404411_10153458534388668_676297385_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2PxFkSFj94/Vn_UGehtYaI/AAAAAAAAI0s/rXfNMCZ_GMk/s1600/12404488_10153458534448668_2011541889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2PxFkSFj94/Vn_UGehtYaI/AAAAAAAAI0s/rXfNMCZ_GMk/s1600/12404488_10153458534448668_2011541889_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Christmas Traditions:<br />
Chris's family has always had a tradition of eating panettone and hot cocoa on Christmas Eve. The panettone was surprisingly much easier to find in Australia than it is in the United States. We couldn't find the brand of chocolate his family usually uses so we settled with melting Toblerone instead. The result was lovely. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzYady2Ec-Q/Vn_UI-ZeNNI/AAAAAAAAI1k/JXCz7ZMc3fE/s1600/12431357_10153458534538668_1788471164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzYady2Ec-Q/Vn_UI-ZeNNI/AAAAAAAAI1k/JXCz7ZMc3fE/s400/12431357_10153458534538668_1788471164_n.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxWIqSFlQSA/Vn_UHWRfV9I/AAAAAAAAI1E/4sK9ulLRNFI/s1600/12404557_10153458534498668_500308787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxWIqSFlQSA/Vn_UHWRfV9I/AAAAAAAAI1E/4sK9ulLRNFI/s400/12404557_10153458534498668_500308787_n.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
On another note, we were stoked to see bon bons sold everywhere. It's a dream come true after seeing it as a key prop on Doctor Who. We had no idea there was such a tradition prior to our binge watch of the show. So we bought ourselves some for funsies. Got some more cool stuff/junk, but the experience was worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVv-KP9qiqc/Vn_UH6FWufI/AAAAAAAAI1U/2onXw_fmqUA/s1600/12421347_10153458534188668_1539634047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVv-KP9qiqc/Vn_UH6FWufI/AAAAAAAAI1U/2onXw_fmqUA/s1600/12421347_10153458534188668_1539634047_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzrTCoYeAFk/Vn_UHQING4I/AAAAAAAAI08/f37TqQpoRqw/s1600/12404537_10153458534258668_1486866498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzrTCoYeAFk/Vn_UHQING4I/AAAAAAAAI08/f37TqQpoRqw/s1600/12404537_10153458534258668_1486866498_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Exchanges of lovely gifts:<br />
<br />
With our families far away and a tight budget with the two of us, we just purchased a bunch of little items (couple dollars a piece) for each other and wrapped them up for some gift giving fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMODLG5ixNs/Vn_UHG_fTjI/AAAAAAAAI04/zMopYEzubM4/s1600/12404537_10153458534203668_784749140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMODLG5ixNs/Vn_UHG_fTjI/AAAAAAAAI04/zMopYEzubM4/s1600/12404537_10153458534203668_784749140_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also used some of the shells we have collected in Magnetic island to create some bracelets and necklaces for my co-workers at the retail shop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELvX4PG0FRg/Vn_UIadjStI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/9-6vMjt-wMQ/s1600/12431327_10153458534143668_911512997_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELvX4PG0FRg/Vn_UIadjStI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/9-6vMjt-wMQ/s1600/12431327_10153458534143668_911512997_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kykun-YVTs/Vn_UFxKKLII/AAAAAAAAI0g/pqspGeoTE0E/s1600/12404171_10153458534133668_655173198_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kykun-YVTs/Vn_UFxKKLII/AAAAAAAAI0g/pqspGeoTE0E/s1600/12404171_10153458534133668_655173198_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Christmas day began with a gigantic Toblerone and a box of Cadbury chocolate from our lovely landlady Jill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQHXo4fpg4E/Vn_UIJ49dGI/AAAAAAAAI1c/E_RVPbk6fMM/s1600/12421647_10153458576593668_1100493940_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQHXo4fpg4E/Vn_UIJ49dGI/AAAAAAAAI1c/E_RVPbk6fMM/s1600/12421647_10153458576593668_1100493940_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdhHFcV8Yi0/Vn_UKGqoopI/AAAAAAAAI18/R4XRRxXT5sQ/s1600/12435744_10153458534393668_1143387825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdhHFcV8Yi0/Vn_UKGqoopI/AAAAAAAAI18/R4XRRxXT5sQ/s1600/12435744_10153458534393668_1143387825_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Barbeque in December:<br />
<br />
After our beach trip, we joined Jill's family barbeque and enjoyed some delicious foods and wonderful conversations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3OZ1k_6ek/Vn_VJr6axlI/AAAAAAAAI2Y/qZHp8Nucb_s/s1600/IMG_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3OZ1k_6ek/Vn_VJr6axlI/AAAAAAAAI2Y/qZHp8Nucb_s/s1600/IMG_0942.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmd2ms_hyXM/Vn_UJhGSUnI/AAAAAAAAI14/U2iUfFdE6oI/s1600/12434484_10153458534523668_640251476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmd2ms_hyXM/Vn_UJhGSUnI/AAAAAAAAI14/U2iUfFdE6oI/s1600/12434484_10153458534523668_640251476_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's times like this that always reminds me the joy of giving and to appreciate all the relationships we have created during our travels. To all of you that have gifted your time by visiting my blog, I'd like to say "thank you". Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season.<br />
<br />
<br />
What did you do this Christmas? Share with me in the comments below!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-68442473737201540722015-12-17T15:15:00.003-08:002015-12-19T22:13:52.746-08:00What is a Working Holiday and How It Allows Me to Travel Cheap<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6XSiIrNHdI/Vm9l7ZamByI/AAAAAAAAIss/uFaUoY8yecQ/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6XSiIrNHdI/Vm9l7ZamByI/AAAAAAAAIss/uFaUoY8yecQ/s640/IMG_1356.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were really lucky and got express path cards on our flight to Australia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
No money but want to travel? There are lots of ways, but trying to work while traveling is probably one of the most popular solutions. <br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>A working holiday is not a program from some company or organization!</u></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div>
A working holiday is a visa that allows you to work and travel in a country for generally a year or more. The requirement is that you must be under a certain age. Wikipedia has got it down pretty well with the restrictions, so <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_holiday_visa">click here</a> to seek for a destination suitable to your needs. (Find the countries that accept your citizenship by ctrl+F and see where your country's name pops up)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
note: unfortunately Americans don't have a lot of choices in terms of a working holiday visa, at least we get to travel to many countries for Tourist visa? click <a href="http://www.anyworkanywhere.com/whvuscit.html">here </a>for a list of opportunities for U.S. citizens.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Why do countries offer this?</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
allowing young people to come boosts tourism. I'll focus on Australia to give you an example. Australia's service industry is like a Pac-Man in their GDP pie graph. So they want tourists. Tourism creates jobs creating a demand for young labor to fill jobs. That's where the work part comes in. Australia has a small population relative to land mass. They need more young labor and the surge of nomadic youth is a wonderful source. When backpackers are in their country, working for their companies, paying their taxes, and then spending more money to fuel their economy, it's a no-brainer for Australia to hand out as many working holiday visas as they can. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">What if I only have a few months?</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can come and go at any time within that year limit with no restriction. You can choose to travel to other countries between jobs, or go home for good. It's your life you decide.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Where do I find work?</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finding work on a working holiday is the same as finding work back home. You go and hunt for it. There are websites and labor agencies, but the key really is finding the right season to be at the right areas and apply face to face. For a blog I wrote on tips to find a job on a working holiday click <a href="http://travelforthemoments.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/tips-for-job-hunting-on-working-holiday.html">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Should I sign up for working holiday programs?</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Depending on where you are from and where you wish to go, there may be restrictions to how you can apply for the visa. I have met people who needed to apply for a program before arriving in Australia. If you're a US citizen and coming to a country like Australia and New Zealand I'd strongly advice you NOT to go through a program. Why spend all your money on a middle man when you can easily do it yourself? Lots of these programs take advantage of traveler ignorance. For example, you may be charged $50+ for your tax filing number (TFN) if you did not know that it's free and easy to get from the Australian government website. Use that money towards funding your skydive on the beach or going out on a boat dive instead. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope I've answered some of the basic questions one may have when stumbling upon the concept of a working holiday. Comment down below for anything I might've missed and I'd be glad to answer your questions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-28428915617518666142015-12-13T21:16:00.000-08:002015-12-13T21:28:17.067-08:00Where to Spot Wild Platypus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLa6_gZNuRE/Vm5Bmr52ydI/AAAAAAAAIrE/RX24P2My1m8/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLa6_gZNuRE/Vm5Bmr52ydI/AAAAAAAAIrE/RX24P2My1m8/s640/IMG_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Aboriginals believe spotting platypuses in the wild is a good omen and the encounter will bring you luck. Platypuses are quite surreal in their appearance. These cuties have duck bill, beaver tail, and webbed feet and are the only mammals that lay eggs to give birth. They are awesome, but very hard to find in nature. Platypuses are shy in nature and can dive underwater for 30-40 seconds at a time and will come up to the surface for 10-20 seconds to recover before diving again. If they notice that you are there making lots of noises, you're almost guaranteed they'll just hide under plants and stay out of view during their recovery time. So be sure to keep it hush hushed if you wish for an encounter.<br />
<br />
Learn more about Platypuses <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platypus">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">When:</span></b><br />
Before diving into the locations to find these gorgeous creatures, we must understand their habits. You can search for hours for them during the day and might not even get the sight of a tail. Platypuses are nocturnal and hunts at night. To find them when there is daylight you must either seek for them at dawn or dusk. They will be hunting and going up and down the water in timed intervals. Find them floating about posing for pictures and selfies with you while they're trying to catch a breath.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mb5t_6k7Rb8/Vm5GsgYRscI/AAAAAAAAIrY/IImEGhS5e5Q/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mb5t_6k7Rb8/Vm5GsgYRscI/AAAAAAAAIrY/IImEGhS5e5Q/s640/IMG_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b> <b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Where:</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<u>1. Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform. (Queensland, Australia)</u><br />
<br />
This is the star of the show, we were able to spot over half a dozen platypuses in the course of half an hour. The Platypus viewing platform is located in a town Yungaburra on the Tablelands about 2 hours drive from Cairns. Upon arrival, people tend to look down from this viewing platform praying for a sighting. Don't wait there, you won't see a thing. Instead, walk down towards the bridge and on the side of it will be a trail along the river. You will probably see many others seeking these magical little creatures. We were there in August and as long as you are quiet, the chances are you will see at least one of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2KZ2hXT2eQ/Vm5P-LVUMwI/AAAAAAAAIsc/ziRJYp7Wvuc/s1600/IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2KZ2hXT2eQ/Vm5P-LVUMwI/AAAAAAAAIsc/ziRJYp7Wvuc/s640/IMG_0020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tip: look for bubbles, when there are big bubbles concentrated at a point it means a platypus is going out of breath and will surface soon.<br />
<br />
Here's what trip advisor had to say about the location <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g499698-d5611799-Reviews-Platypus_Viewing_Platform-Yungaburra_Queensland.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>2. Lake Elizabeth in the Otway forest. (Victoria, Australia)</u><br />
<br />
If you won't be in Queensland during your visit you can also try Lake Elizabeth. Platypus or not, this is a location worth visiting. The lake is unique with timber in the middle of the lake reflecting beautifully off the water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOlr6UwEawg/Vm5LECv1wyI/AAAAAAAAIsM/zeEGLh1y97I/s1600/IMG_9323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOlr6UwEawg/Vm5LECv1wyI/AAAAAAAAIsM/zeEGLh1y97I/s640/IMG_9323.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeHB9GWtOuY/Vm5IC04gkuI/AAAAAAAAIrk/hWov9_4vxKE/s1600/IMG_9312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeHB9GWtOuY/Vm5IC04gkuI/AAAAAAAAIrk/hWov9_4vxKE/s400/IMG_9312.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The easy way:</span><br />
<br />
The platypus viewing is commercialized and you can easily book a <a href="http://www.platypustours.net.au/platypustours.htm">canoe tour </a>. You will have a tour guide meeting you at the car park and they will provide you with information as you walk towards the lake. Then from there two canoes will be taken out during dusk and everyone will be on the lookout for platypuses on the water. The tour is $85 per adult, so naturally as the broke backpacker we are, we opted out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g34631oBI8U/Vm5IN3kMwhI/AAAAAAAAIrs/A9vjxWVzFZA/s1600/IMG_9311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g34631oBI8U/Vm5IN3kMwhI/AAAAAAAAIrs/A9vjxWVzFZA/s640/IMG_9311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The hard way:</span></span><br />
<br />
We came to Lake Elizabeth looking and searching for platypuses. At the end, we believe we glimpsed at one, but it was pretty hard to tell and we were feeding lots of mosquitoes. It's definitely a luck thing and that's why a sighting is valued by aboriginals. However, we did catch the canoe tour walking back after getting off the canoe and the tour guide pointed out at various interesting things in the night forest. We were able to see glow worms light up like the night sky under a canopy of vegetation. That alone was well worth walking through the dark trail.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-70156999921224166902015-12-08T20:28:00.000-08:002015-12-19T22:16:27.036-08:00Why Traveling broke is Better Than Traveling Rich.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfwiIxyCZBc/VmepNpNO1wI/AAAAAAAAIqo/G9CJiZ8RiJw/s1600/Utilize%2Byour%2Bcurrent%2Bstate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfwiIxyCZBc/VmepNpNO1wI/AAAAAAAAIqo/G9CJiZ8RiJw/s640/Utilize%2Byour%2Bcurrent%2Bstate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We always have a million excuses on why we can't do the things that we are passionate about, especially if that passion lies in travel. The most common one is, <b>I don't have enough money.</b> So I'm going to tell you exactly why that should be a reason for you to travel.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, traveling in luxury is comfortable, but it can also make you miss many things. The convenience of having money will make it harder to explore and try new things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b> <b>1.Explore the world of a local, not a tourist. </b><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
If you choose a fancy restaurant ranked highly by travel guides, you're probably going to miss out on the more authentic local cuisine in exchange for ambiance and comfort that you can find just as easily at home. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me give you an example. Even in a country as western as Australia, we were suggested by a tour guide to check out the recipient of "The World's Best Pizza" award called 400 Gradi. The menu was overpriced, but we decided as Americans we have to at least experience this so-called "World's Best Pizza". That was one of the worst pizzas we have tasted. For $22 that pizza wouldn't have filled me, a 5"1' tiny ass Asian girl. When we opted for the local food that our Airbnb hosts suggests, we have always been able to find gems in the neighborhood. From fish n chips and charcoal chicken shops, to real pizza shops.<br />
<br />
<u>Key: look for places locals eat at, try to avoid tourist traps. Cheap and delicious is the way to go.</u><br />
<u>Bonus: Save money!!!</u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvuZXZab9j8/VmedPdRFhZI/AAAAAAAAIpw/sAtM5KEAnDQ/s1600/back%2Bin%2B2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvuZXZab9j8/VmedPdRFhZI/AAAAAAAAIpw/sAtM5KEAnDQ/s640/back%2Bin%2B2010.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back in 2011 when I was a student standing in front of a street stall in Seoul, Korea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><br /></u> <u><br /></u> <u><br /></u>
<br />
<b>2.Create your own map</b><br />
<br />
You can't afford expensive tours, so the cheapest option is to go explore on your own. It is so much more personal when you have stumbled upon a hole in the wall shop with amazing food or a deserted temple filled with history. The people and places you come across will help you create your own map in the world, something google maps can never replace.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzFV8A6SLXM/VmZDqJMj4sI/AAAAAAAAInE/Pw45Krw7NhA/s1600/tuck%2Bpointing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzFV8A6SLXM/VmZDqJMj4sI/AAAAAAAAInE/Pw45Krw7NhA/s640/tuck%2Bpointing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ran into this man doing a tuck pointing job on an old victorian home. He happily shared his trade and we were just amazed at his work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>3. Meet the locals</b><br />
<br />
You can often end up meeting strangers that become good friends and learn of cool hidden places that are not on travel magazines.<br />
<br />
More than once now we have been shown various tools of travel and cool places to see from people we meet while we're simply wandering out and about. We got to see things like native holy grounds and local waterholes that are not advertised. We learned the local websites for the cheapest accomodation. Most importantly, we got tips on where to find work.<br />
<br />
Besides, the one thing that makes any place special are the people. The sheer benefit of having random company is magical in itself.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>4. learn a new language (even just a few phrases)</b><br />
<br />
Chances are you don't speak the language of the country you travel to and you might want to learn a word or two. Haggling and trying not to get ripped off is probably the best way to learn the basics of any language (greetings, numbers, etc). I mean, the lesson fees are imbeded on how well you do, so you better bring on your best game. On the other hand, if you had the dough and just checked in to some fancy hotel, even if you practiced a few words here and there, they'll be far gone by the end of the journey. If you can't apply it, you'll never learn it.<br />
<br />
Here is a photo of my friend Yui. I met her at a kimono shop in Sapporo, Japan. She said, "hey wanna try on a kimono?" and I was like, "sure why not?" She spoke very little English and I spoke broken Japanese at the time. That was perfect and we were able to support each other in a language we wish to learn. We became friends and hung out. She even came to my host family's home to help me cut my hair (she was previously a beautician.)<br />
<br />
Moral of story is: People love helping you if you're open to them. Even if you have a language barrier and $0 in your pockets.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkNnbu8Z6RA/VmefJfGByCI/AAAAAAAAIp8/fQLIjkiJ6aU/s1600/Yui%2Bchan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkNnbu8Z6RA/VmefJfGByCI/AAAAAAAAIp8/fQLIjkiJ6aU/s640/Yui%2Bchan.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> <b>5. learn new skills</b><br />
<br />
Since you're broke as @$#%, you'll need some income. When in desperate times, people learn best. I have never worked in the food industry and I have never used a sales pitch trying to sell a pair of $300 jeans to anybody before, but because I needed to work, I learned. Are you asking "Why would I want to work in those jobs"? Working in new fields and new environments can teach you how to adapt quickly and hones your social skills. It can come in very handy if you wish to establish connections with someone who had similar experiences or understand various business operations from the very bottom tier. You also learn little things that can help your daily life ( I learned lots of recipes for various sauces and dishes in the kitchen).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGkO_c5RAnA/Vmei4iisWiI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/StdF45Ti4jw/s1600/2015-10-05%2B004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGkO_c5RAnA/Vmei4iisWiI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/StdF45Ti4jw/s640/2015-10-05%2B004.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We learned to make pies from scratch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
My point is, sometimes it's good to have less convinience, it just depends on how you look at it. There is always something we can gain from any given situation.<br />
<br />
Can you think of any perks on traveling broke?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12256931449079912882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-59489695011613479262015-12-05T00:18:00.000-08:002015-12-19T22:18:56.502-08:00Elim Beach- a hidden paradise<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O54DqrGh0GQ/VnU3LbqbABI/AAAAAAAAIuw/TEehg2brVPI/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O54DqrGh0GQ/VnU3LbqbABI/AAAAAAAAIuw/TEehg2brVPI/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided against the Top of Australia for a magical haven called Elim Beach. Our original plan was to travel from the furthest point South of Australia to the furthest point North. Though we were excited about the voyage, everyone we encountered discouraged us from going to Cape York. The general idea is that if you don't have a really good 4 wheel drive with plenty of extra fuel, you're going to suffer.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Ok, so we opted out. At this point we are already in Cook Town, pretty far up North of Queensland. We looked on our WikiCamp App and decided to check out a mystical sounding beach "Elim Beach". Elim beach is located on the shore of a large aboriginal (Natives of Australia) community called "Hope Vale Aboriginal Community". It is also owned by Eddie Deemal, a traditional aboriginal man. What better way to experience Australia a little bit untouched by colonization from the west?</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
This was one of the best decisions we have made on our trip.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Getting there was a little on the rough side, but we were still able to manage the drive with our Honda-CRV (an SUV).</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29boCdr83_4/VnU3y6Xh-BI/AAAAAAAAIu8/jzT9IYzF5zo/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29boCdr83_4/VnU3y6Xh-BI/AAAAAAAAIu8/jzT9IYzF5zo/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" /></a></div>
The beach isn't a highly praised tourist destination, so most campers are local and the site is not crowded at all. That night, we camped on the beach watching the beautiful sunset. (Although the sunset came at a price of getting stuck in the soft sand. Good thing our friends helped us get it out with their Maxtrax and we got out just fine at the end.)</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Warning: for tent campers, there is a known croc in the area and it is highly advised not to have your tent too close to the water. Just in case.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWoJo2E_2DE/VnUqE_sHsCI/AAAAAAAAItI/j1EWyaqtUG4/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWoJo2E_2DE/VnUqE_sHsCI/AAAAAAAAItI/j1EWyaqtUG4/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" /></a></div>
For our first day there we explored the far stretch of land exposed by low tide. A large amount of tide pools filled with a variety of marine life. Lots of large sized starfishes scattered in the pools trying to keep moist. We then walked through the many shacks the locals use for the weekends. On our way we found plenty of unclaimed coconut eddie said we can try knocking down.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsZztTv5Cmo/VnU4LHNy3wI/AAAAAAAAIvE/QeRyUlJgeXs/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsZztTv5Cmo/VnU4LHNy3wI/AAAAAAAAIvE/QeRyUlJgeXs/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UixT778mSuY/VnU3Nctb0TI/AAAAAAAAIu4/oCBKhHHb1dQ/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UixT778mSuY/VnU3Nctb0TI/AAAAAAAAIu4/oCBKhHHb1dQ/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" /></a></div>
Us knocking coconuts down and opening them for their water and flesh.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl6m9jbIFiA/VnUqea0mAhI/AAAAAAAAItg/RsoE9moqCXE/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl6m9jbIFiA/VnUqea0mAhI/AAAAAAAAItg/RsoE9moqCXE/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwLyLqXta_M/VnUqfkvJPeI/AAAAAAAAIto/cWZ9O-ueuGQ/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwLyLqXta_M/VnUqfkvJPeI/AAAAAAAAIto/cWZ9O-ueuGQ/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" /></a></div>
One of our local friends taught us to eat the green tree ants (weaver ants). These little green ants are everywhere in Australia, and they are vicious. Instead of digging through the ground and making hills, they have something that more or less resemble a hive made of dead leaves stuck together on trees. To try a bite of green tree ants, bite off the green sac on the back. (do kill it first so it doesn't suffer too much) The taste is citrus like, almost like a lime. These ants are high in vitamins and has also been used by aboriginals of australia in the past for medicinal purposes.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5CY6cq-tjE/VnUqG8b9QoI/AAAAAAAAItQ/KRX7_2Cumqc/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5CY6cq-tjE/VnUqG8b9QoI/AAAAAAAAItQ/KRX7_2Cumqc/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" /></a></div>
As we walked back from the track we are surrounded by butterflies in the woods. So many that they made a bare tree appeared to be lush with leaves.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08QXQTqvvZg/VnU3IF7Y6OI/AAAAAAAAIuo/0SE4Z8zylCo/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08QXQTqvvZg/VnU3IF7Y6OI/AAAAAAAAIuo/0SE4Z8zylCo/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" /></a></div>
that night our friends retrieved the crab trap they had set. It was filled with crabs but the big ones were all female and the male were just too small to fit legal requirements. So all the crabbies got a second life and we got a great laugh.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NwgDTba5rY/VnUqBrBO5yI/AAAAAAAAItA/nRQVwaVQcJs/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NwgDTba5rY/VnUqBrBO5yI/AAAAAAAAItA/nRQVwaVQcJs/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" /></a></div>
The second day we went out to explore the renown colored sand ( a short drive or walk away). We climbed up and up on rocks that crumble into sand if you're not too careful. The colors are in distinct hues of red, orange, yellow, white, and even black. On our way up, we met an aboriginal man from another community traveling here and collecting sand in hopes to use for painting. We climbed to the top and looked down upon the wonders of nature. All the boys in our group ran all the way down through a great slope of sand and back onto the beach.</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LADSFe2P0pc/VnUq1_F0NII/AAAAAAAAIuA/XLpHuoHHTv4/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LADSFe2P0pc/VnUq1_F0NII/AAAAAAAAIuA/XLpHuoHHTv4/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rWplNrZQKdQ/VnU5DUkR4xI/AAAAAAAAIvY/G1Yf5Y7cTCY/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rWplNrZQKdQ/VnU5DUkR4xI/AAAAAAAAIvY/G1Yf5Y7cTCY/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
(below: the little black dots on the edge of the water are Chris and our new friends Eden and Jay. That's how high the slope was.)</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evOmz2rE1gE/VnU5B8zimHI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/iup--PhOxcc/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evOmz2rE1gE/VnU5B8zimHI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/iup--PhOxcc/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" /></a></div>
To show you how pigmented the sand is, chris put some on his arm to get a nice red color out of them.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyG4mZ3J6C0/VnUrLpJjmlI/AAAAAAAAIuY/KlTLHQViKDc/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyG4mZ3J6C0/VnUrLpJjmlI/AAAAAAAAIuY/KlTLHQViKDc/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g89HcSwMnwI/VnUrHmDxDuI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/BeAwJAoGrdM/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g89HcSwMnwI/VnUrHmDxDuI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/BeAwJAoGrdM/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" /></a></div>
The water at the end of the colored sands is crisp and clear. We chased and grabbed blow fishes and scooped up sea cucumbers. To end a jolly time, we noticed the abundant amount of still green mangoes on a huge mango tree. Perhaps if we came a bit later in the year we could even taste some of that juicy fruit.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BSCkIfAuT0/VnUq1DuperI/AAAAAAAAIt4/A85QopMYDOQ/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BSCkIfAuT0/VnUq1DuperI/AAAAAAAAIt4/A85QopMYDOQ/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azhCcPzv-9c/VnUrDL-7dmI/AAAAAAAAIuI/hvNbKFSpD6U/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azhCcPzv-9c/VnUrDL-7dmI/AAAAAAAAIuI/hvNbKFSpD6U/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-17519137553225509892015-12-05T00:16:00.002-08:002015-12-19T22:16:27.029-08:00Travel 101 (Part 1): Visa<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03CS_PBlQTU/VmNk1xGugzI/AAAAAAAAIks/1Ll742yxcTs/s1600/2015-12-01%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03CS_PBlQTU/VmNk1xGugzI/AAAAAAAAIks/1Ll742yxcTs/s640/2015-12-01%2B002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Traveling is simpler than you would imagine, follow a few simple steps for the necessities and you're set!</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>1. Visa Requirement</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
2. Transportation</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
3. Accomodation</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
For most travels these are easy information to obtain with a tiny bit of research (thanks to almighty internet).</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>1. Visa Requirement</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<b> </b>A Visa is permission to enter, leave, stay, or work in a country legally. These can be obtained through ambassies as well as online depending on the country you are travelling to, the purpose and duration of your travels, and your citizenship status.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Here are some common types of visas.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>1. Tourist Visa</strong></div>
<ul class="font_8" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<li>Allows short term stay often without permission to work or study.</li>
<li>requirements differ by applicant country of citizenship, sometimes there are no need for an applied visa for stays up to 6 months.</li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>2. Student Visa</strong></div>
<ul class="font_8" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<li> Allows study in qualified institutions and stay for the duration of your studies. Often restricts work status.</li>
<li>requirements vary depending on the field of study, institution applied, and applicant country of citizenship.</li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>3. Working Visa-</strong></div>
<ul class="font_8" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<li> Allows work that is sometimes restricted to specific fields of expertise.</li>
<li>requirements differ depending on field of expertise, host country's economic and political situation, and applicant country of citizenship.</li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong> 4. Working Holiday Visa-</strong></div>
<ul class="font_8" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<li>Travel and work permitted for specific durations (often one year).</li>
<li>This visa is created to boost the host country's economy by boosting tourism as well as attracting short term young labor force enter the country.</li>
<li>age requirements ranging from 18-25, 18-30, etc.</li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Check for your qualifications to see which visa is for you.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Example of a search for the visa that is right for you:</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
search: "working holiday visa australia for us citizens"</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Tips:</div>
<ul class="font_8" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<li> Look for the information you need only on government sites, other sites can have outdated or simply false information. Anything ending with ".gov" is a safe bet.</li>
<li> Dont spend money on a middle man to do something you can do online within half an hour. Do it yourself!</li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-33508596077514631462015-12-05T00:15:00.004-08:002015-12-19T22:16:27.032-08:006 Tips to Land You A Job on A Working Holiday in Australia (or anywhere else really)<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zscjWd7QjKY/VmNkihtyhEI/AAAAAAAAIkk/cdeWsSqWjs8/s1600/11138654_10153139581208668_5660580614331489900_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zscjWd7QjKY/VmNkihtyhEI/AAAAAAAAIkk/cdeWsSqWjs8/s640/11138654_10153139581208668_5660580614331489900_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
There are plenty of information on the net regarding job searches on working holiday visas. Everyone has a slightly different story plus tips & tricks to provide. So here are some suggestions from my experience thus far in Australia.</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>1. Network! Connect!</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
It's in people's nature to help each other out. The more people you know, the more chances that someone knows of a vacancy or two that might be suitable for you. Even if people are not directly connected to the opportunities, they can point you to possible locations that are hiring at various times of the year. This can come in extremely helpful if you are new to a city or town and know nothing about it.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>2. Physically apply</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
It's harder to say no to you in your face than to say no to a word document on a computer screen. I have had my fair share of online applications and I have only received either dull rejection templates or no reply at all. So if you see a place you want to work at, walk in and ask if they have any vacancies.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
I have been able to obtain several jobs from fine dining position at a hotel to retail work at a mall. Most recently I walked into every single store in two seperate malls. Two days and 50 resumes later (not everyone accpeted a resume) I got an interview and received work. It's not instantaneous, but it works better than searching night and day online.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>3. Types of work</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Before you begin your job search, understand that your visa only allows for a maximum of 6 months of employment with any business (As of 2015 and may be suject to change). This takes away the majority of professional occupations that require long term commitment. It's not completely impossible to find an office temp position, but the possibilities are a bit slim. It is advisable to try to obtain one if you decide you really like Australia and would like to reside here more permanently.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Tips: Begin with visiting recruitment agencies. Make sure the agencies are not government initiatives, because that may require prerequisites such as permanent residency.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>4. Nag them</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
imagine if you are a hiring manager at a store or restaurant, you probably have more to do than just hiring. People hire when they are understaffed, so they're busier. This means that they can't keep track and follow through with applicants quickly and it is just a vicious cycle. So, what can you do to make them actually do the hiring? Nag them. That may sound weird, but if you keep appearing or calling, to "follow up", the managers are forced to be reminded of you. It shows drive and it shows you're committed to finding a job with that business. This works better with private companies than with large brands, but the concept also works in simply following through the company's hiring process. Working in Human Resource after graduating made me understand how easy it is to have good resumes get lost in the pile. So, show up and remind them "hey, I'm a great candidate, you should hire me!" ... maybe not those words exactly, but you get the idea.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>5. documents</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
(depending on the country you're in, this post pertains to Australia)</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
If you are going to work, you'll need some legal stuff sorted (unless you wish to go cash in hand). First thing first, you will need to apply for your <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Tax Filing Number (TFN)</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">. If you do not have your TFN within 28 days of employment, you will be charged a 50% tax rate as penalty from the Australian government. Don't work for half price, get it done. </a></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Other requirements can differ depending on field of work.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
If you are working in restaurant industries serving alcohol, you will need to obtain your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA). This requirement is different in every state (how else do councils earn money?!) In Victoria, we were required to pay and attend a 3 hour course and then take a test to obtain the certificate. In Queensland, we only have to do it online in the comforts of our home. So do your research for the state you wish to work in.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
If you happen to work in any sort of construction work, you will need to obtain a White Card. This was fairly easy for Chris considering he only had to go online and skim over some information and take a test. The test is quite easy. If you selected the wrong answer, it will actually tell you to try again. After passing the test you are required to print out some forms and have a photo copy of your passport both signed and stamped by a Justice of Peace (JP) to proof that everything is indeed in order. Then have someone as your witness as the cherry on top. You can find a JP in public libraries at certain hours for free! It was a fairly simple process when Chris did it in the Sunshine Coast.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<strong>6. Watch out for scams!</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
When I first researched on the Working Holiday, I had a general notion that farm work and fruit picking will be a large part of it. When I dove deeper and actually started talking to people, it seems that these practices have mostly became scams. For those with limited English skills, they are stuck with these types of work and are often paid very low wages. Some places even require that you pay for their specified accommodation! After hearing all the horror stories, we decided to op out considering we do wish to save up for further travels in Asia. With all that said, if you wish to simply have that experience, there would be no better time to do it than now!</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
The second type of work we have generally avoided are fundraising and door to door sales. Most of them seem to be pyramid schemes with too good to be true offers luring backpackers in. The poverty porn over some of these advertisements we see on the streets are sickening. It feels almost immoral to participate in such a system, even without considering the may or may not be sustainable income.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Of course, all of the above are what I learned from my own experiences, I hope it helps some of you out there.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<br />
<b><u>Do you have any tips for finding work abroad? Share with us, comment below!</u></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-34763482933367342522015-12-05T00:15:00.001-08:002015-12-19T22:16:27.034-08:00Healthy Eating on a Budget while Traveling Australia<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<a href="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_414/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg?w=559" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="//static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_414/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="//static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_414/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg" height="413.240611961057" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_414/762bb4_09c6e6f51a3d46a28fda6a7c6f67a247.jpg?w=559" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="lots of unique fruits you don't see at the supermarket" width="619" /></a>*scroll down for meal ideas and grocery list*</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
*all information down below are tailored to traveling in Australia, but key concepts can be applied to travels elsewhere*</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
If you ask people what they think a typical backpacker diet consist of, they would probably give you a list consisting instant noodles and $5.00 dominos pizzas. Truthfully speaking we have experienced times where we fed largely on pizzas, noodles, and canned food, but we soon realized that the tradeoff was absolutely NOT worth it! When you are hiking to an amazing lookout or surfing to catch some awesome waves, you probably need the energy to have an enjoyable experience. Sure, we're young, but dietary negligence can still catch up to you quickly.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
During our journey, we met an elder couple very passionate about nutrition. Jill has suffered many similar symptoms of anxiety, lack of concentration, abdominal pain, inflamed tonsils, asthma ,and many other symptoms closely related to what my partner Chris has experienced. JIll and Jeff taught us the effects gluten has on someone gluten intolerant and completely changed Chris's mental and physical well-being.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
But we are backpackers, how do we sustain a healthy gluten-free diet? Here are a few tips and tricks we have acquired in our diet transition.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<span class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_inline cke_image_nocaption align-left cke_widget_selected"><img alt="" class="cke_widget_element" data-mce-src="//static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ab33611cbadb4233b2a94700b5e628c7.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_827/762bb4_ab33611cbadb4233b2a94700b5e628c7.jpg" height="412.66666666666663" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ab33611cbadb4233b2a94700b5e628c7.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_827/762bb4_ab33611cbadb4233b2a94700b5e628c7.jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="chris cooking on a grill at magnetic island" width="309.5" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<strong>1. Avoid Eating Out</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
easier said than done, but when you have access to a kitchen, utilize it!</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
A simple eggs and bacon brekkie/breakfast can cost you at least $8 might only cost $2-3 at home; that's $5-6 difference a meal, $35-42 a week, and $140-168 a month.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
a stir-fry can cost about $2-3 per person at home while it can cost $10-20 eating out; that's $8-17 difference per meal, $56-119 per week, and $224-476 per month per person!</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
even if you want something fancy like lamb chops (aldi ~$8.00 for 6 pieces) it can serve three meals for two people. One chop is $1.33 + some veggies ~$1.00, that's $2.33 for what might be priced at $20 at a restaurant. That's 10x the cost of making it yourself!</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
same nutritional value but no empty wallet!</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<span class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_inline cke_image_nocaption align-left cke_widget_selected"><img alt="" class="cke_widget_element" data-mce-src="//static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_1d7c3511f095488f88312dd2243c8030.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_827/762bb4_1d7c3511f095488f88312dd2243c8030.jpg" height="412.66666666666663" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_1d7c3511f095488f88312dd2243c8030.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_827/762bb4_1d7c3511f095488f88312dd2243c8030.jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="we learned different dishes while staying with different people as well" width="309.5" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<strong><span class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_inline cke_image_nocaption align-left cke_widget_selected"><span class="cke_image_px_indicator"></span><span class="cke_image_resizer" title="Click and drag to resize">2.</span></span> Avoid all middle aisles at the supermarket</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
fresh fruits, veggies, and a little bit of unprocessed meat can actually save you money! Packaged foods are less healthy and often contain lots of chemicals as preservatives (or just lots of sodium and sugar in general). Veggies are generally really cheap and fruits can have a wide range depending on the season and variety. You can probably get 6-7 veggie/fruit items and still come under $10.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<strong>3. Aldi can be a savior</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Of all the supermarket chains (woolworths, Coles, IGA, food works) Aldi is known to be cheaper with less selections. There might be things that can catch your eyes in the meat section, or a few fruits that may be on sale. We go for their gluten free cereal at a whopping price of $3 and it'll last us for a week for breakfast with yogurt.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<strong>4. Keep an eye out for roadside tin shops!</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Spread throughout australia are roadside tin stalls stocked with fruits and veggies. Everything grows easily in a tropical region and most people have a garden if not a full on farm they tend. Since there are generally no one tending the shops, all you have to do is pay the prices of product you wish to purchase in a little honesty box. As long as we remain honest, it's a win-win situation for both the owners (earning a little extra income) and us (getting fresh fruits and veggies for cheap)! So please don't try to cheat the system, or there will be no more honesty boxes in the future.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="//static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_a5a5f6fc48dc442ab7bcee7016fcc23b.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_414/762bb4_a5a5f6fc48dc442ab7bcee7016fcc23b.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="//static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_a5a5f6fc48dc442ab7bcee7016fcc23b.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_414/762bb4_a5a5f6fc48dc442ab7bcee7016fcc23b.jpg" height="412.99999999999994" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_a5a5f6fc48dc442ab7bcee7016fcc23b.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_414/762bb4_a5a5f6fc48dc442ab7bcee7016fcc23b.jpg?w=559" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="a tin shop we found in Queensland" width="619" /><span class="cke_image_px_indicator"></span><span class="cke_image_resizer" title="Click and drag to resize"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="//static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_75604a06f1fc40ddb9851597891abd9b.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_929/762bb4_75604a06f1fc40ddb9851597891abd9b.jpg" height="719" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_75604a06f1fc40ddb9851597891abd9b.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_929/762bb4_75604a06f1fc40ddb9851597891abd9b.jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="we even learned to open our own coconut" width="480" /><span class="cke_image_px_indicator"></span><span class="cke_image_resizer" title="Click and drag to resize"></span></span></div>
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<strong>5. noodles are expensive in the long run!</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
If you op for instant noodles for $1 a meal, it's actually much more expensive than you would imagine. Packaged instant noodles has no nutritional value in terms of the vitamin, fiber, and protein that your body needs to function. The sodium dehydrates your body and the MSG just makes you hungrier. Considering it doesn't help satisfy your bodily needs, even one dollar is a wasted dollar.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<strong>6. If you must eat out and there are no kitchen</strong></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
subway: wraps and 6" sandwiches for under $6</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
zambrero: like Chipotle in the States, $11 for a bowl of rice, veggies, beans, and choice of meat. A bit pricey considering the portions aren't big, but still manageable.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
dominos: whole pizza for $5, feeds the both of us so we can't resist it when we get lazy.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Breakfast ideas:</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-omelette/scrambled eggs with stir fried veggies</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-yogurt with gluten free cereal/bananas/honey</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-rice crackers with sardine/honey</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Lunch/dinner ideas:</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-steak/rump/chop/kebab with veggies on the side</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-coconut rice with vegetable curry</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-vegetable soup/ lentil soup</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-stir-fry vegetables and meat of your choice</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-pan-fry or oven baked chicken wings ($4 for half of a kilo is just right for a meal)</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
our general grocery list:</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-whole milk</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-butter</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-greek yogurt</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-honey</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-free range eggs</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-carrots</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-garlic</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-zucchini</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-onions</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-tomatoes</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-potatoes</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-$3 family sized salad lettuce</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-bananas</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-whatever fruit that is on sale</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-rice</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-curry powder</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-gluten free cereal from aldi</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-coconut cream</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
-canned salmon/tuna/sardines</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Remember, your body is your temple. Without it, you cannot travel; without it, you cannot experience the joy of living. Love yourself.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-49063854641510768382015-12-05T00:14:00.002-08:002015-12-19T22:18:56.497-08:00Great Ocean Road- 12 Apostles Food Escapade<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTe3sXUkfP4/VmNkYDoDaGI/AAAAAAAAIkc/FCxvR37isnY/s1600/food%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTe3sXUkfP4/VmNkYDoDaGI/AAAAAAAAIkc/FCxvR37isnY/s640/food%2Bmap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We need food to nurish our body more than the simple chemical compounds that supports our cells. Eating serves us in a deeper level, it is also a gesture in honour of the lives we live. That belief brings us to dedicate a whole day in the area of the twelve apostles on a little food escapade.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
To boost tourism, farmers from the little towns located not far from the Twelve Apostles created a chain of specialty food businesses as attractions.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
We had just enough time and budget to visit the following three:</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">George Chocolates</a></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Apostle Whey Cheese</a></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Newtons Ridge Estate Winery</a></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
on George Chocolates website, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">a list of other attractions</a> are also provided<span class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_inline cke_image_nocaption align-right cke_widget_selected"><img alt="" class="cke_widget_element" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_236fbf8d45844c4993a68a110472ba03.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_597/762bb4_236fbf8d45844c4993a68a110472ba03.jpg" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_236fbf8d45844c4993a68a110472ba03.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_597/762bb4_236fbf8d45844c4993a68a110472ba03.jpg" height="281.2922674418605" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="292.34" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">George Chocolates</a> has a wonderful and adorable selection of yummy chocolates with free samples for their most popular selections. The only disappointment is that the chocolate wasn't made at the farm, it is just a side business for the owners.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<span class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_inline cke_image_nocaption align-left cke_widget_selected"><img alt="" class="cke_widget_element" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_e3dc3f0cbb494a3b936128775bb08770.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_e3dc3f0cbb494a3b936128775bb08770.jpg" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_e3dc3f0cbb494a3b936128775bb08770.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_e3dc3f0cbb494a3b936128775bb08770.jpg" height="195.93" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="261.24" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Our visit to<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> Apostle Whey Cheese </a>was a more unique experience in comparison to the chocolate shop. Surrounding the path from the car park to the shop are the most amazing copper sculpture collection!. The dairy farm sells both home made cheeses and milk. The girl behind the counter walked us through a mouth watering cheese tasting (FREE OF CHARGE!). I felt like I was one of the white hat members in the movie Box Trolls. Just as we worried about the transportation of cheese while we travel, the owner suggested us to buy a small cooler bag and reusable icepack for $3. We gladly purchased a slice of lucious blue cheese as we head down to Newtons Ridge Estate Winery.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
(note: We passed on the milk. It is from a distributor that pastorizes milk from all over the country, so it's technically not the milk that's produced from the cows you see through the shop window.)</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_3d20b7d679844e89b0e00b6a011f259f.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_3d20b7d679844e89b0e00b6a011f259f.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_3d20b7d679844e89b0e00b6a011f259f.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_3d20b7d679844e89b0e00b6a011f259f.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_3d20b7d679844e89b0e00b6a011f259f.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_3d20b7d679844e89b0e00b6a011f259f.jpg" height="349.875" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
We arrived at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Newtons Ridge Estate Winery</a> just at the little down time. The owner of the shop walked us through the variety of wines they house as we chit chatted throughout the experience. The wine from this region is dry, especially so due to recent droughts. Since we were the only customers at the moment, she taught us the various details of wine making. We talked about the ages of various wines from various regions as well as how barrels affect wines through its fermentation. She gave us information on work in vineyards, unfortunately the time we have arrived is at the end of grape picking season so not much work was available. She generously shared the last drops of the grape juices that was collected for the season, it was pure ecstacy. We purchased our bottle and settled at the picnic table outside the shop. The wine and cheese created fireworks on our palates as we gazed out onto the rows of vines. We met some Japanese travellers during this time and put a perfect ending to our day.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
a couple more pictures from the winery:</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_f6da6bcd86b64339a633e03db1fe5269.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_f6da6bcd86b64339a633e03db1fe5269.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_f6da6bcd86b64339a633e03db1fe5269.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_f6da6bcd86b64339a633e03db1fe5269.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_f6da6bcd86b64339a633e03db1fe5269.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_f6da6bcd86b64339a633e03db1fe5269.jpg" height="466.5" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ed18f2ce18cb40f48c2a20af548cda1a.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_341/762bb4_ed18f2ce18cb40f48c2a20af548cda1a.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ed18f2ce18cb40f48c2a20af548cda1a.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_341/762bb4_ed18f2ce18cb40f48c2a20af548cda1a.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ed18f2ce18cb40f48c2a20af548cda1a.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_341/762bb4_ed18f2ce18cb40f48c2a20af548cda1a.jpg" height="342.1" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-57113076235434481022015-12-05T00:14:00.000-08:002015-12-19T22:18:56.499-08:00The Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/m2aDLa32ziTOdTH0ZTFvup45HbVgkzbyiI0DrropTGTSv5DUuSlbJwIkuwa-NAyq1EcaiTxTHA26IFl82Vdz0_PttrlTA7IiAh2tLGKjqPZZ9wJu4DdflFpXJk1-h7y-iiCvthpBJlEjCo9ETB7iLvCkcwZRZ2e6hmx3wdy9kSRL90iBaR6-_KEEDudE677zPEVrMKpXBM1grW7ZNFmvEHDEc56KvlMc" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_827/762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_827/762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_827/762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg" height="829.3333333333334" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></a>After our night in Apollo Bay we headed Westward onto The Great Ocean Road to grasp a grand view of the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone pillars shaped by constant beating of tides and waves. On our way there we stumbled upon The Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park in Princetown, yet another gem to mark on our map.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Entry to the park is only $17 AUD per adult. The park is much larger than you would expect, judging from the entrance. As we entered the park we were greeted by its feathery host with a high pitched "hello". Wooden signs guilded us safely to the various sections of the park.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
The variety of animals available is astounding for a small private owned park. Within their petting zone alone there are wallabies, kangaroos, emus, deers, lama, peacock. Most places would charge extra for any sort of petting and feeding with animals, but this place does not impose any extra cost. The people who have built this park truly cared for the wellbeings of the animals, most animals are allowed to roam free in the park. The only animals that I recall being caged are the dingos, but that is simply due to the carnivorous nature of these animals which could pose a threat to the other residents in the park. These dingos are domesticated and were raised on the property. Instead of commodification of these animals, The Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park embodies the values these precious lives provide.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
The only dissapointment is that we were unable to see any koalas. The owners of the park have applied for hosting koalas in the park but have been denied. While we are dissapointed at the fact, news everywhere is suggesting that the government is culling koalas due to overpopulation in certain areas. The logic imposed makes little sense to us, but I guess every government is flawed and inefficient one way or another.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
I highly suggest a visit to this park for a great intimate experience with the animals and to show some support to the works this park is endeavoring to accomplish.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
here's all the cuteness:</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_3c5e880baad44e9e82e876c5e940187a.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_3c5e880baad44e9e82e876c5e940187a.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_3c5e880baad44e9e82e876c5e940187a.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_3c5e880baad44e9e82e876c5e940187a.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_3c5e880baad44e9e82e876c5e940187a.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_465/762bb4_3c5e880baad44e9e82e876c5e940187a.jpg" height="466.5" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_2580561b031c4131b0693ff68e802a7f.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_2580561b031c4131b0693ff68e802a7f.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_2580561b031c4131b0693ff68e802a7f.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_2580561b031c4131b0693ff68e802a7f.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_2580561b031c4131b0693ff68e802a7f.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_2580561b031c4131b0693ff68e802a7f.jpg" height="349.875" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ed0e759f8921463aa56d9980e4e5e887.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_620/762bb4_ed0e759f8921463aa56d9980e4e5e887.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ed0e759f8921463aa56d9980e4e5e887.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_620/762bb4_ed0e759f8921463aa56d9980e4e5e887.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_ed0e759f8921463aa56d9980e4e5e887.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_620/762bb4_ed0e759f8921463aa56d9980e4e5e887.jpg" height="622" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_9ea7e2e84c444d298fd86b2085c9a2e8.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_1127/762bb4_9ea7e2e84c444d298fd86b2085c9a2e8.jpg" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_9ea7e2e84c444d298fd86b2085c9a2e8.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_1127/762bb4_9ea7e2e84c444d298fd86b2085c9a2e8.jpg" height="960" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="528" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_6293de0b93ba4777b9cdedb60d23866d.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_1127/762bb4_6293de0b93ba4777b9cdedb60d23866d.jpg" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_6293de0b93ba4777b9cdedb60d23866d.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_1127/762bb4_6293de0b93ba4777b9cdedb60d23866d.jpg" height="960" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="528" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_7b4dd8aafe4f48239ae9ca98a07c000e.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_1127/762bb4_7b4dd8aafe4f48239ae9ca98a07c000e.jpg" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_7b4dd8aafe4f48239ae9ca98a07c000e.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_1127/762bb4_7b4dd8aafe4f48239ae9ca98a07c000e.jpg" height="960" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="528" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_f3e67174f7ba4e9ca613a05d12beadf8.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_f3e67174f7ba4e9ca613a05d12beadf8.jpg?w=559" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_f3e67174f7ba4e9ca613a05d12beadf8.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_f3e67174f7ba4e9ca613a05d12beadf8.jpg?w=559" data-wpmedia-src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/762bb4_f3e67174f7ba4e9ca613a05d12beadf8.jpg/v1/fill/w_620,h_349/762bb4_f3e67174f7ba4e9ca613a05d12beadf8.jpg" height="349.875" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="622" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wixstatic.com%2Fmedia%2F762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg%2Fv1%2Ffill%2Fw_620%2Ch_827%2F762bb4_7e111915112e49518da6c59592e3aaf3.jpg%3Fw%3D559&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/m2aDLa32ziTOdTH0ZTFvup45HbVgkzbyiI0DrropTGTSv5DUuSlbJwIkuwa-NAyq1EcaiTxTHA26IFl82Vdz0_PttrlTA7IiAh2tLGKjqPZZ9wJu4DdflFpXJk1-h7y-iiCvthpBJlEjCo9ETB7iLvCkcwZRZ2e6hmx3wdy9kSRL90iBaR6-_KEEDudE677zPEVrMKpXBM1grW7ZNFmvEHDEc56KvlMc" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064073939708233325.post-81847389314236310772015-12-05T00:11:00.001-08:002015-12-19T15:43:08.353-08:00The Otway Forest Part 1 Stevensons Falls<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEnrwS6SuXQ/VnU_amWP7SI/AAAAAAAAIv4/7XiDyNl06Cc/s1600/IMG_9249.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEnrwS6SuXQ/VnU_amWP7SI/AAAAAAAAIv4/7XiDyNl06Cc/s1600/IMG_9249.CR2" /></a></div>
<br />
We are absolutely delighted with our recent purchase of Serenity Jr., our shiny 2001 Honda CR-V, and have decorated her to our heart's desire for a mobile safe haven. Now, it's time to give her a little test on the road.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
We headed on a second trip down the Great Ocean Road, but this time, we're deciding our destinations as we go. It's ADVENTURE TIME!!!</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
Our first stop is Stevenson's Falls in the Otway Forest. We took the Princes Highway (M1) to Cape Otway Rd/C135 then Birregurra-Forrest Rd before getting into the forest. (A simple google maps search will take you to exactly where you need to be ;] ) The road from the city to the mountains was scenic with lots of moo-ing action from cattle scattered all around. While we made our way into the woods the towering trees brought us to a different world. Coming from Southern California desserts, the forest held almost an eerie feel. We got a bit lost on the road but eventually found the campgrounds.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="align-center cke_widget_element">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKw_ypKn52I/VnXhLHdoNzI/AAAAAAAAIwg/_goSg070PEY/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKw_ypKn52I/VnXhLHdoNzI/AAAAAAAAIwg/_goSg070PEY/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" /></a></div>
<span class="cke_image_resizer_wrapper"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
We arrived at the end of sunset and got our bedding set up in the back of the SUV by nightfall. The camp site is free and well kept, with two toilet stalls, picnic table/ benches, fire pits with grill top, rainwater faucets scattered throughout camp, and stakes to mark out flattened areas ideal for camp. As the sun set behind the mountains, we dined in the candle light with the remains of our Red Rooster chicken from lunch. The rest of the night felt just absolutely magical. On this moonless night, the stars cast over us in a tight-knit blanket, the fresh scent of the grass and the sound of the river soothed our senses. Cleansed by nature, we fell asleep with ease that night.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
When the sun rose again, Chris stepped out into the remaining morning mist to be greeted with a frightened kangaroo. On his account, the two startled each other equally. As the duo engaged in a stare down, deciding on what action to take, Chris drew his "gun" (his phone camera to capture the moment) and the kangaroo took its move simultaneously and hoppidie-hopped away.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<span class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_inline cke_image_nocaption align-left cke_widget_selected"><span class="cke_reset cke_widget_drag_handler_container fixed_drag_size"><img alt="" class="cke_reset cke_widget_drag_handler" data-mce-src="image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" height="15" src="https://wordpress.com/post/travelforthemoments.wordpress.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" /></span><span class="cke_image_px_indicator"></span><span class="cke_image_resizer" title="Click and drag to resize"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_inline cke_image_nocaption align-left cke_widget_selected"><span class="cke_image_resizer" title="Click and drag to resize"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O9QrdNMT0c/VnXkt73PxII/AAAAAAAAIws/Bpo83Am6jJI/s1600/11080921_10152976126358183_2924970378458145140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O9QrdNMT0c/VnXkt73PxII/AAAAAAAAIws/Bpo83Am6jJI/s1600/11080921_10152976126358183_2924970378458145140_n.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
We tidied up soon after and chatted with a fellow Australian teen travelling south from Sydney with a group of friends to learn about platypus sighting in nearby Lake Elizabeth. We proceeded with our plans to hike up the trail at the other end of camp, leading to the falls.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
The hike was like a little stroll into what I would imagine to be the perfect location for smurf settlement. An abundance of little mushrooms and mossy pebbles highlighted our path.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nLkF01pOgA/VnXmqymD-LI/AAAAAAAAIw4/ew-4NJbUwvM/s1600/IMG_9234.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nLkF01pOgA/VnXmqymD-LI/AAAAAAAAIw4/ew-4NJbUwvM/s1600/IMG_9234.CR2" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5n7Y_HIdEE/VnU8wMNibbI/AAAAAAAAIvk/t6kt_pav_QQ/s1600/IMG_9235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5n7Y_HIdEE/VnU8wMNibbI/AAAAAAAAIvk/t6kt_pav_QQ/s1600/IMG_9235.JPG" /></a></div>
Although we were informed that the recent drought took away a bit of its roar, the waterfall maintained its magnificence. Wild blackberries sprawl all around, glistening in the sprays from the fall. We collected a handful back to camp, the crisp tangy sweetness from these gems were simply unforgettable.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnZqlX_e5TU/VnVCuhW25QI/AAAAAAAAIwU/pN6RpDalo6Y/s1600/IMG_9275.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnZqlX_e5TU/VnVCuhW25QI/AAAAAAAAIwU/pN6RpDalo6Y/s1600/IMG_9275.CR2" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0h3XdkQ_k4/VnVAciMKp8I/AAAAAAAAIwA/DYnGdbNfkp8/s1600/IMG_9264.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0h3XdkQ_k4/VnVAciMKp8I/AAAAAAAAIwA/DYnGdbNfkp8/s1600/IMG_9264.CR2" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div class="cke_widget_wrapper cke_widget_block cke_image_nocaption cke_widget_selected" style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
At this point, we put our exploration of the rain forest on a pause while we headed down to Apollo bay and the twelve apostles. After our adventures along the coast we will traverse back to the embrace of this beautiful rain forest.</div>
<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25.5px;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00092624195603742805noreply@blogger.com1Otway Ranges, Beech Forest VIC 3237, Australia-38.6666667 143.58333330000005-38.6790767 143.56316330000004 -38.6542567 143.60350330000006