Travelling is a passion
by Marcel Meyer
Wednesday, 16.7.2008
LAst days in Vietnam
Yes it's right. Today is my last day here in Vietnam. Tomorrow I fly out of Saigon and 30h later I will finally arrive back home...
After Hoi An I went on to Nha Trang where the Miss Universe competition was. But I didn't meet anyone of the girls.
In Nha Trang I went diving, but the diving in Vietnam is nothing to compare with Indonesia. I guess I'm very spoilt already of the Indonesian divesites.
After Nha Trang it was time to leave the beaches and get in to the mountains. Thus, I left for Dalat, which is a nice city on 1500m and a lovely cooler climat. In Dalat are the people lovely and friendly and smiling a lot. I guess this could be because during the war both sides came to an agreemend not to touch Dalat.
Dalat was just a nice stop in between before my last destination Saigon. Here in Saigon it is again humit and hot. Because these are my last days I don't do much sightseeing. So I went just to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which the Viet Cong used to fight the Americans.
It was very impressive to see these extremaly small but long tunnels.
The rest of the days I spent here in Saigon chilling.
Sunday, 6.7.2008
Hoi An
Vietnam gets better and better. As further south I get as nicer the people are. I'm now in Hoi An. Until now by distance the best place here in Vietnam!
I left Hanoi a week ago. First I went to Hue. This city is close to the DMZ-zone, the former boarder of north and south Vietnam.
There I visited the Vinh Moc tunnels. These tunnels where lie in the most bombed area during the vietnam war. there are still thousands of craters of the bombs as well as hundreds of non detected bombes!
To go south I took the train. From Hue to Hoi An it is just a 3hours ride. But while the road goes through a tunnel, the trin winds his way up the hill along the coast. The view is undescribable.
Hoi An, which was my next destination, is one of the only places which was not bombed though out the war. This history gives this small town a unique apearance.
The people are still dressed in their traditional clothes and do their daily busines. Anyway, because of the many tourists here, there are louds of tailors around town. Thus I could not resist and made myself a new jacked and two pairs of sneekers with my own signature...
Actually I wanted to go today on to Na Trang. But because the sleeper bus was already full, I will leave Hoi An tomorrow. However, there would be another worth places to be stocked at.
Yesterday we rented a bike and drove out of the city to descover the countryside.
A barber shop on the street of Hanoi.
The delux sleeper bus in Vietnam.
The former boarder between North and South Vietnam.
Me in the Vinh Moc tunnels. Vietnamnese mustbe smaller i guess...
This is the biggest Vietnam flag in Vietnam, (Hue)
The old city wall of Hue.
The sceneric trainride to Dalang.
Local kids playing at China beach. This beach was the holiday beach of the american solders.
Fisherboads at China beach.
The old town of Hoi An.
My Son, the former capital of the Cham kingdom in the 7th century. The Chams originally imigrated from central java!
The whole group of travellers. We met us on the boat in Halong Bay.
The bike is the main vehicle here in Vietnam...
Enjoying the view over China beach on the top of the Marbel mountains.
Alan and Jamie testing the locals bike in Hue.
While we were in Hue it was Canada day. Thus the canadian girls had to celebrate...
And the day after was Alans birthday. What a night out.
Trying a new drink in Hoi An...
Me with john, Jamie and Alan. The gilr I don't know the name.
Sunday, 29.6.2008
Hanoi, Halong Bay and the Euro08 final
Last Tuesday I arrived here in Vietnam. The last days in KL I just relaxed and did not do a lot.
Vietnam is cultural and ethic a extreme different country than Indonesia. It is more like china and the history of war is still recognizable in the peoples faces.
Hanoi itself is an interesting city. The first days I spent with sitting around with a cheap beer and watch the daily life on the street.
The rest of the week I spent on a 3 days tour in Halong Bay, which is a World heritage with thousands of islands in a spectacular shape.
The tour started with a a long bus trip to Halong Bay and then with a lot of waiting to get on the boat. Anyway, I was lucky and got a good group. With many Canadians and other native English speakers.
The tour it self was fantastic. Just the locals here have to improve a lot there way of hospitality. It is never seen how you get yelled if you ask something or just want an information. Especially, without money and tip you will get nothing at all, not even a smile!!!
The first night we slept on Cat Ba Island. Unfortunately, there was a huge storm and the electricity broke down. thus, I could not see the semi final at all. However, the next day we had clear blue sky for the trekking tour. We went up in the national park and climbed two hills, from where I had a awesome view and panorama.
In the even was the second time I experienced the extreme friendly hospitality when I wanted to get my passport back. Then they told us to leave the island and we would get the passport later, then for them it is just a peace of paper. After arguing for half an hour, finally we got our passports and the trip could go on.
The second night we spent on the boat and again there was a huge storm. How hard this storm hit the Bay I saw when we passed some sunken junks, which didn't survived the storm.
Today was again a day in Hanoi. Back from the quietness of Halong Bay, it is difficult again to cross the streets here. But, I went sightseeing to the Temple of Literature and the old Prison of Hanoi where couple of years ago, John McCain was imprisoned for 10 years during the Vietnam war.
Just watch... It is nearly impossible to cross. But everyone manages it in ease.
Alan the Scottish guy and some of the amazing Hanoi kids
One of many street shops in Hanoi. Yes these are shops...
The colorful cave of Halong Bay.
Two of the shops in Halong Bay. Yes you can buy stuff everywhere and every time...
Halong Bay and the amazing limestone islands.
The party group on the boat in Halong Bay
A lost boat within the islands.
The indescribable view on the hilltop while trekking in the national park.
One of the scary spider in the national park. Nice dinner.
Our group waiting for the boat to get back on sea...
Lucky this didn't happened to our boat.
As an electrician I just had to get a picture of...
You will get a headache!
Saturday, 21.6.2008
A new city
Yesterday I left Indonesia. After two month in Indonesia it was like leaving Switzerland. Anyway the visa run out and I had to go.
The last days in Indonesia I spent in Jakarta. I Visited my grandmother and aunt as well as many friends and other relatives. Unfortunately I spent just three days there.
My grandmother, who is always laughing even if she forgot that I was visiting here...
Two of the many relatives I have in Jakarta. The two new born twins, Aron and Axel, of my cousin Irene.
The center of Jakarta the Buteran HI.
From Jakarta I flew to Kuala Lumpur. I tried the first time the AirAsia, what I definitely can recommend, even if I had to get rid of some weight, then they just allow 15kg as luggage.
Here arrived I headed for Chinatown, where all the cheap Hostels are. Arriving in Kuala Lumpur is like a swimming in a Baby Pool. Everything is set and organized and because it was an English colony, most of the people here speak good English.
The first day I spent with the mandatory sightseeing. I walk for hours around, through parts I didn't wanted to go. But because I got lost I saw many new and interesting places in KL.
The mix between the different ethic groups, cultures as well as religions makes this city worth for a stop over.
One of the big Musjits in KL, where the majority is Muslim.
The KLCC is a nice park with many cafes to relax and injoy the evening, including the spectacular view of the Petronas Towers.
Of course I also had to take the mandatory picture of the Petronas Towers.
I will stay for three more days here, before I will go on to Hanoi and start my travel through Vietnam...
Sunday, 15.6.2008
Back from the Togean Islands
Now I am back from the Togean Islands and ten days of diving. To get there I had to take a ferry for 15 hours from Gorontalo to Wakai. From there the stuff of Black Marline Dive was already there to pick me up.
The Ferry trip was long, but the last 6 hours are breathtaking, when the ferry drives his way through the hundreds of small and big islands of the Togeans.
The locals on the ferry were extremely communicative. Especially the kids were thrilled of us tourists on the ferry.
The Islands are placed secure in the huge bay of North Sulawesi and the difficulties to get here has saved them of mass tourism such as in Bunaken, Manado. the remote Islands are a fantastic place to dive, because you can find there all 3 Reef types. However, during the dives I did not see big things such as turtles or sharks, but masses of colorful fishes, corals and other aquatic life.
The Black Marlin Dive Center is situated in Kadidiri, which is a nice small beach and where you can find see horses or many other thing just in front of your door.
The beach of Kadidiri, a paradise far a way from every civilization and extremely relaxing to let the time just pass...
The pier is a nice drop of for the fantastic snorkeling.
Of course there were also other activities such as pool, This time right on the beach...
First I was told that the Instructor, thus I could do the Advanced Open Water course, would be on the same ferry like I was. But he could not make it. So he arrived 4 days later. Fortunately, there was Lanny as a Dive Master, So I could go diving at least.
During the boat ride out to the dive spot we had to catch our dinner. This time Lanny cached a nice Spanish mackerel for the dinner.
On the long way to the B-24 Bomber Wrack, one of the impressive dive sites in the Togeans.
In the evening the Pier got busy and the stuff was entertaining the guests with self made Indonesian music.
However, at night the pier got quite.
After the four days, finally, the two dive Instructors, Kris and Lauren, arrived and I could start the course. I did the course with a Danish couple called Hendrick and Katherine
The Ferry to Gorontalo from these remote Islands supose to be twice a week. but without any advanced notice one of the ferry did not come. Thus I had to find a new way to get back to Gorontalo to catch my flight to Jakarta. Lucky I was, Hendrick and Kathrine, also needed to go to Gorontalo. Thus we could share the costs of a chartered boat to Marisa from where we had to take a car to Gorontalo. Anyway, I am now here in Gorontalo where I can take the plane to Jakarta tomorrow.
The ordinary Bemo ride to Gorontalo.
Wednesday, 4.6.2008
Going to the Togean Islands
Hy everyone. Because of a technical problam I could not update my blogg. Thus I will tell you now what I did the last two mont here in Indonesia.
The first days i stayed in Bali. I already feel like home there. When after 2 days Marion arrived the tour could go on.
After some relaxing days in Kuta, we flew to Yogakarta to see the famous Borobudur and Prambanan Temples. Both are extremely impressive. Sadly, the Prambanan temple was damaged by a earthquake some years ago.
The Borobudur Temple
On the Borobudur Temple where averywhere students who were looking for foreign tourists to practise there English.
The Prambanan Temple Anyway, to see them is everytime a new impression. Yogyakarta it self gives many views of the Indonesian life in a big city.
After 3 days we went on to Surabaye. Where we stayed at Tante Jenny's house. Like everytime when I'm in Indonesia.
In Surabaya we did some shopping. It was great then exactly during the time we were there, all over Surabaya was SALE.
From Surabaya it is easy to reach the Bromo. So, we went one early morning to Probolinggo from where we took a car the next morning at 1am.
We had to get up that early because otherwise we would miss this beautiful view and the unique sunrise!
Back in Surabaya we went back to Bali again. There I met my parents again after 5 month. Marion went on to Medan to see north Suamtra.
The days with my parents in Bali I injoyed a lot. It was fantastic to see them and talk, talk, talk...
After several days, my father and I went on to Sulawesi. An Island I never visited before and my father did not go for 30 years. Thus it was for both a new experience.
First we arrived in Makassar where we gathered information about Sulwesi Selatan where we planed to travel arround.
Sepp on bejak ride through Makassar
Lovely family singing in a street warong With a lot of information and ideas we rented a car and started our trip in to Bantai Bira, which is in the wouth and suposed to be a nice beach. But more than deserted and expensive and bad Hotels there was nithing on.
Thus we decided to go on the next day to Sengkang. there arrived we took a boad trip to the floating village out on a lake, where all the fishermen life.
Again the next day we went already on to Tana Toraja, the main destination of our Sulawesi Trip.
Actually, we planed to walk after 4 days to the Mamasa valley. But because it is extremely far and Toraja is soooo beatiful, we stayed for over 10 days in Toaraja and injoyed this uniqe culture.
Here in Toraja we were extremey lucky with the decition of the Hotel. the Hotel Monton is fantastic placed in the city center and is higher than most other buildings. Thus, you have a fantastic view over the city Rantepao to the hilly countrysite of Tana Toraja.
The first day my father did not feel well. Thus I went by myself to the Bolu Market which is the biggest market in the area. The most impressive part is where they sell Buffalos. The xpensive ones can reach a prize of 14000 SFR. which is a fortune for an Indonesian family.
Not nice to see is the Pic market, where the pics are tied up until someone buyes them.
Everywhere in Tana Toraja the kids running after you and call you "Hy Tourist" with a huge smile on there face.
Because we got along so well with the owner of the Hotel they invited us to their homevillage in the countrysite to cook and eat a traditional Toraja food. But for that we first had to go to the market to buy the ingredients.
The meal Pa'pio is cooked in Bamboo. So first we had to go in the forest and find a good and old Bamboo to cook with. Also we had to find a young bananatree to mix in with the chicken and the rest of the food.
The Village is bould on a mountain and has the traditional Toraja houses. These houses have a roof like boad. Because they believe that there anchestors came to toraja by boat from the north.
Of course I also wanted to fead the Buffalo.
Tana Toraja is famouse for their big funerals and their graves. Like here in Londa where the bodies are burried in the cliff and a Tau Tau symbolises the dead person.
Like I said, the funerals are huge. This one we went lasted 3 days. We went the first day when the first buffalo was slaughtered and the buffalos fight against ech other.
Yesterday I flew from Makassar to Gorontalo. So the travel together with my father is over now then he went back to Bali from where he is flying back home. My travel is still going on. Tonight I will leave Gorontalo and go to the Togean Islands. These Islands are a paradise for diving. Thus, I will to the next dive course there and hopefuly get a lot of new experiences.
Thursday, 24.4.2008
Arriving in Bali
Yes it's right. I'm not anymore in Australia. I left this unique country for my second home Indonesia.
For the second time i got an hotel room payed by Qantas. Then because the flight from Cairns down to Sydney was delayed dir I miss my connection flight up to Bali. Thus I had to stay one night in Sydney again. Slowely I get used to this scenario. Lets see how it will be the next time, then I have to change plane in Singapore. I'll tell then.
Now I will tell you more what i did the last 3 weeks when I traveled up the east coast of Australia.
First after Auckland, I flew with Pascal to Brisbane, where my friend Anna picked us up. Because tghe weather in Brisbane was so bad, we took a short ride to Byron Bay.
In Byron we had perfect weather and warm water to swim in the sea. We also visited the most easter place of the Australian mainland!
We just stayed for the weekend, then Anna had to work again on Monday.
Back in Brisbane we met again with Marion, who were traveling in south Australia, while we were in New Zealand.
Thus we could rent a car and the trip to the north could start.
The first stop was Fraser Island.
It is the biggest sand island on the world and it is amazing.
We rented a 4WD to get around. There is no other possibility to do different. The best thing is, when once crossed the island and got to the east side of the island, we could drive with 80kmh along the beach.
The only thing is to be aware of the high tide, because otherwise you get stocked in the sea.
Most of the tourist do camping on the island, but because on this island live the 5 most poissones snakes, we decided to stay in a house over night.
the most impressive place on Fraser is probably the Lake Mackancy. The clear water in combination with the white sandy beach is fantastic, just indescribable!
Of course there are not just snakes on thus island, then these lovely creatures we found on every step...nice!
The next stop were the Whitsundays Islands. This national park is famous for sailing and the Hayman Island, which is one of the most expensive resort on the southern globe.
For sore I didn't stay there, but we passed it by boat. the we did a 3days sailing trip around the islands.
Our Boat was the Matador, it is a Maxi boat and can host 25 passangers. It is a racing boat and tolf to be fast. But we never experienced the total speed because of to less wind. To heave the sails we had to help. It was great fun to experience the Alinghi feeling in real...
Marion enjoying the sunset over the horizon.
To get the real feeling of a sailing trip, pascal and I slept on the deck of the boat, wrapped in the sails to shelter of the nightly winds.
Like that we were the first to experience the sunrise over the Whitsunday Island. But much more spectacular is the nightly sky crowded with stars and uncountable shooting stars.
This is Whitheaven beach. The most beautiful beach in the national park.
Our boat on anchor.
The sea around the island is home for thousands of fishes. I went diving, but the visibility was poor because of the rainy weather.
This is one of millions of signs in Australia. I guess they are addicted to signs...
The trip along the east coast ended in Cairns, where I stayed for one week to see the Great Barrier Reef. What I did, then on Monday I went by boat to the Reef and did two dives. Both were amazing. On the second one I could feed turtles and touch them...
The Great Barrier Reef is so big the you can spent days just sailing around
Because of the deadly Jellifishes you can't go swimming without a Wet-suit the build lovely Lagoons to swim in and relax the days.
Sunday, 20.4.2008
north of east coast
I apologise for my long apsence in my blogg. The travel here is quite busy.
I will update you when I arrive in Bali. That will be next week.
Thursday, 27.3.2008
NZ soon will be over
Yesterday we arrived in Auckland. Our final destination here in New Zealand. From here we will fly back to Australia on Saturday.
The last two weeks were awesome. I really enjoyed the countryside and the rough Landscapes.The variation of the country is immense.
We started our trip down in Christchurch and then we traveled for 7 days on the south island. ariived in Picton we took the ferry to get to Wellington, from where we hided up north.
we visited several national parks and of course also some beautiful and untouched beaches.
Here we just arrived in Christchurch. the two tourists Simon and Pascal need to capture the first scenery.
The Nelson Lake National Park is lovely and has two clear lakes.
After we went on to Nelson, the first town with a kind of a nightlife. Here the moon over the Harbor of Nelson.
From Nelson it is close to get to the Abel Tasman National Park. Where are several lovely beaches and the forest is still original rain forest.
In Takanaka we went fishing to catch our dinner. Fresh salmon. It wasn't that difficult, then in a salmon farm, everyone will catch one, even me.
The next day we drove somewhere around until we found a nice bay. Actually, we had to walk for more than one hour to get from the car park to the sea.
Fortunately, we met this guide who told us about the difficulties of high and low tide. Then otherwise we wouldn't get back to the car.
Anyway, we had to walk through the water because the water level started to rice.
However, the beach was breathtaking. The water clear blue, the sand clear white and now people.
Back at the car park we were happy to be back there, then when we turned back and saw the high tide. It wouldn't be fun to stay over night.
The next day we went to the Farewell Spit. this is like a sandy arm on the top of the south island. There you can walk aver the sand dunes for hours.
After three hours and exploring just the beginning of the spit we had enough and turned back.
Places like this shows the indescribables variation of this country.
Next to the Farewell Spit we found another nice beach. Because it was extremely windy, no one was there. Thus, we walked out and found this seal colony playing in the bay.
To our surprise we could get extremely close to the babies and see them playing and chasing around.
After one week, we went by ferry to the north island. On this four hours trip you pass a nice bay to leave the island.
In the center of the north island are several volcanoes. The area around them is extremely rough and moon like. We decided to do a 5 hours walk to get closer to one of the volcanoes.
We walked towards the volcano which was used in the film "Lord of the Rings" as Mordor.
In Rotorua, where the biggest volcanic area of New Zealand is, we walked through several geysers and sow many natural beauties such as the Champagne pool which is 68 degree warm and as a lovely color.
Monday, 24.3.2008
After Birthday
I thank you all for the birthday gratulations.
Unfortunately, I'm not that often in the internet and so it is quite difficult for me to keep you all updated.
I'm now in New Zealand. It is very lovely here. i will tell you more soon and also the pictures will follow...
Monday, 10.3.2008
Finish
Finally, everything is over now. Last week was the exam week. Because of that, I had not that much time to injoy the days here and it became very hectic. But it is over now and just that counts.
The exam results I will get in 2 month.
The weeks before were easy and chilling. There weren't that many paries to celebrate.
The school organised a boat party. There we went in the evening on a boad and crused around in the Sydney Harbour with music, drinks, dancing and a fantastic view on the Sydney skyline.
Me with Livia and Elena at the boat party.
Simon and Pascal, the New Zealand team
Dary the teacher joking Elena
After few beers, joking pictures at the boat party
At the Weekend was the Mardi Gras. this is the guy and lesbian parade here in Sydney. It is huge and funny. I didn't expect so many lesbians and guys here in Sydney.
Cristell at the MArdi Gras and two gays...
Monday, 25.2.2008
Get ready for the exam
The last two weeks I didn't to a lot. I spent all weekedns here in Sydney. During the week it was raininng all day long. Thus, I could prepare myself for the exams next week.
Of courese we went out too. This time we went out in King Kross, where it is a nice place to go. A kind of expensive but the level of clubs are high class too.
Last Friday I went to the Opera House to see Bolero. It was nice to see. But these classical Music it not cup of tea. Of course we try to celebrate every sunny day here in Sydney. So we go for BBQ and for a swim in the sea everyday when the sun shows up.
The stage of the Opera House. Actually, it is nothing special inside. But anyway, I was there...
Corinne, Delphine, Christell and Pascal after the opera, chilling in the Ship Inn Bar
On Saturday was Pascale's birthday, which we celebrated at his Homestay with some beers. It was a funny and chilling night. Pictures will follow, I have to organise them, because I didn't bring my camera.
The day after I went to my aunty's house for lunch again. It was great to meet new people and have a chat with them.
Now the last two weeks of the course began and I'm looking forward to go traveling after. I'll start at the 12 of March in New Zealand...
Monday, 11.2.2008
Sydney
This weekend was a regular weekend. I stayed in Sydney and injoyed the rain here. Thus, I went to to cinema and injoyed good food such as Kangoroo in Darling Harbour.
It was raining the whole week and so I were really pleased when it was a little sunny dure the weekend.
For Sunday i went to the Chinese New Year Parade. But it wasn't that goot I expected.
Anyway, after i went to the Park to see the movie "Kite Runner" in the Openair Cinema.
It was ineffable, the screen and in the background the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Skyline of Citney. Already that was amazing. Furthermore, I injoyed a breathtaking movie, which I really recoment to you, if you like movies with substance.
Injoy it.
Monday, 4.2.2008
Jerveys Bay
This weekend I went to Jervys Bay. The trip was organised by the school. We were a group of 10 people, who joint this tour. Actually, on Friday I wanted to cancel the trip, because it was raining all day long here in Sydney and the weatherforcast told rain all over south- east Australia. Thus I expected rain in Jerveys Bay too. But at the ent I was happy that we did this trip. Then Jerveys Bay is 5h in the south of Sydney and there are some hills inbetween. So, we had lovely sunshine all day on Saturday. We went to the whitest sand beach in Australia. It was lovely to go there.
Tha area is still really natural and thus you'll see many wild animals. We saw a poisenes snake, such as the 'Red Bally Black Snake'. Actually, I stept just 20cm beside here face, Fortunately, the snake didn't bite my leg. Otherwse, I would have to go to the hospital and get some antidope.
We saw also these Emu animals. Such ugly animals I never saw before.
Later we went on to the home wher we stayed. It was placed in the bushes. Thus, we were surrounded by animals all over. We had kangaroos in the garden and an Opossum and the roof.
The Opossum was fun, then he was really used to humens, thus we got extremely close to it. Evenso, the kangaroos!
At night we injoyed the clear sky full of stars...
The next day on Sunday, we went on a boat trip to see dolphines. In this bay live many dolphines and lucky we are, we so like twenty of them. Just to get a good pictures was hard!
Wednesday, 30.1.2008
Beach and Sightseeing
After the Australia day we still had two days off of school. Then here in Australia you get the Monday off if the holiday is on a weekend. Thus, we decidet to go to the beach on sunday to get taint and to injoy the sun. to see some different beaches we chose Coogee beach this time. It is an one houre walk from my home, along the coast.
Because Celine lives so close to my place, we decidet to go by feet and walk down there. It was an nice and picturisc walk.
After the beach we had an BBQ at the beach. It was awesome. Nice weather, the sea and great food with wine. To do here an BBQ is extremally easy, Just go to the beach with all your food and the benches, tables and grills are provided from the council.
Fantastic
On Monday we wanted to see some new places of the city. So, we went to the chinese garden. This garden is nice and lovely but small. It is a place of silance midst the city.
Saturday, 26.1.2008
Australia Day
Last weekend was the Australia day. This means that in the whole city and the whole day was something on. I celebrated the day with some friends. First, I went at 10am to the Harbour Bridge with Pascal and Marion to see the Ferry race. It was a relaxing start in the day.
Aftre a while we went on to 'The Rocks' In this area, there where several stages with Australian artists on, such as Ashleigh Mannix! We injoyed the free concerts, meanwhile Celine joint our groupe.
Later on, we went to darling Harbour. Because there had another attracion taken place in the evening.
First theere was parade by boads, where they showed and presented all the spactacular boats of the Sydney Harbour.
After this presentation, several different artsists presented there show and of course the national anthem.
The Australians really know how to celebrate the National day. It was an fantastic event finished by a firework.
It was a undescribable day here in Sydney. Everything was fantastic, the weather, the entertainment and the people.
Monday, 21.1.2008
Australian Open
Last weekend I went to Melbourne. Then, the Australian Open is on during these weeks. Melbourne is smaller than Sydney. Thus, there wasn't that much to do. Anyway, we came for the Tennis.
These are the guys who I went with. There are so many Swiss people in this school, that we could go on without speaking English. That means, that we all six are from Switzerland and we just kept on talking in german. What isn't the meaning of a stay here in Australia.
Unfortunately, I didn't get any ticket for the 'Rod Laver Arena', but for the Vodaphone arena. Which is the second stadium. Because it was raining the whole day, after the planed games, it went on with some games of the outdoor courds.
I saw some good games, such as this one of Blake vs. Grosjean. It last over 5 sets and it was thrilling.
Because I didn't get any tickets to get to the Center courd. I missed the pulsating Federer game to live. First I made jockes about, that this game will last just 47 min. But at the end it last over 4h and I was relieved that finally Federer won this game.
Thursday, 17.1.2008
My Home
This is the house where I'm staying at, these ten weeks. I was extremely lucky to find this place. Because it is so close to the school and to the famous Bondi beach too. Another good point is, that because I live so central the buses passing the place 24h. Thus I can get home on weekends easaly.
This is the Waverly park, right in front of the house. It is lovely to do some exercising in the morning.from day to day I'm doing so. It depense on the night before. Because, this is a student city, the only day we don't go out is Monday. And that's pretty hard.
Monday, 14.1.2008
Relaxing Sydney
Last friday the school organised a welcome party in one of the pubs around the corner. It was fun because all the students went ther, and you got easaly in contact with them. The Weekend was relaxing. I went mostly to the beach. On sunday I went with Marion and Andreas and his girlfriend to Manly. Unlucky we have been, as soon we lied down it started to rain.
Last Saturday I went to my aunty's house for lunch and I met some other asians, who are living here in Sydeny.
Celine, me, Marion and Pascal injoying the evening at the beach.
Again, us four, but this time after the beach, when we went to the Cock n' Bull Pub, where the Welcome Party of the school was hold in.
On Saturday, we went to Darling Harbour. The area to go out in Sydney.
Simon, Me and Marion facing the bridge down to Darling Harbour.
On Sunday we went t o Manly Beach, which is placed in the north of Sydney. It is a nice beach and a nice ferry ride up there.
However, i prefer the beaches round here, auch as Bondi, Bronte or Coogee.
On sunday i met my class mate from the University in Switzerland. he is travelling for 5 month with his girlfriend.
We went to Manly together, but because of the bad weather we wnt early back and a some wine at Circular Quai.
Wednesday, 9.1.2008
get to know Sydney
this weeks I went everyday to school. I have 5h per day English classes. Mostly we are going to the beach after school. Then the famous Bondi Beach is just a cat jump away. The Picture of this womderful Beaches and cliffs will follow. At the weekend we had a BBQ at the beach. It is fantastic here in Australie. They have BBQ places everywhere. Thus, we just had to bring our food and the BBQ could start. Closely, the whole schoole was there. Until the police came. But they just told us to clean up afterworts. The landscape is fantastic here. Thus, I'm going for a walk every morning and the seasite.
These are Tante Liem and Uncle Brian. The first day I lifed at there house and they helped me to find a room here in Sydney.
The Botanical Garden is very nice placed at the Harboursite.
To ling Harbour I went on saturday. This is the area to go out at weekends. There are just Bars and Clubs lined up.
If you get out of the Underground at Town Hall you will get in this Biulding. The Queen Victoria Building. It is one of the oldest and a must to see midst in Sydney
Wednesday, 2.1.2008
New Year in Sydney
Happy New Year
I celebrated the New year here in Sydney and it was fantastic with a big firework and a Hang over the next day. I went with some friends, who I know from a travel in England two years ago, to a small park in the west of Sydney where not so many people were and the view on the Harbour Bridge was fantastic. We had first a small picknick in the Park and some champagne to celebrate the New Year. But to get a good view on the Harbour Bridge, you have to be early. Thus, we went already at 6pm to the park.
Wendy, Anna, Asha and I in the park celebrating NEW YEAR
The next day I went to the Circular Quai.
After one and a half year I met alice again. Last time we saw us in Harbin China.
While I joint a street performance at the Circulat Quai I met Sven. It was a big surprise, then Sydney isn't that small!
I celebrated the New year here in Sydney and it was fantastic with a big firework and a Hang over the next day. I went with some friends, who I know from a travel in England two years ago, to a small park in the west of Sydney where not so many people were and the view on the Harbour Bridge was fantastic. We had first a small picknick in the Park and some champagne to celebrate the New Year. But to get a good view on the Harbour Bridge, you have to be early. Thus, we went already at 6pm to the park.
Wendy, Anna, Asha and I in the park celebrating NEW YEAR
The next day I went to the Circular Quai.
After one and a half year I met alice again. Last time we saw us in Harbin China.
While I joint a street performance at the Circulat Quai I met Sven. It was a big surprise, then Sydney isn't that small!
Sunday, 30.12.2007
Hot, Warm Sydney
Tomorrow is New Year
I needet 44 hourse to get to Sydne, because of an overnight stop in London. Then we had a technical problam at the plane. Thus, I had to stay over night in the Hilton at the Airport. The first days I'm lifing with my relative here in Sydney, they are so friendly and drive around to all the places.I'm stull not used that they driving at the wrong side of the street. Today I found a room, close to my school.It's just a 10 min. walk, thus I can sleep really long in the morning. Tonight I will go and have drink at the famous opera house of Sydney.
The famouse Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Me, sitting in the Centennial Park. The biggest Park of Sydney.
I needet 44 hourse to get to Sydne, because of an overnight stop in London. Then we had a technical problam at the plane. Thus, I had to stay over night in the Hilton at the Airport. The first days I'm lifing with my relative here in Sydney, they are so friendly and drive around to all the places.I'm stull not used that they driving at the wrong side of the street. Today I found a room, close to my school.It's just a 10 min. walk, thus I can sleep really long in the morning. Tonight I will go and have drink at the famous opera house of Sydney.
The famouse Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Me, sitting in the Centennial Park. The biggest Park of Sydney.
Thuseday, 25.12.2007
Leaving Switzerland
Ready to go
In 2h I will start my trip to Australia. In 35h I will arrive in Sydney.
Get to know where I'm going see the map here:
Größere Kartenansicht
In 2h I will start my trip to Australia. In 35h I will arrive in Sydney.
Get to know where I'm going see the map here:
Größere Kartenansicht