In America, we expect everything to be open for us on holidays. Have it your way. Without onions, lettuce, tomato, but leave the pickles and ketchup annnnd can I also have a side of ranch? Also, I expect these condiments free of charge and if you offend me in any manner...I demand to speak to your manager!
In Europe...consider yourself lucky if the restaurant is open and serving food, they refilled the vending machine, the public toilet is free and smart if you remembered to stock up on non-perishables in your hotel room (Refrigerators? Don't even think about it. Although American inventors paved the way for this invention...it was actually a German that perfected the technology for household use. Which I find a bit ironic, but I digress...).
At least they take their holidays seriously...no one works and no one complains about it.
What a great un-American lesson in patience and humility. Plus, those condiments are just excess calories.
Don't get me wrong. I love being an American and would gladly fight a polar bear, left-handed to defend my citizenship. But I also believe that everyone can benefit to learn a thing or two about how the rest of the world chooses to live and WHY they do it that way. You don't have to agree with it, but please don't choose to be ignorant. You would be surprised how outside knowledge can change your perspective. The world is a big place.
The information you can get from social and news media is one thing. But remember you're developing an opinion based on the interpretations and biases of a secondary source. So I insist that you go out there and experience it for yourself. Travel. I'm not saying you have to go half way around the world. Trust me, there's plenty of diversity a train or bus ride away. Talk to different people. Everyone has a unique story. Perhaps all of this may change or influence your own.
Hmmm...must find a vending machine.
Stat counter
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Day 11/12 - Treble Cone & Cardrona...night in Queenstown
Treble Cone
Another early start...this vacation is starting to feel like a lot of work!
Thankfully, this snow resort was only a 45 min drive away.
So far, this was the best resort I've been to. I was even able to find a bit of powder!
After a full day of riding, we all decided to hit the downtown area and get dinner.
They take their beer seriously in New Zealand. Very wonderful! I have never had a shitty beer so far.
:-)
============================
Cardrona
It just gets better and better...
Powder.
No further comment.
Also, stayed out till 0400...a first in a long ass time sans hangover! Our tour guide took us around Queenstown for a pub crawl and he said we were the first group to ever close down a bar.
Thank god tomorrow is a rest day.
Another early start...this vacation is starting to feel like a lot of work!
Thankfully, this snow resort was only a 45 min drive away.
So far, this was the best resort I've been to. I was even able to find a bit of powder!
After a full day of riding, we all decided to hit the downtown area and get dinner.
They take their beer seriously in New Zealand. Very wonderful! I have never had a shitty beer so far.
:-)
============================
Cardrona
It just gets better and better...
Powder.
No further comment.
Also, stayed out till 0400...a first in a long ass time sans hangover! Our tour guide took us around Queenstown for a pub crawl and he said we were the first group to ever close down a bar.
Thank god tomorrow is a rest day.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Day 10 - Ohau
A lifetime - Better than Ezra
Woke up sore, but energized and excited about the day. We drove up a mountain to an observatory/cafe to chill and start the day off with a fantastic view of the mountains and surrounding valleys. There was fog in some areas, but in the kind of way that adds to the landscape....the mountains looked like they were playing a game of hide and seek.
Next, we headed to a salmon farm and got to feed the salmon annnnnnd enjoy some fresh salmon sashimi.
This experience was interesting enough that everyone in our tour group had decided to get some salmon and cook it for dinner.
After freezing our asses off at the fish farm, we headed back into the bus and hurried to Ohau resort.
Note: It's seriously tailored for the serious Backcountry addict. There's only one main lift and you pretty much have to hike everywhere else.
Speaking of hiking...KT and I hiked to the top of the main mountain. It was way steeper and a higher drop off than we had expected. We literally sat there for over 20 minutes just staring at the terrain and hoping someone would go ahead of us to "show us how it's done."
After contemplating major parts of my eulogy and what type of flowers I wanted at my funeral, I hesitantly followed KT down the mountain...
Possibly one of the most frightening and exhilarating experiences of my life!
Thankfully, I did not crash and burn into a pile of rocks (the snow was thin/icy and rocks were everywhere).
A few more runs later, it was time to leave the ski hill and head to the hotel.
Woke up sore, but energized and excited about the day. We drove up a mountain to an observatory/cafe to chill and start the day off with a fantastic view of the mountains and surrounding valleys. There was fog in some areas, but in the kind of way that adds to the landscape....the mountains looked like they were playing a game of hide and seek.
Next, we headed to a salmon farm and got to feed the salmon annnnnnd enjoy some fresh salmon sashimi.
This experience was interesting enough that everyone in our tour group had decided to get some salmon and cook it for dinner.
After freezing our asses off at the fish farm, we headed back into the bus and hurried to Ohau resort.
Note: It's seriously tailored for the serious Backcountry addict. There's only one main lift and you pretty much have to hike everywhere else.
Speaking of hiking...KT and I hiked to the top of the main mountain. It was way steeper and a higher drop off than we had expected. We literally sat there for over 20 minutes just staring at the terrain and hoping someone would go ahead of us to "show us how it's done."
After contemplating major parts of my eulogy and what type of flowers I wanted at my funeral, I hesitantly followed KT down the mountain...
Possibly one of the most frightening and exhilarating experiences of my life!
Thankfully, I did not crash and burn into a pile of rocks (the snow was thin/icy and rocks were everywhere).
A few more runs later, it was time to leave the ski hill and head to the hotel.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Day 9 - Mount Hutt and my never ending craving for rice
Sooo...
Today was day 1 of my 7 day snowboard excursion of the south island of New Zealand.
KT is on this trip with me and we have also been doing a lot of catching up. It's great to be reminded that there are still awesome people in this world that want to do crazy things like this with me.
Snowboarding.
I even took beginner lessons (because it had been a year and I didn't want to get hurt my first day on the slopes). Interestingly, they moved me up to level three...basically, my instructor watched us ride down the slopes and we followed him. His only feedback to me in particular, "Lisa, you're doing everything right, but you're at a 10...I need you at 2 or 3."
I'm in New Zealand!!!!! I can't contain my excitement dammit.
Listen to "Groove is in the heart - Deeeelite" as you enjoy these pictures
P.S. I did get Asian style rice for dinner...mmmmmm
Today was day 1 of my 7 day snowboard excursion of the south island of New Zealand.
KT is on this trip with me and we have also been doing a lot of catching up. It's great to be reminded that there are still awesome people in this world that want to do crazy things like this with me.
Snowboarding.
I even took beginner lessons (because it had been a year and I didn't want to get hurt my first day on the slopes). Interestingly, they moved me up to level three...basically, my instructor watched us ride down the slopes and we followed him. His only feedback to me in particular, "Lisa, you're doing everything right, but you're at a 10...I need you at 2 or 3."
I'm in New Zealand!!!!! I can't contain my excitement dammit.
Listen to "Groove is in the heart - Deeeelite" as you enjoy these pictures
P.S. I did get Asian style rice for dinner...mmmmmm
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Day 8 - another travel day
Made it to Christchurch, New Zealand
LE tired
KT is here with me to start this epic part of my journey
:-)
Cue We Will Rock You by Queen...
LE tired
KT is here with me to start this epic part of my journey
:-)
Cue We Will Rock You by Queen...
Friday, July 6, 2012
Day 7 - Springbrook and Cookies n' Cream
Running on 3ish hours of sleep, I woke up early to get ready for a rainforest hike.
Our tour guide, a non-douche and completely chill guy, drove us around and even stopped by a fudge shoppe and cafe so we could refuel before heading into the forest.
Note: Cookies and Cream fudge tastes like frosting out of the plastic tub. Super sweet and dangerously addictive. My teeth and taste buds were screaming at me to go easy and not eat all 100g of what I had purchased. So far, only a quarter of this bar has disappeared.
Today, in easily digestible bullet format:
- glow worms in a man made grotto
- sleeping owls
- tons and tons of rainforest tree and plant life
- hand fed several Crimson Rosellas and a very large Australian king parrot
- make your own wrap for lunch (I'm growing quite fond of Aussie "Sweet Chili Sauce.")
- Aussie turkeys (supposedly not very delicious, like American turkeys...my guide said to prepare it, you first get a rock and boil the bird with it. You can then eat it once the rock gets soft...if you catch my drift.)
- met another awesome person and had another wonderful conversation
- walked behind a few waterfalls and took potential Facebook profile pics accordingly
- saw a double rainbow at rainbow falls...I have proof!
Although this took all day, I felt the day had flown by. I was a bit disappointed that it ended because I was enjoying myself too much. Also, I am happy to report that the bags under my eyes are starting to slowly recede. Rest and relaxation are winning!
Tommorrow, another early morning but worth the early rise. I see KT and I head to New Zealand!
Our tour guide, a non-douche and completely chill guy, drove us around and even stopped by a fudge shoppe and cafe so we could refuel before heading into the forest.
Note: Cookies and Cream fudge tastes like frosting out of the plastic tub. Super sweet and dangerously addictive. My teeth and taste buds were screaming at me to go easy and not eat all 100g of what I had purchased. So far, only a quarter of this bar has disappeared.
Today, in easily digestible bullet format:
- glow worms in a man made grotto
- sleeping owls
- tons and tons of rainforest tree and plant life
- hand fed several Crimson Rosellas and a very large Australian king parrot
- make your own wrap for lunch (I'm growing quite fond of Aussie "Sweet Chili Sauce.")
- Aussie turkeys (supposedly not very delicious, like American turkeys...my guide said to prepare it, you first get a rock and boil the bird with it. You can then eat it once the rock gets soft...if you catch my drift.)
- met another awesome person and had another wonderful conversation
- walked behind a few waterfalls and took potential Facebook profile pics accordingly
- saw a double rainbow at rainbow falls...I have proof!
Although this took all day, I felt the day had flown by. I was a bit disappointed that it ended because I was enjoying myself too much. Also, I am happy to report that the bags under my eyes are starting to slowly recede. Rest and relaxation are winning!
Tommorrow, another early morning but worth the early rise. I see KT and I head to New Zealand!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Days 5 & 6 - Fraser Island
Day 5 - Fraser island Pt 1
So after the forced cancellation of my 3 day tour, I found a 2 day option to do almost the same trip. I jumped at the chance to get out of my rut (go big or go home) and get out of the city.
The day started with a 0715 pickup in the strangest and brightest orange tour van. Over 7 tons of 4WD power, this lil'' beast plowed it's way through sand and rocked like a boss. Note to everyone: when the guide says to put on your seatbelt....you put on your seatbelt.
The coolest part of this trip was Indian Head cliff. Part in due to the fact that we got to see the sunset from a really cool vantage point and were also treated to a small show by some humpback whales passing through.
I could literally go on and on about every place that we visited. For instance, I got to drink fresh water out of one of the many streams on the island (that also had a reddish tint to it, an indication of tea tree oil that had been seeping in). I even got to wade in a muddy pool of silica, apparently great for the skin! Seriously...I could go on.
Despite the rush of the day and even meeting a new friend, I spent quite a bit of time just thinking about my life and where I want to go. (A topic best left discussed in person.) But as each day passes, it's becoming more and more clear what direction that is. Finally, I'm starting to gain clarity in my priorities.
Overall, today was refreshing and relaxing.
I only hope day 2 is just as amazing and productive.
/////
Day 6 - Fraser Island Part 2
So to recap, yesterday was amazing. The environment was overwhelmingly wonderful and beautiful enough that my mood couldn't be ruined by my highly pretentious tour guide. He brings new terms to the word: douchebag.
Haha. But everytime I get annoyed, I look around at the beautiful landscape and realize I can just put in my headphones and tune him out.
But let's get back to the positive. I was roomed with the most interesting group of young ladies. A Taiwainese college sophomore from Melbourne, a Canadian school teacher from Melbourne and a Mexican young professional who had just finished her Masters in Sports Management. This sounds like the lead in to a really bad joke btw...
We had the most insightful and open conversation that I've ever had with a complete group of strangers...and women. It was nice to feel empathy from another woman, since being in the military, it's hard to get that from uber competitive, must-prove-myself type of girls that typically don the boots and camo.
There are always exceptions!! Wonderful, amazing and live very far away from me, exceptions!
Moving on...
Woke up to watch the sunrise above the horizon. It was simply awe-inspiring. I wanted to punch someone in the face at that moment...I felt THAT good.
Note: Aussie breakfast and lunch are pretty much the same damn thing as an American breakfast and lunch. Just different terms.
After breakfast, we drove into the island and went on a 3.1km walk through the rainforest. For me, it was a 3.1km jog through the rainforest. Something my guide had mentioned earlier about this island being host to 7 out of 10 of the world's deadliest snakes and an army of leeches was enough to convince me that I could use a lil' workout.
Oh and I did that in sandals. Leech and snake free. :-)
Next, went on a wonderfully boring, but informative tour of the trees and an old logging station. Supposedly some of the Satinay trees here are worth over a million dollars. My tour guide encouraged all of us to "hug" a million dollars. I refused. So he hugged me instead......annnnnnd again during another part of the trip when demonstrating how some vines wrap themselves around the trees. Why me! Wasn't it enough that you threw silica mud at me yesterday?
Ew. No more please.
Oh and got to finally step outside while our bus was on the ferry coming back to the mainland. What is another word for awesome???
I will miss you Fraser Island. Too bad I didn't touch that cursed wooden outpost - yes, supposedly all the women who touch this get married soon.
Tomorrow! A walk in the bush and glow worms!
Listen to this while you wait: Jungle Love - Steve Miller Band
So after the forced cancellation of my 3 day tour, I found a 2 day option to do almost the same trip. I jumped at the chance to get out of my rut (go big or go home) and get out of the city.
The day started with a 0715 pickup in the strangest and brightest orange tour van. Over 7 tons of 4WD power, this lil'' beast plowed it's way through sand and rocked like a boss. Note to everyone: when the guide says to put on your seatbelt....you put on your seatbelt.
The coolest part of this trip was Indian Head cliff. Part in due to the fact that we got to see the sunset from a really cool vantage point and were also treated to a small show by some humpback whales passing through.
I could literally go on and on about every place that we visited. For instance, I got to drink fresh water out of one of the many streams on the island (that also had a reddish tint to it, an indication of tea tree oil that had been seeping in). I even got to wade in a muddy pool of silica, apparently great for the skin! Seriously...I could go on.
Despite the rush of the day and even meeting a new friend, I spent quite a bit of time just thinking about my life and where I want to go. (A topic best left discussed in person.) But as each day passes, it's becoming more and more clear what direction that is. Finally, I'm starting to gain clarity in my priorities.
Overall, today was refreshing and relaxing.
I only hope day 2 is just as amazing and productive.
/////
Day 6 - Fraser Island Part 2
So to recap, yesterday was amazing. The environment was overwhelmingly wonderful and beautiful enough that my mood couldn't be ruined by my highly pretentious tour guide. He brings new terms to the word: douchebag.
Haha. But everytime I get annoyed, I look around at the beautiful landscape and realize I can just put in my headphones and tune him out.
But let's get back to the positive. I was roomed with the most interesting group of young ladies. A Taiwainese college sophomore from Melbourne, a Canadian school teacher from Melbourne and a Mexican young professional who had just finished her Masters in Sports Management. This sounds like the lead in to a really bad joke btw...
We had the most insightful and open conversation that I've ever had with a complete group of strangers...and women. It was nice to feel empathy from another woman, since being in the military, it's hard to get that from uber competitive, must-prove-myself type of girls that typically don the boots and camo.
There are always exceptions!! Wonderful, amazing and live very far away from me, exceptions!
Moving on...
Woke up to watch the sunrise above the horizon. It was simply awe-inspiring. I wanted to punch someone in the face at that moment...I felt THAT good.
Note: Aussie breakfast and lunch are pretty much the same damn thing as an American breakfast and lunch. Just different terms.
After breakfast, we drove into the island and went on a 3.1km walk through the rainforest. For me, it was a 3.1km jog through the rainforest. Something my guide had mentioned earlier about this island being host to 7 out of 10 of the world's deadliest snakes and an army of leeches was enough to convince me that I could use a lil' workout.
Oh and I did that in sandals. Leech and snake free. :-)
Next, went on a wonderfully boring, but informative tour of the trees and an old logging station. Supposedly some of the Satinay trees here are worth over a million dollars. My tour guide encouraged all of us to "hug" a million dollars. I refused. So he hugged me instead......annnnnnd again during another part of the trip when demonstrating how some vines wrap themselves around the trees. Why me! Wasn't it enough that you threw silica mud at me yesterday?
Ew. No more please.
Oh and got to finally step outside while our bus was on the ferry coming back to the mainland. What is another word for awesome???
I will miss you Fraser Island. Too bad I didn't touch that cursed wooden outpost - yes, supposedly all the women who touch this get married soon.
Tomorrow! A walk in the bush and glow worms!
Listen to this while you wait: Jungle Love - Steve Miller Band
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