the Leyland Brothers World

Hong Kong day 1 @ Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong S.A.R., China

2007-06-04T17:00:00.000Z

From an onsen (Japanese hot outdoor bath) yesterday, to swimming in the (too) warm waters of Hong Kong island, I must say, I'm a lucky boy.

HK isn't quite what I thought it'd be, When you get outta the city, some of the scenary is just beautiful. But they've built hotels just about everywhere. In some places, it's kinda cool, cause you're on a double decker bus, driving through windy coast roads at night, surrounded by an illuminated archipelago.

Coming from Japan, it's somewhat of a surprise to be understood by so many people. And the joy, the joy, of coming upon Muesli bars and breakfast Muesli in a local supermarket. Ohh, I'd never thought it could be so wonderful. Okay, so Japan has some cereal, but it aint easy to find, esp. not out in the burbs.

Hmm, I've read that going out in HK is the best way to lose funds here. Average is around AUD 6 a beer. Man, even Japan averaged $5.

Woe is me.

Hong Kong day 2 @ Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong S.A.R., China

2007-06-05T20:54:00.000Z

Well, a little three degrees less, a cool 30c.

I found a beautiful outer island to explore. It is Lanchou - the one with the airport - but the eastern end, round silvermine beach, is pretty spectacular.

I rented a bike after having lazed in the early afternoon sun, but even at 4pm, I was burning to a cinder.

Topped it off with cold beer and squid overlooking the beach. Quite beautiful really.

London, United Kingdom @ London, United Kingdom

2007-06-06T18:30:00.000Z

Sydney - multicultural? Compared to London, we've got nothing. It's the integration here that's amazing. People whose backgrounds range from african, indian to eastern european, and they're all friends! That's the amazing thing coming from Sydney.

It's more pertinent after having living in Japan, experiencing the mono-culture over there. Hey - but now I can speak the language - it's weird!

Sun went down at 10 pm. My god - nobody told me to expect that. I was waiting for dark to kill my jetlag, but I didn't think i'd be waiting that damn long.

Paris, France @ Paris, France

2007-06-10T05:39:00.000Z

Probably the most telling thing about the French is that when the train from London passed under the Channel Tunnel, the crisp voice over the loudspeaker curtly switched the order of languages.

The French really do love life. Finally, bread, cheese and wine all day long.

I met my mate Keogh under the Effiel tower - directly under it. He's been travelling round the world in the opposite direction, and we're gonna travel France and Italy together.

We've met yet another friend, Gerald, and he'll be with us just for the week in France.

Yes we've done the tourist trail, the Louvre, Notre Dame, but we've also seen a lot of Paris, walking the place round, killing me in thongs (flip-flops).

The palace of Versailles was a must see, and the scope of the gardens is incredible.

Bordeaux, France @ Bordeaux, France

2007-06-13T19:29:00.000Z

Allo, we headed on down to wine country in Western France, settling in Bordeaux for a few days. Not a bad little town that one,
Apart from the fabulous wines, we were inundated with even more delicious foods. Man, I haven't eaten this good in ages.
We also tried one of the winery tours, though they literally were "tours" of the vineyard, with only 4 different wines sampled all afternoon. It wasn't exactly our idea of a good selection.

Nice, France @ Nice, France

2007-06-16T00:33:00.000Z

Well, if you know anything about southern France, you'll know they call the stretch around here their gold coast, and it's a pretty amazing place.
I kindof fell like I'm in a more sophisticated Byron Bay during schoolies. I know I know. But seriously, head down to the beach at night and it's full of people, drinking and playing tunes on their guitars and djembes. If you've known my past, you'd think I was in heaven. Maybe I'll take my guitar down there tonight...

Pisa, Italy @ Pisa, Italy

2007-06-18T14:54:00.000Z

Well, the first thing i noticed about Italy, were the train guards. Apparently, it's all the norm to slip into a car with a random girl and tune her whilst on duty. At least he brought his work colleague along for support.

But seriously, the people are so laid back, it's beautiful. A big change from France. I'm loading up on coffee daily and enjoying the best damn gelato the world has to offer, what more could I want?

Pisa is a cute little town. We stayed at a campsite not far from there, and, due to an ungodly arival time, spent the wee hours sleeping on pool chairs whilst waiting for reception to open. Welcome to God's Country.

Verona, Italy @ Verona, Italy

2007-06-19T22:19:00.000Z

Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet. Okay, so it's a cool little town, but what's with the hostel. The first photo is the actual view from the room's of this amazing little villa that boasts cheap as rooms in italy. One thing however is the complete lockdown of the place from 9 till 5. So, no sleeping in, and if you arrve duing the day - you're waiting it out.

Did I mention the heat?

So we were sipping spritzes at a local bar when an Aussie expat, with Italian heritage saunters on up and asks us to join him. He has been in the Italian air force for over 6 years and misses Australia like nothing else. Sweet.

Venice, Italy @ Venice, Italy

2007-06-21T17:00:00.000Z

Venice. No one mentioned quite how stifling it can be out there in the heat. My god I miss the beach.

Not a bad little town. Both days Mike and I ended up wondering around randomly, not really choosing a direction. Both days we spent our time walking in circles.

We met some locals whilst drinking the ever popular spritz, and ended up just missing our bus back to the campsite, but not for lack of trying. We spent 15m racing through the streets, following any sign we saw, asking locals repeatedly.

This was topped the following day when the locals we met ended up leading us to a beach gathering in Lido, and then to an Italian disco, and then back to Venice. We parted with our guides on the canal and got stuck at a random station off the main island, waiting over an hour in the wee hours for a taxi. Ouch.

Munich, Germany @ Munich, Germany

2007-06-24T01:31:00.000Z

Ahh, the Germans are great. Beer and schnitzel.

I'd seen photos and videos of guys and girls surfing a river wave in Germany, but I didn't realise it was right in the middle of Munich city. It's crazy. The ice river flows down from the Alps, and all the locals spend their time at the English Garden, either sunbaking naked, listening to African drumming, playing frisbee, surfing, all going down the river in the current. The latter I must say was the highlight. It dumps all over Wet 'N Wild. You jump in and get carried at about 15-20kmph for maybe 10m under bridges and through the park. The water is cold, but it's ohhh so good.

Salzburg, Austria @ Salzburg, Austria

2007-06-26T20:47:00.000Z

I felt like just like Julie Andrews upon arriving to beautiful Austria, So, as we neared Salzburg, Keogh and I did a rendition of the Reefer Song in the train. I don't think the locals got the lyrics, but I think they got the "good times" feel.

I do have to relay to you though the free climbing I saw. Two fellas scaled a 40m odd cliff face sans ropes. Yeah - I couldn't believe it at first, especially as one of them was attempting a minor overhang. But there you have it. It was probably only a 20, but without a rope, it may as well have been a 30.

Vienna, Austria @ Vienna, Austria

2007-06-28T20:16:00.000Z

Well, I must say I never thought Id be somewhere where they tout tickets to Mozart on the streets like holiday-wives in Thailand. Men in 18th century fineries trying vainly to convince me of the authenic Viennese experience. Please. Three years in a Conservatorium, I dont need to pay bucket loads of Euros to enjoy Mozart (though maybe a few beers prior to take the edge of).

Nice place though. Maybe the Austrians are a little tight-lipped. Not quite as laid back as the Germans that I foolishly assumed they´ed been the same as. Man, these keyboards here are tough. Not just that qwerty is spelt QWERTZ but also these grammer marks - ouch (incidentally, that little fellow is where the question mark should be, and dont get me started on the at symbol).

Hungary @ Tatabanya, Hungary

2007-06-30T19:00:00.000Z

Growing up with half an Eastern European background, it's interesting to finally be with my long lost relatives in Hungary.

I must say, they truly do detest the communists that occupied Hungary for almost 50 years. My cousin especially who is just old enough to be able to compare working in soviet and post-soviet occupation. His opinions of those that want to return to the "good old days" of 100% job security and a total lack of any opportunity to do anything unorthodox, not forgetting the absence of free-speech and free political thinking, are quite palatable.

But I digress, this has been for me, some of the most warm and enjoyable times all throughout my trip, and I'm already planning to return sometime next year. Hungary is truly neglected by tourists, and it's a real wonder. Of course, my experience hasn't been objective, but nevertheless, the country has turned on all the sights and sounds whilst I've been visiting, and I'd highly recommend the country to anyone (mind the tongue of course).

Athens, Greece @ Athens, Greece

2007-07-05T20:27:00.000Z

Well, I'd heard many reviews of Athens, and most of them advised a brief stay. No wuckers - I was only planning a few days anyhow. But, dear reader, it turned out quite nice. Of course there's the Acropolis and all that ruins jazz, but there's also the beach life nearby, and quite a varied nightlife.

It was a bit lonely to be on my own again, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my travels with Keogh.

The Greeks are great - God love em. Quick smiles, and straight up.

Crete, Greece @ Crete, Greece

2007-07-08T19:36:00.000Z

Heard that Cake song - "Sheeps go to heaven, goats go to hell?" Well, I can attest that those horny little devils really are demonic in nature.

Okay, so I'm riding around Crete on a rented 400cc bike. Loving it. All day, having an awesome time. In the late arvo, about 100km from my hostel, I'm riding around, happy as Larry. Picture this:
* a very windy little road
* soft edges on this road
* a pot hole in amongst the soft edges
* the bend was under strong shade, partly invisible coming from strong sun
* my sunglasses were shit - i couldn't see the surface
* there was a sexy looking goat I had my eye on.

Put this all together and you get me almost on top of the pothole before realising I should be turning more. So I turned more and swerved for the pothole. Hmm, bike slid out, my leg was under it.

Not too bad, though the feeling wasn't awesome. The whole way back I couldn't quite shake the feeling of a slippery surface under me (the rental place had warned me the roads here and generally low quality ashfalt and are very slippery). Hmmm.

So, I've been hopping - literally - around town, working up a sweat and tryinjg not to put too much pressure on my sprained foot. Everyone's been really sweet and helpful, and I couldn't have found a better value, and enjoyable hostel to be stranded at for a few days.

Istanbul, Turkey @ Istanbul, Turkey

2007-07-14T15:00:00.000Z

Well, it might b e a stones throw from Greece, but this place is miles apart.

As it turns out, I limped my way to the airport in Crete, having changed plans to accommodate my injury (instead of Istanbul, I was going to travel up the Turkish coast, starting at Marmaris). But, as luck would have it, my first plane was delayed and I missed the connection. Enjoyed a comfy hotel at the airline's expense, but missed meeting my sister. You see, she'd been waiting for me in Turkey since Thursday. We had planned to travel here together, but have had to settle on just Istanbul and Gallipoli, which is hard enough given the status of my foot.

After the Greek Islands, anywhere seems low key. Thjs unfortunately includes Turkey. I've enjoyed it here, but I've also been pushing the sprain in my foot to see as much as possible with what little time we have...

Gallipoli & Troy @ Canakkale, Turkey

2007-07-16T20:44:00.000Z

If you're not an Aussie or Kiwi, ANZAC prolly doesn't mean much to you. But to the rest of us, it represents the thousands of Australians and New Zealanders who died in a fruitless battle for the Dardanelles, ordered by the British, without any proper planning.

The thing that strikes most people about this part of the war is that it is often referred to as the last instance of a "gentlemen's war". Okay, so war isn't about being friendly, but there are countless examples of bravery, and mutual respect between the Turks and the ANZACs who were entrenched a mere 8m from each other for many months.

Troy is also a fascinating place, although not quite as touching. The site itself boasts 9 separate eras of the city, the sixth being approximated as the one made famous by the Iliad.

Madrid, Spain @ Madrid, Spain

2007-07-20T02:22:00.000Z

Someone had failed to mention the week-long international conference for the deaf that was on during my stay in Madrid. The end effect being that almost all the hotels and hostels were fully booked, yet all seemed quiet and empty due to the attendees all congregating together and neglecting the local bars.
I should explain...
I went to a specific hostel that was known as one of the best and most social hostels in all of Europe, and it was the ONLY week where nothing was happening. I mean, even on the Friday night, when the bar there is normally chockas, it was almost dead. Needless to say, I was a tad disappointed.

Rome, Italy @ Rome, Italy

2007-07-22T14:23:00.000Z

Marcia and I met up at a pre-arranged B&B in Rome. Good idea I say - the lady there was very sweet and for a decent price, we had warm (I should say cool) and comfy surrounds.

My injury in Crete has still been bothering me, and has prolly also bothered both Marcia and Bianca, both of whom have had to suffer my slow shuffling through the cities we've visited.

Rome is incredible by the way. It is by far the most visually impressive city I've seen so far.

Naples, Vesuvius and Pompeii @ Naples, Italy

2007-07-25T19:44:00.000Z

I wasn't expecting that much in Naples, and I'm afraid to say that I wasn't pleasantly surprised. The streets are narrow and the walking is tough - it aint a city that handles tourists well.
That said, the nearby dormant volcano Vesuvius is grand, and the city of Pompeii is absolutely amazing. A must see.

the Amalfi Coast @ Amalfi, Italy

2007-07-27T19:30:00.000Z

Wow. No words come close to describing this stretch of coastline.

We knew we'd love it here, both of us desperate for the ocean, but we were literally blown away. The staggering towns are often built into the cliff faces. The roads and even the staircases are perilous; every turn offers a postcard view. Great Ocean Road eat your heart out.

There was a lot of walking done - including the Path of the Gods, in the full heat of summer, but we persevered, Marcia narrowly avoiding stepping on a big black snake.

We stayed nearby to Amalfi, in a little village called Atrani, and it was soooo much better for us, being less international touristy (instead full of many Italians from around the country) and more cosy. Seriously good stuff.

Barcelona, Spain @ Barcelona, Spain

2007-07-31T01:54:00.000Z

Okay, so before you say anything, I confess I didn't have the best time in the most fun city in the world. The reason being was that I was supposed to be in Lisbon. My first flight was late, and lost my luggage, the budget airline conveniently doesn't have "connecting" flights, so it was my responsibility to make the connection, which I duly missed. To top it off, they offered me another flight to Portugal in two days, for 50Euros. This was only another 15E over what I originally paid, but I decided to go into Barcelona and think about it. Little did I know, that this 50E offer was a one-off only immediately after you miss the flight. Thanks for telling me earlier. So, after long arguments over the phone, I capitulated, frustrated knowing that the only flights to Portugal were now in the 250E range. Where's the love?

Incidentally, this airline is Clickair. Think twice before you book. Budget airlines indeed.

So anyways, there I was, in already dirty clothes, wondering around Barcelona looking for last minute accommodation in peak season. Yey! That was fun. Admittedly, it wasn't sooo bad. I just walked around the main part of town for a couple of hours before I found something (my guidebook with a map of barcelona and shit was in my lost luggage).

First night hostel was average at best. Second night I swapped, twas an improvement. Had to keep swapping though as they were full-up the next night.

I wish I could of been in a better mood, but I couldn't get into the spirit really until my last night there. Maybe that was because, after two days in Barcelona, I finally got my clothes. Oh, blessed clothes. I should probably also mention that I was very conscious of my financial situation, and didn't want to pay exorbitant prices for basic clothes.

Anyways, all in all, a great city. But next time, I might go with a few people, and a bit more money... it makes it just that more enjoyable.

Valencia, Spain @ Valencia, Spain

2007-08-03T01:54:00.000Z

I had tried to get to Portugal on a 17 hour bus. But, to my utmost frustration, the bus was full for that day. So, dammit, I went to Valencia as my backup plan.

After the tourist paradise of Barcelona, Valencia felt like a little dip in traditional Spain. Not to mention the fact that everything is lots cheaper.

My first night I caught an intimate little Flamenco show in a cafe, consisting of a percussionist, guitarist, and multi-talented singer, dancer and percussionist (palmas). The latter was a throaty woman in her late thirties who really took the house down with her incredible virtuosity with her flamenco feet (for the life of me I can't remember the name of those flamenco shoes and the name of the foot-stamping percussion that follows flamenco). It was an amazing show.

I found that hiring a bike was a great way to get around town. My still milding injured foot loved the bike, and after finding Harry Potter 6 to read, I was a kid at christmas.

Another great part of Valencia was my hostel. Heaps of travellers from all around Europe were hitting up Valencia, and the scene at my place was great - not only was there ample common space, but also a fab kitchen, great for pasta comparisons with the visiting Italians.

San Sebastian, Spain @ San Sebastian, Spain

2007-08-06T15:27:00.000Z

I couldn't leave Europe without a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. So I ventured on up to San Sebastian in the heart of Basque Country. The locals put on a cute little smile when I attempt Spanish to them - prolly cause Spanish is their second language, after Basque.

I was hoping for a bit better surf - being that I hadn't hit the waves for over 8 months - but I still got out for a day. Unfortunately however, in all of the excitement, I reopened the scar on my knee, still healing from the motorbike accident, which kindof annoyed me. But, nevertheless, I was able to get a feel for it here, and it would be nice to return with a board in tow and hit up the coast with a car.

I am dissappointed not to be visiting Seville and Granada. but you can't do it all I guess.

Barcelona take two @ Barcelona, Spain

2007-08-09T15:43:00.000Z

Back in the party town for one more night... Tapas, Flamenco and some local bars.

New York City @ New York, United States, New York

2007-08-11T01:00:00.000Z

We all have opinions about America. I mean, the Empire of the day can't escape judgement, especially given their aggressive foreign policy. Travelling around Europe, you can't help feeling the anti-American-foreign-policy sentiment. But this naturally leads everyone to having certain opinions about the typical American, which I constantly had to remind myself was a nasty thing to do.
I think one thing that amplifies people's views on Americans whilst abroad, is that they typically talk louder than most other people. This tends to make them seem insufferable when they complain, even though we all do - albeit with a bit more confidentiality.
Having been here now, I'm struck with how normal it all is, although I have noticed this sense of imbued sensationalism. Everything is a big deal and has implications to the average person - be it eating a raw egg, to walking forty blocks at 4am. And for Aussies, that stuff is laughable, being that we pride ourselves on our resilience.

Boston, United States, Massachusetts @ Boston, United States, Massachusetts

2007-08-13T21:01:00.000Z

Well, I'm here in Boston with my friends Kain and Tom, plus soon-to-be-arriving Declan. Good times good times.

I'm resting up here for a few weeks, doing some work and chilling out before central and south america.

Montreal, Canada @ Montreal, Canada

2007-09-10T23:35:00.000Z

Wow. what a city. this place is like coming to some strange frenchesque home. The people are great, the food is wonderful and the environment just right.
It's been even better cause I've been able to come with my one of my best mates that I hardly never get to see anymore; a random trip up state that has taken up the entire week, and I've been loving every crazed moment of it.

Costa Rica @ Bahía Tamarindo, Costa Rica

2007-09-16T12:44:00.000Z

So I've got three weeks on the lush tropical coast of Northern Costa Rica to learn some Spanish and get fit again surfing twice daily... hmmm, methinks this might take awhile.

Monteverde, Costa Rica @ Monteverde, Costa Rica

2007-09-21T18:46:00.000Z

This little town deep in the Costa Rican mountains was a lush spot to spot some friendly local wildlife. Apparently it was famous for the Quakers who started a settlement here. I was on the lookout for the trademark uniforms but alas, i did no see none.

Playa Negra @ Bahía Tamarindo, Costa Rica

2007-09-24T06:18:29.000Z

Surfing at the beach down the road (Playa Negra) in some good swell.

Playa Conchal @ Bahía Brasilito, Costa Rica

2007-09-25T17:35:45.000Z

A sweet little shell beach, just down the roadside.

Rincon de la Vieja @ Volcán Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica

2007-09-30T13:53:58.000Z

A trip into the mountains and a day of horseriding, river tubing, zipping, waterfalling and mud. Maravilloso.

Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Buenos Aires, Argentina

2007-10-07T09:18:00.000Z

Prying open my eyes on the airport bus after 24 hours of transit, I felt a familiarity instantly with this country. Maybe it wa being back in the southern hemisphere, or maybe it was delirium from so much travelling. Whatever the cause, I felt right at home. Especially when I wondered into a Che Gevara memorial, floating meekly between all the Argentine socialists.

Bariloche @ San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

2007-10-10T09:30:42.000Z

This wonderful little town was not putting on it's best face when i arrived. But, little did I know, she had a lot to show for herself, when one the second day walking around the lake, she showed her beautiful face.

El Bolsón, Argentina @ El Bolsón, Argentina

2007-10-15T11:26:39.000Z

Dropped in to the little hippie mecca that is El Bolsón. The weather wasn´t putting on it´s charms, but i still enjoyed.

Mendoza, Argentina @ Mendoza, Argentina

2007-10-16T18:02:46.000Z

Ahh, Mendoza. Fine wines, warm weather, and sunshine.

Horseriding in the Andes @ Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

2007-10-20T16:23:49.000Z

We set off with a group of seven. Basically : 4 days riding in the mountains, two nights camping out, and one up in a ski lodge.

I saw some of the most amazing scenery ever and I found myself pinching my leg constantly.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay @ Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

2007-10-24T13:10:00.000Z

This charming little city (i'm ripping off Lonely Planet here) feels very homely and welcoming.

Montevideo, Uruguay @ Montevideo, Uruguay

2007-10-26T15:13:00.000Z

The cap city here in Uruguay. There's a great promenade and beach area right in the city, and the town has an interesting feel. There's a market that has sit-down BBQ feasts on the weekends that reminds me very much of the market in Barcelona. The nightclub we went to felt like it might have been European also - three different rooms and the music was actually good. Oh and the men's acapella group we stumbled on that busted out some great traditional tunes was awesome.

Punta del Este, Uruguay @ Punta del Este, Uruguay

2007-10-28T09:10:00.000Z

Punta del Diablo, Uruguay @ Punta del Diablo, Uruguay

2007-10-30T09:00:00.000Z

Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Porto Alegre, Brazil

2007-11-01T09:00:00.000Z

Torres, Brazil @ Torres, Brazil

2007-11-02T09:00:00.000Z

Camboriu @ Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

2007-11-04T12:00:00.000Z

Florianopolis @ Florianópolis, Brazil

2007-11-06T20:35:00.000Z

Sao Paulo @ São Paulo, Brazil

2007-11-10T09:00:00.000Z

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2007-11-12T20:41:00.000Z

Pindamonhangaba, Brazil @ Pindamonhangaba, Brazil

2007-11-17T12:00:00.000Z

The Pantanal @ Pantanal, Brazil

2007-11-21T12:08:00.000Z

Bonito, Brazil @ Bonito, Brazil

2007-11-24T21:15:00.000Z

Foz do Iguazu @ Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

2007-11-28T09:00:00.000Z

Puerto Iguazu @ Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

2007-11-29T09:21:00.000Z

Santiago, Chile @ Santiago, Chile

2007-12-01T11:51:00.000Z

Pichilemu, Chile @ Pichilemu, Chile

2007-12-03T12:01:00.000Z

Home : Sydney @ Sydney, Australia

2007-12-09T12:05:00.000Z