And so this journey comes to an end. Man, this feels weird! It hasn't really got to me yet.. If it weren't for my damn budget, I'd just keep on travelling.. But I guess it's just time for me to go home now. I'm sorry that I've kind of neglected you guys by not keeping my blog updated these last few weeks. I'm still yet to tell you all about stunning New Zealand and all my adventures here in Vietnam. I haven't even uploaded the rest of the photos I've taken in Australia yet! Damnit Flo... But I just wanted to cherish all the last moments of this incredible journey. When will I do this again after all? Somewhere in the future, that's for sure. Maybe in three years, maybe after I've retired.
Ok, let's not say that.
Anyway, these were five pretty damn incredible months. I'm very proud to say that I've gained a lot more life experience. My backpack has grown to an abnormal size by the way, I look ridiculous carrying it around. Ha.. I'm really just staring at the screen, not sure how to end this post. In the meantime I'm waiting for the girls at the reception to wake up so I can check out, get a cab to the airport and head back to Bangkok.
For all the people in the Netherlands: see you soon!
And for all the other people: well, see you soon too :).
Love from Saigon,
Florencia
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Apologies..
I know I told you all I would post something very soon, but I haven't had the time to do that! There is just so much to see here and so many things to do and I've got so little time damnit! In Queenstown now, just arrived a couple of hours ago and I think I'm going to like this city. The ride from Christchurch down to Queenstown took about 7-8 hours but it was absolutely stunning. I'm enjoying every busride here in New Zealand, they're amazing!
Anyway, I don't know when I'll be posting anything new but I'll definitely see what I can do! Haven't had any coffee for a couple of days now either... Feel so disorientated haha.
Loving New Zealand, running out of money but extremely happy yaaay!
Florencia
Anyway, I don't know when I'll be posting anything new but I'll definitely see what I can do! Haven't had any coffee for a couple of days now either... Feel so disorientated haha.
Loving New Zealand, running out of money but extremely happy yaaay!
Florencia
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
More photos of Australia
Almost forgot this.. If you haven't noticed yet, my photos of Sydney (and the Blue Mountains), Hervey Bay and Fraser Island are on Picasa now!
Love love,
Florencia
Love love,
Florencia
Haere mai ki Aotearoa
I still can't believe it: my Australian adventure has come to an end. I'm very sad ofcourse, but I can look back at a truly amazing month here in Australia.
After paradise I headed further north to Airlie Beach, where I was planning to take a trip to the Whitsundays. I had eventually chosen for a two day trip on the Siska (back in the old days prince Charles had been on the same boat, yoohoo..) and I am glad that I had made that decision because the trip was fantastic, the crew was very enthusiastic and the whole group was just great! During the whole trip we were allowed to assist the crew members with the sailing and every now and then you were also allowed to take over the wheel (''I've got the power!''). While we were heading to our first destination (Whitehaven Beach) I saw my first dolphins! That was so exciting! And I absolutely loved sailing the ocean. The colour of the water changed each time the lighting changed, which made it look alive really: from darkish blue to turquoise to green and so forth. Beautiful. And with so much life underneath that surface you could actually call it alive. The Great Barrier Reef is a living creature, growing everyday. You can even see it from outer space (interesting fact haha)! And it's so gorgeous. We snorkeled the second day and man.. I loved it (I think I love about everything here in Australia, but ah well). It was so magical to see a whole other world under those clear, beautifully coloured waters. Entering the world of Nemo (I have found Nemo('s)!) you get to see coral in all kinds of shapes and sizes, hard and soft, some seemed to lit up like neon, others were purple and then you had these amazing fishes, some brightly coloured and they were swimming so close! Some were huge too, like ''Elvis'' haha and his five girlfriends. Yeah, that was awesome.
Anyway, our first destination - like I said - was Whitehaven Beach. Ha.. I thought I had seen paradise already, but appearantly more mesmerizing places were awaiting me. This was just another beach that could've come straight out of a dream. It's one of the world's best beaches and made of 99,89% Silica (fine Quartz) so I took the advantage to scrub my whole body and you could also wash your jewelries with that sand haha. And we practically had the whole beach to ourselves! It looked like a white desert, except it was surrounded by a clear blue, turquoise (sometimes green lined) ocean with islands in the background and little fishes swimming in the shallow parts of the waters. The world is so damn beautiful. When the sun was starting to set we anchored near Cook Island and when the night fell the stars were so incredibly bright I couldn't stop looking. I have never seen so many stars.. They seemed to multiply. So some of us slept on the deck, which was really cosy too haha. After a couple of hours it started pouring though, but sleeping inside wasn't too bad, felt like I was cradled in a baby crib.. After the trip we were extremely happy that we could take normal showers again (instead of thirty-second showers) and we had a nice afterparty and after-afterparty afterwards haha.
My next big destination was Cairns, but I first had a quick stopover at Mission Beach, where I stayed for a couple of nights. Very green and a large density of cassowaries in that area (unfortunately I hadn't spotted any). You could do some nice walks in Mission Beach, so I had taken strolls along the beaches and I did a very nice rainforest walk, but one of my faithful companions (Havaianas) did not survive the walk. I guess it was about time for them to let me go. Just glad it happened at the end of the walk and not in the middle of the rainforest! It was a great walk though; I did have reception up in the rainforest (I didn't have any signal in the hostel) which I found unusual since it felt like I was in a Jurassic Park scene trying to spot cassowaries. I didn't see any, but I think I heard one? I did see some big, beautiful butterflies, an iguana, lots of lizards and a big toad, haha. Great views too! After the rainforest I went to town and searched for new Havaianas like a tramp without shoes. I have black ones now, instead of white ones. Don't know why I'm actually mentioning this since you guys are probably not interested in my footwear whatsoever.
Anyway... While my feet were getting used to their new friends I strolled along one of the beaches. It must be beautiful and tropical-looking there on a bright, sunny day, but unfortunately it was raining a bit. The days always started off with sunshine though, so the next morning I went to the Wongaling Beach with its golden coloured sand.
So Cairns! Haha.. I found it pretty ironic that all the number plates up there said ''Queensland - Sunshine State''. Yeah right.. It was raining cats and dogs and there was a cyclone coming up! People on the radio saying that you should get under a table or get into your basement once it had come... Great. But I wasn't going to let this get me down; planned to go to the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation and I was going to take my first dive in the Great Barrier Reef!
On our way up to the Alexandra lookout point we were stopped several times because some huge rocks had fallen on the road (some trees as well). Ha, if one of those things would land on your car.. On our left we had lots of waterfalls and we had seen some great ones from a distance too (the wet season does provide us beautiful things after all, not only major floodings) and on our right you had the ocean. I enjoyed the busride, watching the cloudstripping scenario on those massive mountains; the trees seemed to drag the clouds towards the mountains. White fluffy pieces of the larger clouds above were resting on the green sponges like soft cotton. May sound weird, but it was a beautiful scenario and I don't know how else to describe it haha.
The oldest rainforest in the world.. The Daintree rainforest. Impressive how great the biodiversity is in that area. Some trees had another nine plant species growing on them. And all the shapes of those leaves, the sounds of all the life in the rainforest, the largeness of some of those plants.. Wow. ''Now doesn't that look real Jurassic Park to you?!'' the tourguide said. Oh heck yeah.. It did. It was even more Jurassic Park than the one I had visited in Mission Beach. We went on to the Daintree river where we spotted some baby crocs (the parents were hiding though), a few snakes and a freshwater dragon. And then Cape Tribulation Beach: ''where the rainforest meets the reef'' all the pamflets say. It wasn't as spectacular as it was supposed to be, but that was because of the weather conditions. No worries though, still enjoyed it since I love watching the ocean.
Oh and I went diving in the Great Barrier Reef (twice)! Isn't life just freaking amazing?! All that life under water is just so incredible.. I loved it, I absolutely loved it. Did a bit of snorkeling again too, although the current was quite strong.. It was so worth it though. I've seen my first turtle! And some squids and lots of other stuff. Held a sea cucumber which was quite funny haha. Man.. Can't believe I've done that. I cannot believe that I have been to the Great Barrier Reef.
And after those great experiences up in Cairns it was time for me to leave; when I left the skies were actually blue, what's up with that?! It's ok Cairns, I'll visit you again some day. I went back to the city I love the most: Melbourne. Oh how I adore that city.. For so many reasons.
So I'm in New Zealand now! Just arrived yesterday, thought I was going to miss my flight, since the flight from Melbourne to Sydney got delayed and after I had arrived in Sydney I was standing in this very long line to check in my bags and then... I found out that I was at the domestic airport (kadoink), so with twenty minutes left before the check-in counter would close I quickly got in a cab (with the most cranky driver ever) and finally arrived at the international airport. Made my way to the check-in counter and then ofcourse.. I needed an itinerary to show when exactly I would be leaving New Zealand, but I hadn't printed out my Vietnamese itinerary yet! So with only ten minutes left, loads of stress and a huge, heavy backpack that I wasn't allowed to leave at the counter (''I'm so sorry... I know it's heavy...'' yeah right sir, whatever) I searched for a post office to get on the internet and print out that stupid itinerary. But folks, I made it: I'm good, all is good.
Honestly, I cannot remember being this happy. Ever.
''Haere mai ki Aotearoa!'' Welcome to New Zealand little Flo!
After paradise I headed further north to Airlie Beach, where I was planning to take a trip to the Whitsundays. I had eventually chosen for a two day trip on the Siska (back in the old days prince Charles had been on the same boat, yoohoo..) and I am glad that I had made that decision because the trip was fantastic, the crew was very enthusiastic and the whole group was just great! During the whole trip we were allowed to assist the crew members with the sailing and every now and then you were also allowed to take over the wheel (''I've got the power!''). While we were heading to our first destination (Whitehaven Beach) I saw my first dolphins! That was so exciting! And I absolutely loved sailing the ocean. The colour of the water changed each time the lighting changed, which made it look alive really: from darkish blue to turquoise to green and so forth. Beautiful. And with so much life underneath that surface you could actually call it alive. The Great Barrier Reef is a living creature, growing everyday. You can even see it from outer space (interesting fact haha)! And it's so gorgeous. We snorkeled the second day and man.. I loved it (I think I love about everything here in Australia, but ah well). It was so magical to see a whole other world under those clear, beautifully coloured waters. Entering the world of Nemo (I have found Nemo('s)!) you get to see coral in all kinds of shapes and sizes, hard and soft, some seemed to lit up like neon, others were purple and then you had these amazing fishes, some brightly coloured and they were swimming so close! Some were huge too, like ''Elvis'' haha and his five girlfriends. Yeah, that was awesome.
Anyway, our first destination - like I said - was Whitehaven Beach. Ha.. I thought I had seen paradise already, but appearantly more mesmerizing places were awaiting me. This was just another beach that could've come straight out of a dream. It's one of the world's best beaches and made of 99,89% Silica (fine Quartz) so I took the advantage to scrub my whole body and you could also wash your jewelries with that sand haha. And we practically had the whole beach to ourselves! It looked like a white desert, except it was surrounded by a clear blue, turquoise (sometimes green lined) ocean with islands in the background and little fishes swimming in the shallow parts of the waters. The world is so damn beautiful. When the sun was starting to set we anchored near Cook Island and when the night fell the stars were so incredibly bright I couldn't stop looking. I have never seen so many stars.. They seemed to multiply. So some of us slept on the deck, which was really cosy too haha. After a couple of hours it started pouring though, but sleeping inside wasn't too bad, felt like I was cradled in a baby crib.. After the trip we were extremely happy that we could take normal showers again (instead of thirty-second showers) and we had a nice afterparty and after-afterparty afterwards haha.
My next big destination was Cairns, but I first had a quick stopover at Mission Beach, where I stayed for a couple of nights. Very green and a large density of cassowaries in that area (unfortunately I hadn't spotted any). You could do some nice walks in Mission Beach, so I had taken strolls along the beaches and I did a very nice rainforest walk, but one of my faithful companions (Havaianas) did not survive the walk. I guess it was about time for them to let me go. Just glad it happened at the end of the walk and not in the middle of the rainforest! It was a great walk though; I did have reception up in the rainforest (I didn't have any signal in the hostel) which I found unusual since it felt like I was in a Jurassic Park scene trying to spot cassowaries. I didn't see any, but I think I heard one? I did see some big, beautiful butterflies, an iguana, lots of lizards and a big toad, haha. Great views too! After the rainforest I went to town and searched for new Havaianas like a tramp without shoes. I have black ones now, instead of white ones. Don't know why I'm actually mentioning this since you guys are probably not interested in my footwear whatsoever.
Anyway... While my feet were getting used to their new friends I strolled along one of the beaches. It must be beautiful and tropical-looking there on a bright, sunny day, but unfortunately it was raining a bit. The days always started off with sunshine though, so the next morning I went to the Wongaling Beach with its golden coloured sand.
So Cairns! Haha.. I found it pretty ironic that all the number plates up there said ''Queensland - Sunshine State''. Yeah right.. It was raining cats and dogs and there was a cyclone coming up! People on the radio saying that you should get under a table or get into your basement once it had come... Great. But I wasn't going to let this get me down; planned to go to the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation and I was going to take my first dive in the Great Barrier Reef!
On our way up to the Alexandra lookout point we were stopped several times because some huge rocks had fallen on the road (some trees as well). Ha, if one of those things would land on your car.. On our left we had lots of waterfalls and we had seen some great ones from a distance too (the wet season does provide us beautiful things after all, not only major floodings) and on our right you had the ocean. I enjoyed the busride, watching the cloudstripping scenario on those massive mountains; the trees seemed to drag the clouds towards the mountains. White fluffy pieces of the larger clouds above were resting on the green sponges like soft cotton. May sound weird, but it was a beautiful scenario and I don't know how else to describe it haha.
The oldest rainforest in the world.. The Daintree rainforest. Impressive how great the biodiversity is in that area. Some trees had another nine plant species growing on them. And all the shapes of those leaves, the sounds of all the life in the rainforest, the largeness of some of those plants.. Wow. ''Now doesn't that look real Jurassic Park to you?!'' the tourguide said. Oh heck yeah.. It did. It was even more Jurassic Park than the one I had visited in Mission Beach. We went on to the Daintree river where we spotted some baby crocs (the parents were hiding though), a few snakes and a freshwater dragon. And then Cape Tribulation Beach: ''where the rainforest meets the reef'' all the pamflets say. It wasn't as spectacular as it was supposed to be, but that was because of the weather conditions. No worries though, still enjoyed it since I love watching the ocean.
Oh and I went diving in the Great Barrier Reef (twice)! Isn't life just freaking amazing?! All that life under water is just so incredible.. I loved it, I absolutely loved it. Did a bit of snorkeling again too, although the current was quite strong.. It was so worth it though. I've seen my first turtle! And some squids and lots of other stuff. Held a sea cucumber which was quite funny haha. Man.. Can't believe I've done that. I cannot believe that I have been to the Great Barrier Reef.
And after those great experiences up in Cairns it was time for me to leave; when I left the skies were actually blue, what's up with that?! It's ok Cairns, I'll visit you again some day. I went back to the city I love the most: Melbourne. Oh how I adore that city.. For so many reasons.
So I'm in New Zealand now! Just arrived yesterday, thought I was going to miss my flight, since the flight from Melbourne to Sydney got delayed and after I had arrived in Sydney I was standing in this very long line to check in my bags and then... I found out that I was at the domestic airport (kadoink), so with twenty minutes left before the check-in counter would close I quickly got in a cab (with the most cranky driver ever) and finally arrived at the international airport. Made my way to the check-in counter and then ofcourse.. I needed an itinerary to show when exactly I would be leaving New Zealand, but I hadn't printed out my Vietnamese itinerary yet! So with only ten minutes left, loads of stress and a huge, heavy backpack that I wasn't allowed to leave at the counter (''I'm so sorry... I know it's heavy...'' yeah right sir, whatever) I searched for a post office to get on the internet and print out that stupid itinerary. But folks, I made it: I'm good, all is good.
Honestly, I cannot remember being this happy. Ever.
''Haere mai ki Aotearoa!'' Welcome to New Zealand little Flo!
Friday, March 16, 2012
First pictures of Australia are on Picasa!
Enjoy the pictures of Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road :)!
Lots of love,
Florencia
PS. Uploading photos takes a lot of energy..
Lots of love,
Florencia
PS. Uploading photos takes a lot of energy..
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Note
Sounds cliché, it actually really is, it really really is, but you should probably also know that I've fallen for someone here in Australia.
Yeah ha.. Haven't told you guys yet, but I just wanted to share that with you all.
Love,
Florencia
Yeah ha.. Haven't told you guys yet, but I just wanted to share that with you all.
Love,
Florencia
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