Peru 2011

February 9, Colca Valley, Peru

Early rise at 5.30 am, 6 am breakfast and in van at 6.30 for 2 hour ride up the valley.  The deepest valley in the world.  The mountains now covered in snow after all the rain yesterday, but turned out to be a nice sunny day.  The terrace work is amazing.  Half way up the mountain sides.  Some narrow some wide, depending on the the steepness of the the hill.

Took a 1 hour walk along the valley wall which is at an altitude of about 3900 meters..  Very nice.  The bottom of the valley was mostly covered in cloud, but the visibility was changing all the time.

Stopped at a look out and actually saw some Andean Condors sitting on a rock.  Apparently it is the nesting season.  Further up the valley there were about 7 or 8 condors soaring above the road!  They are huge!  3 meter wing span, riding the thermals created by the now sunny day!  There are about 48 condors in the valley and the population is slowing growing.  The young do not leave the nest until they are about 2 1/2 years old.

Gave some locals rides again as the bus service is not reliable.

To the local hot springs in evening, and the dinner and traditional dance show.

February 8, Colca Valley, Peru

Left city for the valley.  Stopped at about 4900 m for tea.  This was after stopping in the city at a market to stock up on products for the trip.  The products are all made from the coca leaf.  Yes the plant used to manufacture cocaine!  Well you can get just the leaf, cookies, hard candies, lollipops, coca sours (coca added to a Pisco Sour) and several kinds of toffee all made from coca!  They are supposed to help with altitude sickness!  Needless to say the store did a booming business!  Almost everyone on bus bought at least 2 types of 'product' and there were a couple of other buses stop while we were there.

The stop for tea was nice.  You can buy tea with a 'blend' of 3 things - mint, coca and chachacoma.  All natural of course!  Tasted not to bad, the mint was the strongest flavour!

A few stops along the way to see the other 'camel' type animal, the vicuna.  Related to the camel as are the llama and alpaca.  The vicuna has the finest wool of the 3 and goes for about $350 a kilo.

Stopped in Chivay for lunch.  Buffet, and as usual ate way too much!

Then to hotel.  By this time it is pouring rain, and we are supposed to have a hike!  Well hike cancelled but instead took a short walk to the town square, around the church yard and some back roads back to hotel.  Arrived soaking wet!  And cold.  

By time we got back the hotel had turned on the (very) small gas heaters in rooms.  Did not put out much heat.  Ended up in hotel lounge for happy hour, sitting around the fire.  Very nice.

Ate alpaca, a very popular meat.  Was very good.  It is a very fine grained meat and a pleasant taste.

Too bed early!  Again!

February 7, Arequipa, Peru

Bus was scheduled to depart at 10 pm but ended up being close to midnight!  

10 hours on the bus, but have to say quite comfortable.  Seats reclined a long way and still had a lot of leg room.

Arrived about 10 am and off to Hostal Solar!  Wow, what a great places.  Nice big clean rooms, with very nice sitting areas.

spent the rest of morning and early afternoon walking around the older part of the city.  All looks new and neat.  Most built since 1500 under Spanish.

Guide took us on a quick tour around the old part of the city.  Then headed for the monastery.  A huge place built in the 1500s and is still in use today.  There have been many reconstructions due to earthquakes but apparently the originality of the place has been retained.  The buildings were very nice to look at.  Very colourful with read geraniums.

Was surprised to find that the nun's rooms were as large as they were, and many had there own ovens and small kitchen.

Then just walked around the city.  Full of great doors and courtyards!

Early night!

February 6, on the overnight bus, Peru

Awake very early morning so sat by pool.  Very nice.  Just next door is a prickly pear cactus field.  This is used to attract the cochineal bug for its red dye.  Very lucrative crop. $400 per kilo for the powder.

Breakfast and then off to fly over Nasca Lines.  Amazing sight.  Many animals and human figures and also straight lines.  Look perfect from the air.  My pictures do not do them justice.  A few in plane were a bit green with all the tilting over the various marks. 

Then to Chauchilla Cemetery.  Here there are many tombs which were unfortunately robbed.  Some have been restored.  The people were buried in rooms underground, in the fetal position, facing east and with the items they would need in the next life.

Paracus 700 BC to 200 AD

Nasca about 300 BC to 700 AD

Chauchilla about 500 AD to 1200

Inca about 1300 AD to 1500

Spanish 1500 to 1821

Peru independence 1821

Also visited a pottery place that makes replica Nasca pottery.

Back to hotel for a rest, and happy hour!  Beers by pool while we waited for the late bus!

February 5, Nasca, Peru

Easy morning wandering around small fishing village.  Quiet and small.

Then into van.  Short drive to a Pisco distillery.  Interesting as they still crush the grapes with their feet, but have the feeling this is only done during the week long party they have during the harvest!  Pisco is an alcohol distilled from grapes.  

Tasted many of them, some good some not so good!  Pisco sours (Pisco, lime juice, and egg white blended with ice) have become the happy hour drink!

About another hour and a stop at an oasis, Huacalchina.  Here went dune bugging on some huge sand dunes!  Also got to try sand boarding.  Tried standing but spent most of my time on my ass.  I guess the snow boarding lesson of 6 years ago is lost!  And the 1 day on a board did not help.  Tried a couple of times on stomach,  much faster and a great ride!  As I was wearing sandals I did not have any brakes!  That was okay though, liked the speed!  Simple a board with velco straps and slightly up curved ends like a snow board.  A bit different but still fun, despite the sand getting everywhere!!!!!

Swim in pool after was great and made the 3 hour bus ride after more tolerable!

So flat!  With nothing growing and then green areas.  Water comes from wells.

Somewhere took wrong turn as crossed the Rio Grande river and were in Sacramento!

Stopped at the Nasca Lines tower along side of Pan American highway, just outside of Nasca. 

Short wander around Nazca, to the bank and to the grocery store.

Stayed in a hacienda type place, San Marcelo.  Very nice and very quiet!  Swimming pool as well.

February 4, Paracus, just outside of Pisco, Peru

Actually had a free morning so spent walking the streets around the hotel.  Just after lunch got a private bus to bus station to catch public bus.  At times standing room only.  Arrived at Pisco, then 30 minute to small fishing village of Paracus.  Very quiet place geared to fishing and tourists going to a nature preserve island just off the coast.  Had dinner and a Pisco Sour, which the area is famous.  The drive along coast on Pan American was very dry, maybe 2 mm rain each year.  

much sand and rocky mountains.  Most of the places there is no vegetation!  Not even weeds.  Found out later that there are 4 birds living on this type of land and some insects and lizards.  Not much but still interesting to look at!

Ecuador 2010

February 3, Quito to Lima, Peru

Last day in Quito.  Hired Marco again to take us to the Cloud forest.  Stopped first at the Pululahua crater.  An almost extinct volcano.  Some steam activity has started.  about 400 m down to the floor of a huge crater.  All farms on the floor around a mini volcano in the middle of the crater.  There is a trail that winds up the wall of the volcano.  Quite a climb.  When we arrived a man was standing waiting for a woman (his wife?) who was carrying the load!  Typical in Ecuador.

Marco showed us various plants used for different purposes, mostly for curing some aliment.  There is one that is a hallucinogenic.  Coco of some sort.  Small dark berries, that have a very bright red colour to them.

Then to a reserve that is on the edge of the cloud forest area.  The hummingbirds were every where.  32 different species in the area, and if you watched for about 2 hours, you would be able to see about 18 species.  Also many people come to so a Crested Questzal.  We saw about 4 but could not get a good picture.  

Then on way back stopped at an Equator museum.  Many demonstrations about the effects of the magnets pulls.  Water on the equator flows straight out.  In the south in a clock wise direction.  

Also some strength is lost while standing on the equator.  Also some interesting displays of tribal homes and customs, including a tribe that used to practice head shrinking.

Still done now, but on animals.

Back to airport for 8.40 pm departure to Lima.

February 2, Galapagos to Quito, Ecuador

Up at 4.30 am for a 5.30 am departure from the boat.  As the Dutch girl said, this is not really a holiday when you have to get up that early!

A mixture of travel modes today.  Zodiac, truck taxi, walk, large bus, and a passenger ferry and plane.

Off to the Charles Darwin Research Centre, on Santa Cruz Island.  This is the home of 'Lonesome George', the giant tortoise that is the last of his species.  He has 2 new resident females of a similar species in the hopes of offspring.  Wait and see as he lived with 2 others for 20 years and nothing.  Apparently not a compatible species.  

This centre also has a large breeding centre for the different types of tortoises.  Dome, saddleback and Flat.

Then on bus to ferry to cross to the Island of Balta to catch the plane back to Quito.  A bit on the chaotic side, but made the flight.

Did not do much back in Quito.  Had about 5 pounds of clothes washed at laundry down street for $1.  Can't do it that cheap at home!  Life is good!  Washed, dried and neatly folded!

Dinner at local restaurant.  Very nice fish in lemon sauce.

February 1, Galapagos, Ecuador

Awake, sort of, at 5 am!!!  Off for a walk on Puerto Egas, a black sand beach.

Amazing as during walk a flycatch kept landing on people.  Their shoulders, fingers and even checking out their reflection in camera lenses!

More iguanas, sea lions, and fur seals.  But saw a sea turtle from a view point but best part was snorkeling while one was grazing on the sea bed floor!  This island had a salt mine in the 1920s but the guy went bankrupt when salt on mainland was discovered.

Then motored to Rabida Island for about 3 hours.  Most of the time frigate birds were riding the air wave from the boat.  This is a red sand beach.  Did a short walk around part of the island.  Many cactus loaded with flower.  Then for the afternoon snorkel.  This beach has many of the same kind of fish but while out there a few dolphins went swimming by!!!  Not worried by us in the water.  Tried to catch but.......  not a chance!

January 31, Galapagos, Ecuador

Another early rise!  At Chinese Hat for walk

saw a 1 day old sea lion pup on walk, as well as frigate birds, crabs.  Interesting as crabs are black when young and as they age and spend more time in sun they become very colorful.

A walk along beach and there are many turtle tracks going up the beach to nest.

Snorkel in deep water that was very clear.  Many colourful fish, sting rays, sea urchins.  Even saw an octopus being chased by several other small fish!

Boat made way to Bartolome Island.  The snorkeling here was good but not as clear.  Spotted 3 or 4 sleeping sharks.  Did not wake them!

Motored again for about 6 hours!  The water was very rough and there were a few people turning a bit green.  Many did not go to bed until after 9, which has been late, as that is when we anchored.

January 30, Galapagos, Ecuador

Up at 6.30 am for pickup for the 3 hour flight from Quito to Galapagos.  Airport is on Balta, but the town site is Santa Cruz on a different island.

Lunch on boat, the Pelikano, and off to walk and snorkel at Los Bachus beach.  The walk was great.  Nice golden coloured sand with many turtle tracks to nesting areas.  Saw 3 flamingos is a brackish lagoon.  Also many iguanas and sea lions.  Took way too many pictures which I later deleted.  Also saw many more during the days to follow.

The snorkeling was good, but not that clear of water.  Many fish and the beach was fairly busy.

The first night on the boat!  Room is small with bunk beds!  I ended up on the top bunk, which was also much smaller than the lower bunk.  Not a lot of head room either, but it is a bed.

The evening was spent watching the pelicans and sharks feeding around the boat.  Surprisingly the pelicans would stay in the water with the sharks circling around.  Some of the sharks were at least 2 meters.  

Ecuador and Galapagos 2010

January 29, Quito, Ecuador

Booked a tour to Otavalo Market.  Apparently the largest remaining market in South America for native handicrafts. 

First stop was at small monument for the crossing of the Equator.  Interesting as there was a football field, including nets set up on the side street.

Then stopped at a biscuit shop.  The town is known for its biscuits.  There were still warm.  Dry but tasty.  Not sure how to describe.  Interesting that each small town has its claim to fame!  Greenhouses, orchids, dairy, biscuits and tequila!

Short stop at a farm.  The lane was very nice.  Long and tree lined, but with a mud bricked fence between each of the trees.

A nice little place with rooms for rent as well.  The place was started in mid 1500s.

Stopped for a drink at small shop along side of road and 3 ladies were bbqing 'rata', yes 'rata' is rat in Spanish.  At first a bit gross thinking about it, but actually did not smell too bad!  Skinned and gutted and put on a stick.  According to Marco the guide/driver these rats are caught in the wild  and the country rats are better tasting as they eat better, grasses and what ever else they eat!  Still did not try.  Marco like to eat rat!

The road, the Pan American highway, to the market is along and through many deep valleys.  Very green with hundreds of greenhouses along the way. 

The market was huge as it is Saturday.  A large square and many of the side streets with stalls.  Much beautiful items, mostly wool products, sheep, alpaca the most popular.  

Then visited a leather town.  Here many shops with all kinds of leather.  Was in one shop and tried on 1 jacket.  Ended up trying many!  Nice jackets for about $120.

The market is about 2 hours north of Quito.

January 28, Quito, Ecuador

Off to explore the old city!

Walked by The Casa de la Cultura after walking through a university.  Very nice with much building going on.  Turns out, Marco's kids go to this university.  Private, about $800 per month per person!

Went La Basilica built about 1890 of concrete and brick in the gothic style.  Great as was able to take this narrow, loose wooden walk way throught the attic above the main part of the church.  This lead to one of the towers where you could climb to the top.  Great views!  Added bonus was kids painted gothic enjoying some wine at the top!

Then to Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus.  A church that is done completely in gold leaf!  Quite nice.  But looks like there had been a fire.

Wandered into a market.  Seemed to be the metal bashing place.  Black smiths everywhere making metal gates.  Have not seen many of them for ages.  Marco the guide later told us that is the market where you can buy anything!  Most of the items stolen!  Which does explain why there seemed to be so many

Visited the grand plaza which is surrounded by the Government buildings, Municipal buildings and a hotel.  A very nice plaza with lots of people around.  Including the demonstration about something.  Never did figure it out.

Visited Sanfrancisco church as well.  Built in 1530s it is the oldest church in the city.  Pouring rain when left so caught a taxi to hotel.  $4 for 20 minute ride.

Had dinner at hotel where we got a free drink. A green warm drink made from the naracicha flower  (?).  Quite good.  I think the name is Carne lasa which does not make sense as carne is beef in Spanish.

The waiter learned our names and he did not forget.  Called me by name the morning after returning from Galapagos.

January 27, Quito, Ecuador

Got a little bit of sleep.  Up for coffee and a relax in the very nice court yard.  The guest house that took me in was very nice.  Small and quiet.

The woman at the front desk called GAP and got things straightened out, including a van pick up to take me back to the hotel I went to originally last night.  

Checked into hotel and went off for a walk.  Quito is at about 2800 meters.  Surprisingly you can feel the difference.  Always seem to be trying to catch breath.  Not bad but have to be careful as occassionaly when walk a bit too fast I did feel light headed.  Quito is surrounded by mountains which always had clouds rolling over them.  Very pretty.

Watched 3 on 3 volleyball type game in one park.  Many people watching.  Different slightly as the net was much higher than volleyball.  Interesting as it seems most Ecuadorians are shorter than I am, so they have higher to jump.  But this game does not seem to have the spiking!  Maybe the net height is the reason!

Wandered around the area for a couple of hours, but was so tired went back to hotel for a nap.  Took it easy for the rest of the day.

Jayne arrived later that night, talked a bit.

January 24 to January 26, Somewhere over Pacific

Got taken out for dinner at local pub by friends and given a new hoodie!  A hint that good riddance and stay away?  Not sure!  But still very nice of them!

Up extra early to catch plane to Sydney.  Just over an hours flight.  

On plane to Santiago with stop in Auckland.  Just short of 3 hours to Auckland and then almost 11 hours to Santiago.

Crossed the Date line, so repeating the 26.  Interesting to leave in early morning, arrive in New Zealand late in afternoon, and then see the see come up not too long later.

Arrived in Santiago about noon, and had a 3 hour wait for next flight to Quito, Ecuador.

6 hour flight to Quito.  Arrived about 9 pm.  Off to hotel, no reservation! And voucher had different hotel name, so in taxi to that place.  No reservation here either.  Too tired to do anything, so had a beer and off to bed!

Australia 2010

January 22 to 23, Melbourne, Australia

Out at people's house in the suburbs.  Great seeing the people again.  Great to have a nice swim and a few drinks around the pool. 

Received an official Australian hat to wear as gift!

Went to the local jazz festival for a bit, but very quiet, too early as they were just setting up.  Interesting that the wine places had set up but not the food ones!

January 20 to 21, Melbourne, Australia

Not doing much but exploring more of the city area.  Finally received my passport and visa!  Only 3 days late!

January 19, Melbourne, Australia

Off to the Australian Open today.  Great day.  Saw 2 good matches.  Watched a Canadian, Marino, play against a top seeded Italian.  She did not start off great but improved as the match continued and the Canadian put in a very strong performance.  

January 18, Melbourne, Australia

Still in Australia!  Passport/visa did not arrive from Brazil!

Spent the day wandering through parks.  Went to Fitzroy Gardens and the Captain Cook's Cottage.  Small place, 2 levels, and very similar to other places.

Gardens/park was very nice.  Great to have some sun out, after the wind and rain on the Gold Coast.  Queensland still getting lots of rain.

Then walked to Botanical Gardens.  Had to walk by the tennis centre where the Australian Open has started.  Good views. 

Botanical Gardens are huge and very nice.

January 17, Melbourne, Australia

Spent most of the day on phone changing flights as visa for Brazil did not arrive.  Very disappointed as now not going to Tahiti or Easter Island.

January 15 to 16, Melbourne, Australia

Spent 1 1/2 hours sitting in plane while they sorted out a baggage problem.  Not nice, but at least got a free coffee (instant!) out of it!

Arrived back in Melbourne, and off to bbq.  A farewell, sort of, as not sure if going to get away!

Great time.

Then off to Williamstown for a Ghost walk through the old parts of the city.  Great, no ghosts, but did see many older houses and heard some stories about some of the buildings.  3 hours later and no ghosts sighted, the tour finished.  

January 12 to 14, Coraki, Australia

Caught the bus to Ballina.  Wouldn't you know it, the day I leave the weather is beautiful.  Sun shining and the wind not blowing as hard!

Could not leave the TV as it was showing the floods in Brisbane.

Friend met me at the bus stop, actually a shelter on the street.

Next day went for a drive.  Visited Evans Head, Byron Bay, Lismore, Bangalow,.

Next day met up with another woman from Iceland trip.  She met us half way from Tenterfield.  We me half way in Tabulam.  Small country town, 1 store, 1 cafe, 1 pub!

Spent the time having coffee under a tree and catching up on trips and travel.  Looked at photos of Vietnam as they are planning a trip and also reminiscing about Iceland!

Australia 2010

January 10 to 11, Gold Coast, Australia

Booked a tour to the Australia Zoo, the Steve Irwin zoo, the by Crikey guy!  On the bus and the driver was trying to find out if the road was open.  In the middle of the worst flooding in decades!  Turns out the road is open but the Zoo received 130 mm of rain the night before and is flooded.  They have closed for 2 days!  Instead went for a walk.  Got wet and dried off about 3 times!  Amazing.  Fairly   bright out but shower going through.  The wind has not stopped since I arrived.  Funny as you can stand out of the wind and not get wet!  Rain 'falling' horizontal!!!!!   Not the best weather for a beach resort!  But sure it is very nice when weather is good!

Not much to say as I have not been doing much.

January 7 to 9, Gold Coast, Australia

Flew to Gold Coast, only 2 hours flying.  Flew with Jetstar!  Talk about chaos in the airport!  Huge line ups, made worse by them calling people in line to the head of the line as their flights were closer!  Needs a lot of work.  But made it.

Only a 2 hour flight.  and then a 30 minute bus ride.  Weather is cloudy with sunny breaks, and showers rolling through.  But warm even with the strong winds.

Beach is amazing.  Huge, it runs for miles and the sand is very fine.

The area has many high rise apartments and hotels and way too much shopping for my liking, but oh well.

Have done lots of walking along the beach.  Interesting to see life savers along the beach.  In some places there are lots of people and in others very few.  There is so much beach.

January 6, Melbourne, Australia

Very lazy and have not been doing much.  Went over to friends place for a swim and over night.  Then they took me to Monsalvat, an artist's community in the suburbs.  Great location and the buildings, although only built in 1930s, looked very old.  Nice to just wander around.  A few pieces of art on display but no artists working.  

January 5, Melbourne, Australia

Had a great night as I went to a couple's place that were on the Iceland tour!  Was so nice to see them and hear about their trip through Scandinavia after they left Iceland.

December 31, Melbourne, Australia  Happy New year to all!

A couple of friends and I did the 'Edge' today!  This is on the 88th floor of new building.  It is a elevator type room that slides out from the side of the building.  Then after some sound effects of moaning and groaning, the glass clears and you can look straight down through the floor to the street below.  The views are great as was a super day for looking around the city, 360 degrees.

Then off to a New Years Eve Party.  Great time but home early at about 1.30 am

December 30, Melbourne, Australia

Did a day tour with friends to Cape Liptrap.  Great as sun shining and not too cool.  Had a great lunch in pub close to beach and then off to point.  Saw a lighthouse and an echidna along side of road.  Nice to get out into the country.

December 25, Melbourne, Australia

Merry Christmas.  Great day, weather was warm and spent the day with friends family.  About 20 people including 4 younger ones.  Ate way too much, of course, and Santa Claus even found me!  Received some great gifts from friends, even one from friends from home!

December 17 to 24, Melbourne, Australia

Just taking it easy

December 16, Canberra, Australia

Went to the Canberra Glassworks this morning.  This is an artist site in the old steam power generating station.  The glassworkers rent out the space to work.  The initially blow the glass but then work the glass with paddles to shape the designs.  Amazing what they do with glass that is glowing red hot.

Caught the bus to the Australian Mint.  This is the facility that makes all the Australian coins as well as coins for other countries.  Much of the plant is automated with robots.  They even had an 2010 Vancouver Olympic hockey puck with a lucky loonie on display.  

Had lunch in a quiet park in the city.  Seemed to be lots of Xmas parties going on.  Interesting to see people drinking in a public park!

People here are so polite.  Every time you get on the bus you get a 'good morning' or a couple of time a 'g'day' and everyone thanks the driver when they get off.  

December 15, Canberra, Australia

Up early and off to Australian Institute of Sport.  This is a 30 year old facility.  Built after a poor Olympic performance at Montreal in 1976.  Very hi tech training equipment is used.  All athletes are on scholarship.  Covers the common Olympic sports but also unusual ones like motorbike racing.  Very interesting.  The pool has underwater viewing areas as well as moving underwater cameras.

Then off to Parliament Hill for another tour.  Amazing building.  A lot of Australian woods used as well as European marble.  The Flag pole is huge and is directly over the centre of the building.  The view from the roof, under the flag pole is great.  There is a direct line to the War Memorial and the hill behind the Memorial.

Went into the House of Representatives and the Senate House.  Senators in Australia are elected.  Also sat in on a Senate Enquiry into the changing of bank mortgage fees.  Interesting as the bankers were there arguing about competition.  Could not make out the connection other than they will loose huge revenues if law changes.  3 Senators and 6 bankers and no one in the gallery.  But this has been going on for a while.

Then headed to the Old Parliament.  The old building is from 1923, but the redecorating is definitely mostly 60s and 70s.  Which makes sense as the new building was opened in 1988.

December 14, Canberra, Australia

tour of War Memorial

Walking tour of ANZAC parade, several sculptures dedicated to various war veterans.  All very interesting.

This is the street that runs between the War Memorial and Parliament Hill.

Headed off to the National Museum.  But only had about 1 hour to go through it.  Bit of a rush but not too bad.  Many exhibits about the history of Australia.  

There was a special Captain Cook exhibit.  That was interesting covering his travels in the area.  Also had some of his navigating tools on display.

There was also a huge exhibit of Aboriginal art work with the theme of the Canning Stock route.  This was a cattle drive route in Western Australia that ran 1000s of miles through Aboriginal lands.

December 13, Canberra, Australia

Up fairly early and off to embassy to apply for visa.  Walked!  Only took about an hour but then had to walk another hour to get money order to pay for visa ($119).  About half the price of the US visas but more than the Australian visas.

Amazing as even in morning the roads are not busy.  Not a lot of traffic.  Streets are great.  Big wide multi lane with huge medians which are grassed and treed.  Very nice.

Then walked into the city and to the tourist information.  Another 1 1/2 hour walk.  Got into a new hotel,  but fairly expensive at $139 but not much else around and this was the cheapest.  Government city causes this I am told.

Caught the bus back to other hotel to pick up my bag which made life easier, and then spent a hour down by the pool.  Very nice.  Sunny all day today which was great after all the rain the last few days.  Not hot but still sunny, about mid 20s.

Australia 2010

December 13, Canberra, Australia

Up fairly early and off to embassy to apply for visa.  Walked!  Only took about an hour but then had to walk another hour to get money order to pay for visa ($119).  About half the price of the US visas but more than the Australian visas.

Amazing as even in morning the roads are not busy.  Not a lot of traffic.  Streets are great.  Big wide multi lane with huge medians which are grassed and treed.  Very nice.

Then walked into the city and to the tourist information.  Another 1 1/2 hour walk.  Got into a new hotel,  but fairly expensive at $139 but not much else around and this was the cheapest.  Government city causes this I am told.

Caught the bus back to other hotel to pick up my bag which made life easier, and then spent a hour down by the pool.  Very nice.  Sunny all day today which was great after all the rain the last few days.  Not hot but still sunny, about mid 20s.

December 12, Canberra, Australia

Spent the day with friends in Lilydale.  Actually did more shopping in morning and then just sat in back yard talking.

Got a ride to airport in evening after a great dinner.  Roast chicken.  

Plane to Canberra is only about 1 hour.  

Talked to the guy sitting next to me most of the trip.  He had been to an ultimate frisbee tournament for the weekend and was on his way home.  He was from North Queensland.

In the end he gave me a ride to my hotel.  Great hospitality!  His comments was that it would come around to him, and he is so right!

Was late.

December 9 to 11, Lilydale (suburb of Melbourne), Australia

Visiting friends.  Great area which is really almost country!  The city is about 1 hours drive from city centre and there are many gum trees and bush in the area.

Spent one afternoon walking around the local lake.  Man made but has some great park and picnic areas.

Went to birthday party one night.  Great fun.  Hilarious as I get so many comments about my name!  Not hearing any new ones but still interesting.

Great time just catching up with friends.

I have not seen the 'kids' for 20 years, and at 26, 24 and 32 now, they have changed a lot.  Great kids.

December 7 & 8, Melbourne, Australia

Staying with friends that live in the south part of the city.  Great as access to city is nice here.

Took the tram down to my old shopping area.  Many changes have gone on here.  Many new cafes along the street and many have been dressed up and are very trendy looking.  Good changes having said that.  Surprised to see that Luna Park, an amusement park still is around.  Walked back to house along the beach.  So nice.  Great beach area that runs all along the city.

December 5 & 6, Melbourne, Australia

Slept in this morning until about 7.30 am!  Too many late nights I guess.

Lazy coffee morning.  Then out to yard to do some weeding.  

Then watching the golf and cricket!  The cricket not going so well so not on the tv as much!  England up a lot!

Actually attended my first Xmas dinner!  Was lucky enough to tag along with friends.

December 4, Melbourne, Australia

Another leisurely coffee and then off to the city.

Stopped at the Queen Victoria Market.  This has changed.  Now many of the stalls are souvenir type things and not as much day to day living need things.

Then walked into the city and toward the Docklands area.  This is a completely redeveloped area.  This areas was used as the docking area for the Volvo race lay over.  Very nice area with shops, apartments, bake shops, and coffee shops.  But not many people are around as most of the stores have not opened yet.

Caught the tram to South Melbourne to meet up with the girls.

Then off to a dance recital of M's 8 year old daughter.  The show was about 2 1/2 hours, and not too bad.  They were very good about making the change to the next performance.  A huge improvement I was told.  The theatre was a great place for a small community theatre.  The whole family was there and the younger ones where good about watching.

Back to the house for pizza.

Headed back to South Melbourne and R was in the house waiting.  Or should I say keeping the cat company!

R gave me a ride back to N's.

The house in South Melbourne, 3 girls and a male cat.  3 people that I did not think that would ever get an animal, but have adopted a cat.  Well the cat now rules the house and everything gets done for the cat.  They talk more to the cat than each other!

Concert

December 3, Melbourne, Australia

So nice to be having coffee with N again.  Of course, catching up with everyone's lives and what has been going on over the years.

Then off to catch up with JC.  Not sure why but going shopping with her and M.  But I did not realize the 2 youngest boys were going as well.  But turned out ok, the boys where good.  4 and 2 years old.  After hours of shopping, finally got some lunch, and then off to another store!  Bit more than what I was expecting.

Had a BBQ at friends of the girls out in Eltham.  Took a bit to get there as the traffic was bad, but at least we were still moving.  Took about 1 hour.  

Arrived and got into the beers.  Beer at the store can be on sale so have to watch. $29 for 24 of Corona!  Regular is $49 (Canadian and Australian $ as close to the same)

Great BBQ and good to see them again, although I do not remember meeting as was 20 years ago!  We talked a bit about the New Years Eve party held in JW's parking lot under a tent!  Met a lot of people then and now meeting some of them again, but I do not remember.

Got back to N's fairly late.  Another late one!

Forgot how these guys are always on the go!

December 2, Melbourne, Australia

Arrived at about 7.30 am.  Got some sleep but not a lot.  JW picked me up and off to see her Mom.  Great to see them.  They have not changed a bit!  Short visit and then off to South Melbourne as she had to get to work.  While she did that I took a walk along the banks or The South Yarra.  This whole area has been developed with high rises, conference centers, casino and apartment buildings.  20 years ago there were mostly warehouses, so it is a very nice change.  They have gone very 'artsy' with sculptures everywhere and very modern buildings.  Caught up with JC and P.  None of them have changed a bit!

After lunch took a quick walk into the city.  Walked along Bourke street which is where the office was.  This street has not changed much at all.  The Myers windows are still done up with the theme this year as the Nutcracker.

Caught up with JC and P.  None of them have changed a bit!  

December 1, Melbourne, Australia

In the air, on the ground, on the way to Melbourne, Australia

Up early, but I guess to early as I woke up the guys in the lobby!  HIlarious, they were sleeping on cots behind the desk and on the floor in the breakfast area!  And the motorbikes were parked in the breakfast area as well.  It was only 6 am

Took 1 hour to get to airport, and then entered into total chaos.  Hanoi airport is really small and yet seemed very busy.  A lot of people around.

Short flight to Hong Kong, only 1 hour 20 minutes, but then had a 6 hour wait for flight to Melbourne.  While taxiing in there was a A380 parked.  It is huge and dwarfed all other planes.

Time went by fast as this is a shopping mecca!  Every name brand you can imagine.  I just looked.  Had a coke and that cost HK$56 or $8.  Ouch, and I was complaining about anything close to $1!!!!!

Airport is huge and the bonus is free wifi!   Caught up on some emails.

Only an 8 1/2 hour flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne, no stops.  Cathay Pacific has great service, lots of good food and FREE beers!  Nice, so that makes the cheapest beers so far!