Photos

Just a quick note to share more photos. This album has the end of Indonesia and KL and Melaka in Malaysia:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=319295&id=223409605&l=5b7d05bcac

Also, if you want to look at Simon's Singapore photos you can too, at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=318779&id=223406963&l=2addc30ee4


Speak soon...

Indonesia

We arrived in Bali late on the 6th and stayed near Kuta for the next few nights. It was quite a shock to go from the clean, modern streets of Singapore to the crowded and noisy roads of Kuta. Simon and I couldn't walk two steps without a taxi hooting for our attention or someone trying to sell us something. We then decided to hop on a bus and head to Ubud, 'Bali's cultural hub'. It was absolutely fantastic. We stayed in this gem just outside town, which was surrounded by beautiful rice paddies and was also just on the edge of Monkey Forest.



I'm so glad we did stay there because at breakfast we got our own monkey show. In what felt like moments the dining area was invaded with monkeys stealing bread from our tables. One baby monkey even hissed at Simon!



Whilst in Ubud we went to the local market and tried out our haggling skills. I really got into it. We did the whole shocked face at their original asking price and the old pretend to walk away tactic. I won some and lost some, but its just fun to be in the game : p



We've also done a bike tour which will definitely be one of my highlights of Indonesia. First we had breakfast over looking Mount Agung, then visited a coffee plantation and then set off on our bikes for a 10k ride around the gorgeous island. There really is so much natural beauty in Bali. We stopped off at a traditional Indonesian home called a compound where lots of relatives all live together. It really was an eye-opener to see how some Balinese people live. Simple things like a fridge, which I have taken for granted, were nonexistent. Instead there was a dark cupboard with the rice and meat inside. Hygiene was clearly not too much of a concern because their food was covered in flies and I even saw a little lizard rocking about in there too... I loved our tour guide, Katuk. He came out with some really interesting facts and also some interesting old wives tales, which he did try his hardest to pass off as fact. For instance he said to me that women should never eat pineapple because it causes abortions, oh and ginger tea will make girls too masculine. Oh Katuk.



Simon and I decided to make our way to Java, so we got on another bus and headed to the port to catch a ferry. After 11 hours traveling we arrived at Yoschi's Cabin near Mount Bromo. The next morning we woke up at 3am to make it to Gunung Penanjakan viewing point, to watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo. It was definately worth the effort to get to. As soon as the sun was out, we then drove over the 'sea of sand' to get near to the peak of Mount Bromo's crater, where we continued by foot. It was amazing to be able to climb up the crater and see the heart of the volcano still smoking.



Another 13 hours in a bus and we have now arrived in Yogyakarta. I can definitely tell it is one of the most sophisticated places in Indonesia, but I feel it lacks the true Indonesian spirit and culture. It tries too hard to cater to tourists, unfortunately losing some of its spark whilst doing so.

I am now really looking forward to me and Simon exploring Kuala Lumpur.

See more photos at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=317291&id=223409605&l=47a18f3910

Singapore

We have now reached the end of our first stop. Singapore has been an excellent ease into South East Asian culture but can't believe it has come to an end so quickly. My cousin Leo had kindly let Si and I stay at his house. Leo had to go on his own trip abroad pretty soon after we arrived but it was really fantastic to have seen him. Leo and his lovely girlfriend, Jeanette where really helpful with tips on where we should go.

Here's a quick update on what we've been doing:
First night we went for a delicious meal with Leo and Jeanette in one of Singapore's many malls. Second day we headed out early and walked into Chinatown followed by Clarke Quay. In the evening we walked around the business district to Boat Quay and then dinner in Lau Pa Sat out door food court.

Third day we headed to much more modest parts of Singapore; Arab street and then to the Indian quarter. It gave us a brief break from looking up to see all the tall skyscrapers. Afterward we made our way to the river which I really love at night.

Yesterday we went to the 71st floor at the Swiss Hotel for a drink in Bar Asia. The views were breathtaking. Next stop was a sneaky peak into Singapore's famous Raffles hotel where the Singapore Sling was invented. Later that night we made our way to the Espanade to see the theatre which had a fun atmosphere and live music. From there we caught a river boat which was beautiful and definitely worth doing.

We are about to say goodbye to Leo's beautiful home and head off to the airport. Next stop Indonesia.

The Journey Begins...

Only a few days ago Simon and I set off on our travels. We've been planning this trip for such a long time, so when the day finally arrived I felt excited but also a tad nervous. Whilst running around like a headless chicken trying to get all my last minute preparation done and furiously stuffing my backpack, I realised all the time I've spent reading, researching and imagining was about to become a reality...

So let me start off with telling you about our journey. We will be gone for roughly four months and in that time we will cover parts of South East Asia, parts of Australia, New Zealand and finish in New York. During this time I'll keep you updated with what we're up to.

Our itinerary:
1st March set off,
2nd March to Singapore,
6th March to Indonesia,
17th March to Malaysia,
29th March to Vietnam,
We plan to travel down Vietnam, into Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
30th April we leave for Australia,
24th May to New Zealand,
24th June to New York,
29th June we fly back home!!

I'll update you soon on our adventures in Singapore!