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    Submerged Crocodile

    10 Mac 2025, Belize ⛅ 28 °C

    We have booked another trip today as we move on tomorrow and when the taxi driver picks us up we get chatting about the upcoming elections. At the moment they have no prime ministers in charge but the old one is rerunning and his opposition is Shyne- the rapper - who has promised to get Belize out of the third world status it's in. We soon arrive at the landing area and in total there are 7 of us on the boat. Our lady captain is brilliant and the hour long trip allows us to see multiple birds iIncluding a jabiru stork and a couple of crocodiles. The wildlife here is amazing I'm just sad I never bought my good camera but then again I'm just enjoying the moment. As we travel along the river Brenda tells us about the mennonites.Mennonites from the Noah Hoover group in Upper Barton Creek and daughter settlements are extremely restrictive concerning the use of motors and electricity, that is, both motors and electricity are forbidden in the settlement by the members of the group. Their clothing is very similar to the Old Order Amish, and men wear beards like the Amish. Therefore, they are often perceived as Amish and called Amish, even though this is not the case. We arrive at the Lamanai Maya ruins.The Maya ruins of Lamanai once belonged to a sizable Maya city in the Orange Walk District of Belize. "Lamanai" comes from the Maya term for "submerged crocodile", a nod to the toothy reptiles who live along the banks of the New River. Lamanai. There is evidence on Maya life that dates from about 1500 B.C. At the site are structures that date from AD 625: The jaguar temple named for its boxy jaguar decoration; the mask temple adorned by a 13-foot stone mask of an ancient Maya king; and the high temple. In front of the mask temple is a single ball court, where an offering had been placed under its giant central marker. A lidded bowl contained 100 g of crystalline hematite, 19 g of cinnabar in a miniature vessel, and other objects such as jade, shell, and pearl, all atop of a pool of mercury. It is said that the games went on for days and at the end the winner was sacrificed. Winner winner tonights dinner. Archeologists first came to the site in 1974 and began their work. A lot of the ruins have been covered with replicas (mask on the temple) because as much as you tell tourists not to touch they always will. It's a 1 hour journey back down the new river to home. Rain is forecast tonight so we head out for dinner early only to find that most of the town is closed as there is a holiday today. We eventually find a Chinese restaurant and head home for an early night as tomorrow we head to the islands.Baca lagi

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    Crossing the border

    9 Mac 2025, Mexico ☀️ 27 °C

    We wake early as we are catching a 7 o'clock bus to Belize. At 3am this morning then room next door was still partying until Bobby banged on the wall. We're already packed so just head to the pick up point which is just across the square. The bus is quite full but because we're leaving early hopefully the border won't be too busy. Bobby manages to grab a coffee each and we board the bus. Our first stop is the transport office in Chetumal where we fill in our immigration forms and board another bus. . There's hardly anyone at the border but when I go into the mexican immigration they tell me I need to pay the exit tax. When I booked the bus yesterday Kassandra said I wouldn't need to as it was included in my flight, but immigration say different. They send me to the back of the queue while she calls her boss. When I get to the front of the queue I go into the office and once again show my passport and flight details. After a lot of toing and froing I stick on and they stamp my passport and say this time only. That's just saved me £40. It's always complicated at borders and I was so close to just saying ok I'll pay it but glad I stood my ground. We drive a little further into a quarantine zone where the bus is sprayed down and we travel to the Belize immigration. Once again we're lucky as there is hardly anyone there but they are very strict here and seem in no hurry. Don't they realise I fly home in 8 days. As I exit there is a guy exchanging mexican for Belize, so I exchange £50 so I at least have a little cash. It takes a good hour for the 10 people to get through but eventually we are back on the bus. We've bought a multi stop ticket and our first stop is orange walk which is a short one hour drive. We've booked in at a private room but I'm quite shocked at how rough it is here. We arrive at Rickys at 1030 and he lets us check in straight away. We enquire about the tour that we want to do but it starts at 8am so we book it for tomorrow. We drop our bags and walk through town to find food. Everything is closed but we walk down to the river and find this oasis. The birds here are amazing. Stalks as big as eagles sweep across the fish laden river. We spend a few hours here as it's ridiculously hot and the river breeze is so cooling. An afternoon siesta is needed. In the evening we try the other end of town to get a bite to eat and wander for over half an hour until a guy pulls up on a Harley and asks if he can help. He points us to the food court and after beer and pizza head back to the hotel to get an early night.Baca lagi

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    Festival day

    8 Mac 2025, Mexico ☀️ 32 °C

    I wake at 5am and we've decided to get up early to go and catch the sunrise.As we walk through the square the noise of the birds and bats is incredible. I'm quite surprised at how many people are actually down here. We can't even get a view so very shortly after we walk back towards the hotel. There is no coffee shop open until 8:00 a.m. but as we walk down the street a guy is preparing to open I ask him is it possible for two coffees and he gladly agrees. I'm so glad as I barely slept last night and got a little bit burnt on the boat yesterday so I'm in desperate need for a pick me up. One coffee turns into 2 and we share a sandwich because they are so big. We don't really have any plans today as we we're going to leave last night but opted to stay for the festival that stars this afternoon. So much preparation is going into it as stands tables and stages are erected in the town square. It is so hot today I feel absolutely drained and head back to the hotel to watch the football. It's on at 10am so nowhere is open to watch it so I stream it and watch it on my phone. We have a lunch of sushi on the square but I'm really struggling to eat in the heat. I'll be ok in a day ot two when I acclimatise to the heat.We take a little siesta before going to explore the festival. I wanted to stay another day because I enjoy music but it's actually a gastronomical festival with food in abundance and with my eating not being great has been a bit of a waste of time. After a little shopping around we book our bus to Belize before having a few drinks before bed.Baca lagi

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    Stranded at sea

    7 Mac 2025, Mexico ⛅ 23 °C

    Even though I've only had a few hours sleep we wake early and after a good coffee I agree with Bobby to do a boat trip today. It's a 5 hour boat that takes us down the coast and deep into the mangroves. The boat leaves at 11 so we have a little time to explore the town before we board the boat. There is a stage put up in town and lots of police but noone seems to know what it is for. We walk back to
    The hotel and pack a bag and wait to be picked up. We then receive a message to say that we have to go to the place it was booked from which is only round the corner from where we are staying so we take a short bimble over and set off to pick up a few more people. At the harbour we sit for nearly an hour and whilst we're waiting a big iguana comes to take a look.We join the boat and leave the harbour just after one and our first stop is just out of the bay . There's quite a few boats here and the water is only waist deep but so beautiful and clear with sporadic mangroves dotted around and the clearly signposted crocodile signs doesn't seem to be putting anyone off. We cruise through the mangroves stopping for a fruit lunch and drinking multiple beers and cocktails, eventually coming to rest on the border where it's not possible to take the boat but a few of the guys off the boat wander through but I stay on the boat and just chill. We make our way to another spot for our last dip of the day. Just as we're leaving the last place I say to Bobby that something doesn't sound right and we come to an abrupt stop , it's quite funny as Bobby moaning about going home early but now we've run out of fuel we,are not going anywhere. The tequila bottle once again gets hit and we become the party boat we were all glad we weren't on. While we sit there there are eagles and a pink roseante spoonbill fly's by aIso an Extra bonus as we get the sunset at sea. Over an hour later the fuel boat turns up and we are back on dry land before we know it. We take a quick shower and head for dinner and discuss what we are going to do. We were planning to head straight for Belize tomorrow but there are preparations happening in the square and tomorrow and Sunday they have a festival here. Choice is made. One more night in Bacalar.    Baca lagi

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    Hondere hondere

    6 Mac 2025, England 🌙 4 °C

    The journey starts with a train from Liverpool to the airport, ideally I'd fly out of Liverpool but the return flights to Cancun are only £300. We board the plane on time and an announcement comes over the tannoy for a Ivor viking, I think they are having a laugh but that is his real name.The flight arrives slightly early but once in Mexico that's where it stops. I find my way to bus stand 69 where I catch a bus to downtown Cancun but on the way the traffic is crazy and I just about make my connection but honestly without being able to ask directions in Spanish I would never have made. 20 mins into the journey we come to a standstill and I'm stuck for over an hour and when we get to the place where the crash is there are more than 10 cars and wagons and at least 5 of them are a total write off. Eventually past the buses first stop is playa de Carmen, where I decide to try and jump off and have a ciggies but as I go round the back of the bus to avoid attention I can hear a whistle being blown repeatedly and when I turn round it's me they're blowing at "no fumar"no smoking 😂 back on the bus it is but as tired as I am I just can't sleep. The last three hours of the journey really drag but as I get off the bus Bobby is waiting. I'm really glad as there is hardly anyone about and it's a 20min walk to the hotel and not a taxi in sight. As soon as I get in I literally get straight into bed while Bobby has a beer in the room and I'm away with the fairies in minutes.Baca lagi

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    Wasaga beach

    1 Ogos 2024, Kanada ☁️ 23 °C

    Today is bin day and in Canada they are very strict with regards to the recycling any black bin bags normal rubbish you have to pay $5 to be taken away but all recycling is free. The crazy part is the same bin driver seems to pick one lot of rubbish off drive off dump it and come back and pick up the other loads of rubbish it's literally just one guy and his wagon but he must drive around the block about 40 times it's a bit like groundhog Day. After speaking with the neighbour Bill he's advised me I really should see the museum so today I plan to go with Kirsten to wasaga beach and then potentially spend an hour in the museum on my return before catching the bus.
    Wasaga Beach has long been hailed as one of the premier tourist destinations in the world and Wasaga Beach has long been hailed as one of the premier tourist destinations in the world and home to the World's Longest Freshwater Beach. Our white sandy shoreline stretches across South Georgian Bay and includes panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere. The white sandy shoreline stretches across South Georgian Bay and includes panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere. We spend a good hour at the beach and I enjoy my last little swim in the lake we make our way back and stop at an ice cream parlour where I indulge in two flavours. Back at the house I finished my packing and make sure everything is tidied away before locking the door one final time. I bid my goodbyes to Bill and the girls have kind of come to help me with my cases. They've even brought me a present honestly the cutest kindest s people you'll meet. I leave with a heavy heart my stay here has way out lived what I expected and Meaford certainly has a piece of my heart. I arrive back in Toronto with a crush. My only saving grace is Satie has invited me over for a glass of wine on my arrival and I head straight there and the happily surprised that she's put on a few nibbles cheeses cured meat s and fruit and even orders me an Uber to get me home. I check and easily and I'm pleasantly surprised that the apartment it's a penthouse just a bit further in from the waterfront but with amazing views of the city and about me that you wouldn't want to jump off. Opposite is another condo and it reminds me a bit of squid games you will see what I mean when I post the photo anyway I'm going to enjoy the rest of the evening on the balcony with views of the city and relaxing ready for my day in Niagara falls tomorrow. I have treated myself to a penthouse condo overlooking the city and as I said on the balcony reflecting on the two weeks of just past by all I feel is humbled. Kindness I only believed existed in Asia remarkable people amazing communities with beautiful surroundings. Canada you have blown me away and I've only scratched the surface.    Baca lagi

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    Tobermorey

    31 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 23 °C

    We dropped Kirsten's truck off to the garage the night before and when we arrive in the morning it's moved so she goes in and pays the bill and luckily it's not as bad as we expected. We then continue our journey to tobermory it's at the northern peninsula and is about 2 hours away. The drive seems to go really quickly even though we haven't stopped for coffee on the way and we arrived into tobermory and struggle initially to find a parking space but then we managed to find a perfect one and car parking paid online the maximum stay being 3 hours. We've decided to take a boat trip here and opt for the glass bottom boat as there are shipwrecks on route but the boat doesn't leave till 12:30 and the car parking started at 11.10 and only 3 hours permitted it runs out at 14.10 and the boat is not expected to get back until 2:30 but I decide to take the chance and we buy our tickets for the 12:30 boarding. While we wait we go and enjoy a coffee in Tobermory coffee and after join the queue for boarding the boat. Will leave the harbour at 12:45 and cruise around some beautiful islands one more chance is the big tub lighthouse which has been there since 1960. One of the other special places is flowerpot islands leave the two rare rock formations which look like two flowerpots perturbing from turquoise waters, then we sail over the sweepstakes which is an old schooner which run around in 1885. The glass bottom of the boat allows you to view the shipwreck but as I lean over my selfie stick springs for my phone and drops down to the base of the glass bottom boat . Once we are tied up the lady climbs down and reunites me with my selfie stick. We decide to head back before the roads become too busy and stop off at the highway chapel. It's the smallest chapel in Canada and actually has a place to worship inside. There is not much advertising and literally if you drove by and blinked you would miss it.Baca lagi

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    On my own

    30 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 21 °C

    For the first time since I've been here I've woken up on my own and the house seems so quiet without Daryl and Geraldine. There are thunderstorms forecast for today however when I've got up this morning the weather is changed again. I have found out who's the boat is parked at the end of the garden, The boat is called Eileen which is really strange as none of the boats out here actually have the names printed on them like they have everywhere else I've been, and sadly it's not for sale but that's probably a good thing knowing me. I have also found out that an old lady had driven into the harbour last night and that was why they were all the emergency response teams there.She is safe and sound. In the afternoon I make my way down to memorial park which is where we have the barbecue the other day with the Filipino guys. At the waters edge you can hear the thunder of the storm rolling again and the dark clouds and rain hitting the water in the distance. As I sit on the beach feeling the wind change I look down and there are two white feathers on the floor next to me. We have a bit of rain but the storm seems to have missed us. Kirsten has offered to take me to dinner and we head to the leeky canoe. I enjoy a patty, otherwise known as a burger and Kirsten has the ribs. A little later Sheryl messages me and I pick her and the girls up and we go through Thornbury for ice cream. I drop the girls off home and head straight for bed.Baca lagi

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    Till we meet again

    29 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 18 °C

    We share our last sunrise on the waterfront this morning with coffee made by Daryl. As I say goodbye this morning to the guys I feel very humbled and honoured to have them as friends. Not only did they support me in Singapore but have left me with the keys to their car and their house while they've taken off on honeymoon which has saved me an absolute fortune. As I said in my speech yesterday kindness is something that can help the world go round a lot easier giving it a little oil every now and again but we all need to practise this. Kindness can come in all shapes and forms but if we just showed a little bit more we are all capable of doing this the world would be a much better place. It's never goodbye it's always till we see each other again and as the guys take off I feel a lot of love in my heart at how happy they are starting off on this next part of their journey. Anyway back to me so with a car at my fingertips I can now go out and explore a little further and after grabbing a shower take to the road. Little things I need to remember we drive on a different side of the road, traffic lights have above the road not on the side of the road and they don't have giveaways they have stop signs. With Google maps at my aid I arrive safely in Owen sound, and to be honest I'm a little bit disappointed as really all it is is a big town even the famous museum is closed today so I decided to continue along the road for another 20 of minutes to have each area called sabal beach. I can't believe how many people are here when I arrive and after a 5-minute walk on the beach decide I prefer to be one outside the house in Meaford. I continue on up to the falls which are really beautiful and the kids are on big rubber rings sailing down the river it looks lots of fun but I haven't come prepared for this so after a short while make my way back to the car and drive back to me where I enjoy time on the beach. There are a lot of winery's here and a lot of apple farms Ontario is known as The other Big Apple 🍎. Saturday after just talking to my daughter and reflecting on the news of the children that have been stabbed close to my home. My heart goes out to the family of the children my respect to the bravery of the adults that tried to protect them and grace in knowing that my family are fine. Just as I come off the phone to my daughter to fire engines past the house and head to the opposite side of the harbour to where we are multiple emergency vehicles arrive including the coast guard but after the news from home I take myself to bed.Baca lagi

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    The morning after

    28 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 25 °C

    I wake up early once again but take myself back to bed with a pint of water and a bad head I don't know what I don't understand about drinking. I plan this morning was to go and have a dip in the pool but instead I just get myself ready and pack my bag and I'm happily surprised when I open my door and Daryl is parked outside I throw my case and bag in the back of the car and enjoy my taxi to the house. Breakfast has been laid on and there is everything from fruit to bacon and egg and of course the wedding cake. Everyone helps and everything is soon cleared. A couple from the night before arrive and ask if we have found a phone. This is usually me🤣🤣I tell them about the find my phone app and they can't sign into it so call there daughter to do it for them. It shows the phone is in a church at Thornbury. It's 1130 so By 2pm everyone has gone and it's back to the 3 of us and we all just enjoy the silence. At 330 I take myself down the beach and have a little cool off. Dave and Charlotte have offered to take me for dinner as they've been recommended a really quirky restaurant called Ted's range road diner. They have everything you could want to try on the menu from snails to crocodile. I play safe with the mussels and the bone marrow. It's delicious and the waitress is actually home from uni but she is studying in Brighton England. Dave and Charlotte are taking Geraldine and Daryl to the airport tomorrow so I will see them before they leave. Back at the house I can't believe how calm it is as neither of them have packed and are still doing washing. We've agreed to do our last sunrise coffee so head to bed at 11.Baca lagi

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    Pre wedding day

    26 Julai 2024, Kanada ☀️ 24 °C

    So once again it's an early rise there is still so much to do but luckily Geraldine's family come over once again it's wonderful how everyone pulls together to make the place look amazing but obviously with Geraldine's autistic touch and perfection. Early on one of Daryl's friends arrives to help us take stuff to the skip and also has kindly offered to take me up to my hotel to get me checked in. I'm going to spend a few nights here because obviously it is Daryl and Geraldine's wedding night tomorrow. In the morning we are heading to the tip with Kirsten , the lady who I'm going to do the road trip with and when we arrive early the truck in front of us looks like a moving bush. A lot of people are arriving today and as they swing by the house I help to entertain by making coffees and teas and at 6:00 we will all meet at the red door which is the local bar near here. For the first time since really being here I get dressed up and it's really nice as all I seem to have done is had work clothes on or tracking clothes on which is great but when you're on holiday it's nice to get dressed up. There is a farmers market on and I enjoy an hour away from the house listening to a lady playing Beatles songs and walking past the little stalls .A famous dish here is called poutine Which is essentially chips and gravy with mozzarella balls and various toppings from pulled pork to beef brisket pictures to follow. I meet a wonderful couple called Dave and Charlotte who I enjoy chatting to before heading back down to Geraldine and the girls with food as they are still at the tent preparing flowers. I stay a short while before taking the 20 minutes walk back to the motel.Baca lagi

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    A day at home.

    25 Julai 2024, Kanada ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we will spend the day at home the tent is being delivered and we are starting the preparations for the guests to arrive. Geraldine has done so well buying everything for the event and I must say it looks absolutely stunning. Her family arrived from New York her aunt and their daughter and her family the aunt and uncle live in the Philippines but are over visiting a New York at the moment which is maybe a four-stroke 5-hour drive from here. I love the fact that when they turn up straight away they jump on doing little jobs around the gardens and the place goes to look a million times better again as for saying goes many hands make work. Geraldine's family are all helping and the youngest son is on the beach literally for the whole day. We achieve so much today that there are just a few things left to do for tomorrow and we're pretty much good to go for the wedding. I have to say this is one of the loveliest weddings I've been to. In the evening once again dinner is cooked for us by Teresa and we enjoy pasta and salads which is perfect as the weather is absolutely boiling. The only blessing is we're right on the water's edge and the breeze helps massively. I have been offered by one of Daryl's friends to travel up the coast with her when Geraldine and Daryl go on honeymoon on Monday and I grab the opportunity Daryl and Cheryl have said I can stay in their place while they are gone which is perfect and I will head to Toronto just to do one night and a day at the falls. With a planning place I feel a bit happier knowing what I'm going to be doing over the next few days there is a place here called the grotto but they restrict the parking here so unless you put massively in advance it's not a place you can really visit. Personally for me I'm just happy to be going anywhere and it's nice to be doing it with local people that know the route I go to bed a happy lady.Baca lagi

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    Blue Mountain

    24 Julai 2024, Kanada ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning we are heading to blue mountain national park , it's a big skiing resort but during the summer you can track through the parks. We take a gondola to the top which gives us amazing of views of the surrounding areas I've taken my nice camera with me so capture a couple of really nice shots with Daryl and Geraldine. We have a spa booked at 2:30 and it's just a short 10 minute drive from where we are. When we arrive I can't believe it it's beautiful. They have a thermal journey which includes getting in and out of hot baths into cold plunge baths as well as infrared saunas and steam rooms to change things up a bit. The place is situated in a woodland and in the wooded areas are hammocks and rocker chairs and daybeds where people can just lie and relax and read their books. Herbal tea and coffee are on offer and cafe offers a good choice of homemade cakes. We spend a good few hours here and on the way home go to a place called Collingwood where they have a Walmart and I have my first Walmart experience. Collingwood holds a special place in my heart because it's where I did my initial training when I joined the navy. In the Walmart they even have a Collingwood Napoli which I take a picture of to send to my old shipmates. We arrive back home and after doing a few more jobs once again take ourselves to bed for an early nightBaca lagi

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    A day in Thornbury

    23 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 19 °C

    Once again I wake early as Daryl is going to play golf with people from this work in the blue mountain so he is going to drop me in Thornbury a little town maybe 20 minutes down the road from where we are in Meaford.We arm ourselves with Tim Hortons the biggest coffee company here by a long way but they're french vanilla coffee is on another level. I walk too the other end of town before making my way to the river where the dam at the end of August the salmon come here to spawn and the falls are awash with jumping salmon. Back in town I grab a coffee at the bakery and straight away there is a different vibe. No one says good morning to anyone and hardly anyone looks happy a stark contrast Meaford. I stroll back down to the marina and along the beach . The water here is so clear but the beach is pebbley. I'm catching the bus back to Meaford and it arrives at 1145 so I wizz in the shop and buy the food colouring Geraldine needs. Back at the house Geraldine is doing lots of preparation and I give her a hand before going for coffee and cake to bring back. In the evening Geraldine goes to meet Daryl but I stay home and do my laundry. When they return we share a few tequila and sushi before crashing for the night.Baca lagi

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    Wedding preparations

    22 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 18 °C

    I wake early again as Geraldine has work and the sunrises here are stunning and you really feel like your getting the most of a day. After dropping Geraldine to work I have the task of acquiring items for the wedding gift boxes. Daryl has things to do so I head to dollarama to see what I can find. It's very similar to Poundland In the UK and they literally have everything on my list. My plan was to walk back along the trail but the weight of 70 X all the bits for gift boxes has mounted up and I take the direct route home to drop the weight. Later in the morning I set up on the front porch to start putting 1 of each item in the gift bags and it's the first time I have stopped for days. Daryl is getting messages off work colleagues about me being camped out in the sunshine. The neighborhood is so friendly and I would say 90 percent of people say good morning as they pass. Is a very relaxing way of life compared to Toronto. I walk over to the harbour to watch the boats out in the harbour, then it's back to packing bags. Everything here is big the SUVs the trailers and the fuel bill but I guess it comes in useful In the winter. Later in the afternoon Herson comes over to help prepare things then Carla and her family turn up, all bearing gifts of food. I am so glad of the extra hands even if it is to double count everything. Once everyone has gone we light a fire and sit chatting before retiring to bed.Baca lagi

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    Beach Day

    21 Julai 2024, Kanada ☀️ 17 °C

    We wake early this morning as Geraldine is in work at 6:00 a.m. and before dropping her off we are going to go and have a coffee to watch the sunrise. It's an early start but I'm awake anyway I'm really struggling with jet lag which is really unusual for me but I think it's because I've flown the other way around the world for a change. The sunrise here is absolutely stunning and we sit watching the Canada geese on the lake. After dropping Geraldine at work Daryl and I head back down to the lake to finish watching the sunrise. We potter around town doing the few jobs that need doing before grabbing a bit of breakfast and heading to church. There are only 15 people or so at the service but there is one lady here who is 92 and still driving she looks amazing and will be at the wedding on Saturday I promise to have a dance with her. Before we know it it's 2:00 p.m. and it's time to collect Geraldine from work. The plan is we will head to a beach a bit further along the coast and have a barbecue with some of her colleagues from work. Daryl has volunteered to be duty driver so we prepare a few things to take with us while he is doing the Uber job. When I arrive at the beach there is a little bit of controversy because we're not allowed to barbecue down there and the guy sends us to a pitch where there are huge Winnie bagos and caravans like I've never seen in my life. Van life is certainly a way of life out here. The guy on the pitch next to us complains that we haven't paid for a pitch the next thing the park ranger arrives and says we now have to move the barbecue somewhere else even though he told us to go there in the first place. I asked how much the pitch would cost and it's about 60$ so we all chip in and pay for the pitch and continue to blow big smoke into the big caravans next to us. Once the food is cooked we all congregate on the beach and half the crew go in the water but it's a bit cool for me today. A lot of the people with us today are Geraldine's work associates who are Filipino and my word what a spread of food they put on. Everything has been marinated so is so tender and cooked to absolute perfection on our caravan pitch barbecue. We spend a wonderful afternoon here eating playing games with the kids and they even get to go on one of the electric scooters that the guys have brought with them. There is so much food left over there we all get to take stuff home with us and in the Philippines they call this Sharon. We don't arrive back home till after 9 and after watching the sunset we are all exhausted and get an early night.Baca lagi

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    Leaving the city.

    20 Julai 2024, Kanada ☀️ 25 °C

    I've booked the bus to head up to Meaford earlier than I was planning to do as Geraldine and Darryl have suggested it would be better spending time with them while they are here and coming back to Toronto when they fly out to Costa Rica for they're honeymoon on Monday when I can return and do some touristy things. The bus is 3 hrs which in the scheme of things for me is short haul. As we are boarding the bus we can here a lot of commotion and as I look out the window I can see a dog and a woman shouting you can't deny access to the bus . I presume she's trying to get her dog on but 10 mins later the dog is boarding with a young blind guy and the woman is another passenger sticking up for him. Eventually we all board the bus and after six stops along the way arrive in Meaford 4 hours later. Daryl is waiting to collect me and it's perfect time in to go and collect Geraldine from work. After a little tour of the town we had to the pub and grab a bite to eat and a local beer. The home where they leave is lovely and they've kindly offered me to stay here bar the wedding night of course. The house sits on the waterfront and Geraldine and I sit out on the porch preparing the gift boxes of which there are 70. We blow up an inflatable mattress and sit doing craft making watching the world go by. There are a lot of big bikes with Harley's having full on sound systems and people on skates wheeling their dogs. it's a real community here. In the evening one of Geraldine friends drove a jolibee in for us so we take a picnic with it to the beach. It's really crazy as I don't really associate beaches with Canada but they are all so beautiful. In the later evening we head back to the house and chill. We are all exhausted.Baca lagi

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    A day on the island.

    19 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 18 °C

    I wake early and leave the apartment just after 7. It's a beautiful sunrise this morning and my only frustration is I have no map and no cigarettes. I wander the streets quite aimlessly and even though I've downloaded Google maps it's only working in car mode and has me literally walking round in circles. I pass the same cortege 3 times when he asks me can I help you ma'am. He calls his friend who literally walks me to the store. Cigarettes and sim purchased and I'm a much happier person. I spend the morning exploring the various parts of the city, but with it being such a nice day I have made the choice to head over to Toronto Island 🏝️. I take a water taxi over which costs 14 cand and I'm so glad that I have as the view of the skyline is phenomenal. One city is very the same to the other city and I'm much more of an island lover. As I walk through the park there is a guy fishing and is struggling to reel in a whopping Carp. He struggles for 10 minutes before in the end the fish gets away. I stroll further and to my surprise I reach a beach. This place gets better by the minute and I lay down my cardigan and lie on the beach for a good hour. A Columbian family with there children arrive and the kids can't wait to get in the water . After 5 mins a coastguard comes out with a megaphone and says no swimming in the water due to e coli. Bit late now. The island is about 3km so I decide to hire a bike. There is a lgbtqueer zone here and the rainbow path leads to an optional clothes beaches. Further along the trail is an island full of cormorant the noise is incredible and there are thousands of them I'm surprised the fisherman even got a bite.
    I stop off at a little cafe and share a beer with a lovely Canadian couple and have a lovely connection and not wanting to leave but had the bike on an hourly charge. I fly back and drop the bike off before heading back for the ferry back . I stop at a bar just off the harbour front and am invited to join a family sitting at there table. The people here are so kind and thoughtful it's really such a great city. As I make my excuses and leave the Sadie invites me to stay at her condo on the waterfront on my return to Toronto. We exchange wattsapp and I walk back to the apt . It's great because everything is walking distance. I grab a shower and the host suggests heading to Kensington market for dinner. It's a really cool vibe with everything you could wish to eat and buskers playing in the street and punters ranging from hells angels to hippies a really lovely evening. We head back as I have an early start and once again I'm treated to an amazing sunset.    Baca lagi

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    Toronto first stop

    18 Julai 2024, Kanada ☁️ 23 °C

    I arrived shortly after 2pm yesterday and as promised Geraldine and Darryl are there to greet me. We first met over 2 years ago in Singapore and their kindness formed a friendship that would usually take years. I drop my big case to their car and we catch the train to the city. We explore a few of the sights including St Lawrence market with a beer before heading to Chinatown for a massage. Omg I can't believe how tense I was and the Chinese guy certainly knew where to find my knots. Darryl has to purchase a shirt and in the area known as The Canadian Times Square Yonge-dundas square I just stand and take it all in. The huge screens and people bustling by . There is a major problem with the drug Spice here and I'm shocked by the amount of homeless but no different than the other major cities I have visited. Cannabis however is legal which really shocks me but even though you smell it everywhere in the street there are no visual effects of people abusing it. As they say when in Rome but with just one puff I'm coughing and spluttering it's so strong. We share food before bidding our farewells for a couple of days. I have booked a sofabed in the centre and when I arrive the place is beautiful with fantastic views and at only 35£ a night and absolute steal.Baca lagi

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    Fire show

    1 Mac 2024, Belgium ☁️ 4 °C

    We work early in the morning and I'm very indecisive about what to do. It's really strange because when you're travelling for long periods of time there's no need to have much of a plan but with only being here for 2 weeks we do need to get a plan on. After a little bit of deliberation we decided to chill by the pool this morning and this afternoon we've had a taxi to take us to the fire show at the temple on the sea. After a bit of bartering we manage to arrange a driver called narko. Narco picks us up at 3 and I think that I am a crazy driver but this takes the biscuit even though ullawato it's only 18 km away it takes us over an hour to reach there. We arrived just after 4:00 and take a walk around the temple. The monkeys here are relentless and within seconds of being in the main area someone has already lost their glasses. As we walk up to the north end of the temple wall a girl is taking a photograph of one of the monkeys and from nowhere another monkey grabs her iPhone 13. He is literally sitting on the wall trying to eat it but luckily one of the old guys who works at the temple comes over and throws the monkey some food and he abruptly drops the phone the guy picks it up to hand it back and I advise the girl that she needs to tip him. When she asks him how much he says 100,000 the equivalent to £5 and she pulls a face but I advise her that she's paid a lot more for her iPhone than £5 and she hands 100,000 rupiah over. After walking the temple for nearly an hour we rejoin narco who has kindly stood in the line for that hour to buy our tickets. Tickets in hand we make our way to the arena and sit there to wait for the show to start. I have seen the show before but it is still brilliant. The portrays and Indonesian story of How a king lures away a beautiful woman by using his magic and sending the golden deer to tempt her away. The show ends with a fire scene and at the end the fire is kicked all over the arena narrowly missing people sat in the front row. We leave slightly early at narcos request as the traffic getting out of there is really crazy. On the route back home we stop at Jimbaran beach where we order red snapper for dinner. 0ut here at the moment there are a lot of people from Java on a huge convention and they are all sat I must have tables outside of the restaurant it starts to rain and rather than moving side they all put their umbrellas up and sit outside in pouring rain finishing their dinner which makes me and Marlene chuckle. On the way back we've book norco to take us on a day trip tomorrow. But for now a well needed sleep is in order.Baca lagi

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    Sunset beers

    29 Februari 2024, Indonesia ☁️ 31 °C

    We wake early as Marlene has forgotten to take her alarm off but to be honest I haven't slept that well and I'm quite excited to get back out and about in Bali. We take a stroll along Jimbaran beach Which sadly to say is not one of the nicest beaches here due to plastic pollution but the statue itself at the end of the ocean God is magnificent. We still managed to take a little dip in the sea and on our way back stopped off for a massage. It's such a relief to release the tension from my shoulders and start to relax into bali life I'm with a little bit of lingo have a chuckle with the two ladies. Kuta is the main town nearest the airport and most people will generally only stay here for a couple of days for transit although at the moment it's very busy with lots of tourists and lots of street vendors with the secret being don't give them eye contact and definitely don't talk to them. As hard as I try to resist we eventually end up in Starbucks and a caramel macchiato on ice is just what I needed. In the evening we had down to legion beach to watch the sunset and meet again with Debbie and Graham sharing a few beers or three in Ellie's bar a little wooden shack with plastic chairs and tables but the beer is cold. It's a little bit cloudy for a good sunset but we watch the instagrammers still trying to get their photos in the midst a dog decides to take a s*** on the beach and have to finishing barks to show his proudness of having centre spotlight. Debbie and Graham take us to a little restaurant they know called the coffee pot and it's like a secret garden with amazing food. Graham and Debbie are staying in legion area so we decide to get a blue bird taxi home even though it's only a 20-minute walk it's well worth it.Baca lagi

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    The long journey

    26 Februari 2024, England ☁️ 9 °C

    So after far too long, I'm eventually back on a plane. We're flying out of London Heathrow and luckily John eased my travelling pain by dropping me all the way from Liverpool. We board the plane on time and pretty much spend the whole day travelling. The first flight is to Hong Kong and is a 12 hour stint. We take a sleeping tablet each and within minutes Marlene is snoring, but as usual I still can't sleep. We have a 3 hour stopover but by the time we get of the plane and find the smoking lounge. A couple of cigarettes later and we boarding the plane to continue our 5hour journey onwards to Bali. It's really nice because by the time we've eaten and watched a film we are touching down. With being here a year ago I'm aware that getting you visa online is a must as there are 2 queues when we arrive and we only have to wait for immigration so fly through. Outside it's pandemonium hundreds of name boards but I don't see our names. We walk towards the exit and I suggest we have a cigarette before I leave Marlene with the suitcases and walk back to find our lift. Second time lucky I find our driver and we are on our way to the hotel. It's a big change for me as I'm used to staying in hostels but this time it's luxury all the way. The hotel is beautiful and after dropping our bags out bags and a shower we head out to meet my friends who've been in Bali for a month. We enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and after a couple of hours and beers head back to the hotel exhausted.Baca lagi

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    The show must go on

    28 Jun 2023, England ☁️ 21 °C

    Early morning Tim arrives back and takes me to the local market. It's very similar from something we'd have at home but the food stalls really intrigue me. I love to sample things and they have lots of little tasters as we walk around but I feel particularly hungover today. After drinking a coffee Tim and I make our way back to the house. While Tim catches up with household chores I chill on the balcony.Baca lagi

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    Back to Gent

    27 Jun 2023, Belgium ☁️ 19 °C

    I join Joke and Tim for a quick coffee before they head for work and after a quick shower I head out myself. It's funny that when I use Google maps for my journey it's shows my first part of the journey with a bike and that's because everyone here has a bike. Stood on the platform I start to panic when a high pitched siren starts ringing but soon realise it's to warn that a train is coming but to be honest it wouldn't give you enough time to get off the track in an emergency. The train is delayed and by the time I get to the other platform the train is leaving so I'm glad there is another one in 15 minutes. It takes just over an hour but when I get off I'm nowhere near the centre. I ask a lady and she tells me I need to catch the number one tram but I can't see one so as the tram pulls up a nice gentleman tells me I can get the number 2 and then the number 4. The city once again is an architectures dream. Beautiful buildings filled with modern day shops. The exterior has to be kept in the same style but the insides are modernised to accommodate our shopping demand. I stroll around and Bobby messages to say he will meet me in the centre. I try a honey coffee which definitely ticks my sweet tooth and before long Bobby arrives. He takes me to a shop where I have frites with horse meat and beer gravy and I'm sorry to say it was the tastiest gravy I've ever had. We wander the little streets and cross multiple bridge's before arriving at Dulle Griet. This is a bar that serves something called a kwak. It's where the beer is served in a glass that is so expensive to replace and multiple people stealing them, they take one shoe as a deposit after more strolling we share our last beer which this time I opt for the cherry beer which is delicious. We say our goodbyes on the platform and I arrive back a little later. As I arrive I run to catch my train on the platform opposite and even though the doors are open the lady is shouting at me not to board,. The frustrating thing is they're isn't another train for an hour and I only ride one stop. Eventually I arrive back and as I sit outside on the balcony I get chatting to the young people next door. After an hour of chatting I ask if they want to go to the local bar and share a beer, there is method in my madness as I've spotted a pool table in here I cause a bit of a stir when I go in and beat one of the locals twice, but the beer is so strong here and by the time I get back to Tim's house it's starting to rain so I try to bring the patio cushions in and end up nearly putting myself down the stairs. At this point it's time to put myself to bed.Baca lagi

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    Reunited

    26 Jun 2023, Belgium ☁️ 19 °C

    I'm excited this morning as I will be reunited with people I met on my Asia trip. It's a wonderful thing when you travel as in a very short space of time you make connections that are so special with people who are very like minded in many ways. Bobby won't arrive till lunch so I head out to explore the city some more. I arrive to the museum of the Madonna and child early but the house of Lodewijk van Gruuthuse, is closed so I just enter the church. I'm surprised at how many things are closed at the moment but another must in Bruge is a boat trip along the river but after trying two different boat companies who are both fully booked I manage to use my charm with one of the captains who tells me to go to the next bridge and he will let them know. I gladly manage to board and I'm pleasantly surprised at how different the city looks from the water. Belgium is all about the beer and as I get off the boat the famous beer wall is adjacent. There are 1250 different types of beer and they're relevant glasses in 30m of cabinets. If a beer is served in the wrong glass here a Belgium person would send it back as glasses are a certain shape to give the beer it's best taste . I meander back to the hostel and Bobby messages to say he's here. It's been nearly a year since we saw each other and when we start talking it's like we've never been apart. I've pretty much done most of the site seeing so we sit on a restaurant terrace and eat moules de frit, mussels and chips to me and you. We wander the streets and walk through parks. We are both catching the same train and board it just after 6. Bobby gets off after 1/2 an hour and continue on to Antwerp. It's a little bit mad on the train as each city has north south and central stations but I manage to get off at the right one and joke is there to meet me. She takes me to an old fort which has been transformed into an outside bar and eating area. Tim joins us shortly after and we sit sharing pizza and nacho over a couple of gin and tonics. When we come to leave I honestly don't know how they find there bikes because there are so many but we manage before walking back to Tim's house. The houses here are tall with terraces that have skylight window to let more light in. We sit on the terrace for a few hours catching up on each others lives before heading to bed.Baca lagi

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    Beautiful Bruge

    25 Jun 2023, Belgium ☀️ 23 °C

    At breakfast I meet Jasmine who is traveling solo so we agree to join each other on a walking tour, when you are doing a short trip to places they are the best because they will take you to the places of interest but then you have the opportunity to go back to anything you find of interest later. Bruge is also a very walkable city and in my opinion is far nicer than Brussels. I often find the Capital cities disappointing but surrounding cities are a lot more relaxed. Our guide for the day is actually a historian called Eric and his knowledge and information about the city is immense. It's really hot today so as he takes us through the beautiful cobbled streets he keeps us in the shade. There is so much to see but as we stand In the market Square we are surrounded by multiple buildings all very different and with a huge neogothic influence. The white bear is the symbol of Bruge and according to history is from when the count of Flanders killed a white bear that was stopping people leaving the city. Between the hours of 12 and 1 the carillon keyboard of the Belfry plays the bells of songs ranging from queen to old classics and 366 steps up gives a full panoramic view of the city. The church of our lady is the church housing Michael Angelos Madonna and child. The house adjoining was owned by a wealthy man called Lodewijk van Gruuthuse, and rather than leave the house to go to church he had an entrance built and a private worship are where the priest would climb a hidden stairwell to give them communion. Gruut was also a beer that was made using herbs and in some areas in Belgium it's still sold.Baca lagi

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