Reset search
This side of things
  • Amelia Wilkinson
  • Amelia Wilkinson

This side of things

Here till I'm not Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Public ferry

    May 1, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Well that were interesting. I lie, it was probably the dullest day ever.

    Woke up and got my final free breakfast before my taxi picked me up. We then went and picked up 2 other people. So glad I booked a private taxi to the harbour. But there we go.

    Getting a ticket for the boat was interesting. Turns out you need a card you have to pay 30k for. I was not aware of this but a local let me borrow theres. So my boat ticket only ended up being 74k. 62k for the ticket and 12k for using his card. Not sure why you would buy one when you dont have too but it smells like a tourist trap to me.

    Once on the other side I went to the waiting room for a bit before boarding the boat. I wasnt 100% sure it was my boat so I waited for a bit before getting on so as to be sure. Once I did board however it was very full. All seats had been taken and the beds were all full of families. So I got me a seat in the corridor. But I think that was the best option as I was on the edge of the aircon. So I didnt get cold from the aircon or hot from not having it.

    I was on board around 11am. We eventually set off around 12.20. I was afraid we may never leave when we hadn't left for ages, but we finally did. Around 4pm we arrived about 1k from the mainland. And then we sat there. For 2hrs. Why? I could not tell you. Eventually we docked at 6,10 and I got to my hostel at 6,30.

    If I'm being honest, it wasnt great. Busy, loud and took forever. But it was 74k. Thats about £4.50. You cannot go wrong with that. I managed to finish my book and began my second one. I had music and it is a beautiful view of the ocean and islands. I was pretty content.

    The boat is basically like any public ferry. Vehicles drive in the bottom and up top is the seating. There is a section with chairs, then beds, then an open area where I was, then some more beds.

    If you had some place to be on time, this is not the option for you. But if like me and you dont care how long it takes, you just need to get there. Then this is it. I would 100% do it again.

    And, that view of the islands and the sun setting. Cannot beat it.

    The bathroom did make me laugh though. I am short in comparison to most and i was about 3 inches way from hitting my head on the ceiling.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Bye bye

    May 2, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Well this is just sad. I dont want to return to Australia. It's expensive and I have to find a job.

    Got my customary free breakfast. I got a 'jaffle' this morning. Not clue what it was but it was like a toasted sandwich but sweet. Not sure what they were going for but it was a vibe.

    I then took myself on a walk around the bay. It is much prettier in day light and full of baots. Almost everyone seemed to be out either getting the public boat, fast boat or hopping on a smaller tender to go snorkeling or diving. The main road is a little busy and touristy but the rest is a little town nestled in the hills. It is actually anlot prettier than I expected and I'd happily have walked longer but I was in search of something.

    The last few weeks of sea water, chlorine swimming pools and the showers here have left my hair feeling truly awful. So I was searching for a salon who could give me a hair treatment before I left. I found one but it wasnt on google so I was a little apprehensive but it was amazing. 1hr of scalp massage, oils and calming music. I was in heaven. She even gave me a ginger tea after. Now I dont like ginger tea, but that was great. Top tier way to spend 1.5hrs.

    On my way back I grabbed a sandwich from a highly recommended shop. Got a veggie salad for takeaway and it was banging.

    Unfortunately I then had to tackle the stairs. I like this hostel, it's small and has a chill vibe but it is at the top of a massive flight of uneven stairs. 0/10 would recommend, they are killer.

    I had my taxi to the airport booked from 3pm so I did a spot of journaling while I waited. My driver was one of the workers at the hostel and kudos to him. Our journey took 2hrs, and he now has to do it back again so I made sure to tip him.i was fully falling asleep and that traffic around Denpassar was vile.

    At the airport, I was early as per usual. But in my defence, the traffic still took longer than I had expected. I decided to treat myself to some food and it was exactly what I needed. Who would have guessed one of the best poached eggs I've ever had, would have been in Bali airport.

    Finally, I made my way through security and said goodbye to Indonesia.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Airport stories

    May 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Bomb, love me a jetstar flight. They are always fun and full of surprises.

    Did I go through security as soon as physically possible, yes yes I did. And I'm glad. It took an hour to pass bag drop, security and immigration. I was feeling fairly hopefully at the start, hence why half smile.

    The queue for immigration was the worst. But I think it looked the worst rather than actually was. It wrapped multiple times around but because there were 4 separate wrapping queues it looked chaotic but wasnt actually.

    Once through I made my way to my gate. Still 2hrs before take off but what else was I going to do. Go shopping, hell no! A toblerone was 350k, that's about £20. I cant afford that!

    It took me around 10 minutes to walk to my gate aswell. Being jetstar, it of course had to be difficult. Our gate was the furthest from the start. There are only 9 gates in this airport but because it is so modern all of it is so new that everything is spread out. And it's only on one side, it's a very weird airport. Clearly built thanks to the money of tourism, it is ultra modern but functionally pointless. Everyhting is miles apart, and it all wraps around like a maze. So it take 5 minutes but that's because you had to go down and back on yourself instead of just going forwards. It's weird, I dont understand the architectural thinking beyond being able to add in more shops. Ok, now I think that I realise that is very on brand for Bali and doesn't surprise me.

    Finally at my gate, I found a lovely reclining seat with a view of the runway and resigned myself for a long night.

    And we got delayed. First by 30mins, then an hour 30. We eventually left at 11,20 nearly 2 hrs late. Which just made my decision for me. My hostel in Darwin was closed between 1am and 6am so I could not check in even if I had landed on time.

    The flight itself was great. Because it was so cheap to fly between Bali and Darwin I chose to add a meal to my flight, it was crazy hours after all and only an extra $5 so I was happy to at the time. Once on the flight I had no recollection of doing this so my butter chicken was a very happy surprise. And a much needed one, I was starving.

    Finally landed at 3,30am. Was out of the doors at 5am (customs is just a right you know what at the moment thanks to foot and mouth). Around that time, I decided that I could either wait for the shuttle at 6am or get a uber now. So I waited. 6am came around and the shuttle website updated to say they would open at 9am. So I decided to take a nap because I would rather do that than try to get an uber so early.

    And so, at 9am I called for a shuttle bus. And they told me they would be open at 12pm. At this point I did begin to laugh and cry at the same time. I am not ashamed of that fact. I got maybe 3hrs sleep overall last night and was very done with everything at this point. So I ordered and uber.

    I arrived at my hostel, exhausted, starving and now broke. That uber cost me more for 15mins, than 2hrs in bali did. Why? Why?!

    Thankfully they let me check in immediately as my room was, funnily enough, ready. I tried to sleep but that proved impossible as I was so hungry and it is very light in my room.

    I went to woolies for some groceries and made myself beans on toast. I feel so nauseous from lack of sleep, anything else makes it worse. And then I did nothing for the rest of the day. A bit of journaling and watched a movie. I cannot muster the energy to be social today, I will tomorrow instead. Once I have slept a bit. Hopefully.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Explorations

    May 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Darwin is a strange city.

    I woke up after not great sleep thanks to the bar being super loud until 12pm. The window in our room is broken so there was no blacking the heavy music playing. The musical was also bad which didnt help.

    But I got up early so I could eat some of the free breakfast and head out for a walk around the city before it got too hot.

    Now the thing is, every city should have a draw, especially a capital. And I cant figure out what Darwin had to offer long term.

    I mean, Melbourne has coffee and the 'hip' young scene going for it. Sydney, is Sydney. Cairns has the GBR and the rainforest. Hobart had mount Wellington and the saturday markets. Every city I have been too has a draw, the reason why people go and stay. I dont know what Darwin's is.

    That being said, the city is nice. A lot of things are designed for outdoor living which makes sense given the climate. The waterfront has a lot of communal areas where it is windier and lots of water activities. There are parks dotted about and a good view, it's a nice city. I just dont know why you would choose to live here over so many other cities that have more going on.

    Maybe the solitude. The one thing darwin does have is geographical solitude.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Searching for wifi

    May 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    My hostel, as well as being loud, has a truly awful wifi connection.

    I decided around lunch time to go out again and try to find somewhere with a more reliable connection.

    On my way I found an art gallery showing lots of aboriginal art. Due to its location there are many galleries and shops selling this artwork. The gallery was impressive but how ot was laid out left something to be desired. Everything also had a price tag and that was a little off putting. I get its different but nothing was less than $400.

    I took a stop for lunch in one of the parks. I took some bread from breakfast and had that for lunch. Nothing like free food to make a great lunch. And I realised that I aud chosen a spot opposite the supreme court. And next to that, is the library.

    Now if there is one thing I love, it is a library. Quiet, clean, full of books and right now free wifi. So I popped in. What I did not expect was having to go through security. The library is one half of the building, the other is the territory's court beneath the supreme court. That was a little unnerving but quick.

    The library is split. Downstairs is the standard books part, but the main floor is a sort of museum. It details Darwin through the years and the challenges the city over came to be here now. It was a very interesting little exhibition.

    After looking round, I found a quiet spot to open my ipad for the first time in a month and sort some stuff out. I booked my transport and accommodations for both Canberra and the blue mountains as well as confirming my placement for after. I updated my book lists and budget. Books are under prediction, and budget is over. I'm going to need to get a job, it is very disappointing.

    I spent the rest of the evening in the hostel reading and writing my journal. I the finish this bali book if it kills me. The party began again downstairs and I had a great time raving in my room while alone after showering, highly recommend.

    This morning I popped into a charity shop and found a small hand towel size quick dry towel like my big blue one. So now I have two cause I wasnt gonna walk past and not buy that. I also saw a hack on Tiktok about how to dry your soap and shampoo bars while travelling, and it works. I'm so happy I can finally live my eco life and let them dry!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Darwin

    May 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    I am glad I came to Darwin, if only to ease myself back into reality.

    Bali was a whirlwind dream of meeting people, beautiful views, amazing foods and and relaxation. Now, back in Australia, I am forced to return to reality. Flights need booking, accommodation needs sorting, busses organised and budgets figured out. I need to find a job, and do my own laundry.

    And, I dont want too. I'm am forcing myself to do those things, but in between? I am rewatching the hunger games, because they are all over my fyp with the new movie coming out. I am finishing my bali journal, a labour of love. I am reading a rather twisted book that is somehow amazing and the most difficult thing to read. And I'm writing. 2 weeks to fill a journal with stories, ideas, poetry. Anything and everyhting, a personal challenge to myself after having written nothing in Indonesia.

    Perhaps I am wasting my time in Darwin, but I dont have the budget to do a 4hr $200 tour. And honestly I dont want to. The whole crocodiles thing doesn't sit quite right with me. I am content to slowly ease myself back into reality while also be creative. Finding the balance is making me feel a little guilty but I only have a few more days until I start working again, I'm going to enjoy them how I want. Even if my brain is telling me it's a waste.

    The common area has a massive tv and it was playing the British channel over here covering the coronation. According to hat nobody is looking forward to the coronation tomorrow and they made it sound as though 90%+ of the British population doesn't care. Interesting to see the foreign media portraying it in this way. I imagine the BBC is putting a very positive light on it so definitely a contrast.

    I headed back to the library in the afternoon to utilise their beautiful wifi and getting some more stuff sorted. Namely, my flight home is booked. Didnt think I'd stay away forever did ya? Also, it means I just past half way. The 30th of April was half way.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Parks and oceans

    May 6, 2023 in Australia

    Ok, Darwin has grown on me. I dont love it but I can see the appeal.

    Despite it being a capital city, it is tiny. Not skyscrapers, no busy intersections. Everything here is calmer, slower but it still has all a city should. It is also right on the coast with a pretty coastline and port, and it is outdoor oriented. Obviously because it is hot all year round but I was expecting there to be more stuff advertised to do. It's a city after all, yet nothing seemed to be happening.

    This morning I headed about to the Parap Market. It was more food oriented than I was expecting and as I'd already eaten the free breakfast at the hostel, I didnt want to spend any money. It was a little disappointing if I'm honest, it is supposed to be this amazing market, the second best in Darwin and it was just a but meh. All of the food was relatively the same, and there were proabbly 4 stalls for Laksa. I've had Laksa, it isnt that great.

    I left pretty quickly and headed down to the water. There was a nice nature reserve between the road and the coast. Its trees blocked the sounds of the city very well and it became very peaceful there and further onto the beach.

    The beach was more my kind of beach, rocks and pebbles which made me happy. Felt a bit like being in rottingdean as I walked among the rock pools, though not quite as nice. The solitude called to me and I could finally see why you would choose to live here.

    It would be a quite life. You go to the markets on the weekend, head down to the beach with your dogs in the mornings. Buy a 4x4 and go out into the national parks on the weekends. I can see why people would think it a nice life. But I know I'd get bored after a while. Maybe for a few months, when it's not so hot but not raining either.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Museum and art gallery

    May 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Darwin is unusual in that the art gallery and museum is housed in the same building, it is the same thing. It made for a rather disjointed visit.

    The first gallery was a hallway on natural history. Then at the end was a collection of aboriginal art which led to an exhibition on cyclone Tracey that distorted Darwin completed on christmas day 1974. Then it was into another natural history exhibit on animals of all kinds, before finally on the progress aboriginal communities have made.

    It was a very odd experience. Every exhibit was so different and the space between just a doorway or short corridor. I did not spend very long here either. I've seen enough art these last few months and I've been to the British natural history museum which is far better. However I did spend a while in the cyclone Tracy section. This is history unique to Darwin and even today something that everyone talks about. Learning about it was interesting, with winds over 200kmh, it was destructive and took out most of the city. A key feature in its history.

    After the gallery I continued my route down the coast following the sounds of music as I went.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    2

    Nature and royalty

    May 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    I finally found the source of the music, an amphitheatre connected to the city's botanical gardens. Having intended to visit the gardens today, I was glad of the coincidence. What was happening in the theater I couldn't tell you, guards gave me the look when I came to investigate so I left.

    The botanical gardens are small but nice. I had expected them to be better care for. There were many signs warning of things broken or even 'hazardous waste' at one point, which was not the best. I imagine, as with all gardens, spring is the time to visit. The gardens definitely looked like they were on the turn and the waterfall was far from impressive. It was supposed to be quite a draw but it was little more than a trickle being artificially fed and concrete forming a dirty pond beneath.

    After walking around it was midday and very warm so I sat for a while in the shade and read. I was there for quite a while, struggling to muster the energy to move again in the heat. Finay I succeeded and walked back. I had intended to visit the port but a quick google told me it was pointless and as it was 20 minutes out of my way, I chose to walk past the turning.

    Back in the hostel I enjoyed the aircon and talked with an american girl in my room. Then I headed to the common area to use the wifi and watched the coronation. It was playing on the tv in the comon area but I could not turn the subtitles on so soon got it open on my phone. BBC news app was struggling with the dreadful wifi but made it through the entire thing only crashing 6ish times.

    I was continuing my book for the first parts while everyone was arriving then switched to paying more attention when things started getting under way. Being 8.5hrs ahead, it was around 7pm things started getting interesting. It was fun watching the viewing stats as the morning when on. It peaked around 520,000 about 5 mins before he got the crown on his head.

    The American girl I spoke to earlier joined me to eat and then ended up staying to watch with me. She knew next to nothing about the royals and found all the pageantry interesting if a little excessive. A view point I think many share in one way or another. We finally retired when my phone died during the procession, by which point it was almost 10pm and the music had finally quieted down enough to try and sleep.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Leaving Darwin

    May 7, 2023 in Australia

    As I'm sure you have noted from my tone, I haven't had a great time in Darwin. Unfortunately the city isnt really catered to budget backpackers. There is little to do unless you are willing to spend a couple hundred on a day trip out of the city. The city itself is rather dull.

    I spent today in the hostel and will be glad to leave this place. The music has left me with a perpetual headache the last few days. Loud and bass, it blasts from 2pm until 10pm. With 9am-2pm, and 10pm-2am, it only a little quiter.

    I have also realised I am sick of the heat. I have been hot for nearly 3 months and I'm done now. I'm looking forward to being in autumn/winter, just for a change. I'm sure I will regret saying so in a week or two, or once its properly cold, but I'm tired of shorts. I want to wear my hoodie and snuggle up in bed all warm and toasty. I dont want to sweat at 3am cause it's still 25°+.

    Anyways, I finished my book today. Kiss Me First, is slightly outdated as it is about technology and was written a decade ago but I loved it. Highly recommend as it has an unreliable unlikable narrator and is written like the MC is writing this all down on a word document. It was great.

    The second book not so much. It is a dystopian book when the characters go camping and come back to find that war has broken out. I think it could be great, but I literally just finished one where the characters go camping and a disease breaks out. That one was more on the technical survival skills side of things, plus questions around morality and law when the world is in anarchy. This one was set with all 16/17 year olds, and no leadership character and the writing just felt rather dull. So after reading it in the hostel, I decided to leave it there hene I left. I got a good 150pages in, but I didnt care enough to pack it.

    Anyways, my flight is a 00,35 which is less than ideal but there we go. The shuttle finished running at 6pm so I got the final shuttle to the airport and now get to sit and wait for my bag check in before I can go airside and wait there. This is another two flights, one to Melbourne then onto Sydney. Then its Sydney to canberra. Far from ideal but this is what happens with budget travel. You choose the cheapest options and sometimes once it's time to go you change your mind and go elsewhere.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    I love flying

    May 8, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 10 °C

    That is a lie.

    So my flight from Darwin leaves a few minutes late. That's no big deal, hardly the worst thing that could happen. I manage to sleep through almost the entire flight. I'm exhausted when we land wondering how I might stay awake. And then i got a text.

    My flight from Melbourne to Sydney was cancelled, i have been rescheduled to 5.30pm.

    The adrenaline that hit jolted me awake immediately. I literally run of the plane because at this point, I think it means 5,30am. And it is currently 5,25am. You can see why I was stressed and confused.

    I immediately find a uniformed person and she manages to spot the 'pm' I had missed. Relief turns into horror as I know that no busses leave Sydney for Canberra after 7pm, which is before my flight would arrive. Meaning I would be stuck in Sydney, and loose my bus fare and my accommodation for those two nights.

    I half run to another less busy desk and practically begged the attendant to help me in any way possible. Thankfully, she managed to find one at midday. Not ideal as I still loose my bus fare and have to buy a new one but at least I get to my accommodation for the night.

    Unfortunately, that flight meant I had to pick up my bag and recheck in. The service agents were highly confused why but thankfully called a guy in baggage. They told me he'd take 10/15 minutes, the dude took 2. I bloody love this man. I manage to check my bag back in and get through security in record time. Now I just have to wait for a few hours before boarding.

    The entire situation has forced me awake to the point where I am wired. So guess my 4hrs are going to have to be enough tonight. I'm really looking forward to being in one place for a bit. One more week of travel then I stop for 4 weeks.

    I got food in Melbourne. Today will end up being more expensive than I wanted but right now, do I care? No. I'm so tired and need a break. Also, when I said I wanted to be cold yesterday, I already regret it. It is 8° in Melbourne and after no sleep I am freezing.

    As I was waiting I watched them unload a couple puppies from the plan. There was one that looked so happy to be off of the plane and was hoping in its cage.

    I arrived in Sydney eventually and managed to get the coach an hour earlier than the one I had rebooked for which is good because I am so done now. I just want to lie in bed and cry about the money I have lost today cause of bloody flights.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Bus to Canberra

    May 8, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    The bud was quick an easy. I had a seat right behind the driver. The sun set as we were going making for a very pretty view. We arrived in Canberra around 5,45pm and the sun had already set which seemed very weird. The sun was setting around 7,30/8 in Darwin.

    I got off the bus and was cold. I have never been so happy to be cold. It was the brisk autumn cold that is bearable but still a shock.

    I walked to my hostel, a YHA that seems to be completely empty. It can hole a good few hundred people but there was probably less than 50 staying here. I dont mind, I'm not here long enough to make friends. Which is a good thing, because noone is really socialising here. Everyone seems to be working while staying here.

    I had my dinner and went straight to be around 7pm. I am too tired to do anything else.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Parliament House

    May 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Because I only scheduled one day in Canberra, I wanted to get the most out of the day. So I dragged my exhausted butt out of bed around 8am and set out at half past. I had managed to get a good 11hrs sleep but after only getting about 3 the night before and the added stress, I needed more.

    I decided my first stop of the day to be Parliament House. The furthest geographically from my hostel and the fact it opened an hour before others, made it a good option to start with.

    The building is beyond massive. In a crazy, sprawling show of new money and power. Covering many hectares and positioned at the point of the 'city triangle', it is quite a landmark.

    Practically the entire building is built as a mirror image of itself, making many aspects symmetrical and line up perfectly. As someone who loves symmetry in modern architecture, I was very pleased.

    The building is open to the public (for the most part) and has many facts and plaques by anything of significance which made my wandering around alone very simple. I could have done a tour but it was rather a lot of money so I chose not too.

    At the entrance of the building on the second floor is a balcony. If you stand directly central and look through the columns you can see directly down the main lawns straight to the Old Parliamentary building, then over the lake and to the war memorial and finally mount Ainslie frames the background.

    Also on this balcony is the larger than life statue of Queen Elizabeth 2. A statue she unveiled herself on the buildings opening in 1988. A very big day for Canberra and from all reports similar to the recent coronation. They were expecting more people, and may have spent a bit too much money.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Old House of Parliament

    May 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    My next stop was the Old House of Parliament opposite. This building was created as the original house of Parliament when the first world war broke out, crippling any development plans for the city and its parliament.

    Now this massive building is used as a museum. Split into parts, each of the old offices and rooms is used to showcase something different. Some are still as they were originally used, redone to educate on how the senators and politicians spent their days. While others showcased different ideas.

    My favourite room was one of letter writing. A collection of old type writers were placed around the room and on the walls various prompts were placed. My favourite was a bunch of little cubby holes with different prompts, inside were a bunch of envelopes answering those prompts. Everyhting from advice to book recommendations and the one I did, a pep talk.

    The rest the exhibits were interesting if a little put of my league. There were many rooms discussing politics and the Australian government neither of which I have much knowledge or interest in so I skipped through these. Plus some rooms on journalism vs freedom of speech and all that. Not exactly a topic I like to debate as most people wouldn't agree with me.

    Overall I was impressed with the old Parliament building and can see how they out grew it.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Flag Parade and Art Gallery

    May 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    My next stops were down to the water front.

    Along the edge of the lake stand numerous flags of the countries aligned with Australia. I had heard it is quite a beautiful sight, adding some much needed colour to the grey concrete background. But I found as they were so high up, you couldn't see much of anything so far away.

    I made my way along the waterfront and through the sculpture garden. As always, I didnt really get the sculptures but there was one part full of smoke machines that made me very happy. For a moment I could pretend I was in a fantasy novel and the evil was spreading across the earth. Only I could save everyone. It was great.

    The art gallery was another disappointment. I am still struggling with art and understand it all for the most part. Not to say anything about the art, I just didn't get it. I think it would have also been more impressive if the gallery were fully open. It seemed that 2/3rds of the galleries exhibits were being changed around meaning not much of the gallery was actually open.

    Back outside I made decided I wanted to eat something. Unfortunately due to my location in the city there were no grocery stores around so I went instead to a cafe. More expensive but I do not care at the moment. I am sick of watching money leave to planes and busses, a good hot coffee in spinach pastry are much better investments.

    I took a seat out on the decking so I could watch the water and have the sun shining on me. In the shade, it felt like 15° but in the sun it was far more bearable.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    War Memorial

    May 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    The Canberra War Memorial is a testament to this countries fallen.

    In england we commemorate our fallen soldiers but the focus is on WW1/2. In Australia they focus on all soldiers in all wars.

    I thought at first that 2hrs in the memorial would be an insanely long time. How wrong I was. The main areas are dedicated to the world wars. The centre for all the recipients of the Victoria Cross, then WW1 on the right and WW2 on the left. The Korean, Vietnaman and Malay wars are also highlighted behind these main exhibits.

    Now, I think I know a fair amount about the world wars. I studied WW1 from a literary view point and WW2 from a political and German view point. But I was astonished how little I knew about Australias aid. I knew that the Japanese sided with the Germans, but I knew nothing more. The amount of blood shed around Asia between the Japanese and Australians is astonishing. I was reading about WW2 and the war on this side of the world and I was floored. If I'm being honest, I thought of the wars as a very European central affair. Of course they were, but I had no clue who much I didnt know.

    I could have spent many more hours here just looking through everything. But it was late in the day when I arrived and I the memorial oses at 4pm unless you stay for the old post.

    The old post is a commemoration done every evening. Both civilians and military personal come down and lay a wreath at the base of the reflecting pond to remeber someone. Around the pond is the names of every Australian soldier who died in a war since the start of WW1.

    At the end of the memorial is the tomb of the unknown solider. Outside the tomb is a plaque with their eulogy printed. Members of the public can purchase a poppy by donating to the memorial and can place that poppy anywhere within the memorial. The gaps between the plaques on the walls are full of these poppies, lighting up the black metal and creating a starting contrast.

    Along the parade between the memorial and the lake is a collection of statues for each war or group. I did not get a photo of every one, but they were beautiful.

    I do not think I will return to Canberra as there is little else to do beyond what I have done today but I would return simply to visit the memorial again. I only got to do less than half of it so would happily go back to do more.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    The colours of Autumn

    May 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    As I spent over 8hrs out and about in the city today I managed to see practically every colour under the sun. And of course, I had to photo graph it.

    Being in 'summer' for literally 6 months, I had forgotten how beautiful autumn is. Throughly done with the heat, being out today was a welcome change.

    This city was designed to be a city. Nothing was here before it, and so they could make this a city right from the offset. It is walkable, outdoor oriented, beautiful and busy. I very much enjoyed walking around today.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Travelling again

    May 10, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Today I went from Canberra to Sydney, then to the Blue Mountains.

    Canberra to Sydney was probably the most boring 3.5hr bus ride of my life. Dont know why but I could not settle the entire way.

    We arrived into Sydney about 5 minutes after the train to the Blue Moutains. So I had to wait for the next one. I decided I needed something to eat. I wasnt hungry but I was so done I wanted something to make me feel better. The blueberry muffin did not do that. Barely any blueberries and a bit stodgy.

    My bad mood persisted throughout the 2hr train journey to Katoomba and only alleviated when I arrived at my hostel. The room is tiny but the common area had a wood burning fire going. The owner made us all pasta for dinner, its wasnt great but it was free. I ended up playing chess all evening with some of the people in the hostel. Turns out if I'm watching I'm pretty good, soon as I play I loose.

    I'm going to take it easy tomorrow. I need to get my energy back up before I start in Port M this weekend.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    26

    Katoomba

    May 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Today, I woke up feeling like absolute death. I am nauseous, fatigued, dizzy and sometimes the world blurs a bit on the edges. But I am also, an idiot. So I dragged my butt out into the cold and wandered around town.

    I left with the intention of finding the books stores and the art street that had been recommend to me. However as I was walking I changed my mind and simple went in anywhere that was interesting.

    I walked up to a fancy looking hotel, went in a hippy shop, found the book store I wanted to see and entered the church which was hosting a crafts market. Overall the town is really adorable.

    It reminds me of a little old town in England. Lots of unique shops, cafes everywhere and it felt open. I dont quite know how to explain that last part. The air was fresh and crisp but in a good calming way.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Art Trail

    May 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After a bit of searching I managed to find Katoomba's art street. Like Melbourne, Katoomba has a street dedicated to street art.

    Personally I preferred this street to the one in Melbourne. Melbourne's is extremely popular and famous so full of great art but also a large number of tags and meaningless symbols. This street had very little of that and the art work was beautiful.Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Echo Point and hot chocolate

    May 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Despite my nausea I decided to keep walking once I had explored town and headed to the edge of the world.

    At the bottom of town is Echo Point. A massive overlook of the valley below and the three sisters rock formation. It is as though a massive hand cut the earth in two, leaving a massive chasm in between it is quite a view.

    From Echo Point, a path leads along the cliff top to the next two over. I decided once I was there that I may as well do that walk. I was feeling a little better and had really been looking forward to walking around the Blue Mountains. However I did take a detour first via a chocolate shop.

    This shop had also been recommended. They sever 'real' hot chocolate where you melt the chocolate in the hot milk over a lite candle.

    Sitting outside, in the bright sunlight and beautiful backdrop was magical. The area is so calm and forces you to relax. I was in heaven.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Prince Henry cliff walk

    May 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    The cliff walk was exactly what I wanted and needed.

    I was alone practically the entire time. The path was easy to follow and was little more than slopes so easy to traverse. Whenever there was a second path to a lookout I took it and was rewarded for my efforts.

    The view over the valley below and to the next moutains is stunning. Impossible to describe accurately.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Leura Cascades

    May 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    The final part of the walk was unfortunately up hill but that was because I was climbing alongside a waterfall.

    The Leura Cascades were again completely empty and beautiful. Despite the fact it hasn't rained in days, they were flowing with an impressive amount of power. I can only imagine how astonishing they can be when it had rained. But that is why the roads are often blocked due to flooding and paths are closed with no notice.

    At the end of the trail I sat down to eat something. It was so silent there.

    Once done I walked back through the town of Leura and caught the bus back to Katoomba. I'd been out for almost 6hrs, not my intention but worth it.

    I went put with two girls from Brisbane I met in the hostel. We got a bunch of pizzas to share, all veggie and very nice. And this non alcoholic cider was surprisingly good. Not too sweet which I liked.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Evans Lookout

    May 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    So I woke up nice and early today and found out the bus doesn't run very often. In fact, it runs at 8,30am and 11,45am. So I woke up for no reason and had to wait for ages.

    I headed down to the shops while I waited. I am beyond cold in the evenings and wanted to find something a bit warmer. Picked up some joggers and a long sleeved top which should help for now.

    Got the bus, despite it seeming as though it wasnt going to arrive and headed down to the 'Grand Canyon Walk'. Unfortunately the bus drops you down at the end of the road, which is a 30 minute walk away from the beginning of the walk.

    By the time I arrived at the end of the road it was 12,30 and the sun was shining brightly. Evan's Lookout is a lot wider than Echo Point and extends a lot further.

    It is also a stepping off point for multiple different walks around this area. The Grand Canyon walk goes down to the right, another walk does straight down into the valley and the one I chose goes left.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Cliff Top walk

    May 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    I decided to do another cliff top walk today. I left with the intention of doing the Grand Canyon Walk but I was reading he description and realised I really didn't want too. It was using words like 'steep steps' and 'traverse gorges'. At one point it said may be closed due the flooding. Reading it made me realised I have little interest in doing that sort of walk. It was also an steep down followed by a steeper up.

    So I chose to do the cliff walk along the top of the valley. Was I chickening out, maybe. But I am on holiday, I dont have to if I dont want too. So I didnt.

    The cliff walk was similar to yesterday but had an even better view of the valley and mountains beyond. It felt wilder than the one yesterday, less reversed.    Read more

  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice