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Date: 14th May 2013
Reply to M. Sensei
Hi there, Thanks for your message, it's a good question. As you say, we were lucky with the weather. We'd been told if we were sailing around south Australia then we'd hit some rough seas and I guess that would've become more of a challenge. As it was, we could stand on the bow and see for miles and apart from going on deck at night (which we didn't enjoy), it never seemed scary. The opposite side is that we were told that if we fell overboard, then the sharks would get us before we could be rescued :-) If you like the big open spaces, realise you're travelling in a relatively unusual way and remember that there are thousands of ships sailing at any one time with no problems, then you'll enjoy it. Cheers, Andy
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Reply to M. Sensei
Hi there, Thanks for your message, it's a good question. As you say, we were lucky with the weather. We'd been told if we were sailing around south Australia then we'd hit some rough seas and I guess that would've become more of a challenge. As it was, we could stand on the bow and see for miles and apart from going on deck at night (which we didn't enjoy), it never seemed scary. The opposite side is that we were told that if we fell overboard, then the sharks would get us before we could be rescued :-) If you like the big open spaces, realise you're travelling in a relatively unusual way and remember that there are thousands of ships sailing at any one time with no problems, then you'll enjoy it. Cheers, Andy
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 7th November 2012
Local plumber
Small bits of content which are explained in details, helps me understand the topic, thank you!
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Local plumber
Small bits of content which are explained in details, helps me understand the topic, thank you!
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 26th July 2011
Reply
Hi Josh, Thanks for your comment, the gorge is an amazing place and I'm glad that you liked the descriptions and pictures. The trek is a very special experience and one which would be hard to replicate. Cheers, Andy
From Blog: Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge And Northern Laos
Reply
Hi Josh, Thanks for your comment, the gorge is an amazing place and I'm glad that you liked the descriptions and pictures. The trek is a very special experience and one which would be hard to replicate. Cheers, Andy
From Blog: Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge And Northern Laos
The Tiger Leaping Gorge
I love your photos I hiked the the gorge in 2005 and I have been to and recognize most of your photos. You did a great job capturing the beauty of the gorge. I cant wait to return and hike it again hiking the gorge has been the highlight of my life thus far.
From Blog: Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge And Northern Laos
Date: 12th December 2010
Reply to Lizzy
Hi Lizzy, Many thanks for your kind message - glad that you like the blog. You should definitely think about taking the container ship - it's an amazing way to travel and a real window on a life that we never really get to see. I'm glad that you will follow your dream too - I had mine for 18 years before finally packing my bags and heading off. It was the best thing I ever did! All the best, Andy
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Reply to Lizzy
Hi Lizzy, Many thanks for your kind message - glad that you like the blog. You should definitely think about taking the container ship - it's an amazing way to travel and a real window on a life that we never really get to see. I'm glad that you will follow your dream too - I had mine for 18 years before finally packing my bags and heading off. It was the best thing I ever did! All the best, Andy
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 8th December 2010
That was a great entry! ive always wanted to go to England by boat from Australia ever since i decided id go overseas. but I had no idea as to how that could be done. but when you described how you went about it and all the details of the trip, I was spurred on to not give up my dream. It didn't seem that long when i was reading it; just got lost in it. this is a really corny message, but when im 18 next year im going to do exactly what you did, but the other way around. Lizzy.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
That was a great entry! ive always wanted to go to England by boat from Australia ever since i decided id go overseas. but I had no idea as to how that could be done. but when you described how you went about it and all the details of the trip, I was spurred on to not give up my dream. It didn't seem that long when i was reading it; just got lost in it. this is a really corny message, but when im 18 next year im going to do exactly what you did, but the other way around. Lizzy.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 25th July 2010
ex. Buss Fleet
Hi Andy, I sailed on the Baltrum Trader and on the Trave Trader. I do know Noel Nalupa. He asked for Capt. Kluegleins email address. I do have it. Please ask him (Noel Nalupa) to get in contact with me. By the way: Great report. All the Best - Roland
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
ex. Buss Fleet
Hi Andy, I sailed on the Baltrum Trader and on the Trave Trader. I do know Noel Nalupa. He asked for Capt. Kluegleins email address. I do have it. Please ask him (Noel Nalupa) to get in contact with me. By the way: Great report. All the Best - Roland
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 6th January 2010
Reply to Noel
Hi Noel, thanks for your message. Great to hear that you worked with Mario - he was quite a legend on the Baltrum Trader, and made our stay on the boat even more memorable. You must have seen some sights on your travels, which routes did you travel? I'm afraid I don't have Capt. Reiner Kluglein's email address. Thanks for getting in touch, Andy
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Reply to Noel
Hi Noel, thanks for your message. Great to hear that you worked with Mario - he was quite a legend on the Baltrum Trader, and made our stay on the boat even more memorable. You must have seen some sights on your travels, which routes did you travel? I'm afraid I don't have Capt. Reiner Kluglein's email address. Thanks for getting in touch, Andy
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 29th December 2009
ex buss fleet seaman
I like your work. Great Job. It brings back memories when i used to work on board a ship name TRAVE TRADER (sister ship of Baltrum), specially buss fleet. And I think I know Ch.Engr. Mario, I used to work with him a couple times. He was our ch.Engr. and I work on Deck. I quit going to sea for about 7 yrs. I decided to be with my family and work here in Bakersfield, California, U.S.A. If you know the name Capt. Reiner Kluglein or just his email address, pls email it to me. Thank You.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
ex buss fleet seaman
I like your work. Great Job. It brings back memories when i used to work on board a ship name TRAVE TRADER (sister ship of Baltrum), specially buss fleet. And I think I know Ch.Engr. Mario, I used to work with him a couple times. He was our ch.Engr. and I work on Deck. I quit going to sea for about 7 yrs. I decided to be with my family and work here in Bakersfield, California, U.S.A. If you know the name Capt. Reiner Kluglein or just his email address, pls email it to me. Thank You.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 13th December 2009
Josh
Hi Josh - just replied. Cheers
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Josh
Hi Josh - just replied. Cheers
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 10th December 2009
sounds like an amazing trip!!! im going to australia next year with a working travel visa. ive been looking at flights and stuff and it all seems so boring!!! from what ive read before, going on a ship like you isnt that cheap, but it sounds fun. how much did it cost you? please reply to my email address :) thanks, josh (devon, england)
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
sounds like an amazing trip!!! im going to australia next year with a working travel visa. ive been looking at flights and stuff and it all seems so boring!!! from what ive read before, going on a ship like you isnt that cheap, but it sounds fun. how much did it cost you? please reply to my email address :) thanks, josh (devon, england)
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 1st November 2009
Reply to Hannah
Hi Hannah, thanks for your message. I needed a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet, which I had to buy in Chengdu (can't remember how much this was, I'm afraid). I then had to show this permit to travel to the monasteries I mention in my blog - I hired a driver with a Land Cruiser for this part of the trip. Hope this helps. Would be great to hear about your trip. Cheers, Andy
From Blog: Breathless In Tibet
Reply to Hannah
Hi Hannah, thanks for your message. I needed a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet, which I had to buy in Chengdu (can't remember how much this was, I'm afraid). I then had to show this permit to travel to the monasteries I mention in my blog - I hired a driver with a Land Cruiser for this part of the trip. Hope this helps. Would be great to hear about your trip. Cheers, Andy
From Blog: Breathless In Tibet
Date: 31st October 2009
Reply to Babel
Thanks, Babel - it was a fantastic experience
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Reply to Babel
Thanks, Babel - it was a fantastic experience
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 29th October 2009
No Permit???
How did you manage to travel throught Tibet on public buses? I thought this was illegal for foreigners? Did you have a permit? I was trying for the no planes rule, but got screwed over here cos I din't want to fork out for a permit and travel in a group. Unfortunately it was cheaper to fly over Tibet. Curious to hear how you did it.
From Blog: Breathless In Tibet
No Permit???
How did you manage to travel throught Tibet on public buses? I thought this was illegal for foreigners? Did you have a permit? I was trying for the no planes rule, but got screwed over here cos I din't want to fork out for a permit and travel in a group. Unfortunately it was cheaper to fly over Tibet. Curious to hear how you did it.
From Blog: Breathless In Tibet
Date: 2nd January 2009
Reply To Koko
Hi Koko, thanks for your message - that's amazing! Great to know who left the globe behind and that you had such a great time on the Baltrum Trader. Cheers - and thanks for letting us know, it's a great story to tell!
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Reply To Koko
Hi Koko, thanks for your message - that's amazing! Great to know who left the globe behind and that you had such a great time on the Baltrum Trader. Cheers - and thanks for letting us know, it's a great story to tell!
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 24th December 2008
Awesomeness
Hi Andy! Great to see this post, I did a similar overland trip in 2002 and crossed on the Baltrum Trader as well, awesome experience and a great crew! I left a blow up globe hanging in the officers' room, and it's still there on one of your pics above, totally awesome, I love it.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Awesomeness
Hi Andy! Great to see this post, I did a similar overland trip in 2002 and crossed on the Baltrum Trader as well, awesome experience and a great crew! I left a blow up globe hanging in the officers' room, and it's still there on one of your pics above, totally awesome, I love it.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 23rd May 2008
Incredible. :)
I want to do that too when I have lots and lots of time in one chunk. It would give one a real perspective on just how big the world is. Mel
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Incredible. :)
I want to do that too when I have lots and lots of time in one chunk. It would give one a real perspective on just how big the world is. Mel
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 12th September 2007
Quite A Trip!
Hi Chuck - thanks for your message - biking that route must have been some trip! Did you post a blog on it - I'd love to read about it? Glad you liked the beerlao - I couldn't get enough of it :-) Cheers, Andy
From Blog: Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge And Northern Laos
Quite A Trip!
Hi Chuck - thanks for your message - biking that route must have been some trip! Did you post a blog on it - I'd love to read about it? Glad you liked the beerlao - I couldn't get enough of it :-) Cheers, Andy
From Blog: Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge And Northern Laos
Date: 11th September 2007
hi from one who biked some of this
My cousin and I bicycled from Vientaine to Kunming in 2002 (or was it 03) and your blog brought back some great memories. We also traveled by bus to Lijiing and Zhongdian and hiked Tiger Leaping Gorge. Quite a thrill. Thanks for posting. And an added thanks for the photo of the Beer Lao, which I miss dearly...! Chuck Anschutz
From Blog: Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge And Northern Laos
hi from one who biked some of this
My cousin and I bicycled from Vientaine to Kunming in 2002 (or was it 03) and your blog brought back some great memories. We also traveled by bus to Lijiing and Zhongdian and hiked Tiger Leaping Gorge. Quite a thrill. Thanks for posting. And an added thanks for the photo of the Beer Lao, which I miss dearly...! Chuck Anschutz
From Blog: Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge And Northern Laos
Date: 6th September 2007
Hi from Oz
Hey Andy - great to catch up on your adventures, albeit quite belated! Next time you'll have to get to Melbourne. Not that I will be there!! E
From Blog: Mackay Meanderings
Hi from Oz
Hey Andy - great to catch up on your adventures, albeit quite belated! Next time you'll have to get to Melbourne. Not that I will be there!! E
From Blog: Mackay Meanderings
Date: 3rd July 2007
Baltrum Trader
Thanks for your comment, Roger - it's a great way to travel, isn't it? Especially with a crew like Mario and Shrek - once in a lifetime experience (or maybe not!).
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Baltrum Trader
Thanks for your comment, Roger - it's a great way to travel, isn't it? Especially with a crew like Mario and Shrek - once in a lifetime experience (or maybe not!).
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 9th June 2007
Fun on the Baltrum Trader
Well done Andrew. I boarded the Baltrum Trader in Sydney on the 22nd of March obviously just after your voyage. I did the round trip of 18,000 KM, returning to Sydney on the 19th of April. I enjoyed my time with same crew, spending a lot of time in the officers mess with Mario and Shrek. I got to see the BIG seas accross the great Australian bight. We got into some heavy rolling with seas of up to 11 meters, great fun.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Fun on the Baltrum Trader
Well done Andrew. I boarded the Baltrum Trader in Sydney on the 22nd of March obviously just after your voyage. I did the round trip of 18,000 KM, returning to Sydney on the 19th of April. I enjoyed my time with same crew, spending a lot of time in the officers mess with Mario and Shrek. I got to see the BIG seas accross the great Australian bight. We got into some heavy rolling with seas of up to 11 meters, great fun.
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!
Date: 5th June 2007
Bubble tea
That is very popular in Asia especially in the Philippines!!! You can get a variety of taste from mango to pineapple, or just plainly with tea flavor. I miss that drink! Rey
From Blog: Malaysian Travels
Bubble tea
That is very popular in Asia especially in the Philippines!!! You can get a variety of taste from mango to pineapple, or just plainly with tea flavor. I miss that drink! Rey
From Blog: Malaysian Travels
M. Sensei
non-member comment
Interested...and scared!
I just came upon your blog Andy, obviously pretty late, but it was captivating. I am currently trying to secure a teaching job in Asia and am considering this option (sailing from California to maybe Korea or China). I can't help but wonder though if I will be freaked out on the open sea...especially if and when we come upon bad weather and big waves. I know you mentioned that you kind of lucked out when it came to weather, but overall was it ever really scary out there? Did you ever have moments of panic?
From Blog: I've Done It - UK To Oz Overland!