JackTravel

AUSTRALIA SYDNEY Australia, land of open vastness. Land of bush, heavy thick bush. Red rock and bright colored sand landscapes to match. Endless beaches, picturesque harbors. Easy-going communities, where men talk like they are god’s gift to women. ‘A raw deal for the Sheila’s’ I’d say. A fair skin emigrant will certainly age more quickly. If your complexion can weather the potent rays, thank your parents for a healthy concoction. Melbourne, St. Patrick's day A few days later was the Saint Patrick’s day ‘Irish holiday.’ Port Melbourne was the word. Squeezing onto a packed tram, the locals were flocking to the emerald bars. Minutes earlier a frantic eleventh hour search for green hair spray proved fruitful. I teamed-up with Gerry, Kieran and Joe, Irish friends living in Sydney. A line longer than a flight path greeted ... read more

NEPAL 1 Nepal, a land-locked country between India and China. Predominately Hindu, with a population of 28 million. It has a democratic government, the ruling monarch recently stepped down. It is a developing nation with many fundamental problems. Struggling to provide jobs, education, electricity and a clean water system. Home to the Himalayas which consists of mount Everest, the highest mountain on our planet. Because of this it attracts mountaineers and casual trekkers which boosts it's tourist industry. White-water rafting is also a popular adventure. NEPAL 2 In Kathmandu the capital, a night out had been arranged with other bus passengers. 'Tom and Jerry' pub was nominated from the guide book. A drink-up in a real bar, the first for many weeks. An accumulation of twenty-three travelers. French, Israeli, Canadian, English, Dutch and ourselves. My friends, ... read more

BRAZIL RIO DE JANEIRO It was a clear afternoon. We grabbed the cameras and went for a photo session. A very steep climb of 710 meters on the tram. Inside the tram, the seating is sectional, in a step form, so passengers are not seated at an angle position. The Corcavado as it's known to the locals, Cristo Redentor . This statue is a huge grey concrete structure. Duplicating it's image with outstretched arms, we jockeyed for mug shots. This been the city's most visited attraction. An image of catholicism teaming over this thrill-seeking city, as the mist descended around us. The left arm points to the north of the city, where the Maracana stadium and the international airport are located. The right arm extended towards the suburbs of Jardim Botanico, Gavea and the horse racetrack. ... read more

THAILAND Ko San road Bangkok An international basecamp. After settling-in to your accommodation, one can become quite comfortable rather quickly. Easy to make new friends. Abundance of bars and restaurants. If the thai food is too spicy, there are always western style outlets. Clothing stores and street vendors, with prices at a snip. Taxis are plentyful and inexpensive. BANGKOK FLOATING MARKET Some customers shopped by taking a boat. For me, it was more convenient to walk the river bank. A crowded river with long narrow boats, packed with fruits and vegetables. It all works well despite the initial chaotic impression. The boat vendors, most were women, wearing loose cotton shirts and Chinese style hats. Looking aged but cheerful. They had a utility instrument, a fishing rod with a net for passing items and money. I Would ... read more

PHILIPPINES This country consists of over four thousand islands, but many are not inhabited. The Spanish in their exploring conquests introduced Christianity in the early 16th century. More recently the u.s. had an influence, after world war two, hence basketball been the national sport. In Manila i stayed at the International youth hostel. Prices are low but had very few visitors. It's a country that many backpackers pass over. Small hotels are very affordable for long stayers. Jeepneys are a reliable form of transport. Cock fighting is a gambling sport. They don't have alot of western style bars, locals struggle to afford this luxury. Nite-clubs are not plentyful but there's enough to feed your enthusiasm. Mnay Philippinos work overseas which creates a major source of family income. People are conservative in their ways and strong in ... read more