Pawel Pawlaczek
PolishPaul
People say that one should try anything and everything once, so here I am.
There's always someone coming and going, this is the reality of staying at a hostel. The beautiful people we meet along the way are just as much a part of the travel experience as are the beautiful beaches of Sydney. We give ourselves to them and we take some of them with us back home or wherever we end up. I will probably never again see most of what I come across here, so forgive me for resisting the urge to Facebook every person I have a conversation with. But I don't forget the people who made my day when it was raining and just wanted to burn one down. All the best to all the good folks travelling through Aussie Land!
"Seek the good, the positive, the creative. Then that is what you open yourself to and that is what you respond to." Swami Radha
Travel Blog Posts
August 11th 2008
Our Fourth Annual Beerfest at Fort York has come to an end. Thanks everyone for coming out and supporting our drunken habits, couldn't of done it without you! Also couldn't of done it as early had we missed the train. We started the day under gloomy conditions, no break in sight, being hearded around like cattle through the various ticket stations until actually being let loose like the bulls in Pamplona. Except we weren't running because we hoped to impale some dumb tourist, we were "running" for some of that golden goodness, or lakewater depending on what you were drinking. The skies opened up around 4:30pm and this is when sun and body schemed in the aim of some Vitamin D (or is it E?) production. Whatever. Without overinflating the impact of this pathetic fallacy reality, ... read more
July 3rd 2008
Time flies when you're having fun. Having only one week to spend on the north island of New Zealand was definitely a disappointment. My limited time did, however, make my travel plans very simple. Wellington was a pleasand surprise. A very photogenic city that's easy to get around in. All I had to do was get myself to Central Station by train from our suburb, Mana, and I could easily spend a full day on the town enjoying the free sights. Its easily accessible waterfront made it that much cooler. Rotarua is a smelly place. There's not much to the city itself, but loads of stuff to do while there. The Hell's Gate is a natural, active geothermal site that has a lot going on. Mud volcanoes, ground that seems to boil right before your eyes ... read more
June 30th 2008
Franz Jozef Glacier Day Hike. Our morning began a little chilly, but that aside it was fairly clear and sunny for the rest of the day. One never knows with weather in New Zealand. We start the day getting all of the necessary hiking gear. I throw on a raincoat, water-resistant pants, nice thick socks accompanied by a proper set of boots. All set. The bus ride takes all of 15 minutes or so. Beginning from the parking lot we hike down to the river valley. This is where they begin to plit us up into smaller group. I go with the fast, but not super fast, group. I'd still like to be able to take pictures along the way, otherwise I wouldn't be putting pages like these up. It turns out that our "fast" group ... read more
June 29th 2008
So I finally found someone to travel South Island with. Sarah, an English gal that took the risk of renting a car with the hope of picking up randoms, just found the most random guy; she doesn't know what she's in for! Off we went out of Queenstown to spend a day in Glenorchy. Great trails are all around this small town and so we decide to do one. At the end of the day we crash at the coolest hostel to date. It's got a hot tub, great big kitchen, lounge with zillions of movies. We crack a bottle of wine and that's all you need to know for that night! Our Travels: Queenstown Glenorchy Wanaka Haast Fox+Franz Jozef Glacier Punakaiki Kaikoura Lake Rotoiti Motueka Abel ... read more
The Adventure Capital of the World. Queenstown, NZ
Published: June 15th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Queenstown
June 15th 2008
Queenstown is smaller than I thought, but its location is picturesque. Nestled between mountains, a lake and more mountains, it's what every picture-perfect town should look like. A vibrant downtown catering to the flocks of tourists that call it home is a must. Souvenir shops are making a killing here, as are the adventure-offering ones. On day two I pull the trigger and book jet boating and bungy jumping. Jet boating is overrated but fun nonetheless, in my opinion, but the Nevis bungy jump is the real deal. 134m of terror! No time to hesitate when the guy counts down 3, 2, 1. AHHHHHH!! This is one of a few instances in life when screaming is not just for sissies. If you're not screaming than chances are it's because you're in shock. Getting pulled back up ... read more
June 15th 2008
Day 1: Christchurch to Geraldine The sunny morning turns to a wet, then snowy day as we climb. Not exactly the weather we had been hoping for. As we leave Christchurch there are endless vinyards, sheep/deer/alpaca farms now covered in snow. Driving through a country with approximately 4.2 million human inhabitants compared to over 35 million sheep (so I'm told) you get used to seeing the furry creatures. I'm not too confident about our campervan. It's a 1996 Nissan something or other with a weak engine, half worn tires with no chains in storage and doesn't seem to pump out any heat. This is why when we get to Geraldine we decide to crash there for the night. The heavy snow makes it impossible for us to go any further today, especially since the next leg ... read more
On to New Zealand. First Stop: Christchurch
Published: June 15th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Christchurch
June 15th 2008
Am I ever glad I began stocking up on warm clothes before I left Oz. Brrrr! Winter has definitely arrived in the Southern Hemisphere. Landing in Christchurch at midnight really suk'd. Not having accomodation sorted meant that I would have to spend the night at the airport, not unlike many other backpackers, mind you. It surprised me to find out that the vast majority of homes, and hostels, are still without insulation, which leads to you relying on a heavy duvet to keep you warm this time of year. The heater on the wall is useless, btw. Christchurch is a relatively large city in NZ and that is why I had no plans of heading in town with no where to stay, besides the cold of course. Apart from the surrounding suburbs, everything is within walking ... read more
Good Times @ Beaches Backpackers
Published: June 15th 2008Oceania » Australia » Queensland » Airlie Beach
June 15th 2008
Beaches Backackers, my home away from home for two months. I must say this is where I felt the most at home during my travels. It took a few days for me to find work at this particular place, although it's not too difficult overall in Airlie. Worked out for the best in the log run, met a great crew to work and jam with. Jahgo, Gareth, Villem, Mark, Richie and Lucy, Alex, Aaron, Rob and Aaron (Bush Village Crew), Harpreet, Benny, Lucy2, Sharee, Dermot, Sky, Dave, Laurent, Jeep, Anna, Zoe, Banana, Elly, Ellie, Renato, etc (hope I didn't leave anyone out). You guys Rock! You made the stay in Airlie the highlight of my travels! All the Best to all of you wherever you are! Working as a Glassy has its positives: always a party, ... read more
June 5th 2008
Welcome Abourd the British Defender! I walk into the Southern Cross Sailing office in the hope of scoring a volunteer position working on a sailboat. . Sweet, I'm on pon the Defender in just under two weeks. Or so I thought. I go back to Beaches to have some lunch and while doing so I get interrupted by a phonecall. It's Southern Cross. "You've just been cut from this sailing trip, but come in and we'll sort you out on another", the lady on the phone says. "OooooK", I sigh. Being so keen on this sailing trip I brush my shoulder off and head back to Southern Cross. After a few minutes I finally get someone to talk to me. "I've got a special assignment for you, Paul", she says with a sly smile on her ... read more
PolishPaul
| Joined | December 7th 2007 | Trips | 0 |
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