Solomons chatter Well, after getting home on Easter Sunday and then popping into reserves on Tuesday to see what time and where to parade, it was mentioned that they needed a Transport Supervisor to go to the Solomons with them. Soooo, within 2 days of being back in Australia, plans were already underway for me to be off again within a week or two for four to five months. I got to stay in town for the christening of my nephew, now my godson, and also my other new niece and a very quick time to catch up with family and [View Full Entry]

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Unites States Houston - Well after being excited about getting here for the country concert and ice hockey and space centre, caught bus and train and walked to hostel and then got there 2pm after 3 hours journey from airport to be told I can’t check in until 5pm - thanks for telling me that on the net! Otherwise, I quite like Houston, mix of Africans, Latino and Cowboys living in leafy suburbs and heaps of sport. Locals will have a chat to you on train which isn’t big city attitude and generally friendly. I feel safe walking around albeit lonely [View Full Entry]

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El Salvador San Salvador - Airport is way out of city probably because of mountains even though it has been flattest coming in for ages. Very westernised city, big American food and service chains, although on the other side of the road are the usual African looking coconut stalls. Went for wander one day and came across a huge shopping complex which I was just not expecting. This city is most like home with suburbs and shopping centres. Maybe it is just because I am in the suburbs??? People here are extremely friendly, just about everyone on the street says hello [View Full Entry]

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Peru Lima - arrived late at night but transfer went okay after finding out by email from travel agent that I was supposed to be on a tour 3 days ago. Moral of story - don’t trust travel agent books you on the right tour date even though you have checked a few times with her. I know this probably isn’t my first whinge, but finding out you are on a wrong tour 3 days late is not my thing! Lima itself didn’t strike me at first, arriving late makes you wary of a place I think, you start seeing the [View Full Entry]

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Equador Quito - again, flight first. Coming out of Panama I just about had a body cavity search at the boarding gate because someone thought my bag smelled when they were crossloading it from my San Jose flight to the Panama flight to Quito. Then the dog came and didn’t find anything so I was free - I must admit, Shappelle Corby did come to mind. Then, landing in Quito you just about touch down on the tops of skyscrapers right at the end of the airstrip - made it safe though and yet another equator city that is quite chilly! [View Full Entry]

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Costa Rica San Jose - is really quite nice for big city. Very westernized after being without for ages which is both good and bad. Have found a Taco Bell which is very exciting. People are friendly and lovely too even though pick pocketing is apparently bad. Monteverde - not a bad drive off road up to mountains with some spectacular scenery. Beautiful little cabins we are staying in with weird not quite rain all the time. Is like when you are a few metres downwind of a sprinkler only not a cloud in the sky. Went with guide in back [View Full Entry]

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Belize Caye Caulker - now we are talking. Excellent boat ride I am guessing at about 60mph on way over. Relaxed beachfront hotel, dirt streets, walk around at night safely. Good group of people to play beach cricket with. Even with bad weather that isn’t normal is great. Might just have to come back for the good weather! Am spoiled though living on the largest barrier reef, although second largest is ok. Was not expecting Belize to be English speaking and part of the commonwealth! Belize City - only passed through but met Kumuka group who said police had to escort [View Full Entry]

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Mexico Got in very late/early but easy to get taxi to hotel. Was lazy at first and didn’t appreciate city then had a walk around and was good - especially the cheap food. $2 for 2 hot dogs and a 600ml drink, 70c for 2 tacos albeit small. Then walked out at night and great atmosphere for Christmas, an outdoor ice rink in main square (it isn’t that cold) and stayed for lights to be turned on. Felt safe with all the security around wearing bullet proof vests…. Horseback policeman in Alameda Park with big sombreros is pretty cool though. Then [View Full Entry]

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Firstly, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR Well this is weird, 2 weeks out from Christmas and just starting to see decorations going up and I don’t have a clue who I will be with? At least last year away from home I already had a new work family and plans for the week. Anyway, this isn’t about me. It is to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year. Panama, much more than a canal! By first accounts after having a huge headache on the plane, it was a nice [View Full Entry]

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Argentina Buenos Aires - flying into Buenos Aires though was beautiful, huge city with lights on horizon nearly as far as you could see. And to say beautiful in the middle of a big thunder/electrical storm is a big call for me! Then to Ushuaia (update in Antarctica blog), awesome flying into there, snow capped mountains everywhere. Amongst the clouds I just hope we don’t crash into some - Andes are good for plane crashes. Took off from Ushuaia, scary again, first time ever I can remember not having the ‘this is how to wear your seatbelt talk’ and was having [View Full Entry]

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