15th one from Paul Hey! When I was at school - in a galaxy far, far away - I first heard about the Dead Sea and wondered at it's ostensibly magic power to make a person float. It is strangely a place that I have never imagined myself in but the fascination with it has remained to this day. And so, Intrepid One, I once again experience something vicariously through you! Full marks for getting in to it without a shower to follow; the salt must have been very uncomfortable in the heat. It looks pretty unglamourous in the pics but I guess if it's dead...........
The hostel closing down must have been a concern? Closing down without warning....Egon Ronay would knock off a star for that!
The pic of you in the high seating is great, showing the contrasting worlds of today and yesterday.
Watch out that your trusty thumb doesn't get you into strife.
Paul.
14th one from Paul Where are you getting the energy, not to mention the will, to climb all these bloody mountains?!! I'm tired just reading about it - I guess while you're there................
So, a ferry is 7 hours late and you arrive in a strange place at midnight; that has to be firstly, frustrating and then somewhat foreboding. The Jordan ranges, Petra look very inhospitable - not the place you'd care to get lost in.
With the UK experiencing the worst floods ever and Oz freezing, it sounds like you're in the right place!
Keep on trekkin'.
Paul.
Was it Called, 'Dubya'? The bush, that is?
I'm on a temporary platform for email so I'm hoping this gets through - let me know will you?
Hmmm, Burning Bush. Believe it or not, I guess it was an incredible experience eh?
Judging by the extent of the climb though, I'd say it was something that not too many folk would attempt, relatively speaking. In the movie, 'Jailhaouse Rock', Elvis sings about looking out of his window and seeing a bird (it was actually "way up in a tree" but that was merely for the purpose of rhyme) and I always thought about the extent of freedom that birds enjoy compared to us humans - incarcerated or not - and you, Luke, are way up there!
Stay alive,
Paul.
11th one from Paul Hey, Scoop Smith! Thanks for the pic inside the Great Pyramid, you did very well to get it. However, I am going to have to report you to the authorities as such clandestine activities are absolutely forbidden! As coincidence would have it, 60 Minutes did a piece on the Giza Pyramid last night so it was quite timely - I felt that I already had a greater knowledge than the rest of the population (well, the rest of the family anyway) because of your blog. As Toby says, (Hi Toby. Yes we had a great time at the movies but we didn't get to the japanese restaurant as MVD was at work for the early part of the evening) Rome is old and I was there for the first time in September which knocked me out, but you're experiencing the stuff that makes Rome look like 'Caroline Springs'! I guess the advice that Toby proferred is
very sound, so keep it in mind eh? When d'you think you'll tire of Sharwormas? They sound delicious. The quiet time for reflection you experienced was very special and I guess, rare for where you were. Stay safe, oh Intrepid One.
Paul.
10th one from paul In Da Nile! I like it. Careful if you go to Paris that you don't go In Seine!
It all gets put in perspective when you consider the USA and Australia are a coupla hundred years old (as far as we visitors are concerned) but you're treading on soil (and sand) that has history going back thousands of years. It must be a great buzz for you especially, Luke. As usual, great pics and story telling. Went to the movies with Kate and Warren again last night - lovely people!
I got to thinking about Luxor and thought that maybe that's where the word luxurious comes from, seeing that it was all so richly created etc.
Remember, if you're in your car, Toot, and Carmen will come but be careful because if Ram Sees, you'll be for it!
Sorry,
Paul.
Here endith the lesson! Buddy it's not hard to see what you majored in at Uni! Bloody interesting though. I would love to see those sites; perhaps with you as a tour guide some time. The temple complex at Deir el - Bahri puts our advanced modern post war civilisation into perspective doesn't it? I was in the Pathenon earlier this year and it is one of the many impressive buildings of Rome (my favourite city). Built around 20AD i think. I was awed to stand in the centre of such an advanced constuction that was 2000 years old and consider that our western democratic civilisation has it's origins here in the traditions of the grecco-roman empire. What is truely staggering is that your architectural wonder of Deir el-Bahri pre-dates it by another 1000 years. Antiquity indeed. Look after yourself in Sinai; be careful near the border areas and make sure everyone knows you're an australian tourist. Best to stay with the bigger groups if you can. Israli border soldiers don't like single young men wondering towards them. I would get the Australian embassy's number and keep the phone on you if it were me. Just in case. In an emergency they are most useful. Ok, enough big brother crap. Paul, heard you had a good night on Saturday. Did you like the Japanese place?
Have a great time Luke, speak soon.
Toby
9th one from Paul Well, Luke, As one to travel to Aswan - I just created a palindrome.....maybe not! So finally, you get to see close up all those things that have fascinated you for so long. It must be a tremendous thrill as was, I'm sure, catching up with Toby. (Hi Toby. Yes we're all well thanks, give my best to Caroline). I guess the contrast of a sophisticated London sandwiched between stifling India and ancient Egypt must be a surreal experience? The speed by which you're transported from one country to the next, 27 hour train journeys notwithstanding, illustrates what a small world it is. Even so, you wouldn't want to paint it! The portly tourists getting claustrophobic made me laugh, thinking of you getting swept along in the rush for open space. I imagine you're not allowed to take snapshots inside the structures but if you did manage to, I'd be very interested in seeing them. I do believe though, that I'll go there one day as Marianne also has Egypt on her wishlist of places to visit. It must have been a real treat to bask in the luxury of a hot shower but I guess that'll have to suffice for quite a while eh? Could you believe that you were actually swimming in the Nile?!! It's got to be better than the Ganges.
OK, go forth, I'm really enjoying the journey.
Paul.
Correction India sounds fascinating. G'day Paul, how's the family? Luke, not actually going AWOL (quite a bad crime in the Army), but taking the day off. As I'm a Captain now I get a few perks. See you tomorrow bud.
8th one from Paul Hi Luke. From what I can gather, India is a place to explore when you're under thirty! I guess first class would be OK but then there's always the condradiction to that lifestyle with the beggars (and the gropers). You paint a very realistic picture of your time there and for me, it will I think, have to suffice, as I have never and still have little desire to visit. Having said that, a good curry might just tip the scales!
So, Egypt eh? Now you're talkin'! Egypt's always been a destination I've hankered after, so I wait eagerly to be guided through it by you.
Take care, oh, and remember to take the plastic off the blade next time you shave!
Paul.
7th one from Paul Hmmm. I wonder what exactly, "quickly dispatched the nearest of the groping nuisance mongers" really means. Is the guy still breathing? I sympathise entirely, Luke - I know what it's like to be groped on awakening! The trains sound like they're terrible - even Connex is starting to appear efficient after reading your description of the 'service'. I don't know whether or not I asked you this, but I'm interested to know how the curries compare with the Indian fare over here? As I said to the girl at the restaurant, "Chapati?"
Take care not to injure anybody, Lukester.
Paul.
6th one from Paul OK. It's getting progressively harder to recognise the old Luke from the pics you're posting on the blog, me ole mate. D'you think you'll lose the turban by the time you get to Europe?! Hi Toby. Strangely enough, we've all just returned from Ayer's Rock where we had a camel ride although once around the paddock with a handler leading the way is hardly comparable! You're really out there in the far reaches of the desert aren't you? By the way, make sure there aren't any low bridges when you next sit on top of the bus! Take care, Luke Of The Desert.
Paul.
Agra and beyond... Another awesome adventure wolfman! Although, you may have to shave that knee length bead off when you come to the UK or the police could arrest you as a terrorist suspect (or if you come to the barracks, my sentries may shoot you!). Although, Caroline thinks it looks sexy. I note that Paul and I are the most regular commenters (Hi Paul), and we are both looking forward to reading the next blog. I trust these little messages are getting through to you. Speak soon. Wolfman's big brother.
5th one from Paul Hi, Luke! The notice on the bus seat is both alarming and hilarious - presumably the reward would be given posthumously, but you'd have to have earned it!
Never have I read anything about India without the word, 'spices' being included. What are these exotic condiments and where can I get some!?
You again, paint a vivid picture of the scene and it's areal pleasure to read about it. Delhi sounds like it's just too busy and manic to remain sane in, is that the case? I'm looking forward to hearing about Agra. 6 am train eh? You're certainly not wasting daylight, mate!
Speakcha soon,
Paul.
We are going to have to drink a few thousand beers to catch up properly on your adventures ... Luke, you are simply excellent. All of your adventures in China sounded fascinating to me, but as you know I have a long standing interest in that country and it's history. However, in one blog you have sparked an interest in India where previously I was never particularly interested. The shot of the Lodi Garden Mosque looks intreguing, I would love to be there with you. Caroline and I just got back from France where we spent the weekend. We took the car on the channel ferry and drove along the coast visiting little french villages and winerys. Had dinner in the keep of a 13th century castle. In Italy again next month, Milan this time. So between us, we are going to have to drink a few thousand beers when you get to the UK in order to catch up on all of our adventures. Keep up the blogs, Caroline and I both read them and marvel. Speak soon. Toby
4th one from Paul Aah, the well-packed bag! Something that I've never really got the hang of - the thing I need is always undetectable and then I accidentally locate it the next day in the 'secret pocket' that I'd stowed it in so that I'd be able to find it easily!
China sounds like a real blast, Luke, although maybe a little daunting not knowing the language? I'm the sort of person whose knowledge of Chinese is ''Number 47 and a large steamed rice please."
17 hours on a train would seem to be a bit lengthy but I guess there's stuff to see as you ride. Even so, well done; I guess there's a reason that you're the only non Chinese around! So is there a cafe aboard the train or do you have to pack something before the trip? I'm only guessiong here but I imagine that a sandwich is not the easiest food to come across but there's probably a big use of plastic containers! But that's the way it is for the unseasoned traveller - we can only summise, you experience it.
Safe travels, Luke, Marianne sends her best to you.
Til next time,
Paul.
3rd one from Paul Wow! The Great Wall is a place I've always wanted to visit - sounds like it's not disappointing. Can you get Italian food in China? Somehow, I get the impression that they're not as cosmopolitan as we are. Your diarising is really comprehensive, mate and I believe it will be something you'll look back on with a great deal of satisfaction in years to come. I really wish I was as prolific a writer as you but there again, I don't have the subject matter at my disposal! Played cards with your Dad on Friday and I was the big winner - I really would like to enter a contest; I guess there's nothing stopping me.
Looking forward to the next stage of your trip, Luke - keep 'em coming.
Paul.
Maomania Nice one mate... I'm so glad you made it to the Simatai section of the wall, the more we speak to travellers here in China, the more they complain that their Great wall experience was tarnished by a plethora of tourists!! Also, we rode our half-dead bikes to the Summer palace, yeah it was a long way, especially without brakes, but somehow sounds like it may have been a bit easier!!! Thanks for your bday wishes the other day, and travel safe. Enjoy Suzhou.
Hello Hey, I'm really glad your enjoying it, its nice of you to say. I think I'll be in Egypt for most of July, maybe longer, im really exited about getting there!. how long will you be there?
Luke
Hello! Hey!
I love your blog, good luck on your adventure. When are you heading to Egypt? I'll be there starting in August. Anyways, I'm looking forward to reading your future blogs. It's always been my dream to travel throughout Asia :-)
Cheers,
K
Terracotta Warriors et al Luke, to date I have read all of your updates with avid interest. This, most recent entry, stands out among the rest. Truely amazing. I have long wanted to explore China exactly as you are doing. The Terracotta Warriors in Shan Xi Province are one of the many things I would really like to see. It is a brilliant journey you are making; such an adventure! I am part awed and part jealous. Speak soon. Toby
2nd one from Paul China! Wow, I think anybody that's explored China gets automatic membership to the 'Man Of The World Club'. It must have been difficult to say goodbye to Tess and Chock, Luke but like you said, this is your adventure. And remember this, Luke; there are a billion people in China so even if you're a guy that's one in a million, there are still a thousand people exactly like you!
Paul.
First one from Paul. Luke! I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to see your pics and read about your adventure. I was one year older when I began mine but unfortunately, the memories are blurred by too much imbibing; I know you won't make the same mistake. Well not too much anyway.
I'm looking forward to keeping in touch through this amazing blog which Warren told me about yesterday - as a result, we're meeting for a coffee this morning!
Hemingway said, "In order to write about life, first you must live it."
The way you write, you should think about a book when you return!
Bon voyage, Luke - although through this blog, I feel like I'm travelling the world myself, vicariously through you!
Paul.
Ducas... Awesome adventures mate. Hope everythings going well...we are, and can't wait to get to Cambodia!! We also saw crocs for sale in a market yesterday in Chengdu, China.... I know someone who would've been quite unimpressed, crickey.
Stay well, travel safe,
Choc and Tess
Take it easy! Have a look at you ! Nice work Lukeosmith, am impressed. Won't touch a mobile phone, but a travelblog...look at you go. Which magazine are you writing for??? Great to hear from you and look forward to more updates Smoofy...
Paul Roberts
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15th one from Paul
Hey! When I was at school - in a galaxy far, far away - I first heard about the Dead Sea and wondered at it's ostensibly magic power to make a person float. It is strangely a place that I have never imagined myself in but the fascination with it has remained to this day. And so, Intrepid One, I once again experience something vicariously through you! Full marks for getting in to it without a shower to follow; the salt must have been very uncomfortable in the heat. It looks pretty unglamourous in the pics but I guess if it's dead........... The hostel closing down must have been a concern? Closing down without warning....Egon Ronay would knock off a star for that! The pic of you in the high seating is great, showing the contrasting worlds of today and yesterday. Watch out that your trusty thumb doesn't get you into strife. Paul.