Geo: -41.5116, 173.957Well what an awesome day today has been. I'm sitting here now at our comfy room at the Two Tree Lodge in Blenheim, with slight sunburn, a full stomach and half a bottle of Shingle Peak wine to finish. After-all, we have now arrived in the Marlborough region!The day started off in Christchurch. We were up (barely) with weary eyes around 8.30am to grab breakfast and explore Christchurch. I found a nice spot called Vics Bakery and Cafe. Wasn't a bargain at 45nzd for us both but our eggs Benedict/Florentine and freshly squeezed juices hit the spot. Subsequent exploration of Christchurch was actually a brisk, sad and largely uneventful affair. Of course Id read/heard about the extensive damage done by the 2010-11 earthquakes, but actually exploring the CBD and seeing it for myself first ... read more

Geo: -37.8232, 144.973Its Halloween. 12 months ago today, I was at Los Angeles airport trying to negotiate my way onto a flight back to Australia. It would be the final leg in completely circum-navigating the planet. It had been the best six and a half months of my life. 38 countries on 6 continents; by plane, ship, bus and train, with my excellent girlfriend alongside me every step of the way.We all love a good holiday, but returning to routine is never easy; Work, debts, the daily grind - doesn't quite compare to the freedom and excitement of travel experiences.Recovering from this particular trip over the last 12 months was tough, especially having to return to live with our respective parents for 5 months, pending expiry of the 12 month lease we had out on our ... read more

Geo: -37.8143, 144.963As 2013 comes to a close, we all look back on the year that's been, and the year ahead of us. For Nat and I, 2013 was one of the most memorable years of our lives. We traveled the world for over 6 months, exploring 6 continents and 34 Countries. We shared so many experiences, and have so many great memories to treasure. In hindsight though, which were the best? Which places, experiences, adventures will we remember the fondest? There were so many. How could we rank them? This blog has been a review of our 'Great Adventure' for the most part, from my perspective. I've told our shared story from my viewpoint. Whilst it was great to share this adventure with Nat, and her help and support was invaluable, the trip was my ... read more

Geo: -33.8671, 151.207This was not the Halloween experience I had hoped for. Our attempt to leave Los Angeles didn't exactly go according to plan. In fact, it eventuated into quite a nightmare. Largely, our great adventure has been a tremendous success. It could hardly have gone better. Sadly, tonight certainly could have. The plan was as follows; Natalie would book a regular economy flight home on the 11.30pm flight direct from Los Angeles LAX Airport to Melbourne. We would save money, if I elected to go on standby with staff travel. Basically, I would get the best seat left on the plane, for a lot less than the regular economy fare. Further, there would be a chance of getting a business or first class seat. If that was to happen, hopefully I could switch seats with ... read more

Geo: 34.0983, -118.326What a final day. We havent been blown away by our time in Los Angeles but Universal Studios Hollywood was definitely a high point. We were up at 8.30 and soon tucking into another delicious omelette at our hotel. A short trip on the Metro train and free shuttle transfer had us inside Universal Studios a fraction after its 10am opening time. We planned our day perfectly, getting to each and every show, and riding each ride at least twice. Overall we enjoyed the park far more than Disneyland. The atmosphere was better, less childish, the rides faster and more adventurous and shows far more spectacular. It was a thrill to feel a part of the movies, an authentic experience, amongst the studios movies are made, among all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. ... read more