Photos win top travel award for ‘unique vision’ (nzherald.co.nz)
Travel Photography Portfolio (roselinde.wordpress.com)
Don’t worry Queeny, I’ll be back. One day.
“Nat, we’re becoming those people who go off and have stories to tell!”
Convince me it’s true!
“You know, one day you’re going to run out of money”
Before setting off on my travels I purchased an array of books that wrote on the subject of travel… cliché I know, but there we are.
…it will nudge some part of you that is usually told to behave.
On Amazon I found The Backpacker by John Harris and this has become one of my favourite reads of the year, if not one of my favourite’s full stop.
You begin by hating the author and then very quickly fall in love with his ability to explore the world on almost no means at all, expect for a few good friends and a very small conscious.
Once I’d finished the book I realised two things: Firstly, I felt like such a do-gooder and almost immediately wanted to do something reckless and impulsive, but then I realised I would get caught and it would all end terribly and this is why I don’t do those things. Secondly, the author must of changed his name because he commits some hilarious and jaw dropping misdeeds throughout Australasia. It’s also impossible to find a photo of him on Google.
Harris’ novel is witness to those things you hear people tell tales of: “this happened to a friend of a friend” – but they actually happen to him and with every page you read it will nudge some part of you that is usually told to behave.
Paddingtons outfit is almost perfectly suited for the outdoors, so it was no surprise that he tucked into farm life just as keenly as he would lean towards a hot lady bear.
Paddington Bear has no fear against the deadliest of spiders, or even the brown snake that can kill you within seconds of its bite. He is courageous amongst the hills and whizzes around on the country motorbike to his heart’s content. Here he is, rustling amongst the wild dry grass:
We were invited up to the local bar to see a band called Floorboards, an event keenly scribbled into the community’s calendar months, possibly years, in advance.
After much anticipation we walked into the local bar where it became evident by the locals confident swagger and shaking hips that they had been there since mid-day, not just to secure seats for the show hours ahead of time, but to merrily pass the hours before such entertainment reached the little town of Krambach: home to cows and eccentrics.
We witnessed the fist two brave women (the two most shit faced) to strut their stuff on the dance-floor by the hour of 8(pm); it was just a few minutes before half the pub joined in and it seemed anyone who lived in Krambach over the age of 50 was ready for the stage, which the Floorboards appreciated, as we 20-somethings stood on the side safely resuming our dignity – or so we thought – sipping our gross 2 dollar wine and feeling very sophisticated in comparison.
If there is one thing to take from this bunch it is that they know how to enjoy themselves, as their big night continued on we decided to run away and were in bed by 10(pm); unsure if what we had seen was completely hilarious or rather a sad snippet of what happiness is to a small town.
“So yeah are they like sexy, lacy ones?”
“No, not really, they’re just those loose comfy pyjamas”
“Oh…and like what colour are they?”
“Kind of a chequered blue and pink colour”
“Oh man, they sound like super sexy! Shit, listen – there are some weirdo’s around here. I’ll tell you a story, OK…”
After a few days of failing to find my pyjamas in the hostel it was time to ask reception aka. “Lost Property” if they had come about my much missed jammies. What I was now confronted with was an American, who was trying to make the situation less crap, in that American way, sadly he was also brutally annoying – did he not understand that I was on a budget and my stuff was missing?
…they forgot something so they came back to their dorm room and this woman was like trying on all of their stuff. Fucked up, right?
Every item becomes sacred and on large this is from expense, you just don’t want to spend your budget on extra bits and bobs because you left them in the bathroom hanging on the back of a door peg for 3 days. Clothing, equipment and product all become very important and you find yourself morphing into that other, possessive adult who reads instructions on the tumble dryer a little more carefully because if it messes up it’s your own monies and gear you’re wasting. Take care of your stuff on the road!
Seriously though that’s a bummer, if it turns up I’ll let you know.
My jammies did make a re-appearance some days later, on the floor outside the bathroom. They have been washed several times since and I now realise how sad one can get upon losing even the most ridiculous of items.
This image from Sazon made me smile so much: Dig in!
I first tasted this South American delight in Argentina, Salta. The hostel was fairly quiet but they still catered for those lonely travellers who couldn’t be arsed to cook, which introduced a meal of empanadas for a bit of Argentine Peso. While the gentleman cooked dinner we sipped red wine, enjoying the ease of the night, understanding that worlds aren’t so far apart when it comes to wining and dining.
What the British know as a Cornish pasty, South America has their own take on this moon shaped pastry, stuffed with pretty much anything and everything: mince, cheese, vegetables, egg, potatoes, fish, pork… South America creates what we might better associate as the pizza pocket, or calzone, and they are a real treat!
You may like to know the name empanada comes from
the verb “empanar” which means “to wrap and coat in bread”
Scrumptious!
Empanadas are a total delight as a mid-day snack or you can bulk these out with salad and deep glass of red for a larger meal starting from 5 Argentine Peso.
The Hairy Bikers take on Beef Empanadas published by the BBC
Cook with Argentina at Try2Cook with this meaty parcel
Food Network offer a more peculiar slant, stuffing banana into these empanadas
Also see…
While in New York the Sex & the City Tour was top of our list and you should ensure it’s on yours, too! Please don’t let this ridiculously fun trip pass you by when you’re in the city, think dildos and cupcakes – it’s a sure recipe for smiles.
Screen Tours offer this trip at $46 (£29) and from past experience they’re reliable to be on time and guide you through each stop of New York with the excitement and profanity this tour requires.
Highlights include: A cocktail at Steve and Aidan’s bar “Scout” and a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery aka. Heaven.
We actually ended up booking an evening meal at Buddakan, the restaurant where Big and Carrie have their rehearsal dinner. They serve Asian cuisine on 9th Avenue and it’s a real treat, meaning rather expensive, with an atmosphere for dimly lit romance and seriously delicious dishes. Just by the bar they have square tables and long bench-like seating which makes for a sociable evening.
*If you’re tempted make a reservation while you’re on tour or pick up a business card from the bar and call later.
One of Paddington’s best memories was visiting Central Park, New York, where he met a very jolly book-worm. To this day they’re good friends and remain dear pen-pals.
Enjoy the following activities or visit Central Park’s Official Site for further information.
- A gentle walk
- Ride your bike
- Cross-country skiing (seasonal)
- A healthy swim
- A game of tennis or baseball (good to just sit back and watch, too)
- Rock climbing
- Picnic with friends
Flight 101 have yet again caught my eye with this Spacepak Toiletry Bag @ £27 ($42)
LOOK FOR: Fold away, light weight with attached hook to hang up
Lip balm – Skin cream – Shampoo – Shower gel – Deodorant – Toothbrush/Paste – Condoms – Razor & Shaving cream – Cotton buds
Nail clippers – Hand sanitizer (think of your location) – Dental Floss – Mouthwash – Alcohol pads – Bandages - Plasters
Miniature travel bottles are available in all supermarkets
and health stores for a compact fit.
