Monty meeting animals

My week in Perth: 22.01.17 - 29.01.17

Sunday 22nd
After Olivia drove me from the airport to hers I unpacked my bag for my weeks stay. We headed out to the supermarket to grab some bits...I got quite excited that I would be able to do some cooking. I've not cooked for myself since I left the UK. For lunch Olivia made me a vegemite (australian version of marmite) and cheese toastie, I really liked it! For the evening we took a trip to a bar along the seafront, I met some of Olivia's friends and had a drink and pizza. Before heading back to bed we stopped off to watch the very windy sunset. 

It was great to see Olivia, catch up and reminisce about India.

Monday 23rd
I spent the day catching up on a few things and working out what I needed to do to set myself up in Australia. I cooked leek and potato soup for lunch and cauliflower cheese for dinner. I loved cooking again! Before dinner though Olivia took me for a walk around Kings Park, I got a lovely view of the city.

Tuesday 24th

Found the river this morning and took a nice walk beside it eventually finding a tree to read my book under.

Retuning to the house I spent the afternoon again catching up on things and had a interview for a job in Sydney...I got a trial 2 weeks to see if it was for me and they liked me also - the job was at a stables caring for the horses. It was then time to start searching for flights.  I made vegemite pasta before we headed down to Elizabeth Quay for a drink and ice cream.

Wednesday 25th
This was a very productive day...I opened an Australian bank account, sorted out a new phone and number and got some riding bits for the job. I was all set up for life in Australia!  Catching the bus home to get ready for a night out at Perth's Fringe Festival. We went to see a comedy show called 6056, it was an interesting show...taking a lot about local things but I did get some jokes and laughed. Once I knew the fringe was on I got excited about seeing more shows. That was the next thing to book on my agenda.

Thursday 26th
HAPPY AUSTRALIAN DAY
Today is a national holiday for Australians so my day started off with a trip to the beach with Olivia. I am not one for swimming in the sea but still went in for a bit. It was a hot day so didn't spend long at the beach and headed back to the house to get ready for the party; Olivia had invited friends around for a BBQ. We had the pools filled up, the gas ready to cook, the ice bucket for drinks, I made fruit skewers, with the help of Monty...we were ready for everybody to arrive!

 It was a great afternoon chilling, eating and drinking. Unfortunately the fireworks down by the river were cancelled due to a fatality when a plane crashed.

Friday 27th
Olivia and I started the day with a swim. Most pools here are outside as it's so hot most of the time they don't need to be inside. It was lovely to be outside swimming. I then popped back into the city to shop while Olivia went to do her weekly  volunteering. I then met Olivia for dinner and some fringe shows.

First we went to see 'Elixir' - this was a acrobatic show with a twist and was really fun to watch. The next show was called 'By a Tread', this also involved acrobatics but was all done on a rope. It was amazing to watch and made me want to try it out! The night was still young so it was off to the silent disco to dance the night away.

Saturday 28th

I tried a new sport this morning...paddle boarding. 

This was easier than I was expecting and I didn't fall in even though I tried a yoga pose to. After a restful afternoon it was time to go back to the fringe, this time we went to see Matt Tarrant a magician and "mind reader". I wish I could be more wowed from tricks but just sit there working them out! We had some time before the next show so grabbed some dinner and ice-cream and again went to the silent disco. 

It poured down as we were dancing but we had to line up for the next show so it was a quick dash to the line. Club Briefs was the next show this was the 3rd time for me seeing these performers do a show. It was just as I was expecting and we had a very fun time...the show even ran over as we were all having a great time.

Sunday 29th
This we my last day in Perth and after having brunch Olivia and I went to Caversham Wildlife Park. Monty loved this day and met many animals that you find in Australia (see next post for photos). I met a koala, wombat and kangaroo. 

The evening was spent packing and eating Indian and doughnuts.

Arriving in Perth

Landed in Singapore and I had a little time before I boarded my next flight so managed to catch up will Charl for a chat. Now, I was so excited it would be 5 hours till I landed in Australia. I have dreamed about going to Australia for many many years.

Landing in Perth
I had landed and arrived in Australia...but was I going to be allowed in???

Well after going through the e-passport machine and customs I was in! I truly thought there would be a problem with my visa but passed that stage fine. Next was to pick up my baggage and head through customs...I was waiting in a queue with everybody in front of me being sent over there for a bag check or over there for quarantine. I get to the front thinking which area will he send me to? "To the exit, please, welcome to Australia." I was in the easiest county to get into so far in my travels. After all those boarded control programmes on the TV about the border in Australia, I thought there would be more of a wait.

Walk through the the exit doors and who do I find there waiting for me...Olivia. It was great to see her again after meeting in India.

Monty's time in Hong Kong

Monty has been tired from all the travelling, he decided that he was just going to rest so spent the time in bed for most of Hong Kong.

Him in bed with his eye mask.

But being all rested up he is now looking forward to the Australian adventures.

Hong Kong, week 2 - 16.01.17 - 21.01.17

Monday 16th
I took a wonder around the neighbourhood then spent the afternoon visiting the Hong Kong History Museum and some markets. The History Museum was interesting; I learnt about how Hong Kong was formed and a few rituals/traditions they celebrate. The markets were strange, first I went to the bird market. This made me sad, they had so many birds in tiny cages and the birds were not behaving normal...I just wanted to set them all free. Next was the flower market this was so big, full of colour and smelt wonderful. I have never seen so many orchids in one place and in so many different colours. 

Off down the road was the fish market, again this made me a little sad...many fish were just hanging in bags that were too small and they couldn't move around...I couldn't even take a photo of it, it amazed me and shocked me all at the same time. Temple market was my next stop, a very long market that was just selling lots of the same things...bags, statues, USB sticks, jewellery and much more! 

After all that walking my feet were starting to hurt so heading back using the MTR but as I left the station I took a wrong turn and got a little lost again but it was OK found my way home with a 30 minute detour. Grabbed some dinner then went out to meet Luke for one quick drink (non-alcoholic) we had a great time chatting away and I lost track of the time. It wasn't too late but I was so tired after the walking my bed was calling me.

Tuesday 17th
Rushing out the door this morning...Rachael and I made our way to Ocean Park where we also met Jake. 

Ocean Park has many rides and attractions. We went into different enclosures and saw pandas, penguins, many fish, sharks, dolphins and many more animals. I also went on quite a few rides and roller coasters. Jake is not one for rides so was the official bag holder! On our way home we did a spot of shopping and took a walk through Tamar Park. In the evening Rachael and I met up with some of her friends, Rebecca and Kate, we went for a meal and drinks where I got a huge hamburger!  To get there we took the tram.

Afterwards we carried on drinking. Here in Hong Kong everybody seems to drink a lot...it is the most I have drank since leaving the UK in a short space of time.

Wednesday 18th
Hike day...today I met up with a group of hikers in Kowloon. We took a hike through some hills on a man made path. This path was made by villagers a long time ago to connect them together; all the villages through the hills. I can just imagine them lugging these huge stones around (with the help of cattle). 

It was a beautiful hike we pasted temples, derelict houses, very small villages and some streams in amongst lush trees.

I got chatting to John who took on to role as photographer for the hike...snapping away at everything. The weather was OK, not too hot but very humid and as we got to the top we seemed to be in the clouds and the view was not the best (not having a great time with all these amazing views Hong Kong is supposed to offer, it's been so cloudy since I've been here). As we were walking down a minibus came by and most of the hikers got in. I decide to keep walking and then got chatting to John, Jonny and Yin (all locals). They invited me to eat lunch with them so we went for noodles and dim sum, for desert I had this strange jelly. 

After getting home and taking a nap it was off out again. I was getting ready for race night again but there was a change of plan as race night was not on. We met Rebecca again and Stef for drinks at a rooftop bar. It was to nice to see the lights of the city.

Thursday 19th
I decided to have a super chilled day and sort some things out, pack a little and look for a job in Australia. I applied for a few...let's see what happens! For the evening I went to an improvisation comedy show with Rachael and Jake...I did get lost on the way there went a few streets to high up the hill. 

After finding my way I found the show interesting in how is was delivered but I did giggle a few times so it was a success. Food time! We went for Chinese and duck pancakes were on the menu.

Friday 20th
As this was my last full day in Hong Kong I wanted to tick a few more things off my list. I headed to the 10,000 Buddha Temple, I recommend a visit if your in Hong Kong...the staircase to the top was laden with shining golden Buddha statues. 

Upon reaching most of the way up I came across one big shrine it was covered from floor to ceiling with miniature statues. I then made my way to the top of the hill where there were more statues and shrines. It was such a pleasant day the sun was shining which made the statues glimmer even more. 

As the sun was shining I decided to go and take a walk around the peak again, this time I got to see the view. I caught the bus to the top, on board I made some friends Victor and Radolfo they had not been to the peak before so I stuck with them and became their tour guide.

We got to watch the sunset and see the view change from day to night. As it got darker and darker the lights from the buildings came on one by one and lit up the city.

The queue down for the tram, the bus and taxi was so long we decided to walk down. It was a steep decline so we ended up starting to run. It was a night in with a take away and a horror film for Racheal and I.

Saturday 21st

Before heading to the airport to catch my flight Racheal and I spent the day together hiking Dragons Back, it was lovely to see another part of Hong Kong the trail was a little crowded but we powered through then headed off for a late lunch to fill me up before flying. Time to board my flight to Perth - Australia but first a transfer in Singapore.

Thank you Rachael for letting me stay...It was great to see you and to explore where you live.

Hong Kong, week 1 - 10.01.17 - 15.01.17

Tuesday 10th
A 6 hours time difference and lack of sleep on the plane ment that I slept most of the morning. Then spent the rest of the day planning what I should do in Hong Kong taking on board that I want a more relaxing time here and I don't want to pack my days out. Leaving the apartment for the first time I went and met Rachael and her friend, Morgan, for dinner. Before heading back to bed I went and got some shopping for a few bits of food. Food prices are so expensive...a big block of cheese was the equivalent to about £10.

Wednesday 11th
Rachael had the day off so we got up and took the bus upto the peak. Upon reaching the top we went into the trick eye museum...we had a lot of fun taking many many photos of the paintings that were optical illusions. 

We took a walk around the peak but the views were nonexistent as it was so cloudy.

There is a tram up and down the peak so we took it down and walked through Hong Kong park which also has an aviary that we took a wonder through.

Grabbed a bite to eat before getting on the MTR (their underground service) where we met with Jake to take a trip to Stanley Market.

It was a night spent at the races...we got some mulled wine, watched some races, put on a few bets - won some money back on one race.

Rachael was feeling tired so we started to head back when she decided to take a detour to show me the local bars...we ended up in one, Carnegies, giving out free champagne to ladies so we ended up there until late! So much for an early night.

Thursday 12th
Today I ventured out to visit some places on my list. I caught the bus into Central tried to follow my directions and ended up a little lost until I found Hollywood Park and found my way to Man Mo Temple. This is one of the oldest temples in China but going inside was like being in a smokehouse with all the incense being burnt. 

I then took the street escalators and took them all the way to the top. It was a very strange to be going up escalators outside. 

I found my way down to the zoological park and saw many animals including flamingos, lemurs, tortoises and above all my favourite monkeys - I could watch them for hours. I walked down next to the tram and ended back up in Hong Kong park where my feet started hurting so I caught the bus back.

Friday 13th
The weather was not great today and rained for most of it so I decided to go to a Tim Burton exhibition. It was very interesting; showing all his different works - sketches, paintings,  drafts, modules, stories and films he has created over his life. During the evening Rachael and I watched a film Dark Shadows (this is a Tim Burton film too - in keeping get with the theme of the day).

Saturday 14th
Met with Boris today who took me to see Tian Tan Buddha also known as Big Buddha. We caught the ferry over to Lautau Island. Arriving at Big Buddha took a walk up 268 steps to join him in the clouds. 

I didn't think much to him...he is not very old, only completed in 1993. It is to symbolise harmony between man and nature. I felt like it was only there as a tourist attraction - there was even a "fake" village. However to see Po Lin Monastery opposite the statue was lovely. Buddhists were praying and the building was beautiful. After taking the ferry back Boris and I went for a drink before I had to rush back and get ready to met Racheal from work to go for a drink. We went into a very small cocktail bar where we got a chocolate coated glass with our cocktails. We were having a lovely chat when a group of 3 guys walk in...that was it, one quite drink turned out to be a night out! Brian, Kevin and Michael convinced us to join them for the night so we ended up going to a few top clubs. I really wasn't dressed for going out! It was a fun night but bed was calling us at 2am seen as Rachael still had to get up for work.

Sunday 15th
Had an unexpected day...Brian invited me to brunch. I met him at Potato Head for a very long brunch with drinks, we got chatting to the bar man who decided that he loved us "pretty people" (he called us) and took us behind the scenes to the secret, privert room. It had turntables and hundreds of records along one wall, I think it would be a great place for a party.  After finishing brunch we took a taxi to Ozone - a high bar with a view of the city, although the view was not great as it was yet again a very cloudy day. 

At the bar we got chatting to two English ladies - one visiting and the other living in Hong Kong, they were lovely to chat to. We finished up our drinks and grabbed some food. So I spent the whole day eating and drinking! That is how a Sunday is supposed to be spent in Hong Kong; it's very popular with its all day which turn into night brunches!

Arriving in Hong Kong

After a quick transfer at Johannesburg I was on my way to Hong Kong. The flight was OK but didn't sleep much. Getting through the airport was quick but I spent ages waiting for my bag...then the sign said all bags delivered from the Johannesburg flight!!! OH NO! That means my bag is still in Johannesburg and didn't make my connecting flight. I was not alone there were 5 others too. I went along to the baggage reclaim desk and had to start filling in forms when they suddenly say that my bag is in the airport...it apparently fell off the conveyor belt. I was finally reunited with my backpack then I caught the train to Hong Kong station where Jake (Rachael's boyfriend) was there to collect me and took me to Rachael's apartment which is on Hong Kong Island in Wan Chai.

I got in, unpacked, showered and then had to find a restaurant to met Racheal at for her work. It was a birthday party for the girls she nannys for. Was a little bit of a challenge...started off going in the wrong direction and then ended up on a road close. Finally I managed it and found the restaurant.

We had a lovely meal, with 2 sets of chopstick white ones for picking the food you want off the table and black ones to eat with. We had duck pancakes (my favourite) but they love the skin (it is a delicacy), sweet and sour chicken, some green vegetable dish and something they call Chinese haggis. I did not try that one.

South Africa: Cape Town - Last day 07.01.17

Saturday 7th
Didn't sleep well again but got up to have breakfast with Mattia and to say goodbye as he was off to the airport to sort out his flights. I took a walk down to the waterfront to do a spot of shopping and a walk around. 

I grab lunch from osumo...I had a noodle dish with chicken, avacardo and feta, it was very tasty. Off down the road for my Thai massage at Na Bua, it was so much better than the ones I had in India. I was being pulled about and bent back and forth but the lady was very good and sorted out my neck and back. Feeling a little beaten up I met Mattia for some more shopping as he managed to sort out his flights for Monday. 

I then dashed off to catch the ferry over to Robben Island for the island tour but upon arriving I find out the tour is cancelled due to strong winds. I was a little upset as this was the last thing to tick off my list for Cape Town (oh well...it means I have to go back in the future!). After waiting in the queue to get a refund I met Mattia for dinner and to say my final goodbye. I really enjoyed his company and will miss our laughter. I came back to the hostel to pack a little and then it was time to see Rivaz and Charl, they came by to say their last goodbyes. It was also a bit of a sad goodbye.

Sunday 8th
Well I spent the morning finishing my packing and then it was off to the airport to catch my flight to Johannesburg before the transfer to Hong Kong.

Going to miss the people I met...until next time!