Travel Tales and Wander "Lust"

New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:08:00 +0000

I leave in 19 days. EEK.

Suffice to say, I won't be writing here UNTIL I actually get to New Zealand. Yup, gonna try and update while I'm over there so be sure to check back with this blog AND my other blog.

Speaking of other blog, having a few awesome contests going on right now for a whole bunch of swag and gift cards. Check em out HERE.

The Otago Penninsula, New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:52:00 +0000

The gorgeous Otago Penninsula, located along the lengthy, narrow Otago Harbour and near the University city of Dunedin, is one of New Zealand's most underrated jewels.

Volcanic in origin, it forms one wall of the collapsed crater that now forms Otago Harbour. The peninsula lies due east of Otago Harbour and runs parallel to the mainland for 30 km. Its maximum width is 12 km. It is joined to the mainland at the south-west end by a narrow isthmus a little over one kilometre in width.

The suburbs of Dunedin encroach onto the western end of the peninsula, but for the majority of its length it is sparsely populated and occupied by steep open pasture. The peninsula is home to many species of wildlife, notably seabirds, and ecotourism is an increasingly important part of its economy.

When I was touring New Zealand, I made an effort to fit this wonderful place into my plans. I was excited to see sea lions, penguins and the famed albatross on the Elm Lodge Wildlife Tour. This small tour group was the perfect way to experience all the beauty and grandeur that the penninsula had to offer.

First stop on our journey was just to admire the gorgeousness of the harbour. The first photo I took was the photo that would soon sum up everything about New Zealand. I think it's one of my favourite photos, ever.

(as usual, click on pictures to englarge them)

Next we stopped by a beach where I got to see a penguin...in a box. I don't know where the photo of it went but I assure you it was a penguin in a box. The box was placed there by the Department of Conservation to provide safe nesting places for the blue penguin.

Anyway, our guide lifted up the lid and low and behold, a teeny tiny blue penguin peered up at us.

As if to outdo the penguin, we looked over to the bay where an enthusiastic sea lion provided entertained us with charades.

Here he is being a "torpedo":

Here he is being a "shark":

And here he is doing "yoga":

After the sea lion antics, we visited the Northern Royal Albatross colony, where the mighty albatross come into nest. This is the mainland colony for the albatross in the world.

These mighty birds might look small in these pictures but rest assured these are massive birds that weigh up to 19lbs and have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet! They live to be 40 years old on average and are considered in a "vulnerable" state, though kept off the endangered list thanks to colonies such as this one.

Aside from the albatross - such a stunning sight to see, by the way - the cliffs also housed various other birds, like these gannets:

After we saw the albatross, we drove four-by-four style across some farmers sheep paddock, heading towards a gloriously lit cliff and beach below.

At the beach we came across another sea lion, this one rather close up and "sleeping" - we were safe as long as we didn't get between him and the ocean. Though I think we did!

The main attraction here was the Yellow-eyed penguins that came ashore at dusk every night. Imagine our delight when these mighty birds waddled on shore, like tuxedoed men wearing yellow carnival masks.

And then we saw the sight that could only been seen in New Zealand. An intersection where penguins meet sheep:

If anyone is heading to New Zealand, a tour of the Otago Penninsula is a must-do.

Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier, NZ

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Another must-do/must-see experience in New Zealand is to go for a hike, or tramp as they call it down under.

New Zealand is world-reknowned for their tramping routes and have a variety of different walks to take, from one day to a week. While I've only done a few short walks (and am gearing up to do the Tongariro Crossing, one of the best walks in the world), one of the most memorable tramps took place on a glacier.

On the Wild West Coast of the South Island, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers slowly seep down from their lofty births, down towards the sea and the temperate rainforest of the coast. With 20km seperating the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, these are part of only three glaciers*** on earth which come so close to reaching the coastline. Because of this proximity, it makes these glaciers very easy for adventurers to explore.

I signed up with a half-day guided hike which was well worth the money. After strapping on crampons and getting equipped with pick axes and poles, we made our way across scrappy morain and glacial run-off alongside verdant cliffs and flowing waterfalls, to the edge of the mighty icey beast.

Up close, the glacier was massive and awe-inspiring. The terminus loomed up high above us, alternating between dirty crusts and ice-blue crevasses. I was suddenly glad I paid attention in my favourite class in high school - Earth Science - as I still retained a lot of knowledge about glaciers (which I thought would be useless!).

Click to englarge to see funny warning sign

Walking on the glacier was an amazing feeling, having all that *very slowly moving* ice beneath you. Though I was a bit shakey even with my spikey crampons on my feet and a pole to support me, it was thrilling to be able to enter crevasses, climb up ledges of ice and even go through ice holes.

The best part was taking stock of the situation and seeing how far we had really come - the view from the top was amazing, and even though it wasn't sunny like the REAL top of the glacier appeared to be, the contrast between white ice and green rainforest was amazing.

YAY ME!

And now, a little bit of info about the glacier, thanks to Wikipedia: "The glacier is currently 12 km long and terminates 19 km from the Tasman Sea. Fed by a 20 sqm large snowfield at high altitude, it exhibits a cyclic pattern of advance and retreat, driven by differences between the volume of meltwater at the foot of the glacier and volume of snowfall feeding the névé. Due to strong snowfall it is one of the few glaciers in New Zealand which is still growing as of 2007, while others, mostly on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, have been shrinking heavily, a process attributed to global warming.

Having retreated several kilometres between the 1940s and 1980s, the glacier entered an advancing phase in 1984 and at times has advanced at the phenomenal (by glacial standards) rate of 70 cm a day. The flow rate is about 10 times that of typical glaciers. Over the longer term, the glacier has retreated since the last ice age, and it is believed that it extended into the sea some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago.

This cyclic behaviour is well illustrated by a postage stamp issued in 1946, depicting the view from St James Anglican Church. The church was built in 1931, with a panoramic altar window to take advantage of its location. By 1954, the glacier had disappeared from view from the church, but it reappeared in 1997. This is due to the highly variable conditions on the snowfield, which take around 5-6 years before they result in changes in the terminus location."

*** I believe I have actually been to the "other" glacier out of the three on Earth that come so close to the sea, the Jostedal Glacier in Norway. I didn't climb that one though. Been there, done that! :P

Exploring the coast of Abel Tasman National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0000

My kayak glided across the warm, clear waters which throbbed beneath the potent sun in aquamarine waves. To my left, a tiny blue penguin popped up and swam beside me for a few moments before turning translucent as it slipped under the water and piloted towards rocky islets; on my right were grey granite cliffs topped with rambuncious emerald vegetation and flanked by shimmering yellow beaches of the purest sand.

Tropical waters? Bleached beaches? Penguins?

Where the hell was I?

Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most visited parks in New Zealand, and with good reason. Located in the aptly-named Golden Bay, north of the wonderful hamlet/city of Nelson (which I have been honoured to have visited FOUR times this decade), Abel Tasman National Park encompasses only 225.3 square kilometres, which makes it one of the country's smallest national parks, but - man - have they packed so much beauty into one tight little package. Though most people come to this most gorgeous gem to tramp its famous track, which traverses podocarp forests, clean streams and sandy beaches, others choose to explore the park from the water, via kayaking.

My kayaking experience was with Kiwi Kayaks, one of the many quality companies operating out of Motueka and Maharua, the two towns closest to the park. As of this moment, almost all kayaking operators are conglomerating under one roof to be known as Abel Tasman Kayaking.

Like many good companies offer, I was picked up by bus in Nelson on a sleepy November morning (6:30AM to be exact). With the sun already strong in the wee hours, I knew it was going to be an epic day for exploring the park.

After we stopped in Motueka to pick up more people, we made our way to the coast, to Marahua where we watched the kayaks being hauled off a trailer and on to the golden beach. Because the kayaks had to be tandem and I was alone, I was paired with a fellow backpacker who thankfully had stronger arms than me.

Not that I needed them - kayaking was a breeze. We paddled lazily up the coast, stopping in at sandbars and small islands before beaching ourselves and having a healthy lunch on the silky sands. This was paradise.

Most kayaking tours offer full, half and overnight options and though I cheaped out and went for the most inexpensive version (half day at around $110) I felt I got my money's worth. The gorgeously warm weather helped, as did our affable hosts Steve and Lori (Lori who lived in Vancouver in a previous life) and the stupendous scenery and wildlife that surrounded us with every paddle.

We saw dolphins leaping (my camera wasn't fast enough to capture anything but a splash) off our bows, penguins scooting beside us (wish I could find THAT picture), giant sea birds soaring past, seals playing nearby, and even a wedding held out among a far reaching sand bar.

I firmly believe this park is a must-see for anyone visiting New Zealand - indeed for Kiwis themselves. Whether you kayak or walk, it will truly be a day (or two) that is forever seared in your mind. I remember smiling a LOT that day, and that's something everyone needs to do more often.

Fraser Island - PART II

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Why MORE Fraser Island? Well, because as I just found a lot more photographs that might do more justice to the place than the ones in the previous post ;) Anyway, if you haven't read the post before this, I suggest you do so now, just so you get a sense of things :) - CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE

A better look at the beach, which is surrounded by....

Red cliffs...

and shipwrecks....

Time for sand-boarding!!

...afterwards, rinse off the sand in tide pools of water - called champagne pools - which are a warm alternative to swimming in the open ocean - not only would the rough rip tides get you, but there is a very large quantity of Tiger Sharks patrolling the area...we could even see them from the beach!

Of course, you can always combine sandboarding WITH swimming at Lake Wabby

Then explore nearby creeks, such as Eli Creek where you can walk to one point and then float all the way down

Or just go to a normal lake - preferably when it's sunny out

There's always the pool at the Kingfisher Resort, don't forget...

Afterwards, you hope back on that 4X4 bus -

- to see tall trees

- and Kookaburas (who WILL steal your sanwhich out of your hand, btw)

-as well as more Goana lizards

Then it's time for nightlife at the hotel

Before you leave by ferry the next day...

Fraser Island, Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Click on pics to view better

OKaaaay. Bit of a deviation from New Zealand as you and I both know that Australia and New Zealand could not be more different. However, I can't access my NZ pics today (will do so on the weekend) so I thought that at least the two countries are more or less near each other and won't really take away from "New Zealand Month." Even if it does...tough titties.

Pardon the scanned photographs but these were taken before I possesed a digital camera (or really knew anyone that HAD one), back in the day that I was 18/19 years old. It's from my photo album...glad I included captions. These aren't even half of the gorgeous, cool pics I took that day but to be honest I have so many photos all over the place, this will have to do!

Fraser Island is one of the places you MUST go when you visit Australia and judging by the popularity, it seems everyone heeds that call. In fact, I don't know many backpackers who don't go to Fraser Island. Right of passage, you see. Plus it's a designated World Heritage Site for its awesomeness.

Fraser Island is a large sand dune of an island, accessible by passenger ferry outside the nondescript town of Hervey Bay. The whole island is, yes, sand and while there are no roads, those who rent 4x4 vehicles can have a hell of a fun time navigating and camping throughout the island.

I, however, was traveling alone (as I usually do) and couldn't muster up enough strangers to do it independently so I went with a backpacker's tour group...and was glad I did.

Kingfisher Tours does a wonderful job, hosting backpackers in its cramped but clean dorms and treating them to wonderful dinners and lunches each day in its resort (oh and booze and partying). During the day, expeditions are lead out on a huge 4x4 bus.

What can you expect on Fraser Island?

*Sand

*Lakes

*More Lakes (including Lake MacKenzie, so clear and freshwater that you can stare straight down to the bottom...amazing)

*Goanna lizards

*Dingoes (for realz)

*Sand dunes (where you go sandboarding INTO Lake Wabby)

*Booze

*Kookaburas (evil things)

*wild horses (didn't see any)

*Champagne pools

*Tiger sharks

*Shipwrecks

*Rain - just kidding, of course it DID rain almost the entire time we were there. Ah, me and my luck!

Dingoes do eat babies

Goanna Lizards are mighty cool, and nosy!

Most awesome lake ever

Sand boarding, in the rain, down into this lake

Lost in the dunes

Back at the bar

Many storms on Fraser Islands many beaches

More dingoes

Heaven....which is why I look so cracked out

The Banks Penninsula, New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Have you ever driven past a place, or stood on a country road in some remote part of the country (any country) and thought: "I could hide out here...I could live here for the rest of my life and no one would ever find me?"

click on pics to enlarge

These thoughts often come to me when I feel the globe of the Earth beneath my feet, in my mind's eye can see exactly where I am on a map and realize I am just tucked away in this tiny place on this awesomely huge planet. The next thought that follows is usually: "If I'm ever on the run from the law, this is where I will come."

New Zealand is full of these places and sadly if I ever do rob a bank (to pay off my fashion debt, no doubt), I guess I won't be hard to find since I am posting this.

Anyway, I digress. The Banks Penninsula on New Zealand's South Island is one of those places.

The facts:

The Banks Penninsula sticks out like a spiral from the nearby city of Christchurch, formed eons ago by two volcanic outbursts. It is a gorgeous, stunning and hilly place, accesible by winding roads amidst farms, forests and flowing fields of velvet tussock grass. Punctuating these undulating mounds are many vibrantly blue bays, creating the perfect marriage of land and sea.

The town:

The main town in the area is Akaroa, which is a little bit of France squeezed into the volcanic bay. The French had their eye on New Zealand and hope to colonize it like they did to many South Pacific islands but the British beat them to it first. For this I am grateful... part of New Zealand's charm is it's affable British culture and linguistic ease. However, the French still managed to walk away - sorta - with Akaroa. The town was settled by the French and to this day still bears street names in the language, such as Rue Brittan and Rue Jolie. The town is speckled with wonderful historic buildings and many cafes dot the blindingly azure waters of Akaroa Harbour.

The harbour

French paintings

Street Spirit

Where to stay:

I stayed at the glorious Le Bons Bay Backpackers. This splendid jewel is perched on the spine of a volcanic finger and overlooks the remote and scenic Le Bons Bay.

Le Bons Bay Backpackers

Views of the valley aside, this place is well worth the effort to get to (they will pick you up when you arrange ahead of time but the local taxi is also a lot of fun). You can choose to stay in the gorgeous farmhouse or you can have your own quaint cabin to yourself.

My cabin at Le Bons Bay Backpackers

Every night for a minimal fee, you can take part in the home-cooked meal that the hostel provides - this is wholly recommended as it is fresh, organic and so damn tasty. You all sit around the table too, like a family and it's the perfect way to get to know your fellow travellers. Make sure to bring wine too, though generosity also flows at this place.

Because you are in a very remote area with no access to town, you are (wonderfully) limited with activities. Take advantage of this and read all the books in the library or hang out among the wild grounds.

Reading in one of their many special places

Or go for a walk up nearby roads and soak up the pastoral goodness around you.

Farmland

Fields of Gold

Tussock

One of the best things to do, however, is to sign up for their daily wildlife tour. It costs a mere $35 and the owner takes a handful of people down to Le Bons Bay for a boat tour - putting the boat in the water by tractor, the true Kiwi way.

The trip is amazing...you glide past high craggy cliffs filled with nesting/resting birds and sea lions and then go out to the mouth of the harbour where the wild waves from the South Pacific rush up against the boat. Admist all this turmoil, more times than not, you will see pods of hectors dolphins playing amongst you. Hector's dolphins are endemic to the coastal regions of New Zealand and among the world's smallest. Too cute! Some places in Akaroa actually take you out to swim with these playful pals.

Tractor + Boat

Gannets

Sea lion resting

Tiny fins

Can you see it?

Hector's Dolphin

I have found memories of being out in the boat and feeling the power of the swells coming in, thinking: "There is nothing but ocean between here and Chile" - it was a very profound feeling, punctuated later that night when I saw the lights from a deep-sea shrimp boat bobbing out at sea, a muted shine in the inky blackness of the night sea and sky. I've never felt so remote, like I was literally *this* close to falling off the face of the planet.

How to get there:

Whether you take a car or a bus from Christchurch (www.akaroashuttle.co.nz), the drive along Summit Rd, the lip of the orginal volanic crater, will be one of the highlights of your trip!

September is New Zealand (and Australia) Month

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Yeah...while I am planning my trip to NZ for Nov/Dec I am aware of how far off the actual dates are. But that doesn't stop me at all from starting my planning now...why, cuz it's fun damnit! I am in my ElEmEnT!

Anyhoo, as I am scouring my travel books and remembering all of the trips I took while I lived in New Zealand (let's not forget the month I spent in NZ, three years before I lived there), I can't help but want to share with you all the wonderful discoveries I was blessed enough to experience.

Yes, I have posted a bit about NZ on this blog, but this time I wanna post the minute details, those places I went to for a day, which I vaguely remember but I have this great picture and oh yes, more things are coming back to me - those kind of places! Also the bigger places and the awesome stuff I was able to do...swimming with dolphins, watching penguins mingle with sheep, hiking in glaciers, horseback riding in LOTR territories, even visiting the set of the film!

This will be a great way to overdraw from my memory bank and get even more psyched for my upcoming adventures, getting me to focus more on doing the stuff I haven't done - or just relive the memories of the scenes past. I will also be posting stories and guides to certain areas of Australia...especially since I JUST found my journal and a bunch of photographs from that tim.

I've decided I am just gonna start from the top of the North Island of NZ and make my way down as the month goes on.

So, to start:

Cape Reigna

Cape Reigna is located at the very tip of the northernmost finger on the north island. It's just very north.

It's also an amazing and special place where the churning South Pacific Ocean slams against the wily Tasman Sea.

I only had a few weeks left in New Zealand when I decided I needed to do one last trip. I had been in the country for well over a year and hadn't set foot into the "Northland," aside from a few random beach journeys into the outermost reaches of Auckland city.

My plan was to explore the much-hyped Bay of Islands - basking in the rays of the late summer sun - and then catch a bus tour up to The Cape to witness the northernmost point and to frolic merrily on the golden fine sands of 90-mile beach.

Clearly, it didn't occur me to me that it might rain the entire time I was celebrating my last hurrah.

And that's what it did.

The first day, I flew up to Kerikeri for the sake of time. It didn't take very long in that tiny plane and I promptly grabbed a shuttle heading to Pahia, the main town of the Bay of Islands.

It wasn't at all what I expected and that's probably because nothing really seems right when it's raining, especially in a place in which every photo shows gorgeous blue waters, green headlands, golden sand and azure skies. Instead it was just a small, beachside town done up in various shades of grey.

At least the hostel I was staying at was nice:

Cap'n Bob's Beachouse

The owners were very nice and the hostel itself had wonderful views from the delightful decks and common areas upstairs. The bathroom area was rather large, with shower stalls (if I recall correctly) but the backyard had wonderful spots amid tropical greenery for socializing. The dorms themselves were spacious, modern and clean.

It's located a little bit out of the main centre of town (and when I mean little bit, I mean like 10-15 min walk, no biggie). But it's very close to a supermarket, as well as Waitangi, home of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This place is full of cultural icons from the colonial-style treaty house to its detailed whare (spiritual house) and imposing waka (war canoe). This of course was the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840, between the UK and the NZ Maori's. The three flags - UK, Maori and NZ - that wave proudly above this spot are stoic reminders.

It's one of those places you have to visit in New Zealand, if not just to get a glimpse into the history of this amazing yet turbulent land.

That said, I never went there. For the life of me I can't remember why. I guess after having New Zealand history drilled into my head at school, I figured I knew enough. Either that or the rain had put a damper on my spirits.

It's amazing how much stuff you forget over the course of 6 years - I'll admit I had fuzzy ideas of where I was staying in Pahia and actually had to look at pictures of the various backpackers online to remember where exactly it was that I stayed. Now, I know, Cap'n Bobs, and on that note, Pahia has PLENTY of backpackers and hostels to go around.

The bus trip: "Magic offers a great 1 day tour to Cape Reinga called 'Northern Exposure' - This is one of the most action packed and diverse day trips on offer throughout the country. Travel north from Paihia through land significant to the Maori people and rich in native Kauri forest, shown magnificently in the Kauri Kingdom. Get your blood pumping by sliding down the mighty sand dunes on a boogie board and travel to Cape Reinga, where the view of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean crossing is spectacular.

The specially designed coach will drive along Te Paki Stream and Ninety-mile Beach before passing through some of the picturesque small towns in the area, and enjoying New Zealand’s best fish and chips!"

And so, I awoke super early, tip-toeing past sleeping backpackers and caught the bus to Cape Reigna. The buses all depart from the Mariners building outside the Paihia wharf, which wasn't a far walk from the hostel.

The bus adventure was fun, but being a single traveler I felt slightly out of place with all the pairs on the bus. Either way, it was a very long trip (literally all day) which felt even longer because we were followed by a rain cloud throughout the journey.

Our first stop was to walk amongst the giant Kauri trees, which were once widely harvested for their gum. While I had seen these stoic trees before, they still managed to impress me. As did the jungles of New Zealand's only native palm tree, the nikau.

Afterwards we cruised further northward, past sleepy fishing villages and pastoral farms which linger in my head like fragments of a dream. Eventually, when we couldn't go any more North, we had reached the Cape.

This is what it looks like on a nice day:

And this what we got to see:

As disappointing as it was to see the Cape in all its stormy glory (I admit, it was kind of moving and powerful), it was even more of a let-down to reach our next destination...Ninety Mile Beach (which is actually NOT ninety miles but I digress).

This is what it looks like when its nice out:

And this is what it looked like when our bus cruised onto the wet sands:

It was neat to drive along the beach, though I had already done this a few years ago on Fraser Island in Australia, and the expanse of this sand was massive. But honestly...who likes the beach in the rain? No one strayed very far from the bus and before long we were bound for our next destination.

Sand boarding!

For the life of me I don't remember why I didn't partake in the fun that is taking to a boogie board and sliding down massive sand dunes, but I had a feeling it had something to do with me not wanting to get wet. Either way, it was fun to watch - wish I had been more adventurous! I also had done something on Fraser Island (again) which ironically was also in the rain, so I wasn't too put out. Me + beach = rain, apparently.

The rain stuck around the remainder of the trip back - I have ambiguous memories of stopping at some barn/cafe for some sort of meal and listening to Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" on the bus radio (hey, it was March 2004!).

Of course, the last day I had in Paihia (was due to fly out that afternoon), it was nice and sunny. I spent a nice hour or two sunning myself beneath a pohutakawa tree on the beach in front of the hostel. Ahhhh, hopefully THIS time when I go up to NZ's Northland for a quick road trip with my bestie, the weather gods will be as nice as they were on that last day!

Typically Me

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:33:00 +0000

This is lifted from a post I did on my other blog 3 years ago, but I figured it was too good (or sad, depending how you look at it) not to share with everyone. Plus, more screw-ups have happened in three years and it's wrong not to update it:

As you all know by now, I am an experienced world traveler. What you may not know is that being an experienced world traveler does not mean you are any good at it. In fact, most of the valuable "experience" I have received while traveling was due to some negative situation that could have only occured because I am such a fucking moron. Don't believe me? See below.

Case(s) in point:

*In Auckland, NZ, many years ago, I went to a Singles Party I had won because I called up the local radio station and bitched about New Zealand men. Prior to this party I got loaded beyond relief, as did Kiwi and her brother. Kiwi got so loaded that she smartly stayed behind at puked at home while her brother and I reveled in debauchary. Did I mention that I had my passport with me? That I drunkly knocked my bag under the table? That after searching half-assedly and blindly for my passport and purse contents for about 5 seconds, I gave up and proceeded to go "Meh. It'll turn up." Well, it didn't. And I had the exciting task of trying to get a new passport while in another country. Fun, fun.

*Also in New Zealand...I got viciously drugged one night at a club and lost my cell phone. Even though I never stepped foot in a cab that night, it turned up in one a week later.

*New Zealand AGAIN: My mother and were traveling on a bus to the ferry station, heading over to the South Island. We were seated near the back of the bus. Behind us was a sketchy man who did not look like he could afford to take the ferry anywere. After I got of the bus and gathered my things, I realized I left my Louis Vuitton purse (a fake thank God, but new nonetheless) on the seat. And then the man bolted past us with my purse. We barely had time to board the ferry, let alone catch him. Purse, gone. Wallet with money and credit cards gone. New makeup, gone (Boo hoo hoo).

*Australia; Airlie Beach - Whilst leaning against a wall in reading a newspaper and grinning at Russel Crowe's win for Gladiator that I witnessed on the Academy Awards show the night before, I notice a sketchy man (yes another sketchy man) hovering about. Freaked, I take off down the road, only to leave my wallet behind. Thankfully, this man was actually an angel in disguise and I got my wallet back, money and everything intact.

*Australia, Townsville - I purposely sleep at the backpackers above the bus station so I won't miss my greyhound bus the next morning, which I have already paid for. I go down to the station early and wander off into a gift shop. I wonder when they are going to call my bus to board. Eventually I wander up to the counter and inquire about the bus leaving for Katherine (yesh, it's about 24 hours away by bus. Yesh I am nuts). The man behind the counter tells me that the bus left 10 minutes ago.
I'm about to freak. I'm about to cry.

But this other angel in disguise tells me to get in his car and we can catch him. While the other clerk at the desk is radioing the bus to stop, I jump in his ute with my backpack and we race against time. Five minutes later we catch up to the greyhound which is pulled over on the side of the highway on the outskirts of town. I thank the man profusely and chagrined as hell, get on the bus. I think a few people clapped.

*Going to Disneyland - Poor Kiwi. How much of my insanity have you witnessed? This was no exception. I bought tickets to Disneyland online and they were shipped to my house. We were set to fly to LA in a week.

The time comes, we go to the airport. I have my plane tickets in hand. Kiwi asks "Got the tickets" I wave them at her.

Later, in the cab over, she asks again, "You sure you have the tickets?" "Yes!" I yell at her. Can't she see? I'm not a complete moron.

A wee bit later we are lining up to check-in.

"Got the tickets?"

"FUCK!" I cry and cram the tickets in her hand.

"No, not the plane tickets. The Disneyland tickets."

FUCK.

So I find a cab, tell him my story, he drives off like a rocket and gets me home to get my tickets and back to the airport, all in the nick of time.

*Mexico, Cabo San Lucas - You know the story. I arrive at the airport with no money, no way of getting to the hotel, no way of knowing where my parents are and no way of getting in contact with them. Sigh. Again, thank GOD for Angels among us (as cheesey as that may sound).

*Mexico - A few years ago I flew back from Puerto Vallarta by myself. It took awhile since ALL the computers in the terminal were down and tickets had to be issued manually. Which meant we would have to recheck in at LAX (the stop before Vancouver). Thank God for that because, guess what I did? I left my plane ticket from LA to Vancouver in the seat pocket of the plane. Yup. Thankfully because the last checkin was done manually, the ticket was void and they were going to issue me a new one anyway. Sigh.

(As I am typing this and more and more instances flood my head...I'm amazed people let me travel at all. Amazed and ashamed.)

*Norway - Staying at my aunts, I leave a pair of black pants in her closet. I go away for a few days and come back. She didn't know the pants were mine and gave them to the poor. Now this seems laughable BUT THEY WERE MY FAVOURITE PANTS IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! Do you know how hard it is for me to find good pants? Needless to say, I think I cried and my aunt felt really really bad. Oh and bought me a new pair.

*France; Cannes - I have a hostel room all to myself. But despite this, I am still cautious of others (I'm a careful traveler, :P) so I hide my leg wallet, with passport inside, under my mattress. Next day I check out and head over to this island before I catch the night train later that evening. While I'm sunning myself on the island's rocky shores I realize "Fuck me, my passport is still under the bed!" Or at least I hoped it was still there. It was.

*France; Menton - I run out of money. I spend an arduous day searching the town for a money exchange place or a bank that will allow me to extract money from my visa. Never find one...there isn't one. Not in Menton, not in Ventimiglia, Italy (next store) and not in Monaco (next door, otherside). Spend a few days having a nervous breakdown and not understand why I don't have money. Realize I was taking money from the wrong account.

*France; Carcassone - I run out of money. Again. This time it was no accident. Funds that were to be transfered are delayed because of a Canadian holiday. So I arrive at the backpackers, broke and penniless. Luckily the people were super swell, gave me free food, lent me money and even gave me a bottle of champagne upon arrival.

*Germany; Koln - I stay at my friend T's house before I am to take the train to Brussels and then the Eurostar to London (which I was 2 seconds from missing because my train to Brussels was late. It was me and some Indian family running through the terminal while Eurostar employees on the sides cheer us on "Hurry up! You're gonna miss it! It's pulling away from the station! You have 1 minute! The doors are closing! No refunds!").

But I did make the train. Only I didn't have everything with me. You see, a few days later while I was leaving London for the Gatwick airport, I realize I do not have my Air Transat ticket.

Oh well, I think to myself. I'm in the computer.

So I get to the check-in counter and yes, I am in the computer. I even have a seat assigned. But I still need the paper ticket. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! I don't know why exactly I need the ticket but I do, so says the snotty bitch at the counter.

So she gives me my options. Either buy a new ticket right there. Or dont go home. I explain that I don't have any money, let alone the 300 quid (over $600!!!) to buy the ticket. She basically says tough luck. Tough luck or I can use a credit card number. "Any number," she says, encouraging fraud. Luckily I memorized my dad's Visa number off the top of my head and away I went.

Paid for a ticket I already paid for.

I was just so grateful to get out of there though, especially since the London Bombings happened 4 days later.

* The day before I leave to Paris and Scotland for Xmas trip, I can't find my passport. I rip out my apartment, crying, kicking and screaming until I start retracing my steps.

The last time I used my passport was two weeks before when I came back from Mexico (see above). I recall putting my passport in the seat pocket and then remember the magazine I was reading at the time.

I find the people magazine with Prince William on the cover and shake it frantically to have the passport plop out and on to the floor.

* A year later, I JUST return home off a flight from Palm Springs. I pull into my driveway to see our family friend standing there, barking at me "WHERE is your passport?!"

"What do you mean where is my passport?" I say, "right here." I reach into my bag. Can't find it.

I am quickly led into the house where he plays me back a message on the answering machine. It's from the person that cleans the plane that I just got off of an hour ago, and would you believe it, he found my passport in the seat pocket. Oh me oh my.

* Going to Disneyland - NO this time I had the tickets AND my passport, but lo and behold, I have forgotten to check when it expires.

In the cab, 530 AM, 5 minutes from the airport and I see that it expired SIX MONTHS AGO. I don't know whether to scream or cry, I just keep looking at the passport and willing it to change, for this to be a bad dream. But it's not a dream, it's just plain bad.

However I go to the counter and though they changed the rules just a wee bit before (that you have to have a passport to enter the US by air) the ticket agent double checks with US customs for me. US customs decides to let me enter the country with expired passport and by issuing me a free visa (after sticking me in that glass waiting room for awhile). I don't know if it's luck or my tears or the fact that I was going to Disneyland but they let me in.

And then coming back into Canada, our customs agent just says "Oh we let people in without passports all the time. I'm suprised they bothered to give you a visa."

* To further prove that these rules are meant to be broken, a few weeks ago my camping trip's location was rearranged. To the States, Point Roberts to be exact.

(Point Roberts has a mainly unpatroled border - you may know this now because of the Jenkins case in which he killed that model/stripper Jasmine Fiore - you know the case all over the news and TMZ).

Anyway that's fine and dandy. Point Roberts borders on my town - ie it takes 2 minutes to drive to the border. However, though it is August and my passport has now been expired for almost a year, I still haven't gotten it renewed and ever since June 9th, you need a passport to cross the border by car.

Yep, it's happening ALL OVER AGAIN! And once again, I go to the border without a passport (but with a receipt that I did in fact apply for one and pay for it two days before) and once again they let me in after giving me a lecture.

Something tells me though that after this whole murder fugitive hoopla around the Point Bob Border Crossing that I was extremely lucky I went camping THAT weekend and not last weekend!

Once again...just my luck.

Now that I'm off to New Zealand for a month on November 20th, I can't wait to have more crazy-ass stories to share with you all!!!

******

Lyon - the Paris alternative

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:56:00 +0000

This is originally published on my NEW online fashion/travel store here.

Paris might have the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame but Lyon, France has two fabulous waterways, the Rhône and Saône rivers, the statuesque Tour du Crédit Lyonnais and the stunning pious delights of the Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Saint-Jean Cathedral. Not to mention all the pre-requisite patisseries, cobblestone streets, charming nightlife and, of course, oodles of culinary delights. After all, Lyon is the gastronomy (culinary) capital of France.

Lyon is nestled in the mountainous Rhône-Alpes region, located 470 km from Paris and 320 km from Marseille, its location between the two cities allows it to be a major centre of business. Lyon forms the second-largest metropolitan area in France after that of Paris, with the population of its urban area estimated to be nearly two million.

But amidst all those people, you will find a city that hasn't forgotten its history, its charms...or how to eat!
Sights:
The Saint-Jean Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Lyon

Bartholdi Fountain at the Place des Terreaux

The Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica

Why is the church thanking Mary? Well, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is said to have saved the city of Lyon from the plague in 1643. A small church was erected in gratitude, to which the gilded statue of the Virgin was added in the mid-nineteenth century, to mark its bicentennial. Each year in early December, Lyon thanks the Virgin for saving the city by lighting candles throughout the city, in what is called the Fête des Lumières.

The basilica has a very prominent location on the top of Fourvière hill, which overlooks the city. This same hill is where the Roman forum of Trajan, the forum vetus, was located (along with the Roman Theatre) and has one amazing view. To get to the top of the hill, you have to ride the Ficelle, the world's first funicular train.

The Roman-era Theatre on the Fourvière hill

Traboules

Passageways - called traboules - are abundant in the Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas of the city. Though many of them have been turned into private courtyards, these narrow passageways pass through buildings and link the streets either side. These mysterious streets were designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Gastronomy
Located in this area, and among the old cobblestone streets of the enigmatic Old Town, are scores of wonderful restaurants called bouchons. Bouchons are usually convivial restaurants serving primarily local dishes, and local wines. My first night in Lyon - blinded by jetlag - I snacked on escargots. They were local, fresh and cooked to perfection. My jetlag judgement won on that matter.

Traditional local dishes include saucisson de Lyon (sausage), andouillette, coq au vin, esox (pike) quenelle, gras double (tripe cooked with onions), salade lyonnaise (lettuce with bacon, croutons and a poached egg), marrons glacés and cardoon au gratin.

Speaking of local delicasies...Voila! La macarron!

And hot mulled wine, sold on the street was a perfect accompaniment.

You can literally spend weeks walking around Lyon, eating your way through the city....it has cute, tucked away restaurants that only locals know about (and gives away free shots of chesnut liquer!)...

...and many entertaining bars, such as The Wallace, the only Scottish bar in Lyon. The locals love this place, if not for its extensive array of Scotch....

...you can also pick up many local eats at the Saturday market, held along the Saône river.

Whatever you choose to do in Lyon, you'll find a French city steeped in culture, braised in history and sprinkled with latin sensibilities.

And like it's classic layout and return to simplicities, so is the fashion and style inspired by Lyon. To purchase my clothing items for a true Lyonnais feel, please click here.

The Lion of Lyon (Lyon is french for Lion, d'accord?)

Stay Safe, Stay Stylish

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:00:00 +0000

You've heard the horror stories. Tourists in Barcelona being knifed for all their belongings, a man accosted by street urchins in Milan and having his passport nicked from inside his front pocket, a woman on the night train from Prague to Warsaw, having her money belt removed from her while she slept.

Makes you wonder how on Earth you really can keep your important documents safe while traveling.

Well, money belts are a good start. They are a hell of a lot better than keeping important items in your purse, backpack or wallet. But one of the problems with them is that thieves now know where to look. They know you've got one around your waist or on on your belt.

The second problem with money belts is the fact that they are just plain ugly.

When I travel I try hard not to look like a tourist and the first step towards that is to stay fashionable. Look good, wear clothes that you would wear at home, don't fall into the tourist trap and start wearing baggy shorts with big pockets.

And don't have a money belt rising out of your low-riding jeans or sticking up under your clingy dress.

Have this instead:

This is a leg wallet from Cactus Creek. It follows the same principle as the money belt, only it fits around different places on your leg. It's adjustable with comfy velcro straps, so you can wear it on you calf if wearing pants; your knee if wearing a skirt or your thigh if wearing shorts. Best of all, it's got special fabric that wicks sweat away, it's sleek so it doesn't show under clothes, and it's comfortable, so that you forget you are even wearing it. Leg wallets aren't the first thing that is going to pop into a pontential criminal's mind, so it's safe and it's big enough to keep a few credit cards, extra money, plane tickets and your passport.

I wore it for three months straight and it was a lifesaver. Even when I was paranoid about my bags being rifled through or my purse being stolen, I knew that everything I really needed was on my leg and out of sight.

Like I said before, the number one tip to avoiding being a victim of crime and getting a better cultural experience is to blend in with the locals.

Which means, NO FANNY PACKS.

Seriously. Don't do it. They are ugly, so "soccer mom" and an easy peasy target for thieves. Why don't you just wear an American Flag shirt and sandals with socks while you are at it?

"But I don't want to carry around a regular purse. I might get robbed."

Sure. But you carry around a regular purse in your own home city, right? What makes you think you are going to be targeted in Amsterdam? Oh right. The Fanny Pack or Day-Packs. Look around the people in your home city. It's easy to spot the tourist, isn't it? That's why the criminals are going after them and not you.

But I understand that while traveling you don't have the securities of home and are more likely to be carrying items that are irreplaceble.

The solution? The leg wallet, which I posted about below, and a bag that not only looks stylish but will make you feel more secure.

Messenger bags are in at the moment and you can get them anywhere (Old Navy, H&M, etc). Look for ones with a thicker strap so it doesn't put too much pressure on your shoulders (and doesn't cause that ugly line of seperation on your chest). Make sure you wear it across your chest, with the front of the bag facing forward, close to your hands for safe keeping. This way, your bag is less likely to get pick-pocketed and by wearing it across your chest, it becomes hard for someone to run past you and gab your bag (without dragging you along with it). Most messenger bags come complete with lots of secure pockets too and are quite roomy, so they make excellent companions for traveling.

Best of all, a messenger bag doesn't scream tourist. And if you buy the right one, it may just say "Ooh, la la. Je suis Parisian."

Ew.

Ah. That's better

Paekakariki, NZ

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Paekakariki, New Zealand, is located on the Kapiti coast on the southwest side of the North Island, just a short and scenic train ride from Wellington, the country's capital.

Because Wellington lacks good budget accommodations, Paekakariki is an excellent choice, do to its close proximity to the city, its abundance of beaches, parks and activities and a warm and wonderful backpackers.

If you are planning to visit the gorgeous and culturally thriving city of Wellington, I highly recommend you stay in Paekak (as the locals call it) if not just for a night or two.

A most famous landmark

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:07:00 +0000

I'm tired. I have my reasons. I hope to not be so tired one day but until then I apologize for being slack with this blog - and my other blog (WHICH BTW, I am having ANOTHER GIVEAWAY! Please click here to enter :)

Until I get in the blogging spirit though, I shall leave you with a simple post about a not so simple thing: La Tour Eiffel.

Though it's been documented and photographed to death, there is nothing so inherintly photogenic, so completley iconic as the Eiffel Tower.

Because of it's symbolism, it's cultural embodiment, it's world wide recognition, when you finally do see the tower up close and personal, you feel like you've been there before. Yet at the same time there is a magnetism and mystery that draws you to it and pushes it beyond being just another famous building.

Yes, France's most famous landmark (and Freudian phallic symbol) is everything you expect it to be (if not maybe a bit smaller than you had thought). It is the one thing that, upon viewing with your own eyes as you stand on the Champ de Mars or Trocedero, makes you say "I guess this would be Paris."

Behold La Tour Eifell in all it's glory, at night and day, in summer and winter, these are my favouite photos that I have taken of this enchanting beacon:

For history and more information than I could possibly type up, visit here.

Picton, NZ

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Picton, New Zealand is most famous for being a lot of visitor's first glimpse of the South Island, as it is the stomping grounds for further journeys into the South Island and across the Cook Straight by ferry or plane . That being said, a lot of people only pass through Picton, or stay for a quick night. But Picton is more than just being a transportation hub. It's also an inviting town with miles of activities along the scenic Marlborough sounds.
Because Picton can be a busy place, there are a lot of hostels to accommodate that. The most popular is The Villa, with its white wash appearance, cozy spa and free apple crumble, while Bayview Backpackers is great for those looking for something more quiet and secluded. Of course, the only problem with seclusion is that it's aways out of town but there is a wonderful walking route that will grace you with some of the best views of the sound.
If you would actually like to stay on the sound, there are plenty of unique backpackers and guesthouses that take the word "secluded" to a new level.
Accesible only by water taxi, The Lochmara Lodge is an eco-lover's paradise and gorgeous. Equally private, The Nikau Cottages offer an even more personable stay, while the acclaimed Mahana Homestead earns nothing but relaxing smiles and rave reviews.

Don't forget! Last day to enter my Rice and Beans Vintage $50 gift card giveaway!! Click here on my fashion blog to enter!

Nelson, NZ

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:04:00 +0000

As usual, click to englarge the photos :P

Nelson, New Zealand is one of my favourite places in all of New Zealand. Located on the Northern tip of the South Island, Nelson is blessed with lots of sunshine, friendly folksy folk and a close proximity to a range of attractions and activities. The justly popular Abel Tasman National Park is a short hop away, as is the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park, the Wild West Coast and various tramps, tracks and walks. An added bonus is the fact that Nelson has a plethora of quality accomodations, from staying in one man's humble and welcoming abode (Tramper's Rest), a quaint and personable backpackers (The Green Monkey), a partying and popular hostel (Paradiso) or a soothing and charming women's hostel (Hecate House). Venture further into Nelson Lakes and you can stay at the convenient and friendly Yellow House.
Regardless of where you stay, Nelson is more than worth a stop. In fact, be prepared to spend a lot of time and earn a lot of memories here.

I'm having a giveaway starting Friday, July 31st to Friday August 7th on my fashion blog Anywhere But Here - win a $50 gift certificate to Rice and Beans Vintage :)

Seatoun, Wellington, NZ

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:36:00 +0000

Seatoun is a seaside suburb of Wellington, about 20 minutes away from the city. My sister Linda and her Kiwi husband Hamish lived there for awhile, as he worked at the Film Studios in Miramar, the next town over. He was the key grip for Lord of the Rings, which saw him working all over New Zealand for a number of years. While living in a tiny, beachside house, they had the privilage of being the next bay over from their good friend Peter Jackson. While I never saw Peter while staying visiting them, we did to tour the LOTR set, which was amazing...we even got to touch all the costumes and watch them film a battle scene with a lot of Orcs.

There is no accommodation in Seatoun that I know of, although there are bound to be a few bed and breakfasts. Your best bet is to stay in Wellington at the Cambridge Hotel, which has clean and modern dorms. Wellington is my favourite city in all of New Zealand, and I've probably been there about 5 or 6 times. The city itself is worth several posts, which I will do if I ever get my photographs scanned (this were my pre-digital days). But, whatever you do, do NOT stay at the hostel across from the Railway Station. We walked out after 5 minutes. Trust me.

Oh and I JUST bought my tickets to New Zealand - Nov-28-Dec 20th - I'm coming back home, baby! It's been far too long - let the planning commence!

Kaikoura, NZ

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0000

A most magical place - I've been here twice and it never ceases to impress. So excited to return a third time this December.

Please click on photos to englarge and appreciate better.

In Kaikoura, I recommend: Sunrise Lodge for location, hospitality, privacy and coziness, Dusky Lodge for an upbeat, stylish and youthful feel or Cray Cottage for its rave reviews (for those who love peace and quiet).

While in Kaikoura, enjoy a looooong (think 5 hours) walk around the Kaikoura penninsula, watching for sea lions, seals, birds and free-roaming sheep. Or do what made Kaikoura famous and take part in Dolphin Swimming, Whale Watching or Seal Swimming. And whether its the marine activities or the rain that comes off from the South Pacific Ocean, be prepared to get wet. It's worth it.

PS check out my fashion blog Anywhere But Here to see my feature in Self Magazine :)

Sightseeing: The Salton Sea, Palm Springs, CA

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Yes, I know what you are thinking. The terms "sea" and "Palm Springs" don't really go together, because, let's face it, Palm Springs is in the desert. Actually, Palm Springs is pretty much the desert.

Yet, in the middle of all this cactus-strewn sand lies the largest "lake" in California. Marked with a high salinity level (and why it's considered a "sea"), the Salton sea is known as "California's crown jewel of avian biodiversity" and perhaps was, at one time, the most productive fishery in the world.

Now the Sea is slowly dying from pollution, a rise in salinity and a shrinking shoreline. This is a great loss considering how important the sea is with regards to wetlands wildlife, endangered birds and the local economy. There is, however, a huge movement taking place in which the California government hopes to restore the lake to its original glory. The process may take up to 40 years, but it is neccesary in order for the natural wonder to survive.

The Salton Sea is located 20 minutes south of Palm Springs, off of Highway 111. When making the journey down to this unique place, be sure to stop off at one of the numerous date farms on the side of the road and indulge in a Date Shake. It's to die for.

For more information on how you can help The Salton Sea please visit here.

Wanna date?

Sightseeing: The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:20:00 +0000

While the Berlin Wall seems like a distant memory, you can still find other important historical reminders throughout this fantastic city. The Brandenburg Gate is not only the symbol of Berlin (now that the wall has been taken down) but was once an actual gateway into the city (and is the only gate to remain standing).
Built as a sign of peace in 1791 by Friedrich Wilhelm II , the Brandenburg Gate has a vibrant history. After Napolean conqured Berlin, the gate became a sign of his power. Later, as the Nazis came into play, the gate was used to symbolize their power. As the Cold War started and Germany was split in two, the gate became closed off as the Berlin wall fell into place. American's placed the following sign on the gate, in numerous languages for all to read: "End of the Free World. You are leaving the American Zone."

By the time the Wall was finally torn down, the Brandenburg Gate took on a new symbol: Liberty.The gate is great attraction for Berlin. Not only does it keep history alive by reminding us of its violent, stormy and evolving paths but it is also a great introduction to the city of Berlin.

Aside from the usual lot of tourists found strolling about the area (busiest around mid-day) locals frequent it as well, which makes for great local color and people watching. So stroll around, pull up a park bench, crack open a beer (just doing as the locals do!) and observe the city of Berlin at its finest.

PS please see my other blog Anywhere But Here for your chance to win a new Forever 21 summer dress - easy!

Venice in Black and White

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Inspired by this beautiful post by Garance Dore, I decided to post my favourite pictures I took in Venice, converted to Black and White. Such a timeless place.

Wanderlusting in Vancouver, BC - take a second look

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:22:00 +0000

In the spirit of Canada Day....

I've realized that many of you don't know much about the city itself, where I live and what it is like. And that living here, I never think to appreciate this place with new eyes, see it for the first time the way the tourists do (I know, there is hostel down the street from me and I see gaga-eyed foreigners everywhere I walk).

It's happened a few times, upon returning from a year and a bit stint in Auckland, NZ, I was yearning to see the North Shore mountains. After three-months vagabonding around Europe, I couldn't wait to wear my foreign outfits on my hometown beach. But now, in the midst of summer and sunshine, I need to remind myself that I live HERE:

Vancouver, which has been rated the Top Ten Most Liveable City in the WORLD, for the last decade or whatever, on several top ten lists. It's even been NUMBER ONE more than a few times. Can YOUR city claim that (PS please shut up you Sydneysiders, Aucklanders and everyone in Switzerland - we know you made the lists too :P) Bill Clinton even declared it one of the most beautiful cities he has seen.

Of course, we have our share of problems. With its popularity, Vancouver has the highest housing prices in the country (for example, a modest one-bedroom downtown is going to set me and my boyfriend back around $300,000 - I'm selling my 430 sq. foot tiny studio for $200,000!). We also have the worst drug and problems in all of North America (no seriously, look it up). And traffic can be a real bitch sometimes.

But overall, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. OK, I would, but just for a few years becaus I know I would ALWAYS come back to Vancouver, Sea to Sky City.

Plus the Winter Olympics in 2010. Come on!

View from the top of Whistler Mountain, Best Ski Resort in North America and only 2 hour drive away

Even in November, the city can take your breath away (my apartment is just a little to the right)

View from my roof deck facing North

View from apartment facing South/West

The ocean is everywhere! (note city way in the background)

Stanley Park is one of the biggest parks in North America and an easy stroll away from me - perfect way to spend a summer day

The beach is a one-minute walk from my place

Warmest place in Canada - palm trees, you see!

How can you say no to this every night?

I love having our boat so close by

Stunning in Winter - view from top of Grouse Mountain, looking down on part of the city - Peter Jokan photography

Calming in Autumn - Stanley Park Seawall, Peter Jokan

Cherry Blossomtastic in Spring

The nearby Gulf Islands provide refuge in Summer

Beautiful day...

Or night

I encourage YOU to find the beauty in your city!

Scottish Food

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:12:00 +0000

When people think of Scottish food (or even British, for that matter), they don't automatically think "yum."

At least, that's what I was expecting when I arrived in Bonnie Scotland a while back. But, like usual, I was wrong. While I admit the thought of Haggis didn't fill me with culinary anticipation, I was adventurous enough to try it and guess what? It tastes like chicken. Ok, it doesn't but it did remind me of a nicely spiced and savoury meatloaf. So there you go.

I first had proper haggis at the last meal my ex-boyfriend's parents had made us before we left. In the picture above, the haggis is the ground beefy looking things to the left and right of the ham and pinapple. The haggis to the right was actually vegetarian, which sounded more appetizing but seemed slightly redundant. It also didn't taste as good.

To go with our meal of haggis and ham, we started with a traditional soup called Cullen Skink. It's a delicious, creamy fish soup, reminiscent of clam chowder, but with a smokey twist. And a stupid name.

To make matters even more tasty, we got to dip Balmoral Bread (expensive but melt-in-your-mouth) into the warm dish.

Another great thing about Scottish food - and what reminded me a lot of New Zealand - was the abundance of tasty meat pies. Not only could you purchase these tasty morsels at any gas station, deli or cafe, but they came in all sorts of flavours.

Another type of meat pie is the Scotch Pie, which is prolific at any football match. I had my Scotch pie with a side of chippies (fries), a forkful of deep-fried haggis and one powerful pickled onion. The typical Scottish take-away meal.

One thing I didn't have, but have tried in Canada, is the Deep-Fried Mars Bar. Sounds like a heart attack on a plate, and let me tell you it is. Might explain why Scotland has such a high heart disease risk. But, oh, it's worth it.

Scots love a lot of sweets, the most famous of these being their beloved Shortbread biscuits, found in shops all over the world.

I was more found of the salty snacks such as these Hula Hoops crisps...

...and Pickled Onion Monster Munch...

And Branston Pickle, spread on everything, especially salty Aberdeen buns (I have a jar sitting in my fridge right now, though I prefer the "small chunk" version).

To wash all of that down, you should reach for a nice cold Tennents, the beer which is known as The Pride of Scotland. I can see where they are coming from too, although I am a sucker for most things "beer."

Last but not least, there is a most famous symbol of Scotland: Irn Bru. This soft drink is sold everywhere, has miraculous hangover-curing properties (or so it goes, since my hangovers are usually beyond cure), gives you energy galore and tastes like orangey bubble gum. It also prides itself as having 32 different and "secret" flavours in each bottle.

According to Wikipedia: "When McDonald's restaurants first opened for trading in Glasgow they did not serve Irn-Bru. This was seen as an insult by some Scots, and a campaign to correct this oversight was launched. After many of their restaurants were picketed, McDonalds relented and began to stock Irn-Bru alongside their other soft drinks."

Just goes to show that the Scots aren't just passionate about life, but about their food and drink too!

PS - I'm going to be doing a giveaway for a Forever 21 dress on my other blog - yep, I have another blog Anywhere But Here, a fashion-oriented one which is updated more than this one.

Salt Spring Island Market - in pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:25:00 +0000

I spent last weekend on glorious Salt Spring Island, a holiday haunt that I have been coming to for over 20 years now (wow, that makes me sound old!). Salt Spring is the largest of the BC Gulf Islands and, in my opinion, is the best. It is immensely popular, especially in summer, which must annoy the locals, but it still offers the best of both worlds. There are numerous B&B's scattered throughout the hilly island, as well as hotels, vacation rentals and a hostel. We stay at the outstation of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club...we just sail our boat over, hook it up to the dock and enjoy all the anemities of the island lifestyle.

Aside from sailing your boat over, you can take a float plane or the BC Ferries. There are two ferry terminals on the island, one at Long Harbour (where our boat is) and another at Vesuvius Bay and Fulford Harbour.

There are many things to do on the island and I have done them all. Climb or visit Mount Maxwell, go horseback riding, visit the sheep paddocks (Salt Spring Island lamb is on par with New Zealand lamb - SO GOOD!), go kayaking, go snorkeling, rent a boat, go fishing, crabbing, go swimming in the ocean or in the lakes, go on a self-guided drive of all the artist enclaves (studios abound on this island).

Speaking of artists, in liu of driving around to each studio, the best way to sample them is to go to the Market, held every Saturday from April to October. We actually bought a kitten here one year, lol:

~Bliss ~

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:45:00 +0000

The secluded Isle de Marguerite, just off the coast of Cannes, France.

Snapshots: Florø, Norway

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderlusting) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:56:00 +0000

My cousin lives in the self-proclaimed western-most town in Norway and I had the honour of visiting her one year. Not only was this town friendly and gorgeous but it was about as Norwegian as you can get. I hope to visit again (as well as see the rest of my immediate family) when I head to Sweden/Norway/Finland in 2010.