Singapore!

After two delayed flights! we finally arrived at our stop over; Singapore. Once we arrived at the hotel, sleep was essential as we were out for a frenzied two-day stay. It was morning and sightseeing was the first on the list. The tour bus picked us up from the hotel and we were on our merry way around Singapore. Sightseeing included some famous monuments such as the Merlion and other cultural attractions that reflect the cultural diversity of Singapore.

The highlight of the day tour was visiting Little India. I felt this small community offered a different experience, where I was immersed by the fusion of colours, sounds and the spice-scented streets. The variety of unusual items such as ethnic jewellery, woodcarvings and silverware were intersting and also cheap to buy! However, I had to refrain from buying as going through customs would be a PROBLEM!

Overall, one thing I found fascinating while walking through Little India is the unique mix of Chinnese, Indian and Arabic cultures comming together showcasing their ethnicity in harmony. Seeing that, I instantly feel inlove with Little India and believe is another side of Singapore that people must comes and visit.

Later that night we visited the Night Safari. It was a remarkable experience seeing animals at night feeding in the wild. The Safari trails were amazing! as it was the best way to experience and get a feel of the Safari environment. Though it was a frightening experience as my family and I along with our tour group walked through the zoo in complete darkness. It felt like we were in an Indiana Jones movie! You can really hear the sounds of snakes rattling, insects chirpping and other carnivorous animals which felt like they were let out of their cage wandering around aimlessly, but it was all part of the experience and I enjoyed every minute of it!

My night Safari experience did not end there! we headed to the amphitheatre where a live show of the animals were held. It was a moment to never forget as a PYTHON WAS FOUND UNDERNEATH MY CHAIR! Acting calm and relaxed the python was removed carefully, but I knew it was all part of the act. I was relieved to not be choosen for audience participation to have the Python placed around my neck! The night Safari was a great way to wrap up my two-day stay in Singapore.

Singapore is known as a multi-national country filled with interesting cultures. Although my stay was for a short period, I had a great time and would go again if I do have the chance to.

Elvie:)

South of Spain!!

You can’t help but fall in love with the small country side village of Arcos de la Frontera located in the South of Spain. Arcos balances atop of a rocky limestone ridge with its white washed houses, narrow pebble streets and stone Castle which faces the sheer cliff that plunges down to the valley river below. Acros vivid and laid back lifestyle creates its charming and welcoming atmosphere.

My six weeks holiday to this amazing location felt like a dream. Waking up at 11am in the morning to the sound of Vespas and smell of fresh coffee is just the perfect way to start the day. I would then be hypnotised to go for a stroll and exploration through the streets as you hear the locals go by with their daily lives. Small and inviting cafes and pubs are located all throughout the village where friends meet to unwind in the middle of the day with a coffee or beer. At around 2pm all the shops would close and everyone would return home for lunch and a quick siesta (short nap) before returning back to work at 5pm. The long summer’s day would not end until 10pm when the sun would begin to set and everyone would return home for dinner. The nightlife would then begin with vivid and exciting summer music festivals that would last until the early hours of the morning.

This village truly knows how to celebrate all the good things in life and you cannot help but be swept away by its culture and history. If you are looking for a truly memorable European escape this is definitely the place to go. Although I must warn you that once you visit the South of Spain you may never what to leave and you will definitely be back!

Ainhoa :)

By the waaay, want to hear from someone who is actually in Spain right now? Of course you do! Check her out right here...http://wandering-woman.blogspot.com/

Meet the Queen

Don't be fooled by the title, I didnt actually meet the Queen. But I'm sure she was sitting inside while I stood outside, watching the soldiers march up and down, protecting the iron gates out the front of Buckingham Palace. I remember thinking... "they must hate their job".

My short trip to London was one definately to remember. My favourite memories included watching Squirrels race up trees, haling a cab and standing inside the famous red telephone booths. Aside from these small encounters, I was also lucky enough to visit the museum which Charles Dickens himself worked hard on his famous stories as well as experienceing a true English breakfast of bacon and eggs, toast and orange juice. Something you can get in Australia, but eating it in London makes it all the more different (and 100 times better!)

Due to our short stay, we had to cut out the London Eye from our itinerary, I think I was the most disappointed. Especially now, since my whole family has been on the London Eye. However, I plan on going back as soon as I can and having my turn on the Eye!

Annie:)

New Zealand!

On April 11th 2005, I finally arrived at Auckland International airport and hungry after the long flight, I bought myself fish chips. It was at that moment; my two-day travel experience around Auckland will never be forgotten.

First destination was the geothermal tourist area known as Rotorua, where mud pools, hot springs, thermal craters and billowing steam vents and the sulphur smell made this one of my favourite tourist attraction. Rotorua is home to Maori culture and a must see locality. Whilst visiting, the Marae which is known as a sacred communal meeting house, I understood the culture and heritage of these indigenous people and felt part of the city.

Dolphin and whale watching was next on the itinerary. Looking back, I remember the 6 hour boat ride wasn’t a good experience, as MOTION SICKNESS! was a problem for me. However after 3 hours into the boat ride, the dolphins and killer whale finally appeared. It was a remarkable scene watching small pods of dolphins playing around the boat and the Killer whale at the distance back flipping. It was worth the 6 hour boat ride as I watched the sunset while heading back towards the port.

Overall New Zealand is a country comprised with a variety of breathtaking landscapes, filled with spectacular glaciers, rugged mountains and volcanic plateaus thus making it a great place to visit. If you’re looking for an extraordinary scenic place of unique geographical landscape,
I suggest New Zealand is the place to see!

Elvie :)

Paris!!!

On December 28th 2004 I was lucky enough to traveI overseas to France.

If there is one thing you must do when you travel to France, it is to visit the Eiffel Tower. One of the most beautiful sites in Paris. Personally, I only made it to the first level of the tower. Even from there, looking out, the people looked absolutely miniscule - practically like ants. I attempted to convince my family to climb to the very top, saying we would be "fiiiiiinne". Yes I botched, but hey, I climbed a part of the Eiffel Tower. If you don't get the op to make it to the tower, you could always try the Louvre! Standing in line for 40 minutes in the freezing cold air was definitely worth it. Yep, I managed to "accidentally" snap a picture of the Mona Lisa and stood for a good 7 minutes captivated in front of the armless and legless Venus de Milo.

However, out of each famous attraction, my absolute favourite was the Palace of Versailles. Inside, the walls were swarmed with paintings. The beds needed steps to be able to get in and each chandelier had you captivated for a good long time. The gold trimming around the enormous mirrors hanging on the walls made the rooms seem twice as enormous. I simply didn't want to leave. In fact, I pretty much wanted to live there.

Those visits will last forever, and I definitely plan on going back to France in the future

:)

Annie