Round The World Trip 2006-2007
In and around World
Hi!
I've decided to do an online journal type blog of my RTW trip to keep everyone informed and up to date with where I am and the things we've been doing. Hopefully you like it. Feel free to leave comments!! It'll give me the motivation to keep going with it :o)
Take care, Vinnie
"Do you want to see the world, Do you want to see the world"..? - The Kooks
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler vincentvega
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1
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok - What can I say :o)
Myself and Kev arrived on Koh San Road to be greeted by Matt - the Welsh Stallion himself. The three of us wil... Continue reading »
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2
Phuket
After catching the 5pm train from BKK we arrived in Surat Thani around 4.30am. After an hours wait we were brought to another 'pit-stop'. Fina... Continue reading »
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3
Koh Phi Phi
The night-life in Phi Phi is excellent, which is a good thing, as all it's done since we got here is rain :o) Well actually we got one nice day, bu... Continue reading »
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4
Sungai Kolok
After getting the boat from Phi Phi to Krabi (1.5 hrs), a bus to Had Yai (3/4 hrs) and then another bus to Sungai Kolok, on the Thai border (a... Continue reading »
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5
Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia
We rised early to continue our travels... We made our way to the Thai border from our 'hotel'. After going through immigration and getting a 60 day... Continue reading »
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6
Kuala Lumpur
We left the Perhentian Islands on the 4pm fast-boat and got a taxi to the train station for the 19.02 express train to KL. [This is famously known... Continue reading »
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7
Siem Reap, Cambodia
A 10am flight from KL and two hours later we arrived in Siem Reap. We flew with Air Asia and got the flights for 250RM including taxes and airport... Continue reading »
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8
Phnom Penh
We arrived in Phnom Penh after a 6 hour bus journey - which was surprisingly not too bad considering the 6.30am start and myself & Kev&nbs... Continue reading »
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9
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Viet Nam
After a 90 minute 'sleep' it was up to catch our bus - final destination Saigon. What a journey! First onto a bus for 1 hour, then 2.5 ho... Continue reading »
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10
Mui Ne
We've left the crazy traffic behind of Saigon and are now in Mui Ne - a 5 hour bus trip away. Mui Ne is famous for its sand dunes which we wil... Continue reading »
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11
Nha Thrang
Nha Thrang, a 5 hour bus journey from Mui Ne, is party capital. The nightlife is kicking!! I can't see us doing much here apart from beach, bar, be... Continue reading »
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12
Hoi An
Our first over-night bus journey (of 12 hours) brings us to Hoi An, arriving around 7am. The sleeping tablets we took definitely had some effects a... Continue reading »
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13
Hanoi
After a 30KM drive to Denang International Airport, we took a Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. The flight was just over an hour long and included... Continue reading »
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14
Halong Bay
A 3.5 hour bus journey from Hanoi brings you to the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. As posted in my last entry we had decided to do the 3 Day/2... Continue reading »
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15
Hanoi - Stopover
With our Halong Bay trip cut short we had a day to kill in Hanoi. I wanted to buy some things for the trekking e.g. a rain jacket and some kind of... Continue reading »
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16
Sapa
Well, our trip to Sapa did not get off to the best starts. We were in the King Cafe (beside our hotel) waiting on our 20.30 pickup, when the manage... Continue reading »
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17
Vientiane, Laos
When your offered a flight with Vietnam Airlines for $7 more than Lao Aviation I suggest you fly with the former; that is of course if you like to... Continue reading »
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18
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng - a place which continues the theory that all things beginning with the letter 'V' are great :o)
A backpackers 'playground' so to... Continue reading »
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19
Luang Prabang
A 6 hour minibus journey, along very windy roads (not good for a hungover stomach :o) brings us to the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. After... Continue reading »
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20
Chiang Mai, North Thailand
Yippee, we're flying to Chiang Mai. Brill, fantastic - propeller plane pulls up!! Scheize. Queue instant sweats and calls for valium. Me no li... Continue reading »
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21
Hong Kong
We arrived into Hong Kong after a 2.40 minute flight with Cathay Pacific. This is my second time flying with them and yet again they've proved how... Continue reading »
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22
Macau
Macau, along with Hong Kong, are the two special administrative regions of China; the former was under Portuguese administration until 1999. Well,... Continue reading »
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23
Bangkok, Thailand
I've been to Bangkok a few times now but this time around Koh San Road seems different. I can't put a finger on what it is. Maybe I've grown tired... Continue reading »
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24
Singapore
A 2 hour flight, operated by Finnair, brings us to Singapore arriving at 18.15 local time. Our mantra so far has been to arrive at our destina... Continue reading »
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25
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
A 2.15 flight with Jetstar Asia (operated by ValuAir) brings us to our 4th country in 6 days. [Sounds impressive! :o)]. JetStar are a budget airlin... Continue reading »
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26
Sanur, Bali
We've just arrived in Sanur after a brisk drive from Kuta in a bemo (Rp 80k). There's a wide range of accommodation here from budget to top (e.g. H... Continue reading »
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27
Ubud, Bali
We arrived into Ubud just before 6pm and looked for accommodation. We found a place not far from one of the main Roads. It's a bit of a crazy room... Continue reading »
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28
Amed, East Coast Bali
Traveller's warning: There are no ATM's in Amed :o) Which of course we found out when we got here. After paying our driver for his services we were... Continue reading »
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29
Gili Islands, Lombok
Ok, the Gili Islands better live up to their reputation. We've just arrived by boat and what a journey it was. Hell and nerve raising. I can hone... Continue reading »
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30
Kuta, Bali
So, we've arrived back to Kuta. After our week-long stay here nearly a forthnight ago it feels like home. This morning we left the Gili's at 8.15am... Continue reading »
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31
Jakarta, Java, Indonesia
We arrived into Jakarta airport after a 90 minute afternoon flight with Adam Air - a low-cost Indonesian airline for $100 each (baggage-allowance 20kg... Continue reading » -
32
Singapore
So, we've arrived back into Singpore but it's only for around 12 hours. We wanted to spend a weekend here before Oz but it turns out we can't.... Continue reading »
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33
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
We arrived into Cairns at 9am after a short stopover in Darwin. We've just done 4 flights in around 40 hours and we're feeling it. Kev has sta... Continue reading »
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34
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is home to the world's oldest rainforest, a 150km drive north of Cairns. En route we had lunch in Port Douglas which is also a pop... Continue reading »
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35
Cairns
We arrived back into Cairns Thursday morning in prepartion for our diving. Read individual review and see a few photos of our 2 day trip where we t... Continue reading »
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36
Gold Coast
I flew with JetStar on the 6.10 flight (an ungodly hour) arriving into Brisbane Airport at 8.10. The next train to the Gold Coast was at 8.30 which... Continue reading »
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37
Airlie Beach
Arriving into Airlie around 20.30 I checked into the hostel before grabbing a bite to eat before the bar stopped serving food at 9pm. I got ch... Continue reading »
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38
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach (along with Hervey Bay) is the gateway to Fraser Island - the world's largest sand island. With over 1 million visitors a year, it's... Continue reading »
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39
Noosa
A 2.5 hour bus journey on the 10am greyhound brings us to Noosa. I've been looking forward to coming here as it's talked about highly and a popular... Continue reading »
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40
Brisbane
We caught the 10.25am Greyhound to Brisbane and were grateful to be all on it, after a little confusion involving our booking. I managed to catch s... Continue reading »
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41
Byron Bay, NSW
After saying goodbye to Marc & Dan (who are staying on in Brisbane for a while but we'll see them again for Xmas & New Years) we caught the... Continue reading »
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42
Sydney
We arrived in Sydney after a 13 hour over-night bus by Greyhound (that's probably going to be our last long bus journey for a while). We went to th... Continue reading »
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43
Perth, Western Australia
Our 10 past 10, 5 hour Qantas flight brings us the opposite side of Australia to Perth. With a 3 hour time difference we arrived at mid-day an... Continue reading »
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44
Margaret River
We had a bit of craic in the van as Matt drove us all the 300 or so kilometres south to Margaret River; one of the seven best wine producers in the... Continue reading »
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45
Perth
We arrived back into Perth a little later than we thought as Matt's van started giving him some problems. It was all good though as we settled back... Continue reading »
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46
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory
After a 2.20 minute flight with Qantas Link we arrived into Ayers Rock, 1600km from Perth. That gives you an idea of how big Western Australia is -... Continue reading »
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47
Melbourne, Victoria
After a 3 hour flight with Qantas, which was a bit rocky due to alot of cloud and high temperatures leaving Ayers Rock, we arrived into Melbourne.... Continue reading »
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48
Great Ocean Road Trip
Myself, Kev & Matt have set off in Matt's van on a road-trip back to Sydney from Melbourne taking in a few sights along the way. The first bein... Continue reading »
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49
Halls Gap, Grampians
We left Port Campbell behind driving the rest of the Great Ocean Road to Warrnambool. We stopped at each of the scenic look-out points which were e... Continue reading »
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50
Shepparton
After leaving the Grampians behind, we drove solidly towards Aubury hoping to cover as much ground to Canberra as we could. Arriving into a BP gara... Continue reading »
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51
Canberra, ACT
After a long drive from Shepparton in temperatures averaging around 40 degrees we arrived into Canberra, the capital of Australia. I've now been in... Continue reading »
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52
Sydney
"And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun". It certainly doesn't feel like Christmas here in Sydney but so far we sure have had fun. After arr... Continue reading »
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53
Christchurch, New Zealand
After a 3 hour flight, operated by Jetstar, we arrived into Christchurch. We're GMT +13 hours. It's 15 degrees, which the locals are delighted... Continue reading »
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54
Queenstown
After a 7 and a half hour bus journey with InterCity we arrived into Queenstown - the adrenalin capital of the world. Everyone knows I'm a chi... Continue reading »
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55
Wanaka
Wanaka is a short drive from Queenstown via either the Crown Range (a windy scenic road 52km) or the easier, straighter drive around 110km. We star... Continue reading »
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56
Franz Josef
We left Wanaka behind and drove the 287km to Franz Josef which took quite a few hours. There are some great photo shots on the way - not alot of ca... Continue reading »
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57
Nelson
The West Coast proved even more that it rains, alot, as we drove north to our next stop. It rained the entire time and made us even more gra... Continue reading »
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58
Marahau, Gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park
Marahau is about a 1 hour drive from Nelson on a twisty road. We arrived here around 1pm and soon discovered there is not alot here. An information... Continue reading »
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59
Picton
Picton is approximately 180km from Marahau and is the port town linking the North and South Islands of New Zealand. With a population of just over... Continue reading »
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60
Wellington
After docking into the harbour, collecting our bags and beginning the walk to our accommodation we were definitely feeling a good vibe about Wellin... Continue reading »
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61
Napier
Napier is located on the east coast of the North island. We came here for a few reasons one of them being to break up the journey to Taupo. Na... Continue reading »
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62
Taupo
We arrived into Taupo with our rented car on empty for the past 100 and so kilometres (very economical). After much needed petrol we drove out to T... Continue reading »
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63
Rotorua
Even though it was a Saturday by the time we got to Rotorua we took it easy our first night here. To be honest we were all tired but I wasn't up fo... Continue reading »
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64
Waitomo Caves (via Taupo)
Having to leave Taupo pre-maturely a few days earlier we decided to head back that way en-route to the Waitomo Caves. This time we were able to che... Continue reading »
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65
Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its lovely small beaches dotted around the peninsula, along with some nice walks, diving spots, golfing and a... Continue reading »
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66
Auckland
After crawling along the highway to Auckland's city center we soon arrived at Base Backpackers. Auckland is NZ's biggest city with over a million i... Continue reading »
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67
Paihia (Bay of Islands)
The Bay of Islands is famous for the nice all-year weather is gets and the 100 or so islands it has scattered off the coast. There are a load of bo... Continue reading »
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68
Back in Auckland
Well, we woke after a great sleep to travel back to Auckland. We rang our car rental company to tell them we wouldn't have the car back by 10am but... Continue reading »
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69
Santiago, Chile
We've arrived in South America. We're excited! After an eleven hour flight with LAN (which was very good; our own tvs where you can download indivi... Continue reading »
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70
Mendoza, Argentina
Our first bus journey in South America brings us to Mendoza, the famous wine producing region. A very humid evening was hard work as we c... Continue reading »
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71
Cordoba
The women here are simply stunning, beautiful, amazing, fantastic, georgous and every other word to describe beauty :o) Cordoba is a big university... Continue reading »
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72
Buenos Aires
Before our trip started, Buenos Aires was high on my list of interest and I was really looking forward to checking it out. After the theft the grey... Continue reading »
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73
Colonia
Arising around 7.30am, which we haven't done in about 3-4 weeks :o) we got ready and headed to the port in Buenos Aires. BuqueBus is the company wh... Continue reading »
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74
Montevideo
We catched the 8.30am bus to Montevideo and to be honest I couldn't tell you anything about the scenery along the way as I slept for most of it :o)... Continue reading »
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75
La Paloma
Well, what a day this turned out to be. We had originally planned to visit Punta del Diablo a remote little place along the east coast of Uruguay,... Continue reading »
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76
Punta del Este
After leaving La Paloma we thought we'd be in Punta del Este in no time and catch some of the great sunshine. We got there in good time but getting... Continue reading »
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77
Buenos Aires
We arrived back in Buenos Aires with Shane and Poco Loca from Uruguay, checked in, and went to an all you can eat restaurant for 11 pesos or just u... Continue reading »
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78
Rosario
Rosario, a place described by many as linda (beautiful) is 300km from Buenos Aires, taking approx 4-5 hours by bus. There are buses... Continue reading »
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79
Iguazu Falls
After a 19 hour overnight bus journey we arrived in Puerto Iguazu to check out the mighty and infamous Iguazu Falls. We catched a taxi to our hoste... Continue reading »
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80
Ciudad del Este
Up to now in my travel blog I've only added a place if I had stayed the night there. I've decided to change it for Ciudad del Este for 2 reasons. T... Continue reading »
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81
Salta
After a 29 hour bus journey we arrived into Salta just after 1am Saturday morning after leaving Iguazu Falls at 9.30pm on Thursday. I did... Continue reading »
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82
Tupiza
After catching our 00:30am bus to La Quica we arrived 7 hours later on the Argentina / Bolivian border. It was absolutely freezing! All the Bolivia... Continue reading »
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83
Salt Plains
Day 1:
A 9am start at our hostel we met our group of 6 which includes a German and Brazilian/Israeli couple. For the tour the price decreases... Continue reading »
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84
Potosi
The earliest bus from Uyuni to Potosi, after doing our tour, was at 7pm that night. So we had a few hours to kill in Uyuni. My first impr... Continue reading »
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85
La Paz
An overnight bus journey of 10 hours brings us to La Paz. The bus was nice by Bolivian standards as we went Cama (although there was a toilet on bo... Continue reading »
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86
Cusco
After an eleven hour bus journey we arrived in Cusco around 7pm. The roads are much better in Peru :o) We jumped into a taxi from the bus station a... Continue reading »
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87
Machu Picchu
We booked our 2 day trip to Machu Picchu with SAS. It cost US$200 which included the train return, 1 nights accommodation, 1 breakfast, lunch &... Continue reading »
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88
Back in Cusco
Well, the train trip back to Cusco was such a laugh. During lunch, we had a few beers in a restaurant overlooking the mighty river which runs throu... Continue reading »
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89
Arequipa
Myself, Kev, Tyson and Daniella arrived into Arequipa after our overnight bus a little ahead of schedule at 5.50am. A taxi to the hostel,... Continue reading »
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90
Huacachina, Ica
After giving ourselves plenty of time for our overnight bus to Ica things looked ominous initially as we appeared to be the only two passengers wai... Continue reading »
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91
Lima
We woke very hungover and decided to have breakfast at the bar in our hostel. Banana pancakes & chocalate washed down with a million bottles of... Continue reading »
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92
Quito
In our first 6 months of travel last year I took about 22 flights or there abouts. Today we boarded only our third flight (with LAN) this year whic... Continue reading »
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93
Montanita
A mad bus journey brought us overnight to the west coast of Ecuador to Puerto Lopez. For the entire 10 hours of the journey the bus driver absolute... Continue reading »
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94
Back in Quito
Well, we're back in Quito for one night. Usually when you stay in a place quite a few days like we did here a week ago and then return to it, you g... Continue reading »
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95
Bogota
Yes, family your eyes are not deceiving you. I am in Colombia. Don't worry, it's alot safer these days then you think and from what we've heard wha... Continue reading »
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96
San Gil
Colombian drivers are crazy. This we experienced on our first bus journey from Bogota to San Gil (which took 7.5 hours). If our journey was a marat... Continue reading »
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97
Taganga
Steping of our overnight bus journey to Taganga (via Santa Marta) and you can feel the difference in heat and humidity. Bring on the beach. We arri... Continue reading »
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98
Tayrona National Park
When you get to Taganga or Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park is probably top of the list of things to check-out (apart from The Lost City). There... Continue reading »
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99
Santa Marta
It's a Friday night and we're back in Santa Marta. We're going to party here tonight and then get a bus to Cartagena tomorrow (also from here) so i... Continue reading »
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100
Cartagena
We arrived in Cartagena around 20.30 after a 4 hour bus journey with Brasilia (the other recommended bus company in Colombia) watching movies all a... Continue reading »
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101
Medellin
After a 13 hours bus journey with Brasilia we arrived in Medellin. I thought it was going to be alot cooler here than Cartagena - it is but still 2... Continue reading »
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102
Bogota
We're back in Bogota and for 2 nights this time. We caught an overnight bus with Expresa Boliviaranos, taking 8-9 hours, which was a good company t... Continue reading »
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103
Santiago
Well, we're back to our initial starting destination in South America and why you might ask? In order to get to Rio, our next destination, we neede... Continue reading »
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104
Rio de Janeiro
Well, we finally arrived in Rio. Our flight with LAN again was very good which stopped in Sao Paulo for a while en route. We heard Rio was expensiv... Continue reading »
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105
Ilha Grande
Our hostel (Mellow Yellow) organises express transfers to Ilha Grande but that's if your one of the lucky 10 to sign up early. We decided to make o... Continue reading »
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106
Rio de Janeiro
Well, this is it, the final stop of my round the world trip. We're back in the big city for our last few days of what has been an exceptional year.... Continue reading »
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107
Home
A year after we left, we're back, we're home in Ireland. We took a 10 hour flight with Iberia to Madrid (who I have to say are not great taking int... Continue reading »
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