2live2travels Blog on RealTravel

Lamington National Park journal: Lamington NP

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:09:43 GMT

Donderdag 1 november

7:00 We checken uit en gaan richting Lamington NP. Volgens google earth zouden we er wel eens 6 uur en 8 minuten over kunnen doen. Onderweg is er dan minder tijd voor toeristische routes helaas.

We nemen toeristische route 30 richting Byron Bay en komen weer langs allerlei leuke kustplaatsjes als Tweeds head. In één van de plaatsjes gaan we tanken en het blijkt dat je er ook kunt eten, een roadhouse idee. Als je hier binnen loopt, ruik je het vet van het bakken al. De stoelen moet je ook niet bij de stof beet pakken, maar bij de leuning. Het zoutpotje moet je ...

Port Macquarie journal: Port Macquarie

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:07:54 GMT

6.45 Uitchecken, want we moeten vandaag lang rijden. Zoals gezegd bij de autoverhuur proberen we de tolweg te vermijden en highway 7 te nemen. Als we op de snelweg zijn aangekomen blijkt als snel hoe druk het kan zijn in de ochtendspits. We komen in een file terecht die best lang duurt. Tomtom wijst ons de weg door allerlei kleine plaatsjes en druk dat het is, niet te geloven. Tja... er werken heel wat mensen buiten de stad.

9.30 We ontbijten ergens in een klein plaatsje bij de McDonalds. Een heerlijk ontbijt broodje met ei, bacon, vlees en tomatenketchup en een gezond sapje. We nemen ...

Blue Mountains National Park journal: Blue Mountains

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:03:05 GMT

Rond 9.00 uur de auto opgehaald en guess what? Het is inderdaad een Ford Territory. Gloednieuw, wit met nog maar 4.300 km op de teller. Alle koffers passen er in dus... up to the Blue Mountains! Het grootste gedeelte gaat via een tolweg (AU$2,20) en onderweg zie je voornamelijk industrie langs de weg. We stoppen bij een benzinepomp om de lunch te kopen. Sandwiches met een sapje (Starmart).  Als we in de bergen rijden, kom je langs hele leuke kleine plaatjes met hele aparte namen.

Die Tomtom van M is wel heel handig, want je kunt zien hoever alles nog is. Hadden ze dat 11 jaar geleden ...

Sydney journal: Exploring Sydney

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:12:38 GMT

10:00 We verzamelen voor vertrek naar Schiphol bij M&C voor de deur. Als D&E aankomen staat iedereen er al: Rinus & Jeanne, Alie & Wim en M&C. D&E hebben haar ouders meegenomen en de Kim en Sven zijn er ook bij. Alles verloopt volgens schema.

Als we op Schiphol aankomen kunnen we direct al inchecken, omdat we via internet al de plaatsen bevestigd hebben (niet vergeten voor de terugweg). Daarna gaan we met zijn allen nog even wat drinken.

14:00 Dit is de tijd dat het vliegtuig zou moeten vertrekken. Eerst gaan we nog wat shoppen (tijdschriften, tapes). Een ...

Australia journal: East Coast Australie with friends

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:12:38 GMT

De reis is alweer voorbij en het was weer de moeite waard. Niet echt uitgerust, maar bijna allles gezien wat we wilden zien, dus... wat wil je nog meer. Lees vooral het verslag.

Hope you all enjoy!

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) journal: Arie's Rock

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:58:22 GMT

Om 9.45 uur vertrekt de vlucht. Eerst nog de auto inleveren. Dat gaat eigenlijk heel makkelijk. Je parkeert hem op het terrein van Hertz. Gaat daar naar de balie. Er was niemand en dan kun je je sleutel in een box droppen en klaar is klara. Helaas zitten we niet allemaal bij het raam, maar je kan niet alles hebben. Op de airport kunnen we nog even gratis internetten, maar helaas is er op dat moment niemand online. C wordt vriendelijk aangesproken door een flinke aborigineel vrouw en zit daar nog even mee te kletsen. En dan is het alweer tijd om te boarden.

Na 2 uur en 10 minuten komen we ...

Port Douglas journal: Port Douglas

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:57:30 GMT

Nog 2 uur rijden en we arriveren in Cairns. Kijken wat we vanmiddag nog kunnen doen, want het doel is wel om er zoveel mogelijk uit te halen.

Onderweg zie je inmiddels veel mango bomen met de mango’s er al in. Ze zijn nog niet rijp, maar het scheelt niet veel. We passeren ook nog de big mango (het lijkt wel een ei). Nu kunnen we zeggen dat we de big banana, de big prawn en de big pineapple hebben gezien.

We komen nog langs de camping waar D&E 11 jaar geleden ook gestaan hebben met de camper (Coconut Grove Village). Er is wel heel wat bijgebouwd in die jaren. Pal aan zee hebben ze ...

Mission Beach journal: Mission Beach

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:56:51 GMT

Weer een lange rit voor de boeg: 7 uur en 10 minuten. Onderweg is het landschap toch nog redelijk divers. Van droog tot heel veel suikerriet velden en onderweg veel doodgereden skippies. Hier zie je ook nog wel koeien in de wei staan, maar dat zijn specifiek die speciale Indische koeien die goed tegen de warmte kunnen en niet gemolken hoeven te worden. Ze zouden dus alleen voor de vleesproductie zijn, maar echt veel vlees zit er niet aan.

We maken een stop in Townsville en volgens de Lonely Planet heb je daar The Strand. Een boulevard met 2.2 km café’s en restaurants. Als we daar ...

Daydream Island journal: Daydream Island

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:56:25 GMT

Onderweg niet veel te zien. Het duurt lang voordat we weer in de bewoonde wereld zijn. Het lijkt wel een stuk niemandslands. Vandaag rijden we naar de boot van 17.00 uur welke ligt in Shute Harbour en dat ligt net naast Airlie beach.

We komen rond 15.00 uur aan en geven onze bagage af. Het duurt nog even voordat we aan boord van de boot kunnen, dus we relaxen nog lekker wat. Achter de pier zitten nog wat restaurantjes en we nemen wat te drinken. Het zonnetje schijnt en dat is ook heerlijk.

De boot blijkt er maar een kwartier over te doen, dus we zijn zo op het eiland. Op het ...

Rockhampton journal: Rock Hampton

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:46:35 GMT

Ook vandaag zijn we wel weer even onderweg. We ontbijten bij de Subway in Childers. Een heel klein plaatsje met veel leuke winkeltjes.

Onderweg is er niet heel veel te zien of je moet echt uren extra willen rijden en dat willen we niet, dus... we besluiten een stop te maken in Gladstone en daar naar de Auckland lookout te gaan. Gladstone is een grote industriële stad. Van daaruit wordt de kolen, bauxiet en het aluminium geëxporteerd. Het valt een beetje tegen, maar... we hebben weer even onze benen kunnen strekken.

Aangekomen in Rockhampton checken we in bij het Plaza hotel (valt ...

Hervey Bay journal: Hervey Bay/Fraiser Island

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:44:47 GMT

dinsdag 6 november - Hervey Bay

Vandaag zouden we de boot hebben vanaf Tangalooma om 16.00 uur. Echter als we ‘s ochtends uit het raam kijken is het nog steeds... regen. We kloppen aan bij M&C en opperen het idee om de (enige andere) boot (van die dag) te nemen en dat is om 9.00 uur. Jawel over 1.15 uur! Prima idee. Kijken of het mogelijk is. We lopen naar de receptie en die is nog niet open. Deze gaat pas over een kwartier open, namelijk om 8.00 uur. Dan maar terug naar de kamer, inpakken en nog maar eens naar de receptie gaan als ze open zijn. Tja... dan kun je wel heen en weer lopen, ...

Moreton Island journal: Moreton Island

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:33:29 GMT

zondag 4 november - Moreton Island

Om 9.15 uur moeten we ons melden in de haven bij Brisbane voor de boot richting Moreton Island. Het is ongeveer 1.15 uur rijden, dus we vertrekken op tijd.

Voordat we bij de haven zijn, is het nog een eind rijden dwars door Brisbane. Het is zondagochtend dus er is niet veel verkeer. Maar dit is ook een hele fraaie stad. Midden tussen de nieuwe hoge torens staan nog ontzettend veel oude mooie gebouwen. Je kan niet alles hebben, anders hadden we hier ook nog wel wat langer een kijkje willen nemen. Als we eenmaal in het havengebied zijn is het even ...

Surfers Paradise journal: Surfers Paradise

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:26:01 GMT

We vertrekken vroeg vanaf Lamington NP, zodat we nog iets hebben aan onze dag in Surfers Paradise. Vanaf ver doemt de stad al op met de vele hoge gebouwen. Er zitten een paar hele hoge bij met een zeer fraaie architectuur en ze lijken vrij nieuw. Eén ervan lijkt qua top heel veel op de Hoftoren in Den Haag.

Het is een kort stukje rijden dus we arriveren rond 9.30 uur. Met de Tomtom rijden we in één keer naar het hotel. Hoe moet je het hotel vinden zonder? Geen idee, want we worden zo’n beetje de hele stad door geloodst en komen recht voor de deur van het Vibe hotel terecht. Het is een ...

Coffs Harbour journal: Coffs Harbour

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 05:18:11 GMT

9:00 Vandaag hoeven we niet zo ver te rijden, dus kunnen we iets uitslapen. Dat kunnen we goed gebruiken na de lange rit van gisteren. We ontbijten bij een pannenkoeken restaurant (buiten). Heerlijk ontbijt met eieren, bacon, toast en pannenkoeken met jam of met ei. Een Australian bushtea of een banana smoothie.

Daarna brengen we een bezoek aan het Koala hospital. Daar staan verhalen over koala’s die er meer dan een jaar zitten doordat ze worden opgevangen na bosbranden. Ze halen de koala’s gewoon nog verbrand uit de boom en knappen ze helemaal op. Nu zitten er veel koala’s die ...

Amelup journal: Stirling Ranges NP

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:18:59 GMT

A short ride today to The Lily close to the Stirling Ranges NP. The weather is beautiful, sunshine all over. The closer we get to the Stirling Ranges the flatter the landscape becomes. It is such a short ride, that it could also be planned as a day trip from Albany.

We stop at an information stand and get access to Bluff Knoll by putting money in an envelop and post the envelop in a box. You drive up the mountain through a winding road and arrive at a visitors lookout point which has opened since August 2003. There are some nice bush walks here which could take up to 3-4 hours. But... ...

Amelup journal: Really worth a try

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:58:42 GMT

The Lily is a replica of a Dutch windmill which the owner build himself. They also build a few apartments next to the complex and a restaurant.

Albany journal: How did this look years ago?

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:36:57 GMT

How can nature make a natural bridge or the gap? And what did it look like when it was attached to Antarctic?

Albany journal: Celebrate Xmas in Albany

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:36:55 GMT

Merry Xmas! Hohohoho Lets have a check if the tourist information center in the city will be open. Well... no. We pass by a supermarket and got some bred and pies with a filling (pudding and jam) and some TimTam chocolates (Australia's favorite chocolate biscuit).

We drive to Torndirrup National Park. Here you have the Gap and the Natural Bridge. Beautiful how nature has shaped this and imagine that it has been proven that this part was ever attached to Antarctic. If you take a walk to the right you get to the blowholes. Air is blown in a hole because the see slams the air out of it with ...

Albany journal: Pemberton - Denmark - Albany lots to see

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:58:40 GMT

After the good buffet breakfast at the Karri Valley restaurant we drive to Pemberton for the Glouchester tree. It was a long way up, but we enjoyed the view at the top. It can be a bit dangerous. When we were back down there was time to feat the parrots. The were so beautiful with lots of different colours!

Next on to the Walpole tree top walk. It is a bit wobbly when you walk over it (40 meters high), but it is nice to see what it looks like in the tree tops. The park around it is also well maintained. They have a visitors information center that explains about the controlled setting fire ...

Albany journal: Walk in the tree tops

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:27:14 GMT

Nicely build stairways above the tree tops were you can walk around and have a look at the birds and other wildlife.

Pemberton journal: Augusta-Karri forrest @ Pemberton

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:47:23 GMT

9 a.m. we are at the Chocolat Company which was closed when we arrived yesterday. You can taste some kinds of chocolats and see how it is made. Not very spectacular to us.

After that we go for the Candy Cow (Australia's greatest sweet shop & candy store). Here you can find out how the candy is made. Great for kids, because you get to taste a lot of sweets. We decide to buy some wonderful fudge we tasted. It was to early to visit a winery so we skipped that (no sweet wine for me so no tasting hahahaha).

Of to Augusta with the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. When you walk down behind ...

Margaret River journal: Freemantle-Bunburry-Busselton-Margaret River

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:27:02 GMT

First we leave with the car for Freemantle. We wander around the cappucino strip and the harbour. It is a lovely town. Near the harbour you have a very nice lounge cafe called Little creatures and in a brewery! Nice harbour with restaurants a fort and nice buildings. After about 2 hours we had to go because we have to arrive in Margaret River at the end of the day.

Via Mandurah (best place to live!) we get to Bunburry for a stop. A little town with some nice houses overlooking the sea. We stop for lunch and after it we drive to Busselton. In Busselton you have a jetty with an underwater ...

Perth City journal: Trip to Rottnest Island

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:05:04 GMT

Up at 6.40. Breakfast at the harbour, very fat saucage, fat bacon, egg and toast. Not super, but a good meal before a boat ride. Departure 8.45 arrival time 10.30. The bikes are already on the boat, so when we arrive we are ready to go cycling. It is a bike ride of app. 20km.

Nice beaches with very clear blue water. Many, many, many annoying flies. We saw a few quokka's, some kind of mini kangaroo. The island was first discovered by a dutch men who thought the quokka's were rats. So that is how the island got it's name.

On our way we decide to stop over at a beach. We walk over to ...

Perth City journal: Trip to Rottnest Island

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:05:02 GMT

On our way we decide to stop over at a beach. We walk over to ...

Singapore journal: From Singapore with....

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:37:11 GMT

We get up at 5.40 for a quick shower and a breakfast buffet with Tim. And off we are for the rest of our journey.

When we arrive at the airport and try to check in we learn that we are on standby, because it is very busy. This is not what they promised! We were able to get on the first flight they told us yesterday. Strangely enough Tim shows us his boarding ticket. The only thing we conclude is that he is a frequent flyer member so you have first priority. Since this day on we always enjoy any frequent flyer program.

We decide to go to the customer service and explain our ...

Amsterdam journal: First holiday

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:23:31 GMT

We arrive at the airport at 16.00. 19.15 our plane leaves for London. In London we only have an hour to get on board of our next flight. We manage to do so, but when the time for departure is near and the plan is not taking off, we here there are problems with the intercom system at certain places in the aircraft. So... it is impossible to leave until the intercom is fixed. Finally we take off but... wit a 3 hour delay !!! That means we will not be in Singapore in time to get our connecting flight to Perth. Pfff what a great way to start a holiday.

But there is an advantage, we get to ...

Australia journal: Perth south - Sydney NYE - Perth north

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:43:33 GMT

This was our first introduction with the west coast of Australia. In the meantime friends of ours where traveling around Australia for months (we only had a few weeks).

We decided to meet each other in Sydney and to celebrate New Years Eve. It was super! Something never to forget and to do once in a livetime!

Fitzroy Crossing journal: Fitzroy River

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:37:48 GMT

Unbelievable that this place is flooded in the rainseason. That is why it build on pillars. It is also very near the river. At the reception you can see pictures how the place looks when everything was flooded at the worst times ever. Nobody good get into "town" or out!

When you visit Geiki Gorge you can go to the center where you can get on the boat. It is strange to see all the measures on the roof. That is when you imagine the water was until there in 2003 (or something).

It is very quiet here and not much to do. We walk a bit and in the evening we decide to go to the restaurant ...

Perth City journal: Perth the last day

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:51:33 GMT

We walked a while from the hotel to Harbour Town (ING build shopping center), to Subiaco, through Kings Park (walked around it) and walked to the other side of the Swan River to make a great picture of the city skyline.

Tomorrow morning we will do our final shopping (Kitkat Peanut butter and Caramal and some other things) and at 14.15 we will be picked up to go to the airport. I leave it at this, because the time for internet is due!

So... see you at home mates!

Perth City journal: Perth last stop

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:44:17 GMT

Today at 11.05 we fly to Perth our last stop. We are picked up at the Mangrove hotel and arrive at a tiny airport. It is tiny allright, but they have the most advanced security equipment. Eric is being touched by a device that can smell if you have had explosives with you.

After a flight of 3 hours we arrive at Perth. We take the airport shuttle (return voor 2 pers. $ 40) and when we arrive at the Ibis hotel we check in and check out the stores. Nothing much is changed. Our favorite stores in King Street are still there, so our visit here is secured. We make a reservation at the ...

Broome journal: Broome staircase to the moon

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:34:46 GMT

At the hotel we are stalked by midges (small mosquitoes), what is a pity. You really have to use the aeroguard, because otherwise you are stung very often. Even on the streets you see enough people with red bites on there legs (they did not notice the midges probably).

At Cable beach you do not have to worry about the midges, so tomorrow we will go there to walk for a long while at the beach. Calmly we eat our breakfast at the Cable beach cafe and drive around. It was not very wise to clean the car the first day we arrived. There are still some things to do only for 4WD cars (dinosaur ...

Broome journal: Romantic evening at Roebuck bay

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:34:33 GMT

The natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at extremely low tide creating the optical illusion of a staircase reaching for the moon. The staircase occurs three nights each month from March to October.

Broome journal: Broome sunset bar surprise dinner

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:09:25 GMT

Again up early. Sleep a little longer like till 8 is not working. Our biological clock is ticking Australian style.

We leave for Cable beach today to take pictures and walk a long while at the beach. Afterwards we have breakfast at the Cable beach restaurant (bacon and eggs). After that we drive to Chinatown and walk around and explore the stores. We also visit the first open air cinema Sun pictures (Rein told us about it). Our schedule is so busy we do not find the time to watch a movie.

Today is the day we are having dinner at the Sunset bar at Cable beach. It has to be today, ...

Broome journal: Broome tropical paradise

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:59:12 GMT

We get up early because we are used to the early rhythm. 6.30 wakeup call, we drive to Broome today!! It is a few hours drive and nothing much to see so we can drive on. The only thing we did is visit the Boab Prison Tree. A tree where in early days(war) people were held prison.

We arrive to early in Broome to check in at the hotel and decide to drive around to see Broome. We search for the hotel, find China Town (where we can use the internet) but at a certain moment when you see the ocean... you don't know what happens. Gigantic blue, so beautiful and special!

When we drive to ...

Broome journal: Tropical paradise

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:38:59 GMT

Really wonderful luxuries rooms. Hotel perfect for staircase to the moon (make diner reservations in time). Not very good for sunbathing because of the musquitos.

Derby journal: Tunnel Creek, Windjana gorge, Derby

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 14:03:25 GMT

Today we realize that it is almost our last stop the Kimberlys and Derby. On our way we stop at Tunnel Creek. We really have to search for the entrance, but when we finally find it you get into a cave where there is a little bit of light.Walk on and you have to go through a little bit of water (we did not know that before).

After thinking for a long time (and watch other people do it) we take off our socks and wade through the water with a flashlight. After a while you get to a sandbank. On the way to it you can smell the bats! The tunnel is 750 meters long and you can imagine walking ...

Derby journal: Old fashioned hotel

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:44:36 GMT

We did not even have a remote control for the TV and the airconditioning was making a lot of noise! But... everything was very clean. Not very cosy.

Halls Creek journal: Wolf Creeke Meteorite

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:03:05 GMT

After a 2 hours drive on a very good dirt road (Tanami Road, it was really a blessing since Bunglesbungles) we arrive at Wolfe Creek Meteorite Reserve. 300.000 years ago a meteorite made a huge crater here from 850 meters wide and 50 meters deep.

When we arrive we are the only visitors. We climb up the hill and down into the crater. We walked through the crater to the other side and up the hill again and on the crater we walk! The weather is good, we are happy it is no longer 39 degrees Celcius, so the walking is really great.

Inside the crater there live kangaroos and there are ...

Kakadu National Park journal: Off to the crocodile hotel

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:54:51 GMT

We get up early, check out and drive to Kakadu National Park. We stop at windows on the Wedlands and a few other sightseeing areas. On the way to Jabiru (350km) there is not much to see or do.

We arrive at the hotel and check in. After we put our suitcases in the hotel we decide to drive to Nourlangie Rock to see the sunset. We did a few bustrails also and had a nice few of the area.

Sydney journal: Sydney - Picture perfect

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:34:00 GMT

Today the weather looks better, hopfully it stays this way. It has to become good weather for pictures. We take all our things (lot of heavy stuff) and walk through the botanical gardens to Macquires point. From there you have a great view of the harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

In the botanical garden is a gigantic colony of fruit foxes. We also find a group of white cocatoes. The more we walk through Macquires point the more runners and power walkers we see. It is lunchtime when we walk to Circular Quay and there are more power walkers. I guess from the offices? Do we have that at ...

Sydney journal: Sydney - Back again!!!

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:19:03 GMT

We left home and arrived yesterday evening in Sydney. The flight was good, but... very long. We could not sleep after a flight of about 24 hours and we went directly to Darling Harbour and had a break at the Starbucks over there. We had a good night sleep. The weather could be better, because it is a bit cold and raining now and then. That is why we decided to make pictures tomorrow. Now we are updating the weblog (on an Apple computer) in a warehouse Myer. We plan to have lunch at the Opera House and have a look what we will do today. A bit of shopping I guess.

O... and in Myers we ...

Halls Creek journal: Bunglebungles helicoperflight

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:52:52 GMT

Today we have to leave in time, because at 10.00 we are expectted for a helicopterflight over the Bunglebungles!!!!

It is a 2,5 hour drive, so we have to hurry. Voor Danielle it is the first helicopterflight ever. It is very special, because in the front seats there are no windows. That is very good for taking pictures!! It is really strange when the chopper lifts off and dangles a bit around. Of course it is not as steady as a Boeing 747!! hahahaha Well this is certainly an experience of a lifetime. Something not to be missed!!

After the flight we drive to Bungles. The trip over ...

Halls Creek journal: Worth the money

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:40:12 GMT

Please Please before getting to bunglesbungles take a stop at Turkey Creek and charter a helicopter to fly over the bungles bungles. Magnificant. Worth the money!

Halls Creek journal: Strange rock humps

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:38:55 GMT

Take a trail to see the beautiful nature. Takes a few hours to get there so keep that in mind that you also have to get back before it gets dark.

Kununurra journal: Exploring around Kununurra

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:35:42 GMT

We drive from Timber Creek to Kununurra where we will stay for 2 nights.

The first day we decide to drive to the Argyle Diamond mine. Unfortunately you can not book a tour at the mine itself. You have to book it at the Tourist Office. I think they want to have the time to check you out. hahahaha It took a while to find it (400km). So... we will be back tomorrow.

Day 2

We get up at 6.30 and decide to do a 4WD track today, we found a really nice one at the tourist information. Ivanhoe Road and Ivanhoe Crossing.

That was really really cool. We drove through fluent water, ...

Timber Creek journal: To tired to drive any more

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:09:07 GMT

The plan was to visit Gregory NP near Timber Creek. But on the way to Timber Creek we both drove for a while and almost fell asleep. It would be dangerous to go on like this the rest of the holiday. So we checked in the hotel and around 14.00 we were sleeping. We had seen the bar of the hotel and did not even feel the need to get something to eat.

Katherine journal: From Edith Falls to Katherine

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:56:23 GMT

At the Edith Falls we walked a trail leading to the upper poll where you can have a swim without being eaten by a crocodile. It was a beautiful spot and fortunately it was clowded, because otherwise it would be very hot to walk the trail. The last days the temperature raise to 37 degrees Celcius.

From there one we drove to the Katherine Gorge and did the 2 hour boat tour through the gorge and that was impressive. We just arrived in the hotel and took some time to update the travelblog.

Pine Creek journal: To Pine Creek through Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:50:15 GMT

Our destination today is Pine Creek. We have our first 4WD track when heading for Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. That was really spectacular. We had to cross a river, but you could not see you deep the river was. Fortunately another 4WD came and went first!

At Twin Falls you can take a boat ride to the falls (AU$ 10.00 p.p.) and yes there was water. It is a real climb across many rock formations. You have to be fit to do this. You do not want to know what you will see here when the wet season is here. Now it is dry and very passable. To get to the falls took a long while so there was not ...

Darwin journal: Pick up the car

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:31:20 GMT

Today we fly to Darwin the tropical north. Everything is as scheduled, no delays. We take the airport shuttle to Britz rental company (AU$ 9,00 p.p.) and pick up the car. We expect a Toyota Prado, but instead we get the much more exclusive Toyota Landcruiser (100 series station wagon) with a tent on top, a refrigerator, solar show and much much more.We fill up the refrigerator with things from Coles supermarket!

We have a lovely diner at Cafe Uno and sleep well.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) journal: Sunset at Uluru

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:18:47 GMT

Today we are flying to the center of Australia to Uluru (Ayers Rock the biggest monolith of the world with a height of 348 meters and to walk around it would be 9 kilometers).

When we step out of the plain, the warm dessert wind meets us. It is wonderful. We pick up the rental car (a little white Toyota) and off we go to the Outback Pioneer Lodge. Check in and have a look at our room.Hahahah we have 2 double beds and it is very basic with friendly ants. Yep lets do some grocery shopping, so we will have something to eat at the sunset area (cucumber A$ 3,69!!! = ca. € 2,29).

We ...

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) journal: Budget hotel

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:53:33 GMT

Really really really very nice and friendly hotel. Go out and have dinner in the restaurant. Hopefully you will also find the artists singing Aussie songs.

Barcelona journal: Our Easter trip to Barcelona - DAY 4

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:20:44 GMT

DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4

Our last day has started and after a very good breakfast we realize that at 20.20 we will be going back home.

What are we gonna do today? We try to take the cablecar to Montjuïc. De start is at the beach, behind the harbour. We arrive at 10.15, because we know it will open at 10.30. No... it opened at 10.45. Well after a long wait and a few more visitors it took a while and guess what... we were told the cablecar was broken. No cablecar today. So we decide to take the bus to the museum Fundacio de Juan ...

Barcelona journal: Our Easter trip to Barcelona - DAY 3

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:10:57 GMT

DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3 DAY 3

Today the program is filled with two walking trails. The Barri Gótic route and La Ribera downtown. You walk through all kinds of small streets. It is a pitty that most of the stores are closed. It is nice to walk, but very quiet on Easter day. THE cathedral we pass is being renovated. Inside there is a lot of gold (blingbling) and ofcourse many statues en paintings. Many things to see. After we walked the first trail we decide not to walk the other. We went for the beach!

It's kind a strange such a big ...

Barcelona journal: Our Easter trip to Barcelona - DAY 1

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:42:39 GMT

DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1 DAY 1

Mum and dad drove us to the airport Schiphol in the early hours. We departedwith KLM flight 1665 to Barcelona. The departuretime was 6.30, but we only had handluguage and had already checked in through the internet 30 hours prior to the flight.

After a flight of 1 hour and 45 minutes we arrived at the Barcelona airport. We walked to the Aerobus and there was a huge line to buy a ticket. Many people know this fast and cheap way of transportation (€ 3,75 p.p.). We got of the bus at Placa de Catalunya and ...

Barcelona journal: Our Easter trip to Barcelona - DAY 2

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:41:25 GMT

DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 DAY 2 Happy birthday mom! Today is the only day the shops will be open, so what are we gonna do today..... shopping!!! Ofcourse if we cross some major sightseeing we will visit it, but the main goal is shopping.

We start at the beginning of the Ramblas (at the harbour) and walk towards Placa de Catalunya. First we would lik to get a taste of the architecture from Palau Gëll. But.. we can not find it. It appears not to be in sight because it is being restaurated.

We also visit La Boqueria (street on the left ...

Barcelona journal: Another Gaudi architecture

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:36:56 GMT

More Gaudi architecture, very nice. Have a look at my pictures!!

Barcelona journal: Gaudi architecture

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:36:55 GMT

A church build by Gaudi that after so many years still is not finished.

Barcelona journal: Spanish arc de triomf

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:36:55 GMT

When you walk all the way from Avinguda Diagonal you can not miss it.

Barcelona journal: Architectcure and walks

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:03:25 GMT

Specific Barcelona architecture from Gaudi and very nice walking trails

Barcelona journal: Bus tour

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:01:51 GMT

Very nice tour to have a first look at where the highlights are

Barcelona journal: Good paëlla

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:59:18 GMT

We had the paëlla Valencia and it was very good!

Barcelona journal: Hesperia Metropole good hotel

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 13:11:22 GMT

Very good hotel in the gothic suburb of Barcelona with a good breakfast and friendly service.

Barcelona journal: Good restaurant with long waiting hours

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 13:11:21 GMT

The food was good, but we had to stay in line for 45 minutes and did not get the best place (no possibility to choose). And above all the service was bad because it is so very crowded.

Spain journal: Barcelona Spain

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:59:12 GMT

In April 2006 we travelled to Barcelona with our friends for a long weekend. To see what we discovered have a look at our travelblog.