Oct 2006

Hello remaining blog checkers. First, I am sorry that it has been a while between blogs, but we are in 4 different places at the moment, so, we're a bit of a mess.
Second, this is an incomplete blog, because the computer here in Riga is unable to read CD's as it's a piece of poo. But, as soon as possible, I will update this blog (or do a new one, whatever is easier).

So, as I said, I'm in Riga. Highlights here have been some Spainish and Italians playing "Monopoly" and the Italian saying "you still owe me twenty eighta dollars." It brought great happiness to this me for this age old sterio-type.
Also, I fired an AK 47, much like Melon, Hengel and Morto before me. However, I managed to get a couple of photos, too.

This was the entrance. A little off putting, particularly as I was on my own.

And this is me with the fabled AK47. What a gun.

There were also these gaurds marching around the "Freedom Monument" here in Riga.

And this character that some of you will remember from John Safrans "Music Jamboree," the "Music Mole."

(that one goes out to Gareth)

In Lithuania, I went to the "Hill of the Crosses" but at the bus stop, I found this giant strawberry, who looked a bit out of it.

Also, in Vilnius, there is a statue (and possibly the only one it the world) of "legendary" rocker, Frank Zappa.

Now, as it is the Spring Racing carnival at the moment, I am sure that many of you a dolling yourselves up and heading off to the track. Now, some of you may need some help, so here are some suggestions from the Baltics. (Please note: more to come.)

For the men:

For the ladies:

So, like I said, sorry it's a bit short on photos, but there will be more to come soon, I promise.

So, as alway, love to all, esp. the people who bother to comment, (or send futsul pump up emails).

Kerr

Well Melon Anne and Hannah had talked Turkey up and 5 weeks ago it was time to check this place out for meself (that is, Morto flying solo) and see what the fuss was about.

Some random photos to follow for your viewing pleasure

I have come to the conclusion camels are up there with the finest creatures ever to have walked the planet

Running wild and free on a city street, these goats were natural lawnmowers (also high on the finest creature list for mine)

The best tourist information guy ever, but not if you don't want your arse kicked in backgammon (check out the flared jeans and haircut, awesome).

The look on your face when you fear for your camera's safety from some super friendly locals

After 2 days of travel and a hellride on the bus, these stone heads near Syria were all that and then some

These slip on plastic beauties enabled me to trek a gorge in Turkey... I might have to ask the ladies to form an orderly queue again me thinks...

Anyway overall Turkey got 10/10.

Til next time

Morto

OK so I went to Portugal and yes it was totally sweet. But my tale does not begin so sweet, it starts with me setting my alarm but not turning it on, hence making it to Stansted airport at 7:55am for my 8:00am flight. My destionation was supposed to be Santiago de Compostela just north of Portugal, but the next flight was not until the same time the next morning. After discussing with the friendly Ryanair representative I managed to secure a seat on the next flight directly to Porto, at 6:30pm that night. As a result I had to spend the next 11 hours of my life stuck at Stansted airport sleeping, reading, roaming around and bored out of my brain.

So let's get onto the good bit, the cool parts of my Portugal experience.

Porto
My first Portugese stop was Porto the home of the Australian drunks beverage of choice, Port Wine. One day of my days in Porto I hopped on the train and headed to a beach called Espinho for a little bit of relaxation. Turns out the Atlantic was a bit too rough and real cold to swim in, but at least there was a bar on the beach serving the northern Portugese brew with undoubtedly the greatest name for a beer on earth, "Super Bock".

When I was wondering around one day I came across this young lady sitting on her balcony overlooking the street. She was just taking it easy in the warm afternoon sun, aspiring for that "all over" tan.

Whoa easy there, before you all email calling me a pervert, that's just a mannequin. I don't really know what she's doing there, it just looked funny that's all

One final picture of the historic port area of Porto

Lisbon
Lisbon is the pumping capital of Portugal and was a really awesome place. Lots of little streets and a cool bar sort of suburb where everybody just stands out on the streets with their drinks and has a good time. The next picture is the view down a street with a classic Lisbon tram.

Here we have the view of the bay from a hill

Here we have a badass Lisbon guard in front of some government building. Please note the sword, huge boots and tights pants

Lagos
The southern coast of Portugal is called the Algarve. I visited a town called Lagos and stayed at a hostel where the ratio of Australians was higher than any other place I had ever stayed. The entire town itself was completely overrun with english tourists. I don't think there were any Portugese people living there at all.

I went to the beach here as well but rather than swim I just jumped off this huge rock. It was only about 12-15 metres high. I only hit the bottom the second time I jumped off, but don't worry it was really deep.

That really is me about to plunge to the depths, I am such a badass.

Well that kind of wraps up some of the highlights and stuff. Here is one more item for you all. When I was in Seville I checked out this building that had all these small tiled monuments for each of the provinces in Spain. This one had a map on it, I'm pretty sure that I know some people from this town.

Oh and one more quick item. The man asleep in chair is back! This version is entitled "Portugese man asleep on park bench". This old fellas head kept falling back and nearly snapping off.