As you may or may not know, I was shipped off to Merak, Indonesia to work. I'm staying in Cilegon. So, enough with the talk, here's what I've captured so far.
As I said, the main purpose of the trip is work. Here are the guys lining up to punch out for the day.

And to get to work I take the company bus. So, here's my view from the bus ride.


And here's the shopping on the way home.


And the best part, the level rail crossing. These houses are all close to public transport.

But, public transport can be infrequent, so you may need to kip while you wait.

But the local bus is pretty pimped out.

However, there is some good stuff going on here. For example, the mi goreng available in the supermarket is a student's dream

But it's better to wander down the road, sit yourself under the make shift tent restaurant and try to order it off the streets. All you gotta do is smile at the people staring at you.

And the moment you've all been waiting for, mi goreng that's cheaper than 25 cents and 25 times better.

I've manage to help some local students with their Engrish. They asked for the photo to prove to their teacher they found a Engrish speaker and talked to them.

I managed a night out with a few of the lads from work. They loved it.

And here's "Keith" in what he described as "a compromising position."

So, there you have it. But, before I go, some novelty photos I got in the supermarket.
The secret is out.

hehehehehe

Thanks to all who have kept in touch while I've been gone. I really really appreciate it.
Love to all and I'll see you all when I get back.
Kerr
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]]>At arriving in Berlin, it was time to settle into life as a true German with a funny hat and beer, and checking out the fine autos you are sure to see in Germany.



It was then off to see the sites of Berlin,





and get my teeth checked.

And then it was time to re-pack my bags and head to the islands of Greece.

We checked into our room and got some wheels.


"What seems to be the officer, problem?"

We were off to see the sights.


and to meet some locals.


Watching another picture perfect sunset in Greece, although this picture doesn't do justice to what we saw.

And then it was time for cocktails!

and more locals.

After a Greek adventure and another 5kgs of saganaki induced fat, it was back to Berlin, and the Dutch section of Potsdam.

Complete with windmill.


Well that's all for now and we hope you enjoyed another entry,
Damian
It's All Greek to me remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>1. Chasing the Cheese
Ross Dullard and myself are what you normal people like to call adrenaline junkies. We're not satisfied sitting on our bums watching Steve Quartermain tell us what some crazy cats have got up to recently to earn themselves the 'Play of the Day'. We are the sort of people who make that play.
That's why we teamed up with our new and reliable pal Fiat 'Punto' and head for Gloucester where we went to join hundreds of fellow junkies intent on throwing themselves down a 50 degree hill.
The hill was incredible. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't bounced down it. Even spectating was incredibly difficult since the weather was appalling and people were contantly slipping over and starting a chain reaction down the hill.
I was quite fortunate with my run as I got up and walked away with no injurys other than a lack of feeling in my arms and hands. Rosco on the other hand, hit the front early in his race and made it to about half way down the hill, at which point he lost control, went into a series of somersaults, twists and pikes for the next 50 vertical meters; until he smashed into the hay bails at the bottom. Sympathy was shown from the crowd in the form of "ooooo"s, "aahhhhh"s and "haha"s.
So worth it. Even if the guy with no feeling in his upper body had to drive the concussed guy all the way back to London.
2. Scandanavian Nights
If anyone has ever refused a long weekend drinking vodka; and eating eggs and pickled herring, I haven't met them. This is the theme that the Malmbergs and all other Swedish families go with for this time of year; and it is well rehearsed. I was lucky enough to be invited to join them.
Elias and Sven looking extremely happy with the booze to food ratio
Herring Cake: They say it's an aquired taste, and I managed to aquire an addiction immediately.
Actually a nicer beach than I saw anywhere in Greece. Sand! Can't say the same about the weather though.
Sven's dad's holiday house is situated almost on the most Southern point of Sweden in the seaside village of Brantevik. It is normally a laid back town where locals enjoy slow paced games of boule (bocce, see below) by the seaside.
However, once a year, the entire town completely flips out for the Eggapickning Extravaganza!! (Excuse my spelling Sven). Contestants are required to purchase an egg and then challenge a fellow contestant by whacking his/her egg onto the opponent's egg. Whoever's egg does not crack may continue into the next round.
Now don't say it isn't skill because Sven's brother Elias has won on three seperate occasions and his mate Nick has now equalled that feat by winning Eggapickning 2007.
The winning egg
3. You Dogga
Thought I might show you where me and Anne are living now while I'm on a roll. Our house is in a place called the Isle of Dogs [pause for laughter]. Nice spot though. We live about 30m from the Thames and I get to walk along the river every day to get to my tube stop.
Our Street (the Thames is behind those cars)
Our house
Our room
Our entertainment. The London marathon went almost right by our place a month ago. The legend, Haile Gebreselassie is in this photo.......Well I think it's cool.
Wow. That was epic. I'd like to thank Dullard, Sven and Anne for making it all possible. However, the biggest thanks goes to Faber Maunsell Ltd, who were kind enough to give me absolutely nothing to do today which paved the way for this blog.
Love from Liam
Chasing the Cheese remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>So, I did a road trip to Hobart the other day. And, what a trip it was. I picked up a German hitchicker on the way and we rocked out to the Beatles down to Hobart.
Along the way I stoped in a few places

Unfortunately I couldn't join this club.

I have it on good authority that the highlights include the fashion parade, and the "mumma's ravioli" cook off. Although all were disapointed when real ravioli was produced.
So they were the highlights of the trip. As some of you may know, I've been working in Tassie too. I've been doing the crapest hours ever, and so far this week I've clocked in about 32 hours, and it's only Wednesday arvo.
For those who care, the site looks like this at night:

Also, we got flooded a few times. With the floods came some animals, my favorite was this tiger snake. We threw rocks at it and it went away.

yeah, shit photo...
Anyway, that's all for me at the moment. Hope to see you all soon, probably over the long weekend.
Cheers
Kerr
PS remember to get pumped at the following sites
http://mobbc.info
Treking through Tasmania remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>Old laidies with their baskets in Lijiang
A gate in Dali's Old Town. Awarded photo count: 1-1 Will v. Kempton.
We've also been spotting a few Ewoks here.
Still on the lookout for a Thommo sized Ewok outfit.
The locals call this area of Yunnan the end of the Himalayas, and we have been doing alot of walking, climbing and riding up some shmassive mountains. We met a local guy, Richard (Dick), several days ago while eating breakfast who wanted to take us up the mountain to 5000m. Dick turned out to be full of crap, but we are pretty certain that we got beyond 4000m.
This is Richard pointing to Snow Mountain, which initially he had told us we were climbing. At this stage, apparently we were at the same altitude as Everest base camp. Perhaps not, Dick?
We took a shabby little van to a village half way up the mountain, then got on pack horses to about 3200m, and then walked for a bloody long way into and above the snowline for some pretty impressive vistas.
Kempo on his old grey mare.
Even more impressive was the Tiger Leaping Gorge. This was probably one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. It is the third deepest gorge in the world, and rises 3900m from the frothy Yangzi river below to the 5000- 5900m monster mountains above. The trek lasted two days, and we were hiking at between 2000m- 2700m about halfway up. At times we were perched on sheer cliff faces way way up. I haven't been able to come up with superlatives to explain the walk, and given Chinese computers, I'm not sure that I'll be able to get any photos to you guys either. Fingers crossed I find a good computer somewhere. Until then:
We have been celebrating Chinese New Year with the locals, and as of the 18th, it is now year of the pig. I'm not sure if this is how they do it every year, but they seem to be celebrating by enjoying eating heaps of them.
Chinese kids/ babies win hands down as the cutest on Earth.
For you Moof. This guy cooked us some great noodles. Showing Kempo how its done.
Gotta love Chinese road signs.
Kenny wouldn't know what to do with the poo bats you cop in China. We have seen the worst (seriously) toilets in the world here. But this one must be one of the best. Little tv screens, cigarette ash trays, but no toilet paper. Got the priorities sorted there...
We took in some local culture in the form of Classical Chinese music in Lijiang. Think of senile old men banging pots with cats screetching in the background, completely out of tune and you're close. They looked pretty cool though...
Will try to get the gorge trek photos up asap. Until then hope you're all great.
Will and Matt
Ewok Spotting in Yunnan remains copyright of the author willh, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>Since Guilin where we last left you, we have hit Yangshuo for a few days and Nevervisitagain Nanning and after a 13 hour overnight train ride are now kicking back in Kunming ready to embark on Dali.
As a confucian proverb goes (excerpt from the book i'm reading at the moment - Red Dust) "never trust the wily fox who shows pity for the sick chicken". This could perhaps best sum up the experiences with the local traders in Yangshuo - sometimes we were the fox and other times you clearly felt clucky. It relives memories of the smiling assasin that cooly skun Moof for an ornamental necklace and then offerred him a FREE friendship bracelet in the Himalyas (and I agree Moof it was a sweet purchase). All that said Yangshuo was a super place to shop and we managed to get some absolute steals.
Yangshuo is most notable for its amazing Karst peaks which litter the countryside, one of our photos of which was a feature this week on the main page to travellerspoint! Kudos to Chris Halpin. Anyway keeping with William's prose, highlights:
Award winning photo. Will 0/500 (photos taken) Kempo 1/10.
1412 Dragon Bridge...
..and the guy that built it.
Big Banyon Tree over 1500 years old - we think, can never be too sure what with the supposed hundred year old pagodas in Guilin that turned out to be 6! - and the lady featured sowed the seeds.
Broccolli - Chinese know what they're talking about.
Couldn't think of a better place myself for a good shave then next to a major arterial.
Jerry - need not say more.
Source... (and there is no such thing as an analogy to sqealing like a pig, the sound was awful, they knew exactly what was going on.)
....to serve.
(unfortunately doesn't quite show but the guy next to the truck is wearing a two piece suit) so to all my fellow office workers out there, take note of the novel chinese way of passing the time when the work load is low.
Canine cuisine.
Cool kid, cooler cap playing some death warrior style computer game.
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]]>Yes, it's official. Kempo and Will have eaten penis. Ox penis.
We are currently in a fantastic place in the southwest called Yangshou. Lots of limestone peaks rising out of nowhere. Great markets, food, people etc. You all should visit, China really doesn't dissapoint. Language is a little bit of an issue at times but we have done pretty well by meeting people who speak english and with a bit of sign language we can and generally blunder through each day.
Some highlights:
- All you can eat yum cha. Last night we ate with some canadians for 33 yuan (5 bucks). All you can eat of so much crazy, great food, all you can drink, and soccer on tv. Gold.
- Meeting some local lads in Guilin and getting shown around all day. They came to the train station and helped us buy train tickets which saved a nightmare. The lads did a no show on us the next morning and then we spotted one with another westerner later. Obviously a tourist slut.
- Choosing what animal I wanted to eat at a restaurant. When I ordered fish they took me into a room to chose which one. This was basically a pet shop, with birds, snakes, rats, fish and dogs for eating!
- Hong Kong at night. Amazing views, great vibrant city. Worst hotel I've ever stayed in- including cambodia and india for kempo even.
Hope you are all happy and well. Will try to update again soon, enjoy the photos. Please send us a comment too!
Hong Kong by night
This guy was really cooking up a storm
Chungking Mansions
Clearly not a mansion. More like worlds worst hotel.
Mmm... Pigeon Head
This one is for you kinga. Doing our bit to bring down the pigeon population. Wasn't bad, but don't think I'll eat it again in a hurry.
Oiyou Tea with the locals
This is us drinking the local tea in Guilin with our tourist slut "mates" Jiu and John.
Bring it on....
Auditioning for the Kung Fu Hustle II
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]]>OK. Enough of me feeling sorry for myself. It was just quite difficult coming home to family, friends, sun, beaches, cricket, yum cha, belgian beer cafe, bimbos, whitey etc. and return to work, travelling to work, dressing for work, waking up for work etc.
OK. That was me feeling sorry for myself again. The trip to Australia was great. Thanks to all for making it such a good time for me. The following photos are some that I have from the all too short three weeks:
I don't actually think this photo is from New Years Eve but it has the same perfect ingredients that we had that night; rooftop views, Aussie beers (actually I might have bought Coronas), poker and hairy mates. Here's a close up:
And some not so hairy mates:
This one is thought to be the best Nathan Bracken/Fabio look-alike, and not the other way around.
Who needs Europe?! Beers in the Belgian Beer Garden. I close my eyes and I'm there:
Didn't manage to make it back to what was a dismal Boxing Day test, but I did manage to get myself down to see three of the Bushrangers Twenty20 matches. Good times. I think I'm a convert.
Hot pot was quality as always. The next mornings toilet punishment (x3) was painful as always. And the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the look on the face of the owners when we gave them a tip of $60.
They earned it since they put up with this:
and this:
The new game sweeping the globe, Shoot-ems. And this photo shows the game at its nastiest.
I managed to make it to the Australian Open too. Even after everyone pulled out for various reasons, the prospect of seeing The Fish in action was too good an oportunity to miss and he didn't disappoint. He sent the forth seed crashing out of the open in four sets, well and truely after I had gone home. But here's the workhorse, Wayno (Arthurs):
and James Blake asking for my autograph:
And a couple more photos of treasured things in my life. Anne (at Cumberland River):
And Bimbos:
And I left all of the above, for this.....
Future Exciting adventures to look forward to on Liam's Lonely Planet:
Football extravaganza I have tickets a Premier League match this Saturday. At last. Newcastle vs Fulham. Plus, Hannah, Bim and I are going of to Loftus to watch the socceroos take on the Danes on Tuesday night next week.
Language difficulties with hilarious consequences Liam's planet will no longer be lonely when Kempo and Will hit China. Have you fellas left yet? Hopefullly these blokes will keep us up to date with Chinese happenings. There is sure to be a sensational story about Kempo and a Sichuan Hot Pot
The songsmith I already have tickets for me and Anne to go and see Donovan in concert in April. I have been pumping myself up with old clips of his on YouTube. Do yourself a favour.
Love to all. I'm out!
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]]>This one is form Norway, where I have being trying (and failing) to keep dry. Yes, Bergen really does rain 270 days a year.
But, I have been travelling far and wide since I last checked in, so here a few photos of my adventures through Estonia and Scandinavia...
ESTONIA
Estonia was pretty sweet, and there was snow here from the first day I got into Tartu. Below is Tallinn's old town square, covered in snow.
I know the "pood" joke has been done, but it's still funny to me.
FINLAND
When I got to Finland, the snow had stopped, and all the Finns were going nuts on the boat about duty free booze. Anyway, here is a statue I saw in Helsinki, strange...
Everyone in Finland is still super vibed about the Eurovision win. Some people even had Lordi on their credit cards.
SWEDEN
Most people know Swedish people have an amazing understanding of English, however, there are still some funny signs around.
I would have sent this home as a Christmas present, but the store was closed.
Here you can see St George going to town on a Dragon (probably called Puff).
After catching up with Bjorn, I managed to go to a house party in Stockholm. All the way nice...
NORWAY
Oslo was an intersting place, my hostel was in the same area as drug dealers, prostitutes and junkies. I even saw a guy with the needle still in his arm. But, there was some cool stuff there, like the viking ship museum.
And the Norwegian Gaurd.
I then went on to Bergen. Here, I went up the cable car fow the views, only to get really wet on the climb down.
While in Bergen, I stayed with a friend that I made in Dubrovnik, Ingvild, and was treated to some nice Norwegian hospitality at another house party.
Finally, (for Thommo) a pumped up dog (Ingvilds).
So that's one of my final blogs (maybe one more), as I'll be back in Oz just after new years, hopefully for a BBQ and a few beers. I hope everyone has a great Christmas, and I'll see you all soon!
Love
Kerr
SOMETHING remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>While I was there I saw a lot of: McDonalds, Wal-Mart, The Gap, Baseball, NFL, Rock and roll, The Internet, Slavery, Starbucks, Disney world, Porno, Valium, Reeboks, Fake Tits, Sushi, Taco Bell, Rodeos, Liberty, White Slips, The Alamo, Band-aids, Las Vegas, Christmas, Immigrants, Popeye, Democrats and Republicans... FUCK YEAH!
Not so much in the way of sportsmanship or books.
In all seriousness had a great month and here are some pictures to demonstrate this.
This guy must have had a HUGE Halloween eve on the town, wasn't looking so good that day
Me dressed as Elvis combined with Paul McCartney circa Sgt Peppers, Dooza right at home as a American Marine. We were looking good on Halloween but couldn't match the pulling power of the guy that turned up in a 9 foot monster outfit
Getting inappropriately excited at a Celtics NBA game
This one purely for me really. To an untrained eye, a regular Baskin and Robbins... to an obsessive Good Will Hunting fan, the (renovated) site of Matt Damon's golden line "Well I got her number. How do you like them apples?"
This one for the American Psycho fans out there. New York. West 81st St, The American Gardens Building.
Nice. Very nice.
Le Bron James - F*&k yeah!
Couldn't stop humming the Seinfeld theme outside this random diner for some reason
Had dinner with a mob croney planning his next hit over a pizza in Little Italy, Manhattan.
Finally, I plan to spend the next few days watching Test cricket in the same sort of relaxed position as these San Franciscan seals...
Well that's it. It's been a great ride. I'm going to be cobbling together a real life over the next couple of weeks here in Brisbane and looking forward big time to catching up with everyone in Melb during December.
Until then
Morto
America - F*ck Yeah! remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>I had undertaken a similar trip three years ago with my then travel partners Andy T and Em Web so hopefully they can take pleasure in seeing Scotland a few years on.....
My Aunty Margaret, a.k.a. Mother Mary, is the head sister of the Carmelite Nuns in Dysart (north of Edinburgh), so we based ourselves in the humble self equiped cottage previously owned as part of a hunting lodge, by the Earl of Roslyn. Impressive:
My bonnie lass, my wee Scottish Aunty and my grand self
Our brief Scottish travels included the beautiful city of Edinburgh...
the most famous golf course in the world (St Andrews)...
and....
Yes, that is the Castle that was used to film 80% of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. And yes, we did stumble upon it in a random little town called Doune. And yes, it did instantly make it the best day of my life, apart from the first day I saw the footage of Tyson the skateboarding dog of course (if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favour).
We also saw an old favourite of mine...
Thommo and Em should remember this fondly
and a new favourite...
Alas, I'm now writing this blog not from a castle or a hunting lodge, but from a swivel chair in a London Underground office working nine to five what a way to make a living....
The job is with an engineering company called Faber Maunsell and if I recommend someone to the company and they get a job, I get £1000 pounds. So where the bloody hell are ya?
Anne is currently working in Londons best patisserie, bringing home plenty of pain chocolat and croissants, and the two of us are sharing a room in a nice house in zone two.
Considering coming home for Christmas at this stage, but availability of flights might have something to say about that.
Love to all,
Liam 'Paddy Melon' Callaghan
In Search of the Highland Coo remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>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
Eastern Europe - Part I remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>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
Turkey II remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>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.
Picturesque Portugal remains copyright of the author hengel, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>After Greece, Hannah and I decided it was time to go where the beer flows like wine, and the women instinctively flow like the salmon of Capistrano. I'm talking about Oktoberfest. So we met Bim in Berlin, hired a car and headed south, via Cologne and the Black Forest. After getting through some questionable navigation from the girls, we arrived in Munich, and checked into the "cabin."
It was time for a beer.
Although Oktoberfest is not officially opened until 11:00 on the Saturday, some people still got pumped the day before.
We got up early and headed to the beer grounds. Many people come here in traditional Bavarian dress. It's even more awesome than the photos could ever show.
People everywhere where super pumped, and the first beer didn't disapoint. Served by a wentch, carrying a ship load of beer in litre glasses, it was so sweet.
We found the locals loved their lederhosen's.
Plus they loved a photo with a stranger.
We also found that Beer Wentches were multi-talented. Not only could they serve masses of beer, they could serve masses of chicken, too.
Day two of Oktoberfest started much the same as day one, except we had a slight hangover. People still marched around in full kit.
And locals still loved to be in a photo.
At this stage, I'd like to point out that Oktoberfest is for everyone, even coyboys.
By the end of the day, we found we had met a lot of German people.
So that was Oktoberfest. Bim and I lost Hannah a bit on the last night, so we went on a couple of rides. Needless to say, rides after 7 or 8 litres of beers is not the best idea, but it sure is fun.
I'll leave you with one more picture of some Bavarian people, probably crazy.
Hugs and kisses to all,
Kerr
Oktoberfest - it's everything I hoped for and more... remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>this one is all about Greece, namely, the Greek Islands. The place is brilliant, and a good time was had by all. Now for some photos...
Having been to Belgium in the cold, it was time for some sun. We packed up our stuff, minus the €5 tents, and headed south. Along the way to the islands, we stopped over in Athens, picked up Dooza, and headed for the islands
From there we hit Mykonos, a party island according to LP. But the beaches were the main attraction there
Then Morto, Dooza and I headed to Naxos, where Melon, Anne and H. P. Runnalls where waiting after their demon hell ride from Turkey.
We soon rented quads, and were on our way..

Dooza loved it...
With the bikes, we quickly met some locals up the mountain.
After mechanical troubles, we returned back for food, cocktails and a party...
(the guy who took this photo told us it was a good one...)
In Ios, it is not uncommon to see donkeys on the beach.
At the end of our time in Ios, we fond a pretty cool bar, where we could hang out, and listen to former Australian Idol 7th place getter (and that IS an achievement), Millsy, at an open mic night.
Apologies to those wanting Millsy photos, we didn't take any of him, but we did find another "celebrity."
In Santorini, we went for the scooters, although Dooza couldn't handle the swings, and went for a quad instead. It was in Santorini that we found post card-esque scenery,
and a great sunset,
although Dooza was a bit partied out.
We also found a great little spot to jump off,
We figured the jump was about 5m high into some of the clearest and deepest water we'd ever seen. For the record, the jump was off the front corner of the island.
And possibly the highlight, a donkey ride up some stairs
Hannahs donkey was crazy, and even tried to go the wrong way. The owner soon stoped that, but I'm not sure any animal wellfair goups would approve of his methods.
After a few drinks in Santorini, we all headed our seperate ways, although "a few drinks" turned into a few more...
I think it was mandatory to wear helmets in this bakery, but I can't remember.
So that was Greece, a bucket load of fun.
A special mention goes out to Kinga and Will, their advice craps all over Lonely Planet. If you guys are considering a career change, travel writing is right up your alley.
Kerr
Sun, Sand and Dooza remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>LATE UPDATE!!
(I forgot to put this in earlier but remembered today when I had some lolly and realised it was much too salty)
- The Netherlands are home to possibly the world's largest collection of salt based confectionary. When looking for lollies be warned: try one first because when you get that bag of goodies back home, no doubt they will be salty and disgusting. As usual the dutchies love them
- There are tonnes of people in the Netherlands that are huge and by huge I mean massive. On the right is Gijs, I am staying at his house and he was a school friend of my dad's. On the left is Ben, his son. Ben lives in the house behind us, luckily only the door is really low
- People really do wear clogs and not just for ceremonial purposes, but for everyday life. Milking the cows, going to tractor pulls (more on this later on) and going to the shops, just knocking about, anything
For the record this old dude is the bloke who now owns the farm where my dad was born (and his dad and his dad's dad built it... you get the picture). The guy on the right bought it off my Opa before they left the Netherlands for Australia
- People ride bikes everywhere. They go on special cycling holidays where they drive somewhere just to ride their bike around. They love bikes so much they even have them in their coal mines
- There are tonnes of cows. Apparently the Dutch eat about 16kg of cheese per person per year and that milk has gotta come from somewhere. They love milk so much that you can buy this stuff called "Karne Milk" which is basically a carton of sour milk, not the best tasting stuff but they love it
Secondly, some lesser know facts about the Netherlands:
- They have their own fair share of LARGE attractions. For example near Achterveld there is the egg:
Please note that I had to ride a bike to get there
There is also the giant cigar:
Please note that is not just a turd with a cigar label in a plastic tube.
- There are lots of funny signs and street names
Literal translation, "Middle Arse Way"
Literal translation, "Ass Chatter Way"
I completely understand why the dog on the sign has a big smile, he just took a dump on someones neat, freshly cut grass.
Other Highlights:
- Playing the family card game "Skip-Bo" with my mum's elderly aunt and uncle in Terwinslen (southern Netherlands) when the CD we are listening to (which sounded a lot like a dutch version of Kevin "Bloody" Wilson) began playing the song "Livin' Next Door to Alice" in dutch except for one line in english, "who the f*** is Alice". I found it very difficult to not laugh out loud, lucky they don't speak english
- Driving down a street in Kerkrade where one side of the street is the Netherlands and the other is Germany. Street signs on side were Dutch and the other German
- Going to a tractor pull. Not the kind where two tractors battle it out but one where a suped up tractor pulls a massive sled in the dirt. This bad boy had 4 jet engines on it
The winners of each division we driven around on the dias in front of all the spectators.
- Visiting the Dutch "Alps" and the highest point in the Netherlands, a staggering 322.5 metres above sea level.
- Going to some museum and finding this old dutch supermarket product
Holland's Highlights remains copyright of the author hengel, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>
Anne relaxng in the window of our Venice boudoir. In her element.
Our next destination was to be Istanbul and after searching for over a month for a flight under 500 Euro (Anne already had her ticket) I eventually found a bus that was headed in that general direction.
One 21 hour overnight overday bus ride (stuffed in between a window and a dog), a night in Sofia Bulgaria (Buggers) and a 12 hour overnight train ride later, I arrived in Istanbul to find that Annes first flight to Paris had been cancelled and that she wouldn't be arriving for another three days. Luckily enough H P Runnalls had been keeping the place warm and we took over Istanbul together.
Anne did eventually arrive after four nights in Paris (which she was really pissed about!) and the three of us were ready to take on Turkey.
Istanbul.Brilliant place. It will be remembered fondly for its Apple Tea, Nargile (smoking pipe: see below), fantastic hosts, and carpet shops (maybe not so fondly).
Anne and Hannah considering entering the Mosque.....
Anne and Hannah entering the Mosque.
The rooftop terrace of our hostel. Breakfast up here each morning.
Ephesus. One of the best preserved ancient Roman cities. Pretty amazing. Quality amphitheatre.
Testing out the 2000 year old sewerage system. Took a very similar photo to this when I was here with family 11 years ago. I haven't matured at all.
Turkish Bath. The girls were jumping at the chance to get themselves rubbed down by a fat Turkish man so a Turkish bath was the logical result. The get-up we are shown in below is to hide the bruises.
Pamukkale. Hot thermal springs pour down the hillside here and deposit calcium carbonate which solidifies as travertine. I just got that sentence off a website and it's as cool as it sounds!
Olympos. Everyone stays in treehouses near an amazing beach here. Worth a trip in its own right but we were there to begin a four day-three night Boat Cruise along the Southern Turkish coast.
Boat Cruise. Incredible. Put it on your top 5 must do's. The water was spectacular.
Our Yacht.
Cliff jumping off the Turkish Coast. I am hoping for a lot more of this in Greece.
Currently we are in Naxos, Greece where we will be meeting with Morto and Kerr tomorrow. Unfortunately our other travel partner, Man in Chair couldn't bring himself to leave his chair and will be absent, as will Hengel. However, a ring in has been sent all the way from the states and as a well known published author, hopefully Dooza will be the next guy you hear from on this site.
Love to all. I leave you with this....
Venice, Buggers and the land of Apple Tea remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>Last tender embrace with the Partner, her current fate unknown
Germany:
Returned to take Sven on heads up in poker and eat doners for a week.
Keep on grinding it out on internet poker Sven, it's noble (and profitable) work you're doing
With Swede Erik and German Stephanie (to explain my expression, Sven was the photographer and I was saying "eeee")
Denmark:
Went here to experience life at a Scandinavian level.
Alright, sitting in a park in Copenhagen. Dudes turn up in these white suits. They go to get another dude (who is getting married) who completely nudes up. He slides through the plastic tube (getting 'reborn'), gets out, the white dudes slap his arse, and he puts on a classy white suit and they all start drinking beers. Sitting there with a friend (the only observers) and they yell out "You want to see dick, and that's OK!"
Sweden:
Went here for a day to say I've been to Sweden.
2 guys I met in the park, went out for lunch, and met their fishing buddy who chills out with a bit of hash when not reeling in massive fish one by one. Not a bad life
Belgium:
Went here with Kerr and Hengel for a bit of rock.
Belle and Sebastian rocking Pukkelpop
The dude from Wolfmother? Our festival idol. Never has leopard skin matched so well with pink panther boxers
Modern art Brussels style.
Take it easy
Reborn in Copenhagen remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>this one has no pictures (boooo) because me camera broke in what can only be described as one of the most unlucky trips to London ever.
It started out normally, paying around $50 to get from the airport (never fly into Luton), to the city, where I met Sammy Darling. (A big thanks to Sammy for having me for an extended period). We dumped my bags and headed to the local, which is apparently also the Local of Feddy Ljungberg.
After a few days of drinking like a fish with Sam, I was about ready for some sight seeing. It was at this stage I realised my camera was stuffed, and that I wouldn't get any photos from London.
So after a week it was time to head to Dublin, so off to Stansted airport I went, not realising that evil deeds were being plotted. I got to the airport that was packed full of people, to see my flight was cancelled. The next flight to Dublin I could get on was 3 days later. So, after a $75 trial run to the airport, I returned to Sams place, and began drinking again.
At least I got my flight, but with no hand luggage. No Ipods, no sun glasses, and my passport and wallet in a clear plastice bag.
Kerr
Next time there will be photos, but for now.....
Man Asleep in Chair:

I got out of London Alive!! remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>Anyway our final blog cannot possibly live up to the dizzying heights of the last entry but here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure anyway.

Seriously considered purchasing this as a travel gift for a lucky recipient
Think no one can dance like Michael Jackson using two fingers and a hand puppet? Think again
(www.marcel.it for those who are intrigued and want to know more)

Our crash pad in Tuscany
Hengel, with shades like those, you can be my wingman anytime

Our Monaco GP came to a crashing halt when the Partner succumbed to engine failure after lap 5

Monte Carlo casino. Moof's tip "Red" unfortunately and tragically turned out to be ill-advised. Noodles and water for Morto for the next five days it seems
End of an era remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>Here are some of the highlights of our visit to Dubrovnik:
Day One:
We arrived in Dubrovnik from Split after a scenic drive down the delightful Adriatic coastline. It took us bloody ages to find the place we were staying due to one way roads and poor signage.
We called the bloke from the Dubrovnik youth service and followed his scooter to our new home. Our hosts we very welcoming and spoke little English, but managed to say "No Problem" at least once per sentence.
Went walking throught the old town that night, top quality as old towns go and quality fortifications.
Day Two:

Went for a walk around the peninsula looking for quality beaches and nudist beaches (only for the culture points though... serious you see enough nudity at the beach as it is)

Went to the dodgy sounding and dodgy looking night club "Latino Club Fuego"

We had an awesome time with Dangerous Dave and Jono

Melon and Jono, got on like a house on fire when they realised that Jono knew Ed (Callaghan) and went out with a chick that used to live with Ed.

Dave and Irish friends
Day Three:
Went to the dodgy sounding and dodgy looking night club "Latino Club Fuego"

We had an awesome time with Dangerous Dave and Jono

We met plenty of people here the second night. Melon, Jono and a new Swedish friend.

Morto and Melon made a new Norwegian friend, Anna

Kerr and Hengel with Russian friends

Hengel with one of Dave's new Irish friends

Drunken debauchery

Later that night Kerr (and the rest of us) felt that some swimming to cool down was in order
Day Four:
Went to the dodgy sounding and dodgy looking night club "Latino Club Fuego"

We had an awesome time with Dangerous Dave and Jono

We met more friends tonight. Melon with Norwegian friend

By the end of the night Dangerous Dave couldn't take very good pictures anymore
Day Five:
Final day in Dubrovnik, we hit the beach again and waited until 11pm for our ferry to Italy. Our sleeping patches on the deck were awaiting us. After 8 hours on the boat with little sleep we arrived in Italy
For those of you out there who require more debaucherous information regarding our exploits during this period of time please feel free to email anyone (except morto, cos he is the biggest dog of the lot)
OK so it sounds like we didn't do much else than go to the dodgy sounding and dodgy looking night club "Latino Club Fuego" and go swimming, which is true. But we have plenty of nice photos of that sort of stuff for those interested, but that is boring...
...and back by popular demand... man in chair

Dubrovnik, same Bat time, same Bat channel remains copyright of the author hengel, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>Recent activites include soaking in warm, pungent public baths in Budapest for a few hours, coffee and cake (and a shiteload of Uno) in classy coffeeshops in Vienna and enjoying the paradise that is Bled in Slovenia, including tobogganing down a winter ski run in summer (see photos below).
Take it easy, go the French tomorrow (especially Franck Ribery, he is so French)
Dogs are allowed to wander around in pubs in Austria (what do you reckon Tommo?)
Up there with the best places so far, Bled
Our tryouts for the Slovenian diving team ended disastrously as you can see (note church on island in background, awesome)
Bogging in Slovenia remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>We're out. The ride was great though. Even if it it did end in about the most shattering circumstance possible. One that Frank Farina could be proud of.
After thinking a little harder I can now think of some of the other things that have happened in the last two weeks. Some highlights of the trip since we last checked in......
1) Innsbruck, Austria. This place is magic. A city sitting in the middle of a huge valley and nestled by the river Inn. We went white water rafting here and managed to flip the raft on the very first bit of white water we found. We had been in the raft for about a minute. Awesome.
Form an orderly queue ladies
2) Liechtenstein. Actually, that wasn't a highlight at all. We just went there. Why not?
Shot from the Peugeot Partner catalogue, going out to Nick La Porta
3) Stuttgart. A definite highlight. We thought the celebrations were good in Kaiserslautern after the Japan win, but it was nothing compared to the way we celebrated after a draw! I hugged so many people in yellow shirts and have so many photos with random best mates for the night.
Thank you Harry
Litre beers make quality photography a little difficult
4) Czech Republic. Although overrun with tourists, Prague was a beautiful city, as was it's small village version, Cesky Kromlov. We spent five days in the country, drinking the best lager in the world, eating stodge and taking picture perfect photos.
Quality roads in Czech Republic as you can see, took 9 hours to drive 250km, Pilot Kerr was not impressed
5) Krakow. Not really a highlight either actually. We didn't see this city as well as we would have liked since we spent a day at Auschwitz. Needless to say, a happy enjoyable day it wasn't.
6) Budapest. Our current location. This city is beautiful with heaps to see and do, and we haven't even been to the Roman baths yet. I plan to spend the entire day there today.
Hengel's philosophy in life: Take the bull by the horns (Hengel wasn't actually posing for this either)
A detour is a choice between two tasks, each with their own pros and cons
Culture points meter broke after we maxed it out in Paris... sorry can't estimate the tally anymore
Sorry about the gap between the last few blogs. We are now promising each other for the third time this trip that it will never happen again.
Take care,
Liam and Michael
Eastern Europe remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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]]>In Berlin currently playing poker with Sven, recovering from the mad celebrations following watching Freddies late winner. As you all know Sven is clearly the most patriotic guy on planet earth and he has 500,000 Svenska companions here in Berlin, they were pumped. A selection of (non novelty, sorry) photos
Hoegaardens didn't disappoint in BrusselsThe bus carrying our heros to make us very happy, eventually...
Sven and brother Elias on match day, getting pumped
What is a goal without a flare or two
No Timmy Cahill winner, but pretty good nonetheless
5 euros and you're instantly part of the Aussie Swedish fan club
11 Swedes and Aussies sleeping in Sven's 6m x 6m apartment, crazy week
Enjoy the tournament everyone.
Keep in touch,
Morto
Vi är Svenska fans alla uppa remains copyright of the author MOB, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.
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