No Fosters Thanks - no_fosters_thanks
It's a 14 month trip around the world...for someone who gets lost on the way to the supermarket.

5 months and 9 days
Melbourne, Australia
Wow. Leaving in 5 months and 9 days...seems so far away, except for the whopping plane ticket to pay for.
Just realised today that I'm going to have to organise most things this month, so I can spend more time before I leave focusing on finishing uni and working (to pay for aforementioned plane ticket).
At this stage the itinerary is
November 18th Santiago, Chile. Kick around South America for a month, then fly to LA for Christmas. On the 28th, fly to San Francisco for New Years. Make my way up to Canada and play (work) in the snow, then down to New York in June. Onwards to London, and who knows where in the EU. Will fly back to Australia probably in January 2008. Scary, but very exciting.
Put my macpack on lay-by today. I swear it's bigger than I am, which is good, because I most likely will overpack. Will try not too, but 14 months is a very long time to plan for.
Anyways...Talk to you closer to the date.
Sarah
written by  no_fosters_thanks on June 9, 2006 from Melbourne, Australia
from the travel blog: No Fosters Thanks

US Visa application
Melbourne, Australia
Ok. So I wasn't going to write another blog entry until I actually left the country. Being a travel blog and all. But this was just too silly to leave out.
My US visa application. Firstly, we don't all want to immigrate to your silly country and steal your jobs. I get that you are a nation with a president that tends to piss people off, and that more people may decide to randomly attack you, but it's just ridiculous.
Secondly, because I'm going to be in North America for longer than 90 days (Canada) does not mean I should have to pay $130 for a visa because I'm NEAR you for longer than 90 days.
Thirdly, why the interview in Australia..and the fingerprinting...and the warning at the bottom of the interview comfirmation form warning me not to bring into the consulate 'guns, Mobile phones or other electronic devices'. Very strange.
I really could rant for ages about the questions, the documents you had to bring, the TWO metal detectors you had to pass through...but I've had enough of a rant and at the end of the day, they did grant me the visa. I think. They still have my passport.
(also I think they stole my dna while I was there. I have no evidence to support this deranged theory).
Talk to you soon, I leave in 4 weeks today.
written by  no_fosters_thanks on October 20, 2006 from Melbourne, Australia
from the travel blog: No Fosters Thanks

No sleep, planes and español
Santiago, Chile
Ok, I just wrote a WHOLE blog and due to this strange spanish keyboard, ive managed to delete it all. and i have no idea how.
So, again.....i have arrived safe and sound, felt pretty sick after the flights, but had a snooze and felt well enough to explore a couple of blocks of Santiago. Very cool city.
Discovered a number of things,
1. I can read spanish, but the moment someone speaks to me, its all over.
2. Beer here is usually served in longnecks. Admirable, kim, youd feel right at home.
3. Just because you can sleep through any uni lecture, does not mean you can sleep on a plane. At all.
4. People from Hawkes Bay (yes pub people, that hawkes bay in NZ) are very strange, have sheep and go on spiritual quests in brasil. And like to sit next to Sarah for 12 hour flights.
5. Im missing everyone already, cant crack out the photos as im far too mushy.
6. Tom, spray on shampoo was the best thing ive brought on this trip so far. love it.
Anyways, must go and get on my next plane, will be in argentina by lunchtime and catch up with john, which Im really really looking forward to.
Love you all! Sarah
written by  no_fosters_thanks on November 19, 2006 from Santiago, Chile
from the travel blog: No Fosters Thanks

Best day yet
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Yesterday I had my best day here yet, absolutely crashed out, slept for about 12 hours, then when I woke we were ready to explore.
John and I just wandered around Buenos Aires for awhile, found an english language bookshop, so I lost John there for a little while. Had to go and buy some stuff from a camping store...and throw out some stuff from my bag. I think as we go it´s going to get progressivly lighter as I can´t be bothered carrying stuff.
But anyway, we walked to the obellisk, which is in the centre of Buenos Aires, which was absolutely amazing. It stands in the middle of the (what I´m told is the largest avenue in the world) the Av 9 de julio, and it´s just amazing.
Obelisco
After that, we went to the teatro de colon, which is the home of the Bueanos aires ballet company and also the opera company. We did the english guided tour, and it was simply amazing. It was built in 1890, with european architects, and all imported materials, and it was fantastic. The theatre has 7 levels and it´s indesribable. The ceiling is a huge hand painted dome, (done by an argentinan artist) and around the chandelier is space between the dome and the chandelier, where musicians and choirs can stand, unseen and ridiculously high, and perform. The acoustics were fantastic, they never use microphones in performances. And this place sits 3500 people.
Teatro Colon
After that Joho and I came back to the hostel,
HostelClan view
had some quiet beers on the terrace. We were joined there by some cool people doing the tefl course, and then more people rocked up. So we all ended up catching taxis to this amazing Korean restaurant (I know, we were eating korean in argentina, a bit wrong) but it was stellar. This place had silver chopsticks, and the food, there was 7 of us, and we had two meat (cooked at the table) and it came with 12 condiments each. I thought the condiments would be sauces, but no, they were little plates of vegetables. Chilli cabbage, brilliant. Then we also had two vegetable plates. All up it was (including beers) about 25 pesos each, which I suppose was $10AUD.
Then to top it off, we have been invited to one of the girls, Dana, her apartments for drinks tomorrow. But even better, I managed to get a phone card and ring Tom, which was great, but 10 pesos wasn´t nearly enough time. Although, it was probably good I didn´t have time to get mushy, and I´m a big sooky mushbag.
Anyways, must run, will try and upload photos soon, going to le recoleta today, which is the arts district, so I´m sure I´ll have plenty of photos.
Hasta luego mis agimgos!
written by  no_fosters_thanks on November 21, 2006 from Buenos Aires, Argentina

Recoleta es mas bonita y Iguazu falls
Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Hi all!
Well, the trip to recoleta was great. We went on tuesday, and I went again alone on wednesday (dont worry nana, I was perfectly safe) and it was brilliant. We walked around Cementerio de la Recoleta where all the rich and famous argentinians are buried, and saw evita perons grave. Which, I must admit I was expecting something else. It was amazing to see the cemetary though, we walked around for ages.
Cementerio de la Recoleta
Evita Perons grave
Had lunch in the strangest irish theme pub, what they served i´m sure the irish don´t make. But anyways.
The next day went out on my own to see Naciones Unidas, which i found so beautiful..and shiny.
Naciones Unidas
Moving on, that night we caught an 18 hour bus to Puerto Iguazu, which has the most awesome waterfalls. John did try and kill me with exercise. I can´t even describe how amazing it was, so I´ll just put in the pictures. Soon we´re heading off on a 28 hour bus trip to Salta.
Iguazu falls, inferior trail
Iguazu falls, island view
John at Iguazu falls, superior trail
Iguazu falls
Time for a shower before the bus trip, so talk to you soon!
Love Sarah
written by  no_fosters_thanks on November 24, 2006 from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina

Iced coffee withdrawls
Salta, Argentina
Are so far not being suffered. Which, is surprising, and brilliant.
We´re in Salta at the moment, which is up to top of Argentina. Its a great city. We´ve met up with some cool aussies (one from brunswick) and the four of us are travelling together at the moment which is great. Tonight we´re catching the overnight bus to Bolivia, then a train to Uyuni, where the salt plains are. I think we´re doing a four day tour or trek, either way it should be great.
I totally forgot about it until today, but when joho and I were in Buenos Aires, we were walking through a market, and saw this free museum, "museo de la ciudad", and we´re like hey, free museum of the city, awesome find. It was a museum full of doors. From random buildings around the city. A door museum. We cracked up, it was hillarious. Couldnt read the descriptions on the doors, but we were so pleased we didn´t pay for it!
Katie - Sometimes I think the world is a little too small though, went to a bar last night with everyone, and you know what they cracked out, Bon jovi. Which, i found very amusing.
Anyway, all i´ve really managed to do in Salta is kick around, go in a cable car to the top of a hill, and had a few beers and a lot of steaks. I can eat steak at any meal. Today, it was brunch.
View over Salta
Church at Salta
Will talk to you again soon,
Sarah
(btw how cool is the little map thing? it´s pretty up to date with where i am most of the time! See dad, you can´t lose me!)
written by  no_fosters_thanks on November 27, 2006 from Salta, Argentina

Bolivia, where reality and planning don't meet. Ever. At all
Uyuni, Bolivia
Ok, John and I are alive. But smelly.
We're in Bolivia, and just did a 4 day tour, and haven't showered in so long! We are travelling with 4 other aussies, which is great, and we're having a great time. Trying to catch a train to Oruru tonight and a bus to La Paz in the morning, but it's hard to understand if this mythical train will run let alone let us on. It's crazy, you try and plan your travel so you hit the paved roads. Of which there are bugger all.
Anyway, must run, trains to chase.
Will update more soon, heaps of awesome photos.#
Sarah
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 2, 2006 from Uyuni, Bolivia

The ´paz rocks out
Uyuni, Bolivia
Hi!
So we did the salt flat tours which were amazing. Lots of waiting at bus stations, and train stations.
6 aussies at a bus stop (someone had to take the photo!)
We stayed in the most basic accomodation, but it was fine, and a lot better than most bolivians live, so we really can´t complain. PLayed soccer against some local kids, who in the altitude whopped us something chronic. The kids here are gorgeous, but everyone is so geared to make money off the gringos, that they charge you money to take photos of them.
Local bolivian children
The salt flats were amazing to see, heaps of fun also. Travelling in such a big group is awesome. John and Chris are off today doing the death road on mountain bike. Google the pictures, they are insane. It´s a road that is about 3m wide, and has 500m drops on the side. Something like 4 people a week on average die on this road. But the tour company they have gone with haven´t lost anyone yet. Which is a good sign. Some of the companies are pretty bad, we met an irish girl who did it, and her bike fell apart under her, and she lost some teeth and scarred her face. Hopefully john will get back in one piece. I told him that if I have to rung mum and dad saying he´s fallen off another cliff, if he isn´t dead then, he will be.
We´re staying at a pretty cool hostel in La Paz,
View from the hostel in la paz
this is the view from our balcony. Girls room, we put the smelly boys in a room without a balcony. La Paz is amazing, and the markets are brilliant. It´s hard to remember how cheap everything is, I bought a sweet tshirt for $5, and they were the most expensive ones on the street. the only problem is what I buy, I carry. Sucks a bit.
Night time markets at La Paz
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 5, 2006 from Uyuni, Bolivia

Hot showers and Michael Bolton
Copacabana, Bolivia
Hi...
So we are still in La Paz. I know it says Copacabana, but the silly thing won´t deal with putting in La Paz at the moment. and it´s where we are heading next. It´s been four nights, and we are well ready to move on. We were going to head on this morning to Copacabana, but the tourist bus only leaves at 8am...as we found out at 9am. Oh well. So we have spent some extra time here, but it´s not much of a concern, as accommodation is about aud$5 a night in the city. Not the worst scenario.
Yesterday joho and I kicked it on to some museums which was awesome, the art museum was great...for it´s architecture. I was wrapped. Although I confused some people in the gift shop when I tried to ask for a book of the building itself. I think they thought I missed the point somewhat. But they ended up giving me some postcards...probably to make me just go away. We also went to the coca leaf museum...which was kind of crap. I expected more, heaps of people said it was well worth visiting, and I wholeheartedly disagree. The art museum was waaay better. Went to the english pub later to watch the soccer...which was a good way to spend an evening. Although someone let one of our group out shopping solo...and the worst happened...chris came back with hippy pants. Brightly coloured striped abominations. Very scared. This city does weird stuff to people...
The main road in La Paz
Finally took some photos of La Paz, it´s not somewhere that you want to be flashing your camera around too much. These are the fruit stalls that we get our smoothies from. They are soooo fresh, and a vitamin one (the most expensive with EVERYthing in there) are 3 Bolivianos...which is 50 cents.
The fruit smoothie stalls in the markets
And they keep refilling them...so much so that you can´t eat anymore...
We walked past san pedro prison today, you used to be able to do tours guided by the inmates, but they stopped that practice a few years ago. Didn´t get a picture of the prison itself...but got one of joho being a lazy git in the park opposite.
Joho trying to be a hobo outside San Pedro Prison
Also..I managed to have my first hot shower in Bolivia! It was so amazing it just wasn´t funny. It´s strange how you just don´t appreciate things back home. Even being able to shower with bare feet. Can´t wait to do that again!
Also as a point of interest..I think Michael Bolton has just hit Bolivia. The number of times I have heard the song -i said I loved you but i lied- and it has been stuck in my head for about a week now. deathly. But the other two musical options seem to be shakira and local music. Thank god for ipods.
Meet the craziest aussie in the pub...he has been in La Paz for about a month, as his passport got stolen. Oh no, how did your passport get stolen we asked. Turns out this crazy git had put it in his daypack, which he then put under the seat on a local chicken bus. While he slept. We weren´t so surprised after hearing the circumstances. I think I lot of this is just being aware, listening to advice and not doing dumb stuff. But I say that now...I´ll change my mind if anything gets nicked.
Does anyone actually read my natters? I know Tom and mum do....
Hey, phil.. heard you left the pub...enjoy your time off before you start work.
And kimba...are you still interested in coming to Malaysia? If not just let me know...it´ll be fine, will need a bit of notice though as if you don´t there may be some flight changing activity. It would be sweet if you do...but I understand if you can´t...it´s a ridiculous amount of money.
Missing everyone, but having an amazing time....take care and I´ll chat again soon! Maybe from Peru....
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 7, 2006 from Copacabana, Bolivia

mmm...kinda tired
Cusco, Peru
Totally wrecked right now, been doing so much...so this is going to be a short one!
Went to Copacabana, which is on lake titicaca, which borders both Bolivia and Peru, although we were on the Bolivian side. It was amazing, the fresh trout cooked by the beach...the sunsets..although it was a little like a Bolivian version of lorne. A little strange.
Sunset at Copacabana, from our hostel balcony
We went out to Isla del Sol and trekked across it, which is over 8km and up and down hills. At altitude it hits you pretty hard (glad I did all that exercise before i left to prepare) but it was well worth it. The beaches were fantastic. I have more photos, but my camera is in my room locked up.
Isla Del Sol
We caught a bus yesterday (today?) from Copacabana to cusco, with a stop over in puno, which is inside the Peruvian border. It was strange, we have lunch in the bus station, and our waitress was about 8 years old. When she had her lunch she was sitting there playing with her doll.
But anyway...after a scary time on the bus (we had a blow-out and something wrong inthe wheel arch that we had to keep stopping for) we are finally in cusco. doing the inca trail in two days, which i´m well excited about.
But anyway, thats enough from me at this silly time of night.
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 10, 2006 from Cusco, Peru

Cusco is rad...
Cusco, Peru
ok....so we have registered for the inca trail, which is really exciting. Should be amazing to see, nearly everyone, even the most jaded and cynical of travellers think its sweet.
Completely forgot...on the Isla del Sol they have gum trees everywhere! It really did my head in at first. But it was great, we cracked some leaves, and they smell was just like home. But it was still rather strange some of it looked like it could have been back home.
Australia....or bolivia
Travelling with just 4 people now, John myself, Aussie Chris and Roman. The backpackers we are staying at is huge, and has a pretty good facilities.
After being on the move so much I must admit, it is going to be good to settle down somewhere for a little bit. It´s gone so fast though, I can´t believe in ten days i´ll be in vegas and joho will be on the way home. It will be the biggest culture shock. Thinking about trying Guinea pig for lunch today. But not entirely sure that will be the best idea.
Have uploaded more photos, so have a squiz if you fancy.
Take care, heading off to museums this arvo....including catacombs. Or something with lots of dead bodies.
Love Sarah
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 11, 2006 from Cusco, Peru

Punch Buggy...no returns
Lima, Peru
Hi! Got back from the inca trail...alive and well. Flew to lima this morning, and tomorrow joho flies home, and I continue on to the states. Sorry this is only a short one, I will update it later, i am just absolutely stuffed right now. So much has happened, so I have uploaded the photos and will write about the inca trail later.
Take care,
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 18, 2006 from Lima, Peru

Post sleep and in an airport
Lima, Peru
Hi!
So I´m currently in the Jorge Chavez airport in Peru..waiting for my flight to board. Have had more sleep, so I´m ready to deal with a computer. And I just paid $3USD for an iced coffee so I could use the internet...and its just a black coffee with ice blocks. So I´m getting my internets worth, as i´m drinking this nasty coffee (which probably just tastes like coffee should..but yuck), I don´t want to appear rude and not drink it now.
So...the inca trail.
The start of the inca trail...Km 82
DAY 1
We got picked up from the hostels at half past five in the morning...and it turned out over half of our group were staying at the same hostel! We got an awesome group, 2 aussies, two irish girls, a scottish couple, two americans and a Hondurian. We started trekking after breakfast, and it was absolutely beautiful. This was the easiest day of the trek..which was a good way to ease into it. Within the first few hours we saw our first inca ruins, and great views of the sacred valley of the incas.
1st Day in the sacred valley of the incas
That night we camped...feeling really good about the day. You have to see all the photos to believe the places we saw. We heard how great Machu Picchu was...but to be honest it paled in comparison to what we saw walking there.
DAY 2
This was the day we heard was a killer. You climb from 2950 metres to 4200, and all in the morning. It was INSANE. I must admit, the feeling of getting to the top was great. I´m really proud, usually I hate walking to the supermarket, and I walked up a mountain carrying my own pack, which was 12.6 kilos. (we weighed our bags at the porters
2nd Day, I wanted proof that I walked that high up a mountain
station). John though, he is insane! He practicaly RAN up the mountain! He reached the top nearly an hour before me. Which was quite amusing. I had the technique of walk ten steps...then have a rest, then walk another...and rest again, and then walk to the big rock and have some chocolate (very important to keep up your energy you know). We all did it our own way. Mine was the slow way! It was hard, near the top John came down a bit to encourage me, and offered to take my pack...but by that stage I wanted to do it all by myself. I know, hard to imagine me being stubborn! But it was absolutely worth it.
2nd Day, joho and I at the top of the first pass, dead womans pass
That night I got a back spasm...which is hindsight was quite funny, but we had two physios there who told me to get up off my bum and walk around, and by morning it was fine. Ruined the little evening for me a bit, our american ladies (gents...but they walked slower taking heaps of photos and having a chat...they managed to have some amazing pictures we missed!) had brought two bottles of wine as a surprise, as a reward for finishing the hardest day. I ended up piking on my drink. Sad times.
DAY 3
This day was the most beautiful, we walked through cloud forests, and little natural caves...It really was brilliant. We had great weather all three days, and this day was no exception. We saw many ruins, and stopped at each for an explanation and an explore. It was also the day of the two thousand steps down...although dawn counted, and it was in fact more. It´s strange, the incas were so short (and also are most south americans) but they build the BIGGEST stairs! If they are coming up to my knees...how they hell did they get up them! In fact at the last part of the second day...and last few steps were the biggest on the whole mountain. Thats just cruel.
3rd Day at some amazing ruins
So after a hard days work, we had some beers, and then saw my favourite ruins, Winay Waya.
3rd Day, Winay waya
That night we had a bit of a party..Apo the chef made us a cake! In the andes! Amazing. The food was so great, that I put on weight over the trek. I´m now back to about what I left as...but I think a bit more of it is muscle. And I´ll keep telling myself that.
We got up at 4am (only an hour earlier than usual) to try and see Machu Picchu at sunrise and it was PISSING down. So we walked along in the rain, and got soaked. A big thanks
4th Day at about 5am in the pouring rain
to Kath for buying me a pack cover, without her I´d be lost. Or at least have very few clothes. After not seeing a huge amount, Joho headed in climb winay picchu, while the rest of us headed to Aguas Calientas to warm up and dry off. Funniest though, we saw john reach the restaurant...and then turn around and piss bolt off, turns out he forgot he has his large pack, and left it on the bus. Luckily it was still on the bus when he got there.
Later we caught the train back, it was a four hour trip, aided by much beer. Emma and I bought enough with us from Aguas Caliente that it was a good idea to buy some more on the train. A good night overall.
THE DAY AFTER MACHU PICCHU
Hot showers are the absolute business. It felt SO amazing to be clean, not 'had a shower in the rain but i still smell clean' but clean. We ladies decided to treat ourselves, and went for pedicures and waxes. But gosh, that was an experience that took 4 hours! Getting my legs waxed in peru...(they needed it, i was starting to look like joho), the waxist burnt the wax, so I ended up lying there in my undies getting the wax finished with the door wide open (to let out all the smoke) while the girls were watching from reception. Nice, very classy.
So unfortunately we didn´t get to see much, our boots all let in water (except johns) and we ended up wet and unable to see it that well from a distance, but when we got there it was great. This photo is where the traditional photo of machu picchu is taken...usually you can see it in the background.
4th Day, Machu Picchu (behind us somewhere....)
have a look at the rest of the photos...and then get on the inca trail!
Love Sarah
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 19, 2006 from Lima, Peru

why flights are long haul has nothing to do with the time...
Los Angeles, United States
Hi!
So I'm safe and sound and in LA...after a TERRIBLE flight, but will write more about that later...this internet here is 1USD per ten minutes...so it's only a quick one.
Got on the plane, and someone wanted to change seat so they could sit near their deaf mother...so I say yes...and get stuck next to this larger woman, who dribbled food from her mouth, and had no end of attitude...and this stupid american man who wouldn't shut up..and asked me inane questions like 'what do your parents think of you travelling alone?' 'do you believe in god'.
I resorted to wearing my ipod the WHOLE flight...even after my battery went flat..just so that he thought I couldn't hear him. He was a missonary from panama. ARSE!!!
But then when I got to my hostel....they had screwed up my dorm booking (15USD for a 20 bed dorm) and so I am in a double bed suite on my own...for the same price! With bathroom, with toilet and shower! Totally travellers karma after my flight.
Love all, must run, 1 minute left on the internet...will try and find a phone card in vegas (heading there tomorrow) and try and ring...but no promises, this place in INSANE! (but kinda cool)
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 20, 2006 from Los Angeles, United States

So much funny stuff has happened
Las Vegas, United States
All the bad stories you hear about america....true
Is america just like the movies...true
Do people have no idea about Australia...true
Is it possible no-one can understand Australians...true
My god! This place is insane...the funniest stuff has happened, and I haven't got enough hours to write it all down!
I was chatting to a guy on the bus in LA, and he asked me if I was pretty happy about how the euro was going against the dollar. He was rather surprised when I told him that we had Australian dollars...and that Australia wasn't in europe. Riiiight...
Another la bloke was telling me about the fires in Australia, and how 20% of our native wildlife was going to become extinct as a direct result of the fires...including (gasp) the koala. At that one I just cracked up laughing...some things you can't keep a straight face for.
Walking down the street today with another aussie girl (wearing jeans, hoodies and hiking boots-seeing as it snowed two days ago) we were propositioned by a man in a car...who assumed as we were walking...we must be street walkers. We very quickly told him what we thought of the idea. Being subtle doesn't work really well here, I have told someone that if he tried to put his arm around me, I would punch him. He asked where, and I told him anywhere that would hurt. he was really drunk, so he got the idea and left me alone. It was perfectly safe to say that..I was in the hostel surrounded by aussies. There was only 3 non-aussies in there, one which was him and the other two were brazillian I think.
Wal-mart, is the business. Even make-up is a quarter of the price of back home. It puts priceline to shame. Its really hard to get healthy food, but If you want sugared cereal...it's amazing! Well worth the three mile walk. And yes, we did specifically hunt down a wall mart.
Anyway, I have to go, the internet is going to run out. Again. I can't find my camera cable, but when i do i'll put up some more photos. Ohhh, and the public buses in la have plasma screens!
Will write again soon, take care
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 21, 2006 from Las Vegas, United States

Feliz Navidad! Merry christmas from Vegas...Americas playground
Las Vegas, United States
This week getting motivated to write has been difficult. It really had been all about killing time. There is an endless amount of things you can do in Vegas, if you have the money. And unfortunately, thats what it comes down too. In some ways you can live really cheap, and yet other things are so expensive.
So...what have I been doing? Been down the strip a few times, which is rather dull during the day, but at night it looks fantastic. But in saying that, it was smaller than I expected. The first night I was here I went with an english girl Gemma to see a show, a christmas present to myself. We saw Cirque du soleil, the Zumanity show. Afterwards, I understood why you had to be 18+ to attend...it was rather risque. Not even risque. There were times that it felt like an acrobatic strip show. But don't get me wrong, it was absolutely phenomenal. At any time there are 4 or 5 different cirque du soleil shows on spread across the big casinos. Kate would love it here!
I spent another day/night walking the strip, and it was seriously, 10 hours of walking that day. We did about 20 kms we worked out, and that was just the inbetween distances, not even including the walking around the casinos and shops. Went to a mall here, and they had runway! Models doing runway in the middle of a mall. Strange.....
SO, I saw the lions at the MGM grand, watched the pirate show at treasure island (strippers on a ship)..they used the phrase 'plunder the sirens cove'. Yep...family show that one. And my absolute favourite, the fountains at the bellagio. At the end of oceans 11 you can see the fountains, and they are better than they look in the movie. I ended up filming the whole thing on my camera, but I can't upload it at this stage (I'll explain later).
One of my highlights I'm sad to say was going to wal-marts. It's so cheap! But the food here, i bought enough to feed myself for a week, and it cost $40, but it's all so sugary. I had vegemite on toast, and I couldn't taste the vegemite. Now thats just not right. The bread was meant to be multigrain as well! So i'm sticking to sourdough, just because you can't add much sugar to that!
I've started buying winter clothes here because it's so cold, the night before I got here it snowed. Seriously people. My skin is drying out from being in a heated environment. But I bought a nerds jumper for $10, which is super cool, and cheap.
The weirdest thing happened last night, was talking to this america guy (from montana) at the hostel bar, and he was talking about the neighbourhood, and how he had to 'protect' himself. So I asked him many questions...and he had THREE knives...and one was the biggest thing ever! It was about the size of my forearm...and legal!
Even the greyhound buses they search your carry on bag to see if you are 'packing'. Right.....I dont think I'm in kansas anymore.
My dorm is pretty quiet which is good, it's an 8 bed dorm, and there has only been 2 or 3 of us in there at any time. Really like a little bit of space. And people not having sex in my dorm. Thats one thing I really like in america, segregated dorms.
So had a big gamble, put $1.50 in 'Kenny Rogers - The Gambler'. It was really quite hillarious. I filmed my losing streak, such a tourist. At least I dont strap my camera to my belt. Unlike some gringos.
Wasn't able to play the dvd my family sent me for christmas, but I did see toms video on you-tube, and the biggest thanks to all the stars! I couldn't keep the smiles off my face! I still am grinning like an idiot thinking about it. It's been hard having christmas on my own, especially as it is spread over two days. (I'm nearly a full day behind here). So right now it's boxing day (which no-one calls it here) in australia. But here it's christmas day. Going to have christmas dinner at the hostel soon. And many beers.
I've taken heaps of photos, but the internet is shit here. You can't put cds into computers, attach cameras, pretty much do anything aside from write emails and browse. So when I get to canada I'm going to invest in a second hand laptop, and the internet is also really expensive. Some places are USD$12 per hour. Stuff that for a joke, as everywhere has free wi-fi! Hostels, casinos, even starbucks. It's a real joke.
The fremont street experience is pretty cool, it is a street with a giant canopy, which is a telly! It's the size of 3000 plasmas, and covers two blocks of the street. These people sure do like their telly....
Also, they sell jagermeister in 1.75 litre bottles! Got a photo of that one too.
Not sure what else to say, i'm planning on cutting short my san fransico experience, and getting on to vancouver. I really want to settle down and get working. I miss having a reason to get up every day (but not as much as I miss Tom - I know, I'm a mushbag).
Also! Girls, the talent I've seen since I left the country, POOR! The best person I've met was australian. Seriously. I've had this debate with many girls (not all of the aussie) and aussie blokes are some of the finest in the world. Go homegrown (or immigrated in my case).
Take care, will try and write from san fransisco. And go singing on waltzing matilda on the trams.
Love sarah
(oh, almost forgot, the corona beers here are cheap, and they are imported by Barton beers ltd. Took a photo of that too!)
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 25, 2006 from Las Vegas, United States

Happy Birthday to Ethan
Las Vegas, United States
Hi Ethan!
Just wishing you a happy eighth birthday, I hope it's been a really nice day. Your car racing set sounds pretty cool, you'll have to make sure you don't lose any of the parts. I have your birthday present here...but it's going to take a little while to come to Australia in the mail. It might not be there for almost a month ok? But it is on the way!
Take care of mum and dad, and I love you!
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 26, 2006 from Las Vegas, United States

Safe and sound in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
Hi! Made it to San Francisco, much to my amazement. After catching the overnight greyhound bus from Vegas to LA, I have revised my theory that it's a good way to save $20 on a nights lodgings, but it all worked out fine...except for the transfer greyhound sold me, from the downtown bus station to the Hollywood bus station. Works better if there is a bus running before your plane leaves. Some awesome south african girls I met at the bus station ended up saving me and driving me to the LA airport, so a big thanks to them:)
So caught my plane, and arrived in San Francisco a few hours ago. It was about to get dark when I got here, so I haven't had a chance to explore at all yet, but hoping to get out reasonably early tomorrow, it's dusk at 5pm here, so it limits the time I can spend kicking around. And I've cut short my time in San Francisco, and bought a plane ticket to vancouver for new years eve. Really want to get up there and settle down a bit and get a job. Start replenishing the funds.
So far I really like here, it seems to have an awesome vibe. Still trying to find an internet cafe where I can upload photos, but no love yet. I have heard of one...so I'm going hunting tomorrow.
My bag seems to have been stuffing itself while I was out and about in Vegas, somehow it has managed to up itself about 7kilos in the last week! I know I have a fair bit of food in there, but seriously. All up I was carrying 30 kilos. And something has to go! Sadly I think it might be one of my 5 books, or 2 journals. But the book exchanges here aren't brilliant, so it just seems like a waste....I only managed to get it checked in by sheer luck at the airport today.
I'll work it out.
Will write again soon,
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 27, 2006 from San Francisco, United States

Totally in love with San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
From the bay to the bars, there is nothing I don't adore about this city. Even in the middle of winter, the weather is perfect. I've met some really cool people at my hostel, and we've spent heaps of time exploring the city. On our first night here, we headed out to a few bars after a free dinner at the hostel (green tortoise hostel, recommend it to anyone) and got a little sloshed.
New friends at my hostel
Not too bad, so the next day we walked all around the city, checking out many of the tourist areas and a few others. Starting our own little three person pub crawl (Jason Kat and myself) and ended up having a big night. I have never felt so naive in my life, the guys took me to a strip club, and it blew me away. It wasn't as sleazy as I expected, and it was really good fun. Apparently we went to the uber tame ones, but my god, those girls are practically acrobats! Very impressed. Ended up having big chats to one girl, who was working as a stripper to put herself through college. A real eye-opening experience. After that we somehow managed to walk to a nightclub around the corner from the hostel, where the bartenders loved us aussies, were giving us free shots of furnet, and we were in the vip area. Not that I remember all of this....Jason had to 'remind' me. Tried to send Tom a drunken email, and it was the hardest thing in my life to log into my email account. And the email, well it looks like a monkey was just randomly bashing the keyboard. Now very glad that my Mobile has never had a sent messages folder. I doubt I would have wanted to ever know what tripe I write when I'm sloshed.
So the next day with hangover in tow, we went and hung out at this cool cafe owned by Francis Ford Coppola, which has the best food at amazingly good prices. After that Kat headed to the airport (onto vancouver - so we'll be catching up later) and myself and the two guys hired bikes, and biked around the bay area, and across the golden gate bridge, and were on the bridge for sunset. One of the best experiences of my trip so far. Even with hangover.
So last night we just chilled and then this morning, went out to Alcatraz prison. Interesting to see, but there were so many tourist everywhere, complete with audio tour (which was great to have, but there were SO many people). After that and walking along the docks by myself, a few of us headed out for tea, and swung past the coolest beat bookstore, and Jack Kerouac street too.
Nob hill...yep, read the sign under it
Really looking forward to Malaysia, kicking about with Kim and Tom. The days won't go fast enough:)
Talk to you soon, heading to Vancouver in the morning.
written by  no_fosters_thanks on December 30, 2006 from San Francisco, United States

Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada
Hi all!
Have arrived into Canada, and have settled into a hostel in downtown. Haven't seen anything yet though, have managed to get tonsilitis and so am fairly well confined to the hostel at this stage.
But things are starting to come together, have my swap orientation on thursday, have all the paperwork ready for my bank account, will even get a Mobile sim card this week.
When I'm feeling better (ie not so sorry for myself) I might venture out and take some sweet photos.
Talk soon,
written by  no_fosters_thanks on January 2, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

Homesickness and job interviews...my favourite things
Vancouver, Canada
Ok. So I'm a big sook. A BIG sook. I acknowledge and accept that fact. And yes, Vancouver IS that cold. So I haven't blogged much lately, not a terrible amount has happened. But what has, I'll fill you in on.
So I came to Vancouver on New Years Eve, and it was a kicking night! Had a few beers, and guess what, Canada has some good beer. Met some awesome people, and the bar went off. An really cool local band played, and you should have heard their last set. They did Johnny Cash covers, and the place went nuts. Hell, I did. Everyone was dancing and just letting go. Good fun.
NYE at the Cambie hostel bar
But unfortunately the next day, I got rather ill. Turned out I had tonsilitis for the millionth time this year, and after a feverish and uncomfortable night (and to be honest, a big fat lecture from my mum via gmail chat) I went to the doctor and got some sweet antibiotics. So, basically the first week in Vancouver, I spent in bed. Didn't venture out too much, just tried to get better. Still have a bit of a cough, but I'm hoping that will bugger off soon.
So during the week, the craziest thing happened. In the morning, I ventured outside the hostel, and there was this huge amount of ice, on this car. And I was like, 'hey, wow, they get so much ice here...must have been a cold night'. Fine. Then I look at the rain, and I was like 'hey, why is the rain white?' (and yes, I am that daft. It took me looking at a nearby park before it clicked. It was SNOW. I have NEVER seen snow in a city before. You should have seen my face!
Snow in Vancouver
So I trudged through the snow, making the job applications, and a little bit of a lack of love. It's weird, never really looked for a job like this before. Aside from KPMG, all my other jobs have just sort of...well, happened. So I got a little discouraged by an overwhelming lack of enthusiasm on behalf of my life. Although, I nearly landed the BEST job. It was mine if I could have made the commitment, but I really like the owner, and I wasn't willing to shaft them. It was at a photo lab, selling photos frames and albums, and playing with digital photos. I was so excited. But, alas, it was not to be.
Found out my phone doesn't work here...so I bought a new one. I mean, it probably works, but telstra isn't in canada. So, I ended up getting a new telephone, which is great, I can text people! Awesome. But phones here work funny, and you dont pay for calls you make, you pay for 'airtime'. So no matter what you do, call OR recieve, you have to pay airtime. But, on the bright side, the airtime rates aren't that bad. And I dont really know anyone, so my bill shouldn't be too bad.
So friday night, I realised I was moping about, so I gave Kaths friend Amber a ring. Brilliant! We ended up catching up the next day, and it was really good. Ambers a really great chick. Amber also works with a recruitment agency, so she put me in contact with Accountemps, on monday morning. (yesterday).
So sunday I moped around again in spectacular fashion. Also did a bit of it yesterday. Did another big job search monday walking around. Been pretty homesick, it's hard to meet people in my hostel too. So I think I might change hostel. I may admit to having a cry in the bathroom. But, it's not the first time, and I'm sure it wont be the last.
I will also admit to having a sneak peek at flights home. But, I would refuse to forgive myself if I gave up, so although I ring tom quite often seeking emotional support, I'm sticking it out. The worst was when I was at the doctor, with a fever and he asked me if I had someone who could take care of me. Such a little mushbag am I.
Um....so accountemps rang me last night, at like 5.30 for an interview in the morning, so this morning was a mad rush to try and buy some interview shoes....an hour before my interview. But I managed! They are ugly, but black shiny boots nonetheless. And cheap:)
Also have an interview
written by  no_fosters_thanks on January 9, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

A Job and a house
Vancouver, Canada
So, just a quick update, I have a job with the accounting temping agency, and i think I will be started my first assignment on Monday! Yay! So that should be really good. Have another interview with the Roots store tomorrow, and I have another interview on sat for a bar/food place on the beach. So, not sure what I'm going to do, I'd rather work as a waitress, better to meet people. The idea is monday to friday accounting, and then bar or store work on the weekend.
The view from the end of Cambie street in Downtown
Also, I thought I had blogged about it, but I guess I deleted it accidentally (such a computer whizz am I), but Tom is coming to Canada! He just has had his work permit approved, so I'm looking for flats at the moment for the two of us, to start leasing March, as we both fly into vancouver early march. There is one I'm looking at this weekend, it's near Kitsilano beach. At least with two of us, we can get a one bedroom flat for about the same price as getting two separate rooms in a house, so we should have a nice place to ourselves. Yay! So we're going to continue the rest of the trip together, which should be a great experience. Looking forward to it. Still haven't changed the travel plans, except we're probably going to spend more time in Eastern europe now, which I'm really excited about. And we will prolly head up to Norway at some stage and annoy John and Kath for awhile.
Also looking forward to Australia day here, trying to find somewhere that will be streaming the triple j hottest 100, but failing that we're going to have a second bash at it in Malaysia with Kim and Tom. And probably a whole world of alcohol. But I'm already a little prepared, as part of my chrissy present Tom sent me a MASSIVE aussie flag, so I'm planning to be a disgrace to all aussies. Sorry.
Talk soon, although planning to be working my sorry little tush off as of monday. Awesome.
written by  no_fosters_thanks on January 11, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

I'm starting to get my shit together
Hi everyone,
just a quick note to let you know that I'm alive and working! I'm working two jobs...hell tired. Doing accounting temp work during the day, and hostessing at night. Also moved into a house for the next month!
Took a photo from out the front of the restaurant. It's on the beach. And yes, that's snow on the beach.
Kitsilano Beach
So tired, will talk to you later after a snooze. And if you want to talk, I have skype! sarahk.barton is my username. Scary people, please don't ring me. If you know me, thats a little different.
Guess what! Tom and I got the apartment we wanted! We will be living in a cute little one bedroom apartment in Kitsilano! Very very very excited. We move in as soon as we come home from Malaysia. fully furnished...and best of all...across the road from the bottle shop.
Thanks.

Everything is gone :(
Before I left aus, I packed up all my stuff, took it to the g-town and put it in storage. Today Dad rang me, there was a fire at the factories, and everything is gone. And uninsured. It's unbelievable, and I'm completely shattered.
Luckily, before I left I thought everything was going to be stored at Mum and Dad's house, so I took a few of my valuables that I didn't want my little brother going through (now, god bless him being the trouble he is) and left them at Toms house. So, I still have my photo albums, shiny things and a few really special items. But everything else is gone. What really upsets me is losing all my quilts that I was half-way through, and especially all the gifts from my 21st. Gutted. More upset that Alf is gone. Sure, I'm not sure he's had a shower in the last 18 years...but I'll still miss him:(
Trying to look on the bright side...at least everything will be matching when I get back. And I totally don;t have to stop myself buying shoes....no longer shall i say 'but i have plenty at home'. Hahaha. I don't have any anymore.
After work I went and bought a block of chocolate. Then stopped off for a hot chocolate. Then stopped at the bottle shop for a 6 pack. Feeling a little better for it, and chatting with Tom for a few hours has really helped too.
Blergh.

6 days left in Vancouver (for my first go)
Wow, it's already nearly time to leave Canada! Only heading to Malaysia for three weeks, but I've been getting itchy feet (and not from hostel showers) to get travelling again. Haven't got much planned for the trip yet, but we'll work it out once we arrive there.
Things have been pretty crazy here, still working heaps of hours, not to mention having a bit of a social life now. I've been at the College for the last month, and really enjoyed my time there. My role has been mainly account recievable monkey work, but it's been a great opportunity, and I love the people. Made good friends with Shannon and Erika, and heading out this Saturday night for Erika's birthday drinks.
This week has also been rather draining, the whole fire thing has really hit home, and it's left me quite odd. It will be fine, but I'm actually really glad I've been on my own. I haven't been able to crawl into a ball and not deal with it, I spazzed out that day, got drunk once or twice (ok, twice), but aside from that I've still had to get up everyday and get on with it.
Have more photos, but I'm using a mac at the moment, and as much as I love them, for some reason safari doesn't want to play when it comes to uploading photos. But I'll add some more in soon. Promise.
Look, you can see the mountains, just down the street!
Something I love about Vancouver, is the sun rises and sets usually while I'm on the skytrain on the way to work. And it's always amazing. Especially as you can see the mountains, all pink, it really makes you go all mushy. And there are people on the train, who don't even see it. It makes me wonder what I miss when I'm on the train going to work back home. Hmmmm...footscray. Yep, maybe not quite the same.
A big thanks to the people who have emailed or texted and the like, it's been great to hear from you.
Little Nana Conlan - Hope all is well, thinking of you and hoping the heat isn't too bad for you at the moment.
Katie and Phil- Good luck on the house, hope you got it (and if you get a puppy, take photos!)
Em and Malte - Still up for the Com fest in scotland? Really keen to make that a definite plan
Missing everyone, but it's 7 sleeps until I'm kicking around with Kimba and Tom (or T-rex as she prefers to call him now) so it's all good from here:)
love sarah
written by  no_fosters_thanks on February 5, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

Selamat datang
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
After a squillion hours of travel (most of them quite fine..) I have arrived in Kuala Lumpur! It's amazingly muggy, but the view from the balcony, more than makes up for it! We're staying with Tom's parents here, and we're having a great time. Catching up with Kimba today, as soon as she calls we're going to meet up in KLCC and have an explore. Or a beer. Or maybe both.
Cityscape
Still trying to work out a game plan for Malaysia, but to be honest it really so far does involve a fair bit of relaxing and nothing to stressful. Both Tom and myself have been working hard to save up for travelling, and will continue when we get back to Vancouver, so now is a good time to just chill and relax for awhile.
We are staying right next to the Patronus towers which as super impressive, but it's amazing how western the malls are underneath the towers. It's weird, just like being back in Aus. I know it's not the same, however it's the closest I've seen since I left home.
The travel here was quite interesting, on the Seattle to los Angeles flight was sat next to a really good guy from Seattle, who was flying to Australia to study! So we had great chats the whole flight, and ended up having dinner together and a few drinks at the bar. It was like some Christmas movie...where we where in Denver and snowed in or something. It was just really nice for both of us, I could tell him about Aus, and vice versa.
The flight to KL was interesting...I found out when I was looking at the board I has read my flight wrong. Turns out it wasn't a 14 hour flight. It was a 14 hour flight to my STOPOVER IN TAEPAI! and then two hours there and ANOTHER 4 hours to Malaysia. On finding this out, my initial reaction was to swear, and then try and find out where Taepai was. Turns out I was going to Taiwan. Interesting. And unexpected. We all got pulled of the plane and had a random security check, which I find intimidating after they announce on the plane over the PA that they are required to remind us, the penalty for drug trafficking is DEATH. Riiight. Lucky I had left all the drugs in Bolivia. (only joking dad, I can't afford drugs...beer costs to much).
Will update again later, hope to talk to everyone soon. Also, Erin, totally hope to catch up with you in canada, we'll be heading to Toronto later in the year, I'm not sure how long you will be there for, but let us know!
Love
written by  no_fosters_thanks on February 14, 2007 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

So yes - sweet
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
So, seeing as Tom and I will be travelling together for the rest of the trip (score), we did discuss the possibility of having a shared blog. But, it's a lot of commitment, and due to the potential of artistic differences (ok, really we have different ideas on what my nana might like to hear about) Tom has his own blog.
It's more interesting than mine... so please go and check it out. He's already written about our travels in Malaysia (quick summary-couch to fridge to couch. Then couch to shop with beer then to fridge then couch. Awesome)
http://www.blogabond.com/haveyouseenmypassport
Will write soon, but very busy with beer and food. And pash rash. Ok, so mine isn't always nana friendly too.
What a handsome mat salai...
Mesjid at KLCC
written by  no_fosters_thanks on February 21, 2007 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Jungle and the city
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Explored some more in the last few days, knocking the major tourist stuff off the list. There is so Buket Bintang, Menara Kuala Lumpur (big tower), and a little Jungle walk too. The food in Kuala Lumpur is to die for, we've had Japanese, Thai, Australian, Spanish tapas and all of it has been amazing.
Tom and monkeys
With visiting the Menara Kuala Lumpur, to be honest, I expected more. Even though it was a comparatively clear day, it was still hard to see quite far. The smog and the distant rain just made it hazy. However at the bottom of the tower there was a little 'jungle' walk, which was far more interesting the the tower itself. The first section itself had two types of monkey, and they were just playing around in the trees and on the path. The rest of the walk was quite interesting, strange experience walking through the 'jungle', with big arse leafy trees and mozzies and then the sound of the freeway. Nothing like a tranquil walk...and then walking across a couple of startled locals sharing some pot. I don't think they expected to see us!
Take care in heels
Tomorrow the plan is to hit up a photography gallery and maybe a craft centre. Lucky tom.
written by  no_fosters_thanks on February 23, 2007 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

More food...
The last three weeks have absolutely flown past, Kimba has already gone home, and we'll be heading off to our respective countries in two days time. Finally done some more sightseeing, which we managed to squeeze inbetween meals.
Kimbas' aunt (film star in Malaysia back in the day) took us to Putrajaya, which was stunning. Toured around the new office building, went past the palace, the prime ministers residence and the national mosque.
Would have loved to see inside a mosque, however I doubt Noor thought we were quite the devout muslims and didn't offer to take us inside....so we didn't ask. However Noor did take us to Royal Selangor Golf Course, which is pretty amazing (although the drive by of KLGCC- much more impressive) and we had lunch there.
No trumpets allowed - Royal Selangor golf club
For some reason it had the most amusing signs...but I'm the first to admit, it took me a little too long to realise that it really meant that no horns allowed. Kim had mentioned how she was forcefed by her aunt....which we were all subject to. You - eat this. Stuffed full wouldn't even begin to describe it.
Kim, breaking it down now
The post lunch expedition took us to some wetlands, but we struggled to see the wetness. Strange considering how much it rains in KL. Not really much to report there. Kimba did dance for us at the top of the, tall thing with stairs. Wouldn't call it a tower...but it had some height.
Post stair thing, we headed back to Kimba's aunts place, and chilled till her cousin Kay finished uni, then headed to Sri Hartamas for various adventures....none of which dad I can confirm resulted in me getting a tattoo. I did consume a few beers. We had a great night, some of Kay's friends came with us, we had dinner and beers and some sort of massive smoking thing, that tasted like watermelon and apple. Very tasty.
Smashing beers at
Proud to say we acted like responsible young adults...and bought a little bottle of vodka and smashed it with our Coke, seeing as the venue was beer free. Honestly. In the words of Kahmahl, why are people so unkind?
Altogether we had a smashing time (brilliant and beer-wise), but I'm sad to be leaving:( It's been great seeing everything, and spending time with Kimba and Tom, and Tom's family.
Tomorrow is our last day here before I fly out, and then it's back to Canada and responsibility. And work. Argh. But there will be plenty more adventures coming up soon.
written by  no_fosters_thanks on March 2, 2007 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Blading at Stanley Park
Tom and Erika skating
Not much I can say about this really, Tom, Erika and I hired sweet rollerblades, and skated around part of stanley park. Although, watch out for the salmon crossing, no-one likes roadkill.
Salmon Crossing
written by  no_fosters_thanks on April 9, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

Ice-hockey, beer and UBC
Crazy, just looking at the google map above, it's insane to think how far I've come...and also how much of it was overland! You would think after 28 hour bus trips in South America, that I would appreciate plane travel more. But I think people get to caught up in 'losing' time while in transit...one of my favourite views in Bolivia, was while we were on a chicken bus going through a tunnel, while travelling in the Andes. I'm actually looking forward to going across Canada by bus, granted, some of it will be boring (I'm predicting the prairies), going through the rockies by bus, awesome. Not to mention going through USA, where we can see lots of their cool country barns. I find them hillarious.
This week has been a bit social for us, Thursday we headed out with an Aussie contingent to Room 18, our local bar to watch the hockey, the Vancouver Canucks vs. Dallas. Sadly, we lost that game in overtime, but hey, it's best out of 7...so we're still in with a chance. Was a great night, quite amusing when the massive bench 3 of our party was sitting on broke, and consequently propped with with milk crates. Very classy. The poor waitress nearly went out of her mind with this dilemma. We agreed that she had to be new.
Friday night we went over to a house leaving party, for a bloke I used to work with when I first got to Canada. The house was due to be demolished, so we gave it a rousing farewell...actually we drank, played Texas hold'em and other board games.
Pilsner
But it was a good night, our friends Shannon and John picked us up and drove us home, so we got home all safe and sound:)
Saturday we just slept in...had a house day catching up on important business....trying to continue with learning spanish, which is going slowly but steadily.
Today we went for a walk around UBC parklands, which was rather surreal. UBC is like a little town all of it's own, even with it's own MacDonalds. Going from RMIT university, which is just random buildings scattered throughout the CBD, to a well developed region....strange.
UBC parklands
But the parklands were quite nice....and it was a good form of exercise.
Still trying to plan our trip trans canada, but apparently according to Tom, I have a few 'reality' issues in regards to how much time and money we have. But hey, I'll get there in the end:)
written by  no_fosters_thanks on April 22, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

Canadian house parties and compulsive fibbers
The parent creatures seem pretty happy with the once weekly 'I'm alive' phone call, however displeased when it's short due to imminent free beer. Honestly, you would think your parents would want whats best for their children.
Tom's sweet mullet
Basically, I'm pretty gutted, due to my mum preferring Tom's blog to mine, even after I pointed out that very little is related to reality. And apparently I try to kill him every week in a new and creative manner. THE LIES!!!! It's taken a few days to calm down...but my overwhelming jealous moment is well under control. However, Tom's mullet keeps increasing...he says he's going to try and look like Tom cruise ala MI2. Crazy.
So the weekend just gone was a bit of fun...we headed out to the Richmond Ikea, which was pretty awesome. I'm not sure how much Tom enjoyed the experience, but I had a ball. I'll admit, it was very similar to the Ikea at home, and I love both of them equally. Is it lame when tourist attractions include foreign ikeas? It's almost tempting when I go to Sweden to go to ikea there....except I'm sure they won't have the explanation of what something is...and you know what, I need it sometimes. Incidentally, the swedish words for kitchen chairs are apparently all boys names. There you go.
Cultural merger....
Saturday night we were invited to a bbq, hosted by my co-worker Rose. There are pictures of Tom and I with her teenie tiny dog...smaller than the cat. It was a pretty good night, beer and snags...very very tasty.
Other than that, we've just confirmed, we will be leaving Vancouver on June 3rd...and are confirmed to arrive in London on July 7th. Jeez, hope I get my passport back from the UK embassy soon!
So doot crew and mates in the Uk, get your livers ready! Also vancouverites, book in a leaving party, details soon!
written by  no_fosters_thanks on April 29, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

"It's a treasure hunt, at your local thrift store"
Kits Beach
**update** So totally nothing interesting has happened. At all. I worked, drank beer, teased Tom, and bought bus tickets. Greyhound 30 DAY DISCOVERY PASS! Thats right North America, you shall suffer my travels for 30 days of invasive discovery. Hahahahaha **update waaaay over**
A real sign, complete with a picture of an old school pirate treasure map. Oh, of all the days to forget my camera. Who knew that a trip to the mall would be so eventful?
Saturday we ventured all the way out to Burnaby, marking Tom's first trip on the skytrain. (incidentally, have you noticed we've run out of lots of free stuff to do in vancouver, we're really stretching our imaginations now). At Burnaby was the rather large, confusing shopping mall of Metrotown. Wow. They even have people on rollerblades 'shopper assistants' to aid you. Which you need, with the most CONFUSING floor plan known to man. I cannot count the times we got lost, and then by the time we were slightly orientated, trying to find an atm..lost again! However, we did find the best store, called 'ages 3 and up' which sold geek toys. They had a person sized statue of Gundam. Now you can see why we needed a camera!
We managed to find a webcam in londondrugs, so we rang all our families, and proved that we're alive and well with video evidence.
Monday afternoon was the most gorgeous day, so we walked down to the beach and played frisbee...which I'm ashamed to say wasn't a success. Well, a success in the regard that Tom got plenty of exercise, and utter failure that my throwing skills are much diminished.
Tonight we're heading to the Vancouver Art Gallery to see some photography exhibits with a girl from work, so that should be great fun.
4 weeks until we leave Vancouver now, off to Banff and Lake Louise first, get in some horse-riding up there! Super excited!
written by  no_fosters_thanks on May 8, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

Leaving Vancouver
Ok, I'll finish my blog entry soon...I promise. But the day has come, we're bussing out of vancouver today, heading for the awesome, Lake Louise. So, contact will be more random, but YAY! On the road again.
Finished work friday, spend all weekend with amber and simon, and very soon it's time to leave. But enough time for bacon and eggs first!
Chatskies soon
written by  no_fosters_thanks on June 3, 2007 from Vancouver, Canada

Iguazu falls, island view

John at Iguazu falls, superior trail

Iguazu falls

Church at Salta

View over Salta

Night at the Uyuni train station

Salt Flat hotel..all made from salt

Sunset near the salt flats

Salt Flats

Chris and us at the salt flats

The 6 aussies on the salt flats tour

Toyosa 4WD for our 4 day tour

6 aussies at a bus stop (someone had to take the photo!)

Local bolivian children

Sunset at Copacabana, from our hostel balcony

Isla Del Sol

Sigh at the backpackers....very funny

Cathedral in the Plaza of Cusco

Australia....or bolivia

Ruins at the Isla del Sol, on lago titicaca

Alpaca steaks..with pepper, red wine and mush sauce...and beer

Another church in Cusco

Church in Cusco

Convento de la Merced

Plaza

Convento de la merced

Our hostel street

The start of the inca trail...Km 82

1st day, inca terraces

1st Day in the sacred valley of the incas

1st day, and sweet mountains

When turtles attack

Maccas...vegas style

More shiny lights

New York New York

Inside the New York New York casino

The MGM grand lion

Also inside New York New York

I lost over $1 on this little baby, I didn't know when to fold 'em

Random motels everywhere

Shotgun weddings

The venetian hotel, pretty cool at night

They sell Corona bikinis!

They have sweet t-shirts over here

The fremont st experience, its a giant telly

For you Kate and Phil, more ambulance

In vegas with my sweet Nerds jumper

More fremont st

Scary guy at my hostel bar

Fun times at the vegas hotel bar

New friends at my hostel

Nob hill...yep, read the sign under it

Bellagio conservatory

San Francisco waterfront at night

Jason Kat and myself...prior to corruption

Alcatraz

Hungover at Francis Ford Coppolas cafe....hell yeah

Golden Gate Bridge

Strange roman ruins...in the middle of San Francisco. I dont know

Sunset from the Golden Gate Bridge

One of my fav photos from the whole trip

Vancouver

NYE at the Cambie hostel bar

Ok, more slush in Vancouver

The view from the SWAP office

View over Vancouver from Stanley Park

Totem poles in Stanley Park

My massive Aussie flag and I

Gastown and some snow!

The view from the end of Cambie street in Downtown

Look, you can see the mountains, just down the street!

The view from Granville St Bridge

Kitsilano Beach

Sweet car

What a handsome mat salai...

National Mosque

Kim and Tom in front of stuff, sans beer

Kim, breaking it down now

Smashing beers at