Recommended Reads

Top Ten Travel Blogs from 2011

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Inspired by Adventurous Kate’s recent run-down of the best blogs of 2011, I’ve decided to put together a list of the ten blogs that I most enjoyed reading in 2011. Apologies to Kate in advance for stealing her very good idea.

It’s been a shade over a year since I started this little project of mine and it’s hard to believe how far it’s come and how many great friends I’ve made as a result of it. Whether it’s been Korean BBQ with Bitten by the Travel Bug, inappropriate conversations with The Mellyboo Project, or entirely too many beers at Travel Massive with the likes of Brooke vs the World and It’s Good Overseas – I count myself very lucky to have met so many fascinating people over the past twelve months.

Dedicated to The Mellyboo Project, who left Australia yesterday and made it less cool

And then there’s the friends I’ve made that I’ve yet to meet. My bald brother Anthony from Man vs Clock; my back-up spouse from Reclaiming My Future; fellow Koreaphile Nomadic Samuel; and the always amusing Raymond from Man on the Lam are all people I’m looking forward to sharing a beer with when our travels bring us into the same country.

The list below is just a taste of some of the blogs that I enjoyed reading in 2011. There are dozens of others that I love, and you’ll find them in my regular Recommended Reads columns. But for now, in no particular order, here are the ten blogs that rocked in 2011.

 

Drumroll Please…

 

#10 – Man vs Clock

It’s not just because I have mad respect for a fellow bald man, I swear. What gets me about Anthony’s blog is the honesty of it.

You’re not just getting dry recounts of recent experiences or glossy guidebook versions of events, you’re seeing things through the man’s eyes and reading about his development as life on the road shapes him. It’s a blog not only for travel junkies, but also for people who want to grow emotionally whether they’re out on the road or reading from the safety of their couch.

What I really like about Anthony’s blog, and I can see Kate highlighted this as well, is that the man constantly strives to challenge himself. Whether he’s volunteering in soup kitchens or making the insane (but commendable) decision to quit drinking for six months, Anthony’s blog is full of personal triumphs. It makes for inspiring reading.

My favorite post? His recently published It’s Okay Not to be Okay.

You can follow @manvsclock on Twitter or Like Man vs Clock on Facebook.

 

#9 – Idelish

There aren’t many blogs out there that look quite as good as Jeremy and Shirlene’s fantastic blog. From their easy to read layout to the stunning photos that adorn their posts, you won’t find a better feast for your eyes than this one.

Idelish isn’t just a pretty face either. Their entries, whether about surfing goofy foot in Hawaii or giving excellent photography tips, their entries are well written and packed with helpful tips. I particularly love the little summary box that caps off each post.

My favorite post? Their recent picture laden post about scuba diving in Cozumel.

You can follow @idelish on Twitter or Like Idelish on Facebook.

 

#8 – Man on the Lam

No blog (except maybe Hyperbole & a Half, but it’s not a travel blog) makes me laugh as often or as consistently as Raymond’s Man on the Lam project.

If all the blog did was make me laugh, that would probably be enough to get it on the list, but Man on the Lam isn’t just amusing anecdotes about kissing lady boys – he’s contemplating mortality in Vietnam or discussing annoyances both innocuous and outright offensive that he’s encountered during his travels.

Man on the Lam treads that line between entertainment and enlightenment, and I love it for that.

My favorite post? His recent piece about chasing your dreams rather than settling for a h0-hum existence – Out of the Closet and Into the Peat.

You can follow @manonthelam1 on Twitter or Like Man on the Lam on Facebook.

 

#7 – Bitten by the Travel Bug

I look at Nicole as a bit of a kindred spirit, even if she does have an unhealthy obsession with the city she inexplicably calls RADelaide. We’re both Aussie, we’re both ridiculously good looking, and we’re both relatively new bloggers gradually making our way in the crowded travel blogging scene.

Nicole’s got a real passion for travel and it comes across in every post she puts together. Her boundless enthusiasm extends to everything from attending international rules games to having Korean BBQ with roguishly handsome Aussie bloggers. She’s a font of wisdom when it comes to pursuing a career in US camp counselling and is one of the most active Tweeters I’ve ever seen.

But what makes Nicole stand out is that she’s a genuinely lovely person. She’s always happy to provide some feedback or some help on a new project. This is a girl who loves travel blogging almost as much as she loves travel.

My favorite post? Her fight to protect Vegemite from oppressive camp counsellors.

You can follow @nicoletravelbug on Twitter or Like Bitten by the Travel Bug on Facebook.

 

#6 – A Dangerous Business

I first stumbled across Amanda’s wonderful blog late in 2010 when I was new to the blogging thing and planning a trip to New Zealand. There are few bloggers out there I trust when it comes to the topic of NZ more than Amanda.

It doesn’t stop at New Zealand though. Amanda’s recent travels through the US have been every bit as interesting as her adventures in the Shaky Isles. Her layout is easy to read and her photos are amongst the best you’ll find. Her regular Travel Smackdown and Thursday Traveler posts are great features.

My favorite post? Her thought-provoking post on so called ‘dark travel’.

You can follow @dangerousbiz on Twitter or Like A Dangerous Business on Facebook.

 

#5 – Never-Ending Footsteps

Lauren’s adventures never cease to amuse and amaze me. For a pretty and pint-sized girl  she seems to get into more trouble and up to more crazy adventures than anybody else I know.

Lauren’s out living life as if there’s no tomorrow and sharing her weird and wonderful tales with us. Whether she’s touring ghostly Pripyat or living the dream in a restaurant full of girls in nurse outfits, Lauren’s stories are always well written and likely to put a smile on your dial.

Although I am disappointed that her slippery fingered massage never made it to the blog…

My favorite post? Her recent superhero turn in Shanghai.

You can follow @NEfootsteps on Twitter or Like Never-Ending Footsteps on Facebook.

 

#4 – Don’t Ever Look Back

Amy and Kieron are an awesome couple of Aussies out living the dream and seeing as much as they can while they’re at it. There’s over 30 pages of content on their site and these two crazy kids are showing no signs of stopping. They’re also super helpful as well – with Kieron playing tech support to me a few times in the past couple of weeks.

I still owe you that beer, mate.

They’ve hung out with Beluga whales, climbed on Icelandic glaciers, and hit up the MTV Music Awards, and plenty more to boot.

My favorite post? This compilation of useful tips for RTW travel collected from fellow travelers.

You can follow @amzkiz on Twitter or Like Don’t Ever Look Back on Facebook.

 

#3 – Seattle’s Travels

Rest assured, I haven’t let my well documented bias towards pretty red-heads influence my decision here. When it comes to capturing the beauty of a place, nobody does it quite like Seattle.

Here photos are amongst the best I’ve seen in the travel blogging community, and her penchant for traveling off of the regular tourist track means she’s got no shortage of interesting shots to share.

She’s boated the Bosphorus and flown over Niagara Falls in a chopper, but my second favorite post? Her exploration of the Icelandic coast.

My favorite post? Her amusing list of 40 signs that you’re a true traveler.

You can follow @seattlestravels on Twitter or Like Seattle’s Travels on Facebook.

 

#2 – yTravel Blog

Caz and Craig are travel blogging celebrities here in Australia. When I first started Aussie on the Road, I’d look on at their wonderful site with envy.

Hell, I still do.

Despite the success of their site, this dynamic duo couldn’t be more helpful. From the very start, even when my blog was generating a pathetic 40-50 hits a day, they were there with words of encouragement. Thanks guys!

But that’s not a reason to go read their blog.

It’s a cliche to say it, but there really is something for everybody over at yTravel Blog. From teaching tips to budgeting advice to travel tales to frank discussion of the travel blogging business – there’s so much content on here that you could spend days poring over it and still wouldn’t have done it all justice. There’s also plenty of thought-provoking and inspiring posts in the mix as well.

Not to mention their very cool podcast.

My favorite post? Their tips to all new travel bloggers. It helped me a lot.

You can follow @ytravelblog on Twitter or Like yTravel Blog on Facebook.

 

#1 – The Runaway Guide

This guy is an inspiration to all would be travelers. Leif has been out on the road since he ran away from home at age 16. He’s been out traveling as long as I’ve been legal able to have sex.

Not that I took advantage of that immediately…

Leif’s blog isn’t just full of interesting stories – he’s packed it with great guidebooks and tips about everything from sex in hostels to the ever important hangover cure.

He lives life to the full. He’s been at the heart of the civil unrest in Cairo and lived to tell the tale. He’s been detained by UK immigration as a potential terrorist. You know, the usual travel stuff.

My favorite post? This great set of tips for people planning to follow in his runaway footsteps.

You can follow @therunawayguide on Twitter or Like The Runaway Guide on Facebook.

 

Whaddya Think?

So, there are my favorites from 2011 – but who would make yours? Are there any criminal omissions on my part? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Idaho, Theme Park Review, United States

Theme Park Review: Silverwood, Idaho

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My First (And So Far Only) US Theme Park

 

Coasters! Glorious coasters!

Back in 2009 I was spending six weeks exploring the Pacific North West of the United States with my then girlfriend. While our trips didn’t take us to iconic US landmarks such as Times Square, Washington DC, or Disney World – I was determined to hit up at least one theme park during my time in the country.

After all, what is more quintessentially American than a day at a theme park wolfing down unhealthy food and screaming yourself hoarse on roller coasters?

Baseball, maybe.

Following on from my recent review of Everland in South Korea, here are my thoughts on Silverwood theme park in sleepy Athol, Idaho.

All photos by Fallon Fehringer.

About Silverwood

Idaho is an often overlooked corner of an often overlooked portion of the United States. Aside from a visit to Forks by Twilight nerds and a possible stop-off in Seattle to worship at the shrine of grunge or Starbucks, people tend to leave the idyllic north-west out of their travel plans when heading to the States.

Posing out front of Silverwood’s cute front entrance

So I was a tad surprised to find a theme park in Idaho, let alone in the sleepy north where the population isn’t quite as dense as you’d find in the south near Boise or Pocatello. In fact, Silverwood lies in a tiny little town that shares the same name as my grandfather – Athol.

It’s a short drive from beautiful Coeur D’Alene and about thirty minutes from Spokane in Washington State, which is the nearest city of any real size.

Prices for Silverwood hover around the $40 mark, with discounts available for people having the foresight to book online.

In true theme park fashion, Silverwood boasts a number of themed zones including Coaster Alley, Country Carnival, and Boulder Beach. I was unable to experience Boulder Beach during my visit on account of it being just above freezing.

Want to know more? Check out Silverwood’s website.

Thrill Factor

When you’ve got an area in your park named ‘Coaster Alley’, it’s a safe assumption that you’re a park that caters to the thrill-seeking demographic. Despite being a relatively small park, Silverwood sports a pretty awesome selection of four coasters – two wooden and two steel.

Posing out front of Coaster Alley. Heaven!

Of the four roller-coasters on offer when I visited on a chill October afternoon, three of them were in action for me to try. Much to my dismay the ominous looking Aftershock (a giant inverted boomerang style coaster) was closed due to the high winds. Sad face.

All told the park has a respectable five thrill rides:

  • Tremors – A fun wooden coaster featuring four tunnels, including one through the gift shop.
  • Timber Terror – A wooden coaster that, since 2010, has run backwards. Epic.
  • Aftershock – The aforementioned inverted boomerang.
  • Corkscrew – A traditional ‘classic’ coaster. It boasts the record of being the world’s first steel coaster and the world’s first to take people upside down twice. Relocated from Knott’s Berry Farm in California.
  • Panic Plunge – A 147 foot drop much like Dream World’s much larger Giant Drop.
Horrified by the terror of Panic Plunge
A view from the Ferris wheel and out onto Coaster Alley

While there may not be a huge selection of rides for thrill-seekers, four roller-coasters certainly can’t be sneezed at. It’s a pretty intimidating selection as well.

Thrill Factor: 7/10

Family Factor

There are a lot of rides at Silverwood that aim at the family demographic. A lot.

  • Thunder Canyon – Classic river rapid ride. Closed when I visited.
  • Log Flume – Classic log flume with an inspired name.
  • Bumper Boats – Dodgem cars in the water. Lots of fun.
  • Sky Diver – Similar to the Scuba Diver at Dream World. Lots of fun.
  • Paratrooper – Classic fairground attraction.
  • Ferris Wheel – Romantic!
Looking down at the Bumper Boats ‘arena’ from the Ferris Wheel

That only covers a few of them. All told there are twelve rides in Country Carnival as well as the attached water-park (Boulder Beach) with eight separate attractions ranging from water slides to outdoor play areas to the ubiquitous wave pool.

The park also plays host to a variety of shows throughout the year (right now there is an illusion show, for example) as well as a Wild West themed train ride. I’m told Garfield and Odie also roam the park from time to time, although I missed that.

With a nice, accessible layout that isn’t too sprawling – Silverwood is an easy park to explore. That’s a  big plus.

Family Factor: 7.5/10

Kid Factor

On the day of my visit I was doggedly determined to ride every (open) ride, so I have a little more hands on experience with the kids rides than I probably should.

The girl tiredly manning the Flying Elephants ride was most amused at my decision to ride solo. I couldn’t convince the girlfriend to tag along no matter how vehemently I swore the ride would be awesome.

And it was.

Time of my life!

Kids rides at Silverwood include:

  • Frog Hopper – A miniature version of the Panic Plunge.
  • Tiny Toot Roller Coaster – A cute little coaster for the kids.
  • Flying Elephants – Spin round and round and choose whether to go up or down.
  • Red Baron – As above, but with biplanes.
  • Kiddie Wheel – A tiny Ferris wheel. Very cute.

There are a handful of others as well. All told the park boasts an impressive selection of kid specific or kid friendly rides. Much moreso than Everland or Dream World.

Kid Factor: 6.5/10

Atmosphere

It’s hard to accurately judge a park’s atmosphere when you visit it near abandoned on a dreary Fall afternoon when a great chunk of its rides are out of action.

A cute kid having a bite to eat in his dinosaur costume. As you do.

Silverwood has a quaint feel to it despite being quite an impressive park. There’s a heavy focus on a theme that I’d call Wild West but which locals would probably consider colonial.

I don’t know how crowded Silverwood might get in the busy season, but it was pleasantly quiet for my visit. No queues!

Atmosphere Rating: 6/10

Food

Being on a tight budget meant we ate a big meal before heading to the park and then went home to cook dinner – but I did find an excuse to sneak in Sno Cone despite the bitter cold.

For the most part the park offers the usual theme park cuisine. Burgers, pizza slices, hot dogs, soda, and even Mexican food are on tap. There’s also traditional sarsaparilla to be had at the High Moon Saloon as well as the sit down restaurant, Lindy’s, which offers classic diner food.

Wouldn’t mind a visit there now actually. This diet is killing me.

A good selection available at the US’s (comparably) low rate.

Food Rating: 7/10

Best Ride

I’m sure I’d be screaming out Aftershock’s name if I’d had the opportunity to ride it, but the winds ensured that wouldn’t be happening. So the winner by default would have to go to Tremors.

Do I have a thing for wooden coasters? Tremors joins Everland’s T-Express in the best rides column to make wooden coasters 2 for 2.

Honorable mention to the Flying Elephants. Man, they rocked my world.

Overall

Silverwood isn’t likely to measure up against a lot of parks in the United States. In the country where Disney and Six Flags have a monopoly on the theme park business and names like Cedar Point and Busch Gardens stand out as the best of the best, Silverwood doesn’t really leap immediately to mind.

The sun came out just as we left. Typical.

But it’s a park with a foursome of roller-coasters and plenty of other rides in an area of the country (the Idaho/Montana/Washington State region) that doesn’t exactly come bursting at the seams with fun days out for the family. And I say that with the greatest of love for the region.

If for whatever reason your travels find you in northern Idaho (and count yourself lucky if they do), Silverwood isn’t a bad way to spend the day. And maybe all of the rides will be open when you visit…

Seoul, South Korea, Theme Park Review

Theme Park Review: Everland, South Korea

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Everland – Korea’s Happy Place


I pose at the Everland entrance
I pose at the entrance to Everland in October 208.

While a trip to South Korea will doubtless be about the country’s rich history and fascinating culture, there’s still room for a bit of fun along the way. As the country continues to embrace Western ideals and adopt Western traditions, theme parks have begun to crop up all over the land of the morning calm.

Paramount amongst this ever-growing selection of theme parks are Seoul’s ‘big two’ – Everland in nearby Suwon, and Lotte World in the heart of the nation’s capital.

I’ve been to Everland twice now. Once with my friend Tash in 2008 and again a few months later with Tash, Jami, and Krystin (the Shinga crew) in the aftermath of a debauched Seoul weekend. More on that another time…

What follows is the first in what may be a regular series of theme park reviews. I’ll add to the list as I visit more parks. Let’s get the ball rolling.

About Everland

Everland is South Korea’s largest theme park and in 2007 ranked as the tenth most attended theme park in the world. Just outside Yongin, and a short bus ride (or pricey taxi ride) from Seoul, Everland looks and feels a bit like a Disney Land clone. From the fairy tale castles to the bright colors, the place clearly draws its inspiration from the Disney franchise that has yet to make its presence felt on the peninsula.

Like Dream World here in Australia, Everland also boasts a sister water-park in the form of Caribbean Bay.

Like almost all things in Korea, Everland is remarkably cheap. You’re looking at only 38,000 won (approximately $32 Australian) for a day pass – which is less than half of what a day in Dream World would set you back.

The park is divided into a number of themed zones that include Aesop’s Village, Zoo-Topia, European Adventure, and Magic Land.

You can learn more about Everland through its website.

 

Thrill Factor

I don’t know about everybody else, but when I head to a theme park, I’m making a bee-line for their thrill rides.

I was a late bloomer when it came to falling in love with being thrown around and scared half to death – having a daring college girlfriend definitely changed my tune. I went from a kid whose biggest indulgence was the ferris wheel to somebody who wanted to ride every ride at every park he ever went to.

A view of the T Express from the chair-lift
The intimidating T-Express as seen from the chair-lift. Photo by Jami Esbenshade.

Everland offers a modest selection of thrill rides – including two roller coasters. A third coaster, the very cool Eagle’s Nest, was closed a few years. It will be missed. The thrill rides include:

  • Rolling X Train – A standard coaster boasting two loops and two corkscrews. Nothing special.
  • T Express – The world’s steepest wooden roller coaster and a bloody terrific ride. I’ve been four times and I still love it.
  • Let’s Twist – 3D spinning claw ride.
  • Double Rock Spin – A Waikiki Wave Super Flip similar to Dream World’s Wipeout.

As you can see, it’s pretty slim pickings if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. That said, the T-Express would rank as the best coaster I’ve had the pleasure of riding – so it’s worth a look if you can survive the 90-120 minute queues.

Thrill Factor: 5/10 (+1 for T Express) = 6/10

 

Family Factor

As a family theme park, Everland really comes into its own. The vast majority of attractions and rides are clearly geared towards catering to families both local and foreign. The park’s family friendly rides include (but are not limited to):

  • The Hurricane – Standard gravity spin ride.
  • Columbus Adventure – ‘Viking’ style boat ride. Quite thrilling.
  • Lily Dance – Tea cup style ride.
  • Racing Coaster – Kid friendly rollercoaster. I lost my glasses on this ride.
  • Royal Jubilee Carousel – Typically ornate carousel.
  • Amazon Express – Fun river rapid ride. Always has a long line.
  • Herbivore Safari – A guided tour featuring various animals including tigers, giraffes, and lions.
  • Flume Ride – A traditional (and very wet) flume ride.
  • Ferris wheel – A massive Ferris wheel that would provide an amazing view if it didn’t have green tinted perspex to stop suicidal teens.
  • A super creepy ‘boat ride around the world’ populated with dolls. A scary knock-off of It’s a Small World After All.
Riding the Columbus Adventure

 

The creepy dolls of the It’s a Small World knock-off

The park also boasts a small zoo that features a number of animals from around the world including kangaroos, lion cubs, and various lizards and insects. Like many Korean zoos, the standard of animal enclosures is below what you might expect in the western world. Seeing lion cubs crawling around a small cement room doesn’t exactly warm the heart.

Jami looking super cute in her souvenir headband. Photo by Krystin Hawkins.

All told though, there is plenty to keep a bunch of kids occupied for the day without boring the parents senseless. A few of the family rides are enjoyable enough for big kids, and there’s plenty of benches around for parents to rest their sore feet while kids scream gleefully.

Family Factor: 8/10

 

Kid Factor

While it could possibly fall under family factor, I feel like most parks these days have areas that are entirely for the rug-rats. From Dream World’s Wiggle World to Everland’s Aesop’s Village – targeting the smaller of park visitors is a sure fire way to ensure nagging kids will prompt return business.

I pose with a few of the locals from Aesop’s Village

Aesop’s Village draws its inspiration from the fables of Aesop, and a variety of colorful statues litter the area for kids to pose with. Along with the aforementioned family rides, there are a few kid specific attractions such as:

  • Pororo 3D Adventure – A 3D ride based on the popular Pororo cartoon.
  • A traditional kid’s play area
  • Ball House – Kids fire colorful foam balls at one another. Wish I could try it!
My little brother eying the big bad wolf in Aesop’s Village. Photo by Tony Bush.

Rides such as the Racing Coaster and Lily Dance also cover kids well, but mostly it’s wandering the decorated streets of Aesop’s Village that will keep the little ones entertained. They’ll doubtless get a kick out of the animals on display in the Zoo-Topia area of the park too.

Kid Factor: 7/10

 

Atmosphere

Much like the Disney family of parks it so obviously draws inspiration from/plagiarises blatantly; Everland is alive with brightly colored facades and various colorful characters scattered about the park. There are plenty of opportunities to snap photos and pose with random representations of classic fairy-tale characters.

The river rapid winds through a mock jungle. Photo by Krystin Hawkins.

An area of particular note is the truly massive rose garden that lies between the park and its on site luxury hotel. My gardening obsessed father roamed for quite a while through the red, white, and black lined paths. It’s pretty bloody impressive.

Like most areas of Korea, Everland is crowded and you’ll need to be prepared for the inevitable jostling and accidental bumps. Korea shares much of Asia’s different interpretations as to what constitutes personal space. You can also expect liberal requests for photos from over-excited teenage girls as well if you’re a foreigner.

Atmosphere Rating: 8/10

 

Food

Being a theme park in Korea, Everland offers up a unique mix of traditional theme park fare (hot dogs, burgers, churros, and pizza) alongside the option to try some local food as well. There aren’t many parks in the world where you can start off your day with a traditional meal of rice, bulgogi, and kimchi and finish it with a slice of super cheesy pizza. It’s a pretty cool experience.

Truly awful ‘chicken burger’ from Everland. Photo by Jami Esbenshade.

The drawback to all of this is that none of the food is particularly amazing. The churros are often a little hard, the burgers are generic and not particularly flavorful, and even the local food is what you’d expect from mass-produced cuisine.

Food pricing is higher than your average bite to eat in South Korea, but still more affordable than you’d expect at most theme parks.

Food Rating: 6/10

 

Best Ride

This one goes to the T Express without a shadow of a doubt. It’s one of the most heart-pumping adrenaline rides I’ve had the pleasure of riding, and it honestly feels like it’s scarier the second or third time you ride it than it was the first. That first sheer drop (it feels almost vertical) is amazing and the head-choppers (parts of the ride that create the illusion that you might be accidentally decapitated) keep your heart in your throat for much of the ride.

The drawback is the truly massive queue for the ride, which sometimes extends outside of European Adventure (where it is based) and into a neighboring zone.

Patiently waiting (and watching Minority Report) in the line for the T Express. Photo by Krystin Hawkins.

 

Overall

Everland isn’t going to rank amongst anybody’s favorite theme parks in the world, but it’s still worth a look. The lack of thrill rides makes it a bit of a poor investment if you’re not interested in exploring the park and snapping lots of photos, but families and groups of younger visitors should find plenty to keep them occupied.

The park’s focus on being westernized does mean that foreigners wanting to see what a Korean theme park looks like are really just seeing what Koreans thing a western theme park looks like. It’s interesting enough, I guess, but not quite as exciting as it might have been to explore a park focused on Korean history or Korean characters.

It’s not worth going out of your way to visit, but Everland isn’t a bad option if you’re bored in Seoul or simply looking for a fun way to kill a day with your friends.

 

Recommended Reads

Recommended Reads – December 9th

 28 Comments

Excuses, Excuses

 

I’ve been a bad little boy, I know. If any of my prettier female friends would like to spank me, I totally understand.

No?

Oh well…

As my Google Reader list grows (and it picked up another five or six this week), so too does the mountain of new content I need to read each week to get this post together. Today it was at a rather respectable 716, and that managed to grow to 724 as I was reading. You bastards are prolific and you can expect a bill for my imminent carpal tunnel treatment.

 

What’s Going On?

 

Truth be told, I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. I’m toying with the idea of putting up a post about the ‘why’ behind that, but we’ll see.

Regardless, I started the week at something of a low for recent months and it took a bit of effort to shake me out of it.

I started by that most manly of pursuits – baking. In one evening I whipped together a big order of scrambled eggs to ensure I had breakfast for the week; made a massive portion of my (stolen) black bean and lentil burrito mix, and then branched out and cooked up a batch of butter-free oatmeal and raisin muffins.

There was something really cathartic about the whole process and by night’s end I was in a much better place emotionally.

Social Butterfly

In a further effort to fend off the blues, I’ve kept good and busy this week. There was a visit to The Star (Sydney’s casino) on Tuesday night with co-workers; a gastronomically decadent evening of food with Mel from The Mellyboo Project; and then a night of NBL action that finished with beers with a few of the players and a conversation with the editor of my favorite magazine, Four Four Two.

Not a bad week’s effort.

 

Aussie on the Net

 

It’s also been a big week for Aussie on the Road. Not only have I finally bitten the bullet and upgraded to the super spiffy Thesis theme, but I’ve also had a few posts go live around the internet and been featured on a few sites.You can see them all below:

A good week indeed!

The Reads

 

Another bumper week of reading means another bumper crop of recommendations. And since last edition saw the reads split into categories, I’ve decided to go ahead and do it again. Let me know what you think of the new format.

 

Thought Provoking Reads

I think about this week's thought provoking reads

Why Vietnam? by Byron and His Backpacks

I first ‘met’ Byron on a pro wrestling discussion board and we bonded over a mutual love of comedy and travel. As fate would have it, we both ended up on the Korean peninsula at the same time and had the opportunity to hang out a few times.

One of these produced my most popular post to date as the two of us ran wild on Busan’s Texas Street.

Byron now finds himself in Vietnam and this post about his reasons for heading there over more lucrative possibilities at home and abroad sums up why I consider Byron such a good friend and why I want to be back out on the road again.

Closing Bogota Brothel Tours by Expat Chronicles

I heard such interesting things about Colin prior to reading this entry. Word of his debaucherous travels and his frank discussion of sex had spread across the blogosphere and finally reached me a few weeks ago.

So it was a bit of a surprise to read such a mature and interesting post about something that wasn’t sex when I stumbled by today. Colin’s going through a bit of a chance and he discusses his reasons why. It makes for interesting reading.

I Quit My Job by GQ Trippin’

Kieu from GQ Trippin’ recently made the difficult decision to quit a job she didn’t hate in order to pursue a life that she wants. Having had to hand in resignations at two jobs I’ve loved in the past, I could really feel for Kieu (pronounced ‘Q’) as she made the tough short term decision to get the long term benefit.

Out of the Closet and into the Peat by Man on the Lam

While Raymond’s blog is often a source of laugh out loud moments for me (and this week’s description of Peat magazines was no exception), he’s also a man with a poweul ability to make you think as well. His post about death on the road was a good example of this.

I’m a sucker for posts that make me question my current state and inspire me to pursue my travel dreams, and Raymond’s words are further fuel to the far from dying embers of my desire to get out and see more of the world.

Road Romance or One Night Stand by Reclaiming My Future

This one is a bit of a blast from the past, having been written back in May and brought to my attention recently by Anthony from Man vs Clock. Tony lists off a bunch of lucky bastards/conquests from her time on the road in a remarkably frank and straightforward post.

It’s interesting to think that I would probably be lynched for writing a post along the same lines but high fived for having the tales to tell. Meanwhile, Toni would arguably be in the opposite position. One of those unfair bits of life and gender discrimination.

But oh to make this list.

You’re Traveling, Stop Whinging by The Mellyboo Project

I’m about to bid a fond farewell to Mel at week’s end when she jets off to New Zealand to continue her journey, so my farewell gift to her is drawing your attention to this great post that comes complete with a pretty bloody foxy picture of the lovely lass to boot. If you’re not already following the vivacious and witty Mel, you should be!

The post itself attacks the negativity that some travelers seem to carry about with them, as if they’re being put upon by the world. Give ’em hell, Mel!

Kiva: Helping People Help Themselves by Our Oyster

Jade and James from Our Oyster contribute to the Travel Bloggers Give Back project by highlighting the wonderful charity that is Kiva. If you’re not aware of Kiva or its micro-loans system, this is a great crash course in what I believe to be one of the most admirable charity organizations out there.

 

Destination Reads

Come with me if you want to live

The School Toilet in China that May Make You Gasp by Around the World L

I really wasn’t sure where else to put this one. It’s not really thought provoking, nor is it a travel tip. And while I imagine a school toilet in China doesn’t really rank as a destination – here’s a good a place as any.

Go, read, and grimace at the whole experience.

Why, Indonesia, Why? by Baliology

I was lucky enough to meet Tracie well before the travel bug bit here when I acted as stage manager on a first year theatre performance she was involved in at University. Over the years we’ve managed to stay in touch and her travels have taken her to Indonesia where she now lives the expat life.

This post, chock-full of rhetorical questions that Tracie wishes she could ask her adopted home, will bring a smile to the face of anybody who has lived abroad for a length of time. That mix of frustrating and endearing traits we’ve all made in our heads after long enough in one spot.

A Tragic Yet Amazing Thanksgiving in Rome by Breakway Backpacker

Anybody who has spent a holiday abroad will be able to relate to this one. Some of my fondest memories of South Korea involve attempting to bring those little touches of home and festivity to a holiday that isn’t necessarily celebrated in the area. Whether it was doing Christmas dinner at Outback Steakhouse or putting together a Thanksgiving dinner in a country without ovens – it was always a fun and challenging experience.
Jaime recounts his experience celebrating Thanksgiving far from home and with the company of fellow travelers and travel bloggers. I couldn’t help but smile. Doesn’t seem at all tragic to me.

The Blue Mountains: A Sensory Experience by C’est Christine

Christine has somehow crept onto my turf without my knowing it, and her travels have taken her out to the beautiful Blue Mountains where she sampled the local flavor and snapped some stunning photos along the way.

Now when are we going t get together and Bite with a Blogger, girl?

Exploring the Underwater World of Cozumel by Idelish

I can honestly say that I’ve never seen underwater photos quite as clear and stunning as these. Jeremy and Shirlene have put together a fantastic photo essay detailing their Mexican scuba diving experience.

And on a broader note, there are few blogs out there that I love the layout of more than Idelish. It’s so clear and easy to read. Way to go guys. You’re an inspiration.

Photo Essay: A Day Trip to Manly Beach by Lakwatsera de Primera

From the beaches of Mexico to the beaches of Manly! There are few places I love more than Manly, and Claire from Lakwatsera de Primera makes me jealous as she heads over the harbour and spends some time exploring the streets and beaches of Sydney’s rich north shore.

You can read about my own Manly visit here as well.

Getting Scammed in Shanghai… and My Revenge by Neverending Footsteps

Be still my beating heart!

I’ve had to rethink my opinion of Lauren after reading this one. She’s clearly not just a pretty face – she’s Chuck Norris’s illegitimate and travel obsessed daughter!

Even before Lauren laid the smackdown on a Chinese hoochie, this piece had my attention as she described a bit of a travel nightmare – being conned by locals.

Arguably my absolute favorite post from this week’s reads.

Bernkastel, Germany’s Picture Perfect Christmas Village by Traveling Canucks

Is it really the festive season already? It seems like only yesterday I was sunning myself on a Fijian beach and daydreaming about the year in South Korea that never came to pass.

If you’re like me and you’re having some difficulty feeling the spirit this year, the pictures in this one should get you in the mood to whip up some egg-nog and sing a few carols.

11 Reasons Why I Love Thailand by Nomadic Matt

I don’t really think there’s a travel blogger or reader out there who doesn’t already read Matt’s blog, so featuring it here is a bit silly. But in case you live under a rock, Matt is something of a travel blogging celebrity and he’s put together eleven reasons why Thailand should be on every traveler’s ‘to visit’ list.

And if it wasn’t already, you’re clearly a crazy person.

Playing with Mud in Colombia by Over Yonderlust

I’ve made mention on numerous occasions of my love for Korea’s Mud Festival, but the Land of the Morning Calm isn’t the only place in the world where getting muddy is a pastime.

The two childhood sweethearts from Over Yonderlust got down and (very) dirty in Colombia and I certainly intend on emulating their efforts somewhere down the line. Looks amazing.

Finding Balance with Sydney Scenic SUP by Wayward Traveler

Annie makes her second consecutive appearance as she steps out onto the shark infested waters of Sydney Harbour and tries her hand at stand up paddleboarding.

My own experiences with this pastime on Tangalooma were far from successful, but Annie seems to have taken to it with a good deal mroe success than me – and she got photos too!

The Best of Antarctica: 10 Must See Highlights by yTravel Blog

This one comes from Suzie at Memoirs of a Globetrotter, but marks Caz and Craig’s triumphant return to the reads after a brief hiatus. The Antarctica dream is one I know that a lot of travelers have – whether it’s the area’s stark beauty or a simple desire to have been to eevry continent, the great white south has an indisputable allure to the nomad community.

I would have thought an Antarctic itinerary could have been summed up as:

  • Be awestruck
  • Try not to freeze to death

But Suzie comes up with ten things you should try and do if ever your travels take you to the extreme south. Food for thought.

Helpful Reads

I help myself to some coconut milk

Staying Sane While Teaching English Abroad by The Art of Backpacking

I nodded along in agreement to a lot of these. Living and working abroad is a fantastic experience but it’s not one without its drawbacks. Jessica from Travel Discover Love‘s guest post on Art of Backpacking has a few tips on surviving the hard days and making the most of your time in another country. A good read for anybody plying their trade as an English teacher abroad.

The Complete 2011 FoxNomad Travel Gadget Gift Guide by Fox Nomad

Looking for something to give your favorite traveler this Christmas? The Fox Nomad has put together a very comprehensive list of gift-worthy gadgets that should have any nomad – digital or otherwise – grinning come Christmas morning.

Jordan Sightseeing Dos and Don’ts by Living the Dream RTW

If recent blog trends are anything to go by, Jordan is a pretty popular place amongst the digital nomads out there – and Jeremy & Angie have put together some great tips and words of advice for those planning to visit the beautiful Middle Eastern country.

I clearly need to update my bucket list…

Essential Reads for Digital Nomads: Blog Edition by Neverending Voyage

From accommodation to making money to a gear, there’s something in this post for everybody out there. Plenty of links to useful sites and helpful hints, and all compiled on one place. This one’s going straight to my bookmarks bar.

 

Places to Ride Out the Zombie Apocalypse by Travelated

Alex and Emily strike a note close to my heart as they list off the destinations they think best suit weathering the inevitable zombie apocalypse. If the zombie apocalypse is something that crosses your mind from time to time (and if it isn’t, why isn’t it!?), you’ll get a chuckle out of this one.

I do think Vegas is a bloody awful choice though. Sure, you can see zombies coming from the Nevada desert – but what about the thousands doubtlessly stumbling along the Strip and traipsing down Fremont Street?

 

Countdowns, Relationships

Top 15 Travel Blogging Crushes, 2011 Edition

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I woke this morning to a strange stirring in my pants. I’m no stranger to the occasional morning glory – but this was something a little different. There was a certain prescience involving in this turgid twitching. Something had triggered it.

Some flirtatious text from a certain beautiful girl I’ve been talking to? A message on OK Cupid?

Much to my surprise, it was something much, much more personal. You see, Will Peach (of Gap Daemon, TravelSexLife, and My Spanish Adventure fame) had included me in an illustrious list of 10 Travel Bloggers I’d Go Gay For.

And this was not just some shopping list. It was a catalogue of homoerotic fantasy inspired by some of the most handsome, charismatic, and (ahem) well endowed travel bloggers out there.

Need a taste?

“The thought of a sweat-drenched, bearded, Aussie man lugging his hefty backpack on the road as he inches towards me? Phwoar. I think I just blew my load a little. However since Chris showed his more sensitive side, in his revelations over the black dog, I’ve suddenly begun seeing him a new light. Mainly as that of a little puppy dog that I could wantonly care for.”

I’ve had girlfriends who haven’t had such lovely (albeit wildly inappropriate) things to say about me. Marry me, Will?

Once my ego boner had subsided, I began to contemplate who might make my own list of lusty daydreams. Not being quite as secure in my heterosexualtiy as Will, I’ve instead decided to make my list a little more conventional.

No more beating about the bush (pun definitely intended) – here’s my Top 15 Travel Blogging Crushes.

And yes, I’m sure I’m going to get in trouble for objectifying women here, but I bet the angriest ones are the ones not on the list. It’s all in good fun girls.

(I should say that, having been raised to be a gentleman, I found it really hard to be so blatantly sexual and inappropriate below)

#15 – Lindsay Hogg (Traveller World Guide)

Two people eating a banana
No! Don’t use teeth!

What better way to kick off my list of travel crushes/secret lusts with the woman behind such sites as Traveller World Guide and the deliciously inappropriate Chicken Chunk? With those pretty green eyes and that sardonic grin, I definitely wouldn’t kick Lindsay out of bed for farting.

And I’d imagine she’s not above letting one rip between the sheets for comedic value.

I like my girls just a little saucy, and they don’t come much more sarcastic and devil may care than this delicious bit of Canadian crumpet.

#14 – Anthony Middleton (Man vs Clock)

Man sleeping on a tiger
Two of God’s most beautiful creatures sharing a little cuddle time

Even as a red blooded heterosexual male, I’m hard pressed not to find this juicy bit of Geordie beef-cake just a wee bit attractive. Our mutual man crush is the stuff of legend – a pair of balding, teetotalist travel bloggers with a penchant for pretty girls and self improvement.

He came in at #1 on Will’s list and is the only man on mine, so you can imagine what a steaming hunk this guy must be. Don’t let that accent fool you guys, this man is as smooth as James Bond with a heart of gold.

#13 – Nicole McGrath (Hola! Chica Travels)

three girls in bikinis
Phwoar! Nicole is the cutie on the left.

The lovely Latina from Miami breezed into this Aussie’s life late last year and took me on a few (entirely platonic) adventures including the Great Nomads Chase and some beach shenanigans in celebration of Chilean Independence Day. She later returned to my life for one last tantalizing encounter (see our Bite with a Blogger for details) before she fled to Melbourne.

One of the prettiest and sweetest girls I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with. Sadly, her blog is no more. It’s a shame, because she’s currently wrapping up a trip through freaking Antarctica!

#12 – Seattle Dredge (Seattle’s Travels) & Heather Carson (Ginger Nomads)

Beautiful redhead on a fence
The lovely Seattle cuts a hauntingly beautiful figure in this shot
Absolute sucker for redheads. Heather from Ginger Nomads looking all casual and such.

Maybe it’s because I’m just a little bit ginger myself, but I’ve always had a thing for red-heads. Hell, I lost my virginity to one.

An otherwise plain girl in high school could win my heart (or, at the very least, my lust) with a simple dye job. But these two fiery headed beauties are anything but plain.

The idea of rocking up to a club with these two fair skinned Goddesses on my arms isn’t exactly unappealing. There’s an entirely inappropriate joke about the carpet matching the drapes I could make, but I’ll be the bigger man.

#11 – Maria Alexandra Laborde (Latin Abroad)

girl on the beach
What a great view! The beach looks nice too…

With her wild hair and her saucy smile, Maria from Latin Abroad isn’t afraid to talk about the sexier side of travel. Her recent sex and travel bucket list raised more than just eyebrows, I’m sure.

A Puerto Riccan party animal with a kinky streak? That’s the kind of girl pre-sober Chris would have been all over!

#10 – Ashley & Diolis (Nomadik Nation)

nomadik nation
Ashlea (left) and Diolis (right). Foxy ladies.

Another double entry and you can’t help but wonder if the creators of Nomadik Nation (and it’s recent 10 sexiest bloggers list) wouldn’t be a package deal outside of the blogging world as well.

One can hope…

If I was absolutely forced to choose, I’d give Summer Heights High loving Diolis the edge – but don’t discount Ashlea. There’s just a hint of feistiness in her smile…

These two lovely ladies aren’t afraid to write about more controversial stuff and clearly have the…uh…assets to fill those Nomadik Nation t-shirts they’re always pimping. Definitely a pair of bloggers on the rise in both the blogosphere and this list.

And who knows? Maybe including them here will earn me some stroke for their next list?

#9 – Rebecca Enright (Backpacker Becki)

pretty blonde drinking
Oh, to be that cup…

A relative newcomer to blogging, fair haired Rebecca is a classic beauty whose English accent would be sure to win me over as surely as the countless Greenpeace and Heart Foundation workers who harass me on my way to work each day. What is it about the accent that raises my ardor so?

While our Twitter conversations haven’t quite reached ribald levels yet, I’m quietly hoping this well traveled Belle comes to realize that bald and ginger is the new handsome and buff.

EDIT: We’ve since hung out twice and Becki is every bit as lovely in person as she is photogenic. What a catch!

#8 – Abby Tegnelia (Jungle Princess)

jungle princess
Haaaaave you met Abby?

A Vegas girl with the looks of a showgirl, Abby from Jungle Princess has left behind the ho hum of day to day life to pursue things just a tad more exotic.

Working in the glitz and glamor of celebrity news, I daresay a few paparazzi shots of this bronzed beauty wouldn’t be unwelcome on the hard drives of my male readers.

I’ll be Tarzan and this jungle princess can be Jane.

#7 – Nellie Huang (Wild Junket)

girl in cowboy hat
Yippie kay ay

Hot damn! With that cowboy hat, Nellie of Wild Junket is a travel blogging icon and a pretty damn foxy looking lady as well. Whether she’s scuba diving in glaciers or rocking the beach, Nellie is bound to be setting hearts aflutter and pants a-tentin’ wherever she goes.

There’s some kind of pun to be made about wild junk, but my brain’s a bit fried. Invent your own and post it below.

#6 – Toni White (Reclaiming my Future)

british girl bikini
Who says the British are all pale and pasty? Not I!

Toni won me over when she talked about how often her breasts spilled out of her top while in Africa. I was dismayed when she was unable to provide photographic proof.

My back-up visa bride, this delightful bit of British biscuit is more than welcome in my fair country and my messy bed should she ever get her sweet ass out of dreary England. And she can bring that lingerie she keeps mentioning on Facebook along too…

#5 – Mica Ivealis (Kaypacha Travels)

Beautiful girl in the ocean
My new desktop pic. Rwar!

Aye aye aye! Super sexy Mica from Kaypacha Travels has seen the world but she’s never been to me. Don’t get the reference? It’s an awful song. I don’t blame you.

The photo above isn’t even the sauciest one out there. This is a girl who is more than confident that her banging bod is going to turn heads. When she’s not sunbathing naked on swinger’s cruises, Mica is trekking around the world with her boyfriend (the lucky son of a bitch) and enduring my drunken advances over Skype.

#4 – Alexandra Kovacova (Crazy Sexy Fun Traveller)

crazy sexy fun traveler
It’s no wonder her blog has such a following. What a stunner!

With a blog title that includes ‘Crazy’, ‘Sexy’, and ‘Fun’ in the title – you can just bet that this sultry Slovak would be an absolute handful in every department that matters.

She doesn’t quite hail from Russia with love, but you get the feeling that the exotic Alexandra would be right at home as a Bond femme fatale. This is one lovely lady with a license to thrill.

#3 – Nicole Blaess-Smith (Bitten by the Travel Bug)

bitten by the travel bug
Girl next door? It’s all an act

If you’re bored of bikini bods (although I can’t imagine why you would be), here’s a ridiculously cute girl-next-door type who you’d be more than happy to have climbing through your bedroom window.

And yes, that was a Dawson’s Creek reference. I’m so old.

The first travel blogger I had the pleasure of sharing a bite with, Nicole was also the first travel blogger I ever drunk dialed. I still think Bitten by an Aussie on the Road has a real ring to it, but damned if this fresher cutie isn’t resisting my advances.

#2 – Lauren Juliff (Neverending Footsteps)

girl in coconut bra
Excuse me for a moment. I just need to be alone with this photo.

Dave of What’s Dave Doing (or should that be Who’s Dave Doing?) is a lucky man, because this saucy British minx is his arm candy.

While she calls me ‘poppet’, deep down I know this coconut bra wearing Goddess veils her lust for me with good natured insults and the occasional retweet. After all, our forbidden love can never hope to be while she’s living the dream in Thailand and I’m tied to a desk in Australia.

One of the worst offenders when it comes to vaguely sexual post titles that don’t feature a single bit of sex. Cruel torturer!

#1 – Melissa Grace (The Mellyboo Project)

mellyboo project
Those come hither eyes… Hold me back!

The only girl I know who would be down with me using poutine in foreplay, the voluptuous and vivacious Mel is my visa fiancee and one of my bestest buds in the whole wide world.

I never did get to consummate my barely veiled lust with this chesty Canadian cutie, but we had entirely too many inappropriate conversations during her six month stint on Australian shores. I have no doubts that there’s a whole world of kink hidden behind those big beautiful eyes and that smattering of freckles.

Mel remains the only travel blogger I’ve kissed. Poor strike rate, I know it.

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Have I left anybody out? Which travel bloggers butter your biscuit? Who should I be adding to my reading/masturbatory fantasy list?