There are many places on this earth that can be called magical but there are not many places that the people of the land make it magical. Welcome to Indonesia. I’m in Asia! As I first arrived I was mixed with excitement but at the same time awareness. Why? I’ve heard a few crazy stories. But crazy is what makes this place a magical place, that and of course little islands in the middle of no where completely surround by the sound of crashing waves on colorful reef or beautiful rice fields under a sunny but rainy day. From it’s food to its religious based decorations up and down the street this place has many surprises to offer. Must enter with an open mind if not prepare for culture shock if its your first time in Asia. Surfing, diving, fishing, hiking, trekking, motorbike riding, elephant riding are just some of the things you can do here. Enjoy it and breathe it in, because breath is life.
Sailing the Whitsundays Islands
Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are nothing but just beautiful. I did a 3 day sailing trip around the islands. The tour passed by Whitehaven Beach on the second day. It was one of the most impressice views I have yet to see. More beautiful than a postcard you would find at a tour company’s desk, Whitehaven beach has 7km of crystal clear aqua waters surrounded by silica sand known to rejuvenate skin. Only accessible by boat this beach is truly worth the sailing trip. All of the sailing trip companies depart from Airlie Beach, Australia. On our sailing trip we were lucky enough to see several humpback whales and dolphins. We had a really great crew and staff. It definitely was 3 days I will never forget waking up to watch the sunrise and having dinner watching the sunset.
Nimbin – A counterculture accepted by Australia
Nimbin, known as the drug capital of Australia or a social experiment this place is just what you the locals tell you it is. You can catch a “magic bus” tour to the city from Byron Bay for just about $35 which also passes by some really nice waterfalls which you can bathe in the summer and some local craft markets for shopping. As soon as you get there the locals will offer you “cookies” which you can take at your own discretion. Cannabis is also sold in the streets as well as other drugs but it is still considered illegal even though it is just looked over by the local authorities. The whole town is pretty much composed of stores which sell and promote their counterculture things like Bob Marley and Rasta clothing as well as bongs, pipes, lighters etc.. Its as like you took a little Amsterdam and dropped it in on the east coast of Australia. The Nimbin Museum is also popular and has a lot of the town’s history.
I feel of Sydney, Australia.
Being the largest and most populated city in Australia, Sydney reminded me of a mixture between New York and London. It attracts many artist and musicians to perform and support street performing arts. It is a city full of energy and nightlife as well. From it’s zoo to its fish market to its aquarium and a 20 minute drive to Bondi Beach, Sydney is spectacular. Not to mention the Opera house, where every traveler dreams of taking a picture. It is a city well balanced with outdoor and indoor activities as well.
Craters of the Moon – Taupo, New Zealand
Have you ever seen yourself walking through a cratered valley with clouds of steam surrounding you? With steam clouds coming out of mud pools? Well, if you haven’t, come to Taupo New Zealand. The entrance to the park is pretty cheap at $6. There is a sulfur like smell as you walk through this geothermal active field. It is a natural phenomena. When the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station was built, approximately 2000 meters north of the field, it utilized underground thermal energy to become more active and because of that it is now full of high pressure sulfurous steam. There is wooden boardwalks for you to walk safely through the park and enjoy it without worrying about any type of danger. For more pictures, see the Gallery page on this website.
What’s the best time to visit Australia?
I’m planning my trip to Australia and I leave in three weeks. I’m super excited. I plan on doing most of the east coast from Sydney to Cairns. Surfing places like Byron Bay, Manly beach, and Surfer’s Paradise in the Gold Coast has always been a dream. Diving the great barrier reef is definitely on my bucket list of things to do before I die. Ever asked yourself when is the best time to visit Australia? Well that depends but any time of year has its beauty. Check out the article. What’s the best time to visit Australia?
Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand
Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. It reaches a height of 3,754 metres (12,316 ft). It is located in the south island of New Zealand and it is part of the Southern Alps. The view is beautiful and stunning, it reminds us humans of how small we really are. The town itself is really small so there is not much to do there but to go see the enormous mountain. There are 10 short or day walks around the Mount Cook Village and into the main valleys. The most popular are to Kea Point and the Hooker Valley. I wasn’t able to do them but I hear they are nice walks.
Fox Glacier
Located in the western side of the South island of New Zealand sits Fox Glacier. A 30 minute drive up the coast leads you to Franz Josef Glacier. Fox Glacier is the bigger one so that’s how I made the decision on which one to hike. I choose to do the full day hike only because everyone told me that the half day hike is pretty but you don’t see as much. I was excited to see it all. I’ve never even seen a glacier and for me to be able to hike through one would be a dream come true. It is important to go with a guided group and follow directions on not to go pass the barriers to take pictures, many tourist have died. The ice is as hard as solid rock and it is very slippery. The full day hike tour provided all the gear we need like boots with proper clamps, jackets, weather proof pants etc. I give this tour two thumbs up. Recommended!
Wellington, New Zealand
I wasn’t sure what to expect of Wellington after seeing so many small cities on the way down from Auckland. It was quite the surprise, it’s architecture in the city center or downtown area left me pretty amazed, definitely a place to see on foot. Wellington is well known for its arts, culture, and fine dining. Walking through the downtown area you definitely notice that. They have a street called Cuba St. and it’s based on the Cuban culture having a whole lot of Cuban cafe’s around. I lived in Miami for a long time and it was pretty shocking for me to see Cuba St. I thought Miami was the only place with Cuban culture other than Cuba. Wellington is also known for its huge and attractive Te Papa Museum which currently holds the worlds largest Colossal Squid. Definitely a museum you don’t want to miss. Also known as Wellywood, Wellington has a huge film industry with big name studios there and director of Lord of the Rings living there as well.
Marlborough Region in the South Island of N.Z
Marlborough is one of the regions in New Zealand. It is mainly known for all of its wineries and vineyards. It is located on the northeast part of New Zealand. Blenheim is its main city and dozens of wine companies have their vineyards here. The fertile soil and temperate weather makes it the center of New Zealand’s wine industry. Sauvignon Blanc is mainly produced here followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I definitely recommend stopping by here and doing a few wine tasting tours.