What happens in Vegas travels around the world

We arrived in Vegas on Sunday afternoon, Oct 1, and we went to a show that night at the MGM at 7pm. We came out around 8:30pm. A few hours later, unfortunately, history was made…

We set off again…

So it’s travel time again.

To the U.S of A (again) for the next 4 weeks.

This time we’re taking 10 friends with us!

In Indonesia, everyone’s a millionaire!

Sitting down to dinner tonight in Ubud, Indonesia, it dawned on Sel and I that Indonesia has no concept of what a millionaire is.

Why? Because 1,000,000 rupiah is the equivalent of about 96 Aussie bucks.

Waiting patiently

The photo challenge this week is Time

Using my phone, I quickly snapped this pic yesterday afternoon on the (usually busy) streets of Ubud, Indonesia. This little pup sat there as if he was waiting patiently for the traffic to pass, as if he had all the time in the world. He eventually trotted over to the other side and disappeared behind a row of scooters.

Airports: The giant melting pot

I’m typing this at 10,000 feet, cruising through the clouds, bound for Indonesia. Sel and I will do our best to switch off our sources of stress, avoid avenues of anxiety, and just have a damn good relax.

Before boarding this flight though, I couldn’t help but notice my airport experience, and although it was like every other airport experience I’ve had, this time I had a keyboard handy so I thought I’d take a few notes.

Optimistic

This week’s photo challenge is about being Optimistic

People venture to Las Vegas full of optimism, closely followed by dashed hopes, despair & empty wallets!.

Memories of Venice

In April last year while in Los Angeles we ventured down to Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach for the day. As it turned out, Venice was one of my favourite destinations during our 7 week trek across the United States.

Older people rollerskated near a much younger generation of skateboarders. The hustle-bustle of tourists, locals, out-of-towners and wanderers stretched along a seemingly infinite path, casually sidestepping oncoming bicycles, scooters and rollerblades. One eye people-watched while my other eye scoured the goods laid out by an eclectic, and mostly happy group of artisans. We strode past Muscle beach, invoking images of old-school bodybuilders in daggy 80’s workout clothes.

It was bustling, but peaceful. Modern, but nostalgic. Crowded, but spacious. The entire area was a contradiction of itself and I loved it. So did my camera, although it didn’t get used to its full extent. Maybe one day I’ll go back and let the camera lead the way.

But for now, here are a few things I did capture. I’ve also included shots taken from the pier and surrounds…

The grass isn’t always greener

Sel and I just arrived home from a journey that saw us traverse the vast landscape of the United States for almost two months. Culturally, it wasn’t the smack in the face that we received multiple times in Burma several years ago, but in the way that traveling always does, it opened my eyes to something that contradicted the seemingly long plane trip to get over there.

Fast and the Furious

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Motion.”

Escaping to the Rock

A day trip out to Alcatraz Island… combining my passions of travel, photography & crime. What more could I ask for?

10 things about America, by an Aussie

Here’s just a few observations from our first 3 weeks in the USA!

New York, New York

So we’re in Florida now exploring the theme parks but to reflect on the fantastic time we spent in New York, here are some of my favourite photos. I could easily spend a month in this city purely taking photographs. Melting pot is an understatement….

A lesson from a fellow plane passenger

So we were traveling from New York to Miami. A four-hour flight. Long enough to get through a small bag of peanuts but short enough to put away the sleeping pills.

That park in the middle

Here are some few photos from the most amazing park I’ve set foot in… 

Winter Wonderland

Snow, ice, and rain.

That was our first night in New York City, and it was truly awesome. Coming from a city where it doesn’t snow, and barely gets *that* cold, it was all new to us. Snow falling around us, wheeling our suitcases through the sidewalk slush, and the cold biting our faces. Luckily it was only 2 blocks from the train to our hotel.

On our way to the U.S.A

Three days!

Only three days until we board a flight from Sydney, Australia and land amid the bright lights of New York City.

11 Simple Travel Tips!

As part of the countdown to our adventure to the U.S that kicks off in only a few days time, I thought I’d share some simple travel tips. All of these are extremely simple:

A taste of Thai

Here’s a quick peek at some of my favourite snaps from several trips to Thailand over the past few years.

 

Live like a tourist

I came across this wonderful blog and a post title got me thinking. Why don’t I live my life like I do when I travel?

The happiest place on Earth

Vanuatu – 2011. My first venture overseas and even now I’m still convinced the Ni-Vanuatu are the happiest people on Earth.

Follow the long white cloud

May 2012. Sel got me the most amazing birthday gift. A surprise holiday away to New Zealand! She’s awesome huh?

Afloat

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Afloat.”

Bewitchingly Burmese

Sel and I ventured around the gorgeous countryside of Myanmar for a month in 2013.

Twelve things that tantalise this traveller’s tastebuds

What is it about travelling that really grabs my attention? Here’s just twelve of many, many reasons:

The smallest interactions generate the largest echoes

November, 2013. I was wandering around the streets of Yangon, Myanmar (aka Burma).