Monday morning we said our sad goodbye to Rarotonga, both wishing we could have stayed longer, but with australia on our compass we were soon excited about the next leg. We had a quick stop off in Aukland before flying in to Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, and making our way into the city centre where we were met by Anns best friend Nisha... who we stayed with for a couple of nights whilst in the city.
Our first evening was a tired one, but we still found time for a bit of sushi and a few drinks in Nish's local bars to celebrate our arrival.
Feb 28th (TOBYS B'DAY!!) after a little lay in we hit sydney centre. Had lunch with great views of the Opera House and Syndey Harbour bridge. Unfortunately it rained, but did not deter us from exploring the area. We then met with Nish, and some of her friends at the Opera Bar for a few drinkies. Ann was pleasantly surprise to meet an old uni mate at the bar and so we all joined in for dinner and got absolutely battered... (it was toby's birthday afterall) and ended up in King's Cross "world wide" bar where they served cocktails in teapots....
Thursday March 1st - after a struggle to get up, we managed to catch our early flight with nish to Byron Bay. Checked into the "Art Factory" - a very hippie backpackers hostel. It reminded Ann of her student union days, Nish seemed to be getting into the hippie vibe, joining in with th yoga classes, and Toby just kept laughing to himself about the overly 'alternative' crowd... We could not resist exploring the beach and playing in the waves, which were great!
Thursday 1 March 2007
Rarotonga!
Fri 23rd we were leaving the US for the Cook Islands and Rarotonga - but to get there meant a jump down to LA, and then a connecting flight across the pacific, giving us a quick stop off in Tahiti, just long enough to feel the tropical air after all that snow...
Sat 24th we arrived in Rarotonga at 9am - the flight in was incredible views of cloudscapes over tropical islands, all with jungle covered peaks rising up through the mists. Rarotonga is a beautiful island, most of which is vertical jungle covered needle shaped mountains jutting out from the middle of the island. Surrounding this is amazing white sandy beaches with coral reefs forming a barrier to the surf, giving the beaches the feeling of tranquil lagoons.
We were staying in Vara's backpackers who picked us up from the airport and took us along the single road that loops the island to our hillside bungalow. We had heard a few horror stories about Varas before coming, but found that we were staying in a beautiful, clean apartment to oursleves sat up on the hilltops, over looking Muri Lagoon - so we were loving it from the moment we arrived. We spent the day lazing on the white sands at Muri Lagoon, and snorkelling in the shallows... we were rewarded with some great sights; spying a blowfish early on despite being chased around by some aggro trigger fish determined to give us a nip.
The Islands are incredible - and we tried to extend our planned 2 day stop off almost as soon as we got settled, but unfortunately all of the connecting flights were full for a long time, so we had to resign oursleves to having a short visit, but both decided we would be returning one day...
Our last day on the island was a Sunday - a very sleepy day on what is a very sleepy island at the best of times. We had been toying with the idea of hiring a moped so that we could see the whole island, and after a while we picked up the courage and took the plunge (it wasn't that brave - theres only one road, and only about 10 cars). It was the best decision we made... At first we were a little shaky, neither having driven one before, but before long we were buzzing down the road stopping off at all the beaches we could find to enjoy views from all round the island coastline. We rounded off the day by grabbing our snorkelling gear again and swimming our way between the small beach islands in Muri Lagoon.
Sat 24th we arrived in Rarotonga at 9am - the flight in was incredible views of cloudscapes over tropical islands, all with jungle covered peaks rising up through the mists. Rarotonga is a beautiful island, most of which is vertical jungle covered needle shaped mountains jutting out from the middle of the island. Surrounding this is amazing white sandy beaches with coral reefs forming a barrier to the surf, giving the beaches the feeling of tranquil lagoons.
We were staying in Vara's backpackers who picked us up from the airport and took us along the single road that loops the island to our hillside bungalow. We had heard a few horror stories about Varas before coming, but found that we were staying in a beautiful, clean apartment to oursleves sat up on the hilltops, over looking Muri Lagoon - so we were loving it from the moment we arrived. We spent the day lazing on the white sands at Muri Lagoon, and snorkelling in the shallows... we were rewarded with some great sights; spying a blowfish early on despite being chased around by some aggro trigger fish determined to give us a nip.
The Islands are incredible - and we tried to extend our planned 2 day stop off almost as soon as we got settled, but unfortunately all of the connecting flights were full for a long time, so we had to resign oursleves to having a short visit, but both decided we would be returning one day...
Our last day on the island was a Sunday - a very sleepy day on what is a very sleepy island at the best of times. We had been toying with the idea of hiring a moped so that we could see the whole island, and after a while we picked up the courage and took the plunge (it wasn't that brave - theres only one road, and only about 10 cars). It was the best decision we made... At first we were a little shaky, neither having driven one before, but before long we were buzzing down the road stopping off at all the beaches we could find to enjoy views from all round the island coastline. We rounded off the day by grabbing our snorkelling gear again and swimming our way between the small beach islands in Muri Lagoon.
Tuesday 27 February 2007
Been a while since our feet have hit the ground, but we have finally managed to take a pause, and find an internet cafe here in Sydney...
Since we left we flew in to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and stayed at Tobys Uncle Jims condo in the city centre, which was an amazing place to stay, especially as we only had limited time to explore San Fran.
We were spoiled straight away with the food, as Justin and Kate took us to the Blue Jay Cafe for proper homestyle grub, and we stuffed ourselves with Ribs and cornbread before our jetlag caught us up!
Early next morning, we made our way up to Tahoe - it was a 4 hour drive - but was extended by many stops, our first one being in Richmond for breakfast (highest murder rate in the USA-all Justin's idea....)
As the drive went on and we climbed higher up the mountains the scenery was stunning, helped by clear blue skies and sunshine all the way. We eventually hit the snow line (a bit higher this year...) and made our way to the beautiful ski chalet, complete with sauna and balcony...
We hit the night skiing at Boreal resort - we were extremely rusty at first but after a few runs we managed to gain control over our skis / snowboard. It was great fun trying to tackle the steep icy runs in the dark, but being thrown in at the deep end blew away the cobwebs so we were ready for the next day... but not before a sauna.... and a few beers in Trucky where Cameron and Randy (toby's cousins) were waiting drinks in hand...
The next day, we went to Squaw resort, where the girls skiied away on the blue runs (and the accidental black diamond runs) and the boys hit the backside of the mountains where all the steepest runs were - so that Toby could face plant without the girls seeing it...
We all gathered at the base for a big greasy lunch of chilli cheese fries and beers, and the went down really well! Loaded up on calories and dutch courage we all hit the front side of the mountain together for the rest of the day... After a long day in the sun we went back to the chalet to compare 'goggle tans' and relax our muscles (and bruises) in the sauna. The evening was rounded off by a scrumptious thai meal in Trucky before hitting our beds...
Sunday 18th was a day to remember, as it was our first encounter of 'smokeys kitchen'. Cameron, Randy and Kate all had to head back to the city today, so we had decided to have a slap up brunch together before they headed off, and Toby, Ann and Justin hit the slopes. 'Smokeys' is homecooked mountain food at its best - and we gorged on Huevos Rancheros and breakfast Burritos, pancakes and all.... we were definately going to return....
So after full bellies, we hit the backside slopes at SugarBowl all afternoon. The views were absolutely stunning when we reached the top to hit the backside runs... (as you can see by some photos we took)... and we kept going until our legs gave way and until we burned off our smokeys breakfast, which took some doing.... But not to fear, we had spied the ribs at smokeys earlier in the day, and they had our name written all over them for a BBQ feast for dinner.
Monday 19th - we had an early start at Northstar - one of the largest resorts in the area. After taking the gondola and two long chair lifts, we managed to reach the peak and were welcome with another stunning view. We hit black diamond runs all day today, Ann was improving run by run, however, toby had battered his body into submission by the end.... To round off the day, we stopped for a few drinks at the base of the mountain, sitting outside by the fires, drinking hot chocolate - mandarin vodka - cocktails. Toby's bruises were healed when the barmaid gave him free shots to perk up his spirits..... It was our last day of skiing but a great end to a brilliant tahoe trip.
Tuesday we were to leave Tahoe and head back to San Francisco, but not until we said a final farewell to Smokeys and another breakfast to be proud of (or guilty of, as we had no snow time to burn it off this time).
After a smooth trip back to the city Justin took us on a long walk through the pan handle and golden gate park all the way to Ocean Beach. A stop off in the de Young observation tower gave us a great view of the city.
We hit 'Pacific Catch' for a late sushi lunch and headed up to see Antun, Paula and baby Atticus for pancakes (being shrove tuesday and all...).
Wednesday we had the day to explore, so we started in style by having a swim and soaking in the hottub, at the condo, before breakfast. We walked all over today, and explored Union Sq and ended the day by having a bit of a get together with Tobys family in California for dinner.
The next day we had our walking shoes on again, and explored chinatown, little italy, fishermans wharf and the waterfront, where we could take in the great views of Alcatraz, and the golden gate bridge... and an unusual amount of wild sea lions, lazing in the harbour. As it was our last day, and Justin and Kate had had some good news in there house hunt we decided to go out for a celebration meal at 'Blowfish' a great sushi restaurant that we washed down with exotic cocktails and lots of hot sake!
Since we left we flew in to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and stayed at Tobys Uncle Jims condo in the city centre, which was an amazing place to stay, especially as we only had limited time to explore San Fran.
We were spoiled straight away with the food, as Justin and Kate took us to the Blue Jay Cafe for proper homestyle grub, and we stuffed ourselves with Ribs and cornbread before our jetlag caught us up!
Early next morning, we made our way up to Tahoe - it was a 4 hour drive - but was extended by many stops, our first one being in Richmond for breakfast (highest murder rate in the USA-all Justin's idea....)
As the drive went on and we climbed higher up the mountains the scenery was stunning, helped by clear blue skies and sunshine all the way. We eventually hit the snow line (a bit higher this year...) and made our way to the beautiful ski chalet, complete with sauna and balcony...
We hit the night skiing at Boreal resort - we were extremely rusty at first but after a few runs we managed to gain control over our skis / snowboard. It was great fun trying to tackle the steep icy runs in the dark, but being thrown in at the deep end blew away the cobwebs so we were ready for the next day... but not before a sauna.... and a few beers in Trucky where Cameron and Randy (toby's cousins) were waiting drinks in hand...
The next day, we went to Squaw resort, where the girls skiied away on the blue runs (and the accidental black diamond runs) and the boys hit the backside of the mountains where all the steepest runs were - so that Toby could face plant without the girls seeing it...
We all gathered at the base for a big greasy lunch of chilli cheese fries and beers, and the went down really well! Loaded up on calories and dutch courage we all hit the front side of the mountain together for the rest of the day... After a long day in the sun we went back to the chalet to compare 'goggle tans' and relax our muscles (and bruises) in the sauna. The evening was rounded off by a scrumptious thai meal in Trucky before hitting our beds...
Sunday 18th was a day to remember, as it was our first encounter of 'smokeys kitchen'. Cameron, Randy and Kate all had to head back to the city today, so we had decided to have a slap up brunch together before they headed off, and Toby, Ann and Justin hit the slopes. 'Smokeys' is homecooked mountain food at its best - and we gorged on Huevos Rancheros and breakfast Burritos, pancakes and all.... we were definately going to return....
So after full bellies, we hit the backside slopes at SugarBowl all afternoon. The views were absolutely stunning when we reached the top to hit the backside runs... (as you can see by some photos we took)... and we kept going until our legs gave way and until we burned off our smokeys breakfast, which took some doing.... But not to fear, we had spied the ribs at smokeys earlier in the day, and they had our name written all over them for a BBQ feast for dinner.
Monday 19th - we had an early start at Northstar - one of the largest resorts in the area. After taking the gondola and two long chair lifts, we managed to reach the peak and were welcome with another stunning view. We hit black diamond runs all day today, Ann was improving run by run, however, toby had battered his body into submission by the end.... To round off the day, we stopped for a few drinks at the base of the mountain, sitting outside by the fires, drinking hot chocolate - mandarin vodka - cocktails. Toby's bruises were healed when the barmaid gave him free shots to perk up his spirits..... It was our last day of skiing but a great end to a brilliant tahoe trip.
Tuesday we were to leave Tahoe and head back to San Francisco, but not until we said a final farewell to Smokeys and another breakfast to be proud of (or guilty of, as we had no snow time to burn it off this time).
After a smooth trip back to the city Justin took us on a long walk through the pan handle and golden gate park all the way to Ocean Beach. A stop off in the de Young observation tower gave us a great view of the city.
We hit 'Pacific Catch' for a late sushi lunch and headed up to see Antun, Paula and baby Atticus for pancakes (being shrove tuesday and all...).
Wednesday we had the day to explore, so we started in style by having a swim and soaking in the hottub, at the condo, before breakfast. We walked all over today, and explored Union Sq and ended the day by having a bit of a get together with Tobys family in California for dinner.
The next day we had our walking shoes on again, and explored chinatown, little italy, fishermans wharf and the waterfront, where we could take in the great views of Alcatraz, and the golden gate bridge... and an unusual amount of wild sea lions, lazing in the harbour. As it was our last day, and Justin and Kate had had some good news in there house hunt we decided to go out for a celebration meal at 'Blowfish' a great sushi restaurant that we washed down with exotic cocktails and lots of hot sake!
Sunday 11 February 2007
Getting ready to go!
This is our first blog post, getting all ready to go now, and getting excited!
We leave on Thursday and still have so much to do, but either way will be hitting the slopes on friday, state side- leaving the chaos behind us!
Thanks to all those who came out and wished us farewell on our piss-up on saturday in Digress... Had a brilliant time, and it was great to catch up with everyone one last time - despite Ann blubbering on people towards the end ;)
Keep in touch everyone...
We leave on Thursday and still have so much to do, but either way will be hitting the slopes on friday, state side- leaving the chaos behind us!
Thanks to all those who came out and wished us farewell on our piss-up on saturday in Digress... Had a brilliant time, and it was great to catch up with everyone one last time - despite Ann blubbering on people towards the end ;)
Keep in touch everyone...
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