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Last stop - Delhi
Posted Thursday, December 20, 2001 by silje
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 I left Kathmandu monday. I just started to like that city...Kathmandu is a place you have to get used to before you start enjoying it. But anyway, Bryony (one of the girls I travelled with in Nepal) and I have decided to go back to Nepal in a couple of years to do the Mount Everest Base Camp. I think that will be a great experience.
My flight from Kathmandu with Royal Nepal Airlines was cacelled, so they put me on Indian Airlines instead. I arrived my hotel in Delhi monday night. The flight was delayed, but they provided lunch at a five star hotel in Kathmandu. I stay at a hotel called Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, New Delhi. After the basic accomodation we had some places in Nepal, this feels like a luxury hotel. I even got a Tv on the room, with international channels. Tuesday, I just wandered around in the Karol Bagh area. Yesterday, I went to Agra, to see the Taj Mahal. It was a long journey (about five hours with bus each way), but the Taj was amazing. The Taj Mahal is a Mughal monument constucted by emperor Shaz Jahan in memory of his wife. We also visited Agra Fort and the Birthplace of God Krisha.
Today is my last day in Delhi, and also the last day of my trip. I'm flying back to Norway tomorrow. I'm looking forward to get back now, even if it's cold back home.
I have had three wonderful months travelling in Australia and Nepal, and I'm looking forward to plan my next adventure.....
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Bhaktapur, Bandipur, Rafting at the Seti River and Chitwan nationalpark
Posted Friday, December 14, 2001 by silje
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 We spent two days in Bhaktapur, a very interesting city full of history and nice temples. The shopping is also good there, and it's possible to go to the taylor and make nice clothes, really cheap. We also found a lot of nice restaurants there. Then we went to Bandipur, a small town off the tourist treks. It was very quiet there, but nice to visit. Nepal's biggest cave is situated just outside Bandipur, so we went there to see it. We stayed at a very basic guesthouse in Bandipur, but it was ok.
 After Bandipur, we went to the Seti River for a three days rafting trip, which was a funny, but cold experience. The Seti River is a gentle river, so it was not to scary. This was a camping trip, so we stayed in tents at small beaches at night. The first night, local people from a village nearby came and danced for us by the caampfire. The second night some wild dogs visited our campsite, and they stole some shoes. One of my sandals where missing the next morning, but fourtantley I found it just outside the campsite. Mike was not that lucky, he lost both his sandals... I'm not sure about the temperature in the water, but I think it was about 17 degrees, because it was freezing when we had our morning bath! The third day was most fun, because then we passed a lot of rapids. Rafting is fun!!!
 Chitwan Nationalpark - was our next stop. I really liked this area in the southeast of Nepal. We stayed at a nice hotel called Roayl Park Resort - very nice to have a propper shower again after the camping. We visited an elephant breathing center, and we saw small elephant babys. Early in the morning we went on an elephant safari, and we saw a big rhino very close to us. We also saw monkeys, spotted deers and a lot of different birds. After the elephant safari we went on a juglewalk for about five hours. On the junglewalk we saw another rhino, more deers, monkeys, birds and crocodiles. I found it very interesting. We saw footprints from tigers, leopards and bears, but we did not see those animals. We stayed one night inside the national park before we went back to Royal Park Resort. On the way back, we visited a crocodile breathing center and an army camp where they take care of rhino babys. Because of the state of emergency, we where not allowed to go inside the army camp, but we where lucky, two baby rhinos where outside the camp, so we had the chance to take some nice photos, and we even feeded them.
This roundtrip, with Intrepid Travel has been very good. We have seen a lot of different places here in Nepal, and had a good variation of activitys.
Yesterday, we came back to Kathmandu, after a six hours long bus journey. I will stay here in Kathmandu until the 17 of December. Then I will go to Dehli, which is my last stop before I go back to Norway for Christmas.
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Helambu Trekking
Posted Tuesday, December 4, 2001 by silje
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 We have now finished seven days with trekking, and we are now in Bhaktapur. We finally met up with Eric. He waited for us at the guesthouse when we arrived earlier today. Bhaktapur is much nicer than Kathmandu.
The trekking was amazing. It was harder than I expected, but at the end it was worth all the swet and pain, blood and tears. We have been walking up and down for seven days and we carried our own backpacks. I guess it was good for me, I needed to get some muscles back in my legs again. The word basic accomodation has got a new meaning for me after this trip. The places we stayed at where really basic - they had a bed, and that's it! But they had their charm, and nice vegetarian food. And it made me realize that we have a easy life back home. Before go to bed up in the mountains we had to plan everything -put on warm cloths, bring our waterbottle, torch, toothbrush and go out in the cold. Then back to the sleepingbag, with thermals and fleecejacket on. It was freezing during the nights, but nice and warm in the sun!
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Nepal
Posted Monday, November 26, 2001 by silje
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 I'm now in Kathmandu, after a long journey from Cairns via Sydney and Bangkok. I arrived here on saturday, and fourtantley my lost luggage arrived here yesterday. Mike met me at the airport, and I was really happy for that. Inside the airport it was quiet, but when I came outside a million of people wanted me to take their taxi or make a hotelreservation. Today, we have been on a guided tour in Kathmandu, seen different temples and a hospital.
Eric was suppose to arrive Kathmandu yesterday, but he's flying with Aeroflot and he got stock in St. Petersburg. We heard from him yesterday, and we expected him to come today, but he has not showed up yet. We cross our fingers that he will be here tonight.
 Tomorrow, we will leave Kathmandu and go trekking in the mountains. I'm looking forward to breath fresh air again. We will go trekking for seven days, and the trek is called Helumbu Trekking. I suppose it's going to be hard at the beginning, because I have not been on the gym for two months...and the first trekking is five hours with a backpack. The longest trek during the week will be eight hours....
Dec 4 - We're going to Bhaktapur and stay here for three days. Then the plan is to go Bandipur. Dec 8 - Rafting at the Seti River for three days and on Dec 11 we're going to Chitwan National Park to see elephants, crocodiles, Rhinos and other animals. We will be back in Kathmandu on Dec 13.
I,m not sure how the Internet acces will be on the tour, but I write again as soon as I have the possibility.
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Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef
Posted Monday, November 19, 2001 by silje
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 I'm in Cape Tribulation now, north of Cairns. It's amazing up here. I stay at a hostel called the Jungle Village, in the middle of the rainforest, and near the beach. We can't swim in the sea here, because of the jellyfish season, but yesterday I was on a boattrip, and I was diving again...I want to dive all the time! Last night I saw the biggest spider I have ever seen, and I also saw a snake. Today, I will go for a walk in the rainforest. It's so peaceful up here, but really hot and humid.
Jade and Loi came up here yesterday, so we will travel together back to Cairns, and stay there for two days, before I have to leave Australia - it's sad, but I'm sure I'm going back here pretty soon. On our way back to Cairn, we're going on a river cruise, and I hope we will see some of the famous crocodiles...
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Great Barrier Reef is amazing
Posted Saturday, November 10, 2001 by silje
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 Came back from the boat trip last night. It has been three great days. I have no got my Padi Advanced Open Water certification, so I can dive up to 30 metres. We did ten dives, two of them where night dives, and it was amazing. I can recommend to go with Reef Dive (situated in Airlie Beach), the staff where nice, good food and excellent diving. I was on the catamaran called Tropical Princess.
The underwater world is so quiet, and relaxing. During one of the night dives we saw the eyes of a shark hiding in a cave, and on my last dive yesterday, I saw another shark swimming under me. I also saw a lot of big and small colourful fishes and beautyful corals, seasnakes, schrimps etc. I could go back there today. We had perfect weather as well, blue sky and sunshine all the time. The weather is still perfect here in Airlie Beach, so the best thing to do now, is to relax at the lagoon, and just be lazy.
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Adventure at Fraser Island and new travelroute
Posted Friday, October 26, 2001 by silje
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 First of all, I have changed my planes. I started to run out of time here in Australia, so I decided to stay here, and not go to Vietnam. I talked to some people, and they said that three weeks is a short time for Vietnam as well. It's better to see one country properly. So I stay here until departure for Nepal at the end of November.
I'm now in Hervey Bay. Just came back from and adventure tour at Fraser Island. Have been there for two days, and it was fantastic. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, and it's covered with rainforest. It's difficult to describe this island, it's just spectacular. We have been swimming in lakes with crystal clear water, hiking in the forest and seen a lot of animals: dingoes, sharks, turtles and whales. Last night we had party with a camp fire at the beach... And today I had a funny experience. Instead of taking the bus and the ferry back to Hervey Bay, I choused to fly with Air Fraser Island, in a small plane (6 seats). The view was amazing! We had to land at the beach, to pick up another passenger. When the pilot tried to start the plane again the battery was flat, so we had to get help from a car to start it again. This beach we landed on is also registered as a high-way with a speed limit of 80 km/h. A special place.
Tomorrow I'm going south again, to Noosa. Going down to meet Loi and Jade, and to see some koalas.
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Dancing on the tables at the Cheeky Monkey's
Posted Tuesday, October 23, 2001 by silje
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 Still in Byron Bay. I planned to stay here two nights, but I've had a great time with Loi, Jade, Simon, Sven and Lars, so I decided to stay another two days. It's a funny place to stay. The Arts Factory is a nice place, situated just outside the centre. The beach here is beautiful, and you can't complain about the nightlife either. Paul, yesterday, we went to the Cheeky Monkey's - and we where dancing on the tables... It was a good laugh.
Today we went to Nimbin. It's a small hippie village, about an hour drive from Byron Bay. Interesting to see what it is. We also visited the famous Nimbin museum, which is quite special.
Tomorrow, I'm going to Hervey Bay. I'm doing a two-day trip to Fraser Island. It supposes to be really good. It's sad to leave the others, but they have much more time than me here in Australia. I've also signed up for my Advanced dive Course in the Whitsunday Islands. I will do a three days/three night's boat trip from Airlie Beach, and do my Advanced Course there.
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Byron Bay
Posted Saturday, October 20, 2001 by silje
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 I had a great night out yesterday. It wasn't that funny to wake up this morning....But, anyway, I left Coffs Harbor this morning. Got a lift with five nice people I met in Coffs, Loi, Jade, Svend, Lars and Simon. I stay with them here in Byron Bay for a few days. We have just arrived to our lodge, The Arts Factory Backpackers.
If any of you are going to Coffs Harbor, you should stay at the Aussitel Backpackers. It's a really nice place to stay. Good atmosphere and lots of nice people.
Aussitel Backpackers - Homepage
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I'm now a PADI Open Water Diver
Posted Friday, October 19, 2001 by silje
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 I left Sydney Sunday night, after five great days there. Sydney is a really nice city, and I would not have any problems living there for a while. Saturday night I had the chance to explore Sydney by night in Kings Cross. It was excellent! Started with a Drag Show, and after a few nightclubs, ended up at the Buddha Bar. Great fun!!!
Sunday was a relaxing day, just walked around in Sydney, visited Chinatown, the Chinese Garden, the harbor etc.
I arrived Coffs Harbor early Monday morning. Had only planned to stay here for one night, but I decided to sign on this dive course, and I don't regret it. It has been four really intensive days, but we had some fun as well. I stay at a hostel called Aussitel, here in Coffs, and the Dive Company (East Coast Adventure) is situated at the same place. They have good instructors, and it's cheap to take the course there. After what I have heard, it's one of the chepest along the coast. I payed 218 $ included four nights accomodation. At ours two dives to day at the South Solitary Island, we saw a lot of big fishes in different colors. We also saw dolphins, and some of us even saw sharks (unfourtanley, I missed the sharks).
Tonight we're going out to celebrate that we passed our tests! Leaving Coffs tomorrow, hitting up to Byron Bay.
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The Blue Mountains and Bondi Beach
Posted Saturday, October 13, 2001 by silje
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 Yesterday, I went on this great trip to the Blue Mountains. The weather was really good, even if it was a little bit windy. The Blue Mountains are about two and a half hours drive from Sydney. On our way, we made a stop at the Olympic Stadium. We also did some bush-walking, saw the Three Sisters and of course some kangaroos. A great day!
Today, I have been to Bondi Beach, one of the many beaches surrounding Sydney. For those staying here for Christmas, they always have a big Christmas party at Bondy Beach for all the backpackers.
Tonight, I might try out one of the night-clubs here in Sydney, before I hit the road again. Time to leave Sydney and move up north to the really great beaches, the diving and the Great Barrier Reef.
To travel alone is really no problem here in Australia. Of course, I miss you all back home, but it's good to have the freedom to do what I want, when I want it. I can change my mind all the time without any arguments. A lot of people do travel alone, so I meet people all the time.
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Sydney - here I am...
Posted Tuesday, October 9, 2001 by silje
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 Today I'm in Sydney! It was a four hours flight from Perth. But before leaving Perth I did two really nice excursions: Sunday I visited the Pinnacles dessert, north of Perth. It was a really bizarre landscape - thousands of limestone pillars, up to four metres tall, rise out of yellow sand. Interesting to visit. We also did drive in sand dunes with a four wheel drive bus...quite fun actually! And most important of all, on this trip I saw both koalas and kengurus.
Monday, I went out to Rottnest Island, about half an hour with a ferry from Freemantle. Rottnest Island is a beautyful island, and a must to visit while beeing at the west coast. Unfourtanly, the weather wasn't the best while I was there, but it was well werth the visit anyway. I hired a bike and just moved around. The nature on this island is fantastic. If I ever come back here, I will stay the night. Maybe I can try one of the beautyful beaches as well.
So now I just have to thanks Karita, Erik and Henriette for the hospitality while I was in Perth. I really had a good time.
Back to Sydney - I found my self a backpacker hostel in Kings Kross called Jolly Swagman. I pay 21 $ for a dorm. Quite nice I think. So tonight I just sat outside with some english people having a few beers. Tomorrow I will start exploring Sydney!
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I'm in Australia!
Posted Wednesday, October 3, 2001 by silje
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 After a long flight, and a short stopover in Singapore, I finally reached Australia, and Perth. I did not have any problems with the flight - no delays, fortunately! I had planned to go out in Singapore, but after about 14 hours in the same aircraft (only a short stop in Bangkok) I was too tired. I went directly too my hotel-room, read a book, watched the news and tried to sleep...
Very early this morning I was back at the airport, on my way to Perth.
The weather here in Perth is nice, about 24 degrees C. and sunny! My first impression of this city is very good. The people here are friendly and the city is not too big. I've just eaten my lunch at a pub, and then I went to this Internet cafe. Now I'm going to meet a Norwegian, Karita, who stays in Perth for three months with her two kids...
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It's sad, but true...I'm leaving Australia tomorrow morning. I have had a great time here, and I wish I could stay longer. I'm defently going back! 
Back in Cairns again. Unfourtunately, we didn't see any crocs on our rivercruise today. The saltwater crocodiles who lives here in Australia are the most agressive crocodiles in the world. It would have been fun to see them. Anyway, Cape Tribulation where fantastic. It is the place where two world heritage listed sites meets - the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. It's a must to go up there while staying in Cairns. 
Still in Airlie Beach. Went out on another dive trip. I went out with the same company, but a different vessel, Stella Maris. I just love the diving. It's excellent! This time I saw a big shark sleeping on the bottom, a huge turtle and lots of dolphins. I wish I could go out diving again, but I'm leaving today. Going up to Cairns, but I will do a couple of dives up in Cape Tribulation before I leave Australia. It's still very hot here, but it's raining today. I think my skin need to stay away from the sun for a day anyway!
Tomorrow I will go on a three days boat trip with Reef Dive, to do my Advanced Dive course. I'm really looking forward to this trip. The weather is tropical here, and more humid than further down the coast. But the rainy season will soon begin. I hope we will have nice weather while we're doing the Whitsunday Islands. 
Left Hervey Bay again. It was sad to leave Tim, Moana and the others at Palace Backpackers, but I finally met up with the girls again. We spent one night in Rockhamton, one of those really sleepy towns, and got to Airlie Beach today. I have driven on the left handside today. It wasn't that hard, but the roundabouts and changing gear with the left hand is a little bit strange. We will stay here at Reef'O Backpackers a couple of days, before we will do our sailing and diving. There is a festival going on here this week.
Left the Sunshinde Coast and got back to Hervey Bay yesterday, for the Halloween party at the Palace Backpackers. They had organized a barbeque party by the pool. 
Have been in Noosa since Saturday. This is a nice place to relax. I have been on the beach and walked in the national parks. It's nice to have some really lazy days as well. I have finally got in contact with the girls again, so I'm going to meet them in Hervey Bay, when they have finished their Fraser Island tour. I will travel up to Cairns with them. I'm sure that will be fun!
Today it's raining here in Sydney, so I just use the day to do my lanudry and plan my travel up to Cairns. I've decided to stay in Sydney until sunday night. Then I will start travelling up north with the Greyhound buses. I bought my ticket today. I'm free to go on and off as many times as I want. The ticket costed 235 $ with a V.I.P. membership.
I'm starting to get used to the time-difference now, and it's no problem to get used to having holiday for a long time! Traveling alone has not been a problem so far. Having a great time here in Perth and I can recommend everybody to visit this place while being in Australia. The weather is still excellent.
Silje is now on her way to Australia, and we will get the first report soon.
This site will soon contain my diary as I travel around in Australia & Asia. I will leave Norway October 1st.
