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maglab · 3 years ago

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Bali Tour And Travel Information

Bali is only one of over 17,000 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia and is definitely the most popular island destination for tourists. There is so much Bali travel information and advice available to help tourists, hopefully you will find all that you need to help you enjoy your stay in Bali as you read through this page and make your Bali experience as exciting and relaxing as possible.

Throughout the world, Bali is recognized as a fairy tale paradise island with sunny beaches, white sand, superb surfing, rural fishing villages, sculptured rice terraces and so much more. When you travel to Bali you are not only going to experience some of the most up market and luxurious hotels and villas available around the world, but in certain rural areas it will seem as though you are stepping back in time. Some of the Balinese people live the same way that they have done for centuries without changing with modern technology.

To most of the Balinese people religion is not only for Sundays but it is deeply ingrained and is a way of life. Hinduism is the main religion on the island and the beliefs and traditions have not been changed by the huge international tourist resorts, massive shopping malls and the many bars that are associated with many of the tourist resorts. Many of the smaller Balinese temples co-exist in between the Western influenced tourist areas. When travelling to Bali you will have to accept that sometimes the roads will be impassable due to religious ceremonies and instead of becoming impatient, enjoy the experience, after all there is nothing you can do to speed the process up. The streets are transformed into a maze of colours and costumes, with people dressed in beautiful traditional dresses and garments.Many things in Bali go a lot slower that in developed countries, so patience is one thing you will need to pack with you especially if you intend to do some travelling around Bali’s rural areas.

The people of Bali are extremely friendly and always return a smile. The politeness and courtesy you receive in any of the service industries is supreme and renowned worldwide. The services are cheap and you will always feel happy to give a tip even in the expensive restaurants and hotels due to the exceptional service and friendly attitude that greats you.

Tourism is a big source of income for the Balinese and they literally bend over backwards in order to make your stay as comfortable and happy as possible. Lot of locals take the advantages of the tourism business and work as hotels or villas employ and some of them open Bali car rental with driver service. The local currency used in Bali and all over Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah IDR. XE is a live currency converter that is updated as exactly as the rates change on the world market. This is great not only for planning your holiday money, but also if you need to exchange money when in Bali, you can know in advance what the actual rate is before going to the foreign money exchangers.

Balinese Etiquette

When traveling to other countries it is always a sign of respect to try and learn some of the different customs of the people. Balinese people are very accommodating and will show their appreciation that you try to follow their customs even if you don’t get it right all the time.

The following matters of etiquette, should be observed especially when travelling around Bali’s rural areas and attending special occasions and festivals.

Always take off your shoes before entering a house even if you are told not to.

Patting anyone on the head is considered very rude.

If your baby is less than six months old, don’t let it touch the ground.

Don’t use your foot to point.

Don’t hang your shirt or any clothing on a temple wall.

Don’t walk under a washing line that has underwear hanging on it if is then above your head.

When hanging up laundry put your underwear on the lowest rung.

When at ceremonies, weddings etc, sit lower than honored guests, priests and sacred objects.

Don’t step in front of someone if you can’t avoid it, adopt a submissive posture and ask forgiveness.

Never step over a sacred object or offering, be careful of this as some masks at ceremonies can be sacred. When at special events and in doubt, just don’t do it.

You can sit on cushions, but not on a pillow.

Sleep with your head pointed towards the east or north, pointed to the mountains.

When visiting temples or less casual places, wear long pants or a sarong with a selendang (scarf like cloth) tied around the waist.

It may seem sexist to many women, but it is considered extremely taboo to enter a temple while menstruating.

Getting to Bali

By Air

The main international airport is Bali’s Ngurah Rai and is a gateway to many Indonesian countries. The main airline operating here is Garuda Indonesia as well as 12 other international airlines. Ngurah Rai is situated in the south area of the island and traveling to the majority of the popular resorts will not take more that 30 minutes. If you are staying in one of the northern resorts like Ubud expect a drive of over an hour.

Daily direct flights are available from Singapore on Garuda Indonesia, and Singapore Airlines.MAS and Garuda operate direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and from Hong Kong with Garuda and Cathay Pacific. Direct flights are also available from Bangkok with Thai International and Qantas. UTA flies direct from Paris, KLM fly from Amsterdam via Medan, Garuda fly from Japan and Taiwan and Garuda and Qantas fly from the Australian cities of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Adelaide.

By Road or Rail from Java

Trains and buses from Java stop at Banyuwangi and a 24 hour ferry transports cars and passengers to Gilimanuk, where buses will take passengers to Denspasar.

By Sea

International cruise ships and yachts use the Bali seaports of Benoa and Padangbai. Padangbai is mostly used by the larger luxury cruise ships as Benoa is relatively small. From Lombok’s port of Lembar a ferry service is available twice daily to Padagbai and from Benoa harbor to Lembar you can catch a hydrofoil.

Bali is the departure point for cruises to Lombok, and the nearby island that people are beginning to discover are very remote an unspoiled by tourism. If you intend to visit here make sure that you consult your doctor as this is known as a high malaria area.

As with all countries, laws can change overnight and it is important to have the latest up to date information before travelling to a foreign country.

Bali Tourism Board (BTB)

BTB was established on the 1st of March 2000 formed by nine major Bali tourism associations. With the unstable business climate hamper the island, BTB is hoped to build and develop a better and more sustainable tourism industry in Bali. Considering the importance of the tourism industry and the capability of BTB in associating with government, community, and industry alike, the Governor of Bali officially recognized BTB on 10 May 2000 as the embodiment of a new partnership between the travel industry, the government, and the local community. Since then, BTB has earned the respect and support of all related government agencies, including the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Visit Indonesia

Visit Indonesia is an up to date Indonesian website offering anything from entry advice, dos and don’ts to banking hours events and activities.

National Portal Republic of Indonesia

The official Indonesian government website, National Portal Republic of Indonesia is for all things Indonesian/Bali related not only for tourist information and is worth looking over before leaving for your trip to Bali. If you only want to read on tourist related news and advice visit their official tourism website.

Smart traveller

This is the Australian Government’s travel advisory and consular assistance service website. Even though this site is targeted to the Australian population the advice is valuable to everyone wishing to get up to date advice on everything when you want to travel to Bali.

The Laws of Indonesia and Bali

Every major town has a police station called Resort Polisi. The Traffic Police Office is located in Denpasar, but its office hours are only 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, Monday to Saturday.

All narcotics are illegal in all Indonesian countries and using, selling or buying any drugs can result in huge fines, prison or even the death penalty. If you are caught even your own government will be unlikely to help you, so stay clear of this type of recreation.

If you lose your passport, report it immediately to the local Police station and ask for a letter with the report details. Trying to get a replacement passport can be difficult if you don’t produce this letter.

You can drive if you have an international license or one issued in one of the ASEAN countries; Brunei ,Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. If you want to get a motor bike or car license your application is made through the Komdak Lalulintas in Jalan Seruni. A driving test is theoretically compulsory, however you will find people who will be able to fast track your application for you, obviously for a fee.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia for the most up-to-date information.

You should ensure you have the correct, current visa at all times, otherwise you may be fined, jailed, deported or banned from re-entering Indonesia for a period of time.

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your date of arrival. Visitors may be granted a seven day visa on arrival for a fee of USD10 or a 30 day visa on arrival for a fee of USD25. Both visas are non-extend-able and non-transferable. The period of stay for visas is calculated from the day of arrival. For example, if a tourist with a seven day visa arrived on a Sunday, they must depart Indonesia the following Saturday. If the tourist departed on the following Sunday, they would be considered to have overstayed their visa. This principle also applies to 30 day visas. Fines are imposed for each additional day in Indonesia.

If you are staying in private accommodation, you are required to register with the local Rukun Tertangga (RT) Office and the local police when you arrive. If you plan to be in Indonesia for more than 90 days, you must register with the local immigration office and hold the correct visa.

Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity and carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Important Travel Precautions

When planning a trip to a tropical place like Bali, all types of thoughts will be conjured up in your head of the possible dangers that await you and how to deal with them. The major concerns that people face are the safety of the food and water, local violence crime rate, the transportation and any common or dangerous tropical diseases. Many expats live and travel around Bali on a daily basis without any problems, but as a first time visitor there are certain precautions that you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Reduce health risks before traveling to Bali.

Before trips to Bali consult your doctor to find out what the current health situation is in the area you are going to stay in and find out if there are any vaccinations required before you leave. Bali is a tropical region and does have some nasty bugs floating or flying around so it is important to know exactly where you are going to be traveling to and let your doctor know. Once you have arrived in Bali it is important to stay in the areas that you have planned to as some of the islands have different health risks that you may not be aware or prepared for. For example Lombok is considered as a higher malaria risk area than the main island of Bali and if you have not been taking malaria tablets it is not advisable to go there.

The more common vaccinations that you would be given are polio, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A & B and malaria or whatever is prevalent at that specific time. If Bali is a regular holiday place for your vacations, it is important to visit your doctor every time you plan on going as new diseases can spring up very quickly.

Bali Travel insurance.

Traveling is risky, especially when you are going a long distance to a foreign country. Insurance won’t take the risk factor out but will help you if you do end up needing medical attention due to an accident or some disease. For short holidays, insurance is not that expensive compared to the peace of mind that it offers and you can then get on with enjoying your holiday without worrying.

Drinking Water in Bali.

Tap water is unsafe to drink in Bali. Although the quality of water throughout the island varies greatly, some coming piped, some from a well, one should always assume it is unsafe to drink without boiling. People living in Bali shower with the local water, brushing teeth etc. with no ill effects, still your drinking water should be bottled water. No matter where you stay, the tap water is unsafe for drinking, some of the luxury hotels have signs on the basins advising that their water is safe, but it is not worth the risk to drink it. Bottled water is freely available and is cheap. Even when brushing your teeth use the bottled water. When staying in tourist areas, all food is prepared with bottled water, so you are safe to eat everything including the delicious salads. Ice from these establishments is also made from bottled water and is safe, but when traveling outside tourist resorts avoid the ice and only buy drinks that are in refrigerators, not in cooler boxes covered with water and ice. All fruit and vegetables can be eaten without any worries as long as you use bottled water if you are going to make some of your own meals.

Bali Belly is not ordinary Diarrhea.

Bali is renowned for an acute gastroenteritis infection that should not be mistaken for mere holiday runs. You will know if you have caught this as you will have both diarrhea and vomiting at the same time and will feel like hell. The best thing to do is seek medical advice from a local doctor who will prescribe the needed medication to get you back up on your feet usually within 24 hours. If you do not get treatment then this can last for weeks and spoil your holiday and worst case scenario you will end up in hospital.

Small cuts & scrapes.

Small cuts can develop into serious infections due to the hot humid conditions very quickly. Wash out any cuts you get with clean bottled water and apply some Betadine. Allow the cut to air dry rather than putting a plaster on as this will make it “sweat” and take longer to heal.

Carry a first aid kit.

Learn how to use a first aid kit and take your own one with you, trying to find one locally is very difficult and those that are available are very limited. Don’t pack it in your hand luggage as it may be confiscated due to the sharp instruments.

Traveling for Medical help.

If you are staying in a villa out of town it can be difficult to get transport when most needed. When you first arrive, get a few phone numbers of reliable taxi services that operate 24 hours and store them in your phone.

Emergency Numbers in Bali. Police : 110 Fire Dept.: 113 Ambulance : 118 Search & rescue: 111,115 or 151 Operated Assisted Calls Within Indonesia : 100 International : 101

Directory Information Bali : 147 Indonesia : 106 Postal & Parcel Services.

Major hotels handle mail service, telegrams and telexes. The Central Post Office is located in Denpasar. Central Post Office Jl. Raya Puputan, Renon, Denpasar 80235. Tel: 23565. Open from Monday to Thursday : 08.00 a.m. – 02.00 p.m. Friday: 08.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon. Saturday: 08.00 a.m. – 01.00 p.m.

Poste Restante Poste Restante is an inexpensive service for overseas visitors in Bali so they can receive letters or parcels from family or friends while traveling around Bali. The services are available at the Central Post Office and at the following post offices:

Sanur Post Office: Banjar Taman, Sanur, Denpasar 80277 Kuta Post Office: Jl. Raya Tuban, Kuta, Denpasar 80361 Ubud Post Office: Banjar Taman, Ubud, Gianyar 80571. Singaraja Post Office: Jl. Gajah Mada, Singaraja 81100.

#bali travel information #bali travel #bali vacation #bali information

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ginasneesby · 4 years ago

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September - Viv and Andy part 1

2 years late but in enforced lockdown seems the best time to complete these blogs if I am able to remember to any degree what I actually did.

My first visitors were my sister Viv and her husband Andy, they had planned to come to me for 10 days, sandwiched between short trips to see friends in Australia; meaning I didn’t get the jet lag portion or the sad our trip is almost over portion! Viv had also done a lot of research and even booking in advance so most of the activities were sorted and paid for. This made it easier for me having only been nursing since coming back in July and then having taken more trips than I should have done really given how much money I had saved, spreading the cost meant we could all do everything and any extra costs were paid for with those weeks’ wages!

Their flight got in around 4pm on Thursday 6th, the day after I got back from Queenstown and a few weeks after Rarotonga so sort of felt like I was living at the airport; my carbon footprint this year was pretty shocking. They had booked a posh flat in central Auckland just round the corner from the Sky Tower which I drove directly to, luckily arriving late enough to miss parking restrictions so I could come in and see the place too. Having this flat the whole trip meant they could pack small bags for our planned trips and leave all the rest behind, also there was a gym in the complex which apparently is important ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

It did however mean their self-catering kitchen was empty, so first job was to head to a supermarket to grab some essentials, the next day we hadn’t planned anything out of town so coffee and milk were a must. We decided however to go out for dinner rather than cook so I took them for a short walk down to the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter to see the harbour bridge, marina and view across to Devonport. We ate burgers or something similar at a bar and had a couple of cheap cocktails making it to well gone 9 o’clock before all the travelling (and I’m sure some jetlag) kicked in and we all headed home.

The next day I left the pair to figure out Auckland transport and met them at the Devonport ferry terminal, from here we took a gentle hike up Mount Victoria behind my flat (also known as the windiest hill in Auckland) with great views of the harbour, bridge and skyline. There is also an old gun turret type thing that was positioned here because it’s near the opening to the Hauraki Gulf and, I guess, the Pacific Ocean. Obviously we had to take the ‘there’s a giant gun between my legs’ photos but the classic NZ weather of blue sky, crazy wind and blazing sun directly in your eyes led to some interesting facial expressions. We had a late start to the day so after a few hours and a quick stop to see my flat, we were ready to head back over to the city and go for a drink. I took them to an Irish bar which I know seems so wrong but actually there isn’t really what you’d call a typical New Zealand pub (unlike the outdoor bars in Europe) so any pub was good; this one I knew did some classic NZ beers which was good enough for a local feel. We didn’t stay long as we were booked in for a full itinerary of activities on the Saturday but it was nice to end our first full day with a couple of beers, that’s what holidays are all about isn’t it.

Saturday saw an early start to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island, we tried to stay outside on the boat initially but all that wind that’s blow on Mount Victoria, also blows through the Hauraki Gulf and across the bow of the ship, so it was a bit too chilly to remain for the whole journey. There were lots of people on the boat, including a whole host of local primary/middle school football teams who were heading to Waiheke for a tournament; there was a lot of excitement so must have been a big deal! On arrival we were picked up with only about 6 others to head to the Ecozip HQ for the first of our ‘zip, wine and dine’ plans. The sun was blazing as we started out safety briefing for the 3 large zip lines we were about to throw ourselves down, all of which flew over a working vineyard and beautiful patch of NZ bush which we would then walk back through after getting to the bottom. The views from the top were amazing; I love the Auckland skyline anyway but seeing it across the water with the sun shining added an extra splash of magic; always makes a special holiday activity particularly memorable. The zip lines were set up in 2 so Viv and Andy went down together, of course trying to race each other, how else do you zip line, I went down by myself which meant I could 1) take in my surroundings and 2) film the others trying to beat each other. Not sure there’s anything you could actually do to increase your speed but I know they were trying. Each zip faced in a slightly different direction and was positioned high above the bush so each journey down was a new view; I highly recommend doing it as it was great fun. Once we got to the bottom, we were able to loosen our harnesses for the return climb, the guides walked us back up through the bush, pointing out the native plants, trees and animals which the company is helping to preserve and restore.

We were taken back to the ferry port to continue our day which for us meant being picked up by a different coach and taken to the first of 4 wine stops, Stonyridge Vineyard. We had a brief tour of the vines and the cork trees that they grew on site plus a taster of 3 different wines which we were then able to buy a large discounted glass of to have with lunch. Our tables were set up outside on a deck near the cork and olive trees and overlooking rolling green hills, if there’s a better spot to start an afternoon of drinking I haven’t found it. Also a good shout to sell a large glass for cheap at the start, as I found out on a later trip without this option, the tasters as not enough to keep you going for the whole afternoon (and I’m really against paying $15 for a small glass.) The next stop was Rangihoua estate in the centre of the island for some olive oil tasting and some different wine. By this point in typical Auckland fashion the sun had come out in force and wearing jumper, jeggings and boots I was overheating a bit but also determined to catch some sun following a long grey winter. Casita Miro was an amazing vineyard up in the hills towards the north coast of the island, ran by a family with decoration inspired by the Park Guell in Barcelona and Gaudi’s style of mosaic. The vines also grew on a pretty vertical hill, the dad (who was also a Dr) clearly put all his time and effort into the place and it really showed; what free time he could possibly have i don’t know. They gave us a tasting of 5 different wines, red/white and rose, each with a small complimentary snack balanced on a plate on top of the glass; some bruschetta, some cheese and some fruit, classy. Our last spot was Mudbrick Vineyard, with views back towards the city and Rangitoto island across the glittering green water of the Gulf, their vines went up the hill behind the vineyard which must have been near the highest point of the island? The whole place was obviously well established as a venue and even had extra buildings for wedding parties to use a bridal suites etc. We were able to buy more wine and stay longer if we wanted as our return ticket was valid until the last ferry, probably around 9pm. But we decided to head back with the coach and catch the planned ferry, totally in the mood to jump into another bar around the terminal and continue drinking. But in usual fashion the 40 minute ferry journey zapped us of this will and by the time we got back an early start and the best part of a couple of bottles of wine each caught up with us so we decided not to carry on but to crawl into bed probably grabbing something tasty and unhealthy on the way home.

Sunday, after a slow start, we decided to drive up the coast to Muriwai beach where there is a large colony of Gannets living on the rocks, I had been earlier in the year and there were barely any birds there, I guess September being the start of Spring they had all come back to nest. The west shore of Auckland is famous for high winds and crazy waves (they set a whole beach rescue programme at Piha just down the road) so there are some quite dramatic rock formations along the coast. Muriwai has a designated walkway up through the colony and when crowded with birds they literally nest everywhere, right up to the edge of the path so you can get a really close look at them. There was a bit of shagging going up close too which made some of the parents walking around move their brood on swiftly. Down the hill from the birds you can walk along the rock when the tide is out and people come here to fish and look in the rock pools, there’s probably some fresh shellfish being pulled out here and taken straight home for dinner. I had recently discovered a Sunday night market under one of the shopping centres near me which had fresh homemade Asian foods which were all pretty amazing. You could get a pile of dumplings or bao for not many dollars which we did and shared them between us plus some added satay chicken and other deep fried goodies. Not to mention the desserts on offer, ice cream/crepes/waffles all with fruit and chocolate bits and sauces in case the main course wasn’t enough calories. Stomachs filled and plans finalised for our flight the next day, I drove my guests back to their apartment and took myself home to pack for the next adventure down to the south island.

#newzealand #holiday #travelling #auckland #waiheke #zip wine and dine #zipline #ecozip #taste of waiheke #wine #devonport #ferry #muriwai #gannetcolony #2018memories

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themesbyrationaly-blog · 5 years ago

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sprache in neuseeland (5)

language in New Zealand: Important information at a glance TITLE>New Zealand: In New Zealand, the telephone card, which you can get at the post office or at kiosks and Co. Yep, it's worth it ;) I had one...or...but your answer really helps me, then maybe I'll come over after my studies to do some hiking. Your contact person for such questions is Immigration NZ, they have a super informative website and also answer emails in a friendly and prompt manner. Furthermore, Tokelau is a dependent territory of the State of New Zealand and the Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing territories in free association with New Zealand. These territories are not further considered below.

What spiders are there in New Zealand?

Our New Zealand travel budget for flights looked like this for a short time: Flights with Lufthansa/Air New Zealand from Dresden to Christchurch (back from Auckland) with a stopover in Tokyo: 1.507 Euro per adult, 1.220 Euro per child = 5.454 Euro. Travel cancellation insurance (Hanse Merkur): 23 Euro per person = 92 Euro.

This begins on the night of the last Sunday in September and ends on the night of the first Sunday in April. The New Zealand Ministry of the Interior has published the exact dates for the coming years on its website. Almost all travellers from Europe choose to travel to New Zealand by air. The name for the preferred agent marked with nÄ (past) / mÄ (future) + VP marked with i (past) / e (future) + Patiens as subject. The standard language is that of Bible translation, which is based on the dialect of Northern New Zealand, as that is where the missionaries were first active.

Tips in New Zealand

South Africa is a culturally diverse country where people of several ethnicities live and which is often called the "rainbow nation" because of this diversity.

New Zealand is especially suitable for nature lovers, adventure and active holidaymakers.must not miss this highlight.

Pacific Blue, a subsidiary of Virgin Australia (formerly Virgin Blue), has specialised in cheap connections between New Zealand and Australia.

>>The animals live in hollow trees and can live up to 30 years.>>/ul>

In the 1970s there was a lively rock scene in Cape Town. Various forms of rock such as disco, punk, gothic rock (No Friends of Harry) and alternative metal were also represented at times. The singer Nianell sings pop music with folk influences in English or Afrikaans. Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here.

Special travel guides for New Zealand

In the Peace of Vereeniging the two Boer Republics were incorporated into the British Empire, otherwise the Boer Republics were annexed to the British Empire.

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weremime · 5 years ago

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spezialreiseveranstalter neuseeland

campervan hire New Zealand here.

car rental in New Zealand

Explore the different National Parks in New Zealand and enjoy the hospitality of the Kiwis.

Sustainable experiences and haunting encounters with locals in Australia and New ZealandThis is exactly what the tour operatorTravelEssence wants to make possible.Holidays is your New Zealand specialist. In the Catlins you will experience the hospitality of New Zealand farmers and sleep on a remote sheep farm. We take sufficient time for this - and plan together with you. Many small details from our insider knowledge flow into this. Details that ultimately make the big difference to your unforgettable travel experience. We answer all your questions in advance and advise you openly and honestly with all our expertise. Boomerang Reisen has established itself as an innovative specialist tour operator for Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Africa and Canada.

However, Tourism New Zealand does not verify all the information provided in each entry. By using this website, users agree that Tourism New Zealand is not responsible for verifying the information provided by travel agents. This site is not intended to certify certain quality standards or legal obligations of the travel agencies listed here. We can book cheap flights to New Zealand and combine these with a suitable rental car or motorhome or other travel components such as hotel, special activities (mountain biking, rafting, etc.) can also be booked according to your travel plans.

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Are you looking for your tailor-made trip with that certain something? Be inspired by our most popular tours listed below and let us know about additional travel requests or changes. Everything is possible - we will work out your dream trip together with you. Whether individual or group travel, we will plan your trip away from the typical tourist route, using our experience of over 35 years. Discover with us the red continent of Australia, the dramatic fjords of New Zealand and the dream beaches of Tahiti, Fiji and the Cook Islands.

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frescvde · 5 years ago

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seasons in New Zealand

new zealand travel time>/days>Since I like to travel a lot and like to travel a lot, the flight search is always a factor that determines the biggest part of my budget. Therefore it is extremely important for me to buy cheap flight tickets. So the smallest continent on earth is still big enough for four different climate zones. Because of these differences you have the possibility to travel Australia with pleasant temperatures all year round. To determine the best route for your holiday in Australia, it is therefore important to consider what you want to see and when you want to travel. The following information will show you when and where the climate in Australia is best for your planned holiday. Intensive agriculture is practised in the plains, while extensive grazing predominates in many other places. East of the central plain, the landscape is steppe-like due to low precipitation. The northern parts of the North Island lie in the subtropical climate zone and are largely covered with rainforest in less populated places. These are rainforests of the temperate and subtropical zone, which differ significantly from the rainforests of the tropical zone in terms of fauna and flora. A comparable vegetation with often evergreen deciduous and coniferous woods and partly tree ferns can be found on the south coast of South Africa, in Tasmania, Chile and along the Pacific coast from California to Canada. The months of November to March are ideal for trips to Canberra. Until a few years ago, the average New Zealand vacationer was a backpacker or bungee jumper.

climate and best travel time for the South Island of New Zealand

The month of September can surprise with temperature extremes. On some days there is still ground frost, on others a pleasant warmth can already be felt. During the day temperatures reach an average of 17Â°C. At night the temperature usually falls below 10Â°C, but occasionally it can still drop below freezing. Even if the sun only shines up to five hours a day, it already shows its power and ensures that the snow melts.

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New Zealand is known for its impressive natural thermal spas.you can't pay in cash or by card, you can also pay on account, which has to be paid within 24 hours after giving your personal data.

East of the central plain the landscape is steppe-like due to the low rainfall.

Alunga, place with a lot of sunshine, is what the Aborigines called the city.

Rain is only expected on about eight days a month. This makes December one of the months of the year with the least precipitation.

Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here.

Which dangerous animals are

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riseofthexempire-blog · 5 years ago

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Das Bilderbuchparadies

For me it was the most beautiful days I have ever spent travelling and we are definitely planning a remake. I had a VISA card with me and could easily withdraw money from any cash machine. The best time to travel to the South Seas is between April and October. It is warm all year round, but during the German winter time storms can occur here. Numerous caves and beaches with rock pools, which are shared with colourful fishes, attract 2000 visitors to Atiu every year. On the one-hour flight you enjoy a wonderful view of Aitutaki, one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Overnight at Aitutaki Village Garden Bungalow (Standard) or Tamanu Beach 1-bedroom Garden Bungalow Lagoon View (Superior) or Pacific Resort Aitutaki Beach Bungalow (Deluxe). The above itineraries are only suggestions, which we can adapt to your wishes. In order for us to provide you with an individual offer, please use the form below. When it comes to food, I also think you will find good restaurants everywhere. Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here. In the resorts there is of course more luxury and pampering. Here you can also be lucky and get cheap daily rates, the Walk In Rates. But backpackers know their way around better, they have already done that.

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North-east of New Zealand, the Cook Islands are far away from everyday stress.to the backpackers we are planning our trip to the Cook Islands since November last year.

>>Best time to travel is not really the best time, they say that it is rather dry from May to October.>li>In uncomfortable dragging the lumbar region is getting more and more uncomfortable.>/ul>

This here you might like too

Although the island has virtually no beaches, the Tiputa Channel is probably one of the best diving areas in the world for big fish thanks to the strong currents. You don't have to be a diver to see the dolphins. During the aperitif on the terrace of the pension "Chez JosÃ©phine" you can watch dolphins playing in the waves almost every evening. Humpback whale If you stay on Moorea between July and October, an excursion to the humpback whales off the coast is a must. During this time the humpback whales come from the polar seas into the waters of Moorea to calve.

land and people - everything fits

Also the underwater fauna is an experience for passionate divers with barracudas, tuna, stingrays or reef sharks. Island hopping without motor A great way to discover the northern part of the lagoon is by kayak. You rent a kayak for half a day at Ootu Beach next to the airport and paddle from island to island. All islands are uninhabited, so make sure you bring enough water and sun cream.

#sÃ¼dsee aitutaki

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clairebenblog · 3 months ago

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How to Travel to The Cook Islands on a Budget

If you’re planning to travel to the Cook Islands, you may be wondering if it’s possible to enjoy a holiday here without breaking the bank. While its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality make it a must-visit South Pacific holiday destination, how affordable can a Cook Islands holidays really be? Luckily, with a bit of savvy planning, you can enjoy this paradise without straining your wallet.

At Spacifica Travel, we are committed to helping you figure out how to make the most of your trip while staying on budget. Discover tips on finding affordable flights, budget accommodation, and cheap yet delicious dining options. And of course, explore our range of Cook Islands holiday packages to find the perfect deal for your dream getaway.

Low-Cost and Free Activities in the Cook Islands

During your Cook Islands travel, you’ll find plenty of low-cost and free activities to enjoy — if you know where to look. You can spend your days relaxing on pristine beaches, where you can swim, sunbathe, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Explore the local markets, such as the Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga, where you can experience the local culture, enjoy live music, and of course, sample local dishes.

If you love exploring nature, hiking the lush trails of Rarotonga’s interior, or visiting the stunning Muri Lagoon on the east coast of the island offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences at no cost. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit cultural sites and historical landmarks, such as the ancient marae (sacred sites), to learn about the rich history of the islands. By enjoying these activities in the Cook Islands, your holiday will be filled with enriching experiences without costing you a fortune.

Money Saving Tips for Visiting the Cook Islands

A Cook Islands holiday doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan wisely. Here are some practical tips to help you save money while enjoying all that the Cook Islands have to offer.

Travel during the off-peak season: Avoid the high tourist season to find cheaper flights and accommodation (generally between November and February).

Cook your own meals: Shop at local markets and prepare your own meals to save on dining costs.

Use public transportation: Take advantage of the local bus system or rent a bicycle to get around cheaply.

Look for free activities: Enjoy the natural beauty of the islands with beach days, hikes, and snorkelling.

Read more to know about How to Travel to The Cook Islands on a Budget

#cookislandtravel #cookislandholidays #spacificatravel #cookislandsholiday

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nomoresadstark-blog · 5 years ago

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Best travel time Tahiti

>>na, then I have inspired you very well. With a lot of luggage it will actually not be possible, because the public buses are very narrow and mostly also very full. Tourists won't come along with luggage and I wouldn't do that to myself, because you wouldn't have any space to put your suitcase in the bus. If the two of you spend about 120 Euro per night, then you already have something very comfortable. But this is also a good thing, as by this way, the islands are spared from the backpacker tourism for example. Get the best deals on flights, hotels and car hire with our free mobile app.

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are a place of longing and are considered by many as the dream destination par excellence. Book a cheap flight to Bora Bora using the list of flights to Bora Bora below, or use the links on the screen page to find more flight information.

Best travel times for other destinations

Where is the South Pacific?

Skyscanner offers a selection of countless airlines from which you can choose the cheapest flights to Bora Bora, including American Airlines, Air France, Air Tahiti.

In order to further improve our offer and our website, we collect anonymous data for statistics and analysis.

Politically the island belongs to the French overseas territory French Polynesia, originally called French Oceania.

We, that means my husband and I as well as our two children (then 10 and 3) are planning two weeks in the Pentecost holidays next year.

One can be a little envious when seeing the holiday photos of others.

>/ul> Best travel time MauritiusWith information about the climate and the summer- and wintertime on Mauritius I show you the best travel time for the island state. Are you a hobby or professional angler and would like to pursue your leisure activities on your Seychelles holiday? Then fly to the dream islands in the Indian Ocean from October to April. During this time, the weather conditions are perfect for fishing. By buying carbonated bottled water it is easier to identify a bottle that has been opened before. Please note the instructions for use and help with the indications in the leaflet "Travel recommendations". No compulsory vaccinations are required for direct entry from Germany. When entering Germany from a yellow fever area, proof of yellow fever vaccination must be provided for all travellers older than 12 months of age entering Germany from a yellow fever area. Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here.

How long does the flight to the Maldives take?

The Atlantic Ocean or Atlantic is one of the oceans or seas of the world. The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean after the Pacific Ocean. It is located between America in the west and Europe and Africa in the east. The Atlantic Ocean got its name from Atlas, a Greek mythical figure.

Also affected are the islands preferred by tourists, including the main island. Make sure that you and your children have the standard vaccinations according to the vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute at the current level.

#when is the best travel time for the south seas

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brightsuntravel123 · 7 years ago

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#travel #South Pacific Islands flights from UK #South Pacific Islands cheap air tickets #South Pacific Islands flights offers #Cheap tickets to South Pacific Islands #Cheap flights to South Pacific Islands #Cheap air tickets to South Pacific Islands

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itsjanetimbengan · 5 years ago

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South Korea 2018: Travel Guide (6-Day Itinerary + Budget)

It was mid-September last year and with the autumn approaching, South Korea boasted its mixture of green, yellow, orange, and red glamorous shades of leaves. It’s the season where it is mostly sunny but still giving you chill temperature that you still have to wear cozy clothes to keep you warm, especially at night.

And aside from being a dreamy background during this season, South Korea is well-known for its K-drama, K-Pop entertainment, Korean fashion, and, of course, Korean skincare!

How to get a Korean Tourist Visa?

Before, anyone can apply directly at the Korean Embassy, but by the time I was processing my Korean Visa, around August 2018, a new policy has been made that the application will need to course through Korean Embassy’s designated travel agencies only.

Step 1: Prepare the documents/requirements needed for your application. Below is the list of the documents you need to prepare in getting your Korean Visa:

1. A duly accomplished printed visa application form. Download the form HERE. Print the form in A4 size of bond paper. Fill in the form completely (Must be computerized, not handwritten. Do not leave anything blank). For items that are not applicable for you, kindly leave it blank.

2. Passport-sized Picture. Prepare a colored 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm photo with white background.

3. Philippine Passport. Must have at least 6 months validity and with at least 2 blank pages.

4. Photocopy of current Philippine Passport bio page. This is found on page 2 (the part where your passport photo and other info are shown).

5. Original and photocopy of valid visa(s) and arrival stamps to OECD member countries within the last 5 years, if applicable. Click HERE for a list of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries. If you have been to any of the OECD countries, make sure to submit the original and photocopy of the relevant visas and arrival stamps.

Additional requirements if you’re applying WITHOUT GUARANTOR:

If you’ll be shouldering all of your travel expenses in Korea, you must prove that you are capable of doing it. You must present the following:

a. For Employees

1. Certificate of Employment. Must contain the address of the employer, the landline number and email address of employer’s HR department, applicant’s position, date hired, and compensation.

2. Original Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, and 6 months average balance (ADB).

3. Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook covering the last 3 months.

4. Photocopy of ITR (Form 2316). If you have travelled to OECD member countries within the last 5 years, you are exempt from submitting an ITR.

5. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card, if applicable only.

b. For Self-Employed

1. Photocopy of Business registration form from DTI or SEC. Must include pages with the names of stockholders.

2. Photocopy of Business permit or Mayor’s permit.

3. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank and with pages including net income and total revenue.

4. Original Personal Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.

5. Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook covering the last 3 months.

6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card, if applicable only.

Step 2: Submit the requirements to accredited travel agencies

As mentioned, Korean Embassy will no longer accept direct application. You will need to submit your documents to accredited travel agencies.

For list of Korean Embassy – accredited travel agencies, click HERE.

I processed my visa application through Reli Tours and Travel Company in SM Megamall since it is near our office. They charged me 700 pesos for the handling fee and kindly note that personal appearance is required. You can check their website HERE.

Step 3: Wait for your Korean Visa

Normally, visa processing will take 7-10 business working days but, sometimes it can be as fast as 3 working days.

Reli Tours texted me on Saturday morning that my visa was already available however, they didn’t indicate if it was approved or not (side story: I was in Cebu that time and will be back in Manila the next day so, imagine the anxiety of waiting to see the result of your application…) The Monday next week, I claimed my passport and yay it was approved!!!

How long is the validity of the visa?

Korean Visa is valid within the next 3 months (90 days) of the issue date and you can stay in Korea for as long as 59 days.

How to get to South Korea?

Typically, people book going to Incheon International Airport which a lot of airlines fly from Manila. Flight prices start from 10,000 pesos (if not promo), excluding the baggage allowance. Luckily, we scored our flight for only 3,000 pesos!!! Thank you, Cebu Pac piso sale!

WiFi in South Korea

We booked an unlimited 4G wifi for 7 days thru Klook. While you can connect to internet anywhere in Korea, it is best that you have your own pocket wifi so as to help you navigate the places around (hello, Google maps!). The rate is P110 per day which is pretty cheap yet giving you a super reliable internet connection. Book HERE!

Upon arrival at the airport, we picked up the device at their booth.

Getting Around South Korea

The most efficient and easiest way to travel around South Korea is by train. Just purchase a T-Money card (like a beep card) from any 711 store, load it, and use it in subways, trains, and public buses. With this, you can save the hassle from purchasing single journey tickets every time.

We mostly use Google Maps to guide us going to our destination and to see train stations. You can also download Seoul Subway App to help you find out which stations you should take.

From airport, since we arrived late at night, Airport Express Train (AREX) was already closed - operating hours is from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM only. However, there are buses outside the airport, just check the nearest bus stop from the location of your hotel.

Place to Visit in South Korea

N SEOUL TOWER

Famous for its love locks, Namsan Seoul Tower is Seoul’s most iconic landmark where you can indulge the scenic view of the entire city.

We were welcomed by a wooden terrace which will lead you to “Locks of Love” area located at the roof terrace. A thousand of padlocks were attached to the fence by the couples symbolizing their eternal love.

Inside the tower, after we wandered around Hello Kitty Island, we queued for the elevator going to the observation deck. The observatory offers the 360° panoramic view of the entire city of Seoul at a glance. As the dusk fell, darkness gathered all around and the lights from the buildings blinked on, rewarding us with the dazzling sight of stars and luminescence below.

Book HERE (N Seoul Tower Obeservatory Deck + Hello Kity Island = Php 489)

Admission fee: Namsan Cable Car = KRW 9,000, 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Directions: Take exit 3 of Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), walk for about 10-15 minutes following the right side of the Pacific Hotel to Namsan Cable Car Station.

EVERLAND

Everland, the largest theme park in Korea, offers 5 different themed zones – Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zootopia, serving you some thrilling rides and some child and family-friendly attractions.

Being a kid at heart, I always have a soft spot for amusement parks. I like riding heart-stopping and rip-roaring rides. However, we just strolled around mostly in garden areas since my bestfriend is not a fan of thrilling rides.

Book HERE (1-Day ticket = Php 1,678)

Admission Fee: KRW 56,000, 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Directions: Train to Gangnam Station and exit no 6 or 7. Walk straight till you pass dunkin donuts, cross the road and take bus 5002 from the bus stop in the middle of the road. Bus journey to Yongji takes approximately one hour. Alight and take a free shuttle bus to Everland entrance.

BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE

A time capsule right in the heart of Seoul. A village where you can find almost 900 traditional Korean houses. Walking in the village, you will see a lot of tourists who visit here wear the traditional Korean dress, Hanbok. It was like being on the set of a Korean drama.

Admission Fee: FREE, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Directions: By subway, get off at Anguk station (line 3), exit 2. Walk straight for about 500m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village. There are actually a lot of tour guides on the street who will help you locate the village.

GYEONGBUKGONG PALACE

The largest among five grand palaces in South Korea, Gyeongbukgong Palace, which means “palace greatly blessed by Heaven,” was constructed under the Joseon dynasty and served as the royal residence. This one’s a huge palace to tour and you can opt to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at 10:00am or 2:00pm.

Admission Fee: FREE (if you’re wearing Hanbok), 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Directions: Take the exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station or Exit 3 of Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3).

CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE

Changdeokgung Palace, referred to as “East Palace” and known for Huwon Secret Garden, is the second royal palace constructed after Gyeongbukgong.

Admission Fee: FREE (if you’re wearing Hanbok), 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Directions: Take Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3. Walk straight from the exit (towards east) for about 5-min to arrive at the palace entrance.

NAMI ISLAND

Known for the Korean drama “Winter Sonata,” Nami Island has become a must-visit place when you’re in South Korea. It is also famous for its majestic tree-lined roads, so dreamy that it has been a sought-after destination every season (especially during autumn!).

This half-moon shaped island is 430,000 sqm big and would require at least a day to stroll around the whole area and enjoy side activities like biking.

Admission Fee: KRW 13,000, 7:30 am - 9:45 pm

Directions: Take a train going to Gapyeong Station then ride a shuttle bus in Gapyeong. Gapyeong City Bus covers all 4 tourist spots in the island (Nami Island, Petite France, The Garden of Morning Calm, and Gapyeong Rail Park) for a flat rate of KRW 6,000. Alight to Gapyeong Wharf and ride a ferry going to Nami Island.

THE GARDEN OF MORNING CALM

All nature lovers’ dreamland, The Garden of Morning Calm consists of 26 themed gardens boasting a myriad of colors and occasionally a sense of warmth from Maples leaves turning red and orange (since autumn is just starting that time). It’ such a great walk admiring the undeniable charms of flowers and greenery landscape.

Admission Fee: KRW 9,500, 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Directions: Ride the Gapyeong City Bus (from Nami Island) going to The Garden of Morning Calm.

Other Places to Visit

Ewha Womans University

Jogyesa Temple

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul

Ihwa Mural Village

Style Nanda

Starfield Library

Itinerary

DAY 0 - Arrival in Korea

DAY 1 - Experiencing Seoul

DAY 2 - Everland

DAY 3 - Experiencing old South Korea

DAY 4 - Winter Sonata in Nami Island

DAY 5 - Back in Seoul

DAY 6 - Back in Manila

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newstfionline · 6 years ago

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How hundreds of Yemenis fleeing war ended up on a resort island in South Korea

By Brian Murphy, Washington Post, June 22, 2018

JEJU, South Korea--This is the end of the line for hundreds of Yemeni refugees fleeing war 5,000 miles away.

The setting is a new one in a world of migrants and asylum seekers on the move: a resort island off South Korea’s southern coast where tourists come to dive the reefs, golf and eat local seafood specialties.

But the wider story unfolding on Jeju Island is familiar. It is about desperate people looking for any loopholes or undiscovered pathways on the migrant trails crisscrossing the globe, seeking a place willing to take them in.

It is how Africans have shown up on the U.S.-Mexico border after an overland trek from Brazil, how Syrians came ashore on Greek beaches in 2015 and how Iranians are among those in holding camps on the Pacific island nation of Nauru. And how South Korea is now thrust into a refugee quandary that caught it by surprise.

Jeju’s improbable turn began in early spring.

Word was out already of Jeju’s tourist-friendly visa policies, making it one of the few places that did not require advance visas for Yemenis. A few Yemenis reached Jeju in recent years to make claims for refugee status in South Korea.

What changed this year was a new direct flight to Jeju on a budget airline from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, which also grants Yemenis a visa on arrival. At first, a trickle of Yemenis arrived in Jeju. Then many more--all willing to risk sometimes all their savings to flee more than four years of warfare and deepening humanitarian miseries.

The hope was that Jeju would be a springboard to reach Seoul and apply for refugee protections. But that proved wrong. South Korean officials quickly blocked Yemenis from leaving the island, and on June 1, Jeju dropped Yemen from the no-visa rules to join a handful of other countries including Syria, Iran and Nigeria.

The more than 500 Yemenis who made it to Jeju before the door closed--mostly men, but some families with children--are stranded. They can’t reach the mainland, and few have the money or inclination to return to Malaysia.

“We are not wanted anywhere,” said Ahmed Abdu, 23, who left Ibb in central Yemen in April on a more than $2,000 trip that transited through Jordan and Qatar, then to Kuala Lumpur and on to Jeju. “America doesn’t want us. Europe doesn’t want us. Saudi Arabia doesn’t want us. When we heard about Jeju, we thought, ‘Maybe this is a place that can save us.’”

He paused to think about what he just said. “We can’t leave. That is true,” he added. “But we are alive. We are not worrying about war. That is something very good.”

Abdu, like many Yemenis in rebel-held territory, was caught between both sides. His neighborhood was blasted by waves of Saudi-led airstrikes--using U.S.-made warplanes and weaponry--against rebel fighters, known as the Houthi, controlling most of northern Yemen. Riyadh and its allies claim the Houthi receive direct support from Iran, something Tehran officials deny. Abdu did not want to talk about how many relatives and friends had been killed. “Many,” he said.

The tipping point came after Houthi forces tried to forcibly conscript young men in his area, he said. “I knew there was no way I could remain.”

Yemen continues to sink deeper into chaos. A push by Saudi-led forces to claim the port of Hodeida, a critical entry point for fuel, medicine and other supplies, has touched off another civilian exodus, and international aid groups warn that an all-out fight for the city could be another staggering blow to the country.

At first, Abdu and the other Yemenis arriving in Jeju, which has a population of about 600,000, were left to fend for themselves. They piled into hostels, cheap hotels and campgrounds, getting an occasional meal from a restaurant or volunteers.

Slowly, some help has taken shape.

On Monday, more than 200 Yemenis received free health screenings by the Korean Red Cross and lined up for jobs arranged by Jeju officials while their refugee status was being assessed, which could take months or longer. Some took tough work that Koreans do not want--on fishing boats or fish farms making the legal minimum wage of about $1,500 a month. The luckier ones found jobs in restaurant kitchens. A local migrant aid society--normally dealing with Filipinos and other Asians--started Korean language classes for Yemenis.

But the Yemenis in Jeju have opened a difficult conversation in a nation where only a small fraction of refugees have been approved to stay since the 1990s. Last year, South Korea finished review for 6,015 refugee claims, rejecting all but 91 of them, according to South Korea’s Justice Ministry. Eleven of the Yemenis who passed through Jeju in earlier years were among those granted refugee status.

“About 500 people from Yemen may not seem like a lot for countries that have dealt with hundreds of thousands, even millions, of refugees and people fleeing war,” said Lee Il, a rights attorney with Seoul-based Advocates for Public Interest Law. “Here, it has forced people to think about the wider world of suffering and, in a rich country, how we fit in.”

On May 31, the Yemeni arrivals sparked perhaps the first anti-immigrant march in Jeju. In Seoul, an online petition calling for South Korea to pause allowing any more refugees cleared 200,000 shows of support Monday on the presidential Blue House website--meaning the government must issue a response within 30 days.

Kim Eui-keum, a spokesman for South Korea’s presidential office, added Wednesday that police patrols on Jeju will be stepped up to “avoid unnecessary clashes or interference.”

Jeju’s governor, Won Hee-ryong, told a meeting Monday that he believes authorities and private businesses should band together to help the Yemenis.

“Jeju can set an example for the first refugee crisis our country is facing,” he said.

Still, resources are thin. There was only one immigration investigator on Jeju to hear refugee cases when the Yemenis began to arrive. Just two people on the island spoke Arabic. On Monday, one of them led translation for a crash seminar on South Korean culture for about 100 Yemenis, all men.

“I thought I’d be in Jeju maybe two weeks and then head onto Seoul,” said Gamdan, a 36-year-old from Yemen’s capital, Sanna, who arrived in Jeju in May. “It was a big surprise when I learned that I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Gamdan, who gave only his first name, serves as an Arabic-English translator for the increasing number of groups on Jeju who need it.

“Here,” said Sister Christina Gal, part of a Roman Catholic aid service, Naomi. She handed a cellphone to Gamdan.

“Tell her that we found her a house to live in,” she said.

Gamdan told the Yemeni woman on the phone the good news--someone in Jeju had offered her a place to stay for at least a month.

In the other room, a South Korean volunteer quizzed Yunes Melhi Naji, a 27-year-old waiting for a free dental check for an aching molar. The volunteer, who knew almost nothing of Ramadan, wanted to know more about the Muslim dawn-to-dusk month of fasting that just ended.

“But you must drink water during the day?” asked the woman in English.

“Nothing,” answered Naji.

“But no water ever?”

“No, ma’am,” he said. “The Ramadan fast is no problem. What is a problem is being here without work and not knowing what will happen.”

#Yemen #Yemeni refugees #South Korea #Jeju

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katestestkitchen · 6 years ago

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•• Go Slow •• “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often though, they hurt.” – Anthony Bourdain The scars are real. They’re on my soul and on my heart. Some days they felt like machete lashings. They are some of the ugliest days of darkness I’ve ever experienced, laid out on a bathroom floor sobbing to god to allow me to find the right direction. There are marks however. They didn’t come in the form of any tattoos but they will be there for the rest of my life. They’re friendships that made this all something I could keep pushing through on the harder days. They’re sunsets that made me believe that the morning would bring a better day. They’re talks over coffee about what inspires me and fuels my need to get up each morning. These are the marks and scars that have made me a bigger and hopefully better person than I was 8 months ago. That’s the person I’m taking home. Travelling has always been a passion of mine. I’ve experienced many places in my life with loved ones around the world. From driving Highway 69 in Northern Ontario, to across the border through the south to North Carolina, and through Parisian cobblestone streets, I knew that travel would always be something I strived to make happen in my life. The main fuel of my adventures has always centered around food. Stopping for bubble gum ice cream in Parry Sound, roadside cheeseburgers in America and twice a day hunts (minimum) for a French patisserie with macaroons. Ask me if I remember the date, or even the time of year I touched down in a city around the world and I’ll spend hours wracking my brain. Ask me what we ate in the middle of Florence, or at a hidden spot up a few flights of stairs, down a long dark hallway and behind a big blue door in a beautiful, lush garden in Rhodes and I’ll ramble on and on about the amount of salt on the lamb leg or the shredded beet salad in house made yogurt that turned the dressing the brightest colour of fuscia you have ever seen. I was born to travel because I was born to eat. A few years ago I left my hometown for my first solo adventure though South America. I touched down in Buenos Aires to dive into Argentinian culture. $5 bottles of Malbec, steak that melts in your mouth and enough dulce de leche to give you type 2 diabetes. I was in heaven. I walked the streets from morning to night picking out where I would eat that day, or the following. I perused museums just to pass time before my next meal and sipped some of the finest wines in the world while attending tango shows at night. The trip continued in very much the same way through Mendoza for Italian food served up twice a day by my incredible hosts at “Antigua Residencia”, and steaks over wood fires in the mountains after sunset horseback riding. Over to Uruguay, my travel buddies and I lived off empanadas fresh off food carts while roaming the streets snuggling puppies, hoisting 30lb watermelons over our heads and listening to curbside Ska bands. Last but certainly not least, Santiago, Chile. Pisco sours, the last of the great, cheap wine and the least amount of sleep I had on the entire trip, my new hostel friends and I roamed the streets in search of Churro’s. I’ll never forget the look on my new friend, Naomi’s face, when I walked her right up to the back of someone’s van to purchase churro’s. She was horrified, sputtering out stressfully in her Australian accent that we’d definitely need our health insurance to cover what we were about to ingest. Those were the best damn churro’s I’ve ever had. Piping hot, covered in cinnamon sugar and dipped in a hazelnut chocolate sauce. She ended up eating hers and half of my own. I will never forget the look on her face. We had found the holy grail of churros and we would never experience that moment with anyone else again. We stayed up until sunrise, climbing bridges over rushing traffic, danced to the Backstreet Boys in a bass pounding nightclub, and I didn’t even feel the Pisco hangover the next day. I left that adventure knowing that nothing could stop me from ever finding that feeling again. When I left for Caye Caulker, Belize late last year I had the same feeling of excitement as I did when I left Chile. Hungry. Hungry for travel, a warm getaway and a life based completely on my own twists and turns. I didn’t know much about this tiny island aside from a hurricane splitting it in half in the 60’s and that it was VERY small but I was excited to learn how to “Go slow” and finally start making the time to sit and write every day. Plus, it was right next to Mexico, so, tacos. My writing is fuelled from the same place as my travel goals. I’m sure you’ve picked up on how much I love to be in the kitchen, in a restaurant, at a table, at a bar, outside a food cart….you get my drift. I was finally going to find the balance between my restaurant work and my writing to make the time to cook, eat out everywhere and be inspired by the locals. Unfortunately for me, Belize didn’t offer half the things that South America had for me. This is in no offense to the local food here, but it’s certainly not for me. The lobster (during lobster season) is the freshest and meatiest I’ve ever had. Outside of that, I’ve had rice and beans less than times I can count on my fingers, I’d be happy to never see another snapper fillet again and there’s a sincere lack of vegetables here outside of a few consistent ones (thank god for sweet peppers). There are plenty of influences here from other countries and lots of street food, but there are few restaurants that offer much of anything different from place to place. Grilled meat/fish, two sides, and two rum punches for the lucky price of $25BZ! If you’re looking for a budget friendly island to focus on diving, snorkelling or just getting drunk, this place is a gold mine. If you’re diving the Blue Hole all day (especially for the price that diving runs you) you’d be more than happy to see a plate of fried chicken with rice and beans at the end of your day. Right before you pass out. Well I don’t dive, and I wasn’t interested in the food. The writing stalled quickly, the only times I felt inspired was when I was missing home and scoured the island or close by cities for ingredients that reminded me of the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant work was exactly what I wanted. Packed with people from around the world every night with incredible stories to share from their sunburnt selves. The energy was high and I found myself more immersed in them than I was in anything local. It worsened once high season ended, the island cleared out and felt like a ghost town overnight. The time to write was NOW! But there was nothing for me, to write about. I knew my journey was coming to a close when I thought back on my time here and couldn’t tell myself of a time I had tasted anything here that lit up my eyes when it danced on my tongue or left me scraping my plate for any leftover drops of sauce. If I was going to immerse myself in all the shit that happened on this island and not get anything life changing to eat out of it then it was time to head on home. I think it’s important for me to say that this is not a judgement call on the people of Belize. This is the third world. The culture and priorities are very different. Minimum wage is $3.30 BZ ($1.65 US) and many people here work more than one job with plenty of mouths to feed at home. Food is a means to survive, not to indulge in for the majority of residents outside of big celebrations. Rice and beans are cheap and filling, imported goods don’t even grace the list of necessities. Locals are fighting to just make each day better for their families. I’m very blessed and privileged to come from Canada. I was brought up in a family that didn’t struggle to make ends meet, keep our laundry clean or a roof over our head. We had opportunities well into our adult lives that provided us with a feeling of complete safety and stability. This isn’t just a problem in Belize. This happens in every single city around the world. In pockets of forgotten neighbourhoods your very own neighbours, even if they aren’t living right next door to you, are struggling. It’s time for me to go home to Canada and help the people of my hometown, through food and community support. I want to cook, write, host, and experience more of what my own people are going through. I want to share their journeys and stories. There have been scars through this adventure, but one of the marks of the Belizean people is their support of the community. When one person’s house falls over, they have an offer to stay with their neighbour. When one family’s food runs out, there’s enough in the pot for them down the road. When someone is sick and can’t care for their family, there’s a Belizean mama across the way that’ll care for them. Caye Caulker IS community and the world NEEDS more of that. I doubt I’ve made much of a mark on this island but it’s certainly left its mark on me. A BIG thank you to everyone here who I’ve had the privilege of positive contact with. Your stories, struggles and successes have been sincerely inspiring. There are no words to explain how much you lifted me up each day when I was feeling low or much I loved jumping into having fun in the sun with you on a hyped up Monday Funday. Your island is beautiful and I’m proud to say I know so many people who are working so hard to make a difference in Belize. I wish you all well. Don’t say goodbye, just say so long. I’ll see you again soon on the dance floor at Sports Bar.

#katestestkitchen #katedoesbelize

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