#and have to walk 300km to the airport

[bonewraith]

something so minor but so cute to me in regular show is that mordecai canonically gives rigby piggyback rides at least semi-regularly

[blurrybethny]

Diary entry #8

So I’m gonna start this entry the same way I did in the last post.

So. MUCH. has. happened. like so much

okey, so since the last post, it’s almost been 2 years. Isn’t that crazy, 2 years. Well, the main reason for that has been F. So let’s just start where we left of.

So we’re in May or something now, and I finally finished my finals and got my results which where incredibly great. So with that result I had the chance to apply to the University of my dreams for the major Online-Media-Management. I thought that it would be great to make Instagram and Facebook to your Job. So meanwhile, I was still hanging out with F everyday, and since I already finished my finals, F was allowed to sleep at my place. 

Now we are at the end of June and it is my high school prom which I have been exited about, I had a beautiful long, blue dress and F was wearing a really handsome suit. The funny thing was the next morning at 6am we had to catch out flight to Tenerife. So F was drinking kind of a bit of alcohol at my prom and at like 1 or 2am we drove back to my place and slept for like an hour and then headed to the airport.

We’re in July now, for 10 days we had the greatest vacation ever. The whole time we did what we wanted, the explored the whole city with a scooter und took many pictures. On one of the days we went up to the biggest mountain of Tenerife and then WALKED down it. We were almost on the ground again, when we lost track of the path and kinda got lost. But at the end we came back home safely. On another day we drove to this cool looking beach, it was really windy tho and the sand was hurting so much when it hit you skin. On one of the last days we drove to an animal park, which was also a great experience.

Just 2 weeks later, me and my mom flew to Los Angeles for kind of a road trip with a bigger group of tourists. The trip was really great because we explored LA, Hollywood, Las Vegas, San Francisco and other nice towns and sights. That was really one of my biggest dreams to travel through a part of the US. Honestly, at the beginning of the trip I missed F so much, and we talked everyday on the phone. I also was getting really angry at him, because at the beginning he seemed like he didn’t miss me at all and he went to two parties where he was having fun and getting drunk. And I also got quite jealous, because I was scared he would make a mistake with another girl. 

So we’re in August now, and I came back home from the US trip and F and my dad picked us up from the air port and I was so excited so see him again. Also btw during the trip I got the message that they accepted me at the university I wanted to go to. So I was really happy about that. And because of that, now it was the time to search for a flat near the university, because it is actually 300km away from my hometown. The question that was upcoming now was, if F would move with me or not. And he said to me that he would move to anywhere I was. Which was really sweet of him and I was so happy about that. Now we had to search for a flat with at least 2 rooms. The search was kinda difficult because the flats where really expensive up there and especially in the middle of the city. However, my mom finally found one that was having a visitors day, so we drove up to the city and visited the flat. The flat already had furniture in it and it was not the prettiest. After that we kind of spontaneously drove to another flat that was also having a visitor day the same day, but there were no pictures on the internet. So we got there and the landlord was really nice, the little town was pretty and quiet and the flat was light and had no furniture in it. So we drove back home and the same day, the landlord from the first flat denied our request. However, the one from the second flat, sent my mom an email the next day, that the flat was ours!! So the renovating began. We drove up there on the weekends again to paint the walls and buy furniture. It was a lot of fun.

September. Not a lot happened in September, at least I can’t remember it. The only thing was, that it was my 19th birthday and I really wanted to go to a club, so we went to the club. I was wearing a really sexy dress obviously. Then we only stayed until 1am and left again because it was kinda boring and I felt a little sick. So, surprise surprise, on my birthday I was sick. 

October. At the beginning of October, a week before Uni officially started my major had a kick-off to get to know the other students and teachers. I was really confident in myself and ambitious to meet new people and hopefully make some friends. The first day, started not that bad, I picked up 3 other girls to drive to the meeting place. There I got to know other girls as well. I actually talked with almost everybody - which is not common for me - and still groups were already forming and I was left behind. I kind of thought that I was getting closer to some girls, but they always left and did other stuff and I’m just not the type of girl to run after everybody. So even there I was sitting alone sometime. And I was turning into an outsider more and more because me and another girl were the only ones not drinking. It was also annoying for me because they played all kinds of drinking games and that’s just not my thing. The next day was not so great because I just felt uncomfortable and left out. The evening was even worse, I felt even more left out, and I felt so sad because I missed F so much and I just wanted to be home. I was really glad when the 3 days were over. Overall, the start of the major was not bad, I kind of liked the subjects - however, I was still the odd one out all the time, because everybody already had a friends group and everybody is just shallow - I also started to get better friends with the other girl that was not drinking alcohol and we actually had quite a few things in common. I even invited her for a sleepover once and we initially wanted to watch Riverdale but we ended up talking about all kinds of stuff. Since then she is like the only one I really talk to. 

The following months until February were not really exciting. It was a really hard time for me because during the week I was all alone in my flat and I only saw F on the weekends and holidays. I literally cried every time we had to say goodbye. Also during that time, we had a lot of fights because when we talked over video call he usually fell a sleep which made me angry. And also when we saw each other on the weekends, he still had stuff to do or met up with people or even had to work Saturday and Sunday. This things always made me really angry and frustrated because I was all alone the whole time, I just wanted to spend time with him on the weekends and then he would have even less time. Sometimes we had really heavy fights where he really hurt me with his words. I know that I was not always fair to him and how I reacted, but he also never understood me. What I maybe have to add here is that, since F this one fight between me, S and F after the theatre the friendship between the two guys and between me and S was kind of over. So in August F told me that S was diagnosed with cancer. In the following months F and S started to talk again and meet up, which I was happy about because they have been friends for a long time and I felt really guilty that I was the reason for the breakup of this friendship. Also for new years eve we planned a bigger party because S wanted it to. It was not too bad, and I was really glad about the fact that S was talking to me again, because I missed being friends with him. In the following months there were ups and downs with his health.

February. Most of this month F and me spent in Thailand because his mom is from Thailand. However, this vacation was probably the worst one I have ever had. First, everything was just new to me and I met a lot of new people I could not talk to because they only spoke Thai, then another thing was that F did not really keep me in mind because this was his second home and everything was just normal for him but not for me. Especially the missing hygiene and the weird food. Also I got pretty sick with fever and everything and I had to go to the hospital for two days. After that I still stayed home a bit and F always wanted to go fishing at night. And I was just so frustrated about him because I was still exhausted from the sickness and he did not really pay attention to me and always got angry at me because I didn’t want to leave the house and I always started crying. So I basically did not leave the house for two days, when we finally got together again. The last few days were the best of the whole holiday because he finally adapted his actions to my needs. 

March. F finally moved in with me because his education for his job finally ended, so he had to find a job up here. It took quite a while but he finally found a job which he likes. Also I got the results of my first semester’s tests and they were all really great actually. 

April. We finally had our one year anniversary for which we went out on a date.

May. F, me and his family drove to Hungary for a weekend trip which was also okey. But I prefer the alone time between F and me. In Uni, I finally started to become kind of friends with two other girls, and we also formed a group for a school project, however, one of the girls quite uni during that.

June. This is the month of S’s death day. I was so sorry for F, because they were finally best friends again and it seemed to get better. I was also in shock because I just couldn’t image S not being here anymore, to never see him again. 

July. Not much happened in this month, except that I had my finals and I applied for a job that I could do over the summer break, and I actually got one in a cafe not far from my flat. Also the other girl I was talking about, that I thought I was also kinda getting friends with, switched to another major at the end of the semester. So again, I had no friends.

August. I worked the whole month in this cafe, and it was actually so much fun, because I did not have to think about school and it was just something different for me. Also my coworkers were really nice and funny.

September. I had my last week to work, and everybody was telling me how much they would miss me and that I was the best worker here for the summer and why I can't stay, and honestly this makes me so proud, because I never thought I would be so good in this job. After the last week in work, F and me drove to Hungary again because we wanted to have some vacation and also work on the house his parents have there. After we got back home, F and his friend B planned a kind of funeral for S, because since his death there has not been a funeral. The “party” was really nice and emotionally. For me it was really hard because until then I always tried to ignore my thoughts and feelings about this topic because I had to be strong for F. But at this day everything was just coming up. A few days later we drove back to our flat.

October. The 3rd semester of my university was starting. After only the first week, I knew there was a lot a head of me. - short cut, because I have to tell a backstory to what's following, so I’ve always wanted a dog since I have been a kid and F also always wanted a dog, for the past year I was pretty obsessed with pugs, then I was obsessed with french bulldogs because they’re just cute. Back in January we already talked about this topic with my mom and she just said that me and F have not been together for so long and that we would talk about this another time. So until October we were kinda over this topic already.- But on one day where we both were home, he brought the topic back up and just for information purposes he searched for people, that were selling french bulldog puppies. On the same day, we were driving to there place - keep in mind we just wanted to ask them how much space the puppies would need, how much affection and just general stuff. - But oh my god, the puppies were so cute and adorable. When they said the dogs only need around 50-60 square meters, I was initially in the mode of picking my favorite puppy (our flat has 56 square meters). On the way home we both knew that we would be getting a dog. When we drove home, F called our landlord and asked him, if it would be okey if we would get a dog and I called my mom to tell her all the facts, because against that she would not be able to say something against it.  She was not impressed but also not angry, so I was like okey let’s get a dog. The next day, we drove to the breeders again to pick our puppy. I originally said that I would either want a grey or spotted one - they had both - however, the spotted ones were not that pretty. So we had to make the decision between a lazy fat black one or a quirky playful grey one. Characteristically, we would more be like the black one, but I wanted to have the grey one so we could play a lot. So there you have it, within two days, we made the decision to get a dog and already picked out a puppy. Four weeks later, we would be able to pick him up.

November. The time has finally come, and we were able to pick up our puppy and bring him home. He was really, great. He was not scared of anything and he was also not crying a lot. It was so funny to watch him run around and play and jump. Back then he was so little, you can't even imagine. But he’s also a lot of work, at the beginning he peed and pooped into the flat which was not so great. Another topic: Uni. During October and November I did not have the best time in uni, because there were so many things I did not understand and I was exhausted and it was just so much that I was not even interested in. I was so stressed out, I had a break down almost everyday because of the tasks we had to do. I was also considering, switching to another major that was about marketing and advertisement. Because I was way more interested in that kind of stuff. However, the problem was the timing, because the semester had just started, so I either had to finish this semester anyways or I would stop right now and then do nothing until March, which my mom would not allow. And if it was the first option, I would already been done with 3 Semesters, and if I would switch to another major I would have to start at zero again. I also saw, that the major I wanted to switch to had really shity times to be at uni, and with our puppy it was better if I was the most time at home. So it was a really shit time for me, because I wanted to switch but then I would be even longer in Uni. But also a reason, why I wanted to switch was that in my major I did not really have any friends and I was just hoping that I would maybe gain some new friends in the other major. So it was the first weekend that we drove home with the puppy because also my grandpa had died and the funeral was on a Friday. When we got home I noticed that my mom was annoyed the whole time. - my dad was in love with the puppy tho - so the funeral was pretty sad and I could not believe that my grandpa was gone now. It was for the better tho, because his health got worse, sometimes he would not even remember me and his body was just shutting down. At the funeral I also had to think of S, and that I lost two people this year. The day after, me and my parents talked about a lot of things. First, me and my dad about the houses and some stuff and that I would get one of the houses. And then all together about why my mom was so angry about the dog and yea. Then I told her the situation about the decision I would want to make considering the major and obviously she was not happy about it. Like she's paying my rent and everything. So her condition was that, if I would switch, I would have to find a mini-job during the semester. So that was not really optional because I would have to do so much for uni itself. So I got over the idea and said to myself that I just have to live through it. 

December. I’m still here in my original major and I finally found peace with it because now I’m almost done with everything and the things don’t seem impossible anymore. But I’m really glad that this semester is over soon, because I hate everything about it. I also feel really uncomfortable in the lessons again, because I always sit next to the girl - from the very beginning I’m still friends with her - but she always wants to sit in the front which means that it is always just me and her in the front and everybody else is always behind us. Which I feel so uncomfortable about. It is also always really awkward when we have to build groups of 4 or something because then it always us two outsiders and usually two other outsiders. - Just so you know, I have nothing against foreign people, like my boyfriend is half Thai - but these other two outsiders are from russia I think, and they have this strong accent and because I already worked together with them and I sit with them, I think I am also considered an outsider and I feel so uncomfortable with that. Also another thing that’s been on my mind lately is, that the relationship between me and F is getting quite dry and boring because we just have our routine and there is nothing exciting anymore. It’s also really difficult to change this, because our routines are fixed because of work and uni but also because every time I talked with F about our relationship and that I want more love and affection, he does it for like two days and then it’s just like how it was before that. And this is so frustrating. I just want the feelings from the start again, where everything was exciting and new. Like he is still my favorite person and I prefer spending time with him over being alone or with someone else, but this is probably the problem why it is so boring. I just need a friend or an activity without him, so when I come back I’m excited to see him. Or we need a new routine, I just don’t know honestly. Last but not least, on Saturday we are finally driving home for the christmas break which I’m excited for because I don’t have uni for two weeks and yea. Also we maybe celebrate New Years Eve at my place which is also exciting, because I never really had a party at my place. Also another thing, in February and March next year I will be working at the coffee shop again which I am very excited for. I am also really excited for the next semester because then we will do a lot of marketing stuff and media production which I’m really interested in. - One last thing, last weekend F, two of his friends and I drove over 1000km on one day to look at a car F wanted to buy and guess what he bought it. But it is a crash car so he has to work on it still before he can drive it. Also our puppy is getting bigger and bigger and I am such a proud mommy.

- See you probably in 4 years

[pointlessperception-blog]

Going to a place I didn’t think I will like

This is KOKSTAD.

My sister recently moved to a small town in the middle of nowhere for her Community service year. Kokstad makes up about 0,1% of South Africa’s population. Since the nearest airport is still 300km away I took a bus. A stinky, very cold, no sleep for you, bus. Arriving at 05:00am, there she stood. The most beautiful mountain. The picture doesn’t do it justice. 

My trip was filled with watching Netflix, drinking tea at the only decent restaurant in town- the Olive Branch- and freezing my feet off. Kokstad is cold right through the year, I came in a good week, they said. My trip made a pleasant turn when we took a road trip to the outskirts of Kokstad, even stopping in stunning Underberg where we tried different cheeses and drank lots of Hot Chocolate. 

I wouldn’t recommend Kokstad for anyone if they want an adventure, exciting holiday but I would definitely recommend it for someone who wants to sit back, watch the mountains, snuggle up with a hot chocolate and have a nice needed soul-rest by walking through the only nursery in town holiday.  

Concept extracted: Going places

[joyfuldelusionchaosvaliant]

Science and Chemistry Classes

Convenience, comfort, cost and carbon: What's the best way to travel, save money and cut emissions?

by Ralph Sims, The Conversation

New Zealanders plan their summer holiday trips, it's worth considering different travel options and their respective cost, both to the budget and the environment.

I've compared several travel modes (with all assumptions made found here)—a small diesel car, electric car, bus, train or plane—for a door-to-door 300km return journey. The process has identified limitations for each mode, which may help policymakers better understand the challenges involved in developing a low-carbon transport system.

New Zealand's annual transport emissions have nearly doubled since 1990 and account for more than a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions from cars, utes and vans have continued to increase even though the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme has been in place for 14 years and has added a "carbon levy" of around 10-15 cents per litre to petrol and diesel.

The Climate Change Commission has recommended the government should:

reduce the reliance on cars (or light vehicles) and support people to walk, cycle and use public transport

rapidly adopt electric vehicles

and enable local government to play an important role in changing how people travel.

But is it realistic to expect governments to change how people travel? Providing information is perhaps the key.

Transport comparisons

A person's choice of transport mode is based on a mixture of cost, comfort and convenience as well as speed and safety. But most New Zealanders choose their car out of habit rather than from any analytical reasoning.

Carbon dioxide emissions are rarely a factor in their choice. Although more people now agree that climate change is a major issue, few have been willing or able to take steps to significantly reduce their transport-related carbon footprint.

This analysis is based on my personal experiences travelling between my house on the outskirts of the city of Palmerston North to attend a meeting in the centre of Wellington. It relates to any other similar journey with a choice of transport modes, although the details will vary depending on the specific circumstances.

I compared a 1500cc diesel car I owned for ten years with an electric car which has a 220km range and is mainly charged at home, using rooftop solar. The airport is 8km away from the house, the railway station 7km and the bus station 5km. I included "first and last mile" options when comparing total journey time, cost, carbon emissions, comfort and convenience.

Things to consider before a trip

Travelling by car for one person is relatively costly but has good door-to-door convenience and can be quicker than the bus, train or plane, except during times of traffic congestion. Comfort is reasonable but the driver cannot read, work or relax as they can on a train.

Car drivers usually consider the cost of fuel when planning a journey, but few consider the costs of depreciation, tyre wear, repairs and maintenance as included here. Should more than one person travel in the car, the costs and carbon emissions will be lower per passenger.

Taking a short-haul flight over this distance is relatively costly and the journey is no quicker since there is considerable inconvenience getting to and from the airports. The carbon dioxide emissions per passenger can be lower than for a diesel car (with just the driver), assuming the plane has around 80% occupancy.

For one person, taking a bus or train can be significantly cheaper than taking a car and also offers lower emissions. However, the longer overall journey time and the hassles getting to and from the stations are deterrents. Infrequent bus and train services, often at inconvenient times, can also be disincentives to choosing these modes.

Going electric

The electric car has low carbon emissions, especially if charged from a domestic solar system. Coupled with reasonable comfort and convenience and the lowest journey cost per person when carrying two or more passengers, this supports the government's policy to encourage the deployment of EVs.

Travelling by train is perhaps the best option overall for one person making this journey. The total cost is less than half that of taking a car. Emissions are around a third of the diesel car. Comfort is good, with the opportunity to work or relax.

Making the whole journey more convenient will help encourage more people to travel by train and help reduce transport emissions. But this will require national and local governments to:

encourage Kiwirail to provide more frequent services

electrify all lines

provide cheap and efficient "first-and-last-mile" services to railway stations

undertake a major education campaign to illustrate the full cost, carbon emissions and convenience benefits resulting from leaving the car at home.

[drawf0ur]

Lily’s Storm: Chapter One

In the quiet, little known county of Cheshiresville, Great Britain, about 300km or so away from London, there's a quiet, little known city called Molstenshire.

It’s the kind of place you would only ever know about if you were born there or a had family there, A quiet, secluded city, where the winter is so cold you have to wear a scarf over your mouth just to breathe properly outside and the only tourists you ever see are backpackers lost on their way to London.

In the centre of that city is a big concrete building,

A tall, brutal grey skyscraper, looming over the city's CBD; the Molstenshire Police Department's Headquarters.

And inside that big concrete building is a dark room, containing only a rusty, worn out light swinging from a dusty cable attatched to the ceiling, two rusted out old folding chairs and a decrepit, wobbly green desk.

Sitting at one of those chairs is a boy...

                                                "Wow, nice table, is that the new Ikea X Pyongyang collab?" the boy said with a grin, leaning back in his chair and putting his hands in his pockets.

Sitting across from him is a man in a dark blue uniform, with a shiny silver badge on his chest, slowly flipping through the contents of a thin, beige manilla folder.

"Hmmmm, Kira Masamune, 18 years old, student at North Quinnston High, just finishing your last year too..." The man said, ignoring his question, a wide smirk across his face.

"Perfect grades, perfect record, no previous recorded infractions whatsoever... an immigrant from Japan i see! interesting..." Said the man, before closing the file and putting it down on the desk, staring the boy in the eyes.

"So how was it that a perfect student like you ended up with your pants down, in school uniform, having sexual intercourse with another student in a park in the middle of the day?"

The boy's smug grin grew wider in response to the officer's question, staring the officer in the eye right back.

That boy was me.

"It all began when i moved here, in 9th grade"

"My story starts in an aeroplane..."

                    [3 years ago]

I was sitting in a chair, an uncomfortable, hard blue chair, with the material of a bus chair, but the design and feel of a shitty budget aeroplane seat, i was in the middle seat of our row, 12-B to be exact, because my dad insisted on having the isle seat so i didn't "Hold everyone up by slacking off"

I just responded by rolling my eyes and complying, sometimes it's just better not to argue with him. Besides, i really didn't have the energy to sit through a one hour argument about why i should or should not have the isle seat after our long journey, all i wanted to do was get home, collapse into my new bed and sleep.

The passengers were all silent as the big, long metal behemoth rolled along the tarmac, every second felt like a thousand years as i waited for the plane to come to a stop, only a thin, white metal door between me and freedom, my new life...

I'd just been on a long, brutal series of flights, from my home town in Shikoku to Tokyo, from Tokyo to London, and then finally from London to Molstenshire, me and my family were moving to Molstenshire to be closer to my uncle, Takano, he was very sick at the time and my Dad wanted to be close to his brother.

He was very worried about his health and wanted to be able to keep an eye on him, he'd never admit that though, just dismissing it with "He's a grown man, he can take care of himself, we're just moving here because it's a fresh start for our family, and this way i can catch up with him and get a beer from time to time"

My dad's a very tough and stoic man, but deep down inside he really cares about us, all of us, my mum, my uncle, my grandparents, everyone, he has a very big heart, he just has a hard time admitting that he has emotions.

I sat there in my seat as i waited for the seatbelt sign to turn off, staring out my mum's window, watching all the workers in their bright orange vests run around the tarmac frantically, yelling instructions at eachother.

Apparently when you're a menial labourer, a total slave to this bleak world, grinding your life away to get nowhere and do nothing until you die, fueling up aeorplanes is actually interesting, and worthy of running around, jumping over baggage carousels and sprinting down the tarmac for.

Eventually the plane came to a stop.

*Bing bong*

"The seatbelt sign is now off, please grab your bags from the overhead lockers and disembark the aircraft in an orderly fashion, the local time is 5:59PM and the tempterature is -5 degrees, thank you for flying with Union Airlines!" The captain said over the microphone.

My dad got up first, retrieving his big black bag from the overhead locker before standing looking at me. I was completely mesmerized watching the workers on the tarmac run around, completely unaware that my Dad was standing next to me, staring at me with an angry look on his face as all of the other passengers began to disembark.

"Come on Kira, get your things. We still have to make it to Burger King before we go, i'm starving and it closes at 6:20, i am not waiting until we get all the way home to eat because you won't get your ass out of your seat" my dad said in a stern voice.

I rolled my eyes at him again and got up, retrieving my luggage from the overhead compartment, waiting for mum and disembarking the aircraft with my family.

                                                                                                                               "How the fuck is this relevant Kira???" The officer said with an impatient look on his face

"Calm down, it's all gonna make sense, it's relevant to the story, the airport's where i met her" i said, The officer's impatient frown slowly transforming into a sly grin in response to my statement...

"Ah yes, Offender number 2, one Lily Fisher, go on..." the officer said, leaning back in his chair and lighting up a cigarette, light flooding the cold dark room...

                                                                                                                             Me and my family followed the other passengers through the winding, white metal and glass tunnels, walking through the exit and leaving the gate with our luggage, before all stopping and facing eachother to figure out what we're gonna do next.

My Dad turned to my mother and said "Alright, Hitomi, you come with me to get the food"

My mum nodded in response.

"And Kira, you wait here, we'll come back with everything, then we'll all eat our food and take a taxi to our new home, alright?"

"Alright cool" i said, walking over to the gate and looked for a place to sit down, eventually deciding on a seat, right in the middle of a long, seemingly endless row of plastic seats.

I let go of my bright blue wheely bag in front of the seat so i could watch it and i slouched back in the chair as i waited, my body sinking into the cold, cheap, crappy chair.

Without thinking, i put my arm on the armrest, somehow not noticing the girl nect to me until there was something soft and warm directly underneath my hand, but i didn't think much of it until i heard a girl's voice from the seat next to me.

"You're awfully rude, holding a Lady's hand without even asking her name???"

I quickly spun my head around and, to my shock, there was a girl there in the seat next me, staring at me with a big smirk on her face and giggling as my face turned tomato red.

I frantically began to apologize, but just as i started to get the words out, the girl cut me off;

"I'm Lily, it's nice to meet you" The girl said, her long, wavy silver hair draped over her shoulders, her deep brown mischievous eyes intimidating me to my core as she stared into my eyes intensely.

"I-i'm kira" i said, looking down in embarassment...

END OF CHAPTER ONE

Author's note: I'll put out Chapter 2 soon but for now this all i've got, a little teaser into the story, It's gonna be a big project. Sorry about the wait, i may or may not be developing an Azur Lane addiction xD

If you want updates on when the next part of my debut story is coming out, follow my twitter, the link's on my page.

Don't worry, i won't shove my political dick down your throat xD

All the best, DrawF0ur

[mountainsunvalleytrek-blog]

Kathmandu Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp

Kathmandu Lhasa Everest Base Camp Tour is the most popular tour to Tibet, It gives a chance to explore the beauty of Tibetan landscape and same time it’s an opportunity to gain knowledge of rich traditional culture of local people. The tour definitely offers you some of the most amazing landscapes, Tibetan villages, charming views of the Himalayas & much more. The tour provides ample opportunity to explore Lhasa, the Monasteries, and many small villages – the real Tibet, as well as the other places that we cross on the journey to Kathmandu.One of the main highlights of the trip is visit to Everest Base Camp. The spectacular views, beautiful landscape, and unique Buddhist tradition definitely offer you a memorable & pleasant journey as well as an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Kathmandu to Kyirong (3,800m/12,467ft): 153 km, 7 - 8 hours

After breakfast, we start our journey with a morning scenic drive along the beautiful Nepalese countryside passing through the Nepalese towns of Trishuli, Dhunche, and Syabrubesi. Driving through the deep and big gorges, cascading waterfalls, rivers, hill-side villages, and forests, we will reach the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi. After necessary formalities at Nepalese immigration and crossing the bridge on the border, we will be greeted by our Tibetan guide and continue our adventurous uphill drive on the Tibetan side to reach Kyirong. Overnight in Kyirong.

Day 02: Kyirong to Lotingri (4,050m/13,284 ft.): 257 Km, 5 hours

Today, we will enjoy the pretty borderline along the snow-capped mountain and evergreen forests as we begin our day drive uphill to the highest plateau of the world with the typical view of Tibetan landscape offering breathtaking panoramic views of beautiful Himalayan ranges like Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Shishapangma. From Lotingri, one can enjoy the magnificence of the majestic Mt. Everest. Overnight in Lotingri

Day 03: Lotingri-Rongbuk monastery ( 5,000m/16, 404ft): 160Km, 3 hours drive. Explore Everest by walking to Guru Rinpoche cave and back to Rongbuk monastery: 2 hours

After breakfast, we will drive to Rongbuk monastery through the friendship highway at a distance of 60km; and then turn right towards Rongbuk monastery. We will stop at the top of the Gyawold pass for great views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu. Then, we continue driving down through many corners for about one and a half hour to reach Rongbuk monastery. We will have our lunch in Rongbuk monastery, and in the afternoon we will walk to Guru Rinpoche cave which takes about an hour. Visit the cave and explore Everest and enjoy a great view of Mount Everest from Guru Rinpoche cave. Late afternoon, we will walk back to Rongbuk monastery. Enjoy the most beautiful sunset views on Everest. Overnight in Rongbuk monastery.

Day 04: Drive from Rongbuk to Shegar and further to Shigatse(3,900m/12,795 ft) via Sakya Monastery: 300km, 7-8 hours

In the morning, we can enjoy magnificent views of sunrise on Everest, then have breakfast and drive to Shigatse crossing three big mountain passes and passing by many beautiful Tibetan villages. The people in the communities are mostly farmers, and they rear some cattle, sheep, yaks, cows, etc. On the way, we visit the Sakya monastery which dates back to the 12th century, and it is the seat of Sakyapa school in Tibetan Buddhism. The main architectures inside the castle are the Dajing Hall, the Buddhism Hall and the hall where the Sakya archbishop lived. From here, we continue our drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 05: Shigatse to Gyantse (3,950m/12,959 ft)via Shalu Monastery: 100km, 2 hours

After breakfast, we visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse which holds both historical and cultural importance for being founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama in 1447. After touring the Tashilhunpo Monastery, we continue our drive to Gyantse. On the way, we visit Shalu Monastery.  Founded in 1040, Shalu Monastery is known for its beautiful and ancient mural paintings. We continue to Gyantse and while there visit Khumbum Stupa, Phalkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong (Fortress), which is one of the best-preserved dzongs in Tibet. Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 06: Gyantse to Lhasa (3,650 m/11,972ft)via Karo La pass and Yamdrok Tso Lake: 260km, 5-6 hours

From Gyantse, we continue to Lhasa crossing the Karo La (5,010m/16,432 ft), and Kamba La (4794m/15,725 ft) passes and Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the three largest sacred lakes of Tibet, also believed to be the transformation of a Tibetan goddess. Furthermore, we cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River and see Potala Palace for the first time from a distance. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 07: Lhasa sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Traditional Hospital: 5 - 6 hours

We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17century, Potala Palace provides terrific views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms, and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the most extensive human-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital which is the center for the treatment, training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 08: Lhasa Sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast, we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now, there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery.  Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open-air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve center of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 09: Final Departure

A representative from Mountain Sun Valley Treks  will take us to the airport for our next journey.

Note: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your preference. For more information please e-mail us at mountainsunvalley@gmail.com whatsapp: +977 9841815039

[eraseparisfrombrandlogosalready]

The realisation of need of privacy and personal space free of anyone's gaze

And perhaps individualisation or physical isolation is key to growth and realisation

Have you ever seen other staggered abused people having siblings with 'young' in their names; i wondered whether the words in the names of siblings are the things are the things someone didn't and was deliberately hoped stopped from doing by their parents; someone had siblings with 'young' and 'sung' in their names and never once did i see him sing in any occasion or in his recording studio (which might be normal in certain cultures) and most people might demean his 20s to had been stagnated

Some people have abusive parents and family who are described to be better dead for the growth of the past victim and even the rest of the world

I wondered whether someone killed magpies in the small forest in Seoul nearby and showcased them on the trail for me and people to see or whether magpies out of many birds were too gentlehearted to hear anyone tell stories about abuse

It was also absurd how dead ducks were scattered around in another neighborhood in Seoul when I walked my dog 2 years ago or so

You might also see a black mouse for the first time of someone's life during COVID19 come running in front of your road if you throw away fruit seeds or cherry seeds on a grassy field

And I thought a bird wept at my ignorance when i thought of visiting a temple nearby while walking my dog and even my dog sighs as i wrote that sentence

But when you actually see a bird's tear drop on your hand you might be baffled whether it was a bird pee poo dropping or some tree having dropped water nearby which sounds so sad and disrespectful to the bird

And then few days later on Youtube you find how white small birds just jump on a living buddha's hand and are adored by buddhas

I had been living in 釜山 city with my dog which is 300km away from Seoul before I went to an airport near Seoul where I had online mobile ticket booking&purchasing errors on Air Canada's website.

I thought I had to get additional papers for my dog at the Incheon airport again apart from the recent papers I had for Gimhae airport. On Feb.21, I visited the animal quarantine at Incheon airport with my dog and the South Koreans recommended me a vet nearby the Incheon airport so there I went by a cab. And at the arrival at the vet suddenly dozens of security dogs from the animal quarantine arrived and almost delayed me and my dog. And as I was about to leave the vet (credit card records 16:26PM Feb 21) with new papers filled out for Incheon airport, 2 South Korean male policemen stopped me and asked me my name without checking my id. They said I was reported as missing my abusive mom and so i replied well i'm fine here so let me go and they wouldn't and kept following me and walking on the road telling me to wait. Then my abusive mom and sister whom I had not contacted in months or almost a year suddenly appeared and called an emergency van and WHAT THE HELL drove me to a rural tiny mental asylum as if to leave false records and in their another shitty attempt to delay and ruin my career and life. My realisation in 2020? My mom, my sister the South Koreans possibly responsible for false reports need to be dead as soon as possible.

[indochinavoyages]

Explore Ngapali Beach – The most famous beach in Myanmar

Explore Ngapali Beach – The most famous beach in Myanmar https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/ngapali-nicest-beach-myanmar

Myanmar is worldwide known for thousands of temples and Buddist monuments in Bagan; or the unique fishermen in Inle Lake – the second largest lake in Myanmar. But it will only be a full experience of Burma once you travel to Ngapali; which has been told as a tropical paradise with pristine beaches and blue-mint turquoise water.

Ngapali beach in general

Located on the west coast of Myanmar – the Rakhine State, Ngapali Beach is about 300km northwest of Yangon.  The best and quickest way to Ngapali from Yangon is by plane; since there is an airport near to the beach which is called Thandwe. Averagely there are 3 flights operated a day by Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ and Hahn Air, mainly from morning to noon. Each direct flight will take about 50 minutes; then you will need 20 minutes more to get to Ngapali beach from Thandwe airport. So in general, quite a short journey! You can also take bus or private transfer from Yangon, however it will swallow more than 14 hours of yours. Not highly recommended but suitable for budgeted travelers.

  [caption id="attachment_15325" align="alignnone" width="960"] Ngapali beach – Tropical paradise[/caption]

About the weather, the dry season is between October to April with sunny days, warm temperature (30-32 degree Celsius) and blue sky. Other than that, rainy season is not an ideal time because travelers may suffer heavy rains and high winds, causing multiple flights to be cancelled. So it is quite a hit-or-miss experience. Besides, October to April is also a good time for exploring other parts of the country like watching sunset/sunrise or experiencing the hot air balloon.

Where to stay in Ngapali beach

There are plenty of accommodations in Ngapali have direct beach access and private swimming pools. Those are from 4 to 5-star standard. Some nice options for Ngapali accommodations are as below:

Amazing Ngapali Resort (5*): Almost all villa and suites are with sea view, some beach front options are available

Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa (5*): The only international brand in this beach and also one of the most expensive. Surprisingly, it does not offer beach are with sand since it was built on the elevated land. However, a concrete wall is there to prevent the tidal waves, especially in the rainy season

Amara Ocean Resort (4*): Offers bungalows with private terrace looking onto the beautiful beach

  [caption id="attachment_15326" align="alignnone" width="960"] Amazing Ngapali Resort with beach front view[/caption]

If those beach accommodations are above your budget, there are options of guesthouses located two-three blocks away without direct beach access. Below are some suggestions with good reviews:

May 18 Guesthouse

Coconut Island Resort

Ngapali Lodge

Things to do in Ngapali beach

Boat trip and snorkel

An interesting and refreshing adventure is taking a boat trip to visit the offshore islands of Ngapali. It is pretty easy to book a boat here since there are number of fisherman around the center area offer a tour on their boat.  The tour may include visiting islands, one of the fishing villages (Gyeiktaw for example) and to go fishing then have your catch back to the mainland to cook. Snorkeling is also a highlight here though it cannot be expected to have vibrant marine life here. One of the favorite places for travelers is around the Pearl Island which has clear and unpolluted water.

  [caption id="attachment_15327" align="alignnone" width="960"] Snorkeling around Pearl island[/caption]

Explore Ngapali by bicycle

Almost all hotels, resorts and guesthouses in Ngapali offer bicycles for rent at the price of US$3.5-4 per day. Ngapali is a quiet area plus the terrain is so flat, you can hop on the bike and go explore on a road that wraps around the coastline – about 10 km. Beside the fact that it is the cheapest way to discover the beaches, you can also have chance to witness the friendly local people conduct their lives here.

  [caption id="attachment_15329" align="alignnone" width="960"] Hopping on the bike to go explore is a good experience[/caption]

Visit Jade Taw fishing village

Just outside of Ngapali Beach is Jade Taw fishing Village which is a typical example of a traditional Rakhine village. This is one of the main seafood supplies in Ngapali Beach. You will need to get here early in the morning if you wish to see the fishermen unloading their catch. On a visit here also make sure to walk through the village where you will see small fish which are spread out on straw mats and left to dry under the sun before being made into local snacks.

Climb up Amata Mountain

This mountain is located near to Jade Taw fishing village, you can combine with this activity as it is quite convenient. It is famous for the large standing Buddha statue – the important Buddist place for local people in Ngapali Beach where they come to pray and thanks the Buddha for the protection. Situated on top of a hill right on the coastline, you can take the panorama view over the rest of Rakhine State.

  [caption id="attachment_15330" align="alignnone" width="960"] Hot air balloon in Ngapali[/caption]

Beside all of the above things, hot air balloon is quite new in the place. But you will definitely have a unforgettable experience here – 45 minutes to a hour on the ride watching the sun going up, passing through the main sightseeing of Ngapali, stretching your vision to the Bay of Bengal. The hot air balloon is allowed to operate from the late November to March due to the good weather.

>>Click here for Myanmar tour package to Ngapali beach: Essence Of Myanmar 12 Days

Some other suggestions for your Myanmar travel

Grand Myanmar 25 Days

Myanmar Adventure 10 Days

Highlights Of Myanmar 8 Days

In general, you can spend about 3 to 4 days/nights in Ngapali beach to truly relax and to put a wonderful end of your Myanmar tours.

  Daniel Nguyen - Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

[excursion2indiafrombangalor-blog]

Best Uttarakhand Tour Packages from Bangalore

Places Covered: Delhi – Mussoorie (2nights) – Rishikesh (2nights) – Nainital(2nights) – Kaushani(2nights) – Corbett(2nights) – Delhi(1night)

No. of Days: 11nights/12days

Detailed Itinerary:

Kempty Falls, Mussoorie

Day 1: Delhi – Mussoorie: Arrive in Delhi and straight away head off to Mussoorie, a drive of around 300km. This takes more than seven hours. On the way pass through Dehradun, capital of Uttarakhand. Check into hotel on arrival in Mussoorie. Have dinner and enjoy a relaxed walk on the Mall. Overnight in Mussoorie.

Day 2: Mussoorie: After breakfast embark on a sightseeing trip of Mussoorie. Visit Kempty Falls and look for yourself the gushing waters from a height. You can have a cable car ride here as well. Some souvenir shops are also there. Later, move to Company Gardens and enjoy the different varieties of flowers. Visit Lal Tibba, the highest place of the area where first snowfall of Mussoorie region takes place during winter. Take a cable car and reach Gun Hill, the second highest peak of Mussoorie from where one can see Doon Valley clearly. Many Himalayan ranges like Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri are visible from the top of Gun Hill.

Take a leisurely walk on the Mall and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants. Overnight in Mussoorie.

Day 3: Mussoorie – Rishikesh: Take your breakfast and check out from the hotel in Mussoorie. Head to Rishikesh, a drive of over 2.5 hours which passes through forests of Rajaji National Park. Check into a hotel on arrival in Rishikesh. After relaxing a bit go on to explore Rishikesh. Main attractions are Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. Check out the different temples and explore the local markets. Enjoy evening Ganga Aarti at Swarg Ashram. Have dinner at one of the restaurants. Overnight in Rishikesh.

Day 4: Rishikesh: After breakfast go to enjoy white rafting, something tourists should surely enjoy when they come to Rishikesh. Later, drive to visit Nilkanth Mahadev temple, one of the most famous temples of this area. Enjoy leisurely walks in Rshikesh. Enjoy the beauty of Ganges. Enjoy the evening aarti at Swarg Ashram. Have dinner at one of the restaurants. Overnight in Rishikesh.

Day 5: Rishikesh – Nainital: Today is the time to make a move to Kumaon Hills. Check out after breakfast at the hotel in Rishikesh and head off to Nainital. This is a long drive of over eight hours. Check into a hotel on arrival in Nainital. After relaxing for some time go for a walk around Naini Lake. Have dinner at one of the restaurants. Overnight in Nainital.

Naini Lake, Nainital

Day 6: Nainital: After breakfast embark on a tour of Nainital and areas around it. Start the day with a visit to Naini Lake. Go for boating in the Naini Lake, scene of many Hindi films in the past. It is believed Lord Shiva performed his tandava. Close to Naini Lake is the temple of Naina Devi, supposed to be one of the shaktipithas. Go on to visit Nanital Zoo which is home to rare species like snow leopard, steppe eagle and Himalayan Black bear. Eco cave garden has, of late, become quite popular among children. Once can also opt to visit Governor’s House, which is open to public viewing.

Those interested in birds and nature can head off to Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. Return, have dinner and retire to your room. Overnight in Nainital.

Day 7: Nainital – Almora – Kausani: After breakfast at the hotel in Nainital check out and start for Kaushani via Almora. Enjoy the scenic drive. Check into a hotel in Kaushani on arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Kausani: After breakfast start full day excursion of Kaushani. You should first visit Anashakti Ashram, a quiet and revered place where Mahatma Gandhi spent a few days and also compiled his commentary on Anashkti Yog. Next you should visit Pant Museum, the birth place of the noted Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant.

Herd of wild elephants in Corbett

After lunch you should start with a visit to the tea garden. This tea garden is hardly 5km on the Bageshwar Road. A visit to Bageshwar and looking at the marvelous Baijnath group of temples is also a good option. There are some good trekking opportunities in Almora.

Have dinner and retire to your room. Overnight in Kaushani.

Day 9: Kausani – Corbett: After breakfast check out from the hotel, and embark on a drive to Corbett. Reach late in the afternoon. Check into a resort. Rest of the day at leisure. Know more about the Corbett National Park and different fauna species you can get on a drive to the forest. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Corbett: Get up pretty early in the morning and drive to the forest for a morning safari. If lucky you can see a wide variety of animals, including tigers, elephants and leopards. There are some good bird varieties as well. Return and have breakfast. Relax and enjoy swimming. You can visit nearby villages for a walk and interact with the locals. Return, have lunch and rest for some time. Set out for an afternoon safari afterwards.

Enjoy a relaxed in evening. Overnight in Corbett.

Day 11: Corbett – Delhi: If you wish you can go for an early morning safari to the forest. Have breakfast and check out from the resort. Drive to Delhi which is some seven hours journey. Check into a hotel in Delhi on arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi. Day 12: Delhi – Onward destination: Have breakfast and check out from the hotel in Delhi. Head to the airport and catch flight to your own desired destination.

“Book our Uttarakhand Tour Packages from Kolkata, Bangalore and Delhi for a memorable travel experience!”

Invest In Some Uttarakhand Tour Packages This Summer And Create Memories

Treat yourself to customized tour packages with Excursion2India! Please write to us at sales@excursion2india.com orinfo@excursion2india.com. Please also feel free to call us at +91-9163580464

VIEW MORE:

Uttarakhand Tour Packages from Bangalore | Ladakh Tour Packages from Bangalore | Rajasthan Tour Packages from Bangalore | Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages from Bangalore | Himachal Pradesh Tour packages from Bangalore  | Nepal Tour Packages from Bangalore | Bhutan Tour Packages from Bangalore | Sikkim Tour Packages from Bangalore | Odisha Tour packages from Bangalore | Darjeeling Tour packages from Bangalore | Heritage Walk in Old Delhi | Walking Tours in Kolkata

[shayanyaan]

Karnataka Express

As I walk out of Bangalore airport early one saturday morning, I pull out my phone to check the running status of the southbound Karnataka Express. I have just flown in from Hyderabad and my plan is to head straight to the hills of Makalidurga to photograph the train. And also later in the evening to travel on the return service up to Solapur. I want to experience one last journey out of Bangalore on the Karnataka Express with a diesel at the helm, something that is about to become history in a matter of days.

To my dismay, I find that the Karnataka is running over 6 hours late. There is not a hope in hell that it would reach Bangalore before my departure in the evening. My plans for a farewell photograph of a diesel headed Karnataka Express curving through Makalidurga have been hit for six. Rueing the terrible turn of events, I change plans and head off into the city to meet some friends. We kill time watching trains on the Tumkur line instead.

Thanks to the magic of rake sharing, my outbound train is not affected by the late running of the pairing train. So then I turn my attention to the loco in charge. Would I have the good fortune of being powered by twin diesels, just for old times sake? Throughout the day I have been fervently wishing for this but in the end I find that it is not to be. I arrive at the station to find a single WDP4D from Pune shed assuming the lead.

We depart on time and I settle down in my coach S2, which is fifth from the front. I have selected this on purpose, in order to be as close as possible to the diesel sounds. We are reduced to a stop-start run through Bangalore Cantt due to a slower train in front. Soon though, as we curve through Baiyappanahalli, we overtake the culprit before switching over to the northbound lines at the Channasandra triangle. My last ever Bangalore departure on a diesel hauled Karnataka Express is underway.

We take on more passengers at Yelahanka before ambling through Rajankunte. This is where we run into our other half - the heavily delayed inbound. A tingle of excitement runs down my spine as I head to the door to witness the crossing of the two Karnataka Expresses, both being pulled by diesels. Perhaps a reasonable consolation for the missed photograph opportunity earlier in the day.  

The chief starts to put the WDP4D through its paces as we accelerate towards Dodballapur. As we pick up speed I notice a signal up ahead set to attention. Maybe a level crossing gate not being shut in time? Anyhow, at the very last minute, the signal changes to proceed and we continue accelerating, all set to thunder through Dodballapur on the platform road. We are soon sitting pretty at Max Permissible Speed and not even the signals dare stop the Karnataka Express now.

4500 of the finest Puneri horses power us through the station as we kick up dust on the platform sending it into swirls. The blowers in the loco are whining away to glory. The chief has his hands transfixed on the horn lever. The deafening twin trumpets are blaring with an urgency that seems to transmit to the loco itself. We surge through the station at a hundred and ten kilometers an hour even as the sounds echo on the platform shelter. It is all over in seconds but standing at the door, it has made my eyes water and left me speechless. There are few things more exhilarating than a train skipping a station on the mainline at full chat.

The frenzy soon dies down as we slow to obey the speed restriction through Makalidurga. The beauty of crossing the Makali ghats at night is something that has to be seen to be believed. The moon is just bright enough for the silhouettes of the hill ranges to be visible. The track is surrounded by vast expanses of emptiness and the sound of steel on steel seems to be amplified. Looking ahead, I can see the powerful headlamp of the loco guiding us through the curves and cuttings. Oh to be in the cab with the pilot at this point!

Once the speed restriction is lifted, the WDP4D comes into its own again and we barrel through Thondebhavi where the Kurla - Coimbatore Express is waiting for us. Next at Gauribidanur, it is our turn to be looped on account of a freight blocking the mainline. Having decided I’ve had enough at the door for one evening, I shut the door and go back to my berth. Before turning in for the night, I figure that it is worth taking some time to reflect. On why I am making this journey in the first place.

--

Who cares what engine the train you are taking is being hauled by? It makes not an iota of difference to the vast majority of people whether it is a diesel or an electric or one of those newer converted versions (dielectrics?) that IR seems to be dabbling with these days.

I say vast majority because there exists a very small group of rail enthusiasts to whom this is a matter of utmost importance, for reasons not yet known to science. Many a battle has been fought on WhatsApp groups in order to ascertain whether “my loco is better than yours”. Most of them in cordial spirit of course.

At the heart of the eternal diesel lover lies a genuine appreciation for internal combustion, a somewhat undesirable but not entirely unjustified fascination for burnt diesel odour and soot. Oh and the utter joy that consumes them when they see a WDM3D let out thick puffs of smoke as it chugs past. And who can forget the EMDs? Even the newer ones have their place, their slightly questionable looks notwithstanding. The WDP4 is an absolute spectacle of sound whenever it goes past. The distinctive washing-machine-on-spin-mode idling sound leading to a jet engine like crescendo is not something that leaves your ears in a hurry. Who needs overhead wires?

As it turns out, it is the honorable Minister for Railways that needs them. Over the last couple of years many miles of track has been electrified. Diesel locos have been replaced with electrics, left, right and center. I shudder to think of a time when the venerable diesel loco will be relegated only to the branch lines. Last year when one of my favorite trains of the south, the Bangalore Rajdhani lost its diesel link between Secunderabad and Bangalore, the farewell was a touch emotional. Surely this is similar to what rail enthusiasts must have felt when steam locos were eventually phased out. In a last minute scramble, I managed to squeeze in one last journey on the diesel hauled Rajdhani and record the experience for posterity.  

Less than a year on, the latest train to bite the dust is another Southern heavyweight. The Delhi - Bangalore Karnataka Express hasn’t completely lost its diesel loco but consider this: For years, this iconic train was hauled between Itarsi and Bangalore by an equally iconic pair of Itarsi diesels. Even as a child growing up in northern Karnataka, I could recognize the double headed Karnataka Express. Over the last few years as electrification forced its way further south, up to Manmad and then eventually Daund, the Itarsi Alco twins gave way to Alcos from Moula Ali and  Guntakal sheds before settling with a single EMD from Pune. Yet we felt safe in the knowledge that Daund was about as far as Central Railways had planned to electrify. Until of course, South Central and South Western Railways joined the bandwagon, forcing a stranglehold from the south as well. The diesel link for the Karnataka Express is now confined to a mere 300km section between Daund and Wadi. How the mighty has fallen.

---

I awake the next morning to find that we have picked up a delay. Nevertheless, I am happy that I’ve been able to make this journey. The end of any era is hard to swallow at first, but years from now, I am sure, I will recall with fondness, the mighty Karnataka Express strutting its way northward from Bangalore with diesel locos powering it.

Meanwhile, the delay steadily increases to 50 minutes by the time we hit Wadi. My Shatabdi connection from Solapur is in slight danger. And so begins, a tense mental debate. Do I ditch the Karnataka at Gulbarga and wait for the Shatabdi there or do I carry on ahead, trusting the Central Railway controllers to bring us into Solapur before the Shatabdi?

It is a story I will leave for another time.

---

Sitting 10000 miles away on another continent, I have to make do with writing proxies for journeys taken by others. Once again, it was my dear friend Prithvi who was travelling on the train and was kind enough to send me his notes on the journey. In writing this, I feel like I have experienced a fair share of his emotions too.

[robynbernard]

Day 1: Tokyo to Osaka Though it is my first day in Japan. It seems to be full of travel. For lack of better planning, I was able to save money by flying into Narita on a non-stop Delta flight (highly recommended) and then travel by train to Osaka. For an American estimate it would be about 6 hours by car! Luckily by train it shortens to a total of 4 hours. Thank you Mr. Hikari Shikansen. ♡ As I flew into tokyo the view of all the agriculture somehow reminded me of Detroit Metro Airport, and how it was kinda in the middle of nowhere. Dejavu felt like I was just flying back into home (minus all the rice paddys). Of course when we landed it was a slight drizzle. Japan thank you for being you and always reminding me I need a かさ (umbrella). Good thing there are Lawson's and 7-elevens everywhere. Narita airport was by far the most worry of my entire trip, I've had many nights of lost sleep due to the nervousness of being by myself and navigating through the airport. At least when I was with my older brother Bryan last time, we were lost together. I'm sorry to say Bryan. I've accomplished the same confusion finding that darn post office, through the airport mall and near the starbucks. In my mind I knew what it looked like from two years ago, but I didn't not remember the route to get there. Next time it will be a win. I promise! There are a few absolute necessities that I would highly recommend for travelers in Japan: #1. Pocket wifi. (Mobile hotspot). For $80 I was able to get unlimited high-speed internet for 2 full weeks. Considering the alternitive of Verizon's international plan for japan being $10/day for 400mb of data therefore, just a big nope. #2. Japan rail pass. (Pictured above) Simply put almost all JR trains pre paid for the visit for 14 days. Mind you $400 seems like a lot. But as a tourist and the amount of travel I will be doing. This is extremely worth it. Just alone the shikansen one way from Tokyo to Osaka is at least $90. My trip I will be riding this at least 4 times. (^-^)/ Hikari Shikansen. (Hikari Bullet train). My very useful speed devil of a train to get me to Osaka before 9pm. ♡♡. I was worried about the transfer from the narita express to shikansen tracks, however a very quick Google search and some very kind bloggers made this transfer seemless. I did only have 15 minutes to complete a transfer. Only a little stress right? Though, sometimes mistakes can be made. I unfortunately boarded the incorrect train. It was the Shinkansen that stopped at every station. I could have stayed on this train and made my way to shin-Osaka but it would take. A lot longer. I spoke with a worker and he suggested I get off at the next station and switch to hikari. Probably the least stressful mistake I've made in Japan....so far. Once aboard the prefect Shinkansen, I sit here and write the first part of blog Day 1. (^-^)/. I was able to get a window seat and i was able to capture a nice candid shot of Mt. Fuji (pictured above). I hope I get a chance to go see him up close this trip. In my previous trip I spoke about the shikansen and the specs of how fast it goes etc. Here's a quick recap. Hikari ひかり: means light. Speed: 270km/h-300km/h First service: 1958 Actually slower than the nozumi train by about 30 mins. It has become almost tradition now that I pick up a tonkastu bento (pictured above). On my Shinkansen travels. It tastes so good, I was able to successfully nap for about a half hour before I reached Osaka. Once at Shin-Osaka station, I realized I did not study the station map as well as I did for Shinagawa... I walked around for a while and finally found south exit. At this point I was too exhausted from the entire day and a half of traveling that i decided to just grab a taxi for a commute equivalent to a 10minute walk. It was already dark at 8pm, so it gave me better justification. Maybe it was because I was super tired at this point, but I finally arrive at what I thought to be my air bnb apartment.... I kept typing in the code for the door and found out that I was actually at the wrong apartment building. I was next door! Kevin the merkin noodle king would be super jealous since the apartment building I'm actually supposed to be at has a ramen shop on the first floor. Sorry Kevin. I finally found my room and relaxed in a comfortable apartment. It's small (compared to American apartments) but perfectly cozy for me. (^_^)/ Tomorrow morning I must wake up early, I get to meet the Michigan crew for the first time and we have plans to go to temples and shrines. Hopefully I will be able to blog for day 2. I will include better photos for you all. Thank you for reading!! Robyn

[stevetervet]

Tour de NZ

You could swallow a thesaurus and still not find the words to describe New Zealand.

Tucked away in the bottom right-hand corner of the world map, so many hours ahead that it almost creeps into yesterday, NZ isn’t somewhere you ‘pass through’ - concerted effort is required to make it this far. But it’s worth it.

Our chosen mode of transport during a 12-day stay in the South Island was a camper van, to be collected from and returned to a depot in Christchurch. Having decided to crack on early (a 3am taxi from our base in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the airport), we had reasonable expectations of making decent headway north from Christchurch before nightfall or, at least, Ivy’s tea time. Not so.

Preliminary paperwork filled out at the hire company base, we stepped outside into teeming rain where a female employee was waiting to tell us everything we needed to know about the van. Once she had located where it actually was in the car park, her show-round got off to a shaky start when the pull-out step wouldn’t pull out from underneath the side of the van. “I just don’t think I’m strong enough,” she surmised. “You’ll just have to take a big step up.” Advising her that we wouldn’t, we yanked the step out ourselves and climbed aboard. “Where’s the TV remote?” we queried. “Just have a good look around” came the reply. Now fully aware our guide was anything but an expert, we strove to push through the rest of the formalities as quickly as possible only for the lady in question to ramble on and on. “Where’s the nearest supermarket?” I said, trying to make it clear we’d heard enough and were ready to go. “Where are you heading?” she asked. “Towards Nelson” we said, Nelson being the northernmost city in the South Island. “So you’re going south then?” came the infuriatingly dopey response.

But the van proved far more reliable than its owners and once we hit the road, our mood quickly improved. Major road closures, brought about by the recent earthquake, kept us away from the east coast but we trundled inland as far as Hanmer Springs. At the end of such a long first day on tour and having driven through torrential rain in near-darkness on some twisty roads to get there, the campsite felt like an oasis in the desert, if you’ll excuse the rather confused simile.

There was nothing much to see in Murchison the following day but with a pie shop and children’s playground among limited amenities, it served its purpose as a halfway stop for lunch. Repeated travel sickness on Ivy’s part secured her a seat in the front with me for the rest of the road trip. As we approached our family Christmas base a few kilometres north of Motueka, the Takaka Hill Highway really put my concentration and the van’s engine to the test with a series of sharp bends on a serious incline. With more than 300km already under our belts for the day, patience began to wear thin when we missed the turning and had to keep climbing until there was a piece of road wide enough in which to turn the van round and head back down again.

Scroll down to the previous blog to find out what happened next in what could loosely termed a Christmas Special.

After two-and-a-half days spent with the family, we took one of them - Rachel’s mum - with us for the remainder of the journey. Back through Murchison we drove before veering west and dropping anchor in a near-flooded Westport. The weather no doubt distorted our opinion of the campsite although we did find what I can only assume must be the world’s smallest pizza shop after setting the van up for the evening. The topping combination of chicken pieces and apricot jam worked better than I expected.

As we powered down the west coast the following morning it felt like the tour had really begun. The road was spectacular in places, taking us to within a few metres of the ocean with big waves crashing on the rocks and bringing the windscreen wipers into play. Tourists were beginning to assemble in large numbers at Punakaiki when we pulled in mid-morning. Camera phones were going off everywhere as we trod the walkways of Pancake Rocks, a rugged formation which reminded me of the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road back in Australia. It seemed rude to visit such a place and not try the pancakes in the cafe over the road for morning tea and the catering matched the views. More great roads carried us into Greymouth, the west coast’s largest town, although we only stayed long enough to do a big shop at the supermarket and watch a train pull into the station - the latter making Ivy’s day. Having planned to spend the night in Harihari, we decided to carry on further down the coast as we’d made good time (and Harihari looked like one of the most boring places on earth). Instead, we booked into a leafy site at Franz Josef Glacier which, as the name suggests, marked the start of the South Island’s stunning alpine region.

Snow-capped mountains were standing tall against blue skies at the start of our next day together. On the road towards Fox Glacier we slowed to a crawl around some of the acute mountain bends but that only gave us more time to admire the incredible vistas. After stopping for a walk around Lake Matheson, we continued on this exquisite stretch of road, crossing dozens of single-lane bridges over turquoise rivers which splashed along shallow rocky beds. And when we left the flat sections behind and began climbing again, the van’s big diesel engine performed heroically all the way to Haast.

Cooking our own meals inside the van had been going well but we enquired upon arrival in Haast where we might find a chip shop for that evening’s meal. The campsite owner said he knew of one place in the area but that it closed at 4pm. This didn’t sit right with me and, sure enough, further investigation allayed our fears with the news that opening hours extended much longer. Food was 35 minutes away in Jackson Bay at the bizarre-looking ‘Cray Pot’ - a former pie cart painted bright orange and situated on the water’s edge with mountains towering above us on three sides and the sea disappearing over the horizon on the other. The food was decent, if a little pricey, but I suppose we were paying for the experience - which was certainly unique.

On the way back to Haast for the night we stopped to refuel the van. The petrol station was closed although an after-hours box on the wall allowed you to pre-pay by card. However, none of ours seemed to work and a queue began to form behind us while a tired Ivy fretted in the front seat. A family at the pump next to us could see we were struggling and offered to help. I handed the man $60 in cash and his wife used her card to authorise the payment. Diesel finally flowed from the pump to our relief when I felt a tap on my shoulder. The woman handed me back the $60, wished us compliments of the season and climbed into her car with a smile. Such a humbling gesture left us almost speechless as the good samaritans disappeared down the road. Thank you.

With a full tank beneath us, the wonderful route south continued to unfold as we skirted Lake Wanaka before making a pit stop in Wanaka itself. Opting to snub the main highway from there, we tackled the more direct mountain route to Arrowtown - and what an inspired decision it turned out to be. Offering access to the snowfields in winter, the Crown Range Road, even out of season, is quite simply the most incredible stretch of road I’ve ever driven. The camper van was pushed to its limit as we relentlessly climbed higher and higher but the best was still to come as we went over the top and began to descend. Carefully edging down the side of the mountain, we hit a series of seven consecutive hairpin bends which forced us almost to a stop on each occasion. The van wriggled around each one and I allowed myself a flashing glance over the precipice, where solid ground fell away and the valley floor was laid out like a tablecloth hundreds of metres below. It was breath-taking, a scene somewhere between cycling’s Tour de France and the final moments of The Italian Job.

The campsite at Arrowtown was over-crowded. It had a different feel to most of the other places we’d stayed, with most people on lengthy holidays in tents and caravans as opposed to transient types like us in mobile homes. The night of New Year’s Eve predictably yielded little sleep with the site raucous until gone 2am but the day, which we spent in Queenstown, was memorable for positive reasons. Our boat trip across the magnificent Lake Wakatipu was complimented by a surprisingly good farm visit with vast mountains, once again, flanking us on all sides. “Let’s not mention the England rugby team” laughed the Kiwi farm guide when he heard our accents, but with a record-equalling 14 consecutive wins behind us, I was quite happy to ride the banter bus.

Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital of the world’ according to the PR people who try to flog you expensive excursion tickets, certainly offers plenty of thrill-seeking experiences and the town was particularly busy given the date. Our celebrations got no wilder than posh ice creams in a gelateria and an early barbecue back at the site.

The lack of sleep clearly impaired my decision-making as we prepared to make a prompt start on New Year’s Day. Choosing to refill the water tank with our neighbour’s hose backfired when the hose got stuck in the side of our van and said neighbour emerged earlier than I had anticipated. As Rachel chatted to the lady, playing for time, I resorted to brute force and yanked the hose head out, taking a chunk out of my index finger in the process.

We finally left the mountains behind and headed south-east through Roxburgh and other such tiny settlements before making the long, straight climb into Dunedin. Our campsite was not far from the beach but although the sun, sand and surf lifesavers lent the place a rather Australian feel, the water temperature was more Bognor than Bondi.

On the way north we broke the journey in Oamaru, another coastal town with a quaint Victorian shopping precinct and nearby penguin colony. We went for a look but the penguins were out.

By now the road was faster, if less interesting, and carried us inland to Geraldine - a stop recommended by someone we’d met at an earlier campsite. The site itself was tidy but even better were the food and drink options just around the corner, underlining Geraldine’s reputation as something of a regional gourmet centre. The zingy pasta sauce from Barker’s significantly enhanced the evening meal.

The run into Christchurch was about as straight and flat as you could get. Grey skies and drizzle matched the mood in the city; although they’ve worked hard to get up and running again after the earthquakes, it still looks like a building site and feels quite depressing. To see the grand old cathedral deserted and propped up behind wooden boards was pretty sad.

After a night at Spencer Beach the van handover went smoothly with the only problem being I left my sunglasses in the cab and didn’t realise until several hours later.

We flew to the North Island and stepped off the plane in Tauranga with the wind swirling across the runway and threatening to blow us off the portable steps. Many hours spent playing Tetris as a youngster prepared me for the next challenge - squeezing four suitcases and countless smaller bags into a car which also needed to carry five passengers to our base for the next week on the west side of town.

After all that time on the road, it was nice to unpack and settle down, although we continued to explore. Hunting for a parking spot in Mount Maunganui reminded me of beach holidays back home, as did the subsequent digging of deep holes in the sand until the tide came in to fill them.

We were chased by aggressive geese at Katikati Bird Gardens, marvelled at the different international sections in Hamilton Gardens and walked a volcanic valley near Rotorua. Here, too, we crossed rope bridges high among the giant Redwood trees and visited a ‘living Maori village’ at Whakarewarewa (that’s the shortened version, believe it or not). About 70 people live in the village, which remains open to the public - for a fee - even when funerals and other private events are taking place. We learnt plenty while we were there although our guide prickled whenever people asked questions she didn’t like. Sorry, but you can’t have it both ways - if you’re going to sell your soul to the tourist, don’t take their money and take offence.

But although the hot mud and geothermal pools of Whakarewarewa left me cold, this journey delivered far more highs than lows. The country’s landscapes are fabulously diverse and the people incredibly friendly (including of course the family who hosted us on both islands).

Ever thought of visiting this corner of the globe? Do it. Because despite making headlines for negative reasons in recent years, the huge number of foreign accents we heard on our travels prove that New Zealand’s natural beauty has a much greater reach than her natural disasters.

[urban-sere]

Arctic Night Half Marathon - Tromso, Norway

The days of total darkness 300km inside the Arctic Circle where the sun doesn't show itself for a whole month.

Introduction

I was lucky enough to meet Alison when I joined my local running club ‘Stamford Striders’, she was the first person to welcome me.  So some four years later it was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Alison Regan via the club website mail shot.  That name ‘Alison Regan’ probably means very little most people but to anyone who met her she was special, friendly and mad about running.  Married with children she was as ordinary as each of us but in a special way.  What affected me most about the loss of Alison, bearing in mind I’d not seen her or her husband Jim for some time, was that she was about my age and was struck down with a rapid illness over only a few months.  As I sat and pondered what had happened I suddenly became very aware that I was so lucky to be alive and that I should stop putting off those things that I had for so long.  We never know when the end is coming.  The result was a short list of accomplishments I wanted to achieve and signing up to the Arctic Night - Half Marathon in Tromso.  And so, this is where this story really began.

As Tromso is such a long way north I had decided to make a trip of it and planned to do some Telemark Skiing while there to.  Having had the idea I then needed to ensure I wouldn't back out and I’ve personally found that telling everyone what ‘the plan is’ doesn't give me any room to wriggle out of it or to quietly forget.  That was all a few months back and as I sat in Oslo airport awaiting my transfer to Tromso and watching the sun set for the last time for a week, it all became a reality.  At this time of year Tromos is bathed in darkness 24/7 and not until the week after I return home will the sun show itself; even then its only up for 11 minutes!  

Arrival in the Arctic

As my flight descended in to the island of Tromso and its windswept airport, I knew from the turbulence alone that the whole experience would be exactly what I was expecting and so much looking forward to; that feeling of taking risks but also of being alive.  After collecting the baggage and my companion, Simon, we got a taxi to our hotel in the centre of town - no mean feat with 210cm skis in tow...  

After a very quick unpack and deciding that we had earned the fact, we headed to the nearest bar and found O’leary’s, a sports bar showing ski jumping competitions and ably staffed by “Ollie” a Brit from, would you believe it - Kettering.  After several beers at a ridiculous price and all our money later we headed for home. feeling alike we were ready to face that Arctic and all it could throw at us...  The temperature being a chilly minus 8.

Fast-foward 6 hours to a rather barmy 0900 hours as we awoke, the temperature was a  crazy PLUS 1 and forecast to rise to an almost bearable PLUS 2.  BUT we had to contend with rain and as the windchill was taking the temperature way below zero as soon as it fell, it was turning to ice.  “What are you planning on running in” I asked over breakfast and and together Simon and I discussed and decided that we should at least consider getting spikes for our shoes.  A quick walk (icy waddle) along the high street and we found ourselves at an outdoor chop where we almost walked straight into a display selling over show running spikes, ‘Jackpot’.  Eyeing the price we quickly mused the prospect of leaving them till later but as we considered that prospect there was another couple of Brits asking the same questions we had considered, “Hi, we are from the UK and running tomorrow, do you happen to have spikes that could... Blah Blah Blah!” and then another couple and then another... We had to buy them or risk losing them, so as we departed being wished lots of luck and many Kroner lighter in the pocket, we were at least equipped for the icy and worsening conditions under foot.  

Content, we set off for the sight-seeing and touristy bit and the inevitable cost, again ending the day at O’Leary’s bar...  Race preparation at it’s best, to which any Stamford Strider can attest.  We saw in the new day with a Gin and Tonic and for me a realisation that Alison Regan’s death had affected me in many ways but mostly that I was now going to live life to the fullest.  We really do have no idea when it will end and should always bear that in mind!

Arctic Night Half Marathon

As the big day dawned and we headed for breakfast we were becoming aware of the weather and all that it entailed.  Almost everyone we saw we now suspiciously eyes as potential runners and as we devoured our hearty breakfast we got our plan of action together.  We headed straight out to the registration at the town hall and collected our race pack with numbers but we drew the line at spending £50 on a glow in the dark Northern Lights race T-shirt...  The race wasn't due to start till 1500 hours but it was already getting gloomy and dark as we headed back to our hotel for more hydration, preparation and in Simons case a little nap.

As the start time of 1500 hours neared we pinned on numbers and checked we had enough of everything with us, clothing, spikes and the obligatory gels...  We walked up the street to the gathering crowd of similarly dressed runners and prepared to meet the challenge. There was just one large starting pen and as the gun went off there were slow runners in front of fast  and even walkers in the throng.  As I found space and fought for position I crossed the line and started my Garmin watch.  The race had begun and as we ran through the streets, the gathered crowd cheering us on, it was snowing and all seemed good.

We’re Off

The streets darkened as we neared the edge of town and up through housing where families were standing in the front of their houses cheering and ringing bells and the atmosphere was so friendly.  Large , what I can only describe as tea lights, lit the path and before I really took stock I was at the first water stop. It was sleeting and the hailing by this time and id taken my hat off as I was quite warm but the hard cold rain soon had my hood coming up.  

As I said hi and briefly chatted to everyone who I past and to everyone who past me, it was going to be the friendliest Half Marathon I’d ever run but certainly not the fastest.  Around the 5 mile point the front runner came back towards me and was running at a great pace; he must have been about 2 miles ahead of me.  The next thing to come into view was the airport where I knew there was a few switch backs and another water stop but more importantly a chance to see where Simon my colleague was in the group.  After the first switch back I caught sight of him and he was running very well considering it was his first half marathon.

Now on the homeward leg I braced myself as the wind bit hard and the snow and sleet bounced off my face.  Through half closed eyes  and gritted teach I pushed on trying desperately to keep up with a pair of local runners who were doing very well and about my pace.  I stayed with them for around 5 miles but as we cam back into town I could feel I had a blister on a toe and my thigh, soaked and numb with cold, were also telling me they’d had enough.  My pace slowed a little for the last mile but I didn’t care, the crowds were chearing and the final few hundred meters was again lit up with candles like a small runway with it slights on, ready to welcome home the runners.  I crossed the line, stopped my watch, shook the hand of the guy putting a medal around my neck and then the Red Cross were wrapping me up like an oven ready chicken!   I joined all the others who had finished for a drink and banana around a roaring brazier and finally looked at the time, two hours and just under three minutes.  Without doubt the slowest Half Marathon I’d ever run but in the conditions I had experienced and for the whole atmosphere - the most memorable.

A Moment of Thought

Not forgetting that it was the loss of a friend that had galvanised me into action and made this a reality, I retired to the bar for a well earned drink and to show off my medal - whilst thinking of the next excursion I intend to undertake.  We never know when our time will come and I urge everyone to make the most of every day.  That rainy day we put things off ‘til may never arrive!  We are all here for a finite period of time and I really don’t want to be that person who looks back with regret that I didn’t try hard enough or simply didnt get round to doing ‘this or that’. I am grateful to Alison for being the inspiration and I’m sorry for Jim, her husband, and everyone who knew or simply met her now that she is gone.  

As I spend the next few days Nordic skiing around the area and the snow is falling I wonder what else I will now be challenged to face and how much more of life I will live.