Thursday, 13 May 2010

Eco Getaways in Victoria

With ‘eco’ options popping up all over the place, more and more people are considering how their travelling habits are impacting on the environment; we do it at home, so there’s no reason not to continue when we’re on the road.

The Grampians National Park and Great Ocean Road with their range of activities that only require a good pair of walking shoes are ideal locations to get the eco-getaway ball rolling. There is a choice of some great eco-friendly accommodation here that won’t break the bank.

Here are 2 Lazyshark recommendations:
Grampians YHA Eco Hostel, Halls Gap
The Grampians is Victoria’s largest National Park boasting some of the state’s most inspirational bushwalking, rock climbing, bike riding, native wildlife and horse riding.
Highlights include hiking to the famous Balconies, visiting the Mackenzies Falls or learning about and seeing the Aboriginal rock art. Under 4 hours drive from Melbourne you can easily reach the Grampians by public transport making it an affordable eco destination.

A great place to stay at Halls Gap is the Grampians YHA Eco Hostel - set in the heart of the majestic Grampians Ranges. The hostel has an impressive range of energy reducing and water saving features including a passive solar design, with more glass on north facing walls to maximise winter sunlight, and with the glass restricted on the southern walls to minimise winter heat loss. 150 solar tiles on the roof generate solar electricity to power the hostel.

It also has a unique reed-based Greywater Recycling System, which means that waste water can be safely stored and treated by UV rays (without the use of chemicals) for re-use in flushing toilets and irrigating the landscaped gardens.

With free bike hire on offer to explore the area by day plus use of the hostel’s ‘Chicken Hilton’, veggie patch and fruit trees to pick fresh produce to cook your evening meals the price of $75 per night for a double room or $28 for a bed is very reasonable.

For more info/to book Grampians YHA hostel call (+613) 5356 4544 or email grampians@yhavic.org.au
Eco Beach YHA, Apollo Bay

The seaside town of Apollo Bay is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne, and also reachable by public transport. Things to do include roaming the quiet shore of the bay, wandering through the dense rainforest of the Otways National Park or taking part in one of the many adventure activities in the area, both on land and water.

From serious bushwalkers to casual strollers, the Great Ocean Walk starting in Apollo Bay and stretching 91kms along the spectacular west coast is a must for all visitors. The walk has been designed so that visitors can ‘step on and step off’ the trail at a number of places, completing short, day or overnight hikes.

Like the Grampians YHA, Eco Beach YHA also has a passive solar design and has been created using materials sourced from managed Victorian forests, glass and stone. Solar Hot Water Systems generate 75% of the hot water used, all lights use low-energy LED globes, rainwater tanks have been installed with the collected water being used on the gardens, and to save energy there is no air-conditioning at either of the eco hostels.

Other facilities include a rooftop deck with breathtaking ocean views, two wood fire lounges, a TV room and a fully-equipped kitchen. Prices start from $28 for a bed and from $80 for a double.

For more info/to book Eco Beach YHA call (+613) 5237 7899 or email apollobay@yhavic.org.au

Wednesday, 5 May 2010

The Perils of Volcanic Ash

So the travel industry announced the other day that volcano Eyjafjallajoekull in Iceland has cost them £1 billion. As the dust – I mean ash settles – we are all counting the costs of the chaos that has affected over 1 million travellers worldwide.

The post-mortem has begun and questions are now being asked as to whether it was really necessary to shut airspace down for 10 days. The general opinion is probably not. The regulators had to err on the side of caution as the effect of the ash on the jet engines was unknown. However they probably could have carried out safety checks a lot faster, rather than waiting until weather conditions blew the cloud of ash away from Great Britain (and ironically back towards where it came from – Iceland!)

The airlines now have to cough up millions of pounds each in compensation to travellers forced to spend money (often extortionate amounts) charged by hotels around the world who took advantage of the situation and raised their room rates knowing people had no option but to agree to their raised tariffs.

That the airlines have to pay for this seems incredibly unfair. However I’m sure it will not be long before current legislation is changed so that if in the unlikely occurrence of a repeat scenario the airlines are exempt from footing the whole compensation bill.

In the long term I can only fear that the eruption of a volcano in Iceland is bad news for all travellers as airlines will all have to put up their prices to cover the millions of pounds they have lost due to volcanic ash.

Thursday, 29 April 2010

The Virgin London Marathon

This year’s marathon was different for me. In previous years it was something I watched on TV in bed with a cup of tea to ease into a lazy Sunday morning. Last year I broke from tradition and went along with my girlfriend to offer some much needed moral support for a friend who was running. As we watched the thousands of runners streaming by with a beer in one hand and a burger in the other I had a crazy thought – why not enter for the Virgin 2010 London Marathon? Just over 1 year later I can proudly say I was one of the 36,000 slightly sadistic runners who lined up to cover the 26.2 mile course around London. 4hrs and 20mins later I had achieved what was once a distant dream and joined that elite club of people who have successfully completed a marathon.

What an amazing experience. The first 13 miles flew by. The crowd seemed to be constantly shouting out my name (printed on my vest!) and I must have given hundreds of young kids standing on the roadside with their hands out high fives…

I was buzzing. I was going well up until mile 22 and on course to go sub 4hrs (my target) Unfortunately at this point the wheels fell off and I had to get some treatment from St Johns Ambulance for my legs which at that stage felt more like blocks of lead…

After a few miles of intermittently running and walking I saw some friends along the embankment who gave me a hug and a pep talk at which point I found a new lease of life and was able to run the last 2 and ½ miles in. A final shout of encouragement from my brother at Westminster Bridge and the right hand turn onto Birdcage Walk and I had the sudden realisation that I was going to make it (something that I had doubts about 5 miles previously)

It was a strange mix of euphoria and pain running the last 800 metres. The crowds were electric not only here but all around the course and I can safely say that without the constant shouts of encouragement I would never have made it. Like many of the other 36,000 runners I was running for a charity (for the Elimination of Leukaemia Fund, in memory of my grandpa who died of leukaemia) and it is this central cause that generates a sense of amazing camaraderie that unites all the runners.

Will I be entering London 2011? No
Will this be my one and only marathon? I doubt it…

In fact only yesterday I entered the Bristol half marathon in September. It is official…I have caught the running bug!

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Travel Insurance small print

I am sure that I am not the only one who has been caught out by not reading the small print contained within an insurance policy. You take the time and spend the money to get covered but sometimes the policy you think is providing you with the security and comfort of full protection is not. Why not? Because like 99% of all people you do not read the pages and pages of small print that follow a policy document.

I recently returned from a weeks skiing in Switzerland. Whilst over there I was told a true story of how one unfortunate holiday maker fell victim to the insurance small print. Every skier or snow boarder’s worse nightmare is to wipe out at the top of a mountain badly enough to require air helicopter evacuation off the summit and then be transported on to the nearest hospital equipped to deal with your injuries. Worse still is to find that the insurance policy you thought covered your medical bill actually doesn’t and subsequently to be told by the insurance company that you have to foot the bill out of your own pocket.

The sad reality is that if you are planning to do any kind of extreme sport whether it is bungy jumping, scuba diving, white water rafting or skiing then a standard travel insurance policy will exclude cover from doing these activities. Make sure you get them added on. It might add a few more pounds to your insurance cost but this is preferable to the thousands it could cost you if an accident were to befall you.

Friday, 9 April 2010

Queenstown

If you are an adrenalin junkie by day and a party animal by night then Queenstown is the place for you!

So what to see? Depending on your budget here are some Lazyshark suggestions on how to spend your time and NZ dollars whilst you're there:

Money to burn?

1. Do a Bungy - Spiritual home of bungy jumping you can still bungy off the Kawarau bridge where it all first started back in 1988. However at 43 metres this is now viewed as small bungy...! So for you braver souls try out the Nevis Highwire, the highest bungy in Australasia with 8.5 seconds of fall time!

2. Skydiving - At certain times of the day, when weather conditions are clear, if you look up to the skies there is a procession of skydivers circling their way down from above.

3. The "Triple Challenge" - Combine a helicopter flight with jet boating and white water rafting for an all in one action packed day.

On a shoestring budget?

1. The Skyline Gondola - Venture up the gondola for a spectacular view over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the peaks of the "Remarkables". While you are up there you should definately have a go on the 800 metre luge tracks.

2. Go fishing at Lake Wakatipu - Rainbow trout, brown trout and quinnat salmon can be caught all year round.

3. Admire the views - Climb Queenstown Hill or Ben Lomond for great vistas over Queenstown and the surrounding area. The national parks of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring are also both close for casual walkers or serious hikers alike.

Friday, 26 March 2010

Modern Toilet

I've often seen reviews of restaurants where the critics slated the food as "a pile of crap", but never before have I seen it used as an advertising tool.

Well, an enterprising new business starting originally in Taiwan back in 2004 and now more recently spreading to Hong Kong has done exactly that, seating diners on toilets and serving attractive dishes such as Mediterranean Seafood Au Gratin or Korean Pork BBQ. The ice cream dishes served in mini toilets are classic...

Whetting your appetite?!! Read more at Modern Toilet

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Byron Bay

Byron is a major stop-off on the East Coast backpacker trail. A beautiful beach and a laid back vibe are probably good enough reasons to stop here, but here are a few other Lazyshark ideas of things to do whilst in Byron:

Money to burn?

1. Nimbin - A number of different organisations run day trips to Nimbin, taking in a bit of rainforest on the way there or back. Nimbin is a festival town, stuck in the 1970's, and a bit tired, but the museum (dedicated to the sacred weed) is worth a look.

2. Surf School - Byron is a good place to learn apparently - reliable break, not too powerful an undertow - and a good choice of surf schools that cater to all standards. One word of warning though - King's Beach is not for the faint hearted

3. Arts Factory - Also a backpacker hostel, they run all sorts of classes and courses, from making a digeridoo to recording your own music.

On a Budget?

1. Music - Byron is a great place for live music. Best heard in a beer garden with a cold beer in one hand.

2. Chill out - You're there for the beach and sun..! Enjoy it...

3. Whale Watching - Another place on the East Coast that you can see these amazing mammals (mainly between June and November)

Sunday, 28 February 2010

Popular Australian Islands

Australia is a beautiful island in itself but clustered around its coastline lie a rich variety of islands from the sand bar island known as Fraser to the coral islands of the Whitsundays. Lazyshark takes a quick look at the pick of these islands to visit:

1. Whitsunday Islands - The sort of islands you can go to on your honeymoon as well as on a backpacking budget. The beautiful white beaches of Whitehaven regularly appear in the 'Top 10 World Beaches' list. The backpacker way to see these islands tends to be on boat charter out of Airlie Beach for two or three nights. There are a couple of the islands you can stay on but they tend to be very expensive.

2. Fraser Island - Can be argued it is less an island and more a very long sand bar... There are three reasons to go to Fraser. Firstly there are virtually no roads - instead you drive your 4WD along the beaches - sand racing can be great fun! Secondly the Champagne pools - a popular swimming hole. Lastly it is always a great party - I have been to Fraser three times now and it is always a great buzz cooking a BBQ under the stars and sharing one or two (dozen!) tinnies with fellow travellers.

3. Magnetic Island - A short ferry ride from Townsville it is the best place to see koalas in the wild.

4. Rottnest Island - A short trip from Perth the best way to see the island is to hire bikes and go exploring - I recommend the Pie shop next to the ferry terminus!

5. Tasmania - Some Tassies might have issue with us for calling it an island rather than a state but it definately feels like a different place to mainland Australia. Quieter, poorer with a slower pace of life.

6. Phillip Island - A few hours drive from Melbourne it is worth a trip to check out the Penguin Parade to see the little penguins waddle up the banks at dusk to spend the night in their dune burrows.

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

Too much booze makes for bad marathon preparation

Shock news... being hung over seriously affects your running performance. I know most of you reading this will be slapping your foreheads shouting 'duh' but being a novice runner I have only just recently experienced the true horror of running 9 miles the morning after the night before... I have to tell you it wasn't a pretty sight!

After a months sobriety in January things slightly went to pot during a recent weeks break in Guernsey. My goal of a sub 4 hour marathon time might just have suffered a mini set back. Back on the soft drinks for the next few weeks!!

Friday, 19 February 2010

Guernsey Mud n' Fun 2010

Just returned from a weeks break in Guernsey. Whilst there we took part in the Mud n' Fun run - a 4 mile assault course around rural Guernsey. Typical obstacles included running along douits, through waist high (in places head high) swampy bogs, scaling cargo nets over high stone brick castle walls, crawling under an electric fence, and swimming through skips of ice cold water. Just your average cross country run then!!

470 slightly crazy participants lined up for this cult event. I doubt you'd find a comparable race anywhere in Great Britain. Money was raised for a local charity Wigwam in order to provide a playground for disabled children.

Will ensure I am in Guernsey for the next Mud n' Fun in 2011.

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Australia

Chinese New Year 2010, the Year of the Tiger, begins on 14th February. (although celebrations kick off a few days before!)

Australia has a huge Chinese population. Historically a big influx of Chinese people occurred with the 'gold rush' in the 1850-1860's, when large deposits of gold were found in Victoria, and thousands of Chinese came to seek their fortunes prospecting for the precious metal.

Even more have come in the last 50 years as construction workers and economic migrants. There are large and vibrant 'Chinatowns' in most of the major Australian cities - specifically Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The main Australian celebrations for Chinese New Year 2010 include:

Sydney
  1. Launch celebration in Belmore Park - Friday 12th Feb
  2. Day and night Asian markets at Belmore Park - 12th - 14th Feb
  3. Twilight Parade from Town Hall to Chinatown - Sunday 21st Feb
  4. Chinese New Year fireworks display at Darling Harbour - Sunday 21st Feb
  5. Dragon Boat Awakening ceremony and races at Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour - 27th - 28th Feb

For further info on all the Chinese New Year festivities happening in NSW click here

Melbourne

  1. The Millenium Dragon parade through the streets of Melbourne's Chinatown - 14th Feb
  2. Hong de Lion dance and Lalor Cultural Performances on May Road - 20th Feb
  3. Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival in Glen Waverley - 28th Feb

Brisbane

  1. Chinese New Year festivals, dances, markets and parades at Fortitude Valley - 12th - 14th Feb

My own personal favourite memories of Chinese New Year, whilst living in Sydney, was definately seeing the Dragon Boat Races at Darling Harbour - great fun to watch although the competitors take it deadly seriously...

Sunday, 7 February 2010

Killer Australian Spiders

Any arachnophobes out there read no further! I recoiled in horror when I opened the newspaper the other day to find a story on the deadly Australian funnel web spider.

This poisonous spider, which grow up to 2 inches in length, is particuarly aggressive and can jump up to 18 inches to attack its prey. Experts are warning that the unusually damp and warm Australian winter has lead to a bumper number of funnel web spiders especially around Sydney.

If you are unlucky enough to get bitten by one of these nasty spiders, be aware that the advice is to go directly to a hospital to be administered an antivenom. Their venom induces vomiting and convulsions and can prove fatal without treatment.

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Speaking the Lingo

English is widely spoken by people around the world who work in the tourist industry, making it possible to visit countries as diverse as Cuba and Bhutan without speaking a word of the local language. But as anyone will tell you, it really helps to speak to people in the language of their country, for a wide range of reasons.

Firstly, it makes it cheaper. Even just knowing some numbers and the phrase for 'too much' drastically improves your bargaining power.

Secondly, it's polite. You get treated much better and with less suspicion if you greet people pleasantly, and even if you can't then take the conversation much further, most would appreciate the effort.

Finally, it can lead to some amazing experiences. One such time was in Mexico, when a tour guide we'd been chatting to all day (in our best Spanish!) invited us all back to his house for a party he was hosting. The night included a feast of roast pig, bottles of local tequilla and an impromptu guitar session! We left later that evening, slightly worse for ware, having mixed with the locals and sampled something you can't easily find on the well trodden tourist path - an experience of true local life.

Friday, 22 January 2010

Australia Day

On 26th January Australians celebrate Australia Day, a national celebration.

Most Australians I know see it mainly as a day off, a good a reason as any to have a few beers and a barbeque - the Australian national dish! My preferred way to spend Australia Day would be out the back of a pub in a large beer garden with a good group of friends.

Around the country there are a few parades, bands, and races of various kinds. Also it is common to see flag raisings and local citizenship ceremonies, welcoming new immigrants into Australia. I found watching people taking the Australian Citizenship Pledge surprisingly moving - and you can do it whilst relaxing in the park - even whilst having a beer!

By far the biggest ceremonies and events take place in and around Sydney. This is because Australia Day commemorates the “first landing day” or “foundation day” in 1788 when the first fleet arrived at Sydney cove. Australia Day, in other words, commemorates the founding of New South Wales, so it is unsurprising that it is more warmly celebrated there than in the other states. The main events include the Sydney Regatta, events in Darling Harbour all day (best dressed vessels, gun salute, fireworks in the evening) and a free outdoor Jazz concert – Jazz on the Water – that often has fantastic bands and singers and is definitely worth a look if you’re around there.

Australia Day is also seen as a “day of mourning” or protest by Aboriginal groups, the “anniversary of the Whitemen’s seizure of our country”. In response to this there have been various attempts to make Australia day more inclusive, but this tension continues.

Sunday, 17 January 2010

Gourmet Backpacking

Making your budget stretch whilst backpacking is a real art. It often involves making sacrifices. One of the easier places to save money is with food. I have spent weeks on end eating super noodles and processed cheese to ensure I had the money to spend on more important things like trips.

That said I recall the time I was travelling across the South Island New Zealand in a campervan. On the way to Glacier Country a stop off at The South Westland Salmon Farm in Paringa had been recommended by another traveller. That hunk of smoked salmon on toast consumed in the back of our campervan was the best meal we had eaten for 2 weeks and well worth the rationing that followed!!

What's backpacking without the occasional indulgence...

Thursday, 14 January 2010

Bali - Backpacking stopovers on the way to Australia

The tourist face of Indonesia, Bali has for the last 30 years or so been a magnet for travellers in search of budget beach holidays in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

In 2002 the deadly bombing of the Sari Club at Kuta beach by the militant group Jemaah Islamiyah killing and wounding many tourists and locals alike badly damaged the image of an island paradise, but Bali remains a deservedly popular destination, either for a short stopover beach break in Kuta, or a longer trip taking in the cultural sights of Ubud, Bedgual and the mountainous regions to the north. Here is a ruthlessly short list of personal highlights.

Kuta - Shop and eat

Most of the guesthouses and cheap eateries cluster around Poppies lane, and this is as good a place as any to start. Grab a banana smoothie, and watch the world go by. Then, when you’re bored of that, wander the streets and haggle over the price of a sarong / necklace / carved wooden ornament. Then eat some more. Go to the beach. Then go back to your guesthouse, get changed, maybe play some cards, then go out. Repeat.

Ubud - Cultural centre

  1. Treks and cycling trips - there are many cycling tour companies, or walks, that you can do around and about Ubud, taking in traditional paddy fields, coconut trees and surrounding villages and art galleries.

  2. "Homestays" – an interesting thing to do in Ubud is to stay inside a family’s compound. You are accommodated often in a small separate 'outhouse' while the family carries on with their daily life right in front of you, rituals, ceremonies, food preparation, artwork, all going on. This can provide a fascinating insight into the traditional Balinese way of life.

  3. Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) – Many menacing looking animals and demons carved right into the rocks above a cave – dating apparently from around the 9th century. Beautiful surrounding gardens. Make sure you cover up (covered legs and shoulders) as it is a sacred site.

  4. Monkey Forest – There are hundreds of monkeys everywhere you look, roaming freely in and around this forest, temple and cemetery dedicated to them. Very strange, cool, but be careful – they can bite (and steal your money)

Lovina

Beautiful black sand beach – a more "upmarket" end of Bali, it’s quieter than Kuta, but still with some budget options.

Batur/Kintamini

Ever wanted to sleep beside a lake, inside a volcanic crater? Here’s your chance!

Saturday, 9 January 2010

Great Cocktail Moments

It was in Isla Mujeres, Mexico; probably 1997. We'd had a rubbish couple of nights in Cancun in the concrete jungle and were keen to get back out away from the big American hotels.

We got the ferry out mid afternoon. It was hot, no shade anywhere. At the ferry port in Isla Mujeres a smiling, short plump Mexican grandmother offered us a room.

The apartment was airy and comfortable. After a quick discussion on price, we happily accepted, and as soon as she left we clambered into our swimsuits and dashed down to the beach for the last of the sun.

We took a swim in the sea as the sun was setting over the horizon, and then from one of the beach shacks we bought our first frozen margerita of the evening, and toasted the perfect end to a great day.

Monday, 4 January 2010

Hong Kong - Backpacking stopovers on the way to Australia

Hong Kong, until 1997, was a British protectorate and retains a strong international feel. The noise, the lights, the constant traffic - Hong Kong island is an incredibly exciting place to visit - the sort of city that grabs you from the moment you step off the plane. (onto the amazingly efficient and cheap airport express that whisks you into town) I loved my trip there and can't wait to return!

So what to see?

Depending upon your budget here are some Lazyshark suggestions on how to spend your time and Hong Kong dollars whilst you're there:

Money to burn?

Get a suit made - Ask around, ask in your hotel or any locals that you meet, there are always tailors around who will whip you up a suit/10 shirts/a beautiful evening dress quicker than you would have thought possible.

Climbing/Sailing - If you are interested in Rock climbing, Hong Kong is a fantastic place to indulge in this sport, the many small islands that form this archipelago offering apparently some of the best climbing in the world. Similarly, it's a great place to splash out on a boat trip for a day or two, a beautiful way to explore and a welcome break from the craziness of HK central!

On a shoestring?

Star Ferry to Kowloon - To bag yourself the best pictures of Hong Kong island skyline, get the ferry to Kowloon either early morning or after dark.

Peak Tram up Victoria Peak - This used to be better a few years ago before they built all the shopping arcades etc (Madame Tussauds, anyone?!) at the top of Victoria Peak, but the views from the top are still great and you can walk around the back to some poorly maintained paths that make for a good walk back down the peak. (don't forget to take some water with you though - it's further than it looks!)

Stanley Market -This is a very touristy market these days, but the locals still go there to eat Dim Sum or Noodles. The atmosphere is great for a wander, and if you are needing anything from Bird cages to Silk dressing gowns it's a good place to start. (even if you just go to find out the "price" before going to a less touristy market to haggle)

Hong Kong Museum District - This purpose built area contains several museums that are laid out in landscaped grounds, the collections change frequently so worth having a look to see if anything is on that might take your fancy.

Monasteries and Temples - There are a few, fairly modern temples in Hong Kong, of which I enjoyed the Wong Tai Sin Temple (lots of steps!) and the Po Lin Monastery. (the journey to get out there was a bit of an adventure in itself, involving tube, ferry then bus, but a beautiful place and worth the effort)

Friday, 1 January 2010

Happy New Year

We would like to wish all our members and business partners a Happy New Year from the Lazyshark team. Trust you celebrated in style wherever in the world you are based!