AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS........or so following the Adventures of Colin Toner's 3 month journey tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-06-20:/blog/?domain=colintoner 2007-09-04T00:31:32Z colintoner img/travel-blog-feed.png BULA EVERYBODY tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-09-03:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=28&entryid=77739 2007-09-04T00:31:32Z 2007-09-04T00:31:32Z hay all, Just want to appologise for not updatng in awhile. I am currently on the Fijian Islands at the moment and internet access is either restricted to a short period of time or none at all. I will update when I get back to mainland on Thursday. Got some nice photo's to put up. Check back then. Ciao Colin ... hay all,

Just want to appologise for not updatng in awhile. I am currently on the Fijian Islands at the moment and internet access is either restricted to a short period of time or none at all. I will update when I get back to mainland on Thursday. Got some nice photo's to put up.

Check back then.

Ciao
Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Brisbane - Hervey Bay - Sydney tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-22:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=26&entryid=76501 2007-08-22T09:29:49Z 2007-08-22T08:57:14Z Hay all, I can't believe I have to write this all over again. I spent 3 hours in an internet cafe yesterday evening updating the blog. When I went to view it I kinda deleted it instead.....stupid me....well here it I go again. Brisbane - Hervey Bay I left Brisbane last Tuesday after a mad week with Rory, was good to meet up with himself again. We had a few good sessions over the week to make up for all Rorys non-drinking days ... Hay all,

I can't believe I have to write this all over again. I spent 3 hours in an internet cafe yesterday evening updating the blog. When I went to view it I kinda deleted it instead.....stupid me....well here it I go again.

Brisbane - Hervey Bay

I left Brisbane last Tuesday after a mad week with Rory, was good to meet up with himself again. We had a few good sessions over the week to make up for all Rorys non-drinking days in Dundalk. On the Sunday we went for a morning cruise out on Morton Bay and got treated to a lovely BBQ breakie and Champagne, not bad for 9 o'clock in the morning. It was time for Rory to get back to work on Monday after taking a few days off to be my tour guide so I it was time for me to move on also. Next stop was Hervey Bay.

After my disaster of a train journey from Sydney to Brisbane I told myself that was it with Aussie trains...never again....but did I listen to myself. Of course not. I got the tilt train from Brisbane to Marybourgh west (just outside Hervey) The reason why I went back to the trains was due to the fact I would get up to Hervey in 3 hrs were as with the Bus it would of taking me 6hrs at the same price. Thankfully this journey was not as bad as my previous one but it did feel a bit weird, I felt like I was in the middle of a Senior Citizens party, I had a look around the carriage and I could'nt see any one that looked under 60. Ah well.

I can't write this without saying a bit about my hostle in Hervey Bay. It was class. The best hostel I have stayed in so far. It was right in the center of the town but you would swear you were in the middle of the country side. The rooms were split into 4 different buildings that were designed to look like forest cabins surrounded by ponds, tropical vegetation, palm trees and gum trees. Excellent.

DSCF1191_1_.jpg
Looking uo the garden of the Woolshed Backapackers in Hervey Bay

Apart from relaxing on the beach all week I also did a bit of cycling around the area, a bit of whale watching and a safari on Fraser Island. On the Thursday I went for a 27km cycle of Hervey bay, 27km and the name Colin Toner don't usually go well unless its in a motor propelled vehicle. Well I survived it, turned out to be quite enjoyable but my bloody legs (& bum bum!!) were in agony the following day, I did'nt mind that to much as it was a perfect excuse to lie on the beach all day. Is'nt life tough!!

DSCF1172_1_.jpg
I'm no Stephen Roche but I did good doing 27km in a few hours!!

Whale Watching
Saturday was Whale watching Day, now that was awsome!(now I sound like a yank). We spent about 2 hours out on the boat and it looked like it was a complete waste of time and a waste of $100, but just as we were about to head back to the harbour around 4 o'clock one if the customers spotted a few whales flapping their flippers. Within minutes we were over beside them, it was so cool been up so close to them, they got that close we were actually able to reach out and touch them. They put on a good show for us and it looked liked they did'nt want us to leave, they surrounded the boat for a good hour. Attention seekers.

DSCF1332.jpg
DSCF1369.jpg
DSCF1334.jpg
A few photo's of the whales doing their thing.

Fraser Island
On Sunday I went on a one day safari of Fraser, I really should of doing a three day one but silly me booked the hostel and paid for the full week so i could'nt waste 2 nights I paid in the hostel. Still the one day safari was good craic and really enjoyable. Anyway Fraser Island is the biggest sand Island in the world at 1630 km². It is called K'Gari by the local Aborigines which means Paradise and that it certainly is.

As the island is all sand there are no roads and you have to use 4 wheel drive to get around. The highway is a beach called 75mile beach beacuse its 75miles long....makes sense! Its an offical highway, a beach oh and a Runway. Driving around Fraser is not the most comfortable way to travel, you really need to be fully strapped down to your seat. Don't do what I did and wait till you wollop your head of the bag rack before putting your seatbelt on.

We got to see a good few sights on the island in a short period of time. Starting off rallying up the highway to Eli Creek, this creek ushes out over 80million ltrs of fresh water daily. If you have water treating tablets you can drink as much of it as you want. After thatwe headed on up to the Maheno Wreck, stuck on the island since 1935 it is the main tourist attraction on the island. The ship is 3/4 covered in sand so basically what you see id the top deck of the ship. On up about 2 miles is the Pinnicles and the Coloured sands which are multicoloured cliffs of red, yellow, brown, yellow and orange sands is an array of spectacular colours. A great sight. After a bit of lunch (I now have a new found love for think pieces of cooked ham covered in salt...eeemm) we headed for a treck through one of the rain forests admiring the towering satinay and brush box trees, some over 1000 years old. Our final stop on the island was Lake McKenzie, the beach sand here is nearly pure silica and it is possible to wash hair, teeth, jewelry, and exfoliate the skin. So for one day on the Island we got around a fair bit but you would really need to spend a good few days on the island to really appreciate it.

DSCF1437.jpg
The Highway - 75mile beach. Speed limit is 110km p/h [b]

DSCF1454.jpg
[b]The maheno ship wreck. On the lsland since 1935.

DSCF1514.jpg
Lake McKenzie, also know as a one stop beauty shop thanks to its pure silica sand.

DSCF1479-1.jpg
Looking out towards the pacific ocean. Amazing sight.

Righty oh thats all for today. The plan for the rest of the week is to visit the Hunter Valley vineyards and then into the Blue Mountains for the weekend.

All the best

Colin.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
One Month on the Road tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-10:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=24&entryid=75366 2007-08-11T06:24:34Z 2007-08-11T06:18:26Z Hay guys Its Saturday 11th August, one month since I started out on this mad trip. I have to say its be really good so far. Of course there has been some frustrating moments and really annoying bus and train rides but sure thats all part of the adventure and really adds to it. So from London to Bangkok, Koh Samui to Sydney and now Brisbane, its been great. Chilling out in the Jazz Bars in London, haggling with the ... Hay guys

Its Saturday 11th August, one month since I started out on this mad trip. I have to say its be really good so far. Of course there has been some frustrating moments and really annoying bus and train rides but sure thats all part of the adventure and really adds to it. So from London to Bangkok, Koh Samui to Sydney and now Brisbane, its been great. Chilling out in the Jazz Bars in London, haggling with the robbing feckers in Bangkok; sipping cocktails on the white sandy beaches in Koh Samui; enjoying scooners in Sydney and loving the laid back attitude in Brisbane....can it really get much better....still another two months to find out. However I do actually miss working - I know it sounds daft but being idle for so long can get a bit annoying so I've decided to leave LA out of the trip and head to New York after Fiji to try and work for a month or so.

Looking forward to next 2 months.

Ciao for now.

The Gold Coast

Yesteday myself and Rory headed down to the gold coast. The coast consists of 57km of white sandy beaches renowned for their Surfing waves, high rise Skylines and of course an active night life. We chilled out on Surfers paridise were I actually decided to get the tugs on and jump into the water.....well not jump, slowly walked in. I was like a little child running in and out avoiding the waves. Its about all you can do when you can't swim. Thats another thing I have to learn when I get back.

DSCF1080.jpg
Looking cool as always on the beach!!

The temperture over here at the minute is 30 degrees, hot and this is their winter. Hate to see what its like in the summer. Don't think I'd be able to hack it. However it does get pritty cold at night and the breeze at the beaches in the evening can get bit cold. Apart from that is great. Loving it.

DSCF1071.jpg
One of the many many beaches along the gold coast.

DSCF1109.jpg
On our way from Brisbane to the Gold Coast we seen plenty of bush fires, some pritty bad ones. It must get really bad here during the summer. One things for sure you'll make plenty of money as a fireman or helicoptor pilot.

Right thats the lot for today.

Talk soon.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Brisbane tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-10:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=23&entryid=75359 2007-08-11T04:26:20Z 2007-08-11T04:26:20Z Hay all, Well arrived in Brisbane on Thursday morning after a really really long and uncomfortable Train journey from Sydney. My ipod was flat, for some reason my DVD player would'nt work, I had no head phones for the radio on the phone and to top it off I had to sit beside one of the smelliest feckers ever. Ah well, I suppose thats the beauty of travelling....makes interesting stories. Anyway we did'nt waste to long after getting off the train. ... Hay all,

Well arrived in Brisbane on Thursday morning after a really really long and uncomfortable Train journey from Sydney. My ipod was flat, for some reason my DVD player would'nt work, I had no head phones for the radio on the phone and to top it off I had to sit beside one of the smelliest feckers ever. Ah well, I suppose thats the beauty of travelling....makes interesting stories.

Anyway we did'nt waste to long after getting off the train. Myself and Rory got a bit of breakfast than headed for the Sunshine Coast, about a 45 minute drive from Brisbane. One of the main attractions we got to see was Underwater world, its was actually very interesting seeing Sharks swim beside and overhead along with coming face to face with Crocidiles.

DSCF1029.jpg
On the moving walkway in the Shark Tunnel

DSCF1017.jpg
Sharks swimming overhead in the Tunnel

On our way to the down we to the Sunshine Coast we passed Steve Irwins Austrialia Zoo, we did'nt have time to call in (and we were told its pritty expensive). Might get a chance to call in before I leave Brisbane. Hopefully.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-06:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=22&entryid=74794 2007-08-07T01:40:04Z 2007-08-07T01:40:04Z Hay all, If anyone reading this is still in Sydney or is planning on heading to Sydney anytime soon then I HIGHLY recommend a bar in the Rocks called the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel. Its amazing. Not only does it provide its accomodation, a top class restaurant, a wide selcetion of world beers, it actually brews its own beers on the premises - right behind the bar. I know the likes of the Porterhouse and Messer in Dublin do this also ... Hay all,

If anyone reading this is still in Sydney or is planning on heading to Sydney anytime soon then I HIGHLY recommend a bar in the Rocks called the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel. Its amazing. Not only does it provide its accomodation, a top class restaurant, a wide selcetion of world beers, it actually brews its own beers on the premises - right behind the bar. I know the likes of the Porterhouse and Messer in Dublin do this also but there is something special about this place, something different.

DSCF0945.jpg
The outside of the Bar

When you walk in, for me, gives an instant reminder of the Beerkeeper. Its old world atmosphere, sandstone architecture, a large open fire, homemade damper bread with cheese and pickles, pork pies as well as the blackboard menues, its just amazing. No T.V.'s were on when we went in instead it was nice relaxed music in the background. Even on a busy night it seems to keep the music at a minimum. This is the kind of bar I would love to own. Certainly one of the best bars I've ever been to (well apart from the Beerkeeper!).

DSCF0950.jpg
Standing with a pint of 'Three Sheets' one of the six micro brew beers that are actually brewed behind me in the Bar.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
County Bondi tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-04:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=21&entryid=74512 2007-08-05T04:29:48Z 2007-08-05T04:17:59Z Photo taken in the Botanic Gardens at 4.30 in the evening. Gets dark pritty ealry over here. A full Week in Sydney Since arriving last Monday I've got to many of the sights, met up with a few Dundalk heads and of course did the Irish Pub scene, so it has been busy aul week in all. The city is very easy to get around and you can do alot of it on foot. On Wednesday I headed out to Bondi, or ... DSCF0927_1_.pjpeg
Photo taken in the Botanic Gardens at 4.30 in the evening. Gets dark pritty ealry over here.

A full Week in Sydney

Since arriving last Monday I've got to many of the sights, met up with a few Dundalk heads and of course did the Irish Pub scene, so it has been busy aul week in all. The city is very easy to get around and you can do alot of it on foot. On Wednesday I headed out to Bondi, or as its should be known as County Bondi. The Irish seem to have taken over this part of Sydney, you can even get 'McDonalds Irish Curry Chips' here, but its not as good as Sing Li.

The famous beach did'nt really seem to be that busy but Thomas, who's been here for over a year, assured me that in really good weather its really hard to get a spot on it.....a bit like port Beach. Chilled out on the beach till late evening and then headed to the Three Steps to get my first Irish Breakfast of my Trip, boy did it go down well. That evening myself and Nick headed to heaven, sorry I mean The Belgian Heritage Bar. This place is expensive but you get to taste some fine Belgian Beer. Great way to finish off the night.

DSCF0905_1_.pjpeg
Bondi Beach in the Background.

DSCF0892_2_.pjpeg
The famous County Bondi

No escaping Dundalk

I think its 12, maybe 13, I can't remember but its around that figure so far. The amount of Dundalk heads I have come across so far. Four of them I actually wanted to meet, the other remainder are guys I met in the Merchantile, O'Malleys and even in the Kebab shop at 3 in the morning. Its unreal. But can be good as most of them have been in Sydney for a year or longer and of course they know the best places to go. Gav, who worked with myself in Oriel, brought me to the best pub I've been in so far on the Trip - The Lord Nelson. A small Micro-Brew pub ocated in the Rocks. Excellent spot and you can even see the Stills were they actually brew the beer. Just round the corner of this bar you have the Merchantile, I'm told its an Irish Institution in Sydney. We finished off the night here with the famous Shaylee Wild playing. She's a bit like the MerryMacs back home. Thomas was able to tell me the entire set list before she would begin, the same jokes, the act, the same routine and yet people come back week after week for it.

DSCF0941_1_.pjpeg
Thats herself.

DSCF0936_1_.pjpeg
The photo is a bit out of focus, but you can still make it out. Having a few beers in Merchantile Fiona, Thomas, Myself and Gav. A good nights craic.

Thats about it for now.

Talk soon. Feel free to leave a comment below.

Ciao.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Bangkok - Singapore - Sydney tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-01:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=20&entryid=73836 2007-08-01T08:11:28Z 2007-08-01T08:04:55Z Hay Well surprisingly I managed to get up Sunday Morning without a hangover, I don't know how, it just great. Got packed, got my scrambled eggs and headed for the airport. The taxi guy only charged me 160bht, alot cheaper than coming in when I was charged 300bht. Bloody Thai's - delighted to see the back of them. Anyway was quite looking forward to the flight. Flying with Singapore airlines is amazing. You would swear the economy class was first class, with ... Hay

Well surprisingly I managed to get up Sunday Morning without a hangover, I don't know how, it just great. Got packed, got my scrambled eggs and headed for the airport. The taxi guy only charged me 160bht, alot cheaper than coming in when I was charged 300bht. Bloody Thai's - delighted to see the back of them.

Anyway was quite looking forward to the flight. Flying with Singapore airlines is amazing. You would swear the economy class was first class, with In-Flight Entertainment (over 100 channels), plenty of leg room, a pillow, a blanket, flight socks, 2 meals and a supper - Ryanair eat your heart out. So after the watching Shrek the 3rd and still at least 5 hours left in the Sky, a bit of sleep might be the sensible thing to do. Well it would if it was'nt for the little runt beside me that would'nt stop crying. It was like he was waiting for me to go to Sleep before he started his 5hr non-stop crying campaign and what is worse is the parents just bloody sat there smiling at him.

Touched down in Sydney at 6am Monday morning, wrecked, tired and grumpy. Certainly not the form you want to be in when going through Passport Control in Austrailia. Between Passport Control, Immigretion and Customs, Sydney airport our way ahead then any other country when it comes to airport Security.

Eventually got into the arrivals hall were I was greeted my good old friend Nick, twas great to see after along time and fair play to him for getting up so early to pick me up. After a good few hours sleep later that day follwed by dinner (Pizza...eeemmm) in a Jazz Bar with Nick and his lovely lady friend Danielle. Jet lag is an awfull thing when your trying to enjoy yourself. Had to call it an early night.

Fully Refreshed and rearing to go

After a good nights sleep I took a good walk around the city. Its a very easy city to walk around and extremly hard to get lost in - I hardly needed to use the map at all. Landed in around Sydney harbour were you get a great view of Sydney Bridge and a tour in around the Sydney Opera House. Quite Enjoyable.

DSCF0857.jpg
Some of the Many Skyscrappers that dominate the Sydney Skyline

DSCF0891.jpg
Sydney Opera House, made into a world Heritage Site this year. This amazing theatre was designed by Jørn Utzon, a Danish architect, who called in engineers Ove Arup and partners to build the Roof. The man that headed the team from Ove Arup was Peter Rice, a Dundalk Born Structural Engeineer. I did a wee bit of research into him and its amazing the projects that Peter was involved in across the world. This guys acheivements should be highlighted a wee bit more in Dundalk.

DSCF0871.jpg
Look at it. Amazing, tall, strong, looks fantastic, pure eye candy, just an amazing gift from God.......anyway enough about me, do you see the bridge in the background.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Last night in Hell..... tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-01:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=19&entryid=73830 2007-08-01T07:37:15Z 2007-08-01T07:37:15Z For my last night the plan was to chill out in the hostel and watch a film, was'nt really up going out on Saturday past. The taughts on getting a long haul flight with a hangover did not really appeal to much. So a I decided, finish off my book, maybe a wee beer in the hostel and then off to bed early. That was the plan. Did it work out that way???......No! Saturday afternoon I got a text from BK ... For my last night the plan was to chill out in the hostel and watch a film, was'nt really up going out on Saturday past. The taughts on getting a long haul flight with a hangover did not really appeal to much. So a I decided, finish off my book, maybe a wee beer in the hostel and then off to bed early. That was the plan. Did it work out that way???......No!

Saturday afternoon I got a text from BK Mel, who was on her way down from Cambodia and was stopping off in Bangkok for the night before heading down to Koh Phangan for the full Moon Party (Lucky git!). So naturally we had to catch up for a bit of grub and a view beers while we were both in the same city.

I have to say it really made my night and a great way to leave a complete sh*ith*le of a city. Koshan Rd was the location for Saturday nights drinks, the famous Backpacker strip is full of unusal bars and clubs but it was a good laugh. I met up with Mel and Claire (Mel's travelling buddy and happens to be a Dundalk Lassy also) in Silk Bar for a bite to eat. Then a bit of a wee pub crawl evolved after that and typically ending up in Burger King at 4 that morning stuffing our faces - good night all round!

DSCF0749.jpg

Above is myself, Claire and Mel. Fairly getting stuck into a tower of Heiniken (they are really great value)

DSCF0765.jpg

I swear, I am not drunk in this photo and that cup I'm holding does not have a Singapore Slinger in it....Swear! Thats ....ahh...Declan, I think.....yeah Declan in photo also, he's from up the road in Newry ( A nephew of Betty in the Phoenix)

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Quad tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-08-01:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=18&entryid=73825 2007-08-01T07:21:19Z 2007-08-01T07:21:19Z My first time driving a motor propelled vehicle, a quad bike. We hired it out for the day and travelled over the hole of the Island, have to say it was great fun......on a straight road. As you get deaper into the island you have to replace the word 'road' with 'mudtrack', as you get even further in you have to replace 'mudtrack' with a 'heap of rocks - try and get over these without without doing damage to yourself' ... My first time driving a motor propelled vehicle, a quad bike. We hired it out for the day and travelled over the hole of the Island, have to say it was great fun......on a straight road. As you get deaper into the island you have to replace the word 'road' with 'mudtrack', as you get even further in you have to replace 'mudtrack' with a 'heap of rocks - try and get over these without without doing damage to yourself' anyway apart from that it was class.....really got to learn to drive when I get back. Anyone up for teaching????

DSCF0686-1.jpg

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Koh Samet tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-24:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=16&entryid=72819 2007-07-25T11:38:09Z 2007-07-25T05:21:50Z Hay everyone. Left Bangkok yesterday morning. Took a 3 1/2 bus ride over to BaPhan, from here we got to ferry over to the island of Koh Samet. The weather is unreal, at the moment, its at 35 degrees, perfect for the beach......how's the rain back home???? Anyway this island was declared a national park and a place of outstanding beauty in 1981, however due to the locals building illegal resorts along the beach it was stripped of its title. I ... DSCF0674.jpg

Hay everyone.

Left Bangkok yesterday morning. Took a 3 1/2 bus ride over to BaPhan, from here we got to ferry over to the island of Koh Samet. The weather is unreal, at the moment, its at 35 degrees, perfect for the beach......how's the rain back home????

Anyway this island was declared a national park and a place of outstanding beauty in 1981, however due to the locals building illegal resorts along the beach it was stripped of its title. I actually think it adds to the character of the Island. We booked ourselves into one of the resorts looking right out onto the beach. Amazing.

Myself, Niall and two English girls we met chilled out with cocktails on the beach last night. Talk about complete and utter relaxation. I tried authentic Thai food here last night for the first time ( I was to weary of it in Bangkok) and boy is it gorgeous.....and bloody hot!!

I've been hearing alot about a Full Moon party on the 29th in Koh Phangan, south of Bangkok, this happens to be the day I fly out to Sydney......should I stay or go???? Going to look into getting the flight tickets changed. Hopefully they'll be able to do something.

Just to make you all jealous at home the plan for today is to chill out on the beach and catch some Sun......being a typical Paddy I'll end up as a red as hell.

Here are a view photo's of Thailand. ( I found a way to go over my limit with uploading!)

DSCF0652.jpg
Neil (from Ballbriggan) & Ruth (Manchester) on the Ferry to Koh Samet

DSCF0639.jpg
In the gardens of the Emerald Palace

DSCF0593.jpg
On the back of a TUK TUK

DSCF0613.jpg
Emerald Palace again!

Right thats all for now.....beach time. Feel free to leave a coment (just click on the comment button underneath)

Ciao

Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
No more photo's for now! tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-22:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=15&entryid=72476 2007-07-22T15:09:11Z 2007-07-22T15:08:26Z Hay All Well my impressions of Bangkok have not changed greatly since I posted last. I really think the best way to describe this city is a dirty, sewer smelling, clamy city that only wants to rip you off at every chance they get. There is really nothing to do in this city. It reminds me of Brussells. Feck all to see but plenty of bars. Apart from Siam Square, the various markets and the Emerald palace, bangkok has really nothing ... Hay All

Well my impressions of Bangkok have not changed greatly since I posted last. I really think the best way to describe this city is a dirty, sewer smelling, clamy city that only wants to rip you off at every chance they get. There is really nothing to do in this city. It reminds me of Brussells. Feck all to see but plenty of bars. Apart from Siam Square, the various markets and the Emerald palace, bangkok has really nothing left to offer.

As I said earlier there is really not a whole lot happening here apart from a visit to the Buddha Temple and the Kings Palaces. Its really the only tourist attraction they have and its a very good one at that. Some of the art work and the monuments in the 'Emerald Palace' are amazing and seemed to be looked after very well. The gold spires of the temples and the colourfull artwork along the various walls around the temple gardens would make Michelangelo's work look amertureish.

The Markets now are unreal. You can buy cloths, shoes, runners, DVD's - anything.....you name and you'll find here in one of the many Bangkok markets and the best part of it al is that everything is dirt cheap....even if you don't haggle with then. I have'nt been to the night Market yet, Iheard some good things about it so I'll savwe that for my last night - which is tomorrow (Monday).

Tuesday I plan to leave Bangkok and head into the heart of Thailand. Have not decided were yet. I met a guy from Ballbrigan in Bullys Bar the other night. He's heading home on Friday but he wanted to see a bit of Thailand before he went, so we made plans to travel around the place with each other. It beats heading into the 'wilderness' on your own!

Wll thats all from me at the moment. I will upload photo's and videos as soon as I am allowed! ( I've reached the limit for this month on photo's so I haver to wait till August. What I will do is upload them to myspace or bebo and put the link here.

anyway thats it for now

Take care

Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Thailand tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-20:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=14&entryid=72123 2007-07-20T08:35:05Z 2007-07-20T08:35:05Z Hay Everyone, I arrived last night in Thailand after a very long and exhausting flight from London. Got a taxi in from the airport straight to the hostel ( it cost around 300bht + toll 70bht which works out at e8.90). I had lost track of time so I decided to head straight to bed. I got up early this morning at 2a.m., thinking of course it was much later. Could'nt get back to sleep so I took a wee ... Hay Everyone,

I arrived last night in Thailand after a very long and exhausting flight from London. Got a taxi in from the airport straight to the hostel ( it cost around 300bht + toll 70bht which works out at e8.90). I had lost track of time so I decided to head straight to bed. I got up early this morning at 2a.m., thinking of course it was much later. Could'nt get back to sleep so I took a wee wonder around the block. To my amazement the place was as busy as It would be during the day. Unreal. They don't really seem to care what they do for money....just wants they get it.

When back to the hostel at around 3.30am and that was mew out for the count till about 12 noon today. Last night my walk around the block in sandles did not do much for my feet as there was cuts and bite marks all over. I went to put the sandles back on and they seem to make things worse. So on with the runners and down to the market to buy something more comfortable. A pair of slip on runners/sandle style, a irish rugby top and a pair of 3/4 length trousers - all for 1220bht which works out at 30e not bad but I could of getting them cheaper if I really tried. I just needed something quick for my feet!

Right so its off to explore Bangkok today and tomorrow. After that I plan to head up along the coast of Thailand if I can get a good trip at a decent price.

Thats all for now

la-gon

Colin

oh yeah I heard this morning Joe has resigned as manager of Armagh. Damn I betcha all the experienced players will follow suit.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
The morning after the Night Before. tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-20:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=13&entryid=72116 2007-07-20T08:18:08Z 2007-07-20T08:17:02Z On Tuesday night, myself and my 2 room mates decided that sure we are all moving on tomorrow, lets say goodbye to London in Style. A vote was taken and Camden town was the choice for that nights drinking. On the way to Kings Cross Station to catch the tube we said we would kick start the evening with a quick pint in O'Neills Irish Bar (just up the road from the hostel and tube station). So 1 ... On Tuesday night, myself and my 2 room mates decided that sure we are all moving on tomorrow, lets say goodbye to London in Style. A vote was taken and Camden town was the choice for that nights drinking. On the way to Kings Cross Station to catch the tube we said we would kick start the evening with a quick pint in O'Neills Irish Bar (just up the road from the hostel and tube station). So 1 turned into 2, 2 turned into 3 etc., etc. "Right are we heading to Camden or what?", "eh no, its 1.30am!"

So it turned out without us realising that we had spent the night in O'Neills. Turned out to be a really good night.

Following morning was not easy, we only had about 5/6 pints and all our headings were, well not the best. Couple pints of water and were back on track. My plane was'nt till 10.30pm that evening so I had the entire day to spend in London. The only 2 places I never got to were Maduam Tussads and the Imperial war Museum.

Tussads was grand. More aimed at the young I'd guess. Kinded reminded me of the School tours to the Dublin Wax Museum. After that I caught the tube over to the Imperial War Museum. I spent about 3 hours in this place. I must say the Exhibition on the Holocust is something else. They have some really disturbing pictures and videos on Display.

Right thats it from London. I must say it is certainly an enjoyable city. Lots to do and see. I shall certainly be back at some stage now that I know the main tourist spots to avoid so you won't get ripped off.

Thats it for now

Take care

Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Overlooking London tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-18:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=12&entryid=71755 2007-07-18T10:19:50Z 2007-07-18T10:19:50Z This photo was taken at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich overlooking the city of London. So close to the city but you would think you were miles away in the country side. ... This photo was taken at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich overlooking the city of London. So close to the city but you would think you were miles away in the country side.

DSCF0538_1_.jpg

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
A 'Jolly Good' time tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-17:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=9&entryid=71639 2007-07-18T10:00:52Z 2007-07-17T19:04:20Z Hay all, Well I am just after arriving back in the hostel of spending the day in Greenwich. Tomorrow I depart for Thailand but firstly in the morning its a quick trip to the Imperial War Museum, been meaning to get to it all week. Since I last updated I've managed to get around most parts of London that were worth seeing. Well apart from Sunday when I just sat in O'Neills watching the Dublin Game! Harrods Over those few days I managed to ... Hay all,

Well I am just after arriving back in the hostel of spending the day in Greenwich. Tomorrow I depart for Thailand but firstly in the morning its a quick trip to the Imperial War Museum, been meaning to get to it all week.

Since I last updated I've managed to get around most parts of London that were worth seeing. Well apart from Sunday when I just sat in O'Neills watching the Dublin Game!

Harrods
Over those few days I managed to pay a visit to the over-rated, over-priced Harrods Department Store, the jolly old guy on the door would not let me in as I was not dressed suitably......can you imagine some stoping you at Pennys saying you can't get in because your were wearing Tracksuit buttoms and I taught the Beerkeeper was bad! Anyway paid another trip back on Monday to which I was greeted with a gleaming smile as he opened the door for (nice chap!). A glorified Shopping Centre would be the best way to describe Harrods.

Around the Parks to Buckingham
The walk around the parks, both Hyde Park and St. James's, I really enjoyed. It took the best part of 2 hours but was well worth it. When you come out on one side of St James's park you see nothing but bus after bus full of Tourists looking to get a peak at Buckingham Palace. Why? Its just a bland building. If you really want to see what a palace should look like they should check out the royal Palaces in Brussells or the Palace of Versaille in France, at least they have a bit of character and life to them. However I must say well done to the Gardners who keep the avenue leading up to the palace looking really well.

A 10 minute walk around the road and you reach Westminister Abbey and Houses of Parliment these are are impressive buildings that really stand out amoung the modern London Buildings that surround it. Next time your watching Brian Dubson report for RTE standing outside Houses of Parliment don't be fooled by the size of Big Ben in the Background, he aint that big!! Another 5 minutes down the road and you'll come to the famous No.10, Gordon was'nt home to take my call unfortuantely.

The London Eye and Soho

After stuffing my face with a lovely Strawberry, mint-choc and vinalla Ice Cream I head for the highest point in London - The London Eye. Now thats something else....It took me almost 1 hour to wait to get on but it was surely worth it in the end. You can see for miles from the top, must say well worth the £15. Sure after all that excitement a wee drink was in order and what better place to chill out but in Soho, relaxing in a Jazz Cafe with all pints £1.50. Class.

My Last day

Today, Tuesday, was the last full day in London, I was going to just check out Maddam Tuasads and the Imperial War Museum, but that can wait till morning. I decided instead to head for Greenwich. On the way out that direction I took a stop off at the infamous Millenium Dome, quite a site, but I can understand why it failed at the start. Its not in the best of areas and it still looks dirty in certain places. I took the estuary walk around the dome which you can see all the impressive buildings across the Thames at Canary Warf.
A bit of lunch, I then caught the bus and headed for Greenwich village to check out the Maritime Museum and Royal Obervatory. It was extremely interesting and I'm delighted I decided to go. The obervatory host an excellent exhibition on Time and Navigation Travel, it also has a small piece on Summer Time, which is celebratin 100 years in exsistence this year.

So thats more or less it for the moment. I will be updating photo's from a few of the above sites when I get to Thailand. Time to go and get ready for my last night out in London. I think were hitting Cambden tonight.

All the best for now

Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
A few photo's tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-14:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=8&entryid=71153 2007-07-14T14:04:26Z 2007-07-14T14:04:26Z Here a just a handfull of photo's....it to takes way to long to upload [img=http://www.travellerspoint.com/photos/98134 ... Here a just a handfull of photo's....it to takes way to long to upload

DSCF0334_1_.jpg
DSCF0328_1_.jpg
DSCF0374_1_.jpg
DSCF0366_1_.jpg
DSCF0266_3_.jpg
DSCF0294_1_.jpg
bigbus.jpg

check out my widget on bebo for more......

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Day 2 - Sore Feet tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-14:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=6&entryid=71146 2007-07-14T13:39:38Z 2007-07-14T12:21:05Z Hay everyone, Hostel Pub Crawls - Avoid! On Thursday night I decided to join the Hostel Pub Crawl in the Camben area. Now I'm not a big fan of Hostel pub crawls as they are usually sh*t and of course this was no excemption. They should change the word crawl to Marathon as there was a good 15/20 minute walk to each pub. One of the pubs we did check out was The Dublin Castle, its kinda a Spirit Store ... Hay everyone,

Hostel Pub Crawls - Avoid!
On Thursday night I decided to join the Hostel Pub Crawl in the Camben area. Now I'm not a big fan of Hostel pub crawls as they are usually sh*t and of course this was no excemption. They should change the word crawl to Marathon as there was a good 15/20 minute walk to each pub. One of the pubs we did check out was The Dublin Castle, its kinda a Spirit Store type pub playing up and coming bands everynight. Its were Blur, Madness and Coldplay all started out apparently!

Agony

All my walking on Thursday did not really help the aul legs on Friday, they were killing me. So it was either stay in bed or get up and do things fairly slowly at my pwn pace, I decided to do just that. I head for the tube and decided to check out Covent Garden. Now this place is fecking class. The market is not really up to much but the wide range of street performers is just amazing. You could spend your entire day here watching the street entertainment.

I came across a band called Lotus, they were kind of an mad classic band, but really good. Check out the video recording I took of them. (It might take a minute or two to load!)

what u think of them? I bought there C.D. if anyone wants a copy.

I'll think i'll leave it at that for today. The plan now for the rest of the day is to chill out before hitting Picadilly Circus later on for a night on the town.

All the best.

Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
London tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-07-12:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=5&entryid=70883 2007-07-14T13:44:47Z 2007-07-12T17:52:39Z Hi All Arrived yesterday to the hostel, did'nt really like the area at first (Kings Cross) But as you walk around it gets a lot better. The hostel itself is grand, the Generator, heard so much about this place which I must say is extremley over rated. Took a wee wonder around last night and had a few pints of Abbot Ale (Cask Ale) really nice stuff, great way to relax after a fair bit of travelling. Today I spent a ... Hi All

Arrived yesterday to the hostel, did'nt really like the area at first (Kings Cross) But as you walk around it gets a lot better. The hostel itself is grand, the Generator, heard so much about this place which I must say is extremley over rated. Took a wee wonder around last night and had a few pints of Abbot Ale (Cask Ale) really nice stuff, great way to relax after a fair bit of travelling.

Today I spent a very exausting day working around a SMALL part of London. First impression is quite positive, the parts of the city I have seen so far shows London as a clean modern city and I must say the people are really friendly. Its easy enough to get around and the underground is very user friendly

First attraction of the day was St. Pauls Cathedral. Its amazing if you like those kind of buildings. The present structure dates from the 17th century, and is generally reckoned to be London's fifth St Paul's Cathedral, although the number is higher if every major mediæval reconstruction is counted as a new cathedral.

It would have a similar design to St. Petrers in Rome, espescially the Dome, which when you climb to the top you get one of the Best views of London. Down below in the crypt there is carvings, statues, memorials and tombs of famous British figures including Nelson, Churchill and Florence Nightingale. However the first person to be interred in St Pauls was its deseigner Sir Christopher Wren and his memorial reads ......"Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice" which translates to "Reader, if you seek my monument, look around you"

On from St. Pauls it was a walk over the new Millenium bridge and on around the banks of the Thames, up past the famous London Bridge before talking time out to let my T-Shirt dry from the bloody sweat. Next stop was the infamous London Tower and Palace. Its an amazing site and perfect building for photographing.

That was enough for day one, 5 hours walking around London, think I'lltake the underground tomorrw....easier on the feet.

I will upload photo's as soon as I can get a proper computer (no usb port on this one - ancient!)

Right thats it for now

Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Class song to get in the aul Aussie Mood! tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-06-21:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=3&entryid=67601 2007-07-14T12:51:42Z 2007-06-21T11:48:40Z [video provider=youtube videoid=DNT7uZf7lew] Enjoy! ...

Enjoy!

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
From Dundalk to New York tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-06-20:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=2&entryid=67494 2007-07-14T12:53:09Z 2007-06-20T19:26:17Z The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ... The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
St. Augustine

Time to start reading this book St. Augustine was on about. Chapter 1, spending 3 months travelling from Dundalk to New York. Sounds good, really excited about it, been waiting for this for a long time. Its long itinerary for a short period of time but still allows plenty of freedom to experience some amazing sites and cities.

The main cities I hope to see along the way are:

* London
* Bangkok
* Sydney
* Fiji
* Los Angeles
* New York

Hopefully I'll get to see alot more apart from the above. Sure you never know, if a certain place appeals to me I just might hang around that wee bit longer.

I'll be posting updates, photo's and videos on this blog during my trip so be sure to call back and stay in contact

Cheers
Colin

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>
Lets begin..... tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-06-20:/blog/?domain=colintoner&thisblog_entryid=1&entryid=67492 2007-07-14T12:54:58Z 2007-06-20T19:18:59Z [map=26636] ...

See the itinerary of this trip, and details about each destination.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

]]>