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Jonathan
Palmer - World Travelling |
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| 19/09/01
- Bangkok in Thailand |
| Yeah
I am fine! I had a good flight and safety
on the plane. Now I am here in the café
at Bangkok! I have been slept for 10
hours at the hotel. That is what I need,
because of the jetlag!! Bangkok is not
bad, but there are crowd and bad pollution!
I saw three deaf blokes from Bangkok
and they worked in the market!! Tomorrow,
Helen and I are off to Chiang Mai in
North Thailand! It's a 14 hours trip
on the train and we will sleep on the
train! Cool! So, we will have three
days of adventures like Jungle, Elephants,
rafts, waterfall camp, village, and
walking mountain. Here is so hot, but
rain two hours ago. I went to the restaurant
and saw English menu! I will email you
again soon.... hope next week! Hope
to hear from you soon! |
|
| 26/09/01
- Pai in Thailand |
| Hello
everyone! Miss me, eh?! I am fine! I
am now at Pai, in North Thailand! I
just arrived here this afternoon. Helen
and I are going to Thai raft adventure,
tomorrow for two days. I am really excited!
Then after raft, I am going to Mae Hana
Son for overnight, and then we are going
to town and see Karen Village where
women use long neck (metal ring on their!)
If they use without them and they could
be dead! Interesting to find out!! As
for the Trek in the Jungle. It was brilliant...and
I loved it! I went there for three days
walking into the jungle and I slept
at hut in the Karen Village and waterfall
camp for two nights. (Of course use
Mosques net!) Our group was a very friendly.
They are from Dutch, Japan, Aussie,
Israel and English! There were 10 people
of us include great two guides!!! At
the night my group and I played the
game called sign our names...then next
name (other!). They enjoyed it! I got
well with Skin and Kies (Japan funny
two blokes!) and Roy (Dutch!). Roy was
a very cheeky, like me! We always pissed
each other and as well our group! But
the group was great and good laugh!
I rode elephant! I was very impressed
with our two guides and they were youngest,
funny and helpful! I think I am lucky
to have them and as well good group!
At Chiang Mai, it is a cool and my favourite
place so far! There are great night
markets...tell you everywhere are a
very cheap!! Thai Foods are delighted!!
I think I won't lose my weight!! Helen
and I are going to flight called Thai
airplane From Mae Hana Son to Chiang
Mai on Saturday. Then overnight there
then go to Chiang Rai by Bus. We are
going to Triangle Golden where at three
places I will see! At last place, I
will stay at Resort at Tang Ton (I think!).
Then next day we are going to speedboat
like china boat with motor for three
or four hours to Chiang Rai. We will
take a bus to Chiang Mai. We are going
to rescue Lou on 4th October at Bangkok
Airport!! Oh yes, I have been Thai Massage
today for an hour about 1.80 pounds,
(WORTH!) It was really nice! I have
got the photos...they are great! I will
find a scan in Bangkok, I hope. I better
stop now!! Hope to hear from you all
soon Take care! Jon x |
|
| 02/10/01
- Pai in Thailand |
| Hello
there! You see photos here....You see two
girls...one long neck and one big ear
rings.
Elephant....Israel bloke and Thai boy.
Bunkbed
on train...where I slept overnight, but
I couldnt sleep! I am going on train tomorrow
to Bangkok for 11 hours. I am not paying to
sleep. Hunt....Where
I slept! It was wicked. Thai Rafting - me!!
Two women long neck with me,
huh!! Enjoy it! I will email you soon. Take
care Jon! |
| 12/10/01
- Saigon in Vietnam |
| I
am okay and am now in Saigon, Vietnam. I have
got a room, which is cheap! I am on my own
here now and I am going to Mekko trips for
2 days, and also on Monday I am going to Chi
Ni Tunnels where the Vietnam war was…. could
be interested. Last week I had a great time
and met 9 new friends in my group. We went
to the Death Railway Bridge at River Kwai.
I rode an elephant into the real jungle (it
was better than the first one!). I saw a baby
elephant, which is 12 days old and took four
pictures of it.. Bless! In the evening I swam
in the lake and the water was so warm! I slept
on the tree hunt at my own wicked! My new
friend called Ed and I went to Siam Square.
The Square is similar to Leicester Square
in London. We went to the bar and played a
game of pool. Ed is now in Sydney and he has
been staying in Bangkok for a week! He is
Norwich supporter… I hope to meet him again
on New Year eve in Sydney. Louise and I arrived
here yesterday. We found a hotel to stay and
it was okay! . I found two streets that are
suitable for travellers! I think I am going
to have a quiet night to read a book. I am
going to Cambodia on Tuesday by bus and might
stay there for the night. I hope to go back
to Bangkok on Wednesday and then go down to
south of Thailand. I want to stay on the beach
with sunny and treat myself as a proper lazy
holiday, which I need! I better stop now and
hope to hear from you all soon. |
| 01/11/01
- Samui Island in Southern Thailand |
| Hi,
everyone! I am now in Samui Island at Southern
Thailand. I have been here for 9 days now.
Samui Island is really beautiful island and
relaxing! That is what I need. Last time I
sent you an email when I was at Saigon in
Vietnam. I have been visiting places called
Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta and Jungle River
(Vietnam war time!). I have a new backpacker
friend who is French and his name is Davo.
We spent together in travelling for a week.
I went to Phnom Penh and Siam Reap in Cambodia.
I visited Angor, Pol Pot's prison. I can't
remember if there were many adventures and
trips, but I have put on my diary! I had a
great times in Vietnam and Cambodia... they
are complete different culture! Davo and I
caught third class train in Arynapathet, which
is near the borders of Thailand and Cambodia.
When we arrived Bangkok I gave Davo a farewell
and shake his hand. I was going to buy a train
ticket for Southern Thailand but the ticket
sold out because in Thailand there are on
special holiday season at the moment. I had
to book a coach for tomorrow. I went back
to the hotel for the night and saw Davo there!
He was surprised to see me and said to me
'what are you doing here? We laughed! So next
day I went to Samui by coach and boat and
it took me 10 hours to get there. Samui is
a beautiful unique Island in the Gulf of Thailand.
I stayed overnight in Nathon. I met Lou and
Helen in Chaweng and we talked lots about
our travels news. I was glad because I haven't
used my usual signs for a long time! I really
missed my signs!! We have found a nice bungalow,
which is cheap. I have been resting on the
beach for the first time. We visited Angthong
National Marine Park, Kayaking, and the desert
beaches of Marine Park - Snorkelling and speedboat!
Lou, Helen and I spend some times in reading
the books. Can you imagine me read a book
on the beach with a cold beer, eh! Cool! Also,
at the night I watched the stars, moon and
the sea, which is 50 yards away from the bungalow…Beautiful
life, eh?!?! But I will have to move on soon!
Anyway Today I went to Sail Rock for scuba
diving. It was brilliant! Sail Rock was one
best of place in Gulf of Thailand for scuba
Diving. Saw loads of fishes - different colours
and sea plants. You see on Television and
you know what they look like! I want to go
back there again...but money! I hope I am
going to scuba diving in Australia, hmm!!
Perhaps my girlfriend, Danni will join me.
When I returned to the bungalow and saw the
girls still in beds at 5.45pm!!! Guess what!
They had hangover from last night! They went
to Full moon party but I didn't go! Don't
ask me why?! They said the party was good
and they enjoyed so much, but they wont drink
again hee!! This Saturday I am going to Malaysia
on my own again! The girls are going to other
side of Thailand Islands, (Phuket, Phi Phi,
etc!!)! I will go there later after Malaysia!
That's it! I hope to hear from you all soon!!!
Take care Jon |
| 18/11/01
- Bangkok in Thailand |
| Hi,
everyone! I am now in Bangkok - arrived here
yesterday morning at 4.30am from Phuket. I
can't remember the news I sent you all when
travelling so I checked on www.bexleydeafclub.org.uk
and found it, which is useful. Two weeks ago
I arrived in Malaysia by a mini-bus. I went
round some part of Malaysia and there was
really nothing there. I decided to stay in
Penang at George Town. I booked a room at
the hotel and the room was like a prisoner's
but very cheap. That is what I have got and
don't forget my own! I have got a picture
but I couldn't find the scanner here! I sat
at restaurant and saw two blokes who used
sign language. I went over to them and told
them that I am deaf. They said they are deaf
too. We started to talk and we were trying
to understand each other's. They asked me
to join them to go to other cafe where some
deaf people are gathered. I met some nice
deaf people there from Thailand and Malaysia.
Thai deaf people own markets and we talked
and played a game of pool. We had a good Laughed.
They asked me to help them with their computer,
as they don't know how to use hotmail and
MSN. I explained them how to use it and they
enjoyed it. I showed them the Website of Bexley
Deaf Club and they seem to be shocked and
surprised to see the pictures of the club
and Football but they can't read English well.
They really enjoyed learning how to use hotmail
and MSN until 4am in the morning. I thought
I have had enough with computer, which remind
me when I was at my old workplace of 8 hours
daily! But it was a good fun and told them
I should go Bed. Next day, Malaysia deaf bloke
Terry Tan who guided me around in Penang with
Thai deaf couple in Terry's car. I paid for
the petrol only. We went around in Penang
to the fruit shop, Butterfly show, beach resort,
etc!! Tan and his wife, Jenny works in LIVERPOOL
FOOTBALL CAFE. Jenny is deaf too and his mother
who is owner of the café. I went there and
the room was dark with candles lid on. Tan
said the electrical went off and don't know
why!! One hour later electrical came back.
We went back to the cafe where we met deaf
people last night. There were more deaf people
than last night, about 15 of us. Hearing Malaysia
and deaf people were so friendly and talked
to each other's. I showed them how to play
a game of pool called 'killer' and the rules.
Eight of us played game they really enjoyed
it. They wanted play for a bet!! I was runner
up and the Thai deaf bloke won...imagine he
got one life and I got two life. I gave him
a trap and guess what...he put a ball in.
I gave him again for a trap and got one life!
It was really difficult to pocket the last
ball. Guess what...hmm! He got it and went
thrilled. I missed it and he won! It was good
laughed! I know my friends in England will
be pleased to hear about that. Tan took me
round in Penang again and I went to see the
Monkey Park and Malaysia temple, etc! Oh yeah
I did Malaysia national lottery and but no
luck in winning! We talked in the cafe for
hour and hour. They begged me to help them
how to use the computer before I went off!
I realised how lucky we are to know how to
use the computer because they need a tutor
for the deaf to use the computer. Some of
them went bed at 3am and I refused to sleep
because if I went to bed and I will probably
be overslept and miss my speedboat at 8am
in the morning. I talked to three deaf men
and one hearing man whom is now retired. He
worked for Malaysia embassy for the many years.
His pension is 2,000 bahts monthly, which
is 380 pounds. We talked until 7am and I went
to get ready for packing my stuff in my prison
room. Kit gave me a lift to the ferry on his
motorbike. Oh yeah Kit told me the story...
Two years ago he was really looking forward
to go to Australia after he worked hard to
saving up his money. He bought a dream ticket
to Australia. When he arrived in Australia
and in the department area at the airport
the Officer checked his passport...guess what!
He doesn't have a visa that required in Australia
so the officers told him go to back to Bangkok.
Poor him!! Nobody told him about the visa
and he didn't know about that. Kit was a very
interesting bloke and will try to save again
for that. I told him that he is welcome to
England! Who know! I arrived in Langkawi,
Malaysia. I looked a map and a bloke, Ron
asked me to share taxi to a place where we
wanted to go. We talked and he is Scottish
and 22 years old. He was planning to stay
in Mayalsia for 2 weeks. Ron and I agreed
to share a room, which is cheap for us. Ron
and I have found a bungalow at the beach resort.
Strange is that there was no one on the beach.
They are so quiet and a very clean. We visited
undersea World and there were loads of fishes
and shark etc!! Ron said why not ride bikes.
I was not sure about that and thought "why
not!" I was a little bit nervous because last
time I rode a bike in Cyprus about 8 years
ago I think!! I almost crashed my motorbike
and lost my balance! I gave up for a minute
and really shocked! A woman advised me go
with Ron's bike. She was cheeky! I got my
money back and sat Ron's bike. It was embarrassed
of me!! He should have killed us on the road
and he was lucky because he lost balance on
the bend-road. I was really scared! Lucky
there was no car! He went crazy and went faster!
I told him that I would rather walk. At the
Langkawi Fair, We went round the shops and
they are like Bluewater shopping centre but
very small! You won't believe what I am going
to say. I went to a computer shop and saw
Playstation games; one game cost RM3, which
is 60 pence! Oh my god..I thought I wish I
could buy all and sell them in England!!!
I bought 7 games. They are really cheap but
I wasn't sure so I asked the manager to check
the games on Playstaion in case it doesn't
work. They are perfect. I went out of the
shop and realised I should have buy some more
games for my brother in law a dreamcast game.
Ron and I sat at the cafe. Ron wrote postcards
but I don't bother… you all know me that I
am lazy. I prefer email anyway!! An owner
at the cafe sat and wrote papers. She asked
me something to join her. She said what are
you doing for living? We started talk about
us and she really needs help for her business
at cafe. She wanted me get an idea about her
cafe and we talked about that for half an
hour. I drew a paper about the new cafe. She
seems to be pleased with it. She opened her
cafe last year at Langkawi Fair, then Ron
joined us and he is a carpenter. We designed
her cafe and her husband joined us until 9pm...
We stopped and have to go! They were pleased
and thank us and we told them to put 'Jon
& Ron's café' banner in front of the café
and they laughed! I arrived in Krabi at Thailand
from Satun and Thang. I felt no Good so stayed
in my room all day. Next day I went round
in Krabi. I went to Phi Phi, which is a small
islander. There were lots of Backpacker but
there was really crowd people in a small town.
Last Tuesday I arrived in Phuket where Louise
and Helen stayed there. I checked their emails
where they are staying. I found a room, which
is nice and cheap. They are four boxes away
from Louise and Helen's villa. We talked about
our news! Phuket have a good nightlife, which
I have seen one. We met Germany deaf couple
that Helen and Louise introduced us. We talked
and went round to the markets. Last Thursday
night I went to Fansasea Theatre show, which
Louise and Helen recommended me to go there.
I really enjoyed and love it! I think the
show was brilliant and different one! Last
Friday I left Phuket and farewell to Louise
and Helen. Last night I watched Football live
played Blackburn against Liverpool and Spurs
against Arsenal. This morning I watched Lennox
Lewis boxing live.... YES he won! I knew he
would win and got revenge! That's it...I am
off to Australia tomorrow. I will arrive in
Melbourne on Tuesday morning. I will send
you an email soon and hope to hear from you
all soon Take care Jon x |
| 28/11/01
- Melbourne in Australia |
| Hi,
everyone! I am staying at my family's place
and have been here for a week. I really enjoyed
here and had a good relax! Last week I went
to pub with my family and looked round in
art show at University with free booze! I
drank a pint of Victoria Bitter, which is
really nice! I forget what the bitter taste
like in England.. I missed bitter! My cousin
Nicole's boyfriend Tim and I got well. He
supports arsenal FC! He took me to the Sport
Centre last Thursday night. We played Football
(actually soccer!) 5-a-side and we won 5-1.
Their rules are very strange and different
from our in England. You all know that I don't
want to be a big head but I have to tell you,
okay. Well I scored a hat trick and used my
hike trainers, which is difficult to kick
a ball! Of course it was lucky goals! But
I missed the penalty! (Honestly, I missed
penalty twice in row in England and here!
I am not king penalty anymore hee!) Funny,
I haven't play football for three months,
and realised how much I love football. Last
Friday night, I went to Bonfire party at my
cousin's friend. The people are very friendly,
but different people they are hippie People
and heavy metal.. Strange! My cousin is hippie,
I think! I talked most of the time with my
cousins and Tim. Tim and I went his place
early, relief! On Saturday I watched Tim playing
cricket and he is a captain. Last Sunday,
I spent time with my family and helped them
working in the garden! Oi, you know I have
got an experience from Michael's back garden!
Oh yeah I ate Kangoo, which is really nice
(sorry Clive!)! I went to bed at 8.30pm..(Dont
be surprised!). I woke up at 2am and Tim picked
me up. We went to the bar at the sport centre
and Tim's mates were there. We watched Arsenal
v Man Utd on TV live. Arsenal won by 3-1 (worth
Clive!) I drank beer a lot and then we watched
Uruguay v Australia at 6am on live TV with
beers. Tim and his friends were crazy like
us when we support England. At the end Australia
lost 0-3 (Agg. 1-3) and they really broke
their hearts. I told Tim don't worry you got
Cricket and Rugby! Tim and his friend and
I went to Tim's place. Their faces were unhappy
with their beers in the morning! I thought
I leave them alone and used email on Tim's
computer. I went to my family home, then I
felt jetlag again! I hope I am going to Victoria
Deaf society tomorrow. Imagine... I haven't
used my signs for nearly two weeks! I am going
to Tasmania for five days or a week next week
that I hope. Hope to hear from you ALL and
Take care Jon x |
| 29/12/01
- Sydney in Australia |
| Happy
New Year to you all. Yeah I am now in Sydney,
arrived here last night. My girlfriend Danni
will be landed tomorrow morning at 6.35am.
I am really looking forward to see her. I
was at Tasmania for a week. I loved it and
they are beautiful. I have been travelled
on Island by under Down Under tours for 5
days. The groups were very friendly and I
got them well. My guide lady was so funny
and can do the finger spells. I will put the
photos on the scan about Tasmania when I go
back home. When I was back to Melbourne and
met Lou and Helen again at YHA. I haven't
seen them for a month. It was great to see
them again. We had a chat on our news. Lou
and I went to the bar at the city and met
two Deaf guys. They are from Edinburgh, Scotland.
Lou, Helen and I went to Melbourne Deaf club
last Friday for the Christmas party. I really
enjoyed and met lots of deaf people there.
Next day, we met two deafies from Holland
and Japan. We went out of the city by taxi.
We arrived at Cricket club, which owned to
Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club and they had a
Christmas party. It was very good... Lou and
Helen were very merrier until 5am! ... We
went back to the hostel. I heard some of the
blokes who were staying there until the late
morning at the club bar! I went back to my
family in Melbourne, for three nights. Lou,
Helen and I went to Sorrento where we saw
the dolphins and seals. We swam with the seals
in the sea, but they always stay away from
us! A bit disappointed because dolphins were
trying to stay away from us...I would said
about 100 yards...but some of the dolphins
have been near us but that was just quick.
We stayed at YHA in Sorrento and there was
a very quite town. Lou, Helen and I talked
all night. Next day we went to Phillips Island.
We stayed there at YHA! We walked round in
town. Until the evening, we went to the beach
where penguins will be out from the sea in
the night time. We watched there and have
been waiting for 40 minutes. We saw two penguins
that were started to go out from the sea.
Then five minutes later there was more penguins'
say 20. They walked and jumped onto the small
rocks and beaches that where toward to us.
They just walked pass us but we can't touch
them because there is a protect fences and
no camera allowed. Then 10 minutes later...
there were hundreds penguins. They are sweet
and funny walking! On Christmas Day, Lou and
Helen joined us for Christmas dinner. We really
enjoyed it. They went back to Hostel in the
evening because they have to get up at 6am
on Boxing Day. They will catch train/bus to
Canberra. They want to get there on 28th December
for the New Year eve party at Byron Bay where
the deaf people are there and stay there at
the camping site. I played volleyball and
cricket at the garden with my family on Xmas
day. It was wicked! On Boxing Day, my family
and I went round to next door. Lots of beers
and foods for me, which remind me when I was
in England. It was lovely. On 27th December,
I went to Canberra on my own by train and
bus. The journey was 8 and half-hours. I arrived
there and found a hostel, which was a 3 minutes
walk away from the coach station. I met a
guy who was drunk and tried to talk to me!
I had to be friendly with him. We talked briefly!
I realised that he was born in Bexleyheath.
I told him that I used to live there for four
years until last summer. It was small world?!
On 28th December, I went to look round in
the city for the day. I was really worn out!
Canberra is a nice place and is a small city!
Canberra is similar to Washington DC's city.
I caught a Sydney coach at 6pm in the evening
and arrived in Sydney at 9.15pm. I saw the
smoking and burning when the coach was on
the motorway to Sydney - its bushfire heading
to Sydney but I didn't see the fire. Today
(29th December), I have been looked for hotel
or hostel. I realised that they were all fully
booked for the New Year. However, I won't
give up and found one apartment, which is
nice! I booked for three nights. (Thank god!)…
Some of the hotels cost over 350 dollars for
31st only, which is three times!!!! Of course,
it's for New Year eve!! I didn't booked a
place to stay hostel for tonight and decided
I will stay awake until 6.30am. (Because I
want to watch West Ham Vs Liverpool Live at
2am) and then Fulham Vs Man Utd before meets
my darling! That's perfect for me he!! I wish
you all Happy New Year 2002 and best regards.
Jon x Ps. Merry Christmas too! |
| 28/01/02
- Cairns in Australia |
| Hello!
I am now in Cairns and just arrived this morning
from Brisbane. The weather here is very hot.
It is worst than in Brisbane. My girlfriend
Danni arrived in Sydney and meets me at airport
on 28th December. It was great to see her.
She stayed in OZ for three weeks. At first
week, we stayed in Sydney. We went to see
the massive firework at Sydney Harbour Bridge
for the New Year eve. We spend to look round
in the city, Darling Harbour etc! We went
to see our friend Davo and stayed his place
for two nights. He is from Sydney. We went
to Kangaroo and Koala Park. We went to meet
deaf group on Friday with Lou at a nice pub.
Next day, Danni and I took a rental car for
a week. We went to Gold Coast. Davo, his son
and Lou wave their hands at us whilst we set
off. I think I won't see Lou again until back
in England, and hope to see Dave again! We
have been travelled from Sydney to Sunshine
coast for two weeks. Danni loved to travel
round in Eastern Australia. We ordered same
rental car again for another week. We realised
that the car are much easier for us to used
in travelling than a coach!! We went to DreamWorld
and SeaWorld. They were fanstanic! Danni wanted
to have a Tiger Cub! A man who work for tigers
and can sign languages. He talked to us about
tigers and cubs. Oh yeah Did you watch Steve's
Crocs rule Called Home of TV Crocodile Hunter?
We watched crocodiles launch a strike from
the water's edge by Mad Steve! Went there
at Australia Zoo, I think Steve own parts.
We met his wife and daughter. They are very
friendly. She wishes to stay here more time
with me! However, She has go to back to home
on 19th January. She will look forward to
visit OZ again she said. It was so sad for
us when she gone!! I will see her in May at
Heathrow airport when I am back home. I stayed
at my Aunt Doris and Harry's place for a week
in Gold Coast and they have got a nice swimming
pool. It was a good relax. I went to visit
my other aunt and uncle. Harry's daughter
Briitin has got a big wooden boat with sailing.
Aunt Doris, Harry and I went to her boat with
her family. A boat was just staying there
at port. We drank lots and talked lots. Yesterday
I went to sail with Brittin and her boyfriend
Nigel. It was good fun...and a boat was nearly
turn over when strong wind came to heavy into
her boat's main. I laughed and enjoyed. Nigel's
face looked like shock! Nigel and I took a
small boat for fishing...about three hours.
Guess what! I had a sunburn on my neck, only
put sun cream on my neck and my face..Safe
Factor +30. However, over 2 hours...worn out!
It called windburn! Nigel cooked meats (no
fish!) on BBQ, but I took over 10 fishes...two
little big! It was not enough! I forget to
tell you....I thought I had really big big
fish...and reel was so hard to pull...the
rod was vere bend! I told Nigel...I think
I have got a big one and we are looking forward
to eat that fish!! Guess what?! My hook has
got another hook!! I saw my hook and other
hook out from sea. Another hook was belonging
to a man on the boat! We seemed disappoint
and thought we got a big fish. In the few
seconds later we laughed! I dont believe that,
because he was a little far away from me.
Nigel and I just sat on boat and I said that
there are plenty of fishes to catch from the
sea but 2 hooks caught a fish. After our dinner...we
watched the sky with a nice port! Aunt Doris
and Harry picked me up from the beach where
Nigel and Brittin took me out by a small boat
to the beach!! I woke up at 3.30am and left
my Aunt Doris and Harry's place at 4.30am.
A minibus took me to Brisbane Airport. I just
arrived here this morning in Cairns and stay
at YHA. I thought it was my own room with
6 beds, but three boys came back in and they
all are Scottish! I am going to look in Cairns
first then will book a white raft sooooooooon
and other adventures! Today Danni and I chatted
on MSN for over two hours! I feel that MSN
is useful! She went bed at 3.30am (hee!)!
Anyway I better stop now....and hope to hear
from you ALL soon take care Jon |
| 05/02/02
- Cairns in Australia |
|
I tell you good news that my older sister
who has a baby boy (YES!) called Zachany Edward
on February 6th. My bruv in law and I spoke
on MSN and has was going to email me, but
lucky that we were on MSN on line!. Any way
I am still in Cairns and will leave tomorrow
to Alice Spring. I am staying there for five
days. I am going to spend at RED CENTRE for
two days trip. On Tuesday 12th February, I
am going to Perth. I have decided that I am
not going to Darwin, because there is no time
for me. The Backpacker travel agent advised
me about that. Darwin and Cairns are similar
cities! Cairns' weather is too hot! I always
stay indoors. I passed two courses for Open
Water dive and advanced dive for 6 days. It
was hard work! I stayed on the boat for three
nights. It was very good. I have been dive
in the night and at the every early morning
at 6am (three time in rows!). Therefore, I
can dive anywhere now! I hope I will dive
with Any Mell who is an expert scuba diver,
one day! Oi, Tone please can you pass this
to him. I haven't got his email address!.
Guess what! My buddy and I dived into the
sea of Great Barrier Reef. I saw two grey
reef sharks about 12 metres away from me!
I started to frighten, but my mind told me
to relax and I did! I tell you Great Barrier
Reef are so beautiful and wow! They are better
than Chelsea Garden! I went to White raft
in Tully, and it was a good fun. I advise
you to bring with your friends with you if
you are going there one day. It will be more
fun! Clive and I had arranged to meet up in
Hawaii. He booked everything included our
accommodation and flight for himself. We will
stay in Honolulu for a week. Oh yeah, he booked
a rental car. I tell you that he is a very
useful person to organise! You know that on
14th February, I wont spend with my darling
Danni! Oh dear…I am going to be alone and
sad!!!! Nah…I hope Danni and I will speak
on MSN. Five weeks time I am going to NZ!
Wahey, eh?! Okay I better stop now I will
email you all soooooooooon Take cares Jon
x |
| 14/02/02
- Perth in Australia |
|
Hi, everyone! I am now in Perth since Tuesday
from Alice Spring. Perth is okay and I will
get use to here. I'm staying at YHA. Tomorrow
night I am going to Perth Deaf Club. Rob Framer
who is a deaf bloke from Perth emailed me
about Deaf Club. I am looking forward to meet
some deaf people and I need my BSL (British
Sign Language)!! Guess what? I met Helen Casey
(who is my good friend and is deaf girl from
London!) at Alice Spring airport last week.
We can't believe it...we didn't know where
are we, but we knew that we are in Australia!
She is going to Cairns and I arrived in Alice
Spring. We only talked for 20 minutes before
she gone to Cairns! Small world, is it?! I
climbed up the Ayers Rock and it took me 45
minutes (hard work!). Some of my group gave
up half way up back to ground! Oh yeah the
older woman, which I would say about over
65 years old, she passed me when I was resting
at the half way and thought she must be a
very superwoman. She never rests at all on
the rock, honestly!! I went to the top of
the Red Centre and it was great! Uluru (Red
Centre!) and is amazing. I really enjoyed
the trips in Ayers rock and Alice spring.
I went to King Canyon, where the Garden of
Eden and Canyon Rim. I walked 6km for 2 and
half hours. Next day, I went to West MacDonnell
Ranges, it was beautiful. I swam in the Ellery
Creek Waterhole between two red mountains
and nice some green! I think five days is
enough for me to stay in Alice Spring and
Ayers Rock. I better stop now...and will email
you all soon Take care Jon |
| 01/03/02
- Perth in Australia |
|
Hiya, everyone! I have been here for nearly
three weeks. I had a great time at the Backpacker's
hostel in the City of Perth for a week. They
are very friendly.! Now, I am staying at William's
place that is deaf. His friend, Steven stays
here for 6 weeks holiday and he is deaf from
Adelaide. I am very lucky because William
offered me to stay his place. It was a very
nice of him. I have been stayed at Rob Framer
(other deaf bloke)'s flat last weekend. He
was kind too and had been asking William for
me...because William had three bedrooms. One
bedroom was available for me. I feel so good,
because deaf blokes round here at the house
that remind me of my ex-housemate in Bexleyheath
and they always buy beers every day!! Arrived
Perth on Tuesday 12th February and stayed
at YHA in Northbridge. I went around the city
for two days. On Thursday 14th February, I
talked to my girlfriend, Danni on MSN Messenger
(9am in English time) for three hours! When
we talked on MSN, she told me that there was
someone at the door. Her mother gave her a
bunch of Roses from the deliveryman and she
was shocked. She read the card from a milkman!
Nah....it was from me!! On Friday 15th February,
I went to Western Australia Deaf Club at Leederville
in Perth, where I first met Rob Framer and
William Jahn. Rob asked me to come to watch
Western Australia Deaf Cricket Club tomorrow.
On Saturday, I met English deaf bloke; Garry
and he stay in Perth for a year. He had a
relative in Perth. We said to each others
'what are you doing here' at same time! I
only know him a little and he is from Sittingbourne
in Kent. It's small world again! After the
match I went to pub with cricket players and
made new friends. On Sunday 17th February,
I went to Scarborough and meet some deaf people
at the beach for a BBQ. I swam at the sea
and the waves were so high. The Sea (Indian
Ocean!) is very clean. It was a nice day out
and lovely sunny. I played soccer 5 a side
with friends. Guess what! Austria deaf bloke
tackled my foot! (Typical of Austria's football!)
It was just an accident! My foot was a badly
pain! We went to English Pub and ordered a
pint of Boddingtons! I limped off all the
way to the Hostel, (yes poor me!)! On Monday,
I went to South Western for three days trip
with a small group and Guide. First day, we
head out of Perth to Bunbury, then drive through
the town of Busselton. It was nice town! In
Meelup Bay, the sea and beach are gorgeous,
then head off to stunning Canal Rocks where
I watched the amazing Indian Ocean water crashed
against the Rocks, then head off to Margaret
River where the famous place for surfer. I
think Margaret River who is third best surfer
in the World surf there. I believe the first,
second best, surfers in the World are in Hawaii,
and I hope Clive and I will visit there! I
went to see the sunset at the famous Margaret
River Surfer's point! Stayed overnight at
Margaret River. Second day - An early start
in the morning I went to Capre Leeuwin (where
the corner of South Western of Australia!)
to see the two magnificent oceans meet the
Indian and the Southern. Heading back to Karri
country through Pemberton. I climbed Gloucester
Tree, which are 61 metres high. It was a good
view from the top of the tree and then off
to the Valley of the Giant - the Ancient Empire
and Treetop Walk near Walpole. I walked the
gigantic tingle tress from up above the ground.
They are really wicked! Enough of these trees!!
In William Bay, I walked over to Elephant
rocks and the coastline. Then Heading off
to Denmark town and Albany. I stayed at Backpacker's
hostel in Albany. My group, guide and I went
to the pub. We played a game of dart called
killer. Guess what...Local people and the
backpackers joined us. About 20 of it and
us played were a good laugh! Third day - We
went to Blowholes where I feel the forces
of nature at work...when seas wave meet the
rocks! Then after that went to Gap and the
natural bridge. After that off through Mt
Barket to taste my last drop of southwest
wine at a wine vintage. I drank different
taste of wines, (too much!)! Port was nice!
We returned to Perth at 6pm. My group and
I went out for a farewell drink. On Thursday
21st February, rest day! I played soccer with
backpackers but I was not supposed to play!
But I did! I thought I can play table tennis
and played against the Chinese player. Of
course he thrashed me! Guess what, again?!
I got another injured, how come?! Well.. I
slipped and my knee hit on the floor when
I played table tennis! It was really pain!!
Anyway...went to bed! On Friday 22nd February,
I meet Garry and we went to Fremantle. Visited
old Famous Fremantle prison, then went to
the market. It is nice place. Back to Perth
City. I took my rucksack and went to deaf
club. I stayed at Rob and his girlfriend Sophia's
place for the weekend. On Saturday, I played
for Western Australia Deaf Cricket club against
hearing team for two days (second innings
next week Saturday) because they need one
more player so I played for them. I thought
why not and told them I dont want to run lots
cos of my injures!! I was no.6 bat. The first
bat got 17 for 4. Mike and I run 60 partners..Oh
yeah...he hits 4, 6, and 4. & 4 in 4 balls!
He wanted to go to pub as soon as is out..nah.!
He scored 43 runs. Then he limped off and
asked someone ran for him next over, but he
was out by caught. 78 for 5 then 78 for 6.
Wicket keeper and I run 57 partners. I got
out by caught and 53 runs. I played bat for
about 2 hours and weather was 36c but not
like in England!! I showed them that POMMIES
CAN PLAY CRICKET, EH?!?! Then 133 all out.
We played well on the field. Hearing team
was 49 for five closed. Second innings next
Saturday. I really enjoyed and I hope I will
play West London Deaf Cricket this summer
when I am back home. Rob, Sophia and I went
to Casino and the Irish pub for someone's
birthday! I worn someone's shoes and borrowed
Rob's trouser because I don't have one! The
shoes were too small for me but I don't have
a choice about that. I sat down at the Irish
Pub called "Paddington!" all night and without
shoes! Nevertheless, I enjoyed in drinking
True Bitter Boddingtons! On Sunday, I went
to William's place and stayed there. Some
deafies, Rob, Sophie came to William for a
BBQ. Garry and I watched highlight TV Liverpool
Vs Everton. (Ivan, lucky!!) On Monday to Friday...I
spent to rest and relax for five days, that
is what I need!! My foot is a little improved
and I think it could be a little fracture!
Today Steven and I played Jigsaw puzzle (1000
pieces!) It is nearly finished! I might stay
here until on March 11th. Thats it! Will email
you soon Take care Jon |
| 14/03/02
- Melbourne in Australia |
|
Hi, everyone! Flohai, who is Deaf from Austria,
he sent me these photos on my email. I thought
you might want to see the photos. William
who drove the car is the guy where I stayed.
The other guy in the front is Flohai. The
back right is Steven from Adelaide and ME!!
Last Saturday we went to Pinnacles at Nambung
National Park, which is about 2 and half to
three hours drive from North Perth. The Pinnacles
desert is the most popular and attractive
place to visit. Thousands of limeston pillars,
which can be four metres high and are all
different shapes at the desert. The pillars
are amazed to see. Erm.....No comments about
this
photo but I think you all should feel
sorry for Danni (my girlfriend)!!! Jen, who
refused to look at Flohai's camera so I turned
her
face to the camera, then got it! Jen and
her boyfriend, Shannon invited me for dinner
at their place. About 7 deaf people were there
and another 7 deaf people joined later for
drink at Jen and Shannon's house with their
housemate, Rob!! Last Sunday, Robroy and his
girlfriend, Sophia went to William's place
for dinner and drink. William ordered Thai
take away foods for us...it was lovely. He
was a very kind, but he couldn't be bother
to cook!!! On Monday, Morning Steven dropped
me off at Perth Airport to fly out to Adelaide.
When I arrived in Adelaide I met Steven's
friend Marijana (not Marijuana, okay!!) and
her partner Leesa who picked us up to Marijana's
place. I stay there for two nights. Her friend,
Matthew came to her place and then we went
off to a pub. Matthew and I played pool. He
was pool champion of Deaf Australia and is
a very good player. On Tuesday, I went out
to look round at the city, the Don Bradman
Collection, South Australia Museum, Art Gallery
and Adelaide University. In the afternoon,
I went to beautiful town called Glenelg and
then back to Marijana's place. We went out
to meet three deaf guys at pub and we played
the Keno, like bingo game until 12.30am. It
was a good laugh! On Wednesday (yesterday),
I arrived in Melbourne and stay at my relative's
house. Four days to go...I will be in New
Zealand (wahey!)!! Take care Jon |
| 24/03/01
- Wellington in New Zealand |
| Hello,
everyone! I am now in Wellington in New Zealand
and just arrived here at Internet cafe from
Basin Reserve Ground. I watched New Zealand
Vs England cricket match yesterday and today!
The weather today was beautiful sunny. I arrived
Auckland from Melbourne last Monday (18th
March). Everywhere here is green, which is
great! I visited the city Auckland of for
two days. It was nice place and I think two
days was enough for me. I booked magic travellers
network for my tour in New Zealand; I will
travel most part of New Zealand... North and
South islands. First day we went to Rotorua
and stayed there for the night. I went to
Hangi Village and watched a Maori concert,
typically an hour-long performance of their
traditional dance, song and chants. It is
their culture and it was a good night. The
Hangi & Maori's Guides talked mostly, which
I don't understand what they say. I liked
to see their culture's dance especially like
New Zealand's All Black rugby players dance
called Haka before kick off and I think they
are cool! Their performances Thigh slapping,
foot-stomping, tongue-poking, eye bulging
chant Ka Mate, Ka mate, Ka ora, Ka ora (it
is death, it is death, it is life, it is life)
I am not sure they are right words!!! I think
they are powerful, hee!!! Second Day, I went
to Wai-O-Tapu, (scared water) in Rotorua.
They were just very small volcanic area called
Thermal Wonderland!!! The thermal was awful
smell!. Arrived in Turangi (small town) and
stayed there for the night. My group and I
had a BBQ in the evening and our driver is
a chef! Steak was delighted! Bar manager at
hostel showed me how drinking games. I think
it was a good and might show you in England!
Third Day I arrived in Wellington and was
going to stay there for three nights. I went
to England's Barmy Army for New Zealand Vs
England for the weekend. I really enjoyed
watching two days match on Saturday and today.
The weather was great sunny. (Lucky, me!)
England team seems played well today. I am
sure you have heard about Ben Hollioakes.
He died by his cars crashed in Perth where
I was there over two weeks ago. It is really
shame and a very sad. England players seemed
very quiet, but I am sure they wanted win
for him. Tomorrow morning I am off to South
Island and will catch a ferry to Picton from
Wellington. I will stay in Nelson for the
night or two nights. I might arrive in Queenstown
on Thursday or Friday. Tonight I need to wash
my clothes and then go to bed with a book,
hmm! (No tea, damn!) I better stop now.....
and will email you soon. Jon |
| 11/04/021
- Auckland in New Zealand |
| Hi,
everyone! Yesterday morning I jumped at above
12,000 feet to base! I did skydive with a
master skydiver, Mal. He was a great! Freefall
time in 45 seconds at 8,000 feet and we have
been the speed spin...and turn round and etc!
It was so cool and wicked! At approximatelly
4,000 feet, Mal had activate the parachute.
It was a really gentle glide back to our base
and after a gentie landing...I was so happy
man. After ward, I msned my girlfriend about
that. She didn't know about that in first
place, and if I tell her that she will be
a very worried! I told her this was her birthday
present, as same day hee!! I got a video and
film. I love skydive and want to do it again!
Here is picture....
|
| 13/04/02-
New Zealand |
Monday
18th March Erica and David dropped me off
at Melbourne airport. There was a problem
with computer and I think the network crashed
at the airport and then repaired for over
an hour. All the planes were delayed, but
I got half an hour delays, which was not bad!
I arrived in Auckland, New Zealand and it
was my first time. I stayed at City of YHA
and went to look round in the city and been
to Sky tower. I booked the Magic Travellers
Network for Magic Adventure Tour from North
to South.
20/3/02 Started on my tour - travelled to
Waitomo and the famous Glow-worm Caves. Next
stop was Rotorua, in the evening I watched
the Maori concert and their culture.
21/3/02 Headed to Wai-o-tapia, the lady knox
blow it's stop at precisely at 10.15am and
the boiling mud pools. It was really sink!
We drove around NZ's largest lake in Turangi,
and stopped for the night. We had a barbecue
and chef was our driver Johnoo. My group,
Johnoo, the bar manager, and I played drinking
game. It was a good laughed! I will show you
one day!
22/3/02 Arrived in Wellington and stayed at
Downtown with John and Daniel. We played the
Jenga, but it was really huge and says 4 ft.
Think about that if we play those well and
could be reach 6 feet or even more than.
23/3/02 John and Daniel gone on to another
Island (Southern!) by ferry. I to watched
NZ v England 2nd test match cricket. The weather
was a very hot!
24/3/02 Watched NZ Vs England again! I met
famous Sir Richard Hadlee he hero cricketer.
I got his autographic.
25/3/02 We crossed Crook Strait, through the
beautiful Marlborough Sound to the South Island.
Arrived in Piction by a ferry and go straight
to the bus (magic) at the ferry terminal.
Arrived in Nelson and stayed at Paradise backpacker.
I made the new friends, Nick (Oxford) and
Dirk (South Africa).
26/3/02 Abel Tasman is a must - Coach picked
me up at hostel - Cruise to Bark Bay - Two
backpackers, Tom and Lucy and I walked to
Marahau. Track time said one way average walk
times - 6 hours in 20 km. I walked 12 miles
(20 km) in 3 and 3/4 hours. I really enjoyed
it and there were Golden Sand, Glistening
blue water and coastal national park. I tell
you, this is not to be missed! Dirk cooked
big fish on BBQ and we ate it with booze.
I met Johnny and Daniel there.
27/3/02 Nick and I walked round in the town
of Nelson. Spent a rest day and talked my
friends.
28/3/02 Our driver was Con. Headed off to
Greymouth - We visited Westport through the
Paparoa National Park - We walked the Truman
Track and stopped at Punahiki, famous for
pancake looks! In the evening, Nick, Dirk,
Mick and I went to the pub. A pound for BBQ
(sausage, only) and salads, and you can get
more if you want. Was it cheap eh?! . A sausage
was really thick and huge! Greedy Nick got
8 and I had 4...Con told me that the record
was 18 sausages by someone! About 8 of us
played dart called killer. It was different
from mine game. I was first person out by
Con and he played very good. Second round,
I revenged him and he was first person out
and again in third round! Other players killed
me and I didn't win any! But I know you (esp.
Mike and Ivan!) will be pleased to hear that...I
killed all the players on pool game, called
killer and I won!!!
29/3/02 Arrived in Franz Josef in the early
afternoon. I went to Glacier like on the face
of one of the World's most spectacular glaciers.
I walked up 2 hours with awful rain and some
snow! But they were really amazing and wicked!
I think it was a best for half day in my travel.
This is not to be missed too! Nick and I cooked
cheap dinner and then had a good rest in the
evening. Dirk and I talked at our last night.
He stayed there for other 2 nights.
30/3/02 We visited the lakeside town of Wanaka,
then off to Queenstown. I stayed at Southern
Laughter and my room was very neat with a
small television and table/chairs and there
are private kitchen and shower! I was lucky,
because my friends were jealous and wanted
to have my room, where they stayed at Southern
Laughter! Nick, Mick and I went up to the
mountain by skyline. It was a great view -
Mountain, Queenstown Lake, and etc! We went
to the pub and meet other group. Con and I
bet for a pint for pool! Guess what! Hmm!
He gave me a pint and asked for a challenge
for a pint race! Well...he gave me a pint
again! He seemed to give up and ran away with
a pussy from me! Nah..he was a good fun and
I think he had enough with me or drink!! The
boys and I watched Man Utd Vs Leeds (4-3)
- what a trilled!
31/3/02 Nick and Mick gone with Con and I
stay for another 3 nights, because I love
Queenstown. I spent with Johnny and Daniel
round in the town. I tell you Queenstown is
a best town in New Zealand.
1/4/02 Johnny, Daniel, Tina and I hired a
car for a day to Milford Sound. We took a
break at Te Anau - then to Milford road and
we head across the Milford Track with Towering
white peaks, crystal clear river and rainforest.
We went into tunnel under the mountain. Arrived
in Milford Sound and we had our lunch. We
were on a cruise for 2 and half hours on the
amazing Milford Sound where film was made
called Lord of the Ring. Back to Queenstown,
Johnny drove all the way back, about together
7 and half hours.
2/4/02 Had a good rest and spent round in
the town. I really fall in love with this
town!
3/4/02 Overnight Dunedin and went round in
the town!
4/4/02 Long journey - Christchurch. Arrived
there and went to see Nick at his hostel.
5/4/02 Nick gone to Sydney! I went to deaf
club (on Friday night) and talked some deaf
people. After the deaf club closed, then two
couples and I went to late pub and we continue
talking until 2am.
6/4/02 I watched Super 12 Rugby Union Crusaders
Vs. Bull (South Africa). I supported Crusaders.
They thrashed them 49-15.
7/4/02 Arrived Kaikoura - I walked for three
hours and went to see wild seals and coastal
walk. My YHA was right in the front of the
sea and it was beautiful view. I went to meet
Johnny, Daniel and Tina at their hostel and
went to pub for the last night. I won't see
them again in NZ!
8/4/02 To Piction - Ferry - Wellington. Stayed
at Downtown. Neil, who was a roommate and
we talked all the night in our room.
9/4/02 Arrived in Taupo and went bed early!
10/4/02 Woke up at 6am. Skydive minibus picked
me up at hostel to Taupo airport. I was really
excited about that! I thought my family and
Danni knew nothing about that! Two lads, Rown
(Irish) and Thomas (English) were with me
and we talked about our feels!! My master
Skydive was Mal McKee started smile at me
and seemed to be a very confident with me!
He explained me how to do that in briefly!
I put an overall on and looked at Rown and
Thomas who was a bit nervous. I remembered
that Nick, Johnny and Daniel who spoke to
me about that skydive and they advise me that
I should go for it and I would love it. I
believed them. I knew I am going to love it
and feel safe with Mal. We went on a small
plane and took us up to the sky at 12,000
feet in about 10-15 minutes. I looked down
the land and thought it was cool! We jumped
first and freefall 45 seconds at 8,000 feet.
We played about with speed spin and turned
round. I felt little dizzy but I loved it!
At aproximally 4,000 feet, Mal active the
parachute. It was a really gentle glide back
to our base. Took 17 pictures in my dispose
camera in the sky. After a gentle landing,
I was so happy man and felt great and a very
proud for what I DID! Magic bus picked me
up at 10 am from Hostel, and headed to Rotorua
- went to mountain by skyline and there was
a huge luge, I rode twice and it was good
fun! Had a lunch! Headed to MT Maunganiu,
I saw Johnno who drove magic bus on my first
week and great to see him there. He worked
at paradise backpacker for a while. He said
that he would go to OZ soon for travel and
work! Went to up to MT Maunganiu and watched
sunset.
11/4/02 Arrived in Auckland. Next day met
Anne Tyler (deaf girl) who I have met her
in London before and her friend Nutty. We
went to look round at outside of the City.
13/4/02 Went to Anne Tyler's place and talked
with her friends. We watched her friend played
soccer 11 a side, then back to Anne's. Some
more deaf people came to her place for booze
and talked and played cards. They went home
at 1am. Anne took me to airport at 3am. Farewell
to NZ! I really missed in NZ! |
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