Monday 29 February 2016

Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno - Snorkeling and Great Food

My time in Gili Trawangan was pretty good. I didn't meet any new tourist, but I did meet a few new locals and really enjoyed their conversations.  Some of what was mentioned in my previous posting.  So I am going to keep the part about my time on Gili T short and just mention a few highlights.

There is a Night Food Market which starts around 7 pm.  I stumbled upon it just by fluke.  The one night I was out for a walk debating if I want to have a few pints or not, when I smelt this amazing flavors in the air.  I turn to see a few locals cooking food on the side street, so I walk in to take a look.  The one group of young guys tell me I can choose any five items for 20,000 IDR (A toonie).  For this price, even though I just ate an hour ago, I choose 5 items.  All I can say, if you are ever in Gili Trawanga, go here.  No matter what!  The food was amazing and I wish I had a picture of it.

Another place I want to mention also opens late in the evening, is the street cookers.  They are commonly just a lady sitting on a step using a fan, and ashes, to cook different things.  I saw one and really wanted to try it.  She was cooking Chicken and Beef skewers with peanut sauces and again, this was for 20,000 IDR.  Take a look below, some of the best skewers I have ever had.  Mmmm so tasty!


If you like Mojitos, this is a great place to get them.  They use actual freshly grown peppermint leaves ground into the drink.  Again, so refreshing on a hot day!


Fresh sweet corn, do I need to say more?


I almost forgot to mention the fresh coconut, with only a straw added when drinking it.  This was pretty awesome as well and recommend try it in any tropical country.


I didn't do as much as I should have in Gili T, but I had felt it was a bit too busy for me, so I asked around and found out the Gili Meno is the least touristy Island of the 3.  From left to right, is Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
On all of the Islands, there are a tone of tourist information kiosk, where you can ask and book trips around the area.  One of which is almost across from my homestay.  The guy is pushy when I ask for prices, but he ends of giving a really good option.  I want to go to Gili Meno, and also snorkeling.  He offers to take me snorkeling and then drop me off on Gili Meno on the way back, all for 100,000 IDR ($10 CAD).   I book it for the next day.

The next morning I say goodbye to my new friends at the homestay.  The young girl seems sad I am leaving and asks me to come back before I leave the area.  I have to say, this is one of the very few times I almost felt sad saying goodbye to someone.  Almost!

The guy I booked the trip with is not there, but the tour guides are and know exactly who I am.  The group of people going has to be about 40 people and I get special privileges because of my gear.  The snorkeling guide helps carry on my bags and hides them upfront under cover in case of rain.  Which, we get nailed with for an hour partway through the tour.

While cruising to our first stop, the guy beside me sees my carry bag, which is from Pak N Save New Zealand and asks if I am a Kiwi.  I tell him, nope Canadian but I backpacked through NZ for 3 months.  He and his girlfriend are from Singapore.  We have some great conversations during the day.  Would have been cool to go back to Gili T, so we could party one night.

Halfway through the day we stop at Gili Air for lunch.  One thing I forgot to mention is you always take off your shoes when going into most stores or restaurants.  Anyways, when I was in Australia I bought discount flip flops that say, Australia on them.  So when I entered the restaurant, I take off my Aussie Thongs, as Aussies call them, and someone behind me says, "Hey Mate!"  I know the accent and say hi.  The guy asks where in Aussie I am from and I say, no, Canada, but I bought the Thongs in Australia a month ago.  This starts off some great conversations about Australia.  He was from Melbourne and was jealous I drove across his country to Perth, as he has never done it.  I don't recall his name either, but he was a pretty cool guy.

After lunch we go to one more location for snorkeling, and then they drop me off at Gili Meno. Just before I jump off the front of the boat, I yell out, "Bye All!" and about half the boat responded with either a wave, or a goodbye. Lol!  If you ever get a chance to do this, do it.  It is funny!

Here are two pictures of the snorkeling, but if you want to see more, watch my video by Clicking here!

Turtle and Fishy!


I am now on Gili Meno!





Saturday 27 February 2016

Indonesia - Found my way again!

My last few post have been lacking and just about where I have been, and done, that sort of thing.  But the last couple of days, I have had some interesting experiences and realized I want to get back to writing about what I have learned and noticed.  So, this post is going to be about the quality of life, verses work aspects.

Living my life in a spoiled country like Canada, and having another spoiled country directly below us, I, at times forget what other have to go through in life just to eat.  Traveling through New Zealand, and Australia and now Indonesia, I saw two extremes on how people live and think.  I know this is going to be generalizing but see past that, and just think about your life in comparison when reading.

I am going to focus more on Australia, than New Zealand, because I feel it is more the extreme.

I found the attitude towards working the exact opposite in Australia than it is in North America.  I mean, we all hate working, but Aussies generally see you work to live.  Where in North America, we live to work.  I don't know if it is the government, or why, but that is how the countries differ.

 Aussies get 20 days vacation a year to start at any job, and a lot of professional jobs get 25 days. Where in North America, 10 days is the starting point. They also on average work 37 hours a week, where we work 40 hours a week, in a full time position.  If you work in the private sector with a salary paid position, 40 hours is a dream.  I don't recall ever working less then 45 in any job I have had, other than when I had a government job.

Because Aussies work less hours, they get paid more per hour to make the yearly salary end up being the same.  Their minimum wage is $20 per hour, ours in around $10 per hour.  Yes, some things are more expensive down under, however, lots of things are cheaper.

Almost every person I met and spoke to about work life in Australia talked about the number of hours they work and what they do for living.  Each person came out to the same conclusion.  They work hard, but less hours, and definitely think that work is there just so you can live.  I also spoke to people who manage companies they also hire this way.  They have no problem paying higher per hour, so the person can have more time off.  The general feel I got, was a person works harder when they are not overworked.

In North America this is rarely the case. I know that some companies are this way, but in general not so much.  Having been a professional for 15 years, I can tell you that getting 15 days vacation a year is not easy in North America and we try to get as much out of a person as we can, not caring about their personal life.

From the number counties I have visited in my life, Australia is one the best places to live and work.  I do want to mention, not every Aussie thinks this way.  I met my fair share of spoiled brats in Aussie that thought 4 weeks off a year, with 37 hours a week was too much.

Now I want to talk about the other end of the spectrum.  Countries where people work everyday, all day, just to break even.

I have been to several third world counties, including Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and more recently Indonesia.

Here I am going to talk more about the examples, because I have not lived it, so I can't explain from my experiences.

The homestay rented in Indonesia, there was a 18 year old native working at the reception.  She was a super sweet girl and loved to talk.  She told me all about her life, family and living situation.  So, here is her story.

She currently works at the homestay doing check-ins, and checkouts, including all cleaning and prepping of the rooms, and this homestay included a free breakfast.  She also was the cook/room server.  She gets 2 days off per month, not week, which is normal, but she told me her last job got 4 days per month off.  She thought that was amazing.

How long is her work day?  Well, there is no set work day.  She sleeps in single bed, in a shared room with the other person she works with, which is also the kitchen / living room.  The front door is the reception area.  To answer the question, she works all day and is always on call.  I wonder if that is more than 40 hours per week!

The people who own this homestay own another, and her brother works there, but also works at this location when she is not working, or is sick.  She does the same for him, but organizes it with the other guy who works in this location.

I asked her if this was normal to work this style of living and she said yes and explain to me how her other family members work.  She also explained to me because she is only 18, she doesn't need all of her money, so any extra she has at the end of the month, she sends to her sisters who can't find work, or didn't make enough.

I can't picture that happening in any developed county I have been in.  However, in these counties I see it a lot.

The hours and little time off she gets I know is normal for anyone working in these countries.  I have met and spoken to tones of people since the first time I went to a third world country back in 1999.  Oh hell, that shows I am OLD!

The bungalows I am currently staying at has 3 people working here.  One guy does the websites, bookings, and speaks English the best.  He is always sitting at the front desk asking you if you need anything, and if you are having a good day.  He told me, he and the other 3 guys get 3 days off a month.  When one has a day off, the other 2 take over his duties.

They all work from sun up, to sun down, or later depending on if guest are still wondering around.

All 3 guys live here in the same type of living style as the girl I mentioned above, with one difference.  They have a separate room for sleeping in, but then the one guy has a wife, and 2 kids, who also sleep in that room.

Let me tell you, these 3 guys work hard as hell.  Last night we lost power around 11 pm, for a short bit.  When the power came back on, the one guy went to each bungalow and listen outside to see if the AC came back on.  If it didn't he would knock on the door and say, "Sorry sir for waking you, we lost power and your AC didn't turn back on.  Can I come in and turn it on for you?  No need to get up, I will do it quickly and quietly."   Some people might think that is annoying, but trust me when I say, this is a very good service.  It only cooled down to 29 last night with 100% humidity.  You want that AC on.

I have to tell this other story that I am not sure if it fits in here or not, but is worth telling.

There was a older couple from Europe, but not sure exactly sure where.  In the morning, we were all sitting in the outside dinning area when the lady asked if they could extend their stay here.  The guy replied, "I am sorry, but we are fully booked."  The lady responded in an aggressive manner, "But we have no place to go, why can't we stay!".  He explained again, someone else has booked their room and all rooms are booked already.  There is nothing he can do.  She continues to speak in an aggressive manner, thinking that they should cancel someone else booking for them.  She then tries the sympathy card and tells them the last place they booked for one night and then wanted to extend and the same thing happened.

In my mind, I can't believe how pompous and stupid this couple is, and I was starting to think I wanted to jump into the conversation and explain to them, how ridiculous they are being.  Maybe someone needed to explain how bookings work?

Anyways, the 1 of the 3 guys went out of their way and walked to several other bungalows and found them another place very to stay, and they even bargained a better price for them.  The also carried the couple luggage to the new place, without asking for tips.

Please don't be like these people! Sometimes it is your own fault and don't blame others!  On the other hand, be like these 3 guys.  Pay it forward, and help someone else without expecting something in return!

All this service for $15 dollars a night.  How much do you think these guys actually make?

The point I am trying to make is, think about how you live, how good or not good you have it, and then think about others.  There is always someone who has it better and someone who has it worse.  So, try not to be to negative and just live life in the most fulfilling way you can.

Work hard, but not so hard that you forget life is worth living.  If you feel you are not spending enough time with family or friends or away from work.  Make the change!

I don't believe in religion, but I do believe you ONLY live once.  Enjoy it!

Friday 26 February 2016

Kuta to Gili Islands - Fast boats, and chatty locals

Kuta is not really a place I would want to spend more than a day in, if I ever return to Indonesia and that one day would only be to say hi to Sim and my new friends.

With all the tips I got from people, my best guess is to head over to the Gili Islands where I would be happier, swimming and snorkeling.

I was able to find a booking online for a pickup from my hotel, to the fast boats, which will take me directly to Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T.  I was skeptical at first with the booking, as I was not sure if they would actually come to my hotel and if they would try and charge more.  However, I took my chances and booked it.

A few minutes later I got a phone call confirming my hotel address.  Seems legit.

The next day my taxi arrived as scheduled, and 20 minutes later I am at the fast boat harbor, with no extra charges requested.  So if anyone is wondering where I booked it, the link is below.
http://www.gilibookings.com/



The boat ride itself was really enjoyable. They gave us ice cold water, cold towels, and candy.  We also slowed down to look at some dolphins that were jumping near the boat.  I actually think I have seen enough dolphins to last a lifetime now, but I still love them.

Gili T is nice from what I saw on my walk to my hotel.  Lots of tourist though, and I am already wondering if it is too busy for me.



Checking into my hotel was a whole new story.  When I arrive a very young receptionist showed me to my room.  I didn't even get my bags off my back and she was chatting up a storm.  I wasn't sure why she was so comfortable with me, or maybe it was because she was bored and I was there?  She ended up talking to me for about 30 minutes at my doorway.  It was so hot and I desperately needed a cold shower.  I think it had been more than a day since my last one.

She eventually paused for a second and I took my chance and told her I will be back in short bit, but I needed a shower.  She smiled and said, "We talk tonight!"

Below is a picture of my new friend while she was pointing to something.



Don't forget to take a look at my room on YouTube by clicking here!

After my shower, I decided to take a walk around the main strip to see what was there.  I read online when going out to eat, to look at the menus and see if they charge extra tax or not. If they do, avoid them as the other places are cheaper.

I found a nice place near the water and ate a late lunch.  If I remember my meal came out to $5 dollars and was pretty tasty.  Mmmm fresh coconut and squad!


Now that I am happily full, I did some more walking around the Island and eventually went back to my room.

The rest of the day was spent sitting beside the fan in the room, or chatting with my new Indonesian friend.

Another amazing and odd day done!

Thursday 25 February 2016

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia - Day 2 with great new friends

My second day in Kuta, I tried to extended my room for another night, but it was already booked, so I just packed my stuff and walked over to The Naughty Duck to see Sim.

Sim wasn't there yet, but Dinny was and I was starving.  I ordered up a breakfast sandwich and espresso.  I am probably spelling his name wrong, but Dinny makes one hell of a meal and all for about $5 dollars.

While scarfing down this amazing breakfast, I googled around and found another room for the same price with AC.
Click here to see the room!

Sim shows up and we talk for a bit.  I tell him I am switching rooms and will be back later for his going away get together.  I don't think I mentioned this yesterday, but Sim is going back to Aussie for a month to do some extra work.  The Naughty Duck hasn't been open long and it is currently the slow season in Bali. I am sure in another month when Bali picks up, he will be rocking with business.

Anyways, I head over to my new room to check in, when I realized the map position on hotels.com is not the same as the google location.  Hotels.com isn't correct and the walk will be over an hour in this heat.  Not going to happen when carting round two packs.

A taxi passes and asks if I need a ride.  Hmmm Obvious I am dyeing? lol.

He offers to take me for 50,000 IDR ($5 dollars) for a ride, when yesterday it cost me double.  For sure, and I jump in.

15 minutes later am I am checking into my new room.  It isn't that bad.  Has slow internet and a nice bed.  No sink, but I am only hear for 2 nights.

That day I spent just relaxing for the most part, but I also took a walk to the beach to do some snorkeling, however, the tied has a major rip-current and there are flags warning not to swim.  This sucks a bit, but that's OK.

The beach itself is gross.  Garbage everywhere, and I can tell most of it is from lazy ass tourist, dropping plastic cups, etc on the ground.


That night I head over to Sim's for his going away party.  Again I meet several new people from all over the world and some cool locals.  Sim's girlfriend is also a hoot, a truly nice and funny native Indonesian girl.

That night again the beer was flowing nicely but I stopped after 5.  I am a good boy :)

I spend most of my time chatting with a 63 year old Aussie surfer guy, who also owns a shop in Kuta.  He is a pretty cool guy and tells me several places in Bali that I might enjoy.  I will miss chatting with him.

I can't remember what time it was, but eventually I got sleepy and said thanks to Sim and goodbye to all of my new friends.

I took a taxi home as I knew I wasn't going to walk it and I got some fun questions.  The first one was if I was traveling alone, then it slowly proceeded into.  Do you want girl for the night, or hour. I have many great girls.

With my curiosity, I said, "I don't know, but how much?"  He responded with $100 per hour.  Which I know means $100 USA.

I must say, first of all, I don't want some disease infested hooker, and I am to cheap to send $100 when I could just go to the bar and spend $20 on drinks and get a drunk tourist girl.  Would be just as bad sex, and the smell of a drunken tourist girl would match that of a cheap hooker. lol.  So I replied with, "I am broke!" He took the hint.

Day two in Kuta is completed :) and I enjoyed meeting so many amazing people, even funny taxi drivers.

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia - Amazing first half a day

I arrived at my super budget hotel and got unpacked.
You can check out my hotel room here by clicking here!

I took a minute and googled the location for The Naughty Duck, and to my surprise it is around the corner.  Sweet Deal, I head right over.
Take a look at The Naughty Duck on Trip Adviser here!

Sim and The Naughty Duck


The reason I wanted to go here is to meet Sim, a guy I told to meet by my Aussie Surfer friend, Simon.  I guess Sim used to be a TV star from a TV show called, "Hey Hey It's Saturday" as a character, Plucka Duck.  Anyways, that isn't why I am going to meet him.  I have been told he is a pretty amazing guy and can give me tons of tips on where to go in Bali.

When I walk into The Naughty Duck, I see Sim standing right there. I walk over and introduce myself.  He takes no time making me feel like a new friend and gives me all kinds of tips.  What a cool guy.

After talking for a bit, I decided to eat here as well.  I can tell you this, Aussies know how to cook.  I had a damn good chicken burger for only $5 dollars CAD.

As I finish up, Sim mentions a few people always come over at night for a few beers, and I am up for that.  It is still early, so I tell him I am heading back for a shower.

A bit later I come back and meet Crazy,  I don't know his real name, but he is a funny local who sells cheap sim cards and credit.  I take him up on an offer and get a sim plus $10 credit, which gives me 4GB of data and a bunch of minutes.  Compare that to Canada!

A few other friends of Sim's stop by for drinks and I meet a ton of people.  Too many to remember.

The beer is flowing nicely, at $2 dollars a beer, but I decide I should call it a night.  Tomorrow I would like to go swimming and see more of Kuta.  I need to decide if I am staying here or moving onto one of the Islands.

I thank Sim for a great night and head home.

Before I end this short blog, I should comment on walking in Kuta at night.  It is a bit crazy as there are a tone of people, lots on mopeds and come cars.  Picture no sidewalk and only room for one car, but somehow they fit a car, people and mopeds all at once, and people walking have to look out for themselves.  Fun, and entertaining I can say.  Took a bit to get used too, but it isn't all that bad.

Well I made it through my first day, half day really.
Night all!

Perth Australia to Bali Indonesia - Buses, Planes, and Spoiled demon kid

I got the Perth Airport pretty easy, as a bus stop was right outside Jay’s place.  It only took about an hour to get there.  I checked in and went through security, which was quick and painless. 

I wanted to exchange my money from the sale of the car into Indonesian cash.  I got 6.2 Million from 775 Aussie dollars.  I later find out the Australian money exchange place is a complete rip off.  I could have gotten a 1.3 million more.  This means they screwed out of $100 dollars CAD.  In Bali, even if I got scammed I would have come out better.  Oh well, live and learn.


The plane was early and only 2/3rds full.  I had an open seat between me and my row mate.  However, as my luck always has it, I had some jackass behind me kicking my seat before we even took off. 

After about 5 minutes of this, I turn around and saw it was a little.  Turning around was enough for the dad to wake up.  He apologizes and tells her to stop.  This only last a few minutes and she does it several times again. 

I turn around and nicely say, “Hi”, with a smile.  I then in a calm voice say, “I would love it if I didn’t have someone kicking my seat.”  He again says sorry and tells her to stop.  She doesn’t give a shit and tells him that she wants to rest her feet against the seat, it is more comfortable.

He argues with her for a minute and she eventually stops. 

Again this only last 10 minutes. 

We are taxing to the runways, and I decide, this is my last chance to stop it.  I no longer am going to allow someone to kick my seat.  I always just ignore it, but no more.  People have to learn respect.
I turn around and say to the dad, “Ether you discipline her, or I WILL!” 

He again starts arguing with her, but seems to be losing the argument. 

I do not understand this, you are the parent, and she is a little fucking kid.

Let me say this.  Some of the readers here will disagree with me and say, because I do not have kids I do not understand what it is like, and how hard it is.  Well, I would like to say this back to you.  You are extremely WRONG!  I was a kid and had parents, and also see kids every day of my life.  If I acted that way as I kid, I would lose everything, and I mean it. My parents did not give empty threats, when they said I wasn’t eating supper, I didn’t.  When they said, I am not playing outside, I didn’t, and it wasn’t for 5 minutes, it was for the night.  I didn’t get ungrounded until I proved I learned my lesson. 

This is called PARENTING!

The reason so many kids today are pieces of shit, is because no one follows through with disciplining them.

The father in this case, lost the battle and he gave the little bitch to his mother.  For whatever reason, the mother was sitting in a row of 3 alone, and the wimpy dad and demon child sat in a row of 3, with one empty seat.

Throughout the flight I heard the demon child argue and yell at her mom and dad over the stupidest shit, and I never heard them actually do anything about it.

Okay, enough about that.  The flight itself went by fast and we even arrived early.


I got through customs and security into Bali fast and found my bag. 

As I exited the airport I see a wall of taxi guys trying their best to get people.  I calmly walk through them and found my way to the street.  Here I had a feeling I could get a cheaper ride and I did.  At the Airport I was quoted 150,000, but on the street I was able to get 120,000.  I also later found out, that 150,000 was a good price, so I got a really good price. J 

I arrived at my hotel by around 6 pm.

The front desk could not find my reservation, but this ended up not being an issue.  I showed them my online ticket from my phone and they bumped me up to a room with AC. 

All this for $11 CAD.  Picture from my balcony, of the pool.


Well, I am here in Bali, Indonesia.  Yippy, I can’t wait to get this adventure started!!!

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Perth Australia - Jay's Place - Snorkeling - Selling the car - Roos

Before we get started I want to share this moon rise from my backyard.


Jay's place

When I arrived in Perth, it was so frigging hot I decided to find a place to stay on AirBnB.  Jay was the first place I saw and he took me in on short notice.

I ended up staying with Jay for over a week and really loved it.  Jay is from Asia, somewhere, but moved to Australia when he was 8 or 10 with his parents.  He has a rather strong Aussie accent, which doesn't match his face at all.  Been fun for me to listen to him talk.

While at Jay's he introduced me to several of his friends.

Jame's a black guy from the UK.  He moved here about 12 years ago and is doing really good.  He and I had some cool conversations about Aussie girls.  I nicked named him, the black stallion.

Then there was Simon, a super funny, and crazy born and raised Aussie.  He is the most true Aussie person I have ever met.  Surf's all day, is 44 but looks 24, and never stops talking.  I love this guy.  He even hooked me up with a great contact in Bali.

The last guy I met was Kandmoo.  He is from Sri Lanka, and came here about 5 years ago.  Moo as we call him, is a lot of fun.  We partied together that one night a lot.

Below is a picture from our night in VIP, with bottle service.  Mind you, bottle service is $150 per bottle, and we got 2.  I offered to pay some of it, but they declined.  At first I wondered where they got there money from, but later I found out how one gets his, and I won't mention it here.


One pic didn't turn out... but you try holding a camera and pointing it with one eye closed.

That night was pretty amazing, we drank until 4 am and then I got denied in the last bar because they didn't accept my Canadian ID.  Was a let down, however, up to that point, I have never had so many hot 21 year old girls dance with me and more, without me ever trying.  I am not even kidding, at the one bar I was just sitting alone and an Aussie girl came over and just sat on my lap,  I asked her, her age and she said 21, I said I am 36.  She smiles, and I replied, "We are only 5 years different in age!".  She says yea, lets dance and pulls me up.  Maybe they don't teach basic math to girls until after 21?  Who cares, lol.

I don't know why they liked me so much, but it was one amazing night.

Thanks Jay for one hell of a night and for all the help!

Selling my Hot Rod

Selling the Hot Rod was a lot easier than I thought.  I posted it on two online sites here in Australia, and by the first weekend, I had 2 offered.  The first one to show up bought it within 10 minutes and drove it away, right then and there.

I heard from Kerry the next day saying thanks and she is loving car.

I bought the 1994 Ford Falcon Wagon for $800 and sold it for $750.  I could have easily have waited and got $900 for it, but why?  a Rental car would have costed me closer to $800 for the two weeks here.  So I made out pretty good.

Snorkeling in Perth

I have to say, I love Perth.  There is endless beaches and all of them are clean, fun, and refreshing.  Everyday but one, I drove to the beach for a swim/snorkel and after I would use the fresh water shower to rinse the sand off.  Which means I almost never had to shower.  Salt water clean. :)

Perth is an amazing place, with 9 months of almost perfect weather.

Check out some of the pictures below and soon I will post a short video.



Kangaroos

I was a little sad that I never saw more Kangaroos while driving across Australia and I complained to Jay.  Well he tells me 15 minutes down the road is a cemetery where a heap of them live.  They are wild, so don't get to close.

With a little excitement and little bit of skepticism I drive right over there.  As I am getting to the end of the road, I am starting to think they are a myth, and then I see one napping.



OMG, this so cool!  I am happy again.

I get of the car, take some pictures of him and watch for about 10 minutes. He looks sleepy and isn't doing much, so I get back in the car, and start to leave.

50 feet forward and there is at least 100 of them.  Big ones, little ones, sleepy ones, happy ones... yup, all of them.

I have to mention, the big one had some big balls.  Zoom in, I know you want too!



Mmmm Kangaroo Meat!


A video to come soon!

Thanks for reading all, I hope you enjoy and feel free to share with your friend or enemies my posts.


Monday 15 February 2016

Adelaide - Perth Australia - IBS and only 1 hour to go!

I am on the open road, the windows down, the AC on, and my hair blowing in the wind.  Awww freedom!

My plan is to drive towards Port Augusta, about 4 hours from Largs Bay and find my first free overnight camping spot.  What will it be like to sleep in the back of my new hot rod?

4 hours goes by pretty quickly and I am here.  I use the app, CamperWiki AU, to help find a campground and it shows me there is one about 30 minutes drive up the coast.  I plug it into my phones GPS and head over.

10 minutes away and this is the road it has me going down.


I later learn that a lot free campgrounds are only 4 wheel drive accessible and don't have toilets.  Two things I know I will need.

Another hour long drive of going 20 KM/H because of the bumps, rocks and ruts in the road, I find the campground shown on my App.



The campground is just a popular turnaround people use when fishing here.  It will have to do, and it is a nice place.  Cool ocean breeze, no misquotes, and no one for miles.  Should be a great first night.

I watched a beautiful sunset and then climbed into the back of the hot rod.  It is actually comfy, and I fall asleep rather quickly.

Here is where the fun starts.

I think it was 2 am when I started to feel a really bad cramp in my lower stomach.  Oh god, I know exactly what this is.  This means, whatever is in me, is coming out SOON!

I lay there for another minute thinking about my options.  I can try and get back into town and find a gas station, but I know the hour drive down this horrible road will kill me, or I can do my business outside the car.

Well, after hearing a story about a guy getting bit by a snake while taking a crap in the outback today, I decided to take my chances and start driving towards the city.

30 minutes of agonizing pain and butt clenches, I arrive at the paved road.  I can see the lights of the city, but I also feel, what is in me, is coming out NOW!

Screw it! I know what I have to do.  I slam the old girl in reverse and back down the road 100 yards.  Jump out and duck walk 20 passes.  Yup! this is the spot, this is where I learn the answer to, "if a bear shits in the woods does it stink"

All I remember is ensuring I am facing upwind, and I let her rip.  Thank god I had bought tissue that same day.  The other good news is I didn't get any one me.  Woot Woot, that is a win for me.

I get back into the car and drive into town.  I soon find out that I made the right choice and the only toilets are locked.

The next town is about an hour away, so I start heading that direction.  Not long after I find a rest area along the highway with open restrooms.  Actually only 5 minutes past where I turned off earlier onto the unpaved road.

This is where I finish my sleep.

Day 1 and Night 1 completed... oh, I hope the rest of the drive has less fun!

I am now on the main highway A1, which goes all the way to Perth.  It has an average speed limit of 110 KM/H, and I know that you cannot go over the limit at all. They only have a 2 KM/H grace here, which doesn't matter because most people here only drive 90 KM/H.  So that is my cruising speed.

As I am driving I catch something out the corner of my eye.  It is, yes it is! Two Kangaroos hoping fast along side of the road.  OMG, that was so cool!  I hope I see many more!



It is around 3 pm and what the hell!  I feel a funny feeling in my stomach again!  This can't be, as I know it has been about 1 hour since the last gas station.  I check my phone and see the next one is another hour away.  I know I won't make it to either stations, and my best option is to just keep going forward, hopefully a station not on my map will appear.

I should mention that my phone has no signal and hasn't for the last day.  I am trusting what was cached.

The hour has passed and I am almost at the next gas station, but there are signs showing it is a check point.  I am now praying to the poop gods that the toilet is before the check point, as I have bad news.  I didn't really make it.  I have sharted several times.
Click here to learn what Sharted means!

2 More KM and luck has it, the toilets are on this side of the check point, and the door to them is outside.

I take one last breath, one last clench, and fast duck walk in.

My luck has gotten even better, this stop has trucker showers.  I pay the $3 and clean up.

The rest of the drive is uneventful, thank god.  I make it through the check point without any hassle and arrive at my next free campground.

This one has toilets and a pub 5 minute walk away.  The day can't get any worse, so I head over to the pub for a pint, as it is 40 degrees Celsius, and I am not ready to lay in my oven for the night.



By the way, the town is called Kimba and is really cool.  Only two streets and all of the buildings are original, like from an old western movie.

Day 2 and Night 2 completed!

Day 3 was a nice relaxing drive.  A little hot, 40 again, and at times I am getting sick of never being in shade.  I mean, there is never shade anywhere.

Other than that, the only other exciting thing that happened was the $1.94 per liter of petrol.

Oh yes, something I should mention.  Gas here is called Petrol, Gas is propane (LPG), and if you ask for Gas, they will give you propane, as they have cars which run on it.
Too learn more about LPG Systems, click here!

I arrive at my next free campground as the sun is just about to set.  From inside the car, I get to see another amazing sunset.  Being outside at this location is impossible.  The misquotes are worse here than any place I have ever been.  I can hear them outside and they sound like a sworn of bees all around my car.  Crazy!



Day 3 and Night 3 completed!

The next day I am amused by the signs I see.  Emu crossing, Kangaroo Crossing, Camel Crossing and some big weird animal crossing.  One of the signs are shown above.

If you don't believe me in how straight and boring some of these roads are, look at the next picture.



A few more pictures of the drive from today.



I don't recall what time of day it was, but when I arrived in Perth, the first thing I did was drive to the beach and go for a swim.



After my swim, I realize I can't sleep in my tin can again, not when it is only going down to 29 degrees tonight.

I load up AirBNB and find a cheap host, with WiFi and a shower.  Sweet!

Well, my trip to Perth was fun and I loved each sunset I saw.  Sleeping in the car wasn't all that bad, and I am now planning on a similar trip in Canada when I get back home.

Thanks all for reading, and don't forget tissue when doing road trips.  You just never know!