RSVP Blog

Posted by: kisskat at September 28, 2008 7:13 PM

Well if that is true............its a real shame

Posted by: outbackdrifter at September 29, 2008 6:57 AM

Posted by: lifebegins47 at September 29, 2008 12:47 AM

I did not mean to harsh but I was talking about adventurers not holiday makers.

I was also talking about exploring this country not tripping half way around the world

Posted by: outbackdrifter at September 29, 2008 6:55 AM

Hey there outback, thats a bit harsh. So many recent blogs have been by very adventurous women, myself included.
One of to Ethiopia, I am trkking across europe after a few weeks in Dubai and Egypt, Kurli is always in the brink of lifes advebture and free is well she is doing it too.
So many women getting out there and doing , mostly om their own!!
Go get em ladies and keep living the adventure, you inspire me.... Cheers

Posted by: lifebegins47 at September 29, 2008 12:47 AM

2 x ii's.... Bite the bullet and be a nike darl... Just do it !!!! Once you get a taste you'll wish you'd done it sooner and there'll be no stopping you.. Promise....."G"

Posted by: amdoingit at September 28, 2008 8:51 PM

Hey OG... Welcome back, albeit for a brief visit.... Bon voyage is the order of the day for you my friend... Enjoy!!!!!!........ "G"..

Posted by: amdoingit at September 28, 2008 8:44 PM

Posted by: outbackdrifter at September 28, 2008 1:44 PM

i think we are all at home raising the kids.....

Posted by: kisskat at September 28, 2008 7:13 PM

Posted by: lifebegins47 at September 21, 2008 3:17 AM

Wow - what a trip. Now I am jealous :) I loved Egypt - every inch of it. Spent 3 weeks there a few years ago and would go back tomorrow no problems. It is an awesome country, wonderful people with some of the most breathtaking sights. I hope you have a ball. Say hello to Tut for me :)

I would love to go to Prague and hope to in the next few years. Venice did not do it for me at all although I am still glad I have seen it as it sure is unique. Once was enough however. Same for Paris.

Posted by: shaula at September 28, 2008 4:55 PM

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world I think. The history and culture, everything. The food in Prague is magnificent and the people quite friendly as they are now very used to tourists. I loved the hills and mountains. Venice is magnificent, though not so much to my taste, I felt a little uneasy at times and don't really know why. Also the smell was a little too much for me. I have friends who adore the place and spend a lot of time there. Once was enough for me and wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Posted by: iaminperth at September 28, 2008 2:03 PM

Were have all the female adventurers gone, one who want to see there own backyard, who really like to live on the edge, step outside there comfort zone & live life to the full ???, from what I can see you are very thin on the ground at the moment

Posted by: outbackdrifter at September 28, 2008 1:44 PM

Thanks for your comment free56, am about to head off to Dubai and am booked on the desert safari and was a little apprehensive having just viewed the video and some others.
Am doing a huge trip this time, for me anyway, based around Egypt, Europe and the states, so any input or suggestions will be greatfully accepted.

Posted by: lifebegins47 at September 21, 2008 3:17 AM

I'm just about to go to Ethiopia for two weeks - and I'm really excited about it.

Anyone else ever been?

Posted by: gorgenius at September 12, 2008 1:32 PM

I just viewed the video of the Dubai safari desert, which bought back memories, i was in Dubai in feb 08 and actually went on the safari desert, its fantastic, had so much fun so if you get the chance please do it, Dubai is an amazing place nothing like what i expected, i learnt a lot about there cultures and met a lot of people, the locals are friendly, there town is clean, clean, clean, no graffetti, no crime or very rare. im going back again in feb 09. and cant wait.

Posted by: free56 at September 12, 2008 10:06 AM

Hi all. I'm new to this community and was wondering if anyone has been to Venice or Prague? These two places are on my very long list of "places to go" and I would love to know what/what not to see/do. Suggestions on where to stay appreciated too. :)

Posted by: sherylb at September 7, 2008 9:38 PM

I was on holidays in Borneo once and I was enjoying my vacation so much I fogot to spread TP over the toilet seat - VERY out of character for me!

Posted by: kungfupanda at August 23, 2008 12:31 PM

joyful@10.17 on 10th.
Yes I am very aware of the gift giving and apprehensive that what I choose is not acceptable.Would rather fabricate gifts for "special people' myself but Time is running out....so will take onboard your suggestions and start buying.
Thanx kurli.

Posted by: kurli at August 12, 2008 10:31 AM

to icu....a girlfriend and I did a 3 week driving tour of California and Nevada. We were in a Mustang Convertible and had no set itinery. ( nicknamed ourselves Thelma and Louise) We stopped at trucker stops, diners and all sorts of out of the way places and never once felt concerned or under threat. That was in 2006, and followed a similiar style trip in Greece.( Toula and Soula there) We are leaving again in November to tackle Egypt, Dubai, Europe and USA again. Throw caution to the winds, within reason, and explore, laugh and memorise it all. Cheers.

Posted by: lifebegins47 at August 11, 2008 11:20 PM

Hi kurli,
The Japanese are really big on gifts, small ones being best. I would take extra ones with you as you are likely to be given gifts from sources you won't be expecting. Small to travel also helps. Postcards and speciality stationary articles can easily be transported. For the main hostess, a scarf would be appreciated, I am sure, and for the host any form of writing accessory would indicate both your appreciation of his intelligence and an invitation to stay in contact. They really are very dedicated to gift giving and it is a central aspect of the culture.
Enjoy the trip. I am currently planning for a trip to Europe very, very soon.

Posted by: joyfuldelite at August 10, 2008 10:17 PM

deelightfulauss@8.47am:
The suggestion is almost valid (VBG) but when you do a closer check-up,ALL the souvenirs are "made in china"!
Even the indigenous communities licence the Chinese or India to reproduce their work.....how bad is that :-(
And the japanese,as a rule HATE anything chinese.

Posted by: kurli at August 10, 2008 9:44 PM

Hi Kurli,
Blimey trying to post a comment is somewhat frustating....
Kurli how about popping into an Aussie Souvenier shop, they have a huge range of gifts for your hosts, koalas, kangaroos, keyrings, wallets and magnets etc. I'm sure they would be appreciate what ever you decide, they love aussie things.

Posted by: deelightfulauss at August 10, 2008 8:47 AM

I'm off in six weeks for a fairly comprehensive trip to Japan! I'll also be house guest with an Engrish speaking Japanese couple..........has anyone suggestions of acceptable "small" presents for my hosts?

Posted by: kurli at August 9, 2008 11:43 AM

Avagr8day,
Tibet is on my must-do list... would have gone this year but the border was closed; it is now open I think. I've just been to Mongolia, and it was FANTASTIC. Not easy travelling because of the language, roads with no signs at all. But the landscape was amazing, people very warm and freindly.

Posted by: cognis at August 4, 2008 11:00 PM

I love going out of my comform zone. Thats what I enjoy about travelling abroad. I always get lost, get on the wrong bus, train, get left behind by the bus when Im in the toilet. Forget where Im staying, get lost, go into strangers homes. I wouldnt want to travel overseas if I wasnt out of my comfort zone. It wouldnt feel right. Gosh I have had some of the best experiences when all these things have happened to me. I cant wait to do it all over again.

Posted by: loves2travel at August 2, 2008 1:04 AM

... has anyone been to Tibet yet? I would love to know more!!!?

Posted by: avagr8day at August 1, 2008 11:07 PM

Beirut people...Beirut

Posted by: djpa1655 at July 29, 2008 12:02 AM

Good Morning from Darwin, sunny and warm. Have been here a few days for work...It is lovely up here, the best time of the year . It is a warm dry heat, so very bearable....i will go into shock when I go home again.
TW, you would luv all the cheap chicken dishes you can get at the many markets up here. And the food is very good.
Sunset on Mindle beach. the site of the sun sinking into the ocean..for an easterner it was magic!!!! If you ever get the chance to visit darwin at this time of year...go for it...have a lovely day all...jewels

Posted by: junebaby57 at July 28, 2008 8:10 AM

eatsrootsandleaves at July 23, 2008 10:39 PM

Prosit !

nw

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 11:53 PM

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 2:51 PM

Indeed NW.
Salut !

ERAL

Posted by: eatsrootsandleaves at July 23, 2008 10:39 PM

musicteacher at July 23, 2008 2:31 PM
yes..if straying away from the cultural hubs it could be quite oppressive..gritty..grey..and ugly...but..it is supposedly one of the liveliest cultural cities in the world..

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 5:57 PM

sorry eral..am using son's laptop and is not listening to my fingers..or wait till i complete my posts..tut tut.. sensitive beast....

anyway..how exciting for you..you must remember to keep a blog..so we can read about your life and adventures...

in the meantime..i hope..when the inspiration strikes..that you share more of your beautiful memoirs and imagery with us.. nw

to life..nw

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 2:51 PM

eatsrootsandleaves:

or a boat trip on Vltava.....or running along Charles Bridge,with a lover if you are lucky.........

Berlin........for me,I felt uneasy as soon as I landed there........I don't know if it was "residual" energy..........but all i could do was think of Hitler...his Nazis and the poor Jewish people.

I was shown around..the Lakes are beautiful,the beautiful mansions etc.
Great transport system though,I must admit.

Posted by: musicteacher at July 23, 2008 2:31 PM

eatsrootsandleaves at July 23, 2008 1:09 PM

bravo!! beautifully visualised and written eral..yes..oh how divine!..i do so hope you keep to your promise to yourself and do it..

i am sure your sartorial and creative self will fuse effortlessly with like-minded people..

if only you and the ballerina.....i'm sure it would have been an unforgettable experience with the ballerina...........i so thought the actress in.. la dolce vita.. so beautiful

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 2:18 PM

jenniferhi at July 23, 2008 12:21 PM

ofcourse!..hi jen..

i think as you hit..(The Middle Age)s..hehe..setting goals is the next step to your future direction..you are setting the stage for your final production/s.. mortality catches up too soon..hate to think of myself superglued to rsvp for another 9 years and having achieved zip..hehe..

have been reading your home reno posts with huge interest..jen..well done..love hearing about it..maybe we need a reno/handyhint blog..hint..hint.. as single women don't we know the frustrations of being ms fix it's..rewarding when it works!!.. and can do better than some men..recently..the biggest bunning's in SA opened nearby..i'm in tool heaven!! heehee.. cheers..nw..

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 1:32 PM

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 12:33 PM

I do. Its time for me to return there soon.
I am Austrian-Bohemian, so i will probably stay there next time. (Sydney has lost its youthful appeal,at least for me.)

There is nothing as sweet to me as wandering the along edges of the Seine,Vltava or Danube.

Daydreaming in a sunlit park filled with history... to hear the music of rehearsals spilling out of the great conservatoriums, into cobble stone alleys lined by charming boutiques. To awe at the grandeur of byzantine churches, even to ride on efficient public transport is a pleasure !

The food, the lifestyle, the friendliness, and even the arrogance.

To watch cultured mothers/grandmothers, on outings with their well behaved grand/children, strolling the grand palaces and gardens of the old world.

In Paris , i will never forget the beauty of a tall and thin woman, stretching her legs out over a fence (a balletic stretch - very high), before the Palais du Louvre .

I watched her from behind for some time- admiring greatly her figure, flexibility, style and confidence.
I waited for her to turn so i could see her face. Imagine then my surprise when she did - she was easily in her 60's !
Stunning, an artist in the true sense of the word.

If i hadn't been with a lover then, i would have gladly been another one of hers !

Posted by: eatsrootsandleaves at July 23, 2008 1:09 PM

eatsrootsandleaves at July 23, 2008 11:23 AM

ERAL ( fellow francophile

wonderful!!.do you have any plans?..i can see you there..and in berlin..if i was still back in my younger bad..mad..art school days..i'd definitely want to seek out the bohemian quarters in these cities..berlin is apparently cheap to live in compared to others..imagine it would be another cozy city like Sydney..just more culturally rich..hehe

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 12:33 PM

naturalwoman - 11.05a.m. Can I join you?
And I agree with you - you must set goals.

Dreams definitely do come true. I know that.

Jen.

Posted by: jenniferhi at July 23, 2008 12:21 PM

Posted by: eatsrootsandleaves at July 23, 2008 11:23 AM

Yes ERAL..the Light!!!!..i was going to comment on that..i think that is one of the most awesome things that draws me in..apart from the obviously achingly beautiful scenery..(and rooting for Cadell)..and wondering what everyone is having for lunch!! and what wine their drinking..and cheese..and..and

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 11:53 AM

oops..continuing..(very sensitive touch pad)..

and see what happens..use it as a base..and travel around europe..return eventually..broke.. but happier and richer for the experience hehe..then do the gypsy thing around australia..and eventually settle in a place that i fall in love with..and grow lavender..

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 11:39 AM

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 21, 2008 12:10 AM

The light !

ERAL ( fellow francophile)

Posted by: eatsrootsandleaves at July 23, 2008 11:23 AM

Posted by: twoeyes at July 22, 2008 10:51 PM
would love to do it...

two eyes..at least set a goal..as john lennon said..'life is what happens while your busy making other plans'.. you have nothing to lose..but the chance of making your dreams happen..my goal is as soon as my Son has finished his education..to live in southern France for awhile..

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 11:05 AM

Posted by: malsie at July 22, 2008 10:51 PM

same malsie..have a friend 78..who has one..it is also her normal mode of transport.. and still travels and camps in it..mostly local these days..at least once a month..on her own..she is always on the go..zipping around..doing something..so admire her get up and go..

they are fun buckets though..definitely not ruling out getting another some day..

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 23, 2008 10:52 AM

would love to do it but still the constraints of normal life and maybe some conditioning prevent me from doing the complete seachange thing................

maybe one day

Posted by: twoeyes at July 22, 2008 10:51 PM

naturalwoman - that sounds good - I can picture it :)
I can't go past a travelling van now without sussing it out, and with wistful thoughts of travels that could be had in one...

Posted by: malsie at July 22, 2008 10:51 PM

loved doing same malsie in the bush with my campervan..but remember enjoying one night so much in the city.. just being parked a few metres from Lygon Street..in the van..having bought fine wine and food from providores in Lygon Street..and enjoying sitting around the van..sipping.. cooking.. eating.. watching the passing parade..and sleeping opposite a church and cemetery nearby..it was very peaceful.. :)

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 22, 2008 10:12 PM

icu812@9.45 pm
Over there when you hire the camper make sure it has at least a 12 gauge and a 38 provided, depending where you are traveling, and be prepared to use them if you feel the need. Friends of mine have said it is the most dangerous and beautiful country they have been in. Depending where you are, they have said it is not all Hollywood. But strangely they have all said they felt more threatened in Washington DC. So don't jump on me I only got this first hand.
For mine and my limited experience China is the safest for a woman to travel in, and women friends have said Turkey if you are a tourist.
Cheers OG

Posted by: oldergent at July 21, 2008 9:59 PM

icu812 - that sounds like it will be a great trip. I favour the campervan type of holiday myself, as I love the idea of a "travelling home". You get to sleep in some far more interesting places that way (down by the side of lakes or right in the middle of beautiful bush settings, for example). You can get away from other people a lot of the time, or if you want more company, stay in designated camping areas.

I also like the ability to be self sufficient food wise. Cooking a meal for the evening in the middle of the bush, accompanied with a glass of wine, to me is far more enjoyable than being in a restaurant, a lot of the time.

I have done lots of this sort of travelling myself, but in old vans my ex partner and I had done out for travelling, so nothing too flash, but it worked - ah, many, many good memories of those trips.

I haven't checked out your profile, but I'm assuming you're female. I'd probably feel a bit more cautious doing that kind of trip with another female as opposed to a male companion. I felt secure with my ex, and in a practical way, he was excellent with the mechanical/logistical side of things. We each had our own specialty areas and it worked well for us. So that's another thing to consider. If you work it out carefully, though - don't take really ridiculous risks like setting off into the middle of nowhere with no way to contact the outside world, etc - it would seem a shame to limit yourselves from doing it. I hope you have a wonderful trip :)

Posted by: malsie at July 21, 2008 10:54 AM

God..le tour de france..how beautiful.. the landscapes/scenery..literally breathtaking..

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 21, 2008 12:10 AM

Hi everyone, Im new to this so please be gentle!!

My best mate and I are off to America in October. She's never even been in a plane so this should be interesting!!

We are considering hiring a mobile camper van to live in for the 3 weeks we are away. What do you think about that for an idea? As we are both trying to do this trip of a life time on on a budget. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Posted by: icu812 at July 19, 2008 9:45 PM

responsibilities aside..I would spend my money and spare time..on seeing the world..no fancy car..house.. latest plasma or kitchen gadget (well..apart from my laptop) lol..could substitute and steal my heart or give me the sublime pleasure and thrill as experiencing the people..places..things and wonders of the world...

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 19, 2008 7:23 PM

Hi Musicteacher
Of course your right...travel is an adventure because of the dangers of going outside our comfort zone.
I have traveled to more than 60 countries & had my share of disasters & some memorable pleasures!!
but for sheer adventure www.followthekrait.com.au will relate the great adventure of our generation...with danger, adventure, myth & mystery all there.
Now its so much easier but maybe we need some of the danger & adventure for our dinner party when we return...otherwise it will be a dull conversation
ask Allan!

Posted by: moonman2008 at July 18, 2008 11:24 PM

I believe everyone,at some stage in their lives should travel abroad.

regardless of the hassle of airport/boarding and departing procedures(waiting,passport/bag checks etc) and discomfort of many hours in a confined space,where you must be seated most of the time etc)...travelling abroad will give you a different perspective of the world.

You may see how different or similar people are around the world/how fortunate or unfortunate you are.........there is no doubt,it is an adventure.

I have travelled OS twice on my own...apart from meeting people,and the risks involved in doing this....the fact that I was on my own,MADE me feel totally free from my daily grind....and a little like being in a jungle.You don't know what you are going to come across,the possibilites of danger and getting lost are always there.....you really HAVE to have your wits about you.

I have always been relieved to eventually come home to Sydney and I have been to beautiful places in the world,but Sydney....with its glorious harbour has to be trully one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I have many tales....most fantastic,one horrific,but honestly....it would take too long here.These will be chapters in my memoirs one day.....

happy travelling!
.

Posted by: musicteacher at July 16, 2008 11:27 PM