THE VEGETABLE GAME
Works best with 4 people or more. Make sure you sit so that you can see everyone, for example around a table.
RULES:
The goal is to not show your teeth, no matter what... Laughing makes it way easier to loose, so that's basically something to avoid. Wrap your lips around your teeth so that they're all covered (imagine a man/lady by the age of 95 or a VEGETABLE). Now, take it in turns, say a fruit/vegetable that hasn't been said before. SNOWPEA. Teeth have to be hidden all the time. First person to laugh so that a single piece of tooth is shown - is the LOSER. Use your voice in different ways as a weapon, it helps, to win. CAULIFLOWER!
A hilarious game, POTATOE, if you do NOT loose. Part 2 of the game: the loser has ti complete the mission that's been decided before game started. (Of course you all have to agree about this punishing task). HONEY DEW MELON!
Loser round 1: Alina
Mission: Ask around the camp sites for cinnamon.
Completed: YES
Loser round 2: Harry
Mission: Flirt a randomly picked old, OLD, lady up.
Completed: NO (Well tried, but got shot down by the lady who apparently was less senile than expected).
RULES:
The goal is to not show your teeth, no matter what... Laughing makes it way easier to loose, so that's basically something to avoid. Wrap your lips around your teeth so that they're all covered (imagine a man/lady by the age of 95 or a VEGETABLE). Now, take it in turns, say a fruit/vegetable that hasn't been said before. SNOWPEA. Teeth have to be hidden all the time. First person to laugh so that a single piece of tooth is shown - is the LOSER. Use your voice in different ways as a weapon, it helps, to win. CAULIFLOWER!
A hilarious game, POTATOE, if you do NOT loose. Part 2 of the game: the loser has ti complete the mission that's been decided before game started. (Of course you all have to agree about this punishing task). HONEY DEW MELON!
Loser round 1: Alina
Mission: Ask around the camp sites for cinnamon.
Completed: YES
Loser round 2: Harry
Mission: Flirt a randomly picked old, OLD, lady up.
Completed: NO (Well tried, but got shot down by the lady who apparently was less senile than expected).
5 funny facts... part 2: Misha (More like confessions)
1. It was Misha, NOBODY ELSE, who smashed the window in room #101. Accident? Yeah right...
2. Don't think we could find a more secretive person than Miggs. We're talking about the man who mysteriously disappears every second day. We have almost given up trying to find out the details of these secret dates.
3. "If you've got a tent, you've gotta try it!!!", Misha's opinion. The assistant hostel manager had other thoughts about the situation. To, during the daily room check, walk into THE messiest room of Global Waterfront and find a TENT squized in between the bunk beds... I didn't judge her when we all heard a loud: "OH MY GOD!!! SOMEONE IS CAMPING IN THE ROOM!! AND WHERE IS THE MATTRESS??!! CLAIRE, HELP ME OUT HERE! WHAAAAAAAT!! A PERSON IS SLEEPING IN THERE!!" A good wake-up alarm for you there, Mish.
4. His most used line is "I'll squash you like a little maggott!!". At first we were all a little bit scared of this Dutch behaviour, but nowmore we barly notice when it gets shouted out loud in his sleep.
5. MISHA EATS HORSE!! CRAAAAAAAZY DUTCH MAN!!
What does it look like when a fully grown man chases a bunch of seaguls?
Here comes the answer of every human being's biggest secret question:
1.
2.
3.
You are welcome, don't have to wonder or worry about it anymore. Got all the facts you need.
1.
2.
3.
You are welcome, don't have to wonder or worry about it anymore. Got all the facts you need.
5 funny facts about... Part 1: ZAID
Just to make sure you all know who is actually travelling we're gonna start a series of funny facts. Today's chapter is all about Zaid.
1. Ziddle was once gone for hours. Night time, Cairns, darkness... We were all worried to death, since Zaid's strongest skill is NOT to answer his phone. Eventually he dropped into the room, proud and super happy about his new friend. We welcomed Stanley the FROG (!!!) with open arms. Since that day Zaid Elgawarsha is only allowed to collect pets where we can see him and not after 10 PM.
2. Worse than missing Zaid for 5 hours is missing Zaid for 2 MONTHS. He seems to like disappearing and this time - TO A FARM!!! Zaid abandonned us, our group, our family, to live on a farm. Unforgiveable.
3. His afro. The growth of this forest has been going since he left Bellingham, Washington (the state, not DC) One time I found my mastercard in there. But I love it and he's under NO circumstances allowed to cut it off.
4. There is actually a unique song written about and dedicated to Zaid. This one is only played be special requests and in exclusive occasions. But will be released very, very soon. Keep your ears open.
5. We're all struggleing to get our hand luggage packed together by every stop we travel. Zaid's hand luggage: a BICYCLE.
1. Ziddle was once gone for hours. Night time, Cairns, darkness... We were all worried to death, since Zaid's strongest skill is NOT to answer his phone. Eventually he dropped into the room, proud and super happy about his new friend. We welcomed Stanley the FROG (!!!) with open arms. Since that day Zaid Elgawarsha is only allowed to collect pets where we can see him and not after 10 PM.
2. Worse than missing Zaid for 5 hours is missing Zaid for 2 MONTHS. He seems to like disappearing and this time - TO A FARM!!! Zaid abandonned us, our group, our family, to live on a farm. Unforgiveable.
3. His afro. The growth of this forest has been going since he left Bellingham, Washington (the state, not DC) One time I found my mastercard in there. But I love it and he's under NO circumstances allowed to cut it off.
4. There is actually a unique song written about and dedicated to Zaid. This one is only played be special requests and in exclusive occasions. But will be released very, very soon. Keep your ears open.
5. We're all struggleing to get our hand luggage packed together by every stop we travel. Zaid's hand luggage: a BICYCLE.
Thoughts and feelings about cuddleing a dead penguin:
Luke: It was kind of ridiculous, but novelty and definitely worth it. Wouldn't do it again though.
Alina: It reminded me of "Happy feet", except from the fact that the feet were plastic-ish hard and not that happy.
Harry: I was just happier than I ever thought I would be playing with a dead animal.
Misha: Both cute and disturbing at the same time.
Zaid: You know what... I didn't wanna touch it, that's about it. Wasn't upset, just didn't wanna touch it. Kind of gross. And it smelt funny.
Within our last 24 hours in Australia we managed to...
* ...get Harry stung by a jellyfish in Bondi Beach. This greedy little creature found his favourite buffet and took both foot and face. PAIN. We probably didn't read the jellyfish instructions properly, but next time we know that rubbing it into and all over your skin is a bad, BAD, idea.
Good old pepsi MAX!!!
* ...se Melbourne. A 5 hour experience.
* ...make a hattrick in fast food. McDonald's breakfast, Burgerking lunch and KFC dinner. Alina was happy with her sushi, since we were still in Sydney, the sushi capital of OZ.
* ...almost miss our flight to New Zealand. OF COURSE. Don't think we could ever be in good time enough. Things always seem to cross our way and try to destroy our plans.
A random bridge we found....
* ...Learn the fact that a great white shark has the weight of 115 suitcases. Glad I didn't bring mine (10), would cost me a lot in overweight charges at the airpiort. Made the right decision there.
* ...say Good Bye to the country that's been our home for the last 14 months. But don't cry tooo much, we'll see you again in 2 weeks baby!!! :) :) :) :)
The camera is this way...?
Good old pepsi MAX!!!
* ...se Melbourne. A 5 hour experience.
* ...make a hattrick in fast food. McDonald's breakfast, Burgerking lunch and KFC dinner. Alina was happy with her sushi, since we were still in Sydney, the sushi capital of OZ.
* ...almost miss our flight to New Zealand. OF COURSE. Don't think we could ever be in good time enough. Things always seem to cross our way and try to destroy our plans.
A random bridge we found....
* ...Learn the fact that a great white shark has the weight of 115 suitcases. Glad I didn't bring mine (10), would cost me a lot in overweight charges at the airpiort. Made the right decision there.
* ...say Good Bye to the country that's been our home for the last 14 months. But don't cry tooo much, we'll see you again in 2 weeks baby!!! :) :) :) :)
The camera is this way...?
Dear Yasi.
Cyclone Yasi, worst in the history: Due to hit Australia - Queensland tomorrow.
Alina, Harry, Misha, Luke and Zaid: Due to cross the ocean Australia - New Zealand by flight tomorrow.
This could be fun.
Soooo, our first plan for NZ:
(If you're unpatience, just fast-forward half a minute).
AJ Hackett's Nevis Bungy jump, 134 metres, a bit of a backup plan for if I by chance would survive the cyclone.
Alina, Harry, Misha, Luke and Zaid: Due to cross the ocean Australia - New Zealand by flight tomorrow.
This could be fun.
Soooo, our first plan for NZ:
(If you're unpatience, just fast-forward half a minute).
AJ Hackett's Nevis Bungy jump, 134 metres, a bit of a backup plan for if I by chance would survive the cyclone.
Let's go kayaking.
All inclusive - Breakfast, lunch, dinner, board hire, kayak hire and COFFEE! 1 coffee=good, 1 free coffee=even better, so I had 3. Obviously my breakfast took twice as long as everybody else's. And when I was done, all the surf boards were out already, all that was left were kayaks. So the 2 worst geeks grabbed a paddle each and dragged the kayak into the jungle. Got company by 3 sea eagles too, through the whole ride. The huge and hungry pieces of animals were circelling above our heads constantly, probably thought my hair was spaghetti.
The 2 geeky kids found a rope swing made of vine and it was time for a break. Of course.
So, now I've got a complaint to make. WHERE are all the warning signs about the snakes in the river?! Not a single bush man, aboriginal or wild tribe man was polite enough to tell me about them. So, there was blood... But mum, don't worry, I'm sure it's the sun - not the snake bite - that's made me dizzy all day.
Anyway... The river was beautiful as everything surrounding. And here's a LIST (just get used to it) OF ALL ANIMALS WE SAW:
* Crocodile
* Shark
* Eagles
* Lots of fishes
* A spider big as a mud crab
* Parrots
* Don't have imagination enough to make any more up. But the last 4 are true.
End of story.
The 2 geeky kids found a rope swing made of vine and it was time for a break. Of course.
So, now I've got a complaint to make. WHERE are all the warning signs about the snakes in the river?! Not a single bush man, aboriginal or wild tribe man was polite enough to tell me about them. So, there was blood... But mum, don't worry, I'm sure it's the sun - not the snake bite - that's made me dizzy all day.
Anyway... The river was beautiful as everything surrounding. And here's a LIST (just get used to it) OF ALL ANIMALS WE SAW:
* Crocodile
* Shark
* Eagles
* Lots of fishes
* A spider big as a mud crab
* Parrots
* Don't have imagination enough to make any more up. But the last 4 are true.
End of story.
Location: Spot-X, Woogoogla.
Woogoogla. There are 2 cool things about this town:
1. It's got different names each time you try to pronounce it.
2. It's, apparently, the best surf spot in Australia.
We're on surf camp. Camp. CAMP. Not even a shop around. I'm surprised I found a computer out here in the bush. We got driven here by the lamest guy on the East coast and we all wondered why he kept calling our hostel room "a tent". Now we know. Checked in, got showed to our room, our tent. We are living in an indian tipi-tent.
But, all inclusive, the weather is fantastic and the spot itself is amazingly beautiful.
1. It's got different names each time you try to pronounce it.
2. It's, apparently, the best surf spot in Australia.
We're on surf camp. Camp. CAMP. Not even a shop around. I'm surprised I found a computer out here in the bush. We got driven here by the lamest guy on the East coast and we all wondered why he kept calling our hostel room "a tent". Now we know. Checked in, got showed to our room, our tent. We are living in an indian tipi-tent.
But, all inclusive, the weather is fantastic and the spot itself is amazingly beautiful.
Advert of today:
Vaseline cocoa butter tanning lotion.
Get more tanned than ever before.
Get more tanned than ever before.
Resume - Byron
Byron Bay is coming to an end, so this is meant to be some kind of resume - Byron.
We...
* ...put on 5 kilos each. (Our bodies are not used to an actual kitchen anymore).
*...experienced the famous bike taxi. The poor guy had legs like boiled spaghettis and wages as an unemployed. I bet he needed a baskin license for the job too...
* ...had a Swedish movie night. Lisbeth Salander entertained us through 2 whole movies. And, hearing Swedish while reading English subtitle is not to be recommended. C-O-N-F-U-S-I-N-G.
*...rented a bike today, Harry and I. Made it up the hill to Cape Byron Lighthouse. 1 hour pedalling straight up hill in
38 degrees heat and direct sun made me experience muscels in my legs I did not even know they existed (or more likely forgot about after 1 year of hostel life in Cairns). Amazing views up there though and we had a nicelly prepared lunch by the views of the rocks, the ocean, Byron Bay with beaches from up high and hundreds of dolphins coming into the bay. Best view: Alina in her baby bike helmet.
* ...found out that Luke is not anymore the one meant to carry the name "Baby Lamb Bladder". Mum, you would be proud of how much water I drink, non-stop. Been to every single public bathroom in Byron Bay.
We...
* ...put on 5 kilos each. (Our bodies are not used to an actual kitchen anymore).
*...experienced the famous bike taxi. The poor guy had legs like boiled spaghettis and wages as an unemployed. I bet he needed a baskin license for the job too...
* ...had a Swedish movie night. Lisbeth Salander entertained us through 2 whole movies. And, hearing Swedish while reading English subtitle is not to be recommended. C-O-N-F-U-S-I-N-G.
*...rented a bike today, Harry and I. Made it up the hill to Cape Byron Lighthouse. 1 hour pedalling straight up hill in
38 degrees heat and direct sun made me experience muscels in my legs I did not even know they existed (or more likely forgot about after 1 year of hostel life in Cairns). Amazing views up there though and we had a nicelly prepared lunch by the views of the rocks, the ocean, Byron Bay with beaches from up high and hundreds of dolphins coming into the bay. Best view: Alina in her baby bike helmet.
* ...found out that Luke is not anymore the one meant to carry the name "Baby Lamb Bladder". Mum, you would be proud of how much water I drink, non-stop. Been to every single public bathroom in Byron Bay.
We Do Like Travelling.
Just some pics from Surfers Paradise. Almost Back In the Days now, since we started a totally new era in Byron Bay! More photos to come sooooooon!!
The question of today:
WHO SMASHED THE EGG ONTO THE FLOOR IN OUR BATHROOM THIS MORNING??!?!?!
Nobody knows, but I may have a clue...
Poor us...
Obviously our time here in Australia is quite awesome. So to avoid making you all way too jealous, I'll do my best to even all the good out with a new list (lists are fun).
THINGS WE DO NOT LIKE BY TRAVELLING, SO FAR:
* You can find crawling maggotts in the freshly picked macadamia nuts. Take this as a warning, you would probably like to know about this little fact before you crash your first nut, than find it in your 10th one. Do not wanna know how many small creatures that found a new home in my stomach yesterday...
* Instant coffee, lets face it, tastes like fish.
* Cars floating around in the floods are a strange sight. And strange, in the less good way.
* The cute little animals by the beach are apparently called Red belly black snakes, and about the most poisonous in the continent of Australia. Don't really find my baby pets as cute anymore.
* A bumpy day trip with jim's bus is amazingly tireing. Must be the sun.
* Must be hot to wear an afro in this heat. Poor Zaid.
* People on the street keep laughing at me on my daily bike ride. I don't know if it's me on Zaid's BMX or me in the skate helmet... Don't get it, took for granted this was a fully normal morning sight for the people.
* For some reason I constantly have the song "Smelly Cat" stuck in my head. And people in general do not appreciate the quality of my singing. (Pheobe in "Friends" would have done though...)
* I HAVE LOST MY CAMERA :( :( :( :(
THINGS WE DO NOT LIKE BY TRAVELLING, SO FAR:
* You can find crawling maggotts in the freshly picked macadamia nuts. Take this as a warning, you would probably like to know about this little fact before you crash your first nut, than find it in your 10th one. Do not wanna know how many small creatures that found a new home in my stomach yesterday...
* Instant coffee, lets face it, tastes like fish.
* Cars floating around in the floods are a strange sight. And strange, in the less good way.
* The cute little animals by the beach are apparently called Red belly black snakes, and about the most poisonous in the continent of Australia. Don't really find my baby pets as cute anymore.
* A bumpy day trip with jim's bus is amazingly tireing. Must be the sun.
* Must be hot to wear an afro in this heat. Poor Zaid.
* People on the street keep laughing at me on my daily bike ride. I don't know if it's me on Zaid's BMX or me in the skate helmet... Don't get it, took for granted this was a fully normal morning sight for the people.
* For some reason I constantly have the song "Smelly Cat" stuck in my head. And people in general do not appreciate the quality of my singing. (Pheobe in "Friends" would have done though...)
* I HAVE LOST MY CAMERA :( :( :( :(
Master chefs.
We all had pretty much forgotten what a freezer looks like and how an oven works. So, when we realized OUR kitchen actually contains everything you would ever need (even a scale and a mechanic poatoe peeler), we went to Woolworths.
Mission: 1 dinner planned and prepared for everyone one time each this week. I'm not even joking when I tell you the trolley from the supermarket required 2 people to be carried back home. And Wooly's - You will get your trolley back tomorrow, I promise!!
Zaid was first in line and provided us with lovely tacos. For some reason the rules suddenly changed after our first meal; now more every dish has to be a meal belonging to your own nationality. Fun fun fun since we all are from different places. Less fun fun fun since it totally destroyed all about Misha's plans. I mean, he is obviously not from either Thailand or China.
Next in line was Harry. Amazing roast dinner with the best lactose free sauce I've ever had. I'll trick you to give out your secret reciepe.
Well, we all are terrible when it comes to surprises. I couldn't even keep my arriving reunion plans to myself. What am I gonna prepare tonight? Köttbullar?
Mission: 1 dinner planned and prepared for everyone one time each this week. I'm not even joking when I tell you the trolley from the supermarket required 2 people to be carried back home. And Wooly's - You will get your trolley back tomorrow, I promise!!
Zaid was first in line and provided us with lovely tacos. For some reason the rules suddenly changed after our first meal; now more every dish has to be a meal belonging to your own nationality. Fun fun fun since we all are from different places. Less fun fun fun since it totally destroyed all about Misha's plans. I mean, he is obviously not from either Thailand or China.
Next in line was Harry. Amazing roast dinner with the best lactose free sauce I've ever had. I'll trick you to give out your secret reciepe.
Well, we all are terrible when it comes to surprises. I couldn't even keep my arriving reunion plans to myself. What am I gonna prepare tonight? Köttbullar?
Byron bay Baby!
Left Surfers Paradise last night to see what Byron Bay smells like (found every second corner of Surfer stinky...). Back to Greyhound. The bus driver must have wished he was a police officer or at least a night club bouncer, cause relaxed and friendly would be least describing words of this man. Eventually we made it onto the bus with no extra charges (thanks to the charm of our 4 boys).... Well, I guess not many groups join the Greyhound trip with 3 bags each, a bike and 3 guitars though, so maybe fair enough...
Anyway. Made it to Byron, got picked up and checked into our hostel. Weirdest room mates ever, so we went to spend some time at Nick's house. Nice reunion and chill movie night, and not to forget - some abra kadabra kebab on the go back "home". 8 bed dorm, don't even know how to descride the habitants of this room so lets just skip it.
We all agreed at the point of accommodation; An apartment for a week would not harm anyone of us. After 27205 hours walking up and down the streets with 40 kg packing each and after as many checked apartment rentals we found Oasis, Hello beauty!
Our home for a week: 4 star Spa Resort apartment. Seaview, 1 metre deep mattress for everyone, 2 bathrooms and bed rooms, spa, sauna, a PROPER kitchen with DISH WASHER MACHINE, you name it... FOR LESS MONEY PER NIGHT THAN OUR HIPPIE-HIPPIE-HOSTEL!!
Apart from that my body right now is the weakest ever from carrying bags and from total dehydration I'm soooo glad we're here.
Well, except from the fact that both my cameras are chronically damaged, so you will have to read this and imagine the situation yourselves without pictures for the moment.
More update later..
Anyway. Made it to Byron, got picked up and checked into our hostel. Weirdest room mates ever, so we went to spend some time at Nick's house. Nice reunion and chill movie night, and not to forget - some abra kadabra kebab on the go back "home". 8 bed dorm, don't even know how to descride the habitants of this room so lets just skip it.
We all agreed at the point of accommodation; An apartment for a week would not harm anyone of us. After 27205 hours walking up and down the streets with 40 kg packing each and after as many checked apartment rentals we found Oasis, Hello beauty!
Our home for a week: 4 star Spa Resort apartment. Seaview, 1 metre deep mattress for everyone, 2 bathrooms and bed rooms, spa, sauna, a PROPER kitchen with DISH WASHER MACHINE, you name it... FOR LESS MONEY PER NIGHT THAN OUR HIPPIE-HIPPIE-HOSTEL!!
Apart from that my body right now is the weakest ever from carrying bags and from total dehydration I'm soooo glad we're here.
Well, except from the fact that both my cameras are chronically damaged, so you will have to read this and imagine the situation yourselves without pictures for the moment.
More update later..
Back to noodles, canned food and rice cakes.
The goal was to repeat my favorite story, lets call it Fall-asleep-and-miss-the-flight. Amy & Rachel did not like my idea, so 4.15am (15 minutes before my pickup B and after 10 minutes loud door knocking on door #107) I woke up by my human alarms. Thanks.
The lady in the check-in counter at the domestic airport found the result of my super-stress-packed backpack, 27 kg, worth another $30. I did obviously not agree, so another 7 kilos went straight into the bin. She did though let me through with a ridiciously big hand luggage of 10 kg.
Cairns - Brisbane, mixed feelings.
6 hours of 30 kilos carried around made me hungry, but not even McDonalds had any food left after those terrible floodings. Not very happy.
Brisbane - Surfers Paradise, not very sad anymore. Yay, excited.
O'malleys, just arrived in Surfers Paradise.
A lovely reunion with Harry, Luke, Zaid and Misha. I checked into a sweet little room on my own, since their 14-bed dorm mostly was a big mix of 7 different bad smells. We're talking about 14 wet towels in a 30-degree warm room and with no air condition. I like my fan.
Hostel chilling...
We went out to see our dear old friends and collueges Bud & Amy, who nowmore prefer Goldcoast to Cairns. Amy's birthday, karaoke and $3 basics. Most likely a good thing it never became Luke's and Zaid's turn to entre the stage.
Harry, Luke & Bud at Beer Garden.
I guess travelling is all about new experiences, so maybe I shouldn't complain... But to peacefully walk down the street an early morning and nearly get hit in your head by a dead bird was not really included in this experience plan. Even less since it got dropped from nowhere, far from nearest building, and that both head and legs were blown away. Probably one of the most odd things I've ever seen.
Healthy breakdast; noodles and chocolate puffs.
Tonight; off to Byron bay. Plan: See old Nick, surf and chill. It's a hard life we're living.
