Month: June 2008

Caravan Culture in Australia

Caravans (meaning trailers in Australian) and caravan parks are everywhere in Oz. Caravan culture is a whole thing, and something entirely new to my Canadian sensibilities. Trailer Parks. Tornado Bait. Trailer Trash. Drunks on welfare raising families of six kids born from three different fathers (or mothers). Lots of stained … Read More

Evans Head: Squeaky Sand and Screaming Trees

Evans Head (about an hour south of Byron Bay) was a surprising treat and a little sample of absolute paradise. Knowing we would be kayaking the following morning on Evans River, we pulled into the nearby caravan park. We were surprised to discover it was completely full, save for a … Read More

Australian Differences

I’m always on the prowl for little differences and idiosyncrasies that add character to a place. And Australia is home to many such charming qualities. I remember reading a book that described Australia as being “almost home” (the author was American). They speak the same language, but with a smaller inset … Read More

Kayaking Evans River, Australia

(This post about kayaking along Evans River in Australia was originally published in 2008. It has been updated for accuracy of links) “Be careful of the crocs,” Sergio says as we steer our kayaks up a small creek deep in the mangroves. “Really? There are crocs here? Cool!” I say, … Read More

Arts and (ahem) Culture in Nimbin

Here’s how Lonely Planet primed us for the town of Nimbin: Landing in Nimbin can be like entering a social experiment, particularly at noon, when Byron day-trippers arrive en masse and find themselves hectored by dreadlocked, tie-dyed pot dealers on the main street. This is the stereotype, of course (not … Read More

Springbrook National Park

This post about Springbrook National Park was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. While walking through a dense sub-tropical rainforest in Springbrook National Park: Nora: I wonder how many snakes are in this park. Kelly: Don’t be silly. It’s winter. They’re … Read More

Singapore in a Day

Sadly due to Dengue Fever getting in our way (!), we only had one full day to spend in Singapore between the four-day train ride from Chiang Mai and our flights to Australia. Interestingly, we weren’t sure if this was a curse or a blessing; it appears that people either … Read More

Eating in Asia

After six weeks of solid eating in Asia, we satisfied our hunger for Asian food to be sure! Satisfied it, and then some. Here are some highlights (and otherwise) of our culinary adventures: This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and … Read More