When I sat down to read Queen of the Road, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I should have: the cover of the book is quite explicit: Queen of the Road: The True Tale of: 47 States, 22,000 Miles, 200 Shoes, 2 Cats, 1 Poodle, a Husband, and a Bus … Read More
Here is a conversation I had with an Aussie mate the other day: Me: “Do you have a nickel?” Aussie Mate: “A what?” Me: “A nickel”. Aussie Mate: “A what?” Me: “Oh for god’s sake. A nickel! You know – a five-cent piece!” Aussie Mate: “OH! You mean a five-cent … Read More
Sue started traveling solo in America when she dropped out of a chemistry PhD program at the University of Minnesota, packed up her car with camping gear, and hit the road to….somewhere. Her website Road Schooled (since debunked) is about what she has learned on the non-traditional road. Below, please … Read More
This post about Canadian Wild Animals was originally published in 2009, during my first visit back to Canada after two years abroad. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Although my week in nature’s heaven of Muskoka was relaxing, the weather wasn’t exactly co-operative. We had … Read More
Okay, so we weren’t exactly sailing, nor did we go away per se. But we were on the Segwun, nonetheless. Here’s what this historic boat ride is like. This post was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. After arriving in Toronto, … Read More
Although my layover in New York City (on the marathon journey between Australia and Toronto) was a measly two days, I managed to experience a side of New York that I had never experienced before in my half a dozen or so visits: I saw the city as a local. … Read More
Almost five years ago, Dave of The Longest Way Home started traveling the world in search of a place he could call home. His largely overland travels have taken him to a good 17 countries since then. While in Tibet and China, he found himself in the middle of an uprising, … Read More
In my series of posts on Australian expressions and idiosyncrasies, I realize that I have left you, dear readers, sadly in the dark. You see, I have just now unlocked one of the secrets to speaking like an Aussie in no time. In a way it is so simple that … Read More
Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil (better known as Dave and Deb) are an adventure travel couple from Canada. Together they have traveled to over 30 countries on 5 continents; hiking, bicycling, climbing, diving, and trekking their way around the world. Last year, they spent four months on two wheels, doing … Read More
This post about taking the world’s shortest ferry ride was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Mums are the best, and mine is no exception. Upon hearing that I was going to travel up to Toronto from New York City via … Read More
The winter fog rolling through the Australian countryside in Victoria is epic. Check out these pictures of this magical (if not slightly hazardous) wonder.
Australian expressions of pleasure: I love traveling through different English-speaking countries. Although we all speak the same language in that we can (usually) order a burger and fries without much ado, at the same time we really don’t speak the same language. I’ve been baffled by heavily-accented fast-talking Outbackers, confused … Read More
Want to know what the average week looks like for a full-time/long-term/expat traveler? You have come to the right place, my friend. Welcome to the first of what will be a regular week-in-the-life series! First, some background information: There is a lot of mystery around the daily routines of long-term/full-time … Read More
This photo of Snow in Australia was taken yesterday from our backyard…literally. Although I’m a Canadian on a permanent mission to avoid winter, I’ve done a pretty crappy job of it. This post was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. After … Read More
Two cool things happened this week. Winter started, which means we are celebrating one year in Australia. This post was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. A year ago when we arrived in Australia, winter had begun but we were none … Read More
As I was inhaling another of many Australian hamburgers the other day, I realized I was eating a burger that nobody in North America (and other places for that matter) had ever seen the likes of. In explaining to some folks at home in Canada how Australians prefer to eat … Read More
Having recently experienced Easter Down Under here in Australia, I continue to marvel at the little differences that exist between two strikingly similar countries – Canada and Australia. This post was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Although traveling in countries … Read More
“Okay, ready to rappel – I mean abseil,” I say as I prepare to descend a small cliff near the summit of Mt Kosciuszko – Australia’s highest mountain. “That’s okay, say rappel. It’s nice to talk to somebody who actually knows what rappelling is and doesn’t call me a Yank … Read More
The mission: To climb Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko (pronounced kahz-ee-ahz-koh) at 2,228 meters above sea level. The highest peak on the continent. A feat for anybody aiming to climb the highest peaks on each continent. A real notch for the climbing belt, if you ask me. (Sshhh….don’t tell anybody … Read More
After being home for a few days in the wake of a month-long evacuation due to the Victorian bush fires, we hear/smell/feel/see something that makes our hearts sing: rain. It pours overnight, and drizzles through the next few days. Although naysayers worry about erosion and the negative long-term restorative effects … Read More
Anthony Bourdain has long been my hero. So imagine my distress when I learned that he was in the very same small town in Australia as I – and I didn’t know.
In this final entry of my Australian bushfire diary, I return home…to a place I’d only moved into 2 days before the fires.
Two weeks into the Victoria Bush Fires of 2009, I need to get away. Thankfully that chance comes, and I reflect on living in the present moment.
In this busy fire diary, I am heading back into the thick smoke after a brief break in Melbourne. Going back is very difficult.
In this fire diary: The roads are finally open and I take a drive through charred landscapes to visit some friends in Melbourne.
On the 11th day of my Victoria bush fire diary, I start to wonder how long this will last. We are all feeling the effects of fatigue.
We’re still on high alert, but 10 days in, the Victoria bush fire is becoming a norm of sorts. Also a great news story involving goldfish.
In day 9 of my Australian Bush Fire Diary, I check in on the home I’ve been evacuated from. But it’s still not safe to stay there.
We are over a week into the epic Australian bushfire of 2009, and things are unfortunately getting political at the relief warehouse. Also, a dramatic juxtaposition of photos.
On Day 7 of the victorian bushfires, on february 13th, the warehouse we started is filling up with donations from around Australia.
On Day 6 of the Victorian Bushfire of 2009, I stay up all night writing an article for the Toronto Star on a tight deadline, and I’m a mess.
On day five of the 2009 victorian bush fires diary, the warehouse is filling up with donations for fire survivors. It’s heart-warming.
We’re trying to spread some love to the traumatized survivors of the Victorian bush fires. This is Day 4 of my history-making diary.
On day 3 of the Australian bush fire diary, I find myself face to face with the Prime Minister of Australia! I also sleep on a pub floor.
Victorian Bush Fire Diary: Sunday, February 10 th, 2009. Day 2 of a month-long chronicle of living amid the fires whilst evacuated.
On Feb 7th 2009, Australia saw it’s worst natural disaster. I was in the middle of it. Read on for the historic Victorian Bush Fire Diary.
I got what I asked for, in spades. Heat, heat, and even more…heat. Not just heat; I got the 100 year heat wave. This post was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Typically the Legendary Hot Days of more than 40 … Read More
A question asked of me recently by a reader, and possibly especially pertinent now that we are looking at staying in Australia after a year here already, may be: “Are you still a traveler if you’re not actually…traveling?” You may wonder how I can satisfy the title of The Professional … Read More
I would say that our time in Australia is coming to an end and that it is time to move on. But that would be a lie. In fact, quite the opposite: our time in Australia is not coming to an end. But it is still time to move on. … Read More
The meaning of “Fair Dinkum” in Australia is elusive at best. Here is what I learned, along with a whole collection of input from readers.
Today is a total fire bans day. The air is heavy (but not humid) as I step outside from the cool respite of our practically-air-conditioned-it’s-so-cold cottage. I walk into the sunshine, and even at 3pm I immediately feel its rays burning through the first few layers of my skin. Even … Read More
Australians aren’t familiar with Pumpkin Pie. I baked one for everybody I knew; though people were skeptical, it was a hit. Here’s the recipe!
Having grown up with white Christmases in Canada, I wasn’t been feeling Christmas spirit here in Australia. But my first Christmas in Australia turned out pretty well! See also: I’m Dreaming of a Brown Christmas (new lyrics to an old song)And: My Christmas Present to Australia: Pumpkin Pie! (with recipe) … Read More
“You must have a little veggie patch at your place, don’t you? Everybody does,” said one Aussie fellow to me when speaking about the Australian agriculture industry. “Chuck just about anything in the ground, it grows here,” were his wise words to me that day about gardening down under. This … Read More
First off, who the heck is Wilson, why am I at his prom, what on earth is a rosella, and why is it on my freaking head?! Never fear, it will all make sense.
After meeting Bracken our horny and insatiable kangaroo, and feeding the beautiful king parrots here at Kingbilli, we knew we were in the perfect place to become acquainted with native Australian wildlife in ways that most people – even Australians – don’t have a chance to. Such are the benefits … Read More
Your dog just died. “She’ll be right mate,” is the sympathetic response of your Australian friend. Climate change is upon us. The whole country, and in particular the state of Victoria has endured over a decade of drought. “She’ll be right mate,” replies an Aussie as they seem to shrug … Read More
When I initially came to Australia, I thought the rhetoric that Melbourne has four seasons in a day was precisely that: rhetoric. Turns out it’s not that big an exaggeration. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. For more about … Read More
When there’s a redback in your kitchen, it’s something to note. Australians and arachnophobes alike will know what I’m talking about here. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Despite learning the hard way the punch a centipede bite … Read More
There are two specific sports in Australia, the culmination of which grind many places to a total halt, in some cases warranting an all out public holiday: the Melbourne Cup (a horse race, yes a horse race), and the recently held AFL Grand Final. This post was originally published in … Read More
Local Australians tend to view the copious King Parrots with varying degrees of enthusiasm or converse nonchalance. Some people are quite interested to observe them when they land on a stair banister close by. Others don’t even bother to give them a second glance. This post was originally published in … Read More
With a giant hole in the ozone layer above Australia, there is an entirely different approach to spending time in the great outdoors here. One in three people suffers a bout with skin cancer, and evidence of it is common; I see many a reconstructed nose, bits of ears missing, … Read More
Eek! The Australian Huntsman. This post was originally published in 2008, toward the beginning of my 18 time in Australia. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. For a subsequent entertaining incident where I shared my car with an Australian Huntsman for quite some time, check … Read More
Can’t decide if you’re a city person or a country person? Here’s an unbiased analysis of the pros and cons of city live vs country life, after having lived extensively in both. Enjoy!
Our first koala rescue comes as a surprise. At 5:30pm, Georgie (the young and beautiful owner of Kingbilli) knocks on our door. “Any chance you guys would like to help me wrestle a koala out of a tree in Alexandra?” No sooner than the words are out of her mouth … Read More
Spring has sprung in Victoria, Australia, and it’s a grand and beautiful thing. Enjoy these observations (and pics) of the black swans and their chicks!
He is our watch-kangaroo. Our sentinel. And our unrequited lover. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. I wake up bright and early, eager to get some writing done. I poke my head into the kitchen on the way … Read More
Small town life is a creature that lives and breathes; it is a way of life very different (and sometimes challenging) for the urban warrior. Here’s how.
As I mentioned in a previous article, the Llama can be quite stand-offish, and we had a heck of a time getting close to these dears for the longest time. They would eye us wearily as we sidled towards them cooing and clucking in as friendly a way as we … Read More
Bless all the creatures at Kingbilli! From wild to rescued to rehabilitated to domestic, we are not alone. Here are a few of the animals we’ve met so far.
Gotta love Australia. As much as we feel completely at home in this foreign land, every once in a while something happens – somebody says something odd, or we see a strange sign – to remind us that we are still oh so far away from our home country. Although … Read More
“We’ve died and gone to Kingbilli,” I said to Kelly, as we gazed in awe at the place we are to call home for the next six to ten months while we volunteer in trade for free accommodation. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated … Read More
Having come through sub-tropical rainforests, learned to drive on the other side of the road, squished squeaky sand between our toes at beach towns, slept in the chilly high-altitude tablelands, fossicked for treasure in opal mining towns, driven through the great outback, and hiked through yet more national parks, before … Read More
As the road south from the climbing and trekking Mecca of Grampians National Park spilled out onto the ocean a few hours later, we knew our World Nomads Ambassador adventure was coming to an end. But it wasn’t a sad moment, because we plan to go out with a bang, … Read More
This post about Brambuk Cultural Centre was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Being from Canada, we feel right at home in Oz. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Everywhere we turn, we see more and more similarities … Read More
A long blare of a not-too-distant horn echoed throughout Broken Hill around 6:30pm, while we were preparing dinner. Read on to see what this was.
While a title like Royal Flying Doctors might evoke images of yet another hospital trip for Kelly (as happened in Thailand and Hawaii), this story has a much happier ending. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. No, instead, this … Read More
“When I close my eyes, I see opals,” said Kelly, shaking his head.It seems he has a touch of opal fever. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Lightning Ridge and the surrounding areas are famous for its abundance … Read More
“Outback theatre with a twist,” says the flyer for Black Queen, with a picture of an oil lamp and a woman with a mysterious look. I didn’t really anticipate that this opal mining town would exactly have a bustling theatre community, but there it is. This post was originally published … Read More
When we rolled into Lightning Ridge, after a series of unfortunate and displeasing coincidences, we were ready to roll right back out the following day. I was crushed. Luckily things changed, very quickly. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and … Read More
Upon first blush in Lightning Ridge, you may find an opal-mining town with very little to keep you here for more than a day or so. It reeks of an environment trying a touch too hard to be attractive to tourists. The one and only road to leading into and … Read More
“I’m sure I’ll eventually get tired of seeing all these kangaroos, but for now I just can’t get enough of them,” I said, as I apologetically snapped off a few more pictures at one of my many kangaroo photo sessions. It seems that we’ve happened upon a mecca for wildlife … Read More
This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Uralla – a very small town in the New England Tablelands (read: high altitude lands) was a painful shot to our tropical arms whilst traveling around Australia in a campervan for 6 … Read More
This post about deep sea fishing with Ballina and Beyond was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Byron Bay is lovely. It is a surf town full of surf shops, surf food places, surf cafes, and more surf-y stuff. Everything is … Read More
This post about Vision Walks was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. “I hope you don’t mind having a corpse in the back of the van,” Wendy said in her ever-cheerful demeanour. She was loading the body of a pademelon (a … Read More
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 (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
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
(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
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
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
This post about our Hospitality Exchange experiences in Australia was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. For more information about Hospitality Exchanges, check out The Ultimate Guide to Free or Cheap Accommodation Our first week in Australia has been an amazing … Read More
Here is my first experience drinking clean water with the SteriPEN in Asia, and a financial breakdown of how long it took to pay for itself.
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
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
Hospital Update May 30th – GOOD NEWS! Kelly is on the mend. The dengue fever has broken, and the blood tests are starting to move in the right direction. We will be released tomorrow (Saturday), in time to board the train for the 4-day ride to Singapore, with one day … Read More
We sit in the stifling heat, beating off the flies and bees. Cicadas and crickets chirp in the hills all around, and a chorus of laughing children drifts up to us from the valley below. Fields of rice and citrus form the vast expanse in front of us, and the … Read More
Until recently, travelers from all over have hailed Thailand as one of the friendliest places in the world. However I have received increasing reports that Thailand’s tourism industry is eating away at Thai hospitality and the friendly nature of the people and the land. And our first few days in … Read More
I am in the back of a pick-up truck on one of the hottest days I’ve ever endured. I am drenched in sweat, and yet am shivering. I have vomited eight times in the last two hours; behind bushes, in filthy bathrooms, and in plastic bags when no alternatives present … Read More
Thailand(or at least what we have seen of it, being Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and surrounding areas) has a unique character and flavour. And of course, there are a number of idiosyncrasies – large and small – that lend a certain personality to Thailand that makes it what it is. Here’s … Read More
Burma Cyclone Relief Project Update, May 2008: A great big thank you is in order for all your help in our efforts to provide aid in the face of the ongoing suffering, death, and destruction in Burma. We have closed the site to new donations, as we must now get … Read More
Well, we’ve had some crushing blows in the face of all the work we have done over this week on our Burma Cyclone Project to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis, but also amazing victories in the face of it. After networking like mad in a country where we don’t … Read More
It is hard to believe that we have been at this Cyclone relief for Burma project for seven days now. It truly feels like seven weeks. All we can do is remember that our hell is nothing in comparison to the hell that the Burmese victims (who have no shelter, … Read More
This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Although we didn’t personally meet with the Royal Thai Air Force today as hoped, we have received reports that they do not currently have permission to fly into Burma directly from Chiang … Read More
This post about our Burma Fundraising project was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. As the world back home in Canada wakes up to the beginning of a new week, we are winding down on a Monday night. We are very … Read More
This post about our Cyclone Nargis relief efforts was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Click here for the full collection of articles and updates; a story grows to epic proportions. It has been a busy day, and tomorrow promises to be … Read More
This post about our Burma Cyclone Relief project was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. It has been a tiresome 24 hours since my last update here and our idea to deliver aid to the Burmese in whatever grassroots way we … Read More
This inaugural post detailing our efforts to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma (Myanmar) was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Read the full collection of articles here….it takes a bunch of turns you would never anticipate. Hello everyone. I … Read More
I sit at the edge of the bed, in tears. My head is pounding with the likes of a migraine that has not left me in two days. My eyes are closed, and I fear to open them for having to deal with my surroundings; I am in a dingy … Read More
Every trip has its trials. Every adventure its ups and downs. Every crisis an advantage, and every blessing a price. Here in Hawaii we’ve learned just that. This post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Hilo Side On the other … Read More