When will it stop?: Osama bin Laden’s death

Credit: Andy Colwell/AP

The death of terrorist leader, Osama bin Laden, which was announced on May 1st resulted in a flurry of celebration across the country. College students were in the streets like it was Mardi Gras; even the White House had its own shindig. The joyous feeling that accompanies the downfall of a leader who has campaigned for the death of so many Americans is not a surprise, however a grand public display that celebrates the death of another human being is unacceptable and shameful. I’m not saying we should not feel relieved or even joyous at bin Ladens permanent removal from power and his departure from this world. However, I feel that openly celebrating his death with the Star Spangled Banner while chanting “USA” only sends a message to the rest of the world that we, as Americans, celebrate in the death of others which seems to only confirm the extremist beliefs that bin Laden campaigned for to begin with–that Americans are evil.
Perhaps we need to take a step back. Reflect on bin Laden’s death, the wrongful life he lived, and the course of the future of Afghanistan and America. Will it be paved in peace or hate? I certainly hope that in the future, we will be celebrating life… not death.

Camping at Mossyrock, WA

The view from your tip toes

I got a squirt gun and I know how to use it!

Valley of the Orange Peelple

The Great Revival

I know. I thought this blog was dead, too. But, by popular demand… I am bringing it back! The Great Revival is here!!! Just give me a few days… you’ll see.

29 June to 4 July – New Zealand

I will start by stating that Christchurch, the city we landed in, was a bit boring.  We stayed at the Jailhouse hostel, ranked as number 2 in Oceania; how it achieved #2 was beyond me.  I suppose I disliked the place because the room that we stayed in (10 person) had a wood floor.  Why would you put a wood floor in a hostel?  I would wake at 5am from the ‘clop clop clop’ sound of shoes as someone traversed across the room.  We weren’t able to find much of anything in Christchurch, espcially a personality/vibe.  Every great city has one–Melbourne has got that international, indie, alternative vibe and Cairns has the touristy, laid-back waterfront feel… but Christchurch is… well its a bit lame.

Thankfully we weren’t staying long  and were quick to leave.  We went off to the Hanmer Springs for a relaxing time in the rock springs.   When it comes to kicking back, not much can top simmering in a steamy 36C rock pool in the crisp mountains of New Zealand.

We were off to Queenstown the next day, spending most of it on the nakedbus (no nakedness involved. Thats good, right?).  Ah, now Queenstown is the place to be.  It is never hard to find something to do, and theres something for everyone.  It is THE hub, the perfect base-camp, for the great outdoors.  The town is right along lake Wakatipu (I believe thats the name) which is bordered by massive mountains with sheering slopes and snow capped mountains.  While Christchurch has, apparently, a multitude of adult stores and a touristy central square, Queenstown is sporting a plethora of stores packed with outdoor gear, places to book skydiving, jet boating, bungee jumping, hiking, and thensome; not to mention raging nightclubs and pubs all over the place!

Lake Wakatipu

Our first big outing was to the Cordrona peak for a day of snowboarding.  The lessons showed us how to go, stop, and turn.. but after the first two hours I was itching to take the matter into my own hands.  I went for a couple practice runs down the baby slope and decided it was time to hit the big (bigger) one.  I went down the slope with a bit of restraint at first, but eventually I cut loose and really started to shred some powder.  Snowboarding is a lot like surfing and skateboarding, minus the steering (which involves more of a subtle lean and twist than a forceful pull or push) and the work effort (no paddling! hell, you get a chair lift to the top of this monstrous 20 minute snow-wave).  Although, I must confess my body was a bit achey the next morning.  This is something I really want to get into in Washington!

The next morning we strapped into jumpsuits and took a 10 minute plane ride to an altitude of 12000ft before jumping face first towards the solid Earth below.  I was brimming with excitement the entire time up.  The free fall was epic; it started with a mixture of bodily confusion (feeling like ‘where am I?’ and ‘I can’t feel anything except the wind and myself, no floor, no handlebar, nada’). I drunk in the awesome New Zealand scenery like a dry sponge in a billabong; the snowy peaks and vast lakes… absolutely stunning.  It seemed like only a few seconds (they say it was actually 45 sec) before my tandem master pulled the shoot and took me for a spin (literally) down to terra firma.  Quite simply one of the best, and the most unique, experiences of my life.

Another skydiver dropping in

Just as exciting, was the famous burger joint, Fergburger–I could have easily eaten here everyday (we did have a good streak going, too).  We were a bit low on funds so we laid low, fasted on PB, Nuttella and banana sandwiches and explored the trails around Queenstown, many had stunning views.  Before we knew it we were back on the bus to Christchurch and on the plane back to Melbourne.

19 to 23 June, 2009 – Queensland

Queensland.  Warm.  Sunny.  Beaches.

We stayed at the Nomad Serpent hostel, in Cairns, the first couple nights.  It was a lively hostel that had its  computer area and reception desk opened up to the outdoors… clueling newbies in to the fact that this was  a tropical place where snow and freezing winds were unheard of.  Cairns is sort of a beach tourist town, adorned with little beach shops selling stuff from sunscreen to cheasy beach hats and sunnies and even a boardwalk.  Although the boardwalk, I believe, served the more practical purpose of keeping visitors, unfamiliar with the dangers of Australian wildlife, off the crocodile stomping grounds that is the beach.

That Saturday we went on a great adventure with Uncle Brian’s.  Our host, Cousin Rohan, led us as we sang and played games on Gus the Wonderbus, swam in ‘refreshing’ streams and waterfalls, had lunch on the amazing Tablelands, and slid down natural water-formed rockslides (and yes, we were sober the entire time!).  If you want to have a great time while exploring the area around Cairns then you have to check out Uncle Brian’s.

After a couple days of Cairns we were ready to see the real (or ‘real-er’) Queensland, so we hopped in our little purple Daihatsu Charade (nicknamed later as the “Die-Lots-u” after its temperament) and journey north to Cape Tribulation.

There are no powerlines along the road, no sidewalks or houses… just lush, wet, rainforest for miles.  Now picture this rainforest coming right up to an isolated beach… like something out of Jurassic Park.  Now imagine a hostel situated on the cusp of this rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, that opens up to this magnificent beach; that is the Cape Trib Beach House.  The hostel, and any other places that used electiricity in Cape Tribulation, used generators for power and satellite for the internet.

I had to get in a few hours of dozing on this beach… but I had to keep an eye out for any crocodiles, known to use the beach as a highway of sorts, so as you can imagine I didn’t get much of a nap.

We only spotted one croc the entire trip, and it wasn't even real!

I had my hopes up for our first Cape Trib adventure, jungle surfing.  It was described as a tour that takes place as your are suspended and ‘flying’ through the rainforest.  What we got was like  a kids ride down a few ziplines with very little information given regarding the Daintree rainforest; I was disappointed, but it was nothing a little beach relaxation couldn’t fix.

Guys gotta eat

The beach didn't have much of an effect on this crabby fellow

Soon, it was the day we were scheduled to go to the Great Barrier Reef.  Our vessel was departing Port Douglas (1.5 hours south of Cape Trib) at 8:30am.  We got up early only to find that the car battery had died.  It took us an hour to find someone with jumper cables and get the car back to life, but by that time it was already 7 am; there was no way we’d make it in time.  Thankfully, there was another boat, the RumRunner, that was due to set sail to the Great Barrier Reef from, wouldn’t you know, the very beach that we were so familiar with.  Before we knew it we were wading out to a dingy that would take us to the RumRunner and set sail for the reef.  The day really turned up.  I went scuba diving for the first time, which was great fun, and spotted a few sea critters–a turtle, sting ray, a giant clam the size of a… fire hydrant.. and (you guessed it) fish. The day ended with the sun peaking through the clouds, cool wind against the sails  and us sipping white wine from a crystal glass; pure magic.

"We're on a boat!"

We stopped by a few beaches on our way back to Cairns and a great waterfall.  What an awesome trip.

A great place to chill and have a swim

14-19 April – Easter Break in Tasmania

Okay, this trip was a blast.

Day 1. It started off a bit slow, when Tiger Airways (serious discount airline) delayed the flight and a 2 hours trip turned into a 7 hour quest–but still good fun!  The first night, we lodged at the Iluka Holiday Centre in Coles Bay.  I was expecting a cabin, you know the ones with, well, nothing.  What we got hardly a cabin, but rather a pimped out, rockin’, awesome house–yeah! it had a shower, toilet, sink, heater, couches, TV..the works.  I would have been content staying there the entire trip, especially since a gorgeous pristine beach lay not more than 100 yards away (yes I swam in it, and yes it was  ice water).

Day 2.  The trek to Wineglass bay (above) was great fun.  Especially jumping into the freezing waters in nothing but your bibbadees (Hawaii slang for underpants, stay with me people).

This cute little wallaby was hopping around the beach–probably in hopes of stealing a bite of our lunch.

The water may look warm and inviting in this picture (above), but beware… it is fiercely chilly and apparently has some tiny little stinging jelly (thankfully I didn’t find out firsthand).  After a good game of ultimate frisby the rain clouds moved in and it did their thing.  It was time trek back to the bus and move on to Port Aurther where we stayed at a quaint little place called Fish Lips.  The ghost tour that night wasn’t half bad, either.

Day 3.  Theres no better way to begin the day than with a polar bear swim at Port Aurther.  I thought Wineglass Bay was cold, but this water blew it away.  We went to see some Tasmanian Devils at a nearby conservatory.

They may not look very terrifying, but believe me you do not want to get between these guys and a meal (lest you become one).

Time for a cruise to the Isle of the Dead (seen below) at Port Aurther.  This famed island was where not only the wealthy were buried, but also paupers and convicts–each with their own tale to tell, if you will only listen.

Of course, I did not take any photos on the actual island.

These ruins (above) housed the convicts that were jailed at Port Aurther.

Day 4.  Chocolate, Fruits, and Wine–what a day!

Perhaps you have heard of the famous Cadbury chocolate company?  Well, it was actually founded right in Tasmania… or was it England? I should have payed more attention during the orientation video.  Regardless of where they started, here they were… making delicious chocolates, giving tours to people who like chocolate, and selling chocolate for slightly cheaper than the local Safeway–whats not to like?  Yes, they even had a gift shop.

After all that chocolate, I knew it was time for something healthier–a glass of milk would definately do, but a good apple and a few strawberries will also suffice.  It was hard not to take a bite out of the fruit whilst picking them, so I made it easier for myself and didn’t resist a bit.

So what could possibly make the day complete? You got it, wine tasting at a beautiful Tasmanian vineyard.  Apparently, the correct way to taste wine was to hold it to the light, swirl it round a bit, give a wiff, sip it with a bit of air and if you like… spit.  Of course, I didn’t spit… I couldn’t let such fine wines go to waste!

Day 5.  The Salamanca Markets and Hobart Aquatic Center

A day at the market=a great day.  The place was packed with great food, wares, and entertainment.  I had to walk the whole thing twice.  Heather and I later went to the Hobart Aquatic Center for a good swim, splash, slide, and steam n’ sweat.

Day 6.  River Rafting!

Yeah, it was my first time river rafting.  Wet suit, polar fleece, wet boots, jacket, helmet, and life jacket–I felt like I could of been thrown off of a 50 foot building and been just fine.

(Picture below by Heather)

This was most definately the highlight of the trip–sure it wasn’t too difficult (a rapids rating of 2 out of 7, I think), but it was a great introduction.  And when the river went flat and peaceful, each raft whipped out their bucket and the water wars began.  We had a nice lunch along the river and after some raft wrestling, bucket sabotage, and some rough-housing it was time to dry up and head to the airport.

Best Easter break ever.

10-13 April – Easter Break in Sydney

The XPT train to Sydney departed Southern Cross Station in Melbourne at 8am and we arrived in Sydney Central Station at 7pm,  the train ride was 11 hours long.  Thankfully it was far more comfortable than an airplane (more leg space!).  Since the ride was during the day, we had the opportunity to see all of Australia on the way to Sydney.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to see… vast plains, some trees,  and many cattle farms.

The glorious Sydney Harbor Bridge looms above us.  It is a mighty structure boasting bolts as large as my head which anchor down an extraordinarily large mass of solid steel.  We had planned to climb the beast (you can actually see some people atop it in the photo between the two flags), but unfortunately the it was raining pretty hard and a few of us were unwilling to pay the steep fee of $190 AUSD to climb in the wet.

Not too far away was the famous Sydney Opera House, an international icon.  It was a marvel to behold and much larger than I had envisioned.  It is truely unlike any other structure in the world.

As for the city central… I must admit, I am a far greater fan of Melbourne.  Sydney is to Seattle, as Melbourne is to Portland.  And I love Portland (just don’t tell my Washingtonian buds).  Sydney is a city–when you’re walking around in the city central you get the vibe that the hustle and bustle, move it or lose it mentality is very prevalent.  Melbourne has a more relaxed feel.  Did I mention that the public transportation is lacking?  Where are the trams?  I only spent three days in Sydney…perhaps that is not enough to constitute a valid arguement of the superiority of Melbourne over Sydney (there, I said it).

27 to 29 March – Grampians

The drive to the Grampians took about 4 hours.  Here is the sun beginning to set on a vast Australian plain.

Halls Gap was a little town in the Grampians.  There was a very useful information center, which basically became our HQ for planning our treks–and getting some morning coffee.

These wild cockatoos were in Halls Gap apparently foraging by digging holes in the ground with their beaks.

The Venus springs shown above was, well, it wasn’t what I was expecting a spring to look like.  Much of the water was stagnant, but I could see that if it rained there would be a substantial river.

Our 12 km trek to the pinnacle was nothing short of epic.  The rock formations were pretty amazing and the terrain, unforgiving.

We came across this little cave, called Echo Cave–I’m not sure why as it surely didn’t echo.  It was fun to crawl about inside, feeling almost as if the Earth was swallowing you whole.

This neat footpath was named Silent Street, most likely because when you walked within this crevasse it was… well, silent (aside from the conversations of the tourists walking in front of you).

Our final destination on the 12 km trek–the Pinnacle, complete with a breathtaking view and a very steep drop off.

These roos were all about parking lot and were hardly shy.

Our contraption consisting of two fastened wires, designed to free our car keys from the boot (trunk) of the car, where they were inadvertently locked the night before.  Fortunately the passenger window had been left open about half an inch allowing us to slide this wire in.  2 hours and 6 or so car alarms later the keys were freed, and we rejoiced.

The Balaconies are a very famous part of the Grampians.  Although it may look like we climbed to the top of the world to get here, the parking lot was actually a short 5 min. walk away.  Now thats backpack’n!

A very cool aboriginal painting.

Brighton Beach

Photos of the Uni