Lloyd Goes Global!!

Saturday, 12 August 2006

Location: San Francisco, USA

Here it is then, the last diary entry…

I left you as we were about to fly to the States where we arrived safely in LA and promptly made our way to Hollywood, which would be our home while in town.
We went for an explore on Hollywood Blvd and par took in that all American past time - Eating! I got myself a huge burger, which was the first for a while. That night we got talked into going on a bar crawl with the hostel. We went to six bars around Hollywood and met some strange characters. One being an ex-gang member from Compton. Possibly the oddest conversation I’ve had in a take-away at 2am!
The next day we took a city tour through Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Mulholland drive to name a few. We then went back to Hollywood to see the Barcelona football team who were there doing some promo thing. Ronaldhino got absolutely swapped by fans.
Another night out. This time we ventured to Sunset Blvd to a famous bar called ‘Rainbow’. We didn’t bump into any celebs, just some drunk American’s. Next morning was a quick visit to Venice beach and then it was off to Vegas!

We got to Vegas after a 5 hour drive through the Mojave Desert. Our first view of the city was from about 20 miles away! As we approached the enormity of it became apparent. We turned on to the strip and were faced with the first huge hotels. The MGM grand, New York New York and the Bellagio to name a few. In the day it all looked like a big film set but at night however, it really is a sight to be hold. Like no other place I’ve ever seen. We took a walk up the strip from our hotel that was the Sahara and looked around some of the famous casinos. After losing $20 on roulette I decided that was it for gambling.
The following day was spent doing much the same. The hotels there are so big you could spend weeks walking around and you still wouldn’t see them all. We went on the NY NY roller coaster and watched the fountains at the Bellagio, which were pretty impressive.
It was then time to see what natural beauty America had to offer.

We set off at the ridiculous time of 6am towards the Hoover damn and the Arizona state line. 3 hours later we jumped off the bus with about 500 other people. A short walk and there it was in all is gigantic splendor!
The Grand Canyon has a lot to live up to being the number one tourist destination in the world. If I’m honest it didn’t blow me away quite as much as I thought it would but I think that is because it is just so big that it takes a while to sink in. Either that or the throngs of Japanese tourists detract from its beauty some what. But it really is a wonder and deserves its place in the top 7.
After a very long day it was apparent that it was Bernard + Lloyd’s last night together as I was heading for Yosemite and Dan to visit some relatives in Salt Lake City. Feeling very tired we didn’t let our old age get the better of us and headed to ‘Studio 54’ in the MGM. I’ll be honest (again). It could have been any nightclub with the added extra of people dancing on the walls!! A few beers and a dance and that was it for the Bernard + Lloyd show. Great memories Dr Byrne!

So, off I went towards Yosemite national park. Well, I say towards, I took a bit of detour through Death Valley, which was an amazing place. Also the hottest place I have ever experienced. Being out of the car for longer than 5 minutes was unbearable. Still, glad I made the trip. After a monster 9 hour drive I finally arrived at Yosemite, or just outside where my hostel was. Once again I was faced with the news that I had to be up at 5.30am as the road into the park only opens for a short period of time at 6! Just what I needed after a massive drive and very little sleep the previous two nights. However I am very glad I did get up.
I set off in to the park where I found my self pretty much on my own. It was great as there were no annoying tourists around with there screaming kids. I did a trek where I literally saw about 3 people. It was stunning and easily one of the favourite places I’ve visited. As the crowds arrived I took that as my que to set off to my final destination and the place you find me now. San Francisco!

I was really looking forward to getting here and it has been a city I’ve always wanted to visit. It really is a cool city. I’ve spent the past couple of days exploring and I do love it here. It is very different to LA and New York. Even the most normal residential streets are interesting and it’s an awesome place to take pictures. I just wish I had more time.
Yesterday I visited the world’s windiest street and looked around Fisherman’s Wharf. It was then time to have a look round ‘The Rock’ or Alcatraz as you may know it. The tour was top draw and gave a really good sense of what it would have been like to be locked up there.
Today I hired a bike and cycled across the Golden Gate bridge before doing some last minute shopping and trying some world famous Cheese Cake. A nice way to spend the last day of my trip. I’m just about to take myself out for a final meal in North Beach, which is the Italian district and maybe see what mischief I can get myself into in my final 12 hours…

So, here I am at the end of the road. A journey that has lasted 9 and half months and taken me to 8 countries across 3 continents. From elephant trekking in North Thailand, Hiking on a glacier in New Zealand to the Las Vegas strip. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some of the most amazing places and had some truly unforgettable experiences.
You tend to get used to seeing places of absolute beauty and every now and then need to remind yourself how lucky you are to be there. At times on this trip I’ve had an enormous sense of gratitude and to anyone with even the tinniest spark of interest in travelling I say to you – Just go! You will never regret it.

It’s not all about the places I’ve visited though. The people you meet and share it with are just as important. I have been lucky enough to have those in abundance. In particular I’d like to thank again a few young ladies who have now become great friends. Kate, Becki, Anne, Kim and Linda and of course one very special lady - Miss Sarah Bates.
I of course cannot forget my two intrepid traveling companions. The original Ross Bird, two words Mr Bird ‘Mushroom Mountain’. And the one and only Bernard, Aka Danny Byrne. To quote your self Mr Byrne, ”it’s been emotional”

I guess that just leaves me to say thank you very much to everyone who has taken the time to read my entries and look at my photos. I hope I’ve not bored you too much and did the places I was writing about and photographing the justice they deserved.

So, for the very last time…

Take care and see you soon
Matt

Thursday, 03 August 2006

Location: Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Hello again,

We arrived in Nadi, Fiji around 6pm to be greeted by a band singing traditional songs in the terminal. The nicest arrival I've ever had in an airport! We made our way to our resort, had a bite and got ourselves to bed as we had and early bus and boat to catch.
Our next destination was Beachcomber Island which is known as the 'Party' island. First impressions were pretty good and it didn't resemble a 18-30's resort which we were relieved about. It did have the largest dorm I've ever stayed in though with 110 beds!! No wonder we made friends pretty quickly!
We spent the day sunbathing and generally adjusting to the Fijian life style which moves pretty slowly. I have to say I was loving it after the busyness of NZ. That night we ate dinner and proceeded to get drunk with all of the people we'd met that day. We also had our first taste of 'Cava'. A traditional beverage made from the root of a pepper plant and if drunk in excess can cause hallucinations. I had 5 bowls, Dan had 6 but I think we were already to drunk to notice and effect. A bit of limbo dancing, some falling over and we were done. A very good night!

The following day we went on a 'Seafari' (Not my word) to a native island which was excellent. We visited a local village where we were given a welcoming Cava ceremony (just the one bowl this time). We then visited the local school where we were introduced to the head master who spoke to us about the school, the village and the education system in Fiji. It was a really worth while experience and put alot of things into perspective about the value of material things. I've never seen a happier bunch of kids and they had so little. A particularly poignant moment was when I showed them a picture of them selves on my camera. There excitement was amazing and will stay with me forever.
We finished the trip off with a visit to the island where the film 'Cast Away" was shot. It is uninhabited so gave you a real sense of isolation.
The next two days were spent on an Island further north called Naviti. If I thought Beachcomber was chilled nothing prepared me for the peace and tranquillity of our next resort. We were welcomed from our boat by all of the staff singing to us as we walked up the stunning beach. They handed us a coconut with a straw and we said "Bula" (Welcome) to our host's for the next two days. Another day of sunbathing and generally doing nothing and it was time for dinner. Myself, Dan, Baz and Jamie (two Geordie lads we met on Beachcomber) decided to have a game of poker. Not having any chips we thought we'd use shells instead. So off we went to find as many shells as we could. I'm sure at this point you're probably reading this thinking 'what on earth is he talking about' but there really is nothing do so you have to find ways to amuse your selves. We enjoyed a few beers and a game of shell poker, which I believe I won and went to bed at the crazy time of 10pm!
The following day we went on a snorkeling trip and had a BBQ on on a deserted beach, eating fish that had been caught moments before. Heaven!
All to soon it was time to catch our boat back to Nadi where we met up with Baz and Jamie again. Had a few beers and said our goodbyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Fiji, far more than I thought I would. It's an intriguing country with a rich culture and great people.

Next Stop - Rarotonga which is the largest of 15 islands in the Cook collection.

You know I try to stay positive about places and find the good in any situation. I'll be honest, I'm struggling with our first three days in the Cook Islands.
It started as I sat on the plane in Nadi. An announcement was made they had removed some baggage to allow for more fuel. Great! We thought. I even said to Dan. "I bet yours is still on here and mines been taken off." Low and be hold, I was right. Yep, my backpack jetted back to NZ as I headed for Raro. 24 hours with no clean clothes... Spiffing! We then arrived at our accommodation to find we'd been put in the wrong room. As I was to hacked off and tired to complain we went to bed. I've slept on more comfortable night club speakers than the bed I had that night. To make matters worse I got lost after trying to use the Internet (which was also broken). And to make matters even worse, it was the second time I'd lived that day!! We crossed the international date line on the flight so I got to live the 29th July twice! The first was much better than the second.

The next morning I woke up to the beautiful sound of torrential rain! Luckily I had packed my board shorts in my ruck sack which I sported for the rest of that day. We had nothing to eat, no currency and had no idea where we were. Eventually after getting soaked we found our way into town and a shop. We also found a travel agent to get us the hell out of there.
They checked availability on a flight two days earlier than we were due to leave and it looked promising.
After a couple of days of doing nothing and getting bit by every mosquito on the island we headed to the airport to change our flights. Surprise surprise, there was no room on the earlier flight. That was the final straw! We were moving.
We moved to a much nicer place right on the beach with some cool people staying there. The sun even came out and the day was suddenly getting a lot better. I went out with the guys from our hostel that night. Unfortunately Dan wasn't well so didn't make it. I did however manage to take a dog with me though (too long a story to explain here) It was an interesting night!
Our final couple of days were spent enjoying the sun which had blessed us with it's presence. We also hired bikes and cycled the 32km around the island which was good fun.
When the sun is shining and you have all your luggage Rarotonga is stunning. When it's not you might as well be in Minehead!

At 11.15pm tonight we fly to LA to find our fame and fortune... or maybe just eat fast food. I've been waiting 9 months for a subway (another long story)

So, just one more country to go and it's a pretty big one... It's gonna be a busy 10 days.

Take care
Matt