Hi, Mrs Wolf and I have been back a few days now and are slowly getting back into the routine of work, freezing temperatures & stress.
Our trip didn't go without problems, getting searched at Manchester airport, getting picked out by a drugs dog in Brisbane and getting explosive tested in Cairns, if I didn't know better I'd suspect someone at work had set me up! :mfr_lol:
I've entitled this thread touring Oz on a budget simply because due to a major :censored: up by our bank, for the entire duration of our stay in Oz we had no money. I kid you not, not one single cent. :embarrassed:
We started with three days in Singapore staying at the Grand Hyatt just off Orchard Road. Wev'e been to Singapore twice before and for anyone who has never been, it is a beautiful country with some of the most courteous and lovely residents I have ever come across. Temperatures were high 80's and occasionally into the 90's with energy sapping humidity, just how I like it.
The entrance to our hotel. The staff were very attentive and were constantly on the go, opening doors, calling taxis over, non stop activity.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2675.jpg)
Our hotel pool on the fifth floor of a sixteenth floor building.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2660.jpg)
Despite the heat and even at the hottest time of the day this was a common site.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2634.jpg)
The shopping centres were very elegant.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2607.jpg)
The prices in the Ferrari shop were a concern.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2608.jpg)
I've no idea what this was.....a paper weight? Who knows but it was impressive.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2605.jpg)
The hotel in the sky
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2604.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2491.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2481.jpg)
The Merlion
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2474.jpg)
A pleaseant night time walk by Singapore River revealed many sculptures.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2467.jpg)
A photographers delight if you have a few spare dollars. I sent this pic to Rusty and I'm sure he started drooling.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2615.jpg)
Eating out was cheap, but drinks, holy cow, very expensive!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2624.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2627.jpg)
The world famous Raffles Hotel.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2354.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2356.jpg)
Plenty of bikes, but didnt see any GTR's.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2359.jpg)
An alternative mode of transport was available.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2320.jpg)
Who says romance is dead.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2352.jpg)
Creations like this were in abundance.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2319.jpg)
We visited the Gardens by the Bay which is a popular attraction and full of exotic plants and beautiful gardens.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2528.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2536.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2530.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2534.jpg)
I think this chap was confused and thought he ought to be clearing up after the elephants.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2567.jpg)
From Singapore we moved on to Brisbane to stay with family, which was very lucky considering we had no money.
We visited the Australian Zoo made famous by the late Steve Irwin.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2685.jpg)
The nugget on the next picture is of course me.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2912.jpg)
We did a couple of shows within the zoo which were very interesting.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2760.jpg)
Some sort of eagle..... :whistling: no honest I was listening, I've just forgotten.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2773.jpg)
And of course the visit wouldn't have been complete without visiting the koalas.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2839.jpg)
We had a trip into Brisbane one evening to visit the markets down by the river.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2937.jpg)
I was confronted by this crazy female wearing a horses head, any Australians care to explain what this was about?
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_2946.jpg)
We visited a town called Sandgate, a ten minute drive from my Sisters. Loveley beaches and plenty of sporting activities.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3719.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3724.jpg)
BBQ's are common in many public parks and are free to use.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3707.jpg)
The beaches were appealing but be careful if you enter the water.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3673.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3669.jpg)
Me again, cooling my feet down.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3655.jpg)
We also visited a place called Scarborough near Brisbane where I sampled something called Flake which is shark, quite good it was too. Although you dont get much for your money.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3625.jpg)
Thankfully before we arrived in Oz we booked and paid for flights and accomodation in Cairns for a week with my Sister and her husband. The accomodation was quite decent, a set of apartments within a gated community. Clean and adequate for a short break and a good base which was fairly central to most things in Cairns.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSCN1120.jpg)
We visited Tjapukai, an Aboriginal cultural park. Not my cup of tea as it was too commercialised but still a fun day out.
My Sister demonstrating how to throw a boomerang.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3268.jpg)
To the side of the Aboriginal park was a Skyrail which took you up to a place called Kuranda. Kuranda is best described as a small community which appeared to depend on tourism as its main income high up in the mountains and although it is accessible by road, without a doubt the most breathtaking way to travel there was by Skyrail and then return on the Kuranda scenic railway.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3315.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/109_0627.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3398.jpg)
I dont agree with selling pelts like this or other animal/reptile souviners but I appreciate that it goes on everywhere especially for the tourist brigade. Killing crocs is supposed to be an offence but nevertheless there appeared to be a plentiful supply of stock. I was advised by the seller that their stock only consists of parts of crocs found dead due to natural causes. I'd like to see the business plan for that venture. :mfr_lol:
I forget exactly how much one shop was selling croc teeth for but it was about £200 each.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3385.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3386.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3387.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3431.jpg)
Not forgetting this is a bike forum, I hunted one out....
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3381.jpg)
I see a business opportunity for a car wash.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3389.jpg)
Oh and this was sweet...... :whistling: Which model of Vauxhall Astra is this then, the 1.2 or 1.4 diesel. Neither I'm told its the 6.2 V8. I doubt thats the case but it still looks better than what we have.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3390.jpg)
Oh, almost forgot to show you some of the local entertainment.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3384.jpg)
While we were in Scarborough eating shark we came across a gathering of witches....as you do!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3623.jpg)
I'd always wanted to have a go at snorkelling and where better to do it than on the Great Barrier Reef. :clap:
Now I soon discovered that this isnt as easy as it sounds and I discovered to my peril that the sea water there is exceptionally salty.
We went with a company called Quicksilver. A full days tour, diving, food and travel all thrown in. A terrific experience. (if you can swim).
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3459.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3549.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3567.jpg)
I soon discovered that there was more to the art of snorkelling than just putting one on. :whistling:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3542.jpg)
The bafoon dressed like a giant seal waiting to be attacked by a shark is of course yours truly.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSCN1022.jpg)
I decided to leave the swimming to those more able......... :yes:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3475.jpg)
Whilst up in Cairns we visited a location called Palm Cove.
Lovely beaches, reminded me of Bridlington...NOT
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3297.jpg)
Cafes a plenty.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3307.jpg)
Back in Cairns, every mans dream? A drive in bottleshop.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3194.jpg)
Scooter hire, not for me though, far too fast eh Dave?
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3198.jpg)
My sister paid for all four of us to go away for a couple of days to Caloundra, well she had to as I had no money. This was approximately an hours drive from Brisbane. A coastal town, quite lively and with the clearest water I've seen, well probably forever.
Some lovely bikes being displayed on the front.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3049.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3047.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3048.jpg)
Some better than others...... :popcorn:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3018.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3029.jpg)
Everybody just chilling out.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3114.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3109.jpg)
A majestic sight, so graceful.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3098.jpg)
It must be a hard life! :mfr_lol:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3083.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3046.jpg)
Ouch! Now thats going to hurt. :nono:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3205.jpg)
Even by night it was beautiful.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/DSC_3010.jpg)
So there you have it. A small taster of my trip to Singapore & Oz. I dont think Asif would appreciate me uploading all my pics :whistling: so I'll leave it at that.....possibly!
fabulous pictures, i like the sculptures and my wife loves the elephants
Quote from: viper on November 06, 2012, 10:32:56 PM
fabulous pictures, i like the sculptures and my wife loves the elephants
Keep watching, I'm updating the thread as we speak. Glad you like it. :clap:
A few extra which might be of interest to the Vipers.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2653.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2648.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2637.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2568.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2565.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2540.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2539.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2522.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2517.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2516.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Australia%202012/Australia%20Part%20two/DSC_2318.jpg)
OMG, Steve, you have truly excelled yourself this time..what absolutely fantastic pictures, I'll be showing Gill you never know we could visit Oz sometime, I would love to go
Thanks so much for sharing and keep updating :clap: :clap: :clap:
I enjoyed looking through those, thanks Steve. :goodpost:
It must have been a complete PITA having no money :sad: .
Kevin
Kevin, having no money is not a pleasant experience! :mfr_lol:
Our bank, Natwest have admitted liability and are thinking of numbers to throw our way as we speak.
Nice pics, Steve.
But that police car is obviously a Holden not a Vauxhall. :oops:
Quote from: mecki on November 07, 2012, 03:50:39 PM
But that police car is obviously a Holden not a Vauxhall. :oops:
:agree: :yes:
Fantastic pictures Lonewolf, would love to visit Singapore myself but can't see the funds ever allowing it.. appreciated the tour though... :clap:
Quote from: deb3km on November 07, 2012, 04:20:05 PM
:agree: :yes:
Mecki, I didnt think it was a Vauxhall, I was just being daft saying we get shitty 1.2 diesel Astra's and they get 5.7 or 6.2 litre beasts.
Quote from: alibx11 on November 07, 2012, 04:27:20 PM
Fantastic pictures Lonewolf, would love to visit Singapore myself but can't see the funds ever allowing it.. appreciated the tour though... :clap:
You'd be suprised just how cheap it is in Singapore.
Quote from: Lonewolf on November 07, 2012, 05:40:37 PM
You'd be suprised just how cheap it is in Singapore.
Must be cheap if you didnt have any money :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Lonewolf on November 07, 2012, 05:40:37 PM
You'd be suprised just how cheap it is in Singapore.
FM I just looked up holiday costs there.. :sweatdrop: ... might be cheap once you get there... not cheap to go though.. another thing on my lottery win wish list...
a few extra which might be of interest to the Vipers.
wow , thanks. The sculptures are amazing and some are very clever,id of been there for hours, your camera must be nifty bit of kit .
:clap: :clap: :clap:
Debs, we had Singapore dollars but the Australian dollars we were having placed into an Aussie account. Or at least that was the plan. None of it arrived despite our bank having multiple attempts.
wish i could have holidays like that with no money :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Lonewolf on November 07, 2012, 07:59:33 PM
Debs, we had Singapore dollars but the Australian dollars we were having placed into an Aussie account. Or at least that was the plan. None of it arrived despite our bank having multiple attempts.
The experienced globetrotter uses plastic (debit card) and a hole-in-the-wall to withdraw cash (i.e £300 at a time). :yes:
You will find you get a better exchange rate and the fees are lower than transferring money into a foreign account or buying foreign currency.
Travellers cheques are another option if you don't feel comfortable with cash in your pocket. Especially in Singapore you can then haggle the exchange rate as well. :banana:
Mecki I purposely didn't take my credit/debit cards because the costs were avoidable by having cold hard cash......or that was the theory. Live and learn, sent some money out to family who I borrowed from via PayPal when we got back it was there within two hours.
Steve .... of course nothing less than EPIC pictures and commentary .... still waiting for my lens to arrive !!! :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
It truly looked as if it all added up to what you had expected ... even without any money that must have been a great great trip.
Now .. when are you back to work ??? :mfr_lol:
Back tomorrow on earlies :sad:
Welcome back Steve. Truly professional looking photos there; you're waisted on the streets of Bradford. We're away to Malaysia in Jan but I doubt I can even partly match your imagery skills. I'll see how it goes. As for overseas payments, we have one of those nationwide credit cards and their exchange rates are always better than any other local rate.
Hope you get a bit of compensation for the stress. You could maybe change the bike for a better green one :mfr_lol:
Andy, hi. I've only ever heard about your bike, never actually seen it.....does it actually exist?
I'm sure you'll enjoy Malaysia, I think thats where Asif went very recently.