Dune Buggy

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The UAE consists of 7 Emirates (these are pretty much like States) and is just a short flight South of war-torn Iraq… though in saying that – it’s across a Gulf and there is no such trouble here. Dubai is a growing city – and growing fast. The Arabs are very keen not to be outdone by any other city and will basically stop at nothing to get one over on old New York, London, Sydney or Tokyo; the new ‘world’s tallest building’ is on it’s way up right now.

As I rode a cab ride from the airport to my friend Kats parents house, the citys skyline imposes itself on you – twinkling lights shining out from as many ‘in-construction’ skyscrapers as complete ones. Aside from very regular 30+ temps, Dubai’s got a heck of a lot that I'd never realised; Beachs, Advanced Sporting Facilities, Museums, Big Malls, Many tourist attractions, a huge club scene – as well as the stuff I did realise; sand, very plush hotels and one of the worlds most advanced indoor snowdomes.

After an evening settling after the flight with a BBQ and drinks, Monday gave me a jam packed day of fun. First off, I got to dust off ‘The Stud’ at ‘Ski Dubai’s’ 400metres of two slopes (one regular and one expert) with Kat. Perfectly groomed, no ice, a café half way down the slope, a quad seat chair lift as well as the enormous luxury Mall of Emirates underneath and sideways-on to the huge dome complex – so big it has aircraft warning lights fitted to the roof and a multi-story car park - underneath.

I started with a slightly shaky first run, but then started to gain my ‘snowfeet’. Riding my own board and gear for the first time since April 05 felt extremely satisfying! The two slopes off have several natural humps and bumps that you can pop the board off, with long landing zones – surprisingly empty at most times of my session. I think I needn’t say much more about how much I enjoyed this, since it is after all, snowboarding; my favourite past-time.

After this we met with Kats family for some traditional Dubai Kebabs followed by some ice cream, that, once I’d finished made me feel a little sick – though only due to the quantity I ate. However, the feeling of sickness would last well through the afternoon.

Arabian Nights Tours picked us up for the desert safari tour; a Toyota Landcruiser, the vehicle of choice. We arrived at ‘Big Red’, a huge mountainous looking sand-dune where some of the air pressure was let out of the cars tyres. Then, BAM! What I thought would be just another 4x4 sand dune tour; our driver, who never actually introduced himself (I’ll call him Ali for arguments sake) was possessed by Satan himself. The cars front wheels literally leaving the sand on one occasion, sliding sideways with the cars axis well off and near-misses of other tour cars quickly becoming the norm. As fun as it was (I do still have a grin on my face writing this), I was actually more scared at moments of this ride, that at any point of my skydive back in August. As we finished up with the scary stuff, the red Sun set over the dessert… but not completely before we had to pull another tour car out of a tight situation.

A quick visit to a camel farm, and then onto an almost traditional market where we could fulfil all our Arabian dreams… except maybe flying a magic carpet or finding a genie in a lamp. The site offers the guest the chance to drink Arabian coffee, smoke Shiesh (Apple, Pear or Orange flavour tobacco) through a large water bong, get Henna, ride a camel, dress up like an Arabian, eat traditional food, watch and take part in a belly dancing show and of course, buy souvenirs. Aside from the last option, we did the lot – my henna experience was a little disappointing though, I asked for a star – thinking I’d get an emo inspired design. What I got was a quick entrance to the witching club on my left ankle (I’m pretty sure the woman doing it wasn’t the spawn of the devil though). I guess I should’ve just gone for ‘Love’ & ‘Hate’ on my knuckles instead…

After digging the other tour car out delaying us, we got back home pretty late after the tour, and with an early flight for me the next morning, we had to leave the club-night till another day.

I packed up my snowboard, clothes, plus new & old backpack contents and said my thanks & goodbyes. As I got a taxi back to the airport, I got to see much of the city for the first time in daylight, and I have to give the Arabians credit for city beautification. Considering the task, so many streets are lined with grass & flowers, with monstrous skyscrapers standing like giants. One road has nothing but two parallel rows of skyscrapers – which almost look as if a set square was used to get them so straight and orderly. I would really recommend Dubai, I’ll definitely return some day to try out all the other stuff on offer like the 7* Burg hotel at around £1000 per night… well, maybe.

Pretty soon, I was back where I’ve been on average once every 2 weeks for a little over a year – flight no.28 in 54 weeks – and this was the longest one too.
I’m beginning to believe in air-karma. On my flight to Dubai I got the typically worst seat on an airplane – in the middle of 3 people, with the seat in front constantly reclined for my discomfort! This time I got lucky seat 25A – the one at the front of the economy rows with all the leg room and a much better tv screen – as well as the window seat without the inconvenience of having to move the person next to you each time you want to get up. 15 hours later, plus another 6hours ahead in international time zones, I landed back in Sydney at sunrise Wednesday, jumped straight in a cab and headed for my new home. Randwick is the next town inland from the beach town I stayed at last time; Coogee, so it’s an area I’m already more than familiar with.

Inbetween Days

I've learned a lot in a year. Thankfully, I learned from my last big exit from the UK, to get certain stuff done in plenty of time to keep stress levels down around the final evening and morning of the flight. With all my packing complete, I just had odds and ends to organise on my final Saturday evening.

I visited Lakeside & Grays, where the Christmas shopping public was out making the roads and the shopping experience the pits! I was glad to be outta there. A quick visit to say g’bye to the Norringtons, then I was like Chris Rea – ‘Drivin’ home for Christmas’! I arrived home for dinner with my family and unexpectedly, it was Christmas dinner with festive trimmings to make up for this, my 2nd consecutive Christmas away from home. Thanks mum!! Dad then dug out some old-skool family slides as we drank wine and enjoyed the evening together.

Emotional goodbyes are becoming far too common in my life right now, and saying goodbye to Megan, Sian and Grandma kicked off this trips tearful farewells. In the morning, it was mums turn, as Tim drove dad and I to Gatwick’s North Terminal. A Sausage bap, cup of tea then the three of us were saying good bye too.

Up on Emirates flight EK012, I had a huge and tasty lunch as I worked my way through the movie list on my way to Dubai and my short 1 day stopover before heading back to Sydney.

This is the Land

One Tree Hill - Essex
I couldn't really come home without a trip to the legendary One Tree Hill. Way before someone shamelessly stole its name for a lousy TV show, One Tree Hill could compete with all the worlds major landmarks that you may have seen here on my blog in the past 12 months.

If you come at the right time of year (Spring) you will see a sea of Bluebells, come in the winter, and you might get a chance to go sledding down the hallowed hillsides like most residents of Thurrock may have done at some stage in their lives. But come any other time of the year, and you might just spot a few black bin liners, empty aerosol cans and if you're real lucky - a burnt out motor!

Just messing of course, some great walks and cool memories are up here from years gone by growing up in the area... dammit I'm getting sentimental again!

Living For The Weekend

The weekend finally landed, a Friday night out in the city took us around Tower Hill & Covent Garden... The blogger is taking a rest so I'll leave you with the pictures ;)

Shrek showed up afterall...

Paul, Mark, Joe, Matt, Craig, Blane, Steve & Andy joined me for the event...

What a hoot, cheers boys - until next year!

After a mild hangover during Saturday, it was time to head over the Thames to Gravesend to meet up with the old Customs & Excise crew:

So it was great to see old James, Natalie, Wal, Gary, Vicky, Am, Danny, Bev, Sooty, Neil... in fact - everyone. A bottle and a half of Cab Sav and I was toast...

These Streets

Essex, UK

At approximately 6.05am, Sunday the 8th of October, a stranger passed through passport control at London Heathrow. After 359days away, I returned back to England.

Dad hadn't arrived yet as I landed 20minutes early, so as a novelty, I went and met him. So good to finally see the old man, we had a long hug and then set about the leisurely drive around the M25 to a place I call home.

I walked in through the back of the house, noticing that the grass seemed way greener than it ever had before - the plants in bloom as if it were late Spring rather than Autumn, as normal as it would be making this walk, my home since day 1, felt extremely different. I walked in and mum stepped off the staircase. A minute or so later - we actually spoke to each other after a long hard hug.

The house seemed smaller than it ever felt before, and the next shock was awaiting me in my room. For 12months, I lived out of one 85litre black backpack, suddenly, I realised how much stuff I actually own - I can't even begin to describe what a feeling this was.

Next up my sister and neice came running up to No.57. As I saw Megan for the first time, she didn't say a word until I did - I guess apprehensive that her Uncle Luke might not in fact be, her Unkle Luke. With Megan now up on my right shoulder, I gave her and Sian a long embrace. She'll thank me for writing this, but Sian wiped away a tear or two before we could carry on...

Megan, Sian and myself took a little mid morning trip over to Wat Tyler Park, a nature preserve not to far from home and spent the time drinking tea, and playing on the kids playground.

With Sunday Roast came Grandma. She wasn't too sure when I was due back, so we left it a surprise to find me sat in my usual place at the end of the Sunday dinner table. "Oooh" she remarked seconds after she'd sat down, before I gave her the customary greeting.

Not too many people knew I was back in England, so I'd take great delight in surprising everyone I knew in the next few days. As well as getting a whole bunch of stuff organised, some long overdue catch up sessions with good friends took up most of my evenings this week, finally culminating in a great trip into London with Claire to see an amazing Paolo Nutini in concert.

Nearly a week on, and I'd come to realise what home is. Not so much the bricks and mortar that I'd stomped around since 1979, but my good family and friends - for whom I'm so grateful to have.

Twilight

New York

After drinking a little too late for our own good, we didn't get up till the most of the morning had vanished (again!). Todays first port of call was the American Museum of Natural History. The top half of the sphere you see in the picture is home to the museums planetarium, which I'd really recommend - the audio and visuals are both stunning, and there's plenty to learn too!

Lisa left me early to go to a class, so after I'd finished exploring the museums wings (mainly concentrating on the deep sea exhibits - an interest freshly born of my recent diving experiences), I took a long & easy walk down to the hustle and bustle once again.

With New York being the final stop on my grand itinery, it was time to get in some presents. On 5th avenue I found nearly everything I needed before once again being lured down to 42nd Street by the bright lights of Times Square. I took a similar picture as the one here last time, and noticed that absolutely everything barring the restaurants and skyscrapers had changed in 3 years. It's amazing how many tourists pack in down in the part of town when there is so much else to enjoy in this city, though I won't complain - it keeps those better spots all the quainter for me!

I jumped back on board the subway to 125th street to get ready for another NYC night.

Back down to one of my new favourite hangouts in the world; Greenwich Village for another evening of mischief.

After trying to go to the Guggenheim Museum the day previous but being denied by their 'Closed Thursdays' rule, we returned on Friday. Slightly disappointingly, the buildings unique exterior was covered for renovation work, luckily inside everything was still on show including the unique spiral system that houses the exhibits of this gallery.

A little different to the MoMA, the Guggenheim has a majority exhibition that changes on a fairly regular basis. As well as this work, we had the chance once again to see some more great work by Picasso et al - as well as the superbly named 'Lucio Fontana'!

On trying to take the subway, we found it a little more packed than usual - the train stopped in a station for 15 minutes before they announced that the NYPD had closed off another station as a security procedure, so we had to hit the streets with hundreds of other people to make our way into the main part of the city. It was though a pretty cool way to see Lexington Avenue with all it's funky shops and typical NYC architecture.

Out 3rd and 42nd, the shopping was a little more cosmopolitan and way less crowded - I was gutted to find this so late in my trip! But with money dwindling, it was time to move on back away from the stores.

One final night, one final meal, 'Citrus' the venue. Absolutely delicious Thai food, that I couldn't bare to leave on the plate.

But when all the food was eaten, and all the wine was drunken, it was time to take my final nights sleep in a foreign country.

My final morning spent local to the apartment, a walk up past a street market, pancakes for breakfast in Tom's Restaurant (Seinfeld), and then a wander down through the Riverside Park, parallel to the Hudson River. The sun was out again and made the mood all the more colourful.

Before I knew it, a cab was dropping me at John F Kennedy airport, I was waving goodbye to Lisa and I'd cleared my final security check.

It seemed fitting that the sun should be setting as my United flight taxied its way to the end of the runway at JFK airport. My final takeoff was to be the most emotional, with two conflicting interests of everything and everybody I was leaving behind me in an epic year of my life, and of the family and friends I was now so close to seeing again for the first time in so long.

Hundred Mile High City

New York, New York

Lisa had given me fool proof directions to her place up on 125th St. So it turned out that the way I wrote down these intructions; was quite foolish. I kinda missed a cross-town link train. However, I reached 125th St and figured I'd arrived. As I surfaced into the daylight I was very much in the minority.

I had to kill a little time as I waited for my friend, so visited McDonalds since there seemed to be none of New Yorks quaint cafes, patisseries, bars, restaurants or anything else for that matter. In McDonalds, a guy at the counter was giving staff some big hassle over a $1.25 cup of coffee. They were anxious to move to the next customer - me, a white dude with a huge backpack on his back practically yelling "Look at me everyone, I'm a tourist!" In downtown Harlem! (The picture to the right is NOT Harlem! I'm not sure I'd have put my camera away again had I have taken it out in that area...)

Once I'd fully figured out my mistake, I walked with some pace across town. There I met Lisa, we walked a couple of blocks West as the neighbourhood transformed to classic New York.

So after the ordeal of the morning, TeamMonsta relaxed with some burrito's and drinks before starting a whirlwind New York experience.

First off was watching a Guitar, trumpet and Double Bass trio jamming in Central Park. The weather gorgeous, sun shining and me wishing I'd worn my shorts. A quick trip to Strawberry fields and Lennons memorial and then it was time for us to head down into the city.
Up New Yorks tallest building - the Empire State Building, we could see for miles as the sun set. What more can you tell about one of the worlds most popular tourist attractions? Even with all those other people up there, it does a magnificent job of creating some magic way up above all the chaos down below.

So after a huge come-down; 86 floors total, we headed down South to check out a small lounge club; the Canal Room, where one of Lisa's Manhattan School of Music friends was playing with his band. It was a Stevie Wonder kind of soul vibe that I've never really seen live before, the crowd was mellow and enjoying the vocal talents being showcased. It was a real taste of New York that I'd not seen before and had been looking forward to so much. An amazing night.

On to day 2, we headed to the MoMA - Museum of Modern Art. In the company of some of the worlds finest art by Lichtenstein (did I spell that right?!), Picasso and Van Gogh - it was completely breath-taking to be in amongst that work. The building itself it really cool, loads of great views out to the city, though a few too many floors to make before lunch or afternoon tea?!

So after some sandwiches, we headed down to Greenwich Village in search of a legendary bakery. After a long walk through the picturesque streets, lined with many bars, bakerys and boutiques we finally found Magnolias Bakery. The cakes were great, though probably the richest I've ever eaten! On the way back we stopped by to watch some more live music in the Asylum bar before calling it a night.

Traffic

'Frisco to Monterey to Santa Barbara

"All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey" the Mama's and Papa's once sang, a pretty accurate description of my 2days getting from Frisco to Santa Barbara.

However, in true spirit, I made the most of the situation mainly by enjoying the drive. Now, I may be wrong, but the road sign depicting a zig zag arrow "warning" is probably the greatest road sign you can come across... unless you have a caravan in tow of course. With that, Highway1 between Monterey and the fork to Highway 101 is one of my favourites stretches of road anywhere in the world.

I once again got back to straighter streets, so hit cruise control and took in the brak water as I passed through San Mateo and then Santa Cruz. The Thrills once sang that Santa Cruz Wasn't that far, I was glad to be there after the length of drive I'd made. I through out the anchor in Monterey as the sun set, grabbed a quick haircut and got some sleep.

With more winding roads the next day, the Mustang was good for booting past the slow RVs. San Simeon is home to the Elephant Seals, huge and lazy they were in photogenic mood as I snapped away. Next up, I grabbed an amazingly good Mexican meal before making my way to the freeway and getting to Santa Barbara just before the shops shut for the night. I managed to pick up some bargains around the very classy shopping boulevards and malls. It was then time to check in for my final night in hotel/motel/hostel accomodation of my entire trip - that was a good feeling!

Judgement Day of my penultimate stop of the year, I opted to head away from the quiet coast roads due to the weather of the past few days. That was, after I had walked the main streets of Santa Barbara and checked the last few shops I hadn't made the previous day! I arrived in LA for lunchtime and found my way to the world famous Hollywood Hills.

I parked on Hollywood Boulevard and hit the sidewalk in search of those infamous stars. The area is really quite run down and as such, I was happy to see some big names, visit the Chinese theatre; home to the big world movie premieres then get the heck outta there! I didn't fancy losing myself in LA, so headed to the prefab sanctuary of Hollywood Universal Studios. I figured I'd go see a movie in the land of movies - so I saw the new Jackass flic before heading back to return my car. I managed to drive between the skyscrapers and the back toward Century Boulevard. I took almost an unintentional de-tour through the rap famed area of Inglewood - the part I saw wasn't all that bad.

Then a sad moment in my travels. I had to hand back the keys to the Mustang. All was left of California was to go sit in the airport and wait for my connection to New York.

Take me down to the Ball Game

San Francisco

I started back South on my loop of California toward Los Angeles. I arrived at the Golden Gate Park overlooking another of Americas iconic landmarks. Once into the city (which felt eerily familiar after playing the San Francisco track of Project Gotham Racing), I spent the afternoon wandering the hills and down on to Fishermans Wharf. I made it all the way round to the commercial district where Carl stopped by to pick me up, we were off to the ballpark.

The AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants and tonight they were playing their local rivals (only 400miles apart) - the LA Dodgers.

I had a great introduction to the sport, especially in getting to see a living legend; Barry Bonds playing (he's already surpassed Babe Ruths all time career run total) for the Giants. Sadly the home team lost the game in the final innings after leading nearly the whole time. But at 4-3, it was a nail biter from the get-go.

Carl then gave me his tour around the city, we got some seafood first from the wharf, then took a drive down the "Crookedest Street in the World". After we chatted past midnight, Carl and I said our goodbyes and I went bck to hostel life once again.

I spent the morning back down at the wharf checking out the Sealions and grabbing some delicious Snapper from a restaurant just in front of Alcatraz... just in front besides the water anyhow. With a full belly, I jumped back in the Mustang and set off on the final part of my Californian loop. Out to the West of the city and under the bay area, the scenic route was really nice as I reached Highway 1 proper.