Chapter 26 "Subterranean Wonderland"

YO YO YO !! Well that was way too long for this chapter but good things come to those who wait. That almost took as long as the Maple Leafs winning their next Stanley Cup!
As Saint Agustine once told us "patience is the companion of wisdom." Australia is a very beautiful country and one that I highly recommend seeing. Any country is worth seeing really, for all of them may not be there tomorrow.

The next place I would like to speak about surrounds us all, the Ocean and more specifically, the Great Barrier Reef. From what I have seen so far, this is an entirely different world. "Land" laws do not apply here, and being a scuba diver, you get the feeling that there are still some places mankind just doesn't really belong. Similar to a health menu in a McDonalds. It is such a different world, words cannot express the magnificent, extravagant things that are down there. A lot of the oceans and seas in the world are still left to be discovered. I encourage everyone to obtain an underwater license, you will experience things you have only dreamed of. Having said that, going 10+ metres underwater and at any moment being seconds away from dying isn't everybodies thing, so for those of you like that . . . read ahead!


The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest coral reef system, since 1981 is a world heritage site and been labelled one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. It lives up to all of this. It's composed of about 3,000 reefs, 900 islands and has an area of approximately 345,000 square kilometres strecthing for over 2600 kms along Australias western sea board. Wow, that's huge.

It is the only natural wonder that can be seen from space. That means that if aliens ever make their way down here those little, green men will see that first, providing we don't kill the rest of it off. What a beautiful first impression, like seeing your soulmate for the first time, it just provides an answer when you didn't even know there was a question being asked.

As good as hot chocolate is on a cold winters day, with those little marshmellows in it (not the big ones where you can only fit 1 or 2 in your cup) this is far beyond any of that. You emerse yourself in a rich, diverse, exotic playground of aquatic life. It reminds you of the importance that it is not just our planet. While down there, you will see anything from Grey nurse sharks, sea turtles, heaps of colorful fish (like the clown fish in Finding Nemo) and exotic, lush coral. There is really too much to name.






One of my greatest life experiences, and one I will never forget happened to me upon my return to the surface on my last dive of the day. As if swimming in the worlds most richest eco system wasn't enough, I was trailing behind and what was about to happen, I had only dreamed of and seen in documentaries(Attenboroughs blue planet being one of them, the same documentary that was a huge inspiration leading me to become a Scuba diver.)

I had noticed a large school of silver fish swimming in a ball near the surface. The fish being about 6-8 inches long I'd estimate. I had seen it once before, but didn't really think about it at the time so I continued towards them. I swam up to this group, which must of numbered close to the thousands, probably about 2000 - 3000. As I swam, the fish took no notice but continued to swim around me, completely engrossing my entire body and what I could see around me. It was like someone pouring grey paint all over me and all I could see was the wash of colors as it mixed with the crystal blue waters around me. I couldn't tell the difference between each individual fish, it was like they were one, moving towards one, unified goal. What I hadn't figured out, was that goal was survival.

As soon as I began to understand the world around me, it changed. Larger fish (probably 12-16 inches long) had begun to swim upwards to the surface catching the smaller fish as they swam. Yep, I had just swam into a feeding frenzy. Knowing I was outstandingly the largest of the group, I had no worries . . . yet.

The speed at which these fish moved was like lightning hitting the ground. You see it happen, you just can't remember what it looked like when it happened, other then that it was lightning. Slowly around me, the color changed from a pool of silver swimming around me, to a more diluted blue of the ocean, mixed with the grey of this new predator. Inches from my mask and body, I watched as nature worked it's course, enjoying every minute of it. Earth had just provided me with a gift of just how beautiful this world can be, how precious life is and can be lost at any moment, as my little silver friends we're quickly finding out.

Once again thinking this must be it, I went to leave, only to see absolute carnage opening up in front of me, the colors had changed again, blood stained the water red and this time the blue tint was more prominent of the larger predatory fish on their way up.

I suspect the commotion had caused quite a stir in neighbouring waters, like a loud party being heard by the neighbours, everyone wakes up to check it out, some even head to the party themselves to get a bit of the action.

At a massive 3 feet long, these fish were like torpedos in the water. Classic example of how the hunter can become the hunted, they left no prisoners eating the first two schools of fish at will. For an entire 360 view (keep in mind while scuba diving you are entirely weightless, so moving is incredibly easy,) all I could see was a frenzy of fish eating other fish, schools of the smaller fish trying to stay together to avoid being eaten, with their only hope of the bigger fish getting full. Funny enough it sometimes reminds me of the world today, man feeding his greed on a helpless planet with the planet only sitting and waiting till we fill our unquenchable thirst for what might be bigger, better, faster. All a load of bullshit if you ask me. . . . Anyways, seeing that it was just one large predator following the next, I didn't stay around long to find out what came after our flying torpedos.

Amazingly, that entire experience lasted about 5 minutes however it will stay in my mind forever. I thank Mother earth for the experience she shared with me that day, and in closing I'd like to re-iterate that the best things in life are for free (well except for the $200 spent going on the dive, haha, but more so the experience within the dive that was free).

Live while you live, Love while you can and Laugh always. If you can't see the beauty everyday around you, maybe you aren't looking in the right places. Enjoy yourselves and leave nothing but your footprints.

- The Wizard of Oz

"Half Time, Now Go Eat Your Oranges"

Well 13 months have passed and I can non longer call Britain my home. After a great year, I've decided that Britain still isn't warm enough for me, so I've moved myself to the beaches of Australia. Situated about 30 mins north of Sydney, I've begun in Cronulla. A very nice suburb, home to the once world surfing champion Mark Occhilupo (trust me, this guy is the epitomy of surfing) With a population of over 17,000 it has a very nice feel to it.

Australia is just like Canada through a mirror. When you were a little kid and imagined a parallel universe, you could easily have mixed up the two. One has snowboarders, the others surfers, tom-a-to or tom-ah-to, whatever way you put it, were both saying the same thing. I still have a lot of european cities to post, hopefully they will come soon, for now enjoy some of the sun . . . .

- The Wizard of OZ

Chapter 25 "Ai! You know it!"

Well what can you say about a country that brought us Haggis, Golf (thousands of courses around, including the world famous St.Andrews), a story about a sea monster, those wailing bag pipes (which I'm sure you'll hear a lot of in the streets), great whisky and of course, as we all know it, the Kilt. You can say Scotland is one hell of a country. Having the chance to visit Edinburgh and Glasgow with a little bit of the countryside in there, I must say I was impressed.

First off the country is lovely. Very similar I found to that of Welsh countryside, lots of rolling hils and of course the highlands. Definately worth taking a ride around and discovering the sites, lots of lakes, including Lochness and a gorgeous sea side.

Secondly is Glasgow, the countries capital. At first glance I wasn't that impressed with the city. It has a lovely city centre, lots of shopping (though I've no need for it) throughout a very long street. Home to 2007's UEFA cup final, the city was buzzing with excitement. The main square within the city was lovely, seems to be a thing amongst European cities, a giant square in the middle of the city for tourists to take pictures with lots of expensive shops around the sides of it. Glasgow has a nice walk along the river I would recommend, however walk a little further and you run under a disgusting highway and lots of rubble. Certainly put a damper on the city. All in all, this city just didn't give me the Scottish feel I was looking for. Spend a day there then move on.

A city that you do want to spend a lot of time in though is Edinburgh (pronounced Ed-in-BRA!) This place is magical. Taking a train in brings you right next to the thing that makes it so magical, the castle. Definately in the top 3 nicest castles that I have seen in Europe. It is not just a castle, but almost like a medieval city. 11pounds to enter is a little steep, but so is most things worth seeing. I spent a good 5,6 hours walking around inside. Offers an absolute breath taking view of the entire city 360 degrees. Great history of the Scottish wars with the English, how the castle came to be built and the architecture is stunning.

The castle isn't the only thing worth seeing here though. There is a lovely spire like construction right near the train station. You may go up it and enjoy a view, though I still recommend the castle for the best view. On top of another hill, closer to the water, you will find almost like a mini acropolis structure, cannons, a look out tower, and lovely views of the rolling hills all around.



Scotland is a lovely place, worth checking out. If your ever in a pub there (how you could miss one is beyond me) grab some Tennants Lager, definately the best beer to come out of the country, isn't that right BT? . . . . . . AI! YOU KNOW IT!

Chapter 24 "The Pink Palace"

Honestly, where do you start? It's reputation only exceeded by it's experience. Located on the island of Corfu, Greece, is a place where there are only 10 rules, or wait, I should have said Lies. They are as follows:

1) I'm only staying one night.
2) I know how to ride a four wheeler.
3) I'm never drinking OUZO again.
4) I'm getting up early tomorow.
5) Someone else is in my bed; can I sleep with you tonight?
6) I have a boyfriend back home.
7) What do you think I do this with every girl? (You're Special to me)!
8) I just want to kiss you . . . You can keep your clothes on.
9) OF COURSE I remember your name.

and finally . . .

10) No seriously, I'm leaving tomorow.

Now I'm sure you have a good idea of what the Pink Palace entails. They pick you up in a big pink bus in Athens, drive you up the coast of Greece and then onto the island. Upon your arrival they tell you these lies (its about 7am right about now) and give you all pink shots of Ouzo. Some people choose for this to be the last time they're sober the next 7 days.

My recommendation is if your travelling to Europe, check this place out sometime in your life. Depending on what day you arrive it will be a different themed party. But like a ritual, done over the years by thousands come to find that one huge party they've been looking for, saturday night is Toga night. The rest I'll let ya go there and see for yourself, if you've been i'm sure you'll agree, its a crazy night. I thought I had seen everything, Pink Palace will definately show ya something new.

Those of you that choose to remember some of the trip however, there is a wicked 4X4 trip (just watch out for that weird Spanish guy), scooter rentals, all day booze cruise(a good selection when your unsure what to do, takes care of the whole day, just the pink palace way.) Also lying on the roof, playing guitars, sunnies out, cold beer and a couple stories with an open mind, looking out onto the beach all day is pretty good too.

Check it out. 10/10. You'll enjoy it and meet a hell of a lot of wicked people doing it.

Chapter 23 "Pisa"

Pisa. Pop 96,000. Only one reason to go there. The Tower. The entire cities empire crumbled along with it. The nearby soil began to shift and as a result, the tower started its decline. It's not falling over, yet it wouldn't be that bad to hit a few tourists underneath it all taking pictures that somehow make them look like they are holding it up with a smile and a pinky finger. The tower is basically straight when you get off the train. Keep walking north and you will hit the Piazza del Duomo. It's a giant grassy field where you can find kids playing and people reading amongst the tower, duomo, baptistry and many other attractions.

Piza is a nice little town, just a short 6 euro train ride from Florence. It won't take you more then a couple hours to see all the sites. I personally tried to walk outside the boundries and found an old fort used during the war. Lots of ancient buildings from the war are still around on the outskirts of the city. Take time to see them amidst the busy tower. I wouldn't fly to Italy to see it, but it was nice seeing this famous landmark I had always heard about and seen laughed at in cartoons. Check it out if your in the area, maybe you could be the next strongman to hold it up.

Chapter 22 "Picture Perfect: August 6th 2006"

This next place is by far straight out of a fairy tale book. It is possibly one of the most beautiful towns I have ever seen. Tucked away nicely between the largest mountains in the Swiss alps, is the city of Interlaken. About 2 hours from Bern, it sits nicely, lying between the Thunersee and the Brienzersee lakes, a true thing of beauty. It's a very tiny place (pop. 21,000) where it randomly finds tourists looking to escape the big city, and others who came to find something still out there in nature. Probably known for its extreme activities, Interlaken is a place you don't want to miss.

I loved it so much, I decided to spend my 25th birthday here. Though Mcdonalds has still infested this town, it has some of the nicest scenery you will ever see. Keep your camera ready for this one. The train ride to get here is worth the price of admission alone. It's not a normal train you see, its the "Golden view" express. Like something out of a fairy tale, its a twisty and climbing ride as you intertwine with the swiss alps like a perfectly flowing river. Sit at the back of the train, and you can see the front of the train enter the mountains as you turn. The crisp air will smell sweet and flow through your hair as you wind your way into the town. If you close your eyes, you might even picture yourself taking the 9 3/4 train to hogwarts.



Extreme sporting is very popular here. Anything from Skydiving, handgliding, canyoning, white water rafting and many more is available. These are just the summer activities, I'm sure there is a plethora of choices in the winter to do with snowshoeing and skiing. I personally choose a full day trip of white water rafting. You make your way with your raft to the tops of the swiss alps, only to get in the raft and ride it all the way to the bottom. Absoultely breath taking views and nature will capture your heart. I certainly felt like an outsider with all this nature around us, hopefully it will be there for a while. Not only is it a great day trip, but at the lodge at the end of the ride, you take a nice warm natural springs bath and enjoy a cooled beer. Absolutely magic. By the way, Im the one at the front of the boat under the wave! Delicious!



At the end of the day, a trip to the alps is just not a trip without a stop in Interlaken. The people are friendly and it will be a change for the better after seeing so much built up city. This is one place you owe it to yourself not to miss. Art work is only interpretation of real beauty, nature. Here you will see the most expensive artwork ever not made by man. Oh, and as my good buddy bullseye found out with the weather, Interlaken is best experienced in pants, even in august.

Enjoy :)

Chapter 21 "Cheers!"

One of the things that complexes you when you travel is, how are you going to relate to someone when you don't even speak their language?? Well 70% of all communication is non-verbal so I thought that no matter where I go, I'm only behind 30%.

Instead of learning "hello" or "my name is" I decided to learn something a lot more practical. . . . CHEERS! I mean, the second you say hello or my name is, the other person will naturally assume that you will follow it with a sentence or a question. Well that sucks, all i know is hello.
The instant that you cheers someone, it always brings on an emotion of a good feeling. A time remembered, though the time may be hard to remember, of when you we're last enjoying yourself. It could be a christmas, a wedding, a dinner out with the woman, or maybe just a big piss up at your local with all your buddies. Either way, people love it and respond with a smile.

Here is what I've compiled so far from people I've met so far. First will be the country, then the word (my guess on how its spelt) , and finally my guess on how to say it phonetically correct. Feel free to add or correct me in any of them.

Southern Australia / Cheers big ears / Cheers big ears (damn them and their rhyming slang, lol)
Canada / CHEERS! / CHEERS! (plain and simple)
Eastern Canada / Sociable / Sociable
French Canada / Vive Le Quebec Libre / Veev le kay-beck lee-bra (standing for "long live the free province of Quebec)
Finland / Kippis / Kee - Pesh
Italy / Salut / Sa - Loo
Israel / La Hi-Yum / La Hi-yum (pronounce the H with a sound like your hacking a loogey)
Germany / Prolst / Pro - tsh
Greece / (who knows how to spell anything in greek) / Ya - Sou
Nederlands / Gelukkig Nieuwjaar / (still dunno how to say it,lol)
Scotland / AI! You know it! / Could just be my personal experience, but that's what we yelled!
Sweden / Skal / Skal

Well I raise my glass to you all, one to remember and one to forget. . . . CHEERS!

MArsha B