There and Back 2005 http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/ Follow along on our trip around the Pacific. 2006-02-22T17:19:42-05:00 A Year Later http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2006/02/a_year_later.html A year later, its truely hard to believe. Last year at this time we were somewhere on the Milford Track, quite a contrast when you consider that for the last 3 days I've been crawling around grimey train stations doing platform inspections. The travel bug is bitting and although I doubt we'll do a long long trip again, I'm certainly anxious for a short get away.

]]> After the Trip Andy 2006-02-22T17:19:42-05:00 More Pictures http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/07/more_pictures_1.html I've just uploaded the pictures from Bali. Although most of them are of monkeys and nearly all of them are of primates, I still think they are interesting. Enjoy and I'll be uploading more pictures from the rest of the trip soon. I hope to have the photo log complete in the next 10 to 15 years.

]]> Post Trip Andy 2005-07-29T17:26:19-05:00 No time to upload pictures http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/05/not_time_to_upl.html We've had an awesome time here in Bangkok. It was made extra special because we got to hang out with Mike and Megan. We just don't have time to upload any pictures but hopefully we'll be able to in Vietnam.

]]> Thailand Andy 2005-05-18T01:07:00-05:00 Whats the capitol of Thailand? BANGKOK! http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/05/whats_the_capit.html Fate has once again shown a toothy grin down upon us humble travelers. We have been blessed with the good fortune of crossing paths with the Mike Phillips and his wife Megan who are friends from back home. They have been on a 1 year (and then some) trip around the world volunteering at each place they stop. Check out there website http://www.meganandmichael.com/travelogue/

]]> Thailand Andy 2005-05-16T09:57:19-05:00 We're Still in Bali http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/05/were_still_in_b.html We couldn't get our tickets changed so we're still in Bali. We'll be leaving for Bangkok on Sunday the 15th and then on to Vietnam. We've reunited with a couple friends we met on Fraser Island, Heidee and Greg and have been having a great time with them here in Ubud.

]]> Bali Andy 2005-05-10T21:26:14-05:00 Monkeyin' around on Monkey Forest Road http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/05/monkeyin_around.html Ubud has lived up to its promise, its relaxed, beaufiul, and an absolute pleasure to be in. Our bungalow is on Monkey Forest Road which is one of the busier streets in town. Its a one way street and there is a steady stream of mopeds zooming past as well as cars and taxis.

The most commen thing you hear as you stroll down the sidewalk is "Hello taxi, transport" and you politely respond "No thanks" and in turn the guys says "Yes, tomorrow taxi, cheap cheap". It gets old very fast but it could be worse.

]]> Bali Andy 2005-05-09T01:22:43-05:00 Got to Love Ubud http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/05/got_to_love_ubu.html Ubud has been fantastic! We're staying at a great place, really centrally located and full of nice people! Harrassment is down to a minimum and the shopping is fabulous! What more could a girl ask for?

xoxo

ps: Thanks for all the birthday messages!

]]> Bali Kate 2005-05-07T04:57:57-05:00 Ubud or bust. http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/05/ubud_or_bust.html We arrived today in Ubud which promises to be much better than the other places we've visited so far. The air is much cooler, we have gained some altitude over the coastal regions, and there are plenty of other tourist for the merchants and transport people to spread their attention on.

Tomorrow we're going to take a walk down the main street to the Monkey forest, which as the name suggests, is enhabited by loads of monkeys.

We're staying in a very nice and very clean bungalow, and at $15US per night, its a bargan. There seems to be lots to do so I'm going to sign off and get busy.

Don't forget Kate's birthday tomorrow!

]]> Bali Andy 2005-05-06T01:19:13-05:00 Hello from Bali http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/05/hello_from_bali.html The internet service here is spotty and slow at best so dispatches may be infrequent, sadly. Anyhow, so far Bali has not been as good as we thought. If you like shopping for stuff from Pier 1 Imports, you'd love it here. This has got to be where they source their merchandise. However, apart from that the beaches are not that nice and your constantly beating away people trying to foist their wears or services on you. Its a bit exhausting at times. We ditched a tour agency that we accidentally got wrapped up in today, they were overcharging us by 3x's for hotel accomodations, live and learn.

]]> Bali Andy 2005-05-04T07:31:13-05:00 **NEWS FLASH** http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/04/news_flash.html DARWIN, Doctors are now saying that the upper abdominal pains experienced last week by traveler Andrew Collins can not be attributed to gallstones. After a complete review of the test results from an ultra-sound and blood work, doctors were unable to detect the presense of gallstones and both liver and pancreatic functions were normal and white blood cell counts show no sign of infection.

Sources close to Collins say he is relieved but embarrassed by the hastle and stress he's caused those at home. After sending many email dispatches and postcards to friends and loved ones letting them know of his troubles, the young American traveler, originally from the Boston area, is now flushed and red but extremely happy to be on his way, healthy and fit.

]]> Australia Andy 2005-04-28T23:53:43-05:00 Melbourne, a galling experince. http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/04/melbourne_a_gal.html Don't let the title of this post mislead you into thinking I had a bad time in Melbs. Quite the contrary. We had a fantastic time here. I'll get to the galling part though.

To Sydney, we bid farewell and set off for Victoria's capital, Melboune. Situated on the south coast inside a large protected bay and on the Yarra River, Melbourne has an easy going feel and a skyline that, at first glance, is not unlike Boston's. A hot spot for music and the arts, Melbourne would surley quech my thirst for music and a good session.

]]> Australia Andy 2005-04-22T00:44:06-05:00 Australia http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/04/australia.html It's official. I have waited far too long to post something about Australia and now I am faced with the daunting task of encapsulating the past month (can't believe we've been here an month!) into one message. I'm up for the challenge though...

]]> Kate 2005-04-15T22:08:10-05:00 New Zealand...and thats a wrap. http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/03/new_zealandand.html It was my hope that by this point I would have updated and completed New Zealand portion of the trip but alas, I have not. Time flies when your having fun, and even when your not (see Backpackers Car Market, I hate this place, I love this place). So here I am in an internet cafe in Manly Beach Australia attempting this daunting task. Using the recent pictures as a guide I'll attempt to wrap this thing up.

]]> New Zealand Andy 2005-03-28T20:26:44-05:00 More Pictures http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/03/more_pictures.html Ok, at long last I've uploaded the last of the picutres from New Zealand. Hopefully you'll enjoy them. There are tons of pictures of seals and sea lions but hopefully not too many.

]]> New Zealand Andy 2005-03-28T19:54:48-05:00 Brisvegas! http://WWW.andynkate.COM/trip/archives/2005/03/brisvegas.html Last night we crossed the Tasman Sea from New Zealand and landed in Brisbane, Australia. Nothing to report yet but if I can get this computer to read my camera I'll upload the most recent pictures from New Zealand. I will get down to business and finish posting on New Zealand as well in the next couple days.

]]> Australia Andy 2005-03-18T18:47:24-05:00