Quebec City

Onto the bus at 9am for a bus and walking tour of Quebec City. The day was freezing cold so allot of people didn't bother with the walking part of it. The city is over 400 years old, the walking tour gave us allot of history of about the French and British fighting over rights to Quebec. At the end of the walking tour, I couldn't wait to have a hot chocolate.

The Chateau Frontenac is believed to be the most photographed hotel in the world. It had wonderful views that overlooked the city, I found it amusing that anyone could use the elevator so I went to the top level to take a few pictures.

I got pretty bored in town with mainly souvenir shops, about 10 of us decided to head back to the hotel early. The pool was good fun, playing ball games, we were pretty hopeless at trying to keep the ball out of the water, like hacky sack.

Tonight was a quiet one, a nice meal in town before a few drinks back at the hotel.

Welcome to Canada

Up at 7am to leave for Canada and Quebec City. I was still drunk from last night, having only a few hours sleep. For lunch we stop at Mayne, our first Walmart. The place is huge and has everything. Late afternoon we eventually cross the boarder into Canada with Luke and James being the lucky ones to have all their things searched.

We arrived at Quebec City in the evening, got changed quickly before going out for dinner. That night we went across the road to a club, this was the first time we had most of the Tour members out. The night was a huge one, heaps of fun, I got up on the stage a couple of times. The highlight was foam which sprayed the dance floor.

Contiki and onto Boston

I arrive at the Skyline hotel in New York around 7am for a 7:45am departure. All was going to play but 1 person was rather late which delayed us a little, onto Boston.

A couple of stops on the way before stopping for lunch at New Port, Road Island. I classy like wharf convinced me into a Shepard's Pie and a couple of beers which went down a treat.

Arrive in Boston late because of traffic, a quick bus tour then off to the hotel which is a fair way out of the city. A quick transition and back into town for dinner at Dicks. Dinner was fun with the waiters playing it up, putting hats on people, ballon's in peoples hair and napkin fights.

The night ended around 2am after a few more pubs and a heap of dancing, a good time.

Visiting the Dinosaurs

Today I get off to a bit later start after doing a bit of hand washing and attempting to backup my pictures onto DVD. I eventually leave to find a pub, New Zealand was playing in the soccer and I should support. I found a nice pub which was pretty empty not to far and away and sat next to a guy that originated from Switzerland. He had been watching all the games, lucky fella, owns his own business. The result was bitter sweet, New Zealand didn't get through but the Italy game was a classic and it was great to see them not make it.

First real thing I do for the day is walk 40 blocks up through central park to the Museum of Natural History. I wanted to see the dinosaurs as something different to do and I wasn't disapointed. The T Rex was there and plenty of the famous ones.

After leaving, it was a bit into the next games of soccer so I found another bar to have a watch. These games weren't as inspiring, Japan dominating and Holland in cruise control. I left after 1 beer, to do a bit of shopping and meet up with the new Contiki crew.

I went into one store, they didn't have a change room and I wasn't sure on size so I got 2 different pairs of jean shorts. At $15 for 2, why not give them both a go, the ripped pair will have to rest in peace.

I head down to the Contiki meeting that was rather quick and head out to dinner with a couple of the members. Everyone is keen for an early one, but I stay up to finish the rest of my beers in the fridge.

Statue of Liberty

Start off the morning finding myself a little pub to watch the soccer. I was keen to watch the England game and had totally forgot about the USA playing in the same timeslot. The first pub wanted $10 to enter so I kept walking and noticed a busy pub a few blocks away which looked like a great location.

It had 60 and 50 inch plasmas all up the wall so I could watch both games and I found myself a nice little spot. It turns out that this place must be popular as CNN and NBC both turned up with the camera's. Live crews were interviewing spectators and get a vibe for the American public towards soccer, I am sure I was in the background of a few of the shots, wasn't to keen to be interviewed. The game was spectacular, USA almost robbed again but the eustacy of the. injury time goal to get through was huge. Its great to see England and the USA advance.

I travel down towards the Staten Island ferry to get a good view of the Statue of Liberty but that will have to wait until the end of the Aussie vs Serbia soccer match. I eventually find a pub that serves my purpose but I was surprised there wasn't more pubs down Broadway near the shops because I know I would need to visit them often if I was shopping for long periods. The Aussie game was good, I was the only one going for Aussie and the owner was nice enough to put the game on in front of me, all other tvs were on the Germany game.

Australia won but wasn't good enough to advance to the next round, I had a guy from Serbia beside me and we had a little bit of banter but all in good fun. I got a few free drinks from the Bar which was gold and onto the Ferry.

It was a rather large busy ferry, free for all and it goes pretty close to the Statue for a good photo. Getting back to dock, I have 1 ½ hours to get back to the hotel, get changed and then onto Time Square. It was tough and I ran a fair bit of it, to find Pippa couldn't make it because of work. A few beers and I call it a night.

Seeing New York on a Bike

I decided at 10:30pm last night to book in a bike tour for today, a few beers may or may not have helped but all good. I get a bit of breakfast early before heading down to the bike store at around 10am to commence the tour.

We did see heaps, it was one for their largest groups with 12 people being signed up. Went to a few parks, learnt about the gay rights movements at the Stonewall Inn, visited the World Trade Centre precinct and had a wander around Wall Street. A couple of random things was seeing an old car sitting on top of a yacht and some Irish ruins which had been transported over brick for brick after the potato famine. Stupid me put my knee through my jeans so might have to do the unthinkable and go shopping while in NY.

Lunch time was in a little Chinese restaurant in China Town, food was good and we shared around 10 plates between us. A small walk afterwards showed us through a hidden tunnel network which used to connect all the building for gang activity, very interesting.

After lunch we got to ride over Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, a bit of a ride around Brooklyn and heaps of great views of the city, well worth the ride. It was very slow but shouldn't have any after effects tomorrow.

Adrian and I head to Hooters for some tucker, he was real keen because it was the scene for some of the Big Daddy movie. On the way it started pouring down with rain so we arrive to the restaurant drenched. The buffalo wings were nice, cooked in hot sauce which had a small kick to them. The waitress was nice, we took a picture with her and then back to the hotel.

Welcome to America

I arrive in New York, straight through customs and get onto the Public transport to get to our Hotel the Urban Oasis. I will be sharing with Adrian, a guy I met on my Contiki UK trip which should bring down the costs nicely.

A few beers at a local Irish pub with the locals and then hit the sack at around 12. A big day of bike riding planned tomorrow.

Steak oh Glorious Steak

So I head back to Helsinki for a night to relax before the flight over to New York. This morning has been a late wake up to say goodbye to the remaining members of the tour and then a small flight over to Helsinki from Tallinn.

I arrive at the hotel around 6pm, I think its time for a quiet one. I go for a walk around the place see the options then go back to the hotel to have a steak in one of their restaurants. It was only 200 grams but it went down well and Its the first steak I have had in near 10 weeks.

Watch the soccer with a couple of quiet beers in the hotel before calling it a night.

Welcome to Estonia

Off nice and early to catch a ferry over to Tallinn. After settling into the hotel around 11am, we head off on a walking tour of the city. Got to see a large number of churches, one was used by the KGB for a large period of time and the town hall was pretty cool.

Free time from now until the Australia vs Ghana at 5pm, we find a small bit of lunch in a Wild Bore pie which was tasty and then I decide to see if I can send some stuff home to lighten my bags a bit. Sleeping bag and another 5kg of stuff is now on its way home and for the cheapest price that I have found in Europe.

The soccer game started off real well with an early goal, then another red card sealed our result, with the guys trying hard but a draw isn't going to be enough.

Dinner was at a very dark medieval kind of establishment where I tried the Highland style lamb. It was very tender and the honey dark beer wasn't to bad, very dark but the honey saved it.

A heap of beers followed and it was time to say goodbye to most of the tour group.

Helsinki

Up at 7am for a few hour trip down to Helsinki. Most of the people on the bus were dead to the world with only 2 hours sleep. We arrive into Helsinki around lunch time for a driving tour before getting dropped off the for the day. We made quick stops for pictures of the Sibelius Monument and Temppeliaukio Church which is built out of solid rock.

Spent the afternoon with Bestie, Jazza and Caps, took pictures of the Palace and a couple of churches. The market at Market Square didn't have much on offer so we headed to a few different pubs for a few quiet ones. A burger at a restaurant near the central train station before heading back to the camp site to watch the England vs Algeria world cup match.

Student Town

We head off at 8:45am this morning on our way to Jyvaskyla which is known as a student town. Didn't really do anything until we got to the final destination so everyone was pretty keen to stretch their legs and have some fun that night.

Most of the boys bought 1 litre cans of beer which went down a treat as pre drinks and by 9pm, we were on the public bus heading into town. The first stop was the London Pub and we stay there for 1 drink before heading upstairs for Karoake and a DJ. Good fun, I got involved in a couple of solo's and plenty of group singing. I decided to walk back to the Hostel, a nice little 45 minute walk just to sober up a little. Allot of people will be hurting tomorrow.

Welcome To Finland and Santa Clause

A day of rest after the midnight sun allowed most of the crew to get plenty of sleep, clean clothes and for me, 3 games of world cup soccer. Off at 6:30am with a long day of travel into Finland.

We arrive at the only real stop for the day, Santa's Workshop. A picture and a small chat was good, but not really much here. It turns out that the location is right on the Arctic circle just like back in Norway. Heaps of stuff to buy but I was surprised that more was targeted towards the Arctic Circle than Santa.

Our first night in Finland was the end of the Viking Olympics. Our last event was dressing up using garbage bags and foil for an alcoholic punch night. Our team dressed up in formal where making a suit for the boys and cocktails dresses for the girls. We won and walk away with a little souvenir bag and a couple of chocolates for winning the Olympics.

Midnight Sun

We travelled all day today so that we could get to the camp site early. Tonight we travel at 9pm up to Nordkapp, which is the highest point in Europe. The sun doesn't set this far up so it will be cool seeing it change directions while still in the sky.

Christina couldn't afford the trip up so everyone chipped in pay for her and keep the whole group together for what is a massive highlight.

We have a few drinks on the bus and arrive at the visitors centre at 11pm. The whole way there, we are hoping the clouds will open up and stop drizzling. A few even went to the extreme of making up a sun dance and song.

The clouds parted for a small period but we could see the sun go to a low point and then start rising again behind the clouds. The group probably scared everyone else off, singing the sun dance song and being pretty out there, oh well, all good.

The bus ride home was funny with the tour leader Maggie getting smashed and a heap of people hitting the drink hard. Sam managed to jar both ankles back at the visitors centre looking for the perfect picture, so he got a bit of sympathy. We arrive back at the camp site around 3:30 ready for a snooze.

Polar Zoo

Off at around 9am to catch a quick ferry. Our first stop is at 11am, at a small harbour town called Narvik that lost 32 different battleships from 5 different nations during World War 2. We stop only for a few minutes before getting back into the bus.

Polar Zoo is next, with heaps of animals I wouldn't see in the zoos back home. The highlight was seeing the bears, it was also cool seeing Rein Deer, Moose, Wolverine, Wolves and Lnyx in a fairly open environment.

Got to the camp site and Australia's first world cup game was on everyone's mind but that would have to wait as we do a polar plunge. The water was absolutely freezing so straight into the sauna to get warm again. Tv's couldn't find the game so we ended up having everyone in room streaming the game over the internet. Not happy with the result as Germany were by far the better team.

After the game, we headed closer to the beach and a little bonfire. We had a talent contest, a team did a 12 days of Scandi song which won, followed by our mimicking of people from the tour having one person in front and another member using there hands. Other teams didn't really try with a celebrity heads and find the cricket ball games. This ended the night for me around midnight for an early start tomorrow.

Arctic Circle

Off at 9am, we missed out on going to the Svartisen Glacier because the road was closed so we went to a lookout point to get a few pictures. Just about everyone went for a walk up a nearby hill through snow and sludge for a bit of fun and a different view for pictures.

We arrive at the edge of the Arctic Circle for lunch, which had a nice big visitors centre. I got my picture taken and a certificate for a bit of fun to say that I have crossed the Arctic Circle. I also got a little moose doll and a bib as props for a picture of people sleeping on the bus, just a bit of fun.

After lunch we had a snow ball fight for a bonus point in the Viking Olympics. Our team won, with 4 remaining members in a knock-out competition to put us equal first in the current standings.

Stop for the night at Tysfjord, where we have a buffet dinner and cancel Sherades so we can watch the England vs USA world cup match. The dinner was Elk in bolognese sauce which wasn't to bad, it matches the Rein Deer and Moose salami's I had yesterday, also firsts.

I had a couple of 400 ml and 600ml beers on tap while watching the soccer, which went down allot better than any can I had been drinking for the last week.

Rock Carvings

Off at 9am, we arrive to some ancient rock carvings mid morning. Believed to be over 6000 years old, I recognised a Rein Deer and a person in a boat paddling. They looked a child had done the pictures with a very basic design. Looking around further, there was what is believed to be remains of camp site, originating from cave people at the time.

A very scenic day, with a few stops for pictures. A beautiful lake where the mountains reflected of the clear water, a waterfall with raging rapids and lunch was in a picnic area next to a lovely little river.

Arrive into the camp site just as the first soccer match of the world cup started. Disappointed that I didn't get to watch either of the games on first day, but I am sure there will be plenty more to see. A quiz ended the night as part of the Viking Olympics and we came an comprehensive second.

Going to Hell

Up at and gone by 9:00am, it is going to be a long day of travel today. A couple of small stops before our first destination of Trondhein. It is famous for the being the historical capital of Norway and the city of the Viking King. Nidaros Cathedral was exceptional from he outside, it has been a work in progress for near 200 years before being finished in 2001. A large amount of statues were what made the outsite so special.

Next stop is Hell, turns out that this place exists and 352 people live there. I got a few postcards back in Trondhein, so you might be one of the lucky few that I sent from this little town. We spent enough time to have a beer and take a few pictures, it turns out I will be doing the same in hell as I do anywhere else.

Arriving at the camp site around 6, we get to play in a knock out soccer tournament. I guess we had an advantage with more boys than others, so I decided I should be goalie and see how it goes. 10 minute games, we won the first game in penalties, 3-1 and moved onto the finals. The final, we had all the play, but a lucky goal put them ahead with only a couple of minutes to go in the second half. I guess I got aggressive and decided I wanted to win. A run down the right setup the equaliser as soon as I changed positions, then a another run and win the game 2-1. Heaps of fun.

Geiranger Fjord

Up nice and early so we can leave at 6:30am, only a few hours sleep does help. Our first stop is at Trollstigen, it's like a goats track for cars and it is known for housing Trolls. We drove up and it is lucky to allow the bus around those corners, it had to have been built for only one car on it at a time.

A couple more picture stops before getting onto our first ferry, it was only a 15 minute trip. Another hour of driving, then onto a small town which hosted our second ferry for the day. The little town was cute, it was right at the end of the Geiranger Fjord. I looked around for half an hour before getting lucky and finding internet access for a small amount of time.

Onto the ferry, very scenic and lasts for about an hour. Everyone were like Japanese tourists taking snap after snap of waterfalls and unbelievable views. It really reminded me of Milford Sound.

We returned to the camp at 3:40 which seemed very early for a bit day, a few naps and quiet time before getting ready for the first official challenge of the Viking Olympics, the sing the next line competition. The team came an honourable 3rd, with “Go For Rowz” getting off to a good start, not missing a song and gained all the points.

Dinner was had and then the second challenge, the suck-a-ton, which involved eating your lollipop the quickest. We came 3rd again and “Go For Rowz” are off to a huge lead now winning the second event also.

Bestie and myself had planned a hike this evening up a mountain next to camp, 8:15pm was to be the start time. The turn out was huge and we left with 15 people in the group. About a half way up, we lost a few and got to the top with 11 people all very happy with there achievements. The view was stunning, seeing the sunset around midnight. It took a good 2 ½ hours to get up, we start walking down to make sure we still have plenty of light for the tricky decent. I lead the steep section with the team, with a slower pace to make no one is in a hurry.

Made it down around a third before I left the team at a run to see if I can catch Bronnie on the internet before she starts work. I made it down the rest of the hill and another 2km back to camp in around 30 minutes. I just missed her by around 3 minutes for her last msn message, I was real disappointed and hurting a fair amount from the rain until Bronnie said hello from her mobile. The end to a enjoyable and fulfilling day.

Olympic Bob Sled Run

Off earlier this morning, up at 6am for a 8am leave. Rob seems to like everyone being up rather early and the only advantage was getting a warm shower, while others weren't so lucky. We travel north along the coastline to the Olympic town of Lillehammer which hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics.

The Wheelie Bobs were used instead of the Bob Sled because they didn't have any snow. The course is still used for race events and is covered in snow between September and April. The course was 1.3km long and it gets up to 120kmph. Aaron, Steve, Max and myself were in with the driver setting the quickest time with 66.4 seconds. Everyone had an absolute ball.

A quick stop at the wooden church to get a picture and have a look around. It was different to any other church I had seen, it looked like it had been burnt at some stage in the past. A very scenic location and it surprised me to find an open wireless hotpot in the location, a little to late as we drive off.

The drive was absolutely stunning, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, snow, wow. I got a small nap and then couldn't keep my eyes off the views. We arrive in our stop for the night with the promise of home made Lasagne for dinner celebrating Kaths birthday. A big night is planned and I get through half a bottle of Jamesons with Sprites to help me celebrate, Good times.

Viking Museum

We have a free day today in Oslo, giving us the option to see allot of museums and local attractions. Viking Ship Museum was the first off the ranks and it had some great history. 3 boats were in the location which had been recovered in the early 1900's and 2 were in fabulous condition. The Vikings surprised me with the equipment dug up, carts, horse saddles and many different tools. I thought they were just a bunch of big thugs who rapped, pillaged and concurred.

Stopped in at the Vigeland Sculpture Park for a quick walk and to get some great pictures. They were in a lot of detail, showing allot of naked men, women and children in different positions. Not really my thing because some of the positions tended to be a little uncomfortable and controversial.

Next, onto the famous artist, Edvard Munch who lived in the late 1800's. The Munch Museum displayed allot of his work and he is most famous for the painting called The Scream. A more cultural experience, it was interesting to see how his works changed over a period of time. Other famous works he created were Madonna, Vampire, Kiss and Summer Night.

Arrived into the city around 1pm, with enough time to eat our packed lunch and get up to the palace for the changing of the guard. It wasn't far away, we arrive just as it started, the guards didn't seem to be doing much so we moved onto the next thing.

Down to the Akershus Fortress and Castle. It turns out that the castle is still being used, mainly for major events and different occasions. The audio tour gave history on the rooms, including a few ghost stories, making it fairly enjoyable.

A bit of walking around, a beer at the bay that set us back $17 for a pint and we go looking for some dinner. Nothing special, just a falafel, a last beer at another destination and we are back to the camp site.

At the camp, teams were drawn for the Viking Olympics. This is meant to keep us busy while up north, not having much to do of a night at the camp sites. Everyone was dividend into 4 teams, I am in a team of 7 which have named themselves the Scandi Jandels. Bring it on.

Oslo and Top Deck

I spend the morning at the hostel working out my way over to the Bogstad Campsite at the other side of town. Secondary reason may have involved the Collingwood vs Western Bulldogs game, which the pies ended up winning. Leaving around midday, 2 trains and a bus, I was a little surprised it was so easy and arrived around 1pm. The lady at reception said Top Deck would arrive around 4pm, it turns out that they arrived on time at 6pm and I wasted most of a day in Oslo, not a bad thing, very relaxing.

Meeting the Top Deck crew was totally different to my last couple of tours. Tent was getting set-up for cooking, each cabin was shared between 4 and you need to pay to have a shower on the camp site. I joined a very small group of around 27 people who were doing various legs, the longest being a 37 day tour so I am only a small hurdle in there holiday.

A couple of beers later at the camp site, a curfew was introduced of 11pm by Bogstad, so a few of us head down to a lake not to far away. Rose and Aaron decide it is a good thing to get in the water, the sun was still out at midnight which is crazy. It looked freezing but good for them, a good day to end my first day on tour.

Welcome to Norway

Up at 3am, flight at 6am to arrive in Oslo at 3pm, a long day of travelling.

Bus from Airport was pretty easy to find, only a little hard with people struggling with my accent or maybe it is me with theirs. Eventually I get onto the bus, another miss understanding, 170 Nok, wait that wasn't a miss understand, $35 to get to the hostel. I log onto the laptop and best thing ever was the bus had it own wireless hotspot, Gold.

Arrive and the hostel, no worries, 200 NOK for room, 50 more for sheets and I wondering how I would have went in a hotel on the Norway Krown. A walk down the road, 25 for a bottle of water, sorry I can't help myself by repeating the prices on here for later.

Dinner I thought I would just cop it and try a local joint, I chose the only place I could find which seemed like a nice little eatery. The staff were real nice, I get a pizza made Norway style, which turned out like a wood fire pizza to me. A beer to wash it down and I spent more on that meal than I did to the stay the night. 210 NOK. The lovely lady serving me probably deserved a bigger tip than an extra 5% but I just couldn't part with it, i look back now with a little guilt.

Happy to stay in the night, just this once to regain my composure and stop converting everything back to aussie dollars. The NOK converts 5 to 1 Australian, making this the most expensive place I have ever been.

My Time in Portugal is Over

I spent allot of time relaxing in the Algarves, beer at a cafe each morning while getting online seemed to be a daily event. Was very disappointed to put out of action on Thursday, as I was so sick, either to much alcohol, something in the drink or something was a bit off. Oh well, can't be helped and I was all recovered for Friday.

Another lazy day of organising my next steps, making sure my transfer to the air port turns up on the right day, left me with mainly just packing, pool and finishing off the beers in my fridge. Late night dinner ended with me choosing an old favourite, lasagne.

Back to the room with the promise of 3 hours sleep before my early flight to Norway.

Enjoying Life

The picture to my left is the quality present Bronnie got me, it went down well in an afternoon laying on the balcony. This place is gold, had 2 big nights of fun meeting different people and no hangover. Been hanging out with allot of English and putting a smile on there faces. I ended the night with 4 locals, they were great fun and energetic. I had chicken with peri peri twice last night, the chicken roll was the best by far from a small little joint.

Welcome to Portugal

After a day of travelling, I arrive at the resort called Solferia just after midnight. The next day I head into town early, to have a look around and hopefully find a vodafone so I can organise some internet. Took a wrong turn and it took more than an hour to find the town. It seemed like I was going back to the dark ages as there isn't a mobile phone shop.

A couple of hours in an internet cafe and I am back to the resort with 9 litres of water, a dozen beers and some juice. Happy to not get lost on the way back, I go down to the bar to make my way through every drink on the menu to celebrate my birthday.

Later on in the night, I get a huge surprise when a note, bottle of red, bar of chocolate and single rose arrive. Bronnie had organised the delivery and I was in shock, a fantastic surprise.

I spend the rest of the night drinking with a young couple and there 2 children from not to far out of Manchester. They were great value and were even happy to have a quick chat to Bronnie when she called.