Wandering Two months in, Two award nominations

It was a nice way to end the month of July by being nominated for our 2nd Award - The Liebster Award. As we start off August, the last month of Winter for me here in Australia, and we venture into Start Wandering's 2nd month online, I am so pleased to be nominated by Bon Bagage. 

In just two months I have learnt so much, not only about the world out there as others see it, but about myself as I embrace writing and inspiring others every single day. I didn't think I had it in me, but with encouragement, growth and inspiration I am surprising myself as well. 

Liebster Award Rules

1. Acknowledge the blog who nominated you and display the award
2. Answer eleven questions that the blogger gives you
3. Give eleven random facts about yourself
4. Nominate eleven blogs that you think deserve the award (with less than 200 followers)
5. Let the bloggers know you have nominated them
6. Give them eleven questions to answer

Which country would you never visit? 
That's a toughie.... A few things go through my mind when I think about this. Most tourists are too quick to judge a country, or a destination because of something that occurred a decade ago, or because the media hype displays it as a gang-infested, war-torn or a health stricken place where people of the western world should avoid. It may not be the right time to travel to certain parts of the world, at some point, but that is what makes history. A country beating adversity, some with wounds to show for it, and for the world to see and learn so it doesn't happen again. WWII was defined as the war to end all wars, and when I visited a concentration camp in Germany, the deaths, the propaganda that went with it, were there to educate our future generations - that this should never happen again.
OK that's the end of my rant about that, now to answer the question. In terms of possibility it would probably be North Korea. 

Do you have a travel song you always listen to when going away? 
I read this question, and knew exactly which song I would pick - always has been always will be: Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (2009). 
I first heard this song from my brother who shared it with me while he was travelling throughout Europe. I missed him, envied him, and wanted to follow his footsteps. It was on my playlist as I backpacked around Europe in 2010, and when I was returning home, the folk band helped embed those memories until the next trip. When I met Shaun shortly after I returned, I finally understood what the lyrics meant. We have travelled far, far away from our hometown, but it feels home whenever I am with him, and that is what keeps us travelling.

I would also add any song from the soundtrack of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Ben Stiller picked some killer songs to amp up the feeling of wanderlust, including Space Oddity - David Bowie. 10, 9, 8, 7.........

What’s your most beautiful travel memory? 
Overall, the moment in New York City framed in my mind forever, when Shaun got down on one knee and asked me to marry him in New York city. That is irreplaceable and I cannot describe what that visit to Manhattan feels like to anyone, NYC will always be magical to me. 
One that I can share with you to do yourselves, is head to the top of Mount John in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, at night. This place is known to have very little light pollution and apart from Antarctica is the most southern observatory in the world. It was also the world's first sky-nature reserve. Not only is the ride up the mountain in complete darkness fun enough (the headlights of the vehicles can destroy the telescopic lens), but when you're up there you can guarantee to see dozens of shooting stars, so many wishes were made that night. We also saw Jupiter through one of the five telescopes in the observatory. What is really cool is the astronomers at the top of the mountain help you take photos to get clear pictures, just like the naked eye, where you can see how here on earth we form part of the gorgeous Milky Way. 

On top of Mt John Observatory looking into the Milky Way sky

What keeps you motivated when you’re blogging? 
Photos. Whether its photographs I have taken on previous trips, current photos or pictures of destinations I plan to travel to and need some inspiration, the vision is created within these images. I might also have a moment, where it will all just click, an epiphany if you like where a smile, even tears of happiness met my face. Earlier on today this happened to me going for a stroll on my local beachside, and that has motivated a draft I am working on at the moment, and a few other things in the background. 
Reading my fellow bloggers, their ideas, their stories and their experiences is extremely inspirational. It is warming to know that so many people in all different places around the world all share the same passion, goal and experiences and most don't share the same language. That is incredible, and what makes this blogging industry impact the rest of the world. All it took was reading the blog of a young traveller one day, and two days later I had created this. No set-up, no foundation, just an idea and my fingers are energised using this keyboard when I am spreading the passion of wander. 
Finally, it is the jealousy. I am going to be honest, seeing friends on my personal newsfeed who are travelling while I am not kind of drives me crazy. Especially when they are somewhere that I have been or plan to go. I get that FOMO feeling (Fear Of Missing Out), and I swear it puts me into a bad mood for hours. But I am genuinely happy for people getting out there and seeing the world that I love so much, I know, I know, I can't have mother earth all to myself.

Do you visit dangerous countries? 
If we're talking the over-exaggerated media reports on dangerous locations worldwide, it might look like I actually listen to what they say. But if were the case as everything is reported, I would never leave my lightly padded bedroom. Danger is measured on the perception of the traveller, the most dangerous experience I have had to date isn't crossing the streets in Ho Chi Minh City (how much sense does their traffic make?), but a terrible night in Paris - more on that in a later post. Given the unfortunate events that lead to the death of a fellow travel blogger, Harry Devert, maybe Mexico. But I wouldn't say I felt in danger any more than walking the streets of my own city. 
If the question is aimed to see if I like the path less travelled, then hell yes! I am all for venturing into little villages, speaking with my hands, and experiencing the thrall of what is truly foreign. The danger aspect hasn't crossed my mind, I would love to trek the mountains of Afghanistan, shark dive in J'Burg, and travel through Africa from top to bottom. My head is in the clouds half the time, I may be naive but the world is meant to be seen. Danger or none, make the most of it. But always travel safely, and don't push the boundaries.

Where would you like to live other than your home country? 
Everywhere.... I could live in the Mountains of Canada, the beaches of South East Asia, the meadows and atmosphere inside Pubs in Ireland, or the Latin American culture of food, dance and carnival. The thing is I plan to do all of these things as a part of my bucketlist for life experience, not just to tick off a landmark or say I tried the top 10 cuisines in the world. But to immerse myself in another continent for as long as I can, to say not only did I step foot on all continents but I lived, breathed and experienced the different corners of the globe. 
Then after all that is done, I could probably do the unthinkable to Australians and settle in New Zealand. 

What’s the ultimate travel souvenir you ever got/bought? 
Other than my passport, and my very worn lucky four leaf clover socks, from my Pop's hometown in Northern Ireland. I would say the wine collection I have gotten from many overseas destinations. Some top picks from Central Otago New Zealand, and Niagara's Inniskillin ice wine. There are a few bottles that will remain closed for a decade. And we won't settle for that long anyway, so what a way to treasure a memory - in a bottle. And it will taste so very good.  

Tasting Inniskillin Ice Wine in Niagara on the Lake - Canada

Which trip are you planning right now? 
I would love to tell you, but its kind of a secret right now... Sssshhh. All I can say is I am preparing for the trip of a lifetime, a journey to Start Wandering. I will share this journey with all of my readers as it is being made and while I am away. Some very big things will be announced shortly, so I can only say keep reading and you will find out.

Is there something you don’t like about travelling?
Coming home... actually not even, its those last few days. You're still exploring, maybe 2 cities left, and these days flyby and these nights feel like they didn't even occur. You know that feeling, if you're a seasoned traveller, you too hate that feeling. I can only describe it as your heart stretching to hold onto every moment while it can, to embrace every sight, smell, taste and touch of your surroundings while you listen to the crowd rush around you knowing this is where I'm about to end up. Back to reality. The herding of people like cattle in their home cities, as they drag themselves to work each day. Yes that is the part about travelling I do not like. You feel it is unfair to fully enjoy the last couple of days, as you betray the city you're leaving. Such a bitter taste. 


What’s your favourite foreign food? 
OK I am going to nut this down to a few destinations and a few cuisines. 
1. Pintxos in San Sebastian - The Basque do their version of Tapas so right.
2. Che (Dessert in a glass) - A very specific Vietnamese dessert from Ho Chi Minh's Nha Hang Ngon - Sago, Coconut Milk, Banana, and Jellies. Also on par, is the Vietnamese Iced Coffee, a daily consumption while you're there, from anywhere.
3. Singapore Chilli Mud Crab
4. Given my extent of travelling throughout North America, I can't go past their take on foreign Mexican foods, and by far the Chimichangas from Hussongs in Las Vegas are the best! 

I can't go on my mouth is salivating! I am also a big fan of foreign wine.

Do you prefer travelling solo or with a companion?
Having travelled solo, or in groups with girlfriends, in the past, I am now converted to the trusty companion. My passenger for life. There is something special about exploring a destination with someone special to you. Whether you're in the car on a road trip and accidentally drive down the wrong side of the road, or get stranded in the international airport without a visa to your next destination, or experience some really unfavourable noises coming from the penthouse above your hotel room; I have someone to laugh it all off with. Not only that, the mini-meltdowns have brought us extremely closer together and have tested us throughout our entire relationship. We travelled as boyfriend and girlfriend, then we got engaged and travelled as fiance and fiance, then travelled as a married couple. The hardest has been as a married couple. Your funds are all derived from the same account, you know each other in and out, the flaws, the loves and the fears. And yet you wouldn't have it any other way. Shaun knows how to calm me down before getting on a flight in a thunderstorm (I'm in remission with my fear of flying - there is a cure!!). And I can negotiate the fees and costs for some of those big ticket expenses, car hire etc. We bounce off one another, because we still are individuals. 

My companion, Shaun and I - Fiji

11 Random Facts you might not know about me: 

1. I'm part of 10% of the population being left-handed, and proud
2. I've never broken a bone in my body, meanwhile Shaun has broken nearly all including two shoulder reconstructions and an ankle
3. I used to really enjoy painting and drawing, and want to take it up when I get back on the road
4. I am terribly afraid of scarecrows
5. I have never owned a dog, and am waiting for the opportunity to own one finally - I love dogs
6. I have two older brothers who have a major impact in my life
7. I lived in Melbourne for over a year while my husband trained in Air Traffic Control
8. Sunflowers are my favourite flower
9. I am a major fan of Ice Hockey which is growing in Australia, I follow Vancouver Canucks (Bruins fans please don't take it to heart, I love the city Boston!)
10. Shiraz is my drop of choice, followed closely by Pinot Noir (only from Central Otago)
11. I am actually really addicted to computer games, but I will play for a few weeks then lose total interest. 

Now nominating 11 blogs that I enjoy following:

1. My Rainbow Travel
2. Emily Luxton Travel Blog
3. Fit Travels
4. We12Travel
5. Have Blog Will Travel
6. Live Laugh Explore
7. Bemused Backpacker
8. Gone with the Backpack
9. Seize the Globe
10. Adrift Anywhere
11. Wandering Wanderluster

To answer my chosen 11 questions: 

1. Where in the world are you right now?
2. Can you pinpoint the exact moment you knew this was what you wanted to do?
3. When travelling what is your biggest challenge?
4. Do you take tours when you travel or explore on your own?
5. Name something, other than your passport, that if you lost in your baggage you couldn't live without?
6. What is your favourite airport and airport experience worldwide? 
7. What are the essentials you take on a plane, or long haul bus ride?
8. What was the most confronting travel experience you've had, and why didn't it stop you?
9. Was there a destination that surprised you and you fell in love with automatically?
10. What does your first day consist of in a new city?
11. You're at your favourite travel destination, and you have $10 left what do you do with it?

Can't wait to read each of yours - Go!

Follow your own path

Wandering the Concrete Jungle

Flying into New York City

“Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today – I want to be a part of it, New York, New York” Nothing but Frank Sinatra playing through the overhead speakers as we landed into JFK Airport for my first visit into New York City. We flew Korean Air and I really appreciated that sentimental touch to add to the arrival by playing an iconic song to remember where you are, it worked, because I am still thinking about it.

We disembarked the A380, what a machine of a plane that is, and entered the terminal. You know that unfamiliar feeling you get when you first arrive somewhere foreign you have never been. I still feel it in my tummy when I think back to New York, a city that I will never know completely but know so well. It wasn’t my first visit through US Customs before, but the guy stamping my passport was actually very friendly and invited me into the country – “Welcome to the United States ma’am”, I was so chuffed. It was approximately 11:30 pm in the arrivals hall and all I could hear were the destinations ticking over the arrivals board, the cries of people reuniting and the wheeling of suitcases, JFK Airport offered an experience of its own. We though OK, we don’t want to spend too much on transport let’s try and book a bus on the green phone over in the corner. With no luck we moved outside to the taxi queue, where we started to feel amongst it. We hopped in the SUV version of a yellow NYC taxi, which drove us down the Van Wyck Expressway; I couldn’t help but think back to the Seinfeld episode where Elaine is hysterical “no-one has ever beaten the Van Wyck”. That’s the thing about New York, you are so familiar with it through movies and TV shows you already feel a part of it and just being there connects the dots.

28 hours and 16,000 kms later - need to freshen up

We stayed at Central Park West, an up and coming part of Manhattan, at Astor on the Park. Given we were visiting during New Year’s celebrations we stayed a little out of town, and it really gave us the feel of being a New Yorker. Our room was small; the shower/bath didn’t empty so we were up to our ankles in water every time we washed.  But we had a view of the city skyline from our 11th floor apartment and the lift was from the 1920’s for 2 people (or 4 people back then), so it felt real, and overall, the entrance to Central Park was opposite our doorstep. We put our heads down to rest that night, with the Red and Green Christmas themed lights of the Empire State Building beaming through our window, and we knew tomorrow would be the beginning of something special. 

With a view like this, we couldn't be happier staying at Astor on the Park

We woke the next morning at 5:00 am, after only 4.5 hours sleep and a 28 hour flight we were too excited to sleep. We walked up 110th St and found a little breakfast joint called Zanny’s, owned and run by two Colombians who made the BEST breakfast bagels and hot chocolate. This is where we would eat breakfast each morning over our 10 night stay, because we didn’t think we would come across anything better. The subway entrance was one block from our hotel, so we waited for the peak hour rush to pass and purchased our first Metro Card loaded with enough money to last our visit - $30.00.

The subway is dark, steely and fast, very fast. On the platforms there is no time displayed because trains come frequent enough, and they pull in quickly and take off just as fast. This contributes to the attitude of the city, everyone is always on their way somewhere, and I loved it. We got out at Times Square (of course) and all the lights, even in the broad mid-morning daylight, and crowds of thousands
surrounding us were incomparable to any other Square I have visited. Everyone is smiling and looking up. We didn’t have much time to spare as we were heading to the Financial District to start an 6 hour Free Walking tour run by Free Tours by Foot. So we took it all in from corner to corner of the square and walked to a quieter Subway towards 38th and Penn to head down to City Hall. 

Here we met Derrick, I couldn’t explain to you the level of resourcefulness this man has, and the passion he has for his city, New York. I can only recommend that anyone travelling to the Big Apple gets in touch with Free Tours by Foot and gets on an All-in-One Downtown tour. In 6 hours you will have the best introduction to Manhattan with these guys on foot you will have with anyone on wheels. You get into the nitty gritty of Wall St, the unnerving details of September 11 and the melting pots of Little Italy and Chinatown. Because I can’t explain the value of this tour enough, you will literally have to experience it yourself. And yes it is free, but the guide will make sure you walk away with enough history, knowledge and even the behaviour of Manhattanite, that a tip is definitely deserved. 

Now exhausted, we settle back towards Central Park West, and try out some $1.50 pizza and a coke feeling truly immersed.

The next morning at sunrise we’re up again! The excitement is just rattling through our bones, and we need to get out of our shoebox apartment to release the jitter. After our quick-stop at Zanny’s for breakfast we head across to Central Park for a morning walk. Shaun and I are both high on life right now, Colombian-brewed coffee in hand and the crunching of winter leaves on the paths as Central Park joggers speed past us. We’re slowly taking it all in, and stopping at every little bridge, bench or playground there is. As I type this I am feeling a flurry of nerves, maybe I am getting in touch with how Shaun was feeling at the time, because at the next spot we stopped our lives both changed. I saw a sign for the “Ladies Pavilion” as I ran towards it and said, “your not allowed in here” to Shaun, and placed my bag down and my camera over my shoulder. We took a few happy snaps together, and then I walked down to the pond where ducks were swimming to keep warm. I ran up towards Shaun beckoning him to follow me down for more pictures and as I turn around there he is on one-bended knee with a ring to match. New York immediately meant so much more to me at that point, and Central Park was now a landmark of our lives. Oh, and after a few paused minutes, I said yes.

Sharing our story - engaged in Central Park, New York City.

With a sparkle in my eye, and on my finger, the rest of our journey was captivated by others joining in on our celebrations, locals on the Subway would smile knowing what had happened to us on this trip. Only an hour later we arrived at Battery Park where I laid eyes on the Statue of Liberty and all of her grace. Close by is also the Staten Island Ferry, the remains of the World Globe that used to sit between the Twin Towers, where fragments are missing but the world is still whole.

One major visit would be the Memorial of the World Trade Centre. We visited a few months after it had first open on the 10 year anniversary. In comparison to all the world’s tragic events, this is one I was alive to see, so it has a huge impact on my life and visiting here I must comment. The tribute is incredible, and not a greater design could be considered for the dedication to those who were lost and their families. As you have to enter through security removing majority of your clothing and belongings before you enter, I wonder if it is necessary, I can only tell you what I was feeling at the time. One thing that really bothers me is visitors who are taking selfies smiling in front of the foundation fountains, as a place of remembrance and reflection I can’t help but feel this is inappropriate. You might send me hate-mail after this, but these are my thoughts and if you have taken a smiling selfie, with your hand on your hip here, you need to get in touch with reality. 

We got some serious sightseeing out of our system the first few days, and now with a familiar feeling of the city, we ventured out to some of the same places for exploration, tried foods and walked a fair bit. So much so, we have visited New York again and plan to in the next 6 months, so it’s safe to say this city does make us feel brand new.

In our total 10 day stay on the Island of Manhattan these are my highlights to share with you:

First things first, travel to New York City for New Years Eve. If it's on your bucketlist make it happen. There are plenty of cheaper options for sleeping (like what we picked), and for celebrating the ball drop in Times Square. Many dinner packages offer free drinks unti midnight and an opportunity to go outside for the main event. We picked Chevy's and had a great time. Apart from these celebrations, the city itself has another vibe, everyone is in holiday mode, and is lit up from Central Park through to Times Square, specifically Rockerfeller Plaza with the famous Christmas Tree.

The spirit of Chrismas and New Years Eve in NYC

My top things to do are:

1) 9/11 Memorial 

2) Free tours by Foot, All-in-one downtown 

3) New York City Harbor Cruise

4) Ice Skating in Central Park's Wollman Rink

5) Empire State Building - after midnight (great way to shake off jetlag and with no crowd, it's open til 2:00 am)

6) A burger and thickshake from Mel's Burgers (check out their shake menu for further convincing)

7) Go and see all the Seinfeld sets, or if its Sex and the City, How I Met Your Mother - just do it!

8) Visit a rooftop bar, Timeout has the best options

9) Watch Amatuer Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem

10) Walk the length of Central Park, if not in one go, at least see what you can - with Wafel and Dinges at one end, and the American Museum of Natural History at the other, you will always be surprised.

My top picks of Manhattan

Keep spreading the news, even if you're not leaving today. Everyone should be a part of what is - New York, New York.

P.s. Here is the Shake Menu just in case you wondered