My answers to a Tourism Questionnaire

My friend Bilal Ulmer from Pakistan recently sent me a tourism questionnaire for some case studies on different topics including technology,science,travelling, arts etc.

I was happy to oblige of course!

He wanted my opinion on the following questions.
1) Why you want to travel around the globe? 
I love travel as it offers me opportunities to meet new people and see places I never could have imagined. It widens your knowledge and opens your eyes to new experiences. You get to see and do things you never even knew existed.

Meeting my sponsor child and his mother in Tanzania, Africa

2) What thing attract you the most while travelling ? 

I like people. I love talking to people from different places to me and unusual settings. Some of the best experiences I’ve had are just chatting to someone in a cafe, or changing my plans after meeting a new friend and then going off to explore together. These are friendships that last a lifetime or moments that change your life.

Halloween Party with an old Australian Friends and new friends in Cusco, Peru

3) What thing make your passion more for travelling? 

The fear of missing out and the opportunity to see and do something new. There is always something to discover and always an experience I’m yet to have. I love the unknown.

4) Which country you like the most while travelling and why? 

India! It’s my favourite by far. The people are beautiful and warm and welcoming. They will give you the shirt off their back and do anything possible to make you feel welcome. The food is delicious and so different to what I grew up with. There is colour everywhere and in everything, I love to watch saris blowing in the wind and people make food with the bright coloured spices. There is so much diversity, from the people, to the cities, to the foods and the languages – there is something new and different everywhere you go.

Taj Mahal India

5) As an Aussie how you find Australia with rest of the world? 

I love Australia. It’ll always be my home and I think I’m so lucky to live here. We are very safe and we have a high standard of living. We also have a mix of cultures here so I get to experience other cultures even when I’m here at home. It’s a great fusion of people in this place, and I just can’t escape the natural beauty- Australia is a beautiful place to just drive around and look at our amazing ecosystems and environments.

6) Which region/country you recommend for travelers ? 

I recommend Germany. It’s a wonderful country with a very interesting modern and ancient history. It’s a real centre in Europe and it’s got a good mix of everything. From skiing in the mountains to modern culture in Berlin, from traditional beer festivals in Munich and beautiful forests in the middle country. The food is incredible and the people are so interesting, knowledgable and once you warm them up – incredibly friendly.

Oktoberfest 2006, Munich, Germany

Bolivia Instagram Summary

Had an incredible and fascinating time in Bolivia. Frustrating at times as it is a fair way behind its South American neighbours, Peru and apparently Chile and Argentina. It’s picturesque mountains and lakes make up for those deficiencies. Visit Lake Titikaka, skip Copacabana if possible, frolic in the desert and salt flats and explore more of La Paz that I didn’t see.

My favourite photos:

Copacabana

Copacabana, Bolivia

Me in uyuni

Isla Del sol

Loki hostal

 

 

 

 

Mountains of Bolivia

 

 

 

Jess in the desert

Jumping in the desert

 

Graffiti In La Paz, Bolivia

Kitty Flanagan: Charming & Alarming DVD

The other night I enjoyed watching the hilarious Kitty Flanagan’s DVD “Charming & Alarming”. Mum and I sat their giggling throughout the entire DVD as Kitty keeps the laughs coming.

I’ve always liked Kitty on the project when she does her short clips and social commentary, but this can often be quite different to the artists stand up. Not in this case. She is everything you expect her to be. Sharp, witty and warm – she’s likable and laughable… if that’s a term! It’s not but I think it’s funny so I’m laughing.

Kitty Flanagan

My favourite part had to be where Kitty explains how Australians speak and how this is different to Americans and other parts of the world. It’s funny because it’s true! She explains perfectly how we speak out the sides of our mouths and no longer feel the need to use the letter “R”. I often try to explain how to “speak Australian” to foreigners and have now found the perfect way. Thanks Kitty.

I also loved her jokes about mummy talk and the interaction between parents and children. Children are great…. it’s just the parents! Very funny re-enactments of scenarios, imitations of children and observations that we all see but are afraid to point out. Kitty goes there and it’s hilarious!

Can’t wait to see the live show “Hello Kitty” which I missed at Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) due to it being sold out! Watch out for the Australian Tour in 2013.

 

If you like Comedy and want to get your hands on DVD’s like this, go to www.punchline.com.au - Australia’s Largest Comedy DVD Store

Portrait Competition: Win a Portrait Session worth $850

My talented and gorgeous friend Cassie Bedford is running a Portrait Competition through her photography business.

Details below, get in quick and show off your fabulous photos! Competition ends June 29th 2013 at 9pm.

Cassie Bedford Photography
Weddings|Portraits|Marketing|Corporate Events|

http://www.cassiebedford.com.au
E: studio@cassiebedford.com.au

Chicks with Stix - Perisher Sunday 19th August

Reblogged from Now Rip This:

Chicks with Stix is on Sunday 19 August at Blue Cow 9:00am.

What is it? An all-day grass-roots workshop, designed specifically for girls to receive tuition from some of Australia's top women's coaches.

Does it cost? No, it's 100 per cent free. That's right Chicks with Stix won't charge you, they're not here to take advantage of you, but you should take advantage of this once-in-a-life-time-opportunity.

Read more… 71 more words

The snow is coming fast... It's already here in Australia - make sure to get along to join Chicks With Stix on their awesome info days - www.chickswithstix.com.au/

Snow Travel Expo in Melbourne

This coming weekend there will be the Snow Travel Expo in Melbourne. If you love the snow, and can’t wait for June 8th (Opening Weekend) to roll around, this is the place for you.

The Snow Travel Expo 2013 will be held Sunday May 19th  10am – 4pm Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Mt Buller Resort 2012

If you’re planning a ski trip this season – make sure you get on down to this expo and see what great offers are available on gear, accommodation, resorts and packages.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get back to the snow!!

Emma at Mt Buller 2012

For more information visit: http://www.snowtravelexpo.com.au/

Entry: Free with a gold coin donation to Disabled Wintersport Australia.

WIN: For your chance to win any one of these incredible overseas snow holidays, visit the Snow Travel Expo’s competition areas at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on Sunday May 19, 2013 or Sydney Exhibition Centre on Sunday May 26, 2013.

I was alerted to this from the Disability Winter Sports Australia Newsletter. Learn more about them here: http://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/article/76/Snow_Travel_Expo_

Demonstration at Ski City in Melbourne

Mint Chicks 2013 Progression Tour – It's the sheeyit

Reblogged from Now Rip This:

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Fi Duncan, Kiwi snowboard coach and pilates instructor is the guide for the week. She says: “Why come shred yourself stupid with me? Because you will never laugh so much in one week, you will stretch yourself and your limits!” As a local Fi knows the spots on the mountain and off. She says, “Plus you Strayan’s need an interpreter!  Cm’on leave your fears at home and jump on board!"

Read more… 91 more words

This tour was one of my top FOMO excursions last year. I really missed out on this epic adventure with the girls and if you are a snow bunny, this is not one you want to miss. Mint Tours are a great company and there is always a cool bunch of girls

Danny McGinlay – Hypertonic – At Sydney Comedy Festival

Sydney Friends – get along to this one!

Danny McGinlay is hilarious in his very own stand-up show!

In Sydney for a short season so don’t miss out!

Live Comedy is great and Danny McGinlay is a talented Comic. Go on, have a laugh.

Details at the Facebook event 

 

A message from Danny:

Hi Sydney – I’m performing my show HYPERTONIC at the @Sydcomfest this Thursday – Saturday! Come along!
“****
– Adelaide Advertiser

“Effortless Ad-Libbing… Story Telling Genius”
- Herald Sun

“Like your enthusiastic little brother whose only wish is to make you laugh… he succeeds.”
The Age

Tix here - http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=DANNYMCG13#.UVDU1xdmiSo

 

Learn more about Danny at - www.dannymcginlay.com

Comedy Bites Dog – Amazing Comedy Night in Melbourne

http://epodcentral.com.au/comedybitesdog/

Two Amazing Comedy Shows on the one night!!

The Comics Lounge – Saturday May 18

7:30PM and 9:45PM shows!
Two HUGE comedy shows on the same night featuring: Bev Killick, Julia Morris, Jeff Green, Sammy J, Arj Barker, Geraldine Hickey, Mikey Robbins, Lawrence Mooney, Greg Fleet, Dave Hughes, Lehmo, Elbow Skin and more to be announced.

This is a one night only proposition and cannot be repeated so get in early and grab your tickets to avoid disappointment.

Exact lineups for each show at Comics Lounge web site.

Tickets available ONLY from Moshtix.com.au -http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/search?query=comedy+bites+dog

See more details at the Facebook Event – Comedy Bites Dog

Thank you for listening

An old man just talked to me at the bus stop. Told me bout some great op shops up the road.

He then said “Thank you for listening”

He continued “I’m 87. Most people think, because I’m old, I’m silly.”

He repeated “Thank you for listening.”

That’s all it takes. And he’s warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eye. Politeness, kindness and a minute out of your day is easy.