Croatia – Split & Omiš

Author: Mariza

It is high summer season in Split as we arrive from the airport by bus. Vines and olive trees and crystal blue ocean along the way. The first part of Split as you approach from the bus station and cruise liner harbour is very touristy. Holiday festivity sort of air, but nothing too impressive. Except the glorious ocean. That is impressive from every angle. Ink blue water, even in the harbour. My kind of water!! (As opposed to brown… as in my beloved home city).

As we make our way through the interesting little streets to our beautiful old apartment, we start falling in love with Split. Drinking in the perfect view from every window of our gorgeous abode concludes the process. We have lost our hearts.

Over the course of three days we explore the old, stone built city. Dating from the second century. We get lost in the tiny streets with alleyways and stone staircases in all directions. Beautiful stone buildings with orangey brown tiled roofs and green shutters. Everything looks similar, but different. Unique pieces creating a perfect whole. I LOVE it!

We go for long runs along the shoreline, discovering beautiful pebbly beaches. We bathe in the glorious blue ocean and dry ourselves in the bright, warm sun. We laugh and dream and drink in a beautiful old wold city.

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Our next stop is the lovely little town of Omiš. We find ourselves in a fabulous two bedroom apartment overlooking the old city. From our balcony we drink in the morning and evening colour changes over impressive limestone cliffs. We eat and drink and run and swim, all with the beautiful blue ocean at our feet.

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On a particularly adventurous day, we walk from sea side village to sea side village, only in our swimmers and a sarong. We dive into the crystal clear water again and again in different spots, one more beautiful than the next. And we fall ever deeper in love with this beautiful place.

At one point, sun kissed and nicely tired, we decide to have some refreshments on the beach. Great was our shock, horror and disappointment as we discover everything is cash only and the closest cash machine is in the town we are staying, now a day walk away. Jarik brought only enough cash for the local bus back and a credit card. Oh my!!

A friendly beach bar owner offer to have us drink on the house and have us bring the money the following day. We politely decline. We will never see this place again, unfortunately. We leave for a nearby island in the morning.

Making a long, exhausting story short, we ended up getting a free lift in a tiny car. Not before waiting at a bus stop for over an hour and a two hour uphill walk in the blazing sun before that. But all is well that ends well. We made it back with time to spare for another walk up a river gorge. Crazy family, I know.

Early the next morning we were up and ready for our next adventure. This one turning out a whole lot worse and more adventurous than ever expected!! An update to follow from the pen of one of our surviving children.

– Mariza –

 

 

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Finland

Author: Kali

Arriving in Helsinki, Finland early in the morning, we were excited to explore the city for the next four days. I liked it, but it is definitely not my favourite place so far.

As soon as we dropped our bags at our little cottage, having had no sleep on our flight from New York, we all decided to have a nap. Still very tired, we forced ourselves to be awake and explore the forest close to the cottage before we went to bed again.

It was however, a very peculiar night. At around 12:30am I woke up very suddenly to a big, bright, blue sky- it could’ve been midday! I checked the clock, and sure enough, at 12:30am the sun was still shining bright! It was so crazy, I couldn’t sleep any further that night. Soon all four of us children were wide awake, curiously watching the strange night sky. Here in Finland, in the summer, the sun only sets for around two hours. And in the winter, it almost never rises! I am glad we were here in summer!

The next morning, a mere ten minute tram ride took us to the city centre, where we headed to one of the oldest and biggest cathedrals in Helsinki. This is where we started our walking tour of the highlights of the city. The tour was not good at all; even our questions to draw out more information was met with an ‘I don’t know’ from the guide.

Jet lag hit us like a city tram as soon as we got back to the cottage, and we all had a ‘short nap’. Five hours later, Dad came to wake us all up. We were glad that we only had to hop across the road to the small supermarket to get something for dinner, as it was already 6pm. It wasn’t even really worth getting up.

Every home, no matter how big or small has a sauna. Even in the public parks and areas, you will find a little wooden cottage, a communal sauna.

Most families have a small cottage along the coastline for the few days of summer. (These really are few!) The little cottages have no running water or electricity, but the people can get these necessities from nearby public facilities.

Helsinki itself is a very practical, safe, clean and liveable city. However, as a tourist, I did not find this a very interesting or visually stimulating place. It was all mostly so pale and grey. Some places along the coastline are quite beautiful, but cannot compare to some of the beautiful beaches and shorelines I’ve been to.

In addition, the city is also very expensive! I saw a simple ham and cheese sandwich, in a deli window, for around €20, and another €4 for a regular cup of coffee. This was nearly $8 AUD for the cup of coffee. Crazy!

I am, however, glad we came to Finland, although four days might’ve been a tad too long. Never the less, I will forever be able to say, ‘Yes! I’ve been to Finland!’😀

Until next time,

-Kali-

 

 

 

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Helsinki, Finland

Author: Mariza

3 July

Our eight and a half hour flight from New York to Helsinki was supposed to be mostly for sleeping. Some managed to sleep a little bit, but most of us were up for the entire time. This, on top of two weeks of sleep deprivation, is a sure recipe for throwing your body clock right out.

We rented a lovely apartment with tiny beds for our first two days in Helsinki. Upon arrival we indulged in a long middle of the day nap. Bliss! It took two cups of strong, black coffee to get me moving again. Making the most of the super long daylight hours, we hunted down fresh bread and ventured into the woods. It was 10pm by the time we returned home. Still light outside.

A morning run, followed by a walking tour of the city centre saw us to our second Finnish day nap. Bad habits form way too quickly! And did I mention the kids were all up since 1am? Well, I was NOT having that again. Melatonin, magnesium, antihistamines and a small fortune later, I was set for a good night’s sleep for all. Not until after exploring another part of the city on foot and drinking expensive beer overlooking the Baltic Sea. The kids didn’t drink beer. 😊

Our third day in Finland was moving day. On a grey, windy morning, after a run in the woods and a quick cleaning session, we said goodbye to our cosy apartment. A walk, tram and bus ride later, we arrived at our new abode on the island of Helsingfors. A delightful one bedroom apartment bordering the nature reserve and beach made a fine home for our last two days in Finland.

Finland is fascinating. A population of five and a half million driving a very efficient country. Safe, well developed with free primary, secondary and tertiary education for all. Very impressive. And very expensive! The owner of our second apartment is a beautiful, well educated woman with a good job who has to rent out her primary dwelling over weekends and holidays to be able to afford it. The homes we’ve seen are small, but efficient. No wasted space anywhere.

Scattered throughout the nature reserve on our island are little cabins. A setting so surreal, it could have been a fairy tale. Between trees and bushes, each little cabin looks as if it was simply dropped there from the sky. No water and no bathrooms. Only a little cube for sleeping. During our last morning run we met a lovely elderly couple who’ve lived there forever. They told us that Fins can apply to have these cabins for summer vacation homes. In winter they are covered under a blanket of snow and would not be able to keep anyone alive. Strange and captivating.

Our last day was cold and cloudy again. We took a ferry to Suomenlinna where we put on a brave act to walk the length and breath of the island in the icy weather. And here we were thinking it’s mid summer. We learnt all we could about the history of Finland and the military manoeuvres over the years. And then we could take no more. Our warm apartment the only thing on our minds.

Early to bed and early to rise… Our airport transfer van departed at 3:30am. Our Finland adventure was over. Onto Croatia we go.

– Mariza –

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Baseball time!

Author: Ruzow

It was late afternoon, when our parents dropped me, Kali, Eulain, Esto, Shinae, Michelle, Conrad and Emma off in front of Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston. I could hear the roaring crowd from where we stood in line outside the stadium. Our seats were high above the pitch and I had a perfect view of the home base.

The game had already begun a few minutes ago. Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox. Most people, including us, were cheering for the Astros. This meant every time the small minority of Red Sox fans began cheering us Astros supporters quickly drowned them out.

It was a very close game, but in the end, the Red Sox managed to get away with a 2-1 win. Even though our team had not won, I was still happy to have been able to see the game and be part of the stadium atmosphere.

Thank you very much Wessels Kids!!!

– Ruzow –

 

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Ultimate… Spectacular… Awesome…(USA)

Author: Kali

29 June

Our time in the USA was simply too short. There were too many people we could not see, even though we would have loved to. However, the few we had the chance to see was definitely worth every second. We had many special moments and precious conversations with some of our dearest friends. It was absolutely wonderful to see everyone!

It was a big shock for me to see the grown up faces instead of the chubby baby ones that were so familiar to me throughout my childhood. With every family we saw, there was an instant reconnection between all of the children, even though we had not seen each other for over 5 years.

As soon as we had hopped off the plane into the USA, it felt as if we had entered luxury. It is funny how little things that used to be normal can excite you after not having them. These are now luxuries. We got so spoilt in the USA that the transition back to cheap and cheerful backpacking life has been rather difficult.

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A few notes…

  • Katie, instead of writing this I would much rather want to sit with you in your hammock and chat. I have scouted through the trees near our cottage and have found the perfect two. Looking forward to seeing you in Australia!😋
  • McCurtis Children, I would trade anything to swim in the sunlight with you guys  for endless hours. It was so much fun and I really started missing it now that I’m in the icy cold of Finland,  thinking through our fabulous time together. 😄
  • Shinae, It was wonderful to see you and spend such valuable time with you. It was so strange to have you drive us around. Those cakes still haunt me at night. I run around the house in search of them. 😝
  • Emma, I had a wonderful time with you! Thank you so much for all the effort and thought you guys went through to enable us to have such a spectacular time. Maybe next time I’ll be able to fly through time on The Bullet, with my hands in the air and return to the normal pace of earth alive. 😜
  • Pieszchalas, it was so special to see you, even though there wasn’t even time to sit down. Just to see all your beautiful faces and say hallo was such a delight. I am so glad we took the chance to see you guys on the way to the airport. Can’t wait to see you in our living room not too long from now. ❤️
  • Hope, it was absolutely wonderful to see you! You have grown from a little nine-year old (whom I still remember playing with) to a beautiful young lady who has a heart with endless volume. I am so excited for what lies ahead in your bright and exciting future. Maybe we can meet up somewhere around the world!
  • Chellie, I’m still waiting for you to arrive as my personal chef and baker. Thank you so much for all the delicious dishes and meals you magicked from the kitchen. Please come cook for us!! 😉
  • Conrad, drowning out the Red Sox supporters with our loud and enthusiastic Astros cheering was something I will never forget. It was so much fun to be in the stadium with you guys. No wonder my voice was gone the next day. Also, the shooting was something spectacular. Thank you for being brave enough to teach and show me how it is done. Next time I will surprise you! 😝

Until next time,

–  Kali –

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New York on my Birthday!

Author: Ruzow

It was 9 pm. We were very tired after sitting in the car the whole day on our way to New York. It was my birthday and we had embarked on our road trip from Charlotte in the early hours of the morning. After many long hours, we went through a long tunnel, and on the other side there was a sign that read: WELCOME TO NEW YORK!!! We had arrived in New York City! Everyone was now wide awake again. I could not believe we were in New York on my birthday!!!

A few minutes later, we stopped outside an old apartment building, in a small side street. Instantly Kali started getting nervous. We went inside and found our tiny little apartment for $62 a night. It may have been small, but the owner was very friendly and the place was clean.

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The next morning, we walked to the subway station one block away. There we bought tickets and got on. Ten minutes later, we got off and walked a few blocks to Wall Street. Here, after about twenty minutes of searching, we found our tour guide. Jon was a nice guy with a great sense of humour. During our six hour walking tour of Manhattan, I would have been able to fill a whole book with all the things I saw and learnt, but here are my highlights:

  • The Twin Tower Memorial was something I have always wanted to see and learn more about. I was very excited when we arrived. Our guide shared a lot of good information with us, that really helped me understand what happened.
  • Little Italy, is the suburb where Italian immigrants settled for the first time, and who generations later, still inhabit the area. It was full of small shops and restaurants and interesting buildings.
  • Lunch in Little Italy, a delicious pizza.
  • Another of my highlights was that in every street, there was something interesting to learn. For example, the first building with a lift in it, the highest building with a fire escape on the outside and many other small bits of interesting facts about the buildings, their former inhabitants or uses.

I can definitely conclude that,  if you are ever looking for a tour to do in New York, Free Tours By Foot is the best one there is.

Following the tour, we walked along a pathway, towards the ferry terminals and after about an hour, we went inside a café where I got a milkshake. (Not the best I have ever tasted.) However, twenty minutes later, we were on board a ferry and sailing steadily down the Hudson River. Now we got to see New York from the river. We saw many famous buildings, including the World Trade Centre, Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. A little while later, we were underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, something I always longed to do. From there we sailed on, gazing at the city and taking photos with all the famous landmarks in the background. We turned around and sailed back a different route. Then, in front of me was the one thing I dreamed of seeing – the Statue of Liberty. It was up close now and people were all trying to take photos of it. I just stood there looking at it. It was amazing! After seeing it, we sailed back to the terminal.

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We then walked to Times Square.  The place was crowded with people, huge screens with advertisements and flashing light! So much excitement. We just watched everything around us, it was a whole experience in itself. All too soon, we had to head back to our apartment for the night.

We got up early and went for a run in Central Park. There were lots of people exercising, playing sports, or just chilling with friends. Afterwards, we went to get our breakfast bagels on Madison Avenue. We then headed back on a bus.

Back at the apartment, we showered and packed our bags, before getting on the subway to the airport. We were on our way again, this time to Finland.

– Ruzow –

 

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A Full Heart

Author: Mariza

28 June

How is it that we make connections with people, don’t see them for five years and pick up right where we left off? How wonderful to feel the same love for and connection with their now almost adult children. Precious beyond words.

Our time in America was way too short, but oh so wonderful. What was supposed to be a quick stopover turned into two weeks of cramming in years worth of togetherness and very little sleep. There were many dear friends we would have loved to have seen, but we simply didn’t have time. Those few we did see was such a treat, though.

Landing in Miami was an experience I would rather forget. The I-am-too-important-and-need-to-prove-it-through-my-power-game immigration official kept us there for two hours, sent us for a secondary interrogation and made us miss our flight to Atlanta. To say I was livid would be an understatement. We arrived in Atlanta way later than planned, but made up for it by not sleeping for two days. Too much to share, too little time. Not that any amount of time would ever be enough with these special friends.

Another family drove all the way from Chicago to have coffee with us. The last time we saw them was at their wedding, ten years ago. Now they have two gorgeous kiddies, one with the chubbiest cheeks in the universe. I wanted to eat her!! We met Gene as a young woman in London. Family at first sight.

Our departure flight came way too soon. Tom and Michelle drove us to the airport at 4am to buy us another hour together. We have lived through so much in such a short time in Houston. How good it is to see our friends doing so well and being in such a great place. Our hearts are forever grateful.

Our next visit was with our dear friends “die Wesselse”. We were at university in beautiful Stellenbosch at the same time, rediscovered one another in our first week in Houston and became so much more than friends in the two and a half years on opposite sides of that city. Eight days of skiing in Colorado and surviving hurricane Ike under one roof definitely sealed our friendship. It’s been five years since our last visit, but nothing has changed between us. Only the kids – unrecognisable, especially some with huge hands and feet who like to look down on me while hugging! Words are insufficient when it comes to these precious ones. Our heart people.

The McKurtis clan, also a family of six, housed us for one cherished night. Here we were spoilt rotten and the kids sacrificed the start of their holiday camp to be with us. Again way too little time. We love these people to bits!! They were the first ones to invite us to their home for lunch in Houston and that was the beginning and the end. A great family friendship that only gets better over time.

We saw two other families, very significant in our lives. All too briefly!! But it was wonderful, wonderful!! And again a shock to see the kids so grown up. Rodgers and Deckers we soooooooooo appreciate you!!!! Sandi has been a key and integral part of our lives for the past eight years since leaving Houston. And oh to see and hug my precious Mike! I LOVE that man!!

On our way to the airport we took a chance, which nearly made us miss our flight. We drove to the Pieszchalas to knock on their door. If anyone can appreciate a surprise drop in, it would be these people. We share so many special memories with this family. From deep, meaningful discussions to sundowners on their newly acquired land and many a meal in interesting places. Christy’s face when she opened the door, followed by screaming which brought Caylin out, was priceless. I only wish we had more time with them. Next year in Brisbane we will, though. I cannot wait!! Special, special friends!!

Charlotte, North Carolina and the home of our beloved Lains made up for all the discomfort we suffered in South America. Vineyards and wine tasting and s’mores on the fire outside, an early birthday celebration for Ruzow’s 12th with delectable cupcakes and sleeping in palatial rooms with luxury beds. 😊 🇺🇸

Mrs Lainie, Joe and girls, you outdid yourselves!! Thank you for embracing and enduring an entire day of shopping with the six of us. And for all the special moments (too many to mention!) we shared. Love you to eternity!!

We left Charlotte at 4 in the morning and drove to New York City via Washington DC. We spent Ruzow’s 12th birthday on the road, only arriving in New York around 10pm. Looooooooong day!!

The excitement of arriving in New York City is not even quenchable by severe exhaustion. After an eventful bag drop in a dodgy street in Manhattan, we finally handed our rented car back at 11pm. And yes, believe it if you can, we WALKED fifty (yes, five zero!!) blocks back to our apartment. Upon arrival, after midnight, we lined up for a turn in the one and only bathroom for a quick shower. Our tiny room containing three double beds (and nothing else, not even air) was clean and comfortable. The rest of the apartment houses all sorts of interesting people, crammed into three more rooms. Great value for money, though, especially considering our proximity to Central Park, Time Square and downtown  New York.

We managed to squeeze a magnitude of highlights into our short visit to New York. A six hour walking tour of the city, a twilight cruise down The Hudson and to the Statue of Liberty, a night visit to Time Square and a run through Central Park to name but a few. We concluded our NYC adventure with expensive bagels on Madison Avenue before catching the subway to JFK International Airport.

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America oh America! How we wish we had more time.

Mariza –

 

 

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Quito and The End of South America

WP_20170612_12_44_46_RichAuthor: Mariza

13 June

After the initial rocky start, Quito turned out a lovely city. Our new accommodation was great and we enjoyed delicious breakfast in the restaurant below us every morning. We went on a four hour walking tour of the historical centre with a great guide who taught us a lot about the city and the history of Ecuador. We’ve learnt that is the best way to find your feet in a new place.

Over the last few days we saw many beautiful cathedrals (Quito has seven in one street!), visited the presidential palace, visited the Middle of The World museum and had our feet in both the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time.

Quito marked the end of our South American adventure. And what an adventure it has been! Loved it!

We were up at 2 this morning and left our hostel in the back of a truck at 3am. This was organised by our hostess and cost us an arm and a leg. We were piled into the back of a cooler truck and driven to the airport with the one back door open for oxygen. It ended up being mostly exhaust fumes. Maybe a good thing as we needed something for the nerves. Jarik nearly fell out the back when we made a sudden turn. We had a good chuckle about our interesting transportation in the past three months and going in and out of Ecuador on the back of a truck.

We are on our way to Miami now. By plane. Very civilised. Then to Atlanta. This is going to be a long day! But the reward at the end of it will be more than worth it. America here we come!

– Mariza –

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Horror introduction to Quito

Author: Mariza

11 June

After two hours by motorised canoe and another two hours by bus, we were back in Lago Agrio. We only just made the 2pm bus to Quito. No time to buy food and hardly enough time to go to the bathroom. Six hours and only two quick toilet stops later, we were in Quito. Starving and exhausted and without accommodation. While we were on the bus, the owners of the apartment we had a confirmed booking for, decided it was inconvenient to come into the city and simply cancelled our booking. Nice! We managed to find a 10 out of 10 rated apartment in the historical part of the city on bookings.com, a little over our budget, but oh well.

The taxi driver nearly killed us on route from the bus terminal to this “great place”. And then… we get dropped off in a dark alley in front of a dodgy building. We ring the bell and the small iron door buzzes open. We climb through the small opening to find an ugly passage leading to a dirty staircase. On the second floor we meet an unfriendly man who speaks no English at the reception desk. It takes a long time to establish that we have a booking in a part of the building he has no keys for. He phones the owner, who promises to be there in fifteen minutes. More than an hour later, a slick (or is it slimy?) man walks in. Both Eulain and Esto have fallen asleep on a dirty couch. The owner leads us out of the building, onto the street and unlock the doors of a shopping area. He leads us to the back of the building and into our “apartment”. Oh my! We nearly passed out from the smell. Mouldy basement mixed with the overwhelming scent of toilet block (the ones we used to have in the bathrooms in primary school). We say nothing, but we are all in shock. The man promises to open the doors at 7am and lock us into the building. It is very late and we are very tired. Jarik and I “settle” on bunk beds in the kitchen and the kids in the only other room. No hot water in the disgusting shower. Only Kali and I brave it. The rest promise to face it first thing in the morning. We climb into the dirty beds. Our skins crawl and we itch all over. I pray for sleep to rescue me, but it takes a long time, despite my exhaustion.

We could not get out of that place quickly enough. The breakfast, which was included, consisted of one dry bread roll and a small plastic cup of weak, black coffee. We should have known when we saw the sign in reception the night before that reads: “breakfast – one bread only per person”.

We leave our bags there and go in search of a place with wi-fi. Our 10 out of 10 place’s unlimited wi-fi proved to be nonexistent. The first few places we try send us away telling us that there is no wi-fi in this part of the city. We’re not giving up! We stumble upon a lovely restaurant with wi-fi. The breakfast is fantastic and we manage to find an apartment not too far from where we are. After ten minutes the owner emails to say he is out of town, so the apartment is not available. Just before this, one of the friendly ladies at the restaurant tells us that they have accommodation above the restaurant. We all feel this is meant to be, so the email confirms it for us.

We go back to our horror “apartment” to get our backpacks. Hugely relieved to file it away as a bad experience we survived. All of a sudden we feel a lot better about Quito. Bring on the next chapter!

– Mariza –

 

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Swimming in the Amazon!

Author: Ruzow

11 June

Everything we did and experienced in the Amazon Rainforest was special and amazing in its own unique way. But my highlight was definitely plunging off the canoe into the large lake. The tropical water was black, warm and very deep. Just thinking of what was swimming below made me shiver, there could be anything ranging from an anaconda, to a caiman!!!!! I ignored the thought and just enjoyed it. Swimming in the Amazon! To me, this was the thing I looked forward to everyday, a nice swim in the lake. It was magnificent.

See a video of my highlight 🙂

– Ruzow –

 

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