Korea II

Ok, so maybe I just had a string of bad luck in the first few days of Seoul :). Korea's much better when you've got friendly faces to kindly show you the way. Went to Busan for 2 nights with Mina where her friend Ji-Hyun was kind enough to let us stay and show us around the city (which I think is much prettier and nicer than Seoul). In Busan I ate sashimi that was still alive and moving!!!! Back in Seoul I also had the chance to meet up with Erica and Elyse from the Trinity days - quite odd to be meeting in Korea after all these years. Tomorrow I will see Woong in Daegu.

Seoul, Korea

Korea is an interesting place. On one hand people are very friendly. On the other hand, people are really pissed off and ready to snap at any moment. I've been helped a lot and nearly spat on. Perhaps the former is due to the Canadian flag on my bag, and the latter due to the short hair and large build (that makes me look somewhat like American 'GI Joe' to them). They work like crazy here and it shows. There is also the threat of the North looming overhead (but largely ignored by the young ones). Seoul is extremely busy, with more cars and traffic than I have ever seen. The subways are busier than Tokyo - and here you don't need guys with white gloves - the passengers are more than capable of pushing people on their own. It was good seeing Mina again, and glad to see she hasn't changed much. Mimi was nice enough to let me crash at her place for a few nights in Incheon, and I have to say I much prefer the atmosphere here in this smaller suburb thus far.

Taiwan II

I am really enjoying Taiwan. After a great week in Taipei, I'm down in Kaohsiung where Szu-Bei has been a gracious and excellent host! We went to various places in Tainan, and also Taichung. Learned a lot about Taiwan roots and also had a chance to sample some great food. I am learning a lot of Mandarin, which is nice, considering the road ahead. Predictably, It is really REALLY hot here...

Taiwan

Taiwan marks the first non-English country on my world trip. It is also the first country in which I have to endure hot weather. Two good tests for a so-far happy traveller. Taipai is a pretty crazy city. Luckily, my friend Vicky was there to help me out and show me around. The hostel I stayed at was pretty nice. Also, everything you've heard about Taiwanese nightclubs is true. I didn't know Taiwan has possessed civilization for over 8000 years - as evidenced by jade artifacts pre-dating those times. The nearby village of Jioufen is very pretty and reflective of what 'old Taiwan' was like.

Sydney and Melbourne

Hi everyone.. survived Australia it seems (unless I miss my 8am flight). Sydney was nice, but I much prefer Melbourne! And why is it always cloudy/raining... tomorrow I will fly to Taipei. Here's some pics of Australia in order of Melbourne to Sydney

Melbourne

Still alive... Melbourne was awesome and Raj + his wife Denise were
amazing hosts. Will post pics when I have access to a PC next. Going
to Sydney tomorrow.

Some more pics....

So I survived the adrenaline part of NZ it seems .... need to take a break ... luckily this hostel (Aloe Tree) in Auckland has free internet ... I'll up some photos and let you decide what I chose to do and chose not to do :).