Thirty Things to do before you're 30 (No.20)

No. 20- Get your Australian Visa:  Okay so this really is one thing you just can't do after your thirty. The minute you've turned thirty-one- it's over, unless of course you can get an employer to help you with a visa (and by that I mean having a job already set up). 

Please read this very carefully. I've been to Australia- and for a limited  two week getaway.  I would have loved to stay a lifetime. This just is not enough time to explore, adventure and have a blast down under. I totally regret not getting my Australian Visa when I was in my twenties.

Australia has so much to offer, and if you have the means- do me  favor and get your working holiday visa.  It basically allows you to stay for a year, working to pay off your travels around the continent.  I promise- you will not regret this opportunity.  

I seriously cannot begin to describe how wonderful this country and continent are-- this is a must before you're thirty... but only because you can no longer get it after you've passed the age!

The article then goes on to say, "but it's not just visas you'll miss out on if you wait until you're 31..."   Perhaps I should just stop reading the damn thing.

"Thirty things to do before you're 30" (No. 15, 16 and 17)

Right... so in case you missed my earlier to posts- I'm ranting on this article, which tells you the thirty things you must do before you're thirty. Obviously, I'm having a bit of a tough time- not because I've passed their so called cut off (i.e. thirty and old) -- but because the article sets out to suggest that once you're thirty you've lost your life (energy, singledom, and sense of adventure).  Shame on this writer. She must be a young twenty something.

No.15 Wallow in Mud South Korea- What are the changes- something that's on the list, and actaully in a country where I find myself presently living. Bad news is... I'll be thirty -one. Just one year over this so called age limit.  I plan on having loads of fun rolling around in the mud. Plus, they say the minerals in the mud are good for your skin. The Boryeong Mud Festival starts in July- and I'll be sure to tell you all about it.

No.16- Get in a Food Fight Italy/Spain- I guess that scene a couple of years back doesn't quite match up. I've been to Italy-- but I'll make it to Spain to throw wine at other people ( let's be honest-- I'd probably just end up licking it off most passerbys). The article explains that the people in Spain mark St Pedro's day by deluging everyone in sight with wine in the Battala del Vino.  Pouring wine on people sounds like my kind of good time- no matter how old you are.
 

No. 17 Stay in style (on a budget)-  So I totally agree with the contributor.  Staying in hostels is a must do before your thirty and if you haven't struck gold before you're 35, I'd say it's still alright to still check out a stylin hostel (just make sure you've reserved a private space). Hostels are kind on the wallet- put pack a pretty punch of young twenty somethings slumming it.  If you can still handle a room with 8 bunk beds- by all means indulge. 

 

In Surfer's Paradise, if you're over thirty  and are willing to hostel it- here's my suggestion: Surf N' Sun Beach Side Backpackers-- but take the private apartment for only a few dollars more.  It houses four people, and are way out from the 6 and 8 dorm rooms--

 

 

If you're headed to Sydney and you're over thirty- I can tell you that Wake Up Sydney Central was a pleasant experience. The hostel was decked out in high style- this is one place I highly recommend.  Great service, staff and a haven where your age doesn't  matter. 

Thirty things to do before you're 30 (No. 5, 7, 9 and 11)

Still going through the list from this article (and still somewhat offended that the article suggests that these should be done before you've turned thirty. It also goes on to state that your "Your under-30s are one of the few periods in life when you're likely to have spare time to see the world." I could seriously scream. Okay, moving on...


No. 5 Hit a Nudist Beach in Greece/ Florida/Croatia - I most definitely want to hit up Greece, and I've been to Florida but the top thing on my list is NOT to go to see a whole buncha people naked. I'd rather see Santarini full of clothed people, thanks. The article suggests that the twenty year olds are in their prime, and that they should just strip and bare it all. I agree- it's one thing I really really miss about my twenties.

No.7 Find Love: Jamaica and Germany- The article boasts that the Hedonism resorts in Jamaica promise fun and pleasure. Really? After we're thirty, are we supposed to stop wanting that? Please. And just so you know, one day Ill make it to the Love Parade-- who wouldn't want to indulge in some techno and receive free condoms. Sign me up but only until I hit 35- then I think I will actually be too old.

No. 9 Celebrate the end of your singledom in South Africa- ( I'd really like to punch this writer in the face-- are we saying that once we hit 30 we should have already tied the knot?) I'll be celebrating my singledom with a the longest happy hour right in the comfort of my home. And ... when it finally comes to end- I won't be making my way to South Africa. Guaranteed.


No.11 Get on a sandboard Arentina/New Zealand  Well this wasn't exactly in the same place, but I say Australia is just as good (if not better). I can actually say that I did this on my 31st birthday (technically I was still thirty at the time I flew down the sand hill).  Yes! That's me on the left!! What an awesome thrill- and if you can make it to either place. Do it- even if you are over 30!!

Thirty things to do before you're 30 (No. 1 and 6)

Scanning the web last week, I came across an MSN article titled,  "Thirty things to do before you're 30". Obviously the curiosity became the best of me, and now that I've officially been 31 for a little over a month, I wanted to see just what this was about... and really to see how many of these things I have done!

The article highlights the lack of ties in your twenties- and lays out a list of things to do before you're thirty (i.e. old). The article's author, Cathy Winston an MSN Travel contributor catches the readers' attention boldly:

" Looking for travel inspiration? These high octane breaks make the most of youthful beauty and energy – while they last ... before you're 30, you tend to have the energy and disposable income - no kids - to see as much of the world as you can."http://travel.uk.msn.com/inspiration/sun-and-sea/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=151939979

WHAT?!? I might as well have killed myself by now. I thought we had gotten over that whole thirty equals old bit. I don't have children, or ties ( I didn't realize there was  still a stigma to do this before thirty) and have been living my life just as free and energetically as the twenty year olds. Okay, griping aside- the article showcases some amazing travel destinations. I've done  a few and plan to add a few more to my life list. I won't go through the slew of them, but I will make some snide comments in some blog posts.

No.1- Amsterdam Dance Event:  I've hit some pretty good parties in my life and I don't think the glow sticks are ready to be put away just yet.  I've seen some of the best dj's around and danced to the hardest house and trance. I don't care if you're 20-30 or even 50, you can always dance the night away. But I just may have to check this out in the next decade.

 

No.6 - The World Body Painting Festival :Austria  Okay- who knows if I'll ever make it to Austria- but I can say that I've seen an International  Body Painting Festival right here in Daegu, Korea before I was thirty! 

I wonder if you've seen one body painting festival... have you seen them all? I think that goes without saying... but maybe I'll see Austria for some of its other fabulous features.

Home "Sweet" Home

It's funny- when you're on holiday- there usually comes a point when you crave a little of "home". You have a moment when you dream of sleeping in your own bed,  eating home cooked meals and getting back into your routine.  Even funnier-  not once did this happen while I was in Australia.

Arriving back at Seoul Airport was like placing a child in a large playroom without any toys. I was back home. Back in Korea. No palm trees. No blue sky. No Australian men. No English.

I realize I sound a little depressed, but aren't we meant to feel this way after any amazing holiday? I beleive that I had I travelled to Indonesia or Thailand- that Korea wouldn't have been so badly received. But I was back to the land of sign language, head nods and body-checking ( don't fool yourself  the Korean elderly women pack a pretty mean elbow to make their way through just about anything).

It took a few days to re-adjust to Korean customs once again- but I'm back into the swing of things. With nearly six months left in Korea- I'm all about planning the next activity, and of course, the next holiday.

The Gold Coast Part II

As the sun settled down on our second night in Surfer's, we sat outside on the patio sipping some fine Australian  Chardonnay. Easing into our seats, we were approached by two hostel staff making the nightly rounds. 

They were selling tickets for the twice weekly Backpackers Pub Crawl event.  For 30 dollars we were to get free entry to four clubs, one free drink in each club, transportation, free punch from 8-9, cowboy hat, glowstick and souvenir photo (yippee).

With only  a few minutes to discuss, we gave each other a quick glance and forked over the cash. What the hell- we only live once ( and re-live crazy pub-crawls twice).

Dolled up and ready to go, we made our way to the front gate to board the bus. By far, the eldest of the group of 60 or so backpackers- I braced myself for one hell of evening. The only way to survive the teens in heat was to either join 'em  or drink enough that I would never remember a single detail of the night.

As we were scurried and stamped into the first bar, we bee-lined it for the bar. Double Vodka please. Pronto. The bar, filled with backpackers partying it up  was flanked with bouncers who stood on small stools surveying the crowds. We chose a spot a little off  from the main crowd, where we watched in awe as the girls and boys grinded and grooved on the dance floor.

Our spying was interrupted by two ferrels who insisted that I sit on a bar stool. I kindly waved them off- with a forced smile telling them I was fine standing.  The man made a second and third attempt to parade the stool in front of me to sit down. I again waved them off. After having a a few more gulps of  my first drink- the guy tried to put the stool out again.

I'd had enough of this childish game. I gingerly moved towards the stool to put it back where the boys were standing, as I stepped forward, my heel caught the edge of the stool and I toppled sideways and face planted right into the bouncer's crotch. Clutching my drink, I raised my eyes upward staring into his face.  Mortified, I peeled myself off  and apologized profusely. I could tell he was trying to contain his own laughter- but I was more concerned with him thinking I was one of those drunk twits who slurs, "I'm not drunk- this is only first drink!!" But seriously, I wasn't drunk and it was really my first drink.

The rest of the evening proved to be a bit of a blur, moving from one club to the next- and we managed to lose the pack twice. I'm not sure how you can actually lose a 60 or so backpackers wearing cowboy hats- but somehow.... we did.  We partied it up to the wee hours of the morning- having met some memorable people. We trudged on for the next few days. We discovered Sea World, took a day trip to Moreton Island and caught some waves during a surfing lesson.

My Grandmother always taught me never to judge a book by it's cover- and in fact she was right. Surfer's Paradise proved to be the best leg of the trip. The very best indeed.

The Gold Coast Part I

First Stop-The Bottle Shop: Having heard fabulous things about the Gold Coast- we made a 4-day stop over in Surfer's Paradise. Arriving shortly after eight we met up with some thirty something men heading to a bachelor party who kindly offered us a lift to our destination.  The taxi driver asked us for our first stop.  Both men responded through sly smiles, "first stop- the bottle shop".  As we sipped on some local brew in the back of the taxi bus purchased through a drive through liquor store, the guys were surprised to find out we were headed to surfer's. With furrowed brows- they advised us to beware- informing us we were headed to Ferrell haven. You may ask what a Ferrell is, just as we did. As the taxi zoomed in and out of traffic the guys pointed out ferrell passerbys on the street.  By definition, a ferrell is a person who is nasty, gross or disgusting. As the taxi loomed on- my travel mate and I exchanged quizzical glances -- fantastic,  we were headed to the ferrell capital of the world.

Second Stop- Surf N' Sun Beach Side Backpackers: Don't be fooled by the name- both the website and name boast an oasis of sorts. Walking in through the front gate we were bombarded with a whack of eighteen to young twenty somethings partying it up in cowboy hats and glow sticks. As we checked in (to the most unfriendly staff) we were stared down like we had arrived from a different planet. I felt like a grandmother in  this place. A few 20 year old ferrells passed us by , giving us the one up and over as we dropped our 20kg packs. I couldn't help but think I had made it to hostel hell.

Thank God for small miracles, because before arriving we had booked a private flat for only a few bucks more- and let me assure you- it was well worth it. Private bath, bedrooms, and our own living room and kitchen- it was the way to go. I could only picture myself in a room with 6 other 20 year old's rooming together in bunk beds. I would have rather shot myself.

Third Stop- A quick trip around town and a bite to eat: I will sum up Surfer's Paradise with a quick sister city comparison- Daytona Beach Florida with a Vegas flair. Scouring the strip to find a place to grab a bite we were introduced to surfer's. Meter Maid's clad in skimpy barely there gold bikini's complete with hooker heels roamed the streets. Boys in board shorts stumbling with fistfulls of bagged beer and hard alcohol. Girls in skimpy dresses that were designed to be shirts- one even forgot her pants as she sported a body-suit with 4 inch heels.  I saw more skin than I cared to. I couldn't help but feel that I'd been here before-- twelve years ago on a College trip to Daytona!

In going with the flow, I secured my negative comments to the vault-- as I knew that I was once as care-free and wild as the lot of them. As we settled down to a good glass of wine and nice meal- we couldn't help but have a few good laughs at where we were.

TBC...

Landing in Australia

Apparently I had been in Korea too long- so long in fact that I forgot how to communicate properly. At the airport, on the plane, at the coffee stand, the hostel and even the restaurants- answering in Korean and nodding my head in agreement when being offered just about anything.

I bowed to every  one  after having been given directions or change. I was in Austrlia- but my brain had adapated to responding in Korean ways.

These Korean customary responses quickly went away as the week progressed and we realized we could actually ask for just about anything minus the charades.

Australia was beyond words. The beaches, the eateries, the bars. The scenery, people and tours- but the best of all was the surplus of gorgeous men (they were everywhere). Having been in Korea for 6 months going down under was a jolt to our synapses- the sight of attractive men was at times almost to much to bear.

But not too much.... Ill kiss and tell you later!

Going Down Under

Australia: the Land Down Under.    Ever since Keaunu and Patrick Swayze paddled out to sea in Point Break, I've wanted to head out there.  There is something about the beckoning of the beach, the surf, the amazing wildlife and of course, let's not forget that damn sexy accent.
This trip that I am about to go on has been on the LIST  for some time now and while I'm at it I plan to scratch off a few other items too.  The first item is learn how to surf.  I don't expect to master the craft in two short lessons- but let's be honest- I'm totally hoping the instructor is hot. Who cares if I wipeout  EVERY single time!!

In preperation for this trip of a lifetime- I decided to do some surfer and aussie slang re-search to brush up on some local lingo to help me fit in. I plan on flirting it up, so maybe if I throw these words around  I'll be sure to catch someone's attention and feelin' right at home.

I figure these few key words should help me survive (thanks to riptionary.com)

1.Ace- Excellent - Very Good
2.Boozer- Pub
3.Bummer- Something that's an all around downer; precursor to bummed.
4.Cab-Sav - Cabernet Sauvignion
5.Dude- General reference to a male surfer. It's use has evolved into a word used for just about anyone or anything.
6.G'day-Traditional Australian salutation, used by surfer and non-surfer alike.
7.Gnar- Crazy. Same thing as gnarly but sounds better.
8.Slammed-The result of when a wave comes down hard, knocks you off your board and drills you deep.
9.Ta- short form for saying Good-bye
10. Wax eater-Someone who nose dives all the time and slides across the nose of their board!!
11. Wipeout-Falling off the surfboard. Totally loose it and get pummeled by the wave.

It will be an action packed two weeks, and I plan to avoid numbers 8, 10 and 11 at all costs. But for those of you who know me- guaranteed I need some sort of medical service on this trip! I'll be sure to keep a careful record of all my extra curricular activities!

Item number 57

I crossed another thing off my list last week-end. Number 57 on the list was to stay in hostel. I'd always imagined that my hostel experience would have been in some exotic area- maybe Australia or New Zealand or even Thailand. Looking back on when I wrote this to-do item on my list, I would have never expected it would have been accomplished in Seoul, Korea.

Travelling to Seoul with two 22 year old males was quite the experience- staying in a hostel was quite another. We were headed to Hongdae, Seoul Korea. A trendy and young area of Seoul with plenty of clubs, people and things to do. The boys decided in advance on a hostel stay- lodging for a rock bottom price!

I was slightly apprehensive as I had never even stayed in something like this. I was used to the hotel life, a room with one bed, own bathroom and living space. Even in Europe I did it in style. My initial thoughts on a hostel were of concern. Who would be sleeping there? How many people? What about bathroom etiquette, food, noise? Each passing thought brought on another- until I to force myself to quit the bantering in my head.

We arrived at Hongdae Guesthouse promptly at 10:00 p.m. The guys had no trouble at all introducing themselves to the owner; and getting acquainted with the layout. We were shown to our quarters by the lovely owner, Mary. A quirky and humorous woman, she bustled about ensuring our accommodations were satisfactory. We were given the code, and ushered inside.

One bathroom, one computer, a half kitchen and two bunk beds. A upstairs loft housed three mattresses on the floor. The three of us trudged upstairs, unpacking a few belongings and setting up for the night. For a mere 20, 000 won we were housed, showered and treated to toast, coffee and orange juice in the morning.

The guests were travellers coming and going from all over Asia. Some had been there a week- and a few were just passing the night. The hardest part was the universal washroom- with a stranger right outside the door tapping away on the computer's keyboard. Privacy in a hostel doesn't quite exist!

The bottom line is that hostels are the cheapest way to go. I'm not sure I would do it again- unless of course it was in some exotic location like Costa Rica or Bali. But at least, I've crossed another item off the list!