I Just Had to…

I couldn’t leave home without bringing my trusty vinyl cutter, and here are a few of the projects I engaged in whilst abroad. Beside lettering up our own van, we also made lettering for a campers belonging to other travelers. Our final night in Surfers Paradise gave us the occasion to letter up the new limo for the backpacker hostel where we first stayed upon arriving in Australia.

A sign artist from the Brisbane area was kind enough to supply me with some vinyl colors. We shared stories about our respective businesses and how much the industry has changed over the years. He lamented how the local directory was filled with sign companies unlike years ago when he was one of the few. He has since tailored his business to a niche market. I learned that things are not much different in Australia than in America.

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Tags: Bluewater Graphics, Sign Making, signs, vehicle lettering, vinyl lettering, Vinyl signs, www.signlady.com

Return to Kuala Lumpur

On the way back to Europe, we spent two nights in KL.   Balmy breezes,  lush greenery and crowded streets and a stay in an swanky hotel was a far cry from our camper van lifestyle in Australia. The Twin Towers sparkle like jewels at night. We walked to China Town in the rain for some authentic cuisine, followed by a visit to the multistory shopping mall alive with shoppers and Christams decorations. The classy hotel staff and Malaysians in general are very friendly.

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Tags: Kuala Lumpur

Who IS this guy?!!!

This post is dedicated to my mate, Bert.  He is a perpetual clown.  I wish I looked as good in woman’s accessories…

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Good Car-ma? Not really!

Well, the time has come to say goodbye to Australia. We have called our van home for almost three months, and must part with it now that we are leaving. After posting ads in the local classified and an auction on Ebay, we found a buyer who is as enthusiastic about this particular vehicle as we were.  A young French couple who plan to tour Australia for one year took over the van today. We wish them all the best and hope they have as much fun as we had.

UPDATE: Well, it turns out our French buyers are having a good time alright. They have thus far racked up $800 in speeding and other fines under our old registration. How do I know this? They did not even bother to transfer the the vehicle into their name so we get mail sent to us at our friend’s house in Melbourne. This was the second time we dealt with the unscrupulous French  in Australia. They will lie to you with absolutely no conscience. Amazing.

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Tags: French people suck

Strangers and Friends

We met many exceptional people on our journey through Eastern Australia. One thing about campgrounds is if you don’t like your neighbors, wait a few days…

We were lucky, however, and found our neighbors to be as hospitable as they were diverse. The last campground we stayed at was beginning to feel like home. The longest term campers were  older couples. Terri and Malcolm were part of the “Gray Nomad” generation of retirees who have sold their homes to live full time on the road. Malcolm was a former pro motorcycle racer and private pilot. He and Terri bring their motorcycle with them and participate in many toy runs. Terri is a well dressed and lively motorcycle mama of 72 years young. They couldn’t do enough for us.

We had a pot luck holiday dinner with our fellow travelers organized by the campground manager and  his wife. It was complete with Australian lamb and beef roasted on an open fire and followed up with decadent homemade desserts. The feeling was that of a family dinner, a great time had by all. We finished out the evening around the still burning fire, gazing at the stars and good conversation.

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Tags: Australia camping, camping

Dandenong Range

The Dandenongs are located about an hour east of Melbourne. Winding roads thread through rain forest comprised of towering gums and giant tree ferns. Clouds hang low, giving the forest an eerie cast. Here, we experienced firsthand the terror of leeches. More than once we felt a sharp stinging sensation during our hike. Though leeches are initially very tiny, they can quadruple in size before detection.

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Tags: Australia, Dandenong Range, Dandenongs

Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary

This park offers up close viewing and even interactivity with Australian fauna. The park personnel are pretty laid back, and just before closing time, let us pet the dingos while out for a walk. The sanctuary is located in the Yarra Valley north of Melbourne.

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Tags: Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary