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A day in the food life

March 9, 2010 by Erin

Airlie Beach, Australia:

I’m headed to the Whitsundays today and will hopefully come back with some great photos — it’s a debate between travelers whether the Whitsundays or Fraser Island are more beautiful so this might be a difficult decision. ;)

In the meantime, a few people have emailed asking about food life in a hostel. A lot of travelers eat, if not the majority, than many of their meals out. Some people have tried to argue that it’s cheaper to eat fast food than buy groceries but I can’t agree. A week’s worth of groceries here might cost me $20 AUD (with absolutely zero meal creativity) whereas even at McDonald’s, a meal costs more than $7.

Most hostels have a well-equipped kitchen with hot plates, a microwave, pots and cutlery. It’s basic but does the trick.

What’s a typical day of eats on the road?

Breakfast: oatmeal, a spoonful of PB and a crumbled up flax granola bar.

Lunch: Ryvita crackers topped with hummus, avocado and tomato

and an apple

For a snack, an unpictured KIND bar — review to come when I get home in April. The chocolate sesame & peanuts tastes like a candy bar!

And come dinnertime, it’s a big bowl of cous cous, mixed beans, peas, corn, green beans and diced tomatoes. Not the most beautiful meal but filling and healthy (the two main requirements).

So there you go: a typical food diary in a hostel. It’s definitely less than I eat at home and I can tell a difference in terms of how my clothes fit — nothing that a few homecooked meals back in the USA won’t remedy. ;) But for a budget traveler, cooking even just one meal can make a big difference to the bottom line.

Today’s trip to the Whitsundays offers another buffet lunch and then I’m determined to get a Clancy’s pie for dinner since several people have mentioned how yummy they are.

Do you typically eat the same things every day or mix it up? Usually, I like a lot of variation but when you’re traveling from place-to-place and everything needs to fit in one grocery bag, repetition is key. And yes, I brought my own jar of Trader Joe’s PB. It’s getting perilously close to the bottom, though!

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The sun will come out on Fraser Island

March 8, 2010 by Erin

Airlie Beach, Australia:

Pros of an overnight bus: if you can sleep, 12 or so hours flies by; save money by not paying for a hostel

Cons: if you can’t sleep, 12 hours creeps by sloooooowly; cramped legs

Needless to say, I’m exhausted and stiff this morning but it’s worth it to be in Airlie Beach and looking toward a trip to the Whitsundays tomorrow. But let’s rewind to yesterday’s trip to Fraser Island.

I was nervous about heading out there as it’s been raining continuously since LAST Friday (we’re on the 10th or 11th straight day) but the moment the ferry docked on Fraser, the skies cleared and suddenly it was a clear blue sky.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and even the rainforest is rooted in… sand. It also has the purest species of dingo in the world and we did see them but I couldn’t get a picture — we were in the bus and, surprise surprise, it’s not safe to get too close to dingoes, even if you want to take a picture. Honestly, they just look like mangy wolves. ;)

The highlight was Lake McKenzie, this absolutely pristine lake at the island’s center. The water is totally clear with very little marine life — sharks and eels live in the creeks and ocean around the island, but the lake itself has almost nothing. They offered the chance to go up in a small airplane and potentially see sharks swimming in the clear, blue ocean waters but I just couldn’t cough up the money. What a cool experience that would be!

Lake McKenzie

One of the most interesting parts is seeing the Maheno Shipwreck. This ship washed ashore in the 1930s and three levels are still buried under the sand; only the top deck is visible. Now it just sits on the island, slowly rusting away, but eerily beautiful nonetheless.

Baking in the hot sun, it was hard to believe that the mainland is absolutely drowning in water. My friend Lauren said that the area of Queensland underwater (or, you know, consumed by a downpour) is larger than the entire state of Victoria! It’s been raining since Byron Bay!

But not on Fraser Island.

Oh, and funny food story. A buffet lunch was included as part of the tour and although usually I stay away from buffets — there’s something off-putting about hundreds of strangers potentially touching/coughing on my food — who am I to turn down a meal?

It was your typical buffet: cold cuts, a couple kinds of pasta and a few veggies as garnish. But a girl needs her greens so while everyone else had normal-sized plates of a piece of ham, various types of pasta and a roll…

This monstrosity may have attracted one or two stares but it was GOOD. You’d better believe I loaded my plate up with every veggie on the buffet line. :D

Buffets: beautiful or blech?

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Don’t rain on my parade

March 6, 2010 by Erin

Hervey Bay, Australia:

I’ll be MIA for the next couple of days — heading to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, tomorrow before catching an overnight bus up to Aerlie Beach and exploring the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands. Very excited for these two trips, rain or no. It’s a rainforest on Fraser so how bad can the rain be?! Even with the rain, Fraser is one of those Australia “must-dos” so I’d feel silly coming all the way over here and not seeing it. After all, I’m here to see Australia, not Australian hostels. ;)

It’s been interesting seeing all these small Aussie towns. Most of them wouldn’t look out of place in Florida or another other tropical American place. Places tend to look the same around the world, at least in first world countries.

See you in a few days with pictures and hopefully some good stories! Have a lovely weekend! :D

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Some things are universal

March 5, 2010 by Erin

Brisbane, Australia:

Some things are universal.

Miley Cyrus.

languageisavirus.com

Kids around the world love her and her face is everywhere. As I type, “Hannah Montana” is blaring on the TV above me. Is there anything more annoying than hearing Miley Cyrus’ raspy voice while you’re trying to eat breakfast? “I’m adorable!” she screeches.

“Never have I ever.”

Every country seems to have different rules for each card but the basics are the same. How did this one little game became so well-known around the world?

Disney movies.

I’ve had two totally separate conversations with people this week about Disney movies from our childhood. Americans, Germans, Brits, Scots, Swiss, everyone knows and loves the same films and songs. Nothing brings a group together like a rousing rendition of “A Whole New World” — norebang, anyone?

Dislike of Ed Hardy.


Apparently his clothes just recently came to Australia and are hated by just about everyone — except the people who wear them, of course.

“I’m going to Disney World!”

When people talk about wanting to come to America, they mention three places: Los Angeles, New York and Disney World. Age, sex and nationality don’t make a difference. Everyone loves Disney.

(Wow, that’s two Disney references. It really does own the world!)

What do you think is universal? It’s amazing how people from totally opposite corners of the world can love the same thing. It’s like realizing in Korea that every single person in the room, no matter what country he or she was from, knew “American Pie.”

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My mom told me it’s not polite to stare

March 5, 2010 by Erin

Brisbane, Australia:

… but sometimes, I can’t help it!

There is some fantastic people-watching to be had living in a hostel. Young people from around the world — different languages, cultures, traditions, foods — all in one place. It’s like “The Real World” but with less fighting and more dirty dishes.

Hostels tend to be dominated by one or two nationalities. In Europe, most places I stayed at were filled with Americans and Brits. Here in Australia, I’ve been surprised to have met so few other Americans and am instead surrounded by tons of Germans and French. The hostel I’m at now might as well BE in France to listen to everyone around me talk.

It’s not the different languages that causes me to stare, though. It’s the creations coming out of our communal kitchen.

fotolia.com

This photo isn’t even an exaggeration. At first, I saw a guy with a massive pile of toast in front of him and figured he was sharing with friends. Nope. It was basically a loaf of bread, each piece smeared thickly with butter.

Is massive overuse of butter an English thing? In my butter-using experience ( ;) ) it’s a condiment to be used sparingly, lightly spread on a piece of toast. But the Brits here absolutely slather it on until the entire baked good is caked with a thick layer of yellow spread.

The most popular dish to cook at hostels is pasta: spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni. It’s easy and cheap. Even I’ve been sucked into the pasta-buying trap, and I rarely eat it at home. But the portion size? An entire overflowing bowl, probably 3-4 servings, covered with red sauce and mounds of cheese.

Actually, who needs a bowl when you have the pot?

What’s crazy is that the person eating this is usually a toothpick-thin Swedish girl.

The French usually whip out the best kitchen concoctions, turning out dishes that wouldn’t be out of place in a nice restaurant. Most popular, though, is a few slices of bread smeared with butter and cheese = grilled cheese!

This leads me to wonder: do these people eat this way at home, and I’m just an abnormality, or is this just how young people eat while traveling away from their parents’ kitchen? I can’t even imagine sitting down to three sausages for breakfast, washed down with chocolate milk, and yet I see it multiple times every morning.

I wish I could take some photos of the crazy meal combos but it might be a little weird to point my camera at strangers in the dining room.

Interestingly, it’s the Americans that seem most health-conscious, despite our overweight reputation. An girl tonight at dinner was eating a salad and I’ve never noticed anything too crazy on an American’s plate here — then again, maybe a German sees my daily hummus, veg and Ryvita platter and is totally grossed out! ;)

Butter: used sparingly or a favorite spread?

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Aussies: gorgeous AND kind

March 4, 2010 by Erin

Brisbane, Australia:

What a combo! Seriously, walking around most parts of Australia is like strolling through a model casting session, with one beautiful person after another. They breed ‘em well here! ;)

As if that’s not enough, the overwhelming majority of Aussies I’ve met have been kind and helpful. Whether it’s a museum staffer answering one of my dumb American questions (I’m ashamed to admit that I know almost nothing about Australian history and have asked quite a few silly questions along the way) or a chatty tour guide, most people go out of their way to be pleasant.

Then again, a nice tour operator told us, with a smile, “I’m one of the few people here who likes Americans.”

To be fair, she was French, not Aussie. But that really made me think.

Window commemorating American servicemembers in St. John's Cathedral, Brisbane

This came a week before finding that great book about why the entire world hates America. Never in my travels have I met so many people who make anti-American comments, even just in joking, but it’s usually not the Aussies. By far, the Aussies have been among the most friendly.

Sandy and I were having lunch in Sydney and two adorable schoolchildren, dressed in their cute uniforms, sat next to us with giant ice cream cones. They immediately started talking and we were impressed by how well-spoken and outgoing they were — I can’t imagine most American children striking up conversation with strangers so quickly, although I haven’t spent a lot of time around American kids.

The 9-year-old girl right away said, “You’re American!” — very perceptive, little one! I was almost tempted to steal her away, she was that adorable. :D After 10 minutes, the dad came over and he, too, was friendly and welcoming, asking us about America and American politics. He was probably also concerned that I was trying to put his daughter into my purse… ;)

Similar situations have happened other places (the random conversation, not the kidnapping). Waiting in line to see “Wicked,” another Aussie guy started talking to me and asking about America.

It’s a change from the norm, when Americans are mostly likely to strike up random conversations and everyone else just keeps to himself. There have still been tons of conversations with other Americans though — Americans love nothing more than hearing a familiar accent and saying, “Oh my gosh, where are you from?” and then talking for hours. Sometimes fun, sometimes annoying.

Last day in Brisbane!

What are your plans for the weekend?

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Lucky ladies

March 4, 2010 by Erin

Brisbane, Australia:

In Sydney, I got to spend an evening with my dear friend Stephanie.

Here in Brisbane, I was able to spend this afternoon with local friend Lauren, who I last saw back in July (in Sydney, the same night I hung out with a few other Aussie friends before seeing French and Saunders).

Lauren and I were "those lucky b*tches" in July

It’s always more fun to have a local show you around versus a tour guide, or even just wandering yourself. After spending some time at the Gallery of Modern Art, which has a great Asian exhibit on at the moment including works from North Korea, we spent a couple of hours chatting at a nearby cafe.

I love that even with a friend I don’t see often and mostly communicate with via the Internet, being together in person is instantly comfortable. Thanks Lauren!

Later, she showed me around the waterfront, walking through the Botanic Gardens and past the University of Queensland. We ducked into a secondhand bookstore that looked tiny from the outside but inside was cavernous, with incredibly tall shelves and piles upon piles of books.

The most intriguing find?

I’m definitely not a jingoistic, flag-waving American but flipping through this “bestseller,” I was absolutely appalled by the blatantly untrue statements, like about how “every” American walks around in fear of being mugged or killed. Really?

There was also a keeper on Australian-American relations that could have been a real conversation-starter. Maybe it would teach me to love Vegemite. ;)

Time is flying by, a total cliche that’s true, and it feels like each day goes faster than the last. I’m truly having a fantastic time here and am already planning to return with Simone (and anyone else who feels like joining in!) in a few years when we have a bit more money saved up.

I couldn’t let a moment pass without posting a picture of this most amazing Thai soup I had the other night. After more than two weeks of cooking every single meal at the hostel, I “splurged” on a meal out and got this delicious noodle & veggie soup, very spicy and cooked in delicious coconut milk.

So much yumminess in one bowl. :D I couldn’t totally go for that again right now.

Do you have friends you talk with more on-line than in person? Bloggers, I know you do! ;)

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Are you a traveler?

March 3, 2010 by Erin

Brisbane, Australia:

This is going to be quick because the sun is slowly making its way out from behind the clouds and the forecast predicts a dry day. Yay! :D

Brisbane City Hall

Australia is the only place I’ve been to where people qualify how long they’ve been/are traveling with “only.” As in, “I’ve only been here a month.” “I’ll only be in Australia for six months.” Only?

So when someone asked me the other day, “Are you a traveler or on vacation?” I had to think. What’s the difference? Is there a difference?

My opinion?

A vacationer is in a place for just a week or two, coming in and visiting as many “must see” places as possible before swooping out to the next location. A traveler stays for a while, soaking up the atmosphere of a place, without having any definite plans. I met people in Byron Bay who said, “Well, I originally planned to be here for a week but it’s been a month.”

ANZAC WWI Memorial

There is a definite sense of animosity by travelers against vacationers; travelers see themselves as true adventurers while vacationers are just guests. You get that sense in some hostels, where longtime residents are noticeably cold to new people.

American window at St. John's Cathedral

At the same time, I can see their point. Travelers are trying to establish a life for themselves on the road and here come vacationers, here just for a week or two, and ruining the normal flow of things.

I don’t know where I fit into this but my guess would be a vacationer. Yes, I’m traveling for two months but that’s considered a short time in Australia. Also, I’m not interested in working or a short-term position on the road — many people find work for a week or two to support their travels, but I do see this as a holiday.

What do you think? What’s the difference between a traveler and a vacationer?

Meeting up with a Brisbane friend today! :D

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Calm before the storm

March 3, 2010 by Erin

Brisbane, Australia:

See, I disappear for a day and you get blessed with TWO posts in one day! It’s just like old times… :D

I don’t want you to think that it’s been all rain and clouds and sogginess here in Oz. There was one beautiful day in Byron Bay before the tsunami/monsoon/tears of God hit.

(although to give you an idea of just how much water has fallen, I was walking across William Jolly Bridge today as an 18-wheeler drove through a puddle of water, completely soaking the entire right half of my body. No exaggeration.)

But back to the beautiful weather we had for a day:

Gorgeous, right? I can’t get over the water! You can tell it was dark — clouds were already hanging overhead — but it was great weather to lie on the beach and then hike halfway to the lighthouse, officially mainland Australia’s easternmost point.

Why only halfway? It was HOT and humid and the path went straight up a hill. Call me a wimp (“wimp!”) but I was much more of the mindset to head back to the beach and veg. Of course, walking back downhill the rain started and, well, we all know what came next. ;)

Complete photo album coming to Facebook soon but for now, it’s time to start thinking about dinner (my favorite thing to think about!).

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Heading north

March 2, 2010 by Erin

Brisbane, Australia:

Sorry for totally disappearing yesterday. After spending a water-soaked day trapped in the cabin at Byron Bay — those few hours when I headed into town were the highlight of the day ;) — we took a bus up to Brisbane. I’ll probably be here for a few days, as it’s definitely more fun to be “trapped” in a city during a thunderstorm than a tiny beach town.

It’s rained nonstop for the past three days but so far this morning, there’s a heavy cloud cover but you can tell the sun is trying to peek through. I’m hopeful! This has completely thrown the next two weeks’ travel plans into disarray. Don’t want to book any sailing trips if the weather is going to be nasty, but also want to do something along the Sunshine Coast besides explore different hostels.

Thank God I was in a cabin, not a tent!

My fingers are crossed that it will be nice enough tomorrow for a day trip out to Moreton Island, which my book called the “new” Fraser Island and has some interesting shipwrecks off the coast where you can snorkel. Still holding out hope that the Whitsundays work out. Someone told Sandy about an ocean rafting trip you can take out there, which would be pretty cool. :D

Moreton Island, totaltravel.com.au/

Even in the rain, Brisbane is a lovely city. Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane has the same late-19th century architecture that made Sydney so charming. I walked around for a few hours yesterday — got completely soaked even with an umbrella, but worth it — and saw the beautiful CityHall (under renovation, unfortunately, so I couldn’t go inside).

absoluteastronomy.com/

Today is another play-it-by-ear day. Rain: museums? No rain: parks. I just want to be in the sun!

What’s your favorite city in the world? My loyalty lies with DC but London is also up there — it’s the only other place I could see myself living.

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