Anyone Got a Tip For Me?

Sorry folks, I had some serious foot in mouth syndrome to tackle. Bigger prose that has eaten up all my energy, but was necessary beyond the words I haven't written here.

I've hurt someone important to me.

It's not easier, no matter what side of the fence you find yourself on.

For the recently seperated, might I suggest some fine Canadian chords, "Left and Leaving" by the Weakerthans.

"I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know. That'll never take me anywhere but here."

Tuesday's Travel Tip: Ya Gotta Earn It!

For those of you like me, the thought of spending a day or two in
a city doesn’t really equate to having “been there, done that”. Guess I’m just a slow learner, but I really like having the time to get to know a place. Be it town… or country.

So most of you have probably heard of Working Holiday Visa’s. For those not familiar, well let me introduce you to a GREAT way to travel!



Most countries have agreements with other countries that allow our fabulous glorious youth to have temporary work visas. Usually for those aged between 18 – 30, and only available once per lifetime. But hey, it’s allowed me to work in 4 countries! This gives you time to get to know a place. Immerse yourself in the local culture. And probably work at jobs you would NEVER do back home! Haha

(So far I have moonlighted as: barmaid (obvious!), government employee, terrible waitress, live-in “student assistant” helping take care of teenagers at a high-school boarding house (I know!), customer service rep for a pharmaceutical company, and apple picker/packer!. It was also the humble beginnings of my long career as a professional..temp!)

Point is that it’s a great way to stay longer if you have the time. These visas are not intended to be career moves. There are working visas more specifically for that. But, this is a great way to tide you over cash-wise so you can keep travelling.

A few interesting sites with some great info are as follows:

For information no matter what country you come from I’d recommend AnyWorkAnywhere (this site also has links to BUNAC and SWAP, which are the programs I went thru for my first visa abroad to the UK, back when I was a student)

Aussies can check out this site dedicated to them : Working Holiday Guru

Younger Canucks looking to temporarily escape the iceberg, check out the following government information on International Youth Programs

And finally, for us over 30’s (I only have one week left! before I join you all!), I found an interesting government site for those looking to work and live abroad on a more permanent career-oriented level at Consular Affairs.

It’s true what they say. Hard work really will get you everywhere. And add to some GREAT travel stories! Get out there and enjoy folks!

Tuesday's Travel Tip : Safety CAN Be Fun! And Stylish!

Retractable Cable Locks. Yes folks. You heard me right. This week’s tip is about keeping your stuff safe while on the road. The "Retractasafe 100" by Pacsafe to be precise! Well, the gear geek side of me is finally making an appearance. I wondered how long it would take! haha


So anyways, this little gizmo is light, yet tuff, and the extendable cable makes it super handy for so many situations. And it comes in a choice of colours. Ooooh!

You can lock your backpack to things. Secure storage lockers. In Asia they’re very handy for added security on your guesthouse room, or bungalow, for when you go out. Let’s just say it’s an added deterrent to go along with the padlock that your accommodation has provided you with, to which they also have a key.

Use your imagination! Go wild! Haha

Mine’s blue, and I don’t think I’ll ever travel without it again. The joy of being able to choose your own combination. And no key to lose! Bonus!

Remember: If someone’s desperate for your things. Chances are pretty high they’ll get it. This is just another hassle to throw lazy thieves off. Make ‘em work for your hard earned money!


This was first introduced to me by my lovely ex Roger before we travelled to Sth East Asia. Thnx for being the inspiration for this week’s tip Rog!

Travel safe folks! Enjoy!

Montreal Concerts: Dear Beth...

Dear Beth,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for playing to such a rude and undeserving crowd as were we this past Friday, in Montreal.

Your talented musicianship and gentle humour were appreciated by those of us amongst the crowd who weren’t busy, let’s see….talking the entire time, or yelling “Leroy!” at the top of our lungs. (Seems you can leave England, but the lager lads will always follow. Shame.)

And TWO encores! After our abysmal behaviour? Your must have had that preplanned, otherwise if it had been me, I would have said “piss off” with ZERO encores, and stricken our otherwise fair city off any future tour schedules. But again I thank you for your kindness. Stolen Car is what made me discover you. She Cries Your Name is always a must, it is so beautiful.

Montreal! What was up? Since when do we buy tickets to talk thru entire concerts?

For the rest of us fans. This was my first Beth Concert, and hopefully won’t be my last. But maybe I’ll go to another city next time. Would Toronto have better manners? Ouch!

Another good site to check out, with free listens is http://bethorton.astralwerks.com/ . You can even download the new video for “Conceived”.

Enjoy folks! And if you get the chance to check out this talented lady, please do. And if you plan on yelling “Leroy” the entire time. Please stay home!

Happy Birthday CruiseJournals!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday tooo yoooouu!
Happy Birthday deeaarrr CruiseJournals!
Haaapppyyy Biiirrtthhdaaayyy
toooooo yooooooooou!

CruiseJournals is officially 1 yr old today! Already over 2,000 members, and 200,000 unique visits (now that's a whole bunch of computers out there), it is growing strong and steady each and every day!

Haven't checked it out yet? Re-read my post below from March 16th, then get to it! haha

I only takes a minute to sign up. It's FREE! And there is tons of cool info, and everyone is friendly.

So. WHAT were you waiting for? Go say happy birthday for yourselves!

Tuesday's Travel Tip : "What's Goin' ON!"

I was a bit daunted at first, as the site's been changed and isn't quite as "first glance cool" as it used to be. But after spending a few minutes looking around I remembered why I used to have to drag myself away!



This is SO fun! What's On When is a great site, that lists festivals and events around the globe. Be forewarned...it's addictive! MY personal favorite section is called Bizarre! And oh my! But it is!

Within minutes I was daydreaming that I was attending the International Kite Festival in France starting this weekend. Then I read about the Bun Festival in Hong Kong (So Jenn, will you be our onsite reporter, check it out, and let our fine readers know how it went? Say you will!)



But my new favorite is Mike The Headless Chicken Days in Memphis, happening May 18 thru 20th. Cause I know *I've* felt a bit headless this last little while.



When planning your next trip be sure to go have a search. You just never know WHAT'LL be on in the neck of the woods you'll be hanging out in! In the meantime, go wander thru the site. You're sure to find something you NEVER thought would be glorified by a town, somewhere near you!