Madrid, Berlin and Munich (Octoberfest)

Hello all,

Apologies for my tardiness of late. Through a mixture of exhaustion, business, excitement and just all out partying I haven't been able to get a spare half an hour to keep you up to date on my latest travels. Evidently, now I have and here you go.

Madrid was Aaron and I's second stop in our whirlwind tour of Spain and one that Aaron and I knew very little about other than what had been conveyed to us through conversations with others who had travelled there in the past. Compared to the industrialised nature of the port city, Barcelona, Madrid had a completely different atmosphere to it, probably established by the significant difference in architecture. On our walking tour Aaron and I both felt that this city should really be in Germany or Austria rather than in the middle of Spain. The influence of the Hapsburg family who ruled a few centuries ago is incredibly evident around Europe once you know what you're looking for and Madrid wasn't short of this. We were able to explore the town centre with countless squares and historical landmarks, local markets, the royal palace (2800 rooms, the biggest in Europe) and Cathedral. Here we also learnt about Bull Fighting, a dying form of entertainment in Spain and across the world as a result of its treatment of animals. None the less it has a rich history in Spain and Las Ventas has been the scene of many pivotal moments in the sports past.

From there we travelled to Berlin, Germany. Before our trip had started Aaron and I both earmarked this city as a place that we were keen on visiting and it did not disappoint. It was the most interesting city of our trip caused mainly by the fact that it has been an epicentre for action from three of the biggest world events from the last 100 years, WW1, WW2 and the Cold War. The 4 hours we spent exploring the city by foot on our walking tour was time well spent as we learnt about the city's history. From the Brandbenburg Gate to the Holocaust Museum and the Berlin Wall we were always learning new and often being confronted with the harsh realities faced by many people in the last century. It is so hard to believe that these events have occurred in the course of my grandparents lifetimes. Certainly makes me appreciate how lucky we are to live in a country like Australia.

From one city in Germany and back to the scene of earlier travels, Munich. OCTOBERFEST!!!!!!! This was the craziest two and a half days! If I could sum it up I would suggest it is like the Royal Adelaide Show, only with 3 times the amount of rides, no animals (except the odd horse drawn carriage), no showbags, and all of the halls turn from little stalls into 14 beerhalls holding thousands of people, distributing litres and litres of beer, thousands of meals and each with its own Oompa Band! Basically it's an excuse for usually 'normal' adults to release their inner child with the assistance of a few well placed Steins of locally brewed beer. This was a great opportunity to enjoy what would be our last couple of days in Europe, catching up with friends from Croatian Sailing celebrating what has been an amazing 7 months.

So we've arrived back in London. This afternoon we were able to share lunch with some English relatives who I have never met and are now relaxing at our hostel before heading on a coach tour around Oxford, Warwick Castle, Stratford upon Avon and the Cotswalds. Saturday is Grand Final Day and don't think for a minute we're going to miss it. We've sought out a pub in the heart of the city which will be televising the game at 5.30am! After that we're off to the EPL to watch Arsenal v Chelsea, sure to be a definite highlight of the trip and then we're on a plane home!!!!! So this may or may not be my last blog from Europe. Stay tuned for my wrap up shortly.

Until then,
Watch this space!
Dillon

Croatian Sailing and Barcelona

Helloooooooo readers,

As I'm sitting in my hostel in Barcelona I thought it was about time I put together another edition of my blog to keep you all up to date on my travels.
Since I blogged last I have spent the majority of my time on a sailing boat, sailing around the southern islands of Croatia. Housing 38 passengers and 6 crew 'Cicero' is the biggest of the Fanatics fleet and could certainly saw the best and worst of us travellers over the course of the 7 day trip. On our round trip from Split we stopped at Markaska, Mjlet, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Vella Luca and Hvar. Spending a night at each of these spots we were able to explore the busy contrasted with the tranquil and everything in between.

For the first 5 days we were blessed with amazing sunny weather allowing for sun bathing and swimming during the day followed by dinner at a restaurant and parties most nights. Early on in the week we turned part adrenalin junkies as we went white water rafting just outside of Omis. Now I wouldn't go saying that these were waterfalls or anything remotely close but for someone looking to take in the scenes and get a little bit of excitement along the way it was the perfect afternoon. Some walked away with some bruises (thanks Shelley!) others sore arms from the paddling but most were content with a very nice afternoon.

Most mornings we were blessed with the wake up call of the boat dropping anchor signalling a morning swim in some secluded bay. For those with a rather sore head from the night before this provided a great way to freshen up while others worked on their acrobatics off the top railing of the boat. By far my favourite stop of the trip was Dubrovnik. Not knowing much about the city before we stopped I fell in love with the Old Town, surrounded by a massive wall and flanked by amazingly blue water on one side and mountains on the other. Smooth marble stones pieced together roads for the thousands of tourists who wanted to explore the little alleyways which always held something knew, a cafe, a bar which doubled as a 'beach', bucket bars or ice-creameries. Wherever you walked there was always something knew to find. This was the scene of the groups biggest night of the trip, as well as a picnic which Aaron and I shared with Adrienne, Chris and Shelley overlooking the boats moored at the marina.

Come Thursday we were on our way to Hvar (after stops at the little towns of Vella Luca and Korcula) and we were unfortunate to come across a bad patch of weather. The rough seas mixed with a stint of food poisoning from the night before didn't lead to an enjoyable day and forced us to dock on the far side of the island on which Hvar is situated. Consequently I was unable to get to see Hvar which was quite disappointing as those who had been on the trip previously or to Croatia before raved about the city. It just means I'll have to go back sometime!

After arriving back in Split we had our last night out together as a group, dining at a quiet italian restaurant and dancing at a cafe turned bar. The next morning we parted ways and after a load of washing, some free wifi and some very emotional farewells to Adrienne we were off to Barcelona!
The last two days Aaron and I have gone back to being the typical backpacker tourist, trying to cram as much sightseeing into the smallest timeframe. Yesterday's highlight was definitely La Sagrada Familia, a cathedral designed by Gaudi which is still under construction. If you're not sure what I'm talking about Google it because it is amazing. The amount of thought and detail put into each specific part of that building is astonishing and provides for possibly my favourite building of the trip, and it's STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION! We also ventured to Park Guelle which overlooks the city and provides for some great pictures, the old town and the cathedral.

This morning we were off to Park Nou, home of Barcelona Football Club and the biggest stadium in Europe holding just under 100,000 people. Unfortunately there isn't a game on while we were here but seeing the history and stadium itself was more than enough to keep us happy.

 Tomorrow we are off to Madrid before flying to Berlin later in the week. Hard to believe this time in two weeks I'll be on a plane home!

Until next time,
Watch this space,
Dillon

The last hurrah and Santorini

Hello readers,

Well I'm into my last month abroad and hasn't it started with brilliantly. The week started with my last game for Bovey, a sad but thoroughly enjoyable time. We travelled out to tiverton heathcote, probably up there as the most picturesque grounds I've ever played at. After a pre match pump up from Chris Bradley we looked to go out there and rectify what had been a pretty terrible last month of cricket. Thanks to some great bowling from Charlie Hill, Matt Kidd and the spearhead Charlie Carter we were set a very reasonable total of 114 to win. With some magic from Sam Wyatt-Haines we got over the line 8 wickets down to finish 3rd in the league, higher than the club has ever done before.
I think it's fair to say that the boys were keen to celebrate what has been a tough but rewarding season with the 2nds and 3rds who both won their leagues. It was great to be able to share a few drinks with the boys back at the club and say thankyou for everything that they have done for me over the last 5 months. It certainly was sad to say goodbye but this farewell was the start of a new journey.
After finally packing up my room and saying my final goodbye's to the Simmons's I was on a train to Gatwick Airport to start the rest of my travel with Aaron.
Before I move on I would like to say another quick thankyou to the Simmons's. Despite already having 3 children they welcomed me into their family with open arms and made me feel completely at home. I have no doubt that their warm nature kept homesickness at bay and certainly made the 5 month period a lot easier on an 18 year old away from home for the first time. They always knew how to keep me grounded and it was never long until I heard all the jokes after a tough day in the field and for this I am incredibly grateful. All the best to Jack and Will as they enter into their final years at school and to Rach as she looks to finish her teaching degree. Can't wait to see you all in Adelaide soon.
Anyway, after a 3 and a half hour flight we landed in Santorini in the greek islands.

Now for those who don't know much about Santorini, I was exactly the same until a week ago, it is basically a volcano which the greeks have chosen to inhabit and has turned into a tourist hot spot for those looking for some incredible, movie like, scenery and some sun. Sounds perfect after the worst English Summer in 100 years. And it did not disappoint. It was absolutely stunning. Our accommodation overlooked the Caldera, the centre of the volcano which is now covered by water, with Oia to our right and Fira to our left. In the distance you could see Islands everywhere and cruiseships, yachts and the odd stray dinghy venturing out to explore further amazing sights. Check out Atlantidas Villas, Oia, if you want to see the amazing hotel. After a day relaxing by the pool and a leisurely walk through Oia to take some amazing photos and look through the multitude of little speciality shops the rest of the party showed up. The reason for our travel was to celebrate Ros Howland's 50th Birthday. As a consequence, 13 of us from around the world ventured to Santorini.


The next day, Aaron and I decided to seize a free opportunity and explore more of the southern parts of the Island which we hadn't yet travelled through. We travelled through the tourist filled Fira before stumbling on the beautiful town of Perivolas which is famous for its Black Sand beach. We decided to down anchor here for the afternoon, hire an umbrella and chairs and have lunch overlooking the sea.
As amazing as this was, it was nothing compared to what the Howland's had planned for the next day. Kept as a surprise, we were taken out onto a sailing boat which ventured around the south tip of the island, with stops at the White and Red beaches for a swim, to the Volcanic Springs in the centre of the Caldera and back, watching the sun set on what had been the perfect day.

After three flights and 3 countires, Aaron and I are currently sitting in our hostel about to board the Fanatics sailboat which will take us through the Croatian Islands for the next 9 days. From what we saw on the way in, this will no doubt be an amazing week and I am extremely excited to get to meet some new people and take in some more sun.
So keep an eye out for my next blog!
Until then, watch this space,
Dillon

The beginning of the end...

Hello readers,
It has been a while since I wrote last and it has been an absolutely jam packed time with plenty going on, so look forward to an extended read.

I left you last after our week at the Olympics and showing Aaron around Bovey. Since then I have held two summer holiday cricket courses for the children around bovey interested in cricket for three days, 9am-3pm. As tiring as these days were, they were a great opportunity to spend some time forging a relationship with those who turned up and spend three days teaching them the basics of cricket. This also presented many challenges which I was to work through, with another coach in the first course, and by myself in the second. Coaching has always appealed to me and therefore to have such an intense period of coaching was fantastic and opened my eyes to what exactly is required. The enjoyment and improvement seen in the kids was reward enough for the effort put into it.
In between these two courses, I travelled to Brighton and then further on to Eastbourne to experience some of what Aaron's life had been like, living, working and playing in this area. This was fantastic to see another part of England and meet the people that he had previously talked about. I was shown around Brighton on the monday and tuesday before heading to Eastbourne for a training session and a day of exploration; seeing the boarding house where he had lived and the cricket ground as well as the surrounding area. We made a rather impromptu decision to travel up to london at the end of this week. I saw Thriller in London's west end with James, Eliza, Adrienne and Aaron before living a childhood dream on the friday, watching a test match at Lords Cricket Ground, the home of cricket. This is a particular highlight of my entire trip and to spend a day in a sold out Lords watching high quality cricket is something I will never forget.

This past week I travelled to Scotland. It coincided with the end of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where Matthew Barker and his drama colleagues in Gravity Boots performed. Unfortunately I was unable to see their performance but the place was absolutely buzzing and I was able to see a show at 12:30am on the last night. Edinburgh is up there as one of my favourite cities seen on this trip so far. How the city is planned with the old and the new town separated was brilliant as you were able to experience either the relatively untouched old town or the modern new town separately. After a walking tour of the old town on the first afternoon, James, Eliza, Aaron and I hired a car and travelled out to St Andrews; the home of golf with 7 golf courses, the beach from Chariots of Fire, and a beautiful ruin of a cathedral and castle, before heading further on through Cairngorms and Loch Lomond National Parks on our way to Loch Ness and returned to Edinburgh via Stirling. Done instead of a bus tour, this day was great as it allowed us to do what we wanted and wherever and whenever we liked and allowed us to experience more of the phenomenal Scottish Landscape than would have been possible on a bus. After some shopping and visits to friends James and Eliza were off and Aaron and I did some further exploration of the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh castle in the sunlight before boarding a plane back for our final days in Eastbourne and Bovey.

Unfortunately when it comes to Cricket Bovey has not finished the season as we would have liked. We suffered 3 straight losses in the league, effectively killing off our chances of winning the league and also lost in the Devon Cup Final to Sidmouth. With one game left tomorrow however, there is still the opportunity to finish off what has been a great season on a high note. Irrespective of performances, I have still thoroughly enjoyed playing with the boys in the 1st XI, Sunday XI and the Devon Senior Cup team and will be very sad to leave them behind. I have a lot to be thankful for from the last 6 months, and the way that the cricket club, its players, supporters, volunteers and parents have looked after me has made this trip so incredibly special and memorable. I only hope that my presence has made it a worthwhile experience in return.

As I said, I have my last game tomorrow and a celebration at the club after the game before leaving Bovey on the Sunday to meet Aaron at Gatwick Airport to start the rest of our travel first thing Monday morning with a flight to sunny Santorini. This next month is poised to be an incredible month and no doubt the sights, experiences and people we meet will provide a great finish to what has been an amazing trip. After travelling to Greece, Croatia, Spain and Germany I will be returning to England for 4 days to regroup, watch an EPL match (Arsenal v Chelsea), visit family and tour Oxford and the Cotswolds with Sightseeing Tours London (http://www.sightseeingtourslondon.com/) before boarding a plane home to Adelaide.
Look forward to more regular blogs over this next month to keep you in the loop on my travels.
Until then,
Watch this Space,
Dillon

London 2012

Well it is the olympic year and isn't the UK alive with excitement. In case you aren't up to scratch with the world around you the Olympics are being held in London this year bringing millions of people into the UK, supposedly providing an economic boom, sending accommodation prices through the roof as well as the price of transport, food and drinks. The underground becomes packed with anticipation and people filled with the olympic spirit. Road lanes are closed for 'the olympic family' to arrive 2 minutes before an event starts rather than the suggested 2 hours due to the international flight like security. No aerosols, liquids more than 100ml and the typical firearms, grenades or knives. And don't even think about bringing a mastercard, bottle of pepsi or burger king product as they'll all be rejected at the gate or at time of purchase due to Visa, Coca Cola and McDonalds major sponsorship. Most people choose to steer clear of this event but we (being Aaron and I) braved the cues and ventured on a day trip up to Stratford to experience this once in a lifetime event.

It all started with a 6am train from Exeter to be up in London by 9 and meet Aaron at 10 outside the gates before heading into Olympic park for the morning. Being able to walk around the park was fantastic, buying some olympic paraphernalia and taking advantage of the freebies from the sponsors as well as see where the arenas for different sports are located. We were also able to hold the Olympic Torch for a picture in front of the Olympic Stadium; a great feeling. 

After this we headed off to the Excel Centre where we witnessed 3 hours of non-stop boxing. I still don't know how it's scored, let alone how some men maintain a weight between 47 and 49kg, but this was still an amazing event. A couple of aussie aussie aussies later to help an Australian get pumped we were off to dinner and to Earl's Court for an evening of Volleyball. 

Aaron and I were particularly looking forward to this event with our involvement in volleyball in Adelaide both through PE at school and for the infamous Coil's Dodos Volleyball Club. Not only were we blessed with a night of high quality volleyball but we were also able to see the Aussies beat the Brits followed by the top two teams in the world, Brazil and Russia, go head to head. This was a particularly special night as I felt momentarily normal surrounded by tall people, both supporters and players. I even felt a little sorry for a 7 ft 2 participant from Russia, a full 17cm taller than me. He must live with a permanently sore head if I struggle not to hit my head repeatedly around the UK.

A midnight train trip back and we were back in Bovey. The next couple of days I was able to show Aaron around Bovey and the surrounding areas. Considering it was in the first week of June that I saw Aaron last it was great to spend a couple of days with him again before he headed home. It was also good for him to experience what my life has been like for the last 4 and a half months.

I now have less than a month left in Bovey before heading on my last month of travel with Aaron. One of these weeks will be spent with Aaron in Brighton and Eastbourne and one in Edinburgh so no doubt this team will absolutely fly.

Until next time,

Watch this space,

Dillon

Love an English Summer

Hello family, friends and procrastinators,

Another month has passed since my last blog and Wow hasn’t time absolutely flown. It’s so hard to believe that the last time I blogged was at the conclusion of my trip to Ireland.

I have returned to the relative normality of life in Bovey Tracey between trips and with the hectic months of August and September ahead I’m not exactly complaining. A usual week generally involves coaching on a Monday and Friday night and working on a Tuesday and Thursday. Interspersed sporadically is of course, cricket, either Twenty20’s or league matches.

Unfortunately, it seems the change in atmospheric climate caused by a 6 ft 7 giant meandering around the South-West of England has led to an unseasonal amount of rain. This is not only particularly inconvenient for the consistency of cricket but has led to a significant increase in the likelihood of the ‘damn weather’ arising in any daily conversation. Risking backlash I’m going to throw it out there and say that the weather is on the slight improve with the 25 day forecast having significantly more cloudy days than rainy days compared with the last month. Fingers crossed this means plenty more cricket to be played! But then again, when are English weather forecasters ever right?!

This being said we have found a way to get some cricket in recently. The Bovey Tracey 1^st Eleven are currently top of the Devon Cricket Premier League and through to the semi-finals of the Devon Senior Cup. In addition we are also through to the quarter final in the Devon Twenty20 Regional Competition. The 2^nd Eleven have won their way through to the final of the Naracot Cup Twenty20 Competition which will be played this week. So of the cricket being played Bovey Tracey have been going particularly well.

On top of my work at the health centre I have also picked up a couple of 1-1 coaching sessions with colts from the club who are looking for some additional coaching. It has been fantastic to see the improvement already in such a short period of time in boys that have a lot of potential. It has been really rewarding to see the improvement of not only these boys but also the two colts teams that I’m coaching throughout the summer. It makes it seem like the effort you put in is worthwhile.

I’ve also moved house for a short while due to a shortage of beds as my previous family doubles as post-op recovery centre for a fortnight or so. This has meant that I’ve moved in with the Roberts Family. I know this family quite well and they have been fantastic in taking me in despite already having 4 children of their own and have made me feel incredibly welcome.

The next couple of months are going to be very hectic as Aaron and I look to take advantage of our time left over here. We made a last ditch effort to get to the Olympics, and have a day trip to go and see the boxing and men’s volleyball which we are very excited about. Furthermore, Aaron will be coming to visit Bovey and I will be visiting Brighton and Eastbourne for a week. I also will be running two summer coaching courses in August, each 3 days in length, for young cricketers around the area and this is all before our last month of travel which includes, Edinburgh, Santorini, the Croatian Islands, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin and Munich for Oktoberfest! So much to do, so little time!

Until next time,

Watch this space,

Dillon

Ireland

Wow what a week it's been since my last blog. The first week of travel since the conclusion of Contiki and it didn't disappoint living up to my expectations and more. First stop was Belfast, flying out on Sunday afternoon before the Queen's jubilee celebrations kicked off around the UK. Despite a delayed flight nothing could dampen my excitement for the week ahead. After a flight shorter than that between Adelaide and Melbourne I had landed in Belfast and had arrived at the hostel we would be staying at in the centre of Belfast, much to the excitement of Kathy, Adrienne and Aaron who I would be sharing the next week with.
That night was spent catching up on recent events before our first day of sightseeing the next day. We started the day with a black cab tour through West Belfast, the area of Belfast where the Catholic and Protestant communities are located and the place famous for the start of IRA troubles throughout the 20th Century in Northern Ireland. As a spare of the moment decision to take this tour it was certainly one of the highlights. It was a real shock to hear stories of civil unrest based almost solely on a minor difference in religious preference. Yet there is a wall which separates the two communities similar to that located in Berlin topped with barbed wire at times, a no mans land and barricades which are closed for a period each night to prevent any traffic between the two areas.

A memorial in the Catholic area of Western Belfast to those who have died
as a direct result of IRA troubles.

It was also particularly interesting to see the difference in English patriotism between the Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods. In the Catholic area there was not a union jack to be seen, but cross over to the other side of the fence and the area was covered in English flags and Union Jacks as well as Queen Elizabeth paraphernalia. Other highlights in Belfast was the Belfast Cathedral which was housing a wedding at the time, as well as the Town Hall and the port.

After a game of king of beers and a late watching of Despicable Me we were off on our 7 hour bus trip through the Irish Midlands and into Galway, a city of 85,000 in the west of the Irish republic. In itself it was a beautiful city but it was just a place to stop for the night before heading out to the Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park. In Galway itself there was again a very nice Cathedral and a beautiful walk along the river to get to it as well as a busy pub and club district. The highlight of the trip though was the bus tour we took to the Cliffs of Moher through Buren National Park. In my opinion, these cliffs were the most at awe I've been of nature, along with the Swiss Alps covered in Snow. The coach drive through picturesque surrounds in Burren was nice in itself but our arrival at the cliffs was simply breathtaking and the weather made it even more amazing, with sun and minimal breeze making it a perfect sight. 

Our final stop on our travels was Dublin and unfortunately this stage was slightly tarnished by some poor weather. This was a real shame because it seemed like a city with so much to see historically and from lots of different periods throughout history. It is most famously known as the home of the Celts who were a race which originated from the time of the Romans. This being said we still had a great time, exploring Dublin castle and the Temple Bar district as well as the Guinness Storehouse, one of Dublin's most famous sights. Our last night was spent exploring the bars and pubs of the Temple Bar district. Not only was this our last night together as a group but also the last night out that Kathy would have as she heads back to Australia after 3 months of travel.

Anyway, Im now back to the 'normality' of life back in Bovey Tracey. Unfortunately the weather of late hasn't been great and this is expected to continue for a little while longer. Our game on saturday was rain reduced but we won retaining top spot. I am also entering my second week of work at the Mt Pleasant Health Centre and have an expected 4 games of cricket in the next week, weather permitting.

As hard as it is to believe, I am almost half way through my stay overseas! The time certainly has flown but both Aaron and I have quickly realised how much we have to take advantage of our remaining time left over here. Can't wait to see what the next couple of months have left in store for us.

Until next time,
Watch this space.
Dillon