Wish List: Tokyo

There are two destinations at the top of my wish list, one being Istanbul, Turkey, the other being Tokyo, Japan.

Japan is only a 9 hour flight for us, and we have thought about doing it over many long weekends from Sydney (especially since the flights to and from are overnight). Crazy, maybe, be definitely not uncommon for Australians.

There's a few appealing things about Tokyo for me:

1. Is the hustle and bustle, the bright lights

2. The cultural aspect, with the Imperial Palace and Sumo tournaments

3. The food - from Ramen, to Sushi to Yakitori to Tempura and more, so many great choices

So there's very little excuse for us not to get to Tokyo in the not to distant future. Then it will be a question of how long, where to eat and where to stay!

Wish List: Destination Runs

It's a recent thing, me actually wanting to run and me actually being able to run more than a few meters. Australia has some pretty spectacular races and we've done the Sydney Bridge Run every year for the past two years (you run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, through the Botanical Gardens and end at the Opera House). But Australia's running events don't have the open times that US events do and that limits me in terms of the half marathon distance. However there are a number of destination runs I would love to do (and I feel are within my capability to do so!):

Hawaii - Kona Marathon

This takes you to the Hawaiian Island of Kona (the one with the Lava). Can't do the 42.2 kilometer distance, then you also have the half (21.1k), the 10k or the 5k. The advantage of this marathon is it's 8 hour cut of time,  and that its on a tropical Island. Where is where the disadvantage comes in (and probably the long cut off), the humidity.

Birdsville - Big Red Run
This one is an ultra marathon, you know one of those races where you don't just run 42.2k, but go further, in fact this one you can "choose" to run up to 250 km in six days....But it raise awareness for a great cause - Type 1 Diabetes.

New York - New Years in Central Park
I covered this one on a previous wish post, but its still at the top of my list. The 4 mile or 6.4 km course starts and midnight. They have fireworks, plenty of supporters and a champagne station, because really would it be NYE without champagne?

Antarctic - Ice Marathon
The attraction to this one because I've never run in snow and I covet the marathon distance, not extremely logical I know. Two things to tick off at once (plus who do you know who's run it?).

And that's just the short list, there are so many runs large and small, short to long distance in every corner of the world....so what are you waiting for?

Wish List: Byron at Byron

Its been a while since I've done a wish list post, it's not because I haven't been busy identifying any, it's just not been at the forefront of my mind for blogging. However as we settle in for winter here in Oz, I found myself dreaming about the summer at the beach and how I would love to take a trip to The Byron at Byron.

Located 5 minutes south of Byron Bay on 45 acre's of rainforest, with access to Tallows beach. The accommodation comprises of 92 one bedroom suite, each which include a kitchen and balconies. There are a number of packages available depending on what type of holiday you were planning (golf, food, girls weekend).

Wish List: NYC on NYE!

We live in one of the best cities to celebrate NYE. There is simply no better place to bring in the new year, than sitting on Sydney Harbour watching the fire works on a warm, balmy night.

But I got distracted, new years in New York has always been on my wish list, but that's a little bit unoriginal. So I was very pleased when I found the New Year's Eve Midnight Run & Fireworks in Central Park. The 4 mile or 6.4 km, starts at midnight. They have fire works, plenty of supporters and a champagne station, yes a champagne station.

This isn't a race for those trying to achieve a personal best for the distance, there's no corals, no timing chips, it's all about getting out and having some fun to bring in the new year.

Has anyone done this run?

What's your plans for bringing in the New Year?

Wish List: Guam and Palau

Guam and Palau are new additions to my wish list, it wasn't until there was this article in the SMH covering the two Islands that my interest really grew.

Palau is famous for the lake in which you can swim with the jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake. The jellyfish have lost their sting due to the lake being fresh water, not seawater. Palau is home to only about 20,000 people and consists of 300 Islands (only around 9 are inhabited).

Guam on the other hand is a US territory (and you generally have to fly through Guam to get to Palau), and a site teeming in WWII history. As you'll know from my previous posts I'm a big fan of food when travelling (well in general really) and the food in Guam is meant to be fantastic. Water sports are also popular, with the average water temperature being 27C all year around!

Wish List: Zion and Bryce National Parks, Utah, USA

We love travelling in National Parks, even when we weren't that active (or correction I wasn't that active, DH has always been) we've always enjoyed checking out National Parks, some of our favourites being based in USA (think Yosemite, but also Kings Canyon, Valley of Fire). We also spend a fair time visiting Vegas, so Zion and Bryce are natural choices for our wish list

Zion National Park 273 km or 170 miles from Vegas, in Utah. The subway is a well photographed area and permits must be applied for before hiking into the area. Its also popular for bird watchers and nature lovers in general.

http://www.nps.gov/zion

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in a similar area in Utah, with Vegas also being the closest major airport.

http://www.nps.gov/brca

They have a shuttle system to minimise traffic disruptions, and of course there is plenty of hiking to do. But with sunsets like the one above, I can only imagine what the sunrises look like!

Working from Auckland - What did we miss?

Sadly my time working in Auckland, NZ came to an end earlier this year. If you followed my blog for the past two years, you would have noticed that we made the most of this to explore the North Island from Auckland as a base.

We managed to see a fair bit - including a number of World Cup Rugby games, Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Coromandal, Mount Maunganui, White Island, Rotarua, Waitamo Caves, Taupo and of course Auckland itself. But there's a few places we had on our list that we just didn't get to.

1. Tane Mahuta - the giant Kauri, found in Northland in the Waipoua. Ever since seeing General Sherman in Kings Canyon we have been obsessed with big trees

2. Wellington - this would have been a short flight from Auckland, but the Te Papa museum and the vibrant city itself are a big attraction

3. Napier - although I think we'd prefer to visit this art deco city during the Art Deco Weekend in February each year

4. Taranaki - the place where you can surf and ski in the same day, Mt Taranaki in New Plymouth is just one of those things you have to see

I'm sure there are plenty of other places that we didn't visit, that's the problem with NZ, you can never see everything, but if I'd had six more months, we would have definitely crossed the above off our list.

My current top 5 to go to

I'm fickle. I have so many places on my to go to list, that I the top 5 I want to go to changes regularly. Currently my top 5 travel locations:

1. Istanbul, Turkey
As mentioned in a previous post, I have an obsession with drinking Turkish coffee while overlooking the Blue Mosque.

2. Guam with a side trip to Paulu
Only recently come onto my radar, this is surprisingly close to Australia, with Guam being a 4.5 hour direct flight from Cairns. A recent SMH article cemented it for me.

3. Tokyo, Japan
Who wouldn't be attracted to the bright lights and the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, as well as the thoughts of Ramen and Gyoza.

4. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Located in Tanzania, the Crater has an extensive wildlife population and is therefore popular for safari's.

5. Kimberly Region, Australia
Another previous wish list post, this stunning and diverse part of Australia, and being hard to reach is part of the appeal.

Wish List: Overland Track, Tasmania

Another great walking holiday. The overland track is located in Tasmania and is a 6 day, 65 km walk.

There are a number of options for doing this walk, including the DIY variety, but of course I much prefer the option of the Cradle Mountain Huts. This way you enjoy private accommodation, hot showers and cooked meals without having to lug all the basics with you

This company runs the traditional 6 day walk, as well as a shortened 4 day for those who want to be able to do it on a long weekend.

Another perfect way to get out, see something new and get away from it all.

Wish List: Ngorongoro Crater

We're looking at Africa for 2013 (we like to plan ahead), and having a hard time narrowing done what exactly to see, but the one place that stays on the list. Ngorongoro Crater is in Tanzania, and located 180 km west of Arusha. There is also a high concentration of animals in the area making it a prime location for Safari.

Which is where the next problem comes into play, where to stay. Places are limited and vary in price and decadence. The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is at the top end of the market, and in DHs opinion over done. I on the other hand get the attraction it might hold for some tourists. It's divided into three camps with 30 suites.

There is the Lemala Ngorongoro, a tented camp probably in the upper mid range. The camp is seasonal and there are 8 luxury canvas tents allowing for a maximum of 20 guests.

Then there is the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. More like a hotel, with 75 rock built rooms overlooking the crater (this is the key for me).

So it really comes down to what you want to pay, what type of experience you want and how long you might be visiting the area. The only decision you do not have to make is if you will actually go.

Wish List: The Freycinet Experience

Even though we've recently done the Inca Trail, my idea of hiking is more along the scale of the Freycinet Experience. You stay in lodges, your meals are cooked and you only carry a day pack. But at the same time you get to see a beautiful part of the world, immerse yourself in nature and take a break from reality.

The Freycinet Experience is a four day guided walk covering the entire length of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s East Coast, including the iconic Wineglass Bay. Each night you return to the Friendly Beach Lodge and hot showers.

With a number of such walks in Tasmania, it's hard to choose which one to do next.

Top 5 To Go To Big Trips

I love lists (haven't you noticed?) and my to travel to list constantly changes with my moods. Currently on my top 5 in no particular order:

1. Russia
The weirdest thing is I want to spend winter in Russia.

2. Turkey
Not only to go the Blue Mosque, but for the food, the culture, the history and to get off the tourist track

3. Japan
RWC 2019 is looking good for us and Japan!

4. Alaska
Is there anyone who doesn't have this on their list?

5. African Safari
Ok so this doesn't narrow it down much. Africa is one huge continent, and really I haven't thought much about what time of year, which part, how long, but it is definitely on my go to list

Wish List: Saffire Lodge, Tasmania

Luxury Lodges seem to be my thing. One of the newest is the Saffire in the Freycinet region in Tasmania, Australia.

With only 20 suites, in three different categories, designed to relax and rejuvenate.

Located in the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania in a stunning part of the world, overlooking the Hazards, and with Wineglass Bay in the vicinity.

Wish List: Maria Island Walk

We did the Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania earlier in 2011, and it was a wonderful experience. Just you and 12 other people on an isolated beach, alone (or relatively in today's world) with nature.

Recently I stumbled across another great walk of Tasmania, the Maria Island Walk. We looked at doing this walk at Easter 2012, but it's so popular that it was already booked out!

On their slogan is "four days that will last a lifetime". The walk covers 34 km, on a small Island off Tasmania. There are different accommodation types for each night, with extraordinary food along the way.

So who's coming with me?

Wish List: Istanbul

I seem to be doing alot of daydreaming lately of wish list locations. I don't know if it's because it's getting close to the end of the year, becuase of our next trip and it's a case of the travel bug, or I'm just a girl who love to dream! But a reoccuring daydream is Istanbul, Turkey. Specifically drinking coffee and eating baklava overlooking the Blue Mosque.

I'd love to rent an apartment for a month, and absorb the sights, culture and food. In a city where east meets west, is a month long enough?

Wish List: Wilson Island

Another one for the wish list....

Wilson Island is a small coral cay that is the Great Barrier Reef, about 72 km off the Queensland coast. Wilson Island is a national park, with nesting green turtles and loggerhead turtles as well as bird life are key attractions.

But the key for me is getting back to nature in relative isolation, with only 12 guests on the Island at any time. As the website states it is truly "Shipwrecked in Style".

You might have noticed I like good food, and fine food on the beach is another major attraction.

So when are we going? It's a tropical island, its not like you need to pack much....

Top Islands: Been and to go

I'm lucky to have been to a few Islands (living on one of the largest in the world helps), but there are so many more that I haven't made it to yet. So here's my list of Island recommendations and Islands to go.

Been
Rarotonga, Cook Islands

When's the next trip?

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

A short ferry trip from Auckland, a great place to spend the day or the weekend.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

A stunning location, once again makes you feel like your all alone in the middle of nowhere.

Lord Howe Island, Australia

Also now one of my favourite locations to fly into. It's hard to believe that it's not a much more popular destination.

To Go
Torres Strait Island

Above the most northern tip of Australia, so close but so hard to get to.

Rapanui/Easter Island

Will soon be a "been to", looking forward to it seeing it's been on my wish list so long.

Tonga

One of the few places in the world where you can swim with the whale sharks, and relatively untouched by mass tourism.

Samoa

Notice my preference for Pacific Island nations?

Kangaroo Island

Another wish list location, that only recently made it on the ever growing list (and quickly pushing it's way to the top).