by Sarah Blinco | Nov 22, 2014 | African continent, South America, Travel blogger destinations
My parents were explorers – avid travellers who were among the original backpackers. They were contemporaries of the Wheelers (founders of Lonely Planet). Although explored varying routes right throughout Africa, South America and Asia. In the ’70s, my parents scored jobs with Encounter Overland (EO), one of the early companies to specialise in international and off-the-beaten-track adventure travel.
EO’s HQ was based in London, although my parents joined the party in South Africa. It doesn’t exist now, but there are plenty of people who had great adventures (or misadventures) on board EO’s famous overlander trucks during its operational period (late ’60s to late ’90s as far as I understand).
Two of the trips my dad, John, and mum, June, embarked upon were some of the very first to mark the Encounter Overland trails through Africa and South America, and would subsequently determine the itinerary for future expeditions.
Travel adventures: Encounter Overland
On Googling “Encounter Overland” I discovered blogs from travellers who toured with EO, and a couple mention “disasters” like dirt flying up at them on the trucks, or getting bogged. These are not disasters. Nearly being thrown in jail as an innocent is. Being held up at gunpoint at border crossings, trapped below landslides, or stalked by rhinoceros’ when you’ve been deliberately left at a camp in the middle of nowhere in Africa, these are “disasters”. And just a tiny insight into the many enthralling stories shared with me as I grew up.
I can confidently say however, that I don’t think anyone on board would trade the experiences – even the scary ones (well, maybe they would trade the examples I’ve mentioned above, but I hope you see my point). In the end, it’s travel – a life-changing adventure.
Some of the places these crews visited 40 odd years ago aren’t even accessible to the average traveller now. Pretty amazing.
I appreciate that EO is in the hearts of many the world over, because of the friends made on these tours – through good, bad, terrifying and exhilarating times. The intriguing local people met, and remote, wonderful, awe-inspiring sights witnessed too, are a reward that lasts a lifetime, and a reason we continue to pursue travel and associated experiences to this day.
For as long as my brother and I can remember, we thought images to accompany our parents’ travel tales hadn’t survived years of humid tropical North Queensland summers.
Fortunately mum has diaries, a good memory and the ability to tell an engaging yarn, so our imaginations did the rest. I’d say these stories mark the origins of my personal interest in travel and adventure.
Recently though, some photos (slides, actually), were discovered by my parents, and for the first time in my lifetime – thanks to modern photo technology accessible at home – we’ve been able to view these images which could be scanned into a computer and colour-corrected (we used PaintShop Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Picasa and SnapSeed).
Here are some of my favourites from the Vintage Travel Photography Encounter Overland Adventures collection.
A few are a little marked but it adds to their character, don’t you think?
If you like these, the full set (over 100 we’ve restored to date), featuring people, places, animals and architecture across most continents, is featured on our Encounter Overland Vintage Photography tumblr blog.
Vintage travel photography Encounter Overland adventures
Original photography by “my” globe trekkers, John & June Blinco.
Mum, making friends in South America
The streets of Marakesh
Life in Bolivia
On the road in Turkey
India
Dancers in Durban
Camping above Cusco
“Vintage” London (Earl’s Court?)
EO on the road
Mont Aux Sources, Drakensburg Ranges, South Africa
Classic camping, UK
Want more vintage travel photography Encounter Overland adventures? View the entire gallery here. Additionally, here’s a blog that mentions a vintage EO adventure late ’60s/early ’70s including an original promotional poster and images.
And if you were part of the crew or you’re a little nostalgic for all that was, you can connect here with others who are keeping the spirit of EO alive. Drop us a line in the comments, and you will want to take a look at Lance Thomas’ site about Encounter Overland.
As always, I’d love to hear from you – please do drop me a line in the comments below.
-Sarah
by Guest contributor | Nov 15, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations
I’ve observed that in today’s somewhat shallow world, many of my clients are afraid (or don’t know how) to take off the masks that they wear in fear that their true self will be revealed.
We wear a mask because it covers up feelings of unworthiness or insecurity. People also wear masks because it’s easier to conform to the expectations of loved ones, work colleagues and strangers. We don’t want to offend or be seen as different or unusual. We want to fit in with others and be accepted and liked. Wearing a mask stops us from being our true self and being genuine.
Here are some strategies I use with my clients – how to reveal your true self
Feel vulnerable. Unfortunately, it’s only the rare individuals I come across now and again that refuse to limit their true selves by being honest, direct and authentic.
We are afraid of letting people see our true selves as it makes us feel vulnerable and out of our safe zone. Courage and vulnerability work hand-in-hand. To overcome our fear we have to be honest and expect there might be failure and criticism and acknowledge that we will feel vulnerable, but that’s ok. We all had to learn how to crawl before we could walk. It’s the same principle.
When you feel vulnerable and embrace it, what people think of you and their expectations of you will be become less intimidating. In time you will no longer fear what people think. Being authentic will greatly improve your life.
Live in the now. To develop courage and to let go of the fears that hold you back, you need to start living in the now. In our fast-pasted lives, we are always ten steps ahead thinking about tomorrow rather than living for today. When you start to live in the now, you’ll free up a lot of your energy. Focus in the moment and prioritise your time on you, to build a better future for tomorrow.
Face your fears. Courage is the ability to act in the face of your fears. Don’t let fear control or paralyse you. One of the most effective ways to diminish fear is to head towards it and face up to what you’re afraid of. The more times your put yourself in a position to take action against your fears, the easier it will be for you to live courageously. Tolerating and becoming familiar with the pain that fear represents is the quickest way to move forward in your life and move toward a greater version of yourself.
Perform courageous acts. These were Aristotle’s words. He was one of the ancient philosophers who believed in being courageous to reach your full potential.
When was the last time you were courageous? When was the last time you stood up for yourself, or someone in trouble? Did you turn a blind eye, listen to gossip and believe it or avoid confrontation fearing you may have a target placed on your back?
By masking your true persona, you are only a limited version of yourself. You remain safe, limiting your growth and stunting your true potential. There’s no fun in being a smaller version of yourself.
Perform a courageous act and you’ll soon let go of the fear of disapproval. You will reveal yourself and embrace who you truly are, a unique gifted soul.
And according to Aristotle, practicing courage could make all the difference in life. As he wrote, “You will never do anything in this world without courage.”
This is about being courageous, you’re not being discouraged from becoming the person you’re meant to be. The possibilities for your life are endless. Though to write the next chapter of your life you’re going to have to become courageous. Courage is not something you have, it’s something you choose.
“Ships in habour are safe, but that’s not what ships are built for” –John A. Shedd
About the writer
Luke Sheedy is a gifted life advisor, motivator and free thinker. He combines his metaphysical talents to advise clients on their natural strengths, talents and abilities. Luke helps release what is holding you back, so growth can occur and your life’s plan can unfold naturally.
Feature image via Ricardo Liberato, Flickr creative commons
by Guest contributor | Nov 2, 2014 | Cool hotels, Travel blogger destinations
Where in the world can you stay in decent digs without breaking the bank? Booking.com have exclusively shared their top ten world’s best budget travel accommodation with TLL…
St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Gare du Nord
Located in central Paris, St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Gare du Nord is situated just 400m from Gare du Nord Train Station and a 2 minute walk from the Metro station, meaning no expensive cab fares from the airport are required. Bustling Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur are also just a 15-minute walk away, allowing travellers to save on transport costs when heading off to see the sights of this magical city.
Complete with three bars, a chill-out room with a foosball table and free Wi-Fi throughout, guests will love the relaxed vibe of this hostel, with plenty to do. All rooms and dormitories enjoy heating, with a choice of either shared or private bathroom facilities. A continental or buffet breakfast is included in the room rate and provided each morning, saving even more money for Paris shopping. A range of fantastic restaurants can also be found within walking distance of the Inn.
Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel
Nestled around beautiful Modernist architecture, Casa Gràcia is a modern hostel at the top of Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia – an area known for it’s exclusive shops, restaurants and bars. It features spacious, air-conditioned rooms, free individual lockers to keep belongings safe, free Wi-Fi in all areas, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen meaning you can save money by preparing their own meals whenever you like.
Complete with a communal terrace, expansive lounge, game hall and dining area, buffet breakfast is also served daily and is included in the room rate. Free tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day!
For those looking to join in on some cheap and easy activities, the hostel arranges group events every evening, as well as daily walking tours of the city.
Santa Tere Hostel – Rio De Janeiro
Santa Tere Hostel offers guests brightly styled and spacious rooms with bed lined included, free WiFi access, it’s own sparkling outdoor pool and a relaxed bar and lounge space complete with a pool table. Complimentary breakfast is also provided daily by the hostel and a shared kitchen gives you the option to save some coin by preparing your own meals and snacks each day.
Gloria Underground Train Station is just 800m away from the hostel, with Rio’s buzzing city centre and Praia de Copacabana beach both short drives away, easy access to all the wondrous sights of Rio!
Close to shops and restaurants, Santa Tere Hostel is just a few kilometres away from stunning Guanabara Bay and there are several parks along the water’s edge where guests can relax and enjoy the warm South American sunshine.
Saphaipae Hostel – Bangkok
Saphaipae Hostel offers stylish accommodations in Bangkok’s Silom area, close to downtown Bangkok and just a five minute walk from Surasak BTS Skytrain Station. Both dormitory rooms and private rooms come with free Wi-Fi and are fully air-conditioned, with a free buffet breakfast included in the room rate.
Providing easy access to downtown Bangkok, the hostel is just four stops away via Skytrain to MBK Shopping Centre and using the Airport Train service, just a 45 minute train ride to Suvarnabhumi International Airport – no expensive cab fares!
The hostel offers pool tables and internet stations, as well as coin-operated washing machines to keep your washing pile at a minimum while roaming the globe.
Ovolo Laneways – Melbourne
In the heart of Melbourne’s restaurant and theatre district on Little Bourke Street, Ovolo Laneways features original artwork, luxurious bathrooms, quality furnishings and free high-speed wireless internet. While the rates may not be considered ‘shoestring’, Ovolo Laneways Melbourne are experts in providing the best bang for your buck.
All rooms not only have a work desk, Apple TV, cable TV channels and black-out curtains, they also include free local calls plus a complimentary minibar! That’s right – everything you can find in the minibar is included in your room rate. As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel also provides a free ‘grab n go’ breakfast which includes breakfast juice, pastries and coffee/tea, perfect for powering you up for a day of sightseeing.
As the hotel is situated just a quick walk from both Parliament and Treasury Gardens, guests are able to immerse themselves in everything Melbourne has to offer with theatre, shopping, sports arenas, art galleries, restaurants and bars all within easy walking distance – no taxi fares!
Xi’an Green Forest Hotel – China
Close to public transport, Xi’an Green Forest Hotel is situated just under half a mile from Anyuanmen subway station (Line 2), 1 mile away from Xi’an Train Station and 3.5 miles away from Xi’an North Train Station, saving visitors plenty on unnecessary travel costs.
Sightseers will enjoy visiting The Bell and Drum Tower which is just 2 subway stops from the Hotel and the Tangdaminggong Hanyuandian Relic Site is only a 20 minute stroll away.
Complete with a tour desk and accommodations with free Wi-Fi, guests will also have access to heating and cosy slippers – perfect after a long day of sightseeing!
Cityherberge Hostel – Germany
Boasting a central location in Dresden’s historic quarter, free Wi-Fi internet access and a complimentary, hearty breakfast buffet each morning, this hostel is an excellent choice for travelers of any age.
In the Cityherberge’s guest kitchen, you will find all you need to store your food and prepare meals, including an oven, fridge, microwave, silverware, herbs, dishwasher and towels.
The 24 hour service doesn’t only apply to the reception, but also to the cozy bar, where you can always find a friendly member of staff with tips and recommendations.
The Cityherberge is a great base from which you can explore Dresden and all of its famous sights as well as popular night-life spots.
Hollywood Beach Suites – USA
Situated across the street from the Intercoastal Waterway and the stunning Hollywood beach, guests will never be bored with access to free bikes and surfboards!
Activities including fishing, kayaking and beach volleyball are only steps from the hotel, so no need to spend loads on travel to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
Alongside free Wi-Fi, the hotel also offers microwaves and mini-refrigerators in each room which allow guests to prepare quick meals in the comfort of their own room.
Pensionat City – Sweden
This property is just 150 metres from Gävle’s main square, Stortorget and boasts free Wi-Fi, free sauna access and beautifully modern rooms.
Organic, locally produced items are served on Pensionat City’s daily breakfast buffet and guests can also enjoy traditional Swedish cuisine for lunch and dinner at the on-site HC Bar & Restaurant – no need to splurge on cabs for a hearty meal.
Gävle Central Station is a 10-minute walk away, the Swedish Railway Museum just 4 km away, while Furuvik Zoo and Amusement Park is less than 20 minutes’ drive from the hostel.
Bounce Sydney – Sydney
Visitors to Sydney should make a beeline to the Bounce Sydney Hostel, situated in Sydney’s artistic quarter, Surry Hills. Several chic bars and restaurants are on its doorstep and Chinatown and the popular Crown Street and Oxford Street are both within a 10-minute walk of the hostel.
Buses to Bondi Beach and several other beaches are available just outside the hotel.
Positioned across from Central Train Station, the Bounce Sydney provides budget accommodations just 6 miles from Sydney Airport. It features a restaurant, a bar and a rooftop terrace and BBQ area showcasing terrific views of Sydney.
Guests also have access to a fully-equipped shared kitchen which includes eight refrigerators – don’t worry about spending cash on three meals per day when you can easily prepare your own!
by Guest contributor | Nov 2, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations
In my clinical practice, I treat many clients that have walked a difficult path and are weighed down by life. Here is a simple way I encourage my clients to take steps to live a fulfilled life, just like you would care for an abundant garden.
Your life can be seen just like a garden. To get the harvest you deserve, and achieve abundance, the appropriate care needs to be invested, otherwise you will reap only the amount of effort and action you’ve put into it.
Achieve abundance
Watch out for weeds
To get the best out of your garden you have to remove the weeds (problems). These weeds can been seen like the negative thoughts which get sown into our minds. They can also be the excuses and the barriers that hold us back. Monitor any thoughts that are faulty or rigid in the garden beds of our minds as they can cause damage. Also avoid gossip and bad news where possible, as they only weigh us down.
Give unwanted pests the flick
The all too common pests in our lives that can cause failure and destruction to anyone’s garden are the draining and negative people you have in your life. Just like pests in your garden, they will stop you from growing and expanding. Reaching for the sunlight of your potential, don’t let them drain you of your energy sources, nor your creativity or imagination. Don’t let them attach to you, otherwise you will pick up on their negative thoughts, behaviours and actions. They will influence you and possibly change your character which, day by day will destroy your focus, vision and ultimately your destiny. Give them the flick, before they become infested and toxic in your garden. Always surround yourself with positive people.
Nourish the soil and sow seeds
It’s important to nourish your soil and sow seeds for the future (positive beliefs, thoughts and behaviours). Make sure every thought you sow into your mind will be a positive one. By sowing the seeds of positivity, your behaviours and effort will produce a wonderful garden of opportunity and happiness. Positive affirmations are a great way to plant positive seeds of growth. Creating the right thoughts which are positive influence our behaviours and actions giving rise to the right circumstances and opportunities that will bare wonderful results to harvest.
Cultivate your garden
Cultivate your garden through action and effort. Take responsibility for your life and you will be amazed at the positive changes. Take responsibility by taking action, just small steps each day will help you get closer to the life you want to live.
By taking responsibility for your garden you can create the life you so much desire. You have a major influence on how your garden is growing and how abundant it is. It’s your duty to look after it.
With added vision and focus, your garden will start bearing a plentiful bounty. Let your life be a labour of love, it’s time to get your hands dirty and cherish your garden because you only have one. Remember, you reap what you sow.
About the writer
Luke Sheedy is a gifted life advisor, motivator and free thinker. He combines his metaphysical talents to advise clients on their natural strengths, talents and abilities. Luke helps release what is holding you back, so growth can occur and your life’s plan can unfold naturally.
Feature image via UK Garden Photos, Flickr creative commons
by Guest contributor | Nov 1, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
After a relaxed retreat boasting wineries, stunning gardens, mountain hikes/lookouts and a world-famous cricket museum? Well, Bowral in New South Wales’ southern highlands should be on your holiday hit list. Nestled at the base of Mount Gibralat and just 1.5 hours from Sydney, Bowral is a cute town full of things to do for a country escape.
As you explore Bowral you’ll notice how serene the place is, especially during spring when its country gardens and fields are alive with tulips.
Here are some of my favourite things to do in Bowral in New South Wales
Books and breakfast
For a unique café experience be sure to head to the Elephant Boy Café. From the moment you enter you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920’s novel. The walls are lined with books, 1920’s antiques, spices and jams and tea merchant posters. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee, write/work, read a book or simply sit back and relax.
The meals are delicious and the portion sizes are generous. During my visit I couldn’t resist the Big Breakfast with everything you would expect (sausages, beans, eggs, bacon, mushrooms and even black pudding). Also the salmon omelette with chives is scrumptious and filing.
Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds and to secure a table.
Home to Australia’s greatest batsman
One of the most famous attractions in Bowral is The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. For any cricket fan this is a must-do activity as it commemorates the game’s greatest batsman, Sir Donald Bradman who grew up and learned his craft in Bowral.
Even if you aren’t a cricket enthusiast it’s a pretty impressive museum featuring state-of-the-art interactive experiences, theatre screenings and rare memorabilia and exhibits, all showcasing ‘The Don’s’ significant contribution to cricket and Australian history.
Tip: Don’t forget to explore outside and see the Bradman Oval.
Follow the wine trail
No visit to Bowral is complete without sampling the Southern Highland’s vineyards. With over 60 wineries to visit in this region (spanning across the towns of Bowral, Exeter, Moss Vale, Sutton Forrest, Berrima and Mittagong), you’ll have a blast wining, dining and soaking up the views.
Producing award-wining sparkling wines and specializing in pinot noir and pinot gris, you’re sure to walk away with a few new favourites and bottles for keepsake.
One of my favourite spots is Mount Ashby Estate, a charming French farmhouse style winery. On the property you’ll see cattle grazing, a provincial 17th to 19th century antique shop and of course, its cellar door and Café La Palette which serves delicious pinot gris, merlot and chardonnay wine and modern-French cuisine.
Tip: It’s a nice spot to grab lunch, soak up the vineyard views and unwind with a bottle of vino.
About the writer
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at stuffitgotravelling.com.
Feature image via Flickr creative commons.
