global cities Archives - Splinter's Paradise

Waves crashing at Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

Day 158: Lost in paradise, Honolulu

June 1, 2014

After my flight from Fiji, today I would embark on a stroll through Waikiki, Honolulu. As the bus departed from the airport, I approached the driver and requested directions, mentioning the street name. He assured me he’d indicate when we reached the correct stop, for which I expressed gratitude. Taking my seat, I observed my fellow passengers. Among them were a few Hawaiians, though not in abundance. Interestingly, some bore a distinct Asian resemblance, reminiscent of characters from the animated TV show “Lilo and Stitch”—a thought that elicited a chuckle from me. As the bus journey continued, I noticed…

by Maarten

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Australia

Day 118: Goodbye Australia, you were great!

April 23, 2014

I woke up around 9:30 am, feeling exhausted due to my disrupted sleep rhythm. Today’s agenda included a visit to Eureka Skydeck 88, a must-see for panoramic views of Melbourne. I took my backpack downstairs and stored it in a locker, a service I had to pay for in this hostel, which was a bit disappointing. Until now, I hadn’t encountered any charges for luggage storage during my journey. While I appreciated the overall quality of this top-notch hostel, the cleanliness of the showers in recent days and the condition of the lockers had not met my expectations. After…

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Australia

Day 117: Saying goodbye to Sasha.

April 22, 2014

Waking up in Melbourne at 10 am to a torrential downpour, my frustration grew as I faced numerous arrangements for my ‘Melbourne Departure Day’ the next day. Despite the urgency to unload my car, I hesitated, navigating the challenges posed by the relentless rain. Car Wash and Unintended Consequences I started my day with a leisurely breakfast, savoring each bite. After about 30 minutes, the rain subsided, prompting me to initiate the process of relocating my belongings from the car to the hostel. Over the past two days, I had already transferred some items. Placing the pillows into the box…

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Australia

Day 116: A cultural experience: Australian football

April 21, 2014

Around 11 am, I stirred awake, knowing that I would be meeting Liam in the CBD later that day to watch an exciting game of Australian football. The morning and afternoon unfolded lazily, filled with idle moments of typing and planning for the upcoming days. The realization that my Australian adventure was drawing to a close prompted me to schedule the return of the car on Wednesday. Tomorrow’s agenda included tidying up the vehicle and delivering it to the depot. At approximately 2:45, I rendezvoused with Liam in the CBD, right in front of Hungry Jack’s. Spotting them enjoying Subway…

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Australia

Day 113: Exploring Melbourne’s Nightlife

April 18, 2014

Yesterday was a night to remember. What started as a casual dinner at Veronika’s place, turned into an unexpected adventure that left me exhilarated. We decided to head over to Richmond and before we knew it, we were hailing a cab to take us to the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. As we cruised through the buzzing city streets, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement building up inside me. Finally, we arrived at our destination and stepped out into a massive street teeming with life. Everywhere we looked, people were out and about, enjoying the pulsating energy of…

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Australia

Day 112: St Kilda’s Esplanade and a night out

April 17, 2014

I woke up late in the hostel, feeling groggy and disoriented. Simone and Harry had already left, but I didn’t want to waste a moment in this beautiful city. The weather was simply gorgeous, and I knew I had to get to the beach. I quickly packed my bag with a towel, two cans of Coca Cola, a book and my sunglasses. As I walked towards Coles Supermarket, I passed the Esplanade, a breathtakingly wide street that left me awestruck. I took out my camera and snapped a few pictures, completely lost in the moment. The streets were incredibly wide…

by Maarten

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Australia

Day 111: Arriving at the Habitat HQ hostel in St Kilda, Melbourne

April 16, 2014

Today, I was headed to Habitat HQ, an excellent hostel in Melbourne with secure parking. I started my day with a stop at Hungry Jack’s for the toilet, gearing up for a day of adventure ahead. As I hit the road, my GPS struggled to keep up once in Melbourne, but I eventually found my way to the vibrant city of Melbourne, where I had my sights set on exploring the lively suburb of St Kilda. Upon arriving at my hostel, Habitat HQ, I was met with a slight setback – their car park was full, and I had to wait…

by Maarten

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Australia

Day 103: A short day in Canberra

April 8, 2014

I woke up at around 10 am, planning to visit Canberra, Australia’s capital, today. The rest area was deserted; although a few cars had stopped last night, they were only occupied by people making a quick stop. I was the sole occupant who had spent the night here. After rising, I retrieved some bread from the trunk and spread a slice with peanut butter for my breakfast. Twenty minutes later, I departed from Kirby VC Rest Area near Goulburn. I headed south towards Canberra, which was just 100 kilometers away from the rest area. En route, I couldn’t resist capturing…

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Malaysia

Day 9: A night out in Kuala Lumpur, Omygod!

January 4, 2014

I woke up at 9 am and struck up a conversation with a fellow dorm mate named Gopal. Today, we planned to explore Kuala Lumpur together. Gopal, a 38-year-old who could easily pass for 23, exudes youthful energy in both appearance and demeanor. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, he’s a professional drummer who sought refuge in Malaysia to escape the harsh Canadian winter. Having recently visited Manila, the Philippines, he shared some chilling stories about the poverty he encountered. His travels are driven by the quest to find a suitable place to reside, one that offers respite from the Canadian winters…

by Maarten

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