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rivers

Gullfoss Waterfall, Golden Triangle Tour, Iceland
Iceland

Day 205: The Golden Triangle tour

July 18, 2014

Today, I was set to explore the Golden Triangle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur. I woke up on time and began my day. After having breakfast, brushing my teeth, and styling my hair, I packed my bag with food and a drink. Despite the gloomy weather, I had my raincoat, so I was prepared for whatever the day would bring. I expected the bus ride to take about an hour, so once I found my seat, I settled in and started listening to music. I drifted into a sort of “slumber mode,”…

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by Maarten
Canada

Day 200: A wet day at the Niagara Falls

July 13, 2014

Checked off a bucket list item: Niagara Falls, and wow, they’re even more spectacular in person! Woke up around 7 am, sneaked out of my bunk like a ninja, and got ready. Brushed my teeth, grabbed my bag, and headed downstairs for breakfast. And let me tell you, the hostel breakfast at the Planet Traveler Hostel? Hands down the best I’ve ever had. They had 15 types of cereals (yep, you read that right) and 10 different bagels, plus milk and all the usual spreads. I went for bagels with peanut butter and packed some extras for the road. At…

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by Maarten
The United States

Day 193: Central Park and Top of the Rock

July 6, 2014

Today’s plan was to see Manhattan from above at Top of the Rock! The morning started around 11 am as I got ready, though I wasn’t feeling great—last night’s craziness and too much alcohol had taken its toll. A lingering disappointment from the night before weighed on me; I hadn’t exchanged contact information with Kim, the girl I’d met. It was frustrating, especially since this was probably the third time I’d met someone amazing but lost the chance to reconnect. It really bothered me. In the afternoon, it was back to the laundromat for some laundry. While waiting, I grabbed…

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Beautiful views at the Weeping Rock, Zion National Park
The United States

Day 181: Off the beaten track: Zion National Park

June 24, 2014

Today, I was set to visit the stunning Zion National Park, a true gem! I woke up right on time, eager to finally see this amazing national park. I woke up Sean, brushed my teeth, did my hair, and we headed out. Sean didn’t mind skipping breakfast. The hostel still hadn’t charged me for the other nights I was staying, and it seemed they had made a mistake. Housekeeping came by several times, asking if the beds beneath and across from me were occupied. The first night, I said yes; the second night, I said no. It seemed like the…

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The United States

Day 180: Visiting Hoover Dam

June 23, 2014

After flying over the Hoover Dam yesterday, I decided to visit the massive structure today. I overslept and woke up around 11 am, cursing myself. I had planned to visit a special national park, but now there wasn’t enough time. So, I stuck to my usual routine: grabbed breakfast at the 7-Eleven across the street, ate in the hostel’s air-conditioned kitchen, and made a new plan for the day. Frustrated with myself, I decided the Hoover Dam would be worth a visit. I had really wanted to see both national parks, but now I could only manage one since they…

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The United States

Day 179: One of the seven natural wonders of the world

June 22, 2014

I woke up around 9:30 am, buzzing with excitement for my scenic flight over the Grand Canyon. I needed to confirm the flight in the morning, and luckily, everything was set. The van was scheduled to pick me up in front of the hostel at 10:20. Surprisingly, the scenic flight was quite affordable, costing only $150. Around 10:20, the driver picked me up. I knew it would take some time to get there, with the plane scheduled to take off at 12:30 pm. During the ride, the driver shared fascinating stories about his work in Las…

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A beautiful waterfall surrounded by green nature, Rainbow Falls, the Big Island Hawaii
The United States

Day 166: Time well spent in paradise

June 9, 2014

Today was filled with a multitude of activities in and around Hilo. Due to the uncomfortable night, I woke up earlier than planned. By 4:40 am, I departed from the campsite and headed back towards the visitor center, a 15-minute drive from there to the Kilauea crater. Although the weather wasn’t rainy, a persistent drizzle persisted. However, what truly frustrated me was the poor visibility caused by thick clouds obscuring the scenery. Upon reaching the crater, I attempted to capture some photos, but unfortunately, they all turned out blurry. The combination of fog and low light proved too challenging…

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Fiji

Day 154: Fiji’s Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour

May 29, 2014

Today’s adventure involves a journey along Fiji’s picturesque Coral Coast, leading me towards the captivating Pacific Harbour. I beat my alarm to the punch, rising at 8 am. Swiftly checking out and stowing my bag, I headed to the restaurant to order breakfast. The previous night, amidst laundry duties, I gathered all the travel intel I needed at Smugglers Cove’s information desk. Today’s bus ride promised a leisurely three-hour journey. Post-breakfast, attempting to tackle some blog reports, my motivation dwindled. I resolved to resume work at my next stop, expecting a fresh burst of productivity. At around 8:15 am…

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The Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
New-Zealand

Day 142: Colors and steam

May 17, 2014

Today, I planned to explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua—a mesmerizing thermal park boasting numerous spectacular geothermal features. What an extraordinary day it promised to be! I awoke at approximately 9:00 am and kicked off my day. After a refreshing shower and teeth brushing routine, I ventured to the outside terrace on the first floor of the dorm. While the hostel was satisfactory, the bathroom didn’t quite meet my cleanliness expectations, but I shrugged it off. Swiftly departing from Lake Taupo, I cruised down the Thermal Highway (I do appreciate these straightforward highway names, haha). The weather was…

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New-Zealand

Day 134: Abel National Park part II

May 9, 2014

Today, my plan is to trek through Abel Tasman National Park by taking a water taxi to a beach, where I’ll embark on a walk to another beach for pick-up. I woke up at 8 am thanks to my reliable alarm. After resetting it for 8:30 am, I caught a bit more sleep. Once it signaled the new wake-up time, I promptly brushed my teeth and used the restroom. Exiting the campsite, I headed towards the harbor, conveniently located just 50 meters away. Kaiteriteri was indeed a small village.The day began beautifully with bright sunshine, clear blue skies, and…

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