How’s my life? For lack of a better word: awesome. So, what have I been up to for the last few weeks…

I work every day which is going great. Within a few days I already had my own projects and felt like a full employee. I am contributing some ideas to the lab and learning many new skills. I really love the people I work with, everyone is so friendly! We are three girls that make up the validation department with a male boss whom we now call Charlie as we are his three angels.

I am meeting up with people almost every day. The Uruguayan people are so kind and always willing to help. Most impressively, they have the patience to deal with my poor Spanish (which has been improving). It has been very easy to make friends. I just find that people are more willing to open themselves up and get close. Within a few minutes of meeting someone you are best friends! So, to say the least, I am being entertained.

I have taken up running along the boardwalk of the beach. I always hated running but I find the ocean to be very inspiring and I find myself enjoying my runs (not to mention that gym memberships cost $120/month). There are so many people out on the boardwalk walking, running, biking or simply hanging out and drinking mate.

Once again I have been shown what a small world we live in. Prior to leaving on this trip, I started working on my family tree and got in contact with Irena, the wife of my third cousin (whom I met once at the wedding). We started chatting via Facebook (is there any other way?) and it turns out that she spent one year living in Montevideo. She introduced me to her friend Ernesto via Facebook whom I’ve been in contact with but never met. In Montevideo I went out for dinner with Tom and Patrick, two brothers from Couchsurfing. A few days later I get a Facebook message from Ernesto saying what a coincidence: he went out with his friends Tom and Patrick who met up with a Canadian girl…

After two weeks of work I started two weeks of vacation. I am now in Buenos Aires and will tell you more later.

After 24 hours of traveling, I arrived on Friday night to a beautiful apartment located just half a block from the beach. Yes, I have an “ocean-view” (although technically it is a river) from my balcony. Once the excitement settled, I went in search of food to find that the fridge and cupboards were empty, but that didn’t matter since I discovered that the gas for the stove is turned off. No cooking for me!

Saturday was about exploring the neighborhood, Pocitos. It is truly beautiful here, with the beach in one direction and a park in the other. The area is considered to be a wealthy one and its inhabitants to be snobby. I walked to the nearby mall to get some money from the ATM...I went to one and it didn’t work so I went to a second and it didn’t work. Ok, don’t panic, there was still one more bank to try. No, it didn’t work with my international debit card. Now I panic as I have $3US in my wallet.

Upon returning home, almost in tears, I ran into my neighbour to whom I told everything. Not only did they lend me some cash to tie me over, but I got invited for lunch the following day. Yay! At night I made my way to a Couchsurfing Party. Although there were many “internationals”, many lived in Montevideo and had near-perfect Spanish. I tried to follow the conversation and contribute but in the end I just got a BIG head-ache. Too much concentration.

Sunday was an action-packed day! I woke up and decided to go for a run (yes, I said run!) along the Rambla. Translation: boardwalk. I got back to the building to learn that there is a leak in the water system of the building. All I wanted to do was take a shower, but the water was turned off. I had to go for lunch to my neighbours and I smelled like an old pair of tennis shoes. Yuck! I had to wash the main parts with mineral water!

Lunch was great with my neighbours, and we spoke only Spanish. I feel like I’m getting better already. Later in the afternoon I met up with a couple of Couchsurfers from the night before to drink yerba mate on the beach. I felt like a true “Uruguaya”! At night I met up with our family friends, a Uruguayan couple that now live in Winnipeg but are visiting. They made a parilla, a true Uruguayan BBQ for all the family. It was incredible!

I just want to apologize for the lack of photos. I packed the camera but couldn’t find the charger for the battery, which is dead! Tomorrow I am going to the center of town to buy one and I will give you a photo update of my surroundings.

Miss you all!

It is now two months since we've returned from our world trip and many ask what we’ve been up to. Here's the scoop:

Gadi went back to his old position at his old company. They were e-mailing him while we were still away asking for him to come back. The interview was scheduled for two days after we arrived and he started two weeks later. It’s good to get back into a routine, and, well, start making some money again.

As for me, I’ve been milling about, not really accomplishing much. Oh, I forgot to mention that we are now living in the basement of Gadi’s parents’ house. I feel totally displaced, all our things are still in boxes, I have no means of transportation, I have little to do. I don’t really feel like I am at “home”.

So, why haven’t I done anything with me life and why haven’t we taken steps to move out? Here’s the thing: I was casually offered a three month work experience in Uruguay and I wanted it. The plan was for me to go work as soon as I got back, but it didn’t quite work out that way.

The end result, I am now sitting in Sao Paulo airport waiting for my next destination: Montevideo, here I come! I am quite excited. I will be working in a pharmaceutical company giving me more exposure in my field. I am getting an apartment in the center of town, beside a park and just a few blocks from the beach.

The trip didn’t get off to a great start. I did my research and knew that Canadians need a visa for visits longer than three months. I planned to visit Buenos Aires, a two-hour ferry ride from Montevideo, and upon returning to Uruguay the 90 day count starts again. I booked tickets spanning longer than three months but what I didn’t know is that the airline has a right to refuse check-in without the visa. I was shocked when I arrived at the airport. I told them that I will be in and out of the country and I wouldn’t need the visa.

Nope, they couldn’t take my word. I had to get the reservation changed, so now I return a few weeks earlier than expected. Definitely a learning experience. Oh well, it is all behind me and now I can look forward to my life in South America. I will keep you posted on my new adventures.

With my brother gone and five days left one our world tour we decided to make our way to Rotorua, New Zealand's Maori cultural heartland and home of Zorb. To get there we decided to try our hand, or shall I say thumb, at hitch-hiking. It was very easy get rides and we never waited for more than 20 minutes. Everyone who picked us up was so nice and the last driver into Rotorua drove to us to doorstep of our couchsurfing hosts.

Kylie and Maureen, our amazing hosts showed us a great time. Firstly, these girls have a fully functioning "pub" in their garage! They showed us around town and took us on road trips to lakes and beaches but the best part was when we went to "Hot and Cold". This is a magical place where two rivers, one naturally hot and one cold meet. You have to swim around to find the ideal temperature between the two rivers. It was very cool!...and hot. The best time to swim is at night, apparently as not to see the sliminess of the water. People bring candles which give this natural wonder a romantic touch. We loved it so much that we went there a second time!

Kylie, Maurine and us at L&P bottle, famous drink in NZ

We never made it to the Zorb but we did have one last chance to go white water rafting. We went down the Kaituna River and its class 5 rapids. The craziest part was when we went over Tutea Falls, the world's  highest commercially rafted waterfall, a whopping seven meters. It doesn't sound like much until you go over the edge!

Seven meter waterfall on Kaituna River

Considering Rotorua is Maori country, we had to get a little but of Maori culture in. We visited the Mitai Village  where we experienced a full night of Maori culture. We were greeted by Maori warriors who performed their various haka, a Maori traditional dance and yes, they use a lot of tongue.  We were provided with explanations of traditions, rituals and the meaning behind the tattoos. We then got to partake in a traditional hangi meal that is cooked in the ground. At the end of the night we saw our first glow worms in their natural habitat, although I probably wouldn't have noticed them if they weren't pointed out to me.

Maori Warriors performing haka

With one day left of our fantasy life, we hitched back to Auckland. That's it, January 11th we sat on the plane and made our way back to reality. We flew Auckland to Los Angeles to Las Vegas to Minneapolis and finally Winnipeg. The return was bitterweet. On one hand I was so sad that our travels were ending (and I was coming back to Winnipeg in the dead of winter). On the other hand, we get to start our real life and live out life's wondrous adventures. I have to admit, the tears were falling as the luggage  came off the carousel but as soon as I saw our friends and family greeting us, the biggest grin spread across my face.

It actually felt good to be back!

With our trip to Australia drawing to a close it was time to look across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, where more discovery and adventure than we knew was waiting for us. Upon reconvening in Auckland, having taken different flights, we met with our gracious host Stephan with whom we’d be spending a couple days. The weather the next day wasn’t exactly fit for exploring, so we decided to check out the Auckland Museum, for a backpacker’s price, of course.

For anyone curious about anything to do with New Zealand, this is the place to visit. This museum covers everything from initial Maori settlement, the country’s involvement in the World Wars, and even massive freaky birds who wandered the land millions of years ago. There’s even a section about the volcano in the middle of Auckland Harbour, and what can be expected should it ever erupt. The simulation of being in a house in the volcano’s path is enough to knock your socks off, and anything else depending on how well you hold your nerves.

From Auckland we took a flight to Christchurch, our gateway to the Southern Island and ironically the center of Chabad Lubavitch in New Zealand. We rented a car there, being cheaper than taking the ferry, and quickly resumed on our way. Our first stop was in Dunedin, where we would see how chocolate is made at Cadburry World, and how beer is brewed at the Speight Brewery, both special commodities society simply cannot live without. Rebecca had the time of her life sampling beer at the brewery; she will never turn down a cold one. We also found out that Dunedin has the steepest street (Baldwin St.) in the world, not San Francisco.

Beer Sampling at Speight's Brewry

At the invitation of a phantom couch surfer we drove to Queenstown, where the most avid thrill seekers come to ride on the silver backed fern. While initially we thought we would go white water rafting, a new idea unique to Queenstown presented itself at the agency. Canyoning turned out to be an exiting activity where we would jump, slide, and climb, rappel and zip-line through gushing mountain rivers. First you’re dressed in a wetsuit, helmet, and marched up a never ending trail. When you figure the heat has become too much, that’s where the excitement begins. The inauguration isn’t exactly smooth; you’re specifically instructed step, not jump, from a height of 10 meters and land on your back, if you want to face another jump.

Canyoning in Queenstown

The next challenge would be one I’d have to face on my own, especially with my fear of heights. I had never considered doing bungee jumping before but when we made our way to Queenstown, New Zealand I thought, "When in Queenstown." I was apprehensive at first about jumping into the abyss, but then slowly I gathered my wits and made it to the edge. Then I took a deep breath, spread my wings, and with the help of a countdown I leaped to what I was told would be like flying. While the experience was undoubtedly exhilarating, I did not feel the promised flying sensation but rather a falling one, which coincidentally is exactly what I was doing. Now that this endeavour is off my list, it's time to pursue one not nearly as reckless, or perhaps one far worse...

With the thrill of Queenstown behind us, we looked to activities far more subtle, but none less breathtaking. In Wanaka we decided to check out Puzzling World, a place where every perception of reality is fooled by your own overactive imagination. You haven’t seen everything until you see people standing sideways, water flows upslope, and Gadi and I simply, “change sizes.” Further down the road, our journey consisted of many good hikes, and the vain search of the silver backed fern. One night even included sleeping in the car we rented, since poor planning and high demand resulted in all accommodation occupied for the remainder of our visit.

By this time I had only a few days left in New Zealand, and took as much warm weather as I could before I had to return to Calgary. We stopped in Golden Bay to see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but found it hard to appreciate it being pelted by sand. Gadi also got too close to a seal, unaware they are just as agile on land as they are in the water.

Beach in Golden Bay

Fed up with the lack of available accommodation, we returned to Christchurch and stayed with our gracious hosts Merryn and Michael for the next couple days. This warm and loving family spoiled us by taking us on a boating trip. It was the perfect end to an incredible trip to see the other side of the world, and where I would part ways with Rebecca and Gadi, for now. The only thing now to do is wonder where I will go next. See you all there!

Ariel, Merryn, Michael, Tom, Gadi and Rebecca

Like many of Rebecca's and Gadi's close family and friends I have been following their exiting trip since the very beginning. That is no longer the case since I've been given the honour of taking part in the last leg of their journey, and getting away from our sunny, yet very cold Canadian Winter. After the usual airport mess and several near-missed flights I was finally reunited with them in Sydney after ten long months.

The reunion party was to be short-lived, as was my first visit to Sydney, because straight away it was off to Newcastle and the first stop on our way to the Great Barrier Reef. The view and ambiance of Newcastle driving in was unimpressive to say the least, especially with public urination in broad daylight. All hope was not lost, because the next day we continued north to the quaint town of Port Macquarie, home of the Koala hospital. While we were disappointed that we weren't allowed to hold the poor little devils, we were thrilled that they weren't asleep when we arrived.

Injured Koala

At the invitation of Rebecca's and Gadi's new-found close friends Nathan and Becca, we continued on the Brisbane where I was to have my first experience in a big Australian city. Like most big cities, Brisbane has a lot to offer locals and tourists with extensive resources, but for backpackers on a budget, we could always enjoy the healthy blend of older and modern architecture from the river cruise.

Brisbane City Center

From Brisbane it was off to Hervey Bay where we would embark on journey of excitement and discovery into the Australian wild, and plenty of 4x4 driving. We booked the self guided tour of Fraser Island where we were grouped with travelers like us from all corners of Europe. The trip included everything from the most crystal clear freshwater lakes, just like the pictures in the brochures and miles of gorgeous, yet shark infested coastlines. The trip was also one of great enlightenment, for instance we learned that Dingoes, for all their fierce reputation, are nothing more than a pack of pussies scavenging for people food. Our group was foolish enough to the leave the grease-covered grill overnight only to be covered with dingo prints the following morning.

We were also introduced by our Dutch counterparts to their peculiar concept and custom of swaffeling, something that has been known to cause international incidents. It basically involves hitting one's semi-erect penis against other persons, objects, and world-famous landmarks. No more details necessary.

However, by far the most memorable experience on the Fraser Island tour was the outcome of me drinking too much cask wine, locally known as "goon." There were already several achievements that I had done, such as displaying my aptitude for the butterfly swim, and speaking German (according to them) without an accent, something so far I've been unable to replicate in my own language. Nevertheless, my moment of applause came when a busload of tourists specifically stopped to witness me getting sick from the combination of excessive goon and 4x4 bouncing, I didn't feel like walking too far from the road. Nothing a swim in the crystal clear Lake McKenzie can't fix.

Crystal Clear Lake Mckenzie

The last destination in Australia, and the most North that we would come was Airle Beach, from where we would experience the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.  The sailing tour we booked involved snorkeling to see  exotic tropical fish and coral, visits to beaches of sand so pure it doesn't heat, reef sharks no larger than a cat, and some sailing. We thought that while snorkeling we had found Nemo and his parents, however upon verifying with the chart we were disappointed to find that they were only found his long-lost cousins.

I'm on a boat, mother f#@ker!

Link to the music video

Our Australian Outbackish experience was complete, and it was time to return to Sydney and civilization. In two days we drove more than two thousand kilometers, a feat admired by many locals. Though my time was limited, Sydney made a lasting impression on me which I hope to enjoy one day soon in the future. A visit with my army friend Josh resulted in a day of sailing on the harbour to see a race of the fastest sailing ships in the world. At night time we explored the vast variety of culinary treats, from world-famous Sydney meat pies to churros that rival the very same in Madrid.

Sydney Opera House

And so concluded our short yet very sweet tour of the land down under. I still never understood why the British sent their convicts to a land of Paradise. While there we compiled a list of our five favorite activities;

5. Learn to drive on the left and not confuse the turn signal with the wiper blade lever

4. Master the Aussie accent and language

3. Learn to pronounce local towns and cities

2. Spot live wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos

1. Try not to run them over

Traveling in Australia is very easy and so was the transition. Same language, similar culture. The biggest shock was the prices, especially after traveling through India and SEA. Everything just seems so expensive.

We landed in Sydney and were greeted by Matt and Marisol, friends we met back in Thailand. They were so nice to drive us around town and show us some of the major sites, including their favorite beach and the Olympic Complex.

Olympic Stadium, Sydney

After a couple of days of relaxing in Sydney we took off to Melbourne. I really loved this city. We stayed with a friend and former co-worker, Yuri. This guy knows how to party! The first night we went to the famous Queen Victoria night market and then out to a bar. The next night we started at one drinking-hole called Bimbo's before heading over to Crown Casino. I wasn't allowed into the night-club since I was eating flip-flops (the downside of having a limited wardrobe). Instead we sat in a bar where we drank two bottles of champagne. Then it was off to another disco to dance the night away. The evening ended around 5:30am with a night-cap back at Yuri's place.

Strange baby at Bimbo Bar

Yuri and champain

We did manage to do some site-seeing too. We rode the free tourist bus around town to see the Docklands, Shrine of Remembrance and the Botanical Gardens. An interesting museum is the Australian Center for the Moving Image, a fascinating gallery dedicated to film, TV and digital media. I re-lived my childhood by playing the original Nintendo!

Melbourne skyline

Melbourne is a city worth exploring. Just walk around the various neighborhoods, taking in all the sites and easy going culture.

Shrine of Remembrance

Our stay in Cambodia was very short because there is still so much of the world to see and so little time. Less than two months to go before the end of our "adventure of a lifetime"!

Our main goal was to visit Angkor Archeological Park. We spent one day checking out the sites of Siem Reap including Pub Street and the day market. We also went to the night market where I got a pedicure done by tiny little skin-eating fish. It tickled at first and I'm not gonna lie - I didn't notice much difference. Oh well, I've always wanted to try it.

Fish massage and pedicure

We wanted to see all the major sites of Angkor in one day so to get the most of it we joined a group tour. At $13 a person we had transportation in an air-conditioned bus, a guide and unlimited water which is much needed on a hot day. I would recommend this option as opposed to getting your own tuk-tuk. Firstly, it costs about the same. Second, drivers don't offer much information. Last, AIR-CONDITIONING!!

Angkor Wat

The temples did not disappoint! We checked out Bayon and Ta Prohm which is the famous "Lara Croft Tomb Raider" temple. Angkor Wat was saved for last where we watched the sunset over the magnificent temple.

Monks at Bayon

From Cambodia it was back to Bangkok. We took the opportunity to catch up on some shopping. MBK Mall is six solid floors of shopping goodness. You can buy anything and everything here. Of course, Koh San Road offers some great deals too. As a break, we went to the Royal Palace which was far more beautiful than expected. The temple is incredibly decorated with little mirrors that twinkle and dazzle in the sunlight.

Thai Royal Palace

That marked the end of the "Asia" portion of our trip. It was time to change gears and move on. Australia, here we come!

After leaving Don Det and the 4000 islands in Laos we wanted to head to Siem Reap, Cambodia. We hopped on a bus and headed for the Dom Kralor border crossing. The corruption on the border is far worse than expected. We expected to pay US$20 for the Cambodia visa with a "processing fee" of US$1-2. This is WAY off!

We arrived at the Laos border and were requested to pay US$2 per passport to stamp out. A little more than we would have liked to pay for the bribe but there wasn't much choice (although we did short change the guy and gave about US$3 for both of our passports).

We then enter Cambodia and are required to pass through a health inspection. To get our passports back we had to pay US$1 per passport. Again, we cheated and I slipped the guy only US$1 for both passports and walked away quickly.

Next to get our visa. Again, it is known that the Cambodian visa costs only US$20. On this border crossing they wanted US$23 per visa. We were a large group of people and we started to argue the price difference. The border officials then started bargaining with us and offered US$22! We laughed at them and the price was immediately raised back to US$23.

A few of us decided to stand our ground and pay only the official price. We were just ignored! In the end we had to cave-in and pay their "special" price. Gadi and I got away with paying US$45 for both passports so we saved an additional dollar. A small defeat.

You'd think that it was all over, but no. Once we got the visa we stood in another line-up to get the visa stamped. Guess what? They wanted another US$1 per passport! At this point I said I had no more money left. I whipped out my wallet and showed them the empty folds. They agreed to do it for free for me. Another small defeat and another US$2 saved.

Finally got our Cambodian visa

After the whole ordeal we boarded the bus again. We looked out the window at the health inspector just in time to catch him pocketing the cash. It is just infuriating!

In the end, the visa which should cost only US$20 turned out to cost much more. If you payed all the requested bribes the Cambodian visa costs US$27! Be prepared to have extra cash and it is best to bring US dollar bills.

I wish you all the strength and patience!

We have quickly realized that our time was coming short. We had to decide on how much to see in Laos and if we were heading for Vietnam and/or Cambodia. We settled for cutting out Vietnam from our planned itinerary and visit Seam Reap in Cambodia. Sorry if we have upset anybody for our choice but we had to make sacrifices. I guess it gives us a good excuse to come back some other time.

After our odyssey on the two day slow boat we arrived in the old Laotian capital, Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is a town located where the Khan and Mekong Rivers meet and has the privilege of being part of the World Heritage of UNESCO. The presence of temples and specially monks is a common sight. We only stayed in town for a couple of day so we visited some of the main temples. To tell you the truth, I am a little templed out. You see one it's great, you see three it's pretty nice, you see fifty and I get the point. The only bad part of this town is that they charge you for every temple you see so this helped us out on selecting a minimum number of them to visit. The one we do recommend was the Phu Si (no I didn't make it up). You should get there for sunset because this temple is located on the top of the hill and you get a nice view of the city.

How many monks can you fit on the back of a trunk?

While walking through town we came upon a man selling a very strange looking concoction. There was a large glass jar containing all kinds of snakes, scorpions and giant centipedes. When we asked the man about it he said it was Lao Whiskey or better known as Cobra Whiskey. Honestly, it looked more like a witch's potion. Once again i had to prove my manhood and give the alcohol a try. After all, when in Lao we should do like Laotians do and I drank it. It really wasn't too bad!

Cobra Whiskey: Scorpions, snakes and other things

Our next stop in Laos was Vang Vieng. This town is known by travelers as a party town. We thought the place would be touristy but not to this extent. Here you will find a handful of restaurants playing back to back to back Friends and Family Guy episodes and a tour agency in every corner. The main reason people come here is for the infamous tubing experience.

We didn't know what to expect about tubing but let me say it, it was awesome. You start your day by renting the tube from one of the two shops in town. They take you on a tuk-tuk up the river and this is where the fun begins. Lined up on the river there are bar after bar. The music is pumping and the drinks are flowing. You get the chance to swing and slide from some questionable swings, ziplines and water slides but at that state you don't care too much about your well-being. Ah, you can't forget to stop for some mud wrestling and mud volleyball! One catch about the tube rental is that you have to be back by 6 pm if you want your full deposit back. Be careful not to get stuck in the bars because it takes a good amount of time to get back, I am speaking from experience.

Vang Viang and it's surroundings do have things to offer including some caves and not too far off some almost untouched villages. We rented scooters to explore. When we pulled over by a small village, all the children came out to meet us. They were excited and scared, as if they've never seen a white person before. One baby even burst into tears as I waved hello.

Village children

For our next destination we wanted to mix it up a bit with our transportation method. We opted to take a kayak tour to get to the city of Vientiane. It was very nice but I wish we were in the wet season so that the river would have more rapids.

Truthfully, Vientiane was my least favorite city in Laos. For a big city there was no night life. There is a curfew and everything closes at 11:30 at night, I think it got something to do with the communist regime.The highlight of our time there was when we visited the Buddha Park. This place as the name suggests is where a bunch of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures are laid out in a park. The sculptures are said to have been made by unskilled artists under the direction of the designer.

The famous leaning Buddha in Buddha Park

After hopping from place to place we were ready to relax in the 4000 islands. The tiny island of Don Det is very chill place. We got a tiny bungalow overlooking the river which contained a bed, mosquito net and two hammocks. There wasn't even electricity in our room but that didn't matter since electricity is only turned on between six and ten at night. We had some down time and caught up on our reading while swinging in our hammocks. It was paradise.

A Lao Sunset