http://www.pictureaustralia.org/apps/pictureaustralia;jsessionid=F97B707CD9F93028948449043B731A43?action=PADisplay&mode=display&rs=resultset-4753931&no=2
This website describes the lethal goblin fish. Bill discusses how he read about this deadly fish in Jan Morris's book, "Sydney". He explains how he never heard about this species of fish until this book. Yet, he describes that in such a vast country like Ausdtralia it is nearly impossible to know all the dangers that lurk in the waters of this country.
I found this interesting because it demonstrates how big our world is. It seems that we are secluded in the world of our own lives, and we do not even know what is around us. It's strange to think that we live in a world and we might never encounter something, yet someone across the globe lives with it daily.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
IRP Blog Post # 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wit023qqzjg&feature=related
This video documents various places in Australia in 1969. In this section Bill mentions both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. He went into the history behind each piece of architecture.
Interestingly, the man who built the Opera House, Joern Utzon, a Danish architecture never got to see his creation. After a dispute in 1966, he never came back to the site.
The history behind the bridge is interesting as well, because when it was being built in 1923, the builders wanted to make it the longest single arch span ever created. Yet, in 1932, right before the bridge was going to be opened, the Bayonne Bridge in New York opened and was 25 inches longer than the Harbour Bridge.
This video documents various places in Australia in 1969. In this section Bill mentions both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. He went into the history behind each piece of architecture.
Interestingly, the man who built the Opera House, Joern Utzon, a Danish architecture never got to see his creation. After a dispute in 1966, he never came back to the site.
The history behind the bridge is interesting as well, because when it was being built in 1923, the builders wanted to make it the longest single arch span ever created. Yet, in 1932, right before the bridge was going to be opened, the Bayonne Bridge in New York opened and was 25 inches longer than the Harbour Bridge.
IRP Blog Post #4
"I walked for miles, through Kirribilli, Neutral Bay, and Cremorne Point, and on through the prosperous precincts of Mosman before at last I came to Balmoral with a sheltered beach overlooking Middle Harbour and a splendid waterfront park shaded with stout Moreton Bay figs, the loveliest tree in Australia by far. A sign by the water's edge noted that if you were eaten by sharks it wasn't because you hadn't been warned." (Bryson 57).
I chose this quote, because in just one sentence, he describes five different placed he traveled through. There was a lot of description and details in the first sentence. I also liked this quote because I feel it represents Bill Bryson's writing styles. Although this book is not a real diary, his move by move descriptions make it feel as though I am on the journey with him. I connected this to Che's "The Motorcyle Diaries" because Che's memoirs also make it seem as though I am on the journey with him.
I chose this quote, because in just one sentence, he describes five different placed he traveled through. There was a lot of description and details in the first sentence. I also liked this quote because I feel it represents Bill Bryson's writing styles. Although this book is not a real diary, his move by move descriptions make it feel as though I am on the journey with him. I connected this to Che's "The Motorcyle Diaries" because Che's memoirs also make it seem as though I am on the journey with him.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
RAFT Assignment
Dear Che,
It seems so long ago when we embarked on this journey. We have come a long way and much has happened throughout our travels. I feel as though the journey lasted forever, yet it passed by all too quickly. The people we met, the places we saw, and the adventures we took on will always be a part of me. We started off as young men, looking for a change of pace and adventure. Now we are older and wiser, yet still the same adventurous youths we once were. Although our travels brought us some unfortunate events, such as the death of La Poderosa, our days in the arid desert, quenching for thirst, and the hard labor we put in after being caught stowing away on a boat, our travels brought me one thing that makes up for all the harsh times.
Traveling around South America has taught me much about different cultures and places. Each country had a unique characteristic about it, as well as similarities with each other. For example, our journey through Chile presented us with their warm hospitality and never ending food. The people were generous and allowed us to sleep in their homes. Yet at other times during our traveling, we were faced with harsh conditions and left stranded to fend for ourselves. Most importantly, I learned that the best way to travel is with a friend. The places we experienced were majestic on their own, but sharing those experiences with my dear friend, made them even better. Our traveling taught me that life is just one big experience, but it is important to have someone with you whom you can share it with.
I hope that we get the chance to embark on a new adventure together someday soon. I know the youthful, curious explorers still lives inside us both. I miss you and hope you are doing well. I pray for your health and happiness every day. Thank you for all the memories and adventures you have shared with me.
Your Dear Friend,
Alberto
It seems so long ago when we embarked on this journey. We have come a long way and much has happened throughout our travels. I feel as though the journey lasted forever, yet it passed by all too quickly. The people we met, the places we saw, and the adventures we took on will always be a part of me. We started off as young men, looking for a change of pace and adventure. Now we are older and wiser, yet still the same adventurous youths we once were. Although our travels brought us some unfortunate events, such as the death of La Poderosa, our days in the arid desert, quenching for thirst, and the hard labor we put in after being caught stowing away on a boat, our travels brought me one thing that makes up for all the harsh times.
Traveling around South America has taught me much about different cultures and places. Each country had a unique characteristic about it, as well as similarities with each other. For example, our journey through Chile presented us with their warm hospitality and never ending food. The people were generous and allowed us to sleep in their homes. Yet at other times during our traveling, we were faced with harsh conditions and left stranded to fend for ourselves. Most importantly, I learned that the best way to travel is with a friend. The places we experienced were majestic on their own, but sharing those experiences with my dear friend, made them even better. Our traveling taught me that life is just one big experience, but it is important to have someone with you whom you can share it with.
I hope that we get the chance to embark on a new adventure together someday soon. I know the youthful, curious explorers still lives inside us both. I miss you and hope you are doing well. I pray for your health and happiness every day. Thank you for all the memories and adventures you have shared with me.
Your Dear Friend,
Alberto
Thursday, February 10, 2011
IRP Blog Post 3
http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/the-ghan.html
This link provides information about the train "The Ghan". This train travels across Australia and through the Outback. Bill Bryson used this train as a means of travel. He described the compact quarters and simple living in the cabins of the train . I think this ties well into the theme, no matter what the conditions, if the journey is worth taking, so are the hardships. For Bill, the squished room on the train was not important, the fact that he was able to experience the scenery was worth the small living space.
This link provides information about the train "The Ghan". This train travels across Australia and through the Outback. Bill Bryson used this train as a means of travel. He described the compact quarters and simple living in the cabins of the train . I think this ties well into the theme, no matter what the conditions, if the journey is worth taking, so are the hardships. For Bill, the squished room on the train was not important, the fact that he was able to experience the scenery was worth the small living space.
IRP Blog Post 2
This image is a room in the Dug-Out Underground Motel. It is located in the side of Smith's Hill in White Cliffs. Bill and his fellow traveller, Trevor pass through this town with their Australian tour Steve Garland and his wife Lisa.
The motel, as well as most homes in White Cliffs are built into the side of the hill in an attempt to cool off. Bill describes this town as unbearable and unreal. With a population of 80 and the recent discovery of electricity in 1993, Bill concludes that this is truly a different place.
When I saw this picture of the motel, it reminded me of the underwater hotel being built in Dubai.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
IRB Blog Post 1
"'a swollen stinger that could give him 20 minutes of agony and, if he's unlucky, an unsightly allergic reaction to carry on his torso for life....' It occured to me that Australians are so surrounded with danger that they have evolved an entirely new vocabulary to deal with it" (Bryson 17).
The first part of this quote is a part of an article in the "Sydney Morning Herald" weekend magazine, written by Deirdre Macken. Deirdre and a photographer Glenn Hunt are acting as tour guides for Bill Bryson in his journey through Sydney. Although he has been to Australia many times before this adventure, he confesses that he never had a chance to truly see Sydney and "The Outback."
I decided to choose this passage because it demonstrates the intense and dangerous situations Bill has found himself in Australia thus far. In this passage a dangerous jelly fish is just a few feet away from him, and the Australians are simply telling him not to worry. I think this passage is important because it demonstrates the Australians non chalance way of life and easy going personalities.
The first part of this quote is a part of an article in the "Sydney Morning Herald" weekend magazine, written by Deirdre Macken. Deirdre and a photographer Glenn Hunt are acting as tour guides for Bill Bryson in his journey through Sydney. Although he has been to Australia many times before this adventure, he confesses that he never had a chance to truly see Sydney and "The Outback."
I decided to choose this passage because it demonstrates the intense and dangerous situations Bill has found himself in Australia thus far. In this passage a dangerous jelly fish is just a few feet away from him, and the Australians are simply telling him not to worry. I think this passage is important because it demonstrates the Australians non chalance way of life and easy going personalities.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
180 Degrees South Reflection
"Books are a great start, but there is no substitute for just going there."
I believe that this quote relates to Jeff Johnson and his journey to Chile because it sums up the reason why he started the journey in the first place. Jeff Johnson was always an adventurous kid, and thrived for new experiences. But I believe the thing that truly inspired his journey, was the stories of Yvon and Doug. After reading and learning about their amazing accomplishments and journey to Chile, Jeff truly wanted to travel that same route and find the two in South America. This connects to the quote because Jeff had read about Yvon and Doug and their crazy adventures, but it was not enough. Reading it is not the same as actually experiencing it.
This quote has the same meaning for my life and future. In just six months, I will be embarking on an unfamiliar journey- college. After years of being taught about college and life after high school, I will finally experience it for myself. Last year, as I was searching for the right college I read countless texts about colleges and the lifestyles they each had to offer. Although I have read about college, it will not be the same as truly living it.
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