Costa Rica: Land of Jungle, Animals and Beaches

I travelled in Costa Rica together with my great friends Nico and Muriel. We had an action-packed trip: jungle exploration, hiking the highest peak in the country (Cerro Chirripo), ziplining, snorkelling and of course relaxing at the beautiful beaches. 

Costa Rica will remain fondly in my memory for one particular reason: I loved to see the jungle animals in their natural habitat. Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks were the places where we had the most success with this. 

Back of Beyond Reloaded

Due to popular demand -ahem- I've decided to re-start the blog. I'll try my best to keep it up. Thanks for taking the time to check in occasionally and leave comments!

After working 3 months in Switzerland from August - October 2014, I decided to head to Latin America. First to Costa Rica and Panama together with two friends, and then alone by bike through South America. 

With a few basics of Spanish, a big box with my bike in it and my luggage, I was ready to go. On 24 November, I departed Switzerland bound for San Jose in Costa Rica.

Switzerland and Iceland

It was an odd feeling to be back in Switzerland again! I never expected to be back so soon, but it was summer and great to be amongst friends again. I was able to gain a temporary contract at my old employer for 3 months between August and October 2014. Once I knew this would work out, I immediately put my next plans into action: an alpine crossing by mountainbike from Buchs SG in Switzerland  to Lake Garda in Italy over 7 days, and a 3 week cycle tour of Iceland. Iceland was tough to cycle but amazing and I hope to put some photos up here one day.

During 3 months of working in Switzerland, I decided my next big trip should be by bike. The southern half of Africa was one option, but in the end I settled on the idea of cycling Patagonia. I have never been to Latin America before and this will be my chance to learn a bit of Spanish too.

Burma en route to Switzerland

After a brief sojourn back home in New Zealand, where autumn was beginning and winter just around the corner, I decided to return to Europe for the summer. On the way I made a stop-off in Singapore to visit an old school friend, before continuing on to Burma, one SE Asian country I have always wanted to visit. 

Burma was a real treat. I came into contact with more adventurous travellers than are usually to be found in Australia, and I met wonderful Burmese people too. After four weeks in Burma, I returned to Singapore and flew on to Zurich. 

Melbourne and back to Sydney

I took a bus from Melbourne back to Sydney and after a few days of much-needed rest with my uncle and aunt, I was ready to return to New Zealand to spend some time with mum. And so my Australian adventures came to an end! 

Adelaide to Melbourne: The Great Ocean Road

Before reaching Melbourne, I spent 3 days hitchhiking along the Great Ocean Road. Beautiful coastal scenery that reminded me more of New Zealand than anywhere else on this trip. The Twelve Apostles were the highlight. 

The pleasant beach at Lorne, near the start of the Great Ocean Road.

The bay at sunset, with the pier to the left.

Not a bad little camping spot, just outside of Lorne. 

Lovely coastal scenery near Wye River. 

 Approaching the first two of the Twelve Apostles. I walked the last 6 km from Princetown.

This beach is reachable via Gibson's steps. 

The view from the beach. 

The Twelve Apostles (or what remains of them) at sunset. 

Rain coming...

Loch Ard Gorge, named after the ship which ran aground here in 1878 with only 2 survivors.

Finally: Melbourne. Summer's long gone, unfortunately. 

Adelaide to Melbourne: The Grampians

On my way to Melbourne, I stopped off at Grampians National Park, famous for its mountain scenery and good hiking trails. I then headed south via Ballarat to the Great Ocean Road on Victoria's southern coast.

Nice scenery in the Grampians. 

The view from the rocky outcrop called The Pinnacle.

The view from Sundial Lookout.

Breakfasting with the kangaroos in the township of Hall's Gap.