My advaice for the trip around the world

For the record, this post is my opinion (Izick doesn't agrees with all that's written here).
Maybe I'm biased, but you can't argue with facts.

When we planed our stops for the trip (within the limitation the "around the world" ticket offers), we had to choose between 2 choices for the begging of the trip:

1. Hong Kong
2. Thailand and Singapore

At first, I thought, Thailand, what a great place, but, been there 2 times, knows it by hart, lets try something new...
Retroactively; it's not so bad to selecting places you know and love.

Let me count for you all the pro and cons in selecting each destination and you will decide:

1. getting there -
The flight from Israel to both destinations is almost the same. 10 hours to Thailand and 11 to Hong Kong.

2. Getting out of the airport -
Hong Kong is very organized about everything, for the typical Israeli man it could seem little bit strange, almost bizarre and in some cases annoying (But, this is along story and should get it's own post).
So to get out of the airport you have couple of ways, but I'm going to focus on the cheapest way since we are backpackers and not business man.

We took a local bus from the departure area of the air port (no. A31, 17$ HKD ~ 8 NIS) straight to our hotel (if you remember from the last post - Panda Hotel, again, great hotel).
It wasn't a problem finding this bus, there are signs all over the airport and in English (Of course).
You don't need to bargain on the bus fee, since its fix price and you have to have exact amount.
You probably think, how did we have exact amount if we just arrived to Hong Kong, but don't you worry about it, you already know that the Chinese people (In Hong Kong) are very organized, so there is a card called Octopus, that you can buy in every 7 eleven and charge it with money, this card is accepted almost every place we have been in Hong Kong (Buses, shops, attraction etc.) and by using it you don't need to worry about exact change.

On the other hand when you get to Thailand you also have 2 common ways to get out of the airport - shuttle bus ( 100 Baht per person ~ 10 NIS) or by taxi (200 Baht per cab ~ 20 NIS).
when you travel with at least one more person it's cheapest to take a taxi. This is the point you become a true Thai person, when you learn how to bargain for everything, even the cab fare.
For first comers this will be quite hard at the beginning, especially when you get the feeling that no one wants to give you the price your friend (from Israel) told you you have to get (and more than that is a rip-off).

3. Accommodation -
When we planed our arrival to Hong Kong, we also planed our accommodation.
As usual we read about Hotels in Hong Kong in Lametayel site. There weren't much about Hong Kong but from the pieces of information we found we learned that there is a place common to all backpackers. This place located in the middle of Nathan road (very strategic place for tourists). This place is not a hotel, it's an experience of it's own, especially after we went there and saw it in our own eyes.
As I already explained (in my last post) Hong Kong has many tall buildings, so this place is scattered in some of the buildings, it's not hotel or hotels that are organized in one place. When you pay for a room, you don't really know what you are going to get, you can get a room in some floor at the end of the hall and in the same floor local residents can live. Also this room is like a box of cigarettes and to top it all there are only 2 elevators that need to serve all the people in the building (which has at list 35 floors) and they doesn't get to the floor right a way, they can stop for a "break" just in the 30 floor when you are on your way to the 35. And if you think that you are all alone there then you are mistaken, it's ingathering of the exiles and not the good honest people.
So, after all the descriptions we read on the Internet, we decided to take a nice hotel, which doesn't cost much more than the cheapest one (70$ and 50$, accordingly). The location of the hotel isn't in the center of town, but the hotel offers a free bus to the city.

On the other hand, Thailand is the land of all budgets. And just for the comparison, with 70$ we could slept in the luxuries hotel in Bangkok.

4. Food -
This was my biggest disappointment. One of the things a part from the massage that brings me back to Thailand, is the food, ohh the food......
So, for all of you that think that Asian food is the same all over Asia, you are wrong. And the Chinese food you know from home is not what the real Chinese eat here. I can't even describe the horrors I saw there (and I saw bugs in Thailand and it didn't bother me, and I'm not a picky person about food). The only thing I ate the last week was sushi, and also this wasn't as good as I know from home and also from Thailand.
Izick ,on the other hand, found a western supermarket that sold pastrami and bread, and every day I made for him 2 sandwiches, and in time of real crises we entered Burger King. The one thing that really disappointed me in those people, and got me to realize that they are much more western than Asian, is the amount of bakers scattered all over town. It was much easy to found a Croissant than sushi.

From Food

From Food

From Food

5. Shopping -
Hong Kong is known for it's electronic shopping, and after being in almost every shopping area I can tell that this is the only thing that worth buying there.
The fashion in Hong Kong is very exclusive (Prada, Dolech & gavana etc...) and the markets are very expensive in the clothes department. A T-short that you can buy for 200 Baht ~ 20 NIS in Thailand you will pay in Hong Kong's market 65 $ HKD ~ 36 NIS.
But shopping wasn't our thing so we didn't pay much for the prices.
Izick check out the electronic department and was quite pleased with the prices (and a person who knows him knows that he know it all in that area). But, to buy good products you need to invest time and time is money (a lot of money in Hong Kong).

6. Places to Go, Thing to See -
At the beginning all we saw in Hong Kong is buildings, malls and a lot of Chinese people. As days goes by we found some interesting things to do, like hiking in the outdoors of Hong Kong.

Thailand, on the other hand offers variety of things to do, from markets (that really offer some good merchandise) to very unique templates, hiking in the nature (although, this is not the best thing Thailand has to offer),shopping malls and great VIP movie theatre.

7. Massage -
Well, here no can beat the variety and price you can get in Thailand. And for me this is the main thing that makes all the difference.

8. Cost -
The missing information in all this story is, when you choose option 2 and go to Thailand you need to add 100$ more to the ticket.
But, when you sum the total cost for this weekend you still get that it was much cheaper to go to Thailand than to Hong Kong (review the Hotel and Food section).
This last week in Hong Kong cost us about 800$ (Just food and Hotel), with this amount we could live for about 1 month in Thailand. So, this factor should be a Major part in selecting your destination.

To conclude this overview, I have one thing impotent to say, that on this thing Izick agree with me.
If you have never been in Thailand, than the decision is very easy, Go to Thailand.

If you already been there and you want to try new thing, and you are willing to miss on the massage and food Thailand has to offer than maybe Hong Kong is the place for you.

Hong Kong - First Stop around the world

The flight to Hong Kong from Israel took us about 11 tiering hours.
Just before we board the plane, we spent our spare time in the Dan lounge. This was Izick's first time getting a VIP treatment before a flight, and not walking endlessly in the duty free. Don't think we started saving before we even left, It's just that you can't leave things for a period longer than 6 month, and I'm not about to add even one gram to my very heavy bag (20 kilo!!! And it's growing...).

well, back to Hong Kong...

We got here early in the afternoon, the orientation here is very easy and the people are very helpful.
On the first day we didn't see much, since we were very tired after all the preparation for the trip and the long flight. However, on the second day we got to see some part of Hong Kong.

For those who doesn't know much about Hong Kong, like me, I'll tell you a little bit, so you will follow my story.

Hong Kong is divided to 4 major parts:
1. Hong Kong island.
2. Kowloon
3. The new Territories
4. The outlying islands.

Hong Kong island and the outlying islands are separated from the 2 other parts and to get around you can use a ferry or the MTR (subway).

We stayed in the new territories at the Panda Hotel (great hotel for 70USD), Along with the rest of the colony population (ok, just half of them, but it's still a lot).

"Tourists miss out on the best that Hong Kong has to offer in this area" (quoted from the book), and for the mean time so am I.
according to the book, there is a lot of excellent hiking here and in some part you can see some authentic villages.

Till now (and we have only 2 days left) all we saw in this area is massive housing estaes rising to heights we can't even imagine.

From here we left every day by a free shuttle from the hotel to kowloon area. This area is much more accustomed to tourists. Just like in almost every place in the world we have been, there is Indian people offering you a new suite (I really don't understand why they think every tourist want to saw a new suite on his trip?!, maybe Liad ;) can answer this question).



The street are filled with electronics stores and a lot of malls.
We spent our first day here. I didn't get impressed much of hong Kong just by hanging out in this area, so the next day we went to explore Hong Kong island.


We got there by the star ferry (Must attraction in Hong Kong according to the book , especially at night when all the city covers with lights).


Hong Kong island is very different from Kowloon, The island is filled with tall business buildings connected with bridges, for people to walks. In the lower floors of the buildings there is endless malls.
Walking in the streets (more accurate, on the bridges) you can see that the population that lives on this side are rich healthy people or westerners business people.



















Hong Kong island also offers some great hiking, but you need to look for them behind the tall buildings.
This is what we did on our fourth day here. We went to Victoria Peak, this is the tallest peak in Hong Kong (552 meter above sea level).

To get there we used the Peak Tram - actually a binocular railway railway took us on a 1.4 Km ride that climbs up to around 400 meter above sea level. It's an extraodinary sensation, the 27 degree gradient provides an odd perspective of the tall buildings of central and mid-level.
From the peak, we went on a hike surrounding the peak and then down to central (it took us about 3 hours).
This was a good exercise before getting to New Zealand.

















Yesterday we went to Hong Kong Disneyland (It located in the outlying islands). It was nice experience, but if you already been in Disneyland somewhere in the world, then believe me, they all the same.
But it was good practice for the next time I'll be in one of the many Disneyland with my children, since this time I felt like I'm with my big child, especially at the end, when he wanted a suvinere, and not just a simple suvinere, a one with Hong Kong written on it so the whole world will know he is been here (I think all you parents know what I'm talkig about).

Saying GoodBye

Over the last week, we said goodbye to all of our friend.
Apparently, saying goodbye, it's not so easy as it seems.
Starting from Sunday, I've started baking cakes for friends from work, it took me 3 nights.

Eventually, I had 5 cakes and 3 type of cookies for my work and to izick's.
On Wednesday I brought the cakes to work, and had a small goodbye party to all of my work colleagues, It was very nice, but this wasn't the end of it. The next day I came to work to do "Tofese Tiulim", just like in the army.

Finally at 15:00 on Thursday it was my last Goodbye. Then it was izick's turn.
He also had a goodbye party with the cakes I made for him.
The cakes were eaten very quickly, but the goodbyes were endless...
http://picasaweb.google.com/izick.klein/izickgoodbyefromwork

From this point the packing started...





and now after 3 days of packing and 10 goodbyes ,we are ready to go...

Leaving?! Not yet… (Dedicated to my friend Adi Azar)

One of the important things to do before going on a long trip is planning what to take with you.
The decision is not so simple.
Do we need clothes for full 7 days or less?
Do we need all the necessary accessories from home, or do we buy it along the way when we need it?
Do we need to take things we will use 5 month from now?
Well, as you see the questions are endless, and this is only some of them.
The decision, what to take to a trip, depends on the behavior of the trip and your bank account.

First thing first, check what the weather in the places you are going.
If it's only summer, than you are lucky, since your bag will be light. If its winter, then, you need to screen what you take with you.
If you have it all then it's an art to balance it all.
On our travel we are going to have a range of temperature (1° – 30°) and all kind of weather: tropical, subtropical, raining and sunshine (see Clothing & footwear).

Second, decide what type of accommodation you are going to have during the trip, Hotel, Hostel/Youth hotel, camping or family?
Deciding is a factor of budget and adventurism.
This trip we are going to depends a lot on camping, since the accommodation in New Zealand is quite expansive. When you decide this it inflects your packing gear (in case you don't want to curse the moment you thought about this "brilliant" idea). So we spent some good amount of money to make this experience more comfortable (see camping gear).

Third, think of the activities you are going to do during your trip (base on what the place offer). Are you going to do some trekking, climbing, snorkeling, diving or any other adventures activity that require some special equipment?
We are going to travel in two major places that offers lots of trekking, New Zealand Chile and Argentina, so we are taking with us comfortable clothing for this activity.

If you are going to some islands, like we do, think about swimsuit.
For those who want to explore the islands to there fullest think about diving (but don’t forget to have a certificate to do so), or do some snorkeling. (See Water stuff)

If you thought about all those major thinks you are almost there.
Of course, don't forget your flight's tickets (without them you want get far), all your documents and certificates you'll need along the way (unless you want to mess with the authorities).

Now we are almost there….

List of travel equipment:

Clothing & footwear:
1. Cold weather
1.1. Raincoat
1.2. warm hat
1.3. gloves
2. Unisex clothing
2.1. underwear (x10)
2.2. shirts (short sleeve) (x7)
2.3. thermal clothing (for trekking)
2.4. Trousers (I recommend traveling pants that separates)
2.5. Belt (I recommend money belt – a regular belt (source company) that has a hidden pocket for emergency mpney).
2.6. Shorts
2.7. Socks (x5)
2.8. Hat
2.9. swimsuit
3. For Women
3.1. Bra
4. Shoes
4.1. Trekking shoes (If you are about to do more than 4 treks, think of investing in a good shoes with gortex and vibram sole)
4.2. sandals (in case you are going to be in warm places)
4.3. Shoes for the bath (you don't want to get fungus…)

Extra equipment:
1. Camping gear:
1.1. Inflatable Mattress
1.2. Sleeping bag
1.3. Sheets
1.4. Mosquito net
1.5. water-bottle (bag)
2. Hygiene equipment:
2.1. Towel (I recommend to bug special traveling towels, thin and quickly dry).
2.2. Laundry bag
2.3. Baby wipes
2.4. Toiletry Bag
2.5. Shampoo
2.6. Soap
2.7. Soap box
2.8. Toothpaste
2.9. Toothbrush
2.10. Deodorants
2.11. comb
2.12. small mirror
2.13. small scissors (for nails)
2.14. Sun block lotion
2.15. laundry bag
2.16. laundry soap
2.17. For Women:
2.17.1. hygiene Products
2.17.2. Body cream
2.17.3. basic makeup
2.18. For Men:
2.18.1. Razor
2.18.2. Extra blades for Razor
2.18.3. Shaving cream
3. Medicine:
3.1. Prescription medicine
3.2. Sore tape (Adhesive tape)
3.3. Band-Aids (Plaster)
3.4. Iodine
3.5. Insect repellent
3.6. Water purifying filter or Water purifying tablets
3.7. Motion sickness tablets
3.8. Contraceptive tablets
3.9. Fever tablets
3.10. Pain relievers
3.11. Fungus cream
3.12. Cream for rubbing
3.13. Antibiotics
3.14. Cream for eye infection
3.15. Cold medicine
3.16. Relief Cream for sting (Fnistel)
3.17. Allergy pills (Anti-histamines)
3.18. Malaria tablets (If you are going to places with malaria risk)
3.19. Laxative
3.20. Diarrhea medicine
3.21. For women:
3.21.1. Hygiene treatment for internal fungus
3.21.2. Antibiotics for infection in the urine system
4. Money and documents
4.1. Travelers' cheques
4.2. Receipt for travelers' cheques
4.3. Credit cards (Visa, Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express etc)
4.4. Money belt
4.5. Documents
4.5.1. Passport
4.5.2. Visas (for countries how needs it)
4.5.3. Insurance certificate (Health Insurance card)
4.5.4. Driver's license (International driver's license)
4.5.5. Address list (with phone numbers and email addresses)
4.5.6. Diving certificate
4.5.7. Diving Insurance
4.5.8. Photocopies of important documents (On the web)
4.5.9. International Student Identification Card (ISIC)
4.5.10. Photographs for visas/passports etc
4.5.11. Addresses and phone numbers to embassies
4.5.12. Calendar
4.5.13. Phone card
4.5.14. Trip time table

4.6. For carrying money and documents
4.6.1. Pouch for valuable documents
4.6.2. Money belt
4.6.3. Wallet
4.6.4. Clothes with hidden pockets
4.7. Airline tickets
4.8. Maps (Optional, in case you are going to drive)
4.9. Books
4.9.1. Guidebook
4.9.2. Reading books

5. Things for packing
5.1. Backpack (Rucksack)
5.2. Backpack rain cover
5.3. Small extra backpack (Knap sack, Day pack)
5.4. locks
6. Eating equipment
6.1. Swiss army knife
7. Miscellaneous equipment
7.1. Pen
7.2. Poker cards (Playing cards)
7.3. Sunglasses
7.4. Safety pins
7.5. Sewing Kit
8. General electrical items
8.1. Alarm clock (Travel alarm)
8.2. Cell Phone (Mobile Phone, Cellular Phone)
8.3. Charger to Cell Phone
8.4. Watch
8.5. Head flashlight
8.6. Batteries
8.7. Batteries charger
8.8. Disk on Key
9. Camera equipment
9.1. Digital camera
9.2. Memory cards
9.3. Associated cables
9.4. Camera bag
10. Music items
10.1. Music player (Cassette, CD, MiniDisc, MP3)
10.2. Headphones
10.3. Music media (Music cassettes, CDs)
10.4. Headphone 'doubler' plug
11. Water stuff
11.1. Swimsuit
11.2. Basic equipment (even for non-divers)
11.2.1. Fins
11.2.2. Mask
11.2.3. Snorkel


To do before you go on the trip:

1. Check the weather in the countries you plan to go (max/min temperature, average of raining days) and plan according to it.
2. Buy your travel ticket.
3. Before leaving, confirm airline tickets.
4. Get travel insurance
5. Issue a student card (in case you are still a student)
6. If you are about to travel with a car, issue an international license card.
7. Make a copy of all your documents and upload them to a reachable web site.
8. Balance your bank account (preferable making your credit card charges to be in foreign currency)
9. Memorize PIN codes to credit cards
10. Change money
11. If you have a pension plane, make sure you preserve your "lost of working capability". Advise with your policy agent.
12. Change the message on your answering machine
13. If you don't have email account, this is the time to do it
14. Visit the dentist
15. Get vaccination