The Rambling Journey

Another adventure launching soon!

2010-10-14T04:15:00.000-07:00

Well I'm clearing out the cob-webs and dusting off the update button. I'm heading off on another exciting journey in just three weeks. I will be visiting Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.

I am pretty much excited in the pants.

New stuff coming soon...

2009-12-10T03:37:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

Sorry for the lack of new posts. I have been in China and they have placed a blanket ban on most blogs as well as Facebook.
I am back in Tokyo now and should be able to post some new stuff very soon. There are plenty of awesome stories from my adventure through China as well as some backdated ones from South Korea and Japan.

So stay tuned...

Your pal,
Kallen.

Rambles in the domain!

2009-11-09T03:56:00.000-08:00

The Rambling Journey now has it's own domain - Hooray!

www.theramblingjourney.com

This means very little for you the reader because you will be redirected to the new address automatically.

So what are you waiting for? Get back into it!

Not a breast in sight...

2009-11-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

Stumbling awkwardly down the aisle of the bus we timidly thanked the bus driver, who seemed to have a penchant for terrifying his passengers by doing 90 around winding sea cliff highways.

We had arrived at the beautiful little fishing village of Sinnam. This quaint town is nestled nicely in a bay that is framed dramatically by two jagged towering cliffs on either side. With a white sea-swell relentlessly lashing, it paints a majestic panorama.

However, this town is famous for something a little more risqué than simply barnacles and oysters. Its home to Haeshingdang Park or as it’s more famously known “Penis Park” (Giggles). A park dedicated to all things willy, which leads to a most hilarious day out, I assure you.

The best way to get here is from the bustling town of Samcheok in Gangwon-do Province, South Korea. Purchase a ticket to Sinnam from the Bus terminal or alternatively ask for a timetable at the nearby Tourist information. They say it will take around half an hour to get there but it’s more like 45-50 minutes and remember to ask the driver to stop at Sinnam, as it is not the final destination on his route.

Walking towards the entrance to the park you will be exposed to a very odd mix of seafood snacks and penis paraphernalia. Little old women grin cheekily at you as they point a bottle of local liquor that has been auspiciously capped with a dong.

Upon entering the park which sets you back about two dollars, you can’t help but feel a little inadequate as everywhere you look, there is a massive veiny colossus staring you right in the eye. Wood carvings of the famous man region come in all shapes, styles and sizes, giving this park a very tongue in cheek feel. In no way does it ever feel seedy or dirty, there is even an entertaining soundtrack played over the PA.
The park has been designed to celebrate sexuality and the worship of phallic objects, which has been a tradition in this area for hundreds of years.
A competition was held for local artists to submit a carving and have it displayed in Haeshingdang. An eclectic mix of lovingly carved manhood was produced. Ranging from traditional to modern, bizarre to conceptual; if it’s pointy it’s been thought of here in Penis Park.

Oddly enough, right in the middle of the park is a fishing and maritime museum just to break up your raucous penis adventure. Inside there is some interesting displays regarding traditional fishing techniques, seafood recipes and even an interactive boat ride complete with a broken screen. Wandering around the museum you can’t help but find your mind traipsing back to the detailed host of knobs grinning cheerfully just outside. So it’s a quick run around then right back out to the action.

Further up the hill is a hilarious fellowship of the ring style semi circle of cock. With an intricate array of animals carved directly into the penises and an epic seaside view, you can’t help but feel a like an erotic version of Frodo Baggins being bestowed with a greatly important task. (Insert your own cock ring jokes here.)

Haeshingdang Park is well worth a visit if you’re coming to South Korea. It breaks up the usual sight seeing of stuffy old temples and mountain ranges and replaces it with a flaming big erection right in your face.

Enjoy!

The world needs to know...

2009-11-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

You may be thinking from the title of this post and the fact that I’m currently in Korea, I may have come by some insider information on North/South relations… This is not true.

Today I’m posting about Chicken and Beer.

Here in South Korea there is an amazing type of restaurant where the menu consists of only two things: Chicken and Beer.
It couldn’t be easier, simply walk in and take a seat and answer “Yes and yes” to the following two questions “chicken? Beer?” and your on your way!

Minimum décor, deep fried manliness and tall frosty ones rouse the inner beast. The mouth waters, primal grunts echo as you wash back the amber liquid in preparation for the sweet chickeny feast.
The waitress lays out your tools of war – Fork, chicken salt, hot sauce. In addition to these essentials she puts out a strange pickled side dish. When on its own the cured white vegetable tastes somewhat displeasing. However, when eaten with a mouthful of chicken, a sweet love song is played out in your mouth. Waves of joy and rainbow colours, salty musical notes caress your soul as your mind falls onto an inter-stellar chicken drumstick rocket ship.

Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock.

Your vision snaps back to reality at the sound of a loud ticking clock on the wall. You’ve been fantasizing and the meal hasn’t even arrived yet. Adjusting your shirt, you look around at the other patrons hoping they didn’t catch you mid meat fantasy.
Across the table your strictly vegetarian girlfriend looks hungry and impatient. She is wondering why she is even in the restaurant and wants out immediately. A quick flash of cash solves the problem as she promptly heads for the door in search of less meaty options.

The waitress rounds the corner, and here it comes. An extra large plate of deep fried chicken and your all alone; life is sweet. The large mound of chicken glistens in the fluorescent light of the restaurant as the gorging begins.
As with any fried feast you start off excited and hungry, however things quickly turn grim as you hastily stuff you face. Chicken, beer, side dish – Beer, side dish, chicken.

Burp!

You adjust your pants to make more room. Your excitement has now shriveled into lament. Mouthful after mouthful, your breathing has slowed. Too much greasy chicken as another sickly burp farts out your mouth.
Three more pieces chuckle at you from the plate. Your eyes squint as you stare at the chicken with hatred. “I HATE YOU!!!!”
Your fingers flitter around the plate as you push the meat back and forth, contemplating the inevitable consumption of said chicken. “I HATE YOU!!!!”

Your eyes are low, the deed is done, and the plate is empty…

Apparently you just consumed near to a whole chicken and you can feel it squawking in your stomach. Slumped in your seat, you hate what just happened. Somehow mustering up enough energy to pay the bill, you waddle lamely out of the restaurant.

Full as you are, reflecting back, the man deep inside simply can’t wait for the next greasy, life affirming visit to an all Korean chicken and beer fiesta.

I've got to get away...

2009-10-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you stuck in Australia wishing you were elsewhere or for those abroad hoping to visit Australia, check out this link for some awesome looking getaways.

NineMSN - Top weekends away.

Feel free to leave some comments about fun holiday destinations that you may have visited or are hoping to get to in the near future...

I know I'm already planning some crazy adventures in Australia when I get home!

Jungang Market, South Korea.

2009-10-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

As you shuffle down the steep stone ramp leading to Jungang Market you can’t help but feel a little out of place. The local residents busily swim from stall to stall, intent on only the freshest ingredients. Live Seafood, vegetables, exotic fruits and spice.

As you wander the vast network of lanes and secret alleyways, all five senses are on full alert!

Beautiful fresh veggies are all on display, vibrant reds and yellows, deep dark greens and fiery looking chilies. Weathered faces beam cheerily at you from all around. Though they are happy to see a foreigner in their marketplace, you can tell from the odd smirk that they are curious about your funny lookin’ milk skin.

A raucous buzz rips past; various Korean greetings are launched back and forth along the small laneways. Elderly ladies sit in groups gleefully chuckling to one another as they peel their stock, presumably catching up on the entire town’s gossip.

Rows of water tanks, display all manner of sea creatures. Gelatinous squid bob to the surface, waiting to be patted like puppies of the sea. A small boy squirms about as he runs his finger along the squid’s slimy tentacles.

The nose detects fishy fish and more fish. Wafts of chili and bubbling pots of bulgogi stew tickle the nostrils. Ground spices and fresh fruit help dissipate the dank salty fish smell of the back alleys. Gentle flicks of red bean cake permeate the air as they toast on big iron hotplates.

Sitting down to a meal in a Korean market can be a puzzling affair. After a few awkward nods, you sit down to a startling amount of side dishes all lined up ready to be devoured. As many as 15 plates are on display, just waiting to be sampled. A friendly looking local man who is already enjoying the sumptuous affair beside you, smiles sinfully as he slides a tall angry looking glass of Soju across the bench. For those of you unfamiliar with Soju, it’s basically Korea’s version of Vodka’s younger brother. Brewed from rice, it is less pungent than the aforementioned poison but still tastes of cleaning chemicals. It is disgustingly cheap and guzzled down by the truckload.
So, when a leathery looking local slides a glass your way over lunch you can’t help but fight a lump in your throat and accept it with pleasure.

By now, the lady running the food stall has finished rustling amongst her pots and pans and produces a big steamy bowl of Bulgogi stew. A much loved local dish of marinated strips of meat slowly cooked with a whole party of chili, spices and delicious vegetables. It hits your taste buds with a punch but can be promptly cooled down with one of the soothing cucumber side dishes.
The result is a well rounded meal that feels a bit like a roller coaster. Dizzying spice, bitter lows, intermittent shots of dry burning Soju and a pleasant cool middle leaves you excited by what just happened and ready for round two.

The only thing left to do is hand over the ridiculously low fare of two thousand Won, which is roughly two Australian dollars and be on your merry way, back into the jostle of the marketplace vibe…

So, if you look hard enough and are willing to make a fool of yourself by trying to order what the locals eat then South Korea can actually be as cheap as other parts of Asia. Don’t be shy, jump in at the deep end and enjoy the experience.

The bastard stole my shoes!

2009-10-18T02:45:00.000-07:00

I am now officially changing my religious stance to the beliefs of Japanese Shinto. My reasoning is as follows…

As I swam through the cool waters of Shirashi Island, welcome relief was felt from the afternoons searing hot sun. My eyes squinted from a mix of salty water and flashes of bright light.

My girlfriend and I couldn’t help but notice a local man waiving his arms at us, while spurting quick bursts of the islands own unique dialect. My first instinct was, he is a raving loon, or there is a monster shark approaching from the rear; neither of these were true.
After many “ummmms” and “Ahhhhs?” and much thoughtless banter on both parties behalves we slowly ascertained that there was something “Exciting” taking place just down the beach. So, after a quick towel off we curiously wandered along to see what was going on.

We were promptly greeted with smiles from a group of colourfully dressed locals. Splashes of

bright green and red made up what appeared to be some sort of traditional attire. An old lady beckoned us in as she poured two very large and nasty looking cups of Sake. We graciously accepted while trying to muster up a smile, “Arigato!”

We asked around in Japanese whether anyone spoke or understood English, mostly puzzled faces were the result which is quite often the case with my poor pronunciation. With this in mind we chuckled, then slammed back the rest of the local fire water. The old men sitting in the shade seemed to enjoy that we were making a go of it.

A decorated blue cart lay in the sand nearby. Multi coloured lanterns dangled off, waving in the warm breeze. A very weathered PA system attached to the cart was screeching out some harsh music, all adding to the bizarre spectacle of what was now a circle of elderly ladies performing a rhythmic traditional dance.

Suddenly interest was roused, as two men unraveled some rope attached to either end of the cart. Everyone crowded round and found a place to hold the rope as they started to drag the cart along the sandy beachfront road. Again, we were ushered in to join the festivities, so we found a spot and started to heave this rickety noise machine along.

At this point we weren’t quite sure what was going on, but the Sake had now made it interesting enough to continue.

Snaking our way around the islands deserted roads, the odd local would greet us from their garden with a big smile and a few encouraging claps. This puzzled us further. What exactly were we participating in? Perhaps a festival to collect Gaijin (Foreign Aliens) around the island and burn them at the stake? All I knew was that the leader of the cart dragging madness was now yelling through a gramophone, prompting everyone to start running faster and faster. All we could do was follow suit and pick up the pace.

By now we were trailing up the islands main mountain as we rounded a bend and entered a make shift arena of people all cheering us on. Glee and smiles abound as a loud roar ripped along

the crowds of people. Some seemed quite surprised to see two shoeless foreigners helping to drag what seemed to be a festival showpiece.

It was at this point we pulled over into some shade as we had reached our destination, or so we thought. Leaving the cart behind we were gestured to keep going up into a shady grove about 100 metres ahead.

As we climbed a set of stone stairs, streams of light squeezed their way through the Subtropical canopy above. Halfway up, a lady was holding a tray of beautiful bamboo cups offering them to the passing crowds. I happily obliged as I needed cool water and necked it back without a thought…

BAM!

The all too familiar burn of the islands local sake took hold as it washed down the back of my throat. Just the thing anyone needs after a long hike up a mountain. The old lady’s cheeky grin pierced my mind as we pressed on up the staircase.

Reaching the top, an amazing Shinto shrine lay humbly amongst ancient moss covered trees. The serene setting cleared my mind from the intense sake explosion felt only moments ago.
Throwing a coin into an old wooden box, shaking the bell three times and performing their best double clap, the locals one by one prayed to the Shinto spirits. Soon it was my turn. Having paid close attention to the previous devotee I tried my best to please the spirits that be. Click-Clang-Clap-Clap! I stepped aside. Then it was off back down the stairs only to be greeted once more by the cheeky bamboo flame sake. The lady motioned to have another, by now I was quite shined from the previous shots and happily indulged. POOM!

Arriving back at the main festival area we were called over to the now much loved noise cart,

only to discover that this holy Shinto showpiece that we had dragged half way round the island was a giant cooler full of Beer and snacks! Hooray!

After many beers later and many broken English conversations about why we had no shoes and that we were Australians, it was time to drag the holy beer esky back to its rightful place; the beach.

The walk home was noticeably different to that of the ascension. Everyone was nicely toasted and happily bobbing their heads to the crackling PA sound system. Well I was anyway!

Upon returning to the beach, a particularly drunk local character was trying to communicate with us. After some confused back and forth he told us to follow him to his house for the much celebrated Japanese tradition of Karaoke. Much to his wife’s dismay, we followed along.

Busting out our best duet of “Yesterday.” by the Beatles, the drunken man, his wife and two friends clapped us on to glory.
It was at this point the inebriated gentleman abruptly got up and stumbled towards the door, hastily put on some shoes and fell out the front entrance.
We thanked his wife as best we could for the Karaoke and the snacks that they had so humbly offered us and high tailed it outside to watch the intoxicated spectacle. The old man was slumped in the sand mumbling the song he had just previously sung, he was happy to see us. While his wife helped him up I couldn’t help but notice he had mistakenly put on my shoes instead. I tried to explain the situation only to be smiled at and patted on the back. I pointed at my shoes once

more and he and his wife just grinned as they said goodbye to us. I couldn’t help but laugh and accept the situation for what it was; bizarrely hilarious.

As the sun melted into the horizon, we swiftly ran for the water and finished what was supposed to be a quaint afternoon swim and quietly reflected on the day’s exposure to an island way of life…

Hopefully you can now see why my beliefs are firmly grounded with the Japanese Shinto Sake, Beer and Snacks religion.

Some thoughts on travel.

2009-10-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

I once read somewhere that the mind and all its thoughts, ideas and memories can be described as a ceaseless flowing river. Punctuated by rocks, leafy snags and falling debris causing your thoughts to sharply separate into multiple directions triggering an endless amount of variables, that constantly change from one thought to another and back again…

Closing my eyes and reflecting back on the last few years of my life I am overwhelmed by an amazing collage of memories. From flashes of searing sun beating down on me in the ancient streets of Rome, to crisp white snow flakes coming to rest on the tip of my nose in the North of England.

I am truly privileged to be able to recall such beautiful memories, and now after one year travelling abroad I am able to ponder about the life’s lessons and plain old growing up I’ve done.

Before I left I had no idea that real life adventures could still be experienced. I had become completely bored with the day to day rut of a working life. Wake up, eat, drive, work, eat, sleep and repeat. For maximum results be sure to repeat over an extended period of time to achieve complete beige malaise.

Now however, my eyes have been truly opened to a wide world of swashbuckling adventure. Filled with as many dragons, goblins and mystery as any Tolkien classic could ever conjure up. Open to the thrill of exploring a new land, experiencing the sights, smells and delicious tastes of a different culture. Waking up in the morning not knowing where your day will take you or what country you might end up in.

However, travelling isn’t always about the physical moving from one place to another or the actual destination. It’s what happens between things that make you grow as a person. It’s the Emotional obstacles that you have to confront and deal with in order to move along, resulting in a satisfying knowledge that you can actually deal with almost any problem or task thrown your way. These are some of the rich rewards that one can derive from travelling that make you smile at the end of it all…

It all starts with one step...

2009-10-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well this is my first ever post on my first ever Blog. I'm new to this so please be gentle...

I am an aspiring travel writer looking to share my experiences with a wider audience. This Blog will concern all things travel. I'll be posting travel tips, news, my experiences on the road, funny stories, and anything else I can come up with regarding this grand and expansive topic.

So, adjust yourself to the edge of your seats, raise those eyebrows and set your mouth to slightly agape 'cos its going to be one amusing ride!!!