Nathan's Insights

World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas

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Flight Reviews | Lounge Reviews | Destinations | Short Breaks | World Trip 1986 | World Trip 1998 | World Trip 1999-2000 | World Trip 2006 | World Trip 2009 | World Trip 2009-10 | World Trip 2010 | World Trip 2011 | World Trip 2012-13 | World Trip 2015 | World Trip 2016 | World Trip 2017 | World Trip 2017-18 | World Trip 2018 | World Trip 2019 | Australia 2022 | World Trip 2023 | World Trip 2024 | World Trip 2024-25 | World Trip 2026-27

  • Travel 2022 and Beyond

    The Gran Overland Train could be in my future!

    Back in November I outlined my next likely international trip which would see me exploring Central Asia (Silk Road) and Turkey around May 2022.

    I put down tour deposits and even managed to get my employer to approve leave for this trip. Unfortunately COVID, and in particular the slow pace of vaccinations in Australia, has seen Federal Government Ministers talk down allowing much travel outside of Australia during 2022 forcing me to rethink my travel plans

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  • First Check-in: Wealth, Weight and Wellbeing Plan (Feb 2021-Feb 2022)

    So back in February 2021, as I moved into the third and final year of my original repay the mortgage plan, I expanded it to also cover weight and wellbeing in response to 100+ days of COVID lockdown and negative habits I developed which I call the COVID Kilos.

    Today is the end of the first ten weeks / 5 fortnights and the first major check-in (I also undertake fortnightly reviews and adjustments which is aligned to paydays but major changes are set for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 fortnights).

    I’m happy to report that I’ve met all my goals so far and it’s time to slightly expand and adjust my objectives.

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  • AusOpen 2021 – The Pandemic Edition

    So after nearly a year of COVID restrictions, one way or the other, a second big sporting event was being held in Melbourne, the slightly delayed Australian Tennis Open.

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  • Wealth, Weight and Wellbeing Plan (Feb 2021 to Feb 2022)

    With a lot of effort over the last 8 weeks, I have finally gotten rid of the COVID-19 lockdown kilos I gained just in time for my long planned year long Wealth, Weight and Wellbeing Plan which I’m starting today, Thursday 4 February 2021.

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  • Destination: Sri Lanka

    Official Name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
    Established: 4 February 1948 (Independence from the United Kingdom),  22 May 1972 (Republic)
    Population: 21,803,000 (2019 estimate)
    Religion: 70.2% Buddhism, 12.6% Hinduism, 9.7% Islam, 7.4% Christianity
    Language(s): Sinhala, Tamil, English
    Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative), Colombo (executive and judicial)
    Order of Visit: Fifty Sixth 
    First Visit: 26 July 2016
    Last Visit: 12 August 2016 
    Duration: 18 Days
    Visit Highlights: 
    – Anuradhapura: The Anuradhapura Stupas, The sights from the top of Mihintale. 
    – Colombo: Exploring a working gem mine, visiting Independence Square, the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple, walking around the Galle Face.
    – Dambadeniya: Views from the former rock fortress of Yapahuwa, the school children ceremony at Dalada Maligawa Temple. 
    – Galle: Exploring the Galle Fort, the beautiful cricket ground. 
    – Giritale: Polonnaruwa Ruins, Dambulla Rock Temple, Kayanwala village (including canoe trip), and Herbs and Spices Garden (including back massage), exploring the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress. 
    – Hikkaduwa: Relaxing and exploring the Hikkaduwa Beach, undertaking a Mangrove Safari, visiting a Turtle Sanctuary, learning at the Tsunami Museum, surviving and later benefiting from a Sri Lankan Full Body Massage.  
    –Kandy: Watching Elephants enjoy themselves at Pinnawala, learning about tea at the Geragama Tea Factory, visiting the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoying the Cultural Show seeing different dance styles of Sri Lanka and fire eaters and fire walkers. 
    – Mirissa: Whale and Turtle Watching. 
    – Negombro: Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara better known as the Kelaniya Temple), Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, Hamilton Canal Tour. 
    – Nuwara Eliya: Scenic Train Trip, enjoying the ‘Little England’ feel.  
    – Udawalawe: supporting the Baby Elephant Sanctuary, enjoying a Udawalawe National Park Safari.
    Places Visited:     Anuradhapura, Colombo, Dambadeniya, Galle, Giritale, Hikkaduwa, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombro, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe
    Sri Lanka Journal Entries  

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