So it appears they are coming thick and fast… In my second “Only in America” post, I want to cover what appears to be an emerging “extreme sport” in the local area - The Krispy Kreme Challenge. So, what exactly is the Krispy Kreme Challenge? I think they describe the challenge best on their own web site: 2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. ...

To kick off my “Only in America” series of posts (I am assuming there will be more than one), I bring to you some pictures of a locally “pimped ride” I came across in the car park of a local mall on my morning walk. I can only assume, that, much like the unique creatures that evolve in places such as Easter Island, this vehicle has similarly been forced to evolve and adapt to survive in local conditions. I believe this one is particularly adapted to the snowy and icy conditions that are being experienced in the local area. ...

So its now late evening in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I have checked into my hotel after some 26 hours of travel. The fleeting moments that I saw of both Los Angeles (airport) and Atlanta (airport) have not really left much of a lasting impression. LA was busy, and the queues started from the moment you left your seat on the plane. Atlanta was somewhat more organised and low key - however it was later in the day. Raleigh was almost closed. ...

Tonight, I find my self making final rushed preparations for a business trip to America (well lets be honest here… the fact that they are my “final preparations” does not also mean that they are not my first round of preparations either!). So tomorrow morning I will find myself sitting on a Virgin Australia flight for the best part of 14 hours. This constitutes leg one of my outward journey, and will take me from Melbourne to Los Angeles. A few short hours after that, I will find myself on the second leg of my journey on board a Delta Airlines domestic flight out of Los Angeles headed for Atlanta. Finally, the third leg of my journey will get me from Atlanta to my destination, Raleigh, North Carolina (Where? did I hear you say…). ...

So day three of our stay on Day Dream Island has come, and now almost past. Today was made up of not a lot, but all of which was thoroughly relaxing. After a late breakfast, we headed over to “Lovers Cove” for some more snorkelling. It was a clear morning so the visibility was incredible. After our snorkelling, we lounged on the deck at Lovers Cove looking out over the ocean gathering a few rays of sun, before heading back pool-side once the bar had opened. ...

So my last post got me thinking… What are the 5 things I would take to a desert island. Having now been “stranded” (a term I use extremely loosely) on Day Dream island for two days, I feel I have had enough experience to make a fully qualified answer to the question I pose. The 5 things I would bring to a desert island are (and bare with me…): Resort style facilities Resort staff Enough food to last a lifetime Enough grog to last a life time… I’m talking top shelf also. If your stranded you don’t want to go without ;-) My best friends (this includes my beautiful wife Laura!). Why should I suffer like this alone ;-) So let me hear your comments.. What would you take? Serious, or not… Lets hear it. ...

Another sun filled day in paradise… well on Day Dream Island at least. After a slightly cloudy and overcast morning, the day had turned out superbly. Laura did here obligatory site inspection (as a travel agent, it’s part of the deal). Meanwhile I walked to the other end of the island in search of water and water holding appliances - of which we are now owners of. Today was our swimming/snorkelling day. We hired our equipment, and living on the edge as we do, we went without the recommended stinger suits. While it is currently stinger season, I suspected its more of “would you like fries with that…” season. ...

So we hit the ground running in our first day on Day Dream Island, and went straight into relaxation overdrive. The day pretty much rolled on as follows: leisurely stroll around the island lunch cocktails by the pool cocktails in the pool cocktails by the beach cocktails in the lounge relaxation hydrotherapy session dinner right at the beach front, with an amazing view out across the water open air cinema with some popcorn as a few beers After a 4am start, we quickly discovered ourselves succumbing to the effects of the early start and the relaxing effects of the day - both of us were out like a light at the open air cinema, 5min into the move ;-) ...

So the Day Dream begins… Waking up at 4am this morning, making the chilly journey out to the airport, we have flown north to Hamilton Island, and are now sitting on the upper deck of the ferry that will take us to Day Dream Island. While the weather is somewhat overcast, with the very odd dot of rain here and there, it is still very warm, and quite hot when the sun breaks through. The first challenge will be to not get sunburnt on our transfer across to Day Dream. ...

We still have a day and a half left in Istanbul. Other than our last minute shopping and revisiting the Bazaar’s we are winding down and getting ready to come home. We thought this was a good time to reflect on what we have done, and wanted to provide a brief wrap up of everything we have done while in Turkey. Gallipoli Gallipoli was probably on top of our list. It was absolutely beautiful, and the historical significance almost meant it was a must do for us - and we weren’t disappointed. ...