Now you may be wondering:

How does the death of a singing superstar have anything to do with a backpacking blog?

Please, humour me by simply hearing me out on this. I promise it will make sense and not seem like a tabloid.

Music is a pretty influential aspect of my life. It plays a part in pretty much everything I do.

When I have work to do – I listen to music.

When I need to relax – I listen to music.

When I need an energy boost – I listen to music.

When I’m doing, well, anything – I listen to music.

For this reason, I will admit everything takes me longer then it should because I’m constantly returning to my computer at the end of each song to find the next most appropriate tune for whatever task is at hand.

But I digress…

Of the millions upon millions of songs out there, a select few find themselves played more frequently.

Ike & Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary’ is my mood lifter.

The Jackson Five’s ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ is when I need an energy boost.

Tont Bennet’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ helps me mellow out.

But when I need inspiration and that push to live life to it’s fullest, my song of choice is Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment In Time’.

Even if you just winced, please, do read on.

Each day, my intent is to live life to the upmost. To soak in every experience, tiny wonder and interaction I come across. In life we want to achieve our best, live wholeheartedly and make the most of the short time we have on this planet.

One of the ways I do this is through backpacking and travelling in general.

Yes, sometimes I leave home without my backpack…

Through exploring the world, other cultures, foods and landscapes I learn more about both myself and my neighbor, and from this, I get fulfillment.

As Oprah says:

Live your best life.

Travelling helps me achieve this.

But wait…wasn’t this article about Whitney Houston?

Right. When I was on my first big trip around the world, there were MANY a time the circumstances I was faced with were attempting to push me over the edge. Indian train rides, scam artists, food poisoning.
There is certainly more to travelling then the fun experiences like relaxing on sunny beaches in Rio, renting apartments in Glasgow or another city you’ve fallen in love with so you can stay awhile, or even tubing down the Nam Song river.

On many occasions when I felt like throwing in the towel, it was Whitney’s tune that carried me through. In saying that, I guess you and I have Whitney Houston to thank for me not ending my trip and subsequently stopping this blog. Ha!

If you’ve never listened to the words, they are very simple. Below are a few snippets for you to read:

Each day I live, I want to be, a day to give, the best of me. I’m only one, but not alone. My finest day is yet unknown…
I’ve lived to be, the very best, I want it all, no time for less. I’ve laid the plans, now lay the chance, here in my hands…
Give me one moment in time, when I’m more than I thought I could be. When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away and the answers are all up to me. Give me one moment in time, when I’m racing with destiny, then in that one moment of time, I will be free.

These words became my mantra. I too would have my great moment in time. In fact, personally, I feel I’ve had many great moments in time – but you get the idea.

There has been a great deal of messy media around the passing of Ms. Houston, as is the case for most scenarios like hers.

But as a thank you to a woman who’s voice and songs carried me through countless points in my life (many that I have not even touched on in this post) I want to honour what she contributed to society.

As a person, Whitney Houston had her own demons and struggles – as we all do.

But as a performer and vocalist she was a symbol. Many of her songs, like ‘One Moment In Time’ shared the message of love, achievement, personal struggle, and of course letting loose and dancing around your living room singing like nobody’s watching.

I will not specifically miss Whitney Houston the person as I never met or knew her personally. I will however, miss what she represented.

I truly believe the world is a better place having being graced by the voice of Whitney Houston and although she is no longer walking on this planet, I know her music will continue to play a role in my life and the lives of many others.

On that note, I’d like to leave you with the following video. It is of Whitney Houston performing “One Moment In Time” live at the 1989 Grammy’s.
It is without question one of her best performances and truly one of the greatest live performances of all time.

She sings effortlessly and truthfully.

Thank you Whitney Houston.

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Backpack with Brock

It’s Valentine’s Day! 
Though I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you.

All around the world people are telling those around them how they feel, while some are being that ‘Bitter Betty’ and grumping about the obvious signs of love all over the place.

I personally enjoy V-Day. Yes, you should spread love all year round, but this specific day permits you to be a little bit extra cheesy, so make use of it!

When I travel I make a point of spreading love throughout the places that I visit by mixing love and travel together. I firmly believe that the ricochet effect comes into play here.

By taking the time to show this person some love, chances are they will pass that love onto someone else.

It’s beautiful.

Below is a collection of ideas and ways you can spread love as you travel and as a result, make this world a better place.

Give Your Host A Gift

Whether you are in a hostel, couchsurfing, staying with friends or family, or are invited to stay with a local you just met, show them some love by letting them know you are thankful for their hospitality.
My favourite practice, in this situation, is to take a photo with your host, print it off and write a message on the back. This leaves them with a small momento of your time together, that won’t take up a lot of space and the image reminds them of who you are!
Other options are to buy a bag of groceries or some flowers to brighten up their home.

Your host will feel the simple love and you wont break the bank.

Watch a Sunset

Nothing quite puts love in your heart like witnessing one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful spectacles. As the sun slowly sinks from the sky, dipping into the water or land and eventually completely disappearing from sight you can’t help but feel warm inside.

I was fortunate to witness many sunsets around the world and each time fell a little bit more in love with our planet.  The sunset in Santorini, Greece was one of the best and a guy even proposed to his girlfriend. Needless to say, love was in the air.

Whether you are in Greece, Peru or even Borneo holidays and trips that offer you a top notch sunset will blend travel and love and have you heading home with a little extra love in your heart.

Treat Someone To Dinner

You are travelling solo, you’re on a budget, you go for dinner with a fellow traveller and out of no where they pay for your dinner. If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, I don’t know what will.

So, why not be the one paying for dinner leaving your dining partner feeling all fuzzy wuzzy. No matter what your budget, this idea is doable. If you are in South East Asia, you can find a pretty epic meal for a couple bucks while in Europe perhaps you pay for their gelato.

It doesn’t have to be much, but that small act of treating someone to a meal is infectious and will surely be passed on to someone else down the road.

Send A Postcard

You might be having the time of your life galavanting around the planet but trust me, your friends, your family – someone misses you!

Take a few minutes to write them a quick postcard and throw it in the mail. It’s an easy task for you but the love they’ll feel will be incredible.

Spend Time With Animals

If you prefer to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, don’t like eating in front of people, camp by yourself and don’t know anyone around the world to send a postcard to, then here is a last resort: hang out with some animals.

You can head to a sanctuary, go swimming, take a walk in a forest or try a safari. Animals are everywhere, so finding them shouldn’t be too difficult but spending time with some creatures in bound to make you crack a smile. That being said, use your common sense – don’t go jumping in a lion den or swamp full of alligators.

I spent a day at the Patara Elephant Farm and left feeling pretty darn fantastic.

Love is simple. It’s an affection that we can share with the people and things around us. Whether you are single or attached on this day (or any day for that matter), taking a few moments to spread some love will make you and those who receive your love feel a little bit warmer inside.

So go ahead…Put a Little Love in Your Heart….travel and love at once!

How do you spread love around the world? Do you believe love?!

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Backpack with Brock

This lion photo was taken while one of my looooong time dreams was coming true.

Since I was a little kid I wanted to experience The Great Migration. In October 2010 – that hope became a reality. I set out on a 3 day safari through Kenya’s Maasai Mara. We saw most of the big five: cheetahs, African elephants, cape buffalo, leopards, but no rhinos. There were also a ton of wildebeests, zebras (yes, I got a sweet zebra picture as well), hippos, and more birds than I care to recall.

You can actually see my experience for yourself by watching my safari video of The Great Migration. You know you want to…

Getting My Lion Photo

On day two, we came across a pack of lionesses that had most likely just finished eating their kill.

This classy gal was just chilling out, licking her chops!

I steadied my camera and snapped away until – BAM – I scored this sweet shot, my favourite lion photo of the safari.

She looks so pleased with whatever she joyfully chowed down on and is cleaning in between those massive sword like teeth.

YIKES!

At one point during the same safari, we had to get out for a picnic. I was not keen to do this having seen the thousands of creatures lurking around the area.

Our guide assured us that we were in a safe spot but to be honest, anyone who would have the nerve to get out of the van without some form of worldwide travel insurance is flat out crazy.

Fortunately for us, the only time we didn’t see any teeth baring creatures was while we were having out picnic.

Unscathed, I headed back to our camp, tired from a long day of looking at things (who would have thought) but proud of my top notch lion photo and the hundreds of other videos and photos I took!

What do you think of this snapshot? Like it? Dislike it? LOVE it even?
Ever been this close to teeth like that?

Backpack with Brock

When it comes to blogging, I’ve dropped the ball.

Not completley…it touched the ground…5 second rule still applies.

The key to the 5 second  rule though is that you pick it up quickly, dust it off and then REALLY savour it.

This is the case for ‘Backpack With Brock’.

You see, I love my blog. Adore it even. It has assisted me in creating a life I am passionate and excited about.

This blog has seen me through my trip around the world and allowed me to launch my own business teaching people how to travel the world.

It has put me in front of people to speak about my adventures and even inspired a collection of greeting cards! 

There was a stretch however, that this blog and I weren’t really speaking. Neither of us were upset, just slightly sick of each other.

During my first big trip around the world, I pumped out over 200 video posts on Backpack With Brock, while somehow exploring 36 countries on 6 continents – all in the span of 1 year.

Ya, I know.

Each video takes between 3 to 5 hours. Then there’s uploading, preparing the post, sharing it, etc.

Needless to say, when I returned home, the last thing I wanted to do was open my laptop to edit. The thought of going through clips, recording voiceovers and proofing the video was dreadful.

This explains why I STILL have not posted all the videos from my trip.

You viewers have been stuck in Brazil for a looooong time!

Argentina, Bolivia, Peru & Bolivia are coming people! I promise!

Only recently have I really felt the passion to get out there and blog it up.
The drive to create solid content, edit videos and share with you all so many of the incredible places this planet has to offer is finally back.

Taking a break was a tough decision for a variety of reasons, but, if you are not enjoying something and you keep pushing yourself, naturally, that distain will only grow and fester more.

I’ve been a blogger for over two years now, believe it or not!

I took some time, had a break and am now ready to fully dive back into continuing the blogger lifestyle I have created for myself.

So: HOLD ON TIGHT!!

There ‘s bucket loads of wicked content on it’s way down the pipe! Videos, photo posts, reviews, guides and maybe….just maybe…a travel show of sorts.

Prepare yourself for Backpack With Brock 2.0

Intrigued?

What would you like to see on the blog? Let me know in the comments below!

Backpack with Brock

Angel of the North

Newcastle, located in northern England has many sites of interest and locations to see when visiting Great Britain. Even if you are on a budget, you can still enjoy all of the wonderful and entertaining options that this area has to offer.  

If you are a considering spending time in the region, or in nearby Edinburgh, consider checking out the ideas below:

Millenium Bridge

1) Millennium Bridge
This bridge is located on the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside and is a spectacular sight to see light up against the night sky. It is the first tilting bridge in the entire world.

2) Angel Of The North
The Angel Of The North has grown to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Newcastle area. It was named a landmark in 2008 and is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city center.

Theatre Royal

3) Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. It is rich in culture and in history. This landmark provides over three hundred eighty performances a year. Rambert Dance Company also calls Theatre Royal home as does Opera North. This recently restored building is truly an architectural work of art.

4) Simply Segway
This company can provide you with a segway and take individuals or groups on an hour long trip zooming through the great outdoors. This is a great way for the whole group or family to join in on an inexpensive activity together. Not only do users receive a crash course in driving a segway, they get to experience the fresh air and beautiful scenery that Newcastle has to offer.

Jesmond Dene

5) Jesmond Dene
For those who are yearning to see the picturesque nature scenes of Newcastle and Great Britain, Jesmond Dene can provide you a natural oasis of beauty and grace. This lush valley is not far from the city center.

If you opt to stay in of the apartments Edinburgh has to offer, make sure you hit up the Exhibition Park, Trinity House, or head on out to Gilmerton Cove in Edinburgh, you are sure to have a great time without having to pay a lot. You might find that you love the area so much, decide to stick around and end up looking at apartments in Newcastle. The locals are pretty darn friendly – and know how to enjoy a drink or two (or five.) Feel free to chum along and maybe you can pick up the Geordie accent.

Have you been to the Newcastle region? If so, what did you enjoy the most?

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

Backpack with Brock

Grasmere

One of the most scenic and most attractive regions of the UK has to be the Cumbria and Lake District region in the North West of England.

Alston, Cumbria

Cumbria is a non-metropolitan county located in the North West close to Scotland. This region is arguably one of the UK’s most beautiful locations with outlandish scenic views of mountains, lakes and amazing landscapes. The landscapes have breathtaking beauty with panoramic views of the hills, similar to what might be found at the Swiss Alps – minus the massive mountains of course! You get the idea.

If you are thinking of a great holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then a Cumbria travel holiday is definitely one of the favorite locations where you can savor the great outdoors and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The beautiful scenery and the splendor of the hills and lakes is definitely worth the trip up north.

Long Meg Stone Circle

There are plenty of fun, interesting and amazing things to do and sights to see. There is a whole itinerary of attractions to visit in Cumbria and the Lake District region. There are dozens of exciting little inns and pubs where visitors can enjoy sampling local cuisines as well as plenty of food and drink. There are lots of nice restaurants too, for those that prefer more exotic meals and fine dining. A Cumbria travel holiday would be incomplete without a visit to the amazing art galleries, shops and stores located here.

Langdale Church, Cumbria

Lovers of outdoor activity will find plenty to occupy their time. There’s lots of fun activity that families, visitors and tourists can engage in. From walks and hikes across miles of scenic hills and panoramic landscapes to abseiling, cycling and rock climbing; there’s definitely enough to make the trip memorable and exciting.

There is suitable accommodation available in the Lake District. Visitors will find lovely accommodation in Grasmere village. There is a wide variety of accommodation offered here and it’s suitable for all sorts of travelers; from the budget tourist to the high end travelers. Grasmere offers accommodation at youth hostels, caravans, guest houses, hotels and even farm breaks.

Optional accommodation can be found at Cumbrian cottages. Here, travelers will have a choice of over 900 holiday cottages. They include lodges, apartment and houses and are located in some of the most scenic and aptly located areas of Cumbria. These accommodation options are affordable, comfortable and have at least a 3 star rating.

Have you visited Cumbria before? If so, what did you think?  -  Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Backpack with Brock

I spent New Years Eve at Nathan Phillip Square in Toronto, Canada! I managed to get some footage of the countdown and threw in a special little message from myself!

Allow me to wish you a very Happy New Year and all the best in 2012!

Got any  New Year’s Resolutions? Share them with me in the comments below!

Backpack with Brock

I’m a sucker for public transit, specifically subway transportation.

Whenever I visit a city, I make a point of heading underground and riding the metro to a few different stops around town.

There is so much you can learn by simply experiencing the local way of getting around and there is a unique energy to how a transit system runs.

Subway transportation in some cities is slick and efficient while in others it is irritatingly difficult to use.

Here is a look at 6 different metros around the world that I had the chance to ride, and some brief thoughts on each.

Toronto Transit Map

TORONTO, CANADA

To give an idea of what I’m basing my experience on – let’s start with my own city. The Toronto subway transportation system also known as the: Toronto Transit Commission or TTC for short, is shall we say…’sufficient’. While the above ground streetcars and buses are often slow and infrequent (enough make you bang your head against a wall, ask any Torontonian), the underground subway, as we call it, ain’t so bad.

There are two main lines: “Bloor-Danforth” that runs east to west and “Yonge-University” that runs north to south in a ‘U’ shape. The only downside is that they shut down at roughly 2 am. If you are still out and about, you find yourself on ‘the vomit comet’ – but that’s for a whole other post. Currently, a one way fare is $2.50, which is set to rise. Pretty steep if you ask me.

Hong Kong Metro

HONG KONG, HONG KONG

I recall the subway transportation in Hong Kong to be efficient and easy. The fare you pay is based on the distance you are travelling, unlike in Toronto where you pay one price no matter how far you are going. The trains are fast, easy to use and there’s a double glass door/barrier to prevent riders from falling onto the tracks while waiting for the train. The above ground trams are worth a ride too!

Berlin Metro

BERLIN, GERMANY

While the Berlin metro was pretty robust, allowing you to get to any district in the city, what I distinctly remember was the ticket enforcement. Riding & buying a ticket is on an honour system. In many metros you must purchase a ticket or token from a machine or person and show that before entering. In Berlin, you could ‘technically’ just walk in without paying.

Once you are on the subway though, you are often asked to show proof of purchase. I remember a man, dressed in a very punk outfit with many piercings, tattoos and a massive beard approached me and asked that I present my ticket. He was an undercover officer. Sneaky. This happened almost every time I road the metro. Trust me, you’ll wish you bought the ticket.

London Underground

LONDON, ENGLAND

The London subway transportation network is known as ‘The Tube’ and it, is awesome. Also having a distance based fare scheme, you can criss cross throughout the massive city. Finding accommodation in London isn’t stressful because no matter where you stay, be it a hostel or any of the London serviced apartments downtown or not, the tube gives you access and lets you explore every nook and cranny you wish. Something that stood out was the flow of people. Londoners do not want to waste any time, so DO NOT get in their way. Rule of thumb, stick to the right on escalators. You will get yelled at if you block someone trying to walk up the escalator.

Also, don’t forget to get the Oyster Card to save mad cash!

New York Transit Map

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Like London, New York subway transportation is pretty efficient. Though it may seem dark and dingy underground, many of the trains run 24 hours (though on reduced schedules in the wee hours of the morning). The metro will take your throughout the city and even has express trains if you need to cover a great distance quickly.

The real challenge of the NYC metro is that there will often be multiple trains on the same track and seem to be taking the exact same route however, the trains don’t stop at every station. Not only do you have to get on the right line but you must make sure you board the proper train. Many visitors do a lot of back tracking as a result.

Vienna Subway Transportation

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

I don’t have too much to say about Vienna’s subway transportation other then it was probably my favourite. The stations and train cars were clean, the price was reasonable and best of all, it was SO easy to use. The best word to decribe the Vienna underground would be: intuitive. When you transferred at a station, or had to find a specific direction, it just made sense. I never found myself standing, lost and confused. The flow of people was so natural which made it an overall relaxing, pleasant experience – something many transit systems can’t say they provide.

China Rush Hour

BEIJING, CHINA

The Beijing subway transportation system  makes this list for two reasons. First, they win the prize for the cheapest fare. When I rode it, a one way fare was RMB 2  (30 Canadian cents). Amazing! It also wins the prize for the most intense (and hilarious) rush hour experience. If you want to know how many people can squish onto a subway car, visit Beijing, at rush hour. Just when you think, not one more body can fit onto the train, someone pushes in. In fact, there were attendants on the platform PUSHING people onto the car. I put my arms up to take this photo, and couldn’t get them down again. Check out my Great Wall of China video to see what I mean.

Some of my most hilarious and best stories from travelling come from when I was riding public transportation. The experience of getting from one place to another is rarely a dull one and as someone who LOVES people watching, subway transportation systems are my heaven!

Photo Credit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

What subway transportation systems have you used? Do you have a favourite? Share your story in the comments below.

Backpack with Brock

Today is my Birthday! I am 24.

Many people don’t like birthdays. I love them.

I see it as a chance to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, challenges, lessons, and experiences while setting goals and aspirations for the coming year – much like New Years. With a late birthday, I get to hit two birds with one stone.

Let us look back on 2011 shall we?

‘The Challenges’

After a year away from home and days full of exploring, new currencies, strange foods, and exotic places, 2011 started off more challenging then I expected – because – it wasn’t challenging. Everything was so familiar that it quickly got frustrating.

I had to figure out what I was going to do with my days. How was I going to make money? What was the next step for Backpack With Brock? My business? How do I follow up such an extraordinary 2010?

Although I worked a few odd jobs here are there, I decided to take the leap (with the support of some very important people in my life) and start my own business under the ‘Backpack With Brock’ brand.

As exciting, empowering and exhilarating as this was, I quickly learned that being your own boss not to mention a company of one, is a lot harder then it sounds. Not only did I have to stay motivated, but I had to call all the shots, set my own deadlines, and become a jack of all trades. I am the marketing, accounting, editorial, public relations, tech, promotions, and design departments all in one.

Not only was there a TON of stuff to learn in order to improve my website but it was up to me to stay focused as only I would hold myself accountable.

These challenges made it a long and often tiring year as I struggled to juggle all roles of my business while simultaneously  figuring out what Backpack With Brock was providing in the first place.

A challenge to say the least.

‘The Achievements and Adventures’

Public Speaking

Challenges aside, a whole lot happened in 2011.

The biggest of all would be that I made the decision to continue blogging professionally and expand Backpack With Brock to other projects.

I began doing public speaking in schools, for groups, clubs and well, whoever would listen. Topics ranged from sharing the story of my trip around the world, to geography, history, and character building.

In June I relaunched this website, www.backpackwithbrock.com, with a fresh, new look and fancy logo created by my friend Charles over at Maple Roots Graphic Design.

Adventure Coaching

My biggest leap was launching ‘Backpack With Brock Adventure Coaching’, where I coach people on how to travel the world. I couldn’t believe there was no service out there for someone considering an independent adventure, where they could really hash it out.. For people considering an extended journey, I take them through the process of putting it all together, ensuring they depart prepared and confident for their trip not to mention saving them such solid cash!

My first traveller came back all in one piece (YES!) and the second is only a few days from take off. My dream is coming true.

Nomadding Film Fest

I made a trip to New York City for the first ever Nomadding Film Festival where my short film – An Indian Short: Getting A Haircut was screened.

I also visited Boston too see fellow travel blogger and friend Ryan from Pause The Moment. 

There were two trips to Montreal, I ran my first 10km run with the Underwear Affair in support of cancers below the belt awareness and my friend Ben Bravery . As the name suggests, I had to run in my underwear. I took a train across Canada, visited Banff and the beautiful Rocky Mountains, and best of all, enjoyed a full year of life in Toronto with my family and friends, old and new.

Rocky Mountains

While I grew my friendships with fellow travel bloggers such as Ryan & As We Travel’s Nathan and Sofia, running a full time travel blog meant the start of numerous more friendships both online and offline with the likes of Chris & Tawny of Captain and Clark, Mike of Kick The Grind, Dave and Deb of The Planet D, Andrew of The Unframed World,  David of Davids Been Here, Kelley of Tripfilms, Marcello of Wandering Trader, Ant & Elise of Positive World Travel, Cailin of Travel Yourself, Andi of My Beautiful Adventures, Adam of Travels Of Adam, Caanan & Kent of No Vacation Required, Cody & Giselle of Mindful Wanderlust, Jodi of Legal Nomads and a whole bunch more…

That’ a lot of love!

I sold my very first prints and handmade greeting cards. Random but significant.

I also filmed some commercials…more on that to come.

Though I missed travelling the globe, the frequent emails, letters and cards from around the world from the friends I made during my travels filled that void and made me feel so grateful.

Many people asked how I was going to top 2010, a year of 36 countries on 6 continents and once in a lifetime experiences.

The truth of the matter is, I couldn’t top it nor did I need to. 2011 was an adventure in a completely different way, full of so many twist and turns, lessons, leaps, accomplishments and perhaps an anxiety attack or two (or three).

If 2010 was the year of adventure and exploration,

and 2011 was the year of learning and taking risks,

then 2012 will be the year of kicking ass.

Not literally kicking ass, I’m totally ‘non-violence’ but rather figuretivly. 2012 & my 25th year will be the year of taking everything I’ve learned and studied and putting it into action – stepping things up a notch and striving for nothing but AWESOME!

• I have big goals for expanding this website, reaching a larger audience while continuing to bring you more funtastic videos, pictures and stories.
• I plan to become the guy you go to if you’re planning a trip. I want to encourage and support as many people as possible to make the leap and explore the world independently!
• I will visit more schools to speak to students about their goals and aspirations and help them learn about the miraculous world that awaits them outside their towns and cities.
• Some serious travelling is in the works for 2012…I’ve got the itch again.
• I’m going to write a book. The term ‘book’ is flexible. VERY flexible.
• I am excited to grow my current friendships and the new ones that await me.
• I am going to catching up on the buckets of content I have yet to publish from my adventures over the last two years.
• AND…I’m going to learn to speak Spanish. Yes, it’s time. No excuses.

‘Thank You’

If you’ve made it here, to end of this rather lengthy post, I want Thank You. I am truly grateful and humbled by the support and love I have been provided through the last two years.

Stepping outside the norm to travel and start my own company has certainly been scary and uncertain more times then I can count, but your continuous kind words and votes of confidence have carried me through to where I am today – ready for the next step.

I am nothing short of ecstatic for 2012 and the next set of adventures.

Buckle up. It’s going to be a wild year folks!

With Love & Thanks,
Your Friend,
Brock
‘Backpack With Brock’

Backpack with Brock

Surfs Up

We’ve never really promo’d a competition here on Backpack With Brock so…no better time to start then now!

We’ll have a few coming at you through 2012 but to wrap up 2011, here’s a chance for you to win some surfing awesomeness for you and some friends. (I can’t surf so you don’t have to worry about me competing against you.)

There’s not much time left on this competition and it only takes a minute so I’d suggest you ‘Hop On Board’. ZING!

Check out the details below:

WIN a private group surfing course or stand up paddle lesson for four people – valued at
over A$260!

SECOND PRIZE: An Airwalk bodyboard worth over A$40 from Amazon.

Surfing in Australia is the national sport and as the birthplace of Quiksilver, Billabong and
Rip Curl there’s no better place to learn how to navigate the waves.

HostelBookers are offering you the chance to join the Australia elite and hit the waves
at either Woorim Beach, Bribie Island (just north of Brisbane) or on the Sunshine Coast
with SCSurfSchools.

You’ll get a 1½ hour lesson in your choice of location with all the equipment you need. This
includes boards, wetsuits, rashies and sunscreen. All you need to bring is your own water,
drinks, towel and swimwear to wear underneath.

How to enter

1. Tweet a picture of your best surfing pose to @hostelbookers + @SCSurfschools using the hashtag #surfsup. Twitpic is an easy way to do this.

‘Hello @hostelbookers + @SCSurfschools check out my surfing pose! #surfsup’

2. No surf board needed for entry, just your imagination.

3. Their favourite pose will win the prize. And their second favourite will win the bodyboard.

4. We’ll announce the winners on Twitter on Monday 19 December.

5. The winner then has one year to use the surf course and they’ll send you the bodyboard asap!

Remember, you can book a wide range of cheap accommodation with HostelBookers. They
have cheap accommodation in Australia from Cheap hotels in Sydney to Party hostels in
Cairns.

Photo Credit: 1

Backpack with Brock