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Biggest shock of NRL season

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 16 April 2015 | 04.30

NRL 360: Paul Kent shares his opinion on recent reports Daly Cherry-Evans is considering a backflip on his move to the Gold Coast Titans

Daly Cherry-Evans is set to backflip on his deal to join the Titans. pic Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

STAR half-back Daly Cherry-Evans has started preliminary investigations into reneging on a $5 million deal with Gold Coast to stay with Manly.

The Daily Telegraph understands the Sea Eagles know of Cherry-Evans' private desire to remain at Brookvale and have held internal discussions about the matter.

One source close to the drama: "Daly never wanted to leave Manly in the first place."

Cherry-Evans manager Gavin Orr has denied his client wants to backflip on the Titans contract.

The Gold Coast deal cannot be registered with the NRL until after round 13.

Daly Cherry-Evans looks set to backflip on his deal with the Titans. Source: Getty Images

Gold Coast would be absolutely filthy if Cherry-Evans walked away from the deal, given five-eighth Aidan Sezer will leave after signing with Canberra.

The Raiders will be watching developments closely, given Sezer could also decide to stay at the Titans.

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When contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, Manly chairman Scott Penn only said: "No comment."

There is little doubt Cherry-Evans is thinking about backflipping but there is still no guarantee it will happen.

He signed with Gold Coast to be near his close mate, fellow Queenslander State of Origin star Nate Myles. Ironically, Myles has also been linked to a switch to Manly.

Cherry-Evans' wife, Vessa, was born and bred on Sydney's northern beaches. They have just built a new home in the area.

The Sea Eagles have plenty of cash to throw at Cherry-Evans. They were rocked last month when Cherry-Evans signed with Gold Coast and five-eighth Kieran Foran announced he was joining Parramatta from next season.

Foran has no intention on reneging on his deal with the Eels.

Gold Coast were said to be "floored" by the Cherry-Evans speculation on Thursday.

Orr is believed to have told Titans officials Cherry-Evans will be honouring his four-year deal.

Titans CEO Graham Annesley has refuted an speculation the playmaker will not honour the deal he made with the club.

"Following media speculation over the last few hours I have spoken directly with Gavin Orr and Chris Orr of Pacific Sports Management," Annesley said.

"I have been assured that any suggestion Daly Cherry Evans will not be honouring his contract with the Titans is untrue".

Gold Coast officials though are still deeply concerned at the possibility Cherry-Evans may remain at Manly.

DCE leaves Cronulla Leagues Club with his wife Vessa Rockliff after talks with the Sharks. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Cherry-Evans' signing at Robina was one of the biggest in the club's history. A decision to renege would have massive ramifications on the Titans.

Conversely, Manly and their fans would be delighted to retain the Queensland and Australian star.

Cherry-Evans' form has been modest this season and he is close to being overlooked for the Australian Test side.

There are also reports the Sydney Roosters are working on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who signed with the New Zealand Warriors last week.

The Roosters want Tuivasa-Sheck to renege before round 13 and remain at Bondi.

Originally published as Biggest shock of NRL season
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Punch that nearly killed a brother

A Sydney court has been played CCTV footage of the moment one Irishman allegedly turned on his brother in a late-night attack. Courtesy: Nine News

AN Irish tourist who left his brother fighting for his life after hitting him outside a Sydney pub should be sent to jail, a court has heard.

Barry Lyttle, 33, pleaded guilty on Thursday morning to recklessly causing grievous bodily harm to his younger brother Patrick, and returned to court in the afternoon for a sentence hearing.

Patrick and Barry Lyttle leave the Downing Centre today. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: News Corp Australia

Patrick, who was hit outside a Potts Point pub early on January 3, has called for the charges against his brother to be dropped but prosecutor Alex Poulos said a full-time custodial sentence should be imposed.

Magistrate Graeme Curran agreed custody was likely but is considering alternatives to incarceration.

"The issue is whether or not I suspend a prison term," he said. Barry has been supported by his father and brother, who spoke of the adverse impact the assault and subsequent treatment and court appearances had on the family.

The brothers appear to argue before Patrick is struck. Picture: Nine News Source: Channel 9

The older Lyttle brother can be seen punching his younger brother. Picture: Nine News Source: Channel 9

Patrick is knocked to the ground. Picture: Nine News Source: Channel 9

"It has been an awful ordeal for me but everyone can see it has been for Barry too," Patrick told the court in a victim impact statement.

His father's health had also suffered during the three months he has been in Australia, he said.

"He doesn't want to go home without his two sons." The brothers, he added, planned to speak to youth back in Ireland about the dangers of one punch assaults.

"Youth work could be my future," Patrick, who has volunteered in the role, said.

Patrick Lyttle arrives at court with his father Oliver, right, with older brother Barry back right. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: News Corp Australia

Prosecutors have asked for a custodial sentence for Lyttle. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: News Corp Australia

Barry's lawyer Chris Watson said his client was remorseful, unlikely to reoffend and of good character.

CCTV footage on the incident played in court shows the brothers drinking together at the pub.

When they leave and walk down a main road Patrick can be seen pushing Barry, who stumbles back before striking.

He then immediately goes to Patrick's side.

"Clearly this was the result of increasing hostility between the two men," Mr Watson said.

Any animosity between the two has since gone and they walked from court together on Thursday, as they have done at earlier appearances.

Barry will return to court for sentencing on April 24.

Originally published as Punch that nearly killed a brother
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Hope for Alzheimer’s breakthrough

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 15 April 2015 | 04.30

Medical breakthrough ... a potential cause and cure for Alzheimer's disease has been identified. Picture News Corp Source: News Limited

A POTENTIAL cause and cure for Alzheimer's disease has been uncovered by US scientists who have linked it to an immune system malfunction.

Immune cells that normally protect the brain instead begin to consume a vital nutrient called arginine in Alzheimer's patients, researchers from Duke University in North Carolina have discovered.

When they blocked this process with a drug, they were able to prevent the formation of 'plaques' in the brain that occur in Alzheimer's disease, and also halted memory loss in mice in the trial.

This research, published in the Journal of Neuroscience took place in mice and no human trials have yet confirmed it.

New research ... immune cells that normally protect the brain instead begin to consume a vital nutrient, experts have found. Source: Supplied

The drug that was used to block the mouse immune response Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), is already being investigated for use in cancer treatment.

Alzheimer's Australia chief executive Carol Bennett has welcomed the research.

"We welcome all research that looks at the effects of drugs that can halt Alzheimer's disease," she said.

"This looks promising in mice but we need to see some clinical trials," she said.

"If the drug is found to be effective it will be a few years before it becomes available," she said.

There are currently 342,000 Australians living with Alzheimer's disease and 1.2 million people caring for them.

The condition involves progressive and frequent memory loss, confusion, personality change, apathy and withdrawal and loss of ability to perform every day tasks.

Memory loss ... more than 342,000 Australians are currently living with Alzheimer's disease and the numbers are forecast to reach 900,000 by 2050. Picture supplied. Source: Supplied

Without major medical breakthroughs in the area it is predicted 900,000 Australians will be living with the disease by 2050.

"It is imperative we find a cure or prolong and delay the progression of the disease," Ms Bennett said.

The Federal Government is funding a risk reduction program for Alzheimer's called Your Brain Matters.

However, funding for the program that advises on diet, exercise and brain training exercises to prolong the progression of the disease runs out on June 30.

The number of people worldwide living with some form of dementia is set to reach 135 million by 2050.


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The thing that will stop Aussies going to Bali

Would you still travel to Bali if there was a booze ban in place? Source: Supplied

IT'S the one thing that could stop Aussies from travelling to Bali – and it's not what you think.

While there has been a lot of rhetoric that the impending deaths of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan would affect tourism on the holiday island, sadly, latest figures show this is not the case.

The number of Australian tourists visiting Bali over the past two months has actually increased by 16.7 per cent from the same period last year.

According to Indonesia Institute president Ross Taylor the fate of the Bali Nine drug smugglers is probably third on Aussies list of concerns.

The ban on booze will be the one thing that would affect tourism.

From Thursday it will be illegal to sell alcohol in mini marts in Indonesia.

Beer and Bali go hand-in-hand for many Aussie tourists. Source: Supplied

Yet the proponents of the new law, two Islamic political parties, want to go one step further by making the selling, producing, distributing and consuming of alcohol containing more than one per cent illegal throughout Indonesia.

The proposal has yet to receive the wider support of the Indonesian government but if it does receive the backing of president Joko Widodo, it could come into effect as early as the end of this year.

Ross Taylor said while the finer details had yet to be discussed, the proposal had already "horrified" authorities in Bali.

"My own view would be that common sense would prevail ... but I'd be cautious in saying that because there are some of the more pronounced religious groups throughout Indonesia really gaining momentum now," Mr Taylor told AAP.

Schoolies party at the Bounty Nightclub in Kuta, Bali. Picture: Nathan Edwards Source: News Corp Australia

"In Aceh, they've introduced Sharia law. Very strictly. Even foreigners can be arrested in Aceh for not dressing appropriately."

Mr Taylor said nationalist sentiment was running high, with Indonesian authorities reviewing every property to ascertain whether it was being held on behalf of a foreigner.

"A lot of them are," he said.

"The state will either resume that property or offer the nominee the option of just keeping it for themselves, with no legal comeback from the foreign owner.

"So if you take that and the alcohol thing I think it's really symptomatic of a disturbing trend - and Indonesia is a country that stole my heart so I'm not anti-Indonesia - of the Jokowi government showing all the signs of being naive, dysfunctional and lost at the moment.


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Outrage over Woolworths’ Anzac website

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 14 April 2015 | 04.30

Woolworths is being slammed for incorporating their own branding into a campaign to commemorate ANZAC Day. Source: Facebook

WOOLWORTHS is copping a backlash for incorporating its own branding into a campaign it's launched to commemorate the centenary of Gallipoli on Anzac Day.

The supermarket chain has launched a website called "Fresh In Our Memories" — a name which is a play on the company's slogan of "The Fresh Food People".

The website presents "tribute stories" of soldiers, and information on Camp Gallipoli.

It also incorporates "profile picture" and "cover photo" generators — where users can upload a picture and have it stamped with the phrases "Lest we forget" and "Fresh in our memories" along with the Woolworths logo.

But the site is not sitting well with some Australians — with many taking to social media to slam the campaign as tasteless. The hashtags "#FreshInOurMemories" and "#BrandzacDay" are also gaining momentum.

People are also mocking the profile picture generators by loading non-Anzac related pictures and posting the memes on social media.


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Luxury cave with a million-dollar view

Take a look at a house built inside a cliff face. Courtesy: Jamie Andrei

Lionel Buckett's hideaway overlooks World Heritage rainforest. Source: Supplied

LIONEL Buckett sails through life with his head in the clouds and his feet deeply planted in the ground.

His family have owned large swathes of land in the Blue Mountains since the 1950s, and he has now carved out a fantasy cave cabin looking out over some of Australia's most magnificent bushland.

"I've got lots of connections with this beautiful place," he says of his 600 acres of land verged by World Heritage listed rainforest.

The fairytale interior is carved from sandstone and ironstone. Source: Supplied

A small wooden door opens to steps and seats carved into the rock. Source: Supplied

The incredible creation blends into the landscape. Source: Supplied

His long labour of love has been made into a short film. Source: Supplied

Up on a natural rock platform, he has built a spectacular concrete and steel construction with a small, round wooden door and a sandstone kitchen.

The fairytale bathroom has a hand-carved stone basin, long-drop toilet and an outdoor shower so guests can feel as though they're standing under a waterfall.

Double-glazed glass doors seal off the cave in bad weather, but Lionel prefers to keep them open. "You can see the clouds, hear the water," he tells news.com.au. "I sit there and feel as though I've gone a million years back in time. It hasn't changed in ten million, and it was an active volcano 20 million years ago.

"There's been no human interference. It's easy to be inspired when you look at that."

Lionel is skilled in building, carpentry and bricklaying after years turning fantastical ideas into reality. Source: Supplied

Lionel, 55, has been dreaming up wild projects like this for years, honing his skills building eco-friendly holiday cabins and a remarkable treehouse with its own spa and kitchen.

He uses convict tools and energy-efficient design features, including solar power and a corkscrew copper pipe that captures waste heat.

Jamie Andrei, who has made a short film about Lionel's extraordinary project for TedxSydney's 2015 film program, describes the cave as "Grand Designs meets Gaudi".

"Living in the city, I've got a lot of mates who say they'll do this or that and never do," he told news.com.au. "The cave feels rock-solid in its protected nook. It's amazing to see. The sunsets are stunning, the birds fly past, you can unwind in the stillness. It's a little sanctuary."

The view of the Blue Mountains is spectacular. Source: Supplied

Lionel's family have lived on this land for more than 50 years. Source: Supplied

The 55-year-old wanted the construction to look organic. Source: Supplied

Living sustainably and in harmony with this beautiful land is his priority. Source: Supplied

Lionel's company, Australian Hardwood Homes, was using sustainable building techniques decades ahead of others, and it's left the Gerringong-born designer with a coterie of talented associates to help make his visions come to life.

"I have a stonemason friend who does fine carvings," he says. "He carved a lobster, a platypus and a pheasant's tail out ironstone and set it in the roof."

The Aboriginal-style carvings are similar to ones seen in the rock nearby, and they tell a story.

Lieutenant Bowen, who used to chop down wood here in 1830, wrote in his diary that he didn't like hanging out with convicts, so he started hanging out with an Aboriginal group. They had lunch together, they would borrow his food, and they brought him presents: baby platypus that inspired the name of the creek; yabbies; and the lyre birds that imitate the sounds of Lionel's power tools.

"People are gobsmacked by the sheer beauty of the land," he says. "It's spectacularly beautiful."

He's almost ready to share his magical creation with the rest of the world, starting with guests he already knows. But the building remains movable.

"I might change it," he adds airily. "Depending on my experiences, how the sun sets, how the winds change."

Visit the TedxSydney website to find out more about 2015's film program, which promises to engage and educate in unexpected ways.


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Madonna’s pash stuns horrified Drake

Written By Unknown on Senin, 13 April 2015 | 04.29

Look out ... Madonna pashes singer Drake on-stage at Coachella. Source: Getty Images

SHE's never been one for holding back when it comes to the on-stage kisses with the opposite — or same — sex.

But Madonna wouldn't have been expecting the horrified reaction of Canadian singer Drake when she unexpectedly French-kissed him while performing at Coachella.

TEN MOST AWKWARD CELEBRITY KISSES

After belting out her classic song of female empowerment Express Yourself, the 56-year-old pop legend pulled the 28-year-old singer back in his chair to plant a heavy kiss on his lips.

To the screams of fans, the pair made out for at least three seconds.

Cougar town ... Drake looks slightly scared as Madonna goes on the prowl at Coachella. Source: Getty Images

What Madonna didn't see was the shocked musician's horrified expression after she went in for her mega pash, even wiping his mouth afterwards.

Like a tiger ... Madonna didn't hold back when she French-kissed Drake. Source: Getty Images

Dressed in thigh-high black boots and a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Big as Madonna", the mother of four was in typical feisty form as she promoted her album Rebel Heart.

Perhaps the age difference of almost 30 years was a bit too much for the seriously unimpressed Drake — who has dated pop diva Rhianna — to handle.


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Fired up JT blows Bunnies away

NRL: Watch as the video referee makes two controversial calls in the closing stages of the first half between South Sydney and North Queensland

Johnathan Thurston inspired the Cowboys to a big win over the Rabbitohs. Source: Getty Images

IT was billed publicly as Inglis versus Thurston. And up for grabs was the mantle as rugby league's premier player.

Johnathan Thurston, you're the king.

Thurston was simply superb again on Monday night as North Queensland upset premiers South Sydney 30-12 at ANZ Stadium.

As sublime as Inglis can be, it is impossible to place anyone in the game ahead of Thurston at the moment.

Frighteningly for NSW, both are Queenslanders.

Thurston's form is top-shelf as NSW struggle to nail down a halfback and five-eighth this season.

As Immortal Andrew Johns told Triple M on Monday night: "The performance of (incumbent NSW halves) Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson (on Sunday) really worried me. I'm terrified about the form of the halfback and five-eighth of NSW."

Thurston scored two tries and set up another in a scintillating individual performance. You can easily run out of superlatives to describe Thurston.

Antonio Winterstein is wrapped up by the Rabbitohs' defence. Source: News Corp Australia

Many speak of his attacking brilliance but few recognise Thurston's toughness. Gorden Tallis rates Thurston the toughest player in the NRL.

Thurston takes the ball to the line week after week, season after season. He gets whacked, smashed and belted yet continues to star in one of the world's most physically ferocious sports.

Inglis was good again on Monday night, no doubt.

These two, it would seem, will battle and jostle throughout the season as the game's two premier players.

Inglis though is just a magic performance or two from reclaiming top spot.

North Queensland have now won three successive games, all on Monday nights. It was the Cowboys' fourth straight win over Souths.

They are a side that could prove extremely dangerous in September, given they don't cop another refereeing howler. The Cowboys have one of the best balanced sides in the NRL.

Souths' loss means Brisbane is now outright competition leaders after six rounds.

The Rabbitohs led 12-4 at half-time before North Queensland scored in the opening minute of the second half to put some zing back into the game.

Who would you give three Dally M points to?

From there it was one-sided.

A penalty goal to Thurston soon after levelled the scores at 12-all before the visitors hit the front for the first time in the 65th minute when winger Antonio Winterstein flashed over out wide.

Thurston landed another sideline conversion, North Queensland having scored 14 points in opening 15 minutes of the second half.

North Queensland then went on with the job to destroy Souths.

South Sydney could not have started in a more impressive way by scoring in just the second minute of play. And it was soft too.

Rabbitohs forward Dave Tyrrell surged over from first receiver to stun the Cowboys. Issac Luke converted to give Souths a 6-0 lead.

Jason Taumalolo had a superb game for the Cowboys. Source: News Corp Australia

North Queensland though didn't let the try upset them.

Only six minutes later the Cowboys scored their first try through replacement winger Justin O'Neill, who outleapt Souths winger Alex Johnston to catch a Thurston bomb on the full to score.

Souths kicked further ahead midway through the first half when North Queensland fumbled to send Souths on the attack. From the next play, Glenn Stewart and Greg Inglis sent Johnston over in the corner. Luke converted to give his side a 12-4 lead.

That was the end of Souths' joy.

North Queensland had a try disallowed right on half-time for obstruction. It was a 50/50 call, most on social media blowing up about the decision.

NORTH QUEENSLAND 30 (J Thurston 2 J Granville J O'Neill A Winterstein tries J Thurston 5 goals) bt SOUTH SYDNEY 12 (A Johnston D Tyrrell tries I Luke 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Alan Shortall, Adam Devcich. Crowd: 13,866.

Re-live all the action in our live blog below!

Originally published as Fired up JT blows Bunnies away
04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘I went from broke to millionaire’

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 12 April 2015 | 04.29

Traveller Will Hatton had bundles of cash in Venezuela. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

"YOU will be robbed, there's no avoiding that. Just don't fight it or they will kill you."

This was the advice that Will Hatton, a 26-year-old traveller who explores some of the world's least-visited countries on an extreme budget, received when he announced he was going to explore Venezuela.

He tells news.com.au what it's really like in a country with more oil than anywhere else in the world — and the second-highest murder rate. As he quickly discovered, it's also a place that can make the average traveller feel rich.

Locals engage in fiery protests on the streets. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

The streets of Merida were alive with activity, an aura of menace hung heavily in the air. A blockade glinted in the afternoon sun, and black smoke from burning tyres spiralled into the sky.

"We must go around," my taxi driver said.

He gunned the ancient car into reverse and fled, anxious to be gone before the police arrived with their gas, batons and rubber bullets.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro collected over 10 million signatures from across Venezuela, which he presented at a rally in Caracas, Thursday, calling on US President Barack Obama to withdraw a decree declaring Venezuela a security threat. Speaking after the rally, which was also attended by Bolivian President Evo Morales, Maduro said he believes in better relations between the empire of the United States and a free and sovereign Latin America, but one that is based on respect and non-interference. Maduro will meet US President Barack Obama at the 7th Summit of the Americas in Panama City on Friday, where he plans to present him with the millions of collected signatures.

But civil unrest was everywhere. Gangs of students in red shirts marched towards the city centre, spraying walls with graffiti. Police in urban camouflage stood shoulder to shoulder with the infamous Guardia Nacional (national guard), AKs strapped to their chests. They eyed the protesters suspiciously, ready at any minute to advance upon the hothead who dared aim a firework at their ranks.

My driver swore in Spanish and mounted the kerb. An armoured vehicle of some kind, water cannon at the ready, rolled past us with its siren blazing. We retreated from the noise down side-streets, passing more flimsy barricades as we made our way towards the quieter barrios of the city.

They faced off with the police. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

I was dropped off near a lush park, the obligatory statue of famous military leader Simon Bolivar, sword at the ready, in the centre. A pair of backpackers strolled past, snacking on empanadas and gulping down steaming black coffee. This was apparently the "touristic centre".

I looked for someone to change some money with, and was pointed towards a nearby shop. I entered and spoke in hushed tones with the lady behind the desk who then began to make calls.

Two hours later a man in a dark suit appeared, firmly clutching a grocery bag. He rushed in and closed the door. A rent-a-thug stood nearby with what looked like a metal chair leg in one hand, watching me carefully.

While there are dangers in Merida, there's no doubt it's a picturesque place. Source: Getty Images

The harassed-looking money changer emptied the bag onto the table. Hundreds of coloured bills spilt across the table. I handed over a single hundred dollar bill and began the laborious task of tying up notes with elastic bands, I had well over 1000 notes to count. I had been in Venezuela just 24 hours and already I was a millionaire here.

For a single US dollar ($1.31) I could buy 12 beers, get a bed for the night, take two taxis or eat in a nice restaurant. I could fill up a car at a local gas-station for 2 bolivars, around 1 US cent.

So much cash, not enough hands. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

So with wads of cash stuffed down my trousers and in my bag I left the store and checked into a hotel across the road. Then I went back outside, anxious to find out more about what the hell was going on; the sound of sirens, car alarms and fireworks, eerily similar to gunfire, drifted over the city like a haze.

I was surprised to see many Venezuelans going about what appeared to be their normal business. I entered a cafe, an oasis of calm in a city that appeared to be on the brink of revolution. Here I watched a woman with a ludicrous bum implant flirt with a moustachioed waiter with a healthy paunch. He appeared to be punching above his weight.

Across from me sat a gangly man in a chequered shirt, a pair of spectacles dangling from his face. I approached him and in my rudimentary Spanish attempted to ask him what was going on. He answered in English, a promising start. Roberto was preparing to leave the country and keen to share his insights on why he could no longer stay in his homeland.

He says he had no choice. Ten years ago, his father, a university professor, earned around $2000 a month. Today, due to rampant inflation, he earns just $60 a month for the same job. Many Venezuelans earn even less, at the official exchange rate most people can hope to pocket just $20 a month.

Those who have managed to get hold of actual dollars can live like kings and continue to invest their money in more dollars; in Venezuela, the value of dollars only seems to go up week on week.

Will came here for adventure, something he definitely got. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

"If you have dollars, you can live very well for just $50 a week," he said. "Without dollars, life in Venezuela is too expensive and it's impossible to get basics, even a toilet roll has to be bought on the black market!"

I had come to Venezuela hearing these rumours and had packed accordingly; my bag was stuffed with 12 rolls of toilet paper.

He explained that people are forced to queue for hours to buy essentials like powdered milk, bread and rice. Roberto was tired of queuing, he dreamt of a fully stocked fridge and a brimming medicine cabinet.

"We're importing everything and it's still not enough."

Locals wait in long lines to purchase fuel. Source: Getty Images

Venezuela should be the richest country in all of South America, the country has the largest oil reserves in the world and a full tank of gasoline (around 60 litres) costs just 5 bolivars, about $1. A litre of bottled water on the other hand costs nearly 30 bolivars, over 100 times more than a litre of gasoline.

Roberto says that Venezuela is now importing gasoline, a travesty for a country where oil bubbles freely from the ground.

So what does the future hold for Venezuela?

"Bloodshed, lots of bloodshed."

With plummeting oil prices, rising inflation, increasing shortages and the clamouring voices of a million unheard souls, it's a recipe for disaster.

Roberto cautioned me to be careful, this was no adventure playground, this was a country with one of the highest murder-rates in the world. And he's not the only one — everyone I'd spoken to wanted to know the same thing; after hearing about all the kidnappings, corruption, robberies and murders, why the hell was I here?

Sure, most people wouldn't dream of visiting Venezuela, believing it's not worth the risk. But I hoped against hope that they were wrong, that the dirt-cheap prices and stunning sites would outweigh the risk of danger.

Roraima is a famous -and stunning — mountain in Venezuela. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

One of the main reasons I came here was for Roraima — the highest table top mountain in the world. I dreamt of climbing it.

So I did. And as I stumped up a slippery path hacked into the jungle it seemed more likely I would break my neck than be robbed at gunpoint. Oozing, sucking mud pulled at my ankles as I struggled upwards, my pack, laden with supplies and camping gear.

This was a far-cry from the endless plains of the Gran Sabana. I had spent the first day hiking through dusty valleys, crossing rumbling rivers and generally just being eaten alive by swarms of pori-pori, horrible biting flies the size of a pinhead.

It was a tricky climb. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

For five hours I slipped and hauled myself up the path, passing through banks of cloud and under a tumbling waterfall. Mist engulfed me, and visibility was less than 10 metres.

Finally, I reached the summit. I was at last on top of the tabletop mountain that had inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's Lost World. Roraima, a magnet for thrillseekers and adventurers, a grave for the ill-prepared.

Another tabletop mountain called Kukenan, a holy place for the indigenous peoples scattered across the plains, appeared through a window in the dancing mist. I had just a few seconds to appreciate the patchwork quilt of purples, oranges, reds and greens making up the mountain-face before it disappeared, devoured by clouds.

There were seemingly never-ending valleys. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

I spent the next day exploring the tabletop, bathing in a series of freezing pools and admiring valleys filled with crystals, an otherworldly site. Roraima, like Venezuela itself, was not what I had expected. The mountain and the country could both be deadly, but it had taken my breath away.

Seeing crystals everywhere was a sight for sore eyes. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

It definitely has a commanding appearance. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

The warmth and generosity I experienced in this wonderful, frustrating, insane and beautiful country had surpassed my wildest dreams. Everywhere, I had been made to feel welcome, at no point had I felt in any real danger, Venezuelans had gone to great lengths to keep me from harm. I had made staunch friends.

Though it's troubles, Venezuela has some beautiful sights. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

The true Venezuela, like Roraima, is masked. It is impossible to get a full picture, simply snapshots of truth through a fleeting window.

In fact, it rocks. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied

Will Hatton writes about travelling on a budget over at The Broke Backpacker.

It was a trip he'll never forget. Picture: Will Hatton Source: Supplied


04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

10 most terrifying roads ever

Trolstigen road is one of the dangerous trips. Source: Getty Images

IF YOU just can't feel satisfied without navigating hairpin turns, dizzying elevations, and gravel surfaces with no guardrails to protect you, we've got you covered with this bucket list of freaky routes.

Some of these are highly travelled destination roads, some get very little traffic, and others are obscure to most drivers. But if you can patiently and carefully handle them in the proper vehicle, you'll be rewarded with some tasty visual treats, plus access to unique mountain-climbing and cycling adventures.

We'd tell you to buckle up, but we're not sure how much even doing that will help you here (of course, do it though!):

Road of Death (North Yungas), Bolivia

Death Road in Bolivia. Picture: AHLN Source: Flickr

There's nothing ironic about the name of this 61 kilometre journey that goes from over 4570 metres in La Paz to 1188m in Coroico — it is the black widow of roads. Its claim to fame is being named the world's most dangerous road by the Inter-American Development Bank, and it's estimated that 200 to 300 people travelling on it die each year.

It's not hard to see why the road is so dangerous: It's barely the width of one vehicle, with no guardrail to protect you from falls of up to 609m. Rain can make the road muddy and slippery, and rain or fog can reduce a driver to feeling blindfolded.

Still, there's a siren song here that attracts thousands of people, from danger-loving tourists to hardcore cyclists. The view of the Amazonian rainforest is astounding, and standing right over the sheer drops here will bring out the lemming in many of us. Tour groups that serve the road include Barracuda Biking and Gravity Bolivia.

Lippincott Mine Road, Death Valley National Park, California

This little-used 11km route in and out of the park near the famous Racetrack Playa really puts the "Death" in Death Valley. It's a faster route to the park than others, but you might be clenching your jaw the whole way, trying not to fall hundreds of feet to oblivion, and it's not for the casual driver or the casual car. This is four-wheel-drive territory only.

My friend Doug did the honour of driving us out of Death Valley via Lippincott at the end of our camping trip last fall, and by the time we had slowly descended the almost 600m drop, I felt like the park had chewed us up and spat us out into Saline Valley.

What could kill you here? Let us count the ways. There are no guardrails, and there is the constant threat of a steep fall if you're not careful — at times, there's just a foot or two of gravelly space to navigate. You'll be driving around or over some large rocks that could break your vehicle, and if that doesn't do it, the park's intense heat could if you're making the climb into Death Valley during the hotter months. There's no towing service, no water source, no road signs and no cell reception. Other than that, this drive is like Christmas.

Still, competent drivers in the right vehicle can make this trip safely. Make sure you stop along the way to capture some gorgeous views of the valley below. Also, if you enter the park this way, you're just three miles from the Racetrack and its otherworldly beauty. Just play some Metallica at full blast, as we did in this video clip, to give you the adrenaline rush you need to survive.

Dalton Highway, Alaska

The frozen Dalton Highway. Source: AFP

While the Road to Hana is seductively warm and dangerous, this frosty, gravelly, pothole-laden route is as seductive as a White Walker in Game of Thrones. The Dalton Highway was opened for one thing: transporting oil. And it covers 666km of desolate, icy terrain.

This is the route of Ice Road Truckers fame, and you'll have to excuse the truckers for thinking you're crazy if you want to drive this highway for fun. Let's put aside the freezing cold and often miserable road conditions, with 18-wheelers pounding your vehicle with ice. On a single 386km stretch, there are no service stations, restaurants or basic services — the longest such stretch in North America. There are three — count 'em, three — service stations the entire way. And don't count on cell service at all.

Still, there are enticements to taking your chances here. You can say you've crossed into the Arctic Circle, which the highway does. And if you visit at the right time, you can slowly pull over and watch the northern lights.

A guide is highly recommended here unless you know your survival skills, as you'll need to pack provisions, including fuel. And be on the lookout for freeway closures, such as the one that happened just after flooding from the Sagavanirktok River.

Trollstigen Mountain Road, Norway

One of the turns on the Trollstigen pass, Norway. Source: Getty Images

As dangerous roads go, this is among the most visited in the world, and for good reason: It overlooks a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Geirangerfjord on the west coast of Norway. I'd like to say that I gave death a noogie as I raced this road's 11 hairpin turns and 9 per cent incline in an Alfa Romeo, but in fact, I slowly weaved through it on a large tour bus. Next time, I swear.

Dangerous conditions here include the incline, narrow driving space, and the poor traction and visibility that come with rain and fog. But oh man, those views: There are ideal photography opportunities where you can pull over and capture the fjords and lush valleys below, and waterfalls so close you can touch them.

Note: The road closes in October and opens in May.

Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii

It's a stunning trip, but be cautious. Source: Getty Images

Paradise is worth the risk, which is why the 67km of Highway 360 to Hana in eastern Maui are such a tourist favourite. You'll have to navigate through and around 600 hairpin turns, 54 one-lane bridges, steep cliff drops, falling rocks, and even some confusing mile markers that reset. Plus it rains often, so there's that.

But the rewards for your risk are considerable: You probably won't have time for them all, in fact. The road itself is full of pull-over-right-now photography opportunities, but venture deeper and you'll find such rare beauties as Wai'anapanapa State Park's black sand beach, Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, and the laid-back charm of Paia Town.

Drive slow and you'll be fine here — you'd better, in fact, because police strictly enforce the 25-mph speed limit.

Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan

Is climbing the world's ninth-highest mountain not challenging enough for you? Fine. Just try driving to the base of it. If you want to climb Nanga Parbat, you'll have to ascend six death-defying miles to Fairy Meadows. The gravel road is completely unmaintained, there are no guardrails to protect you, and it gets so narrow that near the end you'll have to cover the last section by walking or biking.

The road is prone to avalanches and heavy snowfall, and it closes in the winter.

Skippers Canyon Road, Queenstown, New Zealand

Welcome to a road so dangerous, your rental car insurance won't be honoured if you drive on it. Only one other road in New Zealand has that honour.

Yet you will be tempted to drive this one-lane, twisting terror with steep drops because it abounds with natural beauty and photo ops, including the Shotover River directly below you. Skippers Canyon Road is cut into the side of a mountain and extends 26km in New Zealand's South Island, 40km from Queenstown. It's considered one of the country's most scenic routes. The miners who built the road in the late 1800s didn't think much about luxury, though — it's unpaved and very narrow. Should you encounter a car driving the other way, one of you will have to back up gingerly until you can find enough room to pass. Good luck figuring out which of you that will be.

For an adventure trip, you can hire a tour bus to do the driving for you, such as a jet boating tour with Skippers Canyon Jet.

Skipper Canyon. Picture: Russellstreet Source: Flickr

Los Caracoles Pass, Chile

If you impressed yourself by driving down the curves of Lombard Street in San Francisco, this is just like that, only 1000 times more challenging. Called the "Snails Pass" by locals, this serpentine mountain pass in the Andes connects Santiago, Chile, to Mendoza, Argentina. It reaches 3200m in elevation, and this being the Andes, it's known for getting heavy snowfall: About 15,000 travellers were stranded for 10 hours on the Argentine side in 2013, when the road had to be closed because of snow and cold.

When you reach the summit of this road, you'll pass through the Cristo Redentor tunnel, and the heaviest, steepest switchbacks are on the Chilean side. You may need tire chains and plenty of patience to make it through here, but if you take your time, you should be able to avoid an accident.

Karakorum "Friendship" Highway, China and Pakistan

A bridge in the Karakorum area. Source: Getty Images

For some real altitude, take your chances with this 1287km drive. At 4693m, it's the highest paved international road in the world. And you can get a sense of how dangerous it is just by knowing that about 1000 workers died building this freeway before it opened in 1979.

The road's nickname stems from the collaboration between China and Pakistan in building it, but it can be unfriendly in practice, with little driving room, sheer drops, no pavement on the Pakistani side and flash floods.

However, Karakorum is an adventure lover's delight. Comprising part of the old Silk Road trade route, it offers views of soaring mountain peaks such as the K2 (second-highest mountain in the world), massive glaciers such as the Baltoro, and sprawling rivers such as the Indus.

\Bayburt Of Yolu-D915, Turkey

This road is arguably more dangerous than any other on this list. The D915 connects the Turkish cities of Bayburt and Of, near the Black Sea, and it spans 106km. It has many of the same hazards of the Death Road in Bolivia: It's only a lane wide in some sections and unpaved, with elevation exceeding 1980m and no guardrails protecting you from certain death. The often-poor weather adds to the danger.

Says the website Dangerousroads.org, "Words can't describe the road and pictures don't do it justice … the steep part is simply terrible. Curvy roads descending down the cliffs, often so narrow that you cannot turn the first time."

There are 29 hairpins turns, and things get gnarly in Çaykara, where the road climbs from 521m to 619, in just 5km, with 13 hairpin turns.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo Travel and was republished via the NYPost.


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