So much to write really. Do not know where or even if to start!
Last year was incredible - months of experiences, sights, people, places, conversations and revalations.
I wanted travel to change me and it did, in so many ways.
My South East Asian adventures started and ended in Bangkok.
On arrival in Bangkok, almost a year ago, I was horrified by the place - the chaos, the smells, the heat, humidity, begging, women and children sleeping on the street, traffic, tangled cables hanging low over the street.
Then I went to Vietnam and Laos.
And finally back to Thailand - the second time around, I was practically skipping around, felt so much more at ease, knew how to get around, that 400 baht for a taxi journey is way too much and I realised it's probably one of the more developed, Westernized Asian cities.
What did I do on my travels?
Well, to try and sum up...some highlights...that come to mind:
Pounding the New York pavements for hours on end, from my hostel on 23rd street downtown, to Central Park, to mid town - went to Ellis Island, the Met, the Jewish museum, an exhibition at FIT..
Pressing my nose up against (and sampling!) the New York bakeries - Magnolia, Cafe Lalo, Billys, went to Serendipity, Amy's Bread
Boston - Stayed with my former London flatmates in their Cambridge flat near Harvard Square.
Drinking beer with another back packer, in the red light district of Bangkok, watching overweight, middle aged Western men leave the bars with pretty, little Thai girls in tow
Going to the Jim Thompson house, taking a boat on the Chao Praya river, seeing Wat Pho, Chinatown, the Siam Paragon, the massive weekend market
Doing a cookery course at the Morning Glory cookery school in Hoi An, Vietnam
Taking the sleeping bus for over 12 hours stretched out next to a 6'4 Scottish bloke
Being bemused by the chaos at the Laos/Vietnamese border
Explored the central Highlands, in Vietnam on a motorbike, with a guide, Son.
Swam in Halong Bay
Spent two weeks with a friend in Vietnam, spent a lot of our time recovering from heat stroke in our Hanoi hotel, watching the food channel, mainly the programme about the Georgetown Cupcakes
Dodged the traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting the Temple of Literature, exploring the Old Quarter, walking round the lake.
Squished myself into a cabin with 7 Vietnamese on a two day train journey from the south to the North.
Nearly got robbed on Cat Ba - caught a man going through belongings.
Took a slow boat down the Mekong in Laos.
Watched the Royal Wedding in Luang Prabang
Worked on a sheep and beef farm in Kerikeri, New Zealand
Made lemon curd from the lemons in their garden
Went to an oyster festival in Russel (beer battered oysters - heavenly!)
Stayed with my old London friend in her new Melbourne flat
Made cheese with some family friends on their New South Wales farm
Saw rosellas, parrots and kangaroos in their garden
Saw wild emus and pigs on a road trip to Moree to see 'some little wheat paddocks'
Road a quad bike over some of the roughest terrain
Finished the last of the Millenium triligy books by Stieg Larsson in Sydney's Botanic Gardens
Spent a day walking around Darlinghurst harbour with a Saudi Arabian guy I met in the hostel
Snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef - (this was one of the best day's of my life - I thought it was incredible!)
Swam in the Whitsundays and snorkelled there
Saw a rodeo in Rockhampton
Sailed a yacht from Bay of Islands into Auckland Harbour.
Fished in Paihia
Went on a trail ride in the far north of New Zealand & had a bad fall off an ex racehorse
Rode horses on a New Zealand farm
Made friends with a Dutch girl, stayed with her in her Taupo Bay bach
Ate wonderful food in George Town, Penang, Malaysia - rice pancakes, with curry
Bemused by Christmas carols and trees in hot, humid Singapore
Visiting art museums in Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Singapore, Hanoi, Boston and New York
Swimming in lovely, warm, clear Thai water
Terrifying road journeys on barely there roads with fearsome gradients (we heard one tourist had actually been so frightened he....himself).
Did yoga for the first time on Koh Phagnan, meditated, detoxed, fasted, had a session with a healer
Got totally fleeced and duped by an Indian fortune teller on the Khao San Road
Then, in December I was flying over Europe in the middle of the night, gazing down and seeing lights, trying to guess whether it was Germany or Switzerland or France.
Hovering over London and seeing the sparkling lights below - almost felt tearful and the the moment the wheels touched down on British soil and I just thought 'HOME!'.
It was good, but the best bit was coming home.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Neglected blog
Have had my blog off line for so long. Do not feel like spilling my guts these days. Does not feel like a good idea. Started a journal, hand written and that works very well for me.
I don't ramble on, just devote a few lines to the main thoughts or activities of the day, the highlights and future plans.
I am back, I spent most of last year backpacking around America, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia & New Zealand. I had a fabulous time, it was a real adventure and maybe I will write about them here. There were highs and lows, but it was always interesting!
Had some ephipanies - in New Zealand and got rid of some baggage. It was about people I've clung on to for too long, hoping, longing for them to be more to me than they were. I realised on a bleak day in Rotorua, whilst wandering around the bubbling geysers that it was time to realise some people are never going to be there for you in any way shape or form. It became obvious just how rubbish they really were - for me! And all of a sudden I was mortified by how long I had been clinging on hoping for crumbs. Pathetic. It was liberating, because this is the kind of backpack that weighs you down more than anything.
I also went to a spa in Thailand for two weeks, which helped with everything.
More soon.
I don't ramble on, just devote a few lines to the main thoughts or activities of the day, the highlights and future plans.
I am back, I spent most of last year backpacking around America, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia & New Zealand. I had a fabulous time, it was a real adventure and maybe I will write about them here. There were highs and lows, but it was always interesting!
Had some ephipanies - in New Zealand and got rid of some baggage. It was about people I've clung on to for too long, hoping, longing for them to be more to me than they were. I realised on a bleak day in Rotorua, whilst wandering around the bubbling geysers that it was time to realise some people are never going to be there for you in any way shape or form. It became obvious just how rubbish they really were - for me! And all of a sudden I was mortified by how long I had been clinging on hoping for crumbs. Pathetic. It was liberating, because this is the kind of backpack that weighs you down more than anything.
I also went to a spa in Thailand for two weeks, which helped with everything.
More soon.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sliding into winter
Sat at the kitchen table, sipping ginger tea, reading the News, checking out Facebook. Have Radio 2 on, just heard a weather report of heavy snow around the Hole of Horcum (aka the Devil's Punchbowl) and that the road between Pickering and Whitby is unpassable. Winter is arriving it seems.
I am off work, as my new job working for the Forestry Commission is dependent on the weather and it's been too wet.
Lovely to be at home on such a miserable, cold wet day.
Making a Vegetable Pie, which is going to be a mixture of chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, mushrooms, onions, celery, leeks, in a garlicky, cheese sauce topped by pastry.
Saturday night was really good. Lost half a stone which made me feel better. Loved my dress and the way it made me feel. Because it wasn't clingy, apart from more fitted around the chest, it flowed over my stomach (my problem area!) and I never felt fat once.
Had my hair high lighted in the morning. The evening flew, but then it always does. Went to a friends for drinks, with a few other people. They have a big, cosy, horsey household.
My friends L & S were trying to set me up with one of their acquaintances, which I kind of appreciated. Not sure about him. Funny how I don't think of myself as a gold digger, but I liked hearing about his business and what he did/had etc. I think it's less to do with being rich, more about security. He seemed nice enough, but a real country type, into his hunting big time. He had massive hands, the thickest fingers I've ever seen. Heavy, dark sort of looks.
Dinner was a Smoked Salmon & Prawn Terrine, Mushroom Ravioli for me (being a veggie), then Sticky Toffee Pudding, then coffee and chocolates.
Music was good, great to dance, everyone does, it's always really infectious.
E & L had problems controlling their husbands from flirting with other girls and gambling at the Casino afterwards. I watched in bemusement and thought to myself how I love being free.
I am off work, as my new job working for the Forestry Commission is dependent on the weather and it's been too wet.
Lovely to be at home on such a miserable, cold wet day.
Making a Vegetable Pie, which is going to be a mixture of chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, mushrooms, onions, celery, leeks, in a garlicky, cheese sauce topped by pastry.
Saturday night was really good. Lost half a stone which made me feel better. Loved my dress and the way it made me feel. Because it wasn't clingy, apart from more fitted around the chest, it flowed over my stomach (my problem area!) and I never felt fat once.
Had my hair high lighted in the morning. The evening flew, but then it always does. Went to a friends for drinks, with a few other people. They have a big, cosy, horsey household.
My friends L & S were trying to set me up with one of their acquaintances, which I kind of appreciated. Not sure about him. Funny how I don't think of myself as a gold digger, but I liked hearing about his business and what he did/had etc. I think it's less to do with being rich, more about security. He seemed nice enough, but a real country type, into his hunting big time. He had massive hands, the thickest fingers I've ever seen. Heavy, dark sort of looks.
Dinner was a Smoked Salmon & Prawn Terrine, Mushroom Ravioli for me (being a veggie), then Sticky Toffee Pudding, then coffee and chocolates.
Music was good, great to dance, everyone does, it's always really infectious.
E & L had problems controlling their husbands from flirting with other girls and gambling at the Casino afterwards. I watched in bemusement and thought to myself how I love being free.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
These long winter nights
I love long winter nights, just so long as I have a good book in hand or a film to watch.
All I have tonight is the roaring fire.
There is no delightful snack or dinner, just a cup of vegetable soup. My homemade vegetable soup with ginger and garlic is good and filling, just not the carb fest that I'd really love.
Usually there is something I want to read or watch just not tonight.
Peaceful though, curling up on the sofa, with just Hillary the cat, snoozing away in the room.
Tomorrow going to my sister's to spend the day with her as not working. I will look after her children while she rides, have lunch, and we might watch some films in the afternoon and perhaps have a little tot of the Christmas Baileys. The weather is supposed to be awful so will be nice to stay inside.
At work today, was gazing out of the window into the beautiful valley beyond, with the lawn and trees in the foreground, mesmerised by a stoat that was tearing round like a thing possessed. Think it had a mouse, it was going beserk, looked insanely happy or just mad. Never seen anything like it.
My friend C's 35th birthday on Friday. Going to a chinese restaurant for lunch & I am making her a chocolate birthday cake. Funny, as I remember her 17th birthday, have a very clear recollection of a Friday morning, at sixth form, sitting next to her in our English literature class.
Have come to the terrible realisation that while my cakes taste good, they often look like an 8 year old has decorated them. I am trying to improve on this and aim for a bit more sophistication. To this end I have brought ready to roll white icing and a gold ribbon to put around the base. Nice, tall, slim pale pink candles and some chocolate writing icing. Fingers crossed.
All I have tonight is the roaring fire.
There is no delightful snack or dinner, just a cup of vegetable soup. My homemade vegetable soup with ginger and garlic is good and filling, just not the carb fest that I'd really love.
Usually there is something I want to read or watch just not tonight.
Peaceful though, curling up on the sofa, with just Hillary the cat, snoozing away in the room.
Tomorrow going to my sister's to spend the day with her as not working. I will look after her children while she rides, have lunch, and we might watch some films in the afternoon and perhaps have a little tot of the Christmas Baileys. The weather is supposed to be awful so will be nice to stay inside.
At work today, was gazing out of the window into the beautiful valley beyond, with the lawn and trees in the foreground, mesmerised by a stoat that was tearing round like a thing possessed. Think it had a mouse, it was going beserk, looked insanely happy or just mad. Never seen anything like it.
My friend C's 35th birthday on Friday. Going to a chinese restaurant for lunch & I am making her a chocolate birthday cake. Funny, as I remember her 17th birthday, have a very clear recollection of a Friday morning, at sixth form, sitting next to her in our English literature class.
Have come to the terrible realisation that while my cakes taste good, they often look like an 8 year old has decorated them. I am trying to improve on this and aim for a bit more sophistication. To this end I have brought ready to roll white icing and a gold ribbon to put around the base. Nice, tall, slim pale pink candles and some chocolate writing icing. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
November
Got put off detailing what I eat every day in this blog. Just as well probably.
Trying though to not eat too much, as have this black tie thing in two weeks time.
Ordered a midnight blue dress from Fenn Wright Manson, hope it fits.
Spent a lovely weekend in Manchester catching up with one of my oldest friends and her husband.
We:
watched a cookery demonstration in John Lewis
shopped in the Trafford Centre
had pizza for lunch - blue cheese and mushroom
ate tuna steak, sweet potato and asparagus for dinner, then had a blissful night watching X factor, Strictly, the interview with Susan Boyle and Pillars of the Earth. K wanted to go out to this new bar in Altringham, but so glad we stayed in.
On Sun, watched The Social Network, very interesting, can't get over how unlikeable Mark Zuckerberg was in it. Went to GBK for lunch. Love those aubergine and goat's cheese burgers. Loved going to the cinema, hardly ever do it now I'm not in London.
Starting a new job next week. Saving cash for travel plan is going ok, on track.
Trying though to not eat too much, as have this black tie thing in two weeks time.
Ordered a midnight blue dress from Fenn Wright Manson, hope it fits.
Spent a lovely weekend in Manchester catching up with one of my oldest friends and her husband.
We:
watched a cookery demonstration in John Lewis
shopped in the Trafford Centre
had pizza for lunch - blue cheese and mushroom
ate tuna steak, sweet potato and asparagus for dinner, then had a blissful night watching X factor, Strictly, the interview with Susan Boyle and Pillars of the Earth. K wanted to go out to this new bar in Altringham, but so glad we stayed in.
On Sun, watched The Social Network, very interesting, can't get over how unlikeable Mark Zuckerberg was in it. Went to GBK for lunch. Love those aubergine and goat's cheese burgers. Loved going to the cinema, hardly ever do it now I'm not in London.
Starting a new job next week. Saving cash for travel plan is going ok, on track.
Monday, November 1, 2010
20 day food diary
Busy with work at the moment, trying to eat v low carb for next few weeks, due to black tie thing and dress to shoe horn self into. Thought I'd jot down here what I'm eating to keep track of it.
half a grapefruit
10 almonds
prawn salad
vegetable soup
1 breakaway
half a grapefruit
10 almonds
prawn salad
vegetable soup
1 breakaway
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday morning lie in
No work today, hopefully tomorrow will be back to the 12 hour days, 7.30am starts.
I love having a glass of red wine on a Sunday night, dinner, watching telly till lateish knowing that I can get up in the morning when I want.
Then, a leisurely breakfast of toast and coffee. Now and again I like toast with some sort of savoury spread; marmite, mushroom pate, cheese and onion mayo spread, especially if I'm working. The idea is to have a good breakfast then eat less throughout the day - culminating in a cup of watercress soup for tea.
Learnt an interesting thing about coffee in Stella one Sunday. I brew my own coffee and if you grind a sprinkle of sea salt into the grounds, apparently this takes away any bitterness. Once in a while I do this, and it does taste nicer, although it seems rather naughty.
Popped into Scarborough for some winter boots. Meant to get almost knee high ones, ended up getting ankle boots, in a size 3 from Top Shop. Big heel, pretty cute, quite pleased with them.
Lovely, brisk, mellow light, Autumnal day, but the sun was very low in the sky, driving home. I was dazzled.
Was wondering if I'll meet anyone when I go travelling. And if I will ever get married or have children.
It won't kill me if I don't ever have children, but I would like some sort of long term companion. Andy is fun, but that's it. I cannot take him seriously.
The thought of internet dating gives me the heebie jeebies. Ocasionally I think of it, then the reality of putting myself out there and being judged again puts me right off. It sometimes made me feel like a cob trying to enter a show hunter class. I felt happy enough with myself, but hated the thought of anyone else judging me for my looks, job, weight, hobbies, funny little ways, speech. Urgh.
Anyway, my focus is on planning my year of travel.
I love having a glass of red wine on a Sunday night, dinner, watching telly till lateish knowing that I can get up in the morning when I want.
Then, a leisurely breakfast of toast and coffee. Now and again I like toast with some sort of savoury spread; marmite, mushroom pate, cheese and onion mayo spread, especially if I'm working. The idea is to have a good breakfast then eat less throughout the day - culminating in a cup of watercress soup for tea.
Learnt an interesting thing about coffee in Stella one Sunday. I brew my own coffee and if you grind a sprinkle of sea salt into the grounds, apparently this takes away any bitterness. Once in a while I do this, and it does taste nicer, although it seems rather naughty.
Popped into Scarborough for some winter boots. Meant to get almost knee high ones, ended up getting ankle boots, in a size 3 from Top Shop. Big heel, pretty cute, quite pleased with them.
Lovely, brisk, mellow light, Autumnal day, but the sun was very low in the sky, driving home. I was dazzled.
Was wondering if I'll meet anyone when I go travelling. And if I will ever get married or have children.
It won't kill me if I don't ever have children, but I would like some sort of long term companion. Andy is fun, but that's it. I cannot take him seriously.
The thought of internet dating gives me the heebie jeebies. Ocasionally I think of it, then the reality of putting myself out there and being judged again puts me right off. It sometimes made me feel like a cob trying to enter a show hunter class. I felt happy enough with myself, but hated the thought of anyone else judging me for my looks, job, weight, hobbies, funny little ways, speech. Urgh.
Anyway, my focus is on planning my year of travel.
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