Just across the sea on this world so round....

The sun's shining hot right now...(David Wilcox)

I'm not in the mood for writing today but I still have lots of photos to share. If you have never considered a visit to Thailand...perhaps these photos of the beach will tempt you. I can honestly say, that given the choice there are not many other places I'd rather be....

Merry Christmas folks!

Just a quick one before I enter two days of constant cooking...Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope none of you have been stranded from your love ones - I was so lucky touching down in Heathrow one day before snow chaos descended, otherwise I would now probably still be in transit in Delhi!

Anyway...like I said...just a quickie! Hope to catch up with you more soon!

Lots of Love and festive joy! xxx

India: a few tips/things to know...

Foreword: It has been a while since I have written. I did half-draft a lot of entries whilst I was away so I'm returning to these now to pop up. This is the first one I drafted....now I'm off to catch up with some of you! :) xxx

Okay...starting to draft this entry now whilst I have a few spare minutes in Bangkok...may even get to publish it... (and there will be more to follow I reckon as I have a fair bit to say and more photos)

India...

So many people say they LOVE it. Me? I'm not there yet. I really found it fascinating - it was a great challenge for solo girl traveller and a good confidence booster for someone who has problems being on her own...but it was a little stressful at times. I think I need to go back and experience more if I am totally honest...

You have to be alert. Traffic, people, noise, animals (dogs, monkeys, cattle, pigs, camels, birds, cats)...EVERYWHERE. I had anxiety dreams the night before I braved it out in Delhi on my own. You need to be tough. You need to barter with the autodrivers and if you go to Connaught Place in search of the official office of tourism...

a) Know where you are going

b) Trust no one (even if they lead you to a place that looks convincing with the correct sign)

c) Do not carry a map and if asked - you've been to India/Delhi at least 10 times before - even say you live there if need be.

Oh and...

d) Hiding out in MacDonalds to evade the touts and get some breathing space does not work either - they are in there too!

To be honest, if you do plan to go there...give the whole tourist office a miss. I finally got there and they were quoting me stupid prices for just 3 days of the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) - practically my whole 2 week budget. When...if you go online to Clear Trip you will find you can book train for just over a £1 one way to places such as Agra (Taj Mahal territory)!

Okay...that is second class sitting with every man and his dog...(and yes, I did do it and when I finally went a higher class to Shimla it was sooooo much better and more luxurious - free food!!!) but still...a hellavalot more bargainous compared to +£200.

Now...two more things...

If you can't stand squatting toilets...(or just plain filthy toilets for that matter)...maybe rethink your plans. Though I have to admit...squatting toilets on the train make a lot of sense compared to western ones. It is just a lot easier to do your business that way on a rickety train (just make sure you carry your own set of loo roll).

If you can't stand getting your feet dirty...don't wear flipflops...(they'll be black pretty quickly). I personally don't have a problem with this. I am a bit of a lover of free barefeet...(yeah and don't wear white...so much dust...)

Generally there is rubbish everywhere...(but who am I to criticise? Imagine what London must have been like during the Industrial revolution...)

Oh and maybe consider the rabies jab as well...just in case...I didn't but there are plenty of opportunities for leaping monkeys and hostile dogs...and I am told by my guides that the rabies antidote for those who have not had the shot before...is er...scarce!

Hmm...what else?If you are a light sleeper...take ear plugs (again I didn't have a problem with this but my hostess did). You will be awoken by the Muslim call to prayer at 5.30am...and if that doesn't get you - fireworks and bangers, tooting horns, dogs barking, monkeys screaming, horny pidgeons cooing...marching bands and singing at obscure wee hours...etc, etc...

Oh and expect Delhi belly (I bought over the counter antibiotics but I still feel a bit dodge here in Thailand)...some lurking parasite no doubt...

So erm...there are some tips...I realise they are a little negative -more specifics on places and experiences yet to come which will counterbalance this...Be back real soon! xxx

Travelling end is near?

So...it is almost the end of my travels. In three days time I fly home. It won't seem like that to you for a while as when I get home I shall put up lots of photos and musings but for me, the words 'back to reality' are lurking on my mind.

Back to...

London
Commuting
Winter
9-5 work
foreseeable stress...

But also back to...

Friends and family
Christmas!
Home and familiarity
(no more suitcase!)

So it was once...so it has always been. But I'm hoping that when I return to my old life, I will take fresh new perspectives, thoughts and ideas with me that I have acquired on my travels. I hope these will help me to reform and reshape things going forward for the better - I'm sure most travellers have had such aspirations in the past...I'm sure they will going forward.

I think travel is a very good thing. It is important to explore and see new places and learn new things. I think time out from the daily grind in a new environment, whilst it can be tough and challenging, is important for personal growth.

I've had a lot of time to think, talk, read...and all of it has been of some use. I still feel flighty as ever and unsettled and confusion still lurks on those darker days when my mood naturally deflates (for one cannot always be in a state of elation!) but I believe I have a few new insights and tools to tackle it...I hope!

I really want to talk to you about the book I am reading now too - A Book of Silence by Sara Maitland. I've had this book on my wish list for some time and I know some fellow bloggers have been talking about it and currently I am half way through but I already want to discuss some ideas it has thrown up that have got me thinking! So maybe that will be the next entry...

And I keep saying it, I seriously cannot wait to catch up with all of you! I've already had a little snoop at some of your latest entries (though not time to comment) and already you are fuelling me with ideas and thoughts too! :)

Next week all being well...xxx

A sigh of happiness...

I know, I know...photos to come! Just wanted to blog quickly again from this internet cafe I am currently in.

So...I'm on the island of Koh Chang. It is my last beach day. Tomorrow I head to Rayong to visit some friends and then onwards to Bangkok and finally home for Christmas.

Thailand has been an amazing way to finish this year. It truly has. Tonight I watched a beautiful sunset on the beach, had a phenomenal massage - the lady picked up on my RSI without me telling her and really worked at the problem areas - and a most delicious dinner of a half roast bbq chicken with my favourite new Thai side dish - papaya salad (raw papaya) and a Tiger beer. Oh and I did this all on my own and enjoyed my own company.

I feel very content. And more so because this time last year I was in despair as my five year relationship crashed down around my heels (Massive recommendation - always make sure you are doing something totally a wicked a year later after any traumatic experience - it makes you feel sooooo good).

I feel ready to take on London again and relaxed. And I think I've fallen totally and madly in love with Thailand so I think I may also be back here again pretty soon....

Anyway...let's hope this good feeling lasts! Be speaking to you all again real soon! Much love xxx

Okay...a few photos whilst I have a quick minute...

Kids in the nearby Delhi slum...I went here to draw some robots with a few of them...
In the grounds of Humayan's tomb...
A local band play at Dilli Haat market...
Kids play in the ruins at Hauz Khas on the first day I went out in Delhi...
A construction site I noticed as I journeyed to the metro station in the district I was staying in - Malviya Nagar...

More to come! xxx