So I'm back at University at the end of a busy summer! Currently applying for placements and trying to keep on top of work as well as enjoying the.. ahem... social aspects of uni. Thinking about the next place to tick off from my travelling wish list.. maybe South America? Or more of Asia? I've heard lots of nice things about Indonesia.
I have finally decided to opt for a placement year rather than study abroad, although I would still love to live in Shanghai at some point!
I've managed to get a job so hopefully I can start saving for the next lot of journeying, and resist the temptation to spend it on clothes (like my beautifully dressed housemates do). Although I think I may give myself a winter wardrobe makeover, I need to get some stylish-yet-cosy pieces to keep up with the rest of the edgy people that seem to be strolling around campus these days!
Stumble Upon Paradise...
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Monday, 12 August 2013
Croatia!
I have arrived back from Croatia, after a week soaking up the sun, seeing the sights and swimming in the wonderfully clear sea.
I stayed in a small town called Stikovica, a few kilometres from the beautiful old town of Dubrovnik, which is still standing despite the heavy attack it faced during the nineties.
There is plenty to do once you've dawdled around the winding alleyways and streets of Grad (the old town), admiring the architecture and poking your nose into the several shops, galleries and ice cream parlours (serving some of the best ice cream I've had- try the coconut!) in the scorching heat.
If you venture outside of the old town, you will be bombarded by people in orange or blue t-shirts encouraging you to try sea-kayaking (it's an adventure, but exhausting!)
You could take a ferry or go on a boat trip to one of several islands in the vicinity, such as the beautiful Lokrum Island. There, you can explore and hike, go to the nudist beach (if you fancy!), swim in the salt lake and see the peacocks. Or even just kick back and enjoy some live music at the outdoor snack bar.
If you take the cable car in Dubrovnik you get a wonderful bird's eye view of the city and you can relax in the Panorama restaurant at the top or look around the museum.
There are many museums if you are interested in the historical aspects of Dubrovnik. However, if not, there are loads of restaurants (which for some weird reason, the majority of have identical menus so be prepared to eat pizza, fish or meat). My personal favourite was the Steakhouse where I shared the house platter for two- the pizza is also top-notch wherever you go. Restaurant Mimosa, just outside of the Old City is very good too; although it didn't seem busy, the food was really tasty and a nice variation from most other places.
You MUST walk long the city walls, as there is a great view of the city, but make sure you go in the morning or evening as it's scorching at midday.
There is a nice park just outside of the old city and you can get down to the coast there and swim in the sea; it is less crowded than Banje Beach (where all the tourists flock to).
Dubrovnik is a really beautiful place, yet to be spoiled by excessive tourism, although BEWARE of literally boat loads of tourists shipped in via cruises almost everyday which make exploring the old town a rather hot and stuffy affair. Trying to squeeze past them and their stickered and numbered parties of fifty or so is tiring, however a destination most certainly not to be missed.
I stayed in a small town called Stikovica, a few kilometres from the beautiful old town of Dubrovnik, which is still standing despite the heavy attack it faced during the nineties.
There is plenty to do once you've dawdled around the winding alleyways and streets of Grad (the old town), admiring the architecture and poking your nose into the several shops, galleries and ice cream parlours (serving some of the best ice cream I've had- try the coconut!) in the scorching heat.
If you venture outside of the old town, you will be bombarded by people in orange or blue t-shirts encouraging you to try sea-kayaking (it's an adventure, but exhausting!)
You could take a ferry or go on a boat trip to one of several islands in the vicinity, such as the beautiful Lokrum Island. There, you can explore and hike, go to the nudist beach (if you fancy!), swim in the salt lake and see the peacocks. Or even just kick back and enjoy some live music at the outdoor snack bar.
If you take the cable car in Dubrovnik you get a wonderful bird's eye view of the city and you can relax in the Panorama restaurant at the top or look around the museum.
There are many museums if you are interested in the historical aspects of Dubrovnik. However, if not, there are loads of restaurants (which for some weird reason, the majority of have identical menus so be prepared to eat pizza, fish or meat). My personal favourite was the Steakhouse where I shared the house platter for two- the pizza is also top-notch wherever you go. Restaurant Mimosa, just outside of the Old City is very good too; although it didn't seem busy, the food was really tasty and a nice variation from most other places.
You MUST walk long the city walls, as there is a great view of the city, but make sure you go in the morning or evening as it's scorching at midday.
There is a nice park just outside of the old city and you can get down to the coast there and swim in the sea; it is less crowded than Banje Beach (where all the tourists flock to).
Dubrovnik is a really beautiful place, yet to be spoiled by excessive tourism, although BEWARE of literally boat loads of tourists shipped in via cruises almost everyday which make exploring the old town a rather hot and stuffy affair. Trying to squeeze past them and their stickered and numbered parties of fifty or so is tiring, however a destination most certainly not to be missed.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Friday, 2 August 2013
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Phuket and the southern islands
After completing our tiring trek in Chiang Mai, we spent a few more days there doing various things like getting a Thai massage (ouchie!), visiting the markets and drinking at Zoe's bar (a must for all backpackers). Then we were off again to Phuket, a.k.a tourist central.
Personally, the region of Phuket we stayed in was rather over-visited, with the beaches covered in litter and loafing tourists baking themselves under the summer sun.
I would recommend instead to spend some time getting ferries between islands in the Krabi region, such as the famous Phi Phi island, as well as some of the more remote isles.
Ferries are fairly cheap and there is no need to book too far in advance as you will always find someone willing to sell you a ticket (or hotel room for that matter- so don't believe anyone that you MUST book or you won't find anywhere as it's simply not true).
Phi phi island was my personal favourite with no cars allowed on the island, narrow windy streets, and clean beaches. A man came to pick up our heavy bags in a cart shouting 'BEEP BEEP' at anyone who dared get in his way, after we found a room for the night.
There was lots to do besides exploring and watching the sunset from the top of the hillside. Boat trips, barbecues on the beach and clubs (namely Woody's) kept us entertained and I only wish I had spent more time on Phi Phi.
My highlight of the southern isles was the sunset snorkel trip we did from Ao Nang, we were torn between chartering a boat for the day (incredibly cheap) and taking part in an organised trip and in the end we decided to go with the later.
It was so much fun! We had amazing food, saw several islands, had a BBQ and eventually climbed into the pitch black waters after the sunset (petrifying!) and the plankton in the water started to glow!! (due to phosphorous I'm told)
All in all I had an amazing time in Thailand and although it was completely alien to the culture, the people were welcoming and friendly and even when being offered the opportunity to watch a ping pong show by some creepy old Thai tuk tuk drivers, I never felt unsafe. It is a great destination for the adventurous aswell as the more conservative, as there are plenty of things to keep anyone entertained.
Up, up and away
I was hoping to begin talking about China and about some local treasures before today. However, I have been very busy and the moment has arrived for me to jet off once again!
I am currently sat in an airport departure lounge. However, this time my destination won't be as far flung as Shanghai or Bangkok, but exciting none-the-less!
Where am I going? Wait and see!
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Jungle Trek and Tribes continued: Chiang Mai part 3
After being soaked by the locals, we climbed back into the jeep all soggy and headed to a spot for lunch where we had LOTS of rice before starting the hiking part of our trek.
Our starting point was near a waterfall so we admired the view before starting to climb the hilly terrain towards Karen village where we would be spending the night with the tribe. The walk seemed to go on and on due to the almost unbearable humidity under the cover of the trees.
Upon making it to the top of the slope, we were told about an ancient ritual to bring good luck by placing a leaf on top of a termite hill.
Eventually, after a few hours walking through woods and paddy fields, we made it to the village.
The tribes-people were adorned in their traditional dress and showcased some of the crafts they produced (they were for sale, surprise surprise... even remote hills tribes are becoming commercialised).
Our guide cooked us a traditional thai curry for tea and we ate under a small wooden shelter in the pouring rain.
After the rain stopped, a fire was made and we sat around as someone played guitar.
It was truly beautiful as you could see so many stars and hear insects and animals.
We were told the history of the tribe, how they migrated to Northern Thailand from Burma a few generations ago. The children are now in primary education and our tourguide was in fact part of the tribe. He showed us some of the games they used to play with sticks as children; puzzles that had to be solved in a set number of moves.
I went to sleep on a full stomach, in a bamboo hut with no floor/doors under a large mosquito canopy, feeling at awe and completely satisfied.
I was woken up early morning by the farm animals kept by the tribe and I watched the sun rise over the Thai forest.
Then we ate breakfast and got ready for the day ahead. Unfortunately, I had to go.. and when you've got to go, you've got to go..so I found the toilet/hole in the ground and had a really rural experience.
We trekked through the forest and came to a waterfall, where we had a rest and a swim.
Later in the afternoon, we had the chance to ride elephants! It seemed amazing, but I didn't really enjoy the ride as I thought it seemed cruel and also felt like I could fall off at any moment! The elephants are incredible though.
Overall, the trek was really worthwhile and although I am not the sportiest type, it was really good fun! I met some lovely people and it was an eye opening experience.
Our starting point was near a waterfall so we admired the view before starting to climb the hilly terrain towards Karen village where we would be spending the night with the tribe. The walk seemed to go on and on due to the almost unbearable humidity under the cover of the trees.
Upon making it to the top of the slope, we were told about an ancient ritual to bring good luck by placing a leaf on top of a termite hill.
Eventually, after a few hours walking through woods and paddy fields, we made it to the village.
The tribes-people were adorned in their traditional dress and showcased some of the crafts they produced (they were for sale, surprise surprise... even remote hills tribes are becoming commercialised).
Our guide cooked us a traditional thai curry for tea and we ate under a small wooden shelter in the pouring rain.
After the rain stopped, a fire was made and we sat around as someone played guitar.
It was truly beautiful as you could see so many stars and hear insects and animals.
We were told the history of the tribe, how they migrated to Northern Thailand from Burma a few generations ago. The children are now in primary education and our tourguide was in fact part of the tribe. He showed us some of the games they used to play with sticks as children; puzzles that had to be solved in a set number of moves.
I went to sleep on a full stomach, in a bamboo hut with no floor/doors under a large mosquito canopy, feeling at awe and completely satisfied.
I was woken up early morning by the farm animals kept by the tribe and I watched the sun rise over the Thai forest.
Then we ate breakfast and got ready for the day ahead. Unfortunately, I had to go.. and when you've got to go, you've got to go..so I found the toilet/hole in the ground and had a really rural experience.
We trekked through the forest and came to a waterfall, where we had a rest and a swim.
Later in the afternoon, we had the chance to ride elephants! It seemed amazing, but I didn't really enjoy the ride as I thought it seemed cruel and also felt like I could fall off at any moment! The elephants are incredible though.
Overall, the trek was really worthwhile and although I am not the sportiest type, it was really good fun! I met some lovely people and it was an eye opening experience.
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