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.

Where am I?

View from the balcony

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!