Day 46 Hoi An to Hue
We had to leave at 8am after about 4 hours sleep and we planned to sleep on the bus, however, it went over the mountains and so it was pretty much impossible to sleep. We then had lunch which was average. We then did a supermarket run and bought the usual rubbishy food. I'm dying for raspberries and strawberries. I then did some photo uploading, chilled for a bit, had dinner and watched desperate housewives before bed. We were told we weren't there long enough to do any cultural stuff... BYE.x
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Vietnam Update
Day 45 Hoi An
Today was a bit of a lazy day, we stayed at the other hotel last night as that's where we were dropped off and we got there about 4am and the guys had 3 beds in each room so they did some rearranging so we didn't have to go home by ourselves with the dodgy motorbike guys around. We left at 10.30am back to our hotel and had a quick sleep and went for an early lunch at Cargo once again and did a spot of shopping. The weather wasn't so nice and we were completely run down so we went back and slept for a few hours before going out for dinner. We went to our fave hangout with the little cushion room and the guys were there too so we had another good night with everyone, all the guys are so much fun it's brilliant. We thought that this was the last night we'd be seeing the ones who are finishing in Vietnam but turns out we have one more night which is our last night in Vietnam in Hanoi. Another late night. BYE.x
Today was a bit of a lazy day, we stayed at the other hotel last night as that's where we were dropped off and we got there about 4am and the guys had 3 beds in each room so they did some rearranging so we didn't have to go home by ourselves with the dodgy motorbike guys around. We left at 10.30am back to our hotel and had a quick sleep and went for an early lunch at Cargo once again and did a spot of shopping. The weather wasn't so nice and we were completely run down so we went back and slept for a few hours before going out for dinner. We went to our fave hangout with the little cushion room and the guys were there too so we had another good night with everyone, all the guys are so much fun it's brilliant. We thought that this was the last night we'd be seeing the ones who are finishing in Vietnam but turns out we have one more night which is our last night in Vietnam in Hanoi. Another late night. BYE.x
Vietnam Update
Day 44 Hoi An
This morning we went to My Son (pronounced more like meezon) in the morning which is an ancient collection of temples from 1,400 years ago, however, it was very disappointing. Basically, the Vietnam war meant that the American bombs have practically ruined it and there's not really anything there, it's a lot of piles of bricks and very small parts that are intact which is a bit rubbish and it's in the style that all the Angkor architecture is but after seeing Angkor there's no comparison from anything else. Plus for some reason no one is upkeeping the site and plants ate growing all over the ruins, some so much so that it looks like part lf the countryside hills with no telling there's buildings underneath. We got back at around 11am and went to the rooftop swimming pool where we had a nice sunbathe because it was beautiful weather and we went in the pool a few times too. I caught some sun which was nice. Heidi and I then ate at Cargo, our new regular hang out for food. We saw the guys from the other group in town as they had just arrived, they suggested that we all go on a sunset river cruise together which was a really lovely idea so we agreed to meet a couple of hours later. I went to have my dress fitting at Mr Xe, amazingly despite tailoring it for me it's still really quite tight, particularly on the chest area which us a bit annoying but they said it was okay and I didn't want them to ruin it as I imagine making it bigger wouldn't be as easy as taking it in a bit. I'll figure it out. It's a beautiful dress all the same. We popped back to the hotel for a quick change of clothes and bug spraying before our sunset river cruise. We met up with the other group at a nice little wine bar and had some drinks (I still haven't taken to alcohol, still doesn't appeal to me) before heading to the boat. It was really great fun or heaps of fun as the Aussies would say. The boat man let all the guys have a go at driving which was funny and it was good getting to know the guys and everyone had fun. When we finished the boat ride at 6.15pm it was still over an hour until our dinners and so we showed them the bar where we would be meeting later that evening for a little get together. While everyone was there Heidi came with me to pick up Elly's dress from the tailor, when we went back to the bar the boys made me put it on to show everyone and they all really liked it (Heidi and I designed it and I got L to choose the colour) so hopefully L will like it! We then went for a meal at a Vietnamese restaurant (no foreign cuisine) which was interesting... We then went back to the bar with the guys and it was the best night of the trip so far (the Indochina Discovery trip not the whole thing), so much fun! They are hilarious. Unfortunately at the end of the night I was mugged but it was okay, only money was taken and we were still with 4 guys and a lot of other guys around and the guys stopped the situation escalating to become violent. Even though they were at a different hotel to us they took us all home. Despite that it was still one of the best nights. BYE.x
P.S. please don't worry about me it wasn't as scary or bad as it may sound, I'm alright and I'm as cautious as one can be :)
This morning we went to My Son (pronounced more like meezon) in the morning which is an ancient collection of temples from 1,400 years ago, however, it was very disappointing. Basically, the Vietnam war meant that the American bombs have practically ruined it and there's not really anything there, it's a lot of piles of bricks and very small parts that are intact which is a bit rubbish and it's in the style that all the Angkor architecture is but after seeing Angkor there's no comparison from anything else. Plus for some reason no one is upkeeping the site and plants ate growing all over the ruins, some so much so that it looks like part lf the countryside hills with no telling there's buildings underneath. We got back at around 11am and went to the rooftop swimming pool where we had a nice sunbathe because it was beautiful weather and we went in the pool a few times too. I caught some sun which was nice. Heidi and I then ate at Cargo, our new regular hang out for food. We saw the guys from the other group in town as they had just arrived, they suggested that we all go on a sunset river cruise together which was a really lovely idea so we agreed to meet a couple of hours later. I went to have my dress fitting at Mr Xe, amazingly despite tailoring it for me it's still really quite tight, particularly on the chest area which us a bit annoying but they said it was okay and I didn't want them to ruin it as I imagine making it bigger wouldn't be as easy as taking it in a bit. I'll figure it out. It's a beautiful dress all the same. We popped back to the hotel for a quick change of clothes and bug spraying before our sunset river cruise. We met up with the other group at a nice little wine bar and had some drinks (I still haven't taken to alcohol, still doesn't appeal to me) before heading to the boat. It was really great fun or heaps of fun as the Aussies would say. The boat man let all the guys have a go at driving which was funny and it was good getting to know the guys and everyone had fun. When we finished the boat ride at 6.15pm it was still over an hour until our dinners and so we showed them the bar where we would be meeting later that evening for a little get together. While everyone was there Heidi came with me to pick up Elly's dress from the tailor, when we went back to the bar the boys made me put it on to show everyone and they all really liked it (Heidi and I designed it and I got L to choose the colour) so hopefully L will like it! We then went for a meal at a Vietnamese restaurant (no foreign cuisine) which was interesting... We then went back to the bar with the guys and it was the best night of the trip so far (the Indochina Discovery trip not the whole thing), so much fun! They are hilarious. Unfortunately at the end of the night I was mugged but it was okay, only money was taken and we were still with 4 guys and a lot of other guys around and the guys stopped the situation escalating to become violent. Even though they were at a different hotel to us they took us all home. Despite that it was still one of the best nights. BYE.x
P.S. please don't worry about me it wasn't as scary or bad as it may sound, I'm alright and I'm as cautious as one can be :)
Vietnam Update
Day 43 Hoi An
We arrived in Hoi An at around 10.30am and went to our rooms to freshen up before going out for brunch at a restaurant called Cargo. The restaurant was really good, it had a lot of choice and a lot of western food which is great. We had an orientation walk which was good, we were shown the best places to have tailored clothes/ shoes made and the best Spa in town as well as the riverfront and the old town. After the walk Heidi and I went to order me a tailor made dress from Mr Xe, one of the places we were shown. I showed him a picture that I had taken of me on my phone of a dress I had tried on back home and asked if he could make it and he said yes so I got measured up and had an appointment for the next day when it would be ready. Heidi and I then decided we would go back to the Spa and have our nails done and a full body Swedish massage each. It was amazing. The massage was soooo good!! I could definitely get used to having them! Our skin felt so smooth after as well because of the nice oils they used. We felt really relaxed after our hours of pampering. We then went back to the hotel to chill for a bit but on the way I couldn't help but look at all the dresses and so I got one tailored for Elly and another one for me for the cruise. We had dinner at what would have been a nice place if they hadn't added flour to my mashed potato which made it all horrible and doughy and when you put it in your mouth it stuck your mouth together... other than that, brilliant. We got invited out by the group who are one day ahead of us - nice but they are just 3 girls.. I've had enough girl company to last me a life time, I don't need anymore, they were boring anyway. We went to a nice bar which had this big mattress room with lots of pillows which was lovely and so Heidi and I hid away in our new found cubby hole. Then we were invited to a beach party when the bar closed with a free shuttle bus, turned out that the only people there were those who'd been on the shuttle bus and once again it was like 15 girls and 1 guy and they were all boring anyway so Heidi, Sophie, Sarah and I went home. However, the next day the boys would be arriving and we had plans with them to go out. BYE.x
We arrived in Hoi An at around 10.30am and went to our rooms to freshen up before going out for brunch at a restaurant called Cargo. The restaurant was really good, it had a lot of choice and a lot of western food which is great. We had an orientation walk which was good, we were shown the best places to have tailored clothes/ shoes made and the best Spa in town as well as the riverfront and the old town. After the walk Heidi and I went to order me a tailor made dress from Mr Xe, one of the places we were shown. I showed him a picture that I had taken of me on my phone of a dress I had tried on back home and asked if he could make it and he said yes so I got measured up and had an appointment for the next day when it would be ready. Heidi and I then decided we would go back to the Spa and have our nails done and a full body Swedish massage each. It was amazing. The massage was soooo good!! I could definitely get used to having them! Our skin felt so smooth after as well because of the nice oils they used. We felt really relaxed after our hours of pampering. We then went back to the hotel to chill for a bit but on the way I couldn't help but look at all the dresses and so I got one tailored for Elly and another one for me for the cruise. We had dinner at what would have been a nice place if they hadn't added flour to my mashed potato which made it all horrible and doughy and when you put it in your mouth it stuck your mouth together... other than that, brilliant. We got invited out by the group who are one day ahead of us - nice but they are just 3 girls.. I've had enough girl company to last me a life time, I don't need anymore, they were boring anyway. We went to a nice bar which had this big mattress room with lots of pillows which was lovely and so Heidi and I hid away in our new found cubby hole. Then we were invited to a beach party when the bar closed with a free shuttle bus, turned out that the only people there were those who'd been on the shuttle bus and once again it was like 15 girls and 1 guy and they were all boring anyway so Heidi, Sophie, Sarah and I went home. However, the next day the boys would be arriving and we had plans with them to go out. BYE.x
Vietnam Update
Day 42 Nha Trang
Today we had a free day to do what we wanted so Heidi and I decided to go to Vinpearl island (the others couldn't spare $15 from their budgets but they missed out big time). To get to the island you have to go on the world's longest cable car over salt water which was really cool. The island is just one big resort, it has a few luxury hotels including one with a 3.5km2 swimming pool, a waterpark, an aquarium, rollercoasters, swimming pools, white sand beaches, a games arcade, shopping mall and restaurants. It was such a good day out, Heidi and I had such a good time, it was nice to have a break from everyone too. We spent a lot of the day floating around the lazy river in a double rubber ring soaking up the rays. It must have been at least 2km long as it went round the whole waterpark complex and you could get in and out to take you to the next slides or pools so you didn't have to walk. The aquarium was really cool too as you got on to a conveyor belt to take you through a massive tunnel so the fish go over your head and by your sides. It was a really good day and so much fun. We then had to catch an overnight train which we were told was the worst overnight one we would be doing and it was. The train was dirty for a start but also some people had been using our cabin prior to us boarding at 9pm and they hadn't changed the sheets, covers or pillows and they hadn't cleaned it either as there were bits of food all over the floor and rubbish everywhere and considering this train has a rat and cockroach problem it wasn't good. One of the girls spotted a rat at about 11.30pm just as we wanted to sleep so that wasn't very nice, we moved all our important stuff off of the floor. There was also lots of baby cockroaches, the other girls were very squeemish but I wasn't fussed as India was 100000 times worse when it comes to bugs and they were only tiny here. No annoying phonecall lady at 3am this time but we kept waking up every couple of hours because it wasn't a very nice place to sleep and we had to leave lights on because of the bugs and stuff. BYE.x
Today we had a free day to do what we wanted so Heidi and I decided to go to Vinpearl island (the others couldn't spare $15 from their budgets but they missed out big time). To get to the island you have to go on the world's longest cable car over salt water which was really cool. The island is just one big resort, it has a few luxury hotels including one with a 3.5km2 swimming pool, a waterpark, an aquarium, rollercoasters, swimming pools, white sand beaches, a games arcade, shopping mall and restaurants. It was such a good day out, Heidi and I had such a good time, it was nice to have a break from everyone too. We spent a lot of the day floating around the lazy river in a double rubber ring soaking up the rays. It must have been at least 2km long as it went round the whole waterpark complex and you could get in and out to take you to the next slides or pools so you didn't have to walk. The aquarium was really cool too as you got on to a conveyor belt to take you through a massive tunnel so the fish go over your head and by your sides. It was a really good day and so much fun. We then had to catch an overnight train which we were told was the worst overnight one we would be doing and it was. The train was dirty for a start but also some people had been using our cabin prior to us boarding at 9pm and they hadn't changed the sheets, covers or pillows and they hadn't cleaned it either as there were bits of food all over the floor and rubbish everywhere and considering this train has a rat and cockroach problem it wasn't good. One of the girls spotted a rat at about 11.30pm just as we wanted to sleep so that wasn't very nice, we moved all our important stuff off of the floor. There was also lots of baby cockroaches, the other girls were very squeemish but I wasn't fussed as India was 100000 times worse when it comes to bugs and they were only tiny here. No annoying phonecall lady at 3am this time but we kept waking up every couple of hours because it wasn't a very nice place to sleep and we had to leave lights on because of the bugs and stuff. BYE.x
Vietnam Update
Day 41 Nha Trang
Today we had a beach day. We got a bus to a quiet beach about 20 minutes away and set up camp for the day. It was free food and drink all day which was good. We had a different dish come out almost every hour and it was really good. The beach was a bit flooded (yes I know a flooded beach sounds a bit strange) as there had been a lot of rain. We spent the whole day there so this is going to be a bit of a short blog entry... In the evening we went to a local restaurant where you get given a clay barbeque and cook your own food, however, I did not trust myself not to poison myself so I asked for something on the menu that you didn't have to cook yourself and that happened to be steak so that was good. Later we went to a beach club called the sailing club, it had a bar, club, restaurant and other things on the complex. It was a good night. BYE.x
Today we had a beach day. We got a bus to a quiet beach about 20 minutes away and set up camp for the day. It was free food and drink all day which was good. We had a different dish come out almost every hour and it was really good. The beach was a bit flooded (yes I know a flooded beach sounds a bit strange) as there had been a lot of rain. We spent the whole day there so this is going to be a bit of a short blog entry... In the evening we went to a local restaurant where you get given a clay barbeque and cook your own food, however, I did not trust myself not to poison myself so I asked for something on the menu that you didn't have to cook yourself and that happened to be steak so that was good. Later we went to a beach club called the sailing club, it had a bar, club, restaurant and other things on the complex. It was a good night. BYE.x
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Vietnam Update
Day 40 Ho Chi Minh City
Today we went to Cu Chi which was really cool because it was where a lot of fighting occurred in the Vietnam war. We saw the bunkers and tunnels they used during the war. We went down into the tunnels and crawled through them. We also saw a lot of the enemy traps they used and all the guerilla warfare tactics they used. You can also see lots of bomb craters from the American bombs. They had lots of little workshops in the bunkers with people showing how they made the army uniforms, the rubber sandals, the food that they ate, the weapons manufacturing etc. It gave a really good insight into the war. You could also fire an AK47 or other war guns on sight. We then watched a Vietnamese produced film from 1967 which was like anti-American propaganda, was really strange.. They were filming Vietnamese towns and cities looking idyllic and the voice over was saying that the Americans wanted to ruin the lovely life that people had for no reason and yeah I can't remember exactly but I remember thinking oh dear. It was very strange. They use it as teaching material in effect. So that was a really good trip. Then we went to ben ten market (that's how it's said but I don't know how it's spelt), it was like a maze, very small aisles and very busy. It was nice though. We then went to the Hard Rock Cafe for an early dinner before having to catch the overnight train. The train was really quite luxurious, it was like a mini hotel room with a TV. I slept really well except for the Vietnamese woman in our room who started making loud phonecalls at 3am. BYE.x
Today we went to Cu Chi which was really cool because it was where a lot of fighting occurred in the Vietnam war. We saw the bunkers and tunnels they used during the war. We went down into the tunnels and crawled through them. We also saw a lot of the enemy traps they used and all the guerilla warfare tactics they used. You can also see lots of bomb craters from the American bombs. They had lots of little workshops in the bunkers with people showing how they made the army uniforms, the rubber sandals, the food that they ate, the weapons manufacturing etc. It gave a really good insight into the war. You could also fire an AK47 or other war guns on sight. We then watched a Vietnamese produced film from 1967 which was like anti-American propaganda, was really strange.. They were filming Vietnamese towns and cities looking idyllic and the voice over was saying that the Americans wanted to ruin the lovely life that people had for no reason and yeah I can't remember exactly but I remember thinking oh dear. It was very strange. They use it as teaching material in effect. So that was a really good trip. Then we went to ben ten market (that's how it's said but I don't know how it's spelt), it was like a maze, very small aisles and very busy. It was nice though. We then went to the Hard Rock Cafe for an early dinner before having to catch the overnight train. The train was really quite luxurious, it was like a mini hotel room with a TV. I slept really well except for the Vietnamese woman in our room who started making loud phonecalls at 3am. BYE.x
Vietnam Update
Day 39 Hai Chau to Ho Chi Minh City
We had a nice long sleep last night from 10.30pm so getting up at 7am wasn't a problem. We were very organised this morning and were ready by 7.10. We had breakfast before getting on to the bus for Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as some of you oldies will remember. We arrived late afternoon and then had a cyclo tour where we sat in this seat that looks like a cross between a wheelchair and a baby buggy and the guy cycles from behind. It was really good! You get a nice view sitting at the front and it was very relaxing. We then went for dinner which was a farewell one for Sarah and Erin who were finishing the tour today and a welcome to the new girls. On the way to dinner when we were walking along a pathway a motorbike came up behind one of the girls and the man grabbed her bag and slashed it with a knife, luckily when he pulled it she grabbed hold of it so when the strap was cut she still had all her stuff. Our tour leader had actually warned us that this could happen so we weren't too freaked out because we were aware that this could happen. After dinner we went to Fanny ice cream cafe which was nice. BYE.x
We had a nice long sleep last night from 10.30pm so getting up at 7am wasn't a problem. We were very organised this morning and were ready by 7.10. We had breakfast before getting on to the bus for Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as some of you oldies will remember. We arrived late afternoon and then had a cyclo tour where we sat in this seat that looks like a cross between a wheelchair and a baby buggy and the guy cycles from behind. It was really good! You get a nice view sitting at the front and it was very relaxing. We then went for dinner which was a farewell one for Sarah and Erin who were finishing the tour today and a welcome to the new girls. On the way to dinner when we were walking along a pathway a motorbike came up behind one of the girls and the man grabbed her bag and slashed it with a knife, luckily when he pulled it she grabbed hold of it so when the strap was cut she still had all her stuff. Our tour leader had actually warned us that this could happen so we weren't too freaked out because we were aware that this could happen. After dinner we went to Fanny ice cream cafe which was nice. BYE.x
Cambodia / Vietnam Update
Day 38 Sihanoukville to Hai Chau
I had pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast (this is probably the major highlight of activities today). We then got on a bus to the boarder. It was VERY bumpy, 3 hours of dirt track. I can't tell if it was the worst road so far as I don't know what's more annoying, the slow speed and banging of massively potholed roads or the fast speed and being thrown in every direction, flying out of your seat going over a bumpy sort of rollercoaster road.. made eating the packed lunch very difficult. We crossed the border by foot again and although our tour leader tried to avoid it, we were charged money because well they can or they won't let you through hmmm. We then got another bus for an hour to a small city which doesn't have anything to do but we stop for the night because Ho Chi Minh City is still another 8 hours away. I think we were going to do something but it rained so we just had dinner and went on a little walk. We then gathered in mine and Heidi's room so not to go to bed at 8pm. My legs are ridiculously itchy!!!!!! I have (at least) 17 bites on my right leg and 20 on my left and some have gone a bit crazy. Soooo painful. May I point out I had survived 5 weeks with only a single bite from India and then this! Anyway, it's nice to be sharing a room with Heidi now, verrrrry pleased! BYE.x
I had pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast (this is probably the major highlight of activities today). We then got on a bus to the boarder. It was VERY bumpy, 3 hours of dirt track. I can't tell if it was the worst road so far as I don't know what's more annoying, the slow speed and banging of massively potholed roads or the fast speed and being thrown in every direction, flying out of your seat going over a bumpy sort of rollercoaster road.. made eating the packed lunch very difficult. We crossed the border by foot again and although our tour leader tried to avoid it, we were charged money because well they can or they won't let you through hmmm. We then got another bus for an hour to a small city which doesn't have anything to do but we stop for the night because Ho Chi Minh City is still another 8 hours away. I think we were going to do something but it rained so we just had dinner and went on a little walk. We then gathered in mine and Heidi's room so not to go to bed at 8pm. My legs are ridiculously itchy!!!!!! I have (at least) 17 bites on my right leg and 20 on my left and some have gone a bit crazy. Soooo painful. May I point out I had survived 5 weeks with only a single bite from India and then this! Anyway, it's nice to be sharing a room with Heidi now, verrrrry pleased! BYE.x
Cambodia Update
Day 37 Sihanoukville
I got up this morning to go snorkelling. We met at a beach shack and had breakfast, however, it was overcast and the sea looked really rough so I decided against going. I went back to the hotel and just chilled. I phoned HSBC when the time difference meant that their '24 hour helpline' was open (their website states they have a 24 hour helpline from abroad which you can phone between 8am and 10pm or something). They are the most useless bunch of absolute -insert word here-. I will find out how to complain when I return, I will try to get some sort of compensation and I am closing the account ASAP. Never have I come across such a bunch of clowns. Anyway, moving on... The 3 girls who did go on the snorkelling trip came back having been drenched by the rain, an hour long boat journey back in rough seas and not having seen a single fish whilst snorkelling - I think I made an excellent decision. We had a late lunch and then went for a walk to find a supermarket and ATM. On the way we got given a leaflet for JJ's, a club on the beachfront.. Our tour leader told us there were no clubs here so we were quite excited about this or at least I was. We then went back to the hotel to be by the pool for a bit before going out for a meal. We saw the other GAP group who started a day later than us and they have 4 guys! Shameee. Although all the women looked old but we still think it would've been better if they joined the groups together. We then went back to our hotel as it hosts a really popular pub quiz on Monday nights. It was good fun, we came 3rd by a very small margin and if we'd played our joker (doubles your points on a certain round but you have to choose the round before any questions start) on a different round we would have won :) but the $1 entry fee per person goes to local charities which is cool. That finished just after 10pm and then we went to check out JJ's. It was really good fun, a lot of westerners and no young Cambodian women of negotiable affections.. you know what I mean.. That is what has been extremely noticeable in Cambodia, but in Sihanoukville it's with western men, old, grey, big bellied western men. So we stayed out until about 1.30am then sat by the beach chatting until 3 in the morning! Luckily despite an early start the next day we would be on a bus for 5 hours so would catch up on sleep then. BYE.x
I got up this morning to go snorkelling. We met at a beach shack and had breakfast, however, it was overcast and the sea looked really rough so I decided against going. I went back to the hotel and just chilled. I phoned HSBC when the time difference meant that their '24 hour helpline' was open (their website states they have a 24 hour helpline from abroad which you can phone between 8am and 10pm or something). They are the most useless bunch of absolute -insert word here-. I will find out how to complain when I return, I will try to get some sort of compensation and I am closing the account ASAP. Never have I come across such a bunch of clowns. Anyway, moving on... The 3 girls who did go on the snorkelling trip came back having been drenched by the rain, an hour long boat journey back in rough seas and not having seen a single fish whilst snorkelling - I think I made an excellent decision. We had a late lunch and then went for a walk to find a supermarket and ATM. On the way we got given a leaflet for JJ's, a club on the beachfront.. Our tour leader told us there were no clubs here so we were quite excited about this or at least I was. We then went back to the hotel to be by the pool for a bit before going out for a meal. We saw the other GAP group who started a day later than us and they have 4 guys! Shameee. Although all the women looked old but we still think it would've been better if they joined the groups together. We then went back to our hotel as it hosts a really popular pub quiz on Monday nights. It was good fun, we came 3rd by a very small margin and if we'd played our joker (doubles your points on a certain round but you have to choose the round before any questions start) on a different round we would have won :) but the $1 entry fee per person goes to local charities which is cool. That finished just after 10pm and then we went to check out JJ's. It was really good fun, a lot of westerners and no young Cambodian women of negotiable affections.. you know what I mean.. That is what has been extremely noticeable in Cambodia, but in Sihanoukville it's with western men, old, grey, big bellied western men. So we stayed out until about 1.30am then sat by the beach chatting until 3 in the morning! Luckily despite an early start the next day we would be on a bus for 5 hours so would catch up on sleep then. BYE.x
Cambodia Update
Day 36 Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
We left quite early this morning and had a 5 hour bus journey to Sihanoukville which is a lovely coastal resort in Cambodia. We arrived at the hotel at around lunch time and had lunch at the hotel restaurant by the pool which was nice. The hotel is relatively small and is run by an Australian couple so it had a very cosy feel to it and was very friendly. It was really hot and sunny weather so we thought we would take the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the beach as this was the first properly nice day we had seen since arriving in SEA (South East Asia). It was a really lovely beach and so we stayed there for most of the afternoon before coming back to the hotel and sitting round the pool for the rest of the afternoon. We then went to have a meal down on the beach and we stayed at the restaurant listening to music until quite late in the evening, it was rather relaxing. BYE.x
We left quite early this morning and had a 5 hour bus journey to Sihanoukville which is a lovely coastal resort in Cambodia. We arrived at the hotel at around lunch time and had lunch at the hotel restaurant by the pool which was nice. The hotel is relatively small and is run by an Australian couple so it had a very cosy feel to it and was very friendly. It was really hot and sunny weather so we thought we would take the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the beach as this was the first properly nice day we had seen since arriving in SEA (South East Asia). It was a really lovely beach and so we stayed there for most of the afternoon before coming back to the hotel and sitting round the pool for the rest of the afternoon. We then went to have a meal down on the beach and we stayed at the restaurant listening to music until quite late in the evening, it was rather relaxing. BYE.x
Cambodia Update
Day 35 Phnom Penh
Today we went to see S21 Tuol Sleng which was a high school before the regime of Pol Pot when it was then turned into a prison housing thousands of innocent Cambodians. The prison housed over 15,000 people during its time of operation and acted as a holding ground and torture chamber before they were sent to the killing fields. Only 7 people survived out of 15,000. Only 3 are still alive today and I met 2 of them at the prison. One pointed himself out in a picture and posed while we took photos and the other was just sitting quietly on a bench, when we went to talk to him he showed us a black and white passport style photograph of a lady. He did not speak English but we eventually worked out that it was his wife, then he pointed to the grave behind him, which is his wife's grave. This made me cry. It was really really sad. This man also was one of the few witnesses who testified at the Khmer Rouge trial to help get Duch prosecuted for genocide and crimes against humanity amongst other things. The prison has photographs all over the walls of the victims. It's very similar to Auschwitz except that they have the original torture weapons and artifacts just lying around in the prison cells and they have extremely graphic torture pictures on the wall and paintings by one of the people who survived of the torture which they endured. It was really disturbing and terribly upsetting. Next we went on to the killing fields. It's a very difficult place to be as it is a beautiful setting but the most horrific things happened there. As you walk along the pathways past the mass graves there are still teeth and bone fragments which stick out of the ground. The memorial building is a pretty building but when you look through the glass windows it's like a cabinet that stores the skulls and bones of those killed at the killing fields and so it's once again quite disturbing. Our local guide then showed us a photo of the man we had met earlier that day sitting by his wife's grave with another man. The other man in the photograph was one of Pol Pot's soldiers who was responsible for killing many many people (although he doesn't admit a number, apparently he regularly comes back to the killing fields to do press interviews and comes up with some rubbish that he only killed 5 people but he didn't know he was going to or something like that), the two sat next to each other in silence. I do not know how Bou Meng (the man we met) could sit next to a man who inflicted the torture he received and ultimately his wife too. The mood wasn't so good after today's excursion so we all went to the Central Market to do some retail therapy. It was really good. It's fun to bargain with them and they enjoy it too, I got some good stuff and this is where I bought Dad his Ray Bans! We then all went to have lunch together at a restaurant by the river and I had a burger which was really good - it was so nice to have beef after being in India for 2 weeks where there's no beef! We then met at this place called FCC which stands for foreigners country club or something. It was happy hour there and all drinks (even non-alcoholic for me) were half price which was good and I had an ice cream too. For dinner we then went for a meal at a local family's house. They have 30 people living in the house! The wife cooked us lots of food and many different dishes and it was actually quite amazing that I liked nearly all of it despite the fact that when I go to restaurants there's barely one thing that I would like! She cooked THE most amazing beef skewers, I had sooo many but they were sooooooooooo good! BYE.x
Today we went to see S21 Tuol Sleng which was a high school before the regime of Pol Pot when it was then turned into a prison housing thousands of innocent Cambodians. The prison housed over 15,000 people during its time of operation and acted as a holding ground and torture chamber before they were sent to the killing fields. Only 7 people survived out of 15,000. Only 3 are still alive today and I met 2 of them at the prison. One pointed himself out in a picture and posed while we took photos and the other was just sitting quietly on a bench, when we went to talk to him he showed us a black and white passport style photograph of a lady. He did not speak English but we eventually worked out that it was his wife, then he pointed to the grave behind him, which is his wife's grave. This made me cry. It was really really sad. This man also was one of the few witnesses who testified at the Khmer Rouge trial to help get Duch prosecuted for genocide and crimes against humanity amongst other things. The prison has photographs all over the walls of the victims. It's very similar to Auschwitz except that they have the original torture weapons and artifacts just lying around in the prison cells and they have extremely graphic torture pictures on the wall and paintings by one of the people who survived of the torture which they endured. It was really disturbing and terribly upsetting. Next we went on to the killing fields. It's a very difficult place to be as it is a beautiful setting but the most horrific things happened there. As you walk along the pathways past the mass graves there are still teeth and bone fragments which stick out of the ground. The memorial building is a pretty building but when you look through the glass windows it's like a cabinet that stores the skulls and bones of those killed at the killing fields and so it's once again quite disturbing. Our local guide then showed us a photo of the man we had met earlier that day sitting by his wife's grave with another man. The other man in the photograph was one of Pol Pot's soldiers who was responsible for killing many many people (although he doesn't admit a number, apparently he regularly comes back to the killing fields to do press interviews and comes up with some rubbish that he only killed 5 people but he didn't know he was going to or something like that), the two sat next to each other in silence. I do not know how Bou Meng (the man we met) could sit next to a man who inflicted the torture he received and ultimately his wife too. The mood wasn't so good after today's excursion so we all went to the Central Market to do some retail therapy. It was really good. It's fun to bargain with them and they enjoy it too, I got some good stuff and this is where I bought Dad his Ray Bans! We then all went to have lunch together at a restaurant by the river and I had a burger which was really good - it was so nice to have beef after being in India for 2 weeks where there's no beef! We then met at this place called FCC which stands for foreigners country club or something. It was happy hour there and all drinks (even non-alcoholic for me) were half price which was good and I had an ice cream too. For dinner we then went for a meal at a local family's house. They have 30 people living in the house! The wife cooked us lots of food and many different dishes and it was actually quite amazing that I liked nearly all of it despite the fact that when I go to restaurants there's barely one thing that I would like! She cooked THE most amazing beef skewers, I had sooo many but they were sooooooooooo good! BYE.x
Cambodia Update
Day 34 Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Today we had to leave the hotel at 12pm so we just had the morning to do as we pleased so on the advice of our tour leader we all went to have manicures and pedicures. It was really well done and only costed about £2. We then has lunch at western style cafe which was great as it was one of the few (if not the first) times I had had western food since being away. We then went back to the hotel and caught the local bus to Phnom Penh. The Cambodian roads have been a lot better than I had thought, it was one long straight dual carriageway thing for the whole 6 hours until the inner city. After arriving we had a quick change before having a tuc tuc orientation around the city for an hour and a half. We then went to a nice restaurant which was good! The free wifi continues! Every restaurant, cafe and hotel seems to have it. So, I discovered skype! With free wifi at the hotel and a skype app on my phone it now meant that I could phone home! Cheaply. BYE.x
Today we had to leave the hotel at 12pm so we just had the morning to do as we pleased so on the advice of our tour leader we all went to have manicures and pedicures. It was really well done and only costed about £2. We then has lunch at western style cafe which was great as it was one of the few (if not the first) times I had had western food since being away. We then went back to the hotel and caught the local bus to Phnom Penh. The Cambodian roads have been a lot better than I had thought, it was one long straight dual carriageway thing for the whole 6 hours until the inner city. After arriving we had a quick change before having a tuc tuc orientation around the city for an hour and a half. We then went to a nice restaurant which was good! The free wifi continues! Every restaurant, cafe and hotel seems to have it. So, I discovered skype! With free wifi at the hotel and a skype app on my phone it now meant that I could phone home! Cheaply. BYE.x
Cambodia Update
Day 33 Siem Reap
We woke up at 4.15am for a 4.45am start to see sunrise over Angkor Wat but it got cancelled as there was a big tropical storm and so there would be no visibility. We went back to sleep and would instead leave at 8.30am. We had a really good breakfast with these thick pancakes and maple syrup. We then headed to Angkor national park where there are lots of temples and buildings from ancient civilisation. The area is over 100km2 of UNESCO protected jungle. We first went to Ta Prohm also known as the jungle temple which is the main setting for Tombraider as well as a few other locations in the Angkor park. It was really cool. It had a very weird feel about it, kind of creepy with all the trees growing out of it but at the same time quite like a fairytale thing. We then went to Angkor wat which was really cool. After that we went for lunch before visiting Angkor Thom which was another temple thing, it had some cool statue things by the entrance. The architecture of all the buildings in the Angkor park is lovely. We then saw the terrace of elephants which was nice. Next we went to see the floating village. To get there we drove through a very low-lying area of Siem Reap and so it was really flooded and we saw all the children playing in the water and people cycling through with water up to their knees. We got on the boat to go through the floating village, it was really cool, very weird to see how they live on the water. We stopped off at one of the houses (it was large as they had a little cafe for visitors) and we saw their crocodile farm. They brought us out some drinks and a local delicacy - snake, as I hadn't tried anything 'adventurous' yet I tried it, needless to say I didn't like it. It tasted a bit like pepperoni but gross. We had a buffet dinner at a really large dining place which had a stage and you eat whilst they perform traditional Cambodian dancing called apsara. BYE.x
We woke up at 4.15am for a 4.45am start to see sunrise over Angkor Wat but it got cancelled as there was a big tropical storm and so there would be no visibility. We went back to sleep and would instead leave at 8.30am. We had a really good breakfast with these thick pancakes and maple syrup. We then headed to Angkor national park where there are lots of temples and buildings from ancient civilisation. The area is over 100km2 of UNESCO protected jungle. We first went to Ta Prohm also known as the jungle temple which is the main setting for Tombraider as well as a few other locations in the Angkor park. It was really cool. It had a very weird feel about it, kind of creepy with all the trees growing out of it but at the same time quite like a fairytale thing. We then went to Angkor wat which was really cool. After that we went for lunch before visiting Angkor Thom which was another temple thing, it had some cool statue things by the entrance. The architecture of all the buildings in the Angkor park is lovely. We then saw the terrace of elephants which was nice. Next we went to see the floating village. To get there we drove through a very low-lying area of Siem Reap and so it was really flooded and we saw all the children playing in the water and people cycling through with water up to their knees. We got on the boat to go through the floating village, it was really cool, very weird to see how they live on the water. We stopped off at one of the houses (it was large as they had a little cafe for visitors) and we saw their crocodile farm. They brought us out some drinks and a local delicacy - snake, as I hadn't tried anything 'adventurous' yet I tried it, needless to say I didn't like it. It tasted a bit like pepperoni but gross. We had a buffet dinner at a really large dining place which had a stage and you eat whilst they perform traditional Cambodian dancing called apsara. BYE.x
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Thailand/ Cambodia Update
Day 32 Bangkok to Siem Reap
Today we had an early start, up at 6am. The hotel had a really lush breakfast selection with lots of yummy pancakes and other nice stuff. We got on the bus and drove 4 hours to the border and crossed by foot with some guy wheeling along our luggage. Once we got to the other side we had 3 hours more of driving before we reached Siem Reap in Cambodia. The hotel was really nice, it had huge beds and free wifi and Internet cafe. We had a quick freshen up before heading to New Hope. New Hope was started by a tuc tuc driver who wanted to help children who couldn't afford school to get an education. I think it was started about 3 years ago with 20 pupils and now has over 500. They do such amazing work. The children simply do English lessons all the time with the exception of a couple of hours a week for maths and a couple for other subjects. They also have a health clinic there so the poor who can't afford treatment (treatment is only available up to the age of 14) can receive help. They are also in the process of setting up a trade school i.e. teaching to become plumbers, mechanics and electricians. Here we taught the children English which was so amazing. The enthusiasm they had was unbelievable and they really enjoyed themselves. I definitely want to volunteer teaching English either here or somewhere similar elsewhere in the world! They also have a restaurant at New Hope where the older pupils (about 20years old) are taught to cook and then they run the restaurant for GAP tour groups. It was really cool. I very much enjoyed this evening. BYE.x
Today we had an early start, up at 6am. The hotel had a really lush breakfast selection with lots of yummy pancakes and other nice stuff. We got on the bus and drove 4 hours to the border and crossed by foot with some guy wheeling along our luggage. Once we got to the other side we had 3 hours more of driving before we reached Siem Reap in Cambodia. The hotel was really nice, it had huge beds and free wifi and Internet cafe. We had a quick freshen up before heading to New Hope. New Hope was started by a tuc tuc driver who wanted to help children who couldn't afford school to get an education. I think it was started about 3 years ago with 20 pupils and now has over 500. They do such amazing work. The children simply do English lessons all the time with the exception of a couple of hours a week for maths and a couple for other subjects. They also have a health clinic there so the poor who can't afford treatment (treatment is only available up to the age of 14) can receive help. They are also in the process of setting up a trade school i.e. teaching to become plumbers, mechanics and electricians. Here we taught the children English which was so amazing. The enthusiasm they had was unbelievable and they really enjoyed themselves. I definitely want to volunteer teaching English either here or somewhere similar elsewhere in the world! They also have a restaurant at New Hope where the older pupils (about 20years old) are taught to cook and then they run the restaurant for GAP tour groups. It was really cool. I very much enjoyed this evening. BYE.x
Thailand Update
Day 31 Mumbai to Bangkok
Finally my flight exists and I'm ready to go! The security women said how beautiful I was.. Aw. I gave about £5 worth of rupees to a toilet attendent as you can't take them in or out of the country and it was too small to change back, I think it made her day. I got on the flight eventually after all the drama and despite it being 99% British people, I was next to the only Indian men on there.. They always intrude on my space. I went to sleep as it was early morning but I got woken up at 4am by the flight attendent giving me curry.. I ate it with my eyes half shut and went back to sleep. Arrived in BKK. I really am disappointed with these airport transfers. I booked a private transfer but I had to share a car, which is fine but I will be asking for a refund of half my money because that's not what I paid for and there were cheaper options for multiple people things. Also this time my private STA transfer just meant that some woman with a sign with my name on just walked out of the airport and waved down a taxi and sent us off.. I could have done that for a quarter of the price. When I arrived at the hotel it was really nice, I think definitely the poshest I've stayed at so far and it had a hairdryer!! You would not believe my excitement at having a hairdryer for the first time in 4 and a half weeks! The room mate came in the morning about 2 hours after me which was a bit annoying cause I was hoping to just chill. She's 30 and is doing the next trip that I'm doing so 7 weeks together... I shall reserve judgement on here. We went to go have some lunch and she was suggesting the street food looked nice hmm, so I suggested the hotel restaurant which looked really nice. We then went for a walk to find an ATM to get some money to change in to dollars. A local woman then took us to see a temple which was nice then we walked around ourselves to another temple and I stocked up on snacks. At 6pm we had the group meeting.. 6 girls. Oh dear. I prefer male company and even the leader is female. Just one guy would be enough. This is going to be difficult. Hopefully the next trip will have a better mix. We then went for a meal and whilst we were eating the heavens opened and it rained and it poured - I thought I booked this to avoid the rainy season (which is supposed to end in September)! Back to the hotel it was! BYE.x
Finally my flight exists and I'm ready to go! The security women said how beautiful I was.. Aw. I gave about £5 worth of rupees to a toilet attendent as you can't take them in or out of the country and it was too small to change back, I think it made her day. I got on the flight eventually after all the drama and despite it being 99% British people, I was next to the only Indian men on there.. They always intrude on my space. I went to sleep as it was early morning but I got woken up at 4am by the flight attendent giving me curry.. I ate it with my eyes half shut and went back to sleep. Arrived in BKK. I really am disappointed with these airport transfers. I booked a private transfer but I had to share a car, which is fine but I will be asking for a refund of half my money because that's not what I paid for and there were cheaper options for multiple people things. Also this time my private STA transfer just meant that some woman with a sign with my name on just walked out of the airport and waved down a taxi and sent us off.. I could have done that for a quarter of the price. When I arrived at the hotel it was really nice, I think definitely the poshest I've stayed at so far and it had a hairdryer!! You would not believe my excitement at having a hairdryer for the first time in 4 and a half weeks! The room mate came in the morning about 2 hours after me which was a bit annoying cause I was hoping to just chill. She's 30 and is doing the next trip that I'm doing so 7 weeks together... I shall reserve judgement on here. We went to go have some lunch and she was suggesting the street food looked nice hmm, so I suggested the hotel restaurant which looked really nice. We then went for a walk to find an ATM to get some money to change in to dollars. A local woman then took us to see a temple which was nice then we walked around ourselves to another temple and I stocked up on snacks. At 6pm we had the group meeting.. 6 girls. Oh dear. I prefer male company and even the leader is female. Just one guy would be enough. This is going to be difficult. Hopefully the next trip will have a better mix. We then went for a meal and whilst we were eating the heavens opened and it rained and it poured - I thought I booked this to avoid the rainy season (which is supposed to end in September)! Back to the hotel it was! BYE.x
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
India Update
Day 30 Goa
Woke up at 10am this morning as we had to check out by 11am. I didn't have to leave the hotel guntil 3.30pm for my flight and I wasn't allowed a late check out but Simon was staying another night and so he said I could put my stuff in his room until I needed to leave. We then went out for a final breakfast with the party crew - Ann, Simon and Marieloes. I had banana and nutella pancakes which were really good. I then had to say a final farewell to Ann and Marieloes as they went to the beach for the day which was quite sad. Simon and I then went to hire him a moped for a couple of days that he was staying extra. We then went back to the hotel as it was already the afternoon after our leisurely brunch. We watched some TV then Simon helped negotiate a price for my airport transfer and saw me off. It's sad to leave this group, we had a lot of fun together and spent a lot of time together. I then arrived at Goa airport which is a weird airport, it has one terminal and one departure gate and it's also a military airport so very strict and no photography allowed. As per usual, despite it's small size, it was quite chaotic. I find that all these airports have little/ no signs and no indication as to the procedures to follow.. it turns out that here you put your bags through a scanner before you check in but it's not in a security area as such but in the middle of the hall, THEN you check in, which is really weird, but each stage of this process has it's own 'opening time' so you wait 30 mins to scan the bags, then it's another 30 'til check-in opens and then another 30 until security opens.. bizarre. There are literally no shops at this airport either, just one selling ties and a drink vendor, very strange. I boarded the plane and it turns out I'm by the emergency exit, lots of legroom but I can't have my bag with me and I had to have a 5 minute lesson on my role in an emergency, ergh. Arrived at Mumbai airport, fashionably late or Indianly late. The airport was atrocious. Really modern but absolutely no direction, got dropped off in the baggage hall and then there were signs for connecting flights that led to no where, I then found a sign saying departures and followed that but I was told that was wrong, found a sign with my airline on it, followed that but this time I was told I was in the wrong terminal and directed back to follow the international transfer signs which led to no where. I then just gave up and sat down as I had almost 7 hours. I then saw something saying get uour coach ticket here and a thing saying next departure to terminal 2 in 10 minutes. At this point I didn't know how many terminals there were so I waited. I found a board which said where the flights were departing from but mine was 3 hours later than the latest one showing so I decided to just get this coach ticket thing.. It said next departure at 9.20pm however the 4 electronic boards varied in time by over 20minutes between them and the coach actually went at 9.50pm. It dropped us off outside the main terminal building where everyone else was arriving so it was crazy busy and I was walking along in the dark not having a clue where I was for about 15minutes as you had to enter via the correct door. My airline was not listed above any door. I asked a guy who worked there and he said B so I queued for 20minutes to be told it was A. I then went through that, I queued another 20minutes for immigration only to be told that I needed a departure card and where was mine. I then had to figure out a way back through security to find this illusive departure card that I had not been given cause I was on a domestic flight and transferred so didn't re-checkin at the international terminal. I queued again. I thought my ordeal was over. My flight didn't exist according to the screens so massive panic. And my card continues to not work. Mumbai is too stressful, I will never do this again. BYE.x
Woke up at 10am this morning as we had to check out by 11am. I didn't have to leave the hotel guntil 3.30pm for my flight and I wasn't allowed a late check out but Simon was staying another night and so he said I could put my stuff in his room until I needed to leave. We then went out for a final breakfast with the party crew - Ann, Simon and Marieloes. I had banana and nutella pancakes which were really good. I then had to say a final farewell to Ann and Marieloes as they went to the beach for the day which was quite sad. Simon and I then went to hire him a moped for a couple of days that he was staying extra. We then went back to the hotel as it was already the afternoon after our leisurely brunch. We watched some TV then Simon helped negotiate a price for my airport transfer and saw me off. It's sad to leave this group, we had a lot of fun together and spent a lot of time together. I then arrived at Goa airport which is a weird airport, it has one terminal and one departure gate and it's also a military airport so very strict and no photography allowed. As per usual, despite it's small size, it was quite chaotic. I find that all these airports have little/ no signs and no indication as to the procedures to follow.. it turns out that here you put your bags through a scanner before you check in but it's not in a security area as such but in the middle of the hall, THEN you check in, which is really weird, but each stage of this process has it's own 'opening time' so you wait 30 mins to scan the bags, then it's another 30 'til check-in opens and then another 30 until security opens.. bizarre. There are literally no shops at this airport either, just one selling ties and a drink vendor, very strange. I boarded the plane and it turns out I'm by the emergency exit, lots of legroom but I can't have my bag with me and I had to have a 5 minute lesson on my role in an emergency, ergh. Arrived at Mumbai airport, fashionably late or Indianly late. The airport was atrocious. Really modern but absolutely no direction, got dropped off in the baggage hall and then there were signs for connecting flights that led to no where, I then found a sign saying departures and followed that but I was told that was wrong, found a sign with my airline on it, followed that but this time I was told I was in the wrong terminal and directed back to follow the international transfer signs which led to no where. I then just gave up and sat down as I had almost 7 hours. I then saw something saying get uour coach ticket here and a thing saying next departure to terminal 2 in 10 minutes. At this point I didn't know how many terminals there were so I waited. I found a board which said where the flights were departing from but mine was 3 hours later than the latest one showing so I decided to just get this coach ticket thing.. It said next departure at 9.20pm however the 4 electronic boards varied in time by over 20minutes between them and the coach actually went at 9.50pm. It dropped us off outside the main terminal building where everyone else was arriving so it was crazy busy and I was walking along in the dark not having a clue where I was for about 15minutes as you had to enter via the correct door. My airline was not listed above any door. I asked a guy who worked there and he said B so I queued for 20minutes to be told it was A. I then went through that, I queued another 20minutes for immigration only to be told that I needed a departure card and where was mine. I then had to figure out a way back through security to find this illusive departure card that I had not been given cause I was on a domestic flight and transferred so didn't re-checkin at the international terminal. I queued again. I thought my ordeal was over. My flight didn't exist according to the screens so massive panic. And my card continues to not work. Mumbai is too stressful, I will never do this again. BYE.x
India Update
Day 29 Goa
Today we had a free day so we woke up at 9.30am and went to breakfast with the whole group which remarkably we managed to arrange ourselves. We found a lovely beachside restaurant which served full English breakfasts and had a lot of other choices, I had a grilled chicken sandwich with chips as it was now 11.30am and we would be eating dinner at around 6.30pm so brunch seemed a good idea. It was really good! We then wandered up and down the main strip in Baga which had lots of shops before going to the beach where we had comfy sun loungers. I had an ice cream on the beach whilst some of the others went in the sea. A few Indian women came up to me on separate occasions remarking how white I was and then saying I looked like a fresh chicken because of being so white?!? Weird. Then we decided to walk the 4km back to the hotel along the beach (obviously I was not part of this decision making process as in 35 degree heat and extremely high humidity, it was not going to be a leisurely stroll, and it wasn't) I don't think I've ever been so hot in my life but gosh did I enjoy the AC we left on and a shower when I got in. We then leisurely got dressed up to go out for our farewell dinner. We went back to the place where we had breakfast and it had a really lovely atmosphere, the food wasn't as good, possibly because it was extremely busy (it's a huge restaurant and bar). An hour or so in to the meal they started karaoke which is always good for a sing along. A few of us put our names down but after waiting over an hour for our turn we decided it wasn't worth hanging around so we headed down the beach until we reached all these sofas facing the sea and w had farewell drinks before some people went back to the hotel. Originally a lot of people were coming on to the club after but after the chilled mood at the beach some people felt tired and went back. Four of us stayed out - Marieloes, Simon and Ann, we had an amazing time! We stayed out 'til half 2 and as it was a Sunday the club hadn't been overloaded with people so there was the perfect amount of people to create a great atmosphere whilst there was still room to move. It was so much fun, loved it. Really funny night and a great way to end my trip in India. BYE.x
Today we had a free day so we woke up at 9.30am and went to breakfast with the whole group which remarkably we managed to arrange ourselves. We found a lovely beachside restaurant which served full English breakfasts and had a lot of other choices, I had a grilled chicken sandwich with chips as it was now 11.30am and we would be eating dinner at around 6.30pm so brunch seemed a good idea. It was really good! We then wandered up and down the main strip in Baga which had lots of shops before going to the beach where we had comfy sun loungers. I had an ice cream on the beach whilst some of the others went in the sea. A few Indian women came up to me on separate occasions remarking how white I was and then saying I looked like a fresh chicken because of being so white?!? Weird. Then we decided to walk the 4km back to the hotel along the beach (obviously I was not part of this decision making process as in 35 degree heat and extremely high humidity, it was not going to be a leisurely stroll, and it wasn't) I don't think I've ever been so hot in my life but gosh did I enjoy the AC we left on and a shower when I got in. We then leisurely got dressed up to go out for our farewell dinner. We went back to the place where we had breakfast and it had a really lovely atmosphere, the food wasn't as good, possibly because it was extremely busy (it's a huge restaurant and bar). An hour or so in to the meal they started karaoke which is always good for a sing along. A few of us put our names down but after waiting over an hour for our turn we decided it wasn't worth hanging around so we headed down the beach until we reached all these sofas facing the sea and w had farewell drinks before some people went back to the hotel. Originally a lot of people were coming on to the club after but after the chilled mood at the beach some people felt tired and went back. Four of us stayed out - Marieloes, Simon and Ann, we had an amazing time! We stayed out 'til half 2 and as it was a Sunday the club hadn't been overloaded with people so there was the perfect amount of people to create a great atmosphere whilst there was still room to move. It was so much fun, loved it. Really funny night and a great way to end my trip in India. BYE.x
India Update
Day 28 Mumbai to Goa
Today we laid in until 9am. We had a free morning so we went to get breakfast at a local cafe that the your leader had recommended but it wasn't very nice. We had a quick wander in the area but there wasn't much to do and as we were leaving at 12 there wasn't really time to venture much further afield so we relaxed in our room. At 12 we got a taxi to the airport passing some slums on the way and going over an amazing bridge. We checked in for the flight to Goa which was a short one - only 45 minutes flying time. The guy next to me sat on my arm which was on the arm rest as he at down then hung his arm over the arm rest encroaching on my seat. He proved to be very invasive of space. We arrived in Goa and it looked very tropical with lots of lush greenery and palm trees. The impression was then quickly spoilt by the onslaught of rain coupled with the dingy hotel in a very lifeless part of Goa. This is when I thought 'I'm ready to leave India'. However, a 5 minute taxi ride away and day turning to night and Goa comes alive! We had a lovely meal out and saw the more 'alive' part of Goa. We then headed to a club called Mambo which was really good fun! It got soooo incredibly hot near the end as more and more people came. It was such fun though. Returned home at 3.30am and typed this. BYE.x
Today we laid in until 9am. We had a free morning so we went to get breakfast at a local cafe that the your leader had recommended but it wasn't very nice. We had a quick wander in the area but there wasn't much to do and as we were leaving at 12 there wasn't really time to venture much further afield so we relaxed in our room. At 12 we got a taxi to the airport passing some slums on the way and going over an amazing bridge. We checked in for the flight to Goa which was a short one - only 45 minutes flying time. The guy next to me sat on my arm which was on the arm rest as he at down then hung his arm over the arm rest encroaching on my seat. He proved to be very invasive of space. We arrived in Goa and it looked very tropical with lots of lush greenery and palm trees. The impression was then quickly spoilt by the onslaught of rain coupled with the dingy hotel in a very lifeless part of Goa. This is when I thought 'I'm ready to leave India'. However, a 5 minute taxi ride away and day turning to night and Goa comes alive! We had a lovely meal out and saw the more 'alive' part of Goa. We then headed to a club called Mambo which was really good fun! It got soooo incredibly hot near the end as more and more people came. It was such fun though. Returned home at 3.30am and typed this. BYE.x
India Update
Day 27 Mumbai
I saw Simon get up at about 6.30am, I was still a bit sleepy but I decided to wake up a little bit to chat with him. I had a really good night sleep, it was actually one of the most comfortable nights so far. I felt really good. I had my breakfast of bourbons and sprite (yes even I think that's a bit gross). We sat on my bunk and listened to some music and chatted some more as we watched the train arrive into Mumbai (the last hour or so is all slowly through Mumbai) and we saw a fair few slums. After the fun of the sleeper train we exited into the most hideous humidity. It was disgusting, the most uncomfortable car journey of my life for over 1hr 30mins. I literally ran to the shower when we got to the hotel. We had lunch at the restaurant which was nice and then we chilled a bit before we started our orientation walk. We went to see the Mumbai docks where you can't take pictures anymore since the terrorist attack last year but it had the most vibrantly coloured boats. The smell was however hideous. NEVER buy fish that's come from India, they were preparing tonnes (and I mean the weight measurement) of fish on the dirty floor in the 40degree heat. The smell was unreal. We then went to see the gateway to India which was very cool. We walked past the Taj Mumbai before watching the sunset in the harbour. We then had dinner at Leopold Cafe which is very famous apparently. It was really good food.. However, you could see the bullet holes and shattered glass from the terrorist attacks there last year. Hmmm. BYE.x
I saw Simon get up at about 6.30am, I was still a bit sleepy but I decided to wake up a little bit to chat with him. I had a really good night sleep, it was actually one of the most comfortable nights so far. I felt really good. I had my breakfast of bourbons and sprite (yes even I think that's a bit gross). We sat on my bunk and listened to some music and chatted some more as we watched the train arrive into Mumbai (the last hour or so is all slowly through Mumbai) and we saw a fair few slums. After the fun of the sleeper train we exited into the most hideous humidity. It was disgusting, the most uncomfortable car journey of my life for over 1hr 30mins. I literally ran to the shower when we got to the hotel. We had lunch at the restaurant which was nice and then we chilled a bit before we started our orientation walk. We went to see the Mumbai docks where you can't take pictures anymore since the terrorist attack last year but it had the most vibrantly coloured boats. The smell was however hideous. NEVER buy fish that's come from India, they were preparing tonnes (and I mean the weight measurement) of fish on the dirty floor in the 40degree heat. The smell was unreal. We then went to see the gateway to India which was very cool. We walked past the Taj Mumbai before watching the sunset in the harbour. We then had dinner at Leopold Cafe which is very famous apparently. It was really good food.. However, you could see the bullet holes and shattered glass from the terrorist attacks there last year. Hmmm. BYE.x
India Update
Day 26 Ranakpur to Mumbai
We woke up leisurely this morning and I had a shower with view of jungle, it felt as if I was outside, so lovely. I packed my bag for the sleeper train as we needed to take warm clothes because of the AC and other overnight things. I had a lovely lunch of toasted chicken sandwiches and chips at the hotel restaurant and then I just chilled in the room for an hour or so just listening to the waterfall and jungle noises. We then took a bus at 3pm for 2hrs to the train station which we were warned would be on the worst roads we would encounter on the trip, it was rather bumpy to say the least even in our jeeps. When we got to the station we got upgraded to the upper class waiting room so that we wouldn't kept being stared at by the locals. We stocked up on loads of food and drink for the journey. Simon and Mike bought some 'toys' which they played with whilst waiting. We then boarded the sleeper train which was surprisingly nice. We had four of us in the same bed area and then 6 next door to us so it was like one big slumber party. I was supposed to be on the top bunk but I really didn't want to be so Tracey swapped with me which was very kind. We had been given 3 blankets, a pillow and a towel each. We sat around and chatted for ages before converting the seat into a third bed (the bunk beds were 3 high). We settled down early around 11pm ish and had a few more jokes and chatting before beddybyes. I locked my bags to the fixtures and fittings and slept with my passport, phone and money etc on me. BYE.x
We woke up leisurely this morning and I had a shower with view of jungle, it felt as if I was outside, so lovely. I packed my bag for the sleeper train as we needed to take warm clothes because of the AC and other overnight things. I had a lovely lunch of toasted chicken sandwiches and chips at the hotel restaurant and then I just chilled in the room for an hour or so just listening to the waterfall and jungle noises. We then took a bus at 3pm for 2hrs to the train station which we were warned would be on the worst roads we would encounter on the trip, it was rather bumpy to say the least even in our jeeps. When we got to the station we got upgraded to the upper class waiting room so that we wouldn't kept being stared at by the locals. We stocked up on loads of food and drink for the journey. Simon and Mike bought some 'toys' which they played with whilst waiting. We then boarded the sleeper train which was surprisingly nice. We had four of us in the same bed area and then 6 next door to us so it was like one big slumber party. I was supposed to be on the top bunk but I really didn't want to be so Tracey swapped with me which was very kind. We had been given 3 blankets, a pillow and a towel each. We sat around and chatted for ages before converting the seat into a third bed (the bunk beds were 3 high). We settled down early around 11pm ish and had a few more jokes and chatting before beddybyes. I locked my bags to the fixtures and fittings and slept with my passport, phone and money etc on me. BYE.x
India Update
Day 25 Udaipur to Ranakpur
This morning we caught a 9.30am bus through the mountains to a small, quite isolated town called Ranakpur. The bus journey was very scenic. We arrived at lunchtime and had a lovely meal. We explored our location which was in the middle of the jungle type area. It was a nice resort with riverside cottages and a pool with an amazing view of the surroundings. Our cottage had a lovely balcony over river with views of the jungle. We then went to the most holy Jain temple in India. It had lots of beautiful, very intricate carvings. We then came back to pool and had a really relaxing afternoon in the sunshine. We sat down for dinner at around 7pm and watched local tribes dancing. Afterwards we sat round the fire under the stars and watched the night sky. BYE.x
This morning we caught a 9.30am bus through the mountains to a small, quite isolated town called Ranakpur. The bus journey was very scenic. We arrived at lunchtime and had a lovely meal. We explored our location which was in the middle of the jungle type area. It was a nice resort with riverside cottages and a pool with an amazing view of the surroundings. Our cottage had a lovely balcony over river with views of the jungle. We then went to the most holy Jain temple in India. It had lots of beautiful, very intricate carvings. We then came back to pool and had a really relaxing afternoon in the sunshine. We sat down for dinner at around 7pm and watched local tribes dancing. Afterwards we sat round the fire under the stars and watched the night sky. BYE.x
India Update
Day 24 Udaipur
Everyone arranged that today we would go to a cafe in the centre of town for breakfast and it was really nice, I had something called rosti rounds which were like hash browns. At 10am we walked around the corner to the painting class which we booked the day before when we went to the demonstration. It was really great, it was so well done. First the guys asked us what animal we wanted to do and then split us into groups. They then drew the outlines of the animals for us to copy. We were given a really fine brush which we then used to paint around the outline. Next we painted in the big blocks of colours, then we did the details of the elephant, then we went around defining the lines and lastly we added the decoration. It was done step by step and if you'd said at the beginning that our paintings would come out as they did then we would never have believed it but they were all amazing thanks to the expert guidance of the painters. We all ended up with a picture we had painted that could almost rival theirs but the painting class was about 1/4 of what their cheapest paintings were worth so it was really good value for money. We finished the class at 1.30pm and then went shopping as India is the best place for this! The shops were lovely. Marieloes and I then went back to the waterfront restaurant that we had been to the night before and had pancakes and some drinks. In the evening we signed up for a cooking class which was recommended by the lonely planet. All of us expected that we would have our own hobs at least but instead we sat round like a school class with recipe handouts watching the guy cook and talk, he got people up to 'do' the cooking but he had everything measured out already and just poured it in while they stirred. I wasn't impressed and neither was my roomie. The guy curdled the sauce too and when someone asked him if it was he said it was meant to be like that but I don't think so especially as someone ordered it at a restaurant the next day and it wasn't anything like what he'd done. So, we were disappointed and went home to eat some biscuits. BYE.x
Everyone arranged that today we would go to a cafe in the centre of town for breakfast and it was really nice, I had something called rosti rounds which were like hash browns. At 10am we walked around the corner to the painting class which we booked the day before when we went to the demonstration. It was really great, it was so well done. First the guys asked us what animal we wanted to do and then split us into groups. They then drew the outlines of the animals for us to copy. We were given a really fine brush which we then used to paint around the outline. Next we painted in the big blocks of colours, then we did the details of the elephant, then we went around defining the lines and lastly we added the decoration. It was done step by step and if you'd said at the beginning that our paintings would come out as they did then we would never have believed it but they were all amazing thanks to the expert guidance of the painters. We all ended up with a picture we had painted that could almost rival theirs but the painting class was about 1/4 of what their cheapest paintings were worth so it was really good value for money. We finished the class at 1.30pm and then went shopping as India is the best place for this! The shops were lovely. Marieloes and I then went back to the waterfront restaurant that we had been to the night before and had pancakes and some drinks. In the evening we signed up for a cooking class which was recommended by the lonely planet. All of us expected that we would have our own hobs at least but instead we sat round like a school class with recipe handouts watching the guy cook and talk, he got people up to 'do' the cooking but he had everything measured out already and just poured it in while they stirred. I wasn't impressed and neither was my roomie. The guy curdled the sauce too and when someone asked him if it was he said it was meant to be like that but I don't think so especially as someone ordered it at a restaurant the next day and it wasn't anything like what he'd done. So, we were disappointed and went home to eat some biscuits. BYE.x
India Update
Day 23 Udaipur
Today we got up at 9am and had breakfast at the hotel, it was a buffet but it looked more like an Indian all you can eat dinner with the exception of toast and bananas so that's what I had. We went into the centre of Udaipur and went to see a miniature painting demonstration which the area is famous for. It was really cool and the guys were so skilled. They also used their fine paintbrushes to paint animals on our fingernails with watercolour paint and then protected it with a layer of clear nail varnish, it was pretty amazing. We then went to the City Palace which is one of the oldest and most spectacular in India, it was very beautiful. Next we went to Sahilio Ka something gardens which was like an oasis in the desert. There were lots of water features and tropical plants so it was like being in a rainforest which is completely different to the arid dusty surroundings. We then had lunch at a place CP (the tour leader) recommended and it was fowl (at least for me). It was all vegetarian and we got given a massive platter with about 8 holes in it and then some guy came round and slopped a bit of each thing in each hole erghh it was gross. At 6pm we went for a boat ride around lake palace and saw the sunset. We got off at a little island in the lake that was made into a beautiful holiday island with a nice restaurant and bar and spa and hotel. After the boat ride we walked through town and along the lakeside to a nice waterfront restaurant for dinner, the location was amazing and so was the food. It was pricey by Indian standards but you can't argue with £4 for a 3 course meal and drinks. It was so nice. BYE.x
Today we got up at 9am and had breakfast at the hotel, it was a buffet but it looked more like an Indian all you can eat dinner with the exception of toast and bananas so that's what I had. We went into the centre of Udaipur and went to see a miniature painting demonstration which the area is famous for. It was really cool and the guys were so skilled. They also used their fine paintbrushes to paint animals on our fingernails with watercolour paint and then protected it with a layer of clear nail varnish, it was pretty amazing. We then went to the City Palace which is one of the oldest and most spectacular in India, it was very beautiful. Next we went to Sahilio Ka something gardens which was like an oasis in the desert. There were lots of water features and tropical plants so it was like being in a rainforest which is completely different to the arid dusty surroundings. We then had lunch at a place CP (the tour leader) recommended and it was fowl (at least for me). It was all vegetarian and we got given a massive platter with about 8 holes in it and then some guy came round and slopped a bit of each thing in each hole erghh it was gross. At 6pm we went for a boat ride around lake palace and saw the sunset. We got off at a little island in the lake that was made into a beautiful holiday island with a nice restaurant and bar and spa and hotel. After the boat ride we walked through town and along the lakeside to a nice waterfront restaurant for dinner, the location was amazing and so was the food. It was pricey by Indian standards but you can't argue with £4 for a 3 course meal and drinks. It was so nice. BYE.x
India Update
Day 22 Pushkar to Udaipur
Today we slept until 11 and had a quick brunch before having to leave for the train station at 2pm. When we arrived at the station a lot of people wanted to take photos of us, but without asking, so CP the tour leader told them off but they carried on when he wasn't looking... We get this everywhere in India. When the train arrived there was a sudden crush of people and everyone was pushing and shoving to get on. Turns out we were travelling non ac class, basically cattle class, we had to get all the Indians out of our seats which was extremely difficult. Also we found that a lot of the Indians book one or two seats and try to load their entire family onto that space, fine, but when it encroaches my space I'm not happy. I spent the first 30mins being a moody meg as I was uncomfortable, squished and very very hot. But luckily I had good company in the form of my fellow gappers and the 4 of us had an alright time in the end. We arrived at 10.30pm and had a quick dinner before bed (quick by Indian standards, we finished just before midnight). BYE.x
Today we slept until 11 and had a quick brunch before having to leave for the train station at 2pm. When we arrived at the station a lot of people wanted to take photos of us, but without asking, so CP the tour leader told them off but they carried on when he wasn't looking... We get this everywhere in India. When the train arrived there was a sudden crush of people and everyone was pushing and shoving to get on. Turns out we were travelling non ac class, basically cattle class, we had to get all the Indians out of our seats which was extremely difficult. Also we found that a lot of the Indians book one or two seats and try to load their entire family onto that space, fine, but when it encroaches my space I'm not happy. I spent the first 30mins being a moody meg as I was uncomfortable, squished and very very hot. But luckily I had good company in the form of my fellow gappers and the 4 of us had an alright time in the end. We arrived at 10.30pm and had a quick dinner before bed (quick by Indian standards, we finished just before midnight). BYE.x
India Update
Day 21 Pushkar
We had a super early start this morning - we woke up at 4.30am to climb a mountain with a view over Pushkar and see the sunrise. We first had to walk through the main city bit for 45minutes and then we started the ascention which was not a long distance but was very steep. I made the mistake of walking with Simon who is very fit (and has climbed to Everest base camp) and so I tired myself out quickly as we were so far ahead of the rest of the group, it was only the final bit which was the hardest as I was completely tired out.
The view was cool, not as good as Mnt. Sinai (and that was a proper mountain) but good all the same. The main highlight was all the monkies! We finished at 8.40 and went back to the hotel next to ours to have breakfast with the group, I felt all icky and hot but the shower would have to wait. I did some more clothes washing before we went out shopping in the market. I really wish I had space in my backpack because there are so many lovely things to buy and at very cheap prices. I loved the markets here, very quaint and a lot of nice things. Marieloes and I then went for lunch and I had some tomato soup. We then had a siesta as we were still tired from our walk. At 4pm we all met up for a camel safari which I want sure if I would like because it was a long ride. As soon as I got on the camel I loved it. We were dressed up in saris around our heads and the boys had turbans. We started by going through town and everyone was staring at us and taking pictures, it was crazy. We then went through the Rajasthani desert and the ride was for about 3 hours or so. We stopped to watch the sunset over the sand dunes and the camels had a little rest. We then all sat down on blankets round a camp fire and we ate over open fire and had a really nice meal. We then watched Indian dancers and a band which was great. We then rode the camels back in the dark and reached the hotel again after 10pm. It was really cool, a lot of fun with everyone and very enjoyable. Plus I didn't get a sore bum from all those hours on the camel! Oh did I mention Pushkar is so holy that no meat, eggs, alcohol, dairy etc is allowed in the city... I'm starving! The vegan way of life is not for me.. plus I don't want to know what my ice cream was made of if no dairy is allowed... BYE.x
We had a super early start this morning - we woke up at 4.30am to climb a mountain with a view over Pushkar and see the sunrise. We first had to walk through the main city bit for 45minutes and then we started the ascention which was not a long distance but was very steep. I made the mistake of walking with Simon who is very fit (and has climbed to Everest base camp) and so I tired myself out quickly as we were so far ahead of the rest of the group, it was only the final bit which was the hardest as I was completely tired out.
The view was cool, not as good as Mnt. Sinai (and that was a proper mountain) but good all the same. The main highlight was all the monkies! We finished at 8.40 and went back to the hotel next to ours to have breakfast with the group, I felt all icky and hot but the shower would have to wait. I did some more clothes washing before we went out shopping in the market. I really wish I had space in my backpack because there are so many lovely things to buy and at very cheap prices. I loved the markets here, very quaint and a lot of nice things. Marieloes and I then went for lunch and I had some tomato soup. We then had a siesta as we were still tired from our walk. At 4pm we all met up for a camel safari which I want sure if I would like because it was a long ride. As soon as I got on the camel I loved it. We were dressed up in saris around our heads and the boys had turbans. We started by going through town and everyone was staring at us and taking pictures, it was crazy. We then went through the Rajasthani desert and the ride was for about 3 hours or so. We stopped to watch the sunset over the sand dunes and the camels had a little rest. We then all sat down on blankets round a camp fire and we ate over open fire and had a really nice meal. We then watched Indian dancers and a band which was great. We then rode the camels back in the dark and reached the hotel again after 10pm. It was really cool, a lot of fun with everyone and very enjoyable. Plus I didn't get a sore bum from all those hours on the camel! Oh did I mention Pushkar is so holy that no meat, eggs, alcohol, dairy etc is allowed in the city... I'm starving! The vegan way of life is not for me.. plus I don't want to know what my ice cream was made of if no dairy is allowed... BYE.x
Sunday, 10 October 2010
India Update
Day 20 Jaipur to Pushkar
We boarded a local bus at 9am, which once again has no AC So it's always a very hot ride in India. We drove for about 1 hour 45 minutes before the bus breaks down in the middle of no where.. Luckily, as always everyone is in good spirits and we laid down in the sun in the fields by the road and some of the group start playing an improvised version of cricket. The 1 hour passed really quickly and before we knew it we were on another bus, however, it was already almost full so we were squished on like sardines. We arrived at the hotel a few hours later and it looked really nice, it had a pool tool. We had lunch and I washed some more clothes (a daily ritual). We had an orientation walk around the city which was only 3km wide but holds the world's largest camel fair. It had lots of really nice market stallls. We were shown a lake which the Hindus think is holy so they throw parts of dead bodies in there with the belief that it will rejuvenate them or something..then we saw a cow drink from that water, can you imagine how much bacteria and disease is in that lake, ew. WE then visited a Hundu temple at prayer time which was really crazy watching them practice their rituals. We then went back to a nice restaurant which had nice outside seating in a semi circle with a gazebo thing above with plants and flowers on it. A film was put on while we were eating called Namaste London which was half in English and that was quite nice. I had the biggest bowl of ice cream ever. BYE.x
We boarded a local bus at 9am, which once again has no AC So it's always a very hot ride in India. We drove for about 1 hour 45 minutes before the bus breaks down in the middle of no where.. Luckily, as always everyone is in good spirits and we laid down in the sun in the fields by the road and some of the group start playing an improvised version of cricket. The 1 hour passed really quickly and before we knew it we were on another bus, however, it was already almost full so we were squished on like sardines. We arrived at the hotel a few hours later and it looked really nice, it had a pool tool. We had lunch and I washed some more clothes (a daily ritual). We had an orientation walk around the city which was only 3km wide but holds the world's largest camel fair. It had lots of really nice market stallls. We were shown a lake which the Hindus think is holy so they throw parts of dead bodies in there with the belief that it will rejuvenate them or something..then we saw a cow drink from that water, can you imagine how much bacteria and disease is in that lake, ew. WE then visited a Hundu temple at prayer time which was really crazy watching them practice their rituals. We then went back to a nice restaurant which had nice outside seating in a semi circle with a gazebo thing above with plants and flowers on it. A film was put on while we were eating called Namaste London which was half in English and that was quite nice. I had the biggest bowl of ice cream ever. BYE.x
Friday, 8 October 2010
India Update
Day 19 Jaipur
We woke up earlyish again and met our chauffeurs for the day (the tuc tuc drivers). We had a really funny guy who could speak English really well which was a pleasant surprise. We first visited the Palace of the winds which is interestingly designed in that the windows are built so that those inside can watch everything happening outside but those outside cannot see in. We stopped to take a few photos an then headed to the Amber fort. It's a really large fort with a lovely location in the hills with a river flowing in front of it. It has walls which resemble the great wall of China which is pretty cool but it's all orangey so it looks very pretty. We took an elephant ride up to the fort which was amazing. The elephants are so big and beautiful. They have a lovely rhythm when they walk so it's almost therapeutic. It was a really nice way of reaching the fort. The views from the top were great and we stopped to have a drink and sit in the sun before heading down again. We then went to see the Jal Mahal which is like a palace built in the middle of a lake. Next our tuc tuc drivers took us to a textile factory. We saw all the men working hard, sewing and creating intricate designs that we wear everyday without a thought as to all the effort that goes into making our clothes. It was a real eye-opener. The factory we visited actually supplies Monsoon. The items they had for sale were incredibly beautiful - as you will see when the parcel arrives home! They would also tailor any clothes to order with a 2-3hour turn around and deliver them to your hotel for extremely cheap prices. They had massive clothes catalogues and said just choose something and we'll make it! I bought (or rather dad bought) a red silk dress for the cruise and some other things for peoples. It was amazing. We then visited a stone factory where we saw how they found precious and semi precious stones and polished them up to make jewellery. I got a string bracelet with a pearl on it for about £2. The tuc tuc guy then offered us the chance to drive the tuc tuc! I declined but Simon accepted so he had a go at it, was very funny. We then went to a little market and browsed the shops. We had a quick change back at the hotel before going back out to watch a new Bollywood film at the cinema (may I add, without English subtitles!). It was ummm interesting... BYE.x
We woke up earlyish again and met our chauffeurs for the day (the tuc tuc drivers). We had a really funny guy who could speak English really well which was a pleasant surprise. We first visited the Palace of the winds which is interestingly designed in that the windows are built so that those inside can watch everything happening outside but those outside cannot see in. We stopped to take a few photos an then headed to the Amber fort. It's a really large fort with a lovely location in the hills with a river flowing in front of it. It has walls which resemble the great wall of China which is pretty cool but it's all orangey so it looks very pretty. We took an elephant ride up to the fort which was amazing. The elephants are so big and beautiful. They have a lovely rhythm when they walk so it's almost therapeutic. It was a really nice way of reaching the fort. The views from the top were great and we stopped to have a drink and sit in the sun before heading down again. We then went to see the Jal Mahal which is like a palace built in the middle of a lake. Next our tuc tuc drivers took us to a textile factory. We saw all the men working hard, sewing and creating intricate designs that we wear everyday without a thought as to all the effort that goes into making our clothes. It was a real eye-opener. The factory we visited actually supplies Monsoon. The items they had for sale were incredibly beautiful - as you will see when the parcel arrives home! They would also tailor any clothes to order with a 2-3hour turn around and deliver them to your hotel for extremely cheap prices. They had massive clothes catalogues and said just choose something and we'll make it! I bought (or rather dad bought) a red silk dress for the cruise and some other things for peoples. It was amazing. We then visited a stone factory where we saw how they found precious and semi precious stones and polished them up to make jewellery. I got a string bracelet with a pearl on it for about £2. The tuc tuc guy then offered us the chance to drive the tuc tuc! I declined but Simon accepted so he had a go at it, was very funny. We then went to a little market and browsed the shops. We had a quick change back at the hotel before going back out to watch a new Bollywood film at the cinema (may I add, without English subtitles!). It was ummm interesting... BYE.x
India Update
Day 18 Agra to Jaipur
We took advantage of the Costa Coffee next door for breakfast (one of the group arranged for them to open early if at least 10 of us came). I had my favourite drink - mango passionfruit frappucino! We then got a local bus to Jaipur, it was a crazily hot bus. No AC plus my allocated seat was by the window on the sunny side so I was frazzled for 7 hours. We had an orientation walk around Jaipur which was quite crazy. It's known as the pink city and we walked through the pink streets and archways. It was very busy and crowded, like all Indian cities but it was a really nice walk. We finished the walk by climbing up to the top of a temple to have a view over the city and just watched the people go by. We then had a cycle rickshaw through the streets which again was crazy! We had a meal out with the group at a really nice restaurant. We popped back to the hotel to get ready for Indian clubbing! We went to a really posh hotel and wondered what was going on then they took us down to the basement where they had a night club or 'disc' as the Indians call it. It was really great fun with all the group, we all danced a lot and had a great time. There was some crazy dancing by the Indians and some strange Indian music but it was all good music to dance to and a lot of it was Western. BYE.x
We took advantage of the Costa Coffee next door for breakfast (one of the group arranged for them to open early if at least 10 of us came). I had my favourite drink - mango passionfruit frappucino! We then got a local bus to Jaipur, it was a crazily hot bus. No AC plus my allocated seat was by the window on the sunny side so I was frazzled for 7 hours. We had an orientation walk around Jaipur which was quite crazy. It's known as the pink city and we walked through the pink streets and archways. It was very busy and crowded, like all Indian cities but it was a really nice walk. We finished the walk by climbing up to the top of a temple to have a view over the city and just watched the people go by. We then had a cycle rickshaw through the streets which again was crazy! We had a meal out with the group at a really nice restaurant. We popped back to the hotel to get ready for Indian clubbing! We went to a really posh hotel and wondered what was going on then they took us down to the basement where they had a night club or 'disc' as the Indians call it. It was really great fun with all the group, we all danced a lot and had a great time. There was some crazy dancing by the Indians and some strange Indian music but it was all good music to dance to and a lot of it was Western. BYE.x
Saturday, 2 October 2010
India Update
Day 17 Delhi to Agra
After deciding to finally go to sleep and thinking that maybe I wouldn't have a room mate, she finally arrives at 2.45am! I had to wake up and have a little chat with her and then we went to sleep about 30mins later. We had a really early start, waking up at 4.30am! We got a tuc tuc to Delhi station with all our bags inside it too - it was surprisingly spacious! We boarded an AC2 class train to Agra which was actually really nice, totally different to what I had been expecting from the Indian trains. It was really clean and had lots of legroom. We had a complimentary breakfast which was basically curry and spicey bread which I didn't really feel like so early. As the train went along the tracks we went past 100s of people going to the toilet on the tracks and people just walking up and down tracks, we even went past several tent camps on the lines. The journey took 2hr30 and was pleasant. Once off the train it was very busy and we got into tuc tucs again to go to the hotel located underneath costa coffee and next to pizza hut which was rather convenient! We dropped off our stuff and then proceeded to the Baby Taj which was very pretty and then we headed to the Red Fort. The Red Fort is where Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son for the last years of his life in a tower with a view of the Taj Mahal to taunt him. It was really amazing and the view from the tower was spectacular. We then had lunch at pizza hut which much to my disappointment was not the Pizza Hut we know at home. I did some washing after that - my daily ritual as my room mates notice, I do a small quantity of washing everyday even if it's just undies whereas rveryoe else seems to do a mass wash once a week or every 2 weeks. I wish I had clean clothes, I long for the smell of clean washing and washing powder not soap cleaned clothes.. At 4pm we went to the Taj Mahal for sunset. AMAZING. It literally took my breath away. It is the most beautiful piece of architectual design I've ever seen. It's amazing and beautiful and spectacular. I loved it so much. Possibly the most amazing thing I've seen although I'cve already seen so many wonderful things. We then went for a meal on a rooftop restaurant sitting outside on floor cushions (the Indian way), I had a lovely meal of chicken makhani and pancakes and ice cream, SO GOOD. BYE.x
After deciding to finally go to sleep and thinking that maybe I wouldn't have a room mate, she finally arrives at 2.45am! I had to wake up and have a little chat with her and then we went to sleep about 30mins later. We had a really early start, waking up at 4.30am! We got a tuc tuc to Delhi station with all our bags inside it too - it was surprisingly spacious! We boarded an AC2 class train to Agra which was actually really nice, totally different to what I had been expecting from the Indian trains. It was really clean and had lots of legroom. We had a complimentary breakfast which was basically curry and spicey bread which I didn't really feel like so early. As the train went along the tracks we went past 100s of people going to the toilet on the tracks and people just walking up and down tracks, we even went past several tent camps on the lines. The journey took 2hr30 and was pleasant. Once off the train it was very busy and we got into tuc tucs again to go to the hotel located underneath costa coffee and next to pizza hut which was rather convenient! We dropped off our stuff and then proceeded to the Baby Taj which was very pretty and then we headed to the Red Fort. The Red Fort is where Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son for the last years of his life in a tower with a view of the Taj Mahal to taunt him. It was really amazing and the view from the tower was spectacular. We then had lunch at pizza hut which much to my disappointment was not the Pizza Hut we know at home. I did some washing after that - my daily ritual as my room mates notice, I do a small quantity of washing everyday even if it's just undies whereas rveryoe else seems to do a mass wash once a week or every 2 weeks. I wish I had clean clothes, I long for the smell of clean washing and washing powder not soap cleaned clothes.. At 4pm we went to the Taj Mahal for sunset. AMAZING. It literally took my breath away. It is the most beautiful piece of architectual design I've ever seen. It's amazing and beautiful and spectacular. I loved it so much. Possibly the most amazing thing I've seen although I'cve already seen so many wonderful things. We then went for a meal on a rooftop restaurant sitting outside on floor cushions (the Indian way), I had a lovely meal of chicken makhani and pancakes and ice cream, SO GOOD. BYE.x
Friday, 1 October 2010
India Update
Day 16 Delhi
I arrived in Delhi at 3.45am and the airport has been spruced up apparently (overheard some western looking businessmen) so I guess that was for the Commonwealth Games.. The security is also super tight here which reflects that. When I got into the baggage hall I saw a couple of national teams (they were wearing country tracksuits). I found my driver on the outside, was probably easier cause it was early morning. I hadn't unzipped my backpack straps as I thought he would be in the taxi rank but after walking for 10 minutes I was really struggling holding the side handle but the driver would neither wait for me to unzip the straps to put on my back nor help me, he just watched me struggle with my stuff and huffed. I asked him to slow the walking down but he glared at me. This was totally different to Egypt where I hadn't had to carry my bags ever as someone had always offered wherever I was! I got in the car and he asked me where I was going which I thought was weird as I booked the transfer as part of my tour.. when I gave him my voucher for the transfer he said he had no knowledge of the existence of my hotel. I wanted to freak out but I was like breatheeeee, stay calm...After trying to drop me off at 3 incorrect hotels and asking everyone who happened to be on the streets at 4.30am where it was, I finally reached the correct hotel. I then slept all day. I kept waking up periodically expecting the arrival of my room mate but no sign. We had the group meeting in the evening where we met everyone else - there are 15 of us. They are all a lot older than myself, with the next youngest being 24 but they all seemed nice. We finished the group meeting and headed out for dinner at a local restaurant, I had chicken tikka and it was really nice. When we got back I stayed up as late as I could - until midnight - for my room mate but I had to go to bed wondering whether I would have someone or not. BYE. x
I arrived in Delhi at 3.45am and the airport has been spruced up apparently (overheard some western looking businessmen) so I guess that was for the Commonwealth Games.. The security is also super tight here which reflects that. When I got into the baggage hall I saw a couple of national teams (they were wearing country tracksuits). I found my driver on the outside, was probably easier cause it was early morning. I hadn't unzipped my backpack straps as I thought he would be in the taxi rank but after walking for 10 minutes I was really struggling holding the side handle but the driver would neither wait for me to unzip the straps to put on my back nor help me, he just watched me struggle with my stuff and huffed. I asked him to slow the walking down but he glared at me. This was totally different to Egypt where I hadn't had to carry my bags ever as someone had always offered wherever I was! I got in the car and he asked me where I was going which I thought was weird as I booked the transfer as part of my tour.. when I gave him my voucher for the transfer he said he had no knowledge of the existence of my hotel. I wanted to freak out but I was like breatheeeee, stay calm...After trying to drop me off at 3 incorrect hotels and asking everyone who happened to be on the streets at 4.30am where it was, I finally reached the correct hotel. I then slept all day. I kept waking up periodically expecting the arrival of my room mate but no sign. We had the group meeting in the evening where we met everyone else - there are 15 of us. They are all a lot older than myself, with the next youngest being 24 but they all seemed nice. We finished the group meeting and headed out for dinner at a local restaurant, I had chicken tikka and it was really nice. When we got back I stayed up as late as I could - until midnight - for my room mate but I had to go to bed wondering whether I would have someone or not. BYE. x
Egypt Update
Day 15 Cairo to Abu Dhabi
I got to Cairo airport 3 hours before my flight through a topdeck arranged airport transfer. It was complete chaos, no English was spoken to me (not because they didn't know it, more cause they couldn't be bothered). There was very little direction as to what was going on and my bags had been through scanners at least 3 times before I actually reached security. I don't know quite how I managed to get on my flight but I did eventually, by following the crowd mainly and copying what other people were doing). The Etihad plane was superb, absolutely brilliant, lots of leg room, really comfy and great service. It also had the coolest thing - during take off they show a web cam from the cockpit so you can see what the pilot is seeing for the first 15 minutes!! I think I woke up to eat but other than that I slept the whole flight. The plane broke down on the runway upon landing and it took over 2 hours to taxi the plane back from it's premature landing. Some weird Pakistani man next to me took the broken down plane as an opportunity to tell me about Yogis in India who are hundreds of years old because everyone only has a certain number of breaths before they die but these guys only breathe 3 times an hour so they're super old.. funny thing is, he's actually taking himself seriously and tells me my trip won't be worth it if I don't meet them.. riiiight. Abu Dhabi airport is really nice, was in a small part of it though. Had an Upper Crust for dinner. I found out you can't change traveller's cheques back into dollars which kinda screwed up some plans I had to replace dollars I exchanged with Maddie for rupees. On the flight to Delhi an old man sat next to me and took up half my seat and made disgusting eating noises. The air hostess also neglected to wake me up to give me the compulsory landing card.. nice. I sorted it on the way out when I saw everyone else with them! When I got off the plane they had two passport queues; Indians and foreigners... however, all the foreigners looked remarkably Indian. Hmm. The time is now gone midnight so will continue on the day 16 blog. BYE. x
I got to Cairo airport 3 hours before my flight through a topdeck arranged airport transfer. It was complete chaos, no English was spoken to me (not because they didn't know it, more cause they couldn't be bothered). There was very little direction as to what was going on and my bags had been through scanners at least 3 times before I actually reached security. I don't know quite how I managed to get on my flight but I did eventually, by following the crowd mainly and copying what other people were doing). The Etihad plane was superb, absolutely brilliant, lots of leg room, really comfy and great service. It also had the coolest thing - during take off they show a web cam from the cockpit so you can see what the pilot is seeing for the first 15 minutes!! I think I woke up to eat but other than that I slept the whole flight. The plane broke down on the runway upon landing and it took over 2 hours to taxi the plane back from it's premature landing. Some weird Pakistani man next to me took the broken down plane as an opportunity to tell me about Yogis in India who are hundreds of years old because everyone only has a certain number of breaths before they die but these guys only breathe 3 times an hour so they're super old.. funny thing is, he's actually taking himself seriously and tells me my trip won't be worth it if I don't meet them.. riiiight. Abu Dhabi airport is really nice, was in a small part of it though. Had an Upper Crust for dinner. I found out you can't change traveller's cheques back into dollars which kinda screwed up some plans I had to replace dollars I exchanged with Maddie for rupees. On the flight to Delhi an old man sat next to me and took up half my seat and made disgusting eating noises. The air hostess also neglected to wake me up to give me the compulsory landing card.. nice. I sorted it on the way out when I saw everyone else with them! When I got off the plane they had two passport queues; Indians and foreigners... however, all the foreigners looked remarkably Indian. Hmm. The time is now gone midnight so will continue on the day 16 blog. BYE. x
Egypt Update
Day 14 Cairo
We had a lie in until 9.30am this morning which felt good. All but 1 person had stayed the extra night and so we all decided to go back to a market which we had been to the week before with an Egyptian guide. Eight of us took taxis to Khan El Khallili markets where we had a look around and then sat in a nice cafe and had freshly squeezed fruit juices. When we went to sit down in the cafe we recognised a face... it was Medo, the Egyptian guide who had taken us to the same market the week before. Turns out he was there with a tour group who had started the week after us. We saw the Topdeck coach leaving at the same time as we wanted to leave and Medo offered us a lift back to the hotel on the Topdeck bus! We spoke to the guys who would be going to Dahab and they asked us all about it. We went back to the hotel at 3 where Yasser (a tour guide for another company and a friend of our tour leader who we met in Dahab) met me to take me out to show me a different side of Cairo.. He first took me out for lunch on a Nile boat restaurant, whilst there he pointed out some famous Egyptian TV presenters who were also there. I had a really nice mango, lemon and lime ice blend mmm. He then took me to the biggest shopping mall in the middle east which was really cool, loads of designer brands etc. It was a really nice afternoon out. I then had to pack all my stuff and prepare to fly to India the next day! BYE. x
We had a lie in until 9.30am this morning which felt good. All but 1 person had stayed the extra night and so we all decided to go back to a market which we had been to the week before with an Egyptian guide. Eight of us took taxis to Khan El Khallili markets where we had a look around and then sat in a nice cafe and had freshly squeezed fruit juices. When we went to sit down in the cafe we recognised a face... it was Medo, the Egyptian guide who had taken us to the same market the week before. Turns out he was there with a tour group who had started the week after us. We saw the Topdeck coach leaving at the same time as we wanted to leave and Medo offered us a lift back to the hotel on the Topdeck bus! We spoke to the guys who would be going to Dahab and they asked us all about it. We went back to the hotel at 3 where Yasser (a tour guide for another company and a friend of our tour leader who we met in Dahab) met me to take me out to show me a different side of Cairo.. He first took me out for lunch on a Nile boat restaurant, whilst there he pointed out some famous Egyptian TV presenters who were also there. I had a really nice mango, lemon and lime ice blend mmm. He then took me to the biggest shopping mall in the middle east which was really cool, loads of designer brands etc. It was a really nice afternoon out. I then had to pack all my stuff and prepare to fly to India the next day! BYE. x
Egypt Update
Day 13 Dahab - Cairo
We needed a little bit of extra sleep so we left the resort at 10am. We had an all day bus back to Cairo. The bus journeys really aren't that bad, I don't even notice the length of time anymore. I seem to have trained myself to sleep as soon as I get on a moving vehicle. We arrived back to the hustle and bustle of Cairo at 7pm and had a quick freshen up before going to 'the best steak restaurant in Egypt' as our tour leader Sami said. There were sooo many different types of steak and sauces and accompaniments. I had a 375g fillet steak :o!!!!! It was hugeeeeeeee. I had it with blue cheese sauce, onions, mashed potato and chips! It only cost 6GBP and it was amazinggg! Too much for me, it's one of those times that Dad should have been there to hoover up the rest, although I think he would have been defeated by it himself!!! After that we were all tired so went back to the hotel after saying our farewells to our tour leader! BYE.x
We needed a little bit of extra sleep so we left the resort at 10am. We had an all day bus back to Cairo. The bus journeys really aren't that bad, I don't even notice the length of time anymore. I seem to have trained myself to sleep as soon as I get on a moving vehicle. We arrived back to the hustle and bustle of Cairo at 7pm and had a quick freshen up before going to 'the best steak restaurant in Egypt' as our tour leader Sami said. There were sooo many different types of steak and sauces and accompaniments. I had a 375g fillet steak :o!!!!! It was hugeeeeeeee. I had it with blue cheese sauce, onions, mashed potato and chips! It only cost 6GBP and it was amazinggg! Too much for me, it's one of those times that Dad should have been there to hoover up the rest, although I think he would have been defeated by it himself!!! After that we were all tired so went back to the hotel after saying our farewells to our tour leader! BYE.x
Egypt Update
Day 12 Dahab
Woke up this morning with the first sort of lay in for the whole trip - 9.30am! This day was the first truly relaxing day of the trip - being the only day with nothing planned. We headed to the pool and laid in the sun for an hour or so before getting into the pool. They had nice music paying by the pool so we had a bit of a pool party! We then joined in with the pool aqua aerobics class which was funny. We dried off in the sun and then got on the free shuttle bus into the town centre (which we hadn't been to in the day time before). We had a quick browse of the shops before heading to one of the restaurants we had been to before which was 'famous' for it's 'thick shakes'. Basically, a thick shake is a pint mug of ice cream. We sat on the cushions and had our this shakes with a view of the sea and Saudi Arabia in the background. We just chilled there and used the free wifi available. We then met the rest of the group for our meal out before heading to Mojito pub again (this had become our nightly routine). This night was another of their big party nights in Dahab and it was a black and white party. We all dressed up in black and white and headed to Mojito club after. It was so much fun and a great last night in Dahab. I danced with the DJ called Mostafa and later saw that his status on facebook said he had danced with Katy Perry! (I have neglected to mention it so far but ever since arriving in Egypt I have been called Katy Perry by almost every Egyptian and even those on the tour!!! Everyone really thinks I'm her!??). We headed back home around 5am. BYE.x
Woke up this morning with the first sort of lay in for the whole trip - 9.30am! This day was the first truly relaxing day of the trip - being the only day with nothing planned. We headed to the pool and laid in the sun for an hour or so before getting into the pool. They had nice music paying by the pool so we had a bit of a pool party! We then joined in with the pool aqua aerobics class which was funny. We dried off in the sun and then got on the free shuttle bus into the town centre (which we hadn't been to in the day time before). We had a quick browse of the shops before heading to one of the restaurants we had been to before which was 'famous' for it's 'thick shakes'. Basically, a thick shake is a pint mug of ice cream. We sat on the cushions and had our this shakes with a view of the sea and Saudi Arabia in the background. We just chilled there and used the free wifi available. We then met the rest of the group for our meal out before heading to Mojito pub again (this had become our nightly routine). This night was another of their big party nights in Dahab and it was a black and white party. We all dressed up in black and white and headed to Mojito club after. It was so much fun and a great last night in Dahab. I danced with the DJ called Mostafa and later saw that his status on facebook said he had danced with Katy Perry! (I have neglected to mention it so far but ever since arriving in Egypt I have been called Katy Perry by almost every Egyptian and even those on the tour!!! Everyone really thinks I'm her!??). We headed back home around 5am. BYE.x
Egypt Update
Day 11 Sharm
Today we set out at around 9am to head an hour and a half south to Sharm El Sheikh area. We got to the quad biking place and I was a bit nervous about doing it but we got off the bus and the guys did our scarves for us like proper Arabs and we were set to go. We had a quick lesson in how to work it, i.e. the 'go' and the brakes. When I say Sharm, we were in the middle of the desert, 45 mins out of the resorty Sharm. We headed out into the desert and from the first minute I did not regret choosing to do it as it was sooo fun. We drove past camels and over sand dunes and through the mountains. After an hour we stopped at a Bedouin's house (these are the people who live in the deserts and mountains of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi I think) and had something to drink. We then carried on for another 45 minutes in similar fashion, going over bumps and the same terrain I described before. It was so amazing. We had another break before doing another 45 minutes back. It was sooooo much fun and in an unbelievable setting. We then headed into the main bit of Sharm to a mall where we had lunch and Starbucks :)! After that we headed back once again for a quick change before dinner out in Dahab town. Once again another amazing meal. We then went to Mojito pub where it was the karaoke night. It was really fun. Jess and I, unbeknownst to us had been nominated to sing Dancing Queen by Abba so we did that. BYE. x
Today we set out at around 9am to head an hour and a half south to Sharm El Sheikh area. We got to the quad biking place and I was a bit nervous about doing it but we got off the bus and the guys did our scarves for us like proper Arabs and we were set to go. We had a quick lesson in how to work it, i.e. the 'go' and the brakes. When I say Sharm, we were in the middle of the desert, 45 mins out of the resorty Sharm. We headed out into the desert and from the first minute I did not regret choosing to do it as it was sooo fun. We drove past camels and over sand dunes and through the mountains. After an hour we stopped at a Bedouin's house (these are the people who live in the deserts and mountains of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi I think) and had something to drink. We then carried on for another 45 minutes in similar fashion, going over bumps and the same terrain I described before. It was so amazing. We had another break before doing another 45 minutes back. It was sooooo much fun and in an unbelievable setting. We then headed into the main bit of Sharm to a mall where we had lunch and Starbucks :)! After that we headed back once again for a quick change before dinner out in Dahab town. Once again another amazing meal. We then went to Mojito pub where it was the karaoke night. It was really fun. Jess and I, unbeknownst to us had been nominated to sing Dancing Queen by Abba so we did that. BYE. x
Egypt Update
Day 10 Dahab
This morning we woke up quite early and I discovered that the hotel makes chocolate pancakes for breakfast which I was really excited about! I had those for breakfast and then we set off for a day of snorkelling. We got in one of these weird open jeep things that they have all over egypt and we soon realised why... on the way to snorkelling we had to do a lot of off-roading to reach the best dive site, which was like a rollarcoaster ride. It was really fun. When we got to the dive site they had these beach huts with cushions all over the floor and that would be our base camp for the day. We sat down and got suncreamed up before we went to try on our snorkelling masks and flippers. After we had got that sorted, we walked 100m down the road and got into the water by some rocks, but the place is known as the blue hole so there is now swimming out to sea or getting a boat anywhere, as soon as you get into the water it is already over 150m deep!! So we edged in and started the tour of the 'blue hole' reef. It was really amazing!! At first I was a bit freaked out about the fish being around me, you know what I'm like but actually it was really good! So much fun!! We had our tour for about 2 hours and then got out back to our shack. We then got served a BBQ lunch on the beach in out little cushioned home which was so good! I love the food in Egypt by the way. We rested for a while before going back into the water to explore more. We went in for another hour before a rest again and then we went in for our final time, eventually finishing at 4pm! It was really amazing. The fish are so cool. I wish I had an underwater camera for today. We then headed back to the hotel for a brief shower before going out for another lovely meal (so much for losing weight!). After the meal we went to a bar called Mojito where we sat on big comfy sofas and chatted with everyone, plus some locals and other expats. Tuesday nights are one of the big party nights in Dahab so after the bar we went to a club called Mojito. It was really great, met a lot of people and had such great fun with everyone. We finally retired at 4am. BYE. x
This morning we woke up quite early and I discovered that the hotel makes chocolate pancakes for breakfast which I was really excited about! I had those for breakfast and then we set off for a day of snorkelling. We got in one of these weird open jeep things that they have all over egypt and we soon realised why... on the way to snorkelling we had to do a lot of off-roading to reach the best dive site, which was like a rollarcoaster ride. It was really fun. When we got to the dive site they had these beach huts with cushions all over the floor and that would be our base camp for the day. We sat down and got suncreamed up before we went to try on our snorkelling masks and flippers. After we had got that sorted, we walked 100m down the road and got into the water by some rocks, but the place is known as the blue hole so there is now swimming out to sea or getting a boat anywhere, as soon as you get into the water it is already over 150m deep!! So we edged in and started the tour of the 'blue hole' reef. It was really amazing!! At first I was a bit freaked out about the fish being around me, you know what I'm like but actually it was really good! So much fun!! We had our tour for about 2 hours and then got out back to our shack. We then got served a BBQ lunch on the beach in out little cushioned home which was so good! I love the food in Egypt by the way. We rested for a while before going back into the water to explore more. We went in for another hour before a rest again and then we went in for our final time, eventually finishing at 4pm! It was really amazing. The fish are so cool. I wish I had an underwater camera for today. We then headed back to the hotel for a brief shower before going out for another lovely meal (so much for losing weight!). After the meal we went to a bar called Mojito where we sat on big comfy sofas and chatted with everyone, plus some locals and other expats. Tuesday nights are one of the big party nights in Dahab so after the bar we went to a club called Mojito. It was really great, met a lot of people and had such great fun with everyone. We finally retired at 4am. BYE. x
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