Coffeecat

Well well well...I made it! I have a love hate relationship with blogging, but as I have such a joy telling travel stories I really should just get on with it! So here I am...having returned from CHINA!! The experience leading up to being chosen as a semifinalist in the best travel job ever has been overwhelming and exciting. I've already mentioned the re-connecting with old travel buddies and learning the ins and outs of social networking in trying to get the voting stats up, but there was no way I could have prepared myself for the experiences IN China. Everything that I hungered for, I got. And then some. Whenever I return from a trip, people always ask what my favourite part was, and I re-emphasize the difficulty in responding with just one answer. Do ... read more

WOW- this competition continues to be an absolute RIOT. Although my caffeine intake has shot off the charts as I stay up all night searching, checking and updating everything I can--it's worth it! When I first started my travel blogs I didn't include any videos, I was all about developing the words and simply adding photos. And now? I've got the video travel bug. I find myself furiously scribbling into my notebook throughout the day and night, so that I don't forget ideas or images that float across my mind. Examples are all over the board: -capture the new magnolia flowers in Vancouver -tell them about that classic joke from Laos -take them snowshoeing while Vancouver actually has some amazing snow -somehow use the atomic fart application from my phone In a way, I look forward ... read more

THE BABE WITH A BACKPACK IS BACK!!!! Okay folks, I'm on a roll now! Following the success of my 2 Vancouver shows I am now hosting 2 more nights in Victoria! The venues are fab; the Event Center has a funky bar (filled with as many drinks as you can handle!) and the Metro Theatre has the ultimate stage area. So COME TO HEAR AND SEE MY TRAVELLING TALES! 7:30 THURSDAY MARCH 8TH THE EVENT CENTER 1415 BROAD STREET 7:30 SUNDAY MARCH 18TH METRO STUDIO 1411 QUADRA STREET $12 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT DOOR/VIA EMAIL More details on flyer, but also keep your eyes and ears peeled for appearances in: -Victoria Times Colonist -Victoria News -Monday Magazine -CFAX Radio on Sunday 11th -CBC Radio AND-check this out!!! http://www.babewithabackpack.com SEE YOU SOON!!!! -Fiona ... read more

Day One: Robin Hood's Bay to Littlebeck When my RTW trip came to an end last May, I immediately began racking my brain for something challenging that I could plan in my near future. I organised the travel talk in a London theatre (was a fab night!!) but still felt that I needed a physical and geographic challenge, within the UK. What I came up with, had never been something that I had aspired to do, but it ticked all the right boxes for me. Walking in England has been ingrained into the lifestyles of many that live within the rolling hills. And though I have been on many day hikes during my 10 years in this country, I have never completed a long distance walk. So I chose to complete the Coast to Coast ... read more

My journey across Canada has continued eastbound to Manitoba, first setting foot in Winnipeg. Nothing immediately grabbed me about the streets of this city, so I found a donut shop and ran my finger down my list of nearby hostels. Most hostel owners seem to find locations nearest bus stations, which I greatly appreciate considering my map reading skills. I circled the winning write up, and set off. Within a few moments I did a couple of backpacking pirouettes on the street just trying to confirm the right direction, and was quickly approached by a local laughing at my dance moves. "Unless your heading towards the polar bears in Churchill, you'll find the hostel is actually right behind you" declared Paul. The sidewalk directions were followed by suggestions for a cheap place to eat and a ... read more