How can you describe a country that spans from the Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese Himalaya in the north, nearly 3000km to the Gulf of Mannar near troubled Sri Lanka in the south, from the borders of Pakistan in the west, 2500km to the border of 'East Pakistan' (Bangladesh) in the..well, east, and with a magnamonious (yes, I made that word up) population of over 1 Billion people? Answer: you can't. India. There can't be many words to start a paragraph that invoke so many varied reactions and so much imagery: Bollywood, bright hindi clothing, Kashmir and Pakistan, curry, the Maharajas, the [View Full Entry]

---

---

First, I should apologise for the last blog and its length - it's interesting to see how a fifth of the readers dropped off before reading Part II; I don't blame them, especially when Part II had no photos. This time, I've deliberately made it refreshingly shorter. I feel much better now - stupidly, as soon as I got back I was already missing the clean air, tranquility, cooler (!) climate and views. I guess it's human nature that we always want what we don't have - or are simply fickle! One of the first things I had when I got [View Full Entry]

---

---

If you're reading this first by accident, please click 'previous blog' to read the first 5 days. Day 6: Acclimatisation Day My boots are covered in ice, so it was an utter delight putting my feet inside them this morning I can tell you, and I can't see out of my window for all the ice on the inside, but I don't care (much), as all around the sky is blue and the storm has gone. Woo! I plan a strenuous day walk to Chukhung 3.5hours away to see Island Peak (a relatively accessible 6000m peak), making the most of the [View Full Entry]

---

---

Nepal has the largest altitude range of any country - 200m in the Terai up to 8850m on Everest. Over the next two weeks I'll be ascending quite a part of this as I attempt to hike to Everest Base Camp…alone, which itself is 1000m higher than the highest point in Europe. Eeek. Please forgive me for this blog being long, in 2 parts even - I felt a day-by-day account was the only way to do this trek justice, even if it means 3 reading sessions from you and 10 hour typing in Internet cafes for me (in fact, I [View Full Entry]

---

---

"We advise against all but essential travel to Nepal during the current period of enhanced tension, as there is a risk of being caught up in the violence on the streets. Those British Nationals already in Nepal should decide whether their presence is essential." . Well that's just typical isn't it. Just as I fly in. Welcome, as they say, to the magical country of Nepal. Is my presence essential? Depends on my current ego, but I think not. Nevertheless, I have been looking forward to visiting this country more than any other on my trip, and a little bit of [View Full Entry]

---

---

No no, I haven't left Kenya in a sudden fit of madness to return to Thailand with a craving for deep-fried ants. Instead, please allow me to rewind the clock three months to when I'd just returned to Bangkok from Laos' capital, Vientianne, in order to wait at the airport for a very special someone on her way to see me. Sorry to not have written sooner on my two weeks with Caroline, making this blog just slightly disjointed (and I'll be forgetful of a few names). My fault completely, but better late than never, as they say. As a result, [View Full Entry]

---

---

It seems that without fail, no journey I undertake in Asia can run smoothly. The mere hint of a thought of naïve smoothness in my mind and the touching of something wooden, will eventually result in some unexpected situation occurring. Take my boat trip from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw for example. It started well, and finished great, travelling through spectacular (though hazy) scenery, little communities and kids everywhere swimming, fishing, or manically waving at us as if their lives depended on it. But of course, this false sense of security is fraught with danger as we pass through ridic [View Full Entry]

---

---

I know, it's an awful title. Another very long one - but I guess you're used to this with me by now. I was contemplating making a new entry just for the hill-tribe trek, but thought I'd add it to this blog, hence the length. I've sort of drowned you in photos this time too. Everyone seems to like these blog photos, and with connections quite good out here, I'm sure you don't mind a little photo-drowning. Think of them as a gift for reading my blog. Of course, you could just scroll down and ignore the blog, but I know [View Full Entry]

---

---

76 measurements, 13 types of material, 21 visits to tailors, 7 forms filled out at the post office and 26 hours later, and I'm now the proud owner of some cool new clothing. Well, not that I have any right to use or even know the meaning of the word 'cool', but it's pretty smart stuff to my eyes. This is Hoi An, home to arguably the world's largest collection of tailors, or at the least, the cheapest. One can have a new suit made up for $25! Personally, I prefer clothing with a bit more class (don't laugh), or rather, [View Full Entry]

---

---

Oh dear. I fear these LONG blogs are becoming a habit. The last one I warned about you getting a cup of tea. This time, how about cooking dinner also. I'm expecting 100s of comments soon from you all to tell me to stop waffling. To be fair, Cambodia and Vietnam are two countries with incredibly interesting histories. After I leave Vietnam, the history lessons will hopefully disappear and a nice, simple blogs will be left. Until then, brace yourselves, and enjoy. PS - lots of photos this time, as the connection here is mega-quick :) Welcome to the Mekong Delta, [View Full Entry]

---

---