We crossed over the Malaysian border on the East coast and moved quickly up the country via several trains including an overnight train. This was an overnight train with a difference though. We got on at a place called Hat Yai (after being informed that we were on the wrong platform by a drunk Aussie) only to find that a Monk was sat in our seat. After the hostess asked him to move we sat down for a long journey. We were instantly offered food which was really tasty and we spent a nice half hour trying to decide if the hostess was indeed a hostess or a host. Steph still maintains that 'she' was a she whereas I think 'she' was in fact a he!! Much to our amusement/ horror after our meal 'she' sat ... read more

We took a bus from Jeruntut to the small village in the middle of nowhere that had the jetty for the boat to the national park - and essential part of the park experience according to the lonely planet! so after an early start and some good organisation we arrived at 8.30 to be told that there was no official boat until 2pm, not a good start! but a local boatman for about 2 pounds extra agreed to take us, so we had a long boat all to ourselves! it was a beautiful (but bum-numbing) 3 hour boat ride into the park, we passed fisherman and local children in the river which was really cool, we also passed lots of other long boats that unlike ours were full, we got waves and a few smiles alongside ... read more

We landed late afternoon to Singapore and were instantly dazzled by the airport, took one look around and knew our fortunes had changed after India! The place was spotless (no touts!) and linked by an underground system (MRT) to the city. We instantly loved the place. We found the hostel with ease, perfectly situated in the Bugis Area (the previous red light district until the government buldozed them out to completely renovate the area) which was close to all the major sights. On our first night we eagerly set off in search of some good food - no more curries for us! We found perfection in an extravagant Japanese Buffet which was holding a seafood special (and a chocolate fountain). We tried everything from peppered crab, prawns, sushi, sashima (raw fish) and to chocolate dipped Marshmallows ... read more

When we got into the bus station we got a tuk tuk with a couple from Durham that were on the bus with us to a small guest house in Old Manali, a quieter part of town. Our guest house ended up being up a winding dirt track set behind a small row of shops. But for 200 rupees (Less than 3 pounds) a night we weren't going to complain! After a sleep to recover from our hellish journey we ventured into town. We went into a tourist Adventure company but sadly due to it being out of season here most of the mountain passes were closed due to snow. We booked instead onto a day trip to the Rohtang Pass and to Solang Valley for the following day. That evening I tried the special trout ... read more

Our first overnight train trip went fairly smoothly although it was pretty crowded but it was really fun, people were passing through the carriage all the time saying 'chai chai' or 'coffee coffee' so it was always quite lively! we arrived into varanasi early in the morning and on time pretty much and were met by our hotel pickup who bundles us into a tuk tuk bags and all and we were zoomed across the city! it was manic and noisy, like all the other cities really but it was a big wake up call that early!! due to the narrow streets near the river and the ghats where our hotel was we had to get out and walk the last 10 minuites - we passed open urinals, cows, lots of rubbish and a dead dog! ... read more