Paradise Indeed! You did make your way to paradise, err. El Nido. Great to know your experience with Tao. Was in El Nido a couple of years ago but planning to head back and would definitely consider using Tao.
Hey! Holiday blog! Hi Simon, how's it going? Looks like it's all going very well in your part of the world! It's raining in Dubrovnik, but the sun has been glorious until now, a good change from the drizzle in Paris (though I wasn't complaining about being there either!). Only just found this blog, I'd actually deleted the first invitation to read, thinking it was spam - simjam? I don't know a simjam! - but it's great to see what you're up to. I have barely sent an email while we've been away, although I've been pretty good with the postcards. So, squid fishing complete with a new beardy scruff! Have fun!
Hey there
Glad to hear your trip is going so well too. Am having an absolute blast here - just arrived at a crazy week long festival and have been dancing and banging drums with tens of thousands of locals all day. Safe travels and guess I'll be seeing ya in a few weeks. Cheers
Cheers mate - yeah, it's a pretty stunning part of the world. Just posted the next installment and it gets even better...thanks again for the nice comment - it's always great to get some feedback.
From the island......... Obviously you survived the dreaded lurgy......have had a jamieson or two myself! Love the photos and the blog, ever thought about taking up writing??? Relax and enjoy!
elephants i just happened to come across your blog and felt the need for a bit of factual correction- not nit picking or anything! Elephants were never used in t.han as part of illegal logging ventures they were brought in after illegal loggers were cleared out of the area - some from elephant camps in Acheh and other places. the only thing used to haul illegally cut wood were people and the odd water buffalo- they were originally introduced by flora and fauna international as part ofan eco turism programme.
Hey hey!
Great to hear from ya darling. Have been following your travels with much interest and laughter...
Didn't make it to Sipadan (I know, I know) but were hard pressed for time and as neither of us dive, we figured we'd save it for a later date when we do.
So, where are you now? Will wait with baited breath for the next blog...
Cheers
Simon & Jane
great Thanks simon for you updates. can't believe its been a month already. nothing has changed at all here so you may as well be off on some wild jungle adventure getting attacked by monkeys! fantastic!
wow sounds amazing guys. ahhh jealous...keep on enjoying!!!
ps we did get the table and it fits PERFECTLY on our balcony, but of course you have no need for thoughts of home. at all.
love love
Back on the road Great to see you back on the road. Loved the update and pics. If you make it to Sipidan, you must dive (or learn to dive!). It's beautiful. Enjoy the rest of the travels, where next?
Long time no speak!! Hiya simon, great to hear from ya, looks like your having an amazing time!! Good on ya!! Heres to happy travels (he says as he raises a glass in the air!) oh and I hope that man u dick the scouse bastards in the league(yeah yeah, I know that the gooners are doin proper shite before you say anything!!) Hope to see ya for a catch up and some beers sometime in the future.
Take care man, smartyx
Two great places Bukit Lawang and Tangkahan Hi,
Wow, loved your report- both places are so different but both worth visiting Bukit Lawang and Tangkahan.
I first visited Tangkahan in Sept 2006 and have written about it ever since. Just love the place- seems like you stayed at Jungle Lodge with that photo of the view at the breakfast table- like being in heaven.
Actually there are 3 accomodation places in Tangkahan across the river- Mega Inn to your left as you climb the stairs from the ferry, then Bambu River and finally Jungle Lodge.
Look forward to reading your next blog.
Pamela a great lover of Indonesia. ( back in 2010 for my 9th trip.)
Can't wait for the next installment Hi,
Really enjoyed readding about your stay in Lake Toba. Looking forward to the next installement- Bukit Lawang one of my favourite places- want to know all the details- where you stayed who you went trekking with and so on.
I have many friends in BL.
Pamela- mad lover of all things Indonesian.
Wonderful reporting Simon,
We're heading for the Middle East soon and have really appreciated your journals.
They're enjoyable and informative and very literate.
Thank you and safe and happy travelling.
Thea
WOW Hi Simon. I'm enthralled by both your writing and your experiences. It's been a wonderful trip for me because your description of what you see and experience makes me feel like I'm there. The photos added another dimension. Looking forward to seeing them when you get back. I know your Christmas and New Year were just 'slightly' better than mine. Keep well.
miss you Hey dude, I miss you. Hello to Jane. I hope you are both keeping well. Reading through I can almost imagine myself on the trip with you. I will h ave a beer or two for you today - 34 degrees, Christmas Party at the Circus!!!!!
nice blog Hey mate. Very interesting text.
I wish more Australians and Kiwis were traveling to Iran to see how it really is from inside. I was surprised to see how little, people in that part of the world know about Iran while I was living in Sydney. What they know mostly comes from mal-intended media.
I am happy you guys are having a good time there and thanks for sharing your experience with us. Cheers!
Dancing Dave
David Hooper
The Mother of all Festivals
Great to see you made the trek to an exotic festival...and got right into it...way to go...looks & sounds like a blast..!