Blogs from Croydon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

The Lad Traveller - a blog made by people who don't go on a night out with their notebook in their back-pocket. Travelling websites are full of great advice right? I mean, just flick through your copy of Lonely Planet and you'll see page after page of useful information. Useful, but useful in the same way that a skirting board is useful; I'm sure it it does a job, but when it comes to actual practicality, it's really just a load of wasted tree. That's where The Lad Traveller comes in. This is where people come for travel information that they really need; you won't find information on the indigenous tribes of South America or how old the Borneo Rainforest is. What you will find is poorly researched, lazily written and vaguely offence articles on subjects ... read more

The month of September was packed full of ups and downs, and endless dramaramas. It is painful for me to say that, because I try to avoid drama like the plague. I like to think that I am well-organised and plan ahead, just so that I can avoid any possible dramas. And yet these dramas seem to seek me out and knock me down when I least expect it. What did I do to deserve this? Only time will tell, I guess. Cousin Jak and Sharmila's wedding gave me faith that at least two people are having a good time in this mad, bad world of ours. Set in the picturesque surroundings of Hockering House, in the Norfolk countryside, said cousin and his better half tied the knot. It was a wonderful day, framed with beautiful, ... read more

The wedding. The very reason for being in the sud de la France, was to see my good friend, Lizzie J, tie the knot. Could this quiet and unassuming young girl in my class, wearing a brown and green uniform, really be getting married? Weren't we talking about Phil and Grant arriving in Albert Square in Eastenders the other night? Wasn't I comforting her over the split of Take That the other day? Weren't we still sniggering over the Agony Aunt section in Just Seventeen magazine? Surely, at 11 years of age, Lizzie J is a tad young to be marrying? But that was 20 years ago, K! Wake up! She's all grown up now! And you know what? All of this reminiscing is just making me feel old! Argh! Anyhooha. The wedding took place in ... read more

Mostly over jet lag, but still finding it a good excuse in getting out of bed late. Two nights in Royal Leamington Spa with Julian and Ellie, then a very early train to London on Thursday. By 9am I had come to terms with the bad news that I will not be visiting India on my trip. The apparent backlog in visa applications meant that I would not get my passport back until the following Wednesday. This would mean I couldn’t get my Iranian visa, and would miss my Paris train, my sleeper to Rome, and the last ferry for the year from Bari in Italy to Croatia. I was hugely looking forward to spending two weeks in India -and so many friends who have been there had told me how great a place it is ... read more

So it's Christmas day and only 9 days left until my departure! I've bought a truck-load of equipment, clothes and gadgets (and some fantastic socks!) My parents have also been brilliant and bought me an amazing camera for my birthday (which I'll be spending on the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia!) and I'll be uploading my favourite photos onto this blog. So to sum up these last few months of preparation, I've bought an RTW (Round-The-World) ticket which consists of about 12 flights for around £1,800 including all taxes (which seems amazing value). I've had about 15 injections covering everything from rabies to yellow fever to Japanese B encephalitis (whatever that might be). I've booked tours with Intrepid Travel and also with the Vodka Train (sounds promising). I've sent off for and received all the ... read more

Our trip has been 11 months in the planning but we are about there. Off on 1 October for just short of six months. The plan is to be back in the UK on 25 March 2009. We have all the tickets and our brand new shiny back packs and have passed our walking exam thanks to Gail & Malcolm Thanks to all our friends, family and Planet Spice for the many goodbye drinks and best wishes. A big thank you to the guys and girls that came round on Saturday 27 September to say goodbye, with special thanks to: * Nancy for the guiness cake and for keeping the sofa warm for 2 hours * Angelo for dropping in from India * Wayne for staying awake all night * Jen for the ice shots, they ... read more

After one evening of sensory overload in Trafalgar Square, Liecester Square and Piccadilly Circus we were ready to attempt sleep, but alas we were still on Nova Scotia time (gravol helped for one of us- Not M). J suffering with dry nostrils got her first nosebleed in the UK. Iceland has one wickedly secure airport. It is sleek and modern and they have cool luggage carts. The most interesting sight would have been the fish skin lamp shades. The airline was great and served us well. Heathrow Airport in very very large and busy and was the first moment where the sights and sounds were all around me (M). I cannot wait to visit the shops on our way back home. I will try and post some pics tomorrow, until then check your email. ... read more