Blogs from Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 24

February '09 It's just over a year since I completed the first stage of my South American travels. So, before I start round two, some reflections on the first trip may influence the way I tackle this forthcoming venture. The script on the blog from my first trip encapsulated my first impressions rapidly typed up in a variety of internet cafes and enhanced with a selection of photographs which were often difficult to upload. The idiosyncrasies of the internet systems throughout the countries visited and their volatile reliability often resulted in frustration. However there were very few total failures and technology triumphed in the end. I would be happy to revisit any of the countries travelled. I found a welcoming friendly atmosphere wherever I went and the hospitality I received was in many cases overwhelming. Apart ... read more

So here I am setting up my travel blog and finally being able to contemplate the journey ahead. The weekend has been full of ''hello and goodbye again's'' and now I am in the lovely Lavelle family home nice and full from not one but TWO vegetarian curries with my voice finally having a chance to recover from a hectic but fabulous few days (it's so wrong that you really can talk too much!) Tomorrow I'm heading to Heathrow to climb aboard a carrier of dreams (and of course a horrid contributor to the global warming disaster) to Accra, Ghana, where I will hang around for a few days tyring to get a visa for Togo. Thereafter I will make the journey over the border to work with an NGO in Kpalime in the hope of ... read more

So the day is finally here. Jezza has overcome "major, extensive eye surgery" (only joking bubba) and i've said goodbye to all my good friends and the wonderful cats and dogs at Battersea. We're a bit concerned about Fiji due to the serious flooding there and we are still undecided as to whether to go or not, but will keep you updated. Looking forward to seeing Nick at the airport in San Fran tomorrow, also very much looking forward to going to Napa Valley this weekend!!!!! Don't fret all you Jez lovers out there he will be on here when we get to San Fran (I hope so anyway as he's a better speller than me). speak soon Mel (and Jez who is no doubt still not packed and drinking whisky with glenn-stupid, stupid, stupid!) xxxxxxxxxx ... read more

back in england with friends not seen for 7 months... read more

Packing up our last few items and setting off for Singapore. After cancelled and redirecting our plans, many times, we are now successfully flying tonight for three weeks of adventure in Malaysia.... read more