Winging it is great We prefer to be nomad's taking us where the wind blows but it takes a while to get to that place where you head out to see something that you have done no reading or research on. Those always seem to be extremely pleasant experiences for us-- not sure why we don't do it 100% of the time. You are a master photographer and we love each and every blog you publish. Can't wait for the next edition.
A DAY IN A LIFE Nice collection of images...a day in a life...in Melaka...must say the canal frontage has been tarted up somewhat from when I was there.
Malaca in portuguese! One again great photos and really enjoyed reading about your great time in Malaca. My brother went there quite a few years ago and of course I had learnt about Malaca in my Geographyand History lessons in Portugal. Look forward to your next blog and photos Axx
Good point well made When the last LP Vietnam came out, we looked at a copy to see what they said about Haiphong, the city we had been living in. The recommended hotel had been knocked down at least 6 months before, before that it had rats. None of the places that foreigners hang out in had made it in. It didn't appear that the writer had been recently. The problem, I guess, is that information in printed media is old before it goes to press. Plus, recommended places end up full of tourists and can rapidly go downhill if they can't cope with the popularity. 'The Bible' is good for finding information, but you need to use the 'inter-web' too. Glad to hear Sepilok Jungle Resort is still lovely. We went a few years ago and it was great. Under water with all the rain, but great!
:) Maybe they read the review and decided to up their game? I don't believe this is the case at all but as I get older I'm trying to be less cynical.... [:)]
I find with Lying Planet et al, that it does all depend on the Author. I've read some and the author is clearly someone who's on my wavlength, the writing is witty and informative and every suggestion leaves me smiling. Others, literally leave me stunned by how crap they are, making it only useful for lobbing at wailing cats that keep us up at night!
We loved the proboscis monkey sanctuary. Was there an otter there? They'd rescued it and it was super friendly, although the little shit kept trying to bite my socks off! [:)]
i know what you mean I know what you mean....there are different writers in each one and they cleary do different places within a country - some are spot-on others are just a waste of space.
No otter i'm afraid. I did love it there though...
We so agree about 'The Book' Too many times we see people wandering around, their heads buried in 'The Book'. We sometimes refer to it as 'The Bible' as some people seem to be incapable of research or decision-making if it deviates from what the Lonely Planet says! You are right about some of the authors, they don't actually visit the countries they write about that often and rely on readers to update them on changes.
Glad you had a good experience at Sepilok Jungle Resort, we stayed there and it was ok...we just had to wait for ages for our room to be ready, although we aren't sure why we were kept waiting - the staff just seemed a bit dizzy to be honest!
Fantastic photos of the wildlife, they are really great.
You are right on about the books. Often the information is out dating by time they go to print and I feel for all of those who have lost money because backpackers use it as the bible. Too much power in too few hands. Bravo for writing this excellent blog and loved the photos.
This is a good reminder to all of us.
East meets West Thank you Jessica for another great descriptive visit to KL and look forward to the next one! You are having such a great time and it is so nice that we can share your great moments, thank you also for amazing photos. My best wishes for the New Year anabelaxx
East meets West Thank you Jessica for another great descriptive visit to KL and look forward to the next one! You are having such a great time and it is so nice that we can share your great moments, thank you also for amazing photos. My best wishes for the New Year anabelaxx
Loving the Blog Hi Jess - first off - amazing photography - I know you love your job back here in blighty but I really think you should try and make a career in photography - stunning portraiture x Lots of people have made the same points that I would make about whether or not the people you are helping "need" or "want" help, especially when viewed from our perspective of relative affluence. Wishing you a very happy christmas and a fantastic new year with hugs and kisses from a cold, damp Kent xxx Caroline and Dan xxx
You are a 2011 TravelBlog favourite photographer! Check this out, and feel free to add some 2011 TravelBlog favourite anythings of your own. :) http://www.travelblog.org/Topics/30521-1.html
ONE PERSON CAN'T SAVE THE WORLD... but one person can help one or two and make a difference in their lives. You are helping much much more...at Sapa. What is called gut feeling must guide you from there. Loved the natural colours in your pics...they took me there.
Very Sad Some of those pictures simply bring a tear to my eye. It is hard to see the suffering that is going on, but you are right, some people may not want to be rescues. Just because some of us live surrounded by technology and noise does not make it right for everybody.
Hi, from Argentina Dear traveller: your blogs are excellent, your pictures are great BUT your spirit is special... Thank you. Hugs from Argentina. Graciela.
Dilemmas Life is never simple is it? But all I can think is that if I was cold and hungry and my children left for days starving, I too would hope some Western angel would turn up and help me out. You are like a lottery win, and perhaps that is the problem....how do you help without making them dependant on you? I utterly agree education is the way forward and key to everything. It so easy isn't it sitting in my comfy house .... I want to help, so sign me up and count me in!!
In a nutshell; I am Jess. I was 27 years old, and left a wonderful teaching job in search of unemployment and volunteer opportunities across the other side of the world. Some say it's foolish, I was inclined to agree but these experiences altered me in ways I never imagined possible. I accomplished dreams, re-found lost passions, set up a charity in Sapa, taught in Cambodia, established a teaching course in Vietnam and published articles and photos for magazines and books.
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Winging it is great
We prefer to be nomad's taking us where the wind blows but it takes a while to get to that place where you head out to see something that you have done no reading or research on. Those always seem to be extremely pleasant experiences for us-- not sure why we don't do it 100% of the time. You are a master photographer and we love each and every blog you publish. Can't wait for the next edition.