Renzington

Madam, if you don't trust me, you can turn around, and go find another taxi ok... What was this guy on about? Was he not aware of the reputation that preceded him and that of his country? He was a taxi driver and I was a simple western tourist with invisible dollar signs stamped on my forehead, and together, we were attempting to do business-in India.Trust was never going to be apart of this equation. But his indignation wasn't entirely without reason;I guess he was offended that I had just told him,that if I was to find out that the "authorised" badge he was wearing around his neck and the price he was asking for the taxi ride was all apart of a scam, then I'd be more than happy to go around spreading vicious ... read more

Holland falls into the category of rich western europe-and funnily enough-its financial prosperity only adds to my reasoning of why I think this country is so unique,and why every other nation,not just the rich,should aspire to be more like this one. That I know is a big statement to make,but if anyone is deserving of it-it's the Dutch. Geographically,this country is so tiny that if you were to be scanning the world globe,blinking and missing it would be entirely probable-but the manner in which the people carry themselves and their ability to lead (in my opinion) on the no small matter of social progression, more then compensates for any physical shortcomings that fall their way. It has become well known for its liberal stance on policies towards drug use, prostitution,euthanasia..and the list goes on..but you would ... read more

The train you are on starts heading in the wrong direction;already an hour past its expected arrival time. You look up the menu to see what your options are-Meat..bread...Meat..bread... some cheese.....Meat..bread... You see buses with rosary beads hanging from the rear-view mirror and images of Jesus and the whole gang staring down at the vehicle's occupants.Gripping on to the seat in front of you, driver hooting his horn.. making yet another unsuccessful attempt at hurdling his way past a group of motorists;you start to think his fondness for all things religious, is less about faith and more about necessity- as he,and the rest of the crazy balkan drivers, need all the help they can get. Yes,I know,it's been awhile. Expensive internet cafes; overcoming 'bloggers block';trying to avoid the impatient glares of fellow travellers the second I ... read more

They are crossing the road and coming my way.. Shiiiiit,the german police may just be about to open a can of woop arse on me! -something similar to what I was thinking when I saw the Gestapo..sorry, German police heading my way.Actually, I´m sure my thoughts were just full of expletives at the time,but I was too busy giggling silently to myself to notice. Being mistaken more for a European than an Aussie, having a little ( I swear mum) of a run in with the gest...german police and being invited to pack up my things instantly and head to Prague with a couple of Dutch dudes. Just a quite first few days in Berlin really. Or maybe not. -Berlin- The city that has me within it´s grasp -one that I just can´t seem to break ... read more

11 hours to go. Goodbyes and kisses to my beautiful niece Tilly, tears swelling. Feeling ambivalent, scared, anxious,excited, expectant... nauseous even.. All part of the adventure of solo world travel; one would presume?! Fun Fun Fun..... read more