taniav

I should point out that other than some major bruising to my nose and upper lip and in various parts of my body (arms and back side) I am FINE and have survived one of the most traumatic experiences of my life to date!!! Well some days it is better not getting out of bed....today was obviously one of those. In my attempt to move between hostels several blocks apart, I had my first taster of the regular con....which I quickly brushed off as a one off from which I got away with a story and no financial or physical loss. The con goes like this - 3 people (1 woman and 2 guys all with day packs on their backs) tried to steel my backpack....their ploy was to throw some putrite brown liquid onto my ... read more

Well after all the horror stories of people being mugged I was witness to a mugging on my bus....or should I more accurate say, there was a mugging that took place but not a single one of us passengers were even aware it took place. 10 mins on the bus and this guy started shouting, to raise the alarm that something he had placed on the overhead shelf had been stolen. Obviously I had no idea what he was saying but it is amazing what body language and facial expressions convey. 2 hours later I was fully aware....as we had 2 policemen check our hand luggage (this reminded me of my Peru search a few years back at least there were no dirty clothes this time just food and electronics) and then we had to wait ... read more

The second part of the walking adventure was undertaken by 2 members of the original crew (Kirsty & Tania) and a new willing addition (Caroline). Unfortunately the other 2 original members (Debbie & Lynn) had other commitments, so they took a reign check on this occasion but will be back for the finale next year! The route commenced from the Drovers Inn (Inveranan) to the Kings House Hotel (Glencoe), 31 miles from start to finish. Day 1 - Inveranan to Crainlarach Day 2 - Crainlarach to Bridge of Orchy Day 3 - Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe Drove home on Tuesday via Comrie, Crief & Perth Weather was varied on day 1 mainly sunny with overcast spells, day 2 light showers and day 3 a constant drizzle with some heavy showers and the appearance of the ... read more

I could not resist using Robin Williams famous line as my title, but then it was 7:30pm before I crossed the Vietnamese border, so I could not use the "morning" element in order to stay factually correct...I know sometimes I can be so anal! I am spliting this blog into 2 parts since I am sure there will be lots more to report back on... Bus journey from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Mihn City This journey was split into 2 parts since we changed bus at Phnom Penh. There was a 2.5hr wait in the Cambodian capitals bus station, which made me truly appreciate the fact that I decided to by pass it in the first place. Just a bigger version of Siem Reap and slightly hotter. There were a few observations I made on ... read more

Pleased to say I have survived the Tuk Tuk driving however struggling with the sweltering heat. A mere 20 degree increase from the Scottish temperatures and my expanding waistline are going to make this trip a real challenge! I am trying to convince myself that the jet lag and heat are the main reasons for me using the Tuk Tuk's (small motor bike with a carriage for passengers at the back - very rustic!) rather than my total lack of fitness, to walking instead which was my original intention. But by now I am fully aware of how flexible my travel plans need to be in order to sample the local culture, cope with the heat and truly unwind...something I have been in dire need of lately. First impressions of arriving in Bangkok, the airport looked ... read more