19.10.10
Another Update
I would like to Update those who do bother to read this, 'i do plan on updating this soon'. Just to quickly put it up to date though. I had a change of heart, and after 2months in the amazing Edinburgh I caught the train back to Burton Latimer to work for my parents. A long term commitment that has put an end to lengthy travels. But this hasn't stopped me visiting new places. I recently returned to Edinburgh for a weekend at the finge festival. I have also visited friends in Germany and Holland (I will post up about that very soon). I have further travels planned in the near future and a couple of challenges planed that will push my limits further.
7.5.10
A SHORT UPDATE
I've now been in Edinburgh for over a week. I have been lucky enough to find some work and have made some new friends. I have even been pushing my cooking skills to the limit and have been surviving with a budget of £12 a day!
I arrived in Edinburgh with a bad knee and headed to a hostel in Cramond. £5 a night! But its miles from the city center. No problem for me as i have a bike and like the excuse to use it. Its not a bad Hostel, I get free WiFi and B'fast. The problem is i have to share my room with 7 others and the odd coach load of school kids running around at midnight keeping everyone awake.
The first weekend in Edinburgh I met up with a fellow Couchsurfer who had also returned from travels and is looking for work. We had great chat while walking around the city and finished with a coffee. The next day I met with another Couchsurfer who took me on a 40mile cycle ride around the Pentlands.
I managed to get some work!!! luckily an old manager and friend had some work available. So for the past week I have been occupied with earning some much needed money. But i still had time to make it to the pub on Wednesday for some drinks at a couchsurfing meet. Bonus!!
I now have a couple of weeks work based from Edinburgh before i have to worry about what to do next. For now I'm just visiting the sights and enjoying my favourite city.
Oh and the food. I'm on a very small budget, so its reduced price food for me. This usually involves pizza basses with tinned toppings. Its becoming a bit of a Hobie. So far haggis pizza it the best with chilly con carnie pizza following closely behind.
My daily budget it going well and looks something like this.
£6 for bed and b'fast
£3 for food and drink
£3 for misc stuff E.g. washing, books or shampoo.
So thats my update for now.
But why am I telling you this, I'm home rite!
wrong, I'm travelling, but very close to home :)
I arrived in Edinburgh with a bad knee and headed to a hostel in Cramond. £5 a night! But its miles from the city center. No problem for me as i have a bike and like the excuse to use it. Its not a bad Hostel, I get free WiFi and B'fast. The problem is i have to share my room with 7 others and the odd coach load of school kids running around at midnight keeping everyone awake.
The first weekend in Edinburgh I met up with a fellow Couchsurfer who had also returned from travels and is looking for work. We had great chat while walking around the city and finished with a coffee. The next day I met with another Couchsurfer who took me on a 40mile cycle ride around the Pentlands.
I managed to get some work!!! luckily an old manager and friend had some work available. So for the past week I have been occupied with earning some much needed money. But i still had time to make it to the pub on Wednesday for some drinks at a couchsurfing meet. Bonus!!
I now have a couple of weeks work based from Edinburgh before i have to worry about what to do next. For now I'm just visiting the sights and enjoying my favourite city.
Oh and the food. I'm on a very small budget, so its reduced price food for me. This usually involves pizza basses with tinned toppings. Its becoming a bit of a Hobie. So far haggis pizza it the best with chilly con carnie pizza following closely behind.
My daily budget it going well and looks something like this.
£6 for bed and b'fast
£3 for food and drink
£3 for misc stuff E.g. washing, books or shampoo.
So thats my update for now.
But why am I telling you this, I'm home rite!
wrong, I'm travelling, but very close to home :)
2.5.10
MACCLESFIELD TO EDINBURGH. Vlog 024
Part 3. Here are my final days cycling to Edinburgh. After the first two days I it was best to rest my knee. So after a long weekend at my sisters it was time to head off. Heres how it all went.
Thanks to the following for giving me a place to stay on the way up
Andrew (family friend)
Zoe & Simon (sister & her b'friend)
Alex (cousin)
And all those that offered
30.4.10
LONG EATON TO MACCLESFIELD. Vlog 023
Here's the 2nd part of my cycle trip to Edinburgh. This section took me 55 miles from Long Eaton (Nottingham) to Macclesfield (Manchester). This has 3 interesting sections. Firstly I had to find my way from one side of derby to the other using their rubbish cycle routes. Next I cycled up an old railway line called the Tissington trail. And finally I peddled over The Cat and Fiddle Pass, the UK's most dangerous road.
BURTON LATIMER TO LONG EATON. Vlog 022
The start of my cycle to Edinburgh for a job hunt started on the 21st of april 2010 with a 60 Mile cycle from Burton Latimer to Long Eaton. This video shown how it went.
29.4.10
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT PART 2, Video Blog 021
So here's part 2 af my Annapurna circuit cycle trek. As you will see i made it over the pass on the 18th of march 2010 (my 24th birthday). This was a great experiance that I will never forget as I hope the many amazing people I met on the way will not forget me.
25.4.10
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT PART 1, Video Blog 020
Here's part one of my cycle trek around the Annapurna circuit in Nepal. This was a difficult challange that involved pushing, carrying and peddling my way through the Himilayas. Reaching 5500 meters above sea level. It was difficult to escape the tourist trail on this part of my adventure, but I still found it interesting to see how the culture had adapted with tourism. It was also nice to be part of a very small minority who has completed this track on two wheels.
14.4.10
BUS TO POKHARA, Video Blog 019
I was tempted with the idea of cycling to Pokhara. A 2 day journey that the Lonely planet recommended. I recommend you don't unless you have cycled around the world and don't want to bus any part of it. But for leisure you should save it for another place. Luckily due to my feeling ill, I was put back a day and had to catch the bus to meet my deadline of reaching Thorong la pass on the 18th.
KATHMANDU
KATHMANDU
Video Blog 018
A couple of days seeing the sights of Kathmandu before heading to Pokhara and the Annapurna Circuit. Kathmandu wasn't the peaceful city I was expecting, in fact I left only a couple of days after arriving with the most awful saw throat, (And that's coming from a smoker). Polluted, noisy and very unnerving narrow streets with all the traffic whizzing past your feet. But on the up side the streets (that felt like back alleyways) were lined with outdoor shops filled with cheap camping/hiking equipment at stupidly low prices, And if you paid for the fakes it was insanely cheap. Hence I left Kathmandu looking like a Northface advert.
Video Blog 018
A couple of days seeing the sights of Kathmandu before heading to Pokhara and the Annapurna Circuit. Kathmandu wasn't the peaceful city I was expecting, in fact I left only a couple of days after arriving with the most awful saw throat, (And that's coming from a smoker). Polluted, noisy and very unnerving narrow streets with all the traffic whizzing past your feet. But on the up side the streets (that felt like back alleyways) were lined with outdoor shops filled with cheap camping/hiking equipment at stupidly low prices, And if you paid for the fakes it was insanely cheap. Hence I left Kathmandu looking like a Northface advert.
BATTAMBANG TO BANGKOK. Video Blog 017
Recorded - 25/02/ - 02/03/2010
Location - Battambang, Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand
Personal weather gage - Usual Asian heat
Phrase of the moment - I can't remember. (that's not the phrase, i really can't remeber)
Motivation - Ready for the next challange
Personal weather gage - Usual Asian heat
Phrase of the moment - I can't remember. (that's not the phrase, i really can't remeber)
Motivation - Ready for the next challange
25.2.10
SOUTH COAST OF CAMBODIA. Video Blog 016
Recorded - 20-24/02/2010
Location - Phnom Penh to Kampot via Takeo and Kep, Cambodia
Personal weather gage - Managed to get sunburn on my legs while sailing despite the clouds.
Phrase of the moment - Byt ili ne byt (to be, or not to be [in russian])...
Motivation - regained.
23.2.10
PHNOM PENH. Video Blog 015
Recorded - a couple of days ago
Location - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Personal weather gage - Still Hot.
Phrase of the moment - Book Sir?...
Motivation - Love cycling in the city.
18.2.10
(CAN'T SEE) THE MEKONG DISCOVERY TRAIL. Video Blog 014
Recorded - a couple of days ago
Location - Kratie to Stung Treng, Cambodia
Personal weather gage - Plenty of water is not enough for this heat.
Phrase of the moment - Simon, You've gone too far this time...
Motivation - Knocked out of me a bit after getting myself dehidrated on a remote island...
16.2.10
ANGKOR WAT. Video Blog 013
Recorded : about a week ago
Location : Siem Reap, Cambodia
Personal weather gage - Hotter without the breeze created from cycling
Phrase of the moment - Seller "pinapple" Me "no" next seller "pinapple" me "no" and so on
Motivation - Feeling a bit templed out...
4.2.10
SISOPHON TO SIEM REAP. Video Blog 012
Recorded : 4/02/2010
Location : Siem Reap, Cambodia
Personal weather gage - Hot
Phrase of the moment - Aw Kohn (Thank-You)
Motivation - I've got this far...
30.1.10
ARANYAPRATHET TO SISOPON, Video Blog 011
Recorded : 28/01/2010
Location : Aranyaprathet, Thailand to Sisopon, Cambodia
Personal weather gage - Still hot
Phrase of the moment - sua s'dei (hello)
Motivation - Explosive.
28.1.10
Itinerary
To save weight and volume we have had to pack lite. If your wondering how can I travel with only two panniers on the back of our bikes. Here's what you will find.
Hammock Tent (also works as basic tent) [Bad choice]
sleeping bag (very cheep and nasty) [Bad choice]
Tools and spare parts (shared)
Swiss army knife
Bike tool kit (for spokes, chain, etc etc)
puncture repair kit
Inner tubes x 2
spokes x 2
chain oil
Lonely Planet (great for starting the fire)
Waterproof jacket
Hoody (about 4 holes in it)
3 t-shirts
2 pairs of shorts
3 pairs of socks
2 pairs of boxers
A towel
Toilet Paper (always at the top of the bag)
electric shaver
toothbrush (short handle)
toothpaste
shampoo (for hair, body and clothes)
Alcohol hand cleaner (shared)
Sunscreen (shared)
Mosquito Repellent (shared)
Medicine box (A few things required to combat severe illness in remote places, Even H1N1)
Travel Laptop ( Requires wall socket to charge, not always easy to find)
Camera (AA powered)
Mp3 player (AAA powered)
ON THE BIKE
Helmet
Lights
Speedo / odometer
2 water bottles
On Jeremy's bike (Shared)
Gas stove
Gas
cooking pot
cup
spoon (short handle)
Air Pump
As you can see we are sharing a few things to save on weight. Also it is my job to carry tools and food while Jeremy carries the cooking stuff.
Hammock Tent (also works as basic tent) [Bad choice]
sleeping bag (very cheep and nasty) [Bad choice]
Tools and spare parts (shared)
Swiss army knife
Bike tool kit (for spokes, chain, etc etc)
puncture repair kit
Inner tubes x 2
spokes x 2
chain oil
Lonely Planet (great for starting the fire)
Waterproof jacket
Hoody (about 4 holes in it)
3 t-shirts
2 pairs of shorts
3 pairs of socks
2 pairs of boxers
A towel
Toilet Paper (always at the top of the bag)
electric shaver
toothbrush (short handle)
toothpaste
shampoo (for hair, body and clothes)
Alcohol hand cleaner (shared)
Sunscreen (shared)
Mosquito Repellent (shared)
Medicine box (A few things required to combat severe illness in remote places, Even H1N1)
Travel Laptop ( Requires wall socket to charge, not always easy to find)
Camera (AA powered)
Mp3 player (AAA powered)
ON THE BIKE
Helmet
Lights
Speedo / odometer
2 water bottles
On Jeremy's bike (Shared)
Gas stove
Gas
cooking pot
cup
spoon (short handle)
Air Pump
As you can see we are sharing a few things to save on weight. Also it is my job to carry tools and food while Jeremy carries the cooking stuff.
CHANTHABURI TO ARANYAPRATHET, VIDEO BLOG 010
Recorded : 28/01/2010
Location : Chanthaburi to Aranyaprathet, Thailand
Personal weather gage - The norm, Hot and sunny
Phrase of the moment - Why not swim accross the pacific, Its a great way to see the marine life
Motivation - I have got this far, so I can make it further.
27.1.10
22.1.10
RAYONG TO CHANTHABURI. Video Blog 009
RAYONG TO CHANTHABURI
Recorded : 20/01/2010
Location : Rayong to Chanthaburi, Thailand
Personal weather gage - Windy, hilly but warm
Phrase of the moment - Just a little further
Motivation - In need of a long rest. But still very motivated
HIGHLIGHTS OF AUSTRALIA. THE TOYS.
HGHLIGHTS OF AUSTRALIA
THE TOYS
Here is a video I quickly put together showing some of the toys I got to play with in Australia. Just one part of the many highlights during my time in Australia
19.1.10
PATTAYA TO RAYONG. Video Blog 008
PATTAYA TO RAYONG
Recorded : 19/01/2010
Location : Pattaya to Rayong, Thailand
Personal weather gage - A bit hot today
Phrase of the moment - Sawa dii haa (hello!)
Motivation - Still extremely high
18.1.10
BANG SAEM TO PATTAYA, Video Blog 007
BANG SAEM TO PATTAYA, Video Blog 007
- Recorded : 19/01/2010
- Location : Bang Saem to Pattaya, Thailand
- Personal weather gage - It's the polution thats the problem
- Phrase of the moment - Braking my balls, your braking my balls
- Motivation - very high to get outof this place
BANGKOK TO BANG SAEN. Video Blog 006
BANGKOK TO BANG SAEN. Video Blog 006
Recorded - 18/01/10
Location - Bangkok to Bang Saem, Thailand.
Personal weather gage - Great
Phrase of the moment - On the road again, Can't wait to get back on the road again!!
Motivation - Over boiling point, but could do without the saddle pain.
16.1.10
GOODBYE BANGKOK. Video Blog 005
GOODBYE BANGKOK. Video blog 004
Recorded - 16/01/10
Location - Bangkok, Thailand.
Personal weather gage - Not so bad thanks to the pollution blocking out the sun.
Phrase of the moment - OH The famous Thai factory!!
Motivation - Fed up with the setbacks, Just want to get going.
13.1.10
BANGKOK. Video Blog 004
BANGKOK. Video blog 004
Recorded - 11,12,13/01/10
Location - Bangkok, Thailand.
Personal weather gage - Why the sweat!!
Phrase of the moment - OH The famous Thai factory!!
Motivation - Above extreme. A high without drugs
Recorded - 11,12,13/01/10
Location - Bangkok, Thailand.
Personal weather gage - Why the sweat!!
Phrase of the moment - OH The famous Thai factory!!
Motivation - Above extreme. A high without drugs
10.1.10
KUALA LUMUP, Video Blog 003
Kuala Lumpur
Recorded - 10/01/10 12.00
Location - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Personal weather gage - You will find me near a fan!!
Phrase of the moment - No. (it started of as No thanks, but to save my voice i've cut it down)
Motivation - Very High but hit a small obstical
Recorded - 10/01/10 12.00
Location - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Personal weather gage - You will find me near a fan!!
Phrase of the moment - No. (it started of as No thanks, but to save my voice i've cut it down)
Motivation - Very High but hit a small obstical
Whats on my mind.
I'm very confused at the moment. How should I enter Thailand? I have three options, and they are.
1. Enter by land (bus/train). I will get a free/cheap 15day visa on arrival. If I want to extend I must leave and reenter the country again
2. Enter by air. I will get a free/cheap 30day visa on arrival. Enough time but the flights are costly.
3. Get a 60day tourist visa from the Thailand embassy in KL. more than enough time but require an outward ticket to prove I will be leaving. and the visa costs me, So it will probably be as expensive as flying.
But there isn't much I can do about it today as its Sunday, so I'm off to look around the city. I thought Thailand would be the easiest place to enter but its proving not to be.
My plan is to head the the embassy and apply for a 60day visa. If this proves too be a problem or to expensive, I will continue over land and get a return bus to Cambodia to extend the visa.
1. Enter by land (bus/train). I will get a free/cheap 15day visa on arrival. If I want to extend I must leave and reenter the country again
2. Enter by air. I will get a free/cheap 30day visa on arrival. Enough time but the flights are costly.
3. Get a 60day tourist visa from the Thailand embassy in KL. more than enough time but require an outward ticket to prove I will be leaving. and the visa costs me, So it will probably be as expensive as flying.
But there isn't much I can do about it today as its Sunday, so I'm off to look around the city. I thought Thailand would be the easiest place to enter but its proving not to be.
My plan is to head the the embassy and apply for a 60day visa. If this proves too be a problem or to expensive, I will continue over land and get a return bus to Cambodia to extend the visa.
9.1.10
SINGAPORE. Video Blog 002
SINGAPORE
Recorded - 08/01/10 07.00
Location - Singapore, Singapore.
Personal weather gage - Sticky
Phrase of the moment - No Dramas!!!
Motivation - Extreme
Location - Singapore, Singapore.
Personal weather gage - Sticky
Phrase of the moment - No Dramas!!!
Motivation - Extreme
8.1.10
I made a mistake
I feel a bit stupid now as I've made a very silly mistake. My battery has run out on my phone and laptop so I am unable to tell the time. So I purchased a $3.90 watch. Sounds okay so far right.
I was thinking to myself that there is no point spending $1 on a power converter that I can only use for a couple of days before I reach Bangkok that requires another type. But it didn't occur to me that i didn't have to get the watch if i got the power converter instead. Therefore I would be $2.90 better of. And I would have the video blog posted that I made is morning, as I would be able to use my laptop to upload it.
Anyways, I will leave the rest to when I manage to get the vids uploaded.
P.S. I know its only $1 but there is a lot more to the story, and I'm sure I've bored you enough already.
...
... oh, okay then. here's some more...
I don't want to have to convert any of my Aus or Us $s into Singapore $s, as I would have to pay the commission for currency that I might not use before crossing the boarder tomorrow. Also, as i don't have as much money as i would like, I'm having to cut down on spending dramatically. Every cent/penny counts now.
$1 is a days food for a child in Cambodia!! $2.90 is enough to send a child to school... And knowing that i screwed that childs life up... Priceless!!!
I was thinking to myself that there is no point spending $1 on a power converter that I can only use for a couple of days before I reach Bangkok that requires another type. But it didn't occur to me that i didn't have to get the watch if i got the power converter instead. Therefore I would be $2.90 better of. And I would have the video blog posted that I made is morning, as I would be able to use my laptop to upload it.
Anyways, I will leave the rest to when I manage to get the vids uploaded.
P.S. I know its only $1 but there is a lot more to the story, and I'm sure I've bored you enough already.
...
... oh, okay then. here's some more...
I don't want to have to convert any of my Aus or Us $s into Singapore $s, as I would have to pay the commission for currency that I might not use before crossing the boarder tomorrow. Also, as i don't have as much money as i would like, I'm having to cut down on spending dramatically. Every cent/penny counts now.
$1 is a days food for a child in Cambodia!! $2.90 is enough to send a child to school... And knowing that i screwed that childs life up... Priceless!!!
7.1.10
GOODBYE AUSTRALIA . Video Blog 001
IT'S TIME FOR ME TO SAY G'BYE.
Recorded - 07/01/10 16.00
Location - Perth, Western Australia.
Personal weather gage - Bloody Hot
Phrase of the moment - WHY NOT!!!
Motivation - Extreme
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