I’d heard so much about The Great Wall, when to go, where to go and what to avoid but no one’s mentioned that you could cheat in the most fun way possible and do a section of it by flying down a toboggan run!
I’m going to be completely honest and say it wasn’t love at first sight when I landed in Beijing. It may have been the 1.40am flight from Bangkok that got us off to a bad start, but the heat and humidity even at 8.30am was overwhelming. I imagine most people could without too much …
Continue reading “Beijing – First Impressions and things to do.”
It didn’t occur to me until I arrived in Beijing just how different countries are even for the basics. I thought I’d write a few notes to help myth and stereotype bust. My experience to date of Thailand consist of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, so bare this in mind but here are my pearls of …
Now I’ve never been a fan of massages, in fact being completely honest I’d never had one before. There’s something slightly unnerving about entrusting a complete stranger in a darkened room to manipulate your body. So in for a penny in for a pound, why not head to the local Thai prison in Chiang …
Every part of my body felt broken after the hill tribe trek. It wasn’t till I landed back in Chiang Mai that I realised I hadn’t even looked in the mirror for a few days. Just as I suspected I was battered, bruised and luckily a little bit bronzed!
We woke up at around 6.30am to the sound of pigs, cockerels and various animals. It’s incredible how clean and plump the animals look. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such clean pigs and cows! The village has solar panels to provide light, but it’s sparse and the woman sat round weaving clothes and …
I had a read about the hill tribes outside of Chiang Mai before heading there and took in a large amount of discussion as to whether it was ethical. There are many arguments for and against visiting the remote tribes. Some say western tourists shouldn’t visit and if so should be conscious and check …
The disjointed start to my stay in Chiang Mai only added to my relief and excitement when I finally arrived. The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel was like an oasis of calm and tranquility. The rooms are spacious, the beds comfy and there’s a pool and free wifi (seems to be a given wherever you …
I’ve landed, phase 1 complete. I successfully left Heathrow, had a quick stopover in Dubai and made my way to the Bangkok Centre Hotel (yes I cheated – I got a taxi). If you plan to stay here don’t be lame like me, jump on the train, the hotel’s right next to the MRT …
These last few weeks I’ve said a constant stream of goodbyes. I close my eyes and I visualise me on a spinning wheel, looking like a mannequin with one arm raised. Like a mannequin I’m mostly emotionless, not because I don’t care but it’s easier to put the steel shutters up. I’ve never flinched …