Tips and Tricks

Our whistle-stop tour of South East Asia has been completed, and although we have seen an abundance of wat's, ate an abundance of rice, and enjoyed an abundance of tuk tuk rides we have yet barely touched upon the oodles of land left to discover. What a great excuse to return! So although we are exhausted from following the tourist trail we are excited about what awaits us... and we have got some fabulous memories to contend with. Here are our best and not-so-best bits:

Top Trumps:

- Exchanging the slums for slick, sophisticated, stylish Singapore. Shame we weren't best dressed for a night in Raffles.
- Finding our flippers again and getting down to the depths of the sea with the tropical fish
- Indulging in our greatest pastime: food glorious food! Fabulous fresh, healthy ingredients and getting to learn some Thai classics along the way.
- Mingling with the lady-boys at the Thai Boxing, while betting with Mr.Miagi, and loosing
- Biking the outback in Laos and Thailand and discovering deserted beaches and beautiful lagoons
- Chilling with a pint or two after a strenuous day.. a few choice beverages include: Chang, Hanoi, Beer Lao, Tiger
- Laughing along with the friendly, laid-back locals
- Getting lost kayaking amongst the 3,000 karsts in the fabulous Halong Bay

Below Par:

- As soon as we stepped into civilised shores we found our money just floated away
- Andrew's belly still not settling, which I blame on his ever-increasing beer consumption... see above
- Feeling like we were following the Lonely Planet coneyor belt, not so cool
- Crazy, Vietnamese tour operators not giving two hoots about customer service

Another one down!

We've spent five weeks in Nepal; amongst the yaks, yetis, stupa and Sherpa, and it's not hard to see why we dedicated most of our travelling time here... theres so much to do and see and there is something for everyone: Along the greatest heights of the Himalaya you can witness some of the best trekking on earth, or get your adrenaline kick from world-class white-water rafting, kayaking and moutain biking. Witness wildlife in action at Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, or soak up the city culture in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

All this amazing diversity and the Nepali people leave you enchanted by their open customs and friendliness. We've had some great times and some hairy times, so here are our highs and lows:

TRIUMPHS:

- Trekking to Everest Base Camp and stumbling up to Kallar Patter for one of the best views in the world
- Venturing off guideless on our own trek and reaching the relgious site of Muktinath
- Relaxing, rowing and re-charging in the laid back vibe of Pokhara
- Coming so close to endangered wild animals in the Jungle, and running for our lives
- Playing and bathing with the tame elephants in Chitwan
- Getting to know the lovely, friendly locals such as Oscar and Bim

DOWNFALLS:

- Andy getting his first bout of the trots, well, it was bound to happen sooner or later
- Getting stranded by the strike, although I can think or worse places to be stuck than the wonderful jungle
- Feeling a bit deflated from the monotonous food in the tea houses - 6 year old jam springs to mind. eugh!
- Freezing cold temperatures on the base camp trek, keeping my thermals on for a lot longer than is hygenic

As advised by Lonely Planet I don't think anything can prepare you for India, with all its mind-bending diversity. But prehaps the one thing that best encapsulates this extraordinary country is its ability to inspire, frustrate, thrill and counfound all at once. We have both loved it and loathed it, often see-sawing between the two. Here is a quick round-up of the best and worst bits from our three weeks of Indian travel:

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Gorging on giant prawns on the beautiful backwaters in Alleppey, Kerala
- Witnessing the Wild Elephants bathing in their natural habitat
- Soaking up the sun on the desolate beaches in South Goa
- Munching on melon in a lush garden surrounded by power-walking Mumbai residents
- Laughing with the Welsh on the train back to Delhi
- Marvelling at the amazing Taj Mahal, which is just as beautiful as all the pictures
- Not getting ill! Hurrah!

LOWLIGHTS:

- The constant, unadulerated NOISE! Honking, Engines, Shouting, Barking, Squarking, Shouting.
- Smelly, stinky, rabied, wild animals.
- Lack of any order, organisation, time-keeping and urgency.
- Contrast of squalor and poverty with rich, excessiveness.
- Absolute 24hr harrassment, scamming, and bombardment
- Chicken on the bone. In every chicken dish it does get rather annoying.

So, we are off to Nepal now for more adventures. I will post up pictures and more blogs soon. x