The Further, The Better

STAND BY

2012-03-23T09:56:00.000Z

Hey everyone, working on a brand new design right now sooo... I've put the blog in this random layout for the moment.

Loads of exciting stuff coming up. I'm moving country again soon on an island although I've got a sweet project in Hong Kong though but at the same time a great job waiting for me in another continent...if everything goes according to plan.

Stay tuned.

Ally

Diving Snake Cave, Koh PhiPhi

2012-03-14T07:01:00.001Z

There is a lot of dive sites in PhiPhi. But this is one which you won't find in any other dive shops leaflet. So of course, I went.

"Humpff" "Schhhh", "Humpfff" "Schhh" is pretty much the only thing I can hear. Around me, blue, blue and more blue. Slightly turquoise. It's not really clear actually. I only can see may be 12 to 15m ahead. Bubbles come right onto my face and blur my vision. It comes from my friend Ian, who went down quicker than I did. I give a quick glance at my watch. I am getting to 14m underwater, we are on our way to one of the dive site on Koh PhiPhi Island, the famous Snake Cave.

Expiring the maximum air out of my lung, I try to catch up with him. On my sides my two other friend Jessie and Bruno do the same. The wall of coral and pinnacles finally appears. I switch my torch on and start looking around for small organism like the others. Bubble coral, fan coral, hard coral, blue, red, green, orange, colours, fishes. My mind drifts off. It does it a lot when I'm diving. Unless I lead customers, I don't seem to be able to concentrate underwater. I stare deeply at the blue, I get lost into the rhythm of my breathing. No precise thoughts, it switches my brain on the off mode. I follow along, keeping the yellow fins of Jessie in the corner of my eyes, when I hear a banging on someone's tank, a huge Cobia just appears in front of us. It's a good sign, Cobias swim with whale sharks, and they are the ultimate underwater lottery prize in our waters.

We continue down until Ian gives us a sign we reached the entry of the cave. I breath a little bit harder, I am nervous. It’s my first real cave. And I have a lot less experience than the others. They are all instructors, and I am only a brand new dive master with less than 200 dives. Nothing compares the thousands held by these guys. Worst of all, someone died in here previously. Panicked in the tunnel leading to the cave. It is not an easy dive site. But I am here to fight my fears. I hate dark and snakes. And this is a cave, with snakes. Banded sea krait come inside the air pocket to reproduce. They are also the most venomous snakes in the world. I am nervous.

We form a line and enter the dark tunnel. There is no way back now. It’s a 5min swim in that tunnel. I flash my torch nervously trying to see the top of it. I breath even harder. I look at my gauge and it’s getting down quickly. I need to calm down. I can’t afford to ran out of air, I will need some for the way back. I try to concentrate on looking at the small shrimps to distract my self. The tunnel seems to go up. We getting nearer to the cave. It’s absolutely pitch black. Ian who are leading the dive signal us for the safety stop. I look down. I can see the slimy bottom, I look up. I can see the top of the tunnel. I feel highly uncomfortable to be in such a small space, somewhere into a rock. The water part doesn’t bother me. I feel so peaceful in that environment. I remember that and drift again, only staring at the dark. I get somewhere in my head where I need nothing. It’s so quiet here.

3 minutes later we ascend slowly. Finally the surface. I take my mask off, inflate my BCD and look up. It’s not a cave, it’s a cathedral of stones. It’s at least 30 meters high, and 20 meters large. Full of cavities. Natural stairs seems to lead into dark corridors and unknown rooms. High above us hundreds of stalactites. It’s got something Harry Potter-ish. Our torches create a light show, flashing the walls.
I forget about the stress, the fear of dark and the snakes. We climb out of the water on a small rocky platform and get our gear off. An overhead in front of us is covered with names of the previous divers who made it here. As we come into it, there is a snake, sleeping under a rock. I don’t dare to come even near it. The boys chase it away and we settle down. There is candles already in the cave. We brought lighters in an underwater camera housing. The names written with mud shine in the flickers of the light.
The fingerprints of the previous visitor are still marked into the clay between the rocks. I grab some and feeling like a prehistoric cave woman start writing my name too.

It is impossible not to stare at the intricate work of nature here. I am stunned to have managed to get here and see this. All you can hear apart from the echo of our voices is the gurgle coming from the sea and the slow water fall next to the overhead. I just sit there, trying to take it all in.
After a short surface, time to get back in the water. The way out is a lot easier that the way in. A turquoise light appears quickly at the end, in what seems no time we are getting to the exit of the cave. The large shadow of the rock clash against the blue of the outside. Having two divers in front of me, I wish I had a camera to take one of these National Geographic shots, because it looks like one.

Back into the deep, we slowly make our way up to the surface. I look down at my air gauge, I still have 60 bar. I see Bruno coming at me asking me how much air I’ve got as we reach our safety stop. I show him, he grabs my second regulator. I guess I’m not the only one who breath a lot when stress. I grab his gauge, he is down to 20.

We reach the surface to find our long-tail waiting for us. Glad to have managed to do it, but exhausted I climb into the boat, watching the sunset over PhiPhi Don, knowing that although I’m leaving in a couple of days to overcrowded, messy and polluted Hong Kong, I’ll be back very soon in the water.

How not to lose someone in Bangkok

2012-03-01T04:27:00.001Z

The night before, on Kaoh San Road

I lift an eyelid, then two. My eyes don’t seem to work well, and my throat is made of sand paper with a hint of dust. As my vision is attempting to come back to normal, it’s now my nose that is awaken by a strong mix of spices and sweat, and my ears are being attacked by non-stop honking on the streets and loud tacky dance music. I finally see clearly. I’m in my guesthouse room, in Kaoh San Road, Bangkok. The walls are yellow with patches of rotten moisture. It’s worthy of the start of The Beach. But I’m not alone. I turn my aching body to my left. I am alone. I should not be.

Next to me should be emerging from the cover some bright ginger hair belonging to my best friend Liz Bell.

We have been on the road with me for over four months, across South-East Asia. To be fair I could not have done without her, she’s been making sure I don’t lose any of my belongings (or my mind for that matter), reminding me in her very articulate English accent that I started to copy “Ally Cat, have you forgotten something again?”. Yes, I probably did, I always do. But I had my role in this partnership as well, because with her perfect English rose look, the white pale skin, the golden red hair, there was never a day without a full tube of suncream to be applied.

Liz and I, last day in Sydney, months later.

And right now, she is not here. I try to put my thoughts together, I stand up, I look around. Her bag is not here. She is not here. At all. The hammer pounding on my brain is not helping. Think fast, faster. Get up, get dressed. I run down the stairs on to the street. I catch a glimpse of someone’s watch, 9.30. It’s already hot and sticky, and the street is filling up with backpackers walking with their dead tourist eyes, woman with fake tribal hats and food stalls displaying spring rolls from the night before, fried bugs and cheap pad thais.
As I grab a bottle of water, I make a conscious effort of remembering the night before.

The bar across the road, our thai friend Nat, the gig, and she was with me. Then, it’s all a bit confused, I do know I went home and I can still hear her saying “I’ll finish my drink and I’ll be over” Then from a distant voice “Don’t lock the door”. No phone, no clues, the panic is starting to settle in my mind.

Back at home, cheerleading competiton

“Just one more drink and we’ll go”, “Wait, 5 more minutes, you can go, I’ll meet you there”. That, I heard before. In 4 months, I lost Liz about 10 times. I should be used to it.
“I fell asleep on the beach”, “I felt like a long walk”. Whether it’s in Pak Bang , a lost village on the Mekong river, which has only two streets or riding an elephant around the same temple a dozen time at Angkor Wat, I kept losing her.
“How can you lose me? You are tanned and brunette like a local, “I” should be losing you, but, I’m the only ginger girl with flowers in my hair, looking a bloody hippy with an umbrella for the sun for miles around.”
It’s all down to having really different walking speed. Actually it’s down to different speed. Of the 4 months of traveling, I swear I spent 3 waiting for Liz. I get ready in 10, she should be getting ready the night before. I wait and I wait and I wait. Wait for make up, hair, clothes, and that damn sun cream.

Right now, I can’t wait. I run up and down Koah San road, the sweat rolling down my face. If only my face, my entire body is drenched and cover in street dirt. I look in every bar, restaurant, I go around the block for the 5th time, it’s now close to 12, and I don’t know what to do. I sit down on the sidewalk and get half blinded by the spicy steam coming up the kitchen of a little old lady.
“Ok Mei?”’ she asks (You ok?)
“Ok kah, ok kah” I replied (I’m ok, thanks)

I’m not ok. I’m freaking out. She is supposed to be the responsible clever one.
“I’m going to be up until the early hours on that crit, sorry darling, not going out tonight”. Often making me feel like my journalism and history of art, design and film course, although the longest name possible for a degree, is an advanced coloring class. She is the one training to be an architect, I am the friend that is merely writing about half-known bands that probably will never make it outside the underground caves they play at. Just like me.

And sat there, I wonder what I am really going to do. I light a cigarette.

Trekking in Chiang Mai

I look around and the mess of Bangkok makes me feel really calm again. Tuk tuks, fighting their way through the flocks of newly arrived tourists with maps in hands, other looking already experienced, and by experienced it really means tattooed with some buddhist prayer, while wearing a T-shirt from the full moon party.
I slowly walk back to the hotel, slightly hoping to find her packing the 24 kg of clothing she managed to accumulate on the road. However I’m the one with the key. No one is in the room.
I open the door to our balcony and soak up the afternoon sun. My eyes wonder onto the street below.

A pink umbrella attract my attention, soon followed by the said umbrella revealing some bright ginger hair. My stomach drops, I look up and finally expire the breath I seem to have been holding for hours. I run downstairs.

“I’m so sorry, so, sorry,” she says.

Our Meerkat signature move in Newtown, Sydney

“I could not find the hotel last night, so I picked another one and got a room there. I just woke up.”
That simple. All my anger disappears in a flash. I don’t know what to say, so I hug her and don’t tell her anything about the past 7 hours I just spent in hell. There is no point getting angry, we have 6 more months to go on the road, it’s just another anecdote I’ll tell her about one day. So I grab a sip of my water, light a cigarette and say:
“Don’t worry, I just woke up as well.”

I would not have traveled with anyone else in the whole world, and I would do it with her anyday. Although a few things have been changed in the story (never leave the truth in the way of a good story said Mark Twain), I was so worried that day to have lost her. However we are part very far away from each other now. I miss her, and can't wait to see her again finally this year. And you? Who helped you while you were travelling?

Travel Playlist: February 2012

2012-02-22T03:39:00.001Z

Oh what? Yep, haven't done one of these in a while!

Stones Bar- best late bar on PhiPhi

Hope you enjoy, this is majorly inspired by being in PhiPhi Island for two months. Comments are welcome!

Blue October - Into The Ocean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZES3nJQYJok&ob=av2e

Bob Dylan- Don't think twice, It's alright
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZPh3hpxLKs

Whiz Khalifa - Young, Wild & Free
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lYOUIDkjUA

Nero- Crush on you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWK6dQOdri0&ob=av2e

Nero- Must be the feeling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld50mfW-BCM&feature=branded

Set your Goals - Product of the 80's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ATQxt7q98w

My travels from A to Z

2012-02-17T07:00:00.003Z

I haven't done a post in a while, being busy living on a paradise island and getting really ill from a cut (more on this later), so when Connie from ConnVoyage tagged me in this A-Z, I thought it was a good way to come back to blogging and share with you my best travel experience!

A: Age you went on your first trip.
I think it was 7. My parents took me to Edinburgh (Edinbraaahh). I think that's when I got bitten by the Travel bug (Sorry Nicole, I needed to use the expression haha!). First time on a plane, first time out the country, I loved every second. Oh and I had my own room in a 5* hotel. Win.

B: Best (foreign) beer I ever had.
Hum, I'm not sure. I'm really not a big beer fan. But I'll tell you that. I do enjoy one very cold beer at the end of the day, preferably somewhere exotic. You know this feeling. When it's hot and sticky, and as the night settles in, in a mix of sweat and dirt, sit down with friends and enjoy the local brew.

C: Cuisine (favorite)
Tricky question. Very tricky. So tricky I cannot get it down to one. So I'll have to say French/Japanese.
I am french and I love going back home for the food! Call me chauvinistic but I love it. Right after that comes Japanese food. Not only sushis, but everything. The flavors are so fresh and varied.

D: Destination (favorite and least)
Cambodia was probably my favorite part of South East Asia. I find this country absolutely fascinating and its history as well. Siem Reap was a very special moment for me, I dreamt to go there since I was a kid, and finally getting there got my stomach upside down with excitement. Being in Cambodia was also my first "paradise beach" with the turquoise water and the pristine white sand.

My least favorite? Pattaya. I'm pretty easy going, and generally quite happy to just being on the road. But it was so seedy, so wrong at so many levels. You can breath the cheap perfume coming for the girlies bar, and smell the sweat off the backs of overweight middle aged men who have left their families to come to places like these. I have a serious issue with these people and tend to loudly express it when I see it . Anyway Pattaya was just a terrible place.

E: Event you experienced abroad that made you say “wow.”
Watching the sunrise on a boat to Koh Tao. I was the only one up, ran out to the top deck and the most incredible sunrise was there, just to myself. On one side the night was still there and on the other a fire had exploded in the sky which reflected on the oily sea where the dark was still there. I cried. It felt so right to be there, so free of any worries and not a spot of land on sight. Incredible moment burned into my brain forever.

F: Favorite mode of transportation.
I really enjoy walking and all, but riding through a foreign place gives me such a rush. Whether it's horse riding through the dunes of Brittany to a quad ride up and down Koh Phangan. I love it, speed and new scenery.

G: Greatest feeling whilst traveling
Freedom. Not a worries. Silence. And being alone. Which can be quite nicely compiled into me, by myself, reading a book, on a beach/field/mountain etc... I can't get enough of the inner peace I get from traveling.

H: Hottest place you traveled to:
Australia. OH MY GOD. I love the heat, I don't even sweat in tropical places. But that one got me, it was 43 degrees, and that was wayyy too much. I remember being in my friend's flat, lying on my belly on the floor with the fan on top of us, gasping for the slightly cooler wind.

I:Incredible service you've experienced and where?
So many places. People complain all the time about "service" but unless the person is really being a moron, generally it's pretty good. There was Jackie from Jungle bar in Laos, and the guys at Tony's House in Ayuthaya, and of course Deco bar in PhiPhi. I love getting to know the staff from a place.

J: Journey that took the longest
Paris-Bangkok 60h. Paris London, night bus from London to Notthigham, wait, Notthingham- Manchester- 8h of wait- Manchester-Doha, 8h of freaking wait, Doha-Bangkok. Total 60h. I wanted to sit and cry and call my mum.

K: Keepsake from your travels.
There is bits of my travels everywhere, everyday with me. Whether it's a bracelet on my wrist, my journal, a key ring from there, or a book from that place, a receipt from that bar at the bottom of my bag, it's always with me.

L: Letdown site and where?
The Sydney Opera. Wait, wait, wait before going crazy at me. I love Sydney, I loved living there. But the first time I saw the Sydney Opera, I thought "It's actually quite small!". In my mind, it was a LOT bigger. Love the bridge though.

M: Moment where you fell in love with traveling
As I said that Scotland trip was a real trigger in my love for traveling. But I did not want just a flirt, I wanted a real solid relationship between travel and I. So we took slowly, road trips with friend, then I was lucky enough to work on festivals around Europe, and all these little bits, missing trains, sleeping in trains, cars, boats, bus, getting drenched, getting burned, getting drunk, getting pierced, getting tattooed, running for flights, waiting in lines, swimming in pools, swimming in oceans, diving, hiking, laughing, vomiting, getting sick, going to the hospital, missing flights, missing more flights, falling from motorbikes, falling in love, falling out love, falling in love again, falling for places and people and never go home, well all these little bits made me fall for travel, not one moment, but many.

Palmtree+Sunset=WIN!

N: Nicest Hotel you stayed at.
Hotel Costes, Paris. Not a doubt.

O: Obsession. What are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?
Palm trees. Say What? Yes, palm trees. Palm trees means I'm away from home. Palm trees makes me happy. Thank you Palm trees.

P: Passport stamps.
50. I got my passport in October 2008, so in less than 4 years, I think it's not too bad, knowing I got also a degree at the same time, and now studying for my master (yes, I am proud of that).

Q: Quirkiest attraction you visited
Torture museum, Prague. So ok. Not that "quirky", but it was quite bizarre.

R: Recommended site, event or experience.

I'm gonna sound super corny but sunrises and sunset. Anywhere, it gives such a feeling of calm, whether it's another day that comes to an end, or another that is starting. So do wake up before everyone else, sneak out in the dark, and get to a quiet spot and enjoy. Wherever you are. Run to catch the last glimpse of the burning sun on the sea or behind a hill. It's good for the soul.

S: Splurge
FOOD. Everywhere, any time, anything. From balut to black rice pudding, I'm ready to try, taste and discover. I love a good meal with friends, sitting down and taking my time to enjoy.

T: Touristy thing I've done
Plenty I guess. I lived in Paris, so Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and others are on the list when a foreign friend is visiting.

U: Unforgetable travel memory.
I talked about how much I love sunrises. Well this is one of them. Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Probably could have put it in the touristy thing but it holds a special place in my heart. I wanted to see it since I was a kid. Again so much emotions at that moment, just thinking about it brings my heart to squeeze a little bit. So right to be there, at that moment, with my best friend, and again the peace it gives to my mind. Amazing.

V: Visa, How many and from where?
Thailand x5, Australia x3, Hong Kong (student visa), Laos, Cambodia, USA.

W: Wine. Best glass of wine and where?
You know what, it was not the wine, but the company. London. My friends and I.

X: eXcellent view and from where?
Slow boat from Thailand to Laos. The jaw-dropping limestone cliff, with the little villages every now and then. Incredible. I could not get enough. I was listening to Bat for Lashes, in the sun, trying to photograph everything in my mind as much as I could.

Y: Years spent traveling?
Well, I traveled before, but I left France when I was 18 and been out and about since. So coming up to 6 years in June.

Z: Zealous sport fans?
At least 300 people at 2 am in Koh Pangan watching Spurs.

Now I know my ABCs. Next time won't you sing with me? Tag, you're it!
Nicole from Bitten by the Travel bug
Chris from Backpacker Banter

Koh PhiPhi: The Best of.

2011-11-09T03:54:00.002Z

Click on the map to zoom in

There is more to PhiPhi than just Pad Thai, buckets and drunken idiots. After weeks and weeks spent in PhiPhi I got to try quite a lot of places on the islands. Here are my top eateries, bars and activities!

Best Bakery:
"PhiPhi Bakery", ok so it doesn't sound very original but it is as good as its lack of originality. And I'm french I know a whole lot about a good croissant. Before setting off for your day indulge in awesome coconut bread or may be a vanilla donut.
They also have full english breakfast however it doesn't mesure up to their pastries.
Right opposite the shop is another bakery that looks a lot fancier, however I prefer the more "shabby" looking one, just because it taste better. Also it is dirt cheap, rare thing in Phiphi.
Where to find it: From the pier, take a right, pass the dive shop "Barakuda" and you should see it.

Best coffee:

I'm a coffee addict, not day can start without a jug of coffee. Although, sometimes while traveling I felt more like I was drinking coffee colored river water than actual coffee. But this place is awesome! The man who does it really loves its coffee too, and roast his beans itself and carefully prepare your cup with the respect which should be due to the golden beverage.
Where to find it: Given that you just picked up your pastries at the bakery continue straight ahead, pass the seafood restaurant, and the restaurant called "Carlito's", it will be a few meters from there, just in front of a shoe shop.

Best noodle soup:
PhiPhi for me is diving, 2, 4 or 5 times a day. At the end of the day, I need some comfort food. And noodles soup is just perfect. On the way to the "party beach" LoDalum Bay, opposite Charlie's bungalows, you'll find a tiny shop that sells 3 types of soup, fish balls, beef or chicken (of course you can ask only with veggies). It costs 50 TBH and it's amazing! The broth is tasty and spicy, it's a mouthful of flavors. The meat is so tender, the chicken falls off the bone. Add a little bit of mint for a fresh and cleansing taste.

Coming back from "work"

Best Italian food:
I'm not too keen on western food in asia, but Mamamita's pasta hit just the spot. Hidden away from the main streets it's a warm and chilled place. The portion are generous, creamy and cheesy. Nice after a long day at sea.

Best Pancake Lady:
At the top right corner of the little road leading to the beach, you'll find the best thai pancakes. Unless a lot of places, it is not crisp with grease but nice warm and soft. A perfect quick snack before heading for some sunbathing.

Best Fire show:
Whatever anyone tells you, Carlito's Fire Fantasia fire crew is the best on the island. Nothing to do with the messy fire pois on the loud beach bars, here you are on the more chilled part of the island and probably for the best. They have a full choreographed and timed show, with their own music and style. I was blown away! Your Chang will be a little bit more pricy but totally worth it! Their cocktails are very decent as well ( try their coconut one).
My friend Alek is an amazing fire dancer, you can learn with him every night for 300BHT, just go up to the bar and ask for him.

Best music:
If you are tired of Rihanna asking for her name, Bruno Mars telling us he is lazy or "uhuhuhuuhuhuhuhuh, Barbara Streisand" turning Duck Sauce into soup, Banana Bar is your place! With more Justice than Minaj, it's like fresh air for your ears. Chill in one of the little bamboo booths with their cocktail buckets. It's also the only rooftop bar in PhiPhi. Really want to feel like on the top of it all? Climb the ladder behind the bar and get to the secret chill area. Highest drinking point on the island!

Yet another day at the "office"

Best boat trip:
Thinking of going around the islands? Ask "The Captain", he is normally hanging around Barakuda Dive Shop. Unless many of the long tails owners, his english is good enough, and is he a quite of a character, I must say! His price are reasonable and there is always way to strike a deal!

Best dive shop:
Well... I can't be totally objective here, but let say that you should come and say hello to me at Barakuda Dive Shop. I'll be doing my dive master there all december and january! And if you quote this blog or ask for Ally, I'll buy you a beer!

For my best accommodations, see my other article!

See you in PhiPhi!

Travel Playlist November

2011-11-02T09:25:00.006Z

Yes it is that time again...The Travel Playlist! For you on the road to get some new ideas to feed for your iPod (or mp3 player of your choice should I say.) and for anyone to turn up the volume and have a little disco wherever you are!

VIDEO/SINGLE of the Month:
The Getaway Plan - The Reckoning.
I was very happy to hear that the band was reforming, and the promising new single is surely a sign of yet another quality album from the melbourne band. Loving lead singer Matt's vocals on the chorus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u7ht4fEEtBU#!

Having a bad day? Don't say "I hate everyone" (by say anything) you have probably some pals to bitch to about your day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQd7_HqR900&ob=av2n

Thats for "Certain" (by set your goals)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPXnSX-7cDc

And really if you "Love your friends, die laughing" (by man overboard) So thats ok.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPBbf26HA1Y

Then you'll realise, that these days are indeed the "Glory Days" (by sharks)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdczeAUeoGM

And there you go. You are "Back in the game" (by jamie t)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFWLMTUHM-c

So pull some "Moves like Jagger" (maroon5) and everything will be sweet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEPTlhBmwRg&ob=av3e

That's it folks!

What's it like to work and live in Vang Vieng, Laos.

2011-10-31T10:14:00.002Z

"Oh man, I nearly died in Vang Vieng, Thank god we only stayed for 3 days."

I heard that a lot. But now imagine staying there for way more than 3 days. More like 3 weeks.

Now, I hear you "You just got drank everyday and the people that works there are just your typical stupid drunk backpackers that from doing nothing earn more than locals." Well yes. And absolutely not.

How can you say no. Free food, free drinks, free accommodation. Backpacker heaven. Liver hell.

So me and my travel buddy (I quote from comments: "The cute redhead on your travel photos") got jobs at the restaurant/bar OhLaLa! . What is like to "work"in VangVieng? Here is our schedule:

11am: Arrival at the restaurant in town. Breakfast, general moaning about the hangover, maybe a few Family guy episodes. Then time to get some work done. Flyers, Bandanas, come up with offers and themes, black boards in the restaurant.

1pm: Tuk Tuk to the river. Time to wake up properly and become more energetic than a cheerleader at spirit day high on crack. For me it was time to get behind the laptop and spin some "tunes" (yah yah yah I was the "DJ").

The next 4 hours will be dedicated to (in no special orders): Promoting, dancing, painting ourselves and people with silly stencils, jumping in the water, get slapped with dead snakes (I keep that story for another time), drinking. And very much playing Vang Vieng Rescue. Because when you are getting more than wasted, who's gonna come help you if you are drowning it's us! I liked to keep an eye on the river "in case of".
Repeating a million and a half time "DO NOT tube in the dark" is part of the routine too. Did people listened to us? Not really. But they should, seriously. DO NOT TUBE IN THE DARK, people.

5pm: The people are moving down the river, our job here is done. Time for us to "let out the steam" at the next bar. We've got an hour for that.

6pm: Back to the bungalows. Shower and prep for the night. Glitter, stupid costumes, bandanas, glow in the dark paint. KE dollar sign HA had nothing us.

7pm: Back to the restaurant in town. Simple mission, getting people in the restaurant. Helping the staff getting the orders.

9pm: Free shots round. Here it gets tricky. The answer we get is "Free shots? Oh it's tiger whisky? I'll do it if you do it too!". Fine for table one, table two, table trhee, tbale fouuuuurrr, able fiveuhhhhhhh. You get the picture.

11pm Helping the staff getting customers out. Time for us to go and join the Qbar staff next door and pull some shapes. Trying to get our customers to their bar.

12am: If you are sensible thats the time you grab dinner, head home and get some sleep to face another day. Well that did happen a few times. To be fair, if you want to do a favor to your body you will feel that a night in is necessary. But most of the time, just head to the next bar.

Repeat.

I had an immense amount of fun. Beyond living for free, the family who runs the restaurant was lovely, the kids amazing. After a while you get to know the people, the customs and traditions. The jaw dropping mountains backdrop to the town will take your breath away every single day. And quicker than you think, you'll feel like at home.

If I may add something too, I know you are going to get wasted and all, but remember not too walk half naked through the city. Try to cover up yourself.

The other issues are the environmental and social impact. Please read this very good and insightful article READ MORE

Also despite the highway for tourists that VangVieng became, the village lack of the most basic facilities, and the hospital is a mess. Don't forget to visit the smaller shops and restaurants. Choose smaller guesthouses. Don't throw you bucket or cans in the river. Basically think twice before you act. Oh and Have fun.

To travel bloggers and others: On earth and things that scare me.

2011-10-26T07:35:00.001+01:00

Ok there, so before starting shooting comments informed or ignorant about how informed or ignorant I am and how patronizing of me, please let me make my point.

I'm not tree hugger. I don't fit with your stereotypical hippie, green, whatever you want to call it activist, environmental conscious people, I'm far from doing the maximum. But I was thinking. And here I write to my fellow travel bloggers, but any backpacker or travel enthusiasts really. Yes. I am talking about preventing our world to go to well, hell.

We want to see the world, we want that one trail that barely been touched before. To get to that tiny temple at the top of some mountain somewhere, that untouched beach with a single bungalow. But sometimes you end up just in Ibiza in a McDonald. It doesn't matter. It's not about travels, we are always traveling in some ways. It's what we do when we travel. It's the little things. A plastic bottle. A plastic bag. A new local delicacy. Everything has an impact. And please, I beg you, do not give me the pointless argument of "but it doesn't count, I can't change anything by myself" I won't even go in this argument. If you think that, then there is little civilized ways I could describe you.

So what about next time you travel, whether it's to work or to the deep jungle. What about using a bottle with a filter in it, so you can use tap water without risks instead of popping to the shop. What about trying to reduce the number of sodas we drink. Do we really need it?
"But when I was in Thailand/Brazil/HongKong, they just gave me 3 plastic bags for my stuff". Well just give it back. "But it's gonna be used for the next one". Well at least its still 3 plastic bags less, and may be the next person, won't use it either and then it starts to make a different. A chain reaction.

I'm not pointing a finger on America in particulary, it is just that I happen to read that report that was only on the US but apparently 80% of the American public thinks that oceans are a source of drinkable water. And that a vast majority don't trust environmental reports and journalists. And thats where it gets worrying (if all that wasn't worrying before). There is a lack of fair and accurate report and education on environment. There should be classes in school, and I know there is in a lot of places this kind of things but it should be put at the same level of importance that maths or english. Because if there is no planet to learn these things anymore then it's kind of useless. So although we all think we know enough, I think we should all do extensive research on the actual condition of earth to get a reality check. Again if you give me the "but climate change and ocean pollution is all a political conspiracy" then I am really sorry for the way you think.

In all fairness, I'm just very selfish. And very scared. I'm scared for my family and for myself. I have been lucky so far to not really experience any change of the weather in my life. But I don't want it to happen. I don't want my family or my friends to die in a tsunami, typhoon, floods, earthquake. I don't want myself to die in a conflict that will at some point, if nothing change, start about the reserve of drinking water on our planet. I want to live and I want to live old.
When I was a kid I thought that if everything was going wrong in my life, I would just open small lemonade and grilled fish shack on the beach on a paradise island. However, without fish to grill because of overfishing, without drinking water to do the lemonade, with no lemons because of flood and may be not even an island left because of the level of the oceans raising, the plan B is over. Actually all our plan Bs are kind of gone now.

It's selfish because when I sign a petition against Shark fining, I also think about myself diving and I want to see sharks.

So I really want myself and everybody that breathes to turn things around.
We should think twice about taking a plane when we can take some other greener transportation ways.
May be join a local green group and raise awareness.
Yes it does mean reducing our comfort, yes it is an effort sometimes, yes it means breaking our routine.

Personally my fear of the future is my motivation, I'm not even gonna give you the "its for our children sake", I don't like kids, it's for myself. Whatever your motivation is, do it. So ok, I don't do things perfectly, still learning, still trying.

And US (not united states, I mean "we") travel bloggers, us who like to see the world so much, we should be ambassadors of protecting the planet. If we think to be qualified enough to give travel tips to people to see places, we should at least make sure we protect these places. Although it might means missing a few things, like trying shark fins for example, we should do it. So we can write about the wonders of the world at least a few more years.

So what about we create a badge, a standard on our travel blogs that shows that we are understand that traveling has consequences, but we trying to reduce it. If you like this idea please contact me on twitter: @allytoullec .
What about we all create a "Green" page on our blog. There is plenty of problems to pick from. Let's spread the word.

That's it folks, feel free to voice your opinion, shut me down etc... keep it civil would you? No one wants the youtube kind of style comments, cheers.

The Best Tuk-Tuk driver in Siem Reap

2011-10-13T11:09:00.002+01:00

Meet Cobra. No worries, this one won't bite you. But he will take you to all the best places in Siem Reap and has an endless knowledge of the city.

We met Cobra at the Garden Village guesthouse in Siem Reap. He took our friends to Angkor Wat. And f rom that blossomed a friendship. We asked him to take us to a tattoo place. "A good one".

Yes, we did the classic thing of getting a tattoo while backpacking. No it's no my name in thai/khmer/laos.

No, its not a buddhist prayer or a salamander.

Anyway. So there we are, driving in the back streets of Siem Reap, bumping along the road and getting splashed in the floods. We get to a small house. There we meet our tattoo artist, one of cobra's friend.
The tattoo studio is in his house and the man's kid is just running around. We look at the shabby studio, thinking "oh my god, this is not the idea of "a good place" to get a tattoo". In the corner, the kitchen, with dirty dishes piled up aBut we were very wong, someone did dare go to that tattoo place. A certain Angelina Jolie. This guys was her tattoo artist when she was on the Lara Croft set.
If its good for Angie, must be good for me hey? An

Right so I know that it was about a tuk tuk driver. My point is, he was the one driving us there.
On top of that, Cobra was just awesome to party with and teaching us a bit of khmer and a bit of the city's history. So don't lose your time arguing with your driver for 250real, without really knowing where you are going, and listen to my travel tip!

Travel buddy getting tattooed.

Wherever you need to go in Siem Reap, whatever you want to do, contact Cobra.

On a different note, I would also recommend the Garden Village Guesthouse. The room are reallllyyy basic, but the staff is lovely and they got an awesome roof top bar with 50c pints of beer. It's a 2 min walk to Pub street, but far away enough to get a quiet night sleep. So good we stayed there 10days.

To Contact Cobra:
http://cobra-cambodia.tumblr.com/
+855 12217328
Cobra111dj@hotmail.com

Garden Village Guest house:
http://www.gardenvillageguesthouse.com

Living in Hong Kong: First month round-up.

2011-10-04T03:55:00.004+01:00

So there it is. A month in crazy Hong Kong. And so far I think we are having a love-hate relationship, Hk and me.

A month and 3 days ago to be exact, I was leaving dream like PhiPhi island to start my life as a master student. Back to words like lecture, seminar and essays. I'm really passionate about my studies (a dignified way to say that yes I'm a massive geek/nerd/bookworm), so I did not mind it, even after the freedom of a year spent traveling around the world. I remembered fondly my years as a student in Kingston, the long hours in the library, the strong bond between students, the warmth of our local pubs after a long day studying, the sports teams etc... basically your regular english university life.

But I'm not in England anymore. And this has nothing to do with before.

Hong Kong is intense, oh so intense. It's not my first time here. I've been coming here on and off for the past 5 years, as my dad works a lot around here.
First of all I had to find a flat. No flatmates to watch Hollyoaks at night anymore. I live by myself in crowded Sai Ying Pun on Hong Kong Island.
There is a few things I'm finding really hard to deal with everyday.
-The pollution: You can feel it, it creeps up your nose and down your throat. It sticks to your hair, and blacken your skin at the end of the day. Give me some fresh air!

-The heat: I love heat. I love the warm feeling of the sun of my skin. When traveling, I loved it. Mainly because I did not care much about how I looked like and I could just run around in a loose vang vieng vest and flip flop. Being back in the city, not Ok. I'm finding it incredibly frustrating to have to go to uni all dolled up to arrive like panda bear in sweat because I have to climb hell of the hill to get to class. And you never feel comfortable. And there is always (like everywhere else) that blond b**ch that look like just out of the box. You know the one I'm talking about.

-The crowded places: I hate crowds. It's overwhelming, too intense etc..etc... Here I have to battle to get past on the streets. I truly think, that NO ONE look where they are going in this city. Please tell I'm wrong if I am. But no one does! They'll happily bash you with their bags shoulder, arms, I feel like I m being attacked from all sides. And also I hate people touching me, here no way to avoid contact. And if you are a little bit in a bad mood, I swear it see you off. Talking about swearing, that what I end up doing a lot. Under my breath, of course, but it's like giving "pardon my french" a whole new meaning (I do swear in french btw).

-The urban jungle: having been living in big cities all my life, I thought of my self as a city girl. I love going out, in fancy restaurants, shopping ect..(Now that I said that I was a nerd, I'm allowed to say that, I gave myself some brain cred) But apparently not. All these ever ending buildings, crazy traffic and then more building. It drives me insane. During the day.

-The language: It kind of annoys me that sometimes I can't go to that place or that place because I just don't know where it is and it's written in cantonese and no one arounds me speak english/french/german/spanish (No fluent in german or spanish, but enough school bits to get directions). While traveling, it was kind of charming to get lost, and pick crazy dishes like russian roulette. But I don't really have time for that anymore. I've got an immense amount of uni work, and all I want is a noodle soup. So I could go to central and get to the western places, but it's far and expensive. But I'm working on my cantonese a lot, so although I won't be able to read anytime soon, i'll probably able to say "Hello, noodle soup please, thank you very much").

Right now there is some positives things in my HK experience.
That jungle is so different at night, it's beautiful, sparkly and thrilling. Endless fancy designed bars, lovely lovely food at every corner, and people here are ready to party.
Coming back to the food. I love it. So many restaurants and things to discover, to mix the flavours, the influences, it's amazing.
The beaches! I always wanted to live somewhere by the sea. I did for a while in Sydney and it was amazing. I love that I can get to a beach in less than an hour, and escape the noise, concrete and people.
The networking: Here is all about the networking, and the people you meet are pretty interesting.
(yes, after being a nerd, and a bubble head, I'm also career hungry)

So there you go. If you were thinking to move to HK, be ready for hell of the roller coaster.
Although I'm moaning a lot, I don't regret at all moving here. Not for a second. And I'm fully looking for the year around.
Stay tuned!

October Travel Playlist

2011-10-01T13:30:00.000+01:00

I still have the summer feeling in my mind, so here is what kept me dancing through the Hong Kong streets:

Foster the people -Pumped up Kicks
Blink182-Up all night
The Descendents- Hope
Taking Back Sunday- Summer, man
SomethingALaMode- 5am
Dead Prez and WTF!?- Hip Hop Remix
Strange Talk- Climbing walls

Guilty pleasure of the month:
Sarah Bareilles - Gonna get over you

Click to watch the video!

Koh Phi Phi: Accommodations Review

2011-09-30T14:43:00.002+01:00

Phi Phi. Turquoise water, sandy beach and hell of a good nightlife. But after a night fueled with Sang Som, you want a good place to rest your head on. Here are my picks.

Partying up with travelers and Jojo at Tara Inn

TARA INN
Room with fan - 500 baht (2 pax) 400baht (1pax) - negotiable if you are nice
Dorms - 200baht

If you are in PhiPhi to party, this is a good place to stay. First of all the owners are lovely. JoJo and Moon will always be there to help you out during your stay. The rooms are basic and clean, and if you have a problem it will be fixed up within a second. The location is ideal, right up at the start of the street leading to the main party beach. There is a shop right by it and a pharmacy to buy your bottle of water and your paracetamol for your hungover. In need of vitamin C? There is a fresh juice stall right by the reception.

I really enjoyed all my stays there. The only down side? The noise! Between the "boom boom pow" coming from the beach, and the drunken idiot screaming outside your door, it's hard to get some sleep. Unless that drunken idiot is you.

The beach by SeaSandView Resort

SEA SAND VIEW Bungalows
Bungalow with fan 500baht

The picture perfect little bay right in front or the bungalows is ideal for people seeking the cast away feeling. It's a little bit out of the way and has the advantage or being nice and quiet.
The bungalows comes with a balcony with chair and table. Again, clean and basic inside.
My favorite thing is that you can just wake up and jump in the sea in less that two minutes.
Bad point? The heat! These bungalows are HOT. So unless you want to splash on aircon, I hope you got used to the humid thai heat.

Colorful marine house

MARINE HOUSE
Room (2pax) with aircon - 900baht
A cute colorful tree style house next to the local food market. The marine house has a really chilled vibe, situated in a little street where the noise from the beach is not an issue. Remove your shoes before entering is required. The family that owns it is nice although speak barely any english.
The room are cozy, dark and refreshing in the sticky heat and the bathroom nicely decorated. There is even massive storage possibilities. And plus, their laundry service is quick and your clothes actually get washed. Ideal to relax in the fresh (artificial) air after long weeks of traveling.

So here are my favorite places to crash in PhiPhi if you are passing by. Stay tuned for an update on how to get cheap accommodation if you are staying for more than a month!

BACK

2011-09-30T12:42:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone,

The blogging is back on. Ish.

There is bits and bobs that still need fixing, but I hope you like it.
I chose to stay on blogger because I just don't have time to get on the full wordpress thing.
"But I've got a very busy life too, and I find the time!" Good for you! I don't!
So I decided to keep it nice and easy. Just a topic bar to get to articles easily, a travel picture link on the right and oh yeah, new blog posts.

Moving on! It's a new school year and it's been quite crazy so far. I moved to Hong Kong, started my MA and got into a million and half projects!

In 60 days on the clock, I'll be going onto my next adventure, becoming a dive master in Koh Phi Phi.
So stay tuned!

MAINTENANCE

2011-09-15T15:09:00.000+01:00

Hey everyone.

I made it to Hong Kong and I had the best ever time in Thailand! I'm redoing the blog completely, so for the next few weeks its gonna be a bloody mess, but I'll be back veryyyy soon!!

Home and Away

2011-07-28T20:16:00.000+01:00

I'm off! Hello backpack, beaches, buckets and fit Aussie backpackers. It's back on the road for me so I'll see you in a month yeah?

Might do a couple of updates while away but no laptop this time so no.

Bye Bye!

Travel Playlist July

2011-07-21T10:29:00.000+01:00

Hey there. I nearly forgot about July's playlist! When it's my monthly favorite thing to do on this blog! So there you go.

Song of the month:
The Belligerents - Such a crime
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh_K47rYl4E

Jamaica - I think I like U 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yMA7pGM4PQ&feature=related

Girls- Heartbreaker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcfO4t-sbYE&feature=related

Passion Pit- Sleepyhead (Borgore Remix)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ3uRdbBeXY

Tubelord - I am azzerad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsI9kkVczd0

Battles- Ice cream
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FsvMyQeC-Q&ob=av2e

Girl Talk - Down for the Count
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr2cfwR0roU&feature=related

And probably one of my favorite tracks from the start of the year:
Adele - Rolling in The Deep (Jamie XX Shuffle)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjiswvTXdzA

And the guilty pleasure of the month:

Taylor Swift- Story of us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN6VR92V70M&ob=av2n

The Hostel Tales: How budget travelling can get you into the 4th dimension.

2011-07-15T21:18:00.003+01:00

When you go travelling, the world is your oyster, you have no home and are free of all worries. Practically, you need a bed at night. Thank god for hostels ! But there is a bit of a trick there. See it’s an interesting reciepe (would I dare to say for disaster ?). Take a few travellers, some ready to paint the town red, some happy to read their lonely planet in bed after a hot cocoa. Then put them all together in the same room, more or less clean. Add a few (and more) drinks, hours of tiring journeys and different characters. Shake it all up. Here is your ready mix for some pretty special stories. I’m not going to lie, it mainly involves nakedness, alcohol and embarresent. But hey, that’s part of backpacking too isn’t it ?

« There is someone naked in my bed »
Working at reception in a hostel gets you to deal with interesting situations. One morning a backpacker asked me if it was possible to get some new sheets I replied for sure, but why ?
-Well, there was a naked woman in my bed.
-Pardon?!
As I mentioned before you get very different people. Turned out that the naked woman had first of all visited the owner of the bed above and after some frolicking decided that in fact, it was far better to sleep in a fresh bed right there.
A pair of clean sheets later and 5 more complaints for « loud romantic noises » during night from the rest of the dorm, and everyone was fine.

The Excelsior, best hostel in Sydney - photo: Katie B.

« I locked myself out of my room in tiny boxers »
You thought it was great that your hostel had really nice bar to party. But how would you feel if you had to walk through it at 2am only wearing boxers ? Well. What if you just locked yourself out the room, went to the toilet and thought you would enjoyed the dark corridors at night wearing nothing ? And what if you finally realised that now you need to go down to reception to get a new key and therefore cross the entire hostel ? Always entertaining on a packed Saturday night. Oh and don’t forget which room you are in.
Because there is CCTV. We can see you wandering naked through the hostel trying to figure out which door is yours.

« Why can’t I bring back prostitutes »
Sometimes it is not only a language barriers but serious mentality differences. No matter the nationality. But how do you explain to three drunk Polish backpackers that no, they can’t bring back prositutes. It went something like this:
- Why can’t they go with us ? We’ve paid for our beds and we’ve paid for her .
- Can’t have people who are not guests in the hostel. Safety policy. Especially for illegal paid sex.
- But it will be quick I only paid for an hour !
- No!
-Can we use the chill out room?
-NO!
-The Toilets?
-NOOO!

I could go on and on, but I think these three are fairly funny. So here is a few tips to get on with your dorm :
-Buy some pyjamas
-Stick to your own bed
-Keep your frolicking to a minimal noise. You know what, actually just don't.
-Don't bring back prostitutes.

Simple as. Enjoy your travels.

You can also find this article as a guest blog for my friends Cheap O Air! Check them out! Los Angeles Vacation packages

On a personal note...

2011-07-08T14:15:00.005+01:00

Rachael, Liz and I. Waterfall in Koh Phangan.

I noticed that on every single travel blog, there was a little presentation of the blog owner. So I thought I'll do one of these post now.I will be short do not worry.

Ohlala, Qbar and Buck bar in Vang Vieng

So I'm french and part brazilian (I do not speak a word of portugese though. Shame). I'm 22years old soon to be 23. I grew up in Paris then I moved to London for about 4 years and during this time I did a BA Hons in Journalism with History of Art, Design and Film at Kingston University in Surrey. I love London with all my heart and I wish I could still live there. BUT. I went travelling with my best mate for 6months in Asia and Australia, ran out of money and came back to Paris to save up while working in a backpacker hostel. I also spent quite a bit of time living in Australia, in Sydney.

Trekking in Chiang Mai

I always loved travelling. It's a family thing, there is only 3 members of our family in France and the rest is either in Hong Kong or New York.

I was lucky enough to travel quite a bit with my dad when I was younger and that soon became an addiction, which goes well with my other passion, journalism.

I'm now moving to Hong Kong to do an MA in Journalism.

Few facts about me:
-I've got a strange english accent which is a mixture between south london accent, australian, amercian and of course a hint of french, which result in people thinking I'm South African or Australian.

Buckets up! in Vang Vieng at Bar 3

-I have moved every year since I'm thirteen, sometimes every 6months.

-I have a cat and dog.

-I'm a bit of an indie kid and nothing sounds better to me as a night out than a gig.

-I hate nightclubs such as Oceana, altough I'll dance to the same music in a beachbar anywhere in the world.

-While travelling I've been called "The Fish" because I can hold my breath under water for a longtime. Not because I drink like one.

-I have the biggest fear of snakes. Which amused my backpacker friends a lot when they killed a snake in Vang Vieng then tried to chase me with it, then took me to the Snake House in Cambodia where you eat on a snake pit. I know. Hilarious, right?

"Chilling" in Pattaya. Our worst stop in Thailand!

-I'm scared of heights but not bungee jumping. Go figure.

-I was a national and university champion in cheerleading with my uni squad Kingston Knights. By the way, yes, cheerleading IS a SPORT. I don't wave pompoms, I throw people in the air.

-I'm a pretty decent cook.

That's about it. If you got questions, go ahead.

OH and my next trip starts in 16days: London-Manchester-Bangkok-PhiPhi-Tao-Samui-Phangan-Bangkok-Doha-Back home.

Dining in Hong Kong

Memories from Bangkok.

2011-07-07T11:36:00.000+01:00

First ever night on KhaoSan Road.

Here is what I wrote on our second night in Bangkok, about a year ago, at the start of my "gap yah". It makes me smile. Clearly I had no idea I was on Kaoh San Road, about sex shows and how all that was "normal" haha. You live and learn, I guess.

"We are finally here. After an easy going 11 hours-flight, we landed in hot and sticky Bangkok. It was so good to taste the humid heat as soon as we stepped out of the airport....before getting in an icy cold taxi.
The traffic here is worst than the M25 at rush hour and at every corner you come close to hit a speedy tuktuk.

We are staying in a beautiful hotel in one of Bangkok busiest street. The smells of the food vendors in the damp weather is overwhelming but oh-so tempting. 24 hours bars, old women selling cheap silver jewelery or kids with a bunch of roses, all try to get the attention of the "fa-rangs" (foreigners) that we are.

After a much needed shower, we decided to find a typical place to feed our very hungry stomachs.
"Ped-Ped" I ask. (very spicy)
I think they underestimated me. I empty half of a bottle of tabasco on my pad see ew. Now that's better.

We then sat down with a few cold beers in the bar,if you can call it a bar set up in front of our hotel, furnished with few plastic chairs and tables. A quid a bottle.

In a street that offers a wide choice of hostels, you never far from another bunch of backpackers. We meet some Irish fellow globe trotters, who just like us, are on their first night out in Bangkok.
Bar after bars we discover the real Thai nightlife. The local whiskey is poured way too many times, but the company is good. I'll remember forever our tuktuk race through the empty streets, the very cheesy guitar singers, the stray cats everywhere. We end up in a bar that only on a gap year I would dare to enter. Let say I'll never look at ping pong the same way. Classic.

Today, we fought the harassing heat (well, it is 38 degrees) with a long boat ride along the Royal palace and trough the boat market. After a first taste of the architecture, the wild life, the smells, I am starting to think that yes, it is going to be amazing.

Next stop, Pattaya. Famous for it's seafood, nightlife and prostitutes. We'll keep you updated."

The glamour of Travelling, just like an A-lister

2011-07-07T09:48:00.000+01:00

Jonny, I and Liz: First day in Bangkok

"I can't, we are jetting off to Bangkok in a few days, because you see you are doing a RTW trip...What do you mean you don't know what RTW means?"

Yes, travelling can make you sound ohsocool (or snobby, your pick) but it's not always all glitter, buckets and beaches to die for. In a post inspired by "Travel with a nine year old", here is a few of the moments you tell yourself: "Why, Oh, Why did I want to do this."

-Thinking you are going to a club (all was planned by the boys we were travelling with), ending up in a sex show with things flying out places they SHOULD NOT. OR EVEN BE CLOSE TO IT. EVER.

-Watching my best friend throwing up in the middle of nowhere on a 14hours visa run to Malaysia with a number of angry backpackers staring (including the driver) and waiting in the heat, because of course the A/C doesn't work. And while you really really want to help her, you cannot do anything, if only to engage with the backpackers "Soooo, where about have you been before?"

Looking over the Blue Mountains, Sydney

-It's falling on my rear end about 1000times while trekking in Thailand in spectacular manners. Turns out I'm not as agile as Lara Croft. Big disapointment there. I did have a long plait and short shorts.

-It's fracturing your arm in Laos and have no idea HOW? Blame it on the bucket.

-It's holding your best friend's hand at Vang Vieng Hospital while she gets a wound cleaned up facing the wall, trying to happily chat while you see a man arriving in the ER room with his body open in half. Just not to freak her out.

-It's crashing your bike in a massive sign that says "Come and see the monkeys closer". I did.
-The lovely sound of people shagging in the bed above mine, when I'm working at 7am.

-Trying not to fall on a monk in a crowded bus while balancing yourself on one foot because there is a whole on the floor of the bus where your second foot is supposed to stand. And not to forget that you are still holding onto your backpack. And that for 3 hours (kudos to Liz).

-It's running away not to be slap with a dead snake.

-It's being spiked with god knows what twice in four days in Koh Phi Phi (I was safely brought back to my room, just in case you were wandering about my safety, eh.)

And there is plenty more...

And to that I can add the loss of all kind of privacy, being walked on more than many times, getting used to sweat, dirt, cuts, mosquito bites, long waits, extra costs, 24h travel bug, being mugged, lost, drunk, depressed, happy. And you know what the best part is, I would not change a thing (A part maybe being mugged, not cool.) .

Where do I sign for round 2?

June Travel Playlist

2011-06-29T14:39:00.002+01:00

Long time no blog post! I finally quit my job and that deserve a little bit of music!! There is also quite a few news, but I'll share all that in a different post.

This month I love:

Nicola Roberts- The beat of my drum

Good Shoes - Morden (Metronomy Remix)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZOvQim0vUs

Chiddy Band - Truth (ft Passion Pit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAfKc9x01_k

Cults - Abducted
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i1MXHGB8g0

Aloe Blacc - I need a dollar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUWZ_OAEgQE

Baths - Lovely Bloodflow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVTrZjY2K5I

Guilty pleasure of the month:

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

Have a good rest of the week guys

Did you know...about Princess Juliana International Airport?

2011-06-05T13:05:00.000+01:00

When you go travelling, or even just on holidays you expect at some point some kind of quiet time on a beautiful beach. And you would think that a gorgeous caribbean beach should do the trick. Not if you end up at Maho beach near the Princess Juliana Airport.

Situated on the French/Dutch Island of Saint Martin, the beach is famous for its unusual plane sightings. The tarmac of the airport near by is so small that the planes will litterally knock off your beach hat. But you know that a picture is worth a thousand word so there you go. (Oh and by the way, although this looks quite impressive there is only one crash reported and not even on the beach. Which is quite good knowing that in 2007 the airport saw more than 103,000 aircraft movements.)

Where to drink in Paris: Stolly's

2011-06-03T17:52:00.000+01:00

“No way am I staying at the hostel tonight. It’s been 3 nights in a row I need a change man!” That’s a something that I hear regularly in my hostel. We throw awesome parties at St christopher’s Inn and our midnight Jagertrain is always a hit but sometimes our dear backpackers like a change. So then they come up to the bar: ”Scuse me, do you know a good place to to have a drink?” Well yes I do. It’s my headquarters, the Stolly’s. Situated in the heart of the Marais, this bar is a little hidden jewel.

There you will find awesome rock music, cheap pints and hot barmen. Mind you, it’s tiny. Your student halls were probably bigger; however they also have a terrace outside.

The crowd? Hipsters, Americans, English, French, tourists, locals. Basically a nice mix.

And what do you drink there? Strong alcohol, my dears! Try their no soda Caiphirina or one of their Tabasco shots. Want to start slowly? Grab a cider.

Can I eat there? No , they don’t do food. However you can order some Californian rolls for 5euros from the sushi place opposite.

Overall awesome little bar, like there is not many left in Paris.

Tip: Befriend the barman and you could be staying for one hell of a lock in. Tested and approved.

See you there.

Stolly's

16 rue Cloche Perce

75004 Paris

Metro: Hotel de Ville

#MusicMonday - May Travel Playlist

2011-05-16T12:03:00.001+01:00

Dry The River - Shaker Hymns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kISeqmGuJf4&feature=related

Twin Atlantic - Free

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkY-sEkWc-I

Deadmau5- Raise your weapon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnwfTHpnGLY

Futures - The boy who cried wolf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB9rSMWQP2M

Marmadukeduke - Kid Gloves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO3yH-JO68w

Beirut-Postcards from Italy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X61BVv6pLtw

And probably one of my favorite bands:

Bishop Allen - ClickClickClick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LpmrZbTu1o