for the flight, the first impressions & the meet up

The flight from Brisbane to Bangkok was relatively good and without too much drama. I was up way before the sun to leave Toowoomba, which is eerily quiet at 3am in the morning,  on the airport flyer for the journey to Brisbane.


Wearing my most comfortable outfit for the seven and a half hour flight to Singapore, and then the 2 hour flight onwards to Bangkok. 

Long Haul Flight Outfit - looking chirpy considering it's 2:30am!

I was a little nervous as I only had about a 45 minute time gap between my flight arriving and my flight to Bangkok leaving. My travel agent assured me I would be fine and that was enough time but knowing how big Singapore airport is I requested a seat as close to the front of the plane as possible and ended up in the second row. This meant a quick and easy exited off the plane, quick check of the departure board, wee stop before heading straight to the next departure gate, secretly praying that my bag was also following me. 

The obligatory out the window looking at the clouds photo

We arrived in Bangkok a little ahead of schedule and after finding my driver, headed  to the hotel. It was a long and stop start kind of drive weaving in and out of traffic that took a bit over an hour. My first thought was that the traffic was pretty crazy but was extremely thankful there wasn't the constant sound of horns beeping like I had experienced in Vietnam. 


I was absolutely busted by the time I got to my room that I pretty much had a shower and went straight to bed. 

I had the following day free before meeting my tour group that night. I spent the day wandering around, not venturing too far from the hotel. It was close to popular Khao San Road and within walking distance to City Hall, the Democracy Monument and the Giant Swing at Wat Suthat Temple. I think I had prepared myself for the traffic and sellers to be absolutely crazy but it wasn't that bad. I walked about 15 minutes before anyone called out to me, and mostly the ones that do are the Taxi and Tuk Tuk drivers and occasionally people offering massages, otherwise it was nice to stroll the streets in relative peace. 

Democracy Monument

The Giant Swing

That evening I met up with the rest of the tour group and group leader, a local lady by the name of Raht, in the lobby for our first group meeting. As always seems to be the case the tour is Aussie heavy with 7 of the 13 people on the tour from Australia, and five of us from Queensland. Three people, including my roomie for the next 10 days, were yet to arrive so I met them later that night. There are many travelling in pairs including, a couple from the US, a couple from the UK, a couple from Townsville, a mother & daughter from Sydney, and BFFs from Mackay, my roomie is from Canada and then there is one older lady travelling solo from the UK as well. 

After our meeting we wandered again to Khao San Road which becomes a mecca at night as it transforms into a walking street with locals selling all kinds of arts and crafts, fancy pants, t-shirts, street food and anything else you could possibly imagine. Amongst the stalls and local restaurants were a KFC, McDonalds, Burger King and Boots (UK Pharmacy), so there really is something to suit everyone's needs!

Khao San Road

By the time we returned to the hotel my roomie had arrived and was already in bed ready to sleep after a long hectic trip from Canada, after missing a flight in Tokyo.


Intrepid Tour...ready, set....let's go!


Linking up Grace for FYBF, A Brit and a Southerner for Weekend Wanderlust and for the first time Maxabella Loves Weekend Rewind! 


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lost in translation

Sometimes in an attempt to help the tourists things get a little lost in translation....

Our tour guide said that they often rely on Google Translate to convert their signs to English and once I told her the meaning of the word persistent she said the sign doesn't make sense and tried to tell me what it was meant to say.... I still have no idea!!!


Linking up with Trish for Wordless Wednesday and Ms Mystery Case for Worth Casing Wednesday and Brown Paper Packages for Wednesday Wanderlust!

for what makes me most happy

For me, this week's confession was a no brainer really, especially given my current location.

When I first read the prompt my immediate response, which is usually the best, was

I am most happy when..... travelling.

The obligatory out the window/clouds/sky shot from the plane

Travelling means, exploring new places, meeting new people, discovering hidden treasure, experiencing different cultures. What's not to love? 

Downtown Bangkok

But it's not just international travel that I love. I have lived and taught in numerous places all over Queensland, and with that means that I have friends and family all over the place, so travel can sometimes mean that, waiting for me at my destination are the people I love.

On the road to visit my bestie!

However, travelling can also be a time when I feel at my loneliest . I know, I know!! How could I possibly say that, right?? 

Travelling alone means long stretches of time, well.... alone. 

Long stretches of time with no one to talk to and nothing to do but listen to the thoughts in your own head which are often blocked by 'life noise'. 

I know that there are people who think that I'm 'lucky' to be able to bugger off overseas for weeks at a time and that I should be grateful to not be tied down to responsibilities back home, and for the most part I am. 

But being able to do that means there is a big part of my life missing that I have always dreamt of having and its probably when I'm travelling that I feel that hole the most. 

There are also the things you miss while you're away, and no I don't mean episodes of Home and Away (although if someone could let me know how Brax gets himself outta this one I'd be grateful!!! Lol).. While I am away I know I will be gaining and learning so much, but back home birthdays will be had, milestones will be met, events will be attended that I should be at, but I know all those people will be there when I do return. 

So as I lay in my sleeper on a train somewhere between Bangkok and Chiang Mai watching the sunrise feeling so very blessed and happy to be able to live this experience, there is also that hint of sadness. I know life is a juggling act and so often we all want what we haven't got, and I am so guilty of being one of those people. I am making a promise to myself to try and get out of that! 

But then, as the saying goes, life wasn't meant to be easy and I will enjoy this time while it lasts!

What's the first thing you think of when you hear, "I feel happy when...."

Would love to hear your responses below! 

Linking up late (time difference and lack of wifi!) with Kirsty at My Home Truths and Alicia at One Mother Hen.


PS...I'm also pretty happy when a one hour pedicure with a meticulous Thai man only costs me about $8!!

for what to wear on a long haul flight

By the time you read this I will be on my way to Thailand....or still sitting in the airport....who knows!


What to wear on a long flight? is something that needs to be given some serious thought, you want to be comfortable but unfortunately turning up in your PJs is still considered socially inappropriate (dammit!)


I am often amazed at what some people are dressed in to fly half way across the world. If I've got to seat in the same seat for any longer than 2 hours, I want to be comfortable, and there is definitely a way to do this and be stylish at the same time.


These are my tips for what to wear and still look stylish on your long haul fight

I'll be wearing something very similar to this on my flight!

Consider the climate, both where you are leaving and where you are flying to. If you are leaving somewhere cold and arriving somewhere hot you don't want to wear big bulky layers on the plane that you then won't need/use at your destination and vice versa. Layers is the perfect way around this.


I have already mentioned comfort a couple of times. I am amazed when seeing people wearing jeans, bulky pants, high heels and boots on planes. I often feel sorry for men who don't really have much choice. You have to sit in this outfit for hours on end with nowhere to go but the toilet and back. You gotta be comfortable!


To achieve this I always have a cardigan  and a nice big scarf with me. I am a big time frog and often get really cold in the air-conditioning on the plane, so these items in my carry on are a must. I am heading to Thailand and Cambodia and so I know that it is going to hot for the duration of my trip, that's why I make sure that my cardigan and scarf are light enough that I can then use when visiting temples etc. 


I wear pants with an elastic waistband that can easily expand and sit nice across your waist without digging in. Some people don't like wearing tights but I have a pair that are made from polyester spandex so they are super lightweight and stretchy. 


I also wear a pair of closed in slip on shoes, you want to  be able to get them on and off with ease but also provide warmth if need be. 


I also like to have another change of clothes in my carry on. You just never know what may happen with your luggage so I always have at least a change of underwear and pants in my carry on. This is also a good idea if you have a stop-over on the way to your destination to freshen up. 


On my way to wherever I am heading I usually only take a large handbag with me on the plane. That way it restricts me over packing and allows for any 'extra items' I may acquire on my holiday. I roll up a carry on size bag and put it in my checked luggage, and this often becomes my day pack during my trip. 

Some of the items in my extra large handbag!

My advice for essential carry on items and things that I have packed in mine include:

• a good book
• iPad with lots of books, movies and music loaded on it
• laptop
• flight stockings - yep I wear and rock those babies like a model!!!
• camera
• gorgeous travel journal
• noise-cancelling headphones
• funky passport and ticket holder case
• neck pillow
• eye mask
• clear toiletry bag (or ziplock bags is also good) with toothbrush, toothpaste, roll on deodorant, hand and face cream, wet ones and hand sanitizer. 
• portable phone charger

All items contribute to a pleasant and enjoyable flight and hopefully make sure you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to get exploring!

Be sure and check out my Instagram as I am bound to take a sneaky airport bathroom selfie to show you exactly what I am wearing on my flight! To follow my trip please subscribe or like my Facebook Page for regular updates!

What are your tips for long haul flights?

Which seat do you prefer, window or aisle?

Linking up with With Some Grace for FYBF!

for what I learnt in Vietnam

I spent almost two weeks in Vietnam so I do not consider myself an expert but there are certain things that one can learn about a country in that time...



Here are the 5 Things I learnt about Vietnam..



1. Traffic is out of control

From what I can gather the rules are, there are no rules! 

Being my first time in Asia I wasn't sure what to expect. It appears that for the most part they drive on the left hand side if the road, most of the time! My first experience in the traffic was in the airport transfer to my hotel in Hanoi. We made our way out of the airport and into what appeared to be about a 20 metre wide stretch of concrete with massive holes, no gutters and no lines with cars and motorbikes, scooters and push bikes going in every which direction! And it continued to be more and more crazy from there. 

Most people in Vietnam either have a motorbike (referring to motorbike and scooter in the one word)or push bike as cars are too expensive. Motorbikes seem to be able to do and go wherever they like, on the footpath, into the shop.. Wherever! 

In the main cities I visited Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh the footpaths are ridiculously crowded with motorbikes, street vendors, trees and sidewalk cafés that it is almost impossible to walk along them and you find yourself constantly weaving in and out of the traffic.. 

In some cases it was pointless even trying and easier just to walk along in the gutter, but keeping a keen eye out for anything nasty (ie.. The dead rat I saw in one). For the most part though they are pretty clean! There are some what appear to be pedestrian crossings at most of the major intersections but they don't appear to have the same meaning as home. 

I am hopeful that the experience in Vietnam will help me prepare for Thailand!


2. You can carry almost anything on a scooter/motorbike/tuk tuk

As the main form of transport in Vietnam, who knew that these babies were so versatile! From carrying whole families (eg Dad and 4 kids), to luggage, furniture, to massive blocks of ice, to a tuk tuk carrying a scooter that had broken down, there is almost nothing they can't carry! 

3. Powerpoints are rare.

I am not sure that this is just relevant to Vietnam as I know this could possibly be said about Australia as well. In some hotels we were lucky to have 2 powerpoints, one in the bathroom and one in the bedroom area in which to charge our electronics. In one hotel we had to move the TV cabinet and unplug the TV in order for everyone to be charging what needed to be charged. I took a double adapter which made things a little easier, but I would suggest if you are heading that way, take a powerboard with you! 

4. Sometimes you have to be (politely) rude.

The people are extremely friendly....and persistent!

The Vietnamese people know that the tourism industry is one way that they can move forward as a country and therefore most treat tourists as royalty. I say most because we were warned that unfortunately there are some people that will attempt to rip off tourists, and it did happen on our trip. Unfortunately though it means that when they are trying to sell you something they DO NOT LEAVE YOU ALONE! and sometimes you just have to be rude and ignore them (which I felt absolutely terrible about doing because it's just not in my nature!).

Even in Ha Long Bay this lady was trying to sell us stuff rowing up to the side of our boat and yelling out to us!

Everywhere you go there will be someone there trying to sell you something and never believe that an act of kindness is just that! My first experience was not long after I arrived, I went for a walk after checking into the hotel with another lady who was starting an Intrepid tour the day before me and who I met at the airport. We walked towards the lake in Hanoi to check it out and we came to a four lane main road and as described above the traffic was crazy and we had no idea how we were going to get across when suddenly 2 young ladies came from the other side to help us, "just come with us, we help you" they said as they grabbed our hands and walked us straight out into the traffic, bikes and cars whizzed by beeping at us but the girls did not hesitate! 

When we finally made the other side all of  sudden they were shoving postcards in our faces and demanding money and saying we owed them for helping us across the street. They were very full on and forceful, looking into our bags and begging us to buy their postcards. I will admit to feeling very overwhelmed and a little scared about what was transpiring as I had been in the country probably less than an hour so I handed over some money, got my postcards and we bolted as quickly as we could. 

In hindsight I am kind of glad that this did happen so early in the trip as it made me realise what I was going to face over the course of the next few weeks. So my advice is to be a little rude (not overly), don't make eye contact and just say "No thank you"... unless of course you want the postcards, t-shirts, hats, fans, random useless touristy items that they are selling then knock yourself out but don't forget to barter and never pay the first price offered!

5. I should have taken my laptop (and other packing tips)

I did not realise how 'connected' I would be!! 

While I would not have wanted to have my head stuck in my laptop the whole time, there were times where I wished I had taken it with me as my ipad does always cut it! I have said to many people that I felt more 'connected' in Vietnam than I do in parts of Australia. Last year I lived 5 minutes out of town and my service was shite!! In Vietnam every hotel we stayed in had FREE wifi (did you read that Australia FREE!!!). Almost every restaurant, cafe, beauty salon, shop also had free wifi, some were password protected but in some places the password was on display above the counter, on the menu or as soon as you pulled out your phone some beautiful little waitress was there to "I put password in for you" and BOOM you were connected!  

Even on the minibus out from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels there was free wifi....On a minibus!! Again, not that you want to spend all your time online and miss out on what's going on around you, but 2 hours on a minibus was the perfect time to catch up with family, friends (and blogs) back home!

Disappearing into one of the tunnels...very small and very dark.

Other packing tips that I would mention for Vietnam is to not bother taking anything that requires ironing. It wasn't necessarily a big deal for me but there was one night where we went out to watch a show where I would have loved to have run an iron over my dress but there was not one in any place that we stayed. 

I would also suggest taking a face washer with you. Face washers were used for many different purposes, we were given a cold one as we entered some hotels, some restaurants had dry ones in a basket in the rest rooms instead of paper towel to dry your hands but there were none in out hotel rooms. 

Take extra bras! This was something I told a friend of mine who was heading to Vietnam not long after I was! Unless you are super good at the bathroom hand-washing in the sink kind of thing then you might want to chuck in a few extra bras. Usually I can get away with wearing a bra for a few days, perhaps with a little airing in between but in Vietnam I was actually a little surprised how much my little boobs could sweat! 

These lessons have come in handy for what to pack for my next trip to Thailand and Cambodia.

It was tough hot work, but someone had to do it!

I learnt so much more about myself and the wonderful Vietnamese people while I was there. If Vietnam is not on your travel list then I really think it should be!



Linking this up with Ann at Help! I'm Stuck! for Things I know and A Brit and a Southerner for Weekend Wanderlust. 

to pack for my trip!

What to pack for Thailand and Cambodia

This was something I googled and pinterested (totally a word!) and blog read about many times over the past few weeks.

I packed a few weeks ago to be honest but today I pulled it all out again to pack properly, double check I have everything and cull some stuff.

I always do this as the first time I pack I always pack way too much. Going to Vietnam last year also helped me pack for this trip as I learnt a few lessons. 

So this is just some of the main things that I have packed and why.

A large stock of toiletries.

Yep, lots and lots of toiletries. I am preparing myself for any possibility with travel calm, imodium, gastrostop, nurophen, multi-vitamins, anti-bacterial hand santizer, tampons as I have read that these types of things can be difficult to find if needed. You'll notice copious packets of travel tissues. These are an absolute must to have on you at all times, as toilet paper is not something that is used in a lot of toilets in SE Asia... I sadly learnt that the hard way in Vietnam! Good thing my fellow travellers were more prepared than I was!

Image Source

Yes it's taking up a lot of space but I seriously would not leave home without this stuff, who wants to be sick while travelling. This is also stuff that I will work through while away so I won't be carrying it the whole trip and can easily throw out at the end of the trip to make way for any shopping that may have occurred along the way.

You'll also notice some items in ziplock bags. These are a travellers best friend and are great for packaging individual toiletry items that may leak!

Kimono/light patterned cardigan

This cardigan is made from very lightweight fabric and will be great for wearing over singlets at times when shoulders need to be covered, when entering a temple for example, and for dressing up other outfits at night. 

Shorts

I have 3 pairs of shorts, 2 plain and one patterned. These will get a fair workout in Thailand I am sure. I picked up the 2 plain ones for about $8 each from Big W and bought them in a size bigger as, lets face it, things have a tendency to expand whilst overseas and in the humidity I find it more comfortable if my clothes are a little looser. The patterned ones are from KMart and are again cheap ones. The reason I do this is that I am not disappointed if they get ruined in the wash and am happy to dispose of them if need be. 

Fancy Pants

My sister and I call these fancy pants due to there pretty patterns, and because I am not sure what else you would call them. Elastic in the waist and drawstrings in the legs make these pants quite versatile and extremely comfortable to wear whilst travelling. They can be dressed up or worn for casual wear. 

For my volunteer project I have been told that I will need to wear clothes that cover my knees and shoulders as a sign of respect, so I think these pants will be perfect and hopefully get me through the 4 weeks! 

Noise cancelling headphones

My sister got me these (at my request) for Christmas and I am hoping that they are awesome! Don't get me wrong, I love the screaming baby on the plane (I know you do everything you can Mum), the snoring room mate and the know-it-all-who-never-shuts-up on the bus....NOT! Sometimes you just need to be able to block out the noise and have some alone time! Am super stoked that these ones even came with the adaptor for the plane sockets!!

In addition to what I have photographed for you here I also have packed:

• 4 shirts with sleeves that cover my shoulders
• 3 singlet tops
• 1 maxi dress
• 2 short dresses
• 1 maxi skirt
• 2 pairs of togs
• underwear
• an exercise outfit (I really hope I am able to maintain some sort of exercise regime while away)
• a washer and a microfibre towel
• a few other bits and bobs not really worth mentioning, including my 5 must have items

I managed to fit everything into the packing cubes which I am totally in love with! I am sure I have probably packed a few too many items that I could do without but I am one of those people who will wear every item I have packed, even if it's just once, to prove that I needed it! 

There is not really anything that I am packing that I will be disappointed to dispose of if need be. 

All packed nice and snuggly in my beautiful wheelie backpack!

Have I forgotten something?

How many pairs of undies are too many?

Linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT!

for my first trip to Thailand and Cambodia!

This time next week I will be in Bangkok!

This Friday I fly out for my first trip of the year.

Over the past few weeks I have been asked time and time again how I am feeling about my trip....

I must confess it goes something like this...

I find it one of those bizarre questions, like I am not sure what they think I am going to answer. Of course I am excited! Who isn't when heading off overseas on a trip to a country they have never been before.

But there are other emotions that go along with that as well.

My first stop is Thailand, I have never been but everyone who has, has told me how much they loved it, which makes me even more excited. I arrive in Bangkok the day before my tour begins so I have time to myself to explore the city. 

After doing one in Vietnam last year and enjoying it so much, I am doing another Intrepid tour that goes for 10 days starting and finishing in Bangkok and travelling through Chiang Mai, H'mong Lodge, Sukhothai, and Kanchanaburi/River Kwai. People say that I am brave for heading off overseas by myself but I almost always do a tour of some description as I am not quite brave enough to head off and explore on my own! I still like to have other people around me and the knowledge of the local guides. 

When Kelly Exeter shared this picture on her Facebook page last week it really resonated with me and I just had to share it!

After the tour I have a few nights to myself in Phuket before heading to Cambodia to start my volunteer project. This is where most of the nervousness and anxiety comes in. Naturally the first question people ask is about what I am doing whilst in Cambodia....and the answer is....

This is my very serious "I don't know face!"

I have requested to be placed in a Childcare position but there are no guarantees. My booklet tells me that my placement will not be known until I arrive in Cambodia to ensure that all volunteers who are starting at the same time as I am are placed in the most suitable placements and where there is the most need at the time. Once I arrive I will meet with local staff in Phnom Penh and they will have drawn up a potential placement for me which we will discuss and go from there. 

All accommodation and meals are part of the volunteer fee that I have paid and my booklet tells me that is it simple and basic and that I can expect to share a room with one or two other volunteers and that there will be running water and electricity and in most cases there will be a TV and internet access.

Each day I will work from 8am until approximately 5pm with a 2 hour lunch break in the middle! Weekends are free for me to do what I like and so I am looking forward to exploring the other areas of Cambodia. 

My placement lasts for 4 weeks and then I have a few nights of luxury booked at Singapore on my way home!

So whilst I am nervous, anxious and a little scared the main emotion that I am feeling about going is excited. I am excited to be heading off to explore new countries, experience new cultures and things, I am excited to be pushed out of my comfort zone and learn more about myself and help others along the way. 

I look forward to using this blog as a means to share this journey with you.

Linking up with Kirsty at My Home Truths for I Must Confess and Alicia at One Mother Hen for Open Slather!

(PS...apologies for my absences....I have moved over to a custom domain and had a few little hiccups along the way which meant my blog went down for a few days! I am SO useless at all this techy stuff!! I plan on making up for it with a vengeance this week before I go!)

Have you been to Thailand or Cambodia? Any travel tips for me?

What's a question you are asked repeatedly that puzzles you?

Stay tuned for updates of my adventure!