I didn't get any sleep at all during my overnight train journey from Bangkok down to Surat Thani - I am only 5'10" but was still to tall for the bed. So by the time I got to Koh Phangan I was a little tired. Unbeknown to me when I booked the train/ferry I was arriving just before the famous full moon party so finding accommodation was a little tricky. Though I eventually found a nice set of bungalows overlooking the water in Haad Rin (the area where the party takes place) but hidden away around the corner from the madness. Mine was the one on the far right - where I made good use of the hammock Continue reading →
Due to a miscalculation on my part I had an unexpected overnight stay in Columbo, Sri Lanka - which was fine by me as the airline put me up in a beach side holiday resort! I spent the day with a lovely Polish couple on the beach who I also joined on a tuk-tuk ride around the local area which was exhilarating to say the least! The Sri Lankan roads are crazy and the only rule everyone seems to agree on is honking their horns. Great fun and a really nice surprise to start my trip.
I arrived in Bangkok to very heavy rain which seemed to temporarily flood all of the streets. On the train Continue reading →
In preparation for my upcoming Southeast Asia trip I aimed for lightweight and 25L turned out to be plenty… I even have empty pockets. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything (I usually take around 80L of gear)! Take care everyone and I look forward to seeing you all when I get back. Joe
I didn’t write a blog whilst travelling around Australia and New Zealand when I went over there in 2009. I came across the photos recently and thought I would upload a few snaps. Only a couple of years too late!
I went to my brothers wedding in Brisbane before backpacking down the East coast for a month. When I got to Sydney I flew to Christchurch and spent 10 days visiting the South and North Island in New Zealand (far far too short!) before flying back to Sydney from Auckland and continuing on for my flight home out of Melbourne. An amazing trip!
Hanging out in the VIP area watching the bouldering world cup final. Happy days!
New York was amazing, not even the bitter February coldness could hide that. Everywhere you look there was something to see - usually something you recognise from a film or TV show! I was having a trouble finding a couch surfing host which is common with big cities so I decided to treat myself to a hotel. I found a reasonably priced place in central Manhattan and having my own space for the first time, combined with five weeks of constant activity with little sleep lead to me crashing mid afternoon and sleeping till morning. Feeling fresh the next day I took in the sights and had the perfect Continue reading →
morehawes
Hanging out in the VIP area watching the bouldering world cup final. Happy days!