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Tag - travel

2020

December 29, 20193 min read

New Year New Me

I believed things would improve, but this year took a turn for the worse for everyone around the world.

I think we will remember 2020 for a long time; it will go down in history as one of those years when humanity had to endure a global catastrophe.

Beginning of the end?

It had all started well enough. I attended my fourth wedding in Cambodia, where Mr Sok, one of the cooks/ tour guides at the pepper farm, got married in March. It was a joyous occasion for everyone, and it concluded a beautiful chapter of my experiences in Cambodia—one that I will cherish forever.

Pre-Covid Plans

After travelling for over 15 months and entering my third actual year of travel, I felt it was a good time to leave and discover new things.

I originally left the UK in September 2018 and spent most of 2019 living in Cambodia. Initially, I had expected to be back home by now, but I suddenly felt the urge to visit friends and family.

This year, my plan was to explore Vietnam and Laos, possibly concluding my journey in Myanmar, where I hoped to experience more of its beauty.

However, before all that, I began with a trip back to the UK in mid-March to surprise my mum for her birthday. It turned out to be a memorable surprise for both of us.

23 March 2020 will be a day I remember for a long time. I surprised her after being away for 18 months, only to be unexpectedly faced with COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions that left me stuck in the UK indefinitely.

Long Stay

It would take almost two years for me to finally get back on a plane and return to Cambodia, where I had initially left for a two-week holiday.

The sad part is that I lost several good friends who, like so many others, succumbed to Covid-related deaths.

During this time, we experienced lockdowns, mandatory mask-wearing, and witnessed many caring and compassionate individuals stepping up to help others.

Suddenly, we found ourselves away from the pressure and stress of everyday life, which allowed us to support our fellow beings.

However, this came at a price, the effects of which we are only beginning to fully comprehend years later. Inflation, the rising cost of living, and food shortages are all consequences of the economic shutdown during the pandemic.

This means that people’s lives will be affected for decades as we face the aftermath of COVID. Additionally, speculation continues about the origins of the virus, with some suggesting that it may have escaped from a man-made laboratory.

LOVE IT 😀

Thanks @jodilmorris for this perfect quote

September 2019

October 3, 20194 min read

A lot has changed in 12 months

For once, I am now looking to actually plan for the next 12 months ahead, albeit tentatively.

I have been based in the same place for the many months now, finding a home from home.

Whilst I love it here, and will stay for a few more months I will eventually be continuing on my journey to the destinations I had already marked for my original route.

I am still on a budget, but things have been okay for now, but I have learned it will take some planning to continue my travels for as long as I can.

You will see over the next 12 months more workaway places that I will work from and in different countries, as well as a few surprises in store.

I will also have a few friends joining me on my travels who I am really looking forward to seeing.

But Back to the Present

Sept has shown me some unusual turn of events, from realizing more about myself to understanding more about other people both new and old friends.

A visit back to Singapore exactly one year after I arrived there from the UK.

This time there is no F1 Grand Prix but rather places of interest to visit including Gardens by the Bay where you can learn a lot more about climate change here in South East Asia and the effect it is having on the local areas.

I also purchased a new pair of glasses that not only cost 1/2 the price from the UK but also were ready in less than 6 hours.

Saying goodbye to some friends and saying hello to new ones which hopefully will stay in touch for a long time.

A weekend in Jakarta was a plus where I turned out to be the only western guy at a local live band where they did an impromptu performance of Oasis just for me 🙂

Improvements in my life

I feel that in a year I have honestly changed considerably.

Not just physically either, I have lost 18kg, look better and I am probably fitter than I was in my 30s.

My mind has also changed, I feel more aware of my surroundings, clearer on what my future is and although I still have the odd moment of weakness I am very thankful for my life that has developed here in Asia.

Every day I realize how fortunate I am to be healthy, happy and have the chances that are open to me.

I am still enjoying meeting new people, new cultures, both local to Asia and further afield.

And maybe one day that special someone who can make me complete.

But let us not get ahead of ourselves, that is not my sole aim and is certainly not something I am looking for right now,

It will happen when it is meant to.

I have to Thank a few people for getting me where I am today, Dominic for being there on the other end of the phone for a chat and to put things into perspective. Chris for the continuing support every month.

My adopted Sister, Petra for giving me a kick up the backside when I needed it. Mark, Rob and many more for the constant contact and always seemingly knowing when that message needs to be sent.

My confidant who offers continued support when I have moments of “Why does this happen to me” you know who you are and I love you for it.😃

Just as important to me

Jen Sincero for writing an amazing book which really does make a difference. You are a Badass check it out if you are serious about changing your attitude on life.

Ed Sheeran and Maroon 5 for writing some amazing music which seems to have a special meaning at times.

And Lastly for all the volunteers who have arrived at the farm, stayed, got to know me and still seem to want to keep in touch, even after spending two weeks with me 🤣