TravelStream™ news feed for member anelegantchaos on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/anelegantchaos en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Thu, 21 Jul 2005 05:19:38 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1094575980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1094575980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1094575980/tpod.html Thu, 21 Jul 2005 05:19:38 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Glasgow, United Kingdom

well, here we are, less than 1 mth to go and i can't believe Hazel and i are so organised, tickets are paid for , visa's obtained, 7 hours, with a hangover for that indian visa, but had a lunch special in the Ashoka ( great restaurant near Charing Cross,Glasgow, if interested ) and to be honest life is sweet.

Hazel and I have both just turned 36 and have booked a 12mth RTW , starting in October. We both have had a lot of independent travel under our belt , but i can assure you, the buzz and the excitement is still as sharp as it was on of first trip.

Well, time moves on and we have now rented out our flat and the resignation letters are now in. The moment of freedom beckons and the scary moment of saying our goodbyes is near, and to be honest i have had a few sleepness nights with that particular issue, but i'm sure it will be fine, as we are both 100% certain this is the path to follow. Perhaps, listening to Leonard Cohen isn't helping much, but hey 'thats no way to say goodbye'.

For the moment, i will leave you with this quote 'My advice to people today is as follows: If you take the game of life seriously, if you take your nervous system seriously, if you take your sense organs seriously, if you take the energy process seriously, you must turn on, tune in, and drop out.
Timothy Leary

you dig?
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1100770080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1100770080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1100770080/tpod.html Mon, 04 Jul 2005 08:16:56 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Jaipur, India

It has been 10 years since we were first in Rajasthans dusky pink city and we are enjoying the return, as its rich deep colours change with the light and enrich our senses. We are staying at The Evergreen guesthouse, which is a little oasis from the crowds with a room overlooking shady gardens it is the perfect retreat.
I like Rajasthan, with the women in kalidescope colourful saris and the men in bright turbans and sculpted moustaches. The city is vibrant, and seductive with its hillside forts and alluring bazaars.
Probably one of the main attractions is The Amber Fort, a few kilometres outside the city. The fort is an excellent example of Rajuput architecture, with construction beginning in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh. Its easy to get lost in the maze of corridors and we enjoy the time exploring its inner realm.

One of the main reasons for coming to Rajasthan, was to make our way to the Pushkar Camel Fair, 140km from Jaipur. Puskar is bewitching with its maze of streets that surround its sacred lake. Many ghats run to these sacred waters where pilgrims bathe and holy men perform Puja ( prayer).

The Camel fair itself is an Indian epic, with 200,000 people and some 50,000 camels engulf this small town. The swirl of colour and sound is amazing as traders, musicians and gurus go about their business. The exact date of the fair is dependent on the Lunar calender, and as if by 'magick' we arrive just in time for the festivites to begin, our evening thirst quenched by 'the Lassi'.

Pics soon folks , namaste B and H xx
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1114966800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1114966800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1114966800/tpod.html Fri, 06 May 2005 05:24:13 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Well what can we say. Our journey was designated for 12 months has now unfortunately drop to 6 months. This entry will be our last of which I am extremely sad about.

The reason for our abrupt end is due to ill health of my husband. After 10 days of fever, high temp, severe headaches and aching limbs we thought of the worse and got on the quickest flight back to the UK. Although we did seek medical assistance within Malaysia our last 'port of call - so to speak'. Their help was reasonably good but did not pinpoint the exact cause.

Now it is day 14, we are back in Scotland and slowly but surely Robert is getting better. The outcome was a tropical viral infection. As to why the docs in KL could not pick this one out is beyond me! Now he is making full recovery and who knows what will lie ahead for the both of us.

One thing is for sure, travelpod has not heard the last of 'anelegantchaos'!

All the best for future travels peeps !
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113722580/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113722580/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113722580/tpod.html Thu, 21 Apr 2005 03:06:52 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

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]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113372420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113372420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113372420/tpod.html Thu, 21 Apr 2005 02:39:25 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Bangkok, Thailand

We have got back on our feet just in time as it is now the Thai (Songkran Festival). It is basically a cleansing festival for New Year, which basically means if you don't want to get wet you have to stay in your hotel room, which is about as much fun as a poke in the eye with plastic stick . We have tooled ourselves up with some big super soakers and roaming the streets looking for tender prey, this is not a problem as Bangkok is bursting at the seams with people wanting a water fight.
We have teamed up some english student types and now have a pretty strong fighting force, although we always get ambushed by young thai boys with buckets of iced water, cheaters, hsss. My aim is getting pretty good but I thought i'd pushed things too far when I hit a Lady boys arse at full force from 10 yards, not so , infact a got a wiggle and a wink then quickly set off in the other direction to shouts of ' love you long time', gulps.
April is the hottest month in Bangkok, so its a pleasure to participate in local traditions and keep cool at the same time. We have really never experienced anything of this magnitude and enjoying the experience immensly. The carnival atmosphere is all over with live music, street performers, exotic food and enough drink that would even test the marathon consumption of Shane Macgowan. Hazel has just stepped inside the cyber cafe and by the looks of it fully armed, I feel I may by summoned to the front line very shortly. ' This is the end Beautiful friend, this is the end my only friend, the end '

pics to follow , stay tuned
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113463080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113463080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1113463080/tpod.html Thu, 21 Apr 2005 02:36:43 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Penang, Malaysia

Going to keep this short as we are both really now tired of city life and to be honest Penang dosn't really do it for us either. Down in the guidebooks as a ' must-see stop', we found it a bit dull, and although famed for its cuisine we didnt find anything spectacular, infact most of what we ate was very average and bloody expensive. Penang is not for the backpackers budget, but i'm sure if you were here with a fat wallet then things would be different.

We did however manage to afford a trip to Penang Hill about 821m above Georgetown. This cool retreat gives spectacular views over the sticky city below. The top is reached by funicular ride giving excellent views of the surrounding forest setting. We tramped out a few of the trails and got on the 'canopy walk', which is an excellent suspended board walk about 15m above the forest floor. This was our highight of Penang, and 'oh yes' having to do the 'danger run' in the evening to the local shop. This involved a high speed slalom sprint, passed the local 'ladies of the night', who seemed to congregate in double figures at the top of our street. It was a feat of endurance as they made kissing noises to distract you as they tried to cut off all possible exits. I was tempted to shout 'chase me hens, chase me' but decided not to as many of them looked like malaysian version of Pat Butcher and hard as nails.

Anyway, photos will follow. Hazy And I are away to the highlands tomorrow for fresh air and Jungle treks. See you there.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1112457780/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1112457780/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1112457780/tpod.html Tue, 12 Apr 2005 04:55:25 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Luang Prabang, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

Throughout our journey we have continually been told just how beautiful Laos and its people are, so we would like to confirm that in many ways this has been the highlight of our South East Asian overland circuit. Due to the fact the country has really only just opened its doors to foreign visitors in the last 20 yars, it gives an unparalleled glimpse of an unspoilt land of old Asia.

Working our way from Vietiane (the sandalwood city), we take the rattletrap local bus and work ouy way through dramatic landscapes to the riverside town Vang Vieng. The journey takes us through villages, where locals go about everyday life. Everyone is involved, giving great communial spirit. Although now emerging from years of isolation, Laos still has a feel of the exotic, with its mountains, rivers, temples and natural wonders.

It rained so heavy arriving in Vang Vieng that our bus roof started leaking, the inside soon resembling a shower block. I think the only ones enjoying the experience were the ducks, chickens and other assorted farmyard animals that shared the backseat with other travellers. Soon after checking in to our guest house the mist lifted to reveal spectacular limestone cliffs, which would be a climbers haven. We however were here to Kayak and to do some caving.

The surrounding cliffs are honeycombed with unexplored tunnels and caverns, many said to be inhabited by spirits and play a major part in local mythology. As the town is so remote and removed from modernisation it is easy to understand that old traditions still stand fast, or perhaps it is due to the townships high use of opium in secluded smoking dens ! .

Kayaking the Nam Som river was definately the highlight of our trip in South East Asia. The river took us through spectacular rainforest as we paddled our way to explore hidden caves and vistas. Our imagination wandered as we traversed rope bridges, at times it was like entering a lost land as we stumbled upon hidden Buddhas and concealed cave openings. Our guide expertly lead us through bat filled chambers, underwater caverns and claustrophobic gaps before cooking up an excellent barbie. As the only male on the trip he insisted I should cliff jump into a 8m splash pool, eek, (see the photo) Hazy couldn't get the water in the pic due to the height. The night was further enjoyed with some local whisky with our friend from Gourock who arrived on the late bus. A magickal day in every way and one we will remember for a long time.

Moving by bus to Luang Prabang, we experience Laos repuation as a land of mountains and rivers. The striking natural heritage of the Northern Provences is stunning and still home to hill tribe cultures. The city itself is wall to wall temples and its virtually impossible not to bump into a friendly monk around every corner. Sitting on the Mekong river at sunset is a very special experience and one which defies description.

It is at this point I want to clear a few things up to put peoples minds at rest. Hazel did get a little sick in Luang Prabang and was taken to see a Doctor for treatment. I assessed the situation and took Hazel on the afternoon flight to Bangkok to visit a private medical clinic all of which was covered by our insurance. Hazel is very much back on her feet, infact she has just emptied my wallet on a shopping spree, more wee tops I presume.

Hazel and I find enjoyment in adventure and exploration off the beaten track, we both have many years experience in 3rd world travel are aware of the risks and most importantly how to minimise them. We are both healthy and once again have that zest for wanderlust which has brought us here in the first place...

love & light .....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1112166960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1112166960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1112166960/tpod.html Tue, 12 Apr 2005 03:42:44 -0400 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Hanoi, Vietnam

Moving into central Vietnam we stop at the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An, right in the middle of festival time. It was a welcome stop, as I am well tired of 12hr overnight bus rides , the vietnames don't seem to make bus seats big enough for lanky scotsmen.

The colourful festival was excellent, with traditional food and song and dance all lit up with hanging lanterns. We catch up with friends Steve and claire from London and hit the town to feast our senses. Our imagination transports us back centuries as we walk the old town. The narrow dim streets are lined with wooden houses from the early 19th centuary and look untouched by years of vietnamese progress.

Working our way up the coast we pass through Hue for a brief rest and to visit the Forbidden Purple City. This is a strange place, reserved solely for the personal use of the emperor, the only servants allowed to enter were eunuchs, who would pose no threst to the concubines, strange but true. !

Only resting briefly, we hit the historical city of Hanoi and the spectacular World Hertitage site of Halong Bay. I like Hanoi, It is full of culture and elegance, with its lakes, shaded boulevards and charming cafe culture. We are both a bit templed out and we set about enjoying city life and all the delights it has to offer. Hazel, however did make it to see the body of Ho Chi Minh, which she reported as being quite amazing, I slept...

Having organised our overnight boat trip to Halong Bay, we board our 'Junk Boat' and drift off into a world right out of Jurassic Park (see the pics when we load them). With 3000 islands on offer, we cruise a round a selected few of these natural marvels. One of our ship mates is a cool guy from Gourock called Ray. We can't believe we are sitting drinking a few glasses of wine with a guy, who live 3 miles away from our house in Scotland. It is good however, to have a wee chat about oor wee toon doon the clyde.

Unfortunately, we are not in the best season for these breathtaking vistas, but the drizzly weather makes for a scene of mystery and lost worlds. As the swirling fog surrounds the limestone inlets, Hazy and I board our Kayak and paddle into the deep waters and wind our way through weathered grottoes. As we paddle around in the dark water, it is easy to imagine the legend of the mysterious marine creature known as the 'Tarasque' that is said to live in these waters. With silence in the air, we hear distant voices, the creaking of anchored boats and the call of birds from the limestone islands. I am really not exagerating, With the mist rolling round our Kayaks it like finding a lost world. Even in our cabin at night we heard mysterious noises, but after investigation, it was just a rat, most dissapointing.

After our trip its back into Hanoi, to say a few goodbyes to some travelling companions heading heading off on other adventures. For us, next stop Laos, which we have heard so much about and looking foward to with great passion. My wife and I have both loved Vietnam with its great diversity and we will definately return.

Oh yes, the food. Here is the deal ! I will list a few of the delicacies on offer and leave it up to you to guess what we ate? Due to the political correctness that is spreading itself into our everyday lives, i simply don't want any hate mail, lol.
Ok, Here goes - Bat, sea horse, Rabbit, Deer, Shark Fin, snake, and dog, eek...Maybe we didn't eat any of these. ;)-
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1111993560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1111993560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1111993560/tpod.html Sat, 02 Apr 2005 02:17:47 -0500 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Nha Trang, Vietnam

Leaving the busy city we board a bus for the Mui Ne Peninsula on the South China Sea for afew days of R&R. Peaceful stretches of white sand and swaying palms soon ease our weary bones, and our pace of life slows down to 'hammock speed'. It is also the place we meet up with the 'crazy House' Posse, which i will discuss later.

Apart from a text book stretch of coastline, Mui Ne is home to wonderful desert sand dunes, where the dying sun descends in a ball of fire, sculpting the dunes with shadows of great complexity. We can do nothing but simply stare into the vermillion sky as the wind catches the fine sand in the twilight like dancing spectres. Great moments like these are difficult to describe, they are periods in life when time just stands still and everything else ceases to exist.

The road is perfect for motorbikes and we once again take the services of local riders, who takes down deserted stretches of coastal road, local fishing villages and remote canyons spiked with weathered rock formation. Staying here has been a perfect few days, always rounding the evening off with excellent local seafood cooked in clay pots and a slurp or two of the excellent local Dalat mountain wine. Funnily enough, Dalat would be our next destination, not just for the wine you understand.

Dalat in the Lam Dong province is an Old French hill station and just oozes charm.It is very much favoured with the vietnamese avant-gardists, so it is not short of culinary and artistic delights. Our bus ride takes us to 1500m, and swings through evergreen forests, magnificent mountain passes and national parks. The cool air is excellent on the lungs as the climate changes, making it just perfect to enjoy the surrounding environment.

Off the bus we meet the 'posse', a bunch of free spirited travellers with whom, unknown to us at that time, would be involved in one of the best few days of our trip, which only could have been made better if Kris & Lauren from India were present. I will introduce them in the photo section of this journal, many of which had to be censored due to vast consumption of DIY rice wine kits. Our night begins with Dalat wine, of course, and an evening of gastranomic proportions consisting of some of the best roasted wild game we have ever eaten.

After a bleary morning, a local driver is hired and we speed off through pine forest lined roads , eventually walking to mountain waterfalls and swimming in cool splash pools. A perfect morning is made even better as more food is produced and our Australian chum 'dipper' pulls out a 2L bottle of shiraz, which he has been secretly carrying as a lunch time surprise. Skinny dipping makes for a pleasant after lunch recreational activity , then its back in our mobil with a couple of guitars and off to more exciting and mountain locations. It was about then we bumped into the 'crazy house', which was to be our new home the following day.

The crazy house is basically an art gallery attached to an architectural mind altering construction straight out of 'Alice in Wonderland'. Complete with caves , giant spider webs, mythical creatures and rooms beyond description ( see the pictures), we set up camp for an afternoon and evening of the unexpected. A trip to the local market completes our journey to the outside world and we take up residence.

As the house also receives visitors, our presence soon attracts many passing travellers, who gladly take up our offer to join in the experience. Our room is slowly filling up, the incense is spiralling, the DIY local rice wine kit is in full flow, our dining table heaves with the strain of rich meats and vegetables, while the stereo selection produces a perfect vibe for a most eclectic day. The day turns into night as our enjoyment continues. As the last log is put on the fire I put my head on the pillow and let my mind drift, enter sandman. A perfect ending to a perfect few days, which was made special by our companions, environment and laughter.

The next day was one of creeping about and staying out the heat, I almost did a dance of joy when it rained, but refained from doing so as my head hurt so much, enter Nurofen. After a days rest Hazy and I take the bus to Nha Trang, which is one of Vietnams most popular bech towns. To be honest, not really our thing but good for a few days to catch up on some rest.

Soon after arriving it was off to the hot spring center to soak our bones in soothing hot , mineral rich pools of mud followed by spa-bath treatments. The garden setting was amazing , and the waterfall was cascading water right out the ground. A wonderful relaxing way to end this leg of our trip.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1111220100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1111220100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anelegantchaos/the_nomad_diary/1111220100/tpod.html Sun, 27 Mar 2005 01:21:41 -0500 On the road, our journey of joy and enlightenment ..

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Saigon, Vietnam

Its been a while since we updated out log, mainly due to the fact that Vietnam has exposed us to sensory overload and we have found it difficult to make the time to get on a PC. This country is sumblime, and we can't recommend it enough. Travelling its 3500 km coastline, we have been taken from bustling cities, unspoiled coastlines, endless expanses of desert sand dunes to refreshing moutain hill sations. All these wonderful landscapes have been enhanced by meeting excellent travellers and locals, sharing local delicacies and sipping excellent local wine !

First stop was Saigon, Vietnams largest city, where 5 million people set the scene for the start of out adventure. Packed full with Honda Dream mopeds we decide these to be our method of transport, and zip around with our driver leading the way. These guys are great, you hold on for your life as they weave in and out of 8 lanes of traffic, adrenalin rush it certainly is, at certain points you're just not sure whether to laugh, cry or try and search for that diety that you bought down the local market.

First stop was the War Remnants Museum, which is a 'must visit' to understand the atrocities that the vietnamese had to endure. Just recovering from upsetting times in Cambodia, here we are again subjecting ourselves to horribly brutal images of napalming, torture and graphic photo-journalism, covering everything from front line conflict to medical defects attributed to the wide spread use of 'Agent Orange'. To fully understand the country you are visiting you have to dig into its history and South East Asia has unfortunately has some of the most brutal. Its not for us to judge anyone or to try and understand complicated concepts, but to travel without any historical knowledge is pointless.

Removing ourselves from the chaos and destruction we have witnessed over the last week, Hazel and I delve into the myriad of museums, pagodas and markets the city has to offer.
Moving around the city we witness so many contrastimg images it makes us feel alive and happy to be on the road. While deals are been struck down the market, we watch elegant vietnamese girls in traditional dress buying the days supply of exotic culinary delights. We watch monks pray surrounded by swirling incense while the traditional pharmacist creates potions and ointments from an unbelievable variety of herbs, tonics and strange jars containing marinated dead snake. What We have descibed is everyday Vietnam and we are very lucky and happy to be part of it.

As we take you up the coast of this great country, we will also take you on a culinary journey, as we eat and drink the pleasures that Vietnam can offer. Due to colonial influence from the French and Chinese, just about everything we have ever wanted to try is on offer, but we will try and be subtle in our approach, as some of the dishes are, shall we say, not politically correct.
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