Bite Your Drink Now How could I refuse such an instruction from an apple standing by a palm tree, giving me a thumbs-up whilst licking his lips? I went to my friendly local Asian shop yesterday and picked up this Malaysian drink. It’s Lychee flavoured with chewy chunks of coconut floating about in it. Really lovely. South-east Asia is obsessed with putting bits in their drinks. Slurp-slurp, nom-nom! High-res

Bite Your Drink Now

How could I refuse such an instruction from an apple standing by a palm tree, giving me a thumbs-up whilst licking his lips?

I went to my friendly local Asian shop yesterday and picked up this Malaysian drink. It’s Lychee flavoured with chewy chunks of coconut floating about in it. Really lovely.

South-east Asia is obsessed with putting bits in their drinks.

Slurp-slurp, nom-nom!

The Journey Begins Yesterday, I along with 9,999 others, attended an event at Wembley Arena held by LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games). Later in the year, the world will descend on London for the ‘greatest show on earth’ and I will be playing a very small part in its success. I can’t tell you anymore than this for the time being for various reasons. Rest assured though, when I can tell you more, I will. High-res

The Journey Begins

Yesterday, I along with 9,999 others, attended an event at Wembley Arena held by LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games). Later in the year, the world will descend on London for the ‘greatest show on earth’ and I will be playing a very small part in its success.

I can’t tell you anymore than this for the time being for various reasons. Rest assured though, when I can tell you more, I will.

I just found your blog and I absolutely love it so much! I'm so jealous of all the places you've been to haha :) Just curious, how many countries have you visited?

Asked by rev-e

I guess I ought to answer this since you asked it about 2 months ago. Sorry about that.

I’ve been to England, Wales, Scotland, France, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong & Macau.

That makes 20. Not many really.

If you have a question, feel free to ask away.

One Word… Currywurst Every Christmas, me and my mum go for day out in London to see the lights. And every year, mum stands patiently watching me in the freezing cold as I chow-down on a serving of Currywurst and warm, fresh bread. Thanks Germany! And thanks mum! High-res

One Word… Currywurst

Every Christmas, me and my mum go for day out in London to see the lights. And every year, mum stands patiently watching me in the freezing cold as I chow-down on a serving of Currywurst and warm, fresh bread.

Thanks Germany! And thanks mum!

Me, smiling at the camera. The 'before' photo. Rafting the Kaituna. A minor grade 5 rapid. Descending the 7m fall. 7 metres of fury. The calm after the torrent.

Rafting The Kaituna River

Rotorua, New Zealand

I can’t believe I’ve never posted about last year’s white-water rafting experience in Rotorua, New Zealand. It was a blast!

Naturally, as a complete beginner, I opted to go on a grade 5 rafting trip down the Kaituna River (as a point of reference, the grade above grade 5 is classed as “effectively unnavigable”). The Kaituna is often referred to using words like “exhilarating” and “furious” and is notable for its 7 metre waterfall, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Yep, I’m a nutcase.

Despite at one point misinterpreting an instruction and having to be rescued from the foaming whitewater, it was a fantastic experience. Pretty draining though. I’ve never felt so unfit.

In the photos, I’m the guy either grinning or ‘woohooing’ in the middle of the boat!

Winter Finally Arrives In The UK It’s been a strange winter in the northern hemisphere. While some regions have been hit by major chills and heavy snow, other places have basked in unseasonal warmth. One such place is here in the UK where mean temperatures in December 2011 hit record highs. Finally though, winter has arrived overnight with heavy snow affecting most of the country. High-res

Winter Finally Arrives In The UK

It’s been a strange winter in the northern hemisphere. While some regions have been hit by major chills and heavy snow, other places have basked in unseasonal warmth. One such place is here in the UK where mean temperatures in December 2011 hit record highs. Finally though, winter has arrived overnight with heavy snow affecting most of the country.

Destinations - The Holiday & Travel Show

Yesterday, I was at Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre for the Destinations - Holiday & Travel Show presented by The Times. The entire exhibition hall was full of stands from travel agencies, national tourism bureaus and travel guide/magazine publishers. Some stands were simple affairs while others were elaborate multimedia experiences. Turkey and Argentina produced the most lavish stands. Turkey in particular not only had a massive stand right at the entrance to the hall, but had also laid on a cafe right in the middle selling strong Turkish coffee and cakes.

Everything was being tried to lure in the punters. Russia had an accordion player belting out traditional Russian tunes while Romania was dishing out free wine and bread. New Zealand & Australia had brought with them a camper van, while one of the African tour groups had wheeled in an enormous safari truck, of which you could climb aboard.

There were also plenty of celebrity speakers, wild animal displays, dance and music performances and opportunities to try food from around the world. It was great!

After a few hours, my bag was full of brochures and leaflets and my mind full of inspiration and ideas for where to go next.

Destinations continues today and tomorrow at Earl’s Court. Tickets available on the door.