In a couple of days, for the first time in my life, I will be heading overseas. My plan is to visit the countries of Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Mongolia.
My intention in keeping this blog is to keep friends, colleagues, family and loved ones updated on my travels, so that they can know on a regular basis that I have not been shot, mugged, poisoned or trampled by anyone or anything along my journey.
Over the past few weeks, I have received all kinds of advice. I have been assured by some that if I do not have all my accommodation booked in advance, I will be turned around forthwith in Singapore and sent back to New Zealand. Others have told me not to worry about booking accommodation in advance and that I can sort it out in places once I get there. Others have warned me of the dangers of the Mongolian Death Worm and told me not to be alone at night in the Mongolian desert unless I am standing firmly on safe ground.
Some people have told me to pack light, others have told me to pack heavy and take 'everything I need'. Some people have said to get an over the shoulder carry bag with stainless steel / kevlar wire through the strap so bag snatchers can't snatch it. Other people have told me definitely NOT to get an over the shoulder carry bag with stainless steel / kevlar wire through the strap because if bag snatchers attempt to snatch it the wire will decapitate me.
Certain colleagues have warned me of the dangers of the guards between the Mongolian Chinese border, who apparently have guns and spears with poisoned tips. They have recommended that despite the cost, I should fly, but others tell me the train has a romantic charm and is a great way to meet the locals.
Of course, I have never been to any of these places and seen any of these things, and I have only limited avenues to tell fact from fiction before I get there. I am a little nervous (and I think my family are even more nervous about the trip than I am).
Mostly though I have a tremendous sense of anticipation. The next time I write here, I expect I will be just about to set off, or would already have set off on my trip.
4 comments:
I hope you have a lovely time. Just come back in one piece! I hope you make many happy memories and that it's the trip of a life time.
Yes have a good time, hey i've sorted the notebook kete, it is very cool, their is one with your name on it, kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui
Therese
email me if you need some advice when in China or crossing the Mongolian boarders. they do have guns and poison tip spiers. Learn three phrases in Mongolian before you get there and you will not be shot. 1. "don't shoot me" 2."I love Mongolia" 3."let's drink".
my email jyym85@gmail.com
Catch you in China.
You'll figure it out as you go! How hard can it be. Every day over four billion people survive in Asia
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