Life – Janaline's world journey

Preparing to Teach English in China

Moving to a foreign country to teach English is a huge step and needs preparation; mental, financial and physical. It can get hectic trying to figure out what you will need to do and at times you may feel overwhelmed. I always make myself a checklist of all the things I need to do or take with me before I move to a new country. It helps me stay calm and focussed so maybe it will help you too.

Here is a checklist that could help you a bit in your preparation to teach in China.

Get used to seeing laundry everywhere

Most housing in China is in appartment blocks

Cycling is the easiest way to get around China

Passport and Visa

First off make sure that your passport is valid for at least a couple of years and not expiring within your contracted work year. But, most importantly, have your work visa ready before the day of travel. Make sure you get the appropriate visa to enter and travel around China. If you are going to teach English in China, you will need a Z visa. This visa allows you to work in China legally. Registered schools are authorised to provide Z visas for their teachers. Do not trust a school who says its okay to start work on a tourist visa and that they will issue you a work visa later, this is illegal. For you to be given a Z visa you must be a native English speaker, have two years’ work experience or a minimum of 120-hours TEFL certification and possess a bachelor’s degree. Once you arrive in China, you are given 30 days to convert your visa into a resident permit.

Personal items

It is advisable that you pack wisely, pack only what you need for your travel and especially for work. Leave the just in case items but be prepared for all kinds of weather as you are planning on being in China for at least a year.

Clothing

Pack enough light, easy to dry clothes including a sweater or light jacket. Remember summers in China can be incredibly hot so to pack enough sunscreen (SPF). It is quite expensive here in China and often contains whitening, bring your own sunscreen and protective creams for the skin. You will definitely need rain gear (raincoats and umbrellas) but those are easy to purchase once you are in China. Pack a comfortable pair of shoes because you tend to walk a lot in China, especially in those first couple of months while you are still trying to orientate yourself in your new city.

A shop and house all in one room!

Go off the beaten path

China is not always very clean

Personal effects

You will find most personal effects readily available in China. Pack enough toiletries for the first month as it can take time before you find the brands that work for you in China. Pack some tissue, wet tissues and a hand sanitiser for use in toilets during travel. You can find sanitary towels al over china but only the big cities sell tampons so you might want to stock up on those before travelling. Due to change in climatic zones, our skins tend to react so remember your lotions and moisturisers.

Prepare to Teach English in China

Bikes of burden

Everything is transported on bicycles

Medication

When travelling, it is advisable to have a small travel medical kit with you. If you suffer from a chronic disease, pack up all your medication and stock up enough for a given period of time. Other medications you can include in your kit are laxatives, painkillers, allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine and contact lenses or eye drops. Have bottled water to accompany your medication and to drink too as tap water in China is not safe for consumption.

Highrise buildings in Shanghai

The modern concrete jungle

Plane Tickets

Book your plane ticket only once you have signed your work contract and have a start date. Because you are travelling with a work visa you will not need to buy a return flight which is great as you don’t always have your end date in advance. Pay that little bit extra when booking your flight so that you are able to change the date without having to pay again. Do some research to find out which airlines offer the best baggage deals as you might need to check in an extra bag and don’t want to pay exorbitant fees. Check in online the night before you travel to make sure you get a seat where you are not squashed between 2 other people for eight hours. On the day of travel, arrive at the airport about three hours earlier as sometimes there are delays at the airport and its best to keep this at the back of your mind just in case. The good thing about working in China is that most schools will reimburse you for the price of the flight ticket after a couple of months!

Shanghai has many treelined lanes

Prepare to Teach English in China

Local living

Prepare to Teach English in China

Locks and tags

Ensure that your suitcase or backpack is comfortable and that it can be locked. Have luggage locks and identity tags to ensure the safety of your luggage during travel and to make your suitcase stand out on the conveyor belt.

Electronics

Remember to pack your camera because China is an endless adventure with photo opportunities around every corner. Pack your mobile phone too and a tablet or laptop. Do not forget your chargers and adapter plugs or converters.

Of course, everything you can think of is available in China, so there is no need to worry if you forgot a charger or a shirt!

Subburbs is a jungle of appartment buildings

Prepare to Teach English in China

A common sight in China

Money

When travelling to teach in China, convert a substantial amount of your money into Chinese Yuan. You will need to purchase a new SIM card and there are some other set up costs to be covered your first week or two in China. The first month you can withdraw money from foreign accounts at institutions such as HSBC and Travelex. But do not forget to inform your local bank about your travel, they could be of assistance if you got stuck while in China. Your school should help you to open a bank account into which they will pay your salary for you.

Drying chickens with the laundry on a sidewalk next to a busy street…..only in China!

Love the colours and smells here

Mushrooms!!

Apps and VPNs

China censors the internet, they have put up a great firewall which blocks foreign websites such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat among others. Luckily, WhatsApp and Pinterest are not censored. To get around these restrictions, it is best to download some Apps and VPNs before you leave for China. WeChat (Weixin) is the most commonly used social media in China. It operates like a combination of Facebook and WhatsApp and is mainly used for communication. You may also need Chinese dictionary apps such as Pleco, Hanpinlite and Baidu Translate. These will teach you a few survival phrases you may need for communication in China.

You will need a VPN (Virtual Private Networks) to visit a blocked website. VPNs are used in China to bypass the great firewall. As a teacher of English in China, you will need some websites to enrich your lesson. To make this possible, VPNs such as ExpressVPN, Betternet, Buffered and VYPR are used to enhance internet access in China. Ensure you download a few on your gadget because the Great Wall causes most to have fluctuating performance. And do this before you travel as you cannot download it once you have entered China.

You scan and pay to ride`

Get the shared bike app, it is the best way to travel around the city

Books and Films

Before leaving your country, buy some books and save some films to help you deal with the homesickness that comes with being in a foreign country.

All the best as you prepare to go and teach English in China.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Empty streets of Shanghai

There is a certain unique and strange delight about walking down an empty street alone.

Empty streets of Shanghai

Even the alleyways are quiet early weekend mornings

There is a certain unique and strange delight about walking down an empty street alone.

Empty streets of Shanghai

A lazy Sunday in Shanghai

Empty streets of Shanghai

`Empty streets of Shanghai

Everyone is having a lazy morning

Empty streets of Shanghai

Published as part of Wordless Wednesday

4 Wonderful Experiences to Try

Once upon a time, holidays tended to consist of going somewhere hot, eating something (more or less) exotic and then tanning for as long as possible. But, as welcome as relaxation is, today’s travellers (rightly) demand more varied affairs, balancing indulgence with adventure, and comfort with exploration. And this opening up of what a vacation can and should be has also meant that wildly different regions now welcome tourists to take in experiences only known to locals even a generation ago. And so, we present here a handful of exclusive destinations to give even the seasoned traveller something new to look forward to.

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A cherry blossom tour of Japan

The cherry blossom season is definitely the right time of the year to visit Japan – this is when the country’s already breathtaking natural beauty is raised to another level. Whether you’re exploring the urban delights of Tokyo and Osaka, the natural splendour of Mount Fuji, or the historical charms of Kyoto, each location on your itinerary will be enhanced by the cherry blossoms spreading all around. The Japanese celebrate this time of year with ‘Hanami’ (flower viewing) parties – where friends and families gather together underneath the blossoms to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the natural spectacle all around them.

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2. Heli-skiing around the globe

A world away from the cosmic dance of celestial bodies – but still very, very high up – the technological adventure that is heli-skiing is gaining in popularity every year. For the uninitiated, this involves a helicopter transporting skiers to mountain spots inaccessible (or at least impractical) from the ground. This not only means pristine ski-ways in soft snow but also much less crowded slopes. Canada and the US lead the way, with multiple operators in British Columbia and Alaska, but there are also opportunities in Switzerland (naturally), New Zealand and Japan.

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3. The timeless ruins of Bagan

While Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat have been on the tourist trail for some time now, another awe-inspiring archaeological wonder – in Myanmar – has somehow stayed off the map, despite its comparable scale and grandeur. The more than two thousand superbly preserved Buddhist temples in this historical complex are surrounded by the ruins of more than double that again. Many of these are almost a thousand years old – countless otherworldly pagodas rising through the trees. Best of all, until tourism fully catches up with Bagan, the site can be experienced without the kind of crowds that can distract from the ancient architecture.

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4. The future today, in Dubai

From the remains of a lost empire to a marvel that’s still under construction – the global city of Dubai offers an incredible vision of the world-to-come. Especially well-suited to family holidays, the futuristic landscape offers up landmark skyscrapers boasting the world’s fastest lifts, and a shopping mall containing 1200 shops (making it, yes, the world’s largest) but also a floor-to-ceiling aquarium with 30,000 fish. Truly, this is a place built for superlatives – from the magical islands reclaimed from the sea to fountains which spout higher than the London Eye.

Four reasons why it’s time you take a Road Trip in Germany

Nestled among nine other countries, Germany is an expansive paradise for travellers who love to be on the road. Its idyllic mountain scenery and lush countryside combined with deep pride in its automotive exports are a formula for some of the best driving conditions in the world. The diligence and care they take in the cars they produce are reflected in the pristine, perfectly maintained autobahn. Here are just four of many reasons why a road trip in Germany should be on everyone’s bucket list.

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Go on a nostalgic journey through an enchanting Fairy Tale Route

The Fairy Tale Route is perfect for the young at heart, spanning from Hanau where the Brothers Grimm were born to Bremen. There are countless charming towns and villages along the way that still retain that picturesque medieval quality we associate with The Grimm Fairy Tales.

Some of the places you pass through actually featured in the stories – such as Hamelin, where the Pied Piper legend was born, Alsfeld, where Little Red Riding Hood’s house still stands, and Bad Wildungen, where Snow White lived.

Lovers of wine can follow a route dedicated to the beloved grape

The ‘Deutsche Weinstraße’ is the oldest wine route in Germany, having been established in 1935. It starts in Schweigen-Rechtenbach, on the border of France, continues throughout the stunning Rhineland-Palatinate vineyards and ends in Bockenheim an der Weinstraße.

From March through to October many places along the German Wine Route host some of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the world. Everyone from amateur wine drinkers to expert sommeliers can soak in the heritage and majesty of the wine-growing region.

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Enjoy a thrilling driving experience with access to roads that have no speed limits

While there are certain stretches of road that do impose limits, Germany is the only country in Europe that has no official speed limit on motorways. Drivers go at speeds of up to 150mph and sometimes more, with the government believing people do not need to be micromanaged. For the ultimate road-trip make sure you choose the right car and have a clear plan of your route. If you do decide to drive fast, be sure to have read the relevant highway information and adhere to all regulations.

Spend a day in areas of astounding natural beauty like Lake Konigssee

The name means ‘Kings lake’ and at 190 meters, it is the deepest lake in Germany – surrounded by the steep cliffs of Mount Watzmann, all road trippers should wind down with a trip here. Fellow travellers recommend typing Hotel Bergheimat in Schonau am Konigssee into your navigation system. This brings you to the main road that leads into the Konigssee where there is a large area for designated parking that is close to the lakes and boats.

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As well as the ones already mentioned, there are a number of routes in Germany that are connected by a theme. The roads are signposted clearly and provide road-trippers with tried and tested circuits that suit their interests.

Things to remember when visiting a Church or Cathedral

You don’t have to have strong spiritual beliefs to enjoy a visit to a house of worship or a spiritual site. Virtually all religious sites allow travellers to enjoy the sanctuary space as long as they are respectful.

Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin.

I think that churches, cathedrals and other houses of worship offer a special insight into the beliefs and culture of a country. If you want to experience world famous art, reflect on the lives of princes, poets, and politicians or simply have a moment of personal reflection, you will enjoy visiting a house of worship. They are also of interest for those who love to connect with local culture, revel in architectural wonders or are just interested in local history.

Its hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make this the most photogenic of Dublin’s cathedrals.

Christ Church Cathedral is Dublin’s oldest building, a leading visitor attraction and a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years.

Christ Church Cathedral was once a major pilgrimage site, and would have housed an important collection of relics ranging from a miraculous speaking cross to a piece from the crib of Jesus.

Christ Church Cathedral is Dublin’s oldest building, a leading visitor attraction and a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years.

For many travellers, visiting a house of worship is a deeply personal occasion. Some people are seeking spiritual guidance and comfort and others are looking to renew and enhance their faith. Travellers of all different beliefs cross the globe to visit those locations that are meaningful to their faiths.

Perfectly located in the heart of Medieval Dublin

Renowned for its beauty

Perfectly located in the heart of Medieval Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral.

For me, any opportunity to travel is an opportunity to connect to people of different cultures, faiths, and ways of life. Visiting a house of worship helps facilitate that connection and I always welcome the chance to learn more about different religious backgrounds.

Renowned for its beauty, architecture and exquisite floor tiles

Perfectly located in the heart of Medieval Dublin

The cathedral is used as the setting for filming from time to time.

Christ Church Cathedral was once a major pilgrimage site

I also love how houses of worship are gatekeepers of history, art, literature, and architecture. When I learn the history of a house of worship, I’m really getting to know a city, it’s people, and it’s community.

The choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, enjoys an enviable reputation as one of Ireland’s finest choirs.

Christ Church Cathedral was once a major pilgrimage site

In some cases, houses of worship welcome as many tourists as they do worshippers. While you might be surrounded by hoards of tour groups, always remember:

You are in a sacred site. Be Respectful. You don’t have to agree with or condone the place of worship you are visiting, but you should be respectful for the way others worship.
Be Sincere. Visit a church because you sincerely want to learn about the building or know what they believe and practice, not because you want to mock and ridicule their faith.
Dress modestly. If you are unsure as to what is appropriate attire follow the rule that covering more of your body is always more appropriate than covering less.
Respect signs indicating photography rules.
Don’t take photos during a service.
Keep your voice down. Try not to interrupt those visiting for religious purposes.

Christ Church also contains the largest cathedral crypt (63.4m long) in Britain or Ireland,

The crypt contains various monuments and historical features

“I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit.” – Khalil Gibran

The beautiful Christ Church Cathedral.

Exploring Christ Church Cathedral.

Christ Church Cathedral.

Christ Church Cathedral.

Christ Church Cathedral.

Why I Walk to Explore places like Rathmullan in Ireland

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland is the perfect location to ‘get away from it all’. While driving along the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland we spent the night in Rathmullan and the next morning walked along the Milford Sli na Slainte (path to health). With it’s wonderful beach and wooded hillsides we could relax and enjoy the quieter pace of life that is characteristic of smaller Irish villages.

So peacefull

The perfect day for a walk along the beach

Untouched beach….

The view we woke up to…busy making a cup of coffee before we start exploring

The Milford Sli na Slainte is a path that started at the pier and took us all along the beautiful beach to a rocky outcrop at the mouth of a small river. After crossing the bridge over Maggie’s Burn we turned left onto the Fanad by-pass road. This road took us through the countryside, along pastures and woodland until we once again got back to the town centre.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Exploring the rocky outcrops

Love the rocky outcrop

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Here are ten reasons why you should sling on your best walking shoes and explore the countryside:

Walking is free exercise. Walking is as close to free as it gets. You don’t need fancy shoes, or clothes, or equipment. If you head straight out your front door, a walk will only cost you some time and a little rubber off the bottom of your shoes. Many people are surprised to learn that walking is actually a serious form of exercise. Although you may not feel like you are working too hard, in just one mile you can burn off over 100 calories.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

The weather started to turn a bit

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

A shell filled beach
Walking connects me with my surroundings. One can’t possibly notice the many small details of buildings and woodlands while driving. When you’re on foot, you notice all kinds of things you’d never notice in a car. I always thing of a walk as an opportunity to explore the area and to admire the scenery. I usually try to do some research beforehand and find out a bit about the area and always take my camera with.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Leaving the beach

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Walking changes your perspective. You start to see where the environment is built for people, and where it’s built for cars. Cosy shops lining the street become more inviting. It’s while I’m walking that I notice the frost on the grass, or a rabbit hiding behind a tree, or the moon peeking out from behind the clouds.

Remember t stop and smell the flowers

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Walking inspires curiosity. Who built that building? What was it like then? Who uses it now? What is over that hill? Are those berries edible? Wouldn’t it be cool to have a coffee shop on that corner? You might not know where you’re headed, and that’s ok. Getting lost in nature is the bes thing ever!

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Reduce your carbon footprint. Many of us would like to make a personal contribution to climate change, and here is a simple way that you can… ditch those car keys in favour of walking shoes and avoid carbon emissions completely. Every trip (however short) you take on foot is one you aren’t taking in your car. That’s good for you, and it’s good for the environment.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Free your brain. Anxiety, stress, and mental health issues are common issues that people face in today’s society. Walking is a perfect way to zone-out, de-stress and rid yourself of all the negative thoughts in your mind from the day. A brief walk can melt mental fatigue, improve memory, and even help stave off the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. Taking a walk is a great way to leave all the worry of the day behind.

The Irish countryside

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

It’s a Great Way to Enjoy the Weather. Summers are short and oh so sweet. I just can’t wait to get outside, and while I haven’t figured out how to be able to spend all day on a blanket at the park, walking somewhere gives me a great excuse to savor a few sweet moments of sunshine. I have nothing against the other seasons. I love rainy spring walks, and crisp fall walks. I even love bundling up for an icy winter walk, especially late at night. Every season (and day, for that matter) has its moments. Walking gives you a chance to soak them up.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Ruins found in the countryside

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Its Great for Your Creativity. English wordsmith William Wordsworth is said to have spent much of his life on foot, walking. Henry David Thoreau often walked up to 20 miles at a time before he put pen to paper. Virginia Woolf was a regular walker. In fact, there’s a very long list of writers who considered walking part of their craft. If you’re a creative type, the walking path might just lead to enlightenment.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Irish sheep!!

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

The Irish countryside

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

It’s an Excuse to Get Some Ice Coffee. Walking is a great excuse to pick up a cup of ice coffee to enjoy along the way. At least you’re burning some of those calories, right?

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

It’s the Perfect Time do do Some Reflecting. We often think of meditation as something that happens when you’re sitting still, but in reality, that’s very hard to do. The washing machine will chime. The phone will ring. Your neighbours will make noise. If you walk, your brain will be able to do its quiet wandering with less distraction.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Hot chocolate to end the day!!

Watching the sun set!

What are your reasons for walking?

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

These are some of the photos I took in Dublin while on my Road Trip through Ireland.

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

Modern Art Museum

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

Looking up in Dublin

Christ church Cathedral

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

The needle of Dublin

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

One of the many pubs in Dublin

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

Modern Art Museum

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

Christ church Cathedral.

Modern Art Museum

Bridge over the River Liffey

Postcards from Dublin, Ireland

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Road Trips are a commitment, there’s no way around that. And once you’ve started, there’s absolutely no getting out of it. Well, I guess you could always hop out halfway and call for a cab, but that’s for quitters and it’s also slightly dangerous. Stay in the car.

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Driving onto the ferry

My friend Amy and I

Taking the ferry to Ireland

Going on a road trip Through Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way with my friend Amy sounded like the best thing ever! It was only once our trip had started that I realised we would have very limited space for most of our trip. My travel companion was literally twelve inches away from me for most of the day. I also quickly learned that the driver needs to be fully focused so there was no talking while she was trying to navigate the treacherous back roads along the Irish coast.

I think the big thing about Road Trips are that everyone, at some point along the journey, finds themselves wondering why on earth they decided that this was the best way to travel? And yet, despite this moment, you will get back in the car, and continue the adventure. And then – maybe not immediately, maybe not in a week, but eventually you will realise that there were also lessons learnt along this journey.

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Taking a break….

Exploring Dublin

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

#1 There is no such thing as too many snacks.

We were both travelling on a very tight budget so before heading out, we thought that skimping on the number of snacks we purchased was one of the best ways to save a little money. This was a very big mistake. We realised this half way through our journey and this time round, properly stocked up on snacks. Snacks were an important component to keeping the both of us sane on this trip.

We found a whole swan family while driving through the countryside

Ireland is Beautiful!!

Such a beautiful vie!!

Loving the countryside

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

#2 There is no such thing as too many stops.

Sure, it was important to reach our destination eventually, but it was the stops along the way that I remember most clearly about our time on the road.

Being able to stop whenever we wanted was one of the greatest benefits of a road trip so we tried to take advantage of it! Whenever you saw some beautiful landscape or a great look out point we took the time to pull over to the side of the road to enjoy it!

Nature at Glenveagh Castle

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Exploring the gardens of Glenveagh Castle

#3 Just be present.

Like a lot of people I am guilty of taking a lot of photos, more than needed. And in doing so I often miss out of the moment. Just by taking in the scenery and not looking through my camera lens constantly I felt more present.

I realised that I had to stop rushing through the sights and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the scenery. I tried to slow down and take in my surroundings with all five of my senses. While on this road trip I was forced to relax and do one thing at a time. When we weren’t driving somewhere we focused on what we were doing right at that moment, whether it was hiking or having a cup of coffee or walking along the beach.

Even though we were busy almost constantly, I felt more present, and time seemed to last longer.

Loving Ireland summer

Downhill Demense

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Green Ireland!!

Summer in Ireland

#4 Silence is okay.

I don’t always deal very well with silence. While travelling I am usually either talking or listening to music. But I quickly learned that my travel partner needed to be fully focused so there was no talking while she was trying to navigate the treacherous back roads along the Irish coast. At first I found it quite frustrating to drive in silence, but it did give me the chance to think and to take in my surroundings. There were a number of wonderful, peaceful silences that I experienced with my fellow traveller while driving through scenery that looked like it could be from a documentary.

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Giants Causeway

Im on the Giants Causeway in Ireland!!

#5 Patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a necessity

If ever patience were required, it is on a road trip. Things go wrong. You get lost. Sometimes things go wrong and there is nothing you can do except breathe, take a step back, and find another way. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do except wait and be patient.

There is traffic. You’re have to deal with other drivers. There are 20km/ph towns and 80km/ph highways. Your GPS is wrong or does not know where you are. We knew we were in Ireland the moment our GPS couldn’t pronounce the names and settled for spelling it. Your sandwiches will get soaked, cheese will spoil and milk will go bad. You and your road trip partner will probably get on each others nerves at some point.

It happen. We had to deal with it. I had to embrace the chaos.

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Road trip van!!

Fun times on our Road trip!

#6 It’s the Company You Keep

At the end of the day, what matters most is who you are with. This holds true in any circumstance, but especially on a road trip. Choose someone you can get lost in conversation with for hours. Someone you can be yourself around. I’ve learned that you truly know someone only after you’ve ridden with them in a cramped vehicle for days on end and witnessed their driving, and what they really look like when they wake up in the morning.

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

The half penny bridge, Dublin

Dublin

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

#7 Go With the Flow and be Spontaneous

I love lists and checking things off and knowing what’s supposed to happen before it does. In our day-to-day life, it’s natural to try hard to maintain strict control over things. We plan and budget, set up meetings, and schedule activities. Our lives are often ruled by our calendars.

On our road trip however, all of that went out the car window. It was quite a challenge for me to go on a road trip where I didn’t have every minute planned. Not knowing where we were going to stop next or even spend the night was quite stressful for me. It took me some time to feel comfortable with having no plan and to just go with the flow. By not having a set itinerary we had time to stop at amazing scenic spots we would have missed otherwise. We got to lingering at deserted beaches and ended being so busy enjoying the moment that I even forgot to look at my watch.

I learnt that the main key to enjoying every aspect of a road trip is to relax and go with the flow.

Slieve League

Love the sheep dotted all over Ireland!!

#8 Choose experiences over things

We lived out of a car (actually, a crossover van – thank you, Amy!) for 3 weeks while driving along the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland. I tried to pack light but after 3 weeks there were still things I brought that I hadn’t used, and clothes I packed that I didn’t wear. Truth be told, I didn’t miss them one single bit. There wasn’t one time that I thought “I wish I’d brought…”

I also didn’t miss any of my stuff from home while we were gone. I was too busy living to worry about stuff. I have decided to travel lighted, to acquire less and to do more in the future!!

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

Our road trip van!!

What I learned from my Ireland Road Trip

#9 It’s the Journey, Not the Destination

A real Road Trip is all about the journey and not the destination. Even though at times the experience seemed endless I was never quite truly ready for it to end. The sore butts and the cramped feeling of being so close to someone else 24/7 are just some of the memories I’ll be taking with me forever. It’s the stops along the way, both expected and unexpected, that really make a road trip. The quaint small towns, weird roadside attractions, and even getting lost that add to the excitement.

When the trip was finally over, there was a sense of loss. So relish the journey—every part of it.

Doing the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland

Errigal Mountain

#10 Following your dreams isn’t easy – nor should it be.

Following mine has taught me so much more than these lessons. Many of them aren’t clear, yet, but they will be. And when they are, I’ll share them.

These are just some of the lessons I learned from our epic road trip. What have you learned from your own experiences?

Photo diary of Londonderry

The Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland took us through Derry, officially Londonderry, the second-largest city in Northern Ireland. This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. We walked the approximately 1.5km city walls around the inner city. This wall provided a unique promenade to view the layout of this beautiful city.

St Columbs Cathedral

Photo diary of Londonderry

Amy trying to decide which way to head along the wall

St Columbs Cathedral

Photo diary of Londonderry

The sandstone walls of the Edwardian Guildhall

Londenderry!!

St Columbs Cathedral

Photo diary of Londonderry

A mile-long promenade of the city walls

Photo diary of Londonderry

Street art in Derry

Photo diary of Londonderry

St auguatines church

Photo diary of Londonderry

The wall surrounding the old city

“I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

Churches of Ireland

May the road rise up to meet you.

A popular Irish blessing (in Irish Gaelic: Go n-éirí an bóthar leat). One of the main characteristics of Celtic Christianity is the use of images of nature to show how God interacts with people. “May the road rise up to meet you/ May the wind be always at your back/ May the sun shine warm upon you face …” uses everyday images to mean, may God remove obstacles in your journey through life.

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

A ruined Parish found in Northern Ireland

St Patrick’s cathedral in Dublin

Christ Church cathedral in Dublin

Church in Londonderry

Churches of Ireland

Glass spiral church in Dublin

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Churches of Ireland

Pubs of Ireland

Sláinte!

In an Irish pub, patrons toast each other sláinte (pronounced “slaan-sha”) as they clink glasses of Guinness. Derived from the Old Irish adjective slán (which means “safe“), sláinte literally translates as “health” and is used as a stand-in for the more time-consuming “I drink to your health!”

Pubs of Ireland!!

Dublin has such beautiful hanging baskets during summer!

Pubs of Ireland!!

Temple Bar pub

Pubs of Ireland!!

The Wee Bar found in Killybegs, Ireland

Temple Bar in Dublin is filled with pubs.

Pubs of Ireland!!

The famous Temple Bar pub in Dublin

Pubs of Ireland!!

Half Penny Bar of Dublin

Pubs of Ireland!!

Just some of the beautiful pubs we passed while driving the Wild Atlantic Route of Ireland.

Postcards from the UK countryside

I long for the countryside. That’s where I get my calm and tranquillity – from being able to come and find a spot of green. – Emilia Clarke

Postcards from the UK countryside

Wisteria…unfortunately not in bloom at the moment

Postcards from the UK countryside

Me loving the UK summer

Hunstanton seaside

RobbinGoodFellows Lane

Small pub in March, Cambridgeshire

Postcards from the UK countryside

Postcards from the UK countryside

I would love a small cottage like this

Morning walk through March, a small town in Cambridge

Walking along the canal

Houseboats of England

Postcards from the UK countryside

Hunstanton seaside

House boat on the canal

Postcards from the UK countryside

Lavender in Norfolk

Postcards from the UK countryside

A stroll along the canal

Postcards from the UK countryside

Postcards from the UK countryside

Hanging baskets in March, Cambridgeshire

Loving the country cottages

Postcards from the UK countryside

Postcards from the UK countryside

Me in St Ives

Oldest pub in March, Cambridgeshire

Canal of March, Cambridgeshire

Postcards from the UK countryside

Country living

The Three Jolly Butchers pub in St Ives

Love the hanging baskets of England

Postcards from the UK countryside

Postcards from the UK countryside

Me in the Lavender fields of Norfolk

Houseboats in Cambridgeshire

Postcards from the UK countryside

Three Horse Shoes pub in St Ives where we had lunch

Postcards from the UK countryside

Postcards from the UK countryside

The beautiful flowers of March, Cambridgeshire

Beautiful English village

There’s nothing like the peace of the countryside, the quiet and the lack of distraction. It helps you to focus your mind. – Jenny Nimmo

Greenwich Meridian Line where east meets west

Where east meets west. The Greenwich Meridian separates east from west in the same way that the Equator separates north from south.

Me standing on the Greenwich Meridian Line

Greenwich

The Observatory

Looking at London!!

Me with London behind me!

A Dolphin sundial!

Greenwich Meridian Line

View of London from the top

Me balancing on the Greenwich Meridian Line

In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create disticntions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true. – Gautama Buddha

Leadenhall Market, the film location of Diagon Alley

The entrance to Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is one of the oldest markets in London. This ornate 19th-century covered Victorian market is located in the historic center of London’s financial district, just around the corner from Bank station.

Leadenhall Market

The central interior of Leadenhall Market

East Arcade of Leadenhall Market

Love the glass domed ceiling!!

Leadenhall Market is definitely one of London’s hidden gems. This market has sold meat and fish as far back as far as the 14th century. The present magnificent wrought iron and glass structure with its green and red roof was designed in 1881.

Leadenhall Market

I love the detail

Leadenhall Market

Flowr stall at Leadenhall Market

The painted roof and cobbled floors of Leadenhall make it a rather magical place, even before it played a starring role in the Harry Potter films. This Victorian marketplace was the film location for some of the original exterior shots of Diagon Alley, the cobblestoned shopping hub of the wizarding world where Hogwarts students can stock up on school supplies like spell books and wands. If you look very close you may recognize the door used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Goblet of Fire.

Leadenhall Market

Dragons of Leadenhall Market

What is your favourite hidden gem in London?

What a beautiful building!

Another dragon in Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market

Would you drink snake wine?

With these bottles of unusual wine produced in Thailand, a tasty tipple comes with a potent bite. The venomous cobra snake is used to make the snake wine but the poison is cancelled out by the alcoholic content of the drink, meaning you’ll avoid a pounding hangover.

Similarly, months of fermenting means the dead scorpion encased in the yellow bottles doesn’t have the same sting in the tail as when it was alive.

Venomous snake wine

Instead, the liquor is considered healthy and seemingly has many health benefits. These rice-based liquors are considered to be a strong natural aphrodisiac.

There are scorpions in with the snakes!

Venomous snake wine

Are you brave enough to drink snake wine?

Is it Ethical to Visit Thailand’s Long Neck Women Villages?

In my earlier years of travel I would often only read about the ethical concerns about certain places after I had been there. These days I try to be informed before I go on an adventure to see the most popular tourist attraction of the area. For a lot of people, seeing the giraffe-like, long neck women is just another stop on their Thailand adventure. Many tourist agencies make a quick stop at these hill villages so that tourists can have a quick photo opportunity with exotic-looking women before being shuttled on to the next destination.

But do you know who these woman are? And the biggest question is, should you support this controversial tourism attraction?

Kayan mother with her baby

Thailand’s Long Neck Women

Over two decades ago, a civil war caused the Kayan residents to flee Myanmar. Thailand granted them temporary stay under “conflict refugee” status, but now they live in guarded villages on the northern Thai border.

Daily life going on

Not all Kayan woman wear neck rings

What makes the Kayan woman unique is their custom of wearing rings to create the appearance of a long neck. This exotic tradition inspired the creation of tourism villages in 1985. Unfortunately, without citizenship, Kayans have limited access to utilities and aren’t allowed to resettle outside of these tourist villages. This is because the Thai government claims they are economic migrants and not real refugees.

Starting at the young age of four or five, Kayan long neck women wear these rings, adding more annually as they acclimate to the increased weight. These coils weigh up to 25 pounds and depress the chest and shoulders. This creates the illusion of a disembodied head hovering over a shimmering pedestal of gold rings. Contrary to popular belief, the coils don’t lengthen the neck itself and thus can be removed without the neck snapping. Yet, women still wear these coils year round, even while sleeping.

3 generations together

Thailand’s Long Neck Women

The origin of the tradition is a mystery even to the Kayans. An ancient legend claims rings protected villagers from tiger attacks, since the cats attack victims at the neck. Another theory said the rings helped ward off men from rival tribes by lessening the women’s beauty. Today, people believe the opposite– the longer their neck, the more beautiful the woman. It is true that some women enjoy upholding this tradition but others feel pressured to endure the painful custom to make a living.

An estimated 40,000 tourists per year pay between $8-16 to stop by these hill tribe villages to gaze upon the women’s unusual appearance and take pictures. Unfortunately, the entry fee is rarely dispensed to the villagers directly. Instead, the long neck woman have to sell trinkets, crafts and photo-ops to make a living, essentially working in a live-in gift shop. The women are known for their tremendous weaving skills which is done on a backstrap loom. You can witness them practising their impressive craft while getting to know them. While some say the villages give Kayans a paid opportunity to retain their culture, others condemn this arrangement for exploiting stateless women and children in exchange for tourist dollars.

Weaving done on a backstrap loom

Here is my answer to the big question of, can you justify ethical travel to these villages?

Yes, just do your research. Most women view tourist visits as a way to make a living since their non-resident status limits employment opportunities. However, sensationalizing dress, customs, and unique traditions of these people mean nothing if they are not treated with respect.

Here are some recommendations for when you visit:
1. Do some research and find a responsible tour company that will promote a socially responsible visit.
2. Make sure your money benefits the village directly instead of third party companies. Support the women by purchasing their handicrafts and by paying a fair price for their beautiful handwork.
3. Don’t just stop by for a photo shoot. Learn about the people and hear their stories.
4. Consider volunteering in a village if you are staying in Thailand for a while.

The goal of travel shouldn’t be taking pictures of exotic things to brag about back home. Travel is about forging relationships and making connections with people from different cultures. Create a symbiotic relationship with locals by reaching out to find common ground with the people you met, instead of treating them as spectacles to exploit.

The Reclining Buddha

“When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

Temple of the Reclining Buddha ( Wat Lokayasutharam), Ayutthaya, Thailand

Me with the Reclining Buddha

Why you must visit the White Temple of Chiang Rai

Even though it was years ago, one of the strangest temples that I have ever been in is still Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple of Chiang Rai, found in northern Thailand. It was quite a while ago that I went on my Thailand adventure but this temple still stands out as one of my favourites and I think you should definitely visit if you have the chance.

The White Temple of Chiang Rai in Thailand

A glimpse of Chiang Rai in Thailand

The temple is just outside the town of Chiang Rai and well worth the three-hour bus journey from Chiang Mai where I was staying. I got to enjoy some of the beautiful countryside along the way and had some time to read up about this strange temple.

I can not compare it to any other temple in Thailand as it is quite unique in it’s white colour and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster which sparkle in the sun. The white colour signifies the purity of the Buddha, and the glass symbolises the Buddha’s wisdom. Every detail of the temple and structures carries meaning and encourages the visitor to reflect on the Buddhist teachings that show the way to escape from the worldly temptations, desires and greed and focus on the mind instead.

The main building at the white temple, the ubosot is reached by crossing the bridge of “the cycle of rebirth”. In front of the bridge are hundreds of outreaching hands that symbolize unrestrained desire. The bridge proclaims that the way to happiness is by foregoing temptation, greed, and desire. It feels quite eerie as you walk across this bridge.

After crossing the bridge, you arrive at the “gate of heaven”. This entrance is guarded by two creatures representing Death and Rahu, who decides the fate of the dead.

The White Temple of Chiang Rai in Thailand

I was sure to dress respectfully, which means no revealing clothes, shoulders covered and a long skirt. You have to take off your shoes before entering a temple building. Unfortunately taking photos inside the temple is not allowed. Normally this would not bother me but I would have loved to capture the inside. Inside the temple, the decor swiftly moves from pristine white to fiery and bewildering. It was quite mind blowing with its murals depict swirling orange flames and demon faces, interspersed with Western idols such as batman, Freddy Kruger and even Micheal Jackson. Images of nuclear warfare, terrorist attacks, and oil pumps hammer home the destructive impact that humans have had on earth. I have often wondered about this strange ensemble of figurines as the presence of Superman and Hello kitty confuses me a lot. But I am quite sure that the overall moral is clear: people are wicked.

The White Temple of Chiang Rai in Thailand

A very fierce anti-smoking sign

I do enjoy the fiery “don’t smoke” sign that clearly sends the message of going to hell for smoking.

The beautiful golden building

Entrance to the golden building

The Golden Building

Even the restrooms are worth a visit as they are situated in”the golden building: It is said that his golden building represents the body, whereas the white ubosot represents the mind. The gold symbolizes how people focus on worldly desires and money.

What are your thoughts on this strange and unique temple?

Why Nature is Good for the Soul

Cape Point Nature Reserve — Just an hour’s drive from the bustle and buzz of downtown Cape Town lies a large and peaceful reserve: Cape Point – one of the most scenically spectacular parks in the whole of South Africa.

Being out in nature is not only good for your physical health, it is also very beneficial for your mental health. Have you noticed how grumpy people get in winter compared to their mood during spring and summer? I think it is because we don’t always get out into nature during winter and that this affects our mental health negatively.

Here are some reasons why nature is good for your soul.

( All of these photos were taken on a recent trip I went on to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. It is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa.)

There are two lighthouses at Cape Point, only one of which is still in operation as a nautical guide.

Cape Point is famed as the meeting point of two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans

The Cape Peninsula reaches out like an elongated claw at the bottom of the mighty beast that is Africa.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

Surrounded by great oceans, gale-force winds, ancient mountains and fire-dependent plants, could there be a place that is more brutally elemental than South Africa’s Cape Point?

1. Nature helps to center your mind

If we don’t watch out we are constantly glancing at your to-do list or worrying about, our finances, our relationships, or something else. It seems like we constantly have a never-ending list of things to do. We need to make it a point to give ourselves a cognitive break by distracting ourselves with the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Watch and listen to the birds chirping, the waves crashing, the trees swaying in the wind, and the bugs moving around you. Taking at least a 30min break a day will help improve our mental health.

Wewalked all the way up to the lighthouse

Cape Point Nature Reserve

The reserve is fenced due to the variety of wildlife and here you will find and abundance of buck, baboons, Cape Mountain Zebra and over 250 species of bird.

A Natural World Heritage Site, Cape Point is historic

2. Unplug and Escape the technological trap.

Multi-tasking, particularly with electronic devices, is a leading cause of stress. Breaking free from the never-ending loop of your Facebook or Instagram newsfeed should be a top reason for getting outdoors. After all, staring at screens too long can hurt your eyes and strain your neck, and it’s often a sedentary activity. Nature, on the other hand, offers a beautiful window into real life. Put down your phone. leave your devices behind and head into nature and just enjoy the calming effect this will have. Nature allows us to to leave the stressors of our everyday lives behind and instead focus our minds on something more pure. By centering your mind, you can relax your body.

We walked all the way up to the lighthouse

These animals are very dangerous!!

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