Welcome to the new site of my travel blogs…
Unfortunately, there will be no more long travel emails so for those of you who have been enjoying them over the years – sorry! But don’t fret – instead I’ll be blogging in a more timely fashion (with photos whenever possible) as I tour around the world capturing the best moments each country shows us.
I’m particularly excited as tomorrow we’re off to Thailand – Chiang Mai in particular with a side tour to Bangkok. I’ve not yet been to Thailand but I do adore their temples and their cuisine, particularly northern Issan style. I’m looking forward to tryingsome authentic food, which expertly blends the five fundamental tastes of sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty, and seeing how close it is to my favourite Melbourne Thai restaurant – Paladarr Thai Issan.
Whilst the main purpose of this trip is to attend a 3-day seminar with the FushionHQ folk (think computer software for the Internet), I’m sure we’ll also manage to enjoy much of what the country has to offer.
Thailand is reasonably large geographically (just a bit bigger than Spain) and is the 20th most populous with over 64 million people (of which 2.2 million are illegal immigrants). The people are mostly ethnically Thai, but there is a small Chinese and Malay contingent. Being a closet Buddhist I’m also looking forward to the possibility of honing my meditation skills. Several massages and an elephant ride may also appear on the agenda, but certainly my time will focus on visiting the many temples and immersing myself in the local culture.
So now what to pack? Currently it’s a high of 33 and low of 22 degrees celcius, 74% humidity with thunderstorms and rain – so I’m guessing that lends itself to light cotton cloting and a light weight rain jacket. Staying at the Shangri-La Hotel with its air conditioning I’m thinking I can also throw in the exercise gear (so I can hit the gym) and something nice to wear for evenings out.
While I’m away I’ll also be doing a lot of work on my Half The Woman I Was website, and finalising the membership and free bonuses as well as some additional product including my audio book and Ultimate Affirmations Program (a perfect time to record where I won’t be interrupted by my two dogs!)
And of course there will be lots of rest and relaxation!