I first started writing this blog in late 2013. Since then I've been to a few countries and written about my experiences of them.
Thailand: A Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts with a Single Step
December 16th, 2013
OK, it's very cliche, I know. All those hipster travellers who set off on a gap year to "find themselves" only to end up in an English pub in Bangkok. I fucking hate those people and I didn't realise how many of them existed until I went to Thailand. You know those ones with the stretched out ear lobes, and white guys with dreadlocks,
Anyway, I do some touristy stuff, get interviewed for a Channel 4 TV show (not Embarrassing Bodies), and nearly get pressured into buying a pink suit.
Australia: A Content Man is One that Enjoys the Scenery Along a Detour
December 28th, 2013
Yes, I know. Thailand then Australia, you're probably thinking I'm a hypocrite. No, I didn't go surfing or take an "unbelievable" road-trip in the outback. I went because my mates Ed and Amy were there and I wanted a holiday.
Whilst there I did some touristy stuff, a skydive, and gatecrashed a Christmas themed gay house party.
Tokyo, Japan: Robots, Sex, French Maids, and Used Underwear
September 12th, 2014
Finally, a less cliched destination. While I was living in Korea it gave me the perfect opportunity to cross the East Sea/Sea of Japan (depending on which side of the fence you're on) and visit The Land of the Rising Sun.
I went with my friend, Karl, on this trip. We did some touristy stuff, befriended a lonely man at a Maid Cafe on his birthday, and have our minds blown at the Robot Cabaret Show.
Taiwan: Old Chinese Stuff, Bad Weather, and Great Food
March 5th, 2015
My time in Korea had concluded and I was on my way home, and Taiwan was the first stop on my journey back.
I do some touristy stuff, struggle with the language, and commit to flip-flops and shorts despite the overcast and chilly weather.
Hong Kong & Macao: Little Britain and Mini Vegas
March 12th, 2015
Stop two on the scenic route back to Bedford. It was a short journey from one island trying to gain independence from mainland China to another.
I feel almost at home in this "little Britain". I did some touristy stuff, discover the history of Hong Kong, and cower at the price of a pint.
I also took a 2-day trip to Macao to enjoy what is known as the "Vegas of Asia". I did some touristy stuff, and a little gambling (and I do mean a little).
Mumbai, India: Disease, Curry, and Getting Lost on the Train Network
March 17th, 2015
This solo leg was one of the biggest culture shocks of my life. Again, India is typically a destination for hipsters that seek spiritual enlightenment. I reiterate, I hate these people. Just because India stinks doesn't mean you should too, you dirty hippies. Now, cut your hair, and have a shower.
I did some touristy stuff, I ate curry for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a week, and I get horribly lost on the rail network of Mumbai.
Delhi & Agra, India: The Worst City In the Worst Country In the World. Do NOT Go to India
March 26th, 2015
A second week in India and I had the pleasure of travelling with my father. We explored the horrible cities of Delhi and Agra.
This blog offers the most important advice on India, it is to not go at all. We both concluded it is far too disgusting to be considered a holiday destination.
If you were thinking about going this blog gives you a true reflection of the country and should change your mind.
We did some touristy stuff, lots of temples, forts, and tombs.
Turkey: Europe and Asia, Kebabs and Mosques
March 29th, 2015
My impression of Turkey changed a lot after arriving in the country. Some would say that I was brainwashed by some prejudice friends, but having spent a week in Istanbul I must say the people are friendly, and the city is beautiful.
We did some touristy stuff; a cruise down the Bosphorus, the Blue Mosque, got mugged at a Turkish bath, and did lots of shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
Catalonia: It Didn't Take Long For Bedford to Become Boring
April 29th, 2015
Back home in Bedford for the first time after a 16-month stint abroad and I was eager to leave for far more interesting ventures.
I headed to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. We did some touristy stuff; a city tour on an open top bus, and a lot of drinking around Las Rambla before heading to Camp Nou to watch the magnificent FC Barcelona take on the mediocre Getafe.
Christmas in the Philippines: Tropical Climates, White Beaches, and Midget Boxing
January 3rd, 2016
First new country for a while. I went away for my first hot Christmas. This was a solo journey, so I was a little apprehensive about going but it turned out to be a lot of fun.
Hot weather, white beaches, cheap beer, I couldn't have asked for more. I go into some detail about my first experiences riding a moped, snorkelling and I take in my first midget boxing match.
New York, New York...That Closes at One
April 18th, 2016
It was a long time coming, but I finally got round to visiting New York. It's described as "the greatest city on earth" and it didn't disappoint.
There are too many sights to take in in only a 5-day trip, but the highlight was definitely The Comedy Cellar. The city is amazing, I can't recommend it enough.
Kyoto, Japan: Temple, Shrine, Temple, Shrine...
July 4th, 2016
My second trip to Japan and I went to the traditional city of Kyoto. The sightseeing was a little, well, repetitive. It rained a lot, it was hot, it was humid. I was sweaty.
I braved the weather and thousands of Chinese tourists to explore traditional Japan.
Osaka, Japan: Japanese Nerds are a Special Breed
July 12th, 2016
I traded in traditional Kyoto for the bright lights of Japan's 3rd largest city - Osaka.
Otaku are aplenty in this part of the world and I struggle to understand their hobbies and interests. Each to their own I suppose. I met some very friendly friends and drank too much sake.
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: To Heaven and Hell and Back
September 25th, 2016
This one was a real roller coaster of emotions, ranging from joy and bliss to despair and suicidal thoughts.
Wes and I travelled Vietnam's second largest city and enjoyed the sights of Ha Long Bay with a few beers in-between.
A Day in Hue: A Motorbike Tour of the City
September 26th, 2016
We only spent a day here in Vietnam's ancient capital. We saw the city in true Vietnamese style on the back of a bike. Two chaps took us around showing us the sights.
It was brief, interesting and I nearly had a breakdown after too many nights in a hostel.
Hue to Hoi An: The Top Gear Challenge
October 2nd, 2016
Sure, we're posing in the picture, but again we were on the back of the bikes and had a guided tour on the Hai Van Pass, which was made famous from Top Gear's adventure.
The sights were incredible which made it all worth it as we had to brave thunderous downpours and the blazing sun.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels
October 3rd, 2016
We arrived in Vietnam's capital. We took in the sights and discovered the Cu Chi tunnels that were home to the Vietnamese during the war.
More museums, more rain, more beers.
Cambodia Was Not Kind To Me
October 10th, 2016
OK, the title's a bit misleading, I had a thoroughly enjoyable time in Cambodia, but there were plenty of low lights along my journey.
Injuries, losses, fear, and learning about the country's atrocities to name a few.
Well, Thailand Was Disappointing
October 23rd, 2016
I don't blame Thailand, I blame the king. The country was in mourning limiting our activities to conversation and card games. Don't get me wrong, I like Wes, but the last thing I want to do with him is talk to him.
We made the most of our time there, but it was rather poor timing for our few weeks here.
A Weekend Getaway to North Korea
October 10th, 2017
Well, imagine that. One edition Thailand and the next North Korea.
Karl joined me on this venture to this secretive nation. There was a full range of emotions from terrified to excitement to arousal.
I don't think we saw a true reflection of the country, but when will foreigners actually do so? It's as close as one can get to exploring a country that is cut-off from the rest of the world. To date, it was the most interesting trip I've ever been on and the next place I travel to has a tough act to follow.
Malaysia: KL, Picturesque Beaches and Jellyfish
February 14th, 2018
I needed a break from China. The previous year I had spent Spring Festiva; (Chinese New Year) in Beijing and there was bugger all going on, so Eunju and I weren't going to make the same mistake again. We set sail for warmer shores.
The weather was perfect, the beaches were pristine and I got stung by a jellyfish. It wasn't all bad though.
24 Hours in Singapore
February 19th, 2018
Some may argue that 24 hours in one country is insufficient time to explore a country, but this one is tiny and in its modern state has only existed since 1965. I felt it was enough time.
We squeezed in a lot of sightseeing and even dined in a Michelin star restaurant. We watched Arsenal lose in the North London Derby, so Singapore will always have a memory of disappointment.
Indonesia: Yogyakarta & Mount Bromo
February 25th, 2018
The weather was pretty awful. We didn't get to see and do what we had planned. We got caught in the rain. We got bored watching a puppet show. We went for a sunrise tour, but didn't get to see the sunrise. We missed our flight to Bali and had to kill time in a very boring city.
There were some good times too.
Bali, Indonesia: Eat. Drink. Love.
March 8th, 2018
Bali is a honeymoon destination and as a result, I had to face the same question from every local "are you here on your honeymoon?" For goodness sake, don't be saying things like that, you're putting marriage thoughts in Eunju's mind and that's only going to end in tears.
In this edition, I debated whether to abandon Eunju in the Bali Sea. Bali had the most colourful skies you've ever seen. They were as colourful as the language I used to slag her off while I rescued her.
Astana, Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
June 1st, 2018
En route to England from Beijing for my sister's wedding, I seized an opportunity to visit Astana as I had a connecting flight in the capital.
It was the first time I stayed in an AirBnB and possibly my last. I took in the sights of the city and was left with a moist crotch on more than one occasion.
Vienna, Austria: Befriending Coked Up Germans
28th January, 2019
It was Chinese Spring Festival (New Year) and I needed to get out of Beijing. I was on my way to visit friends and family in Europe. My case didn't arrive, I couldn't buy any clothes, I made a strange new friend, and saw the sights.
Vienna is a classy city and I tried my best to fit in with the upper class.
Macedonia: Official Name Currently Unclear
8th February, 2019
My arrival in Macedonia was only a mere weeks after the country decided to change their official name without actually deciding what it is going to be. I was there to visit my friend, Drew. He's doing the Peace Corp volunteer program.
I lived a simple mountain life before exploring Ohrid and the capital Skopje. It's a great country with very warm people.
Alicante & Valencia, Spain: Suitcase and Car Troubles
20th February, 2019
A short trip to the south of Spain to soak up the sun and enjoy some football. It was also my last experience of the EU including the UK. There was another issue with my suitcase (having been without it while in Austria too), and I had to push a car which is never fun.
Despite the troubles the weather was nice, the beers were cold, the ladies were beautiful and we watched two games of football. What more does a man need?
Laos: Beautiful Scenery and a Near Death Experience
21st August 2019
While the country was rather nice to look at I suffered a head injury and quite severe wounds which put a damper on the whole trip. I didn't get to do all the things I'd planned but still did enough to make it worthwhile.
I also learned things about myself. The first being that I think this may be one of my last trips by myself. Travelling alone wasn't all that fun. The second was that I won't be staying in a hostel again, I'm just too old for all that nonsense now.
Thailand: A Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts with a Single StepDecember 16th, 2013
OK, it's very cliche, I know. All those hipster travellers who set off on a gap year to "find themselves" only to end up in an English pub in Bangkok. I fucking hate those people and I didn't realise how many of them existed until I went to Thailand. You know those ones with the stretched out ear lobes, and white guys with dreadlocks,
Anyway, I do some touristy stuff, get interviewed for a Channel 4 TV show (not Embarrassing Bodies), and nearly get pressured into buying a pink suit.
Australia: A Content Man is One that Enjoys the Scenery Along a DetourDecember 28th, 2013
Yes, I know. Thailand then Australia, you're probably thinking I'm a hypocrite. No, I didn't go surfing or take an "unbelievable" road-trip in the outback. I went because my mates Ed and Amy were there and I wanted a holiday.
Whilst there I did some touristy stuff, a skydive, and gatecrashed a Christmas themed gay house party.
Tokyo, Japan: Robots, Sex, French Maids, and Used UnderwearSeptember 12th, 2014
Finally, a less cliched destination. While I was living in Korea it gave me the perfect opportunity to cross the East Sea/Sea of Japan (depending on which side of the fence you're on) and visit The Land of the Rising Sun.
I went with my friend, Karl, on this trip. We did some touristy stuff, befriended a lonely man at a Maid Cafe on his birthday, and have our minds blown at the Robot Cabaret Show.
Taiwan: Old Chinese Stuff, Bad Weather, and Great Food
March 5th, 2015
My time in Korea had concluded and I was on my way home, and Taiwan was the first stop on my journey back.
I do some touristy stuff, struggle with the language, and commit to flip-flops and shorts despite the overcast and chilly weather.
Hong Kong & Macao: Little Britain and Mini VegasMarch 12th, 2015
Stop two on the scenic route back to Bedford. It was a short journey from one island trying to gain independence from mainland China to another.
I feel almost at home in this "little Britain". I did some touristy stuff, discover the history of Hong Kong, and cower at the price of a pint.
I also took a 2-day trip to Macao to enjoy what is known as the "Vegas of Asia". I did some touristy stuff, and a little gambling (and I do mean a little).
Mumbai, India: Disease, Curry, and Getting Lost on the Train NetworkMarch 17th, 2015
This solo leg was one of the biggest culture shocks of my life. Again, India is typically a destination for hipsters that seek spiritual enlightenment. I reiterate, I hate these people. Just because India stinks doesn't mean you should too, you dirty hippies. Now, cut your hair, and have a shower.
I did some touristy stuff, I ate curry for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a week, and I get horribly lost on the rail network of Mumbai.
Delhi & Agra, India: The Worst City In the Worst Country In the World. Do NOT Go to IndiaMarch 26th, 2015
A second week in India and I had the pleasure of travelling with my father. We explored the horrible cities of Delhi and Agra.
This blog offers the most important advice on India, it is to not go at all. We both concluded it is far too disgusting to be considered a holiday destination.
If you were thinking about going this blog gives you a true reflection of the country and should change your mind.
We did some touristy stuff, lots of temples, forts, and tombs.
Turkey: Europe and Asia, Kebabs and MosquesMarch 29th, 2015
My impression of Turkey changed a lot after arriving in the country. Some would say that I was brainwashed by some prejudice friends, but having spent a week in Istanbul I must say the people are friendly, and the city is beautiful.
We did some touristy stuff; a cruise down the Bosphorus, the Blue Mosque, got mugged at a Turkish bath, and did lots of shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
Catalonia: It Didn't Take Long For Bedford to Become BoringApril 29th, 2015
Back home in Bedford for the first time after a 16-month stint abroad and I was eager to leave for far more interesting ventures.
I headed to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. We did some touristy stuff; a city tour on an open top bus, and a lot of drinking around Las Rambla before heading to Camp Nou to watch the magnificent FC Barcelona take on the mediocre Getafe.
Christmas in the Philippines: Tropical Climates, White Beaches, and Midget BoxingJanuary 3rd, 2016
First new country for a while. I went away for my first hot Christmas. This was a solo journey, so I was a little apprehensive about going but it turned out to be a lot of fun.
Hot weather, white beaches, cheap beer, I couldn't have asked for more. I go into some detail about my first experiences riding a moped, snorkelling and I take in my first midget boxing match.
New York, New York...That Closes at OneApril 18th, 2016
It was a long time coming, but I finally got round to visiting New York. It's described as "the greatest city on earth" and it didn't disappoint.
There are too many sights to take in in only a 5-day trip, but the highlight was definitely The Comedy Cellar. The city is amazing, I can't recommend it enough.
Kyoto, Japan: Temple, Shrine, Temple, Shrine...July 4th, 2016
My second trip to Japan and I went to the traditional city of Kyoto. The sightseeing was a little, well, repetitive. It rained a lot, it was hot, it was humid. I was sweaty.
I braved the weather and thousands of Chinese tourists to explore traditional Japan.
Osaka, Japan: Japanese Nerds are a Special BreedJuly 12th, 2016
I traded in traditional Kyoto for the bright lights of Japan's 3rd largest city - Osaka.
Otaku are aplenty in this part of the world and I struggle to understand their hobbies and interests. Each to their own I suppose. I met some very friendly friends and drank too much sake.
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: To Heaven and Hell and BackSeptember 25th, 2016
This one was a real roller coaster of emotions, ranging from joy and bliss to despair and suicidal thoughts.
Wes and I travelled Vietnam's second largest city and enjoyed the sights of Ha Long Bay with a few beers in-between.
A Day in Hue: A Motorbike Tour of the CitySeptember 26th, 2016
We only spent a day here in Vietnam's ancient capital. We saw the city in true Vietnamese style on the back of a bike. Two chaps took us around showing us the sights.
It was brief, interesting and I nearly had a breakdown after too many nights in a hostel.
Hue to Hoi An: The Top Gear ChallengeOctober 2nd, 2016
Sure, we're posing in the picture, but again we were on the back of the bikes and had a guided tour on the Hai Van Pass, which was made famous from Top Gear's adventure.
The sights were incredible which made it all worth it as we had to brave thunderous downpours and the blazing sun.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi TunnelsOctober 3rd, 2016
We arrived in Vietnam's capital. We took in the sights and discovered the Cu Chi tunnels that were home to the Vietnamese during the war.
More museums, more rain, more beers.
Cambodia Was Not Kind To MeOctober 10th, 2016
OK, the title's a bit misleading, I had a thoroughly enjoyable time in Cambodia, but there were plenty of low lights along my journey.
Injuries, losses, fear, and learning about the country's atrocities to name a few.
Well, Thailand Was DisappointingOctober 23rd, 2016
I don't blame Thailand, I blame the king. The country was in mourning limiting our activities to conversation and card games. Don't get me wrong, I like Wes, but the last thing I want to do with him is talk to him.
We made the most of our time there, but it was rather poor timing for our few weeks here.
A Weekend Getaway to North KoreaOctober 10th, 2017
Well, imagine that. One edition Thailand and the next North Korea.
Karl joined me on this venture to this secretive nation. There was a full range of emotions from terrified to excitement to arousal.
I don't think we saw a true reflection of the country, but when will foreigners actually do so? It's as close as one can get to exploring a country that is cut-off from the rest of the world. To date, it was the most interesting trip I've ever been on and the next place I travel to has a tough act to follow.
Malaysia: KL, Picturesque Beaches and JellyfishFebruary 14th, 2018
I needed a break from China. The previous year I had spent Spring Festiva; (Chinese New Year) in Beijing and there was bugger all going on, so Eunju and I weren't going to make the same mistake again. We set sail for warmer shores.
The weather was perfect, the beaches were pristine and I got stung by a jellyfish. It wasn't all bad though.
24 Hours in SingaporeFebruary 19th, 2018
Some may argue that 24 hours in one country is insufficient time to explore a country, but this one is tiny and in its modern state has only existed since 1965. I felt it was enough time.
We squeezed in a lot of sightseeing and even dined in a Michelin star restaurant. We watched Arsenal lose in the North London Derby, so Singapore will always have a memory of disappointment.
Indonesia: Yogyakarta & Mount BromoFebruary 25th, 2018
The weather was pretty awful. We didn't get to see and do what we had planned. We got caught in the rain. We got bored watching a puppet show. We went for a sunrise tour, but didn't get to see the sunrise. We missed our flight to Bali and had to kill time in a very boring city.
There were some good times too.
Bali, Indonesia: Eat. Drink. Love.March 8th, 2018
Bali is a honeymoon destination and as a result, I had to face the same question from every local "are you here on your honeymoon?" For goodness sake, don't be saying things like that, you're putting marriage thoughts in Eunju's mind and that's only going to end in tears.
In this edition, I debated whether to abandon Eunju in the Bali Sea. Bali had the most colourful skies you've ever seen. They were as colourful as the language I used to slag her off while I rescued her.
Astana, Glorious Nation of KazakhstanJune 1st, 2018
En route to England from Beijing for my sister's wedding, I seized an opportunity to visit Astana as I had a connecting flight in the capital.
It was the first time I stayed in an AirBnB and possibly my last. I took in the sights of the city and was left with a moist crotch on more than one occasion.
Vienna, Austria: Befriending Coked Up Germans28th January, 2019
It was Chinese Spring Festival (New Year) and I needed to get out of Beijing. I was on my way to visit friends and family in Europe. My case didn't arrive, I couldn't buy any clothes, I made a strange new friend, and saw the sights.
Vienna is a classy city and I tried my best to fit in with the upper class.
Macedonia: Official Name Currently Unclear8th February, 2019
My arrival in Macedonia was only a mere weeks after the country decided to change their official name without actually deciding what it is going to be. I was there to visit my friend, Drew. He's doing the Peace Corp volunteer program.
I lived a simple mountain life before exploring Ohrid and the capital Skopje. It's a great country with very warm people.
Alicante & Valencia, Spain: Suitcase and Car Troubles20th February, 2019
A short trip to the south of Spain to soak up the sun and enjoy some football. It was also my last experience of the EU including the UK. There was another issue with my suitcase (having been without it while in Austria too), and I had to push a car which is never fun.
Despite the troubles the weather was nice, the beers were cold, the ladies were beautiful and we watched two games of football. What more does a man need?
Laos: Beautiful Scenery and a Near Death Experience21st August 2019
While the country was rather nice to look at I suffered a head injury and quite severe wounds which put a damper on the whole trip. I didn't get to do all the things I'd planned but still did enough to make it worthwhile.
I also learned things about myself. The first being that I think this may be one of my last trips by myself. Travelling alone wasn't all that fun. The second was that I won't be staying in a hostel again, I'm just too old for all that nonsense now.
Dublin because it keeps doubling and doubling and doubling. Alright, enough of that. I went back to England to get my leg checked out by a specialist after surgery on a broken tibula. I got the all clear, so rather than hang around in my mum's back bedroom (not a euphemism) I thought I'd make a short trip across the Irish Sea to visit a few friends.
It was a short and sweet trip. I did the standard tourist visitins down Temple Bar and had a great catch up with Korea's finest, Susie and Lidlington's worst, Joe.
Saturday, 18th January, 2020
Part 1 of 3 editions of my Italian football tour. It may have been the middle of winter, but it was one of the best weeks of my life.
The first part took me from Milan and Turin to watch Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus. Going to watch Inter Milan was one of the main motivations for the trip as the legendary San Siro stadium will be knocked down and rennovated in a few years' time.
Sunday, 30th August, 2020
Part 2 of 3 editions of my Italian football tour. It may have been the middle of winter, but it was one of the best weeks of my life.
The second part of the trip took me to cult club Parma. They'd recently made it back to Serie A after their liquidation and falling down the leagues. They faced AS Roma in the cup. Next up was a short drive to Sassuolo as they took on Torino in a league fixture. There was a significant drop in quality of stadia, but the food, wine and football remained stellar.
Sunday, 30th August, 2020
I took a break from the football, not through choice but because there weren't any fixtres on the Friday. I had a day to kill so I drove 200km to visit the micronation of San Marino.
I knew very little about this country, but I noticed it is a very beautiful country. I didn't learn a lot else, but it was worth the day trip.
Monday, 31st August, 2020
Part 3 of 3 editions of my Italian football tour. It may have been the middle of winter, but it was one of the best weeks of my life.
The final leg of my tour took me to the beautiful region of Lombardi. I managed to visit both Brescia and Atalanta. They may be at opposite ends of the table as Atalanta are pushing for Champions League qualification and Brescia are fighting relegation, but both games offered drama.
