I am still on track to do all the things that i have always wanted to do. But just as i was getting off to a strong start with planning my trip of a lifetime, a teeny spanner was thrown in the works. Things are changing at work, and i’m not sure what that means for my plans. I’m hoping that the gods are smiling on me and it will mean i can bring everything forward a bit. For now the booking of the trans-Mongolian express is on hold until i have a bit more clarity. This means more time for dreaming and scheming though so more ideas will come to the table which can only be positive! For now the current “rough” outline is…
I will be starting off with a big exciting train voyage! There is something very romantic about train travel, not in the love hearts and kisses way but for the fact that it’s such a traditional and old fashioned way to travel. It takes time, but that time allows me to really take in scenery as it passes my window and really appreciate it. The views are not exciting or beautiful 100% of the time, but there are always new and interesting people to talk to. I lost count of the amount of people i got to talk to on my last long train trips in the US. It was fascinating hearing their stories about where they were from then where and who they were going to visit. Most could not understand why i was exploring the country for the sake of it even though i wasn’t a student! But we had a good crack anyway and everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
This journey is one that i have always wanted to do, taking the train from the majesty of London to the bustle of Beijing. Taking in landscapes, cultures and food as i go. After pootling down to London from my home town i will be making the short hop from London to Paris, stopping for a short sojourn to reminisce about my big cycle there last year!
Post Paris i will hop on the express train to Moscow, a city that i have been fascinated by and scared of in equal measure for some time now. I know people that have lived there and spent lots of time there in recent years as well, travelling in relative luxury with the company but still say that there is an edge to it. I am intrigued by its opulent past and opaque present. Travel advice states that a hosted trip is safest so that’s what i’m planning at the moment. Lets see how that unfolds!
After a couple of days in Moscow i will very excitedly be finally hopping on the Trans Mongolian express for the 7 day voyage to Beijing. I won’t go into the details of that today. I’ll have a quick look around Beijing and then be hopping over to Japan for a week or so there. Taking in Tokyo and Osaka to be able experience the delights of the bullet train.
The next step is a toss up between heading straight to Bangkok or including a cheeky stop off in Ho Chi Minh on the way down. I was there at Christmas and loved the laid back and welcoming vibe of the people there. And the food… well that’s a whole other story…
Bangkok is a catch up with some old friends and preparations for some exploration of Thailand and it’s beautiful islands. Top of the list to do there are some time at a detox and also kickboxing camp. My body will be a temple when i leave! There will be some relaxation as well with trips around the islands and then up to Chiang Mai. Post a tour around the rich northern landscapes i will be heading to the middle of the country for some time to relax and take in the beauty of the country parks. Once i have wound down i will pop back to Bangkok for a few days and then the big adventure begins…
More details to follow :o) A very tired feeder signing off after too much excitement trip planning and cheese eating! x
