I have small feet and therefore leave a small footprint but last week I left a very large one of a different kind. In just seven days I managed to clock up a total of seven flights which equals a significant carbon footprint and I dread to think how many miles I'll need to cycle to compensate for this.
Many of my friends think I live a 'rock and roll' lifestyle with all my travel. I won't deny that I love discovering new countries but the reality is often far from glamourous. One particular moment, or should I say several hours, was on the third and final flight of one journey where I was sat amongst a large family including three toddlers. I sympathise with parents travelling with young children. I find it challenging enough just organising myself but after a nine hour relay of continuous screaming from all three I began to loose this sympathy. I am not a parent and probably shouldn't comment however, not one attempt was made to comfort or reprimand these unruly children. With no apologies forthcoming, the situation became increasingly awkward as the rest of the cabin started to show their frustrations when unable to sleep through the racket.
After these past few weeks abroad I actually began to miss my own culture. I'm not saying that we, the British, are always polite but we do have a certain way of doing things. Whether it is our habit of frequently apologising to each other, forming queues or inclination towards modesty I'm not sure - but I know I've missed home. Sometimes I admire the audacity of foreigners as they walk to the front of the queue or ask for exactly what they want; I just hope for the sake of my friends and family that I haven't brought too many of these traits home with me.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Exploring the culture
I always embrace the chance to try something new and love to sample other cultures. During my last month of travelling I grabbed many of these opportunities. It might be difficult to describe anything on board a cruise ship as cultural but that didn't stop me from getting stuck into the activities on offer, even if many of them were aimed at an older generation. Being the youngest passenger - with the exception of the crew - there were some presumptions made as to my role on the ship. Once fellow passengers discovered I was on board for work many thought I'd be performing in some capacity. I suppose speaking is a type of entertainment but it soon became obvious to most what I wouldn't be doing when they witnessed me on the dance floor.
On a sea day, when the ship doesn't dock, there are many activities on offer including ballroom dancing lessons, and I was in at the deep end with the square tango first on the menu. The polite instructors soon broke it to me that four lessons would not be sufficient to teach the skills required for such a technical dance. The next day it was the waltz, and I had no idea such a simple looking elegant dance could be so challenging. After that, I lowered my expectations and joined the line dancing. If all of that seemed a little too physical there were still the 'sports' of deck shuffleboard and deck quoits which even though aimed at the more sedentary suited me far better.
Once I left the cruise I needed something a little more physically taxing and certainly found that in Thailand. Their national sport of Muay Thai is probably one of the most full-body exerting activities I've ever done, although yet again I am a long way off being professional after just two lessons.
On a sea day, when the ship doesn't dock, there are many activities on offer including ballroom dancing lessons, and I was in at the deep end with the square tango first on the menu. The polite instructors soon broke it to me that four lessons would not be sufficient to teach the skills required for such a technical dance. The next day it was the waltz, and I had no idea such a simple looking elegant dance could be so challenging. After that, I lowered my expectations and joined the line dancing. If all of that seemed a little too physical there were still the 'sports' of deck shuffleboard and deck quoits which even though aimed at the more sedentary suited me far better.
Once I left the cruise I needed something a little more physically taxing and certainly found that in Thailand. Their national sport of Muay Thai is probably one of the most full-body exerting activities I've ever done, although yet again I am a long way off being professional after just two lessons.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Needed a bigger engine
Complaining is one of our great national pastimes with both the weather and public transport featuring high on our list of favourite topics. As a nation we always compliment other countries for running such efficient transport networks and Hong Kong was a fine example; its buses and trains consistently punctual, immaculately clean, spacious and air conditioned.
As I journey west through Asia, the attitude to travel seems to become more relaxed but this hadn't posed any problems having successfully travelled around Thailand by plane, bus, long boat and ferry. It wasn't until visiting one of the quieter, outlying islands that a different mode of transport was required - the tuk tuk. My friend and I had planned to hire a moped but it was soon apparent that the luggage wouldn't fit.
The tuk tuk in question was a moped and glorified side car with the capacity to carry two passengers and luggage - the only problem being this far exceeded the capability of the tiny engine. I know this feeling myself when cycling up some of the hills at home but somehow I always make it. Unfortunately no amount of will power was going to propel our make shift taxi up the third and final slope we encountered on our way across the island. Halfway up we came to a holt. My friend and I hopped out to push, but it was a little too late.
We eventually 'summited' the incline but the engine had overheated and would not restart. Thankfully Thailand is a safe and friendly country so it wasn't long before we were picked up by a passing truck and had to leave our tuk tuk, and it's driver, to cool down.
As I journey west through Asia, the attitude to travel seems to become more relaxed but this hadn't posed any problems having successfully travelled around Thailand by plane, bus, long boat and ferry. It wasn't until visiting one of the quieter, outlying islands that a different mode of transport was required - the tuk tuk. My friend and I had planned to hire a moped but it was soon apparent that the luggage wouldn't fit.
The tuk tuk in question was a moped and glorified side car with the capacity to carry two passengers and luggage - the only problem being this far exceeded the capability of the tiny engine. I know this feeling myself when cycling up some of the hills at home but somehow I always make it. Unfortunately no amount of will power was going to propel our make shift taxi up the third and final slope we encountered on our way across the island. Halfway up we came to a holt. My friend and I hopped out to push, but it was a little too late.
We eventually 'summited' the incline but the engine had overheated and would not restart. Thankfully Thailand is a safe and friendly country so it wasn't long before we were picked up by a passing truck and had to leave our tuk tuk, and it's driver, to cool down.
Missing home?
I'm aware I should never complain about being abroad as any opportunity to explore more of the world should never be passed but there is always a fear of missing something at home. I left the UK when the sun was shining and worried I was about to miss an early glimpse of summer that would be over once I returned. Other than the imagined perfect weather I also get a little frustrated at missing significant sporting events of which, in my opinion, there have been two so far. The first event I didn't even manage to find the results of until days afterwards - congratulations to the Exeter Chiefs for winning the LV Cup in front of a sell out home crowd. The second event was the Cheltenham Festival although I managed to substitute this with an evening of racing at Happy Valley Stadium, Hong Kong. The humid flood lit track set amongst a backdrop of high rise buildings and a colourful crowd made for an altogether unique experience.
My reason for visiting Hong Kong was not to find Westcountry cider (see 20.03.14) or to watch horse racing but to catch a boat. This might seem something of an understatement as I was in town to board The Adonia, P&O's seven hundred capacity cruise ship. Now I know I'm retired from sport but I would still class myself as too young to be going cruising and as it turned out the majority of the other passengers felt the same. I had to explain on several occasions that the purpose of my trip was work, not pleasure, although I wasn't completely convinced myself. Aside from a bit of after dinner speaking, I was lucky enough to enjoy some lovely weather and a once in a lifetime cruising experience.
My reason for visiting Hong Kong was not to find Westcountry cider (see 20.03.14) or to watch horse racing but to catch a boat. This might seem something of an understatement as I was in town to board The Adonia, P&O's seven hundred capacity cruise ship. Now I know I'm retired from sport but I would still class myself as too young to be going cruising and as it turned out the majority of the other passengers felt the same. I had to explain on several occasions that the purpose of my trip was work, not pleasure, although I wasn't completely convinced myself. Aside from a bit of after dinner speaking, I was lucky enough to enjoy some lovely weather and a once in a lifetime cruising experience.
Westcountry Girl
I am always proud of my Westcountry heritage and given any chance to represent this wonderful part of the UK, I will. Recently I had the honour of attending St James's Palace to present the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold award winners from the South West with their certificates. I remember starting the scheme and obtaining my bronze award before attempting the gold but soon realised the time and effort required for this would not fit around my swimming and sport commitments. Whilst presenting each certificate to these mature and polite young people it reminded me of the importance of life skills and achievements outside of pure academia.
On a slightly less serious note I had another proud Westcountry moment last week. I was in Hong Kong which admittedly used to be owned by Great Britain but other than the odd colonial building and significant amount of ex patriots there is little sign of this shared heritage; that was until I found a slightly quirky kiosk next to the ferry terminals. Whilst abroad I avoid all things British (and American) on principle and try to immerse myself in the local food and culture as much as possible, although there can be the odd exception. It was a sign for cider that caught my eye and on closer inspection I discovered this kiosk was selling Somerset cider and Devon crisps - I just couldn't resist.
On a slightly less serious note I had another proud Westcountry moment last week. I was in Hong Kong which admittedly used to be owned by Great Britain but other than the odd colonial building and significant amount of ex patriots there is little sign of this shared heritage; that was until I found a slightly quirky kiosk next to the ferry terminals. Whilst abroad I avoid all things British (and American) on principle and try to immerse myself in the local food and culture as much as possible, although there can be the odd exception. It was a sign for cider that caught my eye and on closer inspection I discovered this kiosk was selling Somerset cider and Devon crisps - I just couldn't resist.
Shaking off the monkey
The monkey has been shaken off their back at last and history made - on Sunday afternoon Exeter Chiefs beat local rivals Bath for the first time in 36 years finally putting an end to a frustrating statistic. The Chiefs took the leap up into the premiership four years ago and haven't looked back since proving they belong amongst the top flight of English teams but one scalp had always eluded them. So many nail bitingly close encounters came and went including a twelve all draw at home last season and another close game away at the beginning of this season. Even though Bath have been on incredible form I knew this statistic had to change soon and I was determined not to miss it; so much so I changed my airline tickets to ensure I could attend this latest game.
It all seemed like painful déjà vu when less than thirty seconds after the whistle Bath had gone over for a try and at half time still had more points on the board. After another forty minutes of the closest and most exciting rugby I've seen this season Exeter Chiefs finally did it whilst also booking themselves a place in the LV cup final at home.
It made for a fantastic start to this trip and I managed to dash home to squeeze in a bit more rugby before heading to the airport. Another significant result saw England put things right against Wales and keep themselves in contention to win the Six Nations.
The only problem I have now is how to watch the finals of these respective tournaments from somewhere in the China Sea; a dilemma I shouldn't complain about but I'll explain more next week.
It all seemed like painful déjà vu when less than thirty seconds after the whistle Bath had gone over for a try and at half time still had more points on the board. After another forty minutes of the closest and most exciting rugby I've seen this season Exeter Chiefs finally did it whilst also booking themselves a place in the LV cup final at home.
It made for a fantastic start to this trip and I managed to dash home to squeeze in a bit more rugby before heading to the airport. Another significant result saw England put things right against Wales and keep themselves in contention to win the Six Nations.
The only problem I have now is how to watch the finals of these respective tournaments from somewhere in the China Sea; a dilemma I shouldn't complain about but I'll explain more next week.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Pay phone
Can you remember the last time you used a pay phone? I certainly couldn't. I have to admit I didn't even realise they still existed - so many are kept purely for aesthetics and some phone boxes have even been transformed into secondhand book swaps. I am probably showing my age now but I honestly don't know how we survived before mobile phones. It used to be a joke that learning to use a mobile could pose a challenge and embarrassingly it took me a moment or two to familiarise myself with the pay phone. Thankfully there must still be some need for them and it saved me on my travels back from Lanzarote last week.
On my journey out I managed to leave my iPad on the airplane, unfortunately not realising for twenty-four hours. After the first unsuccessful trip back to the airport I was beginning to worry, my iPad has nearly become as essential as my phone. Luckily I was not staying far from the airport and it was a fairly straightforward cycle back again the next day, on my third day in a row at Arrecife airport I left with my iPad in hand.
I hoped this time I had learnt my lesson, double and triple checking my room when I left the hotel and my seat as I disembarked the plane. On a seemingly far smaller scale I did manage to leave my phone charger somewhere en route. My phone is on its last legs and can't last long without any juice. This shouldn't have been a problem until I realised half way home that I had no flat keys. Thanks to the good old traditional pay phone and a friend who had my flat mates number all was sorted just before she went to sleep and saved me from a night sleeping on my doorstep.
On my journey out I managed to leave my iPad on the airplane, unfortunately not realising for twenty-four hours. After the first unsuccessful trip back to the airport I was beginning to worry, my iPad has nearly become as essential as my phone. Luckily I was not staying far from the airport and it was a fairly straightforward cycle back again the next day, on my third day in a row at Arrecife airport I left with my iPad in hand.
I hoped this time I had learnt my lesson, double and triple checking my room when I left the hotel and my seat as I disembarked the plane. On a seemingly far smaller scale I did manage to leave my phone charger somewhere en route. My phone is on its last legs and can't last long without any juice. This shouldn't have been a problem until I realised half way home that I had no flat keys. Thanks to the good old traditional pay phone and a friend who had my flat mates number all was sorted just before she went to sleep and saved me from a night sleeping on my doorstep.
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