The Philippines

"I know this one guy who knew a girl who got shot in the face by her taxi driver"

"Oh yeah, when I was in Manila, I saw some guy holding a gun against someone"

I mean, hearing stories like this two days before Manila didn't really put me in the best frame of mind. I've lost count on the times I heard "wow you're brave travelling the Philippines on your own". Which wasn't ideal.

But anyway I took my flight to the country's capital, and as expected, it wasn't great. I'd planned on only staying there for one night anyway before heading up to the north to see the rice terraces. 

My hostel wasn't in a great area so I did feel a little on edge - however I was sharing a dorm with some 50 year old Japanese "dancer" who was bloody adorable. To waste my time before my 14 hour night bus I really embraced the Philippino culture and went to the cinema...twice. It past the time and I felt safe so it was a productive day. 

I took the 14 hour ride up to Sagada through the night (I forgot Asias night bus motto: death by air con and struggled to fall asleep in my t shirt/shorts combo). Many Philippinos in Manila warned me of the arctic conditions in the mountains. I was like yeahhhh I'm from England, I can handle it. I couldn't, and it was then I realised I'd actually avoided winter for the past 13 months. 

I stayed in a little homestay, which was lacking western comforts of wifi and hot water. But it was a price I had to pay for the beautiful scenery! Sagada was stunning, and I managed to do a couple of treks through Eco Valley (during which a group of 6 year olds tried to put a dead lizard in my bag). There weren't many tourists here, considering it's pretty difficult to travel to. It really was worth it though, but make sure to bring a coat or two.

I then ventured over to Banaue for the next night, where this time there was no ATM. The 3 hour jeepney ride with 30 other Philippines and a dog in a box taught me the cruel way to always research on whether somewhere has cash points or not!

I tagged along with three French girls and did a two day trek of the rice terraces here, and stopping in Batad Village to sleep. It was an intense two days, with not much sleeping, not much washing and a lot of sweating. This was definitely the least developed place I'd visited, but most beautiful. The rice terraces are described as the "eighth wonder of the world" and you can definitely see why.

After a week of trekking through muddy fields, feeling like I was back in the UK rather than Asia, I was definitely craving a beach. I only had a week left of my time in the Philippines, which wasn't long enough. I took a flight to the tourist destination of Boracay. People I met in Banaue were like "Omg why would you go there it's full of tourists?". Well maybe that's what I wanted. And that's what I did. People that claim they hate tourist areas and hate when people describe them as a tourist rather than a "traveller" need a slap and to stop trying so hard.

I'm pretty gutted I couldn't get to Palawan, but knowing what I do now, I shall definitely plan ahead. 

Travelling The Philippines can be a bit of a struggle, purely because the transport is either very expensive, very long, not very frequent or you're having to sit on some locals lap for half the trip. Not for any other reason. It's a beautiful country with beautiful people, and to all the doubters: I survived. 

Unfortunately it's that time again where I've run out of money and need to start working again. I'm taking a very quick Sydney pit-stop on my way back to Melbourne, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to my seventh Air Asia flight within 5 weeks...

Asia you've been great as always. I'll see you for round three on my way back to the UK soon.

Fallen in love with Melaka

So my two day planned Melaka trip ended up extending to eight days. It was the most relaxed and friendliest place I've been in Asia, and after the eighth day I still didn't really want to leave. Seriously, my updated life plan now involves starting up a hostel, adopting all the stray cats in the town and just eating curry everyday. The dream.

By not wanting to leave, it's meant that I haven't made it to Johor Bahru or Singapore. I'm not too gutted, there's always next time. There's no point in regretting rushing somewhere that you want to stay.

I stayed in Jalan Jalan Hostel, which has been so great. I've stayed in a heap of hostels over the past year and this is quite honestly one of the best. It's been a really sociable place to stay even though I'm currently the only one in my dorm. Paying for a dorm, staying in a private. Perfect. A local guy is also pretty helpful and tells you about things you probably would have struggled to find on your own.

On my first evening, I took a little bike ride with some people from my hostel to a floating mosque for the sunset. It's been a long time since I've ridden a bike and probably wasn't my wisest idea cycling with no lights and ignoring the fact that I needed stabilisers big time.

I packed my first few days learning about the history of Melaka, going to a couple local museums, The Straits Chinese Jewellry Museum and The Baba and Nyonya House Museum. I had a little tour from a Malay lady who showed me some beautiful traditional wedding outfits and jewellery. This golden spoon was used by the bride and groom, and apparently if they are able to eat rice from it without chewing then they will have a fab relationship. If they have to chew, then I guess he ain't the one.

Theres so much history, with families in the town originating from all over Asia including China and India. This meant the food here has been bloody great - apart from this Melaka sweet treat pictured below which I was told to try. It was genuinely like chewing on a sugary bar of soap.

In between trying to be a productive traveller, it's been good to chill after busy busy Kuala Lumpur. Melaka is the perfect place to do this- hence why I've stayed so long!

On the Tuesday morning, I had a bit of a surreal one. On Monday night, some people from my hostel and I got talking to a local man who told us about the Thaipusam Hindu new year festival. He invited us to go along with him, so we thought why not.

We got up at half 5 to bike to his house to have some chai tea, and then took an hour long bike ride to the outskirts of Melaka in Batu Berendum. There was a pretty lively procession with some individuals looking in a whole world of pain. When I asked why, I was told they had 'God inside of them' and that they were in some kind of trance. 

It was an experience, and probably not one I will have again anytime soon. The colours of the outfits and in the temple were amazing! We got a free meal too, though eating a meal with a similar consistency to mash and gravy was a little tricky.

I really am enjoying my second trip around Asia. It's difficult not to compare, but I like the fact I'm not following the typical backpacking route as much as I was with Asia part 1. Maybe going to Australia and back to the western world made me miss how different Asia was to home and how great it is learning about a new culture

I've managed to do things a bit off track - speaking to more local people has resulted in doing things I could have never planned. It's been interesting too, talking to people I never normally talk to! Yesterday I had an hour long conversation with some toothless 70 year old Malaysian man who wanted to swap stories about our home countries. It was great. 

My last couple of days in Melaka I spent going to a food market, and also to a Chinese medicine bar (spot the Chinese character in the background pictured below). Celebrations in Melaka have been in full swing my whole time here for the Thaipusam Hindu Festival, and it appeared my visit was good timing.

I've had a beautiful three weeks in Malaysia, and I'll be back for sure. But it's now time for my next stop: The Philippines! Via a little airport sleepover. I've got a rough plan on where I want to go - the North of the country, up to Banaue Rice Terraces, and then down to Boracay Island. Maybe Cebu too if there's time. But no doubt my plans could change, who knows.

P.S Sorry Mum. I got my nose pierced for $3

8 ways to work around the world

Many people sometimes spend years saving up for an around the world ticket and enough dollar to fund them for months on end. However if you're a little impatient like me, and want to get away sooner rather than later, then working abroad can be the best way to see the world.

For me, the past year has been a working-travelling-working-travelling pattern, simply saving enough money to fund my flight tickets and adventures. I've loved every second of it. It's allowed me to travel each country in depth, stress less about money, and working sometimes shitty jobs makes me appreciate each trip a lot more.

So here are my top eight ways to get you around the world:

1. Tefl

Teaching English as a foreign language qualification could be perfect for you. It allows you to earn a good amount amount of money whilst living in a brand new culture. Dependent on your contract, you could take trips away to other countries during school holidays. A minimum 120 hour course is recommended and ones that include residential courses too gives you a good experience. I used the Tefl Academy, but there are heaps of different ones out there.

My friends Heather has had three different TEFL jobs around Asia and explains how teaching overseas allows you to transplant yourself into a completely different culture.

'Travelling is fun, but interacting on a daily basis is so much more exciting'

'It may seem like a big jump from traveling for a month to living overseas for a year, but it flies by. Since I've started teaching I've been to ten new countries and lived in three. You're not stuck in the country you're living in and it's a hell of a lot closer and cheaper to fly to Taipei for a weekend than it is from home. Teaching English is a gift for us native speakers. We speak what's becoming the lingua franca; we're in demand'

Heather gives a little straight to the point piece of advice, which I 100% agree with:

'Stop complaining that you can't find a well-paying job at home. Or that life is so boring after university. Or that you wish you could get out of your hometown. Do your research, make the necessary preparations, and go'.

Preach it sister.

2. Hospitality in Australia 

In Melbourne especially, there are loadddds of jobs within hospitality. It was a bit weird at first earning double as a pot washer than as a teacher, but seeing that first pay check I really didn't care. And now of course I have a new found love for pot washing. 

3. Farm work

Sounds grim, probably is grim and something I don't really want to do, but it can give you time to save money for future travels. In Australia, It could also count towards your 3 month regional, giving you a second year visa!

4. Au pairing

Being paid to babysit in a brand new culture sounds ideal and gives you the opportunity to live in a new country and earn money. It's on my to do list. 

5. Ski season

My best friend Sophie completed one on Mount Buller in Victoria, Australia last year and she's applying again this year. She loved it and got to save enough money to buy a car and travel up the coast. Though I can't ski (apparently this doesn't matter) I may be applying for one with her this year, as there's potential to earn money to travel the Australian East coast with!

'Ski seasons allow you to have a good amount of work to earn heaps, but also have fun at the same time! It makes no difference if you're a pro skier or someone who's never seen a snow flake fall... it's the best experience - especially if you're looking to earn while you travel!'

6. Use your skills!

If you've got a special talent... share it! Maybe you're sick at origami, or maybe you've got some sort of flare for flower arranging. Put an ad on gumtree to offer lessons/services! There maybe someone out there who wants to learn your skills... you never know!  

7. House sitting

My Melbourne housemates lived with a family in Brisbane and stayed rent free, occasionally baby-sitting and cleaning. Though they didn't get paid, but they had a roof over their head and it's a great chance to see a new place if you're lacking in money.

8. Board and keep

Many people work in hostels in exchange for a bed to sleep in and food. Though for me, this seems a bit of a rip off if you're working more than 15 hours a week, it is always an option if you're looking for a more stress-free way of life.

There's so many weird and wonderful jobs around the world, and perfect if you want more money security whilst on your travels. So don't waste time, GET SEARCHING. 

The Beautiful Batu Caves

On my final day in Kuala Lumpur I took a little trip to the Batu Caves in the Gombak district - a few kilometres north of the city. The caves were stunning and my photos don't really do it much justice!