Lombok: The Secret Paradise
I often ask people “where is the best place you’ve ever travelled to?”, and there’s one answer that always makes me cringe, Bali. I can’t help but feel that a lot of people choose Bali as its the only exotic place they’ve ever travelled to. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice enough place, amazing people, beautiful…
Chinese Kids vs. Western Kids
Of course, there are incredible amount of contrast between China and the West, both culturally and superficially. After enough time in both places, such differences become just another part of everyday life. However, one difference stands out beyond the rest, childhoods. During my time teaching children in Beijing, I was fortunate enough to spend a…
China vs. Taiwan: The Difference
There’s a very annoying interaction I’m forced to go through regularly while travelling the world. It begins with a simple introduction and one simple question that every traveller is asked. “Where are you from?” “I’m from Wales.” “Ohhhh you’re from England?” “…” Almost on a daily basis I’m pissed off as people mistake my country…
Tattoos in Japan: Taboo or Not?
Before going to Japan, everyone gave me the exact same warning: it’s going to be difficult there with your tattoos. This was said to me from both people who lived there and those who had never visited the country. You’ll have to cover them up! You won’t be able to go to such and such…
Volunteering: The Key to Budget Travelling
For any long term traveller, the goal is to stay on the road for as long as possible. One major factor in that is being able to find ways to save a considerable amount of money while doing it. Very difficult perimeters to meet, and often trips are cut way shorter than one would want…
Guide To: Chinese Trains
The train has been a consistently reliable form of travel both within and between many nations for centuries, and one that’s still actively used by travellers today. China is one of those nation that thinks so too, which a considerable rail system which is spread over the vast expanses of the country. If you were…
Hong Kong: Love/Hate
Despite my very short time spent in Hong Kong, quickly it became apparent that travellers have very mixed emotions to the country. Some will sing the praises of the mystical land which which is world known, where others despise everything that it has become. People’s opinions vary quite considerably, and I can see why. …
Beijing – The Most Secure City on Earth?
On first impressions to the bewildered traveller, Beijing might look like the most secure and protected city on Earth. The sheer number and variety of security found throughout this enormous capital makes it seem so. It can leave a very confusing impression, particularly after some lasting observation. Of course there’s plenty of malicious rumours and…