Well it's been ages since I last wrote on here. There's a few reasons (or excuses) for that. Travel and sightseeing has taken up quite a bit of my time - why do I sound surprised? Internet access has been either unreliable at times (South America), or downright expensive (Australia). Ironically, here in Cambodia it's both inexpensive and pretty reliable - so far!
I've also been struggling with some compatibility issues with my laptop and fuzzy travels website - probably more my fault than theirs. But it has promped me to change to another blog creation website - things appear to work better now.
So, the past few days, I've been migrating everything that I've written on here to my new blog which is at http://woz.typepad.com There is a subscription link on there, so if you don't mind - can you please enter your details on the new blog, ta. I've tried to keep most things in the same familiar format as on here.The photograph handling (my biggest time-consuming problem) is now solved, - I have hundreds of photos to share with you and of course details of my travels through Bolivia, Peru, Australia and now South East Asia. I have a good amount of free time between now and the New Year so I'm hard at it, creating the new blog - to bring you the very best of 'life on the road'
I'm currently in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I arrived here Saturday 20th December. My first impressions are that it's an amazing contrast of luxury hotels and abject poverty. Siem Reap relies on tourism - it's close to the Angkor Wat Temples and these draw getting on for two million visitors each year. I'm not sure how much of the revenue from all these vistitors stays in the town though - less than we'd imagine though is my guess at the moment. It's something I'm intrigued about - and want to find out more over the next few months.
I like Siem Reap - it feels comfortable with no threat - unlike some places in South America! The people are ever so friendly and are making the best of growing their economy, after the horrors of the last 30 or so years. This is what I wanted to see for myself - my reason for coming here and my reason for volunteering.I hope to be commencing my volunteer assignment soon with The Trailbalzer Foundation - I'll be meeting them in the next week or so and should be getting stuck-in during January. I'm so looking forward to it.
At times, it's been hard travelling - I didn't plan enough 'down time', and the constant unpacking, repacking, modes of transportation, border crossings, finding places (being lost!) and literally dozens of different beds - were starting to take their toll on me. In between of that of course, have been amazing sights, sounds, experiences and so many wonderful people.
Anyway, it's nearly cocktail time here (10.30am), so must dash!
It just remains for me to wish all my viewers, subscribers, travel mates, friends and of course my family a very Happy Xmas and a peaceful New Year, wherever in the world you are.
More soon, take care...
Woz
I like to make up themed cocktails myself...my favorite since living here in Japan has been either my Jade Cocktail (lychee juice, coconut rum, squeeze of lime) or Tokyo Sunrise (orange juice, brandy, squeeze of lime). Hope you're enjoying your travels! I know EXACTLY what you mean about the tediousness of changed beds in transit too many times. disorienting!
Lena