The amazing Galapagos Islands.

Wowie seems the most appropriate word to describe the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

Our flight from Quito in Ecuador was effortless. A 45 minute flight then a quick stop followed by a further 90 minutes. I think having the window exit seat helped with enjoying the flight.

Our boat is called G4 and its pretty nice. Lots of space to either sit in the sun or chill inside. I'm sharing a cabin with a nice girl from Australia. And luckily there's no bunk beds so I didn't have to fight her for the bottom bunk.

The weather is a bit cooler than Central America. I was lucky with how hot it was in Belize so it is a bit of a change.

The sea however is absolutely freezing! Thankfully they have wetsuits for hire and this helped, especially when you pee it in...

Our first snorkelling trip was incredible! Sea lions were swimming around and once we'd been in the water for a while, a cub decided it was play time.

He would go to the bottom on the floor, make a squeaking sounds, rub his nose on the floor then swim back up to the surface.

The little cub came literally an inch from my face. It was amazing but I was a little nervous so gave a little squeal myself.

We also saw so many turtles, sting rays and lots of different fish. I loved swimming with the turtles. It's something I've always wanted to do and now I have.

I have three weeks left of my travelling now. I keep getting mixed feelings. Part of me can not wait to be home. I miss my family, friends, boyfriend and most importantly doggy so much. But then I am having such an amazing time meeting new people, being completely relaxed and trying new amazing things that I don't want it to end.

I honestly can't see this being my last travel experience. I know I can't go for that long again but I can see me doing a few weeks here and there. I just hope I'll have company next time...

I'm lovin' it!

I can truly see why people don't return from travelling. I've been travelling for four and a half weeks and it's been so amazing.

You get to meet so many new people. The locals have been super friendly. You find yourself saying hello or just chatting to people because they are interested in where you come from or whether your having a good time.

Belize is super friendly. It really helps that people speak English so it has been easy communicating.

The hotel Midas in San Ignacio was really nice. It's been very hot in Belize so the pool has been wonderful.

I had a whole day free to myself as everyone went caving. The pictures looked amazing but the thought of being underground really freaked me out.

We went out Saturday night and then came back to swim in the pool. It was really refreshing and good fun sipping my sex in a cave cocktail in the pool with lots of disco lights around.

As excepted Monday started off difficult. I got up a bit before my alarm and went down for breakfast. A couple of people were there so I sat with them.

As suspected Facebook blew up with comments regarding Dean. At first it was ok to read, it was nice seeing people were thinking of him. I really appreciated the delicate comments.

The thing that got me really upset was seeing the picture of Dean's plaque. I'm glad did it as it was nice to see people care.

After breakfast, I skyped Dad and as soon as I saw him, I started to cry. It's difficult keeping everything bottled up. I felt bad as I know it must have been hard for Dad to not be able comfort me, but he did try his hardest.

After our call, I did feel a bit better. It felt like I had released something inside me.

We travelled to Caye Caulker on Monday. When we arrived, it felt like I'd arrived in paradise. The island is so beautiful.

The boat journey over was a little scary. It was going really fast and slamming onto the sea. I was sat next to James who is in the Navy so I kept asking if it was ok, he must have been so annoyed with me in the end.

In the afternoon, we went next to a bar called The Lazy Lizard and went swimming. The water was crystal clear blue. It was deep enough to dive which was great.

I enjoyed a strawberry dac. It was super refreshing and yummy. A random local was chatting to us and said he really liked my tattoo on my tummy and proceeded to grab my tummy. It was lucky I didn't punch him out of reflex (I wouldn't have throw my cocktail at him, that would have just been wasteful).

We went for a BBQ by the sea that evening with some yummy rum punch. We went out to the islands nightclubs, they were good fun and they had poles!! I was so excited.

After the bars, we decided to go swimming. It was so nice a big group of us going swimming under the moon light. Although we were all being bitten by some things in the seaweed.

The next day we had the best experience ever. We went snorkelling to three different areas. The first stop was a beautiful coral reef area. Our Captain Kevin explained that if we so much as touch the coral, it will die.

I was really worried about my flippers touching it. I think I was so and I managed to dive down a little and see it better.

I did feel a little sea sick on the boat. It is ashame but I didn't allow it to ruin my day.

The next stop was my favourite. It was called Sharks Alley. As soon as we anchored up, the crew were throwing food in the water, and about 10 nurse sharks and sting rays came over.

The nurse sharks were still pretty big but the most amazing creatures ever! Kevin held one and I stroked it. He also did the same with a sting ray. I was worried about the bar but these rays didn't have any.

The final stop was the national park. The sea was far more choppier here as there was a break in the ocean.

We had to stay within groups as the park is protected. As soon as we were in the water, we say a turtle. This is something I've wanted to see in the wild for a long time. They were so graceful.

I also saw a very funny fish (no not the clown fish!) called a slipperydick. I'm so childish but I found this highly amusing.

The next day I was due to go scuba diving but because I was so tired from the snorkelling and the fact that we saw so much, I decided to cancel it.

So we had a nice chillaxing day instead. It was our little girly group if Meera, Catherine, Bryoney, Leanna and me. We saw, drank cocktails and had Chinese for lunch.

We had the best intentions to watch the sunset. We were waiting on the jetty but the sun had gone behind the clouds.

That evening we all went for our final meal on the Island. It was another BBQ and the food and rum punch was so good. I tried lobster for the first time, it was ok but I'm not crazy on it.

We then headed to I&I Bar for the group pole dancing lesson. I said for the girls to wear shorts. It was great fun playing pole again. I felt like I was showing off a little but I didn't mean to, it's just something I like to do.

I didn't realise so many people were looking. When I had finished a box splits into a Gemini into a Marley finishing with a Superman, there was a round of applause. It was actually quite embarrassing.

We've had to be up early to travel to Mexico today. After what feels like such little sleep, I am pretty tired but Caye Caulker is my favourite place I've visited so far.

I genuinely am considering if I don't get re-elected in 2014, to go and live there for one year. I don't think I'm made fully for island life but a year could be fun. Perhaps I could teach pole dancing lessons.

I leave the group tomorrow. I'll be really sad as everyone has been lovely and I've had such good fun with the girls. But I have the Galapagos Islands to look forward to next.

The new group

We all meet the new tour group on Wednesday. I was a tad apprehensive as the last group was pretty good and I made some lovely friends....

I left the hostel around lunch time and headed to the joining hotel "El Carmen". The hotel was fine and I had my own room which was nice.

Initially I was a little unsure of the group. There's a good mix of ages and nationalities but the more time goes on, the better it is.

There's about six of us girls that have stuck together. I know Meera from the last group. She's great and I said to her yesterday that I want to take a little bit of Meera's laid back attitude home with me. The other girls are mainly from the UK and one Canadian. All lovely!

Our journey from Antigua to Flores was so long. It took 12 hours in a bus. We stopped a few times but travelling makes me sleepy.

When we got to Flores, it was lovely. A very old charming island surrounded by Lake Peten Itza. The girls decided to go for a swim before dinner. It was so lovely and warm.

We all went out for dinner and that was nice. We had to be up at 5:00am to hike the Tikal ruins so it wasn't a late evening.

Getting up so early two days in a row was tough but so worth it to see the ruins of Tikal. We walked for about four hours through the jungle and discovered the history to the ruins and why they were built a certain way. Turns out the Mayans loved to slaughter people. It seemed like every story ended in someone being beheaded and their blood mixed with the insects of a local tree to burn in the palace.

After the ruins we headed to a restaurant for lunch. It was nestled in another lake and the only word to describe it is 'Wow'. It just looked so amazing and again we had the opportunity to swim in it.

The water was so clear and warm. I jumped in and touched the weedy bottom, it freaked me out but it was fun. I then freaked because something touched my leg, it turned out to be my hand. Go figure... This amused people in the group no end.

I spent the afternoon just chilling and chatting to Stuart. I've missed him but we've been able to communicate quick frequently.

It's been an odd few days. I do keep thinking about Monday and frankly I'm dreading it. I do miss Dean as a person and he didn't deserve to die but as awful as it sounds, I am in such a better place now. I'm happy with the person I am, I'm more confident, carefree and honestly happy.

I'm sure whatever Monday throws at me, I'll deal with it. I feel a tad foolish thinking if I run away from it, it won't happen but of course it does. I wish I had my family around me but I don't so I'll just have to deal with it.

We're leaving Guatemala today and heading to Belize. I'm looking forward to exploring Belize. I'll probably do some swimming and maybe horse riding again. I am seriously considering loaning a horse when I get home.

I'm currently eating breakfast alone (ok well Ducky doesn't count!) and it's quite nice. I'm far more comfortable with my own company now. Although I shouldn't get used to it as I'll have a new roomie when I get back from travelling...

Is romance dead...?

I've heard people ask this question before, "Is romance really dead?". Honestly, I don't think so.

Walking around Central Park in Antigua, Guatemala at dust was wonderfully romantic, it's just ashame Stuart isn't here to share it with me.

The park was full of couples kissing and cuddling on benches. All different ages and the lights from the fountain and nearby building made it even more romantic.

Antigua is a beautiful Colonial city. The streets are all cobbled and the low rise buildings are pastel colours.

I've enjoyed today walking around the ruins in the city and just taking in all the beautiful arts and crafts in the shops.

Things are very inexpensive here compared to Costa Rica. I've just bought a lovely necklace for Q35 (about £2.80). I bartered down from Q75.

The main sitting next to me was very impressed. I'm still getting used to having conversations with people without them trying to sell me something. Some people genuinely just want to talk to someone new and I like this.

Tomorrow I am going to hike the local volcano. It's an early 6:00am start but it should be worth it. Then I think I'll try to find the local market in the afternoon.

I'm missing my friends and family a lot but with the wonders of modern technology (and free wifi) I'm in contact with them frequently.

Adrenaline junkie

I feel like an adrenaline junkie. I've always enjoyed the rides at theme parks and things like that but then I've also always been a little reserved and nervous. But this travelling has allowed me to really push myself.

I went white water rafting on a grade 3-4 river on Monday. I was so nervous when we were given the safety briefing but as soon as we were on the river, I couldn't stop screaming and giggling.

It was such a cool experience. I was in the middle and the paddling was fine. I thought I'd get tired but there's lots of times you stop paddling.

We stopped at one place where people were jumping from the top. It looked pretty high but I was more scared as they were jumping so close to the rocks.

We had some lovely fruit and I was walking around on the rocks. I thought I walked on a rock but it turned out to be a cow pat! Now I'm all up for new experiences but I could've done without the new experience of hot cow poop on my shoes thanks!

Back in the river we kept getting stuck. It was fun sometimes as we'd have to jump up and down to try and free us, also sometimes other boats crashed into us.

When we stopped again, another guide ask me if I was enjoying the water, as I was hyped up I was saying 'Yes it's great' and next minute I know, his pulled me into the river. It was funny and very refreshing but very cheeky...

Caroline went to rescue me but she wasn't in the right position so I shouted at her to get into the right position, only I could bark orders on how to be rescued, they whole boat found this amusing.

The next day we went in search of the La Fortuna waterfall. We were walking but didn't realise it closed early ( I know how can a waterfall close but it does!) so we found a swimming hole instead.

There were some Ticos (locals) jumping from the rope. It looked great fun but I couldn't see how feel it was. I asked a local and he dived head first in. I was the first one in our group to get into the water. I didn't use the rope to start with but just jumped from the rock, it was still high!

The Ticos were really friendly helping us with the rope and even helping us climb back up. I think that's something I've really appreciated, people genuinely want to talk or help you without getting anything out of it.

We then left the Arenal/La Fortunate area and headed to Monteverde. This is where the cloud forest is.

The evening we arrived we went for a typical dinner. Rice, beans, plantain, and lots of meat. It was delusions and washed down with Gravio. A very strong shot drink.

After dinner, we were shown the typical Costa Rican dance, Eltorito. It translates to 'Little Bull'.

We had the opportunity to dance it and I danced with Stephen. He is a crazy German teacher. Such a cool guy.

The girl wears a huge skirt and you hold it up (Like the Can Can skirts but not at the front, to the side) and you twirl around and to the side. Then you use the flag to make the bull run to you. It was good fun and it was sweet when some of the group said how graceful I was. I'm sure they wasn't watching me..!

We had an action packed day on Wednesday. First off was the morning hike in the cloud forest. I have to admit, it was my least favourite activity. It seemed like all we saw was trees and a few flowers, I prefer seeing the animals.

Next up was the hanging bridges. I really enjoyed them as you saw the forest from the top of the canopy. We saw a green viper snake straight away. The guide asked if we had any questions and I explained the only question he'll get from me is 'Is it poisonous?'.

Next we saw lots of amazing humming birds. They are such gesticulating colours. In the morning hike, two flew so close to me, the guide said it was my pink jacket they were attracted to.

We also saw a family of owls. I thought this was a axing considering it was during the day.

The highlight of the hanging bridges was climbing inside the strangled tree. Vines grow around a tree until it dies from lack of sunlight then the tree is hollow. It was difficult to climb but I realised everyone else was using there bum to support themselves but I just climbed with my hands, damn I should have been smarter.

Next up was the zip lines. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was super nervous when we did the first line but after a few I got the hang of it and really enjoyed it.

There was a superman zip line where you lay on your front and it feels like your flying through the sky. The views were incredible as you are so high, it was totally amazing!

Next up was the Tarzan swing. I really wanted to say I'd done it. It was a 295foot swing. I went to the end of the platform but I just couldn't do it. I felt bad as loads of people were cheering for me to do it but I was too scared!

And finally (for now) was my awesome surfing lesson. I kicked arse at surfing in Quepos.

It's the first time I've ever surfed and the instructor said how I was the best one in the group.

I could some great waves and Jinah took a great video of me. I'm really proud how well I got on.

I'm really enjoying trying so many new crazy things but I think I've done so much in Costa Rica that the other countries I visit, I probably won't do as much.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing as it may give me more opportunity to truly embrace the culture and scenery.

The rainforest experience

The rainforest experience.

We travelled early Thursday morning to a remote lodge in Sarapiqui rainforest. The lodge is gorgeous situated on a lovely river.

The journey to the lodge was very difficult. It included a two hour boat ride, in the torrential rain. Then a two hour bus ride followed by an hour and half ride on a tractor.

For some reason I was feeling quite down. I'm not sure whether it was the idea of not having access to the Internet and not being in contact with my friends and family, or I was slightly hung over from the night before.

But I just couldn't switch my mind off on the journey. I was very close to crying at one point. But thankfully I just concentrated on how beautiful the scenery was.

When we got to the lodge I was so tired I went straight up to my room and slept. I was woken up for dinner.

After dinner we went on a night hike. It started at 8:00pm and it was supposed to be for two hours. I was a little nervous as the thing we'd see on the night hike are tarantula's, snakes and poison dart frogs.

I ended up at the back, I didn't like this but I had a head lamp on so saw where I was going quite well.

The first thing we saw was a tarantula. It was on the tree and I was literally a foot away from it. I was so proud being so close.

Thankfully we didn't see any snakes but we did see a few poison dart frogs. They are tiny but as the name suggests, they are poisonous. They can't kill you but can make you very ill.

When it was time to head back, I was at the front with the guide. This was really good as he kept pointing things out but every time he did my question was 'Is it poisonous?'

It was good as we were powering through the hike and when we turned around, no one was there. Clearly we were walking to fast, he said I was very healthy for keeping up. I think it was because I was using walking poles and everyone else just had a stick.

I decided to join the morning hike in search of birds. I had to get up at 5:15am. It was super early but a great way to start the day.

We saw some amazing birds like toucans, parrots and turkey vulture's. The hike was quite hard and even though it was so early, it was incredibly hot!

We enjoyed a good breakfast when we got back, I'm conscience of eating so much so I've tried to stay away from the carbs. I had some lovely pineapple, papaya, eggs and a sausage (or something similar).

After breakfast we chilled out a little then went on another hike (yes my third hike) to swim in the river. It was crystal clear and so refreshing.

I was one of the first ones in. The current was quite strong but it was really good. The guide put a rope up so we could climb on the rocks and jump off. Again I was one of the first, I did chicken out and go slightly lower than the others did.

After lunch I went horse riding. There were six from the group and two guides. The horses bridal was very different from back home. The rains were literally a rope around their nose. There's no mouth bit.

I ended up holding the rope in my right hand and held the front of the seat with my left hand.

The horses were very forward going. I can't remember my horses name but I know she was a girl.

She cantered so easily. It was such an incredible feeling. I felt so free roaming a rainforest in Costa Rica. It's the fastest I've ever been. She loved going fast up hill.

After horse riding we had a little cookery lesson and made Tamale. It's rice, carrot, potato and pork. We'll cook them up and eat them tomorrow.

This afternoon has been cool. We've all just sat around chatting, painting our nails and now drinking wine.

The group of people is really good. We've got a few couple and there sweet but it makes me a little sad as I miss Stuart a lot.

I've made friends with Meera, Amy and Caroline. Meera is a really sweet girl who loves to party, she's 19 and has a cool zest for life. Amy and Caroline are both friends and teachers. Amy has a wicked sense of humour, we've had some funny banter. And Caroline is a really nice girl. We've been chatting and it's really nice to easily chat to knew people.

Tonight's dinner is BBQ and then we'll have a bonfire. I saw the guy chopping the wood and decided I wanted a go so I asked if I could help. It was quite difficult but very empowering.

First time experiences

There seems to be so many new things I am experiencing for the first time thanks to travelling.

The first fantastic experience was in Puerto Viejo
on Sunday. It had been raining constantly since Friday but Meera, Jeana and I decides to go for a swim in the Caribbean sea, in the dark.

It was only about 6:30pm but the sun had already set. We found the best sandy spot and went into the sea. It was actually fairly warm considering it was at night and raining.

When we we're in the sea, it then started lightening. It looked incredible over the horizon. It was one of those magical moments given to us by nature.

Walking back to the hotel was good as well. We saw these huge crabs crossing the road. They had very big claws.

That night I dreamed a crab was trying to pinch my bum. It's silly how my mind works.

The next day we went for a guided hike. Our guide Ricky was a really happy Rasta man. Along with the group came a lovely dog. Ricky called her 'black tongue'. Because, yes you guessed it, she has a black tongue.

We came across this huge spider and I backed away initially. Then Ricky picked it up and put it on his face. It looked amazing. He explained how it wasn't poisonous and how nature needs spiders.

Everyone took turns to hold it whilst I was still backed away. Then I decided fine, I'll hold it too. Ricky helped me but this massive spider was now crawling all over my hands and arm.

I'm so proud I held it. I'm hoping when I get home, I won't be ask scares of spiders anymore.

Along the hike we saw some amazing animals. We heard (before seeing) the howler monkeys. They sounded so dangerous but looked pretty cute in the trees.

Then we went searching for a yellow viper snake. Again, I'm a fan of snakes but we saw one and I got a picture. They are poisonous so I kept my distance.

After our hike we visited The Jaguar Rescue Centre. It is a really well run local rescue centre. It was sad but in a way nice, hearing the story of how the centre was named.

When the couple bought their home, a local knew they were Biologist and one day found a baby jaguar in need of medical attention. The local bought the cub to their home but sadly within a few weeks the cub died as she wasn't strong enough.

After then locals bought injuries animals frequently so they decided to build a rescue centre on their grounds and named the centre after their first animal, The Jaguar Rescue Centre.

In the centre., we were lucky enough to go into a monkey enclosure. There were lots of different monkeys from spider monkeys to howler monkeys.

I first of held a lovely baby monkey. I think it was a spider monkey but she for very excited and decided to bite me. Luckily she didn't draw blood so no need to worry about rabies.

After that two big howler monkeys decides to befriend me. One decided to sit on my shoulders and search my head for nits. Hopefully he either didn't find any or give me some. And the other monkey decided I was going to carry him in my arms.

It was an incredible experience. I love monkeys and it was so nice being so close and receiving their affection.

On Tuesday night, I had another amazing opportunity to watch wildlife. We arrived in Tortuguero and we went to the beach at the national park to watch the sea turtles.

It was incredible to see the giant green back turtle walk (or more waddle) from the ocean and make her way up the beach to find a place to nest.

Once she has found her spot to lay her eggs, she goes into a trance like state. It was brilliant as I was able to stand inches away from her and watch her lay her eggs.

Once she has laid her eggs safely, she then uses her back flippers to fill the hole then pat it over to disguise her nesting spot.

But it's very sad to hear that not many of her babies make it safely to the ocean. They are either eaten my birds, caimans or other predators. Or when they try to dig there way out of the hole, they may suffocate.

Another interesting first experience was going to the local disco. It was great dancing with the locals and funniest thing was the random stray dogs coming into the club and sitting in the middle of the dance floor.

Because it started to rain so heavily on the way back, my dress got completely soaked. But the boat ride across the river at 2am with thunder and lightening is something I won't forget in a hurry.
It seems like travelling is an opportunity to experience so many new and wonderful things. I'm really enjoying it but wish I had someone to share some of these with.