The Travel Bugs Back

I’ve always joked about having the ‘Travel Bug’ but I seriously do.

I am so spoilt but I miss that I haven’t travelled as much this year. Granted, I’ve travelled a lot more than some people, and of course I’m so grateful, but it’s never enough.

I started the year off celebrating in Abu Dhabi. Then in April I had my great trip to Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore. I really enjoyed that trip. I desperately needed some time to myself and it was perfect! I didn’t feel lonely at all. I spoke to the staff and a few other people enjoying their holidays but that was enough. 

Enjoying KL Tower. 

Sometimes when I’ve travelled alone before, I’ve felt pretty lonely. I think it really depends how I feel in myself (if that makes sense). I’m finally in a very secure, loving relationship and so I felt comfortable being on my own for a bit as I knew I’d be returning to Marco.

Whilst walking to work this morning, a song came on that reminded me so much of Las Vegas. I was literally walking through a chilly London and then I was instantly taken back to the pool club next to my hotel in Las Vegas, laying on a day bed whilst sipping strawberry daiquiris and chatting to the hostess, Samantha, about what it’s like living and working in Las Vegas.

Rather tipsy after six of these. 

It’s amazing how our senses can remind us of a specific moment in time. I have so many things that make me think of my travels. Seeing the stars in a pitch black sky, reminds me of midnight skinny dipping in the sea in Caye Caulker, Belize. The smell of the petrol, reminds me of the huge boats in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The taste of Prosecco, reminds me of fishing in Italy and catching so many trout.

Exploring Halong Bay on the kayaks. 

We caught lots of trout. I said sorry to every one of them. 

I am loving visiting Italy and exploring where Marco grew up. Our first trip was wonderful. I have never felt so relaxed and at peace on holiday before. Although we were always doing something, whether it was visiting Marco’s family or going for a bike ride, I still felt so rested. It was probably the regular two hour naps in the afternoon which helped!

Beautiful Vicenza city after the proposal. 

I am really looking forward to visiting Venice. From the pictures, it looks so stunning. I adore the architecture of the buildings and I can’t wait for my Daddy to visit as I know he’ll love it all too. I would love to go on a gondola ride, I know it’s a little cheesy but it’s a tradition in Venice so I’d like to experience it.

I usually snap away on my iphone but I’ve decided to take my good camera with us as I want to ensure I get some beautiful shots to share with everyone.

There are so many places in Italy I’m looking forward to visiting. Being with a native helps so much too! But although I’m looking forward to exploring Italy, there are still lots of other places I’d like to visit.

I’m desperate to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. I would love to do a sailing tour around Croatia. I’d love to explore Australia. I’m desperate to go back to Africa and see more wonderful wildlife. And I truly hope I get to go snorkelling in beautiful Maldives.

Marco doesn’t quite understand my passion for travel. I can understand where he is coming from as he spends his holidays going back home to visit family. It must be difficult balancing things.

We’re looking to go on a cruise to the Caribbean next year. That should be a lovely experience as I haven’t been on a cruise before (the sailing boat in The Galapagos Islands doesn’t count!). I love the sandy shores of the Caribbean. The snorkelling will be amazing. And even better, I get to experience all of this with amore mio.

Sailing The Galapagos Islands. 

For now I’ll be dreaming of these new adventures. Oh and looking forward to Italy in 5 days’ time!!

Ciao.

KL: It's not wrong, it's not right, it just is.

It's not wrong, it's not right, it just is. 

Those wise words were recently shared with me and I couldn't agree with them more at the moment. 

Today's my first day exploring Kuala Lumpur. Last night I went for a walk after checking into my hotel and it was an eye opener. 

I have this attitude when I'm travelling that is a mix of confidence and slightly invisible but I didn't feel that last night. 

It wasn't that I felt unsafe, as such, but I think I was far more aware of my surroundings. 

I've been thinking about it and perhaps I am more aware now. I hate to admit it but before I had a bit of a mindset of 'shit happens'. 

What I mean by this is, if bad things happened then there was nothing I could do about. I'm sure a shrink would have a field day on that comment. 

KL is like most Asia cities. It's very busy, noisy and bustling. There are lots of different people along the streets from tourist, locals and sadly some bad people. 

A local who I know in KL, told me to be very careful when walking around as there have been many bag snatching. 

I was very switched on and I have an over shoulder back which is permanently zipped up. 

Before I would sometimes walk along the streets with my headphones in but I haven't done that either. Perhaps it an age thing that I'm more alert. 

One thing I did notice a lot last night were the prostitutes. I know they exist everywhere but they are very open here. 

I looked (yes slightly judgementally) at one lady who was slightly large in her tiny shorts and crop top and say a guy give her 'the look'. 

Now for me, 'the look' is one where you catch the eye of someone attractive and you both give a forthcoming look to one another. 

Well that's how it would be in the innocent world of dating but you'd think it's pretty different in the sex world. 

Enough about the ladies here. I love also seeing things that perhaps in the UK we'd never dream of doing but in other countries, it's perfectly normal. 

An example of this is the father with his two young children (both no older than 8) on a motorbike with him. And the most bizarre thing was he was wearing a helmet but his children were not. Maybe they don't make them that small!!

Can you imagine the Daily Mail headline at home of that incident. But here, it's simply the norm. A families way of getting from point A to point B. 

So far people have been very friendly which I find most Asia countries, the people are very nice. 

Lots of people trying to make a living so many taxi drivers touting and people in the markets asking to 'lookie lookie'. 

I know I'm so incredibly lucky with my travels. I wish other people, namely my family, could see how things are in different parts of the world. 

I understand it is dangerous at times but it's dangerous everywhere. Some of the 'normal' places I've been to like Paris and Bussell have certainly been pretty dangerous of late. 

If they can't be here with me, I just hope they enjoy hearing about these places.