Bike Bali Tour

I'm one of these freaks that absolutely loves to workout on holiday. I think it's the fact that there's no time pressures and you feel even more energised afterwards. 

I couldn't believe it when I realised there were no gyms at any of the hotels I am staying at. 

I booked this trip a week after having the operation on my foot so I guess exercise was the last thing on my mind. 

I've been for a jog along the beach which was tough but great to do and I've done three amazing yoga classes. 

I also decided to book a road bike tour. I didn't want a fairy mountain bike tour with a load of oaps. 

The tour was set for 40 miles and climbing 1400 feet. We set off about 7:30am. 

It was the one day I was so thankful for it being overcast. The first five miles were on crazy busy roads!! 

Although they may drive on the left hand side, that's the only rules they follow. 

I was riding with Agus and a support car (I felt so special) and Agus was so good at directing the traffic and pointing out pot holes etc 

Oddly enough I think the road surfaces in Bali are better than at home. Some of the lanes around Upminster are terrible. 

We made it to 10 miles and I started to lag a bit. My handle bars were too low so we flipped them, which helped. 

The next 12 miles were on a gradient. This ranged from 5-10% I struggled so much with the continuous 'hill'. 

It was really odd but the shorter, steep hills I loved. Even Agus said I went up them so well. I felt so good not walking once up a hill. 

The humidity was 65% and it felt like it was increasing. We got to 19 miles and I had to admit I was struggling with the gradient. 

We decided to do another 3-4 miles at the same gradient then go along the rice paddies. 

I loved the rice paddies!! The views were incredible. And I loved the quick up a hill then twists and turns downhill. 

I was all geared up for the full 40 miles but at 34 we stopped and they said that was it. 

I felt so bad as if only I continued a little longer on the up hill then we would've done the 40 miles. 

I know that doesn't sound that far for most riders but considering I've been on the bike once in the past seven months - I was pretty happy. 

It's just made me realise that I really have the bike bug!

I can't wait to get home and cycle more. My only big concern is I find that when I cycle, my muscles are so tight that it restricts my flexibility which won't help with pole and yoga. 

I guess it just means I'll have to do more of all three. 

Rainbow 1 - Becky 0

So I was given a list of things that I wasn't allowed to do this holiday by Daddy and concored by a certain Italian. 

The list included no rent mopeds or quad bikes, no visiting waterfalls or scuba diving. I did want to go diving but I had heard the health and safety is pretty non-existent here. 

I decided instead to go horse riding. Baring in mind that I've ridden for a few years (albeit I've had a year break) and I've also ridden before in Costa Rica, Zambia and Egypt, I thought it would be fine.  

I know the horses abroad are completely different from the school horses in the UK but usually I can control them and the guides are good. Not so much the case in Bali. 

I was taken to the stables and shown a piece of paper with beginners (no experience of riding), intermediate (rode a horse 5-10 times) or advance (ridden for over a year). 

I had been riding for nearly three years so I said advanced. He asked if I was ok with a stallion which I said yes otherwise I thought I'd be stuck on a little pony. 

Because there was only me, they decided I'd just have a 'guide' walk with me. Rockie mistake!

The guy was barely 16 and didn't speak a word of English. 

All started off ok. My stallion, Rainbow, was walking fine. I think the problem starts with his name. I think he had a complex with being a stallion called Rainbow. 

From walking, we very promptly went to cantering the whole way to the beach. Luckily he knew where he was going as I didn't have a clue. 

I have cantered before but never as fast or for as long. I literally had no hope of stopping him so I just went with it. 

If you've cantered before, you know how liberating it feels. You're riding on the back of this beautiful animal and it feels like you're doing the speed of a rocket. 

We made it to the beach, in one piece. My stirrups were around my ankles. It was lucky I didn't fall then as I definitely would've broken my ankles. 

Some locals were watching to see if I was ok and after 5-10 minutes later, the young boy appeared rather breathless. 

We rode in the sea for a while. It was lovely but Rainbow kept getting spooked by the reeds and rubbish in the sea. I felt really bad. 

After we finished in the sea, it was time to go again. Rainbow was being so stubborn. He didn't want to move forward and kept going backwards, I knew trouble was brewing. 

After walking for a bit, the guide asked me to run (canter) and I tried a few times but he was having none of it. 

He then got a stick for me to use as a crop, that was the final straw. Although I threw the strick away, Rainbow already saw it and started cantering. 

We did a couple of strides then my strirrip broke. I lost my balance and fell off. 

Thank god I was wearing a helmet as I hit my head and arm

on a rock. My other ankle also got caught in the other stirrup so that hurt badly.  

The guide asked if I wanted some water and rode Rainbow back to get some. He clearly didn't realise how hurt I was as when he came back I refused to get back on that mad horse. 

Luckily a motorbike (sorry Daddy) came and took me back. 

Although it wasn't particularly fun to fall, in a way it's good to get it out of the way. 

I was only saying to myself that morning that I've never fallen before. At least now it's over and done with. 

I've been in big trouble for doing 'stupid things' whilst on holiday but I hardly went out with the intention of falling. 

Let's hope tomorrow's 65km bike ride is less eventful. 

It's the little moments in life

I know many people don't understand why I love to travel so much. Many think it's too dangerous for me to travel alone. Some are perhaps a little jealous of all the travelling I do and others quite frankly, are simply not interesting in exploring new places. 

I have been incredibly lucky with my travels. There haven't been too many hairy stories. Perhaps the worst was our bus driver hitting a motorcyclist in Vietnam or when I was convinced the plane was going to crash when we coming into landing. 

Other than a handful of interesting experiences, mostly I've been blessed with good ones. 

For me, it's not always about the big things when I travel. Yes I've done some incredible things like skydive, seen the Big Five and played with a sea lion in The Galapogas islands but today I've had a couple of those little moments that mean so much. 

Today I was face timing a certainly Italian and I was walking along the beach. This was perfect! Ok perfect would've been Marco with me but after a pretty rough year so far, it was such a nice moment. 

The next nice little moment was during my yoga class. I did a fantastic class in a open air studio over looking the beach. 

When you're relaxing in a position, seeing the sunset and hearing the waves lapping on the beach and the wind in the palm trees is pure heaven. 

I know that won't appeal to so many people but we all lead such hectic lifestyles that sometimes you simply need to stand still and take note. 

I understand you shouldn't have to travel to the other side of the world to appreciate all the goodness you have but sometimes walking away puts things into perceptive. 

In the yoga studio it had a great sign that said 'Love the life you live, and live the life you love'. I'm finally fully starting to do that. 

Namaste. 

Torture massage

Well that was an interesting experience. I decided after feeling slightly delicate today, that I'd treat myself to a massage. 

There are lots of people advertising their massage services as you walk along the main street but you never really know how good they'll be. 

A very happy animated man asked whether I'd be interested in a massage. After haggling the price from RM100 to RM80, that's about £14, I agreed to go to the spa. 

It was a very nice clean area with beds on the floor and traditionally massage beds. 

He was explaining what to do so I got ready and much to my surprise he came back into the room for my massage. 

I've had massages by male therapist before but he did not initially strike me as a professional therapist. 

Either way my gay dar was working pretty well and I'm 99% convinced he bats for the other team. 

The massage was one of the oddest ones I've ever had. I'm sure he was a professional but I swear they just make up what to do next. 

He was desperate to crack my back but I think he's hands cracked more that anything I've heard before. 

He's technics were rather interesting. These ranged from punching, slapping and the best (worst!) was pinching the fat on my back!

The funniest moment was when this little Buddha man straddles my back (I know this is 'normal' in Asia as it was the same in Vietnam and Cambodia) and starts to pull my arms to arch my back. 

I don't think he was expecting me to have so much flexibility in my back and he nearly fell off the bed. I have no idea how I managed to keep my laughter in. 

After a full hour of punches, slaps and pinching (and I paid for the pleasure!!) my 'relaxing' massage was finished. 

Oddly enough it was actually pretty good. I did feel quite relaxed and I have no tension in my shoulders anymore. 

It was once again one of the interesting travel experiences. But it just goes to show, you get what you pay for. 

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. 

Next stop Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore

It's that time of year again when I can take advantage of the Easter holiday and use only five days annual leave to travel for 12 nights - exciting!!

I have to admit, I didn't compare whether the ticket prices were more expensive over Easter (I assume they are) but I got a great deal for three nights in Kuala Lumpur, five nights in Bali and two nights in Singapore.

I do have two overnight flights with Malaysian airlines (fingers crossed the plane doesn't go missing in my sleep!) but other than that, it's all good.

As I just typed Malaysian airlines, I have a horrible feeling that was whom I flew to Vietnam with and if it is, it was horrific!! There were technical issues on the plane so we were delayed on the runway of Heathrow for over an hour. Then we were diverted to another airport in Vietnam because the pilot couldn't land due to bad weather. It was a complete mess from start to finish.

Here's to hoping the flight will be uneventful. It's incredible sad what has happened in Brussels today. I imagine there will be heightened security at the airports. I'm travelling alone (again!) but being a white female (yes I said it) I don't tend to have any issues.

I spoke to a lovely Hindu lady at work who is supposed to be travelling to Brussels this weekend. She explained how she really isn't sure whether she and her boyfriend should go or not. She was explaining that people will racially abuse them - it's complete madness!!

 I'm actually really looking forward to travelling alone this trip. Because I'm so used to travelling alone, I feel like a pro. Before I would always worry about not having someone to speak to so I would use the likes of Tinder to meet up with people for a drink (nothing more intended!), but I obviously won't be using it this time because I'm all loved up!

I'm actually looking forward to having some 'Me' time. I think it's so important to be comfortable with your own company. I've packed a good book and I've also got my study material as I'm learning Italian.

Travelling alone gives you the opportunity to do whatever you like. You choose what time to wake up, where to go exploring, where to eat - it's bliss. And although I love doing this, I have a feeling this may be one of the last trips that I travel alone on.

Marco and I are visiting where his family live and where he lived for 20 years in July and August. I am beyond excited for those trips (in fact I'm more excited about Italy than I am this trip). I know Italy will be a completely different experience than my usual travels.

I think that's why I want to savour each moment of my forthcoming trip. I'll miss a certain someone a lot but all my hotels have wifi so I'm sure we'll still be in contact lots.

I know travel is expensive but I can not encourage it enough. It is completely different going to a resort in Spain or the Caribbean for a week or two than it is to go to a place, be it a city, countryside or beach and simply exploring what is there.

Of course the whole purpose of a holiday is to relax and unwind so you don't want to be waking up at the crack of dawn every morning but it truly is amazing to sometimes just wake up and see the World.

TIA baby

This is Africa! Whenever I travel,  there's always a little phrase that gets branded around.

Costa Rica was "Pura Vida", Vietnam was "Same same but different and Belize was  "YOLO" You only live once.

Africa is absolutely TIA "This is Africa". This is all encompassing as Daddy would say "The good, the bad and the ugly".

I know I say this about every trip but this has been such an incredible experience. I truly am so blessed to travel to these amazing countries and witness all it has to offer, and also sadly see what is lacking.

I honestly don't take for granted the experiences that I have. It does make me sad that not everyone is as luckily as I am to see these things.

I've barely had any wifi so I haven't been able to do my blog this trip. Also I haven't done The Ducky Diaries- sorry. But it's actually been really nice being 'off the grid' so to speak.

The people in my tour group are amazing! I'm not just saying that (in case some read this) but they really are all so great. I really feel like I've made some good friends on this trip. And hopefully we'll have some more travel adventures together. Madagascar anyone?

I've seen the 'Big Five'. I first saw the rhino on our first game drive. That was am experience! We were watching a dominate male white rhino from about 10-15 meters away. He started making some noises to say he was getting agitated with us so we went to drive off and out land rover had a flat tyre- TIA.

Next I saw the elephants from quite far away initially when we went for a bush walk in the Deltas. But then we saw them just by the side of the road in our truck (it's not a bus, you know!).

We saw lots of buffalos along the river when we were on the Chobe river cruise. Some had white birds on their backs.

On another game drive we were lucky to see a Leppard hiding in the bushes. Our guide, Patrick, spotted him. Sadly he then radioed everyone and our quiet moment was spoilt with loads of other trucks around.

Finally we saw female lions playing. They were pretty shy but it was great to see them.

In the Deltas, our guide asked us to wade through Croc and snake infested waters... Ok I don't exactly know if there were crocs and snakes in there but I was still so scared.

Graeme kindly offered to give me a piggy back ride but I thought I'd be too heavy. Biggest regret saying no!

We did manage to get closer to the hippos. They were huge and just chilling in the water. I did expect it to jump up at us but luckily they kept a safe distance.

I loved seeing the Zebras. They are such incredible animals. They run just like horses.

The giraffes were really funny to watch run. They really are 'gangalies' as Mum calls them.

I was really lucky to see a bush baby in the bushes at dusk. It looked so adorable with its big eyes and tail longer than its body.

Sadly I think I saw one when I was returning from the bathroom in the dark, I freaked out and screamed. I felt so silly as everyone in the bar heard me.

After being incredibly ill in Livingstone  (we've all sadly had some bug) I somehow managed to go horse riding with Graeme.

We were accompanied by the very own African Kardashians. I have never seen "waist so little but the ass is like woo" (So annoyed I can't remember the name of the song).

We luckily split into two groups as they have never been horse riding before. I really enjoyed the difficult terrain but we really wanted to cantor.

I've been to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The countries are all so different.

I know I'm incredibly ignorant but I didn't realise it was 80% blacks to 20% whites in South Africa.

Unemployment is a huge issue in all the countries. It's incredible but in Zimbabwe 91% of the population are literate yet unemployment is 95%. That is insane!

The political systems all seem full of corruption and there is sometimes a Robin Hood mentality.

Sadly food aid has been removed from Zimbabwe due to Mugabe.

We visited a remote village in Zimbabwe and there were lots of children so I gave them my biscuits. They seemed so happy.

I also bought a beautiful wooden sculpture from a vendor. Usually I'd barter but I figured they need the money.

However, I was so surprises when he asked me to be his Facebook friends. How can they be worried about not having enough food yet they have mobile phones with Internet?

I really feel like I want to help the people here but I just can't figure out what would be the best way.

Throwing money at problems don't help. I'm not religious but I do agree "give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach him to fish and he'll feed himself for a life time".

When I came back from Dubai,  I was raving about it so much but that was so superficial. Yes the cocktails were amazing and the buildings luxurious but I actually think that's not me.

Yes I love my handbags and nice things but I have loved so much being in nature and seeing so much beauty.

I've met some incredibly genuine people that I feel so connected to. Our tour leader said something in out welcome meeting about us all being equal and it's true.

It doesn't matter what job someone does or how much money someone has, it's whether they are a good person or not. And I've been blessed to spend nearly two weeks with some very good people.

Doing things like this makes me realise how much I've changed as a person. I really did love Dean but I really wasn't a good person.

No one is perfect but I realise now how precious life is and we only get one shot at it. My saying would be 'do as much as you can of what makes you happy and ditch the negativity'. Definitely "Live, Laugh, Love". Not my saying (no copy writes sueing please) but live by it peeps.