Three words to sum up Dubai so far.

I had three words (ok technically it's five words but you get the picture) to sum Dubai up within 30 minutes of arriving in the country: Luxury, White Cars and Tea Towels.

I'll start with luxury- everything is immaculate! The airport is huge, clean and very artistic. Everyone is well presented and there is no rubbish in sight.

Driving from the airport, there was a bit of traffic but looking out of the window all I saw was white car after another. My little car would fit in nicely here! Going back to luxury, even the taxis are decent brands and clean.

I do have a thing for cars so when I've been walking around and watching the Farraris, Mustangs and Lamboginis cruise (slowly) past, it's been great! The sounds of them is so hot! But sadly the arrogant men (hardly ever women driving these ones, they are in the 4x4s) is not so hot.

That brings me on to tea towels- what's up with that? I was worrying so much about what I can and can't wear, I didn't even consider to research the values of the country and the reasons why they dress the way they do.

I actually thought the men would ignore me or look down at me dressed as a Western but apparently not! They have no issues saying I'm beautiful (apparently) whilst walking along the street. Even if they have women close by, they still look.

I've felt very safe walking around on my own. I went for a jog along the beach in the dark (sorry Dad) and I even felt safe then. Maybe I was safe in the knowledge that my horrendous singing would be a suitable deterrent, if not my sweating perfusley would definitely put anyone off touching me.

I spent most of yesterday on the beach. Although Dubai is man made luxury, the beach is still beautiful. I was playing around in the sea thinking how bloody lucky I am to be in the sea in February! I know I travel lots but I really do appreciate how lucky I am.

I decided to walk around the Marina and look at the gorgeous boats. It's such a nice place and loads of apartments overlooking the marina. I noticed a sign saying 'No dogs around the marina area' I was surprised by this but after speaking to a nice guy later on, I discovered that the locals are pretty scared of dogs.

Whilst in the marina, I decided to take a boat trip up to Atlantis and back. The view from the sea of these incredibly impressive skyscrapers was incredible. I was lucky as a couple of the crew members took pity on me and kept taking lots of pictures for me. They were even getting annoyed when other people were in the shot- opps!

The hotel I'm staying at (JA Ocean View) has an incredible bar on the 25th floor. The views looking out to the ocean were amazing. The music was pretty good too! A nice guy called Sammy decided to come sit with me so we were chatting for a while.

He's friend is the owner of the bar and he was explaining what it's like to live in Dubai. They are originally from Denmark and the culture sounds very different in Denmark, even compared to the UK.

I really can see why there are so many expats here. Everything is luxury and they actually seem to care about each other. Yes it is very strict and you can be arrested for disrespecting their values but actually the ability to feel very safe is a very good benefit of these strict values.

Now when is my company (apparently I'm not allowed to say where I work anymore on social media) going to open an office in Dubai? No doubt when I go to South Africa in April, I'll be saying the same thing.

Dubai... Here I come!

As always I'm off globe trotting, the first overseas destination for 2015 is: Dubai.

After what seems like a mountain of stress from the delay of moving house (due to exchange contracts 16th Dec 14 and still nothing) and also being incredibly busy at work, I thought it was recommended I do what I do best 'run away' before I was placed in one of those lovely jackets that allows you to hug yourself.

Last Monday was a particularly difficult day. I had a horrible nightmare (yep still a DMMcQ related one) and was I working on about four hours sleep so I was toying with the idea of taking a short break to either New York or Dubai. Seeing as the temperature is pretty darn cold in New York, I opted for some winter sun.

I remember looking at potentially going to Dubai with an ex but after researching how strict they were, I thought it was best not to go. You see, one of the 'rules' is to do with non-married not being able to share a hotel room or be romantically involved. I just wasn't quite sure that if I explained that my 'boyfriend' (at the time) was married, albeit not to me, would really work. 

So now that I've decided to head to Dubai on my own, I'm pretty sure I'll be ok! Luckily a dear friend of mine has put me in contact with a female friend out there so I will have some company whilst I'm there.

I remember how much I loved my alone time whilst I was away in September. The ability to wake up whenever I want (of course before breakfast ends though) and explore the places that I want to explore, was brilliant.

Because I only booked this trip just over a week ago, I haven't really has the chance to 'plan' what I'd like to do. In fact, I did put together a word document (Little Miss Organised) with places I'd like to visit, emergency numbers and my flight details which I was also going to send to my Dad (sorry) but I realise I forgot to print it out- oops.

I'm staying at JA Ocean View Hotel near Jumeirah Beach. It looks like a typical Dubai hotel- pretty fancy but sadly not the Burj (perhaps one day!). It's very close by to the beach so I will definitely have the opportunity to sun myself for a bit.

The limited research that I have done has been focused on trying not to get myself arrested. I have the non-boyfriend issue sorted (woo boo for being 'single') but I understand they are very reserved with what clothing is worn.

I had visions of wearing a pair of shorts and vest top to the beach and being carted off in a police car, which my boss has already told me he won't be paying for my bail! So I've opted for reserved maxi dressed and jumpsuits. 

However, I'm getting conflicting information as other people have said how relaxed they are with the clothing. I think so long as you don't walk into a religious place barely your thighs, mid riff or heaven forbid (pun intended) shoulders bare, then I shouldn't be eating prison food. Which is lucky because I bet there's no air con in jail there!

I will keep you posted on my thought of Dubai and whether I even have the opportunity to get any 'white bits' whilst wearing my burkini ;)

All By Myself...

All By Myself...

My honest thoughts of travelling completely alone... I loved every minute of it! Ok that's a tiny lie and there was one moment in the whole trip that I got a little sad.

Last night when I was sitting on the beach enjoying a nice Chang under the moonlight, I thought about Dean. It made me sad that he never got to experience even half of the things I have.

I know that was completely his choice but it's still so sad. Those of you that knew Dean, know that he was very opinionated. I know such a shock! I don't even know whether he would have wanted to visit Thailand as there were so many places he said he wouldn't want to visit.

But just sitting there under the stars made me realise that he set me free. Whether that was his intention or not, I'll never know but in a very messed up way, I thank him for it.

Before I left for my trip, I was a little apprehensive about being on my own for so long but it worked out so well. I knew someone who was in Hong Kong for business so we were able to go to dinner one night and hang out.

Then with the joys of modern technology, I've been in contact with my lovely friends and family. I've always had someone to talk to. The mornings were a little quiet due to the time difference but I always woke up to a few messages.

I was a bit worried that I would have too much time to think about things and analysis but I really haven't. I've had a little think about the house and had a look at new houses to buy. It's an exciting time for me. A few have said its a new beginning and I guess it is.

It feels like my life has completely flipped on its head in the past few years so new beginnings have happened quite a lot but I guess moving house will be a fresh chapter, I know it will be really positive for me.

Being on my own has made me so thankful for the incredible people in my life. My family are brilliant. We all moan about our families but mine have been brilliant and supportive with everything I've done, even if they didn't agree with my decisions at the time.

And my friends are fab! I share may too much with them sometimes but they are so cool. It's nice going home to my lovely house mates and not to an empty house.

Travelling alone allowed me to do whatever I wanted, when I wanted. That sounds selfish but it was great. I woke up when I wanted (usually 20 minutes before breakfast ended) and afternoon naps are the best.

My only slight annoyance sometimes was taking pictures, I am not a selfie stick pro. I think I need more practise. I also felt like the loser sometimes that had to take her own pictures. I did occasionally ask someone to take a picture for me, that I found less embarrassing than using the damn stick.

Am I planning to travel alone again? No. I bloody hope by the time I go way again, it will be with someone else. Whether that's with friends or a hot new guy (I can dream...) that will be great.

But if there isn't anyone to travel with, I will definitely go alone. I would much rather travel alone than not travel at all.

I've had an amazing time and I'm so excited to be starting the next chapter in my life. 

Thoughts on Koh Samui

So my thoughts on Koh Samui can be summed up in one very descriptive word "Tots Amazeballs". I had to get that word in somewhere ;)

From the moment I arrived on the island, I was in love. Even the airport was one of the cutest, tropical airports I've visited and how can you not been impressed with 'free wifi'. 

Chaweng Beach area is very busy. The main 'strip' has a variety of fancy restaurants, street stalls selling food, plenty of shops selling good 'fake' goods and also some shops selling the real brands. Not to mention the array of bars!

Now that was the main strip along the road, the beach is also lined with plenty of bars and restaurants. There were so many romantic tablets set up along the beach for dinner. The first night I wanted to eat on the beach and I opted for the least romantic looking one, plastic chairs and no silk canopy was a winner.

Although each time I sat down and asked for a table for one, the look generally was 'really for one?' I got used to it. It did bug me occasional when they asked 'why?' but the 'I got dumped' line tend to do the trick... I even got a free cocktail once- winner!

I was a big fan of Ark Bar. It was right on the beach and had a great DJ and vibe to it. It was pretty quite to start with but after 11pm, the party really started.

Ark is where I met a new friend, Or. That's actually his name! A cool Officer in the Army from Israel. My ignorance of Israel was very evident, especially when I said he was a trained killer, he didn't take too kindly to that. However, it was really nice meeting new people and leaning more about a coy try I knew very little about.

I learnt it was there New Years holiday in Israel, hence why there are so many people from Israel. I also learnt that military service is compulsory, that even includes the girls. There were a group of younger girls and guys on the able next to us on the first night doing lots of silly dares, the girl started talking to me and Or explained that they were going to try and include me in their game, I think it was to kiss a girl, so he started talking to me in French. I don't think they had realised he was from Israel.

It's been so easy chatting to people and I honestly haven't felt lonely at all, how could you in such a beautiful place?

I didn't explore Samui as much as I could have. I did do a boat trip which included kayaking, hiking and snorkelling. The kayaking was fun and because I was on my own, I got paired with the guide. It was really good as he took lots of pictures for me and knew the best places to go.

We took some very steep steps to the Emerald Lake. It was very beautiful but the stairs were pretty scary, so steep. I was wearing flip flops and just had visions of falling.

When we got to the snorkelling spot, I was pretty disappointed that it was off the beach. I didn't see anything at all! I've been really spoilt with snorkelling before. In St. Vincent in March this year, we saw so much whilst snorkelling from lion fish to honeycomb eels. 

The best part of the boat trip was jumping off the boat. I jumped from the middle, which was still pretty high, and a screamed the whole was down. It was so much fun! I could jump from the top as I would've been so scared!

Something that bothered me a lot whilst out on the boat was seeing five/six military ships on the horizon. I'd spotted one in the port and that was intimidating but actually seeing them lined up with their massive guns were pretty unnerving. 

You can see there has been a hostile situation in Thailand of late but the locals really do just try and get on with it. They are very religious people but they do not through this in your face. They also work incredibly hard and are thankful for tips. 

I loved Samui and I'll definitely return to Thailand at some point but I'd love to explore some more of the mainland and the islands. It's shocking to say I didn't visit one Temple. I would like to learn more about the Thai culture. Hopefully upon my return I'll have a travel companion, one that isn't a rubber Ducky!

30 by 30

So I've decided I want to visit thirty countries by the time I'm thirty. I can't believe I'll be thirty in 21 months- god I'm old!!

Anyway, so I'm actually on country twenty-nine now so I'm pretty sure I'm on target. 

Some of the countries I'd love to visit are Germany, Ireland, Maldives, South Africa... In fact, anywhere in Africa with the amazing wildlife.

I thought it would be nice to share the countries I've already visited, and a little highlight of mine from there. So in no particular order (other than alphabetical);

1. Belgium: Eating yummy mussels in Brussels (standard!)

2. Belize: Best place ever! Snorkelling with nurse sharks, sting rays and turtles. Drinking wine from a carton in the sea. Showing the locals my pole moves. Skinny dipping in the sea under the moonlight with about five girls and one guy (poor James).

3. Brazil: The most amazing birthday lunch at Porcao Rio's restaurant, overlooking Sugarloaf mountain. Going to a nightclub near the cable cart to Sugarloaf until 6am on the day of my flight home. Spending time with my TT.

4. Cambodia: Spending time with the local children and dancing to  'Gangman style' with them. Seeing beautiful Angkor Wat at sunrise and the majestic horse running running around.

5. Canada: Skiing part of the men's Olympic black run. Wandering around Banff town and loving the Spaghetti factory. Doing the tubbing on Sunshine village. 

6. China: Seeing the Hong Kong skyline at night for the first time. Nice glass of wine on the rooftop bar looking out over the city.

7. Costa Rica: Cuddling the gorgeous howler monkeys. Being in the sea at night when it was thunder and lightening (before I was scared of it !?!?). Doing the Superman zip line. Making some incredible friends. Surfing for the first time and loving it!

8. Cuba: Driving a speed boat. Spending time in the gorgeous sea doing aqua aerobics. 

9. Cyprus: Dad being an idiot and embarrassing me at the hotel. Seeing the Tomb of the Kings with my parents.

10. Czech Republic: Exploring the city alone, definitely needed to escape (run away). Seeing the lovely clock tower. Amazing hot stone massage.

11. Dominican Republic: Swimming with the dolphins. Visiting the scenery of where Jarassic Park was filmed. Amazing 18th birthday.

12. Egypt: Fantastic diving in Hugarda. Horse riding in the dessert and along the beach for my 21st birthday. 

13. Ecuador: The sealion playing with me in the sea, swimming to the bottom then coming so close to my face I squealed and it loved the bubbles I made. Seeing all of the amazing landscape in The Galapogas Islands and the beautiful sky.

14. France: Looking out of the bathroom window and seeing the incredible Pyrenees mountains. Enjoying all the great food and wine. The beautiful church near the house.

15. Greece: Relaxing in the amazing heat at the lovely resort. Having fun at the water park. I think I can definitely add to this one in August next year!

16. Guatemala: Sitting in Antigua square watching all the romantic couples go by. Visiting the Tikal ruins. Swimming in the lakes in Flores.

17. Holland: Exploring Amsterdam. The cruise and seeing the seven bridges. Learning more about Ann Frank in the museum. 

18. Italy: Seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Enjoying the gorgeous food and wine whilst looking out over the sea.

19. Malta: Very young holiday romance! Making a fab friend (Jo Jo). Laughing at how bad the hotel was! The women at reception running scared when Dad dropped the cockroach on her desk.

20. Mexico: Swimming with the dolphins and huge fish. The gorgeous snorkelling around the 'Island of Women'. The gorgeous resort of El Dorado Royal and the swim up suite.  

21. Peru: Completing the incredible Inca Trail and managing not to throw Tazar 1, 2 and/or 3 over the edge! Seeing Machupicchu once the mist cleared after sunrise. Looking out over the rough sea in Lima and seeing all the surfers whilst drinking a Pisco Sour.

22. Portugal: Being thrown around the dance floor by the massive pole dancing black guy. Teaching the girls how to play 'Game of Fives'. 

23. Spain: Dad waking himself up by snoring on the beach. Nice holidays with my parents. Taking advantage of the all inclusive alcohol when I was about 14.

24. St. Vincent: Sitting on the sea bed watching the black seahorse whilst scuba diving. Being in the sea watching the local wedding. Seeing the dolphins on the sunset cruise. Playing tennis really badly after talking up my game.

25. Switzerland: Skiing from Switzerland over into France. Enjoying the mulled wine.

26. Thailand: Stroking the tigers. Laying on the big tiger (and it not eating me!). Riding and bathing the elephants. Meeting cool people.

27. Tunisia: Dad saving me from being snatched in the market!! The beautiful Hammamet beach. Spending time with my family. Uncle Terry in his traditional outfit.

28. USA: There are so many cool things I experienced in USA. One was the helicopter ride over the Grand Canon. Also my first crazy night out in Las Vegas and insisting we went to a strip club (we never went boo prudish girls!). Or maybe going on my Uncle Terry's favourite ride in Disney "It's a small world after all...". And of course, the shopping in NYC! Oh and being an 'extra' in Breaking Amish whilst in LA.

29. Vietnam: Exploring beautiful Hoi An. Riding a water buffalo. The motorbike tour through the lovely countryside. 

I've really had some incredible experiences so far and I can not wait for my future travel adventures.

Night Safari, Chiang Mai

Night safari.

Last night I went to the night safari in Chiang Mai. Because I have been having such amazing experiences with the animals attractions here, I thought the night safari would be fun but sadly it wasn't.

The actual concept of the night safari seemed good. There were various shows such as the Lunna Dancers, Water Fountain and Tiger Show.

The dancers were very beautiful but they only did three dances, it would have been nice to see more.

The fountains were good, lovely colours but it was the Tiger Show that made this place awful.

It was like a circus show. Seven large tigers entered the arena with three 'keepers' dressed in spandex pants and silky shirts (that says it all really!).

The tigers were told to sit on a podium each but as they jumped up to sit, most were either falling off the other side or their front paws were on the floor. You could see they were clearly drugged as they were all over the place.

One tiger didn't want to follow the instructions and kept getting down, his 'keeper' kept waving this metal skewer in front of his face and the tiger kept flinching.

Tigers are supposed to be these fearless beasts of nature but these poor tigers were scared and drugged up.

The whole show was a complete joke. You could see how sad they were but the mindless idiots in the audience were clapping and cheering away.

I love animals and although I know they should be in their natural environment, I also know that isn't always possible. Seeing how happy and playful the tigers were in Tiger Kingdom was such a horrendous difference to the Night Safari.

After leaving the tiger show, we were shown to a place whe two tigers were kept in small cages waiting for the tourist to take pictures. The cages were so small and when the keeper went to stroke one, it was acting like a littlempussy cat. Rubbing it's ears and face in the keeper.

The instructions in Tiger Kingdom were not to tough the tigers face or stand in front of them. This is obviously but they are still wild beasts. But sadly these tigers have been domesticated far too much.

The actual tram ride around the safari park was ok. There were a large variety of animals such as bears, elephants, deers and zebras. It was great to feed the zebras as they got so close to me. You're not supposed to feed them by hand as they bite.

It really felt like the animals were there more to put on a performance than be normal animals. When we stopped at the elephants, the driver said to the elephant to wave his trunk at us and when we stopped at the bears, the drivers said stand and a bear stood up.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend people to visit this park. There are some incredible animals there but sadly they have been domesticated too much.

Baanchang Elephant Park

Baanchang Elephant Park.

My time in Chiang Mai is focused on animals. Everyone who knows me, knows how much I care about animals and how I love to interact with them.

The tigers yesterday were amazing so today I learned all about the Asian elephants. Ok, I learnt very little but what I do know is the Baanchang elephant park are incredible, full of people who care a lot for the animals whilst making a living.

After arriving at the park to see maybe 20-30 elephants chained up, I thought what the hell is going on here. But each elephant had someone next to them, always.

We learnt that they need to be chained up, otherwise they may destroy the local villages. The local people work very hard and the elephant park tries to support the local community by buying the bananas and sugar canes from them so it's important the elephants don't ruin the local area.

The elephants go for a morning walk with the keepers, afternoon walks with the tourist and another walking with the keepers in the evening. They also eats lots during the day.

We learnt they can eat around 200kg of food a day and drink over 100litres of water. They also only sleep for around four hours. When they feel safe, they will lay down to sleep.

We also learn that the whole cartoon comic of an elephant being scared of the mouse, is true! They are generally very scared creatures until they learn what it is.

Our guide said that one day a lizard fell on the back of an elephant and she charged into the jungle with eight others following suit (hence the chains).

We fed the elephants some bananas and sugar cane. The females we were able to put the food directly into their mouths but the males we gave it to them on their trucks as they still have their tusks. 

They are greedy big things always wanting more. I tried to walk past a couple to feed the ones at the back and I was robbed of my bananas.

After feeding time we learnt some of the basic commands such as lay down (No long), forward (pbin), turn (qwick) and stop (how). But once your up I. The massive elephant, I forgot them all!

Because I was solo (and reminded several times) I got to ride an elephant all to myself. You ride right up on their necks. The chairs you sometimes see are really not good for their backs.

When we had a little break, my elephant decided it would be fun to dig the dirt and spray it all over her back so when I hopped (or got pushed up by a tiny man) I got very muddy.

I think my favourite part of he day was bathing the elephants. I hadn't realised we were going to do this so when we got into the water with the bucket and brush, it was so much fun.

I had hoped not to get too wet but my keeper had other ideas. I was soaked from the water. And sadly it wasn't just the water, the elephants liked to pee and poop in the water.

So far I've had three showers since we finished, I'm finally feeling clean.

I asked for recommendations as to which park to visit as I understand some of them do not always have the elephants best interests are heart but you could really see the keepers care about the elephants and are also able to earn a living.

The other people on the tour were all pretty lovely. So many of them are travelling around for months, it did make me consider whether I could get away with it again...