tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44203593442136568112024-03-19T11:33:18.822+00:00The Perks of Being LauraLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388626075979730890noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-42181445598076453862024-02-18T21:02:00.000+00:002024-02-18T21:02:48.751+00:00Sri Lanka<p> I finally made it to Sri Lanka in September after years of wanting to go, and it lived up to and exceeded my expectations!! Highly recommend for a holiday and for a minimum of 2 weeks (possibly just move there forever tbh). Although flights were expensive, it was sooo cheap over there (sad bc their economy is bad) that we didn't spend that much overall and did so many amazing things. Per person for 15 days including 24 hours each way in Delhi, flights, accommodation, visas, activities, food etc. and a couple of nicer hotels, I reckon I spent around £1000-£1100. Not too bad when flights were £700 of that. The people were great, I felt very safe and would love to go back!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Dambulla- 2 nights</u></b></p><p><b>Where we stayed</b>: <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-xCDpXk">Sun and Green Eco Lodge - Dambulla</a> </p><p>This was a great place to stay- we loved the pool, the treehouse style rooms were cool and we had a double bed each. The owners were friendly and helpful and helped us to sort activities. They made us delicious food but it took a lot of explanation for them to fully understand what vegan meant. Accidentally ate some egg but hey ho. We had breakfast and dinner there both nights. It was near a couple of fruit and snack stands- we got so many mangoes and they were so delicious. It was out of town, but just a short bus or tuktuk in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28kINy7XNuTRAL-4xX_VH0i_c0fSArlMpyUVdwvEvhr7M2uf-NSvRTZAX_-c63z3mKO-kYllgLV_oFw1U_KWWUJW7mJdhppnXvLzhulVMxijS96-biydYQV7fGc3xla996rRkeHp4i6utsULFVOsDJ5MQruM4YTV5dxbV4tU-uRbXupTD3V9PouYfAzyV/s2979/IMG_8180.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="2979" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28kINy7XNuTRAL-4xX_VH0i_c0fSArlMpyUVdwvEvhr7M2uf-NSvRTZAX_-c63z3mKO-kYllgLV_oFw1U_KWWUJW7mJdhppnXvLzhulVMxijS96-biydYQV7fGc3xla996rRkeHp4i6utsULFVOsDJ5MQruM4YTV5dxbV4tU-uRbXupTD3V9PouYfAzyV/w200-h181/IMG_8180.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBQ934eubdhrN7eyBLe5DeHBBrbHE3RmfMs3eiX0dFaC-ANGJNv07Mryc18z1dOpJWdzlABaZdpdUcisxadm506MdFyef4CId5w39td2eYfi2CFEx3sswmCF2yBp0Ap5pHdyLPZ7VBjPwHhczKEf46Kip9WjR38hYFzDNjWO7zTRWx0mVik2ae2xct450/s3890/IMG_8184.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2918" data-original-width="3890" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBQ934eubdhrN7eyBLe5DeHBBrbHE3RmfMs3eiX0dFaC-ANGJNv07Mryc18z1dOpJWdzlABaZdpdUcisxadm506MdFyef4CId5w39td2eYfi2CFEx3sswmCF2yBp0Ap5pHdyLPZ7VBjPwHhczKEf46Kip9WjR38hYFzDNjWO7zTRWx0mVik2ae2xct450/w320-h240/IMG_8184.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1IpfkzME5nkmqYryGWRErtl5Km3nGCslmcBzGgMOll-6NEdx8Ya-iL49XvRIiMGalFR2uvhLFlBydjJGCjF72-Ay89vbQGnAb3uhtlB-SvFDDu3pHujqCGklc4o9xG_wDd0sg6u_DNGyXaT1DCtEGwGhexN1J0dJbIPqB4fo1SI-uyqRhaR0-X1HN53n/s4032/IMG_8204.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1IpfkzME5nkmqYryGWRErtl5Km3nGCslmcBzGgMOll-6NEdx8Ya-iL49XvRIiMGalFR2uvhLFlBydjJGCjF72-Ay89vbQGnAb3uhtlB-SvFDDu3pHujqCGklc4o9xG_wDd0sg6u_DNGyXaT1DCtEGwGhexN1J0dJbIPqB4fo1SI-uyqRhaR0-X1HN53n/s320/IMG_8204.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDQZceSxOFlA1qRHqnPdnqsBNSIV1IdGRDSS9stxHCC8tei_y0H0tZ6VQcgbWfMVFUAmLPDgYEv_WHDk0k72kUNtoZRisenh2zpWDUkvmAtOVGaj0L_EPGtokPn2nxIM6d2N5FQwf9fm7dkrmLMn36D8mexNQjdYPVDZEBte1lO0EHNOKccOwUWQO1h3J/s4032/IMG_8615.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDQZceSxOFlA1qRHqnPdnqsBNSIV1IdGRDSS9stxHCC8tei_y0H0tZ6VQcgbWfMVFUAmLPDgYEv_WHDk0k72kUNtoZRisenh2zpWDUkvmAtOVGaj0L_EPGtokPn2nxIM6d2N5FQwf9fm7dkrmLMn36D8mexNQjdYPVDZEBte1lO0EHNOKccOwUWQO1h3J/s320/IMG_8615.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbJ71huBbo15Ju_h-LDcFeWvLeERWdvf-b5cBsOZHDDgFy8GNWOpJWlREo7-WOU2UMEGf1eILwrQz8CboP4gU5TEOaRsE-MFzI7pI9RNlz8UVTPbkjeNtV0_9oVU79qSrEYtTxw0XH0p2-SEdit-NX1p1In86R8QCDOgBQiDxidpe5Ki47I4qxkIW6GyI/s3747/IMG_8480.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><strike style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3747" data-original-width="2810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbJ71huBbo15Ju_h-LDcFeWvLeERWdvf-b5cBsOZHDDgFy8GNWOpJWlREo7-WOU2UMEGf1eILwrQz8CboP4gU5TEOaRsE-MFzI7pI9RNlz8UVTPbkjeNtV0_9oVU79qSrEYtTxw0XH0p2-SEdit-NX1p1In86R8QCDOgBQiDxidpe5Ki47I4qxkIW6GyI/s320/IMG_8480.jpeg" width="240" /></strike></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">What we did: </b><span style="text-align: left;">We visited the cave temples here which were cool. No photos allowed inside though and people will shout at you if you don't realise- here's your warning.</span></div><p>The highlight of Dambulla was an incredible jeep safari where we saw elephants! We had hoped to visit Minneriya National Park to see the huge groups of elephants, but our accommodation helped us to organise an elephant safari which was so much better and we saw so many elephants up close with hardly anyone around- it was called Gal Oya Eco Park. It was incredible. Also the jeep was arguably too comfy and I kept falling asleep and having to wake up to see the animals lol. They also stopped to buy us roasted corn at the side of the road which was so delicious my mouth is watering several months on x</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDg2fihu3VpXRaU2EOJBHfE6OaDXDIzF8U2CPvK4fN-XFoL31xxqtnQBCfwXlfs3G6iHTQQBYRf0pKjTYrGXq1LbFnE-_UywUGGrQG_Ce6LQE46XKB41wESKGF_zChCeANxElhDfd0bNjNlYI0dX9xZ_q53xilAHTJAfjJcFzuN0ZCxRndNFcBJNRn34t/s4032/IMG_8823.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDg2fihu3VpXRaU2EOJBHfE6OaDXDIzF8U2CPvK4fN-XFoL31xxqtnQBCfwXlfs3G6iHTQQBYRf0pKjTYrGXq1LbFnE-_UywUGGrQG_Ce6LQE46XKB41wESKGF_zChCeANxElhDfd0bNjNlYI0dX9xZ_q53xilAHTJAfjJcFzuN0ZCxRndNFcBJNRn34t/s320/IMG_8823.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbdDJzAYrAdQ3oW_NmD3YqUMKNxVPL5NqpLbxUMd2xPTK-82wUN9RLbdu1EuUF19-jB_lZtQjgWM0r5hAUxplKlwydaC9AF3binPjbbXnYZUqMQrafQj8aj3Mysw9LijpHWShpVmKf4Ew7lQcy0MiGZYl9Ax_XLAipEP-n0WcOjEf4Wt18rNwySoUSdtD/s3088/IMG_8987.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbdDJzAYrAdQ3oW_NmD3YqUMKNxVPL5NqpLbxUMd2xPTK-82wUN9RLbdu1EuUF19-jB_lZtQjgWM0r5hAUxplKlwydaC9AF3binPjbbXnYZUqMQrafQj8aj3Mysw9LijpHWShpVmKf4Ew7lQcy0MiGZYl9Ax_XLAipEP-n0WcOjEf4Wt18rNwySoUSdtD/w200-h150/IMG_8987.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE06Qhe46_wxMEPqOLIu_trWDqD58FgUNlvkdhJSI7zhVHa_C2pw6xr84xrb5GcYTnpYj73p09nyFR6E4Lnfa1Uxis5-Nc4-ETlW6tcJXY7-C7qfJkO5qtmMGEouh_XyFZPf72u5epH1TK-9mkd2jzRDs0jdQonOG18CHs7jnLBVFz20I5QDgwq_AOzcQd/s2048/4dbb62ec-3954-4c48-bc60-92789f099f94.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE06Qhe46_wxMEPqOLIu_trWDqD58FgUNlvkdhJSI7zhVHa_C2pw6xr84xrb5GcYTnpYj73p09nyFR6E4Lnfa1Uxis5-Nc4-ETlW6tcJXY7-C7qfJkO5qtmMGEouh_XyFZPf72u5epH1TK-9mkd2jzRDs0jdQonOG18CHs7jnLBVFz20I5QDgwq_AOzcQd/s320/4dbb62ec-3954-4c48-bc60-92789f099f94.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJrS_AjdtEy-ei9m5nBeK7yPK6OyfLUS2GmQpdigABHPyvUfpFhOj01Ikx-pT8WjG8kblSUxurQOX6EO8GDQcl6yPHUUKLThpUpfga6CckO9vr4UEF91I6ryJtcXxj4v2MoiUb5UFWdJFsbgFT70AcE_imqDhf7CNZ14brqJGIArdsbLJFB9JyHiLiB9V/s4032/IMG_8880.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJrS_AjdtEy-ei9m5nBeK7yPK6OyfLUS2GmQpdigABHPyvUfpFhOj01Ikx-pT8WjG8kblSUxurQOX6EO8GDQcl6yPHUUKLThpUpfga6CckO9vr4UEF91I6ryJtcXxj4v2MoiUb5UFWdJFsbgFT70AcE_imqDhf7CNZ14brqJGIArdsbLJFB9JyHiLiB9V/s320/IMG_8880.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiDscLMXQHXVWHfcCHb4CXrsreOS0fgmJDTajEL7MH0g9mhphAqvbhyphenhyphenNlHly6nOxxbOdEQFPv-9E-ivkQBZbIFmpNq9KEC-l0dgXBD3SjSn2-1-juPEw-x-ZpUgrG2Xc0UPmUl77_lDDL-rtffGBhYtVB3zXojYucnPPT7Tm9bwnyKHMHZyVW9W65ZhL1/s4032/IMG_8586.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiDscLMXQHXVWHfcCHb4CXrsreOS0fgmJDTajEL7MH0g9mhphAqvbhyphenhyphenNlHly6nOxxbOdEQFPv-9E-ivkQBZbIFmpNq9KEC-l0dgXBD3SjSn2-1-juPEw-x-ZpUgrG2Xc0UPmUl77_lDDL-rtffGBhYtVB3zXojYucnPPT7Tm9bwnyKHMHZyVW9W65ZhL1/w200-h150/IMG_8586.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rwJ31wRZMDxNP4PPOFYpMq9W3PBOIu9lox8yJegm3_WsW03sVgEE-62qIKhI7JsSNO1FS6Vw7A_ppLCGzUz0xSk-PbNHVQ8p3n__xhRVFFnMMsZ0tB3rzcIonZ1uOnenol_ATpqmi0vkahd6JdlCh1TVevqZVgS2jul2Bpl6db7vR2rsTdJ4AFiFpJul/s3660/IMG_8589.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3660" data-original-width="2745" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rwJ31wRZMDxNP4PPOFYpMq9W3PBOIu9lox8yJegm3_WsW03sVgEE-62qIKhI7JsSNO1FS6Vw7A_ppLCGzUz0xSk-PbNHVQ8p3n__xhRVFFnMMsZ0tB3rzcIonZ1uOnenol_ATpqmi0vkahd6JdlCh1TVevqZVgS2jul2Bpl6db7vR2rsTdJ4AFiFpJul/s320/IMG_8589.jpeg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh5sD-02vrd8H4knrp3u-AU2XD344O2LOFIVEqp6EKc6kHgnWMtXBniNu6WeFD9Px50xsPr8lEdLQIEN3uz84M2OCDeg6sBK7oQQvPqgtcGs3dEf3zZAnx6aYhkwYwhMvES3yUwFCy32HseOatdRZbBLvf-vuZZ4MudqFG8AQs3U202FY6EmkfA4OSsu9/s4032/IMG_8243.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh5sD-02vrd8H4knrp3u-AU2XD344O2LOFIVEqp6EKc6kHgnWMtXBniNu6WeFD9Px50xsPr8lEdLQIEN3uz84M2OCDeg6sBK7oQQvPqgtcGs3dEf3zZAnx6aYhkwYwhMvES3yUwFCy32HseOatdRZbBLvf-vuZZ4MudqFG8AQs3U202FY6EmkfA4OSsu9/s320/IMG_8243.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We also went to visit Pidurangala rock. It was a very short hike (literally 20 minutes) but had very pretty views! We met a British family up there who were great and gave us loads of recommendations.</span></div></div><p><b>How we got there: </b>We ended up taking a PickMe (taxi) from the airport all the way to Dambulla.</p><p>This wasn't our original plan- we were going to take the bus number 34 from Negombo to Kurunegala, then a local bus going to Kandy and Trincomalee, getting off at Dambulla. I read this route on a blog and it looked straightforward and was very cheap, but our flight was very delayed and we arrived in the evening, so hopped in a PickMe instead.</p><p>The drive took a couple of hours, but the driver was great and searched "British music" on YouTube to keep us entertained (lots of Shakira) and stopped for us to use an ATM and to buy some snacks. We paid about £40 in total for this private taxi for several hours across the country, so was definitely worth it for ease.</p><p><b>Best bits: </b>The elephant safari and Pidurangala</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Kandy- 2 nights</b></u></p><p><b>Where we stayed:</b> <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-IPCNRD">Lalanga Homestay</a> - This homestay was out of the city but so nice! It was only a couple of pounds in a taxi from town up a massive hill, the hosts were so sweet!!! We had a big room, fast wifi, and they made us delicious breakfast and dinner every day. The house itself was beautiful, spacious and clean. We used their friend who was a tuktuk driver to get around- I think we paid more than if we'd used PickMe or got a random tuktuk, but it was still very cheap and he was so sweet. In the mornings he would drive us down to the lake and then wait for us while we went for a run and then took us back.</p><p><b>What we did: </b>Kandy itself wasn't my fav and I think one night there would have been fine. The climate was the most tolerable of everywhere we visited, but the city itself was polluted so we were glad to be out of the main part, and there just wasn't a ton to do tbh. We only had a full day there really and that was plenty, but nice to just walk around, chill and have tea. We went for some hilarious massages- turns out Sri Lanka is not known for its massages and we referred to it after as "an oily rub"- they also hilariously put us on beds next to each other and in the same tiny sauna naked- Christie saw far too much of me that day. I reckon it was like £20 each for this bizarre spa experience which was arguably worth it in comedic value alone x It was called Green Chaya Spa if you're keen. </p><p>We went to a nice (not very traditional) restaurant right by the station called Indi's Joint after getting caught in torrential rain. We also got delish food in a place called Balaji Dosai- proper cheap and traditional.</p><p>Kandy viewpoint was pretty but not life changing.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97fn4MTwUcsvrmEcCj16cerbcCK2_Ce3RvENFotFt5y0vbGOQkCz_U38up0KWW6xcOEl-B6SiLjAVCbWQ6MlrF6YAkReur9jSkE-0EdHoGs0JzYzkJmXZihx9WUhzOcPudwus50JwSY-CvXefLzLFif21mC3XXt0PLqW4Di6AkA2BdGeZeo8YFMHqfOTs/s3410/IMG_9076.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3410" data-original-width="2970" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97fn4MTwUcsvrmEcCj16cerbcCK2_Ce3RvENFotFt5y0vbGOQkCz_U38up0KWW6xcOEl-B6SiLjAVCbWQ6MlrF6YAkReur9jSkE-0EdHoGs0JzYzkJmXZihx9WUhzOcPudwus50JwSY-CvXefLzLFif21mC3XXt0PLqW4Di6AkA2BdGeZeo8YFMHqfOTs/s320/IMG_9076.jpeg" width="279" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8o0LNfLI7ZBEAqhbW2fowxXuLwRzay1UK3k0jZibl-w8MA9J0R8VIcJNkUXhnKGvjKVfWSTBFNAnmnc-KwQwOJUrXKje2RJ-ZFUpmZ-pn6X-wxCZq1QBcBBCtntk4SlbM7CBgfFkm0m8CeXROCyeNlwcebgHHH_8ugfJNnXmjV3xMbkchO5M9GtyyDd8/s4032/IMG_9380.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8o0LNfLI7ZBEAqhbW2fowxXuLwRzay1UK3k0jZibl-w8MA9J0R8VIcJNkUXhnKGvjKVfWSTBFNAnmnc-KwQwOJUrXKje2RJ-ZFUpmZ-pn6X-wxCZq1QBcBBCtntk4SlbM7CBgfFkm0m8CeXROCyeNlwcebgHHH_8ugfJNnXmjV3xMbkchO5M9GtyyDd8/s320/IMG_9380.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYtKj-VuLHuHBC8fZmqZVp6hBY0wYbTcVyLQWcA1Q9Vy4eiPtG6nmjXSAALDcJe4q8_HGj5EIrll2jBKFrRtqaS4sIZAqOvPwbk6ah-Te86ertJN-WjhGRAgCAvtHjYb1jTpfEq27A2KHZvqtTl7HOFJ2PXusLvGEAiuiF9nymwP0Cf4cKRCNgDDc3KAp/s4032/IMG_8702.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYtKj-VuLHuHBC8fZmqZVp6hBY0wYbTcVyLQWcA1Q9Vy4eiPtG6nmjXSAALDcJe4q8_HGj5EIrll2jBKFrRtqaS4sIZAqOvPwbk6ah-Te86ertJN-WjhGRAgCAvtHjYb1jTpfEq27A2KHZvqtTl7HOFJ2PXusLvGEAiuiF9nymwP0Cf4cKRCNgDDc3KAp/s320/IMG_8702.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqJnjul3RG5l8Z6dolF-1T-l4-swLbUw67FqW9xB4JKb48shXMEkh1IVbEyzR22vcD_sh1RVThp8PtlPbsT5oYkbOM5Z_rq66i5hfro5s4OlKv330FkNVLJCQ7ndG0-qJMRf7AvXU2k3g5RWgBgVjqiGpQCafWZMGUWcDY4HoX19kPR7FKQNW67ZIejlX/s4032/IMG_8704.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqJnjul3RG5l8Z6dolF-1T-l4-swLbUw67FqW9xB4JKb48shXMEkh1IVbEyzR22vcD_sh1RVThp8PtlPbsT5oYkbOM5Z_rq66i5hfro5s4OlKv330FkNVLJCQ7ndG0-qJMRf7AvXU2k3g5RWgBgVjqiGpQCafWZMGUWcDY4HoX19kPR7FKQNW67ZIejlX/s320/IMG_8704.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREuKVa2aVWqg7HTLWQBuDtBrfcLhS9eXMVl3b6iHdLop6g_k8mQj-xJICYdUbz916lu6lnTDbAmOrwyGf7N6HMkeShuofboFJAdqdmtWzKtgQgViEE7UBtdp0m3pUcEvqEfRJ_B5Il004-_wH8xteclF73g6ag-gjetmPlNsR-1vv5SO2Qqw3YVRdYEHf/s4032/IMG_8740.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREuKVa2aVWqg7HTLWQBuDtBrfcLhS9eXMVl3b6iHdLop6g_k8mQj-xJICYdUbz916lu6lnTDbAmOrwyGf7N6HMkeShuofboFJAdqdmtWzKtgQgViEE7UBtdp0m3pUcEvqEfRJ_B5Il004-_wH8xteclF73g6ag-gjetmPlNsR-1vv5SO2Qqw3YVRdYEHf/s320/IMG_8740.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi0ubyfi4PxjfZ2gsP43Fka5GSF0agTaaTDth55x_fCNSj3866L-ZqX3Eg9tiT3JfwM9efWnsLE5LLlrmKidOcZE-JIOEpRap7iupLGKX_7u3BKug9N__x3j2Qyrr7ZXnDvzFLsYJqKYUl4PdoZLSXNSoHYlBMQUo1ZcBid4mfUPoyQIg1pbFfj0t7a_i/s4032/IMG_8747.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi0ubyfi4PxjfZ2gsP43Fka5GSF0agTaaTDth55x_fCNSj3866L-ZqX3Eg9tiT3JfwM9efWnsLE5LLlrmKidOcZE-JIOEpRap7iupLGKX_7u3BKug9N__x3j2Qyrr7ZXnDvzFLsYJqKYUl4PdoZLSXNSoHYlBMQUo1ZcBid4mfUPoyQIg1pbFfj0t7a_i/s320/IMG_8747.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNohIe304L-fMzeNCXSG2YeeuGSHHL8hVoK7aCH8SJRUx7R4TT43XC4eE_XlrKNYPnRPp6YANPcw3r_CG6EDoXQKHA8fYEKQg98Szj487yyQWiiSNiWkUFAxpSuJ3bRA7nC3qd3EGmfjZBEhcS64I99NuwG_tyep-6iFi4WfK7BgJ9-TNcMf20C1M5mlX/s4032/IMG_8751.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNohIe304L-fMzeNCXSG2YeeuGSHHL8hVoK7aCH8SJRUx7R4TT43XC4eE_XlrKNYPnRPp6YANPcw3r_CG6EDoXQKHA8fYEKQg98Szj487yyQWiiSNiWkUFAxpSuJ3bRA7nC3qd3EGmfjZBEhcS64I99NuwG_tyep-6iFi4WfK7BgJ9-TNcMf20C1M5mlX/s320/IMG_8751.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeIXbdKpPScf6d6kdhf3uYXlsyPhUsyEX4q8nu-_FpIO518C4syS1lfXMLvmMy_OEaaemSe8KrbXOCgaf6TSy6ifBKvLENLKahOim_YkH-Ju5bCFvXgof_8y56EfJ4V94CCcVxTD5ai_O33Ry-r0EJBLeeFzXbJHpg6A2AV1UjCSjRo6hXS7xKS7cZ93T/s4032/IMG_8775.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeIXbdKpPScf6d6kdhf3uYXlsyPhUsyEX4q8nu-_FpIO518C4syS1lfXMLvmMy_OEaaemSe8KrbXOCgaf6TSy6ifBKvLENLKahOim_YkH-Ju5bCFvXgof_8y56EfJ4V94CCcVxTD5ai_O33Ry-r0EJBLeeFzXbJHpg6A2AV1UjCSjRo6hXS7xKS7cZ93T/s320/IMG_8775.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_zjqlf4YU1dokO1daDRfmyNz_9jMhR_iizwg376rf9DI2wiunJx5CnQHo_kVnqPX7A7_t3LVn-gfB2oSXOFjaKpfQc2vT-bcMhyGphRroYwRRjhRiepG7zIRFEnXO20SwHOAoq82vynHrTpF3ugvDMcdGN6D2uhscUlH9gYfNH1VWcSUg9HTiUUBWvdO/s4032/IMG_8758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_zjqlf4YU1dokO1daDRfmyNz_9jMhR_iizwg376rf9DI2wiunJx5CnQHo_kVnqPX7A7_t3LVn-gfB2oSXOFjaKpfQc2vT-bcMhyGphRroYwRRjhRiepG7zIRFEnXO20SwHOAoq82vynHrTpF3ugvDMcdGN6D2uhscUlH9gYfNH1VWcSUg9HTiUUBWvdO/s320/IMG_8758.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w88hHa6K21K6RgrUueXKdMv9ed6mgl__mn59Ju3w6UsOkkSj-NBvREK7Z52PYNBgglbwEMIwAHfC7er_u9WyT10GF7c8bEKiA2P4Tw5XE5aA2tgg4Li50pLeQohRrxc92CyuzgxgETxG8iSqoShaB6D_eh44FyU9ytHezOuqpEx7I0qUTfvssDMKEvmF/s4032/IMG_8801.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w88hHa6K21K6RgrUueXKdMv9ed6mgl__mn59Ju3w6UsOkkSj-NBvREK7Z52PYNBgglbwEMIwAHfC7er_u9WyT10GF7c8bEKiA2P4Tw5XE5aA2tgg4Li50pLeQohRrxc92CyuzgxgETxG8iSqoShaB6D_eh44FyU9ytHezOuqpEx7I0qUTfvssDMKEvmF/s320/IMG_8801.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">How we got there: </b><span style="text-align: left;">We took a bus from Dambulla to Kandy. It was easy to do and we got advice from our accommodation in Dambulla about which to get and where from- they even came with us to the bus stop to check we got the right one. It was really cheap and took a couple of hours, and it was busy initially but lots of people got off in Dambulla city so we had plenty of room. From Kandy we got a free pick up from the train station included in the hostel, but there were lots of tuktuks around.</span></div><p><b>Best bits: </b>The homestay, food, and morning runs around the lake. The massage if you want a laugh x</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Hatton- 2 nights</u></b></p><p><b>Where we stayed:</b> <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-27yFss">Trinish Homestay</a> - this was a more basic homestay but a really cool experience. We had a massive room with 2 double beds, an ensuite and a balcony, which was the upstairs of the family's home. They were so lovely and their teenage daughter's English was amazing. They made us breakfast and either lunch or dinner included in our room price every day, they made me special vegan food and were so sweet! The husband also had a tuktuk so would give us a personalised tour of different things we wanted to see in Hatton for a very reasonable price. He even drove us to Adam's Peak and waited while we climbed, which was so convenient.</p><p><b>What we did: </b>We went here pretty much purely to climb Adam's Peak, but it ended up being one of my favourite places we visited. It was much less touristy than other places and it was cool to just live among the locals a bit more, like when a very sweet girl asked to practice her English with us and told us that it was a dream come true. Cute.</p><p>Adam's Peak itself was amazing and 100% worth doing. We didn't go for sunrise as we were warned it had been cloudy at the top the last few days, so instead we went early morning, leaving our accommodation at 5am ish, and arriving at Adam's Peak just after 6am to climb. It was a few hours up and another few back down and we saw hardly anyone else enroute. The views were actually incredible. It was a physically challenging hike but climbing on steps made it easier. I underestimated how much water I needed and would have loved some more and some snacks but we survived. It was free to climb though we did walk through a temple on the way in where you can pay an optional donation. There were a few water and snack places on the way up but they were closed when we visited.</p><p>Other than that, we did some laundry (lol crazy) and went on a cool visit to tea fields mainly just to take photos. A couple of unexpected leech encounters led to me screaming while Christie pulled them from my feet (a hero), and we also visited a tea museum, which was a depressing reminder of colonialism. But the views were great.</p><p>We explored the town and went to a few cool local restaurants, including one where we accidentally ordered a full meal right before our dinner at the homestay, and it cost about £1 for both of us with drinks. Crazy- this place was called Shri Shanmughaas Hotel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUhwj57G3GoMG3V84akyCaiqq4OTQmWYw45CVnxePJyPxUIumWTmzdojqPeqxLRlkahKuVD8vQirhgf9H_Uy8LqCd_OJcIb7wjTIWLAaIg7yEQvI3SEITpP1OvXhRAbti2Hr9K2TE0CKwQsBH2L4bP9ugDqEze4Jgces3bU-P4HcZxP8BZz6OEUXW9R2L/s2048/33165170-f109-4f61-bbf2-0596edb676f8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUhwj57G3GoMG3V84akyCaiqq4OTQmWYw45CVnxePJyPxUIumWTmzdojqPeqxLRlkahKuVD8vQirhgf9H_Uy8LqCd_OJcIb7wjTIWLAaIg7yEQvI3SEITpP1OvXhRAbti2Hr9K2TE0CKwQsBH2L4bP9ugDqEze4Jgces3bU-P4HcZxP8BZz6OEUXW9R2L/s320/33165170-f109-4f61-bbf2-0596edb676f8.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilYZQEX3kQHabbM4NIffbaHnXi9EkUgNrpcTqNqN9mzvOqOWU7HZcsR2NsITXuDqMylA4C21HKru26pSHbuIC1ypZyV92nGiTkSkqFeS4qlJzYtj7Ced6xbKYdmu2sBILP0E8jrQA_dBBoIOBicYqjXfWd-b9ya33ax_uQ_5_se9MnzlSCNf5E9QtnYkW/s4032/IMG_9753.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilYZQEX3kQHabbM4NIffbaHnXi9EkUgNrpcTqNqN9mzvOqOWU7HZcsR2NsITXuDqMylA4C21HKru26pSHbuIC1ypZyV92nGiTkSkqFeS4qlJzYtj7Ced6xbKYdmu2sBILP0E8jrQA_dBBoIOBicYqjXfWd-b9ya33ax_uQ_5_se9MnzlSCNf5E9QtnYkW/s320/IMG_9753.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx_KQtda_nOdJnZ7b4f-82g6F4bJsV5EzdG5wwC4Pi9fpjaDb42wlxaw0XWxYikczk3JmnnV6ZEfTN5egOOyrUh5C5WrcrRhyQ6JM6WMHmFACYkCCZWubOolfvnKXvpZh-cvpQvi2RhhYjlARuw3CEvxpyvOFIYO257DzLnzAFKX3hBai3osEIukQxd15/s4032/IMG_9782.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx_KQtda_nOdJnZ7b4f-82g6F4bJsV5EzdG5wwC4Pi9fpjaDb42wlxaw0XWxYikczk3JmnnV6ZEfTN5egOOyrUh5C5WrcrRhyQ6JM6WMHmFACYkCCZWubOolfvnKXvpZh-cvpQvi2RhhYjlARuw3CEvxpyvOFIYO257DzLnzAFKX3hBai3osEIukQxd15/w200-h150/IMG_9782.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB4uQak05i-41i24GxFFOKRcmUZ4zypQd8JUyNzA9USZ-wr7KgSOmeCgL0HbzemfEcmjp4BFlhKuggVVHXF5nysGCnN2nCFUpwZF0AJhHQdztORtzl6ucEfuAlPzxHxjdvoHZQq3UUykAXI2wlwaHTo9MYYapE9aCVqth42HlmuNgeCs7hpSKjZIEQnPO/s4032/IMG_9706.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB4uQak05i-41i24GxFFOKRcmUZ4zypQd8JUyNzA9USZ-wr7KgSOmeCgL0HbzemfEcmjp4BFlhKuggVVHXF5nysGCnN2nCFUpwZF0AJhHQdztORtzl6ucEfuAlPzxHxjdvoHZQq3UUykAXI2wlwaHTo9MYYapE9aCVqth42HlmuNgeCs7hpSKjZIEQnPO/w200-h150/IMG_9706.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9Zo1nTpmtgh4yoM52TEsmQfm8hWOmEkPG7S_9_EN-Z4zWwgRgqkxp98IAnIF_7qsNYtDT9LDUPZ1_wRzbLUS56gYr1c1x749y526huDSR4E5GVTLWbEAmjrz9I1j9OgkEMF2sN1BRVgns67ytAylTuTz1OI7neYxo-dx44O5nCDKBlJ-F-92nqPMJWbp/s4032/IMG_9671.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9Zo1nTpmtgh4yoM52TEsmQfm8hWOmEkPG7S_9_EN-Z4zWwgRgqkxp98IAnIF_7qsNYtDT9LDUPZ1_wRzbLUS56gYr1c1x749y526huDSR4E5GVTLWbEAmjrz9I1j9OgkEMF2sN1BRVgns67ytAylTuTz1OI7neYxo-dx44O5nCDKBlJ-F-92nqPMJWbp/s320/IMG_9671.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcPk_X_DW5h9H-YRhi7_662k19N69Qk5OHfRzrRr3XJcjRn-54snxru7Mx07xwqCx3ym8notHF0yi5JUN2JnVb2-V1asMSRJq2nZRRk4GcDBvLnAxYMZ2hWd7uBr1Ly0ZAn5OuWOSQJM4j1kVCqG9yQ0nuWXN4t9kew2oOgHxlb_Fr0D3iVbLWOKy4z_U/s4032/IMG_9546.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcPk_X_DW5h9H-YRhi7_662k19N69Qk5OHfRzrRr3XJcjRn-54snxru7Mx07xwqCx3ym8notHF0yi5JUN2JnVb2-V1asMSRJq2nZRRk4GcDBvLnAxYMZ2hWd7uBr1Ly0ZAn5OuWOSQJM4j1kVCqG9yQ0nuWXN4t9kew2oOgHxlb_Fr0D3iVbLWOKy4z_U/s320/IMG_9546.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lljo4IBeBNTc8nr2AxglPFJlTgTEbGSiplql46b4mDmJoeE_whSweWRvivtDHuPWHNdvvh5nAG2MjmKiIw4RbXpu6AK11oET8uS2NtPFLBVnaWsqIAn4-FX1ZGPmnp7c_GCE4JIUlTbzf5jybr-FWEkJA6I3CnqRYc8ZOfjXYF-Y7DEdaE9ZX7YYB8Lk/s4032/IMG_9470.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lljo4IBeBNTc8nr2AxglPFJlTgTEbGSiplql46b4mDmJoeE_whSweWRvivtDHuPWHNdvvh5nAG2MjmKiIw4RbXpu6AK11oET8uS2NtPFLBVnaWsqIAn4-FX1ZGPmnp7c_GCE4JIUlTbzf5jybr-FWEkJA6I3CnqRYc8ZOfjXYF-Y7DEdaE9ZX7YYB8Lk/s320/IMG_9470.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwKG4jTUo9w5N89HTYM3SDzZ4Ghfj7OZRR_mV8hu-89FKxDw5F6w5ZNS-9yIIPOn1VcONQ-hZ26e6pnFDHNw3jILTYKNIxkK_xfCe5AVbZoOaoqUwlFudT-BWRrUeTg0RKoFxKfaMA8zqFRm0WpaK3q5Z-3UnFiov7ZNk4LRh4cT6DPOBozbmos7b72Cx/s4032/IMG_9429.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwKG4jTUo9w5N89HTYM3SDzZ4Ghfj7OZRR_mV8hu-89FKxDw5F6w5ZNS-9yIIPOn1VcONQ-hZ26e6pnFDHNw3jILTYKNIxkK_xfCe5AVbZoOaoqUwlFudT-BWRrUeTg0RKoFxKfaMA8zqFRm0WpaK3q5Z-3UnFiov7ZNk4LRh4cT6DPOBozbmos7b72Cx/s320/IMG_9429.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuPeE67tuI0xOvJ9g32EZUfJoAbGdFx9GlvObpMnHOnuH-cF1G54_aD18KNsYew3bwOcTtTmttLfxdoJK5UTeCRB7XsRiCCqg9eUBSfgOOSsN7_o8Z0XD9qKTkt53ndl6DdedrCHTunmp_YV_QeQ8rtdtYWqt9ydv_R3ip7Z9vhC8TJTt7dV5l_EFN6zy/s4032/IMG_9406.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuPeE67tuI0xOvJ9g32EZUfJoAbGdFx9GlvObpMnHOnuH-cF1G54_aD18KNsYew3bwOcTtTmttLfxdoJK5UTeCRB7XsRiCCqg9eUBSfgOOSsN7_o8Z0XD9qKTkt53ndl6DdedrCHTunmp_YV_QeQ8rtdtYWqt9ydv_R3ip7Z9vhC8TJTt7dV5l_EFN6zy/s320/IMG_9406.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6w4QWBcjtRQ2OY-HggbiTt1DA7vR_RzRDslONg97EWPqcJxqzHVEUDVk8cTXM2iHHo__em3hBr2JP695y920yCu8uv_ubEh2jHVEEgcov1DqUw6qLyW0E3LgpVN_R7Y3cJ3IH09W2Kld2z3y2wNfsq5mZWnktzfHprCK_Pxa7q8eWWlHeLusQe8c9Ytz/s4032/IMG_9126.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6w4QWBcjtRQ2OY-HggbiTt1DA7vR_RzRDslONg97EWPqcJxqzHVEUDVk8cTXM2iHHo__em3hBr2JP695y920yCu8uv_ubEh2jHVEEgcov1DqUw6qLyW0E3LgpVN_R7Y3cJ3IH09W2Kld2z3y2wNfsq5mZWnktzfHprCK_Pxa7q8eWWlHeLusQe8c9Ytz/w200-h150/IMG_9126.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2n1PO_M8btvB48POORkvt5eku1IjKbjmKsxVeLTt81WqU7K5iJgateGJVVp5oe2eKmznvSRQu7-Ubxg0xz779LXoC1yLbBX_KJPKhik0eFD-XTEqEWZqXRKQiWc8iuCEcax7Pisc3hLIzfIEalQL2qlpgQtK26XvmfpOrlorQThmHVx6F_O_nPt8Ztef/s4032/IMG_9312.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2n1PO_M8btvB48POORkvt5eku1IjKbjmKsxVeLTt81WqU7K5iJgateGJVVp5oe2eKmznvSRQu7-Ubxg0xz779LXoC1yLbBX_KJPKhik0eFD-XTEqEWZqXRKQiWc8iuCEcax7Pisc3hLIzfIEalQL2qlpgQtK26XvmfpOrlorQThmHVx6F_O_nPt8Ztef/s320/IMG_9312.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAYr4WDRBsPbBzmLMn6B4wSkGXtjfmvrQNtiHoD_2F_UlUQNR_HPmqy_s738XXqi67VmNPtXc1rQJSMhfIQSlWIBSVSN2NOQOgfpAdEU35cIUJKqpac0zaT9HO4QanPNqTUNFss-jQO6_CvUP9L7qLHfFf5ozA3PlM7CsIhX4szCIqVwW8Dv6dc5C9bCk/s4032/IMG_9287.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAYr4WDRBsPbBzmLMn6B4wSkGXtjfmvrQNtiHoD_2F_UlUQNR_HPmqy_s738XXqi67VmNPtXc1rQJSMhfIQSlWIBSVSN2NOQOgfpAdEU35cIUJKqpac0zaT9HO4QanPNqTUNFss-jQO6_CvUP9L7qLHfFf5ozA3PlM7CsIhX4szCIqVwW8Dv6dc5C9bCk/s320/IMG_9287.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3EYnM2ZgUUlMkYsnejla_mLoXoFVOgcZnKXMLatonPuKcQPA2Mhzi5FEhzF-w_lY1xeqtNYxUzmTxG_2rsMwvsimXMVwcoNwraL9nKbzYu6ULObAaIplJUvfsDQnWbBbT-2hUHL8-gR0Ai5jXsRGwW0JxEHHudcW-R_CbZIv7Ejcmr7ZA2mZIQB8sJog/s4032/IMG_9280.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3EYnM2ZgUUlMkYsnejla_mLoXoFVOgcZnKXMLatonPuKcQPA2Mhzi5FEhzF-w_lY1xeqtNYxUzmTxG_2rsMwvsimXMVwcoNwraL9nKbzYu6ULObAaIplJUvfsDQnWbBbT-2hUHL8-gR0Ai5jXsRGwW0JxEHHudcW-R_CbZIv7Ejcmr7ZA2mZIQB8sJog/s320/IMG_9280.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTta1oWH-Okg70ks1C0m_09rRorvCoz6_ZgfYsvHycn14Dx5IhzFyaz3VHyH9luM-Q3b5wwJABp8SD4V7rc4N7IV_IYdt-VmI6Z2LIXAmx5ac-k7tpp7HqIxxR4O5WwBf3K30rcR5VUdvmXOLvIymwP_uxmBmoydVJHR9y9kYgJMNQlgkrVPG30thzi3rE/s4032/IMG_9258.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTta1oWH-Okg70ks1C0m_09rRorvCoz6_ZgfYsvHycn14Dx5IhzFyaz3VHyH9luM-Q3b5wwJABp8SD4V7rc4N7IV_IYdt-VmI6Z2LIXAmx5ac-k7tpp7HqIxxR4O5WwBf3K30rcR5VUdvmXOLvIymwP_uxmBmoydVJHR9y9kYgJMNQlgkrVPG30thzi3rE/s320/IMG_9258.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOBjExIxfk3BlL1GvbwwjTs3hzIrXoN4-BukjjEHST_Zpbk19ieaLYQxsMTTckvTCYiDl9hClGosu4GpMcBO8EBDYkEXP1n6cjPZGKnscMjuvJSftD4WUfwG8rVfceJj48-huhMxR-DAtYE2Z1xrwFCSaImL468IS0773-7P9BdDN3E3VtTCiNi_DcvPS/s4032/IMG_9068.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOBjExIxfk3BlL1GvbwwjTs3hzIrXoN4-BukjjEHST_Zpbk19ieaLYQxsMTTckvTCYiDl9hClGosu4GpMcBO8EBDYkEXP1n6cjPZGKnscMjuvJSftD4WUfwG8rVfceJj48-huhMxR-DAtYE2Z1xrwFCSaImL468IS0773-7P9BdDN3E3VtTCiNi_DcvPS/s320/IMG_9068.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbdQ4uPDdGmyw-E0iHTEZR9F9p2p18HPrLfTtoT5smtY1AVPolnPs5fdOhvGIFdEr6PhDkonQXfq3UjN8n5L3aPDkHVpWzPfDuZsBRH2Xp3p2MiCmTpSCbzu05-uOb2oaYflTYCfCjGhBLMcom-0njYJkhWEtq6H23EtVJHXCXpH19H3IHqiJ8OIpZ2qp/s4032/IMG_9060.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbdQ4uPDdGmyw-E0iHTEZR9F9p2p18HPrLfTtoT5smtY1AVPolnPs5fdOhvGIFdEr6PhDkonQXfq3UjN8n5L3aPDkHVpWzPfDuZsBRH2Xp3p2MiCmTpSCbzu05-uOb2oaYflTYCfCjGhBLMcom-0njYJkhWEtq6H23EtVJHXCXpH19H3IHqiJ8OIpZ2qp/s320/IMG_9060.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BTqSorciwc4sBLOZgCIrOUEuhaTwXw3U0yshrniQNloA_hhHvNPBYN7LUSiOTtB6ROlWGDjnrq4BG5hElJC1ZSY0Je-7qREqRaEBQFbKPI-QBXxfq93HYMsKO4XaR9dgtc5BqkLD4VStgRUUv9xvi7rbarN2_vdFNKUH_GRya6xzhCputZyLtXPgDBJi/s4032/IMG_9050.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BTqSorciwc4sBLOZgCIrOUEuhaTwXw3U0yshrniQNloA_hhHvNPBYN7LUSiOTtB6ROlWGDjnrq4BG5hElJC1ZSY0Je-7qREqRaEBQFbKPI-QBXxfq93HYMsKO4XaR9dgtc5BqkLD4VStgRUUv9xvi7rbarN2_vdFNKUH_GRya6xzhCputZyLtXPgDBJi/s320/IMG_9050.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykwHhsG9cElIzHq-f6OcRSKNOYG3l6KfWeXGfbWqxcJ5wjGtgmo3j84_uWdz53mDwen8ERgg1dqm5W9SNo_z2jYgkOG_Yb19WXMJCGPz4FNQq43KTSZzLTZ3VGfFZwiTluJckye7RaM43ueldwDsg4f1DrV7YCf-ZaFne8AyLAbWZYI8TwgtafklRAZSD/s4032/IMG_9008.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykwHhsG9cElIzHq-f6OcRSKNOYG3l6KfWeXGfbWqxcJ5wjGtgmo3j84_uWdz53mDwen8ERgg1dqm5W9SNo_z2jYgkOG_Yb19WXMJCGPz4FNQq43KTSZzLTZ3VGfFZwiTluJckye7RaM43ueldwDsg4f1DrV7YCf-ZaFne8AyLAbWZYI8TwgtafklRAZSD/s320/IMG_9008.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">How we got there: </b><span style="text-align: left;">We took a train from Kandy to Hatton which I booked in advance (details at the end of the post).</span></div></div><p><b>Best bits: </b>I liked it all!! But 2 nights was probably enough, unless you wanted to just really chill, then I'd say stay forever basically.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Ella- 2 nights</u></b></p><p><b>Where we stayed:</b> <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-PiTrZX">Bella Ella</a>- urgh the most dreamy homestay I was so excited for. Slight warning that the google maps location was ever so slightly wrong, and we arrived at night in the rain to this unlit road and ended up walking around aimlessly for ages, on the photo to someone who didn't speak English having a small breakdown. When we found our room, a random old german lady and her toy boy had checked in, claiming to be us in some bizarre misunderstanding.</p><p>But, overlooking that, it was a great place! We both had a double bed, we had the most amazing balcony with beautiful views, and we had breakfast and dinner at the homestay which were delicious. The dinner was one of my favourite meals of the trip. The staff were lovely and had a dog called Fiona, what's not to love.</p><p>It was out of town, and while there were rumours of a cheap bus, we just got a tuktuk for roughly £1 each time that was definitely worth it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPEJ6uchvkQ9Mw4IgFpJVfuL1GLkXUn5S57Fp8ia3XGuw6xhSB3ZQ4baDKqhbdK_8eXvItl1IGjeNw5wuz4QDjezsMa_ku8SvSpTfGADXmO6MwzUPZCUDZAWxTRgtyYRRDBrVrXbNHWSBUjjJi6z89Wa3_sMkEd7P_5WaSY6apfS1vCy9cB4GvC3KdxBY/s4032/IMG_0208.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPEJ6uchvkQ9Mw4IgFpJVfuL1GLkXUn5S57Fp8ia3XGuw6xhSB3ZQ4baDKqhbdK_8eXvItl1IGjeNw5wuz4QDjezsMa_ku8SvSpTfGADXmO6MwzUPZCUDZAWxTRgtyYRRDBrVrXbNHWSBUjjJi6z89Wa3_sMkEd7P_5WaSY6apfS1vCy9cB4GvC3KdxBY/s320/IMG_0208.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKN0-IkTP8DT8LP9hvQ8rRzjyPtOeeX12BoXuIY5SHnwlvQbUaWz-Kl9bfAu3M9XDAhHa7TnuptoRPygw6HhuW5vzFKkdjHQ-cVbCxRil_ya_Z8hjQRZelJAm3IDDaJrqmpFLyBsnVffaTK77rwbrZKmsSbnEqGGOsDIVrtv-m8Cjj_4z5CUcssVaqhyphenhyphenk/s4032/IMG_0209.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKN0-IkTP8DT8LP9hvQ8rRzjyPtOeeX12BoXuIY5SHnwlvQbUaWz-Kl9bfAu3M9XDAhHa7TnuptoRPygw6HhuW5vzFKkdjHQ-cVbCxRil_ya_Z8hjQRZelJAm3IDDaJrqmpFLyBsnVffaTK77rwbrZKmsSbnEqGGOsDIVrtv-m8Cjj_4z5CUcssVaqhyphenhyphenk/w200-h150/IMG_0209.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">What we did: </b><span style="text-align: left;">When we initially arrived in Ella I wasn't a fan- it seemed super touristy with 24 hour reggae bars, only tourists and was so different to everywhere else we visited. I grew to love it though and there was so much to see and do hence the popularity. </span></div><p>We arranged a little tour day with a friend of the owner of our accommodation who had a tuktuk, and we visited all the major sites (the 9 arches bridge, a waterfall, Little Ella rock).</p><p>We booked a cookery class at Ella Spice Garden in advance which was great. So much fun, I have been using the recipes back at home and the food was great. Our homestay did actually offer cooking classes but we didn't realise until we'd already booked, and we didn't have enough evenings to do both. Sad.</p><p>We had quite bad weather in Ella (the whole town was genuinely in a cloud when we arrived) so we spent a lot of time hanging out in cafes. On the main strip there were a great selection that were very bali vibes and quite western, but also delicious and aesthetic so sometimes you have to abandon authenticity.</p><p>There were so many great places too eat but we loved the classic and super touristy Rainbow Cafe. We also had Ravana Pool Club recommended to us and if we'd had an extra day I'd definitely have been keen. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyJoQZ8kwIkZBNWa7P7yNrugDa3ZqqKP9drpxx-Mq0Z2ZjVSFdGc2uc97q40PetKFPyLiYnkA2EFnCTnIaXdZqdcS6JP6jpUiCHANEGMsOu51ISji8poXrDuZPiaMvrvoslSskqgWrf-hcZAhR9qbw7kAVW9O0YNk2FoZCwxE76kzClqtvIN2bNbrR-zI/s2048/7af16296-7094-44ee-b6c1-dc8ce6664fae.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyJoQZ8kwIkZBNWa7P7yNrugDa3ZqqKP9drpxx-Mq0Z2ZjVSFdGc2uc97q40PetKFPyLiYnkA2EFnCTnIaXdZqdcS6JP6jpUiCHANEGMsOu51ISji8poXrDuZPiaMvrvoslSskqgWrf-hcZAhR9qbw7kAVW9O0YNk2FoZCwxE76kzClqtvIN2bNbrR-zI/w200-h150/7af16296-7094-44ee-b6c1-dc8ce6664fae.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS0kDn3ntN5c_yS4xvXUQn4KsdcHVbosnUOlvO2wwGRm_E5QJzHNa-OZEzmCWJ2NjMDMKvSGgiUuozhhiapiXqIaat-mapM4rjlqehA_fVqgWQWFmScJ7jJXEKpu_kskw9_IT2SNqvyrAb0VcErGfKRcSk-5esTm7PGUYn0_qFbIVh0fUitlDhA6MvCph/s4032/IMG_0497.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS0kDn3ntN5c_yS4xvXUQn4KsdcHVbosnUOlvO2wwGRm_E5QJzHNa-OZEzmCWJ2NjMDMKvSGgiUuozhhiapiXqIaat-mapM4rjlqehA_fVqgWQWFmScJ7jJXEKpu_kskw9_IT2SNqvyrAb0VcErGfKRcSk-5esTm7PGUYn0_qFbIVh0fUitlDhA6MvCph/w200-h150/IMG_0497.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrrScr7gkRiJw5nNJnMWMPOqLoaJW44WRfI9jpchNNMWpK8EmEZ6Pr_ecpehFHOavFoatJbdwafo2ETcEDDgkRNNNjnUEEZhmFXP_Us9ODxiyk-ql48IKhZ431XIfbLxsJO4J0-KPljb5ciohGJIcbvrMtwjJtURyjtOe7R7apn7yPz63eJjV0f3SX4EA/s2048/977371db-97df-4f33-90ad-92c2af14c8fe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrrScr7gkRiJw5nNJnMWMPOqLoaJW44WRfI9jpchNNMWpK8EmEZ6Pr_ecpehFHOavFoatJbdwafo2ETcEDDgkRNNNjnUEEZhmFXP_Us9ODxiyk-ql48IKhZ431XIfbLxsJO4J0-KPljb5ciohGJIcbvrMtwjJtURyjtOe7R7apn7yPz63eJjV0f3SX4EA/s320/977371db-97df-4f33-90ad-92c2af14c8fe.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiVf4k9QHsrJvNu5ibYRPffxYOapmjhfd0TdJBQLQHURu1-yJ2RFFVvMkwUwvyr7MmFAYDt-dFv7jNmrItDS2kGJJQbq8aRK_5SWql1-5HvmBAx1lp6sZEltfimdfnzZ3-WwrU0Oya3MjFQ3ujVnj0Sll93aSUFajCHP1c4YTmQpvC3t2Kcwm3BUOetLY/s3394/IMG_0523.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3394" data-original-width="2307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiVf4k9QHsrJvNu5ibYRPffxYOapmjhfd0TdJBQLQHURu1-yJ2RFFVvMkwUwvyr7MmFAYDt-dFv7jNmrItDS2kGJJQbq8aRK_5SWql1-5HvmBAx1lp6sZEltfimdfnzZ3-WwrU0Oya3MjFQ3ujVnj0Sll93aSUFajCHP1c4YTmQpvC3t2Kcwm3BUOetLY/s320/IMG_0523.jpeg" width="218" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUZeF_DN27eyFDJgbDpcnCY6o_m9QXcSj5sZIXxAVwgu-UysAKSbqBYvJDUKwZGNIbmhOanReGd9uXKDSWMvfjavhkRYyn7nQjftwj1IG62QScOMzhoUC4aqb-Rlfd134nUZLI4Pbqv7vqp1xhMrHTu5IV04hIHxvbMf02k_OYpShsbfxEAOqJ5l_G4p2/s4032/IMG_0499.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUZeF_DN27eyFDJgbDpcnCY6o_m9QXcSj5sZIXxAVwgu-UysAKSbqBYvJDUKwZGNIbmhOanReGd9uXKDSWMvfjavhkRYyn7nQjftwj1IG62QScOMzhoUC4aqb-Rlfd134nUZLI4Pbqv7vqp1xhMrHTu5IV04hIHxvbMf02k_OYpShsbfxEAOqJ5l_G4p2/w200-h150/IMG_0499.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXduFTxXSK1hKZOp6eWcYARZHQN_a9SdkPGObuAy8eXFZkM2x_aUjNEy1QCM9dJLNNkU3isCMlBgRkULtyEPemluwKy9BK_a-3Cua2kOluGhqyU7QNoPAyhOOrKCRIg84wJfBKFMU5KAvMJ2ijzFK7tOoQmc_0hyNM-g24W_Sm1ZKzgNZ_Gu1jYKK7nImC/s3794/IMG_0609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="3794" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXduFTxXSK1hKZOp6eWcYARZHQN_a9SdkPGObuAy8eXFZkM2x_aUjNEy1QCM9dJLNNkU3isCMlBgRkULtyEPemluwKy9BK_a-3Cua2kOluGhqyU7QNoPAyhOOrKCRIg84wJfBKFMU5KAvMJ2ijzFK7tOoQmc_0hyNM-g24W_Sm1ZKzgNZ_Gu1jYKK7nImC/s320/IMG_0609.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xu0OU0-XB3YZOr49ZuQcR0QoqeOtoaaOxdHuHJXAeOz7KuoZe2Am9iN-8HELD7NrWpXTj6vRDuNvCBi0ZgauQNMAENMe2M0X1aIObIxeGon6pct1gExHS5oMQwEtt_iw6x9OwLUumNwe4yoADr-g6nX384L1D-hCRuEgJsa5g_0XNZkEi9MNfrtvJslf/s3897/IMG_0682.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2923" data-original-width="3897" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xu0OU0-XB3YZOr49ZuQcR0QoqeOtoaaOxdHuHJXAeOz7KuoZe2Am9iN-8HELD7NrWpXTj6vRDuNvCBi0ZgauQNMAENMe2M0X1aIObIxeGon6pct1gExHS5oMQwEtt_iw6x9OwLUumNwe4yoADr-g6nX384L1D-hCRuEgJsa5g_0XNZkEi9MNfrtvJslf/w200-h150/IMG_0682.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuJzQ3jKnhNTEcAinqKb7m9Fpi1Hl-EHbhuQDFbJ0otDq871L1WLmzRP5OpTV5u4zwlOF-xs9WRjmCfph59ayP67k9-taVO3PkzjXrmoqwNPpJ8k3GUHxsIPvwqeSLuBRAshdaM-HY3HcSYzFqWZRbx0FJExGoUkZiKJbcxEOv3cgFz0cWat4ePghPyrr/s3814/IMG_0862.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3814" data-original-width="2860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuJzQ3jKnhNTEcAinqKb7m9Fpi1Hl-EHbhuQDFbJ0otDq871L1WLmzRP5OpTV5u4zwlOF-xs9WRjmCfph59ayP67k9-taVO3PkzjXrmoqwNPpJ8k3GUHxsIPvwqeSLuBRAshdaM-HY3HcSYzFqWZRbx0FJExGoUkZiKJbcxEOv3cgFz0cWat4ePghPyrr/s320/IMG_0862.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlNMGq9hyjktkZPJrnT1K-rAETeLzUZXlmDaCjFRSF8vwiofl1RXNphRjeyjkkRLrjXEFmUGL2Bgk-7Xp8YyWJ5kz1sqlcmOSpEBGqxB8VaweZWUwaGS9wwzD-Q8Y2h2igPwM5jIlqhNY6LMzVsPahd_1mwFBcZ3k5I4pM5JPRm2R9IlXiC7ca8vq9MOa/s4032/IMG_0920.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlNMGq9hyjktkZPJrnT1K-rAETeLzUZXlmDaCjFRSF8vwiofl1RXNphRjeyjkkRLrjXEFmUGL2Bgk-7Xp8YyWJ5kz1sqlcmOSpEBGqxB8VaweZWUwaGS9wwzD-Q8Y2h2igPwM5jIlqhNY6LMzVsPahd_1mwFBcZ3k5I4pM5JPRm2R9IlXiC7ca8vq9MOa/s320/IMG_0920.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCDSgicGhXqK_FcIsTAbuAOFxLtdCcMovlEU2cjnFsPb5fFSxX1njzS6jtGtSgFFlqvULQOOOz-4rLBZKyJKz9SQjARQf0u6hGeRI6KNzOoHJxf847907WhZ9FIDQznDiSchyphenhyphen1kFirKr6LCyXbQGEmsAy5xbgwMnQZDkAskKO9-4C25OC14mBjYYg2E_E/s4032/IMG_0885.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCDSgicGhXqK_FcIsTAbuAOFxLtdCcMovlEU2cjnFsPb5fFSxX1njzS6jtGtSgFFlqvULQOOOz-4rLBZKyJKz9SQjARQf0u6hGeRI6KNzOoHJxf847907WhZ9FIDQznDiSchyphenhyphen1kFirKr6LCyXbQGEmsAy5xbgwMnQZDkAskKO9-4C25OC14mBjYYg2E_E/s320/IMG_0885.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe1HPZbiYLN2s9wIdx8iy2UZmOsIMvIOw3sQHDoXhqYgIKNowdtoupWzM_o3P40CWC-eHE7iQMFltrwgUuWuifS82nUc-3WjUf-_Zyh65DqCNbHqRnBXEQDBxvb3XPuMWOqjyzexnuDrzXSptV_SQspQkdFI9hgo1TZHcozy25-_13IwHEqmwyU1GjwHt/s4032/IMG_0876.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe1HPZbiYLN2s9wIdx8iy2UZmOsIMvIOw3sQHDoXhqYgIKNowdtoupWzM_o3P40CWC-eHE7iQMFltrwgUuWuifS82nUc-3WjUf-_Zyh65DqCNbHqRnBXEQDBxvb3XPuMWOqjyzexnuDrzXSptV_SQspQkdFI9hgo1TZHcozy25-_13IwHEqmwyU1GjwHt/s320/IMG_0876.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlWHE92ktN2Nxxb_lohrz3EOcfR_eyV4gph0TGUveUEghCsTc4BoAM23d23msKgA9aD9WWMICAXKecBIlVlvx9td1XmwS2xR5chPB8XkDoU9h-htOub07z78kt-wpG4zLmOJMKdAWov3ENpJUiFbpTrQRpgt5Aw-REadcjWNmxrNDIeVfKb7QBXO6rW2X/s3088/FullSizeRender.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlWHE92ktN2Nxxb_lohrz3EOcfR_eyV4gph0TGUveUEghCsTc4BoAM23d23msKgA9aD9WWMICAXKecBIlVlvx9td1XmwS2xR5chPB8XkDoU9h-htOub07z78kt-wpG4zLmOJMKdAWov3ENpJUiFbpTrQRpgt5Aw-REadcjWNmxrNDIeVfKb7QBXO6rW2X/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeW1P3W_1L-JvZ3Qro1LTRChTQk795vwzWpRSVlCHzifrvT8pR1LMroeTI-0rTlfbjYt0ytr_-Pqssw4DcZ4utHc8xKwOYhCAwSI8jXlIDO-RDdqkipgrSpccjsUh74iBWs8mWabtxt5S9jBY0sPKcIw0enVHmcbHTOUYkH8mIiTIJ4GvIJBDk3GHRlyX/s4032/IMG_9891.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeW1P3W_1L-JvZ3Qro1LTRChTQk795vwzWpRSVlCHzifrvT8pR1LMroeTI-0rTlfbjYt0ytr_-Pqssw4DcZ4utHc8xKwOYhCAwSI8jXlIDO-RDdqkipgrSpccjsUh74iBWs8mWabtxt5S9jBY0sPKcIw0enVHmcbHTOUYkH8mIiTIJ4GvIJBDk3GHRlyX/s320/IMG_9891.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">How we got there: </b><span style="text-align: left;">We took the classic Kandy - Ella train, but actually from Hatton to Ella. Both parts of the route were beautiful, and I spent a really ridiculous proportion of the journey leaning out of the window for my dream photo (sorry Christie).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnlhLIsoxwtsoyvLq0sJust-rABkul3ZPx4Q4l7ll7t7nlQHfW9cu8ceXcAso6Jzasdjn6zEjqek20bNOhs7rkAJNG0fC7VaVNpcuvMlypvfP7azsPuCTExALmbKxxk3j03gK5N5C0-alhwHoAg58VZXPwlOUiS1IIg_LPECsYDuBFNk_rzmljSa9_CmH/s1776/FA0C252D-07FA-4441-A858-3ADF77C6528F-38634-000004C26844C672.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnlhLIsoxwtsoyvLq0sJust-rABkul3ZPx4Q4l7ll7t7nlQHfW9cu8ceXcAso6Jzasdjn6zEjqek20bNOhs7rkAJNG0fC7VaVNpcuvMlypvfP7azsPuCTExALmbKxxk3j03gK5N5C0-alhwHoAg58VZXPwlOUiS1IIg_LPECsYDuBFNk_rzmljSa9_CmH/s320/FA0C252D-07FA-4441-A858-3ADF77C6528F-38634-000004C26844C672.jpeg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z1ytxwNhGwAfCUXrNx0AZ2Dl-Cec0_0IfF463u6SCXARha4JCY3Wc5947qWBst-urEW4lV-4lCL-F4Wrv6V7GNVcososzD2wcWoowlkGQUIDvnRJi6ePamuI-xy3B-uE2OVWk9ZRbnJW8x8SF2-lgCEPAL4d88G9QNfJdNkd6bW-ngJClZJOzDetffQO/s4032/IMG_0026.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z1ytxwNhGwAfCUXrNx0AZ2Dl-Cec0_0IfF463u6SCXARha4JCY3Wc5947qWBst-urEW4lV-4lCL-F4Wrv6V7GNVcososzD2wcWoowlkGQUIDvnRJi6ePamuI-xy3B-uE2OVWk9ZRbnJW8x8SF2-lgCEPAL4d88G9QNfJdNkd6bW-ngJClZJOzDetffQO/s320/IMG_0026.jpeg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUjgSHJJ8wKXOnIw4xPId7lmyCTYfejJznZCBn2RmAJCRDE9urib0Y9BxgCYCjlXLb1a1NySkzK18ejtUODUGveUXVhD6BPW9NcZsKay_2F9pRaUhNMzzRPChc8z0Mr0d-3O1OPaKn4jpeoMai2rcvOqjH7TZfirB63ot71LHT4b63ONMJCPM_diKYnUO/s4032/IMG_0070.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUjgSHJJ8wKXOnIw4xPId7lmyCTYfejJznZCBn2RmAJCRDE9urib0Y9BxgCYCjlXLb1a1NySkzK18ejtUODUGveUXVhD6BPW9NcZsKay_2F9pRaUhNMzzRPChc8z0Mr0d-3O1OPaKn4jpeoMai2rcvOqjH7TZfirB63ot71LHT4b63ONMJCPM_diKYnUO/s320/IMG_0070.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTer4ZKUbSZfh8j8UVFZw53IHxwQN33yCqnXwxaub_HZVbSHbyaUvrCRoQl7HhAzl0q27Z5hB8Te-Pg3VqUl4R61k_GIKpl1_puxSBC7bMHrenMXN69K1k0RA0UlvYiq-yPyHqee8Ax3FH71OYJYNsGI5bYf9O17_857Yli7HHqzCuzEm3Jjxy4kao_VS/s4032/IMG_0248.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTer4ZKUbSZfh8j8UVFZw53IHxwQN33yCqnXwxaub_HZVbSHbyaUvrCRoQl7HhAzl0q27Z5hB8Te-Pg3VqUl4R61k_GIKpl1_puxSBC7bMHrenMXN69K1k0RA0UlvYiq-yPyHqee8Ax3FH71OYJYNsGI5bYf9O17_857Yli7HHqzCuzEm3Jjxy4kao_VS/s320/IMG_0248.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrAmZMqUE9SHBi7SUi5ozA9xqFLMCBTf0tv4M4aX3BL2O5sB0MAehL8c8FNvlYPU1X0hXUWFdum2JqVuK1nE9CXgq7zvTDg3mEimPKSacII9aUyA3sj8NFWoOVXPJOBUvgrRH3A9_dkczK8Jhbqvgsg_2Wg9IO5_1sU20kIPKtZx0zW1aFeVRyW0cUmDL/s4032/IMG_0315.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrAmZMqUE9SHBi7SUi5ozA9xqFLMCBTf0tv4M4aX3BL2O5sB0MAehL8c8FNvlYPU1X0hXUWFdum2JqVuK1nE9CXgq7zvTDg3mEimPKSacII9aUyA3sj8NFWoOVXPJOBUvgrRH3A9_dkczK8Jhbqvgsg_2Wg9IO5_1sU20kIPKtZx0zW1aFeVRyW0cUmDL/s320/IMG_0315.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Mb6egznBo0PwSd3gsnQvOOCUPgFPO1n2VLWW3I2vCWei_eOkfqfFFDeWIHXkOqddhRqMhub5wG2rZb340td3engjUcAeWMhCqh_29gv5fma9ek5xkY-rvdXwwXfIiotCCfn-PPCMuvn1sD-eLKHmPnpiA7k2kTcqhAHABmcC_13P_fQmBAWzZLMXtc7m/s4032/IMG_0390.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Mb6egznBo0PwSd3gsnQvOOCUPgFPO1n2VLWW3I2vCWei_eOkfqfFFDeWIHXkOqddhRqMhub5wG2rZb340td3engjUcAeWMhCqh_29gv5fma9ek5xkY-rvdXwwXfIiotCCfn-PPCMuvn1sD-eLKHmPnpiA7k2kTcqhAHABmcC_13P_fQmBAWzZLMXtc7m/s320/IMG_0390.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>Best bits: </b>Honestly it was all great. 2 nights here was fine but if I could I'd have done one less day in Kandy and one more here. There was more of a western feel with lots of bars and shops for souvenir shopping.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Mirissa- 2 nights</b></p><p><b>Where we stayed:</b> <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-3hqc5R">The Spice House Mirissa</a>- this was a proper splurge fancy hotel stay and still super cheap. It had multiple infinity pools, delicious fancy breakfast, was right by the beach, and we had a huge room with lounging chairs and a big balcony (watch out for monkeys tho). It was really nice and luxurious, though we didn't actually spend much time in the room itself, if we'd had longer there it would be been a great place to just lounge about. The mosquitoes in the pool were extremely annoying FYI x I booked directly with the hotel in advance as it was cheaper than booking.com and I could pay via bank transfer which was useful</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV0-I1wMoUqkk7JrXBzb7780Ltma6T8R4YeS_vetZlYMllr8wgmPP2Nh7FmJyIelrbyXjwCC6A_XkXS8vA6e14uqb812h4SgMGA169mwGV1WNbYEQDKtBRFmhao_fwQHjo5ZttcGeWRFeTs_MStPjmuvISM5wy0xDJBT23-6zafkpmX8MSGyd7V0TYBBS/s4032/IMG_1542.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV0-I1wMoUqkk7JrXBzb7780Ltma6T8R4YeS_vetZlYMllr8wgmPP2Nh7FmJyIelrbyXjwCC6A_XkXS8vA6e14uqb812h4SgMGA169mwGV1WNbYEQDKtBRFmhao_fwQHjo5ZttcGeWRFeTs_MStPjmuvISM5wy0xDJBT23-6zafkpmX8MSGyd7V0TYBBS/w200-h150/IMG_1542.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zM8BFxJN0d0ZGk_Vxj2GBHELGhTms2pvc8LNC_s99KPId3AtLVn36x2DiKfLtaOdDL6XMTiW16tN5w385DSh0dJFdnSTqOKk1l3ICtkAEUXQoiVSseHwwXqNOhGfUHNtZfZ_oGxU8FGrwVEDQ0hFPNWUXgRhh862Q_twvUMSjvP105OcedtppXyk6dTC/s4032/IMG_1549.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zM8BFxJN0d0ZGk_Vxj2GBHELGhTms2pvc8LNC_s99KPId3AtLVn36x2DiKfLtaOdDL6XMTiW16tN5w385DSh0dJFdnSTqOKk1l3ICtkAEUXQoiVSseHwwXqNOhGfUHNtZfZ_oGxU8FGrwVEDQ0hFPNWUXgRhh862Q_twvUMSjvP105OcedtppXyk6dTC/w200-h150/IMG_1549.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNdnGGJXmK6wYOK9gdsxL6oJZdkIwfrrCIm9zCEyaVmb2naXsAbsMFmydE2dQghXAdgziiCKQnw2vi-DYPWVxDc9ynxb9cejkHkbDGg7z8srs1sIs2pKZN9fZYWximyqSE8XwRqPC1SSeEXyRMp_eeeBpFFjve2WhVJGmqvKhW-DSfSd6aMHe3uBkoxU6/s4032/IMG_0956.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNdnGGJXmK6wYOK9gdsxL6oJZdkIwfrrCIm9zCEyaVmb2naXsAbsMFmydE2dQghXAdgziiCKQnw2vi-DYPWVxDc9ynxb9cejkHkbDGg7z8srs1sIs2pKZN9fZYWximyqSE8XwRqPC1SSeEXyRMp_eeeBpFFjve2WhVJGmqvKhW-DSfSd6aMHe3uBkoxU6/s320/IMG_0956.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgwNa5D7E9Kvp7XHk7gcz0447OD6uuN26-pnKO-hK5B1pKO2SyFEJGyF-Ohyphenhyphen6n_FFL-yMfrmeR0eVvowiKFlR08hUWlgRhPEefjVI7bSNGJV7RHRw_W3IIOq5pG5bXO6EAcwYmUnlHoMHbhH8w8av7Uh6cCavFr12xzQ5ffcV-Whp4Ajv5-TdlgB4ZJFu/s4032/IMG_0971.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgwNa5D7E9Kvp7XHk7gcz0447OD6uuN26-pnKO-hK5B1pKO2SyFEJGyF-Ohyphenhyphen6n_FFL-yMfrmeR0eVvowiKFlR08hUWlgRhPEefjVI7bSNGJV7RHRw_W3IIOq5pG5bXO6EAcwYmUnlHoMHbhH8w8av7Uh6cCavFr12xzQ5ffcV-Whp4Ajv5-TdlgB4ZJFu/s320/IMG_0971.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8blxPGKros7QswPZMBBg81L7RQXrMbDv0hlkxH0Sel0geYMfGoEufeDMbyFkoMLglGKE3BilZSWGscHUf6eK4NPxk7F3qf5q1wAGU6OFTm-4DIsgC7ptoEcwSeAd4P8VAjF4S4Y0Zl78S4o9-Xyo3zlvw0Xm5m-4yUvpqfyqeOjvMCUd5JayJrZkSrSy/s4032/IMG_1051.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8blxPGKros7QswPZMBBg81L7RQXrMbDv0hlkxH0Sel0geYMfGoEufeDMbyFkoMLglGKE3BilZSWGscHUf6eK4NPxk7F3qf5q1wAGU6OFTm-4DIsgC7ptoEcwSeAd4P8VAjF4S4Y0Zl78S4o9-Xyo3zlvw0Xm5m-4yUvpqfyqeOjvMCUd5JayJrZkSrSy/s320/IMG_1051.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEPDKoZurNJnFqaRXmQqPI6T4sKs9vNDo_VBksJVhxZtbTZP7wyVOgZ-nKnDki5cflRwxEZv5PevSM6dqDITz2qUA-TRPA0hy3cc9ls9WzdqMJtW4ubeK5vlVzGTNyLipJX269RzDV6tSuPcKE3jBvcRX7Wem8Q3qnPbxNI_e-OsqibLP0FTgW4xVUT_p/s4032/IMG_1124.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEPDKoZurNJnFqaRXmQqPI6T4sKs9vNDo_VBksJVhxZtbTZP7wyVOgZ-nKnDki5cflRwxEZv5PevSM6dqDITz2qUA-TRPA0hy3cc9ls9WzdqMJtW4ubeK5vlVzGTNyLipJX269RzDV6tSuPcKE3jBvcRX7Wem8Q3qnPbxNI_e-OsqibLP0FTgW4xVUT_p/s320/IMG_1124.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoDfuNgGSCho9sPfefQsEKc9195882jc-ZcPnAIw-E7d9u6rTq4fT2HafDPlu0HkbkIDKZ6Xhf4YCluyjcb_fy-LoAYHa87xmlCBUBX9gRo-PBIYihxxYqVlqNm1x5bTxYDdqDa_5bSN63_s4qBzNLs6XKUw4Vou0e0gyrBMNgDXz8x46cs5z7tcvMF7d/s4032/IMG_1186.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoDfuNgGSCho9sPfefQsEKc9195882jc-ZcPnAIw-E7d9u6rTq4fT2HafDPlu0HkbkIDKZ6Xhf4YCluyjcb_fy-LoAYHa87xmlCBUBX9gRo-PBIYihxxYqVlqNm1x5bTxYDdqDa_5bSN63_s4qBzNLs6XKUw4Vou0e0gyrBMNgDXz8x46cs5z7tcvMF7d/s320/IMG_1186.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLPGnEVfdgWKcyerjrgASpnG29ny7Erq5cuO6LohFuhvm6W1Hd05JVVaIEFXjWCCoLL11Cpj4qtpFRex0sDU5QsrPnafTc31ktsYgldKiG05dMoyu2AKISFZ-Vm2o4TnXsAuhzjtFjMXA_LEbJZsHw9pGLYrrYzgYX_QpGx3_Vs4mDOKu4xjy0iZuryTj/s4032/IMG_1305.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLPGnEVfdgWKcyerjrgASpnG29ny7Erq5cuO6LohFuhvm6W1Hd05JVVaIEFXjWCCoLL11Cpj4qtpFRex0sDU5QsrPnafTc31ktsYgldKiG05dMoyu2AKISFZ-Vm2o4TnXsAuhzjtFjMXA_LEbJZsHw9pGLYrrYzgYX_QpGx3_Vs4mDOKu4xjy0iZuryTj/s320/IMG_1305.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7mbMPhEVTDbVdOfH1CZV_yuUYX4LW-OU7ZvpQuel4QTfd5F5tO0fkRBGWiNEAWBCSxfjgFuTmC6DQ0Xbgg08p-qOOrA263sWmXwOLcxL058ymg7buN4L5edEH1EhyZA_ck7UijK9eXfDxtNIsMj7anv89Nvuix4OB5uw1PE-eh2J_NmZorbR5DBdoP5P/s4032/IMG_1324.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7mbMPhEVTDbVdOfH1CZV_yuUYX4LW-OU7ZvpQuel4QTfd5F5tO0fkRBGWiNEAWBCSxfjgFuTmC6DQ0Xbgg08p-qOOrA263sWmXwOLcxL058ymg7buN4L5edEH1EhyZA_ck7UijK9eXfDxtNIsMj7anv89Nvuix4OB5uw1PE-eh2J_NmZorbR5DBdoP5P/s320/IMG_1324.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_kQ8Y50veBK3sT4odkhvo0XzIYZFyNCg9PGG24hhXUFCUgVjXtxc-RRzCPUybM7zgV6fFMclHrfnPVRNSkhPJc_NNZGFu5GetdjtNrwh5d_cbUeBSA7r7eVQ1uM1Tz_3rZa3oJ6uUNQ-OcA52e09vRtMKMJEdcsEn-zYqZzo2CYOIlT2URhXl3Gk34iw/s4032/IMG_1327.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_kQ8Y50veBK3sT4odkhvo0XzIYZFyNCg9PGG24hhXUFCUgVjXtxc-RRzCPUybM7zgV6fFMclHrfnPVRNSkhPJc_NNZGFu5GetdjtNrwh5d_cbUeBSA7r7eVQ1uM1Tz_3rZa3oJ6uUNQ-OcA52e09vRtMKMJEdcsEn-zYqZzo2CYOIlT2URhXl3Gk34iw/s320/IMG_1327.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oziyD1LKo32lpQQdrDDkbXCDAhtnJD4I8JwDCLbsx5EuKgnOo0FhnOP6Os0p1tomTO45X7q1Hzj3vPhXmvnd7RBRa1xvIof-pNb-S_q9Fxyg5QZ18zw-D_eMQeB1YroLU7ugZla5aJdK7jnQtiBc5EyyGwEyyJ8-JZ-O3LAB3LAEY4OXCiSCfMqOg9nx/s4032/IMG_1357.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oziyD1LKo32lpQQdrDDkbXCDAhtnJD4I8JwDCLbsx5EuKgnOo0FhnOP6Os0p1tomTO45X7q1Hzj3vPhXmvnd7RBRa1xvIof-pNb-S_q9Fxyg5QZ18zw-D_eMQeB1YroLU7ugZla5aJdK7jnQtiBc5EyyGwEyyJ8-JZ-O3LAB3LAEY4OXCiSCfMqOg9nx/s320/IMG_1357.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF7JiGz73gZy3xOCImuJptL971IuKun7eK9U1Fx6hyphenhyphen3PHHeGR240jIatC63xg0gtRNBcxJnY7I9ZVacWKAELn3cFCM-cT8KXobhCX27UWvXrgS9GgPM_Fd3sv0JOqPfVJ1hfADL_SoxNyYlm9PhUFpzumuf8k1PYiHXXXgsOWdCO1m4kjXJMTfufIpyMm/s4032/IMG_1413.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF7JiGz73gZy3xOCImuJptL971IuKun7eK9U1Fx6hyphenhyphen3PHHeGR240jIatC63xg0gtRNBcxJnY7I9ZVacWKAELn3cFCM-cT8KXobhCX27UWvXrgS9GgPM_Fd3sv0JOqPfVJ1hfADL_SoxNyYlm9PhUFpzumuf8k1PYiHXXXgsOWdCO1m4kjXJMTfufIpyMm/s320/IMG_1413.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_rcEOsUFd2J8xBtF89cYzvS-EOWrFPP4ZE1Vw8xcYdQ7pvM7kdRMM7UDUYOgavcTEt170JGRGE6TmSTo-uX86lc_Q0VkeqM8UHlUYKtBHyFw8nhTp3P1bbBqm0ziuj6Y3OS-jYuMD3Vq6xLx7-hiAbDDGyqvsuiMtY6I-kmlTfOb8g4Foa97kr3K05Nl/s4032/IMG_1457.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_rcEOsUFd2J8xBtF89cYzvS-EOWrFPP4ZE1Vw8xcYdQ7pvM7kdRMM7UDUYOgavcTEt170JGRGE6TmSTo-uX86lc_Q0VkeqM8UHlUYKtBHyFw8nhTp3P1bbBqm0ziuj6Y3OS-jYuMD3Vq6xLx7-hiAbDDGyqvsuiMtY6I-kmlTfOb8g4Foa97kr3K05Nl/s320/IMG_1457.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgGmsUPN1-IwxDJE4c9J74nbCNf1MRJ3iSrh4KGcCrc_29fEcHE9OLJFfqW9C0hTWM3xx57PY4Khibe3TVVBmQHohghuTH7O_NR1Uqis5ub94wV5wI_MdDJRHIT7jQYNttsg-J1tUF6y-HqVGfvXNwaLvBAXMl6sG6SRaxB_RbdoQeBj4OD6rgv6mhbhn/s4032/IMG_1470.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgGmsUPN1-IwxDJE4c9J74nbCNf1MRJ3iSrh4KGcCrc_29fEcHE9OLJFfqW9C0hTWM3xx57PY4Khibe3TVVBmQHohghuTH7O_NR1Uqis5ub94wV5wI_MdDJRHIT7jQYNttsg-J1tUF6y-HqVGfvXNwaLvBAXMl6sG6SRaxB_RbdoQeBj4OD6rgv6mhbhn/s320/IMG_1470.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5mpKc0zUW3UTNBzxYl-nDHStjFDQ2GE-FN-Ng1O0lXTcEAXEhRkNYgHZYOQ6GopVe9wnxQ73KrAsYRZ4U5pBaLG0CTSGUwvZgXmfIPRotKTThE99t7_QB0BwnCaJMfdUW1OQUpW7KG1uy4C_gILNTkPZI5HY9AI1-qh-BXur7z0e8cKB1D6MJPA05J2C/s4032/IMG_1667.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5mpKc0zUW3UTNBzxYl-nDHStjFDQ2GE-FN-Ng1O0lXTcEAXEhRkNYgHZYOQ6GopVe9wnxQ73KrAsYRZ4U5pBaLG0CTSGUwvZgXmfIPRotKTThE99t7_QB0BwnCaJMfdUW1OQUpW7KG1uy4C_gILNTkPZI5HY9AI1-qh-BXur7z0e8cKB1D6MJPA05J2C/s320/IMG_1667.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">What we did: </b><span style="text-align: left;">We spent most of our time here on the beach and snorkelling. We were lucky with the weather in the sense that it was a weird mix of rain and bright sunshine- we both got burnt at various points, but also had to wear our stylish rain ponchos x Snorkelling and seeing turtles right off the beach was truly amazing. I rented a snorkelling mask from some friendly men on the beach who gave me a discount because we had run out of cash lol. They let me keep it for way longer than I meant to but this may have been thanks to my charm and wit, so who knows if you'll have the same luck x</span></div><p>There were a lot of restaurants along a main road which ran parallel to the beach, but we found that a lot of them were closed as we visited in low season. There were always places open so it was fine.</p><p>It was cool to visit Coconut Tree Hill which was so pretty but sooo busy at sunset.</p><p>Along the beach were loads of beach bars and they nearly all had great happy hour deals, which unfortunately meant that we were forced to have several pina coladas a day. It's really important to support the local economy, so we took one for the team x We always ensured we went to ones which included beach loungers for free in the purchase of the drink, it was truly dreamy. </p><p>We went to some good restaurants in Mirissa, my favourite was No.1 Dewmini Roti Shop which was really popular and worth the hype. The avocado roti and a coconut one for dessert were delightful. Simple Restaurant and cafe was also yum, as was The Change restaurant and juice bar- and the man was so sweet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSwA6ZFmTo_3Fgs5DKtBJoBI1qqA8-S6TfpnPbUEDCZI503_fD2qDdjddvgokJ52Vle1dcM6lmbqH1QZJ2RcnxwhvaRSOLhEqb0X44qRhhwfLxEU5dbsqRNXvwnKSp-gpyeJ_hEh9O6zrZY18xtYV2KeRlvdsrMI52CPljwHEr5w5iDj4BWPrPcDLRMr4/s4032/IMG_1621.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSwA6ZFmTo_3Fgs5DKtBJoBI1qqA8-S6TfpnPbUEDCZI503_fD2qDdjddvgokJ52Vle1dcM6lmbqH1QZJ2RcnxwhvaRSOLhEqb0X44qRhhwfLxEU5dbsqRNXvwnKSp-gpyeJ_hEh9O6zrZY18xtYV2KeRlvdsrMI52CPljwHEr5w5iDj4BWPrPcDLRMr4/s320/IMG_1621.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wMAcYBOFD0eB0P31sgnbrk64HVwp6T5Zlp1cTPiBg_PDiKoWsfKWrxC_83CBKWiwhaJxou0UV3NeQmZ1fwjWaNBaL_z7aE9nonZfnjY63jecD0y4DH9b81anBXaXigD4phuZFhaCSil1eyUFoAfiJdI_tkcU_QAu4h5sS6F8NcXuPXOTuCpwX74k3QlA/s3814/IMG_1655.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2860" data-original-width="3814" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wMAcYBOFD0eB0P31sgnbrk64HVwp6T5Zlp1cTPiBg_PDiKoWsfKWrxC_83CBKWiwhaJxou0UV3NeQmZ1fwjWaNBaL_z7aE9nonZfnjY63jecD0y4DH9b81anBXaXigD4phuZFhaCSil1eyUFoAfiJdI_tkcU_QAu4h5sS6F8NcXuPXOTuCpwX74k3QlA/s320/IMG_1655.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>How we got there: </b>This was the one part of the route we were concerned about, as there wasn't much info online. In reality, Ella-Mirissa is a very common tourist route so we were fine. In Ella at the tourist information point was a bus timetable with details and we checked with the staff, but when we got to the bus stop in the morning, some men from a local minibus/taxi service tried to get us to get their minibus. We managed to negotiate getting it for less than half the price everyone else paid, and since this made the journey more comfortable and quicker it ended up being a great decision. I think the drive was 3 or 4 hours, but honestly it's all a blur. I also reckon we paid about £10 each but could be lying. I think the public bus was only about £2 if you're on a tight budget, and I do personally enjoy a public bus but sometimes you've got to just go for comfort yanno x</p><p><b>Best bits:</b></p><p>Also the ATMs and Hikkaduwa all charge you to withdraw money which is annoying, so bring cash from wherever you went first if you remember. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Hikkaduwa- 2 nights</b></p><p><b>Where we stayed:</b> <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-DUHf8w">Easy Living</a> - we had originally booked to stay at <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-GR3yW2">Dreamtime Sri Lanka</a> but due to heavy rains it was flooded. They informed us a few days in advance and gave us free cancellation- so we booked Easy Living. It was very nice, but we did have a few cockroaches in our room. Not their fault and nothing a bit of spray didn't sort.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx-fMy1qS6KTzyK2I6nbkMnYzqcvWriqF06ms-zGmEh7_1AnaBTz-63YXc-k_KULDb9FAjhDZHwYVO-ZTvGuXf4NxnUNmEJqATYDoRMWYZB9MLxIcSfXD6fzbl7vZgmkg_FKuTBkKMTzKUbwX5r8OyalN5JbCX2E3z4ujj4joWxUMEUEXj-UoCqC1Mlmf/s4032/IMG_2044.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx-fMy1qS6KTzyK2I6nbkMnYzqcvWriqF06ms-zGmEh7_1AnaBTz-63YXc-k_KULDb9FAjhDZHwYVO-ZTvGuXf4NxnUNmEJqATYDoRMWYZB9MLxIcSfXD6fzbl7vZgmkg_FKuTBkKMTzKUbwX5r8OyalN5JbCX2E3z4ujj4joWxUMEUEXj-UoCqC1Mlmf/s320/IMG_2044.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p><b>What we did: </b>Hikkaduwa was all about the turtles x If you walk along to Nikka Cinnamon Hotel and the beach in front of it, the turtles swim up close to the shore. Ethically I was a bit conflicted and still am. I loved seeing them swimming around but the turtles only really swim up to the beach because they're fed by humans. Locals stand in the sea feeding them seaweed which draws them in. I, along with a few of these locals, launched a campaign telling all of the tourists to "look but don't touch". Everyone was trying to grab them but soon stopped after I had shouted x Other than that, Hikkaduwa has some shops and restaurants and bars, but the beach and sea was definitely the main appeal.</p><p>There was much more stuff closed here than in Mirissa, and it really felt like low season. We also saw a couple of creepy men, the only time in Sri Lanka- one followed us home from the turtle beach (Though he did stop when Christie shouted at him x)</p><p>We went to a nice restaurant called Aroma Restaurant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsob7MDISWyualkYmOwCMPHxRG6uxSSaxZB0SEGbCF9fDb8tcpkgovbj4GBqiTm6067d0zpYFncAW01RgsusULtNQtHnx8zbhg9G2RsRaDWGm8oHFHiLmXbvKctL-BJ8yZZX30LuuVtdlWuyGdKpY9rZ8wQO4yKWDztn1NJEwDBeKJv4eIAYi0rWcETKG/s2048/762760fc-8bda-42e0-ab0b-e6cf5cdb5821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsob7MDISWyualkYmOwCMPHxRG6uxSSaxZB0SEGbCF9fDb8tcpkgovbj4GBqiTm6067d0zpYFncAW01RgsusULtNQtHnx8zbhg9G2RsRaDWGm8oHFHiLmXbvKctL-BJ8yZZX30LuuVtdlWuyGdKpY9rZ8wQO4yKWDztn1NJEwDBeKJv4eIAYi0rWcETKG/s320/762760fc-8bda-42e0-ab0b-e6cf5cdb5821.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-muLebUE6nZVM9peuJM7xI99vsRBKGZ3hm7SrPy-k5ePK3Zu_HfNdGTLQsJ0LsFcG26e3Naay-tmhiJDrKQWI3lN4-boC2N-6YBU5RHCUzpLgPqXzXuOMNywgvvvro_HxDxU6r2gN08ZBBKe-BqiJn-HSA4G9rdRJHlzAEkSR7-IvP_CNabLrv3m-7wtN/s4032/IMG_0538.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-muLebUE6nZVM9peuJM7xI99vsRBKGZ3hm7SrPy-k5ePK3Zu_HfNdGTLQsJ0LsFcG26e3Naay-tmhiJDrKQWI3lN4-boC2N-6YBU5RHCUzpLgPqXzXuOMNywgvvvro_HxDxU6r2gN08ZBBKe-BqiJn-HSA4G9rdRJHlzAEkSR7-IvP_CNabLrv3m-7wtN/s320/IMG_0538.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i6dSiDbjznsDNzFwj5_jTzlO1nsBxctHODidRyLCE2X8J2DM2vWOLWgS3ZxNthV_ofES2heeLg_HSrAfzAZuJqhjLakUevrY2XQEPx1ldjdGt0REu7l_yvsH8_1YqB2Zl1UebgXHk08QBpYGjuyDGaYnpP4CeDIeVAKD3zU9hfA-Fn8_nR8q2maO0Y8T/s4032/IMG_0540.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i6dSiDbjznsDNzFwj5_jTzlO1nsBxctHODidRyLCE2X8J2DM2vWOLWgS3ZxNthV_ofES2heeLg_HSrAfzAZuJqhjLakUevrY2XQEPx1ldjdGt0REu7l_yvsH8_1YqB2Zl1UebgXHk08QBpYGjuyDGaYnpP4CeDIeVAKD3zU9hfA-Fn8_nR8q2maO0Y8T/s320/IMG_0540.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIvH7oYQdnZd8pn_BuHTUftVJ4ZB49knVWMchWfEAl04_jCFpNLkS46e7QSigQypaPhAwiufb33vlY3pQa_I1aRbeh4QaOURfli6yAUmfgCPvv1LN1OytpQOyRUTqbShUCPc9dS2fFBFvwNgk-4vW5dmGXC0vZJcWHvL1u8Yww_-bUw1bU6h_tJBsMBa-/s4032/IMG_1919.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIvH7oYQdnZd8pn_BuHTUftVJ4ZB49knVWMchWfEAl04_jCFpNLkS46e7QSigQypaPhAwiufb33vlY3pQa_I1aRbeh4QaOURfli6yAUmfgCPvv1LN1OytpQOyRUTqbShUCPc9dS2fFBFvwNgk-4vW5dmGXC0vZJcWHvL1u8Yww_-bUw1bU6h_tJBsMBa-/s320/IMG_1919.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GGnX7N7GE_RZAjAGGrBi90bTndNWaHzBTeNlJJtRZzp-_nE8yweepuQjM1CddxEZVHSUeZddTkKM1g7S-gllz7h-8nBvPdKoMG_MyE4FsQX0SN89rQn9TRAXgt04D0I-mSKkwbzCExzqvhyphenhyphen1ovwYf4JqhBbOhfcgYhkVbAe_eX5ZKFUGwxVkp_csFGXR/s3877/IMG_1944.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3877" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GGnX7N7GE_RZAjAGGrBi90bTndNWaHzBTeNlJJtRZzp-_nE8yweepuQjM1CddxEZVHSUeZddTkKM1g7S-gllz7h-8nBvPdKoMG_MyE4FsQX0SN89rQn9TRAXgt04D0I-mSKkwbzCExzqvhyphenhyphen1ovwYf4JqhBbOhfcgYhkVbAe_eX5ZKFUGwxVkp_csFGXR/s320/IMG_1944.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJz5ymx9jScDvPkbmQKdhm6bPihFgHoUgJ1jhOVsR5U71P1lSzxspk4eliG0Jul9UJwQslMgXgzcv0XCRn-k9hyLIUnbAKghovQwN35N4sbKuRy7d4bGKkvAYTBauw81R-bQkOiXPUa5CVL_EG4fiHANFAIkp8ppuNK9RX8s-uvlVGqTBy4z8K0bVfYNA/s4032/IMG_1964.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJz5ymx9jScDvPkbmQKdhm6bPihFgHoUgJ1jhOVsR5U71P1lSzxspk4eliG0Jul9UJwQslMgXgzcv0XCRn-k9hyLIUnbAKghovQwN35N4sbKuRy7d4bGKkvAYTBauw81R-bQkOiXPUa5CVL_EG4fiHANFAIkp8ppuNK9RX8s-uvlVGqTBy4z8K0bVfYNA/s320/IMG_1964.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOqCT9jSZ5B5TN6OCJQ38m6XnNDVO45_UrU-4pFaFJm7MidYjUHXGsYoCSyNcHtNcOSPNBAsbuJei3fuBnxIp9a6ESKf05sBczUkg60JpuU8u61rmn2ubp6gbjZHYj3N58gyYf7vnzH68HCLqUXMndZbNTkbQYDW9olOpLTdHgYBMd7pV4BBg9lwzdyER/s4032/IMG_2020.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOqCT9jSZ5B5TN6OCJQ38m6XnNDVO45_UrU-4pFaFJm7MidYjUHXGsYoCSyNcHtNcOSPNBAsbuJei3fuBnxIp9a6ESKf05sBczUkg60JpuU8u61rmn2ubp6gbjZHYj3N58gyYf7vnzH68HCLqUXMndZbNTkbQYDW9olOpLTdHgYBMd7pV4BBg9lwzdyER/s320/IMG_2020.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>How we got there: </b>We took a public bus which was easy and cheap. Our hotel in Mirissa encouraged us to get a private transfer and go to Galle instead but we just got the public bus and went to Hikkaduwa.</p><p><b>Best bits: </b>Seeing turtles up close was amazing and just relaxing on the beach</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><u>Colombo- half a day</u></b></p><p><b>What we did: </b>We only went to Colombo for half a day after hearing it wasn't great from people we knew who visited Sri Lanka. On reflection I am really glad we did this- it was busy and loud which was fine but with a day in Delhi on both sides we had plenty of city time.</p><p>We went to visit the cool massive mosque but we couldn't go in for some reason. It was cool to see from the outside though. We also visited a big central market but didn't find anything to buy.</p><p>We got a really nice meal (with a massive dosa) which was a highlight of our trip to Colombo. We also visited a proper cafe kind of thing (pictured below) which are just my fav to get a coke in a glass bottle. Bliss.</p><p>We also took a public bus to the airport, which was easy until it dropped us off like a kilometre from the airport and we had a really long walk to get there.</p><p><b>How we got there: </b>We took a bus from Mirissa to Colombo. It was easy but busy, but the conductor refused to let us pay even when I got out money and offered it to him repeatedly. Eventually when we finally got off he followed us off and demanded 10x the ticket price (I can't remember the amounts but if the bus was £2 he asked for £20). I refused to pay what he was asking for and gave him the actual fare which he was not happy about. This was pretty much the only time we got scammed (well attempted scammed).</p><p><b>Best bits: </b>The meal tbh x</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaQrnD1kx25nwOfdK5htQ0EXIlv7M3f8W7fovYbjy-59rOJxkWPdSR-UJ2I8qmsSObZQuYOWJJaxRHVgLAMFNAQSxLeVb3hwaHlr5KV9-oeHptZodU1iNr9v1EOPnZie_H32N_BxmldlBtMVfOWTDwd2aKcheYIRxG3RGNZ799ydPqUkRYcNW6rg9Jo1d/s4032/IMG_0686.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaQrnD1kx25nwOfdK5htQ0EXIlv7M3f8W7fovYbjy-59rOJxkWPdSR-UJ2I8qmsSObZQuYOWJJaxRHVgLAMFNAQSxLeVb3hwaHlr5KV9-oeHptZodU1iNr9v1EOPnZie_H32N_BxmldlBtMVfOWTDwd2aKcheYIRxG3RGNZ799ydPqUkRYcNW6rg9Jo1d/s320/IMG_0686.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqUKJPIO3peUxuJRvmtrXSx2TXZ1q9HR2qIMrIMfTcdZtl3NeNRZcXKsZUcie4WLbD5CYLZasZ2bHooFm-hIOa-6krB3T8RBCzEdY6yQTUsDgMVnH5iTt-IteLSPvOsKHF3TzFm517czQIqnfMyuAo55pUsttF69umSNaJQupOwGuEhMAokeRjfg-uzh6/s4032/IMG_2082.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqUKJPIO3peUxuJRvmtrXSx2TXZ1q9HR2qIMrIMfTcdZtl3NeNRZcXKsZUcie4WLbD5CYLZasZ2bHooFm-hIOa-6krB3T8RBCzEdY6yQTUsDgMVnH5iTt-IteLSPvOsKHF3TzFm517czQIqnfMyuAo55pUsttF69umSNaJQupOwGuEhMAokeRjfg-uzh6/s320/IMG_2082.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwgJyngEfeDj6AHJHtf-JG8305mzZQR5okH5mDpS9c2_iJ2AuljEW10jcOZj_OSnHrOIXcs0qelAUsASRvkke0dppE7ZrVe091jYD-t5YJ32o92qGuXrM3H9rHlJLJB3SAwZ3ecV5EstMMlB02ozlf26naWAseYiry8byHplIVAPgMBJoPbvnJF224mNu/s4032/IMG_2070.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwgJyngEfeDj6AHJHtf-JG8305mzZQR5okH5mDpS9c2_iJ2AuljEW10jcOZj_OSnHrOIXcs0qelAUsASRvkke0dppE7ZrVe091jYD-t5YJ32o92qGuXrM3H9rHlJLJB3SAwZ3ecV5EstMMlB02ozlf26naWAseYiry8byHplIVAPgMBJoPbvnJF224mNu/s320/IMG_2070.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs5fqcyY4GuWfOYd5ghGthOVbtN3UKmsSMdRC1KyhWJ4peWsGIU2-vPcBrV1TH4VURnJFRbaE1KBTHSgqq-3Q_nlzKwGmiIv4Y8EjTXp9xghEna5ngrQAAC6oBOVHruSMr7SPEspQajZeQ-fZc6cbMPw19zrrolbgmEImPuxKvqVAiZY6Rs0uFOvDGf-k/s3787/IMG_0702.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2840" data-original-width="3787" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs5fqcyY4GuWfOYd5ghGthOVbtN3UKmsSMdRC1KyhWJ4peWsGIU2-vPcBrV1TH4VURnJFRbaE1KBTHSgqq-3Q_nlzKwGmiIv4Y8EjTXp9xghEna5ngrQAAC6oBOVHruSMr7SPEspQajZeQ-fZc6cbMPw19zrrolbgmEImPuxKvqVAiZY6Rs0uFOvDGf-k/s320/IMG_0702.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEK6BvtT_EjkeOvowM-jAJ_FXqRkaRXMzDDmCH_pMSHyckxH_rxwu38Mrz7cpKorAX8zUOr-iIudf5jEMmlBANH4FV4gzHT-9K-6QPqTYlUWKHGVQBqoHz3wEOSHYtiPRoQXaxhYX9eqyKOwi3SO36DeE9LjAFiB0O9zf4LAeYCV6w_j0HVreTSJaVS8/s4032/IMG_0697.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEK6BvtT_EjkeOvowM-jAJ_FXqRkaRXMzDDmCH_pMSHyckxH_rxwu38Mrz7cpKorAX8zUOr-iIudf5jEMmlBANH4FV4gzHT-9K-6QPqTYlUWKHGVQBqoHz3wEOSHYtiPRoQXaxhYX9eqyKOwi3SO36DeE9LjAFiB0O9zf4LAeYCV6w_j0HVreTSJaVS8/s320/IMG_0697.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p><b><u>Other random tips</u></b></p><p><b>Visa: </b><a href="https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/apply.jsp">I used this link to book my visa</a>- through the official website. It was easy to do and definitely not worth paying a company extra to sort it for you- very simple and easy.</p><p><b>Taxis:</b> PickMe app is their version of Uber and it was great and convenient. It was so cheap- I got a motorbike taxi for 20p one day. They always had random deals on and seemed to be cheaper than asking local rickshaw drivers most of the time. </p><p>Occasionally we couldn't get a PickMe driver to confirm so we'd just get a local rickshaw and they were always fine.</p><p><b>Sim card:</b> Get a Sim card at the airport. There are loads of vendors selling them and they're all really cheap. We paid around £8 for a sim card with unlimited internet, calls and texts (to local numbers) and shared this- hotspotting each other so we could both access internet when we were out. So useful for navigating, ordering PickMes etc. </p><p><b>Trains:</b> <a href="https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/">I booked our trains in advance online on this website</a>- tickets go on sale one month in advance and sell out quickly for popular routes. We did Kandy-Hatton and Hatton-Ella - we booked third class but second would also have been fine. You can always just walk to third class to lean out of the doors for the classic photos.</p><p>For a couple of the routes we wanted, the stations didn't show up on the website, which must have been some weird error. When this happened, I just booked the train from the station before, or to the station after, and it was fine to use them. The tickets are so cheap (a couple of pounds) that it really didn't matter).</p><p><b>Booking accommodation:</b> I booked everything in advance on booking.com, but there were so many accommodation options everywhere you'd be fine sorting stuff over there. I highly recommend at least a couple of homestays- they're not fancy or luxurious but it's so nice to stay with locals, get their recommendations, support their livelihoods and they were always so helpful and also made us delicious food</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Laura x</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388626075979730890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-64358766700621648502021-08-24T21:14:00.000+01:002024-02-11T21:07:54.241+00:0010 days in Iceland<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Thanks to the green list, we decided back in May to book ourselves a little holiday for summer. Arun and I somehow managed to both secure getting onto our dream uni courses, so we have both taken August off work for a bit of funemployment until they start.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Flights:</b></p><p>We had a bloody nightmare with flights to be honest. We originally booked through Wizz Air to go for 2 weeks for £100 return each, plus £50 to add a checked in bag both ways. Then, the rules changed meaning that Arun would need to have been double vaxxed for 15 days by the time we arrived, when he was due to have been double vaxxed for 12 days. We reluctantly paid £84 total to move our flights, and then, about a week later, got an email to say that our flights had been cancelled, and of course, that £84 fee was non refundable. LOL </p><p>We re-booked with Fly Play, with our return flights costing around £100 each, opting for just hand luggage. However, on the way back, we got charged as my "personal item" for onboard was 2cm too tall, so we paid a cute 49 euro fee. We don't love to see it x</p><p>Can't reaaally complain though as the flights got us there and back safely, so hey ho</p><p>Bear in mind that Keflavik Airport (the international airport for Reykjavik) is located about 1 hour from the city. There are FlyBuses to get you to and from the airport, but these are about £23 each way! Crazy. We opted for the number 55 public bus, which was about £10 each, but on the way from Reykjavik to the airport you also need a second public bus, then number 1, which is an extra few pounds, so potentially less worth it. </p><p>Also worth noting, that we found that our campervan pick up location was at the airport. So, once we'd factored in coming from the airport to the city, back out to get the camper, back in after dropping it off, back out to go to the airport... We were basically single handedly funding the city's bus transport services.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Reykjavik:</b></p><p>We had a night in Reykjavik at the start and end of our trip (see above for why this was not financially sensible). If repeating, I'd pick up my camper from the airport, and find somewhere to park it for free while staying in a hostel, or a campsite in Reykjavik? Idk</p><p>I really liked the city! It seemed really small, with no bustling city centre, but I guess that's not surprising for a country with such a small population. 60% of Iceland's inhabitants live in Reykjavik though, which is a fun fact. </p><p>It was such a vegan friendly city, and country tbf. The only downside is the prices, and we managed to find some bargains.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Food in Reykjavik:</b></p><p>On our first night I searched cheap eats Reykjavik and used TripAdvisor's best cheap eats page to source dinner. We ended up at Mai Thai, which was so yummy. We both got the massaman curry with tofu and vegetables. It came with rice for £12 and was a good portion. Free tap water too, overall a great meal. At the end of our trip we made our own food as we'd spent all our money on fines x</p><p>Iceland's bakeries were one of the best things about it, and Braud & Co. ended up a regular stop for us. The vegan cinnamon buns? INCREDIBLE. It's faaaairly pricey- almost £3 per baked good, but so worth it</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r2uFnolP916FlzojSTfar12zP0HEDkg51DXPWrn6Dn6BfucfInGGtX13qivsT_9aWyvjXVc_TP8CpmJ0t5_7M1x0DiYvMIetCLoEjdpCCgkrBoJkvxRwMYJqb0Osgn0BK_TZTsQrNwwd/s4032/20210815_125909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r2uFnolP916FlzojSTfar12zP0HEDkg51DXPWrn6Dn6BfucfInGGtX13qivsT_9aWyvjXVc_TP8CpmJ0t5_7M1x0DiYvMIetCLoEjdpCCgkrBoJkvxRwMYJqb0Osgn0BK_TZTsQrNwwd/s320/20210815_125909.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Things to do in Reykjavik: </b></p><p>We ended up with a day and an evening in Reykjavik, which was enough time. We had a chilled morning, running around the bay kinda area ending at aforementioned bakery, and in the afternoon headed out on a free walking tour with CityWalk. You pay a donation at the end, we saw all the major sites, learnt a lot about Reykjavik and generally had a great time. Would recommend. We also went to see the big old Hallgrimskirkja church. We didn't bother climbing it, but took photos outside and had a wander inside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMJkgoF8UOsuinSSEoM2XOfSw0HfSP0DH7VQpob-NXkXWk7d1oQzaljG99xy1z0VtiFkPNQ9BWwxCUDNeZxr_uE45LIc4003eZxPwzkVOOASVQZ01sg8GBU9Yc5IwJryezvg3wL58Ldgt/s4608/IMG20210806174037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMJkgoF8UOsuinSSEoM2XOfSw0HfSP0DH7VQpob-NXkXWk7d1oQzaljG99xy1z0VtiFkPNQ9BWwxCUDNeZxr_uE45LIc4003eZxPwzkVOOASVQZ01sg8GBU9Yc5IwJryezvg3wL58Ldgt/s320/IMG20210806174037.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mgnw_Ep_JEfbESHohD1iPsR5TcI_L7ZwkE-kYgDr4ZEhETxecQnMDJl_ZzzMUeJFpZNQ-osr7FywfTGB7Q9qkduH3OpIP2XvlzfioAKAxy2Jc-1VHvrAoiOsg2gy-HpuPnV2l_9oAAsW/s4032/20210815_154303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mgnw_Ep_JEfbESHohD1iPsR5TcI_L7ZwkE-kYgDr4ZEhETxecQnMDJl_ZzzMUeJFpZNQ-osr7FywfTGB7Q9qkduH3OpIP2XvlzfioAKAxy2Jc-1VHvrAoiOsg2gy-HpuPnV2l_9oAAsW/s320/20210815_154303.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBthyzioYINkg409K6P-p_oeht7iLnQK5PFwF0Lov_CzEKQFMaTsfmBbO0QVZzak0w3H1sNGeEvlRzaVou85bqkEi7hNsVWO1kwUGLlgWyYjcYUAk9hit3Se340a0A9YxBAhi1SmmVgxM/s4032/20210815_151241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBthyzioYINkg409K6P-p_oeht7iLnQK5PFwF0Lov_CzEKQFMaTsfmBbO0QVZzak0w3H1sNGeEvlRzaVou85bqkEi7hNsVWO1kwUGLlgWyYjcYUAk9hit3Se340a0A9YxBAhi1SmmVgxM/s320/20210815_151241.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Arun's sister bought us a package at the ice bar in Reykjavik. This was really cool (quite literally, it was -9 degrees). We were given big coats and gloves to wear, and taken into the bar which was full of ice sculptures. Our package included 2 cocktails- that was a bit of a stretch of the word as they were gin and tonics and similar, but wow. I've never done anything like it, and drinking out of an ice glass was also really cool. We stayed for 45 minutes or so until we'd fully lost feeling in our hands and feet. An interesting experience though!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhU18x2w3e0jI4RGwjLMdNlC1SSuZYbzo29KmMFhUPYomTJXCrbjXgJ87rjEbFUfdKr9CM8hElPt-JRjBOsQif3uexhh83b_e9xjtmkjBxL1hS9Y5b97gYLVK3hgPDPjuy4zQ1Fc3qrPl/s4608/IMG20210815202319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhU18x2w3e0jI4RGwjLMdNlC1SSuZYbzo29KmMFhUPYomTJXCrbjXgJ87rjEbFUfdKr9CM8hElPt-JRjBOsQif3uexhh83b_e9xjtmkjBxL1hS9Y5b97gYLVK3hgPDPjuy4zQ1Fc3qrPl/s320/IMG20210815202319.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>We also went to a bar for a drink at one point. Nearly every bar had a happy hour sign outside, but it was a bit disappointing to discover that happy hour meant that pints were reduced to the bargain price of £4.85!</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>Accommodation in Reykjavik:</b></p><p>Bus Hostel: Okay, pretty average hostel. Small kitchen for the number of people staying. We paid around £40 each a night to stay in a 10 bed dorm- wtfff. The pillow they gave us was really small which made for an uncomfortable night's sleep. The beds were alright though, but no curtain around them or plug socket next to them. Lockers available but needed your own padlock. Just some simple things which would improve it?? But it was fine, clean, the bathrooms were their own wet rooms with showers in, and the airport buses went from there. So ideal for an early morning flight, which we discovered at the end of our trip having walked 20 minutes across the city to get there.</p><p>Kex Hostel: Looked extremely edgy and had a massive public bar and pizza restaurant. Aka loud music until midnight ish. A really big hostel with lots of rooms and plenty of bathrooms, a bigger kitchen and 24/7 reception. In a good location in town. I think here we maybe paid £30 each per night and stayed for 2, a good base for exploring Reykjavik but on our second night a group of guests had a party in our kitchen until 2am, and when you're getting up at 3 to fly home that's so annoying. Reception did tell them to be quiet so that's decent. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Campervan:</b></p><p>We used Cheap Campervans, as, no surprise based on the name, they were the cheapest company we found. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8BsgYunlW8vRSMd8qv-azeolyHzoLQvg_IjfiCBrfSrV7oLr2hzhiyCMndBNpwIu0JGzJd_gbN21qVZ6snKjrFPpWFvNhZce8__FRmtpKkJn9-eTNb9A5_a0vddvvFPWbdwEu9rSEs4P/s4032/20210813_221220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8BsgYunlW8vRSMd8qv-azeolyHzoLQvg_IjfiCBrfSrV7oLr2hzhiyCMndBNpwIu0JGzJd_gbN21qVZ6snKjrFPpWFvNhZce8__FRmtpKkJn9-eTNb9A5_a0vddvvFPWbdwEu9rSEs4P/s320/20210813_221220.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Our campervan was fairly basic, and pretty small, but it did have everything we needed for 2 people. There were 2 seats in the front, as well as a bluetooth radio and USB charger. We had paid £30 extra for the week to have unlimited WiFi which was great for browsing while we drove, playing music/podcasts, finding campsites and Google Maps. </p><p>In the back it was essentially all bed- we had a thing cushion/mattress thing which was comfortable enough, pillows, sleeping bags, and we paid maybe £7 extra to add a duvet. There were free blankets at the pick up place, too, so we had a couple of these. I'd add an extra pillow if going again. During the day we also stored stuff on here, but under the beds was large of storage space for our bags, and at the back, as fold out bit where there were 2 containers of food stuff (cutlery, pans etc.) as well as a cooler for refrigerated stuff, which we had to pay ice for periodically throughout the trip. </p><p>We also paid a little extra to add 2 camping chairs, as well as a few extra gas canisters for our little cooker. If going again, I wouldn't add either, as all but one campsite had a sitting area if not a kitchen, and we hardly used any gas- so what they gave us was more than enough. We had considered adding a table, but again, it wasn't necessary.</p><p>The total cost for our campervan for 7 nights, 8 days, was approximately £700. Given the outrageous price of hostels in Iceland, and the freedom it gave us to go off exploring, despite how much diesel cost, it was 100% worth it. I'd go as far as to say that I don't think I'd both visiting Iceland without a campervan.</p><p>There are some roads in Iceland called F-Roads, which you need a 4x4 to drive on. We never even saw one on a sign. There's conflicting info on Google about whether you need a 4x4- my advice would be that for August there's no need for one, unless you're drowning in money. There were a handful of occasions which we drew on gravel unpaved roads when a 4x4 would have been nice, but hey, we didn't damage the car (well not enough for us to get fined when dropping it off!) and without any snow or other challenges that winter may present, we were all good. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Travelling by road</b></p><p>Along the way there were plenty of places to stop to fill up the camper. Even being a diesel engine, filling up was hella pricey, and we had to do it several times during the trip, as well as returning it with a full tank. This was an expense we were aware of and anticipating, but be warned. The price also seemed to vary a lot, and was a lot cheaper in Reykjavik, I think, but there's nothing you can really do.</p><p>Iceland is not a country where you can do a subtle wee by the side of the road if you've got a full bladder. At home I drink excessive amounts of tea and have a tiny bladder, but realised this was not an option, as there aren't all that many places to legally pull over, and the landscape is extremely flat close to the road, and lacking in trees. Many toilets charge 300 ISK, almost £2, per use. There's no real way of avoiding this, other than googling public toilets, using campsites and often the N1 service stations. We did get away with never paying using these tactics, but if you pee a lot, be prepared for this extra expense. </p><p>We picked up a hefty parking ticket in a city called Akureyri. I'm still fuming. It is illegal in Iceland to park against the direction of travel, and even on a small, residential road, we were caught and fined. Their travel wardens are on it! Also, you can't drive if you've drank even half a pint of beer, and it's illegal to pull over at the side of the road unless it's a designated stop. You also can't legally wild camp, you have to use campsites. We used GoCampers website which had an extensive list of campsites with information about them, that loaded onto Google Maps. Ideal. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Food on the road:</b></p><p>We did a big old food shop in a supermarket called Bonus to kick off the trip. This is the cheapest supermarket in Iceland, still expensive, but essentially the Aldi/Lidl. We were super lucky as they'd just reduced a load of fresh produce, which was a relief as a tiiiiny tub of mushrooms was over £2. Wtfff. Some of it went mouldy, a couple of plums etc., but in there was a watermelon for 30p, so really can't complain. We stocked up on noodles, pasta, chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, tinned mushrooms, crisps, sweets and had got some free stuff from the campervan pick-up. We also got some fake meat bits and hummus, and brought some quorn vegan slices with us, which made for good sandwiches on the road. A fairly standard shop came in at £40, which shocked us as it would definitely have cost half in Lidl or Aldi, but hey ho. </p><p>We made our own food nearly all the time, but stopped for a few coffees/hot chocolates. They nearly always had oat milk, which was truly mind-blowing to me. We also found that coffee shops made these huge cinammon buns, coated in caramel, strawberry or chocolate icing, which were vegan. For a few pounds we could share one of these and each have an oat milk latte. Truly dreamy.</p><p>The N1 petrol stations also had a really good selection of food to get along the way with a massive range of vegan options; salads, sandwiches, even vegan apple pies. Being a young child inside, my favourite part was the incredible pick n mix which was 50% off on Friday and Saturday. Dreamy x</p><p>In Akureyri, pre getting fined, we also got vegan hot dogs, for under £5 each. They were really tasty and it was nice to eat something which felt vaguely traditional (they have hot dogs everywhere!) and made a nice change to bread with cheap peanut butter.</p><p>Iceland is known for its tap water- the locals are proud of it and it was really nice tbf. However at a couple of campsites there were signs advising us to boil it before drinking. Nothing you can do to avoid it, but just FYI.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Route: </b></p><p>We followed the Ring Road around Iceland- essentially a big old road which spans the outside of the whole country. Unsurprisingly, full of tourists, but especially just the south past Reykjavik, where there's a few sights called the Golden Circle, which people on a shorter trip do. We had read online that with our 7 days in a camper we'd only have time for the south, but we powered through and did a full lap.</p><p>We set off from Reykjavik going south, and pretty much followed this itinerary: https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/8-day-self-drive-tour-circle-of-iceland as well as some random recommendations off a travel facebook group. </p><p>We had looooong days, often out for over 12 hours. We never ate dinner before 10pm. So if you have a similar timeframe you may wanna skip, or get up earlier than we did.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Day 1: </b></p><p>After picking up the campervan and doing a food shop, we hit the road.</p><p>Þingvellir National Park - a national park with waterfalls and clear view of where the two tectonic plates meet. You can dive there in dry suits, but for around £90 each we gave it a miss. This was a cool place to visit, just pay parking, but waterfalls are cool all around Iceland so nothing too special (aka don't take a million photos here because you're going to see maaaany more). Nice place for a walk around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0jp7oOsujSDacjcfPHK4bIgXdlqU3jSYYmKnDCshmnVN_xzkjLbXQAOvDfKlb7eGgpkElCfY6vXdmYOEclmpBkU86GagIg_fbNzXjjp1FtxFYYYXJRj9JeGUPYrjGwf7LZyl_bKwj2ir/s4512/DSC_1696.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0jp7oOsujSDacjcfPHK4bIgXdlqU3jSYYmKnDCshmnVN_xzkjLbXQAOvDfKlb7eGgpkElCfY6vXdmYOEclmpBkU86GagIg_fbNzXjjp1FtxFYYYXJRj9JeGUPYrjGwf7LZyl_bKwj2ir/s320/DSC_1696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWUj_VAH-PKDnOHDY2JiON1puqNrZBIzqdE_0RgaMc6FiYIXSUyk_Meuja4-wC0NF_tgKpu3aDfmrmBpYca1ddtPN4HlFXYv87_KTJ6GXEOJfSzQ8HxzJPdwiDLygca80DL10g2j4RsV6/s4512/DSC_1678.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWUj_VAH-PKDnOHDY2JiON1puqNrZBIzqdE_0RgaMc6FiYIXSUyk_Meuja4-wC0NF_tgKpu3aDfmrmBpYca1ddtPN4HlFXYv87_KTJ6GXEOJfSzQ8HxzJPdwiDLygca80DL10g2j4RsV6/s320/DSC_1678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Next we stopped at Haukadalur, which is an area with lots of hot geysers. This was really cool to see, especially as one of the big ones erupts every 5 minutes ish. Every bloody time it made me jump too much to get a good photo or video. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoQlMY-0h_EdthSe79SiE51A2LsiP7viR1n19ZYovrxHSvUanK6pjIH7ixlKlmeOFKlHJJR7mLQzCOIsuwu-cjMQmXG76kNHqhI06_mNAhazRQbiIZ1e2Mu1CYiVtZP2LG5S5_h96o84V/s4512/DSC_1713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoQlMY-0h_EdthSe79SiE51A2LsiP7viR1n19ZYovrxHSvUanK6pjIH7ixlKlmeOFKlHJJR7mLQzCOIsuwu-cjMQmXG76kNHqhI06_mNAhazRQbiIZ1e2Mu1CYiVtZP2LG5S5_h96o84V/s320/DSC_1713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqfeHVMYAw066uEGnIbiwqeIzKB7slA6__gWL2ikquKRjpFWp5G9qYJ_a0Mc5qnx-D6TgDTUpqN0583Q2zlfMOw4J6pKk6g9iSQQDKOzR_xW0jPF17KyfyKDo0etDB1JUL2nUi0ySqaQD/s4512/DSC_1710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqfeHVMYAw066uEGnIbiwqeIzKB7slA6__gWL2ikquKRjpFWp5G9qYJ_a0Mc5qnx-D6TgDTUpqN0583Q2zlfMOw4J6pKk6g9iSQQDKOzR_xW0jPF17KyfyKDo0etDB1JUL2nUi0ySqaQD/s320/DSC_1710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We visited Gulfoss waterfall, a good opportunity for some photos. Again, they all blurred into one.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJp5yFQii79pk09hQDbrscKJ4ndULkGMcWtBXObSUx-nC6aY4M7n7dePVQMGukfffKpJKSSRWT-ENrOyfWUidyQC7P7DJ645EojDyzMrxlUWe0iB5JzPS7CBm7nQ3XuUCV0DLj3Xz8oQ2/s4032/20210807_180234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJp5yFQii79pk09hQDbrscKJ4ndULkGMcWtBXObSUx-nC6aY4M7n7dePVQMGukfffKpJKSSRWT-ENrOyfWUidyQC7P7DJ645EojDyzMrxlUWe0iB5JzPS7CBm7nQ3XuUCV0DLj3Xz8oQ2/s320/20210807_180234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div><p></p><p>We ended our day around 10pm at Seljalandfoss- we noticed a campsite really close to the waterfall and stayed there. After cooking it was still light, so we headed to the waterfall. I did discover just now that you can go behind the water, and it makes a cool photo. Wish we'd known that lol. </p><p>The campsite was probably the worst we stayed at- just super busy and crowded, and a bit grubby. Still nothing terrible, reasonably priced, a decent kitchen and wifi.</p><p><b>Day 2:</b></p><p>We set off around 10, heading first to a waterfall, which I don't know the name of. Sorry lol. but it was just off the main road, and had a rainbow next to it, which was so cool! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa23qR-CBrjwTszjosjXxqk4exLX6qZU2n0s-qCM_CXsEIXJeBOwjNKb9_WFaJtNa-i0Elnu3E94Evtq3v_jn0_6CazHV7kGPdscYHtKb3NeNcj1JB5CEkiLxNLeGsGCp9kv0M2O92g_e/s4032/20210808_102034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa23qR-CBrjwTszjosjXxqk4exLX6qZU2n0s-qCM_CXsEIXJeBOwjNKb9_WFaJtNa-i0Elnu3E94Evtq3v_jn0_6CazHV7kGPdscYHtKb3NeNcj1JB5CEkiLxNLeGsGCp9kv0M2O92g_e/s320/20210808_102034.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMqeuL_nH6QiD9A0xaeAMk1Q0h43VIh7kIuRQbTqscbunHBJRVR9zwFPKC08OhBmnP5US_pgmvV-eMy9KGWGcVGJGJE2YmiLLV4IfJhFxllxnRWYEHiAM4eYFCyYqddE7EfQUvMK0r_j4/s4032/20210808_101414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMqeuL_nH6QiD9A0xaeAMk1Q0h43VIh7kIuRQbTqscbunHBJRVR9zwFPKC08OhBmnP5US_pgmvV-eMy9KGWGcVGJGJE2YmiLLV4IfJhFxllxnRWYEHiAM4eYFCyYqddE7EfQUvMK0r_j4/s320/20210808_101414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Then we headed to Sólheimasandur, where there was a 5km round trip walk to an abandoned plane wreck. The kind of morbid thing I love x The walk was a bit dull but it was really cool and definitely worth it. Apparently a shuttle bus runs too but we didn't see it.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfkTZ-JnmsEbgpOT2AnhbZayDxLgbdo0RiBsySxnYI4i7-5bqfPh3SR-Q4vfwxEt1_fUvIxtMwa2kchoPN6SPsqIT_G9D_8jjtpvCEOd7bcoPR1r6KqdYqxqK8PLJsyGEfS4hyphenhyphenMVnMHGu/s4032/20210808_113752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfkTZ-JnmsEbgpOT2AnhbZayDxLgbdo0RiBsySxnYI4i7-5bqfPh3SR-Q4vfwxEt1_fUvIxtMwa2kchoPN6SPsqIT_G9D_8jjtpvCEOd7bcoPR1r6KqdYqxqK8PLJsyGEfS4hyphenhyphenMVnMHGu/s320/20210808_113752.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8EO7g9SqmFwUn-FrszsyG9pAJ_jGmgN0f-ahKaUcw4a0L1mFlAVnjNmEi7ocAdwj6z1nLCZCT_f4yD_gpy1uTeccRzcVD9z1VACrATIZ46qelz9kAt-JPwv8VF8guAyYs8KYXrZx0F3M/s4032/20210808_113655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8EO7g9SqmFwUn-FrszsyG9pAJ_jGmgN0f-ahKaUcw4a0L1mFlAVnjNmEi7ocAdwj6z1nLCZCT_f4yD_gpy1uTeccRzcVD9z1VACrATIZ46qelz9kAt-JPwv8VF8guAyYs8KYXrZx0F3M/s320/20210808_113655.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>We went to a beach next, Reynisfjara, which had cool rock stacks. It was really crowded and touristy though, almost a full carpark. There were signs saying how dangerous the sea here was, so I stayed well back. Safety first and whatnot x</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQK9H3AqrzNabugA_x8_lwJIw2pLLbjlKnYDXfGhoyYvzvlc3nLpF6FcJs2EKXQXApbV1eOyoDY0EjszSjpyk5WFi6ry9PqZ1tzhcYGAXZ2aC_Mhl7d3heArlJRqWcn1653ezCGoLoWdG/s4032/20210808_130153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQK9H3AqrzNabugA_x8_lwJIw2pLLbjlKnYDXfGhoyYvzvlc3nLpF6FcJs2EKXQXApbV1eOyoDY0EjszSjpyk5WFi6ry9PqZ1tzhcYGAXZ2aC_Mhl7d3heArlJRqWcn1653ezCGoLoWdG/s320/20210808_130153.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxuiowsTzeU7kuweVqHNgbz9vAtVqrbiUXlAy3y5mjwEJyM_MlHSjr1p56H_pELsKmIwJBPwxHf9nJiWRL9VDXwbbUhZ08hZHoRF2G52JCoKQpyYtVZLsymvZKxYepXMyjoOr9VuCvQA2/s4032/20210808_125929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxuiowsTzeU7kuweVqHNgbz9vAtVqrbiUXlAy3y5mjwEJyM_MlHSjr1p56H_pELsKmIwJBPwxHf9nJiWRL9VDXwbbUhZ08hZHoRF2G52JCoKQpyYtVZLsymvZKxYepXMyjoOr9VuCvQA2/s320/20210808_125929.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Next we headed to Skaftafell Glaciers, which I think on the Ring Road were actually before the plane wreck, but we missed the turning. You can do tours where you walk on the glacier, and I would be tempted to do one tbf, though I expect they're outrageously expensive. We still had a great time seeing the glacier and ice up pretty close.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWohaA-cZh4KCwJhrmdKI7jKSFm0kxk1DTPw-lWuMYNaiD7tnvWfkLpo1uoZH_dGWou6tp9KAbKep8tuygNzv0shKf05ls6YRbdac2ef7852Nsks8TgAuJ-z4u0uxyFrKkU_oRqvr5uQDy/s4512/DSC_1847.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWohaA-cZh4KCwJhrmdKI7jKSFm0kxk1DTPw-lWuMYNaiD7tnvWfkLpo1uoZH_dGWou6tp9KAbKep8tuygNzv0shKf05ls6YRbdac2ef7852Nsks8TgAuJ-z4u0uxyFrKkU_oRqvr5uQDy/s320/DSC_1847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcySdWrKm816WTP9wCovBmozEIMAAOZfbsRD8txT6Bsc-zmxDAU1d9iadZDDT05-EluBI0GdFX5LTbZimQAhUaA5Z3wtDIcYrDC_O_33VI1G2LUEiql3GbfoyqhwXC7D7JzibjwzfR2Fu/s4512/DSC_1843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcySdWrKm816WTP9wCovBmozEIMAAOZfbsRD8txT6Bsc-zmxDAU1d9iadZDDT05-EluBI0GdFX5LTbZimQAhUaA5Z3wtDIcYrDC_O_33VI1G2LUEiql3GbfoyqhwXC7D7JzibjwzfR2Fu/s320/DSC_1843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdnPtBgNfyu4no7IKt_nIyFaeD4UtjOXs7GF4g1tjpAyjOgmA9AbNZpS4nEAEBuRUanMGDC8BQ-BZTzGNEOZjxabOKxy4sLNwxeGiJmc-4sWKLGPNhQnu0P5I1_YGGnNP5uS1_yHSQWL-/s4160/IMG20210808141730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdnPtBgNfyu4no7IKt_nIyFaeD4UtjOXs7GF4g1tjpAyjOgmA9AbNZpS4nEAEBuRUanMGDC8BQ-BZTzGNEOZjxabOKxy4sLNwxeGiJmc-4sWKLGPNhQnu0P5I1_YGGnNP5uS1_yHSQWL-/s320/IMG20210808141730.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YstOWmo8NBrO_f5nDpr8vhsjPbyetD8DzSqcEjQwY0Q9WePQDui3fXM_qFlOlRvUNIJ_rDQKOsm8HRfPxpDATO3hPnIGNfY_JBHrZVVo8X43MTZx7IKVdHK4I7Ibbcx2JgWWwGQqacOP/s4032/20210808_141245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YstOWmo8NBrO_f5nDpr8vhsjPbyetD8DzSqcEjQwY0Q9WePQDui3fXM_qFlOlRvUNIJ_rDQKOsm8HRfPxpDATO3hPnIGNfY_JBHrZVVo8X43MTZx7IKVdHK4I7Ibbcx2JgWWwGQqacOP/s320/20210808_141245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Next, around dinner time, we did a hike from Skaftafell National Park. We opted for one of the shortest routes, I think it was around 5k, but it was uphill so pretty challenging in the heat. The trails were really empty, and the views were amazing.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiufLGj9ETlSGQNbt_r1Ovf-U21HYF7XChI53iC7kNTSZeokUyUbbpLX-kAKJ9ajiLrvXXr9Xjq7DBmNlYuu0t0P_zuA9Hz5U22ROABj3818TcxweHmvQHx4Fq32VYcex4-ScNvgkkzXj/s4512/DSC_1863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiufLGj9ETlSGQNbt_r1Ovf-U21HYF7XChI53iC7kNTSZeokUyUbbpLX-kAKJ9ajiLrvXXr9Xjq7DBmNlYuu0t0P_zuA9Hz5U22ROABj3818TcxweHmvQHx4Fq32VYcex4-ScNvgkkzXj/s320/DSC_1863.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>We drove on to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, one of our favourite parts of Iceland. It was a huge lake filled with melting blocks of ice, with seals swimming around. Such a cool place to spend an hour or so, there's nothing like it. It was also really close to Diamond Beach, black sand, with loads of blocks of ice on the sand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni3MtQV0IP4bjwCqig9X7nQBUxtNZUkW1BbnIBBBgv3MQipfwtIgSp8RZBdpIKZRoPlM11WdheGHylHvTiDDAHwtN0CCv0NVhLpqMY9fPbABy_AyMferEk9GRpymPwYBmwGJnRFg3slQ2/s4512/DSC_1959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni3MtQV0IP4bjwCqig9X7nQBUxtNZUkW1BbnIBBBgv3MQipfwtIgSp8RZBdpIKZRoPlM11WdheGHylHvTiDDAHwtN0CCv0NVhLpqMY9fPbABy_AyMferEk9GRpymPwYBmwGJnRFg3slQ2/s320/DSC_1959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqwVdtgF5-7vObKfSInVCU7VocSCpMZtSyLl2TGPt9BbTl9tntqgjce8_m5115Eu-l-vu4I76izYv-6YuLgrTYpggOCUEFId5muLAcOiA59VgA8gp79Q0iuG-5Yl_3SGDULgu2VgiVsV6/s4512/DSC_1953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqwVdtgF5-7vObKfSInVCU7VocSCpMZtSyLl2TGPt9BbTl9tntqgjce8_m5115Eu-l-vu4I76izYv-6YuLgrTYpggOCUEFId5muLAcOiA59VgA8gp79Q0iuG-5Yl_3SGDULgu2VgiVsV6/s320/DSC_1953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90limsKXa0ObOPBdEU6kKfXnYds52fsG0GOpO1bZhCA_uXC2ev3e9QaBtFlMZor0z5NybMWIgBQLg3XPdThOLGM4NxvOrrCzr8i0zofP80MhyphenhyphenTIbKUip3VKY9k0CvbiMlu4yOAl-VkGPe/s2029/DSC_1917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="2029" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90limsKXa0ObOPBdEU6kKfXnYds52fsG0GOpO1bZhCA_uXC2ev3e9QaBtFlMZor0z5NybMWIgBQLg3XPdThOLGM4NxvOrrCzr8i0zofP80MhyphenhyphenTIbKUip3VKY9k0CvbiMlu4yOAl-VkGPe/s320/DSC_1917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf6PhyL-CBWVqGHBYGYjSyCrCs7sPB7EDovO-waTEbVDNh8bYdAopyheM6R6Fw4XSsWHSPeqeO3JxkwYgGmniES4xlNeCpuq563aCQnnChERpMUEtRJwEaCgbTjClQ9bjU6TVNK-Y-MkA/s4032/20210808_202608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf6PhyL-CBWVqGHBYGYjSyCrCs7sPB7EDovO-waTEbVDNh8bYdAopyheM6R6Fw4XSsWHSPeqeO3JxkwYgGmniES4xlNeCpuq563aCQnnChERpMUEtRJwEaCgbTjClQ9bjU6TVNK-Y-MkA/s320/20210808_202608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc-TXCPL5CZtTMOWbAaYa9x9GGMWFD0y9NCBPt4C2xjocf9x554NNHC1i76GHYJc67mG_jIh2PpLRJvDI4DxO3TreqzeuCZfnqu2qaXtbVLPGG_xG2LtAASrOmUDTPd4cKRharVrrxQfj/s4032/20210808_202225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc-TXCPL5CZtTMOWbAaYa9x9GGMWFD0y9NCBPt4C2xjocf9x554NNHC1i76GHYJc67mG_jIh2PpLRJvDI4DxO3TreqzeuCZfnqu2qaXtbVLPGG_xG2LtAASrOmUDTPd4cKRharVrrxQfj/s320/20210808_202225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAY3eaW9QyizFI1lo8TAb5QTlQ783LuxLRb9EalIq7ucqjEseaJwc8iYSQhkEq2VJcFdcuIU8sDzdVKiSxAQmgVZvelzvRYV4Z0NvyN_rr3GN_pSuIE9pL5Hjs9Le9RJDnlydr-bHOYbe/s4032/20210808_201404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAY3eaW9QyizFI1lo8TAb5QTlQ783LuxLRb9EalIq7ucqjEseaJwc8iYSQhkEq2VJcFdcuIU8sDzdVKiSxAQmgVZvelzvRYV4Z0NvyN_rr3GN_pSuIE9pL5Hjs9Le9RJDnlydr-bHOYbe/s320/20210808_201404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We drove on to Hofn campsite where we stayed for the night. This was our most expensive campsite of the trip, £10.33 each plus an extra £1.15 each for a 3 minute shower. The campsite was fine, but for a bit more research we could have saved a few pounds to spend on more pick n mix..</p><p><b>Day 3:</b></p><p>By now we were heading to the east of the island, and again, left at 10ish</p><p>We stopped off at a random hot pool by the side of the road for a dip. It was really nice, though around 40 degrees celcius, and we met an American couple there who we randomly met again later in the trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0DxKmgub0tC7M7ZaYriqZxxZZSKcswRKr48_yqKtiOeGeldLbPCmneINGedTmXSxr9lDdUbAuPxyRKWcvbWhSQLmltSpxiTpRJDaJzyvmpDv9ur4CuqIW5ZL1kIN6uWCh3WJzPlnhyphenhyphenbA/s4160/IMG20210809121755.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0DxKmgub0tC7M7ZaYriqZxxZZSKcswRKr48_yqKtiOeGeldLbPCmneINGedTmXSxr9lDdUbAuPxyRKWcvbWhSQLmltSpxiTpRJDaJzyvmpDv9ur4CuqIW5ZL1kIN6uWCh3WJzPlnhyphenhyphenbA/s320/IMG20210809121755.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The drive was really nice, we stopped at a beach to stretch our legs and just enjoy the view. We also visited a small town and had an oat milk latte. We tried to buy a loaf of bread and a bag of crisps in the supermarket, which came to £11. We put it back...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglti_M1o_dcHjoT602OvMVB3mJq0UWZz48wI2W0oB3rbTc4Bn8LU0D0wUghEVuMbgG2vBFch8sYs5shSmupYFLAqcT4CeNNkVay-3p-90vjQpnx4CKUIFPw20AkTiiM3Zlm6EpCKSlqM_a/s4032/20210809_135331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglti_M1o_dcHjoT602OvMVB3mJq0UWZz48wI2W0oB3rbTc4Bn8LU0D0wUghEVuMbgG2vBFch8sYs5shSmupYFLAqcT4CeNNkVay-3p-90vjQpnx4CKUIFPw20AkTiiM3Zlm6EpCKSlqM_a/s320/20210809_135331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xoybHpckNA54oHiq6o9f_xiEvuy9V17dNUy0Nf1Q1W0hqdp81stT8IjYSKw1PljOiW31Iu0-vEfGn1ZaGXnk0000eJT-7Dr1Kva8JJiG7VdHGnYT0DqlHpXvRLcTqvMFAlHkSBS10s8A/s4512/DSC_1966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xoybHpckNA54oHiq6o9f_xiEvuy9V17dNUy0Nf1Q1W0hqdp81stT8IjYSKw1PljOiW31Iu0-vEfGn1ZaGXnk0000eJT-7Dr1Kva8JJiG7VdHGnYT0DqlHpXvRLcTqvMFAlHkSBS10s8A/s320/DSC_1966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g-TgVmxYKbuhaiiychVlcjZeV_4SrpKJgrvLJw8920tauZWjxqP2HExPX_d6WNlQscP2j48bdTNcDXq2fH5FUeeLU2ynxPILEn-pF7u0kLJ_TFGKjnEfHUeA2Pd0DlMfLyIkE0-dLF7G/s4032/20210809_163229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g-TgVmxYKbuhaiiychVlcjZeV_4SrpKJgrvLJw8920tauZWjxqP2HExPX_d6WNlQscP2j48bdTNcDXq2fH5FUeeLU2ynxPILEn-pF7u0kLJ_TFGKjnEfHUeA2Pd0DlMfLyIkE0-dLF7G/s320/20210809_163229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We also made a stop at <span>Tvisongur which made for a short stroll up to this weird building which were really echoey. No real way of describing it, but we graced it with some beautiful renditions of Adele and Abba to test out the echo. According to the google reviews that's what everyone does, we're not just weird.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZaJAsjG_gkJEE27iolwOa2wol0Z4FpQmG7Y5U-A2mtQk9VQBHE4v80ZreANVVJ6c_s_Pp2hKkYSZBF0EYRJKoMDWp8Iz4OYVebeXTILFF27oXEAGBao48tRYHRsGGM0NhOIDttlSuEzl/s4512/DSC_2035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZaJAsjG_gkJEE27iolwOa2wol0Z4FpQmG7Y5U-A2mtQk9VQBHE4v80ZreANVVJ6c_s_Pp2hKkYSZBF0EYRJKoMDWp8Iz4OYVebeXTILFF27oXEAGBao48tRYHRsGGM0NhOIDttlSuEzl/s320/DSC_2035.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span>We stopped off at a random bit of modern art at the side of the road, purely for the photo.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzo_347n_wn-CJfTQADxdanoeQTyJm-EaQ_zKAieTRjaTLhVOJpWvcTTOs5Me3icHnv3IwqtFMv5ukG0caguVk0Sx4142gfjCVEu3SWyNMX9MU0vbwXG5PvnBN6gc30DTZnwznKeEyhQI/s4032/20210809_180218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzo_347n_wn-CJfTQADxdanoeQTyJm-EaQ_zKAieTRjaTLhVOJpWvcTTOs5Me3icHnv3IwqtFMv5ukG0caguVk0Sx4142gfjCVEu3SWyNMX9MU0vbwXG5PvnBN6gc30DTZnwznKeEyhQI/s320/20210809_180218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span>Next we went to one of my favourite parts of the trip: </span>Stuðlagil Canyon. A place which doesn't seem to get that mentioned in itineraries, it required a 15km drive each way on an unpaved gravel path, and then a 3km hike. It was so worth it. We arrived late, around 8pm, and at 9.30pm I realised we were at the bottom of the canyon, 3km from the car park, 15km from the road, having had no dinner, and no clue where we were staying. Fortunately we found a campsite, drove there, and all was well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoW_drd9yA0SWO41dR9RUWyZIsjOaCb6IjJyUtiqJYMWVlXD-oIeUTmv1rFLD_WPOTwrnLLk6dAy1i_c0TIn4tdOg3COdvtYXUqh3RtksIgVeNMdadOZKb_bWlHeuVkGE_-eAIQ9b4H5G/s2592/20210809_194654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoW_drd9yA0SWO41dR9RUWyZIsjOaCb6IjJyUtiqJYMWVlXD-oIeUTmv1rFLD_WPOTwrnLLk6dAy1i_c0TIn4tdOg3COdvtYXUqh3RtksIgVeNMdadOZKb_bWlHeuVkGE_-eAIQ9b4H5G/s320/20210809_194654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ66_56C9-5U-nPIXePhZmct5UW4R5UQKaxz_G875-N9mKkgVcW7hejMrOPijpskR1KGeFPWdGK5DN2aDHQmVszKsTYr7v4MHc0tO-co_XUf_eDK66KfxpG777TTeLZQGCqwOAL3VL1kX/s4032/20210809_205209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ66_56C9-5U-nPIXePhZmct5UW4R5UQKaxz_G875-N9mKkgVcW7hejMrOPijpskR1KGeFPWdGK5DN2aDHQmVszKsTYr7v4MHc0tO-co_XUf_eDK66KfxpG777TTeLZQGCqwOAL3VL1kX/s320/20210809_205209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kVJ1_UTbwxt_oFhMXCVra3M6J0QnCQpvSxKur5JH5VjgQvEv8tGuncdRIJdJTk99v3xQK1wcWV5etmGxvS2_OUiarbLoMQOUZCkv8-aJ3tRRvSGRNgI_S5_xWV4UnnuyJOOjLqlLWM10/s4032/20210809_205558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kVJ1_UTbwxt_oFhMXCVra3M6J0QnCQpvSxKur5JH5VjgQvEv8tGuncdRIJdJTk99v3xQK1wcWV5etmGxvS2_OUiarbLoMQOUZCkv8-aJ3tRRvSGRNgI_S5_xWV4UnnuyJOOjLqlLWM10/s320/20210809_205558.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d5AGqzo-K2eI9AJJ1WLsW7qYsgUV1G-nZcdpTDX75qbLBZtdytDhRtqGHND0gtQrt3x0GjL91xAqJPJNycilIcVDL0g72rIHddd5AZ5EqsHsRu68hiIKzfQrvkupeLgJn_nessGoUarS/s4032/20210809_205629%25280%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d5AGqzo-K2eI9AJJ1WLsW7qYsgUV1G-nZcdpTDX75qbLBZtdytDhRtqGHND0gtQrt3x0GjL91xAqJPJNycilIcVDL0g72rIHddd5AZ5EqsHsRu68hiIKzfQrvkupeLgJn_nessGoUarS/s320/20210809_205629%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD7jYJ3ErFFqmMb188Vm5a1Aikw1FQIwY_DLIIpR3LD03iC2gB8qNYvNxQVZ1GRuuj3fE54mkLtzvNCFRMzdGuUb_426dgOOOZ73zb12I7Or7iNU64-n9ogCdfhu-Le9IfpinRi39eiVP/s4512/DSC_2057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD7jYJ3ErFFqmMb188Vm5a1Aikw1FQIwY_DLIIpR3LD03iC2gB8qNYvNxQVZ1GRuuj3fE54mkLtzvNCFRMzdGuUb_426dgOOOZ73zb12I7Or7iNU64-n9ogCdfhu-Le9IfpinRi39eiVP/s320/DSC_2057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsFRg7oeMV7YxjAPRnSqH5K9FQ8UTq2eYOfOZRmnMomulU2hppdJU4lG9UrHYUG-HrUHOUuR3wwhB0av9SCAB7mDzKIFKM22hceqN3xhly8K1fLSPZG9DWoSyxxFh7KM1u6Oj2HBMsuQI/s4512/DSC_2082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsFRg7oeMV7YxjAPRnSqH5K9FQ8UTq2eYOfOZRmnMomulU2hppdJU4lG9UrHYUG-HrUHOUuR3wwhB0av9SCAB7mDzKIFKM22hceqN3xhly8K1fLSPZG9DWoSyxxFh7KM1u6Oj2HBMsuQI/s320/DSC_2082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rVFL06XDj8s3xWafNAv7lhWSkg-GmJHajxQ8BK78MrGKWpDdF4QCSJ7OZwnHgwriHC3KrIT2fwyvK3y9rxCqTfLVlSP9_IhB32FyVGS4nlo-9gkNwlvId_eEMQkKyR5hu2e6NbijFZ_m/s4032/20210809_212902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rVFL06XDj8s3xWafNAv7lhWSkg-GmJHajxQ8BK78MrGKWpDdF4QCSJ7OZwnHgwriHC3KrIT2fwyvK3y9rxCqTfLVlSP9_IhB32FyVGS4nlo-9gkNwlvId_eEMQkKyR5hu2e6NbijFZ_m/s320/20210809_212902.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU4wiWdP8iZJ-vXSDpYSE2V9Fa2iIPH68RvyPPRQck4lYFf90QSLErk70vdHpc0rHoUbYUP3tuK8ve6VNnddy2RwNlQf2ymu4pEMyzNGJx2jsM7ZaxpuFSdffaVmxUk18k-tS1uKtKVY_/s4512/DSC_2112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU4wiWdP8iZJ-vXSDpYSE2V9Fa2iIPH68RvyPPRQck4lYFf90QSLErk70vdHpc0rHoUbYUP3tuK8ve6VNnddy2RwNlQf2ymu4pEMyzNGJx2jsM7ZaxpuFSdffaVmxUk18k-tS1uKtKVY_/s320/DSC_2112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We stayed the night at Guesthouse Skjoldolfsstadir (a campsite, misleading name, we're not that fancy) which was cool because it had its own hot tubs free to use. A nice place for a dip in the morning, especially as it was empty.</span></div><p><b>Day 4:</b></p><p>The next day, we headed to Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Pretty cool. By this point, if it wasn't painfully obvious, I was a bit done with waterfalls, but I can't lie this was a cool one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwS9c-rfU61haPq8UaDYYVezODzCwo4d-uUCL0TFb83kHFO55CnnmWnrebqGtHCKVHDuTqAmsU31KMumqCwJnS92dfZsB7Ow9fdHIEezc1wFUF1nclS8QK8a8tXK1c7iI727QIEXnmy1b/s4512/DSC_0060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwS9c-rfU61haPq8UaDYYVezODzCwo4d-uUCL0TFb83kHFO55CnnmWnrebqGtHCKVHDuTqAmsU31KMumqCwJnS92dfZsB7Ow9fdHIEezc1wFUF1nclS8QK8a8tXK1c7iI727QIEXnmy1b/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxdR5oP_nCNE8LWZiB4QXgujcoVtAvq1FlskEuub4hQ8nt_kO2Lk8KdlYxUclQPaxkf4rGFI40M9rCBa8Z4RFYqHtjlpZCB-Piw9QZyy9lhuw-OXo3n6D_o3z1CRmVF98N8alKVczZihH/s4512/DSC_0027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxdR5oP_nCNE8LWZiB4QXgujcoVtAvq1FlskEuub4hQ8nt_kO2Lk8KdlYxUclQPaxkf4rGFI40M9rCBa8Z4RFYqHtjlpZCB-Piw9QZyy9lhuw-OXo3n6D_o3z1CRmVF98N8alKVczZihH/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3UXws17vhoib78wOuGqywjBsCdlxnOSkqrEQ-1n7POsAKvzvIlG2R9bn8kX1kHiUeNmt4UKPEnUVfHqr3vOe9Y_vP0U-MuNBV6WJqbCKDDhdYauw66kPrRATcM4ruFvoVRLgibzSZv51/s4032/20210810_122627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3UXws17vhoib78wOuGqywjBsCdlxnOSkqrEQ-1n7POsAKvzvIlG2R9bn8kX1kHiUeNmt4UKPEnUVfHqr3vOe9Y_vP0U-MuNBV6WJqbCKDDhdYauw66kPrRATcM4ruFvoVRLgibzSZv51/s320/20210810_122627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We then headed to a big crater, I'm not sure what it was called. We didn't have time to walk the whole way around it, but it was a cool view, and felt a bit like we were on the moon. There was a tiny American child in an astronaut suit too, cute. </p><p>We visited a cafe where a friend of Arun's worked which was cute, and then panic booked a Blue Lagoon equivalent. We discovered that it was cheaper, offered a student price, and didn't come with a £40 return bus transfer that the Blue Lagoon did. So we went. What a dreamy way to spend an afternoon, swimming around, having a drink, popping in the scorching hot tub or sauna. Loved it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrWXExRMN0RU_qPl_nuN2QZVHjskvgEoSdxirG9vuD97bNHBuP8jFnhG97mU6FXgRtbH6U6eJq7QSmIhYQEIHDCDYGLmgAZLamR9T_qdEgzSMVVEhF57b0aEvO1CfkG66pVg-RPrjUN2N/s4160/IMG20210810164815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrWXExRMN0RU_qPl_nuN2QZVHjskvgEoSdxirG9vuD97bNHBuP8jFnhG97mU6FXgRtbH6U6eJq7QSmIhYQEIHDCDYGLmgAZLamR9T_qdEgzSMVVEhF57b0aEvO1CfkG66pVg-RPrjUN2N/s320/IMG20210810164815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuJntu8PW99vOuBy0sljaXM_YyrfMWQpxA28NTE8giH-h5aRw9XAmRrWarTl8yjS7m0wguzm4y2LyN5cjyTySxx9m6migfwp96urdtdxnkO1y6zN7GD6kmTFWLVVu48Pglzy_pGjQdQj8/s4512/DSC_0111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuJntu8PW99vOuBy0sljaXM_YyrfMWQpxA28NTE8giH-h5aRw9XAmRrWarTl8yjS7m0wguzm4y2LyN5cjyTySxx9m6migfwp96urdtdxnkO1y6zN7GD6kmTFWLVVu48Pglzy_pGjQdQj8/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>We stopped off at a cave which apparently some characters in Game of Thrones have sex in, as I haven't watched, this wasn't particularly thrilling. We then continued our drive, stopping at, you guessed it, another waterfall. This was a nice one to be fair, and it was golden hour which made it even prettier.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ2sdPK97sb9q8koAOH7jbLV_gOOiDkxq9lz3E1jEaZgLfG40-KXAy4BGOE2N_GhsgIrVc85jv8oDum308RHW44AXhBdUAFjUVyDm090PMEr2I8-4LDfijhYl3NfJUalVSig4BQ5OE17J/s4032/20210810_205954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ2sdPK97sb9q8koAOH7jbLV_gOOiDkxq9lz3E1jEaZgLfG40-KXAy4BGOE2N_GhsgIrVc85jv8oDum308RHW44AXhBdUAFjUVyDm090PMEr2I8-4LDfijhYl3NfJUalVSig4BQ5OE17J/s320/20210810_205954.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ7jnTIWTALK1k6Z4RQ_sJahmcRpj3JJimXA-sa0ohD1FDgYVwvtESC-yszvVf9NBNFEvNacHh980BAwjXNIrEd07gwxotAnFLs8uX1EUOiD7-hrSBf8ZzVbio3lIG34fWcoV0vCYWVwU/s4512/DSC_0140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ7jnTIWTALK1k6Z4RQ_sJahmcRpj3JJimXA-sa0ohD1FDgYVwvtESC-yszvVf9NBNFEvNacHh980BAwjXNIrEd07gwxotAnFLs8uX1EUOiD7-hrSBf8ZzVbio3lIG34fWcoV0vCYWVwU/s320/DSC_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>We drove on, by this point we were a bit behind the itinerary. We found a nice looking campsite in the forest- a rare site in Iceland. This was a cute little campsite, but absolutely overrun with midges. We opened the camper door and approx. a million got in. So gross. But, it was really sweet with a nice indoor kitchen area, and a British family (the only one we saw), and the toilets were heated! Would still recommend. The campsite was called Systragil Camping Ground.</p><p><b>Day 5:</b></p><p>The dreaded day we got fined x As mentioned previously, we got a parking fine in Akureyri. But let's not dwell on that x </p><p>After waking up near the forest, we drove on to Akureyri.</p><p>We had a nice walk around the botanical gardens, where I also used the loos without paying, and spent the rest of the day expecting to be arrested. It was a super cute town, where we took full advantage and had a vegan hot dog for lunch, shared some cake and got 2 big cinammon buns to take with us.</p><p>We also stopped at Sundlaug Akureyrar, the local swimming pool. For under £6 each, we spent a couple of hours at the pools, using the water slides, hot tub, sauna and plunge pool. Yep, swimming again- the regular dips in warm water were one of my favourite parts of the trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNS9nN8BDdlNTTn4p73PR6krmbqMb6FQYDXthrnOF5_LOogVXs3t7WrumYcwGzo4v_ZT6ESx9i_FbWkZRCVkwrLDFUHqTvg137Y2xa-PKWr6_Wd0-h1dt5WhsHLmXyrtoBr8biv_T_JaN/s4512/DSC_0157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNS9nN8BDdlNTTn4p73PR6krmbqMb6FQYDXthrnOF5_LOogVXs3t7WrumYcwGzo4v_ZT6ESx9i_FbWkZRCVkwrLDFUHqTvg137Y2xa-PKWr6_Wd0-h1dt5WhsHLmXyrtoBr8biv_T_JaN/s320/DSC_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjif4hTwH-hALoHBtpKaWABoerreF5Eaw-lOGTu_x7_4nFojQl2ZnOTOjf8GxvYnFJJqYJZ-Cn0m9AQ7PanzjAxsx61MF5lTsHUDZ0-49WfpgOWplr6eyCQSs11KjBqn9HFLJ07GKH4zxI/s4032/20210811_184129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjif4hTwH-hALoHBtpKaWABoerreF5Eaw-lOGTu_x7_4nFojQl2ZnOTOjf8GxvYnFJJqYJZ-Cn0m9AQ7PanzjAxsx61MF5lTsHUDZ0-49WfpgOWplr6eyCQSs11KjBqn9HFLJ07GKH4zxI/s320/20210811_184129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DZi7RM5Xc0WmMBEMsO_-lSn2szS0aBMp64D_8E7JXHknUTG35byv8hyMEJPIoqc2JjI0NxqFvxfmf4UZWt8L3Yirr696IG6tEfP87I27ryuYMIjZOna5-OXrdX2QG9Cr_lMqxoEwk7qZ/s4032/20210811_183251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DZi7RM5Xc0WmMBEMsO_-lSn2szS0aBMp64D_8E7JXHknUTG35byv8hyMEJPIoqc2JjI0NxqFvxfmf4UZWt8L3Yirr696IG6tEfP87I27ryuYMIjZOna5-OXrdX2QG9Cr_lMqxoEwk7qZ/s320/20210811_183251.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>After Akureyri, we headed along the road. We drove the scenic route along the route and went through some towns, but didn't actually do anything exciting. There was a nice place for dinner but given we'd just been fined we were too bitter to spend any more money. </p><p>We stopped to camp at a guesthouse with a campground, and sat inside their reception to charge my phone, expecting to get kicked out, but somehow didn't. This campground was called Gladheimar camping ground.</p><p><b>Day 6:</b></p><p>Today we went whale watching! I booked the tour online, finding it was almost half as cheap as the others from different towns. It was a bit of a gamble as it had less reviews than others, but hey, high risk high reward. It paid off. The tour was about 2.5 hours, and the boat was fine. So flat, so stable. I get embarrassingly boat sick, but I was fine. We followed one humpback whale around for the whole tour, and ended up getting really close. We were the only boat which does trips in that fjord which was great, and our tour leader was knowledgeable. We also saw loads of puffins from the boat. Overall, very cool. The tour was in Holmavik, pretty far in the north west. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhahvyfZQfxhwi90nUluxYx7oBCR35vshgWV-H1vRzANVlKUIjmorTnJVJnWllgxg8z48jgspX0yQ3fRIQqaUna44AMpXEWqJ39N7tv8dTZLVYh0C7FkN7mbXkDjYZCCqovRN-dCNl-Ij/s4032/20210812_143051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhahvyfZQfxhwi90nUluxYx7oBCR35vshgWV-H1vRzANVlKUIjmorTnJVJnWllgxg8z48jgspX0yQ3fRIQqaUna44AMpXEWqJ39N7tv8dTZLVYh0C7FkN7mbXkDjYZCCqovRN-dCNl-Ij/s320/20210812_143051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3WoPlrR5S-AmOnG7_No7dwKDEAFMQct2DMW52yO0HpuoExD4b4u8bp_R8YobjIjl5IaAOmQXHTqrmQDM7zeCgDX7ZXIayl0Dx7ykeZbEYuqIVNpDZe13xXHWCV5GIM58zXpb9R5qiUIZ/s4032/20210812_144123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3WoPlrR5S-AmOnG7_No7dwKDEAFMQct2DMW52yO0HpuoExD4b4u8bp_R8YobjIjl5IaAOmQXHTqrmQDM7zeCgDX7ZXIayl0Dx7ykeZbEYuqIVNpDZe13xXHWCV5GIM58zXpb9R5qiUIZ/s320/20210812_144123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjEjF3eA6JEIOOz81_rArHeABnHMw1XknYaP6zdS_OW1KzoyiWSpH-s39tnqy_r-OAOJwulYbknJ9vnjaPV4SjjR0sBSnY3cm5f7xqfJVynqHwqBWlp0wVAB1vF0vdamqLKUWhbavBxCR/s4203/DSC_0310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4203" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjEjF3eA6JEIOOz81_rArHeABnHMw1XknYaP6zdS_OW1KzoyiWSpH-s39tnqy_r-OAOJwulYbknJ9vnjaPV4SjjR0sBSnY3cm5f7xqfJVynqHwqBWlp0wVAB1vF0vdamqLKUWhbavBxCR/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Right by the harbour there was a ?church? maybe, with cool rainbow steps, for a little walk. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDyVjHLpyiDMrgomyEyH3r8rOht09GeDMpIX068w8LE2sTu23LaDkTwH1ceL04Rp8yHMQ3HqgjsRe-r8vlxemoU85rdTY7KbbRKpuDywsKG8u_qS93yfirHheYA7W1axy5I2KqLnswSIs/s4512/DSC_0315.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4512" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDyVjHLpyiDMrgomyEyH3r8rOht09GeDMpIX068w8LE2sTu23LaDkTwH1ceL04Rp8yHMQ3HqgjsRe-r8vlxemoU85rdTY7KbbRKpuDywsKG8u_qS93yfirHheYA7W1axy5I2KqLnswSIs/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngrptwnrgyRu_Hz0btfRILUGcJWEgnwNGv6QqCQzeL1IRT6Fl5RSsEtziCyoaub8WpTpTAQVVIjYrL7vYysX7S00sM9vcxtbWK3FrMSY4rE-oU9uoVqfOG58svlCftFO0ene1H-GbFCyO/s4512/DSC_0317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngrptwnrgyRu_Hz0btfRILUGcJWEgnwNGv6QqCQzeL1IRT6Fl5RSsEtziCyoaub8WpTpTAQVVIjYrL7vYysX7S00sM9vcxtbWK3FrMSY4rE-oU9uoVqfOG58svlCftFO0ene1H-GbFCyO/s320/DSC_0317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>We then headed along the road, where there was another hot pool by the side of the road, on google maps called Horgshlidarlaug. This one was full of algae, but I'll take that for a free dip in water which felt just like a bath. I sat here for half an hour or so while Arun did a virtual house viewing, and only as we were getting out did another couple arrive. You had to ask the farmer for permission to use it according to google, but the family we asked looked pretty confused.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8g2M7G9U3sw99eJ7ptF-Ix33JNdLhTfuGPkipBPZwDdMS_Nkv4Z7cmdqQ7J4X-2K-ep-k_BYDAXMiH_2kYuhFXcEalBcKE5toa2BX5NqPFMnvxiRrP-mXPWxtI9MnI8cHPSwstVE29s1/s4608/IMG20210812182442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8g2M7G9U3sw99eJ7ptF-Ix33JNdLhTfuGPkipBPZwDdMS_Nkv4Z7cmdqQ7J4X-2K-ep-k_BYDAXMiH_2kYuhFXcEalBcKE5toa2BX5NqPFMnvxiRrP-mXPWxtI9MnI8cHPSwstVE29s1/s320/IMG20210812182442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1V9WnI1CI5qM5AAWzN0iPFwpKd44LEBJycpwBrDVI6VqKj4gjKT6Cmpn8qfItr_F4UgGD5Ri94ueQ3IfPb0aSsL02cTGDAqqSNfFjrZiD_kkEULJMBiYacc4qqJBPelXwFN6hh4DQxgB/s4608/IMG20210812182413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1V9WnI1CI5qM5AAWzN0iPFwpKd44LEBJycpwBrDVI6VqKj4gjKT6Cmpn8qfItr_F4UgGD5Ri94ueQ3IfPb0aSsL02cTGDAqqSNfFjrZiD_kkEULJMBiYacc4qqJBPelXwFN6hh4DQxgB/s320/IMG20210812182413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>After that, we drove onto a beach known for seal watching, conveniently named Seal Lookout. We could see a couple riiiight in the distance, so it didn't feel like a wasted trip, but it was definitely not the amazing experience I'd anticipated.</p><p>We ended up staying at Hotel Reykjanes Campsite- having been enticed in by a promise from a free massive swimming pool. Turned out this was an extra £5 each, and still fuming from the fine we decided not to. This campsite's location was amazing, we were right by the beach and had a little walk around.</p><p><b>Day 7:</b></p><p>The next day we were panicking about trying to pay our parking fine, as we would get a 33% discount if we paid it within 3 days. There were no banks anywhere near us, suuuuper helpful, so we had to focus some of our day on finding a bank. However, we got to see some cool stuff too.</p><p>First up, we headed to Glanni waterfall, and then onto a crater. The views were cool and it made for a relatively easy walk. From there, we drove into a town to pay the fine.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EuOLBzXpLavz-a6Wb6ImdP1DIIc_z1mlOKPEaLGvWnfr4_RmyzaHe3_3WvQCLps3w7nd0ZPY3Kj6nJrTp8qR10H592PFCEbtpDRdS8MNY4sRZr_eABkWpQu9BuXAsobUZErDjqEbRyQZ/s4032/20210813_122950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EuOLBzXpLavz-a6Wb6ImdP1DIIc_z1mlOKPEaLGvWnfr4_RmyzaHe3_3WvQCLps3w7nd0ZPY3Kj6nJrTp8qR10H592PFCEbtpDRdS8MNY4sRZr_eABkWpQu9BuXAsobUZErDjqEbRyQZ/s320/20210813_122950.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwlPIWI4t8VE7kiSSy68LxO7S7TeAxPZB-s_F9tnc47iAEZPZuZYPv9hk9dQvrQPQFSb5wtTBXBvl-nS2qNTi0jMBdPqnm6vjFz5jDRanhDNNa0Ie6SuMBCXdhdjDKUF17nE-ijVc3ZvR/s4512/DSC_0340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwlPIWI4t8VE7kiSSy68LxO7S7TeAxPZB-s_F9tnc47iAEZPZuZYPv9hk9dQvrQPQFSb5wtTBXBvl-nS2qNTi0jMBdPqnm6vjFz5jDRanhDNNa0Ie6SuMBCXdhdjDKUF17nE-ijVc3ZvR/s320/DSC_0340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_i8cfcCAGD-FgwqoRxNdlSxzySjJ1L4JRg335fe4yevoEH6NhlnKePYibc3mj84FR_Xi-lKbbA4JmCPEBy58o1uHTSelK0SHTOtsvv0Go66TJvjmMQtatOvmN5QCq6XViTPFeE3LA7-y/s4512/DSC_0349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_i8cfcCAGD-FgwqoRxNdlSxzySjJ1L4JRg335fe4yevoEH6NhlnKePYibc3mj84FR_Xi-lKbbA4JmCPEBy58o1uHTSelK0SHTOtsvv0Go66TJvjmMQtatOvmN5QCq6XViTPFeE3LA7-y/s320/DSC_0349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">After paying, we drove to a parking place near Eldborg crater. There was a 5km hike up a crater, it was quite challenging- unlike the one in the morning which had clearly marked out steps. This was more of a clamber and there were hardly any tourists. The views were amazing.</span></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI0YupHhfJOToUx0LMkvN6htYLBJ_AWJIDE0VjtdDkiGUpPeKyjymVkHuEt16T9LQYdkEd57tTF_dvWypw8UwPjkFysboI5ucAKUzYbwgpNzWrtVOC9uK6F2W1Cz9wAyL2r8OxepG1rIM/s4032/20210813_165632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI0YupHhfJOToUx0LMkvN6htYLBJ_AWJIDE0VjtdDkiGUpPeKyjymVkHuEt16T9LQYdkEd57tTF_dvWypw8UwPjkFysboI5ucAKUzYbwgpNzWrtVOC9uK6F2W1Cz9wAyL2r8OxepG1rIM/s320/20210813_165632.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>After this, we'd found somewhere vaguely enroute which promised views of seals. This beach was called Ytri Tunga beach. There was a reaaaally weird thing on the beach which we assumed was a massive rock. However, now looking at google reviews- this was a dead whale! Sad times</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nNVTT5Glw4Nyqm5RuYVkfYSBSQA7Yq7I2ldQRn4G21LKHzxzyt6IT8EEO60OmmwCkZKuTvOgfNOEsHADKM4jr3SWfKIzJIgVr9dDo5XQ6AG8mrezmUInHLlhuM1hSJGmIr-3NgwTbREX/s4032/20210813_200215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nNVTT5Glw4Nyqm5RuYVkfYSBSQA7Yq7I2ldQRn4G21LKHzxzyt6IT8EEO60OmmwCkZKuTvOgfNOEsHADKM4jr3SWfKIzJIgVr9dDo5XQ6AG8mrezmUInHLlhuM1hSJGmIr-3NgwTbREX/s320/20210813_200215.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>From the lookout area there were loads of seals swimming and playing around. It was really cool to watch, and everyone there was being quiet and just enjoying looking at them. </p><p>From there we drove on Borgarnes Campsite, which was fine but nothing very exciting.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Day 8:</b></p><p>Today we were on a serious mission. We both knew vaguely that there was an erupting volcano on the island, and I happened to see a post about it on a travel facebook page. People were posting photos with the lava and a link to a livestream. I opened the YouTube link the night before to discover the volcano was in full flow, but after commenting people told me the eruption was dying down and to come back the following day. So, day 8, with the deadline of needing to return our campervan, we set off to Fagradalsfjall volcano.</p><p>We paid approx £5 to park and began the hike up. Leaving the car park, a woman asked if we had a hat or hood, as it was really windy up there. I was a bit nervous having neither, but figured it couldn't be that bad. How wrong I was x We also wore sunglasses after reading reviews that they are essential. It was a tricky hike, climbing uphill to get an amazing up-close view of the erupting volcano. The way to go was obvious, but there was no defined path, and I was slipping all over the place on the loose gravelly rocks. Up the top was insanely windy, and I was finding dust and ash for days after! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrdfZANq8jA8yz8EL3TZGobncQfVe0tBl8OmENo2mRJ4L46o8TEBdbBAO0h581bDTUzsiLfpBbHvWaaShNlj8z7kaq45dTkIOyMNioW5wwMzkSMpQ7sicOJMV4gaBV7oapBOZT9mjdtlr/s4032/20210814_140054.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrdfZANq8jA8yz8EL3TZGobncQfVe0tBl8OmENo2mRJ4L46o8TEBdbBAO0h581bDTUzsiLfpBbHvWaaShNlj8z7kaq45dTkIOyMNioW5wwMzkSMpQ7sicOJMV4gaBV7oapBOZT9mjdtlr/s320/20210814_140054.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQIIGoMgTqk8_XiXtl-8WGRvMfR9R3oc-wey7WLwG4E33XtUiQC9JigphME-F3qdPTRBE1azZHUl7UBaCzqCMxo4QhPkzRqrboKydbGSzygo71aYL7xKrizxxS_XluAgZivJ4ENHLjeUv/s4032/20210814_134450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQIIGoMgTqk8_XiXtl-8WGRvMfR9R3oc-wey7WLwG4E33XtUiQC9JigphME-F3qdPTRBE1azZHUl7UBaCzqCMxo4QhPkzRqrboKydbGSzygo71aYL7xKrizxxS_XluAgZivJ4ENHLjeUv/s320/20210814_134450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22Jy9jLhcFlKEOi7ASxcPgL5EuanLnw_1jNlzaFV0YTWpHLIAd5x3-_dLbm4bW7FE2MjKeiUnyWJOQLGZXLCd6-k_zmrn15X8zMGVdKLytHcDJ2-d7xMU3mwmjn0LLwLKW9kx8xv_DsH2/s4512/DSC_0453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22Jy9jLhcFlKEOi7ASxcPgL5EuanLnw_1jNlzaFV0YTWpHLIAd5x3-_dLbm4bW7FE2MjKeiUnyWJOQLGZXLCd6-k_zmrn15X8zMGVdKLytHcDJ2-d7xMU3mwmjn0LLwLKW9kx8xv_DsH2/s320/DSC_0453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYGgNiS9fY-WaKFet3UG8vKNbgiNg3klDhWplO1TmN-uH7tFHpPl-U5v2GCsULYNaGGlH03uSZrCZwcTW2OVyRb0nUGPf_iT8AevCkvXlf1cLFvBwgr9-24OewsOKYycmQfIlYBdRPpdC/s4512/DSC_0439.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYGgNiS9fY-WaKFet3UG8vKNbgiNg3klDhWplO1TmN-uH7tFHpPl-U5v2GCsULYNaGGlH03uSZrCZwcTW2OVyRb0nUGPf_iT8AevCkvXlf1cLFvBwgr9-24OewsOKYycmQfIlYBdRPpdC/s320/DSC_0439.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOmwHJdDTzV1a0vGWhd879kMVl6mLHvNbFRVwn5CTPIOVcclB5z8i1GBiNZnVz1etkUIP-J2tJ1hEnCj7D5OEDRRFaPHzi46xO8c7RT1byy8qVB726BrPPVdf5CW9IkYXugOX-RnUDKrQ/s4512/DSC_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4512" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOmwHJdDTzV1a0vGWhd879kMVl6mLHvNbFRVwn5CTPIOVcclB5z8i1GBiNZnVz1etkUIP-J2tJ1hEnCj7D5OEDRRFaPHzi46xO8c7RT1byy8qVB726BrPPVdf5CW9IkYXugOX-RnUDKrQ/s320/DSC_0426.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1it9fHKpJArAqkbtoXcPbM21eXoc2G3SyoLXBBiE9L4dn0Cm153fYAVkpBzxJtxSMo5gvYh_luL2AXrPajkliFYqj_aRGVzLk-3SdvlRzq2XBCeFDUop7zaBJoUF7juyhymdn2glYb31/s4512/DSC_0425.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1it9fHKpJArAqkbtoXcPbM21eXoc2G3SyoLXBBiE9L4dn0Cm153fYAVkpBzxJtxSMo5gvYh_luL2AXrPajkliFYqj_aRGVzLk-3SdvlRzq2XBCeFDUop7zaBJoUF7juyhymdn2glYb31/s320/DSC_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QbAkcFylTtCDc9_GtUzITTiwmWRRHO2oG-WHZ9eKpjSpyCudvevr1UKweeM5OxZ-NTHXVqMY_rKkvBP6i2VB_ZsY1Pd7El6mPU7BLjYnHUtvQwjcjW3iEB1ljE2700pS2FYI6YvzKqgs/s4032/20210814_115006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QbAkcFylTtCDc9_GtUzITTiwmWRRHO2oG-WHZ9eKpjSpyCudvevr1UKweeM5OxZ-NTHXVqMY_rKkvBP6i2VB_ZsY1Pd7El6mPU7BLjYnHUtvQwjcjW3iEB1ljE2700pS2FYI6YvzKqgs/s320/20210814_115006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Unfortunately the timing didn't work in our favour- turns out volcanoes do what they want. We did see the lava bubbling up and flying around inside the top of the volcano, but we didn't get to see the proper lava flow as it happened in the evening when we needed to give the camper back. But it was such a cool way to spend a few hours, eating some snacks and just watching the lava. A bit of a once in a lifetime experience, would 100/10 recommend. We even tried going back from Reykjavik to watch, but for £200 return taxi we decided not to!</p><p>From the volcano we filled up with petrol and took our camper back to the drop off near the airport. We were due to get the public bus, but managed to hitch a ride with a friendly local, Tomas. Dreamy.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>What we missed:</b></p><p>There was some more stuff we could have done over in the west, but on our timescale, the distance to get there just wasn't worth it. There was Grundarfoss waterfall, Raudisandur beach, Hellulaug hot spring. However, we'd seen loads of similar things on the way around, so didn't feel like we missed out. </p><p>One thing I was sad to miss was Reykjadalur hot spring thermal river, which would have been a day 1 activity if we'd known about it. We opted to miss it in favour of the volcano, which I think was the right choice, but if re-planning I'd definitely fit it in to day 1.</p><p><br /></p><p>Overall this was such a great trip, and 10 days was the perfect amount of time. Hope this helps anyone planning a trip there!</p><p>Laura x</p></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388626075979730890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-7590018518423265212020-12-28T12:08:00.119+00:002020-12-28T16:11:37.570+00:00Poland<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Posting this almost a year after the trip is impressively slow even for me. You'd have thought that during a year spent mainly locked down and with limited socialising I'd have found time to write this but hey ho, here we are.</span></div></div><p></p><p>Back in January, when covid was merely a word I'd seen on a news story that seemed a world away from my life, meg, katie and I embarked on a little holiday in our inter-semester break to Poland. We had originally planned to go to Russia but flights were too pricey, and we found a cheap deal flying from Bristol to Warsaw and back from Krakow.</p><p>We all knew we wanted to go to Krakow and Auschwitz, but thought a week might be too long. After a little googling we opted to visit Warsaw too while we were in the area x We knew that they were famous for their Christmas markets but hoped we'd find stuff to do in January, other than be extremely cold at all times</p><p>Due to flying Ryanair we opted to travel without check-in bags, and so each had a small rucksack with our possessions for the week. All of the bristol airport staff spoke to us in Polish which threw us off, turned out the flight was almost entirely Polish nationals popping home and they were surprised English people were off to Warsaw. We started to worry that we were going somewhere obscure, but it was all good. </p><p><b><u>WARSAW</u></b></p><p>When we arrived in Warsaw we took a taxi from the airport to our air bnb for £16.90, and were all extremely excited at how cheap everything was, a theme which continued throughout the trip. </p><p><u><b>What to do:</b></u></p><p>We visited a questionable art gallery because it was either very cheap or free. Most paintings featured someone naked with obscure genitals, but it was worth it to get out of the cold.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCwrnlmdMbv5OvZvYlSfzo73g1qrZmwP_M7ZK4_nEl_Wp60J10m8XztHTtDQ1-BhS7y7CeU4-5WYsDNHik5jAijAaoluZkJwwdC_U-MVUqgV4iR2WVXSQQblS-mRHvlRJlcObKAfQ40oo/s960/poland+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCwrnlmdMbv5OvZvYlSfzo73g1qrZmwP_M7ZK4_nEl_Wp60J10m8XztHTtDQ1-BhS7y7CeU4-5WYsDNHik5jAijAaoluZkJwwdC_U-MVUqgV4iR2WVXSQQblS-mRHvlRJlcObKAfQ40oo/s320/poland+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The main square was so pretty, and we tragically utilised the cheaper versions of western shops. I had a debate about a coat and pretty sure we dedicated approx a whole afternoon to it in h&m. sorry meg and katie.. The streets were cute and cobbled and there were lots of bars. There were still Christmas lights up despite it being January, and overall it was just very sweet</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBHTvjydHiO41kiA9TgPMQHoex_fGk0UxMrreTiBAIj9MZKq5EJRJ_aa7_rH9fEUVr8WiqZrQjN77wly_hG4PU1oRpck7Q4dlkPGdxCCS3dgtktl1QXWXSUEJec2tfvao2QII-ln-8D1X/s960/poland+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBHTvjydHiO41kiA9TgPMQHoex_fGk0UxMrreTiBAIj9MZKq5EJRJ_aa7_rH9fEUVr8WiqZrQjN77wly_hG4PU1oRpck7Q4dlkPGdxCCS3dgtktl1QXWXSUEJec2tfvao2QII-ln-8D1X/s320/poland+3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mN7fUG7_5NT5PpylJW1YcnNU8jfOSPFlPyEY5faqjKhfMK7aoBfis1dCvnwQxRfUZDI_QpeF5fyhPnfaQtuYyNjb9wWsWidYIknW5wH0awWHZ46vkvZvvmZERkrkdlFkM79FhFRGeRcV/s960/poland+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mN7fUG7_5NT5PpylJW1YcnNU8jfOSPFlPyEY5faqjKhfMK7aoBfis1dCvnwQxRfUZDI_QpeF5fyhPnfaQtuYyNjb9wWsWidYIknW5wH0awWHZ46vkvZvvmZERkrkdlFkM79FhFRGeRcV/s320/poland+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddcYQh_tOeFAwz-bfJuVqix54VUq3MGE0M5uXw1wJzwyCOvWMMKwcLyEapIKzHwIayvM8X3oOZ4tPuNagqnvYVIKdr2PdaMwq1PWpJWwUJ6xshTjjB6agdBvB5MRYmfW_YuCAfy9PmG76/s960/poland.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddcYQh_tOeFAwz-bfJuVqix54VUq3MGE0M5uXw1wJzwyCOvWMMKwcLyEapIKzHwIayvM8X3oOZ4tPuNagqnvYVIKdr2PdaMwq1PWpJWwUJ6xshTjjB6agdBvB5MRYmfW_YuCAfy9PmG76/s320/poland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Uprising museum- </b>We went to the uprising museum to learn about Poland in WW2. It was very interesting and cheap entry, but the layout of the museum made no sense and we learnt about it all backwards. Probably our fault tbf x</p><p><b>Light show-</b> We went to the Royal Garden of Light show and omg it was so nice! It was truly really pretty and a lovely way to spend an evening, though we were so cold after walking around we ended up in a random restaurant just for warmth. Would very much recommend</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhL_TCf6UzhhW6kLcsJYScxxzbH8sPwfYKEkiCHNf0EaSqzNKXiSPxGMOlDWkKmgHNSNQtNynV-ltePJOoWIFO7D_kM5w-FxqQ5bcx1OAbxCyWXOsJrJb53J5vJh6j5OS8qjNhvkG97bL/s2048/IMG20200126184520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhL_TCf6UzhhW6kLcsJYScxxzbH8sPwfYKEkiCHNf0EaSqzNKXiSPxGMOlDWkKmgHNSNQtNynV-ltePJOoWIFO7D_kM5w-FxqQ5bcx1OAbxCyWXOsJrJb53J5vJh6j5OS8qjNhvkG97bL/s320/IMG20200126184520.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5dqIAIISzfcU4cZ9o6_4wna1U0tbUCzhoSnCZl_VJcYsYtPSidORIaW0dbNXhC81HNEDT8GC61YfimNvZy4Dh5frVEGC538-WMzM8DdwMqQkSFZHwOfFN81EZujey-9downidu253Jya/s2048/IMG20200126185009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5dqIAIISzfcU4cZ9o6_4wna1U0tbUCzhoSnCZl_VJcYsYtPSidORIaW0dbNXhC81HNEDT8GC61YfimNvZy4Dh5frVEGC538-WMzM8DdwMqQkSFZHwOfFN81EZujey-9downidu253Jya/s320/IMG20200126185009.jpg" /></a></p><p><b>Walking tours- </b>We did a lot of walking tours while in Poland, but in Warsaw we just did a Jewish quarter one. It was so interesting to learn about and see the ghettos, but as I keep saying, really cold.</p><p><b>Ice skating-</b> We went ice skating in the main square, it was outrageously cheap. The locals were amazing, and there weren't many tourists there other than some Ryanair cabin crew. It was perfectly located near some bars ready for a post ice skating bev</p><p><a href="https://pierogiandmore.pl/"><b>Dumpling class-</b></a> This was rated as a top attraction air bnb and trip advisor so we did it. The class was run by the lady who owned our air bnb and although pricey this was so much fun! We made pierogi, a Polish dumpling, and we made vegan ones. They were delicious and we ate a concerning amount. The class was in a group with other tourists and was genuinely so fun, and really cool to meet other people</p><p><b><u>What to eat:</u></b></p><p>We cooked a bit in our air bnb, as supermarkets are cheap and we had our own kitchen. Poland generally wasn't amazing for vegans. That said, we had some nice food.</p><p><b>Falafel Beirut</b>- There are a lot dotted round with excellent vegan options. I had such a yummy falafel wrap mmmm</p><p><b>Bar Max and Dom Whisky</b>- We went to this really cool bar where the cocktails were amazing and so extra. I had a pina colada and then proceeded to eat all of the fruit like some rabid bird.</p><p>I also found a vegan bakery where I got some pastries to take away, and an amazing cake shop where I had vegan cheesecake and coffee mmmm</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHrd3QvSG5DZluVJZuP_TqETLhCh51R4ZJ0hJn7JF8JtgfwRJO5UpFWNPiUevzHcHLwe-5EwvhAhNlvkMV7b2It-cQRWSgaVxw0QCbkYgjl28QAs6PeBCQQ0-xNLhqTWDaFuBKnQmel2_/s2048/IMG20200128201041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHrd3QvSG5DZluVJZuP_TqETLhCh51R4ZJ0hJn7JF8JtgfwRJO5UpFWNPiUevzHcHLwe-5EwvhAhNlvkMV7b2It-cQRWSgaVxw0QCbkYgjl28QAs6PeBCQQ0-xNLhqTWDaFuBKnQmel2_/s320/IMG20200128201041.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cTEAbtCjUO-nGoiXY5mCAWOsu3D8OfEc-dVEhyI6EIzrVGu4cC1nLqFPigh9mevuRnDq5RFiHQTQP3HCHbQ3Kl_IdBU7jkLpTj6Ko_heFtfVWnkcKaruOtBOuAvmRX6EE0rDryywKZ4Q/s2048/IMG20200129084037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cTEAbtCjUO-nGoiXY5mCAWOsu3D8OfEc-dVEhyI6EIzrVGu4cC1nLqFPigh9mevuRnDq5RFiHQTQP3HCHbQ3Kl_IdBU7jkLpTj6Ko_heFtfVWnkcKaruOtBOuAvmRX6EE0rDryywKZ4Q/s320/IMG20200129084037.jpg" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvWuSghaYMckEX88zZGaeMAk9pM4otqJ5Fl1GoaGqoSZ0jDp1AvAZs1afYKBugoVXafWGRLNQ4CImdpSETLR-7TryF8VXSL1SbLz1iVoyz0k3Q8Jlw4I6WPZAknKfcMua7SBjZNebfHE2/s2048/IMG20200130172827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvWuSghaYMckEX88zZGaeMAk9pM4otqJ5Fl1GoaGqoSZ0jDp1AvAZs1afYKBugoVXafWGRLNQ4CImdpSETLR-7TryF8VXSL1SbLz1iVoyz0k3Q8Jlw4I6WPZAknKfcMua7SBjZNebfHE2/s320/IMG20200130172827.jpg" /></a></p><p><b><u>How to get around:</u></b></p><p>We used uber a lot as it was so cheap, walked excessively despite the cold and also used Lime once. They're electric scooters you can hire, I was obsessed and went way too fast. If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room xx</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkPXhxR09DgfPzOmO3Xc1CVkvaR60tLJX1TnEP3MrggHlLEyizymuN0gKRAyNWDWSd8pJiOx8MLfsugp212_hQj-Lo8Doh9k1Hlf8GJUd6cGJi-iE8lAqCtMCUqvm_yQEniHuanGGmlOH/s2048/IMG20200128183253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkPXhxR09DgfPzOmO3Xc1CVkvaR60tLJX1TnEP3MrggHlLEyizymuN0gKRAyNWDWSd8pJiOx8MLfsugp212_hQj-Lo8Doh9k1Hlf8GJUd6cGJi-iE8lAqCtMCUqvm_yQEniHuanGGmlOH/s320/IMG20200128183253.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yPMIyZNL1sV-bTlFKzEadXFHc4UESP5CIXD1TZ3o4yNYKbViAPQZy576EYlXBL-hEq6CfNOIl37DoLOLntgE_aoBh-f7As0tQgDQQpQiuySCHYm2UKUq_zA7UUZkSwA4qlNi8BtkMZ8a/s2048/IMG20200128185331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yPMIyZNL1sV-bTlFKzEadXFHc4UESP5CIXD1TZ3o4yNYKbViAPQZy576EYlXBL-hEq6CfNOIl37DoLOLntgE_aoBh-f7As0tQgDQQpQiuySCHYm2UKUq_zA7UUZkSwA4qlNi8BtkMZ8a/s320/IMG20200128185331.jpg" /></a></p><p>To get to Krakow we took a Flix Bus. This was traumatic as our uber to the station where it left from got stuck in loads of traffic, and our ETA got later and later. It dropped us off in the wrong place and we ended up sprinting to the bus, Meg having to take her inhaler. Other than that the bus was absolutely fine and a bargain.</p><p><b><u>Where to stay:</u></b></p><p>In Warsaw we stayed <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/17462922">here</a>. It was a lovely air bnb, a bit hard to find on our first day but in a great location and a bargain.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>KRAKOW</u></b></p><p><b><u>What to do:</u></b></p><p><b>Walking tours-</b> God we loved a walking tour. You can pay what you want, and these were genuinely really cool. My favourite was the macabre one where we learnt about notorious murders and creepy stories, bc I'm morbid lol x</p><p><b>Wawel Royal Castle</b>- We visited the castle and did an audio tour which was okay but probably too detailed for my short attention span. It was however very pretty and I took excessive photos (shock)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0blO181zZowyx15UebhFWv-wY-wnZZ6aM2heKvlHfm5Lkl8NNoWDVkjmxkGV9II4GmVo70TqX7xzLcYifnvH6BUmTo2tbYcgFneHDqXppWp7d1saFKp_kjHGB-7VaLo82qhAPeP5IIUI0/s960/poland+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0blO181zZowyx15UebhFWv-wY-wnZZ6aM2heKvlHfm5Lkl8NNoWDVkjmxkGV9II4GmVo70TqX7xzLcYifnvH6BUmTo2tbYcgFneHDqXppWp7d1saFKp_kjHGB-7VaLo82qhAPeP5IIUI0/s320/poland+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmTfghXAzNgRXB27F-cFd0l1F_MxnPvMambjLMqKn-xgwJFmjmpvLk4G5zALF2wse7PJARX3u7sZHIXlZYeTnIi4AVOcn_j8NzYe_tI_VaiFmGnC0AKGQWrPUrpQNenoIXnWQPQxa3vHJ/s960/poland+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmTfghXAzNgRXB27F-cFd0l1F_MxnPvMambjLMqKn-xgwJFmjmpvLk4G5zALF2wse7PJARX3u7sZHIXlZYeTnIi4AVOcn_j8NzYe_tI_VaiFmGnC0AKGQWrPUrpQNenoIXnWQPQxa3vHJ/s320/poland+6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Auschwitz-</b> From Krakow we did a day tour to Auschwitz. It was as sad, interesting and hard to comprehend as I had expected. </p><p><b>St Mary's Bascillia</b>- The most beautiful church, the inside was just amazing to look at and these photos don't capture that</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg49AfI7tSS3I5FimhhDypChsoYWde9us2QderBirYn4JOE5aKEJ9UUlJHMOJVhSsFaDLjRW6Y-ouaDeZa7khLUzjzPMb2MrmfxtNK29xIjgWNpYFLj9pRhkM_9pnAjSIdz0o__eL489Cs/s960/poland+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg49AfI7tSS3I5FimhhDypChsoYWde9us2QderBirYn4JOE5aKEJ9UUlJHMOJVhSsFaDLjRW6Y-ouaDeZa7khLUzjzPMb2MrmfxtNK29xIjgWNpYFLj9pRhkM_9pnAjSIdz0o__eL489Cs/s320/poland+4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Salt Mine- </b>Lol we had a bad experience doing this. Everyone told us how great it was so we went with high hopes, annoyed that it was more expensive than we wanted to pay. We were the last tour of the day and were literally rushed round with our group. There was an optional bit of the tour at the end which we wanted to do but the tour guide advised us not to, I'm fairly certain it was so that she could go home. Overall it was cool to see and hopefully we were alone in having to practically sprint around. We also visited some tiny little palace thing nearby? Not even sure what it was but we got a nice photo of it lol</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uMf9q7fS74VVFjG-uOqvRb8V2yNM1K9WvM-R90Va5fOV1y0ofrOjzX9yOUIpbbSL34kOmVXY1n339hEgRZZO0JPN10YUl5dSSuPzPDvk7D5Xr6sVjx1g3Rciz2XHwymHgcS9MJXqJn2A/s960/poland+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uMf9q7fS74VVFjG-uOqvRb8V2yNM1K9WvM-R90Va5fOV1y0ofrOjzX9yOUIpbbSL34kOmVXY1n339hEgRZZO0JPN10YUl5dSSuPzPDvk7D5Xr6sVjx1g3Rciz2XHwymHgcS9MJXqJn2A/s320/poland+8.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2h-XuT6ZmmNAsCBlyusjkMAvfhe9CDzPsbgnK0Ia4ZZzcTVv5R2YvTv9z-Xv6Cf80ZIbjpGi6jFBPOoosdjkUwBcY7dbviw_cGD7k78gFvB9oXiNzYa4K55YKJSyQKLjJotFHnsxjtNO/s2048/IMG20200201150636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2h-XuT6ZmmNAsCBlyusjkMAvfhe9CDzPsbgnK0Ia4ZZzcTVv5R2YvTv9z-Xv6Cf80ZIbjpGi6jFBPOoosdjkUwBcY7dbviw_cGD7k78gFvB9oXiNzYa4K55YKJSyQKLjJotFHnsxjtNO/s320/IMG20200201150636.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>We also did park run, which I imagine isn't everyone's idea of fun on holiday but hey we had a great time</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhMW_AKjMCVvA46U-s8eaazN6mxpVaVrEHXg_99VdBUl0459nGapovdkyb8PnNFRlFGhcHwDqCQYR9oDsX2CBrqyvK4MQIU9EXrfB6r8wJ9lIwky659TXeDL4Xbh9w5_DnPTEQyuhYOI4/s960/poland+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhMW_AKjMCVvA46U-s8eaazN6mxpVaVrEHXg_99VdBUl0459nGapovdkyb8PnNFRlFGhcHwDqCQYR9oDsX2CBrqyvK4MQIU9EXrfB6r8wJ9lIwky659TXeDL4Xbh9w5_DnPTEQyuhYOI4/s320/poland+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><u>What to eat:</u></b></p><p>Again, some questionable cooking in the air bnb helped us through tbf and had a lot of bread rolls with some vegan sliced ham i found in tiny supermarkets- what a win</p><p>I was very excited to find coconut milk in a cafe but angry it was a whole extra £1!! Still fuming 11 months on x</p><p>I reeeeeally wanted to try Chimney cake and they sell vegan ones around Krakow, however it was sold out when we arrived :( We did find some adorbs cafes for vegan coffee and cake though so cannot complain</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7Gg7h3ZtoDUEll21g3OvrvQCy1QUf8WCarIo7lDpbsufD9-UnC8jdUnjLNnh2vLfSJkhsE1sfx-u34NvQtpffTd80TqcXBXRxn3dz0Ok1mDoW5wZaWxYr_M7rTRlVXteyIfGY2paRbnw/s2048/IMG20200201162610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7Gg7h3ZtoDUEll21g3OvrvQCy1QUf8WCarIo7lDpbsufD9-UnC8jdUnjLNnh2vLfSJkhsE1sfx-u34NvQtpffTd80TqcXBXRxn3dz0Ok1mDoW5wZaWxYr_M7rTRlVXteyIfGY2paRbnw/s320/IMG20200201162610.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdiBH4XJph71HpVaL2Pewq3_31A3wTRi9W2KrVUXbuE0r8TwZmoKTJCdX4m7iJjnmymeyguDv4e34Ve2NiwEhj6f3sKbGXCVAME1Iw3vUxNq1YwLmwtH5qfbRdajs6UAPFbvWbJHAxQ4u/s2048/IMG20200201163300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdiBH4XJph71HpVaL2Pewq3_31A3wTRi9W2KrVUXbuE0r8TwZmoKTJCdX4m7iJjnmymeyguDv4e34Ve2NiwEhj6f3sKbGXCVAME1Iw3vUxNq1YwLmwtH5qfbRdajs6UAPFbvWbJHAxQ4u/s320/IMG20200201163300.jpg" /></a></p><p>Taco Mexicana- This was yummy, cheap and had vegan options, i love mexican food</p><p>We also found a lot of cheap bars (always a winner amirite) for drinks and staying warm. Have I mentioned it was cold x</p><p><b><u>Where to stay:</u></b></p><p>We had another great air bnb, which we had been concerned about as it was so cheap. Turned out be great, <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/15047107?source_impression_id=p3_1609171228_nxE1a1EqXGoEJDUY&guests=1&adults=1">here's the link</a></p><p><b><u>How to get around:</u></b></p><p>We managed to navigate taking the public bus to the salt mines but didn't have the right change to buy tickets and were so nervous I'd started to plan a life in Polish prison. Not even sure how we resolved this but it worked out okay</p><p>Everywhere else, I'm pretty sure we walked or took ubers. The perks of writing this months later x</p><p><br /></p><p>Writing this has made me miss holidays even more than before, hopefully before long we'll all be back on a Ryanair flight cringing as the other passengers clap as the plane lands</p><p>Laura x</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388626075979730890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-82863286394146626562020-05-12T16:43:00.000+01:002020-05-12T22:10:10.158+01:00Love will tear us apart: a brief guide to my romantic history<div>
At the ripe old age of 23, I feel a strange sense of urgency to settle down. Due to a gap year and a 4 year uni course, I'm graduating after most of my peers. The idea of starting a career, moving, and having to meet a whole load of new people was scary enough before the pandemic, and now even more so. Just to add to that, before entering a period of indefinite lockdown, I found myself newly single, and was gripped by a feeling that I was lost which began to drive me insane. I had assumed I'd meet the love of my life while I was at university, and since that hasn't been the case, it feels like there's a rush to make sure that I find "the one" and am ready to settle down when I enter my 30s, by which point I will be armed with a newborn, and a newfound love of aperol spritz.<br />
<br />
So much of my life has been spent thinking about men, which possibly makes me the worst feminist ever. I worry about how they perceive me, whether they are attracted to me, how I can get and keep a nice, stable, long term boyfriend. I sometimes wonder if I'm being too picky, but then again, one of the few men I've met from dating apps was a proud Trump supporter who slept in his parent's living room, and had 13 cats. Even he seems to be having more luck in the dating department than me. Perhaps I am simply destined for a life of settling for someone I'm not 100% sure of, and should just invest in some animal fur allergy medication. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think my lack of luck in love hit me hard when I was 16. Prior to that point, I'd pretty much always got what I wanted. Not in a brattish way- I never did get that sand moulding kit or nail art set I circled every Christmas in the Argos catalogue. But when I tried something new I managed to achieve it, whether it was getting into grammar school, convincing my parents that I needed another hamster, or getting a job in a bakery (probably because I'd accept £5 an hour as an excellent wage). So when the first boy I kissed wasn't immediately infatuated by me, and in fact, didn't even message me afterwards on Facebook, I quickly realised that situations involving boys were a bit more complicated than the world of girl's school school reports, and I was not guaranteed an A every time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My first relationship has probably shaped my outlook on both love and life more than I really expected. It was messy to say the least. I didn't question the fact that we didn't put a label on the nature of "us" for 6 months, and I felt like it would be extremely wrong of me to ask, to check we were on the same page, for fear of losing him. This quickly became a theme for how I approached all romantic encounters- if you ignore problems, they will solve themselves. The ending of that first relationship was bad. Being cheated on by the first boy to tell me he loved me felt like every negative thought I'd ever had about myself had just been permanently confirmed. It was as if every concern I'd had that I was unlovable was true, and everyone knew it, and as I spent days and weeks crying in the kitchen while I waited for the kettle to boil, or as I walked home from the bus stop after a night out with my friends, a cloud-like feeling of emptiness came over me. I think the whole experience left me a kind of bitter that I was not before. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I spent the next year single, making the occasional questionable choice that just became a story to laugh about later. But the feeling that I had had something and lost it was one that I struggled to move beyond. Questions entered my mind: why did my friend's boyfriends love them more than mine had loved me? Why had I spent the whole relationship being unsure if I was in love, or what love even was? Was there something wrong with me, that meant he had to find love somewhere else, and was this going to happen when I was in relationships in the future?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few months after this bad first break up I remember vividly sitting in the back of a friend's car on the way home from a party, and the guy sitting next to me showing me a note he'd written on his phone. "I fancy her so much" it said, referring to our female friend sat in the passenger seat. I smiled, feigned happiness for them both, then cried into my pillow when I got home. This kind of reinforcing experience repeated itself; a couple of years later, a bartender waited until my friend went to the toilet then came to ask me if she was single. Multiple people have matched with me on Tinder, purely to ask if my friend in the fifth photo was available. A guy I knew well once joked that I was probably a 7/10. These occasions just felt like confirmation that I was destined to take on the "ugly friend" role; one which I had seemingly forgotten I'd auditioned for.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not look after the first break up I discovered the world of casual relationships- perhaps in an attempt to fill the void that the first relationship had left. I quickly realised that they are not fulfilling. What seems fun and exciting at first, and what I convinced myself was less hassle than a full blown relationship, actually turned out to feel a lot like watching the guy you thought you were going home with kissing someone else in front of you, and a lot like no one else actually wanting to kiss you either, ruining your plan to somehow 'get even'. It also felt like never being sure you'd get a text back, and also being permanently sad that you couldn't do nice coupley things like go for brunch, because that would definitely not be casual, and definitely show that inside you just wanted someone to cuddle for the rest of your life. I was much less carefree and cool at 19 than I'd let anyone believe. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was wildly optimistic for university, expecting love to just waltz right into my halls. And in a way it did. During my four years at university I was in 2 relationships, which shaped my experience of the place, and showed me the joys of being half of a pair with someone else. Being introduced as "my lovely girlfriend" to people made me feel like I finally had a title. Yep, that's right. This crippling social anxiety might make me seem shy and nervous, but now that we're all aware that I am actually worthy of affection because someone's chosen to be with me, I must actually be more exciting than I'm coming across. I liked the comfort and routine of having someone to eat dinner with, someone to bring cereal to in bed in the morning, and someone to meet up with for breaks from the library. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But even while in these relationships, I found it daunting to know that it would either end in a life together, maybe marriage and kids, one of us dying prematurely, or, the only alternative: we'd break up. The thought scared me constantly. I'd sometimes look across at the boy sleeping next to me, trying to imagine if we'd be producing offspring and going on holidays to France in a sweaty car, and later going on trips on coaches to the seaside all wrinkly and grey, or if we would not. We'd be strangers who'd cried together, laughed together, and seen quite literally all of each other, but one day we might say an awkward hi if we saw each other in the street, then message the group chat to discuss how painful the encounter was, for our friends to shower us in sympathy and say they never liked him anyway. And the answer was of course, the latter. I have been thrown back into single life, existing as a one, twice in the last 18 months.<br />
<br />
I miss weird things after break ups. I remember obscure things in too much detail and feel like they constantly replay in my head. I miss their family liking photos on Facebook. I miss their pets. I miss specific foods we ate together, and the familiarity of someone knowing exactly how you like your tea, or which sweets you'd choose in the 3 for £1 deal (cola laces, by the way). I miss thoughtful actions like someone surprising you with ice cream they thought you would like, or being able to pick out a gift for someone based on something they mentioned in a conversation months ago. </div>
<div>
<br />
In my 20s, I feel as if everything is oriented around romantic life. As a teenager my little girl gang was very much the centre of my universe. Yes, we still wanted boyfriends. We used to play a game called "never would I ever" because we hadn't been within about 3m of a male outside of our family since starting year 7. We'd confess to whether we'd hypothetically have sex on a second date, or if we'd date someone 5 years older than us. It felt like everyone's first romantic encounters were happening to us all. I'd live vicariously through all my friend's first kisses. We'd sit in sixth form assembly on a Monday morning providing updates to anything that had happened over the weekend, and there was an element of competitiveness, not to be the last to participate in this new found territory of experience.<br />
<br />
It's somewhat inevitable that when your friends gets into a relationship, the friendship changes. I noticed one year that when we tried to arrange meeting up as a group of girls, someone mentioned that everyone was welcome to bring their romantic partner. As a single person I felt like a toddler throwing her toys out of the pram by being internally bitter that I had just hoped that it would be the girls. I wasn't even 100% sure why. After my first break up, and possibly even before, I felt like every couple were bragging. That their happiness was not genuine, but rather a display, to remind me that I had not achieved what they had. Making small talk with people's boyfriends as a single person sometimes makes me feel childish, and as if I am constantly wearing a badge which says "I can't make a relationship work, so I've probably got some major flaws which you and your partner don't have".<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Being a one feels a bit tragic sometimes. That was, until I recently read Dolly Alderton's Everything I Know About Love, and felt as though my life had changed forever. She makes the very valid point that who you meet, how they treat you, whether you both want the same things at the same time- it's just luck. It's purely down to chance. Your friend might meet the person she marries at 13. Another friend might be the greatest person you know and still be single, dating weird men who shouldn't be allowed to reproduce anyway, at 30. You can scroll through tinder for hours, and still swipe left on someone you'd actually fall in love with if they just hadn't picked that photo where they're holding the giant fish they caught.<br />
<br />
The most fulfilling and rewarding relationships I have experienced have been platonic. Break ups make me feel like someone has ripped my heart out of my chest, stamped on it repeatedly, and then left it for me to try and repair. But I have never had to do that repairing alone. I have always been surrounded by the kindest, most patient friends to get through those times. Friends who will drop round presents at my house when I'm crying on the sofa. Friends who will text me in the morning daily for weeks after to ask how I'm doing. Friends who will listen and reply to the 7 minute long voicenotes of me tearfully describing the phone call me and an ex have had. Friends who will consistently and unrelentingly hate the boy I'm crying over, even if I repeatedly tell them that he didn't really do anything wrong. Friends who will take photos of me laughing and having fun purely to try to prove that I'm doing okay. Friends who will remind me to delete the photos, and the messages, to block his number, but who will stay support me when I admit that I've spoken to or seen him again, albeit sometimes through gritted teeth.<br />
<br />
It has taken me a long long time to come to terms with the fact that it is okay to be single. I really like the quote "I'm fucking gold, but if you prefer silver, that's okay". Someone else's inability to love you like you deserve to be loved is not a flaw on your part. You do not need to change how you are to somehow make yourself worthy of another's affection. It's easy to reflect on all the "what ifs" after a failed relationship and wonder how maybe, if you could have acted differently, something might have worked out. But you have to stop wondering at some point. Relationships are a two-way commitment, and your love alone is not enough to save them. Everyone is going through life at a different pace, and if someone is not ready to commit to you, you can't force them to, and you shouldn't.<br />
<br />
Instead, you should make plans with your friends. Do all the coupley things you had planned to do with a partner with them. City breaks with friends are just as fun. As are beach holidays. As are date nights. Your friends can learn exactly how you like your tea, and you can buy your friends ice cream that you knew that they would like. Your friend's family can comment on pictures of you on Facebook. As a single friend you get to do weird things, like meet up with strangers from Tinder which leave you with obscure stories and answers in games of Never Have I ever. You get to sleep in the middle of your double bed, and wake up exactly when you want to. You don't have to check that your partner is having a good time at the party you brought them to where they don't know anyone. You don't have to argue over whether they message you enough. You don't have to watch them play COD with their friends, or pretend to be interested in a boring sports match on TV. You can leave social events whenever you want to. The best encounters and friendships in clubs definitely occur in the girl's toilets, anyway. And climbing into your friend's bed after a night out and discussing all the ridiculous things which happened the night before is actually more entertaining than waking up next to a random you met in a club.<br />
<br />
And with time, you will meet people who you want to be with. And it may or may not work out. And the same will happen to your friends. The most stable couple you know might decide that it just isn't working any more. Your single friend who screams when any man approaches her and who views men as the enemy might end up all loved up and ready to reproduce before you. And that's okay. It's not a race. In the same way that the big rush to have your first kiss turned out to mean nothing, so does this. You are still attractive, and funny, and intelligent, and worthy of love and affection whether your facebook bio says single or in a relationship. And if he's got 13 cats, have some fucking self respect and book an uber home.<br />
<br />
Platonic love is consistent, and it's stable. It can involve going months without seeing someone and knowing, every time, that you still have the same connection and familiarity as if you'd seen them every day. Platonic love leaves you laughing until your stomach hurts and until you're crying, making the same shitty jokes and still finding them funny. It's being able to discuss your first period, or whether or not you should shave your arms, or wax your upper lip. It's doing drunken karaoke to abba or britney spears and not feeling at all embarrassed to know all the words. It's not the same as romantic love, and it doesn't try to be. It's different, but it's important, it's valid, and it doesn't leave you on read, or crying yourself to sleep wondering why you weren't good enough. When I told one friend I'd been dumped, she just replied "girls are better anyway. men are just penises on a stick", and if you take nothing else away from this blog post, please take away that.<br />
<br />
<b>Lessons I have learnt over the last 6 years:</b><br />
<b>1.</b> If he wants to text you, he will.<br />
<b>2.</b> If he's having doubts, it's probably time to call it a day.<br />
<b>3.</b> Whatever you need to do to get closure, do it. Even if your friends think it's a bad idea.<br />
<b>4</b><b>. </b>If he doesn't want to tell people about you two- to his friends, to his parents, to anyone- It's a big red flag, and you should exit the situation immediately.<br />
<b>5.</b> You can't ignore the small things. Because they keep adding up to a very big thing. Address them as they happen. If you can't resolve them, realise that now.<br />
<b>6.</b> Effective communication is at the heart of every successful relationship, romantic or platonic.<br />
<b>7.</b> Always pee after sex.<br />
<b>8.</b> Your friends not thinking he's fit is irrelevant. Unless you want them to sleep with him, too. In which case, you've probably struggled to relate to any of this blogpost.<br />
<b>9. </b>After a break up, move all of your photos together to a folder on their own, and store it on your laptop. Opt to "see less" of them on Facebook. Mute them and their friends on Instagram. Archive your conversations.<br />
<b>10.</b> It does get easier. You do think about them less. Being told this at the time is not helpful because it doesn't feel true, but it really, 100% is.<br />
<b>11.</b> Cry. Whenever you feel like crying. It helps. Even if you're crying all the time. Even if you have to keep drinking water to prevent dehydration. Let it all out. It's healthy.<br />
<b>12</b>. Being a cool single aunt who is mysterious, elegant and always on holiday is a big vibe and how I'm always trying to be, anyway.<br />
<b>13</b>. If Jennifer Aniston can get over Brad Pitt, you can get over anyone.<br />
<br />
Laura x</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388626075979730890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-12533514070598937492020-04-26T12:30:00.000+01:002020-04-26T12:30:07.836+01:00Nostalgia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3B8I-uGmIcs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3B8I-uGmIcs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
I finally got round to making a compilation video from clips of my trip to Asia last summer<br />
<br />
The video features India/Bali/Java/The Philippines and the song is Sirens by Icarus<br />
<br />
Making this has made me very nostalgic, and I can't wait until all of this is over and I can once again be living out of a backpack, seeing and learning about new places, climbing mountains, eating street food, taking night buses and trains and feeling a mixture of carefree and alive (sorry to get all cringe lol)<br />
<br />
Laura xLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388626075979730890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-6673554369191621932020-03-26T17:38:00.001+00:002020-03-26T20:23:30.432+00:00Being Sane in Insane Places: Life Under Corona<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, just a disclaimer. I'm not tryna be an influencer, and I'm not here to preach about productivity and sourdough and yoga (well maybe a bit, i really rate sourdough). But essentially, I'm not long into isolation, and with some questionable mental health already starting to kick in, I thought I'd share some tips with you about how I'm trying to stay as sane as possible through this crazy time.<br />
<br />
I also wanna say that this post is mainly aimed at students who are now stuck at home with work to do, rather than those (ANGEL) frontline workers. I know you ain't got time to be making sourdough, u da best. For anyone else, we staying home for them. I don't care how much you wanna see your pals, people in intensive care wards will be choosing which patients to prioritise for ventilators. You can live without what you're choosing between, other people can't.<br />
<br />
ALSO - i've tried to link everything that i mention where possible. i am rubbish at using this website, so idk how to show that stuff is linked, but most names etc. are!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. JUST COPING IS GOOD ENOUGH</b></div>
If you're spending the majority of your time atm in bed, wearing pyjamas which have started to smell, resembling some kind of wild animal, and seeing yoga and making sourdough as a world away, that is SO OKAY.<br />
<br />
This is a VERY WEIRD TIME.<br />
<br />
Everyone feels uncertain and confused to different degrees, and if ur struggling and not being productive and feeling like a bit of a mess, don't panic. U got dis. Just make sure ur eating, staying hydrated, and even getting outside to get a lil vitamin D. don't stress. You don't have to be your most productive self rn, and there will be some netflix and podcast recommendations later in the post xo Try and eat right, try and communicate how you're feeling to those around you.<br />
<br />
YOU WILL BE OKAY. And if it's stressing u a lot, try and ignore the news<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. GET THEM ENDORPHINS</b></div>
Right so you've made it out of bed, but you can't stop worrying about that little old lady whose elbow you knocked in the aisle in Lidl, and your thoughts are mainly Sims 2 related, and you haven't spoken to another human in some time. Who the fuck wants to do exercise now????<br />
Well, it might seem like the worst idea since the start of time, but once you've got some dopamine cruising through your brain and you're a sweaty mess with bits of dirt from the carpet stuck to the skin on your stomach, you'll start to wonder why you didn't do it sooner.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
BUT WHERE TO BEGIN?</div>
I've spent a concerning percentage of my life at gym classes, and will be eagerly queuing at the door the day they re-open. In the meantime, YouTube is your friend. Instagram at a push, too. Also we still got our one exercise outing a day, and I am loving using this for a morning walk atm. Just avoiding everyone else like the plague (err quite literally)<br />
(I just wanna say though- it's so fine if you don't wanna work out. A lot of people don't work out usually, and it's so chill if it's not your thing, even if your instagram feed suggests everyone you've ever met is prepping for a summer six pack. Personally if i don't move enough i start to go insane, but like i said, personal pref !!)<br />
My personal favs are:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIJwWYOfsCfz6PjxbONYXSg"><b>Blogilates</b></a></div>
This woman is amazing, and year 9 Laura used to do her workouts before school. A lot of them are apartment friendly (so not jumping or loud noises involved), equipment free but also still get your heart rate up. Such a good variety in length. I recommend the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh-lWWUAePU">100 workout</a> if you just want a quick burner, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIVtXpW3Yiw">the 1000</a> if you're feeling like a machine, and they're all just a fab way to procrastinate any other tasks<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1"><b>Joe Wicks aka The Body Coach</b></a></div>
What a man. Maybe it's partly that I am just very much in love with him, but his workouts are SO GOOD. I love the HIIT style, and the fact that they're about 20 minutes. Nothing more intimidating than committing to a workout over 30 minutes- you think I'm willing to sweat and be in pain for that long?! Well, I probably am to be honest, but it's much nicer in a 20 minute chunk, and if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can do 2! Most of his don't require equipment, but a couple do if you're lucky enough to have weights around the house. I don't have favs to recommend but they are all good!!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA"><b>Yoga with Adriene</b></a></div>
Okay, I promised no yoga but here we are. Cardio isn't for everyone, and I feel like this is prime time to get hella flexible. My favourite party trick is my ability to do the splits, which is probably because some joint or ligament somewhere has popped out and requires medical attention, but hey ho. This is my fav channel, because some of the workouts are so short! The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiWDsfZ3zbo">in-bed yoga is my fav</a>, and particularly good if you're struggling to sleep with all the impending doom occurring outside (CUTE). She also has meditation videos if that's your jam.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. MAKE SURE YOU'RE FULFILLING YOUR BASIC NEEDS</b></div>
All I want to do atm is stay in my pyjamas and eat the contents of my cupboard. BAD IDEA- mainly just bc there are food shortages and all the good snacks might be gone when u go to do ur essential shop.<br />
<br />
I personally don't believe you need to dress like you're going to an office every day, but do try to make sure you're doing simple things like brushing your hair and teeth and if you're feeling especially fancy: SKINCARE.<br />
<br />
Now's the time to be piling on those face masks, exfoliating, toning, all that shit. Gonna come out of isolation a dewey queen, amirite.<br />
<br />
Personally, the things that are helping me feel like i'm in "work mode" are:<br />
<b>-wearing a bra</b><br />
<b>-wearing jeans every day</b><br />
<br />
(plus other clothing lol) just bc they are two things which I wouldn't relax in. For the first few days I was living the pj life and doing a solid 0 uni work. I'm not doing much more now, but this has stopped me popping back to bed for a nap every 10 seconds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. FUUD</b></div>
Also, make sure you're eating normal things!!! The other morning I had half of my birthday cake for breakfast. A healthy choice, I think. Something that truly keeps me sane is eating the same kinda thing every day, and while cake for every meal is fun, it's not sustainable for the forseeable future, especially when you gotta be boosting your immune system. You don't need to be on that acai bowl, massaged kale and courgetti salad bs, just try and cover the food groups. And if you normally take supplements (yeah vegans am looking at u) keep it up.<br />
<br />
Here are my fav simple recipes which can easily be adapted and simplified based on what u have in the house:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mobkitchen.co.uk/recipes/peanut-butter-10-minute-noodles"><b>-Peanut noodle stir fry</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-<a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/satay-sweet-potato-curry?fbclid=IwAR2FmuwF87Jwst3ygAXE0L622fxQ2hxu49ukn_q3zziy0RdjfePKFlom75w">Satay massaman curry</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-<a href="https://theveglife.com/vegan-fajitas-2/">Vegan fajitas</a></b> (you don't need a recipe for these lol but thought i'd throw one in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also make a lot of <b>soup </b>and have it for lunch every day- filling and easy with some breeeead. Just sautee an onion and some garlic in some oil (real nice and sizzly) and add veggies, season, veggie stock, add water and leave to simmer on the hob. Blend if that is an option for ya My fav variations are:<br />
-a mushroom one which is baso a punnet of sliced up mushrooms + coconut milk<br />
-tin of tomatoes, a load of red lentils<br />
-a whole bag of sliced + chopped up carrots<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But essentially just try and eat good, and also get creative with what you have in your cupboards. When you do need to go food shopping, plan for meals instead of just buying random components. Stick to a list, it will make yours and everyone's lives easier.<br />
<br />
Also use<a href="https://www.supercook.com/"> this website</a> to list what u have and it gives u recipes!! ur welcome<br />
<br />
ALSO BAKING IS SO FUN. you can make super simple <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/quick_flatbreads_43123">flatbreads using just flour and water</a>, or now is ideal time to whip up a sourdough starter!!! Lol. You can just do it with flour and water I'm p sure, but the easiest recipe I could find was<a href="https://www.theflamingvegan.com/view-post/Make-Your-Own-Sourdough-Starter"> this</a>. Thank me later sourdough is THE ONE.<br />
<br />
If you're lacking in ingredients <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/cheap-baking">here's a load of cheap recipes</a>, some of which have like 3 ingredients. We eating good in this pandemic, amirite x </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. MAINTAIN SOCIAL CONTACT EVEN IF IT'S NOT FACE-TO-FACE</b></div>
Some of you may be on lockdown where u don't wanna be, and that's p shit. When u feel sad that ur not with your best pals or cuddling your dog, try and think of why we're doing this!!<br />
There are lotsa people who won't survive this. Whilst we get to look at it as a weird time, getting bored of seeing the same faces in the kitchen and running laps around the garden, the reason we're all doing this is for the people who are either working in or lying in the beds of ICUs, so kick back, download House Party, and at some point, TikTok, and roll with it.<br />
Ideas for fun ways to be creative with social distancing:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-<b>KAHOOT</b>- my housemate made an AMAZING quiz for my isolation birthday party, where we sent her embarrassing confessions and she made them into multiple choice quiz questions. You're gonna get very close with whoever you're isolating with, so you might as well speed up the process by sharing your bodily fluid-related tales over a fun game xoxo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-<b>HOUSE PARTY</b>- Okay literally everyone is on it, including my parents. But it's basically just an app which allows you to group facetime, and also do games like Heads Up with that one housemate that abandoned you (not bitter at all) x x x</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-<b>CALL YOUR GRANDPARENTS !!!!</b> Okay lol this isn't the most creative suggestion, but if you've got any elderly relatives or family friends who you think might benefit from a friendly chat or check in every once in a while, now's your chance. They might not be aware of how to download houseparty, so we gotta keep them entertained</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-<b>GOLF BATTLE</b>- I can't believe I'm including this in a blog post, but a great app for playing golf with all your friends xoxo lol i love being cool !! </div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>6. STICK TO A ROUTINE IF U CAN</b></div>
I bloody love following a routine. I rate structure. I even like organised fun. Basically, I'm a great time all round!!!! But for real, if you can feel your mental health taking a hefty dive deep towards some sweet sweet ~isolation depression~ try and give urself some structure!! Whatever works for u, but i love having a reggy sleep pattern, eating meals at a consistent time and planning for lotsa breaks and activities. DON'T PANIC if you're not you're usual productive organised self. We're here for a long time (not a good time, lol) so you can take them breaks. Think of all that commuting, both to uni and to the pub, which will no longer be occurring. I reckon a 20 minute break for every 20 minutes worked will balance it out xoxo<br />
<br />
The main fav things which are keeping me from going fully mental atm are my daily exercise walk (the only time i'll be thanking boris for anything) and every night at 8 me and my housemates watch a film on netflix. the rest of the day feels a bit like filling the time between those two things xo<br />
<br />
Here's my structure lol in case u are interested in my WILD isolation life!!!!<br />
<b>7.50</b>- WAKEY WAKEY clothe and make coffeeeee<br />
<b>8.10</b>- leave the house with coffee and go for my state-approved exercise outing<br />
<b>9</b>- return home and eat brekkie<br />
<b>9.20</b>- a bit of half-hearted uni work<br />
<b>11</b>- workout time xoxo<br />
<b>12</b>- shower, clothe, and most likely eat lunch<br />
<b>12.40</b> - half- hearted uni work round two<br />
<b>3/3.30</b> - break in the garden with my housemates<br />
<b>3.50/4 </b>- half-hearted uni work/golf battle/watching everyone who goes past the house out of boredom<br />
<b>6.30</b>- start makin dinner<br />
<b>7.30</b>- last attempt at half-hearted uni work<br />
<b>8</b>- Movieee and generally doing very little<br />
<b>10.30</b>- go to bed - lol there's not a lot to stay up for in a pandemic xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>7. TRY SOMETHING NEW/ DO NICE THINGS</b></div>
This is prime time for doing something weird. I'm tempted to get a fringe just bc if it looks as shit as i'm anticipating, i don't have to see anyone for a while. I was also planning to:<br />
-get really flexible<br />
-learn to bake great bread<br />
Well, i haven't stretched at all in isolation (excluding post-workout, am not here for those DOMS) and i made one great loaf last night, so i'm p sure i'm done with those aims.<br />
But for real, one of my friends has decided it's time to start crocheting, i wanna do a teeny bit of yoga at some point, and yeah it's just time to read that book you've been putting off, listen to that podcast, watch that film, etc etc. I've also rediscovered my Nintendo DS, and ngl, Cooking Mama is even better than I had remembered.<br />
<br />
Here are my recommendations for tings:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>BOOKS</b></div>
For reading I recommend the <b>Kindle App</b>, books are cheap and you won't get corona from them!! Also save the trees.<br />
I hardly read when I'm at uni and when I do read I just download cheap stuff off the Kindle app, but I love <b>The Rosie Project</b>, <b>Shantaram</b>, <b>Lion/A Long Way Home</b>, <b>Behind Closed Doors</b>, <b>This is Going to Hurt</b>, <b>The Body Keeps the Score</b> (ok this one is probs only interesting if u like psychology/trauma)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PODCASTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I listen to Podcasts on <b>Spotify</b>. They are ideal for listening to on that daily exercise walk if u have premium bc you can download them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bloody love true crime (don't @ me i know it's weird) and my favourite podcast ever is <b>My Favourite Murder</b> but I also like <b>Crime Junkie</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If true crime ain't for you then <b>The Mortified Podcast</b> is where adults read their teenage diaries, <b>Shagged Married Annoyed </b>is meant to be really funny but I am yet to listen, and <b>My Dad Wrote a Porno</b> is a classic xo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>STUFF TO WATCH</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have the attention span of a child who's eaten blue smarties so if it's made it here it's done something right. Most of these are on Netflix</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>SERIES: </b>You, Unbelievable, The Stranger, Happy Valley, Sex Education (is alright everyone else loves it tho), Love is Blind (haven't even watched it), Black Mirror, The Simpsons (apparently on All 4 for the first time ever???), Gilmore Girls/Friends (lol these are two i've watched maybe a billion times over the last 13 years and have no plans to stop xo)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>FILMS</b>: Lion, About Time, Juno, Me Before You, Spotlight, The Lost Girls, Little Miss Sunshine, Lady Bird, all the harry potter films (lmao i literally have the taste of an 8 year old I know) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay i can't think of anything i've ever watched but i'll add if anything comes back to me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>8. DO SOMETHING GOOD</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can do some nice tings to make the world a better place!! Cute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GIVE BLOOD</b> - stocks are starting to get low and people still need blood. Really ain't that bad and i fuckin hate needles. <a href="https://www.blood.co.uk/">Go to this website</a> to find your nearest appointment, and u get free biscuits</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>BE AN NHS VOLUNTEER</b>- you can volunteer to do loadsa stuff like picking up people's prescriptions, taking them to appointments, or calling them regularly to check up on them. Lots of local areas have similar initiatives. <a href="https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS">Sign up here!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>REPORT SYMPTOMS</b>- Use this app designed by King's College to track symptom progression and help research Corona! Super simple and easy and you only need to log when anything changes. It's called Covid Symptom Tracker</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In conclusion, writing this post has been helpful to me if no one else lol. like i've said a million times, this is a strange time to be alive. be compassionate, make good choices, only go out if it's necessary. i wanna be able to look back at this time and feel like i did everything i could to not be a dickhead, and i'd like to think everyone feels the same. so yeah friends, let's make the most of it whilst also considering that just bc ur not in a risk group doesn't mean that your choices won't affect someone who is!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Laura x</div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-73588948241721597532019-09-03T10:31:00.000+01:002019-09-03T10:32:11.700+01:00Manila<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The same with Jakarta, everyone we met told us that we wouldn't need long in Manila and to pretty much spend as little time as possible there. N'aw. They also said the traffic was AWFUL. And we found that yes, they weren't all lying to us. It was really bad. We were only here for about 22 hours but here's a quick post about Manila anyway<br />
<br />
<b>Accomodation</b><br />
We stayed in Ola Hostel. It was recommended to us by friends, and it was fine. We opted for a double room as we arrived at like 2am. Staff were friendly and helpful, breakfast was average but they had a cool rooftop to eat it on. It did take our Uber SO long to find it though as it's a bit nestled away, but in his defence we were sleep deprived and unhelpful<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQcSwEyQKnazwqEU70ufgWfLcWZ66Twf4zmemUJAv-VLlugdAxNTTvRSXrMNIFqB66q8l2fwCutf0wN6G9_emF9kC5BJf_EwQrPMY_KX9_X6wtNHWUmrkQXkhjjoYNc4jyi9DsG1Y4OYy/s1600/FB_IMG_1564588948132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQcSwEyQKnazwqEU70ufgWfLcWZ66Twf4zmemUJAv-VLlugdAxNTTvRSXrMNIFqB66q8l2fwCutf0wN6G9_emF9kC5BJf_EwQrPMY_KX9_X6wtNHWUmrkQXkhjjoYNc4jyi9DsG1Y4OYy/s320/FB_IMG_1564588948132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Things to do </b><br />
<b>Market</b>- we went to Divisoria market for some last minute souvenir shopping. Personally, I was not a fan, but meg loved it. My sole purchase of a massive bag of veggie gummy worms confirmed this, but she picked up some cool stuff. It just had a lot of random household belongings for sale, and after being spoiled by the markets of India I was not that impressed.<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
We did actually have a stop off here before our first night bus to Batad and found a really good pizza restaurant in a shopping mall which also sold Quorn nuggets?? Mad. Other than that the food was the same as the rest of the Philippines aka meaty. Lunch was approximately a bucket of French fries- healthy and nutritious eh?! We did get some cheap drinks though, surprise surprise<br />
<br />
<b>Escape room-</b> Lollll very traditional for our last day!! We met up with some friends and did an escape room which was so funny even though we were awful and definitely didn't come even close to escaping. Oops<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b>- we arrived from our night bus and took an Uber to our hostel using a random hotel's WiFi. The metro here was good and pretty simple, but we took an Uber to the airport in the evening. The traffic is pretty bad, and we spent a fair amount of our time in Manila sat in queues of cars<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Manila was our last stop before flying home! Had the best trip and still a month and a half later wishing i was back in Asia<br />
<br />
Laura x<br />
<br /></div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-62730906504317196612019-09-03T09:55:00.004+01:002019-09-03T10:10:15.785+01:00Banaue and Batad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A friend recommended we visited Banaue and Bathad, describing it as his favourite place in the world. Given everyone's warnings against going to Manila it was a perfect destination back on the island of Luzon before flying home. Banaue is a small town located in the hills covered in rice terraces, with Batad being a tiny village right in the heart of the rice terraces themselves. The terraces are sometimes described as a wonder of the world<br />
<br />
<b>Accomodation</b><br />
<b>Banaue</b>- we stayed in Bogah Homestay. This was pretty out of the way from the main town (which I only discovered when we tried to walk back in torrential rain) but it was nice. They had good WiFi in communal areas, our private room was decently sized and clean, and their restaurant sold nice food (the veggie curry was massive! And Georgie got the noodle dish which could have fed the three of us, looool). They also picked us up and dropped us off at the bus station for free, and let us check in to nap early in the morning after arriving by night bus<br />
<br />
<b>Batad-</b> we stayed at Cristina's Main Village Inn Guesthouse. This was an amazing place located in the heart of the rice terraces in Batad. The walk to get there from the main road was an event in itself, but it was such a cool place to stay. Surrounded only by the other houses and homestay in the village we were so isolated and the views were AMAZING. The staff were really nice and the food was so good (they randomly sold Israeli food? Which was so good)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YJZI2lHewEIjzRiyTPDmrMe0wdmWAqZvXL1VuFHDo3_3jbkuOevo-3EwziVgVBiOCsm9NjMSVrz5MseJxWjLXVsF3nYO8rwmHvAXwG7eyRn1jsnrf-zMNoVS91jaEgbjD1QUR_kOJBMW/s1600/2019-07-08+01.33.29+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YJZI2lHewEIjzRiyTPDmrMe0wdmWAqZvXL1VuFHDo3_3jbkuOevo-3EwziVgVBiOCsm9NjMSVrz5MseJxWjLXVsF3nYO8rwmHvAXwG7eyRn1jsnrf-zMNoVS91jaEgbjD1QUR_kOJBMW/s320/2019-07-08+01.33.29+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Things to do/see</b><br />
Banaue didn't actually have a ton to do.<br />
<br />
<b>Viewpoint</b>- We went for a walk to try to reach a viewpoint, but quickly realised that a 2 hour uphill trek was not for us x we did make it to a viewpoint on the way though, where we met some older ladies in traditional dress who we paid a donation to to have a photo with<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ0wdly_MFDt21EynwzqP2t-auJ9hYLeogUmZwdoY3QkYWyTu8e0lNBSZ5yYsNVvVQqPqDYQedThJyK6UJVtGt0XZVz5gd-AuE8oH71e1I_Daz9M7ppO6hUuB2nZoK1RymB-pLEWhCt5A/s1600/2019-07-10+11.38.47+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ0wdly_MFDt21EynwzqP2t-auJ9hYLeogUmZwdoY3QkYWyTu8e0lNBSZ5yYsNVvVQqPqDYQedThJyK6UJVtGt0XZVz5gd-AuE8oH71e1I_Daz9M7ppO6hUuB2nZoK1RymB-pLEWhCt5A/s320/2019-07-10+11.38.47+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ3HFvHY4MPhEE5ero630neUL7YtYdlPc5dP7GwsA_GTmZoJvv54VjDpsi28yJatwolmBbEJ95UJsuZQcN-m8uY8CYrrhPwDNggtDTz5FoBAFsRhZ9p4BaRwb6BC_xZrwk_RRezGghYLe/s1600/2019-07-06+07.09.08+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ3HFvHY4MPhEE5ero630neUL7YtYdlPc5dP7GwsA_GTmZoJvv54VjDpsi28yJatwolmBbEJ95UJsuZQcN-m8uY8CYrrhPwDNggtDTz5FoBAFsRhZ9p4BaRwb6BC_xZrwk_RRezGghYLe/s320/2019-07-06+07.09.08+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfZKx66xNf3I_eR6jphvJq-2ItEQgRYZSFToZhwEANa9WdEMgXphcMDJdDhirAczsTPzs-p9wa1rAxkT2z7zO41rUMaSEspTmUfNE2vZQVx7BgiLM2WEd03CM_S3MxsK2NgfFDUFjsGZL/s1600/2019-07-06+07.13.00+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfZKx66xNf3I_eR6jphvJq-2ItEQgRYZSFToZhwEANa9WdEMgXphcMDJdDhirAczsTPzs-p9wa1rAxkT2z7zO41rUMaSEspTmUfNE2vZQVx7BgiLM2WEd03CM_S3MxsK2NgfFDUFjsGZL/s320/2019-07-06+07.13.00+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Market</b>- They had a little market section of town, which was very much for the locals. I like that though as it doesn't feel like everything has had to change for tourists. In a bakery here I got some small hot fresh bread rolls really cheaply which became part of my dinner/breakfast<br />
<br />
<b>Waterfalls</b>- from Batad we did a hike to the waterfalls through the rice terraces. We opted not to have a guide as everyone told us how easy the walk was. Lol. We ended up lost and stranded in the terraces until an older local guy came to help us. Embarrassing. The hike was pretty tough, especially going back up. But it was worth it as the waterfall was amazing and we spent a few hours lying in the sun and the other two ventured into the freezing waters<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_Y_-DU7fLznk56YOeldMO5q-Wi-Cap78nNS3LmrMTt5YNGxZXJUgXc2dECWKlaK6FBlSod5M_xmfChX7pOsJKPBqdlOPM-EFug0SeQ7WsAAWkgOaMwlSLWnvXg5NxCFZMgBlyEdDXO_7/s1600/2019-07-08+03.45.49+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_Y_-DU7fLznk56YOeldMO5q-Wi-Cap78nNS3LmrMTt5YNGxZXJUgXc2dECWKlaK6FBlSod5M_xmfChX7pOsJKPBqdlOPM-EFug0SeQ7WsAAWkgOaMwlSLWnvXg5NxCFZMgBlyEdDXO_7/s320/2019-07-08+03.45.49+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jcSAhKwJOlHfk0gapBF91V0ftXZjzhGDaP1y0EsNEV83-9lfZHqbXdf8aa8-Y1QGyxu1yU2xSDfRs7pvGEbnDKNgH58avn8vNA3FoovrfTj7mqZoD93y4saPnuwuEuEvHIT17NNnU6lo/s1600/2019-07-10+11.38.28+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jcSAhKwJOlHfk0gapBF91V0ftXZjzhGDaP1y0EsNEV83-9lfZHqbXdf8aa8-Y1QGyxu1yU2xSDfRs7pvGEbnDKNgH58avn8vNA3FoovrfTj7mqZoD93y4saPnuwuEuEvHIT17NNnU6lo/s320/2019-07-10+11.38.28+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Hot springs</b>- From Batad meg and I went to some hot springs. We organised the trip through our hostel and it seemed a bit pricey but ended up being a full day with lots of driving. On our walk up to the road we met a random Israeli guy who asked to come with us, so that kept the costs down. We went for a walk to some hot springs where we spent an hour or so bathing in the boiling water which was so nice. We saw the local women at work in the rice paddies which was really cool. A thunderstorm started though and I had to wear a bin bag for the walk bag #fashionnnn<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL8oTH-5Pk2Zyt4Sv5g_7jXOFYlb47u_WagBnDNV7_tOLWoKYOE_4AkQLOzSPi0pVO_8Ko6swfn4tGCc8XOFUIo77S8QgaEfiQPwyTrhOCRjRtzNPhXjZXTLYBKU5hUXUos8g-2Qx3qaJ/s1600/2019-07-10+11.38.19+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL8oTH-5Pk2Zyt4Sv5g_7jXOFYlb47u_WagBnDNV7_tOLWoKYOE_4AkQLOzSPi0pVO_8Ko6swfn4tGCc8XOFUIo77S8QgaEfiQPwyTrhOCRjRtzNPhXjZXTLYBKU5hUXUos8g-2Qx3qaJ/s320/2019-07-10+11.38.19+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwkvXAy66X1iwvtzZ4JpHy_1McaCZ4wWLHpb3q_BEVh3lco_O8YT8jQwd6dfox_wrMVnFOmU4naeTDjyuMrZvjQJXu_gclpXIceB_8DCHaboak4FEuYSUjkdx8lLUUNt5bxTZByAbFsrn/s1600/2019-07-07+04.53.50+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwkvXAy66X1iwvtzZ4JpHy_1McaCZ4wWLHpb3q_BEVh3lco_O8YT8jQwd6dfox_wrMVnFOmU4naeTDjyuMrZvjQJXu_gclpXIceB_8DCHaboak4FEuYSUjkdx8lLUUNt5bxTZByAbFsrn/s320/2019-07-07+04.53.50+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSJ1ZWYXNVj6M9udk7iQpNkyJV1GZCirumoDYAO84H_S-7ph8F6DWJH1XkT2Zo8Ycy5flWDtc7G5rytNJbcSCeAIpJob-JR4nq5KZZJEKAHIz0cXRBDeDbTxhKE_DJS_E2d1lXpSQWE8i/s1600/2019-07-10+11.38.20+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSJ1ZWYXNVj6M9udk7iQpNkyJV1GZCirumoDYAO84H_S-7ph8F6DWJH1XkT2Zo8Ycy5flWDtc7G5rytNJbcSCeAIpJob-JR4nq5KZZJEKAHIz0cXRBDeDbTxhKE_DJS_E2d1lXpSQWE8i/s320/2019-07-10+11.38.20+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
<b>To Banaue</b>- We took a night bus from Manila which we booked online. Some of them have WiFi, some don't. they weren't my fav night buses as the seats didn't recline fully, but they were alright and did the job<br />
<br />
<b>To Batad</b>- from Banaue we took a tuk tuk to Batad. We got dropped off in a place called Saddle and walked down from there. Leave your big bags in Banaue! The walk down to Batad itself is pretty intense and you don't want extra weight for it</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-58980241070270355052019-08-25T22:52:00.003+01:002019-08-25T22:52:37.761+01:00El Nido<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
El Nido was the ultimate beach location and presumably what everyone thinks of when they imagine the beaches in the Philippines. It was really nice, but we were pretty unlucky with the weather and experienced a lot of monsoon rain. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Accomodation</b><br />
We stayed in two places whilst we were here. One was on Napcan beach which is known for being really beautiful. The other was in El Nido itself </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /><b>Where2Next</b>- we opted to stay here instead of mad monkey which was more expensive, and I think we made the right choice. This hostel had some pros and cons; they had WiFi, which turned out to be a rarity in this part of town. The dorms were clean and had mosquito nets, we could book tours through the hostel, and it was close to mad monkey. However; the restaurant attached to the hostel was never open, and was expensive. Also, because the weather had been so bad, the walk to mad monkey was through a literal mud river. It was grim. The staff were also really unfriendly. And they had so many power cuts while we were there and no generator</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Dormitels</b>- this place was great! We stayed for 2 nights and it was in town and super cheap. I think this was the cheapest place we found anywhere in the Philippines but it had a good, central location, we had the dorm to ourselves with an ensuite bathroom, the staff were friendly and helpful and it had WiFi and air con. Ticked every box</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Food</b><br />
We ate mainly at a restaurant opposite our hostel which did chips, toast, veggie burgers and fried rice. The vegan dream. Mad Monkey did nice (but pretty pricey) food- I had a lovely falafel wrap. In town there were lots of nice restaurants and we found one on the beach doing lush Thai curry, mmmmm</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Things to see/do</b><br /><b>
Mad Monkey</b>- lol I'm putting it first which is a bit tragic. This was a really good hostel on the beach, which had lots of beach seating. The bar was amazing and they did loads of free drinks including an open bar from <a href="tel:7308">7.30-8</a>. I managed 8 gin and lemonades during those 30 minutes one evening- what a legend I am xx it was a great place to meet people and yeah just super cool! Maybe we should have stayed here, but I kind of thing we had the best of both worlds having a cheaper hostel (which had WiFi) and then just coming to use mad monkey's facilities</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Island hopping</b>- everywhere in El Nido does the same island hopping tours called tour A, B, C and D. Everyone else seems to say that tours A and C are best. I think we did A? It involved lots of lagoons, and was a really cool day. We saw loads of beautiful beaches and swam in the lush blue water. Unfortunately the weather was a bit average on the day that we did it, but luckily it wasn't raining</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtf4GRivnubnyhP4Y3_oVHizaARHaakS5r_QDtnB9Sf9tAKu-6-9nQmxNicPgwYo3nVGre_OLI-JHVFEyYo5Tua64z0Hieq8WphNpJ2BtUrcUzeUbu_FPZfSYvAdS8qBOpYsV2Lj5uSM0G/s1600/2019-07-02+07.19.33+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtf4GRivnubnyhP4Y3_oVHizaARHaakS5r_QDtnB9Sf9tAKu-6-9nQmxNicPgwYo3nVGre_OLI-JHVFEyYo5Tua64z0Hieq8WphNpJ2BtUrcUzeUbu_FPZfSYvAdS8qBOpYsV2Lj5uSM0G/s320/2019-07-02+07.19.33+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh9Hw8RmGQEEBsYxHLVd1DyIC1z1gVM2hIIRQdV3fmGeLTS0Suqv7kDwN21z2vps4GX5hC9JhFJAf7bng-u7Z_396JLVBpZE9PerSi3AnC1jMr7NN0t3PBrqypvpx9oOayCjfRgcZ-_X5/s1600/2019-07-02+07.19.37+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh9Hw8RmGQEEBsYxHLVd1DyIC1z1gVM2hIIRQdV3fmGeLTS0Suqv7kDwN21z2vps4GX5hC9JhFJAf7bng-u7Z_396JLVBpZE9PerSi3AnC1jMr7NN0t3PBrqypvpx9oOayCjfRgcZ-_X5/s320/2019-07-02+07.19.37+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDISOgHSlGPCsoQ02YUBbX9G0yqI0pS1U-OAcXQTLZYUTJiI6-ibatD4KM29UgdItrdXPYmEQJPNCk7g7CzA3RRRGV44gC_AYOfWEc70ixL55lQLVgyub4xvMP1-7ddby07mfyhDrSqb1B/s1600/FB_IMG_1566769757132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDISOgHSlGPCsoQ02YUBbX9G0yqI0pS1U-OAcXQTLZYUTJiI6-ibatD4KM29UgdItrdXPYmEQJPNCk7g7CzA3RRRGV44gC_AYOfWEc70ixL55lQLVgyub4xvMP1-7ddby07mfyhDrSqb1B/s320/FB_IMG_1566769757132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_7YJXDaFr1FeuUPw3DnXdu7ft1YbnlIqFkJV0jRRGaJNV0c7ePH7PmvKaAuG_m8RDH3QsdY3e56o3j18EfLhBsMdUoTtGeUFHz2KJR9_47G0KHtM57MFD-yuIjm0iLeMZwSMYMU_zvzb/s1600/2019-07-02+07.19.39+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_7YJXDaFr1FeuUPw3DnXdu7ft1YbnlIqFkJV0jRRGaJNV0c7ePH7PmvKaAuG_m8RDH3QsdY3e56o3j18EfLhBsMdUoTtGeUFHz2KJR9_47G0KHtM57MFD-yuIjm0iLeMZwSMYMU_zvzb/s320/2019-07-02+07.19.39+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Scuba diving</b>
We finally went scuba diving! We'd been told that Coron was the best place to do it, but unfortunately we didn't have time to go there. We still had a great time doing it here! We went to some cool dive sites and saw so many amazing fish, and even got up close enough to feed a turtle. Such an amazing experience and well worth the pretty hefty price tag</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Sy5z88UcXTPiJzyLmjAoZTFBWCpxWM1LXbmHdovgK6RLb7IuXrNX0rNtEUEnP2wr5an05d0Z9Z5X-lgRPtbjAT3Ds50b8Nty3iKgyJjr8qYr9ipi4qkcEHv5Xk1wrPVSKcpT2hNtyvwY/s1600/FB_IMG_1566769729566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="720" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Sy5z88UcXTPiJzyLmjAoZTFBWCpxWM1LXbmHdovgK6RLb7IuXrNX0rNtEUEnP2wr5an05d0Z9Z5X-lgRPtbjAT3Ds50b8Nty3iKgyJjr8qYr9ipi4qkcEHv5Xk1wrPVSKcpT2hNtyvwY/s320/FB_IMG_1566769729566.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrapnYxYyH7b4KAkjjK2FDHPLvSoNGXBike4hmkW51EF-Ym37wepKd8ZhjIxOr44gb1rECRpVYTL_4dQCZ7T9U7ZeBKlbKv4tmEBcuay-5Jf6bHoUbrJrhN5dTcDpblcE658eE1nWHnFk-/s1600/FB_IMG_1566769764640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrapnYxYyH7b4KAkjjK2FDHPLvSoNGXBike4hmkW51EF-Ym37wepKd8ZhjIxOr44gb1rECRpVYTL_4dQCZ7T9U7ZeBKlbKv4tmEBcuay-5Jf6bHoUbrJrhN5dTcDpblcE658eE1nWHnFk-/s320/FB_IMG_1566769764640.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Bars and restaurants</b>- El Nido town has loads of great bars and restaurants close to its amazing beaches. It's just a lovely place to come and spend a few days relaxing, and despite how touristy it is I would definitely return</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufv36hf5aMyCOv-zcegiDK6OrDlSeQmKUxD-UkRQpO1uUHzMQpK3ph1nvIQeJrtkaBusCu6kWy4-wVAcFiR9I1aZV1V7M88LOtR40k1Gp5oLjqC-RieO1bT88SqJofnWCaz-Ivr_S0xcU/s1600/2019-07-04+09.42.10+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufv36hf5aMyCOv-zcegiDK6OrDlSeQmKUxD-UkRQpO1uUHzMQpK3ph1nvIQeJrtkaBusCu6kWy4-wVAcFiR9I1aZV1V7M88LOtR40k1Gp5oLjqC-RieO1bT88SqJofnWCaz-Ivr_S0xcU/s320/2019-07-04+09.42.10+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqssOvPQh8BNaQfBEYjlDF8g-RmYyMW3faYG9kJJo07WS1wibmKqbnQG1EQlJ3Jy-9b8g7QnVNXHL_w5YHx6G6NuoYq0YYBXvee9Y-EUPWDmq_rneqCXRdMkk2YqV2CS5ZDkqK2p5lorj8/s1600/2019-07-04+09.43.07+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqssOvPQh8BNaQfBEYjlDF8g-RmYyMW3faYG9kJJo07WS1wibmKqbnQG1EQlJ3Jy-9b8g7QnVNXHL_w5YHx6G6NuoYq0YYBXvee9Y-EUPWDmq_rneqCXRdMkk2YqV2CS5ZDkqK2p5lorj8/s320/2019-07-04+09.43.07+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E-L5SMRPC4b-lhEBkecqzzBPteufD7qG9UbFGQaTlvlC3wYPAfjNGvk0h4RXNU0u4WBxtB6qAgu56WsO6Uj9Pvcg4ubKKouS-sOiepN84hGA_hbOOKy9UX3ow9tZyGMsHGAeH-_JmdSH/s1600/2019-07-03+06.47.01+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E-L5SMRPC4b-lhEBkecqzzBPteufD7qG9UbFGQaTlvlC3wYPAfjNGvk0h4RXNU0u4WBxtB6qAgu56WsO6Uj9Pvcg4ubKKouS-sOiepN84hGA_hbOOKy9UX3ow9tZyGMsHGAeH-_JmdSH/s320/2019-07-03+06.47.01+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
We took the bus to and from Puerto Princesca to fly in and out. The journey takes 5/6 hours including food stops in a not very comfy minivan, but hey it does the job</div>
<br /><br />
Laura x</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-9886853607842775092019-08-25T19:39:00.001+01:002019-08-25T19:39:50.725+01:00Puerto Princesca<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From Bohol we flew into Puerto Princesca. In retrospect we could have skipped it or just had one night here. We stayed far out, and whilst it was beautiful and cool to stay in a remote area, it was a little too remote for us, especially since the weather was bad<br />
<br />
<b>Accomodation</b><br />
We stayed at B&R hostel. It was owned by 2 sisters, and had so much potential. There was hot water, a cool on site bar and they made delicious food. The rooms had A/C and plugs. Basically, it should have been great. But it was in the middle of nowhere, there were very few other guests and unfortunately the weather was awful. They helped us book our onwards travel though they overcharged, and as the hostel had no wifi or signal we were very much trapped there<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
We mainly ate at the hostel. The food was good and cheap, and there were nice veggie options. I did have a meal at the beach, which was pretty much just white rice and salad. Fancy x<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAl-onj9JUvnaB8mHVIXC9UP-F6bdXZZGnDMjRfL-yGGieo9letMnJdx-T0MA46olmqfE7mpybiFflp0bFFluolUVUHyres_dj-SK6HFaVdMvYfX1sF_0r9YD-8B934ceQne6iu5xBrMe/s1600/2019-06-30+02.03.40+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAl-onj9JUvnaB8mHVIXC9UP-F6bdXZZGnDMjRfL-yGGieo9letMnJdx-T0MA46olmqfE7mpybiFflp0bFFluolUVUHyres_dj-SK6HFaVdMvYfX1sF_0r9YD-8B934ceQne6iu5xBrMe/s320/2019-06-30+02.03.40+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Things to do/see</b><br />
<b>Beach</b>- the hostel was near a beach, which we ventured down to a couple of times. However; the 20 minute steep downhill walk wasn't so bad, but going back up was truly horrible. In the humidity and heat the whole experience was not worth it as the weather wasn't even very nice while we were there. We ended up hitchhiking a lift up the hill which made it a lot more bearable<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnJkJJUzRPNxNbuVDxMGln2INkXhyphenhyphenZ10t0xydIPo7rWQ8MXoBSrhS5zXvHYjfucY4Nke82TTn0qVw93_SON5as12Us1qUzXkWfxwKsTslteiNItuL65LNwj0RdM5oDoDKr5YaMcpSQTpH/s1600/2019-07-01+08.58.57+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnJkJJUzRPNxNbuVDxMGln2INkXhyphenhyphenZ10t0xydIPo7rWQ8MXoBSrhS5zXvHYjfucY4Nke82TTn0qVw93_SON5as12Us1qUzXkWfxwKsTslteiNItuL65LNwj0RdM5oDoDKr5YaMcpSQTpH/s320/2019-07-01+08.58.57+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>View point</b>- the other attraction was a nearby view point, which was okay, and not as far as the beach. However; other than the view there was nothing to do here and there was a monkey chained up which was sad<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ev0eGnI5Yoasx6Kj1k-daaFIvkl8f99Ilr334qiniq4M2IAuWxlRhIfB07gt22QC5JXI2K2VQkiEGMmIboBB_ObXucTOXf6tSsxW6D6uEV1DMI5a2gjZQ_TTDN7Ab0GX5l3Qgoy_O7do/s1600/2019-06-30+11.46.35+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ev0eGnI5Yoasx6Kj1k-daaFIvkl8f99Ilr334qiniq4M2IAuWxlRhIfB07gt22QC5JXI2K2VQkiEGMmIboBB_ObXucTOXf6tSsxW6D6uEV1DMI5a2gjZQ_TTDN7Ab0GX5l3Qgoy_O7do/s320/2019-06-30+11.46.35+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span id="goog_1920635208"></span>Getting to/from<span id="goog_1920635209"></span></b><br />
We flew into the airport there and took an Uber to our hostel. Onwards we were going to El Nido, and there are loads of buses going every hour. We went early in the morning and got one which we booked through the hostel, but if you're up for a risk you could just find one by waiting by the main road</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-11532276281059945772019-08-25T19:23:00.001+01:002019-08-25T19:25:42.536+01:00Bohol<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We visited this place pretty much solely to see the famous Chocolate Hills, which of course weren't even chocolate covered when we went (a summary of my life). We ended up finding lots of cool stuff to do, though, stayed in a lovely hostel and made friends with a really nice group of guys, so it was actually one of my favourite places that we visited<br />
<br />
<b>Accomodation</b><br />
We stayed at Bohol Coco Farm. It was a really cute hostel with loads of little bamboo huts forming the dorms. There were fans but it was still pretty hot. The bathrooms were good with hot water, and the staff were super lovely and learnt all our names almost immediately. The hostel is a little out of the town, but cheap on a tuk tuk and about a 15 minute walk to the local beach which was really nice. They had very cute dogs!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcqFm29rf9_v67rNwSjApoQOuIwAKzsj9GAnAUSqdp_u-hoOMu28WfUY1o8o8GMsvFU9NnEJ687meTX5HKEbRSdg5j05RLtanSGk2dw7p6K1zyMqKRKsTqdBYEbDDSTkOUhR1Mww61SkL/s1600/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-14-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcqFm29rf9_v67rNwSjApoQOuIwAKzsj9GAnAUSqdp_u-hoOMu28WfUY1o8o8GMsvFU9NnEJ687meTX5HKEbRSdg5j05RLtanSGk2dw7p6K1zyMqKRKsTqdBYEbDDSTkOUhR1Mww61SkL/s320/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-14-17.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji36VsxQXqY0Xxicihusfcz6WIMW82k1lsuniBbU34jRZ4g6FxKxfpl-UxgXssTi0rJh3pTWkTZtGWGP7loCcek1xMb0ESOgflhfiW7Bseh8iW5s1DRY4XV04vQP9I4B0vvT-W1ZK02XTR/s1600/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-47-81.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji36VsxQXqY0Xxicihusfcz6WIMW82k1lsuniBbU34jRZ4g6FxKxfpl-UxgXssTi0rJh3pTWkTZtGWGP7loCcek1xMb0ESOgflhfiW7Bseh8iW5s1DRY4XV04vQP9I4B0vvT-W1ZK02XTR/s320/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-47-81.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
We ate every meal at the hostel lol. The food was so nice with loads of vegan options, and we'd rotate on diets of vegetable curry, sweet potato fries and different types of rice. Mmmm. There were other restaurants around though, and shops selling cheap snacks. Rum was ridiculously cheap- like £2 for 700ml !!!<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do/see</b><br />
<b>Countryside tour</b>- We did a countryside tour which involved visiting loads of different places including the chocolate hills. Some of these were less appealing, like a cobra house where you just saw a load of trapped animals so I stayed outside. We did see these really cute animals called tarsiers at another place, as well as some viewpoints etc. We also did a cool but terrifying zip line through the forest! It was a long day tour with a group in a minibus, but I think we got our money's worth and it was cheaper to do it like this than just pay a tuk tuk to take us to and from the chocolate hills<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyohrry__8MD7RPLdapMXif34okQrjk8XITVGYfzy1SNerLYnF_mZ21Bgc8matGSQmFlKBsZI86faXMnfb7xYZQ-SF5uYJZz4ldRhorjuyTnFTXtxf7UdjXdC8yt1SHC9eklRcAfl_ZG2R/s1600/received_607977219690333.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyohrry__8MD7RPLdapMXif34okQrjk8XITVGYfzy1SNerLYnF_mZ21Bgc8matGSQmFlKBsZI86faXMnfb7xYZQ-SF5uYJZz4ldRhorjuyTnFTXtxf7UdjXdC8yt1SHC9eklRcAfl_ZG2R/s320/received_607977219690333.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYKdI1dtOMbbZDk2PIcpT7BX_70SXgvXRamgzsb4NnVKTzwEfNpiodrtobOqIyTfzOeAI1DHUW6TfkIL8Fzw2YeeeFbJs_Vf5GCkeorxhVdOonOKDvv8CYZCCgszBzhcJfU30HlLiaqJw/s1600/2019-06-28+10.16.08+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYKdI1dtOMbbZDk2PIcpT7BX_70SXgvXRamgzsb4NnVKTzwEfNpiodrtobOqIyTfzOeAI1DHUW6TfkIL8Fzw2YeeeFbJs_Vf5GCkeorxhVdOonOKDvv8CYZCCgszBzhcJfU30HlLiaqJw/s320/2019-06-28+10.16.08+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMI-N6Ji3noDncaCtj_03hS9MdiwbLIu94yUVUEJnJL1XVQwmvG11VxwYE_otJDLMZE_S8tQJ4ZBP4XZz4U7yH4q4Upz5_l3mDPoctV9Vf7FU3Ovkqg6zoDZon2kap0_RRRjS68ZLPdzH/s1600/2019-06-28+12.14.21+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMI-N6Ji3noDncaCtj_03hS9MdiwbLIu94yUVUEJnJL1XVQwmvG11VxwYE_otJDLMZE_S8tQJ4ZBP4XZz4U7yH4q4Upz5_l3mDPoctV9Vf7FU3Ovkqg6zoDZon2kap0_RRRjS68ZLPdzH/s320/2019-06-28+12.14.21+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ9YseFJe2h1bLPNYTWOhrDBBUxzQrLa14ZJIwsMrnLTEZBQ5nEqjCfzX4MxCuQozShkx-5LJtScXpoPELxHfZI4mWWBqAsO53cnZjRx62-2SAsNmr_56tedApIjJ-ThcOJrJsCEUCb73/s1600/2019-06-28+10.20.51+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ9YseFJe2h1bLPNYTWOhrDBBUxzQrLa14ZJIwsMrnLTEZBQ5nEqjCfzX4MxCuQozShkx-5LJtScXpoPELxHfZI4mWWBqAsO53cnZjRx62-2SAsNmr_56tedApIjJ-ThcOJrJsCEUCb73/s320/2019-06-28+10.20.51+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BYP25bMt7MSwNbeD9DpPsKr5D6C4pAtd2fTcf78gDtg1nnOtjzaKLv7vNJ0txgruD2so6fCv8DV9FqByEwIUMDDPCSymPL7pc5PZ7tA_yH6TF4jx0VuT_QPihoJxebYj4_SLMvzCVle8/s1600/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-36-53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BYP25bMt7MSwNbeD9DpPsKr5D6C4pAtd2fTcf78gDtg1nnOtjzaKLv7vNJ0txgruD2so6fCv8DV9FqByEwIUMDDPCSymPL7pc5PZ7tA_yH6TF4jx0VuT_QPihoJxebYj4_SLMvzCVle8/s320/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-36-53.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<b>Beach</b>- near to our hostel was a really nice beach! We spent a couple of afternoons lying there reading and swimming in the sea. Aka living the dream<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFIc3e4EX03Xf5_vGTwOFy7lpATsR0nBfGzp35OKM84Ac0yDENF6gjiszSLCYTwKaUpIPF-KSxocXPzeFni0_vtUSVXCQBcAWtP7Yjqgl1NdTBiDBWXAvhDVYbWCm0u2xv-0A-5hhiboE/s1600/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-19-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFIc3e4EX03Xf5_vGTwOFy7lpATsR0nBfGzp35OKM84Ac0yDENF6gjiszSLCYTwKaUpIPF-KSxocXPzeFni0_vtUSVXCQBcAWtP7Yjqgl1NdTBiDBWXAvhDVYbWCm0u2xv-0A-5hhiboE/s320/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-19-11.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRLO-mJNjfBW5Q7eaNEjHn-eBp5YtyEWKzYiQE_eVcZbjilETgMMew0I3z-HEd_nNaIUX2N3b6xxnGIoyYxQYzm7IqjAMwXlVl5rhexB0vL5GG2VWG6s8ld-nvSPVjR9f4jK8NqYsFBHJ/s1600/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-42-61.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRLO-mJNjfBW5Q7eaNEjHn-eBp5YtyEWKzYiQE_eVcZbjilETgMMew0I3z-HEd_nNaIUX2N3b6xxnGIoyYxQYzm7IqjAMwXlVl5rhexB0vL5GG2VWG6s8ld-nvSPVjR9f4jK8NqYsFBHJ/s320/Screenshot_2019-08-25-19-20-42-61.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Bars</b>- given the cheap price of rum we had a couple of nights of drinking games and one night in a club with the guys from our hostel. It was a really fun night, and we ended up going on to another bar after the club. Bohol has nightlife if that's what you're after, but it's probably better to stay a bit closer to town than we did<br />
<br />
<b>Other tours</b>- we didn't do this one, but our hostel was advertising a tour where you got to see fireflies!! I wish we'd done it in retrospect<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b>- we took the ferry from Cebu, but hadn't realised Bohol has its own airport. Although flights are more expensive into it, once you've factored in the price of the tuktuks and ferry it's probably about the same<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-4676148786402194982019-08-25T19:14:00.003+01:002019-08-25T19:14:35.275+01:00Cebu city<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had been excited to visit Cebu, but realised quickly that as we were short on time we wouldn't have time to spend long here. The city itself didn't seem to have much going on for it and we just spent the night there before going over to Bohol on the ferry. I know other parts of Cebu are meant to be lush, and you can do stuff like swim with whale sharks and go to waterfalls, but we just didn't have enough time<br />
<br />
<b>Accomodation</b><br />
We stayed at Le Village hostel. It was alriiiiight. For one night. Not great to be honest. We were in a big mixed dorm with very few plugs but a big extension cord thing in the middle. The beds were wooden but so loud to get in or out of. The staff were alright and you got a free beer, but the quality of the bathrooms wasn't great and everywhere was boiling. The hostel also wasn't very near to anything, which was so annoying as we wanted food (shock). Every blog I'd read had said that accomodation in the Philippines was lower quality but higher in price than other places in SE Asia, and this hostel confirmed that these rumours were in fact correct<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
Omg. The saddest time xx the concept of vegetarianism is pretty much non existent in the Philippines, and a girl we met in India warned us of this. She was right, it was bad. After checking in we ventured to the restaurant attached to our hostel for some dinner. We found a single vegetarian dish on the item, I think it was called capcay (?) And I checked twice when ordering that it was just vegetables- no meat or egg. The staff assured me it was. We were STARVING and when it arrived I started tucking in, until my friend pointed out that there were tiny pieces of grilled pork in it. MMMMM.<br />
<br />
We couldn't find anywhere for breakfast the next morning so opted for biscuits and dried crackers purchased at the ferry port. Gourmet<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do/see</b><br />
Honestly as we were only there for one night I have no recommendations. We stayed again on our way back from Bohol and the highlights of this visit included a trip to 7/11 and an early night. Cebu city was borin<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
We arrived from Manila on an internal flight. We took a tuk tuk from the airport which was fine.<br />
<br />
From Cebu we went over to Bohol on the ferry. We bought our tickets at the port but I think you can also get them online<br />
<br />
When we came back from there we flew over to Puerto Princesca, though you can just fly from Bohol which we discovered afterwards</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-9461122784349959032019-07-26T11:38:00.000+01:002019-07-26T11:38:44.263+01:00Jakarta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As we were originally going to Sri Lanka rather than Indonesia, we had a flight booked from Kuala Lumpur to Manila. The cheapest place to fly to Kuala Lumpur from was Jakarta, and so we decided to spend a couple of nights there. When we told anyone that we were going to Jakarta their response was always along the lines of "spend as little time there possible", to the point that people suggested taking a day train rather than a night train just to use up time. As it turned out the city wasn't great, but they were perhaps a little dramatic!<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
We stayed in Wonderloft hostel. The free breakfast was excellent- unlimited toast, cereal or porridge with peanut butter and dark chocolate spread, with fruit and free flow tea and coffee. The hostel had good communal areas, pod style beds and a rooftop. The staff were friendly and helpful and yeah just a great place to stay<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do</b><br />
<b>Cinema</b>- Lol. We thought we might as well kill some time and toy story 4 had conveniently just come out. Popcorn and a ticket for a couple of pounds, it was the perfect way to stay cool in the midday sun. I love going to the cinema abroad because it's SO much cheaper than in England. We went to a cinema in a massive shopping mall and had a little browse afterwards<br />
<br />
<b>Museum/main square</b>- We wanted to go to the heritage museum as I don't know anything about Java's history, but it was closed as there was a festival going on. It was actually pretty cool to see lots of people in traditional clothing and a huge street market. We also found a nice cafe nearby to people watch, so the museum being closed worked out pretty well<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKLd3AWIysvNq3KGDHTPiKFFH3qVHHOeEubDzOhRd6-7gb6YI7_gr-6WBvEWvN1hHzqyRDTGWuzB-l4YlbDajxjgt_n3i3SWYmju627iT0oPzSg-J7PACV0wkzyJe5ATitVNRi6aw_bYU/s1600/IMG20190623153514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKLd3AWIysvNq3KGDHTPiKFFH3qVHHOeEubDzOhRd6-7gb6YI7_gr-6WBvEWvN1hHzqyRDTGWuzB-l4YlbDajxjgt_n3i3SWYmju627iT0oPzSg-J7PACV0wkzyJe5ATitVNRi6aw_bYU/s320/IMG20190623153514.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH_jcyUxsCivZ-gSR1wYgSJcIyJwqUe0tAqFhuId0HjuLxupV1f-QqbYp__VyIqIzRXrGyxu1kYufrPK-rTF1UzAZ0xaCyIHKtqELbayPG748rZoZnos9QWxoUKrI_Nq_UvpdE5-uv1gI/s1600/IMG20190623153526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH_jcyUxsCivZ-gSR1wYgSJcIyJwqUe0tAqFhuId0HjuLxupV1f-QqbYp__VyIqIzRXrGyxu1kYufrPK-rTF1UzAZ0xaCyIHKtqELbayPG748rZoZnos9QWxoUKrI_Nq_UvpdE5-uv1gI/s320/IMG20190623153526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3aLRc7x-f44-otQtiJEDXcyNy4mkc3u4_bJVYI3NUJLRJyqwh-p3gxEb1f_-HTmYPAwn5oJ8362Fd8P5AW5lNSJT4erL19q0eBPGyQg4ubAMHCFg3VvH6cDmWZc5rWMasYjbZpCEPlJY/s1600/IMG20190623155852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3aLRc7x-f44-otQtiJEDXcyNy4mkc3u4_bJVYI3NUJLRJyqwh-p3gxEb1f_-HTmYPAwn5oJ8362Fd8P5AW5lNSJT4erL19q0eBPGyQg4ubAMHCFg3VvH6cDmWZc5rWMasYjbZpCEPlJY/s320/IMG20190623155852.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBHfMirydDyMlHAOP9Az5tEfPmBo1I0E7vqZ9P_pujQDOzWYl4QpYP3EYEM5Z9K-rp4JM9emK4mzrbLTyV5HzYBJRDTORBl5Cvm3bJZqdsrppu-mu9Iuy2PE4ds8ZeS6a_c9lnZH2EMmI/s1600/IMG20190623163659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBHfMirydDyMlHAOP9Az5tEfPmBo1I0E7vqZ9P_pujQDOzWYl4QpYP3EYEM5Z9K-rp4JM9emK4mzrbLTyV5HzYBJRDTORBl5Cvm3bJZqdsrppu-mu9Iuy2PE4ds8ZeS6a_c9lnZH2EMmI/s320/IMG20190623163659.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
Omg. We had THE BEST vegan food here!! I went on happy cow and found a vegan restaurant so we took a grab there. The menu was so extensive that we checked a couple of times that everything really had no meat in it. They had so many meat alternatives and we had probably my favourite food of the whole trip here. Crispy tofu nuggets, a vegetable and noodle soup, mushrooms and vegan chicken... It was all so nice and still super cheap. They even had an amazing looking caramel cake which I resisted as I'd eaten so much but it was tough!!<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
From Jakarta we flew onwards to Kuala Lumpur, and took an Uber to the airport. The traffic there is BAD so allow yourself plenty of time!<br />
<br />
Laura x<br />
<br /></div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-29329081106596192902019-07-26T11:31:00.000+01:002019-07-26T11:31:23.484+01:00Yogyakarta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Also known as Jogja, the main attraction that we were aware of here was the very famous and beautiful temples. Turns out they often do loads of cool classes in things like jewellery making and cooking. This ended up being a really cool place to visit and we could definitely have filled another day here. Don't rush it to get to Jakarta, you have been warned x<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
We stayed at Laura's Backpackers. Lured in by the promise of free dinner and breakfast, this hostel had hot showers, a big communal area and dorm beds with curtains around them. The big free meals made it very easy to meet other travellers, and it was a very sociable hostel in that sense, with a big group going camping and hanging out in the evenings<br />
<br />
The owners were really helpful in finding stuff to do and arranging stuff for us, though a couple of times the prices they told us were wrong which was a bit awkward. The hostel was a 15 minute walk to the train station which was very doable despite having to cross a pretty big roundabout.<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do</b><br />
<b>Temples</b>: The main attraction here is the temples but they come with a pretty hefty entry fee. Considering the Taj Mahal is £10 we were shocked and so only opted to go to one of the temples; Borobudur. I definitely think this was the right choice, the price as a student wasn't that bad (£15 I think) and the temple really was beautiful. We did a full scale photoshoot here and also had to pose for about a million photos for other people. From our hostel it was possible to take buses but we ended up taking grabs for the one hour journey each way and they weren't that expensive<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmw2qqHtMq1JMYYtlgyOK2ddjOc4OBQEiH0cR5F_6ZPN951-GDAU8GhOAtBGSRgt940dBoXkgILgHu4KfVfKiA9bpqIPAuKrnFPj7L8bMm2r56dZvzEjCrpgexeEegGSLlite87ipUFfx/s1600/2019-06-24+01.54.16+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmw2qqHtMq1JMYYtlgyOK2ddjOc4OBQEiH0cR5F_6ZPN951-GDAU8GhOAtBGSRgt940dBoXkgILgHu4KfVfKiA9bpqIPAuKrnFPj7L8bMm2r56dZvzEjCrpgexeEegGSLlite87ipUFfx/s320/2019-06-24+01.54.16+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKTEawh3U-aXmKVjcz1qJrkW9Bk_WvnRjEbBNVoSBhBAaQ-lp2rQVbXrKJf5ALg7SblIBgZyGuw3fHl6fK0FYrG3BFR2M7ylyB4gdbDrX0S_RpepZVMQEKrYDlaUI5-PU3OVK2N-7yyO1/s1600/2019-06-24+01.58.11+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKTEawh3U-aXmKVjcz1qJrkW9Bk_WvnRjEbBNVoSBhBAaQ-lp2rQVbXrKJf5ALg7SblIBgZyGuw3fHl6fK0FYrG3BFR2M7ylyB4gdbDrX0S_RpepZVMQEKrYDlaUI5-PU3OVK2N-7yyO1/s320/2019-06-24+01.58.11+2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Fdr7g6CWIfuzB-3VdpFbjrqUKhF2LjlmglR40KmoQeMe-qaRSYnzqvXd5jsAHF6xJamuoEjRkwsyU-NpUsqOAZ8OpnfAOgCvZWc_oKZ0YAhXksSmiT7yXnIR5IM8tSMkbnnZij7HyXb/s1600/2019-06-24+01.54.16+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Fdr7g6CWIfuzB-3VdpFbjrqUKhF2LjlmglR40KmoQeMe-qaRSYnzqvXd5jsAHF6xJamuoEjRkwsyU-NpUsqOAZ8OpnfAOgCvZWc_oKZ0YAhXksSmiT7yXnIR5IM8tSMkbnnZij7HyXb/s320/2019-06-24+01.54.16+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1weiw5IdE6lzA-2W8ydYgPIfJduvb66h7iN__LzdUB_mDCY2kQOpWYIKOGPczZZsLTv4XHG43pmvOFN9sUb4idiCB5sL2ddmXs74pxsaBeUlVCxkVISbwAkFP-8sqyPecA6KCLxg-1Vh/s1600/2019-06-21+10.38.19+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1weiw5IdE6lzA-2W8ydYgPIfJduvb66h7iN__LzdUB_mDCY2kQOpWYIKOGPczZZsLTv4XHG43pmvOFN9sUb4idiCB5sL2ddmXs74pxsaBeUlVCxkVISbwAkFP-8sqyPecA6KCLxg-1Vh/s320/2019-06-21+10.38.19+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc-J8c9vnEgtnt2TCImkCqluBg5yFLVUgfkY868sw34wDIIGwP86CD4RgbRsqEsRazOB3GTYFHrYEqKpNSpmuc7WukxxGmJWZ84sHKoX9-vYc_fW_pTV0RtqiCQzxB1PUv4bqWQpwpbuf/s1600/2019-06-21+04.25.15+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc-J8c9vnEgtnt2TCImkCqluBg5yFLVUgfkY868sw34wDIIGwP86CD4RgbRsqEsRazOB3GTYFHrYEqKpNSpmuc7WukxxGmJWZ84sHKoX9-vYc_fW_pTV0RtqiCQzxB1PUv4bqWQpwpbuf/s320/2019-06-21+04.25.15+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoOVbKzrOY3SjbwnwKoCLhvVzxhQgaP_VrppEQrEx0m8wMIntvrlJC_cEBuQPCMWEcvhueysXweSPK5Gt4KYhQweI59iWhANchxIxfek-Dp5bmB3CiqdmwA_BcM_c4Q_EmFm3HzCzD8U9/s1600/2019-06-21+10.38.52+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoOVbKzrOY3SjbwnwKoCLhvVzxhQgaP_VrppEQrEx0m8wMIntvrlJC_cEBuQPCMWEcvhueysXweSPK5Gt4KYhQweI59iWhANchxIxfek-Dp5bmB3CiqdmwA_BcM_c4Q_EmFm3HzCzD8U9/s320/2019-06-21+10.38.52+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEUQfrlRL28rIQ_DQtsTPGrmXfqjd2qgYPGcGbMM-C9UMDWhI4lr5b3rGvyyUtrlGbuKE7UVIdPvWKi3FFLnepOeXaVU_VeWfjjdi9m00YKdRvgBDb5mG7u8JD-BF-lgunwnJjIEcXmyW/s1600/2019-06-21+10.44.25+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEUQfrlRL28rIQ_DQtsTPGrmXfqjd2qgYPGcGbMM-C9UMDWhI4lr5b3rGvyyUtrlGbuKE7UVIdPvWKi3FFLnepOeXaVU_VeWfjjdi9m00YKdRvgBDb5mG7u8JD-BF-lgunwnJjIEcXmyW/s320/2019-06-21+10.44.25+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Cooking class</b>: Meg and I did a cooking class which I really enjoyed! In the morning we visited the local market to buy our ingredients which was a really cool experience. Everything was SO cheap (like a massive bag of tofu for hardly anything) and then we went back to the kitchen to get started. We made a vegetable curry, a dish which was essentially a tofu omelette with different mushrooms, a caramelised tempeh snack, purple rice, tofu fritters and vegan prawn crackers. We made the food with a lovely lady in a class on our own which ended with us all eating what we'd made. So much fun and so much good food<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UAbUb2_6I7RjdalXCH1MMaK8eUiqwAf5XNUwn83v6sJK4u0GAMnzs3n2KXGFmsh4Y446xXggyLm4oJU8sJovJWAbZYW7-rd1yGDVHWMVsg8nuZgMI9ByopMfLzz0dY5Ks2AQHP5hszkk/s1600/IMG20190622120817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UAbUb2_6I7RjdalXCH1MMaK8eUiqwAf5XNUwn83v6sJK4u0GAMnzs3n2KXGFmsh4Y446xXggyLm4oJU8sJovJWAbZYW7-rd1yGDVHWMVsg8nuZgMI9ByopMfLzz0dY5Ks2AQHP5hszkk/s320/IMG20190622120817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0PQfp211oy7vDOvqDXNux9UlYbu4jbDGD7iR0mmRteVIlFHvTYZql9UMHe-jlZzdMi4qnRl82OYFusGH3Bi7PEzmapp7TV4tJ_aznryIV5aJFeQDr1LR7ra6DbIPhbj-Y41fwj74Z9Li/s1600/IMG20190622120846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0PQfp211oy7vDOvqDXNux9UlYbu4jbDGD7iR0mmRteVIlFHvTYZql9UMHe-jlZzdMi4qnRl82OYFusGH3Bi7PEzmapp7TV4tJ_aznryIV5aJFeQDr1LR7ra6DbIPhbj-Y41fwj74Z9Li/s320/IMG20190622120846.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ2jB-47s5Tif7TMsuOnT1WNdQ0GY1_H3ad1S6CtB_gQBF86THVjNKhEeKkP28JVW-cGa5IHASqwd9YlDff6h7R5dsEixpM6aqzaO0AMj9S5tTgLCw3wWTZWt7yAOCiG9Ad-wY1_bSp9u/s1600/IMG20190622120012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ2jB-47s5Tif7TMsuOnT1WNdQ0GY1_H3ad1S6CtB_gQBF86THVjNKhEeKkP28JVW-cGa5IHASqwd9YlDff6h7R5dsEixpM6aqzaO0AMj9S5tTgLCw3wWTZWt7yAOCiG9Ad-wY1_bSp9u/s320/IMG20190622120012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt_Ry3Pz0-QDvX-jhzEmjz_rr80fcRX0kILGh26GM7q2CsLXJPddwFPlIldtZkBaPLlgXrm-3Z9djuhCFcLmIhuiauvi9JkWcUcINP7SbtHHRc8MXfBHEZcrPvXumOlk6vgoKTVCxopbK/s1600/IMG20190622121018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt_Ry3Pz0-QDvX-jhzEmjz_rr80fcRX0kILGh26GM7q2CsLXJPddwFPlIldtZkBaPLlgXrm-3Z9djuhCFcLmIhuiauvi9JkWcUcINP7SbtHHRc8MXfBHEZcrPvXumOlk6vgoKTVCxopbK/s320/IMG20190622121018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgJXq3uHFNcCvxEKNXDkVL7SlzII8hPjzsMeB2dmQr20d4vpVj7KBvmho3pX27gyFegW_0VQUVR4yRWib_R9qYiQ4Y12OgUEsVDfirLB4KR0Wb7nbpMdgyvuJ2Axu_R7BEOnRtJPgfcyU/s1600/IMG20190622121144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgJXq3uHFNcCvxEKNXDkVL7SlzII8hPjzsMeB2dmQr20d4vpVj7KBvmho3pX27gyFegW_0VQUVR4yRWib_R9qYiQ4Y12OgUEsVDfirLB4KR0Wb7nbpMdgyvuJ2Axu_R7BEOnRtJPgfcyU/s320/IMG20190622121144.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Jewellery class</b>: I've wanted to do a class like this for ages so was so glad we got a chance! We were able to make one item each (I kind of cheated by making a pair of earrings) and we chose the designs ourselves. It was weird in the sense that we just kind of guessed what we were doing and then the guy would correct us but hey we all made something cool<br />
<br />
<b>Spa</b>: The others did such a good spa package which sadly I didn't have time for. Arranged through the hostel they got loads of treatments including a sauna, hair spa, massage, exfoliation etc. for 4 hours for under £10. Slightly gutted not to have done it but I decided to opt for the temple instead<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
Because our hostel did free breakfast and dinner we mainly ate there. The portions were pretty small and very much lacking in anything other than carbs for the vegans, so one night we found a nearby place which served lots of different tofu and tempeh dishes to fill up on. The staff spoke no English and we walked around with a translator app (funniest thing ever- I tried to say "we don't eat meat" and it auto-translated to "please don't eat me")<br />
<br />
<b>General notes</b><br />
Yogyakarta is a cool city and we split our time pretty evenly between here and Jakarta, but the general consensus is to spend more time here, and I agree with that<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
We arrived to Yogyakarta from Malang, taking a pretty long train during the day. We lost a fair bit of time doing this but the train was nice and air conditioned so can't complain.<br />
<br />
To get to Jakarta we took a night train which got us there at around 3am, where we got a grab to our hostel. Not the most fun journey ever, but it did the job!<br />
<br />
Laura x</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-85958954444436454232019-07-26T11:30:00.001+01:002019-07-26T11:30:56.457+01:00Malang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm just gonna write a tiny post about this because it was a good place for a quick stopover but we were only there for like 14 hours to break up the journey to Yogyakarta<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
We stayed in Mador Malang Dorm. Really good hostel walking distance to the train station. Perfect for one night, and everyone seemed to either be on their way to or from Bromo. Had free breakfast (jam and peanut butter toasties yum) and was clean. The beds were like little pods in the dorm which I love and there were hot showers<br />
<br />
<b>What to do</b><br />
We visited the colourful village here which was actually really cool for a short trip. The houses and buildings are painted in bright colours and there are loads of decorations like umbrellas and hats. Not really sure of the history behind it but it made for a nice walk<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kDtGCZPuovxN2XMv1h7ldS0kaGZo_hN3EmfgpXl2la63vayctt6dhlnmJih8TcLVFrZKCUHUvbpUaHeof1xwWsOFzT67vhl8d-Rg-9u2TOoFECYEK2OsQdLdvdMejvO1AuUxm7aVqDGi/s1600/received_337374527217170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kDtGCZPuovxN2XMv1h7ldS0kaGZo_hN3EmfgpXl2la63vayctt6dhlnmJih8TcLVFrZKCUHUvbpUaHeof1xwWsOFzT67vhl8d-Rg-9u2TOoFECYEK2OsQdLdvdMejvO1AuUxm7aVqDGi/s320/received_337374527217170.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7T6dnvc-pKl-964QyKXwYgzXPsZjSgXgm0nJmmEhihP-n5ESJMQfvjTLWIT-B_4Cygr4O8IcUIA64H1Cdewk8S2RGz-Re7iEg7dN89m-fCmBQZ8rgjfB9epdhAJ8N0iIlPMiJdccto3I/s1600/received_633196373829263.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7T6dnvc-pKl-964QyKXwYgzXPsZjSgXgm0nJmmEhihP-n5ESJMQfvjTLWIT-B_4Cygr4O8IcUIA64H1Cdewk8S2RGz-Re7iEg7dN89m-fCmBQZ8rgjfB9epdhAJ8N0iIlPMiJdccto3I/s320/received_633196373829263.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREP3kpdIwFikAk5UgwwJaKn8l-H5H3ow7OvekHRzbLsDEMrgYSFd-ltxy5W_2NjvKLacaZYEw2FVgpYeXWFQ7e_o3KBY8p26rAqqOojMvH-t9_gdBEmsKJAkxScm_AzQla2nAS0RpbcCV/s1600/received_458848237999523.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREP3kpdIwFikAk5UgwwJaKn8l-H5H3ow7OvekHRzbLsDEMrgYSFd-ltxy5W_2NjvKLacaZYEw2FVgpYeXWFQ7e_o3KBY8p26rAqqOojMvH-t9_gdBEmsKJAkxScm_AzQla2nAS0RpbcCV/s320/received_458848237999523.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZRoPZagNF5RnJp0518RLgaSbaq5IgkYg8N4qP3VR9HNLLoOwqci0g3cp5lm2guFJ99mXSSCGSCXHiDZRk5d5KVUe21IWTIDK68YD5-c8KmsB7LSmJBHhiQSj8zWG1Tc5xn8gC5-rnAAi/s1600/received_638293070000060.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZRoPZagNF5RnJp0518RLgaSbaq5IgkYg8N4qP3VR9HNLLoOwqci0g3cp5lm2guFJ99mXSSCGSCXHiDZRk5d5KVUe21IWTIDK68YD5-c8KmsB7LSmJBHhiQSj8zWG1Tc5xn8gC5-rnAAi/s320/received_638293070000060.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Other than that we just bought me a phone since mine had died the week previously, so if you need to know the Oppo store is excellent.<br />
<br />
There was a market but not touristy just aimed at locals and was pretty much all men's clothing.<br />
<br />
The hostel had lots of recommendations for stuff to do, restaurants etc. but we didn't use these because we were just there for like 15 hours<br />
<br />
Laura x</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-9278603809909500452019-07-26T11:11:00.001+01:002019-07-26T11:11:48.715+01:00Probolinggo/ Cemara Lawang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr">
This is where to stay to climb Mount Bromo. It's a small place, pretty similar to where we stayed for Ijen, but we stayed in more of a town than a village here. There's not a lot else to do so we stayed for one night<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Accommodation<br />
We stayed at Sedular Homestay. This place was good but a lot more expensive than Ijen (still super cheap though). It had WiFi, and we got a private triple room. It had a squat toilet but hot showers and was right in the centre of town. <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Getting around<br />
From Probolinggo bus station minibuses do the 90 minute drive to Cemara Lawang (IS THIS RIGHT???). The bus station is notorious for scams (cute right??) but we were told multiple times by staff that the tickets should be 35,000 each. When our bus arrived in the town the driver said that it was 60,000 each. We had been travelling all day and were all super grumpy and put up a massive fight against paying the extra, leading to the driver standing on the doorstep of our homestay for about half an hour. In retrospect possibly a little petty of us?? Lol <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Things to do<br />
There are jeeps everywhere offering sunrise tours of Bromo. After our night climb of Ijen the previous evening we were very much not okay with a 4am wake up, and I'd seen online that you can walk to Bromo from the village.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
After some breakfast we did the climb. It's about an hour to the base across essentially a desert. If you've ever played the Sims 2 picture Strange Town (lol). To get down to it you have to go down a mud path which takes like <a href="tel:1015">10-15</a> minutes but is not a pleasant walk. It's SO dusty that the clothes I wore that day still produce dust when I wash them. From there you just walk towards the mountain where all the jeeps are heading. Bromo itself is free to climb, and a lot easier than Ijen. We reached the crater in maybe half an hour? You just climb some stairs. The views are cool and you can see some smoke coming out of the volcano (it is active after all) but we couldn't work out what we were missing. <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AS US. Lol just a little bit bitter x King Kong hill is the most impressive viewpoint, where almost all photos that you see of Bromo are taken from. We couldn't work out where these photos were taken from, but found out that's where the jeeps take you. Without sounding extremely uncultured, Bromo was a bit of a let down without King Kong hill. Definitely go there, or you'll probably end up just as confused as us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx0kQgPE4h5Go0yf8Q4iru1CI22CSPl3DQStzIP9yZLjTIYAqaSEml_XZD1sKjse0bVOGGSYKx7jNJ2TmlZp_eQ-vW017J1MRZ97uZMTmDQxP_ritwBQUpslqfnOPZi6D4Xdz4DlE0SVW/s1600/IMG-20190619-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx0kQgPE4h5Go0yf8Q4iru1CI22CSPl3DQStzIP9yZLjTIYAqaSEml_XZD1sKjse0bVOGGSYKx7jNJ2TmlZp_eQ-vW017J1MRZ97uZMTmDQxP_ritwBQUpslqfnOPZi6D4Xdz4DlE0SVW/s320/IMG-20190619-WA0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rMyIPT4GRM52QXi3LizzrURDzs-T5oUIQCSEFDd9n5EumsYn8sI7ephGx5EgVqcTvFtL2YMkgilcN7Y2Dech_I8kiLIriE8JBdOYLnuUvk6kUXY6E0ORNkUy6kHE2kvsqHX8D4xp3xGA/s1600/IMG-20190619-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rMyIPT4GRM52QXi3LizzrURDzs-T5oUIQCSEFDd9n5EumsYn8sI7ephGx5EgVqcTvFtL2YMkgilcN7Y2Dech_I8kiLIriE8JBdOYLnuUvk6kUXY6E0ORNkUy6kHE2kvsqHX8D4xp3xGA/s320/IMG-20190619-WA0006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTwpgx0jdIBKgWjjsHM_v8GBI93l55hsx2d4Shp5LT13fKIi7EZD_ZyHfQF_5vXeGQKFnFN4wu0EN9hIJ70sVV9at-tGV-41A7ZG5gn16niX5RkHtDjG1Ev8Q_GO8YTKf-mxyjNUD8cxs/s1600/IMG-20190619-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTwpgx0jdIBKgWjjsHM_v8GBI93l55hsx2d4Shp5LT13fKIi7EZD_ZyHfQF_5vXeGQKFnFN4wu0EN9hIJ70sVV9at-tGV-41A7ZG5gn16niX5RkHtDjG1Ev8Q_GO8YTKf-mxyjNUD8cxs/s320/IMG-20190619-WA0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTAh6NWnaOWjQKcJOyb88IqiiOezyzBcokk1XSv42r2Z2jAbhkGP_6M2s9HnBkQMITo1IE3KbgbdiyTNXvFsehFYdcdGAOUGPgpVC42rwf_I0G8DQH1YAiJMI8JNsxxdu7XP9QrS7r2GL/s1600/IMG-20190619-WA0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTAh6NWnaOWjQKcJOyb88IqiiOezyzBcokk1XSv42r2Z2jAbhkGP_6M2s9HnBkQMITo1IE3KbgbdiyTNXvFsehFYdcdGAOUGPgpVC42rwf_I0G8DQH1YAiJMI8JNsxxdu7XP9QrS7r2GL/s320/IMG-20190619-WA0008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGRaOEwBI0wK50ef9pAbArypi4wDhzwMOmwm61iB5iNzbaMdfFRljvTloFSvcRdrJKMHM3vEdB2Fsu8PwUyq0jsGgGbhQPaSIsWwTWqODvnxjzFNYcwoCQFVfNkmOIxAMlAwjbEK5MBUC/s1600/IMG-20190619-WA0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGRaOEwBI0wK50ef9pAbArypi4wDhzwMOmwm61iB5iNzbaMdfFRljvTloFSvcRdrJKMHM3vEdB2Fsu8PwUyq0jsGgGbhQPaSIsWwTWqODvnxjzFNYcwoCQFVfNkmOIxAMlAwjbEK5MBUC/s320/IMG-20190619-WA0019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrQQ8Uf5RAlgoWK6DltlRx1vjs31iNyPL015CU8gQpA_ljzd4lTUzDPNqWfEffbkWQhcRGe8r6YE3_MkAvLtIFa3NPbjUCpZp7-kqtzwAzgw_CDKdXMmX-vxpRCSoxxQSam-pzQpZL4ez/s1600/IMG-20190619-WA0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrQQ8Uf5RAlgoWK6DltlRx1vjs31iNyPL015CU8gQpA_ljzd4lTUzDPNqWfEffbkWQhcRGe8r6YE3_MkAvLtIFa3NPbjUCpZp7-kqtzwAzgw_CDKdXMmX-vxpRCSoxxQSam-pzQpZL4ez/s320/IMG-20190619-WA0023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Food<br />
The area isn't packed with restaurants, but we found a small local place serving pancakes and veggie noodles which made for a good breakfast.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
It's pretty remote, so I'd take snacks with you or you'll end up paying loads more than necessary</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Just along the road from the bus station is an IndoMaret supermarket where we booked train tickets and got snacks. Next door to that was a really nice restaurant which did THE BEST crispy tofu nuggets. I am still dreaming about them<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Getting to/from<br />
Get a mini bus from Probolinggo bus station. If you can fill it it should be 30,000 each, but if not you'll have to pay extra. On the way back we only managed to get 5 people rounded up so had to pay more which was a little annoying but hey ho, we wanted to get to the next place.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We opted to get a local bus to Malang from Probolinggo. Scam central part two x don't buy your ticket until the bus starts moving (though I think we only lost about 50p by not following this). The scams are annoying but seeing Bromo was definitely worth it<br />
<br />
General notes<br />
I got super sunburnt climbing Bromo! Nothing like the cool temperature up Ijen<br />
<br />
Laura x</div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-53314782176333375292019-07-24T23:48:00.001+01:002019-07-24T23:48:48.673+01:00Banyuwangi/ Ijen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We headed over to Java to climb some mountains and do some more backpackery stuff before going to the Philippines to continue lying on beaches. Java is a lot less touristy than Bali and seems to attract more of a middle aged couple climbing the volcanoes crowd, and so perhaps appropriately everything costs a bit more and it's a bit more of a challenge to travel there<br />
<br />
Accomodation<br />
We stayed at Ijen Farmer Homestay to climb Mount Ijen, a volcano with a blue sulphur crater lake at the top. This was a very basic homestay. We had a triple room which had bunk beds and a mattress on the floor, and an ensuite which didn't have a sink, and for some time there was no running water. It was really really cheap (about £5 total) and the hosts were nice (though we saw him kiss another woman despite introducing us to his tiny wife, which was slightly off) and they had fast WiFi despite being in pretty much the middle of nowhere. They also made us a chocolate pancake and tea for free when we arrived and very cheap noodles for dinner and some rice included for breakfast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn52Yxag2tCHE1CRUQz6CYRAu9dHhj23oqBByvY8xzVTj9CBVY7qUaxz6H1-R8hARspTInVvWEy0M4L5hIuIOV4eVJqFQ7KmuhEUMhFtd-V230osGciwplsKF-C_yg96GcCQSjk8GmjtUH/s1600/FB_IMG_1564008396681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn52Yxag2tCHE1CRUQz6CYRAu9dHhj23oqBByvY8xzVTj9CBVY7qUaxz6H1-R8hARspTInVvWEy0M4L5hIuIOV4eVJqFQ7KmuhEUMhFtd-V230osGciwplsKF-C_yg96GcCQSjk8GmjtUH/s320/FB_IMG_1564008396681.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
What to do<br />
The main attraction of here is climbing Ijen. Other than that there wasn't much around, though we did go to see some rice terraces in the afternoon which were very pretty. We organised our ferry port pick up, transport to and from Ijen and drop off at the bus station through the hostel owner's friend arranged through WhatsApp before we arrived. We paid him 600,000 IDR for this, about £33, which involved him waiting at the bottom of the crater for hours in the middle of the night. He also spent ages driving us around the next day to a train station, bus station and back again because we hadn't booked onwards travel. He was such a sweet man aw<br />
<br />
Climbing Ijen<br />
We left the homestay at 1am and began the drive to the base of the volcano. It took about 45 minutes where we paid the entrance fee (think it was 100,000 IDR) and then got a lot of warm stuff ready for the climb. We hired masks from the homestay, and took blankets with us, and the driver even gave me a coat. The hike itself was pretty much all uphill, and to the crater took about an hour and a half. Climbing in the dark sounds pretty terrifying but there were loads of people there and we could kind of see but also used our phone torches to help.<br />
<br />
From the crater there is a viewing area to see the blue flames. This was the reason for climbing in the middle of the night, but annoyingly for us we didn't get to see the flames. Some people were walking down to the crater lake, but it's apparently pretty dangerous and we were freezing by this point so ended up lying down in our blankets.<br />
<br />
From the crater lake we walked for about half an hour to reach a sunrise point. We weren't entirely sure where it was but everyone was walking the same way and we asked some people. As the sun rose it became really really beautiful and a bit warmer so we spent an hour or so taking photos before climbing back down, which took about 45 minutes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaeWqiCxSHH1hbR6qPm0hMg0U3r7jouai6EZ1oTw0Wxcgf0ocaAXNgBKWIeLMkrAKV83VAw8wTsPf-ohOO3r0V-wypxj1ioIlA_igAjzfoZZSBXrCe6VDqfPtufvKtoDCd36MRl48vV-X/s1600/FB_IMG_1564008389390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaeWqiCxSHH1hbR6qPm0hMg0U3r7jouai6EZ1oTw0Wxcgf0ocaAXNgBKWIeLMkrAKV83VAw8wTsPf-ohOO3r0V-wypxj1ioIlA_igAjzfoZZSBXrCe6VDqfPtufvKtoDCd36MRl48vV-X/s320/FB_IMG_1564008389390.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIyWRiFbNjbJYQIQFhwP24GZz8s6uoJ5ePEwlLOd4FQQ7Sc2QXFFxWuD-VCNBpwcUELeB99O-s5VjVsmzlicTk7YoC_y2ZRQqOna3cgeDeradbDNh89JSp3AYAlTvJjilVAUUl2tsrWJD/s1600/FB_IMG_1564008403012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIyWRiFbNjbJYQIQFhwP24GZz8s6uoJ5ePEwlLOd4FQQ7Sc2QXFFxWuD-VCNBpwcUELeB99O-s5VjVsmzlicTk7YoC_y2ZRQqOna3cgeDeradbDNh89JSp3AYAlTvJjilVAUUl2tsrWJD/s320/FB_IMG_1564008403012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDV6avBzq_JCNvL1x6M8lgPuDsxLaPCE-yN-1z4mMq3Y_E7skYTHi8KCynFSPAJ_BLaHAtk23ybLxAFTo2brLicg85dTlKzoMMFwYeAZ_2lQumL33Htp7XzZCVEU9zxtEB3GSAx4J3gkq/s1600/FB_IMG_1564008407116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDV6avBzq_JCNvL1x6M8lgPuDsxLaPCE-yN-1z4mMq3Y_E7skYTHi8KCynFSPAJ_BLaHAtk23ybLxAFTo2brLicg85dTlKzoMMFwYeAZ_2lQumL33Htp7XzZCVEU9zxtEB3GSAx4J3gkq/s320/FB_IMG_1564008407116.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl6AGGOzKS2tBVzbDw6YcIRWmOIyrRKBP9GqORp9J3jvIGtTzdbcIf9oLrAhuUnqxX7ihGa6dOMYp1AwfX4TriEpw2ElI0miwQA2Kuk0Gu_NVXfNBSzHW8aRY-UvB2c8AOY4JoV70dCSo/s1600/FB_IMG_1564008409895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl6AGGOzKS2tBVzbDw6YcIRWmOIyrRKBP9GqORp9J3jvIGtTzdbcIf9oLrAhuUnqxX7ihGa6dOMYp1AwfX4TriEpw2ElI0miwQA2Kuk0Gu_NVXfNBSzHW8aRY-UvB2c8AOY4JoV70dCSo/s320/FB_IMG_1564008409895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMj4ZCHFQTpONrsaYcP2SfQHgmQVN642V7fRUisAmUNfeWt_Dtdcbdz-_t9sD4yiIKTc5RKMM1Tx3WvuvqQW3MEfKMFC-j80pThs2RkUA5f89gsEsINfPmsw1SC-lA7DLEYOvjL9tDtos/s1600/FB_IMG_1564008412789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMj4ZCHFQTpONrsaYcP2SfQHgmQVN642V7fRUisAmUNfeWt_Dtdcbdz-_t9sD4yiIKTc5RKMM1Tx3WvuvqQW3MEfKMFC-j80pThs2RkUA5f89gsEsINfPmsw1SC-lA7DLEYOvjL9tDtos/s320/FB_IMG_1564008412789.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Food<br />
We just ate at the hostel, but there were a few little general stores, as well as one at the start of the hike where we got a drink. I'd recommend taking snacks or a sugary drink for the walk<br />
<br />
Getting to/from<br />
To reach Ijen we followed lots of instructions on blogs. We took a bus from the bus terminal in Denpasar to Gilimanuk, and then took the ferry from Gilimanuk to Banyywangi (Bali to Java) and from there our driver met us and drove us to the homestay.<br />
<br />
From Ijen we took a bus going to Probolinggo, where Mount Bromo is. The direct train took about 3.5 hours, but we missed it and so ended up getting a long local bus journey which took about 7 hours. Not fun with no A/C</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-22878706438531612522019-07-24T23:35:00.001+01:002019-07-24T23:35:18.882+01:00Ubud<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We ended up extending our time in Lembongan meaning that we only had a night left on Bali before heading to Java. After a bit of research we decided to spend the night in Ubud. I'd been before and it's very touristy; think yoga, cheap massages and all the souvenirs, as well as the sacred monkey forest where everyone who's been to Bali seems to have a photo. For a night it's definitely worth it and has all the eat pray love vibes<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
We stayed at Kabera Bunglaows. A pretty simple place which I have no complaints about. Close to the main road, it had a lovely pool and a really nice breakfast brought up to a table by our room in the morning. Rooms were pretty basic but we had a bath and the staff were nice.<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
This is where to get all the smoothie bowls and western cravings out of your system. I don't know the names of the restaurants we went to but there are loads around, and I had a really nice and cheap smoothie bowl and we also found a restaurant doing cheap Mexican food. Not very traditional but hey<br />
<br />
<b>Vegan ice cream-</b> we saw multiple places selling the same brand of vegan ice cream. It was experience (35,000 IDRA per scoop) but real gelato and the best vegan ice cream I've ever had<br />
<br />
<b>What to do</b><br />
<b>Sacred monkey forest-</b> it's got to be done. Even if you're terrified of monkeys (like me). The entry is cheap (maybe £3/4) and you walk around a big area full of monkeys. They're wild animals really so keep everything in your bag securely, and there are signs saying no plastic or paper bags and to remove sunglasses etc. Don't smile, look directly at a monkey or try to touch it. But they're super cool to see and they'll come and sit on you or try and steal your stuff. Definitely an experience, and turns out Georgie loves them<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqHiky-qU8rTFNXqU1dtTylaLo4x4zYhqWugdJtyjptAD2QULyTe1PJviDgoFI5tkMOdtctA-6DXYmzmOOZZsntfSJdixEi2DcYRNczX3N7AmC187kbhwKVqAOe4nxA7xi0BHXUnONOjm/s1600/FB_IMG_1564007665187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqHiky-qU8rTFNXqU1dtTylaLo4x4zYhqWugdJtyjptAD2QULyTe1PJviDgoFI5tkMOdtctA-6DXYmzmOOZZsntfSJdixEi2DcYRNczX3N7AmC187kbhwKVqAOe4nxA7xi0BHXUnONOjm/s320/FB_IMG_1564007665187.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsCALhhyphenhyphenPtYM3EWeB-qzcuK6v9tAu3_h7HdsBHFV1o_DBaThTlPpoJaIR53UDcPnNYAkJM1RdRHOiTtJZxQI8MVRf1FzElzdduo73MWVSJBX4njtxtEZYu-8k1NECYrh_7uA0kU_CiC4j/s1600/FB_IMG_1564007668520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsCALhhyphenhyphenPtYM3EWeB-qzcuK6v9tAu3_h7HdsBHFV1o_DBaThTlPpoJaIR53UDcPnNYAkJM1RdRHOiTtJZxQI8MVRf1FzElzdduo73MWVSJBX4njtxtEZYu-8k1NECYrh_7uA0kU_CiC4j/s320/FB_IMG_1564007668520.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Massages</b>- this is the place to get one. We found somewhere that would do 3 for 100,000 IDR with a bit of bargaining. I was massaged by a man and we were in a room all together topless. Very good massage though and for under £2 for half an hour I'm in no position to complain<br />
<br />
<b>Shopping</b>- this is souvenir heaven. All the gifts you want to find people can be found here and there are countless shops selling the same thing. Barter well though, because with all the tourists everything is overpriced<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
From the airport you can take a grab for maybe £15 ish for the hour and a half journey<br />
<br />
We were dropped off as part of our tour in 'central ubud' which was a 20 minute walk to our hostel<br />
<br />
From Ubud we took a taxi to Denpasar bus terminal to go on to Java. There are a lot of signs saying not to use grab there and to support the local taxi drivers. After a lot of bartering we found a very sweet driver who would do the journey for 200,000 IDR and I felt we did a good deed by supporting him</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-46323732037205685882019-07-24T23:34:00.000+01:002019-07-24T23:34:08.473+01:00Nusa Lembongan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After Uluwatu our plan was to head to the Gili Islands with 2 nights on Gili T then 2 on Gili Air. However after buying our ticket and transport the ferries weren't running. Much closer to mainland Bali are the Nusa islands, and for a bit of our money back we were able to go to Nusa Lembongan instead.<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
We stayed at Rigils Bungalows and Spa which I couldn't recommend more. It was really, really nice. About a 10 minute walk from mushroom beach where the ferry drops you off, and only about 5 to two other lovely beaches, this "hostel" has the lovely bungalow style accommodation many of the fancy resorts do, but for around £5 per person per night. We stayed in a 4 bedroom dorm which was clean and spacious, with two bathrooms just for the room. It had A/C, free breakfast and a pool. The owners were lovely and helpful, they sold cheap cocktails but it was also near to many restaurants. One of the best hostels I've ever stayed at. No hot showers tho<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUsTzqfvz6mFPjdByefCC01_d3qWH78bwydI8aZVjQUGE_5lfoUbI4eraEIiXoESTxdoA6RVNWDZaXrfzVhxZu93o-wCY51GxriduuOGZ1giBN5cExOILvXZ7FvcckBUtuq7pG34W4uJH/s1600/Screenshot_2019-07-24-23-29-34-25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUsTzqfvz6mFPjdByefCC01_d3qWH78bwydI8aZVjQUGE_5lfoUbI4eraEIiXoESTxdoA6RVNWDZaXrfzVhxZu93o-wCY51GxriduuOGZ1giBN5cExOILvXZ7FvcckBUtuq7pG34W4uJH/s320/Screenshot_2019-07-24-23-29-34-25.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Things to do</b><br />
<b>Beaches</b>- we weren't all that lucky with the weather during our stay and only really went to the beach on our last day. Tamarind beach is close to the hostel as well as a really nice private beach the owner told us about. We went there for the sunset and even saw a couple get engaged<br />
<br />
<b>Mangrove forest</b>- There's a big area of forest on the island where you can take boat trips and do stand up paddle boarding. The SUPing wasn't running when we did it as I assume it's off season which was a shame and so we didn't actually visit, but it sounded nice!<br />
<br />
<b>Devil's Tear</b>- this is a pretty cool cliff edge where the waves get really high. We were told not to get too close to the edge as tourists have died there which is never a reassuring thing to hear, but if you stay far back it's good for photos<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RN4PNu279HuxjrWO954C4mjWU9N8eyr1qGjYDi-nFIkSKD8l3n6_-ZDD3US6eki_rP7VLZrWz1vq1dX7sS0toWscqAx5jD14mzxtp64LLHihw2QX4H_e9l3rX2jnoFopg2IFI2U7oojc/s1600/received_446438406134866.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RN4PNu279HuxjrWO954C4mjWU9N8eyr1qGjYDi-nFIkSKD8l3n6_-ZDD3US6eki_rP7VLZrWz1vq1dX7sS0toWscqAx5jD14mzxtp64LLHihw2QX4H_e9l3rX2jnoFopg2IFI2U7oojc/s320/received_446438406134866.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Nusa Ceningan</b>- We walked over to the small island attached to Lembongan by a yellow bridge on our last day. There are loads of lovely beach side restaurants and bars where we stopped for a drink and later some lunch. We walked to blue lagoon which was really pretty, and then walked back. In the sea are lots of swings which make very pretty photo backdrops!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlhzatYtJGpUDwKSu8WZnP1iSNwXa8Vdj36OaA5KHQtXCfd-KySkOgFtLpha8THwQ4sKVlN8UdMPFe9gkMAZqxH102TuU_3sSTROiUgmDrk4KHySsFvkzNrrT6-vlhPa52eifO89VbHl0/s1600/Screenshot_2019-07-24-23-29-59-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlhzatYtJGpUDwKSu8WZnP1iSNwXa8Vdj36OaA5KHQtXCfd-KySkOgFtLpha8THwQ4sKVlN8UdMPFe9gkMAZqxH102TuU_3sSTROiUgmDrk4KHySsFvkzNrrT6-vlhPa52eifO89VbHl0/s320/Screenshot_2019-07-24-23-29-59-17.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyiV_SCmKw5-8K1-ZEgqD1cMfSXB-4QuF_UM1vnD_Io7eMWA38FuuSGhudhQ7bRA5LJpcNnVjWuw8BIQZqZzfbFIKElTMPq6rpKDRPScx4XaoT1nv4L-vd7Drc9A3hUgJQyteE5E9ABuq/s1600/received_446438406134866.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyiV_SCmKw5-8K1-ZEgqD1cMfSXB-4QuF_UM1vnD_Io7eMWA38FuuSGhudhQ7bRA5LJpcNnVjWuw8BIQZqZzfbFIKElTMPq6rpKDRPScx4XaoT1nv4L-vd7Drc9A3hUgJQyteE5E9ABuq/s320/received_446438406134866.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiP7ssx6MarYerFs5uPWWpef1xj3TJ1nBXOrVSv15o_cr4SNqjiyfufEJx49aKR7qrOzEZXpLWSBeMcmubHYWaBiyzKVi7K4rqS9IJ1petPSWIIdLaOy4_celgjaexZS8ggdEmeGmTgeB/s1600/FB_IMG_1564007297604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiP7ssx6MarYerFs5uPWWpef1xj3TJ1nBXOrVSv15o_cr4SNqjiyfufEJx49aKR7qrOzEZXpLWSBeMcmubHYWaBiyzKVi7K4rqS9IJ1petPSWIIdLaOy4_celgjaexZS8ggdEmeGmTgeB/s320/FB_IMG_1564007297604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61dynaimSudyimXK7PmPgeTEZHWoRdkr6rC6K961LPhClbccCNm_-MR0sO1mjnhqdcLjv2dcJL072rZcMrTLPalpUOYuPtAnvWh6rpgVoQvtF8q3mwW-UTsgKU7gtowKKRSC4kqIYtgfv/s1600/Screenshot_2019-07-24-23-29-53-29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61dynaimSudyimXK7PmPgeTEZHWoRdkr6rC6K961LPhClbccCNm_-MR0sO1mjnhqdcLjv2dcJL072rZcMrTLPalpUOYuPtAnvWh6rpgVoQvtF8q3mwW-UTsgKU7gtowKKRSC4kqIYtgfv/s320/Screenshot_2019-07-24-23-29-53-29.png" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Club nights</b>- While we were there one of the bars had a club night with a DJ which all the tourists went to. We got there early to utilise happy hour and they even extended it for us until the bar picked up a bit. We had seen signs around the area advertising it so it was easy to find<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPaU5sZi-kEiGSoQtoN2dMNzbrN7SFntCoWlZSrgEzHnsG3vjIkbZZ_Kmn44pXVPwBI5X0NrMTT-eP_qvau9qozn3y7SIMc_jwT3_N2GMSMytjIdHeHk3KwJLw2Z2zAS9P52QaL4oZHY7/s1600/FB_IMG_1564007285816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPaU5sZi-kEiGSoQtoN2dMNzbrN7SFntCoWlZSrgEzHnsG3vjIkbZZ_Kmn44pXVPwBI5X0NrMTT-eP_qvau9qozn3y7SIMc_jwT3_N2GMSMytjIdHeHk3KwJLw2Z2zAS9P52QaL4oZHY7/s320/FB_IMG_1564007285816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
We went to a few different restaurants along the road by our hostel for lunches and dinners. They all served similar things- the tofu curries and satay were my favourites. A lot of places sold cocktails and did happy hours making each drink less than £3<br />
<br />
We had some of my favourite food of the trip here, and it was all freshly made and cheap. The beach bar we went to for lunch had a pool despite being right on the beach so we had a dip after our food. The smoothie bowls looked great and were reasonably priced<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
We paid 550,000 IDR for return transport including hostel pick up and drop off in Bali. This was definitely overpriced, but due to our plan to go to Gili we paid it anyway, and it was sorted through our hostel in Uluwatu. Shop around.<br />
<br />
We wanted to go from Lembongan onto the Gili Islands but it's really expensive. It's cheaper to do a return ferry to Bali and then go to the Gilis from there, though we didn't end up doing that<br />
The boat trip takes about 30 minutes and wasn't bad. You have to wade out up to around mid thigh level to get on the boat, so maybe wear shorts</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-67637984919223671312019-07-24T23:26:00.000+01:002019-07-24T23:26:28.685+01:00Uluwatu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our visit to Munnar brought our time in India to an end, and as tempting as it is to write a post about to joy that is Singapore airport (I'm not even joking I love it) we made it to Bali. After meeting Georgie at the airport we took a grab to Uluwatu where we spent 2 nights. Personally, I'd give Uluwatu a miss if returning to Bali. I think there are better places to spend your time, but it was okay for a night or two<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
We stayed at Pecatu Guesthouse which was a hostel. It was okay and the beds had a curtain around them like little pods but they were SO squeaky and every time anyone moved the whole room heard it. That being said they had cheap food, hot water, a pool and it was sociable. Probably a good place to start your trip but it was full of tanned surfers and we were not in the mood to socialise so definitely looked like the boring trio. I think we paid around £5 a night. The location was alright as everything was reachable by a cheap Grab, but it wasn't particularly near anything and it was a bit of a trek to get food outside of the hostel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0k32wb9xviC4biRCu0I6yLqc2s3rplzkyWsZ9w-d5jFCDWpPqT2jWSy3Esarg3lhEwsnCABEfdzl13Dm-_mxX8JxU85Lu45VWPityNLjuR0jthb4G6vfE1JKII4lvo72Q1EBEsUhb0mK/s1600/received_1117479468450548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0k32wb9xviC4biRCu0I6yLqc2s3rplzkyWsZ9w-d5jFCDWpPqT2jWSy3Esarg3lhEwsnCABEfdzl13Dm-_mxX8JxU85Lu45VWPityNLjuR0jthb4G6vfE1JKII4lvo72Q1EBEsUhb0mK/s320/received_1117479468450548.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRZGmRzhHvbk0WOfDx7_53hukKH7tOmgJNRQm24zbHtb6AfzswK9B1SS1lWuKieEoNPikQKxY0euhd35Q2nZYBVOSNLKKtQPBzxgwM4jkYKspUIbK8oxsB93LEfb0Yxxsrc1PJu7ZHX6P/s1600/received_1315691011918920.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRZGmRzhHvbk0WOfDx7_53hukKH7tOmgJNRQm24zbHtb6AfzswK9B1SS1lWuKieEoNPikQKxY0euhd35Q2nZYBVOSNLKKtQPBzxgwM4jkYKspUIbK8oxsB93LEfb0Yxxsrc1PJu7ZHX6P/s320/received_1315691011918920.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPEWn2iescjqmZzQVZ95e1imC3Z8gIEUThkBNBpiLbOALWz_Vyyzv-DTdTv6wFKb_LyxAJElvZQvhtb6gLUo6i9jfdjPprfu2ugpNk2PcuFVjcST2bo3_s1qPDyDL2BR407kawVLEJoCj/s1600/received_412089486051420.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPEWn2iescjqmZzQVZ95e1imC3Z8gIEUThkBNBpiLbOALWz_Vyyzv-DTdTv6wFKb_LyxAJElvZQvhtb6gLUo6i9jfdjPprfu2ugpNk2PcuFVjcST2bo3_s1qPDyDL2BR407kawVLEJoCj/s320/received_412089486051420.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxxdHvQAxlgYirxLJjAD1dzzE-fJX9VL7rc36pp8QDc4HSj17AHgio0QUIXq5jMdpQWItEngs5p7XZmJKONxgSp0SWibCdut-h6m3g7j_CHM3gIcBc1XIQQSzFpChfoU-B-MFbX_7m2pk/s1600/received_385054072115519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxxdHvQAxlgYirxLJjAD1dzzE-fJX9VL7rc36pp8QDc4HSj17AHgio0QUIXq5jMdpQWItEngs5p7XZmJKONxgSp0SWibCdut-h6m3g7j_CHM3gIcBc1XIQQSzFpChfoU-B-MFbX_7m2pk/s320/received_385054072115519.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
<b>From Denpasar airport</b>- We took a Grab for around 180,000 IDR which is approx £10<br />
<br />
<b>To Nusa Lembongan</b>- we intended to go to Gili T from there and booked return mini bus transport and speed boat for 600,000 IDR each which is around £30. The ferry ended up not running as it was too windy so for 550,000 we were able to use our tickets to go to Nusa Lembongan, though we definitely overpaid for this. Taking a Grab to Sanur or Padang Bai and getting the ferry from there is also a cheap way of doing this journey.<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do</b><br />
<b>Uluwatu Temple</b>- This is definitely the selling point of the place. A bit pricey at 130,000 entry to see the temple and the famous Kecak dance but we opted to anyway. The dance was okay- nice to see a bit of culture. the temple is on a high cliff with some pretty sea views below. The dance was an hour long, but it was SO crowded (several hundred people watching) that we left about 5 minutes before the end to avoid the crowds trying to get out<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiOSqHUepx_O_lAkRPU5E9eGEZW7pQq-ixfXhSVvmjE71wMLENGcceKNY613-IqpQVXgFE6VzdBAh9uf_KLHyRGBGRarlGp5YszVFoFurXcqTty2hueRS6bi0pzuhsXdCGfC15jbnyOpe/s1600/received_406815866712033.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiOSqHUepx_O_lAkRPU5E9eGEZW7pQq-ixfXhSVvmjE71wMLENGcceKNY613-IqpQVXgFE6VzdBAh9uf_KLHyRGBGRarlGp5YszVFoFurXcqTty2hueRS6bi0pzuhsXdCGfC15jbnyOpe/s320/received_406815866712033.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Uluwatu Beach</b>- We visited a small beach/cave which was very pretty but our hostel wasn't close to any actual sunbathing or swimming beaches<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
We ended up mainly eating at the hostel. The breakfast they offered was good- huge bowl of fresh fruit for a pound or so, and they did Tempe sandwiches with fries which made a good dinner on our first night.<br />
<br />
We had lunch at a restaurant near to the beach which was really nice and cheap! Can't remember the name though<br />
<br />
<b>General notes</b><br />
SIM card- as this was our first stop in Indonesia we intended to buy a sim card here. The only place we found charged us 180,000 IDR for 8GB of data and nothing else, which we soon discovered was massively overpriced. The locals pay like 5,000 per GB!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-46251120235752755012019-06-24T03:09:00.000+01:002019-06-24T03:09:08.275+01:00Munnar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Munnar is a hill station with amazing views of tea plantations. I spent most of our time there taking photos of the stunning scenery as literally everywhere we looked was photo worthy. We spent two nights here but monsoon season really started on our last day and so we didn't do a lot. I think 2 nights is probably the right amount of time, unless you really bloody love tea<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkYh_SfOm9mYEusjw96vHy_ee6QJqqgWEvxvTgMRyQh-X0lvYmzz-G8LM5F-16uJZPb63MagLO3cYq79Twz9YZOR5j59FQlZhMlnDtfhQXTGwjMftjZltuFNMQDRZ1WCy5G8B4y8FHVbj/s1600/2019-06-24+07.36.05+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkYh_SfOm9mYEusjw96vHy_ee6QJqqgWEvxvTgMRyQh-X0lvYmzz-G8LM5F-16uJZPb63MagLO3cYq79Twz9YZOR5j59FQlZhMlnDtfhQXTGwjMftjZltuFNMQDRZ1WCy5G8B4y8FHVbj/s320/2019-06-24+07.36.05+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHwlM13ECP7p0TBJg8qJ89C4n1CRDOHWuhDdNR9CfPHkFOLHiB3BvH6VgdL2KMruwUqCf0fIUpmqLwLKUYDlX-bDN1ffOCySmI4MTTo2tvXHECvSXcd7vIvamS8eWxaym3FXDpTG3wrYW/s1600/2019-06-24+07.34.40+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHwlM13ECP7p0TBJg8qJ89C4n1CRDOHWuhDdNR9CfPHkFOLHiB3BvH6VgdL2KMruwUqCf0fIUpmqLwLKUYDlX-bDN1ffOCySmI4MTTo2tvXHECvSXcd7vIvamS8eWxaym3FXDpTG3wrYW/s320/2019-06-24+07.34.40+2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
<b>The Lost Hostel, Munnar</b>- After staying in Lost Hostel in Varkala we decided to stay in their Munnar hostel as we got a discount. It was up a steep 300m hill and about a half hour bus journey out of Munnar, however the hostel was great with fast WiFi, air con, a kitchen, communal area and we met lots of people here. It was a bit more expensive than the super cheap one in Varkala but had some great extras like dinner and washing for 8 rupees per item which made it worthwhile.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>How to get to/from there</b><br />
<b>From Varkala</b>- Munnar was a bit of a struggle to get to and from as we were coming from Varkala. We managed to get a train fairly easily with tickets booked on the day to a place called Kottayam ??? where we then had to change to a bus. We'd been told and it said online that buses from there to Munnar ran hourly, but after arriving around 2.30 we were told the next bus was at 5. Not ideal, but we got some snacks and watched some Netflix whilst we waited. We then took a local bus for about 50p each for the 5 hours to reach Munnar. To reach our hostel we got off the bus a stop early and asked locals to direct us as we had no signal. A pretty long journey but worth it! If arriving in Munnar itself a taxi to the hostel should be around 200 rupees<br />
<br />
<b>To Kochi</b>- We needed to get from Munnar to Kochi for a 1am flight. The journey should take 5 hours, and we were told to get the bus to SOMEWHERE as this was the closest stop to the airport. We waited in the centre of the small town where our hostel was and when a public bus arrived I asked the driver if the bus would go to Kochi and he said yes. We got on and about 5 minutes into the journey the ticket conductor came over and informed us that in fact the bus didn't go to Kochi. Around an hour later he and several other people shouted for us to get off the bus and we were quite literally thrown/carried onto the road in the pouring rain to board another bus which had pulled up in front of us. It was packed but people gave up their seats for us and we made it in one piece, and got some food and then found a cheap taxi to get us to the airport with time to spare. If you don't like the risk of this, a taxi for the 3 hour journey was about 4000 rupees.<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do</b><br />
<b>Sunrise tour</b>- We did a jeep tour to see the sunrise and, like every other sunrise trip I've done it was too cloudy to see anything. Classic. The views were still nice and we visited a waterfall, chocolate factory, a dam. This tour was organised through our hostel and we were driven around in a jeep for several hours at times almost up vertically which was a cool experience. I think we paid about 600 rupees each. Not sure I'd recommend this tour as it involved leaving the hostel at 5am and without seeing a sunrise it was a bit average, but with a sunrise would have been nice!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyIme5HerjrcJV1IBeMTq8mlSZlbczX9skJ7m136O96KPDGY2-lu_tK6RLqwgHB9SEF7cTzQikUZdKJLt7tlMctW4gwOrBiQU2EtAlb_5ZcO-l-lKmYDIJ10A7fNCVSPTtZcDaDIPq7xc/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyIme5HerjrcJV1IBeMTq8mlSZlbczX9skJ7m136O96KPDGY2-lu_tK6RLqwgHB9SEF7cTzQikUZdKJLt7tlMctW4gwOrBiQU2EtAlb_5ZcO-l-lKmYDIJ10A7fNCVSPTtZcDaDIPq7xc/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrlhbUier_rwznWenQ56yoRl7YmcO7A0E51VdEYf_DX0duSHEKocWJksy5Uc0O5za5HLMkjMUgdsFCk61XI7U__8rRXEc7esZwfgDr_qBPHjKfQAPxjCFSNkHv4L9sD1GTcgaHjCQCDNm/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrlhbUier_rwznWenQ56yoRl7YmcO7A0E51VdEYf_DX0duSHEKocWJksy5Uc0O5za5HLMkjMUgdsFCk61XI7U__8rRXEc7esZwfgDr_qBPHjKfQAPxjCFSNkHv4L9sD1GTcgaHjCQCDNm/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF6zHk0znv40D-bjjfsNzaAAxPh9dgDKr6GI3XbOzB8ACohnmBvI3gVPU5brVfcwVZZuf9aXYNkZ_U1DE1ArFHhd_eJwc8a88ngnfMLT-_SbeGRtRq_7VqhWlbvak8FoXQ8Vz-wDd_MkY/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF6zHk0znv40D-bjjfsNzaAAxPh9dgDKr6GI3XbOzB8ACohnmBvI3gVPU5brVfcwVZZuf9aXYNkZ_U1DE1ArFHhd_eJwc8a88ngnfMLT-_SbeGRtRq_7VqhWlbvak8FoXQ8Vz-wDd_MkY/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6-OTnV5pOPOJ37EALPtXqBRcHoKqEP49jX4_guK9QAH568xKee3hhpZR2HOMv953WiEWIeHIYlwv5lyZZVvpxd3i3Z6hxa-TB03YFK8JuUCUFKvKz5BilvRJ3VqXDN0vrj0NM9-Lsl58/s1600/2019-06-24+07.34.39+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6-OTnV5pOPOJ37EALPtXqBRcHoKqEP49jX4_guK9QAH568xKee3hhpZR2HOMv953WiEWIeHIYlwv5lyZZVvpxd3i3Z6hxa-TB03YFK8JuUCUFKvKz5BilvRJ3VqXDN0vrj0NM9-Lsl58/s320/2019-06-24+07.34.39+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz2uPfeOO2Qkv729yQIEB-KARs903Ln7qUHj-WO7hniyfSPm8DAmKmNwDrEtCFq76HrQgsnxKgLtjiDNwk5qWW-7wKmNBtYwp9bGchEsQaMc-uh3rRokAu96iG6zjluiVKXE6d7WZ0FyA/s1600/2019-06-24+07.34.23+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz2uPfeOO2Qkv729yQIEB-KARs903Ln7qUHj-WO7hniyfSPm8DAmKmNwDrEtCFq76HrQgsnxKgLtjiDNwk5qWW-7wKmNBtYwp9bGchEsQaMc-uh3rRokAu96iG6zjluiVKXE6d7WZ0FyA/s320/2019-06-24+07.34.23+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Getting to Munnar from Lost Hostel</b>- Local buses run from the town with the hostel, and we paid about 20p for the journey. One time a tuk tuk driver offered to take us for the price of the bus as he was going there anyway which was such a win<br />
<br />
<b>Tea museum</b>- this was pretty interesting, a little museum about the formation of the tea plantations in the area. They'd been set up by the British and some of the photos of these rich white men being carried round by the locals made me cringe but hey there's no point pretending stuff like that didn't happen. We also watched a really interesting video about how the tea plantations operate now and the employment they give to the local community. There was also the chance to do a tour of the tea plantation and also try the different teas but we opted not to do this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZguxriqCkpRrHTWw6qIKvTkineBn_YLUONJuyPiiM7kKs6GvjR2rteK-TFpk5YwPaS7-vYQJpVlpc7uzRQ7qv_jche3pARiaE2MrXNP9dM5lkzjLZS3RO2RYzrlxXtOHzEM918PBJy0I/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZguxriqCkpRrHTWw6qIKvTkineBn_YLUONJuyPiiM7kKs6GvjR2rteK-TFpk5YwPaS7-vYQJpVlpc7uzRQ7qv_jche3pARiaE2MrXNP9dM5lkzjLZS3RO2RYzrlxXtOHzEM918PBJy0I/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0043.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Tuktuk tour</b>- As usual we found a tuk tuk to do a little tour of the area for us. We used the tuk tuk driver who'd given us the cheap ride and his son drove us to a few sites, including a view point, spice plantation, tea plantations and a small garden. I found the spice plantation a lot more interesting than I was expecting, as we were given a tour and the medicinal uses of the different herbs and spices were explained to us. There was definitely an expectation of a purchase which we did not make, though.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEsUksTYvHkXKPGhr8CJ2a2rAWtS7XPYnuWsD8fnZaaPNgxV06xwc9wg-ra-f-tdh1TlIFQfpoGlxy-BN-wkLCalL2F14AfEaKmv3c2s20zt11nKLumui_5LZNo1ah9D3hbv1Zso5TiV8/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEsUksTYvHkXKPGhr8CJ2a2rAWtS7XPYnuWsD8fnZaaPNgxV06xwc9wg-ra-f-tdh1TlIFQfpoGlxy-BN-wkLCalL2F14AfEaKmv3c2s20zt11nKLumui_5LZNo1ah9D3hbv1Zso5TiV8/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdU1epWHigeY6wz_jEePFMO-4aaui1qTPuzOUYMyRqmPVJg80LGyRGpk22FuPUFYLvwQhUgj3-D_mk9BgzKGQI7_0PIzNGrRa9MNvDDscXXJwb3o84uOVGF-GsXfPTRpUeWe21S-uBMLg/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdU1epWHigeY6wz_jEePFMO-4aaui1qTPuzOUYMyRqmPVJg80LGyRGpk22FuPUFYLvwQhUgj3-D_mk9BgzKGQI7_0PIzNGrRa9MNvDDscXXJwb3o84uOVGF-GsXfPTRpUeWe21S-uBMLg/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtLJwwnEtSo8v__Xyb4x0gc4MounnSBaBSFlTSHXe8GQhQ47t4YksU4rEkXCA2VW924fVkzXwTVfondqAORok8xZHiXrha5vIYno56nZI6K27UsblEmMDGPUVkBPyl4I4Didsw26P_HFH/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtLJwwnEtSo8v__Xyb4x0gc4MounnSBaBSFlTSHXe8GQhQ47t4YksU4rEkXCA2VW924fVkzXwTVfondqAORok8xZHiXrha5vIYno56nZI6K27UsblEmMDGPUVkBPyl4I4Didsw26P_HFH/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
<b>CHOCOLATE</b>- there are so many chocolate shops and factories around Munnar which made delicious chocolate with different fillings. We found a shop that let us try samples for any we wanted and ended up visiting multiple times. The prices were per kilo and were roughly £6, so we got a lot of good chocolate (they had great vegan flavours too!)<br />
<br />
<b>Hostel dinner</b>- Our hostel offered a family dinner served in the evening. For 150 rupees we got unlimited vegetable curry, vegetables and rice. It was SO good<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast</b>- In the little town by our hostel we wandered around trying to find breakfast and got paratha and tea from a local restaurant. Paratha is my favourite and the Kerala one is especially good. It came with a bean curry and was super cheap and delicious<br />
<br />
<b>General advice</b><br />
We were unsure about going to Munnar due to the length and effort of the journey but I'm really glad we did. It was very different to the other places we visited and the chocolate and tea were an added bonus. The views were amazing and although it's very touristy it's definitely worth visiting for a couple of days. The order of our route made no sense, though, so it's worth planning<br />
<br />
Laura x<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-48727887550396783872019-06-24T03:08:00.001+01:002019-06-24T03:08:58.285+01:00Varkala<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everyone recommended Varkala to us and although it was a bit of a trek to get there we had enough time to go. I'm so glad we did! It's a pretty seasidey place on the top of a cliff meaning there are stunning views over the beach. We stayed for two nights but could easily have stayed for more<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
The Lost Hostel, Varkala- This hostel was really cheap and we paid 400 rupees for a double room for the night. We were even given an upgrade to a more deluxe room for free x the hostel had a kitchen we could use, a lot of communal space and a cafe attached (though we never saw this open). Staff were really friendly and helpful!<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do</b><br />
<b>Yoga</b>- The hostel offered morning yoga at 8am for possibly 200 rupees?? I can't remember exactly but it was a really good way to start the day at the hour long class. I did nearly pass out though, so I'd recommend a bit of breakfast before!<br />
<br />
<b>Shopping</b>- this place is designed for hippy travellers with lots of little shops and market stalls selling clothes and souvenirs. As it was low season prices were low and they had some cool stuff like handmade dungarees<br />
<br />
<b>Surfing</b>- Varkala is known for its surf and it's why many travellers visit. The waves looked mental while we were there (low season probs) but it was cheap and would be a cool place to learn<br />
<br />
<b>Wellness retreats</b>- I'm not 100% sure what these even involve but there were a lot of these around if that's your thing<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
<b>COFFEE TEMPLE</b>- really close to the hostel and SO good. I got a massive muesli bowl and smoothie for under £4 and they had a full vegan menu. It was so nice I just wanted to keep going back<br />
<br />
<b>Beach front restaurants</b>- there were loads of restaurants and fancy resorts along the cliff. We ate at one and the food was so good and they were a nice place to get a drink, too<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs-erefPUkQ9pKpNoSOgKC0r9BccvinLL5SkUmLCTqs4LaTP1cQ4YwZS2RkQIzc-rkpvRNvxFEtp7G8xoZia7Cvf9qMUAB4Qpqc-RUorjj6BjB63ZUtA1L29pUPFdFTU4ydfHBj18kxIk/s1600/2019-06-24+08.54.07+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="720" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs-erefPUkQ9pKpNoSOgKC0r9BccvinLL5SkUmLCTqs4LaTP1cQ4YwZS2RkQIzc-rkpvRNvxFEtp7G8xoZia7Cvf9qMUAB4Qpqc-RUorjj6BjB63ZUtA1L29pUPFdFTU4ydfHBj18kxIk/s320/2019-06-24+08.54.07+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfuTjXs3SrhcxmLtKD07oyjJXzYS7XGvYMg-uE4BzLpIQWn35zxZk7p0j0o07IKfzUOgO841RTPX8QjSYWcRhy_7KoEw2ItRUFgeV6KiSNFPT0C3KMTEZJFo0jN-GkfeelE_qzbmDiWZB/s1600/2019-06-24+08.53.53+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="720" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfuTjXs3SrhcxmLtKD07oyjJXzYS7XGvYMg-uE4BzLpIQWn35zxZk7p0j0o07IKfzUOgO841RTPX8QjSYWcRhy_7KoEw2ItRUFgeV6KiSNFPT0C3KMTEZJFo0jN-GkfeelE_qzbmDiWZB/s320/2019-06-24+08.53.53+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Lighthouse</b>- Nearby is a lighthouse which we took a grab to see. The views from it were INCREDIBLE. You could see for miles over the beach and palm trees. Super cool place<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5frTFNiL_plwcspjHTfzmpC1mLWFObPBfeLR2xK2f8ONXsZJG_mO-BSKqbTVcXHUtzbfJi34W_Uorf84R-Un4x-GhZD3T6SEHPTrkarZRrkRJNV4J-YJGp2LKtpm8XlsOdba3dxwjTYD/s1600/2019-06-24+08.54.03+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5frTFNiL_plwcspjHTfzmpC1mLWFObPBfeLR2xK2f8ONXsZJG_mO-BSKqbTVcXHUtzbfJi34W_Uorf84R-Un4x-GhZD3T6SEHPTrkarZRrkRJNV4J-YJGp2LKtpm8XlsOdba3dxwjTYD/s320/2019-06-24+08.54.03+2.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj9IbYjMR2KGjvYZDed9asqBkGGlhI-FFLe12zMJ4HdVp2xkh8ZcTkedC9j76Vs5C9jzlZ2vYNr55EyaGZo4Hk4OWBLVh8d9U_bRtjmK67rKTUEviIl_c7kL8LrimrQFzo82PZDTlP5Ih/s1600/2019-06-24+08.53.59+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj9IbYjMR2KGjvYZDed9asqBkGGlhI-FFLe12zMJ4HdVp2xkh8ZcTkedC9j76Vs5C9jzlZ2vYNr55EyaGZo4Hk4OWBLVh8d9U_bRtjmK67rKTUEviIl_c7kL8LrimrQFzo82PZDTlP5Ih/s320/2019-06-24+08.53.59+2.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-68723897494056153282019-06-24T02:32:00.002+01:002019-06-24T02:32:16.454+01:00Allepey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Kerala is famous for its houseboats and most people get these from Allepey. We visited in low season and other than the houseboats there wasn't masses to do, but if your budget allows to stay on one then I'd recommend as it was such a unique experience.<br />
<br />
<b>Where we stayed</b><br />
Zostel, Allepey- The location was amazing, right on the beach. We arrived from a night bus at 4am and were able to check in and went straight to our dorm. The air con and WiFi were good, the staff were helpful and friendly and it was clean. There wasn't masses to do close by because everything was closed for the season, but it was a genuinely great hostel. Only complaint was that I left watermelon in the fridge and it got served as breakfast, lol. My fault for not labelling it I guess<br />
<br />
<b>Houseboat</b>- We stayed on a houseboat for our last night. We got a tuk tuk for 60 rupees from the hostel down to Finishing Point where all the houseboats are, and spent a couple of hours looking at the different ones and finding the price for a night. They seem to all include the same thing which is a double bedroom and ensuite, a sun deck of some description, a driver and a chef who prepares your meals. We got on at 12pm and got off at 9am the next morning. We ended up paying 5500 rupees, so roughly £27.50 each. The boat drove around the very beautiful Kerala backwaters and yeah it was just very cool. Arguably a day trip on a boat or one a canoo tour would have also done the job, but given this wasn't an opportunity you come across every day we decided it was worth it<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGWIVh_Qmykz7Fvf_BSy5CJSV05Gku6Ctpiq7vNYPQL8FGnOPOeQtK-72LHZAv_-WImq_ZYDY9k28_YBOgjOtEVMnMAa1Hk7NwJrKs2NZzsTWl1_OW5pmIRKJob5ys2XIvuIjKTZh8OaE/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGWIVh_Qmykz7Fvf_BSy5CJSV05Gku6Ctpiq7vNYPQL8FGnOPOeQtK-72LHZAv_-WImq_ZYDY9k28_YBOgjOtEVMnMAa1Hk7NwJrKs2NZzsTWl1_OW5pmIRKJob5ys2XIvuIjKTZh8OaE/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKUCKZVzhCIZH7BJl7BFRBQQGnwWDO2DlNJGSjUqXw-9EuQjyWmWqy_PCn8TyCuiWCJIZycZKOKtRyuWTTRPYD3BuiUABo3O9FeAIClSBuYIML3pf26dqdNeIyZIrI_llEXTUyzba-uMe/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKUCKZVzhCIZH7BJl7BFRBQQGnwWDO2DlNJGSjUqXw-9EuQjyWmWqy_PCn8TyCuiWCJIZycZKOKtRyuWTTRPYD3BuiUABo3O9FeAIClSBuYIML3pf26dqdNeIyZIrI_llEXTUyzba-uMe/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgBkvy9k0uuIjVlVx_loGZqgZigT29IZbYlSARUT1C3RFQy-qW8CXHtwUVxOs5T8bhhna6QVZqxzx1SYfEjK7u4e4DZQ0Qe3ZvlRaARkto2E4LoqLsmETTonA1mH2JRZ6bQHXf4JF3tMs/s1600/2019-06-24+07.35.52+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgBkvy9k0uuIjVlVx_loGZqgZigT29IZbYlSARUT1C3RFQy-qW8CXHtwUVxOs5T8bhhna6QVZqxzx1SYfEjK7u4e4DZQ0Qe3ZvlRaARkto2E4LoqLsmETTonA1mH2JRZ6bQHXf4JF3tMs/s320/2019-06-24+07.35.52+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMAghllodPzJOAMydedMCGAh6HjSE5L4LiU3QfH-z_aqv9uyMe3COC7bPeAjgS14LZIegioQoSDbDJE79sCCyaXYCxJlwDZhjmCjAuGWe52xzUe4SzQuihHtH0la3KGZ4bK85ZaAzUery/s1600/2019-06-24+07.36.00+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMAghllodPzJOAMydedMCGAh6HjSE5L4LiU3QfH-z_aqv9uyMe3COC7bPeAjgS14LZIegioQoSDbDJE79sCCyaXYCxJlwDZhjmCjAuGWe52xzUe4SzQuihHtH0la3KGZ4bK85ZaAzUery/s320/2019-06-24+07.36.00+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZNGuyPOT20pCB68ufPgi0skVQnlxWU7WcwYEgnYDkB8TWn8bjRBWzYBCxxBoG2VZimfHHRctxJ73pfwXJGkSJfW4TZiq1Iwfil7zS9ym7xmZAxK9xyoBKSo8E3wd_JRIiGZ7l5ZtbyKT/s1600/2019-06-24+07.36.17+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZNGuyPOT20pCB68ufPgi0skVQnlxWU7WcwYEgnYDkB8TWn8bjRBWzYBCxxBoG2VZimfHHRctxJ73pfwXJGkSJfW4TZiq1Iwfil7zS9ym7xmZAxK9xyoBKSo8E3wd_JRIiGZ7l5ZtbyKT/s320/2019-06-24+07.36.17+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveQOnCZQ5hF6gV0Z9YbTQt54z6jLmhJi_ZaUiinHFVl4iewXxOxxz61MJMxqfourWc6KD7xjzHtYJc_IWTP4w7zQDjqJWOeXMu1cHreiWEpHc2UWfwJ-t7a2bcTXWFFKUC5iEfggGidPL/s1600/2019-06-24+07.36.01+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveQOnCZQ5hF6gV0Z9YbTQt54z6jLmhJi_ZaUiinHFVl4iewXxOxxz61MJMxqfourWc6KD7xjzHtYJc_IWTP4w7zQDjqJWOeXMu1cHreiWEpHc2UWfwJ-t7a2bcTXWFFKUC5iEfggGidPL/s320/2019-06-24+07.36.01+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Things to do in Allepey</b><br />
<b>The beach</b>- it was a really nice stretch of beach and really empty when we visited. We even found an adorable puppy to play with which was a real highlight<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DiNpwYtXWU9DjND_8UJ8_VF_BSDSk0fvBagpC7boplKcQISt2IPeS385vshJpM42f4PB93Dx0LS3CTwI1IGczZWKIEXGXMzmMLydGYX3JnZ_oQ7I-RpNielazTiZdB1VpI-e5FZ4v71O/s1600/IMG-20190620-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DiNpwYtXWU9DjND_8UJ8_VF_BSDSk0fvBagpC7boplKcQISt2IPeS385vshJpM42f4PB93Dx0LS3CTwI1IGczZWKIEXGXMzmMLydGYX3JnZ_oQ7I-RpNielazTiZdB1VpI-e5FZ4v71O/s320/IMG-20190620-WA0004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Canoo tours/local boats</b>- if you don't fancy a houseboat there are lots of tours going canooeing on the river or taking the local boats which are a lot cheaper but have the same effect as a houseboat and are a good option if you're on a budget<br />
<br />
To be honest, from what we could tell there isn't much else to do in Allepey<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
There were some nice looking restaurants on the beach but they were pretty much all closed. We found one hotel still serving food and had a good dinner there<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to/from</b><br />
<b>From Wayanad</b>- we took a night bus from Wayanad which was pretty cheap and straight forward. It arrived at like 4am and dropped us at a random petrol station where luckily there was a tuk tuk filling up which took us to the hostel.<br />
<br />
<b>To Varkala</b><br />
From Allepey we went to Varkala. This journey was more complicated than anticipated, and we took a train about half way and changed to a bus. The bus station was on the outskirts of Kochi but despite being told by everyone the bus was hourly, there wasn't one for 2.5 hours and we were stuck at the bus station waiting for ages which was not ideal, so check first if you can<br />
<br />
Laura x</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-8766474992946111612019-06-14T13:44:00.000+01:002019-06-23T15:05:20.926+01:00Wayanad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We ended up going to Wayanad mainly because its location was convenient for the other places we wanted to go. There wasn’t masses to do but with a national park with tigers we were keen to see some nature and it made the ideal place to stop for a night.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Located in the hills the views from surrounding areas are beautiful and on our drive in through the national park we were lucky enough to spot some wild elephants!</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Where to stay</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Accommodation was a little pricier here than other places we went to and there weren’t hostels. We stayed in hotel mintflower where we got a double room for 863 rupees. It was a very average room with some strange mould marks in the bathroom and was generally a bit grotty, but did the job just fine. It had a restaurant attached and a little bakery and the reception staff were helpful</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>What to do</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">National park safari- We reaaaally wanted to see a wild tiger so went for the 7am safari through the national park. This involves a 5am wake up and a local bus for about 40 minutes and then a never ending queue for a Jeep. We had to pay significantly more for a tourist ticket and then for the jeep but it was a nice tour. Sadly we didn’t see any tigers or even elephants but we saw a couple of mongeese, lots of deer and some tiger tracks. The tour was about an hour and worth it even though we didn’t get to see a tiger</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2G5lITC3mYJpU1wNRBeEViId3P0IBi8rcOOTqc8yyBVsVqBhV84bgDHC-tTEldK44iLtV-yX5px94ElUCBWZrdgn7PbYA_6n3WA-9It6DNhl8FrLMOrwQxqdNXIsBF_itd3uzPCq1xRO/s1600/IMG-20190623-WA0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2G5lITC3mYJpU1wNRBeEViId3P0IBi8rcOOTqc8yyBVsVqBhV84bgDHC-tTEldK44iLtV-yX5px94ElUCBWZrdgn7PbYA_6n3WA-9It6DNhl8FrLMOrwQxqdNXIsBF_itd3uzPCq1xRO/s320/IMG-20190623-WA0010.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04hEoOilwKTG1rYoAcdXhxtQuvZQLPss6qinXNhuFSilftOb1COAJGELWNPm2UDBy844fe1WjF9LzThgQHpddSmO8f5PwoEyc9nku7l9-6a21ploGXmgMyl4dh97rPYnZzJppd-dqAqDp/s1600/IMG-20190623-WA0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04hEoOilwKTG1rYoAcdXhxtQuvZQLPss6qinXNhuFSilftOb1COAJGELWNPm2UDBy844fe1WjF9LzThgQHpddSmO8f5PwoEyc9nku7l9-6a21ploGXmgMyl4dh97rPYnZzJppd-dqAqDp/s320/IMG-20190623-WA0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Tour</b>- We found a tuk tuk driver and asked if we could do a tour of some of the local sights which ended up being perfect- we didn’t pay much each and it filled most of a day</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Chembra peak</b>- this is supposedly a big attraction in Wayanad which many tourists hike to. It was closed due to being monsoon season when we were there but this seemed to be in every blog post/list of things to do that we saw</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Edakkal caves</b>- this was the first stop on our tour and by far my favourite. When we were told there were some caves to see I wasn’t that impressed, but it turned out to be a steep upward hike with a lot of steps to get to the caves. The views were AMAZING! It was strange seeing entire extended families climbing; from grandparents to toddlers and it was definitely not easy in the heat! It was worth it and the caves themselves were cool as they are where the first human life in Kerala lived, but I was much more interested in the view </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUyENZ9k9g4C0ZbqoB1zQLiZQdeO4ZfFPfhyphenhypheneAjrAzIJLYDi9Mm8tfv3hzSW9KGxf6TCq24xqQRJ5Gm3MGAa4hv_WzF5Zg937hBGzJ9vRcWnrmBbz8iV03JfMk82RgM1ycTxw8_eQC1Zu/s1600/IMG-20190623-WA0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUyENZ9k9g4C0ZbqoB1zQLiZQdeO4ZfFPfhyphenhypheneAjrAzIJLYDi9Mm8tfv3hzSW9KGxf6TCq24xqQRJ5Gm3MGAa4hv_WzF5Zg937hBGzJ9vRcWnrmBbz8iV03JfMk82RgM1ycTxw8_eQC1Zu/s320/IMG-20190623-WA0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrH_14pqVg_uEcSVF98aJTfjzmiPlqjcfsgZZa6L2NJhYvKUf64zbb2adeDpUDl2oprGETg931I7LYmhNz9Pis3kgItnHdfQzUYYDZqhLkkUye39G_h4hTVjG1c0vhuSpLcrdKVuMeuAs/s1600/IMG-20190623-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrH_14pqVg_uEcSVF98aJTfjzmiPlqjcfsgZZa6L2NJhYvKUf64zbb2adeDpUDl2oprGETg931I7LYmhNz9Pis3kgItnHdfQzUYYDZqhLkkUye39G_h4hTVjG1c0vhuSpLcrdKVuMeuAs/s320/IMG-20190623-WA0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Waterfalls</b>- this was a nice stop and really busy as it was a public holiday that day. Unfortunately we did this near the end of our tour and were both really tired so didn’t swim, though the rocks were quite slippy to get in and out of the water so this was probably a good idea.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmndi65yb-FBkXbMhsgpfaL9nCdIfdgOyqUrlFbKNcXYQ2UZl9yOMgKb9IS2x-2hvMdN_r0d_LTc3gdM_konYsdAD5OqG6B0go6bZ4jT9GMR2zhYZDeVOV3EEbN72rxheSCoII0JB30Fl/s1600/IMG-20190623-WA0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmndi65yb-FBkXbMhsgpfaL9nCdIfdgOyqUrlFbKNcXYQ2UZl9yOMgKb9IS2x-2hvMdN_r0d_LTc3gdM_konYsdAD5OqG6B0go6bZ4jT9GMR2zhYZDeVOV3EEbN72rxheSCoII0JB30Fl/s320/IMG-20190623-WA0011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ6u0IEA8jFM-qRXX7CIjGB7YXQOP4oGTCkYMsEBTiyvNkuTfc1eGcYaX3gOAHvC5YsTlhveSV3UAgU2HaWL2mvJpntoFPLa9W8GtF009qQ2C58e_v6KBFayxIMcy0m9tJlQTtz6Y0jsM/s1600/IMG-20190623-WA0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ6u0IEA8jFM-qRXX7CIjGB7YXQOP4oGTCkYMsEBTiyvNkuTfc1eGcYaX3gOAHvC5YsTlhveSV3UAgU2HaWL2mvJpntoFPLa9W8GtF009qQ2C58e_v6KBFayxIMcy0m9tJlQTtz6Y0jsM/s320/IMG-20190623-WA0012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Heritage museum</b>- The driver was keen for us to visit the heritage museum on our tour which was quite an average experience. It was very cheap and cool to see some old pots/pans etc. but was a very small museum and if it hadn’t been on the way probably would have given it a miss.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Viewpoint</b>- We stopped at this amazing view point/rock formation which had views over the whole area. It was kind of in the middle of nowhere and required us to slide behind a fence so would be hard to find with your own transport</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Food</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">This was the first place where I actually found it hard to find food I wanted. I love Indian food and will eat at some questionable looking places, but when we asked if we could stop for food on our tour the only place our driver could find was a very local place serving only one dish which was a banana leaf with rice and curry. I’d eaten so many snacks by this point that I gave it a miss but meg got some. The curries weren’t very nice and more like the pickles that come with a thali but it was super cheap.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Hotel Mintflower</b>- we went to the restaurant at our hotel which was nice. The roti was super cheap as was the vegetable curry which was a good dinner before our night bus.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Getting to/from</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">From Wayanad we took a night bus to Alleppey. It was supposed to get there are 2am so we booked a hostel for the night, but it ended up arriving at a petrol station which was our drop off point after 4. From there we were lucky enough to find a tuk tuk driver filling up at the station and got a good price to the hostel. This was definitely not the most pleasant journey of my life but fine and the bus had A/C and WiFi</span><br />
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><br /></span>
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Laura x</span></div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4420359344213656811.post-26045040660890744732019-06-14T13:29:00.002+01:002019-06-14T13:29:59.376+01:00Mysore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">This was my second visit to Mysore after a weekend there on a psychology placement a couple of years ago. We were only really stopping out of convenience on our way to Wayanad, and we spent about a day and a half there which personally I think is perfect. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Accommodation</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We stayed at Sonder hostel, which was a little way out of the centre. It was a cool hostel and we decided on it from the advertisements of cooking classes and yoga. Turned out neither were running due to low season which was a shame. However we ended up getting our four bed dorm to ourselves which was nice. The hostel offered a free local breakfast and the staff were helpful though not very friendly.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Things to do</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">This is where I find Mysore a little boring... there just isn’t masses to do</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Palace</b>- the palace is definitely the main attraction, and is very impressive. It’s 70 rupees entry for foreigners to enter, and since my previous visit they have lifted a ban on all photography which is great as it’s stunning inside. Despite that people still wanted photos of the main event: us. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I would definitely recommend visiting the palace at night. On a Sunday it remains lit up all night, but the rest of the week there is a sound and light show which we went to from 7-7.45pm. I’d avoid this as it was all in Hindi and we just sat understanding nothing. But from 7.45-8 it stays lit up and is truly beautiful, so was worth it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsjb2g6iVpLEo87SFbKCT9dneRj3UBAYjgQEffqVhkry7sg4RYjxV_k2rWwTfyZEHLFUscDBvHOFSBs7fOy4hravdWMHVNA7PnfknNxqkHsFhhcl2lHmUjPjcGbWIsA21SSY-_7CRb3iW/s1600/IMG-20190603-WA0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsjb2g6iVpLEo87SFbKCT9dneRj3UBAYjgQEffqVhkry7sg4RYjxV_k2rWwTfyZEHLFUscDBvHOFSBs7fOy4hravdWMHVNA7PnfknNxqkHsFhhcl2lHmUjPjcGbWIsA21SSY-_7CRb3iW/s320/IMG-20190603-WA0025.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR1J2hPIV4qafOyxegykGXfLRnR-H3nvcbk-FjB0cfJyiKoz-wvU18DnSJc9LnJsnDvZXwZjFn__woKoBt7Z6WaKxMZHiYb45QVEDk68yw3qdRJZqsI9vsOv0e01QYLZXpMssnrDN6GFB/s1600/IMG-20190603-WA0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR1J2hPIV4qafOyxegykGXfLRnR-H3nvcbk-FjB0cfJyiKoz-wvU18DnSJc9LnJsnDvZXwZjFn__woKoBt7Z6WaKxMZHiYb45QVEDk68yw3qdRJZqsI9vsOv0e01QYLZXpMssnrDN6GFB/s320/IMG-20190603-WA0054.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrgtZwtka9PqWTCEq-rRBrTI0WkIIKiU1UDwtFpi42NEDviQjfEzAZ8ojFzAwr8gTte4f-bltLHQ1z8ZPKk_eawZhFZI0I5-QWZfSxL_8cWvGs-nEPUHPt4Af-u877I4fIeFRGvqC8SzZ/s1600/IMG-20190531-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrgtZwtka9PqWTCEq-rRBrTI0WkIIKiU1UDwtFpi42NEDviQjfEzAZ8ojFzAwr8gTte4f-bltLHQ1z8ZPKk_eawZhFZI0I5-QWZfSxL_8cWvGs-nEPUHPt4Af-u877I4fIeFRGvqC8SzZ/s320/IMG-20190531-WA0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbO0UCKPEKIRmXYn-E10zvJid-jAqcYwOC5FTAoMHBMhfN2u8w4DKfQfhqXBiohBkSf5fvilycQqSecDbooEdCSsfTvEALLvbWPpiUTwNQB-8MR7a6r-vGlB1RVO8aHlr8Fhf4zQMi1bo/s1600/IMG-20190603-WA0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbO0UCKPEKIRmXYn-E10zvJid-jAqcYwOC5FTAoMHBMhfN2u8w4DKfQfhqXBiohBkSf5fvilycQqSecDbooEdCSsfTvEALLvbWPpiUTwNQB-8MR7a6r-vGlB1RVO8aHlr8Fhf4zQMi1bo/s320/IMG-20190603-WA0074.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Market</b>- The market is kinda average in my opinion but worth a quick trip. It feels very touristy but aimed at richer tourists souvenir shopping. They have cool powdered paint and oil perfumes as well as flowers and fruit. Cool to see but easy to be tricked into buying something.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkeEJdKlbZWe1skpRUNTP3s1_Z2S6j53Dvsg3fnQ6jEHw_vwarUVjgSQuLxTiuqH6-uBqkbk7ZGk5dPH5s7X22mASi3NrCJxuBhXl3NOJlj2eE5cOpBoWKBaPYeCj3VVK2Y7npRVA1RqB/s1600/IMG-20190603-WA0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkeEJdKlbZWe1skpRUNTP3s1_Z2S6j53Dvsg3fnQ6jEHw_vwarUVjgSQuLxTiuqH6-uBqkbk7ZGk5dPH5s7X22mASi3NrCJxuBhXl3NOJlj2eE5cOpBoWKBaPYeCj3VVK2Y7npRVA1RqB/s320/IMG-20190603-WA0070.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IuxIiECmRC0BH6APtokGIXzy7H_NO4DYs2-mhKR7dGePxUCKvXLySQ2CJhkZrIOBKgATLNH4HP-yKBOgNwu7Eupdke2Qtr3q1Xeta8cyoUzeNUwovQkYFIfaieFPKmWwYPw5-_OylCEK/s1600/IMG-20190603-WA0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IuxIiECmRC0BH6APtokGIXzy7H_NO4DYs2-mhKR7dGePxUCKvXLySQ2CJhkZrIOBKgATLNH4HP-yKBOgNwu7Eupdke2Qtr3q1Xeta8cyoUzeNUwovQkYFIfaieFPKmWwYPw5-_OylCEK/s320/IMG-20190603-WA0068.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzerYKE4L8n2rj62lG7tdfgJnheV1szOw5ynklWkX5uHkpVYa2pkZmMCT72Eimjqhpn6_lMO-YgMl4o4kOoIcawZmP5-zJxTvJ2NDt1RNM9o3lk6Xz9PH5Zh8e7MfF0A7q5cb_jM6Om_Nc/s1600/IMG-20190603-WA0066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzerYKE4L8n2rj62lG7tdfgJnheV1szOw5ynklWkX5uHkpVYa2pkZmMCT72Eimjqhpn6_lMO-YgMl4o4kOoIcawZmP5-zJxTvJ2NDt1RNM9o3lk6Xz9PH5Zh8e7MfF0A7q5cb_jM6Om_Nc/s320/IMG-20190603-WA0066.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Food</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">As this wasn’t long after my food poisoning I was sticking to more plain, Western food so my experience of the food here was a bit limited. We enjoyed a lovely meal at Taco Bell lol. There is an alright vegetarian restaurant walking distance from the palace which was very popular with locals, though I can’t remember the name</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Getting to/from</b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We took a night train from Hampi. This left around 9.30pm and got us to Mysore at around 9.30am the next morning. We were in 3A class and chose upper berth seats, which include a pillow, sheet and blanket. The journey was genuinely really comfortable and I had a great night’s sleep.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">From Mysore we went to Wayanad. Buses run there regularly so we just went to the bus station, asked and caught a local bus there super easily. It wasn’t exactly luxurious- the windows have no glass so it’s breezy once the bus is moving and we had to have our bags under our seats so it’s pretty cramped. But it did the job and people told us when to get off which was helpful.</span></div>
</div>
Laura♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/00448522580673004017noreply@blogger.com0