I have somewhat become very distant from Blogging, from the Internet, from life as I knew it.
I packed up my stuff, shoved as much as I could get into a 40L rucksack (which sounds a lot, I can confirm it is no) and off I went.
Ending my journey living in Australia with a whirlwind 7 week trip across South East Asia. Starting in Singapore, working our way up through Bangkok a few times and finally flying home. Looking back it feels like a lifetime ago that I left Sydney but in reality cramming so much into 7 weeks was no where near long enough.
There were certain ups and downs, having an almost daily argument with my rucksack, my clothes, my hair and more frequently than desired with tuk tuk drivers were some of the low points.
But seeing countless sunrise after sunrise on the most gorgeous beaches, sights and towns and then seeing the sunset made those lows slip away.
Days filled with beaches, chang, sights, driving around countless islands on the back of a motorbike, splashing around with elephants, baby tigers, teaching children how to play candy crush, wandering around sunken temples, negotiating thousands of motorbikes and endless bus, boat and train journeys.
I started my journey in Singapore, however only for a night. Ive been there done that, not wanting to waste my money in an Asian super city that costs a fortune to stay in. My reasoning for Singapore was convenience. Flying Scoot (based out of SNG) was my cheapest option. And what an option it was. The flight itself was basic, no food, no entertainment but who needs that now with iPads etc.
From Singapore it was onto KL in Malaysia. Quite possibly my most favourite place in the entire world. The sheer diversity of the city never fails to WOW me. But even more so the way that it all just works together in perfect harmony. My trip to KL wasn't to see the sights it was mainly to eat the wondrous delights it has to offer. However a trip to KL wouldn't be complete without seeing the Petronas towers lit up in all their glory. Or for that matter a trip to majestic temple situated in the Batu Caves. Probably more famous than the caves are the monkeys that roam the 200 odd steps to the top.
A quick flight and you find yourself across the boarder and in the delightful Phuket where every taxi is there to willing take all the Thai Bhat you just took out the cash machine with a grinning smile on their face.
The island of Koh Phi Phi is truly one to behold. With no cars, and very little motorbikes, it is a maze of pathways lined with tattoo shops, massages, hostels, and bars. With bars that line the beach it truly has become a party island. Boat trips run daily around the island, and to see the infamous Maya Bay. Made famous by Leo in the Beach. If it wasn't for all the people and all the boats it would truly be a marvel.
Chiang Mai is not what I'd thought it to be, for some reason I thought it would a small town stuck in history. In reality it was a large city overtaken by the modern world. Despite this the experiences to be had there were truly magnificent. Where else can you play with 2 month old tigers one day to riding through the countryside on elephants. 
The real treat for me was Cambodia. The country although it has been torn apart by their own people, they remain some of the kindest and funniest people I have met yet in Asia. Aside from all of that the Country itself is beautiful. From the temples of Angkor to the stunning sunsets over the vast countryside. Yes the children may beg your for everything you may own but remembering it is one of the poorest countries in the world you kind of forget that and let it past you. The temples were magnificent, somewhere you and well a truly get lost in. The capital has depressing reminders of the past through various museums. But the people shine through everything and will continue to shine no matter what is thrown at them.
Onto Vietnam and a serious wake up call from the quite almost sleepiness of Cambodia. There are people everywhere, a lot trying to make a quick buck so having your wits about you at all times is imperative. Especially when doing anything remotely tourist related. The country is beautiful and vast. Taking a train to any of the cities can be an adventure in itself. But the scenery is just simply awe inspiring. Especially along the Hoi Van Pass. I have never in my life seen such beautiful scenes in both the natural world and the man made. The sea views from the mountain pass were stunning, but the road itself was hair pin after hair pin turn. This trip overshadowed the entire country for me. Its something that I would never in my life get bored of seeing.
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