The journey back

The clouds felt my emotion with perfect pathetic fallacy as I prepared to leave Koh Rong. Claps of thunder echoed in our ears and the horizon was spiked with lightening as dark clouds gathered, ready to pour but only letting out tentative drops. It was me that was pouring as I sat on the boat waiting to leave, unable to look at the smiling faces waving me goodbye, the people I will miss so much. 

Then slowly, as I made my way across the water and the sun appeared from behind the clouds, I turned my attention away from sad thoughts of leaving and onto new plans for the future. So many ideas rolling around in my head about what I want to do. I want to do it all, see everywhere, do everything. Yet, when I find that special place, I want to stay forever.  In a way, part of me will stay on Koh Rong forever.  An essence of Glastonbury infused into the buildings, bars and food… A lingering splash of pink... and in return this small island has been permanently etched onto my heart. 

For the moment my journey has landed me back in England, for how long for I don't know. Already I'm working on a business plan that will get me back out to Cambodia so watch this space, fundraising coming soon!

6 Tips for first time travellers

1 1. Don’t bring too much stuff.

You can find almost everything on your travels for less than half the price it would be back home. A small washbag, a couple changes of clothes  and a good padlock is all you need (the padlock even unnecessary a lot of the time and simple ones purchasable in most places). A light bag enables you to walk around before getting a hotel room, hitch lifts and generally have freedom to do whatever you want!

2. A smile goes a long way.

Even if you don’t share the same language, a smile is universal. Those who smile back will often make great travelling companions, and this is usually a good time for #3.

   3.  Sharing food is a great way to make friends.

A simple gesture of offering to share your food can be a great way to start to making friends with locals or other travellers on your journey . Even if they refuse, the gesture shows generosity and they will be instantly more favorable towards you.

    4.    You can do anything if you put your mind to it

Does that mountain look too high to climb? That road too long to walk? You think you can’t touch your toes/hula hoop/spin fire? Think again. You can do it. Everything seems hard when you first try but with determination (and sometimes a few failed attempts) you can do it.

   5.    Plans change

No matter how long you plan your trip for, you will usually want to spend longer than you expect. Or something will happen that will make you want to move on sooner. The moral of the story is that plans change, so don’t try to be too set on what you’re going to do. Research, have options, but allow flexibility. Apart from public holidays (Christmas/New Year etc) you usually don’t need to book in advance, so let yourself be free, don’t book anything and go with the flow.

   6.    Just do it!

Stop fantasizing about what could happen or worrying about what might happen. Book a flight and go! What are you waiting for?