New Year, New Plans...

Happy New Year!

Its 2011, and the year that we really get our asses in gear and go travelling!

There have been some early hiccups though,

After a bit of research, it became clear that the China visas are going to be a little harder that we orginally thought.

We were hoping for a 6 month multiple according to advice, the most we are going to get is a double entry visa valid for 60 days at a time.

Giving us only 4 months in China.

Even this visa might not be doable, because apparently China are constantly changing their visa rules...we might only be able to get a double entry 30 days at a time, giving us only 2 months!

So, this is going to make a big difference to our trip...

If we can only get a double entry, it will mean that we will have to do Taiwan first before we enter China, and leave out South Korea, so our 1 exit can be to Mongolia.

Really stressed about it when I found out, because I'd been looking at our planned China trip in minute detail and this might mean cutting out the majority of places we planned to go to.

BUT, the truth is we always said we would be flexible about our route and stuff, so we will have to adapt.

If we cant get the Visa we want, we’ll just have to agree to come back another day and do the bits we missed out on!!

AND, it frees up some money to spend more time elsewhere- like the Philippines or Indonesia! OH YEAH!

All I want for Christmas...

I asked people to not to get me anything that is not travel related this Christmas, because in a few months I'll be giving up most of my wordly possessions anyway!

Here are some of the awesome things I recieved...

1. My Dad very kindy got me a new camera.

this one

Really excited to get using it!

Ive wanted a good camera for a while, and this is about as close as

you can get to a good camera before breaking the bank.

2. My lovely JW got me some travel goodies form MUJI (which I love) He got me a torch, a compass, and seperately got me a little book about Bangkok.

3. My sister got me a travel washbag and some travel size tolietrie goodies

4 And my mum has not yet got, but promises me a pair of binoculars. (I asked for these because when we were in SA I really wished Id had some to see the whale and other wildlife better)

5. Oh and my Dad bought JW this penknife!

I'm so stealing it!!

A very frugal Christmas...

With every penny being counted these days (by me...not so much by JW)
I just felt it wouldnt be right to spend loads of money on Christmas like I normally do...

Sooo, this year I am making gifts!!!

Ok, I know, that screams cheapo right?
But wait! It's only for close family members who will find it endearing and not crappy (hopefully)
I dont normally do any friend gifts now we're grown ups,
and I will be buying JW a little something...

so im making posh biscuits for my Dad,
and ive got my needles out and knitted a cover/sock for my mum's new kindle.

and im currently trying to make mittens for my sister...
I say trying, because it is THE HARDEST THING IN THE WORLD
and im starting to slightly panic now that I wont get them done in time (I have 2 days...eek)

Anyway,
The snow is almost all gone in London :(

Snow

London is covered in snow at the moment,
and as much as I love snowfights and building snowmen
Im really craving warmer climates!


It feels colder than ever today, and Ive had a really horrible cold which lasted a week, and I'm still feeling crappy


Im really ready to go travelling and feel the heat...

1 year on...

Its been 1 year since I started this 'travel' blog.

A year ago today I had made the decision about something I had been daydreaming about for years- to give it all up and go travelling with JW for as long as I could.

Since that first post, we have moved in with my parents, started a savings account and have been researching routes like crazy,

And next week, JW will have his ceremony to become a British citizen!

We are scarily close to acheving our dream of travelling!!