Friday, December 20, 2013

BBOE: THINGS THAT WILL KILL YOU

Here is the first installment of the BIG BOOK OF EVERYTHING post series.
A collection of things I've learnt while living abroad, the kind of things you can not learn until you've done so.

One of the few things you do not have the option to bring with you when moving countries is your typical day to day set of ideals and knowledge. For example, Don’t touch this- it gets hot and you will be branded. You haven’t really experienced summer until you've jumped in your car in Oz, gone to clip your seatbelt and been branded by the scorching hot metal buckle. Don’t bike when it’s icy- you WILL stack it & make an utter fool of yourself & I have the battle scars to prove it, courtesy of Holland. Don’t dress like you’re going to a club when you’re wandering a muslim country. Other than the complete disrespect, unless you’re up for being oogled at & shamed- just don’t do it. Don’t bother trying to buy anything on Monday morning in Europe- you more or less can’t. Don't plan to drive through the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium around 8pm- You'll be stopped by road blocks as the Last Post service is held. All the simple do’s and don’ts that we ‘just know’ make a huge difference in how we go about our days. You don’t realise just how much of a difference knowledge of the little day to day inconveniences can make. Moving abroad comes with a whole new set of rules and guidelines. Each country has their own big book of everything – and sadly no one’s there to hand it to you when you arrive. Never fear though! The unknown is a huge part of the experience and one of the best things about living abroad, right? Navigating a new land is one of the few ways an adult can once again experience life as if they were a child. Back when no meant I’ll do it anyway and see what happens, when the only way to know how it tasted was to stick out your tongue & lick it, back when written guidelines and spoken wisdom was all but mumbo-jumbo and the only way to really learn was to just get out there and make mistakes.

BBOE EDITION ONE: Things that will kill you.
I’ve recently moved from Malaysia to the Maldives. Prior to Malaysia I spent some time at home in Australia and before that I spent a year living in the Netherlands. So you can imagine how vastly different my big books were and how little was interchangeable between them. Here’s a little snapshot of what I’ve learnt about the Maldives so far
1. Sand is no longer just a part of the beach it’s a part of every aspect of your life. It’s in your hair, your bed, your room, your nickers, your shower, your shoes and no matter how many times you sweep the house it will always find a way to be a part of the floor.
2. When it rains, it pours. There’s nothing quite like the swift and sudden downpour of tropical monsoon rain!
3. The main event, and spotlight of this post? ANIMALS!
Every country you go will be filled with its own set of weird and wonderful animals. They might want to kiss, cuddle, chase, eat or even kill you. And you’re going to need to know which actions to look out for prior to heading in for a pat. Being born and raised in Australia meant I grew up with two facts about animals drilled into me. 1. Accept they are everywhere and 2. Don’t be afraid, but keep in mind almost every animal you’ll encounter in the backyard probably has the power to kill you. Now, I’m no novice to creepy crawlies in my room HOWEVER- I can tell you that nothing has ever made me jump quite like this guy:



This is a crab. A big, brown giant crab (okay he's not that big) and he was getting his creep on in the corner of my room the other day. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how equally freaky, strange and cool it was that there was a CRAB in my room?! A crab. In my room. How did it even get there? This little guy shot me ten miles past terror because at a glance it appeared to be an oversized monstrosity of a huntsman spider. All too familiar with a spider in the corner back home I jumped to the immediate conclusion that it was a giant spider and it was infact going to kill me. It took me a few minutes to collect myself and as I went in for a closer inspection I realized the spider-strosity was actually a crab.  A CRAB.
The very next day I was strolling along the beach, ankle deep in the clear blue water. Minding my own business & testing out my new underwater camera, I was determined to snap some pictures of the little sharks darting around my legs. Suddenly out of nowhere sand started to cloud the water and I watched in shock as a GIANT stingray flapped its wings, slowly revealing itself from beneath the sand – right in front me. In fear of becoming the next Australian casualty to death-by-stingray, I froze. I had never been in such a situation and actually had no idea what to do. Will it hurt me? Are stingrays vicious? If I run will it freak out and attack me? Is this a stand still & don't move kind of situation? I was conflicted by the age old fight or flight. Or in my case- Bend down and take some Stingray & me selfies or wade out the water and run for my life. With a two or so metre long stinger I wasn’t really up for taking this beast on- but I also wasn’t going to leave without some kick ass snaps to mark the experience! Quickly and quietly I moved to a comfortably close position, snapped some pictures and got the hell outta there. All the while being eyeballed by the beautiful beast. See had I been given the BBOE: Maldives edition- I would have had the answers. However, since there is no much thing and this is all part of the fun - I'll be learning through my own experiences & jotting down and sharing my thoughts with you as I create my own BBOE based on day to day happenings. :D
Look out for upcoming posts BBOE Holland edition, and later Living in Asia!






Monday, December 16, 2013

CURIOUS CUBES

THE CURIOUS CUBE HOUSES OF ROTTERDAM

During my year living in Holland I took the liberty in attempting to cover as much of this country as I could. Neighbouring Den Haag where I lived, is the brilliantly quirky town of Rotterdam.
Other than the lure of Primark and other shopping escapades I was drawn here in the hope of locating and exploring the curious cubic housing complex I’d heard so much about.
This peculiar design is the innovation of Dutch architect Piet Blom. The challenge? Design and build a housing structure utilizing the space above a pedestrian overpass.  At a glance it appears as if a bunch of huge yellow blocks have fallen from the sky and crash landed into this imperfectly perfect cubic-cluster. Blom describes his work as being the structural representation of an abstract yellow forest- a home among homes. With each house representing a tree and each tree connecting with the next to make a forest. With such a wacky design and musky yellow colour scheme it’s no surprise this is a product of the 70’s. Blom actually built three test houses in Helmond back in 1974 which lead to the construction of 18 fully functioning homes popping up in 1977. It wasn't until the early 80s construction on the Rotterdam 'Forest' started. Believe it or not, all but one of these curious cubes are occupied. Who wouldn’t want to call a giant yellow tree-house block hanging on to an overpass, home? The one left over is open to the public and was actually purpose built as a late edition due to the high numbers of curious cats disturbing the residents as they tried to get a peek inside these homes.
With a total floor space of 100sqm, these fully functioning houses are actually made up of three floors! The ground entrance floor, an open plan kitchen & living floor and top floor with two bedrooms and a bath. Due to the walls being angled at 54.7 degrees only a small proportion of the floor space can actually be used- the angles do make for wonderful viewpoints out the windows though!
If the show cube isn't quite enough for you, as of 2009 STAYOKAY Dutch hostel company bought and converted one and for roughly $25AUD you curious cats can choose to stay there!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

GLAMPING FRANCE

C'est quoi?What on earth is this glamping, you say?
First, forget everything and anything you ever knew about camping. Take all the extras expected from a hotel stay, some candles, crisp white sheets, sheer curtains, a group of wild horses, the sound of a crackling fire against rural silence and add little pinch of luxury – now bundle it all up into a simplistically beautiful little cottage made of canvas & throw it into the Suisse National Park of Normandy, France. This was my glamping experience. During the year I lived in Europe I was very blessed to have been brought along on many working holidays. One of which was to the Reinhill Ranch in Normandy. When I was told we were to be going ‘glamping’ naturally I thought I’d misheard and was ready for a bug-filled dig your own toilet kind of camp trip. Nope! We were in fact, going glamping – glamorous camping. This new age idea of camping for the non-conforming-camper meant we’d more or less be staying in a petit hotel de luxe (little luxury hotel) that was posing as a tent on a campsite. 
En route
: Netherlands – France. The five of us (including Sally, our Bernise Mountain dog who may as well be a person due to her incredible size & amazing nature) all packed into the car and hit the road. After stopping for breakfast in Holland, lunch in Belgium & six hours’ worth of city, highway, country and rural towns we reached Normandy, France. Upon arrival our bags were taken and we were driven in a buggy deep into the property. As we drove up and over the last hill the beauty of the French country side started to reveal itself. Passing horses, ponies, pigs, ducks, an assortment of gardens and getting into the ranch/farm-stay spirit I could make out our soon-to-be-home gleaming in the early sunset. Perched at the far end of the field closed in by a dainty wooden fence and surrounded by a group of wild ponies stood our safari-style tent amidst the breathtaking atmosphere of rural France. Tout simplement sensationnel. Simply stunning.




Tucked away in the French countryside surrounded by lush greenery and rugged brown farmland this charming little tent-suite featured a master room, second bedroom and a large open living area complete with a wooden stove top, open fire, dining set & lazy-day chairs. The simplistic rugged interior gave all the feels of a tent while boasting all the simple benefits of a serviced hotel. Over the next week we spent our time doing a little of everything and a lot of nothing. Ce’st la vie, et il est grand. –It was pure bliss. The incredible staff working at the Ranch were beyond helpful and really made us feel not only at home but a part of the team. A huge shout out goes to Bob, Alison & the whole Reinhill team, I really can’t thank you enough for the incredible time we had with you! The best part about the trip? Switching off, disconnecting, doing nothing and being one with nature. Running, skipping and playing explorer with the kids around the property, chasing the wild ponies, grooming & riding the horses, trying our luck at horse training and welcoming each night with a glass of wine or hot coco snuggled up in blankets and telling stories over the soft crackling of our indoor fire. The worst part of the stay? When the time came to snap back to reality and say goodbye to our humble hideout. 

Glamping is for those wishing to experience all that is camping without actually experiencing anything that is camping. It’s for the designer traveler, the friendly family, the love-bug couple or anyone really looking for an unforgettable escape among nature.
It’s definitely one for the bucket list and I highly recommend Reinhill ranch as the place to tick it off.

 Once you go glamping... 


Check out some other GLAMPING LOCATIONS around the world, or get in touch with Bob & his team @ the REINHILL RANCH for some horse riding, or SAFARI-NORMANDIE to speak with someone to book a glamping trip at this magnific ranch!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

SHAPE UP OR YOU CAN'T SHIP OFF



WHY I WON'T BE WORKING ON A CRUISE SHIPEarlier this year I landed my third job with a cruise line. Yep, my third job. This time was going to be different though. This time I was going to finally make it on board and enjoy the amazing experience of sailing the world while working a job that I loved.  I seemed to be really really good at getting jobs and not so great at ever actually gracing them with my presence. The first time I was offered a position I had to turn it down due to a conflict of contracts and the second time I couldn’t go or I may have ended up in jail. (I’ll explain below) Third times a charm, right? WRONG. Apparently cruise ships just aren’t the workplace for me.

Anyone who’s tried, applied or worked on a ship knows what a painfully long process this can be. After sending off a number of applications directly and indirectly to an array of cruise ship companies sometime early this year I received a reply. One should be excited, right? Not really.. generally speaking this meant I was only one foot in on the nine mile path to actually stepping on board. The application over the next few weeks went a little something like this:
Make an online account, confirm email, log in, complete questions & scenarios, wait to have answers approved, add a profile online, wait to have said profile approved & accepted, add previous experience and desired job, wait to have experience cross checked, approved and accepted, submit a resume, wait for resume approval, add contact details, wait while contact details are confirmed, continue checking online for an invitation to complete a phone interview, pick one of the time slots available, wait for chosen time slot to be approved and locked in, complete the phone interview, regularly check back online to see if I passed the interview..  PASSED & APPROVED. -Please wait to be contacted by a cruise rep to arrange a second phone interview.
YEAH! I’d made it this far. Keep in mind none of this information has yet to reach an actual cruise ship – these are the steps to being pre-approved and put on the ‘potential list’ of a cruise ship staff recruiter who would then liaise with the cruise line. Many ships won’t actually accept direct applications & which recruiter you apply to depends on where you live and where you’re from.
This was the reason I never made it to my second cruise ship job – To complicate my second go at shipping off was the fact that I was indeed an Australian living in Europe at the time of application. This meant I couldn’t apply to a European recruiter without an EU Passport & for obvious reasons the AU recruiters were unable to process me as I was living abroad. Keeping to theme though this issue was never mentioned until I sent off my passport to my UK recruiter to finalize the position I’d been offered. Instead of receiving my ticket and departure information I received a short and sweet email “Hi Ashlea, I see your passport was issued in Australia? I’m really sorry to have to tell you this, but we only recruit EU passport holding staff due to our visa regulations. We’d really like you on board one of our ships though, do you have an EU Passport?” – I’m sorry lady, but did you not read the section clearly stating my nationality was Australian? Or that I ticked only Australian in the ‘valid passport’ section? Grrr. STRIKE TWO.

Fast forward back to this most recent application. With my profile now complete, approved and with the recruiters I was told to sit tight and await the notification of vacant positions. One morning I woke up to an email stating Disney was looking for staff & they’d love to consider me. AH! A sigh of frustrated relief. ‘Consider me’ - like the nine pages of information I’d already provided the recruiters wasn’t enough to know whether or not they’d want to hire me, merely enough to  CONSIDER the possibility of letting me join the maybe list of potential candidates who would then possibly be given a shot at impressing them. Sheesh. A second phone interview was scheduled with a rep from Disney & I was told more or less I’d been accepted and that it was going to be a further 2-3 months of pages, paperwork and preparation before I would be posted to my ship. It’s happening! I will have to wait.. but it is happening!

Cruise lines typically have a 3-6 month intake and if their staff turnover is high (how many members of current staff renew their contract) they’ll be looking for less newbies. This particular intake happened to have the highest staff turnover Disney had ever seen – so there were very few places on offer. Over the next few weeks I bounced back emails with my rep and started putting things in place when one peachy morning I woke up to my contract. HORAH! All that was left to do was sign it & send it off and this was a done deal. Reading through the contract, one section caught my eye. THE DISNEY LOOK BOOK. A real gem of a section. This wonderful 11page information booklet is the Disney bible of do’s and don’ts. How to look, what to wear, how to act and written evidence of why everything Disney looks so perfectly polished and shimmy-clean. With everything from cartoon drawings of how one may trim facial hair to at what exact height your socks should sit- this book covered it all. (& then some) So came the page on piercings & appearance and everything came crashing down. NO VISIBLE TATTOOS OR PIERCINGS.  BUM BUM BUM…
Back when I was freshly 18 I had taken myself on down to the tattoo parlour and got inked. I believe now it was somewhat more of an I’m-18-I-can-do-what-I-want and less of ‘I really want this design’ kind of situation. Don’t get me wrong, I am an avid fan of tattoos and don’t by any means hate mine, however had I really taken the time to consider my piece I would have had the design tweaked & the placement elsewhere.
My heart sank a little as I continued to read through the book, tattoos may be covered with makeup IF and ONLY job position does not involve direct contact with children. My career and heart thus far lay with the smiling faces of teenytots & after conversing with my rep, sending pictures off to Disney and awaiting a reply it was decided that the 1cm worth of tattoo still visible when wearing the uniform shoes, was going to be unacceptable for the position I was offered. STRIKE THREE.

What would have been awesome is if on the first page of the recruitment site there was a big warning sign reading ‘If you have any visible tattoos, piercings you don’t fancy removing or any other weird of wonderful things we won’t be okay with – save yourself and TURN AROUND NOW’.
I feel I should mention not all cruise lines are this tough. I know I could have applied / worked with another company without any problems it just so happened to be Disney who were looking for my expertise at the time & they have the most rigid grooming guidelines (& rightfully so, they do have a reputation to uphold.. this is Disney we're talking about).  


This unfortunate reality meant I was not going to be shipping off anytime soon. For the THIRD time this dream had once again defeated me and slipped between my fingers.
Or in actuality was stopped by the tattoo on my ankle. The little 4x2cm tattoo that happened to be none other than a dream catcher had caught my dream & was preventing it from happening. Ironic, right? Are dream catchers not supposed to filter out the bad dreams? Not hold on to the good ones? Perhaps I was going to fall over board or something terrible would have happened, who knows? Apparently I never will.
The lesson here? If you’re looking for a cruise job-
Be sure you can shape up before applying to ship off.
PHOTOS SNAPPED ON BOARD THE SAPPHIRE PRINCESS WHILE CRUISING THE INSIDE PASSAGE OF ALASKA
A FEW YEARS BACK. LOOK OUT FOR MY UPCOMING POST ON THIS SCENIC ADVENTURE!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

SINGAPORE

LOOKING DOWN OVER SINGAPORE FROM THE MARINA BAY SANS HOTEL SKYWALK


THE FACTS


People: 5.31m
Language: Singapore actually recognizes four official languages: English, Malay, Chinese & Tamil.
Currency: 
Singapore Dollar (SIN)
Climate:  Singapore has a tropical climate and is warm & humid year round. With highs of 32 and lows of 23 you won’t be needing any sweaters!
Events: Chinese New Year brings with it festive decorations, markets and various events such as the Chingay Parade. Keep in mind prices will jump during this time.

 Safety:  In my opinion it doesn’t really get much safer than Singapore. As any normal tourist spots just keep an eye out for pickpockets & be wary when leaving your stuff on Sentosa – things have been known to go walkabouts from bags left unattended on the beach.




FIRST THINGS FIRST
HOW? Getting around Singapore is cheap & easy. Cab prices are low & the MRT (train) will get you anywhere you need to be in a really uncomplicated manor. For a single ticket you’ll be looking at around
$1.50 AUD or you can purchase the Singapore 3day tourist pass for $18 AUD +$9 refundable deposit. This will get you unlimited travel on almost all of the transit options. (1 or 2 day passes also available). Transport from the airport into the city via cab will cost you around $20 AUD. 
WHERE? Accommodation in Singapore isn’t as cheap as its neighbouring countries, budget hotel/hostels start at around $20 AUD on the cheaper scale ranging anywhere up to $50. Check out this great little hostel SHOPHOUSE The social hostel –Although I haven’t stayed in this fresh little gem of an indie boutique I stumbled on their page during my accommodation search & it’s definitely one I’d be keen on checking out. Rooms starting at around $23AUD. Hotel suites typically start at around $95 pp/pn. If you’ve got some money burning a hole in your pocket I’d HIGHLY recommend a splurge at the MARINA BAY SANS HOTEL. The view from the top is incredible and the rooms and suites are beautifully set out. (Although you can pay to go up & see the view from the skydeck – the infinity rooftop pool is reserved exclusively for guests & makes this stay well worth it)
WHEN? If you’re not a fan of the rain avoid monsoon season (November – January) To avoid inflated costs avoid travel during peak season. (December-mid June)
HOW MUCH? Save money by eating in places like Little India or China Town and make use of the fantastic MRT system. Keep aside around $100 AUD to ensure full access/entry to all the theme parks and activities Singapore has to offer. Avoid the many shopping spots to prevent the ‘have to have’ moments you’re likely to experience over and over again.



Day 1. The day trip
Two of Singapore’s main attractions (& all day affairs) are SENTOSA ISLAND Asias ‘Island playground’ Head on over for some ‘playcation’ on this island of fun. Enjoy the 360 views over Singapore as you make your way over in Singapore’s iconic Cable Car ($22AUD). Once you’re there- the Islands full of things to do and places to see. Entry will cost roughly $45AUD for an All-day (almost)all-access Play Pass. Get your thrills at Universal studios, your spills at Underwater World and your chills at the WWll memorial at Siloso Point (Singapores only preserved coastal Port) Spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves at one of the many Beaches Sentosa has on offer. Don’t miss the view from the Tower & look out for the giant Merlion replica! & SINGAPORE ZOO Singapore Zoo is known to be one of the biggest and best in the world. Housing over 3500 animals this 280,000sqm animal-wonderland is one to be explored and enjoyed for both the old and young. Adult entry will cost you around $20AUD.

Day 2.
The tourist checklist
     
BOTANIC GARDENS 
For your first stop get up early & head down to the Botanic Gardens. (free entry) Nothing in Singapore really gets going until around 11am so spend the morning exploring this green wonderland filled with waterfalls, streams, rainforest & over 1000 species of orchid.
THIAN HOCK KENG TEMPLE Built in 1820 this beautifully designed traditional Chinese temple is not one to miss- admission is free! (That’s what I like to hear!)
THE MERLION Standing tall and proud this 37m lion-headed fish is Singapore’s national mascot. Keep an eye out for smaller variations scattered across the city as well as the giant replica on Sentosa Island.
CHINATOWN Or ‘Niu Che Shui’ as the locals call it, meaning ‘Bullock cart water’ earned its name from locals once collecting fresh water in bullock-drawn carts for their homes. This is the one stop spot to get a sense of the Chinese culture and influence throughout Singapore. Explore the temples, shop and bargain at one of the many stalls and grab some traditional Chinese food from one of the many stores speckled down the Chinese food street. 
LITTLE INDIA This ethnic neighbourhood lay just east of the river and reflects elements of the traditional Tamil culture. Wander through one of the many temples, take a historic walk down Petain road and head on into the Arcade for some shopping! All while enjoying the aromas of exotic spices and burning incense.
MARINA BAY 
1. Marina Bay Sans Hotel The incredible architecture of this hotel stunned, awed and amazed designers all over the world & has not only become an icon in its own right but reinvented Singapore’s skyline. Soak up the view from the harbour then head in & up to get a view of the city like no other. ($18AUD)
2. Singapore Flyer Head up for a spin in the world’s largest observation Ferris Wheel. Standing 165m tall and offering 360 views of Singapore – the iconic flyer is one to tick off the list.
3. Shopping Funan Digital Life Mall is home at all things IT & Suntec City Mall- everything else. Covering a huge 1million sqm area this shopping hub has it all- Check out the Fountain of Wealth while you’re here- listed as the world’s largest fountain in the Guinness Book of World Records.
SHOPPING Singapore’s home to some of the best shopping in the world and the place to start is along orchard road. Lined with local and international brands this street is heaven for those who like to shop. For the young, hip & fashionistas – flock on down to Haji Lane tucked away in an alley of the Muslim quarter. Although I missed this spot, I’ve been told It’s worth the visit. Some other great shopping complexes to note are ION (on Orchard), Wisma Atria, Paragon and NEX.
BOAT QUAY after you’ve dropped your shopping back to your room jump on the MRT down to this vibrant and busy area. Get yourself a ticket ($18AUD) & hop on board a river cruise. Spend the next hour or so watching the city come to life as the evening sets off. Pass by the Merlion, river statues, French concession & get a great view of the Marina Bay Sans standing tall over the Harbour. Once you hit land enjoy the night wining and dining at one of the many alfresco pubs, clubs or restaurants around Clarke Quay.


TIPS & FYI *
EAT COCONUT JAM Stop in to the local supermarket or bakery & purchase a jar of Kaya coconut jam. Slather some of this sweet, green & creamy spread on a piece of bread & enjoy! Kaya jam is a South East Asian breakfast delight & used in many deserts. I don’t have words to describe the pleasure party packed into this jar & bought as many jars as my baggage allowed on departure.
PACK YOUR OWN LUNCH ON DAY TRIPS Save money at Singapore Zoo & Universal Studios by bringing along your own lunch. Like any other semi/isolated tourist attractions – food prices can be pretty high. 
INTERNET OR PHONE SIMS Starhub has some great short term packages. Roughly $16AUD will get you a 5 day unlimited (HI-Speed) data sim.
KNOW THE LAW BEFORE YOU GO Justice in Singapore can be harsh. Minor offences such as spitting, littering or chewing gum can carry heavy fines. (There is a method to this madness – have you noticed how spick and span the city is?! -Power to you Singapore.)


HANDY-DANDY PRINT LIST

Police: 999

Ambulance & Fire: 995
Marina Bay Sans Hotel: 10 Bayfront Avenue, (MRT Bayfront station) 65-6688-8897
Singapore Zoo: 80 Mandai Lake Road, 65-6269-3411, O/hrs: 8:30-18:30 daily
China Town: China Town MRT station (NEline)
Little India: Little India MRT station (NEline)
Botanic Gardens: 1 Cluny Road 259569; 65-6471-7361, O/hrs: 8:00-19:00 daily
Shophouse Hostel: 48 Arab Street, 65-6298-8721
Thian Hock Keng Temple: 158 Telok Ayer Street, (MRT: Tanjong Pagar EWline)

Sunday, December 1, 2013

SURVIVAL KIT FOR A HORRIBLE HOSTEL

Most of the time hostels are awesome. Though sometimes they’re just down right horrid. Whether it’s the hostel its self, the people you’re bunked in with or the whole package – you’re likely to come across a hostel on the little-less-lovely side if the line. But hey, when you’re paying next to nothing to bunk in for the night you can’t really be expecting breakfast in bed. Here's a list of five things I've wished I had at one point or another.



A TOWEL. With bed sheets that have been used more than a hashtag #throwback on a Thursday it takes almighty strength to get comfy laying in the thought of stale fluids and romp-nights that your bed has seen. A quick & simple pick-me-up or better yet cover-me-up is to strip the bed, lay down your towel & sleep on that. It has only happened once- but I’ll admit to sleeping on a towel, switching my blanket for a coat & rolling up a scarf for a pillow.



THONGS. To clear things up for the Americans- I’m talking about the thongs for your feet.  I can’t stress enough how important a pair of flip-flops are when travelling. Not only are they quick and easy to slip on when running outside to see what the commotion is but they’re often incredibly necessary in the shower. Whether the bathroom’s spick-spunky  clean or down right dirty something about standing and showering on the muck shed from the last 8 backpackers.. just doesn’t appeal. 




POTPOURRI BAG Or scented something. I know this sounds completely weird and unnecessary but your nostrils will thank me when you’re stuck in a 10-bed dorm full of au-natural hippy enthusiasts who believe showers are for those tied down by the modern world. Throw one under your pillow & try to forget the nine different scents of awful coming from the bunk below. I first experienced all that is the death-chamber hostel dorm when I walked into my room @ St Christophers in Berlin- amazing city, great hostel, cool group of people – not so cool being bunk #2 / 10 filled with said children of the earth.



WIPES.  Being that it’s typically the norm & a rule of thumb that if you use it - you wash it. You’re sure to come across the not so washed pots, plates and pans sporting chunks of last night’s dinner. Understand that not everyone’s kitchen skills are quite on par with your cleanliness standards nor a priority of those to go. Having a handy set of kitchen or all purpose wipes will help ease your worries and give what you use the once over. In my experience, kitchen wipes or baby wipes actually come in handy for basically everything & anything & if my spidy-sense is correct, you’ll be pulling them out left right and centre.




EARPLUGS. Whether it’s the party downstairs, the card game going on in the corner or the couple banging like bunnies in the bunk above- There will come a time one will wish they’d packed plugs.





Do you have any horror stories, or must have items to help you pull through? 
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