Am I Nearly There Yet?

Tag: Girl Travel

Day 359: A Girl Travelling Alone in India
Hummm maybe a bit too much luggage!
With my place on a Laughter Yoga Teaching Course secured, I had to get myself to Bangalore. Stu I had been travelling almost a year by this point, and had never been apart for even a day! Is that healthy?!
So, I was about to deal with new experiences, new feelings, and having to be a new grown up woman travelling all by herself in crazy India.
I’d heard of all the stereotypes of being stared at and groped by Indian men. Also not being acknowledged or respected as a woman. This was not something I was looking forward to!
I had pre-arranged an auto-rickshaw before Stu and I said our goodbyes in Hampi, 9 hours north of Bangalore.
The driver had acted friendly and genuine and I felt safe about travelling alone with him late at night. However, when I went back to meet the driver, he had turned weird. He barely communicated when I greeted him, and he watched me struggle with my bags. He said he didn’t realise it was just me he was taking.
Before we left Hampi he pulled over by a chai stand, and said something confusing about his usual fare being a lot more, and did I understand what he was saying. He made me feel uncomfortable. Throughout the journey he was moaning about how tired he was, but it was only 7pm! I kept my penknife close, just in case!
I was getting a sleeper bus to Bangalore City. I was worried it would be an awful experience and the roads would be in bad condition. Surprisingly, the bus felt like luxury, compared to Indian trains and I even had a bit of privacy with my own curtain!
I had to get used to thinking for number one, being brave and keeping myself entertained.
It would appear that staring is acceptable in Indian culture. This can be very uncomfortable for western travellers, especially if you are on your own. Luckily the people on my bus didn’t seem that interested in me and just wanted to sleep.
Arriving into an unknown place in Bangalore, in the early and dark hours of the morning was an unpleasant start to my long day.
I was thrown off the bus by the side of the road and didn’t know where I was or where to go. And most frustrating, I didn’t have any small change for the notorious rip-off rickshaw drivers!
Deep breath…..
Not having a clue what to do, I found my way to a safe and comforting environment at 5am- Bangalore’s International Airport. I sat there for 2 or 3 hours, eating subway sandwiches and drinking strong coffee, while trying to figure out what I was going to do for the rest of my day.
It felt strange having to make decisions all by myself, without confiding in Stu. I wanted a moment to myself before I ventured out the airport to be bombarded by touts and taxi drivers. There was also a nagging thought that I was already spending a lot more money being by myself.
On a sleeper train in India
I got dropped of at a ‘budget’ hotel not far from the airport. It was very expensive for Indian prices, but it was close to my course that was starting the following day.
So with peace of mind that I would get to my course on time, I could now relax and prepare for the course.
I was so excited about getting to the retreat and starting my Laughter Yoga Teaching Course. I had arranged a non-English speaking auto-rickshaw driver with the man from the corner shop.
The next morning to my amazement, the driver not only turned up on time, but managed to drive me to my destination with only a few wrong turns and communication issues! I didn’t help by loosing the retreats address!
My Laughter Yoga Teaching Course was a complete success! I was taught by the creator of this unique concept. I learnt a lot of new and exciting things. And going on the course has reconfirmed that I love laughter yoga and would like to pursue a career teaching it.
Back together again!
I had already pre-booked my sleeper train out of Bangalore for the night following my course.
I was really looking forward to seeing Stu again and relaxing on a beach in Goa. Nobody was able to get on the wrong side of me that evening!
Stu and I have now been reunited and are currently kicking back on Palolem Beach in Goa. I am so happy to be back with my travel buddy.
But, I have definitely been through a learning curve travelling alone as a girl in India.
I feel confident that I could do it again. I would say that the positives to travelling alone are that you communicate with other people much more– travellers and locals. You have to think for yourself, which makes you independent. And you have the freedom to do more of the things that you want to do.
Everyone should try a bit of solo travel!
April 11, 2012
Getting Pampered While Travelling in Asia!
The girliest hairdressers I've ever seen!
Girls, get ready to have some fun!
I would say I’m a girly girl. I love pink, I love dressing up, I love getting my hair done and generally love getting pampered!
Unfortunately, it is very expensive in the West to keep up this habit. A good reason to go travelling maybe!
Before I went travelling in Asia, there was a lot of beauty treatments that I’d never experienced before. And I’m not talking about obscure things like nasal cleansing or colonic irrigation! I mean girly treats like manicures, massage and waxing, basically most things!
Hot cupping in China
Treatments are so cheap in Asia and you can feel like a pampered princess for a full day for under $30!
Most countries have their own traditional beauty treatments.
Get pulled and twisted with a traditional Thai massage in Thailand, get your hands painted with henna in India, have a relaxing massage by a blind masseur in Vietnam (don’t know why they’re all blind), or try hot cupping in China.
In Thailand, pretty ladies ask you every day if you would like a “massaaaaaaaaarge?” It’s quite funny!
Indian mehndi
Some massages are better than others, and I wouldn’t guarantee that all the women are trained, but it’s always fun to be pampered!
Not every massage in Thailand has to be one with a happy ending. Gents need to watch out for the ‘happy massage’ or massage that has a ‘happy ending’. You can probably guess that it doesn’t mean you get given a lolly pop at the end!
During our stay in Cambodia, ladies would walk up and down the beach offering pedicures and manicures. I felt a bit awkward at first, watching westerners sitting on the beach, with a local Cambodian woman at their feet, working away while they sipped on cocktails.
Fish massage
I soon felt envious of the tourist getting a pedicure without having to move and at the same time enjoying the sea view, so I got one myself!
Having beauty treatments in Asia, has been a treat. It’s relaxing, makes me feel good and look good too!
You may think what’s the fuss all about as it’s all readily available at home in the West, and probably is better quality.
But my point is, I simply can’t afford the western prices. And I’m sure most backpackers can’t either.
We are very lucky to be able to afford these beauty treatments in Asia, and I’m going to make the most of it while I can. I love it!
Photos: Hot cupping by amyselleck Fish massage by permanently scatterbrained
March 16, 2012
Things Girls Shouldn’t Forget to Pack
This is ridiculous!
Here are a few things that are in my backpack that I’ve found invaluable. You probably won’t see some of these items on most packing lists, and some might be a bit squeamish about it all.
But I feel girls should be as prepared as possible for what the traveller trail throws at them.
Remember everything you bring you’ll be carrying on your back. If there’s something you’re thinking about packing just in case, leave it! Most things can be bought in any country.
Moon Cup
This is a genius creation for girls to use instead of tampons and sanitary towels whilst on their period. Before I came travelling I had never used a Moon Cup before, but had heard of them and never gave it much thought.
Thinking about how many tampons I would have to pack and if I could find them in every country made me research into the Moon Cup.
I have never looked back. Of course you should give it a couple of months trial before you set off travelling to see if it’s for you. They come in 2 different sizes so pick the right one and see how easy it is to use. Also, pack a large metal mug to sterilise the Moon Cup, using boiling water before and after your period.
Shewee
Disgusting toilets, squatting, no toilets, no privacy– All these worries led me to purchase the Shewee.
I used to work in an camping shop and would get a few embarrassed women coming in to ask if we sold the Shewee. Not really knowing what a Shewee was and finding the whole idea quite amusing I never gave it a second thought outside the shop. That was until I planned to live like a nomad in Mongolia and trek the Himalayas in Nepal!
Worries that every bathroom on my travels wouldn’t be like my clean and comfortable toilet back home turned me into one one the embarrassed women that walked into my shop.
Sold in shops worldwide and online, the Shewee is easy to buy. There are also lots of similar products by different companies like Whiz Freedom and Go Girl.
The Shewee is a worth while investment and should be tried out at home before you go travelling. I recommend experimenting in the shower first just in case you make a mess!
Flesh Coloured T-shirt Bra
Not the most attractive bra or one I would recommend you wear on a first date, but a bra that can’t be seen under any coloured top is a winner in my books!
If you do not own a flesh coloured t-shirt bra, I definitely suggest you go out and buy one now!
It has saved me on many occasions and is my most worn item on my travels (in case you were interested)!
Contraceptives and Pill Information
If you are using the contraception pill make sure you get the maximum amount you are allowed to buy before you go travelling- in England that is 1 years supply. Also take the information of what pill you are on, the dosage and the ingredients (the box and the information guide should cover that).
Whether you are on the contraception pill or not you should definitely pack lots of condoms! When you are in a malaria risk zone and are taking anti-malarials, some of the tablets cancel out the contraception pill. Making sure you use condoms during that time is essential to stay safe.
Conditioner
Conditioner is probably something most girls use every time they wash their hair. Silly me thought I could save money and room in my backpack if I made do without and stuck with shampoo.
After my first shower on the road I realised I’d made the wrong decision. My hair looks better, feels better and is much easier to comb, I have never been without conditioner since!
Flickr photo by topgold
February 26, 2012