Whilst running an adventure holiday for girls from St Augustines Priory Girls School we came across this chap. I assume he surfs when not delivering presents!
Tuesday 20 December 2011
Praise for Thrills and Skills for Life
“Chris and his team provided a superb team building day as part of a corporate 'glamping' trip in Kent for 50 lawyers and support staff. He provided a unique programme which was challenging, interesting and fun whilst allowing for all levels of physical fitness and mental agility. He kept everybody entertained and focused (on a very hot July day) - he is intutive and instinctive and clearly highly skilled - effortlessly cajoling people beyond their normal comfort zone (without them actually realising!) which is no mean feat! I would definitely engage the services of Thrills and Skills for Life for any future team building events and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for a unique and memorable team building experience. First rate service, unique programme, excellent and attentive staff and reasonably priced - thank you.” December 20, 2011
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Hayley Hill - Rowse
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Hayley Hill - Rowse
Team building training for Fishburn Primary
Just about to start a day of Team Building for Fishburn Primary in Stockton on Tees.
Saturday 1 October 2011
The Empire Girls Canal boat Adventure
Recently Thrills and Skills for Life organised and ran a canal boat trip for a group of girls. It was run in Stafford and all the logistics and navigation and organisation was run by our staff. This left the girls to relax and enjoy the scenery between stops at beautifully located canal side pubs.
Year 5 and 6's Team Building in our training forest
Hi Chris,
What a fantastic week! it was absolutely brill seeing so many children buzzing from their experiences this week. they had such a brill time! yet again thanks! Can you thank Mac and Matt and Martin, top quality people who enthralled the children. Have a great weekend!
Danny Eason
Headteacher
Fishburn Primary School
What a fantastic week! it was absolutely brill seeing so many children buzzing from their experiences this week. they had such a brill time! yet again thanks! Can you thank Mac and Matt and Martin, top quality people who enthralled the children. Have a great weekend!
Danny Eason
Headteacher
Fishburn Primary School
No children Identifiable IAW UK law
Monday 22 August 2011
Thursday 18 August 2011
Setting up of the new Cycle Hire Buisness in Dursley, Gloucestershire
The bike hire will be in operation soon and for 5.00 per bike per day you get:
The bike
A route card
A risk assesment and safety advice
A helmet
We can even arrange the packed lunch, or book you a pub lunch.
An entire cycling day out for a family of four for 20.00 GBP !!
Saturday 16 July 2011
Fishburn Primary visit to Hamsterley Forest
Fishburn Primary recently conducted their annual visit to Hamsterley forest. 60 children and 30 adults from Fishburn took part in two walks. The first in the morning was along the river path and in the afternoon, they walked further into the forest along one of the many tourist routes. All the children and adults enjoyed themselves and in a shining sunny day it could not have been better.
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Friday 8 July 2011
Team Training for Rowse Group
They took part in bushcraft in the morning and then in the afternoon took part in a variety of different team challenges working as teams but above all enjoying themselves and throwing themselves into the tasks as the sun beamed down.
A hugely successful day.
St Augustine's Priory Girls School Leadership and Bushcraft Week
Thrills and Skills for Life recently ran a 5 day course for sixth form girls of St Augustine's Priory. They learnt how to live off the land, learnt tracking and trapping skills, lived in Tepees and learnt a great deal about themselves, improved in confidence and developed as leaders. They also spent time driving JCB's and riding horses. By the end of the week they were able to produce an entire meal from the wild and were noticeably more confident and worked better as a team.
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The Swallows and Amazons and Beatrix Potter canoeing and walking trip
The trip now complete, its a chance to look back at what they achieved. The girls walked for 5 hours up a mountain up to 600 metres and covered 9 miles. They canoed around the islands that were used in the Swallows and Amazons film and written about in the book and even had lunch on them.
They had a talent show one night and a barn dance another at the village hall. They had a regatta and paddled a bell boat. They had a final meal at a restaurant and even had a visit to the Beatrix Potter Museum. All this, whilst our chef cooked all meals for them and even washed up!
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They had a talent show one night and a barn dance another at the village hall. They had a regatta and paddled a bell boat. They had a final meal at a restaurant and even had a visit to the Beatrix Potter Museum. All this, whilst our chef cooked all meals for them and even washed up!
Monday 27 June 2011
Swallows and amazons and hill walking
Yesterday the girls travelled nine miles
And 700 feet up in the lake district. They all completed
The walk and felt really proud of themselves
They spent the evening enjoying traditional roast dinner
And the trimmings and toasting marshmallows on the fire.
Today they are canoing around three islands inland ulswater
Where they will have lunch and play swallows and amazons
Looking further ahead they are having a dragon boat competition
Tomorrow and going out for a final meal.
And 700 feet up in the lake district. They all completed
The walk and felt really proud of themselves
They spent the evening enjoying traditional roast dinner
And the trimmings and toasting marshmallows on the fire.
Today they are canoing around three islands inland ulswater
Where they will have lunch and play swallows and amazons
Looking further ahead they are having a dragon boat competition
Tomorrow and going out for a final meal.
Saturday 25 June 2011
The canoe and walking trip
The girls have so far paddled ten miles on lake ulswater, then took part in a cooking
Competition. Today they are at the Beatrix potter museum
And later they are taking part in a canoe regatta.
This evening they are at a local private hall where they are having a talent competition!
The girls are busy and enjoying themselves. So far they have had curry, spagetti bolognaise and chicken for dinners and are all in good spirits.
Competition. Today they are at the Beatrix potter museum
And later they are taking part in a canoe regatta.
This evening they are at a local private hall where they are having a talent competition!
The girls are busy and enjoying themselves. So far they have had curry, spagetti bolognaise and chicken for dinners and are all in good spirits.
Friday 10 June 2011
Cycling in Sedgefield
The Sedgefield cycle group, went on a ride yesterday around Sedgefield and it's surrounding areas. The ride went really well and although a large chunk of the group were away on a large Nhs ride a significant number still attended. This really shows the strength of the group. With the container and bikes in place at Hardwick park the group will go from strength to strength.
Wednesday 8 June 2011
A little girls take on Bushcraft Courses
http://www.radiowaves.co.uk/story/272725/title/year56sassurvivalday
Check out this clever little girls take on Thrills and Skills for Life's Bushcraft courses.
Please bear in mind this was made by a child and although ex soldiers are employed they were not SAS! No children killed any living animal or bird. It was made independently of Thrills and Skills for Life.
Check out this clever little girls take on Thrills and Skills for Life's Bushcraft courses.
Please bear in mind this was made by a child and although ex soldiers are employed they were not SAS! No children killed any living animal or bird. It was made independently of Thrills and Skills for Life.
Wednesday 1 June 2011
Finally, Sedgefield Cycle Group get their container!
Thrills and Skills for Life have managed to finally get the container into Hardwick Park, on behalf of the National Health Service, Get Active Scheme.
Durham County Council, Hardwick Park staff, especially Sara were instrumental in helping achieve the aim.
The bikes will be placed in the container on Thursday and then the group will have its bikes and club in full swing!
Durham County Council, Hardwick Park staff, especially Sara were instrumental in helping achieve the aim.
The bikes will be placed in the container on Thursday and then the group will have its bikes and club in full swing!
Saturday 28 May 2011
Teaching First Aid to Century Composites, Washington
Thrills and Skills for Life recently conducted an Emergency First Aid at Work course for Century Plastics from Washington. Here are the comments from the CEO Vicky Chilcott:
Hello Chris
I just wanted to say a big thanks from everyone at Century Plastics for the First Aid course you ran last week. Ros, Dave and Michael all really enjoyed it, and thought you were a far better teacher (and more entertaining) than any other providers we have used.
We will definitely be recommending you to anyone else who needs a first aid course!
Very best wishes and once again, many thanks
Vicky
Hello Chris
I just wanted to say a big thanks from everyone at Century Plastics for the First Aid course you ran last week. Ros, Dave and Michael all really enjoyed it, and thought you were a far better teacher (and more entertaining) than any other providers we have used.
We will definitely be recommending you to anyone else who needs a first aid course!
Very best wishes and once again, many thanks
Vicky
The Team
Thrills and Skills for Life recently welcomed its newest member, Jayna. She can be seen here with Maddie our other instructor, in the City of Durham, after running a bushcraft course in our forest.
Risk assesing and route finding for the NHS in Durham
Recently Thrills and Skills for Life have been carrying out route finding and risk assessing in Bishop Auckland for the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust. We travelled over a hundred miles and provided the NHS with 9 cycle routes for their clubs to use.
A highlight of the route finding was finding a route which passed the Bishop of Durham's residence at Bishop Auckland.
Wellfield School Bushcraft
Well field school from Ferryhill, County Durham recently took up the opportunity to take part in a days Bushcraft at the Thrills and Skills for Life Forest. The children enjoyed learning how to make shelters out of natural forest materials and had a competition to see who could make the best one.
They learnt how to make a fire from scratch and watched as squirrels and rabbits were stripped and prepared for roasting. Some of the children even joined in with the gutting of the animals!
The children made spit roasts for the rabbit or squirrel to be roasted on.
They learnt how to make a fire from scratch and watched as squirrels and rabbits were stripped and prepared for roasting. Some of the children even joined in with the gutting of the animals!
The children made spit roasts for the rabbit or squirrel to be roasted on.
Sunday 1 May 2011
Sedgefield Cycle Group
The Sun is shining in Sedgefield and the group were out in force to cycle this Thursday. Two groups went cycling a more advanced group and an intermediate group.
English Nature and Durham County Council Planners have finally finally processed and given permission for the container to be placed at Hardwick Park. So in the next week or two a container will be placed there and Sedgefield cycle group will get its supply of brand new bikes and a whole new variety of ride options will be open to them!
English Nature and Durham County Council Planners have finally finally processed and given permission for the container to be placed at Hardwick Park. So in the next week or two a container will be placed there and Sedgefield cycle group will get its supply of brand new bikes and a whole new variety of ride options will be open to them!
The Intermediate group cycling to Bishop Middleham
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Thrills and Skills For Life is TWO!
Thrills and Skills for Life is Two! We have had a busy two years to say the least, but after:
12 First Aid Courses
5 Canoe Trips
30 Leadership Training Days
40 days conducting adventure trips to - Honolulu, Gibraltar, The Dark Peak, Wye Valley, Cumbria, Berwick, Scotland and London.
50 days conducting Bushcraft Courses
The Three Peaks Challenge
The Coast to Coast cycle ride
Winning and now conducting a cycle maintenance contract for 100 bikes for the NHS.
70 route cards and risk assessments produced for the NHS.
Our customers are:
Durham and Darlington NHS
Kings College London
St Williams School - Essex
Fishburn Primary - Durham
St Bedes and Dene School - Durham
St Augustine's Priory - West London
HM Prison Frankland - Durham
East Leigh Healthworks - Durham
Pioneering Care Centre - Newton Ayecliffe
Hamsterley Flyers - Hamsterley Forest
Northern Archaeological Associates
Durham County Council
Essex Mums Group
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Wellfield school - Durham
Wickford Grange Primary - Essex
12 First Aid Courses
5 Canoe Trips
30 Leadership Training Days
40 days conducting adventure trips to - Honolulu, Gibraltar, The Dark Peak, Wye Valley, Cumbria, Berwick, Scotland and London.
50 days conducting Bushcraft Courses
The Three Peaks Challenge
The Coast to Coast cycle ride
Winning and now conducting a cycle maintenance contract for 100 bikes for the NHS.
70 route cards and risk assessments produced for the NHS.
Our customers are:
Durham and Darlington NHS
Kings College London
St Williams School - Essex
Fishburn Primary - Durham
St Bedes and Dene School - Durham
St Augustine's Priory - West London
HM Prison Frankland - Durham
East Leigh Healthworks - Durham
Pioneering Care Centre - Newton Ayecliffe
Hamsterley Flyers - Hamsterley Forest
Northern Archaeological Associates
Durham County Council
Essex Mums Group
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Wellfield school - Durham
Wickford Grange Primary - Essex
A sincere thank you to all our very valued customers and all the people who have helped us reach this stage. We could not have done it without you and appreciate your help.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Customer Feedback
Thanks for the weekend. I love to complain but I can safely say that last weekend was your best event yet. I think the planning, logistics and delivery by you and the team were excellent.
Again next year i hope .
Simon
Outside activities and D of E Co ordinator St Augustine's Priory Girls School
Thanks again for the weekend, the trip was great, all the girls loved it and had a great time.
Cheers,
Rhegis
Teacher St Augustine's Priory Girls School
Hi Chris,
I would just like to thank you, Mac and Mat, school is absolutely buzzing, the kids had a brilliant time. The staff saw so many qualities in the pupils that they had never seen before. It was extremely well run and immaculately organised, I can see huge potential for the future.
I am downloading the pictures etc. which are fantastic.
Regards
Danny
Headmaster, Fishburn Primary, Stockton on Tees
Again next year i hope .
Simon
Outside activities and D of E Co ordinator St Augustine's Priory Girls School
Thanks again for the weekend, the trip was great, all the girls loved it and had a great time.
Cheers,
Rhegis
Teacher St Augustine's Priory Girls School
Hi Chris,
I would just like to thank you, Mac and Mat, school is absolutely buzzing, the kids had a brilliant time. The staff saw so many qualities in the pupils that they had never seen before. It was extremely well run and immaculately organised, I can see huge potential for the future.
I am downloading the pictures etc. which are fantastic.
Regards
Danny
Headmaster, Fishburn Primary, Stockton on Tees
St Augustine's Priory Girls School Hill Walking Weekend
One of the teachers from St Augustine's - Rhegis
The girls stayed in a hostel organised by us and enjoyed Claire our chefs cooking and a film night in the evening. The next day the girls viewed the Dam that was practiced on by 617 squadron (The Dam Busters) and took time to hike up a mountain to view the remains and memorial of an American B29 bomber which crashed.
Thrills and Skills for Life Bushcraft
Thrills and Skills for Life recently conducted a very sucessful 3 day bushcraft training event for Fishburn Primary school from Stockton on Tees. They conducted shelter making, wild food foraging, tracking and trapping, starting fires from scratch and witnessed skinning of pigions and joined in the with the spit roasting of them. The children later tried, stinging nettle tea, nettle and worm stew and curried Pigion! Which was suprisingly tasty!
One of the outdoor classrooms
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Sedgefield Cycle Group continue to rise
The group continue to meet at Hardwick park and once English Nature give planning permission for a container to be kept on site. The team will have bikes on site.
The group continue to meet and run beginner, Intermediate and advanced cycle trips. They also run walking groups around the surrounding areas.
The group continue to meet and run beginner, Intermediate and advanced cycle trips. They also run walking groups around the surrounding areas.
Bush Craft Course in our Southwest training grounds
Thrills and Skills for Life have just completed running a Bushcraft, Survival and Country Skills course in our South West Training Grounds for St Augustine's Girls School from London.
Some of the activities included looking after sheep and chickens, Digger driving, Tracking and Trapping. Skinning and cooking rabbits on a spit. Wild food foraging and cooking, Worm Omelette's!! and rope bridge building.
The girls lived in Tepees and also enjoyed shelter making and horse riding
Some of the activities included looking after sheep and chickens, Digger driving, Tracking and Trapping. Skinning and cooking rabbits on a spit. Wild food foraging and cooking, Worm Omelette's!! and rope bridge building.
The girls lived in Tepees and also enjoyed shelter making and horse riding
Tuesday 22 February 2011
Teaching Leadership and Team Building for St Augustine's Priory
Thrills and Skills for Life have been working in London, teaching team building and leadership training. The girls were very much up for the training and gained a lot from the day.
The girls built on their training which was conducted in November and then 2 days ago, by the end of the day they worked pretty well as a well oiled machine!
Two girls smashed a record held previously by Durham School Children. Annie Gillard Lloyd and Harriet Donovan completed the Blindfold and Cycle challange in 1.10 seconds! It was previously completed in 1.36 Seconds.
No pictures of the girls can be taken or shown unless prior permission is given by school and parents.
The girls built on their training which was conducted in November and then 2 days ago, by the end of the day they worked pretty well as a well oiled machine!
Two girls smashed a record held previously by Durham School Children. Annie Gillard Lloyd and Harriet Donovan completed the Blindfold and Cycle challange in 1.10 seconds! It was previously completed in 1.36 Seconds.
No pictures of the girls can be taken or shown unless prior permission is given by school and parents.
Thrills and Skills for Life working in Partnership with Durham NHS
Thrills and Skills for Life work in partnership with a great many companies. One we are very proud of working with are Durham and Darlington Community Health Services GET ACTIVE. Thrills and Skills for Life have been working hard to promote and set up Cycle Clubs throughout County Durham. The success so far is being shown by, for example, Sedgefield Cycle Group growing and growing, thus keeping people fit and out of hospital.
Sedgefield Cycle Group
This week the group had a turn out of 24, which is one of their best turnouts. The group now regularly splits into four. A walking group, which explores Hardwick park. An advanced cycle group which regularly rides more than 10 miles around Sedgefield. A medium group which cycles roughly 5 - 6 miles. This week the medium group cycled up to the estate which was built upon the old mental hospital. The beginners group cycled around Hardwick Park. New members continue to join and the group continues to grow. On completion, every body met up in the cafe for Tea, Coffee and snacks.
Sunday 13 February 2011
Sedgefield Cycle Club
With such a wide variety of skills and abilitys in the group and such a varied set of activities in beautiful surroundings, really does make the group impressive.
Maddie, Matt and Mack for Bushcraft
Maddie, Mack and Matt have been conducting some team training and getting to know the forest in Stanley Crook, ready for when our first customers arrive in March. They now know the forest inside out and have helped with the production of the Risk Assesment.
We cant wait till March when our first Northern Bushcraft customers arrive, Fishburn Primary School.
We cant wait till March when our first Northern Bushcraft customers arrive, Fishburn Primary School.
Northern Bushcraft Team Training
Wednesday 2 February 2011
Louise Coyles and Michael Smith's round the world trip
Preparing for our trip! 3 weeks to go! Bring it on.....!
Our trip Itinerary is India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and South America. We will blog regularly and want you all to follow us via this blog.
Arrived in delhi fine but thought we landed in the 70's, the airport was like del boys apartment!!
Then we entered in the wacky races with the taxi ride to the hotel, which has a pack of dogs living outside, slept in room for a few hours then went out and about in delhi by metro which louise gt trapped in!!! then ate feast bars form sept 2010, nearly gt run over a million time and Mik had his sunglasses nicked as soon as we walked out the hotel.
apart from that we having a great time. met up with the group and went for a meal and got to know everyone.
Going to have an early 1 tonight as its up at 4am to get train to our next stop Arga where the thaj mahal is.
Day2
Got the 4,30am train to Agra. That was an experience in its self! The whole station is full of homeless ppl sleeping. The sight from the train were amazing - rural India. Grabbed a Costa Coffee (total luxury) and rented a rickshaw for the day which took us to the Baby Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the very surreal Taj Mahal! Indian tourists found us Westerners alot more interesting then the Taj, we posed for pics all day! It was fun!
We stayed at the Taj till sunset - very peaceful. On the evening we went out for a group meal and then it was back to our tour leaders room for rum and card games! Good night!
Day3
Took a local bus to Jaipur. Took a orientation walk with our group leader of the 'Pink City;. Very colourful street markets.
Went to the Cinema for a Bollywood movie, very different to the cinema back home. Locals really go for it! Clapping, singing and takings pics of the screen! They had popcorn which everyone was so excited about!
Back at our hotel Michael and I had a drink with Abi (tour leader...rum of cause). Everyone else went to bed. India life really wears you out! But we our abhi as he keeps giving us amazing hotel rooms because we are a couple - its great!
Tomorrow is a free day to roam the city! watch this space....
Day 4
We met up with two girls in the group Lydia & Catlin and we all headed to Amber Fort. We hired the WORST tuk tuk driver that day. He was seriously in a bad mood and argued with every other driver! We looked at a few Palaces, all beautiful but we are a bit done in with architecture! So that evening we went to a 'very' local restaurant! The food was good but the place was not up to our standards! Michael fell through a chair and found several hairs. Like curry for him is not hard enough!
By this time we were all ready for a drink. We sat on our rooftop bar, rum again. About 12pm we got kicked off the roof so we all headed back to our room to drink till the early hours.
Day5
Off on the road again to Pushkar. Was an early morning journey which started off fine but during the journey alot of locals joined the ride. Wen you imagine India buses packed to the rims and ppl on the roof, this basically sums it up! The hotel was amazing, had a pool and even toiletries! We lay around the pool that day before getting Indian'd up for our Camel ride to the desert
I was terrified getting on the camel but the guy whose camel it was so nice and helpful. The ride ended up being one of the best thing we have ever done. About 1 hours ride into the desert at sunset. We ate, lit a fire, drank rum (the desert was out of Pushkar so rum was allowed... apparently!) and joined in the traditional Indian dancing! The camel ride home in the pitch black night when we all had a little too much gin and rum was maybe not such a good idea! But so so fun! Lou's camel stopped for a snack on a mango tree which totally freaked her out as it went onto its hind legs.
Day6
We had an orientation walk of the City. We met a local priest who performed a protection / good karma ritual on those who wanted it by a holy lake.
Puskar is a very holy place. No alchol, eggs or meat was allowed in the city. The girls went to the priests wife's house for a cup of Chai and Henna tattoos. We met their children and the wife's mother. The kids brought their friends round to meet us!
That night we watched a bollywood movie on the rooftop of another hotel, Abhi has good contacts! We had a really good meal.
Day7
We walked to the top (well Lou didn't get that far!) of Snake mountain to watch Sunrise. Its was a hard climb but well worth it once at the top. Those who got there including Mik celebrated with a cup of Chai.
Sadly that day Andrew in the group from Canada had to make really difficult arrangements to get home for personal reasons. It was a shame. Later that day we had another bus ride, 8 hours in total to Udipur.
Another terrifying journey! Again with the locals (rather than our private bus! Yes we know...adds to the the experience! But you just try it!). At first, quite relaxining, reading, listening to music but then the rude locals jump on and expect our seats! Respect to elders and everything but when ppl are sooo rude, no way are we giving up seats! They even tell us to 'shoo!' & constantly stare at us Michael eventually gave in and shared the arm rest of his chair with a rude lady (not sure if it was by choice mind!). Hummm! Its was Aurora, a Norwegian girls, 21st Birthday the following day so we began to make plans on the bus for her celebrations! Finally arrived at hotel and although nice, room itself not as nice. Suppose we have been lucky so far so cant really complain. It was quite late when we arrived. Everyone was really starving and dreading the typical Indian wait for food. After eating we all slept...ready for the day ahead tomorrow.
Day 7-8
After breakfast we had a orientation walk around Udipur. Unfortunately while we were there a Royal wedding was taking place so most 'sight seeing' places were closed as most of the things to see are to do with the Royal family! To be honest, we were all quite plsd. We have seen alot of temples & palaces in the last week or so. We managed to see the Kings palace on the lake which looks beautiful and the main palace is raised so high up so on a night when it is lit up you can see it from everywhere. The sight of it from our rooftop area was amazing. Apart from that we all took the opportunity to go off on our own to shop in the markets, stop off in cafes, use a near by pool and just totally chill out. Think it did us all good. On the first night we had the birthday celebration. Stared with food on daybeds, Shisha pipes (sorry Mam & Dad), then we moved to the rooftop for drinks, birthday cake and balloons. It was great we got to do this! Then we did an early celebration of the Holi Co lour festival! Its was so much fun, just the girls, You just throw coloured powder at everyone! We, the hotel, got in so much of a mess but it was worth it! See the pics! We also managed to fit in a tradition dancing show. Open air, sitting on rugs. The dances told stories on how the traditional Indians live, fun and interesting.
Day 9
Left Udipur in jeeps which was cool to travel a couple of hours to Ranakpur. Its was a forest retreat with a pool. Totally nothing around us. I cant believe we are being brought to such nice places. We did travel to a near by temple which was beautiful, one of the best temples in India.
We saw a tree that was full of these black and yellow bats! It was really creepy to amazing to see them hanging upside down in the bright of day! We also saw couple of working cows turning a wheel to bring water to the local village. Its mad to think life is like that here. We get it so easy at home. The rest of the time was spent by a pool which we had to ourselves and eating and drinking by the fire on the evening.
Day 10
Time for the longest bit of traveling....18 hours on a train, which we had to sleep on!
we left ranakpur via jeeps and traveled to a near by town to catch the 6pm train to Mumbai, the train was very basic and our sleeper cabin didn't even have a door! just a curtain. we all chatted and played a few games before trying to call it a night around 11pm, we closed the curtain but when people walked past they kept opening and looking inside, Michael was woken by Pru as she had noticed her hand bag had been stolen, we informed the tour leader and train conductor and they quickly found the thief, just as well as he had took her passport, camera money and cards!! he then got taken of the train and to the local police station.
we arrived in Mumbai around 11am and gt THE worst taxi ever, no air-con and it was 42 degrees in lots of traffic for an hour. we got to our hotel eventually put our bags in and then headed out to see what Mumbai we could in half a day, we first went to India gate, from there we got a ferry to elephant island where we had a look at all of the ancient caves which were impressive. later we all went for a group meal and stayed out for a few beers.
Day11
We have a flight to Goa in the afternoon so we decided to try and see a bit more of Mumbai while we could, we headed to a market which we were told was excellent but when we got their it was just a local market for fresh food, Mc Donald's for breakfast then back to hotel to meet with group before going to airport.
Day...who knows - Goa!
The beautiful beaches of Goa and the laid back ways was what everyone needed after the intense craziness of India! Its was party time for everyone but also a little sad as the tour ended. We made great friends and couldnt think of better people to have shared the trip with. We covered Calangue, Baga and Anjuna beaches in the North with the hippies from the 60's and then Palolem beach in the south. The Silent Disco parties meant we had more hangover days than exploring here - but so fun! The perfect way to end the India trip. We also got to experiance Holi festival for real!
Bangkok
Phew! It feels good be be somewhere normal now we are out of India! We cheated a little here and did no touristy sight seeing at all! Kho San Road was our first and only stop! Great atmosphere, great street food!
Hoi An
Within the first half hour of arriving (in the rain again must I add) we hired a motorbike! Well Michael the driver, Lou the passenger. Not to such a good start with Michael driving up the wrong side of the road with on coming traffic..Lou on the pavement trying to let him know but couldn't for laughing so much. He survived. Once we got the hang of it we were off! To explore the beautiful ancient town of Hoi An. Close to beach & rivers, great nightlife & restaurants. One night, walked into a bar. Full of supposedly mafia Vietnam people who were refusing to give up the pool table until they got beat. So Michael is straight in there and almost does! He has a whole audience with their fists in their mouths praying for Michael to beat this guy! Apparently it was very close but the Nam's won, boo. Had a fun night and took a risky motorbike taxi (3 of us on the bike!!) to a posh hotel resorts beach club for an after party. then got THE most crowded mini bus ever, it was soo busy Michael literally had to climb over people to fit in, he lost his sandals in the process but it wasn't worth it to get them back and we walked home from the taxi drop off with Michael bare footed!!
the next night we were going home and randomly saw our friend gio gio - small world!!
Nha Trang
It was raining when we arrived in Nha Trang you will not be surprised to hear....Ahhhh! We want tans you know God! The rain really made an impact here as it is a seaside town with not much else to do. So the best thing we could do was go to the bars. Oh well! Met Goi-Goi again (he just appears from anywhere!) and a couple of Indian girls from London. Had some fun nights out with them which resulted in hangovers but it didn't matter so much cos of the rain. We eventually ventured out and visited a couple of temples including the impressive White Buddha, the local church, aquarium (Trish-we've saved all the pics just for you) . Got messy in the Mud Baths and Hots springs. Ever tried to swim in a 40degree mineral water pool? You cant! The water is to 'thick''! On our last day the sun came out. We didn't manage start the tan process but was good to see the town looking good. On our last night, took an overnight bus to Ho Ching Ming city which was a lot nicer than the stupid overnight train we took so we were quite looking forward to it for a good nights kip but we couldn't sleep! Lou had to keep one eye open to maker sure the driver want falling asleep and Michael couldn't fit in the dam thing
After the Horrid bus Journey we arrived at 6am and went straight to the hostel for a few hours sleep, the 1st day we did not do much and just had a look at a few sights which were not that interesting but felt we had to do, booked a tour for the next day and went to a Japanese restaurant that sold Italian food!! the next day we woke up early to go to the Mekong Delta's, we saw how the local people make the crafts and sweets which was pretty impressive, then we got on a kayak and the woman who was paddling at the front gave Michael a paddle and said ''You....Paddle'' Michael didn't want to argue with the Vietnamese woman so he paddled!! we met a few English girls who were on the tour and went for a drink with them later on and also met up with gio gio, we had our flight early the next morning so wanted to call it a night early but we ended up not getting in our hotel until 4am!!!! we paid for it on the flight the next day to Kuala Lumpur!
Kuala Lumpur
Our trip Itinerary is India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and South America. We will blog regularly and want you all to follow us via this blog.
Day 1:
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| Group Meal |
Namnaste!!
Arrived in delhi fine but thought we landed in the 70's, the airport was like del boys apartment!!
Then we entered in the wacky races with the taxi ride to the hotel, which has a pack of dogs living outside, slept in room for a few hours then went out and about in delhi by metro which louise gt trapped in!!! then ate feast bars form sept 2010, nearly gt run over a million time and Mik had his sunglasses nicked as soon as we walked out the hotel.
apart from that we having a great time. met up with the group and went for a meal and got to know everyone.
Going to have an early 1 tonight as its up at 4am to get train to our next stop Arga where the thaj mahal is.
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| Lou enjoying a auto rick shaw (whilst holding on for her life! ) |
Day2
Got the 4,30am train to Agra. That was an experience in its self! The whole station is full of homeless ppl sleeping. The sight from the train were amazing - rural India. Grabbed a Costa Coffee (total luxury) and rented a rickshaw for the day which took us to the Baby Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the very surreal Taj Mahal! Indian tourists found us Westerners alot more interesting then the Taj, we posed for pics all day! It was fun!
We stayed at the Taj till sunset - very peaceful. On the evening we went out for a group meal and then it was back to our tour leaders room for rum and card games! Good night!
Day3
Took a local bus to Jaipur. Took a orientation walk with our group leader of the 'Pink City;. Very colourful street markets.
Went to the Cinema for a Bollywood movie, very different to the cinema back home. Locals really go for it! Clapping, singing and takings pics of the screen! They had popcorn which everyone was so excited about!
Back at our hotel Michael and I had a drink with Abi (tour leader...rum of cause). Everyone else went to bed. India life really wears you out! But we our abhi as he keeps giving us amazing hotel rooms because we are a couple - its great!
Tomorrow is a free day to roam the city! watch this space....
Day 4
We met up with two girls in the group Lydia & Catlin and we all headed to Amber Fort. We hired the WORST tuk tuk driver that day. He was seriously in a bad mood and argued with every other driver! We looked at a few Palaces, all beautiful but we are a bit done in with architecture! So that evening we went to a 'very' local restaurant! The food was good but the place was not up to our standards! Michael fell through a chair and found several hairs. Like curry for him is not hard enough!
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| The 'Very' local restaurant |
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| The group enjoying a drink on roof then on to our room |
Day5
Off on the road again to Pushkar. Was an early morning journey which started off fine but during the journey alot of locals joined the ride. Wen you imagine India buses packed to the rims and ppl on the roof, this basically sums it up! The hotel was amazing, had a pool and even toiletries! We lay around the pool that day before getting Indian'd up for our Camel ride to the desert
I was terrified getting on the camel but the guy whose camel it was so nice and helpful. The ride ended up being one of the best thing we have ever done. About 1 hours ride into the desert at sunset. We ate, lit a fire, drank rum (the desert was out of Pushkar so rum was allowed... apparently!) and joined in the traditional Indian dancing! The camel ride home in the pitch black night when we all had a little too much gin and rum was maybe not such a good idea! But so so fun! Lou's camel stopped for a snack on a mango tree which totally freaked her out as it went onto its hind legs.
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| The group in the desert |
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| Louise a little dubious being on the Camel with Pru and Ursella (I wont repeat what she is saying!) |
Day6
We had an orientation walk of the City. We met a local priest who performed a protection / good karma ritual on those who wanted it by a holy lake.
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| Local priest performing at Holy lake |
Puskar is a very holy place. No alchol, eggs or meat was allowed in the city. The girls went to the priests wife's house for a cup of Chai and Henna tattoos. We met their children and the wife's mother. The kids brought their friends round to meet us!
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| The Girls henna's |
Day7
We walked to the top (well Lou didn't get that far!) of Snake mountain to watch Sunrise. Its was a hard climb but well worth it once at the top. Those who got there including Mik celebrated with a cup of Chai.
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| View from top of mountain! |
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| Mik chilling at the top |
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| Sunrise at snake mountain |
Sadly that day Andrew in the group from Canada had to make really difficult arrangements to get home for personal reasons. It was a shame. Later that day we had another bus ride, 8 hours in total to Udipur.
Another terrifying journey! Again with the locals (rather than our private bus! Yes we know...adds to the the experience! But you just try it!). At first, quite relaxining, reading, listening to music but then the rude locals jump on and expect our seats! Respect to elders and everything but when ppl are sooo rude, no way are we giving up seats! They even tell us to 'shoo!' & constantly stare at us Michael eventually gave in and shared the arm rest of his chair with a rude lady (not sure if it was by choice mind!). Hummm! Its was Aurora, a Norwegian girls, 21st Birthday the following day so we began to make plans on the bus for her celebrations! Finally arrived at hotel and although nice, room itself not as nice. Suppose we have been lucky so far so cant really complain. It was quite late when we arrived. Everyone was really starving and dreading the typical Indian wait for food. After eating we all slept...ready for the day ahead tomorrow.
Day 7-8
After breakfast we had a orientation walk around Udipur. Unfortunately while we were there a Royal wedding was taking place so most 'sight seeing' places were closed as most of the things to see are to do with the Royal family! To be honest, we were all quite plsd. We have seen alot of temples & palaces in the last week or so. We managed to see the Kings palace on the lake which looks beautiful and the main palace is raised so high up so on a night when it is lit up you can see it from everywhere. The sight of it from our rooftop area was amazing. Apart from that we all took the opportunity to go off on our own to shop in the markets, stop off in cafes, use a near by pool and just totally chill out. Think it did us all good. On the first night we had the birthday celebration. Stared with food on daybeds, Shisha pipes (sorry Mam & Dad), then we moved to the rooftop for drinks, birthday cake and balloons. It was great we got to do this! Then we did an early celebration of the Holi Co lour festival! Its was so much fun, just the girls, You just throw coloured powder at everyone! We, the hotel, got in so much of a mess but it was worth it! See the pics! We also managed to fit in a tradition dancing show. Open air, sitting on rugs. The dances told stories on how the traditional Indians live, fun and interesting.
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| Louise after her Holi war!! |
Left Udipur in jeeps which was cool to travel a couple of hours to Ranakpur. Its was a forest retreat with a pool. Totally nothing around us. I cant believe we are being brought to such nice places. We did travel to a near by temple which was beautiful, one of the best temples in India.
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| Temple |
Day 10
Time for the longest bit of traveling....18 hours on a train, which we had to sleep on!
we left ranakpur via jeeps and traveled to a near by town to catch the 6pm train to Mumbai, the train was very basic and our sleeper cabin didn't even have a door! just a curtain. we all chatted and played a few games before trying to call it a night around 11pm, we closed the curtain but when people walked past they kept opening and looking inside, Michael was woken by Pru as she had noticed her hand bag had been stolen, we informed the tour leader and train conductor and they quickly found the thief, just as well as he had took her passport, camera money and cards!! he then got taken of the train and to the local police station.
we arrived in Mumbai around 11am and gt THE worst taxi ever, no air-con and it was 42 degrees in lots of traffic for an hour. we got to our hotel eventually put our bags in and then headed out to see what Mumbai we could in half a day, we first went to India gate, from there we got a ferry to elephant island where we had a look at all of the ancient caves which were impressive. later we all went for a group meal and stayed out for a few beers.
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| Lou and Michael at 'The gateway to India' |
Day11
We have a flight to Goa in the afternoon so we decided to try and see a bit more of Mumbai while we could, we headed to a market which we were told was excellent but when we got their it was just a local market for fresh food, Mc Donald's for breakfast then back to hotel to meet with group before going to airport.
Day...who knows - Goa!
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| Arriving on Palolem beach |
The beautiful beaches of Goa and the laid back ways was what everyone needed after the intense craziness of India! Its was party time for everyone but also a little sad as the tour ended. We made great friends and couldnt think of better people to have shared the trip with. We covered Calangue, Baga and Anjuna beaches in the North with the hippies from the 60's and then Palolem beach in the south. The Silent Disco parties meant we had more hangover days than exploring here - but so fun! The perfect way to end the India trip. We also got to experiance Holi festival for real!
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| Holi'd! |
Bangkok
Phew! It feels good be be somewhere normal now we are out of India! We cheated a little here and did no touristy sight seeing at all! Kho San Road was our first and only stop! Great atmosphere, great street food!
Vietnam
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| Street in Hanoi |
Hanoi - Arrived...its was raining of cause! Stupidly told Michael that the local delicacy was dog....we ended up in bloody KFC! Big mistake! A bustling small city, manic mitorbikes, close to death street crossing, home of Uncle Ho & Bai Hoi 'beer cornors"! The beer corners served their local larger which was pricey at 15p for a pint!! Had some great nights out, met a good guy while playing 'Beer Pong' callde Gio-Gio from Italy to turned out to be a friend all the way throught Vietnam.
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| Playing Beer Pong |
The streets are so ancient but bright and pretty. Each one is packed out to the rafters, stock splilling out onto the street along with dead & alive chickens just ready to be skwered! Its was very much a culture shock for us, more than India suprisingly. There is alot of french infulance with great coffee & cakes! Its was also amazing to see both old & young people doing some very weird exercises down by the lake through out the day. we left Hanoi by Train, we thought we booked the train designed for tourists which are a lot cleaner than the normal 1's, however it didn't turn out that way and we got put on the local train with 2 old Vietnamese people while we watched all the other travelers on the nice train..... Michael was fumin!!
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| Michael not so happy in his massive bed!!! |
Hoi An
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| Michael on his bike! |
Within the first half hour of arriving (in the rain again must I add) we hired a motorbike! Well Michael the driver, Lou the passenger. Not to such a good start with Michael driving up the wrong side of the road with on coming traffic..Lou on the pavement trying to let him know but couldn't for laughing so much. He survived. Once we got the hang of it we were off! To explore the beautiful ancient town of Hoi An. Close to beach & rivers, great nightlife & restaurants. One night, walked into a bar. Full of supposedly mafia Vietnam people who were refusing to give up the pool table until they got beat. So Michael is straight in there and almost does! He has a whole audience with their fists in their mouths praying for Michael to beat this guy! Apparently it was very close but the Nam's won, boo. Had a fun night and took a risky motorbike taxi (3 of us on the bike!!) to a posh hotel resorts beach club for an after party. then got THE most crowded mini bus ever, it was soo busy Michael literally had to climb over people to fit in, he lost his sandals in the process but it wasn't worth it to get them back and we walked home from the taxi drop off with Michael bare footed!!
the next night we were going home and randomly saw our friend gio gio - small world!!
Nha Trang
It was raining when we arrived in Nha Trang you will not be surprised to hear....Ahhhh! We want tans you know God! The rain really made an impact here as it is a seaside town with not much else to do. So the best thing we could do was go to the bars. Oh well! Met Goi-Goi again (he just appears from anywhere!) and a couple of Indian girls from London. Had some fun nights out with them which resulted in hangovers but it didn't matter so much cos of the rain. We eventually ventured out and visited a couple of temples including the impressive White Buddha, the local church, aquarium (Trish-we've saved all the pics just for you) . Got messy in the Mud Baths and Hots springs. Ever tried to swim in a 40degree mineral water pool? You cant! The water is to 'thick''! On our last day the sun came out. We didn't manage start the tan process but was good to see the town looking good. On our last night, took an overnight bus to Ho Ching Ming city which was a lot nicer than the stupid overnight train we took so we were quite looking forward to it for a good nights kip but we couldn't sleep! Lou had to keep one eye open to maker sure the driver want falling asleep and Michael couldn't fit in the dam thing
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After the Horrid bus Journey we arrived at 6am and went straight to the hostel for a few hours sleep, the 1st day we did not do much and just had a look at a few sights which were not that interesting but felt we had to do, booked a tour for the next day and went to a Japanese restaurant that sold Italian food!! the next day we woke up early to go to the Mekong Delta's, we saw how the local people make the crafts and sweets which was pretty impressive, then we got on a kayak and the woman who was paddling at the front gave Michael a paddle and said ''You....Paddle'' Michael didn't want to argue with the Vietnamese woman so he paddled!! we met a few English girls who were on the tour and went for a drink with them later on and also met up with gio gio, we had our flight early the next morning so wanted to call it a night early but we ended up not getting in our hotel until 4am!!!! we paid for it on the flight the next day to Kuala Lumpur!
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| Lou and Michael on Mekon Delta |
Kuala Lumpur
Arrived excitedly in Kuala Lumpur. Took the super cool Mono Rail into the centre. We were really amazed by how beautiful the lush green landscape was and how modern everything was. Really didn't know what to expect with KL. We were so excited! We jumped off the train and it started pouring - like the biggest down pour of rain we have ever saw! We literally couldn't go out into the street as the rain was so heavy and Lou was terrified of the thunder & lightening. The sky was lighting up orange! We huddled under a roof with everyone else which was fine, was quite fun but...McDonald's was over the road! We were really starving and it took us half an hour to get the courage to make the dash across the road but we got there! Nothing comes between Michael and a Big Mac! So, yes, first stop in KL was McDonald's!! After the most amazing meal, we checked into our cool but windowless hostel room (basically a well done out closet!) and got ready for a bit of sight seeing. Theres so much to see and do! We made the next stop the most amazing Petrona Towers! One of the best sights. Totally unexpected! We are in awe!! Below the towers is a shopping centre with every designer you could think of, food courts and a cinema. A really cool place. We spent a while wandering around before heading back to our windowless closet..I mean.. hostel.
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The next couple of days were spent seeing more sights such as the KL Tower which has a zoo enclosed, we drove on a F1 simulator (everything was about F1 in KL was the Grad Prix was taking place while we were there which was so exciting!). We visited Chinatown and met up with our friend Lydia who we met in India, Butik Bintang which is the central area, Times Square shopping centre which has an indoor fairground better then Metroland. Everywhere is so rich, luxurious and really reminded of us Dubai, everywhere is made to look so good. Really loved KL and would love to explore Malaysia further. It was a break from chaos!
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