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Journal Home

Ejecting from Reality

Left to Right: Ben, Sam and Simon In March 2007 Ben Turner, Sam Wakelin and I put our careers on hold and took off to South East Asia. The plan was to spend 2 months in Thailand, 2 or 3 weeks in Cambodia, 1 month in Vietnam and 1 month in China. Ben would go onto Japan by himself to visit his brother, while Sam and I would return to Thailand for one more month. Then we would rejoin in Bangkok and fly together to England and then split up.

Most of the trip went to plan until the Vietnam leg where we discovered we just didn't have enough money to go into China. Sam and I would head back toward Thailand by coming through Laos. Ben travelled on by himself and he kept to his original plan.

Journal Entries

  • Thailand - The Land of Smiles

    Spending 2 months in Thailand

    Three of us didn't know what to expect when we arrived in Thailand. Sam had friends there:a monk whose name is Prapum, a meditation teacher named Mr. Chachai, and a guy called Chris who showed us some of the many sights. These people looked after us very well, and we look forward to seeing them again. Read more.

  • Cambodia - A Contrast of Temples and History

    2 weeks in the historical and sad Cambodia

    Ankor Wat is definetely one of those of things you can't miss if you come to South East Asia. We arrive in Siam Reap to see the temples of Ankor, travel further south to the capital to investigate the Khmer Rouge, and soak it up in Shinoukville on the south coast. Read more.

  • Vietnam - Natural Beauty

    6 weeks in Vietnam

    Vietnam was definetely the most interesting country in South East Asia. It has incredible scenery, coupled with it's recent War history makes an intriguing visit. We start at the southern end of Vietnam, in the Mekong Delta and travel north to Sapa over 6 weeks. Read more.

  • Laos - Kind People

    Sam and I relax in Laos

    With the fellowship reduced to just Sam and I, we explore this laid back country. The countryside was similar to Vietnam, however the friendly people in Laos was a contrast to North Vietnam's greed. We get ourselves isolated in the north of Laos before rejoining the tourist trail and venture nearly all the way down to Laos' border with Cambodia. Read more.

  • London - A cold change

    A short stay in London

    Sam and I go our seperate ways. I stay in London for a short 3 days and visit some of the main sights the city has to offer. Read more.

  • Canada - Life in Vancouver

    Catching up with friends and extended family in Vancouver

    In ways Vancouver is similar to Christchurch. I visit my extended family; most of whom I have not seen since I was 5 years old. I take my time and pick the right days (as it rains quite a bit there) to see Stanley Park, Victoria and Whistler. Read more.