..and how to shorten your life... (Bangladesh)

Allo allo

Just returned from a trip to Dhaka in Bangladesh (Southern asia, basically surrounded by India)
and I must admit, I quite enjoyed it. I thought those days when I traveled in Delhi were bad, but man the traffic in Dhaka was even scarier. How to loose 10 years of your life caused by stress, go on an autoricksha (those 3 wheeled scootercars) or rickshaw (the 3 wheeled bicycles) and experience facing REAL traffic with your bare body. You will think the people are mad, then you realize it's just the way they drive around there. No one follows the traffic rules (like stopping at a traffic light or staying in your lane). You just drive as if you REALLY have to be somewhere. It's cars, buses, rickshas, auto ones, people (incl. beggars, hawkers) EVERYWHERE! The flight over there was horrendous and animalistic. Unfortunately the locals just have no idea. They don't know how to flush the toilet, where the bin is, or some don't even know that there is a toilet on the aircraft and pee on their seat (one even pooed on the toilet seat and not inside) they ask for water constantly and stand up from their seats while the aircraft is landing. There were 400 of them on this flight. Good grief, what an experience. I've been warned, so thought I was prepared. But sjoe, hiyebo, aikona.

Anyway, no one was brave enough to take on the thought of traveling, so I went alone. Found a guide (probably not more than 12 years old) and off we went. Saw the beautiful National Parliament House designed by Louis Khan, it won architectural awards. Went to the Dekashwari hindu temple and then little Russel (the guide) took me to the clothing markets where you can also buy the latest movies for verrrry cheap. Took a 3 wheeled bicycle ride back (my first time, i felt bad for letting a guy cycle us, but he gotto feed his family (sjoe, this is a poor country) - i gave him a lot more than he asked for) Then we walked back to the hotel - he took me through the back alleys where I would never dare be alone. It was great!!! I loved it.

Back at the hotel, I chilled in a jacuzzi (haha, in Dhaka) and joined crew for dinner. The hotel had a stunning fully equipped gym, swimming pool, sauna and steamroom and restaurants(well, like most hotels). Don't know why crew complain about the hotel. It is luxury. Especially for Dhaka standards.

Money unit= taka
Weather - misty now and chilly

That's it for now. Hope you enjoyed.
Hear from you soon

Ciao for now
Hugs,
A

bye bye love, hello loneliness

Good morning lovely people!

The first month of the year is already over!
and so we continue into the year
I have just said goodbye to Pookie. We spent about 9 wonderful days together. Param and I also spent days of bad flu's and body aches and nursed each other back to recovery, it was quite funny. I took him to my favourite corners of Dubai, old traditional buildings made from clay and wooden sticks, arabian boats, hungry cats and native men with bad posture, where the food is cheap and the birds like to chirp. He loved it as much. Wow, what a relief. We went on a thrilling dune-bashing desert safari, amazing dinners and lunches, saw some crazy architecture and just enjoyed being together again. It was great. In between I had an insane Indian flight (never to be repeated again, haha) and went to Birmingham, where I fell so sick, I slept for 17 hours. The bus ride to the hotel was stunning though. Beautiful stretches of bright and lush grassy fields and leafless trees, old english suburbs (Solihull). The weather was cold, but great.

The month of Feb, I will hopefully have some great traveling news again, as my roster is quite promising. Having Param here though, has been my best time in Dubai:-) He is on his way to Thailand now (without me, as I didn't get the leave I requested)

Oh, and I must tell you this interesting happening - the rain in Dubai. On the 13th of Jan, we had 2 days of non-stop rain in Dubai. Now, this sounds normal for a winter season, but no - NOT Middle East!! Dubai does not have a draining system, causing all of our balconies to flood, confusing and disorientating taxi/bus drivers, traffic jams, delayed flights etc etc. It was unbelievable. It seems like it's over now, although the weather is still very cold. Been like this for a month now. (Dubai USUALLY only has TWO seasons - hot and BLOODY hot), don't know where THIS weather comes from, hehe.

Hey, it's 7am now (haven't slept), preparing my body clock for the 3 am flight I have later:)
Thank you for letting me share my life

Till later
Tooooedeldoe!!

Alta

how to loose weight in one easy step - for travelers only (London)

Good afternoooon fellas

How about an afternoon tea?

So, I finally got to London, Central. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, so I didn't plan well. I took the Tube, spoke to random people on the train as usual, to find my way
and I decided to start at Covent Garden. Stupid me (expecting a big, beautiful park-like garden with benches only to find that it is some historical place with lots of markets, lights
and busyness) A disappointment. Then I went off to see the action in Soho (redlight district, heehee), checked out what Chinatown looks like in London (boohoo) and just walked around. Honestly, I was not interested in things like the Big Ben and blah blah blah. Just wanted to get the 'feel' of London City. And it was great. Foooking cold tho, but great. I was extremely tired and was wandering around like a zombie actually.
Which brings us to my secret diet:) Just skip on meals when you want to travel to ONE more destination, or afford that cool coat, etc. Hahaha. In this case, I did some groceries shopping again, and saw these booties that I reaally wanted, and actually went back to the supermarket to trade some stuff in to afford the boots. (or rather afford to get back to my hotel, which is an hour away). As I left the supermarket, I realized that I'm not sure where the shoes shop is again (and I left all my belongings there) and I forgot to take the name to ask for directions ( I guess this is how tired I was, with London being 4 hours behind from Dubai, extending my day also). Anyway, found the place eventually, got the shoes and left. Back on the Underground (the Tube/train), got off at desired station, to find no one around to help me with which bus to take. Eventually found a man that was rude to me (probably also tired, as it was 22h00 by then) so I just sat at the bus station crying. Hahaha. I was tired, cold, hungry and broke (gave my last coins to an artist at the station - and I was told the buses to my hotel is free from the airport) and it was just a weird day and I felt lost. So, I cried. But then someone helped me, and told me about the free buses and exactly which ones to take.

Had an interesting time. Afterall, not so sure what the fuss is about London? The sky is REALLY grey, check the photo. And it's REALLY cold, too cold.
The next day I just slept:)

Tomorrow I leave for Johannesburg, to stay for 2 days. Then I bring my pookie with. He's catching the same flight as me:) to stay till the end of the month, whoohoo
Anyone knows of a contact in JNB that does bike licences?? One of those guys that will just give you a mark:).... let me know

Was nice sharing my crazy times
Take care now
And as usual looking forward to your replies

Toedledoo
A

stepping into the light of 2008

Good afternoon boys and girls

Happy new year to you all!!

Relationships can be such wonders in ones life. It can aid in the growth and development of ones journey, creating more life awareness, challenges and reflection. I am loving my relationship with partner and best friend, Param and even over these long/far distances, we connect like never before.
So, I spent New Year's eve in JNB and pookie was right by my side:)
Hope you all had a good party

I have just returned from Gatwick, was discouraged to travel to London from there, so just ended up doing lots of shopping. The entire Debenhams centre was 50-75% off sales. And I've decided to do my groceries shopping at Sainsbury's from now on, it's the best!! (the guy at the till even guessed my profession: "Let me guess. You're aircrew. Yes. Emirates? Of all the airlines, you guys are the best. Thank you. You sound South African. You enjoy living in Dubai? Probably overlooking the creek from your apartment window?" And then as I left the store, I shouted "TOEDELDOE" and he replied, "Ma'asalama!! I was blown away. This guy was so awesome, that I returned immediately to take a photo of him to show the crew. He said that I made his day... likewise buddy, I said. hehe, I tell you, the attitude in England is great, with the right approach:) Imagine this kind of customer service/attention at a Pick-n-Pay till.
I'll be going to Heathrow soon, and would like to go explore London then (haven't been there)

Not sure if I mentioned this before - I won a 500dhs voucher for writing about our beautiful Cape Town for a crew website;-) You can read my review on what2do4crew.com

Oh, my wonderful flatmate turned into a demon, hahaha. So, I'm looking for new accomodation. Watch this space.

So ja... hope you all well

Bye for now
Alta

Singapore/Melbourne

Hello mate

Insane 5 days have just passed. Quite an adventure, I'll try and keep it short and schweet.
Flew to Singapore, stayed in a gorgeous hotel. Went shopping in Bugis Street (shopping markets etc) and had some freaky local Singaporean food (preferred to travel alone, am getting quite good at it now) because crew wanted to go eat at fancy restaurants, shop in malls and take cabs. Boring!!!!
Ate some freaky fruit (beautiful bright pink skinned with snow white inside and black little pips, tastes like kiwi). Weather in Singapore was tropical, hot humid and raining. Loved it.
Then we went to Melbourne, Australia where I started losing my sleep (all the timezones confused my body terribly). Melbourne city felt like Cape Town to me. I traveled to Geelong (75kms from Mel, which felt like Stellenbosch) and met Param's brother, sister-in-law and their cute son. Spent the day with sis in law. Took train back, the train has this awesome toilet system with doors sliding open by the push of a little button, full length mirror inside, and very spacious and clean. Amazing what we get used to in SA:) Getting onboard is like getting on an aircraft, haha. Getting greeted, friendly service and getting information by the driver. Back in Melbourne, I went around in the city, looking for a specific street. After a long time, getting stressed because I'm running out of time, and already out of airtime (stupid prepaid) I finally meet Rochelle!!!! Yes, and it was SO AWESOME to see her there. She came back to my hotel, laughing and taking photos of me with a scary cloth mask on my face trying to re-energize my eyes and skin because of no sleep and again on my way to my next flight back to Singapore. Melbourne was cool, weather like Cape Town's - 4 seasons in one day. Their money is even more colorful than Monopoly's. For example bright seablue with yellow patches, haha etc. On the flight back, we experienced the worst turbulence ever (never want to go through that again). It was not expected and it lasted for about 25 mins. I was just praying all the way.
Back in Singapore, I crashed on my bed and woke up with my phone underneath me. Never heard the alarm, but obviously the body responded and switched it off. Anyway, had very good sleep, was later than planned, but not too late to travel. Took the trains again (my word, now this place's train system seriously impressed me) I was taking trains back and forth as if I've been living in Singapore for years. Excellent, you just can't go wrong. I traveled to Sentosa island, very close. It is very commercialized unfortunately, however I had great fun. Had to go see the PINK dolphins (no, this is not a band's name, but real dolphins that are pink). They have this cool ride called, the LUGE. It's almost like go-carting. Uses no petrol, works on gravity. Oh, Singapore is extremely clean and totally into recycling and being green. Loved it. You get fined a 1000 dollars if caught smoking in the trains, or even just eating or drinking and littering where you're not supposed to. So, traveled all over Sentosa island, even did a quick Dragon Trail nature walk in the rain forest.
People in Singapore I experienced as REALLY friendly and helpful. I had a nice chat to one of the locals as we were going in the same direction walking back to my hotel. Even befriended our crew busdriver (he's a local), and he gave me a little history when we were coming from the airport. Lots of Indians in Singapore, and Chinese, Malays, Thais, etc etc

Then I went to Chinatown. Man, this was cool. I heard a few tourists talking lovely Afrikaans. Did a little shopping, had some crazy local Chinese food (nothing like the stuff we ever get in take away shops). Then got a Chinese massage. I had fallen sick by this time (symptoms of a cold), because I was in need of rest. I wanted to go to Little India also, but had to choose between that or a little snooze before my flight back to Dubai (which was right through the night).
I also understand now why people are going on about the crime in SA. Whenever someone I meet hears I'm from SA, that's the first thing they talk about. Again, we are used to it right? But now these few places that I've traveled to, are so damn safe. It's so cool.
Difficult to choose which photo's to put here, but LOTS more on facebook.
Hope you enjoyed the news
Merrrry xmas to you all!!!

Good day, see you later (as the Australians said as they left the plane)
A

a journey of a thousand miles... (Birmingham)

Well hellu

Imagine going to work and you step into your office, or class, or shop, whatever it is you do - and everyday you enter, you have a different manager and a different supervisor, a whole different team of between 11-19 people that you work with. And you have to become one, a team within 5 minutes and within 1hour you feel like you've known them for years. And after a sometimes hard, sometimes short, sometimes long day, you leave your office/class/shop and step out and just happen to be in another country, haha. Breathe in some Pakistani air, or watch the sunset in Istanbul, or feel the rain in Paris. But just to take this a step further, you loose the definition of what a day really is. Or rather the definition of a day changes into anything that is 24hrs. You might be going to and/or leaving your office 2am or 11pm or 3h15pm and sleep for 8hours whenever your work has finished. Now this last step might give some of you the creeps, thinking that there is no routine. This is the part I love most. It is quite crazy and I don't feel bad for sleeping till 3 o'clock in the afternoon anymore:) Everyday is literally a new day...

So, I saw my pookie in Johannesburg and it was magical;) Say no more. Was good seeing the love of my life.
Then I did Bahrain and Doha both in one day, sheesh what an experience. And now I have just returned from Birmingham. My first time in the UK. Unfortunately I have only one photo, dunno if I did something wrong when charging the camera battery:( but it died on me. My cousin came to visit me while I was there, what a nice surprise (she knew I was coming, and found out where I stayed). Took me to this beautiful lake and park. Afterward, when they left, I was too tired (and the weather too miff) to travel around and just went shopping. Found the cutest things in shops - believe it or not, but they have VERY healthy items in the shops and I sommer did grocery shopping because of all the things I found. Service in Birmingham I found extremely good, friendly and helpful, even the cleaners speak with their posh accent giving me professional (because everything sounds PROFESSIONAL in real English, haha) to the loo's. The robots (gosh, people think I'm little loony when I say that here, so traffic lights from now on) turn orange again before they turn green. I thought that was nice. I quite enjoyed my stay I must say, although the flight back was awful. 6 hours of no breaks, these English drink too much, hehe.. I am starting to (after 3 weeks of flying) get the hang of things. Finally finding my way around the (different) aircrafts, or getting there at least:)

Now I chill again (and recover from jetlag) for 3 days, then I go to Joburg again.
Well that's all for now. Looking forward to any replies.


Wishing you all a very happy and festive season, a merry xmas - and may the year 2008 be the beginning of yet more learnings, discoveries, new insights and great changes and prosperity. Sending you lots of good vibes and love.

Goodbye then
A