Same same but different

panda — Tue, 13 May 2014 22:57:42 GMT

Giant rats paraded along the gutters. A strong stench of rot rose from disused vegetables that had been threaded into the footpaths. Through the smog filled air hundreds of seemingly choreographed scooters weaved through the chaotic streets as a musical mass of horns blasted their way through the never ending rush hour.

I was not equipped to deal with this introduction to Vietnam as my missed flight, lost passport and chipped tooth had drained my emotional state of mind.

Attempting a death-defying move trying to cross the road, I narrowly avoided a collision with a scooter laden down with a squealing pig and I began to wonder if maybe my legs were not the most responsive mode of transport to navigate this bustling country. I needed an escape.

It came in the form of six motorbike enthusiasts brought together by their incessant craving for thrill seeking. I in turn, found myself propped up on the back of a bike with no protective clothing to shield me from the imperative dangers of travelling through a country that seemingly has no road rules.

As six bikes baring flags from our native countries revved through the persistent rush of traffic into the unknown I came to the realisation that this was my escape.

The route from Hue to Hoi An, had long been hailed as one of the most spectacular drives in Vietnam and had grown in fame since it was featured on Top Gear. We needed no encouragement to include this in our journey.

Misinterpreted directions often lead us off the beaten track and more often than not we found ourselves completely lost but that was all a part of what made this trip so enticing.

We navigated many near misses with trucks, cattle, hens and occasionally, overexcited school children that ran to greet us as we blasted our horns in gratitude at their welcoming faces.

As we neared Hoi An, our expectations had been exceeded, our spirits at an all time high. Suddenly the screech of tires, the crunch of twisted metal and plastic and a quick glance over my shoulder brought me crashing back to reality. Other road users tried aimlessly to avoid the carnage and failed in a spectacular mass of flying debris.

My stomach filled with knotted fear as I raced back to find my friends amid the chaos. Tears were shed to find no one was seriously injured.

As the shock subsided I gazed around the destructive scene to see that the authorities had arrived. As we were led away to the local police station I couldn’t help but wonder how did I end up here?

USA Walking Challenge Las Vegas

panda — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:50:00 GMT

Well here we are after all the hard work and fundraising, I didnt think I would ever get to reach my target but with a little help from my friends I finally made it and here I am on the NBCRI USA Walking Challenge 2008.

The first leg of our trip kicked on Sunday evening Oct 26th in Las Vegas. Driving into Vegas was the most surreal experience. Its exactly like you would see it on TV and it is like walking into a cartoon.

First port of call was the Harley Davidson Cafe for dinner then onto Caesars Palace.

There is gambling everywhere!Literally!! The hotel lobby is like a massive casino and there are cages where during the day there are tigers and lions walking around.

There are over 50 people on this trip and already bonds are forming and we are hanging out as if we have known each other for years. I have no shyness about the fact that I am on the trip on my own because about 50% of the people on this trip are first timers as well and we all have one thing in common at least which is the fundraising we all did for Breast Cancer.

No gambling yet just a major drinking session which resulted in me falling into my hotel room at 8am Monday morning just in time to get my suitcase and get on the bus to head to the Zion National Park!

Great first impression I give...

This is Only the Beginning

Same same but different

USA Walking Challenge Las Vegas