Contagiously Adventurous!

Although this journal has no real beginning, like most things: it has to start somewhere. However, as every training athlete knows: although every race starts somewhere and is governed by a gun and supervised by a stopwatch. The desire and determination to win that race often comes unpredictably, from nowhere. In my case this nowhere lived within a soul sucked seventeen year old lifeguard. Lost in a pointless, pristine unwritten red book. My first trip was more than a plane ticket and a backpack, it was my making.

The wind howled through gate 102 of Gatwick Airport, as the plane began to move forwards towards the runway of freedom, independence and life. I won't deny that it wasn't daunting. I won't deny that at that moment, I wouldn't have sacrificed almost anything for a familiar face in the empty seat beside me. Deep inside, I'm no superwoman and for as long as I love - I will not be.

Bangkok is like no city I have ever visited, or probably ever will. Yet despite my preconceptions, I loved almost every moment of it. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I started to sweat, but the true heat of the 'City of Angels' did not hit me until I arrived at the terminal. Pushing and shoving through hoards of avid backpackers, being harassed by all too eager tuc-tuc drivers, I marched towards the exit. Thankfully bumping into my host Leem (Greenway Co-ordinator) and the smiling faces of Rob, Hayley, Kate and Frankie. I immediately felt less vulnerable, as we talked about our journeys and our excitement for the weeks ahead.

Stepping out onto the Khao San Road, making friends relied little on first impressions - which were vastly overridden by what can only be described as a sensual overload! From flashing lights and pounding music, to the smell of durian awash with incense. Then the heat, oh the heat! Humidity alongside the various advertisements for some of Thailand's more infamous pleasures.

Before long, we hit a laid back restaurant- where I chatted to Jess over my first bowl of Pad Thai and sampled Rob's tongue emaciating red curry! A few Kamikaze's later and we were partying like we'd known each other for years.

My first day in Bangkok was definitely worth the jet lagged, seven o'clock start. Heading towards the river, we boarded a decoratively coloured harmless looking 'narrow' boat. Three seconds later, we were riding the waves of the Saphan Phra Pin Kao - clinging on for dear life! 'If we survive this it's gonna be awesome' Rob brawled.