Different world

Hong Kong Island Originally uploaded by Natmandu. What was that I said about getting the hang of things travelling-wise? Pah. Spoke too soon. I still feel like an idiot tourist stumbling his way through a different culture hoping his clumsy English foppery and winning smile will get him through. China so far is attempting to …

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And we’re off! Again.

Kowloon Originally uploaded by Natmandu. Where to start? It’s been a busy, busy few days. I left Suffolk after a much easier packing experience than the first time around, mainly because most of my stuff was already packed. One difference this time was a bit of a ‘Sunday night’ feeling about going back – looking …

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Back to it

Kate’s funeral was last Wednesday. I got back from India in time to spend some time with her and the family before she died. It’s only just sinking in that she’s gone – we love her and miss her very much. With the funeral done, it’s time to get ready to continue the trip. I’m …

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Culture shock… in reverse

Getting back to the UK happened in a blur – I’d booked the plane ticket on the Saturday, was on the plane on Sunday after a taxi ride to Delhi through the night from Bhagsu, and got into Ipswich on Sunday night. The journey was easy until I got back to the UK – the …

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Going home

My favourite quote is a song lyric, from John Lennon’s song Beautiful Boy – “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”. I’m going to be back in London tomorrow evening. My cousin Kate is extremely ill, and the family are getting together – the trip is going on hold for the moment. …

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Cobblers and the Meaning of Life

Sunset no. 3,000,001 Originally uploaded by Natmandu. Some people go to India to find themselves, apparently. They go to do Yoga, Reiki, get Ayurvedic massage, or do a ‘retreat’. People have all sorts of expectations of the place. Some people come because they heard it was a ‘challenging’ place to be, it was cheap, or …

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