Tag: Backpacking

Visiting the DMZ, Korea

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The DMZ (demilitarised zone) in Korea marks the territory between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). I’m not a big fan of organised tours. However, sometimes, they are a necessity. This was certainly the case when we wanted to visit the DMZ. You can’t just rock up and take a few photos. You have to go with a tour group and have your passport checked before entering.   The day itself was interesting and some parts have actually become quite “touristy”. Upon arriving, all visitors are made to watch an eight-minute …

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Is Vang Vieng Worth Visiting?

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Where is Vang Vieng? Apart from its location, I literally knew nothing about Laos before going there. After deciding it was on our itinerary while in South East Asia, I started reading up on the country. A place which soon appeared on my radar was Vang Vieng. Located near the capital of Vientiane, over the years, Vang Vieng has earnt a reputation for being an alcohol-drinking, drug-taking, Friends-watching, river-tubing town for foreign tourists. The whole situation got out of hand a few years ago as numerous tourists drowned due to excessive drinking while tubing. Many locals feel like the original culture …

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56 Photos of Our USA Travels

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For those who enjoy visuals, here is a selection of photos of our two month USA trip. Thanks to Mitch for many of the great photos. Seattle, Washington Portland, Oregon San Fransisco, California Los Angeles, California     Incredible sunset in LA Phoenix, Arizona Grand Canyon and Sedona El Paso, Texas San Antonio, Texas Austin, Texas Houston, Texas Dallas & Fort Worth, Texas     Memphis, Tennessee Nashville, Tennesse Brief Stop in Kentucky Atlanta, Georgia Miami, Floria   Washington DC New York, New York                            

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Being Back Home in Bristol

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On Friday 25th November, Mitch and I touched down in the UK after being away for fifteen months. We lived in China for ten months and travelled for another five. We had the luxury of visiting Vietnam, Laos, South Korea, Canada (albeit briefly) and the USA.  However, now I’m back in my hometown of Bristol. To be honest, I was looking forward to coming home. That’s not to say I haven’t adored where we’ve been and what we’ve done. I’m so happy and am so grateful to been able to have our lifestyle. But fifteen months is a long time to …

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Visiting Texas: Not What I Expected

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Our route across the USA involved heading down the West Coast and then along the South to make our way to Miami. Texas seemed like a good route to take and we ended up staying there for quite a while, mainly because the state is so friggin’ big, but also because there’s lots to see. Prior to arriving, if someone had said Texas, I would have thought of BBQ, a Southern US accent, and cowboys. My experience, however, has been a lot different. Here are some things I’ve learnt about Texas. Texas is Huge Texas is bigger than the UK. …

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Travelling in the USA: What I’ve Learnt So Far

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Mitch and I have been in the USA for just under a month now. While, at first, travelling from Asia to North America took some adjusting, we’ve gotten into the swing of it and are enjoying the American lifestyle. Before visiting any country you have pre-conceptions about things, but the best thing about travelling is learning that these are not true, or, perhaps, that they are truer than you first imagined. Here’s a round-up of some things I’ve learnt so far from travelling in the USA. Halloween is a Month Long Celebration I always knew that Halloween is a bigger deal here than …

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