Arrived safe and well in the Philippines - it's hot here! My host family live a little way out of the town (but the charity office has good wifi). I've had my induction, got my local SIM card, sorted out laundry etc. my host mum will wash a weeks worth of clothes for 150 pesos (less than £3). I've experienced a trike (think motorbike with rickshaw combo) only 8pesos per journey. Need to sort out weekend plans next - where to visit, how etc. working with 2 o...

After an early start, arrived in Singapore having lost 7 or 8 hrs, still not sure which! Dropped bags at hotel (pics to follow - will explain that in a bit) and got instructions for getting to hop on hop off bus, a couple of blocks away. A city of skyscrapers so far. Did the complete loop round their yellow route (1hr), past their London eye equivalent, many many skyscrapers, various embassies and government buildings. then stayed on to go back to the botanical...

Last day in the uk, got some work still to finish off before I can truly pack away. First part of the journey complete and I've arrive in hampshire. A busy day yesterday catching up with various friends and family here, just Granny to see today. Anything I haven't got or packed now, I'm leaving without!!

Well actually it's less than a week to go - gulp! Starting to get things sorted. Frequent flyer number added to flight plan - might as well collect the point ready for the next trip! Still got a bit of work to finish off before I can solely focus on the trip. Piles of clothes being sorted, how many tops and bottoms can I fit in the bag, what am I going to need for the next 3 months that I can't buy out there???? - oh contact lenses. First stop is Singapore (w...

So GP has given her approval, had to go and have my blood pressure checked before she'd sign off - think it was just an excuse to get me in for an MOT, various boosters been administered, flights have been booked and even one lot of accommodation booked thanks to Rarotonga Backpackers (Cook Islands). Post has been scheduled for redirection....... but still so much to sort. And trying to work in the meantime!! Can't wait for the off - just over 6 weeks to go!!!