Looks like you went to Torres del Paine at the right time!
Manish Patel
Hi Phil,
Come back, you're missing all the good weather!
We saw the open air re-enactment of the Ramayana in Ubod Bali.
If you get the chance go to one of the Gili islands between Bali and Lombok. Great place to chill for a couple of days.
Can't say we liked Jakarta much; open sewers etc.
Phil Prescott
They tell everyone that they are booked a long way in advance, but it isn't true. There were people booking on the day and getting a bed. I booked two weeks in advance. In the same breath they told me "oh, our web site won't let you book because all of those months are full - would you like a bed on the 6th April - oh, the 7th would be better? - OK, no problem, just send us the money".
I had grilled snapper at the Filipino barbecue in Kota Kinabalu. Very nice.
Manish Patel
Hi Phil,
We didn't do the climb because we were told we had to book the accomodation 3 months in advance so we had a day tour a the foot of the mountain. Have you been to the open air seafood restaurants which open in the evening? Best king prawns I've had since Sidney.
Six months, when do you expect to return?
Manish Patel
Yo Phil,
Great to see and read on your travels. You put in more local info than I did. Aren't you missing Manchester yet?
Borneo is a fantastic place, we did some hiking etc there a couple of years ago. If you get the chance and get to Bali (we stayed in Ubud) try and spend a couple of days on one of the Gili islands, We stayed on Pulau Terawangan, small island - no cars or dogs allowed. It was great to just relax after 6 months of travelling.
Dad
Hi Phil. The photo of the bird (winged type) appears to be the White Bellied Sea Eagle found in India, Indonesia and Australia. Hope you had a good journey to your next destination and your knee is holding up.
Jim
Dear Mr. In The Gap
Have been reading the entries with interest, amazed at the journey you have undertaken so far. And I am a little jealous. Beautiful pictues and readable text that has me laughing at some of the quotes and happenings that are so Phil. Hope to see you wehn you eventually get back. Keep on going buddy
Have fun, I know you will
Jim
Phil
Hi Indi,
Glad to hear that my site is useful, and maybe inspiring other people to do the same, even in only a small way. My budget is $750 (US) a month. For most developing countries I think this is more than enough to cover everything, and it can be done for less if you really try, stay in the cheapest places and skip some of the sight-seeing. Add to that any long-haul flights and travel insurance, and that should cover it.
I like travelling alone. I have the independence to go wherever I want and I meet interesting people to travel with some of the time. It's more expensive though, as I often have to pay for a double room and for an entire taxi when other people can share.
For a woman, India is definitely harder, although I obviously can't comment from personal experience. It is a very male dominated society, and a woman who isn't someone's wife is seen as worthless, even if she is a widow. So, first bit of advice is wear a wedding ring! There is a complete lack of understanding of Western relationships, and all travellers are in for some tough interrogations from curious people. It's more of an annoyance than a danger, but I've heard women complaining that on top of the stares and interrogations, they are also followed by groups of young men. There are plenty of women travelling alone, so it's best just to be ready for it, and not let it put you off if pos. I've also heard women being advised not to make eye contact with men.
You wouldn't have any problems in Mumbai though - people are much more accepting there.
Hope that helps,
Phil
Indi
Phil,
I'm really enjoying following yor blog, I came across the site by accident and decided to check out blogs from Mumbai (there you were). I get history, an idea of what you're seeing, trivia and cutural tidbits tres bien!! I am planning to take a year off to travel in a few years and mumbai is way up there. Personal question: How much did you save before you embarked on your trip? How do you know when you've saved enough? Where you nervous about travelling alone? How different do you think it would be for a woman? Hey I'm sorry, you're away, enjoy it and embrace every moment. Looking forward to your next blog.
Indi
I
Phil
They usually charge me about 50 rupees Manish, and without the head massage. I've been in for another shave since that photo. I do it about once a fortnight - which is probably why they charge 50 rupees!!
Les - yes we did get to Scara Brea (not sure of the spelling either) - an amazing place. I was disappointed that you can't see the Old Man very easily from the islands themselves. But the outer islands of Westray and Papa Westray were good.
