Laidback in Laos

Laidback in Laos

In a poetic tale of hedonism, guest writer Aram McLean recounts drunken days & free-loving nights in Laos and still manages time to experience the country’s raw beauty. The way is a mix of clay, mud and manure, making a soup of epic slime. Leeches roam the path. And they jump! Yes, jump. Curling their bodies like some blood-sucking mutant of an inch-worm, they hurl themselves at our bare...

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Standing at the Bottom of the Top of the World

Standing at the Bottom of the Top of the World

Motivated by a lecture, guest writer Vicki Dawson, realises a dream by climbing one shallow breath at a time to Everest’s Base Camp. On October 25th 2010, something that had started as a vague idea and then became a full blown obsession, led to me standing at Everest Base Camp crying my eyes out… Armed with 80 wet wipes, two pair of trousers, two tops and some sturdy walking boots I...

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Dental Drama

Dental Drama

My fear of dentists is so great that I went to my veterinarian for a follow up check up. This past week I was in the dentist’s chair and as usual I didn’t recognise the person sitting there. Between cries of pain, wiping my sweaty palms on my shaking legs, and struggling to keep my adrenaline-fueled, anxiety-pumping heart from jumping out of my chest I had an epiphany: my fear of the...

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Robbed: Bank Balance $0

Robbed: Bank Balance $0

Imagine my surprise this past weekend when I logged into my savings account via the internet only to find that my bank balance read a big fat $0. I had been robbed; my account emptied over the past month via a number of ATM withdrawals in Bogota, Colombia. I wasn’t completely shocked, resigned rather to the frustration and hassle that would, and has, ensued. You see this has been happening...

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The Lessons of Golf in the Game of Life

The Lessons of Golf in the Game of Life

I play a game of golf once a year. I’m not bad for only playing once a year, but let’s be honest I’m not great either. I once took a golfing lesson from an Australian golf-pro in Vietnam so I know the basics of how to stand, swing, and stay focussed on the ball despite the distraction of the swing and the overriding desire to see where the ball went. Sounds easy right, but it’s actually...

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Off the Couch & On the Road

Off the Couch & On the Road

“I have never been a runner,” says guest writer Tom Bailey who is on a six month journey from the couch to a 12km/7.5 mile race. “I have weak ankles and have always hated running because it hurts.” Long ago I decided that losing weight and getting in shape would be nice and was important for my health, but that was nowhere near as motivating as having an event/goal and...

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Oh Happy Day!

Oh Happy Day!

Today I reached my goal! First it was my unfitness, then it was this altitude’s lack of oxygen, then it was the cobblestones, then it was the cold morning air, then it was a stomach bug that slowed me down BUT still I persisted with my (every other) morning run up the mountain to the lofty heights of Antigua’s Cerro de la Cruz, with its spectacular view over the city. (I took my camera up...

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Reclaiming My Fitness (Back to the Gym)

Reclaiming My Fitness (Back to the Gym)

This week I got back to the gym for the first time in a long time … and it felt great! It felt great to get back in the saddle – even if that saddle promised to make me sore (and it did!) – but more importantly it felt good to be back in control: Control of my health, control of my body, control of my ability. There’s no question that it’s been a challenge. A challenge to find the...

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My New Home: Antigua, Guatemala

My New Home: Antigua, Guatemala

Even a rolling stone needs to come to a stop at some point. After an incredibly rewarding year of travelling about – spontaneously shifting from Brazil, North America, Europe, and Central America – I am in need of a rest, regiment and some structure. I have set up camp in Antigua, Guatemala. Or at least I’m trying to in between varying bouts of anxiety & fear at having made the right...

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Holy Cow! Animal Attacks

Holy Cow! Animal Attacks

A small story. A dusty memory that jumped into my consciousness the other day. (I’m not sure why.) Cows, of course, are venerated in India as part of the Hindu religion … I was walking through the narrow streets of Varanasi (an incredible must-see destination in India) having just visited the famous steps that lead down to the Ganges River when a white Brahman cow (complete with horns!)...

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Loredana’s Cake

Loredana’s Cake

This morning I learned to make a cake from a friend’s Italian mother. She doesn’t speak English, but that didn’t stop her from sharing her enthusiasm with me her eager student. In fact it was much easier to communicate then you might think – and a lot of fun bridging the language barrier over an impromptu culinary class.  And, as an added bonus, I’ve walked away with this tasty...

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Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunity

Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunity

Guest writer Jessica Williams explains why those interested in volunteering should chose who they want to donate their time to based on passion and interest and may likewise be interviewed on the same criteria by prospective ’employers': I have spent seven years recruiting in both the volunteer capacity and as an employer.  Many people ask me what are the tricks to finding that perfect...

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