Daily scribbles and drools... Day 23

Blah

I really am still blah at work. Whadda do. Whadda do. Whadda do. New streams of thoughts have opened up. I just have to start work on them - no distractions.

Problem is, I love distractions. So again, whadda do.

In the meantime, I leave home by 6 or 6.30. I mean, hey, I'm not really the best there is, is there? Snort!

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 22

WED 2018

What a day!

Noisy. Energetic. Enthusiastic. Fantastic 6000 volunteers gathered at Versova Beach yesterday as India kick-started the 2018 World Environment Week celebrations... Which will culminate on 5 June 2018.

We had Erik Solheim head of the UNEP with us. Along with Diane Mirza who is India's ambassador for the Environment at the UN... Or something like that.

The Norwegians are very well represented at this cause -- I'm speaking of the Norweigian Embassy head and his wife, which just goes to show how much this country and it's people love and respect mother nature and how invested they are in securing her future.

But more than anything, this post is a tribute to the volunteers --- who mostly are referred to as foot soldiers, followers etc. While Afroz leads the charge, it's these wonderful folk who are driving change as hard as him. It's wonderful to meet a number of committed and like minded folks all dreaming the same dream... Seems impossible but I really feel like we are quarter way there!!!!

Very very pumped about all of this.

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 21

Dylan's surfing company - Review

Visited the picturesque Arugam Bay at the start of May 2018! Quaint, calm and a scenic view accompanied me every single day as I went for my surfing classes with @DylanSurfComany. I did a lot of research before heading to Sri Lanka and I really got this positive vibes from them throughout my interaction with the entire team...

Rochelle aka more popularly known as Rosie, kept in touch a month prior and patiently responded to my million queries and concerns and who went out of her way to make sure that as a solo traveller, I didn't feel left out at any point during my stay at A-Bay! She was kind enough to include me in something or the other planned by her crew, that I had one of the most relaxed vacations ever.

Now to my surf classes-- **drum roll** Chuchu aka Prasanna (I hope this is the Sri Lankan spelling cuz that's how it's spelled in India), was my instructor for my nine beginner surf classes. From the very get-go, he was always on time, professional and made sure he was talking to me and updating me about how well or lousy I was surfing, the leg positioning, arching my body too much, not bending my knees enough, making sure I didn't get wacked by my board or anyone else's board, telling people off if they were too close for comfort and more importantly, paying attention to the little things.

Like in every relationship, it's always the little things that matter and I was so keen on learning to just stand on the board that I would miss out on those key instructions he would yell, such as "Chelsea, stand up slowly" etc. The care that he took while I was surfing, considering I didn't have my glasses on and I'm as blind as a bat, was such that he made sure the instructors around him and he were in sync to letting their charges take a wave. The nine classes really helped build my confidence as a beginner and I'll always be grateful for everyone chipping in to make sure my safety was never in question.

Does a person require to sign up for so many classes as a beginner? I'm no expert but from my perspective, I did so because I know what my body and mind are capable of and hence wanted to make sure I didn't lose out on having a complete experience. The surf points we visited were Peanut Farm and Panama Point of which the latter was a better place since the waves were better and was comparatively less crowded than Peanut farm. Out of the 7 surf points A-Bay has, quite a few were still closed since the season is yet to begin and hence crowds were thronging to the limited 2-3 spots that are good for beginners.

Shout out to the rest of the lads, Imalka, Aravind, Jhecko, Francis, and the rest - you know who you are. Sangeeta at the store was always kind and smiling and welcoming me to the store and helping me with my purchases. Even the tuk tuk drivers - I'm sorry I've forgotten your names, but talking to all of you, even in Hindi, was amazing!

Thank you for making your neighbour feel like home at all times!

Yaumnai!!!

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 20

Disconnect

Much needed. Or at least more regulated. Spending way too much time watching TV shows means I'm switched off from everything else. Affecting the natural balance of life, in a way.

Soooo decision is being made. One episode per night. And have to focus on getting other shit done. Learning french has gone down the gutter and needs to be received. Looks promising!

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 19

This time last week...

Returned from Sri Lanka. Got a clean up, a pedicure. Relaxed, felt refreshed and rejuvenated. And in the week that's gone by, I think I've still been able to keep my shit together and not let personal or professional get to me.

Says a lot, doesn't it?

Out of sorts. Feeling out of sorts, if I have to be honest. Neither here nor there types. Smiling listlessly with no agenda or goal in sight. I'm expecting this to change sometime this month end anyway. I guess, once the letter comes in. In other news, the internal transfer didn't pan out. Sucks. Bleh.

I went shopping though. I dunno after how long but it felt nice. I bought everything that I identify with.. hahaha I give up - I'm still a spend thrift, no matter how hard I try!

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 18

Privilege

Affords you the opportunity to get your way most of the time when you're older but it also is dumped on you as a kid, setting yourself up to a privileged lifestyle in your formative years as a teen.

The challenging part I find watching today's generation and the upcoming next breed is they will rarely, if ever, sympathize and understand where their parents are coming from... In terms of why can't they afford certain things, why certain decisions are made, why is money so tight at certain times of the year.

Growing up for us was never easy. And I'll say this bodes true for a number of my friends. We all swam in the same boat because our parents, if they couldn't afford it, they couldn't. Today, I hear stories of parents giving in just to shut their child up, or not want their kid to be left out in the rat race of being popular.

Makes one question how are we raising young offsprings and will they ever be able to withstand a future that involves failure, dejection, back to back disappointments, and broken relationships.

Time will tell.

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 17

Tanned

AF!

Does it get darker after returning. I even did a clean up sooooo. May be it's settling. Caught a slight sniffle and I think it's all due to the week of sun coming undone by the aircon at work

I love my tan. Don't want it to fade. For me, that's the only reminder of how awesome a holiday I had. Someone asked me where did I go and I said Goa by mistake. Arrgghhhh. Not that I would've minded but still ya.

Lanka is Lanka!

Need to start planning the next one asap!!!

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 16

Switched off.

The humourous part about being switched off is watching people around you scramble because you no longer give a fuck and things just start piling up. Everyone is out to draw blood and I couldn't care less. Some may think you've turned rogue because of the pressure... But that's foolish thinking especially when you turn a blind eye to what's staring you in the face.

So you let the "experts" at the top of the shit pile take charge. Because, well, they are masters of us puppets.

From feeling under pressure because of the chaos to living in a bubble because now you no longer give four flying fucks. It's done.

Can sing tunak tunak tun, tunak tunak tun, tunak tunak tun, da da da all day... Hahahaha!

London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down...! More to come!

Arugam Kudah scribbles and drools... Day 7 to 10

Rush rush.

Well, yeah I didn't expect to be sooo caught up but it happened aite. Surprisingly the last few days were super duper hectic and yet soooo much fun!

I'm grateful to have met Marleen. She's a very vibrant and pleasant person with a mind of her own. Reminded me of a butterfly all the time. I kept asking all these backpackers how were they supporting themselves financially. Just seemed like everyone was on a year or more sabbatical. On my last night I met two girls, Linda and Lisa from The Netherlands who were on a three week break. And they were surprisingly the only ones who'd heard of PwC. I couldn't fathom it but I deduced that's because the crowd who travels street style are not the ones from any Big Four. They must be the hotel and 4-5 star class. On my salary.. yeah backpacking rules! Hahahaha.

Nevertheless, very very interesting people sharing their backpacker stories and how they fund their travels and the kind of freelance work they get up to. I guess it all boils down to how much you believe in yourself, and how badly you want it. They seem to be so content with living in the NOW. No stress about the next pay cheque or the next meal. I did ponder on this a lot... I.e. if I'd been born overseas, the kind of access I'd have had to such opportunities. I yet have to meet Indians who can say they've worked odd jobs to fund their travel stories.

Another thing I noticed is how fit they are. And they all seem to have hobbies as life skills. I feel like my hobbies have just stayed hobbies because we've always grown up to believe that there is nothing better than a good education with good grades. And I think in my case it was important since I'm not the smartest nut on the block but it has helped me have interesting conversations with people as well as show them a side of India that they are so ignorant about.

I got asked often if I spoke Indian or Hindi and it still startles me, how startles people get when I tell them my first language is English and we speak English at home. Talking about my education, the kind of environment I've grown up in, the foreign education, job and travel opportunities, yeah, it does seem astonishing. And when I say it, I feel so humble and blessed to know how much I've been given. It's truly a great reminder to never take things for granted and to always thank the man above for my countless blessings.

I ended up having experiences not exactly in my agenda and that's because I deviated as and when. It meant having spare change to buy a new pair of slippers and a wet shirt --- new motivation to keep surfing. I really get excited when I push up on the board, little shaky but a whole lot more confident. I think it was my 7th surf class. It was such a bloody disaster. Too many people and probably because we drank by the Riverside the previous night and then grabbed more drinks at Hideaway. I wasn't hungover or high, just unable to get my head together.

The next day felt like it would be just the same until I paid attention to another girl surfing and then Chuchu magically uttered the words "Slowly, get up" and wham... I started standing on the board again! The board turning was still happening because of the way I have been positioning my body when standing and that again I started concentrating on and I had a few successful waves I caught which saw me go straight to land. Very very proud of me ol' bag of bones.

During the trip, I did a lot of thinking. I feel it's important to disconnect and just spend time with yourself, your thoughts and clear all the confusion and mess around whatever it is that's bringing you down. So so very important. I spent time portraying silence to the cat calls, ignored potential hook up opportunities and showed my game face to anyone out to piss me off. At the same time, I kept seeing how many people were randomly hooking up throughout the trip. I did find this one guy interesting, and that's because I found him amiable. But, yeah, I was older than pretty much every single person present and I didn't wanna kiss and not tell anymore. So I didn't wear a mask because I didn't need one. I was happy with present company and glad to have met kindred spirits who were as lost as I was and who were taking each day as it came.

You're never too old to learn something new -- my favourite takeaway from this trip. Yeah, people will always have one up over you but that doesn't mean you can't overcome your late entry into the game without practice. Take Stan for example... He is the latecomer to Tennis and yet, he made it for a few years, didn't he?

I'd get a couple of shaadi.com reminders about potential matrimonial suspects and looking at what was on "offer" -- and realising meeting anyone on my present circumstance is out of the question. Will leave the profile as is, for now. On the road from A-Bay to Colombo I realised again how much I preferred being alone rather than being forced into being with someone I wasn't inclined to be with in the first place. With this clarity in mind and heart, it hurt but it is what I want and need for my own sanity's sake. I will never compromise and will never settle for anything or anyone.

We all deserve better. I know I do. And I know you reading this do too.

Arugam Kudah scribbles and drools... Day 6

I know I've been gone for two days straight but like I said before I wanna make writing a habit and right now I know Murakami would be disappointed in me because I'm not following the very thing that I've been reading...

Focus and Discipline

I had a fabulous surf class, everything was just falling in place, the waves, the less crowd, the tide... Everything. While riding that high, Chuchu and Rosie invited me to come to the river side with them and their other friends for drinks. Gladly went and carried the Uno cards as well. Also got to ride a scooty and happy to say I did not drop the bottles, the snacks or chuchu. Had my first sip of Aarak and well then had quite a few of them. Hahahaha. We saw two massive snakes, a baby kitten (probably got eaten by the snake), a bunch of puppies and their mother, monkeys, and loads of fireflies.

We we're there till about I have no clue and then headed to Hideaway. Met Rosie's frind Meli from Germany and she's also settled with a Sri Lankan, also connected to Hideaway. Chilled joint and had a jungle drink re. Aarak fancily made. It's amazing seeing the amount foreign consultants and people working and supporting themselves to continue this lifestyle. Quitting my 12-14 job seems like a brilliant idea. And since it's under serious consideration it's closer to getting achieved.

Spent a bit of time talking to everyone. It's amazing how many foreigners hook up but it's also amazing to hear stories of how many foreign women are hooking up with local boys and sadly they seem okay to be paying for these women. I got told twice about how I should look at settling with some guy here, latch onto him and then you can also be able to enjoy this life. Got told this when I was talking about quitting my job and wanting to lead a life at the beach or work around this area.

And both times I actually got offended and said, I don't need a man to latch onto just because I want to live this life. I can do it on my own. I'd rather be with someone who wants me for me and vice versa. Can't be selling my body like that. Sheesh.

Anyway explaining to people such morals is difficult with the way the world is going. Kept getting a surprised look when they hear I'm a single female travelling from India. Very difficult to break stereotypes but I'm glad I am. I also keep telling them about Ed and how she drove a tuk tuk and there are many Indian girls like her taking a shot at seeing the world - one backpack at a time.

Came back to the hotel in a happy hgh state. Made sure I kept my head straight at all times. 

Arugam Kudah scribbles and drools... Day 5

Atlantis
Under the sea
Under the sea
Where are you now
Another dream
The monsters running wild inside of me

I'm faded
I'm faded
So lost
I'm faded
I'm faded
So lost
I'm faded

These shallow waters, never met
What I needed
I'm letting go
A deeper dive
Eternal silence of the sea
I'm breathing
Alive

Photographs taken at Panama Point, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Arugam Kudah scribbles and drools... Day 4

Why do you travel alone?

That's what I want, aite!

Breakfast was better than the last two days. Lol. I think talking all that Hindi is helping. No complaints though. My appetite is a large disappointment nonetheless. I did the routine of suntan lotion but today since I had time and my body needed a warm up, I started doing some dance moves. Hilarious! Then went for a quick turn on the beach to check out some rednecks surfing cose by.

Chuchu and Rochelle came to collect me in the tuk tuk. Have to keep correcting myself - brains confused with the auto - tuk tuk conundrum. 

Headed to Peanut Farm and was quite excited to get there. Turned out to be a popular spot for other beginners who were with instructors as well as a couple of dolts who thought they'd gotten the hang of surfing in one class. Ended up being a scary experience - I got wacked by a board and then two girls banged into each other so bad. 

Chuchu called off the class and said he'd extend tomorrow's class. Nevertheless the pleasure of just being able to stand on a surf board... I feel so much more comfortable. It's like my feet know what is expected from them. Hahahaha. I dunno how to explain the feeling but it's a really nice one.

Rochelle and me went a bit further down to soak in some waves before we headed to A-Bay. For the first time in my life I did a proper dead man's float!!! Very excited and I can't wait to try it again --- it just naturally happened. Now I really really need to brush up on my swimming.

Back in the room I snoozed for a bit. Kept changing my plan. I really was craving a beer but I dunno it's just not happening. Woke up and went to Bambini's cafe next door and had half of this really nice Cheese egg ham mushroom roti. Half because I couldn't finish and packed it only to drop it in the water half an hour later. Bleh. 

Listening to reggae while your meal is being prepared, staring at coconut trees, crows fluttering around and the ocean right behind you... Soulful vibes yo!

Walked all the way to Main Point and saw so much surfing love. Lost as always at the magnificence that is this planet and how far and how deep the ocean is... What's beyond that line?

I suddenly found myself asking self a very poignant question - why do you prefer tavelling alone? I prefer it. But there's more. And I realised that I just want to get away from city life, I really hate it, I detest my job and specific people which has got me in quit mode, I hate being so connected, I just want to go offline - permanently, I hate the fact that it sucks being alone in a place which is filled with people who are not like minded, I hate the pretentious folks, I'm tired of the materialism and compulsion of having to drink to be social, I hate that it's so hard to have a real conversation with a down to earth person or to even meet them because everyone has this fucking I'm so happy mask on when it's bullshit... 

We are all so fucked up inside.

Before coming here, a colleague asked me what new stuff have I bought for this trip. I looked at her confused. I told her my wardrobe hasn't changed in over four-five years. I've also come on this trip with three shorts, three banyan's, three tees. And I feel that's too much. 

I'm done honestly -- I just want to life a simple life, no bullshit from any quarters, no guys who make mountains out of nothing and drag me down with their crap, if I don't get a positive vibes from a person I'm cutting them out. I just don't want to deal with people so wrapped up in their crappy world that they can't see how much more life has to offer.

Quite a bit of soul searching again on an hour's walk, I must say. 

The king of good times is the king of coconuts in Sri Lanka and I grabbed one -- so damn good ya. Then got my standard Triangle Pattie and me gonna call it an early night. Big surfing day back at Panama Point tomorrow. 

Pumped, as always!

Arugam Kudah scribbles and drools... Day 3

Learning patience

Surfing is a patience game. Sitting on your board. Waiting. Calmly floating in a flurry of, on again off again waves, hoping you don't crash into the waves or people. Until you see that break wave.

It's been a plesantly lazy filled day. Waking up at 7, having a heavy breakfast, although I still haven't had one cup of good strong tea.

Headed to Panama Point once more where Chuchu had begun training since 7am. My class, I think, was much better. I'm no wave expert but I felt yesterday's waves were more challenging... Or may be I've just gotten better. Hahaha.

But yeah, I had some good moments so, satisfied with the progress. I'm hoping I get really good enough to try out some serious looking waves by the 9th class. Although, if my kite surfing class was any indication, I'm a slow learner. Oh well...


Anddddd I saw a baby croc on my return! He was just sunbathing and as I lifted the phone to snap him.... He went into the small pool. Lucked out there!

Got back and decided to snooze but ended up watching two episodes of Night Manager. I dunno who I'm gonna marry, hiddleston or Stan --- choices choices. Body hasn't been hurting but yeah it is exhausting so I did sleep in for a couple of hours. I might feel the strain in a day or two and will ask for a break, in case they don't mention one.

Headed to the East Ceylon joint mentioned by Rochelle and had a really nice Sri Lankan lunch -- the beef was rubbery but the rest of it was tasty. I think I should just do veg Sri Lankan meals.

Walked all the way to Main Point - the stop for all pro surfers at A-Bay. Was spell bound so much that I forgot to even go dip my legs in the water! There were a couple of blokes who were soooo good, local and foreigners. Women were killing it too. And the waiting for a wave... Woof! Patience baby, patience!

Walked back with a bladder about to go bust so loosened the shorts by popping open the button and thank gosh I was wearing a long top. Showered, bought some bananas and gave in to a tasty treat of patties from the front of the hotel. Yummy.

Off on my hot date with Tom now. Xoxo!

Arugam Kudah scribbles and drools... Day 2

Wave... From A-Bay

One we got off around Bastian Mawatha bus station... It's like no one has heard the name Bastian Bus Station or Terminal number 4. I really feel countries like India, Sri Lanka should just name roads after what they are popularly known as, these official names even officials don't know!

Finally we got some direction and then waited an hour and a half for the bus to move. If I thought Bollywood music sucked eggs, Sri Lankan music sucked the mother outta those eggs. The whole journey, from 10.30pm to 6am was some local band on loop. The bus seats were crammed, people we're getting picked along the way but it was really an overnight to remember. I'm glad it rained because everything was so much cooler. Our driver was literally Black Shumi. He just almost killed us at every turn... One way ticket to heaven, guaranteed.

When the bus says it will reach Arugam Bay at 6pm - he means it. No signal, traffic or stray animals could come in his way. He dropped me right outside my spot on the dot. Waved goodbye to Nadia and maybe will meet her for a beer or a meal.

The next part wasn't much fun. Asking for toiletries, towel, getting told it isn't part of the deal and then showing him my booking... Seriously annoying. This hotel has been way too much drama for the price I got it at and won't be recommending it. Finally crashed and burned only to be woken up half an hour later to be given breakfast for some reason at 7am. I ate it (had to ask for milk) and then crashed for the second time. Slept till 10.30 and met this guy who I may do the lagoon tour and the cook lunch with a local piece. Fingers crossed, if he can patch me in with a group because it's cheaper.

Walked down to the Dylan Surf School to say hello to Rochelle who I'd been in touch with for the surf classes. Got introduced to Chu Chu who would be my instructor. And then headed straight to the beach to soak in some sun, sand and sea.

I hadn't budgeted 2000 like for the tuk tuk ride for each surf lesson... Depending on which point they take us to. So yeah need to figure that part out because it is expensive. Going there again tomorrow.

So at 3pm Chu Chu and Rochelle who wanted to hit the waves too, came along, and we were off in our tuk tuk. Sri Lanka is just one majestic shade of green. The paddy is lovely to look at and I was lucky to witness three wild elephants doing their thing. Phenomenal!

Reached Panama Point which is a great spot for beginners. And well I have enough sea water in me to not be good for my kidney stones. Lol. The class was good, I think I did better than the class I took with Morgan Freeman two years ago. My body isn't hurting (yet) and I stayed on the board for a longer duration. So yayyyy!

Had something called coconut rotti and milk tea - belly full we headed back.

I'm already tanned. So much for stupid suntan lotion - all garbage. But will diligently apply a careful again tomorrow.

Was bumming about at the entrance when Nadia walked past with a few hostel friends. Lol. I really could not recognise her. Horrible with faces and names still. Shazam! Went for a drink and spent a good hour with a German girl who was also travelling for over a year -- she studied at JNU (seriously, what's with all these Delhi connections, universe???). Was nice talking to someone so lost in their own world and spending quality time just figuring themselves out.

I left at 9.45 because I really didn't wanna hang around and get sucked into drinking and the usual. Got back.. Jimmy Fallon and his hashtags kept me company. Spent an hour thinking about the year gone by and wondering about the gaping hole left by someone who doesn't know I exist. Or couldn't care less. Have decided on a few things. Now to stick by it.

Good night!

Arugam Kudah scribbles and drools... Day 1

Technically, Negombo

 Well, I slept at Chennai airport again, albeit inside for a change. Quite unimpressive but ever grateful for the VIP lounge access (Thank you credit card company). Ate two heavy breakfasts to make up for two flights going hungry (budget trip after all).

Everything was on time. Landed, exited, seemed like getting out of the Domestic airport back home. Have not dealt with hagglers so found it extremely annoying to have to deal with the "do you want a taxi", "where in India are you from" "do you speak Hindi" blahhhh.

Followed my instructions and walked 20 mins soaking in the sun along the way. Reached the bus station, sat down with me holdings and off we went. I love asking every ten seconds if I'm on the right path. Lol. Pretty annoying, I'm sure, but people can be friendly. Got off at Negombo bus station and took another bus to the hostel. Easy peasy.

Reached there an hour early so dropped the backpack and went to have my rice and pork curry with a generous dose of Lion beer. Happy and high, headed to snooze for a few hours.

Woke up with the sole purpose of tramping around, visited the church again, walked along Negombo beach... The sunsets out here are pretty awesome. No time for those amazing pepper crabs like the last time. Went back showered as I had to meet my online travel companion, Nadia. She found me on the share taxi site and I told her I was taking the bus and well that's that.

Turns out she works for KPMG in the UK. Lol. And she is probably gonna take up a secondment in Gurgaon. What are the odds, right? She was great company and I sure was glad to have had another pair of ears to just guide me with decisions. You never know!

The tuk tuk I struck a deal with to drop us to the bus station didn't show and we slowly started getting worried. My host at Aurora Hostel at Negombo was an awesome lady who helped us figure out the fastest way - take a tuk tuk to Negombo bus station and then take the Highway Expressway bus. We reached an hour and a half early. But grateful. Always, grateful!

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 15

The French Connection

I don't think he's ever gonna know what an influence he's had on a tiny Indian girl but I'm so happy to have met him.

And today, as I head to the airport I have such happy memories of my meeting the Frenchman because it was such an amazing day and more than anything, meeting someone who is full of life, filled with adventure, filled with optimism and who has his head on his shoulders. Knows what he wants. 

I remember the impressed look he gave me when I told him I did an hour of surfing in Sri Lanka and the flabbergasted look which followed the one small wave walla video. Hahahahhaha.

I'm going back, not to catch the same wave at Bentota, but to the best place to learn surfing in Sri Lanka. And a little nervous to be honest. I hope I'm in better shape because I've been taking care of my health and the stones. Cross fingers!

So yeah, you've got me challenging myself to stay fit, stay focused and just be happy. No matter what.

Thank you, PTG! Merci!

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 14

Sexy is Back!

Soooo the real reason why I'd been having backache for over a year... Dheere dheere types, is because of the formation of ze kidney stones... Which were in turn breaking me ol' bones!

And the physiotherapists... Both of them did not think to tell me to get a sonography done, until it was too late. There I was getting physio done, thinking I've got slip disc, spondylitis, the whole shabang!

When honestly I just needed to drink more gallons of water. Heh.

It's been a few days but I've been feeling like a sprightly chicken already. Sexy Back is much much better. And I'm grateful for being diagnosed at an early stage. Still a long way to go but enough to frighten me to get my shit together. 

Your health is worth it's weight in gold... Or maybe diamonds. Don't trade it for anything or anyone.

Daily scribbles and drools... Day 13

Psyched!

Planning a trip always gets me woozy in the head but there really is nothing like doing research for a holiday! I've spent a good six hours learning such interesting stuff about getting from point A to point B and then figuring out -- well that doesn't work!

I actually reshuffled my first day itinerary!!! Literally, love planning trips. I dunno how other people manage to wing it -- this alone is making sure my trip stays within budget. The main expense is the Surfing classes but everything else is going to be pure ass laziness.

Hahahaha.

Okay, getting ahead of myself. I still have lots more to plan.