Well, here we go again. For the second time this year – and the third in 14 months – I am about to embark on another adventure around South East Asia.
On Friday I fly from Gatwick to Kuala Lumpur (via Dubai to change planes) and from there I will spend a little over two weeks exploring various parts of Malaysia and Thailand.
When I got back from three weeks in Vietnam earlier this year, I wasn't expecting to return to South East Asia quite so soon. I thought the remainder of my annual leave would be spent somewhere a bit closer to home.
The strength of the Euro has made most continental holidays prohibitively expensive. I also have no idea who dreamt up the idea of suggesting that people should take a 'staycation' this year to save money in the recession. For the cost of a B&B in Bournemouth you can stay in a luxury hotel in Bali. Competition between the various airlines also means prices are remaining low – Air Asia is offering some return flights from London to Malaysia for £250.
Of course, it's not just the superb value for money that draws me back to South East Asia. It's the jaw dropping scenery, fabulous food, amazing culture and lovely people. For literally months preceding a trip to this part of the world I will be engrossed in travel guides and websites – planning my trip and day dreaming about being there. The amount of time I must have spent doing this in 2009 has reached almost worrying proportions, as it must surely reveal an innate unhappiness with the rest of my life. Since this holiday was booked in May, I have done little in my spare time but think about it. Quite how I am going to feel when I get back, I'd rather not contemplate right now. It's been a gruelling few months and now my mind is focussed on a large G&T in the departure lounge at Gatwick and little else…
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