Friday 27 June 2014

Go Ape

Sometimes when things get a bit much, it's good to let go.

Literally...let go. 

































So this weekend some friends and I planned a little tree Top Adventure to 'Go Ape'

We got to challenge ourselves by climbing tress, swinging from Tarzan ropes and zip wiring out of tress, 30ft in the air. 
You really got to release your inner child again. Although I'm not sure if my 7 year old self would have enjoyed that kind of adrenalin rush.

We laughed endlessly about how the safety harness we had to wear was anything but flattering and how everyone looked like they had a rather uncomfortable situation going on in their trouser region. 
But once we'd whizzed through the safety course we were finally let loose. 

To the tree tops we went.































































Landing the zip wires was not as easy as you might think but I managed to capture Ian landing one. In what looks like a Superman pose?

But now back to the trees. 


The best bit about this picture is that it looks like my friend is floating in mid air. Can you see it?
Tip right hand corner. 

The course consisted of 4-5 different sections and each ending in a zip wire back down to the ground. 
You had to crawl through tunnels made of wool, swing from a Tarzan rope and shimmy along rather narrow crossings. 
Remembering how to safely hook yourself onto each bit of equipment was probably the scariest bit of the adventure but once you got used to trusting yourself, it became almost natural to be dangling in mind air on a very thin looking bit of wire. 

There are 28 Go Ape Adventures around the country (UK) so no matter where you live, I'm sure you'll find one nearby. You can check their website out here

It costs about £35 per person and it takes about 2-3 hours to go round the course. 
It's honestly one of the best mornings I've had and a great way to get all your friends together. 
Even if you are scared of heights, the rush of adrenalin that you get when your flying along the zip wires is worth every penny. 

Like most things in life, Go Ape is even better if you share it. So grab your friends, work colleagues and head over as a tribe to one of their venues and get in touch with your inner Tarzan. 


Thursday 5 June 2014

Holiday Inspiration

Summer is looming.
The weather is improving and it won’t be long before flip flops, shorts and the smell of summer fills the air.
I love this time of year.  The smell of freshly cut grass, picnics on the lawn and drinking that first pimms of the year really is a sign that summer is finally here.
Which stirs the question……where should you go on holiday?

I’ve been doing my research and I have a few places in mind but I thought I’d let you have a peak at where my top places to go this summer might be.
I want to go somewhere I haven't been before so I have tried to explore new countries in the pictures below.

            Morrocco

I have wanted to go to Morocco for quite some time now. I long to wander through the souks, taste the local Moroccan cooking and maybe even ride a camel. Not to mention the shopping looks really good too. 






I've heard that you should try and stay in a Riad if you plan to go to Marrakesh. It's a unique experience but one I believe you won't forget.

The name 'riad' comes from the Arab word 'ryad' - meaning garden. 
A traditional riad doesn't usually have large windows facing the outside, instead the rooms will over look the inner courtyard or garden. 
A typical courtyard in a riad would have a fountain in the centre, surrounded by orange trees - some even have small swimming pools. 

Riad's are know for their incredible food, individual and exquisitely decorated rooms and the peace and tranquility they provide from the craziness of the outside world. 






















And what trip would be complete without a ride through the desert on a camel?

Croatia

I've heard a lot of good things about Croatia recently but if I'm honest, I don't know too much about it. 


































Apart from the fact that Dubrovnik is home to Kings Landing (Game of Thrones for those of you who are not familiar with the TV series) I didn't know much about this place.


































 I couldn't quite believe how exquisite it looked.



































Greece - Corfu

I've been to a few Greek Islands and I was keen to try something completely different this year but looking at these pictures has tempted me back to Greece.








































Greece - Paros
























This next place has been on my list for quite some time and I'm desperate to make a trip there by the end of the year. No holiday list would be complete without........

THAILAND























Above is Krabi, a town on the west coast of Southern Thailand and it is a MUST on my lisit of places to visit in Thailand.
Apart from the usual tourist hot spots you might want to visit, Krabi (I've heard) is beautiful and hasn't been spoilt yet by westerners seeking the crazy nightlife that Koh Phangan has to offer.
You can visit the Tiger caves, go kayaking or elephant trekking. Have a traditional Thai cooking lesson or visit the night market.
The list seems to be endless. Not just for Krabi but for the rest of Thailand as well.

The Lanna people of northern Thailand use 'floating lanterns' year round for celebrations and other special occasions. One very important festival is the Lanna Yi Peng Festival which is held on the full moon of the 2nd Month of the Lanna Calendar. 


























Now tell me you don't want to be sitting there right now. Go on, imagine it. 
Sorry there isn't much content but when you have pictures like that.....do we really need words?

Have you been to any of these places? Where else should I think about visiting?

I could go on and on.....but I won't. Instead I'll leave you with this.