Page 70 - Phonebox Magazine November 2007

Around the world in flip flops
Phonebox editor Ron’s daughter Emma and boyfriend Mark embark on a year’s travel around the world
It’s hard to determine whether it seems an eternity ago since we decided we were going to travel the world or if in fact, the time
has passed quicker than we could ever imagine. Either way we will be boarding a plane for Tokyo on 24th October which will kick start our journey around the world for 365 days. The journey will involve 15 flights and we will travel through and experience 20 different countries from four of the world’s most exciting continents.
Around early January we talked about a trip to Mexico, somewhere that has fascinated both of us way before we had even met each other. The idea of scuba diving off the Belize coast and exploring the Aztec ruins of Mexico City was too exciting to contain; resulting in the pair of us rushing to Emma’s local STA travel and grabbing brochure after brochure not just on the subject of Mexico, but also on countries from around the world. After reading through the brochures we quickly realised that Mexico was only going to be the tip of the iceberg and that this was the right time in our lives to do something big. We both came to the conclusion that we would plan the most magical, memorable journey we could, after all if you’re going to do something like this, do it properly!
The first step was to find a way of travelling around all the countries we wanted to experience so with a lot of help from the multi talented Rica from STA, we decided on a Round the World ticket that allowed us to fly four continents of the world. It was an immense feeling when we were told that we could now go ahead and choose 20 countries which could include up to 15 flights. With so
many possibilities it took around five complex attempts (thanks Rica!) to get our final itinerary just the way we wanted it.
Our year long journey starts in Japan and continues through South East Asia for three months visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. We then fly to Australia where will spend a further three months before moving on to New Zealand for another month. We will then travel with different tour groups in South America for seven weeks and Mexico for six weeks before finishing in the United States for our last six weeks, the grand finale being New York.
With such diverse cultures, climates and environments comes the need for protection. The next phase was the inevitable course of injections. These lasted over a period of six weeks in which we ‘indulged’ in Yellow fever, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid and three courses of Rabies, Hep A and Hep B injections. Apart from pin cushions for arms the only real discomfort came from the side effects of Yellow fever which made the pair of us feel quite groggy. Many thanks to our nurse Judy who was fantastic and went out her way to provide us with other useful advice such as how we could arm ourselves with malaria tablets against the ‘mozzies’ and also provided travel checklists, we won’t forget your postcard!
Many people assume that travelling can cause you to lose a lot of weight. It’s true that
actually many people put on the pounds and with leaving parties on the schedule both of us decided that we should get in shape before we leave. So we went to Olney Health & Fitness club to embark on a pre-travelling exercise regime consisting of cardio, weights and toning. This turned out to be very convenient due to the closeness of the location. The helpful staff and excellent facilities also enabled the two of us to keep in shape and within our busy timetable.
The last few things to arrange were our visas, documentation and all our travel kit. Luckily we only required visas for Vietnam and Australia in advance and the rest we can get at the border or airport when we land, giving us a lot more flexibility. The documentation included ensuring we had adequate travel insurance to cover us for all possibilities, including some of the extreme sports available (if we are brave enough, anything from Zorbing to Skydiving). And now that we have all of our kit in place, our rucksacks packed with everything from flip flops to first aid kits, it seems strange. The list of things to do has constantly evolved and at times I have questioned if we should be living at work what with the seemingly never ending overtime. There have been many periods of stress and both of us have experienced the jitters; should we be doing this? This however is only natural and after nine months of planning, learning, working like a dog and experiencing an array of feelings from excitement to uncertainty, we are now ready to live our dream.
Many thanks to everyone who has supported us and a big mention to all our friends and family, we shall miss you all. We will be keeping you updated so expect an article as often as possible. If you’re interested further you can visit our blog page: www.ballofdirt.com/members/114950.html Mark and Emma
Professional Piscators in Olney
Any organisation is only as good as the people that are in it, and those who will follow on to make it grow for the future.
Olney & Clifton Fishing Association has for some time now been nurturing their junior anglers and encouraging them to fish correctly and develop themselves into competent fishermen/women and integrated club members.
Two of our members are now qualified N.V.Q. level 2 coaches, trained by the Professional Anglers Association which enables them
to deliver a high standard of instruction and coaching to beginners of all ages and experience.
Barry Testro and Kevin Lake are both committee members and bailiffs for the club and have a combined experience in excess of 60 years, covering all aspects of coarse angling. Both
coaches are fully C.R.B.
checked, first aid
qualified and have
completed both child
awareness and
protection training. In
addition they are both
protected by third party
liability insurance and
membership of the Professional Anglers Association.
Kevin & Barry’s Angling Coaching Services, (K.B.A.C.S.) are able to offer individual tuition, group or corporate sessions covering all aspects of general coarse fishing, and specialist disciplines including pole fishing, carp fishing and pike and predator fishing. We specialise in taster sessions where we supply all you will need for an introduction to Angling. For more details including costs please see our website, www.kbacs.mysite.orange.co.uk or we can be contacted through Oiney Bait Supplies on 01234 713045.
If you are a new starter, or taking up the sport again after a break or just need to improve your skills then give us a call. We don’t bite, but the fish will! K
Barry with Perch
70 Phonebox Magazine
NOVEMBER 2007 PB:PHONEBOX MAGAZINE 25/10/07 11:38 Page 70
Mark and Emma