My Round the World Trip

[ManWearPants]

#15 Mali , Pay Dogon , my bed under the stars
​

This is so cool to sleep on the roof with the stars overhead. On the other hand, had you slept inside the house, you may have gotten yourself a free mud spa. I thot there is already someone next to you

 

[ManWearPants]

Looking at the state of Northern African states now. You must be glad that you have visited those places before all these demonstrations happened. What are your thoughts of these countries then?

 

[zachTAY]

Great. Great series.
Really inspired by your courage.
I'm still a student, but i wish i'll be able to travel the world like you did.

Your pictures are great. Tip-top shots i must say.
Great encouragement for myself as i'm an amateur in photography.

Bookmarked!
Looking forward to more great pictures!

 

[Will03]

wow.. nice.. this has become a sticky..

 

[pupuce]

Hey everyone!!!! Its been so long! Sorry for the disappearing act but I went backpacking around India for 3 weeks and just got back last night! I went searching for my thread in all the 9 pages and couldnt find it, was about to write and ask for help when I saw Will's comment))) OMG...!

More pics coming soon, i promise!

 

[pupuce]

So Timbuktu is in Mali. Do you happens to know what is this structure that has sticks sticking out from it for? I have seen others somewhere else that has a lot of holes and always wonders what the sticks and holes are for.

Yes... timbuktu, fareaway town that I'd never in my life thought I will made it there.
Because the mud must be replastered annually after the rain season to keep it from washing away, the scaffolding of the wooden sticks out permenantly for the people to step on.

I didnt go to any of the Northern African countries except for Morocco because of eminent danger at that time and I had a lot of difficulty trying to get visa for Algeria, even my Algerian friend doesnt recommend me to cross the border as it is often they kidnapped tourists (esp the Europeans as they many travellers from there) who are crossing the remote borders. As for Libya, to obtain an visa is near impossible as needs lots of paperwork so I had no choice but to fly out from Burkinas faso as Algeria and Libya stands in my way ​

I also skipped Kenya then as they were having uprest after the elections and the president refuse to stepped down to the opposition, resulting in much bloodshed.. it is sad but there is nothing we can do except stay out of the way​

These countries have much to offer in terms of scenaries and cultures but it is also depressing to watch the state of their lives. Aids and diseases are rampant, money and help are scarce. Corruption, governments who are not doing much to improve state welfares, lack of education, bad roads are the norm.
It is a continent which offers many many down-to-earth moments and singaporeans are so freaking fortunate.​

 

[pupuce]

#3 Burkina Faso, A tin-can bus
Here is how the bus looks like which I took on a journey lasting about 14 hours.. You think this is bad, let me tell you it can get worse. It starts to rain, there were no window panes to shut off the rain, and then it starts to leak from the top ..
and still the Africans go through the bus ride, and pretty much their life with a smile on their face, hardly ever complaining

#4 Burkina Faso, one Unhappy Italian , a happy boy with super white teeth
​

 

[pupuce]

#5 Burkina Faso, Farewell Africa....​

 

[Will03]

Hey everyone!!!! Its been so long! Sorry for the disappearing act but I went backpacking around India for 3 weeks and just got back last night! I went searching for my thread in all the 9 pages and couldnt find it, was about to write and ask for help when I saw Will's comment))) OMG...!

More pics coming soon, i promise!

wow.. looking forward to your india pictures..
I always think that its a great place for photography..

 

[Will03]

#3 Burkina Faso, A tin-can bus
Here is how the bus looks like which I took on a journey lasting about 14 hours.. You think this is bad, let me tell you it can get worse. It starts to rain, there were no window panes to shut off the rain, and then it starts to leak from the top ..
and still the Africans go through the bus ride, and pretty much their life with a smile on their face, hardly ever complaining

#4 Burkina Faso, one Unhappy Italian , a happy boy with super white teeth
​

i love the 2nd image.. can post a bigger pic ?

 

[NineEleven]

Hello, received your PM & came in to have a look. Will go through the thread when I have more time but 15months! Well done. Bet that less than 1% of our population has the determination to pull this through like you.

Have you used a forum/site that locals offer you a couch for free? If you like, I can ask about the link. Basically, the host will offer you homestay for free or maybe barter-trade. (Please PM/email me if I don't reply here)

Btw, you're not Audrey Chan are you? Reminds me of an old schoolmate who loves travelling the dusty routes.

 

[Six-GHz]

Hey everyone!!!! Its been so long! Sorry for the disappearing act but I went backpacking around India for 3 weeks and just got back last night!

You went for yet another trip??! Soon your trips will outstrip your pace in updating your blogs!
But again, hats off to you!

 

[dejavu]

#3 Morocco - Fez, Man and his cat
This was taken in the madrasa​

This is an excellent capture of the moment!!! Thank you for sharing with us your journey....

 

[recca84]

My budget was 40K for the 12 months but managed to extend to 15 months without inccuring extra cost. This amount include my RTW ticket, sightseeing, bus/train/car/extra flights, food, neccessities and studying spanish

Some countries cost less and some cost more. especially if you going for specific sightseeing.The bulk of my expenses was the following -

I did safari in 4 african countries (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania) which cost me about USD 1500
Diving in Mozambique which cost USD60 per dive x3
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda which cost USD500. (excluding the driver and 4x4 to get there)
Trip to Antartica costing me USD4000
My round the world ticket costing me S$7600.
1 1/2 months in Belgium, Paris, Italy (Milan, Genova, Bologna, Florence, Rome) incurred about Euro800.
After netting out, I have about $25000 expenses

I travel very very very cheaply.. sleeping in the cheap room available in hostels, on roof tops in Morocco because it only cost USD3 per night, sleeping with african family and hosts in Europe. friends of mine who ask their friends to host me if I am in their city.
I often meet up with other travellers to cross borders or share car rentals as it will lower the cost for me and them.
I eat street food or do local market shopping and cook dinner in hostel kitchen,and occasionally treat myself in restaurants
In Central America, on some days I was only spending USD15 per day including accomodation, food and lots of free sightseeing like trekking and hiking without guide.

One note - The faster you travel, the more it will cost you

Lastly, I also didnt have 15 months of annual leave although I did ask for a 12 months sabbitical from my company which i have been with for 10 years, they turned me down and so I say good bye to my job

que sera sera... No one could asnwer the question about my future at that time so I make plans for the worst scenario - I might have to wait on tables or served at starbucks upon my return but I calculated the risk and decided to take it.:devil:

So the air tickets you locally? Wish can do what you did in the near future.

 

[pupuce]

Hi, you are referring to couchsurfing?
I was a host in Singapore before I became the guest in a few countries later during my travels.I didnt surf couches all over as in some countries, the couch host seems more dubious than others. I surfed in Mexico, Argentina, Italy. Some hosts are great and especially when many share the same passion for travelling.

NOt Audrey but my first name does starts with A too...

 

[gnohz]

I have been MIA for quite some time too, so I'm glad to that you're still continuing this wonderful thread pupuce!
I can't believe you went for another trip again lol

 

[KYFoong]

After reading such a long thread, I am still amazed and admire your guts. I envy many of my retired classmates in Malaysia and this particular guy travels with his wife to all places within reach by road (for the fun and the thrill as he says). They have visited, whole of Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal and even India by public transport on train and bus. Hahaha .... the joke that they have on retired Singaporean....(collecting dirty dishes at the hawker center)...sob.... Do we have a choice? Yes, we do.
For those who are hesitant on taking the step for RWT, Pupuce, you are an inspiration. The choice is really in your own hands. As an example of choosing your own path I wrote earlier in this thread about my former boss who bike round the world in the fifties! Keep posting, lady.

 

[pupuce]

KYfoong,
yes yes yes, we have choices to make..although they are not always easy and the fear of making the wrong decison can be daunting.
In my point of view, life is short and vulnerable.. and we can die anytime, anywhere.. so I prefer to make myself happy and not take any chances of being short-changed

There are people like your boss and me around, of course the numbers are small comparision to the general public but I am sure along the way, we inspire a few more to break the mould and take that big step In fact, i am very proud to annouce a friend of mine is in the midst of making prepartions and leaving for the same trip in 2 months time

@Gohnz.. you have been gone for a while.. can you believe that this thread has been sticky-ed..hehehhe

 

[pupuce]

NEW SERIES - PARIS, FRANCE

#1 France , Effiel Tower
After Africa continent, I took respite in Paris, visiting some friends and replenishing my body with lots of vegetables and fruits (very much lacking in West africa) I know Effiel tower has been photographed a million times, here is my take on this monument in my favourite city of the world

 

[pupuce]

New Series - Italy

#1 Italy, Milan -
I made my first stop in Milan, all because I wanted to see the "the Last Supper" painting. Please make sure you book the tickets way in advance. I didnt managed to get the tickets so I had to join the open air tour buses which includes a stop there