This past Northern Hemisphere winter I was lucky enough to spend 4 weeks participating in a Snowboard Instructor course run by SnowSkool in Big White Ski Resort, Canada.

My family had decided to spend a family holiday together in Canada for Christmas 2012.  The decision had been made to spend a week in Vancouver and then head up to Big White for a further two weeks together.

Once it was confirmed that we were going to be spending some time in Big White I decided to look into whether there were some snowboarding courses that I could join.  I didn’t want to just get snowboarding group lessons.  I was really looking for the group environment where I could meet new people and form some connections.  Things you can’t really do when you are simply dropping in here or there for a group snowboarding lesson.

After a bit of Googling, I came across SnowSkool a British company that offered snowboard instructor courses.  I wasn’t really that interested in the instructing side of things and I couldn’t really see myself being a snowboard instructor.  The main reason being that I make more money being a web developer than I would do as a ski or snowboard instructor!

But after chatting with one of the owners, Phil he assured me that I would get the same benefit by doing this course and not actually taking the certification.  Especially given that I was going to be leaving before the first round of certifications began.

So what was it like?

For me the course was perfect.

The first week and a half of the course was a bit of a feeling out process where we all had our snowboarding technique broken down.  Then we slowly learnt to rebuild it in a much better style.  Since I first learned to snowboard 13 years ago and was completely self-taught, I carried the usual amount of bad habits!  Each day on the course I felt as though I was learning something new and getting better and more confident with my snowboarding.

Although the course normally offers accommodation and flights I already had everything like that sorted so I just paid for the instruction.  This was really great as I could fit this in with the plans we had already made and wasn’t paying for things I didn’t need.

My Snowboarding Goals

I had two pretty modest goals for my time in Canada.

1. I wanted to land a 180 (for those of you who don’t know what this means – take a look at this video).
2. I wanted to be able to drop off a cliff about 8-10 feet high and be able to land it 80% of the time.

Yes, I know these are relatively modest goals for someone taking a snowboarding course.  But remember I am 36 years old with 2 young kids so my days of youthful abandon are long gone. The consequences of injuries hit much harder at 36 than they do when you are 21!

Success or Failure?

So was I successful in achieving my two goals?

The answer is a big yes!

During the 3^rd week of the course we had a couple of massive dumps of snow and our instructors decided to stop the instructing and just ride for a few hours of pure fun.

They took us to some amazing areas of the mountain including riding the trees and to a couple of cliff drops.  They started off with reasonably small drops and progressively took us to ones that were more and more difficult.

Eventually we were dropping off a cliff about 8-10 foot high that had an awesome approach.  To drop off the cliff you had to drop into a little bowl then ride up to the edge, negotiating trees on either side with a gap of probably 60cm wide!  Landing that was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.  To have the rest of my group (about 6 other guys) cheering you on for landing it was amazing.  This was exactly what I was looking for when I signed up for this course!

Landing the 180 had to wait until my very last day on the mountain though.

On my second last run of the day I decided to hit a pretty gentle kicker on the way into the village and I tried (and landed) a 180!!! I was pretty happy with myself for even trying it.  About 15 minutes later I was riding my very last run with my 7 year old and I told him to watch while I tried a 180.

He waited patiently and saw me…..

………………………………..wait for it………..

…………………………………………….land it again!

Two attempts and two successful landings!  100% success rate!  What I way to finish my time in Big White!

I had a great time on the SnowSkool snowboard instructor course and if I ever have the opportunity I would definitely be willing to fork out my money to do it all over again.  I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys and girls to spend my time with.

Maybe next time my wife Tracy might do the ski instructor course!

Disclaimer: I paid for the instruction side of the course as I already had the accommodation and transportation sort.

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No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light. (Luke 11:33–36, World English Bible)

1. Blogging

Did you keep a blog, write for publications or submit photography for use whilst you travelled? Then you can demonstrate that you not only took your travels seriously but managed a project and learnt new skills. An employer will be impressed if you increased your knowledge about search engine optimization, developed marketing programs, gained networking skills, learnt about aspects of coding or utilised social media tools.

2. Volunteering

You should always represent any volunteering undertaken whilst travelling on your resume. Make sure you include where your volunteering took place, what your responsibilities were and the end result or learning outcomes. Things like improved leadership skills, demonstration of initiative, listening and communication skills will all catch an employer’s attention. If you volunteered for an extended period then your travels may sit better in the work history section of your CV.

3. Working

More and more people are working to fund their travels. This not only shows determination, self-reliance and initiative but it could also be relevant to your chosen field. Did you do any freelance work, consulting, working at a hostel or teaching English that is relevant to your career back home? Highlight it or it will be missed.

4. Learning

Today’s multinational world cries out for multilingual employees. Did you pick up any languages on your travels? Did you, better yet, study a language whilst travelling? There are certainly plenty of opportunities to do so as you can see by clicking here.

A new language can literally be the key that opens up a new career door so make sure you shout about it on your CV. Whether it was an in-depth Business English course, conversational Mandarin or advanced Spanish make sure it is writ large on your resume.

5. Softer skills

Whilst some of the above may be experiences you have deliberately sought out when planning your travels there are other skills that you will have picked up whatever you did. Consider these, for example:

• Negotiation skills – You will have demonstrated these when organising places to stay and prices paid.
• Budgeting and Planning – You will have had to plan and save for your travels and monitor your finances throughout.
• Team skills – If you travelled with others, how were decisions reached and compromises made?
• Adaptability – So many unexpected things go wrong whilst you travel: how did you adapt and cope?
• Communication – Communicating across language barriers and cultures is difficult: how did you manage and what did it teach you?

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These kinds of skills not only belong on your resume but also are great ways to handle difficult interview questions such as “Can you think of a time you have handled a conflict?”

Let your travels shine

Trying to bury anything on a resume is a bad idea. Let the experiences and skills that your travels have given you work to your advantage.

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Try the Local Cuisine

The clear waters around Bodrum’s coast provide some of the tastiest seafood around, and during your time in Bodrum you should make it your mission to try as much of it as possible! Grilled octopus and roasted fish like seabass bring out the best of Bodrum’s local produce, and are often served with feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumber and olives, all of which are popular foods of the region. Don’t forget to try the olive bread too – it’s utterly moreish.

Tour the Historical Sites

Bodrum dates back to ancient times, when it was known as the Halicarnassus of Caria, and some of its historical sites (or at least, parts of them) still remain. One of the oldest is the Tomb of Mausolus, which was among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was constructed in 353 BC! You should also make time to visit the Bodrum Castle of the Knights of St. John, at the entrance to the bay, as well as the fascinating Underwater Archaeology Museum in the castle’s grounds. On display are various finds from shipwrecks in the waters around Bodrum, each telling their own tale of the region’s colourful past.

Get Under the Surface

Many of the best things to do in Bodrum involve that beautiful sea around the coast, but as soon as you see the sparkling turquoise water, you’ll understand why. The warm water provides the perfect conditions for water sports, including water skiing and windsurfing, but if you’re a particularly adventurous type why not try diving? There are hundreds of caves around Bodrum’s shoreline to explore, tropical fish to see and underwater plants to admire, and you’ll be catching a glimpse of a side of Bodrum that very few visitors get to enjoy. When you’re tired out from a day of swimming under Bodrum’s surface, recline on one of the beautiful beaches to watch the sunset over the azure ocean.

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Packing your bags and leaving on a jet plane is one of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable. When you have the freedom to leave everything behind – even for just a short while – the possibilities are endless.

You have the opportunity to explore new cities, learn new languages, try new things and meet new people, leading to lifelong friendships and, sometimes, something more.

New city, new experiences

Time feels different when you travel. Days seem longer, and a week in a new city can feel like an eternity. The people you meet when you travel become your best friends seemingly instantly, as you cling to one another in a strange and foreign place.

When you travel, you experience an openness that seems to be missing in the course of regular life, which makes it easy to meet and forge new relationships with people you’ve never met.

For example, striking up a conversation with a cute stranger while in line to get into a museum, or at a bar in the cool part of town, is a much easier feat when you’re not surrounded by your friends at your local pub. Traveling allows you to shed the skin of self-consciousness that we all walk around in.

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But it’s not always easy…

Of course, traveling can be a challenge. It can be exhausting being away from home for long periods of time, and lacking the daily routine of life, work and family can be frustrating. If you’re traveling solo, you can experience periods of loneliness as you try to navigate new territory, looking for comfort in strange places.

If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, there can be tension when making decisions about how to spend your days, or your money. While nothing is without its bad days and mishaps, there’s no doubt that the experience of traveling is incredibly rewarding. After the long days, late nights and strange beds, returning home is a bittersweet feeling.

Finding love that lasts

Meeting people to date while traveling can be wonderful fun, but it can be dishearteningly fleeting. After all, it’s hard to sustain a relationship with someone who lives half away around the world.

There is another option, though. When you’re traveling, or when you’re about to set sail for new adventures, it’s always a good idea to check out dating websites such as eHarmony.ca, where you’ll meet truly compatible people. You might just find the perfect traveling companion there.

You can narrow your search to look only for people who live locally, or broaden it to search for potential partners in all the cities on your travel itinerary.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out some of the success stories from happy couples who’ve met online.

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The Serengeti, Africa

There is possibly no place in the world more beautiful at sunset than the Serengeti in Africa. Located in Tanzania and stretching to parts of Kenya, the Serengeti at sunset is as beautiful as any that could be painted by the masters. The sky is bold with deep orange hues, and silhouettes of giraffes or elephants walking across the horizon, past acacia trees, make this scene one of the most dramatic you could ever witness.

Stonehenge, United Kingdom

The mystery of Stonehenge grows even deeper at sunset. As the sun lowers on the horizon, these ancient stones seem to glow as the sun peeks through from the other side. The stones located in Wiltshire, England, have been the subject of many theories as to their origin and meaning. As the sun sets and throws the stones into darkness, it’s as though a halo materializes over the stones, then magically shrinks away.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

As the sun sets on this spectacular natural wonder, the exposed rock formations seem to turn a brilliant orange as shadows deepen and overtake the canyon while the sky becomes a brilliant gold. Imagine looking out from the edge and watching the Colorado River snake through the canyon as the sun slips behind the horizon. Each crevice, nook, and cranny adds depth and texture to an already stunning scene.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful man-made creations and is even more beautiful at sunset. This palace of white marble is stunning in the light of day, but as the sun moves down across the sky, the palace becomes a magical place made of gold. The River Yamuna that runs beside the Taj Mahal shimmers like smooth glass. It conjures thoughts of fairy tales, of princes and princesses who would go to the ends of the earth for love.

Venice, Italy

What could be more romantic than watching the sun set in one of the most romantic cities in the world? Venice, known by many nicknames including the “Queen of the Adriatic,” is a popular destination for lovers and it’s no secret why. This city on the water is connected by canals and bridges, with narrow cobblestone streets. Take a ride in a gondola as the sun sets on the water and move a little closer to your sweetheart for a moment that will always be remembered and cherished.

Great Wall, China

No matter where you go to see the Great Wall of China, its magnificence is magnified at sunset. The lay of the land makes for a dramatic view where the rolling mountains and the miles and miles of the wall disappear over the horizon. It is like a scene created straight out of a movie, too beautiful to be real. One of the best places to see a spectacular sunset is from Zhengbei Tower of the JianKou Section.

If you are seeking beautiful sunsets, these places will not disappoint you. Maybe they will inspire you, make you fall in love again, or bring you a sense of calm you’ve never felt before. There are many more like these. A beautiful sunset may just be outside your back door.

This article was provided by Ross who writes at Netflights and loves traveling the world

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For those of you who follow me on Twitter, Facebook and still occasionally jump on over here to see my latest post you will have noticed that for a few months now I’ve been rather silent. It’s not that I don’t love you all anymore, on the contrary I have the most amazing readers who have always been there waiting when I get back from the blog hiatuses I frequently take. So as I love you all it pains me to give you this news, after nearly 3 years of running this blog I’ve found I’m tired, jaded with travel blogging, I’ve lost the passion and I’m now moving in other directions, other exciting directions. What does that mean for this blog? Well i’ll be putting it on hiatus, for how long I’m not yet sure.

I’ve been feeling like this for a while, hence the lack of posts on here.  No words were coming out worth sharing so I figured why post crap just for the sake of posting, I the last thing I ever wanted to become was ‘that’ blogger.  I also didn’t want to put my feelings about travel blogging down in writing because that would mean finally admitting to myself just how I really felt, the travel blogging spark had just gone out!

That being said I’m not giving up entirely, I’m certainly not closing down this blog it’s got so many fantastic articles from guest posters not to mention it’s a time capsule of the last nearly 3 years of my life, also I will most likely post links to any travel related posts I do end up writing. I may at some point in the future re-launch the magazine which really has been an overwhelming success, far more then I ever could have dreamed. Unfortunately it’s a lot of work and I just don’t have the time required to really dedicate to it at this point in my life.

For those of you who I just heard sigh when you read this don’t worry I haven’t given up on writing.  In fact the decision to take a break from this blog was driven by my desire to develop my writing, to become a better writer and to explore some new writing avenues including freelance and working on some book projects.  I also wanted the freedom to write about a much broader range of topics, what can I say I’m a girl with a lot to say! So for those who enjoy my rambles I do have some good news for you, I’m still writing!  I launched a new China blog “Shanghai Novice” back in February that is a both a cultural and satirical look at life in China and thus far it’s grown quite a following more then I ever could have imagined in it’s short lifespan!

More recently I launched a personal blog “Evolution of a Dreamer” this blog is about anything and everything in my life including travel!  It’s the most honest and personal you will ever see me write, every-word is a little piece of myself I share with the entire world. Maybe just maybe you might find something you relate to in my stories about life, dreams, failing, success, motivation, dating and all that other stuff twenty-somethings do!

But are you still travelling?

Of course! Travel is still my one true love! In fact this year I’ve fulfilled two travel dreams.  1. to do a hill tribe trek in northern Thailand (4 days, 70km) which was one of the most moving travel experiences I’ve ever had and 2.To go to inner Mongolia, ride a Mongolian horse, sleep in a hurt and ride a camel through the desert.  I’ve also been lucky enough to see more of China, I spent nearly a week hiking in rural Fujian province an area foreigner’s scarcely visit but one of the most stunning areas I’ve seen in China (and I’ve seen a lot of stunning places in China!).  I also just got back from a trip to Thailand and Laos (I drove through the flood waters in Bangkok on 3 occasions, it’s mental!) My next trip will most likely be to the Philippines and then probably Myanmar to volunteer teach for a few months next year and then who knows, I hear a life in Bangkok calling…You’re just going to have to keep an eye on twitter to see where I’m off to next!

Where can we read your travel tales?

I’ll be writing about my experience of travel, how it changes me and what I learn from it on my new blog. You won’t see top 10 lists or travel advice it will be purely story telling and if you get something practical out of it then fantastic! I’ll also be freelance writing for some other online publications so expect to hear my most adventurous stories elsewhere around the web.

I just want to say a big thank you to all my loyal reader’s who have always been there to read, comment and RT my posts.  Also a special thanks to all my fantastic magazine contributors and guest posters.  It is all of you that gave me the motivation to stick it out as long as I have! I hope you all will continue to follow my ever changing journey through life around the world!

Sasha

Related posts:

1. Inroducing Travel Blog Chronicle
2. World Experiences: Turkey
3. On UR Way Magazine Issue #3

The first time I visited Marrakech, aged eleven, my Dad took me to the souks to teach me how to haggle (he’s an Arab and well-practised; I am British-born and decidedly not).

Squirming with embarrassment, I attempted to knock down the price of a pair of beaded slippers while the stall owner grinned at me. My Dad, on the other hand, threw looks of deepest contempt at the stall owner, offered 20% of the asking price and was accused of trying to rob him blind. It culminated with an agreed price and an offer of mint tea – things went from hostile to hospitable in the space of ten minutes and the whole thing left me deeply confused.

Haggling – if you get good at it – is seriously good fun. Here’s my guide to shopping in the souks, and how to avoid getting scammed while you’re at it.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Haggling

Rule number one: there are no price tags in Moroccan souks for good reason. People haggle until a price is agreed. If you see something you like, try to gauge how much you want to pay for it before you start haggling; it’ll help you keep things in perspective.

Ask how much it is and expect a vastly inflated answer in return. Knock it down by at least half (remember to smile: sounds patronising, but a friendly face goes a long way). Expect to be told “no way!” and – if you feel it’s worth it – increase your offer a little. If not, walk away. More often than not, you’ll be chased back and the whole process resumes again.

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Mint Tea

I can’t stress enough how important mint tea is to souk culture. Expect to be invited to share a cup of strong, tooth-achingly-sweet tea with shopkeepers, especially if you’ve made a relatively big purchase. It’s rude to refuse and why would you want to? It’s a really nice way to sit back, relax, and chill with the locals.

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Scams in the Souks

The Moroccan government is trying to crack down on the scamming of tourists, but souks are very hard to police; they are windy and tricky, with lots of dark corners and dead ends. You will spend (especially in Fez) a lot of your time wandering around completely lost. And this is when you are most vulnerable.

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My top tips for avoiding getting scammed (and the things to look out for):

• Young, teenage boys are a particular nuisance – many give misleading directions, follow you around until you are completely lost and then demand payment for the time they’ve spent ‘guiding’ you. I’ve fallen for this twice (twice! I was so annoyed with myself) in Marrakech – shopkeepers and/or older locals are a safer (though not always) bet.
• Get directions to the riad/hostel you’re staying in before you arrive. Many will offer to meet you at a designated place – take them up on that offer, especially if you’re staying in Marrakech or Fes, where the souks are labyrinthine. I have personally experienced someone offering to take me to my riad, trying to grab my bag and leading me off to a guest-house that was not the one I asked directions for (it was his friend/boss and he got commission for every tourist he brought there).

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The Golden Rule

Just say no and don’t feel rude – someone is bound try and scam you, but be patient, insistent and above all friendly. Don’t get visibly angry, don’t shout. If you are followed, calmly tell them you are not interested in a guide and won’t be paying them.

Exploring the souks of Morocco is an experience I’d recommend to anyone; I absolutely love them. And if I’m honest, I think by now I’d feel a little let down if someone didn’t try to scam me; it keeps me on my toes at least!

Creative Commons Photo Credits: Chetbox & Mar10o

Related posts:

1. Marrakech in My Eyes
2. On UR Way Magazine Issue #2
3. An East African Christmas

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You haven’t experienced Turkey until you have…

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…Gazed up in awe at the Dome of Hagia Sofia.

Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – imperial capital, city of two continents, home to over 13 million people and epicentre of Turkish cultural and economic life. At its ancient heart is the old city, Sultanahmet, where the majestic Hagia Sofia proclaims her seniority to the grand upstarts around her.  The 1600 year dome seems to float effortlessly above the ancient marble floor like a painted UFO coming into land. Cathedral, mosque and museum, Justinian’s masterpiece is a part of the seductive silhouette of mosques and minarets that define the famous city skyline. Rest outside in the lovingly tended parks and listen to the call to prayer in thunderous surround sound.

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…Waded through the icy waters of Saklikent Gorge.

This 18 km gorge in Lycian Turkey is hundreds of feet deep, transports vast quantities of crystal-clear snow melt from the Taurus Mountains every year and is virtually invisible until you get inside it. Traverse the wooden walkways to get to the mouth of the gorge, wade knee-deep through freezing open waters and ascend the 4kms that are walkable. Wear sensible shoes you don’t mind getting wet, be prepared for bruises as you will slip and don’t visit before April or you’ll likely drown. After your healthy exertion take tea in the ramshackle carpeted cafés that line the entrance.

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…Tumbled over the glorious ruins of Arycanda.

Built on five terraces high above a fertile plain, Arycanda was a leading city of ancient Lycia. The ruins are impressive and largely intact as the abandoned city’s high isolation prevented the dressed stones from being plundered in later periods. Unlike more famous sites like Ephesus, Arycanda isn’t overrun by camera-toting tourists so a leisurely tumble is a fun diversion. The city’s position, precariously perched on the side of a verdant mountain provides a spectacular vista. Watch the sun set as it bathes the ruins in soft orange light.

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…Sauntered along Bodrum’s celebrated promenade.

Old Bodrum Town is where the Turkish well-heeled come to get well-oiled.  In the heat of the day people slowly amble along the promenade, gorge on gossip in the cafés, browse and graze in the posh shops or relax under cooling shade of a tall palm tree. By night the prom sizzles to the heavy beat of Turkopop and a madding crowd of the weird, the wonderful and the well-to-do.

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…Dived off a Gulet and snorkeled in shimmering turquoise waters.

A gulet is a two-masted wooden sailing boat originating from the Aegean coast of Turkey. Take a leisurely cruise around isolated coves and drop anchor at various brushy islets for a dip in the gorgeous translucent waters of the warm Ege. Your cheery skipper will provide a simple but delicious lunch of fresh fish, meat balls or chicken accompanied by mezes, pasta and salad washed down with chilled and cheerful Anatolian vino. End the voyage lazing away the afternoon basking on the deck.

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Imagine the absurdity of two openly gay, recently married middle aged, middle class men escaping the liberal sanctuary of anonymous London to relocate to a Muslim country. Jack chronicles their exploits with the mad, the sad, the bad and the glad in a blog for the whole world to ignore. Read about it on Perking the Pansies.

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Are you an expat? Have you spent an extended period of time in one country? If that sounds like you I’d love your contribution to the world experiences series! If you have offbeat and authentic cultural experiences to share from a particular country contact me here.

Related posts:

1. World Experiences: China
2. In Awe of Ancient Athens
3. Travel Moment: Rome’s Tiber River at Dusk

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5.30am

My tiny Casio watch screams at me to rise from my somewhat sweaty slumber.  The sun is on the up as I quickly check for any nasty looking mozzy bites.  I avoid the shower at this point, leaving my roommate to sleep and figuring I’ll only be hot and bothered within 10 minutes of leaving the house anyways.

With football coaching equipment slung over my shoulder I leave the volunteer house and start my walk to ‘work’.  I have the option of a bus bike or getting the local bus but I prefer to walk, I love the walk.  It obviously takes longer than the other options, but this allows me to take it all in.  I bop along the main road as a few tunes filter into my ears via my ipod and I give a casual wave to some shop owners who now recognise me, they already seem like they’ve been working for hours and give me a HUGE smile as I pass.  They could be laughing at my sporting attire for all I know, I probably look a state, but I believe they are just genuinely being very nice and saying hi.

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6.15am

I arrive for training and all the kids are ready and waiting, eager to see if they can get their hands on one of the brightly coloured footballs that I’ve brought with me.  The normal white footballs are somewhat neglected.  We allow them to go mad for 15 minutes before proper training starts, replica football shirts flash back and forth across the grass, Torres, Rooney, Gerrard, all the top names are out this morning.  Some of the kids ask me to recite the Sinhala that I’ve leant, I count to ten, slowly … they seem almost impressed.  Or at least that’s what their clapping and fits of laughter lead me to believe.

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6.30am

Time for training.  Tyron, the coach who I assist sends the kids (aged between 8 and 13) on a couple of laps around the football field, telling them to mind the cow on their way.  They all groan (to be fair who likes laps?) but start jogging.  It then becomes a game to see if they can cut out parts of the field or skip doing a lap altogether.  I blow my whistle and point at anyone I believe to be slacking.  Despite the language barrier they know exactly why I’m pointing at them.  Some look petrified, put their heads down and run harder, others give a cheeky smile and try the same trick again 30 seconds later.

We then spend the next 30 minutes doing some drills, teaching the kids about controlling the ball, passing with their side foot, and aiming for the corners when shooting.  I improvise by tying a brightly coloured plastic bag to the foot of one of the goal posts and then indicating that its where they all should be aiming for.  This is where my sports science degree really paid off!

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7.00am

It’s time for a game.  Tyron likes to pit the younger ones against the older which seems a little unfair, but the younger have the greater numbers, and usually me on their side.  Once again, dodging the school cow, we tear around the pitch, kicking up dust and wading through the parts of the pitch that are overgrown.  Its carnage, but fun!

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7.20 am

Full time, the game is bought to a close.  I chase the kids to get all the footballs off of them and try to send them into class, I am weak however and succumb to their requests for a quick game of head-catch.  The kids squeal with laughter as they either catch or head the ball incorrectly, the aim of the game being to catch the ball when I shout head, or head the ball when I shout catch.  Simple but good fun once more.  I end the morning session with a big smile and start the walk back to the volunteers house.

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8.00am

I’m back at the volunteers house and ready for some breakfast.  The other volunteers are dressed and ready for a hard days graft either at the orphanage or in Colombo city centre.  Breakfast consists of cereal, toast (that apparently tastes like soap but I actually like it.) and fruit.  No Bacon rolls here L.  Once breakfast is over its off for a cold shower.

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8.30am – 4pm

This is my free time.  It’s too hot for football during these hours so I am not needed at the school.  I catch up on some sleep, read my books, chat to some of the house boys and try to pick up a bit more of the lingo, anything that takes my fancy really.  There is also the option of going into Ja Ela, or even further afield to Colombo.  The buses are cheap and usually good fun.

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4pm

I make the walk back to the school for a second session of training.  It’s much the same as the morning session as Tyron and I try to enforce what we taught in the morning session.

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5.30pm

Depending on what day of the week it is, I either go coach at a local men’s club or go back to Tyron’s house.  Back at Tyron’s house I help (try at least) out in his workshop for an hour or so.  Not only does he teach, but he is a carpenter as well.   Once the carpentry duties are over we jump on a tuk tuk and head to a local playing field to play more football with his friends.

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7.00pm

Despite the language barrier, Tyron’s football friends are very welcoming and even compliment my footy boots.  The air is sticky but the pace of the game is frantic.  By trade I am a goalkeeper, but goalkeepers are fairly redundant here, the ground is too hard to be diving around on.  I instead try my hand at being a striker … on the evidence of my striking abilities, I won’t give up my day job.

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8.00pm

It’s starting to get dark now and tiny insects are starting to dine on my flesh.  We hop back on the tuk tuk and head to a local shop for a quick drink (coconut if I’m lucky) before I am dropped back off at the volunteers house.

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8.30 pm

Back at the house I tuck into any dinner than might have been left for me (I’m usually not that hungry after footy anyway) and settle down in the common area to have a chat with the other volunteers.  It’s not that busy so there are 8 of us at the most.  The night usually ends with a film and a couple of drinks.  On select occasions we do head to a local hotel bar for a couple of games of pool, or if we’re feeling really adventurous we get a tuk tuk  into the city, we usually saved the bright lights of Colombo for the weekends though.

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10pm

Bed time.  I douse myself in mozzy repellent, take my malaria tablets and set up my mosquito net.  The drone of the fan although initially annoying, now helps me nod off to sleep.  Good night beautiful Sri Lanka, I look forward to seeing you in the morning!

l

About the Author:

Neil of Backpacks and Bunkbeds is a young (ish) London lad with a passion for all things travel.  He got ‘the travel bug’ having first volunteered as a sports coach in South Africa in 2005.  Over the last couple of years his efforts have been concentrated on seeing all that Europe has to offer, including an inter-rail trip in April 2010.  2011 has seen no less travel, Scotland, Ireland, Greece and a return to Poland all crossed off on the map, Malta and Latvia soon to follow. You can read his daily ramblings by following him on twitter @packsandbunks.

Related posts:

1. Volunteer with the Orangutans in Borneo
2. An East African Christmas
3. Living Abroad Made Me Appreciate My Parents