Wallaces Worldhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/A record setup to document my three week holiday to the far east with my friend Rukiye. An adventure of discovery and intrigue as I head out of europe for the first time and face my fear of flying and try to conquer it. An account of the build up and hopefully of the trip itself on a daily basis.en-UKhourly82000-01-01T12:00+00:00Wallaces Worldhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/d4/941966f891cdfdac58b17e6008c2af_160x200.jpgThe Swimmerhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/20/the_swimmer~813758/2006-05-20T06:38:04+02:00 <p>Had a strange day on Thursday went to Karon Beach on Phuket and it was wet and windy, the sea was stormy and it was thoroughly miserable. Red flags were out on the beach and the place was utterly deserted. Was looking to be a complete waste of time going there. Rukiye decided to ask a hotel if we could use there pool and as with most things in Thailand we expected to pay. However the hotel said no problem use the Pools for nothing. When we got in the grounds they had 5 swimming pools all beautifully presented with themes and and sun loungers and cafes. Each pool we visited the staff brought us fresh towels and peacocks walked round us, the hotel was virtuely empty and we saw maybe 10 people relaxing there all day. After 6 hours of relaxing ourselves we noticed as we left that it was one of the fourth largest Hilton hotels in the world and they let us use there facilities and towels all day for nothing, was very contrasting to the thai way of paying for every thing. Day then took a down turn as we sat and ate our dinner something bit Rukiye on the foot and by the time we reached our hotel she could barely walk. Thankfully our hotel is next door to the hospital emergency centre. I was expecting conditions like the rest of the country with little hygiene. It was a shock it was a modern spotlessly clean hospital who saw her and admitted her for observation with in 20 minutes and were treating her with blood tests and antibiotics with in the hour! They gave me a bed on the same ward at no cost and checked her on the hour and fed her so well it puts our health service to shame. Thankfully by the morning the antibiotic worked and she was back on her feet and being discharged. Was seen by a consultant and given more tablets to take away. Total cost 22 pounds stunning level of care. anyway still having fun shopping and eating large amounts of Crab yum.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/20/the_swimmer~813758/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Had a strange day on Thursday went to Karon Beach on Phuket and it was wet and windy, the sea was stormy and it was thoroughly miserable. Red flags were out on the beach and the place was utterly deserted. Was looking to be a complete waste of time going there. Rukiye decided to ask a hotel if we could use there pool and as with most things in Thailand we expected to pay. However the hotel said no problem use the Pools for nothing. When we got in the grounds they had 5 swimming pools all beautifully presented with themes and and sun loungers and cafes. Each pool we visited the staff brought us fresh towels and peacocks walked round us, the hotel was virtuely empty and we saw maybe 10 people relaxing there all day. After 6 hours of relaxing ourselves we noticed as we left that it was one of the fourth largest Hilton hotels in the world and they let us use there facilities and towels all day for nothing, was very contrasting to the thai way of paying for every thing. Day then took a down turn as we sat and ate our dinner something bit Rukiye on the foot and by the time we reached our hotel she could barely walk. Thankfully our hotel is next door to the hospital emergency centre. I was expecting conditions like the rest of the country with little hygiene. It was a shock it was a modern spotlessly clean hospital who saw her and admitted her for observation with in 20 minutes and were treating her with blood tests and antibiotics with in the hour! They gave me a bed on the same ward at no cost and checked her on the hour and fed her so well it puts our health service to shame. Thankfully by the morning the antibiotic worked and she was back on her feet and being discharged. Was seen by a consultant and given more tablets to take away. Total cost 22 pounds stunning level of care. anyway still having fun shopping and eating large amounts of Crab yum.

Jason

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]]>Beware of the Darkhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/beware_of_the_dark~806925/2006-05-17T15:08:30+02:00 <p>Have been at Patong Beach in Phuket for a few days, which has lots of good shopping the most wonderfull fish restaurants I have ever eaten in and a beautiful beach with turbulent waves that I have been trying to Surf on (Badly I must add). However it has its darker side and at night turns into a man hungry den of lust (Not that im a prude) enough to make me blush. I just popped out to get Rukiye a little present that she spotted earlier and suddenly as its a man alone the price had quadrupled where as early when a woman was looking the prices were being slashed by 2 thirds if you were about to walk away without even haggling. Needless to say the gift stayed on the shelf despite the salespersons pleads of "hey rich man" they also love the term "lovely Jubbly" and "its the dogs bollocks" (Obviously Only fools and horses is big over here). While returning disappointed I found I had suddenly become far more attractive and scores of women wanted to say hello to me!! In the words of news of the world reporters I made my excuses and left, Scary town especially at night.</p> <p>We might stay one more night and move on as the beach is quite fun. Rukiye has turned from extreme sports nutter into a girl afraid of her own shadow and wont even get in the sea up to her waste as its too rough. Oh well me and my surf board will have fun tomorrow.</p> <p>6 days left and hopefully will get to see an Arsenal Win in a few Hours.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/beware_of_the_dark~806925/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Have been at Patong Beach in Phuket for a few days, which has lots of good shopping the most wonderfull fish restaurants I have ever eaten in and a beautiful beach with turbulent waves that I have been trying to Surf on (Badly I must add). However it has its darker side and at night turns into a man hungry den of lust (Not that im a prude) enough to make me blush. I just popped out to get Rukiye a little present that she spotted earlier and suddenly as its a man alone the price had quadrupled where as early when a woman was looking the prices were being slashed by 2 thirds if you were about to walk away without even haggling. Needless to say the gift stayed on the shelf despite the salespersons pleads of "hey rich man" they also love the term "lovely Jubbly" and "its the dogs bollocks" (Obviously Only fools and horses is big over here). While returning disappointed I found I had suddenly become far more attractive and scores of women wanted to say hello to me!! In the words of news of the world reporters I made my excuses and left, Scary town especially at night.

We might stay one more night and move on as the beach is quite fun. Rukiye has turned from extreme sports nutter into a girl afraid of her own shadow and wont even get in the sea up to her waste as its too rough. Oh well me and my surf board will have fun tomorrow.

6 days left and hopefully will get to see an Arsenal Win in a few Hours.

Jason

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]]>Cup Final in Krabihttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/14/cup_final_in_krabi~797839/2006-05-14T06:31:52+02:00 <p>Out of contact for a while as internet connections are even worse down here. Arrived at Krabi a few days back and settled in a nice Bungalow in Ao Nang. Rukiye hasnt been too well as she was suffering from the same bug I had in the jungle, thankfully now on the mend and enjoying herself again. We swam at a beautiful beach the day before yesterday called Railli beach and then yesterday visited 4 islands by boat. I snorkeled and had hundreds of fish eating pineapple from my hand. At low tide you could walk between islands but had to dodge Jelly Fish on the way. Hope to be on a Bus to Phuket tomorrow. Sadly we have relaxed too much and Malaysia is probably not an option, but surely relaxing is the point.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/14/cup_final_in_krabi~797839/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Out of contact for a while as internet connections are even worse down here. Arrived at Krabi a few days back and settled in a nice Bungalow in Ao Nang. Rukiye hasnt been too well as she was suffering from the same bug I had in the jungle, thankfully now on the mend and enjoying herself again. We swam at a beautiful beach the day before yesterday called Railli beach and then yesterday visited 4 islands by boat. I snorkeled and had hundreds of fish eating pineapple from my hand. At low tide you could walk between islands but had to dodge Jelly Fish on the way. Hope to be on a Bus to Phuket tomorrow. Sadly we have relaxed too much and Malaysia is probably not an option, but surely relaxing is the point.

Jason

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]]>Bangkokhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/bangkok~785636/2006-05-09T01:39:52+02:00 <p>Relaxing in Bangkok today with swimming and parks off to Krabi on overnight bus tonight.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/bangkok~785636/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Relaxing in Bangkok today with swimming and parks off to Krabi on overnight bus tonight.

Jason

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]]>Tenkohttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/08/tenko~783083/2006-05-08T04:33:03+02:00 <p>Got back from 3 days trekking in the jungle last night and would never do it again. Possibly the hardest thing I have ever done and seriously thought I wouldnt make it at one point. It was 6 people and one guide and it was 38 degrees heat with walking up mountain sides in the hotest part of the day. I had a temperature when i got there and all my strength just seemed to go. Thankfully was carrying plenty of medication and water. Rukiye decided to have a row with the guide about walking during the hot bit of the day but thankfully it was forgotten as the other members of the group managed to annoy him even more so it was soon forgotten. The Insects and snakes were far too big for my liking and the camps were not unlike those out of Tenko, I suspected the guide was japanese at one point the way he was pushing me. That aside we did see some beautiful country and swimming in the waterfall was so relaxing with no one else about. Got to ride elephants through the jungle in the monsoon and on sunday we punted bamboo rafts up the river on our own. The raft men werent far away but kept well hidden so it seemed we were all alone. Was so relieved to get back the Chaing Mai and a shower as we were both smelly and filthy with many new bites to show for it. My feet are all blistered now and im hoping they will heel quick so i can go swimming again. Off to learn meditation from monks soon so hopefully that will take my mind off my sunburn. Thanks for your comments guys and Remi I have banged my head twice more since then on a tree and hut ouch.<br> Thailand has the oldest computers I have ever seen and most dont let me put pictures on which is annoying. Will try when i find a modern one.</p> <p>Back to bangkok tonight to head south and to the beach hopefully.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/08/tenko~783083/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Got back from 3 days trekking in the jungle last night and would never do it again. Possibly the hardest thing I have ever done and seriously thought I wouldnt make it at one point. It was 6 people and one guide and it was 38 degrees heat with walking up mountain sides in the hotest part of the day. I had a temperature when i got there and all my strength just seemed to go. Thankfully was carrying plenty of medication and water. Rukiye decided to have a row with the guide about walking during the hot bit of the day but thankfully it was forgotten as the other members of the group managed to annoy him even more so it was soon forgotten. The Insects and snakes were far too big for my liking and the camps were not unlike those out of Tenko, I suspected the guide was japanese at one point the way he was pushing me. That aside we did see some beautiful country and swimming in the waterfall was so relaxing with no one else about. Got to ride elephants through the jungle in the monsoon and on sunday we punted bamboo rafts up the river on our own. The raft men werent far away but kept well hidden so it seemed we were all alone. Was so relieved to get back the Chaing Mai and a shower as we were both smelly and filthy with many new bites to show for it. My feet are all blistered now and im hoping they will heel quick so i can go swimming again. Off to learn meditation from monks soon so hopefully that will take my mind off my sunburn. Thanks for your comments guys and Remi I have banged my head twice more since then on a tree and hut ouch.
Thailand has the oldest computers I have ever seen and most dont let me put pictures on which is annoying. Will try when i find a modern one.

Back to bangkok tonight to head south and to the beach hopefully.

Jason

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]]>Errorhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/03/error~772579/2006-05-03T11:10:30+02:00 <p>Banged my head on a bus door roof and cut it off to Chang Mai this evening will try the pictures again then.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/03/error~772579/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Banged my head on a bus door roof and cut it off to Chang Mai this evening will try the pictures again then.

Jason

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]]>Errorhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/03/error~772561/2006-05-03T11:00:44+02:00 <p>Banged my head on a bus door roof and cut it off to Chang Mai this evening will try the pictures again then.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/03/error~772561/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Banged my head on a bus door roof and cut it off to Chang Mai this evening will try the pictures again then.

Jason

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]]>Happy Landingshttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/03/happy_landings~772497/2006-05-03T10:35:53+02:00 <p>Least said about the flight the better it was terrifying especially as we had a baby either side of us for 11 hours. Thailand is hotter then I ever imagined and to put it politely its aromatic in its own way. Found a really nice guest house the first night and had a great thai meal with the locals and no tourists that was delicious. Everything is dirt cheap and I cant see us speding much money. Rukiye has just gone for a massage while i use the internet. We went to the floating market this morning on longtail boats and saw a Cobra and a mongoose fight. Heres some pictures of so far. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/03/happy_landings~772497/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Least said about the flight the better it was terrifying especially as we had a baby either side of us for 11 hours. Thailand is hotter then I ever imagined and to put it politely its aromatic in its own way. Found a really nice guest house the first night and had a great thai meal with the locals and no tourists that was delicious. Everything is dirt cheap and I cant see us speding much money. Rukiye has just gone for a massage while i use the internet. We went to the floating market this morning on longtail boats and saw a Cobra and a mongoose fight. Heres some pictures of so far.

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]]>Last Minutehttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/29/last_minute~765356/2006-04-29T23:05:22+02:00 <p>Ok now have everything I can remember for the trip. Started the packing and my rucksack was heavy before even the clothes went in. Even taking the packets off things to cut the weight now. Not going to sleep much i think as im too excited now.</p> <p>Jase </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/29/last_minute~765356/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Ok now have everything I can remember for the trip. Started the packing and my rucksack was heavy before even the clothes went in. Even taking the packets off things to cut the weight now. Not going to sleep much i think as im too excited now.

Jase

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]]>Maydayhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/28/mayday~762460/2006-04-28T14:04:27+02:00 <p>Was just wondering if leaving on Mayday is a bad omen with it being an international call of distress. Probably should stop thinking like that and focus on the more positive. Three days to go and still no nerves have kicked in, im beginning to wonder if I have kicked this phobia. Typically my ankle has started to play me up again after the sprain before christmas, not entirely sure why but its giving me a lot of pain again, Im hoping its the change in temperature and that it will react better to the heat out there. Took Larium for Malaria the other night and thankfully had no side effects lets hope it continues as we have to take it for another six weeks. I cant wait for the off now and with any luck it will be stress free.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/28/mayday~762460/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Was just wondering if leaving on Mayday is a bad omen with it being an international call of distress. Probably should stop thinking like that and focus on the more positive. Three days to go and still no nerves have kicked in, im beginning to wonder if I have kicked this phobia. Typically my ankle has started to play me up again after the sprain before christmas, not entirely sure why but its giving me a lot of pain again, Im hoping its the change in temperature and that it will react better to the heat out there. Took Larium for Malaria the other night and thankfully had no side effects lets hope it continues as we have to take it for another six weeks. I cant wait for the off now and with any luck it will be stress free.

Jason

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]]>Countdownhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/23/countdown~750407/2006-04-23T20:50:31+02:00 <p>Oddly calm considering I only have a week until the holiday, excited with anticipation of the adventure. Have twenty Valium from the doctor so if the nerves kick in I should be ok. Have been reading my book and cant wait to visit the places I have read about, might get there and wish i wasnt coming back. Managed to get sunburnt on Saturday just sitting in the garden so god knows what the sun out there will do to me, plenty of Suncream is the order of the day I guess. Seems like we will go to Northern Thailand first and then come back and into Malaysia with any luck and then if time after Kuala Lumpur into singapore if we can manage it. Hopefully will post where we are most days unless we are on a tour. Anyway counting down the time now.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/23/countdown~750407/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Oddly calm considering I only have a week until the holiday, excited with anticipation of the adventure. Have twenty Valium from the doctor so if the nerves kick in I should be ok. Have been reading my book and cant wait to visit the places I have read about, might get there and wish i wasnt coming back. Managed to get sunburnt on Saturday just sitting in the garden so god knows what the sun out there will do to me, plenty of Suncream is the order of the day I guess. Seems like we will go to Northern Thailand first and then come back and into Malaysia with any luck and then if time after Kuala Lumpur into singapore if we can manage it. Hopefully will post where we are most days unless we are on a tour. Anyway counting down the time now.

Jason

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]]>The Cost of Livinghttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/16/the_cost_of_living~732585/2006-04-16T22:26:30+02:00 <p> Had me injections one in each arm and one in the arse and they all hurt for a few days. Managed to get Larium from the GP at the same time and as luck would have it he gave me enough for Rukiye aswell. Actually very lucky because when I got my £6 out for the prescription the chemist said £39.99 please, ouch. Finally did the fear of flying course on the internet the other day and all it accomplished is I have a few more things to fear that i hadnt considered before now!!<br> Oh well no time to pull out now as its only two weeks before we leave.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/16/the_cost_of_living~732585/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> Had me injections one in each arm and one in the arse and they all hurt for a few days. Managed to get Larium from the GP at the same time and as luck would have it he gave me enough for Rukiye aswell. Actually very lucky because when I got my £6 out for the prescription the chemist said £39.99 please, ouch. Finally did the fear of flying course on the internet the other day and all it accomplished is I have a few more things to fear that i hadnt considered before now!!
Oh well no time to pull out now as its only two weeks before we leave.

Jason

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]]>Really having the Needlehttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/12/really_having_the_needle~723592/2006-04-12T23:27:23+02:00 <p>I got a really good book the other day on Thailand that gives loads of good advice on travel through the country so hopefully it wil be of some help to us. Some friends of Rukiye's have scared her about health issues and now she is trying to get medical insurance. I had my third nightmare about flying last night so i must find time to do that fear of flying course. I have my injections tomorrow and that worries me as much as anything else on this trip, my low pain threshold could show me up with the nurse. I havent heard back from the hospital about Malaria so perhaps i can ask the nurse. My insect repelents havent arrived yet or my mosquito net, saw the same in boots yesterday but they are far more expensive. anyway will report tomorrow if my arm is up to it after being inhjected for Hepititis A and B, Typhoid and Tetanus.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/12/really_having_the_needle~723592/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>I got a really good book the other day on Thailand that gives loads of good advice on travel through the country so hopefully it wil be of some help to us. Some friends of Rukiye's have scared her about health issues and now she is trying to get medical insurance. I had my third nightmare about flying last night so i must find time to do that fear of flying course. I have my injections tomorrow and that worries me as much as anything else on this trip, my low pain threshold could show me up with the nurse. I havent heard back from the hospital about Malaria so perhaps i can ask the nurse. My insect repelents havent arrived yet or my mosquito net, saw the same in boots yesterday but they are far more expensive. anyway will report tomorrow if my arm is up to it after being inhjected for Hepititis A and B, Typhoid and Tetanus.

Jason

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]]>Nip, Sting & Bitehttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/06/nip_sting_aamp_bite~707576/2006-04-06T16:43:52+02:00 <p>A few days since i posted an entry, but have been busy. Booked my travel insurance and got confirmation so at least I know if sprain my ankle again I will get some treatment. I checked about Malaria but apparently the main tourist routes are free of it so its low risk, however Rukiye has decided she wants to stay in a village with the locals where the chances are higher, not my favoured choice but hey will reserve judgement until im there. Rukiye had her injections yesterday and can barely move her arms so im even less looking forward to that! (When does this holiday get to be enjoyable?) Also her nurse suggested Malaria again, i checked with the tropical disease hospital today and from there information the risk for the few days we are there is low so have taken their advice and ordered lots of insect repelent and some mosquito nets. Its a bit sad but im actually looking forward to the train travel more then the open country as theres less chance of being bitten! Will take my fear of flying course the weekend and plan more visits while we are there so lets see how that goes.</p> <p>Jason </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/06/nip_sting_aamp_bite~707576/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>A few days since i posted an entry, but have been busy. Booked my travel insurance and got confirmation so at least I know if sprain my ankle again I will get some treatment. I checked about Malaria but apparently the main tourist routes are free of it so its low risk, however Rukiye has decided she wants to stay in a village with the locals where the chances are higher, not my favoured choice but hey will reserve judgement until im there. Rukiye had her injections yesterday and can barely move her arms so im even less looking forward to that! (When does this holiday get to be enjoyable?) Also her nurse suggested Malaria again, i checked with the tropical disease hospital today and from there information the risk for the few days we are there is low so have taken their advice and ordered lots of insect repelent and some mosquito nets. Its a bit sad but im actually looking forward to the train travel more then the open country as theres less chance of being bitten! Will take my fear of flying course the weekend and plan more visits while we are there so lets see how that goes.

Jason

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]]>High Anxietyhttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/03/high_anxiety~698191/2006-04-03T08:42:16+02:00 <p>Well had a huge sense of panic last night before bed as I lay there thinking about being trapped on a plane for eleven hours. Had to get up and walk around for a while to calm down. Keep telling myself its like getting on a train, who am I kidding! Anyway found an online fear of flying course on the net so may try that tonight and also will look up some relaxation techniques.</p> <p>Have to go book my holiday insurance now, Rukiye as usual is throwing caution to the wind and not getting any but I know my luck. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/03/high_anxiety~698191/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well had a huge sense of panic last night before bed as I lay there thinking about being trapped on a plane for eleven hours. Had to get up and walk around for a while to calm down. Keep telling myself its like getting on a train, who am I kidding! Anyway found an online fear of flying course on the net so may try that tonight and also will look up some relaxation techniques.

Have to go book my holiday insurance now, Rukiye as usual is throwing caution to the wind and not getting any but I know my luck.

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]]>The Adventure Beginshttp://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/02/the_adventure_begins~697766/2006-04-02T23:17:19+02:00 <p>Well this is the first post as a test to see if this Blog works. If it does this should document my trip to Malaysia, Thailand & singapore hopefully. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://wallacesworld.blog.co.uk/2006/04/02/the_adventure_begins~697766/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Well this is the first post as a test to see if this Blog works. If it does this should document my trip to Malaysia, Thailand & singapore hopefully.

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