Apres la Pluie le Beau Temps

Literally and figuratively.

How else do you get the nice rainbow without the rain?

This morning’s run was lovely. Clear blue skies, gentle sunshine, mild weather, after yesterday’s angry downpour. As I walked out of the Club to run towards the Botanic Gardens, my heart felt as light as my steps. As always, whenever I begin to run, I felt like a bird freed from my cage.

I forgot the time, I forgot the bitching and politics at the office, I forgot the hypocritical chatter I have to hear everyday at my desk, and the idiots I have to deal with.

I smiled to myself, and soaked in my own perspiration, I soaked in the exhilaration of a good run accompanied by good music from my ipod. And I almost forgot the time, again. No, I lie. I wished I didn’t have to go back to the office.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. I ran back to the gym, stretched, rolled my legs, and steeled myself for the office.

Part Time Travel Consultant

I suppose I should be flattered that my opinions count, but frankly, I am not.

I do not like to be asked, ‘’what is there to see in Laos/ Sri Lanka/ Myanmar/ Cambodia/ Spain’’.

Before you start thinking that I am a selfish, arrogant or unhelpful person, don’t jump the gun. But reflect further.

I do not mind sharing my recommendations, or even exchanging ideas about travel plans or destinations. But don’t ask me to spoon-feed you and serve you information on a silver platter.

Countless times, I get emails from friends who hardly keep in touch, and who begin their emails with little niceties, but with blunt questions: ‘’Hey, you have been to Laos/ Sri Lanka/ Myanmar/ Cambodia/ Spain right? Tell me what can I see there, where I should go, where I should stay…’’

You might as well hire me to be your travel consultant to plan your itinerary from A to Z. Better still, to be your brain, and to think and feel for you.

Even better still, you could hire me to be your archivist too. I’ve had friends asking me for the SAME Cambodian hotel details FIVE times, over THREE years. There is this thing called ‘’folder’’ in your email system you know. And there is this thing called ‘’save’’ button on the computer too.

So, I have been to Spain. But Spain is so big – which part of Spain would you like to see? North? South? What do you like? Food? Architecture? Culture? High end shopping? Bargain hunting? Same with Laos – do you want to see the religious aspects and the history? Or do you want a high class spa-break?

Please, just because I have invested a fortune on my travels in the past, and have visited more ‘’off beaten track’’ destinations way before they have become ‘’hip’’, does not mean you have to ‘’keep up with the Jones’’ and be seen in these up and coming ‘’in places’’ now, and conveniently ‘’ask’’ me to be your tour planner.

If you can afford such trips, it means you are educated, have some brains, have some opinions and most of all, can do your own research and narrow down your preferences.

Don’t ask stupid aimless questions like, ‘’what is there to see in Laos? Where can I go?’’