A free life is a happy life

Finally me vs the world

By Charlene

here i am...

Currently sat in my 23RM/£3 a night (actually cosy) Sunny Side Hostel in George Town, Penang (Malaysia) looking back over the last few weeks and what a journey it has been. It is crazy to think that this time three weeks ago I was sat on my own at Heathrow airport waiting for my flight to Thailand, worrying, wondering and feeling all sorts of crazy emotions about what was going to happen to me. Had I made the right decision? Had I saved enough money? Would I miss home? etc.

Having been here a few weeks now, I can now say that leaving the UK to travel was THE BEST decision of my life. I am finally enjoying the freedom and taking some well needed time out. I am now living my dream, finally living my life the way I always dreamed of living it. I wake up in paradise, meet the most amazing people from all over the world, get to explore new places and am making memories that will stay with me forever - none of which would have been possible if I had stayed at home.

It’s also worth noting that it is so easy to live comfortably here on minimal budget. Everything is so much cheaper than back home, food, accommodation, travel etc. I’ve realised that I don’t need a lot to be happy, which is why Ko Lanta was so perfect and I’ll be going back as soon as I can.

I have travelled over 13,800 km across the globe, visited two countries, stayed in over 15 cites and explored over five islands - all in three weeks (map below if you are interested). I have travelled by plane, car, long/speed boat, ferry, bus, coach, tuk tuk, taxi and scooter - which have been quite the adventure themselves. I also rode my own scooter as well, which was really good fun.

So where have I been?

That's a good question and in a short answer, busy so I will try to keep this as brief as I can.

Thailand was my idea of a dream and after my last post on my travels to Chiang Mai, I flew down south to Phuket where I stayed in the old town for a few days and managed to catch up with some English friends from back home, explore the island and its history. From there I went to Koh Phi Phi, which will have it's own post soon as it was a rather big surprise. I then travelled to Ko Lanta, then Ao Nang (Railay Beach), Krabi, through the border of Malaysia to Langkawi and finally on a three hour fuel smelling ferry ride to Penang, where I will be staying for the next few days before venturing off to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

On my way to Phi Phi I met two awesome chicks (Kat and Krista) from the US and Canada. I was helping Kat with her rucksack (as travellers do) and she asked me where I was staying. Before I knew it, there we were checked in to the Ibiza House Hostel on the beach for the next few days and by day two we were at the infamous pool party and had met an English guy, Jake - shortly becoming Jake's Angels.

After spending quite a bit of time in each other's company, we moved onto Ko Lanta and Ao Nang together. None of our trip was planned but the whole time we continued to have the time of our lives. From pool parties and drinking shots to trekking down streams and waterfalls to cuddling puppies, we did it all. The way we managed to form such a good friendship after such a short period of time was a reminder as to why travelling is a must. Everyone I have met who has travelled or is travelling agrees and say that the things you see on your travels and where you go are important but it's who you meet along the way that makes it even more special.

Then of course, with the highs of travelling come the lows. I haven't actually experienced many lows and have thankfully been quite lucky. But I would have to say that the hardest part of travelling isn't being alone or having to settle in a new place, it is at the moment when you have to leave those amazing people you met along the way and know that you won't have them by your side night and day, like you did. They are no longer there doing silly things with you or there to help you when you need them - and that is tough.

I experienced this for my first time this week. After a week of travelling together it was time to say farewell in Ao Nang to Jake's Angels and go our separate ways, which sucked big time. I didn't want to leave them. I didn't understand how I could be feeling that way when I had only just met them but I was and it's natural. You soon realise when travelling that there are so many amazing, thoughtful and caring people around the world that wherever you are, you are never alone and those who want to stay in touch will. Who knows, your paths may even cross again one day. People are also more than happy to help and do anything to make you feel content and safe.

I have met people from UK, Argentina, Colombia, USA, Canada, Belgium, Brussels, France, Germany, South Korea, Russia, Poland, Brasil, Slovakia, Italy, France, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan.. the list goes on. Every single one amazing, each with their own story.

I started this blog because I wanted to inspire people to follow their dreams and push themselves out of their comfort zone. Whether it is travelling, moving house, a new job, starting your own business etc. whatever it is - do it!