Notice Handed In, I'm off to S.E. Asia (in a few months) with a dream about craft beer...

[Ahleckz]

Warning: Lots of text, stream of conciousness and all that crap.

So, I went on holiday to Thailand last month. I actually ended up in Cambodia for most of the trip staying for most of the time in Siam Reap but also being in a beach off Shinoukville and also visiting Phnom Phen.

I had a thoroughly good time, and numerous people told me that I should stay as they think that I have the personality to enjoy myself there and be happy. Plus, each time they asked "well, why do you have to go back?" I was unable to really answer. Sure, I've got a job but I don't really like it. My pals, yea I'll miss them but you can always make more friends. And I'm at an age where a lot of people are really getting their careers in order so friendships seem to take a back seat.

I arrived back, and almost immediately (well after the 3 days of upset stomach from cause unknown!) decided that I wanted to go back. Why? Well, why stay in Glasgow? It's cold, and I've got bored of it. I've been here 8 years and it's the longest I've ever stayed anywhere and frankly I want to get out!

So, I've handed in my notice at work but agreed to work until the end of March as it helps the company a fair bit as well as will ensure I'll get a fair bit of extra dosh to go. It was all done very abruptly, but I thought if I dwell on it then I may never do it! And, this gives me something to work hard towards and when you're on commission the drive is really needed.

Everyone knows someone who's moved to Thailand and bummed around on the beach for 6 months before coming home having blown all their money. And yea, that could totally happen with me. But I really hope it doesn't. I also don't want to be one of those people who is there to find themselves. I know who I am, and I like me. I don't need to figure that out. What do I want from this? Well ultimately to see somewhere different and do something different.

I'm acutely aware that I may be romanticising a holiday, but I'm fine with that. If it is awful then I can come back. Nothing ventured nothing gained!

The plan? There isn't one. My dream? I want to take craft beer and introduce it to somewhere where it's not familiar (in particularly Cambodia, and possibly Vietnam). I have a CELTA and some experience of teaching English as a Foreign Language, so I can very easily fall back on that and get work extremely easy... But ultimately I'm off on a jolly! I'm not leaving until April, but thought I'd post this as it's kinda exciting to me. And, if anyone wants to help set up a craft brewery in Cambodia you should come join me!

 

[Ahleckz]

I'm not sure it takes balls, I mean the World isn't that big and anywhere is only a flight and £500 away... That being said, I suppose to leave everything you've known and own and to set yourself up with only a few items of clothing is pretty daunting.

I have no idea how one would set up a brewery in SE Asia but it might be fun, or a very expensive waste of time... I'll hopefully be able to answer that question one day.

As for the gun discussion. There's an army base opposite Phnom Phen airport where they allow you to shoot guns on their range for money. I didn't do it, though only because I ran out of time. Just because they had an awful war and that's to be seen when walking in any area of the country doesn't mean one shouldn't shoot some guns.

 

[Ahleckz]

So, my girlfriend has confirmed that she's also coming which is awesome as it makes things cheaper and there'll be someone there on those lonely days when you want to do nothing and can't be bothered making friends.

She's pretty different to me, and quite the girly girl. She's already asked if she can use some of my baggage allowance as she'll need more than the 30kg Emirates offer! I'm planning on taking 15kg TOPS (more like 10kg) and have no intention of taking any of her gear. I think she's in for quite the shock, but hopefully it makes her rather than breaks her.

She wants to get flights booked ASAP, I'm waiting until March at the earliest as they are still pretty pricey. We're thinking about leaving around the 7th of May. (I suppose a Glasgow meet ought to be organised! The last one was epic).

Work have asked me what I want to stay, I've told them. Chances of it happening? 1%, but you don't ask you don't get! Haha.

So yea, tl;dr - The plan is still very much happening, but I've now got a partner to do it all with! A partner that doesn't like humidity, needs to straighten her hair each day and likes to wear a fair bit of makeup... This'll be interesting!

 

[Ahleckz]

Was lying on my couch the other day, when it sudden dawned on me that I leave the country in six weeks. My notice has been given into work, and they are fine with me leaving and have offered me my job back when/if I come back.

However, I have six weeks to completely decorate my flat, install new kitchen appliances, replace carpet/flooring and get it on the market to be sold. Thankfully, there's no mortgage and I'm in a position where I'm not too fussed what I get for it but I don't think I've got much time to get it all sorted. Especially since I work 6 days week and on the 18th April I'll be carless. Eeek!

So, now the stress has kicked in before the adventure. Lots to do, but can't wait to get over to Asia and explore.

 

[Ahleckz]

You can get health insurance which lasts as long as you want really. As long as you're able to get to Bangkok/Kuala Lumpur/Singapore you'll be OK though. I've heard some interesting stories about Cambodia dentists... A lot of basic tools but thankfully a lot of narcotics which gives you a sense of calm!

As per giving everything up. I pretty much am. I've got a small Kangoo van 1/3rd full and that's pretty much everything I own bar a TV, computer and two Tannoy Speakers which will be distributed amongst my friends for 'safe keeping'. All my clothes will go to charity before I go, and once I leave my flat on the 7th of May that'll be the last I'll ever see of it.

 

[Ahleckz]

So, I'm leaving on the 7th of May and decided to get organised and pack my bag.

This:



Turned into this:



Girlfriend is still worried about how many pants she needs, tsk.

 

[Ahleckz]

Things you really really need:

Lots of antibacterial hand wash things
Insect repellent with deet
A couple of torches
An array of plasters
Doxycycline - lots of it. This anti-malarial will nuke any other infections you get
Padlocks, mini and larger for different locks / holds you will encounter
A second wallet with petty cash (to hand over in emergencies)
Copies of passports / IDs etc sent to yourself via email
Imodium, but use cautiously!!!!
There is an epic prescription gut nuker... ciprofloxacin. Try and get that and explain you'll need it for when you're there
One book
You won't need dollars you can withdraw them whilst there (in Cambodia), although double check as it'll depend where you go first
A diary + pens
Swiss army knife
Carrier bags for segregating smelly clothes
Absolutely nothing heavy inc. coats or hoodies. Not worth it.
Wet wipes / tissues / loo roll
Sewing kit


I'm sure you have thought of most of that!

I'll take these one by one:

Not into hand sanitizers, overly clean + healthy people just get ill more often .
Got some repellent, and going to buy a plug-in once I get there. I hear that they are the most effective.
Got two LED torches today.
Got plasters, in my first aid bag. Nothing hardcore, just the usual over the counter stuff. If I need anything I'll be able to get it over the counter there.
Not taking anti-malarials. Not going to be in any high risk areas.
Got one padlock but going to need another couple. They are expensive!!
Thought about a second wallet, but I think it's just too much bother and hassle.
Passport & bank details are already emailed to me and my girlfriends email as well as copies of our insurance details.
Got a few sachets of immodium in the first aid bag, again can get more when we're there if needed.
I'll have a book or two in my carry-on. Obviously be planning on swapping them in hostels when I'm finished reading.
Whenever I travel outwith the UK I always take dollars anyway so will pick some up on Tuesday, the day before I leave.
Loads of pens in my carry on, as well as few rolling around in my bigger bag as well as some paper. But will pick up a cheap notebook from Tesco or somewhere before I go.
Don't need a knife, I can open a bottle of beer with pretty much anything .
Few Tesco bags & 2 binliners already in my bag. Great handy things! As well as some duct tape from a previous trip.
I'm taking one zip up hoodie. Those SE Asian buses can get pretty cold! They love their AC.
Wet wipes and tissues are in the fabric bag at the top left of the picture. That's the toiletry bag.

So looks like I've got pretty much everything you say, bar a few things which I don't think I need. Sounds good to me and quite reassuring.

At the end of the day, you can get anything you need over there anyway be it prescription drugs over the counter in Cambodia or simpler day to day things from a 7-11 or Tesco Lotus.

Great for you I think this is really good - takes balls and it will be something no one can ever take from you. To be honest I've noticed a big difference in your posting style recently - you come across as a happier person and if this is the reason then I definitely wish you the best of luck.

Cheers. I took a bit of a break from here as it just got boring to be honest and I was a bit down in the dumps I guess. But this has perked me up and can't wait to get away and try something new.