Don't date a girl who travels

She’s the one with the messy unkempt hair colored by the sun. Her skin is now far from fair like it once was. Not even sun kissed. It’s burnt with multiple tan lines, wounds and bites here and there. But for every flaw on her skin, she has an interesting story to tell.

Don’t date a girl who travels. She is hard to please. The usual dinner-movie date at the mall will suck the life out of her. Her soul craves for new experiences and adventures. She will be unimpressed with your new car and your expensive watch. She would rather climb a rock or jump out of an airplane than hear you brag about it.

Don’t date a girl who travels because she will bug you to book a flight every time there’s an airline seat sale. She won't party at Republiq. And she will never pay over $100 for Avicii because she knows that one weekend of clubbing is equivalent to one week somewhere far more exciting.

Chances are, she can’t hold a steady job. Or she’s probably daydreaming about quitting. She doesn’t want to keep working her ass off for someone else’s dream. She has her own and is working towards it. She is a freelancer. She makes money from designing, writing, photography or something that requires creativity and imagination. Don’t waste her time complaining about your boring job.

Don’t date a girl who travels. She might have wasted her college degree and switched careers entirely. She is now a dive instructor or a yoga teacher. She’s not sure when the next paycheck is coming. But she doesn’t work like a robot all day, she goes out and takes what life has to offer and challenges you to do the same.

Don’t date a girl who travels for she has chosen a life of uncertainty. She doesn’t have a plan or a permanent address. She goes with the flow and follows her heart. She dances to the beat of her own drum. She doesn’t wear a watch. Her days are ruled by the sun and the moon. When the waves are calling, life stops and she will be oblivious to everything else for a moment. But she has learned that the most important thing in life isn’t surfing.

Don’t date a girl who travels as she tends to speak her mind. She will never try to impress your parents or friends. She knows respect, but isn’t afraid to hold a debate about global issues or social responsibility.

She will never need you. She knows how to pitch a tent and screw her own fins without your help. She cooks well and doesn’t need you to pay for her meals. She is too independent and wont care whether you travel with her or not. She will forget to check in with you when she arrives at her destination. She’s busy living in the present. She talks to strangers. She will meet many interesting, like-minded people from around the world who share her passion and dreams. She will be bored with you.

So never date a girl who travels unless you can keep up with her. And if you unintentionally fall in love with one, don’t you dare keep her. Let her go.

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This article has resonated with so many women around the world and has been translated into over 20 different languages including Spanish (EU & SA), Portuguese (EU & Brazil), German, Italian, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, French-Canadian, Dutch, Greek, Danish, Swedish, Croatian, Estonian, Russian, Czech, European Spanish and Thai.

Check out her blog www.lovethesearch.com for the translated versions.

BUDGET CHARTER IN THAILAND 2004
By David Millner
(Editor of www.multihullpages.com)

Charter catamarans are good value for money when shared by six or eight people, but are expensive for two. An affordable budget catamaran in a beautiful tropical location would be an ideal sailing escape.
Spirit House
Siam Sailing in Thailand (www.sailing-charter-thailand.com) has combined these ideals by setting up a fleet of Wharram Tiki 30 and Tiki 38 Polynesian style catamarans professionally built by the Swiss run Seascape Boatyard (seascape@phuket.ksc.co.th) situated just behind the beach at Chalong on Phuket Island.

We sailed “Veni Vidi Vici”, one of Siam Sailing’s Tiki 30’s for two weeks in January 2004. Filling the nominal six berths of the yacht would be crowded but two to four good friends would be fun.

Imagine a 30’ beach cat with bimini for shelter from the tropical sun, an excellent large fridge box on deck powered by solar panels, a simple galley, separate head, fantastic swimming ladder, even an electric anchor windlass, and you are ready to explore the many unexpected facets of this stunning cruising area.

The boat may be simple but the essentials and more are included in the comprehensive welcome pack. Unusually, the boat has twin fresh water systems, a drinking and a domestic supply. We were economical but had water to spare after two weeks, even using the essential deck shower after each swim.

Most people remember the “James Bond Island” featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun”, the limestone stack in the shallow and sheltered waters of the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi.
'Charlies Bungaloe shot'
Unsurprisingly it is a major tourist attraction served by fleets of speedboats and the traditional long-tailed tourist boats. Sail right past because there are hundreds of little islands to choose from. The comprehensive pilot book shows a selection of islands and anchorages and encourages the reader to explore some of the others.

The tidal range is a couple of metres so watching the echo sounder and keeping a visual watch in clear shallow waters with the sun behind you allows shallow banks to be crossed. We were in depths of under 10m for a number of days.

The wood – epoxy Tiki 30 has substantial low aspect ratio keels which may leave tracks on the seabed when the depth drops to the 50 cm draft. Do not attempt this over the coral reefs though.

To the north of the area lies the Pan Nga national park. Approaching from the south the many islands make an incredible sight. Each one dwarfs the little catamaran. At the north of the park are rivers edged by mangroves. We made a seven mile loop up one river and back down another one. The chart does not even show the narrow waterway connecting the two rivers upstream. Further east we took the Tiki four miles up a rock strewn river near the top of the tide to explore by kayak caves with prehistoric cave paintings, rivers running right through mountains and the” hongs”. You will definitely not see monohull yachts in these shallow waters.

Hongs are in essence, collapsed caves. The visitor sees a lagoon surrounded on all sides by high cliffs, often only accessible via a tunnel through these cliffs. Many were only found by aerial survey. Some are dry inside, and some tidal.

A catamaran is ideal to reach many of these, then explore by kayak. We managed to take the Tiki right inside two Hongs at Ko Hong West and Ko Hong East, same name but two different islands.

Further south, away from the rivers the waters rapidly become crystal clear. Lift the slatted hatch on the aft deck, drop the swimming ladder, don mask snorkel and fins, and lower yourself gently into the water to swim with the colourful fish and observe the coral reefs and outcrops.
Now the islands are further apart and the sea seems less crowded.
Phi-Phi-Lai
Phi Phi Don Island is a backpackers resort island. We took a day off from sailing and made a two-dive scuba trip with lunch for only £30 with Moskito Diving. We dived off two islands, one being Phi Phi Leh where we had a long lunch-break between dives in the crowded Maya Bay, where the Leonardo Di Caprio film “The Beach” was shot. At the dive sites we swam with green turtles and barracuda, whilst just missing a sight of a black tipped reef shark pointed out by the instructor. Returning to Phi Phi Don Island we had our only sighting of dolphins, about 30 in all who stayed close for about five minutes before swimming off. After the dives we took the Tiki to Maya Bay to enjoy a night in Paradise without the tourists.
South again we visited Ko Lanta, Ko Kradan and Ko Muk and kayaked in total darkness through the emerald cave to the small hong beyond. These islands are distinctively different, more remote, and consequently have fewer tourists. The even clearer water means still better snorkelling as at Ko Ha Yai and Ko Rok Nok.

Two weeks allowed us to visit many beautiful places and log 235 miles. Often we were the only yacht in an anchorage. The Tiki 30 surprised us with her quick response and turn of speed. We saw bursts of over 10 knots on the GPS both upwind and downwind. She can be wet going upwind and you can get cold from spray, even in the tropics. Watch for wind over tide conditions. The strongest winds are in the morning and evening. Watch the tides if you anchor close in to go ashore for superb, cheap Thai food and Thai massage. You might return and find you are aground. Our aim was to experience as many Thai meals as possible and only on one day did we fail to anchor within reach of some kind of restaurant. The best plan was to eat lunch ashore allowing us to find remote anchorages at night. Many restaurants only opened during the day unless they were within hotel or bungalow resorts.

We sailed in January in the dry season of the N E Monsoon. The winds were constantly from this direction except for about four days. As these should have been downwind days we only set the spinnaker once.
If you do not need the comforts of the expensive catamarans and can enjoy the simple life this trip is an absolute must. The cabins are cozy with narrower than usual double berths. They are well ventilated in dry weather. When possible you can sleep under the stars and before you doze off listen to your CDs or to one of the 30 Satellite Radio channels available on board.
The Author in Kayak!
Make the most of tropical daylight with an early to bed, early to rise policy.

Some of the best winds were from 7am to 11am. The approximate location is at 8 degrees North, 98 degrees East. Spend a couple of nights ashore to acclimatise before taking over the boat.

The locals are very friendly and English language is spoken in the tourist areas. The area will become busier as the Thai Government have just lifted import taxes on foreign boats so don’t delay. Book today.

Siam Sailing
Makz Marine Co Ltd
6/3 Moo 8 Tambon Vichit
Amphur Muang, Phuket
tel + 66 76 200507
fax + 66 76 200507
mobile + 66 62 835536
info@sailing-charter-thailand.com

website : www.sailing-charter-thailand.com
Copyright David Millner 16 March 2004
www.multihullpages.com

Beautiful Budapest (Hungary)

Budapest is a capital city of charm, culture and classical elegance with a homely feel. To the west of the Duna (Danube) River lies Buda, with the hill and famous castle, and forest nature walks just a bus ride away. Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion for great views of the city.
Walk over the Széchenyi chain bridge to the east side of the river to Bohemian Pest, the thriving heart of the city. Ride on the oldest metro line in Europe and on city trams or take a boat trip on the river past the Gothic style Parliament building.


Budapest sits above hot thermal waters and a visit to a hot spa like Széchenyi is a must. Soak in hot baths inside or out, winter and summer. Budapest is a city to enjoy Hungarian Coffee House culture, or sample the many Hungarian wines and beers.
Take your dancing shoes for tango milongas, marathons around the city, and the annual Argentine Tango Festival. Watch a concert of Gypsy violin music and dance, a Liszt concert or visit the Opera. Each August is the award winning Sziget Festival.


The famous Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Europe, is a train ride away from the capital, and a favourite holiday destination for the locals and tourists alike.

Airport Security checks

I recall an occasion, at London Gatwick airport, a few years ago, where an extra security check was made of hand baggage at the departure gate. Screens had be positioned around tables.

The security girl took my old manual SLR camera (manual except for battery powered light meter) and asked me to switch the camera on.

It took some explaining to her that she was asking the impossible, and that no amount of coaxing could turn a manual camera "on".

With many passengers wathching and listening, I think that her embarassment was sufficient to let me proceed to the plane.

ALMERIA COAST – South East SPAIN Mojacar, Garrucha and Vera

ALMERIA COAST – South East SPAIN
Mojacar, Garrucha and Vera

Still home to fishermen, farmers and shepherds, the three towns of Mojacar, Garrucha and Vera have become a popular destination for tourists and for relocation, whether to retire, or to seek a new working life in a beautiful climate.

Situated on the south east coast of Spain in the province of Almeria, the most eastern province in the autonomous region of Andalucia, the area enjoys the best weather in Spain, and indeed in Europe. Inland is an area officially recognised as Europe’s only desert. The famous 1970 spaghetti “western” films, starring Clint Eastwood were filmed there. Indeed the film set is now a tourist attraction “Mini Hollywood”. The regional capital city of Almeria, 90 kilometres to the south, has many historic features, popular beaches, and ferry port for destinations in North Africa

The three towns have their own character. Mojacar Pueblo, on the hill, had become a deserted village until hippies and artists found it and moved in during the 1960s. The unpolluted air gives that intensity of light and colour, loved by artists. The pueblo was built on the hill to protect the locals from attacks by the Moors of North Africa. The whole region of Andalucia , being close to Morroco and Algeria, has strong Moorish influence, the greatest treasures being the Alhambra and Generalife palaces in Granada. The annual “Moors and Christians” festival sees the locals dressing up and parading through the streets in a three day celebration.

The long coastal strip of Mojacar Playa, was established in more recent times and is a popular holiday location with many bars and restaurants on the edge of the beach. To the south is the Cabo de Gata natural park, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty. Most night-life is found in Mojacar Playa.

Just north of Mojacar lies the fishing town of Garrucha, renowned for the “gambas” – prawns, and boasts many fish restaurants, some just metres from the modern fish market. It is also a small commercial port exporting “yeso” (gypsum) to the world. The port has recently been extended to provide more yacht berths. Two of the long narrow streets come to life each Friday with the local market, attracting visitors from far and wide, to buy fresh fruit and vegetables and much more. Almeria is Spain’s major province of fruit and vegetable production, mostly in controlled conditions under plastic. The plastic “city” has become one of the most visible landmarks on Earth from Space.

Once the sun has gone down locals and visitors take a paseo in the cool of the evening along the length of the seafront. In summer, the Spanish rarely leave the beach before sunset, while the northern European visitors are already eating in the many restaurants.

Inland lies the third town of the triangle. Vera remains a traditional Spanish town, which has thrived from the development of it’s coastal strip, bringing tourists, and foreigners seeking a paradise to live in. Saturday is the market day, but enjoy a coffee in the small central plaza any day and watch the world walk by. Vera Playa, Vera’s coastal strip has developed in the last decade, but the economic crisis brought this to a timely halt. There are now many homes and hotels, serviced by restaurants and supermarkets, but Vera Playa remains a quiet area.

A good length of beach is officially designated “naturist”, and behind it is a whole village of attractive communities, oases of homes surrounded by well maintained garden, community swimming pools, grass and a calm tranquil energy. This is Spain’s premier naturist zone, attracting people from far and wide.

Many residents are grateful to the economic crisis for bringing to a halt excessive coastal development to this area of unique character, as in other parts of Spain. It has become a buyers market, with many properties for sale at bargain prices.

The flat coastal zone rises to north and south with a scenic, undulating and twisting coast road. Hills and mountains can be seen in all directions looking to the interior. This is an area of beauty and tranquillity, and an opportunity to enjoy the best of the Mediterranean life style and climate, for retirees and young families alike.

The airport of Almeria is 45 minutes away with daily connections to the main international hubs of Madrid and Barcelona, and to the national network of regional airports. Driving in Spain is a pleasure with miles of good open roads.

Enjoy the famous wines of Spain, at supermarket or bodega prices. Enjoy the extra virgin olive oil, cured meats, large salad tomatoes, avocados, almonds, melons, oranges, and seafood. Take a drive in spring time through valleys of almond trees in pink blossom.

There is a thriving English speaking community, but what pleasure to make Spanish friends and immerse into the lifestyle of siesta, of meals eaten at an unhurried pace in the fresh air, of staying on the beach until the sun goes down. Most shops open at 10am. Manaña rules. The shops close at 2pm, then reopen from 5pm to 8pm. Life is taken at an enjoyable pace which many have forgotten working in cities. Banks open at 8.30am.

Come once and you will want to come again. Then dreams start, dreams of moving to live in this paradise. With more internet based business more people can relocate here and have the income they need. The cost of living is certainly lower than in many western European countries.

To buy a house, or to buy a car, one should register as a resident, or as a non-resident (under 183 days a year). Compared with much of western Europe the cost of living is low.

Take advantage of eating out at lunchtime, from 2pm, at many restaurants offering the “menu del dia” package. Many of these offer three course meals, with a bottle of wine between two people, which costs under 10 euros per head. See you soon. Hasta luego!

Copyright David Millner
16 September 2010

Malta: Land of the Ancient Goddess

THE LONELY ROAD

THE LONELY ROAD

Each of us feels the call, or urge, to take a certain direction in life. In fact many directions will call, through a lifetime, sometimes more than one at a time. We must then make choices at the fork in the road. Some roads we will never walk.

Other people will try to steer us in other directions, to suit them, or to remain with the crowd. We may indeed walk with the crowd; some never leave it. But we have the choice to leave the crowd if we don’t like the way it travels, or it ceases to travel while we need to move forward.

Did you notice after being away for a long time that the same people drink in the same bars, and talk about the same things. They are going no-where. If we have moved on there is no longer common interest.

There is being alone, and there is being lonely. They can overlap, but we all need some time to ourselves, and even couples are better being independent spirits who are at ease both with each other, and alone, away from each other. When one depends on the other, or each depends on the other, it is an unhealthy situation. Where each is independent that creates a stronger relationship.

As we choose our path through life we will meet fellow travellers and share a moment, a day, a week or even a lifetime. There will be inner peace as we are completely free to choose what we want to do.

We can go with the flow, and no-one is there to force us to do the opposite.

Copyright
David Millner
26 August 2010