riakaruda

Travelling and eating my way around the world


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Hello 2015!

I hate resolutions. They seem so negative (I’m going to stop <insert bad habit here>) and, if you believe the stuff you read on the internet, apparently 75% of resolutions will be broken by the end of Janaury (today). UGH.

BUT, I like the idea of a fresh, brand new year. So….  every year I make a list of goals instead.  I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Aren’t resolutions and goals the same thing? Isn’t it just a matter of semantics?”  Maybe. But it seems to work for me.

My list usually includes about 10-15 goals I’d like to accomplish sometime in the year. I write them out, then stick it on my fridge. As I complete things, I cross them off.*  Some goals are small and easily achievable (use my bicycle); some I already know I’ll complete sometime that year (travel to Europe – 2013); some may or may not get done (use up yarn stash) and get carried over to the next year.  I find life is less likely to pass me by if I at least make, and accomplish, a few goals each year.

Why am I telling you this? Because this year, one of my goals is to post more regularly. I pay a (very reasonable) subscription cost for my domain name, but anything is too much if it’s not used. It’s the reason “use my bicycle” made the list last year. If I hadn’t used it, a new goal of “donate bicycle” would have made this year’s list. 😉

I don’t have any big travel plans until September (when I’m going to New York!!!  2015 Goal: go somewhere I’ve never been before), so until then, I’ll be creative in finding closer places and not-so-foreign food items to post about.

Happy 2015 – here’s to you and I having a great year!

* yes, I love lists. I was super-excited when the iPhone added the Reminders app – a list-lover’s dream. I currently have 8 colour-coded lists on the go. Don’t judge.


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Dreaming…

Well, I’ve been back for a month. May went by so quickly, yet my trip seems like so long ago. I guess work will do that to ya.

So, I’m already planning to take another adventure – just as soon as I save up more money! To motivate myself, I’m making my bucket list, with travelled-to places already crossed off (reminds me of how many places I’ve been!). Without any further ado, here is that list (in progress), in no particular order, grouped into possible trips 😉

  • Japan – all over
  • Taiwan
  • Singapore and Malaysia
  • Australia’s east coast
  • New Zealand’s southern island
  • UK – London, Manchester, Edinburgh
  • Ireland – Dublin
  • Croatia – Dubrovnik / Bosnia-Herzegovina – Mostar
  • France – Paris
  • Iceland – south coast
  • Canadian Territories, to see the Northern Lights
  • Newfoundland, hopefully to see Great Big Sea and / or Allan Hawco
  • Italy
  • Spain / Portugal / Morocco
  • Turkey
  • Belgium / Netherlands / Germany
  • Japan (again! Okinawa, Hokkaido, visit friends)
  • Alaskan cruise
  • Las Vegas
  • Toronto
  • Brazil
  • UK & Irish countryside
  • Fiji / Tonga

Countries visited: 14

Countries still left on the list: 14       Halfway!!!!

Not sure which will be next to be crossed off the list, but I’m excited just thinking about the possibilities!

Any suggestions to add to the list?


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Edinburah!

Touched down late at Edinburgh airport, collected my backpack and headed towards the customs area. I had two choices, and seeing as it was so late at night, I probably stared at it for 3 or 4 minutes while others walked past me, making their decision with ease. When I finally decided which door was mine, (because there were big signs saying “NO RE-ENTRY!”) I walked out and found the bus into town. Halfway into town, I realised I had not spoken to ANYONE about re-entering the UK!  I panicked a bit, wondering if I should go back / call someone official / visit the embassy, because I didn’t want to be in the country illegally – I mean, I’m only just halfway thru my trip!

Turns out my original stamp into UK was good for 6 months, so it wasn’t necessary. But I kinda feel ripped off for not getting a Scotland stamp (I paid good money for this trip!). Oh well.

Off the bus at 11:30pm, I tried to orient myself to find the hostel. Just then, two guys (Kendal from Kansas, Ethan from Portland) yelled out, “Anyone going to Castle Rock?” to which I replied I was, so we struck out to find the hostel together. Up a hill that looked like a fairy tale mountain town, directly opposite the Castle, we found our hostel and checked in. I managed to find my stuff and climb into my bed in the dark, thanks to a friendly and helpful fellow roommate (who I found out the next day was Margaret, from Canada and my new Edinburgh bestie).