Published June 30th, 2007
in Russia.
As the air hostess undid the last, teasing button, a site beckoned that no traveller would find even with the aid of their guidebook. I gazed, longingly. I knew if I blinked, I would regret the moments I missed, as she knelt down slowly beside me she whispered those unforgettable words “what drink would you like with that Sir?”. With this, I woke from my mile-high slumber, groggy if somewhat startled.
My blurred vision afforded me the unexpected site of plastic coated minted lamb, the smell drifted with me as I turned to feast my eyes upon the trolley wielding Adonis. To my dismay, ’she’ had turned into a ‘he’ and my whole fantasy came crumbling cruelly down around me. I took little solice in washing it down with the glass of bitter orange juice, generously supplied by BMI. Continue reading ‘I’m in a Russia to start a travelling…’
Published June 26th, 2007
in Pre-Trip Planning.
This time next week I’ll be exploring the principal stop along the Trail of Ants, no doubt shaking from a combination of excess alcohol and dearth of nutrition. Moscow, here I come. My backpack will be bulging with useless items that I will of convinced myself I’ll need and I’ll of fallen hopelessly in love with far too many of those women things. So as I’m embarking on the journey next Saturday, it meant the weekend that preceded this post was my fond farewell to England, the country I love and loathe… and what a weekend it was.
This particular weekend had 5 days, 177,500 people, 100’s of bands, 1000 acres of mud, 3 crates of lager, 3 boxes of wine and lashings more statistic-inducing extravagance. If you haven’t guessed, this could only be one place, the world famous Glastonbury Festival in Somerset.
As farewell parties go, having the Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, The Who and Shirley Bassey playing mind-blowing sets was pretty majestic.
We squeezed in over 30 bands’ sets, cheered with The Blues Brothers on the big screen, partied till 5am in the Silent Disco, lost my mind in Lost Vagueness, ate junk till I felt queezy and found mud in places it just shouldn’t appear. All this, in the company of some of the coolest people on the planet today, you know who you are (Jeff, you’re not one!). Continue reading ‘The farewell party, of all farewell parties!’
Published June 19th, 2007
in Insurance and Pre-Trip Planning.
Travelling may afford one the opportunity to run around scantily clad without a care in the world, but hidden away in all of our tatty old backpacks should be a piece of paper worth it’s weight in kobe beef. The Insurance Policy, we simply love to hate them. I say there “should be” one hidden away, as I know there are people who choose to shun the phenomenon with hippyesque (new world alert) regard. My advice; do so at your peril.
I can’t say I enjoyed the whole experience, at times I wanted to eat the computer mouse and rub my head neurotically against the monitor. In fact I’m doing it right now… mmmm, monitor. The fact of the matter is, insurance was a necessary evil and I wasn’t going to let it get me down. You may have noticed the shameless plug adorning the sidebar, which kind of gives away my choice of insurers, so you can lay down your drums as the roll is now ruined. Continue reading ‘I’m literally, a World Nomad.’
Published June 15th, 2007
in Uncategorized.
Ok. Right. I’m making a new rule for TrailofAnts.com; for every person who asks me “how can you afford to take such a trip?” or any deviation on this question, they have to flick a quid into my rusty can, which as yet is a mirage upon the horizon. I’m going to take you back in time now, via a new process I’ve invented- blognosis (patent pending).
Look into my eyes, look into my eyes. Not around the eyes. Look into my eyes. Your eye lids are getting heavy. Count to 5. 1, a river is flowing melodically over your toes. 2, a field of corn is gently fanning your sun kissed face. 3, all surrounding noise starts to appear distant. 4, all worries and concerns you had are forgotten. 5, I am gently removing your wallet and quietly leaving the room. Continue reading ‘Look into my eyes…’
Published June 14th, 2007
in Pre-Trip Planning.
Just a couple of quick quickies, really quickly this morning. First off (drum roll please) I am getting incredibly close to announcing my plans for insurance (cue solo guitar) while on The Trail, including cover for my Canon EOS 400D (premium brand name dropping and a big brass finish). Hopefully in the next day or two I’ll blow your mind with the originality of my choice, and the reasons behind it. Control yourself young fan, good things come to those who wait.
Second on the list of quickies I’m compelled to share with you, is the most bizarre experience of the month so far. Close your eyes and pretend that you were in bed with me at 08:43 (family members, just pretend you’re standing at the door) this morning. We were silently snuggled up and at 08:44 we heard a piercing “RAT-A-TAT-TAT, RAT-A-TAT-TAT” at the window. Alarmed, we offered a bleary gaze at a magpie perched upon the windowsill repeatedly smacking his beak into the windowpane, “RAT-A-TAT-TAT, RAT-A-TAT-TAT” he continued, having clearly seen us gawking at this most insolent of acts. Continue reading ‘Hey Magpie, fancy a Kingfisher?’
Published June 13th, 2007
in Uncategorized.
Earlier today I threw a pen between my hands, trying in vain to break the curse of writers block. It was as I recovered the pen from the dreary carpet for the umpteenth time, that I was struck with the idea of the new Post-It note designs that now proudly adorn the header of my little pragmatic site. I figured it was about time I banished the somewhat egotistical ‘Polaroid’ design to the cyber dustbin. It had been bugging me for a while, so with less than 3 weeks to go until I am officially Photoshopless, I decided today was the day.
If I were a poncy art critic, I’d tell you that “the juxtaposition of the notes and familiar components within the artists environment, create a powerful sense of understanding for the viewer. By substituting the human element with handwritten notes, he triggers a release clause in our psyche that informs us that the artist, is no longer in such familiar territory. Now, can I top that glass up with more ghastly champagne darling? Where did you get that blouse?”. Continue reading ‘Such grand designs?’
Published June 10th, 2007
in Pre-Trip Planning.
“Are you excited, Ant?” is a question I’m repeatedly asked, as I quash the three-weeks-to-go anniversary. The simple, and honest answer is “no”. All through my life I have never been excited prior to holidays, or even extended peregrinations. (Take a moment to absorb the word “peregrination” as if you’re like me, you’ll find it somewhat alluring).
I’m unsure what it is within my make-up that makes me this way, but I do find it a little obscure in comparison with the more mainstream symptoms of sleepless nights and endless day dreams. I once booked a spontaneous flight to New York, and flew the next day while my heart remained the same constant rhythm. I embarked on a solo tour of Europe for a few months, and my gaze remained suspiciously nonchalant. I spent a weekend in Edinburgh, but the thought of it raised not-a-murmur of anticipation. Continue reading ‘An unforgettable climax?’
