Life - Talkingthailand

A Day Out in Albufeira Old Town

When I was in Portugal, I took a day trip to Albufeira. From my hotel, it took around 25 minutes to travel the 13 km journey by taxi.

My first glimpse of the lovely old town was a leafy avenue flanked with shops, restaurants and market stalls selling the usual touristy items like fridge magnets and postcards.

Whenever I go anywhere, I usually have a plan of where I want to go and what I want to see, but today was different – I had no plan. I was happy just wandering around.

First, I had some lunch and, as I was sitting in the restaurant, I spotted this impressive sand statue across the road. I had to take a picture or two (three!). Imagine the time it took to carve all the details and create something so brilliant.

I wandered along the small streets further into town, the white-washed buildings and the mosaic-like stones on the ground sparkling in the sunlight.

Albufeira Old Town is small, so it didn’t take long before I found myself in the main square which is surrounded with more bars and restaurants – a lovely place to hang out with friends. The trees providing shade if you want to just sit and watch the world go by.

I circled the square and found more narrow alleys to explore. The little streets are beautiful with different patterned cobblestones, pretty balconies and orange-tiled roofs.

Another thing I noticed, is that the old town of Albufeira is quite hilly, so be prepared to work up a sweat if you want to visit the archaeological museum or this lovely church on Rua Da Bateria.

On the same street, you’ll also see this plaque where the doorway of Albufeira castle used to be.

From Rua da Bateria, you get some really good views out to sea.

I love the street signs.

I also love all the colourful buildings that have been transformed into cute little bars with outside seating – perfect for a quick break from sightseeing.

From the highest point of the town, you get good views looking back over the town and aerial views of those lovely little streets.

If you get back onto Rue 5 de Outubro, the main pedestrian street in Albufeira, you will see a tunnel which leads to the beach.

If you don’t fancy sunbathing, you can simply stand and feel the fresh sea air on your face.

Heading back into town, I pass ornate balconies and doors.

Before settling in Paulos bar for a few drinks.

I had a really lovely day out in Albufeira’s old town. There is probably lots more to see, so I, for one, will be going back when I can. I hope you enjoyed the little tour. 🙂

A Day Out in Blackpool

When you think of Blackpool, it might conjure up images of a busy seaside resort with plenty of people enjoying their time there. Whether that’s at the Pleasure Beach or having fun in the amusement arcades – it’s a busy place.

But, on a chilly May day last year, I found a more serene town with a whole heap of photographic subjects.

There were gulls in the sea water pools chilling..

Or flying down to take a seat..

Or pondering its next move..

There were people walking, going about their day..

There were empty beaches..

And piers..

Blackpool’s iconic tower..

And, finally, the Comedy Carpet – one of the largest pieces of art in the UK..

I hope you enjoyed these images of a very serene Blackpool town 🙂

Christmas in Hikkaduwa

After leaving Bangkok on 18th December last year, I spent 10 days on the shores of Hikkaduwa on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.

Since first visiting Sri Lanka in 1993, this place has always been a favourite destination of mine. I just love the culture and the people and it’s one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been to.

At the airport, I was picked up by my driver, Sameera, and we drove 2 hours south to Hikkaduwa on the west coast. Not only does Sameera do airport runs, but he also offers tours all around Sri Lanka. Check out Sameeratours if you are considering visiting.

I arrived at my guest house, got changed and walked all of 3 seconds to Funky de Bar where my friend works. It was so nice to sit down with the Indian Ocean in front of me, devouring devilled prawns, washed down with a glass of refreshing white wine.

And that’s where I stayed for the rest of the day watching the surfers ride the waves and the stunning sunset in the sky. Let me tell you that the waves in Hikkaduwa are big which is why the place is so popular with surfers. Mere mortals like you and me, beware – there are dangerous rip tides close to shore plus the waves can whip your legs out from under you and trap you in their watery embrace. Take it from someone who has experienced it – I felt like I was in a washing machine (not that I have ever been in a washing machine), but it wasn’t a very pleasant experience and I was coughing up salt water for a while afterwards! I had to sit back down on the beach and calm myself!

The next day, I wrote some articles and in the evening I went to the Bookworm Library for Sri Lankan curry. I had been here the previous January, so I knew of this small place and I knew that the food is absolutely divine. Small plates of delectableness – jack fruit curry, lentils, potato curry, pumpkin curry and, my absolute favourite, aubergine curry. I love this place so much, I went 5 nights out of 10!

Thursday was Funky de Bar’s weekly party where everyone has a fun night dancing and listening to music, loud enough so your heart feels like it’s going to burst out of your chest. Funky de Bar on Thursdays is the busiest bar along this stretch of beach – you see the same old faces all out for a good time. It’s lots of fun!

The following day, I took a walk to a restaurant called Sunset because I’d heard their sandwiches were really good. I ordered a chicken sandwich, but it was far from delicious. It didn’t even look that nice. Two limp pieces of white, unbuttered bread with small, diced bits of chicken and not even enough meat to fill it. It was so disappointing. I found out later, you need to ask for a Jaffle – which is the Sri Lankan version of a toastie and much tastier!

The next few days were spent much the same, writing in the morning, afternoons on the beach and dinner and drinks in the evening. It really is such a lovely way of life – if only we didn’t have to work to earn money!

Christmas day arrived and I did exactly the same as I had up until then – work, beach and bar. I was asked later if I minded spending Christmas day on my own and I really didn’t. I love my own company and even though my friend and I had fallen out over a misunderstanding, I was perfectly happy on my own.

On the last night and friends again – Nalin and I went for dinner at the Shiny Lakeside Resort for more devilled prawns. It is a lovely spot, although both times I have been here, it’s been dark! Next time, I’ll go during the day, so I can see what the lake actually looks like 😉 Afterwards, we went back to the beach and had a few drinks. It really was a lovely way to spend the last night.

More devilled prawns at Shiny Lake Resort

After all that, I flew back to the UK. Sri Lanka, I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I will! See you next time!

Struggling with Motivation? Here’s what to do

We all have times when even the smallest of tasks seem like an uphill climb. Life has a way of getting on top of us sometimes. But, staying motivated doesn’t have to be difficult, all it takes is a little determination and an ability to see the bigger picture. So, get up from your seat and try these things to stay at the top of your game.

Do some exercise

We all know that exercise makes you feel good, although the thought of going for a run makes some of us want to retreat to bed. But, just a few minutes of any type of exercise makes you feel happier – it’s the release of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine into our brains that causes the feelings of well-being. Your mind becomes clearer and you feel like you could take on the world. Exercise also helps you to become more motivated to try new things or even to finish that task you started.

How to motivate yourself — Exercise for motivation

Make a to-do list

A to-do list is a good way to keep focused and you’ll feel motivated to finish all the tasks on your list in a given time frame. It’s such a good feeling when you cross off the last task! Keep it small though because if you keep adding to the same list, those feelings of despair might creep in and that will have the opposite effect.

Start with small steps

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so whatever you’re doing, don’t race to finish it! Take your time and produce quality rather than quantity. Start with the small things and progress to the bigger, and potentially more complicated, tasks. The sense of achievement you will feel at completing even the smallest of tasks will make you feel more confident and more likely to carry on.

Get out into nature

If you’re struggling with motivation, there is nothing better than to get out in the fresh air. Go for a walk and surround yourself with nature. You will be surprised how much listening to birds or sitting by a lake relaxes you. Your thoughts will be clearer and you’ll be ready to get back on that self-motivation wagon.

Educate yourself

I don’t mean go and register for a course, although, you could do that. What I mean by educate yourself is to do something that interests you. Go to an art gallery, watch a documentary or read a blog or a book. You’ll be able to find inspiration in these things and recreate it into the things that you set out to do. By doing this, you will think to yourself “I can do that too”!

Don’t compare yourself with others

Everyone has different goals and objectives in life, so don’t compare yourself with anyone else. If you constantly think that everyone around you has a better car or earns more money or has a better job, you won’t get anywhere and you won’t need anyone to put you down, you’ll be doing that yourself. Remember one thing, it’s your life! It’s not your business what anyone else is doing and vice versa. Concentrate on living your life and achieving things for yourself – that’s where the motivation lies, not to mention the empowerment!

Remember why you are doing what you do

You could be the most motivated person on the planet, but there will be days when you just can’t be bothered. We have all been there. What you’ve got to do is to think of why you set out doing what you are doing in the first place. Take a break from it, sure, but always think about the end goal or the big picture. If you don’t carry on, you’re never going to get there!

Celebrate your Success

When you are focused on achieving your goals, whatever they may be, you might forget to stop and think about what you’ve done. It’s so easy to get engrossed in what you’re doing, to get in the flow of things, and that’s a good thing, but simply thinking about what you have accomplished rather than what lies ahead can help your motivation levels. If you take a moment to realise just how successful you are already, you will more determined than ever, so celebrate your successes – however small they are!

How do you motivate yourself? 🙂

Defining Moments in Life

I got the idea for this post from a Netflix show called Skin Wars (a fabulous insight into body painting – you should watch it!). The contestants painted their ideas onto someone’s body, I have chosen to write about my defining moments in life.

My Favourite Childhood Memory

I remember the horse at my nursery. It was a spring horse and it was my favourite toy there. I’ve always loved horses and this may be what made me love them so much. I went to that nursery every day and I was never off the little horse, wrapped up in a world of fantasy as I bounced up and down on the saddle. I loved it that much, no other kid was allowed to play on it.

Childhood memories — Spring Horse. Source: PublicDomainPictures

My Biggest Passion (s)

Growing up, I can’t say I was passionate about many things, but since going travelling and moving abroad over 10 years ago, my passion for certain things has grown. I love writing and I love photography and, until recently, I was always out and about with my camera and my notebook. (I will be doing that before long again – but I’m taking a little break from things). With both of these pastimes , I get to learn about different things and develop new skills, so it’s a win-win!

Things to do in Thailand — Photography Passion

My Greatest Achievement

My greatest achievement was getting my Bachelor of Science with honours in 2013. I started my Open University degree back in 1984. It was an Open degree, so I could choose any courses I wanted to make up the points I needed in order to obtain the full degree. I chose to do science and biology, brain, and behaviour, because that’s the sort of thing I was (am) interested in. I passed, but only just. After that, my life got in the way and I didn’t continue. However, after moving to Thailand, I decided to pick up where I left off. So, in 2010, I completed a psychology course which I passed with distinction. I was so thrilled with the result, it spurred me on. I did subsequent courses in philosophy, grammar, and myth in the Greek and Roman worlds – the latter 2 I did at the same time. Finally, in 2013, I achieved my degree. I was as proud as punch when I went to the degree ceremony to receive my award.

The Love of My Life

As I am currently single, the love of my life is my family. I’ve just returned home from living abroad for the past 10 years and while I am thinking about what to do next, I get to spend time with my beloved family. It’s so nice being close to them, being able to have coffee with my mum and sister or see my niece growing up. It’s lovely to be able to see them at a moment’s notice and to fully know what’s going on in their lives and not be separated by 6,000 miles.

My Most Memorable Adventure

In 2005, I took myself to Australia for my first ever trip abroad. My second husband and I needed to have time apart to decide whether we should continue our marriage, so I went to the other side of the world. It took many walks up the beach to come to the decision that two would become one. My decision set me on a path where I ended up living in Thailand for 10 years. Since then, I have become more independent, much happier, and I have learned lots of new things.

Things to do in Australia — Adelaide, Australia

My Favourite Song (s)

This one is too hard to name just one song, so I am going to name 7! There are many more songs that I love.

Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rogers – Lucky

This song is very different from Daft Punk’s usual tunes, but I love it because it’s very uplifting and makes me smile when I hear it

ABBA – I have a Dream

This is one of my favourites from the movie Mamma Mia! I love it because the words are very inspiring – having a dream and seeing good in everything. Everyone should have dreams and follow them as best they can.

Xzibit – Paparazzi (instrumental)

I heard this tune on season 1, episode 6 of The Sopranos when Junior becomes the official boss and they have a banquet to celebrate. Unbeknown to Junior, Tony and the others the FBI are covertly taking photos of them all. Xzibit’s Paparazzi was the theme tune and I don’t think I have ever heard a tune that goes so well with a scene. I had to watch it over again!

John Denver – Leaving on a Jet Plane

I love this song just because every time I used to leave my family to go travelling or every time I flew back to Bangkok after Christmas, they would sing this from the front door! It makes me happy and it makes me cry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFEhzS0hYco

Caro Emerald – On a Night like This

A friend of mine told me about Caro Emerald and I started listening to her jazz and pop songs. On a night like this is feel good tune which never fails to get my foot tapping. I defy you to not sing along! The video is fab too – it reminds me of nights out with friends.

Israel Kamakawiwu’ole – Somewhere over the Rainbow

I love this song anyway, but Israel Kamakawiwu’ole’s ukulele melody version definitely takes you somewhere over the rainbow. His voice is beautiful and matches the soft sound of the ukulele. It conjures up images of his native Hawaii with blue seas and white sandy beaches.

Louis Armstrong – It’s a Wonderful World

The world is truly wonderful and Louis Armstrong’s raspy vocals perfectly captures this sentiment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE

What are your defining moments in life? 🙂