We all know the world is a beautiful place but it wasn’t until I started traveling the world did I realize its also a very colorful place. I am drawn to brightly painted buildings, flowers, wildlife and even cars on the road, and in the 13 months we have been traveling full time we have seen so much color!

Here is a selection of some of my favorite shots of colors from across the globe…

The Blue Morpho Butterfly is found in Central and South America

The famous Curacao colored buildings – Curacao Caribbean Islands

Hibiscus can be found all over the world but this particular shot is in Costa Rica

These colorful apartments are in Reykjavik, Iceland

A cab in London, England

One of the geysers in Yellowstone National Park

Colorful plates like this can be found all over Mexico

A mosque in Merida, Mexico

The classic English red telephone boxes, London

This restaurant in Curacao is just one example of the colors you will find there

Of course this photo needs no introduction – New York City

This church was painted yellow, as was almost everything else in the City of Izamal, Mexico

Costa Rica has some of the most colorful birds and these Macaws are no exception

This was one of the most colorful towns we have come across – Merida, Mexico

A clothing boutique in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A colorful sunset at Venice Beach in California

Gorgeous orchids in Thailand’s Patong Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida – a perfect way to enjoy a sun filled day

More buildings in Merida, Mexico

Marina Bay Singapore with the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the background

About Suitcase Stories

Nicole and Michael are an Australian couple in who gave up their careers, sold

their possessions and left their ‘conventional’ life behind for an extraordinary life of travel. They have been living a nomadic life for 13 months and see no end in sight.

They recently launched Suitcase Stories, a website where they share their stories, travel tips, destination guides, photos and so much more. Their main goal for this website is to inspire others to travel and to show people how long term travel is not only possible but affordable.

You can follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest also.

We’re Hannah & Adam, both in our late 20s from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (GO BREWERS!) Adam is an engineer and Hannah is tax auditor, but we found ourselves working and working… We realized there was so much more life and we wanted to see in the world.  We just got married in 2012 and weren’t ready to settle down and start a family. It was now or never to go and see the world! So we are packing our lives into a backpack as we travel the globe for 2+years.

We launched our blog, Getting Stamped, in October 2012, a website that follows us on our journey.  We share travel stories, pictures and tips, and hope to inspire others to get up and travel.

Hannah and Adam from Getting Stamped

Best place you’ve ever been?

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. We ended our 3-week honeymoon in Southeast Asia here and we instantly fell in love.  We can’t wait to return in May 2014 on our round-the-world trip. We even wrote a post about it calling it quite possibly our favourite place so far!

Worst place you’ve ever been?

Hands down Dominican Republic. This was our first time at an all-inclusive resort and we felt trapped and like we were missing out on the real Dominican Republic.  We never got to interact with the locals, or even go outside the resort. I remember eating French fries and ice cream cones…I would not return even if the price was right!

Favourite food you’ve eaten on the road?

Adam recently feel in love with chorizo tortas in Mexico, it was something we had never heard of, was budget friendly, and it filled him up! Hannah loves Thai iced coffee, and for 15baht (50cents USD) they are amazing.

Mexican Tortas

Funniest travel moment?

Not sure if this is funny or scary; it’s funny now looking back at it but it was scary at the time.  Our brakes on our SUV decided to fail as we were driving through downtown San Jose, Costa!

Three things you always carry in your luggage?

For Adam, it’s his camera, iPod for music, and black hat. For Hannah; a smart phone, detangler (my hair is a beast), and a bikini or 10.

Most embarrassing travel moment?

Has to be the time I (Hannah) had a bad case of TD in Costa Rica.

The greatest challenge you’ve faced while travelling?

Language barriers once you are off the tourist path are a tough one. We often find ourselves doing some interesting and funny sign/body language!

One thing you don’t like about travel?

Airport lines, from checking in to customs and everything in between – security, boarding, Starbucks, immigration, customs, and then the taxi/bus.  I (Hannah) have no patience at all, but trying to really work on that!

Hannah in Indonesia

Top three dream destinations you’ve never been before?

Overland safari in Africa, Fiji, and Cambodia. But soon we will make it to them on our round-the-world trip!

Most useful piece of travel advice?

Be open-minded. We have had some of the best experiences when we were brought outside our typical activities or even comfort zone.

Thanks Hannah and Adam! If you would like to hear more adventures from Getting Stamped you can also follow their journey on Facebook and Twitter.

Wondering what the Travel Ten is all about? Check out my explanation and my personal answers to these questions here.

Are you a travel blogger or avid nomad and want to be featured in the Travel Ten? Simply email me at gottakeepmovin88@gmail.com and I will send you the details. Thanks!

Two iconic London images, photo courtesy of Muhammad Noor Firdaus iskandar BIn Haji Bashah via Creative Commons

Never Get in a Commuters Way

Whenever I’m on the Underground I feel massively sorry for people who have to deal with the system every single day. With thousands of tourists getting in their way when they’re just trying to get to work, you can just see the frustration eeking out of them like smoke from a bull’s nostrils. It’s incredibly easy to spot the suited and booted of London that are on their way to work or going home, so if you see one do them a favour and make sure you let them pass. Distinguishing features include Starbucks coffee in one hand, a recent national bestseller in the other (obligatory tube reading), a swanky briefcase, and a look of disdain for anyone holding a map.

Stare and Stare Alike

I don’t know what it is about Londoners and staring at people on the Underground, but those guys just don’t give two flying hoots about giving you the good old up-down look the second you walk on. London is the kind of place where you can wear whatever you want and will almost certainly encounter someone else wearing something more outrageous, but citizens of the Big Amoke love having a good old stare at you to check it out. Give them a run for their money and stare right back.

Never Take a Walk on the Wild Side

There is a system to which side you walk on in the Underground – it’s the left, the same as the side we drive on, and sometimes there is even a barrier down the centre to encourage people to walk the side their direction dictates. There is nothing more infuriating than going down the designated path and bumping into someone on the wrong side – nothing. This also applies to the standing still vs. walking sides of the escalators, you really don’t want to rub someone up the wrong way on those.

Don’t Even Think of Smiling At Anyone

Sorry Londoners, but you guys are all pretty miserable on the tube and there’s no two ways about it. If you do smile at someone you’re pretty much immediately known as that weird oddball on the train that everyone moves away from. Having said that, a girl did smile at me on the Tube the other day, but because it’s unheard of it was a particularly unnerving experience (maybe she was the oddball that day).

Photo courtesy of Sally Burgess via Creative Commons

Mind the Gap

Whilst this is true for the gap between the platform and the train, it’s also true in terms of your fellow Underground users. Unless it’s seriously crammed and you’re forced to get intimately close with someone else, get out of their personal space. A comedian I saw in Wimbledon made a joke about people who stand in front of you whilst you’re sitting down on the metro – he suggested that when they hold onto the bar above them and then rock with the movement of the train it becomes like an odd lap dance you didn’t volunteer for. Things get pretty awkward at that point.

Let People Off Before You Get On

Probably the single most important rule to follow on the London Underground. When I lived in Barcelona and saw people happily gliding onto the metro before everyone leaving at that stop had exited the train, I was pretty shocked. I would go as far as to say I was outraged. That feeling is just ingrained in my mind from the Tube. Do that on the London Underground and you’re just asking for an angry mob.

If You Don’t Have an Oyster Card You May As Well be The Elephant Man

Wh..What?! You DON’T have an Oyster card and you’re taking the Underground today? Come on, you’re better than that. Buy a Visitor Oyster card and the fares are half the price – simples.

All jokes aside, and my cynical attitude towards Londoners (you started it!), the Underground is one of my favourite experiences in the Big Smoke. I love people watching, and there’s nothing better than taking a seat and pondering about the public around you, where they’re going and who they’re going to meet. That’s if you can find a seat without anyone wrestling you to the ground for it.

These are the regular Oyster cards, but there are visitor versions

I was told this is my ‘I mean business’ look…

Freedom

When I first started to think about solo travel, I loved the idea that I could do what I want, whenever I wanted. Not having to negotiate your plan with someone else can be a serious perk, and results in a tailor made travel experience that is for you and you alone. It might sound like you’re being a petulant child, but solo travel really does give you the power to do whatever the hell you want, without having to answer to anyone. If you wake up one day and feel like lying in bed for a few more hours, you can. If you fancy just getting on a bus and heading to a completely unplanned destination, you can. Wanna spend a whole day pigging out on local street food without bothering to go to any famous cathedrals or museums? Pig away my friend, pig away.

Meeting people

While it’s perfectly possible to meet tonnes of people when you’re travelling in a group, when you’re going it alone you’re basically forced to meet others, the alternative being having a very lonely trip. I often look out for other solo travellers in hostels to hang out with; someone else in the same mind set and equally grateful for the company. You can get comfortable when travelling in a group, and end up not talking to anyone else besides the people you already know. Solo travel pushes you to speak to everyone, making your confidence grow as well as your circle of friends.

A few friends I’ve met travelling; three of these girls were also travelling alone. This photo was taken in Bariloche, Argentina

The Challenge

While I have plenty to shout about when it comes to solo travel, it’s not all rainbows and roses. I’ve had moments when I find myself in tears because I feel so lonely, and occasions when something serious has happened back home and I haven’t been around to be in the company of the people I needed. In those moments, you realise that every single second you carry on going it alone is an achievement, every moment you stick to your guns and don’t run away is a success and makes you stronger. I look back at who I used to be, sensitive, shy, irrational and to be honest just downright wimpy. I can barely see any of that in myself now. I thank my solo adventures every single day for making me strong, independent, and a full on lover of life.

No Arguments

If you don’t have anyone around with you to argue with, there’s nothing to argue about. This point really is as simple as that. I’ve witnessed some serious fall outs from people travelling in groups before and every time I see it I thank the sweet Lord that I’m not in that position. I might have miniature arguments with myself sometimes, but it’s probably better to keep that under wraps for now.

Finding My Identity

I am a solo female traveller. No two ways about it, that’s who I am and I’m pretty flippin’ proud of it. With all those challenges I’ve had to face, moments of doubt I’ve overcome, seconds of terror when I feel slightly unsafe, and looks on other people’s faces when they think I’m the single most insane person on the planet, I know that’s who I am. (In fact that last one gives me a little bit of a thrill!) I can safely say that never before have I had a handle on who I am quite as much as I do now. I still have days when I surprise myself and don’t think I would choose a certain path, but I have unadulterated faith in my instincts. I left South America six months before I thought I would even consider doing so, just because I felt like something was pulling me home. As it turns out, coming home was the best thing I could do for my blogging career and personal journey, and I can thank my gut for leading me there. New adventures have sprung up that I would have never thought possible!

I’ve realised I’m massively organised when I want to be, but have enjoyed developing my flippant side and willingness to wing it. I can sometimes be so opinionated to the point that people can find me aggressive, but I’m slowly learning to reel it in because my opinion is subjective after all. I don’t like going to museums and art galleries – there we go, I said it. There are some exceptions of course, but I just think they’re weird controlled environments, tourist-made, and encourage people steer away from the authentic experiences you’ll find on the streets.

That’s just three things that solo travel has taught me about myself, three of thousands of others that will probably be shared on this blog in the future. I hope that at least one of the five points listed above might inspire my readers out there to embrace travelling alone. If not, well I’ll just have to come up with some more advantages then, won’t I?

Do you travel solo? Are there any points that you would add to this list of loves?

More new friends in Argentina!

A view over Alberobello

This tiny place of just 11,000 inhabitants is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 1996, and thanks for that go to Alberobello’s infamous architecture, otherwise known as the ‘trulli’. A trullo (the singular of ‘trulli’) is a Puglian stone hut with a cone-shaped roof; typically the walls are white, the stones for the roof are grey, and all have a little point on the top said to be uniquely shaped depending on the builder. At various panoramic viewpoints all over Alberobello you can look down upon these adorable little houses as they’re scattered all over the town, popping up like little hobbit homes.

Lanes running down the hill between the trulli

The pinnacles of the trulli

The lanes that burrow throughout the rows of trulli in Alberobello are peaceful and relatively quiet to walk through. We meandered up and down these avenues, discovering smaller passageways with flowers hanging from all corners, diving in and out of tiny souvenir and handicraft shops, and admiring our surroundings, both quaint and charismatic. I then started to notice that some of the trulli have whitewashed symbols painted on the roofs and wondered what they all meant. There were signs with lists of the different symbols posted up on a few walls, attempting to explain what they meant in indecipherable English. They looked ancient, mystic and a mix between Pagan and Christian, and intrigued me no end.

A sign with various trulli symbols – this is not one of the indecipherable English ones, quite clearly Italian!

After some light research it seems that the symbols don’t have an official background to them, and have origins in several different religions or cults. They generally fall into three different sets, ‘Primitive’, ‘Magic’ and ‘Christian’ symbols.

The Primitive are said to be symbols left over from ancient cults, with deep roots in nature and forests. To me these symbols seem quite religiously set, with Jewish influences like the menorah candles, and conjured up images of monks and druids. The Magic symbols are much more astrological and some are known to symbolise Mercury and Saturn. These look like the zodiac symbols we’re used to seeing attached to our daily horoscopes and star signs. The Christian symbols seemed the most familiar to me coming from England, and include the infamous sign of the cross and also the heart of Mary with an arrow running through it.

A row of trulli houses adorned with symbols

A few of these trulli’s are also accompanied by chimneys, as you can see on the right in this photo

It’s safe to say that all of these were originally painted on the trulli as a gesture of goodwill and to warn of evil spirits. The trulli were originally owned by country dwelling folks who lived off the land, which explains the connection with the earth and spiritual forces.

Whether you’re interested in to origins of the trulli or not, the sight of the little pinnacles spread across the hill in Alberobello is sure to please you. The town makes for a perfect day trip from neighbouring towns and cities, and is guaranteed to relax and entertain. There are numerous cafés and restaurants within the tiny lanes and larger avenues, giving you ample opportunity to sit amongst the trulli and admire their charming exteriors.

Here you can see some of the tiny shops inside the trulli

Nothing to do with the post, just some cute little flowerpots on a sidewalk in Alberobello

Flora is a writer and travel blogger, who chronicles her adventures at Flora The Explorer. A travelling storyteller with a self penned obsession for the weirdnesses of the world, she spends her time collecting tall tales, small souvenirs and a delightful array of crazy adventures. Flora is currently living in Ecuador and volunteering her services as an English teacher.

Best place you’ve ever been?

I’d have to say India. Even though the country made me absolutely crazy at times, it was the most wonderfully chaotic place to travel through and absorb all its nuances. Now that I’ve left it, all I remember are the amazing elements and I can’t wait to head back there again!

Worst place you’ve ever been?

Probably Cairo, Egypt. I felt so vulnerable and self-conscious because of how the locals behaved towards me – plus the city itself is really unappealing. If it wasn’t for the pyramids and the National Museum I’d be happy to never have visited.

Favourite food you’ve eaten on the road?

The abundance of plates of pig I’ve been eating here in Ecuador! Either that or every single foodstuff in India. I’ve never been so happy avoiding meat in my life as when I was there.

Anyone for pork, South America style?

Funniest travel moment?

Spending a week living with a Bollywood celebrity on his private island in Delhi. Not so much funny as absolutely downright bizarre – I still look back on that experience and have no idea how it ended up happening!

Three things you always carry in your luggage?

A notebook, a camera and some form of ID.

Most embarrassing travel moment?

Has to be being forced to dance, by myself, at a village wedding in the Indian mountains. In front of a crowd of approximately three hundred locals, all of whom were absolutely fascinated that a Westerner had ended up at their village. I repeatedly tried to explain that my dancing was atrocious, but they were having none of it. I vowed after that event that I’d always get up and dance without thinking about it, as otherwise the embarrassment proves too much for me!

The greatest challenge you’ve faced while travelling?

Getting over my self consciousness when I’m alone. I often over-think situations and feel like people are watching me because I’m by myself; travelling solo forces me to get out of that mindset.

One thing you don’t like about travel?

Sometimes people think you’re on a constant holiday if you make travelling a fundamental part of your lifestyle. In truth it’s anything but – and one of my biggest pet peeves is never being able to properly unpack!

Top three dream destinations?

I really want to go to Russia, and ride the Trans-Siberian. Overlanding through Africa is another big dream trip for me!  Also I’d love to do the Mongol Rally (a driving race from Europe to Mongolia).

Most useful piece of travel advice?

Be safe, be happy. Wise words from my mother that I always keep in mind wherever I am, as they’re pretty much the two most important things to consider about any situation!

Wise words indeed from Flora’s mum, and Flora herself for that matter. Thanks for the interview! For more immediate updates from Flora you can find her on Facebook and Twitter, where she spends a large portion of her time discussing travel.

Wondering what the Travel Ten is all about? Check out my explanation and my personal answers to these questions here.

Are you a travel blogger or avid nomad and want to be featured in the Travel Ten? Simply email me at gottakeepmovin88@gmail.com and I will send you the details. Thanks!

If you enjoyed Flora’s interview and would like to hear some others, why don’t you check out some more of my interviews:

The Travel Ten: Suitcase Stories

The Travel Ten: Jonny from Don’t Stop Living

The Travel Ten: Wanderlusters

The Travel Ten: All About Me

My friends Nicole & Michael over at Suitcase Stories, Hannah & Adam from Getting Stamped, and myself, have decided to collaborate to bring you a food series that will have you taste buds tingling and your foot out the door in search of gorgeous global grub. Each month, we will be posting a feature called ‘World Food Roundup’, showcasing three different countries or regions, each with their own specialities in food and drink. This week, we’ve collected together our favourites from Mexico, Argentina, and Thailand. I suggest making a snack before you read this – you’re about to get very hungry.

Mexico – Hannah & Adam from Getting Stamped

Tortas

I have never heard of a torta until my recent trip to Tulum, Mexico in February.  Since it was on the sign and I had never had it, of course I was going to order it! I had no clue what I was getting, nor did I know it was soon to be my go-to sandwich in Mexico.  So what is a torta? A torta is like glorified 6-8 inch pressed sub, similar to a Cuban sandwich.  You can get your torta with several different meat choices but I always stuck with chorizo. Your torta will be served hot & toasted with cheese, onion, lettuce, and usually a salsa bar is available to add additional toppings.  One of these bad boys only sets you back about $3USD in Tulum.

Tortas in Mexico

Mexican Street Tacos

When I think of tacos, I think meat, cheese, sour cream, and lettuce.  WRONG! The tacos from the street vendors in Mexico are so much more authentic, favorable, fresh, with so many options. Being travelers on a budget, we stick to eating from street vendors 90% of time.  The topping bars at these road-side carts are out of this world.  Just think fresh tomatoes, jicama, an array of colorful and spicy salsas, cilantro, and much, much more.  Beware of the salsa, make sure to ask which one is ‘muy picante’ or you will find yourself darting across the street to the nearest store to purchase water! All the tacos come as double decker’s, aka two fresh tortillas, filled with your meat choice (beef, pork, chorizo, or ribs) and then you head on over to the salsa bar.  Almost all street carts were 10 pesos per taco ($1USD=13pesos).  I usually ordered 3 tacos and was set! I was never able to find chicken tacos on the street, only in set down restaurants, so usually ordered Carne de Res (beef) or the ribs one was tasty, too!

Mexican street tacos

Bohemia

When most people think of beer in Mexico, they instantly think Corona.  But wait… there are so many more beer options in Mexico! Don’t get me wrong a Corona with a lime on the beach or near the pool has its place, but there is a reason you put a lime in it… to cover the often skunked flavor. Don’t worry my beer-loving friends there is some good beer in Mexico.

Bohemia Classico is my favorite Mexican beer, and Mexican beer brand. This beer is my favorite because it is very well-balanced, and you can actually taste the hops. I am also super excited to see that Bohemia has started to embrace the craft beer movement, recently introducing a chocolate stout!

Bohemia Beer from Mexico

Argentina – Emma from Gotta Keep Movin’

Steak

Everyone knows that Argentina produces some of the best steak on the planet, and I can safely say the rumours are true. I ate so much cow there that I’m sure I would die of a heart attack if I lived in Argentina permanently. You can have severla different cuts, such ‘bife de chorizo’ which is like your average thick cut on sirloin, or a roll of ribs that will just fall off the bone. Make sure you ask for some chimmichurri salsa, a sauce of blended herbs and oil, to go with whatever you try.

The secret of how they make the steak so delicious is unknown; some say it’s quality meats from cows only fed on grass, others say it’s all in the rubbing in of salt just before cooking. I say – I don’t care, just get me a plate of that melt-in-your-mouth meaty goodness, pronto.

Steak from a restaurant in Argentina

Empanadas

For those of you who arent  familiar with empanadas they’re pieces of dough filled with all sorts of things, from chicken or beef with onions and raisins, to the classic ‘jamon y queso’ (ham and cheese!) combo. These little wraps of heaven can be found in many countries in Latin America, but my favourites had to be in Argentina. They’re usually served as a snack or light bite for on-the-go. There are shops in Argentina that specifically specialise and only sell empanadas, and being on nearly every block they’re not too hard to hunt down. The empanada place around the corner from where I worked in Argentina served 3 empanadas and a drink for 15 pesos (around $3) – needless to say they got a lot of business from me!

Argentinian emapanadas, photo courtesy of Eduardo Haramina via Creative Commons

Wine

Argentina is the 5th largest producer of wine in the world, and through the region of Mendoza it’s completely obligatory to get some down your neck. The Spanish not only bought the language to the country, but imported vines to Argentina during the colonisation, which spread like wildfire across the land. Wine tasting tours can be taken in many parts of the country, specifically the west near Chile. Just outside the city of Mendoza there is a famous area with around 8 bodegas to tour through, and many people just hire a bike (drink and cycle at your own risk!) to go from one to the next. I can highly recommend trying a good Malbec during your visit, which is also a great red wine to have with a juicy steak.

Wine grapes in Mendoza, Argentina, photo courtesy of Maurico Ryan via Creative Commons

Thailand – Nicole & Michael from Suitcase Stories

Pad Thai

I am completely addicted to Pad Thai.  This is the one meal I could eat every day and not get sick of it.  Luckily for me it can be found all over the world and not just in Thailand. And it doesn’t matter if you are in Bangkok, Barcelona or Brisbane, this dish is always bursting with flavour.  I’m not sure if it’s the soft rice noodles, juicy chicken chunks, chopped up pieces of omelette, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts sprinkled on top, or the sweet flavours of citrus and tamarind juice that draw me in. The good thing about Pad Thai is you can change it up a little for a new experience; you can substitute the chicken for tofu or shrimp and you can have it with or without chilli.

Pad Thai

Thai Spring Rolls

These are the perfect starter to any Thai meal. The fresh (as apposed to deep fried) spring rolls are packed full of nutritious goodness. A tasty combination of carrot, cucumber, lettuce, tofu, mint, basil and cilantro wrapped together in rice paper.  You can also add a little pre-cooked chicken or shrimp if you prefer a bit of protein in your spring rolls. Best served with a yummy dipping sauce such as peanut satay or sweet and sour.

Thai Sping Rolls

Tom Yam Siam

Inspired by the soup of the same name, this cocktail is different from the fruity varieties I normally lean towards but as they say “When in Rome…” Or in this case “When in Thailand…”  Using a vodka and Malibu rum base, this complex formula includes lychee, lime, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf and red chilli for garnish.  The trick is to find the right balance to ensure it doesn’t end up too spicy.  If you get the formula right you will end up with a sweet citrusy slice of heaven.

Tom Yam Siam offsets spice with lychee and lime

Have you eaten any of food from these countries? What are your favourite dishes?

About Getting Stamped

Hannah and Adam are an American couple who decided life was a little to normal…  After graduating college and working the corporate world for 7+ years, Adam as an engineer and Hannah as an accountant, they needed a change.  So they are packing up their bags and traveling around the globe for the next 2 years.  They start their round the world trip June 29, 2013.

They launched Getting Stamped in October 2012, a website that follows them on their journey.  Their website shares travel stories, pictures, and tips and hopes to inspire others to get up and travel!  You can also follow their journey on Facebook and Twitter.

About Suitcase Stories

Nicole and Michael are an Australian couple in who gave up their careers, sold their possessions and left their ‘conventional’ life behind for an extraordinary life of travel. They have been living a nomadic life for 13 months and see no end in sight.

They recently launched Suitcase Stories, a website where they share their stories, travel tips, destination guides, photos and so much more. Their main goal for this website is to inspire others to travel and to show people how long term travel is not only possible but affordable.

You can follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest also.

Held every Saturday in Wimbledon’s Watershed bar and club, Crack Comedy has become increasingly popular with local folk, and attracts a large audience of Wimbledonians. With three different comedians each week, as well as a master of ceremonies, you’re treated to four performances that will have you rolling in the aisles. When my friend told me that three comedians were performing I was expecting to not enjoy at least one of them, but it actually turned out that all three on that night were absolutely hilarious, and it was one of the best comedy events I’ve ever been to.

Stefano Paolini

Here’s a little bit of info about each act that was on stage the night I went:

Stefano Paolini is a Brixton-born lad with Italian parents, giving him the opportunity to bring his heritage into his act which makes it real and witty. Both his bad-boy South London accent and Italian flourishes are completely on point, and teamed up with some extraordinary beatboxing and impressions his act comes alive. He makes the most of his trials and tribulations of cross-cultural life, and tries to explains the mystery of why Italian gangster rap never really quite made it. Also includes an impeccable impression of De Niro peeling onions, a.k.a. De Niro’s face on a daily basis.

Tom Webb

Tom Webb hails from Hackney and looks like a mix between Woody Allen and T-Bag from Prison Break. His slightly awkward and cute persona gives his act an unusual twist, and when you first hear his jokes you’re not quite sure what to make of it. Sometimes his mannerisms and speech make it feel like you’re watching the insane babble of an eccentric oddball, but that all comes together when his punch lines kick in and you realise his act is incredibly well thought-out. In that respect, I thought him to be a comedic genius. A lot of his comedy revolves around every day observations on life, including the perils of unwanted lap dances on the London Underground, the ways in which he attempts to find a wife, and the idea that perhaps roly polying is the ultimate key to success.

Erich McElroy

Erich McElroy is an American who’s been living in London for 13 years, having raised his family here and vowed to never return to the USA. British audiences could be put off by his American accent, something he mentioned at the beginning of his performance which quickly won us all over to his way of thinking. Like Paolini, Erich made references to the differences in his cultural background, some of which could be deemed offensive but only if you take them way too seriously. He mentioned having to ‘protect kids in the USA from light weapons, when here in the UK you have to protect them from light entertainers’ (if you don’t understand that reference, Google ‘Jimmy Saville’). This was met with hesitation by the audience, until he mocked the ridiculous idea of the States allowing children to have guns. He’s balanced out his mocking of both cultures perfectly, and if you’re a fan of jokes that push boundaries and laugh at the insanity of our planet, you and Erich will get along just fine.

There are different comedians playing each week of course, but these guys may make appearances at Crack Comedy in shows to come. I can definitely recommend looking out for their names on bills all over London, as they play regularly in many venues.

Crack Comedy costs £13 for general admission, and more information on where to find the venue is on their website. Wimbledon is on the very end of the District line on the Underground, so easy to reach from most parts of London.

Our cabin at the sustainable living project in Argentina

What kind of volunteering opportunites have I found?

Since 2010, I’ve worked on a dairy farm in Canada making goat’s cheese, helped out at a vineyard in Spain, worked in two hostels in Argentina, helped develop a sustainble living project also in Argentina, and worked at an animal shelter in Peru.
The majority of these have been free, where I have been given food and accommodation in return for my work, and the positions that I had to pay for involved small contributions towards food, a fraction of what I would be paying for gap year projects that charge thousands. You can find posts about my experiences at these places listed in my volunteering section, and the websites I used on my resources page.

Wearing my incredibly fetching hair net for making cheese in Canada

How have these volunteering positions benefited me?

All these projects have completely changed my life. Not only have they enabled me to travel for next to nothing, they have taught me valuable skills that will take me all over the world, I’ve met dozens of new friends that were volunteering with me, and I’ve immersed myself in local life while abroad in a way that I would never have found otherwise. The benefits of travelling with a mission to volunteer are so monumental that they couldn’t ever be listed in full, as each and every placement brings new opportunities, ways of life to observe, and things to be learnt that would result in the greatest, most kick-ass resume on the planet.

I can now milk goats and have had experience in the cheese-making process. I learnt how to mix concrete and mortar at the vineyard to help level out a floor in their house (which also made me realise my arms are far more powerful than I first thought). I have a basic idea of sustainable living and will be able to help myself to be self-sufficient when I eventually have a home of my own, thanks to the project in Argentina. I have the skills to be able to help run a hostel. I’ve learnt how to turn a blank wall into a piece of mosaic artwork, and discovered I have an incredible amount of patience when it comes to creating things. In all of these projects, I’ve realised my passion for cooking and have developed numerous recipes that I take everywhere with me. I could go on…

My sunset mosaic at the animal shelter in Peru – hands were dead afterwards!

Why not just travel?

Firstly, I don’t have the money to just travel, no way! So my motivation to do this came from lack of funds, along with a passion to help people in need. I’m the kind of person that loves to always be productive, and if I have a day where I’ve achieved nothing I feel really guilty. I do have those days of course, usually because I force myself to have them just to give my body a break, but most of the time I’m on-the-go. This makes volunteering perfect for me – I don’t want to be a tourist. I love seeing the sights and doing the backpacking thing when it’s the right time to do so, but I want to make a mark on the places I go and get involved in communities. Essentially, I want to travel with purpose, and that purpose benefits me and the placements I volunteer with.

Where to next?

Now I base a lot of my travels around the volunteer projects I’ve found, and places I might never thought of to go to are being added to my list because I can volunteer there. I’m moving to Toronto at the end of this month to get some work sorted for a
while, but with a change of scenery to appease my itchy feet. I’m hoping that I’ll find some things in the ctiy to help out with (in fact, I already have!) and then save up the money to go out to Africa or Asia next year. What I really want the next step to be is work in some humanitarian positions, a field I’ve not got too involved with quite yet. I have an overwhelming sense of compassion for projects like that, and wanted to grow a thicker skin for myself before I headed out to help with them. I can’t wait to to experience this kind of work, and discover where it might take me in life.

Watch this space!

The view out the back of the house at the vineyard in Spain – Hello Pyrenees!

If you enjoyed this post about volunteering, you may also be interested in reading:

Volunteering at a Dairy Farm in Canada

Volunteering at a Sustainable Living Project in Mendoza, Argentina

Introduction to Free Volunteering & the Common Misconception that it Doesn’t Exist

Volunteering on a Vineyard in Spain

Jonny Blair is a self confessed travel addict. He left his hometown of Bangor in Northern Ireland a decade ago and has managed to work and travel his way through over 70 countries across all 7 continents. You can follow his nomadic adventures on his travel blog Don’t Stop Living. Jonny is excited to visit Azerbaijan later in the year and has plans to tour the Middle East and East Africa after that.

Jonny on the rocks on the south east tip of Taiwan at Eluanbi, 2009

Best place you’ve ever been?

Antarctica, it’s pretty much unbeatable in my opinion. It’s extreme, it has great views, every second of the trip was pure bliss and it’s totally off the beaten track. There are also no office blocks or murders in Antarctica, it’s the world’s most peaceful place and any traveller that has been there will never forget their trip. There is no other city, country or continent that comes close to the magic of Antarctica. Unless I get to the summit of Everest or land on the moon, this will remain my favourite place.

Jonny enjoying the snow at Half Moon Island in Antarctica, 2010

Worst place you’ve ever been?

Venezuela. The place is horrible. Guns to the car on arrival at the border, being ripped off everywhere, witnessing cocaine raids, escaping a bag slashing and a mugging and generally just not actually being able to do any decent sightseeing at all because of how I felt about the place. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, not even Venezuelans!

Favourite food you’ve eaten on the road?

I’m not a food freak on my travels by any means. I’d have to go simple and say pizza in Italy, probably in Venice in fact. I’ve tried hundreds of different types of food and I write about them on my blog but I rarely go “Wow” to new foods I try.

Funniest travel moment?

I can’t remember the last time I laughed a lot on my travels to be honest! In Tokyo last year I was watching a busy parade in Shibuya when suddenly a guy tugs my arm and asks if I am Jonny the Northern Irish guy who travels a lot! I couldn’t believe that someone recognised me on the strength of my blog, turns out he actually knew a lot about me and wasn’t even surprised to see me in Tokyo!

Hiking the Yunnan Mountains of China, 2012

Three things you always carry in your luggage?

Apart from the obvious things, it’s got to be a travel adapter, a bottle opener and soap (I never travel with shower gel).

Most embarrassing travel moment?

I took my swimming shorts off and got naked in Antarctica when we did the “polar plunge” in the ice cold waters at Whaler’s Bay. It wasn’t actually that embarrassing but it’s the sort of thing that could be.

The greatest challenge you’ve faced while travelling?

Getting a visa for Suriname was difficult in Caracas – I was refused twice before finally securing the visa. Another horrendous experience from the enigma that is Venezuela.

One thing you don’t like about travel?

I hate flying. Airports, buses and trains are fine. It’s just being in an aeroplane and being off the ground that I can’t stand. But it’s the fastest way to travel so I have to do it.

Top three dream destinations?

The Maldives – always looks like a dream location when I see photos and videos.
South Pole – the most extreme place to go, I would love to visit the base there and get my photo at the actual South Pole marker.
Cruising down the River Nile was always a travel dream of mine and one that I have yet to achieve.

Most useful piece of travel advice?

Get off the beaten track and don’t keep heading to popular touristy places. From my experience you really travel when you go to places like Belarus, Suriname and unknown towns in China such as Luoping, Shaoguan and Yongding. When you stick to places like Australia, Thailand and Germany you’re not really getting out of the backpacker vibe. It all becomes a bit routine. Do yourself a favour and head on a bus to a town you’ve never heard of, and where no other travellers ever go.

Thanks, Jonny! If you’d like to hear more from Jonny’s adventures, he updates his Twitter feed and Facebook fan page everyday, and he has uploaded almost 5,000 travel video to his YouTube page.

Jonny climbing to the peak of Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia, 2013

Wondering what the Travel Ten is all about? Check out my explanation and my personal answers to these questions here.

Are you a travel blogger or avid nomad and want to be featured in the Travel Ten? Simply email me at gottakeepmovin88@gmail.com and I will send you the details. Thanks!

If you enjoyed Jonny’s interview and would like to hear some more, why don’t you check out some more of my interviews:

The Travel Ten: Suitcase Stories

The Travel Ten: George on the Go

The Travel Ten: Wanderlusters

The Travel Ten: All About Me