Jo Herrings Adventures

Hampi is the site of many Hindu temples and is a beautiful spot set amongst hot rocks in a valley that makes you sigh with perspiration. It is here and now that the government has issued a 7 day notice to the residents of Hampi Bizaar closest to the famed Virupaksha Temple to vacate their premises. They have offered land some 6km from the township to the villagers on a rock with no running water or fertile land, away from the river that runs alongside Hampi and its famed temples. Its biblical to build on a rock but the proposal to relocate these folks away from the river they currently frolic in doing their daily chores and enjoy relaxing beside seems baffling. If you are going to displace people (rehousing is not an option they are literally told they can move to the rock or make their own arrangements), shouldn’t you offer an equal alternative. Somewhere sewage systems can be made, electricity implemented to all homes, oh and how about some of that precious resource WATER. (I ...

It’s nice to be back in India, but my gosh what a difference the south is! Because of the long period of time I plan to be in India I’ve decided to break down my blog into provinces as this is a country of many countries. Of course I will give you some more detailed updates on some provinces as the experience I have are sometimes blog worthy – but I’m sure you’ll all agree this blog is more interesting now with less “today I did this” style writing! The plan now I am here and due to the high temperatures experienced in the south is going along the lines of April – Southern – Central – North East India (Kerala, Karnataka, Andrah Pradesh, West Bengal) May – North East India and Nepal (Darjeeling, East of Bangladesh (wish I had a multi entry then would have gone to Bangalesh!), Nepal June – Nepal, Yoga Ashram, trekking in Northern India, Shimla, Ladakh July – continue trekking in the North and tea plantations…avoiding the plains and the heat as long as possible! Final...

In honesty I was kind of over South East Asia when it came time to go to Vietnam. Alas I had committed to meeting my school friend Amy on the 24 th of March for a couple of days to see Halong Bay which I had heard was stunning. After a short flight from Luang Prabang (learning buying flights in country is cheaper than outside so long term travellers be heartened some things are cheaper left to the last minute) avoiding the 27 hour bus journey which was the only other option to Hanoi. I was then to make my way to Hoi An. The information centre was the cheapest option by far for the overnight sleeper bus so anyone taking time in Hanoi I would suggest this as your best option for buses – but not the Halong Bay tour. The bus journey was interesting starting with a motorbike ride across town, then a mini van before reaching a bus with actual beds….so novel. As a rookie I sat on the side of the driver meaning I had head lights coming at me all night. We stopped for a long ti...

Today’s post is not so much about travel as it is about the adventure of life. I’m gushing because I have become an Aunty (or as my brood call me ‘Tia Jo’) for the fourth time. I would like to celebrate instead through my medium of blogging – for lack of a better option (Pity the poor person I sit next to on this flight!)  the birthday of Miss Isla Byrne (middle name to be confirmed). Isla safely arrived at 2.21pm at 8 pound 11ounces of joy at Kew Hospital, Invercargill, New Zealand. She will start her life surrounded by love and happiness and god honest relief. Relief that as a Byrne she was not born on the morning of April 1 st when she was due. Forever to be the joker.  Honestly as a Byrne it is inevitable, but the added annual celebration clash would just be problematic for birthday cakes, gifts and cards. What I love the most about Isla is that despite the fact I have never set eyes on her, heard her cries or touched her soft baby skin, I love her. Completely unco...

ok so being a millionare in Laos is not really difficult at 12,000 to the Pound I was off to a flying start to my anniversary week. Bamboo jetties on the Mekong I took a room along the Mekong River in the cultural city of Luang Prabang in Laos. I had been recommended to come here by travelling friends in Myanmar and I couldn't agree more this is the place in Asia you can come to chill out. Essentially I have eaten and drunk my way around the town. I have used the internet (although still using Gmail in html) and enjoyed using my tube of vegemite on my morning baguettes. My stomoch has expanded with all the foreign wheat I am now enjoying and all the lovely banana cakes I have been enthralled by. I went to a waterfall to see some blue water and stumbled on some bears - seriously stumbled. It was rather a delightful find. I couldn't take a picture to do it justice but It was delightful. I also went to some caves which were terribly dull after the cave experiences in Mya...

I have thought a lot about what I would do today over the past year as I planned my unplanned Big Adventure and many options have come my way. But today I am in Luang Prabang in northern Laos on the banks of the Mekong River. It is very relaxed here and I am delighted to have made the effort – taking two flights to escape Bangkok and paying more for them than I do for a week travel –not to mention going old school and buying them at the counter of the airline two hours before flying. Because today I will be remembering my Dad’s passing. 10 years ago today I was with my sister buying magazines at Paper Plus. That’s when her phone rang. And we drove home so fast, so we could get home in time to hold Dad’s hand.  I lost my pal, my mentor, my joker, the “old fart”, my old man, all wrapped into my dearest darling Dad. I shared a wonderful bond with my Dad and I miss him every day. Recently when I showed a family portrait to my niece she asked how old I was when Granddad J...

I have been touched, pinched, squeezed and had my back rubbed as I was sick. Myanmar is one phenomenal place which I have so much hope for. Hope for democracy, hope for development and hope for conservation, all in a gradual process without losing its authenticity. I have felt safe, with my large amounts of cash (remember no ATM’s so budgeting became a real past time of all travellers not just the “budget” ones) and in pilgrimaging crowds, in villages and on rickety hill top roads, travelling solo or in a crowd. Not once did I fear for my personal safety or that of my belongings. I had to stop myself on the first day from being so travel weary and closed. I had to trust. I had to open up and Myanmar may well have taught me one of my greatest lessons on my Big Adventure. captive in Myanmar There were moments of democratic desire, like an aged village monk carrying a bamboo log who stopped me to ask “Do you know Aung San?” to which I replied quietly knowing it was a very c...