Bodblog

The idyllic archipelago is rarely at the top of the typical Western traveller's bucket list, but having  paid an exciting visit to 3 of the islands, I can safely state that it is well worth a look at. The country, which has a staggeringly high population of approximately 100 million people, offers picture-perfect beaches for prices that often compare favourably to the more developed destinations of Thailand or Malaysia. Not only is the country kind to the wallet, but it also suffers less from the modern plague of over-tourism. There is of course one notable exception to this - the island of Borocay, which was famously closed in 2018 to visitors due to the massive overcrowding . When I visited, in Christmas 2018, I managed to see the island just after its reopening. As I shall explain later, the opening was undoubtedly premature. Overall, my journey across the country began in the bustling metropolis of Manilla . I was then fortunate enough to visit a luxury hotel of Pangulusian Isl...

The mountains outside shone brightly, reflecting the warm Alpine sunlight. It was April 2017, and the uni ski trip was in full swing. Skiing and two pints of beer had tired me out, but in this blur of holiday euphoria a common theme popped up again and again: Peep Show. Integrated into conversation after conversation on the slopes, I realised this was more than a show; I had discovered a student cult… A positive cult, it must be said. This trip made me realise that I must investigate. And so for (only) the third time in my life, I embarked on a Netflix binge. Series 1-4. Few breaks. Work? Forget it! Mark and Jeremy became a part of my life this summer. Briefly interrupted by a quick wander up Kilimanjaro, I finished the series fairly quickly. Thanks to my 1 st year at Bristol, the drug references made sense, and I could suddenly relate to the student-esque lifestyles of Mark and Jeremy. The kitchen politics made sense, and I still can’t decide between Frosties (Jeremy) or Crunchy...

The summit - surrounded by black volcanic rock, high above the clouds... In September 2017 I was lucky enough to have the chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth. Unfortunately, I wasn’t inspired by the hit song ‘Africa’ by Toto and its meme ecosystem, but by a poster at university. Nevertheless, it was a truly life changing experience and I have no regrets. As well as the chance to witness incredible views and do some serious cardio, it also represented an opportunity to meet some new people and enjoy a week of independent travel in Tanzania afterwards. The appeal was obvious, and I wasted no time in signing up. Raising £3000 wasn’t easy, but was worth it. Although I would recommend not getting into a heated argument with an angry farmer about local fundraising bylaws! Nevertheless, after the odd cupcake sale, pub quizzes and a few begging letters, the Bristol team was ready. There were five of us in total, joined by teams from Durham, Brig...