Hi, I'm Alan
Look, I'll be straight with you, travel wasn't exactly my first love. Spain was about as adventurous as I got, and hopping on a plane felt like a major expedition. But Angela, bless her, has dragged me kicking and screaming literally around the world, and I've got to admit, I've seen some things. The food, for starters - I'm still not brave enough for the street food lottery, mind you. Exploring new places? I do enjoy poking around the backstreets, even if the tourist crowds make me feel like I'm in a jostling competition.
Give me an early morning run, though, before the chaos, and I'm happy as Larry. Watching the locals doing their 5am exercises around a lake in Hanoi, complete with Boney M and people slapping themselves? That's something else. And don't get me started on the weather – shorts in January? Yes, please! Though the sunburn and dehydration are a bit of a downer. The truth is, I'm finding there's something to this travel lark.
But the actual travelling? Airport queues, jostling, and praying you don't end up next to that person on the plane? That's still a struggle. And don't even get me started on the cost. Give me a local bus and a street stall over a luxury hotel any day, though. I'd rather spend my money on actually seeing things.
Alan.