Today I finished reading a book very kindly lent to me by a friend in San Juan Del Sur, at one of the lower points on my trip.  I suggest you read it.  It’s called The Tao of Pooh and it’s perfectly suited to all those people out there like me who think far too …

In an attempt to get up this morning I realise we are on the move again, relocating to another section of the San Blas Islands.  It looks the same as the first.  Two hours of jolting and jostling and we’re there.  It’s lucky I’m already lying down for the most part, otherwise I’d expect the …

I’ve always been fascinated by the seaside in winter. I relish in the loneliness of it, the chilly damp, the memory of a happy summer.  I love seeing the boarded up stalls and empty band stands.  The ballrooms echoing mirth and cheer.  The wet sands devoid of donkeys.  Cold grey skies and wind whipped cliff tops, …

After my girlfriend dumps me by phone, my parents pass away and I put my dog down, I reckon that today is a very strong contender for one of the most horrible experiences of my life.  Actually I’ll put it a close fifth behind wetting my pants at a friends birthday party when I was …

I’m awake at 2.30am in Captain Jacks hostel, Portobelo.  Our boat leaves at 6am, but we need to be on our way at 4.  Having attempted to go to sleep just before 12, I was drummed awake by the party happening in the rest of the hostel.  Now this affords me an opportunity to really …

A few months ago I would have totally baulked at the idea I could travel alone in this part of the world without any grasp of the language.  Now I’m rapidly becoming an expert.  That’s because I take taxis. Actually I’m not being entirely fair on myself.  I’m racing a little against time as I …

Considering I went to bed around 12 midday, it’s no surprise that I wake up at night.  I soon discover the Irish, Aussies and German have moved on, leaving me in my pit of despair.  We are due to sail tomorrow, but it looks like I’m going to literally miss the boat.  It’s a damn …

I feel a little foolish after my drunken rant last night.  I may have forgot to mention that.  I sat back down at our table with a handful of folk left and proceeded to discuss how upset and angry I was.  Now it’s all very well and good when you’re sitting pretty on your high …

Recently I’ve been suffering from an overwhelming crisis of confidence.  I feel I have totally lost any small ability I ever had to talk to the opposite sex.  Coupled with this, every time I have some kind of success speaking to an attractive girl, I’m shoulder charged off the ball by someone taller, better looking, …

“For a’ that, an’ a’ that, It’s coming yet for a’ that, That Man to Man, the world o’er, Shall brothers be for a’ that.” The last few lines of Robert Burns’ poem “A mans a man.”  I love it.  Considering it’s both Burns night and Australia day, it’s time to don the kilt.  As …