Jenny S.

Comment on: Reflections and Resolutions.

So, so true....yet in our busy-ness of our lives its so easy to forget about those things that are so important yet take up so little time. (Jenny)

Jenny S.

Comment on: All Things Bright and Beautiful (December 2005).

Shopping was lots easier for me in that I only ever did one trolly full at a time. But, once around was enough, with three in toe all wanting lolly or chocolate treats. Even now, at 21, 23 & 25, which I come home with the groceries, they still go through it before it gets put away looking for sweet treats. Thanks Bec for sharing - sweet memories. Jenny

Jenny S.

Comment on: How Much is That Doggy in the Window?

Enjoyed reading this one bec, especially since my kids have just got a puppy a few weeks ago. I can associate with it and laugh wih you.I've never read blogs before, this is the first one. Its very refreshing to get a glimpse into someone else's life, to find that some bits are quite similar to your own.I'll continue to read your blogs and enjoy a few moments of escapism, while reading your clever and whitty writings.

PS - Thanks for inviting me to read, Jenny

Amy

Comment on: In the Attic

As a fellow mother of three, I can totally relate to everything you say here. Children grow up so quickly don't they. *sigh

Allison G

hello bec. this is an interesting blog topic - i love all the tips. do you have any advice on how to travel alone? sometimes that can be just as stressful (or more so!) :-).

Dear Allison,

Thank you for your comments. It is best to avoid travelling alone wherever possible, but if it is unavoidable, then I hope the following tips are of help to you.

Sincerely,

Bec.

If you have to travel alone:

1. Before you travel, do as much of the arrangements for on route and your final destination as you can before you leave. Travel agents can give wonderful assistance especially with accomodation and meal included deals. Don't forget travel insurance, and sufficient visas.

2. Always stay away from red-light districts, especially when choosing your accomodation; many countries have accomodation run by missionary or Christian groups, which are reasonable, clean, and respectable. Backstreet hostels or inns are not advisable either.

3. If you are to meet up with friends or family on the other end, always make sure you have ALL their contact details, address, phone, cell-phone etc.

4. Do your homework, study up on the places you are to visit, having some knowledge under your belt, helps you to keep a level head and make clear decisions. Learning some key phrases in the local language also helps. The internet is a great tool. (Check out your government's own travel website - they give advice specifically for your own nationality).

5. Always carry ID on you, make photocopies of your passport, visa, and tickets, and keep them in your handbag and in your luggage. Keep your original travel documents in a very safe place, never leave them lying around in your room. (If you have a trusted friend or family at home, leave a copy with them too). NB: Always check the length of your visa to assure you don't overstay.

6. Do not carry a lot of cash on you. It is advisable only to carry what you will actually use at any given time, such as during lay overs, or shopping. Have a bankcard or visacard where you can use an Automatic Teller Machine. When using your bankcard, do not let it out of your sight.

7. Travel as light as possible, you will find that many of your necessities are easily assessible anywhere in the world today. It is advisable not to take a 'carry-on'. Just what you will carry your travel documents in will suffice. Using a document belt strapped to your person is best.

8. Carry some photos of friends or family. You never know when they may come in handy.

9. When shopping stick to the malls. If touring, go with tours from respectable hotels.

10. Always tell someone where you are, or are going, even if it is just staff at the reception desk.
Notify your embassy upon arrival especially if you are staying for some time.

11. Carry a 'For those little emergencies' kit with you. (See The Egg Basket).

12. Do not make it obvious that you are alone. If things get stressful - praying helps. :-)


Copyright. Rebecca Laklem

Laura K.

Hi Rebecca,

......It is great to hear a little something of each of the kid's personalities!

How's Mothers Day in Thailand? Mother's Day in UK was March. I was blessed, last year I got the flowers and restaurant, this year card and comment (card hearts and sticky bits-my daughter, 'Happy Mothers Day' my 13 year old son! Oh and breakfast, they unite around cooking.

Do your 7 ever attempt united contributions and the world stays in tact?

Laura

Laura K.

MARRIAGE TO ASIAN MEN

I laughed! My first date with Kumar, I took him to a 'Malaysian' restaurant in HK and he spent the WHOLE date lecturing me about counterfeits!

Our honeymoon in the Hilton in Macau, chosen for its swimming pool, was equally 'unusual'. We went to its restaurant on our marriage night, both exhausted not fully comprehending this was a GOOD restaurant, (sherbet between courses), each course taking FOREVER...we left after the first an hour later, too tired to sit.

Morning 1, whilst cutting into my bread roll I accidently cut so deeply into my finger that it is still numb today 20 years later, and the injury stopped me using the pool, the 'treat' I had waited for.

Day 3 saw us return home to HK for some emergency marriage counselling
Went home day 5!

Great marriage though.

Laura

Abhas Sinha

Comment on Proverbs 13:11 (Bread Bin)

Please, please take your time to read this. It just so matches the dishonest money thing. Thank you. - Abhas Sinha.

".....after reading a recent (news) story, "Why is everyone killing?" is the first big Q that strikes me. It appears that greed has surpassed all emotions....." Read more at:

http://www.abhas1.blogspot.com/2006/01/good-bad-and-news.html