Day 16 of the Via de la Plata:

Day 16 of the Via de la Plata:

The first week on the Camino South of Salamanca was very hot, once 11:00am came the temperatures started becoming a little unbearable in some cases. I found myself continuing whilst the sun increased in temperature I was drinking around 4 liters of water during the day to keep hydrated, carrying the water was the hardest part for me as it is always the heaviest, I would carry 2 and resupply where I could. I enjoyed walking through the heat of the day seeing the areas that I past through in complete silence, Passing through the towns and villages in the area of Extremadura at siesta time felt like apocalyps had hit the earth, with the odd dog barking, leaves that had fallen from the tree’s symbolizing the the start of autumn, golden coloured leaves dancing in the wind like a miniature tornado, around and around with no place to go, it was a bizarre feeling passing those places that seemed so empty and still. In some parts of Extremadura you walk kilometers without passing through any settlement it was great to be walking along in those conditions taking in the beauty of the region where wind carried this stillness of apocalypse.

“silence is a powerful  tool”

One guy died on the Camino last year 2016, just outside a village called Castilblanco de los Arroyos. He was a 46 years old man, the guy had been walking in temperatures of 46 degrees and I guess his time was up, a very sad story, I came across his memorial halfway up  a hill, I wondered about his life and loved ones, what his life might of been like, his character, who he was, and who he left behind,perhaps empty without him. His number was up and that was that, bless his soul, a strange moment past me in that time,a sense of loss, a emptiness came into my thoughts and feelings with no direction to life.

“Heavy but what I write is what I experience some have asked me, take me on your journey, create a blog!  so I write for you”

I have been hearing a few stories lately of people who have pushed their boundaries and have suffered for it. Taking a few rest days and popping along to the doctors with different injuries. Like I said in my last post, “it’s a walk” But to push yourself or to go ill prepared then that is your choice.

I walked 50km one day because I ran into an area where it was just  field after field. The crops had been harvested, so I was faced with plowed fields. In the summer months it would be a lot different having the sunset and rise over the crops watching the colours change with the time of day, a good photo opportunity for those who are in love with the click of a camera, not the click click click of the phone.

A while back I had run out of money and had been looking for a A.T.M machine, but kept running into a lot of very kind people, I got talking to them for one reason or another. They invited me into their homes to spend the night and to join them for dinner, not because I gave them some sort of sob story, they never knew I had run out of money, they just decided to invite me into their homes to be friendly I guess.

I had one lady pass me in her car, she slowed down and asked if I was looking for a hostel as she owned one. The price was €20, I thanked her but told her I only had five so I will be on my way. For that moment she just looked at me and I thought to myself “what” she said okay but don't tell anyone ! With that a smile was created across my face as I got into her car and again thanked greatly. She asked me about what I was going to eat for dinner, I replied tonight nothing tomorrow is a new day. That night she prepared dinner for me telling me again to keep quiet.

“For sure I have been very lucky throughout my travels someone somewhere is truly looking out for me and my 9 lives were used long ago”

I have had a lot of good fortune on this journey, walking is a truly amazing experience. I found myself walking a few times at night, just for a different experience,I would wake up and start walking until sunrise and more, having the stars fall around me taking note of the star constellations was magic, a great time for reflection in many areas of life. “ I wish you could all experience that feeling “walking” Amongst the night without the need of a torch looking upwards”  Or even just walking in the day without the need of a car to go 100 yards or 500 yards or more. I know the ones who are unable to walk in life would agree with me greatly.

“As the stars fell I took one wish, the rest were not mine to ask for, why take more than I need”

I finally ended up in a village where I really was in need for money, I had to catch a bus asking the bus driver to let me off the fair as I had no money, I made it to the next village around 12km off the Camino, where I had been told there was a A.T.M machine but I found it to be out of order when I got there. I had to walk back the 12km, before I left the village I popped in to a shop, where I asked the shop owner if she would accept card for the supplies I needed, knowing that was going to be very doubtful, “and for sure I was right” But she gave me a large baguette and a drink for free that kept me going  till the end of the following day where I was tablehen  to withdraw cash.

The camino for me: it’s a strange feeling to be walking 1000km to a destination, there is something truly special about being able

to walk from place to place, meeting different people,seeing the country change as I walk deeper north into the country where many footsteps have been before me, dating back from Roman times and possibly more, it gets your mind thinking how they constructed the way, the brains behind it and the manpower to create it along with the materials used.

After a while you start to feel each pebble underfoot as the kilometres start to clock up during the day, you start to search and scan the ground for the flattest part of the Camino, it becomes quite an art looking in front for that ground that will be kind to your feet.

After walking a good number of hours you may come up to a brow of a hill and just the other side a town, city or village starts to show it’s face. It’s strange walking up to society. Graffiti starts to pop up, may be a old run down house, a motorway bridge that you may have to pass under  to reach the town, more plastic waist appears from more ignorance and lack of respect. The sound of humans,the beep of the car horns, smog and more enters your vision, then your senses change to a more urban element that will hopefully see you through this part of the journey, the bars, restaurants and shopping centres call for your pocket to open until you reach the other side of the tunnel. It’s a journey that is hard to describe in so few words.

The temperatures at night have changed a lot now that I am approaching far north. The mornings are fresh and nights cold in this month. I have been covering a great deal of ground over the last 16 days but something is now telling me to slow down for a reason. I do not know why just yet. May be I am at the end of my journey or may be there is something that is coming my way. I don't know what it is and I can't really put my finger on it right now, but times are strange and I just have to go with what I am picking up on.

Is it all coming to an end.

Day 8 of the Via de la Plata: Spain.

Day 8 of the Via de la Plata: Spain.

If you have been following my blog you will know from my previous write up that I am now walking the Camino Via de la Plata.

“What is the Via de la Plata”  It’s a Pilgrimage to Santiago in Spain.

The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back at the beginning of the 9th century (year 814)  moment of the discovery of the tomb of St James. “Who is St James” St James was apparently the Saint James the Greater, he was one of the disciples of Jesus.  He made a pilgrimage to the Iberian Peninsula to spread the word of Jesus. And so the pilgrimages  across Europe popped up and pilgrim's started there journey to St James tomb.

I started earlier this month after meeting a Pilgrim on his way to Santiago. In that moment I changed my plan and started the 1000km walk to Santiago. “Why you may ask”  I am traveling, I have no fix plan, I go with what feels right at that time. I am not walking it for any other reason, I had no planning, I had no quest or religious reason to do such a thing. I just thought in that time “yeah why not”  and so I started walking simple.

It has now been 8 days on the this ancient pilgrimage where many have walked in the name of  Jesus or whatever drives them to walk such distance.

It is very rural, the signs are sometimes a little hard to keep track of, other people who have walked this route way disagree .In the towns and villages you really do have to keep your eyes open, and I would say that some signs may have been tampered with to give different directions to certain accommodation. You do have to be quite aware of this. But there are many good apps that will show you the way along with description. Once you have had a few days on the camino everything becomes second nature to you.

“Don't stress just go for it your be fine”

Accommodation is available at each end of the day and you may also find accommodation in between the bigger days. You can find all of this information on the apps that the associations have created for you, it is all very straightforward and well organised from what I have seen. If you want personal space then bring your credit card, other wise get use to snoring and lights on at silly o’clock..”or take a tent”  

Local People on this particular camino are generally friendly and helpful, I guess they are not to over run like the neighbouring northern Caminos where Buen Camino, Hola” becomes a little irritating day in and day out with hundreds passing through day and night.

There is a fair bit of rubbish lying around the Camino, unfortunately a lot of Pilgrims feel that it is acceptable to leave their litter and toilet paper behind only thinking of themselves and their own quest on this journey.

“I believe all people who go out walking, hiking, or whatever activity they do should bag it and put it in the bin. You do it with dogs so what's the difference between man and beast” It’s pretty shameful if you ask me, used paper and drink bottles all over the place because of ignorance, Saying that you love nature, “come on seriously get a grip ! Would you do it in a town under the watchful eye !

Being in such a rural region is very peaceful and relaxing, it’s certainly a great feeling being out here finding your way through the farming areas and national parks. There are plenty of cattle so gates are extremely important throughout the walk and must be kept shut. The scenery is pleasant there is a lot of forest plantations and wild scrub land in the first 400km, a few hills but not mountains, depending on the time of year you may get your feet wet.

At the moment there has been a great water shortage I carry around 2 liters of water from point to point in temperatures that are around 30 degrees once the sun gets up. But you may need 3 depending on the temperature and how much you drink. I do carry a water filter with me that has helped a great deal, perhaps have a think about that. The tap water here, I have drank it, but it is very high in chlorine and fluoride. A decent water filter will eliminate a high percentage of this, by using one you will also have less of an impact on the environment along with keeping your cost down over time.

“Please think about the environment when you go traveling and your own carbon footprint”

What to take with you

Well everyone is very different, if I had planned for this trip then I would only be carrying 7kg with water and some food. I met a guy on a different camino a few months back he looked like he had just been into a hi- tec trekking shop and brought the latest goodess that he was very quickly regretting. Without being a snob, this is a walk you are not going to the Himalayas on your own. This is a marked out route there are shops where you can buy more kit if you really need to.

Personally it's like this - one set of clothes for walking one set of clothes for the evening. I can understand bringing a jumper of some sort and possibly a rain jacket. Any more than 8kg then have a strong think.  Go for a few very long walks first before you leave home. Of course if you're planning to camp out then it’s different. All my kit is 10 kg with water, food camping kit.

Before you leave home Walk with the kit that you're going to carry with you, I recommend you go on at least 4 big walks over varied terrain, walking around 10km with it. Stop occasionally go through your bag whilst out walking to look for stuff in your kit, doing this will help you understand how to pack.  Make sure you pack it correctly. Heavy kit always goes at the bottom that is generally rule. Whilst you have your pack on  make sure it feels part of you, you do not want it  hanging of you, make sure the pack is tight to your body. Most outdoor shops will sell you the bag saying it fits you but will not tell you how to wear and fit the bag to your body this is a different ball game.

So many people I see carry their packs completely wrong, it will ruin your back and days out, it will make you work harder.

Well this week that is all I am going to write about, hope some of this information helps you if you would like any more information drop me aline I realise I have left a great deal of information out.

Enjoy.

The Via de la Plata

Not far from the centre of Seville in Spain is a granite way-marker. It reads Santiago de Compostella 1000 kilometres. For anybody planning to walk all of those 1000km, it is a slightly daunting sight. But for others the sight of this marking brings a rush of blood through their veins.

Although the Via de la Plata (the Silver route) follows an old Roman road towards the metal mines in northern Spain, its name has nothing to do with silver. The name is most likely derived from the Latin word “platea” meaning wide road or “Lapidata” meaning stone road. Another possible origin is the Arabic word Balatta meaning road.

The route was used well before the Romans as well, in prehistory this route was used by farmers to move domesticated animals in the summer from the south to north and vice-versa. Later the route was well known for traders who came to the southern ports of the Iberian Peninsula and traded ceramics and jewelry for raw materials from the north.

The Via de la Plata was used by different migratory groups to invade and in the 8th century it allowed the Moors to advance into northern Spain and fill up the power vacuum left in the peninsula by the Romans. Later, this same route was used by Spanish for the Reconquista.

The route was used for pilgrimage during Moorish control as well from the 10th to the 12th centuries. Even the bells from the Santiago cathedral that were relocated to the mosque in Cordoba by Al-Mansur were transferred back to Santiago in the 13th century. But in later centuries fewer pilgrims have used this route until its revival in the 1980s.

Today, about 3.5% of the pilgrims walk the Via de la Plata while the Camino Frances remains the most popular route.

The problem I had was that I had not planned in walking this Pilgrimage. I was actually on my way to a main road where I was going  to hitch to Portugal spend a week or so there and head back to the U.K for some well deserved abuse from my work mates who I am sure would enjoy working me back into the ground giving me stick, giving me all the worst jobs in the world ! o

However this will have to wait. So keep slugging it out lads I know you miss me much x.

October the 6th 2017 came where I was minding my own business walking across a bridge in Seville, where I met this guy who was walking the 1000 km to Santiago de compostela. There in that moment in time my path of life changed, I found the Santiago de Compostela office, Registered my name picked up my “Credencial del Peregrino” that you need to get stamped along the way, you need to show this at the pilgrim's office in Santiago to receive your certificate. 

I set of in that moment to Santiago and so this is day 4, it's a diffrent life for sure.

North of the Island.

This volcanic Island that I have been venturing on has hidden secrets from the past. I could not find what I was looking for in the South of the island where many folk to put their feet up and relax. I headed to the North in search of something a little more gripping that would satisfy my thirst.

I hiked up over a mountain range to reach the other side of this Island.  It took me a fair few hours of walking I don't know how long as I never looked at the time when I left, but the sun was still high. AIs I walked up the mountain I passed through many larva field's from previous eruptions, it must of been one hell of a sight seeing this river of molten rock coming towards you destroying whatever lay in its path. “The larva fields are a strange place I hope you can all experience this place one day” I found them extremely quiet, for me it was a little weird I don't really know why and it’s hard to describe. Your just have to go and see for yourself.

Throughout the day on the other side I had walked for around 15km and hitched around 5km. Popping in to ports and quiet bays taking  in my surroundings that has been created over time from the volcanic eruptions throughout history. Reclaiming back it’s ground from conquering distant lands that set up home thinking all would be safe. Towards the end of the day and a little more suntan that is now making me look even more Arabic, I was faced with the North Atlantic ocean, and this mountain range that stretched out to the right of me into the distant North that I would soon be walking upon.

I sat on the rocky lava beach for a while where  I soaked up the warm rays of the sun occasional thoughts of where i'd sleep for the night popped in and out of my head whilst scanning the surrounding area of the geographic terrain that has been created by the huge power from beneath my feet, and how life has adapted to this place.

Whilst passing my time I watched all the creatures in the many lava rock pools around me,  taking a dip from time to time to cool of from the heat. Having my feet cleaned by the little creatures of the deep took some time to get use to, flinching a little as the bigger ones wanted a nibble, you could feel the small little, almost transparent crayfish pulling at the lose skin, watching their little pinchers go to work, cleaning where the toenail meets the skin and feeling that sensation did take awhile to get use to but after some minutes I got use to it.  A few fishermen pop by with the turn of the tide where they cast their line into the ocean in hope to catch supper for three nights tea. I got talking to a fisherman where we had a good conversation about different subject's. He told me that I should go to these mountains to get a taste where time stands still, that there are many villages in the area, and that traditional ways are still part of their daily life.

I asked him more about these mountains and what was hidden within its distant peaks and secluded bays, he spoke of Pirate hideouts where tunnels still await to be discovered, small picturesque villages, local delicacy, cheese and wine from the vineyards that sit on the slopes of these mountains. That many people still chose to live in caves because they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer months, plus many of their own generation's lived in them so they are past down to them.

He told me I should head to up a trail that was not to far from where we were.  The trail would lead me to a village, and from that village I could ask questions how to get to the next village. All I have to do is find and follow the well trodden path that wind and twist through time, “just ask the locals for directions your be fine”  I wrote down a number of place that he mentioned to help me out with where I was heading to. The time now was 18:00 in the evening so I set off on the trail that lead me up into the mountains,  I had around 7 km to travel and calculated, given the uphill terrain and the weight in my pack I should be able to make it to the village for sunset at a relaxing pace and find a good spot to camp for the night.

As I climbed higher I past many cactus plant, small lizards and butterflies, caves that I would've loved to of stayed in but it was still to early. I had to stop a few times to sit down and pinch myself that I was on another mission feeling alive once again. I promised myself that I would keep my phone switched off throughout this journey to truly take time out, to use my Spanish skills and intuition to get me through this northern land.

I made it to the village where there are house built into the rock that half hides them. They looked very posh, the outside walls paint reds and blues with plant pots placed very elegantly along there varandas, with wooden benches stretched across their rocky outpost looking out towards great natural beauty. I had made it in time for sunset and found a nice spot to camp looking out over the ocean, with the sunsetting to the west I lay down my bed for the night, prepared dinner on the fire that was fresh bread and a rice dish followed by banana and melted chocolate on top with honey combined with a few crushed nuts sprinkled on top.

The following day I was up early, I was packed and ready to go for 07:30, finding a bar for a “cafe con leche” for a boost to start the day. The barmen was a little rude towards me but I persevered with his attitude, and made an effort to break this rudeness where he warmed to me rewarding me with a free coffee and some good information accompanied with directions that  would see me through my day. It was a nice day, following the coastline from up high, looking down at the variation of blues that the ocean held in it’s hand. Alot up up and downs and water was not a problem as I managed to find a water source that I drank directly from.

As I walked along you could hear all the little lizards scurrying along in the volcanic scrub, running in front of me dashing from side to side, Sitting down for a while they would pop out to see what I was upto, but later found out they are very keen to be feed. The walking was fair and took me through a tree line where the strong winds had shaped their branches over time that made them intertwine with each other on points. On the slopes thier aware cactus plants tall and small, colours of lime greens with spiky thorns all over them that I dread slip and fall on to.

The sun was now at it’s highest, the trail took me down to a bay, so I thought I go for a swim to freshen up and to take some te out from the day. I underestimated the tide of the North Atlantic ocean, the tide took me out fast to my surprise and had started to struggled a little to get back to shore, I managed to body surf a wave in the end that nearly landed me on some rather nasty rocks. It was a nice and refreshing workout all the same, I sat on the shoreline thinking of the past times were shipwrecked crew must found that sea strong and powerful where many must have perished.

Throughout my days in the north I passed through a number of villages, learning about how certain parts of the north had been the stopping place for many sailing ships to the new world “America” how the spanish claimed the land and and built church's leaving behind certain religious items in these places of worship. How the Islanders survived in the dry lands by trying there best to preserve the forest where the leaves would collect the rain and water due, filtering it back down through the rock where they were able to harvest the water, to grow their crops and vineyards from. How they used the mountains to carve their house out of and all so carve into for their wine making production for various stages until barreled.

Walking through the day I would pick prickly pears to eat, this is the fruit that the cactus plant produce, they are varied in colours from green to red about 4inches tall and 2-3 inches in diameter when they are ready to eat. After carefully handling them, you could cut into the pear, where the fruit was protected from the elements of the weather and creatures. Lunch was always good, local food at the village bars or picnics on route sat on rocks looking out to sea.

I met a few people on my journey, Where I was invited in to stay for the night, or just for a chat and a coffee. One guy I came across had lived in a cave for 9 years after losing his wife from a tragic accident where the car she was sat in rolled of the edge of a cliff and killed her, he told me how he managed to deal with this great loss, and how he managed to survive of the land along with tapping into the key of life “ The water supply from the mountain”  Another person who I meet along my way was a lady whose husband was very rich, she had everything but happiness with her husband, so one day she packed that life up and found a new life walking away from it all. Found  a new partner where they made their home here in the North of the Island. Both extremely interesting characters,  I stayed with them for a night and there cooking was superb learning how they expand on the cave that must of been hard work, a view that a 5 star hotel would charge thousands for.

I loved my time in the North  chatting away to local people, visiting their villages and caves asking them the way to my next destination, walking along the paths taking in the countryside and rock formations, the colours and the smells, the creature that live there. Trying out the local tapas. Camping out from time to time, waking up with some great views of the ocean. Having the fortune luck in meeting those few people who shared their life stories, kindness and food made the trip more memorable.

I headed back down to the coast to write this story, sat on this sandy beach I spent most of the day chilling out, but then that  feeling started to kick in, I needed to move ! . I started to feel agitated sat there on that beach. so once again I got going, walking into the night taking a few snap shots along the way to wherever I was off to, finally finding a place to settle for the night.

Thanks for showing intrest.

A few photos from today

Looking out towards the North Alantic ocean.

Something a little diffrent for you, hope you are enjoying my blog. Please give me some feed back in general.

Also you may be intrested in my facebook page - Reiki'd Craft

Thanks 🕯

How far will my messege go:

When it is time to rest up I have to think greatly about my money. In Europe accommodation can range from anything from ten pounds if you're very lucky, up wards.  Eastern European prices are a little lower at the moment,  Asia, Indonesian, again are different stories but are all rapidly creeping up, especially now they have access to the net.  The more developed countries you travel to then it’s best to think about a working visa, If of course you intend to be there for an extended period of time unless you're extremely fortunate in life. But then saying that, having the opportunity to experience work in other countries adds to your bow strings. It depends on what type of travel you wish to do, the reason why and the experience you hope to receive whilst out there. “Everyone is different to a degree”

Hostels, Hotels, B+B ex-a extra are not my haunts in life, I do use them extremely occasionally for different reasons, and they can be positive places, they are a great way to meet like minded people and friends for life or company for a time.

Beware in general ! Of course the odd thief who is completely deluded in life will be some where. They are not always travelers, unfortunately some may be your “friends” listen and trust your intuition you are not a fool. It’s hard to say no, But once you start to use that magic word then things become easier. People will test you in many walks of life, some shout and scream at you, some cunning people will hug and smile at you, call you “ my friend to of guard you” Some threaten you, They look for that weakness and will work you manipulating you, controlling you, “stand your ground in life you will grow ”Bullies and thefts fall rapidly !

My travel is my life, it’s more like my career as some people say. “But then I wouldn't call Scaffolding my hobby” I have learnt over the years how to survive with out easily blowing my fragile budget. How do I do it, everyone thinks I have thousands, If I traveled for a year or more the way the book is written, than yes I am sure I would need thousands. At the end of the day I am a male and for me the way I travel is slightly easier because of my gender, It does not mean to say I am that much safer, I just have a slightly better upper hand and of course I am a little mental that also helps.

When I first went away for the usual gap year I learnt a different type of travel by traveling with the more experienced.  We would sleep out under the stars away from the mainstream of the hostel world, there were many different types of ways that we used to save on a nights accommodation along with washing to keep clean and eating for free, It was a different life for sure, but one that caught me well and truly. A life of excitement and danger,Listens, love and great friendship from all over the world.  Over the years I have expanded on this original blueprint of how to do it, and have been able to use it with great effect that has helped me not just to save money but to grow in life in many areas.

Perhaps I move from place to place a little more faster than most, it’s true I flip a coin on some mornings and play pooh sticks whilst walking across bridges dropping them in the river and streams below to decide my fate for my next move that awaits me. But when it is time to rest, then I truly do need to rest and shut down. I get to a point on the road when I become really depleted, I will be well and truly burnt out. I need a place to stay and it’s like I said before I do sometimes use proper accommodation but, well let me write and you will see.

My best places in life are the mountain's. I will grab enough food to survive for a good number of days, pick an area and get going not really thinking too much about a route of destination, I generally go with what I feel. I put my life truly at risk by going off on my own, without telling anyone what I am up to, things can go drastically wrong with in seconds, not minutes or hours days or night.  As you read on please bear in mind that I am not telling you how to do it, or what to take, I am merely telling you my story.

Nature for me is an amazing place to unwind from life, I find it a great place to reconnect with myself without interference from the outside world. The mountains for me are truly majestic, going to sleep in the mountains at night and waking up at the crack of dawn where man meets nature is hard to describe, at times there are mountains all around me that can stretch out far far into the distance at the right altitude, the snow capped peaks almost call out to me“ come and climb me,come on come and play” You can be sat somewhere in a mountain with clouds beneath your feet like a magic carpet spread out before you that seems so endless, like you could step out onto these blankets of fluffiness and walk across the world peering down onto the unknown.

The mountain water is something that I wish all of you could experience the purity of. The stars that come out at night are the same stars that many many of our great ancestors looked up at, they are the same stars and the same galaxies that have guided many thousands of generations to there destinations and more “that is certainly a special feeling”  The way the moon reflexes of the mountains is spectacular shapes and faces pop up on these mountains as the earth rotates. Sunrise is another story but seeing that tip of energetic light poke its head up makes the mind completely free, “how small we are”

Sometimes I find caves and spend a few night’s there sometimes they are looking out over ocean and others across mountain ranges that  still have glaciers attached to them that are rapidly melting and flowing into cascades of waterfalls that eventually find their way to the great oceans that surround us, and so the circle of life continues. Sometimes I'll be walking along a dirt track looking up at the mountain rage and think “there has to be a cave there” It may take me a hour or two to climb to that place where if I fall then, well that will be me gone.  Coming of those mountains back to normality is a strange feeling almost like I was not meant to ever leave, how addictive they can be.

Depending where I am and what I am up to I may find a spot in the forest or perhaps a spot on the beach where people have set up home for good. In those places I have found that there is a pecking order, and to think you can just rock up and receive hugs from everyone, dance naked around the fire whilst howling at the moon splashed in body paint wearing jungle budgie thongs getting healing of some mystical shaman, then you are clearly mistaken. “I have tried it tho and it is an experience.

A great number of these people are highly educated but they have chosen that enough is enough, and now they live alternatives life’s that is more kinder. Once your face is known and if it fits in,  then they may open up to you where you can learn a lot about so much. New skills how to craft, Science, History, and more. When I was at school I thought all hippies and people looking for that kinder gentler side were lonitics, druggies,alcoholics, thefts and serial killers. But then going out on my own I learnt that this was not the case, and in doing so I have learnt of them, of course not everything I know. They are not all good people admitted, but then nor are the people who live in houses and go to work for various reasons watch T.v and play rated 18 computer games. Kill destroy ! Kill destroy !

If I am not resting up and just after a one night stop then it’s a different ball game altogether.  There are many places where I can get my head down but passing through a city or town getting caught as night sets in,  is my worst nightmare, I hate it !  My sleep will surely be disturbed in one way or another. I hate sleeping around these areas as they are dangerous places as night creeps in.  I always try to be extra careful,  Who is watching me!  Is there anyone following me, These places have been and and are homes to a different  kind of person. For a long time this has been there back yard, tread in the wrong place and it’s good by belongings or more. “Most of these people I have found are endearing and kind” I have been lucky.  In these cities and towns I have found myself climbing up on roofs as dusk falls or onto building sites and derelict buildings for the night's kip, you have to be extremely careful and look for the signs, watch out for used syringes and pick your place carefully. Hospitals are a good option but you get moved on once they know what your upto. Police station in the not so well developed countries are good places, as long as the local drug lords have not got a vendetta against them. “you can't just rock up however” there are ways of doing it all. Then you have the bus and railway stations but these are terrible place of rest and you can get harassed a lot, I have slept in the doorways of shops a fair few times at a push, but again I don't really like doing it.

If your looking to get robbed or more then the good places are parks, and park benches “good luck with that one”  

“Wow” I could write and write about the place that I have slept in and the stories to tell, it’s all coming flooding back. I think it was just 9 months ago I was traveling Sri Lanka, I was  in the far North of the country, in the Tamil area. I had traveld there by bus and when I got of the bus it was really late at night. I did actually try and get a hotel room but no one answered to my knocking and cries of let me in, let me in. I tried at the hospital but got turned away by their aggressive bad mannered security guard to my discus. The police where a little unfriendly as well in that area so I didn't really want to approach them as I am sure my pockets would of been emptied and told to go away. I ended up walking the streets trying to find a place. I had all ready be harassed by a couple of guys who were trying to be clever and funny towards me, I had to watch my back afterwards to make sure they were not following me. It would've been easy for them to jump me it’s there ground after all, To their knowledge and belief I am just a rich western who is loaded up with cash and all the latest electronic gadgets and goodies that even their life savings would not buy them, all they can do is dream about the western world. It must be one hell of a different life truly struggling in poverty not being able to see the world or eat from day to day.

I know this is hard to believe, but in the end I passed some sort of coffin supplier, the front of this shop was open, and the lights were on. Sat in the doorway was a security officer who was watching T.v.  After doing  my best in explaining that I had nowhere to sleep, he understood and let me in where I sleeped at the back of the shop with all the other coffins around me, he even made me a cup of coffee in the morning calling out good morning me Sir ! “coffee”   We chatted as best we could before our good byes.

Experiencing all of this, do you know what makes me shake my head now I have experienced a relatively small part of the flip coin to life ! Is that people have judged me, They looked at me with discussed and blank my many hello’s questions of directions and help, they curz me without even knowing who I am.

My name is Shaun, I am loved by many and many more will love me. I dance in the wind and smile at the sun !

How far will my story go. Love love love x.

“Judged and loved”

Airport adventures

WIth my new  haircut, clean shaven look and updated clothes,  I set of to the airport ready for round two, I feel much better in my new clothes as they were truly hanging of my body, people were giving me very strange looks, I was even followed around shops by security I was looking that bad.  It’s late in the evening when I reach the airport for my flight that I am really not looking forward to. I am shattered and tired from the lack of sleep and find myself trying to keep my head together so I can find the correct check-in counter to get rid  of this rucksack that is starting to bother me.

“The buzz starts to kick in at the airport that I am off on another journey, a journey that I do not know where I will end up, all I have done is booked the ticket, I have no accommodation setup my plan is to just rock up and see what happens, something will happen for sure it always does. Then the plan will unfold as each step and each breath is taken and each decision will be made as each minute passis  in that foreign land that I am eager to reach.

I find my check-in counter by scrolling down the information flight board, scanning for a colour and number that matches my itinerary. I find the information that I need and make my way to the counter. I walk past the wrapping machine that secures your baggage in transit with around 20 wraps of plastic that is non recyclable at cost of ten pounds or something,  And sure enough it reminds me of a birthday present gone wrong whilst walking past it.

I stand in line at counter number 306 in that all familiar zig zag line waiting to check in, checking everyone out wondering what their up to,  and what adventures wait in line for them.

No one is stood behind me at the moment, but then I see something that I start to dread. I shut my eyes at the now approaching problem, I calculate that I have around 30min to wait my turn to reach the check-in to rid me of this baggage that I am now kicking slowly towards the end of it’s time, surely this is not happening! I can feel my head bagging from the day's draining heat because I have not drunk enough water throughout the day to keep hydrated, I am feeling irritable tired and snappy, and now I got to deal with this, I just want to push through past security to departure lounge to where I can just sit and watch humanity drift on by.

The problem stands behind me, and I can see that this man has no partner to help him and I feel for him. I look at him in the eyes with this look of “are you serious” he looks to one side then back at me, I raise my eyebrows with this stern look across myface, for that moment I do not feel human. The emotions have got hold of me like a wild animal, caged and unable to escape. Then I get kicked straight in the back of the leg, did that just happen “ I think to myself” I shut my eyes and breath, again it happens, with that I turn around to look at this man, I then look down at this 4 year old  who has decided that I will be his victim for the duration.  He stares up at me as if lost he has not stopped screaming since his arrival at terminal 3. The cry of tears pour out with this screeching that I am sure he has perfected in his 4 years of his earthly life.  “bless his little soul; This man that I believe is his  father now holds him in his arms to comfort him but unfortunately his cries have now intensified as the youngset is now at ear height,  a ringing starts in my ears that give me flashbacks from underground raves back in the  90s where music had no sound regulations.

My eyes feel like they are spinning around my head like a fruit machine gone wrong, I slap my head to re-adjust my built in app to focus on reality once again. As the cue slowly disappears in front of me I find myself at the front waiting eager for the next free check-in to pop up. It’s my turn, I walk forward to where the check-in lady greets me where I greet her back and throw my bag on the baggage belt where it is weighed and taken off to the plane. I hand her my documents, happy to be stood there and putting the past 30min behind me with a smile as if it had never happened.

I get my boarding card and she hands back my rather tatty passport where the markings of the country from where it belongs to has been erased from a great deal of use. I rush to security, where the army of procedures start, pat downs are in full swing. I line up with the rest of the now waitting airport watching everyone stumbling through their pockets to make sure they have no loss change for the security machine to pick up on. One lady is behind me another in front, we approach the scanner  and security tells the lady to take of her shoes,  she looks towards me and we shrug our shoulders at the drama. As I approach for my turn, security tells me to take off my shoes in case I have stuffed some sort of surprise in there, that I may use in some high tech hijack along with my sidekick, the most dangerous granny in the world who is now getting patted down by security.

The lady turns her head towards me as I roll my head back to say “please no”. I take my boots of and the pungent smell quickly enters the air, that drift's towards the scanner were security raises their head’s at me, “ I bet I get patted down I think to myself, but they almost rush me through.

Freedom ! the departure lounge, but first  I have to make it through the cosmetic duty free shop to where half the airport is trying out the choking aftershave and perfume in a bid to hide their natural smell that is going to attract so much beauty. I get through just in time before nearly passing out and falling helplessly to the ground from holding my breath a little to long as I got lost in a cloud of  Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Jean paul gaultier chanel, Emporio armani and god knows what else that was being sprayed out into the ozone layer.

The hussel and bussel of people, the different colors of life how beautiful it is. I sit back and people watch, people sat in bars having a beer or coffee in hand, chatting away laughing and joking, or just sat there on their laptops & smartphones connecting to the cyber life style of business pleasure or wherever the click of the button takes them to. The look of excitement in some, and the look of worry in others as they approach a time when their humanoid body will soon be strapped into a huge chunk of metal and boosted into the atmosphere by the human's creation, with fingers and toes crossed in a hope that they arrive safly to their destinations around the world.

I get chatting to a few people who are very interesting, one is a businessman and we chat for half hour before his flight is ready, we say our goodbyes never to meet each other again in life.  The other person is a very sophisticated looking lady who catches my attention whilst I pop up to a bar to grab a coffee, she walks up behind me and stands to the side of me, I can't really be bothered to talk but she looks at me, so I say hi, a conversation starts and we end up sitting on a table chatting away the time, we get caught up in the moment and she nearly missis her flight dashing of leaving a trail of fire behind her.

I wonder of to my gate passing people sprawled across the floor trying to get some sleep, well others have kicked off their shoes to rest their feet. At the boarding gate I show my boarding pass and passport for the final check of identification and that I am boarding the correct flight, then I proceed down the ramp to  the waiting plane and it’s crew. I am greeted by the flight attendants with there friendly faces, and told where my seat is.

I walk towards my seat up the plane's aisle with the other passengers, the ones who are seated stare at us others with blank faces, some already have their headphones in bopping away to there music. Some people are standing trying there best to fit their hand luggage into the overhead compartments while the rest of us wait patiently behind them, and the cabin crew twiddle their thumbs impatiently at the chaos that is a familiar annoying sight I am sure. I find my seat D11 that is next to a man who is well and truly on his way to fame, by listening to his music via his headphones whilst tapping both hands on his legs with his lips and eyes tightly shut, in the moment for sure.  

With the plane now full, bags rammed into the overhead lockers and everyone seated, the flight crew prepare for take off, checking and re-checking, now happy to stand in the aisle doing there emergency briefing to the odd person who takes note. “I swear they should make it into a dance routine to get people's attention, the dance Y.M.C.A would be fabulous and would go down a treat.

Strapped in I wonder where I will sleep on my early morning arrival. Take off, my ears pop and food is served.

Airport adventures: