The Wildflowers Travel

  Bangkok is pretty much a modern world-class city with buzzing markets, fancy shopping malls, exciting nightlife and many more. Truly the stuff of many travel dreams.  But it is also a city deeply rooted in culture.  If you ever want to get a real-life glimpse of this exotic culture mix you should at least take a ride on one the many city buses.   Although they're not everybody's favourite means of transport, this is the real hardcore Bangkok and the cheapest way to get around for most people including me. From old to new, many colours and cheap. It is clear that these buses have been around for a long time but they all seem to be in working order. They are all different colours and the bus fair seems to fit with the comfort of the bus.  If it is an open air bus you will probably pay around 10 baths. For the air-conditioned buses, it is around  15-20 bath and the really expensive modern hybrid ones are about 25 baths or more....

Dear Friends On my travels, I have encountered amazing places that evoked awe and wonder in my heart and upon contemplation of those journeys, I was transformed in many ways. Although my bucket list is far from complete, I would like to share these five places with you and why I recommend them. As the Sufi mystic, Mevlana Rumi wrote; " Don't be satisfied with the stories that come before you; unfold your  own myth". 1. Camino De Santiago - Northen Spain  The Camino de Santiago is the ancient pilgrim's way across Northen Spain. You do not need to be super fit and people of all ages do it.  If you have a yearning for travel and something life changing this would be the thing to do. As much as this is a physical journey it is also a very deep inward journey.  I also had lots of fun on the Camino and very fond memories that will last a lifetime. The Camino is just the way life is; with good times and bad times, but you g...

For many years I collected travel quotes and have read many travel books.  Eventually, my dreams became my reality. Travelling is one of the best ways to open your heart and mind to the world. I think the late,  Anthony Bourdain really hit the nail on the head here with his profound quote below. This is my all time favourite and kind of my referral whenever I doubt the path I have chosen.       " Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller" -Ibn Battuta      To allow yourself to be filled with wonder and tell about it.                Who doesn't love a good travel story?    "The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams,"  -Ophrah Winfrey      I know life is not easy and sometimes you have limited choices.             But if the opportunity arises, go live th...

How we got lost. I had been to Chinatown b efore with friends but this time it was different.   From the moment we got off the bus we were lost.   I thought I could navigate from memory how to get to Sam paeng Lane and Yeowarat Area, but of course, I was totally wrong.  We ended up walking up and down in alleyways and side streets. Although, the locals tried to direct us in the right way it was not much help. I think the heat  just got to us.  It took us a rather long time to finally get to the Yeowarat Area.    Fresh Durian for sale So we have learned the hard way that in busy parts of the city planning is key. But not everything was lost. We did eventually get there.  Needles to say we suffered a little  from“ heat stroke", fatigue and hunger. Lucky for us there were plenty of delicious street food to pick and choose from. Why you should go. For everyone with a sense of Adventure, a day  in Chinatown with i...

In 2013 I quit my job to travel.  Eventually, I ended up in Thailand as an English Teacher as most travellers do.   As it turned out, I actually liked teaching. Thus, I am still here after 5 years. By definition, wildflowers grow freely, resiliently and beautifully. Wildflowers can grow anywhere.    So for the same reasons I always identified myself with being resilient and able to grow anywhere.  Almost two years ago whilst travelling in my own country South Africa I met my partner Dave and after a while, it was clear that he was also a "wildflower "like me. We have travelled and explored a lot together since then.   He followed me back to Bangkok where we are currently living. Dave is my biggest supporter in all my plans and adventures and I am very blessed to have him in my life.   In the coming weeks and months, I will certainly keep you updated about all our travels and explorations in and around Ba...

Monkey Beach Dreamy moments with great coffee Escaping the City Living in the City is very convenient, but ever so often you start to feel trapped by the concrete walls and the noisy traffic. We decided to go to Kho Larn because we had limited time and it isn't a big hassle to get there. The easiest way to get there is by bus from Ekkemai Bus station to Pattaya Bus station and from there a Songtaew to Bali Hai Pier. At Bali Hai Pier there is a Ferry service to the Island about every half hour from eight in the morning until five in the afternoon. First Impressions Upon arrival at the Pier on the Island, our guest house owner came to pick us up. He was extremely polite and helpful and he also helped us to rent a motorbike for the duration of our stay. Our room was big and clean with a view of the ocean.    At night we sat on the balcony content with the tranquillity around us and gazed at the distant city lights of the mainland. ...

A Spur of the moment decision to go out. My good friend Nicolas suggested this spot for a sunset cocktail. Well, it was absolutely idyllic. The sunset, the temple in the background and the setting was just all perfect. From now on we decided to explore more of this kind of venues over weekends. Let the pictures tell you. M