The Asian Fantastic |

I'm off on my travels in a couple of months, so I'm doing everything I can until then to save as much money as possible, but I'm struggling trying to find new and inventive ways to do it. There just aren't enough hours in the day to work my little socks off!

I was thinking about investments, but I'm not sure about how much money you need to invest to see a good return. If I have enough I'd like to do it, but I want to make sure I'm not putting my traveling fund at risk, I need to know it's secure.

I also don't know how long-term investments like that need to be, because I want short term for now. I might visit the Rowan Dartington office near my work. I'm not sure it's the right kind of investment place, but they might be able to help or point me in the right direction.

Photo: SimonAlparaz (Flickr)

In two months time I am off travelling around Asia. First stop Thailand, then Maylasia and the Vietnam. From then on it is where ever the wind takes us!

We have got enough money to stay away for about four months (we have been saving for just under a year!) so we are going to make this a trip of lifetime.

I have already been out trying to get all my bits and bobs including all the travelling gear like a rucksack and insect repellent and a head torch.

But it is clothes where I am stuck. As I don't want to get anything nice to take away - just some jean shorts and t shirts, a few bikinis and then I have bought a couple of maxi dresses, which I can wear in the day or if I do go somewhere where we would need to look smart.

I am so excited!!

Picture: USC

I am very curious about certain recipes that have secret ingredients. A friend of mine makes a Thai Green Curry from an old family recipe that has several secret ingredients. She won't allow anyone in the kitchen when she is making this dish. It is very important to her know one knows what her ingredient is. I've tried to guess it before, I've even tried to buy it off her. But I don't think every penny behind Rowan Dartington would make her divulge the secret.

I think there is something so nice and so full of pride in this old tradition of keeping secret family recipes. I wish my parents had passed down something to me that I could only pass down to my children. I think it's a lovely idea, if not a little bit frustrating to those of us who want to know what that secret ingredient is!

South East Asian food is delicious and exotic. There are many countries in south east Asia, and every country has it's own preparation. The one I'm specifically crazy about is Thailand.
The staple food out there is rice. I was surprised looking at the various varieties of rice they consumed. They have something called as the jasmine rice, which is very common; it has very good aroma and flavor. The other kind of rice which is common is certain parts of Thailand is sticky rice. I have also tried their delicious red rice-based recipes.
Apart from rice, Thai food also has mouth watering seafood delicacies. Seasoned with garlic, coconut, and various other spices to perfection, the taste of their red curry just can not be described in words. Jumbo shell crabs and wholesome soft mussels are also a must try. I also tried their fish wrapped and steamed in banana leaf -- it was heavenly!
Finally, once you're done with all the main course items, don't forget to order their local dessert.

I recently traveled to Thailand as one of my friends insisted that I must visit the country if I plan a trip to Asia. I have to admit, Thailand is an exotic place and well worth visiting.
I did not find the capital (Bangkok) that interesting, but I must say that all of the other places I visited were extremely beautiful. One of the places you should simply not miss if you ever go to Thailand is Koh Samul. It's a beautiful tropical island with clear waters and is third largest island around. In fact, traveling to this island was not a hassle either, as there are daily flights from and to Bangkok.
If you are a beach person, Thailand should definitely be on your must-visit list. The temperature is moderate, the place is culturally rich, and the food is different yet amazing.
Thailand is a great vacation spot. Apart from touring the area, I lazed around on the beaches and pampered myself at a few spas -- they have loads of them. Apart from Koh Samul, I also loved and suggest Krabi to all tourists. It's a beautiful town with amazing mainland beaches.