May 11, 2008 - May 17, 2008 Archives

I had a half-hour reflexology massage today. Reflexology is an eastern form of healing based on the belief that you can treat your whole body by points on your feet. It's not exactly the most pleasurable massage out there, but it is great for detoxing, clearing blocks and generally healing the body. Leila studied for three years with her teachers to become a reflexology practitioner. And they must have taught her something right, as two minutes in she said that I have problems with my gall bladder meridian. I told her that 5 years ago I had gall stones and had to have it removed. The girl is good.

So I am going to be a male lawyer who is healthy, protected, rich and noble in my next life. Petrina from Ohio is coming back as a dog.

Today I travelled back in spirit 500 years, to the ghost city of Fendu. A Chinese Buddhist mecca, this is the place where all spirits go, in between dying and passing over. It's a palace of sorts, where souls are put to the test to see how they scored this life - crossing bridges without falling, being reviewed by the judges and meeting with the God of the underworld, Yama. If you succeed you will be given a special tea that makes you forget your previous life and then move onto the next.

I love this place. There is something so hauntingly beautiful about it that you can only feel by being here. There were several occasions where I had the strangest feeling. Hairs standing on end, shivers down the spine. All pleasant but eerie. Couldn't help but think I had been there before, spooky.

There were monks and tourists and people who just came to pray. An old Chinese lady grabbed my hand in one of the prayer rooms and said something in Chinese. I tried to understand her but could not. She was quite adamant, but I had lost the group, so left, message uncompleted.

On the way out we were given a choice between crossing the bridge of health and safety or the bridge of prosperity and nobleness. I opted for health and safety... and then doubled back to take care of the other. Why can't a girl have it all?

I bought some feng shui (Fung Shway) coins blessed by the monks at Fendu. You tie three of them together with a bright red ribbon and keep them in your purse. In turn, they are meant to keep your wallet full and your life prosperous. Sounds good to me.

The ladies man of the ship. He walks with a dip in his hip and flashes a little wink at any woman that catches his eye. The night before last he went from traditional Chinese costume to his party gear, thrusting pelvic moves to the beat of Ricky Martin's all time party classic, 'She Bangs' listen, all for the ladies. I only have one more night here, will I be able to resist?

Buddhism is the majority religion of China. I'm open to the thought of reincarnation. It's the thing that makes most sense to me. Like when you meet someone for the first time and you seem to know everything about them without even saying a word. Or when you just click with someone the moment you meet, regardless of things in common, experiences and age. Or those moments where you experience serious deja vus, completely out of nowhere. The whole subject really fascinates me. A few years ago I read ‘Many Lives, Many Masters’ by Brian Weiss. Basically, he was a science-based psychotherapist, one of the leaders in his field. Pretty straight down the line and definitely didn't believe in any mumbo jumbo spiritual stuff. Anyway, during a session like any other, he began regressing his client, as he often would do, back, to her 20's, to her teens and then her childhood. He was blown away when she continued all the way to the 9 months she spent in her mother’s womb. Shocked and intrigued and still not having found the trigger, he kept bringing her back until she was experiencing a brutal death in her previous life. Pretty cool.

Another one is Children that have lived before, which documents occurrences of children being born in the same village with impossible memories of times before, even returning to out murderers from their previous life. Or simply reincarnating as a new baby in their previous family. It's pretty interesting stuff and at the very least an entertaining way to learn about history! It seems the more I learn the less I know because at the end of the day, we never really know what happens to us, but we can have some fun trying to find out.

I went three days without washing at the beginning of my trip and considering I have a 28-hour train ride tomorrow, from Chonqing to Guanghou, I thought I had better suck up all the modern cons I can manage. I put my clothes in for laundry, and got my hair washed (my shampoo, conditioner and product all got taken at Beijing airport) which was a weird experience actually. They put the shampoo in first and then wet my hair using a water bottle all while sitting in my seat. Talk about living it up! I even managed to find a disposable razor, a bath and hot water! Heaven. Can't begin to explain how nice it was to de-Euro my legs and underarms. Mid stroke I found myself banging my head against the porcelain, as the ship took a hard left causing water to splash onto the ground. I'm a girl again! Almost feel like buying some heels and hitting the town. If only my feet weren't so mammoth, I'm never going to find size 11 here, I have enough trouble at home.

I am leaving the Yangtze tomorrow for a 28-hour journey to Hong Kong. Although I am sad to leave this seriously beautiful place, I must admit that I am craving the connection and familiarity that the city will bring. This concept really has put communication to the test and makes you realise just how much we take it for granted. I am catching up with a high school friend of mine in Hong Kong who has recently moved there, it will be nice to have a girly catch up, no matter how fleeting. This four- day interlude in rural China has taught me a hell of a lot. Actually this whole trip from over a month before I left has taught me many lessons- good and bad. Like trusting myself, how much I actually do need people for support, and the importance of balance.

And now, after less than a week of racing around on 53 different modes of transport; recovering from jet lag and sleep deprivation; visiting so many beautiful places; meeting interesting people; gathering a little bit of hindsight and connecting with a couple of friendly voices on the other line, I am in such a great place to really let go and have a great time!

A city of 32 million, that's more than the whole of Australia put together, Chongqing is one of the three furnace cities of China and is about as Chinese as a Chinese city gets. My guide, Ellie, met me off the ship and took me to China House and KFC. Ellie had actually organised a traditional feast for us to share, but through broken Chinese/English I explained, as I have many times since I left, my golden rule. So we ate our fried chicken on the move, courtesy of Colonel Sanders.

Just boarded the train to Gonzghou. In a tiny four-sleeper cabin with 3 Chinese men, two of whom are already snoring...feeling quite uncomfortable. Am the only anglo onboard a train filled with men. Have only seen one other woman. Everyone keeps staring, making me anxious. Can't believe I have to be here for 28 more hours. Literally nobody speaks English here. The only thing I have got is: German? Swedish? Threw up in feral squat toilet just before boarding. Think it was a combo of something I ate and the fact that a man hocked up the biggest, most disgusting gollie on my foot. Hideous. Feral. The guy above me is really going for it now. How do their wives stand it? I would divorce them for sure. Why has the train stopped? Worried about my connecting flight. Please let this journey go fast. Will try to get some snoring audio and upload when I have a connection.

Just attempted 2 use the squat toilet on the train. But due to the rickety motion I failed miserably...and aside from ending up on the wet, dirty ground I copped my first injury. I definitely recommend serious quad training before embarking on a long haul Chinese train journey. I hear fitness first does a mean 'thighs, bums and tums' class. Or, maybe when I get back I will release a 'squats of steel' workout video. The possibilities are endless. I'm going 2 make a fortune.

Sitting on the train heading south right through China, passing some absolutely beautiful and untouched scenery. This nomad traveller is well off the beaten track. From offerings on the hillside, to buffalos drinking at the base of waterfalls; from old women riding bikes along the dirt road to young men washing in the stream; from luscious green rice paddies to deserted little huts... The huge sun is setting and I am watching it all pass by through a small rectangular window. What strikes me is the huge man-made differences and visual contrasts within such close proximities. We literally just past an amazing little villiage in the middle of nowhere. About 20 little huts- red, white and green - surrounding a highly-detailed, sparkling temple with reflective tiles and symbols. No roads leading to it and no roads as far as my eyes can see. How did they get the materials and when did they build it? Makes me think of Easter Island off Cuba and Newgrange in Ireland. Both show the innate human potential each of us possesses, and how this power just ten folds when we create together. Enough contemplation for one day. Bed is calling in the sound of three middle-aged men snoring.

I've just reached Hong Kong and I should now have connectivity! I'm really looking forward to hearing from you all so please instant message me at "theskypenomad" on my 3 Skypephone and help me with my first challenge: Escalator or Cable car.

Hong Kong is the home to the world's longest escalator and also the spectacular Ngong Ping Cable Car. Which should I visit? You decide! The one with the most votes by 10am Hong Kong time (UTC/GMT +8 hours) wins.

Spotted this week on the shelves in Singapore, the new Nomad skin travel range. Available at any quality Crabtree and Evelyn store worldwide. I am currently negotiating name and image usage rates. So what's next for Nomad? She thinks a perfume range that doubles as a mozzie repellant... and if that goes well, I may release an album, just in time for Christmas. Watch out Mariah.

For any other merchandising or sponsorship requests, contact me directly, or talk to my agent Shaneequa Von Disisajoke.

Arrived in Hong Kong late last night. Spent the evening aboard an overnight cruise ship. It was filled with locals ready for a flutter. Gambling is illegal in Hong Kong, but since this ship sails into international waters, anything goes. It was pretty dam rocky through the night, but luckily I had a sick bag from the plane, just in case. Have a jam-packed day planned in H.K today, better get out there and enjoy it!

The lack of connectivity over the past few days has meant using Skype to communicate with the NOMAD in China was difficult. Now she's in Hong Kong however, we here at Nomad HQ, London, today managed to catch up with our intrepid adventurer on a free Skype video call. She had just sat down for a meal in the revolving restaurant on the 62nd floor of the Hopewell Centre .

Here's a quick video from Rebecca thanking you for all your suggestion of things to do in Hong Kong. As well as the blog responses online Rebecca received lots of messages via her 3 Skypephone so thank you! And also thank you to eltintero for the WiFi tips. Keep them coming

Thanks to The Sydney Traveler who sent through some suggestions for what I should do in Sydney.

1. Check out Minus 5 - Sydney's coldest bar
2. Eat at Govindas Hare Krishna centre
3. Climb the harbour bridge

Hopefully there'll be another chance for you to decide what I do. If anyone else has any suggestions let me know.

Our Nomad is now on the plane to her home country - Australia. She'll be back on her 3 Skypephone tomorrow from 10am Perth time (GMT +8 hours).

So get in touch and instant message her at "theskypenomad".

From the Three Gorges dam on the Yangtze river to Tain Tan Buddha at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

^{Photo taken by Cicadas. April 23 2005.}

Our Nomad landed safely on home soil in Perth and was straight on to the Indian Pacific train setting off across the Australian outback. She's currently on route to Sydney with various stop offs along the way. The next one is Kalgoorlie and its infamous Super Pit gold mine.

People have commented that they can't get hold of Rebecca on Skype. Right now she's really really busy with travel logistics, writing her Telegraph column, speaking to bloggers, and with getting lots of calls since we published her Skype ID.

She's still in touch and wants to hear from you on Skype. Drop her an Instant Message or leave a voicemail with your suggestions for things to keep our Nomad occupied on the 4000 kilometre, 3 day train journey across Australia.

Rebecca's just met her boyfriend for the arduous journey so team game suggestions will be fine.

Instant Message "theskypenomad" or leave her a voicemail. Rebecca will post up her favourite ideas in a couple of days.

We getting blog big ups from all over the world. From Brazil to Italy, Spain to Australia. Thanks for all your comments.

We particularly liked a post from Damien Francis' down under writing for Gadget Zone.

"With technology being so far reaching in the 21st century, it's probably not so much whether Skype will work during the entire trip, but whether Campbell will be able to last the voyage without going insane. gadget zone hopes she doesn't suffer from motion sickness."

Nigel Cooke from Monkeynuts also commented.

"Fantastic and innovative marketing if somewhat challenging for Rebecca as she is already finding out"

I love this city. I will definitely be back. Today was such a beautiful day. Blue sky, sun out, not too hot. Met up with some of the local media and Pily from Skype (Hong Kong) for interviews in the afternoon at the Revolving 66. After, they took me to the markets and initiated me with some authentic pineapple bread and health tea!
Pineapple bread = yum. Health tea = Yuck, but feels like it's doing good.
They escorted me back to the restaurant so I could sit down and catch up with the London Office and upload some fat films to the FTP site. Best day.

I'm sorry Singapore, but Hong Kong kicks all over Prima restaurant.

3 main reasons why.
- Better skyline with better light show
- It's a buffet! With endless choices from Japanese to Indian to hunks of beef from the webber.
- They have a chocolate fountain. So really, they win hands down.

After my interviews with the Hong Kong media, I went back to the restaurant for a super speed meal with my two lovely friends, Ailsa and Brad. As well as recently moving to Hong Kong, they are also due to get married this October. I haven't seen them for over a year, so, in between focussed feeds that Ailsa and I are renowned for, we reminisced on high school days and how strange it was to be here right now. The stand out of the evening was most definitely the superb, sublimely talented, slightly B Grade two-piece lounge band who belted out many a daggy tune, including a mean impersonation of Rod Stewart. For the Australians out there, think MIX 106.5 Richard Mercer style. How I miss that man. After some sashimi, sushi lamb chops and a bit of salad, Ails and I skipped to dessert and cracked a fresh batch of crème brulee (we couldn't stand someone else having the honour ). Next came cheese followed by the fountain and a lamb chop. And, just for good measure, Ails and I decided to tell the double act that it was Brad's birthday, which involved a lovely serenade for all to hear. Nine out of ten for this Nomad Review. It's going to be hard to beat!

Flying into Perth in the early hours of this morning I could hear the Qantas Children's Choir singing me home. Inhaling my vegemite ciabatta and watching an episode of my fave Aussie series, Summer Heights High, I was interrupted by one of the most breathtaking sunrises stretched 180 across the humungous sky. Australian Sunsets. I had almost forgotten. I bounded through the gates to meet my lanky Aussie boy who I hadn't seen since New Years. I'd almost forgotten I had one. No time for romance buddy, we gotta keep moving.

After doing a mad bolt around Perth CBD to try to set up coverage for my lappy, we arrived just in time for the Indian Pacific Train. Sleep deprived, but high on excitement, Matt and I made it just in time for take off. It looks like coverage may be sporadic (kinda like my sleep), so I will do my best. This is the outback, baby. The room we originally booked had no power. So we begged, nagged and pleaded and they shuffled a few people around, which means powered appliances for me. We are officially 'the difficult ones' on the trip.

We are the youngest people on board by at least 30 years. Note to self: Don't keep Nannas waiting...

We got into Kalgoorlie just before midnight with a tour bus waiting to take us up to the mine. I ran back to grab an extra battery for my camera and those damn Nannas left without us. The helpful, lovely, kind, ridiculously good-looking, lean, spry fellows from the Indian Pacific hooked us up with a taxi to meet up with the tour bus en route to the mine shaft. We could hear their tut tutting before the doors opened and we did the walk of shame to the back seat. We're gonna try to beat 'em to breaky... we don't stand a chance.

"Nothing to see here but a bloody big hole!"
Cab driver, Kalgoorlie local.