27th Sept 2009

I’m gonna try and keep this one short and sweet because I fear the next one could be rather long, interesting and informative. A lot of people have commented on how inspired they are by what I am setting out to achieve and by the enthusiasm in my blogs – I thank you for this as it gives me more passion and determination to carry on. I’d love to have more feedback and a better knowledge of who I am writing to – whether it is friends and family, students and lecturers, or members of the general public.

I want to explain to you what a trip like this actually entails. Along with all the fun, socializing and amazing views, comes times of utter despair. I realized something today that had never crossed my mind; for me travelling is something I have wanted to do for many years so I could experience different cuisines and cultures, and broaden my horizons. Never once did I contemplate doing my around the world tour without my career being involved. This struck me deep and I then understood that whatever I had to do to fulfill my ambition of cooking around the world was more worth the hassle than that actual trip itself.

If you’re thinking of doing a tour similar to mine be aware that it takes a huge amount of prior planning. Yes, the route is important but I advise you to dedicate more time in the planning of other factors: vaccinations, insurance, baggage allowances and the big one – permits and visas! Any of these not in place and you have a massive problem on your hands! In hindsight, I wish I had thought about this months before I left. I thought I had it under control: I had insurance cover, I’d booked up for many horrible vaccinations, I’d checked basic entry visas for a British passport holder, but baggage allowances and work permits did not seem a big deal.

Going away for a year normally means that you will want to take a fair amount more than what you would for a month or so. The items you pack have to be relevant to the type of trip you are embarking on, for example you may need to take camping or trekking gear. These both affect the final weight of your luggage when arriving at the airport. If you know what to expect, it might not be such a shock when they announce you need to pay extra for any additional weight. Some airlines fees for excess baggage are ridiculously high, so if you research beforehand you will not only be able to budget for such problems but have a good idea of who and who not to fly with! Let’s just say learn from my mistake – my next flight is going to cost me nearly an extra £200 just to have another 10kg on my luggage!

The last few days I have been tearing my hair out and feeling very distressed. As I have previously mentioned I have not been able to get a work permit for the UAE or find any ‘casual’ work. This is very annoying for me as I came here to work! But, the bigger problem is that I have had no income for the last month, so balancing my finances has been key and I have had to be very strict with my spending – something that is normally a second thought whilst on ‘holiday’. So I have had to take this “on the chin” whilst in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I am telling you now – I am determined to make Cape Town a different story! I have been around in so many circles to try and understand the process behind applying for the work visa and still am dubious as to the methods. To cut a very long story short, I was unable to obtain the visa in London before I left the UK, I have then been unable to obtain the visa here in the UAE, but after many emails I am led to believe that the only way is to apply in South Africa. I pray and hope that this is right but, after all the steps I have taken, it does make more sense, and secondly it is the only step I haven’t taken so it must be right – otherwise I am going to blow my roof! When dealing with governments it is extremely vital to remain patient but be persistent!

Changes of plan happen a lot whilst travelling. I had originally planned to be travelling to Cape Town at the beginning of November, however after weighing up all the factors (accommodation, finances and income e.t.c) it makes more sense for me to move onto South Africa sooner rather than later. I am arranging this at present and will hopefully be there by the end of this week! Just goes to prove that the world really can be your oyster!

Do not underestimate the planning involved in travelling. It is a hell of a lot of hard work and is costly if not done properly. The best thing to do in any situation is keep calm, enjoy everything and the best advice is to remain positive!
Wish me luck!
Love Ashleigh xx