Gary Wilson

Y'allo. Well the time has come for me to leave my safe European home and see what's going on out there in the world. Tomorrow I set off from London to Amman. After spending a few days there I'll be heading up to Damascus for a bit before returning to Jordan ready to fly out on 31st July. Jerash, Palmyra, Wadi Rum, Petra, Krak des Chevaliers and the Dead Sea are at the top of my 'to do' list here. After a quick change in Dubai I'll be backtracking to Tunisia for a bit of Carthage, Bulla Regia, Dougga, El Jem, Djerba & Matmata. I get back to Dubai on 8th August and spend 3 days there before, hopefully, heading into Oman for a week. Should I survive this far, I have a lovely long, long flight to Phuket to look forward to, made longer still by a change in Hong Kong. Looking forward to meeting Tony here for a short time before trekking up to Bangkok to meet our intrepid young William who, as a Bangkok regular, will hopefully help me through my first few scary days in the big city. Then it's down to Koh Samui & really excited about seeing Jonno & the beautiful looking 'Just Jonno's Funky Chill Out Bar'. Glad to be staying for Jonno's birthday, which will, I'm sure, be a party to remember! I'm really excited about seeing you three after too long a time! The next month involves a bit of Asia exploration with Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam all in mind. Next it's Hong Kong for a week and can't wait to see you Jo, so much catching up to do! Japan is next and this is where Lucy comes to meet me to spend a few days in each of Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima. Lucy is checking 'Earthquake Watch' daily and has revealed that my plan to just run upon hearing a rumble is apparently the least safe thing to do. I'm glad she's on the case! Next it's Australia and I imagine this is where I may come slightly undone thanks to the long-standing fear of all arthropods. A few comedy fainting episodes will no doubt be on the cards. Hopefully meeting Helen in Melbourne, which would almost certainly be a recipe for mayhem. In a very good way! Around Australia by bus with a little stop to catch up with Peta in Brisbane, then on to New Zealand for a couple of weeks. After this I've got a week in Hawaii before heading on to the US proper & straight up to Edmonton in Canada to spend the festival they call Christmas with my aunt, uncle & cousins. Then it's a quick zip around Canada & the US before heading home in early February. If I'm coming to see you I'm very excited about that and if I'm not going to see you for a while I will miss you!Please feel free to leave messages on my board & keep in touch! Gary. Xx