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Jenny Bashford, 60
Thailand Explorer
 Thailand Adventure Project
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I retired just before my 60th birthday and decided that I would throw caution to the wind, give up my job, my mortgage and just go travelling. It was so unlike me to do this, as I am usually a very cautious person needing to be very secure in everything I do. To do this at my age when most people may think its time for enjoying the slippers and bus pass! But no, not for me, I could not wait to go off on an adventure!
I typed in Gap Year Travel on the internet and came up with Gap Year for Grown Ups. After a lot more research (still being the cautious one) I decided to head off to Thailand.
When I first started out I felt so nervous but I needn't have been. The group I was with were a great bunch and we all got on so well. Our guides made sure that we were always comfortable and looked after us every inch of the way. I loved it! I rode an elephant, travelled along a river on a long tail boat, made offerings to monks, saw beautiful temples and palaces, went to National Parks and paradise beaches. |
The funniest thing for me was opening the shutters to see a herd of cows just strolling along the beach…and the scariest was a gecko outside my cabin door. It had decided that this would be its favourite place to snooze. It was late and I was just about to put the key in the door when it decided to move. I ran as fast as I could!
A true achievement for me was climbing the mountain at the back of the village to reach a cave. Mind you the photos looks as though I need medical attention! The saddest thing was saying goodbye to everyone in the village who were so kind and generous. Inviting me into their homes and cooking such wonderful Thai food. Impromptu parties and Thai whiskey…I only had a taste and that was enough for me.
I will be going back as soon as I can to help out.
Please note that the Thailand Explorer programme is no longer running. Please refer to Thailand Adventure Programme for a similar experience. |
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Thailand Adventure Project
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