Just two of the many who have died, one an Italian Journalist

My place is a 5 minute walk away

Look skywards from my apartment you can see helicopters circling overhead amongst thick black smoke pumping from Rama 4 (the main road) and whatever building the ‘Reds’ have torched to the soundtrack of gunfire, bombs, rockets and grenades.  The soi’s (streets) are deserted, the BTS (train network) has been stopped and all the shopping malls have been shut for weeks.  My local shops have been boarded up and the nearby food stalls are all closed, the street lights are off.  The gunshots and blasts have become part of everyday life.  Bangkok has turned into an unrecognisable city.

Central World )0:

Even though the Leaders of the group have surrendered/been arrested today, the arsonists have taken over the city.  I’ve had to move into a hotel as it’s too dangerous to go back to the apartment.  Also, the ‘Reds’ have set fire to a nearby power station so we have no electricity and the government has warned people not to go out in the area we live in after 6pm.  The government has tonight shut off all mobile phone networks, news websites, facebook and other sites, the CHANNEL 3 TV Station has been burnt out along with 27 other buildings (including ‘central world’ which houses my favourite cinema).  Is this the end of it? I hope so but very much doubt it.  It makes me laugh at the pathetic British newspapers whose front page today was about the girl who went with Anne Diamond’s husband has left him for (shock horror) another woman.  Anyway, I’m still alive and very well.  I’ve tried to make the most of the chaos and have been to Bali, the South of Thailand and Singapore, my school has been shut most weekends.

Having had time to rest my eyes, I’ve decided to take up the baton again and will be starting a new job as Head of Music at a gorgeous International School in Bangkok (I know!) in mid-August.  It’s mainly Thai kids that I’ll be teaching with a few farang (foreigners).

Going to sign off now but just want to say a big thank you to those people who’ve been ringing me to see how I’m doing.  I am doing really well and despite the disruptions, my life is fantastic.

My mate Phil whilst visiting me

To read more of Nathan’s blog click here

After that I was made to go back to Espoo in Finland where I was living before, the doctor told me that I could not work for 3 months, I was devastated and slowly the dream of a hot summer in Finland was melting away. Unfortunately the snow was not and it was on record the coldest winter that Finland had seen in 20 years. Misery….what to do? To top it all I had to move out of the place I was staying in February (early), arm was still in pain and very much broken, and money was not coming in any more as I had finished my job at the health food shop. So things were looking bleak. Broken arm, no job, no money, and no place to live. Go home? Well…..yes it seemed like a great idea! And I knew that I was going home. Oh also did I mention I put my passport through the washing machine????  Well that was as in tatters as my arm, so no going home either.

Actually maybe that was fate and also a good idea it broke, because its so easy to go home when things are bad, but as I couldn’t then it was not an option. So i moved out of Espoo and moved into one of my friends mattresses on the lounge floor in Munkaniemi. Her name was Anna and Raul and they are wonderful people, to let me stay and give me friendship. I stayed with them for one week, it was tough because I kinda wanted to go home and now my area was so public, I was being woken up in the mornings and I was staying on the sofa, it was tough. I had to move out after a week, because at the end of the day its other peoples space, and no matter how good a friend you are, its still intruding on someone’s life I have learnt that now.

However I was talking to someone at a party that I did not know and she said I could stay with her for a week. Her name was Satu and she lived in TOOlO (with dots) really nice place near the city and her apartment was VERY small. It kinda worked with us but I think any longer than a week and she would have possibly gone mad due to 2 people living in a box room! But how amazing is she to let me stay with her and she didn’t even know me, but through friends.

I met this guy and we went out on a date, it went ok, things happened and then it went hugely wrong, and I drank myself stupid (not because of him) for 3 days solid! Not good! I moved in with another friend called Hanna Kaisa and she lived in kamppi. By this time it was the end of February.

When I was staying at Satus I had an idea that somehow I would be OK, I kinda got into the frame of looking for summer work, as my dad said that it will not fall in your lap, he was right. Had I of not kicked myself up the arse then I would be living back in the UK again right now. I joined an agency whom I had already a good reference to give from one of the previous agencies called urban workers who sent me to Levi to work. Amazingly she really liked me and gave me my first bit of work in a while. It was this time I was staying in kamppi and after the drinking thing!

I think the drinking binge was a self inflicting defence for me; I had kinda hit the rails. I needed to work, I was fed up. I worked again in a nightclub with the new agency Active people, ended up doing really well there, and now the work was pouring in again. Still no summer contract though. This was about March/April time.

After a week of staying with HK I moved again to my friends empty flat, Kaisa who lived in Hertoniemi, the flat had no TV, no radio, no anything. Weird but it gave me time to think. I was starting buddism as-well at this point and it was kinda giving me focus, my arm was improving and things were looking up, but still no stability with house or job, as hours were given as and when they were available.

After another week I moved into my very good friend now Sanna’s flat in makkyla. She has done so so so much because she let me stay with her for almost 1 and a half months. By this time I was working loads, going out again and generally having fun. We took a trip to Stockholm in Sweden! It was AMAZING to get out of the city I had been stuck in Helsinki for 4 months! And no chance to get out! However what a feeling! We went on boat so for 3 days we were away, it was icy and snowy still in helsinki but getting warmer and the snow was melting. Drip drip drips of water were falling everywhere, it was amazing to see. Still so cold though. The sea ice was breaking up into large squares and the boat was fun, we arrived in Stockholm in the morning and had a brilliant day there. It’s a very classy city with a lot of history and some amazing powdered buildings with quaint designs on them. We only had a day in Stockholm but on the way back I saw the archipelagos of Sweden (small islands that were iced over) well it was amazing.

After Sanna’s flat I moved again to my Russian friend’s house in malmin. By this time I had seen a flat I liked for cheap and in an amazing area near the city and right next to the sea and nature reserve. I also had signed a summer contract with the agency for full time work from June to September! I stayed with them for one week till the confirmation of the flat came through and I MOVED INTO MY OWN FLAT! ) after 4 months! of coach surfing! When you don’t have your own space its hard work, and I know that very well now, I’m so grateful that I was lucky enough to get this flat in pikka Huopalati just emailed to me by this girl.

Had I not have left some stuff at Kaisas place then she would never had written on the internet that I needed somewhere and somehow I believe all the events that have happened have been for a reason and for that I am grateful.

I was not idol when I was looking for work. I walked around  every street in Helsinki, whilst I was living with Sanna and asked every cafe and restaurant if they need a summer worker! And it was hard but the motto is to NEVER GIVE UP!

I now have a really cool and cheap value for money apartment in a beautiful area. Many friends who I shared Vappu with and had fun and also a full time job.

And from walking around I was offered 2 more summer contracts. So that’s the update. Boring possibly but it says don’t give up no matter how bad it gets, you can turn things around (with a little help from your friends) x     

To read more of mouse’s blog click here

Today I want to share with you a website that has received numerous accolades and is definitely worth adding to your bookmarks.

OneBag is a website that helps you learn how to lighten your load so that you can travel much lighter.

As described by the author…

Of all the travel skills you might acquire, travelling light is the one most likely to result in an enjoyable, productive, stress-free travel experience. For two thousand years, seasoned travellers have written of its many benefits, including …

Click here to visit the site and read more

The Insiders’ Select program ranks the top hotels from more than 123,000 properties offered on Expedia® sites internationally. Expedia.com offers the world’s largest number of hotel properties.

The Expedia Insiders’ Select list is compiled using a mathematical formula that weighs three factors:
- More than one million traveler opinions from reviews submitted by Expedia customers after completing a stay at a hotel booked on Expedia sites; Traveler reviews are the most influential factor in the formula.
- A value rating that compares each property’s average daily rates to similar properties to assess the relative value the hotel offers, making it easy for busy travelers to identify hotels that deliver an excellent experience at a comparatively good value; and
- The expertise of more than 400 Expedia market managers located in cities across the globe, who work hand in hand with Expedia’s hotel partners to maximize the value they get from Expedia’s global online travel marketplace.

So without further ado, here is the list of the top 10 Expedia.com Insiders’ Select properties for 2010…

1. Galaxy Iraklio Hotel – Crete Island, Greece
2. Hide Away Guest House - Garden Route, South Africa
3. Drury Inn Indianapolis – Indianapolis, Indiana
4. Al Manshar Rotana Hotel – Kuwait
5. Conrad Bali – Bali, Indonesia
6. Staybridge Suites Minneapolis-Bloomington – Minneapolis, Minnesota
7. Hotel De La Cite – Languedoc-Roussillon, France
8. Bosnian National Monument Muslibegovic House – Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
9. Cambridge Suites Sydney – Cape Breton Island, Canada
10. The Westin Chosun Pusan – Haeundae, South Korea

Feel free to visit the Expedia website because for the first time, Insiders’ Select hotels are searchable during the booking process on Expedia.com, making it simple for travelers to maximize the value of their travel dollars.

Here is useful article I found that will help you learn some simple ways on how to travel on a smaller budget, written by Andy Fox…

Going around the world is a nice experience as it enables one to be one with the attributes of a destination. It involves immersing one’s self with the surroundings and feeling and seeing with each creature or artifact there. Going around the world, however, can be a bit costly. For some, it’s even perceived a lavishness. Thus, many people would choose to stay at home than experience the world outside. This mustn’t be the premise, so here are some means on how you may travel without eating up ample money.

Check the Internet
The net is powerful fountain of details. There exists today numerous travel websites made available for individuals aspiring to see a location. Browsing one site after another will eventually lead you to a dependable fountain of information for low-priced accommodations, low-cost flights, and low-priced tour packages. You may also see a travel agency site that can give you a bargain for a trip if you just reason out for the value.

Check Out Closest Tourist Spots
All locations can be appealing. Even the town where you live might have a flawless area where tourists can relax and unwind. Inquire about these locations then fix your baggage and experience them for yourself. Though they’re just a few meters away from your residence, at the very least they could be a new environment and not just your own yard. Just cause these locations are nearby doesn’t mean they are lame and boring. They may just be the most excellent destinations wherein you can remove the stress from your body.

Maximize Packages
Just like malls that have bargain seasons, hotels and airlines also have a a part of the year when everything are at its lowest price. This bargain time is when few tourists reserve rooms or book a flight. Take note of these dates for these can be the perfect moment for you to go to other places. This may be your probability to fly low-cost and see serenity at half the usual value.

Try Couch Surfing
Although couch surfing is still controversial, it still proves to be a low-cost way to go to other places. Via knowing other persons in different countries and trying to transact free lodging with them, you may be able to spare some cash while meeting interesting people. In doing this, however, make sure to be cautious and be prudent in picking whose couch you will be lounging in.

Read Travel Magazines and Websites
When all else not successful; be ready to utilize what is at hand. Use your imagination and get inspiration from travel websites and magazines. Visit locations via surfing the net or going through the pages. There’s no need for airfare or inn fees. Elements may not be concrete but try to be satisfied with what you have for the moment, and then reserve cash for that tour you aspire.

48 Hour Visit highlights the must sees, must tries and must tastes of any city within 48 hours Check out Weekend Travel Guide for tourism information and vacation guide.

The star rating system used by hotels can be somewhat confusing. First of all, Europe and the U.S. use different rating systems. Add to the equation the myriad of websites available on the internet with their own individual ratings and you end up in a jungle deeper than Tarzan had ever lived in.

It’s time to swing your way from branch to branch out of this jungle and on to star rating freedom. Here’s what you need to know…

Europe and the U.S. use a different rating system. Europe uses a four star rating system, with four stars being the best accommodation money can buy. The U.S. uses a five star raring system, with five stars being the best.

One star rating

A one star hotel is a basic a place to rest your head for a night offering nothing more than a bed and bathroom.

Two star rating

Similar to a one star hotel in that they are simple and basic, however two star hotels include a television and a phone

Three star rating

Three star hotels are more stylish and comfortable than a two star hotel and are usually larger in size too. Contemporary furnishings are included such as flat screen TV’s.

Four star rating

The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed with premium furnishings that include luxurious touches such as lavish bedding and fine bath products.

Five star rating

These are the most luxurious hotels in the world and include premium linens, a personal Jacuzzi tub, a large screen Plasma TV with high definition cable, a DVD player, high-speed internet access, fresh flowers, lavish bath products and super quick, round the clock room service.

Using the descriptions above will help you when you next need to book a hotel, however a wise thing to do when doing your research is read the guest comments and ratings because there’s nothing like word of mouth.

Finally, it is time to announce the winner of this week’s competition. Congratulations to Bradley Hughes from Ealing in London who answered correctly that the picture was indeed Plitvice Lake in Croatia. Bradley will be receiving a ₤100 voucher that he can use on any flight available through easyJet. I will be contacting you shortly to arrange the sending of your prize.

Time to get the weekend started, have a good one!

Here are some tips from a few travel experts…

THE EXPERTS
- Lisa Ferrari from travel.com.au
- Travel agent Ann Lombardi, who has 26 years experience in the industry and runs website The Trip Chicks
- Heather Poole, a flight attendant with a major US airline
- Frequent flyers who have managed to score an upgrade

THE TIPS

Look the part
Lisa Ferrari: “Upgrades are a rare travel experience in this day and age. To increase your chances, ditch the backpack, thongs and tracksuit pants; present yourself neatly and polish up your manners and you may find yourself sipping on champagne in either first or business class.”

Ann Lombardi: “Dress nicely for your flight. Cut-off shorts, jeans with holes, or those old athletic shoes may be really comfortable, but neat casual or semi-professional attire is the name of the game in the world of airline upgrades.

“After you board the plane, you can always change to more comfortable clothing. Make sure you put your change of clothes in a small carry on bag.”

Travel on busy days
Lisa Ferrari: “With a sold-out flight there is more chance of an upgraded if passengers don’t show up, which is more likely to happen on busy days.”

Never, ever, ask for an upgrade
Ann Lombardi: “Unless you are a high-level frequent flyer on the airline you’re flying, do not ask, even subtly, for an upgrade.

“I am always taken aback at airport check in counters or service desks when I overhear travellers ask: ‘So, what are you going to offer me free for my inconvenience today?’.

“Don’t ever beg for or demand an upgrade. Likewise, never tell a flight attendant or airline agent “I have X frequent flyer points with your carrier, and I hope you will give me an upgrade today’.”

Flirt your way to a better seat
Phil Derner, President of aviation group NYCAviation: “A ‘pretty please?’ has helped me once or twice, and flirting helps too.

“Once a flight attendant moved me up right after departure and gave me full privileges after using those tactics. It also gets you free snacks.”

Travel solo
Lisa Ferrari: “You’re more likely to score an upgrade if you travel alone as it’s more than likely there will be one seat available than two or three.”

Join a frequent flyer program
Ann Lombardi: “Always sign up for the frequent flyer program of the airline, or its frequent flyer partner airline, you’ll be flying.

“A frequent flyer number implies a certain degree of loyalty, and the airlines are more likely to upgrade passengers who are or appear to be their ‘loyal’ customers.

“Even if you are new to the airline’s frequent flyer program, it’s unlikely that someone will check how many points or miles actually are in your account.”

Heather Poole: “Fly more – more miles will equal more upgrades.”

Don’t be an early bird
Lisa Ferrari: “These days the focus is more on configurations and logistics. Airlines allow for no-shows by double booking some seats, so when everyone turns up to board the flight, the late arrivals are usually bumped up into a higher class.”

A smile can go a long way
Ann Lombardi: “Smile at the gate agent or ticket agent at the check in counter. Address the agent by first name and find something positive to say to them, as they really appreciate that rare compliment.

“Having been an airline employee myself, I know how many complaints these hard-working folks have to handle on a typical day.

“If there are empty seats in business class on board and you weren’t upgraded at the gate, re-apply the techniques on board. Two of my cycling clients and I were upgraded by a European carrier on a transatlantic fight last year mainly due to our happy, appreciative demeanour at check-in.”

Volunteer to be bumped from your flight
US traveller Keith Sanders: “I jump at the chance to be bumped from flights. I’m almost always rebooked in first class and I receive a travel voucher.”

Love a late connecting flight
Frequent flier Kate Drake from Washington, US: “Once I received a free upgrade to business class on my way to Australia because my connecting flight was late. Fourteen hours of pure awesome.”

Always say thank you
Ann Lombardi: “Look at your boarding pass before leaving the boarding area or ticket counter. If you see the welcomed low-digit upgraded seat assignment, go back and personally thank the agent for his/her kindness.

“If in the process an upgrade pops up for me on my next, that’s the icing on the cake.”

Try a white lie
Lisa Ferrari: “Airline staff have heard everything under the sun so be creative and see how far a little lie can take you.”

Receiving an upgrade can come with other unexpected bonuses
Michelle from Sydney said of her trip to the US earlier this week: “Qantas gave me a free upgrade to Premium Economy. I even met Sean Paul on the same flight.”

A report by the UK’s Centre for Economics and Business Research found prices would rise by 5.2 per cent this year and 11.5 per cent by 2012.

The shutdown of northern European airports has cost airlines more than $2 billion which will have an effect on their profitability.

Oil prices have also been predicted to rise over the next few years which will have an impact on ticket prices. Oil prices are always a challenge for airlines and if they move upwards there will be pressure on airlines to increase prices as they have done historically in the past.

It is highly unlikely that ticket prices will rise sharply in the short term as a more moderate approach by airlines seems on the cards. It will take a couple of years for airfares to return to pre-global financial crisis highs so fares will remain affordable, however prices won’t be as low as we have witnessed in recent times.

There are many more seats available on the market now too so that should help keep prices relatively stable as competition between airlines will remain potent.

It may be the right time to think about booking that long awaited trip because you cannot be too sure of what the future will entail.

Each day, for five days, 100 beds will go on sale at 1pm GMT when customers can book up to two beds each per night. There are no hidden costs or strings attached.

The offer is for arrival dates between 31^st May and 4^th June, at selected hostels in 10 popular destinations.

You need to be quick to bag one of these super deals so there’s no time to sit and waste.

Good luck!

Thought I would start the week off by running a competition. To enter, all you need to do is send me an email with your answer.

Can you name the location of the following photo?

The winner will be randomly selected on Friday 30^th April and announced on the blog.

The prize will also be announced on Friday so send your answers to jorge at travelyoyo dot com.

Good luck.