TOP 10 BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN MEXICO

Granted, we do not live in the heart of Mexico. There are plenty of tourists, we are forewarned of the spiciness of the food and we have certainly never witnessed any of the dangers that we were pre-warned of. But, we have met Mexicans who are from all over the country, learned conversational Spanish and have not only tasted all the local cuisines, but learned to cook them. We’ve embraced life on Isla Mujeres and here’s our favourite things about it:

1. The mariachi bands that play through the tiny streets attracting hoards of people

2. Waking up to Mexican music turned up so loud that the walls vibrate. Beats the standard alarm and definitely wake you up in a better mood

TOP 10: OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

A year ago today we left home aboard a one way flight to Bangkok. Since then we’ve travelled through Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia. It has been without a doubt, the most incredible, exciting, eye-opening and completely insane year of our lives.

Here’s our year in numbers:

1. Total stamps in passports (together): 31
2. Wonders of the world seen: 3
3. Properties stayed in: 72

Christmas 2012, a month before take off. All ready for the year ahead!

4. Skydives: 1 (each)

TOP 10: THINGS THAT STOP BEING AN ISSUE WHEN BACKPACKING

1. Stray cats and dogs (except for when they’re chasing you down the street, snapping at your heels)
2. Cold showers
3. Being sweaty and dirty
4. Being ill: the heat, the food, the alcohol – just head to the pharmacy

5. Squat toilets (not for Charlotte)
6. Unidentified meat (is it pink? No? Then eat it.)
7. Being itchy (sunburn, bites, sweat, salt, bed bugs and allergic reactions)
8. Turning up to your prepaid hostel to discover that it’s disgusting (there’s always the beach)

9. Asking for a mild curry but it still blowing your head off
10. Getting ripped off (we know your game, give it a rest)

Unbelievably still loving every minute,

Charlotte and Sarah x

TOP 10 THINGS WE LEARNED ON OUR FIRST DAY IN BANGKOK

1. It’s Thai custom not to wear shoes indoors

2. Insect repellant is your most valued possession
3. ‘Backpackers’ mostly carry at least 90l rucksacks or even a suitcase
4. Lanes are irrelevant on a Thai motorway