Blog - Teddy Bears Travels

Bizarre Happenings In Gibraltar And Malaga – It’s Finally Over. What a mad week it was! I got to Malaga on the 1st of April (April Fools Day) and I was thinking what the joke was that I could tell people.

WELL, as far as jokes go, I didn’t get to Malaga till quite late so there wasn’t any time to tell any really but I did have a bit of a joke the next day. When I went to Morocco in January I said I was in Saudi Arabia. A few people fell for that – I really couldn’t believe how many and this time I done something similar said I was in Brazil –

This wasn’t on April Fools Day and really it was just a private joke between me and my friend who was in Brazil but funnily enough there were people that saw my Facebook post and thought I actually was there – so that kind of did the trick for me lol.

But, anyway, so my flight to Malaga – it was quite straightforward. I had the whole 3 seats to myself and I had plenty of time to get to Luton airport for my 8pm flight. Pretty much a walk in the park, although, I guess you could say – my main problems I had throughout this whole trip began before I even left.

Mostly because since going to Morocco in January I had started drinking alcohol again.

I think I maybe have more control of it now then before I stopped in December 2023 but I will say this was probably the worst I have been since I started again in January – it was total madness – So WHAT HAPPENED you probably wonder?

Bizarre Happenings In Gibraltar And Malaga

Now, when I got to Malaga airport it was getting late. I had already missed the last bus to the city centre, and at this time It was now about 12pm. It was a bit of a nightmare because I was getting very confused about what to do next.

It took a while but I finally found someone who spoke English who told me to get the train. That was one thing out the way.

All sorted I thought, and that it wouldn’t be too far from here but then when I got out of Malaga Central Train Station – another problem. I got out my Google maps and annoyingly I STILL wasn’t anywhere near where my hostel was.

It was 45 minutes away walking. Not good as I was already late for check in at the hostel.

It was not by where I stayed in Malaga last time before. That part was the busier area with all the bars and night clubs – I was hoping I’d be by there again, but this place was somewhere else quiet and out the way. Perhaps this would suit other people better but for me It was not a good location at all.

I really need to be more careful where I book because this place I did not like.

So, usually I am quite happy to walk to where I need to get to (even if it is 45 minutes) but as it was quite late I thought what the hell – so I got a cab for 10 euros and I finally found my hostel at about 2AM.

I didn’t get in straight away. At one point I thought I’d have to sleep in a door way because I was messaging the hostel manager by email and he was not responding. I was about to send a quite nasty email message as I was really not happy about this but thankfully I had the sense to phone and he answered.

It was quite annoying getting in. I paid for my 2 nights but on top I had to pay 20 euros extra late arrival fee. I mean if only I had known I would have paid a bit more to stay somewhere else. PLUS, on top of this there was no hot water to take a shower with.

They even had a note on the wall – I couldn’t believe it.

Here, It was one thing after another. The key wouldn’t go in the door either. The receptionist/manager whoever he was did you say you had to fiddle with the key in the lock but I just couldn’t get it open. In fact, as I only went out and comeback in once I never actually used this key (successfully) to get in the whole time I stayed.

It was a deal breaker for me. I was supposed to pay 5 euros for renting a towel too but I just got up and went early next morning. It just didn’t seem worth it with only the cold water. Never mind the 20 euros extra I had to fork out for getting in late.

Definitely not somewhere I’d go back to. I mean I think there was a hostel in Amsterdam that was quite a bit worse actually but I mean if I do go back to Malaga I’d be a bit more careful with where I book to stay.

Staying In Malaga

There are some quite amazing sights to see in Malaga. I really don’t think I do the place justice with this blog post. Perhaps really it was just bad timing and I should have made more of an effort to make a bit more of my stay there.

I think where I really struggled was finding places to eat at. The places I walked past just really didn’t feel too inviting. Perhaps if I had been in the same area as before I’d have had less trouble. But, It was pretty bad because I did not eat very well whilst I was here, and I was just getting drunk instead.

Although, there was a diner restaurant I went to. At this place I ordered Spaghetti Bolognaise and a Tuna Sandwich. It was good to eat but mostly I just kept ordering 1 bottle of beer after another.

It was quite cheap actually, which I was surprised about – only 2.20 euros a bottle. This was pretty cool but spending the whole day drinking WELL!

So, I got back to my hostel about 9pm. I’d say I was pretty drunk and I was humouring myself about finding a load of lollipops on the way back. I have videos but I don’t know if I want to share them lol

These I left on my bedside in the hostel with my towel and keys when I left at 6AM the next morning. I didn’t bother with checking out – I didn’t want to have to pay for the towel when there was no hot water and after being charged 20 euros for getting in late – as I’ve already said I didn’t want to have to anymore than I already had.

PLUS I was told NOT to sleep in the same bed as the night before. This annoyed me as when I woke up I was bitten alive, by I think mosquitos but could have been bedbugs.

I think I heard Mosquitos during the night but in the other bed, the night before I was fine NO BITES. I mean I think I was actually told to stay in this bed the first night but I never because there was no curtains and there was another guest in the bed across.

So this annoyed me a bit. I could not get out of there fast enough the next day. Although, I will say, It was a pretty nice walk that next morning. Even though it was raining – something I hoped to get away from in England – STILL there was some quite Interesting sights to see on the way.

I think it is Castillo de Gibralfaro I went past. Perhaps really I should have come and had a look around here Instead of getting drunk but perhaps next time I come to Gibraltar via Malaga I’ll come and take a proper look, and make a proper day of it.

My First Day In Gibraltar

View of the rock of Gibraltar coming in from La Linea De La Concepcion

To get here to Gibraltar on my 3rd day away I got the 8:30AM bus from Malaga to La Linea de la Concepcion. This was almost not to be. For a while I couldn’t work out where to buy a bus ticket from and when I did it was only just in the nick of time.

The rain got a lot worse as well when I was on the coach. By the time I got to Marbella it was like torrential rain. I’m so glad I never had to get off there. I was worried it would still be like this when I got to La Linea but fortunately, when I did It had already stopped.

A Short Walk Through La Linea

This is quite a beautiful place actually. Last time I came to Gibraltar I couldn’t get in the hostel right away so I stayed at an Airbnb here. The best part about it maybe (for me) is there is a massive seafront here. It is lovely just to walk along here.

I remember thinking before if it was possible to see dolphins here. Gibraltar actually does Dolphin Tours and this I think surely would mean they are here too.

Now, so, La Linea was a bit different from how I remembered it from before – not sure if it has had some new places that have opened since I was here last. I ended up walking past a stretch of restaurants and bars where I found a place serving breakfast. Here they did pints of beer for 2.5 euros. I was drinking a beer before I even ate this morning. I think I had 2 or 3 in the end.

There was a cute little Chihuahua running around here too. It was a funny little animal because he was kind of hovering about people tables till it got fed. Before I went I see someone give him or her a pork chop. Very cute.

My brother wanted me to bring it home for him lol as I joked I would – He has 2 already but I think he would be happy if this was his 3rd, I didn’t bring him with me…

I did not dog nap him lol. Not that I ever would have got away with this, but anyhow – the walk from La Linea bus station to Gibraltar is not too far (about 30 minutes maybe) and I got to Gibraltar not too long after this.

It was good to be back again – almost 2 years since I was here last. It was a good feeling – and I see one familiar face pretty much straight away when I got into Casemates Square. Near where my hostel is.

This is someone I will talk about again later in this blog post. But about Casemates Square here is a short video about it here. It was prior to the 1990’s a car park and they used to do public hangings here – VERY INTERESTING

Now, so…

Getting To The Emile Hostel

It was good to get to my hostel in Gibraltar after being in Malaga. Both of my last 2 2 stays here I stayed at the Emile Hostel. 2020 was the first time I stayed, and December 2022 was my last time. I was surprised actually because even after all this time gone they remembered me from before. It is funny really because I never thought they would.

So, I got here about 11pm I think it was, and after making my payment for 5 nights in my room (£140) – I couldn’t wait to get in the nice hot shower.

In Malaga I tried to shower but it was very hard with only the cold water. Maybe I am just a wimp but yes, after this I was so eager to wash, and so much so I never even thought about getting a towel lol I had to use my shirt. Not ideal at all.

And, you think I would learn my lesson but even funnier was actually the next day I did the same thing again – finished showering only to realise I left the towel on my bed.

It was good I had the sense to use my shirt. Some people would just legged it to the room lol I stayed with someone who done this actually. Not something you can unsee very easy lol

But, carrying this story on. So, my 1st day I got showered and headed off out.

I didn’t really eat too well in Malaga so I quite fancied some food. My first stop was The Angry Friar Pub for Bangers and Mash. It was OK – I struggled with it because of my drinking but, anyway, I didn’t stay here for long because after this I got a phone call from my friend who now lives here.

Meeting My Friend From England

Now, my friend, I say he is from England but at the time of writing this, he has lived in Gibraltar now for a a few years. When I came here last in 2022 – he wasn’t here, he was supposed to be but never made it. This was a funny week though – this last time he got me to meet up with someone he knew here.

It was the day of the World Cup Final which Argentina won, and my friends friend told me some quite interesting stories about this country. There are quite a few, but moving on .

I didn’t see this other guy Paul this time but my friend from England was here and I went to meet him over the Pig and Whistle pub near Ocean Village.

It seemed to be one of the cheaper bars to drink at I found whilst I was here, and I drunk at this pub quite a bit during my stay. I think it is normal prices during the day but after 6pm I think its happy hour prices.

Not as cheap as in La Linea (I don’t think) but still cheaper than other places here (I think).

So, I stayed at the Pig and Whistle chatting to a few different people. I met these same regulars again a few times whilst I was here but anyway this 1st night, after that, I wanted to watch the Tottenham vs Chelsea game and my friend suggested Bruno’s bar.

Bruno’s according to my friend was opened by Boxing Legend Frank Bruno. Not sure how true that is but I got here, and they did NOT have the game on.

I stayed there for a few drinks but I didn’t really feel comfortable talking to one of the guys here. I think he was maybe Turkish or Armenian. He got me a couple of shots of tequila and he probably would have bought me more but I really didn’t like where our conversation was going – he was trying to persuade me to invest in his protein bar business lol.

I don’t know why he thought I would want to lol but that was that – I had enough in the end so I went off on my way.

After this, I ended up next (if I can remember correctly) at the Lord Nelson pub on Casemates square. Here, finally, I got the football on – I wasn’t really paying too much attention to it if I’m being honest but they did put it on which was very good of them.

I left after it finished. It was a load of rubbish really. Tottenham have been pretty diabolical this year mostly, they have had some good games but mostly rubbish. This was one of the latter. So, after that finished, I went back to my hostel – I think I had a chat with another guy who was staying there before I turned in for the night, but that was that.

Pretty interesting man actually – ex RAF officer. He was telling me about buying and selling vintage motorbike parts on eBay. He made some good points about doing this – as a seller on eBay it is probably something I should have a think about.

Now, after my 1st day…

My 2nd Day In Gibraltar (Day 4)

My Initial plan for today was to go and have breakfast at The Eat and Chat Café inside the Eroski supermarket complex, near the Emile Hostel. It’s kind of like an Indoor market. I came here last 2 times I was in Gibraltar and always found it quite convenient for its location.

What I forgot though was in here it is cash only. I never had any cash on me on this day so I didn’t come back – I should have done but Instead on the way to the cashpoint I stopped at another pub which I remember from visiting before – an Irish bar called The Venture Inn.

I ended up asking here if they could cook breakfast for me. Which fair enough they did but the bad thing was that I had about 4 pints of beer before, during and after my breakfast.

I think I knew from here that I was getting bad with my drinking lol

The rest of the day was pretty much a big long drinking binge. My next stop (if my memory serves me correct) was the Trafalgur pub. Another place I frequented on my visits before. This I would say is probably my favourite Pub in Gibraltar.

It is very spacious – like exactly the kind of pub I would want to be in back home. It is not far from the cable car up to the rock and its near the zoo so I usually pass by if I’m coming here.

Getting Drunk In The Trafalgar

Really I think I would have just liked to have had one and took a walk up to the zoo. The Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park is a nice small place inside the botanical gardens in Gibraltar. It is great there but even the walk through the gardens is very relaxing.

A beautiful place – well worth taking a look at if you come here.

So, I never actually went to the zoo once. The whole week I was here, and on this 2nd day I got to the Trafalgar and ended up staying and drinking for probably about 6 pints maybe more.

The funniest part was that after scrolling through Facebook I found a hilarious picture of Hulk Hogan looking like Jesus and I made a song up about it.

It was pretty unbelievable though because by this point I had started talking to the bar maid and she said her friend was Hulk Hogan’s niece. I thought they was winding me up but I told me friend from England later and as much as he himself is a joker who I also find hard to believe a lot of the time – he said It was true and I think he was serious.

I mean how crazy is that of a coincidence. I start talking about Hulk Hogan and one of his family members is right across the bar from me (possibly). Although, what was crazy too was what I did next. By this point I was so drunk that I just thought screw it – I poured the last of my beer away and took off for the Rock of Gibraltar.

A Nice Long Walk Up The Rock of Gibraltar

This wasn’t my first time doing this. Last time I ended up taking a walk up here after leaving the Trafalgar and i made it down without too much trouble. This time I would say it went pretty well.
Except I got a bit of a telling off for asking for directions from somebody who lived about half way up the rock. That was a bit lucky really because they was very angry.

It sounded like I wasn’t the first tourist to bother him since he moved into the house lol but anyway, the main thing was that I managed to get up and back down the rock the right way. I even see a few of the barbary apes. 3 adults and 1 little one.

It was a shame I couldn’t get a photo. Quite gutted because my little niece after my last 2 trips to Morocco has loved looking at my photos on my phone. Every time I see here. Even now I have to show her. So a bit disappointed I didn’t get a photo but It was a nice walk though – I got back down OK BUT what I thought was really funny is where I ended up was at a posh hotel bar after.

I was surprised they was OK serving me and I didn’t leave till so late that in the end that I think they would have let me sleep right there on the sofa. I was very tempted to try it for a laugh – it is £206 a night a room and there I would have been staying there for free lol

I decided to go in the end but wow it was very late and I was very tired. It would have been very easy to fall asleep here. That would have been a good laugh.

Day 5 In Gibraltar – Zoo and Back Up The Rock

Pillars of Hercules Rock of Gibraltar looking across to Tangier Morocco

Well, I say I went to the Zoo BUT when I got there it was too early and it was not yet open. Really, I should have checked first. I mean that morning I must have gone for breakfast – my memory is pretty hazy but I know I was walking around for a while trying to find it and when I got there I was about 30 minutes too early.

It was actually great just walking about the Botanical Gardens. That itself made the trip worth it but not coming back later on after the zoo opened – that was a mistake. I felt a bit let down with myself because of this. Instead I stopped off at the Trafalgar and AGAIN I carried on drinking.

I’m not sure what time I was here till but I know the Grand National was on and I paid £5 for the sweepstake. I couldn’t remember what horse I put my money on but I remember toying with the idea of sticking about till the race started.

At some point I think I must have left and gone over to the Pig and Whistle. I can’t remember how long I stayed here or how much I drunk BUT what I do is that after this I ended up over the Angry Friar. I wasn’t really very hungry but I needed to it so I ordered Bangers and Mash. I struggled to finish this if I remember correctly, AND I tipped my beer away here too like the day before, and I did the exact same thing – I walked back up to the Rock of Gibraltar.

2nd Day Back Up The Rock

View looking down from the rock of Gibraltar

After the day before I was slightly disappointed that I never got a photo of the 3 monkeys I see. Really I didn’t want to go back to England without a photo. So even though I had already drunk a skinful of beer I was very keen to take another 2 hour plus walk up the rock.

Again, It was a lovely walk up here. Now, I had battery on my phone this time, I really was thinking it would be just like the day before but really it was not the same. For one, unfortunately I didn’t manage to spot any of the Barbary Apes.

Maybe this was because it was a bit later than the day before that I started the journey up here. I don’t know if it was because I didn’t go up far enough or what. Or to the same place but still it was nice I had a lovely video call from my friend whilst walking up here. He had my other friend with him and I think they was in awe a bit of what they was seeing in my background.

The Rock of Gibraltar Nature Reserve – even without seeing Monkeys is an amazing, beautiful place with breath-taking views.

From what I remember I was up at the Pillars of Hercules.

The Apes Den is around here somewhere but I don’t think they are really about so much when it starts to get dark. Like the rest of us, they have their bedtime, of course they do. I’m not sure when this is but I think maybe around 8pm. Probably when it starts to get dark.

There is certainly more chance of seeing them during the day. I’ll never forget my first time up here when I paid for a tour with one of the mini buses. They were everywhere when I went this time, but I think the trouble is during the day you have to pay to enter the nature reserve.

I’m not sure what the deal is at night. Quite likely tourists are not supposed to go up here at this time but as no one is there on the gates, WELL at these times you can pretty much just walk up there without having to buy a ticket.

The trouble is It is £30 just to enter the nature reserve during the day. It’s even more if you want to use the cable car (£49.00) – it has gone up (I think) from before, and even more if you want to visit the tunnels and St. Michaels Cave etc.

I mean, It actually saves so much walking if you are willing to pay. It is maybe 3 hours or so to walk up and back down, but this is just me, I like a long walk and if I can save money than I will.

Although, in a way – I maybe would have paid to go down on the cable car as this was not as smooth sailing as the night before was. This time around, because when I come back down, I come a different way, I ended up miles away from the part of Gibraltar where I was staying .

Where I ended up was miles out the way. I didn’t realise there was so much on the other side of the Rock. I noticed I had to walk past the ship yard to get back nearer to Casemates Square. Apparently some years ago you could get a ferry to Morocco from here. It is such a shame they no longer do this. I was considering doing the crossing from Tangier to Gibraltar before I decided to fly back to England and come back and I found this out.

But, as I was saying – It took me hours to get back to the town square – not like the day before. It was a total nightmare. It maybe took me another 2 hours after this.

I was hoping to go down the Lord Nelson or Bruno’s for the Kareoke night when this was happening but by this time it was so late I was surprised find anywhere open.

Except, somehow I still managed to get one last drink down the Trafalgar. I think they was probably just about to close so that was good of them but wow so much for clearing my head – I actually thought I was lost and I was quite worried about how far away I had ended up.

I was talking to my older brother on Facebook – he was quite worried also but I did get back eventually. It was quite bad really because I maybe wouldn’t have minded going up again the next day. But, my legs were aching like mad after this. What a workout that must have been but on this next day I probably could have done with a walk up the Rock.

Mostly because on this next day my last full day before I flew home I got myself in Trouble.

Day 6 – I Got Chucked Out of the Trafalgar

So, I can’t really remember a lot from this morning. Just that my legs were hurting like I had been at the gym and pushed myself too hard. I think I skipped breakfast this day and had something over the Angry Friar a bit later.

After this – I went to the Trafalgar YET AGAIN. I had a few beers in here. I can’t remember how many but definitely had 5 – maybe more. They was doing a carvery as it was Sunday. I remember thinking I should have seen if I could have got myself a dinner here but my appetite was pretty off because of all the beer I had been drinking since I got here.

So I left the Trafalgar and I carried on drinking over the Pig and Whistle. It was pretty relaxed here to begin with but then what I do remember is that was Crazy Steve turned up.

This is him. If you ever are in Gibraltar, in Casemates Square then it is quite likely you will see him.

It was quite funny because apparently even though he is barred from the Pig and Whistle he still walks down here quite often to see if he can get a smoke or a beer. I just thought it was funny he was here and I was buying him one bottle after another.

I really should not have got so carried away. What happened is probably partially my fault.

Because I was drunk myself, I was splashing the cash and buying him drinks. The barmaid I remember saying “Stephen is barred from here – you shouldn’t be buying him drinks. He is barred from most pubs in Gibraltar”.

I would suspect probably everyone he has ever been to lol

So she let him have a couple. I suppose he can behave himself when he wants to but I actually decided I better get on my way after this, and I think I know why I did.

Trying To Avoid Crazy Steve

I will say – as much as I like and respect the bloke for his time in the Army and fighting for my country STILL he has serious mental health issues and honestly I think with my own mental health issues that surface from when I am drinking this man is someone who makes me 20 times worse. I really don’t really need the booster pack.

I can’t remember what was going on really but so much for getting away from him.

I looked out the window of the Trafalgar where I come to get away from him and there he was just sitting there at the table outside.

I’m not sure how long he was there for but now as he was here AGAIN I thought “yes mate, your a legend, your a hero” and started buying him more drinks.

He actually had me in hysterics – I give him 2 cigarettes he was putting them up his nose and in his ears. He was whistling away, making bird noises and doing other funny voices.

At one point I had a mouthful of beer that I just spat out all over him because he was constantly just making me laugh my head off so much.

Probably not the first time that this has happened to him. I don’t know but I doubt there are many people that he doesn’t make laugh.

But crikey, It was only a matter of time before something went wrong. Where we was sitting there was a framed wrestling or boxing belt up on the wall in a glass case.

Maybe Hulk Hogan’s lol – if he really does have anything to with here. I really don’t know what to believe in that respect but anyway, Steve was repeatedly banging the back of his head against this glass case. I really should have told him to stop but I was so drunk I didn’t think much of it.

So, I asked the bar man to put U2 on the jukebox. As from what I understand this is Steve’s favourite band. I thought this might calm him down a bit BUT he didn’t put U2 on this bar man he called the POLICE.

Fair enough actually – right call I think AND I was very lucky really because I was being an idiot myself. When they did arrive I was putting on stupid voices and telling them they was out of order for taking Steve away.

I even videoed them on my phone. I am quite surprised they let me and well this was the night before I flew home that could have been a big problem.

But no it was not – they got me outside the pub and just let me go off on my way.

Although, what else was funny was Steve like they were his old friends just casually asked them for a lift home and they just said “come on mate, let’s go” and off they went.

The Next Morning – My Last Day

And, just like that my week away in Malaga and Gibraltar was finally over. This morning was a funny one as well because I had no battery on my phone. I had been using my friends charger before but he needed it himself so I couldn’t use it.

I stupidly, had only brought an EU one with me for using in Spain, and on this morning it was a case of waiting for him to let me use it again.

The crazy thing was when I made a video of the police talking to me and shared it on Facebook my family actually thought I had been arrested. I am sure they must have been quite relieved to know I walked away from the pub without issue but for a while they must have been worried.

I mean really I hope they will be alright with me coming back to the Trafalgar again after this happening but I’m guessing if they are – it will be on the one condition that it I do come here don’t have any crazy friends with me. Especially Steve lol

We will see about that but anyhow.

I wasn’t flying from Gibraltar until 8:30pm (at night) so I went for breakfast and I went for a few beers over the Pig and Whistle before I left. I’m guessing I’m probably pretty famous there now for that video – everyone was laughing. It was very funny and yes another funny thing…

Like I did with Steve the night before, my friend from England told a very funny joke. I can’t remember what he said but what I do was that I was laughing so much that he also got a mouthful of beer spat over him. He took it pretty well I thought and he was pretty good to me as after that he got me a lift from one of his friends to Gibraltar airport for my flight back.

But, this part I was dreading…

Trouble At The Airport and Getting Home

Now, one thing I never mentioned was that I picked up a few bits in Gibraltar to sell on eBay. My logic was that I could recoup some of the money (if not more) that I had spent whilst I was away. This included some very nice (preloved) designer clothes and a few other electronic bits, and collectables – 2 whole suitcases full.

I really was pushing myself to the limit here. As, one of these suitcases was a big one and it had a broken handle. This was what I was dreading and rightly so.

I knew this was going to cause me no end of trouble, and it surely did. It was OK at first – It was pretty easy to get out of Gibraltar airport with it all and back to England.

I got the cases to the Easyjet desk, paid for my upgrade and that was it – they was loaded onto the plane and I didn’t have to worry about them again until I got to the conveyor belt back in the UK at Gatwick airport.

I mean really I don’t know why I wrote “Trouble at the airport” because really it was only getting the train back after. Although, one small problem was I didn’t have a pound for a trolley to move my cases with from the conveyor belt to the train station.

A nice lady helped me out here as she see the trouble I was having and give me a pound for the trolley. That was really the easy part but after that when I got to the gates to get into the train station. The moment I had been dreading.

“The guard said right there the words I had been dreading to hear “you can’t take the trolley any further sir”.

Then I had to carry both of them along with my bag I brought with me. I got to the first escalator and I was lucky here again as someone else see I was having trouble and helped me carry my case down the stairs and onto the train.

Then I kind of know once I got off this train – that was when the real trouble would begin. When I got to St. Pancras…

I Hated Being Back In England

Now, by this point my mental health wasn’t really great at all. All that time drinking and hanging out with Crazy Steve had pickled me. I got off the train at St. Pancras and I needed to get to Kings Cross to get the train from there. There was 4 African train staff working that night and I’m not sure whether they wanted to laugh or cry.

They directed me where to go. Kings Cross is in walking distance of St Pancras International train station but I didn’t realise this. I thought I would need to go up and down a load of stairs. Possibly get another train or get on the tube it was a nightmare for me thinking about it.

By this point there was no trains back to Baldock or Letchworth until 5:30 in the morning from St. Pancras – unless I got to Kings Cross. I was told that to get here I needed to head out the station and go somewhere I never ended up getting to.

I think I made the right call in the end but before this I had over a hour of trouble. It was a horrible place to be stuck at. First of all I struggled my way to the lift to get to the upper part of the train station. Where the staff told me to go.

Then I done something very stupid I see by the escalator it said this way to get the train to Baldock and Letchworth – so I went back down the escalator. It was like an episode of Mr Bean – I ended up exactly where I had got off the train.

The look on their faces but after this was kind of like my brush with death for me.

I can’t believe I was doing this but what they said to me when I was coming down on the escalator was I needed to go back up. I don’t know how this ended up happening but I was on the elevator going up and I was trying to walk back down with my cases. How I ended up in this situation I really don’t know.

I was trying to kick one case down and carry the other one to the bottom of the stairs – even the though the escalator was going up. I was in total peril – I was lucky I didn’t fall over one of my cases – I’m really felt like was going to fall over and have a horrible accident. Thankfully I listened to the guy working.

“Go up the escalator with your cases – don’t come down” lol

I mean I can’t believe I didn’t realise this before but god this was hardly the end of it.

I Was Exhausted and Thirsty After This

As soon as I got up to the top I needed to sit down. This had really taken it out of me. So I sat against the wall to rest and my mouth was so dry I felt like I was a diabetic – I really needed a drink of water but this was the part I hated.

To my relief I found a shop to buy a bottle of water not too far away but it was everyone was after something off me. One girl looked like she was on drugs asking me for money, I was being asked for cigarettes – I really was not in the mood for any of them.

As much as I was drinking like a complete fool for the whole time away the people here drunk with their cans of beer – I was irritated by them. I didn’t want to be anywhere near them. These people were not only begging for money and cigarettes but also whining and getting aggressive when I said no.

However, I did realise that if I did sit with them I could charge my phone. This actually saved my night. But whilst there it was doing my head in so much. They all wanted to talk to me even though I didn’t want to talk to them. It was like being in the looney bin.

One guy there was just constantly repeating himself. I told him I’d come back from Gibraltar, and he kept on asking what’s it like. Again and again. Probably I was being a bit rude but I just wanted to get myself home and sleep.

Maybe I’m like this when I’m drunk myself. Probably this was my karma for how I was acting online whilst I was gone but what I really hated was the train staff told them they couldn’t smoke inside the station and they started getting aggressive with them.

I’d have loved to just punch one of them for this – it was just so irritating and intimidating.

But, I did the right thing. I think I got my phone to about 10% and I decided to just get an uber. Whatever it was I would have to pay I would. And I think I got a result here ONLY £70 it was to get back to my flat in Letchworth and I was just so glad to get away.

One of the train staff carried one of my cases out for me. I said to them “you must have a nightmare working here”. They said “you don’t know the half of it” lol

I was so glad to get back home after this but besides it all Gibraltar was great to go back to. Maybe I can get back home on earlier flight next time – perhaps with a bit less luggage…

In Conclusion

On a final note… For anyone hoping to visit Gibraltar you can get cheap enough flights here and back if you time it right. Just be aware though that this will usually be either really early or late. The cheapest I can find looking now is £57.00 but this is getting the plane at 8:30AM

Coming back is really the trouble – you can get a flight for around £40 if you time it right. Most flights are in excess of £100. But you can find cheap flights. Mine this time to get back to Gatwick at night was actually only £12. I had a bit of luck here really but it is the time.

One Idea – as long as you are travelling light enough is to go back into La Linea and get the bus to Malaga. Flights back from Malaga are usually much cheaper and these Include flights that get back during the day.

You can also try Morocco if you don’t mind getting the boat over.

The only thing is you wont see the castle of Grayskull getting on the plane at Gibraltar airport.

That was the icing on the cake for me because I said I would need to turn into He-Man to carry my 2 suitcases to my friend on Facebook and in the distance I saw that – crazy really because this actually does look a lot like it.

See my picture above let me know what you think in the comments – maybe you can see what I mean.

I shall finish my blog here anyway but I hope you have enjoyed reading.

If you have had a good read and you would like to do so you can buy me a beer or a coffee with my link here<<

Adios from me and teddy till next time. Gracious

My 1st post of 2025. Pretty mad really – Only 3 days into the new year and I was off away again Travelling To Agadir And Marrakech Morocco. It was barely a few days after getting back from Fuerteventura that I booked my flight.

I looked it up and I thought £15 – this is too cheap not too book. Wasn’t sure how I’d afford going away again so soon but I thought I absolutely had to go.

Now, for some perspective I got back from the Canary Islands on the 17th and I think it was the next day (or day after) that I spoke to my friend who casually mentioned he was going away to Morocco on the 2nd of January. I knew he was going before but didn’t know when.

(I doubt he will be sharing his holiday plans with me again in a rush lol).

I mean really, I thought it was hilarious when I joked about coming and he said “you don’t know where I’m going in Morocco. It’s a pretty big place”. But I knew as his girlfriend said they was going to Agadir – so I said “yes I do – Agadir!”

So, he then said, in a flat kind of tone “I can’t stop you from coming” – so I suppose this was what triggered it for me BUT really, what really convinced me was when I looked on Skyscanner and I see the price was only £15 to get to Agadir and from my local airport Luton!

Although it was at 6AM in the morning I had to be here for so this was a bit of a hurdle.

I mean I will say I didn’t want to impose on my friends holiday with his Girlfriend but for £15 and the chance to get out of cold, miserable England again it was too much of a good opportunity to miss. So that was that. I was going to Morocco for what would be my 2nd time.

I was not done there though, for getting back home I was even more surprised to see I could get back from Marrakech, at a good reasonable hour (I got back in Luton at 15:30pm) and it only cost me £13.50 – it seemed almost too good to be true but YES it was not a trip without its problems by all means but it was all pretty amazing how it all come together.

So, what happened on me and Teddy’s latest trip away… This is going to be a very long post but let me share this story with you…

Travelling To Agadir And Marrakech Morocco With No £1K Hotel – Here Is What Happened?

So, NO HOTEL by that I mean I didn’t come to Agadir like a typical British tourist would do to stay in one of its many All-Inclusive Hotels. I did this last time I was here back in 2018 but there was nothing like this available on the cheap so this was a hard pass.

I did manage to book somewhere to stay and I thought I was being so smart saving a load of money. If you could have only seen me. I was round my brothers in Basingstoke when I found found this place.

There wasn’t anything I really liked on the Hostel World site so I didn’t book anything. I then looked on Booking.com and Trip.com, and I found something even better (I thought). I looked on Booking.com and there was an apartment on there that was available – 7 days for just over £100. I thought YES sorted. It actually looked perfect!

I was showing my brother the photos of the apartment and he agreed with me – It looked like a nice place to stay. He even joked he would come with me.

I mean actually the apartment it was nice – I really can’t moan too much about it. It was clean, tidy, there was basic food (noodles), coffee, bottles of water and my host was very helpful but what I never realized was that this place WAS NOT IN AGADIR – it was an hour away on the bus.

Typical me – the jams I find myself in you really can’t make it up – so…

Where I Stayed For My First 8 Days in Morocco

The town I booked to stay in was Auorir (Awrir) which means Banana Village in Arabic. It is on the outskirts of Agadir and 3 hours walk away from the City Centre (where all the main tourist hotels are) by the sea. Where I had to go was nowhere near basically where I wanted to be.

This video on YouTube starts outside my apartment where I stayed so I can only assume this couple stayed here too. I think this is a pretty good look at the area.

So, In my head I was thinking all those Idiots that pay £1000+ just to come here and stay in a hotel. Whilst I only paid £130 with FLIGHTS What a Result! – I thought I was being REALLY CLEVER but wow this was NOT what I expected.

Awrir is not exactly somewhere you would want to come on Holiday. My friend and his Girlfriend came through here to go to Paradise Valley and they said it looked GRIM. I am a bit mincier with my words than they are but I guess I would say, it is not somewhere you would really want to be if your looking for a nice holiday. Its quite slummy, and run down compared to Agadir.

Although, it is a lot more relaxed here – no beggars and it is quite cheap – that was a good thing about it for me and I probably would stay here maybe again if I was on my own. The host of this apartment was very helpful and welcoming – I saved his number and I mean If I was coming back to Morocco and he only had this place I would be OK with it I think.

But, it didn’t really start too well for me staying here though, I would have left early I think if I had the options – I was looking at trying to get back to the Canary Islands or Spain at one stage – it was that bad after just a couple of days and I will explain why.

My First Couple of Days Were Not The Best

Getting to the airport I definitely made one good call. The first thing I did was got some mobile data sorted. I paid 200 Dirhams for 20GB at the Orange kiosk. For my whole stay in Morocco one good thing was I had Internet on my phone (STRONGLY ADVISE).

Then the airport shuttle to Agadir City was pretty easy to find. It was a bit too long for me really coming from the airport but so far so good it was kind of.

Then from here I was talking to Mohammed who I was renting my apartment from on WhatsApp messenger. He was giving me directions where to go to catch the bus from – this took me quite a while to work out.

I mean at that point I thought it was a bit odd I had to get a bus away from the City that I thought I was staying in. This was certainly NOT clearly mentioned before and as I got closer I realized I wasn’t going to be staying anywhere near where I wanted to be or thought I’d be staying.

*This was a HUGE problem for me. Although, for my friends I guess this was lucky for them because it meant I wasn’t intruding on their holiday so much lol but anway about the town I stayed in.

Getting Into Auorir (Awrir)

When I got to central Agadir it was a bit of a nuisance because I could NOT figure out where to get the bus from. This took me a good few hours to work out but what I finally realized was that near the McDonalds I ended up at – the bus to Auorir went from just around the corner.

So, I got on this bus and I was able to get to where I needed to be by using Google Maps – it’s basically like what you would use driving. I used this till I knew it was time to get off. It’s funny really because the bus here I think a lot of tourists would not like it.

You are basically shoulder to shoulder with complete strangers and you have to hold onto a bar unless you can get a seat. You could easily hurt yourself I think if you are not holding on because once the bus turns a corner it is kind of like throwing you about.

It is very cheap – one good thing about it but then you kind of worry about getting pick pocketed because your so close to people but actually I think (I could be wrong) a lot of Moroccans they might rip you off but it seems a lot of them they wont steal from you.

I mean I was curious about this. After I looked up the penalty for theft in Morocco I read that;

The hudud crime of theft is referred to in Quran verse 5:38: As for male and female thieves, cut off their hands for what they have done—a deterrent from Allah. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.

SO, I don’t know if this actually does happen in Morocco but I got the feeling that I would be OK from being pick pocketed. Its not really the advise of the tourism board they say you should be very careful in crowded places like the markets etc. but I think there a lot of decent people here in Morocco – people say a lot of bad stuff about Muslims but proper Muslims have very high morals I think and they are very respectable.

Really I think its just common sense even if your back home. If you have things you don’t want stolen – be extra vigilant.

First Impressions of Aourir

When I got to Aourir I was a bit shocked seeing how the town was. It was very different from Agadir where I will mention – I actually stayed here before back in 2018. Aourir is a Market town for the most part but it is a poor area compared to central Agadir which is a lot more developed.

I guess when they say you pay cheap you get cheap maybe this is a good analogy of my situation I found myself in here but really I got to my place and it was all good Inside. It was actually very comfortable here.

I guess I only really had a problem with the place the next day. It was not actually the village itself that was the problem for me. I was happy to stay here but just the distance between here and Agadir was my issue.

Especially when I came to realize that there was no buses back to Auorir after 8PM

*Travel Tip: Always Make Sure You Keep A Note of When Public Transport is Running. Being Outside All Night I’ve done it. It’s not good but not only this you are leaving yourself very vulnerable! and this is an understatement.

Running Into My First Problems In Morocco

I really caused myself a lot of grief on this 2nd day for this reason. I found a bar to watch the football and I started drinking! 1 year and 1 week since my last drink of alcohol and In a Muslim country (Of all the places) and I was back to getting drunk again.

At the bar I was asking for alcohol free beer. This was what pretty much what got me through 2024 sober but crikey all of a sudden no one here spoke English – I ended up with a Beer that was NOT Alcohol Free.

So, I kind of just accepted it from here – I said to myself “OK may as well get drunk now, I’ve done quite well not to drink for a year and after all I am on holiday” I thought.

So, right there I had about 5 pints of beer just at that bar.

I should have got the bus after this REALLY but Instead I went to the Irish Bar next to carry on drinking and had another 5 or so Pints. Which REALLY wasn’t that cheap (70 Dirhams a drink) and it was money I should have maybe been saving as I really wasn’t that flush.

Although, I still thought I could get back at this point. I was talking to Mohammed on WhatsApp about what to do. He said the last bus was at 9 (it was not – it was at 8PM) so I missed that and he suggested I get a taxi with the InDrive App.

Well, from coming to this conclusion I thought I could stay out longer.

I ended up drinking until the Irish bar closed at around 11:30pm. It was pretty lively there really. They had a DJ mixing hip hop in a breakbeat style. Really good but I knew it – it was not a good idea staying here. I mean I knew already I had to be very careful with booking a taxi back but there I was drinking one beer after another, and this was the trouble.

Getting Back To Auorir Was VERY Expensive

I was talking to my mum and my niece on the phone. They was worried because I said about walking 3 hours up into the mountain back to Auorir. I could have done really (I think) it would have saved me a lot of problems as well but then 3 hours walking whilst drunk, at night, in a foreign country, even I will admit this sounds dangerous and stupid.

So, I was being asked by every taxi driver I went past if I wanted a ride. They are very persistent – desperate I guess you could say. Usually I would not entertain any of them but regarding my situation the next one that stopped me I just said OK take me to Auorir.

It was not the best thing I could have done. I download the InDrive App which I should have used – I could have probably got someone on there to take take me back for maybe 150-200 Dirhams that would have been fine with me but I didn’t do that.

The first taxi driver took me to another taxi to go to Auorir. He asked me for 100 Dirhams but when I give him 200 to get 100 change he said I only give him 20.

So he basically ripped me off for 180 and got 280 Dirhams off me Instead of 100.

I was NOT happy but I just kept quiet. I thought OK whatever as long as I get back but then the next taxi driver charged me 300 Dirhams which was pretty much all I had left.

580 Dirhams total it cost me – £47 GBP – I really did not have the budget for this.

SO, after this the next 3 days basically I spent in the apartment in Auorir. I was pretty skint after this and I had to make some money online – which to be fair I did but this one night really kind of upset me and I wasn’t so eager to go back out again so soon.

But I did on the Wednesday as this was the day I arranged to meet my friend and his girlfriend and AGAIN something else happened after getting drunk and staying out late that I didn’t like.

My 2nd Day Out In Agadir

On this Wednesday again I got quite drunk. It was kind of the plan really. I was meeting my friends for their last night before they flew back to the UK (I only actually see them once lol) and also Tottenham was playing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Semi Final 1st leg.

It was a good night mostly. Had some good food, had a good laugh, sung on the karaoke and Tottenham beat Liverpool 1-0.

I booked a room local for the night so I wouldn’t have to stress about going back to Aourir too. It is maybe what I should have done on the Saturday but anyway it was all going pretty well – till I got to the nightclub.

Here it just went WRONG my friends left and then I was approached to pay a bill of 720 Dirhams for 12 Bottles of beer. Which I’m quite sure I didn’t drink.

60 Dirhams a bottle. I had about 550 Dirhams on me and I had 2 very tall security guards right there wanting me to pay.

My friends said it wasn’t them because they paid before they left – so I don’t know what happened here . It was not a good way to end the night, but THEN then I had to get the hotel I was staying at.

I got there at about 5AM and I couldn’t get in. I think I was trying to sleep in a hallway (very cold) but I tried the door again and they finally let me in at around 6AM – I must have only got 2-3 hours sleep.

Really I could have just waited an hour to get the bus back but I figured free breakfast and shower – I figured I might as well.

Although, another stinger was my credit card wasn’t charged for my stay. I found 200 Dirhams I didn’t know I had prior to this. I thought great I have a little bit of money with the change in my pocket but then I had to pay for my room (Not Good).

I did get breakfast though and a shower so that was nice really but seriously I have not missed all the problems that drinking alcohol causes. If you actually get out of the tourist strip in Morocco its quite hard to find places that sell alcohol. It was kind of good for me because for the most part of my 3 weeks away I was sober on most days.

The Next Day

I wasn’t actually totally broke after this. I managed to get another 300 Dirhams together. There was these 4 Labradors (I think they were) with 2 puppies – I bought a bottle of water to give them because they really looked thirsty and after that I just found the next bar and carried on drinking.

I managed to borrow another £20 off my nephew after this and I ordered a Chicken Tangine with another beer and I got the bus back.

The guy I think he was happy because he didn’t have many customers in but I think he actually ripped me off as well because he asked me to give him all my change to pay for a beer and I think what I give him was quite a bit more than his price for 1 beer.

I suppose it would have been nice to tip him but as I was already pretty broke with another 8 days in Morocco well I wasn’t happy about it. It is actually good to have change in Morocco even 1 dirhams just to pay the exact amount so this did annoy me.

I guess maybe it was fair dues but for anyone who reads this blog I mostly travel just about scraping by – so saving every penny is very important I think.

Anyway…

My Last Couple Nights In Auorir

So, I booked to stay in Agadir for 1 week. Crikey this blog post is getting long now but still so much to tell. I got back to Auorir on the Thursday and I was supposed to leave the next day but what was quite good was I asked to stay another night and I was allowed to stay 1 more night.

And, not only this but I arranged to stay another 3 nights in Mohammed’s other place in another town called Adrar.

I was kind of a bit nervous about leaving because my actual flight back from Morocco was a week later from Marrakech. Really it was so nice for things to work out how they did.

I left Auorir on the Saturday and Mohammed told me to get the bus to Souk El Had and that I would need to get another bus to Adrar.

I mean OK so again I was not staying in Agadir really but it was a better area than Aourir. Adrar I would say is like a new city in its infancy. I would not be surprised to see it grow massively in the next 20-30 years as seems to be a lot of buildings going up and they even have a retail park.

*Note: I never knew this but in the 1960’s much of Agadir was destroyed by an earthquake. Quite a lot of people died and the whole city had to be completely rebuilt. 60 years is a long time but perhaps it does explain why there is so much ongoing construction around here.

So, AGAIN I had some trouble getting here. It is actually a bit of a nuisance in Morocco – there are a lot of bus stops that aren’t actually marked as bus stops.

I was going to where Google Maps was telling me but it was so confusing. There was taxi drivers but I really didn’t want to pay for one when a bus is only pennies compared. Mohamed was trying to tell me where to go but in the end he said he will come and got me – so that was a HUGE relief. Saved me a lot of stress.

My Next place in Adrar

I will say it was very noisy in this next apartment I stayed in. Outside is a HUGE basketball court and I thought it was probably a little bit like living in New York USA. There was a lot of kids outside playing. Nothing like in England and you could hear them till 9-10 at night.

The area wasn’t too bad though I thought. If you walk from where I was staying about 10 minutes down the road is a huge retail park with a big supermarket.

Pretty mad actually when I went in there they had a band playing down the meat and fish aisle. I couldn’t really believe it but I do like the kind of freedom people seem to have in Morocco. It is better than England in a lot of ways I think.

But, anyway, In Aourir I was really quite limited with what I could buy (I felt). I mean in reality I wasn’t – For someone a bit more braver there is plenty of market stalls to buy fresh produce from but I wasn’t really too comfortable with doing that with all the street vendors.

I had a couple days where I only ate noodles and drunk coffee so the supermarket was pretty cool to have so near to my new place.

It was closer to Agadir which was better for me – I would say from this point things just got a lot better. On the Sunday Tottenham was playing again vs. Tamworth in the FA Cup – so I got the bus to Agadir from Adrar. Not as far its not the same bus route as to Auorir so this was a bit confusing.

Where I got off the bus I think was quite a walk away from where I wanted to go to Agadir Marina where I thought they might have the football on. I ended up at the 1st McDonalds I went to on my 1st day. About 35ish minutes walk away from the beach.

Pretty boring but by this point it was well past half time and I thought well I will just stay here drink coffee and watch on my phone. Tottenham won just about (I didn’t miss much) and I just thought WELL I should know where to get the bus from so about an hour or so later I just went back to the apartment.

I missed having YouTube actually like I did in Auorir but I actually done my 1st holiday-type thing on the next day – I went to the Crocodile Park.

It is not a big place but it was NOT really too far away really I thought. Basically just a 45 minute walk up the road. That was actually quite cool although it was basically up the motorway I had to walk. Some Interesting buildings next to this – very old looking.

There is the Lion Park as well near by – I didn’t go here but It look kind of interesting – I may go here next time maybe will see. Now..

So, I left Adrar for Marrakech on the Tuesday and Mohamed I still had to pay for my time here but what was really great of him was he helped sort out my coach to Marrakech and he even drove me to the coach terminal.

All Aboard The Marrakech Express

So, my uncle shared with me a link for the Crosby, Stills and Nash song ‘The Marrakech Express’ on Facebook this was not what the coach was called but it seemed like a fitting name given the circumstances.

I really was so grateful for the help getting here but at the same time I thought what now? – what problems will I have to deal with in this new city? I was kind of feeling like I had only just settled in Adrar and now I was on the move again.

The coach journey was quite Interesting really taking the views in from out the window – so much unoccupied land. Morocco is a big country with a lot of people in but the amount of land I see that was mostly just desert between Agadir and Marrakech it did make me wonder how much of the country is like this as well.

So, the landscapes are quite something to look at. You wouldn’t want to get stuck out here. There was 2 coach stops on the way – places in the middle of nowhere. The first one I looked on Google maps how far it would be to walk to Marrakech – 24 hours it said.

Besides this, I think I was pretty fortunate not to need the toilet on the coach. Having an overactive bladder doesn’t seem to be as much as an issue as in the UK/Europe because not many people drink but there was someone on the coach that looked like they needed to go. Its definitely something to bear in mind before you take this trip (if you do).

It was around 4 hours with 2 stops on the coach before I got to Marrakech around 4:30PM. I wasn’t really sure what to think getting here but anyway I was here and it was quite eventful.

Getting Into Marrakech City

The coach stop in Marrakech was just outside a KFC. I don’t often eat KFC but I figured whilst here I could sit down and work out where I needed to get to. I had booked to stay in the Sun Hostel in the old town near Jemaa el-Fna and it was about an hour and 1/2 walk away from where I got off on the coach.

The first part of the journey wasn’t too bad. Although there was a lot of dug up roads which was a bit of a pain. It was basically just a straight walk up the road. The roads are very along here so you have to be very careful. They call this the new town it is quite scenic really but getting past this. The next part of the journey through the Medina in Marrakech old town quarters WOW.

This was a bit of a nightmare. I was not willing to ask for any directions – I was following the route on Google Maps it was very confusing. There was plenty people offering to take me here but not really the most trustable characters I guess you could say.

The worst part was even though I was walking along a footpath with other pedestrians I had to keep moving out the way for mopeds they was EVERYWHERE!

It is about 10 minutes walk from outside the Old City part to the Sun Hostel. Its basically a massive stone complex all built together. It takes some getting used to navigating through it all but I got the hang of it in the end.

The hostel it was OK (I thought). I got my own locker, the bed had curtains going across, breakfast was included and I think the best part was the list they sent me of all the tours I could book from the hostel. Also the manager of the hostel Salah is very friendly – he will make you want to come back lol but definitely the list of things to do (the tours) make it worth coming here.

I booked my 1st tour for the next day and so glad I did.

Going To Ouzoud Falls To See The Monkeys

Ouzoud waterfall tour from Marrakech January 2025

I see this trip advertised in Jemaa el-Fna city square. I went out on my 1st night and I shamefully will admit I was hoping to see the monkeys on the square. Its definitely been a thing for a long time people keeping monkeys as pets in Morocco but its now under a lot of scrutiny how these monkeys get here.

It is actually illegal without a license to keep these monkey and only a number of people (less than 20) are permitted to keep these animals (I think). I didn’t see them but I read that it is really bad. I’m glad I didn’t see the monkeys on the square and I see them on this tour.

So, I was looking at where to find wild monkeys in Morocco when I was still in Agadir and I actually thought I would have to forget the idea because it was my understanding that I would have to go to Fez.

I am not sure if this is another part of the country you can go but I googled Ouzoud falls and see they had monkeys here so I booked the tour with Salah for 200 Dirhams.

It was Incredible. I thought it was kind of funny because past Aourir is Paradaise Valley. My friend and his Girlfriend went here but they said the waterfall was dried up and here I was I actually went on this tour and the waterfall was AMAZING. 2nd biggest in Africa after Victoria falls. An Incredible place made my whole trip worth it.

I really thought that Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote was the most beautiful place I’d ever been to prior to this but this was really something else. I mean I actually liked just taking in the views from out the window of the bus – just going round the mountains.

One of the first things I see en route to the waterfall with the tour guide was a group lambs in a field. They looked so happy and it was just natural beauty. The guide said you sometimes see Otters around this area. I didn’t see any but must be interesting to be here day in day out.

Seeing the Waterfall

It was quite something because it was a bit of a trek here but it was a nice walk. You have a lot of children along the way trying to sell you monkey nuts. It is pretty pointless buying them really when you see the monkeys they will jump all over you for these but it is best to wait till you get there up where they are and get them then.

The waterfall you get to before this and the tour stops here for around an hour. You can pay around 20 dirhams to go on the boat here. It is about 15 minutes and they take you right to the waterfall – its a bit of a pain because of all the water spray but when I see the boat it was like something in a dream so they didn’t have to ask me twice if I wanted to go on it

Coming here is an absolute must if you come to Marrakech. The coach trip is fairly long but its worth it. Maybe you might not like what it is like inside the medina if your staying here and actually all around Jemaa el-Fna city square its very intense (busy) but this was good 100%

Seeing The Monkeys (Barbary Apes)

Prior to this trip I had seen the Barbary Apes in Gibraltar before. I actually on both occasions coming here found these animals to be a bit intimidating. Some of them are HUGE but it was different in Morocco – the Atlas Mountains where Ouzoud Falls are is the natural habitat of the Barbary Apes. They are found wild in Tunisia, and Algeria besides this.

The ones in Gibraltar and the ones you might see in Jemaa el-Fna are from here. So one thing I thought was it would be nice to see them at home (kind of). Although, I will say it didn’t quite seem like this because the Monkeys at the waterfall seemed like they was kind of trained.

It was a new experience for me – at the Monkeys den there was a man getting the monkeys to climb on us by giving them Monkey nuts. I had to give him some dirhams after but he did get me a good few photos.

My baby niece I have to show these every time I see her now so was well worth it.

I kind of had the feeling that it was a bit risky feeding these animals but it does seem like everyday life for them I guess and you just need to kind let them have what they want. The guy there has them somewhat trained I think but anyway – in Gibraltar they are very strict about NOT feeding them so that is what I mean.

Anyway – after seeing the monkeys we stopped for dinner and I was dropped off back at Jemaa el-Fna about half 5. Tottenham was playing Arsenal that night so I basically just went back and charged up my phone to back out.

My First Night Out In Marrakech

Salah at the hostel on WhatsApp recommended that I went to a place called the Cafe Roxe. It was not what I had in mind. I got here and they was watching Real Madrid vs. someone and drinking Mint Tea – not what I was hoping for.

So – I ended up googling Irish bars, pubs etc. There does not seem to be many places to go really if you want drink here in Marrakech. It seems like it is only at the hotels.

I found a place called the Chesterfield Pub in the end. It was about 45 minutes walk away from the medina and it was in a hotel.

It’s definitely not poor in this part of the country it actually looks nicer than most of London. So, this was an Interesting walk to get here and I finally got to the bar and they was playing Fulham vs. Leicester (I think it was) – never mind. Somebody had beat me to it. Damn.

It was alright though. I had a few beers here and I was just following the live updates on my phone. There was a couple early goals from Tottenham actually but they lost 2-3 lol

The Leicester game finished about 15 minutes before so I did get to watch the end of it but pretty dire. Good start to the game but pretty dismal towards the end.

The bar was pretty nice but it wasn’t open for much longer after the game finished. You kind of get the feeling that bars serving alcohol is a very small niche market in Morocco. The large majority of Moroccans surely don’t drink so this was a bit of a mission.

I got back to Jemaa el-Fna fairly drunk still and I ended up stopping for some street food. I had a tangine, skewers, rice and I didn’t know half of what I was eating but some of it was pretty good. Not sure many brits would be so brave but anyway – was a nice bit of Moroccan culture.

*It was nice to get out of my shell a bit – even though my time was coming to an end! Some good memories here and what a day!

*Note be careful ordering street food as some places where they will sit you down will over charge you. See if you can get a price before they serve you.

My Last Full Day In Morocco (A Long Walk)

Well, this was a bit NUTS – the night before I was looking at going to Marrakech Zoo and I really did want to come here. If you read my blog or follow my travels I go to a Zoo in most cities I go too. I don’t go to the zoos in England – only rarely but if I’m away this is a good day out for me so my plan for my last full day in Morocco was to visit this Zoo.

In Agadir the first time I went they had the Birds valley which you can walk around for free but unfortunately this was closed for renovation. It was supposed to reopen last year but the work has not been completed.

So, I was disappointed there but I thought if I could just go here it would be cool.

Now, getting to Marrakech Zoo – It was not exactly straightforward to get here. I should have got a cab. From the Sun Hostel its just a 26 minute drive but WALKING as I chose to do it is 2 hours and 50 minutes walk (according to Google Maps).

I never actually got here in the end – after walking for about 2 hours I decided to turn back around. I’d actually been heading the wrong way for a while and according to Google I was supposed to head the opposite way through a shanty town. I basically wimped out here.

But, It was quite an interesting journey really. I see buses and taxis on the way but the buses it wasn’t showing any information on Google so I didn’t bother. The taxis I just didn’t trust enough – perhaps I should have used the InDrive App – I really should get used to that next time I’m in Morocco but ANYWAY.

I ended up in this small town. It reminded me of a village near where I live called Radwell. Kind of it was pretty interesting to walk through because I doubt many British tourists come through here. A couple people did try to talk to me but I didn’t really entertain it.

It must have been strange for the locals to see me here because this town was very far from a tourist attraction but I was here and my phone was saying I had to walk through here.

I took a left up the road from here (in the wrong direction). It was pretty deserted and it was Interesting because I see Storks, I think Vultures and these little birds I thought were Roadrunners all up this road. Really I think this was enough wildlife for me to see lol I’m sure I see a couple of camels outside the shanty town as well.

dog on mattress near shanty town in marrakech

But this was it for me – after turning back around and left with the choice of carrying on through the shanty town or going back into Marrakech town I chose the latter.

I was thinking about it but I kind of lost my nerve. My battery on my phone was on about 54%. It was still another 50 minutes to walk and by the time I would have got there this would have been about half past 1, so a bit late for the zoo.

I actually thought I should do this again and walk all the way but I guess its probably not exactly sensible – If I was to be robbed! that would be my main concern and if they took my phone – no google maps would be a serious problem.

Although, I would like to do this – I like a long walk and this is a good distance.

Maybe I will speak to the staff at the Sun Hostel see if they think this is a bad idea or not – if they say its not I probably will go all the way – another time.

Getting Back To The UK

This was another thing I thought was really good about the Sun Hostel. They arranged a transfer for me to get to the airport. I got there with a good amount of time to spare. Although, were I had to meet my driver was where all the other taxi drivers were – this was a bit annoying because they were all telling me to get in their cabs – I had to head back in the medina.

It was actually so confusing and its a good job I didn’t get in one of these cabs by mistake. Fortunately I had my driver on WhatsApp and I just had to go back in the medina until he actually arrived.

So, Marrakech airport I thought was a bit crazy – police with guns, airport scanners at the entrance and very tight security. I was a bit nervous mostly about getting to my gate in time – I had to queue up to print my boarding pass.

No digital boarding passes here. It is a good idea to factor this in when getting to the airport as you have to queue for this before you go to customs. And that was another thing…

Going through customs was pretty long as well. I was a bit nervous about how long it was taking but it was all good I had enough time to go to duty free, have some food and a cup of coffee and get my plane.

I got back to England at about 3:30PM with enough time to catch the bus. It wasn’t raining but I did leave myself a parting gift from Morocco…

A Flight back to Agadir – I will be doing this all again VERY SOON…

Final Word: My Advice For Travelling To Morocco

I was actually going to write this post a bit differently 10 Travel Mistakes Not To Make In Morocco – I actually think I will publish this still in a separate post but just to summarise for anyone that wants to follow in my footsteps lol

*I bet a lot of people I know will laugh at this – follow in MY footsteps lol but as I did have a bit of trouble in Morocco I have a few tips to share…

Get Mobile Data at the Airport – 200 MAD for 50GB I think it is
If not booking a hotel in tourist area be careful where you book.
Be careful getting drunk and with taxi drivers
Get used to using the InDrive App and use the right change to pay.
Watch out for thieves in the Souks and Medinas – I didn’t get robbed but I have read this several times now… I heard someone say someone on a bike tried to grab their phone – so be careful if you have an expensive phone.
Watch what you spend if drinking in Night Clubs or don’t go to them

Morocco is an interesting country there’s lots to do here. It’s a nice climate, a very different cultural experience and depending on what you do it can be quite cheap. I’d definitely recommend coming here and YES I will be back here with Teddy very soon…

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Bizarre Happenings In Gibraltar And Malaga – It’s Finally Over. What a mad week it was! I got to Malaga on the 1st of April (April Fools Day) and I was thinking what the joke was that I could tell people. WELL, as far as jokes go, I didn’t get to Malaga till quite late…
Travelling To Agadir And Marrakech Morocco With No Hotel Oh Dear!
My 1st post of 2025. Pretty mad really – Only 3 days into the new year and I was off away again Travelling To Agadir And Marrakech Morocco. It was barely a few days after getting back from Fuerteventura that I booked my flight. I looked it up and I thought £15 – this is…
Going Back To Fuerteventura – My 2nd Time In A Year And 2024 Recap
Going Back To Fuerteventura for My 2nd stay… Only 10 months since my last trip here. It was a bit strange really, as never did I think I would be back so soon. I mean, after last time I did say that I would come back – because I was disappointed that I never see…
How Do I Afford To Go Travelling SO MUCH – What Are My Secrets?
This is something I thought about doing a blog post on before. As every once in a while, without fail, someone will say this to me How Do I Afford To Go Travelling So Much?? My friend actually said this to me just last week as I was boarding my plane to Lanzarote “Wow Alex…
9 European Countries In 11 Days – It’s Finally Over – Teddys Tour 2024
Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it has been. I went to 9 European Countries In 12 Days! ((It’s actually 7 if you take away England, and Belgium (where my coach stopped at a petrol station) but I think this sounds a bit better for a title. Call it click bait if you like…

Going Back To Fuerteventura for My 2nd stay… Only 10 months since my last trip here. It was a bit strange really, as never did I think I would be back so soon. I mean, after last time I did say that I would come back – because I was disappointed that I never see the chipmunks lol, but I thought perhaps this would maybe be in a couple years.

I think what it was really is that when it come to booking cheap flights on Black Friday this was a safe bet for me because I knew what I was letting myself in for. People say you should use these opportunities to go to new places, but, wholeheartedly, I am so glad I did make this choice.

I definitely, felt like my stay last time was too short and this time around I had an extra day here, which I think definitely made the difference.

Although, to be honest I never really did much new (really) this time around. The chipmunks were evasive as ever and again unfortunately I never see them. I suppose it wasn’t the end of the world that I didn’t. I Mean I wanted to see them so I could send my friend a photo but actually this time around, I said to myself I didn’t want to obsess and waste my time here.

Last time in Fuerteventura I really got carried away with this – reading through posts on Tripadvisor etc. and trying to find places on google maps where people said they see them. It was such a hinderance, I was almost out of battery on my phone and I almost got lost because of this – which wasn’t good considering that was my first time on the island.

Pretty annoying really – I could imagine these Chipmunks behind the bins laughing away lol

So, my search will resume whenever I decide to go back. I’m thinking if I just stop looking I will see one when I’m least expecting it. Always the way – I suppose it is just one of those silly things and once I see one of them then I will start seeing them everywhere.

I’ve read that they are pests and their numbers are out of control on the Island but this is actually laughable to me – as if so – where are they?

Anyway, you can read a bit more about the chipmunks in my earlier post about Fuerteventura (here) – but, for now let me share with you about my trip to Fuerteventura for this 2nd time and actually, this was also my 3rd time in Lanzarote (In the space of a year).

So, What did me and Teddy get up to?

Going Back To Fuerteventura (My 2nd Time)

I decided to come back to Fuerteventura (and Lanzarote) because I wanted to take advantage of the Black Friday flight deals. I am not really sure if I got much of a discount in all honesty, I think these flights are probably quite cheap anyway, but I think it was a good excuse to take book a holiday to somewhere with better weather.

So, Black Friday was pretty good before COVID started getting bad. Especially with Ryanair’s £5 flight sale – with this I went to Dublin, Barcelona and Malta DIRECT for just £5 in 2019/2020. By comparison – Black Friday 2024 didn’t seem like it had much on offer like this. Nowhere I really wanted to go to so this was I think a no brainer.

I will have to check the difference next year. It would be nice to go somewhere new, out of Europe but I guess I suppose for this holiday I just wanted some sunshine after my last trip away. It was pretty cold and wet for the most part in nearly all the countries I went to so this was kind of A REASON I would say.

Croatia was OK actually, but everywhere else seemed to be not not much different from England wet, miserable and cold. Nothing like the Canary Islands.

Also, last year when I booked on Black Friday it didn’t really work out that cheap really. Getting out there was cheap but getting back was about £65. I mean I know people will think this is normal but this year I booked with this in mind so I could get back home in good time and for only £4.00.

So, it was pretty cheap. On this occasion, it cost me £19 to get to Lanzarote and £22 to fly back from Fuerteventura. I definitely had all my bases covered this time around. Last time I was booking for my friend as well and he kept telling me to wait till he was ready and I missed the cheaper, better flights there and back.

We had to get a taxi at 12 o clock at night. It was cheaper than I thought it would be (around £40) but still I was so glad to avoid that this time.

So, yes, It was overall, a nice cheap trip away, weather was great apart from a bit of rain but best part I had no trouble or unexpected costs whatsoever.

*Note – this is a lie as I brought the keys home from the Corralejo Garden & Relax Hostel in Fuerteventura. No big issue but this did cost me £10 to post them back.

**Note: I could have gone back for £17 – I did consider it but I just thought no, this is too soon – I’ll just pay the £10 postage and I’ll go back there whenever I do. Maybe next year but no plans yet. See what happens SO…

Leaving England For Lanzarote

I left England on a cold Tuesday morning. The weather was pretty terrible in the days prior to this time with Storm Darragh hitting large parts of the country. It was very cold before I left and the Sunday before when I went to bed, because I had the window open in my bedroom, I caught a very nasty cold.

It was lucky that they didn’t make me do a COVID test at the airport. I probably would have failed it. Some people I suppose would have NOT gone away under these circumstances but what my logic was – was that once I got into Lanzarote the warm weather would help me get over it, and actually it did – very quickly.

It’s like I think this is such a good idea – going away in Winter to somewhere with a warmer climate. It makes so much sense I think – especially when it is cheap as getting to the Canary Islands with the Black Friday deals.

I see why it is such a popular destination. I really do. Although, I will say I was worried about sharing a room. My first night at the Beach House Hostel where I stayed I was told I was snoring like a beast (quite embarrassing). My nose was very bunged up so I kind of knew – that I was going to snore the roof off, but I really hoped that I wouldn’t.

It’s one of those things about staying in a hostel. On one side people should accept that they get what they pay for but you still don’t want to upset no one.

So, first night was not good but after only 1 day – the next morning my room mate (A German), said to me at the breakfast table that I wasn’t snoring nowhere as bad as the night before. It was the other people in the room he said lol

So that was that.

The second day I still had a bit of a cough but this soon cleared up. The rest of my stay here was pretty good – and actually it was another good holiday.

Better in many ways as this time I really (I think) got my bearings around. Something that will make any future trips here so much more stress free i’m sure.

But about this trip.

4 Nice Days In Lanzarote

I think this worked out just right. I got into Lanzarote about 6:30pm – and I knew what I was doing this time. When I came here the last time in February I ended up walking up the road thinking I was near where I was staying in Arrecife. I forgot that the time before this (only 2 1/2 months before) that when I left the airport with my friend I got the bus. So 3rd time here I remembered not to do this..

It was a bit cold and windy on my first night really. It was OK, it was still (just about) T-shirt weather. I was tempted to put a jumper on but I was fine without one for the hour or so I was out for in Arrecife.

Really, I just wanted to eat something and It was good to get back to my place and go to bed, and that was it for my 1st night.

It was warmer the next day and the next morning another thing which was good was I didn’t realise last time they did free breakfast at my hostel. So that was a bonus.

So, on this 2nd day, I had my breakfast and headed off to Puerto Del Carmen. It is pretty much just bars, restaurants, arcades and shops here with a beach in front. In my view going away just to eat and get drunk is too easily done. For me getting myself on tours etc. is much better.

There are a few good places to go in Puerto Del Carmen. I went to Lineker’s bar for drinks and the American Indian Cafe for food. This is probably the stand out place for me. If you come here at night they have live music but they are open from about 10AM I think.

A few other places I went to too. This included the arcade where I went to play Ghostbusters Pinball and the shops to get myself a UK phone adapter so I could use my laptop.

I went back about 6pm to the Beach hostel but another thing I did do on this 2nd day was booking to go on the Lanzarote Highlights tour the next day.

The Lanzarote Highlights Tour

This was my biggest expense of the trip. I had to pay for this on my credit card (about £125) but it was a good day out. Well worth doing I think.

Last time I did the Lanzarote Grand tour – this was cheaper before If I remember correctly but it was sold out this time so I booked the Lanzarote highlights tour instead.

It was quite similar but the main difference was that we spent less time in Timfanya park (where the Volcanoes are) and on this tour we went down into the caves at Cueva de Los Verdes.

This was pretty amazing – it was funny because a guy on the tour was a man celebrating his 57th Birthday and he was very vocal about this. He kept saying “It’s my birthday” lol it was a kind of running joke for the whole trip almost.

So, I thought he would shout “Everyone, It’s my Birthday” again for the millionth time and cause a cave in at Cueva de Los Verdes.

He kept saying it on the coach, he said it when we stopped for breakfast, and for lunch so I kind of was expecting it. It was quite funny really but yes when we got in the cave I was thinking oh god he is going to cause a cave in.

I had a joke with him after this – he definitely got the joke. I was thinking about the episode of Father Ted when it happens lol but besides this.

Inside the caves it was quite something. Just how all the rocks have formed and all the colours. They have concerts in here too. I’m not really someone that goes to watch concerts like this but I can imagine its probably quite special to watch it here – very interesting.

But, definitely, the most amazing thing Inside is a kind of phantom pool of water. If you look at this you would think it is just a cliff face – like you wouldn’t want to trip and fall down there, but the crazy thing is this wouldn’t happen because its water. It is just so clear it’s invisible.

And crazier still – you have lobsters in here. The tour guide actually caught one from out this pool. It was like he pulled it from out of nowhere.

So, that was very cool. Then the final stop was Jameos Agua. This was a big reason I came on this tour because visiting here the first time was like a beautiful dream. It was Incredible as I really wasn’t expecting to see what I did inside.

Coming back to see this was an absolute must for me. It wasn’t really the same coming here again but I guess it was good to go there again, just not so much of a surprise as before.

My Last Day In Lanzarote

On my last day I pretty much did the same as I did on my 2nd day. Got the bus to Puerto Del Carmen and ate and drank. I went for tea in Goofy Burger, went for a burger at the American Indian Café and actually the day before I found a cool African bar – it was quite a lot like my friends old bar in Letchworth GC, Hertfordshire so I went in there for a few zero beers.

I come across it actually the day before after I finished the Lanzarote Highlights tour – I had a steak in here when I first found it. It is funny actually because you can have a sirloin steak meal in Lanzarote for under £10.00 so I was pretty much having this every day.

Shocking really, and It is no wonder people think I’ve won the lottery lol but they do this in a lot of places. It’s like you order and you worry about the how much the bill will be like its so cheap you think they’ve made a mistake but then you get it and it is only 10 or 11 euros.

I think it is because there is low taxes or it is tax free. Its no wonder people from the UK come here so much as what we have to pay in tax would mean paying double back home.

Crossing Over To Fuerteventura On The Ferry

Last time I did this crossing it was a lovely trip – I was up on the top deck just looking over the amazing blue water just taking in the views. I think I was hoping to see some Dolphins lol (I didn’t) but this time it was very (very) windy so I never went up to the top deck.

It was kind of making me a bit sea sick because the boat was rocking so much but the crossing is pretty quick really – about 45 minutes (I think) so it was over quickly enough.

I know some people come over to Fuerteventura for a day trip from Lanzarote and go back at night. I’ve never done this myself and I don’t think I’d want to – having to rush back to get the boat but maybe this is just me. Fuerteventura (I think) is more laid back than Lanzarote and you can definitely tell (I would say).

I personally, would definitely recommend the hostel where I have stayed at on both my stays here – The Corralejo Garden and Relax Hostel it is only minutes away from the ferry port.

I didn’t even need to use my phone this time around to find it. It is very friendly here. Its got a kind of Zen Buddhist feel about the place. They had live music here in the garden on the first night too. I didn’t actually go out but I could hear it from Inside. It was pretty good – they did a cover of Bob Marley Jamming I think it was. Some very interesting Instruments being played.

I think if I could come to any place and not have to stress then it would be here. The 3 nights here were great – I think maybe next time I might come for longer but I was pretty satisfied with what I did over this time as short as it was.

Visiting The Wildlife Park (My 2nd Time)

Bird of Prey Statue at Fuerteventura Oasis Wildlife Park.

Really this is probably one of my favourite places I been too. Just so peaceful – and quite a lot to see here. Although, almost, I thought I might have to miss out this time. I booked the tickets online but the next morning I was quite worried because there had been heavy rain. It was hammering it down very early 5-6AM – which apparently is not normal for this island.

I was thinking whether I should just not go because of this but I kind of decided I would and good job too because if I hadn’t I would not have been happy about it.

It was still raining when I got there but thankfully it stopped not long after. I was kind of worried it might be a hurricane when I got up to see it. Like I was thinking what if the weather had meant my plane couldn’t leave?

I think that I would have been OK with that – having to stay here longer but anyway.

I had a pretty good day here. What I was thinking the same as last time is it would be a nice place to go with the family. Especially Children. Although, saying that it is just such a nice and calm place to walk around by yourself. I think maybe this is what I like about most zoos even the small one in Gibraltar it is just so peaceful.

I think last time I didn’t watch any of the shows except the Parrots. This is pretty amazing because you can see the Macaws actually flying around. They are quite well trained. They fly around and go straight back to their trainers.

You can also see the Birds of Prey show (bit of a walk) this has Vultures, Owls and Eagles. Even the American Bald Eagle which is pretty impressive.

That was cool and after this I caught the end of the Sea Lion show – pretty cool also but this was sad for me because it was almost time to go (about 3:45) and they was playing a soppy Phil Collins song. It was a bit emotional lol.

They were too very well trained too and they looked like they were very happy swimming around. Their enclosure is pretty big and I haven’t seen one like this I don’t think. Sea Lions aren’t usually a big deal for me, I’m more Interested in Dolphins really but anyway was a good show.

The only show I didn’t watch was the one talking about the plants – they have loads of cactus here. Maybe would have been interesting but I am more interested in the animals more than anything else. I heard someone else say too that they thought it would be a bit boring but anyway…

The Next Day

A pretty chilled one really. This was what I would have liked to have done last time. Just having a whole day to walk around Corralejo to explore. I mean the main street I wouldn’t have minded seeing a bit more of. Lots of clubs and bars. A bit like Puerto Del Carmen but better I think.

I had to kind of rush back after this because I needed to use the laundrette and wash my clothes before I left but still I think it was a good exercise for getting to know the place a bit better for next time I come over (which I’m guessing I very likely will).

So I went out in the morning for breakfast and a few zero alcohol beers. The night before I found a very nice bar (where I watched the football) they had these beers here called Free Dam for 3 euros a bottle which were quite nice.

It is just a lovely city. You have the coast with all the beaches you can walk along and they have all bars and restaurants along here. Live music in a lot of places too and then you can go into the town which I didn’t see a lot of but I suppose I will another time.

It was very vibrant with all the Christmas Decorations up. Lots of bars and restaurants but only place I went in was the arcade to play Pinball. The had a game Avengers Infinity Saga (I think it was). This was pretty cool had a few goes on this and that was it really.

I did actually have to use Google Maps for about 5 minutes after this. It was funny because it was saying turn left to Amarillo and all I could think of was the song lol but I got back, done my washing and went to bed.

Leaving Fuerteventura (I didn’t want to)

This was pretty quick and easy. I knew where the bus stop was from before – and then I knew I had to get another bus from Puerto Del Rosario. This I think is the capital city of Fuerteventura – I didn’t really see very much of it but I see a lot of people stay here as well. Maybe worth checking out next time I come.

So there was no panicking on this morning I had to leave. Last time I was very anxious about missing my plane but this time I got to the airport with about 3 hours to spare. No rushing, no panic. Stress free pretty much I would say.

It was sad to go really the complete opposite of gloomy England. When I got into Luton the air was smoggy, people were moaning at me on the bus because I was playing back voice notes on my phone. Like I really wanted to say something but respectfully I didn’t.

So, I was not thrilled to get back to England. It was raining as soon as I got off the plane. I had a kind of scrubs moment because I see another plane was being boarded. I was imagining myself jumping over the tape and getting in the queue for the other plane lol

I always want to go away again when I get back. And it is funny I say that…

My next trip I am already on staying in Aourir (awrir) Morocco.

In Conclusion

On the bus to Luton Airport I was thinking about this – am I really just taking the mickey out of people. I seem to get away so easily whilst people must look at what I am doing with envy. I keep getting people say this actually that they are jealous lol

But I was thinking do people know how easy and cheap it can be to get to Lanzarote / Fuerteventura from Luton. It’s only £4 to get to the airport for me and then just £20 each way for the plane if I time it right. It is quite simple really and I think I did say on Facebook – who is booking flights this Black Friday? I’m sure nobody actually did.

I could be wrong but maybe it is just that I have a “Just Do It!” kind of mentality. It would be good if others could see me and think I am going to do that as well but I guess it can be scary doing this I mean, I’ve had enough bad travel experiences now to know to be more careful but hey I guess this makes it a lot easier for me with every new trip.

Just knowing how to prepare etc.

My next trip I think will be the next kind of stage of this – I want to try and get out of Europe a bit more but for others knowing how to deal with certain situations wherever you go is a good thing to think about.

I shall finish up this blog post here but stayed tuned for me and Teddy’s next adventure – coming a lot sooner than you may think…

Bizarre Happenings In Malaga and Gibraltar blog from April 2025

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How Do I Afford To Go Travelling SO MUCH – What Are My Secrets?

ByAlex Chivers December 15, 2024

This is something I thought about doing a blog post on before. As every once in a while, without fail, someone will say this to me How Do I Afford To Go Travelling So Much?? My friend actually said this to me just last week as I was boarding my plane to Lanzarote “Wow Alex…

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9 European Countries In 11 Days – It’s Finally Over – Teddys Tour 2024

ByAlex Chivers December 13, 2024January 25, 2025

Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it has been. I went to 9 European Countries In 12 Days! ((It’s actually 7 if you take away England, and Belgium (where my coach stopped at a petrol station) but I think this sounds a bit better for a title. Call it click bait if you like…

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Lost In Austria Found In Prague – Little Teddy Bear Lost!

ByAlex Chivers November 22, 2024November 22, 2024

Since my last post about my time in Belgrade, Serbia It has been pretty eventful I would say. I left Belgrade to go to Zagreb, Croatia and from Zagreb I travelled to Budapest, Hungary then I went to Vienna, Austria and now I am in Prague, Czech Republic (my 4th time here). I will also…

This is something I thought about doing a blog post on before. As every once in a while, without fail, someone will say this to me How Do I Afford To Go Travelling So Much??

My friend actually said this to me just last week as I was boarding my plane to Lanzarote “Wow Alex you must be loaded – YOU ARE GOING AWAY AGAIN! Already”. I mean I kind of hate it as I don’t want to ruffle too many feathers, I guess you could say BUT I DO kind of get it – travelling can be quite expensive, and here I am not even 1 month since my last trip and I’m off again.

I should not brag I know. Some people must look at me and think I am rubbing their noses right in it – whilst they are at home struggling to pay their bills in cold, miserable England here I am sunning it up on the beach AGAIN!

So, yes I know sometimes me doing this might look bad. I am inclined to think otherwise but It is a tough one. On one hand I do believe that whatever someone’s situation is – if they are not pulling the trigger to make something like a holiday happen then that is a big part of the problem.

Although, I do understand just because I manage to afford it this doesn’t mean that everyone else can. Except I do definitely believe that travelling can be a lot more affordable than most people think – They just don’t know it! and actually the question “How Do I Afford To Travel So Often” – Well, the answer I think might be helpful for people to actually pull that trigger!

So, I guess many people reading this will wonder what they can do themselves to make International travel more of a reality?

Well, I really don’t want to give people bad advice here. I am not saying quit your job or to do exactly as I do no matter what the consequences – but maybe you can take some pointers.

This will be my best advice I hope – you might have some of your own that you would like to share but anyway – here goes…

How Do I Afford To Go Travelling SO OFTEN – What Are My Secrets?
(Some Ideas To Think About)

that one friend on facebook that no ones knows what they do for a job but always seems to be travelling *Now, so the screenshot above is a post on Facebook I see recently. Maybe you could say this was the real motivation for me to write this lol, BECAUSE – I thought when I see this THAT THIS must be what it is like for people I have on Facebook to see my go on so many International trips!

*In all honesty, (as of now) I haven’t been to any of the places in the picture above (I don’t think) – there are a lot of places that I have been to though and my point being IS this is like me TOTALLY.

And I like that thought – one month I’m in Egypt then next I’m in Italy and then 2 months later I’m in Spain or Greece lol I mean I think I’m a bit off being able to afford this as of now but what I do do already I think is still pretty impressive, for sure.

So, if you are wondering how I manage to do this all – my first secret I will share. Here goes…

I Travel Cheap As Possible

Perhaps this may not come as a big surprise to people but when I go away I am looking to find low prices on both flights and accommodation.

As an example, my most recent trip to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura – I booked the flights on Black Friday for £33.00 total and I booked at times I knew I would be able to get to the airport for £4 each way.

Now, if you put this perspective I am getting to Lanzarote and back for £41.00. I mean there is other costs too but this is how cheap you can do this for. You may think OK that is cheap but what about everything else?

1 weeks accommodation has cost me £160 but here is the thing some places I go to I will pay nowhere near this. I stayed in Budapest last year for only £5 a night and EVEN got fed one night as well for free.

It is like this really – it depends on what your standards are. Before I had to get by with NO MONEY whilst away. I slept outside on a deckchair and got burnt alive. You could actually do this but I don’t recommend it lol

I actually do pay for meals and tours whilst I’m away but I’ll also just walk for miles with just a bottle of water. Not drinking alcohol as well is a great tip.

Self catering is something else – in theory you probably could have a nice cheap holiday that is quite comfortable by just doing this – I see many people do this when I travel and it could cut the money you spend whilst away DRASTICALLY! Although, to be fair I never actually stop working!

I Make Money Whilst I’m Away From eBay and Other Sources – SECRET #2

selling on ebay whilst on holiday

I have personally sold on eBay for over 10 years now. It is a nuisance at times finding places where to put everything around my home I have to say but whilst, I am away even though I won’t typically sell as much this helps me out big time. I really don’t know what I’d do without it.

I will say that typically having consistent sales day to day helps.

My main tips for selling on eBay whilst on holiday are;

#1 – Run a campaign with an ad rate of around 4%,
#2 – End items that are ending soon manually and relist as sell similar with slight change to title and any improvements you can make
#3 – Send offers of 5-10% off to help get items sold
#4 – Message ALL CUSTOMERS ASAP to check they are aware you are on holiday and are happy to wait till you get back.

I have had buyers say before that it is wrong that I do this – Accept orders in the full knowledge that I WILL NOT post them until I get home from my holiday – whenever that will be but I wholeheartedly disagree – I believe that as long as you let your customers know right away this is OK to do.

They can then request to cancel if they wish to do so. I am typically asked to cancel around 10% of my orders when I do this but the best thing is that because I do this I typically don’t get bad feedback.

In my experience this is why you absolutely must check with each customer after they complete each purchase so they can make other arrangements if needs be.

So that is my main thing to share I guess but it is not all. There are many ways to make money online when your travelling. Any good hostel should have WIFI so it really is quite possible if you know how.

Ways To Make Money Online Whilst Travelling

OK now I don’t currently (really) make any other money online besides eBay but you definitely can and I will share some ideas with you that may help;

Sign Up For Appen.com for Online Work
Use Social Media & Other Methods For Affiliate Marketing
Make Profitable Investments (If You Can Find Them)
Complete Work As A Freelancer On Fiverr etc.
Start a Blog and Monetize it (My Future Plan)
Find Products That Sell on Amazon FBA (Drop shipping)

So, I think going away just to work does sound like a waste of a good time, and It definitely can be. However, I do think personally – if you can do something that you know how to do well enough ONLINE that is guaranteed to pay then this will be very important for affording future trips.

Keep trying different things at home and like the saying “keep chucking mud at the wall until something sticks” that is my advice but anyway…

How Else Do I Afford To Travel?

For my last few holidays (including this latest one) out has come the credit card. Like this I think is a terrible thing to do – its a very hard trap to get out of.

I mean I guess you could say that I can’t really afford this as well as I make out. You definitely don’t want to be becoming over reliant on loans and credit cards. Credit cards are good to have for emergencies but that is really all they should be used for.

So this is one thing but there is another thing too. Sometimes certain Duty Free products can be resold for a profit (not tobacco or alcohol – you can’t sell this without a license) but basically Retail Arbitrage you can do with other items bought from Duty Free. Perfume, Aftershave etc.

It can be a good investment to recoup some of the money you spent whilst on holiday. On YouTube there is a guy from the UK called Jon Luc (an eBay reseller) – I see last year he bought a load of baseball caps from Dubai airport for quite cheap and he was selling for about £20 a hat.

That is what I mean if I can I will keep a bit of money for the airport so I can try make some money back to cover things like my credit card.

Saving Money Whilst Away (Very Important)

This is important too – avoid costly mistakes. Take precautions to stop you needing to pay for things that you otherwise wouldn’t have to pay. For example; missed flights, coaches or trains. Last minute arrangements, lost property, not being able to find your accommodation and so on.

I think back to my 2nd time in Prague – 5 flights I didn’t use to get home and the one I did finally use I had to owe my friend £100 for. This is no lie it was during COVID and was an absolute nightmare all because I never charged my phone – It was actually good I stayed longer but this left me with £4 to 500 debt and how easy could this have been avoided.

Also, losing my phone – I’ve done this on 3 separate occasions and this has always cost me more than just a new phone. I think forward planning can save a lot of money with travelling thus making it more affordable.

In Conclusion

So there you have it. The cat is out the bag – about how I afford to go travelling so often lol. I think actually there is much more I can do to make this work better for me. I’m very keen to master this laptop lifestyle lark so whatever I can to make this more possible I’ll be working on.

I will be sharing another post soon about finding cheap flights – these methods mostly I am yet to test out but yes (read the post here when its published).

I mean I don’t think I’m quite there yet with comfortably affording to go away every month – at least not with getting in more debt but anyway – yes I hope this post can inspirational and helpful!

If you have any questions please ask away in the comments.

Also, if you would like to show your appreciation for my work consider buying me a coffee HERE<<

Many Thanks and Bon Voyage;

From Alex, Teddy and Colin!

Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it has been. I went to 9 European Countries In 12 Days! ((It’s actually 7 if you take away England, and Belgium (where my coach stopped at a petrol station) but I think this sounds a bit better for a title. Call it click bait if you like but let’s just roll wit it shall we?

So, actually, It’s funny because I think by this logic maybe I could have been to more countries as well. On the coach/train I spent a long time on several trips. I wasn’t actually checking but I guess its possible I may have crossed through other countries too.

Perhaps Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Bosnia I could have gone through (possibly) – I don’t think I did. I only know that I went through Belgium for sure as this was on the route tracker on Flix Bus, – Liege was where we stopped.

But, anyway, I suppose it doesn’t matter about the UK and Belgium because otherwise the countries (cities) I did go to I definitely can talk about quite a bit.

These were;

Serbia,
Croatia,
Hungary,
Austria,
Czech Republic,
Germany and
France.

Now, so, I was glad to get back home if I must say. It was a lot for me to deal with really moving around so much and not taking my time about things a bit more. It was a bit sad leaving Prague especially I thought – I was thinking WHY leave so soon?

And Berlin, I think I should have stayed another day there too. I think it was because it was more expensive to stay in the hostel that I didn’t book another night and I was kind of anxious about not really being so clear about my route ahead.

So, in Paris it was cheaper to stay at the hostel than Berlin but by this point I just wanted to get back home. I mean really didn’t really mind only spending 14 hours there. I’d like to go back really at some point in the next couple of years – to go to the Zoo and maybe the aquarium but yes I was a bit worn out by this point so just wanted to get back.

But, back to the story – writing this post (I think) will perhaps be a good way of sharing my experience of this time.

I would like to think for people reading this it will be a good read and perhaps enough to help with some ideas for their own trips away across Europe. So,…

9 European Countries In 12 Days – It’s Finally Over

*(Above is my last photo I took in Paris before I got the coach back – there was a Rat here but it run away lol before I could get a picture – I was thinking of the Disney Film Ratatouille as this was set is in Paris lol).

Anyway, I got back today about 1PM after leaving Paris at 22:15 last night. After getting into London at around 7AM my Flix Bus to Stevenage was booked for 8AM and really it worked out pretty well. Only £6 to get back from London (Just £4 from London to Stevenage and £2 on my local bus).

It is great really – I actually love the fact I can get back to and from London Victoria for such a low price and from there is several options to get back on to the continent.

The thing I like about coaches is so much less stress compared to planes and airports, and it is cheaper most the time.

So, I was actually shocked when I worked this out – I left from Luton to get to Serbia on the 13/11/2024 and got home on the 24th – I was well prepared to spend 3 weeks away but I guess I did just want to get back in the end. So,…

Here is how it all went…

My First Time In Belgrade, Serbia

*In Belgrade there is Graffiti everywhere I think the word is Ghetto but I felt quite safe here really. I think if you kind of just see it for what it is – it’s OK.

Now, after touching down In Belgrade I think I booked my hostel at the airport right there and then – maybe this was a bit silly to leave so late but anyway I paid £11 to stay in an 8 bed mixed dorm.

The hostel was called El Diablo and maybe some people will know what this means in Spanish (El Diablo means The Devil) and it was a pretty macabre sort of place – I will explain why it was shortly.

But anyway, so I took a minute after booking my hostel at the airport to see where I needed to go, what bus I needed to get etc.

My problem at this point was I couldn’t find where I needed to get the bus from. There was plenty of taxi drivers that offered to take me but I wanted to get the bus. Without being disrespectful to them they was like flies on ****!

And really I could have saved myself a lot of trouble if I just paid for one of these taxis. I am sure they could have done with the fare but I was quite insistent with myself that I would save my money and get a bus.

At one stage I did start walking, as I thought maybe I could follow the sign posts to Beograd Centar but then I kind of figured out that the bus I needed to get went from the entrance of the airport – So that was a relief.

Although, I think it was a bit scary getting into Belgrade City Centre. There was a McDonalds near where I got off so I went in there. It was quite useful to use the WIFI here and to get some food and it did help me get my bearings.

I did a whole blog post about what happened here after this lol (read it here). Using the tram took some getting used to but I did eventually get to my hostel.

It was a pretty hellish kind of place. It was almost decorated like it was still Halloween and the hostel had a pet cat that made a strange electrical sound.

Belgrade Zoo was only a straight walk down the road from my hostel which I think was the best part. I really liked it here and for only 5 euros to get in this was quite reassuring.

I would come back just for this but yes I was eager to get moving so I booked my coach to Zagreb for the next day. It was less than 24 hours I stayed in Belgrade before I left, and I suppose it was over pretty quickly.

Leaving here was a bit of a nightmare. Typical me making mistakes again. I got on the wrong tram then I didn’t have time to get another.

Luckily I by chance found the El Diablo Hostel and they got a taxi just in time. I got to the coach thankfully but even then I thought I would miss it as I had more trouble there. They wouldn’t let me into the coach station without a ticket! (about 2 euros I had to pay) – just as I thought I was able to finally leave.

Luckily I got to my coach before it left. I had had enough of Serbia at this point but its good it worked out OK as this would have put me off coming back (I think) and now as it stands I would come back again 100% – I know the place better now so certainly I would have less problems. But moving on…

My 2nd Stay In Zagreb Croatia

Now, Its difficult to say this without being disrespectful to the other cities I been to in Eastern Europe but Zagreb just seems like it is a lot nicer to me. It is not that I like it more than anywhere else – each city has its own unique qualities but I think Zagreb just seems like more money has gone into developing it.

The streets are clean, the trams are very convenient to get about with it and there is a lot of beautiful architecture like in Prague and Budapest.

I stayed in Zagreb for 2 nights this time around. The 1st night I got in quite late so as soon I got here I went straight to my hostel.

This was a different place than where I stayed before called the Hi Hostel – I paid £26 for 2 nights and I was quite happy with this. I made a bit of an idiot out of myself when I got here actually. Pretty funny.

I thought I was stuck in the lift – I looked so daft when someone come and just pushed the door open. I was pressing the emergency button and all sorts. It was embarrassing going back down 10 minutes later. I suppose you can imagine.

So, I had a full day to go to Zagreb Zoo and kind of relax a bit. I was disappointed not to see the Chimpanzees here like last time but overall It is a good place to come to. The park outside Maximir Park I didn’t notice too much before but it was such a beautiful area with its big lake and woodland.

My only complaint was the new Converse Chuck Taylors that I bought to wear on this trip were really hurting my feet. I am sure I must have been walking around like a penguin lol.

I seemed to eventually wear them in but it was quite painful I would say – my little toe had the biggest blister on it. I mean really, I could have caused some drama about that I’m sure but I just kept quiet and it was fine in the end.

It was a good day so I think I would like to get back out to Zagreb sooner rather than later. It is after all where I came through last time when I went to the Bosnian Pyramids which I am very keen to visit again. Perhaps next year…

But moving on (again),…

My 3rd Time In Budapest in 2 Years

Deac Ferenc Ter Budapest Hungary Ferris Wheel Xmas Fayre

This was the main reason I came on this trip – my nephew was out here with his friends, and I basically agreed with him that I would meet him a bit later on during his stay. I was actually thinking about this loads but this was my excuse.

The Initial plan was that my nephew was going to meet me in Budapest and come with me as I went from one City to the next. He wanted to go to Bratislava but my plan was to head to Vienna.

During this stay I came to somewhere different than before – Deak Ferenc Ter. I am pretty sure the last time around I didn’t come to this part of Budapest.

It was quite a lively place (I thought) – There was a Big Ferris Wheel and Christmas Market here, and some pretty famous hotels like the Ritz. I wasn’t drinking on this trip but it seemed like this area would have been good for it.

So, I caught up with my Nephew after going to Budapest Zoo the next day. It was quite different from how I remembered it. There is a beautiful big lake at the front of the zoo and last time it just really looked so amazing but this time I didn’t quite get the same feeling.

I think maybe it would be better in another season maybe Spring or early Summer. And also on the topic of Lakes on the way to the Zoo I walked past Széchenyi Baths.

This looks like it good be good to come to when the weather is nice – it was pretty fascinating to see still as the whole area was covered in steam.

Széchenyi Baths Budapest during the day in November

I guess there is a lot you could do in Budapest and really have a great time if you spent long enough here. With my nephew we went to a couple places to eat.

At one place I had a burger and 2 alcohol free beers and he had 2 cokes. The bill was about 40 euros (wrong place lol). I was shocked by this. Budapest is very cheap but it depends where you go. Some places can be quite pricey.

The 2nd place I went to was the Beef and Bone Restaurant. I wouldn’t have come here on my own but it was alright to be fair – my nephew was already here with 3 of his friends.

It took me ages to find this place but prices were reasonable and the food was good. I got a Bolt back to my hostel after this. It was something I kind of was a bit hesitant of after my 1st time in Budapest.

I was worried I would see the same driver from before that I wasn’t able to pay. I guess if I knew how to get hold of him I would but I wouldn’t have liked it to be like this where I was put on the spot.

Bolt by the way, I highly recommend. As Travel Apps go I think It is right up there with Hostelworld, Flix Bus and Trainline as my Must Have Apps for travelling.

You kind of need to have a travelling tool kit I guess you would call it but moving on. I left Budapest on the train – my first train ride of this trip.

On To Vienna (My 2nd Time)

My nephew decided against coming with me to Vienna. He had a flight from Budapest back to the UK for the next day and he decided this was for the best. I had bought him a train ticket but no he never come.

Just like Teddy and Colin (read my post here to find out what happened). So, I was pretty excited to get back to Vienna – I had good memories of my time here before but this time YES I kind of ruined it.

You can read all about this in my last post if you are curious. But I left my bag on the train with my laptop and my travel companions (Teddy and Colin).

I mean, everything else was OK really. I had a good day out at Vienna Zoo but I really couldn’t relax with all the question marks over my stuff I lost. I didn’t find out that my bag had been found until the morning I was set to leave.

I was fully prepared to come back again if I had to but yes it worked out just fine because what they told me is I could pick my bag yup from Prague station.

Off To Prague (My 4th Time)

It was actually a relief to get to Prague. There was a bit of an annoying thing that happened when I got on the train. It was silly really because I got on the train at 3pm instead of 4pm. In the UK this is fine but it seems in Austria/Czech Republic this is not OK – they was going to make me buy another ticket!

Luckily, they told me to wait for them to come back so I got off at Breclaw and I figured if I just wait there for an hour I could get on the right train. There was a nice bar / coffee shop at the train station so i just had a coffee and read my book till the train come and that was that.

I should have for stayed in Prague longer – 3 nights seemed to go a bit too fast. On the first day I went on the Prague to Venice Boat trip with the Marshmallow Men lol It was better than I remembered it.

I’m not sure if it was longer this time but it seemed to be. I guess this time I wasn’t expecting to go to Venice Italy lol but what I was thinking about was last time they said there was Otters.

I am not 100% sure I did see any Otters (I thought I did) but amazingly what I did not expect to see were the Wild Beavers.

I could not contain my excitement – I never knew there were Beaver populations here. Even more so, the woman I see on the bank was up very close to one. They don’t seem to be too intimidated by people at all. I guess they are just used to it.

But anyway, the next day after the boat trip and collecting my bag I went to Prague Zoo. I was worried because it was taking me so long to get here but I did and I think I pretty much see everything nearly.

This was a proper hike to get round. They even have cable cars to get from one part of the zoo to the next – It is like a proper mountain here. My shoes seemed to be more comfortable by this point and thank god because the amount of ground I had to cover. You can see what my view was like here>>

I don’t think this really does show how high up this is but when you get to this point this is right near where the Gorillas are.

On my last visit I only see the non reserve Gorillas. I didn’t see these this time but I did see the reserve Gorillas and WOW unbelievable.

Take me to see this over any film in the cinema. And it is not just this at Prague Zoo there is MUCH MORE – I think this is the only place in Europe you can see Tasmanian Devils and I think Pangolins. There are Polar Bears here too although I didn’t see them on this visit. The Honey Badgers were pretty funny though.

My Next Stop Berlin Germany

So you can get to Berlin from Prague for quite cheap (about 15 euros). I was really stewing over where I would go to next from Berlin en route back to Paris. I was looking at going to a few places Munich, Hamburg, Bern or Zurich In Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg (France) but I think it was just too much for me to decide on so I just decided to go straight back to Paris.

Probably, at this stage my plans weren’t very concrete and I kind of had given up on this big adventure given how eventful it had already been.

My highlight of coming to Berlin I think was seeing Tottenham beat Man City when I got to my hostel the St. Christopher’s Inn. There Sports bar underneath the hostel is quite something. There are even TV’s on the ceiling. I thought this was quite odd but still pretty cool.

So, besides this its a shame I can’t really say more about my time in Berlin. I went to the supermarket to get some drinks this was an interesting experience. Something about German supermarkets that isn’t like back in England.

I liked doing that but actually Berlin Zoo was the one place I should have gone but didn’t. It was not that far from where I was either – In fact, I had to go past there to get to the coach station so I could have gone there on the way. But I think that morning I left it too late so that was the problem really.

A good reason to come back I guess but anyway, so I left Berlin that night on a very long coach trip to Paris. It wasn’t too bad really I was dreading the sleep deprivation before getting to Paris but I did manage to Sleep – I think I put my coat up against the window and that did it.

Anyway…

My Last Stop Paris, France (my 2nd Time Here)

Teddy standing in front of the eifel tower

My enthusiasm was pretty low getting in to Paris. I don’t think it was a lack of sleep but I wasn’t really feeling 100%. I wonder if maybe in Prague I should have got one night in a hotel rather than my hostel so I could have had a good rest but anyway I kind of managed to deal with it.

So, in Paris my big plan was that seeing as my coach didn’t leave till 10pm at night I would go to Paris Zoo but even though I did start heading towards here I never went.

So, my first stop was for a French Breakfast – Probably my favourite thing about France I think – It was actually English breakfast on the menu but what I got was Egg and Bacon with a croissant, some nice bread, Jam, coffee and Orange Juice. Very nice – especially the bread (baguette).

Anyway, so, It wasn’t that I didn’t have enough time to go to the zoo. I really wanted to go but what was a massive hinderance whilst here was the torrential rain – it was horrendous. I was following the route planner on Google maps but because of the rain I stopped about 10 minutes away in McDonalds. I never intended to stay as long as I did but I didn’t want to get wet.

I think I was at McDonalds for about 3 hours drinking coffee waiting for the rain to stop. It was getting to the point I couldn’t that I felt like drink much more. I got out of there about half 1 and I think by this stage I had really left it too late.

I would have had just 2 hours to walk around it did not feel worth it. Plus, there was construction works blocking me from crossing the road so it just felt like a bad time to go.

Although, I did go to see the Eifel Tower. I didn’t do this before because I couldn’t work out how to get onto the metro. This was pretty cool because I always had this funny idea of photoshopping Teddy in front of here so doing it for real was pretty great. I’d like to do the same with maybe the Taj Mahal and Great Pyramid of Giza lol and maybe this will be good to encourage me.

So, about my journey here – getting here was an odd experience.

I had to get off the metro early because I needed the toilet (it was about 25 stops from where I was and I really felt like I was about to wet myself). I thought I would have to get back on after to ride the other 2 stops but surprisingly where I got off there it was in the distance.

It was strange because it kept disappearing behind other buildings – I thought this was some big skyscraper but there was plenty of other buildings here that seemed nearly as tall in places.

It kind of tempered my expectations a bit but when I did find it I was quite impressed. And actually, there was another building near here I was quite fascinated. I know now from searching online that this is the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center. It actually reminds me of the Taj Mahal actually and i did joke about this on Facebook.

Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center

So that was that the end of my trip. Leaving here wasn’t too upsetting. I really just wanted to get back to Bercy Seine ready for my coach at 10pm.

So, I got to Bercy Village with a few hours to spare. I stopped for a few non alcohol beers at the frog bar before I left. I was quite shocked because I was drinking one after another without a care in the world. I asked for my bill after 4 and they said I owed 30 euros for 4 bottles WOW!

So, its good I didn’t order anymore before I got my bill. I kind of am of the belief that alcohol free beers should be cheaper than other alcoholic drinks but I guess they are a business so…

It was not so expensive in the Mexican place I went to for a burrito after thankfully. That was a nice bit of food before it was time to catch my coach. It was a bit scary waiting at Paris Coach Station actually – some people here look quite intimidating.

I’m sure it’s not like this at any other coach stations I been to but anyway – just like that it was all over. I was finally on my way back to England!

In Conclusion

Yes, so even though I’m always moaning about the place – It was actually very nice to get back to London. I think maybe I was back a bit to soon. Definitely, I could have spent longer away.

I actually set this trip up so everything I sold on eBay I wouldn’t have to post till the 3rd of December. I’d messaged every customer and they were all happy to wait and I’m sure they would have been fine with spending this extra time away.

I mean, really If I had got back for the 1st I probably would have had just about enough time to catch up with all my orders from being away but there was a silver lining getting back early – I had a whole week to spare and take ,my time which was nice.

So yes I suppose I could have had another 5-7 days out in Europe. I could have gone to another 3 cities. Probably Bratislava, Somewhere in Switzerland and perhaps Strasbourg.

Maybe I can plan better next time. There are so many places Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia I could go to and I’m sure this would be even better BUT…

I shall finish this article here. I hope you have enjoyed reading. I have all my photos saved to my Facebook – for anyone that would like to see>>

Here are the photos from my trip

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=alex.chivers.86&set=a.10234793588650473

I hope you like them AND

*One last thing – If you have enjoyed reading here is my Buy Me a Coffee link – you don’t have to but if you want to buy me a coffee or non alcoholic beer you can donate here and it will go straight into my PayPal so I can buy a drink.

Again I hope you like reading. If you do please check out my other blog posts too.

Many thanks for reading;

Best Regards, and Bon Voyage

Alex, Teddy and Colin

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Lost In Austria Found In Prague – Little Teddy Bear Lost!

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Since my last post about my time in Belgrade, Serbia It has been pretty eventful I would say. I left Belgrade to go to Zagreb, Croatia and from Zagreb I travelled to Budapest, Hungary then I went to Vienna, Austria and now I am in Prague, Czech Republic (my 4th time here). I will also be heading to Berlin, Germany after this and some more cities too on the way back to London.

So, there is quite a lot I could talk about in this blog post. After leaving Belgrade –I was thinking about my next blog and what it could be about. I thought maybe – I could write about how nice Zagreb was because it was nice there after leaving Serbia.

I did have one Incident here – where I left my suitcase at the Zoo Café, I had to go back after I was 2 tram stops away and It was a good job it was still there but anyway, otherwise I had no trouble here, it was overall a really good experience

In Budapest, well I did have a bit of trouble with getting lost. A bit like I did in Serbia because of Internet issues and no roaming data but it was OK for the most part – I met my nephew over here on the second day (the actual reason I came to Europe), and I went to Budapest Zoo (for the 2nd time) which I really liked. PLUS I got loads of blogging done whilst there.

I mean, Its been a bit stale for me blogging the past year or so. eBay has continuously got in the way at home but on this trip I was really feeling good about the work I was doing.

On the way to Austria I was on the train typing away and definitely I was quite excited to get back out here after my last visit to Vienna in February 2023.

Vienna Zoo is definitely one of my favourite places but OVERALL Vienna, Austria – its a nice city, a beautiful place and this will be my 1st blog post about it actually. It is a shame really It can’t be a bit more positive and here is why>>>

So, given my feelings towards coming back to Austria how bad is this – I got off the train from Budapest – and to my utter shock and horror I REALIZED I didn’t have my bag with my laptop.

NOT ONLY THIS but Inside this bag was TEDDY too! NOOOO!!!!

I literally got off the train, found a toilet and went and found somewhere to sit – maybe 15 minutes this all took me to notice what I had done. I sat down went to reach for my bag and it dawned on me – IT WAS GONE I shouted OH S**T! so loud that it echoed across the station. I am sure a few pigeons flew away lol Talk about dramatic OMG

The 2 guys sat near me thought it was ever so funny but I certainly didn’t!

I had lost my bag somewhere. I could have cried right there and then. Poor Teddy! and not just him by my other travelling companion Colin Wong was in the bag too. This was a horror movie, the nightmare to end all nightmares!

I am not sure how I could have carried on TeddyBearsTravels.com if I didn’t get Teddy back but YES – my nightmare is finally over.

Teddy, Colin, and my laptop are all back safe with me now thankfully. I am so relieved but ANYWAY this will be what today’s blog will be about…

Lost In Vienna Found In Prague Czech Republic

Now, so I stayed in Vienna for 2 nights total. Really I suppose this was better for me. It give me a bit more time to relax in a way but this was not the plan originally.

I had already booked my train from Vienna to Prague whilst on the train from Budapest to Vienna. It was only around 15 euros I lost but yes I was only going to stay 1 night!

My plan was to sleep at the hostel, have breakfast there, go to Vienna zoo and then catch the train to Prague later that day. I had booked for 6pm that night and it was enough time for me I thought to do everything I wanted to.

But after losing my bag (and Teddy) I was not feeling ready to go to Prague.

I reported my bag missing to Lost and Found at Vienna Train Station – they are located in the station near the metro. They give me a card and I reported the loss on their website Novafind.eu (good to know if you lose anything in Europe). Maybe they can help but what I also did was contact the trainline.

Regiojet who I got the train with it turned out were the right people to contact. Although, I was pretty frantic about it all really. I must have opened about 7 different claims with them I was next level anxious.

I emailed every email address I could find for them and then when I got the right link to report a lost item I was making new claims because I was worried the last one hadn’t gone through.

They and Novafind said the same thing to me basically WAIT FOR AN EMAIL. I must have been checking every 5 minutes. Inbox, Spam and Sent!

It was funny really because on the second day after speaking to them on the phone and once again not getting the response I wanted I went to bed early and I never noticed I had in fact already got an email back saying…

Your Bag Has Been Found (Finally!)

This was not much longer after I got off the phone. I was speaking to them at 19:15 – on that call they said to wait for an email because as of yet they had NO UPDATE for me but strangely less than an hour later they emailed me at 19:49.

I must have been checking my emails after receiving this and I didn’t see it in my junk email folder but the next morning there it was.

It was good because I didn’t have to stay In Vienna to collect it. Already I had booked a train to Prague. In my head I was thinking maybe I would have to go back to Vienna or fly back to Vienna after I got home.

Although, I did say if this was found I’d like to collect from Prague so maybe they took note of that. I was worried really that even I might have to go back to Budapest but yes it all worked out pretty good.

So that was that. I kind of believed I would have this returned to me. Thinking about it the only places I could have left this were at the train station or on the train. I kind of remembered getting off the train looking at my phone and not holding my bag so It made sense I left on the train.

I think I was obsessing too much about my phone and navigating my way around that I wasn’t paying enough attention. It has been an important lesson TWICE I left my travel case somewhere and then this happened.

I would hope that I don’t do this again but yes so Teddy is back with me.

I guess deep down I knew he would be found. The joke in my head was that Teddy and Colin was so excited to go to Prague they skipped going to Vienna to get here a whole 2 days early!

Although, I do think they missed out on Vienna Zoo. So let’s talk a bit about that. My 2nd time at Vienna Zoo.

What Teddy and Colin Missed At Vienna Zoo

Well, I suppose really it was nice to get a break from their mischievous antics. Colin has done this before. When I first got him he went missing for 3 months. I couldn’t believe it when my friend come in the pub one day with him in a bag.

He was found in a derelict building my friend was working in lol It was so funny because the amount of stress I had to deal with after this happened. It was bad. I was so happy to get him back and since he has literally become my 2nd in command after Teddy – he even came to Greece with me on my last trip which Teddy wasn’t able to make.

But yes anyway I am glad that I still went to Vienna Zoo. I didn’t really have the same enthusiasm about going after losing my bag but mostly I thought it would be good to take my mind off things.

I guess you could say it did that in some ways and like last time again it was quite fascinating to see all the work that has gone into making this area what it is. If you ever visit Vienna and this place I’m sure you will see what I mean.

To get to the zoo you first have to first walk through the park. It is a straight path and whilst making your way through you will see a big green house and hedges trimmed into different shapes. Much like Kew Gardens in London.

And then you get to an amazing rectangle area with statues either side and a fountain at the end with gold statues. These are of men riding giant sea horses. It kind of makes your imagination run wild seeing such beautiful works of art and you have to wonder why these were made.

Behind this fountain there is an arch way up a big hill and it just looks so unreal. I never went up here but I did really want to. Maybe I will another time but anyway the Zoo is a right turn from the fountain. You can see the sign quite easily from here. So,…

*Note if you are interested this area is called the Schonbrunn Gardens – definitely look it up.

My 2nd Time At Vienna Zoo

One disappointment was the Pandas were gone. They are having a new enclosure built so for now they have been moved on (I think) but what was at Vienna Zoo were the Polar Bears, Sun Bears and Koalas.

I think I see a bit more this time around. It was very nice walking round the nature trail I thought. They have an old Austrian cabin at the end of it. It is quite impressive Inside. Lot’s of old relics of the past in here.

I stopped for coffee and lunch in here. Very different from what I’m used to back home in England. It was a good day out overall. It might have been better if I didn’t have my lost items so fresh on my mind but lots of amazing animals and although it was cold the air was so clean it was very refreshing.

If only that silly Teddy Bear had just come with me to Vienna he would have had a great time but anyway YES I do get that Prague is exciting. I was quite excited when I finally got here so yeah I get why him and Colin skipped ahead lol

In Conclusion

So yes I was very lucky here. It is funny because I got Teddy and Colin back but I know if I hadn’t this would have ruined my whole trip. Would have took me a long time to get over but it is a lesson learnt.

After this I’m sure I can probably go away in future with less problems because I will be that extra bit careful. I guess being a bit more selective when I am using my phone will make all the difference HOPEFULLY!

I will finish up this blog post here anyway – maybe I will have another blog to share soon as STILL I have to get through both Germany and France to get home on the coach as I have decided NOT to fly back home.

If you have liked reading this and you would like to buy me a drink you don’t have to – I actually do OK with my eBay on holiday mode a lot of the time but if you want to here is my Buy Me a Coffee Link (HERE)

Many thanks for reading;

Yours truly

Alex, Teddy and Colin W.

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So, last week I made the decision – I would NOT get my flight to Budapest as Initially planned, I would lose the money (£30) and I would instead take my maiden voyage to the home of the one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century (Nikolas Tesla) and come to Belgrade Serbia.

My logic was that rather than have to catch the train to Stansted airport for £25 to get my flight to Budapest I would instead pay just £4 on the bus to fly to Belgrade from Luton. I mean It was a convenience thing really. If I can help it the best way to fly for me is from my local airport with enough time to get the bus there but Serbia was somewhere I have thought about going to.

In fact, what I was thinking was that if I come here to Serbia I could get a coach to Bosnia to see the pyramids again (read my post about the Bosnian Pyramids here). I gave up on that Idea when I realized there was no coaches from Belgrade but anyway.

So, really I am glad I came here to Serbia – I am NOT put off the place despite everything that happened but what else can I say – this trip really pushed me to my limits! I think this is a good way of putting it. Pretty traumatic for the most part lol and I think you will see why.

I got to Luton airport OK, I had maybe an hour and a half to spare. No stress really, I got through quick enough and didn’t have too far to walk to my gate. Although, there was a couple of (for f sake / oh s**t) moments before I left I will say.

The first one was 2 eBay orders I forgot to post. They are both still in my bag and probably will be till I get back to the UK and the 2nd – VERY STUPID I left my travel case at burger king. It was a good job I noticed when I did and to be fair I still got my plane with plenty of time to spare but that could have been bad.

A good laugh for my Facebook friends even before I got here but then after I did. Well, let me tell you this story about…

Surviving Serbia With No Mobile Data (Internet)

I guess you could say that it wasn’t too much trouble for me to get to Belgrade City Centre. It took longer than it should have really though I will say. After being turned away from the 1st bus In typical me fashion I went for a wander up the road.

This was maybe half hour wasted. I’m not sure if I missed a bus because of this but anyway I came back and asked the next bus driver who told me the right bus to get.

SO, I can’t really blame this on having no mobile data, as I had WIFI at the airport and it told me what bus to get. It’s the A1 if anyone comes to Belgrade for the first time. The bus stop is literally right there when you walk out the door of the airport.

But yes, typical me. I really should know better by now thinking I can walk from the airport to the city centre lol Think I ended up walking down a motorway the last time I did this. Think that was Lanzarote I did that. AND may I add, after only 1 month and a half after my last visit when I got the bus from the airport. But ANYWAY…

So after I got off the A1 mini bus I see a McDonalds and went in there. I knew I needed to work out where to go so In here I was downloading Google maps for offline mode. I should mention that I got a text on the plane saying my safety buffer had been used up on my mobile data and I had no Internet ONLY WIFI

It was enough really – I saved screenshots and I worked out that I needed to get the tram (for 5 stops) from Trg Slavija to Pijaca Skadarlija.

But this was my first big headache, I stayed on the tram line for15 stops (10 too many). I should have got off after 5. I’m sure many people actually would have but this is what I’m like. It was because I was trying to use Google maps to track my progress along the tram line and I went too far.

It could have got me to my hostel a couple hours earlier if I got off at the right stop but AGAIN typical me.

So, What Happened Next

From this point I knew I would need to get back on the tram although I didn’t know what one. If I had used my common sense I could have got the tram going the other way but I did not Instead I was only thinking about getting back online to tell me what to do.

I was wandering about for quite a while until I found my first WIFI free zone outside a bakery.
In Belgrade you get 30 minutes free WIFI in certain areas of the city and my god if they didn’t I hate to think what kind of trouble I’d be in.

The Free WIFI zones I had to use several times, over the course of my trip. It was no consolation for mobile data but it was certainly what got me to my hostel later that night.

It didn’t take me too long (really) to find my hostel after getting on the right tram this but still prior to this was the same trouble – I needed to find a WIFI spot and then get as far as I could before the WIFI signal went.

At one point I thought my hostel (The El Diablo Hostel) was up the top of the cobbled street round the corner. It was just like Coronation St. (I thought) but what a nuisance it was wheeling my case and walking on these cobbles. The shoes I brought were not exactly the most comfortable either (don’t get me started on those lol) so I was relieved when I realized it wasn’t up this way.

Then Just When I Thought I Was Home and Dry…

Yes, just when I thought my luck was about to change – I was so relieved when I got an answer on the intercom from my hostel. “Come up Mr Chivers we have been expecting you” but this was not the end of it. It was about half 12 at night when I got here and after walking up (I think it was 4 flights of stairs) with my uncomfortable shoes and travel case it was pretty annoying for me when the receptionist said I needed to pay him in CASH in LOCAL CURRENCY (which I did not have).

Now, I think really this should NOT have been a problem. Where he told me to go to get cash out was about a minute up the road. Just across the road and up the street but YET AGAIN typical me got lost – I went around the corner, down the road and around another corner.

And then I found an ATM and didn’t have enough cash in my balance TYPICAL. So then I had to find WIFI AGAIN to transfer some money over. It took me another 20 minutes to find this machine again THEN it was out of service. I think I could have cried.

I went back to the receptionist and explained. I was hoping he would let me sort out in the morning but no he told me again where to go and thankfully this time I went to the right place.

I was so glad for this to be all over and that was an understatement BUT then the next day >>

Day 2 In Belgrade: Same S**t Different Day

My first morning at the El Diablo Hostel was a bit of a funny one. I needed to charge my phone but the travel adapter I bought wasn’t going in most the plugs. Getting my phone charged up was my main priority because I knew I would need it.

There was 2 plug sockets it was going in but they didn’t hold the actual plug in there and I had to use a chair to hold it in which didn’t work very well at all.

It was pretty much pointless really I soon came to realise, and It was very frustrating because I was trying all these plugs they was working then they wasn’t. I was going back into my dorm trying the plugs in there and then there was Sparkles the Cat.

I called the Cat Sparkles because it made a kind of noise like it was electrically charged. Very strange and it was quite funny really because Sparkles kept on running into my dorm as the door was closing and everyone in there was asleep. He/she would not leave me alone.

It was quite annoying really but I kind of figured out not to leave the door to open when I went in and out the room. I had to laugh but anyway – I managed to charge my phone in the end (Thankfully) and I left the hostel at around 9:30 to go to Serbia Zoo. No problems getting there.

I Had A Good Time At Serbia Zoo

It was a good morning really. The main thing I wanted to do was to go to the Zoo and this I did. It was a bit of a walk but it was straight up the road. It only cost me 600 SRD to get in as well (about 6 Euros in Serbian Dinar).

So, I love the Zoos in Europe and this did not disappoint. Even before I got in there I could see a Red Kangaroo over the wall and inside when you get in they have a lot of Birds of Prey here. Plus other birds such as Buzzards, Falcons, Different Pheasants, a Raven and Parrots.

They was pretty cool to see. Although highlights for me were seeing a Tiger out the window whilst drinking my coffee. A Red Squirrel running round the Zoo (quite rare in England) and there was a White Lion. I was not expecting to see this –

There is a pub near where I live in Baldock Hertfordshire called the White Lion. I been going in here pretty much my whole life so was pretty fascinated by that. I’d definitely recommend a visit here (the Zoo not the pub lol (not that its bad)) but what a nuisance it was after I left Belgrade Zoo. I mean SERIOUSLY this was worse than the day before!

Here We Go Again! More Mistakes! More Hassle!

I left the Zoo at around half 12. My initial thought was I have loads of time to get my coach to Zagreb Croatia at 16:15. According to what it said on Google to get to Belgrade Bus Station it was about 45 minutes away. ONLY 25 minutes on the tram.

So this was my BIG mistake – I got to where I was I thought I needed to go. Even though I went the wrong way at first I realized this quickly and got off at next stop walked across the road and got the tram in the other direction. I was here I thought GOOD JOB but NO!

After getting off the tram and NOT being able to find the Flix Bus coach station. I found a 30 minute WIFI spot and clicked on the address on my coach ticket. For God Sake, according to this address I was at the wrong place. I needed to get another Tram for 6 more stops!

But I wasn’t too stressed – I still had time all I needed to do was catch the No. 11 Tram (in the right direction), get off at the right stop and I would be there. BUT YET AGAIN TYPICAL ME –
I kind of knew it as well (I was at the wrong tram stop) because I asked a couple of locals if I needed to get this No. 11 tram or the one going the other way.

They said across the the other way but I wasn’t confident enough to trust them – so my next plan was to get on this no. 11 (going in the wrong direction) and maybe it would be going the right way but if not I could get off at the next stop and get the No. 11 going the right way.

I thought I was being clever (like in Skiathos) I thought if I stay on the tram it would go round in a circle and I would reach my destination the other way. It seemed pretty logical to me but before I could find out the tram reached the end of the line and I was told to get off.

It was right back outside the Zoo and I was now running out of time. Between needing the toilet, and having to find another WIFI spot – I finally had to admit that it was time to cough up for a taxi. I was offered one for 20 euros earlier on and maybe I should have got this – the guy see I was lost but at this point I STILL thought I was 5 minutes away from the coach stop.

If only I wasn’t so TIGHT I thought – me and trying to save money!

I Thought I Would Not Make My Coach

At this point I was half desperate and half ready to admit defeat. I just kept walking frantically hoping I’d see a taxi but I kind of knew I wouldn’t find one. I was thinking I would have to lose my £30 for the coach trip and stay in Belgrade another night.

But It did thankfully all work out – so before I knew it I ended up back at the cobbles that looked like Coranation St. I was right near the El Diablo Hostel and I knew I could easily find it. No need for WIFI or Internet and they really saved my day here.

I called up on the Intercom and asked them to call me a taxi. It was a nervous couple of minutes because I wasn’t sure they wanted to help me but I buzzed up again and sure enough they had called me a Taxi and within a few minutes I was en route to the coach station.

It wasn’t too much money either about £12 – I thought it would be a lot more and I had about 35 minutes to spare (I think) maybe less after getting here. It was pretty frustrating though because I really needed the toilet and couldn’t pay the 100 SRD (1 Euro). I don’t know how these people sleep at night lol

So, I had to find another toilet I went to go up the wall but they come out and told me off lol but I got in another toilet using my card BUT just my luck then they wouldn’t let me in the coach bay without a ticket. More running back to get one but I got here just in time THANK GOD!

I was very fortunate – this could have gone so wrong for me but son lucky it did not. I got to Zagreb – it was 2 hours late but STILL I got here as Intended.

Observations About Belgrade

I think Belgrade Zoo has to be on the to do list if you come here. Its really cheap to get in and you can get round it quick enough I think. I mean maybe I missed seeing some of the animals – I don’t know but I see enough in 2 hours. Was happy with the experience.

I’d probably visit here every day if I was In Belgrade longer. For its low price and beautiful scenery its a no brainer for me. Around here is a nice park too, it looks like it would be good to come here if you had Children too as they have fair rides across the road and there is also Belgrade fortress right behind the Zoo. It is pretty amazing to look at but of course you can go here too.

The Bohemian quarter I think could be something else I’d like to visit in Belgrade. I’d be Interested as when I hear Bohemia I think of Prague, AND I think of Tartaria and all the cool architecture. It is something else about Belgrade as well. There is a lot of amazing things to see here just like what you expect travelling around Eastern Europe.

Where To Stay In Belgrade Serbia

I didn’t mind the El Diablo hostel. It was pretty small but very clean. Maybe Sparkles the Cat might get under your feet a bit here but for £11 a night It is well worth it. I can’t really say much about the other hostels but on HostelWorld.com expect to find shared dorms from around £10 a night. Not sure about Hotels but maybe £30-50 a night I would guess.

Other Things To Note

I would say make sure you have got data for on the go (of course) but use WiFi where you can if it is only limited AND whenever you need to get somewhere with Google Maps download the maps to use offline.

I think I have done this a couple time which has helped – I think if you have data it does save it.
Also, when on the trams hold on tight they are pretty rocky.

Almost went flying a couple times when trying to use my phone standing up on here lol

About Travelling From Serbia

Initially I was going to travel to Bosnia from here to go back to the Visoko Pyramids but I think if you are actually doing this it is better to go from Zagreb. Zagreb I think is the cheapest coach (capital to capital) destination from Belgrade.

£30 I have paid but for a bit more you can travel on to Ljubania (Slovenia) and in the other direction you can head towards Romania and Bulgaria although I am not sure how much this costs. I am guessing though lots of cool destinations you can go from Belgrade and many I haven’t even considered. (Share your tips for travel destinations in the comments!!)

Final Note

So I hope my experience has not put you off coming to Belgrade. I think it is great City to see maybe to pass through on a city tour of Eastern Europe. Plenty of options where to go from here, and I’m sure you wont be disappointed!.

Hostels are cheap and it’s pretty easy to get to city from airport. Although, if you are trying to save money get the A1 bus rather than taxi (4 Euros). Unless that is that you have the cash to spare of course – these guys I’m sure all have mouths to feed so nice to bear in mind. Call it a good deed (30 euros though I think) not good if you are on a budget.

I shall finish this post up here but expect a follow up post soon as I am still travelling on to Zagreb, Budapest and I think a few more places after too.

Help Support Teddy Bears Travels

If you have liked reading this post. I am not really doing much at the moment to monetize this content but if you have liked reading you can buy me a coffee with – This Link HERE<<

How Not To Get Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades Islands? So…, after another one of my Overseas Incidents I thought this would be a great title for this blog post. Which is quite funny actually as Skiathos is not really somewhere you can get lost in REALLY for very long but anyway…

Here We Go Again! For anyone curious this is quite a funny question because YES I got lost In Skiathos (kind of). You can add this to the list of;

Prague,
Malta,
Budapest,
Mallorca,
and Cape Verde….

where in each place I have found myself in desperate situations – although I will admit this time wasn’t so bad.

I mean it could have been – I was very fortunate but STILL I think this could be an entertaining story to tell before I actually tell you about Skiathos and what it is actually like to visit, as well as its neighbouring Islands.

So, what happened? Well, let me tell you…

How Not To Get Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades

Now, I didn’t drink on this trip, I haven’t drunk alcohol for just over 9 months now including on my last 2 holidays to Malta and Lanzarote but typically (as I do) I still managed to get myself in a situation. I guess people would say perhaps it isn’t just the alcohol with me lol but staying sober on holiday it is a different experience and it isn’t as boring as some people will think it is.

So, Skiathos – you can’t really get lost here – it’s pretty easy to navigate. If I hadn’t left the actual Island I’d have been alright. It’s really quite an easy place to get around – if you ever come here on holiday just make sure to remember the bus stop number that your staying by!

Basically, there is one main road that goes round the Island and all the bus stops are numbered from 1 to 20.

You can easily get around the Island by following the numbers of the bus stops up and down the road. It might be a long walk though but this is a good thing to know and of course you can always just get on the bus for 2 euros.

It’s that easy But anyway – the reason I got lost (kind of) is because I left the Island on a boat tour from Skiathos which should have took me back to Skiathos later on, but it did not. After my tour finished at 9pm at night I was in mainland Greece.

The crew on the boat were laughing about it. It was a nightmare for me – the sort of thing you just can’t make up with me and my travels. I just wanted to cry thinking about how badly this could have gone but I will say it is pretty funny considering how this all happened. So, let me tell you about this…

How I Got Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades

skiathos and the sporades map

As it happened, my dilemma was that I ended up in Mainland Greece at Amalipollis Port near Volos after getting on the wrong boat during my 2nd boat tour of the holiday. My first cruise was on the same boat I got on (I think) – definitely the same cruise line (Elizabeth Cruises) – pretty sure the same captain was on both tours.

But here was the thing – this boat tour I ended up on by mistake wasn’t an English speaking tour (French I think it was). They have different cruises for different tourists – one where they speak English and others where they don’t.

So anyway, I knew after the boat had left Lalaria Beach on Skiathos that I wasn’t supposed to get on here. My friend who was also on Holiday in Skiathos said to me that “I must have done this on purpose”.

I really want to be honest as possible about this – I was joking on Facebook about the boat I was on. It looked like it had seen better days, and as I was typing about this it left the beach.

It must have came back to pick the rest of the tour up after I left but after my boat drove off there was Elizabeth Cruises boat next to it being boarded.

In my head I thought maybe they was dropping us all off for us to board the other boat but really I wasn’t 100% sure about this – I kind of thought what the hell – I’d just get on and hope this was what I was supposed to do.

Very silly, it didn’t take me long to realise what I’d done – the first stop was Skopelos after this, and really I should have stayed here and found my way back via one of the sea taxis but I thought I would save my money and get back on the cruise boat and hope for the best. That it would go to Skiathos.

I kind of had to just sit there and hope no one spoke to me because I’m sure if they realised I was English I would have been found out.

I was talking to my friend on Facebook before the boats last stop I was going to meet up with him to watch the football. On FB messenger I wrote “I’m almost back according to Google Maps”. At one point I was about 20 minutes away from Skiathos but then the boat just kept going, and going further away.

It just got worse from that point onwards – it then dawned on me that I couldn’t top up my Caxton travel card and I had no other cards on me to transfer any money.

I’d have been stuck in Greece with only 40 euros, a phone that was about to die and a flight to catch the next day from Skiathos.

It would have been horrible for me – if I didn’t get back on the boat and tell them what happened I would have been stuck in mainland Greece.

I was worried no one would speak English on the cruise ship but they did and they was very understanding of my situation – I am guessing I am NOT the first person this has happened to. I spoke to the captain and he said stay on the boat tonight we are going to Skiathos on the first stop of tomorrows tour.

I was pretty well accommodated for as well – they give me a blanket, a pillow and a free Coffee in the morning. The place I’d like to go back to one day but so glad I didn’t end up stuck there.

The boat trip back was pretty funny because I never see any Dolphins on my first tour but on the way back I see 3 of them.

An amazing experience, although watch out for the La La La song – if you sing it you get free drinks – if you don’t they throw you off the boat lol (that’s what they say)

I will share the song below…

Now, so I thought I would share this post to tell my story. This is pretty much it but this was only one day this happened and I was in Skiathos for a week so let me tell you about that.

What Is It Like In Skiathos, Greece?

Skiathos Island in the Sporades Greece
It wasn’t my typical vacation where I go to the zoo and all these different tours. You have the boat tours but besides this Skiathos to me seems more like somewhere you go to admire the natural beauty of the surroundings and to eat, drink and party – lot’s of bars and restaurants. I would go back but I don’t feel like I missed much.

It is somewhere you can definitely relax, and between Skiathos and the other 3 inhabited islands in the Sporades – Skopelos, Alonissis and Skyros the vibe seems to be pretty similar.

you shouldn’t have to much trouble with finding your way around any of these Islands I don’t think. They are small enough not to have this problem (in my opinion) but honestly, I can only really say this about Skiathos as it’s the only one I have stayed on, and I did not go to Skyros whilst I was here.

Skopelos and Alonissis I stopped off at on my first cruise. They are very similar with the kind of shops and restaurants. They are kind of like mountains with buildings going all the way up. Its like these are the only places to build. The views are absolutely amazing and for these alone its worth the trip.

I was kind of a bit over cautious really on these visits, I would have liked (I think) to have stayed for longer and had more time to explore each island. Especially, Alonissis and it’s nature reserve.

The Island hopping tour with Elizabeth Cruises on Viator is good for this to get to see what these Islands have to offer. Although, you can travel between these Islands by water taxi for I think 20 euros each way.

I didn’t do this I think I would if I went back. I’d probably like to maybe spend 5 days in the Sporades and then head to mainland Greece. It is all good getting return flights but the best way to travel I think is to get a one way flight and then book a flight when you’ve actually got to go to everywhere you want to see.

I would like to go to so many places really just like this but besides the point…

Why YOU Might Want To Come To Skiathos?

The Sporades are a stunning group of islands in the Aegean Sea, known for their natural beauty, lush greenery, and clear blue waters. Among the 4 Sporades Islands, Skiathos stands out as one of the most popular destination, attracting visitors from all over the world for its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming towns. Skiathos is likened to a Caribbean Island. I’ve never been to the Caribbean but this is what many travel agents will tell you.

Skiathos: The Jewel of the Sporades

Skiathos is the westernmost island of the Sporades and the closest to mainland Greece, making it a convenient and accessible holiday destination. For any tourists that do decide to book a stay here – these are the main attractions…

Beaches: With over 60 beaches, Skiathos is a beach lover’s paradise. The famous Koukounaries Beach is considered one of the best in all of Greece, offering golden sand, calm waters, and a backdrop of pine forests.
Nightlife and Dining: Skiathos Town is a lively hub with plenty of bars, restaurants, and tavernas. Its old port is lined with vibrant nightlife spots, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences, from Greek cuisine to trendy cocktails.
Nature and Hiking: Despite its party vibe, Skiathos offers peaceful nature escapes. Hiking trails across the island take you through pine forests, to secluded beaches, and historic monasteries like the Monastery of Evangelistria – a hidden gem in the island’s hills.

4. Getting Around: Skiathos is small enough to explore by bus, taxi, or even on foot. For more secluded beaches or hidden spots, renting a a Quad Bike or Moped can easily get you around the Island from top to bottom.

Booking boat tours is something else certainly worth a mention. I will typically recommend Viator for any holiday destination but even without this – all you literally need to do is go to Skiathos Town and there are boats everywhere that you can hire for their tours – it really depends on what you want to do.

The Other Sporades Islands

While Skiathos is the most popular, the other islands of the Sporades also have much to offer:

Skopelos: Famous for being the filming location of the movie Mamma Mia!, Skopelos boasts scenic villages with whitewashed houses, charming churches, and equally stunning beaches. It’s a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Skiathos.

Alonissos: Known for its pristine nature and as part of a marine park, Alonissos is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. It’s great for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife watching, especially the Mediterranean monk seal.

Skyros: The southernmost and largest island of the Sporades, Skyros has a more traditional and rugged vibe. It’s known for its folklore, handicrafts, and unspoiled landscapes.

Also, the other place you can go to from Skiathos is where I went Volos in mainland Greece. It is a couple hours away though so you may want to stay over the night.

Just don’t get stuck on a cruise ship like me – I was grateful to be allowed to stay on there but one thing I will moan about – I was bitten alive by the mosquitos – after bite is an absolute must and this is even if you do have a nice room.

Where To Stay In Skiathos

bar in koukanaries skiathos
During my 7 days In Skiathos I stayed in Koukanaries at Cabana Studios / Apartments. This was a Jet2 Holiday package. I got really lucky because my friend booked to come here but he could not go in the end so he let me buy his holiday for cheap.

The price Including flights and transfers for him was £1100. The room I didn’t think was anything special really but I was quite happy with this.

I do usually gravitate to hostels and airbnb – whatever I can find is more budget friendly but in this case I did think it was worth it. It was nice NOT to have the usual hassle of hostels and public transport etc.

Although, I think for my friends this deal was more of a last minute thing. The others who came to Skiathos stayed in the hotel across from me and it was much more luxurious from what I could tell and they paid the same price.

I think that you can actually book here much cheaper but you have to book many months in advance. This is the best way I think – I know it is annoying waiting but perhaps you could find a cheap city break somewhere else in the meantime.

It is worth the wait as for 1 year in the future looking now I can see on Jet2 Holidays that you can get a package deal to Skiathos for around £650 per person.

The Best Skiathos and Sporades Tours

When visiting Skiathos and the Sporades, there are several amazing tours that highlight the beauty, history, and natural charm of these islands. Here are some of the best tours to book:

1. Boat Tours Around the Sporades

Island-Hopping Tours: A full-day boat tour that takes you to neighboring islands like Skopelos and Alonissos. These tours allow you to explore hidden beaches, picturesque villages, and swim in the clear waters.
Mamma Mia Tour: Since parts of the movie Mamma Mia! were filmed in Skopelos and Skiathos, this tour takes you to iconic filming locations, including the famous Agios Ioannis chapel.
Skiathos Coastline Cruise: This relaxing tour typically stops at the stunning Lalaria Beach, accessible only by boat, as well as the iconic Kastro fortress. You’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

2. Snorkeling and Diving Tours

Marine Park of Alonissos: Explore Greece’s first marine park, which is a haven for wildlife including the Mediterranean monk seal. Many tours offer snorkeling and diving excursions where you can see vibrant marine life and underwater caves.
Shipwreck Diving: Some dive tours offer the chance to explore wrecks and underwater ruins, ideal for diving enthusiasts.

3. Sailing and Yachting Excursions

Private Yacht Charters: For a luxurious experience, charter a private yacht for a day trip around Skiathos and the neighboring islands. These tours can be customized to your preferences and include gourmet meals, snorkeling, and secluded beach stops.
Sunset Sailing Tours: Enjoy a romantic evening sail around Skiathos and witness the stunning sunset from the sea. These tours often include drinks and snacks on board.

4. Hiking and Nature Tours

Skiathos Hiking Tour: Discover the island’s natural beauty on foot, including trails that lead to historical monasteries such as Evangelistria Monastery, and viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the Aegean Sea.
Mount Palouki Trek in Skopelos: This guided hike takes you through Skopelos’ lush forests and hills, ending with panoramic views from the summit of Mount Palouki.

5. Cultural and Historical Tours

Skiathos Town Walking Tour: Explore the charming streets of Skiathos Town with a local guide, learning about its history, visiting Bourtzi Fortress, and stopping by cultural landmarks like the Papadiamantis House.
Historical Tour of Skopelos: Visit monasteries, chapels, and ancient sites on Skopelos, including the Folklore Museum and the old Venetian Castle.

6. Wine Tasting and Culinary Tours

Skiathos Wine Tasting Tour: Discover local Greek wines through vineyard tours and tastings. Some tours also include traditional mezes, offering a chance to taste local flavors.
Cooking Classes: Join a hands-on cooking class in Skiathos or Skopelos and learn to make traditional Greek dishes using local ingredients.

7. Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Guided Kayak Tours: Explore the coastlines of Skiathos or Alonissos on a guided kayak tour, paddling through sea caves and stopping at secluded beaches. Some tours also offer paddleboarding for a more active experience.

8. Skiathos Off-Road Safari

4×4 Adventure: For an adventurous day, join an off-road safari tour that takes you through the rugged interior of Skiathos. You’ll visit remote beaches, ancient monasteries, and less accessible parts of the island, providing a unique view of its landscapes.

Booking these tours is typically easy via local travel agencies, online platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator, or through your hotel in Skiathos.

In Conclusion

After getting back from Malta it was like I was homesick for my AirBNB – I really was thinking how great it would have been to just get back home, take care of business and get straight back on the plane. One day I will do this lol but anyway I really wanted another holiday and the timing of this could not have been better.

It was just over a month after I got back from Malta and before I found out my friend was selling this holiday I was thinking about going to Corfu. It was just like I was kind of coming up with whatever excuse I could not to go SO when I found out this holiday he was selling was in Greece I wanted this so much.

And it was a beautiful place to come to – it was unfortunately raining for a few days and there was a big thunderstorm. The Greek God Zeus was out in full force! So maybe September is not the best month to come but it was still nice – it was raining but not for the whole day when it stopped after a couple hours it was nice again.

So yes it was a great place to visit and yes I would recommend it – if anyone is after sun, sea and scenery Skiathos is a great place to come to – there were people there that said they come back every year and yeah it is somewhere you could do that.

I shall finish this article up here but if you would like to continue this discussion leave a comment below and I will look to respond ASAP!

For today’s blog, Is The Sicily From Malta Day Tour Worth The Money?

WELL, Short answer YES. One of the many highlights of my recent trip to Malta was this. I’d say it’s a bit cut and shut for me this question but seriously – Is The Sicily From Malta Day Tour Worth The Money? For people generally wondering – because I know there are a few mixed reviews out there but here is what I can tell you…

SO You will need to get up very early and come back fairly late,
You will spend a lot of time on the coach, and
Expect disruptions dependant on the volcano activity.

Our tour group had one disruption – we was supposed to have another stop which I think was a wine tasting and lunch or something but we couldn’t go because of a road closure due to Mount Et. erupting.

*It wasn’t erupting lava but a lot of smoke. Apparently it was a lot more active than usual on this day.

I wasn’t really too fussed about this. Just getting to go up Mount Etna made it worthwhile, and the 2nd stop had some amazing views too. The cost was about 320 euros for two of us. This also included transfers to and from St. Julian’s Bay.

The second stop was the town of Taormina this was a quite small area with a street of different shops and restaurants. The views here were pretty incredible. I’d saying visiting both places was dream-like.

If you ever have a wonderful dream that you are sad to wake up from it was a bit like this for me and totally I would do this all over again in a heartbeat.

For me yes I think it’s worth it and here is what I think you might like to know.

Is The Sicily From Malta Day Tour Worth The Money?

I see there are reviews on Viator that say things like there is too much time spent on the coach. Some people have said things like the tour isn’t accurately described. You wonder if these were just written by negative people but we are all different with how we see things in these situations.

I personally was NOT put off by reading this. This is a tour that things can go wrong with. For example one of the reviews said on their tour the coach had to wait for a whole extra 2 hours for someone and their trip had to be cut short. Thankfully this didn’t happen on my trip but I did notice that a lot of care was taken to make sure everyone was on the coach before it left.

I mean I think this shows their sense of duty to not leave anyone behind. The host on our tour was extra careful to make sure everyone was on the coach before leaving at both our stops.

She must have counted us all about 3 times. I think you want to have that level of care. Although, time is really of the essence on this trip – things need to run smoothly to see everything the tour has to offer.

You could perhaps just book a tour whilst over in Sicily rather than just trying to squeeze it all into one day. Sicily is HUGE compared to Malta but I’d still definitely say it is a good idea to stay in Malta either side of your trip to Sicily because there is not much price difference between a ferry to Sicily and back, and the actual tour.

However, for first time visitors here is what you should know.

How Much Does It Cost For The Malta-Sicily Tour

There are actually two different tours to Sicily;

1.) Pozallo, Mount Etna and Taormina

2.) Southern Sicily – Marzamemi and Syracuse

*I can NOT personally speak on the 2nd tour as I haven’t done it but the first one I think is a good experience to have.

Where To Book

I booked my trip with the travel agents by Spinola bay St. Julians. We paid $135 each for the tour and $15 each for the transfer. This is pretty much a must I think because unless you can get to Valletta ferry port for 5AM you will struggle. You really need to get the transfer – unless you are already in Valetta.

You can alternatively book via MaltaTours.com

What Else Should You Know

Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travellers can participate – Wheelchair accessible
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Minimum age is 18 years
Operates in all weather conditions
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travellers
Read more about Mount Etna and Syracuse full day excursion from Malta to Sicily – https://www.viator.com/en-CA/tours/Malta/Taormina-and-Mount-Etna-Full-Day-Excursion-from-Malta/d4141-64726P2?mcid=56757

About Visiting Mt. Etna

Mt. Etna is one of the most active volcanos in the world. It last erupted properly to the point that lava melted away everything in its path in 2001. On the tour they will show you – you can still see the damage.

There of course is always the risk of a bad eruption and in these cases the lava is 1000 degrees c – Etna was erupting when I was there but it was nothing to really worry about as it was just smoke.

You can ride up Mt. Etna on a cable car for 50 euros. I did not pay this but they said on the day that this was a very rare opportunity to see the Volcano like it was. But for me 50 euros after I’d already paid 130 was too much for me.

This would have been Interesting to see – maybe I will take the cable car if I go again but yes 50 euros it is for basically 20 minutes.

I will let people make their own mind up there.

Travelling To Sicily Without The Tour

Now I’m pretty sure there will be people that will want to spend longer In Sicily before going back to Malta. I really don’t blame them It is beautiful here. The same weather as you would expect in Italy but much more countryside.

It is very peaceful from what I’ve seen of it and I think it is definitely somewhere you would want to stay for more than a day to see what it has to offer.

You will need to pay basically 100 euros each way. If you return within 24 hours its only 100 euros (I think) but if you are only intending to stay this long you may as well just do the tour.

You can get a direct ferry to Malta and back which runs every day morning and night. But the tour is certainly convenient for not having to worry about getting around with public transport etc. and if you want to stay longer this is the best way to do it – pay for a ferry there and a ferry back.

I haven’t done this myself but another thing you probably would want is to book a Mount Etna tour in Sicily if that is something you want to see.

Other Things To Do In Sicily

Some notable landmarks on the Island of Sicily include;

The Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Valle dei Templi
Cattedrale di Palermo
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
The Norman Palace
Ragusa Ibla
Villa Romana del Casale
Scogliera Di Cala Rossa (Beach)
Cavagrande del Cassibile
Duomo di Monreale
Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica
Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena

{Read More HERE – Over 30 Locations}

Other Tours To Book Whilst In Malta

Whilst away In Malta I only actually did 2 tours – The Mt. Etna Sicily Tour and the evening cruise to Comino. I did the same tour during the day last time I was here but I thought the later tour was nice as you get to see the Sunset.

Other than this there is a lot of other tours of Malta you can go on. One that I would like to go on next time I’m there is the Gozo tour and I would also like to visit places like The Ġgantija temples and other megalithic ruins here.

If you read my post about the Giants of Malta then maybe you will know that I wanted to come back to explore these places but I never actually did. I was in Malta for 11 days – I’d have liked to stay longer but it just was not meant to be.

In Conclusion

Personally, I have been to Malta 3 times now in just over 4 years. It’s somewhere that I would recommend visiting. Its a great island to visit if you like to party but also even if you don’t drink like I didn’t on my last visit there is lots to see here and 100% if you do go to Malta go for it with the Sicily Tour.

Don’t be put off by the price. Keep an extra 150 euros ready. It is a day out that you will never forget. I think I would have liked to have seen more of Sicily.

Perhaps on my next visit to Malta I will instead book the Southern Sicily tour but if I really had my way I would go to Sicily for a longer stay and book my tours whilst I’m there rather than getting the ferry there and back in one day because it is about 3 hours each way – its a big chunk of the day gone really.

I will let you decide if you ever come to Malta and want to book this. It’s a nuisance having to get up early and get back late but if you admire the beauty of nature and you love travelling then absolutely do IT!

I shall close up this article here but if you have any questions or would like to share your own thoughts about Sicily or Malta then please do so – we would love to hear from you –

Many thanks for reading this blog post;

Alex & Teddy
TeddyBearsTravels.com

So What Happened in Budapest and Who Was The Man With The Golden Gun? I think this is a good post to share for people Interested in my travel stories. I think this actually would make a good movie lol

This was a funny thing that happened to me whilst I was away in Hungary back in 2022. It shouldn’t really be funny what happened but looking back I think it kind of is.

It was a disaster. I had no smart phone to access what I needed to, I had no idea where I was and WORST OF ALL I could not find my hostel.

The worst part was after asking for directions and walking round in circles (for god knows how long) I got in a taxi that I couldn’t afford to pay.

This driver must have had me in his cab for over an hour. He had his friend in the front seat as a passenger. Both pretty big guys and my impression was that I didn’t think they were the sort of people you messed with.

It seemed to me they was kind of joking around about the predicament I had found myself in. They spoke English but was calling a woman and speaking Hungarian. In my head I thought they was going to take me somewhere and force me to do something I didn’t want to do.

Maybe they was trying to find me somewhere to stay. I don’t know.

It was a nightmare! I still had my 2nd burner phone with me so I called my sister and begged here to send me £100. It was around 2AM in the morning.

This money is actually what got me home in the end but I didn’t actually realise at the time that she had sent it. I didn’t end up paying the taxi drivers a penny and I was quite surprised when they let me go without paying them.

It was a shame I couldn’t really, as I think they were good people. It just wasn’t possible there and then due to my situation.

So they let me go, and at this point I had accepted that I would be out on the streets all night. It really didn’t phase me too much. I kind of didn’t batter an eyelid at this – I’d already spent the last 3 nights outside in Malta, and there was also Prague just a couple months before this which I was constantly getting lost wandering around till the early hours of the morning.

My plan was that I would somehow make my way to the airport. Even if I had to walk the whole way.

I will get back to this part soon. It was all one mad thing after another.

Now,

As For Meeting The Man with The Golden Gun

the man with the golden gun in budapest After being let go by the taxi drivers who said “I was now on my own”. I decided to head back to the airport so I was 100% ready to get my plane home the next day. It had been a long week and I just wanted to get home.

Although it was at this point after I left the taxi driver and his friend that I put my hand in my bag and went into a panic as I thought I had lost my passport. I was frantically looking for it, going through my bags, pulling my clothes out and walking up and down at this bus or tram stop (can’t remember which it was).

At one point I almost got hit by a tram crossing the road. I thankfully did not but what I never realised was that whilst I was not paying attention I was walking towards this man.

He had a dark red, kind of burgundy leather jacket on and a trilby hat if my memory serves me correct and when I got near him that’s when I see it. He did not talk but out of his pocket he pulled out what looked like a golden gun.

Not blatantly but he just flashed it to me from the inside of his jacket.

Really, I think I must have looked like trouble. I was a mess. I think if someone like myself had been walking towards me that night I would have been a bit worried.

So, yes maybe this was what it was like for the man with the golden gun.

I actually don’t know if people in Eastern Europe actually carry guns around for protection but I figured Budapest / Eastern Europe is not like where I live in the UK and perhaps this is more normal over here.

Or perhaps he was some kind of Eastern European gangster – I guess at least he didn’t shoot me lol

And I know perhaps this is wrong for me to assume this but I think this is believable.

So What Did I Do?

After seeing what looked like a Golden Gun I was SCARED! – I actually thought “screw my passport, I’m getting out of here”. There was a bus or tram (can’t remember which it was) and I jumped on without paying.

I was thrown off at the next stop for not having a ticket and the funny thing was I found my passport whilst on this bus.

This whole situation could have been avoided by just staying calm and looking properly but my mental state was not good. I was all over the place.

Although, still – when I thought about what happened later on I did laugh and think – was it really a man carrying a gun around with him? Was he really signalling to me “don’t come near me – I am not someone you mess with” ?

To be honest I kind of respect that. Some people just want to be left alone but then what I also thought was – maybe he wasn’t some sinister criminal but just another joker who probably used this Golden Gun to light his cigars or cigarettes.

It sound a bit more likely really as why would he have not had a normal black gun.

I had this image of him seeing me run away as he lit his cigar with his golden gun laughing his head off. I guess who knows apart from the Man with the Golden Gun

And I know people probably will think this is a load of nonsense. Like no way could this have really happened but something like this did happen HONESTLY and with everything else this should have put me off going back to Budapest ever again. But It did not.

I was back there less than a year later…

(And just to clarify whilst I am updating this I will be heading there again in about a weeks time)

Anyway back to the story

24 Hours Earlier – I am Still In Malta

Now, this was MY PROBLEM. The reason I come to Budapest was this was the cheapest flight back from Malta. I didn’t think it was a problem when I booked. I am really a sucker for stop overs and having the excuse to visit new cities but my trouble was that I lost my smart phone in Malta.

This was my 2nd time on the Island and my big mistake here was I didn’t book enough nights at my hostel and I could not find somewhere else to stay. I had spent the last 3 nights outside and I was drinking basically non stop.

One of these nights I lost my phone. It must have been in Silema I was sitting on a high wall over the sea and it was so strange because there was 2 objects in the sky in tandem with each other going round in circles. It was kind of just confusing and I think that is when I lost my phone.

And thinking about it all I’m pretty sure if I had somewhere to go this wouldn’t have happened and it was very stupid of me to let things get this bad.

One night I spent in someone’s garden by their pool on a sun lounger. They was not too happy when they woke up and found me underneath their towel and it was a silly idea – I was covered in mosquito bites and was badly sun burnt. Although, I didn’t really fuss too much about this at the time.

Malta is not a bad place to wander round. It was actually pretty cool exploring places I wouldn’t otherwise see but STILL I wouldn’t recommend having nowhere to stay whilst your here.

So, I booked my hostel for the night in Budapest on one of my friends phones. I had to write down the name of the place and I never wrote down the address. I was not too concerned really. If I had just wrote all this down I may have been alright.

But anyway, whilst on the subject of Malta.

Funny Story About Malta

The reason I came to Malta was a group of people I knew had booked their own holiday and I thought it would be funny to gate crash it. One day I went to their hotel when they was all up in their rooms.

So I thought I would just wait for them like I did the day before but I didn’t just wait for them I went for a swim and made myself comfortable on a sun lounger for about an hour before being approached by the hotel staff..

This included the hotel manager and several security guards. There must have been about 5 of them. At the time I thought it was pretty funny because the Hotel Manager looked just like Wilson Fisk aka The Kingpin out the Netflix Daredevil show.

kingpin out of daredevil

I wasn’t sure if he was genuinely concerned or what but after walking with him he asked if I was booked to stay at the hotel.

I said I wasn’t and that I was just waiting for my friends who were actually staying there. They did not even let me pick up my bag.

It was after I messed up with my hostel situation and after asking my name the Kingpin and his goons said “come with me Alex”. I’m sure they was all crowded round the sun lounger I was on before I had to leave with them.

I was taken into the lift without my bags and he was asking me “who are your friends” and I told him a few names. Probably I shouldn’t have done but I think in my head I thought it wouldn’t be an issue.

That did not go down very well. Afterwards he went and knocked on one of their doors. They thought this could have got them chucked out (thankfully it didn’t lol) and they was furious. The next holiday I went on with this group he did not come and I’m sure was for this reason.

But anyway back to the story – I was then taken down into the car park.

There was the Kingpin with his security guards either side of him. I don’t want to exaggerate but I think there seemed to be a lot of people there. Kingpin was repeating the same questions and he said he was worried about me.

It actually dawned on me though that these were not the police and they could not keep me there so I said as much and then I left.

I actually slept in the hallway here after this. At one point I was trying to sleep on some chairs and after I just stayed on the sofa at reception reading a book – I don’t think the Kingpin see me luckily.

So I had no trouble getting to the airport after this. To get from St. Julian’s in Malta to the airport on the bus is a piece of cake. It’s one thing I love about this country. I had no trouble really getting to Budapest except I had to pay to have my boarding pass printed as I did not have my phone to show them it.

I may have even had to pay for a new flight. It seemed a lot for a new boarding pass. Although I do know what rip off merchants these airlines can be. You would think this is no trouble for them but anyway.

When I Got To Budapest

It was late. About 23:30 and the only way I had of finding my hostel was the name. The Garden Hostel (I think it was called). I couldn’t find this on google after but anyway…

So I paid for an airport transfer (about £30) – I figured I needed to do this given my situation I was hoping to just pay up – get there – go to sleep, have a shower and get my plane.

I still don’t know if it was anywhere near where I was dropped off because some people I spoke to said my hostel was about 3 hours away on the other side of the Danube.

I don’t know whether they was mistaken or not but I think they or someone else said my hostel was on the over side of the city.

There is Buda and Pest on each side of the Danube river. There is a bridge that you cross over. I was in Pest (I think) but I should have been in Buda.

It was a problem I’m sure I wouldn’t have had if I had my smart phone because I could have shown the driver of the airport bus where I was actually staying.

I’m also pretty sure It would have also saved me the embarrassment of not being able to pay for the taxi – but I guess I would never had this funny story to tell about the Man with the Golden Gun otherwise so at least I got back in the end and I can laugh about this all.

What Happened After Golden Gun Gate

It was a pretty diabolical predicament. I got on a bus which I thought would get me closer to the airport for my flight the next day. I got off somewhere on the outskirts of the city. I think I had a 24 hour bus pass at this point so I could go wherever but after this the buses had stopped running.

At one point I was waiting at a bus stop and I was falling asleep and falling off my seat. Like I don’t know if anyone reading this has experienced this – I suppose it isn’t but kind of like Narcolepsy where you fall asleep without trying.

But I think it was just tiredness and coming off all the alcohol as I could not afford to buy anymore (or so I thought).

After this I gave up on waiting for the bus. I ended up walking down this road and it was horrible. There was lorries driving past me with no Catalytic converters the air quality was terrible and I think this actually made me ill.

There was a van which I’m pretty share said Bear Catcher on the side. There was a cage with birds in up the road that looked really grim as well.

I kept walking trying to find a bus to the airport but no one could understand me. The people that could I think must have thought I was mad because the airport is basically up a mountain. It was absolute peril but I did the smart thing in the end – I got in another taxi (not the same one lol) and I got them to take me to the airport.

My sister really saved my bacon here because I don’t think I knew it but I now had money to pay for this taxi – It wasn’t cheap but totally worth it.

I remember kind of just going round in circles in this taxi – I wondered if they was doing it to hike up my fare but I got to the airport at around half 6 in the morning FINALLY – I had to pay again to get my boarding pass printed but I actually unbelievably got my initial flight back to Luton.

When I got back it was the Queens last Jubilee, my sister was having a party for it and I was not very well.

I think I had piles or something – I will spare the details but this did not put me off going back to Budapest.

Why I Went Back To Budapest After All This

I had a flight booked back from Prague for the following February. This was another messed up situation. It was during all the COVID hysteria and they wouldn’t let me board my plane home as I didn’t fill out my passenger locator form. I had no battery on my phone to do this in time and right there and then I was refused to enter the plane.

For this reason, I was held by the airport police who did not want me going back out into Prague. They made sure that I got another flight booked and what a disaster – the first one I booked was a stopover in Milan – that wasn’t good enough for them because they felt I’d have problems when I got there (due to COVID rules).

So, I booked another direct flight but as I was in such a panic and under so much pressure I booked my flight book from Prague for February 2023 instead of February 2002 – ONE YEAR IN THE FUTURE.

Although, they did let me out after this into the city. Four of my friends had also missed their flight back for the same reason too so that was cool as we had another night out in the City. But anyway as I had the flight to use for the next year from Prague to London this was basically why I came back to Budapest. Which I’m glad I did.

So, I decided to do a four city tour Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague.

Which was GREAT!

The Second Time Was a Charm

Going back to Budapest I had no trouble whatsoever. I was ready for it. I had my phone with roaming data and I actually came here and enjoyed myself the whole time I was here.

The highlight for me was Budapest Zoo. It’s an amazing place that i highly recommend. Really I wanted to go to the Bear Sanctuary too but I was worried about if I’d have enough time.

I will have to go back for this I reckon and also the Danube boat trip.

Although, the funny part was I went back to the same part of the city as before. I think I even see one of the taxi drivers. Really I could have gone up and offered them some money but I wasn’t sure if it was actually them.

I went back to the bus stop where I see the Man with the Golden Gun as well – I was giggling like a little girl – just at the thought – he was not there lol

Who knows if we will ever meet again. I was laughing at one of my Avengers comics the other day. If you look at the cover they are in Budapest.

secret avengers 1 budapest

I’m sure people can guess which villain they are going after.

Surely it must be the Man with the Golden Gun lol

And actually this was what I wanted to write this post about today. Seeing this comic book cover actually inspired me to write this but really and truly when I started TeddyBearsTravels.com this was actually going to be my first blog post.

I actually scrapped this but I guess it was only a matter of time before I shared this story in a blog post.

I shall finish up this post here but if you have enjoyed reading this there are a few ways you can help support me towards my future travels if you would like to do so.

How To Support Teddy Bears Travels

If you are keen to read more about Teddy Bears Travel Adventures there are a few ways that you can help.

Firstly, you can Sign Up for an account with one of our Affiliates – Jack’s Flight Club, Viator and Trip.com are the main one’s for now and they are all free to join.

These are invaluable resources for me and if you do sign up via my links and spend any money in future this should earn me a commission.

Secondly – there is my EBook on Amazon.

>>>The 10 Most Expensive Mistakes To Avoid When Travelling Away Internationally! (Teddy Bears Travels) Kindle Edition<<<

This is a small way to contribute to what I’m trying to achieve but by far the main way to help me with this website is to donate towards my fund for Teddy’s Dream Destinations.

I have a set up a Go Fund Me for this – If you want to read a really good blog post In future your donations would be most welcome!

*My current plan Is going to Brazil, Chile and Easter Island!

>>>Find Out More Here<<<

*Note I am longer doing GoFundMe – probably will do some other fund but I don’t yet will figure this out later – anyway will finish up here but if you would like to read more check out some of my other posts below…

Bizarre Happenings In Gibraltar And Malaga – It’s Finally OverI
Bizarre Happenings In Gibraltar And Malaga – It’s Finally Over. What a mad week it was! I got to Malaga on the 1st of April (April Fools Day) and I was thinking what the joke was that I could tell people. WELL, as far as jokes go, I didn’t get to Malaga till quite late…
Travelling To Agadir And Marrakech Morocco With No Hotel Oh Dear!
My 1st post of 2025. Pretty mad really – Only 3 days into the new year and I was off away again Travelling To Agadir And Marrakech Morocco. It was barely a few days after getting back from Fuerteventura that I booked my flight. I looked it up and I thought £15 – this is…
Going Back To Fuerteventura – My 2nd Time In A Year And 2024 Recap
Going Back To Fuerteventura for My 2nd stay… Only 10 months since my last trip here. It was a bit strange really, as never did I think I would be back so soon. I mean, after last time I did say that I would come back – because I was disappointed that I never see…
How Do I Afford To Go Travelling SO MUCH – What Are My Secrets?
This is something I thought about doing a blog post on before. As every once in a while, without fail, someone will say this to me How Do I Afford To Go Travelling So Much?? My friend actually said this to me just last week as I was boarding my plane to Lanzarote “Wow Alex…
9 European Countries In 11 Days – It’s Finally Over – Teddys Tour 2024
Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it has been. I went to 9 European Countries In 12 Days! ((It’s actually 7 if you take away England, and Belgium (where my coach stopped at a petrol station) but I think this sounds a bit better for a title. Call it click bait if you like…

Bizarre Happenings In Gibraltar And Malaga

Staying In Malaga

My First Day In Gibraltar

A Short Walk Through La Linea

Getting To The Emile Hostel

Meeting My Friend From England

My 2nd Day In Gibraltar (Day 4)

Getting Drunk In The Trafalgar

A Nice Long Walk Up The Rock of Gibraltar

Day 5 In Gibraltar – Zoo and Back Up The Rock

2nd Day Back Up The Rock

Day 6 – I Got Chucked Out of the Trafalgar

Trying To Avoid Crazy Steve

The Next Morning – My Last Day

Trouble At The Airport and Getting Home

I Hated Being Back In England

I Was Exhausted and Thirsty After This

In Conclusion

Travelling To Agadir And Marrakech Morocco With No £1K Hotel – Here Is What Happened?

Where I Stayed For My First 8 Days in Morocco

My First Couple of Days Were Not The Best

Getting Into Auorir (Awrir)

First Impressions of Aourir

Running Into My First Problems In Morocco

Getting Back To Auorir Was VERY Expensive

My 2nd Day Out In Agadir

The Next Day

My Last Couple Nights In Auorir

My Next place in Adrar

All Aboard The Marrakech Express

Getting Into Marrakech City

Going To Ouzoud Falls To See The Monkeys

Seeing the Waterfall

Seeing The Monkeys (Barbary Apes)

My First Night Out In Marrakech

My Last Full Day In Morocco (A Long Walk)

Getting Back To The UK

Final Word: My Advice For Travelling To Morocco

Going Back To Fuerteventura (My 2nd Time)

Leaving England For Lanzarote

4 Nice Days In Lanzarote

The Lanzarote Highlights Tour

My Last Day In Lanzarote

Crossing Over To Fuerteventura On The Ferry

Visiting The Wildlife Park (My 2nd Time)

The Next Day

Leaving Fuerteventura (I didn’t want to)

In Conclusion

How Do I Afford To Go Travelling SO OFTEN – What Are My Secrets? (Some Ideas To Think About)

I Travel Cheap As Possible

I Make Money Whilst I’m Away From eBay and Other Sources – SECRET #2

Ways To Make Money Online Whilst Travelling

How Else Do I Afford To Travel?

Saving Money Whilst Away (Very Important)

In Conclusion

9 European Countries In 12 Days – It’s Finally Over

My First Time In Belgrade, Serbia

My 2nd Stay In Zagreb Croatia

My 3rd Time In Budapest in 2 Years

On To Vienna (My 2nd Time)

Off To Prague (My 4th Time)

My Next Stop Berlin Germany

My Last Stop Paris, France (my 2nd Time Here)

In Conclusion

Subscribe For Future Posts HERE

Lost In Vienna Found In Prague Czech Republic

Your Bag Has Been Found (Finally!)

What Teddy and Colin Missed At Vienna Zoo

My 2nd Time At Vienna Zoo

In Conclusion

Surviving Serbia With No Mobile Data (Internet)

So, What Happened Next

Then Just When I Thought I Was Home and Dry…

Day 2 In Belgrade: Same S**t Different Day

I Had A Good Time At Serbia Zoo

Here We Go Again! More Mistakes! More Hassle!

I Thought I Would Not Make My Coach

Observations About Belgrade

Where To Stay In Belgrade Serbia

Other Things To Note

How Do I Afford To Go Travelling SO OFTEN – What Are My Secrets?
(Some Ideas To Think About)