My Ideal Island Vacation

I did a "My Ideal Island Vacation" quiz for fun the other day. And the result is Nervis.

"On an island vacation, you need the sun, the beach, the sand, and the ocean.
In other words, it doesn't take much to make you happy. That's what the vacation is for.

Nevis is perfect for a true island vacation aficionado like yourself. It's underrated, small, and laid back.

Sure, it's a slower pace, but that's ideal. You won't be overwhelmed with activities, and you'll take the time to truly relax."

I do yearn for a good vacation now. I'm so burnt out. I need to relax, rejuvenate and recharge. I've been keeping my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows unread since its release so that I could read it during my vacation.

This Mar, I am likely to hit Perth. I've never been to Perth. I've heard a lot about it being boring. But as I was reading up about the capital city of Western Australia, I realised it ain't so bad - in fact - I think I may like the place. Fremantle & Subiaco seem like great shopping & dining areas. The Caversham Wildlife Park had me squeaked in delight -- I could meet the koalas, feed the kangaroos and craddle Big bubs the wombat!

What makes a vacation great? -- A good book, my gorgeous ipod nano, my trustworthy camera, a travel companion whom I can be totally at ease and be silly with, my travel journal and most importantly, a happy state of mind.

Voluntourism

Heard of this? I just recently found out.

Voluntourism = Volunteer + Tour

I've been telling my friends I needed a vacation. And I'm planning to do one in Feb 08. Tentatively blocking out 9-16 Feb. Going to commemorate my 30 years on earth in a special way. So, maybe, I will be a voluntourist. Meaningful, isn't it?



Globalteer is a UK registered non profit charity that serves to help those in need. I was surfing their website this morning.

A donation is required for a volunteer placement to ensure the continual existence and improvement of the project. As a registered charity, Globalteer is legally required to ensure that 100% of all monies received are used to promote the charitable objectives. Globalteer is an organisation independent of government, politics and religion with the objective to help projects and communities around the world.

Let's see - I could either volunteer in the Cambodia Kids Project (minimum 1 week) or the Thailand Animal Rescue Project (minimum 3 weeks). Of course, there are other projects. To be practical, I don't think I can afford 3 weeks of leave. So it's down to Cambodia.





Minimum donation of USD620 (Approx SGD895) is for one week's stay (though you don't have to volunteer for entire 7 days, they are flexible). Comprises:

• Airport pick up from Siem Reap International airport.
• Project and Cambodia orientation briefing on arrival.
• Accommodation for the duration of your stay at the project.
• Free bicycles for all volunteers.
• In country support from our volunteer co-ordinator, project manager and Cambodian staff.

Excludes flights (probably cost about SGD450), visas or insurance.

The volunteers are required to pay for their own daily transportation to the projects (Between £1 to £3 / $2 to US$6).

I probably need to be vaccinated up-todate if I'm going, with tetanus and diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B and typhoid. Eww.. jabs freak me! And I'll need to get a visa.

Cambodia has four seasons! November to February is cool and dry - suitable for me! : )

Nothing's firm yet. Am also considering other destinations: Gold Coast, Melbourne, Cairns.

Will find out more. Anyone wanna join me? : P