Rangiroa, French Polynesia: white sand and dolphins

WHERE?

Rangiroa, French Polynesi

 

WHEN?

November 2020, for 3 nights / 4 days. I would recommend 3-4 nights indeed.

TIPS:

What to pack?

• Passport

• Wallet, papers etc

• Earphones

• Snorkeling equipment

• Diving equipment (or you can rent it super easily, just bring your mask ideally). Don’t forget the diving journal!

• Wetsuit (I am personally always cold) or a t-shirt to protect your skin while in the water

• SwimsuitS

• Sun glasses + cap

• Ecofriendly sunscreen

• Books + a journal to write all your memories

• Pyjamas (+ sleeping mask + earplugs, up to you)

• Camera, Gopro, underwater equipment

• Waterproof bag

• Light bags to take in your bag so you can pick up trash when going to the beach

• Toiletries (ideally eco friendly toothpaste, shampoo and body wash!)

• Mask + Gel (covid)

• If you have a buoy to go swimming and mark your location, perfect

• Monoi / coconut oil / Tamanu (best aftersun)

• Anti mosquitoes

• Flip flops

• Sport outfit + shoes

• Medicines if you take any

• Super light clothes, it is super warm

• Waterproof jacket, it also raise sometimes, and super useful after diving to get warm

• One jacket/pullover for the evening or after diving

• Beach towels

• Water bottle (non plastic)

• All the cables you need for your phone/camera etc

• “Water shoes” to walk on dead reef, really practical!

Where to stay?

We were lucky to stay at a friend’s place but from what I have seen there are many hotel/pension/fare along the island.

• Les Relais de Joséphine:

Paradise on earth, with a terrace overlooking the Tiputa pass.
We just had lunch there but we could check the spot and the owners were really nice.

• Hotel Kia Ora:

Definitely not my budget but we went there for the Tahitian show and the happy hours and I have to say the spot is precious and the staff adorable.
The show was impressive too!

• Pension Rangiroa Plage:

I did not go but I met the owner and she was really nice so I expect her pension to be too! And from what I see on the website it looks like!

Where to eat?

• Les Relais de Joséphine:

The view from the restaurant, overlooking the Tiputa pass, is just paradise. You can see dolphins jumping especially at sunset.
The owners were really nice and the food freshly handmade. They have veggie options. I took the quiche and salad, for 1200CFP.
You can have access to wifi for 200CFP.

• Snack Chez Lili:

I loved the decoration, super chill. The terrace in on the lagoon and perfect to watch the sunset!

• Snack Puna:

Just in front of Chez Lili if you want to change. On the lagoon and great for sunset.

What To do?

• Go for the happy hours and the Tahitian show at Hotel Kia Ora. On Sundays and Wednesdays. They add a lot of snacks with the drinks 😉

• Rent bikes (many accommodations have them for free) and do a tour of the island! In total it’s around 24km. Take a lot of water, protect yourself from the sun, There are some grocery shops along the way if you want to buy water or snacks. Some shooting too!

• Go to the “reef islands” with Paati Excursions.
  Leon (87792467) and his team ARE the bests.
  Program:
  - pick up at your accommodation
  - go to the spot (1h boat so take sun protection and something warm)

- snorkel between islands
- snack/fruits break
- discover the emerged reefs (breathtaking)

- walk and swim to. the place where lunch is served
- The lunch was insane. I an vegetarian but they had options for me. The DO have the best coconut bread you will eat, insane. You can also have beers and fruits juices. The spot is paradise, with all the sharks just in front ;) We even created our own bags and hats. A super nice moment.

- go back to main island
- Tiputa Pass to see the dolphins jumping
- “the aquarium” for a last snorkel, while Leon was playing Guitar and his team singing

What a nice moment, highly recommended.

• Diving! It is THE one thing to do seriously. See below.

Diving:

We went with Rangiroa Plongée, with Claudio (87776586) and his team.
We did 2 dives:

• Early morning, outer current, to see the dolphins, and we did!! It was impressive, we just arrived in the water and max 5min after they came to us. So close, so adorable. Please be mindful and respectful and even if they come really close, do NOT touch them. One of my best diving moment in life.

• Afternoon, inner current, to see the sharks. Indeed there was many sharks lying on the ground, below 30m. We saw many species of fishes. Nice dive.

Good to know:

• If you have a diving card, you can have an extra 5kg for your luggages.

• From Tahiti to Rangiroa both sides are beautiful from the plane. I would maybe recommend the left side though.

• Take the pick up from airport, but I think all the accommodations include it.

• On Sundays and Wednesdays, Hotel Kia Ora offers a Tahitian show AND Happy Hours. Highly recommended. They serve snacks with the cocktails ;)

• To watch the sunset: Hotel Kia Ora, Snack Chez Lili, Plage Publique or the fishermen pontoon.
  

• YES there are mosquitoes so take protections.

• Rain is on and off on those islands, it never lasts long.

• “Magasin TMT” is a supermarket and actually offers a variety of options!

Enjoy!

Fakarava, French Polynesia: Coconut trees and breathtaking coral reefs

Where?

Fakarava, French Polynesia.

 

When?

November 2020, for 5 nights.
I would say if you only stay North, 5 nights are perfect. If you also sleep in the South, maybe take 6 nights.

TIPS:

What to pack?

• Passport

• Wallet. papers etc

• Earphones

• Snorkeling equipment

• Diving equipment (or you can rent it super easily, just bring your mask ideally). Don’t forget your diving journal!

• Light Wetsuit (I am personally always cold) or a t-shirt to protect your skin while in the water

• SwimsuitS

• Sun glasses + cap

• Ecofriendly sunscreen

• Books + a journal to write all your memories

• Pyjamas (+ sleeping mask + earplugs, up to you)

• Camera, Gopro, underwater equipment

• Waterproof bag

• A small bag to put in your everyday bag so you can pick up trash when going to the beach

• Toiletries (ideally eco friendly toothpaste, shampoo and body wash!)

• Mask + Gel (covid)

• If you have a buoy to go swimming and mark your location, perfect

• Monoi / coconut oil / Tamanu (best aftersun, you can by it there too)

• Anti mosquitoes

• Flip flops

• Sport outfit + shoes

• Medicines if you take any

• Super light clothes, it is super warm

• Waterproof jacket, it also rains sometimes, and it is super useful after diving to get warm

• One jacket/pullover for the evening or after diving

• Beach towels

• Water bottle (non plastic)

• All the cables you need for your phone/camera etc

• “Water shoes” to walk on dead reef, really practical!

Where to stay?

• Relais Marama: What a nice place!

Adorable bungalows, 1min walk to the ocean, 3min walk to the lagoon.
Delicious breakfast included.
Common area with a kitchen, so super practical to cook when needed (and to save some money!). common bathrooms (super clean, hot water, space etc).
Bikes at disposal!
Reasonable prices for Fakarava.
Free Wifi.
Manuiti and her boyfriend are just adorable, welcoming, super helpful.
I cannot recommend more this place <3

• Tetamanu village: Paradise at the south path

Gorgeous, right in front the South Pass, so ideal to dive.
A minimum of 2 nights and it is expensive (18000/night/pers but rates are decreasing, see website) BUT it is paradise, it includes the pick up and drop off to main island/airport, all the meals and daily activities.
Dives are at 7000CFP but I am sure you can lower it to 5000CFP and if not, Top Dive as an antenna there and will do a price of 5000CFP.

• Havaiki Lodge: Drink a coconut seating in the lagoon

If you have a bit more budget, you can stay at this hotel. The location is really nice and THE plus are the tables in the water ^^

Also, surprisingly, the restaurant for lunch has reasonable prices. It is called “Le snack du requin dormeur”. They have poke bowls, veggie nuggets and a veggie burger for example. I recommend the “moelleux au chocolat avec glace au tarot” and simply the “coco glacé”. The BIG PLUS: you can eat on the tables in the lagoon!
You often see Nurse sharks too!
Open 11am-2pm
They also have Happy Hours every night at their other restaurant, the “Meko Bar”, and the spot is perfect for sunset. Highly recommended. Cocktails around 1400CFP.

Where to eat?

Your hotel or fare will most probably give you a list of all the snacks. Ask them.

• I highly recommend “Le snack du requin dormeur”. They have poke bowls, veggie nuggets and a veggie burger for example. I recommend the “moelleux au chocolat avec glace au tarot” and simply the “coco glacé”. The BIG PLUS: you can eat on the tables in the lagoon!

• Snack Rotoava is in he city center, on the lagoon, and has cute lights at night.

• Snack Elda, a bit further but on the Lagoon too.

• Snack Korikori, same, a bit further but great spot on the lagoon.

• There is a pizza truck on the left after Snack Rotoava.

Good to know: The pizza truck and Snack Rotoava are OPEN on Sundays, even if their ads say the opposite.

What to do?

• Just chill by the ocean, by the lagoon, at your hotel. Live the Tahitian vibe! If you stay at Relais Marama, it is a very nice spot to just take your time.

• Take a bike an explore the island.
  You have 2 options from Rotoava village.
  Or you go NORTH, until PK10 (so it is 10km). At the very end you have the Pass, gorgeous. Right in front the PK9 landmark, when coming from the village, turn left and then you arrive on THE beach, with THE palm tree (the one on the pics). Schedule some time to go there, first for the bike (it will be 20k total), and then to just take the time to walk along this endless beach, it is breathtaking. Don’t forget to take a lot of water, sun protections AND a bag to pick up trash while you walk there. Also, there is a Marae at this spot so be mindful, respectful, and enjoy the vibe.

Or you go SOUTH, until PK15. Here there is an antenna, you can go even further but it is a dirt road and I do not think the bikes will appreciate. This is a more “monotonous” road and by the ocean and not the lagoon but you can stop all along the way to enjoy the natural pools created by the reef. Super relaxing.

• There are many excursions (“Blue lagoon”, “Green Lagoon”, “pink beach”). I did not do them because we already did one in Rangiroa and it is expensive. But ask at your hotel/Fare AND look online because prices vary.

• Chill at the Havaiki lodge, drink a coconut on the tables in the lagoon, tan, nap, read, wait for the happy hours to start and watch sunset. 3 afternoons in a row we just did nothing there (in the mornings we were doing a lot!).

• Watch shooting stars! Every night, if you lie down on ocean side, you can see insane stars and shooting stars. Amazing moment.

• Run along the ocean road. Nice run, almost no cars.

• The church in Rotoava Village is cute and colourful inside, take 5min to stop.

Diving:

• A dive is around 5000CFP. I recommend Dive Spirit and Top Dive.

• To go to the South Pass (highly recommended), prices are around 30000CFP. This includes 2 dives, lunch and transportation (it is almost an hour of boat back and forth). I Highly recommend to go with Dive Spirit, the team is super nice (and qualified!) and the lunch at Tetamanu Village is a dream. Take sun protection but also warm clothes for the boat.

South pass IS impressive for the number of sharks but do not imagine a “wall” of sharks if you do not go at the right season and at night. The corals are breathtaking in front of Tetamanu Village.

• North pass is also amazing. The number of marine species is impressive AND you have more chances to see Manta rays! The number of sharks was impressive too. If you can go to “Alibaba cave” it is a gorgeous spot (so many fishes and sharks).

Good to know:

• If you come from Rangiroa, seat on the RIGHT side. the views are insane.

• When you fly from Fakarava to Tahiti you most probably will stop in Rangiroa. For Faka - Rangiroa I recommend left side and for Rangiroa - Tahiti you choose: left side to see the atolls and later on Tahiti, right side if you want to fly over Moorea.

• Take a pick up form the airport. I think almost all the hotels/fare offer it

• In Rotoava Village, there are 3 groceries stores in the main village. 2 of them close at 05:30pm and one of then at 05:00pm so go on time for your shopping!
  Groceries stores are closed on Sundays.
  Groceries stores receive fresh vegetables and fruits on Wednesdays so best day to go groceries and take for the length of your stay at once!

• At the big shop in front of the school, they sell local Tamanu and coconut oil.

• Sunset spots:

  • Havaiki Lodge

• Just after the church, when you come from the school/town-hall, there is a phone cabin on your right. Here there is a small beach and it is a know spot to see nurse sharks!

• Grill Rotoava

• Anywhere facing the lagoon is an option to be honest, always beautiful

ENJOY!

Sampoorna yoga - YTTC - Tips!

WHERE?

Sampoorna Yoga, Agonda beach

WHEN?

From the 29th of September to 25th of October.

TIPS:

WHAT TO KNOW FIRST:

• Amazing place, adorable bungalows, great facilities, gorgeous views from the shalas

• Great location. 5min walk from Agonda beach which is gorgeous and not too touristic. A lot a shops and restaurants around and they serve delicious food.

• Amazing team. Everyone is adorable and helpful.

• Really intensive course. Be ready to practice everyday and to learn a lot everyday. It is tiring but so enriching

• Yes it is expensive but you pay for the quality of the space and for the seriousness of the diploma.

WHAT TO BRING:

Bear in mind that you can buy almost everything there and for cheaper than in Europe/US so up to you to pack or buy there.

• mosquito spray

• Depending on the season something warm for the evening and something in case of rain

• Swimsuit

• Not too may clothes of ever you want to buy there. You will want t buy so many things ^^

• No need of an adaptor from Europe but take one if you come from anther region.

• Headlamp / lamp if you walk at night

• Sunscreen

• Aftersun

• They provide you with a pencil and some highlighters, take other things if you need for your studies

• Notebook

• Medicine

• Your usual toiletries

• Beach towel. They provide a shower one.

• Sun glasses

• Comfy clothes

• a lot of yoga clothes because you will sweat a lot

• Hand washing laundry

• Tea bags. You have a kettle in your room.

• A good book

• Earphones

• Earplugs

WHERE TO EAT / HAVE A DRINK?

• Agonda Cottages: the staff is adorable, the food is delicious, the view perfect

• The White: fancy and I found the staff rude but the set up is nice and the food is good.

• Avocado garden: GREAT choice of food and cute set up but they take super long to serve you (it can take an hour seriously)

• ZEST: the place to be

• Fatima’s: delicious food and cheaper than most of the other places

• Cuba: great view, nice staff, ok food

What to do on weekends / free time:

Massage: I only tried Ayurvedic Massage next to Fatima’s. Ask for the 2 oldest ladies, they are so good.
Create your own Mala at Mughal Art.
Create your own dream catcher at Palolem.
Go to see dolphins.
Take the boat to Butterfly and Honeymoon Beach. Bring empty bags to pick up trash there.
Go to Cola Beach.
Go to Patnem Beach.
Go for food and shopping at Palolem.
Surf on Agonda, you will see the schools close to Sampoorna.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• LAUNDRY: go to a local laundry place, you will divide the price by 2-3

• The best village at Sampoorna is the “Zen” one

• There is a surf school there if you fancy

• Go to see the dolphins and the beaches around but you can REALLY negotiate the prices

• Here is the contact of a very nice driver: He is adorable and does a very fair price, 1800INR for Airport to Agonda/Palolem/Patnem. Here is his number if you need it: +919764267145. He has WhatsApp.

Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur.

Many people see Rajasthan as a dangerous place to travel, especially for solo female traveller.
Well, it is NOT.
People there are amazing, it is a touristic place so easy to travel and many nice hostels, restaurants, coffee places etc.
If you:

• dress up properly

• don’t go out alone at night

• travel by day

• stay in hostel chains with security

• have an Indian SIM card

You will be all good!

Here are my tips about Rajasthan.
I only had 2 weeks so I did not go to Jaiselmer and Pushkar but I only heard amazing things so I would recommend those places too.
I usually narrate a lot my blog and add a lot of pics but this time because of time management I will “just” give you the tips :) I posted A LOT on my IG so have a look: https://www.instagram.com/mc_followsthesun/

UDAIPUR:

My favourite place in Rajasthan.
It is so chill, calm, in nature. I could have stayed easy and days.
I would recommend minimum 3 days!

How to access:

Plane from Delhi
Bus or train from others cities, just check timings 
Remark: cabs cannot enter the very city centre

What to do:

Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple: great view over Udaipur! Go for sunset. You can walk up or take the cable cars.
Lake Pichola: you can do a boat tour, perfect at sunset
Tiger Lake: for trekking
Jagdish Temple: main temple
Jagmandir: I did not go because of the price but it is iconic so up to you
Walking tour by Moustache Hostel. They will take you to places you would not have been alone.
Kanwarpada: public school
Radha Temple: not the main temple so less crowded. Beautiful sculptures.
Lal Chat: amazing view on the lake.
Gangaur Chat: my favourite place, on the river, local, peaceful, spiritual, gorgeous.
Shiv Ji Temple: by the lake, spiritual.
City Palace: gorgeous
The dharohar show at Bagore Ki Haveli. Be careful you have to arrive at a certain time to take the tickets. Check online.
Ambrai Chat: breathtaking view over the Place and the city
Ambrai hotel: sneak in to see the hotel and the view
Bluemoon Kinaraz: breathtaking rooftop, at anytime of the day, really nice staff.
Badi Lake: beautiful, especially the view from Bahu Bali Hill. REALLY negotiate the prices with the Tuktuk so he drives you, wait and drives you back.
Jheel’s: great rooftop once again. Good breakfast and cakes.
Fateh Sagar Lake and the Nehru Garden: nice walk from the city centre. You can do boat tours, it is cheap and chill.
Street food along the Fateh Sagar Lake: nice way to test local food.
Saheliyon Ki Badi: A nice garden to rest and chill
Monsoon Palace: Amazing view, go at Sunset! We WALKED all the way up which was super nice but don’t over estimate the time to go up so arrive at least 1h before sunset. Then you will have to ask for people to drive you done. Or you pay for the car shuttles that take you up and down.

Where to stay:

Moustache hostel: breathtaking rooftop, great staff, good food, chill atmosphere, great tours

Where to eat:

Moustache serves food
Grasswood Coffee: vegan and healthy
Edelweiss, German Bakery: chill spot for coffee and cake
Cafe La Comedie: fro breakfast
The Bake affair: delicious cakes 

Jodhpur:

How to access:

Bus or train.

Where to stay?

Zostel: great team, clean, INSANE rooftop, great tours

Where to eat?

The blue turban: on the rooftop of Zostel, INSANE view and delicious food
Bluebird: chill rooftop with great view
Gopal: great view but not the best decoration
The men cave: inside but read atmosphere and good food
Join the Zostel food tour
Vijay restaurant: take the Kabuli Kaju
Ghanta Ghar: great for the atmosphere and for shopping
The street food around the clock tower is insane
Stepwell coffee: beautiful!
WHAT TO EAT: Malai roti, Kabuli kaju curry, Arora Samosa, Gulab jamun (at Chaturb huj), Mogar kachori (at mool ji hotel), Ghevar (desert), Patasa (a lot during weddings), Dahibada, drink Chai teas.

What to do:

Mehrangarh Fort: Insane
Flying fox: zip-line in the fort!
Singhoria hill: gorgeous for sunset
Mandore Garden: nice for a stroll 
Blue houses district / Nav Chakiya: gorgeous, just walk around.
Maa Jwalamukhi Devi temple. AMAZING view from there. Go at day time and at sunset ^^
Jaswant Thada: beautiful, especially at sunset 
Stepwell: so beautiful
In general I would say just walk around and get lost in the gorgeous streets.

Jaipur

Where to stay:

Moustache Hostel: great atmosphere, great staff, clean, great tours.

Where to eat:

The Indian Coffee House: local place
Curious Life Coffee Red: amazing breakfast but super occidental style
Thali house: for thali
Street food is delicious everywhere

What to do?:

Amber Fort: beautiful!
Stepwell: ok after Amber fort but the one in Jodhpur is better.
Jah Mahal: peaceful and beautiful. On the way to the forts.
Pink City walking tour from Nomad Tours: you will see amazing and hidden places and try some local street food. Ask for Ajiith as a guide.
Hawa Mahal: beautiful, especially at night
The market: SO many things, all segmented by themes. It is a lot, be ready ^^ Bargain a lot. The wedding market is impressive.
Tadkesh warnath Mahadev Mandir: amazing atmosphere in this temple
Adarsh Nagar: just pass by at night
Trove: to party. Ladies night on Thursday. In general Jaipur is famous for the parties
Club Cabana: to party
Monkey temple: so so nice! It it FAR so go all the way by tuktuk, to walk there is really long.
Nahargarh Fort: Nice, especially the ride there. Great view on the city.

Delhi + Agra

Hello everyone!

Many people ask me for all my tips about India.
I usually narrate a lot my trips and include a lot of pics but for time management reasons I will “just” give you all the tips and then I will advise google image ;)

So here it is for Delhi and Agra:

Delhi:

Where to eat?

Sly Granny: “expensive (5-7euros a dish) but amazingly good. It is in Khan Market so nice to mix it with some shopping
Perch: just in front of Sly Granny, delicious too.
Olive Bar and Kitchen: next to Qutub Minar. “Expensive” too and European but gorgeous and delicious.
United Coffee House: delicious Indian food.
The artful baker: amazing patisserie.
The bid chill bakery: SO many cakes and all amazing. There is one in Khan market.
The big chill creamery: for icecream. There is one in Khan Market.
Swiggy: to order food all the time from everywhere :)

What to do?

Ladhi Art district: beautiful graffitis. 
Khan Market: good for shopping 
Humayun's Tomb: gorgeous, especially early morning. One of my favourite place.
Red Fort: not my favourite thing so if you have time go there but not a priority
Lodhi Garden: peaceful and beautiful
Qutab Minar: nice to see but not a priority
Lotus Temple: nice to see because it is unusual
India Gate: iconic place and walk until the parliament building at the end of the boulevard. There is the Rashtrapati Bhavan there too.
Jama Masjid: incredible, something to see. Dress up appropriately.
Chandni Chowk: not to be missed. Crazy atmosphere and amazingly cheap shopping :)
Jantar Mantar: I loved it, I learnt so much ^^
ISKCON temple: go for chanting, crazy atmosphere
Agrasen ki Baoli: pass by
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: go for a ceremony
Purana Qila: nice stroll but not the most important thing to see
Safdarjung's Tomb: another tomb, beautiful but Humayun’s tomb is better.
Akshardham temple: impressive “but” all new. It is unusual.
Anoukhi: I love this brand for shopping
If you want to run, adidas Runners Delhi has many events! (check the group on facebook)

Where to stay?

Jugaad Hostel: close to the airport
Zostel South: clean and renovated, close to the airport but far from all the rest.
Moustache: I did not go but this chain is often a good option.
In general, take a HOSTEL and not a hotel, for security reasons, to meet people and to have access to their tours :)

Transports:

Walking: the best to explore!
Uber: cheap but you have all the traffic.
Ola, often cheaper than uber, just compare. 
Subway: super cheap, clean and safe. There is even a women wagon. It is the best way to move in Delhi. 
Tuktuk: if you really have too but it is more expensive.

Agra:

How to go:

By train from Delhi

Where to stay:

Hotel Sidharta: clean, super nice staff, good food, 3min elk from the Taj

What to do:

The Taj Mahal: book you ticket online, go the earliest possible to be one of the first to enter and see sunrise there. Dress up properly.
Amber Fort: beautiful.
Mehtab Bagh: the gardens are not amazing but the view over the Taj is nice
Itmad-ud-Daula: I did not go but people recommended it
ONE FULL DAY IS ENOUGH

Quitting a job in Germany: and now what?

What to cancel and how?

DEREGISTER:

Yourself:

FYI you can only deregister a week prior you leave Germany. Some blogs say 2 weeks but no.
Some good tips here.

You can find the reregistration form online translated so I would recommend to print the English version to go to the reregistration office so then you can easily fill the German one.

Your car:

You have to go to the local vehicle registration office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle). Some info here.
My advice is to plan a lot of time to go there because it takes a lot of time, even if you have it all ready. If you are more an early bird than me go there before the opening and cue there first.

If you sell your car, I would recommend to go to this person if possible to the registration office so everything is done at once (contract + car deregistration). This can keep the same car plates and no need to take them off then.

INSURANCES:

Health Insurance:

Once you quit, your company will send a notification to the health insurance and it should be cancelled automatically. Nevertheless, it is better to also send a proof of employment contract end and of your reregistration to your local insurance office.

Car insurance:

When you deregister your car (you have to do it anyway, in Germany or once back in your country when you change plates) it will automatically send a notification to your insurance.

Double check you are reimbursed at the pro-rata if ever you pay by year.

I would recommend to deregister while you are still in Germany because it is free and once you are in another country it is up to 200euros for the paperwork.

Habitation insurance: Same, your reregistration should directly send a notification to your insurance but double check with them.

HABITATION:

If you rent a furnished flat it is usually 3 months prior to departure that you have to notify your landlord. Check your contract anyway, it should be written.

You need a proof from your landlord that you left the apartment.

You need to cancel gaz and electricity and internet contracts, do it asap because it can take time.

Make sure you get the caution back!

You also need the overview of taxes and bills of the flat for when you have to do your taxes.

ANY FIDELITY CARDS!!

For example your DB card! They ask you to notify them 6 weeks before the renewal date!

Gym member card? Public transport suscription? Just try to think about all your subscriptions :)

BANKING:

Do not close your account yet because you will receive money back (taxes, bonuses, habitation caution etc) and maybe you have to pay other things.

MOVING OUT:

You king of have 4 options:

• You do not have a lot and you just book extra luggages when you move out.

• You send it all via DHL. Look at the pricing conditions because it costs the same to send a box of 19kg or 31kg!
  You can also send parcels and it can be interesting.

• You rent a car and drive you and your things. BUT be aware that if you leave in another country the “abandoned fees” are just huge! You also have to consider the gaz and the highway fees.

• Contract a company, it is SUPER expensive but super practical.

UNEMPLOYMENT:

You need your company to give you your U1 form.

I would recommend also to contact the national unemployment office to know about the specificities. For example there is.a high chance you have to ask for the U2 form.

You should also call the unemployment office of your nationally country to get the details of unemployment once you will be back.

For example as a French woman I have zero rights because I resigned. I cannot receive the unemployment payment and I lost my years working in Germany, just because I resigned… It sounds ridiculous especiallyy if keeping working was affecting your physical and mental health… Anyway, just check.

BASIC TIPS:

Super basic. do things asap. I know, it is boring, it is complicated etc etc but the more you wait the more difficult it is going to be! So get at it!

Think about printing things, we do not all have a printer home ;)

At last: positive thinking! It will be difficult, you know it, but you took this decision and you were strong enough for that so you will get through all those administrative details!

GOOD LUCK!!

A long weekend in Marrakech

 

 TIPS:

-      At the airport, exchange money AFTER the customs. 
Or withdraw at some point.

-      Book a cab in advance from the airport to your hotel. Prices are legally fixed by the government so you should always find around 100MAD (10euros).
OR if it’s during day time, there is a bus, for 40MAD (40cents!), just check on google map from the airport to your accommodation and it will show you the way. There is a direct line to place Jemaa El Fna (city center and where most of the riads are). You can also negotiate on spot with the cab driver. At daytime, tell them you will take the bus when they come to you, they will then go down to 80-90MAD, you can go to 40-50MAD. It works especially from the city center to the airport, less from airport to center because many other tourists do not know and will pay the 100MAD.

-      Cab prices have legally fixed day and night fares. It is usually even written somewhere in the cab!

-      The cabs WILL put the counter! They have to buy law. PLEASE do not trust them when they say a crazy price or that it is a special day in the calendar and the prices are higher today, they lie. At least have the counter for your recurrent routes so you know how much it really costs and then you can negotiate even if no counter. For example from my hotel to the one of my parents it was 6MAD with the counter. If I ask a driver he will say 40-50MAD. I tell him I know it is 6 and that I am ok for 10 (or 20 if I am lazy) if we stop negotiating. You will get an idea of the prices easily. If a driver says no, then say by and go to another one.
Start with “Salam” to be friendly and local.

-      When you walk, do not believe the people who ask you where you are going and who tell you it is close. They lie so you follow them in their back up plan.

-      I would recommend not to follow the people who tell you they will show you around for free.

-      I was surprised but many tourists had bare legs and arms/shoulders. Up to you and how you feel, just be respectful. Personally, it was 42degrees so I had a short, but with a t-shirt covering my shoulders and nothing sexy.

-      Usually you need to divide the price by 5 but by 4 is a “good deal”

-      Keep your bag close to you and in the front, we saw pickpockets.

-      Leave space in your suitcase when you come… you will want to buy so many things there!

-      If you want to exchange money the best rate is at “Chez Ali” on the Jemaa El-Fna square

-      You can buy double tickets for Jardin Majorelle and for the YSL museum. The queue to the museum is usually shorter and faster so cue there.

WHAT TO PACK?:

-      Sun glasses

-      Solar cream

-      Safe bag to walk around

-      Ear plugs

-      Sleeping mask

-      Something to cover your legs and shoulders

-      Depending on the season a fan and a cap/hat

-      Water bottle 

-      Towel

-      Comfortable shoes

-      Camera

-      Swimsuit for hammam

-      If you plan on buying many things an empty folded bag to fill in ^^

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK?:

-      NOMAD: YES a touristic please but the location is great, next to the spices market, the decoration is beautiful and the food is good. I loved it.

-      Terrasse des epices: the typical Parisian gathering in Marrakech but yes, it is beautiful, chill, greatly decorated and I have to say the food was delicious! I highly recommend the vegetarian tajine and the ice coffee.

-      Max & Jan: My favorite rooftop maybe. Less “Parisian” and more hippie. I could spend my day chilling there. 

-      Juices on places Jemma El-fna: the place is fool of trucks selling fresh juices

-      Trou au mur: really famous restaurant in Marrakech. I did not go but I got it recommend by several people.

-      Café des épices: just in front of NOMAD, same style.

-      Café francais: super cliché and touristic but what a view on Place Jemaa el-fan and the food is good.

-      Kechmara: highly recommended on the internet and my parents loved it so I would follow their taste J

-      The Moorish Cafe and drinks

WHERE TO STAY?:

-      Equity: really nice hostel. The dorms are a bit old school but it is clean, safe, greatly located and the patio with the small pool is really nice.

-      Rodamon: This hostel is amazing! Open 24h/7d, always secured, welcoming personal, super clean rooms, one bathroom per dorm, secured lockers per bed, the beds are like small cabins you can close with a curtain for intimacy, super location, a beautiful rooftop with you on the Koutoubia, a small pool in the patio. HIHLY recommended. They do not provide a towel though. The breakfast is not included (4euros). The water bottles are super expensive so buy outside.

-      Bed square: I would NOT recommend it. The location is great but not super safe. It is not open all the time. The dorms give on the patio so it is noisy and during the night you are awake by the ring. No chill space, not the best rooftop, no small pool, shared bathroom for all the dorms. The beds are great though, there are individual lockers, they provide a locker and breakfast included.

-      Radison Blue Gueliz: wayyyy more fancy that what I can afford but I was lucky tat my parents stayed there. Great rooms, chill terrace and pool, good food, amazing breakfast, super secured, adorable personnel.

WHAT TO SEE?:

-      Well, to be honest google will give you all the main touristic spots to see and you should see them at least one. I list all the ones I preferred and remembered.

-      Palais de la Bahia: the most beautiful palais in Marrakech, it is gorgeous

-      Palais El Badi: great too. Way bigger and it is nice to walk around and to see the storks and ruins

-      Jardin Majorel and YSL museum: The jardin is a MUST to see, gorgeous. The museum is nice but you feel like in Paris and it looks like the other YSL exhibitions you may have seen. There are 2 cues but you can buy a double ticket at both entrance so I would recommend to cue at the museum because usually faster and less people J

-      Medina: just to walk around plunges you in another world, I love it.

-      Menara: emblematic from Marrakech so nice to see but not a must 

-      Place Jemaa El Fna: where you know you are in Marrakech. What an energy! Go there at night especially.

-      Koutoubia: emblematic too. Love the architecture and to walk in the gardens around.

-      Saadien’s Tombs: one thing to see in Marrakech too, beautiful architecture.

-      Souks: the one thing to do in Marrakech! Get lost, buy too much, negotiate a lot <3

-      Maison de la photography: small museum but great exhibitions. Go to the rooftop for the panoramic view!

-      Le jardin secret: adorable and peaceful, go for a coffee even! Just take your time there.

-      Ben Youssef school: I could not go because it is into renovation but if it is open go!

 THE TRIP:

Aaaaaaand, I am BACK!
Way earlier than I expected J

I have the wedding of my oldest friend in Marrakech, I cannot say no.

I am not a super fan of Marrakech BUT I am willing to give it another try.

Interesting fact: there are direct flights Nuremberg-Marrakech with Ryannair! Twice a week AND super cheap. I book from Wednesday to Wednesday, will spend 3 days in Marrakech for the wedding and then head again to Taghazout to surf with @dfrost (see updated blog post after my second visit!)

Now I am SO looking forward J

DAY 1:

I arrived the night before from Nuremberg. 4hours flight with Ryanair was a challenge for my back and neck back but I survived. The taxi drop me at the entrance of all the small street leading to my hostel. I was freaking out because I have a bad memory of Marrakech but all good, people are nice and helpful, it is a good surprise.

I woke up in my dorm at Rodamon. This hostel is THE BEST, I highly recommend it. I wanted to go running but I am so tired and it is 42 degrees… I chill a bit on the rooftoooooop and go to meet with my parents at their hotel in Gueliz.

To grab a cab I have to walk to Place Jemaa El-fna. Ah… walking in the Medina is for me the most iconic thing. This place is insane with all the colors, shops, smells, people. I love it, but I just want to be left alone and not to have all the vendors coming to me…

I arrive at the place, I exchange money at “Chez Ali”, and I grab a car to the Supratours bus station because I need to buy my tickets for my trip to Agadir 3 days after. The driver is super nice and directly puts the counter. I then walk in Gueliz from the bus station to the hotel. I did not know this district, nice to see but clearly rich and European style. I meet with my parents, sooooo happy to see them! We go to the YSL museum that opened not long ago. It is nice to see BUT you have the feeling you are in Paris (so many French people) and if you have seen already many YSL exhibitions like me it will not change your life. It is nice as a complement of Jardin Majorelle though.

Then we head back to the Medina to have lunch at NOMAD. We have to pass by the souks and the spices market, I love it. I love also the restaurant! YES super touristic and they know what we want but still, the location is perfect, view on the spices market, beautiful set up, delicious food.

Afterwards we head back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding. I will not give all the details but it was an amazing moment at Le Palais Paysan outside of Marrakech. I recommend for a party/seminar.

I come back at 5-6am to the hostel… ^^ Beautiful light in the super calm streets.

DAY 2:

Yes… the head is hurting and I am exhausted ^^ BUT so many things to do here, I cannot just sleep. First I head to Le Jardin Secret. It is adorable, peaceful, beautiful, a nice way to wake up.

Then I join my Parents at La Maison de la Photography. It’s a small building but the photos show you a good overview of what is going on outside of Marrakech and why photographers are passionate about Morocco. The building is beautiful too and the rooftop has a panoramic view.

Then we go for lunch at La Terrasse des épices. Big cliché of a rooftop restaurant owned by a foreigner that did everything he knows tourist love and I have to say… it’s a success ^^ It is adorable and the veggie tajine is one of the best I had. We have a great time with my parents <3

To digest we walk in the souk.

I bring them to Max&Jan, a concept store that I discovered in the morning. Same, Parisian style but adorable. We go to the bar/restaurant on the terrace and I LOVE it! It is so chill, almost hippie vibes.

The good thing with having already done all the touristic thing is that we have time to just chill so we stop again for a drink ^^ I am so tried. Then we head back to their hotel to enjoy the poooooool before Shabbat. All the wedding is celebrating together and it is my first Shabbat, I am so grateful I can join it.

I eat way too much and head back to my hostel to sleep at last ;)

DAY 3:

Last day in Marrakech and with my parents. I join them again at their hotel. Btw, it is the Radison blue and the terrace and pool are great so yes I spend a lot of time there ;) We decide to go to the Menara because it is one of my dad’s favorite place (he has been already 6-7 times to Marrakech!) and I have never been. Indeed it is nice to see and an iconic place but it is not my favorite place!

 We go back to the hotel for pool and lunch and then it is time to say bye. I am always so emotional when I have to say bye! They head to the airport and I head to the bus station direction Agadir!

DAY 6 (4-5 I was in Taghazout, see article):

So I just arrived back from Taghazout, by bus. For sure the taxi drivers try to rip me off, especially since it’s night time, but I make my point and get the fair price.

Once at the Place Jema El-Fna it is CRAZY! It is the end of Ramadan so EVERYONE is in the streets! I cannot even go through the crowd to my hostel, especially with my suitcase.

A real experience and I embrace it. It takes me an hour to reach the hostel instead of 8min but what a lively moment. I buy a super super small tajine plate. I do not need it but I want a memory of that moment. I arrive at the hostel Bed Square and I go straight to bed because I want to do a lot tomorrow!

DAY 7:

Ok, I have no more excused, I HAVE TO go for a run. My running gear is packed in my suitcase since a week and I have been too lazy to go running until now but I am leaving in some hours so no choice. It is so so warm… I decide to run along the ramparts. I kind of get lost though haha. I start with Place Jemaa El-Fna, go to the Koutoubia and its gardens and then get lost in small streets. After some time I make it to the ramparts.

It is 40degrees, I am dying. I cut the run short because I am already at 10km and time flies. I pass by Palais de la Bahia and I cannot resist… I did not go yet while it’s one of the most famous thing to do. There is no cue so I enter all sweaty in my running gear. It is indeed gorgeous. I am lucky I avoid the tourist groups and I am sometimes alone!

What a nice way to say bye to Marrakech!

I head back to the hostel, get the light breakfast on the rooftop under the sun (ah, those fresh orange juices!), shower and head to the airport.

I wanted to take the bus (YES, there is a bus, see TIPS section) but a taxi driver stops me on the way. He tells me 100MDR (official price) but when I tell him I am not interested because I will take the bus for 3 MDR he drops the price to 40MDR so 4euros… In those moments I tell myself I need to stop calculating every euro ^^ So I say yes and end up taking a cab to the airport and arriving so early, its not even possible to check in haha. All good at the airport and here I am in the plane for NBG.

What a trip it has been.

I was reluctant to go back to Marrakech but what a trip I had! I felt in love with the city. You “just” need to take the time and chill, to just follow the vibes.

I will definitely be back!

10 days in the Philippines

 

TIPS:

• Withdraw enough money before going to an island. It is difficult to find ATMs and they usually extra charge you.

• Always calculate the transport time with extra time because buses/vans are almost always late or stop along the way etc.

• El Nido IS touristic, true, but still gorgeous.
  I would recommend to book the islands tours at Art Cafe: they are really nice, well organized, and take the credit card.

What to pack?:

• Solar cream + sun glasses + hat/cap

• SwimsuitS

• Mosquitoes spray

• Passport + driving license

• Camera / go-pro

• Sport /hiking gear

• Scuba diving kit

• Waterproof bag / phone case

• Medicines

• Hydration cream

• Flashlight

• Small pillow + eye mask + ear plugs so you can sleep in transports

---

THE TRIP:

Dates: 5/10/17- 16/10/17
Departure: Paris, France
Arrival: Manila, Philippines

New craziness: to book a round trip to the Philippines, just for 10 days.
Indeed, I found those SUPER cheap flights (460euros if I remember well!) online from Paris to Manilla, so I just booked 😂

THEN I realize it is the rain season but whatever, I want to go back to Asia and to backpack.
THEN I realize the French embassy recommends not to go to the Philippines now.
And yes, such cheap flights come with really long layovers in Saudi Arabia.
But once again, whatever ❤

DAY 1:

Let’s go! I take the plane in Paris and arrive in Jeddah for a 5h layover.
As usual, flights go well for me (thanks dear sleeping pill and movies).
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the airport is super small and everyone looks at me weirdly but I don’t care. I read and sleep most of the time.
Then let’s go again: direction Manila!

DAY 2:

OMG, when I arrive I am SO happy to feel the humidity, the warm, the effervescence around. THIS is Asia and I really missed it.

No time to rest, I head over to the next terminal for ANOTHER flight. Direction Puerto Princesa on the Island named Palawan.
It’s late when I arrive and I don’t intend to stay in the city (the French embassy even recommends NOT to travel there because of terrorist groups). I booked a room in a hotel close-by, the Canvas Boutik hotel. It is really nice, super European/modern style but beautiful and nice pool!
Diner and straight to bed!

DAY 3:

Already 3 days I am “traveling”. I want to SEE things, but no, now it’s a 5-6hours drive in mini-van direction Port Barton.
Nevertheless, the road is just gorgeous and it’s a full immersion in the Filipino culture. I am glowing. I am like “THIS is life! Why am I sitting at a desk all day…?!”.
Anyway, I always have existential crisis when I travel ^^
The road goes through the rice fields, the fields, the mountains, and along the sea. Gorgeous.
Then I arrive at Port Barton, at the Deep Moon resort… it is… paradisiac. Seriously, insane. I love it. Wooden cabans, white sand, palm trees, turquoise water, sun, hammocks etc etc, it has it all!

I go for a walk along the small beach and everyone is so nice! I pick up restaurants’ names and boats tour recommendations.

Then, it’s a tradition, sunset yoga flow on the beach. The dream.

Then… massage time! It’s on the rooftop terrasse of the “hotel” so it’s so nice. I fell asleep.. 🙈

I go for diner at Ausan and end up on the terrace of the hotel, drinking San Miguels (love it) with a Californian couple, super chill. I also have to look what I do the next day because this trip was so last minute that I am planning day after day.

At last, sleep in my private little bungalow on the beach ❤

DAY 4:

Hello jetlag!
I just cannot sleep and I am awake at 5am. At 5:30am I take my decision: sunrise yoga sesh on the beach! I am NOT a morning person so for once I am awake at sunrise I should grab the opportunity 😆
It’s one again a magical moment. I even finish with a run on the beach, barefoot.
All the cliches are reunited 👌

Then great surprise: they have porridge for breakfast, youhouuuu. I can have my daily injection 😉

Then I rent a kayak and go exploring the surroundings of the beach. I head towards a beach called “White sand”: promising! And indeed, I am along the cost and then pass a cliff and then the beach appears, all white and with all those palmtrees… Exactly what I imagined / wanted to see when I booked the trip.

Short refreshing bath and I head to the “sand bank”. Indeed, it’s a sand bank in the middle of the ocean. It looks like Robinson Crusoe’s island. It’s just sand in the middle of nowhere. I stop to walk on it and it almost feels mystical…
Unfortunately i still do NOT have a go pro so no pics of it.

I head back to Port Barton and have lunch at Elsa’s Beach resort.

Then I take a van direction El Nido.
Everyone told me about this place so I cannot wait to arrive. BUT, we leave super late and then the driver decides to actually say hi to every single person on the road 🤦‍♀️ Seriously, I think we met his entire family…

I arrive at Cliffside Hotel. The cliff is beautiful but the hotel is really not great AND I realize all my money got stolen at the Blue Moon while I left my luggages at the reception. I don’t really want to explain the next hours of my trip but it’s a shit-show because I need to find cash and it’s late and the international ATMs are closed until the next day 10am. Anyway, let’s pass this.

I end up at El Nido beach, really not the most beautiful place, especially after Port Barton but it feels like holidays still with all the restaurants with their tables outside on the sand. I have diner at the first restaurant with wifi I find because I need to plan the next day.
Then I just go to bed.

DAY 5:

I am just exhausted. This time I just want to sleep again and again. I push the wake up until checkout time and head to the city center to find cash. Once again, a long story that I will skip. I end up at Art Cafe because they take credit cards and have wifi! Also the place is super nice and THE place in El Nido where all the backpackers go so super nice atmosphere. They also have their own “travel agency” and you can pay by card. At last, food is really good.

Well deserved breakfast <3

Art Cafe.

I rent a scooter and head to Kuyawyaw Waterfalls. The way to there is breathtaking because you are along the rice fields and see the beaches popping up and all the islands in the horizon.

Once arrived, I walk up to the different waterfall levels. It‘s gorgeous. I have a bath and go back down. Really nice spot that I recommend.

On the way back I stop to the beach Las Cabanas… it’s a postal card seriously. White sand, blue waters, palm trees, and more especially other islands popping up in the horizon. I have lunch at Las Cabanas resort. Great view and good food.

Then I drive back to el Nido because I have to grab a van to Dandalay Bay in the north. I meet with the driver at the elementary school of El Nido and I have time to check around and watch the kids playing.

I arrive at night at Dandalay Beach Resort.
Jerome, a Deutsh guy working here (he left everything to come to work here and to renovate a boat) welcomes me. We have a beer, talk about the meaning of life (as always when you backpack) and he gives me tips of where to go around. So I head to the branded new Mad Monkey on Nacpan Beach. What a nice spot! They even have a veggie burger! Paradise 😉 I also try for the first time the Red Horse beer… it’s strong!
I can guess how the beach will be beautiful tomorrow and I cannot wait to see it at day light!

DAY 6:

Chill wake up, sun salutations, short run and workout on Nacpan beach. Between each round of the workout I jump into the water because it is SO warm (but I love it). Btw… indeed Nacpan beach is INSANE. So big and really more savage than what I saw so far. I highly recommend to go there.

One thing though… there is trash and plastic everywhere… So over the next days, each time I walk on the beach and head back to the hotel, I will pick up a bag of trash.

I have breakfast/lunch at the hotel and I rent a scooter to go to Duli Beach because I red that it’s the only place in Palawan were I “could maybe” surf.

On the way… my tire dies. I am in the middle of nowhere!

Thank god in Asia you almost always have those super small garages by the houses and I found one easily. A super nice adolescent helps me. It’s really old school like he burns some caoutchouc on the tire, test under the water etc etc. Well, I learn a lot!

Ready to go again! 
I arrive at Duli Beach (the way there is pretty challenging) and it’s so gorgeous. I KNOW I say this every 10 lines but I have to because really it is!

This beach is so big and so empty! Only 1-2 small hotels/restaurants with some bungalows. But… no waves… I am starving so I have a break at North Swell. Tables and chairs in the sand, I love it. Banana pancake, “coffee” (ok, powder in not even warm water ^^) and sunny nap. Then I head over to Duli Beach surf and after talking to the tenant I decide to postpone to the next day the surf session because there are just no waves. Right decision because on the way back I am taken under a storm, seriously. The already muddy road become small rivers, it’s an adventure with the scooter.. Never again!

I have diner at the Calitang Beach Resort. Once again the tenant, Matthias, is European who left everything and founded a business and a family there. They are super nice and seem happy, good for them! I have a huge diner and chill with Matthias and Jerome. I try the local whisky… not my favorite drink ut still something to try ;)

DAY 7:

It is pouring rain and I am SO sick. Nothing to do with the whisky ;)
It is definitely an insolation. I am burning, I am exhausted, I need to drink, I have no strength. At one moment the weather gets lighter and I push myself to head to Duli beach again. I HAVE TO try surfing in the Philippines. Kind of a bad idea because the roads are horrible. I arrive at Duli Beach Surf and the tenant is SOOO nice. He is Filipinos and used to work in finance in Manilla but then he dropped everything to come on this beach and open this small surf spot / restaurant.

The waves are SO small… but I still go out with a 7.8

ahah, it looks so huge next to me.

I catch some baby waves but my patience is (not at all) legendary so I am out of the water after an hour. I have lunch at the surf spot and it’s super nice because there is an Italian couple, a Taiwanese and an Irish guy, all traveling the world. I head back to Nacpan beach to walk on the beach but I am SO exhausted, like I cannot even walk anymore so I stop and have a nap on the beach. The wind is getting stronger and stronger and wakes me up (I am also covered by a small layer of sand now!). I have a mango shake (oh yeah) in one of the beach restaurant and it is SO fun: a group of adolescent and children are watching youtube videos. At one moment a what, 5-7 years old boy, starts dancing (hip hop style) and it is SO good! We all applause. Really nice moment with the locals. I head back to Dandalay beach and I arrive for the sunset. It is just insane: the view, the colors, the reflection of the clouds on the water… I cannot resist: yoga flow at sunset!

Some kids are also on the beach and see me doing yoga, and handstands. They come to me and want to try! OMG this is what I just love when I travel: those simple moments I will remember for life, when I randomly bound with locals. I teach them the will and handstands and they show me jumps, kicks etc. Such a nice moment.

It is dark now so I head back to the hotel and go to the Calitang Beach resort for the wifi because I don’t even know where I go and where I will stay tmrw ^^ I book something in El Nido and I also book a new flight back for Manila. Indeed I first took in and out flights from Puerto Princesa but I learn that there is actually an airpot at El Nido! So I prefer to take another flight back than to have to lose one full day to drive back to Puerto Princesa (and it’s dangerous). I spend the rest of the evening drinking Red Horse with Matthias and Jerome, chill evening.

DAY 8:

Ok, the insolation got SO worst with surfing and the day out (yeah I know, predicable) and I spent the night suffering and burning (seriously, you could have cooked an egg on my skin). So really difficult wake up. I check out at 6am and drag myself into the van direction El Nido.

I directly go to Art Café to book an islands tour. I book “Tour A”  for later on (it’s only like 8am!) and have breakfast there (so good). Then it is time to join the group for Tour A. I meet Ingeborg, a German woman, retired, who now lives in NYC and used to work for the UN in Tanzania… yeah… I cannot wait to talk more to her!! I also meet a couple from Guernsey island, Harriet and Hayden. She studied photography but mainly work in a restaurant where she met Hayden who is a chef. What a team we have!

Tour A = Small lagoon and Big lagoon (both on Miniloc Island) + snorkeling  around Miniloc + Simusu Island + Entatula.

Get ready… I will write it again… it is INSANE! You are in a small boat, cruising on turquoise water, among islands popping all around you… When we arrive at Minilov they stop the boat we we have to go by swim to the small lagoon and it is like in the movies: you swim, see a space between 2 rocks, enter and then discover this PARADISIAC lagoon. It is breathtaking.

Also I love swimming so I can really go far in the lagoon and explore all around. We head back to the boat and go to the big lagoon. Gorgeous too. A bit more crowded because tourists can access more easlity with kayaks. Anyway, I swim around and it is an amazing moment. We take the boat again and go to another spot close by for snorkeling. Unfortunately we can already see the effect of tourism/pollution on the corals.

At last, FOOD! On the boat, all natural, so nice.

We then go to Paradise Beach. Well, I guess no need to explain what I thought about this beach… ;) I really miss having a go pro or waterproof camera to show you all of this!
I have a nap to digest all the food and then I pick up trash until we have to leave to the next spot. The crew helps me so nice solidarity moment. I head back to El Nido and go with a tuk tuk to my next hotel, on Las Cabanas! I liked it so much last time that I booked there. I walk along the entire beach and on the way back I caught the sunset… one of the most beautiful of my life, and I am lucky I already saw a lot of gorgeous sunsets in insane places.

I feel so small facing this real piece of art from Nature. I speak with 2 filipinos, they are here with their old mother on a “girls” trip and wait for it… one works in Hamburg and her best friend worked for adidas in Germany at the Transportation center! So she knows Adidas erzo, the campus, Nuremberg etc.
WTF, seriously, the world is so small!

Then I booked… an aloe vera massage on the beach!

It’s on a small terrace facing the sea and the girl uses real leaves of aloe vera for the massage. It is so good and I feel like I changed my skin after that.
I am done for the day ^^ I have diner on the terrace at the hotel and check what to do the next days and I head to bed.

DAY 9:

Difficult wake up, I can feel that my body is paying the constant early wake ups, activities and transports. Yoga sesh on the beach, coffee, banashake and I head to Art Café. I meet Ingeborg there because we booked Tour C the day before with the same group ❤

I have some free time so I go for some practical shopping around: waterproof bag and phone case.

Oron, an Israeli on a honey moon (but his wife is sick) joins the team!
Tour C = Matinloc and Tapiutan Islands + Secret beach (like this name! ;))

The weather is not really good but I relativize because until now I was kind of lucky for the rain season. 

We start by secret beach and indeed it is a secret beach! It is hidden in a lagoon and from the outside you just cannot see it. It’s an impressive spot.

Then go or snorkeling on another island and we see some colorful fishes but once again the corals have suffered a lot

The weather is getting worst so we decide to stop on a beach for lunch because the waters are getting wild. The beach is beautiful because no one stops there usually ^^ We start the barbecue but the weather gets really wide. Luckily there is a super small cave so we eat there. I really don’t see how we can even reach the boat now, the sea is crazy and the waves are huge. We make it to the boat (thank god I bought the waterproof equipment earlier on!), I am freezing ad completely wet.

We head to Helicopter island because on the list but once there we all agree that we should head back home directly. On the way back the waves crash on us, we cannot be more wet and freezing.

At last, we make it to Art Café. We all warm up with food (and beers).

It is POURING rain. Indeed the typhoon they were announcing reached the island. I am still so wet that I realize there is no hope to be dry at one point so I decide to go for some shoping for the family. The streets are small rivers but I don’t really care and at least there is no one ^^ Shopping for the family: done!
Then, I feel like having a massage (ok, I always do) and go to Pure Bliss for a full body. The place is not really nice but the massage is super powerful so good point. After that I meet the group at Art Café again and we all go to diner. We end up at Scene onsight Seafront. The place is nice/local and on the beach. There is a huge barbecue so all the guys just eat SO MUCH ^^ Later, we go to Sava for some last drinks. The place is so fancy/European but yes so nice… Then I leave because I really want to run the next day. Warm goodbye to the crew, the past 2 days were amazing mainly thanks to them ❤

DAY 10:

It rained all night long and it is still pouring rain when I woke up (typhoon style) so I have to cancel my run and my plan to do the zipline over Las Cabanas. I pack my suitcase, practice yoga in my room and head to the reception for breakfast and check out. The Filipinos girls are here with their mum and invite me to join them. Nice moment.

I go to El Nido because I want a haircut and to do my nails.

It is SO chip: 5euros nails and 4euros hair cut ahah.

The girls in the saloon are SO nice. They also help me find a tricycle to go to the airport later on.

I still have some time before heading to the airport so I go… to Art Café ^^
And good surprise! Ingeborg is there!! I seat down with her and 2 Australian girls traveling the world. Once again what a nice conversation we all have. Still some time left… so… massage! I don’t have a lot of money left so I can only afford a foot massage, but still, so nice. Then the time has come… I meet the tricycle driver in front of the hair saloon and I head to the airport. Super nice driver, a young boy with 5 sisters and from el Nido. He tells me about his life and how they leave, about school etc.

I arrive to the airport: it is so small but kind of fancy ^^

I wait for the plane… a propeller plane…

Should I also remind you that we are in a middle of a Typhoon?

I know I have to leave but on the other I am not sure we should! 🙈 Anyway, here we go… In the plane I seriously thought I could die. We have huge ups and downs and the pressure in my brain makes me feel like fainting…

Anyway we make it alive and the weather is ok in Manila

I am seating next to a French guy traveling before his studies so at least I have a buddy to talk too!

I arrive in Manila and head directly to Zen Rooms hotel. OMG the uber drive is so nice because I go through Manila and I feel like in Bangkok. I love this atmosphere, this energy. I also spot the 7/11!! I found my activity for tonight ^^ The hotel is “ok”. The rooms are HUGE though. I have a walk around at night, do some shopping (you know all those useless things but that look so cute and are so cheap ^^) at 7/11 and end up in a Chinese restaurant, Golden Lang. I do NOT recommend it, super expensive for what it is and not super good. I take away and watch “What’s the health” in my room. Early sleep to have the time to explore tomorrow before the flight.

DAY 11:

Nice wake up, I am such in a good mood. I pack and practice my sun salutations (every day!).

Now, I have less than a day to visit Manilla… I selected the old town after friends’ recommendation. Since I don’t have super long I will run and walk all day to do all I want to do.

I first go to the bay to see the sea one last time. Nice panorama of the city and its high buildings.

Then I run the Raval Park. It’s a Sunday and many families are out and there are some celebrations. It is SO nice. People are also so nice, so many salute me on the way. They also probably think I am crazy to run on a Sunday under this heat. Then I arrive intra-muros.

It is SO cute and beautiful. I jog around, stop whenever I want, take a lot of pics.

For breakfast I found a lady selling fresh mangos and fresh mango juice on the road. I order so many ^^

I am one of the only occidental here, it’s weird for such a big city. Then I go to Fort Santiago and super nice too. The view on the river and the building from the backend of the Fort is great.

I then find a district with graffitis / street art, super nice.

At last, I run back to the hotel along the fort walls. Once at the hotel I get ready, have a last glance by the window and jump in a uber. Manilla: I will definitely be back!

Once at the airport I chill and at last take the time to finish writing my travel journal.

Just for you to know: I never directly write in my blog. I first have a travel journal where on the right page I write and on the left page I attach my polaroid pics, hotel cards, memories etc. I think all my travel journals are part of the most precious material things I possess!

Then I arrive in the plane and final joy: an entire row for myself! So one movie and sleep!

DAY 11:

Once again, a 5h layover in Jeddah and then second plane to Paris, and then… a 4h30 layover in Paris at Terminal 2G (if you know, you know)! What a long way back! But I will spend most of the layovers planning my next trip to Italy (blog article already live).

To summarize: This trip confirmed once again that I love Asia. I love the energy, the people, the atmosphere. Also I really needed this break because I could feel the burnout coming since my work is an “always on” job. 

I will go back to the Philippines, I have so many islands left!

BANGKOK: TIPS & 4-DAY PLAN

TIPS:

Caption:
❤️ = don’t miss, REALLY
+++ = don’t miss
++: good/nice
+: ok
-: don’t go

IN GENERAL:

·     Cab: ALWAYS put the meter. They are liars if they tell you it’s a fixed price.
Just say bye and take the next cab.

·     Check the time of sunset to make the most of the rooftops!

·     Be careful pick pockets. I never had an issue but be careful.

·     Eat as many pad thai, padang curry and mango stocky rice as possible <3

·     Withdraw at the Citi Bank at Asok near your hotel. It is one of the bank with the less fees.

·     When you go to a rooftop or a more fancy than the usual place: no flipflops and no shorts/Bermuda for guys

·     Be Careful, there are 2 airports in BKK

HOTELS:

• RetrOasis: great location, really clean, cute and refreshing pool

• Radison blue: more expensive but insane pool on the roof

• In general, so many cheap and nice hostels in BKK, trust the reviews!

RESTAURANTS:

·     ❤️

Sala Arun: amazing restaurant/view on the river and on Wat Pho

Sala rattanakosin: next to sala arun, great too

Det 5: it was my canteen in Bangkok because super close to my place, cheap and so good.

Stable lodge: my second canteen

Roast: go for brunch

·     +++

Cabbages and condoms: great place, for a good cause, fun decoration and super good food

Blue elephant: more expensive but delicious

Terminal 21: you will find everything for cheap at the food court

22 kitchen

Viva 8: chill and fun space at Chatuchak market

Bonfire

Ban Chang: delicious curries

Baiyoke Sky hotel: more expensive but insane view and huge buffet

·     ++

My darling: huge space near khaosan road, nice decoration

Radison Blue: go for the brunch

Suk 11

Maya: Indian restaurant with a nice view.

LADIES NIGHTS:

• Maya: free flow of prosecco

• W hotel: free flow of champagne

• Coyote: Free flow of Margarita

• Dusit Thani hotel

• Cé la vie: free flow of "cider”, a bit too posh

• 22 Kitchen & Bar: free sparkling wine and cocktails

ROOFTOPS:

·     ❤️

Octave bar: one of my favorite Rooftop

·     +++

Vertigo - Banyan tree: insane rooftop

·     ++

Above 11: a nice rooftop, super chill, not super high

Moon Bar: great rooftop but too posh for me

Sky Bar: beautiful view but too posh

BARS:

·     +++

Café des stagiaires: feeling like in Europe 

Tuba bar: huge cocktails

Cocktail revolution

·     ++

Hemingway: really nice space and with happy hours. But don’t go for the food

Betty Bar

Ocean lounge: cool to chill 

·     -

Sway

CLUBS:

·     ❤️

Glow: only techno club

·     +++

Sofitel: Pool party during the day on Sundays
Mustache Bar: Nice line up from time to time

·     ++

Levels: really bad music but nice space and free entrance + free bottle of vodka for 5 people until 11pm 

Cé La Vi: Great view but commercial music

·     +

Sugar: really bad club but free with the levels’s stamp and in the same street

·      -

RCA live: horrible space with 16 years old student and horrible music

 MASSAGES:

·     ❤️: Wat Arun massage school

·     +++: Urban retreat

·     ++: Almost any massage place in BKK is ok!

WHAT TO SEE?

·     ❤️

• Chatuchak market

• MBK Mall: you will find EVERYTHING

• The royal area:
  -  Wat Arun
  - Wat Pho
  - Royal Palace

·     +++

• MOCA museum

• China town:

• Visit the Golden Buddhas temple

• Visit Wat Trimitr

• Walk on Yaowarat Roadand around to feel the atmosphere 

• Wat saket
  

·     ++

• Bang krachao: island to bike. You can go to a floating market and to the Bangkok tree house for a food/drink break 

• Terminal 21 Mall: Have a walk in to see the floors, each one represent a different country.

+

• Soy 11: the street with all the bars

• Coyboy street: the road with all the stipclubs

• Khaosan Road: the student/party road

TRIP – EXAMPLE: 4 days in Bangkok

 I would recommend to book an hotel around Asok (I recommend RetrOasis)

Day 1: Welcome to Bangkok, get the feeling of it and stay awake!

 Landing in the morning.

• Check-in to hotel

• Have a walk from your hotel to Terminal 21 Mall.
  Have a walk in to see the floors, each one represent a different country. 
  Have lunch at the food court on last floor.
  It is really local/cheap if you want and you can get the FAMOUS pad thai and mango sticky rice.

• Take the MRT at Sukhumvit (close by the Mall) until Hua Lamphong and welcome to China town!
  Three main things to do here:

  • Visit the Golden Buddhas temple

  • Visit Wat Trimitr

  • Walk on Yaowarat Roadand around to feel the atmosphere 

• Take the MRT back to Sukhumvit.

• Then here 3 options according to how you feel:

  • Massage at Urban Retreat(SUPER nice place but not the cheapest) or a cheaper option around (at the entrance of Soy 8 you will find some)

  • Sunset drink at Octave bar

  • Go directly to diner

• Diner at (3 options here, all in the area):

  • Det 5

  • Stable Lodbge

  • Cabbage and Condoms 

• If after you still want a drink close by, Soy 11is THE streets for bars:

  • Above 11

  • Cheap Charlie’s

• On the way back, pass by Coyboy Street… the prostitution street but still touristic so you should see it.

DAY 2: The historical and gorgeous Bangkok

• For breakfast up to you but find something around Asok and fast/cheap.
  You could go to Terminal 21 again or Det5 or Stable Lodge.

• Go to the boat pier at Saphan Taksinwith the BTW from Asok

• Take the boatuntil Wat pho 

• Visit Wat Pho

• Take the boat to cross to Royal Palace

• Visit the Royal Palace

• Lunch at Sala Rattanakosin (if fully booked go next door to Sala Arun): 

• Visit Wat Arun.
  Have a massage at the massage school in the temple area. As soon as you arrive go straight there to book a time slot and then visit until your time and after if you are not done.

• If you want more:

  • Flower market close by, nice atmosphere and really almost in front ofr Wat Arun.

  • Wat saket: a temple with a nice view because on a small mountain

• Go back to the hotel for shower and change.

• Rooftop Drink at Octave Bar if not done the day before.

• Diner at (see day before, depending on what you did the past day):

• If after you still want a drink etc see day 1.

DAY 3: Chatuchak market and MBK: shopping time!

• Have breakfast around the hotel.

• Take the BTS from Asok to Mo Chit

• Walk to Chatuchak market.
  Have cash and bags with you, it is shopping time!

• Walk in Chatuchak, biggest market in Thailand
  Have lunch in the market at Viva 8

• Take the BTS until National Stadium (welcome to my school! This is where my Uni was)

• Go to the MBK center. It is the biggest mall and you will find EVERTYHING for your trips. Really everything.
  Last floor there is a cheap hairdresser so go if you fancy it.

• Take a cab to Banyan tree for a Sunset drink

• Take a cab or walk to Ban chiang, a really good restaurant.

DAY 4: DEPARTURE

·     Chill at the hotel

·     Brunch at ROAST(go by cab)

·     Head to the airport. 
Go by cab all the way or by cab to the closest MRT or BTW station for your airport.
BE CARREFUL THERE ARE 2 AIRPORTS IN BKK.

Ragnar Relay Wattenmeer

TIPS:

• How to get ready?

- Read the Ragnar Bible
- Define a captain and 2 co-captains.          
- Divide the responsabilities within all the team.
- Meet with the team several times to go through R&R and the next steps
- Order online all that is needed.
- Start packing early!
- create playlist for the van and your runs
 

• What to pack?

- WARM clothes for at night or to warm up after a rain (especially if rainy...)
- More running outfits than the number of your runs if ever you have to take the leg of a teammate or the weather changes.
- Cables / Plugs to charge sevral phones in the car
- Power banks
- Music booth
- Solar cream
- Cap
- Raining gear
- 2 running shoes (if wet or blisters)
- first aid (especially for cuts, burns, blisters)
- Mosquitoes spray
- Earplugs and sleeping mask
- Pillow
- confy hoodie/blanket/sleeping bag to sleep in the van
- FOOD: you will want to eat all the time almost to bring healthy and power food. 
I also prepared pasta in advance and I really appreciated it at 2am in the morning.
- water bottle
- earphones
- all the equipment required by the Ragnar Race: secutiry jackets, lights etc
- foam rolls / Compex / Voltarene / Tape
- things to decorate the van
- big trash bags for your used clothes
- "clothes wipes": to put with your used clothes to kill the smell
- toilet bag (the usual: deodorant, toothbrush etc)
- toilet paper
- cash
- running pouch/bag if long run

THE TRIP:

So... I’ve done 10km races, half-marathons, marathons... what next could I do? What challenge could I fing in y quest fo always doing something new? 🤔

Fortunately, one day a colleague of mine comes to my desk and ask me if I know about the "Ragnar Relay".
What is that? A 250km run, from Hamburg to the sea, 10 people, 2 vans, 24h.
I am... IN!
Wait... it's only 3 weeks before Berlin marathon. Ok, it's a perfect training then and it's ony an average of 25km per person.
Wait... it's not enough then... 😂
That's when my collegue tell me about the "super difficult leg of the race cold the Ragnar leg", a 16km run in the middle of nowhere at night.
Let's also mention that the crew then have is made of great people so it is decided: I will join! 

You need to know something before joining a Ragnar Relay: it’s a lot of preparation! (See rubric TIPS above).
Build the team, sign-ups, transport, rent the vans, book hotels, read the Ragnar Bible with all the rules, buy the equipment, calculate the paces etc etc.
AND we are lucky: in the team we are all sporty so we did not have to train for it.
But let’s say all of this is taking care of and it’s the day before the event, here is my journey:

DAY 1: on the way to the race.

It's Friday, I am home office so all week long I postponed the packing time to today... but things get super packed and when at last I look at the time I only have one hour left to get ready and pack! Thankfully, I had written done on my phone (another tip here!) a list of what to take so I go through the list and pack ASAP. 
I make it to the airpot more than on time (perks of leaving of Nuremberg: the airport is so small ^^) and meet with the team: we are READY!

The journey continues:
Plane ✅
S-Bahn ✅
Air bnb ✅
Bed ✅ 

DAY 2: let’s get started!

I wake up and look at the window: it is pouring rain...
We knew it (but I guess my brain did not want to accept the info when I packed so I am not equipped AT ALL) but we still had hope the weather channels would be wrong.
We pick up the vans, check out of the air bnb, go grocery shopping for the weekend and here we are: time to say bye to half of the team that will be in van 2 and meet us at the exchange point 1 in some hours.

Indeed here is the principle of the race: we are a team of 10 runners, divided in 2 vans. The first van starts and each runner has one “leg” to run one after the other (relay). The legs vary from 5k to 16k. At the end of the first 5 legs, van 1 meets van 2 with the 5 other runners in and  we give them the baton to continue the relay. They run their 5 legs and our role is to be at the meeting point 2, 5 legs later. Etc etc during 250km! From Hamburg to St Peter Ording.
Yeah, what an idea 😉

Btw, name of our team: Vicky the Viking and the limping Pirates!!!
(Don't ask, long story 😂)

So with my team (van 1) we head up to the start line near San Pauli in Hamburg.
It is still... POURING rain.
Whatever, we pick up the bibs and our first runner gets ready!

Once at the starting line, I realized that we are in the same wave as Midnight Runners, the Reebok French influencers and a team from AR Berlin! I am so happy to see all those faces. It really feels like a bid running family gathering ❤

It's 2pm: 3-2-1-GO! 
Our first runner

starts the relay

The start of the 24hours chrono!

Run 1 passes to runner 2, runner 3 passes to me 💪
I am runner 3. My first leg is a 5,4km at the exit of hamburg and along the sea towards the north. It is GORGEOUS and CLEARLY, all the rich people from Hamburg live here! Amazing houses with private garden on the sea.
I run my leg at marathon pace, under the rain… but well at least it is not cold.

I pass the baton and the race keeps on for 2 more legs and we need to drive to the first major exchange point with van 2.
We arrive there and we receive a text from our last runner: she is lost! Apparently, some people on the road gave her a false indication and she went 3km in the wrong direction. She is with a group of runner and they have to wait for the van to pick them up, drive them to where they dropped off the route and then run to us. We loose a good 45min but to be honest I do not take this adventure as a race so I don’t care, but shhhut 🤫😉
While we wait we decorate the vans and take pics, so all good!

At last we give the baton to the other team and we have approximately 2hours in front of us to drive to the next major exchange point and rest/eat.

It is pouring rain and I am FREEZING.
I did not planned at allthe right way my suitcase and I mainly have short and tanks...
But here again the running community is here and Gabriel from Midnight Runners lends me a warm sweter. It will save my adventure ^^.

I skip the diner so I can sleep in the van while the others go for food. It was much needed! 

Time flies and it is already time for our first runner to receive the baton from the last runner of the other van. We hug the team and already time to go.

My second leg is a 8k at 22pm. I am freezing but once I am out of the van and with the runners waiting for their relay I feel motivated. It is raining and windy so I am wearing all the time a gorgeous “kaway poncho”, you know the high quality poncho you can find almost everywhere for 2euros! 😂 I kind of create my own adidas x Alexander Wang style... 👌

The run is more challenging than I expected: in the middle of the fields, pitch darks, some fences to climb, SO windy because along the sea and no trees around. But weirdly enough, to run under the rain, to fix the light spot on the ground that my headlamp creates, to ear the wins... is kind of cradling… I like it!
The 8k goes really well and I pass the baton earlier than expected.

The rest of our legs goes well, we even take a ferry at one point! ^^

We make it to the second exchange point and wait for the last runner of van 2.

I don’t even know how many layers of t-shirts I have on me. All that I took in my suitcase and that was not already used for a run is on me!

I should launch my own running collection seriously...

DAY 3: I don't know anYmore what dry means...

We all have a short nap in the Van, then our first runner gets ready to receive the baton around  3am.
I eat my pasta at 2am because at 4 I will be up for a 16km. 
Team 2 arrives, the passation is done, hug to the team and time to go!

Run 1: done.
Runner 2: running.
So here I am… 4am and ready to go. We have a 45min delay all in all so I will start my run around 5am. The rain and wind are insane. I am crazy, I know, but actually I find it challenging and super rewarding to be outside running under those conditions. In my mind I am like “wtf MC, it is 5am in the morning, it is pouring rain and windy, you are in the middle of nowhere with a headlamp and you run 16km”. I love this feeling…

Apart from the rain (that actually stops around the 10th km!) the run is really nice, in the middle of Nature and thanks to our delay I witness the sunrise! 
I think it is my most memorable moment of the race, this sunrise in the middle of nowhere, with the headlamps of some other runners in the landscape behind me.

FINISHER! I finished the famous Ragnar Leg (most difficult of the race)! I even receive a special medal. I also finished my work for the Ragnar Relay all in all, I am done! 

We have 2 runners left and then our van is done! We made it!
We give the baton to van 2 to for them to finish the race. Once again I meet friends at the passation spot ❤

My team has some energy left and wants to “drive around”, personally, I eat my daily amount of porridge and fell asleep 😉

We then drive to St Peter Ording where the finish line is.
We even have the time to cheer on the last runner on van 2 beofre the finish line. Then we meet with the rest of Van 2 and we all wait for him to arrive.

We all run (or try to, he is so fast) with him the last 100m and here we are... FINISHERS!

Our captain gathers the medals and give them to us one by one, really nice moment AND the sun is shining.

It is then time to celebrat => Beer time! (Alcohol free for me, marathon prep is still on).
We chill at the finish line spot all together and I can see most of my friends in other teams arriving so it is so nice!
It is still early but we head for BURGERS in a closeby restaurant, Die Insel. The place is nice but I DO NOT recommend the veggie burger. It is a huge piece of cheese, way too fat and nothing elaborated.

Then we drive to our air bnb, 20min from the center, in the middle of nowhere (apart from thousands of sheeps) and in a former school! We even have bunkbeds in dorms, and eat in a canteen style, pretty fun.
But... there is NOTHING to do… The team is tired and happy about it but it is so painful for me to do nothing, I hate this… I do my best: I sort out the pics of the weekend, I expand my clothes outside, I call my parents etc etc, but then I cannot anymore and decide to go to bed at 8pm... Better to capitalize on sleep than to get bored.

DAY 4: Back to reality.

We all wake up in this old school: I have the feeling we will actually have classes! 
Breakfast all together and time to leave.
We drive first to Hamburg to give back one of the van and we have lunch at Froindlichst. SUPER nice. I recommend it: a vegan restaurant with so many choices!

Then direction Nuremberg!
Long ride but the stops are pretty fun with all of us stretching by the road. I am almost all the way plugged to my Compex 😂

At last we arrive at Nuremberg and time to say bye 😢

What an adventure... What I will remember:
-      The rain and wind
-      The proudness when running under this weather at night
-      The team <3
-      The meetings with the other teams at the exchange points and see all my friends from different teams and cities/countries
-      The finish line, trying to catch up with our last runner.

I would be definitely in for another Ragnar Relay BUT:
-      Ultra-team: 5 runners instead of 10
-      A place with no rain ^^
-      Pack better
 

So maybe another Ragnar Relay article next year! 🔥