Sore arms!

Well folks, as the title suggests, more injections have been had! Yesterday I got my Hep B booster and my Japanese B Encephilitis booster which brings my vaccinations all up to date - no more needles required, hooray! Found a great travel clinic in Ashford, Kent http://www.bmcmedical.co.uk/ that do all the travel shots and occupational stuff.

Malaia meds are a different bag altogether! I've done a little research and the cheaper ones seem to have lots of 'mild' side effects which will certainly put a dampener on the trip. Lariam seems to be particularly nasty with psychotic episodes & suicidal tendancies listed as a too frequent side effect for my liking - it also appears that the Mozzies in Thailand have become resistant to it. So that really only leaves Doxycycline which happens to be an anti-biotic as well as an anti-malarial which could be an advantage, or Malarone which is the 'Rolls Royce' of anti-malarials. It is a lot more expensive but from my research appears to be well tolerated by every body who takes it. Anyway, no need to decide right now as these should all be available in Boots in Bangkok. They are also not really needed for Southern Thailand so I can grab them on my way up north as I'll need to head through BKK on route.

Had an interesting conversation with one of my travel companions yesterday who has assured me that I will definitely get ill at some point - great! I had anticipated that a touch of rear end looseness was a real probability and possibly some sickness although any of you that know me will know that, that's quite usual when i'm subjected to copious amounts of alchohol. But she went on to explain about fungal infections on nutbags, mushrooms growing in earholes and various other complaints that arise as a result of the tropical climate.

Found what looks to be a good backpacking/gap insurance policy that covers me for 240 sporting activities. Well covered for medical & repatriation should it be required - let's hope not. Even has personal possessions, money & the like covered. See http://www.acetravellerinsurance.com/ if you're looking for something to cover extended stays abroad.

International driving permit has been applied for and I've started to put together three files of copies of all my documents etc. One for my pack, one for my travelling companions pack and one to leave here with someone who could hopefully get me out of a jam if required!

Needles!

Cheers for the reminder! Booked in for my boosters next Tuesday - looks like I only need Hep B and Japenese Encephilitus anyway as my Rabies, Hep A, Typhoid, Polio, Diptheria & Tetanus are all up to date. Should probably think about some Malaria tablets aswell but the general consensus seems to be that the side effects are nasty and will affect the quality of the time I spend away. Mind you, a bout of Malaria may make it an even less enjoyable time - I'll have a little think about this one.
Hmmmm, what's next? Ahh, travel insurance - off I go for more surfing the net!

On the way

Well flights are booked! The wheels are in motion - Thailand, are you ready?
Legal wrangle sorted, advice has been sought, relevant parties spoken to & notified and been given clearance for take off - jeepers, a five year dream is coming to fruition!
Will be real good for my back as physical work is becoming difficult again and it'd be a shame to undo what I've paid an osteopath/physiotherapist a fortune for - she reckons it could still be 18 months or so before i'm able to return to my profession. Done two days work last week and my sciatica has just started to ease off!! Wouldn't even wish this injury/pain on my worst adversary - you know who you are.
So a good few months sitting on beautiful beaches, supping cold chang's, swimming in warm crystal clear seas, siestas in hammocks, watching awe inspiring sunsets, meeting new people, learning about other cultures is just what the doctor has ordered. I'm still smiling!
Travelling companions have handed in their notices and are almost as excited as me - just thought...Full moon party on Koh phang nan - a good bout of alchohol poisioning followed by a bit of dissentry and I reckon I could shed a stone.
Gotta chase up the travel jabs place on Friday - someone remind me please?

Spanners in the works

I'm well pissed off!! Friday mornings post was a surprise to say the least, I now have a bit of a legal situation to deal with which will certainly mean that if I can still travel, it won't be indefinitely like I was hoping for - well not in March anyway. Maybe I'll still go just for a few weeks, return to sort out this aggro and disappear indefinitely once all the i's & t's are dotted & crossed! Why do some people have to do their utmost to cause problems in your life? Nasty, nasty interfering busy bodies - Karma will catch up with them in good time.