Part 10
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of
with the Tenth and final edition
of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
This week Robert Reflects with
 |
| https://kanchang.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/darjeeling-mirik-and-ilam-bazaar-bits-and-pieces/ |
"Mad dash across India"
Mad dash across India
After a couple of frantic telegrams, Rita finally confirmed that she was coming to India. Luckily there was still time for me to get from Darjeeling in the east of the country across to Bombay in the west.
The mad dash across India didn’t start too well. I was with two fellow-travellers, Gayle and Irene, who I had met staying at the youth hostel in Darjeeling. Gayle and I had to delay the bus for a few minutes so that Irene didn’t miss it. Eventually we were all aboard and were soon on our way
After a while we made a brief stop and almost missed the bus again. The conductor came looking for us as they’d driven about 200 metres down the road before realising we weren’t there. Apart from that it was a good journey.
We were soon descending from the mountains back down to the plains. Upon arriving in New Jalpaiguri we were only able to get places on the waiting list for a train departing at 1pm in the morning for Mughal Sarai, which is about ten kilometres from Varanasi.
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| en.wikipedia.org |
The train was absolutely packed and although managing to get on board we didn’t get much sleep during the fifteen hour journey. As we couldn’t get tickets straight away for the next section of the journey, we firstly spent a night in the Retiring Rooms at the station and then two nights in Varanasi.
The last section of the journey took another thirty hours on the train but I got to Bombay with a few hours to spare before Rita is due to arrive early tomorrow morning. I have secured a hotel room for us and have just been having a brief rest before heading out to the airport.
The last section of the journey took another thirty hours on the train but I got to Bombay with a few hours to spare before Rita is due to arrive early tomorrow morning. I have secured a hotel room for us and have just been having a brief rest before heading out to the airport.
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Rita and I first met on the Spanish island of Ibitha, where I had been working in a bar and she was on holiday. We got on really well together and she invited me to come and stay with her in Germany when the summer season was over.
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| www.pinterest.com |
Upon my return I got a job as a messenger in a bank in Frankfurt and stayed in a flat close by. Rita and I were still seeing each other on and off but I was more interested in living the high life in the bars of Sachsenhausen, the entertainment area of Frankfurt.
Before I left on this trip we were still meeting up now and then but a lot of the initial feelings we had for each other had evaporated. Or at least that’s the way I saw it! I do feel guilty about the way that I treated her sometimes and just hope that our time together in India will work out for the best.
Meeting up with Rita
I eventually found the little Lufthansa office. Inside were four officials, very German looking Indians. The guy who aided me was extremely helpful informing me proudly that the flight had only been delayed by half an hour and that Rita was on board.
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| http://indiatoday.intoday.in/calendar/1335/1981/magazine.html |
I was constantly watching the arrivals screen for any news of flight LH694 arriving from Frankfurt and continuing to Singapore and Jakarta. Had some drinks, a coke and two coffees along with a snack of masala hamburger and Russian salad sandwiches, which took the edge off my munchies.
By this time I was feeling tired, the effects of the smoke and headache tablets having worn off. I paced up and down the Viewing Gallery smoking cigarette after cigarette.
At 5:45 a.m. after having heard instructions for people to check in for the onward flight to Jakarta I went up to the Spectator’s Gallery and five minutes later saw the Lufthansa 747 landing.
© Thomas Noack
Back in the Viewing Gallery I waited another half an hour or so before seeing Rita, although she didn’t see me.
Ten minutes later she got her bag so I went downstairs to meet her after coming through customs. We met up and for the first half an hour or so were both quite distant and business like. I took her up to the bank where she changed US$50.
Her flight had cost DM1800 return which was reasonable, especially considering it was Lufthansa. The return flight goes on the 26th July at 1:20 a.m. so we’ll have a month together, unless anything goes drastically wrong of course.
Did you miss the past segments of
Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
by
Have You Read A Good Indie Book Lately!?
Send Us Your Review And We Will Show The World!
Submit Your Reader Review
Follow These Great Blogs
For Up To Date Book News
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We run this list with every blog, join today!
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***Rukia Book Blog Tours***
Follow US On Twitter
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As always, please remember to leave a review, even a few words of positive encouragement could mean the world to an author!
Your Comments Encourage
♥ Thank you ♥
Please Feel Free to Share
The views in this post and interview are "opinions" based from professional authors, and book promoters. We welcome your opinion but please be mindful of others. This interview session will be monitored for correct content and we reserve the right to delete any offensive posting.
Part 9
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
GETBOOK.AT/FREDSDIARY1981
Get This Great Title in eBook Format For Just 99c Today!
(Regularly $2.99)
Get This Great Title in eBook Format For Just 99c Today!
(Regularly $2.99)
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of
with the Ninth edition
of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
This week Robert Reflects with
The trek in the Himalayas was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Although I was ill prepared, both physically and mentally, the locals and fellow-travellers I met along the way made it a very special week. Those people, along with the incredible surroundings, will stay in my mind longer than all the hard work and effort it took me to climb those steep mountainsides.
After another few days and a magical time in Pokhara, I returned to Kathmandu and have spent my remaining time here in the company of Australian fellow-travellers Geoff, Kim and Brom, who I teamed up with after the trek. We have had a great laugh together although the atmosphere in the last couple of days has become a little strained. You’ll understand what I mean if you read my diary.
Since leaving England over three months ago, I have been out of touch with what has been going on in the outside world most of the time. Whilst here I visited the reading room at the British embassy where they had a good selection of newspapers and magazines. Not much seems to have changed although I did find out that the Pope had been shot at, but thankfully survived.
Nepalese Embassy on London's 'Boulevard of Billionaires'
I’ve stayed here longer than I planned because I am still waiting for a letter from Rita to let me know whether she is coming to India or not. In the meantime I have decided to head east towards Darjeeling, which is really in the wrong direction if Rita does decide to come. Bombay is on the other side of India. I have sent an aerogramme and a postcard asking her to write to Darjeeling with an answer.
When I set out on this trip I was intending to keep just a few notes on places I visited and things that I did. Keeping the diary up to date has now become a part of my travelling day. Sometimes I get a little fed up writing it all the time but I also appreciate the routine and being able to express my thoughts and frustrations.
All through this trip I have been sending segments of the diary to Jan, a good friend of mine in Frankfurt. It gives her an insight into another traveller’s world, which she seems to enjoy. If the diary gives pleasure to at least one person then it’s all worth the effort.
My ticket is booked for the night bus leaving tomorrow afternoon. The time here has flown by but the limitations of visas and money mean, sadly, that I need to move on again. I have loved my time in Nepal and this country will live on in my memory for many years to come.
When I set out on this trip I was intending to keep just a few notes on places I visited and things that I did. Keeping the diary up to date has now become a part of my travelling day. Sometimes I get a little fed up writing it all the time but I also appreciate the routine and being able to express my thoughts and frustrations.
All through this trip I have been sending segments of the diary to Jan, a good friend of mine in Frankfurt. It gives her an insight into another traveller’s world, which she seems to enjoy. If the diary gives pleasure to at least one person then it’s all worth the effort.
My ticket is booked for the night bus leaving tomorrow afternoon. The time here has flown by but the limitations of visas and money mean, sadly, that I need to move on again. I have loved my time in Nepal and this country will live on in my memory for many years to come.
A Lucky Escape
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| http://www.panoramio.com/photo/58521898 |
The road out of Kathmandu was, as always, rough. We were rewarded on the other side as we descended by the most beautiful sunset. The whole sky was aglow and the blazing red sun caused fantastic patterns around the clouds while the mountains seemed pitch black against the brilliance of the sky.
Shortly after sunset I took a Valium to relax me as the whole journey looked like being along rough roads all night. Twenty minutes later, as I was dozing, we almost had a nasty accident. There were a Danish couple sitting in front of me who explained what had happened.
The whole road to the border town of Kakarvita was narrow and our coach had tried overtaking a truck, which hadn’t moved over enough to let us pass. As a consequence our bus ploughed into the grass verge on the right-hand side of the road. We all got out of the bus as numerous people, helped by a tow-rope and a truck, managed to get the coach back onto the road.
I had a look at the skid marks on the road and the impressions made by the wheels in the grass. Another yard at the front or as little as six inches further to the side and the bus would have ended up in a river, after going down a steep embankment of thirty or forty feet. A lucky escape!
It seemed a fairly normal occurrence though and we were soon on our way again, with the driver still driving along the same way as before, which could be reckless and dangerous. We made a stop at 9 p.m. for a drink and I also had a nice joint with Mike and Chris, the English versions of their Danish names, before returning to the bus.
Did you miss the past segments of
Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia will be only 99c for the next 7 days!
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
by
Have You Read A Good Indie Book Lately!?
Send Us Your Review And We Will Show The World!
Submit Your Reader Review
Follow These Great Blogs
For Up To Date Book News
Want To Be Part Of This List?
We run this list with every blog, join today!
You Can Join Our Blogger Team Here!
***Rukia Book Blog Tours***
Follow US On Twitter
@fredsdiary1981
@RichardSmithTT
As always, please remember to leave a review, even a few words of positive encouragement could mean the world to an author!
Your Comments Encourage
♥ Thank you ♥
Please Feel Free to Share
The views in this post and interview are "opinions" based from professional authors, and book promoters. We welcome your opinion but please be mindful of others. This interview session will be monitored for correct content and we reserve the right to delete any offensive posting.
Part 8
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of
with the Eighth edition
of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
This week Robert Reflects with
"Highs Of Nepal"
Highs of Nepal |
We spent our first night in Kathmandu getting extremely stoned on Freak Street. Alass and I then managed to get well and truly lost walking back to the guest house. Eventually at 12:30 a.m., foot-weary and pissed off at getting so disorientated, we saw a police station.
We got talking to a police officer who was a great help and proceeded to walk us back over the bridge to our guest house within fifteen minutes. Before leaving us there was an exchange of addresses and he said that if we ever had any problems we should contact him. What a contrast to Thailand!
The weather has not been the way I expected. After blue skies and sunshine in the morning things change quickly around midday with drizzle persisting for much of the afternoon. This then turns to heavy rain and thunderstorms later on.
Although the Nepalese are obviously still a poor people they seem to live happily and are not pushy or nosy as the Indians can be. They carry on their lives as though it was still twenty years ago and there were no westerners around. You don’t know how refreshing that is after a couple of weeks in India.
It has been great to get some post again. On my first visit to the Kathmandu post office I was delighted to get two letters from Rita and a note from Andy. The letters from Rita had been re-directed from Malaysia so she hasn’t said whether she can come to India as yet.
The note from Andy was dated a few days before, when he left for the village of Pokhara, which is 200 kilometers from Kathmandu. That is where I am now and I still hope to meet up with him somehow, although I don’t know where he is staying or whether he might already have moved on again.
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| http://people-dont-have-to-be-anything-else.wikia.com/wiki/Kathmandu,_Nepal |
The family of eight people live in a small one room house with a
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| http://youthincmag.com/abode-of-the-gods |
Shortly after arriving the weather changed quite dramatically and the thunderstorms set in again. We went inside and one of the boy’s sisters made some wheat bread over the small fire, which was tasty. I keep forgetting the boy’s name but he is nice and does most of the translating as the rest of the family don’t speak any English.
The house is primitive and small but it is home to these people and they’ve opened their arms to me. There is a grandmother, mother and father, four sisters and the boy. I spent most of the afternoon sitting around talking to the boy and his friends. Also taught them some more English which was quite amusing.
As the afternoon wore on it got quite cold as the clouds twirled
around the hilltops, sometimes cutting off all visibility, so I changed into my warmer clothes. When the clouds do clear there are some beautiful views from here. One can also see towards the Annapurna's which is spectacular.
I had a Nepalese dinner of rice and dahl which was surprisingly good, although they gave me so much that I was unable to finish it, despite the urging of the whole family. As it was starting to get dark there were some heavy electrical storms which were a little frightening perched here on a hillside.
 |
| http://www.expeterra.com/Expeterra%20Annapurna.html |
Did you miss the past segments of
Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99
(was £2.99 / $3.99).
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
by
Have You Read A Good Indie Book Lately!?
Send Us Your Review And We Will Show The World!
Submit Your Reader Review
Follow These Great Blogs
For Up To Date Book News
Want To Be Part Of This List?
We run this list with every blog, join today!
You Can Join Our Blogger Team Here!
***Rukia Book Blog Tours***
Follow US On Twitter
@fredsdiary1981
@RichardSmithTT
As always, please remember to leave a review, even a few words of positive encouragement could mean the world to an author!
Your Comments Encourage
♥ Thank you ♥
Please Feel Free to Share
The views in this post and interview are "opinions" based from professional authors, and book promoters. We welcome your opinion but please be mindful of others. This interview session will be monitored for correct content and we reserve the right to delete any offensive posting.
Part 7
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of
with the Seventh edition
of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
This week Robert Reflects with
"Heading North To Nepal"
Heading north to Nepal
After a couple of days in Agra, I have been travelling north towards Nepal.
The robbery on the train from Delhi had shaken me up more than I thought at the time. I ended up buying a collection of gems as I was persuaded by some locals in Agra that it would be a good way to recoup my money. The idea is to sell them in Nepal for two or three times the price. We will see!
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| History of The Taj Mahal |
I have been doing a lot of thinking, especially critically of myself and my personality traits. It has dawned on me that I was totally unprepared for this part of my travels. Having had my expectations geared to South-East Asia and my ideas adjusted to accept that, I was within two days plunged into India and a completely different way of life.
 |
| History Behind The Red Fort |
Whatever happens during the rest of my time here in India and Nepal, I don’t think that it will be quite the same Fred returning to Frankfurt that left in February.
The journey north by train has been tiring but fascinating at the same time. Varanasi was the first stop-off after an overnight ride from Agra. On the train I found my berth fairly quickly. It was right on top of a three-tier bunk. The bed was basically a wooden board so after dusting it off I got out my towel to use as a blanket and used my bag as a pillow.
After a night and day in Varanasi I then spent a fascinating night on the train with some fellow westerners. As we chugged along it felt as though we were riding along with Casey Jones, made especially realistic with the hooting of the steam whistle.
Our compartment was only dimly lit, which made everything really mysterious. It got even more so when the Swiss guy produced a couple of joints of some great Afghan gear. Got off really well and the journey turned into a bit of a fairy tale as we headed off north.
Am now staying overnight in a hotel called ‘Delicious’ with a Dutch guy called Allas. Earlier this evening he took me along to a tiny little temple tucked away at the corner of the square here in Birgunj. We spent time with the guru who lives there, along with some local men, smoking chillums.
It was strange to see a group of men aged anywhere from 20 to 65+ all sitting around in this manner. In a different context I could only compare it with a night up the pub with the lads.
Early tomorrow morning we will be heading to Kathmandu by bus. Who would have imagined at the start of this trip that I would now be in Nepal, soon to be arriving in its wonderful capital.
Arriving in Kathmandu
Our bus stopped many times at small settlements along the way and also for breaks at little street side stalls where Allas and I refreshed ourselves with tea. The journey started off with us riding over the flat plains as the sun rose and later winding up the switchback road heading into the hills.
The views were fantastic as we drove higher and higher and saw the countryside in action. Nepal is a fertile country with skilled use of irrigation meaning that they are self-reliant for food and in fact export some surplus goods apparently.
We eventually reached 8000 feet before starting to head downwards again into the valley of Kathmandu at 5000 feet above sea-level. The road was bad a lot of the way. It was built twenty years ago and has not been maintained very well.
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| Some History of Kathmandu |
Arrived in Kathmandu exhausted. Took a taxi around a couple of hotels and guest houses to check prices. We eventually found somewhere a little way out of town which is quiet and simple, a guest house charging only R15 a night for a double room.
Accepted the room and went inside to relax. I made a small joint of grass which was excellent and relaxed us both. We went out at 6 p.m. totally unprepared for what the evening had in store for us. Still stoned I floated into Kathmandu and we found a great little place where we sat down cross-legged at low tables.
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| Kathmandu Durbar Square. www.digitalhimalaya.com, CC BY-SA |
Did you miss the past segments of
Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99
(was £2.99 / $3.99).
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
by
Have You Read A Good Indie Book Lately!?
Send Us Your Review And We Will Show The World!
Submit Your Reader Review
Follow These Great Blogs
For Up To Date Book News
Want To Be Part Of This List?
We run this list with every blog, join today!
You Can Join Our Blogger Team Here!
***Rukia Book Blog Tours***
Follow US On Twitter
@fredsdiary1981
@RichardSmithTT
As always, please remember to leave a review, even a few words of positive encouragement could mean the world to an author!
Your Comments Encourage
♥ Thank you ♥
Please Feel Free to Share
The views in this post and interview are "opinions" based from professional authors, and book promoters. We welcome your opinion but please be mindful of others. This interview session will be monitored for correct content and we reserve the right to delete any offensive posting.
Part 6
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of
with the Sixth edition
of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
This week Robert Reflects with
"Freedom At Last"
 | |
|
Freedom at Last
The nightmare of our Thailand experience is still very vivid in my mind. Despite that I am really enjoying my freedom again and the bad memories are slowly fading as I start to appreciate life in India. It was only a few days ago that I was anticipating being in Malaysia and Indonesia. I was so looking forward to meeting up with my friends from Chiang Mai. That was not meant to be! Instead, as I boarded the plane in Bangkok, I was still unsure whether I would be allowed into India, with all the Thai stamps and writing in my passport.
The feeling of true release only really came as I walked out of Delhi airport in the early hours of the morning, having successfully negotiated passport control and customs. It was like a new adventure into the unknown but it felt like real freedom at last. I was in a state of exhilaration, overwhelmed by a sense of relief.
That first bus journey into Delhi made a strong impression on me. I saw a lot of the countryside before coming to the city itself, which is quite spread out. Connaught Place doesn’t seem like a central district at all. There is a park in the middle surrounded by a circular road on which stand a lot of shops and houses, none more than a couple of stories high.
Indians seem a vociferous race but not offensive in any way. Upon arrival in Connaught Place I was mobbed by a friendly group of taxi drivers and soon I was in one of their scooter-taxis heading for the Natasha Hotel.
The weather is hot but dry and quite bearable. Traffic is noisy, a fascinating combination of horse-drawn traps, bicycles, scooter-taxis and cars. There are also a lot of cows wandering the streets. They seem to have their own sleeping places alongside the road and are of course tolerated because they are sacred animals in India.
There have been moments in my time here that I have been feeling very lonely and far from home. I have sent off some postcards and letters to fellow travellers and friends to let them know what had happened and where I am heading next.
One letter was to Rita, my girlfriend from Germany, telling her of my plans and also to suggest she might like to come to India for a while. I’ve always promised her that we could have a holiday together sometime but was dubious of how it would work out. We’ll find out soon if she accepts!
Since arriving here I have been finding out more about this remarkable country and started to make plans again. In the next day or so I intend to get the train to Agra and spend a few days there before heading towards Nepal, and of course the capital, Kathmandu.
 |
| Roberts real passport pictures courtesy of Robert Fear |
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|
Went to the platform and the train was already there. It was filling up fast so I jumped on. Found a place in the corridor by a window where I had to sit on my bag as there were no seats left. The compartment was absolutely jam-packed and there was no room to move. Even so they managed to pack in more people at a couple of stations along the way.
We stopped at one when things started to go wrong. I had been perched on my bag reading, getting covered in soot and dirt from the steam engine, when for the first time I had to move as the platform came along on my side.
It wasn’t easy, to say the least, as I battled against crowds of people and became pretty dazed fighting to get away from the door. Only about ten minutes later did I discover that my wallet was missing!
After a search round, with the help of virtually everyone in the carriage, I came to the conclusion that someone getting off at the previous station had picked my pocket. I was upset and annoyed at myself as this was the first time in all my travels I had been a victim of anything as basic. There was R290 in the wallet but at least I still have my passport and travellers cheques.
The people in the carriage were good to me. They first helped look for the money and when we realised it had been stolen they started a small collection, which at first I tried to stop. Everyone put in one or two rupees, quite a lot for many of these people. In the end they collected nearly R80 which was given to me.
I was really grateful and couldn’t thank them enough.
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| Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters India has the second largest rail network in the world. That, combined with the fact that 23 million passengers a day ride its rails, help to explain why its trains are so overcrowded that you can often see passengers hanging out the side. It's a long-standing tradition to take the train in India — the oldest train in the world, built in 1855, also runs on the India rail network between New Delhi and Rajasthan. If you think your commute is bad, or airport lines are giving you the travel blues, just take a look at these insanely crowded trains in India. You might feel a little less claustrophobic. Read More of this article form The BusinessInsider.com |
Did you miss the past five segments of
Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99
(was £2.99 / $3.99).
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
by
http://www.rukipublishing.com
Follow These Great Blogs
For Up To Date Book News
Want To Be Part Of This List?
We run this list with every blog, join today!
You Can Join Our Blogger Team Here!
***Rukia Book Blog Tours***
Follow US On Twitter
Thank you for joining us for this segment of Behind The Scenes with Robert Fear!
Did you like this?
Share it, leave a comment & read the book!
As always, please remember to leave a review, even a few words of positive encouragement could mean the world to an author!
Part 5
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of
with the Fifth edition
of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
"Robert Reflects On Life In Prison"
Reality hits home
This is becoming a real nightmare. What did the three of us do to deserve this turn of events?
Since arriving in the prison we have slowly adapted to the routine. We are in a cramped cell with five other westerners, all of them imprisoned for various heroin offences and sentenced to spend the next thirty years of their lives here. The problem is that they still have access to a supply of heroin through the prison guards, who know they have the money available from relatives back home.
We have to be very careful that they don’t stash their supplies anywhere in our belongings. Raids are common place and if we were caught in possession that would be our freedom gone for a long, long time. It feels that could happen anyway at the moment as there has been a Coup D’état by the military who are trying to overthrow the King.
The doors of our cell are locked at 4.30 pm. The single light goes on at 6 pm and stays on all night. After 10 pm there is meant to be silence but the atmosphere in here is electric as our fellow inmates shoot up during the night-time hours. Sleep would be a lot easier with Valium, but these were confiscated when we were admitted. Besides it is best that the three of us stay relatively aware of things going on around us. We are let out again at 7 am for the morning roll-call.
The support of our friends outside is something that we have come to rely on. Although they are only allowed to visit once a day during the week, we couldn’t have done without their support. As well as bringing us supplies of food, water and cigarettes, they are helping with the bribery negotiations that we’ve had to get involved with to speed up our release.
It’s been great to get some letters from back home. I had one from Rita, who seems a lot happier now thank heavens, and another from my first love in England, Wendy. That was a nice surprise. There have also been letters from my family which have just drummed home the fact that I have let them down. They will have to know what has happened at some stage but I want to make sure that I have some good news first.
The uncertainty at the moment is overwhelming. We just want to get our freedom back and can’t believe that we are being punished so heavily for such small offences. On the other hand we know that we should have been more careful and taken better notice of the laws of this country. Now we have to play by their rules and bribe our way out of this mess.
The dirty face of heroine & corruption hits home with Robert whilst in prison in Thailand.
Life inside prison-an excerpt from the book
Had a restless night's sleep with many varied dreams. Stan had the same problem. Perhaps we are picking up vibes from the junkies.
They are shooting up maybe three or four times a day, which is costly and dangerous. They are all caught up in a vicious circle, not only from the addiction but because of the money they owe and the constant risk they run of getting a second charge.
At 7 a.m. we were all roused and trooped outside for the headcount. After ten minutes we returned to our block but the Thais had to endure an hour long service, perhaps extra-long because there was some propaganda to do with the military takeover.
We are not allowed newspapers in here so it is difficult to get any accurate information about what is happening in Bangkok. At 8:30 a.m. Stan, Andy and I made a tour of the camp which is quite regimented, especially for the Thais.
They work in various factories making bamboo and teak furniture, some go to school and others work on the gardens and keep the place clean. The Thai junkies who are brought here do a rigorous series of exercises to sweat out the cold turkey. The westerners are left alone because they are always reckoned to have money.
For any work the Thais do they receive the princely sum of a quarter of a baht per day so it's not easy to save money here. The westerners don't have to work although there is an English guy doing it to try and learn some of the basic crafts.
Andy also found out some more news of the troubles today. The King and his forces have demanded the surrender of the new military government and if they do not step down there will definitely be some fighting.
Did you miss the past four segments of
Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99
(was £2.99 / $3.99).
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
by
http://www.rukipublishing.com
Follow These Great Blogs
For Up To Date Book News
Want To Be Part Of This List?
We run this list with every blog, join today!
You Can Join Our Blogger Team Here!
***Rukia Book Blog Tours***
Follow US On Twitter
Thank you for joining us for this segment of Behind The Scenes with Robert Fear! Did you like this?
Share it, leave a comment & read the book!
As always, please remember to leave a review, even a few words of positive encouragement could mean the world to an author!
Part 4
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes
of
Fred's Diary 1981,
with the Fourth edition
of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
Reflecting back on Jail Time in Thailand
6 day eye-opener
This is the last thing I expected to happen when I set out on this trip. But, oh shit, it’s definitely happening!
The three of us are off to court this morning and if things go as expected we will be in prison tonight rather than the police cells where we’ve spent the last few nights.
Andy, Stan and I have certainly got to know each other very well. Considering that we hardly knew each other a week ago, we have become quite close, through necessity if nothing else.
As you may have gathered our initial optimism for a quick release didn’t come to fruition. In the meantime we’ve learnt a lot about the corruption and bribery that goes on in this beautiful country.
We wouldn’t have got through this so far without outside help. It just shows how fellow travellers will group together and help in whatever way they can, even if it means sacrificing part of their trips.
Basically you are given nothing in here. No food, no water, no bedding. Nothing! Anything you want comes at a price and without friends outside things can get very difficult. There are other detainees here who have no money and are really struggling.
We keep beating ourselves up about the way we were caught out in the raid on our guest house. It was stupid and naïve of us to be so casual about the drugs but it all seemed so natural at the time. Even so, for the small amount we all had, the punishment certainly does not match the crime!
The strange thing is that I only got into smoking hashish and grass during my last stay in Frankfurt. Prior to that I had smoked cigarettes or roll-ups and enjoyed my beer but this was a whole new experience to me. It helped broaden my outlook though and probably influenced my choice of coming to Asia.
Valium has been the drug of choice in here. It is sold freely in the chemists and Graham has ensured that we have had a good supply. I wouldn’t have remained so calm and rested without it. Even so my stomach is constantly churning through the worry of the whole situation.
I’ve just been reading back through my diary, which is proving to be a real comfort during these difficult times. It really helps to be able to write things down and release some of the frustration.
Here’s a short extract which sums up how we are all feeling:
“This starts to feel more and more bizarre. I mean we aren’t exactly hardened criminals but they were even talking about deporting us.”
Due to overcrowding in Thai prisons, none of the cells have beds, nor are prisoners are given any mattresses.
Just a thin sheet. If they have any money they can buy extra bedding.
Worrying times in Thailand
Each of us had mixed feelings about what the day holds. We were let out of our cell at 8:15 a.m. and had some visitors. Ead came for the first time and didn't look too happy for us. Graham, Aja and Marie, John and Michael were all there as well.
Exchanged some small talk but as nothing was certain everyone was nervous. About 9 a.m. we got all our things together for imminent removal but did not leave until nearly 10 a.m.
They handcuffed us together with three Thai guys and we were escorted outside, where we managed to get some quick hugs from Marie and Aja along with good luck handshakes from the guys.
The sunlight was dazzling after six days in the cells. They put us into a wired-up open truck which transported us to another cell near the court, where they herded us together and checked that we were all there.
Half an hour later we were taken to the courthouse and all sat down on benches. Within two minutes the judge came in and called out our names. We had to stand up and acknowledge that we were there.
After signing a form we were all herded back into the truck and driven to the prison where we arrived at 11:30 a.m. Stan had been taken off somewhere else so Andy and I went to the prison alone. A Canadian guy, Jim helped us.
We had all our possessions searched and our money taken from us, although they let me keep the lucky Irish £1 note Bobby had given me. The British consulate was at the prison so I was able to see him for a short while. I gave him all the details with specific instructions that he shouldn't inform my parents.
Did you miss the past three segments of
Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99
(was £2.99 / $3.99).
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
Fred's Diary 1981
by
author Robert Fear
Follow These Great Blogs
For Up To Date Book News
Want To Be Part Of This List?
You Can Join Our Blogger Team Here!
We run this list with every blog, join today!
Follow US On Twitter
Thank you for joining us for this segment of Behind The Scenes with Robert Fear! Did you like this? Share it, leave a comment & read it!
Part 3
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of Fred's Diary 1981,
with the third edition of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
"Reflections of his time in Thailand"
The Isra House on the outskirts of Chiang Mai was like
a family house with a few rooms, out in the countryside.
Falling for Chiang Mai
This is one of the most amazing places I have ever stayed in. It is called Isra House and is situated on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. I was greeted like an old friend when I arrived here a week ago. It wasn’t long before I met up with Graham and a couple of days later with Sharon and Aja. They had been on a five day trek to visit local tribes (and smoke opium).
I landed in Bangkok but didn’t hang around and got an overnight bus to Chiang Mai, which is in the north of Thailand. As we neared our destination there was a spectacular sunrise over the hills and after watching that I started to relax. Arriving in the early morning it seemed very quiet and laid back, considering this is the second largest city in Thailand.
The weather is a real contrast to Hong Kong, which was often cloudy and sometimes downright cold. On getting off the plane the change in temperature was noticeable. It was dusk and 31C. Here in the north it is comparatively cool in the evenings, refreshing even, but beautiful and sunny during the days.
You can borrow bikes from the guest house and several times we have cycled into Chiang Mai to have a good look round. They have also come in handy for getting to the swimming pool at a nearby hotel, where I’ve spent several afternoons soaking up the rays and swimming a few lengths. This is starting to feel like a really enjoyable holiday.
There is no pressure on me to move on and as everything is so cheap here I plan to stay for a few weeks. There is a big water festival in the middle of April, which is reputed to be especially good in Chiang Mai. It would be great to be around for that.
The sunny atmosphere has been conducive to getting some letters and postcards written to family and friends, with a longer one to Rita, who didn’t sound too good last time I heard from her. I am still really worried about her and can’t help blaming myself.
I have let everyone know that they should send letters here for the time being. It will probably be a good two weeks before I get anything back. Letters are a lifeline when you’re travelling but it’s not always easy to know where you will be, so that people can write to you there.
So, life is good and I’m really enjoying this part of my trip. I am meeting a lot of fellow travelers and having some fun and games with them, doing some exploring, but mostly relaxing.
This afternoon I will be going on a five day trek to see the local tribes, which should be very interesting indeed. I am just heading off now to get some supplies from the local store before coming back here to finish my packing.
Picture provided by author Robert Fear
How did Fred, Andy & Stan get out of this mess?
The trip changes dramatically
A real shock awaited me.
The police were there making a check of the guest house.
While sitting on the verandah with an American guy, Stan, I remembered with horror that Scott had given me a small container of grass and that it was lying on my bedside table. I just hoped that Graham had managed to get rid of it somehow.
My heart fell when I was called into the room and confronted with it. I didn't have much choice about confessing that it belonged to me.
They carried out a body search, turned out my bag completely and were disappointed not to find anything else.
The next hour or so was spent filling out forms and reports for myself, Stan (small amounts of both opium and grass) and Andy, another American guy, who was visiting a friend at the house. He only had a small amount of grass on him.
We all pleaded guilty. What big offences we thought and hoped that the situation could be sorted out within a couple of hours.
They had taken our passports and we had to go with them in an open truck to the police station where we were escorted inside. We sat in an office for a while and all of us at that time were expecting to be interviewed, fined and released. However, the wheels of Thai justice don't move that fast.
We were put in the cell, which was fairly clean although the toilet stinks, at 4:30 p.m. It’s quite roomy with three different sections, all separated by metal bars. Luckily they didn't separate us and only locked the main door.
Just In Time For This Post!!!!
A New Review!!!
By Rebecca H on February 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this travel diary which Fred kept as he journeyed firstly to Hong Kong then on to Thailand where he regrettably ended up in jail. After being deported he records his time in both India and Nepal. If you are looking for a travel guide this is not the book for you but it does give an insight into the reality of how it was for young western travellers over 30 years ago. Every day Fred would jot down all the details of what he did and saw or even ate. It was so interesting to see how he kept a note of exactly how much he spent on drinks and food etc I bet it’s a whole lot more expensive now! In Thailand he was charged with possessing grass and thrown into jail. This was a particularly difficult experience but even there drugs helped to while away the tedium and anxious waiting for release. In fact drugs feature prominently throughout. It’s amazing what a young body can withstand! We learn of his exploits in Nepal and in India and of the friendships and camaraderie among fellow travellers. In among the minutiae there are also some beautiful descriptions for example of leaving Kathmandu Overall he had a marvellous and life changing experience which he has written about very honestly.
Did you miss the first two segments of Behind The Scenes?
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99 (was £2.99 / $3.99).
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on
Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
Fred's Diary 1981
by
author Robert Fear
Follow These Great Blogs For Up To Date Book News
Want To Be Part Of This List?
You Can Join Our Blogger Team Here!
We run this list with every blog, join today!
Follow US On Twitter
Part 2
"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes of Fred's Diary 1981, with the second edition of
"Behind The Scenes".
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
---------------
After we posted last weeks segment of "Behind The Scenes", we received a message from one of our blog followers!
"I read last weeks segment of Behind The Scenes with Fred's Diary 1981 featuring
Pre-Travel Jitters. I felt as if I was transported back in time.
Although somethings seem like the everyday mundane things that we do, I felt like I was walking in his shoes! I was able to see what he was talking about, and feel how he must have felt before traveling in Asia. What a fascinating Time Capsule from the 80's"
~Joshua
FRED'S DIARY 1981
TRAVELS IN ASIA
by
Author Robert Fear
BEHIND THE SCENES
OF
"A Day in Hong Kong"
with
"Time flies by"
written by Robert Fear
----------------
Brought To You
by
Rukia Publishing Book Promotions
Chungking Mansions
An inexpensive place to stay in Hong Hong
Time flies by
It is already nearly four weeks since I left England and time is flying by. Those terrible pre-travel jitters started subsiding as soon as I got on that plane and the feeling of being far from home is now a distant memory. I am really starting to enjoy this adventure and looking forward to what the next few months hold.
On the second day here I got a bed in a dormitory at the Travellers Hostel on the 16th floor of Chungking Mansions. I’ve been staying there ever since and am meeting a lot of fellow travellers as they pass through. It is great hearing everyone’s travel stories, as well as getting advice on places to visit and things to do. Travelling alone is all well and good but it’s always an uplifting experience mixing with like-minded people.
I’ve done a lot of exploring around different areas of Hong Kong and it is a fascinating place. The contrasts are tremendous between the crowded streets of the city itself and the remoteness of the surrounding countryside. Most of the travel has been by tram, ferry and bus although I have also been on a train, the subway and a funicular up to The Peak where there are breath-taking views.
My dream of getting a job at the bank came to nothing. I had hoped that having worked for their branch in Frankfurt that there might be a chance of working here for a few months. They only employ two expats though and it wasn’t possible. I must admit that I felt really down after the interview as I had built up the possibility so much in my own mind. Its’s probably all for the best though!
I have been doing some work, as a film extra for Chinese TV. Along with a few of my other fellow travellers we have played background parts in several editions of a series called Hong Kong Gentlemen. As well as that I have been a Russian soldier and an interrogator.
Some letters have arrived including two from Rita, my girlfriend from Germany. I knew she was very down when I left but the news does not sound good. One of her letters was really long and rambling. The other was a little more upbeat. She admitted there is something ‘wrong with her silly head’. It sounds like she has had some sort of breakdown. This news really upset me and I couldn’t help blaming myself for what is happening to her.
I have started making plans to move on to Thailand within the next week or so. The idea is that I will fly into Bangkok and then get a train or bus up to Chiang Mai in the north. Three friends I met here, Sharon, Aja and Graham, are already there and I am looking forward to meeting up with them.
Tiger Balm Gardens, Hong Kong
The Hong Kong gardens have lost half their sculptures and structures.
Fortunately, what remains are some of the most unique features. The Tiger Pagoda, Aw Boon Haw's tomb, and the mountain honeycombed with caves all have been preserved. This watercolor was painted in the late 1940s.
A Day in Hong Kong
I didn't get to sleep until 2 a.m. this morning. Was restless and couldn't relax. When I did drop off I slept well and woke up at 9 a.m.
After a wash I got my laundry together and took it downstairs, before having breakfast. Left the hostel and headed to Tiger Balm gardens by ferry and a No.11 bus. Was there by 10:45 a.m.
Had a good look around. The gardens are interesting although there was not much grass around. The area was constructed by the brothers who made a fortune out of selling Tiger Balm ointments.
It is quite run down but at its height must have been magnificent. The whole thing was built on a hillside and consists of numerous steps, concrete monuments and pagodas, with lots of different scenes made with models of plaster on metal skeleton bases.
After wandering around I headed up some rotting steps into the hills behind the gardens where I sat in quiet. A while later I headed back through the gardens and down the hill to Wanchai.
To kill some time I took various buses and trams around Hong Kong visiting the Western Market and Happy Valley. Also found out about trips to Macau and decided it was too expensive and too much hassle to try and do the trip in one day. Besides that the weather has turned ropey again.
About 3 p.m. I picked up my Thai visa which was all fine. For a change I caught the subway back to Kowloon. The whole system is modern and the trains are built in England but I'm afraid I hit it at one of the problem times. The train was delayed for quarter of an hour.
Got back to the hostel, after picking up my laundry, had a shower and watched TV before getting some dinner at 6:30 p.m. Watched TV most of the evening and even bought a bottle of beer later on, my first since Saturday. Went to bed at 11:30 p.m. but was again restless and couldn't get to sleep until 1 a.m.
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99 (was £2.99 / $3.99).
Get your copy while this offer lasts:
You can find out more about author Robert Fear on Rukia Publishing's
Meet the Author page:
Come back next week when we publish another original segment
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with
Fred's Diary 1981
by
author Robert Fear
~The pictures provided in this blog post were not provided by Robert Fear, nor are we Rukia Publishing suggesting that these are an exact reflection of the places described in this book during the time periods described in the book.~
Part 1
"Behind The Scenes"
For the next 10 weeks follow along as we go behind the scenes of Fred's Diary 1981.
Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.
Fred's Diary 1981
Travels In Asia
by
Author Robert Fear
Behind The Scenes of
"First Impressions of Hong Kong"
with
"Pre-Travel Jitters"
written by Robert Fear
***
Brought To You
by
Rukia Publishing Book Promotions
"Pre-Travel Jitters"
With two days to go until I head off to Hong Kong the doubts and worries are worse than ever. I’ve never felt this way about my travels before. There has always been a sense of nervous anticipation during the days prior to setting off, but the feelings I am getting at the moment are much more intense than ever.
This trip has been a long time in the planning and I have managed to
save a fair amount of money working in the bank in Frankfurt, Germany for the
past fifteen months. I started as a messenger because of my lack of language
skills but within a couple of months I had secured a position in the accounts
department. The work was enjoyable, well-paid and rewarding. I also seemed to
get on well with my German colleagues.
After my first spell in Germany when I lived with Rita at her
parents’ house, this time I had my own flat and a lot more independence, which
I really enjoyed. I am already missing the great social life and the friends I
have made in that short time. There was a tearful farewell with Rita, my on-off
German girlfriend, who was very down when I left. I feel guilty about having been
so selfish and not spending more time with her during the past few months.
Since returning to England a week ago, I have been catching up with
family and friends and making final preparations for the biggest adventure of
my life. Maybe that is why I am so on edge, the fear of heading off into the
unknown. When I went on my four month trip around the US and Canada things were
a lot more familiar.
Although I have been trying to hide my true feelings from everyone
there was an occasion last weekend when I showed myself up. I was in London
with a couple of mates who I had met whilst in Germany. We went on a bit of a
pub crawl and had quite a few pints. Towards the end of the evening I got quite
emotional and was in floods of tears. I think my mates were quite embarrassed
and got me out of the pub and back to the place we were staying in double quick
time. No longer do they think of me as Fearless Freddy!
What am I worrying about? My bags are packed, my passport is in
order, and I have my £99 one way ticket to Hong Kong, plus enough money for at
least six months in Asia. I am sure once I am on that plane these negative emotions
will start to subside. First I need to get through these next two days though.
Maybe I’ll pop down to the local pub and have a couple of pints (although no
more) to try and steady my nerves.
 |
| http://www.abhk.org/ |
"First Impressions of Hong Kong"
An excerpt from Fred's Diary
I was soon outside and got my first taste of the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Waited twenty minutes for a 201 bus to take me to Kowloon and sat dazed in the bus trying to take in the many sights amid the clamour of Chinese conversation, which to say the least is pretty loud.
After a ride of half an hour I got off the bus in Kowloon and within twenty minutes, with the help of a young Chinese woman, had located Chungking Mansions, a collection of supposedly cheap guest houses.
Eventually found a room free in one run by an old woman for HK$40. I tried knocking the price down for a longer stay but she wouldn't consider it. Being tired I decided to take it for one night and look around tomorrow for alternatives.
Got into the room and tried to get some rest. I got a couple of hours sleep disturbed by a TV being played loud in the next room. One thing I'm going to have to get used to here is noise. It is now 8:30 p.m. and I am going to go out in search of something to eat and drink.
I returned to the room just before midnight after a fascinating if bewildering wander around different parts of Kowloon. Lots of bright lights, scores of different shops and stalls, amazing contrasts between rich and poor, the swish tourist hotels near the waterfront compared with the slums and beggars in the backstreets.
Saw a few western faces but not many. Had a meal in McDonalds of all places as I couldn't pluck up courage to go into one of the Chinese restaurants. Feeling a bit lost and far from home but hopefully that will soon pass.
Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s
NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION
Synopsis
Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?
Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?
Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.
Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.
Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.
Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.
Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.
Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.
Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.
To celebrate the coming new year, the price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99 (was £2.99 / $3.99). Get your copy while this offer lasts:
getBook.at/FredsDiary1981
