Brum to Dubai to Singapore… 16 hours of flying but so worth the jet lag! First impressions, extremely clean, organised, respectful, helpful and welcoming! Singapore surprised and won me over as soon as I touched down. A beautifully run island/ city, which we could certainly learn a few things from. Zero tolerance on crime so extremely safe to walk around at night time, safe drivers and road planning and very respectful culturally. I could go on but it’s best to come and see for yourself!!

Highlights… Botanical Gardens, China Town, Little India (for cultural diversity) and the Marina. Next stop, going to see Sydney down under.

Over the last 4 years I have travelled through Europe and have been lucky enough to have experienced some wonderful places. January 2018 I will be doing something very different. On 13th Jan I will be heading off to the other side of the world where, on the way, I’ll be exploring Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and then finishing up in the Fiji islands! Follow me over 2 continents to seawhathappens!

Only 9 km off the Turkish coast sits the pretty little island of Symi. Renowned for its delightful harbour which is surrounded by peach and apricot neo classical houses. My home for the night was up into the village. Very quiet, apart from the occasional bleating of goats and the Cockerill singing!

Symi is also renowned for its secluded beaches and clear warm waters. I strolled down to Pedi beach and watched the colourful boats dancing on the water, as well as sampling the Symi gastronomic delights.

Kos is the third largest of the Dodecanese islands after Rhodes and Karpathos. Having only spent 2 full days here I didn’t really have time to do it justice. I stayed in Kos town which is where the Port and Harbour are. After July’s earthquake here, which hit the harbour pretty bad, they have still yet to recover from.

The Tree of Hippocrates is a tourist attraction in Kos town, which, according to legend, Hippocrates of Kos taught his pupils the art of medicine! Legend or fact!!

Kalymonos or Kalimonos, not sure if it's a Y or I as I've seen both spellings. Another Dodecanese island west of Bodrum and lies between Leros and Kos. It's population is around 17000 and it appears to be one of the wealthiest islands in Greece!

With its own unique shops, boutiques and cafe bars it certainly looks like it. You won't find any Versace here (thankfully). No high street stores either, just it's own local brands and designs.

A little historical fact which lends itself during the Italian and Turkish war in 1912 it was once occupied by Italian sailors. Italy took control of the island until 1947.

Sponge diving was (and still is) another source of income.

After a 2 and half hour catamaran trip from Samos I find myself on the island of Leros. Very few tourists occupy this island which makes it a great little hideaway if you need one! 😎! It boasts a castle (which, unfortunately I didn't get to visit), 2 small ports and beautiful views which can be seen from every angle of the island. Here are just a few historical facts:-

During the 13th Century it was occupied by Venetians

From 1916-1918 Brits used Leros as a naval base

From 1940 when Italy entered the 2nd World War on the side of Germany, Leros suffered bombing raids by the British Royal Air force!

Arriving in Samos on a Sunday, probably lead me into a slightly distorted first impressions! Today was very different! Lively, busy and again, wonderfully hospitable! Samos, allbeit needing some structural TLC when you get amidst the urban arena but certainly a town fully of community spirit. Early start for me tomorrow. Have a bus and a sea vessel to catch…. off to Lipsos…. seawhathappens

Samos sits very close to Kusadasi, Turkey in the Aegean Sea. Birthplace of Pythagoras with a population of around 34 thousand. With 2 mountains on the island (Kerkis & Karvounis) it's considered a unique destination all year round! Pretty hot today with temperatures reading mid 30's. Not the prettiest of the Greek islands but certainly one of the friendliest. As usual, lovely generous locals who's hospitality never disappoints. More tomorrow after I've caught up on my sleep!

Not long now until I depart BHX to Athens… then a 50 minute flight over to the lovely island of Samos which sits in the eastern side of the Aegean waters… very close to Turkey. I'll be spending 2 days in Samos…. after that… I'll decide then… let's just seawhathappens

Happy New Year!! Looking forward to the summer vacation now my flights are booked! Saturday 5th August … flying out to Athens … then from there to the beautiful island of Samos… can’t wait! Hoping to finish off in Rhodes. Let’s seawhathappens!