Backpacking though the birthdays

Birthdays beyond 25 make you reflect on your life, your age, what you're doing and what you want to do. As I lie here at the front of a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala, that reflection rings true.

I am lucky enough to have spent the past 6 birthdays in fantastic places. Lucky for several reasons. First off, being a teacher means I have my birthday off in the long holidays every year. As well as this I've had and have people in my life who have joined me to live out fantastic adventures. 

Here's a run down of birthdays since I returned from Australia-Fiji-New Zealand in 2007 aged 23 and graduated with my PGCE in 2008 aged 24.

2008 - Croatia

2009 - Brazil/Argentina

2010 - Central America 

2011 - India (Northern)

2012 - Indonesia 

2013 - India (Southern) 

24

Spent a month in Croatia, camping due to lack of funds after my PGCE. Went from Dubrovnik to Split, taking in Brac, Hvar, Zadar and some places I can't remember the name of.

25

A month in Brazil and Argentina, starting in Salvador, then to Rio, then round Sai Paulo across to Foz de Iguassu then into Argentina where a week in Mendoza included Malbec and steak and skiing!

Finished off in Burnos Aires.

26

A friendship defining trip around down through Central America (Nicaragua-Costa Rica-Panama. Rainforests, volcano boarding, star fish spotting Caribbean chill time. The day of my birthday was memorably spend in Bocas del Toro, Panama with a bunch of friends sailing to a tiny idyllic white sand, palm fridged island.  

27

First forray into India. Did the golden triangle type route, mainly by bus, and flew to Leh in the foothills of the Himalayas too. Spent my birthday is Jodphur and turned 27 on a stinking night bus. Later rode a canal thought the desert and slept under the stars. I would be back..

28

Indonesia with my Mummy and a special holiday within a holiday meeting my sister who came across from Perth. Spent my birthday in Bali and had the best time in Ubud and on the fabulous Gillie islands. Some seriously good holiday time. I'd go back in a heartbeat. 

29

Back to India and where I am now, today on my birthday! Sitting on the front of a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala. 

One of the most spectacular landscapes in India. More on that in the next post!