Fortune Faded...

Money


Since June the Value of the pound has tumbled. For £1 I could have got 67.00 Thai Baht but now they're worth 48.00 Baht... Not good. Other currencies I'll have to use include:

• American Dollar - £1 = $1.38
  
• Australian Dollar - £1 = $2.10
  
• Bolivian Boliviano - £1 = B9.70
  
• Brazilian Real - £1 = R3.24
• Chilean Peso - £1 = P858
  
• Malaysian Ringgit - £1 = R4.97
  
• New Zealand Dollar - £1 = $2.60
  
• Singapore Dollar - £1 = $2.06
  
• Peruvian Nuevo Sol - £1 = S4.37

Tho the strength of the pound is as good now against the OZ and NZ dollars as it was last summer! woot. I don't think it's going to get any better for the Pound / Thai Baht before I fly either.


Storage

All of my possessions are in storage in my bros old room at my folks place and I've started to sort through all the bits and pieces i have to fit in my bag and take with me! Plenty of drugs and first aid kit to be taken, which hopefully I wont have to use. Also bought a wire bag security net with padlock to wrap around my hiking bag when I'm not with it, or am asleep et c. As long as I get my camera and clothes into the bag I'm happy :c)

Our only security is our ability to change

Storage

All of my stuff has been moved out of Forest Fields back into my parents spare room, thanks to a few lifts of some good mates ;c) Bit of a nomad for a few weeks now. Most of my check list is complete! Still got to pack my bag and finalise what I'm to take.


Malaria

After much more research, careful consideration and going on advice about the south east Brazilian coast (Paraty, ilha Grande, Rio de janeiro), I've again decided against taking the Malaria drugs for the time spent in South America. The side effects are not worthy of the minimal risk. As long as I'm not wondering into rural jungle, or go anywhere near the Amazon river basin (north Brazil ) the risk is minimal. Mosquito repellent and protection should be enough, though there is still a risk...

Image source: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/brazil.htm

Malaria links:

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/samerica/brazil.php

http://www.paho.org/English/HCP/HCT/MAL/maps-cartagena.htm

Thailand Scrawlings

21st Feb - Arrive in Bangkok!

Thailand Trip

26th Feb - Days 1-2 Bangkok

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Days 4-6 Hilltribe Trek

Day 7 Chiang Mai

Days 8-9 Bangkok

Days 10-11 Khao Sok National Park

Days 12-14 Krabi

Days 15-16 Penang

Days 17-18 Kuala Lumpur

Days 19-20 Port Dickson

Day 21 Melaka

19th Mar - Day 22 Singapore

22nd Mar - Fly to Cairns

Malaria Prophylaxis

After consulting the travel agents, internet, pharmacist, nurse and doctor I've decided against taking any anti-malaria tablets for Thailand as I'm on quite a low risk, touristy route around southeast Asia. So the focus will be on wearing long sleaved clothing and taking precautions, including mosquito nets and anti mosquito sprays!

image source: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/thailand.htm