What are Your Goals for 2013

Today I experienced the re-emergence of one of my personalities; my overwhelmingly independent, Jones.

She took hold today with a sudden, ‘Sort your stuff out and stop making excuses’ revelation. She’s either going to get me into a lot of trouble or some seriously amazing adventures. Or hopefully both!

With ‘Independent Jones’ re-emergence, I set about making my 2013 list of things I want to achieve to make me a happier, better and well-rounded person (suggestions for a catchier name, welcomed!). Some of them are heroic, some are simple. But all mean the world to me.

Goal 1: Volunteer

I’ve done a little, but I want more! Be the change you want to see in the world, hey!

Goal 2: Visit a new continent

Following on from last year’s goal. You can always strive for more! I’d very much like to tie this into the above goal.

Goal 3: Learn to ski 

I can currently snowboard. So before I leave the majestic Canadian Rockies, I want to cross over to the dark side.

Goal 4: Learn to play the guitar

Like a true hippy.

Goal 5: Pierce my tongue
Consider this my quarter life crisis coming through! Always wanted to do it. Need to get it done.

Goal 6:

I promise to make a change in my life that will see me moving forward towards everything I ever wanted to achieve.

What are the goals you would like to achieve in 2013 to make your a happier and better person? Comment below or as always, to my personal e-mail address if you want to keep them private. I respond to everyone who gets in touch with me!

Live and Love everyone

Jonesy x

It's Happening - Early Season Snowfall

As I sit at my desk and listen to M83, daydreaming of my career as a professional snowboarder, akin to those seen in The Art of Flight, the office around me buzzes.

I work for a ski company in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and we just had our first snowfall of the 2012/13 ski season.

Releasing the small child in everyone in the office, including the Directors, we each ‘casually’ walk over to the window, when all we want to do is run and press our noses against the glass, to catch a glimpse of the snow falling around our mountains, on our streets and (via webcam) on our ski hills.

Excited cries burst around the office as the snowfall starts, as colleagues spot fleeting flakes of snow as they dance their way from the sky to the streets. The exclamations become less as the snow becomes more, and the cries turn into an awed yet energised silence as we think forward to all that that season brings.

Heavy snowfalls, clean skis and waxed snowboards. Smooth groomers, deep powder, fresh lines and first tracks. Hot coffees, early mornings, blue bird skies and warm cider. Snow-capped mountains, sun drenched skiing, adrenaline rushes, ski tumbles and snowboard faceplants. Friends, family, slopes and smooth riding all overlooking outstanding mountain vistas.

We’ve been waiting for this day since May.

I sit. I wait. The snow begins to fall. I’m excited and anxious at what experience this ski season brings. Either way, I’m swinging my snowboard-booted-feet as I write.

For now,
Jones x

6 Travel Tips - Lost City of Rose, Petra, Jordan

I fell in love with the Lost City of Rose the moment I saw it on the movie screen. It was the third  instalment of Indiana Jones, as on horseback, Harrison Ford emerges from the Canyon of the Crescent Moon to the spine tingling sight of the temple built into the rock face; the resting place of the Holy Grail. I was 7.

You've likely seen photos of the famous Siq; barely visible through the narrow canyon, this ancient and mythical structure looms over you as you emerge, tired yet eager for adventure, from the winding red canyon. After walking for over 2 miles through the arid, 50ft deep canyon, you are suddenly faced with an incomprehensible scene. Civilisation!

At over 2,000 years old, the sight of this ancient and inconceivable act of the human capability to create civilisation in the most unlikely of places, instills a rousing desire in countless travellers to put their engines on 'full steam' to experience the Lost City of Rose for themselves.

I can't express how much of a good idea this is!

So before you head out to pretend you're Indiana Jones, here are some top tips for visiting Jordan and the Lost City of Rose.



1. Timing & Temperature - I can't stress the importance of timing your trip to Petra. We visited in July i.e. peak time for tourists and temperatures. While it didn't impact on our overall visit, we found we struggled with the relentless 42C temperature. We wanted to see so much more of the site but simply found ourselves drained and overheated. Time your trip for the shoulder seasons, Spring/Autumn for the cooler temperatures so you're able to enjoy your exploring.

  

2. One More Day - I'd strongly recommend visiting the Lost City of Rose over 2 or 3 days. The site is huge and there are so many new buildings to explore! Plus, you can now experience the new 'Petra by Night' for a contrasting experience.

3. Crossing Boarders - We entered Jordan via boat from North East Egypt. Crossing the Gulf of Aqaba which separates Egypt and Saudi Arabia, its a great start to a day of exploring. The usual documents are required when crossing a border, Passport and Visas. We tagged onto a local tour operator to make the process easier. After entering the country (and passing the military manned machine guns on the back of pick-up trucks), you will make your way through the rugged and winding roads toward Petra. Approx 2-3 hr journey.


4. Walking Distance - Pack your best hiking shoes as you will spend the day on your feet! To make your journey into the Lost City you will walk through a winding canyon for approximately two miles. There is a lot to see on the way with carvings and buildings worked into stone. Once you've reached the Siq or Treasury, you will continue through into the city itself to view the other amazing sites including the amphitheatre, monastery, tombs and traditional Nabatean homes.

5. Locals - Like at any tourist destination, there are locals selling their wears and experiences to the tourists with heavy pockets. Extremely polite people, however we were advised in particular not to accept 'gifts' from any of the locals, in particular from the children. I came across this when I stopped in the shade for less than a minute and was soon approached by a lovely little girl, who was intent on receiving money from me. It's a sad situation and in all honesty, one I didn't know how to handle. If I'd given her money, more children would come over and 'a scene' would soon ensue. However I didn't have it in my heart to turn my back on this little girl. I was wearing a plastic bracelet which she took a liking too. I slipped off the inexpensive bracelet, gave it to her and quickly left.

6. Toilets - Take toilet paper. And when you think you've packed enough, pack some more. Seriously.

What I would do differently:

• Different time of year when its cooler and quieter.
• Stay overnight at a hotel to explore a second day. With over 10,000 caves and new discoveries every day, its not possible to have the true experience in just one visit.
• Experience Petra at night
• Take more photos (isn't that always the case?)

I went to Petra looking for an experience that would make me feel like and intrepid explorer, to push my comfort zone and to witness first hand a culture far beyond anything I'd ever seen or known. It ticked all those boxes and more. The scale and grandeur of Petra's Lost City is simply astounding. Attempting to grasp the size, scale and intricacy of the buildings and city as a whole is not only difficult, but leaves you feeling humbled by the feat of those who once lived here.

It's no wonder why Petra's Lost City of Rose is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I can safely say I will be back to experience it once again.

For now,
Jones x