One Small Step For Man - What's Stopping You From Making Your Leap?

I'm half and half. No, not like the milk and nor my gender identity. I’m talking about my nationality. I am half British, half Canadian and so proud of it (well recently).

I wasn't always as proud as I am today about coming from a nation famous for sitting on the fence, with an affinity for maple syrup and Mounty’s. It's mostly because I endured a good eight years of torment about my cross-breed accent during my school years. In fairness my accent was, and still is, an eclectic mixture of Yorkshire lass, the Queens Speech and a twang of Albertan loveliness. After being born in Canada and emigrating to England at 6 years old, as a friend once said, I don’t associate myself with any particular country and apparently neither does my accent.

Yes, I am a lady, a lass, and a hometown gal who isn’t quite sure which country to call home.

So when my job in England ended two years ago and I found myself out of work (thank you economic climate), I decided it would be the ideal time to return to my country of birth that I have so many fond memories of.


Welcome to the Canadian Rockies



Let me paint you an idyllic picture of a small town nestled in the Canadian Rockies, where you can walk from one side to the other in 10 minutes, where locals of 30 years happily rub shoulders with tourists from Japan, and where iconic peaks loom over you in every direction. A place where you share the sidewalk with deer and the ski-slope with some of the friendliest people in North America.

This was a town I promised myself I would spend at least 6 months. It was my first solo journey, into the unknown, with no job lined up and nothing but an overstuffed 23lb backpack and my passport in my nervous hands. I was Alberta bound!

 

Two years later….

....after two of the best summers of my life, winters spent snowboarding through the Canadian Rockies and making friends who have become my family, I now call this place home.

Opening my mind, my soul and my boundaries has led me to the most life changing experience I could have ever imagined. Actually no, that is a lie; I could never imagine my life and my travels could have even been this soul defining.

I found myself in friends, lost myself on hikes, had my heart broken, fell in love with this country and met countless other backpackers, travellers and locals. I’ve opened my mind and broadened my horizons. I’ve taught myself to rely only on myself and learnt how to trust in others and that how some people, above all, have an inherently good soul.

One small step for man…one giant leap for you

 

Leaving your job, your friends, your family and your life is no easy decision. There are many reasons (excuses) to talk yourself out of stepping out of your comfort zone that you’ve spent so long living in. But there are more reasons that outweigh your worries to book that ticket, make those travel plans and get on that plane to a foreign land where nobody will know your name, unless you pick up that beer and go over and talk to them.

For all that I come across as bubbly and personable (and in the words of my Dad, able to talk the hind legs off a donkey) it’s actually all an effort. I’m introverted, private and shy with the ridiculous ability to believe I will be rejected from a group or a person if I try for conversation. I’ve written some posts with tips like how to start a conversation with complete stranger as well as tips on how to make that leap to and new country.


So what's holding you back from taking that small step, your giant leap, into the unknown?

- Do you have any travel plans?
- What are your biggest fears about travelling or living in a new country?
- Do you have any questions you need answering?

Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below if you have a burning question, a constant worry or story about making your leap that you’d like to share. I reply to everyone :)

I cannot implore you more to make that leap.
It will be the biggest, scariest and greatest one you have ever made.

Love always,
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