A Little Jog in The Wilderness - by Nicki Rehn

I was the only witness to my unforgettable experience, my thoughts and pain and joy the only companions for days on end; and silence, my closest friend. So, it is hard to convey a real and true picture of my journey. It took me 20 days to run 963 km from Perth to Albany along the Bibbulmun Track. I was able to do it alone and unsupported by carrying a 30lb pack, sending food drops ahead, sleeping in the track shelters, and doing without luxuries such as clean clothes, real food and a hair brush. And as it turns out, complete exhaustion is a sufficient substitute for a pillow and mattress. I ran (which was more like an ultra-marathon shuffle) between 50 and 60 km each day, moving slowly with the heavy pack, across the difficult terrain and in unseasonal scorching heat. It would take every morsel of daylight to complete my distance, as well as the first hour by headlamp. I actually wasn’t chasing a speed record, but was hoping to find space … not just wide open physical space that characterizes the Australia outdoors, but the mental and emotional space that comes from lengthy solitude, continuous days of motion, and time defined only by the sun rising and setting. (more…)

You Really Can Change Your Life!

This is an email I received from a girl who had read my article in Grazia Magazine - Doesn't matter what age we are....we are all responsible for creating our own destiny.

> > Hi
> >
> > I read Sue Hile's article in Grazia magazine on the weekend. I just
> > wanted to write and say how great I thought Sue Hile is and also this
> > company.
> >
> > I am 28 and I was with my partner for 10 years, from the tender age of
> > 18!!!
> > Three months ago I left my marriage because of a lack of feeling
> > fulfilled, a desire to understand who I am, an unwavering urge to
> > travel (that didn't match that of my partner) and a need to be
> > independent (having never lived or been alone in my life).
> >
> > The last three months have been tough but also a relief, I am very
> > proud of myself. At the moment I am planning my first ever holiday
> > by myself - a 3 month 'round the world' trip from Africa to Europe, to
> > New York then Japan!!! Instead of thinking of it as an escape from my
> > life (which I did when I originally left my marriage), I now see it as
> > a way to kick start my future, whatever that might be.
> >
> > Anyway, I don't know how I can help your company, or be involved in
> > any way but I felt an instant connection when I read the article and
> > then subsequently visited the website. So I've never written to
> > anyone in this way before but I guess now is the perfect time to do
> > things outside the normal.
> >
> > So overall I just wanted to say best of luck with your business.


Thanks.....Jen

Hurghada - Red Sea

We travelled across the desert for approximately 5 hours to get to the resort town of Hurghada on the coast of the Red Sea. Whilst being very touristy, I felt that it was necessary for us to visit the second most popular holiday destination in Egypt to explore the red sea. Everyone was delighted with our stay here. Some of us taking a snorkelling trip just off shore which was amazing and others heading out on a Jeep Safari, which was also a highlight.

Hurghada is a little more expensive for eating and shopping - as you would expect for a resort, but we were all glad to have the opportunity just to see a different side of Egypt.

Luxor

Luxor is not a place I would recommend staying for too long - my opinion and others of the group. The sleeze factor is more present here!

In saying that, the sights of Luxor are not to be missed and next time I would go and see the sights and return to the boat of an evening, instead of a hotel in the city itself.

Luxor Temple would have to be one of my favourite sites and we saw it at dusk, so the light on the columns was just beautiful. Next Karnak Temple - just a bigger version of Luxor Temple. Next Necropolis of Thebes, the Coliseum of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings.

Valley of the Kings - we visited 3 tombs, all of which were equally as interesting as the next.

Cruising on the Nile

This was certainly one of the highlights of our trip. Everyone loved cruising the Nile and the sightseeing along the way. We had a 5 star boat called the "Royal Ruby" which was beautifully appointed. First night on board we had a Galabea Party where we all dressed in costume and danced the night away - great night - I think we ended up being the entertainment. The next night's entertainment was an Egyptian male dancer who was fantastic and a belly dancer. Staff were excellent, view from the upper deck was fantastic and food was good.

Some of the sights we saw along the way were Kom Ombo, Edfu, Temple of Isis, High Dam, St Simeons Monastry, Temple of Nobles and more.

Shisha in Egypt

When in Egypt - you just have to try the popular pass time of smoking the hookah pipe, otherwise known as Shisha.