Thursday, December 13, 2012

I nearly died on my birthday in London


Ola readers!!

I know, I know, I said I was back but I never really returned!  I'd love to say I have some legit excuses, which I probably do, but the truth is I could have probably kept this up had I really put my mind to it.

But none the less, I am back giving this another whack with a brand new format.

So you know what I have been up to, I've started my own business and since I last wrote, have been studying in the USA and now living in London - but more on that later.

Also, my sweet grandmother passed away a few weeks after my last post.  Sad yes, but it was time for god to have some better company.  He told be he was getting bored with everyone else and needed someone more exciting.  I haven't heard from him since, so I guess he's pretty happy having her as a guest! :)

A couple of weeks ago I celebrated my birthday in London. It actually went over a whole week which was really nice! Many people took me out for many a drink and some lovely London experiences.

So without further waiting... lets get into it that story...

I hate organising parties for myself. I mean, I really hate it, which is sad because I am really good at it.  I think it comes from having stage managed a number of theatre shows and also working as a event manager for a number of years.  If I need to do it for someone else, or for work, thats no problem because I like seeing how it makes everyone else happy. But I am happy sitting in a room with my friends and some wine and good music... so I do question the return on the effort.

None the less, my flat mate was getting annoyed at me and sent me a list of restaurants and basically told me to pick one.  I had been sick for about a week and a half, so cared less than I normally would about my birthday, but settles for a nice turkish restaurant in Leicester Square called Souk Bazaar (website here).  I was really impressed with the area we were given. It was "semi private" but was a reasonable sized room sectioned off from everywhere else by a heavy curtain.  There were two set menu's to choose from which basically amounted to small and large, the larger obviously just having more on the list.

Souk Bazaar

The food was actually really good, and being a Friday we got a free belly dancing celebration.  I had no idea women could do such movements with their breasts! I was expecting shaking hips (which our dancer didn't really have much off) but she replaced that with tittie thrusts!  It kind of reminded my of Nicki Minaj in "Pound the Alarm"...

Pound that alarm, Nicki!!

The only thing REALLY annoying about this place was the service.  Noone at my party knew anyone else, common problem when just moving somewhere and you bring together all your random friends, and there is only one solution to that little pickle... Booze.  Lots of booze coming fast and hard.  Unfortunately, it was always a mission to get anyone to bring us anything, so as soon as we had finished eating we decided to go to Freedom Bar in Soho to decrease the level of blood in our alcohol!

Everyone together at Freedom!!
Freedom was offing great!! Booze came hard and fast and in doubles! All my lovely friends ensured I constantly had a drink or shot (and in numerous cases both) in my hand so we could party til lthe club closed.


Not only did Freedom bar have an actual bar, it had a dance floor, "shot man" who kep giving me shots because it was my birthday (or maybe someone was paying for them later in the night - who can remember) AND THE BAR HAD DANCING POLES!!!!!








Later the next week, two of my friends invited my to their house for dinner, as they double booked on my birthday, and thank the god of winter cold they did because my present as a pair of ugg boot like slippers acquired... someone foreign.  Thea had bought them for Jock but his feet were too big so I scored them! Cheering!

Here I am wearing them like an absolute champ in my wife beater and pink jeans!!  ... :D

It's called fashion people.








Then, my final birthday celebration involved me being taken out to dinner at a restaurant called Burger and Lobster.  You can check this awesome place out here. Burger and Lobster has three menu choices, all costing 20 pound: a burger, lobster or a "lobster roll".  The lobster roll looked a bit too much a a mixed seafood sub from subway for me (though in much better bun and better ingredients) and well, lobster trumps burger anyway.  Each menu item is served with chips and a salad. The only small issue with this restaurant was the wait - nearly two hours.  Luckily, this venue also has a bar, so we could sit, drink a bottle of gossip, order our next one and an espresso martini before sitting down.

It was definitely worth the wait though, and anyone wanting a bite in Mayfair should definitely check this place out!  Just get there earlier than 6:15 on a Friday evening.

After this we checked out a local bar and headed home.  Running down Regent Street for the bus I slid over in my newly heeled boots. My feet came completely out from under me and I slid off the cobblestone path, out in front of a taxi which needed to swerve to miss me while I was dragging myself off the road.  How does one receiver from that?  I just stood up, looked the police officer, who happened to be standing next to me, right in the eye, quipped "wow, that was lucky" and faced the other way!

Anyway, that is all from me. But what about you?

What have you ever done to celebrate your birthday overseas? (and did you nearly die?)

Until next time,

Daniel

Twitter @TheDanFactor






Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I'm back!

I am very sorry that it has been so long since I have posted a blog.  Truth is, I made a mercy dash back home to Australia to see my very sick grandmother and kept my travels a bit on the hush side so I could focus on some things I needed to.  Grandma wasn't suppose to make her birthday (Feb 5), which she has. She also made Valentines day!!

Here is a pic of her enjoying the day!! Isn't she the sweetest!!!



Of course, as always happens, after a dash from Asia my grandmother is now strong and perfectly fine!  But a few exciting things happened in the month offline.  I was asked to contribute to an e-magazine for young leaders.  Well, actually no, I was featured after I posted this post not their website, which was nice. Also, I am in the process of setting up my own business with a good friend of mine in Melbourne, which is all very exciting.  It involves travel and students and being awesome.  But more on that to come!

Anyway, I just want to let you all know, the posts will me coming on a much more consistent basis from now on!!

Until then,

Daniel

Friday, January 27, 2012

My worst day EVER!!!

Wow, yesterday was a doozy!! Probably my most stressful and expensive day as yet.

My day started, hungover from Australia Day, packing, and heading out to breakfast.  Everything was fine until I headed out to the Airport.  I was doing my usual thing, whereas I don't really check in until I need to, because I hate airports, only to realise I had left my travel wallet with my passport in my hotel safe.  FAAAAAAAAARK!!! I jumped on a motorbike and fanged in into Siem Reap, ran up 2 flights of stairs and raced back to the airport but I had missed check in by 10 minutes.  No matter how much begging or pleading I couldn't let them to let me through.  So, I got the duty manager over and basically said to him, I need to be in KL in 17 hours, no, there is a time difference, 16 hours, for another flight. How do we make it happen?  He assured me that there were no more flights to KL, to which I responded to check through Bangkok and also through Vietnam.  Vietnam was going to arrive too late for my connecting flight, but Bangkok was fine.  We managed to get me on the flight despite Chinese New Year celebrations.  550 bucks and a tip to the duty manager later, we are all good.

I was all checked on when the duty manager asked me if I wanted to check on my back pack.  Usually I take it on board with me as I check a suitcase, but the thought of carrying it around Bangkok airport for a few hours was enough to convince me to check it this time, as my suitcase was being stored at the Pan Pacific in KL.  So, bags checked, sitting in the hall. All is well and good.  I keep a close eye on the departure windows because I am sure not missing this flight. I watch. "Checking in" is all that is on the screen, until I hear my name being read out and to see the staff for flight XYZ to Bangkok immediately.  I couldn't believe it, there was no way I was being called for my flight!! So, I presented myself only to hear the words "I am really sorry sir, but I regret to inform you that..." My heart sank into my chest..."because of your late addition to the flight we don't have a meal for you".  I started laughing! "Oh my God, is that all??  It's a one hour flight! thats fine!"  They offered to pack me a lunch but I assured them everything was ok.

So I make my way onto the plane, still holding my heart and laughing to myself (they actually let me skip the line) and we were on our way to Bangkok.

I have made my mind up about Bangkok Airport. It blows.  I hate it.  Its hard to navigate. Nothing makes sense. Its way too spread out. On top of all that, you have to pay for wifi, and it costs nearly 10 bucks an hour!! That is disgusting!!! But I bought my wifi and entertained myself until my flight boarded.  I slept a bit until woken, why flight attendants feel the need to wake you to see if you want a meal I'll never know, I am always perfectly happy in my slumber.  Anyway, the flight was uneventful until I got off the plane to pick up my bag.  Immediately I could see that it had been opened ands I knew what was missing... I had left my wallet in my bag and it was now missing.  I was livid! I loved that wallet and I was more mad because I hate Bangkok Airport and so I just wanted a valid excuse to hate on that turd of an airport! So I reported my wallet missing and was thankful that when booking a hotel earlier in the day I chose the convenient, albeit expensive, option and booked into the Pan Pacific which is a lovely hotel within the airport complex.  I was annoyed and upset when I rocked up, but immediately they recognised my name in the system and upgraded me to a nicer room and business suite which made for a nice positive change to an otherwise expensive day!  At least some people know how to treat me on this continent! The staff would wouldn't dare think of stealing my wallet.  ARG!!!

Anyway, day of disaster over!! I am in a very comfortable bed and waiting for my wake up call to move the check in counter, early of course.

What about you?  Have you ever had shocking travel days??

Let me know!!

Until next time,

Daniel

Twitter @TheDanFactor

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Bangkok - A Mojito as big as my head.

While in Bangkok I had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend of mine, Cherry. Cherry and I went  on exchange together to the United States 12 years ago and hadn't seen each other since.  We went to some local eating stalls and had some incredible Thai food before heading to Salt, a bar/restaurant.  This place served HUGE Mojitos. I mean huge. The glasses they come in are bigger than Hoegarden glasses!! Just. Massive.  Anyway I decided to have one, because something that large needs to be conquered.  However, unfortunately they had run out of glasses so they asked me if it was ok to serve it in an ice bucket... of course it was!!!  

Pretty good mojito!!

Cherry inspecting my "glass".


Cherry and her partner, Saritpon


Was great to see her again.  She is one of those people that when you sit down and talk to, it feels like no time has past!!

Until tomorrow, AUSTRALIA DAY!!!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Things in Bangkok - Great Palace

Sorry I have been online for a few days! I have been busy starting up a business with a friend of mine and for a few days have been locked in my hotel room researching and preparing for a meeting, which coincidently, went very well!!

However, after a day and a half locked in my room in Bangkok I decided that there was no way I wasn't going to see some of the city.  So I ventured out and headed to the Grand Palace, and reclining buddha (post on Reclining Buddha here).

I have to say, I was pretty awestruck when I first saw the Grand Palace.  I was a bit hesitant to go see it as there are many temples and shrines in Asia and one can get tired of them but I was amazed at this palace.  This is the sort of place that Donald Trump wishes his place could look like - a palace covered with gold, mirror and coloured glass mosaics.  Except somehow you don't think "tacky" when you see it done in Asia.  When Trump just does tacky - very, very well.

The Grand Palace is located in old Bangkok.  You need to get a tuk-tuk or taxi there as the sky train doesn't go that far, though alternatively you can also take a boat/ferry as it is by the river.  I did try to get scammed about three times by people coming up in "tourist police" uniforms asking what I was doing, responding in shock when I said the Grand Palace as "it closes at 1 o'clock, but if you take a tuk-tuk you can see other places".  They then proceed to take you to other shrines etc but stop off at a place on the way, usually a jewellery store and say they are out of fuel, so you may as feel look at the store while the driver gets fuel.  The driver then gets paid for bring you to the store, and you don't get to see the Palace.  I however did not fall for said scam or plastic identity badge, how cynical of me, and we inside and saw the palace. 

I just thought I would leave you with some of my favourite photo's from the day for you to enjoy! :) 








The dragon below has a ball in it;s mouth, it is said to be good luck if you can remove it from its mouth.  Impossible, I tried!  And I am pretty strong! ;)



Until next time,

Daniel

Follow me:
Twitter @TheDanFactor


Things in Bangkok - Reclining Buddha has nipples....

After the Grand Palace (see post here) I made my way to the Reclining Buddha. This is a must see, even if just to ask yourself how/why they put such a piss-off big buddha in such a small teeny room? Well, in comparison anyway.  OH and get this, the Buddha has nipples!!  Seriously!! And just quietly, I think the buddha may be a little chilly!  But then, the buddha does have a butt. Not joking, he has no butt whatsoever!! Just sayin'!!!

The giant Reclining Buddha... and his erect nipple.

Buddha has a one cheek flat bum!!

This isn't the building the Buddha was in, but it was pretty.

Doesn't this statue look like it could come alive and kill you with mystical kung fu powers?  Creepy.

Sexual Harassment Buddha says STOP to nipple perving!! 

And so does all his sexual harassment buddha friends!  

Until next time,

Daniel
Twitter @TheDanFactor

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

How to make shakes which are better than sex

I think I have completely fallen in love with the fruit shakes here in Asia. Honestly, the shakes in Asia are to die for... TO. DIE. FOR!  I could be told I would never be able to have sex again and if I had one of these shakes instead, I wouldn't be sad...

The main four shakes are watermelon, mango, pineapple and banana.

Mango/Pineapple/Watermelon shakes:





Half a mango/some pineapple/some watermelon depending on which you prefer
a shot (30mls) of sugar syrup
a cup of ice cubes
2 shots of malibu or something else to spice it up (optional, but recommended) ;)

(you could use some milk in this recipe if you wanted, but I prefer without, and they are usually made that way)

Put in a blender and blend

Banana shakes:
one banana
a splash of milk
a shot (30mls) of sugar syrup
a cup of ice cubes

Put in a blender and blend

Perfect for summer and VERY healthy!!

Enjoy!!!

Until next time,

Daniel



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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The results of my one week health kick.

Hi All,
since me in my underwear was one of (but no the most) popular posts I've written so far, I decided to do a week health kick to get my body back into tip tip waterfall climbing shape. Just in case such instances arise again!!!

Basically, the changes I made to my daily routine I outlined here.  But importantly, I did take up yoga classes and went to at least one class every day except Sunday. God doesn't like yoga.  Most days I tried to do two sessions minimum, but if my body wasn't feeling up to it or if I was week from the stupid diet I put myself on I cut it to one.  A couple of days I did three classes, that four hours of yoga in one day, baby!

So, I cannot speak with absolute certainty as to how much weight I lost because I didn't measure myself at the start of the week, but I did about day two and I weighed 83.5kg (184lb).  I just finished my last class for yoga (I could do two more tonight but I have a plane to catch), and I just weighed myself again... 79.3kg (174.8lb) BITCHEZ!!!!!  That's 4.2 kgs (9.3lb)  In seven days.  Pretty impressive.  I have to say my boy feels so much better.  Not really from the diet (because the food from the yoga place was shite and tasted like fart) but I am really noticing that my body is much more limber and I feel taller.

So, what has been your best health kick experience??  If you don't have one, well... I just wanna brag!! Ner ner ni ner ner!!

Just kidding, but seriously, I rock! ;)

Don't forget to comment, subscribe, or like on Facebook!!

Until next time,

Daniel


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Twitter @TheDanFactor

Monday, January 16, 2012

My Yoga Retreat - Koh Samui




I'm shattered.  As I write this I am lying in my bed, about to take a nap, thoroughly exhausted.  Over the last 6 days I have done over 11 hours of yoga and I've been on a pretty strict diet.

About a week ago I took out a one week unlimited pass to Absolute Yoga, Koh Samui's premier yoga retreat.  The retreat is 5 star, has its own bar (non-alcoholic and smoke free), infinity pool, massage and health centre and is designed much like a moroccan village.  The villas are a rich turmeric like colour which is completely different to anything else on Koh Samui, which I have seen anyway.  The retreat offers a variety of packages, but most revolve around either the yoga sessions or the detox program. There are about four yoga classes a day, in different styles, and a meditation/breathing session.  They also have 3 detox programs going on.  The ultimate Cleanse, a vegetarian detox and I think the other one was a liver cleanse... not sure.

Anyway, after checking the prices, I just wanted the yoga.  A full week on the detox program and the yoga was 45,000 THB, about 1,500 dollars.  An unlimited pass to the yoga classes is only 2000 THB.... you do the maths.  Also, I used Noi to get me a great deal at a 5 star villa, I used a private taxi (more expensive than the public ones) AND I ate at my 5 star restart restaurant instead of their astoundingly expensive restaurant and I managed to get the overall cost down to about 50% of what they were charging.  So you could easily get it down less than that if you wanted to stay and eat somewhere cheaper.

But anyway, the yoga.  I am about as flexible as a dried stick.  My health otherwise is quite good.  I normally eat quite well and exercise a few times a week.  I just can't touch my toes to save my life.  I haven't been able to properly cross my legs since I was 12... I can't do downward dog, or twist around so I look like a pretzel... something most of the other people in the class seem to be able to do with little difficulty..  In fact, I was so bad I had cushions placed around me to get me into the right position so I could feel the stretch it was a bit frustrating, especially when I had to move in and out of poses, and use the downward dog as the "rest pose"... I had to move all the cushions do the poses quickly to keep up, then back into the next pose... and more cushions...

Actually, that's probably a little exaggerated, but I did find some of the poses quite difficult, even with the help of said implements. Actually, I speak no word of a lie here, during one of the classes I ended up sliding along the floor... wait for it... on my shoulders... it gets better... with my feet touching the floor..and the corker... until I hit a mirror.  I was so sweaty I slid about 2 metres across the floor on my head!!! Embarrassing much??  :)

I have to say though, after six days my body does feel much better. I actually do feel more limber, I have lost about 2 kgs this week, and my body looks better.

Here are some freaky things I learned about myself, or yoga.

1./  Some of them do absolutely insane "cleansing" rituals.  No joke, one of my teachers had swallowed a rag, with a bit in his mouth, left it for half an hour, then pulled in back out again.  WTF?????   Oh, and something else, e said he had seen people swallow things, long rags I guess, leaving some in the mouth until it came out the other end and they pulled it ALL THE WAY THROUGH THEIR BODY!!!! That's filthy!!!

2./  Apparently, if you have high knees when you sit upright and bring your feet into your crotch it means you are holding in a lot of emotion from either this life or past ones, which has been traumatic.  Yeah, that upper middle class life was TOUGH!

3./  I can easily sweat out a litre of fluid in an hour and a half.  My yoga mat and towel were disgusting.

4./  Not all yoga teachers are hot... or even sane... but they are fun!

But, at the end of the day I highly recommend the experience.  I was trying to use my pass as much as possible so did quite a few classes which probably wore me out more than most, but I do feel great for it.  So whether you book and stay at Absolute Yoga, or somewhere else and just get a weekly pass it worth doing.

Until next time,

Daniel

Sunday, January 15, 2012

7 ways to stay in shape (or get back into it) while on vacation.

Alright, so despite all my positive comments regarding my waterfall photo's, where I was climbing waterfalls in my underwear (see here) I've actually put on about 5-6 kilo's (about 11 pounds) since I left Perth in early November and have been hovering around the 83-84kg (185lb) mark, awfully close to "my line".

I have theory everyone should have "a line" which is the weight limit that when you hit you say to yourself "MMhmmmm GURl, if you don't start moving yo ass Shaniqua and Tashayshay will be awl up in yo grill hollerin' 'Baby Got Back'. So get yo hands off dat fried chicken...".

My line is 85kg, and I prefer to be at 75kg (165lbs) but it takes me more and more effort to get back down there these days. Stupid ageing.

But when I am getting back into shape, I have six easy ways to not dramatically alter what I do to start getting back on the healthy train while on holiday.


1./  Cut soft-drink, Drink more water - go for 4 litres a day.






Soft drink, soda, pop, fizzy drink, water you want to call it, it is REALLY bad for you.  Stop drinking it.  Replace with water, 4 litres a day, to start see some great results.  There is that old misconception that you only lose weight drinking so much water because you make so may dashes to the loo.  While that is true is that you have to move your butt to the loo a few more times a day it works for other reasons as well.  Your body actually retains water naturally (as it also retains energy from food etc) and by providing your body with a constant supply of water will cause your body to release it.  But the good part is, one of the places water is retained is right under the skin.  So if you are wondering why you can't get that tight skin look this might be the reason!  To help get my 4 litres a day up, I switch my usual drinks to soda water, which I think counts.

2,.  Carry around a few snack sized tins of tuna (and some spearmint gum)
Wanna know why, because you are suppose to eat more meals a day to increase you metabolism - six is the recommended amount.  But shoot, who has time to think of all that right? Who wants to prepare six meals? I can when I'm at home, but on holiday, nope.  But if you have a tin of tuna, you can knock one of those suckers back every few hours if you have nothing else and you have no excuse to not.  Foods high in protein (tune is) also help you feel fuller for longer, meaning you are less likely to need to snack on unhealthy foods.

3./  Implement the "Value for Calorie" concept
A friend of mine in Melbourne introduced this to me.  I was discussing how, when I was in training to lose weight, I would limit myself to four alcoholic drinks a week.  The result being, that when I actually had a drink, it was a drink I really wanted.  So instead of having 8 Budweisers in a week (*shudders*) I might have four Fat Yaks, or four nice aged scotches.  Also, because I wasn't buying as many drinks I could justify paying more for the drinks I was having.  My friend used the same process for food.  Instead of eating a lot of something that was ok or average, but not very good for you, limit yourself, and spend a bit more on something that was really good, but there was less of it.  So, aside from the booze example.  Why buy a bucket of cheap lollies, when you could have a small block of delicious gourmet chocolate?  It tastes better, and it ends up being better for you!  Or allow yourself ice cream 3 times a week only, but get the nicer stuff!

4./  Exercise where you can
You should be trying to exercise for 30-40 mins a day.  If anything else it will just make you feel great.  This doesn't have to be a chore though.
Why not:

  1. go for a bike ride around town rather than taxi? 
  2. go for a walk at sunrise/sunset? 
  3. take up ocean swimming while away or use the hotel pool? 
  4. take a yoga class?
  5. have a lot more sex (it counts, but only if you are active.  No star fish!!!)
Aren't you glad I didn't put up a photo of two people having sex???


See, exercise doesn't have to be boring!!! :)

5./ Cut carbs in the evening






This can be hard because it includes alcohol and night time is usually when you drink.  But it also includes things like pasta's, white rice, breads, fruits (though not s bad) etc.  Go for some meat and vegetable dish instead and have your pasta etc at lunch time.

6./ Give yourself a challenge!!
I found two great internet programs to get you doing either 100 consecutive pushups or 200 consecutive sit-ups. It takes longer than you would normally be on break, it's about six weeks, but it is a great way to set some goals and strive for them while you have some time to yourself!

For 100 push up challenge go here.

For 200 sit up challenge go here.

7./  Take up daily massages.






They are good for your health... right??  If they are obscenely cheap, do it!! :)

What about you, do you have any health tips for while on holiday, or just in general?

Until next time!!

Daniel



Follow me:
Twitter @TheDanFactor

Rainy day blues!




It's bucketing down today in Koh Samui! I'm not sure why I'm so surprised.  TGhe forecast has been gloomy for weeks but the rains have finally come.  So instead of going out and trying to see things I'm spending the day in my hotel.  I think I'll do a little writing, a little planning for the week and I had the idea to watch the entire Godfather trilogy.  Well, that was until I saw how long they are. Godfather one and two are at least 3 hours long!!! I'm not going to lie.  The copies I had MAY not be pirated, but... oh, who am I kidding, the bloke who sold them to me may as well have had a wooden leg and a parrot on his shoulder!!  I never realised they were so long though!!  Bloody hell!

But I always think a day spent a hotel is a day wasted. I love getting out, doing things and meeting people.

So, aside from being a vegetable, I am progressing my fitness regime.  Yes, I am determined to get back in shape even if I am travelling!  I have put on about 6 kgs since I left Perth... SIX!!  And I have definitely lost muscle so I have probably put on more fat than that.  So, I'm cutting the boost, detoxing, checking into a yoga retreat and I've contacted my old trainer for some "low equipment" workouts, since hotel gyms can be quite bare.

But my question for you is, what do you like to do on rainy days either on holidays or in general.

Oh, and any fitness tips for while travelling?  Let me know and if I like them I'll put them in my next post!

Comment below or on Facebook.

Don't forget to like and subscribe!! :)

Until next time,

Daniel

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Friday, January 13, 2012

Are you working a job you hate, to buy sh*t you don't need?


That is one of my favourite lines in any movie. 

The line comes from the film Fight Club, when Brad Pitts character, Tyler, is consoling the narrater(the character is never actually named) after there was an explosion in his house where the narrater "lost everything".

About a month ago, I was sitting on a beach in Cambodia after scuba diving for 6 days (you can read about it here) when I sat down and had a chat with my instructor who had given up the office life in London to be a scuba diver in ... well... paradise.  We were having a conversation about what is important in society, and what is important in life, and how they can contradict each other.  

If you take a big picture approach, you could probably assume that most people want to be happy. End of story. Any successes which are achieved or aimed for are merely a conduit to improve ones lifestyle and, therefore, assumed happiness.  Therefore, career wise, we usually have two options, we "take a job for the love" or we "take the cash, working towards a career".  Not to mention the old adage "if you find a job you love you'll never have to work another day in your life".  But, unfortunately, research doesn't back up these things improving happiness. Sure, not having enough money will increase your unhappiness, but once your basic needs are met, your happiness plateaus. A study in the US found that the salary level in which happiness plateau's is $75,000. This means, that there is no intrinsic gain to your level of happiness between earning $75,000 a year, and $500,000 a year. It is merely an illusion which highly paid employees uphold, and everyone else believes.

Unfortunately though, most people, when given the opportunity in Job A or Job B, will take the cash every time.  Even if it involves less time to yourself, more overtime, less time with your family an being on call.  Why?  Is it because happiness is difficult to measure, but salary isn't? Is it because we constantly measure our possessions against others in society?  

Taking to Rachel, my scuba instructor, her, and many others in the area work for little money but have their basic needs met. They get shelter and food supplied, and with their salary can afford clothing. They work in a small village, so have none to really measure their possessions against.  Not only that, they actively do things to leave a legacy and a positive impact on the community around them.  And they are all happier than when they lived in the city and worked a 9-5 had nice suits and a flash car.  The salary as a diver is awful, but the quality of life is better, as is the level of happiness.  

If you looked at what society has us do, it is set goals and work towards achieving those goals.  If you have a higher paid job, a nicer car, better stock options, or a new flash fresh water pool, you are usually considered "more successful" than someone who earns less that you. But if these things don't bring happiness, at the end of the day, is there a point to it?

I am trekking around Asia, with a backpack and a suitcase of clothes (as I am moving to London), and I can't help thinking how much unnecessary stuff I have.  I have a suitcase and a back pack.  I actually find it really liberating to not have many goods, not be paying off a car, and not being worried about that new sofa which I just had stain protected.  But I say again, with the little I have, I actually think I have too much. It's too much of an inconvenience for me to carry around and look after.

And it is amazing how many travellers say the same thing - "It's not until you travel for an extended period of time, that you realise how little you actually need".

So, my question is, are you working a job you don't like in order to buy things you don't need? Are you putting your time and energies into things which actually will improve your happiness?  

(If you want to read up more on this, there is a fantastic blog, much better than mine,  that goes over this and other topics at  www.youarenotsosmart.com)
Until next time,
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