Category: Travel

Jimmy Joy: Review Take Two

5/8/2021

I love a good meal replacement. Convenient, healthy, cheap, fun and tasty. And so my excitement level when Jimmy Joy sent me some freebies was through the roof! Read my original review here. And read on for my thoughts on Plenny Active Chocolate and brand new flavour Plenny Original Pistachio.

I recently spent 10 days doing a Workaway on a small farm (yup, that’s another blog post waiting to happen). I was only slightly concerned when the host said “I don’t know what vegan means.” But never fear, Jimmy Joy is here! I took a delightfully green bag of the all new pistachio flavour with me.

First impressions: as I ripped the top off the packet, it smelt great! Disappointingly, the powder isn’t as green as the packet. Probably best, since that would require unnatural food colourings… but, the first sip was delicious - kind of like marzipan, but more pistachio-y. I was in a bit of a rush (I’m always late for everything so this isn’t new to me), so I ended up chugging the shake a bit too quickly. By the end, the reality of drinking a whole marzipan drink kind of got to me and it stopped tasting quite so nice.

Plenny Pistachio, on the farm, see chicken walking by for proof.

Second impressions: the next day, both my hosts were working at their regular jobs and I was left alone with the goats, chicken, dog, cats, kittens, geese… anyhow, this meant that I didn’t have to stick to a particular schedule, so long as the chores got done. I made up my pistachio shake and put it in the fridge while I did a bit of yoga and then made some coffee. I sat at the window with my chilled shake and sipped gracefully while watching the goats frolic in their paddock (until I thought one of them was dead - but that’s the next blog post). The shake was MUCH nicer. A lovely smooth texture, nutty and sweet flavour, plus drinking slower meant I felt full and satiated. In fact, it was so nice that I had another shake for lunch that day too.

Plenny Pistachio kept me fuelled whilst digging holes, sweeping sheds, weeding vegetables patches, feeding goats and chopping wood.

When I got home, it was quite nice to change it up and finish off an open bag of Huel that I had. Then, it was the perfect moment to try out the Plenny Active Powder. This is Jimmy Joy’s direct Huel rival, as it contains more protein than the regular Plenny, and practically the same amount as Huel White Edition. I decided to have a week on it. Lunch every day last week, plus some breakfasts, and most days this week have been a Chocolate Active Shake plus a carrot and/or apple. (I love apples, I literally eat one every day.)

First impressions: as with the other shakes, it’s nicer chilled but perfectly tasty when it’s freshly shaken too. It’s a bit sweeter than Huel, but not too sweet in my opinion, and it has a smoother texture - Huel is a little bit grainy. I generally chilled it for around half an hour before lunch, whilst completing my runner’s strength training workouts. It is smooth, chocolatey, and delicious!

Everyday I’ve felt full and energetic. In fact, I feel amazing! It’s probably a combination of having had a break whilst on the farm, the physical activity, and eating more healthily, but I feel very energetic and positive.

It’s quite possible that I’m a Jimmy Joy convert. It’s a little bit cheaper than Huel and the other flavours of the Active Blend that I want to try include Chai Latte and Strawberry. I’ll probably mix and match which I buy (I’m excited to try Huel’s Salted Caramel) but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jimmy Joy.

Are you a meal-replacement fan? Do you think drinking a meal is too weird? Or are you a Huel fanatic who couldn't bare to be disloyal? Comment below.

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ASYLUM DENIED: A Friend's Story - Bosnia

9/7/2021

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The River Una. The crystal clear waters flow beside the now closed family camp in Bosnia. Photo: Zac.

"A sad story that flows like a river all over the world, a story that all human beings are familiar with, a story that has no end, migration.

Migration is done by birds, fish, wolves, etc.

Migration has always been a good option for a better life, an option that costs a lot but is not for everyone and only for the better of us. We ?!? We are the population of human beings who are trying to find a safe place, human beings who behave like human beings and live a normal life.

This is the way we refugees have to go to any destination and work to reach our destination, home, safe house, and this work always continues.

The truth that there is no denying leads us to unfamiliar countries because of security, injustice, and thousands of other reasons. Countries that block our way, countries that take our property, countries that wait like wolves in the skin of a lamb.

But when it comes to the name of a refugee, everyone thinks of borders, and the problem is that they are not just borders, the camps and the whole country are problematic, all those people and their living conditions are problematic, until the justice that happens.

People who have no place in the camps and the police do not leave them outside the camps, parents who make shelter for their children under the trees on the street corners, young men who due to the lack of family members with them, they are not allowed to enter the camps, the problems of the refugees cannot be imagined to be over, but one can expect organization and order in their problems."

Bosnia Herzegovina isn’t a bad country. I’m sure my friends that have had to pass through will have nightmares about the way they were treated. It’s a poor country, which struggles to take care of its own citizens, let alone the thousands of others now trapped there, but the beauty and kindness of people does exist.

I first met Zac* (not his real name) in February 2021. He was 17 then. He speaks excellent English and Bosnian as well as Persian and is a keen photographer. It's his words that start this post.

We met in a cafe and chatted about how No Name Kitchen could use some of his photos. It was then that he told me about the boys living outside near the camp. The camp was for families and underage and unaccompanied boys. When the boys turn 18 then they are no longer allowed to stay inside the camp. So they had found a derelict house to sleep in.

Zac met us and introduced us to the group of boys that needed some help and gave us an overview of the situation in the camp. It was then that I learnt more about him. He and his parents and little sister had left Iran more than four years ago. They had lived in Sarajevo - the Bosnian capital - and the kids had gone to school. They applied for asylum in Bosnia. The glacially slow process took months and then their initial claim was rejected. This isn't at all surprising considering the number of successful asylum applications in Bosnia Herzegovina.

NO-ONE is granted asylum.

Compare this with the number of successful asylum claims in Germany and it’s clear that the majority of people from Iran are considered to be deserving of asylum in Germany. They were rejected because literally everyone is.

https://www.worlddata.info/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/asylum.php

https://www.worlddata.info/europe/germany/asylum.php

The day that Zac told me about the rejection, he was crushed. He’s lived the most important years of his life in Bosnia, it wasn’t an option to return to Iran and he knew from other people what it’s like to try and cross into the EU.

He’d just had his 18th birthday - it should have been a time of celebration. In a western European country he would celebrate being an adult, deciding on where to study at university or which job to apply for after school. Instead he was rejected and defeated by politics and nationality.

During that time, Zac continued to help us with translation, connections, photos and the stories of his friends. The last time I saw him, before I left Bosnia, he told me that their appeal against the asylum decision had been rejected and now they had to decide what to do.

On 5th June I had a message. He and his family, along with some friends, had crossed the border into Croatia and been illegally deported. His phone had been taken by the police but he managed to borrow one later to call me and give the details for this report for the Border Violence Monitoring Network.

“[The officers] behaviour, it was f**king bad with us. I was telling him – why do you take our phone, our money? He said to me “my sh*t is better than anyone here.” I said, whatever you want to do, do it.”

Needless to say, Zac was angry and frustrated. The small children in the group had witnessed the actions of police that they never should have had to face. Zac couldn’t understand how it was possible for humans to treat other humans in this way.

Around 10 days later he called me again. This time had been even worse. Not only had the group endured days on end of walking, but the police had mocked them, stolen their belongings and denied their human rights. Zac sounded even more hopeless, but was determined to do something against this unjust treatment. He was so motivated to provide detailed evidence for the report that he injured himself by scratching the numbers of the cars into his skin. Read the next report here.

"The officers asked if the group wanted to claim asylum. The group members replied that they did. The respondent described how the officers first of all said “Ok come with us,” then as the group were getting to their feet, the officers laughed at them and said “what are you doing? Sit down. No one wants to give you asylum.”"

I spoke to him again this week. Another pushback and another report in the making. This time they had reached the city centre of Zagreb. They were at the bus station.

They were in the centre of a European Union capital city and yet still their human right to claim asylum was denied.

Whilst we were chatting, I asked after Zac’s family. “What can I say?” was the only answer he was able to give. I can’t imagine how he or his family are feeling right now. They are stuck in a camp in Bosnia - living in a shipping container.

Zac takes a lot of the responsibility with his language skills and competence, he’s young and fit and has to watch his little sister and parents endure the physical challenges of walking day after day. And that’s without the emotional drain of expecting to be caught at any moment, of knowing what will happen if they are caught but also with the knowledge that they were so close to being safe before.

We've chatted a lot this we about how best to make this blog post and about people we both know. Zac wants to continue providing content for No Name Kitchen. We want to shout about these injustices. The repeated failings of the European Union to show compassion to people that need help.

I'm very proud to know Zac, to benefit from his help while we were in Bosnia, to share creative ideas and to have as a friend. The injustices he has already faced and those yet to come are not acceptable.

It seems really hard to know what to do about this. I know that I and others have felt angry without knowing how to channel that into action. One way to help is by making a donation to No Name Kitchen who are part of Border Violence Monitoring Network and provide volunteers on the ground who collect testimonies.

Like and share my posts on Facebook and Instagram and comment below with messages of support. It really means a lot to me and to Zac.

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Struggles Continue in Bosnia: No Name Kitchen Wants to Expand

18/6/2021

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The people I met in Bosnia don't want to be beggars, asking for help, but they have no choice. I will never be able to imagine what it feels like to ask for food so I don't starve, or clean underwear because I haven't been able to wash.

Dignity is in short supply when the authorities beat you, steal your possessions and deny you your human rights.

In March 2020, as the world shut down, No Name Kitchen found a way to continue helping. The voucher scheme works remotely and allows some dignity to the people who need support.

Volunteers across the world receive and respond to messages from people-on-the-move and then provide a code for use in a local shop.

Genius!

You just receive a code, walk to the shop and BUY WHAT YOU NEED AND WANT! Rather than waiting for a food pack, you have a bit of dignity restored as you go shopping in a normal way.

Not only this, but the scheme supports small, local businesses and frees up volunteers on the ground to take on other tasks.

WE NEED TO EXPAND

The brilliance of the scheme means that volunteers don't need to be physically there. There's another town, far away from the two NNK bases already in Bosnia, where families are staying. Local businesses are already in agreement, but we need your help.

I went to this other location a few times, some friends of mine ended up there. A family with a 12 year old and a four year old. It's a calm and friendly little town and the local people want to help, but resources are stretched thin. The teams in Bihac and Velika Kladusa are occupied enough without having to travel further.

Please consider donating via this link.

I'm very proud of NNK and the work every does to think of the very best ways of helping. Involving those that need help in the decision-making of the organisation and of the aid the receive is exactly as it should be, but is lacking in many other organisations. Well done team!

What do you think of the voucher scheme? What other ways can we ensure vulnerable people retain dignity and control? Comment below.

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The G7 Summit: are we doomed?

11/6/2021

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As the leaders of the wealthiest nations meet in Cornwall, UK this weekend, the issues of recovery from the pandemic will be at the top of the agenda.

Yet, as these wealthy nations with successful vaccination programmes, proclaim victory over the virus, poorer countries continue to struggle.

The worst affected countries in the last 7 days are currently Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Where is the international reporting about those countries?

Britain wants “[G7] leaders to seize the opportunity to build back better from coronavirus, uniting to make the future fairer, greener and more prosperous.”

A great slogan, nice use of alliteration there, but a huge contradiction.

"build back better"

The UK announced a drastic reduction in foreign aid “from 0.7% to 0.5% of total national income - a reduction of around £4bn.

Greenpeace UK has been keeping track of the government’s broken promises on cutting carbon emissions.

Power and inequality

Greenpeace and other activists call on citizens to take action. But it’s really hard to make sustainable choices when you have little control over your spending habits or accommodation. The shocking graph provided here shows the dramatic increase in the number of vulnerable people in the UK.

If you’re busy worrying about whether your family will eat a healthy meal, you’re not going to be too worried about the fossil fuel targets being missed.

And thus the divide widens. The effects of climate change are being felt.

“Already, flooding in low-lying coastal areas is forcing people to migrate to higher ground, and millions more are vulnerable from flood risk and other climate change effects.”

Migration. Climate change causes migration.

So people fleeing war, famine and persecution will be joined in the inadequate refugee camps at the borders of the EU, USA and elsewhere. Hoping for protection from a problem they had little part in causing, but now at the mercy of those who caused it.

What CAN We Do?

It feels pretty hopeless doesn’t it?

The corrupt governments of wealthy, western nations act against international law with the full knowledge of their citizens and we can’t do anything.

But there are success stories of people-power leading to change.

The fantastic work of The Good Law Project have held politicians to account over PPE procurement, and the damage done by Trump’s selfish policies has been halted by President Biden.

I’m not going to preach at you about going vegan, donating to charities, reusing your plastic bags or signing petitions. But if any of these ideas has got you thinking, then here are some useful links.

How to go vegan

How to find and donate to a food bank near you

The Joyful Environmentalist

Greta Thundberg’s FridaysForFuture

Do something for nothing

Start the conversation. What should we do? Is it too late to make any changes? Is humanity doomed? Why should I care when I live in a nice house on a hill? Comment below.

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A tale of two cities: Bosnia’s Bihac and Banja Luka

26/5/2021

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What do you know about Bosnia? Do you know about the stunning scenery and national park? Or the highlights of a tour of the second city? Keep reading for some vegan food-porn too!

Historic city centres and beautiful hiking trails, the Balkan country of Bosnia and Herzegovina holds much to interest and inspire, yet remains far from the top of most people’s must-go holiday destinations. The turbulent history of this former Yugoslavian country makes it a fascinating place to visit - capital Sarajevo is the main draw, hosting western European backpackers in the quaint cafes of the Old Town, but there’s far more to the country than this.

Bihac is the northernmost city in Bosnia and is located in the Federation - predominantly Bosniac muslims inhabit this area. When arriving overland from Croatia, the spires of churches are replaced by the minarets of mosques. Bullet holes are still visible in the buildings from the war which finished in the 1990s, yet Bihac is eager for tourists.

On first arriving in the city, explore the main square. The cafe-lined and traffic-free Bosanka is a favourite hangout of friendly locals. Stop off for a mali espresso and a chat before continuing to the ancient Fethija Mosque. Originally built as a church in 1266 before being converted to a mosque in 1592, it is the oldest gothic building in the country. It’s quiet location makes it a peaceful place to stop and think awhile.

Not far from here is the pristine River Una, the pride of the city. A view of the crystal clear waters can be enjoyed from the city centre park, or from Cafe H2O on the other side of town.

The city is attractive, but the countryside is the main reason to come. Short hiking trails start in the city to the hill-top fort, but to really see the beauty of the scenery, you need to head to the Una Sana National Park. The famous waterfall Martin Brod is an hour’s drive, but the stunning cascades of Strbacki Buk are closer and can be reached by a pleasant hiking route or by car. Just be sure to stick to the obvious trails. Warning signs for landmines are another stark reminder of the recent conflict.

If just seeing the water isn’t enough, why not get closer?! Rafting companies can easily be found in Bihac who will take care of all your needs for an exciting day on the water.

Banja Luka is Bosnia’s second largest city, and the capital of Republica Srpska. This area is claimed by ethnic Serbs - Orthodox Christianty dominates the city. The modern Cathedral stands in a trendy pedestrian zone where glassy shop fronts lead towards the ruined fortress.

Before you set off to hike up to the war memorial in Tresnjik Park, ensure you stock up on cakes and pastries for the journey. Vegans rejoice! The fasting traditions of the Orthodox church mean that there are plenty of baked goods which are free from animal products. If you can’t see the label for Posno, just ask. Mouthwatering cream cakes with praline centres and buttery croissants are all cruelty free.

With regular bus connections to Sarajevo from both cities, and to Croatia from Bihac, BiH isn’t too hard to get to. Better is to hire a car and enjoy the road trip in this intriguing and beautiful country.

How much does this make you want to visit? It's really interesting writing from a tourism perspective like this, without a single mention of the refugee crisis.

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Fasting in Ramadan: Friendship and Gratitude

20/5/2021

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Calais, France in May 2020

Last year, during Ramadan, I lived in France. I was staying with some people who are Muslim and were fasting during the daytime, before preparing lovely evening meals which I was invited to. So I took the opportunity to join them in fasting for a few days.

In May last year in France, sunset wasn’t until after 9:30pm. That’s a looong time to go without food. I picked a day when I would be quite busy with voluntary work and accepted that it would be a challenge. I didn’t find it too difficult to sit with the other volunteers while they were eating lunch, I was mindful that I had chosen to do this and that avoiding the world isn’t really the spirit of it.

Dinner that evening was wonderful. My housemates had prepared a lovely meal, nicely laid out on the table with dates, juice, bread and a vegetable lentil dish. The final hour had been mentally hard as my stomach growled knowing that I would eat soon, but the tastes of the food and the companionship with my friends was certainly worth it.

Lovely iftar food!

This year I was in Bosnia for most of Ramadan. I was volunteering with No Name Kitchen. My friends who were sleeping rough in the city, refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and elsewhere, were fasting despite the difficult living conditions. I talked with a lot of people about what it was like, and many people told me that they are used to it. They’ve grown up with the fasting tradition. But the words of one of my closer friends struck me the most.

“We’re used to going without food. Sometimes we will have two or three days when we can’t eat anything, fasting during the day is no problem.”

I chose not to fast while I was working in Bihac. We had long, exhausting days, and I didn’t want to affect the work we were doing when people were counting on us to help. But once I had returned to Germany I fasted for a couple of days. I found it refreshing. It helped me realise (not for the first time) how lucky I am to have access to any food I want almost all the time.

The freedoms of a Western European life start at the basics - access to food and water, the most basic of human rights.

My Muslim friends, who are still stuck in Bosnia, were very happy to hear that I had fasted with them for a short time. It was a pleasure to be able to have something in common, despite our lives being so different.

We talked about next year, that we will be able to celebrate together when they have reached safe places.

To show support for people stranded in Bosnia, donate to No Name Kitchen here.

Do you fast for Ramadan? If not, would you try it? Comment below.

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The Generosity of Steinfurt: donations for Bosnia

27/1/2021

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Steinfurt Schloss, Photo: Hannah Parry

It doesn’t always rain in Steinfurt.

But more often than not, the striking castle and the angular church tower are silhouetted against a grey sky.

It’s definitely not on the usual tourist radar, but the huge Bagno Park and area of woodland that separate the two halves of the town, are delightful. The wooden-framed buildings of the old town centre are firmly north German, and the twice-weekly market continues to be laid out on the cobbled street, despite the current restrictions.

It is here that No Name Kitchen volunteer Stef lives. And it is here that the generosity of her friends, colleagues and local groups has completely astounded us.

The large meeting room in the offices of Use-Lab, Stef’s company, was piled high with clothes, shoes, blankets and sleeping bags donated by local Rotary Clubs, Breitensportverband and Soroptimists International, as well as the Pascal Gymnasium in Münster. We spent an entire day sorting and packing with Use-Lab director Torsten his son Tim, Anfried and Ruth - Stef’s housemate.

Roping in other organisations to help us with the logistics of transporting everything to Bosnia, we will be sending half a truck’s worth of essential equipment, as well as some hygiene supplies, which will (fingers crossed) arrive just as we do. We’ll then be able to share the stuff with people in need.

The situation in Bihac right now is as bad as ever.

The fire at Lipa Camp (read more about that here), which rightly engaged the spotlight of international media, has rather dwarfed the problems that already existed. Thousands of people are unsupported by any camp - inadequate or otherwise - and survive in the crumbling buildings in the city.

My friend sent these photos of where he lives.

Without the support of donations and organisations, I can’t imagine what would happen to him. Surely he would freeze or starve.

The generosity of the people of Steinfurt doesn’t just extend to physical or monetary donations. So often I feel as though I am shouting into the wind. That people in Europe read about and disapprove of the situation in the Balkans, but don’t care enough to act for change. Steinfurt has shown us that people do care. They care about our friends and the injustices that they face, and they’re willing to show that in a material way.

For us, as we begin our journey back to a much-changed Bihac, we are emboldened by the support.

To add to the support shown by the wonderful people of Steinfurt, you can donate to No Name Kitchen here.

And messages of support for us are always welcome.

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After the Fire, The Snow: Lipa Camp, Bosnia

28/12/2020

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Lipa Camp, on the mountain high above the city of Bihać in northern Bosnia, was barely fit for human habitation. Tent structures and flimsy floors provided little protection for the negative temperatures of the icy nights. Rain would blow through the numerous holes whilst hot water and appropriate sanitation were non-existent.

But it was better than nothing.

Nothing means camping in the woods, surrounded by snow. It means trying to make a fire to keep warm from the broken remains of the near-useless camp.

Continue reading on Medium Here

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The Black Book: What is it and Why Should I Care

18/12/2020

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The Black Book of Pushbacks, this formidable publication, in two enormous volumes, is the most depressing thing you can read.

It documents the illegal removal of refugees and migrants from European Union countries, almost always using violence and other breaches of human rights.

It launched today, International Day for Migrants, with a Zoom conference with German MEP Cornelia Ernst, The Left coordinator in the Parliament’s Civil Liberties committee.

Presentations were by:
• Hope Barker, Policy Analyst, Border Violence Monitoring Network (BVMN)
• Milena Zajović, President, Are You Syrious and Head of advocacy, BVMN
• Andras Lederer, Senior Advocacy Officer, Hungarian Helsinki Committee
• Neeske Beckmann, head of mission, Seawatch airborne operations

You can watch it back here.

I have to say, it was really depressing listening. More than 12,000 people were effected by illegal activities in 2020. In fact, many many more. I know from first hand experience of collecting reports for BVMN, that incidents go unrecorded, perhaps because the victim doesn't want to talk about their traumatic experience, and also because the scale of the issue is too large for the volunteers on the ground.

The authorities are aware of these illegal acts.

The European Parliament knowingly and willingly funds the border authorities of Croatia and Greece.

Yet human rights violations continue. The passionate and professional contributors to the conference detailed the atrocities in their own fields - how Hungary have legalised pushbacks to Serbia, how Seawatch monitor the Libyan Coastguard.

But there was a message of hope. Hope that the voices of the wronged will be heard and that in the future we will look back with shame on what happened in the past.

To learn more visit borderviolence.eu and to show support to the situation you can donate or buy an e-voucher here

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The minimalist life: How backpacking made me tidier

7/12/2020

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My trusty black bag, complete with my scallop shell pendant from the Camino de Santiago and ribbons I've picked up along the way.

I have always been untidy. I had a pretty big bedroom growing up, with plenty of storage space for clothes, toys and school stuff. Yet I’d still end up with a pile of books next to my bed - usually half read, or lined up to be read next - and clothes covering the floor (all the better to see what you’ve got!). But I seem to be changing…

I’ve spent the last 4 or 5 years being largely nomadic. I cleared out the clutter, packed up some things into storage (thanks to Mum’s garage) and took with me only what I really needed. That first big trip to India, I had a sizable backpack stuffed full, plus another bag as a day pack. Well, who knows what you’re going to need during 4 months in a strange land? But it wasn’t long before I got fed up with carrying bags! In fact, as soon as I got to my cousin’s lofty Mumbai flat, I crammed the contents of the small backpack into the bigger bag so I only had one to carry.

Delicious sweets at the market in Kozhikode.

There was one particular day that I bemoaned my big bag the most. I was in Kozhikode in the southern state of Kerala. I had found my way from the bus station to the train station amidst the crazy traffic of retro cars and horses pulling carts but I had ages before the train that would take me to the city of Kochi. There was nowhere to leave bags at the station, so I stubbornly explored the fascinating market with my enormous bag. Sweaty, tired and a little bit cross, I remember giving up and sitting at the station for well over an hour - all thanks to my heavy belongings.

So the next trip I took, I was determined to take less stuff. Encouraged by my budget flight, which charged for hold bags, I packed hand luggage only. My black rucksack was meticulously packed so that everything just fitted in. It was great! I didn’t have to wait at baggage reclaim when I landed at LAX, and I could dash around downtown Hollywood with all my stuff. And who needs much clothing in Hawaii?? Ok I had to wash my few t-shirts pretty frequently thanks to Hilo’s humid climate, but walking up and down the beachfront in Kona waiting for the right time for the airport bus was still enjoyable even with all my stuff.

Near the end of the world - Finisterre, the end of the Camino, beyond Santiago.

I love that black bag. It’s walked the Camino de Santiago with me, travelled Peru, Bolivia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand as well as Mexico. The only problem with it is that it packs only from the top, meaning you have to take EVERYTHING out to find the thing at the bottom. Yes, I got used to packing pajamas and wash-bag at the top, but there were frequent occasions when my bunk in the hostel was covered in all my belongings. And this is how things get lost… I had this great t-shirt that I loved from Tribe Nutrition (an awesome, conscious, sports nutrition brand. Check them out here!). It was quite new, cotton and I used it to sleep in. However, it was the same colour as the sheets in the hostel and I left it behind somewhere in Mexico.

Happily I’ve not lost many things whilst globetrotting (pens, hair-ties and a book), but keeping a careful eye on my stuff has made me more tidy. Never leave your wash stuff in the bathroom if you don’t want someone else to use it. Expect your towel to go missing when it looks like everyone else’s travel towel, unless you hang it up carefully near your bed.

Stef tending to our travelling garden on our way from France to Serbia.

But I’ve noticed that it’s not just while I’m backpacking now. My last trip - to France and the Balkans - was by car. I find I now have the habit of putting things back where I took them from and keeping my stuff in one area. Ok that area might not be that tidy (right now, my bag is just dumped out into the bottom of the wardrobe in the apartment that I call home at the moment) but everything is in there, and with the doors shut it looks tidy.

Ask my Mum and she may not agree - my room at her house tends towards the childhood habit of keeping clothes displayed on the floor (yes I do need that many pairs of black leggings), but travel has made me tidier and more aware of where my stuff is - just one more reason to go around the world!

Are you a tidy person? And when you travel? I can’t wait to travel again! Once we can, where do you want to go? And how much stuff will you be taking? Comment below.

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Jimmy Joy: Review Take Two

ASYLUM DENIED: A Friend's Story - Bosnia

Struggles Continue in Bosnia: No Name Kitchen Wants to Expand

The G7 Summit: are we doomed?

What CAN We Do?

A tale of two cities: Bosnia’s Bihac and Banja Luka

Fasting in Ramadan: Friendship and Gratitude

The Generosity of Steinfurt: donations for Bosnia

After the Fire, The Snow: Lipa Camp, Bosnia

The Black Book: What is it and Why Should I Care

The minimalist life: How backpacking made me tidier

Hannah the traveller

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What CAN​ We Do?

Hannah the traveller

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What CAN We Do?