Rough Edge

The vibe is different here. More laid back, more friendly. Kids on scooters shout “hallo” when they see my wide eye face. The streets are mostly wide, there are lots of trees. In the smaller older streets there are Plaine trees, they call them French Tree. The food is spicy, wholesome and delicious. This is my first taste of Yunnan and it is very cool. (Near the Green Lake university district Kunming 28 June)

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trekking, Scotland,

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One hot traveller. One extremely full rucsac. One steel mesh security cover. One eagle eyed security guard. One lighter at the very bottom of the bag with the jetboil stove. Twenty stressful minutes. Top tip Don’t travel with a lighter through an airport in China. (Shanghai airport nearly missing Kunming flight 26 June)

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Not on any rough edge in particular, but nerve-fraying enough. Time was not on my side as I struggled to find a taxi that understood the way back to the Golden Pineapple Youth Hostel. The guy with the motorbike taxi promised that he knew the way. I didn’t know what would be involved. Give me a mountain anyday. (Beijing 23 June after meeting with the British Council)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/video/video.php?v=95421192451&re

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Crazy mad busy sticky and not enough sky. Way out – £1.50 bus ride across the island and head for the beach. (Hong Kong 22 June, just before leaving for mainland)

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There’s not really a picture to go with this. But there is no more exciting feeling than moments before take off on a long trip away to somewhere amazing. . (On board BA25 18.55 Heathrow. 17 June )

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Rough Edge exists to find new frontiers in outdoor adventure, cultural exchange and environmental awareness in unexpected and exciting places.

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One more full day to go before the China trip starts and I have been given so much fantastic encouragement and support from Shane at the Royal Geographical Society http://www.rgs.org/HomePage.htm and from Alex at The DofE Award http://www.dofe.org/

This is the place where you can keep up to date with what is happening on the trip and where I will be able to post photos and (hopefully) interesting stuff I find along the way.

If you like it, give it to a friend too.
Best wishes
John

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Well here we are and there are but days to go before I leave for China.

Thanks to the many supporters who have made Rough Edge possible so far.

Let’s see where we get

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined” Thoreau

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