gabriellefox's VirtualTourist Home Page

My main picture is of my daughter and her boyfriend on our last family holiday to Mexico. Shortly after this picture was taken our lives were turned upside down. Fortunately recovering from bad experiences gives us the opportunity of gaining greater levels of understanding and wisdom. Hang on to all that is good in your life and let the bad drift away.

Travelling is one way of gaining a little perspective by exposing ourselves to other people and cultures. As you travel, it is more than the scenery which changes, as we allow new experiences to enlighten and educate us.

Don't be afraid of change, it will come whether you welcome it or not. Adjust your attitude and travel light without emotional baggage and hang-ups. Look for the best and the positive in all things but do not turn a blind eye to the sinister or it will take you by surprise. Always remember that bad things happen to good people too :) and if you stick your head in the sand all people see is an arse.

"The wise travel to discover themselves." James Russell Lowell 1819-1891, American poet

Leigh-on-Sea is about 10 minutes drive from Southend-on-Sea in Essex.

Southend was a typical Victorian seaside which bristles with visitors and attractions throughout the summer months even today. Southend is famous for having the longest pleasure pier in the world. It can be a little bleak in winter which is why I take off quite often to explore sunnier climates.

It is an easy commute into London.

Australia - An isolated continent with some of the most unusual species of animal and plants on earth. Lush vibrant jungle and swamp areas, mountaneous ranges, shrubland, and desert are all contained within its borders.

Ancient civilisations and culture exist a stones throw from bright modern cities and ground breaking architecture. It is a world within a world.

It also has some of the best diving and snorkelling sites thanks to the Great Barrier Reef.

I was born in Burma, which is now called Myanmar. I took a trip in January 2001 to retrace my parent’s heritage and find out more about the land of my birth. I was not disappointed.

Myanmar is a beautiful country filled with smiling and genuinely generous people. Like all countries it is not without its problems, but as usual media attention is generally focused on the negative aspects of the country.

Asia has always fascinated me, partly because of my racial connection to it, and partly because of the rich mixture of culture, religion, and history, which dwells within its huge borders.

To be honest, I really did not take to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's busy streets and preferred instead the serene solitude of the islands, which nestle along its coast.

Perhaps the biggest attraction to Thailand is the people, which earned it the name, "The Land of Smiles.”

From the coast and cities of Andalucia to the varied landscape of Cataluna, Spain is a land of regional diversity of language, culture, landscape, and politics. I absolutely love Spain.

The sunshine, culture, people and food are excellent and I am sad that my relocation to Costa del Sol was unsuccessful.

I made my first trip to Egypt January 2005 to spend a week in Sharm el Sheikh. I stayed at the Baron Resort which was a ten minute drive to bustling Naama Bay. I got some much needed winter sun to recharge my batteries and prepare me for the very busy month ahead.

I also met a fellower VTer, Mohamed who was on vacation from Cairo with his girlfriend Clara. It is lovely to meet people from VT on your travels. It is like an instant friendship pool and you know you share a passion for travel.

I don't think I will ever stay at such a beautiful hotel and resort as Le Touessrok in Mauritius - from the moment I arrived I was made to feel very special. It was a dream vacation which I sadly had to spend alone.

Fortunateluy I am quite used to my own company and the resort staff ensured I was not abandoned.