torn maps and backpacks...

  When asked if I wanted to spend 10 days on two Caribbean Islands scoring for a cricket tour there was only ever going to be one answer...yes and how long do I have to wait before we go? Despite not knowing anyone who was going to be on the tour apart from my granddad who had been on tour with the Dooras a team of doctors from Birmingham 3 years previously in Sri Lanka, I couldn't wait for the opportunity not only to go back to the Caribbean but to experience a cricket tour from a different perspective.     Our first stop was Barbados, after the 8 hour flight from Gatwick filled by lots of chatting, eating too many sweets and doodling in my latest airport purchase of an adult colouring book which is surprisingly more therapeutic than it sounds! With the time difference and jet-lag already kicking in the journey to the hotel while only being about 40 minutes felt a great deal longer.   We were staying at the All Seasons Resort ...

The stark contrast in breath-taking scenic road trips and a vibrant city compared with the harsh reality of those living in townships in such close proximity to each other was the biggest eye opener when visiting Cape Town.   Although the purpose of our trip was once again for the England cricket tour, travelling after Christmas and into the New Year offered a unique experience welcoming in the New Year in a completely different country...it being well into 30 degrees definitely was a change from London!   The Southern Sun where we stayed couldn't have been located better for anyone travelling who wants to get out and see as much as possible. Either a short walk down to Long Street one of Cape Town's busiest eating locations with a very animated night life or a taxi into the V&A Waterfront where you can have dinner with a view into the harbour with Table Mountain in the background.     Not only where there's a huge v...