Edinburgh, Friday

0851 On train (leaves 0900). Not exactly late but didn't spend any time hanging around KGX, so perhaps cutting it a bit fine. Had some food this morning at home, got up about 0740 and left maybe 0815.

Got aisle seat as booked, seat next to me is free but reserved Peterborough-Edinburgh so no doubt there is a 200kg monster waiting to join me soon.

In quiet coach - I think I booked this on purpose. We will see.

Inevitable travel doubts lurking at back of my mind, but sod it. What's the worst that can happen? I have my tickets, I have my phone, I have money.

Oh, I went to bed maybe 0030 but I don't think I got to sleep until 0130-0200ish. Not a problem, anything which increases chances of sleeping better tonight or maybe on train hardly a bad thing.

0914 Ah, the Quiet Coach. Where better for two 50ish German women to have a natter across the aisle in the row in front of me? I have my noise cancelling headphones on but not playing any music through them yet, so I can still hear. Not that big a deal but mildly annoying.

0949 Peterborough. Seatmate is nice slim granny, score. Arse killing me for no obvious reason.

0238 Not a bad night/day. Bed.

Edinburgh packing

Just taking the daypack up to Edinburgh for the weekend (two nights
away); partly as a matter of convenience in case I end up wandering
around tomorrow afternoon without being able to dump my bag at the flat,
partly because I'm not sure I need the full-sized travel pack, partly as
an experiment.

Bedroom scales make daypack out at 5.5kg. This includes:
- a largish (half litre?) bottle of water
- two cards to post
- Rohan trousers (I doubt I will wear them, but I want a spare pair just
in case and they're lighter and less bulky than the alternatives, either
chinos or a pair of jeans)
- polo shirt
- T-shirt (both short-sleeved)
- reversible fleece/jacket (I am not wearing this, at least not yet)
- noise-cancelling headphones and four batteries
- toiletries
- first aid kit
- five satsumas (or are they tangerines? Mysterious!)
- four cereal bars (food for train)
- two sets underwear
- pair of boxers (for sleeping)
- phone charger and cable
- camera

It is a little tight on space, primarily I feel due to the fleece/jacket
squashed in at the top.

I am wearing combat trousers, with some items stuffed in the pockets,
although very little in the leg pockets - basically some medical cream
and a pair of clip-on sunglasses. Other stuff in the "normal" pockets is
what I'd normally have in there if I'm not wearing a jacket - i.e.
hanky, keys, pedometer, whistle, mobile phone, wallet, Oyster card.
Pockets feel a little bulky but this is "normalish" when I am not
wearing a jacket and have to stuff the wallet and phone in there. I
guess the new slimline wallet helps at least a bit.

Things I don't have:
- any kind of book, electronic or otherwise (using my phone)
- netbook and charger
- most of the contents of my "tube cube", e.g. travel clothes line,
mains adaptors, mouse, AA battery charger, camera battery charger
- mosquito net, sleep sack (obviously not, mentioning these just as I do
normally have them in my bigger bag)
- viscose towel
- duck tape
- check the packing list for full details, but those are the bigger and
more obvious items

Actually, thinking about it, I am going to stuff the sleep sack in the
daypack and take that. I doubt I'll use it but it just might be handy or
politically expedient if I end up sharing a bed with someone. (I could
half imagine other people turning up with full-on sleeping bags;
probably not, but you never know.) It's not really heavy or bulky.

I think this should be adequate for a weekend away, let's see. I can
always buy crap up there if I need to.

This raises the tempting possibility of getting by with this volume of
luggage on a longer trip, but I think that would be pushing it a bit - I
am very tight on space, and things like the netbook and a few extra tops
and the viscose towel and (probably) the mosquito net are hardly insane
luxuries. (Maybe the netbook is debatable for some, but for me if I'm
away for months, I think it's well worth the kilo-odd it weighs.)
Obviously I could get a slightly bigger bag than the daypack and use
that, but still. Probably better if anything to focus on slightly
lightening up/de-bulking the contents of my travel pack in light of this
experience rather than switching it out for a smaller bag. Anyway, let's
see how this weekend goes before even thinking about it.

Notes on packing after the trip

Javaria pointed out to me, having been physically sick on the flight
back (there was a lot of illness about in our group, one way or
another), the importance of having a toothbrush with you *on the plane*
to get the taste out of your mouth afterwards.

As I think I already said, the idea of carrying the daypack around with
me instead of having my trusty fleece with its pockets stuffed, and
usually ending up carrying it because it's too hot to wear, worked
pretty well. I managed not to forget it, probably helped by the fact
that at night I didn't take it out with me and I didn't get drunk during
the day. ;-) I made a point of looping it around my leg when I sat down
with it, not so much to protect against bag snatchers as to stop me
walking off without it. I also didn't leave too much valuable stuff in
it. A bit of a minor problem there to bear in mind another time was that
the stuff which normally lives in there for flight purposes had to be
shifted out when using it around town; having some extra carrier bags
would have probably been enough to help with that. As it was a lot of
loose junk was floating around in my main bag in the hotel and it was a
bit chaotic.

I had five sets of underwear with me (including the ones I was wearing),
I in fact never wore one set as it was stuffed in the bottom of my
daypack "just in case". I think five was about right though.

Doing my laundry in the room was easier than usual on this trip as:
- I stayed in one place all the time, so I never had to worry about
stuff being wet in the morning when I needed to pack it
- it was warm and I was able to leave damp clothes in the wardrobe to
dry or on the balcony without worrying about objections. Some hostels
have notices about not washing clothes in the sink etc and I've been
reduced to just doing the odd bit of underwear.

Consequently I never actually used my travel clothes line, though I
think it was probably a reasonable thing to have with me anyway.

I could have easily taken stuff out to the laundry if I'd wanted, there
were several around within five minutes walk, but of course it was nice
not to have to faff around like that. (By the time you get out there and
get back, it's probably twenty minutes round trip minimum. It would have
been even more of a nuisance if I had been actively "doing stuff" every
day.)

I had two pairs of trousers, not counting the black ones I took just to
wear with the tuxedo, and no jeans, and that was fine. I wore the Rohan
ones most of the time anyway, as I preferred the "compartmentalised" and
secured pockets to the "ordinary" pockets on the pair of chinos I took.
As usual I only had one pair of shoes, not counting the black ones I had
just to wear with the tuxedo, and no problems there.

I had (not counting the white "work style" shirt I had for the tuxedo,
although I did wear that for Zuhamy's birthday since we were supposed to
wear something white) two short-sleeved T-shirts, two short-sleeved
shirts and one long-sleeved shirt with me. I did wear them all; the long
sleeved one was a bit too thick to wear during the day, but I did wear
it once or twice in the evening when it was relatively cold.

I'll probably think of something else the minute I post this, but I've
been sitting on it as a draft e-mail for days so might as well send it
before I forget and lose it altogether.

Playa del Carmen, Tuesday

1447 at hotel bar. Last nigjt schatted with Jim and Valeria at hotel bar, joined z et al at might Pueblo as they finished diner hating the keyboard presentation of presents to z mum and sister the karaoke til about 2 or 3. Sang with z and Marta a couple of times. Then on to coco Maya at beach then just one atxlub bginning with m as was only place open. Bed 5isb . Woke up 1130ish checked out ok free lunch at la ceiba with some of guysthen had wander solo. May wander again post this beer. Pick up is 4 but we sort of meet 330ish.

1927 on plane. Aisle seat checked in online from hotel not sure I'd luck or judgement. 8h30m flight so supervquixk.  Was nervous but all ok now.

2016 sigh 30 mins delay while they fix minor problem with rear cargo door. Oh well. Not nervous anyway.

Has couple of veers and a tequila with jim and Valeria at airport which probably helped. Mxn360 for two beers and two tequilas and made it 400 with tip as guy brought it to table. Twenty quid. Meh. That's airports
Jim offered me some cash towards it but he got the first srinkj and has been more than generous at the hotel bar so I didn't take this money. May meet up with them to try some new tequila place in bethnal green.

Note for packing list - didn't twigg til Eddie pointed it out but there is a usb socket in back of seat on this flight so if had USB cable in daypack could use it to charge phone. Not a problem on this flight as I have two spare batteries both fully charged.

0249 Wed. Switched to London time. Still on ground in Cancun.

0356 still on ground in Cancun. Periodic announcements suggest the crew are rather in the dark too
Apparently decisions are being made in london. Spent last half hour or so stood in the galley with Jim having a chat. They had some habanero. Crisps which tjwh were kind enough to share, I am stating to ferl aa bit peckksh and it helps. I reciprocated with battered packet of halls mntholyptu from my pocket.

0455 still on ground. Announcement that repair completed and passed inspection so its just a question of paperwork and we may be off in half an hour.

0533 in air seatbeltvsigns just gone off. Announcement says you must not use the USB socket for fharging. Also you can apparebtlybuse GSM mobilesvtovcobect to their onboard service. That's a new one on me. As my phone doesn't seem to roam not going to try it. International roaming charges apply, dunno if that would be same as bejbf abroad or extra.

Landed about 1345.

Playa del Carmen, Monday

1231At Las Pinatas on sea front. V pricey for food so just having beer after longish walk.  Seen capilla de la virgen del Carmen and the port and the airfield. Didn't go out last night, after beer at legends with food back to room not via hotel bar at about 10. Could have gone Dow but felt bit tired. Z replied to my email about midnight saying they were there but i ddidn't go down.

Had email from her this more Ming saying they aare at xel-ha today, she is with her family and karaoke tonight.

Hating the keyboard. And the service. Still not got beer.

Seen ceviche on menu in a Few places including here but not chancing it, especially when I have to fly tomorrow.

Feels v touristy here, and that is saying something here in Playa del Carmen. Wtf. Beer ezpensive, 65 a Bottle insofar as I can understand the - English language! - menu. They have draught on menu at 60 with refill at half price. Just been given two Boyle's of beer, I diidnt ask but think this may be haphazard hour. That makes it bit better. These two, a walk then lunch and one lot two more elsewhere.

Not had a Bohemia yet, which is a shame, not seen it many places. Maybe shall have one later.

Would Meuse on success of packing light and how its gone so far bbut its so painful typing on this keyboard, which I hate, I shan't just now. While remember will observe got sunburned on back of neck and uppermost arms yesterday as tho I pit dream on I didn't allow for my bagy t-shirts moving around exposing more. Something to try to remember in future, best of al to put cream on before putting shirt on. The non creamy clear liquid spray I have been using does work where applied,.

Guide book singularly useless in revealing the minor tourist attraction of the church andnport unless I somehow mmiser them in there.

V slightly tmeempted to get ferry to Cozumel but didn't quite feel like it. Despising the keyboard. If can't fix it or get it fixed in return shall be buying either a third desire z or looking into the rather feeble iirc xolection of newer android phones with QWERTY keyboards. May even end up having to look at a blackberry but would prefer to stock with android. Anyway.

1347 At La Fe on fifth
Have ordered (in poor and possibly unnecessary Spanish] a hamburger with no sauce of any description and fries. They have an ad up for waitress (Mexican) which somehow 5% rubs me up the wrong way, but otoh maybe they get too many smug foreign backpackers applying for the job so its all good.

Think last place didn't include vat in menu price, in any event bill was 75 for the ttwo without tip and paid 100. Meh.

1807 At la choperia where came other day ffor steak, chips and a beer before Ginger back to hotel TN see if anyone around. Feeling oddly down the last hour or two back at hotel. Maybe iits end of trip blues, maybe something more. Meh.

Have packed, tho this is very crude as since next step is Home not worried about creasing etc. Think I may have lost my nixe little led torch which wasn't cheap but if so it can't be hleped. Modest search in bags failed to turn it up bit it. May turn up when I unpack thoroughly at home.

1835 finishes. Not bad. They were platting morrissey but due to noise. From bar across street didn't realise til nearly over.

Unsure about when to turn up at hotel bar. Trying not to get too pissed.

Tulum and Coba, Sunday

0755 in reception waiting to he picked up. Didn't want to get up but feel ok.

Last night met few ppl in hotel bar then went for food with Ben, Valerie, Isabelle and Zuhamy's cousin Luis., We were going to a good pizza place Ben had found on tripadvisof but it was closingbso Luis took us to Argentinian restaurant la dies or sthg like that, v good arrarchera with chips (second of the day)

Later went with z et al to bar ranita, which I quite liked as a bar but couldn't stay long due to wanting to be up early.

Was feeling a bit cold in street in just t shirt, but others were same. Silly in a way as not really cold, just cool. Hope not too hot today for tour.

Other couple picked up for tour but not me, usual worry I am going to be forgotten by tour co, still it always seems to work out ok in end.  Hating the keyboard.

Oh, others ar e hiring minibus to do private tour to tulum later. Meh. Just bad planing but assuming mine turns up at least I will get to go to coba as well.

1136 Tulum quite cool. At nearby beach for an hour. Attractive in that ultra stereotypicaly Caribbean way. Having beer in the shade.

1939 at hotel bar. Got back about 6. Cobalt v cool tho we had only 1.5h, 1h after guided your bit. Hired bike and pegged it over to the tal structure to climb it. Nice view tho vitualy all you can see is jungle. Be interesting to come back in a few years.

Spoke to couple of Dutch chaps in bus after.

Brief visit to Mayan house on return. Baby spider monkey in nappy runinbg round, seemed v docile, let pl hold it and flung knto resident woman's leg as we left. We got to try Mayan spinach (chaya or something bit like that, can't remembrance and due to hating the keyboard didn't make entry in bus) , ok. Tips expected, meh. Apparently they sleep Underwriters this roof in a Hancock with no wala. Loose quite poverty stricken but who knows. I mean, they sleep under this roof in a hammock with no walls. Deespising the onsxreen keyboard.

Gina's send this now as if do make entry for tibiht it wont fit this heading plus if lose phone then have this. Keyboard is absolirly ruining the blog. Good job this is only a short trip and so Deidre for a diary to look back on is less. Desire. Ffs.

Playa del Carmen, Saturday

1452 at la choperia on 5th AV. Hating keyboard. Night before last out til 5ish at palazzo after catamaran with Hugh, Eddie, Elena, Marta and one other Spanish woman. Got v drunk but it was really fun which is unusual for me in a club. Embaradding photos...

Felt bit bad yday, small Lynch at ls ceiba about 3 then back to room, finally met guys at hotel car about 8. We went to coco bongo which was inteestibf as they has a show on during the night. Open bar til 330. We left soon after but some of us went to a small bar next for thenbwhen that shut about 5 to palazzo until it shut at 6.

Up late today but been our to book for tour to tulum. And coba tomorrow. 750 pick up
Hating the keyboard.,

1929 At hotel bar. No idea where everyone is but no matter. Left to own devices will have beer or two, go for food - probably at legends, its easy - and try to get earlyish night as 750 start.

If that words to describe this girl song was the unofficial and unwanted theme for the 2010 trip, "we found love in a lonely place" is for this holiday.