Tina, come get some ham.

Before we get started I'd like everyone to stop what they're doing and raise there glass, beer or prosthetic limbs in a toast to the great Mr Miyagi who passed away today and is now waxing on and waxing off in a better place.

Now that we have my touching tribute out of the way I'm glad to say that I only have 29 days before I embark on my solo trip to SE Asia. Last update I touched on my planned itinerary but due to certain restrictions relating to my airpass ticket I was forced to make some changes.

Japan had to be dumped which I was a bit bummed about, I'm sure I'll get to go there sometime in the future but I was looking forward to having my own Lost in Translation moments. The upside is my budget won't be as strained as Japan was going to garrotte my wallet for a tidy sum so I'll have a bit more to spend elsewhere.

Besides Japan being given a leave of absence the rest of the trip was fine and once I parted with a deposit my agent booked it all and I now have the tickets...well I think I do...I do recall seeing them a week or two back...

So the dates and destinations look somethin' like this;

Perth - New Zealand (26th December) - Not actually sure why I was forced to fly via New Zealand but it's no biggie, I won't actually get to see the country as I'm just switching planes with about 4 hours to kill.

New Zealand - Hong Kong (27th December) - I'll be kickin' it in Hong Kong for 3 days and to be honest don't know a whole lot about the place but I guess that's the pant-shitting part of it...exciting part...I meant exciting. I haven't lined up any accommodation but my budget is pretty tight so I'm thinking about staying at the famous/notorious Chunking Mansions. From what I've read the mansions are a run-down maze of cheap guesthouses occupied by immigrants, drug dealers and smut peddlers...oh and backpackers...sounds like my sort of place! I'd be interested to hear from any other fellow travellers who have stayed at the mansions but I kinda like the idea of slumming it in some warped mansion.

Hong Kong - Thailand (30th December) - I slide in Bangkok just before New Years which I'm really looking forward to, no plans as yet but I'm sure I'll find a decent party to drink myself retarded. Now I spend a month in the region and do plan on securing a Vietnam & Laos Visa and visiting both countries as well as Cambodia. The danger is that I get comfortable and waste the entire month drunk on a beach somewhere so I may have to limit my attacks on my liver as it's pretty tough to be motivated when cursed with a raging hangover.

Thailand - Philippines (30th January) - I've lined up 2 weeks to explore the Philippines which I know isn't going to be enough but should give me enough time to check out Boracay and maybe gather enough courage to try a balut.

Philippines - Singapore (14th February) - I've visited Singapore a few times and just plan on drinking with a buddy while not letting those $17 beer prices bring tears to my eyes.

Singapore - Bali (21st February) - Bali is the only destination I'm meeting some of the boys back from home, 3 of my mates are flying over so this should be good fun with plenty of whitewater rafting and bintanging planned.

Bali - Perth (11th March) - Home sweet home!

Next update I'll share a few amusing tales from previous trips!