Random Traveller #71 with Simon of Man Vs World

Posted on 24. Feb, 2012 by Poi in Meet A Random Traveller

Welcome to round 71 of ‘Meet a Random Traveller’. The series dedicated to bring attention to fantastic people all around the world doing their thing.

Random Traveller 71

Simon

Who are you?
My name is Simon Petersen and I’m yet another Kiwi who has gone and flown the nest in search of adventure, good times and cheap beer. I’m a sport and movie fiend, an amateur backpacker and a journalist, having cut my teeth on such glamorous titles as PC Pro, Qualityworld and, most recently, Legal Week.

I’m also a genius, having decided to move to London right smack in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression. Four years later and I’ve hit the road again: this time backpacking around South East Asia.

What’s the deal?
Man vs World (www.manwersusworld.com) is a mix of new and old exciting and humorous travel adventures, useful advice, handy travel tips and informative reviews. You will laugh, you will cry and you will hopefully learn something – mostly through my mistakes. It will change your life.

Seeing as you moved to and lived in London for so long I have to ask as a Kiwi – What did you make of the place? and what have you missed? It’s fair to say that my love affair with Londontown has had more than its fair share of ups and downs. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight but, just like Hugh and Julia in Notting Hill, we got there in the end. It was a fantastic base from which to explore Europe.

It’s a cliché but it’s true: absence makes the heart grow fonder. I only left London in December and already I miss the pubs, pub grub, my South West London mates and the football. And I think London’s weather doesn’t get a fair crack, by the way. During my four years living in the English capital we must have had at least ten sunny days. At least.

Simon enjoying a fine wine on a boat trip in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Where are you today and what have you been doing?
I’m currently rounding out my tour of duty in Vietnam, having visited Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi, with Halong Bay set to become the cherry on top. I’ve loved the cheap eats, the beer and the warm and friendly people. I’ll be heading to Laos and Cambodia next.

Has there been anywhere on your travels you haven’t enjoyed – it’s honesty time!
Easy. Rome. Next question… Oh, you’re probably wondering why I didn’t love one of the most famous cities in the world? Well, it was too hot, too touristy and just plain disappointing. True, I was there during peak season when the lines to St Peter’s and the Coliseum were at their absolute worst, but I did love the rest of Italy.

Si at the height of fashion on the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

What’s Next?
The plan, Stan, is to travel through South East Asia over the next few months and potentially settle down somewhere in Thailand when the money runs out and teach English. Medium-term, I’ll be heading to London for the Olympics – where I will not be competing – and I really have no idea where I’ll end up after that. The world is my oyster and I’d like everyone to come along for the ride.

A big thanks to Simon for taking part, great to have you.

Be sure to check him out:
Blog:  Man vs World
Twitter: @Themanvsworld
Facebook:  /Man-vs-World

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Tags: Meet a Random Traveller