Gap Year Diaries

In this, the very last of all Gap Year Diaries episodes, Emily and Rachel look back at their five month trip as a whole, the ups, the downs and the absolutely ridiculous situations. We hear of the pair's best loved destinations, what they feel they took from the backpacking experience, and how it has all shaped their lives going forward. 

In this special episode, Emily and Rachel ask each other burning questions and queries about their time in Singapore, 15 years on. Among many other things, we hear their takes on the culinary scene, the backpacking opportunities, how ill-prepared they were for the country's insanely chic street style and, of course, why on earth Rachel thought it a good idea to spend $60 on candles in Little...

In this, the final blog episode of the podcast, Emily and Rachel reread the last ever blog entry, chronicling their last day in Singapore and journey back to the UK. We hear of a failed attempt to visit Clarke Quay's food festival in the pouring rain, a final hostel pool game, and the family reunion at Heathrow airport that was somewhat delayed by M25 traffic.

In this episode, Emily and Rachel reread the penultimate blog of their entire trip, reminiscing over a trip around the curiously deserted malls of Orchard Road, illegally paddling in botanical gardens and exploring Singapore's famous zoo by night. We also hear of Emily's first meeting with the creature that would go on to become her lifelong icon - the zoo's comedy bat. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over the blog from their second full day in Singapore, a day which featured much wandering around in the oppressive heat, soaking in the sights from a respectable distance due to lack of funds, and ending up in yet another compromising situation whilst taking photos at the country's famous Merlion Park. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel recount the events of their first full day in Singapore. Among many other things, we hear of them being lightly pan-fried as they wander around the scorching pavements in raggedy flip flops, a visit to a serene art gallery, narrowly avoiding spending all remaining travelling funds on candles and incense sticks and an ingenious escape from a compromising situation...

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entry from the very first few hours they spent in country five of the gap year, Singapore. Among other things, we hear about the pros and cons of long-haul flights, the perils of backpacking fashion choices, and the revelation that is orange juice as a home fragrance. 

In this very special episode, Emily and Rachel look back over their time in New Zealand as a whole, and take it in turns to answer a series of questions sent in by you, the listeners! Among many other things, they discuss which of their NZ adventures they would repeat and which they would leave out if they were to visit again, where to find the country's best food experiences and stunning sce...

In this, the very last episode of series 4, Emily and Rachel relive their final few days in New Zealand, which they spent exploring Christchurch's botanical gardens and trying not to freak out at the ongoing lack of new passport. In this ep we finally find out how the long drawn-out passport saga ends, and look ahead to pastures new, aka Singapore!

In this episode, we look back fondly at one of our last days in New Zealand, which we spent trying to distract ourselves from potential impending disaster by trying to have the most fun in Christchurch for the smallest amount of money. Among other huge laughs, we climb the cathedral steeple and survey the city from on high, test out our gambits with a giant chess set, and create crayon masterpiece...

In this episode Emily and Rachel read back over the blog detailing their final New Zealand journey, back to Christchurch. Among other things, we hear of some deeply irritating bus mates, a wholly sympathetic receptionist, and a narrowly avoided spinal injury from bunk bed acrobatics. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily opt to spend their last day in Kaikoura cycling around the peninsular. However, we hear of how what should have been an idyllic day in nature is ruined by a combination of incredibly blustery conditions, bad route planning and a colony of angry seals. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel look back at a very fateful and eventful day in the NZ coastal town of Kaikoura, whereby the passport saga that has plagued them since day 2 of the trip rears its ugly head once more. We also hear of a tearful goodbye to travelling companion Sam, and a wholly unwelcome encounter with a certain hostel guest.

In this episode Emily and Rachel reread their blog entry detailing a trip to the sleepy coastal town of Kaikoura, where they sample the local cuisine, take in the sea air, and seek counsel from a kindly hostel receptionist over the never-ending passport trauma. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog account of finally leaving Queenstown after three weeks of mountainous thrills, and heading north to the charming city of Christchurch. During their first day, they try to remember how to behave as civilised adults in preparation for staying with a family friend, and are welcomed into their first homely environment in many months of backp...

In this episode, Emily and Rachel take a nostalgic look back at their last day in beautiful Queenstown, NZ, a day they spent soaking in the unequalled lakeside views, watching a street entertainer set fire to his own hair, and enjoying concurrent hot dates by the light of the stars.

In this week's episode, we hear of more Winterfest fun in ever-plummeting temperatures, featuring a high-octane drag race, Pink Floyd tribute band and a new NZ friend with an interesting proposition.

In this episode, Rachel and Emily journey back by rereading their blog entries to some more Queenstown memories, this time involving a pair of Australian snowboarders, a whole baked salmon, the 'car of death' and some drunken hairstyling. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entries from more Queenstown adventures, including a startlingly creative mini golf course, a desperate search for hostel accommodation, and Rachel being struck down by a mysterious illness.  Mentioned in the podcast: Emily's round up of the world's best mini golf courses https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-mini-golf-cour...

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entry from the day they spent in NZ's Queenstown recovering from their hangovers, being plunged further into financial turmoil on an otherwise tranquil hike, and waving off their good friend Claire after a month of travelling friendship.

In this very special episode, Rachel and Emily look back at the day of Rachel's 19th birthday, celebrated in Queenstown NZ.  Among other things we hear, in great detail, about Rachel undertaking the town's infamous Canyon Swing, the mad dash for balloons, and a chaotic night out which results in the unfortunate decimation of Rach's birthday cake. We are also treated to a very specia...

In this episode, Rachel and Emily remember the unfortunate day they spent exploring New Zealand's glorious Milford Sound, featuring a highly theatrical bus driver, close encounters with local wildlife, and the most inefficient checking of a weather forecast known to mankind. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily re-read the blog entry from their time spent at renowned NZ attraction Puzzling World. Among other things, we hear of the pair experiencing anti-gravity whilst horrendously hungover and getting hopelessly lost in a maze, as well as their first ever glimpse of Queenstown and Rachel entering a 'hori-bungee' cocktail contest. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over the blog entry documenting their lengthy journey through stunning scenery to NZ's lakeside town of Wanaka.  Among other things, we hear of greenscreen style landscapes, chaotic hostel check ins, monopolising the time of passing strangers to take multiple group photos and Emily's attempt to create romantic memories that only ended in numb e...

In this episode, Rachel and Emily recount and relive the blissful day they spent hiking around on New Zealand's famed Fox Glacier, led along the way by a particularly chiselled tour-guide. Among other things we hear of the stupendous beauty of the natural surroundings, elite level bribery of two glamorous Danish men, and Emily trying and failing to impress said tour-guide by getting her tongu...