CURRENT MISSION

Trying to visit as many 'exercise extreme caution' countries according to the Irish DFA as I can. Today's EEC countries are tomorrow's Syria, an altogether more unappealing option for a visit.

ABOUT ME

The thing that comes immediately to mind is my 'foot-in-mouth disease'. I sometimes have a complete lack of tact and come out with a completely inappropriate statement at the most inopportune time; my friends like me because of this rather than in spite of it. They put it down to a good sense of humour!

PHILOSOPHY

To fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run.

Interests

Travelling around obviously! I usually like going solo as it gives me complete freedom with my itinerary. I think it also makes you more of a social person conversely: if you don't make the effort to go out to the bar and start talking to someone you'll have a lonely few weeks on the road! To assist I like a good game of cards and have found myself on the losing end of a drinking game many a time; there's not much else you need! I like going to places that are not on the itinerary for most people and experiencing something novel.

Of course all that goes with good conversation; either trivial or thought-provoking, there is a a time and place for both. It's always interesting to meet people from other backgrounds and cultures and come to understand why their outlook might be different to my own!

I do like my job (most of the time)! Medicine can be quite stressful and busy but you're often learning something new and there's always room for improvement; it's rare that I don't feel challenged.

• books
• design
• exercise
• running
• drinking
• traveling
• socializing
• medicine
• solo travel

Teach, Learn, Share

Taking pictures as a solo traveller:

I usually travel around by myself and have often wanted to take a great picture with me in it but it usually means asking a complete stranger to do the honours. Either that or setting the auto-timer, running like a madman and hoping your spatial orientation skills are up to the task to place you in the best spot. :) So, who do you ask?

1) The person who's carrying the tripod & camera with the biggest lens. They're either a professional or a serious enthusiast to have invested that much into their equipment. Either way, they're no doubt a better shot than you are. They're also not going to run off with your camera - it's basic design would cramp their style.

2) Families. They'll decide amongst themselves who has the best eye to do a picture of you justice. Plus, tourists with children make unlikely camera thieves. It's hard to make a clean getaway due to the short nature of children's legs.

3) An attractive girl. Irrespective of the quality of the photo at least it's a good way of striking up a conversation!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, United States