Sunrise, happening just behind the big building.

Misjid Jamek

The river confluence. Putting the K in KL

41 Floors Up

86th Floor Sunset

Once we were back on ground level we headed out to the park, watched the fountain show, which was a bit magical, and then headed back into the mall and grabbed some more awesome food and a coconut to drink out of before heading back. A quick last walk around Little India for Emma and myself, where we grabbed some Milo to drink and some India sweets, and then we were all back on our rooftop bar, because new habits die hard.

Petronas Towers by night

Little India again.

Observing

Mini Stonehenge

This may or may not have been the bird that pooed on us!

Pigeon

Hornbill

Angry Stork

There is just one final part of this adventure to come, make sure you come back to check out the fanciest resort I've ever stayed in, baby turtles and our snorkelling adventure.

Time travel!

Little India

Torana Gate

Day 2, Up early and greeted with rain, undeterred we headed over to Gombak, Selangor to visit the Batu Caves. Dedicated to Hindu Lord Murugan., this is one of the most holy sites for Hindu's outside of India, and plays host to the annual festival of Thaipusam.

What's the scariest thing you've done recently? For me it was walking into a gym for the very first time!
This happened last Friday evening. (yes guys, a Friday evening!), I've been talking about going since January, but you know life happens and chocolate biscuits and Hollyoaks have seemed to have slightly more appeal than getting hot, sweaty and out of breath (-y).

But here I find myself, meeting my friend B (who used to be a gym bunny) outside our local Gym. We log ourselves in to the computers in the foyer, get our emails and pin codes for the doors/pods (If you have ever been to The Gym Group, you know what I mean). And then I was in. And Terrified.

There they are all the glamourous people just jogging away on a treadmill and on the other side the people all hot a sweaty holding weights above their heads while making weird, not sure if that's okay to make in public kinda grunty noises. All who probably fill there Instagram with quotes like '' and gym selfies. (Soz to stereotype, but if the new Nike trainer fits...)

Then there's me, in a vest top, unsuitable bra, ill fitting hoody and 3/4 trackies that are slightly misshapen because the last time I wore them was years ago when I was doing Jujitsu classes. Totally intimidated by the machines, a little worried about my legs falling off, majorly worried about my heart giving up.



Luckily for me B knows the gym, what does what to what muscles, how to use the equipment safely and made it really easy and fun. We started with on cross trainers (which are super fun) did some rowing machines, small weights and other various resistance and cardio equipment.

I was really worried that a) I wasn't going to be able to do a lot and B) everyone could tell, but pretty quickly I stopped worrying abut everyone else. (I actually made sure that my scar was visible, so that f anyone did notice me being a light weight they might be understanding or take some pity on me). Actually I was so focused on what we were doing I didn't really notice anyone else, and I'm pretty sure no one took much notice of me.

The time flew by, I didn't die in fact I didn't feel ill at all. getting into the gym was worse then being in the gym.

After an hour and a half we left, and I was expecting to have to crawl out and ring for a taxi home, but then this wonderful thing happened.. I felt amazing! like I could take over the world! confidently I got on the bus home (still in my trackies).

Admittedly I did feel a little bit achy when I got indoors and very achy the next morning, but nothing as bad as I had expected, but most importantly still like I could take over the world (albeit slowly).

So what have we learnt....
1. The gym is scary.
2. It is not full of gym dickheads taking selfies.
3. Everyone is so focused on themselves to worry about what you look like.
4. Tracksuit trousers are not as horrific as I first thought.
5. I Bloody love the gym!



- 1st September Update! I actually joined the gym! Like I signed up and pay monthly!

For most of us dating has gone all digital, with hundreds of dating sites and apps that cater to every taste, need and want. However after not having much luck on Tinder and being fed up gross messages on Plenty of Fish, I found myself at a speed dating event. I had fun, met some interesting people and even got some matches and I'd really recommend it as a fun way to meet people. (Well maybe, TBH I'm dreading going again tonight!)


Have an open mind.
You might be going to make some new friends or you might hunting for the one and while you may not meet exactly who you think you're looking for, you will meet some interesting people. So someone might not be husband material it doesn't mean they can't become a friend. The same goes for the other 'datees', don't view them as competition, get chatting, it will take the pressure off and you might find some new members of your squad!

It's fine to have an idea of the sort of person you want to meet, but don't have a list of questions with set of criteria that needs to be met. No one wants to feel like they're in a job interview, and yes the person you're talking too can definitely tell when you're ticking boxes in your head.

After the first few dates talking about where you're from and what you do for work get boring, so think of things to talk about that would spark up a conversation, and allow you to get to know them better. Talk about music, films, pets, when was the last time you went bowling, where you would travel if you had a time machine, if batman is a super hero or not. Anything that goes beyond what they do to put food on table, because there is more to a person then there job.

Sure this person is clearly not the one for you, they prefer dogs to cats and think Disney films are stupid. (Things you have learnt by asking interesting questions!). You don't have to see them again, so unless they have horrifically offended you, do the decent thing and be nice and continue the conversation. There is no need to be rude!

Meeting a lot of people in such a small amount of time is e bit full on, so after every date make sure you write notes about the person on some paper you can take home. If you don't, you may end up with getting matched with people that you can't properly remember.
It's also helpful to make notes of people that have come to the event together, other wise you may find yourself in trouble when you're sending the same message to two of your matches but they happen to be friends.

Brighton + May = The Brighton Fringe Festival!
Woohoo!!
Undoubtedly one of my favourite times to be in Brighton (the sort of time where I happy I still haven't moved away) this weekend saw the beginning of the Fringe Festival. For four weeks Brighton is filled with even more art, comedy, theatre and music then usual, with performers from all over the globe showcasing the best of the arts world.

I've managed to pick just five of the best things happening across the festival that I 100% recommend you go and see. (Most of these acts I've seen previous years and would/am totally going to see again, others just look awesome).

1. Shit-Faced Shakespeare
This is pretty much what it sounds like. Take a classic play, get one cast member absolutely wrecked. It's amazing, genius and genuinely funny, this year they put their spin on The Merchant of Venice.
Click for more info and tickets.

2. Juliette Burton; Decision Time.
Award winning comedian Juliette Burton is previewing her new docu-comedy Decision Time. Her past performances have always been honest, funny and inspiring.
Click for more info and tickets.

3. Elixir.
Comedy and acrobats? Yes and yes!
Incredible circus skills and physical comedy, fun for all the family. I saw them last year and was little bit apprehensive, but wow. I was genuinely blown away.
Click for more info and tickets.

A photo posted by Lisa (@lisathepirate) on May 31, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

4. It Started with Jason Donovan.
JASON DONOVAN!? A show dedicated to the man himself? Almost. During this hour long performance Sarah Blanc recounts her dating history though the songs of her first love.
Click for more info and tickets.

5. Fringe City Night.
Fringe city brings the best of the festival out to play for an evening of free entertainment, from comedy, music and circus there will be plenty too see all around New Road as part of the Fringe All Nighter.
Click for full details and line up.

Have you got any recommendations? Let me know in the comments.

It's crazy to think that it was one year ago today that I was hurrying off (probably not hurrying tbh) to London to meet my surgeon and sign the papers that would allow him to cut open my chest and play with my heart (that's not the technical term, but the emo within me).

Two days ago I went back to hospital for a check up, and it's all pretty gosh darn good. YAY!!! So obviously I celebrated in the best way, by going for a country walk in the April sunshine/snow!

We did a whole 4.5mile walk from Ditchling, to Streat Church and then to Westmeston and back, that ended up being a bit longer because we got lost, twice. It did mean some decent pictures though!