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 India.

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 Little India.

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 scenery, and whether or not Rachel still celebrates her birthday by being suspended over a canyon wearing a hood... 

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 masterpieces in the kids' section of the modern art gallery.