After being less than enthused about the Dog Cafe I had visited a few days previous, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to spending an afternoon in the company of 50 cats. Just like my dog phobia, I was also frightened of cats – something about them creeps me out and I have spent most of my life actively avoiding them. I reasoned with myself that it couldn’t possibly be as terrifying... 
I gulped and slowly backed away towards the door. I wanted so badly to run, but I was too scared to even flinch. I closed my eyes and let the waves of nausea wash over me for a few minutes, gritting my teeth and clenching my sweaty palms behind my back. I can do this. Gradually, I opened my eyes to peer out at the hundreds of demonic beings facing me. Teeth bared, hackles raised, they all snarled... 
Lauren Vs. Food is my attempt at overcoming my food neophobia by forcing myself to eat new and intimidating foods as I travel around the world. When I first arrived in Asia I surprised myself by being unexpectedly adventurous and trying some unfamiliar foods such as rice and noodles (yes, really), and some slightly crazier foods such as duck tongue. However, when I arrived in China and no longer had my... Posted by .
In July 2011 I left England for what was supposed to be a one year trip around the world. Within a few months of leaving I knew that a year would never be enough. I now work online and travel permanently, seeking misadventures in unique, beautiful and fascinating places. Read more.
I'm here to show you how not to travel. Since I've been on the road I've been "poked" during a massage in Bangkok, punched a scammer in Shanghai, been attacked by monkeys in Bali, sat next to a dead woman on a boat in Laos and so much more. I call these The Incidents and you can see a full list of them here.
