One of a number of my trips to Africa was built around a singular goal - that of reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits (the tallest mountains on each continent). Hint, I did reach the summit but not without overcoming hardship on the way. While not the tallest mountain on the planet and with routes that aren't particularly technical, its summit still tops out at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). It is the altitude that can be … [Read more...]
Planning a Trip to Africa to see the Gorillas
I have been to Africa a number of times and always gravitate towards the sub-Saharan eastern part of the continent. One of the greatest thrills on the planet is to be on a big game safari in Africa. The wildlife is prolific at times from parts of Kenya down through South Africa but especially in the Serengeti - with herds of wildebeest, plenty of giraffe, elephants and other rarer sightings. But until now, a visit to see gorillas in the wild … [Read more...]
A Dream of Mine, To Take a Gorilla Safari in Uganda
My bucket list of countries high on my list to still visit is dwindling in number - this shorlist focuses on either memorable experiences or unique natural outdoor natural attractions. Long on my list has been a visit to parts of eastern Africa to see the gorillas in the wild. My interest was rekindled after talking to a good friend of mine who is on a mission to see every country in the world. He recently returned from parts of eastern Africa … [Read more...]
A Little Bit of Malta on my Mind
I proceeded to a tiny room at my hotel in central Valletta, oddly enough having to pass through the restaurant first. Many elderly ladies were absorbed in a riveting game of Bridge and I had to slink past their tables without bumping into them. Finding a balcony I stood overlooking the scenic water and Fort Saint Angelo in the distance while absorbing the smells of the salty water, the warmth of the Mediterranean sunshine and the tantalizing … [Read more...]
Visiting Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is the land of ancient temples - these stone spires dot the dusty landscape of what is called the Bagan Plains. We are visiting in the middle of winter, yet the temperatures are very warm during the day and pleasant at night; apparently rain has not fallen here for weeks. Coming from Inle Lake, some 6 hours away by bus we were startled by the dramatic difference in landscape. Inle Lake has plenty of water - in fact villages are built above … [Read more...]
Wine Tasting in Myanmar
When traveling abroad, I always seek out wineries whenever possible. To some, going wine tasting in Myanmar might be somewhat of a surprise - an anomaly and to an extent it is. However, there are two wineries in the country, (Aythaya Vineyard and Red Mountain Estate) both in the vicinity of Inle Lake. Red Mountain Estate Winery is located on the outskirts of the small town of Nyaungshe. As one arrives, one quickly sees vineyards lining the … [Read more...]
This is Africa
We left Varela on the coast in Guinea Bissau at 5am - determined to make it back to Dakar in time for our 145am flight that evening. No small feat since it took us more then 20 hours to get to Varela from Dakar. Unfortunately the border between Guinea Bissau and Senegal is not open all night; in the morning it opens at 8am. We arrived at the border at 630am - avoiding all the corrupt police on the road as they had not yet reached their posts. … [Read more...]
Moments on the Road, Guinea Bissau
Look once and you see the dustiness of West Africa - it all blends together - the orange grime that covers everything in the dry season and the equally faded and dirty skies above. Sahel + Harmattan. Look closer and the details transition into focus. Trash everywhere - most of it is plastic crap. Notice the stillness; rusted motorbikes half buried in the sand will never run again. A truck's cabin has been gutted by people and by the weather. … [Read more...]
How tough is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and How Prepared should you be?
Gorilla trekking to Volcanoes National park Rwanda one of the most remarkable and unforgettable experiences a person can have for an entire lifetime, meeting eye to eye with these amazing creatures is an opportunity that anyone should never miss. Several questions usually linger in the minds of tourists wishing to take part in gorilla trekking. These questions include what gorilla group is the most desired, how long does it take to track the … [Read more...]
A Visit to Kazbegi, Georgia + Badly Designed Road Tunnels
We reached a series of tunnels all above 2,000 meters. Normally these are cheerfully accepted road landscape as we know they are built to save time and also they are often a safety feature of high altitude roadways. These were anything but user friendly - first of all the road surface inside the tunnels was dangerous at times with large potholes and other ruts in the road. But that wasn't the problem - the problem was whoever designed these seems … [Read more...]
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