Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia is a fantastic destination and is becoming ever more popular, in fact it was host to 15.8 million overseas tourists last year alone according to The Jakarta Post which was a 12.5 % increase on the previous year, with the tourist board targeting 20 million in the current year. So why is it so popular? Well, it's a great place with loads going on so we have put together this quick guide to give you a head … [Read more...]
Misadventures of a Gringo in Colombia
Upon leaving the unexpectedly small Cartagena airport, I was welcomed by a huge billboard featuring a Colombian Elvis impersonator. The other passengers who had also just arrived were poppin’ into little yellow micro-machine cabs and spinning off into their own assorted narratives. I stood and watched their numbers dwindle. Soon I was one of only a few prey left for the desperate transportation peddlers. A husky, determined Colombian man … [Read more...]
Destination Guide to Uzbekistan
The word Uzbekistan itself carries an air of mystery about it. When I told people I was traveling to Uzbekistan, they exclaimed "Uzbekiwhere?!" and then followed that up by "Is it safe?!" Uzbekistan IS bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, countries that are not very well known in the West. So I suppose the "safe" question was fair enough! I'm here to give you the 411 on this destination and hopefully … [Read more...]
The Turkish Hammam Experience
“Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.” ― Dodie Smith While Scandinavians are famed for their saunas, Turks proudly boast of their hammams. These are essentially the middle eastern relatives of the dry Nordic saunas, with a focus on steam baths and full body scrubs. Venture into any Turkish city and you are bound to stumble across a myriad of bathhouses scattered throughout town. Hammams have always carried a certain … [Read more...]
Incomparable and Magnificent Istanbul
“If a blind man should gaze upon the world but one day, he should gaze upon Istanbul.” – Alphonse de Lamartine Few places elicit the “It's the most beautiful city I have ever seen!” reaction as frequently as Istanbul. Those were also my exact sentiments the first time I visited back in 2004. Today, 15 years later, as I stroll the empty streets of downtown Istanbul in the middle of the night, I remember why I have ever since felt this way. I … [Read more...]
Khao Tapu (James Bond Island) #Thailand – January 2019
This island is located in Ao Phang Nga National Park and rose to fame when it was featured in the 1974 James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. Today the island is much loved and visited and depending on the time of year crowds descend on its narrow shores jostling for photographs and views from all the same spots as everyone else. This is a very scenic part of Thailand - and understandably draws visitors from all over the world. Small … [Read more...]
Arriving Into Iran and the Tests of Traveling
I left for the Tbilisi International Airport in the country of Georgia at 10pm. I arrived at my final destination, Shiraz, Iran some 20 hours later - the next day. If you look on the map this is about a 3 to 3.5 hour flight. As it were, the airport in Tbilisi is under construction; a new runway is being built so all day flights have been moved to the night. I spent all night in the beautiful fairly new Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, … [Read more...]
Three Must See Sights in Northern Cyprus
Last summer when I mentioned to people I was planning a trip to Cyprus (Northern Cyprus as well), I often received blank stares or the question "where is Cyprus". A little geography is in order; the island is in the Mediterranean Sea - in the far eastern reaches south of Turkey and just west of Lebanon. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Italy's Sicily and Sardinia. I flew from Beirut, Lebanon - there are certainly … [Read more...]
Top 5 Backpacking Destinations In Europe
Backpacking is one of the best ways to explore Europe. Not only is it cheaper than booking into expensive hotels weeks on end, you learn to appreciate more (and also become a pro packer)! You’ll make some lifelong friends along the way. No matter what country you visit, you’ll find backpackers that have travelled across the world to be where you are. If you’re travelling around Europe soon, make sure you visit www.ehic.co.uk to ensure you’re … [Read more...]
Visit Baalbeck, Lebanon – September 2017
Baalbeck or as it was originally known 'Heliopolis' is a major historical site containing various temples and other buildings created by the Phoenicians and the Romans, among others. Located about 2 hours north of Beirut one can access Baalbeck by public transportation (which we did by using a mini-bus from the Cola Gas station, not far from the Hamza Mosque). The bus will make a significant climb out of Beirut over the mountains - ultimately … [Read more...]
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