Kokoda Homestay was set up by several villages around Kokoda with the help of Bruce, his wife Rosemary and her son Mark (who lives in Australia) as a way for travelers to experience the authentic lifestyle in the area and as a way for travelers to immerse themselves within the local culture. Rosemary taught school in the 1960's here and much later reconnected with some of her students. Bruce will help arrange your homestay and answer any … [Read more...]
Back to the Wonderful City of Angels
We flew in last night over a sea of lights spread as far as one could see. It was Bangkok - one of the planet's greatest cities. At midnight along Sukhumvit it was a mix of lights, traffic and people wandering the streets in search of sleep, sex and alcohol. This latest visit was a throwback for me offering a nostalgic reflection on my first trip to the Kingdom in 1996 (on the way to Nepal). Then as now, we landed at Don Muang airport. I … [Read more...]
Exploring Port Moresby
Port Moresby is a bit difficult to explore on your own - the city is spread out and there aren't that many attractions to visit right in town. However we caught up with the energetic folks from Cold Media Productions who are covering my visit to PNG. We headed out in their Toyota Land cruiser for the top of a nearby mountain - Sogeri which affords one excellent views overlooking all of Port Moresby in the distance, the Stanley-Owens range (the … [Read more...]
Rough Transportation Day, Kokoda to Popondetta
After a restless rat filled sleep - we woke up at 1am this morning to catch the PMV back to Popondetta. By the graces of the good earth, it was not raining - a real stroke of luck. However we would soon find out this was to be of no use because all the rivers were swollen far above their normal flows due to heavy rains in the mountain. As a result it took us 9 hours to reach Popondetta including stops (compared to the 3.5 hours the first time we … [Read more...]
Exploring Misima Village Papua New Guinea
We spent most of today exploring the hilly jungle covered countryside around Misima Village with Seli. Seli is about 60 years of age (when we ask people's ages here we get approximate answers) and has the stamina of someone half his age. Like most people living in the mountains in this area he walks everywhere barefoot - even on the rocky, steepest of trails. And he will climb much faster than most people in shape who are wearing shoes! Walking … [Read more...]
Trekking in the Papua New Guinea Highlands
Today we trekked for about 5.5 hours - most of it all uphill over a steep, rocky, muddy slippery trail. Arriving at a plateau (and a small village) we were greeted by the entire village welcoming us with a cheerful song. We busted open the heavy glass jar of Prima Scelta Chargrilled Artichokes that we dragged up here from when we bought them in Sydney. Food had rarely tasted so good despite these chockes being saturated in the heaviest of … [Read more...]
Foke Village Kokoda
Today we trekked to Foke Village - a collection of several thatched huts and a total population of 30. We waded through a strong river and walked in the shade through hundreds of palm oil trees - all covered with moss and a ferns. This beautiful village is set right at the base of the mountains - on a plateau surrounded by pristine rainforest. We arrived at the village and noticed how eerily quiet it was. We kept walking through and then we … [Read more...]
Scrub Island a new Caribbean getaway
There are tons of resorts in the British Virgin Islands, but not many new luxury ones. A recent entry into the resort scene, the first luxury development in the BVI in more than 15 years, is Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, not far from Tortola. The travel world has taken note: Scrub was named one of the Top 30 Resorts in the Caribbean’ by Conde Nast magazine. The 230-acre island, developed by Mainsail Lodging and Development and … [Read more...]
Exploring Kokoda Papua New Guinea
Today we hiked to Kokoda - about a 50 minute walk. Our host family in Beleni village walks this every day for vegetables and fruit as that is the main method of transportation here. They said this is very short walk for them; I hate to see what a long walk would would be like! There is a concrete slab where ladies walk from nearby villages and sell mostly vegetables - small bundles are tied up neatly and are displayed on their plastic sheets. … [Read more...]
Enjoy the Fresh Air: Top Outdoor Activities in Edinburgh
A visit to Edinburgh doesn’t just include exploring the culture, history and entertainment. The city may be famous for its majestic castle, impressive Hogmanay celebrations and the incredible Fringe Festival but it’s also a gateway to the great outdoors. With hills, rugged landscapes and miles of adventure on the city’s doorstep, it’s a perfect place to base yourself if you want to discover what the surroundings have to offer. Check out any … [Read more...]
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