I remember this vividly; it all started on a lovely afternoon when I leisurely sat in front of my computer and browsed through my recent emails and happened upon an eye catching message which suddenly took my full attention. It was an email from Air Asia to announce that 100,000 free tickets would be given away starting today. I spread the news immediately and it soon reached Choo Pooi my colleague who was an avid outdoor adventurer. She had … [Read more...]
From African Lion Safari to….
My Saskatchewan friend was trying to find ways to give his family an enjoyable holiday. I did not hesitate in suggesting: If you have two days to spare, I have a great suggestion. For the first day take your children to the African Lion Safari and the second day to the Blackwood Creek Pioneer Village and, in between, visit a few children's entertainment centres. It will be a family vacation they will never forget! First book in at a … [Read more...]
The Alternative to Inca Trail
It isn't lined with Inca stones, it is a rough mountain path, but in many ways it takes you to a much deeper, more real Peru. You may not see ruins three times a day but you go through two magnificent lost cities and some genuine untouched Quechua villages, not to mention the most incredible mountain views. What's more - this trail is not for everyone, it is for those who can take it. The trail takes you from Cachora village (three quarters of … [Read more...]
Two donkeys lost in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Among those who come to Africa to join a safari, the holy grail of animal tracking is the so called 'Big Five'. Originally coined by the big game hunters of days long past, it comprises the lion, African elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and the Cape buffalo. Supposedly these were not necessarily the biggest animals, but the most difficult to hunt. Now, my brother Abdul and I were definitely not out to hunt these animals. We just wanted to see them … [Read more...]
Las Fallas of Valencia
Arguably the craziest urban festival in Europe, this is one of the most bizarre and fascinating European attractions, yet it is not a recent invention of new age imagination but a deeply traditional local festivity. Valencia, the City of Contrast, has stepped firmly into the cosmopolitan 21st century, yet it has kept much of its tradition intact. The social fabric of the city is still organised around the clan-like fallas - neighbourhood … [Read more...]
All the Anglers Are Covered – Ucluelet is a Sport Fishing Paradise
The destination is the large La Perouse Bank off Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where halibut, salmon, ling cod and rock fish dine on the smorgasbord of herring, sardines and other bait fish that make the banks their home. "Ucluelet is in a unique spot geographically being very close to offshore banks," says Matt Olcen, of Westcoast Fishing Expeditions in Ucluelet. "You are not going to find a more consistent place for … [Read more...]
The City of Arts and Sciences
So the new list of today's Wonders of the World is about to come out. I found it bizarre that the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia wasn't one of the contenders. Machu Picchu, Petra, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall, all undoubtedly wonders of the world, but how about thinking a little outside of the box? Does a Wonder have to be ancient? This contest is an exciting project amongst the now enormous travelling community on the planet, but it does … [Read more...]
The Guns of Central America
My journey started in Havana - probably the safest capital in Latin America. The Castro regime has put so many cops on the streets that I was instantly told from the very beginning that any assault on a traveller is unthinkable. Scams, theft, yes. But in terms of violence, it is pretty obvious on the streets of Havana who is the boss. Then I flew in to Yucatan, Eastern Mexico. As I wait in the queue for passport control, a guy in front of me … [Read more...]
Greetings from Peru!!
Arrived in Lima and rested all day which was good. Saw the catacombs underground in the 16th century St Francis of Assisi Monastery. Many skulls staring upwards with individual bones all separated and arranged nicely in neat orderly piles. Took bus overnight to C. Huayash - the pass was about 14,000 feet which we hit at 1am. I was in bad shape by then - arrived at 6am into town and immediately found hostel and crashed. For 2 days was … [Read more...]
Learning Spanish in Xela, Guatemala
A large chunk of Guatemala's tourism revenue comes from teaching Spanish to travellers. It's not like it's the only Spanish-speaking country on the continent, but a number of factors make it a number one choice. To start with, the Gutemaltekas speak slowly and clearly. Anyone who has been to Cuba will appreciate the importance of this - you aren't going to learn Spanish if you don't understand a single word muttered through lazy lips at … [Read more...]
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