Category: Travel Article
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Italy: A walk around Florence
I have been to Florence many times. As have great artists, architects, writers, poets, pilgrims, those wealthy souls on their grand tours, historians, politicians, and royalty over the centuries. My sister lives in Florence. Lucky her. Lucky me. Today I plan to walk around some of the major sites, armed with my tourist map, hat and…
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Laos, Part 2: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane
Luang Prabang Arrive at nightfall in the town of Luang Prabang. Our hotel awaits us on a quiet side-street. Polished wooden floors and wooden stairs gleaming within and a pleasant little outdoor area in front with chairs and pinkish flowers on tables. Welcoming sort of place. A tidy walk from the centre though. Several of…
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Laos, Part 1: The Mekong River
Considering that I have been up for a substantial number of hours from the morning’s first blush, the mood is sparkling. First an early breakfast overlooking the Mekong from Nam Khong Riverside café on the Thai side of the border. So early that the sun still reflects orange in the river. Having spent much time…
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Thailand, Part 2: The Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
Valentine’s Day. Not exactly a romantic outing planned for today, more of a sad, sombre and thought-provoking one. I am embarking on a tour to Kanchanaburi where the Bridge over the River Kwai is located, along with the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the JEATH Museum. This will be followed by a journey along the infamous…
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Thailand, Part 1: Bangkok
I have often wondered what Thailand, called Siam until 1939, is like. I had heard tales of its splendid golden temples, white sand beaches and vibrant street markets. Some ex colleagues of mine have even bought apartments here. Once I went to a theatre production of the musical ‘The King and I’, set in Siam…
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The Azores: São Miguel and Faial
When I mentioned to a friend that I was planning on going to the Azores, I was asked ‘Where’s that?’ Well, the Azores Islands, or let us say the island of São Miguel, which is the biggest, are about 950 miles as the crow flies west from mainland Portugal. The Azores make up one of…
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Top Travel Spots and Experiences, 2024
Top Spots, 2024 Merzouga Berber Camp, Morocco One of the many highlights during a tour of Morocco: a sojourn at this glam camp. Black tents and carpets greet the weary travellers; a cheerful camel driver leads a gleeful group over the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. A splendid Berber buffet ensues. Drumming and dancing round…
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Singapore
Singapore had been on my wish list for some time. I applied for a job there once but didn’t get it. Some friends were working in the country once but I didn’t manage to visit. All in all, a regrettable omission, which required rectifying. I am met at Changi airport by a mighty waterfall. Known…
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Morocco, Part 4: Merzouga to Essaouira
Southern Morocco is where we are right now, south of the High Atlas, with the Sahara desert landscape unfolding before us. Rather looking forward to this part of the trip I have to say. I like deserts. Reach our destination late afternoonish and are greeted at the entrance to a Berber encampment: “Assalam Alaikum”. It…