Category: Travel Article
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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…
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Morocco, Part 3: Fez to Erfoud
Fez “So now we are going to Fez! Inshallah!” announces our guide. “Inshallah” echo the occupants of the bus. It is a long drive southwards to Fez. Over four hours. But the minibus is comfortable and the regular cheery interjections about the landscape, history, and other things Moroccan hamper any lapses into torpor. I spot…
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Morocco, Part 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Casablanca On the first stage of my Moroccan tour and a three hour drive is planned for today. With seven other travellers ranging in age from forties to eighties, I am being driven in a smart mini bus by the driver, Mohammed, with the guide, who introduces himself as Jesus, though uses his Berber name.…
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Morocco, Part 1: Marrakech
The plane circles over Marrakech. The pilot informs us that Marrakech airport is not expecting us due to being closed for an air-show. He adds cheerfully, almost incidentally: “ We have about ten minutes of fuel left”. He will keep us informed. Nothing like inspiring the passengers to remain composed. Meanwhile lumpy sandy scenery pops…
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The Balkans, Part 6: North Macedonia
Leaving Tirana, we climb forested hills once more heading towards the North Macedonian border. Here we are one thousand metres above sea-level and the sunny North Macedonian flag is flying, its sun’s rays spreading on a red background. A happy flag. We descend to Lake Ohrid and our hotel on its shores for the night.…