Flying into Bhutan was a hell of an experience – better than a roller coaster….! There aren’t many places in central Bhutan where you can put an airport…Paro is an hour from the capital of Thimphu (where there isn’t space for a runway). They have fit a runway in the Paro valley, but the runway […]
Bhutan – Pampered in Paro Read More »
There have been multiple terror attacks in Lahore this year, and the week before I arrived there were clashes between anti government protestors and the police. My first day in town it was the prophet’s birthday – Eid Milad ul-Nabi – and there were 15,000 policemen on the streets of Lahore to prevent any violence…… so,
Lovin’ it in Lahore Read More »
I have felt for the Kurdish people for a long time – one of the largest groups of people in the world without their own homeland. The Kurds in Iraq have managed to carve out a relatively autonomous ‘country’ with clear borders with Iraq and Turkey. However, none of their neighbours want them to be
Independence in Iraqi Kurdistan Read More »
Baku – the best and worst of Dubai and Moscow….it made for fascinating weekend. I’d been to Azerbaijan before but hadn’t formally entered the country….hmmmmm, so I thought I better make a return visit. After a 4.5 hour Friday overnight flight on Azerbaijan Airlines with not much sleep, I arrived in Baku at 6am local
I love being on the subcontinent…. , everything smells pungently of incense, curry spices and sweat! Traffic lanes don’t exist in Bangladesh and every journey is a crazy game of chicken between gutsy rickshaw wallahs, dented buses, aggressive tuktuks and the pristine cars of the wealthy. It’s a constant cacophony of horns. Crossing the street on foot
Bangladesh – Gossiping in Dhaka Read More »
When I told people I was going to North Korea, everyone said I was nuts, but it is one of the safest places to visit in the world and profoundly fascinating to see an entirely different culture unblemished by western values. While it was tricky to keep a straight face when hearing about the evil
North Korea – respecting the Great Leader(s) in Pyongyang Read More »
One day I plan to come and do a long extended tour of the Mongolian steppes, but I would like to do it with the hubby, and he is wildly underwhelmed with the idea of gers, hiking, no showers, and long days in rickety vehicles. Until I persuade him, I am making do with a
Mongolia – 24 hours chilling in Ulaanbaatar Read More »
Convoluted layovers used to really annoy me….. I still don’t love them but I have learnt to better exploit the opportunity to spend some time somewhere interesting. As part of my 51 hour trip to Yap in Micronesia I spent a lovely 23 hours in Seoul. Blissful! Seoul is a fantastic town and you can
South Korea – 23 hours in Seoul Read More »
I had been trying to go for Iran for a while, but hubby was adamant it was not a great holiday destination. Eventually he relented when there was a change of government and things loosened up a bit with international relations. He even came with me! As it turns out, we think it was probably
Places to Return to – Iran Read More »
Another auspicious entry to a country! I was met at the border by my 20 year old guide and promptly asked him to get the driver to stop 200 metres down the road so I could pee behind a tree. He was a bit bewildered as to why I hadn’t even approached the public
Off the Beaten Track – Tajikistan Read More »
You must be logged in to post a comment.