Baghdad’s last supper We went traditional on our last night in Baghdad and went for river fish (mazgouf) at Abu Nawas. The fish is cut in half and then barbecued and served with bread and vegetables. One fish was enough for three – delicious. Then we wandered back the 3km through town. Evening is the […]
Iraq 2 – Holier than thou in Karbala and Najaf Read More »
Iraq is without question, one of the most fascinating lands in our crazy world – home to the mythical Tower of Babel, the Garden of Eden and the hanging gardens of Babylon. Also the birthplace of Arab nationalism, millions of Kurds, and Saddam Hussein. The recent war against Isis has largely been won, and after
Iraq part 1 – having a blast in Baghdad Read More »
The weather forecast was pretty ropey and the official site said most of the paths I wanted to do were closed. But nonetheless I headed to Gatwick for an early flight to Funchal. The plane’s second engine wouldn’t start so we returned to the stand from the runway. And then there was an altercation with
Mountains in Madeira Read More »
I missed a few sections of the GR221 last time I was in Mallorca, and there was a few ridgelines I wanted to try, so I am heading back for a quick weekend hiking break. My buddy Sam is coming along too. Day 1 – circular ridge route from Soller – 20km, 1200m of ascent
Return to Mallorca Read More »
Fuerteventura is the last of the Canary Islands on my list to do the cross island GR131 trail. I did my homework, and most hikers who blog about the route detested significant chunks of this walk – as it goes on tarmac through resorts. Doing a bit more homework yielded some excellent alternative routes around
Finishing the GR131 in Fuerteventura Read More »
El Hierro is hard to get to – its the last Canary Island before the Americas, Columbus stopped for 17 days on the way apparently (back when El Hierro was the outer reaches of the western world), and El Hierro is the second smallest of the 8 islands. El Hierro – like 6 of the
Escaping to El Hierro Read More »
Aaaaah Covid, you have taught me to be infinitely flexible, responsive and on my toes when it comes to holiday plans. A positive covid test for my husband scuppered our Jordan holiday plans, and it didn’t make sense to go to Jordan by myself (as I had been before). Instead, with 48 hours to go
Trails in Tenerife 2022 Read More »
I have completed the GR131 (cross island trails) on four of the Canary Islands – Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera, still three more to go ……, and this weekend my buddy Lucy and I are headed to Gran Canaria to knock off no. 5. Day 1 – Agaete to Tamadaba – 1200m up,
Gambolling around Gran Canaria Read More »
The GR221 Dry Stone route is an emerging trail on the island of Mallorca, which is c. 140km long but with some sections which are better marked than others. I only have a three day weekend, so am walking the section from Valledemosa to Pollenca – about 60 km. Day 1 Valledemossa to Soller; 18km,
Taking the high and dry route in Mallorca Read More »
The Peaks of the Balkans trail has been on my wish list for a while. It is a cross border trail which links Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania – all countries I have visited before and very much enjoyed. It’s been a busy year, so I haven’t had much time to plan, so I lazily outsourced
Border crossings of the Balkans Read More »