Harar is considered by Ethiopian Muslims to be the fourth holiest city in the world (after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem), and the old city has 88 mosques within its walls (a mere few square kilometres). Apparently, there are almost as many bars as mosques in the old city, and one of the busiest chat […]
Hanging with hyenas in Harar Read More »
The Tigray was one of my favourite regions in Ethiopia. Rock hewn monasteries perched on top of steep mountains, to be closer to god and protect from invaders. I was looking forward to revisiting the lovely monastery of Maryam Korkor and also managing to visit Abune Yemata – I didn’t make it last time,
Facing old demons in Tigray Read More »
So, I can’t quite believe I have finished, and have visited 197/197 countries (193 UN members, 2 UN observers, and two countries who I think should be UN members – Taiwan and Kosovo). Earlier this week, I had a fascinating 24 hours in Riyadh on a work trip visiting my colleagues in Saudi stores,
Hallas, Alhamdulillah, 197/197 Read More »
I am back in Ethiopia for the fourth time. I love it here! I am not sure why but (apart from when in Addis) I feel utterly chilled whenever I am here. Ethiopia has stunning landscapes, friendly people, pretty decent food, and some amazing heritage sites. I have company this time, hubby and Jess
Celebrating Palm Sunday in Lalibela Read More »
Planning a business trip Getting into Libya isn’t easy, the government stopped issuing tourist visas many years ago, so the only way in is on official business. If you know who to ask, you can sort yourselves out an official business invitation, and if you pay an extra fee or two (what might be referred
There were a mere 12 people on the Amazsonas flight from Santa Cruz to Asuncion (the capital of Paraguay if you haven’t heard of it). While Paraguay is technically a more touristed country than Bolivia, most of these ‘tourists’ are Brazilian day trippers visiting Iguazu Falls which is at the intersection of the borders of
We left San Pedro in Chile at 8.15 and made our way to what might be one of the highest border posts in the world. It was a 90 minute wait – so long in fact, several of the neighbouring vans got out tables and thermos and made breakfast. After finally leaving Chile we
Revisiting the Bolivian Altiplano Read More »
The atacama has changed in 20 years … San Pedro de atacama has changed a lot in the 20 years since I was last here. In essence it is still a tiny village of 2500 people, but it is also the most visited tourist town in chile. Every door front is a tourist agency, a
Acclimatising in the Atacama Read More »
The hubby part of the vacation has just started – cue nice hotels, more leisurely days and lots of photos. We started in Valparaiso – without question, my (now) favourite city in South America. Filled with colourful chaotic houses and the most prolific street art I have ever seen, the town won my heart. Points
Street art in Valparaiso Read More »
I arrived in Punta Arenas as tired as you would expect after 18.5 hours of flying and made my way to the lovely ilaia hotel. The next morning I started my journey to Torres del Paine. The road adjoins the Magellan straits at the beginning and the wind literally howls off the water. The landscape
Hiking the O circuit in Torres del Paine Read More »
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