The summit walk to the Pic Rouge de Bassies is one of my favourite Pyrenean walks in the Couserans area of the Ariege, France. It encapsulates all that is attractive about this mountain chain: the historic upland grazing lands, pretty lakes, stupendous views and the desolate yet starkly beautiful grey, rocky landscapes of the high peaks.
Continue readingCategory: Destinations
Spoilt for Choice – Exploring Vang Vieng, Laos (December 2016)
Vang Vieng is a great stop between Luang Prabang and Vientiene in northern Laos. Its wild days behind it, it now offers a wide choice of adventure activities and there is much to explore in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Continue readingBruges: a Taste of the Good Life in Belgium (April 2017)
Beer, chips and chocolate – and a beautiful UNESCO city with great architecture and pretty canals. Bruges in Belgium hits all the right spots.
Continue readingBrown Muddy River – Chilling out in Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi Neua, Laos (December 2016)
Sometimes when travelling, it is nice to take time out and relax in a beautiful spot. In northern Laos, Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua are just such places.
Continue readingWhen Bombs fell like Rain – The Secret War in Laos (December 2016)
Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars are well known tourist stops in Laos. However, the area was heavily bombed by the US in conjunction with Vietnam and still suffers heavily today as a result. While there, it is worth taking some time to explore the relics of war and discover the fine work done by the mine clearing charities.
Continue readingExploring Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars, Laos (December 2016)
Phonsavan is another side of Laos that is well worth exploring: a vibrant, gritty town, a great market, the enigmatic Plain of Jars and an unenviable role in America’s ‘Secret War’.
Continue reading10 Things to do in St Kitts & Nevis, Leeward Islands
St Kitts & Nevis, Leeward Islands. May 2017. The tourist office blurb for St Kitts and Nevis runs: Two islands. One paradise. While there may be a little poetic exaggeration, they are indeed a beautiful …
Continue readingANZAC Day and the Battlefields of the Ypres Salient, Belgium
IN FLANDERS FIELDS Battlefields and places of interest in the Ypres Salient, Belgium, the return of the Menin Gate lions and the ANZAC Day dawn service, April 2017. (Title from the poem In Flanders Field …
Continue readingMy Top 10 Places to Eat & Drink in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium, is one of my favourite cities. Here are 10 ideas for experiencing some of its gastronomic delights. Bruges – what springs to mind? Chocolate? Beer? Add a stunningly beautiful medieval city, old bridges …
Continue readingThe Best Walks in Sydney: Potts point to Circular Quay, NSW, Australia
A favourite Sydney walk combined with a visit to the Poolside Cafe at the Andrew (Boy) Charlton pool. It has all the iconic sights of Sydney – you really know you have arrived! When visiting …
Continue reading