because life's too short
because life's too short
Vientiene is the low key capital of Laos. Situated on the banks of the Mekong, with handy overland links to Thailand, it is a pleasant introduction to the country with some interesting sights.
Continue reading
The Ariege is a sleepy backwater in the heart of the French Pyrenees: its principal town is St. Girons, about 2 hours south of Toulouse. The Tour de France regularly visits the department and there are many great circuits to delight both the professional and the amateur rider.
Continue reading
Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Kham rivers, Luang Prabang in northern Laos has survived turbulent times to become Laos’ must-see destination, with its unique combination of vernacular buildings and colonial-era architecture.
Continue reading
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 reading
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 reading
Beer, chips and chocolate – and a beautiful UNESCO city with great architecture and pretty canals. Bruges in Belgium hits all the right spots.
Continue reading
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 reading
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 reading
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 reading
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 reading