A year ago I had just returned from my trip to Antarctica. When trying to get a feel for the region everyone of course recommends the famous books about the early explorers, such as: The Last Place on Earth, Roland Huntford. This dual biography re-examines every detail of the great race to the South Pole between Britain’s Robert Scott and Norway’s Roald Amundsen. Scott, who dies along with four of his men only eleven miles from his next cache of supplies, became Britain’s beloved failure, while … [Read more...]
The Joy of Travelling Business Class
12 September 2018 This trip (Journey to the Arctic) was to celebrate my mother Gill’s 80th birthday and she very generously shouted us both flying business class. This was my first experience travelling business class and it may have ruined travel as I know it for me. In business class they address you by name. They provide almost any drink you could wish and an amazing culinary service. You have space and privacy, comfortable headset, and large screen tv. But for me the single biggest … [Read more...]
LEGO: Wonders of the World
If you get a chance, it is definitely worth going to see the LEGO: Wonders of the World exhibition (on at the Auckland Museum until 13 May 2018) even if you don't have children to take along. Who knew you could make the Mona Lisa out of LEGO! Or such amazing replicas of the Taj Mahal and St Basil's Cathedral! Even a very passable version of Michelangelo's David! My brother and nephews were enthralled by the engineering and construction aspects - how long did it take to build? how many blocks … [Read more...]
Find out more about Russia
I recently explored Russia, Belarus and the Baltic States and here are some of the resources I used to find out more about Russia. Sir Winston Churchill once famously coined the description "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" in relation to Russia's behaviour in 1939. Others have said "Russia cannot be understood" and "Russia is impenetrable". This mystery has always been a fascination and the chance to explore modern day Russia and the now independent countries that were once … [Read more...]
Find Out More About China
How do you start to understand China? "The most populous country on earth with the second-largest economy, it claims the world's longest continuously recorded history: the precociously advanced civilisations of its distant past have given humanity some of its most significant scientific and technological inventions. After an extended period of decline and turmoil, China has risen to become an economic superpower at dizzying speed, hosting a successful Olympic Games and weathering a global … [Read more...]
12 Must-Have Travel Toiletry Items
You need to think more carefully about your travel toiletry items if you are travelling for a longer period of time and staying in 2-3 star hotels or other accommodation away from major cities than if you are staying in a big hotel or resort for a few days. This post describes some of the items that over the years I have found to be essential in my toiletry kit when I travel to some of the more remote and unusual destinations. First step is to get a good toilet bag - I travel with two … [Read more...]
Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
In an earlier post I wrote about the simple recipe I had found for a solid moisturiser stick that was perfect for travel. After the success of that, I had to try making solid shampoo and conditioner bars for travelling too. They will be great for cutting down volume and weight, and they're not liquids or gels so you can take them on the plane with you as well if you want. The recipes are from Go Native (I have their permission to reproduce them on my blog) and you can buy all the ingredients … [Read more...]
Solid Moisturiser Stick
A solid moisturiser stick is a great option for travelling (and many other activities) and this recipe is very easy to make yourself. I tend to have dry skin and use lots of moisturiser, but when I travel I always struggle to work out how much I need to take with me. Most moisturisers are considered gels or liquids so you are limited in how much you can take on the plane with you, and because they are gels or liquids you are also carrying around extra weight in the form of water. I usually … [Read more...]
Preserving Your Travel Memories
Travelling exposes you to so many new experiences, people, arts and crafts. Most people want to take some memento of these home with them to remind them of the remarkable new things they've seen and done. So what are some options for preserving these memories? Small cheap souvenirs Everywhere that is remotely touristy now seems to have its own selection of (usually cheap and nasty and often not even locally made) souvenirs for you to purchase. They can seem like a good idea at the time … [Read more...]
Save the Tigers
Tigers are magnificent animals - the largest of the big cats. The tiger is revered around the world and the national animal of Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Malaysia and South Korea. They feature in ancient mythology and folklore, and in modern films and literature. They appear on many flags, coats of arms, and as mascots for sporting teams. We have lost 97% of wild tigers in just over a century. Tigers may be one of the most revered animals, but they are also vulnerable to extinction. Tigers … [Read more...]
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