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Anticipating driving across the Nullarbor – the longest road trip ever
In a few days time I will start the longest drive of my life. I will leave Esperance, WA and drive more than 4,000km to Bundaberg, QLD. That’s the equivalent of driving from London to Mumbai (but crossing one country instead of 12). Australia doesn’t look that big, does it? It’s a bit of a sneaky secret, but I’m telling you, Australia is enormous. It is vast, and Australians, who are used to these distances and consider them normal, have a totally different perception of distance from visitors. Having lived remotely for the past few years, I have learned not to underestimate Australian distances and also grown cautious of the…
Things to do in Langkawi
Famed as the ‘Jewel of Keddah’, and Malaysia’s tropical island paradise, Langkawi is made up of 104 islands spectacularly spread across a patch of the Andaman Sea (seriously, get a window seat if you arrive by air). While a destination of choice for local shoppers, keen to make the most of the duty free, Langkawi is also popular among thrill seekers especially water sports enthusiasts. Here are my tips for the best things to do in Langkawi. Langkawi cable car It is definitely worth getting the cable car up to Langkawi’s highest peak, Gunung Mat Chinchang, to take in the views across the island (especially if you didn’t get that…
Exploring Penang, one work of street art at a time
I wasn’t really sure what to expect of Penang. I knew of Georgetown’s UNESCO heritage listing so expected the town to feature historic elements, low buildings, that sort of thing, and I had heard good things about the food, and that there was some street art. What I didn’t realise was that the walls of Georgetown are a canvas for street artists, and just about every street corner provides a fascinating insight into life in Penang. Penang’s street art story Artist Ernest Zacharevic was asked to paint some murals around Georgetown, and it is his paintings that are probably the most recognisable. The works often incorporate objects such as bicycles…
Australia, the next chapter – Farewell Esperance
The start of this new year has been especially exciting because 2015 will be a year of big change for me. Having been living in Western Australia for almost four years, this year (next month, no less!) I’m moving to Queensland. Firstly, apologies to friends in Europe. I am are aware this is not the return to Europe you have been asking about! Those without much experience of Australia may think ‘big deal, moving within Australia. How different can it be?’ and having previously lived in other countries, I can understand this. It wasn’t until I had lived in Australia for a few months that I truly understood distance, from an Australian…
Vietnam’s Tomb of Khai Dinh, a tomb with a view
Being the home of Vietnam’s imperial history, Hue boasts several impressive tombs. Sounds a bit morbid, but if you haven’t seen an Asian tomb, you should. They are very impressive places! Emperor Khai Dinh was the penultimate emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, reigning from 1916 – 1925, and he was the last emperor to be buried in a royal tomb. A tomb with a view His tomb is quite distinct from other royal tombs. Firstly, it is significantly smaller than others. Its construction, three levels built into a steep hillside, makes it feel more like a monument than a place of quite reflection. 127 steps make exploring it quite a…
West Australia’s Crazy, Colourful, Tin Horse Highway
“Is that a horse made from scrap metal?” It’s not something you see on every roadtrip, but a small farming community in Western Australia’s wheatbelt region has created an open-air art gallery along one of their highways. Moving to Australia gave me a fresh perspective on distance. Living in Esperance, WA, our nearest city is Perth and it is over 700 kilometres away. That’s about the same distance as driving from Paris to Barcelona, or New York to Detroit. Roaring along the highway, about five hours into the eight-hour journey, I spotted the first of more than 70 tin horses that line the main road leading into Kulin. Kulin is…
Things to see and do in Singapore
I’ve said it before, and probably will again, Singapore is so much more than a stopover! A true melting pot of cultures and people, it is a dynamic and truly multicultural city, full of fascinating sights and interesting neighborhoods. Myths and Merlions With the body of a fish but the head of a lion, the merlion has been a symbol of Singapore since 1972. The lion’s head comes from the Malay term for the city ‘Singapura’ meaning ‘lion city’, and the fish body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village. The statue faces east, which is believed to be the direction that brings prosperity. At regular intervals each day the…
Vietnam’s Thien Mu, a Temple with a Political History
On the north bank of the beautiful Perfume River in Hue, the Thien Mu Pagoda is a place of peace and reflection. Historically however, the temple was closely associated with politics, predominantly the opposition to Vietnam’s oppressive regime during the 1950s. This edgy and unique characteristic of Thien Mu makes it fascinating to visit. The temple is dedicated to Buddha and was originally constructed in the 1840s, but most recently restored in 1953. It is a working temple with meditation halls, drum towers and several shrines. It is also home to a sangha of Buddhist monks, whose presence was only indicated by several trays of chillies left to dry on…
Things to see in multicultural Chinatown, Singapore
Arriving in Singapore’s Chinatown was a stark contrast to the rest of the city. Emerging from the underground system onto Pagoda Street, ultra sleek and modern Singapore seemed miles away. Instead the narrow street was flanked on both sides by low buildings stuffed with shops and traders. Just as I spotted chop suey in one shop my attention was grabbed by souvenirs, massages, and jewellery offered in others. With decorative lanterns strung between the different coloured buildings, delicious food smells wafting and the constant chatter of busy trades people, Singapore’s Chinatown is an absolute feast for the senses. Here are my favourite things to see and do in Chinatown. Singapore’s…
How to Travel without Flying
The quote ‘Focus on the journey, rather than the destination’ represents a popular slower approach to travel. While anyone can jump on a plane these days, slow travel offers a more involved experience, where the traveller gets to interact more with locals, experience new traditions, and build a greater understanding of another culture. Whether you seek to travel without flying because of a phobia, environmental concern, or because you fancy a new challenge, here are my suggestions on how to travel without flying. Cruise ships Cruise ships offer an increasingly popular alternative way of travelling. Cruise vessels vary enormously in terms of itinerary, dining and entertainment, so it is essential…
