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Lesotho public transport

Monday, February 16th, 2009

More practice at entering writing competitions - and winning second place over at Businesstravellogue, no less - here’ s a short version of my wicked bus ride in Lesotho a few years ago.

8 places I’d rather be right now

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Inspired by a cold, dark wintry Oslo, here’s where I’d rather be right now:

  1.  Svalbard - even colder and darker, Spitsbergen is magical during the polar night.
  2. Oz – anywhere in Oz would be super, smack right in the middle of summer. Take me there! Tasmania! Never been to Tas. Would love to go to Tas.
  3. Devonport, New Zealand – right now, I’d love to walk along Narrow Neck beach gazing at the sail boats passing by Rangitoto and all the other islands in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. (Well, it’s midnight right now – but let’s say a lazy stroll along the beach tomorrow afternoon).
  4. Singapore – I wouldn’t mind having a coffee by the book store on the corner of Orchard and Scott – watching hectic Singapore hurry by, while I had all the time in the world.
  5. Buenos Aires – one of my favourite cities in the world. I’d land early, then head directly to the centre to watch the city wake up, either from a café serving medialunas - or stroll along the avenues. A nice 25 degrees C is forecasted for tomorrow morning.
  6. Paris – winter or not – Paris is always wonderful. Right now, Paris is slightly cloudy with a bit of wind and 9 degrees C, just warm enough for an ice cream from the Berthillon shop on Ile St Louis. Saturday will be quite a bit colder - I’d slouch about in the dusty, delightful Shakespeare & Co.
  7. I could be on top of Table Mountain as well right now – looking out on Cape Town, one of the most stunningly located cities in the world, or
  8. get sunburnt in Windhoek. Haven’t been to Namibia for 15 years – it’s bound to have changed heaps. But I’d probably still get a sun burn.

Where would you rather be?

Stories of flying

Friday, December 19th, 2008
Yesterday, a colleague related the story of her flight the day before. Her plane from Oslo had been hit by lightning. Seemed scary enough, but the pilot had quickly explained in a very calm voice that it was nothing ... [Continue reading this entry]

We found our way out of Egypt, … for now

Friday, April 4th, 2008
Thursday 10 January 2008 We see Death on the Nile in the bus from Luxor to Hurghada. Those who aren’t sleeping, that is. We've had yet another early morning; up at 0545. Of course! Haven't seen this film in years. It seems an ... [Continue reading this entry]

Luxor Temple and a fever

Monday, March 31st, 2008
 Wednesday 9 January 2008 at sunset At sunset, we stroll over to Luxor Temple, smack in the middle of town. Talk about living in history. Karnak and this temple are at opposite ends of Luxor’s gorgeous avenue ... [Continue reading this entry]

Memnon colossus and the fabulous Winter Palace hotel in Luxor

Friday, March 28th, 2008
Still Wednesday 9 January 2008 The Memnon Colossi are two, well, colossal statues, about 20 metres high, made from crystalline quartzite, that originally were part of a huge mortuary temple. They likely depict Amenothep III, who ... [Continue reading this entry]

Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple

Thursday, March 27th, 2008
Deir el-Bahri, Wednesday 9 January 2008 - still morning Hatshepsut’s death temple is magnificent. The architect Senmut had this temple built, perfectly harmonising with the nature surrounding it. The temple has three terraces carved out of the ... [Continue reading this entry]

Valley of the Kings

Monday, March 3rd, 2008
Wednesday 9 January 2008 - really early Another morning up bright and early at 0500. Totally worth it to see the Valley of the Kings before the hordes. Except for the guards at each grave, we ... [Continue reading this entry]

Smoking sheesha and waterborne shops at Esna

Thursday, February 28th, 2008
Still Tuesday 8 January 2008 New passengers boarded at Aswan. They are now visiting Edfu temple. Been there! We must wait for them anyway, so Caroline, Swedish expat and Egyptian history expert, invites us for tea and sheesha at a local café. ... [Continue reading this entry]

Boating up the Nile - in the 1800s and 2008

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008
Tuesday morning 8 January 2008   It’s 10 o’clock, the girls are sleeping still and I’m on deck. Beginning to see a pattern here? Going down river (north) is windier and colder. My note paper is blowing wildly and it’s freezing. ... [Continue reading this entry]