Train Journeys – St Petersburg to Moscow

Following on from finding my 1999 photos, even though I don’t specifically have any from this trip, I was reminded about it. In Russia, stations are often named after their destinations, a somewhat novel approach perhaps but it makes a bit of sense too I guess. So when you head to Moscow from St Petersburg, …

Continue reading Train Journeys – St Petersburg to Moscow

Gateway Countries – Vietnam

Yes, the Friday series is back with another ‘gateway country’. This week we head on down to South East Asia, and just to shock and awe and confound you, I’m not calling ‘Thailand’ on the region, rather I am going with Vietnam as the best gateway to the region. In a region which boasts Thailand, …

Continue reading Gateway Countries – Vietnam

Train Journeys – Kandy to Colombo

It’s Thursday and I’m taking to the tracks again. This time I’m headed to Sri Lanka, a place I visited in early 2013 with my wife and we stayed about 10 days there, mostly in Kandy. We took just the one train trip whilst there, although more were planned, but that day turned out to …

Continue reading Train Journeys – Kandy to Colombo

Sunday Spotlight – Ho Chi Minh City

The main city in southern Vietnam, and the former capital, Ho Chi Minh City is the most popular starting or ending point for backpackers and tourists heading into Vietnam. One thing’s for sure, the place has a lot going for it, I had a brilliant time a couple of years ago when I visited again. …

Continue reading Sunday Spotlight – Ho Chi Minh City

Japan Survival Guide Part 3: Getting around Japan by Rail!

Whether you’re here to live, or here backpacking you are going to have to get from point A to point B somehow. I was considering doing a post all about transport in Japan and including driving, because for many people coming here to live and teach driving is an essential part of the day and …

Continue reading Japan Survival Guide Part 3: Getting around Japan by Rail!

The Classic Overnight Bus Journey

I have been on many overnight bus journeys in my travels, and last night was another. I have crossed the Baluchistan Desert from Pakistan to Iran overnight, which is perhaps my most memorable for good and bad reasons. Bad - Hot beyond belief and very little sleep, the Good, nay AMAZING - waking up at …

Continue reading The Classic Overnight Bus Journey

Living in Japan Survival Guide Point One – Second Hand Stores

Hello! Today I am starting a series of points that will form a sort of informal 'Survival Guide' for those thinking of living in Japan. My time in Ichinoseki is almost up as I type - tomorrow I say goodbye to my apartment, Friday night I am off to Yokohama via night bus, so things …

Continue reading Living in Japan Survival Guide Point One – Second Hand Stores

Five awesome places I’ve seen

Every blog needs a hook right? Okay so I thought I would sit down and think of five awesome places I have been, chuck in some photos and blab on a little about them.   5. The Pyramids, Egypt.   When I first headed overseas to backpack about, I knew there were a couple of …

Continue reading Five awesome places I’ve seen

Anniversary Dinner, in the middle of nowhere, happy surprise!

So, for those who don't know me, on Friday my wife and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. We headed out in the car to a small restaurant run by a friend of my wife, not quite sure what to expect. But I have to say we were more than happily surprised by the quality …

Continue reading Anniversary Dinner, in the middle of nowhere, happy surprise!

Top Five Backpacker Sleeps – Europe

Today I start a series of tips on backpacking accommodation across the world. I will look at different regions of the world and talk a little about the best places I have stayed - mind you they will all be budget options! They certainly won't be four or five star hotels, but instead hostels and …

Continue reading Top Five Backpacker Sleeps – Europe