Guernsey Day 4
Hauteville House
To finish the stay in Guernsey, I'd got a tour booked for Hauteville house - the former Guernsey home of Victor Hugo whilst he was in exile from Napoleon. With that done I'd then be flying home to Gatwick.
Guernsey Day 3
One More Lap
Not being content with going around the island once on foot, today I went around it by bike to see things I'd missed. It rained a few times during the day, but still got to see everything I wanted to.
Guernsey Day 2
Guernsey Ultra 36 #GU36
This was a race I'd been waiting a long time to do, and it was one of the highlights of a really nice weekend away seeing friends. Sure there was rain, but there was sun as well. There was just the 'small' matter of running 36 miles, 16 of which would be going up and down cliffs with lots of steps. Sounds like a challenge!
Guernsey
Trip Preparation
It’s been quite a journey getting to Guernsey. Usually I’ll know where I’m going overseas at least a year in advance. Unusually, for 2020 I had no idea where to go. I’d been wanting to visit Chile and Easter Island for a couple of years, but the friend I’d agreed to go there with was unable to. When it got to the point in 2019 when I’d seen people tweeting about how good an ultra marathon in Guern …
Cyprus
Epilogue
Half-way into my trip, the rules for foreign travel changed, and on that Sunday I found myself having to book a PCR test for Day 2 instead of the LFT I'd already received. It then took until Thursday, the day after returning home, for the company to post my PCR, and I received it the following afternoon by DHL. I took the test straightaway, and my parents took it to the priority postbox as require …
Cyprus Day 8
Home
My time in Cyprus, for now, had come to an end. It was strange to know I'd be back in a few months time. Pandemic permitting.
Cyprus Day 7
Larnaca
For my final full day in Cyprus I took the bus to Larnaca to see what I could find there.
Cyprus Day 6
Ancient Kourion and Kolossi
I covered over 18 miles on foot today, not having realised it'd be a long hike between two of the sights. Time tables for busses were against me as well, and it left me wondering whether I'd manage to see everything I wanted to.
Cyprus Day 5
Amathus and Akrotiri
I took the bus to Amathus, and then hired a bike to cycle around the far side of the salt lake to Akrotiri, and then back.
Cyprus Day 4
Lemesos
This was a slow day with the only goal to get from Paphos to Limassol using the Intercity bus. Anything else would be a bonus.
Cyprus Day 3
Exploring Paphos
Today I covered twenty miles on foot, seeing all of the sights in Paphos that I could find. It was a warm day too, but I managed to stay hydrated, took my time when I could, and tried to take it all in.
Cyprus Day 2
Into the Mountains
Today I took a tour bus that started in the flooded streets of Paphos, and finished up in the Troodos Mountains, visiting villages and waterfalls.
Cyprus Day 1
To Cyprus!
My adventure in Cyprus started off traveling from Luton to Paphos, and from there preparing for the next few days whilst also squeezing in a run to continue the 567 day runstreak.
Cyprus
Trip Planning
A month after getting back from a trip around Germany, I was now starting to think about my upcoming trip to Cyprus, and making sure I had everything I needed for this to go smoothly and be enjoyable.
Germany
Epilogue
I may not have needed a COVID-19 test to return to the UK, but the rules as they were at the time meant that I needed a PCR test 2 days after arriving back. It feels like I'm one of the few people that have never had any sort of COVID-19 test, as since March 2020 I've stayed mostly a home, and haven't had many opportunities to come across people. Of course, going to Germany changed that, and so tw …
Germany Day 11
Cologne
Today I'd get to explore Cologne, and Drachenfels. It was potentially a very busy day, which had to run to schedule due to a four hour train journey at the end.
Germany Day 10
Frankfurt and Trier
Sometimes things don't go to plan and you just have to deal with it, and have different adventures as a result.
Germany Day 9
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The time had come to leave Munich and too see more of the places Germany had to offer, starting with Rothenburg and then Frankfurt.
Germany Day 8
Into the Eagles Nest
Whilst places aren't evil, sometimes the evil actions of despicable people taint those places. Obersalzberg is one of those places that I felt needed to be seen whilst I was in the area.
Germany Day 7
Legacy of Ludwig II
Today was all about the building projects of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, starting off with Linderhof, and moving on to the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle.
Germany Day 6
Munich
Today I moved on from Leipzig, to Munich and visited the horrific site of the Dachau Concentration Camp. This was then followed by exploring Munich, and trying some more German food.
Germany Day 5
Colditz and Leipzig
Today I'd be visiting Colditz Castle, but it was a trek to get there. Could everything possibly fall into place and go according to plan? Only time would tell…
Germany Day 4
Dresden
Now the railway journey could begin, starting by travelling to Dresden, exploring there, and taking a train to Kurort-Rathen to hike up to Bastion Bridge. Just what you want the day after doing 40 miles on foot.
Germany Day 3
BMW Berlin Marathon 2021
At last the Berlin Marathon was about to start, a race that for months I wondered if it would actually happen. Question is, how would the heatwave we were forecast affect it?
Germany Day 2
Marathon Expo and the Wall
Today I needed to collect my race number, and the rest of the day would be for relaxing... or not.
Germany Day 1
The Beginning
My first trip since the pandemic started, today would mostly be about seeing how travel has changed, and getting to my destination: Berlin.
Amsterdam Day 6
Anne Frank
Before flying home, I was off to see what had been the house where holocaust victim Anne Frank had hidden before her and her family were murdered towards the end of the second world war.
Amsterdam Day 5
On Yer Bike
It was time to travel the way Amsterdam is famous for - by bike. I wasn't one to cycle around the city though - for me it was a chance to get out through the countryside to Muiden and Naarden.
Amsterdam Day 4
Exploring Amsterdam
My purpose for being in the country was over - now it was time to explore in earnest.
Amsterdam Day 3
TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2019
The race in which I hoped to redeem myself after having an awful spring marathon. With legs that could not climb stairs the day before, could it still work out after four months of hard training?
Amsterdam Day 2
Zaanse Schans
I'd hope to have an easy day on my feet, but they were already aching considerably. By the end of the day I'd be limping my way back to the hotel having overdone it. Not great marathon prep
Amsterdam Day 1
Leicester to Amsterdam
The start of another adventure and the last days before my final marathon of 2019. My main priority for the day, beyond checking in, was collecting my race number.
Amsterdam
Trip Preparation
My next adventure is about to begin - a few days of exploring on foot and bike around the city of Amsterdam, and doing the marathon whilst I'm there.
Malawi
Epilogue
Anyone visiting Malawi is supposed to have a test for Bilharzia on return to the UK. I had no idea how troublesome that would prove to be…
New Zealand Days 18-19
The Return Journey
It takes a long time to get from Auckland to Leicester. Shame it was without sleep.
New Zealand Day 16
Wai-o-tapu
Another thermal park in the Rotorua geothermal area, this time with lakes
New Zealand Day 14
Mount Doom
After visiting Hobbiton we'd moved on to the Tongariro crossing where we\'d be passing Mount Doom. Though it wouldn't go to plan
New Zealand Day 13
Hobbiton
They've take the Hobbits to Isengard! Actually, no - we were in Hobbiton and then visited Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon.
New Zealand Day 11
Coromandel Peninsula
Back on the north island we then started with the Coromandel Peninsula before heading inland.
New Zealand Day 10
Alpine Exploration
A helicopter ride, landing on a glacier, a boat ride to icebergs, and then a long drive north to Christchurch to stay in a jailhouse.
New Zealand Day 9
The Pelennor Fields
Arriving back on dry land we hired a car and drove north to Twizel.
New Zealand Day 8
Doubtful Sound
Back in the Fiordland National Park to see Doubtful Sound - not as good as Milford.
New Zealand Day 7
Te Anau
After arriving back in Te Anau from Milford Sound we\'d got an afternoon visiting the glow worm caves.
New Zealand Day 6
Milford Sound
Last time we were here our tour was turned around by a tree blocking the Milford Road - would we get there this time?
New Zealand Day 5
Queenstown
Not lingering in Auckland long, we headed to Queenstown on the south island for the start of some tours
New Zealand Day 4
Exploring Auckland
Starting the trip off with a 16 mile run, and 15 miles of walking to explore downtown Auckland.
New Zealand Days 2-3
London to Singapore to Auckland
Twenty four hours of flying, three hours layover, and getting to and from airports. It was a long weekend continuing the journey to Auckland.
New Zealand Day 1
Leicester to London
Who'd have thought a journey to a hotel near London Heathrow could be eventful?
New Zealand
Trip Preparation
Preparing for a return to New Zealand - nine years after the original trip. This time there'd be more opportunities to explore
Switzerland Day 6
Homeward Bound
A flight delayed by snow, an emergency ascent during landing, baggage collection issues, and then a broken down train - was I ever going to make it into central London and eventually home?
Switzerland Day 5
Exploring Zurich
A day seeing Lake Zurich, a couple of churches (one with a view), and a museum.
Switzerland Day 4
Cross Country
Finishing off exploration of Geneva, and then taking the train to Zurich
Switzerland Day 2
New Year, New Adventure
I arrived in Geneva, explored a little, and soon found out just how expensive Switzerland is
Switzerland Day 1
New Year's Eve
As 2018 drew to a close I headed down to London to start a new adventure
Switzerland
Trip Planning
My friend, James, was back in the UK for Christmas, and the new year. His easiest route back to Canada was going to be via Zürich in Switzerland. As it was a place neither of us had visited, he invited me to join him for a short stay starting in Geneva - and taking a train from there. Whilst I was in Canada after the Chicago Marathon, we booked the hotels; having booked the flights during the summ …
Chicago Days 10-12
Working Remotely, and Going Home
There comes a time in every trip when you’re ready to go home - under normal circumstances this would have been on the day of or the day after the last day of sightseeing. Not this time though - to avoid wasting annual leave I’d decided I’d work remotely for one day so I could then fly home over the weekend. One advantage of having awoken early each day of this trip, is that when it came to workin …
Chicago Day 9
Ottawa to Toronto
On the way back from Ottawa we stopped by the aviation museum, and Diefenbunker - both gave very different views of Canada's history.
Chicago Day 8
Exploring Ottawa
We had one full day in Ottawa to see as much as we could. We started with a free tour of Parliament Hill, and moved on to Rideau Hall and a museum in Quebec.
Chicago Day 7
Toronto to Ottawa
We travelled from Toronto to Ottawa, and used what little remained of the day to see some of the sights on foot whilst the sun was shining.
Chicago Day 6
Chicago to Toronto
I didn’t need to worry about breakfast - I’d bought it on my way back to the hotel the night before. This meant I could get up a little later, have breakfast, and then finish packing before heading to the train station to get to the airport. At least in theory, but I found myself awake before 06:00 once again. Rather than flying straight home as I often would, I was on my way to Canada to rejoin J …
Chicago Day 5
Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2018
The wettest marathon I've ever done, but also my fastest WMM to date even if not my fastest overall. It'd been quite the experience, and one I wouldn't be forgetting quickly
Chicago Day 3
Chicago Marathon Expo
The focus for the day was collecting my race number, but it still left time to visit the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the aquarium
Chicago Day 2
Such Great Heights
The first full day in Chicago was spent walking to the Science museum, boarding a German U-boat, and waiting in a queue for over an hour at the top of the Willis Tower.
Chicago
Trip Preparation
Once upon a time I was given the chance to live and work in the city of Chicago. I tried to figure things out quickly, hoping to make it a smooth as possible - I looked at bank accounts that would allow easy access to money from overseas, and I even bought a new coat that would keep out the windchill of the city supposedly famous for its winds (although this is not actually what the moniker means) …
Dalmatian Coast Day 16
Ljubljana, and Home
The end of our adventure had arrived. However, we still had enough time to look around Ljubljana castle first…
Dalmatian Coast Day 15
Bled
No plans for the day, lots of heavy rain, and encountering the Bled Triathlon before taking a taxi to Ljubljana
Dalmatian Coast Day 14
Vintgar Gorge
For our first full day in Slovenia we decided to take the bus to Vintgar Gorge - a place our parents had recommended to us from their visit 36 years before
Dalmatian Coast Day 13
Crossing the Border
We left from Pula, and stopped by Rovinj on our way out of Croatia. By the time we\'d crossed the border into Slovenia it was cloudy and wet; but we'd soon be in Bled
Dalmatian Coast Day 12
Pula
Leaving the lakes of Plitvice behind us, we arrived in the Italian influenced city of Pula for our last day in Croatia.
Dalmatian Coast Day 11
Plitvice National Park
Another day, another place to see - we travelled from Zadar to Grabovac and spent the afternoon hiking around the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice National Park.
Dalmatian Coast Day 10
Pag Island
After a wet day in Zadar, we had a warm but extremely windy day on Pag Island to visit one of their cheese manufacturing places.
Dalmatian Coast Day 9
Zadar
We left Split behind us and took a coach to Zadar - one of the oldest populated cities in Croatia, but one which had been bombed to the ground by the Allies in WW2. With the change in group, came a change in the weather.
Dalmatian Coast Day 8
In the Centre of Dalmatia
With our group now in pieces, a few of us continued the tour with a private bus to Klis, Salona, and Trogir. It was also time to be introduced to the new group…
Dalmatian Coast Day 7
Time to Split
Arriving in Split was the beginning of the end for our group. We'd each be going our separate ways. First we'd got time to explore, and have one last group meal.
Dalmatian Coast Day 6
Vis Island
We hired a speed boat for the day so we could see Vis, and the blue caves on Biševo.
Dalmatian Coast Day 5
Hvar Island
Leaving Korčula Island behind us, we arrived on Hvar ready to continue exploring. Just there wasn't that much to see…
Dalmatian Coast Day 4
Korčula Island
There was nothing else to see, so we took a public bus across the island to see Vela Spilja - just above the town of Vela Luka.
Dalmatian Coast Day 3
Dubrovnik to Korčula
After seeing everything Dubrovnik had to offer we moved on to Korčula's old town, visiting Ston and the Matusko Winery along the way.
Dalmatian Coast Day 2
Exploring Dubrovnik
On our first full day in the country, we filled the day with sightseeing in the old town to make sure we'd seen as much as possible. Everywhere we went there were ghosts of Game of Thrones…
Dalmatian Coast Day 1
Arriving in Dubrovnik
An early start turned into a long day, but with fun sightseeing around the old town in Dubrovnik.
Dalmatian Coast
Trip Preparation
Preparing for a trip across two European countries with my sister, with the travel between places to be organised by a third-party. All we needed to do ourselves was to decide what we'd see, and how to get from Bled to Ljubljana at the end of the trip. This time we'd both be travelling light.
Malawi Days 8-9
Going Home
Another adventure over, all that remained was to go home - a journey lasting over thirty hours.
Malawi Day 7
The Inaugural Malawi International Marathon
An incredible day of running around the warm heart of Africa. It was an experience like no other and race that was constantly changing as the day and terrain continued.
Malawi Day 6
Rest Day
After a busy week of volunteering in Nkope we had a day off to relax and prepare for the marathon that was still ahead of us.
Malawi Day 5
Sports Day
This was the day I thought may prove to be the most challenging - putting on a sports day for hundreds of Malawian children. As it turned out, the day went well and I think a lot of fun was had by all.
Malawi Day 4
Food and Fuel
Our second day of work had us planting trees, clearing fields, and building fuel efficient stoves.
Malawi Day 3
Building a School
Our first day of volunteering involved building a school, and fitting bins.
Malawi Days 1-2
London to Nkope
The journey from Leicester to London, to Johannesburg and then finally to Lilongwe and Nkope.
Malawi
Trip Preparation
Notes about my preparation for a week of volunteering and a marathon in Africa's warm heart - Malawi.
How I Plan My Trips
Planning trips can take a lot of work, and sometimes it may feel like you\'re forgetting things. I find that by using a spreadsheet I can be prepared enough without losing the spontaneity of finding new things whilst you're there. In this post I go into detail about how I plan my trips.
What does travel cost?
Travel overseas can be expensive, but is it always? What does a typical trip cost compared to a more economical one such as in Europe?
Morocco Day 10
Rabat and Marrakesh
Today would be split between having one last look around Rabat, and getting back to Marrakesh for my eventual flight home.
Morocco Day 8
Exploring Marrakesh
My time in the mountains was over, and now was the time for exploring the history of Marrakesh.
Morocco Day 7
A Day at the Kasbah du Toubkal
The entire day was spent in the Kasbah, I felt I could have used the day better elsewhere - but it was nice to relax a little too.
Morocco Day 6
Imska to the Kasbah du Toubkal
Today was the last day of hiking, to get from Imska to the Kasbah du Toubkal where we'd rest for a day.
Morocco Day 5
Hiking from Tiziane to Imska
I was burning in the sun now, but had miles to hike before there'd be any break from the sun.
Morocco Day 4
Hiking from Tizgui to Tiziane
The hike from Tizgui to Tiziane was one of the warmest yet, and this combined with the shifting ground underneath, green even though it wasn't grass, made it hard.
Morocco Day 3
Hiking from Tizi Oussem to Tizgui
Strong winds meant Mount Toubkal would not be safe to climb, but today we'd be hiking from Tizi Oussem to Tizgui.
Morocco Day 2
Hiking from Imlil to Tizi Oussem
Our journey across the Atlas Mountains had begun at last, starting in Imlil we'd be spending the night in Tizi Oussem.
Morocco Day 1
Leicester to Marrakesh
A comfortable journey to Morocco, before a week of being on my feet.
Morocco
Trip Preparation
Ten years since my trip to Egypt, I'd be returning to the northern part of Africa to visit Maroc.
Utah Day 14 & 15
Going Home
Despite our efforts for a smooth journey home, mine would not quite go to plan.
Utah Day 12
Kolob Canyon and Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Having run out of sights in Zion early, we went off looking for more places to see
Utah Day 11
Hiking Zion Day 2
We'd pretty much exhausted all there was to see in Zion, but spent the day making sure we'd not missed anything.
Utah Day 7
Arches National Park
For our first full day in Utah it was time to leave the snow of Salt Lake City behind us, and head into the sands of Arches National Park
Utah Day 6
The Golden Gate and the Submarine
After the events of the previous night, it was a sombre feeling to the start of the day, but we tried to continue on with the plans for the day before moving on to Utah.
Utah Day 5
From the City to the Rock
This was our day for exploring San Francisco, but it would be a day that neither of us would forget on our return from Alcatraz.
Utah Day 4
Yosemite to San Francisco
After a few last sights in Yosemite, it was time for a long drive to San Francisco during a heavy thunderstorm.
Utah Day 2
Hiking the Yosemite Valley
The first day in California was in Yosemite National Park, one of the most picturesque parts of the USA I've visited
Utah Day 1
Birmingham to San Francisco
A very long day of travelling, and eventually arriving at a hotel in California
Utah
Trip Preparation
When planning for Arizona I’d come up with the idea of a road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, and then down into Nevada. The first two places were about the only parts of California I’d not visited after having been to the state first for Comic Con, and then later for a Big Sur road trip. There were a few National Parks in Utah that one of my friends wanted to visit as well so c …
Nepal Day 13
The Long Drive to Kathmandu
It was going to be a long drive all the way back to Kathmandu...
Nepal Day 11
Chitwan Day 1
Today we'd be heading closer to the Indian border than we'd been so far, and was hoping to start seeing more wildlife.
Nepal Day 10
Paragliding Over Pokhara
Today we hiked to the Australian basecamp for Anapurna before breakfast, and then headed to Pokhara for some paragliding.
Nepal Day 9
Trisuli River Rafting
A delay in waiting for a group from another company would cause other delays, and problems for the rest of the day. It was however all part of the adventure.
Nepal Day 8
Swayambhunath – The Monkey Temple
We all now had to part ways, and head to wherever we would be going next. For me it was back to Kathmandu before a week of adventure.
Nepal Day 7
Nepal International Marathon
The time had come. Today was the Nepal International Marathon - likely to be the hardest race I'd do.
Nepal Day 6
Exploring Kakani
Today was a free day to spend however we wanted, so my plan was to go find things to photograph.
Nepal Day 5
Project Kakani Day 2
The end of our volunteer work, could we finish the pipeline in time?
Nepal Day 4
Project Kakani Day 1
Today was our first day of digging a water pipeline for the village we were staying outside of.
Nepal Day 3
Project: Clean Up Nepal
Today we all went off to work on projects, and then met up afterwards headed up into the mountains, to the athlete's village at the scout hut in Kakani.
Nepal Days 1-2
London to Kathmandu
As soon as I arrived in Kathmandu I headed out by myself to explore what I could before the busy week ahead.
Nepal
Trip Preparation
At the end of 2015 an opportunity arose for 2016 as I heard about a new marathon by Impact Marathon Series which aimed to bring aid to Nepal following their recent earthquake. When abroad I usually do some training runs, but so far I hadn’t had the opportunity to race. As this was a country I’d not yet visited, after asking a few questions I decided to go ahead and enter. This started off as being …
Arizona Days 8 & 9
Going Home
We were back in Phoenix, and would soon be on our way home from this grand adventure.
Arizona Day 7
Grand Canyon
One of the most memorable things my Grandma had done before she died was to fly over the Grand Canyon. Now me and my sister were about to do the same.
Arizona Day 6
Monument Valley
I had hoped to go for a morning run whilst in Kayenta, but at the time I’d need to go out, even for a short 5K run, it would have been in complete darkness. As I didn’t have my head-torch on me I had no choice but to miss another run. We went for breakfast at 06:30 so that we could get to the Monument Valley visitor centre around the opening time. The problem though is that the restaurant didn’t o …
Arizona Day 5
Mesa Verde
We'd got most of the day to see one sight in Colorado, and then get back into Arizona for an overnight stay near Utah.
Arizona Day 4
Meteor Crater and the Petrified Forest
We'd got the meteor crater, petrified forest, and painted desert to see before a long drive into Colorado.
Arizona Day 3
On The Road To Route 66
Today was a journey north to see a mission, a missile, and to cover some of Route 66.
Arizona Day 2
The OK Corral
Our first proper day of sightseeing was south to Tombstone and the OK Corral
Arizona Day 1
London to Phoenix
It was a long flight to Phoenix, AZ, but there my sister and I would be meeting up with one of my friends for a roadtrip.
Arizona
Trip Preparation
After going with my sister to New York City in 2014 we agreed that we’d have another trip to the states the following year. To start with this plan was for a short trip to Florida so we could go to Disney World, and the John F. Kennedy Space Center. With news that Disney had bought Lucasfilm and would be creating a new “Star Wars Land” there we decide we’d delay the trip and instead go to Arizona. …
Russia Day 16
Moscow to Birmingham
It was an early start – the earliest one of the trip. As our flight was at 06:05 we needed to be on the road by 03:00. The hotel did however provide a packed lunch for us to take with us for breakfast, though it was still quite an early one. As is usual for Russian airports we had to have our bags x-rayed on entering the airport, and then after clearing passport control having hand luggage scanned …
Russia Day 15
Novodevichy Convent
The final full day in Russia - we'd be seeing the waxy-like body of Lenin, and other sights surrounding death.
Russia Day 14
Back in Moscow
Back in Moscow, was an accident about to ruin the remainder of the trip?
Russia Day 13
Back in Irkutsk
Arriving back in Irkutsk, we now had the rest of the day to explore - with nothing much really to see.
Russia Day 12
Trans-Siberian Express II – The Return
An entire day spent on the Trans-Siberian Express
Russia Day 11
Gandan Monastery
Today we got to explore Ulaanbaatar, and saw the tallest indoor statue in the world.
Russia Day 10
The Winter Palace of Bogd Khan
The main sight today, was getting to see the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, and a cultural performance in the evening.
Russia Day 9
Khustain Nuruu National Park
Today we'd have a different experience, instead of sleeping on a train, we'd be sleeping in a ger in the Mongolian steppe.
Russia Day 8
Trans-Siberian Express
Boarding the Trans-Siberian Express, we began our overnight journey to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
Russia Day 7
Listvyanka
Today we saw the wooden buildings of the 'Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture and Ethnography' in the pouring rain, and visited Listvyanka and Lake Bailkal.
Russia Day 6
Into Siberia
It was colder in Siberia, but this was our boarding point for the Trans-Siberian Railway - of course we'd need to explore here a bit first.
Russia Day 5
The Kremlin
Awaking as we arrived in Moscow, it was then a day of sightseeing before needing to fly to Siberia.
Russia Day 4
The Summer Palace of Peterhof
Today we visited Peterhof, a palace nicknamed as the Russian Versailles. The day then ended with taking the train to Moscow.
Russia Day 3
Puskin, The Tsar’s Village
Yesterday we'd seen the Winter Palace, and today we were going out into the countryside to see the Summer Palace, one which looked to be inspired by French architecture.
Russia Day 2
Exploring Saint Petersburg
Today the organised part of our tour began with the Winter Palace. The afternoon would then be self-guided, seeing the other sights in St. Petersburg such as the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Russia Day 1
To Saint Petersburg!
We started off this trip as we meant to go on - cramming it with sightseeing as we saw some of the sights of Saint Petersburg whilst going out looking for somewhere to eat.
California Day 8/9
San Jose to Leicester
It was a restless night – with so much noise around the hotel it meant it was difficult to sleep. At around 04:30 there were loud banging noises that sounded like large metal containers being moved. Eventually though it was time to get up and head to the airport, having had only 3 to 4 hours of sleep at best. Due to how early we were leaving it meant having breakfast at the airport – fortunately u …
California Day 7
Palm Springs to San Jose
We were at our southernmost point of the trip and now had to drive all the way back to San Jose for the end of the trip.
California Day 6
Endeavour
Today I'd be getting to see a space shuttle, and also travelling out to Joshua Tree
California Day 5
Lights, Camera, Action!
The focus of today was a tour of the Warner Brothers film studios
California Day 4
Surfing and Santa Monica
We needed to be out early as today we'd be having a surfing lesson in Santa Monica
California Day 3
Big Sur
A second day on Big Sur, we explored some more of the state parks along the route.
California Roadtrip Day 1
Leicester to San Jose
It was an early start to the day, so early in fact that not only could I not get a lift to the airport, but there wasn’t a train running either. My only choice was to take a 05:30 taxi to the airport, and that was probably slightly later than I should have really. The taxi turned up late, but I was still at the airport in plenty of time to drop off my bags. Even though I’d checked in online and ha …
California Roadtrip
Trip Preparaton
It was time to plan a new adventure, one which this time would involve driving around the USA
USA 2015 Day 8/9
Nebraska to Birmingham
It was time for me to go home, even if that meant a six hour wait in Ireland without being able to leave the airport.
USA 2015 Day 7
Nebraska
Today was my last day of business, and would end with me heading to Nebraska for my eventual flight home.
USA 2015 Day 6
Kansas to Nebraska
Today was a long drive to see another customer, this time in Wayne, Nebraska
USA 2015 Day 5
Kansas
Today I was back working, and would be staying in Kansas, but also crossing over the state line into Missouri
USA 2015 Day 4
The Alamo
After a terrible night of sleep, I travelled back into town to see The Alamo, and the river walk.
USA 2015 Day 3
Johnson Space Center
The majority of the day was spent at the space centre, and ended with my journey to San Antonio to discover a hotel disaster.
USA 2015 Day 2
Tyler to Houston
Today was the first of the days I was working for, but as soon as I was done I was then on my way to Houston for the start of the weekend.
USA 2015 Day 1
Birmingham to Tyler
For the first time since 2009 it was a business trip that would be taking me abroad. Whereas previously I had gone with a couple of other colleagues, this time I was flying to the US alone. Due to the number of weekends I had busy over the course of the year it meant the only way I could fit in this trip was to fly out mid-week, but this did also mean I’d have some downtime at the weekend to use f …
New York 2014 Day 3
Rock of Ages
We did some more exploring of the city, with the aim to be done in time to watch the Rock of Ages performance on Broadway.
New York 2014 Day 2
Liberty
For our first full day in the city, we started off with visiting the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island before working our way up from there. To start with though, I'd got around twenty miles to run for marathon training...
New York 2014 Day 1
Leicester to New York
A new adventure had begun, with my sister in tow, to the Big Apple. We'd planned on seeing so many sights and would need to figure out the best way to see them all whilst exploring.
New York
Trip Preparation
After visiting North America for the first time to attend San Diego Comic Con International in 2013, one of the biggest conventions of it’s type in the world, I was left wanting to visit America again. The previous visit was a great experience and I was keen to visit San Diego Comic Con again. Unfortunately the friends I went with didn’t want to go a second year running so I decided it would be a …
Weymouth Day 7
Around Weymouth
I got up at 06:30 to go for one last run along the coast. This one was once again a 20 minute easy paced run which ended up becoming a 25 minute run — just enough to make it a 5K at a slowish pace (probably fairer to say it was half way between easy and race paces). This morning though it was cloudy and damp following the previous night’s thunderstorms so there wasn’t as good a view. Today we didn …
Weymouth Day 6
Guernsey. Or not.
Today I got up at 06:30 expecting to get ready for a day trip over to Guernsey. To make sure we’d get there my Mum who has on occasion had travel difficulties saw the Doctor to help with her nerves, and also brought a hip flask of brandy with her. However, she hadn’t used the medication she’d been given or the drank the brandy; she instead felt that she couldn’t go on the trip. I did wonder how mu …
Weymouth Day 5
Lulworth
Up to this point I’d not slept that well, yet hadn’t been overly tired. So once again I was already awake when I got up at 06:30 to go for a run. This was supposed to be a 20 minute easy run, but instead turned into a 5K easy run (so about 27 mins, a 5K in 20 minutes would be my race pace and setting a new PB). Instead of running purely along the coastline this time I ran through some of the city …
Weymouth Day 4
Portland
Today was the first run of the second week of marathon training so I got up at 06:30, before the others had gotten up and went out without making any noise. This time it was a very slow recovery run for what was supposed to be 25 minutes. Instead of heading across the promenade and into the city I instead went east towards where the market was the day before. Sadly this route included a particular …
Weymouth Day 3
Athelhampton
We got up at 07:00 and by 08:30 we were out on the road headed in the direction of Dorchester and went straight through to Cerne Abbas. In this village there is a giant carved into the limestone rock though it’s origin is not entirely known. There is speculation that it may be an ancient carving of Hercules, or a Saxon (or other) deity. What sheds some doubt on it’s age though is that it is not me …
Weymouth Day 2
West Dorset
I got up at 06:30, particularly early for a Sunday, so I could go for a “long” run before breakfast. I decided to take it at a very slow pace along the seafront. This route took me over the bridge to where we’d walked the day before. The run felt easy and I didn’t have any knee issues during the actual run. Later in the day though I did feel the odd twinge in my knee when going down hill. When I’d …
Weymouth Day 1
Leicester To Weymouth
We got up at 06:30ish and straight after breakfast started loading the car up ready for our holiday down in Weymouth. By 07:30 we were on the road heading south. One of our stops was at Uffington to see the Bronze-age white horse carved in chalk on the side of the hill there, and to have a cup of tea. It’s not that easy to see properly though as it’s at an angle where seeing it from the air would …
Antarctica Day 23
Buenos Aires to Madrid
Our final day of the trip would end with a flight to Madrid, but first we wanted to see the theatre.
Antarctica Day 22
Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Today we visited Ushuaia Prison, and flew back to Buenos Aires.
Antarctica Day 21
Approaching the Beagle Channel
The voyage was almost over, we would soon be approaching Ushuaia once more.
Antarctica Day 20
Drakes Passage
The expedition was almost at an end, and we were heading for Drake's Passage
Antarctica Day 19
Antarctic Peninsula Day 3: Wilhelmina Bay
Our third day at the peninsula involved Wilhelmina Bay
Antarctica Day 18
Antarctic Peninsula Day 2: Half Moon Island and Deception Island
Our second day around the peninsula included a visit to Half Moon Island, and taking a plunge in Antarctica waters. Brrrrr
Antarctica Day 17
Antarctic Peninsula Day 1: Antarctic Sound
This was the day. Today we would be stepping foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. The final continent for so many of us.
Antarctica Day 16
South Shetland Islands
We'd arrived at the South Shetland Islands, but the conditions were bad enough to stay onboard. We'd soon be against the clock.
Antarctica Day 14
At Sea (Again)
For the first time in a while, it was another day spent entirely at sea
Antarctica Day 13
South Georgia Day 4: Gold Harbour and Cooper Bay
Today we visited what is sometimes referred to as 'Penguin City'
Antarctica Day 12
South Georgia Day 3: In Search of Kings
Today we went ashore at Fortuna Bay and saw plenty of penguins.
Antarctica Day 11
South Georgia Day 2: Following Shackleton
We started the day hiking some of the route that Ernest Shackleton once did, and then learnt about the whaling history of Grytviken.
Antarctica Day 10
South Georgia Day 1: Cruising
Today we arrived at South Georgia and made our first landfall.
Antarctica Day 9
Into Antarctic Waters
Over night we had crossed the Antarctic convergence and into the Antarctic circumpolar current. Another day at sea, but it would not be long before we'd arrive at South Georgia.
Antarctica Day 8
On The Open Sea
Today we had to find things to fill our day with - it was spent entirely at sea
Antarctica Day 7
Port Stanley
We went ashore again at Port Stanley and saw coastal defences, and penguins.
Antarctica Day 5
Happy New Year (At Sea)!
At last we were onboard the Plancius, and the journey had begun in earnest. From now until the day we made our final landfall we would be spending a lot of time at sea.
Antarctica Day 3
Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Today we took another leap closer to Antarctica - we travelled from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego.
Antarctica Day 2
Madrid to Buenos Aires
The first step in our journey to Antarctica was getting to Buenos Aires in Argentina, and seeing some of the sights there.
Antarctica Day 1
London to Madrid
With Christmas now behind us, the time had come to start this adventure to Antarctica.
Antarctica
Trip Preparation
It was time to prepare at last for the biggest adventure of my life so far, to the final continent. To Antarctica.
SDCC 2013 Day 5
San Diego to Leicester
Although I didn’t need to check out until 10:00 or be at the airport until 13:00 I decided to get up relatively early to allow time to get the last few items packed ready for flying. I couldn’t pack entirely as I was still waiting for that friend’s drink he wanted me to take back to England with me and he’d got in late and wasn’t awake at the time. Can’t blame him though, he’d been up late watchi …
SDCC 2013 Day 3
San Diego Comic-Con Part 1
A day starting off with collecting the convention badges, and then spent mostly on the show floor until seeing Metallica at the end of the day.
SDCC 2013 Day 2
San Diego
Today was all about seeing the off-site parts of San Diego Comic Con - of which there is a lot. This event practically takes over this entire part of the city.
SDCC 2013 Day 1
Leicester to San Diego
The journey from Leicester to San Diego was long, going via both Frankfurt and LAX. When I got there, I had no chance to rest, ideally I needed to adjust to this timezone fast.
London Day 1
We Will Rock You
For the first day of my 30th birthday celebrations I went from Winchester, the ancient capital, to the modern day capital of London for a tour of the Cutty Sark, and to watch the musical "We will rock you"
East Africa Day 14
Serengeti to Ngorongoro
On our way out of the Serengeti we finally saw a cheetah, and then made our way to the Ngorongoro crater
East Africa Day 13
Serengeti
A long day, starting with a hot air balloon over the Serengeti, and ending with torrential rain and potentially tsetse flies.
East Africa Day 12
Lake Manyara to Serengeti
A bush breakfast, a Masai tribe, the Olduvai Gorge, and arriving in the Serengeti. A very eventful day.
East Africa Day 10
Masai Mara to Kilimanjaro
Travelling through the Great Rift Valley, we made our way back to Kilimanjaro airport, and moved on to Tanzania for the second week.
East Africa Day 9
Masai Mara
Our time in the Masai Mara was about to come to a shocking conclusion, witnessing something completely unexpected. CW: contains scenes of animal death
East Africa Day 8
Naivasha to Masai Mara
After Lake Naivasha we headed to the Masai Mara and very quickly saw more big mammals, the result of lion kills, and got stuck during a river crossing. CW: contains scenes of animal death
East Africa Day 7
Aberdares to Lake Naivasha
From the Ark we went to lake Naivasha and got to see our first hippo.
East Africa Day 6
The Ark
Crossing the equator once again, we moved on from Samburu, to visit The Ark
East Africa Day 5
Samburu
In Samburu we got to see what life was like for a local tribe, and saw more wildlife during the game drives.
East Africa Day 4
Aberdares to Samburu
From Aberdares, we headed to the Ashnil Samburu tented camp. It was a bigger place, with a bigger selection of wildlife to enjoy watching.
East Africa Day 3
Aberdares
The first proper day of the safari was one where we got to see our first giraffes.
East Africa Day 2
Nairobi City Tour
From the moment we landed in Kenya, we were off exploring, and ended the day at the infamous Carnivore Restaurant.
East Africa Day 1
London to Nairobi
Only a couple of weeks since I was last in London I found myself once more getting ready to set out on a safari.
East Africa
Trip Preparation
In planning for this next adventure, I decided having two camera bodies would be advantageous - no need to change camera lenses whilst dealing with dust from the savannah.
Norway Day 7
Tromsø to London
Our flight home wasn't until later in the day, so we still had time for some last minute sightseeing in the city - without the benefit of cold weather gear.
Norway Day 6
Ravnastua to Tromsø
It was time to return to Tromsø. This would be our final chance to see the aurora.
Norway Day 5
The Lavvu
Another day, another chance to see the Aurora Borealis. Today I got to drive a snow scooter, chop firewood, and eat meat cooked over a fire in a lavvu.
Norway Day 4
Ice Fishing and Sauna
During the day we attempted some ice fishing; but found the ice extended all the way down to the silt. In the evening we could get warmed up in the sauna.
Norway Day 3
Snow Scooters
There's not much to do when you're in the middle of nowhere with very few hours of daylight. We did however get to ride the snowscooters as we waited for night and the hope of seeing the aurora.
Norway Day 2
Tromsø to Ravnastua
We were taken by minibus from Tromsø through Finland and back into Norway to some awaiting snow scooters near Karasjok. From there we were taken at speed through the trees to the cabins of Ravnastua.
Norway Day 1
London to Tromsø
It took two flights to get from the UK to Tromsø; but it was going to be worth it. After this long day we'd be on our way to our final destination in the morning.
Scotland Day 6
Heading Home
We were back in Edinburgh and would soon be heading home. What else could we see in the city before that time came?
Scotland Day 5
Loch Ness
Some confusion, but no Loch Ness monster. Of course. Before the sunset we'd be back in Edinburgh.
Scotland Day 4
Isle of Skye
The weather had taken a dramatic turn. Not only did it seem possible it was going to ruin the plans we had for the day; but it was entirely possible we may get stuck on Skye with threats of the bridge being closed due to high wind. Would the ferry be closed also?
Scotland Day 3
Glasgow to the Isle of Skye
Our schedule for the day was tight again - we had to be at the Glenfinnan Viaduct at a specific time in order to see the steam train passing over for the second and final time of the day. This, to Harry Potter fans, was part of the train journey that students take on their way to Hogwarts.
Scotland Day 2
Edinburgh and Glasgow
Back in Edinburgh, we quickly looked around the castle and was then on the road to Glsagow and a distillery.
Scotland Day 1
Alnwick Castle
No sooner did we arrive in Scotland and collect the rental car, we headed south back into England to see a castle first... purely because it'd been used in the filming of Harry Potter.
China Day 15
Shanghai to Beijing to London
Another late night and another early start; but it was time to head home.
China Day 14
Shanghai
Although tired after the flight delays, we had a day a day of exploring Shanghai and another long day.
China Day 13
Yiecheng to Shanghai
It was unexpected having to leave the boat early as we wouldn't be able to pass through the dam due to a decision made by the Chinese government. Instead we'd now be taking a bus the rest of the way to our next destination.
China Day 12
The Three Gorges
It was the busiest of days onboard the boat with an optional excursion to pay for in the morning, and then another in the afternoon.
China Day 11
Shibaozhai Pagoda
The day started with being told our excursions would be different to what was planned, and with no explanation of why. At least we'd still have something to see though.
China Day 9
Pandas and a Night at the Opera
Today we got to see Giant Pandas and Red Pandas; the latter of which at least in the Internet-age have been nicknamed 'Firefox's. The day ended with a night at the Sichuan Opera.
China Day 8
Guilin to Chengdu
Another day with a bit of travelling so that by midnight we'd be in Chengdu for the next set of sights. During the day the most memorable part was cruising along the Li River.
China Day 7
Xi’an to Guilin
We got to see some of the sights in Xi'an itself, and then towards the end of the afternoon headed to the airport for our flight to Guilin. The lateness of the flight, and the delay, meant we couldn't get an evening meal before reaching the hotel. By the time we got there it was close to midnight, and my new suitcase was broken.
China Day 6
The Terracotta Army
Another day, and another of the big sights of China. This one was the terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The entire day was centred around this; but it was worth the time.
China Day 5
Beijing to Xi’an
We flew from Beijing to Xi'an and were welcomed into the city with a ceremony. After some drama involving our luggage, we went to a Tang Dynasty show.
China Day 4
The Great Wall of China
For this day we were a little further out of the city: visiting the Summer Palace of Empress Ci'Xi on our way to the Great Wall. Only our second day in the country and we were already on to our second "big" sight of the country.
China Day 3
The Forbidden City
Our first full day in Beijing was spent looking around the Temple of Heaven, experiencing Chinese tea traditions, and then returning to the centre of the city. From there we went through the infamous Tiananmen Square to reach the Forbidden City - the centre of Chinese power for centuries.
China Day 2
Arriving in Beijing
Weary from lack of sleep, we arrived in Beijing and checked into the hotel. Over the road was a Starbucks which was perfect to keep us going for several more hours. It was a quick break though as we'd got the opportunity for an optional tour of a nearby hutong.
China Day 1
London to Beijing
Another adventure starting with a late flight meant another meal at Heathrow airport. Whilst there we were surprised to be met by a representative from the tour company who would then be assisting the group for the entire trip.
China
Trip Preparation
After returning from Peru it was decided that we would visit China, however due to one thing or another the plan to go there got delayed. So in the year that the Olympics arrived in London after having been in Beijing, we had planned to head off to Beijing and see some of the Eastern parts of China. Time to plan!
Iceland Day 3
South Shore Adventure
For this day we got to see plenty more waterfalls whilst the sun was shining. We got to see a glacier up close whilst trying not to slip over. The main thing though was that this was our last chance to see the Aurora Borealis.
Iceland Day 2
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle was a tour of many different sights. We started with a church, and moved on to a massive waterfall, and to the place the word geyser comes from. We even got to see a gap between tectonic plates. One thing that was ever present though, was the snow.
Iceland Day 1
Leicester to London to Reykjavik
An evening flight meant that we wouldn't be arriving at the hotel in Reykjavik until the early hours of the following morning. We'd then have several hours of sleep before a day of tours for the first proper day of the trip.
Iceland
Trip Preparation
Photography had always played a big role in the trips I went on; but with Iceland there would be a definite shift to this being the main focus. Everything we planned would be centred around this.
Ecuador Day 14
Home
It'd been an unpleasant night for me; but the hours that followed would be even worse. I'd now got several flights ahead of me whilst suffering from food poisoning.
Ecuador Day 13
The Journey Home
Our final full day in Ecuador before or eventual flights back home. We got to get some more walking done in the morning; but it was the start of a very unpleasant twenty four hours for me.
Ecuador Day 12
A Night In The Forest
Even though we'd not yet been back in Quito for 24 hours we were already moving on again. This time we'd be spending a night in the Bellavista Cloud Forest in what was effectively a tree house.
Ecuador Day 11
Back On (not so) Dry Land
The best part of the trip was over, and we were now heading back to Quito. The airport on Baltra isn't the most organised one, and there's not many places in the world where you'd call that building an airport terminal.
Ecuador Day 10
Santiago and Bartolome
As the boat was now working again, we were continuing the tour with Isla Santiago. This island would be the last on our tour, and soon we'd be heading back to Ecuador for the final days of this adventure.
Ecuador Day 9
Baltra
After a day of being on a broken boat, we didn't really know what the day had in store for us. There were plans; but it didn't mean they were going to happen or be possible. Our fate lay in the hands of the ships engineer.
Ecuador Day 8
Disaster Aboard the Poseidon
Things were no longer going to plan onboard the Gran Poseidon. The engines had broken; but at least we'd got a scuba diving session booked through a different company - that'd at least give us something to do whilst they sorted it.
Ecuador Day 7
San Cristobal
Before we'd even had breakfast we were already seeing new islands, and wildlife we'd not seen before. Overall though it was a mostly quiet day, with some time spent in the town.
Ecuador Day 6
Española
Our morning walk was like a wildlife documentary as we watched iguanas fighting each other. We got to do a bit more snorkelling in the afternoon, and then a free hour on an island beach towards sunset.
Ecuador Day 5
Plaza Sur and Santa Fe
This was a good day. We got to go on nature walks, seeing so many different species. We even got to do a bit of snorkelling and saw Blue-footed boobies.
Ecuador Day 4
The Galapagos Islands
It was now time to leave Ecuador behind us: flying to the Galapagos Islands for the next stage of our adventure. Here we'd be focussing on wildlife as we took a ship from island to island for the next couple of weeks.
Ecuador Day 3
Otavalo
Our second day was a trip to Otavalo, and stopping at various sights along the way. It rained on and off as the day went on; but it didn't dampen our spirits. It was our last day in Ecuador.
Ecuador Day 2
A Tired Tour of Quito
After two more flights through Bon Aire and Guayaquil we'd made it to Quito for a city tour. It was a damp one; but a promising start to the holiday.
Ecuador Day 1
We're Off!
The entire first day of the holiday was spent travelling: first to Birmingham for our first flight, and then to Amsterdam for our second. I'd not thought about food which meant I'd not thought to take Euros with me either.
India Day 2
Mahabalipuram
Not long after arriving in India was our only opportunity for some tourism. Sure it'd have been nice to catch up on sleep; but it would have been silly to have missed this chance.
India Day 1
The Journey Begins…
In the same year as having gone Australia and New Zealand, I was now travelling with work for the first time. Of all the places it could have been, it was India: somewhere I could probably have done with more time in.
Three Peaks Day 4
Mount Snowdon, Wales
The last of the three peaks was in front of us: Mount Snowdon. The rain had continued on all through the night and was still going in the morning. It looked like it wasn't going to be the most pleasant of hikes.
Three Peaks Day 3
Scafell Pike, Cumbria
Our second peak would be the highest in England: Scafell Pike. The conditions for this one were at least forecast to be better.
Three Peaks Day 2
Ben Nevis, Scotland
The first of our peaks was Ben Nevis - it'd certainly be an adventure climbing up through the snow.
Three Peaks Day 1
To Scotland!
Just one week after returning from my trip around Australia and New Zealand I was off again for Easter Weekend on another adventure. This one was to form part of a colleagues stag party and would be the Three Peaks challenge.
Oceania Day 20
The Voyage Home
This was the longest of days - I'd not been sleep since waking up for the Tongariro Crossing and now had a bus ride to Auckland to take a flight to Melbourne, and the very long flight home via Hong Kong. If only I could sleep on planes.
Oceania Day 19
Mount Doom
The day had come for our Tongariro Crossing. The weather was bad, and who knew what the crossing itself was going to be like...
Oceania Day 18
Christchurch to Tongariro
After just a few days on the south island we were already moving on to the north island. Would our time there fare better? Only time would tell...
Oceania Day 17
On the Road to Christchurch
It was going to be a long drive from Queenstown to Christchurch; but we'd got a few stops planned along the way. One of these was to see Mount Cook; but in the spirit of the week: things didn't go to plan.
Oceania Day 16
A Tree Blocks The Road
The morning after a big storm, we began the long coach ride to Milford Sound for what we hoped would be an amazing chance for photography. Sometimes things don't work out the way you think they will.
Oceania Day 15
Off to New Zealand!
Yet another early start, and we were on our way to New Zealand for the last week of our Oceanic adventure. Hopefully this would go as well as our time in Australia had.
Oceania Day 14
Climbing to Extreme Heights
This day was all about the iconic sights of Sydney: climbing the harbour bridge, and having a look around the opera house.
Oceania Day 13
These Mountain’s Got the Blues
We should really have planned more sleep into this trip; but we were out just after 07:00 to start our tour of the Blue Mountains and some of the sights we'd pass on our way from Sydney.
Oceania Day 12
Last Day in Cairns
Our time in another city had come to an end, and to finish off we looked around a wildlife dome situated above a casino.
Oceania Day 11
Back on Land
This was the day we journeyed back to land, paid the reef tax, and went out for one last meal with the friends we'd made whilst diving with Scuba Steve.
Oceania Day 10
The Great Barrier Reef Day 2
Our second and final full day of the live-aboard meant a bit more snorkelling for me.
Oceania Day 9
The Great Barrier Reef Day 1
Our first day out on the open sea didn't go quite the way I'd expected it to. The conditions were also very different to anything I'd experienced before.
Oceania Day 8
Diving Day 2
Another day in the classroom, and also practicing some of the Open Water skills we'd need for this PADI qualification.
Oceania Day 7
Diving Day 1
As we were in Cairns, it meant we were close to the Great Barrier Reef. It felt like it made sense to learn how to scuba dive whilst there so we could get even closer to the reef afterwards. For our first day most of the time was spent in the classroom.
Oceania Day 6
Into the Rainforest
To save on money we'd booked another overnight flight to Cairns; but it meant by the time we'd arrived in the city for a tour of Kuranda we were very sleep-deprived. To get to the rainforest we took a cable car up through the trees, then explored the village before taking the train back.
Oceania Day 5
Around Darwin
An unexpected city tour to avoid the heat, a deserted national park on a perfect sunny day, and some of the worst table service I've ever encountered. It was certainly an interesting day in Darwin.
Oceania Day 4
Swimming With Waterfalls
Even before sunrise, the humidity in Darwin was almost unbearable. Fortunately we'd got a tour booked for the day which would be on an air-conditioned bus.
Oceania Day 3
Melbourne
We hadn't made a plan beforehand of what to see; but felt like going up the SkyTower for a view over the city might be a good idea. When the day was over it was time for an overnight flight to Darwin.
Oceania Day 2
Phillip Island
For our first full day in Australia we had a guided tour to Phillip Island that included a few stops along the way. We saw koalas, and kookaburras, and got to look around a chocolate factory before seeing the march of the little penguins.
Oceania Day 1
Two Days of Travel
Travelling to the other side of the world takes a long time, and the massive time difference certainly doesn't help. It would be worth it though as this was the start of our self-guided trip around Australia and New Zealand.
Europe Day 14
The Last Day
The end of another trip had arrived, though we'd got just enough time to visit the local war museum first.
Europe Day 13
The Ancient Greeks
Today we'd be exploring the ancient city of Athens, starting with the world-famous Parthenon which sits atop the Acropolis. It was the main thing I wanted to see, and anything else would be a bonus.
Europe Day 12
Arriving in Athens
It took a boat, a train, a bus, a plane, a bus, an underground train, and then about a mile of walking to get from our hotel in Venice to the one in Athens. There was so much potential for the entire day to be ruined if any one of those connections got delayed.
Europe Day 11
Venice
This was our day for exploring Venice as the Italian heatwave continued on and drove most people indoors. We carried on seeing the sights, and getting a little lost.
Europe Day 10
Roads of Rivers
Another train journey later and we'd travelled right across Italy to the watery city of Venice. Fortunately we weren't in a rush.
Europe Day 9
Angels & Demons
By the time of our last day in Rome we didn't have much left to see. We started with the Roman Forum; but soon found ourselves watching Angels & Demons at the local cinema to pass the time.
Europe Day 8
Fountains and Squares
For our second day in Rome we concentrated on photographing some of the smaller sights such as the fountains and squares.
Europe Day 7
A Colossal Day
We had a full day of exploring Rome, starting with the Vatican Museum and Saint Peters Basillica before crossing the Tiber at the Castel Sant'Angelo to continue on to the Colosseum.
Europe Day 6
All Roads Lead to Rome
Already we were moving on - this time heading north by train to the city of Rome. It was my first time there, and James' second and we'd be spending a few days photographing as much as we possibly could.
Europe Day 5
Ash and Volcanoes
This was one of the days I'd awaited eagerly. We were off to see the ruins of Pompeii, and would hopefully climb Mount Vesuvius as well - my first volcano.
Europe Day 4
Napoli
Our swift tour of Berlin was over, and we were now onto our next country: Italy. Here we'd be starting in Naples and moving on from city to city by train until reaching the final country of our trip. For now we'd explore a city that seemed a bit of a dump.
Europe Day 3
The Berlin Wall
Having failed once to find the Berlin Wall, we had a second attempt and spent the day using the public transport to get from place to place. It was a lot easier on our already weary feet.
Europe Day 2
Berlin in a Day
We spent a day exploring the city of Berlin on foot - from a little further than the Fernsehturm, all the way back to the hotel via many sights such as Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate.
Europe Day 1
Berlin
For our next adventure we would be travelling around Germany, Italy, and Greece; starting with Berlin. Everything was planned by ourselves, and would be a bit of a practice run for an eventual trip to Australia.
Peru Day 15
The End
The end of the adventure had arrived, and we were now heading home after a short visit to their gold museum.
Peru Day 14
The Beginning of the End
The journey back to Lima, ready for the end of our Andean adventure.
Peru Day 13
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and our last full day of activities. We saw the floating islands, and have dinner with the locals.
Peru Day 12
On the Road to Lake Titicaca
We weren't just driving straight to Lake Titicaca, we were getting to see some sights along the way in one last little roadtrip.
Peru Day 10
Feeling Better
James was now starting to feel better so we explored a little more of Cusco - at least what little we could find.
Peru Day 7
Machu Picchu Part 1
Finally we'd made it to Machu Picchu, the Incan citadel rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham.
Peru Day 6
The Sacred Valley
An unexpectedly enjoyable part of the trip was a day in the sacred valley, visiting more ancient sites and experiencing more of the Peruvian culture.
Peru Day 5
Exploring Cusco
We started with an internal flight to Cusco, and soon found ourselves exploring at altitude. This added height has unexpected consequences for my friend.
Peru Day 4
The Ballestas Islands
In the morning we carried on from Ica to Pisco to take a small boat out to the Ballestas Islands - the reason we'd been advised to take waterproofs with us. By the time the day was over we were back in Lima.
Peru Day 3
The Nazca Lines
Early in the morning we took a light aircraft over the Nazca lines, and then headed to Ica for our next overnight stay. This one would be in a place where it was encouraged that we didn't leave the premises.
Peru Day 2
Lima, and the Long Drive to Nazca
We started the day exploring Lima, and finished it with a very long drive out into the Nazca desert for our overnight stay. It was already an improvement over my trip to Egypt.
Peru Day 1
The Flight
The start of another adventure, this time on a journey that would take me to a mountain trail high in the Andes.
Egypt Day 12
Exploring Alexandria
Our final day of exploration in Alexandria - we'd had plans to see so much; but me being ill had restricted it greatly.
Egypt Day 11
Montezah
Although still not feeling great, we took the time to look around the expansive Montezah Palace gardens.
Egypt Day 1
Arriving in Egypt
The start of an adventure in Egypt - we had no idea what would lay ahead of us.