Vientiene is the low key capital of Laos. Situated on the banks of the Mekong, with handy overland links to Thailand, it is a pleasant introduction to the country with some interesting sights.
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Seeing the Light – The Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern
Sometimes you come across gadgets that work so brilliantly, you cannot help but be lost in admiration: the Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini (www.goalzero.com) is one such item.
Continue readingCycling in the Pyrenees, Ariege, France – 6 Great Circuits (August 2017)
The Ariege is a sleepy backwater in the heart of the French Pyrenees: its principal town is St. Girons, about 2 hours south of Toulouse. The Tour de France regularly visits the department and there are many great circuits to delight both the professional and the amateur rider.
Continue readingThe Jewel in the Crown – Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos (December 2016)
Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Kham rivers, Luang Prabang in northern Laos has survived turbulent times to become Laos’ must-see destination, with its unique combination of vernacular buildings and colonial-era architecture.
Continue readingA Walk in the Ariege, France: Pic Rouge de Bassies (August 2017)
The summit walk to the Pic Rouge de Bassies is one of my favourite Pyrenean walks in the Couserans area of the Ariege, France. It encapsulates all that is attractive about this mountain chain: the historic upland grazing lands, pretty lakes, stupendous views and the desolate yet starkly beautiful grey, rocky landscapes of the high peaks.
Continue readingSpoilt for Choice – Exploring Vang Vieng, Laos (December 2016)
Vang Vieng is a great stop between Luang Prabang and Vientiene in northern Laos. Its wild days behind it, it now offers a wide choice of adventure activities and there is much to explore in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Continue readingBruges: a Taste of the Good Life in Belgium (April 2017)
Beer, chips and chocolate – and a beautiful UNESCO city with great architecture and pretty canals. Bruges in Belgium hits all the right spots.
Continue readingMonzo Makes Sense
Do you want to avoid all those annoying foreign use charges on your debit and credit cards? I have been won over by Monzo.
Continue readingBrown Muddy River – Chilling out in Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi Neua, Laos (December 2016)
Sometimes when travelling, it is nice to take time out and relax in a beautiful spot. In northern Laos, Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua are just such places.
Continue readingBlack Muddy River by the Grateful Dead
OK, so the river Nam Ou running through Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua in northern Laos was more of a muddy brown, but hey, it’s the Grateful Dead and who better to listen to …
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