because life's too short
because life's too short
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.
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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.
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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.
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Beer, chips and chocolate – and a beautiful UNESCO city with great architecture and pretty canals. Bruges in Belgium hits all the right spots.
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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.
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Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars are well known tourist stops in Laos. However, the area was heavily bombed by the US in conjunction with Vietnam and still suffers heavily today as a result. While there, it is worth taking some time to explore the relics of war and discover the fine work done by the mine clearing charities.
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Phonsavan is another side of Laos that is well worth exploring: a vibrant, gritty town, a great market, the enigmatic Plain of Jars and an unenviable role in America’s ‘Secret War’.
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St Kitts & Nevis, Leeward Islands. May 2017. The tourist office blurb for St Kitts and Nevis runs: Two islands. One paradise. While there may be a little poetic exaggeration, they are indeed a beautiful …
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IN FLANDERS FIELDS Battlefields and places of interest in the Ypres Salient, Belgium, the return of the Menin Gate lions and the ANZAC Day dawn service, April 2017. (Title from the poem In Flanders Field …
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Bruges, Belgium, is one of my favourite cities. Here are 10 ideas for experiencing some of its gastronomic delights. Bruges – what springs to mind? Chocolate? Beer? Add a stunningly beautiful medieval city, old bridges …
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