In the land of the Bible: What’s it really like to visit Bethlehem?
Growing up in the UK, I was raised a Christian. Going to church was just[…]
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In the land of the Bible: What’s it really like to visit Bethlehem?
Growing up in the UK, I was raised a Christian. Going to church was just part of the routine of our Sundays, and school assemblies still included hymns and prayers.[…]
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Central Asia: rebuilding a heritage
As you will know if you have been following my posts or social media recently, I spent a couple of weeks this summer in Central Asia, visiting the Silk Road[…]
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Turkistan and Otrar: Exploring Kazakhstan’s deep south
We arrived in Turkistan on a Thursday. It was our first day in Kazakhstan; after an overnight train journey from Bukhara to Tashkent, we took a private bus to the[…]
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Explore historic Ely, Cambridgeshire
The historic city of Ely lies just north of Cambridge, and within easy reach of London and the Norfolk coast. It makes for a great day out, but why should[…]
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What’s it like to visit the Taj Mahal? Your top 8 questions answered!
Shah Jahan’s mausoleum (and architectural love letter) to his wife Mumtaz Mahal is surely at the top of most people’s must-see list in India. One of the 7 Modern Wonders[…]
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The night train from Bukhara: Travels through Uzbekistan
It’s quarter to ten on a Wednesday night, and I’m standing on a station platform in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. I’m here on a trip-of-a-lifetime, bucket-list kind of adventure – and that’s[…]
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Istanbul layover? How to experience the city on a transit visit
Istanbul is a major hub for reasonably-priced flights from Europe to the Middle East and further afield, but it is better known as a fascinating city in its own right.[…]
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Kibera: Visiting Africa’s biggest slum
Something that’s really important to me is to learn about everyday life in the countries I visit. It doesn’t matter whether the country is affluent or impoverished, I want to[…]
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Swimming with manta rays in the Maldives
The Maldives are simply magical, but one of the most memorable moments of my time there was the day I swam with a manta ray. We had travelled by wooden dhoni[…]
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Portrush to Castlerock: Discover Northern Ireland’s northwest coast
The part of the Northern Irish coast to the west of the Giant’s Causeway is the province’s holiday playground. With white sand beaches, caravan parks and coastal towns, it is[…]
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