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Views, Villages and Vegetation on São Miguel an Island in the Azores
It was not a good start to my second day touring the island of São Miguel in the Azores. A stubborn mist hung above the mountain road that took us to the northern tip of the island. Our guide, Carlos, had joked that in one day the island could experience four seasons. What he did not tell us…
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A Day Out on the Island of São Miguel in the Azores
Before embarking on my trip to the Azores I knew very little about the islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The name alone makes them sound exotic and exciting. I was not disappointed. The islands, exposed mountain peaks, bubble and hiss with underground volcanic activity. They are…
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Three Tiers of Dubrovnik in Croatia
The enchanting town of Dubrovnik in Croatia attracts tourists like bees to a honeypot. As I watched them swarming through the Pile Gate into the old town I decided to start my own tour by walking the city walls. First I had to get inside the old town ...
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Aspiring to the Heights of Trogir in Croatia
Standing outside the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence in Trogir I was disappointed to see that no-one appeared to have climbed up to the top of its fourteenth century bell tower. Did that mean it was not open to the public? When I asked about going up there I was shown a small door and invited to…
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Promenading in Split, Croatia
Split is the second largest city in Croatia. An unusual characteristic, the wide promenade known as Riva stretches along the sea front , is more reminiscent of some elegant French resorts. The original Riva was established two centuries earlier when this area was ruled by the French under…
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Bardo Museum in Tunis - Palace, Parliament and Poet
It is many years since I last visited the Bardo Museum on the outskirts of Tunis. I was thrilled to be back. Since my last visit the building that houses the museum, a fifteenth century Beylic palace has undergone extensive renovation ...
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Discovering the Soul of Seoul in South Korea
South Korea has emerged from the tragic Korean War like a butterfly from a chrysalis - colourful and beautiful. And Seoul is its flagship, bursting with history and traditions. I was lucky to have a Korean guide who gave me a good insight into the Korean way of life … Guiding is not an easy job…
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The Bridges of Busan in South Korea
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. it sprawls from the foothills of the Taebaek Mountains to off-shore islands the largest of which is Yeongdu and a district of the town. I wanted to see as much as possible during the one day I was there ...
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On the Street Where I Stayed in Seoul, South Korea
Shopping is a favourite pastime in South Korea which soon became evident when I first walked down the street where my hotel, Summit Hotel where I was based when I visited Seoul. This hotel is on Jangchungdan-ro right in the middle of the Dongdaemun Shopping Area. Dongdaemun is famous for its…
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Boats and Bamboo in Arashiyama, a district of Kyoto in Japan
Arashiyama is a district of Kyoto and has been a popular destination since the nobles of the Heian Period (794-1185) would go there. Sprawling along the foot of the Arashiyama Mountains or Storm Mountains it enjoys a natural setting. It is renowned for its cherry blossom in the spring and foliage…
