14 October 2019

Egypt is an amazing country, so variable from wherever you maybe. No visit to Cairo is complete with visiting the Pyramids, Cheops Boat and of course The Sphinx The Pyramids The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids have invited the obvious questions: ‘How were we built, and why?’. Centuries of research have given us parts of the answer. Built as massive tombs on the orders of the pharaohs, they were constructed by teams of workers tens-of-thousands strong. Today they stand as an awe-inspiring tribute to the might, organisation and achievements of ancient Egypt. Cheops Boat Immediately south of the Great Pyramid is this fascinating museum with exactly one object on display: one of Cheops' five solar barques (boats), buried near his pyramid, and unearthed in 1954. This huge, stunning ancient wood vessel, possibly the oldest boat in existence, was carefully restored from 1200 pieces of Lebanese cedar and encased in this museum to protect it from the elements. Visitors to the museum must help this process by donning protective footwear to keep sand out. The Sphinx Known in Arabic as Abu Al Hol (Father of Terror), this sculpture of a man with the haunches of a lion was dubbed the Sphinx by the ancient Greeks because it resembled their mythical winged monster who set riddles and killed anyone unable to answer them. A geological survey has shown that it was most likely carved from the bedrock at the bottom of the causeway during Khafre’s reign, so it probably portrays his features. Cairo Museum One of the world’s most important collections of ancient artefacts, the Egyptian Museum takes pride of place in Downtown Cairo, on the north side of Midan Tahrir. Inside the great domed, oddly pinkish building, the glittering treasures of Tutankhamun and other great pharaohs lie alongside the grave goods, mummies, jewellery, eating bowls and toys of Egyptians whose names are lost to history. To walk around the museum is to embark on an adventure through time. Then take a flight to Luxor to experience the wonders of the Valley of the Kings, marvel at King Tuts tomb, and walk to the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut. Luxor The setting is breathtakingly beautiful, the Nile flowing between the modern city and west-bank necropolis, backed by the enigmatic Theban escarpment. Scattered across the landscape is an embarrassment of riches, from the temples of Karnak and Luxor in the east to the many tombs and temples on the west bank. Thebes’ wealth and power, legendary in antiquity, began to lure Western travellers from the end of the 18th century. Depending on the political situation, today’s traveller might be alone at the sights, or be surrounded by coachloads of tourists from around the world. Whichever it is, a little planning will help you get the most from the magic of Thebes. The days were amazing that we spent here. The Valley of the Kings is a long hot sticky day, but with air conditioned coaches and iced water to hand, it was well worth the visit. I also did a hot air balloon ride just as the sun was rising over the Nile, that was an experience I can tell you, and one that you have to do. Karnak Temple Karnak is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Theban triad but also to the greater glory of pharaohs. The site covers more than 2 sq km; it's large enough to contain about 10 cathedrals. At its heart is the Temple of Amun, the earthly 'home' of the local god. Built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated over nearly 1500 years, Karnak was the most important place of worship in Egypt during the New Kingdom. The colours on the paintings on the buildings are still as bright as they were all those thousands of years ago Luxor Temple Largely built by the New Kingdom pharaohs Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BC) and Ramses II (1279–1213 BC), this temple is a strikingly graceful monument in the heart of the modern town. Also known as the Southern Sanctuary, its main function was during the annual Opet celebrations, when the statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were brought from Karnak, along the Avenue of Sphinxes, and reunited here during the inundation. This temple is one of my favourites, just standing there and imagining who had trod the paths before is mind blowing.

23 November 2018

I have been lucky enough to experience the Rocky Mountaineer Train, such an unforgettable experience, having the gold leaf service, which gives you the glass domed carriage, and being able to view the majestic mountains and colours of the mountains while travelling at speed was something else. Waking up in Banff and throwing open the curtains to find a family of Elk walking down the street was beautiful. Having breakfast in the restaurant of our hotel at the bottom of Cascade Mountain was stunning. A visit to Lake Louise was like being in a fairy story, with the lake fully snowed over and the hotel crowned in white blankets and ruffs of snow was magical. We then went onto the Athabasca Glacier on a Tundra Buggy, what an experience. You can hear avalanches happening up to 5 miles away, the beauty and colours of the ice was just captivating. Vancouver was also an amazing city, we did the Capilano Suspension bridge and had afternoon tea in the nearby tea rooms. Take a trip to the Totem Park and walk along admiring the different style of Totem poles and what they represent. A trip to Gas Town in Vancouver is also a must. It dates back to 1867 and old buildings and cobbled streets are lines with historic brick warehouses. The unique Steam Clock is amazing and worth seeing especially when it "performs" on the hour.

21 October 2018

Only my second trip abroad, it was 1989 and I was 13. We were going to The Gambia. I had no idea where this country was, but I was excited! Six hours later and we landed, a wallpaper table on the runway was our check in desk and passport control! Wow, I had started to wonder where my parents had brought me to. Could I survive three weeks in this place, in this heat? We had the most amazing time. We stayed at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, which back in the day was the place to stay. Pulling up there were armed police and dogs, so much security, now I'm scared! It was only the King of The Gambia out for dinner, phew, hand wiped across brow, happy now. Once shown to our room we settled in and started one of the most memorable and fantastic holidays that I have ever been on. We hired a guide for the three weeks and we visited so many places, and did so many things that you wouldn't imagine… Horse riding on the beach Roots Village, before it was commercialised St James Island Tea with a local policeman in his compound with his family Going to our first ever football match Being shown round a local school and having songs performed to us by the children Learning to barter, that was fun! Eating fish caught from the beach and the whole meal being prepared for you straight away Visiting smoking fish villages - smelly but still amazing! Went to a natural crocodile farm