All posts by The Ant

Web sites to muse about travel to:-

Web sites to muse about travel to:

  • Via Paul Roberts – details Robert Loken’s walk along the Great Wall of China to raise money for cancer research.
  • Via Francesca Jaggs – yoga classes and climbs in the Indian Himalaya http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
  • From Douglas Baird on a warm welcome for all travellers to Glasgow and how to enjoy time in the city http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk
  • From eleanor h borkowski – Last Summer I went to Altumura, Italy and worked on a volunteer project with La Sabranenque Restoration. It was such a great experience and the places we visited were out of this world. Their email address is info@sabranenque.co and their web site is www.sabranesque.com.

Welcome to eNewsletter April 2009

Hello all,

Well IÂ’m back from South America after a number of adventures that seemed to be crammed into three very small weeks ! Hopefully at a later date I will get to you more about the experiences we enjoyed and the friendliness that seemed ever present in both Argentina & Chile. In the meantime I have memories of fantastic mountains, wide open horizons, friendly people and great food to savour as I attempt to return to London life.

Whilst IÂ’ve been away the club, its members and the eNewsletterÂ’s many readers have been very busy:-

· we’ve had two monthly meetings at the London branch where four very strong & very different speakers entertained busy crowds

· Dan Bachmann has set up a Globetrotters Club members’ only group at www.flickr.com and is looking to launch a little friendly photographic competition. Get in touch if you would like more details !!

· Gavin Fernandes has had his entry judged at Wanderlust Photo of the year 2008 competition at the Destination Shows 2009 in London & Birmingham and made the short list on the Wildlife Section

· Charles Egan has launched his first novel on the reading world – The Killing Snows is set against the backdrop of the Irish famine in the 1840s. If you are interested in reviewing a copy & having your feedback published, feel free to get in touch with me ?

ThatÂ’s all for nowÂ…enjoy the start of spring and any Easter break you maybe planning,

The Ant

theant@globetrotters.co.uk


February meeting news from the London branch by Andrea Orban

AMAR GROVER – A Journey Through Southern Morocco

The first speaker of FebruaryÂ’s meeting was Amar Grover. Amar is a London-based travel writer and photographer. He first took us across the High Atlas mountains south of Marrakech, reminding us that even in the late 19th century Morocco was said to be as unknown as Tibet. At this time, some of the High Atlas passes were controlled by the Glaoui clan, one of whom was eventually appointed Pasha of Marrakech. At independence in 1956, the despised Glaoui family lost all power but their crumbling kasbah, or palace, at Telouet remains open to the public. Sadly, it is gradually decaying, so go soon! We then travelled down via the GlaouiÂ’s ancient salt mines and through the Ounila Valley to Tamdacht village whose Glaoui kasbah is still occupied by former staff (slaves) of the Glaoui. The Ounila Valley is a two-day walk or a dayÂ’s 4WD drive mostly along riverside ledges with wonderful views of the bare mountains, several villages and their lush oases of almond and olive trees. The UNESCO-listed kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou Â- a popular film location (think Gladiator, Jesus of Nazareth) Â- was the next stop before we cut across into the Anti-Atlas range towards Tafraoute to see some of its Berber fortress granaries honeycombed with courtyards and small chambers. Traditionally they provided individual storage facilities for families to guard against famine, and even provided refuge in times of strife. Few remain intact, and the best-preserved are still locked and looked after by a guardian. However, donÂ’t let that put you off – for a small fee, you can often enter these fascinating structures.

For more information and to view some of AmarÂ’s stunning photographs visit his website at www.pictographical.co.uk. The forthcoming edition of Travel Africa Magazine (www.travelafricamag.com) will contain a feature by Amar on the Glaoui.

PETER OVERTON Biosearch Expeditions to Malawi

Our second speaker was Peter Overton. Peter described his experiences of camping and trekking on the steep escarpments and high plateau of the Nyika National Park. The park extends over 3134 km2 and is part of MalawiÂ’s largest and most remote National Park. It is an area that is so inaccessible it is void of all tourists, so you really can get away fro it all! Peter is the Project Director Biosearch Expeditions. He first explored this region in 1972 as part of the Wye College Nyika expedition and loved it so much that he wanted to find a way to go back there each year and, at the same time, to support this special region. He has now organised 14 Biosearch Expeditions to the Nyika National Park where he takes groups of volunteers to live in this wilderness for a month at a time. The research directly assists the Parks Authority with their wildlife surveys, biodiversity research and protection of the game.

The terrain is varied with low lying wet season marshland at around 1000 m to over 2600m at the highest point. Guest trek and track wildlife with the support of game scouts; learning and sharing their skills. Everyone gets expedition training prior to departure and you become Â’part of the familyÂ’ when you return. This involves Peter opening up his farm in Lincolnshire once or twice a year for reunions, speaker events and camping weekends. Globetrotters may like to get a flavour for the expeditions by joining the next training weekend on 2nd-4th May in preparation for this yearÂ’s expedition, starting on 26th July. Please get in touch with him if you are interested – http://www.biosearch.org.uk/index.htm


March meeting news from the London branch

With Tracey Murray at the lectern we had two excellent speakers to entertain London on a sunny, spring afternoon:-

Picture courtesy BBC : Jonathan KaplanFirst up was the returning Jonathan Kaplan who spoke about his Travels in Eritrea, through an adventure entitled “A wedding and two wars on the Red Sea. “.

The second speaker was Peter Gostelow who spoke about his Long Bike Ride Home. In the summer of 2005 Peter left Japan, where heÂ’d been teaching English for two years, and began travelling home, by bicycle. This solo and unsupported journey lasted 3 years and took him through 30 countries, covering a total distance of over 30,000 miles. For more information see his trip journal at www.gostelow.crazyguyonabike.com or his web site at http://www.petergostelow.com.

For details of the forth coming meetings of the London branch, December 2008 through to July 2009 – http://www.globetrotters.co.uk/meetings/lon09it1.html.

London meetings are held at The Church of Scotland, Crown Court, behind the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden at 2.30pm the first Saturday of each month, unless there is a UK public holiday that weekend. There is no London meeting in August, but we start afresh in September. For more information, contact the Globetrotters Info line on +44 (0) 20 8674 6229, or visit the website: www.globetrotters.co.uk.


Meeting news from Ontario

For information on Ontario meetings, please contact Svatka Hermanek: shermanek@schulich.yorku.ca or Bruce Weber: tel. 416-203-0911 or Paul Webb: tel. 416-694-8259.

Ontario meetings are held on the third Friday of January, March, May, September and November. Usually at the Woodsworth Co-op, Penthouse, 133, Wilton Street in downtown Toronto at 8.00 p.m.


Write in (1)

Super knowledgeable GT member Tracey highlights some of the rule changes for entry to the USA, that have been put in place in 2009. Remember this is a summary and you should always remember to verify any visa requirements before travelling.

On Monday 12th January 2009 it became compulsory for travellers who qualify to enter the USA visa free under the Visa Waiver Program to register on ESTA and complete the ESTA [electronic system for travel authorisation] form at least 72 hours prior departure to the U.S.

For further information see – http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/esta.html

What is ESTA ?

ESTA is a new, fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA replaces the current system of travellers filling out an I-94W form during their flight (or ship voyage) to the U.S and collects the same information.

ESTA authorization is not a guarantee of entry into the United States; it means that the traveller is allowed to board a plane or ship travelling to the U.S. without a visa. Once you arrive in the U.S, then Customs and Border Protection officers will determine entry.

How do I apply ?

At least 72 hours prior to departure to the U.S, travellers must access the ESTA website at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Use of the site is free; and it is available in 16 languages, although all application responses must be in English.

When do I need to apply ?

VISA Waiver Program travellers are encouraged to apply for authorisation as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the U.S. The latest you can apply is 72 hours before departure.

Once I have submitted the ESTA form, what will happen ?

Once the application has been successfully submitted via the ESTA website, then in most cases the application status will be returned immediately. You should expect to see 1 of 3 responses;

1. Authorization Approved = Travel is authorized

2. Travel Not Authorized = Traveller will be referred to www.travel.state.gov for information on how to apply for a visa to travel to the U.S.

3. Authorization Pending = A final response will be issued within 72 hours; the traveller must check back on the ESTA website.

Do I need to complete the ESTA form on a per trip basis ?

Once approved, authorisation can be used for multiple entries into the U.S. However, if the traveller’s name, gender, citizenship or answers to the questions “yes” or “no” change; a new application must be submitted.

Applicants can update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their ESTA has been approved, although this is not required

The ESTA authorisation is generally valid for 2 years or until your passport has expired, whichever comes first.

As a summary, it generally affects people who are nationals of the below 34 countries:-

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom


Write in (3)

Regular contributor Mac this time interviews the Beetle via an email loaded with interesting travel questions. What do you think – are the Q&A something we should see more of in future editions of the eNewsletter ?

The Ant

Who am I ?

A Chartered Accountant, or CPA in American terms. I used to have my own consultancy business specialising in strategy, business turnaround and performance improvement. I’ve been lucky enough to live and work all around the world – earn money then spend it by travelling. I am now a cheese maker in the North Yorkshire Dales trying very hard to turn around my uncle’s business and make mostly goat’s cheese.

1. What countries did you visit and what time frame ?

About 100 over around a 20 year timeframe. Since Nov 2006, with the exception of Cuba I haven’t been anywhere because of my cheese business and any spare funds are going in to doing my house up which is a statement to the 1970s!

2. Which countries were you the most glad you saw ?

Papua New Guinea, Burma, Bali, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Bosnia, Tonga and I love Miami where I lived for a year 1999 – 2000. Borneo, though it comprises three countries, I lived in Brunei and was lucky to have time to travel around and do some fabulous diving. The north of Pakistan was a real eye opener, so beautiful, incredibly friendly people, I’d like to go back.

3. Which sights did you enjoy seeing most ?

So difficult to answer, there have been many. The walk from Grand Baie to Pereybere in Mauritius. The scenery of Camiguin, Philippines; the coral reefs around Papua new Guinea. South America is my favourite continent ever, I took 9 months out and backpacked around by myself, and had just the best experience ever. The temples of Bagan in Burma and travelling around Burma generally. I love Bangkok having lived there a short while, a great city to live in. I like the main square in Marrakech, always so vibrant and full of life and wonders. The Khyber Pass because it was a hell of an experience getting there.

4. Which waterfall did you enjoy most ?

In Venezuela, lots of little ones. The Angel Falls in Brazil/Argentina, though were disappointing. There are some lovely ones in the Kakadu Nat Park and around St Katherine’s Gorge.

5. Which country was the most different than your preconceived idea ?

Brunei – a mixture of opulence and third world. Burma made beautiful by the people. The Hawaiian Islands with the exception of Molokai and Kauaii were so commercialised and expensive. But Bora Bora was the biggest disappointment – a huge rubbish tip in the middle, in fact I would not give Tahiti a second thought now that I have been there, Papete the capital is not so nice either.

6. Which game parks did you like most ?

Berenty in Madagascar – a national park not game park. For game park, then without doubt, the Massai Mara in Kenya.

7. Which countries would you like to revisit ?

New Caledonia though a department of France. The north of Pakistan, it is so beautiful. Madagascar. I’d love to go back to Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Vanuatu to dive again, fantastic and if we are talking about diving, then definitely Papua New Guinea again for diving.

8 In which country were the people the most friendly ?

Burma and Bali without a doubt and New Zealand too.

9 Which least friendly and helpful ?

China, Hawaiian Islands, India

10 Which country would you not particularly like to revisit ?

China and India

11 Which country the easiest to visit ?

Most are pretty easy

12 Which countries the best bargains and cheapest ?

US, Bangkok, Singapore

13 Which airlines did you like the best and which the least ?

Not keen on any but would avoid any American based airlines if I could.

14 What travel items you took with you used the most and were most glad you took ?

Lonely Planet and a laptop

15 Which travel guide books did you take and which did you like best ?

Lonely Planet, don’t like Rough Guides

16 Were you ever uneasy on your trip ?

Yes, in Zanzibar, also held up at machete point twice in Mozambique. The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo can be scary and Port Moresby is horrendous. I lived in Karachi for a year and I got used to it but would not recommend it. Felt uneasy in Kandy too. I didn’t like parts of Lima but otherwise, did not have one bad experience of south America at all, perhaps I was lucky. I would never return to Zambia, nothing but bad memories and experiences.

17 Were you ever sick on trip ?.

The last time was in Syria and Jordan where I picked up amoebic dysentery. Not a great experience, but it was a good 15 years ago. Oh, suffered horribly from altitude sickness in La Paz and in the Colca Canyon.

18 What were the prettiest places ?

So hard to say

19 What country would you like to visit, if possible ?

Namibia, Iceland, Libya and Colombia

20 What was your last trip ?

Cuba

21 What will be your next trip ?

Nothing on the horizon, working hard with the business, this is an important year to us, a bit of a make or break year so limited time and funds. Maybe a long weekend in Lisbon as my father lives there, for his 71st birthday.


2009 Travel Writing Competition by Debbie Hunter at Bradt Travel Guides

Dear all,

Can you write a winning travel article?

Enter the Bradt/Independent on Sunday Travel-Writing Competition and you could win a fabulous holiday for two in Colombia and a commission for an article to be published in The Independent on Sunday – and for unpublished writers there is a prize of a place on a travel-writing course in Spain

Entries must contain a strong travel element and the maximum length is 800 words. The competition is open to all writers, published or unpublished, aged 18 years or over. This yearÂ’s theme, along with full details of the competition, will be announced in The Independent on Sunday on 5th April.

Details and rules of the competition will also be available from 5th April on the Bradt website: www.bradtguides.com

With thanks and best wishes

Debbie Hunter

Bradt Travel Guides – Pioneering publishing for 35 years

23 High Street, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 9QE

Tel: +44 1753 893 444

Fax: +44 1753 892 333

Email: info@bradtguides.com


Write in (2)

· Café society history & a great tango show try Café Tortoni, Buenos Aires – http://www.cafetortoni.com.ar

· Hostel del Glaciar Pioneros in El Calafate, Argentina for a modern, helpful & friendly place to stay- http://www.glaciar.com/pioneros.asp

· Superbly crafted beer after trekking around Mount Fitzroy stop at Cerveceria artesanal El Chalten, Argentina – http://www.elchalten.com

· Great vegetarian food in Puerto Natales and sofas to lounge on – http://www.el-living.com/

· Walking along the shoreline of Lago Nordenskjold on the Los Cuernos to Paine Grande stretch of the W circuit , Torres Del Paine – http://www.wcircuit.com/

· Taking the catamaran from Paine Grande to Pudeto, across Lago Pehoe, on a clear day – view the magnificent Paine Grande & Torres mountains rising

· Puerto Varas & volcano Orsono as a backdrop- http://www.frommers.com/

· A surprisingly great place to stay at the Happy House hostel, Barrio Brasil in Santiago – http://www.happyhousehostel.cl


Write for the eNewsletter

If you enjoy writing and travelling, why not write for the free Globetrotters eNewsletter! The Ant would love to hear from you: your travel stories, anecdotes, jokes, questions, hints and tips, or your hometown or somewhere of special interest to you. Over 14,000 people currently subscribe to the Globetrotter eNewsletter.

Email The Ant at theant@globetrotters.co.uk with your travel experiences / hints & tips / questions. Your article should be approximately 1000 words, feature up to 3 or 4 jpeg photos and introduce yourself with a couple of sentences and a contact e-mail address.


Help needed

· From Naomi in Bulgaria:-
Hi Beetle – I have recently opened a restaurant in a small but very beautiful village in Beli Iskar, Bulgaria. The place itself is very picturesque with nature trails and national forest surrounding it. It is a small journey from the 7 lakes a famous glacier lake formation. Also near to Borovets ski resort, the beautiful Rila Monastery, and much more. I moved here from the UK about 9 months ago, after finishing my degree and wanting a change of scenery, I opted for Bulgaria! I would love for more people to know about the area and what it has to offer! We are based in a great apartment complex where we can organise 3/5 day activity packages where people will get a chance to experience some of what is on offer here! I don’t know whether you would be interested in including something about this in the newsletter- or whether you have any advice about getting this little gem known to travellers! I would appreciate any advice you can give ! If you would like to know anymore please get in touch! I have loads of information about the area that I would love to share!

Thanks for your time, Kind Regards, Naomi eaglerockcafe@hotmail.com


GT Travel Award

A member of Globetrotters Club and interested in winning a £1,000 travel award ? Know someone who fits these criteria ? We have up to two £1,000 awards to give out this year for the best independent travel plan, as judged by the clubÂ’s Committee.

See the legacy page on our web site, where you can apply with your plans for a totally independent travel trip and we’ll take a look !!


Web sites to muse about travel to:-

· recent addition to the range of travel web sites & magazines – http://www.beyondtravelmagazine.co.uk/

· spotted by David Hock – check out these guys biking from Alaska to tip of S. America. They’re the real deal –http://ridingthespine.com/main.html

· Calcutta Walks, a walking tour company in Calcutta, India, offer many other ways of exploring the city besides walking, but specialise in walking tours. Their web site is at – www.calcuttawalks.com.

·“An interesting pair ” as spotted by Tracey Murray – http://www.3mphroundtheworld.com

· In response to a request for suggestions in finding a travelling companion I suggest clicking on this link There is a host of links to explore all about finding companions for travel – Francesca Jaggs


Welcome to eNewsletter January 2009

Hello all,

We’re well into the New Year and its time for many people to consider past, present & future plans. In this edition we have club member Gavin Fernandes completing his recap of his travels, Wanderlust looking for entries in their new photobook and details of the Destinations Show in London & Birmingham, including a discount ticket offer for Globetrotters Club members.

Perhaps you guys have got some more trips and adventures I can use in future editions…keep sending them in, as you have been doing very nicely lately.

To continue theme I’ve also listed a few requests for help, a small number of web sites to help you mull your travel ideas over and Mac chips in with a little help from The Beetle.

That’s all for now…enjoy yourselves as I head back to South America for much of February. There will be adventures to tell you about when I return…

The Ant

theant@globetrotters.co.uk


January meeting news from the London branch by Padmassana

With a last minute guest but a welcome return appearance by Dick Curtis at the lectern…

The January London meeting format was 4 shorter talks rather than the usual 2 longer ones. Our first speaker was Tessa Mills, who spoke about Gap Years for grown ups. Tessa was on the point of buying a house but suddenly decided to buy a round the world ticket and have some fun, wouldn’t we all like to be able to do that! She headed first to a chilly Vancouver before heading across the Pacific to the warmer climes of Australia and Cambodia’s stunning Angkor Wat. In Vietnam Tessa did a cookery course in Hoi An, via Thailand to India to see the Taj Mahal and Rajastan, before landing in Vienna on her way home.

Our second speaker was Barbara Brooks, who also was lucky enough to take a year out. Although she again travelled RTW, her main goal was to reach Easter Island (AKA Rapa Nui), a place that has captivated Barbara’s imagination since childhood. To get there she went via Polynesia, though going via Santiago in Chile is the other option. She told us that Easter Island is a volcanic island, it has 3 volcanoes, is largely barren of trees, because these were used to transport the giant Moai carved figures that the island is famous for. We saw lots of pictures of the Moai looking out to sea and also ones that were still being carved. The island hosts around 1000 tourists at a time. Barbara recommended that anyone going should visit the Museum first to get an understanding of the island and Moai.

After the break Neil Harris took us to Taiwan. To enter Taiwan you don’t need a Visa (UK Nationals), but although Neil had pre booked his hotel finding it was another matter as Taiwan is lacking in English tourist information, luckily he had the name of his hotel in Mandarin, so eventually found his bed in Taipei. Taipei does have a metro system for getting around with signs in English so Neil was able to explore the city, taking in the SunYat Sen Temple, The Imperial Treasures and of course his reason for going to see what was at the time the world’s tallest building, 101 building. On a quirkier note Neil also showed us “The Bog Tea shop” and the “Iffy Coffee” shop!

Our last speaker was Gavin Fernandes, entitled Chinese Press gang. Gavin spent a year in China studying photo journalism. During this time he was invited to take part in an exercise to help promote tourism, by being taken to Hubei province to photograph tourist sights, local factories and the people. In return for free travel, accommodation and food, plus matching yellow t-shirt and photographers jacket, he had to give the organisers 150 of his photos to be used in their publicity. Gavin photographed such delights as a 2000 year old tree, photogenic toddlers as well as being taken to photograph more mundane subjects like a car factory. While the western press pack were snapping away, they themselves were being snapped by local Chinese press. Some of Gavin’s work was used in local papers as well as publicity material including a great photo of a warrior monk in the Shao Lin temple.

As is customary after the January meeting we then enjoyed our New Year’s Party, which as usual was well catered for with members bringing contributions, but also thanks to Jacqui Trotter who once again spent the afternoon underneath the hall in the kitchen producing lovely hot food. Happy New Year

By Padmassana

For details of the forth coming meetings of the London branch, December 2008 through to July 2009 – http://www.globetrotters.co.uk/meetings/lon09it1.html.

London meetings are held at The Church of Scotland, Crown Court, behind the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden at 2.30pm the first Saturday of each month, unless there is a UK public holiday that weekend. There is no London meeting in August, but we start afresh in September. For more information, contact the Globetrotters Info line on +44 (0) 20 8674 6229, or visit the website: www.globetrotters.co.uk.


Meeting news from Ontario

For information on Ontario meetings, please contact Svatka Hermanek: shermanek@schulich.yorku.ca or Bruce Weber: tel. 416-203-0911 or Paul Webb: tel. 416-694-8259.

Ontario meetings are held on the third Friday of January, March, May, September and November. Usually at the Woodsworth Co-op, Penthouse, 133, Wilton Street in downtown Toronto at 8.00 p.m.


Write in (1)…returning club member Gavin Fernandes continues to answer The Ant’s questions

So, in the last issue I was telling you about a round the world trip that lasted nearly two years which began with an MA in China and continued in Canada and Latin America… cheap flights dictated a start in the Yucatan and a journey south to the jungle at Palenque. Then it was up to the highlands of San Cristobal before crossing into Guatemala and heading deeper into the Mayan world. We spent a month in the country which saw us journey out to the jungle to watch the sun rise over the temples of Tikal, hike up the lava flows of an active volcano, and bask on black sand beaches of the Pacific coast. Then it was back into Mexico and up to the capital via the markets of Oaxaca, the cliff divers of Acapulco and the prawns of Puerto Vallarta. I stayed in Mexico for the Independence Day celebrations on Sept 16th before heading back to Montréal. Picture courtesy Gavin Fernandes : 'backpage' was one I included in my talk at the Globetrotter club members' slides afternoon, of me being featured in the local press while shooting for China Foto Press in 2007

Figure 1 Picture courtesy Gavin Fernandes : ‘backpage’ was one I included in my talk at the Globetrotter club members’ slides afternoon, of me being featured in the local press while shooting for China Foto Press in 2007

What particular moment will you remember most about your travels & why?

It’s impossible to pick one moment from nearly two years away; there were many memorable moments from a year spent living and studying in China and travelling in Vietnam as well as some unforgettable times spent in Canada. More than three months in Latin America yielded its fair share of travellers’ tales too.

Re your photography – is there one shot you’ve taken that makes you think yep that’s the one…that’s why I went travelling?

Well, actually there could be a few… I’ve entered a few in various travel photography competitions – so let’s see if any make the shortlists…

What single piece of advice would you give to anyone with a similar trip in mind? Something that could make all the difference to enjoying or not what they may experience…

I could reel off a few clichés here – keep an open mind, take it as it comes, play it by ear, expect the unexpected – but it’s the way I’ve always travelled – not planning too hard or thinking too far ahead but being ready to make the best of an unwelcome situation should one arise. That’s when the adventures happen!

Do you still have an appetite for travel and where might you possibly head to next?

Picture courtesy Gavin Fernandes : 'Iguanas' was shotI haven’t yet lost that desire to see what’s round the next corner and discover something new. But I’ve slowed down a lot since the days of dashing around Europe or across 18 countries in 4 months. I prefer to settle in a place nowadays and absorb more of the culture than was possible when just passing through. I’d quite like to live and work in a new country earning money as a photographer and planning future travel projects.

You’re back in London after nearly two years away – how come and what next?

Well the funds diminished somewhat after a year as a student and a summer in central America. The lack of any foreign work permit meant they couldn’t be easily replenished and a return to Blighty became imminent. I’m currently looking for contract work, preferably related to photography while continuing to search out markets (exhibition/publication) for my latest travel imagery. I’d be happy to be based anywhere in the world – I could go back to China and build on my experiences of 2007; or try Australia and see what’s happening there; or visit the folks in India and seek out viable projects; or get a job in Africa as a photographic tour leader on the overland safari trucks. Or do I return to Montréal and the girl I left behind…?

Thank you very much Gavin – even across two articles I’m sure you’ve only managed to share a very small amount of your fantastic experiences. Welcome back to the club but happy travelling & photography in the future…The Ant

STOP PRESS 24/01/2009!! Gavin has just heard that his entry, ‘Iguanas’, in Wanderlust’s photo of the year competition has made it through to the final stage of judging and will be exhibited at Destinations 2009. The judging takes place on the Friday of the show at around 3.30pm – let’s see if Gavin wins the trip to Mexico 


Write in (3)…Cure Winter Blues with Destinations – The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show by Laura Leveson of Smith & Monger

Destinations – the UK’s leading holiday and travel event returns to London’s Earls Court from 5th to 8th February and Birmingham’s NEC from 27th February until 1st March 2009 for another action-packed year. The show is ideal inspiration for those aiming to beat the winter blues, offering short breaks to awe-inspiring holidays such as round the world trips and life-changing career breaks.

There are ideas for all tastes and budgets, whether travelling solo, as a couple, family or group. This is a chance to meet the experts, discover fantastic new holiday ideas, access amazing offers and experience a taster of what’s to come with fantastic sensations from global food and wine tasting to cultural acts. Winter is the time to reset the personal compass and reinvigorate the soul. There is the opportunity to rock & roll through the Deep South of the USA visiting Graceland and Chattanooga with music inspired rail journeys, meanwhile Celtic Spring cruises are the perfect post winter pick-me-up and mix of Irish hospitality with French Joie de vivre. Indulging the senses of even the seasoned European holiday maker are Spanish heartland adventures by Vespa, Bulgarian natural spas, and hidden gems at favourite destinations. Meanwhile adventure travel specialists will feed the imaginations of those addicted to adventure with ideas such as cross-country skiing in Scandinavia, wildlife expeditions in the Antarctic, and West African overland adventures to legendary Timbuktu.

In the rapidly changing world of travel, the savvy traveller is likely to be looking for security in travel. For worry-free travel destinations visitors can chat to the team at ABTA, which will be representing British travel agencies and maintaining high standards of trading practice, and ATOL the financial protection scheme for UK tour operators.

Meet the Expert Theatres

The theatre features travel personalities including; top explorers, adventurers, writers and photographers. First hand accounts from legendary journeys of adventure will captivate audiences. Speakers include the BBC’s Dan Cruickshank best known for his popular series and book Around the World in 80 Treasures and most recent series Adventures in Architecture.

Don’t miss Charley Boorman English actor and travelogue maker. On 12 April 2008, Charley Boorman started By Any Means, which has taken Boorman all around the world starting in his home town in Ireland to Sydney Australia – “by any means”. This has included using various different forms of transport, excluding air travel, accompanied only by producer, Russ Malkin, and cameraman Mungo. Also appearing at The London Show Kate Humble presenter of some of television’s best-loved wildlife and science programmes, including Springwatch, Autumn Watch, Animal Park and Rough Science will be appearing in conversation with Hilary Bradt.

NEW for 2009

Activity & Adventure – this dedicated area designed to provide the freshest and most exciting off the beaten track activity and adventure ideas is bigger than ever. Whether planning an overland trip across Africa, exploring the depths of Alaska’s glacier filled valleys, trekking in the Amazon or cycling in the Dordogne, this is a chance to meet the worlds’ leading adventure travel experts

Nomad Travel Store and Clinic – know before you go and travel safely. The mobile ambulance service will be at The Show for vaccinations advice whatever the destination. Experienced and medically trained staff will provide travel health information and advice.

Destinations Sensations Visitors can immerse themselves in engaging demonstrations, global flavours, vibrant dance and music from around the world. Taking place will be Russian vodka tasting, a Colombian dance workshop, and a chance to learn the art of the Borneo blowpipe used by the indigenous people.

World Entertainment Stage Showcasing an eclectic mix of vibrant and exciting music and dance the World Entertainment Stage will feature a diverse range of performances from Ninjas trained in the Japanese art of Ninjutsu courtesy of Japan Tourist Office to Bollywood, Brazilian Capoeira and fiery Flamenco.

Visit www.destinationsshow.co.uk again soon for more information including a full list of exhibitors visit www.destinationsshow.com.

London Show

Ticket Prices: Adult Ticket Price: £10 in advance (£12 on the door) Under 15’s go free

To book tickets visit www.destinationsshow.com or Tel: 0871 230 7141* Calls charged at national rate. Booking fee applies.

Venue: Earls Court 1, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA Telephone: +44 (0)20 7385 1200

Opening Times: Thursday 5 February 2009 10am – 8.30pm (late night from 5pm) / Friday 6 February 2009 10am – 5.30pm / Saturday 7 February 2009 10am – 5.30pm /Sunday 8 February 2009 10am – 5.30pm

Birmingham Show

Ticket Prices: Adult Ticket Price: £8 in advance (£10 on the door) Under 15’s go free

To book tickets visit www.destinationsshow.com or Tel: 0871 230 7141* Calls charged at national rate. Booking fee applies.

Venue: NEC, Birmingham

Opening Times: Friday 27 February 2009 10am-5.00pm / Saturday 28 February 10am-5.00pm / Sunday 1 March 10am – 5.00pm

STOP PRESS 28/01/2009 !! If you club members use discount code DE3B they can purchase tickets at the rate of

£9 for London & £7 for Birmingham. They can book online at www.destinationsshow.com or via phone on 0871 230 7141. Please note

the discount is only available on tickets booked in advance – the box office closes for London 3 February and Birmingham 25 February 2009. Calls are charged at a national rate.


Mac says…

MacRegular contributor Mac ruminates on the world of travel & some of his adventures along the way 

This time round The Beetle is responding to his suggestion of the following top ten places to visit:-

  1. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Zambia

  2. Canals of Venice, Italy

  3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

  4. Lee River, China (conical limestone peaks)

  5. Suez Canal, Egypt

  6. Lake Como, Italy

  7. Lake Baikal, Russia

  8. Nile River, Egypt

  9. Bora Bora, South Pacific

  10. Dead Sea, Israel

Hi Mac,

I’m at work, we are having a wall built between the main cheese waxing area and my new dairy – I will be making cheese for the first time next week!

Here’s my version of the best top 10:, with a theme of best Lakes, Canals, & Watery Wonders:-

  1. The Panama Canal – an incredible piece of engineering

  2. The Amazon

  3. The reefs off Papua New Guinea – the Great Barrier reef is largely dead and trashed by careless divers and snorkelers

  4. The Nile from Luxor to Aswan

  5. Venice

  6. Lake Tanganyika by the steps of the Railway Hotel, Kigoma – the most beautiful and serene sight

  7. Gulin, China, with its rounded steep mountains

  8. The Danube

  9. Rotorua and its geysers and stinky lake

  10. Lake Wanaka

What do you the readers think ? Has Mac got the inside track or does The Beetle show up the breadth of her knowledge ? The Ant