A sweaty summer stopover in Sharjah

There is a saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result. I thought about this saying when I found myself back in the United Arab Emirates in the summer, when I said I would never again visit in the summer. The last I was in the […]

Rebuilding the new Beirut

Sometimes you get a good feeling about a place even before you step foot on its soil. This was the case for Beirut when I first caught a glimpse of the city. The airport is close to the city centre, and if the flights are arriving from the north the flightpath goes over the old […]

Where I’m At: September, 2018 – Hanoi edition

Greetings from Hanoi and another edition of Where I’m At; a monthly update of what I’ve been up to and general site news. Where I’ve Been Katowice The month began in Katowice where I stayed for a few days while waiting for a flight. Katowice is one of the biggest hubs for the low cost […]

Nicosia – the divided capital of Cyprus

During my trip to Cyprus I included a stay in Nicosia. Most visitors do day trips from the coastal resorts, but I wanted to stay and have a proper look around. Its inland location wipes out any interest of visiting for most foreign tourists, who come to Cyprus for sand and sea holidays. I’m more […]

Notes on Cyprus – Roman ruins and a future global business hub

When I announced I was going to Cyprus it elicited differing reactions from friends online. For some English friends, Cyprus is associated with cheap package holidays, and the holiday makers that go with it. At some of the places I visited I did see that element, which reminded me of the Australian bogan culture in […]

Where I’m At: August, 2018 – Katowice edition

Greetings from Katowice and another edition of Where I’m At; a monthly update of what I’ve been up to and general site news. Katowice is a seemingly random destination to end up in, but there is a method to my travel madness. This is what my last month of travel has looked like. This is […]

Notes on Astana – the futuristic capital of Kazakhstan

When I was looking for a flight from Bangkok to London I kept seeing deals with Air Astana with a stopover in Almaty and Astana. With the flight being as much as a direct flight it seemed like a good opportunity to visit a new country. Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan, and I happened […]

Ryanair Flight Review – “Low Fares Made Complicated”

Flight: Ryanair FR 2436 From: London Stansted (STN) To: Krakow (KRK) It had been nearly 10 years since I had last flown Ryanair, and after my most recent flight it might be 10 years before I fly with them again. I had forgotten when exactly was the last time so I looked it up on […]

Air Astana flight review – Bangkok to London with a stopover in Almaty and Astana

Air Astana is the national flag carrier of Kazakhstan, with bases at its former capital (Almaty) and new capital (Astana). With international flights distributed between these two cities, Air Astana offer a unique stop-over opportunity when travelling from East/Southeast Asia to Europe. Most national airlines around the world fly out of their home base (usually […]

Notes on Osaka – A city break dedicated to eating and urban wandering

My first visit to Osaka in 1999 was as a stopover en route to the USA. I was there for less than a day, so it barely counts as a visit. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the first day of my expat life. I was on my way the the […]