Jim’s Birthday Cruise, Part Deux
UAE - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman Our third stop was Sir Bani Yas Island which I visited a few years ago. It’s basically a private island belonging to the UAE with beaches and a wildlife park. I had planned…
Jim’s Birthday Cruise, Part Uno
Qatar, Saudi, Bahrain We all met at Heathrow and enjoyed the delights of the lounge, which mostly involved pre-flight alcohol. Before boarding I delivered the Paddy Holiday Quiz which Jimbo won. His prize was a $100 chip for Norwegian which…
Kandy to Colombo
Having said I wasn’t particularly taken with Kandy, I took an early morning stroll around the lake and the city redeemed itself. It was delightful watching the sunrise over the lake. The group left on foot to visit the Temple…
Sri Lanka – Negombo to Kandy
After three easy days in Bangkok at the Skyview hotel, I flew to Sri Lanka, three hours away. I have to say the airport experience in Bangkok was shockingly efficient. From check in I was through in 16 minutes, and…
Bangkok to Laos
I’d paid for fast track through the airport because the lines at Suvarnabhumi can be somewhat challenging for my patience levels. Rinda was waiting with my name on a board. That’s not me making fun of the way Asians pronounce…
Six Nights in Nepal
We crossed over the border between India and Nepal on Saturdayand we all felt an immediate difference. Nepal is a country the size of England and Wales with a population of 31 million. I thought India was bizarre with a…
Khajuraho to Varanasi
We arrived in Khajuraho somewhat traumatised. I’m not sure any of us were prepared for the overnight train in 3rd class. After dropping our bags off at the semi-rural Payal Hotel, we headed for an assortment of Hindu and Jain…
New Delhi & Agra
I arrived at the hotel about 2 am and everything was closed. I had to wake up the night porter to gain access. My room was typical for an Indian three star. All the hotels are chosen by the tour…