Snapshot of Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), Vietnam

Snapshot – Ho Chi Minh City (AKA Saigon), Vietnam OK, so this post is written through the eyes of a boomer on a cruise ship meaning you only get a thumbnail sketch of places visited.   Having said that, it was ample time to get a taste of Ho Chi Minh City (previously Saigon), Vietnam and Read More …

Cycling the Ancient Appian Way in Rome

Cycling the Ancient Appian Way in Rome Just for one day we were 19th century time-travellers exploring the beauty of ancient Appian Way on push bikes away from the city mayhem. Rome had provided us with five intense, but exciting, sight-seeing days and we were keen for a  cycle ride.   The Ancient Appian Way (2,300 Read More …

Santa Catalina Monastery – in the footsteps of a Nun

The legendary Santa Catalina Monastery in the White City of Araquipa was the next stop on our Dragoman truck trip.   This meant mysterious Nazca lines and sand-boarding fun on dunes in the Valley of Las Trancas was now committed to photographs and memories. Of Interest – Araquipa (the colonial capital of Peru) sits at the foot Read More …

Climbing the Medieval Walls of Kotor, Montenegro

If ever you are lucky enough to be on a Mediterranean cruise that calls into the small medieval city of Kotor, Montenegro, a climb up to the old St John’s Fort (aka Castle of San Giovanni) is a must.  For two reasons – the incredibly outstanding views and much needed exercise after being on the ship!  (I call Read More …