Wanna know how I started my travels and why?
Then read through this and find out .... and yes, that's me above looking so serious and wearing an obligatory sarong in a Balinese Hindu temple ...cute eh? !
Ok, about me - born in UK. Did well academically at school, played in school rugby team, Head Prefect, House Captain etc, etc .... generally a good boy! Moved to a London uni to study Languages, Economics and Politics, graduated, bought a flat there, lived there for 20 something years.
Worked in Management in hospitality, then fitness, then retail. Moved out of the rat race of London to the country. Bought a house in the country in Ireland and an apartment on the coast in Turkey. Sold them both and spent time living in Gran Canary. Came back to UK ... I loved travelling!
I had now reached my fifties and at an age where I needed to have felt I had really achieved something in life. The travel bug hit me in 2016 when I decided I needed to see more of this world before I became either too old to get around or I got stuck in a work routine and never got out of it, so .....
I quit my job with enough in savings to help me take a year or so travelling. I planned, booked, paid and embarked on my first 4 trips - Ireland, Morocco, Malta, Monaco. Not too far I hear you say but these were just the start of it and I wanted to ease into it gently.
The Morocco trip was actually visiting 3 cities there and traveling by public transport between them - a kinda mini tour on my own (oh, crikey!). I loved it all, found in myself a confidence I never thought I had (it was one of the challenges I set myself), found I could take any mishap/adventure in my stride and more importantly ......came back with a thirst for more !
....And so, my adventure began. Now, 72 countries later and I am still travelling when I can (the pandemic interrupted it severely!).
Think you can't do it ....think again ! If I inspire anyone to do the same I would love to hear about it..... I read about others doing this and it motivated me to get my act together and finally do it. Follow me here to read about my adventures, travels, sights, experiences (good or bad) and hopefully get some insight into how to do this.
Look out world, here I come !
My favourite places ..... so far!
Ever just fall in love with a place and wish ..... if only! ..... I have done this many a time and wished I could stay for longer, get an apartment and just explore this place for months. Not a realistic eventuality at the moment but I live in hope.
Singapore,
"Gardens by the Bay"
Such a vibrant City, futuristically modern with huge areas of history & tradition - the Indian Quarter, Chinatown, Arab Quarter all mystically and charmingly restored, full of difference and exploration. See the skyscrapers, take in the solemnity of a Chinese Temple, relax at the beach, indulge in a Singapore Sling cocktail at The Raffles Hotel, ride the monorail to Sentosa island, lose yourself in the peaceful acres and acres of the Gardens at the Bay.
Muscat, Oman,
"Qurum beach"
Explore Mutrah Souk for local craftworks, visit one of the biggest and most opulent Mosques in the world, swim in warm waters on the quiet and unspoilt Qurum beach, take in an show at the massive and beautiful marble Opera House, take a sea tour to race with the Dolphins on open water from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. jeep safari into the sand dunes and mountains at Jebel Kwar, chat with the genuinely friendly and inviting local Omanis.
Valletta, Malta,
"Old Town centre"
Step back into the 16th Century along streets of historical settings and buildings (think Game of Thrones), take a ferry trip across the bay to old Sliema, look out to sea from fortress battlements, eat al fresco on a 14th century plaza, marvel at the opulence and grandeur of the marble carvings in St Johns Co cathedral, explore the fortified city walls and look down on the world below, shop on the busy but historic pedestrianised Republic Street