Travel Blog

Tanzania Diary

A Journey Through Tanzania's Wild Heartlands From Dublin to the Foothills of Kilimanjaro The journey to Tanzania began in Dublin, marked by the typical trials of international travel. A series of minor but frustrating delays, including a collision involving a terminal bus and a technical issue with the aircraft, led to a 90-minute late departure from Dublin. The layover in London provided a chance to connect with a travel companion before the overnight flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The seven-hour flight proved sleepless, a common experience in economy class, especially on a…

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June 2025

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Albania Diary

A Journey Through Albania The trip to Albania began with an early morning flight from London Heathrow to Vienna, followed by a connecting flight to Tirana. The capital city, despite its complex history, presented a lively atmosphere with bustling streets and vibrant nightlife. A visit to Bunk'Art, a former communist-era bunker turned museum, provided a sobering reminder of the country's past. The journey continued with a visit to the Elbasan fortress, followed by a scenic drive to Lake Ohrid. The ancient ruins of a Christian basilica offered a glimpse into the region's…

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October 2024

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Algeria Diary

A Bumpy Start, a Smooth Landing in Algiers The excitement of our Algerian adventure was almost derailed before it began! A cancelled flight from London meant a frantic scramble, rebooking for the following day. But a day of unplanned exploration in London turned out to be a delightful bonus. Finally, we touched down in Algiers, our hotel perched high above the bay offering a stunning reward after a rocky start to the trip. https://youtu.be/mZtL1vX5cbk Timelapse of Sunrise over the Bay of Algiers Djémila: Roman Grandeur, Local Delights, and Scenic Drives Our journey…

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May 2024

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Pakistan Diary

Lost in Translation: My Adventure Through Pakistan's Unexpected Wonders Islamabad greeted me with a whirlwind of anxieties. News of a recently arrested ex-Prime Minister and subsequent riots had me rethinking my entire trip. But hey, adventure awaits! Day 1: A Chaotic Arrival My journey began with a flight transfer in Abu Dhabi. Terminal 3 was a bit of a warren but thankfully I had plenty of time to find the right gate. Finally touching down in Islamabad at 3 am, the real adventure commenced. An American woman on the flight, worried about…

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May 2023

Travel Blog

Balkans Diary

My Balkan Odyssey: From Leaky Minibuses to Beekeeping Adventures Sofia greeted us with a warm embrace...and a rather damp one, thanks to a leaky minibus roof. But hey, a little rain couldn't dampen my spirits for this Balkan adventure! History, frescoes, and food – my travel trifecta – awaited. Day 1: A Foodie's First Impressions After drying off at the Sofia Palace, we dove headfirst into the local cuisine. Vegetarians, rejoice! There were plenty of options, and cheese lovers would be in paradise as everything seemed to come with it. Braving the…

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June 2022

The view over the old part of Khiva from the watch tower on the city walls.

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Uzbekistan Diary

Uzbek Odyssey: A Land of Ancient Cities and Silk Road Secrets Uzbekistan, a land steeped in history and exotic allure, had been on my bucket list for years. Finally, in April 2022, after countless covid lockdown delays, I found myself on a plane bound for Tashkent, the capital city. Uzbekistan Airline’s slogan is "Good luck!" I wasn’t sure if this was a wish of benevolence, or a cryptic warning? Monuments and the Metro Landing at 3:30am, bleary-eyed but brimming with excitement, we navigated customs and baggage claim. After a brief two-hour nap…

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May 2022