Tag: travel

All Things Strange and Wonderful; My Adventures as a Vet in Africa

When Reb was still a young boy two former Peace Corps volunteers came to visit the school he attended. Right there he made the decision that one day he too would be a Peace Corp volunteer and go to Africa.

Sixteen years on, as a newly qualified vet he was sent to Malawi, to the township of Thyolo, to begin his first tour as a Vet, in a country where the ancient and modern lived side by side and on any given day something unusual, frustrating, amazing and totally African could and often did happen!

His first introduction to the many aspects of the African culture came when a messenger from a small village some distance away arrived at the office to seek his help to save a litter of puppies. This was his first meeting with the amazing Dr Mzimba, a mystic and wise ‘witchdoctor’, who welcomed him to Africa saying he had been waiting for Dr Reb to come for sixteen years.

And so Dr Reb’s many adventures and experiences began with the saving of sadly only two of the six puppies, both of whom where to one day go on to save his life.

Each of the stories present another charming, often funny, occasionally frustrating but always enjoyable aspect of life in a country which is as colourful as it is shrouded in superstition, magic and mayhem, all told with obvious affection for the people and the culture he grew to love and of which he became a respected member.

His respect for Dr Mzimba, his love and understanding for the local bar girls who became like sisters to him, his confronting and accepting the strange and dysfunctional relationship Doctors Dr Dave and Dr Dan Inabadawe , one who used all the aspects of ‘magic’ and the other who did not, his efforts to help educate as AIDS was becoming a killer virus throughout the country and the immensely quirky, completely African manner of setting out to build the new cattle dipping tanks and housing at the Ngola site, jostle amongst the many tales ripe for the telling.

No matter which chapter you read there is a deep respect apparent for the people, the hard struggle of life on a daily basis, the compelling blend of all the aspects that make up a culture and lifestyle that is to be respected.

Dr Reb, has a wonderful turn of phrase as he brings to life the many, many people he met, learned from, shared their lives, whom together helped him ‘come of age’ in a country where nothing is as it seems with the old and new way of life rubbing shoulders every day.

Touching, funny, enjoyable and often poignant this is a heart-warming look at life where a kindness can make a huge difference and very little is expected from life.

A book which will remain long in your memory and each time remembered, bring a smile to your face.

March 18, 2016
Jalan Jalan: A Novel of Indonesia

Harper Gregory Wells otherwise referred to as ‘Newbie’ takes a job as an English teacher in Indonesia without really knowing, or understanding anything about it all. He is running away from life, grief, and desperately trying to make a fresh start in a land where he thinks anything goes.

But as he learns more about love, life and grieving he begins to realise there is more to Indonesia than sex, drugs and rock and roll!

Raw, confrontational and aimed directly at anyone who has decided to take a hike from life, hide out for a while and reinvent who you are in another culture, it lays bare the vulnerability of the human psyche.

As Newbie begins to come to terms about where his rash move has left him, he moves into the all too common lifestyle of the young and new to the Indonesian sub-culture; booze, drugs, sex and party! But as time passes he begins to rebuild his life. His coming to accept that his girl-friend Laura is dead and this was the catalyst that has forced him to take a serious look at his life, is an interesting journey into what lies inside each of us, as we struggle to deal with the unthinkable, which so often happens in real life.

The rawness of grief, the disbelief, the longing, the regret is all laid out for inspection. The rush into the drugs, the reflection of where this is leading and the reality of acceptance and restructure make an interesting if uncomfortable read.

Not for the fainthearted, this will take you on a journey which will be hard to forget, will hit deep and will, providing you enjoy this hard hitting style of writing, keep you entertained to the last page as you struggle, with Newbie, to discover just what life is really all about.

As they say ‘Jalan-Jalan’, just taking a walk – through life!

February 22, 2016
A Geek in Thailand: Discovering the Land of Golden Buddhas, Pad Thai and Kickboxing

If you wish to travel to Thailand, holiday there, work there, or you just enjoy travel stories, this is the book for you. It is filled with facts and stories that instantly immerse you in the culture and country.

The author came to Thailand to relax after a teaching contract in Korea. Rather than return to “The grey and dreary streets of my hometown Manchester,” he went to Phuket, and from there travelled around, loving the relaxed life style, fine food, and gentle people. Jody began to write for a newsmagazine, and has made Thailand his home. In this way, we get an honest look at the good, the frustrating and the amazing aspects of his new home.

The chapters in the book cover Thai history and culture, design and craftsmanship, food, music and arts and tips for visiting Thailand. The photography is amazing, and gives a clear idea of what the reader is looking at. We begin with an overview of the history of Thailand, which is explained very clearly. It seems that Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country to resist attempts at Western colonization, and current thinking by some, is that the original name of Siam would create less discrimination between groups.

In the segment about “Thailand’s most important religious sites,” we see many beautiful temples and places of worship. Local Thai architecture and home interiors reflect the calm and harmonious, and plants around the house are important to maintain this balance. Thai hospitality is famous and resorts are listed to suit everyone.

There are city resorts, and you can also stay by the sea or in the jungle. Shopping and markets are shown, with something for every one’s needs. Ladyboys in Thailand are an accepted part of society and are seen to work in most areas of the country. There is excellent information about working in Thailand, and how to fit in with the local customs and expectations.

Chapter 7 deals with Visiting Thailand, and explains how the city of Bangkok is in danger of sinking by 2030. The huge rainfall and poor construction of buildings has complicated the situation. However, the author says that visiting the city is a must.

Bangkok is divided into 50 districts, and is home to about 6.5 million people. The transport is easy to use and efficient. There is a sub way, sky-train, motorcycle taxis, and water taxis, which are all cheap. Some of the attractions in Bangkok are, visiting a kickboxing stadium, having a cocktail at the sky bar, taking a ride along the mighty Chao Phraya River, and visiting the National Museum, which contains ancient artefacts and fine displays of art.

There is a list of 10 top things to do in Phuket as well. Combined with maps, swimming locations and visits to Chiang Mai, this book really does have it all making it a great book to browse and essential for the traveller.

February 4, 2016
Berlin Style Guide

There is nothing better than to travel to an unknown country and have your own personal Tour Guide. These two women have lived a long time in Berlin, and love the place with a passion. What a great idea then to produce a book, outlining all of their favourite walks, and shops and eateries. This is not just another city guide, but shows “special places and destinations that shape Berlin’s character, and make life in Berlin so incredibly charming.”

The authors have chosen eight suburbs of Berlin to visit. Each suburb has its own map. This is followed by three or four walks that a Tourist could take to see the “creative locals.” Each walk takes up most of the day. The walks begin with great breakfasts, and conclude with suggestions for places to dine in the evening. Some accommodation is also recommended.

General tips such as information on Taxis, public toilets, riding bikes and driving cars, are given. There are photographs on every page to whet the appetite of the most discerning shopper and window shopper. There is one boat tour included. With each map of the district, locations for food, shops, Arts and Cultural Centres are listed.

One of the Tours begins with a marvellous coffee, and then a walk across the road to a shop which sells Scandinavian sweets and licorice. Following the trail, we move to a shop which sells hand-made cast iron frying pans and cooking utensils. Next, we move to a 1960’s modernist design shop, selling lamps and furniture. A Goldsmith workshop is within easy walking distance, and then it’s time for a cafe stop with hand- painted biscuits and chocolates. There are several more stops after this, and then suggestions for Dinner and a restful evening at a Hotel.

This is certainly an intimate guide to Berlin, and one which a regular tourist could never hope to replicate. In the book, local people are interviewed, and reveal their enjoyment of what Berlin has to offer. It would be difficult to include prices in this book, but I think that many people would find it helpful to know the price of a cup of coffee in 2015, for a guideline.

There is so much passion for the surrounds and the people of Berlin, that, to read the book, and view the photographs, is a delight in itself. However, if you are travelling to Berlin, and want to do some walking tours, this would be a helpful guide.

January 18, 2016
Kissed By A Deer

Living the bohemian lifestyle was beginning to wear a little thin and when her father passed away, Margie Gibb found herself facing a dilemma in her life. To continue or to change direction; she choose to set out to travel the world and follow, what turned out to be a lifestyle that challenged her ideas, ideals and the very essence of who she thought she was as a person.

Moving away from Australia to America, which in the 1970’s was considered the doorway to a very different culture and lifestyle, was the first step. While there Gibb studied the sacred art of the mandala and the traditions of the Indigenous Indian peoples. She eventually found herself heading into India. Settling in Dharamsala she worked as children’s carer and music teacher at the Tibetan women’s handicraft co-operative and that is when her life directing really began to change.

Meeting Tenzin, a masseuse in the town, she falls in love but that love is ill-fated as she discovers she is just one of the many women in his life. In spite of this the relationship remains as a constant for more than six years. Yonten, a former monk becomes her friend and also has a massive impact on her life from the spiritual perspective.

Essentially this is a story of self-discovery commencing in 1970 when life was there for the taking, eastern religion was high on the agenda for those seeking enlightenment and travel was a new and readily accessible option.

To travel to India, Tibet and China was something that was almost considered essential when learning about eastern religion, traditional lifestyle and working as a volunteer in small communities was something ‘one did’ on the pathway to enlightenment.

Margie Gibb is just one of the many but in telling her story, in what could almost be considered a diarised account of her daily life, gives real insight into what was involved and perhaps still is today when you choose to walk the pathway of ‘finding out who you are’.

Political references give a very different perspective to the persecution suffered by the Tibetan peoples, a fresh look is offered into life in a third world country and the love and compassion shown by the people she lived and worked with, as they cared for her in times of ill health and distress, warms the heart.

It is a journey of learning, of finding wisdom, of reflecting on life in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, of rebuilding and seeking out the truth as Gibb, along with a generation of young people, established the pathway to a massive shift in societies values that are still with us today.

January 14, 2016
Retro New York – the way we were

New York, New York. It is a place that has been sung about, been notorious, produced some of the best stage shows, is and has been a leader in the Fashion industry that is one of the main stables of industry behind the iconic City along with the NY Stock Exchange. Along the way it has created the image that in New York, everything is bigger, louder and better.

Everything is colossal which goes for the people, the food and the buildings. It has more than earned its place in the world market as one of the greatest cities in the world – the vibe is second to none and when you are there, on the streets, you know you are there!

In conjunction with the Mary Evans Picture Library, Whiticker has selected 400 incredible images, many of them rare, to compile a look at New York as it was during the times when many of the tales, legends and folkloric were created.

Divided up into five specific sections you are introduced with a slice of the history that created the City, followed by a look at the iconic images such as the newly completed Brooklyn Bridge in 1908, along with the workers who built the Empire State Building, which at the time was the world’s tallest building.

New York at War is a subdued look at the hundreds and hundreds of men who left the State to fight in World War II. A misty look at the ceremonial unveiling of the monument to the men lost when the USS Maine was lost in an explosion in 1898 is haunting and symbolic of the cost of war.

Law and Order portrays a colourful if desperate time in New York in a city that has seen it all. From the organised crime syndicates, race riots, general strikes, drug epidemics and the underworld that was a part of the scene for many, many years. There is a wonderful image of a New York Police officer, 1903, as he calls in at the telephone pillar.

Art and Entertainment sees a photo of a young Frank Sinatra and first wife Nancy at the Stork Club when he was still a soloist with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey Big Bands. The amazing Barbara Streisand is there in her role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Woody Allen and Diane Keaton also graces the pages.

And so it goes on presenting a window into an era long gone but one that should be treasured for the iconic images which are so representative of a time and place that helped create the magic that is New York today. The time frame ranges from the late 1870’s to about 1970 and encapsulates amongst many other things the growth of not just New York, but also the world, as it slowly became more and more cosmopolitan.

January 6, 2016
Campervan Crazy

The people who own ‘Beetles’ or ‘Combi’s’’ are considered to be slightly odd; even buying one let alone thinking about buying one at some time over the years put you in a class apart; a class that appreciated the unusual backed with German precision and technological know-how to produce a range of vehicles that have turned rational, clear thinking people into obsessive fanatics when it came to their Vee Dub!

To this end David and Cee Eccles have collated a raft of stories about the much loved Vee Dub Camper; beloved of those who enjoy the great outdoors, don’t mind and odd shaped vehicle, well it was when they were first released, which had a reputation for being able to go almost anywhere within reason. Adventure was always just around the corner with one of these, and when you did eventually manage to buy one, found it was love at first sight.

The Campervan is in a class of its own as a front runner to what we have today with some very, very fortunate people still owning or have managed to find one and do a restoration job on it, thereby, being able to once again carry them off on yet another endless adventure in life.

Arriving on the automotive scene in 1954 as the humble VW Transporter they were cost effective, reasonably reliable, adaptable and effective for transporting a wide range of goods. It was only a blink in time before they were being used as campers by people who enjoyed the camping lifestyle, notably those of the surfing fraternity, then the Hippie movement becoming a notable symbol of peace, free love and fun.

The reality was they were used in all manner of ways by a vast cross-section of the community who all had one thing in common, a warm, almost obsessive love of their vehicle.

Over the past 60 years or so they have seen several incarnations, going from cut down models to shift goods to appearing in movies and cooking shows. Jamie Oliver owned at reconditioned, rebuilt 1959 Samba which made a regular appearance on his many cooking shows, becoming almost the star attraction in his 2005 series ‘Jamie’s Italy’ where it would appear with magnificent backdrops as Jamie created incredible eats from the matching kitchen trailer.

Mustard Seed Ministries well known ‘Combi’, the ‘Little India Bus’, carts loads and loads of goods for sale at markets the length and breadth of England as it carries out the work of fundraising for the street children and orphans of India. It has been part and parcel of the Ministry since its inception in 1993.

People for all walks of life are known to simply up-stakes, buy a Camper and hit the road, travelling to places as diverse as Peru, Columbia, Belize and Mexico to name just a few.

Although they once used to be a very affordable ‘lady of the road’, as the years have gone by and they are no longer manufactured in any of their designs, they have now almost become collectors’ items, to be lovingly restored, nurtured and above all else, used as they always were meant to be, to carry goods and people all over the place.

If you are a Vee Dub Lover, or simply a lover of travel, this wonderful tribute to VW Campers and the occasional Beetle will take you places you never thought you would or could go and keep you totally entertained along the roadside of life.

January 3, 2016