Japan
Japan has been my home for the last six years. A land of contradictions, it delights and confounds with stunning natural beauty jostling for attention with horrendous man-made scars. Of course, the Japanese have a refined sense of harmony and have created temples, shrines and gardens of sublime beauty. All who visit leave with memories that linger a lifetime.
Most visitors make Tokyo their first port of call and it is sure to thrill. All you have read about is true, from drunk manga-reading salarymen to anime-costume wearing geeks; cherry-blossom parties in the midst of urban craziness to bowls of steaming noodles in vast subterranean shopping streets.
Click on one of the links below and be transported to where the ultra-modern and the ultra-traditional co-exist.
Singapore
My father and I met up in Singapore at the end of 2009 to celebrate the New Year and revisit some of the places he was stationed in 1956-1958 during National Service.
Indonesia
In two months, we travelled from Sumatra across to Bali and Lombok, on our way to Flores; encountering dragons and surfers, crowded buses and deserted beaches. And the constant helpful offers of transport, massage and pineapple.
Laos
I was in Laos for the millennium celebrations. The location was a riverboat party in the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. Two days later we were involved in a coach crash that left many injured and resulted in a quick return to Thailand. Interestingly, I blame everything on a wooden carving I'd found in a closet in a cheap hotel. Superstitious? Don't read my account of a demon alive in an ancient pendant.
Malaysia
Malaysia has a split personality and its facets will bore some but enthrall others. The nation has undergone a transformation and is very proud of its development. It offers some wonderful natural landscapes, especially in East Malaysia - Borneo. Those who want to encounter wildlife should head to Kota Kinabalu - a convenient base for exploring the region. A town with superb nightlife too.
Thailand
My first trip to The Far East was in 1988 on my way to Australia for a working holiday. Myself and my top friend Tim landed in Bangkok airport after a long long flight via Moscow and New Delhi. I vividly remember moment the arrival building doors opened and we stepped out in to a blanket of humidity and the start of an adventure.
I have returned to Thailand regularly over the last 20 years and seen the country change so much, from an exotic stop on the overland backpacker trail to full-on package tour paradise . On the other hand, I haven't changed at all, and still wear the same shirt I bought 20 years ago in Phuket.
My most recent trip was in July 2007. We visited Koh Tao (Turtle Island) and Koh Samui. There is also a gallery of photos from our trip to Kata beach, Phuket in 2006.
Koh Tao island -
photo gallery
Kata beach, Phuket -
photo gallery
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Australia
My visit to Australia was back in 1988 and so I was there for celebrations marking 200 years of British infestation. Myself and Tim Gates travelled there on working-holiday visas and thoroughly loved our experience as 'Bloody Poms!'. I'd move there tomorrow if they'd let me. But of course, they won't!
The USA
Read an account of my coast to coast trip from San Francisco, through the hot southern states and up to Boston. A travelled across the country by Green Tortoise: a wonderful old school bus converted into a mobile home for twenty or so twentysomethings.
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Saipan, Northern
Mariana islands - gallery
Canada
I somehow managed to end up homeless and feeling a bit stupid during a brief foray into Canada. Almost at the end of my round-the-world journey, I managed to be robbed by a girl. Yes, a girl! Canada - what a dangerous country! Read how it can all go wrong if you let your guard down on a Greyhound bus.
The UK
Since I left the UK, I've become more and more English by the day and wander around like a real English gent. A wonderful realm, just don't make me go back. In my opinion, the UK packs in more variety in a small space than any other country. A fantastic place to visit, except for the food, weather, high prices, street crime, warm beer, poor service and...
Travel Suggestion - Secret England!
Many people are interested in visiting Le Mont Saint Michel in northern France. I've been there, and it is a fantastic place. However, few tourists have heard of Saint Michael's Mount. This is England's version of the famous French site, and is a big surprise to most people as it is very similar, but without the crowds. Admittedly, it is smaller, but is nonetheless impressive and worth visiting. Click on the links to find out more about it, then plan your trip to Cornwall in England!.
St.Michael's Mount (Wikipedia)
St.Michael's Mount (Official website)
St.Michael's Mount (National Trust website)
Le Mont Saint Michel (Japanese Wikipedia)
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