пятница, 27 сентября 2013 г.

Десять самых загадочных и красивых мест в мире, которые стоит увидеть каждому из нас

Представляем вашему вниманию десять самых загадочных и красивых мест в мире, которые каждый из нас должен увидеть хотя бы раз в жизни. Все вы слышали фразу — увидеть Париж и умереть. Нам показалось мало Парижа и мы решили представить на ваш выбор 10 новых мест, которые стоит увидеть перед смертью. Подборка является авторской версией  сайта beltoprent.com. Её перепечатка разрешена только при наличии активной ссылки на наш сайт.


1. Отель изо льда, Швеция


Начиная с ноября 1990 года в Норрландии, Швеция каждый год строится из ледяных глыб самый необычный отель в мире. К сожалению, весной строение тает. На фото вы можете увидеть, как выглядит один из номеров для гостей отеля. очень оригинальная гостиница. После сна  в таком номере можно помолодеть на лет 20.



2. Фестиваль снега в Саппоро, Япония


Для создания огромных скульптур из снега для этого фестиваля требуется более 38000 тон снега. Его привозит грузовиками с гор, расположенных рядом с городом. Скульптуры из снега достигают до 40 метров в высоту и до 25 метров в ширину. Очень красивое зрелище.



3. Каппадокия, Турция


Увидев это сюрреалистическое место в Турции, вы будете поражены его величием природой. На протяжении сотен лет ветер и дождь создавали эту гору, состоящую из мягкой вулканической породы. Дома, построенные на горе в древние времена не пустуют и сейчас.



4. Храмы Кхаджурахо, Индия


Где-то между 10 и 13 веками в центральной Индии клан воинов Райпут в честь сошествия Бога Луны Чандра, построил серию храмов, на стенах которого были изображены сцены из одной популярной книги для взрослых.



5. Пой-Пой фестиваль, Папуа — Новая Гвинея


Население этой страны говорит более чем на 750 языках. Ежегодно здесь проводится фестиваль, на котором граждане Новой Гвинеи поют и лупят в барабаны от всей души. Такой вот африканский сабантуй.



6. Комодский варан, Индонезия


Более 150 квадратных миль занимает национальный парк Комодо, созданный для того, чтобы защитить от вымирания гигантских ящериц-варанов. Комодский варан достигает до 3 метров в длину и может весить более 70 кг.



7. Альберобелло Трулли, Италия


Уверены, что не многие из вас слышали про итальянский городок Альберобелло. Примечателен он тем, что здесь люди живут в очень необычных домах, называющиеся Трулли.



8. Метро в Москве


Если вы ещё не побывали в метро столицы России, настоятельно рекомендуем сделать это в ближайшее время. Метро просто шедевр искусства и является своеобразным триумфом правления Сталина.



9. Дорога великана, Северная Ирландия


Более 60 миллионов лет назад после взрыва вулкана была образована дорога, состоящая из более чем 40 000 базальтовых столбов правильной формы. Ирландская легенда гласит, что это дело рук мифического героя-великан Финна Маккула. Так ему было удобней ступать по земле.



10. Подземные церкви, Лалибела, Эфиопия


В Лалибеле начиная с 12 века православные священники строили церкви, которые были высечены из камня и спрятаны глубоко под землёй. Хорошее место, чтобы вспомнить о Боге и своих грехах.



 


 



Десять самых загадочных и красивых мест в мире, которые стоит увидеть каждому из нас

четверг, 26 сентября 2013 г.

The Real Cost of Living in Thailand

It’s impossible to give a general estimate of what it costs to live in Thailand because it depends on where you live, your needs, desires and resources. Are you a traveller or are you planning to stay. You can read a plethora of articles on this subject, some of which may get you diving into the store room for your suitcase; others may make you bolt the front door and hide in the broom cupboard. They can be useful as a rough guide but sometimes, for me, they can be too generic so I have approached the subject in a slightly different way.


Let’s first consider the locals. 45% of the working population don’t have regular work but make enough money so they and their families have enough to eat. When working, these people will typically earn between 200 and 400 baht a day. From January 1 2013 employers must pay a minimum of 300 baht a day. Otherwise they face six months in jail and/or a 100,000 baht fine for non-compliance. Assuming that at least 50% of the working population manage an average of 20 days’ work a month then each person will take home 6000 baht per month.


Say one other person in a household of 4 earns a further 4000 baht then that household has 10,000 baht to live on every month. If you live in a farming village in any part of Thailand, as the majority of the population do, you will soon realise that a small family can live on this amount. But they will have no luxuries, their homes will be primitive, transport will be an old car, motorbike and bicycle and TV will be ‘free to air’. Of the four major conurbations, Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are the most expensive places to live, while Chiang Mai is the cheapest.


Old Thai House


Finding the best ways stretch your cash as far as possible requires time but can be fun and believe it or not, particularly where food is concerned, cheap is often best. For example; fresh fruit and vegetables from a local village market in Chiang Mai will be FRESH, because it is grown locally, and can cost 75% LESS than in a market in Phuket. Why? They haven’t had to travel 700 to 1200kms. On our land in Chiang Mai we grow bananas but when they aren’t ready to eat we buy in our village market. Bananas are only sold in bunches and a bunch (15 or so) will cost around 10 baht. In Phuket you will pay approximately 50 baht. Papaya, which can be eaten in many different ways, grows like a weed; so for all of us here it is free and but not in Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket. Let’s look at the main living requirements for any person and some comparative costs:


Housing


My advice, if you are wanting to stay, would be, don’t buy or build; rent. Non Thais can’t own land so buying or building is fraught with danger. I would urge anyone to research thoroughly and beware. The renting option in Thailand is great because not only is there a variety of properties available for short and long term tenants but Thai landlords are usually extremely flexible. Leases tend to be fairly casual affairs as long as you pay the rent. Once you have tied up a deal the chances are you will be allowed to do what you want to the property (within reason) and it is yours forever, if you so wish. The reason for this is that Thai families who build houses to let rarely sell the property; it is an investment to be passed on to the next generation.


normal house


If you take on a property for one year to start with the landlord should give you a pretty good deal, especially if you pay the year or six months in advance. If you are a responsible tenant they are unlikely to push escalation for a few years. Prices range from as little as 1000 baht for a very basic house in a village to over 100,000 baht per month for a very swish place in Phuket or Bangkok depending on your needs and budget. As an example a very nice modern 2 bedroom house with garden in Phuket will cost 12,000 baht a month. In Chiang Mai the same accommodation will cost 6000 baht.


Utilities


Electric and water shouldn’t set you back more than 1000 baht a month unless you hammer the aircon and/or have a pool.


Satellite TV and ADSL Internet


Approximately 2000 baht should see you ok. We pay 1400 baht.


Food/Water & Household/Toiletries


If you enjoy cooking, the markets are stuffed with everything you need for wholesome eating. Fruit, vegetables, chicken, pork, and fish are Thai staples and plentiful. 150 baht will feed 3 people for a day easily plus rice which we all buy in bulk (20kg bags) at 28 baht a kilo. Drinking water purchased in bulk costs approximately 35 baht a month per person. If I add in household cleaning stuff and toiletries I doubt we spend more than 7000 baht a month in total; less than 2500 baht per person. Add 50% to this for Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Eating out is a good option and not expensive if you use the restaurants frequented by Thais. Basic meals in Chiang Mai, such as Kwaitio (noodle soup), Khao tom pla (rice soup with fish), Kapow moo sab (spicy minced pork with herbs and rice) and Pad Thai cost between 25 and 35 baht. Again add at least 50% for Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok.


Mae Jo Market – Chiang Mai


Drinking water is usually supplied free with ice. If money is no object then there are plenty of good and expensive restaurants. Expensive does not necessarily mean good and certainly seldom is it value for money. It is very easy to find yourself paying through the nose for the ambience but don’t worry, just enjoy the view! Oh and by the way, unless you are paranoid, don’t spend too much time wondering where the ‘health inspector’ is. He hasn’t been invented yet in Asia. In five years I think I have only had one bout of food poisoning, fortunately, and that was at home. The girlfriend and I weren’t getting along too well at the time!!


Transport


 Obverse to housing, don’t rent; buy if you are planning on a long stay. Depending on where you live you will need a car or motorbike. If you settle in Pattaya, Phuket or Koh Samui a motorbike is sufficient for everyday use. In fact it’s much better than a car as there is too much traffic. You can buy a good used bike for around 35,000 baht which will last many years. Unless you ride it continually, day and night, 500 baht a month will cover your gasoline. Maintenance is cheap and there are plenty of small workshops who will look after you. Make sure you get proof of ownership (green book), transfer it into your name and get licenced at immigration and the transport office before you part with any money. Same goes for cars.


Rentals are an easy option for short stays but try and avoid doing it by the day. A month’s rent for a newish Honda Click will be around 3000 baht in Phuket or Samui for example. Something you need to know is that it’s virtually impossible to get motorbike insurance other than the compulsory insurance issued with your vehicle licence, which covers very little. So, I’m sorry to say, the risk is yours if you have an accident. Despite this most motorcyclists are best described as irresponsible. You have been warned.


Real Estate Pattaya


Lipa Noi Beach on Ko Samui Thailand



The Real Cost of Living in Thailand

среда, 25 сентября 2013 г.

Квартира в Паттайе

Таиландский город Паттайя является своеобразной меккой среди туристов во время сезона отпусков. Здесь созданы все условия для хорошего и недорого отдыха. Красивая природа, тёплое море и развитая инфраструктура не оставляют равнодушными отдыхающих. Многие туристы так влюбляются в Паттайю, что даже покупают здесь недвижимость. На самом деле, квартира в Паттайе не является какой-то роскошью. В настоящее время цены на недвижимость в Таиланде совсем невысокие. Покупка квартиры обойдётся дешевле, чем в каком-нибудь областном городе России.


Для того, чтобы купить недвижимость в Паттайе, нужно обязательно обратиться в агентство, которое имеет хорошую репутацию и уже не первый год занимается этим бизнесом. Это поможет вам избежать ненужных рисков. Выбор объектов недвижимости в хороших агентствах всегда хороший и вы сможете подобрать вариант, который лучше всего для вас подходит по соотношению цена-качество. Местные законы не запрещают покупку недвижимости иностранными гражданами. Правда, в случае покупки дома, вы не сможете приобрести в собственность землю. Однако таиландские законы предусматривают возможность аренды земли на срок до 90 лет. Оформить сделку можно не приезжая в Паттайю. Агентство может решить все вопросы на месте. Вам останется только перевести деньги.


В Паттайе сейчас очень активно строится жилье на продажу. Путешествуя по городу можно частенько увидеть объявления на русском языке о продаже квартир в новостройках. Для более состоятельных клиентов строятся целые коттеджные посёлки с охраной. Коттедж будет стоить дороже, чем квартира, зато вы получаете больше комфорта. Город реально переживает настоящий строительный бум благодаря большому спросу на недвижимость со стороны туристов. Так что не стоит тянуть с покупкой. Цены будут только расти.


После того, как вы приобрели квартиру в Паттайе, вы можете также сдавать её в аренду отдыхающим. Ежегодно сюда приезжают сотни тысяч туристов со всего мира и проблем с клиентами у вас никогда не будет. Помочь со сдачей жилья в аренду вам также может агентство недвижимости. Нужно будет только заключить типовой договор. Поиск клиентов, заселение-выселение, уборка, всё это будет решаться сотрудниками агентства. Вам останется только получать ежемесячную прибыль.


квартира паттайя



Квартира в Паттайе

понедельник, 23 сентября 2013 г.

Недвижимость в Турции

Турция является одной из самых популярных стран среди русскоязычных туристов. Причиной этому является высокий уровень сервиса при вполне приемлемой цене. Многие туристы, побывав лишь раз в этой солнечной стране, мечтают вернуться сюда снова как можно скорее. Отдых здесь действительно прекрасен, а волны тёплого моря снимут любую человеческую усталость буквально за несколько дней.


Многих туристов интересует недвижимость в Турции. Всё дело в том, что цены на квартиры в курортных городах этой страны достаточно низкие. Да и турецкие законы не запрещают приобретение недвижимости в собственность иностранными гражданами. Единственное ограничение, это покупка земли. Для осуществления такой сделки нужно оформлять юридическое лицо. Физическим лицам из других стран покупать землю в Турции запрещено.


Для того, чтобы приобрести недвижимость в солнечной Турции, вам обязательно нужно обращаться в агентство, которое работает на этом рынке не первый год и имеет хорошую репутацию. Для поиска можно воспользоваться интернетом. Большие агентства обладают огромным выбором объектов недвижимости в самых разных уголках Турции. Вам останется только определиться с вариантом, который лучше всего подходит вашему бюджету. Проверенные временем агентства хорошо знают все возможные нюансы при покупке недвижимости в Турции иностранными гражданами. Это гарантирует, что сделка будет совершенна без каких-либо нарушений.


Если средств на покупку квартиры в Турции не хватает, то можно обратиться в местные банки. Кредит можно получить на сумму, которая будет составлять не более 65% от рыночной стоимости покупаемого объекта. Поэтому покупка в кредит возможна только если у вас есть средства на оплату как минимум 35% стоимости квартиры. Все вопросы, связанные с кредитованием покупки недвижимости в Турции, можно уточнить в агентстве, которое отвечает за оформление вашей сделки.


Дополнительно к стоимости недвижимости, нужно будет оплатить налог на регистрацию прав собственности. Его сумма составляет 3% от стоимости недвижимости. Также нужно отдельно оплатить услуги агентства.  Стоимость уточните непосредственно в фирме, услугами которой собираетесь воспользоваться. Кстати, оформление бумаг, подтверждающих, что вы являетесь законным владельцем купленной недвижимости, занимает достаточно долгое время. На это уходит от 2 до 6 месяцев. Зато купить недвижимость можно за один день. Произвести оплату можно в долларах, евро, турецких лирах или фунтах стерлингов. Все эти денежные единицы очень популярны на территории Турции.


Отдельно стоить упомянуть привлекательность турецкой недвижимости как инвестиции. Благодаря огромному количеству туристов, посещающих эту страну круглый год, покупка гостиницы или ресторана в хорошем месте, может принести очень хорошую прибыль. Для такого вида сделок также обращайтесь в крупные агентства недвижимости. Не пытайтесь решать вопросы покупки дорогостоящих объектов сами. Турки очень предприимчивые люди. Поэтому нет никакой гарантии, что совершённая сделка купли-продажи будет полностью законна с точки зрения турецких законов.


Главным фактором стоимости недвижимости в Турции является её расположение. Чем ближе квартира или дом к морю, тем выше её цена. Естественно, в столице Турции Стамбуле цены одни из самых высоких. Качество строительных работ всегда на очень высоком уровне. Не секрет, что даже в России много объектов строится турецкими строительными фирмами. Если хотите заказать внутреннюю отделку или нужно с нуля построить дом, обязательно поинтересуйтесь в своём агентстве, у кого лучше заказать эти услуги. За многие годы работы на рынке недвижимости Турции у них достаточно информации и связей для того, чтобы выбрать наиболее подходящего для вас подрядчика строительных работ.


До встречи в Турции:)


недвижимость турция



Недвижимость в Турции

воскресенье, 22 сентября 2013 г.

Dallas Historical Tour

I, and other people involved in the L.E.A.P program, set off on our adventure to Dallas around noon this Friday afternoon, stopping along the way to visit the esteemed Woodbine Hotel for lunch, which is known for making delicious meals slathered in mushrooms. I ordered the alfredo pasta with vegetables, and it was delightful. The mushrooms were all that they had been hyped to be. We set off again after lunch, full and anxious to continue on to Dallas.


We arrived at the JFK 6th Floor Museum and quickly began our tour. We exlored the early campaigning techniques of JFK, focusing partly on how he used his youth to his advantage, as well as having the opportunity to have one the first televised presidential debates. This may have proved decisive, as he won by a small margin.


What I thought was very interesting was learning more about the public works programs he established, specifically the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is government funded mission work, originally established by JFK to send service people to foreign countries to try and aid in what he hoped would be the eradication of Communism. Eventually JFK decided that these measures alone were not enough and the program was expanded. For me, this was very inspirational and hit close to home, as I hope to one day become involved in the Peace Corps.


Next we ventured on to dinner, and from there to the Dallas Museum of Art. There were many interesting things to be seen here. There was art work by well-known artists such as Picasso to anonymous, cultural artifacts from all over the globe. My favorite exhibit by a wide margin was the African artifacts. I particularly enjoyed seeing and learning about the different types of hats and masks that were worn in Africa…


My favorite was a hat that doubles as a mask:



The Museum also had an African map, designating the location the artifacts were collected:



For a freshman who wishes to do volunteer work in Africa as a junior, it was an exciting preview of things to come!  And in that spirit, we left the Museum and headed to the hotel, equally anticipatory of the second day of our trip.


Rent apartments in Minsk




Dallas Historical Tour

четверг, 19 сентября 2013 г.

The Camino: God Speed & Compeed

And on the 7th day, we won’t rest till we reached Santiago de Compostela to complete our 100km trek on The Way of St James. And that’s tomorrow if anyone’s counting…


With four blisters the size of Jupiter and a right knee that threaten to snap on every step, my camino hasn’t been a walk in the park to say the very least. But then I’m reminded by the Word that “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps…” – Proverbs 16:9.


In the past two days, despite the pain and agony of trekking with the blisters rubbing against my open-faced Teva sandals – my feet are now way too swollen to fit into my Merrell hiking boots or my Nike Airmax – the long stretches of moments where I was simply walking on my own on the camino has been liberating. Instead of focusing groundwards on every step I made, I started to admire and give thanks for God’s handiworks in the beautiful Spanish northern countryside; enjoy great moments of peace and quiet, broken only by birds chirping; and taking the opportunity of capturing great postcardsque shots along the camino like the one above.


And then again, you are never alone for long on the Camino. Cos there are thousands of people on it at the same time and not necessarily on a religious mission but simply for the love of walking. There are genuine smiles and greetings on every turn, great hospitality and good food/wine/beer at every village that you pass through, and needless to say, the great number of interesting people you meet on The Way. In addition to the people I mentioned in my previous blog, would like to give a shoutout to the following:


- Joanna fr London, the first Englishwoman I met on the camino – the rest are practically Irish! There’s a Lucky 13 bunch in my tour group alone! – and who is on a self guided trek albeit with my same tour agency;

- Graham and Penny, the Red Cross couple from London, who sweetly walked at my snail pace this afternoon and helped me get over a painful stint by chatting about everything about Singapore;

- and last but not least, to that Caucasian chap who upon hearing my accent when I was crying blue murder over the intense pain of my severely traumatised little toe on Day 4 just before Melide, exclaimed as he passed me by, “Good to see you! I’m from Singapore too!”


So glad I’m not alone on the Camino de Santiago….


Apartment Hotel BelTopRent


The Camino



The Camino: God Speed & Compeed

понедельник, 16 сентября 2013 г.

Some Food for Thought – Make Hay While it Lasts

Last Thursday I hosted the Real Estate Symposium dinner and it was a great success. Some of the economic medicine dished out with the wine by the excellent speakers – Jonathan Davis and Michael Coogan – did not dampen the mood. In fact, it led to a lively debate in the subsequent “open mike” session. And the morning after I am sure it provided some food for thought amid the current relief and euphoria pervading the property transaction marketplace.


The immediate concerns are, rightly, how to get enough conveyancing resource to cope with the upturn. However the shadow of global economic factors look set to have a negative impact in the long term. The world is changing – economic power is shifting away from us , volatility is increasing in equity markets and regional political instability elsewhere threatens us all.


Meanwhile, in the UK, the current government is more concerned about winning the next election than a stable market recovery and is stimulating the market with short term mechanisms that may well be artificially inflating demand.


Both factors will weigh on the long term prospect for sustained recovery. The consensus at the dinner was that the next 3 years would be good for the industry with increasing volumes. ”Make Hay While It Lasts” was the rallying cry when some were hoping for a chorus of “Things Can Only Get Better”.


What wasn’t discussed, however, was whether the UK market would ever get back to the pre-Lehmans status quo of 1.2M transactions (± 200K). My view is that it won’t but that is educated speculation and others may disagree. I would be interested in your view. Please send me your comments.


In my previous Blog I said the next one would be about the other important “cycle” in our industry – the corporate/consolidation to entrepreneur/innovation cycle and how this can stimulate new, more efficient and profitable trading. Instead this blog has turned into Part 2 of the first. Promise to get onto this the next time…


Apartments for rent in Minsk, Belarus



Some Food for Thought – Make Hay While it Lasts

четверг, 12 сентября 2013 г.

Sri Lanka Summer

Having finished my second year of university in a whirlwind of exams and deadlines, I was struck by the fact that I suddenly four months of absolutely nothing staring me in the face. To some this would sound like heaven but to me this is my idea of absolute hell. Even after just one week at being home I was ready to climb the walls and was going stir crazy. So this summer, I decided to do something a little different; I spent my break as an English teacher in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka.


I planned my trip through Plan My Gap Year; a company I would truly recommend to anyone thinking of volunteering. The build-up and preparations for two months in Sri Lanka could not have gone smoother than with the help of the admin team at PMGY and before I knew it I was standing at Heathrow airport, waiting to board the plane.


I arrived in Sri Lanka at five in the morning and I can’t really tell you of my first impressions of Sri Lanka as I was asleep for most of it! However, when I reached the volunteer house I was greeted at the front door by our host mother, Tharmari and a flower necklace and my first thought was “I think I’m going like this place”.


I wasn’t wrong; Sri Lanka is by far one of the most beautiful and exciting places I’ve ever seen. The people are so lovely and chilled out and the food (or at least Tharmari’s cooking) was absolutely incredible. Being an Island, Sri Lanka is home to some absolutely stunning coast line, in fact when I wasn’t educating children, I spent most weekends sunning myself on the beach. Unawatuna and Marissa beach were firm favourites of the volunteers; with their sandy beaches and warm water both places proved to be great weekend breaks. Marissa, was my personal favourite as the waves there were crazy high and I had great fun being wiped out in the surf. Aragum Bay, despite being a six hour journey from Ambalangoda, also deserves a mention as its stunning coastline and chilled out atmosphere gives it a much deserved reputation of being a surfer’s paradise.


Of course Sri Lanka is not all about the beaches and the food (although that’s a predominant part), it’s also home to some fantastic wildlife. One weekend, our volunteer group made a trip down to Adam’s Peak and Yala National Park. Adam’s peak, as the highest point in Sri Lanka is supposed to be home to Sri Lanka’s best view. I’m sure it is but unfortunately I can’t comment on this as we stupidly climbed to the top in torrential rain and saw absolutely nothing. Yala, however was well worth the drive in a cramped mini-van as its home to a huge number of exotic wildlife, including crocodiles, exotic birds, water buffalo and elephants.


Other highlights from the Sri Lanka trip, include Kandy and the Kandian dancers, who are absolutely incredible and well worth a watch, and the elephant orphanage at Pennewala. The icing on the cake, however, as far I am concerned was getting to see Sri Lanka play South Africa at cricket; you can’t come to Sri Lanka and not be involved in cricket at some point, it’s just not possible. So to be able to see an international match and meet the captain afterwards was an absolute once in a lifetime opportunity for me.  However enough about the social aspects, I must now include some information about my volunteer experiences in Sri Lanka.


During the week, I worked in both a government primary school and teaching project for children whose families were affected by the 2004 Tsunami. In the morning from 7.30 till 1.30 I taught school children from grade 2 up until grade 5, it was a huge shock for me as the classrooms were tiny and I had anything up to fifty children in on class. Let’s just say it was a huge challenge! However through lots of games, repetition, pictures and actions, I feel confident that the children came away with improved English and a greater level of confidence. The boys certainly had no problem telling me how bad my bowling was when it came to playing cricket at interval! I was incredibly sad to leave the school at the end of 7 weeks, and all the students and staff made it even worse by throwing me a huge party and showering me with presents.


My other task, the Tsunami project was arguably my preferred project, as over the course of eight weeks I was given the lead responsibility of a group of fifteen, six to ten year olds. Because I saw these children every day from 3 till 6, I formed close bonds with all of them. Being such young children, I definitely had an uphill struggle with a rowdy bunch of kids, who just wanted to play all the time. In addition to this, at the start of the program, only half of my children knew the alphabet and those that did got easily confused, so knowing I had to start teaching the English language completely from scratch, it seemed like I had my work cut out for me.


However this was a blessing in disguise because having to start from the beginning meant that I was able to see just how much progress each child made. I can honestly say that meeting and teaching this group of children has been the biggest honour and privilege of my life so far. I came to love each individual child, and I was absolutely heartbroken when I had to leave. I definitely feel that this whole experience has also taught me a lot about myself, and after coming home I feel increasingly confident within myself.


Before I finish this long winded ramblings (for which I apologise) I must take a minute to mention the family I stayed with in Sri Lanka. Ashika and his family are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They welcomed each and every volunteer into their home, treated us like family and definitely made being away from home for a long period of time an easier process. At times it felt as though Ashika and his family would bend over backwards to ensure that all the volunteers were happy and satisfied with the program.  I just want to thank them for everything they did for me. If you are thinking of volunteering; do it! It’s such a rewarding process, and you should definitely keep in mind PMGY as a potential company!


Celebrating-the-Sri-Lanka-win


Sunbathing at Unawatuna


Elephants playing at Pinnewala



Sri Lanka Summer

среда, 11 сентября 2013 г.

Oktoberfest 2013: A Guide for the Lazy and Unorganised

Oktoberfest. The one time slightly uptight Munich actually explodes into a riot of fun, drunken debauchery! Merry people everywhere, girls in slutty dresses, and piles of vomit on every pavement slab. Just like London at 4pm every Friday then.


Last year was my first time at Oktoberfest – the world’s largest beer festival – and I was lucky to experience it with a local Bavarian who has been a lot. I discovered that you don’t need to be a beer drinker to have fun, although the prices of any other beverage there will make you wish you were one. You don’t have to book a table or buy a ticket. Just turn up and get involved. Ja wohl!


The first thing you notice when you arrive at Oktoberfest is the huge fair. It’s hard not to, as it is the largest in the world. The rides seem to go on for miles. They also look positively retro, and they’re great fun, especially after a litre or two of strong Bavarian beer. Word of warning – look out for projectile vomit when standing under them. Really drunk people and fairground rides don’t mix.


After having a few rides (ahem) get yourself to a beer tent and find a space on one of the many long tables. I’d recommend doing this pretty early, as those tables do get busy and the punters don’t tend to budge much (except for the loo). Avoid being in large groups too. We were a three, and found it pretty easy to slide onto the end of another group’s table.


The social side to Oktoberfest is great. Of course the beer gets everybody chatting, and it’s a great way to meet people who have come from all over the world to enjoy the festivities. Everyone is there to have a good time. We got chatting to a very nice Croatian boxer and also a sixties British hippie who was selling glow in the dark thumbs. Here he is.


But the real fun to be had is inside those beer halls. That’s where there’s loud band music, people dancing on tables and an all-round amazing atmosphere. They had already stopped admitting people when we arrived that afternoon, but we managed to get into one later on thanks to my cousin flirting with one of the doormen, telling him she had come all the way to Munich from Australia. Which she actually had. Not many men can resist a young, blonde Aussie, and with that, WE WERE IN.


The carnage inside was bloody brilliant. Hundreds of people all high on Bavaria’s finest. Men in Lederhosen, women spilling out of dirndls, and ‘liquid gold’ slopped all over the place. There was a great live band playing pop songs, and when they belted out ‘Hey Jude’ everyone got on the tables and sang along. It was a moment I will never forget.


Get yourself to Oktoberfest this year. You won’t regret it!


Oktoberfest facts:


  • Oktoberfest 2013 actually takes place from September 21 to October 6.

  • It has been running since 1810 and is called ‘die Wiesn’ by the Bavarians

  • Oktoberfestbiers are the beers that have been served at the festival since 1818. They come from six brewers and must be brewed within the city limits of Munich.

  • They are strong – 6% alcohol minimum.

  • The fair is held right in the centre of Munich at the Theresienwiese. The underground trains take you right there. Don’t drive unless you’re crazy.

  • A majority of visitors are Bavarian. Be aware of the local guys girls. I have been told it’s a real badge of honour if one manages to pull a foreign female in front of his mates.

  • If you haven’t booked accommodation already, then good luck. Prices rocket in Munich during the festival. Consider staying somewhere outside of Munich, like the Five-Lakes district. It’s an easy commute from there into the city.

Apartments in Minsk for rent


Oktoberfest 2013



Oktoberfest 2013: A Guide for the Lazy and Unorganised

понедельник, 9 сентября 2013 г.

Going on a trip? Get Packing

Going on a trip?  I am.  And my packing routine borders on religious ritual.  I start about a week before my journey, laying out my outfits, deciding what to take.  I have a pretty religious observance for all that too but as far as getting it into the suitcase, that’s the easy part.


Many years ago I knew someone who trained to be a flight attendant.  In those days the airlines had plenty of time to teach the crew how to pack a suitcase because they weren’t spending time teaching them what to do when someone has a bomb in their underwear.  Having been carefully tutored in the airline-favored method of packing, I have used it ever since and found it to be, not only efficient, but practically guaranteed to allow my clothes to come out of the bag looking like they did before they went in, which is to say, ready to wear someplace other than to bed.  And by the by, this method works for women AND men.


The first trick is I pack shoes first.  If you put socks and/or hose in the toes, shoes keep their shape and it saves valuable space later.  I always put my shoes in shoe bags, mostly to protect my clothes, but it also helps to keep them compact.  Many better-made shoes now come with their own cloth bag, but if you don’t have any of those, a small plastic will do.  I’ve used about a million from “Ricky’s” in New York after I’ve bought shampoo.


Then I fill in the gaps with other hard or odd shaped things like my cosmetics, my toiletries, a couple large bangle bracelets, my travel hairdryer.  No travel hairdryer?  For me this is a must.  Although most hotels now provide them, I generally take my own since I know it won’t blast my hair into a Don King do in ten seconds.  Brookstone has one that’s great.  The Travel Smart by Conair is also really good and less money.  Both are dual voltage for here or abroad.


Then in the little spaces that are left I stuff in my underwear so that the result is a completely filled, and now level “shelf.”  Then it’s time for my clothes.  Forget the rolling up nonsense.  I’ve never found that to work unless you want to walk around looking like you’re wearing a sleeping bag.  I make a first layer with things like a lightweight, short bathrobe, a slip, swimsuit, maybe pajamas.  Then, if I have pants I lay them across the bag so they are unfolded and hanging over each side.


I put my shirts and sweaters in on top and then fold the ends of the pants over them.  The tops make a cushion that the pants (or skirts for that matter) fold around to prevent wrinkles. If I have a dress to pack and there’s no removable suit bag or hanging system within the case, I keep it in the plastic bag minus the hanger and gently fold it on itself accordion style.  I left the plastic off in these pictures; the better to illustrate. Ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom. Needless to say, it’s smart to unpack at your destination as soon as you can.  I like to use drawers if they are available so I can see what I brought. And what exactly am I packing for this trip?  Stay tuned!


Rent apartments in Minsk


going-on-a-trip



Going on a trip? Get Packing

воскресенье, 8 сентября 2013 г.

Batu Caves

The golden statue of Hanuman, the noble monkey devotee of Lord Rama, towers peacefully over the base of the caves and encourages pilgrims and tourists alike to scale the hundred steps to the dark craggy mouth above. This temple is overrun by the resident macaque monkeys, who playfully chase each other in between quietly sitting and reflecting, combing the fleas from their coats. Hawkers down below sell watermelon slices, fresh coconuts with straws and fried chicken wings alongside miniature plastic Hindu statues licked with gold. A small movement stirs a flock of pigeons to life, and beating wings emanate in all directions forcing people to drop to the ground in reverence.


Deep red paint, layered thickly on the rails, decorates the steps with bright yellow and navy blue. Monkeys sit territorially on posts, eyeing up passers by who might be clutching a water bottle or some scrunchy-sounding food packet. Some pick at rotten fruit, whilst others almost unlock the secret of the screw top lid before sinking sharp teeth into plastic. Younger monkeys roll and tumble down the wide stone banisters, before shrieking and sprinting back up to higher ground to find a new game away from the irritated elders.


The entrance is framed with a golden gate, and small chipped stone elephants stand guard at the base of the columns. More opportunistic traders display their wares of hypotonic Hindi posters that have spiralling lights and holographic images of waving Gods. Light whips through the tall cavern and out to the other side, bleaching the other exit into pure monochrome and not stopping to illuminate the full height of the cave which disappears into unknown darkness above.


More steps lead you to the Hindu temple in a large spacious cavern, with sunlight streaming through cracks and the walls descending as steep rock covered in growth. The stone temple is intricately carved and painted in the same bold primary colours as the steps guiding to it. A shrine sits at the back, flickering with the fire of artificial candles. Figures of potbellied men surrounded by animals perch on the roof, staring down at the visitors with eternally bemused gazes.


The monkeys are everywhere and demand your attention away from the religious centrepiece. Dull furred macaques cling to each other’s stomachs and chase up and down the rocky walls, confidently strolling between the humans and snatching at the precious bounty of empty plastic bottles. A stray cockerel, greased in sunset reds and emerald green, saunters on to the rockface before being banished by the troop of monkeys. The last strip of light creates a shard down the inside of the mountain, and the monkeys become still and wait in groups for their nightly vigil.


A spectacled leaf monkey, looking startled in white glasses and a neat beard, sits as the large bulk of her pregnancy writhes inside her. Her appearance is striking, and she does not interact with the brown macaque monkeys below. Her curled legs hang down and she is illuminated by a backdrop of studded gold, although the tourists milling on the ground do not notice her. The statue of Hanuman locks their eyes as she deftly leaps up and proceeds to drag her heavy stomach along the ledge and out into the trees.


Apartment Hotel BelTopRent Minsk, Belarus








Batu Caves

суббота, 7 сентября 2013 г.

Why You Should Travel

I came across an article today, Wanderlove written by Ella Frances Sanders, Intern at Maptia, and it inspired me to write this post to tell the world, why I do what I do, why I travel and why you should too. Looking at the pictures put together by Maptia brings me back to moments where I stood in awe in front of a breathtaking scenery. When you work really hard to get to the view, the feeling of soaking in the glorified landscape is one that is special, rewarding and cannot be traded for anything else. And that’s not the only reason why you should travel.


1. You wake up somewhere different, soak in a different air, with a different view


This world is beautiful and has so much to offer. My love for traveling began when I lived abroad, met people from different walks of life, different culture and it made me realise that I have been living in a bubble. Friends proudly told me about what their countries have to offer, and the mountains and lakes that their houses are situated by.



2. You realise that many beautiful villages exist.


Growing up in a cosmopolitan city I neglected the beauty of the natural landscape and take for granted the diversified culture this world comprises of.



3. You gain knowledge and experience when you travel


My life mission today is to experience as much as I can, meet as many people from different cultural background as possible, to understand and learn about their lifestyle. I want to uncover places that people overlook and show that there is a lot more than what people know or understand from the surface. I find it a shame that people rule out a lot of destinations because they don’t know much about it or simply because the places have a bad reputation.



4. You get to try authentic local cuisine


I love food and I make it a point to try what the locals tell me to try. Even impala and a live octopus once.



5. You meet fun people, forge new friendships


Having met new people, learnt about new places, I became more curious than ever before. And I yearn to see more, and experience more and since then I could’t stop.



6. Traveling makes you braver, it makes you independent


Through the journeys I take, I become braver, I discover more about myself, things that I never thought I could accomplish.



7. Traveling makes you happy, traveling makes you feel alive


Every time I plan a new trip, it revives the child in me, the pure joy of going somewhere I’ve never been. Being out of my comfort zone is both challenging and refreshing. Traveling makes me independent. Traveling makes me sociable, and it makes me knowledgable. Traveling with an open mind allows you to open up your eyes and see what surrounds you. Everyone you meet has a story to tell. Every ruin you visit was once bustling. Every castle or palace you visit, you follow the footsteps of a great leader from the past. You learn to have gratitude. You learn to love. You learn to give thanks for where you are today. Traveling has made me a better person.



Apartment Hotel BelTopRent



Why You Should Travel

четверг, 5 сентября 2013 г.

Paris City Squares

It’s a little crazy, how quickly and deeply I fell in love with Paris. For all the hype/literature/cinema/everything that is always said about Paris, I thought my high expectations would surely not be met, but I’m so glad they were and more! It helped that a certain gentleman, fresh baguette in hand, was waiting to meet me at a small park in Montmarte after two months of being apart. Exploring Paris with Garrett and our friend Michael was surreal and it made the entire weekend that much more special. I’m already scheming as to how I can get back to this incredible city ASAP, and I have Marais at the top of my list for neighborhoods to explore. Some favorites (although actually everything was my favorite):


- Rue de Montorgueil. A lovely street lined with fromageries, boulangeries, patisseries, and so much more that I didn’t get to quite explore as we were pressed for time. This article was very helpful though!

- Picnic-ing at the Versailles gardens, complete with the stinkiest of cheese, a bottle of rosé, and huge baguettes. We might have also had an obnoxious dance party to some Phoenix to aid in digestion…

- Strolling along the Seine, which was even more beautiful than I imagined. There was also an interactive portion, with a giant chalkboard, fun games and maps painted on the cement, and pop-up restaurants/cafes that made the Seine a bustling, fun place to be on Saturday evening.

- Le Marais! I only got a tiny glimpse of this neighborhood, but the falafels, cool bar/bookshop, and other little shops I sorely wish we could’ve popped into, made me determined to go back next time when in Paris.

- Musee de Orsay. They had an awesome temporary Fauvist exhibit, but the Impressionist Gallery took my breath away several times. Renoir! Manet! Monet! Degas! SO much beauty!!! Even though we got to enter the Louvre for free (after 6pm on Friday nights for 26 and under), the Orsay was my hands down favorite.


Paris, you’ve stolen my heart! ‘Til next we meet!


Apartment Hotel BelTopRent


City Squares Paris



Paris City Squares

среда, 4 сентября 2013 г.

Весёлые отзывы о жилье в Минске на booking.com

BelTopRent продолжает публикацию весёлых отзывов о квартирах на сутки в Минске на сайте booking.com. Если вы не знали, booking.com теперь не только помогает бронировать номера в гостиницах Минска, но под шумок разместил десятки посуточных квартир в Минске, дабы увеличить свои и без того не малые доходы. Жертвой в этой статье будет компания Апартаменты Дом и Ко. Общая оценка квартир на сутки от этой организации на сегодня составляет 8.8 балла из 10 (всего 111 отзывов). Как видите, средняя оценка квартир достаточно высокая. Но без минусов не обошлось. Приведём самые веселые из них.


- Замените полотенца, — сказал индивидуальный путешественник из России по имени Максим. Эти слова были написаны с тремя восклицательными знаками на конце. Звучала фраза как крик души. Хотелось бы узнать, чем так напугали Максима полотенца в квартире от Дом и Ко.


- Пыль в некоторых местах, — сказал Сергей из Москвы. В каких-таких местах нашёл пыль Сергей нам неизвестно.


- Не понравилось постельное бельё. Пора бы поменять на новое, — написал Паша из Москвы. Полотенца никудышные, постельное бельё тоже, в квартире пыль в некоторых местах. Хорошая квартира на сутки в Минске!


- Квартира сильно прокурена. Ковер в гостиной из белого стал серым, шторы тоже, видимо, никогда не стирали. Спальня очень маленькая и в ней нет телевизора. Шторка в ванной сломана, на кухне стулья прожжены сигаретами. В доме нет лифта, — пишет Дарья из Москвы. Что тут скажешь. Картина о квартире теперь выглядит ещё ужасней.


- Квартира на 4 этаже в доме без лифта. Кондиционера нет. Бронировалась на 6 человек. В одной из спален нет ни шкафа, ни стула, ни тумбочек. Одежду положить не куда. Очень маленький обеденный столик(максимально для двоих) и всего две табуретки. Ванная и туалет совмещённые. Для 6 человек это крайне не удобно. На балконе было набросано десятка три окурков, — пишет Марина из Москвы. Шесть человек на совмещённый санузел конечно жестоко. Уверен, что отдых в квартире напомнил москвичам старую, добрую коммунальную квартиру.


- Неудобные доисторические подушки в одной комнате, темное цветное постельное белье — непонятно чистое оно или нет, — пишет Александр из Москвы. Как вам, Саша, спалось на доисторических подушках в цветной постели тёмного цвета? Так-как оценку Саша поставил 8.3, выходит что очень даже и неплохо.


- Дом расположен вдоль проспекта, окна выходят на дорогу. при открытых окнах довольно шумно. застиранное постельное бельё и, да, грязные одноразовые тапочки, которые давно уже пора заменить:), — пишет Данила из Москвы. Даниле нужно было выбросить грязные тапочки в мусор. А так придётся лицезреть те самые тапочки при следующем заезде в 2014.


- Думаю, что стоит убирать оставшиеся после бывших постояльцев вещи, особенно презервативы, зубные щетки, — пишет Кирилл из Москвы. Получается, весь этот бардак пришлось убирать не менеджерам Дом и Ко, а Кириллу? Первое, что приходит на ум, компания экономит на уборщице. В принципе, на кой она нужна, если жильцы сами не прочь убрать грязь от своих предшественников.


- Слабая вентиляция в с/узле.вопрос, конечно, больше к эксплуатирующей организации дома, или требуется прочистка вентканалов или нужно устанавливать вытяжной вентилятор. Сильно это не напрягло, но проблему стоит решать, — пишет Александр из Химок. Саша, признайтесь, что плохая вентиляция вас очень даже напрягала! Не стоить скромничать! Вы предложили как минимум несколько решений для того, чтобы эта проблема исчезла. Какая сила вас заставила сесть и обдумать, как технически улучшить вентиляцию в квартире от компании Дом и Ко?


- Мой племянник нашёл использованный презерватив в ночном столике в спальне…от предыдущих жильцов, — пишет Ирина из Германии. Судя по орфографии отзыва, есть вероятность, что племянник нашёл презерватив в квартире не от предыдущих жильцов, а от самой Ирины :)


- Было прохладно, но в квартире были 2 обогревателя. 2. Окна на главный проспект, поэтому шумновато, но лично нас это не сильно беспокоило 3. Не было поварешки (но это мелочь :-) ) 4. Не работал DVD проигрыватель. Провод изрядно поизносился), — пишет Виктор из Казахстана. Что тут скажешь, в квартире нет поварёшки и DVD в квартире чисто для красоты.


Вот такие весёлые отзывы мы нашли на booking.com о компании Дом и Ко, которая сдаёт квартиры на сутки в Минске. Как видно, минусы у компании очень серьёзные. На лицо антисанитария в квартирах. Помните, вы клиент и имеете право требовать соответствующий сервис за ваши деньги. Как минимум в квартире всё должно быть чисто. Особенно если она стоит более 100$ за ночь.



Весёлые отзывы о жилье в Минске на booking.com

Someone I Once Met: The Nigerian Couchsurfer Extraodinare

Has anyone heard of CouchSurfing? Its an online network, kind of like Facebook I guess, except the main point is about hosting or requesting to be hosted by a complete stranger when you find yourself travelling through their part of the World. Its cheap (free) and a good way to see and do things the way the locals would.


This time I was in Antibes, France, and trying to find a job in the yachting industry. The process is long, tiring and expensive. So I turned to CouchSurfing to help keep my costs down. I put a request on the network for everybody in the general Antibes area to see. “My friend and I will be in Antibes between such and such a date. Anybody willing to host us?”


Then this guy replied. Saheed- from Nigeria. What would you do if a kind stranger – who happened to be from Nigeria-  who you didn’t know from a bar of soap invited you into his home? As a South African I was especially apprehensive because Nigerians don’t exactly have the best reputation back home, what with their big influence on the Johannesburg drug scene and all. Against my better judgement my friend and I accepted and a few days later we were knocking on his door.


His apartment was tiny. A loft with not much room for one let alone three. He handed us a set of keys each, showed us our bed (his bed) and told us to make ourselves at home. We stayed for a week. At one point we sat him down and told him that we felt we were putting him out by taking over his apartment. He assured us that this wasn’t the case and that he knew we could potentially be job hunting for a while so were welcome to stay for as long as we wanted. At work he printed out our CVs which was a huge money saver, he gave us pep talks about life, taught us a little French and helped us with bus and train timetables.


Saheed is one intelligent young man who knows his stuff about economics and World maps. His heart is even bigger than his brain, which I realised when he told me he lets people stay at his apartment even when he’s not in town. Very kind indeed, but is it very clever my friend?


THE NIGERIAN COUCHSURFER EXTRAORDINAIRE



Someone I Once Met: The Nigerian Couchsurfer Extraodinare

вторник, 3 сентября 2013 г.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Sea in Howth, Ireland

To me, beaches are all the same. Show me a photo of a beach and I’d have trouble deciding whether it was in Florida or Thailand. You go to the beach and everyone always do the exact same thing: everyone lies on the towel the same way reading the same books, the children build a half-collapsed sandcastle, everyone goes into the water for a few minutes then spends the rest of the time sunning and trying to get a tan without getting a burn. Everything about the beach cries stagnant normalcy. Therefore, when I go to the beach, I don’t go for the beach, I go for the towns on the beach. I look at the waves for a few minutes, maybe dip my toes in the water and I’m finished.


Time to move on. I’d rather be somewhere else. Revolutionary I know–I don’t like the beach! That said, I love coastal towns. They have fantastic food, attractive views, and generally nice people. This village here is in Ireland, just outside of Dublin. To me, this photo signifies perfectly what I like about the sea: chaotic, energetic, adventurous. This isn’t a beach. Howth doesn’t have one that I know of. Instead, there is a pier and a harbour and a collection of rocks. The combination of these make for huge, crashing waves that reach icy fingers out to attack passersby. Here, you better watch out because these Irish waters attack the beach stereotypes–nothing about these waves are calm or relaxing or boring; instead, they are exciting and adventurous.


Apartment in Minsk


Sea in Howth, Ireland


Howth Ireland



Weekly Photo Challenge: Sea in Howth, Ireland

воскресенье, 1 сентября 2013 г.

Visiting The Grand Canyon

I was at the Grand Canyon the other day. I knew it would be overwhelming. I knew it would be impossible to describe to someone who hasn’t actually experienced the vastness of its gape. I knew it would be unforgettable. And yet, I thought it was a bit of a let down when I first saw it, as there were too many tourists (like me), the children were either bored or hyper, most of the adults just hopped off the bus, took a picture, ticked that viewpoint off and went.


It was a bit depressing. But then I started walking on the Rim Path and, after the first few bus stops, people really did thin out. I had some spots all for myself, I had the time to observe my surroundings and to notice the contrast of a cactus growing next to a pine tree. I guess that’s the only place on Earth where it happens.


I reached a rock jutting out of the main path, everyone else had left, I was left alone with the huge gaping valley and the red river below. I wanted to take a picture so I walked right to the rim, I stared out into the distance and the air called me: I felt a sudden urge to jump off. I wished I had wings to soar on those jagged rocks, to reach the condor nests, to dive straight down and then come up again brushing the many-coloured canyon walls. I wished I had a glider at least, to be able to mock the grace of birds. It was so powerful that I had to step back.


Shortly after that a crow flew up from a bush near me and gave a call. Then I saw it again a bit further up the way, it flew above my head and called and then came back and waited for me on a tree along the path. It was really weird. Can you have Stendhal syndrome in front of a marvel of nature?


Apartments for rent in Minsk


Grand Canyon



Visiting The Grand Canyon

New Zealand, Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is a tender port, so we were a bit worried that either the wind might pick up or the sea become rough, which would mean not stopping there. Luckily, we need not have been concerned, as we awoke to a nice fine day and it was not long before we dropped anchor and the ship’s tender boat transferred us to Waitangi Wharf.


Our half-day tour began by taking us on a 45 minute drive to the oldest stone building, the Stone Store and Kemp House, New Zealand’s oldest surviving house built of kauri. On the way we saw the grounds where the Waitangi Treaty was signed.


Next stop was Puketi Forest for a guided walk on a boardwalk to marvel at the massive kauri trees. When the old trees fall, we were told that this timber does not decay and one particular tree that had fallen in the forest provided enough timber for 10 houses. It was a wonderful experience to get up close and personal with these massive trees that are over 1200 years old.


Our next destination was to the town of Kawakawa where we had some free time to sample the driver’s recommendation of doughnuts and cream (no hole in these doughnuts) which were excellent. It was only a short stroll from the bakery to what the town is best known for – believe me, we were very surprised to find that toilets could be a tourist attraction. Nevertheless we did find out some interesting information about this little town.


Kawakawa’s most productive years were in the 1800′s as a coal-mining town and for most of the twentieth century it had large meat and dairy processing plants, providing many jobs. However in recent years with industry restructure, many people lost their jobs but with the creation of the Hundertwasser Park Trust, this town is now getting a new lease of life…. all due to the public toilets!!!


Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) was born in Austria, and became New Zealand’s adopted son; internationally regarded architect and ecologist. He lived near Kawakawa for 25 years and was commissioned to design and build the public toilets in the town’s main street. He used local labour and talent, bricks from local buildings and the windows were constructed using old bottles from the district. The result is quite eye-catching with the light shining through the glass, internal mosaic walls and garden on the roof.


Last but not least was our final destination, the Kawiti Glow-worm Caves. We were taken on a guided walk on a boardwalk through the caves where we saw a galaxy of glow-worm lights, impressive limestone walls and magnificent delicate stalactites and stalagmites. When the lamps went out it was magic to see all the little lights above our heads as we stood in total darkness; the only sound to be heard was the stream rushing over the rocks beneath our feet and the feel of an occasional drip of icy water on my face as I looked up! Of course we could not take photos of the glow-worms, but it will be yet another lovely memory from our trip.


We are so glad we had the opportunity to visit the Bay of Islands, such beautiful scenery of the coastline and the mountains and thickly forested areas vying with emerald green fields dotted with dairy cattle and sheep. Sadly, this was our final destination and we have reluctantly started to pack – next stop in two days time: Sydney.


But this is not the end – watch this space!


Minsk Accommodation


New Zealand


New Zealand


New Zealand


New Zealand


 



New Zealand, Bay of Islands