It always made me cringe that most Australians seemed to have an opinion on aboriginal issues, even though they more than likely had never met an aboriginal person. I have to admit I was totally ignorant about the indigenous culture, being typically schooled on AC (after Cook) Australian history. But since travelling in the Northern Territory, I have tried to listen and expand my limited knowledge. So when an opportunity to sign up for the World Expeditions Arnhem Land marine rescue project came up, I grabbed it with both hands. What really appealed to me was the combination of learning about the Yolngu culture by staying with a family at Nyinyikay - an outstation located in North-East Arnhem Land; and also to undertake a conservation project in my own country rather than some far-flung destination. With ... read more

Having done a fair bit of trekking overseas, I thought it was about time to hoof it and see a bit of my own country for a change. The Larapinta Trail is a classic trek along the West MacDonnell Ranges out of Alice Springs; around 223km over 2-3 weeks. I signed up for a 7-day trip with World Expeditions which covered the highlights of the Trail. NT had a lot of rain earlier this year, so instead of red desert & barren rocks everything was unexpectedly lush and green. The trek was absolutely fantastic with stunning vistas, especially along the ridgelines, culminating in reaching the summit of Mount Sonder for a magnificent sunrise. The terrain was challenging and hard underfoot (dolomite rock with little topsoil), the days were hot at around 28c, and it was fabbo ... read more

Spent a relaxing week in Pokhara getting fat on good food with a couple of mates, before undertaking a 7-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). I wonder if anyone's counted the steps, because there were a hell of a lot of them. The panoramic views were well worth it though. The photos will tell the story, but I wanted to make special mention of the FOOD. Like Kathmandu, the food in Pokhara has really improved. Whilst everyone seems to do the usual Continental fare (anything from Nepali to Chinese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Tibetan, Mexican, etc), there are a few notable exceptions. Moondance Cafe - great desserts, especially the apple crumble & ice-cream Olive Cafe (same owners as Moondance Cafe) - good salads; and mint lemonade Caffe Concerto - one of the waiters (or owner's son?) ... read more

For a country that made front page news during the WFC, in particular losing a ton of British local council savings; Iceland may be a bit cheaper than it used to be, but don't come here without packing a fair bit of cash and plastic. Stayed the week in a Reykjavik apartment, and just did day trips. Iceland is chock-full of amazing natural wonders, wacky cuisine (not for whale or puffin lovers), unpronounceable place names, funky fashion, and relaxing hot springs. ... read more

Joined my walking group in Bulgaria for a week-long trek in the Rila & Pirin Mountains. Unfortunately due to my right foot not being fully healed after a bad broken metatasal in May, I could only spend 1 day with the group trekking up Musala Peak - the highest peak in the Balkans. Spent the rest of my stay sightseeing in Sofia, horse-riding near Plovdiv, and cycling in the Rodopi mountains. Bulgaria is still a little rough around the edges, but heaps better value than Turkey. Better go now till it becomes another EU country clone, and loses its charm. ... read more