Dubai First impression is the shopping that reminds me of Malaysia, come in and have a look, no hassle - but you can’t even walk past without hassle. 2nd flight into Dubai wasn’t the best, we lost our liquids with the 100ml in 1L plastic bag thing, then the footrest didn’t go fully down on the right so left leg was an inch or two lower, and didn’t allow tray table to go down. This normally wouldn’t bother me, only the chair was high and my legs were dangling and could feel DVT growing by the second. Anyway, nice meal and watched Music and Lyrics which was great and then Children of Men which was shit to say the least and played Centipede an old Atari game . Got in bit over ½ hour late, ... read more

OK I've cheated a bit and added all the countries by the end of this trip which is a few more in Africa then I've already been and the Central South American countries. Visited Countries Map ... read more

Greece Very good! Was nice to step out of hotel and wander around feeling safe, no hassle shopping, green gardens and parks, warm weather which is a nice change, having little free touristy things like change of guard and tourist information boards for little extras. People are not overly friendly or Greek looking for the matter but just go about their business. They are good at jumping queues if you don’t be very assertive. Countryside is beautiful! Olive trees everywhere, beautiful winding country roads on flats and hillsides. Athens - awesome. Saw change of Evzones at Parliament House which also has tomb of unknown soldier. Change of guard was 10 times better than Buckingham Palace. Drill was better and just way different with legs swinging everywhere, goose step marching and fists eye socket height. Then ... read more

Jordan Started bad with late boat, new tour group, more money outlay and neck still sore etc. Guide is good though as a guide with info not just a leader. Is way more westernized than Egypt and people are not quite as friendly but still very nice. Is way more expensive though too. Aqaba - nice resort city very westernized. Wadi Rum - nice desert scenery with impressive mountains where Lawrence of Arabia lived in early 1900’s. Petra - absolutely awesome. More than just Treasury and heaps of tombs carved into sandstone walls. Built possible 100BC and lost to the west from around 700-1100AD. Way more than I expected and saw a festival with locals dancing and singing at end of day to get Petra voted as one of the new wonders of the world. ... read more