mharleyuk - mharleyuk | All Comments

TravelBlog » mharleyuk

Comments
27th October 2009 Iain	Congratulations - From: 2,800km in the same T-shirt Well done mate. Just doing my research to go the other way. Nice read. Thanks
7th June 2009 martin padilla	jolly good ole man... - From: Postscript (spot your name here) i am a tea drinker today, but please have one on me
7th June 2009 martin padilla	cricket....still dont , know hockey? - From: Postscript (spot your name here) i now live in anchorage & dong good. our aces hockey team lost to the finals in the kelly cup, final game. got pics. you are a fine man, martin. i'm glad to be of service!
3rd May 2009 Sharol	Sad it is over - From: Postscript (spot your name here) Martin, it was great meeting you again after 2 years or so. You still look the same.. still the good looking you. Still as jovial =) Driving you around town and some food is something I enjoyed doing for anyone I know personally. So if you happen to be at this end of the world again.. you have my phone number. Sad this journey to tour around the world is coming to and end...but I know what is your next plan ..hehehe. Write soon ...I have some updates for you... Till then, take care pal. Hugs Hugs. X
3rd May 2009 Dorothy	see you in Aberdeen - From: Postscript (spot your name here) Your welcome Mart, we will keep the tradition alive of the cartoons...see you very soon in Aberdeen, already planning my visit!
3rd May 2009 Merryn	Sad It's Over! - From: Postscript (spot your name here) Thank you for sharing your adventures - and I selfishly am sad it is over. I have truly enjoyed the travel stories, for the most part vicariously, and learning plenty about cities and towns around the world I previously had no idea existed. I especially appreciate all the hours you sacrificed sitting in internet cafes to complete this blog! x
29th April 2009 Cinnamon O'M	so true.... - From: Qatar Interlude Couldnt help but smile at the cinnamon section..... :o) welcome home M - I will miss reading about your travels though! oh - http://www.gaumarjos.co.uk/ - tried an tested website for wines (hic)
29th April 2009 Peter O	Bet your glad your back - From: Postscript (spot your name here) Martin, It was a privalige to have been there with you, through the up's and down's and more importantly finding out about places I'll never ever get to. Well done mate, see you in the bar.
27th April 2009 Dovie	ditto - From: The ice-cream taxi to Yerevan Yeah...don't forget there are a bunch of us living vicariously through your travels! It's like several miniature versions of Bryson novels. I totally appreciate the tedium of editing, censoring, etc...but having a love for writing myself understand the desire to do so, even if it's not fun and you KNOW you're reading over your own mistakes. It is what it is...and I for one would rather have the story with the errors and minimalist approach to editing than NO story at all!
27th April 2009 Ann R	- From: Socialist Realism Hi Martin. It's a pity you haven't been invited to a Ukranian wedding yet. If you get the chance (or even gate crash - they won't mind) you'll experience what real drinking is all about. Having grown up in this environment it probably doesn't surprise you that I can't stomach spirits. It's not unusual for there to be a bottle of vodka and a bottle of whisky every 2 couple at a wedding feast - to start with which can go on for 2 days. The birthday month toasts - to get the party going which means if they sing your birth month, it's whatever you're drinking down in one - makes for a very cheery occasion! Anyway - jealous sick that you've managed such a lot in such a short time and promise that when (if) you decide to come back, we won't be bored with all the photos.
mharleyuk 25th April 2009 mharleyuk	- From: Socialist Realism Whoops, Ed; I didn't mean to imply that and I apologise if I've chosen my words poorly. There are indeed some fantastic buildings in the other ex-Soviet countries too. It's just that I chose to write about other things in my Georgia and Armenia entries. I'll check my text again and re-word things if necessary.
Edward Adrian-Vallance 25th April 2009 EdVallance	- From: Socialist Realism Awesome blog, really well written, thanks! I particularly liked your descriptions of Socialist Realism and being invited to a meal. Having lived in Russia for a year, spent 3 weeks in Armenia and a few days in Latvia and Estonia, the meal and toast descriptions are extremely familiar and bring back many fond memories! One thing I don't agree with is that other ex-Soviet countries have no beautiful or fascinating buildings - a little exploration of either Russia or Armenia will prove that this is not true.
23rd April 2009 Gary ross	Toast to marty - From: Socialist Realism Hey Mart I see you've overcome your fear of toasts:) if we're toasting, then I propose a toast to your tenacity to travel without knowing where you're sleeping that night... For almost 7 or 8 months! Also a toast to keeping your blog vocab and style fresh. A welcome relief to the bland credit crunch blah we get in the uk media at the mo. Shame I wasn't with you to do the video "reverse gear" style. Drop by twickenham if u fly into heathow. I got spare room in a nice riverside location for your rehab if u need it. Gary
16th April 2009 Gordon Swift	Vardzia - From: The Cave Monastery at Vardzia Blimey Mart, that place looks amazing, brings a whole new meaning to stone cladding and pebble dash! Keep up the blogging, it's nice to know someone who actually gets up off their rears and travels to such places. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, it's a miserable, rainy day in Walthamstow.......Gordon.
14th April 2009 Dovie	quotable - From: The Cave Monastery at Vardzia I love it: "...a refreshing lack of warning signs..."
13th April 2009 Peter O	Keep it coming - From: The ice-cream taxi to Yerevan marty, it's not like your up for the Pulitzer, keep it coming, for those of us not able to carry out such an undertaking as you it's the next best thing. Keep it up!
12th April 2009 Adam	Sweet! - From: The Cave Monastery at Vardzia Cool pictures, I want to go there someday. I would recommend you check out http://www.allaudioguides.com, they have great audio tours for every major tourist destination!
12th April 2009 Sue	amazing... - From: The Cave Monastery at Vardzia that place looks incredible..keep the entries coming and happy easter matey....love Sue Andy + Max x
11th April 2009 Sharol	Hello there - From: The ice-cream taxi to Yerevan You are doing just great Martin.. Mistakes here and there are perfectly fine and to be honest WHO CARES bout them?? All we would like you to share with us is the excitement of every country you visit..the knowledge you spread here ...the photos you snapped and you are doing that. Till you write again.. take care..and keep in touch.
8th April 2009 Nevisthecat	Good Stuff - From: Georgia THe Georgian stuff is really interesting. We have an office in Tiblisi - you should call round and tell them hi - hopefully I will b working on some resort developments on th Black Sea with them.
6th April 2009 Philosopher	Orthodox Christianity - From: Georgia The Christianity you experienced in Georgia is Orthodox similar to the Greek, Russian, Serbian, Romanian and others. But all have differences between them since they have their own Church establishments. Still you can recognise some main traditions... like I could bet a lot of money that your taxi driver would cross himself 3 times while driving passed a church !!! If you want to 'live' the most amazing, atmospheric, 'closer to GOD', Mother of all Orthodox churches then you must visit Hagia Sophia in Constandinoupolis (Istanbul for some!) in Turkey. Do not forget to vote towards restoration to its original religious heritage in: http://www.hagiasophiablog.com/ Take good care and enjoy life as it comes....
5th April 2009 Kim H	Georgia - From: Georgia Matrin - my brother in law is married to a Georgian and when Russia invaded a few months back she was in Tblisi visiting her parents with the kids. Alan flew from Aberdeen to Baku, picked up his car as they still had an apartment there and drove for 24 hours solid into Tblisi through the mountains avoiding tanks etc. He was hugely brave and basically rescued them all and drove through road blocks to get out rather than being shot at. They only just made it in time. ENJOY!!
Ben 4th April 2009 beniblanco	Gamarjoba - From: Georgia Thanks for the great stories from your trip. They made me remember alot ;) I like your perception and way of writing! Safe journeys
25th March 2009 John Strathearn	Perceptions of Vietnam - From: It's the zeros that'll get you Having read the negative comments in this blog and some of the respondents, I wonder whether the 130 days I spent working in and travelling all over Vietnam for nearly 3 years were in a different country! I loved every minute of it. I experienced enought kindness and generosity from the Vietnamese to need volumes, not just one blog to record. Of course there are hookers, scams, rip off merchants in touristy areas - nearly as many as in the West and everywhere else I have visited! I find Vietnamese culture and its people deeply fascinating. What was it Shakespear said about the fault dear Brutus lying not in our stars........!!
20th March 2009 Dovie	ugh...my people... - From: It's the zeros that'll get you Why do my people have to be so LOUD everywhere they go...and ignorant, at the same time. Grr! Apart from that cringe-inducing bit, I loved your report from Vietnam, as always.
18th March 2009 Ranjani	Hanoi - From: It's the zeros that'll get you Vietnam is best for ethnic people and their nature at Sapa mountains up north of Hanoi. Happy travelling and thanks for the more info about your travel.
17th March 2009 Walshy	Hoots mon! - From: Qatar Interlude Hi there Mart! Can't believe you are still at it!! You still having fun too by the looks of it! Mind you don't get sold for a few camels out there! Have a safe trip and look forward to the next installment! x
17th March 2009 Phil the Pedant	Anal as I am... - From: Qatar Interlude ...FYI...the call would be "Vee One...Rotate" as we pilot types don't call V2. And I thought the old BA Paul Costelloe 'Bowler' hat variation rather fetching @the time (until some spoilsport noticed they were made from rabbit fur & they had to replace them with a straw version - not the same). And check out the latest Julien MacDonald 'Thunderbirds' stylee - only worn by VIP crew & Promo team members - nice! So there. Pip x
17th March 2009 Sharol	Lantern - From: It's the zeros that'll get you Hey Mart.. thats the same kinda lantern you took for me at Chinatown remember?? Vietnam looks like a poor place yes? Keep safe at all times...take care and keep the blog coming.. X
15th March 2009 Paul-and-Emma	- From: It's the zeros that'll get you Me and the Mrs visited all the places in this blog last july and your round up is pretty close to our own. Although I have to say I'll never visit Vietnam again, asia has so many other destinations far superior for its places people and culture. Happy travels
15th March 2009 Scott	- From: It's the zeros that'll get you An excellent review of Vietnam. I travelled through there last year and a friend who is an editor of a western newspaper in Saigon recommended a book called "The Sorrow of War" - By Bao Ninh. The Vietnamese were at war for 25years. No going home for R&R and lazing on beaches in Manila. This book is the true story of a Viet Con soldier and the effect the war had on his life. Interesting in Vietnam it is known as the American War. An great book I am sure would have won major awards if it wasn't about "The other side of the story!".
5th March 2009 Dovie	Loving the commentary - From: Colours, Smells and Noise I forget that I'm missing these little travel updates until I get a new one, and then I force myself to wait to read it until I can really enjoy your writing and pictures. And then I'm immediately sad that it will surely be a while before I get another update. Looking forward to the next...
liliram 22nd February 2009 liliram	Fascinating! - From: Colours, Smells and Noise Checked out your other blogs, and found them all fascinating. Have fun on your trips, and thanks for the lessons on how to use the chopsticks!
6th February 2009 Philosopher	I suggest you ... - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Go to the place that when you leave you won't regret your choice ... (Vietnam)
5th February 2009 Filthy Rich	Where to go - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Cambodia-Ankor Wat
mharleyuk 4th February 2009 mharleyuk	And the results are... - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Well I make that Vietnam 11; Cambodia 8 and Laos 1. So Vietnam it is, which means a trip to the embassy. Will let you know how I get on...
3rd February 2009 Gordon Swift	Vietnam! - From: Australia Day, and a few questions It's gotta be Vietnam Mart. Those mountains with trees seemingly glued to them by Gods own model maker. A mate of mine from London went travelling years ago and I told him if there was anywhere I would want to go it was Vietnam. He sent me a postcard, he absolutely loved it. Jobs a goodun. Gordon.
3rd February 2009 Gordon Swift	Shazza Molloy? - From: Excuse me miss, your bikini could do with a few more spots Hi Mart, glad to see you are still enjoying your Grand Tour! Was that Sharon (nee) Molloy in Woollongong? The last time I saw her was in a fetching kagool walking up Gentwood Rd some 20 odd years ago. I have the oddest memory. Keep up the blogging, I'm enjoying the ride. London was brought to a virtual standstill yesterday by 6, yes 6!! inches of snow. Pathetic. Just dusting off my snowshoes and harnessing the huskies to see if I can't trade me some critter skins for a Daily Mail and some milk at the nearest trading post, wiish me luck!!!! Gordon :-)
3rd February 2009 Jenni	Cambodia - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Cambodia is fantastic. Go to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. You can spend a week looking round the temples alone.
3rd February 2009 Ash	Flashpacker!!! - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Yo, ho, ho, flashpacker - that's about right!!! As for your destination, it's a very sad fact that I equate VN with depressing American movies, Cambodia with one of the most awfully terrifying movies of all time and Laos with land mines - as you can tell I know less than nothing about the region. Perhaps Cambodia would be my choice, to see the progress from it's darkest days particularly in it's people may be a lesson in hope for us all. And given I know nothing about the place, it may be the biggest surprise. Wherever you go, enjoy the experience!
3rd February 2009 Liz Stahl	voting - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Hi Martin- I am currently in Maui but I wanted to tell you that a friend of mine just returned from three months in S.E Asia and she really liked Laos and Cambodia. I will email you her email address in case you would like to ask her any questions. Safe travels my friend. Liz
mharleyuk 3rd February 2009 mharleyuk	Blogpacker? - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Apparently Ash, because I'm not a 20-yr old who has just graduated with university debts, trying to delay the start of a career and doing the whole thing on a shoestring, but am doing this somewhat later on in life, I'm told that makes me a 'flashpacker'.
2nd February 2009 martin	thank you, friend - From: Australia Day, and a few questions I think I'll be leaving Juneau soon! Moving to Anchorage because I applied for work @ BP as a intern operator! A North Slope position.
2nd February 2009 Merryn	My vote: Vietnam - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi in 2 weeks - seems like a great idea to me.
2nd February 2009 Joe H	Answers - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Martin, Can't answer the 1st two questions. Go to Viet Nam and spent 2 weeks there, rather than trying to fit in 3 on the same trip. There are the obvious war tourist sites, not sure I'd worry about them too much. Try Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, there are the obvious beach sites., Why not head to the highlands and check out the hill tribes, etc. The contry is a real mix of Buddist, Cao Dai, catholic religions, etc. I think that the French culture is more lasting than the US "culture" You might be OK hiring a reliable local taxi driver for several days at a time to check out the local sites in cities, etc. The fodd should be pretty cheap as well. let us know how you get on, Joe
2nd February 2009 Fiera	- From: Australia Day, and a few questions 1. Cambodia, 2. Vietnam, 3. Laos
2nd February 2009 Ash	A thought... - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Mart, If you're Backpacking and Blogging doe that make you a "BlogPacker"?
2nd February 2009 Scanatie	Vietnam - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Having done northern Thailand and visited Chang Rai, we were right at the dividing lines of Thailand/ Burma and Laos ( Golden Triangle) we took a boat along the Mekong running the edge of Burma and then across to Laos and spent a few hours there and came back to Thailand . It was all pretty quick and the river was only about six times the width of the don at its estuary ( river Don is north Aberdeeen if you can remember) . Now Cambodia is worth a visit, Siem Reap was very intersting and we done the whole Angkor Wot thing and the massive lake they have there with people living on it. Phnom Penh was raw and we went to the polpot museum which was an incredible expereiance considering our guide lived through the whole Khmer Rouge period. Anyway , go to Vietnam and tell me what its like. And good luck for the rest of the tour. db
2nd February 2009 anonymous	- From: Australia Day, and a few questions Buy ( or hire ) a cheap motorbike and travel all the way up the coast of Vietnam. Clarkson and the Top Gear boys did just that and it looked to be great fun and the scenery fantastic. On the other hand that might be a very good reason for not doing it !! KOF
2nd February 2009 Sue	Here are the results of the Chester jury... - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Good evening Perth, this is Chester calling. 12 points go to Vietnam! x
2nd February 2009 John Anderson	Go to Cambodia - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Go to Cambodia and see what is happening in Pnomh Pehn. Check out the forced evictions. Write a bestselling expose and make a wad of cash. Spend the rest of your life in hiding and .....................
2nd February 2009 Therese	Laos - From: Australia Day, and a few questions lIve not been to any of them - but vote for Laos. Least known - so more to tell us about! A friend of mine works there and raves about it.
2nd February 2009 Allen	Where to go and Your History - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Vietnam - I've not been, but have been told by a few its excellent. 26th January 1788
2nd February 2009 Jeremy Clarksons Lawyer (AKA Barrowland Earplugs)	Charlie don't surf.... - From: Australia Day, and a few questions I suggest you grab yourself a PBR and head up the Nung River in search of the Colonel and terminate his command with extreme prejudice. If you know where he is then that's the country gets my vote.
2nd February 2009 NT	Cambodia - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Watch your wallet!!!
2nd February 2009 Peter O	Choices Choices Choices - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Martin, I'd go for Cambodia, seems to be getting lot's of press advising it's a special place with lots of culture to offer, assuming thats the type of thing your after. Also some guys I met while in Hong Kong at Christmas had been to Vietnam and couldn't get out quick enough for a variety of reasons, all not good.
2nd February 2009 DMC	Vietnam - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Howdy Mart.....Little Creatures & bright Ale.....hmmm Brings back happy memories. Personally, I would love to go to Vietnam. It looks fantastic. So thats got my vote... Dave
2nd February 2009 Cameron	Vietnam - From: Australia Day, and a few questions The food should be good!!
1st February 2009 Si	destination - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Shai-hulud! Paul Muad d'ib- "do we have wormsign?" stilgar- "Usul, we have wormsign the likes of which God has never seen!" As for future destinations, Norman Muad D'ib (what do you call the mouse shadow in teh second moon? We call that one...Norman..." (apologies to any normans in the audience- it was an old joke from our youth) My vote would be Vietnam. No, not because of cheesy war movie jokes about helicopter flashbacks aka Firefox, but because one of my colleagues found a travel company that provided a two week guide who took you off the beaten trail for a price and delivered you home safely again. In her case, her guide was an ex-banker from Saigon who got tired of the rat race and gave it all up. she ended up straying into bandit country (there weren't any bandits- they were at a mexican convention in El Paso) and saw Bhuddist temples the likes of which only Lara Croft gets to see. She saw places so far off the tourist map, her guide said only the locals, the guides, or those like her who pay for exclusive holidays get to see them. Not that I'm saying you should pay through the nose for this, but you earn more than me- and if there's a chance to see something few other mortals have experienced, we all say 'go for it' from back here in (snowing) NW England. Whatever you do, have fun and stay safe.
1st February 2009 Kim	Vietnam - next on list!! - From: Australia Day, and a few questions Hey - I think you should visit Vietnam next purely because it was on Top Gear yesterday and Clarkson etc were travelling from one end to the other in their usual crazy style on scooters (tried to call them bikes but a real biker knows the difference!). Good luck with whichever destination wins. Take care x
1st February 2009 Sarah	go to Cambodia - From: Australia Day, and a few questions to see the temple at AngKor Wat. I was dying to go on to there in December when I was over in Hong Kong but stupid work made me come home, so please go for me! sarah x
30th January 2009 Dovie	Wowzers! - From: 2,800km in the same T-shirt That heat shimmer is amazing! Looks like the opening scene out of a movie. Thongs can also = flip flops in the States as well, sort of...although it's not used as often in that context as it was 10 years ago.
23rd January 2009 Si	australians - From: 2,800km in the same T-shirt makes sense. Just about every Aussie I've ever met has been generous and warm hearted. Must be the temperature.
mharleyuk 23rd January 2009 mharleyuk	- From: 2,800km in the same T-shirt Ah! Now; I don't do mankinis - don't have the legs for them. 'Over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders' I believe they're also called. But see Neil Bissett on the ground floor of the building for some good pictures of one. 'Thongs' here refer to flip-flops, which I didn't know. And the Akubra hats are expensive, whereas I bought a straw cowboy hat for AU$14 which is already fraying around the edges, but at least I'll be able to bin it when I need to.
23rd January 2009 Peter O	ManKini - From: 2,800km in the same T-shirt Mate, apparently you'll need thongs, more than one for obvious reasons, a Mankini and an Akubra(?) to finish the whole look off. Once decked out you'll fit right in, so I'm told
mharleyuk 23rd January 2009 mharleyuk	Japanese Macaque monkeys - From: Kyūshū: volcanos and hot-springs. Patsy: Aye, yes there were some Macaque monkeys; they're the ones people see on the TV in hot springs getting snowed on. But I saw them on the island of Miyajima near Hiroshima in warmer weather. The panorama photograph at the top of the 'Whisky-Indigo-Sword' entry was shot there.
23rd January 2009 Patricia	- From: Kyūshū: volcanos and hot-springs. did you see any monkeys in the onsens?? I read that the most northerly-living monkeys live in Japan and they live in the hot baths all winter long! Keep havin fun...
mharleyuk 16th January 2009 mharleyuk	Camera details - From: Excuse me miss, your bikini could do with a few more spots Sharol; it's just a little Canon Ixus 960 with a 12.1 MegaPixel lens - it isn't anything fancy. I'm banking on being able to spot things worth photographing as I wander around, rather than fanny about for ages with fancy SLR cameras and long lenses. Can miss the picture that way. - Going to be in touch in a week or so about when I am heading your way; reckon you can prime any of those bods from the office for a night out when I arrive in town?
15th January 2009 Sharol	HELLO HELLO - From: Excuse me miss, your bikini could do with a few more spots Hi Mart..Great photos again.. You are in Oz I see.. How come no photo of those who need few more spots on their bikini?? hahaha Keep the photos coming... btw..what camera are you using at the moment.. The photos are great..especially at the beach.. Till we meet ...Sharol xx
6th January 2009 Betamax Pornstar	But but but - From: Kyūshū: volcanos and hot-springs. All very well this world travel but you are missing Celebrity Big Brother. It has that bloke in it from wot not and that girl who did that thing.
5th January 2009 Kim Howarth	Fabulous! - From: Kyūshū: volcanos and hot-springs. Hey - sounds like you're having a fabulous time. Think I may need to visit in the near future as I've definitely had to many danishes etc etc over the festive period and have seen FAR TOO MANY overweight people!! Take care, Kim x
5th January 2009 Sharol Lee	Awesome! - From: Kyūshū: volcanos and hot-springs. Hi Mart Beautiful Japan!.. Keep the blog coming... You seems to be doing well in Japanese..I do understand what you are trying to say so thats shows it not confusing at all..haha.... See you soon!! Take care..Hugs XX
4th January 2009 Miguel Vicuna	Awesome - From: Kyūshū: volcanos and hot-springs. It's great to see your updates, happy 2009!
4th January 2009 Si	traditional japan - From: Kyūshū: volcanos and hot-springs. nice entries. Kerstin said its good you're keeping up with personal hygiene. That's the second time you've mentioned disappearing. If it's a wish of yours..... Should you end up (staying) in Tibet, Orange looks better on you than on me, and one of the (many) variations is to say "sarrrr-ayyyyy-ohmmmm' in one breath. Happy new year. Safe travelling from us all
30th December 2008 sharol	Awesome - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Love the blog Martin! Keep em coming. Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year too.. ! See you soon!! XX Shaz
29th December 2008 Dovie	Great writing... - From: Tokyo Temples - Away from the city Martin, you crack me up. Love the style of your writing, and am growing more jealous with every entry!
29th December 2008 Dovie	Seriously?!! - From: Tokyo I can't believe the manhole cover...that's inspiring in a weird "make everything beautiful...no matter it's station in life" sort of way.
29th December 2008 Dovie	lovely photos - From: Alaska II - Unalaska & the port of Dutch Harbor Especially love the photo of Dutch Harbor and the Bald Eagle.
27th December 2008 Liz in alaksa	Merry Christmas - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Hello Friend- Happy Holidays. Richard and I are really enjoying traveling with you. I agree with Trevor that you should consider being a travel log writer. We spent Christmas day out at the glacier exploring an ice cave. It was really cool.. :) thanks for sharing your trip with us. Hope to cross paths again. Liz & Richard
mharleyuk 24th December 2008 mharleyuk	Santa-san`s current location - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Sig: please tell Jess and Tash that of course nobody ever actually sees Santa Claus, you only ever hear his boots on the roof and if you are lucky, the bells on his reindeer as they take off again. So no, I didn`t see him. But there was a fast streak of light at high altitude, heading West, shortly after tea-time tonight, so that might have been him.
24th December 2008 Si	santa - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword have a good one. Stay safe. Just been on Track Santa website and at 13.27 GMT, he's already 'done' Japan and New Zealand. Jess and Tash want to know if you saw him on the way past?
24th December 2008 Dorothy	here´s an idea - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Hi Mart, love your stories and way of traveling..going out to these places not in the guidebook, you are a proper back packer! But here is an idea to save you some space and potentially buy some stuff you really want. Ship things home....I did that from Australia, by boat it takes about 2/3 months, but doesn´t costs a lot. If it is not that heavy, sent it home by mail...(like the kimono). Any way, hope you find some people fun and interesting to share Xmas & NYE eve with, but to be honest...next year is another Xmas and NYE, so don´t be too sad if you are just traveling on those days. Big hugs, D.
mharleyuk 24th December 2008 mharleyuk	Not bored at all... - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Actually Barrowland Earplugs, I`m not bored at all and am wishing I hadn`t already booked a flight out of here to my next destination, because I could easily kick around here for another few weeks yet. And I have even more stories about Japan to tell you all before I leave, so watch out for another entry. Hope you lot survived the Christmas parties. Thanks once again to everybody for your kind thoughts, compliments and best wishes, and also to those that have chosen to comment in private. I`ll be in touch again soon.
24th December 2008 Jeremy Clarksons Lawyer (AKA Barrowland Earplugs)	- From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Right Martin, I'm getting bored with Japan now - time to move on. P.S. Hope you get your chestnuts roasted for Christmas. Merry Crimble and all that ...
23rd December 2008 Mick	- From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Shame you didn't buy a sword, you could have always sold your car when you got back, I'm sure the sword would have been more usefull living in Torry an all. Enjoy your wee dram of Hakushu at Christmas. Have a good one, I'll raise a glass to you on the day... ho ho ho
23rd December 2008 Woody	Christmas Greetings - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Hi Martin really enjoying the travel blog. You manage to make it entertaining and educational not an easy feat. I hope you find someone special to share your bottle of whisky with on Christmas Day. Woodyx
23rd December 2008 Ann & Trevor	You have missed your true vocation - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Martin, it's a delight to read your blog. I'm still quietly amazed that being a pipeline engineer you are actually literate! You really have missed your true vocation as a travel writer. Now there's an idea.............. Happy holidays x
23rd December 2008 sue harley-mills	seasons greetings - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword May your days be merry and bright.... much love Sue, Andy & Max x
23rd December 2008 Betamax Pornstar	Company - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword Dear Goober. Would you like company for the New Year? If so, I can be on a flight to Tokyo or some other lplace full of fuzzy wuzzies and foreign johnies asap. tiddles
23rd December 2008 Betamax Pornstar	The Train - From: Whisky - Indigo - Sword That train looks like Ian Rush
12th December 2008 Paul Campbell	PS re Emily - From: Shanghai Interlude Forgot to confirm that Emily definitely looks like me - so you are safe to come back to the UK..... Paul
8th December 2008 Paul Campbell	Green - From: Tokyo Temples - Away from the city Thanks for the updates. I am extremely jealous of your trip and also extremely impressed by your narrative. You are, by far, the most literate Engineer I know! Of course, I guess writing the journal makes for very cheap entertainment in terms of 'hostel days'. Keep up the good work. Update from here (if you can remember any of us poor sods back in UK) is that Shona gave birth to Emily on 28th Oct - all well, and Emily came in at a whopping 9lbs 14 oz. She is 6 weeks old tomorow and at the last weigh in, was already over 12lbs. Hope to see you when you get back to hear all about the stuff you don't dare put into the Blog ! Paul
6th December 2008 Fiera	fieralo@yahoo.com - From: Tokyo Here's a very funny and well made video in English by Niseko TV about Japanese Onsen. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpkXFzDUVzE
28th November 2008 Carole	Ouahou - From: Tokyo I'm really happy, I can travel thanks to you with ur website and all ur pictures...Ur travel is very fantastic! I don't know when u return to aberdeen but it'll be difficult 4 u... So after tokyo....australia? China? ... Have a good fun. Biz from team Terroir!!
27th November 2008 Betamax Pornstar	Tokyo - From: Tokyo Those are library images of tokyo. £5 says you are hiding in your airing cupboard, living off lint and posting bogus trip reports.
24th November 2008 rob	Dutch Harbor October 2008 - From: Alaska II - Unalaska & the port of Dutch Harbor I was in Dutch Harbor in October 2008 and spent some time talking with Sheila and you are so correct she is a "goldmine of information". I spent the days just walking around taking in the great views and going to the local spots like LFS, bank, PO, food store, bars ...just to see the locals. What a trip! I can't wait to return.
17th November 2008 Betamax Pornstar	Unalaska - From: Alaska II - Unalaska & the port of Dutch Harbor Are you going to meet that politcal lady what shoots moose for Jesus?
17th November 2008 Walshy	Jealous - From: Alaska I (Blue, Grey and Green) Hey Mart - how you doing out there? Looking at those photos of Alaska makes me feel homesick!! One day......!! Hope you make it down to Homer - best place on the planet!!x
16th November 2008 Merryn	Congratulations - From: Alaska II - Unalaska & the port of Dutch Harbor I am so pleased you are getting to tick all the boxes - and enjoying some great weather enabling simply magic photography.
16th November 2008 Bruce B	Amazing - From: Alaska II - Unalaska & the port of Dutch Harbor Martin - don't know how you find these remote places, but it looks amazing and beautiful. Not so good perhaps if you live there all the time but nevertheless makes one wish one was there too. Good luck, look forward to next instalment
16th November 2008 Marie & Paul	Great Pic - From: Alaska II - Unalaska & the port of Dutch Harbor Unalaska looks impressive. Was Miss Sheila as good a tour guide as Miss Pam?
15th November 2008 Mart	I forgot the Porsche-count! - From: Alaska II - Unalaska & the port of Dutch Harbor Sorry folks, here's the numbers: Juneau: 1/3 days (!) Sikta: 0/3 days Unalaska: 0/2 days
15th November 2008 Martyn Blythin	Wow - From: Alaska I (Blue, Grey and Green) Your whale trip sounds fantastic mate. I went back in '05 in Iceland in very rough seas and saw nothing but a couple of Pilot Whales. Alaska must be strange in the off season, I saw plenty of those 'back in the spring' signs in Jasper. Somehow adds authenticity to the visit, makes you feel more like an explorer. Keep enjoying yourself mate you're certainly not missing much in the UK apart from economic panic. Good time to be travelling.
14th November 2008 Merryn	Very jealous! - From: Alaska I (Blue, Grey and Green) Martin, your photos are fantastic and, whilst I shouldn't complain at the start of a warm and sunny weekend in the Barossa Valley, I can't help wishing I was in Alaska right now. It is soooo beautiful.
13th November 2008 Peter O	Bells Bells Bells - From: Winnipeg, Calgary, The Rockies & Vancouver Sounds like your having far too much of a blast. Have you manged to reveal you bear bells yet, I here it can get pretty nasty if you come across a big furry animal keep the blog goign, makes the TLM day go quicker
mharleyuk 7th November 2008 mharleyuk	Haven't seen any moose, unfortunately - From: Winnipeg, Calgary, The Rockies & Vancouver No; sorry folks, didn't see any moose; nor any cougars, caribou or bears, though did sight a skunk downtown Vancouver. Thought I saw a cougarbear out the corner of my eye at one point in the distance, but it must have been a reflection.
7th November 2008 betamax Pornstar	Trip - From: Winnipeg, Calgary, The Rockies & Vancouver Good to see you having so much fun . p.s your house burned down last Tuesday and your goldfish Nobber has died.
6th November 2008 Fiera Lo	Canada Line in Vancouver - From: Winnipeg, Calgary, The Rockies & Vancouver I'm glad that you like Vancouver, ranked No.4 of the world's best places to live 2008. An underground tunnel, a part of the Canada Line, is under construction from downtown to the South end of Vancouver. From there, it will become an elevated trainway that crosses the Fraser River to Arberdeen and downtown Richmond.
6th November 2008 Dovie	moose count - From: Winnipeg, Calgary, The Rockies & Vancouver I would have thought you'd even be able to keep a moose count along with the Porsche count. I mean, you can't leave Canada without seeing at least ONE, right?
5th November 2008 Marianne Wheeler	Beware of the Moose Lover! - From: Winnipeg, Calgary, The Rockies & Vancouver I'd be careful who you tell about your thing for Mooses, Dave! Great to hear about your travels, Mart. Sounds like you're having an amazing time. Take care! And keep the news coming. Love Mars x
4th November 2008 Dave McCann	Moose Loving - From: Winnipeg, Calgary, The Rockies & Vancouver Hi Mart, Hope things are going well. Really enjoying the updates - please keep em coming. Do you see any Moose? I hear their quite attractive, in a funny way of course. Just wondered if you found the same...... Dave
28th October 2008 Mick	- From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Glad your liking the the cd mix, knew i should have put road to nowhere on it. I'm loving the little history lessons thrown in, and how your being inspired by what you experience. Although the inversnecky idea is better than counting porsches!! Loving the pics too, especially the bald headed guy on the observation bubble, very abstract! Glad your having a great time. Keep them coming mart.
28th October 2008 Dave Bailey	Theres only one Martin Harley - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Trust you to keep us all captivated with your travel blog , Dave, Andy , Karen and rest of the boat / mats team say hi , take care and good luck . PS On the clothes thing, If you need a tie, we can e mail you one ... again .
27th October 2008 texas	impressive shots - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec Am not going to even try to deny my jealousy of your trip! keep the piccies and commentary coming!
23rd October 2008 Tony Miller	Keep it Up - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Hi martin, Good to here your travels are going well and look forward to reading the next episode! Cheers, Tony.
22nd October 2008 Jeremy Clarksons Lawyer (AKA Barrowland Earplugs)	Scrounging git..... - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) I wonder if Marie and Paul knew you were a rich, mercenary, contractor (and a scouser to boot!) before they let you into their home? I must admit to wondering what the hell you did here at Talisman, however the share price has halved since you left, make of that what you will. Look after yourself and remember, Glasgow kiss first, questions later.
21st October 2008 Jonno Williams	holy land - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Hi Martin, good to hear you are travelling and not in the UK....... Hey RON BIRD how was Penzance?!!!!!
21st October 2008 Bryn Roberts	Hi - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Beats work....:))
21st October 2008 Ron & Susan Bird	Touching Base - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Hello Martin, we have just finished catching up with your travels as we have just got back from the Holy Land. Looking forward to reading your next travel update. Keep safe Susan & Ron
20th October 2008 Sooz	well hello! - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Hi Martin! Firstly, sorry I didn't get to your leaving doo :o(. It was my son's birthday which included a sleep-over in a tent in my back garden for 5 of his mates & him. You seem to be having a swell time so far on your first leg of your epic trip - all sounds great! Hope you are heading somewhere warm for the winter months? Looking forward to your next 'travel blog'! Enjoy!!.......lucky bugger x
20th October 2008 Betamax Pornstar	- From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Of all the places you have visited so far, which has the best hookers?
19th October 2008 Merryn	What happened to Halifax? - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) So I guess I won't be receiving a postcard anytime soon?
19th October 2008 Si	another title - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) from a random B-movie film title- its up to you to decide if any of these fits the bill. "March Of The Self-Centered Godless Cheese Victim" "Curse Of The Teen Skeletons" or my personal favorite... "The Dramatic Biker Penguin From Japan"
19th October 2008 Si	imaginary road movie - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Good title. Sums it up. I found a few 'random movie title generators' and came up with a few alternative titles. "Standing in front of Cutsman" was a suitably indie-title for a road movie. Makes the audience think "...now who or what is Cutsman? Is it someone the character has to meet? Or is Cutsman the guy and the world is standing in front of him as he travels through it?" Better than Annoying iceberg, my third attempt at a title generator. to Cutsman's everywhere, safe travelling.....
19th October 2008 Sue Harley	hey martin! - From: Newfoundland (Canadian Electile Dysfunction) Loving the blog and pics - keep it coming please. I'm travelling vicariously through you....love Sue, Andy & Max x
15th October 2008 Nasty Nige	Argggg - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec Good to hear from you Mart. Keep sending these updates..... a good read and useful when deciding where to go on holiday next :) If you are looking for a bar or two in St. John's try ... Billy's Show Bar, Cotton Club, Picadilly, Sirens & Bubbles.
14th October 2008 Ann	You've not gone very far yet ! - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec Considering you left work nearly a month ago, it must have been one hell of an issue deciding what to pack. You can't get very far with just a phone charger and being realistic, that doesn't impress too many females. As you appear to be headed towards the frozen north - just in time for winter - did you consider snow shoes and cherry chapstick? Your desk hasn't been filled yet so hard luck, it's appears you're expected back. That is unless a better offer comes your way - good luck on your search. PS. you won't need snow shoes if you manage to get to Perth for Christmas - just a little tip.....!
14th October 2008 Nissan 350Z	Thanks... - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec ...for the new car; I think I might just keep it! Still driving like an old granny, but I'll get there... Hope you enjoy your next destination - Alaska, perchance?
12th October 2008 Si	the item that t ime forgot - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec I'm with the late Douglas Adams on this. Take a towel. And a flick Ono.
11th October 2008 Frank th Yank	- From: Episode1: New England and Quebec I will be following your travel with great interest. Awesome photos except for the one of Frank the Yank. Since you started your trip in Boston I think it is only appropriate you end it in Boston. All the best.
10th October 2008 Jeremy Clarksons Lawyer (AKA Barowland Earplugs)	What You Forgot to Pack - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec I've just been on YouTube and I've worked out what you forgot to pack - a vintage 1980's Hyundai Pony -"This is your ideal car for folding the seats forward and having a romp in the back".
9th October 2008 Betamax Pornstar	Idle Shifty Workshy socusers - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec What can I say. I was delighted to receive an invite to view the beginnings of your world wide odyssey. It was all the more appreciated as I was sitting in an office full of punters, staring at a spreadsheet and watching my markets go into meltdown. Any rumours that I am jealous or vindictive are simply not true and since this is an iterative trip, I have a friend in Baghdad who could put you up for a week or two. Pleasestop stalking me or I will be forced to send in the Fegg. You have been warned. p.s. Has the incidence of wheel trim theft increased since some Bootle Bothering Random rocked up in Boston?
9th October 2008 Anne@no75	- From: Episode1: New England and Quebec Hi there, really enjoyed reading what you're up to. Somehow didn't think you'd be missing the minging weather here! I reckon its shoes you're lacking in your packing - one can never have enough shoes!
9th October 2008 dawn	awesome - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec I think the biodome is awesome. it's like in the simpsons. dawn
9th October 2008 Merryn	Great start - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec Great to hear from you and I really enjoyed reading the first blog entry - and I am especially impressed with the fancy formatting!
9th October 2008 Sharol	BEAUTIFUL - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec Keep it coming Mart..Love the photos you put here...especially England in Fall..
8th October 2008 Carole	Bienvenu!! - From: Episode1: New England and Quebec Hi, I'm Carole from Terroir. Nice to read u. I thought ur forgot us, but no!! Martin is back!! Hope u enjoy ur trip in quebec, the most french part of the world...Have u improve ur French? hihi... Have a good time! And don't forget to bring us new music!