There’s nothing quite like waking up by the side of sandy beach, trees gently rustling in the warm morning breeze and the seabirds’ cries welcoming the new day. Today was nothing like that. Clearly the cockerel had had problems with its voice and the day was greeted by the braying of a donkey. I’d slept surprisingly well. The duvet was warm, the site was quiet and the boiler was off (as I found out when I had a wash). My first morning in the sun! Like every other camper it was a case of improvising breakfast, which in my case consisted of strong black coffee (several), muesli (some), cheese (that’s enough), fresh milk and fresh orange juice (two) all washed down by toast and marmalade. As Oscar Petersen played on in the background, I prepared myself ... read more

I can’t say that I slept particularly well what with the city traffic, Friday night revellers and jet lag, but I did stay in bed until 08h45. One look outside at the blue sky sparked me into action - and to define the day’s events. A shower preceded a flick through 1001 Things to see and do in New Zealand after which it was clear that I should cross the harbour to the North Shore and the historic town of Devonport. The name Devonport may immediately remind you of a Naval Base and, indeed, you’d not be wrong. This Devonport is a peaceful and salubrious town, with a naval history and only 15 minutes by ferry from the city. It is one of the oldest of Auckland’s suburbs and started life back in 1840 as a ... read more

Considering we were over an hour late leaving London, the flight kept time (probably improved a little) and we arrived in Singapore only an hour late. With no news of our transfer gate, we disembarked and, having faith in the airline’s reputation for efficiency and customer service, I was not surprised to find that our onward flight had been delayed to allow us to connect. It transpired that there’s only one flight a day and they didn’t want us to miss it. Briefcase in hand, we legged it past the shops, the flowers and the coffee and made it to the gate in record time. Passing through more security, we were herded aboard the new plane and 58 minutes after touching down from London, we were heading down the runway for another 9 hour flight. Clearly, ... read more

Having lived in Amsterdam in 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down but unable to afford a visit, I finally managed a visit in March 2007. Although I've been to southern Germany a couple of times, I was very unsure of what to expect of Berlin. Verdict - a thoroughly enjoyable week! Stayed at the Marriott hotel, courtesy of points accumulated almost 10 years ago; but only stayed there to sleep. When travelling, I prefer to eat as a local - so - breakfast was taken at various stalls near Alexander Platz, lunch in local cafés and evening meals in or around Oranienburger Strasse. Weather was clear and crisp and the days spent following tours given by the New Berlin Tours. These were very refreshing, with very knowledgeable guides giving an insight into the chosen tour ... read more

This is my second visit to India - with work. Unfortunately, not much time to see the sights as working UK hours, but breakfast at 08h00, then 45 mins in the garden of the hotel before a car arrives to take me to the office across the other side of the city of Bangalore. There's no way I'd drive myself; there appears to be only one rule - I have right of way! Each morning, the hour's drive (to do about 5 miles) had new sights, be it sacred cows in the road, buses stopping in the centre of the road, lorries coming the wrong way down streets, whatever, there was always a story to tell. Really, the only free time was at the weekend when it was a case of taking a car into the ... read more