Stuart's Guestbook

21st April 2009

suleyman hussein omar kujog
non-member comment

My grandfather
hey I just want you to add that the satue that was on the road from beerbera and hargisa is a tribut to my grandfather Omar kjuog how was one of the solders in the war.

From Blog: My second home

20th February 2009

Armchair Traveler
non-member comment

You've surfaced!
Just idly cruising travel blogs when I came across yours. Months ago, I followed your travels in Africa. Love your stunning photos. The social/historical commentary is good too. Lived in east Java about 25 years ago. The language is easy to pick up. Grammar is not a big thing. Just string words together. I'd get a phrase book and/or dictionary if I were you, seeing as you'll be there for 7 months. The locals will appreciate your attemps. I look forward to reading your blogs. -A.T.

From Blog: The world's a stage

2nd January 2009

'Aafi
non-member comment

Somaliland is safe
Thanks Stuart, just to let you know that I really enjoyed reading your trip to Somaliland, which is my native country, though I now live in the UK. The man who paid for your bus fare was simply doing the Somali guest honoring, it has roots in the nomadic tradition.

From Blog: My second home

13th November 2008

David Munnings
non-member comment

S/Sgt Harold J Munnings..R.E.M.E.
My brother also rests in the War Cemetry he died in December 1945. Any photographs would be appreciated,

From Blog: My second home

29th October 2008

Fiona
non-member comment

Hargeisa really is safe
Hi! Great to see your blog. I wrote my thesis on Somaliland and their legal case for independence and spent some time there a couple of years ago doing research. The people really are incredibly receptive and kind. Hoping to go back for the elections this year!

From Blog: My second home

23rd September 2008

Stuart
Stuart Morgan Hurlbut

Hargeisa is safe!
Hargeisa is safe. I believe it may be possible to get a Visa in the UK. The information I found on the internet said that you can get a Visa from: SOMALILAND MISSION MR ADAM MUSSE JIBRIL 102 Cavel Street London E1 2JA UNITED KINGDOM Mobile:07950469077 Tel: +44 0207 961 9098 Fax: +44 0207 247 6335 Email: slrmission@hotmail.co.uk If that's not possible then hotels will arrange a Visa for you. You send them a scanned copy of your passport - they arrange the Visa for you, which you pay for and pick up at the airport, on arrival. The Hotel Ambassador is the best hotel in the city at $US40 a night. Otherwise I would recommend the Oriental Hotel in the city centre. The number I found for the Hotel Oriental is 2514999, or 8289296. You will need to add the international code to that number. I also don't know if that number is correct - it is just a number I found on the internet. I suggest you do some research yourself if that number is not correct. You can contact the Hotel Ambassador directly on their website. If you look at the text of my blog you will see the Hotel Ambassador highlighted. Click on that link and it will take you directly to the Hotel Ambassador's website. You may want to ring the Hotel Oriental or Ambassador to discuss your intended journey. They will both be very helpful. In terms of getting to Somaliland, the cheapest way is via Djibouti or Dubai. All the best. I know that the people of Somaliland will welcome you.

From Blog: My second home

23rd September 2008

Dan Savident
non-member comment

Safe to travel?
Hi, I read this blog with great interest. My Uncle is buried in the war cemetery in Hargesia. He was with the RAF in WW2 fighting 'U' boats in the Indian Ocean. My Mother was 21 years his junior and 5 when he died. She is now 70 and although we have researched his service and the events surrouding his death, we have yet to visit his final resting place. It has long been an ambition to take my Mother. I gues my question is do you think it is safe and what would be the best way of approaching such a trip. Thanks Dan

From Blog: My second home

20th June 2008

Stubrucam
non-member comment

Amazing!
What an amazing trip! I really admire your courage and curiosity in going to somewhere most people have never heard of, let alone been. I have read a little about Somaliland and agree that it is mad that a functioning state- unlike the basketcase to the south- can't get recognition. Maybe some day.

From Blog: My second home

16th June 2008

Overlanders
Dave + Suze

Info
Love your panoramic shot. Thanks for the all the information contained in your blog too. I'm researching Sudan now, so thanks for all the great tips! Cheers Suz & Dave

From Blog: The War Train

4th May 2008

Ricardo the Traveller
non-member comment

Interesting!
I loved reading your journal! I have always wanted to travel to this part of Africa for some reason and I have a friend who has visited Djibouti. Again, the area you were in I feel is a unique one not many get to travel to.

From Blog: French Somalia

12th April 2008

Two4deroad
non-member comment

Wow!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you taking us on this journey. Showing us what you have seen and experienced in Sudan. I learned so much from this relay. Who would have guessed that Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt and that the country can look so beautiful despite its dry and arid climate. Travel safe and have fun

From Blog: The War Train

12th April 2008

aspiringnomad
Jason

Softened by The Sudan?
Sudanese people "The friendliest and most hospitable people you've met anywhere in the world"(???) You and me both traveller!!! I agree with that statement wholeheartedly; and would add it's one of the most challenging, exotic and adventuress locations on the planet...The panorama picture you posted with this blog actually made my pulse quicken and the video of the dervishes is superb...hopefully you stuck around a while and they softened you up some more...

From Blog: The War Train

19th December 2007

Herdiwati Sidabutar
non-member comment

Nice Picture of Lake Toba
Nice picture of Lake Toba Stuart , I like it . I am from Samosir Island but I am working in Aceh ,North Sumatera !I spent most of my time out of North Sumatera this last few years and I miss Lake Toba . Will be there for christmas :-) Horas ! !

From Blog: Missionaries impaled on Batak spears.

25th October 2007

Stuart
Stuart Morgan Hurlbut

Reply to le flow
Thanks for the comment - I'm working in a call centre at the moment, for a company that collects money on behalf of the banks...but I am intending to return to Africa this January. I will have to give them notice, although I am going to ask them if they will take me back in May 2008 . I'm planning to cross North Africa, follow the Nile into Sudan - then go to Ethiopia. Djibouti, Somaliland and Eritrea. Keep up your blogs, they are some of the best on travelblog.

From Blog: This is the end...

25th October 2007

le_flow
Bobbie Nystrom

From a fellow traveller.
What else can I say than very well done. Almost three years on the road writing honest and informative blogs, taking better and better pictures. Thanks Stu. And a special thanks for the West Africa blogs ou wrote that we found very helpful while traversing the region our self. Good luck back home.

From Blog: This is the end...

10th July 2007

Marcello
non-member comment

Some tips
I like the descriptions of this site because I found them very close to the reality, but there are somethings that the visitor must know before going to Paraguay. 1st.: It's better to arrive Asuncion on WEEKDAYS and NEVER in summer, 'cause there's nothing to do at the weekend, and in summer EVERYONE goes on vacation to the countryside or to other countries. 2nd.: if you want to visit San Bernardino, you must go at the weekend, or in summer, when there are a lot of places to go to dance and the city is full of life, the rest of the year remais a calm country town. 3rd.: If you're in Asuncion, it will be nice if you go on a boat trip to the Chaco. And it costs less than 1 dollar! The Chaco is on the other side of the River Paraguay and is totally different of Asuncion. It's full of palms, little rivers and birds (it's beautiful!) and you can have another view of Asuncion. 4th.: it's a sin not to visit the Monday falls and Nacunday falls (on the east, near the River Parana). Ok, I hope this tips could help you, and enjoy your trip!

From Blog: The Mission

22nd February 2007

Stuart
Stuart Morgan Hurlbut

Bat Conservation International website address
Hi John, I should have included the Bat Conservation International website address as a link in the text. I would urge people to visit the site. The address is: http://www.batcon.org

From Blog: The Bats

21st February 2007

John aka aquiferman
non-member comment

bat education
Thanks for educating folks about bats ... but it's hard to educate rural people with their superstitions. The only way is bu working with the kids. Anyone really interested should go to the Bat Conservation International website to learn more

From Blog: The Bats

12th January 2007

J Neely
non-member comment

People back home
Your blog was very lively, and I enjoyed reading it and looking at the photos. One thing that doesn't supprise me is the lack of media coverage to the flooding, I feel like I am living in a country that cares more about dieting and getting into debt, and such things as opposed to things that matter. I even doubt most people have even heard of Malaysia, they certainly couldn't find it on a map. Ignorance is never bliss. Enjoy your travels.

From Blog: Ignorance is bliss

11th January 2007

Armchair Traveler
non-member comment

Travel on, Dude!
"However ignorant I may be, one of the greatest pleasures of travel is learning about the cultures, politics and lives of places that are new to me." You said it Stuart! That's probably one of the reasons I have been following your adventures. I am vicariously ltraveling/learning. That we should all be as open to the lives of others as you! -A.T.

From Blog: Ignorance is bliss

31st December 2006

John
non-member comment

Im half joking ; )

From Blog: Paradise Lost - Islands and beaches

28th December 2006

Stuart
Stuart Morgan Hurlbut

Peace!
I hope you're joking John - I'm a peaceable sort of guy! Stuart

From Blog: Paradise Lost - Islands and beaches

27th December 2006

John
non-member comment

I think, you should carry a police style baton, and you should be allowed to attack backpacking gap year kids and package deal plebs at random. Id be happy just to see the photos.

From Blog: Paradise Lost - Islands and beaches

17th November 2006

Stuart
Stuart Morgan Hurlbut

The tour
The tour was on the little red ship with Gap Adventures. When I was talking to a woman in New York who was on the tour with me, she told me that Gap have bought another ship since I was on the tour but that the prices have gone up a lot. I paid about $US3000. Stuart

From Blog: The Last Great Wilderness

17th November 2006

Stuart
Stuart Morgan Hurlbut

Saleem
There were a lot of people around because of Hallowean, but there wasn't much splendour because it was raining so hard! Stuart

From Blog: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC

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