Sturdmeister

Having been on the road for nearly 3 years, we crossed over the border from Ecuador to Columbia. Our final destination, we'd soon be packing up our bicycles and returning home to the UK to some stability and normality. The formalities crossing the border for both my Iranian partner and I were very straight forward and we then cycled a further 2 Km into the Town of Ipiales, famously known for its 'Las Lajas' Basilica, built on top of a bridge spanning a beautiful river in a gorge. Prior to entering Columbia and despite having experience of travelling through 38 other countries during the preceding 3 years, I had conjured up all sorts of ideas about this South American country. I was primarily thinking about our safety. Is Columbia a dangerous country? Having both cycled and ... read more

If you are looking for a peaceful and tranquil holiday destination, don't go to Peru! From the crazy car drivers honking their horns for absolutely no reason whatsoever, to the bus drivers who all have a death wish, Peru has lots to offer including the majestic Machu Picchu, the intriguing Nazca Lines, the beautiful colonial cities of Arequipa and Cusco, the thrilling Dune Buggy rides in Huacachina, the impressive ruins of Chan Chan and Huaca de Lunar as well as the spectacular mountain region of Cordillera Blanca. However you will need definitely need a vacation on completion! The border crossing from Bolivia into Peru in the vicinity of Lake Titicaca took longer than expected. However considering that the border officials had most probably never or rarely dealt with an Iranian citizen before, additional obligatory checks with ... read more

New Zealand was always going to be a hard act to follow. We touched down in Santiago at midday on a gloomy Winter's afternoon following a 12 hour flight from Auckland. We declared our food to customs and following a few seconds of toing and froing in pigeon Spanish/English informing the officials that we had cheese and tea and such other articles in our possession they waved us on, most probably relieved that they didn't have to to converse any longer with us Gringos. As we exited into the arrival hall a new country beckoned, with a totally different culture, language and smells. A quick visit to the Airport Gents reinforced the fact that I was no longer in NZ. A short taxi drive ensued into the heavily polluted (both rubbish and smog) and graffiti infested ... read more

When I visit a new country I always take note of any unusual things I see as I cycle from one destination to another. New Zealand although quite similar to the UK in many ways always seems a little quirky to me. From the number of microwave ovens being used as letter boxes to the number of individuals I witnessed walking bare feet around the shops, it is an immensely beautiful country with landscapes to die for, where one person on a beach is considered crowded and the people genuinely open up their homes to any stranger on a bicycle. This was my third visit to New Zealand and on this occasion I've really had the chance to explore the North Island. My previous visits were in 1995 to Wellington and Auckland with the Royal Navy ... read more

The great thing about cycling around the World is crossing from one country into another and seeing the differences emerge as you leave behind the bureaucracy of the borders. This couldn't be more evident as you travel from Thailand into Malaysia, where you suddenly find yourself situated amongst predominantly Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities who each bring their separate cultures to this amazing country, and with it, a fusion of delicious foods which are absolutely to die for. My first main stop was George Town on the island of Penang, where the streets are adorned with the most amazing street art and old colonial buildings rise up in all 4 corners of the UNESCO Heritage site. This blog mainly features photos depicting street art which was absolutely amazing! After travelling in Thailand for nearly 4 months ... read more