Geo: 36.7899, 10.21The Tunisia National Museum and city centre bazaar and marketplace. These were todays activities on our last day in North Africa. Again, we had little option but to take the dreaded taxi. It was a similar arrangement to yesterday, a driver arranged with the hotel who would pick us up and drop us off at each location, and return us back in due course. It was a little more expensive than yesterday, caused mainly by a longer drive to reach the museum. Overall, the day was not as enjoyable as yesterday. Less history and impressive things to look at, alot of haggling and a driver that spoke even less English. Todays driver Othman, still did a good job, but there was little room for small talk or charades. We discovered we had better chance ... read more

Geo: 36.819, 10.1658Why not? Only a couple weeks until we start heading home, so an opportunity to see something different. Its not like its hard, far or expensive from Europe. Ive seen Dubai, and Southern Africa but never anything in Northern Africa. I expected Tunisia to be somewhere between the two. I also thought it would be cool to see the ruins of Carthage.It was a hastily planned expedition, booking flights and accommodation within 36 hours of departure. Information on Visas vague. Not required for Dutch passport holders. Great. Required for Australians, but you probably can get it on arrival. Reports of the cost of this varied from $1AUD to $300AUD. OK then. Vaccinations recommended, yep both covered. Booking our flight with Tunisair was awkward, thanks to the pathetic quality of the well known flight search ... read more

Geo: 51.054, 3.72169Wow, it has been an extremely intense and stressful couple of days for us. Whilst Bert and Nele have been at work, we have spent every second trying to look for short term work, house sitting options, or a decent plan how and when to return home. We were keen to work until November, to get a cruise back to Australia from Italy November 5. We are exhausted and need rest. We've looked at a million jobs, the most appealing being short term hospitality jobs that offer accommodation and meals. The pay for these would be next to nothing, and not really enjoyable, career building or valuable experience. They wouldn't allow us to repay debts or save anything. Many require commitment of 6 months, or at least 3, and I feel returning to better ... read more

Geo: 48.8566, 2.35097Montmarte. Just dont go there. Ever. Legend has it, it was once a place of beauty, a scenic village where artists lived, inspired by a picturesque view of Paris. No longer. Today, Montemarte serves as a classic example of the ravages of tourism. Its not the first time on our travels that Nat and I have been disgusted at what hoardes of naive tourists can do to a place, trampling people with iphones, tablets and flashes, tactless and tastelessly squandering money and creating a nuisance of themselves. Yes, Nat and I are tourists. We take photos. We are always careful, respectful and mindful of our surroundings, people and other cultures. We obey the rules, experience and appreciate where we are, and leave with fond memories and a few carefully taken photos.If I have to ... read more

Geo: 48.8566, 2.35097Pantheoneonome Paris fundamentals. The Arc de Triomphe, the Opera Garnier, Notre Dame, and the Panthéon making for a full afternoon. We started a bit later today, exhausted from yesterdays Disney experience. By noon we were up and about, a baguette brunch again on the menu. Our first train ride took us west to the Arc de Triomphe. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Completed in 1836, this monument honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Its also just impressive to look at, and ... read more