This is one country where you definitely need preparation and research before your arrival. I have visited twice now, to Chengdu and Shanghai, flown with China Eastern & Southern and spent a week in Hong Kong. There are many tips and tricks I can provide and that is exactly what this post is designed to …
There is absolutely no shortage of things to do in this incredible city. Having such limited time to visit only so much ground one can cover. It’s a destination you could spend months in and still feel like there is much to be seen. Here are 6 free things to do in Shanghai China that …
What am I actually seeing? Like I mentioned in the previous post, this destination more than any other, requires prior research, setting up apps, banking, and logistics before arrival. Part of that research was the hotel of course. I prioritize first, one where I know the front desk staff speaks a little English. The other …
I’ve got a whopper to get through, 36-some-odd hours including three flights, a 12-hour layover and two taxis. I have been preparing for days/weeks for this next destination as it requires that much research. Here is my travel day Astana Kazakhstan to China on FlyArystan and China Eastern Airlines. Astana NQZ One of the most …
Having very little knowledge of this unique country, I decide to visit this all encompassing museum. It opened in 2014 and at that time was the largest in Central Asia. Inside are nine stories containing ten halls of treasures dating from prehistoric to present. The amazing National Museum of Kazakhstan is worth every penny and …
Having taken one single two-hour flight, I have left the old capital of Almaty in the south, for the new capital of Astana in the north. I did have the option of a 15-hour train ride but that did not seem appealing especially as much of the journey is through the Great Steppe. This large …
Always trying to offer future visitors some ideas for what to see, I have compiled a small list for this unique Kazakh city. With no historical buildings, well none older than 1860, the sites are less plentiful than in other destinations. Here are 5 free things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan that might just offer …
This is a short and sweet travel day even though I’m changing countries. I have enjoyed Uzbekistan more than I ever imagined and am now going to see what its neighbour has to offer. I expect something similar, but that remains to be seen. This is my travel day Tashkent to Almaty Kazakhstan on Air …
Having traversed Uzbekistan back to its capital city via the high speed Afrosiyob train, its more trains we are discovering today. What was off limits to photographers up until 2018, is now available to record and show the world. Time travel underground on the metro in Tashkent with me and let’s see what’s down here! …
What I was not expecting when I began to explore this historical city, was the absolutely plethora of wares I would see. From metalwork, to textiles and weaving, painting, engraving and wood carving, prepare to be amazed. The superb art and handicrafts of Bukhara are plentiful and irresistible. Brief History The city of Bukhara is …
The other place, besides Samarkand, that I knew I wanted to visit on this first sojourn into Central Asia is this one. Take the high speed Afrosiyob train and its only a two-hour journey before you find yourself immersed into a spectacular old destination that oozes Islamic history. Bukhara Uzbekistan, a beautiful Silk Road city …
Now that I have had time to go on a few walk-a-bout towns, I need to show you, dear readers, the sights. There are some charming, curious and beautiful things to be seen so come get lost with me in the old streets of Samarkand Uzbekistan. It’s my first time in Central Asia and I …
Without a doubt, a visit to the city’s oldest and largest market is on my agenda. These places are my favourite way to watch a culture in action, listen to the local languages, see people interact and explore what is available. Don’t miss the beautiful & busy Siyob Bazaar in Samarkand for a very local …
Having arrived by bus the previous night, I now wake in a safe country and have a day of planning ahead of me. I must try and procure flights out of here, departing tomorrow, attempting to get to my next scheduled destination. My busy layover in Riyadh Saudi Arabia is spent planning, spending moolah and …
Before leaving a destination, I like to pass on some ideas for places that I found particularly interesting, and didn’t cost this frugal traveller anything. This amazing city offers a multitude of these and I was never once out of options. Here are 10 free things to do in Doha Qatar that I hope you …
Wandering into this vast area, one quickly realizes there is much more to discover than initially thought. What was once the city’s largest commercial port, has been transformed into an area for tourists and locals to flock to and enjoy. Here is a run down of what to see at Mina District & Old Doha …
After spending so much time in Oman and not getting out to the desert, it is a priority for me here. I adore a desert landscape, arid, simple, exquisitely beautiful and big. What I actually want is to touch sand, see dunes and play. What I get instead, is a rush. The best dune bashing …
As mentioned previously, the city is sprawling, with venues scattered all across the municipality. Most of these are close to the coast and are connected to the metro, tram and bus system. It’s the metro I try out for the first time as I decide to explore beautiful Katara Cultural Village & beach in Doha …
As soon as I heard about this, I knew it was something I was going to immediately seek out upon my arrival into the city. Happening over a relatively short season in winter, this is an event that is utterly unique and fun! It’s off to the camel races in Doha Qatar we go, not …
I hadn’t planned on writing a post about this travel day as it only consists of one single flight. However, a lounge visit and the most spectacular sights I have ever seen from a plane window demand that I document this venture. Here is my amazing travel day Muscat to Doha Qatar, one I will …