Travelogue
Driving in New Zealand - 1 September 2010
Never mind the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City or murderous roads in Bolivia, driving in New Zealand can be just as lethal. New statistics show New Zealand road deaths are among the highest in the world per capita, alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Lithuania and Slovenia.Per capita, Kiwi road deaths last year were the ninth highest, with 8.9 deaths for every 100,000 residents. These figures are higher than for the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary and more than double the figures of Norway, Israel, the Netherlands, Sweden and Britain. Malaysia had the highest ratio, with 23.8 deaths, while Britain had the lowest at 3.8. The problem in New Zealand is largely caused by the nation driving first world cars on predominantly second world roads by at times, third world drivers. According to the Automobile Association upgrading the country's "unforgiving" road network would make a significant difference in improving road safety, as many roads were carrying double the traffic volume they were designed for. New Zealand’s roads are largely two lanes, with one in each direction but with no separation or barrier between the oncoming traffic. The number of overtaking lanes has increased in recent years, but there still aren’t enough of them, so drivers perform overtaking manouevres in the face of oncoming traffic. I can recall driving from Christchurch north to Picton in the South Island and after leaving the outskirts of Christchurch not seeing an overtaking
Boca Juniors - The Chocolate Box and the Cake Tin - 24 August 20
The Wellington Phoenix football team has only been around for a handful of years playing against teams from Australia in the Hyundai-sponsored A-League. For a team with a mix skilled squad they recently managed a remarkable feat, beating a team with one of the greatest pedigrees, Boca Juniors from Argentina. Granted Boca
Ayutthaya - Venice of the East - 12 August 2010
Ayutthaya (or Ayuthaya, or even Ayodhaya. No matter how you spell it, its pronounced ah-you-tah-ya.) was the former royal capital of Siam from the mid-fourteenth century until the late eighteenth century. You wouldn’t know it to visit it, but the city is more-or-less an island bisected by a myriad of canals. Located an
Luang Prabang - The Jewel of Laos and UXO - 19 July 2010
Luang Prabang, the jewel of Laos, a UNESCO heritage site, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Kham rivers is home to 32 pagodas, and famous chill out place for overseas visitors. Once the capital of Lane Xang, the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, Luang Prabang is the old royal city of Laos. The peaceful town beside the Mekong
Kratie - Dolphin City - 20 June 2010
The city of Kratie is 300 kilometres by road north of Phnom Penh, on the Mekong River. Aside from some spectacular sunsets viewed over the river, the town is known for being home to some of the rarest dolphins in the world. Tourism, so often the harbinger of extinction for so much and so many, has probably, to some extent, saved these
Phu Quoc Island - The Isle of Dogs - 6 June 2010
At Ho Chi Minh City airport the woman from Vietnamese Airlines, resplendent in her national costume of white trousers with ankle-length dress split to the waist, struggled with an elderly Russian couple. “Do you speak English?” They spoke none and no Vietnamese either, not a word, so communication was reduced to sign language.
Cat Ba Island
Wednesday 26 May 2010Richard was from southeast London, “the good part” he said, though I was unable to decipher which part that was. South was pronounced “sarf” but with two “F’s”. He and his girlfriend traveled light, they one bag each the size of a day pack. After the cruise they would head from Hanoi to Laos via Dien Bien Phu. He had a
Ha Long Bay - The Bay of Descending Dragons - 25 May 2010
Ha Long Bay is a World Heritage site and the number one tourist attraction of the Vietnamese north east. This natural wonder is often touted by the Vietnamese as the Eight Wonder of the World. Following the advent of “Doi Moi” –Vietnam’s policy of opening its economy to foreign trade – tourists can now visit the bay, and come they do in
The Girl in The Sandals - Ha Noi Army Museum - 21 May 2010
Last time I was herein Ha Noi the Army Museum was closed. Also called the Military History Museum, it’s well worth a visit. Entry is reasonable at 20,000 dong (just over US$1) and the same again if you wish to take photos. The price is standard price for entry to cultural centres, designed for affordability for Vietnamese, who pay the same price
