I Didn’t Like the Dominican Republic
It’s not often I don’t like a place. More often I warble between lost-for-words, passionately in love, incredibly inspired and ‘it’s ok but not worth a second night’. I’m predisposed to liking places; I can’t help it, I’m fascinated by the world. Then I went to the Dominican Republic this past December and haven’t been able to say anything nice about it since. To be fair, I...
Read MoreThe Hamburger Syndrome
There’s nothing worse than hankering for a particular food or meal when on the road, finding a place that serves it, only to be disappointed when the plate arrives because it bears no resemblance or taste to the food fantasy you were entertaining in your mind for the past day, week, or even month! I call this ‘The Hamburger Syndrome’. When food expectations fail to meet reality and you...
Read MoreWreck Beach: Hippie Haven
It was more than 15 years ago that I first experienced Wreck Beach – a long recognised, well-established nudist beach in Vancouver – there’s even a book chronically the beach’s history. A few months ago I returned for a second time to discover a more sophisticated beach – while still retaining its hippie heart – in it’s offerings of mixed drinks alongside...
Read MoreThank You in Any Language
I’m often asked about my language skills and how I manage overseas. Sadly I don’t officially speak a second language but ever the Jack of All Trades (and Master of None), I have picked up a smattering of phrases over the years. I can say: “I am not a Russian” in Vietnamese. “Tôi không phải là Lien Xo” Because when I first visited Vietnam in 1990 there were no...
Read MorePart of the Fabric
Sometimes when travelling, seeing spectacular attractions is not as important as experiencing and appreciating normal everyday local life. I am currently in Italy, a country that holds a special place in my life. It was here, 21-years ago, that I jumped into the great unknown and visited my first non-English speaking country, cementing my road to The Experience Junkie and kick-starting my travel...
Read MoreClose Shaves from Around the World
Getting a shave is without a doubt my favourite experience the world over! It differs completely from country to culture and offers immediate membership (even as a funny looking foreigner) into that international men’s club called: The Barber Shop. You would have thought that at my age I would have had enough shaving practice to get it right. But no, even as I sit here writing...
Read MorePhoto of the day
Recent Comments