Navigating the Bangkok Mass Transit Systems

No matter where I travel, I try to experience public transport, especially trains and light rail. You’d think that after living in Sydney for 40 years, I would have had more than my fill, but I still have a fascination with the emerging technologies, and I much prefer a ride in a tram or train to sitting in a traffic jam.

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Having visited Bangkok for 20 years, I have noticed the evolution of mass rapid transit in that sprawling city. Despite at least three independent systems (BTS, MRT, and SRT) that initially required circus-like athleticism to negotiate, these once isolated systems are becoming increasingly contiguous.

Norway: Chasing the Northern Lights

One of the very best travel pursuits is people watching. In the cosy confines of a downtown cafe I perched upon a stool studying the passing parade. There’s a certain look about Norwegians I decide; tall, lean, stylish and always with beautiful skin and hair. It’s the first of Oslo’s sunny days and the mood is elevated. People take off their beanies and gloves and face the sun, a form of worship that includes vitamin D. A tall stocky man walks by sporting a beard and a long white mane. Pure Viking. All that was missing was a horned helmet. A little later, I encountered him again. ‘G’day’, he said. No escaping the Aussies.

Enchanting Vietnam

While Vietnam’s recorded history goes back thousands of years, the Vietnam War (referred to by the Vietnamese as the American War) which raged from 1961 to 1975 is what largely features in the minds of many foreigners. Vietnam is now a country at peace with the upwardly mobile younger generation knowing very little of the disastrous years that killed millions, destroyed much of the countryside and slowed the country’s economic development for years afterward.

Enchanting Malaysia

Malaysia is a vibrant destination that retains many elements of its diverse culture while having cities as modern as elsewhere in Asia. The people of Malaysia are open to and interested in foreigners and are, as such, welcoming and friendly. They are justifiably proud of the wonderful range of dining delights in the country and are more than happy to share a meal with visitors.

Hotel Review: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa

We were on a quick business trip to Nadi - and decided to soak up a bit of sun and luxury at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. We used Welcome Pickups to organise a transfer from Nadi Airport - the service was excellent both ways - and good value. 

The Cedars in Hahndorf: The ancestral home of Sir Hans Heysen

Originally published in Australian Country Magazine January 2022

The ancestral home of Sir Hans Heysen is an art and nature lover’s pilgrimage, lovingly preserved by the great painter’s family.

The word ‘iconic’ gets bandied about endlessly in the new vocabulary of inane hyperbole. But I think we can safely say, Sir Hans Heysen rates as the real deal when it comes to the cream of Australian landscape artists.

Raise a toast to Westerdam

There are many things to love about cruising, but the first is the warm welcome you receive even before stepping aboard. At White Bay Cruise Terminal, passengers were spilling in. A group of 20 Jamaicans was colourfully clad in their country's colours; others were also colour-coordinated, but one thing that united everyone was the smile on everyone's face.