Archives: Guide

“And how long have you lived in Ethiopia?’ the woman asked me as I stood nervously outside the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.

In Western Europe, travelling in winter means Christmas markets and the thrill of classical architecture under a dusting of snow; in Transylvania, I found, it meant an opportunity to see sides of Romania hidden in peek tourist season.

I could say that the thunderous “whoosh” of a large golden eagle’s wings as it took off from just next to me was one of the most astonishing things I had ever heard or seen.

So I fell into a gutter in India.

The Jokhang temple is the holiest temple in Lhasa, the ancient capital of Tibet. The first time I entered the temple I could feel the energy of its sacred history. Rows and rows of candles were casting shadows on the dark walls.

One of the main reasons I chose to visit East Africa was the possibility of seeing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. What I thought would be a highlight of the trip turned out to be one of the best days of my life.

The youngest of the two sisters approaches, her playful nature shining through a timid smile. Loose strands of her jet black hair hang from a messy ponytail. I grin her way and wave hola.

The three of us were about to enter the highly restricted exclusion zone around Chernobyl's reactor. Myself, a friend, and our guide - Yuri, in his noisy Lada. After a two hour drive from Kiev, we were at the first check-point.

Don Quixote had his horse, Che Guevara had his motorcycle, Batman had the Batmobile and I've got Black Betty, a beautifully shiny black scooter.

When traveling alone in a foreign land, especially when you’re a woman, you must always be careful. Never give your passport or money to a total stranger and expect it all back. But, that’s what I did exactly.