GETTING AROUND MANILA

 8th - 10th Dec 2025

The Katipunan Revolutionary Monument in Intramuros, Rizal Park, featuring local hero, Andrés Bonifacio, revolutionary leader of the Katipunan revolutionaries who temporarily ousted the Spanish Government between 1896-98. 

I searched in vain for a useful Tourist Information Centre. I was after a) a paper map of the streets (like a London A-Z) and b) some postcards (I like sending them). The advertised tourist office in Intramuros, staffed by several disinterested young people eating sandwiches, was useless and the Central Tourist Office in Makati equally so. A polite gentleman there said there might be maps and postcards in one of the large National Bookstores. There weren't. As a solo traveller navigating around this traffic-jammed maze of a city is not easy. I had bought an e-SIM card for my iPhone which proved invaluable, indeed essential. Without access to Google Maps one would be permanently lost and, fortunately, the national internet provider 'ICT' worked well everywhere except up in the mountains. Indeed internet was remarkably good everywhere and in all hotels and bars.

To get from A to B there were several means of transport, but walking, as I like to do, posed an irritating problem. There are several 8-lane motorways, some on two levels, which criss-cross the city (below). You set off on foot, following your Google map directions on your phone, only to find your way blocked by one of these blasted motorways, or a fence, or a wall. It can be a long detour to get over, under or around, to the other side.

The most reliable and comfortable way to get around is to use the 'Grab' taxis for which I have the required 'app' on my phone. They are both efficient and relatively inexpensive, although you may have to wait some time for one to arrive during the ultra-busy traffic periods ie. between 8.00am and 10.00pm! I also discovered motorbike taxis on  the 'Move-it' app which were excellent and relatively quick. To get from Makati to Intramuros in the north by car, about 5km, could take anything up to 2 hours! (normally about 1hr 15mins)

Other intra-city transport consists of 'cowboy' taxis (I never touch them), motor-bikes with side-cars, tuk-tuks, the occasional horse and cart,  'Jeepneys' and the rather basic overhead 'Metro' (LRT and MRT) system.

Right: A typical 'Jeepney'. They are effectively based on a WW2 US jeep's chassis and have an elongated low passenger compartment. There seems to be competition as to who can produce the most extravagantly decorated version!  These only operated within their local districts. They wait at a pick-up point until full…and full means packed. It only costs 10 pesos for a ride (12p) of whatever distance. I tried them on a couple of occasions. Not being able to find out where they were going, I just got into one pointing in the direction I wanted to go and hoped for the best.

Left: Inside after being squeezed in, it was just a question of monitoring where I was on my phone and get out at one of the many stops before it turned in a different direction. Other passengers shouted something when they wanted to get off, but they knew where they were going. More were picked up en-route. An amusing form of transport but not entirely predictable.

There were lots of motorbikes with various forms of 'sidecar'. Some very basic and carried freight, or (right) old women.

Left: Others were more luxurious.

Right: The redoubtable tuk-tuks were in abundance. Again, these stuck to a local area.

Left: ….and one driven by a lady, which is a rare sight.

Right: A horse and cart. I think these were used by the well-heeled tourists on guided tours. More for pleasure than getting from one place to another. You may notice that it is raining in this photo. It did tend to rain or drizzle most afternoons and the roads, pavements and streets became quickly and annoyingly waterlogged. I'm not surprised there is chaos if and when it really pisses down! Drainage seems to be a problem.

Left: The overhead LRT (Light Rail Transit) Metro and MRT (Metro Rail Transit) operate on a few lines. I never quite discovered how to best to use them as the stations were difficult to find and the only route diagrams were at the stations. The useless tourist information offices could not provide one.

I did use them on a couple of occasions from 'near' Makati (Vito Cruz station) to the Central stop in Intramuros. Very cheap at 25p (UK equiv). Right: As with everything in this city, we were packed in like sardines.

There were always many motorbike, tuk-tuk drivers and others pestering you for business. Most irritating, as were the other hawkers trying to sell you stuff you didn't want (e.g. old ladies selling little bunches of flowers). I suppose it is a normal hassle in this part of the world. At least they are out there trying to earn a living unlike so many wasters in the UK lounging idly and comfortably at home on generous 'benefits'!

Left: Another exuberantly decorated Jeepney. I wonder who 'Sherryl' is?

I mentioned earlier of the need to find either bridges or underpasses to get across those blasted motorways. All of them seemed to house down-and-out homeless people (right) and there were many beggars of various descriptions on the streets. There is a rather squalid side to this city.

That will have to do for now and I haven't even started on the more interesting sights and experiences I encountered, let alone my trips outside Manila. I will get around to it one day!

PS. Just found this basic map (on the internet) of the LRT and MRT routes. Might come in useful later and to anyone following me!

MÁS MANILA

7th - 8th Dec 2025

Interesting 'artwork' on a tall apartment block in the west side.

I must say I found (still do) the make up of the huge Manila Metropolis difficult to understand with all its different districts, administrative areas and 'cities' included in a most confusing manner. For simplicity's' sake I only refer to the 'areas' listed in my basic guide book namely: City of Manila (Incl. Intramuros), Quezon City, Makati & BGC (Bonefacio Global City), Pasay & Parañaque. On my two seperate visits I based myself in the Makati area. I attach a poor photo from my 'Lonely Planet' which might give you some idea. Click on to enlarge:

'Find Your Way'? An optimistic proposition!

On day 2 I was taken, by car, on a very interesting guided tour, mainly of the upmarket southern and western areas towards Manila Bay. My charming host and driver, Neil, is a Filipino and friend of a friend of mine in UK. He has lived for most of his life in the USA but now returned 'home'.

We travelled towards Manila Bay, an area of which a large part has been reclaimed from the sea…and they are still 'reclaiming' more.

Much of the area towards the Bay consists of enormous skyscrapers very upmarket apartment blocks and vast shopping malls plus some obscenely flash and ostentatious hotels and casinos. Left: This, the Okada, is an example, of several, of a combined hotel and casino complex. I was told the best 'suites' for guests here cost in the region of 30,000 US$ per night! I tend to top out at 30 US$ per night in probably much more amusing places!

Another flash area we passed (stopped at an entrance) was Forbes Park, a gated (with armed guards) housing estate in the south of the Makati area. Right: Not my photo, but gives you an idea of the place. Houses on sale for up to 30-40 million US$. I was told it caters to the wealthy and often corrupt billionaires who like an 'untraceable' means of hiding their ill-gotten gains.

Left: At the opposite end of the scale are  several areas of abject poverty, mostly in the port districts of Tondos and Esteros to the north-west of the metropolis…but there are other similarly disgusting crime and drug infested squalid slums elsewhere. Not safe places for tourists, or even the police, to venture into! A bit like Birmingham in the UK during the rubbish collectors' strike.

I was warned that wandering the streets as a tourist can be dangerous, especially after dark, with potential for armed robbery a risk, presumably by residents of the above. I did a bit of wandering but fortunately never experienced anything threatening. The only frequent hassle I got was from touts on the streets trying to flog dodgy cell-phones, watches and, above all, packets of viagra and cialis! I resisted the temptation and soon bored them away with my inane 'conversation'. Quite amusing actually!

Many streets around town are named after past American high ranking military and political grandees such as Taft, Lincoln, MacArthur, Pershing, Lawton, Harrison and several more. As you may be aware, the Philippines was 'discovered' in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan (he was killed in battle there), colonised by the Spanish in 1565 and named after Spanish King Phillip 11. During the Spanish/American war in 1898 it was captured and colonised by America. The Japs invaded in 1941 and temporarily chased the Yanks out but they returned after the Japanese surrender. It gained full independence in 1946.

Right: Another amusing bit of artwork in the Bay area. 

By chance we ended up in an amusing Irish Pub in Makati called O'Reilly's (left). There are two other 'Oirish Bears' in Manila, apparently. It featured two well patronised Pool tables, a dartboard and several pretty young ladies who were very 'sociable'. No Guiness! It seems the only beer that I recognise served in most establishments here is either San Miguel or Red Horse.

If you hadn't got anyone else to play with, one of the 'enthusiastic' ladies was only too keen to oblige (Right).

We didn't bother and just enjoyed a good chat and drink…and were joined by quite an amusing American after temporarily dumping his lady Pool partner. Many thanks Neil!

Off tomorrow to have a look around Intramuros, the old part of the city to the north end and try to find a tourist information office, and a post office to send some cards. 

PS. The small hotel I am staying at in Makati has an 'en-suite' room (25US$ pn) is perfectly comfortable with good Wi-Fi etc, despite rather a lack of hot water; none at the washbasin and only tepid in the shower! It is called Nest Nano Suites. The staff at reception are most charming and helpful and it is within easy walking distance of some decent shops (7Eleven stores in profusion) and one particularly good restaurant which I have subsequently patronised. The only real problem is that a rooster and dog have a loud ongoing crowing/barking match at each other just below my room from about 4.00am onwards! Shotgun required.

So much more to follow and at this rate I will be writing this until Easter…...

A THRILLA IN MANILA…MAYBE?

 4th - 6th Dec 2025

Well, it's that time of year again, so my 'Chrexit 25' is now underway. First stop the Philippines, which is one of many countries I had not yet visited.

True to my miserly choosing of the cheapest options I got a late evening flight on 4th December with China Airways from London Heathrow involving a five hour stop-over in Chengdu/ Tianfu before flying on to Manila. 

That was over a period of 20 hours and, due to the time differences going east, incorporated two nights. China Airlines were most efficient and on time and I have absolutely no complaints about their service. However, jammed up in a small seat on both flights I arrived in Manila at 1.30am on the 6th December having had no sleep. An efficient, and surprisingly cheap, Grab taxi then took me to my cheapo hotel in the Makati district of the city. Left: Ninoy Aquino airport in Manila.

I was quite knackered and after a suitable kip ventured out to have a look around the area.

Manila is a complex and vast metropolitan arrangement of districts and each with it's own distinctive characteristics. The 'city' itself is the old 'walled' part to the north straddling the Pasig River. To its east is Quezon City, to the south-east is Makati and Bonefacio Global City (BFC) and to the south Pasay and Parañaque. Manila Bay runs down the western side. The whole area being known collectively as 'Metro Manila'. Or 'Metro Traffic Jam' as I came to call it. Makati, the district in which I am staying, is renowned for its restaurants, bars, nightclubs, nightlife and the very friendly ladies who frequent some of these establishments.

Right: An area around here has streets named after various planets and cosmic terminology. Curious? I can't think why.

On my initial brief 'recce', I passed a few interesting venues. Left: This restaurant, 'Pardon My French', looked inviting and I liked the name. In fact I was given a look inside and it is very smart with an elegant dining area plus balconies and a stage for a band. I was told the band plays (1970s/80s music) during the evening sessions. I vowed to return for a meal at some stage.

Right: Click on to enlarge and read the board at the bottom. This establishment, called 'Bottoms', certainly captured my imagination. I was particularly intrigued by the advertised 'Midget Oil Wrestling'. I suspect this sort of place would be frowned upon in UK.

Left: The 'House Rules' at the entrance. I'm not sure what sort of clientele they are expecting….

Right: A thought-provoking sign on the door of a single street-side room which was being refurbished. I don't know who (or what) 'Lady Bedspacer' is, possibly one of many 'Labour' newly appointed grandees, but I can think of a few acquaintances who match this description. I was tempted to give them a call.

Left: A pleasant restaurant, the Tiabuela, near my hotel which I patronised and which offered decent food and drink at surprisingly cheap prices. In fact  during my very short time so far in this city I have been surprised at the relatively cheap price of food and drink; about half the price we pay in UK. Oh yes! The reindeer horns and Father Christmas hats have come out in force already. 😫.

This tardy 'initial' report covers only the first 24 hrs of my Manila experience. I am getting idle. Old age creeping up I suspect. 

I close now for the time being and much, much more to come when I get my act together. Stand-by!

A QUESTION!

 14th Sept 2025

A QUESTION TO MY READER(S)

I have a question to ask anyone reading these 'blogs' which I hope might attract a response to satisfy my curiosity. The number of people 'hitting' on this blogsite seems to have increased in the last two months for some reason (which is good for morale!) and I have not made an entry since July.  I often wonder who is reading these offerings? Of course I don't know whether they actually read them or just 'hit and run'. I would be most interested to know who they, or some of them anyway, are! I know my trusty eagle-eyed critic at OMPITA is a regular reader and quick to point out my many typos and grammatical errors...it seems to keep them amused (note politically correct pronoun!). 

It would be much appreciated at this end if at least some readers could reveal their names, nicknames, code names and/or roughly where they are located, even just their country. This can be done (I hope) in the 'comments' line at the bottom of each blog. Any comments, however rude, would be most welcome! Do I have many readers, or just a few who have nothing better to do than constantly open this blogsite?

Maybe the 'comments' page is difficult to access? Anyway, I pose this question; "who are you?" and would be delighted to get an answer. 🤞🙏 

UPDATE OF INDEX

To remind my reader of how to view a particular location: Click on to the 'arrow' next to the relevant year at the 'blog archive' list top right of most recent blog. This opens up the month selections. Then click on to relevant month arrow and that will open up the blogs in that month.

It's a long scroll down to the latest on this list!

If you wish to enlarge a photo, just single click on it.

Incidently, if using a 'smartphone', scroll down to the bottom of the first page where you  should opt to 'view web version'. This allows you to select the 'arrows' as above.

 

It seems that after a long period of not being able to 'comment' on these blogs, the problem has been resolved (I think). If you wish to make a 'comment' (anonymous if you prefer), however rude, in the box at the bottom of each blog, please do so! 

List of Posts

2011

Jan

1.      The Beginning

2.      At Sea - Now Antwerp - Belgium

3.      Stranded in Le Havre - France
Feb

4.      Crossing The Pond

5.      Noo Yawk, Noo Yawk - USA

6.      Virginia - USA

7.      Washington DC - USA

8.      Columbia - South Carolina - USA

9.      Charleston - South Carolina - USA
Mar

10.    Miami - Florida - USA

11.    Fort Lauderdale - Florida - USA

12.    Savannah - Georgia - USA

13.    Boston - Massachusetts - USA

14.    Boston - Post Script - USA

15.    Niagara Falls - Ontario - Canada

16.    Toronto - Ontario - Canada

17.    Winnipeg - Manitoba - Canada

18.    The Canadian - Toronto to Vancouver - Canada
Apr

19.    Vancouver Island - British Columbia - Canada

20.    Seattle - Washington - USA

21.    Amtrak. Seattle to San Francisco - USA

22.    San Francisco - California (Part 1) - USA

23.    San Francisco - California (Part 2) - USA

24.    San Diego - California - USA

25.    Tijuana to La Paz - Mexico

26.    La Paz - Mexico

27.    Mazatlan - Mexico
May

28.    Guadalajara - Mexico

29.    Mexico City

30.    San Christobal de Las Casas - Mexico

31.    Antigua - Guatemala

32.    San Salvador - El Salvador

33.    Managua and Granada - Nicaragua
Jun

34.    San José - Costa Rica

35.    Panama City

36.    Flight to Lima - Peru

37.    Lima - Peru

38.    Nazca - Peru

39.    Cusco - Peru

40.    Machu Picchu - Peru

41.    Andean Explorer - Peru

42.    Puno (Lake Titicaca) - Peru

43.    Arequipa - Peru
Jul

44.    Panama to Auckland - New Zealand

45.    Bay of Islands - New Zealand

46.    Lake Taupo - New Zealand

47.    Cape Reinga - New Zealand

48.    Russel Birdman Festival - New Zealand
Aug

49.    Rotorua - New Zealand

50.    Napier - New Zealand

51.    Wellington - New Zealand

52.    Blenheim - New Zealand

53.    Nelson - New Zealand

54.    West Coast, South Island - New Zealand

55.    Queenstown - New Zealand

56.    Lake Tekapo - New Zealand

57.    Christchurch - New Zealand

58.    Kaikoura - New Zealand

59.    Auckland - New Zealand

60.    Across the Tasman Sea
Sep

61.    Sydney (Part 1) - Australia 

62.    Sydney (Part 2) - Australia 

63.    Melbourne (Part 1) - Australia 

64.    Melbourne (Part 2) - Australia 

65.    Tasmania - Australia
Oct

66.    Adelaide - Australia

67.    The Ghan - Adelaide to Darwin - Australia

68.    Darwin - Australia

69.    The Red Centre - Australia

70.    Back to Adelaide - Australia

71.    Onwards to Brisbane - Australia

72.    Brisbane to Singapore (Part 1)

73.    Taxis
Nov

74.    Brisbane to Singapore (Part 2)

75.    Brisbane to Singapore (Part 3)

76.    Singapore (Part 1)

77.    Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

78.    Up Country - Malaysia

79.    Singapore (Part 2)

80.    Mozart. Malaysia to Sri Lanka

81.    Colombo - Sri Lanka

82.    Coffee
Dec

83.    Kandy - Sri Lanka

84.    Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka

85.    Back to Colombo - Sri Lanka

86.    Galle - Sri Lanka

87.    The Ancient Cities - Sri Lanka

88.    Trincomalee - Sri Lanka

89.    Negombo - Sri Lanka

90.    Tiruchirappalli - India
91.    Kerala - India

2012

Jan
92.    Goa - India
93.    Bombay - India
94.    Delhi - India
95.    Palace On Wheels. Rajasthan (Part 1) - India
96.    Palace On Wheels. Rajasthan (Part 2) - India
97.    Palace On Wheels. Rajasthan (Part 3) - India
98.    Palace On Wheels. Rajasthan (Part 4) - India
99.    Palace On Wheels. Rajasthan (Part 5) - India
100.  Calcutta - India
Feb
101.  Rangoon - Burma
102.  The Train To Bagan - Burma
103.  Bagan - Burma
104.  Mandalay (Part 1) - Burma
105.  Mandalay (Part 2) - Burma
106.  Inle Lake - Burma
107.  Ngapali Beach - Burma
108.  Bangkok - Thailand
109.  Siem Reap - Cambodia
Mar
110.  Phnom Penh - Cambodia
111.  Saigon - Vietnam
112.  Hanoi - Vietnam
Apr
113.  Sa Pa - Vietnam
114.  Ha Long Bay - Vietnam
115.  Beijing (Part 1) - China
116.  Hong Kong
117.  Beijing (Part 2) - China
May
118.  Mongolia
119.  Siberia - Russia
120.  Trans-Siberian to Moscow
121.  Moscow (Part 1) - Russia
122.  Moscow (Part 2) - Russia
123.  St Petersburg - Russia
124.  Helsinki - Finland
125.  Rovaniemi - Finland
126.  Up To Kirkenes - Norway
127.  Hurtigruten (Part 1) - Norway
128.  Hurtigruten (Part 2) - Norway
129.  Hurtigruten (Part 3) - Norway
130.  Hurtigruten (Part 4) - Norway
Jun
131.  Bergen to Oslo - Norway
132.  Oslo - Norway
133.  Copenhagen - Denmark
134.  Hamburg - Germany
135.  Hook of Holland - and Home
Jul
136.  The End
Aug
137.  Post Script - London
138.  Stand-by For More...

2013

Sep
139.  To The Democratic Peoples Republic Of Korea (North Korea)
140.  Pyongyang 1 - North Korea
141.  Pyongyang 2 - North Korea
Oct
142.  Kaesong and Panmunjom - North Korea
143.  Back to Pyongyang - North Korea
144.  Pyongyang 3 - North Korea
145.  Samjiyon and Mount Paekdu - North Korea
146.  Daehongdan County - North Korea
147.  Chongjin - North Korea
148.  Hamhung - North Korea
149.  Wonsan and Mount Kumgang - North Korea
150.  Mount Kumgang 2 - North Korea
151.  Mount Kumgang 3 - North Korea
152.  Wonsan Again - North Korea
153.  Back To Pyongyang and On To Nampo - North Korea
Nov
154.  Nampo and Back To Pyongyang - North Korea
155.  Train To Beijing - North Korea
156.  The Finale
157.  Impressions of North Korea
158.  Vids From North Korea
Dec
159.  Zambia
160.  Battledore Farm - Zambia
161.  Cool Bananas - Zambia
162.  Banana Hazards - Zambia
163.  Back On The Farm - Zambia
164.  Continued Jollities - Zambia

2014

Jan
165.  Christmas In Darkest Africa - Zambia
166.  Lusaka 1  - Zambia
167.  Lusaka 2  - Zambia
168.  Livingston (I Presume) - Zambia
169.  On Safari - Botswana
170.  Ndola N'Home - Zambia
Feb
171.  Onwards To Sarf America
Mar
172.  Buenos Aires and The Wedding - Argentina
173.  Around Buenos Aires - Argentina
174.  Jujuy Province - Argentina
175.  Salta - Argentina
176.  Cordoba - Argentina
177.  Mendoza - Argentina
178.  Santiago (Part 1) - Chile
179.  Olmue and Valparaiso - Chile
180.  Santiago (Part 2) - Chile
Apr
181.  To Osorno and Bariloche - Argentina
182.  Bariloche - Argentina
183.  Ruta National 40 - Argentina
184.  El Calafate - Argentina
185.  Tierra Del Fuego (Part 1) - Argentina
186.  Tierra Del Fuego (Part 2) - Argentina
187.  Iguazu - Argentina
188.  Buenos Aires - Finale - Argentina

2015

Jan
189.  The Saga Of My Nearly Lost Hat - UK
Jul
190.  We Wish To Apologise... - UK
Aug
191.  Those Blasted Announcements... - UK
Sep
192.  Tuscany By Train - France
193.  Mulhouse to Montecatini - Italy
194.  Florence - Italy
195.  Around Montecatini - Italy
196.  Lucca and Pisa - Italy
197.  Venice 1 - Italy
Oct
198.  Venice 2 - Italy
199.  Venice 3 - Italy
200.  Turin - Italy
Dec
201.  'Nam Revisited - Vietnam
202.  Saigon Again - Vietnam

2016

Jan
203.  Merry Keesmah - Vietnam
204.  Up The Mekong - Vietnam
205.  Happy Noo Yeer - Vietnam
Mar
206.  Snowdrops - UK
207.  Turkey - An Inspiration
208.  Istanbul Or Bust
209.  Budapest - Briefly - Hungary
210.  Brasov - Transylvania - Romania
Apr
211.  Bucharest - Romania
212.  Onwards To Istanbul - Bulgaria
213.  This Was Constantinople - Turkey
214.  Up The Bosphorous - Turkey
215.  The Turkish Bath - Turkey
Sep
216.  Up The Kennet - UK
Oct
217.  Down The Baltics
218.  Tallinn 1 - Estonia
219.  Tallinn 2 - Estonia
220.  Tallinn 3 - Estonia
221.  On To Riga - Latvia
222.  Around Riga - Latvia
223.  Riga Finale - Stuck Up A Steeple - Latvia
224.  Vilnius...And The Dark Side - Lithuania
225.  Vilnius...The Bright Side - Lithuania
Nov
226.  A Damp Day In Warsaw - Poland
227.  Berlin And Bed Bugs In Brussels - Belgium
228.  Cultural Day In Lille - France
Dec
229.  Bah Humbug And Chrexit - Vietnam
230.  Laid-Back Laos - Vientiane - Laos
231.  Va Va Vang Vieng - Laos
232.  Vang Vieng Voom Voom - Laos

2017

Jan
233.  Luang Prabang - Laos
234.  Luang Prabang And Elephants - Laos
Oct
235.  Ariba Ariba and Off to Cuba
Nov
236.  Havana Wander - Cuba
237.  Havana Further Wander - Cuba
238.  On West to Viñales - Cuba
239.  Cienfuegos - Cuba
240.  Ye Olde Town of Trinidad - Cuba
241.  Santa Clara. Viva La Revolución - Cuba
242.  Varadero. - Cuba
243.  Guanabo. Playa del Ested - Cuba
Dec
244.  Back to Havana - Cuba
245.  Havana Finale - Cuba
246.  Chrexit 2017 - Thailand
247.  Phuket and Beaches - Thailand
248.  Phuket Town - Thailand
249.  Saigon Again - Vietnam

2018

Jan
250.  Wats in Chiang Mai - Thailand
251.  A Day Out in Chiang Mai - Thailand
252.  More Chiang Mai - Thailand
Feb
253.  Chiang Mai - Bangkok - and Home
Apr
254.  Silly Signs
May
255.  By Plane to Ukraine
Jun
256.  Kiev Part 1 - Ukraine
257.  Kiev Part 2 - Ukraine
258.  Chernobyl Disaster. The Background Story - Ukraine
259.  Chernobyl Part 1 - Ukraine
Jul
260.  Pripyat. The Ghost Town - Ukraine
261.  Chernobyl Part 2 - Ukraine
262.  Bermuda or Bust - Bermuda
Aug
263.  St. George's - Bermuda
264.  More Bermuda
265.  Carnival Time - Bermuda
266.  Hamilton - Bermuda
267.  Finale - Bermuda
Sep
268.  Update of Index 2

Nov

269. Colombia. Caramba

270. Bogota. A Prelude - Colombia

271. Transport around Bogota - Colombia

272. More Bogota - Colombia

273. Medellín - Colombia

274. More Medellín - Colombia

Dec

275. On to Cartageña - Colombia

276. Santa Marta - Colombia

277. Bogota. Post Script - Colombia

278. Chrismiss 2018 - Thailand

2019

Jan

279. Saigon Again - Viêt Nam

280. Vietnam Underground - Viêt Nam
Apr
281. Amsterdam Cultural Tour - Holland
282. Yodel-ay-ee-Hoo around Switzerland
May
283. Yodelling on and back - Switzerland
284. Down the Balkans to Ljubljana - Slovenia
285. Down to Split - Croatia
286. Split to Dubrovnik - Croatia
287. On South to Montenegro
June
288. Cetinje - Montenegro
289. To the beach - Montenegro
290. Bar and back home - Montenegro
Sept
291. To Japanada (or Canapan)
292. Vancouver Island - Canada
Oct
293. All Aboard the Westerdam - Canada
294. Juneau (Juneau What?) - Alaska
295. Onwards Westwards
296. Past Kodiak Island and Beyond
297. Across the Bering sea
298. Kushiro Briefly - Japan
299. Arrival Yokohama - Japan
300. Kyoto Intro - Japan
301. More Kyoto. Day 1 - Japan
302. More Kyoto. Day 2 - Japan
303. Hiroshima - Japan
304. Nagasaki - Japan
305. Brief Visit to Kure - Japan
306. Tokyo - Japan
307. Sayonara Nippon - Japan

Dec

308. (Not) Christmas Again
309. No 'Ell in Far East - Thailand
310. OMG!. Pattaya - Thailand

2020

Jan
311. Sodom and Gomorrah - Thailand
312. Back to 'Nam Again - Vietnam
313. Đà lạt  Part 1 - Vietnam
314. Đà lạt  Part 2 - Vietnam

Apr

315. Lockdown. Week 1

316. Lockdown. Week 2

317. Lockdown. Week 3

318. Lockdown. Week 4

319. Lockdown. Week 5

May

320. Lockdown. Week 6

321. Lockdown. Week 7

322. Lulok Island. Part 1. Arrival.

323. Lulok Island. Part 2. The Village.

Jun

324. Lulok Island. Part 3. The Hills.

325. Lulok Island. Part 4. The Aztecs.

Jul

326. Lulok Island. Part 5. The Coast.

Aug

327. Lulok Island. Part 6. The Capital.

Sep

328. To Stockholm - Sweden

329. More Stockholm - Sweden

330. Yet More Stockholm - Sweden

331. Uppsala - Sweden

332. Tällberg - Sweden

Oct

333. Mora - Sweden

334. Back to Stockholm - Sweden

335. Finale Stockholm and Home - Sweden

Nov

336. Zanzibar or Bust.

337. Stone Town - Zanzibar

338. Nungwi - Zanzibar

339. The East Cost - Zanzibar

340. Bwejuu - Zanzibar

341. Back to Stone Town - Zanzibar

342. Tortoise and Spice - Zanzibar

Dec

343. Temple, Shops & Slaves - Zanzibar

344. Mainland Tanzania and Back - Tanzania

345. More Stone Town - Zanzibar

346. Further Haunts & Sights - Zanzibar

347. Final Fling in Zanzibar

348. On to Ndola - Zambia

349. Gone Bananas Again - Zambia

2021

Jan

350. Back to Livingstone (I presume) - Zambia

351. The Falls and Zambezi - Zambia

352. Booze Cruise and Wildlife - Zambia

353. Back to the Bananas - Zambia

Feb

Now back in Stasi UK and travel illegal or difficult and expensive until 202?

Mar

354. Single Life - UK

Apr

355. Single Life 2 - UK

May

356. Single Life 3 - UK

357. My Little Covid Rant

Dec

358. More Frustrations and Events - UK

359. Chrexit 2021

360. Onwards to Bangkok - Thailand

361. Back in Bangkok - Thailand

2022

Jan

362. Pattaya and Jomtien Revisited - Thailand

363. Art in Paradise Pattaya - Thailand

364. The Highlife in Bangkok - Thailand

365. The Train to Kanchanaburi - Thailand

366. The Bridge - Kanchanaburi - Thailand

367. More Sights around Kanchanaburi - Thailand

368. 50 Ridiculous Rules

369. Out and About around Kanchanaburi - Thailand

Feb

370. Back to Bangkok - Thailand

371. Bangkok and Home - Thailand

May

372. Return to Warsaw - Poland

373. By train to Ukraine - Ukraine

374. Checkin' Kyiv - Ukraine

375. More Kyiv - Ukraine

376. Encore and Farewell Kyiv - Ukraine

377. Train back to Warsaw - Poland

378. Krakon to Krakow - Poland

379. More Krakow and Home - Poland

Aug

380. Old Buffers and Geriatrics Pool Society

Oct

381. Silly Signs and Nutty Notices

Nov

382. To Brussels and Beyond - Europe

383. Tally Ho! To Tirana - Albania

384. Touring Tirana - Albania

385. More Tirana - Albania

386. Yet More Tirana - Albania

Dec

387. Toodle Pip Tirana - Albania

388. Chrexodus 2022

389. Saigon Saigon - Vietnam

390. The Journey to  Đà Lạt - Vietnam

391. Đà Lạt Revisited - Vietnam

392. Đà Lạt Day Tour Part 1 - Vietnam

393. Đà Lạt Day Tour Part 2 - Vietnam

394. On to Nha Trang - Vietnam

395. Hué - Vietnam

2023

Jan

396. The Dee Em Zee Part 1 - Vietnam

397. The Dee Em Zee Part 2 - Vietnam

398. Uncle Sam in Vietnam - Vietnam

399. Hué back to Sài Gòn - Vietnam

400. New Year in Saigon - Vietnam

Jul

401. Bits and Bobs

402. To Portugal. Algarve - Portugal

403. On to Lisbon - Portugal

404. A Trip to Bélem - Portugal

405. A Day in Cascais - Portugal

406. Encore Lisbon - Portugal

Aug

407. To Porto (or Oporto) - Portugal

408. Up the Douro - Portugal

409. By Train Again to Ukraine - Poland/Ukraine

410. Around Lviv. A Start on Svobody - Ukraine

411. Lviv and the War - Ukraine

412. Churches and More in Lviv - Ukraine

413. Lviv Finale and Home. Eventually - Ukraine/Poland

Dec

414. Chrexit 2023

415. Off to Taiwan - Taiwan

416. A Start in Taipei - Taiwan

417. Taipei 2 - Taiwan

418. Taipei 3 - Taiwan

419. Up Taipei - Taiwan

420. Taipei. Post Script - Taiwan

421. South to Tainan - Taiwan

422. Hot Springs in Guanziling - Taiwan

423. Further South to Kaohsiung - Taiwan

424. More Kaohsiung - Taiwan

425. Around the Coast to Taitung - Taiwan

426. North up to Hualien - Taiwan

2024

Jan

427. Return to Taipei and Onwards - Taiwan/Vietnam

428. Taipei Finale and Home - Taiwan/UK

Mar

429. Train Again - Nuremburg - Germany 

430. Vienna - City of Dreams - Austria

Apr

431. Prague - City of a Hundred Spires - Czechia

432. Vorrüken zu Berlin (Part 1) - Germany

433. Mehr Berlin und Zurück - Germany

May

434. A Drive to Ukraine. Part 1

435. A Drive to Ukraine. Part 2

Jun

436. Cyprus Revisited 1

437. Cyprus Revisited 2

Oct

438. To Cape Verde

439. More Santiago - Cape Verde

440. Volcanic Fogo - The Costa Lava

Nov

441. Back to Santiago - Cape Verde

Dec

442. Chrexit 24

443. Around Saigon Again - Vietnam

444. A Brush with Death in Saigon - Vietnam

445. A Spot of Culcha - Vietnam

2025

Jan

446. New Year's Eve in Vung Tau - Vietnam

447. Finale in Saigon - Vietnam

Mar

448. A Visit to the Stans

Apr

449. Aljolsen, Alcapone- No! It's Almaty - Kazakhstan

450. Almaty Amusements - Kazakhstan

451. Almaty Encore - Kazakhstan

452. The Ghost Train to Bishkek - Kyrgyzstan

May

453. Bishkek - Kyrgyzstan

454. More Bishkek - Kyrgyzstan

455. On by Bus to Tashkent - Uzbekistan

456. Tashkent - Uzbekistan

457. More Tashkent - Uzbekistan

458. Samarkand or Bust - Uzbekistan

459. Encore Samarkand - Uzbekistan

460. More Encore Samarkand - Uzbekistan

Jun

461. Onwards to Bukhara - Uzbekistan

462. Around Bukhara - Uzbekistan

463. Outside Bukhara - Uzbekistan

464. Back to Tashkent…and Home

465. Danube River Cruise - Germany

466. On Down the Danube - Germany

Jul

467. Further Down the Danube - Vienna - Austria

468. Onwards Further - Budapest - Hungary

469. Back the Way We Came - Bratislava - Slovakia

470. More Bratislava - Slovakia

471. On Upstream to Linz - Austria

472. Back to Passau and Home - Germany