Author Archives: Sarah
Blissful Benin (Part 1) January 19 – 31, 2012
Benin is probably the Gulf of Guinea’s least-known nation. Though small with an area of 113,000 square kilometres and a population of 9 million, Benin is charming and enchanting. Our truck reached most corners of Benin bringing me to the northern upland, the south and the coast. My visit to the Royal Palace of … Continue reading
Nervous Nigeria January 14 – 19, 2012
According to the original itinerary, I would spend 11 days visiting the Afi Mountains, the Yankari National Park, Jos, Abuja (the capital) and Abeokuta before crossing into the Republic of Benin. A week-long national strike ground Nigeria to a halt. Amidst uncertainty, travel warnings and fear of fuel shortage, we raced through Nigeria covering some … Continue reading
West Africa: Cameroon to Senegal Overland January 5 – March 16, 2012
2012 New Year : Two Countries & Three Continents December 30, 2011-January 4, 2012
Life is unpredictable and 2012 has indeed begun with many surprises. My original plan was to spend the New Year in Baku, Azerbaijan and fly to Doula, Cameroon via Istanbul and Casablanca on January 3. As Azerbaijan refused to let me in following my excursion to Karabakh, I had to return to Tbilisi, Georgia and bought … Continue reading
9 Days in Georgia December 21 – 29, 2011
After Armenia, I travelled with my group overland to beautiful Georgia. It has influences for centuries from Turkey, Russia, Persia and the Central Asia. Such heritage has reflected in its architecture and art. I had a wonderful time visiting some 15 churches and monasteries and major attractions in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Gori, Uplistsikhe, Vardzia, Ananuri, Signagi, … Continue reading
10 Days in Armenia December 12 – 21, 2011(Part 2)
Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, occupying a mountainous zone on the southern flank of the Caucasus Mountains, sit on one of the earth’s greatest crossroads. After spending six days roaming about on my own in Yerevan, Southern Armenia and Karabakh, I joined my friends from Hong Kong and spent four days visiting main attractions in Armenia … Continue reading
10 Days in Armenia December 12 – 21, 2011(Part 1)
Armenia,Georgia and Azerbaijan occupying a mountainous zone on the southern flank of the Caucasus Mountains, sit on one of the earth’s greatest crossroads. Their fate and history have been to a great extent influenced or decided by their powerful neighbours namely Turkey, Russia and Iran. I planned a 23-day trip to see three countries and … Continue reading
4 Days in Istanbul, Turkey December 8 – 11, 2011
For a tourist on his/her first visit to Istanbul, he/she will rush around and barely cover all the must-do things. For a fourth time visitor, I have opted for a restful holiday to recuperate from my 11-day trip in Iraq. I took two cruises and discovered (or rediscovered) the beauty of the Golden Horn and … Continue reading
11 Days in Iraq November 27- December 7, 2011 (Part 2)
Iraq, home of the earliest civilisation namely the Sumerian civilisation in the fertile Tigris-Euphrates river valley, is the birthplace of writing and wheel. Modern Iraq corresponds to the Mesopotamia (Land between the rivers) of the Old Testament. Iraq with its legendary Babylon has been on top of my must-see list. My friends thought I was … Continue reading
11 Days in İraq November 27 – December 7, 2011 (Part 1)
Iraq, home of the earliest civilisation namely the Sumerian civilisation in the fertile Tigris-Euphrates river valley, is the birthplace of writing and wheel. Modern Iraq corresponds to the Mesopotamia (Land between the rivers) of the Old Testament. Iraq with its legendary Babylon has been on top of my must-see list. My friends thought … Continue reading