Background I first arrived in San Salvador in 1991 as a humanitarian during the civil war. San Salvador served as a centre for Spain until its independence in 1821. Its history has endured many challenges, including devastating earthquakes, political upheaval, and periods of intense violence. Amidst the visible conflict, I fell in love with this crazy capital. The war pitted the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) against the government and military forces. Horrific human rights abuses and civilian disappearances characterised this war. I narrowly escaped my death in this city, a chilling reminder of…
Place Reviews (Thursday)
Category Archives for Place Reviews (Thursday).
Exploring Yala, Thailand’s Least-Visited City
Thailand is renowned for its well-organised tourism industry, offering diverse options from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. The country attracts visitors with its rich culture, friendly locals, stunning beaches, lush forests, and numerous adventure activities. In 2024, Thailand welcomed approximately 36 million foreign tourists. However, most visit a select few of the country’s 77 provinces. Four provinces get the lion’s share of overseas guests: Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi (Pattaya), and Chiang Mai. I have been to 45 of the 77 now and can attest that many receive very few overseas tourists and feel much more isolated.…
Being Captured by Captivating Krabi: Thailand’s Cultural and Natural Paradise
I just had to share some photos from my recent trip to the southern Thailand province of Krabi, where I spent a few days. Located along the Andaman Sea coast, Krabi offers visitors picturesque islands such as Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach, and Ao Nang. The province is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged mountains, lush forests, limestone cliffs, clear waters, sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. Over the years, Krabi has gained international popularity due to these natural attractions. The province’s history dates back centuries, and its culture is influenced by Thai…
Get me out of here: Guatemala City: Where History and Gangs Collide
Founded in 1776 on the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Kaminaljuyu, Ciudad de Guatemala (Guatemala City) was established as the new capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala after a series of devastating earthquakes destroyed the former capital, Antigua Guatemala. It has been capital of a fully independent Guatemala since 1847. The country of Guatemala is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the east. Guatemala City is located in the southern part of the country within the Valle de la Ermita…
Panama’s Special Bocas del Toro- another world
The Bocas del Toro archipelago, is an enchanting group of islands approximately 35 km off Panama’s Caribbean coast, located at latitude 9.35° N and longitude 82.25° W. The archipelago consists of nine major islands and over 200 smaller cays and islets Summary Getting There by Air To reach this idyllic destination, most visitors fly into Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC), also known as José Ezequiel Hall International Airport. Air Panama and Flytrip offer direct flights from Panama City (Allbrook Airport) and SANSA from San Jose, Costa Rica. Getting There by Ferry and…
Cali’s Magic: From Historic Streets to Salsa Beats
Overview This year, I decided to spend some time in Colombia, South America, making this the 85th country I’ve visited. As I embarked the Avianca plane in Bogotá to travel to the city of Cali, I racked my brain trying to work out why I was going there?!. Cali isn’t globally known as a standout tourist destination. I’ve never met anyone who had been there! It doesn’t make the news. Few people could find it on a map. That’s never stopped me before, though, as I’ve been to hundreds of places off the beaten track,…
Bogotá: Bold, Beautiful and Boggling Contrasts
Founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, Bogotá has evolved from a small colonial town into the political, cultural, and economic heart of Colombia. Spanning 1,775 square kilometers (686 square miles), it’s similar in size to Houston and slightly larger than Delhi and São Paulo. The city’s population is estimated to be between 8 and 11 million, which is comparable to New York and Bangkok. Bogotá is divided into 20 localities, each with its own character, featuring a blend of modern skyscrapers, low-rise buildings, and historic edifices. I barely scratched the surface…
Santiago: The Heart of Chile
I rank every city I visit based on various factors, including aesthetics, culture, and transport. Santiago, the capital of Chile in South America is the 242nd city of over 100,000 people I have visited. Chile is my 85th country, so I’m pretty confident in my ratings! Location and Orientation Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, nestled in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. The city sits at approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet) above sea level, providing a stunning backdrop of…
Under Rated Spokane -16 Top Things for a Great Visit
Spokane: the city where half the people mispronounce it, and the other half can’t find it on a map. It’s located in eastern Washington and has a rich history in railroads and mining, along with a vibrant arts scene and stunning natural landscapes. With the Spokane River winding through the city, it combines historic architecture with contemporary development, creating a unique and intriguing place to explore. Home to 233,000, the city flies under the radar as a tourist destination. Yet, I have immensely enjoyed my visits there. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts,…
Whimsical Portmeirion, Home of “The Prisoner”
I am a fan of the weird 1960s TV series called “The Prisoner”. This cult classic was written by and starred the actor Patrick McGoohan, who had previously worked on a top-rated British TV series called “Danger Man”. The Prisoner is an enigmatic, brilliant TV series that has left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. If you don’t know it, here is an explanation (language warning): “The Prisoner” was filmed in the strange, whimsical, and wonderful village of Portmeirion in Wales. I had an unforgettable day visiting Portmeirion. Walking through its winding streets felt like…
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