Standing between the Castel Sant Angelo and the bridge of angels a shiver ran down my spine - we were stood on the very spot over 500 people had been executed by Giovanni Battista between 1796 to 1864. He started his career at the tender age of 17. Giovanni documented in his note book exactly... Continue Reading →
Florence – The Red Lily
Battling through the stifling heat with our giant suitcase we made it to the Red Lily, where we were staying in Florence. To our dismay, I had taken us to the wrong Red Lily! The Red Lily is the national flower of Florence and so a number of businesses name themselves after this flower. Typing... Continue Reading →
Antiques Shopping in Venice
Hungry and on the hunt for lunch on our first day in Venice, we passed a series of market stalls selling antique art. It looked intriguing so we decided that food could wait an extra few minutes while we had a nose. Out of the corner of Patrick’s eye he saw a glimmering stone in... Continue Reading →
Scuba Diving in Aquaba
Waking up with smiles on our faces, we said goodbye to the magical desert and headed to our next stop - Aquaba. The taxi took a couple of hours and before long we arrived at the Double Tree Hilton hotel. It was luxurious. Nearby was a beach resort, Berenice Beach Club. Here we hired a... Continue Reading →
Exploring the Moon Desert, Jordan
Planes of white sand carpeted the floor for what looked like miles. While, sandstone mountains lined the horizon. The rock faces were patterned from where gusts of wind had slapped them causing sporadic marks of erosion. The weathered rocks had resulted in the production of red sand, which was transported by the wind and accumulated... Continue Reading →
Goodbye Petra, hello Little Petra and the moon desert
We woke up nice and early, took advantage of the hotel buffet and then made the now familiar 30 minute walk through the Siq towards the Treasury. We were back for a final time to explore Petra. Unlike the previous day where we roamed the entire city, this time we had a clear purpose -... Continue Reading →
The lost city of Petra
The lost city of Petra located in Southern Jordan, is recognised as a world heritage UNESCO site. Visiting the area you can see why. Carved into the rock faces are the most remarkable facades constructed by ancient civilisations. Petra’s landscape and climate alone is breathtaking. Red sand stone mountains jut into the bright blue skies... Continue Reading →
Jerash aka Pompeii of the East and Kerak Castle
In Northern Jordan, is a city named Jerash, otherwise known as the Pompeii of the East. Walking through its grand arch entrance you can see why it has received its nickname; impressive columns line the main path into the historic city. On the outskirts lives the hippodrome, where citizens would watch horses and chariots race.... Continue Reading →
24 hours in Amman, Jordan
Amman, the capital of Jordan is currently home to 4 million inhabitants. It was founded in the 8th millennium BC. Since then the area has changed hands, from the Selucids, Navateans, Romans, Greeks, Ottomams to the Arabs today. With so many owners Amman is a hub of cultural fusion. While, perhaps not as popular with... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way – Part 2
Day 5 Tyndrum to Kingshouse 30 km. The beginning of the day was fairly easy-going. The terrain was flat and easy underfoot. We stopped at The Bridge of Orchy Hotel for a hot chocolate. The views were fantastic and the hot drinks most welcome. Due to interminable rain we decided to enjoy the views from... Continue Reading →