Month: February 2016

Backpacking in Ukraine: Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Tour Part 9 - Radiation Checks and Escape from the CEZ

Backpacking in Ukraine: Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Tour Part 9 – Radiation Checks and Escape from the CEZ

Posted on by Jonny Blair

“It’s a radiation vibe I’m groovin on” – Fountains of Wayne. It had been a truly incredible day of travel and to a place with a sad history – the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. It’s a day I’ll remember for a long time, but after this final part of the story, it’s time to close the Read more about Backpacking in Ukraine: Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Tour Part 9 – Radiation Checks and Escape from the CEZ[…]

The Day I...Lobbed the Goalkeeper From 30 Yards in Afghanistan

The Day I…Lobbed the Goalkeeper From 30 Yards in Afghanistan

Posted on by Jonny Blair

“Out comes the goalkeeper [Rinat Dasaev no less]. Nat too sure this time. And it’s a goal! Terry Moore taking the credit for that” – Northern Irish commentator (1988) commenting on the night Glentoran were 1-0 up and just a goal away from taking the mighty Spartak Moscow to extra time in Belfast City. My Read more about The Day I…Lobbed the Goalkeeper From 30 Yards in Afghanistan[…]

Backpacking in Uzbekistan: Textbook Top 8 Sights in Tashkent, the Capital City

Posted on by Jonny Blair

“Somebody save me” – Theme Tune from Smallville which features Clark Kent (not Tash Kent). A few Uzbeks have been in touch recently – Bek and Akmaljon. They don’t like the way I have written about their country but I can only write about what really happens when I travel. I don’t want to be Read more about Backpacking in Uzbekistan: Textbook Top 8 Sights in Tashkent, the Capital City[…]

Friday's Featured Food: Wild Boar Roast at Orbita Boutique Hotel in Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Friday’s Featured Food: Wild Boar Roast at Orbita Boutique Hotel in Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Posted on by Jonny Blair

For whatever reason life dealt me, I ended up in the city of Shymkent in southern Kazakhstan recently and after negotiating my way across the Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan border despite not having a Kazak visa on the same passport, I finally arrived in this backpacker’s gem – Shymkent. You might have read how I found Read more about Friday’s Featured Food: Wild Boar Roast at Orbita Boutique Hotel in Shymkent, Kazakhstan[…]

My Travel Shock: I’m In India, Welcome to New Delhi

Posted on by Jonny Blair

“A face like mine, bereft of dreams, and white” – Nicky Wire. Yes. I’m in New Delhi. I am in India! This is perhaps the biggest shock for me to date on my travels and I can’t explain it, it’s just the way it happens. From day one, I always said I had no intention Read more about My Travel Shock: I’m In India, Welcome to New Delhi[…]

Backpacking in Gorno Badakhshan: Top 12 Sights in Khorog, Capital of the Pamirs

Backpacking in Gorno Badakhshan: Top 22 Sights in Khorog, Capital of the Pamirs

Posted on by Jonny Blair

On this adventure through Central Asia, I have already written about my wonderful stay in Pamir Lodge and the spontaneous live article from Khorog. This is a region known as Gorno Badakhshan and you need a separate permit to visit, away from the main part of Tajikistan, so pick up your Gorno Badakhshan permit and Read more about Backpacking in Gorno Badakhshan: Top 22 Sights in Khorog, Capital of the Pamirs[…]

My Five Top Travel Destinations For 2016

Posted on by Jonny Blair

Well the year is only two months old but I’ve already done a fair whack of travelling through some ice cool zones in Central Asia such as Karakalpakstan, Afghanistan and Gorno Badakhshan with more lined up. Basing this list on a few spots I’ve already been to this year and a few that are lined Read more about My Five Top Travel Destinations For 2016[…]

Backpacking in Kazakhstan: Top 7 Shy Sights in Shymkent

Posted on by Jonny Blair

I simply loved the pronunciation of this city. SHYMKENT! Wee shimmy. Ess Hym Kent. Shy m Kent. Shimkent. Chimkent. Spelt Shymkent, once called Chernayaev, currently housing 850,000 people, it’s a somewhat inspiring city with low promotion. Is it shy? Why are the first three letters spelling the word shy? I headed to find the answers. Read more about Backpacking in Kazakhstan: Top 7 Shy Sights in Shymkent[…]