Visiting Macquarie University in Australia: Throwback To My Student Days

Just last month I went to Macquarie University, on the western edge of Sydney. I had a day off work, and my flatmate Rebecca was still a student at the time – studying at this massive University – Macquarie University. It was a blast from the past and a throwback to my days at University Read more about Visiting Macquarie University in Australia: Throwback To My Student Days[…]

Inca Trail Day 3 Part 2: Sayaqmarca and the Downpours

We headed downwards through the mist and rain past a high lagoon. It was a bit slippy and very wet, but somehow my shoes coped and it was mid morning when we reached the Inca Settlement of Sayaqmarca. Sayaqmarca was almost like a castle on a hill. At Sayaqmarca we were initially meant to get Read more about Inca Trail Day 3 Part 2: Sayaqmarca and the Downpours[…]

My Family Don’t Seem So Familiar: 2 Years Apart and Hong Kong Reunion

As you get older and life changes you find you see your family less and less, unless of course you have a wife and kids of your own, which I don’t. I emigrated from the UK finally in 2009. That was the last time i saw my Mum and Dad. However it was a full Read more about My Family Don’t Seem So Familiar: 2 Years Apart and Hong Kong Reunion[…]

Jonny Blair in Uyuni in Bolivia a lifestyle of travel

Backpacking in Bolivia: The Only Tourist In Uyuni, World Capital of Dust

My adventures backpacking in Bolivia continued and from Potosi and La Paz, I headed next to Uyuni. It seemed very odd (and dusty) that I was the only tourist in Uyuni. Well that’s how it seemed. I arrived by bus from Potosi – itself renowned as being “the world’s highest city.” Uyuni sits in dust Read more about Backpacking in Bolivia: The Only Tourist In Uyuni, World Capital of Dust[…]

World Borders: Taking The Interislander Ferry From Picton (South Island) to Wellington (North Island), New Zealand

My fascination with ferries (and boats in general) hasn’t waned. The fascination began in childhood when we would have our family holidays on mainland UK. This meant getting in the car and getting the car ferry from Northern Ireland over to Scotland. Something we did manys a time. I loved travel from an early age. Read more about World Borders: Taking The Interislander Ferry From Picton (South Island) to Wellington (North Island), New Zealand[…]

“The Last Plane Out of Sydney’s Almost Gone, And In Seven Flying Hours I’ll Be Landing in Hong Kong” *

The above quote, the headline, the lyric and the song was something which I first discovered on arrival in Australia, “the land down under” back in October 2009. Seems a lifetime ago now. The lyric comes from the Jimmy Barnes/Cold Chisel hit song “Khe Sahn”, a song which will forever remind me of my time Read more about “The Last Plane Out of Sydney’s Almost Gone, And In Seven Flying Hours I’ll Be Landing in Hong Kong” *[…]

Thirsty Thursdays: A Night Out In Asuncion, Paraguay

Asuncion was my hidden gem in South America. Unknown, under mined and neglected. In fact I must admit that before I even went there I had met LESS THAN 10 people who had ever been there. This city, my friends is the capital of the proud country of Paraguay. A place I want to go Read more about Thirsty Thursdays: A Night Out In Asuncion, Paraguay[…]

Inca Trail Day 2 Part 5: Relaxing at Paqaymayu

It was nice to have gotten ahead of the pack and arrived in Paqaymayu well ahead of time. The entrance to the campsite at Paqaymayu. I arrived with Roberta, there were only 3 from our group already there, one of which was Damian from Argentina. We shared a photo there on arrival wearing our respective Read more about Inca Trail Day 2 Part 5: Relaxing at Paqaymayu[…]