Archive for the ‘Blogs’ Category

« Older Entries

Everest Base Camp Trek

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Chris Ellis, one of our Adventure Travel Consultants recently completed our Everest Base Camp trip – a 19 day trekking adventure in Nepal with a 12 day camping trek to Everest Base Camp including an ascent of Kala Pattar and great views of Everest.

Here, he describes the highlights of the trek day by day, and we ask him for his tips on completing the trek – as well as getting to the bottom of what the accommodation, facilities, food – and of course the trekking are really like!

Day by day account of the Trek
Day 3: Kathmandu:  Head out for a 3 hour city tour with local guide, visiting Assan Bazaar, Durbur Square and d Kumari. Lots of nice temples, both Hindu and Buddhist, and lots of noise, chaos, fruit & veg and warm meat out on the street. Oh and we can’t forget the odd cow strolling about!

Durbar Square

Durbar Square: Kathmandu

Went to traditional Nepalese restaurant for dinner, sit on the floor and eat traditional cuisine, a bit like Tapas with lots of different dishes, lots of curries and tit bits, very nice. Also restaurant has traditional dancers and music going on throughout. Nice touch.

Day 4: Fly to Lukla: We board a tiny 15 seater propeller driven plane for the most amazing flight of my life! Lukla airport is something special. It is a tiny runway clinging to the side of a mountain at 2800 metres, very hairy!

Runway at Lukla

Coming in to land at Lukla

Start 3 hour walk to Phakding, going from 2800m to 2500. Nice acclimatization walk, stunning scenery!

Arrive at Phakding which is a small village, arrive to our tents already up, next to a teahouse. Immediately handed tea and biscuits – I can definitely get use to this!

Day 5: Brought morning tea by Sherpa boy, wake up and have a wash.

Move in to teahouse to have breakfast – muesli eggs and pancakes with tea and coffee.

Set off for walk, the plan is to walk to Namche Bazaar, ascending over 800 metres!

First part fairly flat, stop for lunch at the side of the river. The kitchen boys had ran ahead of us and knocked up a 3 course lunch by the time we got there! Curry, japati’s and vegetables. Prepare ourselves for the ascent up Namche Hill.

Hit Namche Hill and climb a steep uphill for about 3 and half hours. Hard graft, time to crack out the poles and the energy bars!

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar: The town clings to the side of the mountain

Arrive at Namche, which is the heart of the Sherpa community, with a population of about 700 people, with a pub and internet café! Time for a stroll around and buy some more strange novelty gifts.

Day 6: Walk to a view point where we can see Everest for the first time!

First glimpse of Everest

Everest in the distace (left-most peak)

Day 7: Climb to 3,800 m, visit Thangbouche monastery Get unpacked and find out we have stunning views of Everest at sunset – I get a little snap happy!

Thangbouche Monastery

Thangbouche Monastery

Day 8: After waking up feeling unwell, I started to walk and found the up-hills a real struggle. The tour leader recommended that myself and one other member of the group stay in Pangbouche (looked after by one of the Sherpas) for extra acclimatisation and to get our strength back. We check into a basic but very comfortable teahouse for the night.

Day 9: After a great nights sleep, the Sherpas (who are all in radio contact with one-another) arrange for our bags to be taken on to where the rest of the group is – Dingbouche. With help from our Sherpa (who gallantly carries our bags) and taking it VERY slowly, we arrive at Dingbouche and catch up with the rest of the group, really good to see everyone again, and everyone really happy we made it.

Day 10:  Walk from Dingbouche to Lebouche Arrive at field of dreams after a steep 300 metre climb. Field of dreams is a large memorial site to both Sherpa’s and expeditions that have died trying to conquer Everest and other mountains. Very moving. It is starting to get really cold so break out the thermals when I get into my tent!

Field of Dreams

Field of Dreams

Day 11:  Ascent of Kala Pattar – After an incredibly difficult climb, I arrive huffing and puffing to the summit of Kala Patter. I’m absolutely shattered, but it is the most euphoric moment, and words can’t describe how fantastic the views are. Everybody makes it to the top! The group’s resolve and determination is fantastic. We have some tea at the top and take plenty of pictures and take in the views. We are so lucky as there is not a cloud in the sky!

Me at the top of Kala Pattar with Everest over my right shoulder

Me at the top of Kala Pattar with Everest over my right shoulder

Days 12-16: is spent descending to Lukla and returning to Kathmandu where we have some time to relax, take a bath, chill out by the pool and do a spot of shopping.

Day 17:  We visit the Hindu temples and medieval Bhaktapur. Then its time to go out for our last meal together, the ‘last supper’ if you will. We go to a great bar, where every group gets a cardboard foot, where you can write about your adventures and put it on the wall, along with others. Edmund Hillary has a foot there, along with a lot of other famous summiteers.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur

What one piece of advice would I give to everyone doing this trip?
Take it slowly. It isn’t a race and the trek guides and Sherpa have everything under control. Going slowly helps your body to acclimatise and increases your chances of success. Also, make sure you are physically fit enough to be able to walk uphill for several hours at a time. (oh – and make sure your walking boots are well worn in!).

What was the accommodation like?
We spent two nights at Hotel Malla in Kathmandu at the beginning of the tour, and a further two nights at the end (bliss!). It was a very nice 4* with a great central location. During the trek, our tents were set up for us by the great crew. Thermarests were provided for sleeping on, and we ate in either an adjacent teahouse or a dining tent. We had fixed long drop toilet or toilet tent facilities at each camp, and at some locations we were able to use the teahouse washing and toilet facilities. Otherwise, we were brought hot water in the morning for washing.

Campsite at Thangbouche

Campsite at Thangbouche

What was the food like?
Incredible! The food in the traditional Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu was lovely, but the food on trek was amazing – I don’t know how they manage it!.

Breakfast usually consisted of Muesli/ cereal and toast, and sometimes eggs and pancakes!
At lunchtimes, the crew went on ahead and prepared a 3 course meal which consisted of things like curries, pasta, japatis, salads and vegetables – in the wilderness!
Dinners were things like pasta dishes (great for replenishing energy levels!). The most memorable was spag bol with water buffalo meat. Very tasty!

What was the trekking like?
I had done a couple of walking holidays in Europe (Mont Blanc & Canary Islands), so knew that I would be in safe hands with Explore in Nepal. However, I was blown away by the team work of the crew in Nepal, the friendliness of the Sherpas – one of whom invited us into his home, and how they coped so easily when things didn’t go according to plan. (That kind of confidence can only come from experience I think!). They did everything they could to make sure that the whole group arrived at the top of Kala Pattar, in one piece and with huge smiles on our faces. The trekking itself was obviously demanding, and we all suffered with the altitude to varying degrees, but the experience of the crew helped make sure we all achieved what we came here to do.

Group at top of Kala Pattar

The whole group made it to the top of Kala Pattar – an amazing feeling!

Chris did our Everest Base Camp trip. If you are feeling inspired to Trek in Nepal, why not take a look at our Trekking in Nepal page.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Explore | No Comments »

Climbing Kilimanjaro: Blog 1

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Our very own Tim Hornby (who works for us in IT Support and helps us out when our computers go wrong) has just found out that he is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this year! He will be taking part in our Shira Trek and has agreed to keep a blog of his preparation and the climb itself and will update us about once a month until the climb at the end of September 2010. (I am currently also trying to encourage him to take a blackberry or iphone up there so he can send us live up-dates during the climb…)

This is the first in Tim’s series of blogs, oh and here is a photo of the cheeky chappy…

Tim_pic_forweb

Tim Hornby: February, 2010

Wow. Kilimanjaro. Wow.

I don’t like to make a mountain out of a mole hill, so to speak, but Kilimanjaro is a pretty big deal. I still can’t quite believe that in just a little over seven months I’ll be getting a shot at climbing the summit of this monster. Is it the highest mountain in the world? Well, no. But is it the single toughest mental and physical challenge I will have ever faced in my life? Erm, no again actually, it’ll be the second (there was the time I stupidly took on a five kilometre fun-run with a terrible hangover dressed as Santa, but I’m expecting Kili to be somewhat more enjoyable than that). Am I looking forward to it, a little anxious and very excited? Definitely, yes. Oh yes indeed.

What now, though? I’ve got seven months to prepare, but I don’t even know what to prepare for to be honest. I love trekking and I’ve got some pretty worn boots that have accompanied me to some pretty amazing locations around the world, but I’ve got a feeling they may be a little too worn now. New boots will have to go on the list and I’ll have to sort that out soon to give myself the chance to get them properly worn-in. I can’t think of any other equipment that I’d have to acquire this far out from the departure; it’s not like you have to wear-in your sleeping bag or socks (or do you?).

It’s lucky that I work here at Explore: even in the IT department we get influenced by the travel vibe and experience around the office (and there’s a lot of experience here). It’s great when I mention to my work pals, while waiting for the kettle to boil for a cuppa, that I’m setting off to Tanzania – in a continent I’ve never ventured to before – to attempt the summit of Kilimanjaro. I’m not even surprised when my esteemed colleagues just smile because they know I’ll be up for the challenge (I think that’s why they grin), rather than gasp and look at me in awe as I would hope and expect my Grandmother, for example, to do. There are ex-tour leaders working in the office who have done this numerous times before, but that doesn’t detract from the excitement and potential pride I feel about doing this, instead I’ll pick their brains and put their experience (and equipment, perhaps?) to good use. For example, I didn’t know that there seems to be very little correlation between your level of fitness and whether you’ll be struck down by altitude sickness. (Perhaps I can go and get that kebab tonight after all!)

It’s early days yet: I’ve not long known that I would be going on this trip, so I haven’t even read the dossier for it yet – big mistake really as I don’t know the specifics of what I’ve let myself in for! This would be a big “no-no” if I didn’t have sadistic (here’s hoping they don’t read this) managers who think I may be capable of it and know the itineraries inside out. What I do know is that I will need to get some equipment that I don’t currently have (such as the aforementioned non-worn walking boots), I will need to be in pretty good physical shape and that the potential altitude sickness may not allow me to make it to the top, regardless of the quality of equipment or whether I manage to develop a six-pack (unlikely) before the end of September.

The trip appears to have come up at the right time for me. I’m soon to be 28 (so perhaps old enough to be [marginally] wise and young enough to get [mildly] fit) and I was already entered into a half-marathon for the end of March and have been working pretty hard to get my fitness levels up because of that. Unfortunately I usually utilise my gym membership for a few months, then lose interest again and stop going, slowly turning back to my terrible (yet terribly enjoyable) habits of drinking, smoking and eating too much and not doing an ounce of exercise. My “Grand Plan” to battle this is to enter myself into several different events over the coming months to force my hand with keeping fit. Perhaps this is overkill; I don’t think it’s necessary for you to be able to complete a triathlon to climb Kili, but at least this way I know I’ll have one out of three (equipment, fitness and altitude sickness) licked by the time I fly to Africa. With that in mind, there’s an internal email going around Explore at the moment asking if anyone’s interested in a place on the South Downs 100KM walk in 30 hours in July. Sounds like a perfect stepping-stone to me…

More updates to follow as the days and weeks go by, so check back  for updates on how I’m getting on with preparations for my most anticipated trip of my life so far!

Tim

Posted in Blogs, Explore, Kilimanjaro Climb | 2 Comments »

Uganda – Gorilla & Chimp Safari

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Paul, our PR & Partnerships Manager recently went on the Ugandan ‘Gorilla & Chimp Safari‘. Find out what it was like to come face to face with a huge silverback!

Paul Bondsfield – Explore

Uganda is one of those countries that cause people to look at you askance when you tell them where you’re going. But, despite its obvious challenges – infrastructure, pollution, poverty – it’s a stunning place to visit and, (cliché warning) the people are some of the friendliest I’ve come across.

The city of Kampala, the country’s capital, is dirty, sprawling and there’s not a lot to keep the traveller within its crowded streets. There is a certain chaotic colour and atmosphere here though; that feeling that you are most certainly in an African country and most certainly not anywhere else. The only potential place of interest to visit is the Museum, which has an interesting musical display apparently – I say apparently as I didn’t go there myself.

Canoeing

Head out of the city though, and a world of stunning scenery opens up. From the marshlands on Lake Victoria near Kampala, to Jinja where the source of the Nile is to be found (I swam from Lake Victoria’s warm waters into the Nile itself  something that should be on everyone’s 100 Things To Do Before” lists) along with some great white water rafting or canoeing on the Lake. I was travelling with an Explore group and we decided to experience a “sundowner”, which meant paddling out onto the lake, tying our canoes together and then drinking cold gins and beers while watching the sun set over the jungle surrounding the lake, always a fairly rapid affair this close to the equator, but what a beautiful way to end the day.

Equator

On the west side of the country, the national parks provide glimpses of what could be. From Murchison in the north to Bwindi in the south, all benefit from a seemingly enlightened government attitude to conservation. Wildlife isn’t hugely plentiful in Uganda, but populations are recovering rapidly so it’s a good time to go, with relatively few tourists just yet. We saw a good selection, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, antelope, crocs, hippos and a wide variety of birdlife, including the oddest I’ve ever seen – the shoebill, (looks like a cross between a pterodactyl and a dodo).

shoebill

buffalo

Queen Elizabeth NP is beautiful. Part of the Great Rift Valley, it was the real deal; Africa like you see in the movies, with tall yellow grasses, flat-topped acacia trees and purple mountains in the background. Very cool. We stayed in the beautiful Mweya Safari Lodge which sits on top of an escarpment overlooking Lake Edward, home of hippo, crocs and other assorted wildlife.

Lodge in Uganda

If you want to see chimps in the wild, head into the Chambara Gorge. It’s quite humid and stuffy down there, but the rangers are pretty clued up on where the troop is likely to be. It’s quite an exciting trek too, following trails along the ground and the echoing calls up in the canopy until you come, at last, to the animals themselves. The alpha-males are a lot bigger than you’d think, but obviously used to visitors, so you can get pretty close. You’ll need to organize the visit with the rangers, but it’s a good curtain-raiser on the main event in Uganda, the mountain gorillas.

Chimpanzee in Uganda

Beautiful waterfalls

Down in the Bwindi NP, in small groups of no more than 8, we spent a reasonably tough 3 hours of trekking to find the large family group we were searching for. You can find them much quicker than that (another group walked for just a carefully stage managed 20 minutes – the rangers want to give everyone the best experience possible) or it can take many more hours before you get a glimpse.

Silverback Gorilla

First we came across was the silverback, and despite whatever you read or see on TV, nothing can prepare you for the sheer powerful presence of this animal. He is the boss and he leaves you in no doubt about that fact.

On my trip the family was feeding on the slippery slopes of a wide gully, so getting a foothold wasn’t the easiest, but even so the allotted hour came to end sooner than anyone wanted. The family numbered 25, the guide reckoned they would soon split into two smaller groups, so there was plenty to see and the shutters kept clicking the whole time we were there.

Gorilla Uganda

The earthy smell of them, the scent of wet undergrowth, the sounds of strange birds in the trees and the occasional grunts from the adults are memories that will remain.
The overriding memory though will be when a mother, with baby firmly clutched to her chest, casually sauntered by, so close to me that she brushed my leg. And, although the video from another group member is unclear on the subject, I will swear to my dying day that she looked up at me as she went by and contact was made. Looking into the eyes of one of these animals really can be a life-changing moment – you witness us, as we once were, or maybe as we are now.

Be prepared for long road journeys in Uganda and along many un-made roads too. It’s easy to say that driving along red, hot, dusty roads adds to the whole African experience, but that’s really only for the first hour or so. After that, it’s just hot and dusty – although companies such as Explore will often break up the longer journeys to make it all a little more manageable. This is a country that could be on the cusp of a tourism boom, so a good time to get in now before the crowds.

Paul travelled on Explore’s Gorilla & Chimp Safari in Uganda. We also offer gorilla safari in Rwanda and a combined game and gorilla safari across East Africa.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blogs | No Comments »

Husky Safari in Swedish Lapland!

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Jordana organises our Lapland Dogsled Safari, and wanted to let you know why it is such a special experience. If this doesn’t leave you thinking about mulled wine, log fires and snow, I don’t know what will!

“WAF! The dogs are barking…ready to take me on the adventure of a lifetime.
I have selected my team and placed the harnesses on them. They are so excited and thrilled to go they just don’t want to waste a second! I step on my sled, hold on steady, release the anchor and I’m off….All of a sudden it is completely silent. I hear nothing apart from the soft panting of the dogs and the runners on the snow.  It takes a few breaths to comprehend the feeling of freedom and exhilaration as I pass the trees beside me and immerse myself in Europe’s last wilderness…

wilderness_forweb

Experience the beautiful wilderness

The first day of our tour is informatory and instructive to learn about a few important details such as how to handle the dogs (so they don’t run off without you!), how to correctly put on their harnesses, very importantly how to use the break and to never let go of your sled (you don’t want to be running after your dogs and sled! Especially, considering they can run even faster than 30 km an hour!).

Husky safari

Learn to dogsled

We all get our teams ready for take off and start our adventure to the lake cabin. We learn to balance on the sleds in the curves and corners, use the breaks when going down hills and through forest trails arrive at luongasjarvi lake. From here you can see the sauna and the lodge where we will be spending a few days.  We stop and unpack but not before we give the doggies a treat and tell them how good they have been!

sledding_fun_forweb

Improving your dogsledding skills

We make a fire in the sauna and in the cabin to heat things up before a well deserved dinner of reindeer meat is served.  And of course it’s not only a feast for us, the dogs outside get dinner too!

On our second day we are all a little more confident! We pack a day sack and get back on our sleds. Today is devoted to driving around the pretty area and make it to the Torne River which, is the river where the ice blocks for the ice hotel come from. At the end of January the sun is back after not showing herself for 3 weeks. We are lucky with nice weather and enjoy a simple meal and hot wilderness coffee on our homemade fire! When we return by the end of the day to the lake cabin we get a lesson of ice fishing! Super fun when you see the fish through your own drilled ice hole looking at your bait! Hmm fish for dinner anyone?

sun_forweb

The sun just peeks above the horizon

Our next day is spent mushing towards our next wilderness cabin, Jakala.
On route we even get the chance to see moose and reindeer. Don’t stop! The moose might have calves which they like to protect… Unlike in Alaska we don’t have bear spray with us! Not to worry, you get to see moose up close and personal in the moose park later on in the week!! Upon arrival at our wilderness cabin we first take care of our dogs, un-harnessing them and getting them settled and even give them a snack before we unpack our own bags and heat up the cabin and sauna. Moose stew is waiting with some mashed potatoes and a nice glass of wine!

Reindeer in Lapland

Learn about reindeer and Sami culture

Early morning we feed our doggies and scoop up their poop. Checking up their poop is very important! Ahem, I won’t expand on the topic…I’ll let your guide do that for you! Today we get to mush towards a Sami settlement on our last day of mushing! It’s a great day of variable trails, mostly on an easy route, which can however change at any time depending on the weather conditions! We arrive in the afternoon and are greeted by our Sami hosts, Per Nils and Britt Marie. Eager to give us coffee and tell us stories we sit by the fire place and enjoy a homemade Sami dinner, before we have the option for a traditional sauna with a well deserved cold beer!

Husky companions

Bonding with the huskies

We say goodbye to the doggies today and take our last pics with them!
From the Sami settlement, Ovre Sopporo we head towards the exciting Ice Hotel! The hotel is constructed of building blocks of ice and snow taken from the Torne River and decorated by magical ice-art created by artists from around the world. But before heading to Jukkasjarvi to see the Ice Hotel we get to meet Foppa, Tuva, Mooses, Hilma, Tage and Ture at the Moose Park!! We get to learn about these incredible animals from Lars Bjork!

At the Icehotel

At the Icehotel

A husky safari holiday is something truly special. You learn about yourself, you learn about the dogs and you learn about the wilderness lifestyle! You get the opportunity for one week to have an insight into a world which is so different from the ordinary.  I think it is an absolute MUST of things to do in your lifetime…”

If you would like to join us for a husky safari in Lapland, check out the dates and prices for our Lapland Doglesd Safari.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Shogun Trail – Adventure holiday in Japan

Friday, October 30th, 2009

We have quite a few people here who have travelled to, and fallen in love with Japan.   You can see why it is easy to fall for its charmns. Here is what they all consider to be their top highlights – all of which you can experience on our Shogun Trail adventure holiday in Japan.

Tokyo

From the bustling, neon-lit streets to the secluded Shinto shrines and traditional gardens, Tokyo is an extreme contrast of the old and the modern. There is time at the start of the tour to experience some of the many highlights of this fascinating city. First on the checklist has to be the famous fish market in Tsukiji, keep your wits about you in this energetic place as small trucks race around the dimly lit marketplace delivering fresh orders of seafood before giant Tuna fish are auctioned at 5 o’clock in the morning.

Tsukiji fish market

Other options include a visit to Harajuku, the fashion capital of Japan with luxury designer stores and small independent boutiques crammed into this popular and lively area. Cross Jingu Bridge to find a peaceful forest area with huge Tori gates that lead to Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to a past Emperor and often the venue for traditional Japanese weddings.

Harajuku shopping district

Harajuku Takeshita street

Meiji Jingu shrine

Meiji Jingu shrine

Kamakura
Temporarily leaving Tokyo by rail on an optional trip towards the coast brings us to Kamakura, home to dozens of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. A definite highlight of this culturally rich city is the Great Buddha, a giant bronze statue that survived a 15th century tsunami and now stands as one of the great icons of Japan.

The Great Buddha at Kamakura

Travelling on the Bullet Train
Famous for being incredibly fast and punctual, the Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, will be the method of transport for covering most of the miles on this tour. Surprisingly spacious with reclining and swivelling seats, the pleasant time aboard these elite trains is a real highlight of the tour.

Bullet train - Japan

Kyoto
Former Capital of Japan and one of the only major cities to escape the tragedies of World War II; Kyoto is one of the best preserved places in Japan. Highlights include taking a guided tour through the Gion district, where trainee Geisha are seen scurrying through the streets dressed in elaborate Kimonos and then have the chance to experience Geisha entertainment first hand – a true cultural experience and a fascinating one at that. There are thousands of temples and shrines to discover in Kyoto, one of the best known being Kinkaku-ji Temple; a stunning ‘Golden Pavilion’ that glistens in the afternoon sun, a stunning sight that is not to be missed.

Geisha in Kyoto

Hiroshima
An incredible, moving and thought-provoking city, Hiroshima has risen from the ashes and is a key highlight on this tour. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, founded in memory of the nuclear attack that killed thousands and totally destroyed the city during World War II, with visual remains from the day the atomic bomb was dropped. The city has had over 60 years to recover and is now thriving and beautiful, with sculptures and monuments standing in commemoration. Hiroshima is also known for Okonomiyaki, Japanese savoury pancakes that come in a number of tasty variations, usually topped with Japanese mayonnaise and delicious Okonomiyaki sauce!”

Hiroshima

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Japan – top 5 things I miss the most

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Japan – Top 5 things I miss most: by William Potter

Will, our resident Japan expert, loves all things Japanese. But what, I asked him, does he miss most about his travels there?

Will stayed with a Japanese family in Tokyo for two weeks in April and another 10 days in October, so had a really good chance to get to know the Japanese people and their culture. These are the top 5 things that he misses most about Japan…


Cherry blossom in Japan

5. Cherry Blossoms
I was lucky enough to witness the cherry blossom in full bloom the first time I visited Japan. Sakura, as it is known in Japan, is the nation’s favourite flower and blooms for little over a week in spring. Cherry blossom viewing parties known as ‘Hanami’ are held during this time and it is custom for friends and family to gather under the trees to eat and drink.

The clean streets of Japan

4. Cleanliness
Japan is an incredibly clean place, there isn’t a single piece of litter anywhere in sight and you could almost eat your dinner off the floor. Everywhere I went was clean and tidy, it made being in a foreign country so much more comfortable and adds to the great impression of Japan everyone leaves with.

Customer service in Japan

3. Customer service
Despite not being able to speak or read much Japanese, I always felt welcome everywhere I went in Japan. When entering a shop or restaurant a chorus of “irasshaimase!” can be heard, which literally means, “come in!”. Everyone is incredibly polite and I even found myself taking up some of the mannerisms, bowing my head to shop assistants as they greeted me. I recall one time I was buying a book at store in Tokyo and as I was leaving nearby employees all thanked me with “arigato gozaimasu!” and a smile.  It’s a small thing but it surprised me and it’s something I definitely miss.

Friendly and trendy young people in Japan

2. People
I miss being around Japanese people. I miss sharing a tube carriage with students and commuters, all with their heads down, eyes fixated on the glowing screens of their mobile phones or handheld videogame systems. I miss the young, trendy and fashionable people of Shibuya and Harajuku. I miss the obsessive Otaku and the elegantly dressed maids seen wandering the colourful Electric Town of Akihabara. I miss spotting the occasional colourful kimono mingled within a crowd of black suits at the busy JR stations. I miss the polite, friendly and kind people that I grew to love during my stay in Japan and I can’t wait to go back and meet them again.

Typical Japanese food

1. Food
Of all the amazing experiences I have had in Japan, the thing I miss most is Japanese food. It’s so convenient and affordable to have a nice meal wherever you go. My favourite Ramen place in Harajuku is a great example of this; ice-cold Oolong tea is waiting for you when you take a seat and your food is delivered within minutes of ordering. Prices are very reasonable too, a bowl of ramen costing roughly ¥600 (about £4 at the time of writing). Other places may opt for a ticket system, where food is ordered on a machine that dispenses printed tickets. These are then given to the chef who will bring your order as soon as you can say “itadakimasu!” (Thank you for the food!). Food is a huge part of the culture in Japan and one of my personal highlights from the time I spent there.

If, like me, you have already fallen under Japan’s spell and want to experience it for yourself, you can book yourself onto our Japanese adventure holiday Shogun Trail.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Campaign for Real Adventure: Blog 2

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Welcome to our second installment of ‘Real Adventure’ stories. Our next one comes from Chloe who unfortunately fell ill while visiting Machu Picchu. However, everything happens for a reason….

“I got food poisoning big style on the ‘Sacred Land of the Incas‘ trip and on arrival at Machu Pichu could hardly stand up, in the rain, and so had to descend back to the hotel. Turns out the rest of the group got soaked and cold and so the next morning, 2 of them didn’t go back up.

After a visit to the excellent doctors with my fab and ever so patient tour leader and some jabs, and a good nights sleep in the very good property, I was up at 5am and up Machu Pichu. It turned out to be the most perfect day, not a cloud in the sky, and was the highlight of my trip – the leader said it was one of the best days on Machu Pichu she had ever witnessed…”

chloe_1_for_web

Chloe feeling much better as a bright day dawns over Machu Picchu.

chloe_2_for_web

According to the tour leader – it was one of the best days at Machu Picchu they had ever seen.

Our second story comes from Lucy who tells us how a magical evening onthe Caique Cruise in  Greece has left her with lasting memories, and a great souvenir too!

“Thanos and the staff were so lovely and that just got the tour off to a good start anyway.

Tour started off as planned and then he said that as the weather was so beautiful and the sea was so unbelievably calm, we would go to a little bay called Porto Lafia which only smaller boats can get to.

We moored up and we went to the only taverna in sight, it looked like somebody’s front garden, when we arrived, Thanos called Peter (the boat chef) and asked to speak to me, he said take your camera, come out of the Taverna and look at the sky. I did what he said and it was amazing, the fullest moon you could ever imagine!!! I took a photo of it while it was orange but it wasn’t as good as the photo I got later. Thanos had warned me that it would be brilliant later once the sky had gone dark!

After an incredible dinner with the group and a really good night, we went back to the boat and I got this incredible photo.

lucy_moon_for_web

The full moon is quite a special event for the Greeks, the fisherman have to stop fishing for 2 days before the full moon, the night of the full moon and then 2 days after the full moon. So there wasn’t a soul on the sea.

I love this photo and we are having it put on canvas to have on our lounge wall at home!”

Lastly, Anna tells us how hunting for creepy crawlies will stay with her – and her daughters for ever!

When i went on the Discover Belize tour, one of my highlights was when our driver showed us how to wiggle our torches in the dark at the grass, and all the spiders turn round to look to see where the light is coming from and you can see a whole load of spiders eyes!! Me and my daughters still wiggle our torches 4 years on!!

This blog is  part of our Campaign for Real Adventure, which we are just getting started. We are looking for stories about adventures you have been on, where the unexpected leads to something exciting, memorable or even life changing.  Send your stories to us at beenthere@explore.co.uk  The 5 best stories will receive a copy of ‘The Road Less Travelled’. Check out our Facebook page for more information.

However, even if you don’t win a prize all stories submitted will become part of our Campaign for Real Adventure – our way of showing the world how fun life can be when you let adventure in!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Campaign for Real Adventure, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Impressions of the Total Eclipse: Shanghai, July 2009

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

David Short, the Tour Leader on our most recent Eclipse Tour (China, July 2009) was the first to reach us with a report from China about the eclipse he just witnessed.  This is his story about the day…

“The alarm clock rang insistently at 04.30, giving me ten minutes to come-to and give an early morning call to my group. It was going to be worth it though – my first total solar eclipse!

We had travelled from Tashkent, Uzbekistan; following the Silk Road – a series of ancient routes that snake across the Middle East, Central Asia and China.

Arriving the night before from the ancient city of Xi’an, Shanghai was big and brash; a symbol of the new China. I had always wanted to visit this exciting city after watching a television documentary as a young child.

My group had now assembled in the lobby of our comfortable hotel; we grabbed our breakfast boxes and set off for the journey to the eclipse site. The departure from Shanghai had been planned with military precision by Laura Vaughan from the Explore office with 12 separate groups and their respective tour leaders and coaches sweeping out of the front entrance.

The weather was not too encouraging as we drove through the suburbs of Shanghai and down towards Haining.
On arrival, it was clear that this was a big event with police controlling the traffic and special passes issued to all of us to enable smooth entry into the reserved areas.

The Explore reserved area was next to a pavilion reserved for a member of the Thai royal family!

Explore group waiting for eclipse

The weather had, by now, started to improve and I was hopeful of at least a glimpse of the moon ‘eating’ into the sun. The Chinese word for eclipse is ‘rishi’ which literally means ‘eaten sun’!

First contact (when the moon first touches the sun) was at 08:21:57.7 (to be exact) and a great roar went up from the crowd as the clouds started to thin. It was an incredible experience! Towards totality, the birds stopped chattering and streetlamps started to come on. It was the speed of the dimming of the sunlight that really amazed me. Of course I was expecting it to become dark, but nothing had quite prepared me for the unexpected emotions that swept over me as I watched in awe at this incredible natural event!

2009 China Eclipse

This was not the only natural event to be seen that day. At 12.15, a tidal bore swept up the Qiantang River, next to our eclipse site. This is the only site of a tidal bore in China and can reach up to nine metres in height. Although it did not get to that height, it was still an impressive sight. Indeed, one of my group asked me what the third natural phenomenon was going to be that day!

2209 Eclipse Tidal Bore

I was pleased to have experienced my first total eclipse – albeit a little cloudy. Many of my group had been on many of the Explore eclipse tours – it is obviously addictive! Indeed, one of our party had already booked for the next total eclipse in Easter Island next year.”

David Short  -  Tour Leader  SCE1 30JUN09

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Eclipse | No Comments »

Wacky racers needed!

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

We’re looking for 800 human-gorillas to act strangely for a day.

FACT: There are just 720 mountain gorillas left in the wild…anywhere!

It’s a scary statistic, but thankfully organisations such as The Gorilla Organization are doing something about it, working with local communities, governments and tourist companies to redress the balance a little.

One of the key fundraising events of the year for the Gorilla Organization is their Great Gorilla Run, which takes places in London on 26th September this year.

Racing gorillas

It entails a slightly surreal, but hellishly funny run over a course around some of London’s most famous sites and sights, by several hundred people dressed, of course, as gorillas. It’s a brilliant way to spend a Saturday, and each year it raises thousands of pounds to help protect and conserve all gorilla populations.

Explore is once again a principal sponsor of this wacky event, and are trying to recruit more runners and as many as possible to run under the Team Explore banner. Anyone who signs up with us will get a limited edition designer t-shirt to wear on their run and as an extra incentive, we’ll pay £15 towards their entry fee – you can’t say fairer than that.

For even more incentive, as if any were needed, you get to meet Bill Oddie, (yes, the Bill Oddie) who turns up each year to start the run and hand out medals at the end.

Bill Odie at the Great Gorilla Run

And there’s more….yes, it’s unbelievable I know…you get to keep your gorilla suit afterwards.

So by day’s end you will have laughed until your head wobbles, earned a t-shirt almost certain to enter the fashion world’s top ten most sought after items, solved your fancy-dress problems for the next few years and raised enough money to ensure that this iconic, incredible, wonderful animal thrives and survives.

Now that’s what I call a good day’s work.

Check Explore’s gorilla pages for more details, and then don’t think, just act.

Baby gorilla

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Friends | 2 Comments »

Canoeing and cycling in the Dordogne

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

This blog comes from Sarah Yates, our Customer Sales Consultant, who went on our Dordogne Discovery in August of last year. She tells us what her highlights were…

The Dordogne is a region of France with over 25,000 years of history and there is still a very present, medieval feel to the area today. There are some outstanding castles and medieval villages that you seen on this tour, which adds to the pure beauty of the winding Dordogne river, and it’s limestone cliffs. The area is also renowned for its local specialities including foie gras, duck cassoulet, and various cheeses and wines as well.

One of the things I loved about this trip was the journey from London down to the Dordogne, as I found the train travel such a refreshing way to travel. At San Pancras I was checked in, cleared security and had my breakfast in front of me within 30 minutes. It was also quite enjoyable to watch the scenery change on the way, and to have a spin on the Paris metro. On the way home I even managed to divert via the Eiffel Tower and have a quick walk along the Seine.

You start the tour in Beaulieu sur Dordogne, which means beautiful place on the Dordogne, and it certainly lives up to its name. You have the morning to mingle with the group, explore the town and talk a nice stroll along the river, before taking to the canoes for the first time.

Beaulieu Sur dordogne

Being on the river was my favourite place to be on the tour. It was great to see the river from a different perspective, seeing all the amazing Chateaux and villages from the water, as welling as seeing hidden caves, and the beautiful limestone cliffs. I also loved seeing how the group developed as the time went by. The first time we were on the river, we were all enjoying a gentle paddle (you’d often spy me going round in circles or paddling in the wrong direction, although I had definitely improved by the end of the week!), then the 2nd time there was the odd splash and it built up to our final day on the river which had plenty of splashing, games and water fights – we all had so much fun! Our tour leader made the mistake of telling us that he hadn’t been capsized by previous groups……we soon changed that! There was also the chance to pull in at a campsite along the river for a cold beer or an ice cream – nice and refreshing on a hot day.

Canoeing on the Dordogne

We also visited Rocamadour, which was the most impressive place we visited on the trip. The village is built into the cliff, and has been visited pilgrims since the 11th century as it was the last halting place en route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I highly recommend talking a walk along the cliff top, and down through the village as it’s simply spectacular.

Rocamadour cliff village

Being on land, and doing the cycling and walking was also great fun. Our group had a mixture of abilities and it was all fairly easy, with the odd hill. We cycled to the Castlenau Bretenoux, which is one of the most impressive examples of medieval architecture in Southern France, cycled through small villages, and even visited some stunning caves as well.

Lacave caves

We visited some beautiful places, tried the local specialities and it was also great fun to be camping. We would sit around in the evenings watching the stars, and also had a barbeque one night. I enjoyed every second of this trip, and the real highlight for me was doing the activities to get you from A to B. I would recommend this trip to anyone.

This is an activity based camping trip with plenty of beautiful scenery, accompanied by good food and wine. Find out more about Dordogne Discovery. There is also a family version for active families – Dordogne Adventure.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Blogs, Explore | No Comments »

« Older Entries