travel and tech
Quite a few of my friends have emigrated to Canada, so I was intrigued to know why it appeals so much to so many. Also, for the last 15 years (ish), I’d seen the country and its people mercilessly mocked on South Park, and wanted to know whether it deserved the ridicule. So I booked myself an Air Canada flight…
Leave a CommentSo I decided to experience something I’d yet to try out during my time living in the USA: an American theme park! Luckily, there were about a dozen practically on my doorstep. So how to choose? Well I was far too old for Disneyland. Had serious moral concerns about SeaWorld. And Six Flags seemed a little bit one-dimensional, exemplified by…
Leave a CommentWhile living in Los Angeles, I actually visited Hollywood a lot. Mainly because I love live music and standup comedy, and quickly discovered that going to Hollywood venues was a super cheap way to see A-list megastars performing in intimate venues. You could never guarantee who you’d end up seeing, or even if anyone famous would appear on stage. But…
Leave a CommentIf you’re spending a week or so in Vegas then you’ve really got no legitimate excuse not to visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Especially as there are cheap bus tours setting off on a daily basis. A few things to keep in mind, however, before you jump in with both feet: This won’t be a luxury day…
Leave a CommentI only knew three things about Las Vegas: It’s known as Sin City (and for good reason). It’s where all the biggest boxing matches happen. It’s also home to the greatest entertainers in the world. Obviously, I had to go and see it as soon as the opportunity arose. But I didn’t want to just do what every other tourist…
Leave a CommentThe main focus of my visit to the San Francisco bay area was to see the usual tourist sites and do some freestyle exploration. I was only using Oakland as a base because it was cheaper to stay in a clean, decent hotel there and commute to SF by BART. And with my germaphobia and cleanliness obsession, staying in decent…
Leave a CommentWhile living in Los Angeles, it was inevitable I was going to find my way to San Francisco eventually. Everyone thinks Hollywood is the showbiz capital of the world, but I knew better. The San Francisco area is home to many, many celebrities, including fellow Villa fan Tom Hanks, and my personal comedy hero Robin Williams. It’s also home to…
1 CommentIn April 2011, my employer moved me from the east coast to the west coast of America. I can’t say I was thrilled by the idea. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before but I absolutely hate the heat. I come from the Midlands in England. It’s dull, it’s dreary, and it’s usually cold. And I like it that…
Leave a CommentIn April 2011, while working as a consultant in the science education field, I was asked to visit the Edinburgh Science Festival on behalf of a Middle Eastern client who wanted to bring something similar – but much grander – to the GCC region. I’d only visited the city once before, as a teenager, and welcomed the opportunity to re-visit…
Leave a CommentI’d left the best until last for the final leg of my Far East tour – celebrating the New Year on the island paradise of Bali. I was flying in from Jakarta. While they’re technically part of the same country, the contrast between them couldn’t be greater. The island didn’t give me the best first impression, however. On exiting the…
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