Monday 27 April 2009

Pirates Strike MSC Cruise Ship

Following on from my post earlier this year when Somalian Pirates attacked a Fred Olsen cruise ship, they have struck again!

This time the victim was MSC ship 'Melody' whilst on a 22 day cruise from Durban to Genoa. Despite the ship altering her course she was attacked 600 miles off the Somalian coast at 7.35pm local time on Saturday.

Gun fire caused minor damage to the ship which was carrying 994 passengers and around 500 crew. Due to recent attacks on a US cargo ship the Melody chose to sail further from the coast than normal, adding an extra 400 miles to the journey and also cancelling a planned stop at the port of Safga in Egypt.

A spokeswoman for MSC confirmed Israeli security guards on board the ship had expelled the pirates. Passengers were asked to remain in their cabins and there were no injuries reported. The owner of MSC Gianluigi Aponte praised his staff for their professionalism during a critical situation.

Tuesday 14 April 2009

Racing through the streets of Bangkok on a Tuk-Tuk ride

Travelling to Bangkok and not taking a Tuk-Tuk ride is like travelling to London and not experiencing the Underground.

In exchange for a few coins, you step aboard what can only be described as a motorised Rickshaw and your driver will treat you to the most exciting form of public transport you will have ever experienced.

Like a real life game of Cat and Mouse your Tuk-Tuk scurries through the traffic seeking the quickest route to your destination. Hold on to your seat as you weave through back streets and don't be surprised if your driver offers to take you t his brothers shop en-route to purchase souvenir's.

You arrive at your destination safe in the knowledge that if you had taken a cab you would have arrived atleast ten minutes later.

Friday 10 April 2009

Gazing at Kauai from above


As only 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road, it comes as no surprise that a helicopter trip is the best way to explore this beautiful paradise, known as the 'Garden Island'.

Fly as the crow flies over cascading waterfalls that glisten under the Polynesian sun. Meander through the valleys of the Waimea canyon, catching glimpses of the distant ocean as you rise above the mountainous landscape.

Climb towards the peaks of Mount Waialeale, said to be one of the wettest places on Earth, before making your descent towards the Napali coast with its pristine beaches, a masterpiece created by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

After experiencing a Roller Coaster ride of natural wonder you head back with lasting memories of your aerial adventure.

Monday 6 April 2009

Sinking a Singapore Sling in The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore

There is no better place to sink a Singapore Sling other than the Bar in which it was invented. Step into the Long Bar at the iconic Raffles Hotel and journey back to Singapore's colonial past.

Revel in the atmosphere as tourists review their Singapore experiences and Expats reminisce their war-time exploits.

Relax in a bamboo chair, under the cooling breeze of wicker fans swaying on the ceiling above, as you sip your famous cocktail.

In a city where dropping litter is a crime, the Long Bar has a custom where it is tradition to throw peanut shells on the floor- A surreal yet enjoyable experience.