Colombia Part Four – Coffee and countryside rambling

Colombia-hikeThere is so much to explore in Colombia’s coffee country but after some research we started our tour of the area by spending a couple of days at the fantastic Hacienda Guaybal. This family run farm is located just outside of Chinchina and you can either visit for a tour of the plantation and a coffee tasting session or stay for a couple of days like we did. Continue reading

Colombia Part Two – Ciudad Perdida and convalescing in luxury

Lost-CityFollowing a very relaxing week on the heavenly Caribbean island of Providencia (more here) we shocked ourselves back into reality with an arduous but incredible trip to Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City, a ancient archeological site I’d been longing to visit since my trip to Machu Picchu some time a go. Continue reading

Colombia Part One – the Capital and Caribbean chilling

Colombia-flight-to-ProvidenciaA little while a go I ignored all the naysayers who write Colombia off as dangerous and only for those who are into their hard partying and set out with some girlfriends to discover Colombia’s other side. I am so glad that I did…Colombia quickly proved itself to be one of the best countries I have ever visited. Not only was there so much to see and do (and no none of it was white and powdery…except maybe the pristine sand on the beaches) but the people were so kind, friendly and enthusiastic and not once did I feel unsafe.

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Tokyo Tuesday – five destinations which are often overlooked

Matsumoto-castle2There are so many places to visit in Japan that it can be a bit overwhelming when deciding what to put on your travel itinerary, especially when you only have a limited amount of time. I’ve talked a lot over the past couple of weeks about the big hitters…Kyoto, Hiroshima etc but I’d really encourage visitors to add at least one of the less popular destinations into the mix as they still offer fantastic cultural and natural sights but with smaller crowds of fellow tourists and a slightly more relaxed vibe.

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Trekking up Mount Takao

Mount-Takao-view

I think I could safely bet that when the average visitor thinks of Tokyo their first thought is not of hiking up a mountain. And yet, within the wider boundaries of Japan’s amazing capital is the wonderful oasis of nature that is Mount Takao…a hidden gem not to be missed.

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