We had deliberated over booking an overland camping trip - travelling through Africa on a truck, on dirt roads and sleeping on a mat in a tent for 42 days. We were pleased to find that there are similar 'accomodated' trips that include lodges, rather than you having to pitch your tent each night. The trucks & itinerary are the same, but the demographics of the group tend to be a bit older on the accommodated option (unsurprisingly) and we were pleasantly surp...

Whilst we may have missed the Isle of Wight Festival (V's still gutted about missing the Red Hot Chilli Peppers..) we did go to a gig with Stefan & Naski in Jo'Burg. It was in aid of a charity - Artists against Violence and featured all the top names from South African music. It was organised by Johnny Clegg in aid of one of his backing singers who was recently killed during a hijack in Jo'Burg. Although we had not previously heard of any of the artists, we...

We're back in South Africa to enjoy some more hospitality from Vanda's brother and sister in law, Stefan and Naski. We had intended to stay 1 week or so before heading off on our overland Africa trip. But the overland tours were all booked up until mid July so we've ended up staying 3 weeks with them. It's winter now in South Africa and we had a bit of a shock when we arrived at 6am to find a frost on the ground!! At least the days are sunny and warm with clear ...

After having a great time in Perth with Diane, Chris, Leon, Sophie and Diesel, we took an internal flight to Sydney to visit Vanda's relatives. Her cousin Julie picked us up from the airport and took us straight into the city to see the spectacular 'Vivid' - an annual festival where light shows are displayed on the city buildings. We watched a tall mushroom shaped 1970's office building transformed into a tree, with branches and leaves literally growing up the...

Been a while since we last blogged, soo much happening. Took the overnight train from Hoi An to Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) as it now officially called) We got on at about midnight after a two hour delay and arrived at Siagon at 5pm, long journey but quite comfortable. We shared with two ladies and three kids, so 7 of us in a 4 berth cabin. And they had loads of luggage including lots of fresh veg. Slept OK but our fellow passengers woke up early and the k...