We may come in different shapes and colours, but inside all are nourishing and nice.
– Vung Tau, Vietnam
Middle East
My Travel Philosophy
“I’m blissfully not addicted to other peoples’ opinions.”
I choose where I go, and enjoy what I choose. đź¤
TRAVEL WEBSITES: WHAT CAN WE BELIEVE?
I have been banging on for at least 5 years, about the huge flaw in travel websites such as Tripadvisor: they are too open to manipulation. See the newdaily.com report: https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/consumer/2018/07/31/meriton-penalty-misleading-tripadvisor/
WINTER FARE IS SIMPLY … MOORISH
Halal Sample Pack for just $6.90. I could waffle on about the subtle mint yoghurt languidly counterbalancing the sharp, spicy sauce but, hey, this is just Lord of the Kebab in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, join us for a halal lunch…
QANTAS DIRECT PERTH-LONDON. A REAL REVIEW…
No 17-hour flight is fun. As a travel editor I’ve done plenty, in First/Business Class, paid by the airlines. Here’s the real story, you’re unlikely to see in Traveller, Escape or on TV…
A TASTE OF TUNISIA IN THE HEART OF MALVERN
A wet and windy Sunday, made for Tunisian shakshouka (aka chakchouka): 2 eggs baked in North African spiced tomato sugo with chickpeas, smoked mozzarella (instead of usual feta), wilted greens, served with toasted sourdough. $16.50 Spoon and Servery, Malvern. With music duet EIMHIN & LAUREN…
LUNCH FOR $3?
This is a Spicy Lamb borek. A traditional Turkish-Mediterranean savoury pastry, this has mince with onions, mild chilli and seasoning, and one is enough for lunch. Only $3. Enhance with a mint yoghurt or sour cream topping. I usually consider the eating options a bit pricey at South Melbourne Market, but the $3 borek is great value…
TURKMENISTAN’S ‘DOOR TO HELL’
This is taking Adventure Travel to the very edge: the huge fire crater in Turkmenistan. It’s not volcanic, but probably a Soviet-era gas-drilling error. Just getting a visa is an adventure and a half, and forget about travel insurance cover. Check out this Science Alert report http://www.sciencealert.com/the-door-to-hell-is-in-turkmenistan-and-is-the-size-of-a-football-field?utm_source=ScienceAlert+-+Daily+Email+Updates&utm_campaign=bbc0f28b47-MAILCHIMP_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fe5632fb09-bbc0f28b47-365553829
“It’s said that camel spiders, seduced by its warmth, will approach and plummet to their deaths like a scene out of an apocalyptic, arachnid movie…”
Secret Number, the ‘dark horse’ in the 2016 Melbourne Cup
Secret Number has raced only once in the past year – and won – which really only says one thing: the gelding’s owner doesn’t need prizemoney. Drawn well in barrier 10. If you love flying with Emirates (as I do), back Secret Number because you’ve paid for him with your airfares…
Middle East ancient attractions can wait a little longer
Fairfax “Traveller” is a good, quality travel publication. But promoting group tours of the Middle East now? This is most unwise. Isis bullies would be “over the crescent moon” if they could grab an entire tour group of hostages. Iran? Egypt? Jordan? Tunisia? Come on, you’re asking for trouble. These are some of the best destinations in the world… but after they deal with their terrorists.
Haxtrax 