Ros in Wonderland

Sleepover at the Science Museum in London

I guess I had not considered that sleeping in a museum wouldn’t involve much sleeping. As I briefly think again about the short after-dinner lecture on ‘sleeping in space’ it’s hard not to think that going to sleep on a thin foam pad on a hard floor at 3am and being woken up in earnest at 7:30 am would most likely disrupt my Sunday’s circadian cycle. Continue reading →

6 steps to an exciting lazy weekend in Seoul

One of the perks of living overseas is that even an ordinary unplanned lazy weekend can transform into an exciting adventure; life in Seoul is no exception. Here is a quick recipe for a great weekend. Tried and tested. 1. Lazy breakfast Indulge in a lazy brunch: The Flying Pan in Gangnam, at the bottom of … Continue reading →

Japan: Onsen Magic

If you ever travel to Japan you must stay at an Onsen. An overnight trip will give you plenty of time to relax and be fed like royalty. Here I am in Akita prefecture; there are mountains around, misty clouds and the scenery is very very green. It’s cold, my summer clothes were not the … Continue reading →

Weekends in South Korea: Jirisan National Park

Recently we went for a trip to mount Jirisan. I had wanted to go for a while after seeing photos of it covered in snow and photos or beautiful autumn foliage but the opportunity came outside of these seasons just a couple of weekends ago. Being early spring we planned the visit to match with Jirisan … Continue reading →

Weekend in South Korea: Jeollanam-do

A photo diary of our weekend trip to Jeollanam-do Continue reading →

Hiking the tallest peak in Seoul: the magic of Bukhansan

At 836m height Bukhansan may not sound like the most impressive mountain to hike however should you decide to venture up Seoul’s tallest peak you may find that this modest figure bears no correlation to the beauty and wonders that this mountain has on offer. Continue reading →

Things to do in Seoul: Gwanaksan Hiking

I still can’t decide what I liked the most about the hike up Gwanaksan Mountain, if it was the path right at the start filled with spring flowers and cherry blossom, whether it was the rewarding views of the city of Seoul from the summit or whether it was the sight of the tiny hermitage (Yeonjudae) sitting defiantly on top of vertical stone pillars like a diamond on a precious ring. […]
Seoul city is always bustling. When I step out of the flat it feels like it sucks me into a vortex but I just need to step slightly to the side, into a park or a hidden corner to find beauty and peace. Gwanaksan Mountain is one of those places. Continue reading →

The best cat hotel in Seoul

The flight is booked, the car hire arranged, I know where I will sleep and what activities I will be pursuing. We will be soon off to Hawaii. My childhood dream come true. I should be totally excited about this trip coming up but I am not. There is this constant worry nagging me in the head. Continue reading →

Cherry blossom in Japan? No, I did the cherry blossom in South Korea

While all the travel media attention is focused on the cherry blossom in Japan not many are aware that South Corea has also some amazing cherry trees blossoming into a pretty show in early spring (right now).
In the last couple of weeks the temperatures have risen and there is a very pleasant feeling of spring in the air. Seoul is suddenly carpeted with pale pink petals; roads, parks and trails are lined with incredibly fluffy trees. It is a beautiful spectacle. Continue reading →

How old are you? Which age? Korean age?

“How old are you?” I ask my new local acquaintance. I ask this question timidly; while I am wincing a little inside as I push my cemented cultural boundaries which have taught me that age is a private matter and certainly not something to ask someone you don’t know so well, I know that I will not be considered rude. I am in a bar on a night out in mid-week sleepless Seoul; inquiring about age to someone you have recently met is as routine as exchanging comments about the weather in the UK; Continue reading →

Alternative London

Today I went on an alternative London tour looking at some of the world’s best street art. Amazing, inspiring and provocative. The tour also included a workshop that enabled us to practice with some spray paint.

This day out has left me with a whole new perspective on the underground world of graffiti art. Even the smallest tag is a form of expression. Individual, often undecipherable messages that spell out scorn for our ever so over-controlling society. Continue reading →

Dolphins: pods of hundreds can be seen along the coast from Muscat> This one was on the way to a dive site.

4.5 years of expat life in Oman: likes and dislikes summary

After 4.5 years of life in Muscat, Oman as a western expat I give you a summary of my personal experience in the Sultanate. Continue reading →

The dogs of Nai Yang

They are there in the streets, under the table, curled up under your chair, stretched out on the pavement, belly up in the middle of the road. They rest during the day, they run in the night, they have a scuffle amongst themselves. They swim, they play, they sleep again. Continue reading →

Travellers’ stories and the Thai people

I guess that by exploring the world one collects a greater number of unusual stories than when staying put or at least that’s what I have been pondering about today and what has always enthralled me about travelling and living overseas.

The downside is that it becomes a bit of a bug.

Mostly it is the people and the interesting lives that I am after. That vibe that you sense when you talk to those who have had the courage to leave everything behind to follow a dream of their own; be it to try an adventure – like cycling around the world – or to start a new life. I always light up when the opportunity to peek into an adventurous life arises. Continue reading →

Flying with pets – Oman to Europe (Italy)

For those who are thinking about adopting or have adopted an animal in Oman and are wondering about the bureaucracy surrounding pet travel from Oman to Europe as well as costs, I have put a list of what we had to do in order to export our furry friends. Continue reading →

Bowsher Marble and old mud village

Every now and then we like to get lost. […] When you do that, you see places that you know in a different light and often you notice things that you had never paid attention to before. Sometimes you may even discover corners that you would have never considered venturing into. It is a great feeling. Continue reading →

2012 review and Happy Holidays

As we approach the end of 2012 I am going through the usual review of the year. This has been a very exciting year with lots of interesting travel and adventures but 2012 has also been a prelude to change. Continue reading →

I sat by the Mara River and waited…reflections on the circle of life

“This is Kaburi crossing. Kaburi means cemetery in Swahili”. David, our guide, points at the river just a few metres from where we have stationed our 4×4, waiting for one of the most incredible spectacles of life and death to unfold before our eyes. We are hoping to get a glimpse of one of the … Continue reading →

Things to do to beat the summer slump in Oman

I realise I have been out of touch lately. My lame excuse is that summer is here and this is a very inactive period but I would not be entirely honest. I have indeed been very busy with my new role at a local charitable organization I am volunteering for as a Business Manager; I … Continue reading →

Super Moon in Muscat

The sea has been dead flat in the last few weeks, the temperatures are perfect for swimming in the evening and the moon event seemed a perfect excuse to party. Continue reading →

The magic of Sweden: in pursuit of the Northern Lights, sleeping in the Ice Hotel and other winter adventures

The guide in front of us quietly pointed towards the woods. With my hands tightly grappled around the handle I turned my head and between the trees I could clearly see the front of a reindeer bull, its thick neck fur shining under the glorious sun beaming through the branches. Continue reading →

Weekends in South Korea: Taebaeksan and Chuam Beach

This past weekend we went out of Seoul to Mount Taebaeksan and Chuam beach. Beautiful places for a winter escape! Continue reading →

Do you know the meaning of the Korean flag?

Before coming to South Korea I did not know much about this country and every day of life here is a discovery of some new facts and interesting anecdotes about this culture. This weekend the Korean flag is up on every mast and even on cars around Seoul (and around the country) as yesterday (15th August) was South … Continue reading →