Clik here to view.
ALCOHOL ON PLANES – my Huffington Post debut
So tell us, Richard, how did it feel when the guy threw up on you? Early start this morning. My day began with an invitation to appear on Huff Post Live, in a panel discussion about whether alcohol...
View ArticleClik here to view.
HAS TRAVEL MADE US NICER? – Steven Pinker’s Angels.
Whatever happened to the good old days? The days when all members of the tribe were equal and everyone was looked after. The days when villagers knew their neighbours. The days when community spirit...
View ArticleClik here to view.
OUT OF OFFICE AUTOREPLY – back soon(ish)
We’ll be somewhere near here. Naturally I can’t give really specific details or the paparazzi will be lurking in the bushes hoping to glimpse us. I’m taking a little time off. Back soon. But first a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
PARDON MY FRENCH
The gentleman behind the car hire desk at Geneva airport had heard enough of my halting Melbourne high school French, so he asked me gently, ‘May I speak English with you?’ Not the usual ‘Do you speak...
View ArticleClik here to view.
SHOOTING IN ITALIAN ALLEYWAYS
I sat by the washing, waiting for an old man with a dog to walk by. A lady with a stick was just as good. How’s that for an authentic Italian cliche? Venice is popular. For good reason, of course....
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE 12 WORST THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM
There are plenty of good things to do in Amsterdam, so why waste time and money on the dross? A popular article just appeared on the web – The 12 Worst Things to Do in Paris. I’m pleased to report that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
INDONESIA’S UNDISCOVERED ISLANDS
The coolest guys at Pulau Jang school! I almost feel guilty about sharing this. There is a part of Indonesia that is unspoilt, with beautiful beaches, patches of dense forest, skies in which you can...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Hagglius shamelis
A hagglius is never happier than when getting 47 cents off the price of a bamboo flute. And never more miserable than when forced to pay $3.28 for a tuktuk ride he tried to get for under $2....
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Mappus consultor impetuoso
These creatures are generally, though not exclusively, male. They can commonly be seen in labyrinthine old cities, guidebook in hand, confidently leading family groups into blind alleys. Identifying...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Onlinea frugalis
Planning a dream trip to Italy, an onlinea spends weeks at the computer, painstakingly sourcing cheap fares and discounted accommodation. Then she finds an irresistible five-star deal, and books a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Baggagus obstructus
A telltale sign that an obstructus is ahead is the traffic jam of passengers in a plane’s aisle. Within minutes, you may encounter the creature itself, awkwardly wrestling camera, overcoat, duty free...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Perspectivus hilarius
Two perspectivi are required to pull off this stunt. One aims the camera while the other props up the Leaning Tower of Pisa or pinches the point of a pyramid. Sure, Instagram may have seen it all...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Expertus supercilius
Like a leopard stalking a young antelope, he lurks, lip curled in a knowing sneer, as novice campers take three tries to back their caravan into a parking spot, consult the tent assembly manual and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Puberta insatiata
Identifiable by a shuffling gait, designer sneakers, rhythmic hiss escaping from earplugs and fingers tapping at phone screen. Pubertae may appear solitary, though closer inspection often reveals...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Sculpturus imitatus
Any public sculpture in vaguely human form, preferably naked, attracts pairs of these playful, imaginative creatures. One imitatus cleverly mimics the artwork’s pose, while his or her mate points the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Hostus airbnbus
Hosts are always upbeat about their outer suburban ghettos, enthusiastically referring their guests to fascinating 40-minute strolling routes to the nearest public transport and hip little joints...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Urbis cyclisti instabile
In towns that offer public bicycles, you may spot pairs of these intrepid visitors, uncertainly reading instructions and pressing buttons at the parking stations, then wobbling unsteadily through...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TRAVELLER ZOO – Educator nervoso
A teacher’s trip to Paris would be so much more relaxing if it didn’t require wrangling a pack of high school students, trying to interest them in language, art and history, and occasionally bribing...
View Article
