Ancient city of Petra -Jordan

This blog is dedicated to my father. With his strong Christian faith and how much this part of the world has connections to origins of Christianity  he would want to hear the stories of my travels.

 

Petra by night 

When I hear the country name Jordan, I think of all the biblical events and how this part of the world is significant to the origins of Christianity.   The thought that I was ticking a checklist from my bucket list of places to visit was gratifying.  

Day 1 Part 1: It was Monday 7^th April, 2014, as early as 5.30am my two friends Emma from Ireland and Yessy from Indonesia and I took the taxi ride to the airport for our morning flight to Amman the capital town of Jordan via Bahrain.

The one hour flight was a smooth travel where we landed safely and transited effortlessly. We were delighted and considering this as our first flight with Gulf air we were already thinking highly of the airlines.

The flight from Bahrain to Amman took under 3 hours. Arriving at the newly built airport we followed the line to the customs queue to do the usual protocols of customs check. I had a bit of suspension which I found to be comical but not surprised.  After few exchange of little Arabic language I know I was assured everything was ok –(maafe mushkila-no probelm). so there goes another one of my stories with a PNG passport. 

With the scotching heat in the air we could not wait to find our driver who has been waiting unwearyingly

  for our arrival. Our next leg of travel was not 2o minutes away from what we are accustomed to in Abu Dhabi, it was certainly another 2.30 hours sedan ride to Petra.

Sitting in rather a  comfortable back seat the  rocky ride could not allow me for a short nap. It was unlikely. Instead, I tried to enjoy the view which was a mix of villages, Bedouin settlements, sheep-goat headers, deserts and patches of native  small trees and olives plantations. My mind drifted thinking how life is certainly different from where I come from and where I am currently residing. I could not wait to see what Petra looks like. 

Petra -Main street with gift shops and restaurants 

View from the hotel room

Day 1: Part 2 Petra by night. 

7 days of Great Britain Tour

My 7 days UK tour with http://expatexplore.com/tours/great-britain/ that took me to Scotland, Wales and England. The following is what my travel itinerary looked like. Another historical cultural tour of UK that added to my travel experiences.

Day 1: Visit Cambridge and Yorkshire.

Welcome to your tour of Great Britain! Today you will fill your lungs with fresh, English countryside air, as you depart the city of London, and head to where the grass is greener. Arriving in Cambridge, your first adventure will have you punting

 along the river in traditional style, taking in the stunning scenery and epic, historical buildings in the most relaxing way. Simply wonderful! The afternoon sees you continuing your rural ‘rovering’, towards York, a mecca for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Your walking tour, offers fascinating insights, stories and history of the city. Tonight you will enjoy dinner in a traditional English pub - plenty of choices on the menu including English favourites such as Fish and Chips or Bangers and Mash! (that's sausages and creamy mashed potatoes)

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Day 2: See Hadrian’s Wall, Jedburgh, the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.

Which will win your heart, today, man or nature? From dawn till dusk, you will stand in places of historical battles, religious significance, ancient architecture and royal ruins, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and views which will make you rub

your eyes in disbelief. Your first stop of the day is the iconic, Hadrian’s Wall. Built by hand in 122 AD, its creation is extremely significant in the history of Great Britain, and it is one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the UK. Not too far away, lies the border town of Jedburgh. Famed for its links to Royalty and historical warfare, you will have an opportunity to explore the city and take in the amazing architecture, which speak for population’s passed. The Jedburgh Abbey ruins are incredible and a visit is highly recommended. As you journey through southern Scotland, relax and embrace the beauty of the landscape drifting past you. The city of Edinburgh is waiting for you, to embrace it with both arms. Your Expat Explore tour leader will take you on an evening guided walking tour which will help you get your bearings of this historic city, with stories which ooze out of every cobble and doorstep. Time to enjoy some Scottish hospitality.

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Day 3: A free day in Edinburgh.

Don’t waste a minute! Today you are free to explore the city as you wish, and there is so much to see and do. Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is blessed with stunning greystone buildings, and architecture, art galleries,

memorials and higher education. Take a step back in time and wander around the authentic, and unchanged cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and meander down to the Grass Market, to a row of pubs where public hangings used to ‘entertain’ the crowds. Edinburgh Castle is well worth the entry fee, and requires a few hours to explore and learn about Scottish history and royalty - there are wonderful views from the top! For those wishing to shop for souvenirs Princes Street attracts shoppers from all over the world. The city comes alive at night, in the bars and pubs in the city centre. In the evening, why not enjoy a pint or a traditional whisky with the locals, or explore the city on a guided Ghost tour - explore the secret, underground passages underneath the streets of the Royal Mile, and visit the local graveyards under the ‘brawd bricht moon licht nicht’! (superb, bright, moonlit night...)

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Day 4: Visit Inverness, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Scottish Highlands.

Just over half way through your Great Britain tour, and you are heading north to the Scottish Highlands. As you wave goodbye to Edinburgh, you may experience and overwhelming sense of ‘FREEDOM!’ The National Wallace Monument, commemorating Sir

 William Wallace, is your first stop of the day. Learn the true story of ‘Braveheart’, and witness the unchanged landscape that was also experienced by the Celtic warriors from that time in history. Moving further into the Highlands of Scotland, we offer you an optional excursion which could change your life! Embark on a 1 hour cruise of Loch Ness, (home to ‘Nessie’ the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ - see if you can spot her...) and take in the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle as you drift past on your boat ride. Once back on the road, prepare for boldness and the symbol of the highlands. Rising out of the ground like a waking giant, behold the grandeur of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Whilst in the region, you will visit Glencoe – a spectacular Glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands) and where the massacre of Glencoe took place in1692, one of the most fascinating yet saddest stories encompassing Scotland’s history. Your day will wind down with a well-earned whiskey tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest, licensed whiskey distilleries in Fort William, before continuing on to your hotel in the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy your final evening in this amazing country.

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Day 5: Visit Liverpool.

As your heart sinks at the thought of leaving Scotland, be reassured that there are exciting adventures to be had today in England! Your Great Britain tour, will take a twist into modern history, as you head across the border, bound for Liverpool -

the home of ‘The Beatles’ and two world famous premier league football clubs! On the way, you can soak up the last of the Scottish landscape, before reaching Keswick, located in the picturesque Lake District, for a lunch stop - simply stunning! Once you have arrived in Liverpool, you will be shown the sights on our guided coach tour of the city. For football fans Anfield Football Stadium home to Liverpool FC will excite. For Beatles fans...there are a myriad of locations which were significant to developing the world class pop act, which shaped modern music as we know it. Home to Paul, John, George and Ringo, Liverpool inspired such timeless classics including ‘Strawberry Fields’ and ‘Penny Lane’. Upon checking in at the hotel, head to one of the many local pubs. Can’t get enough of ‘Beatlemania’? - ‘The Cavern’ isn’t far away, and is a pub where identity of The Beatles was formed.

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Day 6: Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon and Wales.

Theatre, literature and history buffs, unite! Upon leaving Liverpool, you shall be escorted to the birthplace of William Shakespeare - Straford-upon-Avon. A guided walking tour will allow you to explore the quaint, historical village and then you

shall have free time to explore on your own - there are numerous Shakespearean attractions and fascinating historical locations to visit. For those who wish to delve into the life of Shakespeare more intimately, we can arrange an optional excursion for you to visit the home where he grew up as a child, and also lived with his wife when they were newlyweds. Famous writers such as Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy have also visited this dwelling. Sliding into south Wales, we take a photo stop at Caerphilly Castle, a medieval fortification built in the 13th century, ranked the second largest castle in the UK. Surrounded by artificial lakes, not only is the architecture a sight to behold, but it was a groundbreaking design back in its day. Onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff, you have an evening in which to enjoy the local nightlife on offer.

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Day 7: See Bath and Stonehenge.

This is the last day of your British Tour, and there is no sign of slowing down! The road from Cardiff to London is littered with history, stunning scenery and architectural delights. First stop for the day is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

 featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Join us on a guided walking tour of the town, and learn about the historical significance of the region, including the natural hot springs which supply the Roman baths - visited by over 1 million international tourists every year! Continuing on the last legs of your journey, you have an optional excursion which could have you unravelling one of the Worlds’ greatest mysteries. Stonehenge - need we say more? You have the opportunity to witness an ancient and awe-inspiring structure, which has baffled scientists, tourists and historians for centuries. As you board your Expat Explore coach for the last time on your Great Britain tour, take this chance to exchange contact details and share photos with new friends and fellow travelers, before you alight at your last stop in London. We can’t wait for you to upload your favorite memories onto our Facebook page, and share the highlights of your 7 day Great Britain tour. We hope to travel with you again soon!

Breakfast.

Europe Explorer Tour in 18 days.

What a better way to explore Europe with http://expatexplore.com/tours/europe-explorer/ . My 18 days tour  with the company  in the summer fall of 2013 (July/August) took me to 9 different countries where I experienced rich cultural and historical familiarity. The following is what my 18 days itinerary looked like. 

Day 1: Visit Paris

Welcome to the start of your tour! We’ll leave London and make straight for the channel, arriving in Paris in the early evening. When we arrive we’ll have a guided coach tour of the City of Lights and Love, with brief history and context for

 Paris’ main sights provided by your Expat Explore tour leader. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore in the morning on your free day in Paris! Tonight we’ll head to Montmartre for dinner, once home to famous artists like Dali, Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh. Ramble the cobble-stone streets, admire the quaint cafes, art-shops and restaurants, and admire the views of Paris from the steps of the famous Sacre Coeur. Afterwards, why not explore some of the surrounding nightlife surrounding the Moulin Rouge?

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Day 2: A free day in Paris

Paris is yours to explore! Use your free day wisely – there’s so much to see! Optional excursions include a River Seine cruise, which offers the perfect way to see some of the city’s main sights. You can also opt for a trip up Montparnasse for

incredible views of the city and the Eiffel Tower. Towering high above the city, it’s the perfect place to get an eyeful of the City of Lights, especially at sunset. Look out for the hourly light show at the Eiffel Tower – time your visit to coincide with this spectacular display! There’s even an optional cabaret show in the evening! Alternatively, head to the Eiffel Tower, visit the world-famous Louvre museum, stroll around the boutiques and bistros of La Marias, wander down the Champs Elysees, or head to famous monuments like Notre Dame Cathedral, see Oscar Wilde’s gravestone at Père Lachaise Cemetery or venture deep underground to the infamous catacombs.

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Day 3: Visit Beaune and Avignon

Today we have an early start for the grand city of Avignon, stopping on the way in Beaune in the Burgundy region of France. This is the home of two things France is known best for – food and wine! We’ll visit a beautiful French Chateau where you

can explore the vineyard and wine cellar and even sample some of the produce. We then continue on to the ancient city of Avignon, arriving in the early evening and taking an orientation tour before dinner in a local restaurant. You can then spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the city, famous for its Papal Palace and the art and architecture that comes with it. Surrounded by wonderfully-preserved defensive walls that date back some 800 years, this is a city of ancient cobbled streets, fortresses, palaces and leafy squares.

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Day 4: Visit Barcelona

Leaving Avignon, we continue on through the idyllic French countryside to Pont du Gard to see a famous relic of the Roman Empire – the famous 2000 year-old Roman aqueduct. Afterwards, we make our way to Spain and the vibrant city of Barcelona,

 taking a driving tour of the city and learning a little more about its extraordinary main sights before having dinner. Take note of all the places you want to see during your free day tomorrow!

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Day 5: A free day in Barcelona

Today is yours to spend as you like! Stroll Las Ramblas and take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia. You could also go shopping, eat tapas (which the city is famous for), relax on the beach or head into one

 of the city’s many parks. With its distinctive Catalan ambience, Barcelona is an incredibly rewarding city to explore on foot, filled with hidden cantinas, intriguing boutiques and winding walkways – particularly in the old town. Seek out the food markets too – the perfect place to introduce yourself to the distinctive taste of Catalan cuisine!

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Day 6: Visit Arles and the French Riviera

Off we go to the French Riviera! On the way, we’ll stop off in Arles, a region you may recognise from the canvasses of Van Gogh. A favourite of the Romans, there’s no shortage of historical artefacts to see, including an impressive theatre and

amphitheatre – which still host bull-fights, festivals and street parties. We’ll also stop at a French perfumery where you’ll learn about what it takes to craft some of the world’s finest fragrances, and then travel onward to the French Riviera. Known worldwide for its glitz and glamour, the Cote d’Azur is where high society has always assembled to enjoy art, food and entertainment. Enjoy the sea views and prepare for tomorrow – when you’ll have a free day to explore the region yourself!

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Day 7: A free day on the French Riviera

Today is yours to explore! Whether you choose to people-watch on the streets of Nice, sun-bathe on the beach, sip cocktails in the chic bars, or take advantage of the huge range of incredible restaurants, you’re sure to have a brilliant day. Join

 us on a free optional excursion to the principality of Monaco! This beguiling region (the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican) is the epitome of glitz and glamour.

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Day 8: Visit Pisa and Florence

Heading inland once more, we make for nearby Italy and one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the leaning tower of Pisa! Be sure to have your cameras at the ready, this is one photo opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss. After Pisa, Florence

 is our destination, where we’ll have a guided walking tour of the city. Learn about the history of the city and see historical landmarks dating from Roman times to the glory days of the Renaissance. Be sure to get photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and of course, Michelangelo’s famous statue of David – a replica of which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria. (The original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring, we make for the hills of Tuscany, arriving at the ancient Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme where we’ll spend the night.

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Day 9: Visit Rome

We make our way to the country’s capital, Rome. You’ll be taken on a walking tour of the city, which will introduce you to the incredible history of this unique city, which reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. The history of

 the city is everywhere you look, melded with style and culture from every age that followed. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and of course the Coliseum. And let’s not forget the Trevi Fountain – legend has it that if you drop a coin into the fountain, you’ll return again one day. After our time in the centre of Rome, we’ll be driven to our accommodation, where dinner is included.

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Day 10: A free day in Rome

The day is yours to explore Rome as you wish. Head back to the ancient landmarks, or join our optional excursion to the Vatican City! Home of the Pope, this is the world’s smallest country, with an area of just 44 hectares. Marvel at the artwork

contained within this smallest of countries, and see how Rome became not just the centre of the Roman Empire, but then became the seat of papal power too.

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Day 11: Visit Siena and Venice

Our first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena, Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year. Later we travel to the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni, right in the heart of the

 Chianti wine region for a quick photo stop. We arrive into Venice in the early evening, a city immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! You’ll start your stay in Venice with an orientation tour to get your bearings, after which you have time to explore this unforgettable city on your own.

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Day 12: A free day in Venice

Take today to explore Venice on your own. We highly recommend a visit to a Murano glass-blowing workshop and see a live demonstration of this traditional – and hugely impressive – art-form. Alternatively you can simply relax and soak up the sun

on the sandy beaches at Jesolo or Lido. There’s also St Mark’s Square, The Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace to see – and any number of culinary delights to sample too! Take a gondola ride along this city of canals to get the full Venetian experience.

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Day 13: Visit Switzerland

We continue on to the Alps from Venice, climbing higher into the mountains to our accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. One of the most popular alpine destinations, it’s a great introduction to the magic of the

 mountains – and makes for a memorable drive too. Dinner is at your hotel and afterwards relax, drink , chat with your fellow explorers and grab an early night as tomorrow you can join us on our most popular optional excursion – the Top of Europe.

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Day 14: A free day in the Swiss Alps

The splendour of the Alps is yours today – don’t miss the chance to join our optional excursion up to Jungfraujoch, also known as the top of Europe! The trip to Europe’s highest train station is a real highlight; you might find yourself

 pressed up against the windows as the picture-perfect Swiss countryside rolls beneath you. Look out for quaint villages nestled in the valleys beneath snow-capped peaks and tumbling mountain waterfalls. Once we’ve reached the top, enjoy the year-round snow and breath-taking views of the surrounding glaciers and craggy mountaintops. Once you’ve had a chance to explore and capture as many photos as possible, it’s back down to lower altitudes for the rest of the afternoon.

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Day 15: Visit the Rhine Valley

This morning we board the coach once more as we make for Germany’s famous Rhine Valley! Relax on board a Rhine riverboat as we head to our hotel in the heart of the idyllic Rhine Valley. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of

 Europe, and it also features vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Once you’re done, enjoy a traditional German dinner, then walk it off with a stroll along the riverside. The perfect end to the day!

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Day 16: Visit Amsterdam

The Netherlands is our next stop, and we arrive first at the windmill for a quick photo stop. Afterwards enjoy a traditional cheese-making demonstration, and learn about how that most quirky and quaint of footwear choices – the clog – is made,

before travelling onward to Amsterdam. Here we’ll check in to our hotel before joining a complimentary Amsterdam canal cruise! Watch the city drift past as you sail by, and listen out for tips and interesting insights into the city from your tour leader. Later on, join your tour leader for a walking tour of the infamous Red Light District! The evening is yours – explore the canals and Dam Square, and enjoy your time in this fascinating city.

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Day 17: A free day in Amsterdam

The day is yours to further explore Amsterdam. Marvel at the sheer volume of artwork available here – and don’t miss a visit to the Van Gogh museum! There’s also the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandthuis, the Stedelijk, and of course the Hermitage

Amsterdam. Don’t forget the Anne Frank Museum too – commemorating the life of Anne Frank, one of the most discussed victims of the Jewish Holocaust. Her diary documented her ordeal hiding from the Nazis in war-torn Europe, and the museum in Amsterdam is a must-see for anyone visiting Amsterdam. Tired of museums? Hire a bicycle or board a barge to explore the city further, visit the cafes, or simply stroll along and see what the next corner brings – Amsterdam is chock-full of charming details, a rewarding city for those who seek out its best bits.

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Day 18: Visit Bruges and return to London

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Amsterdam and make our way back to London via the Belgian city of Bruges. Famous for its beer, waffles, chocolate and moules et frites, this is definitely a good place to be if you’ve brought your appetite. An

extremely popular medieval city with no shortage of cobblestone streets, historic old churches and lofty towers, this is a great city to explore and a good spot to pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Once you’ve had a look around, it’s back to the coach for the final leg of our journey back to London.

My Latest

A huge part of me would like to keep up with my travel experiences but time alone has not allowed me to bring myself to my blog site. Time certainly has moved on fast in the last 2.5 years that I have seen myself settle in another part of the world -Abu Dhabi -Middle East. A central hub for many travel and living experiences that I would like to share with you.
http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/default.aspx

Bilums of Papua New Guinea- A distinctive feature!

Bilum from my home village (Begabari)

made from natural fibres

( from a special tree (tonga)bark

Skilfully made is one of the gifts I received from a kind hearted woman whom I gave her a job which she had all the reasons to thank me for. The colours feature the colours of my last school I worked for (Koroboro)

A Bilum featuring PNG colours ( red, black, gold) and bird of paradise.

A Madang Province bag that traveled with me on my recent NZ

To the talented women of Papua New Guinea who skilfully make bilums that travel places either in their new owners luggage or shoulders that they themselves have never been to.

Bilum is a P.N.G Tok Pisin word meaning a handbag. It is skilfully hand made mostly by women who prudently plan the colours, size and fabrics with patterns that distinguish something of nature, interest or even their tribe and place of origin. If you asked me what it was I would tell you that it is the version of handbags you purchase in strangs handbag shops or the famous Gucci shops.

As a young girl growing up I learnt about the expectations of a girl emerging in a society; that she was to learn the ethos of the tribe and clan. She was expected to learn the skills of doing certain things and if she did she was considered a real woman of fine art. Learning by observation and imitation from our mums, grandparents and even aunties was the expectation of girls, until when formal schools were established that art and craft classes were encouraged for girls and boys to learn some of these key skills in the hope of conserving traditional art and craft skills. Skills such as setting traps (fish, pigs, bandicoots/possums etc..,) by boys whilst the girls were to learn the art of weaving sleeping mats, waste/arm bands and even the bilums. It wasn’t so far away from fully mastering these skills when I drifted away from my village scene to a town life where a formal education system that kept drifting me further away from immediate contact with my village life scene. Do I blame the western education system for keeping me busy and focusing on far more important things such as the education that my father strongly valued for his children? I can see how one day these experiences would eventually lead me to believe how important my early childhood up-bringing was.

Dating back to the times of my great parents and my parents it was used by the women to carry anything from storing their garden produce to even a sleeping cot for an infant /toddler. Amusingly it has changed its significance over the years which is apparent in markets throughout PNG. I guess that reminds us of how societies are radically changing overtime.

In 2008 late January, I was in Auckland for an education conference with one of my staff. That morning as we made our way to the nearest pharmacy shop situated in Queen street we were followed by two total strangers, whom we barely knew; suspicious as they seem we waited to see what they were up to until one of them said “Hey Wantok” (Tok-Pisin word meaning relative or fellow countryman). To our surprise we responded back and introduced ourselves. They admitted recognising the bilum which prompted them to meet us. How thoughtful is that we thought.

One of my recent experience with bilum was on my hitchhike experience in Okahune village in the North Island of New Zealand. I personally experienced how such distinctive bag (bilum) features continue to spark interest with strangers you meet along your life and perhaps how such experiences can change a moment and a story you live to tell.

It was Monday 7^th December, 2010; the dark grey clouds scurried across the sky warning us of potential showers approaching. As such Steffi and I were in desperation to get back to the hostel, 35km from where we were and to get there we trusted any drivers that came along our path but genuinely willing to give us a free ride. After how many attempts we were hoping one came along when out of the blue we see a mini white-greyish car that stopped further down the road. Relieved and hopeful we raced down the road and met another local (a Kiwi) driver. As the conversation carried on, I learnt that the young lass had only stopped as she not only had noticed two women backpackers but a handbag that I was carrying. She distinguished it unmistakably and knew exactly where I was from that prompted her to stop. How charming, I thought. I was overwhelmed with these facts and the fact that she had lived with her parents in Mount Hagen one of the largest cities in PNG and even went to one of the international high schools in Goroka; we automatically clicked a conversation switching from English to Tok-Pisin as if two old friends were catching up. Mind you, her Tok-Pisin is as good as any PNG locals. I am sure her conversation in Tok-pisin with the next PNG person she meets will put a smile on their face/s.

Thank you Rebekah for saving us that day. You are one of the kind and considerate Kiwi locals we met on our backpacking experience.

A bilum made featuring PNG colours (red, black and gold), bird of paradise and southern cross stars.

More pictures of Okahune Village