desertpilot

Bad Homburg was the first town to have both British inventions on the continent as the British empire sent its VIPs to the spa in the city and they wanted to enjoy what they were used to in their home country. Was quite famous for its spa and sold around the turn of the last century already some 150 British newspapers per day! The guests came by horse carriages even from Bad Nauheim, another spa next door. All the royalties of those days came for a holiday … those days are gone. Now the VIP of the banking and finance world live here or in the other Taunus villages and create an atmosphere of stiff upper lip. It is okay but they dominate the city and there is not much to do after 20.00. The parks are very beautiful and worth a stroll, so is Taunus Therme. Do not miss the Saalburg on the hill towards Wehrheim. That is Roman history in our days. World Heritage well worth it.

Tiny tiny place, but for those who enjoy music from the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s this is a chance to hear it all and dance to it, if you can. Open till 04.00 … insider place, hard to compare with anything else, it is just UNIQUE!

This is the place I would recommend for time travels … one of the best places I have ever seen and enjoyed. There is no hotel so plan in advance where to stay. All superlatives will not match my feelings walking around the streets. Humbleness will express my inner sentiments best. A good attitude, I think.

... imagine going to an African music festival and nobody is dancing? It was more like any classical music event in Europe what we saw. The music was beyond expectations but the people had been busy with political correctness as it was a “cultural event” and many VIPs of the government had been present. That fact contributed to the lack of enthusiasm I saw. Nevertheless, the music was great and I can recommend Segou.

Even if you only manage to get tickets for the night through the www.alhambratickets.com site, do not worry. It is magic to see the Alhambra rooms lit with very focused lights … the atmosphere is better than in the morning and there is much less folks, at least in May. I do not know whether this is true for all months …

Important to know: You cannot go to the other parts like Generalife, etc. at night.

A magic place for people enjoying nature and especially sanddunes – climbing them. I did it with my children on my own and some friends and made history as there has never ever been a woman doing it all by herself. It is a challenge, no doubt. But one should never forget that this part of the world is vulnerable and one should treat it with utmost respect; you will love the adrenalin but too much may kill your vehicle, too. Humbleness in this landscape is the right approach.

If you want to go and there and experience it, let me know. I have all the contacts.

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Despite the ex-beauty of this city (used to have beautiful Portugese buildings, now heavily bombed and destroyed), Namibe is a place to be seen. The fish market is a sight!

Ever heard of Gondwanaland? The continent that split up and America and Africa separated? Here you get an idea…

I was in Angola in 2002 leading the first foreign press delegation to ever visit the country after the end of the war. Drove some 4oookm from the Namibian border via Lubango past the coast to Luanda, visiting Pungo Andango (for me as a geographer the best place regarding rock formations I have ever seen in my life) – unfortunately still heavily mined – and back to Namibia on a track that is only used by UNO cars.

All in all I love this country very very much. The people have not forgotten the past but want a new future. And nobody is idly waiting for that to happen. They go out and “just do it”. Angolans are very proud, kind and gentle, curious in a very positive sense of the meaning, not menacing curious !!, and very beautiful inhabitans of one of the most beautiful countries I have seen.

Unfortunately, prices are very high – due to the expats with their US$ income and a trip to Angola will cost you a fortune and the quality does not always live up to that. But you will be rewarded with impressions to last for a lifetime. Landscape and people will break your heart.

Mining is still an issue but if you know where to go, you are safe. I would not recommend a self-drive tour at all at that stage. You can only visit with an invitation from an Angolan living in Angola.

Will gladly assist with advice – am also selling tours to Angola should you be interested in actually visiting.

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