drifterman

If you know anything about Japan it will exceed your expectations, if not it will blow you away. I’d suggest going during spring blossom (April) but this varies so check the web. The main tourist sites are easily accessible, public transport is a joy and i thought costs were similar to the UK. You should seek out zen gardens, shrines in Kyoto and Tokyo. Travel further afield for more traditional accomodation, learn some basics of the language if you can. The people were warm and courteous beyond expectation. Bullet trains, karaoke and Tokyo fish market are a must!! oh, and the food is fab.

Namibia is a vast expanse of sand to the south, some of the biggest dunes, stunning scenery and desolation. Contrasting with this is Etosha in the north, wonderful game viewing around a dry lake bed. Plenty to do in Swakopmund including the German influenced architecture. Not a well known destination, long may it remain that way.

Visited here in Oct 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed a short stay. The old town is perched on the side of a gorge and some of the really old parts were inhabited until 1930s when the italian gov. re-housed them. Used as the set for classic film “Gospel According to St Matthew” it has hardly changed and if you can, view the town from the opposite side of the gorge for full effect. It’s a little known wonder – although a world heritage site.

Spent a couple of days here, including the evening Arti ceremony and a dawn boat outing to watch the sunrise and locals bathing in their most holy river. It is an amazing place, full of wonderful smells, temples and bustling with people. Beware touts etc and you’ll enjoy it all the more with helpful local knowledge.

A true wonder and a marvel of craftsmanship.

An understatement, but then anything that anyone tells you can’t prepare you for the expanse. Don’t go if you suffer from Agoraphobia!!

You should also take a helicopter ride (which i did) and hike into it (which i didn’t, but will soon).

This is a gem of a place, the old Stone Town with its small alleyways full of shops – then the wonderfully secluded beaches and plantations growing every spice under the sun. Spend a couple of days exploring the town (including learning about the history of slave trading), then spend a few more at one of the beach resorts. The place is developing, get there while it’s largely unspoilt.