Mystical Ireland

Summer in the Republic of Ireland, June 2013

                       Photo: Tralee Bay area

A small country with a very long history.
I think one could virtually drive around the whole of Ireland
with only 1 tank of fuel.
At first, we got 'lost' in Dublin, then drove across Ireland and
spent time in the 'Ring of Kerry' area and then went along the South
and East coast.
Camping in Ireland can be tough, but we did it.
I was pleasantly surprised - campsites everywhere,
very organized and safe. It's hard to believe, Ireland even has
'beautiful white sandy beaches' with surfers.. yes, its true.




                                     Photo: A pub in Dingle

Be prepared. Every traveller should have..... Kit ideas No.#9

"The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your trip."


Every traveller should have a small First Aid Kit and a small Sewing kit.
That said, I've meet many young guys who can't sew a simple button on a shirt.

No picture of a sewing kit with a small pair of scissors.
WHY?   They get confiscated at most airports by airport security.

(Airports around the world have 'tons' of confiscated scissors /Swiss Army knives.)

NB: Check what you are allowed to carry on you, in your carry-on bag and
in your check-in bag when flying.


It's important to have your own small First Aid kit.
Tip:- Don't buy a first aid kit. Make one-up one your own.


-Every car owner should have jumper cables and a strong tow rope in their car. 
 Most people don't.

I respect the 'Preppers and Survivalists', laugh at them if you will, but they are
organised and have half a plan, which is more than most of us can say.

How many of us have a 'Bug out bag' or a '72hr emergency kit' in your home?
This is the ONE bag you grab when there is a fire/emergency etc.

International Red Cross, Fact 2013: - In disaster situations world wide,
it takes an ave of 72 hours before a rescue team can get to you.

Check-out sites like 'Bug out' and 'SHTF.'

To 'check-in' your luggage or not? Kit idea No. #8

I'm looking into the idea of flying with 'carry-on' luggage
only and not having any 'check-in' luggage at all.
Please note that rules and laws do change.

For carry-on luggage on international long distance flights
you are allowed to also have a laptop bag and a hand bag with you.
Check out a site called www.onebag.com, for some good ideas.




The best size carry-on backpack would be about 45liters or less.
Any larger and it will not comply with the 'carry-on' measurements
 

Though it is true that stuff from your 'carry-on' luggage is also
 stolen, in the airport, at security or even during the flight.

FACT: A report from leading air carriers shows that:-
- An ave of 1 in 3 passengers on every flight will have
  their 'check-in bags' lost, pilfered or damaged.

There are some problems with having only 'carry-on' luggage.
- Every airline has different 'carry-on' rules.
- Each airport has a different set of security rules.

Prohibited items you may not take in your 'carry-on' bag: -
-NO bottles of water
-No gel-insoles in your shoes
-NO matches, nail file, multi-tool, scissors
-NO small pocket knife, pliers, tools or screwdrivers
-NO liquids or gels or toothpaste over 100ml
  all liquids/gels must be stored in clear 100ml containers,
  kept in a 'clear zip plastic bag' and then security checked at customs.
(You are responsible to make sure you have the clear zip bag.)

-You are allowed to carry large sewing/knitting needles. (Weird...)
-Oh, you may carry your own spoon and fork.

Colourful Portugal

The wonderful sights and colours of Portugal.

 

 

I believe that Portugal has more castles and
restaurants than any other country in the world.

The medieval streets of Obidos

 

 

  

Obidos

Go off the main track and discover some 'secret places'. South Africa.

The Northern Cape.
South Africa's largest, undiscovered and untouched Province.
-Totally overlooked by the local and international tourist.

The Northern Cape, the 'real secret' province.

Some highlights include:-

1. Visit the diamond town of Alexander Bay.
2. See the 300.000 plus seal colony, at Kleinzee.
3. See the worlds largest desert floral garden. (July and Sept)
4. The Windmill Museum, at Loeriesfontein.
5. Riemvasmaak hot springs, next to Augrabies Falls Nat park.
6. Verneuk Salt Pan, near Brandvlei.
7. Kalagadi Nat Park, one of South Africa's best self-drive, safari parks.
8. Lamberts Bay, The crayfish capital and famous bird colony.
9. The Richtersveld Nat Park, South Africa's most remote Park.

The famous Quiver Tree forest

Karoo Jacuzzi, Williston.

The Northern Cape is a photographers dream.

Most tourists only drive up and down along South Africa's Southern
and Eastern coastline.
They totally miss the West Coast and our real desert areas
in the true heart of the country.
The people who survive in these parts are extra tough.
Try visit the town of Hotazel, comes from the name 'Hot as Hell'.




Not a UFO. A social weavers nest.



The worlds largest post box, Calvinia 

Unique places to see in South Africa.

Special places in South Africa that most tourists,
both local and international never get to see.

Just some of the many special attractions in SA: -

1. The Baobab Bar. (The only pub inside a tree, in the world).
     Next to Tzaneen, Limpopo, near the Kruger Park.
2. Put your car on one of only 3 river pontoons for cars in South Africa.
    (Kei River, the hand drawn pont at Malgas and Sendelingsdrift, border Namibia.)
3. Go to Die Hel ('The Hell'), near Oudtshoorn.
4. See the 4000 plus penguins at Betty's Bay.
    (Near Hermanus)
5. The Bakgabeng Plateau. With over 800 rock art sites.
    (Close to Makhado, Limpopo).
6. The mineral hot springs at Tshipise, Limpopo.
7. See the red sands of the Kalahari dessert in the Northern Cape.

Die Hel

 



The bar in the Big Baobab tree

Take the small roads and try do something different.
All these spots are just a off the main, busy,
tourist routes and all accessible with a normal car.




Pontoon, Kei River



To travel with a tent, or not? Travel kit idea No #7

Should I travel with a tent or not?


Carrying your own home on your back is not for everyone.

Its hard work and not so glamorous, but can be practical, especially in
expensive National parks or if you're in expensive countries.
-Backpackers try save on accom costs, so they have more money for seeing and
experiencing the country.

For example: -Many parts of South East Asia are very cheap,
          so you don't need a tent.
       - Australia, NZ and USA and Western Europe can be called 'expensive',
         so a tent  can you save money.
     
I travelled round the world with a small tent.

-VE's:- Can be a 'bit uncomfortable' (Hard stoney ground = Sore back.)
          - The weather is a 'Big factor'
          - Extra weight to carry
          - Your packing space is limited.
          - Location of sites (Sometimes there no campsites close by.)

+VE's: - The main benefit - Saves you money
             - Camping can be HALF the price of a bed in a hostel.
             - Allows you to have options.
E.g.-If you're stuck -  Just camp in the bush or park for free.

The Coleman Bedrock, 2 man, one pole tent. (Small and very light)  65.00Euro

- I recommend the Coleman Bedrock, 2 man, It weighs 2,5Kg.
The best, a tent with only one pole!  Perfect for the RTW traveler
 with space for your bag and smelly boots..

Extras:-
- If camping, you should have foam ground mat.

Don't waste your money on those 'self-inflating mats'.
(They get damaged, especially at the valve.)The army use the foam type.


- It's important to have a light, but warm sleeping bag.
You also use a sleeping bag in hostels as a blanket.

2012 Fact: - In a survey of out of 100 bedrooms at an average hotel, around
20 rooms were found to be infested with bedbugs.

Travel camping, Kit idea No # 6

Camping pillow idea....

A pillow is a luxury.  You could just put a folded jacket under
your head instead, but you may not sleep well.

I've tried many camping pillows, the small 'fold-up in a bag' type,
the blow-up air pillow and you just don't get proper head and neck support.

                       The
              no snore pillow








This new design gives you better support. Memory Foam.

Just cut a 1/3 of a piece off.
This 1/3 piece is all you need, or cut it to the size that you want.
Remember you only need enough for your head and it must be small,
so it fits in your backpack.

Tip: Make a small pillow slip/cover, that's easy to wash.

Portugal is 'a must see'.

 

Portugal should definitely be on your list when visiting Europe.

 

 A small 'easy to travel' through country with terrific history. 

Very colourful streets, friendly people and great food.

I found it very safe and with good campsites right across the country.

 

 

Castelo de Almourol. You go buy boat to the Castle on an Island

Porto, a UNESCO world heritage site

 

 

The medieval fortress villages of Marvao and Obidos

are on the '1000 places to see before you die' list. 

 



The medieval streets of Obidos

How green are you?

Green and Eco are 'new words' thrown around very easily today.
We all need to think of the environment and play our part at home and when we travel.

An 'off the grid' home with wind, solar and rain water tanks.

How green are you at home? -
-Are you off the grid or on the grid (dependant on Eskom)?

 People are appliance hungry, using a microwave,
 dishwasher, fridge and electric kettle, etc, We cannot build
 power stations fast enough to keep up with demand.

-Do you use a solar hot water heater or use an electric geyser?
 (Your electric geyser is around 40% of your electricity bill)

-Do you have a gas stove or cook with an electric stove?
-Are all your light bulbs in the house, energy saving bulbs?
-Do you have rain water harvesting tanks, to be less dependant on
 the chemical processed municipal water.

-Do you make sure you have no alien invasive plants on your property
 and only plant indigenous.(Indigenous plants use and need less water.)

-Do you have solar panels for electricity?



When you travel: - Green tips on the road are the same for at home.
-Leave only footprints behind. Walking is the best way to discover a place.
-Rent a bicycle
-Use less plastic and buy local
-Try recycle
-Use the same water bottle, and just refill it with tap or boiled water.
-Save water. Shower instead of bath
-Do a beach 'clean-up'
 (Smokers your cigarette butts belong in the bin)
-Eat less meat and seafood