Nick Laing - Steppes Travel: Travel Beyond The Ordinary

Monday, June 08, 2009

Around the Mediterranean by motorbike

I have just returned from a journey around the Mediterranean by motorbike and despite taking 42 days, crossing 17 countries, 24 border controls, taking 3 ferries and riding 9,500 miles we arrived back on schedule to the day. We experienced temperatures from 9° – 40°C and on the days we rode, which was 80% of the time, we travelled the equivalent of London – Edinburgh on B roads. For full details visit the web site at http://www.marenotrum.me.uk/ . If any biker is interested in undertaking the same trip, I can of course now set it up for them.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Goa

Have just been in Goa for 2 weeks staying in a small hotel in Anjuna. Wonderful holiday destination for adults and families alike but generally let down by the standard of hotels. We do, however, have some really fabulous, fully staffed villas available which are a far better option.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Silk Road exhibition at the Hermitage.

For anyone in St Petersburg with an interest in either the Silk Road or Buddhism, pay a visit to a new exhibition that has opened in the Hermitage. Signing is minimal and few of the staff know its where abouts, but go up to the modern art department on the second floor. Turn right and walk right through to the end of modern art and continue down a bare corridor and you will find the exhibition.
In two parts, the first comprise objects taken from various Russian expeditions to Turkestan in the early 20th century, while the second part concentrates on objects lifted from the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas at Dunhuang. I imagine that the Chinese view of these artefacts, which have remained buried in the vaults for decades, is similar to the Greek’s view of the Elgin marbles. Exceptional preservation of texts, murals and paintings dating from the 5th century.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Journey to Chile

I have just returned from a wonderful journey to Chile which took me from Patagonia in the south, north to the Atacama desert and then out into the Pacific to the totally tantalising and magical isolation of Easter Island. Read it at On Location.

Monday, October 01, 2007

The Arctic Aboard the Professor Multinovsky

Would I do this trip again? Absolutely I would! These icebreakers have the greatest expeditionary feel to them.

To read my full account, see my On Location Arctic article

Thursday, June 21, 2007

North to Solovki in the White Sea of Russia

Was it worth it? As a student of Russian history, absolutely. This trip was intriguing and I would definatly recommend it.

To read my full account, see my On Location Russia article

Friday, September 15, 2006

The Coast of Libya and Egypt

An amazing trip! 12 days of people, sites and sand - we returned home enriched.

To read my full account, see my On Location Egypt article

Monday, August 14, 2006

Lake Baikal and Irkutsk

The highlight of this trip was the day train from Irkutsk to Ulan Ude, it was visually wonderful and allowed a fantastic insight into this unique country.

To read my full account, see my On Location Lake Baikal article