31/12/2008 by bakary.

It seems that most of us will holiday at home in 2009. Coastal resorts; renting a cottage with friends (this is a great option if money is tight, as it really keeps the cost down); camping; renting a barge to cruise canals; rediscover the lakes; etc. 

Given the choice, most of us went abroad in recent years as the pound was strong and it would have been silly to not make the most of those cheap airfares. But maybe it’s time to give this up for a bit…  and economically, it makes sense too. There are some truly beautful places here too waiting to be discovered. I’m sure as well that we’ll see some great offers as hotels etc will want to attract our custom.

I can certainly see a few long weekends in the UK next year but I’ll holiday abroad. Part of going away is to experience different cultures and get some decent weather.

And it seems that I’m not the only one. Whilst a strong Euro means that some European countries like France and Spain will lose out, new destinations are emerging: Egypt; Poland; Croatia; Israel; Cuba, Iceland, The Caribbean and Dubai.

What about you: will you be home or away in 2009?

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14/12/2008 by bakary.

A few weeks ago, I took the sleeper train to Cornwall for the first time in years. I remember all the uproar a few years back when it was feared that the service could be scrapped as part of the Great Western franchise renewal. The service was losing a lot of money but the campaign to save it combined with the fact that it was in the news so much ensured its survival. There is such a sense of adventure linked to overnight travel. I have travelled on overnight trains through Transylvania and the DMZ in Vietnam but I must admit that taking the sleeper to Cornwall was as exciting.

There is something romantic about train journeys and overnight trains especially. I always think about the Orient Express. And of course, Agatha Christie.

I left London Paddington on Friday evening. My cabin was perfect. Compact but with all essentials - hanger for coats and clothes, small sink, a complimentary bag of goodies (soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, shoe polish, refresher, sewing kit, etc.), towels, extra blanket… I took the upper berth, changed into my pyjamas and settled for the night. I must admit that I didn’t sleep that well. I was far too excited. There is something great about going to sleep in one town and waking up in another. It saves time. It’s convenient. I had ordered a continental breakfast and although the morning call was early, the cup of tea was much appreciated. I got off in St Austell and had to wait about 30 minutes for a bus to take me to Newquay. The fare was fairly cheap (£2.70) and it took about an hour. From Newquay, I had a get another bus to my destination.

Interestingly enough, I slept extremely well on the way back, nursed to sleep by the rhythm of the train and the tracks. And after a journey home to drop my bag and have a quick shower, I went off to work.

I could have taken a day train but I would have had to take extra time off work on the Friday and I wouldn’t have had as much free on the Monday.  There is an airport in Newquay and flying would probably have saved me money and time but I’m not the world best flyer (hence 2009 is a non-flying year for me) and to be honest, by the time you get to Stansted and pay to get there as well…

I guess there are pros and cons to all options but there is something about the sleeper train and I do think that travelling is a much part of the experience as the holiday or break. Travelling is not just about your destination… Travelling starts when you leave your home.

I’m planning another trip to Cornwall in the spring… and for me, it will have to be the sleeper!

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12/12/2008 by bakary.

Yes, I did catch up with Muntu Valdo at the Barbican (free) Jazz festival event, as promised. And I’m glad I did. He was excellent!

The set lasted approx. 30 mins.He played Leta, which is fast becoming my favourite track. (I’ve linked to an old live recording to get you to experience as close to the real thing as possible; Leta is the second song).

The stage was in the foyer and a few people had gathered early. By the time I got there, about 40 people were mingling and waiting patiently. By the end of the set, about 300 people were watching. Yes, some of these people were there for the event gig but although they may have intended to just see what was going on, they stayed till the end and let me tell you… Muntu got a great ovation at the end (which he fully deserved). About three people came to ask me who he was. The man is making friends!

I’m not sure what he had expected but he sounded genuinely surprised that so many people were there for him, watching him. Yes, he may have played to bigger audiences but never that close and personal. It was brilliant!

 Muntu Valdo rocks.

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08/12/2008 by bakary.

When I heard the news that the Maldives were planning to relocate, it made me think about what makes a country… the people, the culture, the currency… or the location?

Should the plan go ahead, and you can see why they need to at least think about it, how will it feel for the people, how long will it take them to settle and call their new ‘land’ home? A different climate possibly? New fauna and flora? Will they have to acclimatise to new wildlife and potentially diseases? A new diet? How do you preserve your culture and your identity? Do you move everybody gradually or in one go? How long until the sense of adventure fades and one becomes homesick? So many unknowns, so much to think about…

And… I haven’t yet made it to the Maldives. What if I don’t make it before the move: will the Maldives I go to be the Maldives? We have all seen images of the resorts and dreamt of the relaxation, pampering and water sports on offer. What impact will this have on tourism? Will there be any tourism? If not, what will happen to the nation, so reliant on tourism? It’s like having a clean slate, except that you have the memories… and in your memories, you used to live in paradise.

So… do have I to lift the Maldives up my list of places to go to next? And if I make it there before ‘the move’, will going to the Maldives once they have relocated count as going to a new country?

Do you know… questions keep coming to my head… Do you have any answers or like me, are you puzzled by the whole idea?

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02/12/2008 by bakary.

The recent attacks in Mumbai have shocked the world. They were unexpected. The number of attacks as well was meant to scare us (not dissimilar to 9/11 in that respect). And that’s the point: to shock us; to make us feel safe nowhere. I no longer comprehend the world we live in. Only a few weeks ago, Obama said that he would make it a priority to withdraw troops from Iraq (with the UK bound to follow…). Were these attacks his reward? Both in the US and the UK, people want an end to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and the troops home now (many didn’t want them there in the first place).

The fact that the attackers are/were young is also truly shocking. Are they victims of something they do not understand? Brainwashed? Or just wanting to play action villains? I don’t get it.

Targetting innocent citizens is lame. The victims were from various nationalities, backgrounds and faiths. May they rest in peace

What does this mean for travel and the travel industry? The Foreign Office is advising ‘against all but essential travel to Mumbai until further notice‘. December is a big tourist month for India and I’m sure, understandably, many people will now put their trips on hold. Will the attacks make me think twice about travelling abroad? No. I don’t even think that they will make me reconsider where to go next.

Is travel any less safe today than it was last week? Are we safe at home? A friend of mine went to Syria a couple of years after 9/11 and came back with great stories; he was welcome whereever he went. He was one of a handful of tourists there. Sure, big and small businesses benefit from tourism… but travel is about more than that. People love to travel. As well as meeting new people and experiencing new cultures, traditions and food, travel is a way for individuals to meet and share moments.

Keep on travelling; don’t let them win.

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