Hankley Common is a 1,400 acre (560 hectare) nature reserve with the most extensive tracts of dry heath in the southwest of Elstead in Surrey. It is owned by the Ministry of Defence.On an exceptionally mild New Year's day, it was a sunny 9C when we started our walk at noon. Warming up quickly, the uphill sandy track took us …
The Devil's Punch Bowl is a massive depression with several walking trails over the heathland with some magnificent views to admire along way. We did a short walk here on the eve of Christmas 2015. Though the sun was out, I felt cold the entire time. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Devil's Punch Bowl is …
Just last month, I said I was disinclined to travel due to Covid concerns. Within a week, I readied my 'detailed' travel documents, did all the necessary PCR tests and am now in the UK, to help out a family member. In between my family duties, I have been exploring nature trails in the neighbourhood. …
I am inspired to (belatedly) write-up my first experience of walking in under 10C temperatures, as I am once again in the UK, in winter.15 December 2015Starting from The Mill House in North Warnborough, this circular pub walk offers an exploration of open heath, mixed woodland, fields and a long stretch of a pretty canal …
Despite the easing of lockdown since October, I am still disinclined to travel as the emergence of new variants pose a very real 'clear and present danger'. As such, please bear with me as I continue to clear the back log of pre-Covid travel destinations, which now seems like a lifetime ago. Sapa is a …
November 2002 On my first ever trip to China, I finally had a proper bed to sleep on after 3 days of overnight travel (by air / train), waking up refreshed on the 4th day. From my base in Beijing, I ventured out daily, visiting popular spots over the next four days. Soong Ching Ling …
It was my first trip to China, and the Terracotta Warriors was the first-stop on the itinerary. How did this come about? My sister had just finished a 13-month work stint in China and was headed there again for training. Her plan was to fit in Xi'an ahead of the work trip by flying in …
Located in Longsheng County, about 4 hours drive from Yangshuo, the Longji Rice Terraces consist of Ping'an rice terraces (most popular), Jinkeng Rice Terraces (largest) and Longji Ancient Zhuang Rice Terraces (most ancient). The name 'Longji' meaning dragon backbone in Chinese, came about as the rice terraces resembles a dragon’s scales and the mountain range looks like the …
My first and only visit to Guilin was to participate in the Solstice Hash On Tour (S.H.O.T.) which hashes twice a year on the weekends nearest to the winter and summer solstices, and always in a different, exotic location.On arrival in Guilin at noon, we immediately got onto the bus for Yangshuo, our base for …
There's a lot more to Sichuan besides super cute pandas, the beautiful natural scenery of Jiuzhaigou / Huanglong and historical heritage such as Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt. Emei. Sichuan’s colorful culture is also a big attraction, from its distinctive Sichuan Opera to Sichuan cuisine. Spicy Food Culture Hot & Numbing spicy cuisine. …
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