Doug’s Travel Blog & Travel Photos

Machu Picchu Inca Trail, Peru

Whilst I was travelling in Peru I trekked along the Machu Picchu Inca Trail and it certainly was an interesting trek! The trek starts in Cuzco and lasts 4 days. There are shorter versions of the trek where you get driven most of the way, you can even get driven right up to the site - but where’s the fun in that!

The first day went alright, though we did leave a little late, something about some peoples passports. I nearly did make it to the bus as the person who booked my trip didn’t inform the guide where I was staying and so I didn’t have anyone come and pick me up from my hostel. After a quick walk into town I found the person who had booked my trip and he managed to get me to the right bus, nothing is ever straight forward when you’re travelling. But we got to the first camp site after about half a days walk gradually up hill - nice and easy to break us in gently to the hike. Everything at the camp was fine, food was good and so were the tents and sleeping bags so it wasnt that cold at night.

On the second we had to climb up a mountain, which was 4200m high, whose Spanish name i cant remember but it is called ‘Dead Womans Pass’ in English, this is because the mountain looks like a woman lying down. Anyway as we got to the top all these clouds start coming in and it starts to snow, and not just light fluffy snow but a blizzard. We climbed about 100m down the otherside managed to get a tent set up and had something to eat. when it had passed we continued down the otherside to our campsite for the night. All the way down there was a mist that you couldnt see more than a couple of meters in front of you and rain which made the path slippery and as the mist meant that you couldnt see what was below it was quite a climb. Fortunately i had a waterproof poncho to keep the rain off which is basically a plastic sheet with a hole cut in it for your head.

On the third day it started off cloudy but it wasnt raining and there was no mist. We had to climb another pass which was about 3800m up As we started to climb clouds started to come in and again just as we crossed the top in came the rain and mist for the trip down. After we had got to the bottom of the other side the rain stopped and the mist had lifted so we got to see some inca ruins. As we ate lunch the weather turned bad again and while we trekked to the campsite for the night we couldnt see any of the views of the valley below. After about an hour at the campsite the rain and mist went so we could trek back abit along the way we had came to get some photos of what we had missed. With the missed gone we could see the valley below and before we didnt realise how big a drop there was and we probably wouldnt have gone as fast along the path! What we were hoping for was good weather for the next day as this was when we were going to see machu picchu.

Throughout the night it rained and at 3 in the morning we had to get up and head down the mountain to the site of machu picchu for sunrise. Running down a mountain in the dark while it is raining on a slippery path is not the best thing to do, but we all got there fine and it did clear up as the sun came up. Machu picchu was good though i think we were all too tired to really appreciate it. We got a tour round it showing us the main points and then were given some free time for ourselves. This other guy and i climbed up another mountain nearby (as if four days trekking wasnt enough!) because there supposed to be a good view from there and there was.

We spent the night in a town near by and then got a train to one village where we could get a bus to Cuzco where the rest of the luggage was. But the bus broke down halfway along the trip. We managed to get a lift from someone who was going that way.

There was 2 in the front 4 in the back and 3 in the boot, it was an estate or something. Little did we know that this driver was the craziest driver i have ever seen and i have been with some crazy drivers! He must have thought he was a rally driver or something, he spent most of the time on the wrong side of the road overtook at the most stupidest places and nearly hitting oncoming traffic! Anyway I got back to Cuzco safe and sound. I had a great time and apart from the weather its was a really good trip, good food ( i do like my food!), and the tents we waterproof which is always handy, the people i travelled with and the guide were good fun as well.

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July 14th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | South America, Travel | no comments

Chiang Mai, Thailand

One summer I traveled round Thailand for 6 weeks. Whilst there I decided to go trekking in the area north east of Chiang Mai in norther Thailand, and what a trek it was!

There was a group of 11 of us and we left at about 10 o’clock on Saturday morning in the back of a converted truck which had a covering and wooden seats. After driving for a short while we stopped off at the market to pick up supplies. Then we drove for about 2hrs to the start of the trek that was in at the base of the mountain in the jungle. After lunch we trekked for about 3.5 hrs which was mainly up hill and it was pretty hard going.

The Italian couple that were with us nearly gave up as did the English couple, Sam and Lisa, as they
hadn’t bought very good trainers and were slipping around alot on the wet mud. We stayed that night at a hill tribe village of the Lahu tribe, even though we had only been going for half a day we were ready to stop, we wanted to be broken in gently to all this walking.

After dinner we sat around and had a drink playing cards with our guide who was called Mr Whiskey, because all he drunk was rum and he drunk alot of that! As he got more drunk he told us some jokes and stories that were so bad they were funny. After he had sunk a bottle or so of the local rum and we all had a couple of beers we decided to go to bed as we had a whole day of walking tomorrow.

After breakfast we headed to a waterfall, it had been raining during the night and had made all the tracks slippery especially on the way down! Sam and Lisa were having real problems with their trainers because they had no grip on them and so kept slipping over. At one point Sam was sliding so
fast that he had to start running down the mountain and could only stop himself by somersaulting into the undergrowth!

When we got to the waterfall we had a swim while our guides prepared lunch which was noodles
served in bamboo dishes which they made from the bamboo trees nearby, they
also made the chopsticks from them as well.

We then walked to another waterfall that was even bigger than the last. Unfortunately we couldn’t stay there long because it started to rain and with it being monsoon season it chucked it down, and we still had a fair way to go before our next camp. We were following a river through the jungle and had to keep crossing to find paths along it, but there were no bridges so we had to jump from rock to rock, or tight rope walk over logs! This was made even more difficult by the rain making everything slippery and the river was deep from the rain hiding most of the rocks that would normally be used
to cross it. Even though the clothes were wearing were soaked through most of us had managed to keep our trainers fairly dry until we came to one bit where there was no option but to just wade across the river.

I’m sure this bit would be really easy during the dry season, will have to remember to
check the weather forecast next time!

After about 1.5 hrs of this we started heading away from the river and uphill towards the campsite. By the time we got there we were absolutely soaked with some, like Sam who had fallen over right at the end, covered in mud.

After dinner, Mr Whiskey cracked open another bottle of rum and one of the women with us joined him while the rest of us started on the beer. After some stupid drinking games and about 5 bottles of rum between us everyone was pretty drunk and it was obvious that this women, Fiona, and
the guide were going to get it on, which they did.

Later on we all went to bed. Now sleeping arrangements were a big hut with mattresses on the floor where we all slept together, separated in twos by mosquito nets. I don’t know what had been said between Mr Whiskey and Fiona but after lying there for about half an hour I felt someone grabbing my foot and trying to get into my mosquito net. I switched on my torch and found it was Mr
Whiskey climbing in thinking it was Fiona’s area!! He was hammered. This other girl and I took him back to his hut and told him to leave it and go to sleep. Within 10 minutes he was back trying to find Fiona, all this time she was either asleep or staying very quiet.

I ended up having to pick him up and carry him back to his hut cause he was so drunk, telling him if he came back again he would get into alot of trouble. We didn’t hear anything else from him that night.

The next morning Fiona wasn’t in her bed and at breakfast it emerged that they had slept together though we don’t know whether he came back or she went to him!

After breakfast we went for a ride on elephants for about an hour. You rock back and forth as they ride and it nearly sends you to sleep. You have to watch out when they walk over hills though, as they go up and down hills you really have to lean against the way they are going otherwise you nearly fall out!

After that we went white water rafting down the river. There were six of us in each boat plus the captain who was at the back steering. We got through most of the rapids fine but on the last set our boat went sideways into a rock at a fast pace and all but one of us were thrown out. We had life jackets on and helmets on which was lucky cause the rapids kept pulling us under and hitting us against the rocks! After a bit I managed to get back into the boat and help the captain get Sam in. One of the other guys managed to make it to shore. Two girls however were still going through rapids down the river. We paddled after them as quickly as we could and managed to get one of the girls, Lisa, in but the other one we didn’t get to till nearly the end of the rapids. It got a bit crazy for a while.

Once we got out of the rapids the river was flowing fairly slowly. Lisa was crying and Sam was comforting her, both girls were abit in shock. We had all been knocked about abit and had banged knees and ankles. My ankle was swollen but I could walk on it alright. We went ashore and met one of the cars which had our stuff in it cause the girl who went through most of the rapids didn’t want to stay in the boat. We then carried on down the river until we reached the place where we were meant to stop and had lunch. One of the women had some balm that we put on our bangs to ease them but
I don’t think it did much. Then it was into the jeep and back to Chiang Mai for a nice hot shower and change of clothes and alot of stories to tell!

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June 15th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | Aisa | no comments

Edinburgh, Scotland

I grew up in Scotland from the age of 7 to 15, however this was in the Highlands of Scotland in Caithness and I never got chance to explore Edinburgh in that time. 10 years after leaving Scotland I finally made it to Edinburgh!

Straight after work I got on a plane from Gatwick up to Edinburgh getting to my hotel room at about 11 pm. I stayed in a place that was out by the marina, and in hindsight I think it was a bit too far out from the town. Next time I visit there I’ll find a place closer to the city centre. But saying that the apartment was really nice, 2 double bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and a big living room. More than ample space.

The next day it was time to start exploring what Edinburgh had to offer.

First port of call was Edinburgh Castle.

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June 3rd, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | Europe, Travel | no comments

McLeod Ganj, India

Whilst travelling in India I had the opportunity to travel north to McLeod Ganj in the Himalayas. Most of my journeys through India we fairly spontaneous and this one was no exception. All I wanted to do was climb a mountain and touch the snowline. I think after spending so long in jungles/deserts and beaches I felt like some refreshing mountain air.

After consulting I decided on visiting McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, partly because it was easiest to get to, I was departing from Rajasthan in north-western India and also because McLeod Ganj is the home of H.R.H the Dalai Lama.

Now I arrived in McLeod Ganj late at night and myself and a travelling companion I met on the us up there started looking for somewhere to stay. Now unknown to me it was a couple of days before Tibetian New Year - I couldn’t believe my luck! The slight down-side to this was that places to stay were getting very full, however Buddha himself must have been shining down on me as I found a room at a Buddhist monastry a couple of minutes walk north of town centre.

The next morning when I awoke I started to explore the town.

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May 18th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | Aisa, Travel | no comments

Barcelona, Spain

Three days gave me a great chance to really experience Barcelona. Starting with the medieval core, the Barri Gòtic. I wandered down La Rambla from Plaça de Catalunya, where a handy junction of Metro stops and taxi ranks waits to help you further explore Barcelona. About halfway down, head down Carrer de Ferran to Plaça de Sant Jaume. Once the Roman forum, this is the heart of town. From here you can stroll around La Catedral and surrounding monuments, including segments of the Roman wall and the fascinating Plaça del Rei, which is now part of the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat. From here, cross Via Laietana and stroll down Carrer de l’Argenteria to confront the most beautiful church in the city, the Catalan Gothic Església de Santa Maria del Mar. The area around it, El Born, is loaded with restaurants and bars where you can take a load off. Art fans will want to set aside a couple of hours for the nearby Museu Picasso. To finish off the day, jump on the Metro and head to Gaudí’s extraordinary work in progress, La Sagrada Família.

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April 26th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | Europe, Travel | no comments

West Wing Tour, Washington D.C., USA

When I last went to Washington D.C. I was fortunate to be taken on a tour of the offices of the West Wing, White House lawns and press rooms.

The tour takes you past all the key offices and boardrooms, including the Roosevelt Boardroom and the Oval Office. You can’t get inside these rooms but the doors are open so that you can see inside. There are secret service men posted throughout the building - one of them even showed me where the President keeps his nibbles and sweet, in a cupboard just outside the Oval Office!

Unfortunately you can’t take pictures on the inside the West Wing, which is understandable, but you can outside. Here’s one of the President’s residence in the White House from the South lawns. If I’d strayed from the path I am told I would have been quickly tackled by secret service! Needless to say I didn’t test that out.

The only place I could take pictures of was the White House Press Room. Which is full of video cameras and each seat is specified to a member of the press.

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March 30th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | North America, Travel | no comments

Safari, Tanzania

After we had completed our climb of Mt. Kilimajaro, the 8 of us also went on safari to experience more of African culture and wilderness. The safari was for 6 days, exploring the Lake Manyara National Park , Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

The Serengeti is a savanna covering a 60,000 square kilometer area which sprawls across Tanzania and Kenya. The migration that occurs there every six months is considered amongst many to be one of the seven tourist travel wonders of the world. The area contains several game reserves and national parks. Its name come from the Maasai language and means “Endless Plains”.

The Serengeti has thousands of predators and more than 2 million herbivores. Gazelles, blue wildebeests, buffalos and zebars are the most common animals found in the region.

The largest and longest overland migration in the world happens in the Serengeti every six months. Nearly 2 million herbivores travel from the northern hills in October, and head toward the southern plains, where they cross the Mara River, in pursuit of the rains. They then return to the north through the west in April, again crossing the Mara river. This phenomenon is sometimes called the Circular Migration. 250,000+ wildebeest alone will die during the journey from Tanzania to then Maasai Mara reserves in upper Kenya, a journey that covers 500 miles. Death is often caused by exhaustion, injury, or being attacked by predators such as the big cats of the region.

The area is also home to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which contains the Olduvai Gorge, where some of the oldest hominid fossils are found, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera.

Here is the itinerary we followed when visiting the Serengeti:

Day 1

Depart Moshi and drive westwards to Lake Manyara National Park . Lake Manyara is tucked beneath the Rift Valley wall, a thin green band of forest flanked by the 600 metres sheer high red and brown cliffs of the escarpment and the shores of the soda lake which gives name to the park. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, Manyara features nearly 400 different species of bird, red-billed quelea, pelicans, cormorants and thousands of flamingos. Game drive till late afternoon, with picnic lunchen route. Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Tented Lodge.

Day 2

Drive to see this beautiful highly scenic Lake Natron . It is the only breeding ground for East Africas millions of flamingos, which usually congregate to breed here between August and October. Set off for Serengeti with a game drive en route with picnic lunch. The legendary Serengeti is the archetypal safari destination and is renowned for its wealth of leopard and lion. Serengeti, , derived from the Maasai word siringetu meaning endless plains, is home to the annual migration of more than a million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomsons gazelle undertaking their long trek to new grazing grounds. Dinner and overnight at Lobo Wildlife Lodge.

Day 3

Discover the Serengeti plains with a full day tour. The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth. The essential features have changed little in a million years; Serengetis famous plains are interspersed with wooded hills, towering termite mounds, rocky kopjes and rivers lined with acacia trees. Dinner and overnight at Seronera Wildlife Lodge.

Day 4

Optional early morning game drive. Return for breakfast and then continue with a game drive till lunch. After lunch, head back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Oldupai Gorge. The Oldupai Gorge provides evidence of the earliest signs of mankind, where hominid footprints are preserved in volcanic rock 3,600,000 years old. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique in that over 40,000 Maasai pastoralists with their cattle goats and sheep to live alongside the abundant wildlife in a natural setting. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.

Day 5

After an early breakfast descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a six hour tour. Ngorongoro Crater is the world largest caldera measuring 600 metres in depth and covering 250 square kilometres in area. It is a spectacular setting and contains an abundance of wildlife with over 20,000 large animals including Tanzanias remaining black rhino. Late afternoon head to KIA Lodge for overnight.

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March 16th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | Africa, Travel | 2 comments

Virgin Atlantic Flight - Heathrow to Washington

So just wanted to comment on how good my flight was from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles airport with Virgin Atlantic.

I’ve not flown with Virgin Atlantic before and was pleasantly surprised at how good their check-in, flight and staff were.

I arrived in Heathrow a little later than I planned but still with 2 hours to spare. I had checked in online the day before so that saved having to worry about that. Checking in my baggage was short and sweet and then it was off to chill in the departure lounge for a bit.

The flight wasn’t fully booked and so it meant I got both window and aisle seat. Lots of food, free alcohol and a wide range of movies meant the flight there (and back) went by smoothly.

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February 29th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | Life | 2 comments

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

I have just got back from a long weekend in the USA, I traveled up Thursday and got back Tuesday morning. So a quick trip but I managed to pack a lot in. Whilst there I spent a couple of days in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg is about a 3 and a half hour drive from Washington D.C, which is where I flew into, and was a fairly easy drive  - especially with good old Google maps to give us directions!

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February 24th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | North America | no comments

Disney World, Florida, USA

I had never been to Disney World in Florida before, or any really big amusement park for that matter. So when I planned to go a friend of mine, who has been to Disney World many times before and even got married there, created a itinerary for seeing as much of the park as possible in 3 days for 2 adults.

My trip was from Wednesday to Friday, flying into Florida early Wednesday and leaving early Saturday. We stayed at the Walt Disney World Pop Century which was on site and so meant free bus transport to and from the resorts and also, on certain nights, people staying on site could stay later than normal at some of the parks. These buses started running an hour before the parks opened and for at least an hour after. On the way back there was usually a bit of a queue but if you don’t mind not being in a rush then its not that bad.

The trick with seeing the big rides and attractions is to make use of the Fast Passes. You can get one of these every hour and so you need to plan the rides, there are queuing times for each ride so you know roughly how long it will take you. As soon as you get to the park get a fast pass for the most popular ride and see the other smaller rides while you are waiting. I found the guide below very useful and hardly spent anytime waiting in queues - an absolute blessing! I think the longest queue was for Mount Everest in the Animal Kingdom, about 30mins, but we just had a snack while queuing and it was totally worth the wait - one of the best rides there.

I really enjoyed the fireworks displays in the evening, Disney definitely know how to put on a show!! I could have stayed another day or 2 and explored Downtown Disney and the water park, but if you are a bit short on time then I would definitely follow the guide below. See the parks in the order listed if you can and it will blow you away.

Also remember to pick up a map of the park your visiting, they are at the entrance, as it is easy to get lost. Bring snacks and a bag to put your cameras and stuff in…oh and don’t forget your trainers! Enjoy!!

Magic Kingdom

Go here on Wednesday or Friday and plan to spend the whole day.

There is a parade at 3pm where the best place to watch it is Frontier Land.

At 8pm there is the Spectro Magic parade. The best place to watch is from the train station above Main Street USA near the entrance. Get there early and get a seat at the tables. Otherwise anywhere on the parade route but try and get close to Tomorrowland.

Fireworks are at 9pm and the best place to watch is between Main Street USA and Tomorrowland, Tinkerbell will fly right over your head.

Not to miss attractions

Adventure Land
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jungle Cruise

Frontierland
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain (OK if you have Fastpass or short line)

Liberty Square
Hall of Presidents
Haunted Mansion!!

FantasyLand
Explore the Castle
Any of these rides are classic Disney, but skip if short on time except:
It’s a Small World…cheesy but a classic
Mickey’s Philharmagic - OK 3D Show

Mickey’s Toontown Fair
If you are short on time you can skip this - most of the rides are for little kids.
However, if you want to see (and get your picture with) Disney characters, this is the place to go.

Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear
Space Mountain
Stitch Great Escape
Monster Laugh Factory

Use your fastpass as much as you can. When you enter the park go and get a fast pass for Space Mountain and go from there. If you go on Friday, get there early, get the fast pass for Space Mountain and then go to Adventureland and go around the park from left to right. Otherwise any order is fine.

Epcot

Go here on Thursday. Plan to spend the whole day, unless you decide to skip World Showcase. If you skip World Showcase, take international near England to boats and go to MGM in afternoon/evening. However, the Showcase is lots of fun and a nice walk.

Not to miss attractions

Club Cool - if its open. Free tasting of Coke from around the World.

Journey into Imagination
Honey I Shrunk the Audience

Mission Space
This has tons of warnings for motion sensitive people. If you have ni probelms with simulators, go on this. I thought it was cool. Use fast pass.

Space Ship Earth
Cheesy, but there is never a line

Test Track
Definitely fast pass or use the single rider line

The Seas
Talk with Crush…small attraction, but LONG lines. Go to this first when you get to the park if you get there at opening.

The Land
Soarin…very cool. Use fast pass

Universe of Energy
Ellen ride ok if waiting for a fast pass for another ride

*Do other activities in pavilions while waiting for fast pass times

World Showcase

I really loved World Showcase. Go through all the countries if you have time. Make sure to go to the USA pavilion. The American adventure attraction is good. Eat snacks at the different countries instead of having a big meal (or, alternatively for adults, try a beer from each country!). Don’t miss the pastry shop in France. Mmm!

There are rides in Norway and Mexico. They are OK. Go on them if the lines are low.

Animal Kingdom

Go here on Friday. Plan on spending 4-5 hours here and then go to MGM.

Park opens at 9am. Get there early and go to Kilimanjaro Safari or Mount Everest first or get fast pass to come back. Kilimanjaro is a long wait unless first few trucks.

Not to miss attractions

Discovery Island
It’s Tough to be a Bug
This show is inside the tree. make sure to check out the tree as you walk in.

Camp Minnie Mickey
Mostly characters

Africa
Kilimanjaro Safari -fast pass
Pangani Forest rail - do while waiting for fast pass

Asia
Mount Everest - get a fast pass for this
Kali River Rapids - you will get SOAKED! Don’t go on unless it is really hot or you want to spend the day wet
Maharajah Jungle Trek - do while waiting for a fast pass

Dino Land USA
New Nemo Show
Dinosaur
Primeaval Whirl - cheesy, but fun

There are not a ton of attractions in this park, but A LOT to look at. Animals are everywhere. The landscape is beautiful. From experience you can see the major attractions very quickly. Don’t bother with the parade. Not worth staying at the park till 3pm.

Take the bus from the Animal Kingdom to MGM.

MGM

Go here after Animal Kingdom, or after Epcot if you skip World Showcase.

Fantasmic is the nighttime show. It starts at 8.30pm, but get there about 45mins-1hr before to get a seat.

Not to miss attractions

Sunset Blvd.
Rock n Roller Coaster
Tower of Terror
Get a fast pass for one, go ride the other while waiting. Use standby line to go quicker.

Hollywood Blvd
Great Movie Ride - cheesy but OK if you have time. Do this if you’re waiting for something else

Streets of America
Lights, Motors, Actions show - check times
Muppet Vision 3D

Mickey Avenue
Backlot Tour - OK if you have time to kill

Animation Tour
Animation Tour - good if you like animation and behind the scenes stuff
Voyage of the Little Mermaid - cool black pupptet black light show

Echo Lake
Indiana Jones
Star Tours

This park also has a lot of stuff to look at, but hit the major attractions first and then go back if you have time. Use fast pass for as much as you can. This park closes after Fantasmic at 9pm. If you still have energy, you can check out Downtown Disney.

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January 27th, 2008 Posted by Doug Platts | North America, Travel | 2 comments