On the rocky southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, when I was travelling through Kyrgyzstan, I met with members of the Salburuun Federation, a group of locals who are attempting to preserve their unique nomadic culture in the face of modernity. Otherwise known as the...
Found in southern Luzon, the largest of the over 7000 islands in the Philippines, Legazpi is the capital of the province of Albay and the centre of the wider Bicol Region. It’s a city that stands in the shadow of Mount Mayon, the most active volcano in the...
I was in the front room of a traditional Dungan house in the small village of Yrdyk, just outside of the city of Karakol in Kyrgyzstan. Mamieva Hamida, a woman of Dungan descent, was showing me how to pull noodles from a huge ball of translucent starch on the table....
I’ve travelled to the Philippines more than to any other country in the last few years, and despite all the positivity, the beautiful islands and diversity of the culture, I always hear fellow travellers saying time and time again that the Philippines food and...
Woah, the year is ending already. But you didn’t need me to tell you that, you’re here to read all about my year in review. And let me tell you, a lot has happened. I’ve travelled to 12 countries – taking things slow, that’s an average of one per month for the...
“My name’s Herman, but I’m not German”, jokes a young guy in dark shades as he welcomes me onto the Fazenda de Esperanza farm outside of Masbate City in the Philippines. Herman has only just arrived on the farm. He’s only been here for a week, but Sister Rita invites...
Bishkek is the surprisingly captivating, and always entertaining capital of Kyrgyzstan. I say surprising, because, let’s be honest, most travellers visit Kyrgyzstan not on a city break and certainly not just for Bishkek, most people make the journey to this remote...
On February 1st, 1814, Mount Mayon began spewing smoke and ash on the horizon as the people of Legazpi feared the worst. Before many had the chance to evacuate the area, Mount Mayon was erupting violently, and a huge pyroclastic flow was hurtling down the steep...
Osh Kyrgyzstan is the nation’s second city, but its most diverse location. A multicultural destination that’s located in the south of Kyrgyzstan, Osh has a long history that stretches back over 3000 years. This is the heart of the Silk Road, but in Osh, you will...
An ATV Adventure In The Shadow of Mount Mayon In Legazpi, in southern Luzon in the Philippines, the Mount Mayon volcano overshadows the entirety of the city. This is the Philippines’ most active volcano and it last erupted as recently as January 2018. The distinct,...
Along the Borders chronicles my multi-year journey along Britain's borders, boundaries and frontiers. Published by Penguin Random House, and available now!
