Reset search
Gavin’s Gone A-wandering
  • Gavin Wilson
  • Gavin Wilson

Gavin’s Gone A-wandering

Escaping winter, visiting a few bucket-list places, catching glimpses of paradise.. Read more
+5
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    November 18, 2022
    Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Setting off from Brompton, North Yorks.

    November 17, 2022 in England ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    Out of the window of my bijou little flat in Brompton, the rain is falling on North Yorkshire; damp, windy and grey. I'm looking forward to the contrast in weather and heat when I make my first stop in Athens tomorrow.
    Today will be taken up with such delights as emptying the fridge, unplugging all the electrical devices, double checking my rucksack, and taking rubbish to the bins.
    My train for Manchester Airport sets of from Northallerton station this evening, with a new-fangled e-ticket (whatever that is).
    What could possibly go wrong?    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler
    1

    Abu Dhabi Airport

    November 19, 2022 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    As I remember it. Surprisingly efficient airport. I was quickly through passport control and got my rucksack off the carousel after a while. Just about to check it into ‘left luggage’ so that I can have the day in Abu Dhabi without lugging the thing around.
    Breakfast then a bit of sightseeing.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler
    1
    1Seems they'll let in anyone.

    Abu Dhabi's got a big building

    November 19, 2022 in Kuwait ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    I'd only driven past this place, the Grand Mosque, years ago. Lots of people have said it's not to be missed, so I made the trip.
    It's vast.
    I got there early and avoided the hordes of tourists.
    There's a long walk just to get from the exterior gate to the entrance. Then you have to go underground which leads to a shopping mall, of all things. This shouldn't be surprising but it seems odd. There are trinkets to buy, and those dirhams won't spend themselves.
    Smiling tour guides shuffled me and a few other punters through museum-type galleries until, at last, I emerged at the surface into the mosque itself.
    Blimey. Did I say it's big.
    You don't have to get off on that religion thing to be impressed by beautiful and effective architecture.
    Well worth the effort - early before it gets hot.
    And as one pic shows, it seems they'll let in anyone.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Trailing around Abu Dhabi

    November 19, 2022 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Well, I started today’s jaunts good n early. My plan was to get the free shuttle bus to Yas Island (GP circuit, flashy malls etc.) Despite waiting for said bus on the advice at the Information Desk in the airport, it didn’t come.
    So I went to visit the Grand Mosque. It’s world famous and you don’t have to subscribe to superstitious belief systems to be impressed. It’s an amazing thing.
    Then it was back to the airport - just in case I ran out of time before my next flight to Kuwait. I figured the bus to Yas Island would be running later. It seems it only runs in the evenings, which is no darned good to me as I fly at 20:45.
    I despise ‘killing time’. It always feels like valuable missed time when I could be experiencing new places.
    Any road (na then). Here are some snaps to illustrate today’s wanderings.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler
    1
    111111

    First couple of days - Return to Kuwait

    November 21, 2022 in Kuwait ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    After arriving back in Kuwait late on Saturday evening, after a couple of years away, some things are oddly familiar whilst others are strange. My old mucka Khin Wee Chen graciously picked me up from the airport for the drive back to his place. I'll be staying with him in his spare room in Salmiya until moving on next Friday 25th November. Excellent base, excellent host.
    Sunday was an easy, restful day of catching up with old colleagues at Gulf University. Oh how I love a bit of gossip. The place is broadly the same, but the organisation has taken a turn in an odd direction. Oh well, we must all move on ;)
    Eating, a bit of walking, and more eating. Dropped my phone on the loo floor in the restaurant. Oh b*gg*r, I smashed the front screen good n proper. (Probably a repair/replacement in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.)
    Monday - brunch with my old GUST mates Khin Wee, Ildiko Kaposi and Fahad Al Sumait. It was great to catch up with them, hear their news and a have a right good natter. And thanks for picking up the breakfast tab Fahad. What fine colleagues indeed. There's great talent in Kuwait, if only it was fully utilised.
    Whilst strolling down the coastal path in Salmiya, I managed to grab a few shots of an air display team doing colourful loop-the-loops over the city across the bay.
    Maybe it was a FIFA World Cup celebration for the Qatari neighbours?    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler
    Salmiya apartment blockInterior The Avenues mallInterior The Avenues mallInterior The Avenues mallResidential apartment block.Two restaurant customers, Souk Al-Mubarakiya.Souk Al-MubarakiyaKuwait City, 23rd November 2022Historical dhaos outside Kuwait Maritime MuseumKuwait Maritime Museum interior courtyardKuwait Maritime Museum exterior, 23rd November 2022

    More fun in Kuwait - if that's possible.

    November 22, 2022 in Kuwait ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Kuwait is still big on shopping malls. The snaps are inside The Avenues, and some very poorly grabbed shots of buildings in the Salmiya district.
    On Wednesday, had a lazy day before hitting the Maritime Museum for a spot of playing pirates on a big old dhao. This was followed by a visit to Souk Al-Mubarakiya in the old part of Kuwait City.Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Arriving in Kathmandu

    November 26, 2022 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Pretty spectacular flight into Kathmandu. Got my bags and grabbed a taxi (short bargaining session). Well, two taxis actually. Got dropped off and then got a bit lost, so I had to get a 2nd taxi to get me nearer the place I’m staying for 5 nights. (Ugh! Grotty.)
    Kathmandu has made up for my not getting to India this time. It’s just as grimy and chaotic as anywhere further south.
    Sadly, the nightclub nearby made sleeping a hard won thing.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Lalitpur nr Kathmandu

    November 27, 2022 in Nepal ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Took a mad risk and got a motorbike taxi to Lalitpur today. The lad was helpful and skilled in avoiding all the other mad so-n-sos on the road. We made it😵
    Lalitpur (also known as Manigal) feels part of Kathmandu but is a separate city.
    It’s best known for being one of 7 UNESCO Monument Zones on the World Heritage List. The top attraction is Patan Durban Square - so I spent a fair amount of time there, before returning (by a bit more comfy taxi) to Kathmandu.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Kathmandu, Bagbazar-Baktapur-Nagarkot

    November 28, 2022 in Nepal ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    After an hour's walking, I found the bus stop to take me on the first part of a two-bus journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot. My reasoning for making this journey at all was that I'd learnt that Nagarkot is an interesting place in itself and offers a good view of the Himalayas - on a clear day. The classic advice is to stay overnight in Nagarkot and rise early for the expected clear sunrise. My bus arrived there around midday.
    I got chatting to a Welsh feller and his Nepali mate, and we stuck together for most of the day. Thankfully, the Nepali lad knew the territory and was a huge help.
    Even caught a local wedding procession before jumping on the bus in Baktapur.
    The bus rides were hilarious: the traffic was manic in the towns and the road surface was absent in much of the hilly areas. But, we got there.
    The worst bit - a hike of 1 1/2 hrs from Nagarkot to the viewing platform at the top of the mountain.
    The best bit: even with a misty view, seeing the Himalayas was a bit special.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Kathmandu, Around Durbah Square

    November 29, 2022 in Nepal ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    After a hearty breakfast of 'some kind of spicy soup, a butter roti, and a milky tea/char' it was off on a stroll down to the Durbah Square in the centre of Kathmandu. I'd been warned that there are security officers patrolling the perimeter of the square, requesting an entrance fee of 1000 Nepali Rupees for foreigners wanting to move through the square. The standard response is to explain you're only going around the square - it works. Not sure where the money goes anyway.
    It's a fascinating area; bustling with a steady stream of hawkers, carriers. and assorted Nepalis going about whatever it is they do. The sight of Buddhists ringing bells and offering flowers as offerings at a 'stupa' is picturesque. It's intended as 'a representation of generosity and to show the beauty of enlightenment.'    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Last Day in Lalitpur

    November 30, 2022 in Nepal ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    I liked it so much, I went back. Lalitpur is smaller than Kathmandu city, but the ancient buildings and people there are still fascinating.
    Another reason I wanted to return was to see more of the old area called the Durbah Square. Kathmandu has one, Lalitpur has one, and there's another that I can't bring to mind. Patan is the name for the historic old city in the centre of Lalitpur. I didn't go into the Golden Temple and museum complex again. It was a bit of a let-down actually. Another reason to come back was to find one of the hawkers who I'd nearly bought something from the other day. He was a grand old chap and his photo is attached here beside his shop display. Yep, I bought a couple of things from his shop: one from him in Nepali Rupees and one later in US dollars. The second time a woman (his wife?) had be found to translate. I got a nice prayer wheel (photo incl.) and a paper prayer mantra that the monks use. Should look smashing framed - and it's light to carry.Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler
    1

    Travel Day - Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur

    December 1, 2022 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Bag’s packed, and we’re off again.
    Today’s a travel day, so I dropped the key off at what looks like a bomb zone, but might be reception with the wallpapering nearly finished. What’s not finished is the paving outside: amateur job with dozens of lads apparently employed.
    Had breakfast at a cheap place I’ve used before (photo) with chicken chow mien and milky tea (chai).
    Taxi to airport - 500 N. Rupees (£3:30). Survived again!
    This is a small, shabby but easy to use airport.
    As I’ve managed to almost use up my rupees, lunch was a plate of ‘mo mo’ (warm dough parcels filled with chicken?) and milky tea.
    Mo mo - 125-130 rupees = 50-60pence.
    Milky tea - 25-30 rupees = 22-15pence.
    Litre bottle water = 30 rupees.
    Daylight robbery. I should feel guilty 😬
    * Something I’ve noticed: the non-Nepali backpacking, hiking hippie-types don’t usually acknowledge each other (me). There’s an avoidance of eye contact, no “hellos”. They mustn’t want to spoil the authentic vibe by being reminded they’re just tourists by another name 🙄    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler
    1

    First Day in Kuala Lumpur.

    December 2, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Bit nackered after not sleeping in the plane overnight. (That plan’s never worked.) And no meal on Batik Airways - budget Malaysian carrier 😏
    Well, K.L. Is certainly an impressive city alright. As consistently modern in its architecture as anywhere I can remember. It seems to be a fully formed 21st century metropolis. Where are the old bits?
    Lunch (photo - £1:00 ish) and then check in for a one-night stay in Chinatown before travelling north.
    It’s a funky little place with an odd, indoor/outdoor swimming pool.
    The gentle stroll to The Petronas Towers wasn’t gentle enough - it’s humid & sweaty 😟
    The panoramic shot of buildings features the Masjid Jamek Indian Mosque where the river Klang splits into two and they spray yet more moisture into the air, very close to where I'm staying.
    More Chinese food for dinner - cheap and delish.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Last few things in the K. L. area

    December 3, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    Today’s been mainly taken up with checking out and a visit to the Batu Caves complex of Hindu temples.
    As I reckon the photos show, it’s a pretty impressive collection of gigantic statues, shrines and whatnot - impressive enough without being situated in a group of huge caves.
    Then it was back to my flop house in K.L. to collect my (still just as heavy) rucksack.
    Off I went again on the K.L. trains system to the main bus terminus, to get my ticket for the long distance bus to Kuala Perlis. It’ll be a luxurious overnight sleeper, I’m sure. As this will take me to the early morning ferry for the island of Langkawi, I’ll pick up this theme tomorrow.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Arriving in Langkawi

    December 4, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    After the stunning Batu Caves, it was a chilly bus ride from Kuala Lumpur, north to Kuala Perlis. The air-con was blowing out cold air with a vengeance. The drivers (2; one to drive and one to sleep) weren't either able to, or wouldn't, turn it off or down. Oh well, a bad sleep again.
    I got chatting to as guy (Amman from Jordan) in the queue for ferry tickets. He's a researcher in sports psychology or health a wellbeing, so we had a good natter and shared the journey.
    The ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi Island was at 7am and took 1 1/2 hrs - Nice arrival. Amman and me shared a taxi to the place I'd booked. Unfortunately, they'd had a water leak after the rain, so my room wasn't available. I'll stay here for the first night, then move elsewhere.
    Need to explore a but after catching 40 winks.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Chenang (and further afield) Langkawi

    December 5, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    Now we're cooking with gas. This is a lot more like it.
    Google tells me that my guesthouse for last night and the next 3 is just over a kilometre. It feels much longer. Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah (recognised spelling, two adjoining beaches) are one of the premier beach-type places on the island. That's obvious as the town is totally geared up for tourists and travellers.
    Had my first helping of dragon fruit chunks - mmmn, strange but nice.
    Went for a swim on Cenang Beach - the water was actually warm even though it was overcast.
    Then (impulsively) I hired an absolutely beast of a motorsickel (photo, proof). £6 for the day, £10 deposit in case I nick it and ride it all the way home.
    I circumnavigated the island, anti-clockwise, dropping in first at Durian Perangin Waterfalls: pretty interesting and free.
    Next proper stop was at Datai Bay. It's tiny and cute, out of the way so not many people make the journey there. Another swim.
    As I promised to return the beast at 8pm, and I didn't know how long the journey would take; got back on the road and headed for Cenang, arriving around 5pm.
    Legs aching, legs scratched, knackered (again). I think a lazy night in sounds good.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Lazy Day in Pantai Chenang area

    December 6, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    I'm happy to report that I didn't do much today.
    Well, I'm supposed to be on holiday.
    Had breakfast (something local and unpronounceable) and ambled to the beaches. I chose Tengah this time, as it's reported to be a tad more quiet and classy, and I hadn't been there before.
    Gorgeous warm water; restful swim. I just had to dodge the parasailing boats as they came on and off the beach. Sunbathing - it had to be done.
    I've booked a 'Mangrove River Safari' for tomorrow morning. It sounds okay and it's only about £10 in equivalent money.
    Tired, leg aches, but still smiling..    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Last Full Day, Langkawi Mangroves

    December 7, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    After a biblical storm overnight, it was up early for a 9am pick-up for the Mangrove River Safari.
    We set off at a dash up to the north of the island in a minibus. Unfortunately, the man leading the tour was too fond of his own voice, which got drowned out by the chatter in the reception area. Several of we paying customers were fed up of his endless and ineffective intro talk. We set off eventually.
    I'd sprayed anti-bug treatment on my arms, legs etc., just to be sure.
    All things considered, it was pretty good. A tunnel under the rocks wasn't available to our boats as the water level was to high. (Didn't know it was tidal.)
    Not bad - a morning's entertainment.
    What I need to do this afternoon now is to plan a bit more carefully my onward journey from Langkawi to Kuta Baru on the east coast of Malaysia.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Travelling through Penang

    December 9, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    I'm so sorry if anyone was expecting a post whilst I was travelling, but it wasn't to be. The internet wasn't playing fair where I was staying and I'm without a Malaysian SIM. The other reason (excuse) is that I've been travelling for the last couple of days (today's 10th Dec.) Oh well, I'm back now.
    I'm writing this after arriving in a city on the east coast of the Malaysian peninsular called Kota Baru. It should be a good stopping off place for some scuba diving in the nearby islands. Much more in a later post.
    Going back a day, I came from Langkawi island to the mainland, but found there were no direct buses to Kota Baru for the next 3 days. So I decided to take a different route via Penang (highly recommended).
    The attached photos are all in/around Penang.
    To get here, the only route in is to get to a non-place called Butterworth, and take a ferry to Georgetown on Penang island.
    All things considered, it worked out not too badly.
    However, that was yesterday. Today's journey was too long even for me: 9 1/2 hrs on a bus - comfy but long.    Read more

  • Gavin WilsonGavin’s Gone A-wanderingTraveler

    Arrived in Kota Baru

    December 11, 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    Blimey, what a bus journey!
    Up at 7am for the 8:30 ferry from Georgetown on Penang, to the mainland, was the easy bit. The bus for the next leg of my marathon was scheduled for 10:45am, and they're almost exactly on time to be fair.
    We headed east, hugging the Malaysia/Thailand border for most of the way. Sadly, the bus developed a problem - one of the toothed belts on the engine had either shed its teeth, or never had any in the first place. It took the two drivers ages too find a mechanic to fix it. But we still only trundled up hills..
    The route was fantastic - good roads but through jungle, literally. The photos are along the journey - leaving Butterworth behind, jungle, and a lake about mid-way.
    "Damn this endless jungle Carruthers."
    If it hadn't been for the manager of a restaurant in Kota Bharu way-laying me and practicing his English (and Japanese) on me, I may never have reached the hotel from where I'm typing this.
    The footie's on the big screen telly nearby.
    Morocco v Portugal. Don't know the score.
    Apparently, the England match is on at 3:00am local time tonight. Can't imagine stopping up that late to watch another England penalty debacle.    Read more

  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice