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Peter CraigPeter Craig
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Travel organiser and tour director at Viv’s Travel Bug
Former founding staff member and Deputy Headmaster Oxley College, Bowral Read more Burrill Lake, Australia
  • TravelerExploring Gujarat
    Day 5

    Day 5

    April 5, 2023 in India ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Breakfasted 7.15 with Rahul and staff and finally left after 8.00. It had been a great stop at Rann Riders but had eaten for too much.

    It was a morning of diving through flat countryside which slowly changed from farms and villages to huge areas of villagers making salt.Then increasing industrial activity., wind turbines heavy trucks and traffic.

    Our route tok us from Disada, through Patrick,
    Dhrangadhpur,  Halved,, Malia and finally to our first destination of the day.

    We visited the Living & Learning Design Centre (LLDC, a huge museum and workshop) near Bhuj. Fascinting displays and guided tour. Arrived about1.00 and departed at 5.00 pm.

    Met guide PD and taken into a local village, and specifically to a local dyer who uses natural indigo, ,alum , etc. Watched weavers at their looms and then showed the indigo dying process with the vats of indigo (cake made from the leaves), crushed dates and Jagger (sugar cane) and water.

    Viv bought a shawl while I sat outside and chatted to PD and the local family as they went about their evening chose of milking the Brahmin cattle, feeding the calves, etc. Given a shawl, most unexpectedly by the grandfather. The family had won the all-India weaving competition four times in the past.

    A cricket game going on in the street at 8.30 as we left. Drove through crowded streets into Bhuj  a huge city substantially rebuilt after a devastating earthquake of 2001 when thousands died. Found Bhuj House hotel, a traditional home turned into a small hotel. As we arrived,  a mosque opened up with an evening call to prayer,  part of Ramadan. Shower and late meal with DK and Anita. Chatted to the owner (Johan?) before heading for bed at 10.00. It had been a busy day    Read more

  • TravelerExploring Gujarat
    Day 4

    Day 4 The Asiatic Wild Asses plus

    April 4, 2023 in India ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Our alarm went off at 5.15 am and we got ourselves ready for a game drive in the Little Rann of Kutch. Lead by Hator, we climbed into a Gypsy at 6.00 am and drove through the village of Desada and onwards with the ground becoming increasingly salty and the bushes more and more thorn scrub.

    Once we had reached the Wild Ass Reserve we followed crispy, salty tyre tracks across the flat landscape (reminiscent of the Nai Pans or Maghadighadii in Botswana) looking for wildlife.

    Eventually we found 3 photographers (the only other people we saw all morning) parked near a fox's den, waiting for the mother to return to the pups hiding in a hole in a bank. Shortly afterwards we spotted the mother and moved closer to her, watching her digging for grubs. Back at the hide, we were able to watch a pup emerge on the bank.

    Later we moved on, searching for wild ass. Came across a herd of young males but they were skittish and moved off. When a larger herd appeared we approached fairly closer, stopped and watched them, and then had breakfast at the same time. Eventually we walked towards the herd and they allowed us to get really close before breaking into a run. Ir was great!

    Then it was on to visit the salt workers and watched them operating at their pans, skimming the salt crystals off the top of the salt beds by hand and tractor..    Read more

  • TravelerExploring Gujarat
    Day 3

    Day 3 Ahmedabad to Desada

    April 3, 2023 in India ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We met DK and Anita downstairs at breakfast at 7.30 as life stirred around us Reasonable choice. On the road by 8.30 heading through the city traffic northwards to Modhera and its famous Sun Temple. Delegates from a G20 meeting were scheduled to visit later in the day but we were able to see the entire siteand benefit from a dance rehearsal for later important visitors.

    We shown around the Hindu Temple by guide Vipal who explained the intricacies of the design - from cleansing pool, to the first temple and then finally the inner sanctuary in the second building. All clearly aligned with the fising sun at the equinox shining through the doors of both buildings to strike the holiest part. Numbers of columns, panels,etc.,etc all conforming to Hindu beliefs. Fantastic cravings.

    On our way out we watched the very impressive dance routines being practiced for later.

    From Modhera, joined by Vipal, we travelled north to Patan and its UNESCO World Heritage stepwell. On arrival there did not appear to be much there other than lawns shrubs, and a few monkeys. However, from the rim climbing slowly down through the 7 distinctive levels I became increasingly impressed
    It's an incredible building with more superb carvings. It was a huge surprise for me and definitely worth the visit.

    We returned to Modhera to drop off Vipal and then turned eastwards and eventually Disada. We kept phoning and delaying lunch at our next hotel. Rann Riders.and eventually sat down with the owner, Rahul, and some of his staff at 4.00. Rann Riders is an impressive quality retreat with high levels of performance.

    That evening we were taken to meet Mir tribal people near the village of Desada, buying bracelets and.entering their tents for an inspection. From the Mir we moved to nearby cattleherders, the ? and walked down their village streets. Engaged with the kids by taking photos and then showing them the results.

    Back to Rann Riders for a shower and a meal (which we thought was dinner) near the swimming pool & clay pigeon range. Talked to Rahul and others. Then at 10.00 it was back to the dining room for a large dinner. Rahul was definitely trying to impress DK! I have never eaten so much food, not want to upset our hosts.

    Bed at midnight, bloated and exhausted. But it had been a good day.    Read more

  • TravelerExploring Gujarat
    Day 2

    Day 2 Sydney to Ahmedabad

    April 2, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    We were up reasonably early with the boys and Lara and Al around us. Checked to see how Piers and Trent were doing with their insurance race. Breakfasted and finished picking.  Picked up by Uber driver Hashim at 7.30 and a fast run through the rain to the airport. Traffic congestion around the international terminal but eventually we were inside and became involved in the check-in, customs and immigration  process.

    While buying Australian presents for DK,  Anita and their boys, news came through that Piers and Trent had won their pairs category in the 130 kms endurance race, after 20.5 hours of competition, the last 8 hours in steady rain.  Very proud of them both.

    Flew SQ232 for nearly 8 hours to reach Singapore. Vary full plane and we were in the back row,  next to a South African transferring to a new job in Singapore. Watched it couple of movies but dozed intermittently.

    Had a quick change at Changi (about 1 hour) before we were aboard SQ 502 for a 5 hour flight to Ahmedabad.  Much emptier so Viv grabbed one row and i another as we tried to get some sleep. Slow through the airport officials, particularly the e-visa section, and then on to a very slow money exchange booth (Sunday 10.00 pm)  before emerging to find DK and Anita waiting for us - a very welcome sight!

    Taken in a minibus with a driver through the streets of Ahmedabad to the House of MG, the converted home of a very wealthy merchant. Straight to bed after 23 hours of travel.  Exhaustive but happy to be back in India.    Read more

  • TravelerExploring Gujarat
    Day 1

    Day 1 From Narrawallee to East Lindfield

    April 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    What a hectic day! A houseful of 3 nervous/excited athletic adventurers and a dog that was freaked out by suitcases being packed and strangers in his home. Piers had arrived the previous evening, followed soon after by his friend Trent and Matt. They were down in Ulladulla to take part in a 24 hour adventure race.

    So, it was an early start for all. Piers and friends had breakfasted, sorted out their gear and departed by 9.30. Beni watched us compete our packing very nervously and pulled items out when we weren't looking. Very frustrating and much bribery occurred. Last minute activities got in the way of dropping Beni off at the Ulladulla Pet Motel and we suddenly realised this 10 minutes after closing time. A mad panic followed with frantic unanswered phone calls and a fairly quick trip to south Ulladulla. Fortunately I was able to drop him off, and my anxiety levels could drop back to normal.
    Finally packed the car and went down to the Civic Centre to watch the start of Piers' race. Saw him off to Warden Headland and then come passed us on the Harbour beach before heading north in the car.

    Brief stop in Nowra (camer battery and Maccas for lunch)and we pushed through to East Lindfield by 5.00pm.

    Pizza supper with Niels and Reid, with Lara and Al going to a school function.

    Very tired and an early night in preparation for hours of flying tomorrow.    Read more

  • TravelerOxley in Botswana 4
    Day 18

    Day 18. And finally home

    October 14, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    After an extended stay in Johannesburg we caught our onward overnight flights - the group to Perth and Peter Craig to London.

    No problems in Australian Customs so everybody is delighted that their souvenirs/gifts are safely in the country.

    Many thanks to all concerned. It is a huge responsibility for the adults who are on call 24 hours a day for the 18 days. Mrs Calver’s pastoral role was significant and often demanding. Mr Marnoch ensured that Oxley maintained its standards at all times. Mrs Marnoch provided a valuable support role. Their team work was much appreciated.

    Those Oxleyans visiting Botswana in 2019 acquitted themselves extremely well.    Read more

  • TravelerOxley in Botswana 4
    2
    Day 17

    Day 17. Homeward Bound

    October 13, 2019 in Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    We were in no rush this morning with breakfast at 8.00. Tents were cleared and bags stored in Mr Craig’s tent, ready for delivery at the airport by midday.

    After breakfast we eventually climbed on to our transport for our last ride into Maun and we were dropped off adjacent to the airport. Once everybody had arrived we climbed up to the first floor movie theatre for a showing of biographical tribute to the life of Tim Liversedge. Tim has had a huge impact on the Maun region, as a scientist, a travel industry entrepreneur, and a cinematographer (Roar: Lions of the Kalahari). For his work as a naturalist Tim was given an honorary doctorate by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.

    Tim and June Liversedge were in attendance after the video and it was great to catch up with them (as we have done for the past 3 visits). We adjourned to the cafe around the corner and were joined by Senatla Mokobela, the Sedie principal.

    From there we collected our bags and checked in for our flight to Johannesburg. The small SALink jet took 1:20 to get to ORTambo in Johannesburg. After clearing Customs we headed for the familiar cafe to base ourselves for the duration of our transition.    Read more

  • TravelerOxley in Botswana 4
    Day 16

    Day 16. Horse-back game-viewing

    October 12, 2019 in Botswana ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    There was no urgency about the start of today. No wake-up calls, no hurry-ups. Half of the group had no deadline to meet. All wandered slowly up to breakfast at 7.00 in their own time.

    By 7.30 we had been joined by local resident, Dany Hancock, of Rides on the Wildside, who had split the students into 2 groups, one to ride in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Dany had organised our transport to the private game reserve where we were to ride. We were soon on the back of a truck and because the Thamalakane River is dry were able to take a short cut across the river bed to the horse stables.

    Once inside the reserve we divided again with one group grooming horses and the other riding. Led by a guide, with an assistant behind, we rode in single file gradually increasing in confidence as the ride progressed. Some groups walked, other more competent riders were able to be more challenged.

    In the course of the ride we were able to see close up several giraffes, eland, zebra, springbok, gemsbok, ostrich and monkeys. It was a great way to view the wildlife: very different to our previous experiences.

    The two groups then swapped over, both having a ride, a grooming session and a period of relaxation back in the camp at Sitatunga. The theory for those back in camp was to pre-pack and organise (R&R) before the start of the long haul tomorrow to return home.

    Charlotte, the Sitatunga cook, did us proud again for dinner - steak and boerewors. We had our final de-brief of the tour and then talked about tomorrow’s arrangements for our travel to the airport and onwards.

    It was a tired group who headed for bed - but everyone had had a great ride.    Read more

  • TravelerOxley in Botswana 4
    Day 15

    Day 15 Our last school day

    October 11, 2019 in Botswana ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    The Delta Rain vehicles were being used for many different activities this morning - ferrying us to Sedie as well as collecting tour groups from the delta - so to accommodate all that our transport left Sitatunga Camp at 7.00 am. We were at Sedie in time to join the morning assembly which lasted about 10 minutes.

    After that we, and our Sedie buddies, and a couple of teachers, climbed aboard a bus organised by the school and drove across town to visit the Delta Waters International School (a private school with about 800 primary and 170 secondary students, including some boarders).

    We were made extremely welcome at the school at an assembly which included speeches, some marimba music and some singing. The quality was extremely high. From the assembly we broke up into 4 groups who were exposed to different activities - traditional Setswana games, conservation club, science and basketball.

    There is much in common between Oxley and Delta Waters. Both were established by small groups of parents wanting a local alternative to sending their children away to boarding schools.. Both took on great financial risk at the beginning. Delta Waters has developed a little oasis in the harsh Botswanan Kalahari with green lawns, playing fields and a swimming pool.

    We arrived back at Sedie JSS by midday and found a shady spot for lunch. After that we met up with our buddies in the hall and sat in discussion groups to get to know each other better. A lively conversation hum soon started.

    By 1.30 our transport had arrived and we spent an hour in town, with most looking at the curio stalls for momentos of their visit. Back at Sitatunga Camp we had a lazy afternoon, swimming, playing volleyball or using the wifi. Dany Hancock, of Rides on the Wildside (tomorrow’s horse ride), came by to say hello.

    Refreshed, we were ready for the Farewell BBQ put on by Sedie JSS.. In 2 vehicles we returned to school where tables had been laid out in a quadrangle. We were joined by our buddies and their parents. Speeches were made and prayers said, and the meal followed. It was a good way to end our visit to the school. Many friendships had started and others renewed.

    Back at camp we had a short briefing to let everyone know what was happening on our final full day in Botswana. And then it was time for bed. Our visit to the schools had ended on a high note.    Read more

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