Ethiopia

Ethiopia almost broke us. We decided to cycle around the Northern historical circuit in May putting together medieval sites, lost churches and high altitude mountains. The anticipated rains which turn this area green hadn't materialised and it was tough on us and of course tougher on the locals. The people were friendly and scary at the same time. Few places in the world now give you the feeling of being an alien arrival. Ethiopia is one. The mixed Italian, African and Middle Eastern influence on culture in some of the more significant towns has created a little oasis of fine food, cafe culture, brilliant beer & coffee ... but all around are scenes from biblical times. Ethiopia is addictive, much more so than the tamer mountain & safari destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. The images are amazing and we didn't even go to dramatic tribes in the south of the country. We want to go back, but we need to be brave and we need more time, Indiana Jones adventures abound.

Photos by: Stephanie Vogel ~ Text by: Anthony White

Sri Lanka - Troubled paradise

Sri Lanka has almost got it all, beautiful beaches, great food, jungle wildlife, cool hill country and ancient cities & temples but something is not quite right. The controversial civil war "officially" over and the coastline still scared from the 2004 Tsunami activity (over 40k died) has brought more NGO activity than you shake a very long bamboo stick at. But as we cycled 1500km around & through the country in April there appeared to be limited cut through. Like the precious stones that Sri Lanka produces, if you know where to go & what you're looking for Sri Lanka can be a gem.

Photos by: Stephanie Vogel ~ Text by: Anthony White

N. Sumatra/Banda Aceh Province

Aahh exotic Sumatra. Well off the beaten backpacker path these days, despite recovering from the civil war in Aceh province & the 2004 Tsunami. The jungle rainforest is fighting a battle against the ever increasing human pressure; the Tsunami facing coastline is probably more stunning than before, the diving out of this world and travel is as cheap as chips. We cycled around the northern part of the country in March not seeing westerners for days and days. We were met with tremendous local hospitality and kindness as we hauled ourselves up super steep battered interior roads and glided along the newly rebuilt coastal road. It's tricky finding a beer in this predominantly Islamic island, but with the friendliness of the locals all you need is coffee ... but we think the best is tucked away for export!

Photos by: Stephanie Vogel ~ Text by: Anthony White

"LOVE ROCKS"

 

"Love Rocks"

 

"Love Rocks"

Keep your eyes open for the new series "Love Rocks."