Thailand may still have been officially mourning the death of King Bhumibol the Great after 70 years on the throne, but Bangkok’s famous Khao San Road was alive with partygoers enjoying a lively night out. The bars with their flashing neon lights and prominent signs like “No ID […]
Passing through pleasant rice and sugar cane fields, our train journey through the western Thailand countryside was a memorable experience. As mountains unfolded in the distance, a serene river, teak and papaya trees and colourful temples could seen closer to the line. The windows could be fully opened […]
“Don’t look, close your eyes,” I was told is the best strategy for crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City. “Wave your hands in the air, so they can see you and make sure you don’t stop.” Ho Chi Minh is not Vietnam’s capital, but it its […]
They say pictures speak a thousand words. Countless accounts have been written about the Vietnam War but it is seeing vivid images of civilians caught up in the conflict – like ordinary peasants massacred by US forces – that truly help understand the human cost of the military […]
Kraków’s Rynek Glowny oozes with charm. The city’s main square – the largest medieval town square in Europe – is surrounded by colourful neo-classical fronted buildings, which are today mostly occupied by restaurants with outdoor terraces. Horse drawn carriages carry visitors past the various attractions, such as the […]
Looks can sometimes be deceiving, as a visit to Warsaw proves. The squares and alleys of the bustling old town may look historic, but the majority of the buildings appreciated by visitors are actually fairly modern. It can in fact be said to be Europe’s youngest old town. […]
Much of Amsterdam’s network canal-side towpaths is a surprisingly peaceful place to walk, even at the height of summer. There are some exceptions to this rule, not least in the notorious red light district which is popular with stag parties and other groups all year round. Another busy […]
Lying in the heart of Amsterdam’s infamous red light district, Oude Kerk – which translates as ‘old church’ – seems somewhat out of place for a religious building. Nearby female sex workers stand behind windows touting for trade by tapping on the glass as potential customers walk past. […]
By day and night, Kazimierz is the beating heart of Krakow. It’s here that many visitors to the city head for a night out in the extensive network of bars or relax with a coffee in one of the pavement cafes. There are also curious souvenir shops, brimming […]
Arriving in the dark from Krakow, it’s McDonald’s golden arches and a giant illuminated KFC sign that are the first things that greet you on the main road leading into the city of Oswiecim. Soon a small shopping centre, featuring international brands such as H&M, appears at the […]
Past In The Present 