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Backpacking Centurion – A Northern Irishman’s Journey Through 100 Countries
Backpacking Centurion – A Northern Irishman’s Journey Through 100 Countries Volume 1 – Don’t Look Back In Bangor
Volume 1 – Don’t Look Back In Bangor
Chapter 1 – Fool Circle (April 2015)
Chapter 2 – My Childhood Sweetheart (The 1980s)
Chapter 3 – Arconada…Armstrong! (25th June 1982)
Chapter 4 – My First Backpacking Adventure (1991)
Chapters 5, 6 and 7 Prelude to the Bangor Grammar School Trilogy
Chapter 5 – The Great Exam Heist (May 1994)
Chapter 6 – Where Were You While We Were Getting High? (1994 – 1996)
Chapter 7 – The OXI One (25th June 1997)
Chapter 8 – The Good Friday Disagreement (1997 – 1998)
Chapter 9 – My Favourite Mistake (2001 – 2002)
Chapter 10 – Don’t Stop Living (2001 onwards)
Chapter 11 – The Lock In (2003 onwards)
Chapter 12 – The Night I Sacked My Flatmate (2004)
Chapter 13 – For Your Arms Only (30th March 2004)
Chapter 14 – Lauren (2004 – 2005)
Chapter 15 – The Seventy Quid Taxi (March 2005)
Chapter 16 – Barfgate (March 2005)
Chapter 17 – The Original Monopoly Pub Crawl (April 2005)
Chapter 18 – Travel Blogging Chilled The Radio Star (1997 – 2008)
Chapter 19 – The Best Rock’n’Roll Band You Never Heard Of (2005 – 2006)
Chapter 20 – The Isle of Wight Green (2006)
Chapter 21 – Biting the Apple (2006 – 2007)
Chapter 22 – What’s A Travel Blog? (2007)
Chapter 23 – How Till Get Drunk for Ten Dollars in New York City (July 2007)
Chapter 24 – Dust From a Distant Sun (July 2007)
Chapter 25 – A Fast Flight to China (July 2007)
Chapter 26 – Multiple B (August 2007)
Chapter 27 – Present (August 2007)
Chapter 28 – He Wears An Ulster Hat (September 2007)
Chapter 29 – Right Backs on the Left (September 2007)
Chapter 30 – SOENISC, The Glory Years (2005 – 2009)
Chapter 31 – Ulster Cherry (2003 – 2005)
Chapter 32 – The Day We Got Relegated (May 2008)
Chapter 33 – Walletless in Trieste (October 2008)
Chapter 34 – Wegoslavia (October 2008)
Chapter 35 – Cod and a Good Romance (2008 – 2009)
Backpacking Centurion – A Northern Irishman’s Journey Through 100 Countries
Backpacking Centurion – A Northern Irishman’s Journey Through 100 Countries
Volume 2 – Lands Down Under
Volume 2 – Lands Down Under
Chapter 36 – Hungarian Dancer (April 2009)
Chapter 37 – Blueberry Muffinhead (11th June 2009, around 11.43 p.m.)
Chapter 38 – Hat-trick of Crescents and an Unstoppable (Summer 2009)
Chapter 39 – Floodgate Streetlight (October 2009)
Chapter 40 – Hereford Away (September 2009)
Chapter 41 – Xinying, Chiayi City and the Don’t Stop Living Globe (October 2009)
Chapter 42 – The Non-Existent 2 a.m. Bus to Taidong (Sunday 11th October 2009)
Chapter 43 – Living in A Land Down Under (October 2009)
Chapter 44 – Dancing with Wolverine: Midnight in Canberra (January 2010)
Chapter 45 – The Defining Backpacker Victory Night (January 2010)
Chapter 46 – Broccoli Fields Forever (February 2010)
Chapter 47 – There A Bottle O’ in Wesley Vale? (February 2010)
Chapter 48 – A Dream Uninspired Return to Taupo (October 2010)
Chapter 49 – Diego Marijuana (November 2010)
Chapter 50 – Proper Frostbit So It Is (November 2010)
Chapter 51 – The Full Montevideo (November 2010)
Chapter 52 – Tres Fronteras, City of the East to Milton Melgar Town (December 2010)
Chapter 53 – Hi Ho Silver Mining (December 2010)
Chapter 54 – A Slow Bus to Cuzco (Christmas 2010)
Chapter 55 – Quito Playing Games with My Heart (December 2010)
Chapter 56 – Swapping Cameras for Cows (New Year’s Eve 2010)
Chapter 57 – Fright of the Navigator (January 2011)
Chapter 58 – In Of Africa (January 2011)
Chapter 59 – Sweet Home Parramatta (February 2011)
Chapter 60 – Where Did it All Go Kong? (June 2011)
Chapter 61 – Chris’s House Party (August 2011)
Chapter 62 – Seoul Mates (December 2011)
Chapter 63 – The X Man (March 2012)
Chapter 64 – Internations and The Business Of Travel Blogging (2011 – 2013)
Chapter 65 – This Is The Day When It All Changed (May 2012)
Chapter 66 – Does South East Asia Deserve a Chapter? (October 2011)
Chapter 67 – Pub Crawl Cluedo: Bury Away (April 2012)
Chapter 68 – Chaos in Laos (July 2012)
Chapter 69 – Christmas in China (December 2012)
Chapter 70 – My Highest Birthday (March 2013)
Chapter 71 – Hyena Feeding in Harar (August 2013)
Chapter 72 – Pyongyangian Rhapsody (September 2013)
Chapter 73 – Staying in a Kibbutz in Israel (September 2013)
Since the pandemic changed our world, travel has for sure become a lot more difficult. We simply don’t do as much travelling, we get less visas, we cross less borders and we spend a lot more time in our native lands. This is the time to truly rediscover our own countries, our own cities and feel at ease with ourselves. And how about romance? Well, romance won’t change much except for the fact that we will probably look for more online options until face to face meeting becomes a reality. All over the USA, many dating apps and websites are trying to lure us in. Tinder, Bumble and regional dating apps are all trying to attract us in with one specific aim – making money for themselves while hoping we all find love. Nice dream. Let’s start off with some options in one of my favourite cities in the USA. We are off to sunny California and Los Angeles. The city of angels of course, this is where it’s at. Here are some options for dating in Los Angeles during these tough times.
1.Zoom Intros
By this we mean those random zoom chats organised by a friend of a friend as some kind of online get together. Wear your best skirt or shirt, grab a drink and look good in front of your laptop. You never know who you might meet. But also – you don’t really know these people yet. That said, it’s a decent way to get introduced to new people.
You never know who you might meet on Zoom
2.Local Dating Websites
While you are staying at home and avoiding the gorgeous beaches of LA, you can try websites like Los Angeles Personals which are all about dating and getting like minded people to connect online. Since you are joining such websites from the comfort of your home you don’t need to worry about protectiong yourself or being mask loyal from the offset. Once you meet the perfect girl or boy, the chance will be there to hopefully meet up face to face and go for a promenade walk down Hermosa Beach, George Best style.
Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles
3.Online Flirting
It might not be just dating or casual friendships you crave. Remember, sex is still a vital part of our existence and we need to feel fulfilled. We want to feel sexy and we want to look good. By delving into some of the cool and flirting dating in Los Angeles websites, you can show the real you. You can upload your photos, add your profile with your hobbies and desires and be ready to matchmake and more importantly – flirting. Wear your sexiest bra, do your hair up girls. For the guys, at least have a shave and put a good shirt out.
This is a good place to start now that we are living in the COVID-19 era. Of course these are just three small tips to help you get started and try and still live a life of adventure in these difficult times. The dream we all crave is of course to be reunited with our friends and families and get travelling again. For the meantime, stay stay and date online, in LA – where you never find the dance floor empty, well except for now…
Best of luck!
Is there anything worse than going on a vacation or a trip and being stuck at an airport? While no one likes being stuck at an airport, there are some things that are not in your control. It is a traveler’s worst nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be so. Only if you know how to spend your time, you can easily turn your nightmare into something fun. In this article, I am going to highlight some of the most entertaining things that you can do while being stuck at an airport so that you don’t feel bored or trapped. So, without further ado, let’s carry on.
4 Things to Do When You Are Stuck At an Airport
Read a Book
The very first and one of my most favorite things to do when stuck at an airport is to read a book. I have made it a habit to carry a book with me anywhere I go. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling through a plane, train, or bus; a book can be your best friend and ensure that you have a good time. If you don’t have a book with you, you can explore the airport and find a bookstore as I am sure that there will be a newsstand or a bookshop nearby. You can also hop onto the internet and find a book to read.
Wander Around and Explore
If you are stuck at an airport, it doesn’t mean that you are restricted from sitting on the waiting chair and wasting your time. You can use that time to explore the city and wander around to find fun things to do. You can take a short trip outside the airport and find some sights and sounds of the country you are in. it will be an amazing experience as you can make it back to your flight just in time meanwhile enjoying your stay to the fullest.
Stay in a Hotel Nearby
If you are at the airport for a long time, you have all the time in the world. Instead of wallowing in your sorrow and cursing the flight, you can make the most of it to enjoy your vacation and trip. For example, if you are in Melbourne, you can look for hotels close to Melbourne airport and pamper yourself with a luxurious stay. You can also get a good sleep over there so that you feel relaxed for your flight rather than feeling tired sitting in the airport lounge waiting for the plane to arrive.
Connect With Your Friends
You should take it as an opportunity to make the most out of it by connecting with your old friends. As you are going to be there for a long time, you can use that time to message and facetime your friends and family and reach them out to entertain you. I am sure that once you are on a call with your loved ones, time is going to fly, and you won’t feel bored or tired.
I have been to Merseyside many times, dating way back to 1996 when I watched Liverpool v. Tottenham Hotspur live at Anfield. The last 7 years or so, my youngest brother Daniel has lived in Liverpool and the Wirral and I was able to visit him about 10 times. I love the vibe of the city. As Autumn approaches in Liverpool, Tranmere, Wallasey and Birkenhead, it’s a super time for romance. Besides, with Brexit looming, get your mind off politics by indulging in some fine dating options in and around Merseyside. Here are some tips for dating in Autumn time in and around Merseyside, England.
Backpacking in Liverpool
1.Dress up for Halloween
A great way to break the ice and meet more Merseyside Singles is to get dressed up for Halloween. Be creative and inventive with your costumes and try not to be too scarey or frightening to put any potential partners off. You could just don some make up, or buy a costume. Just make yourself look attractive and get chatting up other people in the bar. Liverpudlians and Merseysiders love a good party!
2.Use Tinder
Tinder has a clever way of locating potential partners in your vicinity. So if you’re looking for Merseyside Dating for example, you can find it on Tinder. Just download the app and get swiping. If you swipe right and that person matches with you, then you are in luck – you can message each other. If you swipe left, it means you don’t want them.
3.Frequent Bars
Going to bars is a really great way to meet new people in Merseyside. Liverpool itself is thriving with loads of great bars and clubs. I mean, what else would you expect in the city where the Beatles are from. You could even go to the Bunch of Grapes or the Cavern Club – both made famous in the 1960s by the Fab 4. Beatles trails are also possible – a romantic kiss on Penny Lane perhaps, or take her (or him) onto your yellow submarine.
Beatles history, Liverpool
Beatles history, Liverpool
4.Don’t Be Fussy or Choosy
One of the biggest mistakes you could make is to be too fussy or choosy. You don’t pick a partner – it has to be mutual. So think outside the box. Don’t limit yourself to blondes, or rich people, or those who like the same music as you. Be more outgoing and creative. Don’t be shy, don’t be fussy, don’t be choosy, don’t be picky.
5.Join Dating Websites
As mentioned, these days there are many apps and different dating methods to meet. However, online dating through Dating websites is still one of the most popular. You can get to know the potential partners first. This way you can feel trust online before you actually meet. Of course, you need to be careful too but a new partner awaits. Remember – there are plenty other single people in Merseyside in the same situation as you.
Overall, there are a range of ways to hook up with a new romantic challenge in Merseyside, but these five will do for starters. As always – good luck and stay safe!
Going on a vacation is an annual goal that many people have. If you are among the fortunate ones, you can even do it twice or thrice a year. But did you know that some of the best vacation hot spots you can ever visit are casinos? Gone are the days when casinos used to be just a dark smoky hall with a few card games and slot machines. The most luxurious casinos are full of activities you can engage in, apart from gambling. In addition to exquisite suites, you’ll also find shopping malls, restaurants, and various other fun vacation activities. Let us show you some of the best casino holiday resorts in the world.
Sun City Resort and Casino, South Africa
Sun City was opened in 1992 and was built by Sol Kerzner. This grand casino and resort are situated just 100miles from Johannesburg in the North West. Visitors to the Palace of the Lost Palace will be enthralled with the spectacular African theme which envelopes every corner of the casino. As expected, you can play world-class slots, blackjack, roulette and other casino games.
But there’s more to the resort than just gambling. There are two Gary Player golf courses on-site. You can work on your handicap while basking in the beautiful African sun. Visitors will also be treated to a nature walk on the resort grounds where you can view more than 100 species of birds. Would you say you have been to Africa if you didn’t go on a safari? Of course not. Sun City is ideally located close to the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve where you can go on a game drive.
Safari in South Africa
The Venetian Macau, China
Macau has been described as the gambling capital of the world. It features 41 fantastic casinos of which The Venetian is the biggest. This gem is part of the Las Vegas Sands casino empire. It officially opened its doors to patrons in August 2007. It has four luxurious gaming rooms.
The Venetian Casino in Macau.
All in all, there are over 800 tables and 6000 slot machines on site. But this is just the casino. If you are not into placing wagers, you can still enjoy your time at The Venetian. The famous Paiza Club, for instance. You can access the club via guest lifts from the rooms, but it has its entrance and lobby. You’ll also get exclusive access to the Paiza Club Dining and Lounge for gourmet meals. The hotel itself has almost 3000 spacious suites. But with the activities you’ll find at the Cotai Indoor Arena like basketball, tennis, and boxing, why would you want to stay inside?
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, Las Vegas
These are two sister hotels, both sharing similar but stunning architecture. It’s easy to see why this name is on the list. There’s no other casino in the world that holds more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards. In total, you have 4,750 spectacular rooms from which to pick. The well thought out curved shape of both properties means you’ll have panoramic views all round. On top of numerous casino games, the Wynn also has over 20 signature restaurants and nightclubs.
But if you are unfamiliar with the games, it would be ideal to practice a little before you head to Vegas. At Gamble.xyz, you can find highly rated casinos offering real money games, so that you can learn the basic strategies of Roulette and Blackjack. Once you feel comfortable with the games, you can then plan your trip to Vegas!
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The magnificent Marina Bays Sands is the darling of Asia. It is recognised as one of the most expensive casino properties worldwide. Some estimates put its value at $5.88billion. The designers used this hefty chunk of change to build the largest atrium casino in the world. Marina Bay Sands has more than 1,600 slots and 500 table games. This alone would make the Marina Bay Sands an ideal holiday destination. But if you know anything about Singapore, you’ll know they had to add some more.
So to give visitors a jaw-dropping experience, the casino was fitted with a skywalk spanning 350 metres. This iconic feature has become a dominant part of the Singapore skyline. 67m above the ground, as part of the skywalk, is also another spectacular showing of opulence. Guests can view the majestic horizon of Singapore sipping champagne in the 150m long infinity swimming pool. We can’t leave out The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Mall. This is a collection of 300 exclusive boutiques and restaurants.
Written by Nat Smith, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.
Pet Care Solutions for Travellers
Each time you jet to a new destination, you’re on a unique, unforgettable adventure. Wouldn’t you like your pet to experience the same thing while you’re away?
Kennels and other one-size-fits-all approaches to pet care are not always ideal. They may not give your pet enough attention, or even turn her away because of breed, size, or temperament. So how do you find a caregiver as sweet, kind, and loving as your four-legged friend?
That’s where Rover.com comes in. Built as a supportive community for dog lovers, its experienced, professional sitters offer care for all kinds of pets. The site thoroughly vets all of its caregivers, conducting background checks and offering extensive information and support. The nationwide network can give you options whether you’re in a dense, urban area or a rural locale.
You get to know and trust sitters through a multi-tiered process. First, their profiles tell you about who they are, what they’re passionate about, and why they love caring for animals. Next, you can look to reviews from other owners to get a better sense of their capabilities. Finally, you’ll meet in person, and you can ask more questions and observe their interactions with your pet. Rover offers a handy guide for selecting the best sitter for your needs.
Pet Care Solutions for Travellers
Sitters can board your pet in their own home, or house-sit where you live. Which is best? That will depend on your preferences and your pet’s disposition. There are many reasons you might look for someone to stay in your home: If you have multiple animals, pets who experience anxiety away from home, or you’ll be away long enough that a house-sitter would be especially apt.
Pet Care Solutions for Travellers
Otherwise, boarding your animal in another home can have its upsides: You can rent out your own space with sites like Airbnb, for instance. If your pet is adaptable, they’ll love the adventure of a change of scenery, and the stay can be a vacation for them as well. Exploring new places, making new friends, and playing on new terrain will contribute to a wonderful experience.
Ideally, you’ll find a sitter who can take your loved one under their wing every time you travel. Building a consistent, loving bond like this will make your travel a highlight, rather than a disappointment, to your pet.
Imagine packing for your next adventure and seeing your dog perk up with the knowledge of what’s coming, instead of moping beside your suitcase. As you drop him off at his sitter’s home, you’ll see him excitedly greet his sitter. While you’re gone, you’ll get regular updates: texts, photos, and even videos if you’d like. You’ll be free to enjoy everything about your trip, knowing that your beloved pet is having the time of his life.
Crossing World Borders is well connected inside the travel blogging community and I highly recommend these other excellent travel sites and blogs to to help you out on your holidays and journeys round the world. This will be updated as I go, if you want to feature, send me a message with your website link and details and a link to Crossing World Borders on your own site. Meet my border buddies: Crossing World Borders Top Travel Sites:
Gap Year Extreme
Gateway to China
X Y Z
Some Cool Teaching and Travel Sites:
Some Other Travel Sites:
Travelling Cheaply – Spend less. See More! Budget travel advice to help you and your money travel go further.
Travel on your Lonesome – Solo Travel Advice for Solo Travellers – Helping you create your own adventure.
Worldwide Travel Advice – Your first stop for worldwide travel insights, tips and advice.
You vs the Globe – Take on the world and win! Global travel advice and insights.
Sites By Country/Specific Destination:
My Travel Mates Websites!! (all mates from my travels!!!):
My Recommended E-Books:
Traditionalists might argue that the best way to find love and meet a potential partner is through real life and everyday street life. These could be from normal everyday situations, through work, through studies, through friends or just going out to bars and chatting to people. We all meet our partners in different ways. However these days, as travellers, nomads and tourists, finding love on the road is something that is happening much more often and is a joy.
From Tinder to Online Dating Sites, there is something truly magical and mysterious about looking for love online. You can also localise it, depending on where you are based, for example Scottish people looking for online love might look on a Tayside Dating Site, whereas those in Northern Ireland will more than likely look at Belfast Dating Options.
Once you have signed up and become a member of an online dating site, the fun really begins in earnest! Here are a few exciting things you can expect as you prepare to find that one true love, where your love for each other will last forever.
1.Icebreaking
There is that first moment when you say Hi to your potential date. It is sometimes a nervous time. You have to break the ice somehow. Whether it is just chatting online about each other’s lives and interest, or sending photos, or doing video chats. Skype and What’s App can be a great way to break the ice by doing video chats or Facetime so you can judge each other’s reactions and know both parties are honest and legitimate. Tread carefully of course, but once the ice is broken, who knows…
2.Researching
As it is the online world, we must also be very careful who we trust. There are some true maniacs and crazy people online and it is important therefore to be vigilant and build trust. Don’t rush into a meeting so quickly, and yes – DO research your potential date. If they are not on Facebook, Twitter, or any online presence, are they real? Bots and Scams can happen so do your research. If they are on Facebook and Instagram, all the better. Add your date and get to know each other online too, before the big moment – the face to face meeting.
The face to face meeting
3.Actually Meeting
This is your time to shine and impress your partner! Arrange a classic first meeting. Be it a romantic dinner after meeting at a famous landmark. Be it a cinema date. Be it a cruise. Or even be it a party with other friends too, be sure to dress to impress and to look and feel your best. Both of you want a good time, so be ready for a new adventure.
4.Love, and Beyond
The real dream here is of course to fall in love and find an everlasting desire for each other. Many marriages and long term relationships started online. In fact, these days it is becoming more and more common. As millenials get busier in their lives, turning to the phone or laptop of the start of a romance is no longer a mere notion, but a total reality. So be ready for the journey. What starts as a little seed or acorn will grow big. Work hard at your relationship and may the best partner ever be yours for the rest of your life!
Good luck!
Family activity holidays provide a great opportunity for all of the family to enjoy some inhibited fun, spend some quality time together, bond and create an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Therefore, it is vitally important that when deciding on your family holiday, you pick a great destination. One of the most popular and highly recommended family adventure holidays is to go on one of the available Grand Canyon tours. This blog post will reveal why Grand Canyon tours are so great and why you should consider booking one.
First and foremost, the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, which is reason alone to visit. The other six being the Great Barrier Reef, the Victoria Falls, Aurora, Mount Everest, the Paricutin volcano, and the harbour of Rio De Janeiro. How remarkable will it be for you and your children to say they have visited one of these? There is so much history and culture behind the Grand Canyon and so to witness such beauty and depth of meaning is something all can appreciate and enjoy. Furthermore, the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world which is easier to access and whereby cheaper deals can be found.
In addition to this, there are tons and tons of exciting wildlife you can witness whilst visiting the Grand Canyon. And trust me; you do not have to be an animal lover to find the experience exciting and unique. The animals on display include horned owls and coyotes. In fact, there are approximately 355 types of bird, 89 different mammals, 47 types of reptile, 17 species of fish and 9 different amphibians in the canyon alone.
In addition to wildlife and history, the sightseeing experience is a fascinating one. You will be able to witness some remarkable beauty in the rock contours on display. A lot of people worry about going on sightseeing holidays when they have children because they are concerned that they will be bored. This is an understandable concern. However, this will not be the case if you opt to go on a Grand Canyon tour. In fact, the helicopter ride itself will be enough to keep them satisfied for the entire vacation.
Finally, millions and millions of people visit the Grand Canyon every year, whether purely to sightsee or as part of global adventure challenges. This should provide you with an indication as to how successful it is as a family activity holiday destination. Surely all of these people can’t have terrible taste. The beauty of the Grand Canyon is something you truly have to witness yourself; it is not something which can be justified through the use of words.
All in all, it is plain to see why so many families decide to take advantage of one of the many Grand Canyon tours available. They are something all ages can enjoy, there are tons of wildlife on display, a heap of history and culture to experience and of course a mass of beauty for the eye to behold. What more could you possibly want?
