Travel
Lille: ugly sister or cinderella?
That episode when THE MUSE can’t afford to go to Paris so she ends up trying to find the chic and shabby in Lille, Paris’s neglected cousin in the North.
Ode to children, the world over
That episode where THE MUSE gets schooled by a group of school children and gets inspired to write a poem/ode in their honour.
When buses become abuses
The episode when THE MUSE catches a ride with cabbages in Laos and lives to pay the physio.
Garden view on London and life
That episode where THE MUSE goes to the center of London to visit a “garden in the sky” and has a close encounter with the big guy himself – Darwin.
Golden Temple: a lesson in service
That episode where THE MUSE goes to visit the sacred Golden Temple in Amritsar and discovers a level of service and humility that is worth its weight in gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (???)
City snapshot: Bikaner
That episode where THE MUSE goes in search of Camel Festival in the desert and ends up in a Monty Python sketch called Bikaner. But the light was good and the people on the right side of odd, so some good photos ensued.
City snapshot: Pushkar
That episode where THE MUSE finds her golden oasis in the desert and a kite festival to keep her occupied.
Pushkar Kite festival: a curious clash of colour and culture
That episode where little colour paper squares provide reels of amusement for THE MUSE and her fellow musers in Pushkar.
Incredible India. Indeed
“India is incredible”, in a way the tourism department wasn’t bargaining on. It’s incredible in that open mouth, shaking head kind of way. And it doesn’t always make sense, which has a way of frustrating Read more…
Survivor: Sleeper class
Whoever said “hard travel makes you culturally tolerant” never travelled Sleeper Class on an Indian train for more than 12 hours. If they had they would know that culturally tolerant is not the by-product of Read more…
Agra? Agro? Agree?
Aah Agro, the home slash prison of the 48-hour tourist and the happy jailers who service them.It’s package tourist heaven or hell, depends on which side of the reception desk you are standing on. Pic: Read more…
Between the lines
India is overwhelming. It crams every person, action, idea into one frame, confusing and overwhelming you so that you see everything and nothing at the same time. It’s hard to focus on small moments, everyday Read more…
7 Hampi characters and stereotypes you might recognise
Hampi is one of those places where there’s a lot to do but no hurry to do it. You could fill up your day with activities that rise and set with the sun. You can Read more…
It takes a village [to complete this blog]
In Africa we have a saying “it takes a village to raise a child”. In Asia I have a saying, “it takes a village to raise a photographer.” We found that village, this morning – Read more…
16 hours in Bangalore
Pic: Kind of how how we felt when we arrived in Bangalore It felt like a geocaching mission – that recreational activity where you use a smart device to hide and seek treasures called caches. We Read more…
Arrival day: what the first 24 hours say about your trip
I have one rule for arrival day – never ever make a non-essential purchase, unless you are under the influence of a very strong currency or a very short itinerary. I was under neither, which Read more…
Up for the challenge?
The muse is a gregarious loner. But she’s always up for a challenge. And she’s about to get one. For the next two months. So if you be a curious person, in want of an Read more…
5 things to know about travelling with your partner
Have you ever watched your partner eat an apple? Mine has and it still baffles him how evolution hasn’t made a historic example of me yet. You see I start by eating the tight, crispy Read more…
Would you call yourself “patriotic”?
“Are you patriotic?” he said getting up from his camper chair, revealing the stars and stripes that had been squashed under his generous ass. It was an American flag design. His wife had the matching Read more…
Free Saigon! (and other cheap thrills to enjoy in a city of 10 million people and 5 million motorbikes, give or take a few thousand bicycles)
Saigon is a city of slashes. Saigon slash Ho Chi Minh. Traditional/Modern. Communist/Capitalist. Friendly/Insistent. In true South East Asian style, the city’s main attractions are found on the streets for all to enjoy and few Read more…
We are all plastic
You might have heard. Renee Zellweger has taken the lead in a new drama that is currently being played out on the small screens and minds of society. The drama: her face has changed. Her Read more…

The most NB part of planning a long trip
Laos, Thailand, Travel, USA, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Travel, USA, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Travel, USA, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Travel, USA, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Travel, USA, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Travel, USA, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Travel, USA, VietnamThe most NB part of planning a long trip
Planning a long trip (5 months or more) abroad is fun. The slow boat rides down the Mekong, the sidewalks cafes in Hanoi, the tropical waters and fish in Thailand. Everything new and exciting is Read more…
Five reasons why it’s good to be a South African traveller
We may live in a global village of (superficial) tolerance and (capitalistic) freedom but when you travel beyond your continental rim, you soon discover that it actually matters where you come from. Especially in Asia Read more…
Wanna be a high flyer?
People who say flying long distance is relaxing are either flying high on Valium or Business Class. Probably both, washed down with bottomless champagne and endless attention. (Covet) I like flying (the start of a new journey, the excitement Read more…
Why “Let’s make a deal” is not the Wheel of Fortune
After 4 months of keeping a low carbon footprint (for economic not social reasons) I was tired of looking like a poor hippie backpacker. I could feel it was time for a wardrobe (and maybe Read more…
Only in Hollywood
There are cities you know you’re going to love (Paris, Florence, Berlin, Cape Town) …. some that you catch at a really bad time (San Francisco, Amsterdam) and need to revisit when they are feeling Read more…
Lake Isabella: a name by any other name would be Lake Tammy
Lake Isabella – the name glides over my tongue like a babbling brook, conjuring up quiet images of glacial lakes that reflecting elegant visitors who stroll, never walk, along its banks and stop off to Read more…
Harbin Hot Springs: no fig leaf required
There’s something about staring straight into the scrotum of a reclining man, his legs expertly framing his genitalia like a seasoned Da Vinci nude, that awakens your conservative upbringing, where even the sight of an Read more…
Lake Tahoe: a small encounter with a dangerous creature
After 10 days of Burning Man emergence, a sensory overload of lights, fire, noise, heat and dust (the sneaky kind that buries itself into your luggage like a desperate stowaway), all you want is cool Read more…
Burning Man: Welcome Home
Burning Man: “Welcome Home” (part 1) There comes a time in every writer’s adventures when you meet your creative match and get Half Nelsoned by its sheer size and overwhelming power. Burning Man floored me, Read more…
Stranded on the isle of supermarkets
You know you’re headed for a consumer catastrophe of the capitalistic kind when you find yourself stuck in the supermarket, staring vacantly into the glass bowels of the fridge, mesmerized by the choice of milks on display. Read more…
The great travel debate: book vs gadget?
Actually, there’s no debate. I was lying. This is me putting my case forward. You see I am a migrating muse in the more traditional sense. Birds flying north for the African winter. I have Read more…
Bangkok: celebrating small pockets of tolerance
Bangkok has got me thinking about tolerance. Being able to make my contribution to the streets of archetypes and stereotypes, the hippies, jocks, hipsters, hillbillies, slobs, strung out rockers, slobs, punks, goths of the world. Read more…
A salute to WHY? and the entrepreneurial guy
You’ve got to love the entrepreneurial spirit. (Well you don’t but I do). The dreamer, the schemer, the uncompromising spirit that tacks on “WHY?” to every rational argument you throw their way, no matter how small their Read more…
Bangkok: staying awake to life
Life is forcing me to slow down. I want to speed it up. I only have one week left in SE Asia and there’s so much to do and see. But no, I’ve been put on Read more…
Clash of the corals: Snorkeling vs Diving
Something is bubbling in my blood, and it’s not excess nitrogen. I recently went on two open water dives in Koh Tao, followed by a snorkelling day that took me to five different sites around Read more…
Notes from a small-eish island
Aah, yes, island life… Clear waters, colourful fish and sand sharks – those schools of businesses that prey on your wallet like it was a fat little seal wondering into its feeding zone, ignorant of Read more…
Thailand: Mum’s the word
In the film industry there’s a saying “never work with children and animals”. The unpredictability will kill you. In travel there’s an equally dire warning “never travel with babies and mothers”. The predictability will kill you. Read more…
Swings and roundabouts
I live my life by “swings and roundabouts”. The long-term game. The bigger picture.It’s a life lesson as much as a travel one. You overpay on a taxi ride and find a bargain in a Read more…
Pic/poem: Same same but different
Children are the same the world over. This is a poem for them and for Madiba, a man who always had time for children and laughter. Happy Birthday Tata. Some children are older than their years Others Read more…
Cafe Vietnam vs Laos Coffee (but maybe Beer Laos)
Lao and Vietnam share many things – borders, food, a love of motorbikes and backpackers in search of offbeat adventures and decent WiFi. What Laos doesn’t share with its Eastern neighbour is the same styled Read more…
Central Laos: The (demi) Loop
The town of Thakhek is no great coconut shake. It’s got the Mekong so you are guaranteed some gorgeous golden sunsets and a cool evening breeze as you sip Beer Laos by the waterfront but that’s as far Read more…
Video: fancy a boat trip thru a limestone cave?
Backpackers are funny creatures. Some might say fickle or just plain hypocritical. We want local food… but prepared in a western way to western dietary standards. We freak out when we hear the word “organised” is followed by Read more…
Laos: too much transport for one day
It all started with an aisle seat on a local bus. In Laos, that means you get to sit on a plastic stool in the middle of the aisle. Literally. PIC: when in Loas, don’t ask for the Read more…
video: Wat or what not?
The Muse was instantly amused by the gilded buildings and ornate temples before her. After all, it’s another shiny bright thing, which is guaranteed to attract and distract her. But then she got really confused. She had thought all that is Read more…
Do you have WiFi?
I met this nice young girl from Canada. I forget her name but I remember her enthusiasm. It was about as fresh and dewy as her skin. She spent 30 minutes telling me about her trip Read more…
Video++: Border (not so) cross
If you need to be scared into flying across Asia and the like, then type the words “Border crossing on a local bus”. You will find the SEO friendly “hell ride” often in caps “NIGHTMARE BUS”, scenes seemingly cut and paste Read more…
Grow with the flow (not with the mould)
I love travelling solo. You have so much freedom…. You get to wonder the streets without a plan or schedule, following your gut, which inevitably leads you to some delicious pastry or coffee shop. You Read more…
How do you know when it’s time to move on?
We’ve all had the experience…. A tiny thought, which you quickly set aside. You busy yourself with “important stuff” when you’re actually just out shopping for stuff you only really need to plug that empty, Read more…
The great “cloth-thing” audition
If your bag looks like this after just a few weeks on the road, then you’ve probably failed “the great cloth-thing audition”. “Packing a bag” is something people do for a 2-week vacation in Mauritius. “Selecting outfits” Read more…
Video plus: The best travel accessory?
The Muse explains why the hippy headscarf is not a dodgy fashion accessory but a true travel necessity…. All hail the hippy headband from cat pritchard on Vimeo. Some of my other favourite lightweight, multipurpose travel accessories… Read more…
Video: The Muse meets a struggle leader
On her mission to find fun and free things to do in Hanoi, the Muse stumbles across the great revolutionary leader himself and lives to tell the tale….
Why Sapa town should make you head for the hills
It took me three days to speak to any of the tribal women in Sapa town, let alone arrange a homestay with one of the local Hmong women. Their way of welcoming you to Sapa Read more…
PvR (Perception vs Reality)
Vietnam is a lesson in context. Travelling a lesson in perspective. So many things look and sound good on the surface but dig a little deeper or look a little closer and you will discover Read more…
We need to talk about Kevin
Meet Kevin – a 27 year-old Australian with a business degree. What is Kevin doing? Posting travel photos on Facebook? Skyping a friend in Adelaide? Kevin is teaching himself Programming. He does this for 8 Read more…
On snoring, boob fondling and the great dental floss stampede
One in three Vietnamese men snore. How do i know this? Four sleeper beds. Three vietnamese men. One open throat vocalist. A tenor, as far as I can tell. Except who wants to listen to acapella opera Read more…
Dear Socialist Republic of Vietnam
I am very flattered at the personal care you are giving to my friend’s birthday card on its trip to south african shores. I hope it has proved a good read by your many government minions and Read more…
Unnatural states of being
The body coughs. the mind sneezes a dirty thought. I am seeing sickness all around me. I am sitting at a street cafe on Cat Ba island watching a dinner fish swim sideways in a fish Read more…
oh the places…
Oh the places we will go and the people we will meet The adventures that will impress on the souls of our feat the street sounds that will filter through our open heart and hands as Read more…
Cat Ba: sick and tired
Traveling is glamorous. It’s all exciting adventures, unusual experiences and great food in between. But turn the postcard around and you have the “wish you weren’t here right now to see me lying flat on my back Read more…
Ninh Binh: hammers, sickles and fertile soils
Communism works. Very hard. I hear it hammering away, even on Sunday mornings, to create more shops, hotels, guest houses and bridges to connect commerce to the world. Guess this must be one of those Read more…
Hue: on loss and losing it
Today is a sad day. I lost my samsung S4. It’s new, it’s expensive and it’s not insured. It’s also filled with all my street photos from the last month, voice recordings and contacts. Without Read more…
Hue: Notes from a breakdown
I don’t often roam the streets looking for tripadvisor/lonely planet restautants. Partly because its a frustrating process that forces you to stop every few meters to pull out your map/ book/ phone. So u usually Read more…
Hoi An: an ode to mornings and musicals
Small towns have this kind of universal quality to them. They all seem to follow strong morning routines and rituals and there is usually no shortage of “characters” with nicknames taken from their occupation (Doc/ Read more…
Downgrade Day
The first week into any trip is the honeymoon period. Everything is bright and colourful, the noises are delightful, the people “exotic” and the shopping so interesting and varied. Or at least that’s the story Read more…
Hoi An: Dawn cracks
There’s nothing quite so satisfying as snatching a few hours of the day from your fellow travellers and locals. Getting up before the dawn cracks open like an egg, spilling its golden goodness into the Read more…
Hoi An: having more fun with my clothes on
“Silly man”, I thought as I walked the long stretch of An bang beach in the evening, past scenes of more silly men, like the older guy, fully clothed, lying on his back, rolling around Read more…
Five signs you are staying in a SH**OTEL
The bonus about traveling to Asia on a weak currency is that you can actually stay in a hotel or some version of it. You don’t have to hit up a colleague’s sister’s friend who Read more…
Hoi An musing: Small encounters, bigger questions
Anyone could see I was lost. I had cycled back and forth on the same stretch of road, each time stopping at a side road to consult a rudimentary map. He must have seen me. He Read more…