The world according to bilbo_baggins
Mountain/Desert/Ocean/Jungle... which one are you?
Ocean definitely. Winter storms, summer breezes. I love mountains too, but can no longer climb them. Desert - too hot and dry. Jungle - too hot and wet.
What was your first great travel experience?
Hitchhiking through Europe (UK - Istanbul) in 1971 with a girl friend on £60 each. We stayed away for 10 weeks, got as far as Istanbul and the Greek Islands (Ios without cars) and that was the start of my travelbug. I still remember the hairy moments when we had to make a quick exit!
What has been your favourite journey?
Overland to India from London in 1973. Just amazing, and would love to do it again (in more comfort) when I retire - though maybe bypassing Afghanistan and Pakistan for now.
What are your Top 5 places worldwide?
Franschhoek nr Cape Town for the food, wine and spectacular mountain views.
Vancouver Island - Flower filled Victoria, wild and windswept Pacific Rim, black bears, salmon, orcas, totem poles in Alert Bay.
Yosemite National Park, CA, USA - just stunning.
Australia - in particular the Red Centre and Alice Springs environs.
Cornwall - laid back quiet fishing villages, wide, sandy beaches, fish and chips and clotted cream teas.
Recommend a special place to stay
Klein Bosheuwel near Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. Great hosts, great breakfasts, lovely views, and close enough to Kirstenbosch Gardens to stroll there in the evenings.
Which three items do you always pack?
camera, sunscreen and a notebook (to record all those experiences of course)
Which passport stamp are you proudest of?
Afghanistan, although it was a close call as the young man I was travelling with almost refused to get his hair cut, and hair longer than the collar was a definite no-no!
Which passport stamp would you most like to have?
New Zealand. I know not very exotic, but a place I have always been interested in (must be the hobbit in me) and for some reason my OH loves sheep (must be the Welsh in him)
Where or what is your guilty travel pleasure?
Drinking the local red wine. Its a tough job but someone has to do it.
Window or aisle?
Definitely window - it keeps me sane as I get quite claustrophobic when they insist on closing all the blinds. I love seeing a blood red sunrise too!!