The world according to Travelyarder
Mountain/Desert/Ocean/Jungle... which one are you?
Each in its own time
What was your first great travel experience?
Arriving as an 18-year-old innocent South African at Luxembourg airport - and it's snowing. First time away from home, first sight of snow. I still feel the mix of thrill and fear.
What has been your favourite journey?
Waiting for days at the San Pedro de Atacama border post for the pass between Chile and Bolivia to be declared snow-free. Then 4 days in a jeep with partner and 2 other Brits, 2 Chileans and Romero the Grumpy Driver across the breathtaking (not only due to altitude) scenery of the altiplano. White lake, green lake and, most spectacular of all, red lake with thousands of pink flamingoes and a snow-capped volcano in the background. No-one else around due to snow delays. I think I've just talked myself into going again.
What are your Top 5 places worldwide?
Bolivian altiplano, after a snow storm delayed and separated you from the other gringos.
That little unnamed sandy cove that hides an Olympic sized natural sea pool near my parents in Onrus River (South Africa)
Rannoch Moor (Scotland) on foot
The dunes near Khuri, Rajasthan
Sossusvlei, Namibia. 40 degrees and nothing moving.
Galapagos
Recommend a special place to stay
The Glen Affric Youth Hostel in the Scottish Highlands. Nearest town - well, it's in the middle of nowhere, really, but probably Inverness. It's remote (even the hostel warden has to walk 4 miles from the nearest road) and you have to take everything you need on your back. Nestled in a towering mountain bowl with the smell of heather and the whistle of kestrels as entertainment.
Which three items do you always pack?
Marmite (x3)
Which passport stamp are you proudest of?
Cuba (especially since the next port of call was the US, via Costa Rica, of course)
Which passport stamp would you most like to have?
Tibet. The Chinese guard at the border with Nepal would only chap my paper permit, despite pleading for a passport entry.
Where or what is your guilty travel pleasure?
Realising that 'getting there' is sometimes 80% of the thrill. I suspect I'm addicted to forward motion/getting to the next unseen place. Not good.