SUBSCRIBE (To Receive New Blog Alerts)
Enjoy my writing? CLICK TO DONATE

Tag

travel

Environment, Travel

From Frozen Shores to Glasgow Glory: Winning Best Documentary at the Glasgow Film Awards!

We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to announce that our documentary,’ ANATARCTICA. A Life Changing Experience’ has won the Best Documentary award at the prestigious Glasgow Film Awards! This recognition from the Glasgow Awards, celebrating the best of Scottish film and beyond, is a monumental achievement for our small team, and for the vital work of the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC).

But just what is the work these organisations are doing? Why was my visit there a life changing experience and why did it compel me to want this documentary to be made?

Read more
March 6, 2025
3556
Environment

Small Changes, Big Impact: How Transition Streets Can Help You Live More Sustainably

I am delighted to announce my involvement with a valuable program called Transition Streets. It’s all about bringing neighbours together to make a positive impact on our community and the environment.

Transition Streets is a grassroots initiative that started in Totnes, England 2010/11, and has since spread to communities in both the US and Australia. The basic idea is that we don’t wait for others, or governments to take action; small groups of neighbours get together to learn about ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably by taking practical action together.

Here’s how it works…

Read more
February 10, 2025
3665
Environment, Travel

Another Place

Just the name itself attracts me!

Set on the tranquil shores of Ullswater in the Lake District, this somewhat contemporary hotel, ‘Another Place, The Lake‘, is nestled amongst the trees with breathtaking views of the fells and the lake. It’s quite a mystical spot in one respect, in that we arrive there and seem to relax instantly! For me this perfect holiday scenario is backed up by the hotel’s extensive ‘sustainability’ programme, of which I am learning much more this trip.

Imagine my joy when I found out that The Machrie, where we had booked to stay on the Isle of Islay, had been acquired by ‘Another Place’.

I had to find out what their plans were…..

Read more
November 22, 2024
3736
Environment, Travel

Meet Delta, the Caracara – the intelligent, and somewhat OCD Bird of Prey!

At The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Come and meet the characters at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre – and I don’t mean Stewart and Kevin, the very hands on owners and falconry experts at the centre. But the many rescued and restored to health hawks, owls, raptors and eagles and then some unexpected visitors like Delta, the Caracara.

But first, let me tell you why this centre is so important, why we actively support them and why you might consider doing the same.

Read more
November 2, 2024
4101
Environment, Travel

Captivated by Their Charm, my Heart Melts for Penguins… look what happened

The WildLife Conservation Film Festival: Official Selection!!

This latest selection of our Antarctica documentary film for The WildLife Conservation Film Festival is a significant achievement, as it underscores the critical message of conservation we aim to convey.

The festival’s focus on wildlife conservation aligns perfectly with the film’s mission to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the region, from climate change to wildlife preservation. Being part of this festival amplifies our film’s impact, fostering important conversations and inspiring action to protect one of the planet’s last untouched frontiers.

Read more
October 10, 2024
3657
Travel

43,100 Feet ‘Spa Experience!

That ‘First Class’ Emirates A380 Flight

Always wondered what it’s like to fly First Class to Maldives, transitioning through Dubai, with Emirates? We did too and well, life really is too short not to experience it once, given the opportunity.

Showering at 43,100 feet in a plane is certainly a far cry from the cramped, uncomfortable long haul flight of our normal Economy Class, so I was looking forward to this experience. But would it really stand up to my scrutiny and was it worth the extra, significant, cost?

Read on to get the answer…. oh and watch the videos, that’s a good way to come with me for this Emirates First Class experience.

Read more
October 4, 2024
3798
Environment, Travel

Best Short Documentary: Award Winning Film

Penguins are my heart’s compass, leading me to a world of pure joy and endless fascination.

Officially ‘Award Winning’ at the Rome International Short Film Festival for our ‘Antarctica. A Life Changing Experience’ documentary. Thrilled!

A master of his art Bruno Zaugg, Design-Factory GmbH, the film producer and director, has expertly and sensitively created this documentary, showcasing my passion for this region of the planet, especially my passion for penguins, the challenges the wildlife faces through the accelerated climate change and some simple steps we can all take to reduce our negative effect on the planet.

Read more
September 26, 2024
3580
Environment, Travel

Nurturing Turtles in the Burj Al Arab

What’s the story here?

One that’s not obvious to guests staying at the Burj Al Arab.

My turtle discovery journey started right outside the Jumeirah Al Naseem, where several ‘recovery’ lagoons are located and you can participate in daily turtle feeding (not during the very hot summer months, they tuck them away somewhere cooler). Afterwards, I spoke to one of the staff who surprised me! There’s a whole rehabilitation programme, right at the Burj Al Arab. We were able to get a ‘back of house’ tour with the Aquarium and Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project Director, Barbara Lang-Lenton.

This was one of those moments where you realise you don’t have to scratch far under the surface to find the unexpected. This is what we saw…

Read more
September 17, 2024
3934
Environment, Travel

The Nine Day Scientist

Expedition cruises can be unique learning experiences. And we aren’t talking just history and culture but also taking part in some very useful Polar Citizen Science.

If you have read my Citizen Science blog from Antarctica, then you know it was something I found pretty cool on that expedition. Why? Because it’s a way of giving back of course. Was going to be interesting to compare what we found in the Antarctic to the Arctic.

From plant identification to collecting plankton samples, here is what ‘us passengers’ got up to, doing their bit for Polar Citizen Science on our recent ‘Circumnavigating Spitsbergen In The Realm of the Polar Bear’ voyage – hence the 9 scientist day reference! This time I wanted to get out on the science zodiac taking samples… or that’s what I thought!

Read more
September 12, 2024
3888
Travel

BUCKET LIST Helicopter Flight From the Most Famous Helipad in the World: Burj Al Arab

Has to be done – add it to your bucket list!

We took the helicopter sightseeing tour of Dubai, from what is touted to be the most famous helipad in the world. Remember Tiger Woods tee’ing off and Roger Federer vs Andre Agassi tennis match on top of this iconic hotel? Loved David Coulthard’s F1 ‘donuts’ – this helipad boasts plenty of historic events. And we were there!

But just what was the experience like?

Read more
August 29, 2024
4689
Close