Mongolia is not a country renowned for being vegetarian-friendly. Because of the traditional nomadic lifestyle, as well as the harsh climate, growing vegetables hasn’t formed part of the local way of life.
People joke that in Mongolia you eat meat, more meat, with a side order of meat on top of that. So Intrepid’s Laura Carroll was pleasantly surprised to find that, at least in Ulaanbaatar, it’s possible to be vegetarian without too much trouble…
“In the city, there are actually three purely vegetarian restaurants. Ananda Cafe supports the Lotus Children’s Centre and local teens gain work experience by serving up tasty vegetarian dishes on a menu that changes every day. It’s a good place to go, knowing that in addition to enjoying a good meal you’re also supporting a good cause.
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While you’re hanging out waiting for your Intrepid USA road trip to kick off, here’s some great tips on how to spend your time in the City of Angels from Intrepid’s own Carly Wallis…
“Los Angeles is full of excesses so I had a fabulous time indulging. Whilst not famous for being the prettiest of cities, LA is generally a starting point for journeys in the west and it is well worth a few days if you can handle the pace. Here are my top tips for a great time in Los Angeles:
1. Any trip has to include Hollywood, see a film at the Chinese Mann Theatre - you might even be lucky enough to be there for a premiere, and definitely find your favourite movie star’s footprints in the sidewalk. A few hours should be enough to dedicate to this area of LA.
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Many antiperspirants and deodorants are as harmful for you as they are for the environment, but there is a simple survival tip that is a great green option, will save you cash and can come in handy when caught short travelling.
The secret ingredient is baking soda. Simply sprinkle a small amount on a damp cloth, then pat it on and don’t rinse off. You’ll be amazed how well this neutralises sweaty smells, but if you’d enjoy a little more perfume, then try this easy trick…
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By the time Ian Wright was 8 years old, the three things that were to be his passions in life, were already well evident. Those three things are a love of travel, a fascination with the art of photography and an academic interest in how individuals and societies function. Ian Wright is escorting Intrepid’s special Morocco Through the Lens trips this September, and here’s an insight into the professional photographer behind the lens…
“While there are many subjects for travel photographers - and of course each travel photographer has his or her personal interests - to me, travel photography is fundamentally about an engagement with people.
Don’t get me wrong, I love taking landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, interiors, gardens, wildlife etc and enjoy all the technical understanding of camera technique, composition and photo editing. But photographing how people live is - to me - the heart of the matter. As Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “Photography is nothing - it’s life that interests me.” Another of the greats - Edward Weston - commented that, “Ultimately success or failure in photographing people depends on the photographer’s ability to understand his fellow man.”
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Thailand: a country where cares and worries ooze away… by Catherine Graham
“Thailand has so much to offer it is difficult to pinpoint just one element and still truly capture its magic. The experience gained from this country culminates from so many separate novelties on so many levels, I guess I just don’t know where to start…the Thai manner, service and friendliness, the temperature, the frantic yet exciting atmosphere of Bangkok, the peace and beauty of southern islands, the delicious cuisine, the quaint stalls and markets, the list goes on.
If I could cover every positive element from my two week holiday in Thailand, I would. However I will have to settle for one outstanding evening on Ko Pha-Ngan, down on party central: Haad Rin beach.
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It can be easy to put a foot wrong when we travel, but thanks to our Intrepid Russia team, here are some responsible travel tips to help you get it right…
In Moscow it won’t cost you a ruble to visit the Sakharov Museum, which tells the history of repression and human rights in Russia from the revolution onwards. Another great option is the newly-designed ‘Eco Walk’ to Vorobyovy Gory. The walk to the city’s highest point marks Moscow’s first attempt at recycling bins, bird feeders for the local wildlife and information about the nature of the area.
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What could be sweeter than Italy, when the roses are in bloom and the weather is warm? And as Intrepid traveller John Kirk attests, don’t put your Italy trip on ice, because a wonderful gastronomic adventure also awaits…
“Italy offers many tantalising treats, but none so sweet and addictive as its gelato in summer. I pretty much did a gelato tour of Italy with Intrepid’s La Dolce Vita, having at least one, but more often two cones (cono) or cups (coppa) each day.
Within an hour of checking into my hotel in Rome, I was standing at the amazing Trevi Fountain trying to decide which of the many gelateria surrounding the fountain would provide my first taste of real Italian iced confection. I joined the queue in the Gelateria di San Crispino, not knowing at the time that it has reputedly the best gelato in Italy. What a way to start my adventure!
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World-class gymnasts, Dracula and Ceaucescu - that’s the most many of us know about Romania. But when Intrepid’s Tina Gerets decided to study in this East European country it opened up a beautiful world of adventures and walking in Transylvania was her favourite way to spend the weekend…
“I put in my application and was accepted at the University of Bucharest. While Bucharest has a lot of cultural attractions, like the many movie theatres and cheap opera and ballet performances, it is a big city like many others. So on the weekends we explored the Romanian countryside. One of my favourite places was the stunning medieval town of Brasov. A trail leads from the centre to the top of one of the mountains that surround the town. The view from the summit is simply breathtaking. On your way up you meet local families and friends going for a pleasant stroll and a picnic.
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The view of Santorini as you approach from the ferry is truly spectacular. It’s postcard-perfect Greece with white and blue villages clinging to the cliff face and as Intrepid’s Danielle Watts discovered, it is an ideal place to slow down the pace and explore on foot…
“I had a picture in my mind of Santorini and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Located in the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands, in the shimmering blue waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is one of the most beautiful and popular islands to visit. On arrival you may be overwhelmed by the crowds at the port, vying for the attention and business of arriving tourists. But then it’s time to board the local bus, which slowly winds its way up the cliff face to the main town of Fira.
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