Flame Towers – Baku, Azerbaijan
The most conspicuous symbol of Baku’s new oil wealth is the impressive Flame Towers, rising above every view of the city. The design is inspired by Azerbaijan’s history of Zoroastrian fire worship.
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Author Archives
Visiting Azerbaijan’s Crystal Hall – Baku
Visiting the refurbishment works on the Crystal Hall in Baku, originally built to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2012
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Afternoon tea in the air : Flying to Azerbaijan with Turkish Airlines
As Turkish Airlines gave me the seat for free, I thought I’d treat myself to an upgrade for the eleven hour flight from Beijing to Istanbul. To my surprise it was only 1300rmb, or a little over £10 an hour, to move up to the aptly named Comfort Class.
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Chinese Driving Lessons: Unexpected hazards
It’s been some time since I’ve actually driven a car, and unlike the UK people here drive on the right (and the left and the middle), so I need to get some practice before being unleashed onto the roads.
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Chinese Driving Lessons: Taking the Test in Beijing
International Driving Licenses aren’t valid in China, but foreigners with a Residence Permit can take a test and apply for a Chinese Driving Licence.
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Chinese Driving Lessons: Studying for the test
Studying for the driving test in China is more than just learning the answers to a few questions. It's learning a whole new way of thinking about safety...
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Planning a trip to Myanmar
Some hopefully helpful guidance on making the most of your trip to Myanmar. Includes visa, money changing, packing advice, food & drink and safety tips.
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Ten favourite views in Bagan, and one blight on the landscape – Myanmar
With over a thousand photos of Bagan, mostly of temples, it was tricky to choose the ten most memorable. It was easy to pick the least favourite.
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Sunset at Minochantha – Bagan, Myanmar
Watching the sunset from the Minochantha stupa group it's possible to see the plains of Bagan, including Ananda Temple and Thatbyinnyu
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Flower Mountain – Mount Popa, Myanmar
Mount Popa is a volcanic mountain a short way from Bagan. From a distance it shines with golden stupas, but up close it's not quite so lovely.
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