Author: Tom Rooney

Southeast Asia’s final frontier

I determined early in the trip that I would enter Myanmar with an open mind, in fact it was almost blank. Er, perhaps that should read … a blank canvas! I didn’t want excessive research to impede a voyage of discovery to this unique travel … …

Hey sexy lady!

Psy recently filmed the most watched video in the history of YouTube but may need to have his song’s hook amended, for in Thailand there are many sexy ladies! The country is the party capital of the world, and justifiably famous for the good times … …

Intent on leaving to climb in to the clouds…

Personally I’ve never seen the attraction in leaping out of a perfectly good aeroplane, or climbing to the summit of a Himalayan mountain as high as the aforesaid plane’s crusing altitude, but mountaineers and adventurers are a breed apart. In fact mountaineering in the Himalayas … …

Shove over Schwarzenegger!

The strength of the Nepalese is one of the most incredible phenomena in nature. When travelling in this mountain country one should not be deceived by appearances, as the load bearing capabilities of the locals are nothing short of prodigious. As an example, let me … …

Tom Rooney Travels Hottest 100

Landing in Nepal marks a personal milestone for your intrepid travel correspondent. Finally I’m in a position to celebrate 100 countries visited and still going strong! It’s my dream that given continued good health and prosperity I can add further to this tally, and trust … …

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

Bangalore has a slight traffic problem. The city has turned into an Indian powerhouse, and is the hub of the IT and telcoms explosion that is driving unprecedented growth in southern India. However, I’m sure the founding fathers never imagined their native town would become … …

Hooray for Bollywood!

Goa is the richest state in the mighty country of India. This tourist mecca attracts foreigners in their millions, who enjoy the relaxed living and beach life the West Indian state is famed for. The peak season is from November to January, where the party … …

Holy Cow meets Holy Man

So what about India, then? I suppose I should squeeze her in on my dance card, and not before time to be honest. Indira Gandhi once said of Mother India she cannot understand how one can be an Indian and not be proud. It’s great … …

Fifteen minutes of fame

If I can’t even rack up the almost mandatory fifteen minutes of fame, does being in close proximity to someone famous count? While at Bangkok airport during a stopover, the passengers waiting to board the flight to Dhaka were in awe of a Bengali, and … …

Must keep climbing, the summit awaits!

Sigiriya Rock Citadel is a world heritage listed site in central Sri Lanka. The imposing rock structure is surrounded by a crocodile infested moat, and the ruins and artwork at the summit of the rock date back to the 5th Century AD. There are 1600 … …