Author: Tom Rooney

Gaudi rules!

Spain is a country famous throughout the world, dear reader, whose language and culture have branched out to dominate Latin America. But that doesn’t lessen the excitement of visiting the country for the first time. Barcelona and Madrid are the two most famous cities in … …

Take me away to Marseille

The French Riviera epitomises all that is glamorous and fabulous about the south of France, and I send fond greetings from this spectacular part of the world. What a difference a four hour journey on the TGV can make, as I have been basking under … …

Cashed up and ready to splurge!

Monaco is the second smallest independent country in the world, and is only around two square kilometres in length. Famous as a tax haven for the super rich, this little jewel on the mediterranean coast is only sixteen kilometres from Nice on the French Riviera. … …

Genuine Swiss precision

Switzerland is a mountainous country in the heart of Western Europe, and famous for it’s spectacular scenery. The Swiss vigorously maintained their neutrality during both world wars, and enjoy a high standard of living. Nowadays the country excels in banking and finance and has become … …

Another lovestruck Romeo

I’m falling in love, dear reader … with Italy! Verona is the city of romance, and the setting for Shakespeare’s immortal Romeo and Juliette. A typically gorgeous Italian city proved the perfect backdrop for Shakespeare, and the inspiration the great man derived from the city … …

King of the mountain

San Marino is a fascinating stopover in the centre of Italy. I took a train from Florence, and then jumped on a connecting bus that gradually wound up to the summit of a hill where the tiny fortified republic lies. This tiny country swarms with … …

A city within the eternal city

All roads lead to Rome, the lovely reader. So I’m walking along a road … in Rome yeah, and suddenly found myself heading towards another city. Now I’ve done my share of boning up on ancient history, so how could this be happening? Oh, hang … …

The lion has lost his teeth

African travel is a humbling experience. I’ve arrived in the beautiful country of Malawi, as my second visit to the dark continent draws to a close. Malawi is often described as the warm heart of Africa, and travellers are sure to receive a special welcome … …

Killing for a living

Kruger national park is a world famous game reserve, dear reader, and this impressively run park is north east of Jo’Burg. It features a huge variety of wildlife, often at very close quarters. Game spotting is one of the most enjoyable experiences in life, and … …

Swazi sunsets

The kingdom of Swaziland is a little jewel in the crown of southern Africa. This small country has a long tradition of kings ruling the country from the Ezulwini valley, and gained independence from Britain in 1968. The original constitution was largely modeled on the … …