Travels, somewhat recent
Author Archives: Collin
Air travel just ain’t what it used to be
A horrific trip to Villahermosa reminds me of the good old days of air travel which have now sadly left us. Continue reading
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A quick look at the art scene in Graz
Probably thanks to its universities and their 45,000 students, Graz punches way above its weight in the art world. Imagine a city the size of Oakville with world-class galleries and museums. Continue reading
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Advent in Graz
The old town in Graz, Austria, is a magical mid-December experience. Continue reading
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Unexpected smokiness in Graz
We were quite surprised to see that smoking was still allowed in restaurants in Graz. Continue reading
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Photos of Graz
Photos of Graz, Austria and its old town, a UNESCO heritage site. Continue reading
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This is what being a fan is all about
Meeting new friends from other countries, cheering your team, drinking a lot of beer, having a laugh. Now that’s football! Continue reading
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Maribor: a small city with a cosmopolitan feel
We had never heard of Maribor before Wigan Athletic’s Europa League game there, but it was nonetheless worth a visit for its history and the beauty of its old town. It would be even better in summer. Continue reading
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Photos: from Graz to Maribor
Photos of our train ride to Maribor and our wanderings on our first day in the city. Continue reading
Arriving in Graz
Our first impression of Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, was overwhelmingly positive. Continue reading
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Hanging out at the John Bull Chophouse
Hanging out at the John Bull Chophouse is a must for anyone who travels to Wigan. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, the pub is reason enough to visit! Continue reading
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A town gets behind its team
If it were possible to be in two places at once, I sure would have liked to be at both Wembley and Wigan town centre when the Latics won the FA Cup. Being at the game was, of course, an … Continue reading
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Wigan’s march down Wembley Way
About 23,000 Wigan fans – almost a third of the town’s population – made the trek to Wembley Stadium to see the most important game in the club’s history: the FA Cup final in May, 2013. Continue reading
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FA Cup 2013: A Wigan welcome
Arriving in Wigan after an overnight flight to Manchester for the FA Cup final in May, 2013, I had the best of intentions: get to bed around 10:00, sober, and get a good night’s sleep before the big game the … Continue reading
Memories of Mexico
We find the Yucatan to be an excellent place for an affordable, sunny, do-it-yourself vacation. Continue reading
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Campeche for a change of pace
A visit to Campeche, a sleepier city on the Gulf coast, home to pirates and excellent chocolate. Continue reading
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The magnificence of Edznà
Another amazing Mayan ruin an hour from Campeche marks our final tour in the Yucatan. Continue reading
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Saying farewell to Merida
We took it easy on our final day in Merida, even to the point of lounging around our hotel pool for an hour or two. Continue reading
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A world going on underground
A trip to the extensive – and somewhat dangerous – caves at Loltún sets the stage for visits to two more Mayan cities. Another day in wilting heat. Photo galleries included. Continue reading
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From market to oven
How apt that on a day when the streets turned into ovens, we made our pilgrimage to the mercado publico in Merida. Continue reading
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More amazing Maya ruins
A veteran guide shows us the ruins of Uxmal and Kabah as we wilt in the heat. Includes a photo gallery. Continue reading
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A day trip to Progresso
Progresso is the seaport closest to Merida and a welcome escape from the heat of the city. Continue reading
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Encounters with friendly Mexicans
On our first day in Merida, we see the sights and meet some friendly locals. Includes a photo gallery. Continue reading
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It’s not really Chichen Itza
The king of Mayan cities, Chichen Itza echoes a lost civilization with incredible skills and knowledge. Includes a photo gallery. Continue reading
Getting there is half the fun
A longish trip on a second-class bus gives us a chance to see Maya villages and meet people. Includes a photo gallery. Continue reading
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Cordoba’s Mezquita: a mosque becomes a cathedral
What happens when you take a major mosque and turn it into a cathedral? We saw the opposite happen in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia; in Cordoba, it was the Christians’ turn. Continue reading
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The Juderia of Cordoba
Of the old Jewish sections we wandered through, Cordoba’s was certainly the most attractive with its whitewashed buildings, blue trim and flowers. Continue reading
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Cordoba’s alcazar: from Inquisition to tourist attraction
Cordoba’s alcazar was important in the long-ago wars against the Moors, then later grew into a more sinister purpose when it was taken over by the Inquisition, and is now a beautiful tourist spot whose most enchanting feature is its extensive gardens. Continue reading
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The city of Granada
The real attractions of this town are the Alhambra and the albaicin neighbourhood, but the central area is also charming and worth a few hours getting lost in. Continue reading
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Granada: a walk through the Albaicin
The old Moorish quarter of Granada retains not much in the way of ancient atmosphere, but still seems to be the magnet for counter-culture in the city. Continue reading
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Granada: a visit to the Alhambra
It’s said that the Alhambra, the complex of palaces and forts used by Granada’s last Muslim rulers, is Europe’s most visited tourist attraction. Continue reading
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