Just Back From

Updates from our experts’ recent travels in Namibia, India, Japan and the UK…

KYUSHU, JAPAN

By Miles McAlpin One of the highlights of my trip to Japan was my visit to Takachiho Gorge on the southern island of Kyushu. The base of the gorge can be reached by car, but we opted to hike down from the Takachiho Shrine. The walk is under a mile, down hundreds of steps that descend through silent cedar forest. As the trees part, you are left to stare at the sun-lit falls above and the deep aquamarine water below.

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LIVERPOOL, UK

By Max Bitter “One of my highlights of Liverpool was Ian’s day tour. Driving in a cab painted to look like Lennon’s rainbow Rolls-Royce, this Beatles devotee took us to sites like Strawberry Fields and each Beatle’s childhood home. He even showed us where McCartney and James Corden autographed the Penny Lane sign while filming ‘Carpool Karaoke’ just a few weeks prior – during one of Ian’s tours!”

MADURAI, INDIA

By Zac Pardee Wandering through the bustling corridors of Madurai’s flower market, I was taken aback by the city’s vibrant energy as the scent of rose petals, cardamom and lemongrass lingered across the stalls. Then, as we made our way to Meenakshi, Tamil Nadu’s famous pilgrimage site, a sea of people slowly parted to reveal the temple. Magical.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA

By Anna Springer “After a thrilling safari through Etosha National Park, our guide found the ideal place to stop and watch the sunset with a gin and tonic. He told stories about his time in the bush, and as the sky changed from hues of purple to a deep red, I could hear the sound of the bush all around me. It was then that I felt the power of Africa running through my veins.”

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