After more than two years of dive-break, I went for a refresher dive yesterday morning. Just repeating how to assemble the gear and the basic skills like mask clearing and regulator retrieval. Following that, I added a nitrox course to my dive education, which now allows me to use different gas mixes for diving (e.g. […]
Nakba Day
Nakba is an Arabic word, translating to “Catastrophe”. It refers to the begin of the occupation of Palestine in 1948 and “Nakba Day” commemorates that event every year. Earlier today I joined a demonstration that had been organised by the local Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) chapter and a couple of other groups. The participants […]
Moving in and flying out
There seems to be a pattern. I move into a new flat and then days later I’m on a flight out of the country. That’s how it was in 2014, and yesterday again I sat on an outbound flight, not even a week after receiving the keys to my new place. This time the destination […]
The Deep South
Image © Bangkok Post In Malaysia I came across a traveller (German girl) who wanted to enter Thailand through the southern provinces. I asked her whether she wasn’t concerned about her safety. ‘No’ she said, ‘Thailand is ok’.’ Yes’ I answered, ‘but not the deep South’. I explained the situation to her and she got upset. […]
Lake Skadar
Biggest lake in the Balkans, half an hour from Podgorica and apparently a must-see. How does one get there? “Take the train!” said the hostel staff. I enquired about buses but was told that they’re more expensive and less reliable. Oh well… train it is. And what a train it was! Clean, modern, could have […]
Canon Powershot S95 vs Nikon D40 – Compact vs DSLR
Since the last summer I have learnt a lot about photography and about cameras as well. I saw a lot of my pictures from a new angle and realised the limitations of my compact camera, a Canon Powershot S95. It is an excellent camera but there are some limitations of the compact format that even […]