John Pannell's Weblog

Back from Mongolia

After being away for 18 days, I am now back in the country. I had a wonderful time visiting Moscow, Siberia, Mongolia, Inner Mongolia and Beijing. Most of my time was spent in Mongolia and the best part was living in a ger with the nomads. I gained a great understanding about their way of live and took some great photos. An experience I will never forget and I would love to return again. See more of my Mongolia Photos.

San Francisco again

Back in Sunnyvale for a few business meetings again. The Fish Market resturant was wonderful - shame that Tom (who encouraged us to go) had steak and chips. Zibibbo in Palo Alto served a great family style meal. Had a busy week so no time to visit Fry's Electrical Store.

WTM

The annual World Travel Market is an excellent trade show for the travel industry - over 5,000 leading suppliers and 44,000 industry professionals from over 190 countries. It gave me a good opportunity to make contacts in the Russian Federation.

Cyprus Properties

Spent a few days in Cyprus looking at property in the Larnaca area with Phil from Headlands International. Some great offers available which have the opportunity for growth and rental income. Just need to find some more money to fund the deposit. 300 days of sunshine each year and wonderful resturants, especially Masalas Indian Restauranant in Dhekelia Road. How I love Cyprus, especially reflecting back on the few years that I lived there.

Moscow to Vladivostok

I am not a train spotter, but taking the Trans-Siberian train is wonderful. There is no better way to travel 9000km, several time zones, see such wonderful scenery and spend time with fellow tourists or locals on a fascinating working train. This also gave me the opportunity for new material for my www.trans-siberia.com website.

Trans-Siberia website

Have been spending a lot of time updating my www.Trans-Siberia.com website. Added a few new sections. Now includes Google Adsense to deliver appropriate adverts. Changed the book shop around. Enjoy it !!

Alicante

Took a short break in Alicante, Spain. Good local restuarants can be found away from the tourist areas. Some of the beaches outside of town are not too busy. It was great to watch Kit Surfing - I must try it one day.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a wonderful city. One of the best food markets I have been to is La Boqueria just off La Rambla only a few minutes away from the hotel. Go there just as the market is opening and watch all the stalls being laid out. Visit again early afternoon and enjoy lunch with the locals at one of the café stalls – a mixture of fresh fish is always a good bet.
Take time to wander around the many alleyways in the old city. Visit Parc Guell and the unfinished cathedral La Sagrada Familia. Salamanca is one of the better seafood restaurants I have eaten in.

Adventure Show

The Adventure Show is one of the main travel shows that I go to each year. Great for picking up ideas for holidays and keeping up with the travel industry. Where are you going this year?