Yearly Archives: 2017

How governments in the Middle East snoop on human-rights activists – Phishing for dissidents Only a few hours after Azza Soliman, an Egyptian feminist, was arrested in December her colleagues received an e-mail supposedly containing her arrest warrant. It was … Continue reading →

MINDFULNESS CAN SAVE MONEY Reward centers in the brain activate when people are given something delicious – say wine or chocolate. It’s making them feel good. But if you promise them a delicious item in the future, there’s no reward … Continue reading →

ANC & CORRUPTION In the twilight of his unpopular presidency, Jacob Zuma has to vet his crowds carefully. Almost wherever he speaks, he risks a clamour of boos and jeers, many from members of his own party, the African National … Continue reading →

Zhejiang, China May 9-27, 2017 I am back in Hongqiao for the third time to visit my girlfriend, Anna. I obtained the most incredible flight – US$353 Johannesburg to Shanghai, 16 hours of flying time with a 4 hour lay … Continue reading →

Nickname(s): Bumi Kenyalang – Land of the Hornbills Capital. Kuching Area. Total 124,450 km2 (48,050 sq mi) Population (2015). Total 2,636,000; Density 21/km2 (55/sq mi) Demonym(s). Sarawakian Human Development Index HDI (2000) 0.757 Time zone. MST (UTC+8) Self-government. 22 July … Continue reading →

November 13 – May 7, 2017 Oasis Overland is the only company traveling the entire west of Africa from Morocco to South Africa and they offer the trip only once per year. Sleeping in a tent for over 140 nights, … Continue reading →

Obtaining visas in order to travel overland from Morocco to Cape Town is the major challenge of this trip. On this page, I hope to give as complete information on getting visas as I can. Information is sparse and most … Continue reading →

Swaziland April 29-30 TRAVEL TIPS 1. Gas is about R2.50 cheaper in Swaziland. 2. The South African Wild Card is good for all the Swaziland national parks. 3. It is a frustrating place to drive. there are few directional signs … Continue reading →

Lesotho April 25-27, 2017 Capital and largest city. Maseru 29°28′S 27°56′E Official languages. Sotho, English Ethnic groups. 99.7% Basotho, 0.3% other Africans Area. Total 30,355 km2(11,720 sq mi) (140th), Water (%) 0.0032% Population. 2009 estimate 2,067,000 (144th) Density 68.1/km2 (138th) … Continue reading →

South Africa April 15-May 7, 2017 TRAVEL TIPS 1. Wild Card. This covers the conservation fees (basically the entrance fee) paid every day you spend in a national park in South Africa or Swaziland. For a foreigner, the cost is … Continue reading →