St. Peter’s Pool, Malta

On March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 By Rick McIn hiking, travelLeave a comment

St Peter’s Pool is a popular tourist destination in Malta for those looking to cliff jump, swim, and snorkel.

A diving dog called Titti once appeared jumping into the water with its owner Carmelo Abela, creating an internet sensation.

We met up at Marco Polo hostel ➙ astonished to have so many young people. Most of this mob are a Squash team from a U.K university blowing off their midterm reading week, partying in Malta instead. 😀

We took the public bus to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

At least a dozen of these small boats offer to take passengers to St. Peter’s Pool for 5 Euro each.

On board, skipper let the young people choose the music. First song played was Bad Bunny Tití Me Preguntó.

It was freezing — but at least 10 of the young people jumped.

This area is not all that clean. Nor officially maintained.

After seeing many rats in S.E. Asia, this was my first in 2026.

Before dark we walked the cliffs a half hour to a popular local restaurant. I had the Malta pasta. Very flavourful.

Yes, the eroding edge frequently collapses. I’d call this cliff walk dangerous.

Another excellent trip led by Paty for Marco Polo hostel.

I’ve Visited Over 90 Countries

On March 22, 2026March 21, 2026 By Rick McIn travelLeave a comment

Not counting airports. Not counting that time I stepped one foot into Bhutan. 😀

Here’s a map of my current list.

London Stopover, March 2026

On March 19, 2026March 20, 2026 By Rick McIn travelLeave a comment

London operates the world’s busiest city airport system ➙ 6 major airport hubs for international travel.

I often end up connecting in London as flights from that city are some of the best value in the world.

Each time touching down, I try to spend a few days in one of the most fascinating global cities.

Once again I stayed at Wombats near the Tower Bridge.

Here’s Tower Bridge without me in the way. 😀

And here it is from above.

Most of what I do is FREE — wandering the streets and parks. Something interesting around every corner.

London is expensive but I don’t often pay for much. The major museums are free.

This time I stopped in the Natural History Museum. And the Victoria and Albert Museum next door.

At the V&A, one of my favourites is the Cast Courts.

Without his sling, David ain’t so tough.

The rooms are jam packed with interesting stuff.

Another Michelangelo reproduction.

I had some good weather in March, surprisingly.

Love London.

I happened upon a rally where most of the signs said “Free Iran“. Many were protesting the killing of innocents in Palestine, as well. Anti-Israel.

Freedom of assembly is a fundamental human right. There were arrests, but it stayed mostly non-violent.

I really need a month in London to visit everything I’d love to see.

I flew out of London on dread Ryanair. It was excellent. Stansted airport excellent.

Often chaotic. Always entertaining. Walking tourist London is a lot of FUN. 😀

Click PLAY or get a glimpse on YouTube.

This video edit was inspired by one on Learn Online Video.

Visiting Nairobi, Kenya

On March 16, 2026March 14, 2026 By Rick McIn travelLeave a comment

I was disappointed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

BUT very impressed with Nairobi. A worthwhile tourist stop.

I had a ride share in from the airport during a drenching rain storm that killed between 1-20 people, depending on the news source reporting. Happily I was on the ultra modern expressway, a toll road. A project of the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

To get myself organized, I checked in first to the super fun Jabulani Nairobi Backpackers Hostel.

Getting ready for Barbecue Saturday Night. 😀

Location in the Westlands district made it convenient to get to restaurants, shops, and modern shopping centres. Expats here don’t lack for much in the way of international stores.

Carrefour grocery stores looked much the same as in Europe.

For day hiking, my hostel recommended Karura Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world.

Trump ruined my first few days as it took time to change my ongoing flight from Dubai / Oman to London.

I’d hoped to do some hiking in the Kenyan highlands — but the rainy season had already started. It would have been a hassle.

My last 3 nights I booked into posh Wildebeest Eco Camp to live it up.

$61 / night for everything. Gourmet meals included.

I was keen to visit nearby Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum. On arrival it was inexplicably closed. Nobody knew why. A common problem in east Africa.

Also nearby and hugely popular is the Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage. (PHOTOS)

Click PLAY or watch my short video on YouTube.

It’s at the gate to Nairobi National Park, inside the city itself.

I did the obligatory visit to the National Museums of Kenya. Small, but interesting.

On the same ticket you can see the Nairobi Snake Park and Aquarium. Neither is well maintained — but I am fascinated by snakes and reptiles.

There’s a small Botanic Garden, as well.

One last thing ➙ HUGE problem in Kenya for me was that my Canadian credit cards only worked occasionally. Many ticket offices don’t take cash. A few drivers don’t carry cash.

Those same cards worked all the time in Tanzania.

I was relieved to get out of the country.

I wouldn’t return to east Africa unless it was for a guided hiking adventure or another safari.

Visiting Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

On March 7, 2026March 5, 2026 By Rick McIn cycling, food, travel1 Comment

Nobody’s favourite tourist city, Dar es Salaam is sprawling and congested. Largest city in East Africa by population ➙ approaching 8 million.

The capital since 1996 is Dodoma.

Best news is the Dar es Salaam bus rapid transit system under construction. It reminds me of the excellent system I used in Rio.

Unfortunately progress has slowed after the death of President John Magufuli who initiated the program. Locals blame corruption.

Best thing I did in Dar was a personal half day cycling tour of the city. We visited very local coffee shops, candy shops, digital movie library, African herbal medicine shop, ghetto movie theatre, 2nd biggest market, and much more.

Making Peanut Brittle. This entrepreneur sells coffee and candy on the street, especially at bus stops.

We finished with a soft drink in my guide’s local bar.

A walking tour of the downtown business centre wasn’t all that interesting.

Better was the Kijiji cha Makumbusho, or Village Museum, an open-air ethnographical centre showcasing traditional huts from 16 different Tanzanian ethnic groups.

It’s right in the middle of the city.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Tanzania Safari Highlights Video

On March 6, 2026March 5, 2026 By Rick McIn travelLeave a comment

Get a glimpse of what I loved watching over 5 Days, 4 Nights Camping Serengeti in Tanzania.

I posted PHOTOS and a trip report on my hiking website.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

How To Visit The Serengeti, Tanzania

On March 4, 2026March 3, 2026 By Rick McIn travelLeave a comment

I posted my PHOTOS and trip report on my hiking site.

But here’s the most inspirational video I’ve found so far.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Khan’s BBQ, Arusha, Tanzania

On February 25, 2026February 24, 2026 By Rick McIn food, travelLeave a comment

Zubeda Auto Spares / Khan’s Barbecue

Must visit if you get to Arusha.

By day, it sells auto parts to vehicles trundling through town. By night, it sells some of the best damn Pakistani-style BBQ chicken parts I’ve tasted anywhere …

Wheeling and Mealing at Khan’s BBQ, Arusha, Tanzania

Khan’s is on Mosque street. I was there during Ramadan — streets were thronged.

They offer just one meal for one price ➙ U.S. $9.35.

It’s a feast.

Salads. Naan. Drink. Assorted barbecue meats. Sauces. Desert.

Despite its proximity to the equator, Arusha’s elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) on the southern slopes of Mount Meru keeps temperatures relatively low and alleviates humidity.

Farewell Quito, Ecuador

On February 11, 2026February 9, 2026 By Rick McIn food, travelLeave a comment

Over 3 weeks, I spent many enjoyable days in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. I’d be happy to go back anytime.

It’s a very inexpensive tourist destination.

My base was excellent Secret Garden Hostel. I enjoyed many a great meal on their rooftop restaurant.

The historic centre is terrific in the day — but my favourite moments were wandering at night.

I finally made it up to the top of a central hill to see the 41m-tall Virgin of Quito. Taller than Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

This is still a developing nation. Most people don’t use seatbelts. Dogs roam free.

Certainly Ecuador has a proud culture. Citizens do not try to emulate American culture.

I’ve never been much of a fan of KFC. But in Asia last year — and in Ecuador, I’ve been a regular customer. It’s the only western fast food franchise I’ve seen. Burger King is here, somewhere.