One of the odder things about the Olympics is the Torch Relay - which I managed to see this morning. There's been God-only-knows how much hype about the torch relay and, frankly, it's all a bit of a tragic disappointment. With the assortment of commerical vehicles (all sponsored) and a distinct lack of competition the whole event was, well, almost destined to be a bit of a damp squid. Gold Medals to those who enjoy this kind of thing - but I just don't get it.
My personal advise on what to do and see in Rome
Mt Egmont seen from the King Edward Park playing fields in Stratford
The Stratford Glockenspeil in Taranaki
The Antelope - your local, dog friendly, beer friendly pub
Must see ancient monuments around Rome
Historical information about the gothic Antwerp Cathedral
What to see, where to stay and eat in historic Antwerp
Recommended hotels in Vienna, Salzburg and Bregenz
European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (U) - A reference guide to European tourism and rail organisations (U)
Lucerne - 7 things not to miss - What not to miss in Lucerne
Italy - 10 places not to miss - 10 places you shouldn't miss in Italy
New Zealand - A personal guide to things to do, see, eat and drink in New Zealand
Why chase solar eclipses? - Why I chase total solar eclipse all over the world
Switzerland - places not to miss - Sixteen places not to miss around Switzerland
Eclipse chasing - Essential total eclipse trip planning information from 2010 to 2019
London - the 11 best pubs - 11 great pubs to have a beer in in London
2012 Solar Eclipse totality seen from offshore of Port Douglas - Video of totality during the 2012 eclipse seen from Port Douglas in Queensland
Europe - Travel information from around Europe
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook