Colonial city-wise, things are getting better. Was Valladolid a bit of a disappointment, and Merida quite nice, but a little big and crowded, Campeche is a charming and well-preserved town, with a lot of atmosphere. Well, it is a big city in its own right, but the historical centre, within its original defensive wall – … Read more
I know the Netherlands has been a colonial power in the 16th and 17th Century, even holding on to territories until the second half of the last century. Most of that colonial past is related to the East, predominantly to what is now Indonesia, exploited by the VOC (the United East India Company, the world’s … Read more
Because I have so many pictures of the fabulous, if deteriorating buildings of the Calcutta colonial era, I have added an extra entry, on some of the structures that didn’t make the main entry on Kolkata. I could have included many more… and there is more to Kolkata (2)
Somehow I always had the impression that Kolkata – or Calcutta, as it used to be called – is the most chaotic Indian city of all. The old centre of Delhi was busy, when we lived there 20 years ago, and Mumbai, I recall, was a nightmare negotiating. And on this trip we experienced Guwahati, … Read more
Grand Bassam We have another day off, because some of us still need to arrange a Liberian visa, in nearby Abidjan. Which will take at least one day, and possibly two. We decide to explore Grand Bassam, after the long day yesterday, and leave a day in Abidjan for tomorrow, if we do get another … Read more
We are on our way to Elmina, the place where the Portuguese were the first Europeans to build a stronghold on the African coast, in 1482. But first we need to get out of Accra, which is quite an effort. The town is equally extensive on the northern side, and several road diversions don’t help … Read more
The good news yesterday, at the bus station, was that we got picked up by our hotel van. No need to battle with taxi and moto drivers to negotiate a fare. We have treated ourselves to slightly more upmarket accommodation, in fact way up from the Catholic missions, tents and basic hotels so far. Pool … Read more
Most people traveling to Guatemala will try to avoid the present-day capital, Guatemala City – a collection of crime, chaos and concrete – and continue to Antigua Guatemala, instead, about an hours’ drive away. This is the old capital, established in 1543 during the Spanish colonial times, and it shows, although most buildings date from … Read more
The metropolis of Lima, the old Colonial capital, has a lot of predictable history, and at the same time many unexpected corners that make it such an attractive city.
Despite having seen many a colonial town already, Trujillo proved to be different, and very nice, indeed; Salaverry on the beach is less spectacular.