In this special episode of A New Life Planned in Cyprus, Rob and Mandy take you on an unforgettable journey to the charming southern Italian city of Bari and beyond. Recorded after their 2022 visit, they share their impressions of the bustling Bari waterfront, where the Adriatic Sea meets the vibrant local culture. Stroll with them through the narrow, winding streets of Bari's Old Town, where history comes alive around every corner.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Rob and Mandy also ventured into the heart of Puglia, exploring the elegant baroque architecture of Lecce, often called "the Florence of the South." Then, they visit the magical town of Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli stone houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Join them as they recount their favorite moments, from the coastal views of Bari to the quiet charm of Alberobello, and discover why these places are must-see destinations for anyone visiting Italy.

In this special episode, we take you on a journey through the vibrant Canary Islands, a trip we took back in 2019 that still lingers fondly in our memories. We explored five of the most unique and diverse islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Madeira, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.

Starting in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, we were captivated by the island's stunning contrasts—from its golden beaches to the lush, mountainous interior. We discuss our walks through the historic district of Vegueta and the vibrant energy of Las Canteras Beach. Las Palmas has this perfect mix of history and modernity that left a lasting impression on us.

Next, we sailed to Santa Cruz, Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. From the bustling port city to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Teide National Park, we recount our adventures hiking the trails and soaking in the dramatic views. We were struck by how Tenerife balances natural beauty with lively cultural scenes—our night at the Tenerife Carnival is a story we can’t wait to share!

In January 2019, Rob and Mandy embarked on a breathtaking journey through South Africa, filled with vibrant cityscapes, stunning coastlines, and remarkable wildlife. Starting in Cape Town, they marveled at Table Mountain’s towering presence and explored the lively V&A Waterfront. A scenic drive led them to the wine haven of Stellenbosch, where they indulged in wine tasting amid rolling vineyards. Camps Bay’s sun-soaked beach provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation, with the dramatic Twelve Apostles in the distance.

Next, they flew to Durban, a coastal city blending African, Indian, and colonial influences. But the real adventure began at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, where they experienced the thrill of seeing the Big Five in their natural habitat. The journey wrapped up with a peaceful visit to St Lucia National Park, home to serene estuaries and abundant wildlife, making this South African adventure unforgettable.

In January 2018, Mandy and Rob embarked on a memorable journey through Thailand and Vietnam. Their adventure began in the vibrant streets of Bangkok, where they explored ornate temples and sampled delicious street food.

They then soaked in the beauty of Krabi's limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and a bit of beachside exploration.

Next, they flew to Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, with its bustling markets and ancient pagodas. A cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay offered stunning views of dramatic karst landscapes.

They continued to the quaint town of Hoi An, where lantern-lit streets and riverside charm provided a peaceful atmosphere.

Their trip also took them to Nha Trang, known for its pristine beaches, and Hue, where they immersed themselves in the history of Vietnam's former imperial capital. Wrapping up their adventure in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Mandy and Rob reflected on the vibrant cultures, flavors, and unforgettable experiences they encountered throughout their Southeast Asian journey.

In January 2017, Mandy and Rob set out on an unforgettable journey through the Middle East, filled with rich culture, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Their adventure began in the dazzling city of Dubai, where they marveled at the iconic Burj Khalifa and explored the vibrant souks filled with spices and textiles

Next, they traveled to Muscat, Oman, where they were captivated by the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the beautiful waterfront of Mutrah Corniche. The couple enjoyed wandering through local markets, tasting authentic Omani dishes, and soaking in the warm hospitality of the locals.

Their journey continued to Khor Fakkan, a hidden gem known for its stunning beaches and rugged mountains. Here, they relaxed by the crystal-clear waters and soaked up the serene atmosphere.

Finally, they concluded their trip in Abu Dhabi, visiting the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the artistic marvels of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Mandy and Rob left the Middle East with their hearts full and minds enriched, grateful for the incredible experiences and memories created during this extraordinary adventure.

Rob and Mandy’s first trip to Cape Town, South Africa, was in 2017, and it was filled with unforgettable experiences. One of the highlights was their visit to Cape of Good Hope National Park, a rugged and windswept place that offered breathtaking views over the Atlantic.

After arriving at the park, they unloaded bicycles and embarked on a 7 km ride through the wild landscape. The wind was strong, and the scent of the ocean followed them as they cycled towards their lunch spot. Following their meal, they took the funicular up to the old lighthouse, where they were greeted by dramatic views of False Bay.

Eager to explore further, they walked 4 km along the cliff’s edge to the southernmost tip of the Cape. Along the way, they spotted large Cape baboons and even a few wild ostriches, which added to the wild and remote feel of the area. When they reached the famous Cape of Good Hope sign, they took photos to mark their arrival at this iconic landmark.

One particularly thrilling part of the trip was a helicopter flight over Cape Town, which gave them a new perspective of the city’s incredible landscape. As they soared above, the spectacular Table Mountain dominated the skyline, its flat top rising majestically above the city.

From this vantage point, they could see the beautiful sweep of the coastline, the V&A Waterfront, and Robben Island in the distance. The colors of the Atlantic Ocean—turquoise near the shore and deeper blue further out—were mesmerizing, and the flight offered views that would have been impossible to appreciate from the ground.

On another day, Rob and Mandy hopped on one of Cape Town's popular hop-on-hop-off buses, which allowed them to explore different parts of the city at their own pace. One of their stops was Boulder Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins.

They loved watching these charming creatures waddling along the sand and diving into the sea, and it was a joy to be so close to them in their natural habitat. The beach itself, with its giant granite boulders and clear waters, was a tranquil spot, perfect for taking in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula.

Their journey through the city also took them to District 6, a once-thriving area forcibly cleared during apartheid. Walking through the streets and visiting the District 6 Museum, they learned about the painful history of the forced removals and how the area had been shaped by apartheid policies.

It was a sobering reminder of the complex history of the country they were visiting, and it added a deeper layer of understanding to their trip.

As they explored more of Cape Town, Rob and Mandy also visited a shipyard in the city center, where they saw massive vessels being built and repaired. The scale of the ships was impressive, and they marveled at the skill and craftsmanship involved in the process. It was a side of Cape Town that was far removed from the beaches and tourist spots, but it was equally fascinating, offering insight into the city’s industrial side.

Cape Town’s diverse experiences, from its natural wonders to its rich history and vibrant city life, left a lasting impression on Rob and Mandy. They left with not only stunning memories but also a deeper appreciation of the beauty, history, and complexity of this incredible South African city.

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life Planned in Cyprus! Today, we’re taking you on a journey to one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world—Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

We couldn’t believe the sheer power and beauty of the falls when we first arrived. Standing at the edge of the viewpoints, we were greeted by the thunderous roar of water cascading down the cliffs. The mist rising from the falls created a surreal atmosphere, making it feel like we were in a dream. It was impossible not to be in awe of the sight before us.

That evening we went for a special dinner, our meal at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was unforgettable. We sat overlooking a waterhole as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape. It felt like we were dining in the middle of the African wilderness!

The lodge itself had a beautiful atmosphere, and we enjoyed a delicious meal featuring local cuisine. As we dined, we could see animals coming to the waterhole—zebras, impalas, and even a few elephants. It was such a unique experience to share a meal while watching wildlife in their natural habitat.

Every moment spent in Victoria Falls was filled with wonder and adventure. From the thundering falls to the serene beauty of the Zambezi River, we felt incredibly lucky to experience such a magnificent part of the world.

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our trip to Victoria Falls. If you ever get the chance to visit, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

After a smooth flight from Johannesburg, Mandy and I were buzzing with excitement as we touched down in Kruger National Park. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with the promise of adventure. As we boarded our transfer vehicle, we were eager to catch our first glimpses of the park's famed wildlife.

Once we arrived at our accommodation, we quickly settled in and prepared for our first safari drive. The anticipation was palpable. As we set off into the heart of the park, we were met with a stunning landscape of savanna, woodlands, and acacia trees. The thrill of being in the wild was exhilarating.

Within moments, we spotted a group of elephants bathing in a nearby waterhole. Their playful splashes and trumpeting calls filled the air, and we couldn’t help but smile at their sheer joy. Watching these gentle giants interact was a highlight of our trip, and we snapped countless photos, trying to capture the moment.

As we continued our drive, we came across a pride of lions lounging lazily in the shade. We parked at a safe distance and watched in awe as they groomed each other and basked in the afternoon sun. The sheer power and grace of these magnificent creatures were breathtaking, and we felt so lucky to witness them up close.

The interactions with wildlife were not limited to just viewing; we had an unforgettable experience during a guided walk through the bush. Our guide, Bernard, was incredibly knowledgeable and took us through the park on foot. It was an entirely different perspective, allowing us to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. We learned about animal tracks, plants, and even spotted a tiny chameleon resting on a branch.

One afternoon, we were fortunate enough to encounter a herd of giraffes nibbling on the treetops. We parked the vehicle quietly and watched them for some time. Their long necks stretched gracefully toward the leaves, and we were fascinated by how they interacted with one another, playfully bumping their heads as they reached for the best foliage.

Of course, we couldn’t forget our night drive. With the darkness settling in, we ventured out with torches scanning the landscape for nocturnal creatures. The thrill of searching for eyes shining back at us was a new and exciting experience. We were rewarded with sightings of hyenas and a few elusive leopards, their spots barely visible in the dim light.

One evening, as we sat on the deck of our lodge, a heavy storm rolled in from Mozambique. The rain pounded down on our tent, creating a symphony of sound that lulled us to sleep. The following morning, the storm had passed, leaving a fresh scent in the air. We awoke to the sight of a herd of impala grazing nearby, their graceful movements a peaceful start to our day.

As we sipped our coffee, we reflected on the incredible encounters we had with nature. Kruger National Park had surpassed all our expectations, offering us an abundance of wildlife and unforgettable experiences. We left with our hearts full and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the African wilderness, eager to return one day to explore more of its wonders.

In 2016, Rob and Mandy set off on a vibrant Caribbean adventure, visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, St. Lucia, and spending a week in Barbados.

They kicked things off in Aruba, soaking up the sun on Eagle Beach and exploring the stunning landscapes of Arikok National Park. Next, they ventured to Bonaire, where they snorkeled in crystal-clear waters around Klein Bonaire, marveling at colorful marine life.

In Curaçao, they strolled through the colorful streets of Willemstad and lounged on Playa Knip’s beautiful beach. Then it was off to Grenada, the "Spice Isle," where they toured a nutmeg plantation and hiked to the breathtaking Seven Sisters Falls.

Their journey continued in St. Lucia, where the iconic Pitons stole their hearts. They hiked through lush rainforests and relaxed in the rejuvenating Sulphur Springs.

Finally, they spent a week in Barbados, exploring Bridgetown, enjoying a catamaran cruise, and swimming with sea turtles.

This adventure through the Caribbean left them with unforgettable memories and a deep love for the islands.

In 2015, Mandy and I took an exciting trip from Cyprus to Rome, both of us eager to immerse ourselves in the rich history, iconic sights, and lively atmosphere of Italy’s capital. The city had always been high on our list, and from the moment we landed, we could feel the vibrancy and grandeur that make Rome so famous.

Our first major stop was the Vatican, a place that left us completely in awe. Walking through St. Peter’s Square with its grand columns and statues was surreal.

Next, we made our way to the Colosseum, an icon of ancient Rome that felt even more impressive in person. As we walked through the ancient amphitheater, we could almost hear the echoes of gladiators and cheering crowds that once filled the arena. Mandy and I took our time, reading about the history of the site and trying to imagine what life in ancient Rome would have been like. The nearby Roman Forum added another layer to our experience, giving us a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans among the ruins of temples, markets, and government buildings.

Of course, no visit to Rome would be complete without a stroll through the city’s other famous landmarks. We wandered through Piazza Navona with its lively atmosphere, enjoyed the sight of the Trevi Fountain (and tossed in a coin for luck!), and admired the Pantheon’s incredible domed ceiling. Rome felt like a city where every corner held something beautiful or historically significant.

But one of the highlights of our trip was attending the Six Nations rugby match between Italy and Wales at Stadio Olimpico. The stadium buzzed with excitement as fans from both teams filled the stands, waving flags and chanting. The atmosphere was electric, and Mandy and I were thrilled to join the sea of fans, cheering along with them. While we were there to support Wales, it was hard not to feel a bit of pride for Italy’s spirited performance.