Unseen Cities that you Must See

New Zealand Adrenaline Junkies You’ll feel the wall against your face, and pressing up on your back. Just ease yourself down between the gap and watch out for any creatures that might jump in your face. That’s it slowly, slowly. That was my guide Nix speaking. I was attempting to do as instructed and abseil down a tight one-foot by ten-foot gap going underground in Waitomo, New Zealand. The harness was pulling tight around my thighs and my left hand was burning from gripping the rope too hard and letting it shave a millimetre off my palm as I went. With my right hand I gripped the calibrator, more out of a desperation to hold onto something still and sturdy rather than any actual safety aspect. I was on a Kiwi Experience Tour from Auckland to Taupo over six days. Obviously I wanted to make the most of the short week and do as much as possible. The Black Abyss Tour with the Black Rafting company was all part of the plan, but I hadn’t quite processed exactly what it would ...

Vietnam’s Biggest Washing Machine In Vietnam it’s tempting to hug the Eastern coastline and trot along the traditional tourist spots, but don’t forget to dip inland to Dalat, the capital of Lam Dong Province, where you can have a crack at canyoning like I did. Canyoning safety the Vietnamese way After negotiating a $30 fee (but somehow feeling like I’d been ripped off) and with South East Asia’s somewhat relaxed attitude to safety firmly pushed to the back of my mind I was soon dangling off the top of a cliff. As I slowly shuffled back towards the edge I glanced over towards my guide(for guidance). Although he was friendly enough, his distinct lack of English did not fill me with confidence. My instinct was to grip the rope for dear life but I soon realised the trick was to relax and let it slip through your fingers; the further you lean back the easier it is to attempt a clumsy rapel down the cliff face. After negotiating the first obstacle we paddle...