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For additional examples
of Tim's
travel writing, including full articles not published elsewhere, visit
Tim's travel blog Aerohaveno;
Tim's
guide
to
Australian accommodation Aerohaveno
Nights; and Travelroads.com.
Europe

|
Life
off the West End
The West
Australian, 6 February 2010
"Even though
it’s very Off
West End, I still have the common London experience of going to the
theatre and realising I’ve seen some of the actors on the telly or at
the cinema. Outside on the wet streets, people are bustling through the
rain toward Kilburn Tube station, or stepping into the welcoming pub
opposite. There’s something both very British but very international
about the scene."
Stepping outside
London's theatrical
mainstream to go
'Off West End'.
Available
for
republication
(print
and
Web).
Images
available.
[Read
the full article here]
|

|
Hooray for Hollywoodge
The Sunday Age,
31
January
2010
"'Roman
Polanski used to sit right there between classes.' Professor Andrzej
Bednarek points to a stairwell within Poland’s National Film School. We
gaze at the stairs together, he in fond reflection and I in moderate
reverence. It’s not everyday you encounter a renowned director’s
favourite spot for a smoko. And as Lodz is pronounced 'woodge' in
Polish, there’s been no end of puns about 'Hollywoodge'."
Exploring the
cinematic attractions of Łódź, Poland's film hub.
Available
for republication (print only).
Images
available. |

|
Cable
Car
Has
the World on a String
Escape,
17
January
2010
(News
Ltd's
Sunday
travel
section)
"Then a miracle
happens. The
dense cloud starts to dissipate under the sunlight's morning warmth,
splitting apart to reveal a stark rocky peak way above us. Set within
it is the cable car station, an improbable construction wedged into the
rock, like the lair of a James Bond villain. As we reach it, I suddenly
remember that there's nothing beneath our feet for a very long way, and
then we gently ease into place, 2634m above sea level."
Ascending the
mighty High Tatra mountains in Slovakia.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|

|
Beyond
Politics
and
War
Escape,
1
November
2009
(News
Ltd's
Sunday
travel
section)
"Solidarity?
John Paul II?
That communist general with the creepy dark sunglasses who declared
martial law? It may be 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, but
to many Australians, Poland is still a jumble of images from the
turbulent 1980s.However, things have come a long way since General
Jaruzelski (the sunglasses guy) was removed from power in 1990."
A week's itinerary
through the Polish cities of Kraków, Wrocław, Warsaw, Toruń and
Gdańsk.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|

|
Europe's
Red
Remains
Backpacker
Essentials, November
2009
"A mention of
the Cold War
will more likely prompt thoughts of Californian indie band Cold War
Kids than the dark days of the Berlin Wall. However, all is not lost.
The Wall fell 20 years ago, but Central and Eastern Europe are littered
with remnants from the strange, increasingly distant era of the Iron
Curtain. That’s the beauty of this part of Europe..."
Detailing ten
memorable communist-era relics in Central and Eastern Europe.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
[Read
the full article here]
|

|
Poland
& Hungary chapters
Lonely
Planet: Europe on a Shoestring (ed. 6)
October 2009
"Warsaw may not
be the
prettiest of Poland's cities, but this bustling business centre is home
to a dazzling array of dining and nightlife options. It's true,
however, that the city can be hard work, its traffic-choked streets
lined with uninspiring massive concrete buildings.
However, look at Warsaw with a historic perspective - as a city that's
survived everything fate could throw at it - and you'll see the capital
in an entirely new light."
A guide to
these Central European nations aimed at the budget traveller, including
attractions,
accommodation, dining, nightlife, history and culture.
This book can
be purchased online from Amazon.com.
Not available
for republication.
|

|
A
Tale of Three Cities
Ryanair Magazine,
September
2009
"I don’t think
I’m staying
in Adolf Hitler’s old room. At least, I hope not. The 20th century’s
most infamous dictator is not someone you’d want to be associated with,
even at seven decades’ remove. But while it’s had its share of dodgy
guests, the Hotel Monopol in the Polish city of Wroclaw has also
welcomed plenty of the right sorts through its doors, including Pablo
Picasso and Marlene Dietrich."
Exploring three
attractive cities in Poland's west: Wrocław, Poznań and Toruń.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
[Read
the full article here] |

|
Poland
& Hungary chapters
Lonely
Planet: Central Europe (ed. 8)
September 2009
"Where else but
Hungary can
you laze about in an open-air thermal spa in midwinter, while snow
patches glisten around you? Following that, it's de rigueur to head to
a local bar where a Romani band yelps while a crazed crowd whacks its
boot heels, as commanded by Hungarian tradition. Or to go clubbing in
an ancient bathhouse, where all dance waist-deep in the healing waters."
Outlines the
cultural and natural attractions of these nations, along with details
of
accommodation,
entertainment and dining options.
This book can
be purchased online from Amazon.com.
Not available
for republication.
|

|
Poland
& Hungary chapters
Lonely
Planet: Eastern Europe (ed. 10)
September 2009
"If they were
handing out
prizes for 'most eventful history', Poland would be sure to get a gong.
The nation has spent centuries at the pointy end of history, grappling
with war, invasion and foreign occupation. Nothing, however, has
succeeded in suppressing the Poles' strong sense of nationhood and
cultural identity, as exemplified by the ancient royal capital of Kraków, with its breathtaking castle."
A comprehensive
guide to these Central European nations, covering attractions,
accommodation,
dining,
nightlife, history and culture.
This book can
be purchased online from Amazon.com.
Not available
for republication.
|

|
Polish
Cinema:
Weekend
in
Łódź
EasyJet Traveller,
September
2009
"Start your
visit to
Poland’s second-largest city by strolling along the main drag, Ulica
Piotrkowska. The Industrial Revolution transformed Łódź
into a mighty player in textile manufacturing, and Piotrkowska became
lined with graceful art nouveau buildings. Statues of famous locals
line the street, among them the pianist Arthur Rubenstein, seated at a
piano bearing a giant outstretched wing."
A whirlwind three
day tour of Poland's second-biggest city and film hub.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|

|
London
Inspiration
Medical Observer,
26
August
2009
"Shad
Thames is a curious laneway running parallel with the Thames, between a
set of large brick warehouses. Above the street a series of walkways
runs back and forth between the buildings. It’s an atmospheric sight;
and it’s also, I remember, where Daleks were seen to roam when it was a
dilapidated, rain-drenched strip in the 1980s. Which just goes to show
- even metallic alien invaders can’t stop gentrification."
Taking three
walking tours based on fictional characters in London.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|

|
24 Hours
in Vilnius
The Age &
The Sydney Morning
Herald, 22
August
2009
"Given
this tumultuous history, it comes as a surprise to discover how well
the city's historic centre has survived the passing of empires. Its
narrow, winding cobblestone streets, tiled roofs and baroque churches
are a stereotype of visitors' expectations of a small European
city.Vilnius is a shining example of what Michael Palin has called 'New
Europe' ."
How to get the most
out of a day in the capital of Lithuania.
Available
for
republication
(print
only).
Images
available.
[Read
the full article here]
|

|
Art
Sets
Poles
Apart
The Courier-Mail,
15
August
2009
"I’m on my way
into a pub
when I’m stopped by a dangerous revolutionary. With one fist raised in
protest and the other support a flying banner, he looks up at me with
clear disdain. But perhaps I’m overstating my peril. For a start, he’s
looking up at me because he’s only 50 centimetres high. And he’s made
of stone. And he’s a gnome."
An investigation of
the quirky gnome statues of Wrocław, Poland.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|

|
Only the Lonely
The Walkley
Magazine, July
2009
"People
often respond to hearing about my Lonely Planet gigs by saying 'That
must be fun.' To which I say 'That’s the wrong adjective.' Stimulating,
yes, fascinating, yes, memorable, yes, but not fun. But the pay off
lies in the moments when I’m able to take my focus off the job in hand,
just for a moment, and feel the full impact of the glorious place I’m
standing in."
I reveal the less
glamorous aspects of researching a travel guide in Poland.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
 |
High and Mighty
Medical Observer,
24
April
2009
"There's an odd
mood of exhilaration
in the air; I think, like me, everyone is thinking how improbable this
all is, that human beings shouldn't be this high up from the earth, and
certainly not sipping alcoholic beverages while doing so. We’re all
braced
by the strange mix of material comforts and an underlying sense of
danger.
I want at the same time to shout out 'Aren't we clever?' and 'Aren't we
crazy?'"
Scaling the peaks
and spas of the
Tatra Mountains in Slovakia.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
 |
24 Hours
in Warsaw
The Age &
The Sydney Morning
Herald,
18 April 2009
"The result
is an intriguing blend, a core of beautifully restored classical
buildings
against the backdrop of overwhelming concrete structures from the
communist
years. As the nation’s business hub, Warsaw has a wide array of dining
and entertainment options, from medieval cellar restaurants to
cutting-edge
nightclubs."
Spending a day
exploring the attractions
of Poland's capital city.
Available
for
republication
(print
only).
Images
available.
|
 |
A Place Not to
Take Yourself
Too Seriously
The Sunday
Telegraph,
1 February 2009
"The Republic of
Uzupis has an
honorary president, no standing armed forces, and a commitment only to
art. When you learn its national day is April 1, you can appreciate why
the Lithuanian government casts an indulgently amused eye over Uzupis,
seeing its 'independence' as a great tourist attraction."
Exploring the
eccentric Užupis district
of Vilnius, Lithuania.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
 |
Take in
Medieval Krakow's
Communist-Era
Quaintness
The Senior
Traveller,
February 2009
"Vinyl records
sit stacked in
a box, a guide to East Germany lies on a lace-covered table, and
various
plastic appliances decorate the tiny kitchen bench. On the wall, an
image
of Jesus speaks of religious convictions. This is one of the highlights
of the tour, allowing a feel for how people lived in the communist
years."
Investigating the
communist-era attractions
of Kraków, Poland.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
 |
Slumming It
With Class
Medical Observer,
30
January
2009
"A stay at one
of London’s great
hotels, such as the Savoy, will set you back a mere $1000 a night. But
cheaper lodgings are available..."
I investigate
relatively inexpensive
accommodation in London, as part of a survey of budget options around
the
world.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
|
 |
For Your Spies
Only
Herald Sun,
5 December
2008
"The power, the
power! I’m standing
at a computer console in London, selecting missions undertaken by a
well-known
secret agent. As I touch each icon, an impressive digital globe rotates
on the giant screen above me, indicating the locations in James Bond’s
adventures. Yes, I am a Bond villain and I hold the fate of Agent 007
in
my very hands. Nyah-ha-ha!"
On the London trail
of James Bond
007, and his creator Ian Fleming.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
 |
Warsaw
Rising From the Past
BBC History
Magazine,
November 2008
"To describe
Warsaw’s history as ‘eventful’ is a major understatement. As Poland’s
capital
since the 16th century, the city has been at the heart of the nation’s
glory days, producing geniuses such as Marie Curie and Frederic Chopin.
But its darkest hour came in 1944, with the event known as the Warsaw
Rising."
A profile of the
historic attractions
of Poland's capital city.
Not
available
for
republication.
|
 |
Poland Has Been
Transformed in
its Rebirth
The Sunday
Telegraph,
26 October 2008
"Though it’s
been almost 20 years
since Poland’s Solidarity trade union toppled the country’s communist
regime,
this lively drinking hole is festooned with memorabilia from Poland’s
years
on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain. But it’s not packed with crusty
old blokes sporting Karl Marx beards, plotting the return of the 'good
old days'. So what’s going on?"
An investigation of
the 'communist
nostalgia' phenomenon in Poland.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
 |
London Off West
End
Medical Observer,
17
October
2008
"Dodging part of
a fast-moving
actor’s costume is not one of the usual rituals of going to the
theatre.
But I’m at the Globe Theatre, and here the rules are quite different.
There’s
no real danger of losing an eye, of course - the actors know exactly
where
they’re treading - but there’s a great sense of energy and excitement
when
they wheel in your direction to spout Shakespeare’s famous lines."
Taking in the
entertainment at London's
more stimulating theatrical venues.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
 |
Poland
chapter
Lonely
Planet: The Europe Book
September
2008
A profile of
Poland, detailing the nation's history, people, icons, cuisine and
myths,
along with interesting random facts. Accompanied by impressive
photography.
This book can
be purchased online from Amazon.com .
Not available
for republication.
|
 |
Pomerania
& Wielkopolska chapters
Lonely
Planet: Poland (ed. 6)
May 2008
A comprehensive
guide to these Polish regions, covering sights, hotels, restaurants,
entertainment,
history and culture.
This book can
be purchased online from Amazon.com.
Not available
for republication.
|
 |
Accommodation
Reviews:
Gdansk, Sopot and
Torun
www.lonelyplanet.com,
2008
To read the
reviews, visit
Lonely
Planet: Hotels & Hostels
(opens in new
window),
and select Poland,
then the relevant
city.
Reviews of a
selection of lodgings,
covering all budgets, in these Polish cities.
Not
available
for
republication.
|
 |
East Still Red
(Sort of)
Herald Sun,
16 November
2007
"The young woman
is standing heroically,
dressed in a long plain dress with the arms rolled up, her eyes staring
off into the future. Oh yes, and she’s holding a large fish. But this
is
Poland, and context is everything. The woman is on a large poster on
the
wall of PRL, a pub in the southwestern city of Wroclaw, and it’s a
parody
of a propaganda poster from Poland’s communist era."
An exploration of
communist memorabilia
and relics across the Central European nation.
Available
for
republication
(print
and Web).
Images
available.
|
Lonely Planet TV: Kraków
www.lonelyplanet.tv,
October
2007.
I talk about the
attractions of the
southern Polish city.
|
|
Travel
|
I'm a member of the
Australian Society
of Travel Writers. This page contains examples of my travel writing,
organised
by
location.
Each entry includes a sample paragraph, and
indications
of available rights.
I also have a
selection of high-quality digital
images available, depicting a variety of international
locations.
See
examples
of
my
travel
photography.
If you'd like to republish
one of these pieces, or would like a new piece written about
the
same location, please get in touch via the contacts below:
|
| . |
postal:
Tim Richards
507/225 Elizabeth St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
email:
tim@iwriter.com.au
phone:
0411-242327
(international
+61-411-242327)
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