Ironically I seldom have time to go on holiday, although in many readers eyes it may seem that I am always on holiday! I wish it was like that in reality. Whenever I go to visit a new country, my main aim is to put myself in the mind frame of a local, and try to understand the local culture, the customs, and the history.
With some of my recent trips, I hope that the photos I have taken reflect a detailed insight into a particular country's being. Up till now, I have travelled extensively to 35 countries; as well as living as an expatriate in Greater China, Switzerland and France. I hope that I have somehow dug out the stereotypical images that you, if you had come along, would have spotted too. Part of the pleasure of travel and being a journalist is noting how you observe things differently to others. I will continually update this list as and when I have completed any trips. Life is a journey in itself- and provided you contribute to life in a positive and good manner, then good things will happen with positive energy.
In addition to authoring two successful travel books on China, I continue to write for various magazines and International newspapers on travel and business advice for expats (click here for examples). My key focus is on the luxury market, with a special interest made towards the business traveller.
Though my hometown is London, however I spend most of my time between Geneva, London and China (mostly Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou). In time I have developed a specialism in aviation photography, and airline reviews. This has been demonstrated by my passion and success as a reviewer of many of the world’s airlines- working with governments and airline companies. I enjoy networking and meeting people from all different backgrounds, but especially within the global media environment who have an interest in China or who would like to write something related to travel with China- whether it be business or travel related.
With some of my recent trips, I hope that the photos I have taken reflect a detailed insight into a particular country's being. Up till now, I have travelled extensively to 35 countries; as well as living as an expatriate in Greater China, Switzerland and France. I hope that I have somehow dug out the stereotypical images that you, if you had come along, would have spotted too. Part of the pleasure of travel and being a journalist is noting how you observe things differently to others. I will continually update this list as and when I have completed any trips. Life is a journey in itself- and provided you contribute to life in a positive and good manner, then good things will happen with positive energy.
In addition to authoring two successful travel books on China, I continue to write for various magazines and International newspapers on travel and business advice for expats (click here for examples). My key focus is on the luxury market, with a special interest made towards the business traveller.
Though my hometown is London, however I spend most of my time between Geneva, London and China (mostly Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou). In time I have developed a specialism in aviation photography, and airline reviews. This has been demonstrated by my passion and success as a reviewer of many of the world’s airlines- working with governments and airline companies. I enjoy networking and meeting people from all different backgrounds, but especially within the global media environment who have an interest in China or who would like to write something related to travel with China- whether it be business or travel related.
My published travel books
The Newcomer's Handbook Country Guide: China: Including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen first was published in June 2008 by the American publisher, First Books (www.firstbooks.com). The second edition was published in September 2012. This is a coffee table guide that focuses on Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, with additional information on Macau and Hong Kong. The 2nd edition is completely revised and updated version of the first book. The 2nd edition of the Newcomer's Handbook Country Guide: China focuses on Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Tianjin, and Wuxi, with additional information on Macau and Hong Kong. Its 420 pages detail issues relating to culture shock, communication, and what to bring, as well as essentials of Chinese history, housing, transportation, health care, and more. This volume is especially useful for an individual seeking employment in or transferred to China, stressing how to function in China's job market, especially the business and educational sectors. In effect it is not quite like your Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to so and so, but rather a guide to guide you on how to live your life in China.
When I first went to China, I had no knowledge of the local language, the customs and the culture in general. As I gained this knowledge of the Chinese language and culture, I started writing a daily diary. Things such as renting a new home, going to see a doctor (I have been hospitalised in China twice for road accidents...I lived to tell the stories!) and other essential things of life which we take for granted when we are in the comfort of our own country- however we only realise how much such comforts matter to us when we are in a hardship environment where he inability to speak the local language (and know the local culture), can present huge challenges. I have written book with passion, and determination to make sure that expats who go and live in China do not have to go through the hardships which I have had to go through. It is an amazing country, and I hope for those who come and live in China, you will enjoy your time.
Buy this as an iBook on Apple iTunes HERE!
Read an excerpt of the book on www.expatexchange.com
Profile on ForeignerInChina.com
Profile on China Travel 2.0 (Best China Blog Awards 2008)
Profile in China Daily Newspaper (both in print and online)
If you buy the book online you are entitled to have your favourite image delivered to you, individually signed and numbered, for printing and framing.
When I first went to China, I had no knowledge of the local language, the customs and the culture in general. As I gained this knowledge of the Chinese language and culture, I started writing a daily diary. Things such as renting a new home, going to see a doctor (I have been hospitalised in China twice for road accidents...I lived to tell the stories!) and other essential things of life which we take for granted when we are in the comfort of our own country- however we only realise how much such comforts matter to us when we are in a hardship environment where he inability to speak the local language (and know the local culture), can present huge challenges. I have written book with passion, and determination to make sure that expats who go and live in China do not have to go through the hardships which I have had to go through. It is an amazing country, and I hope for those who come and live in China, you will enjoy your time.
Buy this as an iBook on Apple iTunes HERE!
Read an excerpt of the book on www.expatexchange.com
Profile on ForeignerInChina.com
Profile on China Travel 2.0 (Best China Blog Awards 2008)
Profile in China Daily Newspaper (both in print and online)
If you buy the book online you are entitled to have your favourite image delivered to you, individually signed and numbered, for printing and framing.
The Interview
Listen to a conversation on Resonance FM 104.4 with Navjot Singh on changes in China: ResonanceFM
China: Business Travellers Handbook was published in March 2009 by British publisher, Stacey International (www.stacey-international.co.uk). The handbook caters for the every need of the business traveller to this most complex and important of world business destinations. Catering for the needs of the discerning business traveller, Gorilla Guides are the vital passport to a successful and enjoyable trip, containing: Insider tips on how to get things done. Industry overviews Insights from veteran of the international business community, Hotels of quality How to make the most of any free time, Useful addresses and contact details, and detailed maps of key business districts. 'Gorilla Guides' are the essential companion that will guide you from the first stages of preparation through to the finer points of negotiating in the local style.
Amazon links to my published books: