Egla just finished explaining that the dazzling sapphire blue icebergs afloat in Fjallsarlon lagoon are the newest chunks to have broken off from the adjacent Skaftafel glacier. Then we hear a mighty boom, like Thor’s rolling thunder, and another slash of brilliant blue appears in the mighty 20-metre high glacier face before us. A new iceberg had just crashed into the water.
About David Sly
After 30 years in journalism, Australian freelance writer, author and editor David Sly has been fortunate enough to indulge his passions in print. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, David has moved from newspapers to specialise in food and wine writing, being published in national and international magazines, from Gourmet Traveller to Decanter, and is Food & Wine Editor of SA Life magazine. He has focused intently on the specialised regional produce and wines of South Australia, winning national awards, and is a graduate of the University of Adelaide/ Le Cordon Bleu Gastronomy course.
He also continues to write extensively about many of his other consuming passions; travel throughout Australia and Asia, music (he still plays drums in several bands, and with his musical sons Miles and Lucas), theatre, comedy and snow skiing. David has penned three books, including an elegant coffee table history book about his homeland, This is South Australia.
Guatemala – Land of Dramatic Contrasts
Dawn at Tikal
This is the epicenter of the ancient Mayan world, constructed about 740AD, and although it is hundreds of kilometres from the nearest city and has only two modest accommodation lodges within the park, it’s still surprising that so few people are about – perhaps 40 to observe the dawn, and only a few hundred dotted about the park during the day.
From Treehouse to Teahouse
Within a few hours’ drive, the topography shifts from coconut palm-fringed beaches dotting the southern coast, through open savannah plains that define popular safari destination Yala National Park, to the cool high-mountain tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, then dense tropical jungles that house a multitude of monkeys, birds and Asian elephants.
The Irresistible Lure of Salt
It’s been raining again and there’s water flowing from the northern rivers in to the lake. The pelicans will be the first to arrive, for a big feed of fish. The grey nomads will be quick to follow.
Adelaide’s Hidden Bars
Modelled on San Sebastian’s dark and moody pintxos bars, Udaberri’s open rafters and hanging bulbs create an appropriate atmosphere to enjoy sardines or jamon in the company of smart Spanish, Portuguese, and local wines.
Knife Maker Barry Gardner
Out of curiosity, Barry Gardner attended a knife show in 1995 and, fascinated by the handcrafted steel objects, asked a craftsman if he could be taught to make such knives. Now, as an experienced cutler, Barry offers this same service at his foundry within the Jam Factory studios at Seppeltsfield. “I love guiding people to […]
Caye Caulker
A gorgeous coral and sand island off the coast of Belize in Central America, where fresh seafood is sourced daily from the island’s fishermen, and the tempo is set by its Rasta culture and modes of transportation.
The vibe on Caye Caulker is clear. Steady, but always slow.
The Rum Diaries
Giant crystal tasting balloons are brought to your table with great pomp and ceremony, encased in a smoke-filled glass dome that is removed extravagantly. It’s almost comical, but don’t laugh. Drinking elite rum here is a serious business.
Cuba
It’s hot and sensuous in Cuba, but the climate is changing. Tourists are arriving in droves to taste the authentic Cuban passion for life… before the Americans arrive.
Guatemalan Idol
Maximon isn’t an easy idol to comprehend. He is both divine and devilish, fiend and friend, a communicator to Ajaw, the supreme Mayan god, but also a trickster that may double cross whoever presents an offering.
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