After my time in Switzerland I moved to Blumenau Brasil for a work related assignment in January 2020. Besides work I was able to experience a new culture make great friends and see many beautiful places. Within this post I would like to write about my highlights.
Bird view of the city Blumenau in Santa Catarina
First of all the city Blumenau within the state Santa Catarina is situated south of the country. The name doesn’t sound German for no reason. It was founded in 1850 by German settlers. Most of the population has therefore German heritage. While taking Uber rides it seemed like every fifth ride I was able to communicate in German. Furthermore the city is based in a valley with a river surrounded by dense jungle.
Flying over Blumenau on my first days in the cityDowntown Blumenau with the shopping center Havan
Still it can be hard to get in contact with the very open and friendly people because english is rare and most of the people only speak Portuguese. Luckily I made many friends at work and I was also able to improve my Portuguese quickly. I was also able to join the local rowing club.
Upstream, hanging out with friends
Impression of the dense jungle outside Blumenau
During my time in Blumenau I was also able to take different short trips on the weekend with friends. My highlights were the following:
Morro Azul
Close to Blumenau is a mountain called Azul which is known for its beautiful sunrise. I went there with my friends one morning after we partied the night through at Ahoy! a local rock club.
A little blurry drown caption of Morro Azul and my crew
On good days it is possible to even see the ocean from up here
Either you get up early or you outlast the night for this stunning view
Morro Spitzkopf
Even closer to Blumenau but way harder to get to is Morro Spitzkopf. Named by its German discoverers for its peaky top, it takes not only an one hour car ride but also a two hour climb to get to the top. We even got especially lucky because it rained for most of the time. Still we had a great view from the top.
The view from the top into the valley
Another drone capture from the top of Morro Spitzkopf
Florianópolis
Probably the most beautiful island, but also the capital of Santa Catarina is Florianópolis. Also called Floripa by the locals. It is situated about 2 hours car drive East of Blumenau. Even though the car drive out there is an adventure for itself it is a definite must see.
The island offers a wide range of beautiful beaches, extensive hiking trails and nature but also urban city life
Drone flight over the center of the islandA drone capture from the rural south of the island
Circling around the south most peak
Finally a view on the island from the main land off a hiking trail
Bombinhas
North to Floripa is a peninsula called Bombinhas. Its a natural reserve and also a little bit harder to get to. After crossing a dirt road over the top of a little mountain you get to the flat valley of the peninsula. One side is a natural harbor and on the other side a long white sand beach can be found. On the far end is another mountain with a nice short hike to the top of Morro Macaco (Monkey Mountain).
Drone capture from the top of Morro Macaco with a nice view on the peninsula
A little drone flight over the Morro Macaco
Guarda do Embaú
South of Floripa the country side gets more an more rural. It is easy to find little alternative surfer communities. Just like in Guarda do Embau. As being known as one of the top surf spots Brasil does not only offer beautiful beaches. I came here on the last weekend before Corona broke out in Brasil. I couldn’t have been closer to paradise, but see for yourself:
Caption of sand dunes and and empty beaches until the horizon
View from the top of Guarda do EmbaúCaption of the night sky from the less light polluted areas of BrasilView from the topCaption of the beach from the bird perspective
Even though I had to leave Brasil earlier than expected I had a great time. Thanks for everyone who participated in making this one special.
I hope I will be able to return some time and if you have the chance, go and enjoy!
After living one year in Switzerland I want to sum up my time within this article. Overall I can say I had a blast. The alps and lakes offer so many activities and new places to discover. This can be overwhelming in the beginning. So a little top 10 guide should help. Starting out with number 10 I will give you a glimpse of my amazing time in the Confoederatio Helvetia.
Top 10: The city of Zurich
I lived in Zurich so the biggest city of Switzerland cannot miss on this list. With about 400.000 inhabitants Zurich is still a smaller metropole. This is one of the reasons why I loved it here so much. It allows to meet friends within less than 20 minutes. Also with the great Zurich lake the city offers many activities in the leisure time.
The great lake of Zurich with the alps on the horizon
Besides rowing on the lake I really enjoyed climbing on the local mountain Uetliberg. Here it is possible to follow the grade of the mountain straight into the alps.
There is public boats which allow to check out the fancy houses on the shore of the lake
Then again from the water the city offers a different perspective on its beauty. Like this little boathouse close to Rüschlikon.
Finally a little impression of the city at night
Top 9: Skiing in Davos
A view on the alps of Davos
Davos is a town far east of Switzerland in the canton of Graubünden. Due to its location within the alps it is one of the most renown Ski resorts in Europe. Together with my co-worker Lukas and his roommates I had the chance to check it out beginning of the year for a ski weekend.
Riding down into Davos after having a little apres ski at Jatzhütte
After skiing the whole day the little cabins on the top of the mountain offer food and drinks to the people. The best experience of the day is the ride down into Davos Switzerland with the setting sun over the Swiss alps.
Drone flight over the Swiss alps
Top 8: Hiking through Graubünden
A little cabin close to the north wall of Piz Badile, Switzerland
In September I joined my roommate Prince and his buddies on a hiking trip to Graubünden which became one of my biggest adventures in the alps. We left early in the morning at 6 am. After 5 hours of driving from Zurich we finally arrived at the foot of the mountain. Further hard 7 hours of hiking and we finally made to this cabin. We enjoyed a beer wearing just t-shirts in the late summer of 2019.
A drone capture of the glacier of the north wall of Piz Badile, Switzerland
The next morning we couldn’t believe our eyes: It had snowed the whole night and we woke up to 20 cm of fresh powder. Even the owner of the cabin, Heidi, didn’t recommend going down again. We thought we would have to stay up there for a week. Luckily the snow melted far enough that we were able to leave. If you feel like getting into an adventure like that, the rural nature of Graubünden Switzerland is your place to be.
The north wall before it snowed
Top 7: The Romandie
Annecy is a great place to visit close to Geneva, even though it is not Switzerland anymore
The west of Switzerland offers its own kind of flair. Even though most of Switzerland is speaking Swiss German, there are 4 official languages in Switzerland. The second most spoken language is french. Furthermore the french speaking part is called Romandie. It offers a completely different culture within the same country.
A view from the cathedral of Lausanne
Lausanne is a young and a little bit more alternative city. Still you can find medieval architecture here like at the cathedral or have crepe in the park.
The city of Geneva gives the lake enclosed its name
Finally at the far end of the country and the lake you will find the city of Geneva. Its nice to have a stroll through the historic city which is not only home to the United Nations but also to some of the most renown watch brands.
Top 6: Canton of Ticino
Ponte dei Salti is one of the most historic bridges of the area
Far south of Switzerland is the canton of Ticino. Here people speak Italian. Like in the Romandie the culture and even the climate is most different from the rest of the country.
Check out the cities like Locarno, Bellinzona and Lugano. Have a coffee next to the beautiful lakes and a stroll through the city. If you fell like being active check out the small villages up the mountains like Lavertezzo with its famous historic bridge. Or hike up Monte San Salvadore like we did to get a beautiful view of the area.
Impressions from my trip to Ticino, together with Prince, Robin and CarlaView from the top of San Salvadore, Switzerland
Top 5: The canton of Wallis
Snowboot hiking up to the Aletsch Glacier, the biggest of the Alps.
On the top 5 I want to generally recommend visiting the canton of Wallis. Its situated south of Switzerland in the middle of the Alps with a high amount of 4km tall mountains in the area. It is also home of the Matterhorn the most renown sight of the country. When my best buddy Hendrik came to visit last year we went out here to hike up to another famous sight the Aletsch Glacier.
The Aletsch Glacier to the left is hidden by snow and dense clouds
Unfortunately by the time we got to the top of the mountain one day later the weather changed. We had ice cold snow storms and the glacier was barely visible. Snowboot hiking was probably also the most exhausting sport I have ever tried. One wrong step lets you sink through the snow into indefinite depths. Still it was great fun. If you have a chance to visit this part of the country, go for it!
Impressions from the Aletsch Glacier
Top 4: Grindelwald, Switzerland
View at the mountain Jungfrau with my friends Lisa and Lukas
Another beautiful area of Switzerland the Bernese Oberland with places like Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Grindelwald offers the longest sledge slope in Europe with nearly 30 km. We went here early winter last year to check it out and we didn’t get disappointed, but check the video for yourself.
Definitely also check out Lauterbrunnen with its huge fall directly within the city center
Riding down the slopes of Grindelwald
Top 3: The 5 lakes of Pizol
The Wildsee is probably the most beautiful of the 5 lakes
I really enjoyed hiking the 5 lakes trail of Pizol, St. Gallen in Switzerland. Even though the price 44 CHF is fairly high if you want to take the short cut by using the lift. The views are definitely worth it. Like the one of the Wildsee. When we were visiting the lake, Greenpeace activists were mourning the official death of the glacier which used to be here. This is probably the reason for the special color of this lake.
Another view of the Wildsee together with my roommate Simon and my co-worker Lisa
The trail doesn’t only offer nice views on the lakes but also the alps all around it are stunning. But see for yourself on my drone video:
Impressions of the Pizol 5 lakes hike
Top 2: Seealpsee, Appenzell
One of the most stunning lakes of Switzerland
Not without reason the brewery Quöllfrisch one of the most famous Swiss Beer brands chose the Seealpsee for their branding. The view on the lake with the first snow of the year was truly humbling. Also I was amazed that my roommate Simon and I were nearly the only visitors on this Sunday early winter 2019.
Close to the lake is the Aescher-Wildkirchli
From the lake it is possible to hike up to this little cabin close to the side of the mountain. Here you can enjoy a Quöllfrisch for yourself and enjoy the view.
Flying over the Seealpsee
Top 1: Rigi, Queen of the mountains
Sunset on top of Rigi with the first snow of the winter
Finally I am happy to announce my favorite sight of Switzerland: the mountain Rigi. Just 30 minutes away from Zurich close to the city of Lucern is the location of this beauty. Due to the fact that it is so close it is an easy destination for quick city escapes. Summer or winter; hiking here was always a blast.
Hiking with my friends, Petr, Anna and Henning
Last winter I was lucky to host my friends from my time in the US, Petr and Anna as well as Henning from Hamburg. Together we hiked for 4 hours through the snow and clouds to be finally gifted by one of the most beautiful sunsets I had so far.
Also a beauty in the summer, make sure to visit Lucern as well
Since pictures say more than 1000 words here are two last videos from the top of the Rigi:
Summer 2019, with my friends Lukas, Marion, Felipa and Lorenz
The most beautiful sunset
Thanks a lot for reading and to all the people who made my time in Switzerland so special. Even though I was able to see a lot, this is only a personal selection and there is still so much more to discover.
I hope I get to see more of this beautiful country soon.
Its been awhile since my last post. Thus I want to share a really special experience for my 100th post: Climbing the highest peak of central South East Asia – Mount Kinabalu on Borneo, Malaysia. Starting out this adventure I flew out to Singapore with my old friend Hendrik. Together with Hendrik I already traveled through Australia. As you can read in the following post.
Here is a short recap about my first trip to Singapore visiting Johan.
Singapore: Exploring the city
We had a great long weekend in Singapore. I really recommend exploring the city with electro scooters as we did. Also the Smoke & Mirrors offers not only good drinks but also a fantastic view over the marina.
Singapore from the Smoke & Mirrors bar.
After some good nights out with Johan and his friends we visited China Town before flying out. Everything was already set up for Chinese New Year. The streets were super busy and crowded.
Chinatown of Singapore close to Chinese New Year celebration.Crowded streets of Chinatown in Singapore during a busy weekend day.
Borneo: Sabah Beach
After a 4 hours flight from Singapore we landed in Sabah on Borneo in Malaysia. From the distance of the airport we could already grasp the height of Mount Kinabalu. Before climbing Mount Kinabalu we enjoyed some nice days on the paradisal beaches of Borneo.
Tanjung Aru Beach of Sabah during the day.Sunset on Tanjung Aru Beach on Borneo Malaysia.
Borneo: Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Finally the day of climbing Mount Kinabalu came up. We got picked up by the Mount Kinabalu park crew early in the morning. Then got dropped of at the entrance to the Mount Kinabalu National Park. The Timpohon gate is at an altitude of 1,866 meters.
The Timpohon Gate entrance to Mount Kinabalu.
Mount Kinabalu’s rough beauty on a rainy day.
Unfortunately it was raining cats and dogs. The higher we got the track became more challenging. Close to the base camp the track was more like a river bed. After 4 challenging hours we were the first to make it to the base camp. Furthermore Laban Rata base camp is at an altitude of 3,270 meters.
View from the base camp on the peak of Mount Kinabalu.
In the morning it came even worse. At 2 am our guide named by the traditional Malay name Johan woke us up. Unfortunately we were not suppose to climb to the peak due to the rain. Following that we convinced him that we were willing to take the risk. Thus we left the camp at 3 am.
In the middle of the night we left the camp armed with head torches. We were not only challenged by the weather, but also the altitude started to affect us. In addition every rock was slippery and treacherous. False steps would definitely lead to a sure death 1000m below.
A rainy climb up to the top of Mount Kinabalu.Mount Kinabalus rough beauty on a rainy day.
Finally we made it to the peak at 4,095 meters in time for the sunset. Although it was too clouded to see anything than that.
The peak or top of mount kinabalu.
Borneo: The beauty of Mt. Kinabalu
Now came the even harder part. After the peak we had to climb down to the entrance again soaked to the bones. When climbing down I started to notice the beauty of the flora and fauna of Borneo.
Dense rain forest of borneo.Silvery Lutung monkey in the jungle of borneo.An example of the beauty of the flora and fauna in the rain forest of borneo.
Finally we flew off again to Thailand for 2 days lay over and tailoring suits. Even though it rained during our climb it was totally worth it. Climbing our first 4km mountains totally got us hooked. Who knows what mountain range will be next, maybe the Swiss Alps?
The golden buddha temple in Bangkok is build according to the standards of temple architecture in Thailand. Read more about Bangkok in this article.
In the end following the tracks of ancient Greece – Travel log no. 97
Early in the morning I arrived in Greece and took the tram to Athens. I met up with my host Vaios who had prepared some traditional BBQ.
Vaios and I are enjoying the selfmade souvlaki with meat from his home village.
Another picture of Peter and I.
We had some really good conversation about the ancient history of Greece. Like where the big battles took place against the Persians. We also talked about the recent past and history though. Vaios and Petr were directly affected by the financial crisis being police men. It was interesting to hear their point of the story. The conclusion was great: Even though our political leaders affect the standards of living of some of us, all Europeans should stand together no matter what.
At night fall we drove up to the Isidore Chapel to watch the sun set over the city.
This is the view from atop the Lycabettus mountain. You can see the acropolis to the center right. On the horizons you can see the islands in the Aegean sea where the Athenians destroyed the Persian fleets back in the day.
Furthermore the view of the whole Mountain Lycabettus with St. Isidore church on the peak.
The acropolis was even more impressive the next day though. Together with my friend Marcelo from Brazil I explored the ancient sites.
Firstly the view of the mount acropolis from a 7th floor rooftop bar.
In addition to that the Propylaea the leftovers of the gateway to the acropolis.
Here you can see the Erechtheion a temple raised for Athena and Poseidon.
Lastly the Parthenon a temple build to worship the goddess Athena patron of Athens.
A picture of my buddy Marcelo with Athens most famous building in the back.
Later we went to Αυλή a Greek restaurant known for it’s authentic food. A selfie of Marcelo and I.
If you are expecting Souvlaki and Gyros you are mistaken. What we eat as Greek food is really just their “Fast-food”.
In the morning the next day I met up with my friend Sarah from France to explore the Ancient Angora. On the mountain you can see the Temple of Hephaestus.
Furthermore the view from the Temple of Hephaestus on the Acropolis again.
Later we met up with Vaios in the Exarcheia neighborhood. This is still a street downtown though.
Exarcheia is the alternative neighborhood which features a lot of street art and abandoned buildings or both like on this picture.
Another good example.
In the end the day of my departure, but also the end of my trip, had come. I am excited to fly back home to Hamburg to see friends and family again and even more to get started on different challenges and the adventures of adulthood. Thanks a lot for Vaios and his friends to show me Athens with the local eyes. Moreover thanks for all the great people who made this trip a real adventure. In the end it is not the sites but the people on the way who make things special and remarkable! Hope to see everybody again!
Reunion in one of the most western melting-pots of Asia– Travel log no. 96
I arrived early on Tuesday morning excited to meet Johan again. My first contact with Singaporean culture I had on the bus station. A really friendly old man paid my bus ticket and explained me the system and ways of his small country. Following that I was very well prepared to discover the rest for myself.
The view of the city skyline is impressive but just in front of Singapore is another city in itself. Thousands of ships are anchored and waiting to be reloaded.
Never the less there are still places where you can enjoy some beach atmosphere like here in Sentosa.
Finally I met up with Johan and together with his roommate we checked out the Singapore Zoo.
A white tiger is testing the water before taking a swim. Definitely one of the animals you won’t find in the wild (anymore).
Not all animals are caged up though like this Orangutan. All in all the round trip in the zoo was good fun.
The next morning we went to the Central Water Catchment park for a hike.
The track is surrounding a huge water reservoir.
One of the highlights is the Tree-Top Walk.
After 15 km of hiking we were pretty tired though. The group left to right, Tobi, Stephen, Johan and Matt
Singapore has a lot to offer. Besides the Asian cultures you can find shops and restaurants from all over the world. Walking along the Boat Quay street in the city center you could mistake the place for being an American city. It might feel a little bit fake if you go to Singapore with the expectation of seeing Asian culture only. Never the less it is definitely a place worth staying for a while. On the last day Johan and I explored one of the most popular parts of the city. The Marina by the bay.
The Gardens by the Bay. This beautiful park is located right in between the ocean and the big hotel.
The light is breaking through the mushroom pillars of the park.
Furthermore Johan in a different light.
A view on the central business district on the horizon.
Finally an overview over the whole park.
We made it up to the Ce La Vie a rooftop bar on the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
The cover charge is $20 but comes with a voucher in the equivalent amount. Definitely not the worst spot to watch the sunset.
Reunion accomplished.
Johan is enjoying the view.
Turn all the lights on. The view at night.
Another view from the city next to the city. The lights shine bright of the boats on the ocean.
The Ce La Vie offers remarkable views on the city.
Definitely want to come here again the next time.
With a heavy heart I left Singapore. Not only because I had to leave my friend Johan behind, but also because I was flying back to Europe after an amazing time in South East Asia. Only one stop remained: Exploring the cradle of western civilization.
Exploring the capital Manila and the island of Mindoro– Travel log no. 95
My Philippines experience began probably with the worst flight you can imagine. The airplane left Taipei at 3 am. Luckily I met a really nice Filipino Carl who was my seat neighbor. After arriving in Manila he even gave me a ride to the bus station and made sure that I would get on the right bus. From there I made my way to Puerto Galera on Mindoro an island 4 hours away from Manila.
Firstly the transfer to the island of Mindoro with the double rigger was a real adventure.
Even though the boat was small, I made it to Puerto Galera save and sound. Following that I checked into the Badladz Diving Resort which was right next to the Marina. In addition to that I rented a scooter to explore the island alongside diving. At Badladz I met some really nice people and had some awesome dives. Unfortunately I still haven’t received the dive pictures of my Buddy Michael. Never the less I will add the pictures later on.
The island reminds me a lot of Hawaii. Furthermore people here are still nice, friendly and helpful and not yet spoiled by tourism. One day I took the scooter to explore all the falls near by.
First I visited the Tamaraw falls which are passing by right below the curved street.
Light is breaking through the dense jungle. Mindoro with it’s curved street right next to the ocean reminds me a lot of the Highway to Hana on Maui.
After two hours of riding the motorbike I finally made it into the remote valley.
People here live remote and mostly from their own farm products. I made my way to the last fall wading alongside and through the river.
Following that I passed by some farms. Here the cattle is relaxing freely right next to the plants.
Finally I made it to the end of the valley.
Unfortunately these falls are not as beautiful as the first falls. Never the less I enjoyed the natural pool. Especially because of being completely for myself.
The view into the valley.
Lastly looking up the Takuran falls before hiking 45 minutes back to the scooter.
Still can’t believe the hospitality of the Philippines. These three ladies guided me to and back from the falls for all but a tipp?!
The drive back home with the setting sun was probably even better.
A view from Sanbang Peninsula.
In addition to that Sabang Beach the main city with clubs and bars.
After 4 days, some good dives with sea turtles and exploring the beautiful island I had to head back to Manila.
In the capital I met Carl again who showed me around through the busy streets of his home town. Manila is a huge contrasts if you start out exploring the beautiful remote islands.
A picture of Carl and me. I hope I can return the hospitality as soon as you make it to Germany my friend!
Finally I flew off to Singapore. Again in the middle of the night but excited to meet one of my best friends Johan again who now lives there.
Meeting up with Wang family and exploring Taipei – Travel log no. 94
After 4 intense days in Vietnam I flew off to Taiwan. In Taipei Sabrina’s sister Fei and her mum picked me up. Sabrina lived with my family in Germany for one year during a Rotary Exchange year. Finally I was able to explore the beauties of her country Taiwan myself.
First we checked out the Business District of Taipei. On this market you can buy food from refurbished containers.
After having some Matcha pastries and afternoon tea we went to the old town.
Fei and I posing in the Old Town. The Old Town is a redesign of old Taipei.
Reunion with Sabrina and Wang family for Dimsum.
Dim Sum is a selection of different dumplings.
Glad to meet Sabrina again. We had to cover a lot of stories.
In the morning I explored Tamsui by the sea. At night it’s a busy spot where people grab food and go out.
During the day though it feels more like a post apocalyptic city. It is just so hot that there is barely anyone on the street.
The lovers bridge and the ocean facing China in the back.
Later we met up for hotpot. A dish were you boil your dish on a soup stove on your table.
A little group picture, Fei, Her cousin, Sabrina and Jack.
Together we visited the hot springs in the mountains of Taipei.
Later we tried to seek shelter from the sun. In front there are two old Taiwanese playing Chinese Chess.
Lastly a temple of the special kind. It looks more like a modern company office though.
Later at night we visited the night market.
On the market we met Sabrina and Fei’s Uncle. After 3 special bubble tea’s we left to see a good bye fire work.
Furthermore the streets are finally crowded at night.
Of course it can get even more crowded though, like here for the firework.
Lastly a really cool weekend in Taiwan ended. Non the less I am so glad that I was able to explore Sabrina’s home country and of course to meet everybody again.
Especially because I finally learned how to eat with chop sticks properly.
Early in the morning I flew off to the Philippines, I can’t wait to write about my adventures over there.
Exploring Northern Vietnam, Hanoi and Da Nang – Travel log no. 93
At first I flew into Hanoi to explore my first real communistic country. On the airplane from Bangkok I met a couple Romain and Katie. Together we drove into town. After checking in I had enough time to explore Hanoi.
Right away I noticed that the streets are way more busy here. There are at least 4 times more motorbikes on the streets. People are just sitting on the site walk eating food from street kitchens and smoking pipes.
After having lunch I explored the city lake Hoàn Kiếm. In the center of the lake is a big gate.
The entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple on another island of the lake.
In addition another view of the streets on the way to the temple of literature. In some parts the traffic is so dense and uncontrolled you have to just walk over the street with closed eyes to make it to the other side. At least that’s what the locals say.
Furthermore a street hairstylist next to the temple of literature.
The gate of the temple of literature. This place has a beautiful park which cuts off the stressful atmosphere of the surrounding streets.
A pagoda on another big lake North to the city. The communistic system is still visible all over the city in form of red hammer and sickle flags.
After a nice dinner with my friends from the airplane at a French-Vietnamese Restaurant I went to bed. I had to be refreshed for my day at the famos Ha Long Bay the next day.
After a 4 hour bus ride we finally made our cruise boat. The Ha Long Bay is famous for its countless small high rising islands. Therefore it was defined as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
In Hanoi you can buy these trips for a wide price range. I feel like it’s probably all the same though.
A lady with her floating market rowing over to sell some goods. Never the less we had plenty of good food included in the trip.
Last but not least the view from atop.
The real price of tourism.
Finally back in Hanoi I had a Pho soup at a street kitchen. Unfortunately this wasn’t the best decision. In the morning I was sick with food poisoning. Never the less I made it to Ninh Binh a former city of the emperor.
First the old capital protected by the mountains.
Nowadays the city is better known for it’s beautiful river cruises though.
Here a lady paddling her boat through her legs only. By the way it is also the home of King Kong.
Finally with a weary stomach I had to fly down to Da Nang. This should be only a one day stop before flying to Taiwan. So I rented a motorbike to explore the area.
First the bird perspective of Da Nang.
Secondly the view from the beautiful marble mountains.
Around the area there is a lot to discover. Outside…
… As well as inside the caves.
Even though the beauty of Hoi An can top it easily. The city of lanterns.
The Japanese Bridge.
Unfortunately my motorbike disappeared. Never the less I was able to find it and get it back.
People in Vietnam were nice and friendly. Even though some tried to give me a hard time. English is definitely not their strength. Never the less I can’t wait to write about my time in Taiwan. In Tapei I met up with my exchange sister Sabrina and her family.
Exploring the temple complex of Angkor Wat – Travel log no. 92
In the morning I left Bangkok to drive to Cambodia. On the bus I met two other Germans. Tim and Sven are also from Kiel really close to my home town. Together we planned on discovering the temple complex in Siem Reap the next day. Crossing the borders from Thailand to the Kingdom of Cambodia was real chaos. Not only the driving direction changed. Cars were replaced with people carrying there gods on carts. The Cambodian borders seemed to be more dirtier and dustier. Young kids were begging on the streets for food.
Finally we made it to Sieam Reap. After checking into our hostels we found a Tuk Tuk driver who agreed with us to drive us around the whole day. We planned to meet up at 4:30 am to watch the sunrise. Of course I didn’t wake up on time. I just didn’t hear the alarm. Much likely because I was still deaf from my diving. Luckily my friends kicked me out of bed still in time so that I didn’t miss out on this beautiful spectacle.
The sun slowly rises behind the main temple – Angkor Wat.
After passing by the River and the outer gates we got our first site of the temple.
In addition a view from one of the inside lakes.
Of course something had to go wrong. Sven disappeared right in the beginning after he didn’t get in because of in-proper dressing. Luckily we found him later on inside the temple.
The main temple is in the best condition. Thus the wall paintings and art are in great shape. Here you can see 4 dancing women.
Finally a group picture in front of Angkor Wat. Tim, Sven, Mr Bond (Our Breakfast Chef) and I
After exploring the main temple we checked out the rest. Unfortunately there are just so many temples that it is impossible to see them all. Here are some of my favorites:
On the way to Bayon the next bigger temple we had to pass this guarded bridge.
Bayon temple is consisting out of many faces.
Furthermore these gates in form of a human are pretty common around Bayon.
Thirdly a temple with a long walk.
Also with a beautiful view.
Slowly mother nature is taking back the place.
Another example of this. Trees are growing tall already in most of the hallways.
It’s even more obvious from the other side.
Mr Bond, our Tuk-Tuk Driver recovering in his hammock from the early morning shift.
Well, if you already feel tired after seeing so many temple you can imagine how we felt around 4 pm.
Another really spectacular one.
This one just cannot miss.
At 4 pm we actually had to break up the expedition. We didn’t even see half of all the temples but we were just too tired after exploring for 12 hours.
My second day I spend on renting a scooter to explore a forgotten temple two hours away from Siem Reap. Driving the motorbike in Cambodia was probably one of the craziest things I have done. Never the less I still enjoyed it and I got to see the local civilization.
The leftovers of Prasat Beng Mealea the snake Temple in jungle.
Some stone art next to the temple site.
Driving home through the rice fields and small villages was just amazing. I stoped by a small village called Damdek for dinner.
Main street of Damdek, the kids are coming back from school. People here are nice but a little bit shy.
Finally the local market in Damdek. Here I had what I identified as a chicken heart and liver ginger curry below a tent.
In the end I left Cambodia again traveling back to Bangkok and from there to Hanoi in Vietnam. I cannot wait to share my adventures from this beautiful and communistic country.
Exploring the capital of Thailand, it’s markets and temples – Travel log no. 91
In the morning at 4 am the bus arrived in Bangkok. Together with two friends from Slovenia I went to the famous Khaosan road close by. Unfortunately by that time even here most of the places were closed. Never the less we found a restaurant where we could sit out the night. At 8am we left the luggage at the hostel and explored the city.
The floating market in Bangkok. Here you can find all kind of seafood specialties cooked right on the boat.
In addition a close up of a little floating kitchen. Do you see all the fish next to it? I am still wondering if this is also one of the main ingredients.
On the way to the next stop we came by this bus with sister and brother on the way home from school.
Furthermore we explored the Wat Arun Temple. We had to take a boat to get to it first though.
Not everybody seems to go to school. Here are the kids of the shop keepers playing games.
Finally a close up of the temple of dawn.
From the temple we made our way back to the palace.
Unfortunately we didn’t get to go in. It is not only relatively expensive, but the lines are also super long. Still many people cue up to moan for their dead emperor.
On the next day I left to explore the Wa Saket, the Golden Mount.
To start with a random street on the way to the Golden Mount. Actually you can see the Golden Mount already coming up to the right.
Before I could make it there though a friendly Tuk-Tuk Driver on the street offered me to drive me around the whole day for 50 cents.
According to the driver this cheap price was only possible because of a holiday. I sensed a trap but still joined him for the sake of adventure.
He brought me to a giant Buddha statue. There another random stranger talked to me again about the holiday and how cheap it would be to get tailored clothes.
The inside of the second temple we visited. Here my Tuk Tuk driver showed me how to pray on a holiday like the one.
Without asking me we stopped at a Tailor shop next. I went in to check it out and ended up buying a tailored shirt for around 30 bugs. I ended up running into the trap they sat up for me. Back at the Tuk Tuk my driver explained me the reason why it was so cheap today. There was actually no holiday. The whole thing was just a scam to get the people in the tailor shops. Later that night back in town I realized my mistake. Tailored shirts are around $20 here. Never the less I didn’t spend too much money and was still driven around the city the whole day. Even though I got scammed I felt people here were nice!
Finally back at the temple I explored the site.
Sure enough I would run into my friend Niko again whom I first met in Malaysia. He had taken a different route but fortune or coincidence brought us back together.
Together we explored the temple and went back into downtown.
Back in town we explored the way more busier Khaosan road and had some food.
Traveling had required it’s price from both of us. Niko had to even stay in the hospital for a couple of days because of an infection in his leg. I was still struggling with an ear infection after diving on Koh Tao. Never the less I had a real good treatment in Bangkok which cost me all in all less than $20. It is hard to imagine but good treatment for that price is possible.
Finally our ways had to part again. I left to explore the Kingdom of Cambodia the next morning. Excited to discover the lost temples of Angkor Wat.
