I’m the first to admit that I tend to be a little critical when it comes to what defines the perfect tropical island. I’ve been to some which have just disappointed me beyond measure, and I’ve come across others I thought would be impossible to beat. Here I am writing this from the Perhentians, and I just don’t think it’s possible to top this.
Backpacking
Trekking to Inle Lake – a photo blog
The Shan Province of Myanmar is so incredibly beautiful. So beautiful that I have to think of other adjectives that don’t include the usage of the F word. I trekked from Kalaw to Inle Lake – a very scenic route through the countryside. This experience has solidified my belief that some of the nicest people in the world live in Myanmar – what a fantastic country!
The 4000 Islands
The islands are one of those places you plan to spend 2 nights at, but end up doubling your trip and then some. The word ‘island’ may mislead you – we’re not talking about the crystal clear blue water ones… it’s the end of the rainy season in Laos and the Mekong is 7 meters higher than usual. The islands are, in essence, gigantic sand bars in the middle of the Mekong River.
Crossing into Laos – the worst border crossing ever?
Every blog post and travel article I’ve read relating to the southern border crossing between Cambodia and Laos makes it sound like an episode of the Walking Dead. Some say it’s the worst border crossing of their lives – they clearly haven’t crossed between South Africa and Zimbabwe!
My Sapa homestay experience
I went trekking in Sapa and had my first truly authentic homestay experience. When I say ‘authentic’, I mean I stayed in a ramshackle house on a mountain side in a village shared with 3 large cows, a lot of chickens, 3 dogs (with 4 puppies) and god knows what other creatures. I felt like I was Farmer Brown!
Tibet – a photojournal
I could wax lyrical about this place until the cows come home, but what they say about a picture speaking a thousand words is so true when it comes to Tibet. Here are some photos from the 6 days I spent there. If you’re moderately interested in visiting this jewel of a place, now is the time – the Chinese are constructing up a storm there and I fear it won’t be the same for much longer.
Tibet – soul food
I’ve just spent 6 incredible days in Tibet. I write this to you now on the eve of my return to Shanghai and I’d be lying if I said leaving didn’t leave me with a heavy heart. This could be because there is another monster train trip waiting for me but it’s hard not to love this place from the moment you set your eyes on it. Knowing that I’m leaving it to return to the sheer chaos that is most of the rest of China makes me want to crawl into a hole and die.
47 hours on a train
Brad Pitt spent 7 years in Tibet. I spent 47 hours on a train getting there. Thus, I feel like we have gone through the same journey and are effectively the same person. I’m just waiting for Angelina Jolie to jump out of the cupboard and tell me I’m married to her, and then I’ll be quite content to die thereafter. All my life goals would have been met!
Zhangjiajie -you need to see this place!
First off, don’t ask me how to pronounce this word. Think you say Jung Jea Jee but who the hell knows. Seriously though, this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Not just in China, but in the world. We throw around this phrase of ‘it took my breath away’ without actually experiencing it. Wait until you see the stone pillars for the first time – it’s like being hit in the chest with a club!
Dinks in Transit 