The word Uzbekistan itself carries an air of mystery about it. When I told people I was traveling to Uzbekistan, they exclaimed "Uzbekiwhere?!" and then followed that up by "Is it safe?!" Uzbekistan IS bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, countries that are not very well known in the West. So I suppose the "safe" question was fair enough! I'm here to give you the 411 on this destination and hopefully … [Read more...]
Time Spent on the Trans-Siberian Railway
The Tran-Siberian Railway is the ultimate rail journey: the longest in the world - possibly the coldest if you go at the wrong time of year. A journey of almost mythical proportions that spans two continents while staying in a single country; without leaving your seat you clatter your way along almost a third of the globe. There are three routes that travellers can take to explore the Siberian expanse: The Moscow-to-Vladivostok route at over … [Read more...]
An Off-the-Beaten-Track Island That’ll Blow Your Socks Off
Still hunting for beaches that you don’t have to share with any other foreigner? I know, the ticket touts promise you the moon. They show you leaflets with picture-postcard islands. White sands, abandoned shores, happy customers. They cajole you into going on a tour. You discuss it with your travel partner, eager to find Eden. And eventually, your urge to go on an adventure gets the better of you – you book the trip. The next day, the … [Read more...]
Koh Phrathong – a Secret Thai Island for Nature Lovers
Done Thailand? Nope! You haven’t. Don’t get me wrong. You might’ve been here before and explored the southern islands. But have you really tracked down all regions of this mesmerizing country? Spots where smiles are genuine, specks that brighten up even Thailand’s map? I know, with its 38.27 million tourists that visited the Land of Smiles in 2018, this nation feels as though vacationers have peeked in everywhere. The corner of the … [Read more...]
Five Reasons Why You’ve Got to Love Thai Culture
Not sure what to think of Thai culture? I tell you what: once you immerse yourself in it, you’ll come to love it. For Buddha’s sake! Wait! This isn’t a platitude. Thai culture has a squillion of aspects that make living so much easier and less complicated than westerners’ way of life. Like what? Well, here’s what will make you grow fond of Thais’ traditions sooner or later. Eating on the floor, the table, or whatever is flat … [Read more...]
7 Important Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek
You don’t have to be a mountain enthusiast for wanting a glimpse of the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest, and that’s why it’s basecamp is the most famous trekking destination in the world. Other than the triumph of being able to say that I have visited the highest mountain of the world, this trek has so much more to offer. It will take you right into the hearts of the high Himalaya, ever more so than any other teahouse trek in Nepal. The ancient … [Read more...]
Cappadocia in Winter – Surreal and Breathtaking
“You should also go see Cappadocia while you're here. It is very beautiful and unique too,” recommends Yucel Ikiler. As a life long local, he would know. And if there is one thing I've learned in my travels, it's to listen to advice from locals. Cappadocia is only an hour drive from the Ercyies ski resort, where we have been skiing for the last few days. And it turns out to be even more beautiful in winter, when the orange-red rocks are covered … [Read more...]
Why skiing in Turkey is an Awesome Experience
“One-third of the world’s population lives within a 4-hour flight from here. That’s why we call it the nearest ski resort in the world.” The winds of change are finally drifting across Turkey. The country is not exactly the first place that comes to mind when we think of skiing. Less than 1% of the country participates, and its international reputation for the winter sport is non-existent. But that may change if Yucel Ikiler has his way. He … [Read more...]
Sri Lanka Destination Guide
Sri Lanka has never really been on my bucket list of countries to see. However, I was recently invited to a destination wedding in this country and decided to take the opportunity to discover the island and what it has to offer. Sri Lanka truly has something for everyone, from its laid-back beach towns, spectacular train journeys, to historical ruins, to tea estates to hiking up mountain peaks. This island nation has been voted top country for … [Read more...]
The Turkish Hammam Experience
“Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.” ― Dodie Smith While Scandinavians are famed for their saunas, Turks proudly boast of their hammams. These are essentially the middle eastern relatives of the dry Nordic saunas, with a focus on steam baths and full body scrubs. Venture into any Turkish city and you are bound to stumble across a myriad of bathhouses scattered throughout town. Hammams have always carried a certain … [Read more...]
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