When my good friend and old roommate Suzanne told me that she’ll do a stint in Amsterdam for her midwifery studies, we tried to put together a reunion. After all Berlin is not that far away from Amsterdam. Yet after some back and forth, we discovered that although Germany and Holland are neighbors, the trip wouldn’t be that cheap and it would have been also pretty cumbersome. So we agreed on “Skip Amsterdam, let’s meet in Ireland”. Suz is from the emerald island and I only managed visiting her once so far. After checking the flights, it was a no brainer: Ireland it is.
Read MoreThings are different in the South.
They say Bavaria is a different world. The language, the climate, the holidays, the traditions.
Read MoreBogotá aka 2600 meters closer to the stars.
When a person turns 90 years old and throws a huge birthday party, attention must be paid. And if the party is in a city you've never been and in a country you adore, you pack your bags and head straight to the airport.
Read MoreThe North remembers. And I remember the North.
Women of the Hmong Tribe.
Sa Pa, a mountainous area in Northern Vietnam, is home to some of the officially recognized 54 ethnic minority tribes. It is the center of tribal culture: the H’mong, Red Dao, Tay tribe, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa, and the Xa Pho tribes call it their home. The Hmong ethnic minority form the majority of Sa Pa population. They originally came from China 300 years ago.
Read MoreViet-Nom nom nom.
Before starting my travels a number of friends informed me that Vietnam was their favorite country they perused in Southeast Asia. Another point they agreed on was that I will need to spend at least a whole month and not a day less there. Thanks to the quick and easy option of applying for an electronic visa, I was allowed to enter for 30 days. But let me tell you from the beginning: Even 30 days are not enough to explore the diversity and beauty of this country. I had to skip so many stops and prioritize strictly.
Read MoreBali(n).
I'm two and a half months into my travels. All my travel friends left and went back home. I had to adjust myself, again: It was time to go out on my own, one more time.
Read MoreFull Moon Lantern Festival.
Hội An Lantern Festival is run on the 14th day of each lunar moon when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Much of the activities are centered at the An Hoi Bridge and along the banks of the Hoai River. The release of lanterns on the rivers is said to bring good fortune and love, as well as health and happiness.
Read MoreSouth of Cambodia.
After learning about the heavy history of Cambodia, we were more than ready to learn and see the more beautiful sides of this amazing country.
Read MoreMost challenging, yet most rewarding: Enter Cambodia.
Despite the fact that we had to get up at 7am in Bangkok, my best friends Viki and I were ecstatic about heading to Siem Reap, Cambodia. To save some money we decided to take the bus. It sounded like a good idea: only eight hours, free wifi on the bus, snacks, drinks, and all that for less than $15. That our hostel recommended this bus company gave us the assurance that we are in good hands. Can you hear a 'but' coming up? But, indeed.
Read MoreCloud Forest in Doi Inthanon National Park.
Stepping into the Cloud Forest feels like entering a magical landscape. It’s pure earth poetry. Mysterious and whimsical at once.
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