shizentai

So I didn’t make it to Ibiza this year, but I did go to Valencia and Barcelona. Barcelona is a great city with loads to see, but I really really liked Valencia…what an underrated, stunning city. I’d love to make it over for the America’s Cup next year to cheer the German team on!

I’ve been to several countries in the Middle East, but none of the Gulf states yet. I wanted to visit Yemen after I saw 2000’s “Rules of Engagement”, though I found out later that the Yemen sequences were actually shot in Morocco!

I’d chill out, after climbing to the Roof of Africa!

I’ve heard that they are pretty cool. I would love to attend Lowlands or Dancevalley…or just go to Amsterdam for the weekend to chill out. As always, so many things I want to do, so little time.

Dubrovnik is a dream. I’d buy a holiday house there if I could. We stayed with an old couple with a dog that we didn’t know from adam. The little old lady took us to the morning market, which was awash with activity. It’s been over 4 years, but I still remember the colors, the smells, and the breeze.

or fermented mare’s milk, the drink of choice for a lot of Mongolians. Not for the faint-hearted. Don’t leave Mongolia without trying it. I personally could not stomach more than a couple of sips, but it’s an experience.

This was one journey I’d been wanting to do for ages, and I finally did it last summer. When they say longest train journey in the world, you’d better believe it! Think about it: what would you do with yourself for 3 days straight in a very small space? Train life is a matter of getting used to,though, and turned out to be really great. A lot of great conversation, amazing sunrises and sunsets. And a lot (lot lot!) of time to just…be.

Beijing to Kashgar…a long way, but an incredible trip. Slide down the sand dunes in Dunhuang. The summer toboggan experience, if you will. Karakul Lake onwards from Kashgar is breathtaking, a little piece of heaven on earth. Be prepared for some rough terrain though. And bring your passport, even if just day-tripping from Kashgar. There is a checkpoint in the mountains that you don’t want to be turned away from after making the 4plus hour journey on very bad roads from Kashgar. I had to hitchhike solo to make it into Pakistan because the people I originally shared the ride with had to go back!

...on the Karakoram Highway. One of the best trips I have ever done.

Some of the best scenery I have ever seen.