We are explorers, wanderers, travelers, nomads. We strive to project the authenticity of places we visit through honest words and visuals. Enjoy!
In preparation for our trip around the world, I read many travel blogs. I was struck by how many long-term travelers were vegetarian. I wondered, do vegetarians travel more? Or was there something about global travel that made people become vegetarian?
Guangxi Province is considered the "wild west" in China, an open expanse of mountainous karst-jungle terrain that remains largely untamed to this day. Tourists flock here for all kinds of outdoor activities…
Featured on the back of the Chinese 20 yuan banknote is Yellow Cloth Shoal, a karst landscape scene along the riverbank in Xingping. By the time you read this, Xingping will have already grown exponentially…
The jungle trail was a complete surprise: dark and mysterious, secluded. Above the crowds, behind the cable car station and costumed tourists, we walked among thick-stalked bamboo and tall pines…
Guilin was our home base in Guangxi Province. Our apartment had a wok and a lively farmers’ market was just steps away. I had time to perfect my own healthy version of Eggplant with Garlic Sauce…
Yunnan in Chinese means "southern clouds". The clouds in Yunnan Province certainly make an impression! The cities in Yunnan Province -- like Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri La -- sit at an elevation higher than Boulder, Colorado…
Traipsing about China alone (gasp!) is both possible and immensely liberating. From our initial base in Kunming, we took an overnight train to Dali to begin our 10 day tour of western Yunnan Province, including Dali, Lijiang, Shangri La and a 3-day trek at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Gorgeous!
There is a lot of outdated information on the 'Net about hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge in China's southwestern Yunnan Province. From prices and homestay accommodations, to trail conditions and route, this area is changing fast…
Tiger Leaping Gorge is reported to be China’s best trekking trail. We spent three days hiking 21 miles on the high and low trails in late May 2018. It was relaxed and scenic, though not exactly secluded!
The Shilin Scenic Area in Yunnan Province, China, has forests of stone and caverns pulsing with garish neon lights. The Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Caves are just a two hour bus ride from Kunming.
"Civilized Kunming" is the city's motto. Kunming has clean air and blue skies; is powered by renewable energy sources; offers plenty of green space where people actually gather in the evenings for singing, dancing, exercise, and camaraderie. Yes, it is indeed civilized! A joy to experience!
No sane person traveling to Nepal should spend five weeks in Kathmandu. Things happen when you travel long term and sometimes you just have to make the best of unplanned situations.
In Dhulikhel, Nepal, the beverages flow, guys boogie in the fields, and karaoke reverberates across the hills. We were there for the hiking trails… and a Buddhist lesson in selfless sacrifice.
Feeling oppressed by the smog of Kathmandu? Fresh air, quiet, and a peaceful lake are just a day-trek away in Chitlang and Markhu. There’s even a cable car to avoid the tough climb to the top of Chandragiri Mountain, if you choose (and if it’s working).
Bhaktapur is the showcase of Newar architecture, culture, and exquisite woodwork. It’s just a two-hour bus ride from Kathmandu and makes a nice over-night trip.
The Annapurna Circuit is the ideal place to wander, planning each day as it comes based on weather, time, altitude factors, trail conditions, and fatigue. We hiked the circuit in the Spring of 2018, starting in Chamje and ending in Birethanti.
How far should I plan to walk each day? Here is our 155 mile route, mapped in Google Earth.
Should I carry my own food? Food is readily available. Here’s a sample menu to show typical food options and prices on the Annapurna Circuit.
What should I pack? Our packs weighed 22 pounds (10 kg) each. Here’s our suggested packing list.
