Janta Mantar — a huge astrological observatory in Jaipur — is for science geeks! Through well-detailed written descriptions on every instrument, we received quite a new astronomy vocabulary…
India's Mughal Era: the Taj Mahal, Akbar's Tomb, Daulatabad Fort
Architecture in India reached its apex under the reign of the Mughals in the 1500’s, when monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Akbar’s Tomb were built…
Ancient India at Aurangabad: Ellora and Ajanta Caves
Around the time Jesus was preaching in the Middle East, religious ascetics in Maharashtra province of India began painting and sculpting devotional masterpieces…
Huangshan Mountain, China: Ghost Pines in the Mist
A breeze gathered strength, pushing fog tendrils up and over the cliff ridge. We had waited all day for Old Man Mountain’s big reveal. He did not disappoint. This is Huangshan, China.
Xidi and Hongcun, China: Lessons in Fengshui and Functional Design
Xidi and Hongcun are excellent examples of Chinese villages that are beautiful (great for photography) but also adhere to Fengshui and functional design principles. The architecture of Hui villages evolved to protect women, children and goods in the absence of men…
Wuhan, the Heart of China
The food in Wuhan stole our hearts! Hubu Alley is a famous food street with cuisine unique to Wuhan. Two foods in particular will haunt our dreams and have us drooling in our sleep for years to come..
Three Day Hiking Guide and Maps to China's Zhangjiajie 张家界 National Park
Zhangjiajie National Park is one of China’s most popular tourist areas. There are some terrific hiking trails in the park, if you know how to get there and where to find them. In this post, we provide a three day hiking itinerary, maps, and some tips to avoid the crowds.
Zhangjiajie 张家界 National Park: Inspiration for Avatar's Pandora
When clouds gather along the river valley in China’s Zhangjiajie National Park, the free standing karst peaks can look as if they are floating. We spent three days hiking in the area that inspired Pandora in the movie Avatar...
Explaining the Relationship Between Long Term Travel and Vegetarianism
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?
Ten Days in Guangxi Province, the "Wild West" of China
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…
The Price of a Photo in Xingping, Guangxi Province, China
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…
Forest Bathing at Longji Rice Terrace 龙脊梯田, Guangxi Province, China
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…
Hot and Steamy Guilin, Guangxi Province, China
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…
Two Weeks in Yunnan Province, China
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…
Yunnan Province, China: 10 Days in Dali, Lijiang, Shangri La
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!
The Truth About Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge in 2018
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…
3 Day Trek at Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
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!
Kunming Day Trips: Stone Forest 石林 and Disco Caves
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 昆明, China 中国
"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!
Kathmandu, Nepal: Raw and Authentic
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.