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Grand Caravan Trip
  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubrey
  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubrey

Grand Caravan Trip

New Zealand to London by planes, local trains and bus. 68 days. 16 countries. 30,779 km Læs mere
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  • Start på rejsen
    20. august 2025
  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Singapore's Regent Street aka Clarke QuayRiver Front Fountain SquareOne of many varied footbridges over the Singapore River1Recharging requires fuel (Vietnamese shrimp and pork soup)Fountain square at nightTitanic My Heart will Go On played with an Asian accent

    Recharging in Singapore

    21. august 2025, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Recharging means sleeping in; voracious grazing at the breakfast buffet; lazy laps in the 25-meter swimming pool; and taking a scenic walk along the Riverside footpath to Chinatown to purchase an Iphone recharging cable because apparently ours is conveniently plugged in at Manurewa. Singapore at night runs on a full battery given the lighting, ferry rides, buskers and busy restaurants and bars.Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    One Ringet = NZ41 cents
    Last apple pie for some timeHotel's 33rd floor infinity pool. Lady in the pool wearing a full bodysuit and head scarf.Johor Bahru looking back to Jahore Strait

    Singapore to Johor Bahru Malaysia

    22. august 2025, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Today we met our 13 fellow passengers and UK guide. The group hales from Australia, Canada, Singapore and two Kiwis. After enjoying lunch we had a 30-minute bus trip to reach the Singapore/Malaysia border. Crossing into Malaysia required two sets of Immigration and Customs, before taking our shortest train trip of 10-minutes to cross the Singapore-Johor causeway. The process took about an hour and is something that 470,000 Malaysians do twice every day as they work in Singapore. Here in Johor Bahru small apartment living (without a terrace) is the norm and we have joined them by staying on the 15th floor.Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Breakfast this morning included chai tea with ginger made with a flourish by the teamasterThe toss and turn of roti bread productionKL Transport logo

    Bus & Trains Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur

    23. august 2025, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Today we travelled through banana, coconut, rubber and palm tree plantations. The latter have now superseded all the other crops. The tree came from Nigeria, requires little care and produces palm oil in 2-3 years (rubber trees take 7). Sadly, much of Malaysia's ancient, tropical rainforest is being cleared for this new crop.
    Our arrival to Kluang station was impeded by cones and road closures (maybe we are back at Britomart?), armed police & SAS teams, and a royal cavalcade. All for the King to open the sparkling new station in readiness for the soon arriving electric trains.
    A stop off at Gemas, a small town we walked around. Back on the rails a fellow traveler realized her passport and wallet were left in a Gemas shop. She and her husband disembarked at the next station to retrace their steps. They aim to join the group sometime, somewhere....... maybe our group is now 12? All others now safely in the mighty city of KL    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    33rd floor infinity pool
    Breakfast food for all -even the Trump teamOur first Thai trainThe pods starting to form2James from the Philippines slept above JohnMan and his family on their way home from a successful marathon run

    Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok Thailand

    24. august 2025, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Our surreal day started swimming laps in a 33rd floor infinity pool as the skyscrapers' neon lights exited for the crimson sunrise. Then an international buffet breakfast, catering for all tastes. Impression = KLC the NYC of Asia.
    The sophistication continued on the punctual, fast Malaysian train with free WIFI and comfortable seats while enjoying views of the Cameron Highland rainforest, limestone formations and rice fields. After 5.5 hours and 1,328 kms arrived at Malaysia's northern border.
    An easy crossing into Thailand where the culture and tempo changed. An older 'rattler' train with open seating. Plenty of social colour provided by monks, food vendors and local families moving through the corridors, all pleased to interact with us.
    Early evening the train steward efficiently converted our open seating into screened beds. Tucked up like peas in a pod we were rattled to sleep.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Beautiful mosaic art everywhere.
    Crossed the Chao Praya River by ferry to Wat Arun146 metre long reclining BuddhaOur group at the Wat Arun

    Bangkok temples

    25. august 2025, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    9.00am arrived at Bangkok's large central station. First up our body temples were sorted with a good coffee then a full-body Thai massage to remove our train and age-related creases. After that floated through the day visiting temples. Though at 32 degrees C by late afternoon we were pleased to emulate the Bangkok's reclining buddha.Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    1Friendly face at The Prasart Museum
    1Relaxing library room2150- year-old black persimmon bonsai3Dinner on the train to northern Thai border

    Bangkok to Nong Khai, Northern Thailand

    26. august 2025, Thailand ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    First to The Prasart Museum which is privately owned by an 80-year-old, successful property developer who, at the age of 12, started his passion for collecting quality Asian art. At 40 he also purchased an empty field where he cultivated a beautiful garden as the backdrop for his now priceless and eclectic antique collection.
    Had time to observe Bangkok's hustle and bustle. The pollution and traffic jams have much improved since our 1990 visit but it still took 1.25 hours to travel the 17-kms to Central station where we boarded our overnight train to Thailand's northern border.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Wat (temple) Sisaket is Vientiane's oldest templeTemple gifts-marigolds wrapped in banana leavesPha That Luang covers a piece of Buddha's breastbone and is printed on local kip moneyVictory Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane, built to celebrate Lao independence from the French.

    Thailand to Lao PDR

    27. august 2025, Laos ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    Early morning train crossed the Thailand/Lao Friendship bridge spanning the mighty Mekong River and entered Lao People's Democratic Republic (Communist). Even with pre-trip E-visas the bureaucrats needed extra entry paperwork.
    Lao is one of the world's poorest countries and is very Buddhist, even if with religious freedom. More temples, though our guide highlighted they don't all look the same and provided an excellent history lesson.
    A French colony (Laos) until 1953. and their influence remains including the wonderful French/Lao fusion fare served at our dinner table beside the Mekong River.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey

    Vientiene

    28. august 2025, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Lao did not officially participate in the Vietnam war, which the Asians call the American war. Even so, between 1964-1973 the USA undertook 580,000 bombing raids, dropping 2 million tons of ordinance on Lao. Put another way, one planeload every eight minutes, 24-hours each day for nine years.
    More than 30% of the cluster bombs remain live and continue to cause fatalities, serious injuries and loss of limbs, especially in the rural areas.
    Many helpful international agencies are diffusing the mines, but the recent USA decision to stop all US AID means they are not.
    Today we visited the Vientiane COPE centre (Co-operative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise), a Lao Ministry of Health division whose motto is “To Keep the People Moving”.
    Sombre story. Thankfully, spectacular Mekong River sunsets continue and we will be up before sun rise tomorrow for our journey to Luang Prabang.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Looking for Penguins on the D88 train
    Tropical mountains between tunnels1We are eating so much rice they need to grow more1Exquisite embroidery grows at 1 cm per hourSpectacular falls had many levels and pools.

    Vientiane to Luang Prabang

    29. august 2025, Laos ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Amazing how long and wealthy China’s tentacles have become. Their Belt and Road policy, to link China by train, road and digitally to wider Asia, means Lao now has modern railway lines and stations. From Vientiane we smoothly rode at 143 km/per hour, tunnelling through mountains and delivered to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.
    A delightful town, blending traditional Lao architecture, European colonial buildings, and over 30 Buddhist temples. At a weaving school we watched the manufacture of silk, cotton and hemp products. Then a bumpy ride into the rural area, for a hike through tropical forest (huge trees) to the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tat_Sae_Waterfalls
    Unfortunately, recent heavy rain meant it wasn’t safe for us to swim in the natural pools.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Here they come with large begging bowls
    2Hope the monks also get greens and don't only have sticky rice and sweets4Sustainable packaging though sadly much plastic in the Mekong River2River relaxation3The King's coffin as they are buried kneeling in a prayer position before cremation4Enough in the bottles to bite.1

    Meditating in Luang Prabang

    29. august 2025, Laos ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Worthy of note the McCoubreys up at 5.00 am to give alms to the monks. For a small fee we purchased sticky rick and snacks for the monks’ single daily meal. Then walking through the exotic morning food market.
    A relaxing Mekong River trip. Two-hours upstream for our lunch, stopping en-route at a distillery for rice wine and whiskey tasting. River flows ensured a fast trip home, giving us time to explore temples and historical French architecture.
    Tomorrow entering China for two weeks and possibly our Microsoft/Apple technology will be blocked, thus off-line. However, we will continue to look for penguins.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    John was missing the train travel, but he still had optionsDue to their high-rise apartments people use parks and cafes to socialize.More temples..John decided these Bridge players were too good for him

    Lao PDR to Kunming China

    31. august 2025, Kina ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    The day was marked by a series of train changes as we and our luggage boarded and left the D33 train three times, passing through scanners and checkpoints to depart Lao, cross no-man’s land, and enter China. Once aboard, we enjoyed a comfortable five-hour ride covering 750 kilometres to Kunming in Yunnan province. Emerging from train tunnels, the scenery shifted to lush tea plantations, sunflower fields, and vast hothouses, signalling our arrival in the “Garden City.” Kunming, known for its horticultural prowess, supplies 65% of China’s fresh flower requirements.
    Kunming, with a population of 8.8 million, impresses with its well-planned layout, tree-lined streets, and abundant green spaces. The city’s consistent alpine climate and rich soil support a highly productive horticultural industry. Electric vehicles, including many motor scooters, are commonplace. At an altitude of 1,895 metres, the air is clean, encouraging slow walking and deep breathing rather than worries about pollution. Taoist and Buddhist temples are scattered throughout the city, where religious practice faces no obstacles from the Communist regime. Osmanthus and lotus lilies are currently in season, delighting both our noses and eyes.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey

    Penguin apologizes

    1. september 2025, Laos ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    The penguin apologizes for his absence while cavorting with his black and white cousins - the pandas and yaks.
    Seriously, it isn't his fault or the Chinese governments that we went AWOL. Instead, NZ Spark decided we couldn't possibly be in China for two weeks so cut our internet cord. Now in Kazakhstan and re-established links so will endeavor to summarize our many recent adventures. Feel free to ignore or read the entries. No pictures or words can describe our journey to date....... seems NZ is not the centre of the worldLæs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    1Enjoyable 2km walk through a stone canyon park. Eating so much lucky to still pass through the gaps1A Yi guide - the two, pointed triangles on her hat advertises she is single.1One of Kunming's many flower markets

    Kunming's Hard & Soft Jubes

    2. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    We took a bus trip along expertly engineered roads to reach the Stone Forest, a national park featuring dramatic limestone formations that rose from the ocean during the formation of the Himalayas. The park is managed and staffed by the Yi minority, who, as the region’s indigenous people, benefit from employment preference. Local Yi specialties, including goat cheese and aubergine fried in honey, added distinctive flavours to the day.
    After enjoying a delicious meal, we provided a feast for our eyes—a visit to a wholesale flower market. The stunning array of colours and species on display was breathtaking.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Seen so many alternative energy supplies and electric car portals1Usual suspects with Yaping and Wuhan. Yaping gave me a beautiful embroidered scarf made in Chengduu

    Kunming to Chengdu

    3. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    At 6.45am, armed with our hotel boxed breakfast, we returned to Kunming station to board our ‘G’ train (China’s high-speed rail service). At 250kmph we smoothly and comfortably travelled to Chengdu; time to do a crossword, have a cup of tea and view well engineered hydro schemes, wind farms and mountain sides covered in solar panels. It seems China has received and understood the climate change memo.
    Later, we met with Yaping and her boyfriend (Wuhan) for dinner at a Chengdu Sichuan restaurant. Yaping and I worked together in Washington, DC, so lively conversations, reminiscing and sharing stories over chopsticks. The air was thick with the scent of Sichuan peppercorns, and plates of fiery red mapo tofu and crispy kung pao chicken crowded the table.
    We invited Yaping and Wuhan to visit NZ, but Wuhan’s employment as an IT specialist in China’s military means he is currently not allowed to leave China.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Almost as cute as Eva Aroha!!Pandamonium - Chinese tourists flocking to get their perfect snap.Another Chinese banquet - can't complain about our meals

    Chengdu Pandering

    4. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    The expansive bamboo forests viewed from the train windows before arriving in Chengdu had us watching for pandas. Much more successful was our visit to the panda research centre where there are 200 pandas.
    We learned that pandas are naturally solitary creatures and that female pandas are only fertile for two or three days each year—a challenge for conservationists. Another natural difficulty is the panda’s reliance on bamboo: when a species of bamboo flowers, the entire grove dies off in a synchronized event that happens only once every several decades. This mass die-off can drastically reduce the pandas' primary food source, threatening their survival. The research centre’s work to sustain bamboo supplies and support breeding programmes left us hopeful.
    However, no time for us to act like indolent pandas as tonight we have an overnight journey train to Xining.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey

    Xining to Lhasa Tibet

    5. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    After a full day exploring Xining, a predominately Muslim town, we board our next ‘iron rooster’ to cross the roof of the world. A 22-hour journey of 1,956 kms crossing the Tibetan Plateau; the world’s highest railway which crosses an extreme environment of permafrost, lakes and grasslands. An engineering feat, built by the Chinese military and completed in 2006.
    Our warm, oxygenated cabin protected us from the harsh environment. Even so we had slight headaches, so our train attendant provided us with piped oxygen. Drinking plenty of water also helped.
    No photos can capture the spectacular and vast scenery of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, braided rivers, yaks, wild horses, antelope and Tibetan settlements. A real privilege having a National Geographic documentary roll past our window.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    John's Elixir
    Potala Palace - we managed to walk up the 800 steps to the top courtyardDebating MonksProstrating PilgrimsA full family of pilgrimsLady who spoke to us and let us take her photoA pilgrimTempting but a paella pan would not fit into our packs

    Lhasa Tibet 6-8th September

    6. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Tibet has long been on my bucket list, and it didn’t disappoint. Our excellent Tibetan guide helped us better understand the local culture, and his people’s challenges following China’s 1951 edict that Tibet is an autonomous zone of China. This historical context enriched our understanding of both the vibrant traditions and the resilience of the Tibetan people in the face of complex political circumstances.
    Visited Potala Palace which is the Tibetan Buddhist’s Vatican City, and it is equally ornate. Inside, we witnessed large assemblies of monks engaged in reading and spiritedly debating scriptures, their voices echoing through the halls. Unfortunately, photography was not permitted within the temples.
    Thanks Lhasa, for the wonderful sights; long-distance pilgrims, including those doing body-length prostrations to the temples, colourful architecture, the Tibetan’s smiling faces and welcoming disposition. Few Europeans around, so our grey-haired tour group seemed to be a local novelty. Our visit felt very authentic and not just a tourist experience.
    Once again, we enjoyed the food including yak meat, milk and yoghurt, curries, spicy noodles and various dumplings. John tasted the Roof of the World beer, giving it’s cold, lager taste the thumbs up.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    500 year-old pomegranate bonsai tree at the mosque
    Market pomegranates large and cheapWider variety of chilies, herbs and spices than at New World Manurewa

    Lhasa to Xining China

    9. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Our morning train back to Xining allowed us to spy missed views while asleep during our entry journey.
    Time to explore a little more of this ‘small’ town of 1.5 million of which 60% are Muslim.
    All credit to the Chinese rail system; efficient as a Swiss clock. Train stations are like modern airline terminals, and we use our passports as tickets. Timetables maintained to the minute, meaning six minutes to board/disembark. McCoubreys alone in four-berth cabins so plenty of room to spread our clutter. Trains clean and comfortable, with continuous hot water available to make tea/soup/noodles, electricity outlets and often free Wi-FI. Highly recommend Chinese rail travel which now covers much of Asia.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Arid hills bored with Buddhist meditation cavesWestern Great Wall & GuardhousesContortionist pouring tea - no, I haven't tried it!!

    10th - 11th Sept - Xining /Jiayuguan

    11. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    No Raurimu spiral on this trip - the Chinese just bore long tunnels through mountains. Emerging from each tunnel the land is drier. Malaysia’s tropical rainforest a distant memory as we arrive in the Gobi Desert.
    Situated in a valley between two mountain ranges, the ancient city of Jiayugan was an important Silk Road stopover, protected by the Western Great Wall and garrisons. In 1965 the new city of 300,000 was re-established when the Chinese government decided to harvest the mountain’s iron ore resources.
    Not many other Europeans in these western cities so our small group is a real novelty and often locals stop John and ask to take his photo    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Industry in the desert does not sleep

    Jiayuguan to Urumqi, China

    12. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    For seven hours we sped across the Taklamakan desert which is sprinkled with gas and oil rigs. Our comfortable train made us appreciate the fortitude of the Silk Road camel trains.
    At 10.00pm we arrived in Urumqi, China’s most western city and with more than 3 million citizens it isn’t small!! Magnificent skyscrapers lit at night with animated lighting.
    A very dry region but artesian wells, fed by glaciers, ensure local fruit and vegetable supplies. Wine and table grapes a regional specialty and it’s harvest time 😊. Hard to decide which of the green, red, purple, finger-shaped and round (some as large as golf-balls) grapes to choose so we sampled many. Delicious.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey

    Chinese Impressions

    13. september 2025, Kina ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    We enjoyed our two-weeks in China. We last visited in 1990 and it is hard to believe it is the same country – now no Chairman Mao clothing or a bicycle to be seen. Our impression = China is on the move economically, socially, technologically and geographically (Tibet a good example). Even in the remote areas we saw no evidence of poverty or malnutrition and the middle-class seem to be doing very well. Though there is no doubt that the long-arm of Chinese bureaucracy is also doing well.Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    the steppe goes for milesAlmost like Otago's goldfieldsTrump's effigy?

    China to Kazakhstan

    14. september 2025, Kasakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    A border crossing and the world changes. We are now in Kazakhstan, the 9th largest country in the world and the world’s largest inland country.
    We instantly see why Kazakh’s chose their light blue and gold national flag. Huge skies and the open steppes are golden (well they are now in autumn before the snows start in early November).
    On arrival we were driven to the Charyn Canyon and walked 3kms down to the canyon’s river. Not as imposing as the USA’s Grand Canyon, but still a reminder that erosion never sleeps.
    Then on to our bed in Almaty – the city closet to the Russian border.    Læs mere

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  • Dorothy-Jean McCoubreyGrand Caravan TripDorothy-Jean McCoubrey
    Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built of wood in 1904Shopping at Almaty market more exciting than in New World ManurewaBeef, lamb and horse meat

    Almaty Apples

    15. september 2025, Kasakhstan ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Who knew the world’s apple genus first grew in Almaty??? (and that tulips originated in Kazakhstan, not Holland). Almaty is a very pleasant city, full of trees, parks and universities. The Alatau mountains make a wonderful backdrop though hard for us to see due to smoke from the annual agricultural burn-off.
    Kazakh was part of the USSR until 1991 when it forged ahead with its own borders and governance.    Læs mere

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