Two wheels to the Tiger's Nest

This is Jane and Mark's sabbatical blog. We're spending a month cycling the Camino Frances in Spain. Then we're off to Jordan - Dubai - India - Bhutan (two wheels by motorbike to the Tiger's Nest) - Thailand - Malaysia - Singapore. Back for Xmas. Читать далее

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День 53
понедельник, 30 октября 2023 г., 14:41
☀️ 33 °C
Высота: 184 м
Индия Sultānpura 27.159452, 77.99375927°9’34” N 77°59’38” E
Day 53 - Delhi and Agra
30 октября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Our arrival in Delhi was a bit of a challenge after Dubai. Spent the first 40mins running around the airport trying to change some money while fending off continuous calls from our taxi driver; and our hotel certainly didn't live up to the 9.0 score on Booking.com. Also, our plan to leave our motorcycle gear at the airport left luggage didn't work out, and we weren't comfortable leaving it at our current hotel. So, we needed a Plan C... Eventually decided to book two nights at the Radisson Blu for a week's time and took our gear over this morning to the left luggage there. Costs a bit more but gives us a relaxing day before heading to Bhutan.
After splashing out on a nice breakfast there, we caught an Uber to Hazrat Nizamuddin station to catch the train the Agra. Another new experience ... always nice to be given a flower, paper and free drinks on board!
Mugged by hundreds of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers when we exited Agra Station but managed to escape the crowds and ordered an Uber (with a guaranteed price).
Tonight's hotel seems much better so far..Читать далее
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День 54
вторник, 31 октября 2023 г., 07:33
☀️ 20 °C
Высота: 159 м
Индия Nagla Dhīmar 27.173595, 78.04222127°10’25” N 78°2’32” E
Day 54 - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
31 октября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
We got up early today (06:15) in order to see the Taj Mahal when it was quieter. Not quite as early as some (5:30) but it was worth it. Good experience and not too busy - see photos.
After a return to the hotel for breakfast and a planning session for the next couple of days we then braved a tuk tuk ride to Agra Fort. A few close calls on the road but near misses are fairly standard over here. Agra Fort was good. Home to the person who built the Taj Mahal. Really not sure what it would do for your mental health to have that momento mori within easy sight all day.Читать далее
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ПутешественникSounds like a long and interesting day, love M andD xx
31.10.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 55
среда, 1 ноября 2023 г., 15:25
☀️ 32 °C
Высота: 269 м
Индия Alanpur 26.018179, 76.36831726°1’5” N 76°22’6” E
Day 55 - Ranthambore National Park
1 ноября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Left the Coral House Homestay this morning. Much nicer than our first hotel in Delhi. Particularly liked the communal home cooked dinner and sitting on the rooftop listening to the live music from the Taj Festival.
Most of the day has been a 5hr taxi ride to Ranthambore NP. We thought the time might drag but there was plenty to see as our taxi driver weaved his way through the manic traffic, stopping for nothing (like everyone else). See photos for the rickshaws laden with people and goods (incl. the man impressively pedalling 3 huge bales of material and the motorbike carrying a ridiculous number of pots and pans), whole families on one motorbike, traffic heading the wrong way, some dodgy health and safety practices, and cows everywhere. Somehow it all seemed to work and we arrived in one piece.
We're now staying at a very nice colonial style hotel. Had a go at pottery earlier and going stargazing tonight.
*Update: Saw the bands of storms on Jupiter, Saturn and its rings, the craters on the Moon and the Sea of Tranquility, and the Andromeda galaxy.Читать далее
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An exciting day no doubt, thankfully you both arrived unscathed. [Jenny]
01.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникYes. The cars often don’t go that fast. Almost all of them carry battle scars from the other traffic! it does mean it takes ages to get anywhere!
02.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникThe Hotels sound and look very interesting. Homemade pottery for Christmas is it?
01.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникIf you're lucky!
02.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Enjoyed your pics. of road trip. Amazing what is carried on vehicles, absolute chaos, but as you say it works. I guess the cattle always have priority! What scenes, amazing memories for you. Tony. [Uncle Tony]
02.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 56
четверг, 2 ноября 2023 г., 16:11
☀️ 32 °C
Высота: 376 м
Индия Sawāi Mādhopur 26.034283, 76.46401226°2’3” N 76°27’50” E
Day 56 - Tiger Safari
2 ноября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
We have spent today in an open-top safari bus looking at the local wildlife. It’s been a long day (up with the sun and in the park till sunset - 3 hrs each). We covered two different areas of the park - unfortunately neither had a tiger present when we were there. We did see other things though:
- lots of deer (Sambar and Spotted deer);
- antelope;
- several crocodiles (very big - circa 12 feet);
- mongoose;
- water hogs;
- peacocks;
- large egrets, herons, storks, partridges, pond heron, a kingfisher, and lots of little brown birds; and
- banyan trees (with the roots reaching down from the branches).
Today was women's day at the temple just outside the National Park Gate, after two days of fasting(!), so there were hundreds of women walking several miles along the access road. There seemed to be quite a party atmosphere.

To make up for the lack of tigers we have had outfits tailor made (Mark’s whilst we were in the park). Mark's has got tigers on it!

Hopefully a bit more of a lie in tomorrow as we have some more early mornings scheduled for the next few days.Читать далее
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What a lovely day, shame you didn’t see any tigers, but love the shirt. [Jenny]
02.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникWe’ll still have time at some of our other stops for tigers! Jane’s non tiger top is being made overnight as we checkout at 10 tomorrow!
02.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 57
пятница, 3 ноября 2023 г., 23:30
🌙 21 °C
Высота: 445 м
Индия Jaipur 26.914694, 75.79638726°54’53” N 75°47’47” E
1
Day 57 - Jaipur
3 ноября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ 🌙 21 °C
We enjoyed our two nights of 'luxury' at the Ranthambore Regency Hotel.
Collected my 'made to measure' top after breakfast (ordered it at 18:00 the evening before and it was ready at 10:00!). Then caught a taxi to Jaipur (3 hrs).
This afternoon we caught a tuk tuk to see the Palace of the Winds, and to explore the city.
Tonight we are staying at a homestay. The host is having a pre-Dewali celebration with about 30 people, and invited us to join them. It's 23:30 and there are still at least five more courses to come, including the main course!
01:00 - just finished dessert. We've gone to bed but everyone else is playing cards for another few hours. We were invited to join them but it looked a serious business and there was a risk of losing lots of money!Читать далее
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Worth waiting for the top Jane, it looks very nice. I guess you didn’t go hungry by the end of the evening after all those courses. [Jenny]
03.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Путешественник Looking good, hope you enjoyed your long supper
03.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
More great pics. When will we see Jane in a Sari?? (Or Mark !). Tony. [Tony]
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ПутешественникMmmm.... unlikely! 🙂
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День 58
суббота, 4 ноября 2023 г., 16:50
⛅ 29 °C
Высота: 399 м
Индия Jawahar Circle 26.841278, 75.80107126°50’29” N 75°48’4” E
Day 58 - Jaipur
4 ноября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
It’s been a busy day today in India. We had a car and driver all day and they took us all around the local sights (not reachable by walking). These included:

Royal cemetery - a lot of this is actually pretty new with a couple of tombs from the 1900’s. They still have a thriving stone masonry industry here and you can see it next to a lot of the roads in new buildings et al.

Amber fort - really busy but super interesting. This place was a closed royal palace for the king and his wives until independence.

Stepped well - fairly out of the way of the normal tourist routes. This was a short walk from the Amber fort but is largely unknown.

Monkey temple - the only place where my camera has ever needed a ticket. Also a ticket that is 150% of my ticket price! It was notable that whilst there we had rain (about the first shower we have seen for weeks). Luckily it stopped fairly quickly.

Patrika gate - this was a quick stop on the way back for some photos of an interesting park.

Left feeling a bit exhausted tonight following a full day of beeping and crazy driving. Also we are finding it hard to love India due to the rubbish everywhere, the constant heckling and the behaviours that we are seeing.Читать далее
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Your driver certainly knew where to take you for some very interesting and lovely places. Loved the video of the monkeys 🐒. [Jenny]
04.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникYes. Organised by the homestay that we have been at for the last couple of nights. They have also given us all our meals and done our washing. All for about £35 per day!
05.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникThere seem to be a lot of impressive building, despite the rubbish and the chaos on the roads. I assume the car and driver was in fact a tuktuk of sorts.
04.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникNo. We actually had a car yesterday as we were mainly out of the city. However, most of our local trips have been in a tuk tuk (some of which have been electric).
05.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 59
воскресенье, 5 ноября 2023 г., 08:46
☀️ 23 °C
Высота: 430 м
Индия Tāl Katora Tank 26.929976, 75.82730126°55’48” N 75°49’38” E
Day 59 - Jaipur
5 ноября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
A very early stat this morning for our 06:00 bike tour around the back streets of Jaipur to see how the locals live. It was a packed three hours involving feeding the cows, laughing yoga in the park (apparently it's very good for you, or maybe it's just a way of laughing at the tourists), a visit to main Hindu temple for some enthusiastic clapping and chanting, a walk around the vegetable and flower markets, a look inside an abandoned havelli (an old style grand house) - our guide was an architect and had plans to restore it, and a wander down utensil alley to watch the various craftsmen at work. We also stopped for various roadside drinks and snacks on the way. Despite all the rubbish, there are some initiatives here to reduce single use plastics. Instead of plastic cups lots of places use one-time-use pottery mugs which you then smash into a bin after using. This helps support the pottery industry and the broken pots decompose or can easily be recycled into something else. Cycling through the traffic was a bit intimidating to start with but we soon got the hang of weaving our way through, with our 'minder' making sure no-one ran into the back of us. Really enjoyed the tour!
We were back at the homestay in time for a late breakfast, then headed back into the old city to visit Jantar Mantar. This has the world's largest sundial and lots of other large astronomical instruments - all constructed in the 1700s!
After that we went to the World Trade Park, a modern western-style shopping mall on the outskirts of Jaipur, to buy some warm clothes for Bhutan. This was a world away from the rest of Jaipur and really highlighted the difference between the rich and the poor in India.
All round, it's been a good but tiring day.Читать далее
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ПутешественникAnother fun packed day
05.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникHaving just looked at the photos from today - Can I just say that I am wearing a money belt - I haven’t put on that much weight!!
05.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
This will definitely be an experience you will never forget. [Jenny]
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День 60
понедельник, 6 ноября 2023 г., 19:58
🌙 22 °C
Высота: 229 м
Индия Mahipalpur Extension 28.55143, 77.12224628°33’5” N 77°7’20” E
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Day 60 - New Delhi
6 ноября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
A big day in the car today to get back to New Delhi - around 5 hours. As ever the stuff that you see on the roads is astonishing here. Today’s highlights were a man clinging onto the back of a minibus at 50mph (how he stayed on given how bumpy the road was I don’t know) and roughly 12 sari-clad women in a single tuk tuk.
We’ve now arrived at the Radisson Blu by the airport and are in one of the business enclaves for dinner (AeroCity is home to the likes of pwc, kpmg, accenture, etc, with restaurant prices to match)*. It will be nice not to be handed (with fingers) your food before you eat it here (hopefully).
Travelling through India we are obviously a novelty. For the second time we had our photos taken by an Indian family as our skin colour was different! The local population outside of the tourist areas also treat us with a huge level of deference which can make you feel a bit odd. Walking into the washrooms at one of rest stops I (J) was confronted by 30+ women in saris who had just got off a coach. I was expecting to be waiting for hours but they ushered me straight to the front!
Passed the Atkins and Cap Gemini offices on the way into Delhi. They are in adjacent office blocks!

*OK. Important point for anyone ordering beer in India. A pint is 330ml here and is taxed really heavily. Our misunderstanding of that point just saddled us with a £36 bar bill for 3.5 pints. Going back teetotal tomorrow! £10 a pint!Читать далее
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Can’t quite make out what this consists of, do let us know. Enjoy! [Jenny]
06.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникThe round thing was called a chaat. It seemed to be lentils in a crispy casing with a yoghurt sauce and lots of other bits and pieces. It was very nice. Mark's was chilli cheese on toast. Both were quite spicy!
06.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 61
вторник, 7 ноября 2023 г., 10:37
☀️ 26 °C
Высота: 281 м
Индия Malakpur Kohi Rangpur 28.54363, 77.11962828°32’37” N 77°7’11” E
Day 61 - New Delhi
7 ноября 2023 г., Индия ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Relaxing 'day off' today making the most of our 'posh' hotel near the airport.
Lots on the news about the air quality in Delhi, which has hit the 'severe' category for the fifth day running. The visibility is very poor and you can taste the pollution. It's caused by a mix of vehicle emissions, stubble burning, and calm weather. After Diwali (10 Nov) an 'odd-even' system will be introduced whereby car registrations with an 'odd' number plate can drive on 'odd' dates and those with an 'even' number plate can drive on 'even' dates. Schools will also be closed for a few days.Читать далее
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A very interesting and amazing tour of India, best wishes for the next leg of your journey through Bhutan. Take care and we look forward to hearing from you, if wi-fi is available. [Jenny]
07.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 62
среда, 8 ноября 2023 г., 11:04
⛅ 12 °C
Высота: 2 228 м
Бутан Paro Airport 27.406004, 89.42044827°24’22” N 89°25’14” E
Day 62 - Off to Bhutan
8 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Off to Bhutan today. We won't have mobile data and don't know whether we will have Wi-Fi, so may not be able to upload the blog.

Update. Bhutan is far more advanced than first thought. We have internet at the hotel and a mobile sim with 8.5 gb of data that cost £6. The bikes are here (Royal Enfield Himalayas) and we have taken them out for a bit of a shakedown run. All working fine and looking forwards to the first real run tomorrow. The culture here is massively different (no beeping, pushy sales people or barging) and the air is so clean. Had a good view of the Himalayas on approach to Paro although the landing was hairy. You have to gradually circle down inside a valley before straightening up for final approach about 100m altitude.
The airport terminal at Paro is amazing (see photos) - more like a palace than an airport terminal!
There are just 4 of us on the tour - us + John and Jim from Alderney (where motorcycling involves a figure of 8 around the island).Читать далее
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ПутешественникHave fun, take lots of photos, hear from you soon
08.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Thanks for your tour of India. The pollution is evident at the cricket matches we have watched at various venues in India. Hope Butan gives you fresh air! Tony [Tony]
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ПутешественникDelhi is currently the most polluted city in the world!
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День 63
четверг, 9 ноября 2023 г., 09:52
⛅ 6 °C
Высота: 2 637 м
Бутан Babesa 27.444494, 89.64470727°26’40” N 89°38’41” E
Day 63 - Paro and Thimphu
9 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C
Bhutan is a breath of fresh air (literally) after India. Everything is very orderly and the buildings are all beautiful with intricate artwork. Motorcycled to Thimphu this morning - first heading up the valley to get used to the bike, and then along the main road to the capital (population 200,000). There's only one crossroads in Thimphu, Instead of traffic lights there is a man in uniform and white gloves in the middle very 'gracefully' controlling the traffic.
After lunch at the hotel, we went to see one of the largest Buddha statues in Asia (with another 100,000+ Buddha's inside), and then to see the Bhutan's national animal - the taxin (a cross between a goat and a cow). Finished the afternoon with a wander around the shops in Thimphu.Читать далее
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What a change, very few people and cooler climate by the looks of it. [Jenny]
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ПутешественникComparatively deserted. Much better driving etiquette too. No horns! Whole thing much more pleasant!
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ПутешественникBhutan looks a nice country with not many people. The food in your photo looks nice.
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ПутешественникThe food has been great. Just need to watch out for the chillies!
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День 64
пятница, 10 ноября 2023 г., 09:32
☀️ 13 °C
Высота: 1 205 м
Бутан Punakha 27.583397, 89.86137427°35’0” N 89°51’41” E
Day 64 - Punakha
10 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
A 10:30 start today on the bikes meant that we had the chance to explore a bit more of Thimphu and importantly send our postcards (some of which we have been carrying since Dubai!).
Back on the bikes we climbed up to a chilly 3200m for lunch (in the Royal Botanical Park) before then descending 2000m to the plains (twisty roads and prayer flags all the way). It’s much warmer down here and we were starting to overheat as we reached the hotel. Mark’s bike is having some work done in the morning as the clutch can stick and when it does can take off abruptly and cause a loud screeching noise. Today was finished off with a trip to the fortified castle/ monastery (Punakha Dzong) before coming back to the hotel.Читать далее
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День 65
суббота, 11 ноября 2023 г., 12:15
☀️ 27 °C
Высота: 250 м
Бутан Gelephu 26.882637, 90.49253126°52’57” N 90°29’33” E
Day 65 - Gelephu
11 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Big riding day today, 190km from Punakha to Gelephu on the Indian border. The national speed limit is 50km/hr and the roads are very twisty so it took most of the day. In general the roads have been very good, but today they got narrower and parts of the road had collapsed or the tarmac was missing! Our off-road riding skills are improving but we were still caught out by some big pot holes, chickens running across the road and cows refusing to move. The scenery has been amazing all day. It's gradually got more jungle-like as we headed south. We were surprised to see monkeys at the side of road (golden langur) and warnings about elephants crossing. It feels a poorer area and there are fewer people wearing national dress. There are proposals to build an IT mega-city here but it's very controversial.Читать далее
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Amazing! Good weather too, if a bit cool ! [Tony]
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День 66
воскресенье, 12 ноября 2023 г., 09:09
☀️ 25 °C
Высота: 124 м
Бутан Sufali 26.863579, 90.97847726°51’49” N 90°58’43” E
Day 66 - Panbang (Manas National Park)
12 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
A long motorcycle day today. About 160km through the jungle. It has been hot - all vents open on the motorcycle clothes and wearing mountain bike rather than motorcycle gloves. We have had some significant sections of the road which has been washed away and we’ve had to go properly off road. We’ve not done anything like that before but it’s been fun.
Saw some wild bee hives hanging from a rock, and lots of golden langur monkeys.
Just arrived at the overnight accommodation. It’s a tent with a slightly grim separate toilet block. Not many people come here so everything is a bit more basic. Tomorrow it is back to civilisation and via a bird ‘fair’Читать далее
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ПутешественникI hope you sleep well tonight. Love Mum xx
12.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Hope the accommodation is not too uncomfortable after such a busy day. [Jenny]
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День 67
понедельник, 13 ноября 2023 г., 18:05
🌙 8 °C
Высота: 2 298 м
Бутан Trongsa 27.495384, 90.51688427°29’43” N 90°31’1” E
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Day 67 - Tongsa
13 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ 🌙 8 °C
Another great day of motorcycling with some fantastic scenery all the way and more chances to practice our off-road skills. Our overnight stop was in a remote part of Bhutan with only one road in and out. So, we started by retracing yesterday's route for 80kms back to Tingtinbi where there was a local festival going on. Not many tourists visit this area so we were a bit of a novelty. We were given white scarfs to welcome us and encouraged to try some traditional outfits from North Bhutan - much to everyone's amusement. Also looked around the local craft stalls.
We're now back up at 2,200m so it's much cooler again. Staying in a nice hotel which is welcomed after last nights tent in the jungle. The major hazard today has been cows on the road (calves) which have run all over the road. One was weaving left and right for a couple of hundred metres. Eventually we overtook him!Читать далее
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Путешественник I like the hats love Mum xx
13.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникThere was no way we were going to get away without dressing up! Good Christmas present? 🙂!
14.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 68
вторник, 14 ноября 2023 г., 10:16
⛅ 9 °C
Высота: 2 919 м
Бутан Phobjikha Valley 27.455112, 90.17181427°27’18” N 90°10’19” E
Day 68 - Phobjikha
14 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
A slightly shorter day today on the bikes broken up with a visit to Tongsa Dzong (fortified monastery). We arrived in good time to see some of the black necked cranes (which migrate here every winter from Siberia) including a couple that were being treated for injuries*. Also saw some yaks on the way. It’s very cold here after the heat of the last 3 days. The hotel has a nice wood fire on the go and we even have a wood stove in the room!
*We're staying in a Ramsar Conservation Area. There was no electricity in the valley until 2008, as they didn't want to disturb the cranes.Читать далее
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Looks as if the accommodation has improved on this stay. Like Janes outfit, does she have to wear that to see the cranes? [Jenny]
14.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 69
среда, 15 ноября 2023 г., 12:20
☀️ 13 °C
Высота: 2 755 м
Бутан Nahi 27.497181, 89.75759927°29’50” N 89°45’27” E
Day 69 - Paro
15 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Last proper day of motorcycling today, 170km all the way back to Paro. It was 3 degrees and frosty first thing, and took a while to warm up. There are some great road safety signs in Bhutan, which have kept us amused on the trip. Favourites include:
- "No hurry, no worry"
- "Mountains are a pleasure only if you drive with leisure"
- "Going faster causes disaster"Читать далее
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День 70
четверг, 16 ноября 2023 г., 08:28
⛅ 7 °C
Высота: 2 611 м
Бутан Drugyel Dzong 27.481987, 89.36093127°28’55” N 89°21’39” E
Day 70 - The Tiger's Nest
16 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C
We made the Tiger's Nest today after some hard climbing. About 600m of ascent and descent at an altitude of 3100m plus. All of our group made it including one chap due to reach his 70th birthday in the next couple of months. The monastery was set in glorious scenery and we couldn’t have wished for better weather - about 3 degrees in the morning leading to about 19 degrees (felt hotter) in the afternoon. In the afternoon we took a leisurely stroll around Paro and picked up some good shopping!Читать далее
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ПутешественникWell done. I don’t think we could have done it.
16.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Congratulations! A truly wonderful journey. Your pics. of the countryside are fantastic , look forward to following you further. I expect you will miss the bikes though! [Tony]
17.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
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День 71
пятница, 17 ноября 2023 г., 14:27
☀️ 15 °C
Высота: 2 221 м
Бутан Paro Airport 27.405399, 89.42094427°24’19” N 89°25’15” E
Day 71 - Paro Airport
17 ноября 2023 г., Бутан ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Back at Paro Airport, waiting for our flight to Bangkok. Through Check-In, Passport Control, and Security in 10mins!
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ПутешественникHope you have a good flight love Mum xx
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День 72
суббота, 18 ноября 2023 г., 18:50
🌙 27 °C
Высота: 14 м
Таиланд Temple of the Reclining Buddha 13.7449, 100.49121913°44’42” N 100°29’28” E
Day 72 - Bangkok
18 ноября 2023 г., Таиланд ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Another hour ahead of the UK and another country for the blog. We arrived late last night and slept in for a change this morning - only slightly disturbed by the cockerel in the neighbouring block. The morning and some of the afternoon was taken up buying a suitcase and arranging for the shipping of our motorbike gear back to the uk. After a bit of Thailand haggling we got the suitcase and luggage ready to go. £300 down and after a lot of form filling we’ve got everything ready. Headed out this evening to find preparation for tomorrow’s Bangkok marathon in full swing. Most restaurants were understandably busy but due to Jane’s perseverance we eventually ended up in the prime spot tonight!Читать далее
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День 73
воскресенье, 19 ноября 2023 г., 11:49
☁️ 27 °C
Высота: 14 м
Таиланд Wat Si Rattana Satsada Ram 13.75128, 100.49221813°45’5” N 100°29’32” E
Day 73 - Bangkok
19 ноября 2023 г., Таиланд ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
We've spent the day sightseeing in Bangkok. Went to the Grand Palace this morning, which was very impressive with gold everywhere. Apparently the Thai king is one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world!
There are lots of gold temples to see in Bangkok, but after Bhutan we're keen for a bit of a 'Bhuddha break'. Instead we decided to go on a longtail boat tour on the klongs (canals). I (Jane) did this when I came to Bangkok 25 years ago, and remember really enjoying it. Unfortunately, the price has gone up a lot since then and our 60 mins tour was completed in 35 mins - so a bit of a rip-off all round! We created a bit of a scene when we got back and saved a few other tourists from the same experience, but couldn't do much more.
We've booked a dinner cruise on the main river tonight so hopefully that will work out ok.Читать далее
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День 74
понедельник, 20 ноября 2023 г., 11:17
☀️ 28 °C
Высота: 11 м
Таиланд Sathani Maeklong 13.407803, 100.000913°24’28” N 100°0’3” E
Day 74 - Train and Floating Markets
20 ноября 2023 г., Таиланд ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
A relatively early start today to go to the two famous markets just outside of Bangkok. The train market was slightly unbelievable with stalls present on the tracks until about 1 minute before the train came. The local stall holders were very accomplished at clearing everything and everyone out the way in time (including a couple of suicidal Japanese tourists who were taking selfies in front of the train whilst it was almost on top of them). The floating market was also fun with a lot of souvenirs and waterside shops. We did have to take a hard line with our driver for the day who initially claimed that we had to take a £50 water boat ride to reach the market. Luckily we (Jane) had done our research and knew better. A really good day out - learning to cope with the Thailand negotiations and pushiness now!
Oh no !!! Just gone into one of the modern shopping centre areas for dinner (via a high speed tuk tuk) and Starbucks is covered in Christmas trees and playing carols. Trying to block it out as we will be back for Christmas!Читать далее
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ПутешественникYou seem to be back to the chaos after the pease and quiet of Bhutan.
20.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникYes, that does seem to be the case!
20.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Wonderful experiences! Sounds a little like Wantage market on a Saturday!!? [Tony]
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День 75
вторник, 21 ноября 2023 г., 14:24
☁️ 31 °C
Высота: 8 м
Таиланд Ban Sala Thammasop 13.800878, 100.37094113°48’3” N 100°22’15” E
Day 75 - Kanchanaburi
21 ноября 2023 г., Таиланд ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Our hotel in Bangkok has been great - nice room, excellent staff, and 10mins walk from the Grand Palace (all for £44 per night) - so it was a shame to leave.
Next stop is Kanchanaburi (home of the WWII Death Railway). We caught the local train from Thon Buri station. The tickets cost 100 baht (£2.50) each, for a 2.5hr trip with 'natural' air conditioning - less than our high speed 5km tuk tuk ride last night! We definitely felt like we had travelled when we arrived but it was a good way of seeing the countryside.
Now staying next to the River Kwai for a few days.jЧитать далее
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Looks as if you have had a less hectic day today. They need safety belts on those tuk tuks. [Jenny]
21.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникAgreed. I think we have now chanced the tuk tuks enough. Coming back we did see the aftermath of an accident with one. Didn’t slow our guy - and it was great fun roaring about!
21.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
ПутешественникIt sound like an interesting train journey today, although a bit windy. Thank you very much for the parcel that arrived today and the card yesterday.
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День 76
среда, 22 ноября 2023 г., 11:23
⛅ 30 °C
Высота: 41 м
Таиланд Ban Tham Krasae 14.109789, 99.14746914°6’35” N 99°8’51” E
1
Day 76 - Elephant Haven
22 ноября 2023 г., Таиланд ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Today has been very different having spent the day washing and feeding 6 big girls! (Weighing between 2.5 and 4 tonnes each).
The itinerary in brief was:
- make up the energy (rice and banana) balls
- cut about a hundred water melons into quarters
- feed the elephants
- walk the elephants
- nice lunch
- swim with elephants (trying not to get crushed)
- feed the elephants more watermelons.
Definitely one of the best experiences of the sabbatical and one that I would recommend to anyone. The elephants all had different personalities and you really got to know them during the day. We have taken hundreds of pictures and videos today but nothing compares to actually being there in person.
All of the elephants are retired or rescued animals that were previously used for shows, rides or treks. The place prides itself on behaving ethically and we really saw that during our visit.Читать далее
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ПутешественникHow fantastic.
22.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Lucky you. Love elephants! Auntie Julia x [Auntie Julia]
22.11.2023ОтветитьПереводить
Wow! Tony. [Tony]
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День 77
четверг, 23 ноября 2023 г., 16:48
☁️ 28 °C
Высота: 231 м
Таиланд Huai Kop 14.35273, 98.95465114°21’10” N 98°57’17” E
Day 77 - Thailand-Burma Death Railway
23 ноября 2023 г., Таиланд ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
A very different day today. This morning we got a taxi to the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, built to commemorate the 60,000 Allied prisoners and thousands of Asian labourers who were forced by the Japanese to build (by hand) the railway in WWII. We walked a section of the line, including Hellfire Pass, which had to be cut through solid rock. The site is very peaceful today but thousands died here in 1943 and 1944 (1 person for every 5 metres)
The track no longer exists here, so we headed back to Namtok (via Sai Yok Noi waterfall) where we boarded the train for the 2hr trip back to Kanchanaburi. Just before Kanchanaburi is the so called 'Bridge on the River Kwai'. Apparently the film-makers got the wrong river name, so they renamed the river in the 1960s (the original River Kwai runs parallel to the current one)!
Lots of cannabis plants along the route - only decriminalised in 2022 so the farmers have been busy!Читать далее
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