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Around the World with Jan
Around the World with Jan

Around the World with Jan

I've spent a lifetime travelling the world and I have no intention of ever stopping. There are so many amazing places to see. Weiterlesen🇦🇺Sydney
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  • Around the World with JanUK and beyondAround the World with Jan
    Old Town Chaania
    Old Town Chaania1Happy shopper, ChaniaOur little cave, MiliaSimply stunningAn amazing vistaWalking the dog

    It's all just Greek to me

    1. September 2019 in Griechenland ⛅ 25 °C

    I'm sitting here in Santorini perched on a private terrace on a cliff overlooking the ocean, but more on that next time.....

    We spent the last week on Crete in two very different locations, both amazing. Chania, the main town in the Western part of the Island has a wonderful Old Town. With a beautiful harbour setting and narrow twisting alleyways and steps reminiscent of Morocco, it's a delightful place to stroll. Oh,, and the food is pretty good as well - fresh seafood and gigantic Greek salads.

    From Chania we drove up into the hills to Milia which was something completely different. Our accommodation felt like a cozy cave with our own private space out the front surrounded by high cliffs and stunning trees. Milia was once an old village which has been rescued and is now an eco resort of a kind you won't find anywhere else.

    All the buildings are made of stone and the food is organic with ingredients grown on the property. They have pigs, sheep and goats as well as two gorgeous dogs who decided to come with us on our early morning walk.

    The temperature is much cooler up there with lovely breezes whistling through chestnut trees. We had beautiful weather and were sad to leave. Now we're on Santorini so look out for my next update when we head to Folegandros in a couple of days.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanUK and beyondAround the World with Jan

    It's all just Greek to me

    31. August 2019 in Griechenland ⛅ 26 °C

    I'm sitting here in Santorini perched on a private terrace on a cliff overlooking the ocean, but more on that next time.....

    We spent the last week on Crete in two very different locations, both amazing. Chania, the main town in the Western part of the Island has a wonderful Old Town. With a beautiful harbour setting and narrow twisting alleyways and steps reminiscent of Morocco, it's a delightful place to stroll. Oh,, and the food is pretty good as well - fresh seafood and gigantic Greek salads.

    From Chania we drove up into the hills to Milia which was something completely different. Our accommodation felt like a cozy cave with our own private space out the front surrounded by high cliffs and stunning trees. Milia was once an old village which has been rescued and is now an eco resort of a kind you won't find anywhere else.

    All the buildings are made of stone and the food is organic with ingredients grown on the property. They have pigs, sheep and goats as well as two gorgeous dogs who decided to come with us on our early morning walk.

    The temperature is much cooler up there with lovely breezes whistling through chestnut trees. We had beautiful weather and were sad to leave. Now we're on Santorini so look out for my next edition when we head to Folegandros in a couple of days.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanUK and beyondAround the World with Jan

    It's all just Greek to me

    31. August 2019 in Griechenland ⛅ 26 °C

    I'm sitting here in Santorini perched on a private terrace on a cliff overlooking the ocean, but more on that next time.....

    We spent the last week on Crete in two very different locations, both amazing. Chania, the main town in the Western part of the Island has a wonderful Old Town. With a beautiful harbour setting and narrow twisting alleyways and steps reminiscent of Morocco, it's a delightful place to stroll. Oh,, and the food is pretty good as well - fresh seafood and gigantic Greek salads.

    From Chania we drove up into the hills to Milia which was something completely different. Our accommodation felt like a cozy cave with our own private space out the front surrounded by high cliffs and stunning trees. Milia was once an old village which has been rescued and is now an eco resort of a kind you won't find anywhere else.

    All the buildings are made of stone and the food is organic with ingredients grown on the property. They have pigs, sheep and goats as well as two gorgeous dogs who decided to come with us on our early morning walk.

    The temperature is much cooler up there with lovely breezes whistling through chestnut trees. We had beautiful weather and were sad to leave. Now we're on Santorini so look out for my next edition when we head to Folegandros in a couple of days.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanUK and beyondAround the World with Jan
    The most famous bridge in Scotland - Firth of Forth
    The most famous bridge in Scotland - Firth of ForthTobermory lighthouse walkA piece of Scottish historyWatefront Tobermory1Iona - more sheep than people!2A Heeland Coo (Highland cow to you)

    Bonnie Scotland

    27. August 2019 in Schottland ⛅ 15 °C

    We’re now in Scotland and after beautiful weather with a bit of rain we’re having our first rainy day on Iona. We’ve stayed in some beautiful places – on the edge of a deer park in Queensferry with an amazing view of the Firth of Forth and a cute little hotel in Friars Wynd in Stirling.

    The sense of history here is amazing – everywhere you go there’s information about historical events from our school days or things that were completely new to me, like the break in the Scottish Church to form the Free Church of Scotland.

    Iona however is something completely different, Along with Australia, it has some of the oldest geology on the planet, 2.8 billion years or thereabouts. We’re staying in a lovely old hotel with its own organic garden which provides the vegetables and salads that we’re eating.

    St Columba came here from Ireland at the beginning of the 7th century so people come here to see where he landed at St Columba’s Bay. It’s a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the lovely white sandy beaches.

    The weather in Ireland and Scotland has been much better than I imagined and not nearly as cold as we expected. You’ll hear from me again when we get to Greece where we expect it to be sunny and warm!    Weiterlesen

  • Around the World with JanUK and beyondAround the World with Jan
    1The Giants Causeway is as amazing as you would imagine
    1The Giants Causeway is as amazing as you would imagine1The Dark Hedges aka The Kings Road (for GoT fans)1It's not as scary as it looksThe stunning coastlineThe Gobbins walkOne of the little coastal towns - too cute

    The Emerald Isle

    18. August 2019 in Irland ☁️ 13 °C

    Now I know why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. The green is so luminous it hurts your eyes. The scenery is simply stunning from rolling hills of green dotted with sheep to the rugged coastline of basalt and limestone that is the Causeway Coast.

    It's obvious why this area is so popular as a film location. The scenery looks and feels ancient. There are beautiful little cottages and majestic castles dotted across the countryside.

    We've been so lucky to have been blessed with beauitful weather. Mind you, we've had four seasons in one hour, not one day!

     We've just spent 5 days in Bushmills staying in an old mill which was just beautiful perched on the edge of a river so that we had the sound of water to lull us to sleep. Now we're in Donegal and about to head up to Derry to explore it's history.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanSpice Trails of KeralaAround the World with Jan
    Our home away from home
    Our home away from homeLife on the waterLife moves slowlyParadise on the Malabar CoastDoing the laundry Indian styleKathakali performers

    All good things must come to an end

    17. Februar 2019 in Indien ⛅ 31 °C

    The last few days of the trip have passed very quickly and yet the trip itself seems to have stretched to IST (Indian Standard Time) where nothing moves quickly and times are only an approximation.

    It’s hard to beat watching the sunset from the top deck of a houseboat as you float along the backwater canals of Kerala. Palm trees and the brilliant green of rice paddies make an amazing backdrop. Oh, and it helps to have a G&T in hand!

    We were very surprised at just how big the boats were and the cabins were certainly comfortable. Thank goodness for air conditioning. The temperature on the water is just that little bit cooler but once we landed we were hit once again with the heat, humidity and dust.

    It was lovely to walk along the beach on the Malabar Coast. Sadly, the Arabian Sea is like a warm bath so no refreshing dip and the undertow is fairly severe so not great for a swim in that particular spot.

    In many ways the India I visited 30 years ago hasn’t changed – poor roads and infrastructure, crazy traffic and lots of rubbish yet it’s obvious that there are also very prosperous areas, particularly in the South. There are hints of the wealth that exists but there are still people who live hard lives doing manual work for very little pay.

    The people have been overwhelming friendly, always ready with a smile and the food is sensational.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanSpice Trails of KeralaAround the World with Jan
    Do you think it will make it to the other side?
    Do you think it will make it to the other side?Leader of the packGiant squirrel hidden in the treesDon't mess with me

    Into the Wild

    13. Februar 2019 in Indien ⛅ 27 °C

    We were up bright and early to head into Periyar National Park in the hope that we would see some animals and a few of the 300 plus birds who call this place home.

    As the sun came up we spotted a couple of shadows in the trees – elephants, sadly the only sighting to be had all day of these elusive creatures.

    We crossed the man-made lake on a bamboo raft, partly submerged even before it took our weight. Miraculously all 12 of us made it to the other side. We had our doubts.

    On the bird front we saw everything from kingfishers diving for food to numerous water birds – herons, egrets and even an eagle. We were lucky to see a pack of wild dogs, their bright red coats and black-tipped tails standing out against the bright green grass as the sun came up.

    We saw langurs and a couple of giant squirrels high up in the trees. Our guide was really good at spotting them. He also told us that after 5 years in the park he had only seen a tiger twice. There are only about 40 left now so the chances of seeing them were never going to be good.

    We were surprised at just how many people were visiting the park. It’s one of the few places we’ve seen that seems to be rubbish-free. It’s also one of the few places we’ve seen where there are lots of other tourists, the drawcard being the national park and its inhabitants.

    We finished the day with a cooking class with lots of laughter and a great meal.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanSpice Trails of KeralaAround the World with Jan
    Simply stunning
    Simply stunningUp the hill we goAnother stunning vistaYes I did make it to the topAnd the flowers are stunning too!Tiffin at the top

    Climbing Meesapulimala

    7. Februar 2019 in Indien ⛅ 27 °C

    We are starting to get into a trekking routine. Up relatively early but not too early as it’s dark until at least 6.30. It’s cool until the sun comes over the ridge and then it’s hot and humid. The nights are cool. The mattresses are surprisingly comfortable but the tents are a bit small if there are two people.

    Today we walked up the main peak, Meesapulimala which is the second highest peak in the area (the other one is off limits). We were surprised when we stopped for lunch to find that our guide Prabhu had a tiffin tin in his backpack. It’s a series of metal pots which fit together. He had carried rice and a couple of vegetable curries while we huffed and puffed up the mountain. He’s very fit.

    The scenery here is gorgeous with bright red rhododendrons and surprisingly eucalypt forests – I wasn’t expecting that. The weather has been incredibly dry which means lots of dust so by the end of the day were are pretty filthy and very grateful for the bowl of warm water.

    I wouldn't call this hard walking but the humidity makes it fairly hard going when you have to climb.

    Looking forward to seeing more of Kerala once we finish trekking.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanSpice Trails of KeralaAround the World with Jan
    Afternoon tea
    Afternoon teaFishermen hard at workJewtown and it's SynagogueThe Ginger HouseLocals enjoying the beachJust enjoying the music

    Let the adventure begin

    1. Februar 2019 in Indien ⛅ 33 °C

    Well this is day 2 of my latest adventure. Who would have thought that I would be sitting watching sea eagles soaring above or watching dolphins in the Arabian sea while I sit and have breakfast.

    India is India – dusty, noisy, old with crumbling infrastructure, bad roads and no traffic rules to speak of which is why I love it. I’m staying at Fort Kochi before my trip starts on Sunday and I meet the rest of the group. Fort Kochi is a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch and British with a distinct Indian flavour which really comes from the people here. And, how could you not love the food?

    I’ve managed to fend off tuk tuk drivers who want to take me to shops and don’t understand why I would want to walk but if you don’t walk you miss things like the young man playing scales on his sitar in a 400 year old building which is now a gallery and café. You can’t put a price on things like that.

    I hope you’ll enjoy reading about what Kerala and Tamil Nadu have to offer over the next couple of weeks …..    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    Royal barges Inle Lake
    Royal barges Inle LakeGrowing on waterShowing off for the cameraAnother stunning sunsetAncient historyThe colour of the local market

    Inle Lake

    23. November 2017 in Myanmar

    The final few days of my trip. It's been an amazing experience.

    The Inle Resort is tucked along the edge of the lake, quite isolated from any villages or other resorts which makes it a great place to have a rest before I head home.

    It was an early start and a very cool ride across the lake to see the villages that sit along the shore, catering to tourists as well as providing organic produce for the area.

    Our first stop was Shwe Inn Thein Paya, which has 1054 weather beaten zedi (stupas) dating from the 17th and 18th centuries (according to Lonely Planet anyway). Some of the structures were very well preserved. Inthein village is also one of the places for the five day rotating market which is the biggest. Once you get past the tourists and find where the locals shop, it's a colourful place full of strange looking food and interesting people.

    I spent the rest of the day visiting craft workshops - silk and lotus flower weavers, cigar makers, boat builders and silversmiths. Some workshops were full of tourists while others were quite empty. We managed to dodge a huge storm while I had lunch and kept relatively dry.

    Of course no day would be complete without a pagoda to visit. Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda sits in Tha Lay village and is the holiest religious site in Southern Shan State. It has a couple of golden barges which are used for special ceremonies which are worth a look as is the pagoda compound itself.

    On the way back we saw the floating gardens, rows and rows of tomatoes which looked like they were growing on the water. And, we had to make a stop to take photos of the fisherman, rowing with one leg while they cast off their nets - one of the most famous images from Myanmar.

    Sunset by the lake, mojito in hand finished off a really fantastic day. More sunset pictures!    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    It's worth the teeth-rattling to see this ancient capital
    It's worth the teeth-rattling to see this ancient capitalMandalay at sunsetAncient teak stands the test of timeThe biggest book - goes on for everThere's no escaping the tourists - Ubien BridgeIt's worth the wait - view from the water

    Mandalay

    22. November 2017 in Myanmar

    I had no idea just how much there was to see in Mandalay. Sadly, I didn't have nearly enough time but I had good go at seeing as much as possible.

    I arrived quite early in the morning and was met by my driver David. He knew all the places I wanted to go and made sure we did them in a way that meant we could maximise the day. One tip, don't try to walk up Sagaing Hill in the heat - 350 steps doesn't sound like a lot but when it's hot and humid, it's a lot!

    There were so many beautiful temples to visit - my favourites were the old teak ones - the craftsmanship of the carvings inside and out were just stunning. Some of the new temples are so garish and over the top and yet they still were beautiful in their own way. At least they are used and people visit often.

    There were pink-robed nuns lining up for lunch and the world’s Biggest Book, Kuthodaw Paya, - 729 inscribed marble slabs, each one in a small stupa of its own. The sight was incredible, row upon row of similar structures, lined up as far as you could see. TThey were impressive – you only realise the scale when you see the model that shows how they are laid out.

    Of course, there are two things that mustn't be missed in Mandalay - sunset on Mandalay Hill (be ready for lots of tourists) and Ubien Bridge at sunset (ditto). It's worth paying to go out on a boat to watch the sunset - the bridge was completely packed with locals and tourists. Make sure you book ahead for a boat - if you turn up on the day you may not get a seat.

    Of course a visit to the ancient capital of Inwa (Ava) and a bone-jarring ride on a horse-drawn carriage is a must. It's a stunning place full of ancient ruins and really bad dirt roads.

    The royal palace is a replica, having been bombed mercilessly by the British, but it is definitely worth visiting to see how the royal family lived. The small museum is exquisite and includes a glass four poster bed from France commissioned by King Thibaw.

    This is only a small sample of what I managed to pack into two days - I only wish I had longer to savour this amazing city and all it's treasures.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    Mt Popa
    Mt PopaGetting ready to roll1It doesn't get much better than thisThose cheeky NatsJust one of the beautiful templesSuch amazing detail

    Bagan

    20. November 2017 in Myanmar ⛅ 27 °C

    As if the temples of Bagan were not enough to blow your mind, try an early morning balloon flight. For me this was one of the highlights of the trip. To see the plain of Bagan and its thousands of temples in the early morning light just left me dumbstruck.

    A small group of intrepid travellers huddled together at reception in the pitch dark waiting to be picked up at our designated time. Our transport was a World War II Chevrolet bus partly made of teak which seemed a fitting vehicle to transport us to such a unique experience.

    Our pilot turned out to be a very charismatic Italian who told us stories and kept us safe. I was glad that I opted for the premium experience. With only 8 people in the basket, we all had great views and could take heaps of photos (and we did). Landing was perfect and breakfast with champagne was special. It's an experience I know I'll never forget.

    I spent my extra days in Bagan in the hands of a local guide and driver who took me to all the places I wanted to see. It was a worthwhile investment and not expensive by any means. I visited Mt Popa, to see how people still pay their respects to the Nats (just in case) and spent time at more of the temples than I probably would have managed on my own.

    The unique frescoes and amazing architecture had me snapping many more photos than I normally would - all of it was so photogenic. I couldn't help myself. While the insides of the temples were spectacular, so were the beautiful exteriors – stone carvings and intricate towers – each one with its own unique and special beauty.

    Staying at the Hotel at Tharabar Gate was also worthwhile - it gave me a little bit of luxury after those homestays and tent and the hike and I found an amazing inexpensive vegetarian restaurant, The Moon, just across the road. What an amazing few days.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    Breakfast in relative luxury
    Breakfast in relative luxurySuch stunning floraMisty mountainSerene Buddha at sunriseAnother beautiful Myanmar sunriseBritish legacy lives on 100 years later

    Mt Victoria

    16. November 2017 in Myanmar ☀️ 21 °C

    This trek has offered us so many different experiences with accommodation ranging from local homes to a guest house with no doors with a hot bucket shower and flushing loos outside. Our last night was spent in a tent in the howling wind, freezing cold with no facilities except Mother Nature.

    The summit of Mt Victoria at 3000 metres was cold and when we arrived it was wet and miserable too. The Buddha crouched on the summit was shrouded in mist - great for photos but not conducive to staying out in the weather.

    The next morning we awoke to mist and fog our fingers crossed that we would get the spectacular sunrise that we had hoped for. Just when we had almost given up in despair, the skies cleared and we were treated to another stunning Myanmar sunrise. Our Buddha was bathed in the beautiful light and we just kept on taking pictures. It was worth the hike up there just for that.

    As we headed back to Bagan the weather cleared and as we descended into the valley below it was hot and humid once more. We passed through Kampathet a British hill station where ex-pats escaped from the heat in Bagan and saw a hundred year old oilfield also part of the British legacy.

    Once we got back to Bagan, a really hot shower and a foot massage were the minimum we were going to accept as our reward for a great trek. Wine and pizza finished the day, my last one with the group before going solo once more.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    Still going strong at 80
    Still going strong at 80Waiting for our gear to go byA couple of beautiful localsA mixture of beliefsOne of the many local characters we metA colourful welcome

    Mindat & Beyond

    13. November 2017 in Myanmar ⛅ 27 °C

    Each morning of the trek we started the day with a symphony of sounds - rooster, pig and the odd duck. We were never quite sure what time this cacophony would start, it was always early!

    The scenery we walked through was stunning, lush and green through tiny villages growing amazing vegetables, beautiful flowers and loads of children. Families here often have 10 or more.

    What surprised us was the churches - most of this area is Christian with an animist twist. They haven't quite relinquished the old superstitions but they've embrace the teachings of the Church so it wasn't unusual to see sacrificial stakes and animal skulls alongside Christian crosses.

    People are always curious and always friendly. We felt safe as we negotiated the slippery pathways and creek crossings on our way to the 3,000m summit of Mt Victoria. The people may be poor but we were always welcomed with a smile.

    At one of the villages we were treated as honoured guests with singing and dancing. The ladies wore colourful outfits and many of them had the traditional tattoos on their faces. The men discharged their rifles and started dancing. The whole village turned out to watch, making it a special highlight of our trek.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    Ancient pieces of art
    Ancient pieces of artFine detail survives the ravages of timeWhat a panoramaSuch intricate workOne of the many styles of pagodaEarly morning balloon ride

    Bagan

    10. November 2017 in Myanmar ⛅ 27 °C

    You think you know what to expect when you reach Bagan but the scale of this place is overwhelming. As we flew in we could see the pagodas nestling in the trees, the golden spires glittering in the morning light.

    Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, these ancient brick pieces of art have survived the ravages of earthquakes and man and to me are more beautiful than the rich ornate stupas in the city.

    To see the sunrise the next morning took my breath away. Jostling for space on the steps of one of the few pagodas where you are allowed to climb up, then realising just how high we really were, all added to an amazing experience. Then came the balloons. They slowly emerged from the trees to gracefully float above us - they weren't just spectators, they have become part of the experience for those of us on the ground.

    By time we left Bagan to head to Mindat and the start of our trek, we were eagerly anticipating what would come next.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    Sunrise filled with gold
    Sunrise filled with goldYoung students get readyDaily breadThe most reveredFoothpath food stopPaying respects

    Yangon

    8. November 2017 in Myanmar ⛅ 27 °C

    Today I met my group for the Exodus part of my trip. 5 of us adventurous souls heading off to Bagan and beyond to experience life in the rural area around Mt Victoria.

    I sampled a Mohinga breakfast and watched monks in the early morning with their food bowls walking the streets in bare feet. There is so many contrasts and contradictions in this amazing place. I can't wait to see the rest of the country.

    Yangon remains hot and humid. A visit to the national museum to see the Lion Throne and a sunrise trip back to Shwedagon Paya made the day pass quickly. Myanmar has such a rich and varied history with stunning artwork and beautiful artifacts.

    I sampled a Mohinga breakfast and watched monks in the early morning with their food bowls walking the streets in bare feet. There is so many contrasts and contradictions in this amazing place. I can't wait to see the rest.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    The Golden Rock
    The Golden RockWaiting for breakfastStunning scenery near Hpa AnSunset at Kyauk KalapLocal dishesThe most stunning of sunsets

    Mawlamyine

    2. November 2017 in Myanmar 🌫 7 °C

    The last few days have been eventful to say the least. I found myself continually swept along with a tide of humanity as I made my way south of the capital.

    It began with the insanity of the bus station in Yangon with cars and people everywhere and music booming out of giant speakers then moved to the pilgrims at Mt Kyaiktiyo all jostling to board trucks to get to the Golden Rock.

    The Golden Rock is an amazing place to visit, best viewed at sunrise and sunset and definitely worth staying up there for a night. Getting back down was a case of pushing and shoving like a local to board one of the trucks to take me to the town below.

    One of the highlights of this part of Myanmar for me was a full day spent near Hpa An with a fabulous local guide who was informative and friendly. He took me kayaking through the most stunning scenery, watching local people go about their daily lives. We also spent time in some amazing caves full of locals because it was a public holiday.

    The journey south to Mawlamyine was made on a small open boat cruising languidly down the Irrawaddy, watching the scenery float by, visiting a beautiful old monastery on the way and then seeing on of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever seen.

    The old colonial buildings here range from beautifully restored to almost ruins. I’m sure it was quite different when George Orwell lived here. In contrast, the pagodas and mosques sparkled and shimmered in the sun, obviously well loved and cared for.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanTemples, Touring and TrekkingAround the World with Jan
    A colonial beauty
    A colonial beautyEnjoying the local marketTypical trafficGolden sunsetCrowded but still peaceful ShwedagonShimmering in the moonlight

    Yangon

    1. November 2017 in Myanmar ☀️ 31 °C

    I don’t know what I was expecting when I arrived in Yangon. The traffic was typical – tooting horns, too many cars for the number of lanes and people dodging and weaving to find the fastest way to their destination.

    Mosques sat side by side with churches book-ended by grand colonial buildings, some quite fanciful and some in the saddest of conditions. Those in corporate hands seem to have fared well while others provide a crumbling backdrop for street vendors to peddle their wares.

    It was hot and steamy as I tried to orientate myself with the area around my hotel. I decided to watch the sunset from Shwedagon Pagoda, the most well-known landmark in Yangon. I abandoned plans to walk - too hot.

    I don't know what I expected but it was amazing. Watching the colours on the golden stupa change as the light faded and the spotlights illuminate the complex took my breath away. Yes, it was crowded and yet there were pockets of peace behind smaller shrines. People chanting, singing, praying, hitting the bells which sent a sonorous deep note through the night all of it was just incredible.

    I just wandered until my feet hurt and I reluctantly headed back to the hotel. What a wonderful first day.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanThe trip of a lifetimeAround the World with Jan

    Heading home

    11. Februar 2017 in Chile ☀️ 25 °C

    It's hard to believe that the trip is almost over and I'm on my way home. This adventure was everything I expected and then some.

    I've come away feeling privileged that I was able to visit Antarctica and concerned that man shouldn't be there in the first place.

    It's a conundrum that I'm sure others have felt when they return from a very special place which you never want to see change.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanThe trip of a lifetimeAround the World with Jan
    On land at last
    On land at lastA cosy bolt-hole in Punta ArenasSaying farewell to the southCentral market SantiagoThe view from 65 stories upMatilda's boutique hotel

    Punta Arenas

    8. Februar 2017 in Chile 🌧 12 °C

    It seemed like yesterday that we drifted through Punta Arenas on our way to board the Polar Pioneer. Now, our charter flight brought us from Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in Chile, to Punta Arenas, the first step on our way home.

    As we left the airport, we were like a group of lost souls, all with a different final destination cast adrift on land to fend for ourselves.

    For me, the rest of the trip consisted of a few days in Santiago to enjoy the great food and history and then back on the plane home with memories that will last a lifetime. A group of wonderful travelling companions who shared some time with me in one of the most beautiful corners of our planet. It doesn’t get much better than that.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanThe trip of a lifetimeAround the World with Jan
    Running out of words
    Running out of wordsToo cuteSomething to warm us upThe sights and sounds of AntarcticaA piece of historyDeception Island, still active

    Heading for Cabo de Hornos

    5. Februar 2017 in Chile ☁️ 0 °C

    This wonderful continent continued to entrance us as each day passed.

    Using the zodiacs we skirted amazing ice sculptures of bright blue and jade green both translucent and transparent. Every time the fog lifted a wonderland of carved ice, amazing shapes and stunning colours were revealed to us. We just kept on taking pictures.

    Over the following days, we were delighted to be able to pay a visit to some wonderful landing spots – Mikkelsen Harbour, Trinity Island, Cierva Cove, Deception Island, Port Lockroy, Port Charcot and the amazing Lemaire Channel to name just some of them.

    We were constantly bombarded by the sounds and smells of a parade of Gentoo, Adele and Chinstrap penguins, seals, whales and too many birds to count. No-one ever tired of watching this beautiful landscape and its amazing inhabitants, we were left in awe after each excursion and wanting more.

    All things must end and for us it was reaching Cabo de Hornos, Cape Horn, after a fairly easy crossing of the Drake Passage. To our delight we were able to land and get off the boat to explore the little lighthouse and meet the lighthouse keeper and his family. Not all sailors passing this way are so fortunate.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanThe trip of a lifetimeAround the World with Jan
    A light dusting early in the morning
    A light dusting early in the morningA huge tabular icebergTaking it easy between feedsLost for wordsLike a mirrorGoing down

    Antarctica at last

    1. Februar 2017 in Antarktis ⛅ 25 °C

    After a couple of days at sea we were all keen to get off the boat and explore this vast continent for ourselves. As the sun came out it played with the colours around us on the ice, making the snow glow as if lit by a spotlight. It provided a stark contrast to the dark and, in some cases pink, of the rocks.

    This was where we started to see icebergs, big ones. Tabular 'bergs the size of apartment blocks floating beside as we woke up and peered out the windows. Icebergs sculpted by wind and weather, deciding where the ship could go and when. Large objects of beauty and danger where at any time, a calving could mean being swept out of kayak or much worse. Indescribably beautiful to look at.

    We continued to be surrounding by wildlife and birds. Creatures who thrive in the harshest of environments yet fragile at the same time to any interference by man.

    The ocean continued to be kind to us. No rough seas to have us confined to beds or cabins. Just endless opportunities for adventure for a group of people eager to enjoy all of it.    Weiterlesen

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  • Around the World with JanThe trip of a lifetimeAround the World with Jan
    In Shackleton's footsteps
    In Shackleton's footstepsPaying our respects to a heroAs cute as a button!Abandoned whaling stationAre you sure we aren't being followed?Time to party

    Grytviken

    28. Januar 2017 in Südgeorgien und die Südlichen Sandwichinseln ⛅ 14 °C

    The days have fallen into a steady rhythm of wonderful meals and amazing trips out to the various islands as we headed down towards the Antarctic Peninsula.

    We started to run out of words to describe this stunning, overwhelming and beautiful place. Nothing prepares you for the majesty of the landscape, towering icebergs that dominate the horizon, whales feeding as the sun starts to set and the pungent odour of seal and penguin colonies as we approached land.

    You feel so small, so insignificant in such a vast and spectacular place.

    We saw the impact of man on the environment as we explored Shackleton's route to Stromness and his grave at Grytviken. One can only imagine the horror and brutality of the whaling industry captured in black and white images displayed in the small museum. It was a hard life for those who came here from Scotland and Scandinavia to make money for a better life for their families. At the same time,the majestic creatures that ply the waters of Antarctica are still trying to recover from the rape and pillage of their environment.    Weiterlesen

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