Author name: Miha

ASIA

Japan

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A number of years ago, Japan and South Korea were regular routes for our charter airline. Flying mostly to Okinawa and Tokyo in Japan, we would typically depart Seattle around 1 am. Arriving at our destination after a long night of flying, the first I would do was change into the hotel provided Kimono following a soothing hot bath in a small Japanese tub. Naturally, sleeping came next. Often times the lay-over in Tokyo was short and all we had time for was venturing out to a nearby restaurant or going for some quick but fun shopping. The restaurant was small, family owned and set up with tall chairs by a high bar type of table. The food was inexpensive and tasty.  Shopping was usually at the “yen store” and we enjoyed picking up all kinds of small and unusual items we could not find back home. Okinawa was a different story. Usually with more time to spend there and being a smaller and a more relaxed island, I got to enjoy biking around, visiting beaches, palaces and the wonderful botanical garden. Biking was truly wonderful. Map  in hand and following an asphalt and later a dirt road between buildings and farm lands, I discovered a beach behind fields of vegetables.  I parked the bike on the sand and took  some sun and a bath in the perfectly quiet day on the beach, near a big hotel surrounded by farm land; such an unexpected place for all of it. So awesome! One palace anyone coming to Okinawa absolutely has to visit, is the Shurijo Castle, the castle of the King of Ryukyu. From the 15th to the 19th century, Okinawa was prosperous as the Kingdom of Ryukyu, independent of Japan’s government. The Seiden, an impressive beautiful red building with lots of sculptures, 161 pillars and 60,000 roof tiles was the king’s castle and conveys the prosperity of the Ryukyu’s Royal Court. Una, the large courtyard in front of the Seiden served as the stage for the state ceremonies and cultural events of the time. If you like nature, the abundance of flowers, plants and fruits along with the fish pond in the Southeast Botanical Gardens of Okinawa are a must see. Tropical flowers are in full bloom in all seasons and you can also taste the tropical fruits in the Fruit Parlor. Noriko, one of the girls working at the Front Desk in the hotel we stayed at was sweet and friendly. Native of the island, she invited me to the botanical garden as her guest. She had two kids and they came with us.  Her daughter was a polite, good looking teenager that looked Okinawan. Her son, a blond, blue eyed 5 year old ( American father in the military) was  a cute boy that respectfully bowed in Japanese fashion but looked foreign to the island, yet speaking and behaving like locals. He was a pleasure to watch.  I had such a great day with all of them in the paradisical gardens.

ASIA, Thailand

Thailand

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We are all the same and different. 🙂 We look alike- or not, we feel the same- or not, we like the same things- or not. I might prefer mountains and green, you might prefer ocean and blue; I might live near an ocean and you might live near mountains as we long for that which is not near. Regarding my trip to Thailand I particularly enjoyed the temples and the time I spent with the Akha tribe. I have  been to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. With only two days in Bangkok I chose to see the most important temples and do some shopping from the local street vendors. The Grand Palace and the Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat Phra Keo are a must. You can see all of them in half a day if you are on a mission. They are all impressive and colorful. You will see the 3 meter high, 5.5 ton heavy Golden Buddha in the Wat Traimit.  At 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height, the Reclining Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. You can see it in Wat Pho. The Emerald Buddha it is in Wat Phra Keo. Palaces used for different occasions, like the  Reception Palace, the Funeral Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House are all part of the Grand Palace, and used to be the residence of the Kings of Bangkok. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai had beautiful temples as well. I met nice people and had good inexpensive massages there but my favorite view and experience was staying with the Akha tribe. The accommodation on the hill was basic but the location was right out of a dream. Near water falls and in the center of green rich vegetation, the days and nights spent as an Akha tribe guest were relaxed and the time there was such a welcomed retreat for the mind and soul. Highly recommended.

Africa, ISLANDS, Malabo

Malabo

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An island that belongs to Equatorial Guinea, Malabo was one of the least developed places I have ever been to. At the time we went there, in mid 2000, the place did not have a hotel with enough rooms to accommodate the 15 of us, so we were usually split between two hotels. Hard mattresses and leeches glued on windows, the hotel rooms were not the most welcoming, but the best in town. Since then things have improved, at least in the accommodation department, as oil companies were looking into exploiting the place, and Hilton and Sofitel became part of the scenery. Tired after the 15-16 hours flights from Houston, Texas, my colleagues and I would hardly feel like exploring, but the effort made paid off in interesting experiences. From the fish market that I could not enter because of the flies and the smell that turned my stomach around, to the outside local market where all kinds of birds and animals (including monkeys) were sold alive to be cooked later, all was part of a different life style, totally foreign to us. We were strange to them, as most did not get to see white people often and I saw a mother pointing to me and telling her child “blanca, blanca”. Am I that pale? LOL From our hotel location we passed shacks and a stream of garbage in order to explore further. We saw people aligned to take water from a village well, carrying buckets and plastic cans, kids washing each other in front of their modest homes, all friendly, waving at us and laughing. We were even invited to a wedding as we were passing by, but sadly too tired and under-dressed to accept the sweet invitation.

ASIA, TURKEY

Turkey

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With lots of land and truly unique sites to explore, Turkey is a big time favorite of mine. It was one of the first countries I visited after the borders of my own country opened up for all the restless gypsy hearts.  At first, I only visited Istanbul back then but seen on a postcard another site that got me intrigued and longing to come back for more . The place on the postcard was called Pamukkale and I memorized the name.  It looked like pools of water set in ice terraces, however people in bathing suites were in there and the sun was shinning bright. This made it clear there was no ice present. Many years later, luck and the energy of thought at work together, I got to visit Turkey again. Many times. I then discovered many other wonderful corners of Turkey and I still feel like I am not totally done. Each country I see and like has still so many secrets to share, and so many more corners to uncover. Yet in Turkey I fulfilled my childhood dreams and got to feel like a kid again. From lodging in caves that were people’s homes, to sleeping in tree houses, and bathing in travertine hot springs, I did it all and I would go back to revisit in a heartbeat. I highly recommend watching a sunset from the height of the Pamukkale‘s ancient city of Hierapolis, where people bathed for thousand of years. Getting a feel of the history and the circle of life repeating time and time again in the place is priceless. Hotels were built and demolished there, with no evidence of them to be seen just a few years later. Just like historic sites are covered under the dust of time, some never known of and discovered again, these hotels were a memory of the past for just a few people who had lived there or visited during their short lived glamor. The area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the damage they were doing to the bright travertine stone was luckily undone. Another place not to be missed is Cappadocia (Kapadokya under its Turkish name. The site is unique as well and hot air balloon rides area  great option for a wonderful aerial view. Volcanoes erupted millions of years ago and the resulting  rock near Göreme  eroded into amazing shapes that resemble tens to hundreds of mushrooms, minatetes and pillars. (Click here for amazing images of Cappadocia). People then carved their homes, churches, monasteries and schools in the soft rock for an out of this world result of dwellings that bring to mind more movie scenes of distant times than real villages which are actually inhabited today. And people are so friendly there. The first day I arrived, I envisioned myself buying one of the caves and moving in. Maybe even a chain of caves for a tourism business development. I immediately made friends, and on the excitement of the moment I ended up on a scooter, holding on to the back of a young Turkish  man who took me on a real estate for sale tour. I got over that as my heart longs to move around as much as possible and settling in a small village might not be my thing in the long run. Especially considering that winters are cold and even the local young people that have other options pack and go away. Yet, I stayed in carved caves and loved every minute of it (except when I was too cold at night- make sure you stay in a place that has heat and you can control it). The tree house adventure in the region in the south of Turkey, beginning in the region of Antalya, by the Mediterranean Sea, had a particular flavor as well. Two weeks of backpacking  left me with fun and heart warming, wonderful memories. I stopped in great places and visited lots of Greek and Roman sites.  Antalya, Kas, Bodrum, Patara, Fethiye were along my path and they were all unique in their own way, with the last one named here being my favorite. There are one day cruises to enjoy.  The clean water and small island hopping along the way were a delight along with the sun baking on the bridge and the baths in the cool sea water; A water I made contact with through a spaghetti like yellow plastic tube going through the boat’s deck into the sea. Also, you can choose the three day cruise from Fethiye to Olympos, or reverse. Olympus (Olympos in Turkish) is a place that welcomes you with hundreds of beds in wood cabins or tree houses, with a  summer party and disco dance atmosphere, and an Indiana Jones like path of vine covered Roman ruins to the nearby beach. So you can feel like a child again sleeping in a tree house; like a hormones gone wild teen dancing the night away; like an adventurous Indiana Jones exploring the ancient ruins; like a fisherman by the sea if you have the calling; or like a masochist taking sun on the rocky beach near by. If you like it busy, go in July or August, and if you want to explore at a quiet time May or October would be more fit. And last but certainly not least, Istanbul …. the dynamic cosmopolitan metropolis straddling two continents, has so much to offer. The colors, smells and sounds of new and old. The vendors calling out loud, pitching their product, the taxi drivers honking horns, the smells of spices and fresh baked goods, the many old mosques and churches-Blue Mosque a must see, the Topkapi Palace, the colorful carpets and the Grand Bazaar. They all are like a magnet to my soul and I find myself going back over and over again, never to be disappointed. Yet I still remember a younger me that was terrified by all of it many years ago. The men’s

South Africa

South Africa

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From Cape Town to Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park, my South African trip was a good and safe experience. Safety is a big concern mainly in Jo’burg but you are told which areas to avoid, and if you use common sense and are aware of your surroundings, all should go well. I entered South Africa flying into Cape Town and departed out of Johannesburg, traveling between the two cities in the train’s sleeping wagon. Cape Town was a very safe city and I walked everywhere. I enjoyed the walks and meals in the downtown and waterfront areas. I visited Table Mountain with the cable car, the Cape Point in an organized one day tour, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost 20 years, with the ferry from the tiny harbor (a short half an hour ride). My favorite of all was the trip I took alone to Boulders Beach. It was an easy train ride from Cape Town and I would have done it more than one time, if time would have permitted. I got to soak up the sun so close to African Penguins that I could touch them (tempting but not advisable -LOL). Boulders Penguin Colony is home to the African Penguins, the only penguins that inhabit the whole African continent. The train ride to Johannesburg, in my own cabin, I enjoyed immensely. I spent little time in Jo’burg and only went as far as my own feet took me, looking for an internet cafe within vicinity of my hostel. The hostel had advertised an internet connection that did not exist. I moved on to Kruger National Park for a three day safari. Bussed from Jo’burg and back, the safari was a relaxing, fun experience, staying in a cabin one night and in a tent in the park property the other. The night in the tent was great and the little fearless velvet monkeys were present around the camp, shamelessly jumping on cars and tents, going anywhere they could steal food. Little cute, mean, loud and playful arguing thieves. Driving through the park we saw lions devouring meat from some animal that was probably alive just hours ago, gracious impalas, slow moving elephants, striped zebras, cool giraffes slowly chewing leaves, hiding leopards ready for a hunt, buffalo and mud coated white rhinos. If you like watching animals in their natural surroundings with minimal to no human interference, Kruger National Park is the biggest in South Africa. Enjoy it!

southern spain
EUROPE, Spain

Southern Spain

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Barcelona was the first big city I visited in Spain. I  fell in love, pure and simple, with Antoni Gaudi’s architecture at first sight. The Sagrada Familia church was the first city site I visited and ambitiously I climbed one of the the narrow towers to the top. On a later trip to the city I got to also visit Parque Güell. It was a real treat and a huge delight as I love architecture, imagination, nature and color, and the park combines it all. Until visiting Barcelona due to my work, I had not seen much of Spain. In 2009, after the 500 mile walk along the Camino, I got the chance to visit more of the southern region of this wonderful country. Beginning with the road trip in Seville and driving for a week, my boyfriend and I had the fortune of seeing many fantastic cities, picturesque sites and centuries old churches. Seville was a colorful city and the tile work  in the Plaza de España was impressive. Not to mention the main Cathedral, now the largest in the world, as Christian architects added on the original late 12th century Mosque.   We also visited Cordoba with its unforgettable 10th century mosque/church known today as  the Mezquita, the Alcazar. At night we enjoyed a popular Arab bathhouse.       From Cordoba we went on, stopping in Marbella and Torremolinos by the Mediterranean Sea. I especially enjoyed the architecture of our small Torremolinos hotel. It was close to the beach, but not too close for the noise of the night life to  reach us.       Granada was next on our fast forward tour. It is a big city, not to be missed. Built on hills, the city is a delight to be seen from the top. Alhambra is a must see in itself, as well as for the view of the city from its gardens.       The most memorable night by far was for me the night in Granada, when we went to a flamenco show presented by gypsies in the specially set up caves. What a great night or rhythm and dance!

Namibia

Sandboarding to blazing speeds in Namibia

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Enjoying this country came through a combination of work trips and exploration in between. A lot of trips to Germany and England were scheduled from here, as Windhoek is a growing city. Germany was a close part of this country’s history (Namibia became independent in March 1990).   Windhoek, the capital city is small but clean and safe. One wonderful trip my colleagues and I took was in the desolate Namib Desert. The National Parks are about 15.5% of the land size of this country and there is a large variety of game. We watched animals in their natural and unspoiled habitat and enjoyed richly colored sand dunes, taking a lot of pictures. The high iron concentration gives this desertunmatched colors that become a photographer’s dream.   A trip I took on my own by local bus (a minivan full of local people) was to Swakopmund, a unique town by the beach. The scenery along the way changed from dry to green and it was a delight watching.  In town I found a nice hostel not far from all happenings and I enjoyed the best sunset I have ever seen in my life. Later, pleasantly surprised by the arrival of one of my fellow traveling colleagues, we found the most appealing activity: sand-boarding. We had quite an adrenalin rush as the board speeds reached new heights. Sweating and full of sand we returned to Windhoek with the same kind of public bus/minivan. Excited, we downloaded the new pictures into the computer, showing them to all in the van. Namibia is one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa. Also a great country to see for the variety of its people, like the San Bushmen and the Herero, as well as the Himba (Herero descendants that wear few clothes and rub their bodies with fat and red ochre to protect themselves from the sun). Hearing the clicking sounds of the tribe’s language provided a strange delight. One other thing I had to do in Africa was braiding my hair. For less than $25 my shoulder length hair became mid-back long and I totally enjoyed it for about 3 weeks afterword. Yes, it took about four hours of work, done by three girls at the same time, but I loved the results. 🙂

Ethiopia

Ethiopia

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I had only a single day in Addis Ababa and I would go back anytime. With beautiful and friendly people and lots of different ethnic groups, this country consists of a mix of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. It is a country with more than 80 different ethnic groups, each with its own culture, customs, language and tradition. It has 83 different languages with up to 200 different dialects spoken. A few of my colleagues and I dined in a restaurant that presented us with a piece of rich traditions and culture, sharing and enjoying the local foods and their presentation, along with some of the music and dance of the area. The bread, called injera, was of a sponge-like texture and a big flat piece was presented on a large plate. It is iron rich, made of teff flour, fulfilling and of a different taste. The rest of the foods were set on it in circles and we all shared beans, cheese spinach and meats combined with local spices. The next day we went to see Lucy, in The Ethiopian National Museum. She is the oldest hominid that has ever been found. The 3.18 million year-old skeleton was named after the Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” which played often in the celebrations that followed her discovery in 1974. Three plus million years on this land! Wow! Wonder how life was then? After visiting with Lucy we went to the local market to buy souvenirs. Mainly a Christian country, with the majority of Christians being Orthodox Tewahedo Christians, we found lots of hand painted orthodox scenes. Too tired, I got confused about the money conversion and got frustrated with the prices at first, only to later discover that all was so inexpensive I could hardly believe it. I ended up carrying home lots of hand woven grass crafts, wood carved intricate crosses, wood painted orthodox scenes, and a wooden priest statue. On the plane coming back, a lot of Americans were returning with beautiful and quiet adopted Ethiopian children, amazed by their new surroundings. Others had went there to help, volunteering with children. In 2008, when we visited, the UN announced that millions of children in Ethiopia were at risk of malnutrition, following a severe drought, and a lot of people adopted children there. One family I talked to went to adopt a boy bu,t while there, they found out he had a brother. So they came back with two kids. One of them was so affectionate, he hardly let go of the adopting father during the whole flight. Sweeeeeeet….. Nice kids…. nice people that help! I love this world and its people! Sometimes. 🙂

Morocco

Morocco

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My first Morocco encounter was not a planned one. As my plane got delayed on the way to France, where I was going to start my trip on the Camino, the connection through Casa Blanca was a failed attempt. Tired and a bit frustrated, I landed in a small hotel by the beach in the famous Casa Blanca, all expenses payed by Royal Air Maroc. The French I studied in school did not come back easy and English did not take me too far in the small hotel. I had time to venture out on the beach and walk far on the boardwalk, and it seemed like the whole town was taking the day off and came out to relax on blankets on the grass, or on sand by the water, watching kids and teens play soccer. I did not get to see much else there but when I made it to Marrakesh, a few years later, it was love at first site. The hostel I chose was right in the middle of the main market, on one of the narrow streets. It was a great (and lucky) choice, and so easy to find. I instantly loved the local, colorful and friendly place. The building was a few stories high with painted wooden doors , window frames, bed boards and closets, and had wonderful old lamps and tiles. Later, for dinner, the smell and taste of tajine, cooked by the manager for all the guests (who wanted to joined in to assist in the cooking) so all could eat together, was a heaven sent gift. Marrakesh really was a delight for my senses with the abundance of colors, smells, tastes, and sounds.The central market was possibly the most exotic market I ever seen. It gave me the feeling that I had plunged back in time, into an old setting of an adventure book I might have read long ago and forgot about. I felt like I might not ever get enough of the color and smell of leather, carpets and spices, the sound of music made by small groups dressed in different national costumes, and the visions of snakes and monkeys providing entertainment. I regret not going there a few days early so I could have had more time before my next assignment and possibly take a few day trips to the desert with the Bedouins. Bummer. Maybe I will go back someday again. Hope so!

Miha's shadow along the Camino
Spain

Spain and El Camino

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I do not know how others would feel about walking a 500 mile path, but for me these are the most treasured memories of Spain. I have traveled throughout the country on multiple occasions and visited a number of different regions. My Camino (“El Camino”) began in Saint- Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and after reaching the famous Santiago de Compostella, Spain, went on to Muxia and Fisterra (end of the Earth).  From the times conversing with an interesting and diverse group of fellow backpackers from all over the world, to the times spent trekking in complete solitude enjoying the fresh air, sights, smells and sounds of nature, the experience is one I will never forget and will always speak of fondly.  I have a lot of favorite places and memories all over the globe but the Camino is unique. I recommend it to everyone. You will meet wonderful people, have great conversations, great food and wine, laugh a lot, hear lots of stories about fellow travelers and pass trough unforgettable and unique scenery. The rules of the road are learned as well. Things like making sure you are checked into one of the many welcoming refugios or hostels early enough to get a bed and, if you are really lucky, even an evening meal.                                                                                                  Eventually you will learn to enjoy sleeping in the same room with many tired pilgrims (peregrinos), to the tune of a robust chorus of snores and farts, and getting up early enough to be able to start a new day with the morning fresh air. A new day of excitement, delighting in new scenery, new characters, making new friends, and hearing new life stories. Generally computer addicted, I found little time for this activity. Making the best out of the whole experience I only sent a few e-mails to friends and colleagues during the Camino. I have posted a few on this blog. I welcome, invite, and encourage anyone who has walked any portion of the Camino to share your experience and recommendations here, as well as any other Spain experience. There is so much to see, so much to do. If you have a favorite hostel, hotel, restaurant or any review or advice, please share it with the rest of us and help make the most of your fellow traveler’s future journeys.

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