Always start with the first step
It all started with an article in a German magazine on the developing tourism in North Korea that I read in early January. The article made me realize that it is actually possible to travel to this closed of country Only 4 weeks later, we boarded a plane to Pyongyang (see our departure pictures here). We spent 8 days traveling North Korea on what was truly lifetime experiences. Here is our story. Continue reading “North Korea – The full story”
We just arrived in Bejing on our flight back from Pyongyang and we are well.
Full report will follow later.
Events to be reported include dancing into the new lunar year with the locals on Kim Il Sung Square, flying with a helicopter over Pyongyang, dog meat delicassies, shooting a russion pistol and me passing out on the flight out of Pyongyang.
Stay tuned.
We just boarded flight JS152 from Beijing to Pyongyang. Koryo Air has loaded shipments from what seems to be a government purchasing agent (checking in with many boxes, as well as three packages specially delivered directly to the gate. In a few minutes, we will be on our way to a 7 day adventure into the unknown. Continue reading “Going to North Korea”
It’s -20C with the wind blowing from the East. We are hiking through the icy wastelands of China’s most northern Province Capital. Across the frozen river, we reach the Snow Park on a small island where only the name reminds of summer, “sun island”.
What we discover is an amazing world of Ice and Snow; a snow church, 40 meters high, and an entire scenery carved out of snow and frozen ice. As we watch the sunset, the ice becomes illuminated and shows a very colorful side. Hand and foot warmers and warm ginger tea helped to keep us warm. Continue reading “Harbin Ice Festival “
Summer in December does not happen to often (over 15C). So that’s a reason to travel. Also, there is Christmas and friends and family. Continue reading “Christmas “
Winter weather is a bit ugly. Shanghai was warm (19C) and foggy, Wuhan a bit rainy (15C) and Shenyang bitter cold (-15C). There is a lot going on at the moment, so I am happy to have a weekend in Shanghai. Continue reading “Wuhan, Shenyang”
It has not slipped the notice of the avid readers that we returned from Chengdu on the 7th, leaving us with a few more days of annual leave. And where to better spend these days than in … of course, Hong Kong. Continue reading “Hong Kong ever again”
With one extra day to spare after our disastrous night with the Chinese zombies, we set out to explore Chengdu. Surprisingly to us, the town is very charming. The town is clean, attractions are spacious and well maintained, shops and restaurants are high quality (some even up to western standards).
First, we explored the Giant Panda Research Center. This is the main attraction of Chengdu. The Institute is specialized on the breeding of Giant Pandas and does so very successfully. Continue reading “Pandas”
National Day holidays and annual leave are coming to an end. It’s time to remember.
Our first trip led us to Chengdu for a trek into the Minya Konka mountain range, south west of Chengdu. I had been in Germany the week before, so I was able to travel in style: Arrive in Shanghai on 27.09., packing and leaving for Chengdu with Michi on the 28th. Our guide picked us up from the airport and dropped us of at our hotel (“Traffic Hotel”… some advanced marketing was at play to come up with that name). In the evening, we did some last minute shopping and explored the old streets of Wuhouci (old temple surrounded by old-style streets with a lot of bars, restaurants and live music, sometimes two singers in the same bar (singing different music…)).
Back at TXL en route to PVG. One week in Germany was great to see friends and parents. I really enjoyed the talks and am very thankful for the sh&@load of great advice. It helped a lot to put things in perspective and find a good way forward. Overall, time has been way to short to see friends and family. Also, in all the clean air I already feel like I have to start smoking. Continue reading “Bye bye Berlin”