Category: Asia

Nestled in southern Jordan, Wadi Rum—often referred to as the Valley of the Moon—presents a landscape that is nothing short of mesmerizing. This vast, arid desert is renowned for its striking rock formations, expansive sandy plains, and an ethereal atmosphere that has captured the imaginations of adventurers, filmmakers, and poets alike. With its dramatic scenery…

Exploring Petra, one of the main surprises is the shear immensity of this ancient city. On a blistering hot day, it is imperative to carry a water bottle while exploring this incredible site. How sophisticated was the Petra water system to be able to supply its population with enough water in such a dry climate?…

Jordan, a captivating country nestled in the heart of the Middle East, is a land where ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come together in a rich tapestry of experiences. From the world-renowned archaeological site of Petra to the serene beauty of the Dead Sea, Jordan offers a diverse range of attractions that cater…

10 Cool Dead Sea Facts  Where did the Dead Sea come from? The Dead Sea is part of the Great Rift Valley system which stretches from South Africa to Turkey. Some 25 million years ago plate tectonics caused the African Plate and Arabian Plate to diverge, creating the Great African Rift Valley. Tectonic plate movement continued…

Gazing at the Japanese toilet features, my mind is a jumble of curiosity and confusion. Having arrived fresh off a cycling tour in southeast Asia, a squat toilet has been the usual restroom for three weeks. Now at the Tokyo airport, the Japanese toilets appear to require an entry level college course to operate. Even…

On postcards, guidebooks and decorating walls of Thai airports is the image of the Buddha head in tree roots. Countless times, even before we departed for Thailand, the fascinating image of the Buddha head embedded in a banyan tree would flash on my computer screen as I researched all things Thai. I could never decide…

Dazzling images of the sleek wooden frame, draped in vibrant ribbons, dance in my travel dream mind. The Thailand long tail boat captures exotic imaginations posing on the shores of white sand beaches. The Thai boat, ‘ruea hang yao’, has long been a mode of water transportation in Southeast Asia. The narrow canoe-like hull, with its…

About two-thirds the way through our three country Indo-China cycling trip (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) we find ourselves on this day cycling Cambodia to Vietnam. We pedal some 60 kilometres this day, half in each country. Our destination for the day is the border city of Châu Đoc, Vietnam Cambodia As we roll down the Cambodian highway, cycling to Vietnam,…

Nestled in the heart of Cambodia, Tonle Sap Lake is a remarkable natural wonder and the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Its dynamic ecosystem and shifting water levels give rise to a unique way of life, exemplified by the floating villages that thrive on its waters. These villages are not only a testament to…

Journeying down the Cambodian motorway towards Phnom Penh from Siem Reap, a sudden turn off the main motorway, stage left, leads to a unique archeological park. Sambor Prei Kuk, meaning ‘the temple in the richness of the forest’, contains three cluster areas Central (C), North (N), South (S) where trees relentlessy encase temples. The quiet…