![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240205_130946-1038x576.jpg "View from Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail")
Today was devoted to exploring nature again: I visited the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. However, even there I came across some temples (or more precisely: some pagodas). Continue reading Pagodas in the mountains
Tag Archives: Waterfalls
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240127_152041-1038x576.jpg "Nong Khiaw from Sleeping Lady Viewpoint")
The karst hills of Nong Khiaw
In order to see a bit of rural Laos, I tried to find a small town somewhere in the northern Laotian mountains with certain properties: First, it should not be too far from Luang Prabang (because the Laotian buses are not particularly comfortable). Secondly, it should offer a few short hikes and maybe a nice day trip (because I do not feel like going on big hikes just yet after recovering from my short illness). In the end, I settled for Nong Khiaw – and this proved to be exactly the right choice. Continue reading The karst hills of Nong Khiaw
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240122_165040-1038x576.jpg "Luang Prabang from Phousi Hill")
The temples of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang! Ever since I read the descriptions by Peter Moore in his book “The Wrong Way Home” about this city, it was the epitome of Southeast Asia for me. Even though the city undoubtedly has some beautiful parts, reality could not quite keep up with my (very high) expectations – but this may also be due to a rather unfortunate start. Continue reading The temples of Luang Prabang
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240107_093157-1038x576.jpg "Arthur's Pass")
Arthur is still great!
On my first visit 15 years ago, I praised Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson and the pass he “discovered”. This time around, I could see that nothing has changed: The landscape is still magnificent. Continue reading Arthur is still great!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240102_155527-1038x576.jpg "Greymouth")
Gray Greymouth
Actually, the title above is probably a bit unfair to Greymouth. After all, I decided to spend the two sunny days somewhere else (namely around Hokitikia and in Punakaiki). So, it is not the fault of Greymouth that only the rainy day was left. However, I still think that the true West Coast treasures can rather be found elsewhere. Continue reading Gray Greymouth
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240102_115612-1038x576.jpg "Hokitika")
Forces of nature in Hokitika
I am currently staying in Greymouth for four nights. While I am there, I once again rented a car. Today, I used that to explore the area around Hokitika. Continue reading Forces of nature in Hokitika
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231225_091930-1038x576.jpg "Routeburn River")
Queenstown, the supply station for Routeburn hikers
After my tour around Lake Whakatipu , I returned to Queenstown. There, I rented the necessary equipment for a multi-day hike (i.e. sleeping bag, and cooking pot): I spent the three days over Christmas on the Routeburn Track. Continue reading Queenstown, the supply station for Routeburn hikers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231222_114713-1038x576.jpg "Lake Whakatipu")
Around Lake W(h)akatipu
I have spent the last three days around Lake Whakatipu. Formerly, this lake was known as Lake Wakatipu (and in fact, this name is still widely in use). However, the latter version is actually a wrong transcription of the original Maori name. Continue reading Around Lake W(h)akatipu
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231218_095210-1038x576.jpg "Milford Sound")
For once a “real” tourist!
New Zealand has many scenic routes to offer – even if not every one of them has the word “scenic” in its name. One of those is the Milford Road. Since I currently have a rental car, I did what many tourists do: I jumped in my car, and enjoyed the many viewpoints and short walks along the road – and of course the highlight at the end, a cruise on Milford Sound. Continue reading For once a “real” tourist!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231203_092154-1038x576.jpg "Akaroa Harbour from Trig GG")
(Cloud) Banks Peninsula
I have spent the last four days on the Banks Peninsula (after an “organization day” in Christchurch). The main focus was on the Banks Track, but I also visited the main town Akaroa (again). Continue reading (Cloud) Banks Peninsula