![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240130_082253-1038x576.jpg "Shompoo Cruise")
Another entry in the list of must-dos during my Southeast Asia trip (besides Angkor and Luang Prabang) was a boat trip on the Mekong. So, I spent my last two days in Laos doing exactly that: I went on a cruise from Luang Prabang to the Thai border. Continue reading Two days on the Mekong
Monthly Archives: January 2024
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240129_055628-1038x576.jpg "Almsgiving in the early morning")
The traditions of Laos
After my trip to Nong Khiaw, I returned to Luang Prabang, because the next leg of my journey starts from there. This time, I used my stay in the city to familiarize myself a bit with the local customs. Continue reading The traditions of Laos
![[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/2024/01/20240118_125417-1038x576.jpg "Angkor Wat")
Angkor and more
The main attraction of Cambodia are the temples of Angkor. So, this was also the main focus of my five-day stay. Still, I also explored rural Cambodia a bit. Continue reading Angkor and more
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112_071421-1038x576.jpg "Marina Bay")
Full, fuller, Singapore?
The transition from the vastness (and emptiness) of the Southern Alps in New Zealand metropolis of Singapore is a tough one. Still, I braved the masses, and explored the city for two days. Continue reading Full, fuller, Singapore?
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240111_114624.jpg "Last view of New Zealand")
E noho rā, Aotearoa
Long-term readers of my blog also know what this title means: My wonderful time in New Zealand has come to an end. Continue reading E noho rā, Aotearoa
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240110_141133-1038x576.jpg "The Terrace (Christchurch)")
City of two worlds
I spent my last days in New Zealand in Christchurch. I was happy to see some life again in the city center&nsbp;– very much in contrast to the last time I was there, shortly after the severe earthquakes. But there are still (sometimes quite deep) wounds visible in the city. Continue reading City of two worlds
![[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