![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2407-1038x576.jpg "Shaolin Temple")
We spent the last one-and-a-half days at the Shaolin Temple, learning a bit about its history (and Kung Fu), as well as enjoying the beautiful Song Shan mountain. Continue reading The Skilful Shaolin Monks and the Magnificent Song Shan
Category Archives: Travel Diary
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2376-1038x576.jpg "Fengxian Cave")
The Buddhas of the Longmen Caves
Today, we visited the Longmen Caves. Out of the walls of these caves (and the surrounding cliffs), more than one hundred thousand (!) Buddha statues have been carved in the time of the Northern Wei dynasty (some 1,300 to 1,500 years ago).
Update from October 31, 2016
Additional pictures are available.![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2238-1038x576.jpg "The Great Wall at Mutianyu")
Great Steps (and Ladders) on the Great Wall
In the past one-and-a-half days, we explored the Great Wall of China – from the perfectly renovated section near Mutianyu to the nearly broken-down part at Jiankou.
Update from October 31, 2016
Additional pictures are available.Continue reading Great Steps (and Ladders) on the Great Wall
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2024-1038x576.jpg "Tian'anmen Gate")
Welcome to the People’s Crowd’s Republic of China
Beijing is big, very big even, and (rather unsurprisingly) full of Chinese. That it is also swamped by (mainly Chinese) tourists, however, came as a surprise to me.
Update from October 31, 2016
Additional pictures are available. Continue reading Welcome to the People’s Crowd’s Republic of China
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_1704-1038x576.jpg "Hochschwab")
Crossing the Hochschwab Plateau
A friend of mine is currently on a multi-week trek on the Nordalpenweg through the Alps. For the past two-and-a-half days, I accompanied her on her hike across the Hochschwab plateau, from Seewiesen to Eisenerz. Continue reading Crossing the Hochschwab Plateau
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_1620.jpg "Clock Tower in Graz")
A day in Graz
On my second day in Styria, I explored the Styrian capital Graz for a couple of hours. Continue reading A day in Graz
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_1596-1038x576.jpg "Bärenschützklamm")
Climbing over 115 bridges and 49 ladders
Due to a National holiday, I could enjoy an extended weekend. So, I decided to go on a short trip to Styria. There, I was hiking in the beautiful Bärenschützklamm today. Continue reading Climbing over 115 bridges and 49 ladders
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/04b-20160324_115918-1038x576.jpg "Maundy Thursday procession of San Francisco el Grande")
Semana Santa in Antigua
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua ius more of a Semana Loca (crazy week): Hundreds of thousands of (mainly Guatemaltecan) visitors come to this small town of 35,000 inhabitants. The reason for this are the numerous Easter processions which are said to be the most beautiful and impressive ones in all of Central America. Continue reading Semana Santa in Antigua
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OI000672-1038x576.jpg "Santiago Atitlán")
Mayan God and Market Goods
Around Lake Atitlán, there are enough little villages to go town hopping for a week or so. However, I had only one day to explore the area. So, I decided to visit a town that is supposed to be still rather untouched by tourism: Santiago Atitlán. Continue reading Mayan God and Market Goods
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OI000635-1038x576.jpg "Lake Atitlán")
Hiking from Xela to Lake Atitlán
In the past three days, I did a Quetzaltrekkers hiking tour from Xela (or, more precisely, from the town Xecam near Xela) to Lake Atitlán. This 42 kilometre hike was more exhausting than expected. However, the nice views (especially on the last day over the lake) were well worth the effort. Continue reading Hiking from Xela to Lake Atitlán