![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261030_093502-1038x576.jpg "Bay between Taħt il-Maqjel and Ras il-Fniek")
Today I explored the southeast coast of Malta: I hiked from Marsaskala to Marsaxlokk. The latter, by the way, is pronounced “Marsa-shlock” – because in Malti, the letter “X” actually represents an “SH” sound. Continue reading X is for SHow
Tag Archives: Temples and Sacred Sites
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261029_113900-1038x576.jpg "View from Ħamrija Tower")
The unpronounceable destinations
Today I visited several destinations, none of which I know exactly how to pronounce correctly – but I can at least report on them: Wied Iż-Żurrieq, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Għar Lapsi. Continue reading The unpronounceable destinations
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261024_120318-1038x576.jpg "Ortygia (Syracuse)")
The most beautiful and largest Greek city
There was one more city in Sicily to visit! Given its rich history, this city really should not be missing from any traveler’s itinerary for (eastern) Sicily: Syracuse. Continue reading The most beautiful and largest Greek city
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261017_090913-1038x576.jpg "Fallen Icarus in front of Temple of Concordia (Valley of the Temples)")
Good temple complexes come in threes
Today, it was time for another temple complex –this one being one of the premier tourist attractions in Sicily: the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento. Continue reading Good temple complexes come in threes
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261016_122518-1038x576.jpg "Temple E (Selinunte)")
Temples with S(tone columns)
Over the last two days, I turned my attention to temples starting with “S”: Segesta and Selinunte. Continue reading Temples with S(tone columns)
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261008_165619-1038x576.jpg "View of Forum Romanum and Colosseum")
The long and short of Rome
As the saying goes: All roads lead to Rome!
This time, that held true for the journey to my next vacation as well.
In the process, I ended up spending both less and more time sightseeing in Rome than I had anticipated:
- Less time, because I had originally planned a stay of (almost) two days and one night, but had to reduce this due to construction work on the railway line I was about to take, as I wanted to avoid multiple, cumbersome transfers.
- More time, because the torrential rain that had been forecast for the entire day took a little longer to arrive than expected.
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260402_113543-1038x576.jpg "Punakha Dzong")
In the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Around Easter 2026, I treated myself to a very special trip (that was originally already planned for 2020): a visit to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan (with a few days in Nepal before and after).
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260409_160254-1038x576.jpg "View of Kathmandu from Swayambhunath")
Katman-hin-du and Namo-Buddha
We spent the last two days of our vacation back in Nepal, specifically in (and around) Kathmandu. Since both Hinduism and Buddhism play an important role in Nepal, we visited both Hindu and Buddhist temples – sometimes even both at once. Continue reading Katman-hin-du and Namo-Buddha
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260408_093905-1038x576.jpg "Tiger's Nest")
A highlight at the end
The last stop on my Bhutan trip was the same as the first: Paro. And once again, a real highlight was on the agenda there. Continue reading A highlight at the end
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260407_083119-1038x576.jpg "Phobjikha Valley")
Beautiful Phobjikha
Although we missed Phobjikha’s main attraction, the black-necked cranes, by a month or two, I was captivated by the sheer scenic beauty of this valley. Continue reading Beautiful Phobjikha