Having travelled exclusively overland all the way from Belgium for ecological reasons, I was naturally also trying to be more aware of touristic initiatives with a positive impact on the local environment and society. In and around Siem Reap I especially found the area in and around Siem Reap to be a haven of sustainable… Continue reading From ecotourism to social restaurants: sustainable tourism in Cambodia
Category: No-flying trip to Asia
From Belgium to Southeast Asia and back without flying. Trains, buses and ferries.
5 reasons why Cambodia made me happy
It’s not that I hadn’t been feeling happy in the previous destinations that I visited, but somehow the month that I spent in Cambodia was really throwing one blessing after the other at me. And so it was that halfway through my trip, I really got the feeling that this way, I could keep up… Continue reading 5 reasons why Cambodia made me happy
Exploring Vietnam: solo trips and short-term travel buddies
When I was not going on some crazy adventure like the ones described in the previous post, I would be discovering Vietnam at a more leisurely pace. Sometimes by myself, sometimes alongside other travellers, I steadily worked my way south from Hanoi onwards. Cave visit with some usual suspects After the impressive jungle trek to… Continue reading Exploring Vietnam: solo trips and short-term travel buddies
Adventure in Vietnam
During the 3,5 weeks I spent in Vietnam, I embarked on three different adventures, in three completely different parts of the country. In this post, I’ll outline the challenge, the worst part and the best part for each of them respectively. Motorbiking in the north The challenge In the company of three young Germans… Continue reading Adventure in Vietnam
The rest of the story
It is about time that I finish this story. Two years ago, I failed at keeping this blog up to date because at some point while I was travelling, I happened to meet the man whom I still call my boyfriend today. I know I don’t necessarily need to justify myself, but although it definitely… Continue reading The rest of the story
A tough path to Hanoi, my home away from home
Going by train from Nanning (China) to Hanoi (Vietnam) didn't exactly make for the smoothest border crossing of the trip. But once I had arrived, I could proudly say that after taking 19 different trains and a bus, I had made it all the way to Southeast Asia, without taking one single airplane! And after… Continue reading A tough path to Hanoi, my home away from home
One day as a panda volunteer
The decision to go and volunteer at the panda base in Ya'An was a very impulsive one. I had initially only planned on visiting the place. But seeing the pandas and their environment made me want to come back for more. Applying: an administrational race against the clock When I e-mailed the panda base on… Continue reading One day as a panda volunteer
Chinese encounters – weirdos and sweethearts
"What are the Chinese like?" People keep asking me this question, and it’s impossible to answer it in one word. Some of the Chinese people I met were really nice, especially hostel staff, but also random people helping me out in the street. Others were impolite or even rude, mostly in queues or crowds. And… Continue reading Chinese encounters – weirdos and sweethearts
Crossing China from north to south in 10 photos
Travelling through China was quite the experience: a fascinating culture, strange people, delicious food, enormous crowds, stunning sights. In this blog post, I'll take you along my travel itinerary through China from north to south, showing you the places I have visited in exactly 10 photos. 1. Getting to know the Chinese tourist crowds at… Continue reading Crossing China from north to south in 10 photos