Albania - In the center, most passengers leave the bus. A young man gestures that we should get out too. Outside, he points the way to the citadel. We quickly follow his directions and climb up to the citadel, located 214 meters higher. It’s quite a climb. The ...

Tajikistan - After loading the car again, we drive along a cart track to Lake Yashilkul. This lake was formed by a landslide. Its clear blue water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding mountains. A smaller lake, Bulunkul, also looks magnificent. The snow-capped ...

Netherlands - After passing the ticket office and walking into the park, we see the enormous De Haar Castle. What a magnificent sight. The castle is reflected in the water of the moat. At the entrance, we hesitate whether to take an audio tour. An employee indicates ...

Kazakhstan - From the hotel, we walk to the St. Nicholas Cathedral. A light turquoise-colored cathedral with golden onion-shaped domes. Built in 1909, the cathedral features a beautifully ornate iconostasis inside. A heavy chandelier, filled with candles, hangs above ...

Turkmenistan - Through the large white marble buildings, the wide boulevards, and the expansive parks, the streetscape looks very similar throughout. From the bus, I see the 2x4-lane wide boulevard. White apartment complexes line both sides. In the median lie several ...

Netherlands - In 1818, just after the French troops were expelled from the Netherlands, there was much poverty in the country. When soldier Johannes van den Bosch returned from the Dutch East Indies, he was shocked by the country he found. He decided to do something ...

Brazil - Traffic is backed up in several places, but eventually, it starts to crawl forward. After leaving the main road, the driver heads into the mountains. With each bend, we climb higher. Eventually, I'm dropped off at the parking lot by the information center. ...

Poland - We start the day slowly. After having coffee in the hotel room, we walk to the Motlawa River quay for breakfast. The weather is beautiful. The sun is shining and it’s about five degrees outside. In a small café, we order breakfast with cappuccino, ...

Montenegro - I set off toward Biogradska Gora National Park. On the way, I drive through the Tara Gorge. At 1,300 meters deep, the Tara Gorge is the deepest gorge in Europe. At an arched bridge over the gorge, I stop briefly. From a terrace, I have a beautiful view ...

Uzbekistan - The old town of Khiva is enclosed by a 10-meter-high mudbrick city wall. As I enter through the west gate, souvenir vendors are already lining up to sell me all kinds of items. Unfortunately for them, I’m not buying. I head for the 12th-century palace ...

Mongolia - A watery sun shines through as we open the curtains. At least it’s dry. It seems to have been a good decision not to visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery yesterday, but today instead. At nine o’clock we arrive at the entrance gate of Erdene Zuu. The wall ...

Seychelles - Bird Island is the northernmost island of the Seychelles archipelago, located 60 miles from Mahé. The coral island, measuring 0.70 km², is known for its birdlife, including sooty terns, fairy terns, and common noddies. Hawksbill and green sea turtles ...

Tanzania - Mount Kilimanjaro, standing 5,895 meters high, is a challenge for the truly athletic hiker. There is no consensus on the origin of the name Kilimanjaro. Several explanations exist, based on words in Swahili and the Chagga and Machame dialects. Due to ...

Czech Republic - Today we drive to the German city of Dresden. On the way, about sixty kilometers east of Prague, we visit the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora, also known as the Bone Church. The road to Kutná Hora runs via local roads. We again drive through the rolling ...

Indonesia - Knock knock. “It’s three o’clock, Sir!” I’m woken for the sunrise at Mount Bromo. I quickly dress—Karin warned me it would be crowded today, as it’s Sunday and many locals come up for the sunrise. In the dark, I see a stream of headlights ...

Nepal - We walk through the narrow streets toward Durbar Square, the main attraction of Kathmandu. When we arrive at the square, it is already two o’clock. We decide to have lunch first on a rooftop terrace overlooking the temples of Durbar Square. Back at ...

Jamaica - A little further ahead lie the YS Falls. At the entrance, I have to switch to a small vehicle. A tractor pulls a trailer with seats. The tractor takes me close to the waterfall. I quickly change into my swimwear and head toward the falls. The YS Falls ...

Russia - Today is the first Thursday of the month, which means all museums in Russia are free. That includes the Hermitage. At the entrance, it’s clear many people are aware of this—we join a long line in the inner courtyard. The ticket counters are about ...

Montenegro - After walking for about 45 minutes, I spot a restaurant and realize I’ve already reached Krstac. I must have missed a turn, resulting in a small detour. It’s frustrating that the initial paths were so poorly marked. I decide to be more attentive in ...

Guadeloupe - Victory Square in Pointe-à-Pitre is a vibrant and historic square that forms the beating heart of the city. Located in the lively city center, the square reflects the rich culture, history, and diversity of Guadeloupe. With its characteristic architecture, ...

Russia - We return to the hotel a little too late for checkout, but it turns out to be no problem. We say goodbye to the owner and drive out of Gorno-Altaisk into the Altai Mountains. As soon as we hit the road, it starts to rain. A pity for the view with those ...

Belgium - After lunch, we continue walking through the city center and arrive at the Grand Place. The beautiful town hall proudly dominates with its tall town hall tower. In 1402, this prestigious building was constructed following the example of the Belfry in ...

Saudi Arabia - Around 12:30, we arrive at the rock carvings of Jibal Umm Sinman. The parking lot is empty—could it be closed? We walk through the entrance into the visitor center. In one of the rooms, two men are sitting on a carpet. “Come in, come in.” As they ...

New Zealand - At quarter past seven, we check in for the boat trip to White Island volcano. The check-in is at the reception of our hotel, where we can also check out of our room immediately. At the dock lies the Pee Jay VI, the ship that will take us to the island. ...

Czech Republic - The UNESCO town of Český Krumlov looks as if it has come straight out of a fairy tale. The views over the lake and the town itself are an absolute highlight, with its medieval center of houses built haphazardly, town palaces, a monastery complex, and ...