Far East Travels Podcast (John Saboe)

It’s one of the most coveted treks in the world. Everest Base Camp, Nepal. Far East Adventure Travel is proud to present two podcasts completely devoted to the magic of trekking this region. From crossing the sometimes trecherous Chola Pass to the final steps arriving at Everest Base Camp. And an early morning ascent of Kala Patthar for one of the best views of Everest in all of Nepal. Join me John Saboe for one of Asia’s great adventures. Trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal. Right from the start I was in for a hair raising experience. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, rated as one of the most dangerous airports in the world is often canceled in October, the busy season due to weather conditions. If it’s not cloudy or windy in Lukla, it is in Kathmandu, making it extremely tricky to complete scheduled flights. You can be stranded in Lukla for days waiting for a weather window. Same this goes in Kathmandu. Days!

You can avoid the whole worry of flight delays and dangerous weather conditions by trekking all the way to Lukla.  Take a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri, about 9 hours. Then just walk for a week! For me, I was extremely lucky  to be on one of the first flights that day from Kathmandu to the start of the trek with favorable weather conditions. 

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Excerpts from "Ultimate Trekking Adventure-Everest Base Camp, Nepal Part 2

Having completed one of the toughest days of the trek it was time to move back onto the busy trail to Everest Base Camp. 

The trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep is only about 5 kilometers but at an average elevation of over 5000 meters it is still challenging, especially when you have a hill to traverse like this one.

This is one of the most spectacular panoramas in the entire Himalaya with more up close views of Nuptse. And you’re last look at mighty  Everest in the center  before descending further down into the Khumbu Glacier.

Finally you find yourself putting in the last steps to the Base Camp marker at 5360 meters. This was the year that 16 Sherpa guides lost their lives in an avalanche on the Khumbu Icefall. All Everest mountain guides had refused to work the rest of the season out of respect for the victims.  

It’s power is best described though in a quote from American filmmaker, climber and 5 time Everest summiter David Brashears. “The mountain doesn’t care whether we’re here or not. It doesn’t compete with us. It isn’t burdened by our hopes and dreams. Everything it means to us is only what we bring to it. It’s what the mountain reveals about us that has any lasting value.”

Please like the Far East Adventure Travel Facebook page, you can also follow me on Twiiter, Periscope, Instagram and Google+. All of the links are at fareastadventuretravel.com. That’s it for this week’s Far East Adventure Travel Podcast, thanks so much for joining me. Until next time this is John Saboe, safe travels and Namaste!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Excerpts from Kyoto-City Of 10,000 Shrines

Kyoto is located in the central part of Honshu Island, Japan and was the imperial capital of the country for over a thousand years. It is also known as the City of Ten Thousand Shrines. It is an absolute must see on a visit to Japan. Because there are so many sites  I met my expat friend Niall Gibson, who is a guide and travel specialist living in Kyoto to get an expert opinion on what to see in a short time.

I first set off on foot near the Yasaka Shrine To get a feel for the city. Wait a minute what the hell is this? Hari Kirshnas? In Kyoto? Well it’s an international city so anything is possible but not my idea of traditional Japanese culture. So I moved on to the Heian Shrine. It is a top ranked shrine by the Association of Shinto Shrines. 

I made my way to Tenru ji-the head temple of the Tenru branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Construction was completed in 1345 but the temple has subsequently suffered through many fires and the buildings that currently stand here were reconstructed in the last half of the 19 and early 20th centuries. Tenru ji is surrounded by beautiful gardens and was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1994. It’s North Gate is the entrance to the famous Sagano Bamboo Grove. It’s no coincidence that bamboo gardens or groves in Japan are usually situated near Shinto Shrines or Buddhist Temples. The bamboo represents strength, a symbol intended to ward off evil.

That’s it for this week’s Far East Adventure Travel Podcast. Don’t forget to like the Far East Adventure Travel page on Facebook and  visit fareastadventuretravel.com

Until next time this is John Saboe. Safe travels and Namaste!

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Excerpts from "Hiking Seoul, South Korea's Guardian Mountains"

East Asia is such a super friendly place for foreigners with efficient subway or MRT lines throughout all major cities including Seoul, South Korea. All stations have English signs and all stops are announced in English. 

Namsan mountain is the most well-known of the four guardian mountains of Seoul with the famous landmark, Seoul N Tower topping the 262m peak. It’s not a challenging or particularly strenuous hike but it’s a nice break from the chaotic megalopolis below. It’s also a great way to join locals in their everyday activities and experience the fitness and hiking culture of the city. 

If you start your hike from the gondola station it’s extremely easy to find your way with signs in English everywhere. This is more like a vigorous walk in a park than a mountain hike. No rough trails to deal with. Stairs everywhere and there’s even rubberized sections of the trail to lessen the impact of hiking on a hard surface.

When it comes to activities like this Koreans really know how to makes things comfortable. This may look like a road but it’s pedestrian only!

On the way you’ll see sites you can check out like Waryongmyo, a Buddhist/Daoist/Shamanist Shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a Chinese statesman and general who lived from 181-234 AD. As you meander up the trail you’ll start to get views of Seoul and the surrounding mountains. It’s a wonderful way to appreciated the city where half the population of the country lives.  It’s easy to enjoy  the serene atmosphere of the walk up Namsan. 

 

 

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Excerpts from "Early Morning At The "Tomb Raider" Temple.

The crowds that visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Angkor Ruins region can be overwhelming. Over 2.3 million people visited the site in 2014 making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Southeast Asia. On my last visit I spent many early mornings wandering the ruins including visits to Ta Prohm, the temple complex made famous by the 2001 film Lara Croft Tomb Raider.

Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries in the Bayon Style which include face towers and naga carrying giant figures. Originally called Rajavihara it is located one kilometer east of Angkor Thom, the last great city of the Khmer Empire. King Jayavayerman Vll who ruled the empire oversaw construction of Ta Prohm from Angkor Thom,  where he ruled.

Ta Prohm had been left almost in the same condition as it was found, with huge trees growing out of the structure which have literally taken over the temple, one of it’s striking features.

Don’t forget to look on the ground as there are many relics from the temple half buried under your path. 

Is it worth it to wake up early with all of the craziness of the crowds? Of course, it’s Angkor Wat. It’s an amazing experience. Just be prepared for a little nonsense and sometimes rudeness with that many people gathered in one spot. Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to be a downer. Just preparing you for what’s going to happen so you can adjust your expectations accordingly. If I didn’t have proof you’d probably never believe me if I told you someone even brought a horse. Mind you this was sunset, a different crowd indeed

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It’s often overlooked or just a mere stopover to or from Siem Reap, home of the famous ruins of Angkor Wat but Battambang Cambodia should be on your radar of places to visit in this country. Full of Khmer culture, early 20th century French architecture and a unique charm unlike anywhere else in Cambodia. Join me John Saboe for an exploration in and around Battambang, Cambodia in this episode of Far East Adventure Travel Podcast.

 

Probably the number one site to visit in Battambang, Cambodia is the world-famous bamboo train. Made from left-over tank wheels, small-powered engines and a bamboo platform it’s a metaphor for the people of this country who’ve adapted and overcome incredible devastation and hardship to their culture and way of life. But this town, the second-largest in the country has so much more to offer. On my last trip through Cambodia I stayed in Battambang for several days exploring the town and discovering it’s charm.

 

To find out a little bit more about Battambang from a native’s perspective and why it’s so appealing I spoke with artist Kchao Touch, who also owns the wonderfully eclectic Jewel In The Lotus Antique and Arts Shop in the arts quarter.

 

The sounds of a memorial can quickly fade out to a wedding celebration, sometimes lasting for three days. Most Cambodian weddings are now only celebrated on a single day. This memorial in Battambang lasted for several days.

 

Another uniquely Southeast Asian tradition respected every day in Battambang is the morning alms. For good luck lay people bring a food offering to the local Buddhist monks that wander the town in return for a blessing. Excerpts from "Bats, Beauty, Arts And Culture-Battambang, Cambodia

 

 

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Can’t think of a better thing to do when hanging out in a super modern city like Seoul, South Korea then to go for a bike ride. It’s a great way to see another side of life here besides the typical tourist things  like visiting temples, museums and going shopping plus it’s so up close to everyday life here.

I actually got my idea for this ride from the latest Lonely Planet Korea guide with a few modifications to the route. Let’s call them accidental modifications.  I started out from Yeouido Park where you can rent bikes starting at 3000 won an hour, about $2.50 USD. Yeouido is considered the mecca for cycling in Seoul.

First stop was the Mapo Bridge where there is a designated cycle path making it safe and convenient to check out the views.

The Han River is the fourth longest river on the Korean Peninsula with a total length of almost 500km. This river was once a very large trade route with China through the Yellow Sea however due to estuary location at the borders of North and South Korea the river is no longer actively used for navigation. 

An exit ramp from the other side of the bridge takes you to the north side of the river with great cycling paths. Keeping to the left on this path will continue your journey along the Han River. The destination for this cycle is the Seoul World Cup Stadium, built for the FIFA World Cup in 2002.

A great view of the beautiful domed National Assembly Building across the river. the legislative branch of the South Korean national government.

Keep riding along the path past this cliff and under the Yanghwa and Seongsan Bridges.

Excerpts from "Cycling The Megalopolis Of Seoul".

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Bukhansan National Park is almost 80 sq/km in size and is located so close to the urban area of Seoul, South Korea that it’s possible to take the subway here, like I did on this visit.  I started out in Insadong and transferred to line number 1 and rode the train until the very last stop of Dobongsan, which is actually the name of the mountain I’m going to hike up today. I think it’s important wherever you are hiking to stake out a place to have a beer or coffee and something to eat afterwards,. Some motivation or a reward to think about as you’re making your way to the top and of course something to contemplate as you safely get back down.

It’s a bit of a hike itself just to get to the entrance of the park from the subway station, passing through what seems like a galleria of hiking and outdoor stores, Koreans love their outdoor gear. Plus  there’s loads of restaurants and stalls selling food. I’m going to grab some gimbap, Korea’s version of sushi, the perfect picnic or hiking meal. Some say gimbap was inspired by the tekkamaki sushi rolls eaten by the Japanese soldiers that were present here during Japan’s rule of the country. Others say it is totally an original food of Korea, Either its the perfect dish to stuff in my backpack along with some kimchi, Korea’s national spicy pickled cabbage dish.

Finally it feels like I’ve arrived in the park or at least I’m alot closer. I spot this very cool relief style map of Bukhansan and all of the mountains that are hikeable. Rock climbing is also a huge sport here. Bukhansan National Park was established in 1983. Being so close to the urban sprawl of Seoul, which is the third largest urban area in the world and an area population of over 25 million it’s a very popular recreation area. Excerpts from "Hiking Seoul's Majestic Mountains-Bukhansan National Park".

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Dihua Street or Grocery Street is where many residents of Taipei, Taiwan head to for stocking up on food, snacks and treats for the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year. I recently visited the famous shopping market just two days before New Year’s Eve. I was there to shop, sample food, indeed why many people pay a visit and talk to some Taiwanese about why they enjoy Lunar New Year.

Dihua market, for most of the year is Dihua Street-a center in Taipei for traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, incense, and Taiwanese tea processing. First constructed in 1850, it’s original name was Center Street.

This is the busiest time of year for Dihua street, with extra food stalls and vendors using all kinds of tactics to get your attention. Most of which are pretty friendly.

Sampling is big here and many people come just to load up on the freebies. If you’re new to the food of Taiwan it’s a great place to learn about some of the traditional snacks and newer items with ingredients that can range from peanuts to dried fish.

It’s Taiwan, so of course there’s always someone cooking food around the corner.

The southern portion of Dihua is the oldest street in Taipei, dating back to Dutch rule from 1624-1661.

In Taiwan many markets were built around temples and Dihua is no exception with worshippers getting in their last wishes for the year, or perhaps a good start to the new year.

 

Thanks so much for listening to Far East Adventure Travel. Don’t forget to check out Far East Adventure Travel  the video podcast on iTunes and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Periscope and Twitter. All of the links are at fareastadventuretravel.com.  Until next time, this is John Saboe safe travels and Namaste.

 

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In this episode join me for one of the most exciting wildlife spotting adventures in Asia. I’m deep in the heart of Ratanakiri province in northeast Cambodia heading for the jungle and a chance to get up close to the rare northern yellow-cheeked gibbon. This week’s Far East Adventure Travel Podcast.

Ratanakiri province is located in the remote northeast corner of Cambodia, bordering Laos to the north and Vietnam to the east. I had come to this part of the country to trek into the jungle. My goal-to get up close to a group of Northern yellow-cheeked gibbons that have been habituated to human presence. It promises to be one of the best photographic opportunities of this ape species in the world.

Before I get back on the bike though I’m taking a break from the dusty roads and joining some loals  in a nice cold refreshing glass of sugar cane juice.  

Veun Sai is located 38 kilometers north of Banlung, where we started the journey.  It was about a 30 minute wait before we would cross the Tonle San River by ferry.  Another hour ride past a Laos village then onto the camp where we’ll spend  the night before trekking into the jungle early the next morning.

Ratanakiri means “hill of the precious stones”.  Zircon and other semiprecious stones are mined here. The cultivation of rubber trees, cashew, and coffee crops is growing at an exceedingly fast pace. On my way to Banlung I saw many rubber tree and cashew plantations.  The cost of this growth is of course loss of land and habitat for indigenous plants and wildlife.

The Gibbon Project is a very worthwhile undertaking as it not only helps to protect the gibbon but the forest and habitat as well.

Excerpts from "Swinging With The Gibbons-Jungle Of Northeastern Cambodia".

 

 

 

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Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market has a reputation of being one of the most popular night market’s in Taiwan. The Main street where the Dianji temple first started drawing patrons to the area is lined with food stalls serving some of the most popular dishes and snacks found in Keelung. 

This is a very tourist friendly night market with translations in Japanese and English, some are loose in their descriptions. Honestly lots of great tasting food but I wouldn’t consider alot of it nutritious.

 One of my favorite stalls serves oil rice, a sticky style rice with mushrooms and a delicious soup served with lumps of fresh crab meat. Being a port city there is an abundant selection of seafood and other interesting tasty treats.

Further south, in central Taiwan lies the city of Taichung. The climate is drier in this part of the island making for a perfect environment for night markets. Taichung is world-famous as the place where bubble tea was invented.

If you ask most Taiwanese people where their favorite place to go for a weekend is many will say Tainan. This city located in Southern Taiwan was once the capital of the island before the Japanese began their 50 year rule of the country and moved operations to Taipei. There are lovely Japanese colonial era buildings everywhere but most people come to Tainan for the food. 

This is the Anping area of Tainan with the oldest streets on the island. People travel from all over Taiwan just to visit and try the many special snacks only made here, like one of my favorites, Coffin Toast. Excerpts from "Taiwan-Discovering The Beautiful Isle's Food Paradise".

 

 

 

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I was staying in Battambang, Cambodia. While I was there I had to visit one of the area’s most famous attractions, the bamboo train. The bamboo train gets it’s name from the  bamboo deck or floorboard used that rests on top of the wheels that can transport anything from chickens and rice to people. In Khmer it’s called a Lorry and has been used since the Khmer Rouge shutdown of most regular train service in the country.  

The Bamboo Train Station. Now where is the first class lounge? I could use a bloody mary about right now! Waiter?  Actually the place is quite charming and surprisingly not touristy feeling at all. At least not at the starting point in O Dambong, about 4 km from Battambang.

The bamboo train solves the biggest problem of a single track train line. What do you do when two trains meet from opposite directions? In the case of the bamboo train? Simple-move one off the track. This experience alone makes this one of the world’s all time great train rides.

A little heavy on the photo gear I know but I’m a one man show right now.

Farewells from the departure crew and we’re off. 

The bamboo train was not the first flatbed type service in Cambodia. During the civil war of the 80’s and 90’s flatbed trains were used as mine sweepers ahead of the rest of the train. Service was free, risky but popular. 

And here we go about 3 minutes into the ride and our first stop. Wow, now that’s taking service station to the next level. The first lorries or bamboo trains were actually hand driven with a pole, kind of like an Italian gondola. Small motorcycle or tractor engines, like this one were added later. The wheels? They’re actually from abandoned tanks! Yes get your ass off the deck so I can do my job, thank you! Excerpts from "Great Train Rides Of The World-Cambodia's Bamboo Train".

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The Japanese call them Sakura, cherry blossoms and it’s one of the most celebrated events of the year when they bloom in the Spring. Hanami, is the viewing and appreciation of the blossoms and Hanami parties can be seen in parks all across the country.

When I arrived in Tokyo recently it was just a little too early for the season. The lack of Sakura didn’t stop people from starting their parties early in Ueno Park, one of the most popular Hanami spots in the city. The plum blossoms as beautiful as they were in full bloom are actually the first real sign of spring in Japan. Plum or cherry blossoms,  that’s good enough of an excuse to get the party started. 

During the cherry blossom season a Japanese tradition is to find a spot under a tree, spread out a plastic picnic sheet and invite family and friends to sit and enjoy the blossoms or Hanami while eating and drinking, wine, beer, sake or just about anything.

I checked out some of the rest of the park including the hexagonal Bentendo temple with it’s seasonal food stalls and Shinabazu pond where you can rent a swan shaped boat. The park’s history of cherry blossom viewing goes back to the Edo period in the last half of the 19th century when this area was a popular place for Tokyoites to visit.

If it’s your first time to Japan you may be wondering if it will be hard to communicate as it’s known that many Japanese people do not speak English. I met up with some friends in a restaurant near Tokyo Station and we chatted about what it’s like for foreigners to travel in Japan and some of the myths of the language barrier. I asked my friend Akiko who has lived in the greater Tokyo area for most of her life some tips on the best way to communicate when visiting the country. Excerpts from "Sakura Season In Japan-Celebrating  Cherry Blossoms Tokyo Style".

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Most streets showed signs of damage from the earthquakes with crews tirelessly working to breakdown and clean-up the buildings that were too damaged to repair

Nyatapola Temple is the highest pagoda style building in Nepal at 5 stories. It was constructed in 1702 and was so well built it withstood the great earthquake of 1934 with only minor damage.  The upper storey was rebuilt after the earthquake. 

With the most recent earthquakes it has once again managed to survive with only minor damage.

The giant chariot that carries Bhairab during the Bisket Jatra was still sitting in the square from the festival held in April this year.

The Bhairabhnath Temple when first built in the early 17th century was only a one storey building. King Malla added an extra storey in 1717 and a 3rd storey was added when the temple was rebuilt in 1934 after that year’s massive earthquake. It appeared to have withstood most of the force of the 2015 earthquakes.

Tachupal Square was the original central square of Bhaktapur and includes some important temples that again, appeared to have weathered the force of the earthquakes with little damage. 

Dattatreya Temple was originally built in 1427. At the main entrance  you are met by two Malla wrestlers, the same ones that guard the 5 storey Nyatapola Temple in Taumadhi Square.

Right around the corner from the Woodcarving Museum of the square, once a home for Hindu priests you can find one of the most famous carvings of the Kathmandu Valley, the Peacock Window. I had witnessed many beautiful wood fixtures that home owners were salvaging from their crumbled homes and I was curious to see what state it was in after the earthquakes. I found many alleys around Tachupal Square suffered severe damage. Protected by many supports the window looked completely intact. Exerpts from "Nepal's Premier Heritage Town-Bhaktapur-Earthquake Aftermath".

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When Derek Cowan set out to backpack in Southeast Asia he wanted an experience more fulfilling than just a handful of memories on the party trail. So he researched a number of different volunteer opportunities finally deciding on helping out an organization in Vietnam.

What began as a retreat from a distressful life in Scotland and recovering from a suicide attempt has now turned into his role creating and running the Help The Journey foundation.  Derek’s current project is monumental, rebuilding Thangpalkot 1 village in the Sindhupalchowk District of Nepal and all of it’s 86 homes destroyed by the earthquakes of 2015. This was the worst hit region in Nepal with almost 97% of all of the over 66,000 homes in Sindhupalchowk completely destroyed.

I first met Derek in Kathmandu in November 2015 just as he was beginning his work in Nepal. I spoke with him recently while he was back in Kathmandu replenishing building supplies for Thangpalkot 1.

You can help Derek Cowan rebuild Thankpalkot 1 village in Nepal by donation or as a volunteer. Visit helpthejourney.com for more information.

"Raga Bageshri" by Ashok Pathak (http://www.ashokpathak.com)

"Track 1" by Deep Singh and Ikhlaq Hussain Khan (http://www.ragasitar.com/)

"Track 2" by Deep Singh and Ikhlaq Hussain Khan (http://www.ragasitar.com/)

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Swayambunath or The Monkey Temple is one of the most significant temples to Tibetan Bhuddists of Nepal, perhaps only coming second in importance to Boudhanath, the largest stupa in the country.

It is also called the Monkey Temple because holy monkeys live here. Why are they considered holy? It is said that Manjushri the bodhisattva of wisdom and learned raised the hill that Swayambunath sits on. When he let his hair grow long, lice grew eventually transforming into monkeys.

This is a virtual walk in real time up the 365 stairs that lead to the platform of Swayambunath. 

Much of the inspiration of the temple comes from Newar Buddhism. The Newars are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley. 

The Monkey Temple is an important site for many followers of other Buddhist schools and is also a place of worship for Hindus. It is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal with evidence suggesting work began on a temple here in the 5th century.

My favorite time to come is at sunrise. It’s also a popular fitness site for locals. The time it takes to reach the top can take anywhere from  5 to 15 minutes depending on your physical fitness level. Some days you will see police or Nepali army training here.

This was the largest group of monkeys I’d ever seen at one time on the stairs in the 5 years I’ve been visiting Swayambunath. They will usually leave you alone as long as you’re not carrying food they can see, as with most monkeys that share habitat with humans.

The Tibetan name for this site means “Sublime Trees” for the various trees found on the hill.

The Monkey Temple can also be accessed from a car road from the south leading to the southwest entrance. "Excerpts from Sacred Monkeys, Buddhist Pilgrims-Kathmandu's Swayambunath-The Monkey Temple".

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Hoi An is one of the most atmospheric towns in Vietnam boasting Unesco World Heritage status with beautifully preserved Japanese Merchant Houses and Chinese temples. I started out the mornings here in their open air market, one of the best ways to experience true local culture. There was the usual fresh produce and live birds and fish for sale as well as lots of flowers ready to brighten up homes for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations.

Down by the river some men let me look in on their Buddhist puja, a prayer ceremony to celebrate the past year’s many blessings and good fortune.

Right beside them the local ladies that offer boat rides were working tourists for fares. You may think it’s a little touristy but it’s a great way to experience Hoi An from a different perspective and to appreciate the Thu Bon river still very much a regular place for transit. Hoi An was once one of the busiest ports and Vietnam’s most important trade center in the 16 and 17th centuries.

Had the river not silted up in the late 19th century making it impossible for large ships to dock Hoi An would be a very different place today. What was left behind was the legacy of a rich trade center and port with money that was spent on mansions, merchant houses and temples with varying but complimentary styles of architecture. Meanwhile back at the market.

And the ingredients  are either super fresh or still alive!

There are so many wonderful dishes to try in Hoi An, amazing salads featuring herbs, seafood and chilies, the local specialty white rose, a delicate wonton filled with prawns, this is a paradise for people who love and appreciate great food. Excerpts from "

 

 

 

 

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The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves and cave temples located in Selangor, Malaysia. So easy to get to it even has it’s own train stop. 

I picked up the KTM Comuter train at KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur which can be reached via the Kelana Jaya line if you’re staying near KLCC.

In less than 30 minutes the giant limestone outcrop was in view. 

Leaving the train station you are immediately surrounded by Hindu shrines and temples including this giant statue of Hanuman, the Monkey God.

The Batu Caves gets it’s name from the Sangai Batu, the nearby Batu River, and it is also the tenth, Pattu in the Tamil language, limestone of Ampang Malaysia.

The Batu Caves are one of the most popular Hindu Shrines outside of India. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, God of war. He is the son of the Hindu dieties Shiva and Parvati. 

The Murugan statue is the largest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia and the second tallest in the world coming second to the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Nepal.

This is the site of the annual Thaipusam Festival which draws over 1.5 million people every year to honor Lord Murugan. Devotees among other things carry containers of milk as an offering to Murugan.

The first steps to the cave were built in 1920 made of wood, since then have been replaced by 272 concrete steps. There are several caves throughout the site but the Temple Cave or Catherdral Cave, which I was climbing up to is the most well-known and visited. 

Another reason to keeps things inside your bag or backpack  on your way up. This guy eventually got back his little pack minus a couple of things.  Excerpts from "Nature's Hindu Temple Offering-The Batu Caves, Malaysia".

 

 

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The Tonle Sap is the largest fresh water lake in all of South East Asia and provides more than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia.  Many floating villages, and communities made up of  houses raised on giant stilts depend on the resources of the lake as a way of life. Intertwined with the rising and falling of water levels.

From Siem Reap it’s approximately 15km to the lake, about 20 minutes or more by tuk tuk. It all depends on the time of year. If it’s the wet season, it’s long and sometimes the routes are restricted or just unbearable to drive. I’m here in the dry season so it’s not so bad, until you hit the dirts roads, then it’s bumpy. My driver Davin has a tough go with dodging the dips in the road and constantly checks to make sure his bike is OK.

Chong Kneas is one of the most famous floating villages of the area and is close to the boat ride that takes you to Battambang. I’ve decided to travel to another village Kampong Phluk instead. It’s a little more out of the way at about 40km from Siem Reap but less touristy, although there still is an air of commercialism with floating restaurants and dugout boat rides through forests of sunken trees. I  also left Siem Reap early in the morning so as to avoid bumping into the large groups that still manage to make it out this way.

Tonle Sap Lake is quite small during the dry season from November to May with a 1 meter depth throughout  the lake and an area covering 2700 square kilometers. When water is pushed up the Mekong River where it  converges with  the Tonle sap  at Phnom Phen the lake increases in size to 16,000 square kilometers with a depth of nine meters. The expansion results in a perfect breeding ground for fish. It’s at this time of year that fishing is banned so as to allow for an abundant season. Excerpts from "Rising Waters-Life On Kampong Phluk Stilt Village, Cambodia".

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The Gokyo Valley is a great alternative or add on to the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. Quieter trails, and spectacular views even of Mt. Everest.

Gokyo is reached by walking the same trail towards EBC, following a two night stay in Namche Bazaar for rest and mostly acclimatization. 

It’s not long out of Namche before you take the turn for Gokyo at Sanasa.

It feels like you’ve left a freeway for a country road especially if you do this in October.  The trails are quieter, the views, are absolutely spectacular and it feels a little more relaxed and almost  subdued, compared with the main path to Everest Base Camp.  

The views of Everest, Lhotse, and Aba Dablam, on the busy trails just before the path that leads to The Gokyo Valley.

Right away you’ll notice the big groups marching up to EBC on a tight itinerary are missing. The yak and horse traffic that moves with them drops off as well, allowing for more time to take in the views. It’s a relief not worrying  that a yak is going to take you off the trail with one swipe of it’s head and horns. 

The first settlement or stop is Mong La.  Mong La affords you one of the best views of Aba Dablam, many agree one of the most beautiful peaks in the Khumbu Valley.

The trail then takes you through mixed forest and rhododendron, and a chance at spotting wildlife. Like blue sheep maybe or a lone musk deer. Excerpts from "Massive Views, Turquoise Lakes-Trekking Nepal's Shangri La-The Gokyo Valley".

 

 

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Tsukiji Market-Tokyo, Japan. Home to the world famous tuna auction where wholesalers bid on blue fin tuna worth tens of thousands of dollars almost everyday. For the lucky few who brave the early morning hour like myself recently it’s a chance to get up close to this unique arena of high stakes bidding on the most prized fish in the world.

The lucky few? 120 to be exact. Some of the guidebooks and online blogs say to get to the information office at  Tsukiji markets Kachidoki Bridge gate entrance by 4am. Well things have changed and now I wouldn’t recommend arriving any later than 3:30 to get a spot, I got there at 3:35 and I was one of the last few admitted.

Once in you’re given a map with instructions on conduct in the market and a colored vest to wear identifying you as a guest of one of two groups of 60. I was in the blue vest group, the last to visit the tuna auction that morning.

The room is divided into two for each group. The first is led into the auction area at 5:25 and is allowed to watch for 25 minutes. My team, the blue group goes in last at 5:50. OK, now the wait. For the blue team, almost 2 hours! Bring something to read or listen to because there’s not much to look at in this room.

The green team gets the signal to move to the auction area and my team is less than 30 minutes away from our visit. 

The blue fin tuna is the star of Tsukiji but it’s only one of over 400 species of fish and seafood including seaweed, expensive caviar and controversial whale species sold at the market. Almost 3000 tons of seafood is processed everyday-making Tsukiji the largest fish market in the world. 

Finally after being in this holding tank for almost 2 hours we were escorted by Tokyo Metropolitan Government security to the auction room. Excerpts from "Ticket To The World's Most Expensive Fish Auction-Tsukiji Market, Tokyo".

 

 

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Taipei’s MRT System is super efficient and very easy to get around on with all stops and information in English. If you’re staying in Taipei for more than a day make sure you get an Easy Card pass from the vending machines at all stops or pick-up a 1, 2, 3 or 5 day Taipei Pass at information counters. 

In this podcast we will make 3 stops on Taipei’s MRT Red Line. First from Main Station we’ll head for Yuanshan stop and the Dalongdong neighborhood, next a ride all the way to the end of the line at Xiangshan for a hike up Elephant Mountain, then back to finish off the afternoon at Liberty Square and the final Honor guard of the day at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.

Yuanshan is the first elevated stop on the red line that finishes in the riverside village of Danshui. All stops before Yuanshan are underground.

This is the old Dalongdong neighborhood with many historic buildings and quiet lanes to explore. Our destination here is the Confucious Temple and the Bao An Temple. Like most sites in Taipei there are English signs everywhere leading you in the right direction whether you look up or down.

Confucius was a Chinese teacher, philosopher, editor and politician born in 551 B.C. Confucius was a champion of strong family loyalty, respect of ancestors, and respect of elders by their children among other things. 

Confuciunism is said to have played a big role in the successful economies of the 4 Asian Tigers. Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan all have had educational programs that taught the values of Confucius-hard work, respect, loyalty, and respect towards authority figures. Excerpts from "Taipei, Taiwan's Top Sites In One Day, On  One MRT Line".

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Senso ji is a Buddhist temple located in the  Asakusa District of Tokyo. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo dating back to 645CE. It’s one of the most popular sites to view in the city with over 30 million visitors a year. Thousands come daily to worship, pray, and eat! 

The Nakamise-dori is the street on approach to the temple that houses many shops. It was started in the early 18th century when locals were given permission to set up their own stores and sell goods.  In 1923 the Great Kanto earthquake destroyed many of the buildings. It was reconstructed then subsequently destroyed again during the bombings of WWll. It was rebuilt again after the war as a symbol of peace and rebirth to the Japanese people.

The Hozomon or Treasure House Gate marks the entrance to the temple area. There are three large lanterns with the chochin, the largest one that hangs in the center of the gate. On either side two Nio statues, warriors that stand on guard to the temple.

More from Tokyo’s Senso ji Temple but first check out what you can expect to get in a typical sized Japanese business style single hotel room .

The Hondo or main hall of Senso ji, dedicated to the Kannon, or Goddess of mercy, Guanyin. It is said that two fisherman caught a statue of the Kannon, or Guanyin in 628 that started the worship of the deity in Asakusa. Now’s that’s an extreme fishing story. The Buddhist priest who in 645 established the first temple on this site fulfilled his dream of never allowing  the deity to be seen by humans, still followed to this day. 

Worshippers toss coins, clap their hands and bow as they pray to Guanyin. Excerpts from "Experiencing Tokyo's Top Attraction-Senso ji Temple, Asakusa".

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Tibet is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. It’s average elevation is 4900 meters or 16,000 feet making it the highest region on the planet and the reason why it’s called the roof of the world. 

The Tibet Autonomous Region is apart of the People’s Republic of China and there are several restrictions that apply when traveling there. All travel through Tibet must be booked through a tour company and special permits are required. You must also obtain a visa to travel in China before permits can be applied for on your behalf.

For insights into cultural sensitivies and advice on what sights to include on a trip to the region I recently spoke with Norbu La, owner of Adventures in Tibet travel and tour company from his home in Lhasa Tibet. 

From the starting place for most visiting Tibet, Lhasa, there are many sites to see including The Potala Palace, Sera Monastery as well as one of the most important Buddhist Temples in the world, the Johkang.

Mt. Everest is also an option for many especially those who aren't interested in trekking as it's possible to drive all the way to the base camp on the Tibet, China side of the the highest mountain in the world. Here you'll be able to see the mountain's beautiful north face, most agree the best view of Everest.

If you have time Mt. Kailash as well as Namsto Lake are great options for a journey to Tibet.

Mt. Kailash is a center for worship of four religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bonn. A kora, a circumambulation of the mountain, normally a 3 day trek is said to wipe out the sins of a lifetime.

You can contact Norbu La for more information on tours of Tibet by visiting his website: http://www.adventuresintibet.com 

 

 

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Luang Prabang is one of the most picturesque towns in Southeast Asia. The name literally translates to Royal Buddha image. It’s rich history, beautiful architecture combined with a strong Buddhist monastic community makes it a place all too tempting to stay longer than planned. On my most recent trip to the former royal capital I was fortunate enough to be  in time for the country’s most important holiday and festival, Pi mai or Laos New Year.

Even if your visit is outside of a festival time you will be enchanted by one of the most beautifully preserved towns in Indochina full of French colonial architecture. An ample selection of cafes to spend a carefree afternoon in and a huge selection of restaurants from inexpensive buffets to multi-course dinners.  In my opinion it’s one of the best buys for fine dining in all of Southeast Asia.

One of the best places to start your exploration of the town is a walk up the 355 stairs of the highest hill in Luang Prabang, Mount Phou Si,  to the Buddhist temple Wat Chom Si. Here you can see the whole town and the peninsula it sits on between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.

There are a few approaches to the top but I chose to start from the staircase across from the Royal Palace Museum exiting on the other side to see Wat Tham Phou si.

Sunset is a popular viewing time so if you don't like the crowds, and it's a tight squeeze at the top,  try a walk in the morning. 

Phousi translates to sacred hill and is considered the spiritual center of the town. It's believed that the hill was once the home of a powerful naga serpent deity, lending more spiritual significance to the site. 

Another legendary story of Phousi was that at one time there was a deep pit on the hill  that lead to the center of the earth. Excerpts from "Luang Prabang, Laos-Drowning in Buddhism And Laos New Year".

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Kyoto, Japan once the imperial capital of the country is located in the Kansai region on Honshu island. Known as the city of 10,000 shrines Kyoto offers an abundance of history and culture.

Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto was spared from heavy bombings by U.S. Forces during WW ll with many  shrines and temples of the city pre-dating this era. Arashiyama

To get some expert advice on how best to spend your time and get the most out of your stay in the city I spoke with Niall Gibson expert guide, travel planner and managing director  of kyotofun.com and myjapanadventure.com. from his home Kyoto. 

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. It’s filled with Buddhist Temples, shrines and the world-famous Bamboo Grove. When’s the best time to visit? What other sites and experiences are possible in Arashiyama?

A visit to Gion, the traditional neighborhood of Kyoto is always high on most everyone’s list as it’s one of the best places to spot real Geishas, or Geikos, (Kyoto), or Geikos in training, Maikos.  But how do you tell the difference between a real Geiko and a tourist in a kimono on a cultural experience tour?

Join me for answers to these questions from my guest Niall Gibson, in this episode of Far East Adventure Travel.

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It’s called shitamachi, the old town ambience of Tokyo’s past that has survived and in fact flourishes today in the Yanaka neighborhood, within walking distance of Tokyo’s expansive Ueno Park. You’ll find streets and alleys lined with old style merchant housing. Typically a shop on the ground floor with a living space above. 

This neighborhood was virtually unaffected by World War ll bombings and the devastating earthquake of 1923 so unlike many places in Tokyo, some buildings here date back hundreds of years.   

Yanaka is included in a trio of neighborhoods called Yanesen, Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi.It was developed as a temple town during the Edo Period from 1603-1867. People from all over Edo, the former name of Tokyo, would visit Yanaka for sightseeing and worship. If you’re interested in visiting inside the temples arrive well before the closing time of 5pm. There’s also a traditional cemetery where the remains  of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of Japan lay.

Don’t be surprised if you bump into a few wild cats on your stroll through the neighorhood. Yanaka is famous for it’s population of  stray cats and there are signs of this pride all over with cat cafes, souvenirs and feline references everywhere you look.

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Tihar is one of my favorite festivals to see in Nepal. Each day of the festival either an animal, a Goddess or a brother/sister relationship are honored. The biggest night, Lakshmi Puja, is the most important night of the festival when houses and businesses are cleaned, decorated with Rangoli art(flower, colored sand) and candles. Prayers are also performed in hopes that the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, will pay a visit and bless your family or business with a prosperous year.                                

While walking around the streets of Thamel and the rest of Kathmandu you'll notice many people, especially women, are dressed  in their best outfits, many purchased to celebrate this special night.

Thamel, the tourist section of town is one of the best places to hangout and watch the festivities. With the highest concentrations of shops, restaurants and businesses it’s one of the liveliest parts of Kathmandu during the festival with impromptu dancing, singing and traditional gatherings.

India's version of the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali, will seem like a much more robust celebration with a multitude of fireworks lighting the sky and echoing through the streets, and elaborate light and sign displays in front of jewellry shops,  especially in places like Jaipur. 

I enjoy both celebrations but I have an iffinity for the charm of Tihar, with the emphasis on dancing and  singing in the streets and the more earthy candle lit alleys of Thamel and Kathmandu.

In this episode of Far East Adventure Travel Podcast, highlights from the latest Tihar Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal.

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Nepal is one of the world’s most diverse countries for traveller experiences and engagement. Bordered by the great Himalayan range boasting the highest mountains in the world including Mt. Everest, Nepal also offers a rich culture  with over 100 ethnic groups largely following Hinduism, Buddhism, or a combination of both. 

Martin Zinggl is an Austrian born journalist, photographer, writer and documentary film maker who for the last 8 months has been living in Nepal. He has just finished writing a book for Picus publishing,  http://www.picus.at/,  with an initial German language release about his many experiences while staying in the country. 

While living in Nepal Martin visited one of the busiest leprosy clinics in the world, The Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital. The story of Lalgadh is featured in latest book and can also be seen at: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2016/02/nepal-busiest-leprosy-hospital-160217072352121.html.

Martin also visited Chitwan National Park in Southern Nepal where he covered the annual World Elephant Polo Championship. You can see his story at: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2015/12/sport-fun-charity-elephant-polo-151216080444631.html

I spoke with Martin about the current situation for locals and travellers.

Martin Zinggl’s website(German): https://kimsunsil.wordpress.com/

Martin Zinggl on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/momo.tuvalu

 

 

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Cochin, or Kochi is the second largest Westcoast Indian city after Mumbai with a total population of just over 2 million. Ernakulum District encompassing the townships and total urban area has the highest percentage of Christians in all of India. It’s not surprising to see so many churches and a strong Christian local culture and why it’s so busy in the village of Fort Cochin on a Sunday. 

Syrian Orthodoxy originally made up the Christian community before Europeans  arrived in the 15th century. Historically Cochin had a large Jewish community arriving here as early as 7th century BC with spice traders. Hindus still make up the largest portion of the population. After Christians,  Muslims are the third biggest group in Cochin, many living in  Matancherry township.

With the diverse mix of beliefs, spirituality and cultures Cochin is also known as a very tolerant community with harmony like nowhere else in India.

Fort Kochi was a simple fishing village before the Portuguese were handed over control in 1503. It was named after the fort built by the Portuguese later to be destroyed by the Dutch who in 1683 captured the territory. Today the town is literally a history book of architecture. A mix of Dutch, Portuguese and British buildings make this one of the most unique communities in India.

Matancherry right next door to Fort Cochin is a tourist center for the curious interested in visiting historic Jew Town. Antique and rug shops line the streets but you can still find atmospheric lanes with a rich history of spice trade. It was here that the first trade link for pepper and tumeric was established. 

Music Contribution by Deep Singh and Ikhlaq Hussain Khan (http://www.ragasitar.com/)

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Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia since French colonization. It is the country’s largest city with a population of over 2 million. It’s the center of commerce, the arts, cultural heritage and diplomacy. Once called “the pearl of Asia” it was one of the most beautiful French built cities in Southeast Asia. It’s riverside stretches along the Mekong River converging with the Tonle Sap. 

Phnom Penh has had several terms throughout the centuries as the capital of Cambodia.  Depending on which king was in power the center of control shifted to various cities but became the permanent capital under King Norodom l’s reign from 1866, where the royal palace was built and is still located today. 

The monarchy operates in the same manner as the United Kingdom,  in Cambodia a king that reigns but does not rule. The current King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni reportedly spends most of his time living in France.

During the Vietnam war Cambodia was used as a base by the North Vietnamese and Vietcong. As a result many refugees fled from Vietnam swelling the population of Phnom Penh to somewhere between 2 and 3 million by 1975. When the Khmer Rouge gained control of the country in 1975 and began their genocide of the population they forcibly evacuated the city with only officials of the party and army remaining. When the Vietnamese drove the Khmer Rouge out of Phnom Penh and power in 1979 people slowly returned to the city. 

Riverside is a wonderful place to visit in the mornings when the streets are busy but the crowds are absent from the boardwalk. In the evening a stroll here before sunset is great way to segue the night into a happy hour visit to a bar overlooking the Mekong like the famous Foreign Correspondent’s Club. Excerpts from Tears And Joy-"Pearl Of Asia"-Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is held every year in Yanshui District in Southern Taiwan. Locally known as the Feng Pao it  is considered one of the most dangerous festivals in the world as well as being the third largest folk celebration.  Why do they blow off millions of bottle rockets and firecrackers you ask? 

It all started with a cholera epidemic in the late 19th century. Due to the underdeveloped state of medicine victims multiplied daily and the people of the district lived in fear. 

On the day of the Lantern Festival, 15 days after the 1st day of the Lunar New Year, town folk paraded Gaun Di, the God of War on a palanquin around the streets.  Firecrackers were lit until dawn. In one night the people of Yanshui rid their district of the plague and the festival has been carried on ever since.

I found my first Pao Cheng or artillery fortress with an impressive God statue, battle ready, and placed above the bottle rockets.  The larger pyrotechnics stacks on top of the walls you’ll see are usually ignited at the end of the bottle rocket blast as a finale.  Behind the God and first wall, more walls, thousands of bottle rockets that will be ignited as part of the first beehive of the night.

A little teaser before the first blast. Two Beehive festival goers wearing lots of protective gear are wrapped in firecrackers. Getting hit by a bottle rocket is considered good luck, this could be the ultimate New Year’s blessing.

Then the festival escort truck arrives followed by the Gods on their pallenquins carried by men armoured with heavy jackets, helmets, canvas and hundreds of meters of tape holding it all together. The air is already thick with smoke and now filled with nervous energy as everyone begins to crowd around the walls waiting for the first beehive to explode. Excerpts from Gods, Rockets, And Warriors-Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival.

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We get the signal, their ready to go. The men at the front of the palanquins quickly turn their backs to the wall, and brace for the  barrage of piercing rockets.

And the cacophony of the beehive began with roaring tides of bottle rocket streaks  fired off in all directions. Exploding in mid air, sometimes right in front of my mask and tiny explosions at my feet.  The giant God overseeing it soon disappeared behind the thick cloud of pyrotechnics smoke. Most of the gatherers near the pao cheng were facing the opposite direction, an extra layer of canvas protecting their backs from the bruise inducing rockets. 

Almost everyone is performing a funny shuffle with their feet to prevent bottle rockets from exploding up their legs. It’s a nervous dance I found myself instinctively doing out of fear as well. The palanquin attendants  continued to shake the Gods for good chi. 

The final wave of rockets is super intense, emitting a glow behind the giant War God. Although I’m startled by the occasional rocket blowing up in front of my face or hitting me, the energy is intoxicating, the rush is addictive, I was loving the experience.

The final rockets launched are like guided missiles directed right at the crowd, the last bit of torture before the pao cheng is put to rest.

After the beehive was finished the crowd quickly  scattered into the streets to immediately search for more pao chengs.

It seemed that  every direction you look fireworks filled the sky in the distance.

With always chance of something going off right at your feet.

A few of the followers at the close-by temple began tossing strings of firecrackers onto the streets. Sometimes not even bothering to spread them out. Little piles of explosions littered in front of us. Excerpts from Gods, Rockets, And Warriors-Taiwan's Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival Part 2.

 

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Another beehive is finished. The palanquins are directed away from the middle of the street so oncoming emergency vehicles can pass through the crowds and the piles of fireworks remnants. Appearing to be cruising the area,  when someone truly is in need of emergency care I’ve seen these vehicles swiftly moving through the streets of Yanshui with the help of volunteers.

Despite the elaborate fireworks displays, countless pao chengs, and international attention Yanshui District has never forgotten the reason for this festival. A desperate cry to the God, Gaun Di, or Gaun Gong, the God of War to save the region from the devasting plague that took many lives here  in the latter part of the 19th century. Temples and shrines are buzzing with followers praying throughout the two days of the celebration.

Initiation in the festival starts very young for many with introductions through sparklers and non-explosive fireworks. Playful beginnings. 

It’s tempting to just move from one beehive to another but the dark corners of streets and lanes  of Yanshui District seem to  tell so many stories, as intriguing as the open spaces that are taken over with the fire that lights up the sky. This festival is so intense that time spent walking around the trafficless streets in between the beehive bombs is a relief. The mystery that’s enhanced by what you can’t see is intensified by the traditional music playing and explosions in the distance.  But, it doesn’t last.

I find another smaller crowd down a lane that’s working little pao chengs, crate sized but still packed with power and energy to create a more intimate experience. No traffic controls needed for these little beehives. Carry the finished one away and bring another one out ready to go. Excerpts from "Gods, Rockets, And Warriors-Taiwan's Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival Part 3".

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Chiang Mai, Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations of Southeast Asia easily accessible by plane, train or bus.  A historic old town filled with Buddhist Temples, restaurants, and cafes along with markets, bazaars and modern shopping malls Chiang Mai has something for everyone. 

Chiang Mai has also become an attractive base for digital nomads and entrepeneurs to live, with it's inexpensive lifestyle and up to date infrastructure.

The city is considered the cultural center of Northern Thailand. It's old town is filled with Buddhist temples and historic buildings.

On my most recent trip to the the capital of Chiang Mai Province I visited the Sunday Walking Market. Thousands of locals and travellers are drawn every week to the center of the old town for food, entertainment and a vast array of local handicrafts, clothing and other goods for sale.  I also paid an early morning visit to one of the town’s most significant Buddhist temples, Wat Chedi Luang where the monks can be see in their pray rituals everyday.

Wat Chedi Luang is in the historic center of Chiang Mai and is one of the most iconic images of the old town, with it’s chedi that was partly destroyed by an earthquake in the 16 century. An early morning visit is highly recommended to enjoy it’s naturally peaceful setting and to sit in the main newer temple while the monks conduct morning prayers.

Thanks so much for listening to the  Far East Adventure Travel  Audio Podcast. Don’t forget to check out the video version of the podcast on iTunes.  Follow me on TwitterPerriscope and Instagram and also watch for live streams on the Far East Adventure Travel Facebook page. You can find all of the links at fareastadventuretravel.com . Until next time this is John Saboe, safe travels and Namaste!

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Kagbeni is one of the most interesting villages in all of Nepal with it’s take on Western shopping and food culture. But it’s much more than that. Ancient Bonn Animist beliefs, statues and a picturesque location in the Kala Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge, .  Join me John Saboe for a special edition of Far East Adventure Travel Podcast on the Buddhist trail to the Upper Mustang-The Medieval village of Kagbeni, Nepal 

The Kag in Kagbeni was once Ghag, meaning center and it is,  with the important Buddhist/Hindu pilgrimmage site Muktinath to the east and the town of Jomson to the south. The beni in Kagbeni means confluence of two rivers where the Kala Gandaki and Jhong Rivers meet is where the village sits.

It’s also the furthest north you can trek without a permit to the former Kingdom of Lo, the restricted Upper Mustang region. 

It’s an enriching experience just walking through the village admiring its’ almost 600 year old Buddhist monastery and observing everyday life. 

I wanted to get a deeper understanding of Kagbeni’s history and it’s ancient beliefs that still sculpt the life of the town today.  So I asked Dara Tsepten, the managing director of the YakDonald’s Hotel and restaurant and a native of Kagbeni to give me some background and context to the town’s most significant sites. 

It certainly explained this God’s appearance of being in a perpetual state of bliss and a village hungry for making babies.

Dara showed me the archway which contains two prayer wheels. 

We then visited Dara’s grandparents home. This mask  was once used by his grandfather for an almost forgotten village dance. Excerpts from "Ancient Gods, Ghosts, And Grains-Kagbeni, Nepal".

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In this latest episode on the road in Cambodia my first look at the Angkor ruins.

We left in the late afternoon to pick up my pass for The Angkor temples and get a free sneak peak of the park. When you purchase your ticket after 5pm for the next day you are allowed into the park until closing for free! The sites close at 5:30 so it doesn’t give you a lot  of time but you could easily catch a sunset at say Angkor Wat or one of the other temples.

As we passed the gate entrance we closed in on the great Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument in the world.

We then drove by  the concession area as elephants and their passengers were returning from rides. The Angkor Thom southgate where The Bayon is located. The gate is in pretty good shape considering it was built in the 12 century. It’s intention is powerful and you really get the feeling this was the center of a great ruler and empire as you pass through it.

It’s just after 5pm but things are still busy around the sites. Even the monkeys were pretty active. A sign there’s still lots of humans around.

The Bayon was the first complex I wanted to see and I learned before my arrival that it had great light at the end of the day.  

The Bayon the last temple to be built in Angkor and the only one that was dedicated to Mayahana Buddism and a shrine to the Buddha It’s filled with stone sculptures of the discernible face of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion-the figure seen throughout the complex. Actually some scholars believe the face really resembles king Jayavarman VII-the ruler that built The Bayon and who was responsible for other public works including the walls, many naga bridges, Ta Prohm(the tomb raider temple) Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei. Excerpts from "World's Largest Religous Site-Angkor Wat, Cambodia".

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On April 25, 2015 a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8  shook Nepal triggering one of the worst catastrophes in the history of the country. Many aftershocks followed, thousands were killed, more were injured and left homeless. 

The country was shaken by another serious tremor registering 7.3 on May 12th right about the time I was scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu. I was there to document the current situation and to assess conditions for travellers. However my flight’s descent into Tribhuvan Airport was delayed for 90 minutes to allow for safety checks.

When I finally arrived at the airport and hired a car to take me into the Thamel section of the city I found the normally busy and vibrant streets almost completely vacated. From a previous Periscope live stream here’s my account of what I saw as I traveled from the airport to the Thamel section of Kathmandu that day.

Thanks so much for listening to Far East Adventure Travel. There will be more to come on the 2015 earthquakes of Nepal and the current conditions for travellers visiting the country.

You can also follow the Far East Adventure Travel and Far East Adventure Travel Nepal Facebook pages for images, videos, and more stories and inspiration for your next big adventure in Asia. You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Periscope, all of the links are at fareasttravels.com

Thanks so much for listening, until next time this is John Saboe. Safe travels, and Namaste!

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Nepal faced some of it’s most challenging days following the earthquakes of 2015. When I arrived on May 12 another earthquake measuring 7.3 had just shook the country this time killing 153 people, injuring over 3,000 and sending fear and panic throughout the rest of the population, many forced outside due to damage or the loss of their home. Some opting to sleep outdoors fearing more earthquakes and the collapse of their house.

The tourism business was in a shambles, with the fear of more earthquakes and the international media coverage tourists just stopped coming. The foreign volunteers in Nepal for disaster relief far out numbered the few travellers that didn’t cancel their plans. 

In the meantime 90% of the hotels operating in Nepal were damage free. Nevertheless most people in the tourism business had already written off the current season and were more concerned about how the disaster and media coverage would affect the fall season, the busiest and most lucrative time of the year. 

During my stay I spent many days walking the streets of Kathmandu, capturing images  and speaking with people about how the earthquakes had affected their lives. 

One late afternoon on May 21st I walked to Durbar Square, even after the destruction with many temples and shrines in ruins it remained  the social center of the city.  I found a local organization promoting a positive future campaign focused on youth that had attracted a crowd with their vigil like display of candles and flowers in the shape of Nepal fixed on the ground. A show of unity and support. 

Here is the audio portion of my encounter with the group and the interview from a previous Periscope live stream with one of their representatives. The message is heartfelt, the tone mirrored the feelings of many in the tourism community.   

 

 

 

 

 

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Kanyakumari India sits at the southern tip of the subcontinent. Technically it’s not the Republic of India’s extreme southern point, that title goes to Indira Point on Great Nicobar Island. It is however a popular tourist destination and important pilgrimage for many Indians.

My first look at the area was from it’s most visited sites, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, both located offshore on two rocks 500 meters from the mainland. Hundreds of people are ferried on boats everyday out to both the sites. It’s about 50 cents for the boat trip plus another small admission fee to the little island outcrops.

The first stop is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial that’s dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, an Indian Hindu monk who was key to the introduction of Indian philosophies to the Western world including yoga. He was also instrumental in raising the status of Hinduism to a major religion in the 19th century. It is said that the Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment on the rock.

This is an incredibly spiritual moment for followers of Swami Vivekananda. You will feel it in their energy and enthusiasm. It’s a wonderful environment surrounded by the beauty of the Laccadive Sea. The rock is also a place where it’s said the Goddess Kumari performed austerity.

The buildings at the memorial consist of architectural styles from all over India. The Vivekananda Mandapam or main building houses a statue of Swami Vivekananda. Construction on the site was completed in 1970. There is also a meditation hall for visitors.

Just a short boat ride away is the rock where the Thiruvalluvar Statue, all 133 feet and 7 tons sits.

Excerpts from  "The Subcontinent's Last Stop-Kanyukamari, India"

 

 

 

 

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Experiencing the  culture of Mumbai is as easy as hopping on a bus. Daily activities like riding the bus or local trains can be just as interesting and exciting as visiting an important landmark or museum.

Once you’re familiar with the numbers of the buses you’ll find they  are frequent and easy to use with usually an  English speaking ticket attendant on board.

The waters of Chowpatty Beach are heavily polluted so swimming is not recommended however a trip seaside is a lovely way to end the day as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

It’s India, so you’ll never know who’ll you bump into but it’s always guaranteed interesting. 

Smile, say hello and you’ve got instant friends, like these men I met who were visiting from Rajasthan.

Chowpatty offers views overlooking Malabar Hill, the exclusive neighborhood of tycoons and movie stars. Malabar Hill has some of the world’s priciest residential real estate where apartments can go for $2000USD per square foot. It’s also where the world’s most expensive private home valued at over 1 billion dollars is located.

Chowpatty is where residents come at night to view the Queen’s Necklace, the nickname for the street lights that run along Marine Drive.

Another everyday chore has become a tourist attraction in it’s own right in Mumbai. The Dobi Ghats are touted as the largest outdoor laundromat in the world. The clothes you dropped off at your hotel lobby desk might end up here alongside the uniforms and denim of the city. Views are great from the overpass near the Mahalaxmi train station. 

Jump on the train for more Mumbai culture. The Western and Central lines serve greater Mumbai. It’s better if you avoid traveling during rush hour unless you want to experience what’s called super-dense crush load. Excerpts from "Beaches To Street Food".

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It's easy to fall under India's spell of history, spirituality, culture and amazing food. I'm currently on the road and staying in the country's largest and richest city, Mumbai, and once again I've been seduced by India's sensory overload.

Mumbai has been a different experience for me compared with other cities in the country I've traveled through and spent a considerable amount of time getting to know.

By far Mumbai is the most international city I've visited in the country with the latest shopping, luxury brands, restaurant trends, and the most people I've ever heard speak English in public than in any other Indian city.

Like any place I visit I have been walking the streets and getting to know the sections of South Mumbai, with the highest concentration of British Raj architecture including the city's most famous landmark the Gateway of India, and Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus.

It's here where this episode of Far East Adventure Travel takes place. The streets that take you from one historic landmark to another. I hope you enjoy this little taste of what it's like to savour the wonderful architecture and street life of one of the most interesting cities in Asia.

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Robert Kelly is a Lonely Planet author and freelance writer who for the past 20 years has been living in Taiwan and most recently Malaysia. His insights and knowledge of the culture, customs and diversity of East and Southeast Asia is vast. 

His most recent project is the audio podcast Travel Tape, a documentary style travel guide that dives deep into the cultures, history and stories of some of the most fascinating places around the world available-in the iTunes Store. I recently spoke with Robert about his new podcast series and life in Asia from his home in Kuala Lumpur.

Robert has also worked for the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Taiwan Review, The South China Morning Post as well as several other travel publications. 

In part one of our conversation Robert talks about his time in Taiwan as well as adjusting to life in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I also posed the question are there still places that haven’t been discovered yet in East and Southeast Asia. 

Next time on Far East Adventure Travel Part 2 of my conversation with Lonely Planet author and the host of the podcast series Travel Tape, Robert Kelly.

Don’t forget to follow Far East Adventure Travel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Periscope. All of the links are at fareastadventuretravel.com. I would love to hear from you with feedback or suggestions for the podcast, send me an email, john@fareastadventuretravel.com. If you like what you’re listening to please write a positive review on the Far East Adventure Travel podcast page in the iTunes Store under the ratings and review tab.

That’s it for this week’s episode, thanks so much for listening. Until next time this is John Saboe, safe travels and Namaste!

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The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of the most popular Lunar New Year Celebrations in Taiwan. People will travel from all over the island just for this event which starts about two weeks before the end of Lunar New Year festivities. A few years ago The Discovery Channel called it the second best New Year’s festival in the world. It’s caught on so it’s no surprise when I visit to  see more Westerners here than anywhere else at any time of year in Taiwan. 

I’m checking out one of the first sky lantern releases of the season which is held in the town of Pingxi, less than an hour by car or bus east of the capital of Taipei.

People visit Pingxi and the neighbouring town of Shifin year round to release lanterns but Lunar New Year is the most popular time to come. Each person writes on one of the four sides of the lantern with their own new year’s prayers. You do the customary pose for pictures then release the lantern into the sky.

The first lanterns were used from 220-280 A.D. as a communication tool during war times in China. When the Hans people immigrated from China to Taiwan between 1820-50 the lantern was used to signal to family members that it was safe to return home. Robberies were common at the time in the mountain town of Pingxi.

Every year the festival is held here. The main releases take place on one of the local school grounds.

Pingxi is a beautiful little town and should be visited on a separate trip just to savour some of it’s authentic Taiwanese heritage. Many of the buildings were constructed in the 1930’s and 40’s along with wooden houses built during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. There’s lots of shops selling traditional crafts and gifts. Some of the most beautifully crafted silk lanterns are produced in Pingxi. O Excerpts from "Taiwan's World Famous Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival".

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Out of all of the capitals in Southeast Asia Vientiane takes the prize as the most laid back. You’d never believe it was the center of commerce, government and transportation. It’s a testament to the attitude of the people of Laos. Not taking anything too seriously and having little or no sense of urgency. They do appreciate their leisure time  and even though the Mekong River is the center of social activity in the evening it never felt too crowded there-the population of Vientiane is less than 800,000. Hell, there’s even enough room for paragliding.

Vientiane became the capital of Laos in 1563 and was the administrative capital during French rule. Vientiane has seen it’s share of adversity from being burned completely to the ground in 1827 by Siamese armies, Thailand is right across the river, to passing over to French rule in 1893, Japanese occupation in World War 2., back to reoccupation by the French in 1945 to being established as the center of power for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975.  Laos, and it is properly pronounced without the s, is a communist country.

Vientiane is a mix of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples and the odd leftover Soviet style building.

A great place to get started on your exploration of the city is a visit to one of the country’s most impressive Buddhist temples, Wat Ho Phra Keo, otherwise known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha. Once the royal family of Lao’s personal chapel it was here where the precious emerald buddha statue was reclaimed by the Thai army in 1778 after being snatched by the Laotian king.  Today the Emerald Buddha resides at the Grand Palace’s Emerald Buddha chapel in Bangkok. Excerpts from "The Slow Groove/Cafe Culture And Sights Of Vientiane, Laos".

 

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First I better check the map to make sure I take the right turn off. OK I think I’m ready to go. Wait a minute, one more look at the map just to be sure. What was I thinking, maybe if I hold it this way I’ll remember? Well let’s just get  going and figure out on the road. 

Hmmm, this just somehow  doesn’t look right…..Better pull over and check the map again. 

Finally on the right track to Wat Rong Khun or “The White Temple”. Even though people refer to it as a temple it’s not really that at all. More exhibit than temple the artist who created and funded it’s completion Chalermchai Kositpipat, believes the white temple is an offering to Lord Buddha and we’ll ensure him an immortal life.

When you first enter the area where the main building or ubosot is located you are immediately confronted with the weakness of human desire, greed and temptation symbolized by hundreds of outreaching hands. Crossing the bridge over the small lake takes you to the gate of heaven where you are met by two creatures who decide the fate of the dead. Make it past there and the countless tourists with selfie sticks and you arrive at the ubosot made with fragments of glass in the style of a traditional Thai 3 tiered roof temple. 

Photography is prohibited inside the main building which features murals with cultural icons like Michael Jackson, and fictitious characters including  Freddy Kruger, Harry Potter and Hello Kitty. As well as scenes depicting nuclear war and terrorist attacks. If the intent is to highlight what’s wrong with the world the artist has made his point with this exhibit. Excerpts from "Chiang Rai, Thailand's Outlandish Attractions-Black Temple/White Temple".

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Robert Kelly is a Lonely Planet author and freelance writer who for the past 20 years has been living in Taiwan and most recently Malaysia. Robert has written for the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Taiwan Review, The South China Morning Post as well as several other travel publications.

He has extensive knowledge of the culture, customs and diversity of East and Southeast Asia. 

His most recent project is the audio podcast Travel Tape, a documentary style travel guide that dives deep into the cultures, history and stories of some of the most fascinating places around the world available-in the iTunes Store. 

In part 2 of our conversation Robert gives us background on the making of the Travel Tape Podcast series including the editing of the amazing sounds captured in Stuart Butler’s audio diary from his exploration on foot of  the Masaii country of Southern Kenya in 2015. And his interview with journalist author David Eimer on the little known Korean enclave within the border of China. Robert joined me for part 2 from his home in Kuala Lumpur.

Audio clips in this episode were produced and provided by Robert Kelly from the Travel Tape Podcast series. Learn more:http://www.robertscottkelly.com/traveltape/

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OK, I don’t want to mislead you, this is not the busiest street in Chiang Rai and there is lots of traffic in the city  but it’s easy to feel like it’s not busy in this town and surrounding area with a population of around 200,000. 

To start your exploration of the town there are at least half a dozen temples  worth visiting in Chiang Rai including Wat Jed Yod built in 1844. 

Jed Yod means 7 peaks represented by 7 chedis on the site. In keeping pace with the town the gatekeeper is pretty laid back and once you get past him you are greeted by an impressive giant Buddha in the main hall.

Wat Jed Yod is probably the least visited of Chiang Rai’s most significant temples so you usually have lots of space to yourself. The temple is a copy of one by the same name in Chiang Mai which is a copy of an Indian temple, Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, the very same spot where the Buddha found enlightenment. 

You will find some of the traditional features of Thai temples including the typical red and gold colors and naga serpents, above all a quiet spot for peace and reflection. 

The favorite part of my visit? Seeing the glowing sunset shine directly on an ornate window at Wat Jed Yod.

Chiang Rai sees many people extend their stay in the town I think because there’s such a huge selection of cafes and places to eat for a town of this size. Once you’re done having a coffee, which could be from beans grown in Northern Thailand move on to the market which pretty much operates all day and through the evening. Perfect for self-catering you can get everything from seafood to cheap noodle dishes. Excerpts from "Chiang Rai, Thailand's Temples, Cafes, Walking Markets=Super Chill".

 

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2015 will go down as one of the most challenging if not the most disastrous year ever for Nepal. From the worst earthquakes in over 80 years to a fuel crisis that literally turned the country upside down with line-ups at the pump that lasted for days to a lack of basic cooking and heating fuel for the majority of the population.

I visited the country twice in 2015. The first time was just after the devastating earthquakes and tremors that started April 25th. My flight was actually denied clearance for landing for over 90 minutes on May 12 while crews checked the runway for safety after the second biggest earthquake struck the country that day.

My second visit was in October and November when I returned to trek the Annapurna Circuit and check up on the conditions of recovery from the earthquakes.

As I had heard reports before I arrived that virtually no reconstruction had begun I was not shocked to see things, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, had not changed other then some rubble had been cleared away.

The fuel crisis had created food shortages and delayed plans for rebuilding. 

Nepalis were frustrated with their festival plans either from the lack of reliable transportation getting to a from their home village to the shortage of special food for celebrations cooking fuel.

Still despite the politics that created the fuel crisis, an unofficial Indian embargo as a result from a new constitution which did not favour ethnic groups in the south, Nepalis seemed to carry on as they usually do through adversity. 

I spent time in Pokhara after my trek through Annapurna visiting the beautiful World Peace Pagoda as well as enjoying the celebrations of Tihar, the festival of lights in Kathmandu. 

In the latest episode of Far East Adventure Travel join me for “live” highlights from last November in Nepal.

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2015 will go down as one of the most challenging if not the most disastrous year ever for Nepal. From the worst earthquakes in over 80 years to a fuel crisis that literally turned the country upside down with line-ups at the pump that lasted for days to a lack of basic cooking and heating fuel for the majority of the population.

I visited the country twice in 2015. My second visit was in October and November when I returned to trek the Annapurna Circuit and check up on the conditions of recovery from the earthquakes.

As I had heard reports before I arrived that virtually no reconstruction had begun I was not shocked to see things, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, had not changed other then some rubble had been cleared away.

The fuel crisis had created food shortages and delayed plans for rebuilding. From a tourist’s point of view this could be easily seen by shortened menus in popular restaurants to some establishments even closing their doors frustrated by the lack of ingredients available and the extreme costs and shortages of cooking fuel. 

Nepalis were frustrated with their festival plans either from the lack of reliable transportation getting to a from their home village to the shortage of special food for celebrations cooking fuel.

Still despite the politics that created the fuel crisis, an unofficial Indian embargo as a result from a new constitution which did not favour ethnic groups in the south, Nepalis seemed to carry on as they usually do through adversity.

After spending a few days in Pokhara following my trek of the Annapurna Circuit I returned to Nepal in time for the Tihar Festival, otherwise called “the festival of lights”. In other South Asian countries and communities around the world it’s known as Diwali.

Join me for talk and highlights from Kathmandu's Durbar Square, the latest Far East Adventure Travel podcast.

 

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I finally decided last year that the Annapurna Circuit would be the next big trek I would attempt. It's the busiest trail in the world, even busier than the popular route to Everest Base Camp. It's also probably the most convenient trek as well with the highest concentration of guesthouses and facilities. Even flush toilets are found in most guesthouses throughout the region-with the exception of just before the Thorong La Pass, at 5416 meters the highest point on the trek. 

 One of the reasons why the Annapurna Circuit has been at the top of trekker's favorite trails is it's varied landscape and climate. You begin in Besisahar, a subtropical region filled with rice terraces, citrus and papaya trees. Gradually your lead into the high Himalaya and the far reaches of the Tibetan Plateau. 

In recent years due to the development of a road system in the region, some have even opted for a jeep drive through the lower valley skipping the first few days of foot travel to spend more time in the higher altitude and manage most of the trek with a shorter vacation.  

This trek would also be the first time I would attempt live streaming on Periscope. Following research of the potential for 3G connectivity I brought two sim cards from the country's cellular service providers, Nepal Telecom and N Cell. 

Even with the highest probability for live streaming out of any trekking region in Nepal disappointingly at best I was only able to connect in 3 locations. 

It was still exciting to be one of the first "scopers" to live stream from the Himalaya and one of the greatest trekking regions in the world.I hope you enjoy the best of Far East Adventure Travel "Live" from Nepal's Annapurna Circuit. 

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I was truly looking forward to live streaming much of my recent trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. This of course is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world with stunning views of the Annapurna range of the Himalaya. 

An opportunity to walk through a subtropical region, forest, and the outer edges of the Tibetan Plateau. One of the most varied landscapes to trek in the world topped off with authentic true villages, not merely trekking enclaves, with a chance to experience Nepal's rich culture of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Unfortunately due to lack of infrastructure and technology it may be still awhile before live streaming in most of the regions becomes a reality. 

Armed with two sim cards and knowledge of which areas would have the best opportunity to broadcast live from I was disappointed when I arrived to find out there was just not enough bandwidth needed to stream via cellular data in almost all of these villages. 

The opportunity to show others a place that makes my heart sing, like Nepal's Himalaya and the Annapurna Circuit will for now will remain mostly a dream. 

I am happy to share the few rare moments where it was possible to stream via Periscope. 

In this episode of Far East Adventure Travel some highlights from the last stop on my Annapurna Circuit Trek from the town of Jomsom, Nepal.  

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Da Lat is located in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam. It was established by the French during their occupation as a hill town resort in 1907. 

It’s temperate climate at an elevation of 1500 meters provided French settlers with a cool retreat from the hot tropical climate below. The railway was established to provide daily transport for passengers from Saigon and the coastal town of Nha Trang, which would further connect travellers to the north.

The Da Lat Railway Station was designed in 1932 and opened in 1938. It is a unique building in that it incorporates an art deco style with traditional native Cao Nguyen highland communal house elements. 

Considering the railway shut down during the Vietnam war years due to military activity it’s surprisingly in pretty good shape.

The railway and the Da Lat station laid dormant for many years until it was finally resurrected as a tourist attraction in 1991. The 7km ride takes passengers to Trai Mat with a 40 minute stop before heading back to the station.

There’s an original steam locomotive on display but these days the train is pulled by a diesel engine.

Service runs 5 times a day with the first train at 7:45 and the last one at 4pm. A ticket costs about $5 for foreigners.

When this was a full service railway operating from Saigon and Nha Trang there would be three cars for passengers and one for cargo. 

Look for the carriage with the padded seats for a little extra comfort.

There’s just something about train travel that sets it apart with other forms of transportation. The sound of the engine and the wheels clicking on the tracks, the whistle from the conductor, it’s a true adventure ride.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Dalat

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The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the greatest hikes in the world with amazing views of the Himalaya’s Annapurna Massif, the opportunity to trek in two different river valleys of Nepal, the Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki. Experiencing different climates from sub tropical to literally touching the Tibetan Plateau topping it off with an ascent of the highest point of the trek, the Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters. As well  seeing and interacting with the people of several different cultures and villages that dot the valleys.

Our timing for the trek was perfect starting on the biggest day of the country’s most important festival of the year Dasai, usually falling sometime in October. The festival celebrates the God Durga with the theme of good conquering evil and culminating with almost every family sacrificing an animal, in most cases a goat, as part of the celebration. Rituals and prayers take place before the final sacrifice but we didn’t stick around to watch. 

Another tradition of the Hindu festival is constructing a swing in the village for children that’s used only during the celebration. 

Along the path we came across a small herd of lucky goats that appeared to have dashed the sacrifices for this year’s festival. 

Our first stop was lunch in Bhulbhule, a small village with a population of just over 3000 that sits below views of Mansalu, the 8th highest mountain in the world at 8163 meters. These days many trekkers take a bus all the way to Bhulbhule to make this town their starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. It’s still very warm during the day at 840 meters elevation so we could enjoy the scenery and lunch in short sleeves next to the Marshyangdi River. Excerpts from " World-Class Trekking Adventure On Nepal's Annapurna Circuit". See the full story at fareastadventuretravel.com

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It’s a shame that many drive through this part of the circuit for upper Annapurna trekking and stays missing the epic river and waterfall views in this portion of the trail. The suspension bridge crossings that put you right in the middle of the energy path of the mighty Marshyangdi are breathtaking.

This is now the third day of trekking and the mornings are feeling a little colder and crisper, so it’s important to get out right after the sun has risen so there’s plenty of time to walk in the warmer temps. 

In keeping with the original trail, which does take a little longer to walk, we have the opportunity to trek through more little villages for leisurely breaks. Across the valley what looks like a thin ledge carved out of the mountainside is the road that transports people and goods.

From a distance the jeeps traveling the road almost appear to be literally on the edge of the cliff as they meander along.

Another epic suspension bridge crossing with sweeping views of the Marshyangdi and surrounding valley. If you’re scared of heights you’ll eventually get used to these crossings-you have too! There’s no other way!

After reaching Dhranapani, an important crossroads and trekking permit check-in office we agreed to just make this a lunch stop rather than an overnight stay and move a little further up the valley to Danaqyu village where we’d spend the night.

This an important crossroads where the Manaslu trail meets up with the Annapurna Circuit. The Mansalu area was affected by the earthquakes of 2015 but things have since normalized. The Nepalese army along with help from locals and NGO’s have cleared away the fallen rocks from the trails over the past year.  Excerpts from "World-Class Trekking Adventure On Nepal's Annapurna Circuit-Part II.

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There are two routes to Manang from Pisang. A lower trail that’s a little easier with less climbing and the upper route, slightly more challenging but also helpful for acclimating with bonus mountain views. We chose the route north of the Marsyangdi and headed for Upper Pisang.

Annapurna 11 is part of the Annapurna chain but is an independent peak. It was first summited by a team made up of British/Indian/and Nepalese nationals in 1960. It is the second highest peak of the range at 7937 meters,  the highest, Annapurna 1, is 8091 meters making it the 10th highest mountain in the world.

Fantastic views of Lower Pisang  from Upper Pisang, a much more traditional village of the region. Look for lots of opportunity to spread good kharma with the  many prayer wheels at the village’s entrance.

We saw a few signs of earthquake damage. These traditional village buildings saw the worst devastation in Nepal but this area was not as affected by quake damage as other regions.

Our trekking for the day would include one stop for lunch at Ghyaru before settling into to the wonderful little traditional Tibetan style village of Gnawal.

More suspension bridge crossings with amazing views of this drier region of the Annapurna Circuit that some feel is the most scenic.

Climbing higher now at 3600 meters it’s time to slow the pace down slightly to allow for proper acclimatization. This side of the valley, although a little more challenging to trek will help you get used to the conditions of the higher altitude. Most trekkers will rest two days in Manang before attempting to cross the Thorung La Pass to help with adjusting to the higher elevation.  

This is the Disyang Valley. Syang is a village in Upper Mustang, Nepal. Disyang means the people who migrated from Upper Mustang to Manang. Excerpts from "World-Class Trekking Adventure On Nepal's Annapurna Circuit-Part III".

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We arrived at Thorung Phedi just before dark. An 8 hour day with an elevation gain of over 1000 meters. Long, tiring, and risky before a summit of the Thorung La Pass. But I was fine other then feeling the long day on the trail.

I’m not a huge fan of trekking in the dark. I feel more tired, frustrated, and generally uncomfortable, so sometimes these summit days don’t start out pleasant, but when the first light comes up in the sky my spirits are all of sudden lifted. I feel light, full of energy, and excited to reach our goal, in most cases, the hardest day of the journey. 

Yes there is a horse on the trek, some choose a horseback ride up to the top of the pass. For most it’s usually a 4-5 hour walk from Thorung Phedi. Some stay at Thorung high camp, just over 300 meters higher, which will slice an hour off your morning summit.

Whenever you reach the summit of a pass, which inevitably is part of many treks in Nepal, the feeling of accomplishment, relief, elation, is mutual with all of your fellow trekkers. 

The Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters, is the widest mountain pass in the world.  It’s always a place with dangerously high winds that start as early as 8am, so our time on the pass was limited to less than an hour before we started to descend. Just over a year ago this was the sight of one of the most tragic trekking accidents in the history of the Annapurna Circuit Trail.

On October 14 2014, a snowstorm struck the Annapurna, Manang, and Mustang Districts of Nepal causing severe avalanches. In the end over 400 people were rescued from the area with at least 43 deaths, which included 21 trekkers. Excerpts from "World-Class Trekking Adventure On Nepal's Annapurna Circuit".

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Kagbeni is one of the most interesting villages in all of Nepal with it’s  ancient Bon Animist beliefs, statues and a picturesque location in the Kala Gandaki gorge. 

The Kag in Kagbeni was once Ghag, meaning center and it is, with the important Buddhist/Hindu pilgrimmage site Muktinath to the east and the town of Jomson to the south. The beni in Kagbeni means confluence of two rivers where the Kala Gandaki and Jhong Rivers meet is where the village sits.

Before Tibetan Buddhism became the fabric of the culture of this region people followed Bon, another Tibetan religion.  Bon is an ancient shamanist religion with rituals, exorcisms, and talismans.

Kagbeni still integrates the beliefs of Bon in village life with these ghost eaters or Kennis that protect the town. I asked my friend Dara, the proprietor of YakDonald’s Hotel and Restaurant to explain what the statues do to protect Kagbeni and some of the other beliefs that Bon followers hold.

I asked Dara who runs the famous restaurant and hotel of Kagbeni, why the name YakDonald’s?

It was time to leave Kagbeni and head for Jomsom, the final stop for my Annapurna Circuit Trek. At roughly 3 hours it will be a light trekking day. 

The impressive Kali Ghandaki Gorge, some believe the deepest in the world has been an ancient trade route between Tibet and India for centuries. 

Kagbeni is one of my favorite villages in Nepal but we needed to get out of the gate by 8:30 so we can beat most of the winds that pick up by late morning. 

With a clear start to the day we were able to enjoy magnificent views of Nilgiri North at 7061 meters, the highest of the 3 peaks of the Nilgiri Himal. Excerpts from "World-Class Trekking Adventure On Nepal's Annapurna Circuit Part V-Final Episode."

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 I was checking out Pham Ngu Lao and Bo Vien known as the backpacker center.  I normally like exploring and photographing less touristy areas of a city but it never hurts to be familiar with places where you’re more likely to meet up with fellow travelers and exchange stories, suggestions and tips. 

I was on my way to Ben Thanh Market, another lively and well-known part of the city. Actually most of Ho Chi Minh City is lively, in fact pretty much all of it is. The constant buzz from the hundreds of thousands of motorbikes that race the streets fuels what looks like to the uninitiated, pure chaos. But for the most part, it seems to work.

There’s lots of ways of getting around Ho Chi Minh City, or as many of the locals still call it, Saigon.

It’s not for everyone, but when it wasn’t raining I found myself hopping on the back of a motorbike taxi ordered using an app. Safe, convenient,  and courteous drivers  only interested in getting you safely to your destination with fair pricing. 

The original Ben Thanh market area was established in the 16th century by local street vendors and eventually was organized by the French into a more formal setting in the mid 1800’s. 

The current location was established in 1912 with a renovation completed in 1985.

Even though the market closes at 6pm every night it’s still a great gathering spot with lots of people hanging out,  eating and socializing. A night market opens up just outside Ben Thanh right after the indoor market closes. 

Ben Thanh Market is a great place to see what people eat, and shop for in Saigon, but be aware these prices are set high for naive tourists and hard bargaining. Excerpts from "Saigon, Vietnam-Fast-Changing City Of Contrasts".

 

 

 

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On my recent trip to The Philippines I flew from Taipei, Taiwan direct to Cebu City, the second largest urban center in the country next to Manila with a population of approximately 1 million. The total surrounding metro Cebu City population is around 3 million.

After arriving I immediately headed for the Fort San Pedro and waterfront area hoping to catch the sunset and some of the early evening activity.

Looking at the flag of The Philippines at The Port Authority Building I felt excited but a little confused as I wandered through Plaza Independencia.

Some followers expressed their concerns about crime in The Philippines.

After watching some of the daily activity of the locals in the harbour including boaters and swimmers I walked back to Fort San Pedro. The original fort was built from wood. In the early 17 century a stone fort was constructed by the Spanish to repel Muslim raiders. The current structure dates back to 1738. It is one of the most visited sites in the city.

The Philippines at 90 percent of the population holds the highest percentage of Christians in all of Asia, 82 percent of which are Catholic. 

It’s no surprise that signs of Christmas were seen everywhere in late November. Some Filipinos say that Christmas starts in September but there were still many decorations and tree lightings that weren’t commencing until early December.

I visited Cebu City’s largest mall, SM Seaside City Cebu, the 3rd largest  shopping complex in the country and the 8th biggest in the world to see how Christmas preparations were coming along. I also wanted to show how similar if not identical the Christmas shopping mall  experience is in The Philippines compared to  the West. 

Thanks for joining me for the Best of Far East Adventure Travel live in The Philippines. Don't forget to follow Far East Adventure Travel on Facebook and Instagram. 

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Hue, Vietnam was the seat of the Nguyen emperors and was the imperial capital from 1802-1945.

The Perfume River divides the North and South sections of Hue. In the north, the Citadel, a walled fortress and the remains of The Forbidden Purple City, home to the Nguyen emperors. The South contains modern Hue, much of which had to be rebuilt after the Vietnam War.

As I passed by the Citadel and the remains of The Forbidden Purple City of the Ngyuen emperors I chatted about the recent intense weather.

Pedal boats in the shape of swans are popular at rivers and lakes throughout East Asia and Southeast Asia. 

Someone asked about a man I met working at a restaurant that made me a bottle opener with a bolt and scrape piece of wood.

The Truong Tien Bridge was designed by Gustav Eiffel, who was responsible for many bridges and buildings during the French Colonial Period. This is a wonderful setting at night viewing the multi-colored spotlights on the bridge from the Walking Street market. 

The current population of Hue is approximately 350,000.

As we passed under the Trong Tien Bridge my boat ride on the Perfume River was coming to an  end. This was a fantastic experience riding past the green banks of the river seeing the Citadel and other sites from my very own chartered dragon boat.  

Hue is a city that in a relatively short time has seen emperor rule, terrible loss and devastation from war, and an eventual acceptance of what had been seen by the Vietnamese Communist Party as the reminder of a feudel regime. 

Currently restoration of many of it’s historic sites is underway. A truly remarkable experience and perspective from Hue’s legendary atmospheric waterway-The Perfume River. 

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For some Christmas in Taiwan might not feel quiet like the time of year they grew up with if they’re from the West.  For one thing, Christmas is not recognized as a holiday on the island. If Christmas falls during the week it's a regular work day for everyone. 

It also doesn't help that more than 95% of the island is not of Christian faith, so the religious importance of the day and time of year has no significance. 

Still many Taiwanese enjoy the Christmas season, going out to shopping malls seeking out selfies in front of the many decorated trees, holiday inspired mascots, like sumo wrestler elves, and Sanrio style characters.

It's a fun time of year with office parties and gift exchanges, and some households adding some seasonal decor, although there are no live trees sold anywhere, that I've seen. A family gathering, is not necessarily important and there are no big holiday meals to shop for and prepare.

As a Westerner what you will notice the most missing is the overall energy, spirit, and anticipation of Christmas and the holidays. That "buzz" in the air, especially a week before the big day is non existent. 

On the positive side there isn't the frenzied feel of people dashing around overspending on gifts and getting upset by long line-ups or stores running out of the latest gadget or toy.

The best thing about Christmas in Taiwan is looking forward to their big celebration that's just around the corner, Lunar New Year, when the real festivities begin.

This year having spent the most time on the island in December I've been extra curious about Christmas light displays, temporary markets, including the fabled Strasbourg Christmas Market appearing in Taipei for the first time, and other ways a foreigner can at the least, feel the essence of the holiday spirit. Excerpts from "Taiwan Bullet Trains And Shopping Malls".

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The Temple of Literature or Van Meiu, Quoc Tu Giam was Vietnam’s first university. This temple is dedicated to Confucius as well as past scholars and sages, so significant it’s even featured on the back of the 100,000 dong note.

Confucius was a Chinese teacher, philosopher, and politician among other things. In the early part of his life in 500 B.C. China had broken into rival states battling for supremacy. 

To bring more peace and harmony into society Confucius, created a code of ethics for people. He traveled the country to explain his principles. At the time his philosophy was radically different from the belief of acquiring status by power and heroic actions rather than selflessness, non-violent behaviour, and respect for others.  

It was Founded in 1070 by emperor Ly Thanh Tong. Dedicated to Confucius or Khong Tu, when it first opened in 1076 entrance was only granted to those of noble birth.  It wasn’t until 1442 that the university opened it’s doors to gifted students from across Vietnam who came to study the principles of Confucianism, literature, and poetry.

As you walk the main path of the complex you pass through the landscaped grounds filled with trees and ponds and several gates that lead into other sections with a total of 5 courtyards. 

Excerpts from Hanoi, Vietnam-The "Hanoi Hilton", Ho Chi Minh, And Higher Learning.

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One of the most interesting sites I’ve ever come across in Southeast Asia let alone Vietnam is Ho Quyen, or the Tiger/Elephant fight arena in the former Imperial capital of Hue.

It’s not on the same grand scale as Rome’s Coliseum but it’s an unusual and rare peak into a time in Southeast Asia when fights staged between tigers and elephants took place.

Only 3 kilometers outside of Hue it was built in 1830 by the emperor at the time, Minh Manh, 

Research of this site revealed it was crumbling and falling apart but I was surprised that it was in better  shape than I thought considering there has been little to no upkeep of the arena since the last fight took place here in 1904.

There’s still enough structure including stairs to reach the top of the arena that you can imagine what it must have been like for the royal emperor and his entourage to be present during these brutal fights.

Tigers were the symbol of rebellion, beasts that killed helpless villagers.  Elephants were noble and represented monarchy, so it’s no wonder through the drugging, declawing and defanging of the tigers before the start of a fight who won everytime.

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Sapa, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Vietnam. At the time of this original live broadcast guesthouses and hotels were being constructed in a frenzy to accommodate the demand, especially from Vietnamese for lodgings. 

Sapa, with an elevation of 1500 meters has been a cool retreat from the heat and humidity of Hanoi and the surrounding area since the early 1900's.

Military and missionaries arrived in the late 1800's then the first French civilian took permanent residence in 1909.

Inhabitants of the Sapa region date back hundreds of years with little known of the first civilization other than hundreds of petroglyphs they left behind. Then came the hill tribes, Hmong, ZDao, and others.

Today those hill tribes are still seen everywhere around Sapa dressed in their traditional clothing. 

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Excluding the Kinh or ethnic Vietnamese people there are a total of 8 ethnic hill tribes that are found in the Sapa area of Northern Vietnam. Hmong, Dzao, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa(ethnic Chinese), and Xa Pho. The last 4 tribes compromise less than 500 people. The largest groups are the Hmong(52%), Dzao(25%), and Kinh(15%).

Many older women of the two tribes you'll see most often in Sapa, Hmong and Dzao, make blankets and other textiles to sell. Many will also sell produce as well as bamboo that they harvest in the hills. 

You'll also often see young children selling trinkets in the village to help support their family. Some places discourage this but in my opinion I'd rather see people buying trinkets from kids rather than handing out candy. Their dental hygiene is not good to begin with and signs around town discourage this practise. 

Donate now and help support the Far East Adventure Travel Podcast. A gift of $5, $10, $20, or $30 goes along way to help with production and travel costs. Whenever possible I stay in guesthouses, employ local guides and drivers, and support local business. The money I spend goes directly back into the community and so can yours. Support Far East Adventure Travel with a donation now!Donate paypal.me/JohnASaboe Donate

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Taipei often gets quiet during the first days of the Lunar New Year's celebration, Taiwan's most important holiday.  Many who work in the capital  will leave for their hometown to visit with family during the holidays. Especially important is returning for the family reunion dinner which takes place on New Year's Eve. Train tickets get booked weeks in advance.

There is one place you will find busy in Taipei leading up to The Lunar New Year and that's Dihua Street, home to the city's biggest New Year's market. 

For two weeks every year prior to the Lunar New Year, this street, which normally sells speciality foods, traditional Chinese medicine, tea, and other goods becomes a pedestrian only market loaded with sellers of tasty foods and snacks that are consumed in great quantities during the holidays. Join me as I walk through the market, saying hello to friendly sellers and sampling some of the delicious snacks and treats of Taiwan.

Donate now and help support the Far East Adventure Travel Podcast. A gift of $5, $10, $20, or $30 goes along way to help with production and travel costs. Whenever possible I stay in guesthouses, employ local guides and drivers, and support local business. The money I spend goes directly back into the community and so can yours. Support Far East Adventure Travel with a donation now!Donate paypal.me/JohnASaboe Donate

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To appreciate Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, one needs time. Unlike other historic towns like, Hoi an or even larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, where many sites are within walking distance Hue’s important landmarks and buildings are spread out. It’s a large canvas with incredible beauty, tradition and culture.

I spent several days on my last visit to Hue exploring all of the significant sites the city has to offer from the Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, where the Nguyen emperors lived and ruled, to boat cruises on the Perfume River, bicycle and motorbike rides to temples, Emperor tombs, and famous vegetarian restaurants.

There are a few ways you can visit the tombs that were built for the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from 1802-1945. 

One of the most romantic ways is to hire your own boat and cruise the Perfume River, stopping at each tomb-some require a motorbike ride from the river bank. You can also go on a tourist boat, which is more economical, but either way this form of transportation will take the longest. 

Hiring a car is the most convenient and will cost around $40USD.

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I spent several days on my last visit to Hue exploring all of the significant sites the city has to offer from the Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, where the Nguyen emperors lived and ruled, to boat cruises on the Perfume River, bicycle and motorbike rides to temples, Emperor tombs, and famous vegetarian restaurants.

There are a few ways you can visit the tombs that were built for the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from 1802-1945. 

One of the most romantic ways is to hire your own boat and cruise the Perfume River, stopping at each tomb-some require a motorbike ride from the river bank. You can also go on a tourist boat, which is more economical, but either way this form of transportation will take the longest. 

Hiring a car is the most convenient and will cost around $40USD. I wouldn’t recommend cycling as it would take all day just to possibly visit only one tomb but renting a motorbike, as long as you’re comfortable using one is fun and inexpensive. A motorbike in Hue costs around $5-$6USD a day plus fuel. 

These tombs are impressive and at least two are in a fantasy setting. In this episode of Far East Adventure Travel the best of my live Periscope broadcasts from Minh Mang’s tomb in Hue, Vietnam. 

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The tomb of Tu Duc, approximately 5 kilometers outside of Hue, the former Imperial Capital, is one of the grandest of all with construction that took place over 3 years requiring 10,000 laborers. 

Tu Duc was the longest reigning Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, holding power for 36 years from 1848-83. His tomb served as palatial retreat for himself, his wives, concubines, and entourage after it's completion in 1867. 

The tomb complex is filled with buildings, temples, a lake, a tiny island where he could hunt small game, pavilions for relaxing and writing poetry and expansive grounds.

Tu Duc's remains were never actually buried at the site of the tomb where he had spent so much time. Instead they were placed in a mysterious location somewhere around Hue. To ensure secrecy, the 200 workers that buried Tu Duc's remains were beheaded afterwards. To this day this site has still not been discovered. 

When I walked around the Tomb of Tu Duc while broadcasting live on Periscope it was truly hard not to appreciate it's beauty while marvelling at the craftsmanship, artistry, and design.

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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is on the move! It's one of the fastest changing and growing cities of Southeast Asia with modern shopping complexes springing up everywhere, a skyline filled with construction cranes, and a joint venture between Japan and Vietnam to build the city's first subway/rapid transit system. 

It's great to see the people of Vietnam enjoying new amenities and infrastructure but people like me still want to see the old Saigon. Traditional culture, morning markets, non-touristy neighborhoods. 

The good news is there's still lots to see. Around Co Bac And Co Liang streets in District 1 they still have a traditional market and if you stay in one of the guesthouses in the neighborhood you'll feel very much like a local.

The other area that's still ripe with traditional shopping and culture is Cholon or District 5 and Binh Tay Market, a wholesale market that bustles everyday of the week. 

Cholon is where the ethnic Chinese community is based. Some say it's the biggest Chinatown in the world.   

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I'm always asked when is the best time of year to visit Taiwan. Almost anytime of the year can be interesting but one of my favorite times to recommend is during the Chinese New Year,(Lunar New Year) festivities.

The first day itself is always inspiring and full of good spirit as many Taiwanese visit temples to start the year off with prayers of good fortune, luck, and health.

Then of course there are the many festivals that are centered around the New Year including the Beehive Fireworks Festival, if you're daring and looking for extreme adventure. See the podcast featured on this channel.

For a more serene experience the Lantern Festivals of Taiwan are wonderfully beautiful and completely safe, but you will have to endure huge crowds. Most major cities on the island host a lantern festival.  

As Kaohsiung is the largest port city of Taiwan there are many marine themes. Artistically I noticed there were many interesting variations of the rooster theme compared with the Taipei Lantern Festival and the Love River setting is absolutely magical.

Join me for part one of this two part series on the 2017 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival on Far East Adventure Travel. This is from a previous live stream broadcast my Periscope channel. If you would like to receive live notications of my broadcasts please follow me on Twitter and Periscope: @FarEastAdvTravl

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It was New Year's Day 2017, unusually warm at 26 celsius, making it perfectly pleasant to walk around interesting neighborhoods in Taipei, Taiwan including Dongmen and it's Yongkang Food Street. Anchoring this street that has been published in almost every travel and food magazine and guidebook, is the world-famous Din Tai Fung, purveyors of xiaolongbao, delicious soup dumplings. Crowds, as seen on this day, will line-up for over an hour in the midday just to get a table.

Even though this restaurant is a big draw there are plenty of other restaurant in Dongmen serving the delicious specialities of Taiwan. 

The history of this neighborhood goes way back to the Japanese occupation when high government officials and the affluent started taking up residence here. Qingtian Street is a lovely place to stroll while enjoying a classic Taiwanese snack purchased from Yongkang Street like green onion pancake. There are still Japanese style homes left over from the time of occupation that have been converted to art galleries and teahouses. You can also visit the Taipei Grand Mosque that's close by. Thanks for listening!

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Can Tho is the fourth largest city in Vietnam and the largest in the Mekong River Delta region. People that visit are here primarily for the boat cruises that take you to the world-famous floating markets. A confluence of boats that merge in various locations of the river for trade of mostly fresh fruit and produce. For this trip I hired a boat for about $14 dollars that will take me on an approximate 3.5 hour tour on the Hua River, a tributary of the Mekong where I’ll see a wholesale floating market in action and visit a rice paper making village. After 45 minutes of passing by colorful vessels and regular river activity, including tourist boats heading in the opposite direction on their way to other floating markets we arrived at the Cai Rang wholesale market. Cruising at a slower speed by boats almost spilling over with pineapples and other fresh fruit and produce. Local buyers arrive to purchase goods from the farmers that bring their fruit and produce to Cai Rang and take it to the cities to sell to shops and other wholesalers. 

Donate now and help support the Far East Adventure Travel Podcast. A gift of $5, $10, $20, or $30 goes along way to help with production and travel costs. Whenever possible I stay in guesthouses, employ local guides and drivers, and support local business. The money I spend goes directly back into the community and so can yours. Support Far East Adventure Travel with a donation now! Donate  paypal.me/JohnASaboe  Donate

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Upon arrival in Can Tho, approximately 3.5 hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City, I decided to immediately head for riverside, naturally where most travellers gravitate and explore the streets, night market, temples, and shops in the area. I also wanted to investigate hiring a boat for a tour the next morning. 

Some of my best and fondest memories of traveling are seeing a place for the first time. It's always exciting getting familiar with unknown territory. Night markets, cafes, fruit stands and Ho Chi Minh statues are not much different from one end of the country to the other but the settings are as well as the people and local culture.

Throughout Vietnam you will find a mostly friendly attitude towards foreigners, from outgoing to reserved but friendly. In Can Tho and I believe much of the Mekong River Delta region locals are very hospitable. I was setting up my camera crouched on the side of a street one afternoon when behind me a friendly older man had brought out a plastic chair for me to sit on. 

Vietnam has a plethora of famous cities and destinations that are highly recommended by guide books and travel experts from the centers of commerce, arts, and politics like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, to the picturesque and historic cities of Hoi An and Hue. 

Can Tho is certainly a favorite of mine now. It doesn't have the same charming and historic atmosphere of Hoi An but it also doesn't draw excessive crowds and with the exception of the "boat ladies" who aggressively sell boat tours, is not hyper-focused on tourist wallets.

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Can Tho, like many cities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia has a few areas where you'll find activity at night-it usually revolves around eating. Near the waterfront and night market featured in this episode and around De Tham Street, nicknamed "food street" by locals where a series of restaurants serve everything from hot pot to seafood, and vegetarian. Your hotel can give you directions, just ask them where's food street? I stumbled onto Com Chay An Lac, a hole in the wall vegetarian restaurant that serves ultra fresh and cheap Vietnamese vegetarian food. Big bowls of noodles with imitation bbq pork,(bean curd), springs rolls and other tasty guilt free food for less than a buck. 

Join me in Can Tho as I explore and chat with some of the live viewers on varying topics from street food safety to trekking in Nepal and an impromptu interview with a friendly French tourist. 

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It’s been 2 years since the first of several earthquakes and tremors terrorized the Himalayan nation of Nepal. It was April 25th, 2015 at 11:56am local time when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the country. It was followed by several hundred aftershocks and another 7.3 tremor on May 12 that in total killed nearly 9,000 people and injured over 22,000 leaving many homeless. To this day thousands are still not living in a permanent home.

Having visited the country on several occasions over the years when I first heard the news of the devastation I thought I should plan a trip to see first-hand how severely damaged the country was and it’s tourism infrastructure. I knew that the media reports of a ruined tourism industry would have a huge impact on the nation and it’s people that desperately rely on tourists to earn a living. I also wanted to encourage other people to visit the country either through volunteering to help with the recovery or once the situation had stabilized, make their own travel plans to Nepal, as this is one of the most effective ways to help the country rebuild.

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Find Out More About Traveling In Nepal:https://explorehimalayan.com

“Voices Of Nepal” Photo Essay Published in 2016 -Impossible Project Magazine-https://magazine.the-impossible-project.com/voices-of-nepal/?utm_source=Impossible+Magazine&utm_campaign=4ecd6c44b0-Magazine_Monthly_Newsletter_July_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3aa46766f1-4ecd6c44b0-91484753&mc_cid=4ecd6c44b0&mc_eid=af7b26c1ba

 

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My Earthquake Diaries Nepal documentary series  continues with part 2 and a “cry for tourism”. This episode follows my first few days of walking through the streets and alleyways of Kathmandu, visiting many sites that had suffered damage, destruction and terrible loss. I met tour guides and taxi drivers that saw a future of little or no work. And one afternoon I came across a group in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square conducting a desperate rally for unity within the tourism industry. I also traveled around the Kathmandu Valley visiting some of the most popular landmarks and Unesco World Heritage sites including Boudhanath, the Tibetan Village, the great Pashupatinath  Hindu Temple complex, and the medieval village of Bhaktapur to see first-hand the damage to these sites that in the past have attracted travellers from around the world. 
This podcast can’t happen without public support, help me continue to produce this series that I hope helps you either plan your next big adventure or allows you to imagine travelling at a time when it’s maybe not possible. A donation of $10, $20, $30 or more helps meet production costs and travel expenses. 
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Nepal Travel and Trek Planning: explorehimalayan.com
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Thank you for joining me as Earthquake Diaries from Nepal continues with part 3. In this  journey through my days of visiting the many earthquake affected sites of Nepal  in May 2015 I saw places within the Kathmandu Valley that experienced minimal damage to towns like Sankhu village that almost completely collapsed as a result of the April 25th and May 12th earthquakes.

In Sankhu village we walked through alleys and streets that were literally crumbling around us as residents were beginning the huge task of breaking down buildings, salvaging bricks and precious wooden window frames in order to rebuild their home in another location.  Others were returning to what remained of their homes to recover personal items. 

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Find out more about traveling and trekking in Nepal: https://explorehimalayan.com

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That’s it for my series Earthquake Diaries from Nepal. If you want to find out more about the wonderful trekking and travel options in Nepal please visit our website explorehimalayan.com.  

Writing a review in the iTunes Store helps others discover Far East Adventure Travel. Karileed of the USA recently wrote in, “John is the real deal. He’s a fabulous host and does an amazing job of sharing information on the places he travels to. You’ll feel like you’re right there with him. A must listen for anyone who loves travel!” Karileed, very kind words and much appreciated. I’m leaving  a link in the show notes of this episode. Simply follow the link, sign into your iTunes account, click Ratings and Reviews at the top of the podcast page, rate the podcast out of 5 starts then click write a review and submit your review and helps other around the world discover Far East Adventure Travel.: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-travel-far-east-inspired-by-rick-steves-lonely/id1079513943?mt=2

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Fort Kochi or Cochin is an extrordinary place to visit in South India. Ruled by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and British and of coarse Rajahs it is a wonderful mix of architecture, history, and a harmony of local people and various cultures that is unique in India.

As local resident experts have explained to me the most rewarding part of a visit to Fort Cochin is not necessarily the sights you’ll see. It’s more about the appreciation of the local culture and people and the relaxed feeling you will easily pick up on right away. It’s one of my favorite destinations in India.

On my last visit I spent time broadcasting from a number of locations around the Fort Cochin area relaying my thoughts and impressions of the region and answering questions from viewers on Periscope about travel to Kerala and general travel related questions and subjects on Asia. One of the highlights of my stay in Cochin was enjoying the sunsets from the town’s nearby beaches.

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It’s been two years since the devastating earthquakes of Nepal brought huge loss to the country with over 9000 deaths, thousands more injured and many left homeless.  For awhile it  brought the tourism business to a standstill with many cancelling their trekking and travel plans. 

At the time international media reported that Nepal’s tourism industry was ruined and would take years to recover. I wanted to get my friend and one of my partners in explorehimalayan.com , our full service trekking and travel business in Nepal on the podcast for a current update on the state of the country and it’s tourism industry, as well as suggestions on treks, and tour ideas.  Shanker Bhatta has been active in the travel and trekking business for several years and is also the owner of the Hotel Pilgrims in Kathmandu. 

He joins me from Thamel in the country’s capital.

If you want to find out more about trekking or travel in Nepal you can talk with any one of us at explorehimalayan.com

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Hanoi is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. It’s “old quarter” is packed with atmosphere from the colonial buildings to the back alleys filled with little shops and fruit vendors. From the break of dawn until 11pm when the police kick the motorbikes off the sidewalks and everywhere doors are closed for another day it remains one of the most energy packed places in Vietnam and Asia!I’m already craving another visit. Wandering the streets each filled with it’s speciality, toy street, lantern street and more! Grabbing a coffee with coconut milk from Cong Caphe and sitting on the sidewalk in a tiny chair watching the madness of motobikes dancing in and out of car, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Having a meal of snails, noodles and whatever else looks good washed down with Hanoi beer or eating in of the many restaurants that specialize in the unique fish dish to Hanoi, Cha ca. In this episode, a previous live Periscope broadcast, I wandered around Dong Xuan Market on the northern edge of the old quarter, checking out the goods that are for sale outside of Hanoi’s biggest indoor market. From live frogs to drapes there’s almost as many interesting things to see on the outside as there is on the inside of four storey Soviet style building.Describing the traffic and the challenge of crossing the streets and finding a place to walk safely hopefully will give you a sense of the madness.

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For me Singapore and Malaysia were my first introduction to the amazing food experience of dining outdoors in Southeast Asia. 

Many years later the Jalan Alor food street of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is still one of my favorite places to dine. I've been lucky enough to have experienced the food and dining options of many cities and towns across Southeast Asia. Each one offers it's own unique food and charming experience whether it's sitting on tiny plastic chairs in the old quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam or enjoying the cheap vegetarian buffet in the night market of Luang Prabang, Laos while gazing at the Royal Palace's Temple at night. Jalan Alor is also one of the food centers I've visited the most having used KL as a gateway to Southeast Asia for several years. So I'm admittedly a little biased as well, but I've also never had a bad or even mediocre dining experience there.

The restaurants have never let me down on Jalan Alor. The food is always consistently satisfying and being a seafood lover the options are almost limitless. My last meal consisted of grilled stingray, with a wonderful chili dipping sauce and deep-fried squid coated in a batter laced with squid eggs, it was so rich!

I hope you enjoy this two part visit to one of my favorite places to eat in Southeast Asia, Jalan Alor-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Number 3, Wat Arun. 

Even though it’s name means temple of dawn this is a wonderful site best enjoyed at sunset. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, some consider it the most beautiful temple in Thailand. It’s prang or spire on the banks of the river is a world-class landmark. At the time of my visit, Wat Arun was undergoing major renovations as you can see by the scaffolding. 

Wat Arun held the great Emerald Buddha before it was transferred to Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace. In fact the temple was part of the grounds of the royal palace where it was located before it was moved in 1785. 

Number 2, Wat Pho. Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha. This temple complex is perfect for just wandering as most people will show up, check out the 46 meter long Buddha and immediately leave. You’ll have lots of space to enjoy the atmosphere of a world-class heritage site and the largest collection of Buddha statues in Thailand.

Wat Pho is within walking distance of the number one temple to visit in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew or the temple of the Emerald Buddha, located within the Grand Palace complex. Because Wat Phra Kaew doesn’t house any monks it is more like a personal chapel for the royal family than an actual temple

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Indore Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Mystic Force Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Mystic Force Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

 

 

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The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves and cave temples located in Selangor, Malaysia. So easy to get to it even has it’s own train stop.

I picked up the KTM Comuter train at KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur which can be reached via the Kelana Jaya line if you’re staying near KLCC.

In less than 30 minutes the giant limestone outcrop was in view.

Leaving the train station you are immediately surrounded by Hindu shrines and temples including this giant statue of Hanuman, the Monkey God.

The Batu Caves gets it’s name from the Sangai Batu, the nearby Batu River, and it is also the tenth, Pattu in the Tamil language, limestone of Ampang Malaysia.

The Batu Caves are one of the most popular Hindu Shrines outside of India. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, God of war. He is the son of the Hindu dieties Shiva and Parvati.

The Murugan statue is the largest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia and the second tallest in the world coming second to the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Nepal.

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Thanks so much for listening and subscribing to the podcast. In this episode I walk around the huge Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus in Mumbai India. This is India’s grandest train station and one of the top sights to visit in the “maximum city”. I very much enjoyed walking around Fort, the area where the train station is located. It is loaded with buildings constructed during the British raj making it a fascinating place to explore. There are galleries and museums in it’s Kala Ghoda section not to be missed. 

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Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Mayalsian Borneo is a wonderful place to base yourself for exploring this incredibly diverse destination full of wildlife viewing opportunities, cultural discovery, and amazing food! 

I love that Kuching is also small enough that you can easily explore most of it on foot. Walking through it's atmospheric Chinatown, Little India, and riverfront makes it remarkably easy to become familiar with the town within a short time frame.

The people are absolutely it's biggest asset. Incredibly friendly and hospitable I found it so easy to feel comfortable right away. From local shop owners greeting you with warm smiles to kids in school uniforms saying hello on their way home from classes.

Join me as I walk around the river front discussing the beauty and diversity of Kuching and Sarawak as well as some helpful tips on stretching your travel dollars.

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http://bit.ly/supportJohnSaboe Become a patron of Far East Adventure Travel and gain access to exclusive content while supporting travel inspiration! Visit my Patreon page and see the offers starting at $1/month!Last year I visited Thailand and was fortunate enough to spend some time in it's bustling capital, Bangkok. Currently the second most city visited in the world it is massive, busy, hectic, with possibly the worst traffic conditions in Asia. Despite that it's absolutely a city you must visit if you want to look in the crystal ball and see perhaps what the rest of Southeast Asia may eventually look like.With limited time on my last trip in 2016 I wanted to at least cover off the main sites, including the Grand Palace and the top tier temples. A trip out to the huge outdoor Chatuchak Market, and a look around the huge shopping district of Siam and of course a couple of visits to the Erawan Shrine were also on the list.As modern as Bangkok is it's still refreshing to see in the middle of one of this side of the planet's busiest commercial districts the Erawan Shrine, attracting thousands of worshippers daily.  They bring offerings, burn incense, and sometimes hire the ladies that make up the dance troupe of the shrine that will perform for set fees while worshippers pray. This is what makes  Southeast Asia so uniquely different than visiting a similiarly sized commercial district in a western city.

 

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Bangkok, Thailand is a market lover’s paradise. Whether you’re like me and find food markets fascinating to explore or you enjoy finding bargains on clothing, antiques, or buddha amulets it’s probably the best place in Southeast Asia to shop. I love the huge Klong Toey Market, and the Pak Khlong Flower Market.

On my most recent visit I also checked out the Saphan Khao Fruit Market which carries pretty much every fruit available in Southeast Asia, from durian and jackfruit to the more exotic snakeskin fruit. They say everyone in Bangkok comes to this market from everyday people to store vendors to chefs from 5 star restaurants.

It’s such a treat to try all of these fruits and you always find some kind of cheap deal that makes your visit great! On this trip I found some delicious jackfruit, two big plastic trays packed with the plump pods for about one dollar!

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

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Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. A modern city that's retained much of it's cultural heritage, it's fast-paced, vast, naughty,  and filled with temples, markets, amazing food, entertainment and world-class shopping. 

It's also where you can find one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant Chinatowns. In this episode I explored some of the interesting lanes and streets where you can find everything from durian, the king of fruit, to Chinese medicinal remedies, fantastic street food, restaurants, and stores filled with gadgets, kitchen utensils, and pottery. 

I'm also looking forward to very soon bringing you live broadcasts from Asia on BlogTalkRadio and a chance to connect with you either by phone or Skype-stay tuned!

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I love exploring around Ho Chi Minh City. Many locals still refer to HCMC as Saigon, and District 1 where most tourists wil find themselves is considered Saigon proper. Once you are accustomed to the chaotic traffic and swarms of motorbikes it's quite easy to get around on foot.

Don't limit yourself  to D1,  as exciting as it is,  with it's historic sites, great food, cafes, bars, and entertainment. There's more to explore out in Disrict 3, 4, and 5 with Cholon and it's massive Chinatown and markets filled with outgoing locals that don't see as many tourists.

In this episode I walked around the Benh Thanh Market area. This portion of the city is rapidly changing with the installation of the first subway line of HCMC. This is most definitely one of the hot tourist areas with restaurants, hotels, and the famous landmark and what some consider the centerpoint of the city.

Even though the market is filled with vendors ready to pounce on you with their over inflated prices it's still worth a look. There's some great little places to stop and eat and for such a big tourist stop, the prices are pretty reasonable. Join me for a little walk around Ben Thanh Market.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Phuong and Cuong from Hanoi Free Tour Guides last year while visiting the capital. Hanoi Free Tour Guides is a fantastic organization that offers free tours for anyone visiting Hanoi. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the local culture as all guides are local students studying English eager to meet foreigners and show them around their city. You can basically ask for any kind of tour for the whole day if you like. You only have to pay for transportation if required and meals or drinks for your guide. There is no need to tip, in fact they will refuse any money offered.Only a few months earlier in Hanoi famous TV travel host and chef Anthony Bourdain hosted a special dinner with President Obama. The featured dish? A bowl of bun cha, the famous bbq pork meal of Hanoi.Although I do not eat pork myself I thought it would be interesting to talk about the dish that had gained so much attention in the United States and around the world from this famous meeting.We walked to a restaurant in the old quarter of Hanoi famous for bun cha. Phuong actually theorized that the Obama/Bourdain meal wasn’t hosted here because of the logistics of trying to protect the president in such a tight space.We had so much planned for this walk of the old quarter that was originally a Facebook live broadcast but only minutes after visiting the restaurant a huge tropical downpour started so we were forced to find refuge in a cafe. The rain lasted so long we were unable to continue the broadcast and were left with some interesting talk about bun cha and later a short conversation about ancestor worship in Vietnam.Thanks so much for listening!

 

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Even with the large numbers of tourists that visit the ancient town of Hoi An it is still remarkably an enjoyable experience to see this jewel of Vietnam. 

It’s really all thanks to the silting up of the Thu Bon River that probably helped to preserve or in reality froze the ancient town in time. Had it continued to flourish as a regular port of trade over time development and expansion would have most likely seen alot of these historic buildings cleared away for new larger structures. 

In this episode I take a boat ride with one of boat ladies of the Thu Bon River. It’s really alot of fun taking a ride with these characters who will more than likely try to overcharge you at first, just hesitate or start walking away and the price will quickly drop by half. The non motor boat ride is my preferred way of cruising around the town. You won’t go as far as the motorized boats can take you but it’s much more relaxing having a boat to yourself as you are rowed silently past the beautiful waterfront of Hoi An. Thanks so much for listening! 

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Become a patron of Far East Adventure Travel and support travel inspiration from Asia. Get access to exclusive content and follow the link now! A visit to Kanyakumari, India is certainly a buck list item for anyone who loves the subcontinent. Being at the very southern tip it’s a popular destination mostly for Indians seeking a pilgrimage although with the emerging middle class in the country it is becoming just as much a vacation destination combined with a spiritual journey.Having spent a few weeks traveling through Kerala it was hard to resist an extra 3 hour bumpy bus ride from Kovalam Beach to the southern tip of India.With limited time I had to literally jump off the bus, find a place to stay, and make my way for the ferry line-up to visit the small little islands, or rock outcrops that were home to shrines.The first stop on the ferry ride is at Vivekananda Rock Memorial where a shrine was built in 1970 honoring Swami Vivekananda who was believed to have attained enlightenment on the rock. The second stop was at The Thiruvalluvar Statue. The statue that rises 29 meters symbolizes wealth and pleasures.After I finished my trip to the monuments I explored the small town that must swell daily with tourists and pilgrims that arrive by bus, car, and train. It’s definitely a circus atmosphere, with carnival acts, horse rides, and a little amusement park for kids. Of course besides the other temples that pilgrims and followers make their way to including The Kanya Kumari Temple and The Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, the site where the great Mahatma’s ashes were kept before their final immersion. Just to see and meet Indians, many that had travelled hundreds of kilometers was absolutely fascinating. 

 

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Qixi Festival is Chinese Valentine's Day in Taiwan, China, and wherever there is a large ethnic Chinese community. There are also versions of it in Korea and Japan. If you want to find out more visit:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qixi_Festival . It's such a lovely but bittersweet story and inspiring enough to send young women and men to Taipei, Taiwan's famous Xia Hai Temple, or City God Temple to pray to it's Cupid God for a future husband or wife. It's especially busy during the Qixi Festival, which falls every year on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Lunar Calendar. Like it's western counterpart, February 14th's Valentine's Day, it's been commericalized by sweets and chocolate companies, florists, hotels/resorts and restaurants.

Join me for a visit to this famous "Temple Of The Cupid"  in Taipei, which is also famous for having the highest densities of Gods in all of Taiwan's 13,000 temples.

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https://www.patreon.com/FarEastAdventureTravel My podcast relies on support from listeners like you! Please visit my Patreon page and become a patron. For as little as $1/month you can help me continue to bring you podcasts and travel information/inspiration from the Far East!I Absolutely love Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! On my most recent visit I spent nearly 17 days hanging out, chatting with locals, and getting to know the city and it's people. As I said in the video, it's very easy to just hang out in it's Old Quarter, with it's atmospheric themed shopping streets, great cheap delicious street food, and the ultra cheap and refreshing bia hoi, fresh beer, that costs $9000VND, about $.040US. Life unfolds all around you in the Old Quarter. Locals are quite comfortable leaving their doors open, and acting out their daily life in the public, from taking naps to getting into family arguments. I'm addicted to the traditional wet markets in Asia, the bustle and the amazing selection of fresh produce, fruit, seafood, bake goods and of course street food! I also spent lots of time around Hanoi's Dong Xuan Wholesale Market, where you can find little alleys and lanes full of the fresh bounty of Northern Vietnam along with amazing little food stalls that sell of the best street food in Asia. More of this to come in future podcasts!Thanks so much for listening and don't forget to follow me for daily images and live/recorded video from Asia

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Hanoi is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. I usually stay in the old quarter, one ofy the most atmospheric parts of the city where there's amazing street food, unique shopping streets, and plenty of cafes to watch daily life in the capital. But it's also loaded with scam artists looking for easy targets. In this episode of the podcast I chat about some of the more popular scams. Overcharging is rampant as well especially in the old quarter and even more specifically close to Hoan Kiem Lake. I like sharing these stories as I hope it will help visitors avoid some of these situations and unpleasant outcomes that can lead to not wanting to ever visit the city or country again. I've read many travel forums where people were scammed by either a  shoe cleaner or taxi driver and haved vowed never to return again. It's unfortunate but most of this stems from people who are merely misguided and lack an education. Struggling to put food on the table everyday they revert to these methods in order to support themselves. I think particularily in Hanoi you'll find more scams than in other Vietnamese cities including Ho Chi Minh City. I hope revealing some of these scams will help you avoid them on your next visit to Hanoi. It really is a wonderful city and can be enjoyed to the fullest by avoiding these uncomfortable situations.

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In this episode I spend more time walking through the atmospheric streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, in search of baguettes and other things for my morning breakfast. When I find myself on a slow travel trip, I will typically spend up to two weeks in one town or city. So if I know this in advance I will make sure I book a room in a guesthouse or hotel with a fridge so I can do some self-catering, mainly to take care of my breakfast needs. I still don't want to miss out on trying what the locals eat for breakfast everyday but it's nice to have some baguettes and tea or coffee before I head out in the early morning to captures images and check out the local markets. Usually in Hanoi I will want to stay in the Old Quarter so I can be right out in the chaos first thing plus it's easy walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake, The French Quarter, and other sites. In this episode I also briefly touch on some of the scams, particularly the overcharging of tourists that quite often happens in the Old Quarter. Thanks so much for listening and as always your support! If you would like to make a contribution to my on-going crowdfunding project to raise money for equipment an travel expenses, check out the link below!

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