One of the largest draws to this city in China, perhaps even the biggest attraction, are the pandas. There is only a very small portion of the world where these fascinating animals reside and its right here. The amazing Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu is the closest facility to the city in which to …
At the centre of this bustling city, China’s fifth largest, is something you need to see. Well multiple things in fact, a cultural hub, the core. I walk here from my little hotel near Wenshu Temple and it only takes about 40 minutes. A great way to see more of this fascinating place and end …
I have really lucked out on the selection of the neighbourhood I find myself immersed in. When selecting my hotel, besides price, which is almost always the guiding factor for my frugal budget, it was location. I knew on this first visit, I would need somewhere more gentle, less big city. The charming district of …
My humble hotel is situated down the road from this Buddhist temple. When the streets become too chaotic, I head inside this sanctuary for peace and space. A national treasure and protected by the Chinese government, beautiful Wenshu Monastery is your escape in Chengdu. Brief History Located in the Wenshufang neighbourhood, the original temple dates …
What am I actually seeing? Like I mentioned in the previous post, this destination more than any other, requires prior research, setting up apps, banking, and logistics before arrival. Part of that research was the hotel of course. I prioritize first, one where I know the front desk staff speaks a little English. The other …
I’ve got a whopper to get through, 36-some-odd hours including three flights, a 12-hour layover and two taxis. I have been preparing for days/weeks for this next destination as it requires that much research. Here is my travel day Astana Kazakhstan to China on FlyArystan and China Eastern Airlines. Astana NQZ One of the most …
This is a fun post to create as there are numerous interesting and cool things to see in this new capital city. I have had no shortage what-so-ever of places to go and checkout during this visit. Usually, I limit these posts to 5, but here there is too much I want to pass along. …
A huge pleasure of visiting different countries, comes from trying the local food. Even if the ingredients are familiar, the spices, herbs, or what it is consumed with can be vastly different than what our palete expects. Its not often I am visiting a country where I can afford to dine out, but I’ll make …
Having very little knowledge of this unique country, I decide to visit this all encompassing museum. It opened in 2014 and at that time was the largest in Central Asia. Inside are nine stories containing ten halls of treasures dating from prehistoric to present. The amazing National Museum of Kazakhstan is worth every penny and …
My first sunny day and I decide to head straight for the centre of the city. Here sits a structure that pops up in almost every Google image of this capital city. Surrounding it are a plethora of innovative modern buildings, statues, green space and more. Beautiful Baiterek & Nurzhol Blvd in Astana Kazakhstan is …
Having taken one single two-hour flight, I have left the old capital of Almaty in the south, for the new capital of Astana in the north. I did have the option of a 15-hour train ride but that did not seem appealing especially as much of the journey is through the Great Steppe. This large …
Always trying to offer future visitors some ideas for what to see, I have compiled a small list for this unique Kazakh city. With no historical buildings, well none older than 1860, the sites are less plentiful than in other destinations. Here are 5 free things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan that might just offer …
I find myself in a city with a less distinguishable ‘old town’ than many others. You see, in the late 19th century, there occurred a massive earthquake followed by another in 1911. Between these two events, most of the old buildings were wiped out. Come get lost with me in Almaty Kazakhstan and let’s see …
I’m surprised. I’ve only flown about 1.5 hours towards the east and yet I find myself in a completely different atmosphere. Its strange and I feel a bit lost trying to figure out and compartmentalize what I am seeing. My first impressions of Almaty Kazakhstan are mixed and not what I expected. Vague The city …
This is a short and sweet travel day even though I’m changing countries. I have enjoyed Uzbekistan more than I ever imagined and am now going to see what its neighbour has to offer. I expect something similar, but that remains to be seen. This is my travel day Tashkent to Almaty Kazakhstan on Air …
I love a good market; readers know this by now. 😂 In every destination I will track down at least one to investigate. Sometimes they are a little mundane, the usual goods just in a different location. Well do I have a surprise for you. I was not expecting this. Wow! Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent …
Having traversed Uzbekistan back to its capital city via the high speed Afrosiyob train, its more trains we are discovering today. What was off limits to photographers up until 2018, is now available to record and show the world. Time travel underground on the metro in Tashkent with me and let’s see what’s down here! …
What I was not expecting when I began to explore this historical city, was the absolutely plethora of wares I would see. From metalwork, to textiles and weaving, painting, engraving and wood carving, prepare to be amazed. The superb art and handicrafts of Bukhara are plentiful and irresistible. Brief History The city of Bukhara is …
The other place, besides Samarkand, that I knew I wanted to visit on this first sojourn into Central Asia is this one. Take the high speed Afrosiyob train and its only a two-hour journey before you find yourself immersed into a spectacular old destination that oozes Islamic history. Bukhara Uzbekistan, a beautiful Silk Road city …
Now that I have had time to go on a few walk-a-bout towns, I need to show you, dear readers, the sights. There are some charming, curious and beautiful things to be seen so come get lost with me in the old streets of Samarkand Uzbekistan. It’s my first time in Central Asia and I …