Lately I have been missing Indonesia and SE Asia. I miss the tropical scenery, the food, the laid-back lifestyle, the inexpensive prices, and the vibrant culture. This scene from rural Bali perfectly captures what I am missing. I can’t wait to go back.
Rajastan, India. A fascinating, frustrating, amazing part of the world. The exquisite workmanship and carvings make for a photographers delight.
Africa is filled with dozens of tribal factions, one of the most well known being the Masai. At each village we visited we were honored by a traditional dance from the women, followed by the jumping ritual of the men. There are many magic moments in travel, but surely spending time among these fascinating people ranks near the top.
Luang Prabang is a place I loved, and yet am unsure if I ever want to return to. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of around 50,000 residents, the town sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. What makes it so appealing may also lead to it’s inevitable downfall, as more and more travelers flock to it’s serene banks. Inexpensive hotels and guest houses abound along with a variety of great restaurants, both international and of local Laotian cuisine. The thriving night market is made up of street after street of astonishing handmade goods, and the daily Alms offering to the monks is a highlight. All of this, combined with great natural beauty, makes Luang Prabang an easy to place to fall in love with.
Fancy a deserted beach? With the onset of fall here in the Pacific Northwest, my mind has been drifting to all of the amazing beaches we have spent time at in our travels. This one, in Northeast Australia, was empty and serene.
My traditional krama scarf kept only some of the dust out of my nose and mouth as my motorcycle driver raced along the packed dirt road and I was soon covered from head to foot in the fine, grey powder. Jim and his driver had taken an alternate route out of town and were nowhere to be seen. I was on the back of a moto with a driver who spoke no English somewhere in the countryside of rural Cambodia. And I was having the time of my life!
Traveling in India is tough. It’s chaotic, challenging, intoxicating, gorgeous, disgusting, fantastic. The one place where I have felt more alive than any other, all senses on full overload at all times. It can inspire and invigorate, but it also often leaves you lying, helpless, in the dust, thinking, how does this strange and amazing place even exist on the same planet as home?
I miss India for many reasons, not the least of which how fantastic my feet looked while there!
Fall in Oregon is a magical time, and our favorite camping season. With warm days, cool nights, and half filled campgrounds, it’s a campers heaven.
SE Asia is one of our favorite places in the world to travel to. We love the culture, food, and iconic beach scenes of daily life like this in small town Vietnam.
