Guide to RONDA – a White Gem in the Skies

Located on a mountaintop above the El Tajo gorge, the village of Ronda is truly a white gem in the bluest skies over Andalusia.

Renata Green looking at the Puente Nuevo in Ronda
If my arms were just a little bit longer, I could have touched the iconic Puente Nuevo standing on the balcony in front of my room.

You’ll find her in the Málaga province somewhere between her grand and famous Andalusian sisters. Yet, this little precious gem full of ancient beauty shimmers at least as mesmerizingly as the big shots.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

KAWAGUCHIKO – Taking a Shot at Mount Fuji

I’ve heard that there are people travelling periodically to the Lakeland of Kawaguchiko west of Tokyo just to take a good shot of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji seen from Kawaguchiko
This is the picture I intended to shoot.

This majestic, perfectly shaped volcano – that erupted lastly in 1707 – seems to be hiding behind clouds most of the time. Therefore, it can be a challenge – or a hobby – hunting the best view. Or at least a glimpse.

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The Highlands: Guide to NUWARA ELIYA and HAPUTALE

Let me guide you to Nuwara Eliya and Haputale in Sri Lanka’s Highlands, an earthly Garden Eden where the world-famous Ceylon Tea is growing.

Tea plantations on the Highlands around NUWARA ELIYA and HAPUTALE
Tea plantations make the landscape seem so soft – albeit, the plant itself is pretty sturdy.

While I was soaking in the dreamy landscape around Nuwara Eliya, the rolling hills covered with tea bushes, the skies opened and within minutes, everything was….soaked.

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An Easy Day Trip to the Hahoe Folk Village from Andong

An easy day trip from Andong brings you to the Hahoe Folk Village where Korea’s traditional rural life remains unspoilt. Hahoe is a cute little village full of adorable crooked houses. You wouldn’t be surprised if you met Hansel, Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and all the other fairy tale characters in the narrow alleys.
And, of course, a Queen.
In 2019, the time had actually come and none less than Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to the picturesque village in the south-eastern part of Korea. I assume Elizabeth travelled in a pumpkin carriage, befitting her status. Not being a queen, I took the bus to Hahoe on my day trip from Andong – and what can I say, it was a cheap and comfortable ride, and most importantly, the coach didn’t smell like pumpkin.

Hahoe Folk Village visited on an easy day trip from Andong.
Village people at Hahoe.
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A Day Trip to the Haeinsa Temple the Easy Way

Although Haeinsa, the most significant Buddhist temple in all of Korea, is tucked away on the slopes of Mount Gaya, this architectural and spiritual gem can be visited on an easy day trip from various cities like Busan and Gyeongju even by public transport.

Gate at Haeinsa Temple.
Please, step into the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Seon Buddhism.
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Solo in COLOMBIA – a comprehensive guide

Travelling solo as a woman to Colombia – let me guide you to a country still suffering from the stigma of being a dangerous place torn between drug barons and guerillas. But actually, it is a beautiful and interesting place – with wonderful, honest people.
On just one visit, it became one of my favorite countries on earth. Wanna see for yourself? Then here is my complete guide

At the Goldmuseum in Bogotá, Colombia
Treasures at the Gold Museum in Bogotá – by far not Colombia’s only treasure…
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SALENTO – Fifty Shades of Green in Colombia’s Edenic Coffee Region

Fifty Shades of Green – in reality, there are millions of shades of green in Salento, Colombia’s beautiful Coffee Region

Main Square of Salento Colombia's Coffee Region
The lucky people of Salento are spending their life right in a picture postcard.

Nestled in the coffee mountains of Quindío, Salento is the epitome of Colombian life: A small town with little houses painted in all the colors the hardware store had available.

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A Day at PARQUE TAYRONA

Before I begin to tell you about my amazing day at Parque Tayrona, I must admit that I skipped one stop.

Parque Tayrona
Getting sneak peeks at the cool, blue ocean is very encouraging. Like the carrot dangling in front of a mule.

After we left the pleasure hell of the beaches of Cartagena, we made it to Santa Marta, a city by the sea. A little colonial, a little touristy, a little average, but very unpretentious. A healthy mix of good crowds.

And adjacent to the fantastic natural reserve Parque Tayrona.

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