SUKHOTHAI – 200 Temples at Your Choice

Sukhothai took me by storm – with its incredible number of 200 glorious temples. As a matter of fact, the heritage of Siam’s former capital is just surreal.

The archeologic park of Old Sukhothai, Thailand
The archeologic park of Old Sukhothai is a place of magic and surreal beauty. Best discovered cycling since this way you don’t miss even the tiniest detail of the ancient grand art.

Since it would be a big mistake to limit your visits to the archeologic park in the city center, you should explore Sukhothai cycling. This way, you get to all the sites you like to see – obviously, there are quite a few.
Almost 200, to be precise.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to the Most Amazing Places in SRI LANKA

My three-week visit to the Island of Sri Lanka was a mesmerizing experience. The historic remains, the preserved natural richness, the white beaches, and the colorful traditional attires were pleasing to the eye and soothing to the soul. Hence, let me take you to some of the most amazing places this beautiful country has to offer.

Aradhana Gala in Mihintale, Sri Lanka
One of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places: Aradhana Gala where Buddhist monk Mahinda landed as he met with King Devanampiyatissa.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to ANURADHAPURA and MIHINTALE

Here comes my guide to Anuradhapura. Anu… what? Read my lips: Anuradhapura. It is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals. A visit can easily be combined with a trip to Mihintale, a holy place of Sinhalese Buddhism.

the Abhayagiri Dagaba in the northern part of Anuradhapura
O come, all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant….to the Abhayagiri Dagaba in the northern part of Anuradhapura.

Although it’s also famous for its ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, there are pleasingly few tourists around, but huge numbers of truly faithful.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to KANDY and a Temple Hike from Embekke to Pilimathalawa

During a visit to Kandy – geographically and metaphorically Sri Lanka’s navel – I’d like to guide you to the small town of Embekke from where you can take an idyllic temple hike to Pilimathalawa.

Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy before a Temple Hike from Embekke
Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

After having spent four days in Kandy, I ask myself: Why?

Honestly, I didn’t really get it. And after some additional online research, I’m definitely convinced that it is almost hysterically overrated.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

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.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SEVILLE – Three Days Right Where Andalusia’s Heart is Beating to the Rhythm of Flamenco

This is a guide to the enigmatic and sultry city of Seville where in three days, you’ll find out where Andalusia’s heart is beating to the rhythm of Flamenco.

Flamenco Dancer in Seville seen during Three Days in Seville Andalusia
As fierce’n’fiery as legendary opera persona Carmen: Flamenco dancer at the Plaza de España.

No wonder that apart from Bizet’s Carmen more than 150 operas – like Verdi’s Don Carlos and, you probably guessed so, Rossini’s Barber of Seville – were set in scenic Seville.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SINTRA – History in Bright Colors

Nestled amidst lush hills and crowned by fairytale palaces, Sintra is a dream destination bursting with charm and history. In this guide, I’m taking you to the vibrant Pena Palace, painted in bright colors, as well as to other iconic structures like the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira; in Sintra, every corner tells a story! Explore cobblestone streets, indulge in local treats, and let this magical UNESCO World Heritage site amaze you. Adventure awaits!

Palácio Nacional da Pena - built in the 19th century for King Fernando II. Sintra's most iconic landmark.
They sure were not shy about painting the Palácio Nacional da Pena – built in the 19th century for King Fernando II.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

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.
This Way to the Whole Story ->