Intro Turkey! It is exotic. It is the link between Asia and Europe and yet its people consider themselves more or less Mideastern. Turkey is vibrant. Turkey is everything – the instagram pictures and youtube videos you watch, the disaster and its politics. Of course, its all notorious scams (or yes, it’s a 3-pager and… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 25
Sabbatical Week 23
This week was a lazy week to plan for my European trip. Day 1 We have decided to take the jeep down to end our trekking early. I had lunch at a local village (300NRP for a buff Dal Bhat). Absolutely the best) and unfortunately due to the time rush, I didn’t get time to… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 23
Sabbatical Week 22
Day 1 We got up just at around sunrise to ensure we could reach to our destination around midday – highest chance to avoid any potential bad weather We were about to teach Manang, a village that’s situated at around 3,500m and where we’d stay for 2 nights to acclimatize to the elevation before we… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 22
Sabbatical Week 21
This week marks the starting of my Annapurna Circuit trek (click on the link to see the rough trail) for a total of Length 136.7 mi Elevation gain 60,456 ft with highest crossing at 5,416 m Day 1 Booked my 15day trekking with the help with my hostel for $415 ($431 with the credit card fees)… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 21
Sabbatical Week 20
Chill week in prep for Nepal! Day 1 Relaxing day at my hotel Tried the hotel buffet restaurant Since my hotel is right in Chinatown, I obligated to visit again. Lunch time. Went back to my hotel to chill a bit for hotel happy hours! Ordered some takeouts for dinner. Day 2 Finally found a… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 20
Sabbatical Week 19
Opening Last week in Indonesia – Lombok, lots of pain and lots of memories. Rinjani is amazing. Day 1 Another travel day. I managed to tag along with the Scottish girls to the ferry terminal to go to Gili Islands (500k for 3) Unfortunately, upon arriving at the harbor I encountered probably the worst experience… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 19
Sabbatical Week 18
Opening Finally Bali. Bali is everything. You have all the big city amenities such as an International Airport and Western restaurants, even bars and wineries. Yet, it’s touristy – You pay Western prices and often without Western standards. It’s hustle and bustle and sometimes in an unpleasant way. Warm and welcoming Balinese and yet you… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 18
Sabbatical Week 17
Day 1 Waking up feasting again, first was some local coconut based deserts with palm sugar. Next was the soto (beef soup). It’s my friend’s childhood favorite food. It’s so good that we both finished two bowls. The price was around $10 for 4 bowls. After that big meal, I was taken to the horse… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 17
Sabbatical Week 16
Opening Finally Indonesia! Lots of cultures, not enough alcohol. Jakarta is underrated. Day 1 Signed up for a free walking tour that’s sponsored by the governors office of Jakarta. Immediately, you could feel the hospitality of East Javanese people. It was a great tour, though I wish things were better taken care well. It definitely… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 16
Sabbatical Week 15
Opening This week was a bit too much traveling and trip planning, which caused the delay in writing this blog. I also got to a point where I really needed a week off from traveling. Hopefully I will find my perfect retreat in Bali. Day 1 Managed to wake up at 5am for the sunrise… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 15