May 24, 2020 | Africa, America, Asia, Blog, Europe
Actually, I did not intend to write about my seven year anniversary. Somehow, I didn’t find the number all that groundbreaking. But then I posted this anniversary picture on my social media channels and received so many nice and loving comments that I decided to write...
Oct 14, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Japan
I was now in the Japanese civilization and, first of all, I had to get used to all the people, even though I was still far from being in any big city. But the hubbub had already become enough for me and it didn’t need to increase. Matsumoto is known for its...
Sep 23, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Japan
It just keeps on raining nonstop, every day. There was honestly not a single day without rain. But it continued to be warm and I somehow had to keep going forward, so I pedaled on. Of course, as always, I preferred to go into the mountains, so the trail continued...
Sep 19, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Japan
Unfortunately, the rain just keeps coming down and it has been raining every day. Actually, I’m cycling continuously in wet clothes, but at 30 degrees Celsius it is never really cold. Every night I attempt to find a dry place for my tent because I...
Sep 10, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Japan
At the port in Wakkanai, on the northern tip of the northernmost Japanese island of Hokkaido, my entire bike was disinfected and my bags were thoroughly washed before I was allowed to take it off the boat. I would be allowed to stay 90 days in Japan. If I...
Aug 23, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Russia
The scenery was still just beautiful. At a raging river I had a long break. Finally there were no insects anymore and I was pleased with myself and the world. I suddenly had this crazy feeling of freedom that I always get when I’m in nature. I...
Aug 21, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Russia
On a sunny day I cycled off and pretty soon left Khabarovsk behind me and had a quick break at a small café. A drunken co-truck driver made a move on me but another guy helped me to get rid of him. The very friendly waitress instead...
Aug 9, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Russia
Luckily it was a very smooth ferry crossing. I stayed on deck and preferred to have the wind blowing around my ears, instead of sharing a stuffy cabin with 10 Koreans. Somehow I had enough of South Koreans. I am also a fresh air lover and I much prefer to...
Jul 23, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Korea
It finally became warmer and nature virtually exploded. I discovered many species of birds that are also native at home in Germany. A nuthatch, green and spotted woodpeckers and even the jay in a national park. The plants are also often the same and...
Jul 14, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Korea
At the airport I was met by Brad. In Facebook Brad has a group called “Korea by bike” and we have been in contact for some time. I was very pleased that he took the trouble to pick me up. The airport is on an island and the streets are closed to...
Jun 29, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Taiwan
After the rigors of the Vipassana course, I continued on my journey with a truly relieved heart and stopped, first of all, at a 7-Eleven and treated myself to an ice cream. I stayed that night in the middle of Taichung in the city park. In reality, I wanted to...
Jun 13, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Taiwan
Months ago, I had signed up for a Vipassana meditation course in Taichung. I was on the waiting list, but then shortly before the course began, I received the e-mail confirmation. Many of you might be wondering why I wanted to meditate because I do that automatically...
May 19, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Taiwan
I continued to follow the east coast and cycled along beautiful bays and quaint fishing villages. I camped frequently on the beach or on small look-out towers and enjoyed life to the fullest. I was really in a good mood and answered every smile that...
May 4, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Taiwan
I hadn’t been on the island for one second when I already fell in love with the country. Briefly, I had my doubts getting into trouble, officially, I should not have been able to enter from the harbor with my temporary passport. But, with no further...
Apr 22, 2015 | Asia, Blog, China
At first, I was shocked when I saw Yangshou. Even in winter, all hell was breaking loose. There were parties, pubs, animated activity, and huge crowds of Chinese tourists. The prices were outrageous and it was anything but a beautiful, natural idyll surrounded...
Apr 9, 2015 | Asia, Blog, China
The border building at the Chinese side looked like a massive showing off structure. Luckily they processed the paperwork quickly. Thus, I had entered the monster sized country China for the third time since I left home. I was certain that this time, the country would...
Mar 9, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Vietnam
From Sapa I went to Bac Ha, a place where there is a well-known market every Sunday. Although it is already very touristy, I had a very nice day and enjoyed the colorful dresses worn by the minorities. As often in Southeast Asia, where there are too many...
Feb 26, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Vietnam
This is my fourth visit to Vietnam. Here I was always amazed by the scenery, the culture and the diversity that this country has to offer. It is only the people who I sometimes found to be stressful, because the Vietnamese are perfect businessmen and...
Jan 31, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Laos
I was driving down the raod in the direction of Hongsa because Monica, a German living in Laos for 7 years, was there waiting for me. She had invited me to eat Kaes’ Spaetzle (German cheese noodle specialty) together with her. Weeks ago, she had...
Jan 19, 2015 | Asia, Blog, Laos
At the border, the customs officials were doing lunch, so I had to wait a while before I could enter. I got the visa right at the customs counter – valid for 30 days. One more barrier and I entered the 24th country on my trip in the direction of...
Dec 24, 2014 | Asia, Blog
25,000 Kilometers and No End in Sight “19 Months in a Nutshell” In Montenegro, I had completed the first 5,000 kilometers of my trip; to arrive there, I had chosen a route through Eastern Europe climbing every mountain along...
Dec 7, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
Although the road was exhaustingly strenuous due to the endless steep hills, the landscape was breathtakingly beautiful. The mountains were blanketed lavishly with green vegetation and the fields spread across the landscape in a myriad of lovely colors. Perfectly...
Nov 24, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
I left Shangri La on the main road to the south, which was a mistake, because there was significantly more traffic on that road than I expected. I would say it was the busiest highway I was on since I began traveling in China. There wasn’t much to see...
Nov 4, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
Shortly after Ganzi, I turned off the main road into a side valley. It was an excellent road that led me directly along a swiftly flowing river. It was as beautiful as a dream. Fir trees – the entire hillside was full of fir trees! The air was clean and fresh...
Oct 16, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
For once, it was sunny and warm as I left Yushu and in the open space outside the town, there was a huge Mani stone wall, where believers were placing their painted, labeled “Om mani padme hum” stones. May glory be to you, you jewel in the lotus blossom....
Oct 12, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
After a 17-hour bus ride, I arrived in Xining in the middle of the night. Surrounded by giant skyscrapers, I searched the town for a place to spend the night. Luckily, in one hotel, the desk clerk was unaware of the regulations. At least, I was able...
Sep 30, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
Golmud is a faceless city with a youth hostel where I looked forward to a shower. But – who would have thought? – I heard those familiar words again: “mei you”. “No! That can’t be true” I...
Sep 20, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
After Gansu, the traffic signs were in Chinese and English, which made my life as a cyclist somewhat easier. The Gobi Desert seemed to be endless, but I was able to continue to motivate myself and was not really bored which could have easily happened in...
Aug 18, 2014 | Asia, Blog, China
For seven long miles I cycled through a corridor secured with barbed wire – a brand new highway that, like a snake, looped from the Kazakh border to the Chinese border. There were cameras hanging on every lamp post along that highway. From then...
Aug 5, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Kazakhstan
My first impression of Kazakhstan materialized in the driving habits of the people; I encountered a much more pleasant driving style there. Suddenly, the drivers were far more cautious; they passed me at a distance and honked only if they wanted to warn me....
Jul 26, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Kyrgyzstan
On the way to Song Kul, a lake at 3000 meters altitude, I met a Dutchman named William, who was traveling with a Dutch cycling group. He was bringing up the rear and I felt a little sorry for him, because absolutely no one in the group seemed to be looking...
Jun 23, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is the only central Asian country that allows a 2-month visa-free tourist residency. I had finally arrived in a place where there was no strict visa deadline and I could enjoy touring in the country and relaxing with no time pressure. I liked...
Jun 14, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Uzbekistan
On the border I had to fill out a zillion forms and my panniers were x-rayed again. I had to tell the officials how much money I had with me, the value of my bicycle, electronic equipment and so on. But everything went rather well, so I was quickly back on the road...
May 20, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Turkmenistan
In the morning, I rode in the direction of the border and was curious about what I should expect. Since the Turkmen are only willing to issue a transit visa (instead a tourist visa) for tourists travelling alone, I was only allowed five days in the country. I...
May 15, 2014 | Asia, Blog
Breakdowns: exchanged the rear wheel saddle chewed to pieces by a stupid dog speedometer only 5 punctures !!!!! handle bar grip broke after a crash 3 chains 3 torn gear shift cables 2 mirrors replaced 3 tail lights (2 were stolen) rear tyre replaced...
Apr 25, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Iran
From Qom I continued northeast and made a lot of headway. In the evening, unfortunately, although it was already dark, I had no place to stay. There were open fields everywhere, which are not good places to pitch a tent, and I wasn’t too enamored with the...
Apr 19, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Iran
I arrived at the harbor in Bandar Abbas in the morning and was immediately treated as a special case at immigration. I was allowed to pass a long queue of people and was first to be cleared through customs. That is still always very embarrassing to me. The...
Mar 29, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Oman
I was able to return to the trail again through Wadi Khabbah. A beautiful dream-like landscape surrounded me, but I had to work hard to get to the vistas. Once again, the road led along extremely steep, endless curves up the mountain. I...
Mar 8, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Oman
Dubai, a sea of Skyscrapers, big shopping malls, multicultural and big cars. For a short time I thought I’d arrived in Manhattan. The traffic is mad. Full of bigheads driving their fancy cars without any consideration for anyone else...
Jan 24, 2014 | Asia, Blog, Iran
Iran is thrilling. The people are extremely friendly, the mosques stunning and the culture varied and not easy to understand. I don’t regret visiting it at all , moreover, I am so happy to be able to learn more about the country. Iranian women have...
Dec 29, 2013 | Asia, Blog, Iran
I really enjoyed my time in Tbilisi a lot. I liked the city and I had big luck with my hosts. First Niko, a Georgian guy, and a few days later Taylor from the States. Both really nice blokes. Tbilisi is in a desperate shape in some areas, but this is exactly what...
Nov 24, 2013 | Asia, Blog, Georgia, Turkey
Finally I decided I should go to Iran. Therefore I needed to head back west, to the city of Erzurum, to get my visa at the Iranian consulate. I also wanted to pick up my parcel which was sent from home to a hotel in Erzurum. It contained warm clothes, new tires and...
Oct 19, 2013 | Asia, Blog, Turkey
Because of two rainy days, Rafael my present cycle partner from Spain and me extended our stay in Göreme and enjoyed the company of Anna and Olli from New Zealand as well as Lulu from China and Michael from France and listened to their bike stories. It was cold....
Oct 2, 2013 | Asia, Blog, Europe, Greece, Turkey
Acropolis & Co were ticked off soon and didn’ t impress me much. Dimitris, my warmshower host in Athens, spoiled me with local food and heaps of information. Super. If I have a look at the world map seeing the short distance I covered so far it looks really tiny...