Okay, Pakistan in good for one's ego. That's 100% clear. We're now exactly one week in Pakistan and all is going well and our egos had a significant boost, but more about that later on. The main reason of being in Paki is visiting a good, old friend on mine (who probably doesn't want to be called 'old', or do you, Renate?). We had a perfect flight from Kathmandu to ISB, with only one weird thing: the whole plane is basically full, but only 3 female passengers: 1 western lady in Business class and 2 in Economy, one of which being Agi and the other one is a local lady. Despite my initial expectation, we were shown a lovely local movie, which was actually in english: "Wolverine, origines", a typical US Hollywood blockbuster movie. Hmmmm, no ... read more

The Tale of the Smiley Skull In the forlorn town high of Shigatse, folded between the Tibetan highlands, local merchants have their devious ways to empty the pockets of trustworthy travelers. As being a worn and dusty traveler myself, this is my proud tale of the Smiley Skull mask and how it was obtained by us. On a dusty afternoon, strolling through the streets of Shigatse, where we'd arrived only a few hours before, my trustworthy travel companion Rossz Mokusom was disturbed by the shiny gloss of a skull: the Smiley Skull. Being afraid that this precious piece of local handicraft might go unnoticed and unappreciated by me, she rushed to notify me. I took then the daunting task of purchasing this precious item, but first: a thorough examination was needed. We went to the stall ... read more

Ok for the lucky ones who read this: I deliberately published this entry silently, just our of compassion for my parents. I think they wouldn't like reading certain parts too much.... Tibet, the uncensored sequel... In March 2008 there were huge riots in the streets in Lhasa. Since these riots guides and drivers are once more required. The military Chinese presence on the streets in Tibet is very clear, especially around and in the Tibetan quarters. But besides the military posts, with at least 4 soldiers, at every road entering a Tibetan quarter and the patrols in the streets, we've seen these guys on the roofs with AK47s and other lethal material. Petrol stations used by only the Chinese have roadblocks + soldiers. Every patrol of Chinese actually has a Tibetan soldier, as the Chinese themselves ... read more

Ok, we have left China and to be honest: It was about time! China is cool, but a change of setting, view, mentality and food is really appreciated after being there for ~2.5 months. We came up with the idea to gather and compile some general rambling/loose thoughts about China and its people. Chinese people: * Fond of 'poo and pee' jokes: While in the train 'talking' with hands and feet we figured out the they like these jokes. You point at someone's private parts and symbolize it's small with your fingers and they laugh like hell. * Snorting and hurling are indeed pretty common. But the weird thing is that they not only do it on the streets, but also in the buses, trains and eating places: Yummie!! * My shoes are considered HUGE (okay, ... read more

After our trip in the gorge and the decision to change our travel plans (delay Myanmar, first Tiber/Nepal), we've decided to change also one other thing: we took a plane from Kunming to Chengdu. The distance was approx 700 km, or at least that's what we've thought, cause the total time in the air was one hour. So actually we don't have a clue. But flying with the Chinese is actually funny. Before the boarding procedure there is a neat line, but once the gate opens the nice queue vanishes and a big mob tries to enter the plane at the same time. But surprise - surprise: everybody went actually to their assigned seat. The flight was non-eventfull.... In Chengdu we found our hostel and apparently there was only one top-bunk available: not optimal, especially knowing ... read more