Back in France just on time to cross two adventures from my wish list! Although my family lives only a few hours from the Pyrenees mountain range, I never got the chance to be in France in June since they moved there...which is precisely the best time of the year to go rafting and trekking in the area! Actually, as far as the rafting on the Gave d'Ossau (class III & IV) is concerned, it is only feasible between late April and June, right after springtime when plenty of water is coming down the snake like river, so yes I had been waiting for many years... The huge plus was that this was a family trip which when leaving on the other side of the world doesn’t happen that often, and make it all the ... read more

Here we go...back on travelblog and way too many blogs to key in! (which I guess is somehow a good thing…) More UNESCO world heritage sites with the discovery of the Fujian and its famous Tulou (Chinese rammed earth buildings)! Those unique work of art had initially been misinterpreted as being “missile launch base” by the American in the 60’s and although it is today a good joke, one can only be impressed by those round and square tulou buildings where dozen families live in perfect equality while being protected from the outside world by the structure of the building in itself. Although this is not on the usual Chinese tourist map, it had been on the “to be seen” list of one of my very best friend Sophie and after a few days I arrived ... read more

Hitting the road again...but not any road, THE Karakoram highway, also known as the highest paved international road in the world, an adventure in itself! This road built by Pakistan and China connects Kashgar to Islamabad, reaching the altitude of 4600 meters, and goes through the border area where Pakistan, Tajikistan, China, Afghanistan are all within 250 km from each others. Sceneries...well, the word in itself sounds weak to describe the unbelievable diversity of landscapes, lights, colors, climates & the speed to which all those could change for better (and sometime worse...) , a paradise for the one seeking nature at its purest... Leaving Kashgar...short backtrack Here I was, standing by a local SUV at the very far end of Kashgar, sorting out the transportation for the first part of the journey along the Karakora... read more

“Turpan, a fertile oasis along the northern route of the Silk Road…”sounds like a good start and after all Xinjiang is about contrasts so after the snow capped mountains of the Urumuqi Southern Pastures, lots of sun, desert as far as you can see and ancients cities ruins were exactly what we needed! About 3 hours drive from Urumuqi Santunbei bus station (150KM SE), Turpan is a medium size city, full of energy, where donkey karts, motorbikes, minivans and cars are sharing the busy streets, locals sell all sorts of nan (local bread) & skewers of lamb/ mutton marinated in s spice mix (yami!!) and the desert is right outside the city… Ancient city of JiaoHe, One of the world's architectural wonders Dropt our bag and went straight for the ancient city of Jiao He, a ... read more

Last leg of the costarican experience and well...kept the best for the end! Ever wondered what it felt like to spend time in “the most biologically intense place on earth” (National Geographic)? Exploring one of the tallest rainforests in the world, hoping (not) to run into some of the most dangerous snakes, frogs & spiders the world has to offer or go diving with 4 meters + Manta Rays, sharks & schools of hundred of tropical fish…?? Mmmm… might have wanted to keep this secluded nature wonderland for myself but locals are so far well protecting the area and the fact that this remains one of the most inaccessible places in the entire country should do it! Well, in the case of the Corcovado Park & surrounding area, the journey in itself would be worth a ... read more