In the light of past experience and current worldwide political and economical developments we had considered the following options of continuing Truck-the-World:
Driving back through Thailand, Laos and China overlanding home through Mongolia, Russia and Eastern Europe. Not attractive to travel Thailand, Cambodia, Laos or China again. Not amusing.
Driving back through Thailand and transit Myanmar to India with shipping and overlanding options to Europe or Africa. Not desirable, see above.
Shipping to Corea. But like China, USA and Japan South Korea did not ratify the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic including acknowledgment of national vehicle registration, effective 1977. But they had signed Geneva Convention in 1949 which was in turn never signed by Germany for historical reasons… Other than China or USA South Korea makes null exception for German plated vehicles, not even for temporal import. Talks to South Corean Ambassador in Bonn had no effect. So Korea was out of truck-the-world.
Same with Japan. Jap autorities seemed more flexible at first accepting authentification of German Carnet de Passage by Japan Automobile Federation. But Japanese inspection and registration of German plated vehicles was required for temporary import. Those regulations address new car import and sale and their fulfillment costs at least 5000 US$. We did not expect our 25 year old truck meeting current Japanese emission or noise standards, eg. So Japan was out of truck-the-world, too.
Shipping outbound Kuala to Vladivostok, Russia and continuing West as above.
Shipping outbound Kuala to Australia’s Darwin or Fairbanks. This is extremely costly and laborious because of Australia’s compulsory vehicle disinfection process. Their motto: Stop disease at the gate... We have past experience with camper fruit fly inspections driving across Aussie states and were not interested to repeat that experience.
Overland wonderful Malaysia and Singapore and shipping outbound Kuala or Singapore with lots of options to Europe, South Africa, North or South America.
We voted for option 7, overlanding Malaysia and Singapore, since we had been hindered to do that earlier due to technical truck problems. We overlanded for 4 weeks and 1.800 km and left the truck in Malaysia for the next leg, i.e., shipping outbound.
Malaysia and Singapore provide every comfort you need at times, Malaysians are familiar with English, service and technical standards of hotels or workshops are high.. So at the beginning of February 2020 we flew back to Kuala, inspected, tested and checked our truck, did final services and tests and and started our Malay Singapore Tour.
After start, however, Corona virus became virulent especcially in Singapore, not yet a problem in Malaysia. As a consequence we declined Singapore from our travel options.
MALAYSIA
In Kuala Lumpur we checked into Subang Jaya Empire Hotel providing high standards for a 5-day-stay, KL centre was easy to reach by train and Grab as well as our truck workshop in Shah Alam. We spent half days at that workshop and leisuring in KL.
And here it is Repainted and almost Beautiful… at Ah Shang Motors Wokshop | Shah Alaam…among other Patients
We preferred to sit at our hotel terrace and watch Traffic…
.,,View from Subang Yaya Hotel Terrace and Train into KL City……We Revisited Petronas Towers and KLCC Park……Entered the Towers for Lunch……and KLCC Park Under Tropic Rain Conditions……Coming back to Life quickly after the Rain | Kuala LmpurWe Tested and Picked up our Truck at Ah Shang Motors | Shah AlaamCamped at a Vast Beach on the Coast on our Way to Malakka……And at Better Beach Campings……With a „New“ Truck……And Europe far Away… | Malakka…Malakka’s Fort and Channel……Fort Malakka……Old Guesthouses and Bars……Central Dutch Church because Malakka was Dutch Colony, too……Dutch Stadthuis……St. Pauls Church on Top……Sultanate Palace Downhill……Al Famosa Castle……Independence Memorial……At Muzium Samudera Portuguese Flor de la Mar Expects us Visiting……Access to Captain’s Booth……His Booth from Outside……Tropic Rain again during a Tour on Malakka Channel……Great Wall Paintigs Alingning……King at War……Coulorful Painted Houses……At Town Exit Chinese Culture like everywhere in Malayisa | Melakka…But we Leave……Camping at one of the Fabulous Beaches……Cleansed by Pupils……And Enjoy Chukai West Coast……and Wonderful campsite Marang with Great People……This is Marang……Camp at Kuala Terengganu later……Receiving Visitors at Night……Meeting German Bikers at Tasik Kenyir Lake……We Continue West to Taman Negara National Park Watching Destruction of Rain Forest……Having a Boat Trip on Sungai Aring River……Meeting Native Fishermen…….Passing the Rain Forest……And People Tents……We Leave over the Bridge……Take a Break at Orient Express Station on our Way to Cameron Highlands……Hosted by Friendly People on our Way…..Like Alash……And Spanish Elias Escribano on his Bike aound the World……Meanwhile Passing 80+ Degrees on Engine Temperature and 200k on km Worldwide……Enjoying a Perfect Dinner at Cameron Highlands Resort | Cameron HighlandsAt MAN Workshop we Started to Finalize Truck Repairs | RawangLike this……Getting Involved into Hindu Celebrations……Detecting a Missing Link between Exhaust Pipes……Enjoying Monkeys above and Putting the Truck Back to Ah Shang Workshop | Shah AlaamAccepting the Invitation of our Friend Mike Thiem to Take a Week’s Rest at his Resort on Tioman Island with Bus and Cataferry……Here it is: Our Hut……At Coconut Beach……True……Cheers Coconut Beach Resort……Coconut Beach Resort Restaurant……Our Host……Boat Trip aroud Tioman Island……Arriving at Pantai Kamupung Tekek……The Biggest Tourist Place at Tioman Island……Monitored by a Lizzard……And Said Good Bye to Tioman Island | Malaysia
In the light of Corona pandemic development at the end of February 2020 we decided not to visit Singapore in order to avoid quarantine, Malaysia and Singapore apply strict health rules.
Furthermore we decded to end this leg at March 4th ahead of schedule and to return to Germany not risking lockdown in Malaysia or being quarantined at home.
We parked our truck at a friends warehouse together with 10 other stranded vehicles, prepared it for shipping and said Good Bye to Malaysia.
We Booked into the Last Emirates A380 Leaving KLIA Airport……And Hurried to Leave Malaysia like others in an almost Empty Super Aircraft | MalaysiaWe Arrived Safely at Home and had one of our Favorite Dishes | Germany
To be continued… See next Post on Truck-the-World Leg 9
We served an IJAB/Ministry of Foreign Affairs contract at the ACT to CHANGE conference on International Youth Work during November/December 2019. Aside from documenting the conference and its results interviews on 3 different youth projects were conducted on location in Casablanca, Essaouira and Tiznit.
We are desert lovers and decided to add a visit to Fort Bou Jerif in Southern Morocco , the Port to Sahara, again. This overlander relay/campement was founded by our friend Guy Dreumont in the early years of Dakar Rallye.
Guy had been the first medical doctor in Chief of the very first Raris to Dakar Rallye in 1978/79 on Peugeot 504 Break and had decided to move to Southern Morocco after selling Fort Bou Jerif and still dwells in Agadir. Time for a visit.
So we rented a car and started working in Casablanca at the conference ACT to CHANGE with 100 attendees from Egypt, Germany, Morocco and Tunesia.
CASABLANCA
is an old colonial Town with a lot of such achitecture and lively in the evenings with lots of bars and restaurants. The conference Hotel was located downtown close to the port.
After lots of problems with the truck and repairs, holdup robbery, hospitals and health a light at the horizon had occurred in the persons of David Goodchild and his friend Glenn Clements. They convinced Thai authorities to accept our truck into Thailand and transferred it to and stored it at Plodd Stop in Pattaya.
Our humble thanks go to Dave, Glenn and their families for their selfless help and care without even asking for any earnings. We also learned that overlanding provides positive and healing experience as well.
In December 2018 we decided to continue trucking the world for 2 months and flew back to Pattaya. We drove around 4.500 km through Thailand and Malaysia. We parked the truck in Kuala Lumpur in January 2019.
THAILAND
Dave picked us up at Bangkok Airport and we stayed in his guest house for truck check and final repairs, car wash and haircut. Meanwhile we spent time with Dave and his friends, all of them engaged pool players.
We Found our Truck Safely and Securely Parked at Plodd Stop | Pattaya…During the Day as Well as During the nights……Together with Friend`s Mercedes and Camper Making 1oo Countries on 5 Continents in Years……so we Greeted Glenn and other Old White Men in his Old Bill Bar……Two of them with One or more Beers……Some Playing some Pool……Ate One of the Best Bratwurst I ever Had at French Pum Pui’s Restaurant……Got Drinking Water at the Local Waterworks……Got Hair Done……the Truck Washed Outside and Inside……Picked up Anneli for a Drink……and Had Farewell Dinner with Dave and Leslie at Swiss Samis Restaurant with Steak, Bratwurst and Cheese Fondue in Pattaya | Thailand
We left Dave and Leslie for a visit of Northern Thailand and were invited to come back to Pattaya for Christmas celebrations. Surrounding Bangkok we headed North to Sukhothai Thani and Chiang Mai.
Way up to Ciang Mai in Northern Thailand MAN Drive Belts Made Squeaking Noises … …but Nice People Did a Great Job Under the Sun | ThailandWe Reached Romantic Sukhothai Thani Camping Close to a Stele Under Sun Down | ThailandBuddha and Ruins inside the Old City of Wide Spread Sukhothai……Temple Ruins in Sukhothai……not Pisa but Sukhothai……Hindu Temple and Altar in Sukhothai……Great Free Standing Shiva in Front of a Stele in Sukhothai……But Secured Shiva in Sukhothai, too…… Pupils Visiting Sukhothai Well Organized | Thailand On the Road again heading North | ThailandHaving a Drink in Chiang Mai | ThailandRemainders of the Historic Town Wall and Castle in Chiang Mai | Thailand Wat Chiang Mun Temple Made Ready for Christmas and New Year…… Monks Having a Hard Time with Temple Beauty…… Surveyed by Holy Crocodiles…… Golden Chiang Mun Temple Front in Chiang Mai…… But they Won’t Listen, Watch or Tell anything at Chiang Mun | ThailandWat Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai | Thailand Wat Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai | Thailand … Seating Buddha at Wat Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai | Thailand Amphoe Mae Sariang Festivities…… Offering Sate…… Lots of Cabbage and Morning Glory…… And Fresh Fish at Amph0e Mae Sariang | Thailand We Continued West to Thai-Myanmar and Aligned this Border to Mae Sot Across high Montains with Wonderful Views | ThailandWe Arrived at Ayutthaya Pleasure Ground | Thailand…And Celebrated Annelis Birthday in Ayutthaya | ThailandWatched by Several Buddhas…… Together with Tourist Elephants in Ayutthaya | ThailandFor Christmas we were Invited Back to Pattaya…… Into Dave’s Guesthouse…… At the Pool…… And to David’s and Leslie’s House…… For Classic Turkey Christmas Dinner Prepared by the Owners…… And this was Christmas with Dave, his Daughter…… And Anneli in Pattaya | ThailandChristmas Repairs Included Bike Tires…… And the Pump of the Truck’s Vaccum Toilet in Pattaya | ThailandWe Continued South to Kaeng Krachan National Park, a Tourist Attraction Close lose to Myanmar Border | ThailandGreeted by a Golden Buddha…… And Snakes…… At Big Kaeng Krachan Lake…… With Hungry Monkeys…… A Suspension Bridge…… Among Thai Campers | Thailand We Continued South at the East Coast… | Thailand…Passing Coconut Harvest…… And Spent New Year’s Evening 2018 at Amphoe Bang Saphan Beach…… Surveyed by Buddha | Thailand… Celebrating New Year 2019 Here | ThailandWe crossed Thailand East to West Through the Mountains and Camped at Kra Buri Waterfalls | Thailand…Wich Turned out to be Nothing but a Runlet at Comfortable Temperature……And Lots of Tropic Flowers in Kra Buri | ThailandWe reached Thai West Coast at Amphoe Kapoe and Camped at the Romantic Beach……Where the Boys Played……A Just Married Couple Celebrated their Honeymoon……While we Watched Fishermen……And Enjoyed Sundown After the Party Had Left Amphoe Kapoe | ThailandThai West Coast Was Severely Damaged at 2004 Banda Aceh Tsunami and Evacuation Routes were Built and Signs Put all over that Coast……This Coast at Ampoe Takua Pa Was Hit , too……And this Memorial was Built for Thousands of Killed People……In Commemoration of Some of them…A Policeboat was Found more than 20 km Inland……And was Left there as Memorial……And Buddha Watches Ampoe Takua Pa | ThailandWe Continued Down South to Kao Lak and its White Sand Beach……Parked Our Truck……Close to the Uncrowded Beach……But with Some People……And Myself…We Admired Holiday Mansions at Kao Lak but Left that Noisy Place for the Night……And Spent that Night at AmphoeTakua Pa Beach……And Repairing our Truck Next Morning which did not Want to Start the Engine and to Leave Wonderful Amphoe Takua Pa, all Together with a Friendly and Competent Local Mechanic | ThailandWe visited the Oldtown of Phuket, in Fact one Single Road with Restored Colonial Buildings……Like this one and Most of them Owned by Chinese……Or this One……But in General Buildings Look Like That……But we Preferred Tasty Breakfast in this Modern Cafe in Phuket | ThailandWe Left Crowded and Noisy Phuket and Found a Nice Beach at Amphoe Mueang Krabi for Rest | ThailandThe Next Beach Camping within Amphoe Sikao National Park Said Not to Litter……Accordingly we did NOT……Prepared a Cocktail……to Greet Sundown……And Got Waked-Up by the Local Anti-Littering Campaign at Amphoe Sikao | ThailandWe Took the Ferry Boat over Amphoe Kantang River……Met an Elephant on the Road……had a Final Sip at Amphoe La-ngu Beach in Sothern Thailand……Attaining the Thai-Malay Wang Prachan Border at Ampoe Khuan-Donin the Mountains | Thailand
MALAYSIA
Finally we entered Malyasia without Problem, our Passports got staped and Carnet de Passage was accepted and stamped by Thai and Malay auhthorities.
We Camped for the Night High-up in Titi Tinggi National Park at Kampung Wang Kelian with a Wonderful View over North-West Malaysia…And Got Malay Ringgit Money in Kangar | Malaysia Next Day the Truck Jumped over a Steep but Undetected Road Bump . Thereafter we Heard Scratching Noises from Under the Truck Booth for some Seconds every Time we Drove over Regular Bumps. Luckily Local MAN Service was Close and we Drove to Bandar Seberang Jaya also Known as Butterworth……During Inspection we found that the Front of the 2 Cross Memebers of the Cabin Bridge was Broken……We were Guided to a Workshop Closeby… …to Get Provionary Welding Done……And this Bandage was the Result. We Agreed to Spend the Rest of Holidays Driving Precautiously Avoiding Off-Road and Bumps as far as Possible. We made an Appointment to Deliver the Truck at the End of our Holidays to Ah Shang Motors, one of the Biggest Truck Body Repair Companies in Maylaysia for repair of the Cross Member. They would Bring the Truck for Maintenance and Overhaul to MAN Rawang Afterwards, see https://rahmenbruch.com/ for details……for Lunch we were Invited by MAN Manager Thaya and his Technical Director Gopi for an Indian Lunch……On Banana Leaves……And we Enjoyed it a Lot in Bandar Seberang Jaya | Malaysia Our next Stop was Penang at Malay West Coast ……With the View of Georgetown at Night……And with Fishermen During Daytime in Penang | Malaysia
Georgetown is an Old Colonial City Built by Brish and Dutch Colonialists. It comes lively and with a lot of history and those buildings, motly renovated, definitely worth visiting. Today Chinese and Hindu people are running the city and its business…
We Parked and Camped next to the Beach and Historic Christian Cemetery at an Old Kindergarten/Nursery……the Old Cemetery with Colonialist Graves……Georgetown Big Ben was Close… …Nice Pubs and Bars like „Baby Vodka“……Museum and Art Gallery in Ruins……Colonial Museum……The Town Hall……And its Modern Cafe……Great Mansions……And Balconies……Wonderful Art Deco Doors……Modern Wall Paintings……And Typical two Storage Houses of Old British Colonies……The Chinese Waldorf Hotel……Wedding Party just Next to the Hotel……And the Red Garden, a Tourist Place with Local Food in Prepared in 100 Small Shops……Where we had DInner with our British Friends Sonia Ennals……Jim Wintour and Bruce, Canadian Friend and Tasty Halal Ice Cream Later……And the Evening in this Bar Accessible through a Fridge……Next Day we Visited Famous Campbell Warehouse in Georgetown……And Blue Mansion Built by a Chinese Tradesman 100 years ago……Inner Courtyard of Blue Mansion… …Another Courtyard of Blue Mansion……Its Second Floor……Blue Mansion Restaurant……And Romantic Lunch in Blue Mansion Restaurant……Restaurant Balcony of Blue Mansion..…Next Day’s Dinner in LaksaLicious……Looks Like this……Time to Say Goodbye to Geogetown like this Cruise Liner | MalaysiaTime to Visit the Pulau Orang Utan Resort Island | Malaysia…Where the Human Visitors are Imprisoned in a Big Cage……And The Orangs Practice Freedom in Trees……Or Go Easy on the Ground……Feeling Amazed on Caged Tourists in Palau |MalaysiaOn our Way to Kuala we Camped Next to but NOT Underneath a Durian Tree in Teja……And in Shah Alam for a Visit to Ah Shang Motors who Agreed to Replace the Cross Member with a Handmade Design, see https://rahmenbruch.com/ for Details……At Night we were Surprised by Heavy Tropical Rain Turning our Ground into a Muddy River Vanishing Completely Next Day under Tropical Sun of Shah Alam | MalaysiaWe Continued to Kuala Lumpur and Camped Next to this Muslim Cemetery Next to Petronas Towers in the Centre of Kuala……One of the 2 Petronas Towers……KLCC Leisure Park Behind the Towers……Petronas Entrance……Bank Buildings all over Kuala Centre……Petronas Towers from a Distance at Night……KLCC Park at Night……Preparing Chinese New Year all over Kuala Lumpur Meaning Total Standstill of Everything for a Full Week in Kuala Lumpur | MalaysiaMalaysia and Kuala Develop Quite Fast and one May Regret that Just a Few Colonial Buildings are Valued and Wait for Renovation Like this Train Station of Kuala Lumpur | MalaysiaOn our Way to the Coast South-West of Kuala Lumpur we Ran into this Poor Oil Palm Harvest on its Way to the Mill……And Spent a Day at Morib Beach Together with British Overlanders who Had Crossed China together with us in 2016 | MalaysiaWe Met Sue and Ted at Morib Beach and I Brought Anneli to KLIA Airport because she had to Go Home for Work | MalaysiaI Drove Slowly Back to Rawang MAN Rawang and Ran into Thousands of People Celebrating Prime Hindu Holiday at Gombak | MalaysiaI Enjyed a Refreshing Bath Close to Rawang | MalaysiaAnd Spent my Last Day at Bentong with Enough Space on the Huge Bus Parking of Gunung Highlands……A Mega Tourist Amusement Park High Up in the Mountains about 1800 m above Sea……Farewell Drink with Sonia and Jim Again……in our Truck Next to their Toyota Camper at Gunung Highlands | Malaysia…Saying Goodbye to Malaysia
THAILAND
On the Way to MAN Rawang, however, the Truck Ran Downhill without Braking. So I Jumped off at a Speed of about 25 km/h and Broke my Right Foot. Diagnosis at Gunung Hospital Said Nothing Broken, I asked for X-ray but the doctor did not make it.
Since the Foot Ballooned and Hurt very much I communicated with Dave and he advised to Return to Pattaya for Medical Care and treatment. I agreed, left the trck with MAN and took a flight to Bangkok where Dave picked me up at the Airport.
First x-ray at Bangkok Royal Hospital in Pattaya diagnosed Lisfranc Luxationfracture Middle Foot Right | ThailandDoctors Recommended me to Fly Home for Treatment and with Hanse Merkur Insurance we Negotiated my Transport Taking a Full Week with Lots of Discussions… Hanse Merkur definitely not Recommended, Pattaya | Thailand…While we Played Pool again……Attended British Expats‘ Garden Parties……And Said Goodbye to Leslie and Dave with a Big Thankyou for Help and Support……And Finally Flew Home with Lufthansa Business Class from Bangkok | Thailand
To be continued… See next Post on Truck-the-World Leg 8
Overlanding is kind of luxuriating high end migration and addicted to political, economic, security, safety or climate dynamics as well. After conquering such problems transiting Aserbaidjan, Iran, Stan-States and China in 2015 and 2016 we did not expect any problem driving through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore or shipping the truck inbound Japan via South Corea.
In 2016, however, Thailand DLT surprised overlanders like us establishing new regulations closing transit for overlanding third-country-trucks like ours effective 1.1.2017. Consequently we changed plans intending to ship outbound Cambodia’s Port Sihanoukville to any place in this world. We found out, however, that Sihanoukville offers RoRo extremely rarely. Since our big truck does not fit into any container it needs 40′ Flat Racks then. Their availability was quite scarce so that we skipped the plan shipping outbound Cambodia. Same outbound Saigon/HCMC currently not even offering any RoRo anymore.
Like nomads we do not stick to plans. Being unable to forsee climate, economic or political changes we adapt decently and continuously, no matter what we like or dislike. Consequently we decided to try entering Thailand against rules and regulations and willing to see how far we might get.
CAMBODIA
We returned back to Phnom Penh by air and supervised ongoing truck repairs and maintenance at ENVOTECH. Inspection showed that new Michelin Tires had been fitted and minor jobs been done.
ENVOTECH Company | Phnom Penh
MAN UNICAT with New Tires at ENVOTECH Workshop | Phnom Penh
But batteries had not been charged and the engine had not been started for more than a year. Diesel pipes and filters had to be cleaned and new batteries to be installed. The AirCon had to be repaired.
Four New Batteries for UNICAT | Phnom PenhAirCon Repair by Specialists | Phnom PenhAirCon Dryer Replacement | Phnom PenhAirCon Front and Rear Evaporator after Overhaul before Installation | Phnom Penh
All these jobs were done badly and took much more time than expected. Even more consequences: 14V alternator, electric Diesel fuel pumps and radio were not working any more and we found ourselves on unwanted holidays in Phnom Penh during rain season.
Rain Season at Riverfront | Phnom PenhRiverfront View from Muddy Tonle Sap River | Phnom PenhDaily TukTuk Ride to Truck Workshop | Phnom Penh
Holidays ended, however, when Anneli was bag snatched and robbed at 10 pm in front of our Asia Tune Hotel entrance after birthday dinner. She was teared along the street and severely injured, clavicula fracture, but nobody cared, no hotel, no police, no ambulance, and snatchers were not traced.
Two friendly Trattoria Del’Arte waitresses, however, recognized us as customers and took us by TukTuk to Naga Clinic for First Aid. The good news was that the stolen bag contained just one credit card, keys, some dollars and iPhone but no passports nor anything of importance. Thanks to recommended ALLIANZ insurance each item was replaced.
Asia Tune**** Hotel Entrance and Location of Robberies | Phnom Penh
We turned to luxury Royal Bangkok Hospital for X-Ray, doctor’s advice and medication. It took another 4 days to convince hotel management to raise official complaint at the police and to produce an accident report. It turned out that 3 serious bag snatchings had been video recorded in front of the hotel per night on the average.
Attending Royal Bangkok Hospital | Phnom PenhRiverside Police Station | Phnom Penh
After 6 days Anneli’s condition was stable enough to fly home for operation and treament in Germany. German ADAC organized and booked our trip with the aid of German doctors giving us a lot of support, thanks.
ThaiAirways Business Class Flight Makes Happy | Phnom Penh
We were quite unhappy with ENVOTECH performance but another good news was that British friends, Dave Goodchild and Glenn Clements, offered to take our truck away from Phnom Penh and ENVOTECH and to drive it into Thailand. We were quite lucky to agree and David and John were successful in spite of hindrances by laws, Thai DLT, police and customs, thanks and congratulations, cheers!
Close to Sihanoukville on the Rainy Road to Thai Border | CambodiaMAN UNICAT Waiting in Nomansland for Paperwork to be Done at the Border | Cambodia – Thailand
Consequently we pronouce a WARNING: Never ever use ENVOTECH services or even store your car or truck there. Former owner Finn is a friendly European without influence on ENVOTECH since his stepson Vuthy Uy has taken over promising and signing any contract and excusing any fault without any responsibility, manners or sympathy. Plus 3.30 USD per day without valuable trade-off but destroyed batteries, clamped Diesel pipes, electric shortcuts and more.
The Americas including North, South and Central America are on our truck-the-world list. Senior Expert Service SES is a nonprofit foundation of the German Economy for International Cooperation and cooperates with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. CAFA is one of the biggest Mexican construction companies building Panama channel in those days and located in Auguascalientes, centre of Mexican Automotive industry.
Ten years ago CAFA built Aguascalientes Ovalo, a race track for US American NASCAR series.
Aguascalientes Proving Ground Overview Including Ovalo Race TrackView over Augascalientes Ovalo
Since the track was abandoned because of security concerns, CAFA recently designed a project converting the track into a professional vehicle proving and testing ground for Mexican automotive industry. Mexican Ministry for Technology and Development supported the project and asked SES for testing and evaluation expertise.
As a lecturer at Berlin Technical University, see www.kfz.tu-berlin.de/menue/lehrangebot/fahrversuche_im_automobilbau/ and Springer author on Automotive Testing and Evaluation science books SES asked me to consult and to train CAFA on automotive testing standards, technology, data aquision and analysis.
Wolf D Käppler: Smart Vehicle Handling – Test und Evaluation in der Fahrzeugtechnik, ISBN 978-3-662-464-168 | Springer 2015
During work at CAFA headquarters in Aguascalientes I went traveling to several Colonial cities North of Mexico City. After finalizing the consulting contract we drove around Yucatan peninsula by car. 8.000 km were covered overlanding Mexico.
CAFA CONSULTING
As a start of 3 weeks consulting several overviews over ISO vehicle handling test standards, procedures and testing technology were presented. CAFA personnel was educated and trained on vehicle dynamics and real time data measurement, sensor technology and data analysis. Training on the job including the organization and realization of testing execution and evaluation of results was given including safety and security aspects.
Meeting at CAFA with Boss Carlos, Project Manager Fernando and Carlos plus Visitor | Aguascalientes
In several meetings test standard requirements in terms of surface, slope, track length and curve radii were analysed, compared and selected from hundreds of tests.
Example of Selected ISO Vehicle Handling Test Standards
Test rides according to selected ISO test standards were executed in order to make sure that required testing speeds, 100 km/h, e.g., were attained by standard vehicles and that braking distances were safe. Furthermore, safety zones were evaluated.
Personal ISO Steady State Curve Driving Test at Ovalo
Suitable ISO test standards were selected and documented and time and business plans including concept, personnel and finance for what CAFA called „Vehicle Test and Design Centre“ were developed.
CAFA Vehicle Test and Design Cente“ Project Business Pan
AUGUASCALIENTES
…is a historic Spanish Colonial city with 700.000 inhabitants at an altitude of 1.800 m. Restored Colonial buildings are located around central Plaza Patria. Adjoining is a nice but small historic center with a limited number of pubs.
Quality Inn Hotel**** at Plaza Patria for 3 Weeks | AguascalientesGovernment and Municipalt Palace next to Hotel……with Impressive Inside Loggias……Cathedral de Nuestra Senora left of Hotel……Selling Veggies at Side Entrance……Theatro Morelo next to Hotel……with Modern Art……Jacaranda……Dancing and Music each Night at Plaza Patria……Hair Dressing at Plaza Patria……Concerts……with Pubs and Music at the Bar Mile………no Tesla Cars but Power Stations | Aguascalientes…Public Transport is Cheap in Aguascalientes……Autobuses are Comfortable and Basic Transportation between Cities……Goodbye Dinner at Rincon Maya Restaurant with fine Native Maya Food, Recommended……next to Templo del Senor del Encino at Jardin del Encino……with Wedding Ceremony | Aguascalientes
ZACATECAS and GUADALUPE
These are famous Colonial cities 600 km North of Auguascalientes at an Altitude around 2.000 m.
Bus Trip Alignng Cactus at 2000 m Altitude to Zacatecas 600 km North of AguascalientesMy Fiesta Inn Hotel**** Run by CAFA Owners | ZacatecasColonial City Hall and Main Road… | Zacatecas…with Houses Colonial Style……El Cubo Aquedukt……and Quinta Real Hotel……Preparing for Wedding Party in the Former Bullfighting Arena | ZacatecasIglesia Santo Domingo and Museo Moderno Francisco Coronel | ZacatecasTheatro Fernando Calderon……Museo of Masks Rafael Coronel……Mezcala Style……Pre-Hispanic Style……Spanish Colonial Style……and Ceremonial Elephant |ZacatecasMina El Eden Silver Mine Entrance | ZacatecasMexican Hero Pancho Villa at Cerro de la Bufa……Watching Zacatecas and Cathedral from AboveConvento de Guadalupe… | Guadalupe…next to Guadelupe Museo of Art with Coaches of the Cardinal……and a Cadillac | Guadalupe
GUANAJUATO
… is another rich and beautiful Colonial city North of Mexico City and full of life, sightseeings and tourists, and worth to visit.
Art Nouveau Theatro Jurarez | Guanajuato…Stage……Seatings……Ceiling……Foyer | GuanajuatoTemplo Valenciana | GuanajuatoBasilica Nuestra Senora | GuanajuatoCallejon del Beso – Ally of the Kiss | GuanajuatoAlhondiga de Granaditas, Former Granary but Regional Museum Today | GuanajuatoMercado Eiffel……still a Market | GuanajuatoAfter Sunday Concert in El Parque del Jardin | GuanajuatoStart of the Night Walk for Tourists around Old Town……Tourists Listening to the Guide……Cervantes Museum……and Teatro Cervantes | GuanajuatoHouse and Museum of Diego Rivera… | Guanajuato…his Parent’s Bed……and one of his Famous Wall Paintings Today in Mexico CitySupreme Court of 1st Republic of Mexico | GuanajuatoSupreme Court Assembly Hall……next to House of Alexander von Humbodt……in1803 | Guanajuato
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
…is another Colonial City next to Guanajuato and quite touristic, too, but smaller, UNESCO World Heritage and worth to visit.
My Casa Oratorio**** Hotel in the Centre | San MiguelPlaza Principal around the Corner with La Parroquia and……Templo de San Rafael……Theatro Angela Peralta built early 20th Century……Nightlife at Umaran Main Street……Hat Sellers……San Francisco……Main portal of the Nuestra Señora de la Salud Church……“Guardian“ at Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez next to Museuo Historico Casa de Allende Entrance……Monumental Gate at the House of the Counts of the Canal…….Built in 18th Century and currently Owned by Banamex Bank……Views over the City and 2-Floor-Buildings……Public Transport uphill……Music Band……and Old Guitar Playing for a Dime at Restoran Los Milagros | San Miguel
MERIDA
After completion of CAFA consulting our trip around Yucatan Peninsula started in Merida, political and economical centre of Yucatan with historic Colonial centre around PLaza Grande. We did a 3-week-tour counter-clockwise around the peninsula by car and stayed in many hotels close to the sea.
Flight Auguacalientes – Merida over Mexico City…Merida University…..with its Teatro Uiversitario Felipe Carillo Puerte……and Teatro Daniel Avala……and Art Nouveau Teatro Armando Manzanero……Roman Catholic Cathedral de Merida at Plaza Grande……and Camara de Comercio……and Policia at Centro Cultural Olimpio……and Museo Casa Montejo with Wealth and Culture of those Days on Display…,,,but there is Real Life at Mercado San Benito……and at Chaya Maya Restoran at Parque Santa Lucia, Major Barmile at Night……with Friendly Service in Maya Dress……and Fine Cocktails And Maya Food | Merida
CELESTUN SISAL
..yes, correct, that is where Sisal comes from, made from Agave fiber for clothing, hats, carpets, ropes…
First Stop at Castillito Kin-Nah Hotel Run by Unfriendly German Expats, note the Fence | Celestun…Tasty Wine instead of Corona Beer at Celestun Beach……Boat Trip through Mangrove Forest of Reserva de la Biosfera Ria Celestun……Watching Few Flamingos……and Tourists | Celestun
UXMAL
Uxmal is an ancient Maya city of the classical period in today’s Mexico around 9th century, UNESCO World Heritage. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Maya culture, along with Palenque, Chichén, and Calakmul in Mexico.
View over the Archaeological Site of Uxmal with Nunnery and……Pyramid of the Magician | UxmalBall Game Playground……and Iguana | Uxmal
CAMPECHE
…was next stop at Yucatan West Coast, another attractive Colonial city with a lot of tourists and a big Plaza, quite nice.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción at Independence Square……and Typical Street with 2-Floor-Houses in the Centre | Campeche
CIUDAD DEL CARMEN
The route from Campeche to Vilahermosa in Tabasco state touches boring Ciudad del Carmen but follows the Caribbean beach most of the time. Thanks to many bridges it crosses several islands off shore and passes lagunes for almost 400 km.
Route 180 South Aligning the Beach Populated by Hundreds of PelicanesFresh Fish at the Beach | Ciudad del Carmen
VILAHERMOSA
…is the Capital of Tabasco state and quite industrial but comes with one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico.
Olmeca Plaza**** Hotel | Vilahermosa…Municipality and Empty Plaza at Night……but Jaguars in the Parque-Museo……and lots of Olmeca Statues, among them this Colossal Olmeca Head in Open-Air Parque-Museo de la Venta, one of the most Important Archaeological Sites in Mexico | Vilahermosa
PALENQUE
…a former Maya state blooming in 7th century AC in today’s Chiapa state close to Guatemala is a must-see archaeological site and most beautiful in the middle of the jungle, UNESCO World Heritage.
Outside WIndow View of our Paraiso Inn*** | Palenque…Banana Blossom | PalenqueFamous Temple of Inscription in the Jungle……wit Palace and Observation Tower next……and Temple of Sun | Palenque
PUERTO AVENTURAS & TULUM
On our route back North we aligned Belize border and joined West Coast. Puerto Aventuras is a retort city for the Elderly, you should have money and own a boat. This was our base for a visit of Tulum site.
LM by Inmense**** with Artificial Port and Real Dolphins Included……Beach Acccess for Hotel Guests only | Puerto AventurasTulum is a Maya City Facing the Caribbean Sea and its Harbour, Established 13th Century…with Masses of Tourists, Small and Big, Young and Old | Tulum
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
On our way to Chichen Itza we stayed in lively and Mallorca-like Playa del Carmen – not quite worth it although tourists here do not own boats nor houses and are much younger.
Playa del Carmen is an Extreme Tourist City with a Nice Accessible Beach and Speed Boats to Cozumel Island……and Good for Shopping and Dinner | Playa del Carmen
CHICHEN ITZA
…was one of the largest Maya cities between 8th and 12th centuries, UNESCO Wold Heritage today and is one of the most important archeological monuments in Mexico today.
Romantic Hotel Oka’an**** with outside Rest Beds in the Jungle | Chichen ItzaEl Castillo | Chichen Itza…again Ball Game Playground……and too many Tourists | Chichen Itza
IZAMAL
…was passed on our way back to Merida airport, a Maya as well as Colonial city, founded between 7th and 2nd century BC and abandoned with the rise of Chichen Itza around 10th century AD.
No Tourists at Great Pyramid of Maya Sun God Kinich Kak Moo Founded BC and left 10th Century | IzamalArcada Principal del Atrium del Convento Franciscano 16th Century | IzamalTourists are quite Rare in Izamal
MERIDA
We returned back to Merida for a final Good Bye to Mexico and Yucatan and flew home…
…Final Fresh Fish at Parque Santa Lucia…GOOD BYE MERIDA & MEXICO
Truck-the-world’s expedition truck was not allowed to enter Thailand due to Thai DLT regulations effective 1.1.2017. Since Thailand is transit country for Malaysia and Myanmar we skipped this leg for now.
Instead, we took a break from trucking but backpacked 11 of Indonesias islands during late 2017/early 2018 including Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi and Java by air and visited Flores, Rinca, Komodo, Siaba Besar, Sumbava, Padar and Medang by boat.
Colorful Female Backpacking Equipment for 6 weeks….Colorless Male Equipment for 6 weeks
INDONESIA
Indonesia is one of the most beautiful and friendly of about 100 countries we have visited so far, an insular state with 17.508 islands, 6.044 of them inhabited. Beautiful nature, wonderful seas, magnificient beaches, wildlife and fruit all over. People are poor in terms of money but rich in terms of life, full of energy and exremely friendly, laughing and easy going almost most of the time. Maybe integration of Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Jewish cultures may provide benefits like tolerance, freedom, understanding, happiness?
Major drawbacks, however, exist with terrible pollution across land and sea with plastics all over and even the beaches if not cleaned by individuals. Terrorism is reported anywhere almost every week, not to mention corruption.
Eathquakes, Tsunamis and Volcanos
Volcanic and seismic activities are reported daily for many places in this centre of the Pacific Ring of Fire with movement and collisions of lithospheric plates.
Bali’s Mount Agung was always active during our travel time but never caused major problems up to date. A safety zone around the crater was established and residents had to leave it. They lived in camps around Mount Agung being supported by National and International Humanitarian agencies. Bali and Lombok airports were closed because of smoke several times but reopenened again soon with the consequence that only a few tourists were arriving.
A few months after we had left Indonesia, Lombok was hit by a severe earthquake and Mount Rinjani eruption killling 500 people and destryoing major infrastructure. Almost all hotels and restaurants were and still are closed, a major impact for people earning their living with tourism.
Same happened to Sulawesi after we had left, earthquake and Tsunami killed more than 1.500 people and destroyed most of the infrastructure in Central Sulawesi. In Northern Sulawesi Mount Soputan close to Tomohon erupted.
Indonesians are used to live with it but if you are a Westerner and get scared easily…
LOMBOK
We took Garuda Frankfort-Amsterdam-Jakarta-Lombok with a boring stopover in Jakarta and spent a week in wonderful Puri Mas resort close to Senggigi at Lombok West coast. We watched active Bali’s Mount Agung being 2 of 7 guests, 50 would be standard during high season.
Garuda Air Departing for an Exhausting Flight with Delays | AmsterdamPuri Mas Resort**** and Beach… | Senggigi…Mount Agung Smoking for the next Weeks across the Sea | SenggigiSun but no Tourists because of Mount Agung……Erupting now and then with Big Smoke – not Clouds – Scaring……Trusting Hindu Gods, Saints, Demons and Ceremonies……and Hindu Ganesha……Some of them not Quite Optimistic……but we Enoyed Puri Mas Resort Owned by Dutch and Managed by Australians | SenggigiComfortable Inside and Outside……Christmas Time in Puri Mas Open Air Restaurant already……its Tropical Garden……Seaside Rests with a Wonderful View……Puri Mas Pool……And its Rough Beach | SenggigiLombok is a Muslim Island and these are Kids at School | Senggigi…Surveyed by a Hindu Demon | SenggigiWIFI all over Lombok and Indonesia – not like in Germany……Transportation not German Standard either……Mosques all over Lombok | MataramTour around Lombok with Rice Terraces and Palm Trees……Meeting Curious Colleagues in Rinjani National Park……with Pa Watching……Picking Cashew at the Roadside……and Cacao……and Coconuts……Finding a Path through the Jungle……with Stinky Durian Fruit……Avocado Trees……Lychees……Coffee……Rattan Trees……and Snakes……on the Way to Tiu Kelep Waterfall | Rinjani National ParkPura Bulong Hindutemple at the Sea close to Senggigi……with His or Her Holyness at the Beach after Ceremony……and a „Hindu“……Meeting Happy Temple Mom and Children Selling……and Happy Tourist Enoying Coconut Milk……Streetfood at Pura Bulong Temple | SenggigiBoat Trip to Island Gili Travangan Island West of Lombok……without Cars but with Horse Taxi……and Lots of Backpacking Tourists……Nice Beaches but almost no Sealife anymore at Gili TravanganBack to Puri Mas with a Dance Show of National Indonesian Ballroom Masters | Senggigi
BALI
We took an express ferry to Bali’s East Coast and spent another week in several locations at Bali North, East and South coast. We met extremely friendly people, easy going, helpful and always ready for ceremony.
Across the Sea to Bali by Boat with 2.400 HP……Arriving at Pelabuhan Padang | BaliView of Lombok under Rain During Wet Season | Pelabuhan PadangOnlyou Villas at the Beach… | Ahmet…with Luxury Bedding……Protecting and Menacing Devices……Wonderful View over the Sea……Dangerous Snorkeling Trips by Boat to Paradise Beach almost without any Sealife – not Recommended | Ahmet…View of Smoky Mount Agung about 17 km Away from Paradise Beach | AhmetView over Rice Fields Heading to Ubud | BaliTirta Gangga Water Palace Built by Raja Anak… in 1946, Renewed after Earthquake in 1963 | Karangasem Bali…with Sleepy Pig……and Menacious Demon | KaramgasemAnother Bali Tourist Attraction: Temega Tree House | KarangasemGuided Visit to Teganan Aga Village with Pre-Hinu Culture Famous for Traditional WeavingDong-Son Handloom | Teganan AgaNative Aga Don’t Work and Enjoy Luxury Life Estate if Married to Teganan Aga Natives……with their Personal Saint in Front | Teganan AgaTraditional Market, Convention and Celebration Centre | Teganan AgaOur Tropical Garden Hotel**** | UbudMorning Ceremony at the Hotel……like this……for Few Guests……and Ganesha……and our Friend Asich……Guest Joining for Cocktail Potato Chips……Escaping from Monkey Forest Next to Hotel……Covered by Strangler Fig Trees Eating Jungle, Bridges and Temples not only in Angkor…First Night Ceremony… | Ubud…Mainly for Tourists……but there is Native Ceremony each Night……Jungle……Rice Harvesting……Hidden Hotels……Elephant Cave……and Tropical Garden | UbudRice Terrace……Hidden Village in this Jungle……and behind Natural Curtains……Pura Gunung Kawi Hindutemple Female Shrine……and Male Shrine | Pura GunungSoekarno’s Presidential Residence on Top… | Tampaksiring…just above Pura Tirta Empul Temple……with Ceremony……Visitors of Puri Tirta Holy Spring for Purgation Ceremony……and Girls always Keen on Photos | Pura TirtaFamous Tegalalang Rice Terrace on our Way back to Ubud | TegalalangWith Nice People……and Nail Polish | UbudWe continued to Villa Karisa Hotel **** with Nice Veranda | Seminyak…no Beach Party during Rain Season……but Ceremony……and Surfing School Left Overs after the Last Storm | SeminyakGas Station often are Part of Super MarketsTanah Lot Hindutemple at the Sea……Sunset is Time for Ceremony……Rice Terraces……Kopi Luwak Preparing World’s most Expensive Coffee – Half-Digested, not RecommendedBuilding a House and Buying Prefab Wooden Fronts is more | Bali
SULAWESI
…was recommended to us by friends. We flew to Manado in Christian Northern Sulawesi and spent Christmas at Gran Luley**** hotel by the sea. Pool was due because swimming in the open sea was never recommended.
Gran Luley Restaurant with 300 Year Old Cherry Tree | ManadoGran Luley Pool and Beach Promenade……Gran Luley Beach……Birthday Party at Gran Luley Hotel…Christmas with International Friends……Another Active Volcano on Sulawesi for Christmas | ManadoTuna House Restaurant at the Beach | ManadoChildren are almost always Interested in Photos……Living in Houses like this one | Manado…Traveling in Microbuses like this one……Loving to Eat Pig like this one……Protected by and Educated in many Christian Churches like this one | ManadoBy Taxi to Mountain Paradise Resort in the Jungle | TomohonWith People Living High up in such Houses……Surrounded by 10m High Bamboo……Pink Mallow……Tears……Orange……and Butterflies | TomohonHiking to Air Terjun Desa Kali Waterfall | Tomohon…Meeting Japanese Tourists at the Waterfall……Making Happy People at Air Terjun Desa Kali Waterfall | TomohonAgain many Children | TomohonSelling Boots is Clever Business during Rain Season | TomohomMoto Trip to Tumou Tou Restaurant with Great View over Tondano LakeTaxi Ride | TondanoTondano Fruit and Veggie Market……Lemon Explains why Indonesian Food may be Tasty | TondanoFlight and Riskha Trip to Muslim Southern Sulawesi… | Makasar…Fort Rotterdam – one of the few Remainders of Dutch Colonialism in Indonesia……with Impressing Entrance | MakasarOur Riksha Driver Brought us to Old and New Ports……on the Main Road……Passing Ship Wrecks……Ships Loaded with Banana and Coconut Shells for Fire……RoRo Island to Island Ferries……50 Year old Toyota Trucks Fully Loaded……Pinsi Ships still in Use are Quite High……but some like it Calm | MakasarFirst Thing on our Way back was Bike Repair at the Market……with Lots of Pepperoni – Indonesian like it Hot……Banana – Indonesians Like it Sweet, too……Indonesians Like Chicken, Beef is Expensive……and Some Buy Fish, quite Expensive, too……and this is for the Market Boys……not able to Pay for Fire works | MakasarExpecting New Year Fire Works on the Main Road Short before Midnight ……Happy New Year 2018… | Makasar…and US-Type New Yearss Party at Sheraton Hotel – Not Recommended | Makasar…with Happy People anyway | Makasar
JAVA
Next stop was Java’s Yogyakarta by air for its Pubs and Buddha- and Hindutemples.
Tourist Mile with Limited Number of Beer and Wine Bars – otherwise Strictly Muslim… | Yogyakarta…and Superb Meals in French Medierranea Restaurant | YogyakartaRoyal Palace, Boring… | Yogyakarta…and Bathing Pool at Taman Sari Water Castle, Former Garden of the Sultan Built in 18th Century……Ride with our Driver John in his Toyota……some Gas at the Super Market……and to Borobudur Buddhist Temples Built in 9th Century with 2.500 Reliefs and 500 Buddha Statues……together with many many other Tourists Surveyed by Police……next to Prambanan Hindutemple also Built in 9th Century closeby ……with Expressive Shiva Relief | Yogyakarta
BALI
On our way to Flores island we had another stopover in Bali.
Airplanes Landing at Denpasar Airport Viewed from Jimbaran Beach……Crowded before Sunset……we Enjoyed one of our Rare Fish Dinners……Cooked by Juli in Teba Cafe at the Beach | Denpasar
SHIPPING FLORES, RINCA, KOMODO, SIABA BESAR,SUMBAVA, PADAR and MEDANG
We took a flight to wonderful Flores Island just North of Australia, quite lonely, natural and Christian. In Flores we booked a 5-day-trip back to Lombok by ship together with other European Tourists with full pension and accomodation onboard the ship together with a nice captain and crew.
Arrival at Flores Airport by Aircraft……with Marvellous Sunset in Front of Laprima Hotel**** | Labuanbajo…this is the Daylight View……this is Laprima Hotel from the Sea | Labuanbajo…still Christmas in the Hotel……Bike Trip through Northern Flores……with Dried Fish at the Market……Laundry at the Port……View over Labuanbajo……Gas for the Bike……Meeting Friends before Getting on the Ship | LabuanbajoOur Captain for the next 5 Days……Komodo Dragons | Rinca Island…Hard to Detect… | Rinca Island…Beach Deers | Komodo IslandWaterfall… | Sumbawa Island…Captains Dinner……Before Sunset……Islands around the Ship |Siaba Besar…Sailing with another Captain……our Ship Anchoring | Medang IslandFarewell Party at the Beach and onborad the Ship……with everybody……Berlin Friends…..Ourselves……and Final Sunset | Medang
LOMBOK
We arrived at Lombok Port by microbus and chose Puri Mas Hotel again for our Good Bye to Indonesia.
Everybody Getting on the Microbus……to Comfortable Puri Mas Resort again……with Comfortable Shower and Bath……Buddha……Dancing……Percussion……Wine……Rough Sea……and a Good Bye to Friends and Indonesia | Lombok
Shortly after leaving Indonesia several earthquakes and Tsunamis occurred in Bali, Sulawesi and Lombok. As a consequence Lombok tourism went down and Puri Mas Resort was closed like almost all Tourist hotels and restaurants.
Except security all personnell was sent off into unpaid holidays waiting for reopenings and jobs since…
We toured Indochina during Spring 2017 covering 8.300 km through Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. We started with a stopover in Bangkok, then flew to Vientiane and picked up our truck. Via Northern Laos we enterd Vietnam at Dienh Bien Phu and drove to SaPa, Hanoi and Halong Bay.
We aligned Chinese Sea with wonderful beaches and visited Saigon/Ho-Chi-Minh-City leaving for Cambodia. We were in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. We aligned Mekong River back to Phnom Penh and looped back to Vientiane for new truck tires. We were not successful and my codriver had to return home for business. I returned to Phnom Penh and stored our truck flying home for business later.
Our original plan was to continue to Malaysia and Indonesia. But in 2017 Thailand has become no go area for overlanders‘ third-country-campers. Trucks like ours are not even allowed to enter at all. We are not in favor of Thai bureaucrazy and will skip Thailand and due to forbidden transit Malaysia and Myanmar from truck-the-world. Instead, we will backpack Indonesia including Java, Bali, Lombok and Saurabaya late 2017.
THAILAND
Before that mess described above became evident we visited Thailand’s Capital Bangkok for 4 days staying at Rembrandt Hotel in lively Sukhumvit district doing those sightseeings you should do.
VIew from Rembrandt Hotel over Modern Sukhumvit, Bangkok | ThailandShangri-La Hotel Bangkok | ThailandVisiting was Due because this Lady Stayed here as a Tennie | ThailandSunset Dinner was also Due at Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok | ThailandBut Streetfood is Standard in Bangkok | ThailandBangkok Keeps Colonial Heritage at Chao Phraya Riverside | ThailandPeople Housing at the River in Bangkok | ThailandThailand is Buddhistic and this is Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn, at the Opposite Riverside in Bangkok | ThailandWonderful Pottery Stele in Wat Arun | ThailandScaring Guardians at the Entrance of Wat Arun in Bangkok |ThailandBut a Wise Chinese Warrior Helps in | Thailand
…Where People Pray and Priests Ask for Support | ThailandElephants are Holy in Thailand and Safeguard the Entrance to Wat Pho and Royal Palace in Bangkok | ThailandReclining Golden Buddha before Entering Nirvana in Wat Pho, 45m long and 15m high | ThailandMore Gold Outside Wat Pho | ThailandGold again Inside Wat Pho with Emerald Buddha | ThailandGolden Stele of Wat Pho | ThailandCrowded Entrance to Wat Pho Temples | ThailandAnother Impressing Stele in Wat Pho | ThailandToo Cold for Golden Buddhas in Wat Pho Gallery | ThailandWonderful Gallery Wallpaintings Lead Visitors into Thailand’s largerst Library of Medicine and Arts. Thai Massgae was Created here and still is Taught in Wat Pho Today | ThailandRoyal Castle Looks Boring next to Wat Pho in Bangkok |ThailandCabbage and Condoms: Final Dinner with „Friends“ in Bangkok | ThailandAnd here they are, 2 Guest Condoms as a Gift in Bangkok | Thailand
LAOS 2
We retuned to Laos for our second visit meeting Friends and picking up our truck safely at our friend’s place. We toured Mekong River West aligning Thai border and then North to Luang Prabang finest city of Laos with a lot of backpcking tourists, again at Mekong.
We continued Northeast through Laos aiming at Vietnam’s Dien Bien Phu.
Camping at Chomcheng Temple at Mekong River in Vientiane, Friendly Monks did not even Ask for Money after Noon | LaosThis is Boss Buddha at Chomcheng | LaosAnd these are His Friendly Female Servants during Temple Lunch at Chomcheng | LaosNever say Never – Unbelievable: Meeting Klaehne Family, our Bad Godesberg Villenviertel Neighbours, during Lunch at Mekong River just by Hazard in Vientiane | LaosAligning and Crossing Mekong by Ferry Boat close to Thailand on our Way to Luang Prabang | LaosElephant Festival Referring to Lao History in Saynambouri | LaosThis is Boss Elephant Heading for Gold in Saynambouri | Laos…His Mates in the Stadium……Eating all the Bamboo after Trampling on it…
…Keeping an Eye on Tourists……Germans like those……Lower Income Lao Kiddies……And Upper Income as well……Plus Bhuddist Monks……As well as our Truck in Saynambouri | LaosTime to Continue to Luang along Mekong River | LaosWater Supply Business Close to Mekong is Arduous | LaosNot all Ships are on Duty | LaosTime to Relax at Wonderful Villa Santi Accor Hotel in the most Beautiful Lao City with Citroen 15CV in Front, Luang Prabang | Laos
We Enjoy Mekong Terrace at Luang Prabang | LaosAnd Delicious Mekong Fresh Fish… | Laos…And Tasty Fresh Fruit Cocktails……Temples in Luang……At Mekong River in Luang Prabang | LaosLao Temples are just Filigrane and Wonderful in Luang | LaosLast View over Nam Khan Mouth into Mekong in Luang Prabang | LaosContinuing Towards Dien Bien Phu and Vietnam Border: Hand Made Broom for Vietnam, Major Lao Export | Laos…And Hmong Ladies Selling Hand Made Bracelets and Getting Angry if you just Buy one | LaosDrying Clothes so that Everybody Must See them Next to the Road is Typical | LaosMuang Khua at Nam Pak and Nam Ou River Joints: Last City before Entering Vietnam | LaosLots of Different Rice being Sold | LaosAnd Wonderful Restaurants at the River – High up during Dry Season | Laos
Romantic Stay at Nam Khua River during Dry Season, too | LaosSome of the People Work, mostly Women… | Laos…And Take Care of Children… | Laos…And do the Veggies… | Laos…Cultur Difference? Males do Car Washing in Laos, too
VIETNAM
Finally we reached Vietnam Border close to Dien Bien Phu – in France better known as City of Defeat.
Vietnamese General Giap never lost a battle and conquered French Military here so that they had to leave their colony in 1956. End of Indochina War but US Americans didn’t know about Giap and returned later for another war… Same result.
Never alone again but in the company of 3 Vietnameses for the next 3 weeks – male welcome at Vietnamese border by officer Dzung, guide Binh, driver and leading car not on this photo at Dien Bien Phu. Nota Bene: Females are not on this welcome list | Vietnam
French General Navarro’s Main Quarter in Dien Bien Phu, Captured by VietMinh in 1954 – Suicide | VietnamVietnam Revolutioner, Founder and President Ho-Chi-Minh in Dien’s National Museum | VietnamOne of the Legendary Bikes Transporting 350 kgs. You Need a Lot of Bikes and People to Get Heavy Artillery and Ammunition through the Rain Forest and on Top of Dien’s Hills – Unnoticed by the French | VietnamVietnamese Admirers in Front of their Heroes in the Museum Enjoy Foreigners, too | VietnamLike each Vietnamese City Dien has a Remarkable Place of Republic and a Town House with the Picture of Big Ho | Vietnam…Monuments Upstairs in Dien Bien Phu: Vietnamese are Proud and they have Got Reasons… | Vietnam…And Red Flags all over: Vietnam is one of the Last Communist Countries Worldwide | Vietnam…Fresh Market at Dien: Everybody Loves Fresh Fruit… | Vietnam…And Lots of Meat, Chicken and Spiders, Worms and Veal like our Guides in their Favorite Dien Restaurant not Understanding that we did not Try | VietnamSundown over Dien and Time to Leave | VietnamAligning Da River and Water Reserve towards SaPa through Hoang Lien Son Mountains | Vietnam
Waterfall in Hoang Lien Son Nature Reserve | Vietnam…Including Minor Tourists | Vietnam…And Tourist Traps | VietnamCatholic Church in SaPa Centre – quite Popular with Low Temperatures during Summer Due to Altitude | VietnamSelling Mushrooms at the Local Market, that Means on the Street | Vietnam…An Grilled Suckling Pig for Lunch – just like in Bosnia but this is VietnamOriginal Vietnamese Coffe Brew – Tasty!Watching the Market and Begging Children in SaPa – just like in Bonn but again, this is: VietnamHotel Panoramic View High up over Surroundings of SaPa | VietnamSave Energy: Our Hotel don’t Need Electrical Diswashing Machines | VietnamHmong Cat Cat Village is a Tourist Attraction Submontane SaPa: Disney World in Vietnam…Including Tourists and Water Pumps……Alert Native Hmong Girl Living elsewhere and Coming by Bus Each Morning……As well as Children……But Pigs Staying Overnight at Cat Cat | VietnamAsiaSenses Guides are not that Familiar with Navigation – we Pass Lao Chai at the Chinese Border and Align Red River towards Ha Noi Staying in Beautiful Legenda Hotel at West Lake in Ha Noi | Vietnam…View of Ha Noi Downtown over West Lake ……Fresh Fish Sale at the Close-By West-Lake Amusement Park in Ha Noi | VietnamFormer Prison for Colonialists, Anti-Communists and US-Pilots Shot down over Vietnam: Officially „Maison Cemtrale“, Inoffficially „Hilton Hotel“ in Ha Noi | VietnamCity Hall of Ha Noi | VietnamFlags over Ha Noi City Han Kiem Lake | VietnamSelling Elaborately Folded Cards in Ha Noi | VietnamTransport on 2 Wheels without Rear View is Due in Ha Noi… | Vietnam…for Lunch……and Flowers……Even for Tesa Products……And Hairdo……And Parking is for Everybody in Ha Noi | VietnamSome do their Work like this Girl Opening her Street Cafe in the Afternoon……Others Buy French Citroen 15 CV……Or just Enjoy……Getting Married……Although Some do not Enjoy……Did She See that?……In Front of Metropolitan Hotel, Made by France……Wonderful Art Deco French Made, too…
…And Famous Slim Houses in Ha Noi | VietnamNot a Long Way to Overcrowded Ha Long Bay…… And Crown Hotel, our Stay at Ha Long Main Road | VietnamFirst Enjoy Dinner Invitation by our Guides and Friends in Ha Long | VietnamTourist Boat Racing towards 2 Chicken in Ha Long Bay | VietnamHere they are under Reduced Visibilty Conditions…Multi Generation House in Halong Bay | VietnamAfternoon Race to Famous Ha Long Bay Caves | VietnamHere they are, Designed by Walt Disney…Not too Lonesome in Ha Long Bay……But Exhausting. Next Time we Better Take a Plane Flying over Ha Long Bay | VietnamTime to Leave South but Oops, Pay Attention to Bikers after End of School in VietnamVisiting one of the only 2 Undefeated Military Generals Worldwide: General Giap Grave . The other one was Vietnamese, too… French and US Rushed into a Mess without Knowing… | VietnamOpen Bridge over Latitude 13 River, former Border between Northern and Southern Vietnam including Watch Tower in Southern Vietnam…And Enormous Loud Speakers for Supersonic Sounding, Music and Speeches of Northern Vietnam, Terrorizing South Vietnam…Corresponding Memorial and Museum | VietnamFormer French Hue Fortress – Completely Destroyed during American War | VietnamEntrance to Hue Imperial Palace | VietnamJapanese Tourists in the Closed Area | VietnamDragon Supervising Palace Courts | VietnamLadies‘ Part of Hue Palace……Gate to Ladies‘ Area Recently Restored but too much Rain | VietnamUS Military Left a Lot of Technology back in Vietnam……Because of Poeple like him: South Vietnamese Freedom Fighter, VietCong Soldier in Pension in Hue | VietnamHue Market Sells everything you Need…She Needs a Lunch Rice BowlLate Vietnamese Imperors Cemetary at Hue… | Vietnam…Including Charming Places for Vistors‘ to RestView of Chinese Beach towards Da Nang | VietnamNext Stop at Touristic Hoi An at Vinh Cura Dai River Mouth into Chinese SeaHoi An at Night……Tourists for Tasty DInner……Daytime in Hoi An……And always Time for Elegant Pictures……Plus a Dime Supporting the Elderly……Temples for Buddhist People……Ancient Chinese Trading House in Hoi An…….Rialto Bridge Copy……Students Celebrating Final Examinations……Some Exhausted but Beautiful……Guide Bing Celebrating Teenie Admiration in Hoi An……Good Bye to Nice Hoi An together with our GuidesMy Son Shiva Temples – Biggest Champa Complex in Vietnam and UN-Cultural Heritage……Hidden in the Rain Forest before Excavation……Temples like this one……And after Reconstruction……Even Protecting Devices did not Hinder US Bombings……One of many Craters at Champa My Son | VietnamTable with more than 500 Civilian Victim Names of My Lai/Son My Massacre in 1968 Starting Change of US Public View on Vietnam War. Journalist Seymor Hersh published his Research Results in 1969 and Received Pulitzer Price……Remainders of House Basements Including Tables with Numbers of Killed Persons right there in My Lai | VietnamMy Lai Monument: Vietnamese People Stays StrongOne of the Best Beaches we have ever Seen Worldwide: Nhon Hai Guesthaoue and Beach – A Dream……Comfortable Hostel and Tasty Dinner at the Beach…….Nhon Hai View with Typical Boats and Champa Ruins close to Quy Nhon at Chinese Sea | VietnamRIce Fields all over VietnamChinese Sea Beaches all over as well……Including Girls at the Beach Watching Tourists……Beach Houses…,,,And Litter all over Close to Villages at Chinese Sea | VietnamTourists Need a Cosy Break at Comfortable Mai Am Matrusaden Guesthouse with Wonderful Manager Sheela in Mui Ne | Vietnam…And Tire Repair Assistance on the Road……Removing a Screw on our Way to SaigonFamous Continental and Caravelle Hotels in Saigon Centre, Ho Chi Minh City HTSC today | VietnamFamous Rex Hotel and Terrace in HCMC……Cocktail at Rex Terrace……Saigon Skyline over Mekong River at Night……Beware of Battery Changes on HCMC Market – Less Cost Means Short Endurance……But Leeches are Tasty and Cost Little, too……Same for Dragon Fruit……And Business Lunch at the Market……Supervised by Future Clients in HCMC | VietnamSaigon Catholic Church……and General Post Office just Opposite……With French Art Deco Inside……And Visitors from Malaysia……And Japan in HCMC Post Office | VietnamHCMC Temple Guarantees for Female Fertility……Throwing Chinese Lights on its Visitors……We Enjoy Police and Final Drinks at HCMC Market’s Bar……And HCMC Road Safety Measures……But Refused Overnight at Saigon Transient Hotel together with Chinese Hookers……Preferring to Watch Vietnamese Traditional Costumes Show……And Store our Truck at Mekong River……We Leave Saigon Paying a Visit to Last Exit Hotel: Final US Evacuation Helicpter left April, 30th 1975 at 11:30 am while Hundreds of US Ctizens and Vietnamese Officials were still Climbing these Stairs in Hope but Vietcong and Vietnamese Army were just around the Corner Already… In total 7.000 Persons were Saved in HCMC by the biggest Helicopter Evacuation so far | Vietnam
CAMBODIA 1
We left Vietnam aligning Mekong and entered Cambodia for the first time not far from Saigon crossing a new Mekong bridge towards Phnom Penh. We were happy to leave our guides and Vietnam and found a nice overnight stay at Mekong river during rain season.
We Enter Cambodia and Get Free Camping at Neak Loeung Communist People’s Party Headquarters at Mekong River | CambodiaHome of our Hosts above the River……Children are our Guests all over Cambodia just like here Coming by MotorbikeMekong River Bridge to Phnom Penh……And Villa Samnang Hotel, our Cosy Stay in Phnom Penh | CambodiaPhnom Penh is a Modern City without much to See but much Life to Experience at Ton Le Sap and Mekong River Mouths……Preserving Colonial Buildings at the Riverside……With Impressive Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel at River Mouth……Luxury Bars at Ton Le Sap……And Poor People Doing Service and Living next to Luxury……Or on a Boat in the River……We Prefer Riverside Restaurant with Perfect View over the 2 Rivers……Visiting Royal Palace……Give our Honours to Royals……Understanding that even with Royals not everything is Real……We also Visit Botumvatey Pagoda……A City Gas Station…
…Phnom Penh Town Hall……And Understand that Electricity has Arrived at Phnom Penh……Good Bye to Phnom Penh with A Cocktail at Eclipse Sky Bar of Phnom Penh Tower……Enjoying Wonderful Evening Views over Phnom Penh | CambodiaWe Drive down South for some Time to Relax at Ananas Beach Bungalows at Gulf of Thailand – Otres Beach 2 in Sihanoukville | Cambodia…Staying in this Hut at the Beach……Where you get anything Fresh……Enjoying Wonderful Sundowns……And Friends Micha and Suse Touring Berlin – Cambodia – Berlin for 16 Months on German MZ Bikes – See Emmenreiter.deRoyal Train Crossing our Way back to Phnom Penh | CambodiaWe Visited a Mekong Bar with Guests, Sleeping but no Beer……And Camped Overnight over Mekong River where Rice is Loaded for Shipping……Some Working Hard……But some Don’t – still a Communist Country | CambodiaWe Continued to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat for Sundown – The Largest Area with Man Made Buildings Worldwide | CambodiaFinding Beautiful Maids Used Breastwise, Watch the Colors……And Original Paint at Temple Ceiling……And Colourful Monks Understanding why this is their ColourShang was our Driver these Days…Bringing us to the Gate of Angkor Thom and Bayon Temples……Being Surveyed……Reaching Hindu Bayon Temple……With Sleeping Buddha……And His Princesses… See the Colour – that Temple Area must have been quite Colorful……And those Monks Know about it……Baphuon Temple with Colorful Female German Tourist Trying downstairs Cautiously……After Taking a Photo right from Baphuon Top……Famous Elephant Terrace……Temple still in Use for Wedding Ceremonies…
…And Gate to Famous Ta Prohm Temple in Angkor Wat – Almost Left as Found by French Archaeologists after „Discovery“, all the other Buildings have been Excavated, Trees being Removed……These are Famous Kapok Trees Walking over Walls……And Temples together with Choker Figue/Banyan Tree Turning Temple Area into a Labyrinth Scaring Tourists……Walking even over Houses in Angkor Wats Ta Prohm | CambodiaTime for Refreshing Coconut Milk……And Rest in this Wonderful Garden Hotel in Siem Reap | CambodiaOn our Way back to Mekong Former Tropic Forest in Fire for Hundreds of Kilometers after Selling Trees to Vietnamese Companies, Standard in CambodiaCamping under the Bridge together with Poor Dealers in and next to their Truck in Stung Treng | Cambodia…Looking Down on the River with Sand Gatherers……Receiving Visit of their Children after Daily Evening Wash in the River
LAOS 3
We entered Laos for the third time intending to mount a set of new Michelin tires and to store the truck again in Vientiane. This was not successful, however.
Reaching Mekong Water Falls in Laos……And 4000 Islands in 40 km Wide Mekong River | LaosCrossing Mekong by Ferry Boat… | Laos…The Captain and his Crew……And Success with his Luxury Ferry, a Combination of two Boats…This was the Reason to Cross Mekong: Famous Temple Wat Pouh in Champasak | Laos…And View down to the Main Northern Temple…French Colonial Remainders in Champasak | LaosTire Blowout in Savannakhet……And Time for a Half Day Rest at Mekong River while Mechanics do Repairs since Spare Tire had a Blowout, too in Savannakhet | LaosTime for Visitors in the Cab, a GekkoView over Karst Formations in Khammouane National Park Close to Vietnam Border | LaosMeeting the only other Overlander Vehicle on that Leg, French Couple Coming from South Korea, Khammouane | LaosView over Vientiane „Skyline“ in a Fine Beergarden in Vientiane | LaosOur MAN Safe but not Secure at Vientiane NightmarketAcquisition of New Truck Tires was not Successful in Vientiane. Final Good Bye to Codriver at Vientiane Airport and Way back to Phnom Penh with the Truck | LaosClouds over Mekong | LaosAs can be Seen Rain Season has Started, Thakhet | LaosAgain Way Leads through Khammouane Karst Formations……Over Muddy Paths……And Bridges you would not even Try with a Truck in Germany……Native Houses are Built High up because of Wet Season……And Look like that when InhabitatedI Prefer Pakse Hotel with Roof Terrace……Fine Dining……And Gekkos Visiting……Protected by a Typical House Altar in Pakse | LaosFrench Colonial Remainders in the City……And a Horologist on the Streets of Pakse | LaosA Trip through Bolaven Palteau Takes to Tad Frane Waterfalls……and Tad Frane Guesthouse…Continuing to Paksong Rain Gets Heavier but Poeple are used to Rain in LaosFrench Colonialists have Turned Bolaven Plateau into one of the Best Coffee Regions Worlwide with Humid Climate at High Altitudes – Time to Learn more about Handcrafted Coffee Making in Laos…This a Coffee Tree Blooming……These are Ripe Coffee Cherries……Coffee Bean and Cherry Opened……Coffee Beans Drying in the Sun……Coffee Beans before Roasting……Coffee Cherry Mesh after Drying in the Sun……Coffee Roasting has to be Done Carefully and Fast……Cool Roasted Beans down and Remove Husk: Top Lao Coffee Finished, Arabica, Cheers…Lecture and Demonstration at JCFC Coffee Cooperative Founded and Run by US American Nongovernment Volunteers and Swiss Instructor MarcCamping is Difficult in Tropic Rain Forests on Small Pads……But with Friendly People……Guiding Animals Home because Rain Forest is Wild……And Roads are like that on Bolaven Plateau | LaosI Prefer to Stay at Elephant Lodge……Try to Beware of Mosquitos and Malaria……Enjoy Dinner……Cactus……Just Cows for 3 Days in this Volcano Crater – Elephants off Duty…Getting Final Cheap Diesel in Laos……And Pay Chashier plus Cook in that Gas Station. No Remarks about Child Labor in Laos, Please
CAMBODIA 2
Returning to Cambodia showed that Rain season was getting stronger. I aligned Lao Border towards East to Vietnam. In Banlung I turned South for Mondulkiri Nature Reserve and Sen Monorong where Nature Lodge was my goal for next 5 Days.
Heavy Rain over Lumphat | CambodiaNature Lodge in Mondulkiri | CambodiaNature Lodge Manager Srey Mol Invites for a Visit to this Pepper Plantation……Pepper Machine Separating Pepper from Limbs…Maybe I should I Relocate to this Pepper PlantationBou Sraa Water Falls Close to Vietnam are a Must See and Holiday Event for Lao People – full of Green Tree Snakes……We Found Orchids and Bananas……A Picnic Area……And Took Photos in Phnong Native Dress, a Must for Cambodian Females at Bou Sraa | CambodiaThat is the Standard Photo……And that a German TouristView over Mondulkiri City and Airport | CambodiaNature Lodge Neighbour Invites for Lunch at his Home in Mondulkiri | Cambodia…Serving Tasty Grilled Fish on Banana Leave Plates and Great Papaya Wine, Self Made here……His House, Self Made as Well Next to Nature Lodge | CambodiaGood Bye Party at Modukiri Karaoke TV, Standard Holiday Fun and Stunning Experience for a Guy Used to Western Style Beat and Music……Enyjoying Beautiful Girls Operating Karaoke TV and Offering Additional Services – Tolerated by Everyone in CambodiaGood Bye Afernoon Dinner at Modulkiri Coffee Plantation with Hot Veggies Wrapped-Up in Banana Leaves is another Holiday Fun in Cambodia……As is Dining Outdoors in Tropic CambodiaGood Bye to my Friend at Nature Lodge…Dish Washing after Lunch at Manager’s Sister’s House in the City of Modulkiri | Cambodia…She Runs this Fashion Store….…Her Husband is a Farmer and a Dentist……Old Town Centre Main Road before her Store and House in Mondulkiri | CambodiaTime to Leave and Pay a Visit to Chup Rubber Company Established by French Colonialists Close to Kampong Cham on the Way to Phnom Penh | Cambodia…Rubber Plantation Trees are Continuously Bruised for Bleeding and this is the Outcome: Caouchouk of Cambodia…Poor Cows on the Way to Phnom Penh……Final Cleaning of the Truck before Storage……At Finn’s Envostar Truck Maintenace Company in Phnom Penh | CambodiaBusiness Lunch at Malis in Phnom PenhFormer Tuol Sleng School Converted to Concentration Camp „Security Office 21“ under Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge Regime bewteen 1975 – 1979. A Genocide Museum Today Showing Torturing Instruments, Prisoner’s Rooms and Vitae of Captivates, mostly Women and Children. They were not Murdered here but Transported to Fields. There were many Distributed all over Cambodia. Nota Bene: During 3.5 Years Khmer Rouge Killed almost Half of Cambodia’s Population of 7 Million Aiming at Extinction of Educated, Rich or People wearing Glasses… Vietnam Brought an End to this Drama in 1979 by Military Intervention although both Countries were and still are Communistic.Temple of Skulls at Killing Fields in Phnom Penh | Cambodia
…Skulls Excavated On-Site……Found in Mass Graves like this at Killing Fields in Phnom Penh | CambodiaActivities into Recent History Require Visiting Wat Phnom Temple Established 1372 on Phnom Penh Hill and Park……And Donating Sacrifices to Buddha inside of Wat Phnom TempleMonkeys all over Phnom Penh City do not Donate but Steel everything they Get Hold ofGood Bye Dinner Overviewing Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh | CamdodiaComfortable Flight Home with Emirates Airbus A380 Stopping over in Dubai……And Final Dinner before Landing in Frankfurt | Germany
Returning by air to Osh we continued Truck-the-World during Autumn 2016 through Kyrgyzstan, Western, Northern and Southern China and Laos, 10.000 km in total for this leg with our MAN Unicat Truck.
Travel Equipment, Written
After 500 km aligning Pamir Chain on classic Silk Road through Kyrgyzstan we entered China via Irkeshtam Border. Through Xingijang we followed Silk Road to Kashgar. We crossed Taklamakan Desert towards Turpan, aligned Lop Nor Desert completing Silk Road at Western end of Great Wall in Jiayuguan.
Then we drove South through Gobi Desert to Dunhuang and sipped a Cocktail on Yueya Quangs Silk Road Hotel’s roof terrace as recommended by HA Schult. We headed South for Tibet’s Lhasa and continued on Tea Road through Eastern Tibet for Tropic Yunnan and Mohan Border to Laos, a route of 8.500 km through China.
Another 800 km led to Vientiane, Laos, where we stored our truck at a friend’s place and returned home again for business.
Major issues on that leg are altitudes between 3.500 m and 6.000 m with mountain sickness including headache, loss of appetite, nausea, concentration loss, respiratory impairment and imbalance especcially for older people plus „smoky“power loss of Diesel based engines, heaters and stoves.
Driving your own Third-Country-Vehicle in a guided group through CHINA is compulsory and costly as explained. Nevertheless we decided for a small costly but flexible group of 2 vehicles and 4 people plus guide 24h/7d.
Kyrgyzstan
We met Austrian/Swisstravel mates at a guesthouse in Osh. After some repairs and shopping plus a Good Bye Dinner in Osh together we started aligning Pamir on classic Silk Road driving to Irkeshtam Border.
First Night with Travel Mates in Front of Pamir | KyrgyzstanAligning Pamir Chain is one of Silk Road’s Highlights | Kyrgyzstan
Chinas Silk Road thru Xingjiang
We knew Mao Bible, Long March, Great Leap Forward, Great Wall, Silk Road and Cuture Revolution but we did not know China. Exciting country full of human, cultural and economic power, friendly people almost all over remembering of great Iran, amazing, just wonderful. A great experience and a major surprise among 90 countries visited so far. Go! Visit!
Nowhere in our lives, however, we were controlled, photographed and shot more often. Personal and speeding cameras all over on roads, in cities and buildings, even in temples and monasteries are a standard nuisance.
On the opposite, outdoor Camping was quite easy outside populated areas and secure, in cities hotel car parks or accomodation are first choice. Good hotels are quite comfortable and cheap but travelling China in your own vehicle is lavish and time consuming due to controls and bad roads especcially in Tibet. Anyway, we were extremely lucky to obtain 2 out of 20 permits per Year in total for Tibet and Xingjiang.
A guide picked us up at the border and took us through a number of police, customs, vehicle and post border controls until we reached Silk Road Oasis Kashgar on the edge of Taklamakan Desert half a day later.
Shang, our guide for the next 2 weeks received us in Kashgar, easy going, a wonderful person even speaking good German. Papers and SIM-Cards were done and vehicles checked TÜV-like. All that cost a full day and more – depending your professional agent and some bribe – yes.
Nailed Welcome to China, Good to Have Austrian Friends, Chinese Prefer Watching | ChinaChinese Quick Lunch at an Expressway Gas Station together with our Guide Shang | ChinaWelcome to Kashgar by Chairman Mao | ChinaVast Centre of Modern Kashgar | ChinaFirst is Getting SIM Cards in Kashgar | ChinaSecond are Provisional Driving Permits, Number Plates, Vehicle Technical Certificates close to Kashgar | ChinaMosques are Major Buildings in Islamic Xinjiang Autonomus Province, Kashgar | ChinaLots of Mopeds but Electric a Must not only in Kasgar but all over ChinaImpressive Teeth another Must in ChinaFriendly Welcome by everybody in ChinaOldtown Entrance to Kashgar | ChinaSilk Road Atmosphere in Kashgar | ChinaFormer Houses of Rich People in Kashgar | China…Plus Friendly People again | ChinaUigur People are Muslims and do not Like Pictures | ChinaClassic Chariot in Kashgar | ChinaMopeds are for Ladies in Kashgar | ChinaUigur Market in Kashgar | ChinaDried Snakes Might be Helpful to Male Needs | ChinaWood-Processing in Kashgar | ChinaSilk Road all over Kashgar | ChinaMassive Police Stops in Xinjiang and less Impressive all over China are quite Time Consuming | ChinaChinese like to Talk, to Meet and to Take Pictures | ChinaCotton Fields Align Taklamakan Desert | ChinaWe Love the Desert and Cross Takalamakan | ChinaIt is not Wise to Lose one’s Way in Taklamakan because Uigur don’t Speak no English nor Chinese | ChinaBut they Love Watching | ChinaDone, Sunset in Taklamakan | ChinaXinjiang Petrol Stations Secured by Passport and Security Controls | ChinaOil Occurrence one of the Reasons for Xingijang being under Chinese Control | ChinaGrapes Came on Silk Road from Persia to Xingijang | ChinaBut Chinese Prefer to Dry them in those Sheds and Started Wine Production just some Years ago | ChinaRaisins of all Kinds and Colours | China2000 year old World Heritage: Natural Fortress Jiaohe Located atop Steep Cliff on a Plateau between 2 River Valleys. 12th Century Temple and Stupa close to Turpan | China2000 year old Subterranean Karez/Foggara Watering System in Taklamakan, still in Operation | ChinaCurious Youth Visting Guide and Longnoses at Bezeklik | China1.000 Buddhas were Painted on Walls and Roofs in about 40 Caves at Bezeklik | ChinaMost of them Stolen by German Archaeologist Stein and now on Display in Berlin’s Museum for Asiatic Art | GermanyOne of the Remainders in Bezeklik | ChinaUigur Music may Help | ChinaAnd so Does Sport in Taklamakan Desert | China
Chinas Gansu
We aligned Taklamakan North Road close to Mongolian Border and entered Gansu Province, more easy going than Xinjiang, less Police control and petrol stations without secuity gates and controls. We reached Western end of Great Wall in Jiayuguan, our final Silk Road leg. We did not follow Silk Road to its official starting point at Xi’An avoiding boring expressway driving for days.
Finally: Western End of Great Wall in Jiayuguan on Top of the Hanging Wall | ChinaHere is the Wall Reason: View into Mongolia | ChinaOne of the Winners on Top | ChinaHanging Great Wall Meets Silk Road in Jiayuguan | ChinaJiayuguan Castle Guarding Western Entrance to China and Great Wall at Silk Road Hexi Corridor in 14th Century. Rebuilt | ChinaImpressive Inner Gate of Jiayuguan Castle. Rebuilt | ChinaTemple inside Jiayuguan Castle. Rebuilt | ChinaUnrestored Western End of Clay-Made Great Wall in Jiayuguan | ChinaFive Level Mogao Caves Constructed between 4th and 14th Century South of Dunhuang: A System of 492 Temples with 1000s of Buddhistic Paintings and Statues – Hidden under Gobi Desert Dunes until Rediscovery in 1900 by Taoist Wang. Temple with 36 m high Great Buddha inside | ChinaMost Famous: Library Cave Walled up in 11th Century, Entrance to Mogao Caves. No photos allowed indside | ChinaChinese Tourist Camel Caravan at Dunhuang, Gobi | ChinaFamous Silk Road Hotel in Dunhuang | ChinaView of Famous Crescent Lake/Yueya Quan from the World’s Highest Sand Dunes in Dunhuang | ChinaFinal Desert Camp in Gobi | ChinaSupplies for our Way through Tibet together with our Guides Shang and Pema in Golmud | ChinaSame for Oxygen, helpful at Altitudes between 3500 m and 6000 m in Tibet | China
Chinas Tibet
Tibet people are easy going and friendly but crossing Tibet is time consuming and harmful at altitudes above 3500 m on bad roads. We were lucky with our guide Pema taking us through several police and military controls per day with great patience. Often, hotels were allocated by police, local police expects you at arrival. For 1.200 km to Lhasa we needed 4 days: Traffic jams and military convois all over.
Welcome to Tibet in Winter: Truck Jam at 4.500 m with 7 Hours Dead-Time but Chinese do not Complain and we Tried Off-Road | ChinaTibet Railway to Lhasa | ChinaNo Problems for Truck, Heating and Cooking at 5231 m but for People | ChinaAir Pollution: Winter in Lhasa | ChinaMost of all Tibet is Buddhistic: Famous Drepung Monastery in Lhasa | ChinaTemple at Drepung. No Photos Allowed inside. Lhasa | ChinaMonks houses at Drepung | ChinaMonk at Work on Prayer Wheel at Drepung | ChinaWater Driven Prayer Wheels, too, at Drepung | ChinaMonks at Drepung | ChinaTibetian Pilgrims at Drepung | ChinaAt Drepung: Don’t Kill nor Eat no Dogs no Horses in Tibet: Holy Animals | ChinaSolar Energy at Drepung | ChinaMother and Son at Drepung | ChinaAnneli and Pema at Drepung | ChinaDon’t Forget to Move Prayer Wheels at Drepung in Order to Improve your Karma | ChinaDalai Lama Summer Palace NorbulinKa in Lhasa | ChinaNuns Visiting NorbulinKa in Lhasa | China…And Lots of Children in Lhasa | ChinaDustmen make a Clean Lhasa | ChinaIn Case of Problems just Take a Look at the Bus Timetable in Lhasa | ChinaLhasa is a Modern Chinese City | ChinaAllover Morning Gym for Everybody | ChinaPilgrims‘ Prostration on Kora around Potala Palace | ChinaAnd finally Potala Palace in Lhasa | ChinaPotala Red House | ChinaCourtyard at Entrance to Main Building of Potala | ChinaMain Potala Building, no Photos inside never | ChinaClassic Style Tibet Women at Potala | ChinaModern Girls Do Selfies at Potala | ChinaJokhang: Major Buddhistic Temple in Lhasa | ChinaWonderful Wooden Roof Paintings inside | ChinaAnd Golden Prayer Mill on Top | ChinaChinese Flag on every Temple maybe Demoralizing | ChinaPilgrims Market with Incense Oven and Holy Pole in Lhasa | ChinaKora around Pilgrim’s Market in Lhasa | ChinaSome Try for Better Karma in Lhasa | ChinaOthers Try Harder in Lhasa | ChinaJokhhang again, even Harder….Best Karma Prostration in Lhasa | ChinaPrayer Flags and Clockwise Kora at Pilgrim’s Market | ChinaSome just Watch Kora | ChinaSo does She in Lhasa | ChinaOthers Sell Colorful Tissue in Lhasa | China…Or Yak ButterHigh Safety Standards on Pilgrim’s Market in Lhasa | ChinaChinese Pupils don’t Care about Kora | ChinaAncient Tibetian House in Lhasa Oldtown | ChinaAnd Modern Crossing of Bejing Street in Lhasa | ChinaDriving on Bad Roads through Eastern Tibet Heading for the Tea Road is not that Safe | ChinaPrayer Flags Ensuring Safe Journey over Passes and at Altitudes above 7000 mBut Pigs Like Eastern Tibet | ChinaForests are quite Rare so Forest Sightseeing is Due for Tourists in Eastern Tibet | ChinaTypical Market Place Bomi in Eastern Tibet with Main Road | ChinaEasy Going Lady in Front of her Shop in Baxoi, Eastern Tibet | China4 Months Family on Kora through Eastern Tibet to Lhasa | ChinaHoly Rawok Lake on Top of the World in Eastern Tibet | ChinaAnd Narrow Roads with Low CeilingGorges are Deep and Pedestrians Have to Cross on Plank BridgesTibetian Roads are Steep and CurvyCrossing Upper Mekong River | ChinaTibet Border to Yunnan in Markam Joining Tea Road to Pu’Er | ChinaShopping in Markam | ChinaTypical Tibetian Farm on the Road to Yunnan | ChinaTake Care, Bad RoadsClients Waiting all over ChinaPagoda in Yenching, Yunnan | ChinaMeili Snow Mountains, Altitude over 7000 m close to Deqen, Yunnan | ChinaAligning Mekong again | China18th Century Ganden Sumtseling Monastery in Deqen | ChinaMajor Temple of Sumtseling Monastery in Deqen | ChinaChinas Youth loves TemplesMonks love Hi-Tech in the Monastery | ChinaBeautiful Chinese in Sumtseling Monstery, Deqen | ChinaModern Chinese are beautiful, too, in Deqen | China21 m: World’s Highest Prayer Mill in the Centre of Shangri-La, a Real Town Named after James Hilton’s Lost Horizon, published 1933 | ChinaOver 400 Year Old Wooden Houses in Shangri-La | ChinaRed Lamps Lead to Restaurants or Bars in Shangri-La | ChinaTiger Leaping Gorge at Yangtse River | ChinaRebuilt 18th Century Heilong Tan Summer Palace in Lijang | ChinaOver 200 Year Old Wooden Houses and Cafes in Lijang Oldtown | ChinaEnd of School in Shaxi | ChinaShaxi Market with Acient Tea Authority and wonderful Cafes | China500 Year Old Wooden Family Hotel in Shaxi: Cosy | ChinaChinese Like to Dress up in Shaxi | ChinaA Single Beauty in Shaxi | ChinaHeading to Shaxi Market | ChinaHoney Seller in Shaxi | ChinaChinese Eat Spicy and this is what they Need: Spice Relishs at Shaxi Market | China…And Lots of Fruit in ChinaAfter Job Chinese Love to Play CardsMajor Tourist Attraction of Dali: Three Pagodas | ChinaAncient Town House of a Noble Silk Dealer Clan in Dali | ChinaNot that Noble Inside after Culture Revolution in Dali | ChinaRevival of Silk Embrodery Education in Dali | ChinaThis is what Silk Road is all about: Up to 1,5 km Silk Yarn made of one Cocoon after Cooking in Dali | ChinaChinas Yunnan is Tropic: Two Dragon Bridge in Fog close to Jianshui | China…And Flowers everywhere in Yunnan’s South | ChinaRice Farmer Family at Work close to Jianshui | ChinaAncient Noble Palace in Tuan Chan. Rebuilt for Tourists | ChinaWonderful Woodwok at Tuan Chan Palace | ChinaFamous Bag of Rice, Left in Tuan Chan | ChinaFat Golden Buddha in Tuan Chan Temple. Restored | ChinaSome Work……Others Prefer to Watch……And some Dine Fine in Tuan Chan | China…Or Dry Pepperonis on the Road | ChinaFrench Colonial Rulers Built this Railway connecting Laos and Yunnan’s Jianshui. Restored for Tourists | ChinaWater Buffalos Help Farmers | ChinaAnd so Does China’s Standard 1-Cylinder Diesel Truck | ChinaMain Entrance to Confucius Temple in Jianshui | ChinaLotus Gate of Jianshui Confucius Temple | ChinaLotus Park of Jianshui Confucius Temple | ChinaConfucius Himself in Dacheng Hall, Jianshui | ChinaPupils are Called Up at Confucius Temple of Jianshui | ChinaConfucius Pupil Zhang Listening Eagerly in Jianchiu | ChinaOne of 8 Memorials in Jianshui Temple | ChinaLucky Prayer Tokens at Jianshiu Temple | ChinaImpressive Incense Stick at Jianshui Temple | ChinaAnd Again: Playing Cards in the Streets of Jianshiu | ChinaMost Important Stop throughout China for Tourists with Foreign Credit CardsNoisy: Chinese Love Music and Study Piano all together at the same Time in Jianshui | ChinaFamous Hani Rice Terraces under Fog in Yuanyang | ChinaFamous PuEr Tea in Yunnan | ChinaYunnans Rain Forest | ChinaWhite Elephants in Yunnan are Quite Rare | ChinaBut Spiders are Common in Yunnans Jungle | China…and so are Worms in the Jungle | ChinaJungle Rebuilt for Tourists in Yangfang | ChinaTourists Visiting | ChinaSure Disneyland is nice in China, tooGreat Illumination of Mekong Bridge at Jinhong | ChinaFinal Hot Pot with our Guide Zhang in Jinhong | ChinaMohan Border to Laos before Opening Time | China
Laos
After 39 days under control of 3 guides we were lucky to enter Laos Tropic Rain Forest, wonderful, great weather and: No guide but friendly people all over.
Tropic and Moist with wonderful Rain Forest | LaosAnd again Mekong River with Colonial Luang Prabang, most Beautiful | LaosKarst Landscape in Vang Vien’s Rain Forest | LaosGreen Water Buffalos just Getting out of his Bath | LaosBefore Entering Vientiane: Truck Wash | LaosBuddhistc Temples are Smaller and more Filigree in LaosEach Garden and House with Micro Temple in LaosMonks everywhere and Doing their Work in LaosBell Tower in Vientiane at Mekong River | LaosFinal Night at Mekong River with View of Thailand, left Bank | LaosUnicat Truck at a Friend’s Place in Vientiane | Laos
We stored our truck at a friends place and returned home for business again. We plan to continue Truck-the-World at the beginning of February 2017 for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Returning by air to Teheran we continued on Silk Road for 5 weeks visiting Iran’s Yazd, Shiraz, Kerman, Dasht-E-Luth Desert and Mashhad. Transit through Türkmenistan to Uzkbehistan continuing to Chiva, Buchara, Samarkand and Tashkent. In Kazakhstan we visited famous Almaty, drove back to Bishkek and stored our truck in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, 7.000 km in total. Again we returned home for business by air.
IRAN
Our truck was found safe and expected us in the morning dew close to Tehera Khomeini Airport.
Our Truck Waiting in Teheran | IranFriends Waiting, too, in Meshed | IranEntrance to Shah Reza Pahlevis Golestan Palace in Teheran | IranGolestan inside | IranModern Communiction is International | IranPayday in Teheran | IranOn our Way to Yazd | IranVisiting Yazd Girls School | IranFamous Wind Towers of Yazd | IranLady in Black in Yazd Bazar | IranHeading for a Drink in Fahadan Grand Hotel, Yazd | IranView over Persepolis | IranPersepolis Main Gate | IranMedes and Persians in Persepolis | IranFamous Rose Garden of Shiraz | IranTilted Tower of Shiraz Castle | IranOil for Sale in Shiraz | IranTomb of Hafez in Shiraz | IranHeading towards Kerman | Iran…through one of the World’s Largest Saltpans | IranFriday Mosque of Kerman | IranCaraway originates from Kerman | Iran…Sexy Dresses Don’t | Iran.. but Friendly People Do in Kerman | IranFemale Blond crossing Dash’t-E-Luth by Truck | Iran…Even through Sandstorm | IranFirst Tire Blowup after 200.000. km and First Aid plus Invitation for Supper by Dash’t-E-Luth’s Red Half Moon: Thanks a Lot | IranDash’t-E-Luth Colors | IranAfghanistan Border during Heavy Rain | IranChanging Money with a Little Help from a Friend in Mashhad | IranHoly Shrine Dress Code in Mashhad | IranAnd Holy Shrine Guide for Giaurs | IranHoly Shrine Party | IranStay Healthy with Holy Shrine Water | Iran
TÜRKMENISTAN
Entering Türkmenistan was weird with strict regulations and police presence everywhere, clean cars, empty streets and a Disney Land Capital designed to impress, not for people.
Welcome to Empty Streets of Ashgabat | Türkmenistan…and to First Beer after 2 Weeks without Alcohol | Türkmenistan…Second is to Clean your Car in Order to Avoid Police Contacts | TürkmenistanCapital Ashgabat with Presidential Palaces but without People | TürkmenistanImitation of Baku’s Flame Towers in Ashgabat | TürkmenistanClean Orderly Russian Market in Ashgabat | TürkmenistanWorld Heritage Fortress of Mithradates in Nisa | TürkmenistanHeading to Erbent through Karakum Desert | TürkmenistanSchool Boys in Erbent | TürkmenistanSchool Girls in Erbent | TürkmenistanThrough the Sands of Karakum | TürkmenistanFamous Karakum Gas Crater | TürkmenistanSilk Road’s Kenyaurgench | TürkmenistanLots of Native Visitors in Kenyaurgench | TürkmenistanCold March in Kenyaurgench | Türkmenistan
UZBEKHISTAN
Entering a country with friendly people and bad roads was relaxing though. Northern border post was closed causing a detour to Dashoguz.
City Wall Camp in Chiva | UzbekhistanNuruz Persian New Year Party in Front of Kalta Minor in Chiva | UzbekhistanJuma Mosque Wooden Piles Dating 1.000 in Chiva | UzbekhistanTash Hauli Palace Ceiling in Chiva | UzbekhistanChiva Friday Bazar | UzbekhistanIslom-Xo’ja Madrasa in Chiva | UzbekhistanMarriage Does not always Make Happy in Chiva | UzbekhistanBorder River Amur Darja Creates Conflicts on Water Distribution: Lake Aral Dry-Up is a Major Environmantal Desaster | UzbekhistanNo Petrol on the Way to Bukhara | UzbekhistanClay Castle Toprak Kala close to Nukus… | Uzbekhistan…as well as Roads Without Potholes | UzbekhistanWonderful Camp Sites on the Way to Bukhara | UzbekhistanAmira Hotel this Time, Ancient Jewish Villa in Bukhara | UzbekhistanImpressing Breakfast together with Malaysian Friend in Amira Hotel | UzbekhistanKazakh Friends Visiting Bukhara | UzbekhistanWater Side Restaurant at Devonbegi, Bukhara | UzbekhistanRemainders of Silk Road at Devonbegi in Bukhara | UzbekhistanNative Tourists at Devonbegi | UzbekhistanTourists Watching Kalon Minaret | UzbekhistanKalon Mosque in Bukhara | UzbekhistanImpressing Wall of Bukhara Castle | UzbekhistanJewish Synagogue in Bukhara | UzbekhistanJewish Cemetery of Bukhara | UzbekhistanAnd helpful Tire Repair during Nuruz after Blowout in Dash’t-E-Luth | UzbekhistanCamping next to Road and Horses under Observation of Locals | UzbekhistanThere is Dizel in Uzbekhistan, just Watch out for TrucksGUM in Samarkand | UzbekhistanTimur still Watching over Samarkand | UzbekhistanTimur’s Gur-Emir-Mausoleum closeby in Samarkand | UzbekhistanHis Tomb inside | UzbekhistanWatch Repair is Friendly in Samarkand | UzbekhistanSo is Shoe Repair in Samarkand | UzbekhistanGarbage Collecting Pays for a Living in Samarkand | UzbekhistanSo does Classic Roll Baking in Samarkand | UzbekhistanYoung Girls Enjoy Fotos in Samarkand | UzbekhistanWhile the Elderly Enjoy their Tea in Samarkand | UzbekhistanTourists Enjoy Registan’s Ulugbek-Madrasa instead | UzbekhistanSher-Dor-Madrasa in Smarkand | UzbekhistanBibi-Chanum Mosque in Smarkand | UzbekhistanMosque Repair is Due in Samarkand… | Uzbekhistan…Serving as Nice and Pretty Background | UzbekhistanTraffic at Samarkand Bazar | UzbekhistanSelling at Samarkand Bazar… | Uzbekhistan…is Female Business in UzbekhistanIncluding Headgear……For Males, too | UzbekhistanCampsite on the Way to Tashkent: Cows all over | UzbekhistanKhasrati Imam Mosque of Tashkent | UzbekhistanGovernment Building in Tashkent | UzbekhistanParliament in Tashkent | UzbekhistanDecent Romanov Palace just Opposite | UzbekhistanFew People in the Pedstrian Area of Tashkent Centre | UzbekhistanMarriage is Common in this Part of the World | UzbekhistanCamping at the Road Viewing Tien Shan | Uzbekhistan
KAZAKHSTAN
Continuing to Kasakstan was awesome because Tashkent borders were closed for International Tourists. So we had to go back South and take Chinaz for Shymkent, an additional 300 km. Police almost everywhere and unfriendly with tourists who do not bribe.
Coal Mines in Shymkent | KazakhstanSik Road City Shymkent Gate | KazakhstanHorses and Tien Shan all over | KazakhstanSame for Weddings | KazakhstanGreat View of Tien Shan | KazakhstanKazakh National Museum in Almaty | KazakhstanGreat Art Museum Entrance | KazakhstanMuseum Yurt: Kazakh Comfortable Shrine | KazakhstanAlmaty’s Emblem: Big Apple | KazakhstanView of Tien Shan from Almaty’s Kök Töbe | KazakhstanThe Famous Four have been here, too | KazakhstanView over Polluted Almaty at 7 am | KazakhstanCampsite near Horses | KazakhstanCemeteries are out of Town | Kazakhstan
KYRGYZSTAN
Reaching the final destination of this trip we drove to Bishkek and took Tien Shan Highway in Snow to Fergana and Osh where the truck was stored.
Capital Bishkek: Remainder of Soviet Architecture | KyrgyzstanImpressing Presidenial Palace in Bishkek | KyrgyzstanNational Guard and Flag in Bishkek | KyrgyzstanMedical Centre for Middle Class People in Bishkek | KyrgyzstanBishkek Travellers‘ Paradise… | Kyrgyzstan…And here is the Reason | KyrgyzstanTien Shan Highway towards Fergana | KyrgyzstanTien Shan Highway Pass 3.300 m above Sea Level in March Means: Snow… | Kyrgyzstan…While Fergana 300 km away Means Spring… | Kyrgyzstan…And Hand Made Fertility w/o any Machines | KyrgyzstanParking next to Cattle in Ösgön | KyrgyzstanPart of the Project Displayed over Ösgön Bazar | KyrgyzstanÖsgön North, Middle and South Mausoleums | Kyrgyzstan…Topped by Famous Brickwork Minaret | KyrgyzstanAnd Finally: View over Osh | KyrgyzstanClassic Architecture in Osh… | Kyrgyzstan…As well as Modern Soviet | KyrgyzstanOsh Bazar with Body and Headgear… | Kyrgyzstan…Veggies… | Kyrgyzstan…Under Rainy Conditions… | Kyrgyzstan…But with Happy Sellers | Kyrgyzstan…And STAN Standard: Kebab/Cevapcici… | Kyrgyzstan…And High Culture: Osh Philharmony… | Kyrgyzstan…Golden Coast Restaurant… | Kyrgyzstan…and Flowers for the Ladies, too… | Kyrgyzstan…Cildrens‘ Playground… | Kyrgyzstan…And Children, not Amused | KyrgyzstanHoly Suleyman Hill in Osh | KyrgyzstanSuleyman Museum in Osh | KyrgyzstanGliding Down Suleyman said to Improve Fertility | KyrgyzstanFamily Holiday at Suleyman | KyrgyzstanMosque at its Foot… | Kyrgyzstan…As well as World’s only 3-Level-Yurt… | Kyrgyzstan…And University | Kyrgyzstan…Plus Truck Storage at Patrik’s MuzToo in Osh | KyrgyzstanFinally Back Home in Bonn
We are planning to return late 2016 for crossing China, Taklamakan and Gobi Desert heading to India via Tibet and Nepal. We will sip a cocktail or two at said to be the oldest known fountain at Silk Road: Yueya Quan, Gobi Desert, see http://www.action-blue.de
Truck-the-World started in July 2015 with a 6 weeks trip to Iran via Austria, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan. Almost 10.000 km in total without any technical problem, a new experience. We returned home for business by air.
AUSTRIA | ITALY | GREECE | TURKEY
Always a Good Start | GreeceCamping beneath Hagia Sophia in Istanbul | TurkeyFamous Terminal in Istanbul | TurkeyWonderful Topkapi in Istanbul | TurkeyKings Gate to Hetite Capital Hattusya | TurkeyArmenian Church in Trabzon | Turkey
Georgia
Driver Error Causing Slip Off the Track in Batumi with Friendly Assistance and Aid | GeorgiaModern Batumi Beach Made by Donald Trumpp | GeorgiaEurope’s Highest Mountain Elburs in Russia Viewed from Mestia | GeorgiaCows all over | GeorgiaSame with Monasteries | GeorgiaOld Tiflis | GeorgiaModern Tiflis | Georgia
Armenia
Silk Road Caravansary Selim | ArmeniaArmenia’s Holy Ararat over the Border in Turkey and Virap Monastery | AmeniaRepublic Place Parking in Jerewan | ArmeniaLunch with Friends in Jerewan | ArmeniaMonastery again | ArmeniaIndustry in Ruins in Spitak | Armenia
Azerbaijan
Friendly Welcome | AzerbaijanWealth at the Seaside is not quite New in Baku | AzerbaijanOil Trader’s Villa in Baku | AzerbaijanFamous „Flames“ lit at Night over Baku | AzerbaijanSeashore Camping in Baku | AzerbaijanOil Rig in the Caspian Sea in front of Baku | AzerbaijanRailroad aligning Caspian Sea Beach and Bungalows on its Way to Iran | Azerbaijan
IRAN
We were happy to enter Iran and to meet friendly people and officials.
Mausoleum of Ardebil | IranThe Only Off-Road Vehicle met in the East: Journalist Friends from Teheran | IranIranians Love Photos and Europeans | IranNuts on the Roads close to Tabriz | IranPolitical Posters all over IranFamous Tabriz Carpet Bazar | IranHouses Carved into the Rock in Kandovan | IranFamily Friday Afternoon in Kandovan | IranSemidesert on the Way to Isfahan | IranMaydan in Isfahan | IranAli Qapu Palace at Maydan in Isfahan | IranPersian Beauty on Display in Ali Qapu | IranFamous Lotfollah Mosque at Maydan in Isfahan | IranImpressive Entrance to Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan | IranImam Mosque at Maydan in Isfahan | IranInside Imam Mosque in Isfahan | Iran… no Service on Sundays at Imam Mosque in Isfahan | IranHousing among 2 Million People in Riveroasis Isfahan | IranHotel Abbasi inside, Former Caravansary in Isfahan | IranClimate Change: Ancient Bridge over Zayandeh Rud ovrer to Armenian Quarter of Isfahan | IranFarm in the Semidesert of Kurdistan | IranDesert Camping in Daht-E-Kavir | IranCamping at 2000 m Makes Agreeable Nights after 45 Degrees during the Day | IranSmog over Teheran during Summer | IranTube Entrance in Teheran | IranFamous Place of Republic in Teheran | IranFamous Museum of Contemporary Art in Teheran with Bacon Rothko Newman | IranCarpet Museum in Teheran | IranUS Embassy Teheran Closed in 1979 | IranMerchandising is Male in IranFriday Bazar in Teheran | IranSweets are Female thoughGoodbye Party at our Friends and Hosts Home in Teheran | IranNice Pub with Friends in Teheran Heights | IranWaterpipe Seems Enjoyable | IranFinal Banquet in Teheran | Iran
THANKS A LOT TO A WONDERFUL COUNTRY AND BELOVED FRIENDS
