Tag: blog

Chronicle of Ushuaïa: Journey to the End of the World

Argentina Around the world South America

Chronicle of Ushuaïa: Journey to the End of the World

By

I was going to the end of the world! These few words were, for me, the perfect conclusion to a journey that started in Buenos Aires, passed through Uruguay and Chile, and ended in Ushuaïa, in Tierra del Fuego.

Ushuaïa embodies the wonder of an 18-year-old woman who dreamed of travelling the world and completed her first major trip (outside Europe) at this location—albeit accompanied but independent. It was the awakening of a love for South America but also for a more adventurous way of travelling, the discovery of sharing the journey with someone else, and ultimately, the idea of returning and perhaps even venturing to Antarctica.

… Continue reading
Egypt – Itinerary and reflections of a budding Egyptologist

Africa Egypt

Egypt – Itinerary and reflections of a budding Egyptologist

By

For as long as I can remember, Egypt has been a land of mystery and fascination for me. As a child, I dreamed of becoming an Egyptologist, of exploring the secrets buried beneath the thousand-year-old sands, of unravelling the enigmas of the pharaohs, and of following in the footsteps of these ancient civilisations that have left an indelible mark on the history of humanity.

In December 2023, I finally realised this childhood dream. For 8 days, I plunged into the enchanting world of Egypt, a journey that awakened in me the budding Egyptologist that I’ve never stopped being.

… Continue reading
Da Nang: Unusual Adventures to Marble Mountain and Lady Buddha

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Da Nang: Unusual Adventures to Marble Mountain and Lady Buddha

By

In my previous article on My Son, I told you about the various excursions available from Hoi An. We explored the culture and nature of central Vietnam in the ancient archaeological city. Today, I’m taking you on a slightly more… shall we say, unexpected adventure, still departing from Hoi An. Surprising, because we had no idea what we were going to discover.

We booked a half-day tour with our hostel to discover the mysteries of the caves and caverns of Marble Mountain in Da Nang, followed by a visit to the famous Lady Buddha. Well, let’s say it was an unforgettable experience, especially thanks to our guide, who mastered English about as well as I mastered kung fu (which is to say, not at all).

… Continue reading
2 days in Hoi An: Unveiling Vietnam’s Luminous Beauty

Around the world Asia Vietnam

2 days in Hoi An: Unveiling Vietnam’s Luminous Beauty

By

A stroll through Hoi An, by far the best-preserved old town in Vietnam, gives you a rare feeling of stepping back in time. The pretty lantern-decorated streets reveal a cosmopolitan architecture that reflects the past of this once prosperous trading port.

Situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a coastal town in Vietnam that captivates visitors with its historic charm, well-preserved architecture and peaceful ambience. Not only have the ancient buildings survived the wars of the 20th century, but they have also retained traditional features that are rare today.

… Continue reading
Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

By

Ninh Binh province was one of my favourites in Vietnam. Naturally, it’s still a must-see for tourists, as it’s nicknamed Ha Long Bay on land, but it feels better than Ha Long Bay, which, despite being a natural wonder, was ultimately my least favourite place.

Ninh Binh boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful, majestic and impressive natural scenery. With its towering karst peaks rising from the rice paddies, it is a destination that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 (for the Trang An landscape complex).

… Continue reading
Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Pu Luong

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Pu Luong

By

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a magnificent mountainous region famous for its picturesque landscapes, rural villages and rice terraces. Pu Luong is not yet on the tourist radar, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for a relaxing, unique and unforgettable experience.

Pu Luong is a truly amazing destination if you like to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations and want to get an idea of what Vietnam was like before tourism took hold.

… Continue reading
Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Mai Chau

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Mai Chau

By

Mai Chau is a rural region in north-west Vietnam, just a three-hour drive from Hanoi, the bustling Vietnamese capital. It was a breath of fresh air during my trip to Vietnam, as well as an unusual and off-the-beaten-track place to visit.

Indeed, long before our trip and when we were preparing it, there was no mention of this region in any research. The main tourist attraction was the Pu Luong Nature Park, which we wanted to visit and which gave us two days’ rest away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

… Continue reading
Café in Lausanne: 3rd edition of the café crawl

Lausanne Switzerland Vaud

Café in Lausanne: 3rd edition of the café crawl

By

As you’re beginning to know, I have a passion as an intrepid explorer for unearthing the caffeine gems of Lausanne. And this year, 2024, my coffee radar went into overdrive with several addresses in my sights, having spent a few months in German-speaking Switzerland.

So I got my faithful sidekick on board to participate in the third edition of our now famous caféthon. Fuelled by the prospect of discovering new havens in Lausanne, we immersed ourselves in the bustle of the capital’s streets on a sunny Saturday in February.

… Continue reading
Café in Lausanne: 2nd edition of the café crawl

Lausanne Switzerland Vaud

Café in Lausanne: 2nd edition of the café crawl

By

Ah, coffee! That aromatic beverage awakens our senses and gives us the boost we need to face the day. My favourite drink. In all its guises. In Lausanne, coffee (and the café) is more than just a morning drink/place; it’s a way of life, an experience in its own right.

Imagine strolling along the old town’s cobbled streets, with only the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee for company. You stop in front of a little café on the corner, drawn by the murmur of lively conversation and the clinking of cups. It’s enough almost to make me leave my beloved Vevey to experience this passion for coffee daily.

… Continue reading