Long before reaching our final destination, the Himalayas start to blanket the horizon. It's a bird's eye view of what will become the backdrop of our lives for the week to come. Smoothly, our plane glides between the peaks and aligns itself with the lone runway of Leh, nested in the valley below. … [Read more...]
What 50 USD buys you in Turkmenistan
This is the cheapest double room that I could find in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. It's 50 USD a night, including breakfast one fried egg on oily macaroni noodles. Welcome to Hotel Siyakhat. … [Read more...]
A Normal Day in Iran
Things have been (and will continue to be) a little more quiet here. Internet is abysmal in Iran and finding a place that has half-way usable Internet tends to be a challenge. In a way, that 's a bit characteristic for my stay in the Islamic Republic - solving everyday challenges without technology. … [Read more...]
On Ladas, Brandies and Indiana Jones
In the countryside of Armenia, Nokia brick phones rule. So do iconic 4x4 Lada Nivas. You might be wondering how those old Soviet rust buckets are still running? That's because they were producing them up until 2011. Those things are said to be unstoppable. Well, except maybe by EU emission … [Read more...]
My Experience with Airbnb in Georgia and Armenia
In spite of hours spent researching, preparing, and sending inquiries, I was unable to secure a single place to stay in Georgia via Couchsurfing. Not in Tbilisi, not in Gori, not anywhere else. It was somewhat disappointing, especially after 'surfing' a lot on my Africa trip and hosting more than 50 … [Read more...]