by Martin | Oct 12, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister, Featured
Last day – what a week!!!! Today we have a really great final day. Starting with playing a round of golf at Katameya heights Golf Resort (http://www.katameyaheights.com/) What a GREAT round of golf – while Mom and Sis where at the pool. And then the final...
by Martin | Oct 11, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister
Early start today at 4am to leave for Abu Simbel. But worth the hassle! Hottest day so far – 44° or more! Stopped at a Fata morgana at the way back. Afternoon: Visitin the nubian village. Dad petting some crocodiles and a nice sunset while sailing by the Old...
by Martin | Oct 10, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister
We started with the temple of Philae – in the „lake“. Amazing story that they „moved“ the temple when they build the dam! Then up to the high dam – impressive construction. Thinking about the dams in Austria/Tirol this is a different sports 🙂 My dad then...
by Martin | Oct 9, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister
Breakfast (Doris tried herself 🙂 ) – and then to Temple of Horus at Edfu – by carriage! nice… sooo many horses… 🙂 We had someone else in our group – but I don’t go into too much details – she was a bit tiring from time to time 🙂 Emad is great...
by Martin | Oct 8, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister
Still in luxor, today we visited the Temple of Hatshepsut and the valley of the kings. It was hot. It was faszinating. We had Emad as our guide (owner of the tour company: https://www.reiseninaegypten.com/) I can only speak of him in the highest respect – you...
by Martin | Oct 7, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister
We started in the morning again, Mohamed picked us up and checked out at Longchamps. On the way to the airport for our flight to Luxor we went to Mokattam to also see the „other side“ where tourists normally do not go (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabbaleen). We...
by Martin | Oct 6, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister
Getting up early for a full day of Cairo sightseeing!!! After having a brief chat with Hebba, Mohamed picked us up in the morning and we drove to Gizeh for the pyramids. NO TRAFFIC – due to the 6th of October is a big holiday in Egypt. I have been to Cairo...
by Martin | Oct 5, 2019 | 2019 Egypt with Parents and Sister
So those entries are for the one week Egypt travel for my parents 50th wedding anniversary – which was exactly 50 years to this day. My sister and I were joining our parents. First time for them on a different continent 🙂 And there we go! Leaving Munich...
by Martin | Jan 7, 2019 | Mexico/Canada 2019
Yesterday evening I traveled to Panorama, to “test” a different company/area. I stayed in Invermere – in a 5 star resort – for 73 EUR?!?!? https://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/copper-point-resort.en-gb.html (Thanks booking.com ….) –...
by Martin | Jan 6, 2019 | Uncategorized
hat a great day yesterday – the weather was very good (not completely sunny, but still very good) and the 6 runs we did were just amazing. Today the weather is not as good. We only do 3.5 runs (even though it seems the company counts that 200 vertical meter run...
by Martin | Jan 5, 2019 | Mexico/Canada 2019
First day Heli Ski with selkirk tangiers (https://www.selkirk-tangiers.com) What a smooth operation. No stress, everything absolutely well organised. Time for a good breakfast, then training on the avalanche gear and intro to the heli. Nice group as well. There...
by Martin | Jan 4, 2019 | Mexico/Canada 2019
It’s only a 4 hour flight from Puerto Vallarta to Calgary! I had an easy flight at around noon. Arrival on Friday at 4pm in Calgary. If you believe it or not, this is my first visit to Canada! Immigration officer was very friendly, and I told him I go to...
by Martin | Jan 2, 2019 | Mexico/Canada 2019
Enjoying the sun and the nice temps! The flight yesterday was quite long. In total about 22 hours door to door. I never book a flight on the 1st of Jan at 10am – that was really tough after New year’s eve. Thanks to Iris/Achim for bringing me to the...
by Martin | Jan 1, 2019 | Mexico/Canada 2019
I guess you could say I’m a bit crazy 🙂 23.222 km on aircraft + 1026km by car for: Rammstein concert Three days of heli skiing (This is more than 1/2 time around the world – The circumference of Earth at the equator is about 40,075 km) But what can I say?...
by Martin | Feb 20, 2018 | Hong Kong 2018 (Chinese New Year)
Today we took the ferry to Macau. Very busy today and booking the tickets in advance didn’t work (didn’t accept credit cards – probably because they are foreign). Also on the automated machines they only accepted Hongkong and Macau credit cards! so...
by Martin | Feb 19, 2018 | Hong Kong 2018 (Chinese New Year)
Went to “The Peak”. Been there before in 2008 – but this time there were soooo many people we didn’t take the famous “peak tram” but just an uber 🙂 Nice views, again we tried and see the Laser-Show, but didn’t really see...
by Martin | Feb 18, 2018 | Hong Kong 2018 (Chinese New Year)
Sunday we slept a bit longer (returning only at 5am from the bars) 🙂 Then we went for a walk, Computer Center, etc. and then to a roof-top bar (Wooloomooloo bar) and then with Star Ferry across to the other side to watch the “famous” laser show –...
by Martin | Feb 17, 2018 | Hong Kong 2018 (Chinese New Year)
Off we are for destination HongKong! traveling in attendance of the crew as back in 2013 to Shanghai – which is very cool! Staying at Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hkghv-renaissance-hong-kong-harbour-view-hotel/...
by Martin | May 21, 2017 | Featured, Mount Everest 2017
I did it!!!! Yippi!!! Sunrise at Everest!!!! more details later…. (when I have better Internet – currently on the way back to Kathmandu via Lhasa – in Shigatse) Summit picture (from Video): Summit Video Gipfelmoshn on...
by Martin | May 10, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
So, after a few days of waiting we are going for our Summit Push tomorrow (11.05.2017). Don’t have an exact Summit day yet (maybe between 16th and 20th of May) as we need to check the weather in a few days. Once we leave tomorrow, there won’t be Internet...
by Martin | May 6, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
After returning to BC on the 4th we started our “full body rest program” The return hike from ABC to BC (close to 17km) was quite exhausting (ony one day): So now as we have prepared our bodies we have to wait for the actual “Summit push”....
by Martin | May 3, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
After finishing the rotation we spend one more day here at ABC (approx. 6380m). We are still waiting for a final schedule as the CTMA (China Tibet Mountain Association) is still discussing about who is fixing the ropes for the last section (8300m – 8848m). There...
by Martin | May 2, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
After two nights it’s time to end our first (and only rotation). All went better than expected. Yes the initial ascent to North Col. was very exhausting, but now I think this was mainly due to the heat in the down suit which is too hot for me. The small one hour hike...
by Martin | May 2, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
all ok :)Tent only broke “a little bit” during the strong winds during this night – one rod and a hole in the fore-tent. After the tent broke I actually slept better (what else could happen?) Didn’t really capture on the video so it was cut...
by Martin | May 1, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
What a beautiful morning up here! a few Sherpas are already going up to Camp2. We also took a small hike towards Camp2 (approx. 7800m) but the weather turned. When Bastian and Oliver turned around I went a bit further, until I realized I’m the only one on the route...
by Martin | Apr 30, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
4 hours and 58m – below the limit from Russel Brice from the series „Everest – Beyond the Limit“ – Yippi! It was a tough hike/climb. Not so much technically but very exhausting. One issue is, that I don’t have as much warm cloths as other members, so...
by Martin | Apr 27, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Here we spend a few more days for acclimatization and our “Rotation” to North Col. This is for our body to get used to those heights. We also had another Puja and tried to get rid of headaches and short breath 🙂 ABC Post from RICOH THETA. #theta360 –...
by Martin | Apr 25, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Yesterday and today we made our way to ABC (with one night at Intermediate Camp). I’ve done better videos than this one – but you should get an idea how it looks like. Garmin route to intermediate Camp (battery empty for IC to ABC) Theta 360 between BC and IC...
by Martin | Apr 22, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Thanks to Oliver (one or our other expedition members) and his Ricoh Theta S camera (360°) I can show some nice images: (use your mouse to drag the image – click on the Theta symbol for a link to a fullscreen version) Basecamp on 14.04 (when we arrived) Basecamp...
by Martin | Apr 22, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
See how our dome is build… (uploading this with the internet connection of 5170m was not easy!!!) This is how Tibet Basecamp looks on 21.04 (now everyone should have arrived). Not too crowded at...
by Martin | Apr 19, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Today a small hike to a hill at 6090m (and yes: the Sherpas call it a hill). Very though but better as expected. 4hours getting up – considering this is about the same as Huayna Potosi which took 5.5 hours. I think I’m fit enough. For any “regular...
by Martin | Apr 18, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Today we had our Puja. A Lama (priest) came to our camp and Sherpas and clients were receiving blessings. As anyone who knows me understands that I’m not that much into religion, this was actually a very nice ceremony! (And with this mountain, I should consider...
by Martin | Apr 15, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Getting used to living here. Some extremes: Thursday night: -13°C in the tent Friday: +34°C in the tent (sun shining) Friday night: snowing (I’m now using the „big -40° sleeping bag“) Difficulties: with the -20° sleeping bag sometimes too cold with the -40°...
by Martin | Apr 13, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Today we arrived at Everest Base Camp (China). We are one of the first and it is quite empty so far. We arrived before our gear so we and our Sherpa’s had to wait a bit. Our Sherpas are so awesome – really great guys! It is way more comfortable than I thought it...
by Martin | Apr 12, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Yesterday we drove from Xigatse to New Tingri. Again quite a long drive. In the morning we first tried to get more SIM cards for the other group members, and as Daniel and I were successful at last with SIM cards from both, China Telecom (which needs China devices,...
by Martin | Apr 10, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Traveling to Xigatse today… VERY slow… 8 hours for 250km… driver only going 40km/h – apparently as there is a speed limit enforced by section control. hard to believe as EVERYONE was passing us…. continuing our...
by Martin | Apr 9, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Sightseeing tour – main attraction of course: Potala Palace (where the Dalai Lama used to live). Really impressive – just look at the pics (but as always hard to capture). Just try to imagine what an impression this made on Heinrich Harrer and Peter...
by Martin | Apr 8, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Today we finally arrived in Lhasa. Only approximately 19 hours later than scheduled – new record for me in regards to flight delays, hope this one stands forever. On the maps below you can see the distance between Lhasa and Chengdu in relation to Kathmandu! We...
by Martin | Apr 7, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
We started today, 7:30am local time (Kathmandu) for Lhasa (Tibet). Flight to Lhasa is 1:30min – so you would expect this is done in no-time!!!!? Well, it is now 01:00am (local time) —- in Chengdu (Sergenti Hotel) which is further away...
by Martin | Apr 6, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Visiting several sites including: Swayambhu (स्वयम्भू) aka Monkey Temple Boudha Stupa Garden of Dreams Kathmandu Durbar Square Budhanilkantha Temple nice day – but enough temples now...
by Martin | Apr 5, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Neil from http://summitoxygen.com showed us how to use the oxygen...
by Martin | Apr 4, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
25 degree C and the sun is shining !!!! I’m really feeling great about this group. Such experienced people around me – makes me feel save. Also Andy Holzer is really inspirational: https://andyholzer.com/de/ https://andyholzer.com/everest2017/ Lukas...
by Martin | Apr 3, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Boarding the plane to Kathmandu...
by Martin | Mar 3, 2017 | Mount Everest 2017
Training a lot on „Summit Trainer“: https://www.lifefitness.com/facility/products/integrity-series/summit-trainer Once had the opportunity to train on a stepmill (https://www.amazon.com/StairMaster-Stepmill-7000-PT/dp/B000NZKXNG) – really good! (500...
by Martin | Dec 27, 2016 | Mount Everest 2017
24.12.: 3 hours skiing 25.12.: 3 hours hiking (Heuberg, 1154 altitude difference – in deep snow, see pics) 26.12.: 3 hours skiing 27.12.: 3.5 hours hiking (Heuberg, 207 min. total, 1:35 for 1086m alt.difference – 684m/hour!!!)...
by Martin | Dec 18, 2016 | Mount Everest 2017
Day 1: technical training with Alex Bluemel (http://www.bergbluemel.at/Uber_mich.html) (fixed rope, crampons, ice screws, rock-tunnel, etc…) Day 2: Wildspitze (3768m) via east-ridge (Jubilaeumsgrat). What a fantastic day! Really enjoyed it – Thanks...
by Martin | Dec 1, 2016 | Mount Everest 2017
It’s been some time since the World-Tour in 2012/2013 so it’s time for something new. So I signed up for Everest in 2017 (April/May). Why not? I signed up with Lukas Furtenbach for the north route from Tibet/China:...
by Martin | Feb 6, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
A relaxed place. Even though it is supposed to be the high season, there are not too many tourists here. I have a better feeling about this place here than Ambergris cay on Belize. Diving is ok, but not mind blowing for me. Great corals but there were not too many...
by Martin | Feb 1, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
Thanks to Brian we were able to see the Superbowl in a school (NCA, a private American school, quite expensive one). Even though I like to see and interact with local people, Superbowl is about atmosphere and whats better than watching this with a bunch of Americans 🙂...
by Martin | Jan 31, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
Brian invited me to join an MMA (mixed martial arts) event in Ocotal. We hired a van (15 persons) in Managua and took many of the fighters up to Ocotal. Also in our van: special guest two time world champion boxer (IBF Super Flyweight Champion and IBF Bantamweight...
by Martin | Jan 30, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
When I was walking past all of the tour operators in Granda (looking for transport to León) I came across Leo tours http://www.vivatravelguides.com/central-america/nicaragua/granada-and-around/granada/granada-tours/leos-tours/ I really liked the guy as he said I don’t...
by Martin | Jan 29, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
The first impression was really good. The climate is just so much better as Austria/Germany at the moment 🙂 However, I soon discovered that many of the restaurants in the centre where made for tourism (especially for US). By far not as bad as in the Bahamas, and just...
by Martin | Jan 26, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
After 70.000 tons of metal => golfing the day we return …. how nice is 🙂 Thanks to Deryn (room-mate on the cruise – how like I love metal as well as golf) I could spend the day on the golf course (arrival of the cruise at 8am – my flight to...
by Martin | Jan 24, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
What should I say. It was great again. Difficult to explain – just join me next time. Enjoy the video and the pics. ...
by Martin | Jan 20, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
http://www.powerboatadventures.com By powerboat to Exuma Islands. Quite remote and untouched. Agenda: feed some iguanas on a nice beach food and beers at 11am feed stingrays more food more beers Guide feeds sharks (contrary to yesterday with diving I DO NOT APPROVE...
by Martin | Jan 19, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
just WOW…. just watch the video. and NO – sharks are not the dangerous beasts everyone think they are, even though there are a few incidents with snorkelers and surfers who just seem like perfect food. And then it’s only very few of the many...
by Martin | Jan 18, 2015 | 2015 Caribbean (8 weeks)
What a difference… I had to add two pics from leaving Munich… The flight was a bit long and US imigration took very long as usual (I had 2:10hours for my layover in Philadelphia – but had to run really fast to get my connecting flight! but I made it). The...
by Martin | Feb 23, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
What a fantastic week. Really feeling sad to leave Dubai as it blew all my expectations. Especially thanks to Youssef which showed us things other tourist are not able to see. It was a fully packed week with lots of attractions and activities, but also with some...
by Martin | Feb 22, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
After my diving today meeting up with the boys again for one last evening in Dubai. Of course we had a shisha, then a huge portion of meat and then a shisha again 🙂 That’s the way to end such a week. The place we went to is really beautiful (a market with loads of...
by Martin | Feb 22, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
Ok, getting up at 5:45am after the Stones Gig yesterday in Abu Dhabi was a bit difficult (back at the hotel at 2am) – but it was worth it. My driver picked me up at 6:30 and we drove to Dibba (Oman). I have never seen such a slow driver – ok, there was a...
by Martin | Feb 21, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
“Start me up” – was the first song. No need for a support band if you have such a song to start the gigg. Wow, these men are old! But they don’t behave like that! On the one side it felt a bit weird to see such old men behave like 20 year olds – but on the...
by Martin | Feb 21, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
A relaxing afternoon at the beach. We had the beach, beer, the ocean, a shisha… The water was a bit cold though… Youssef showed us a small little restaurant which is famous for seafood. Youssef knows the owner and this is a real hidden treasure! One of the best meals...
by Martin | Feb 21, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
We started the morning with a trip to the observatory at the Burh Khalifa. I have done this a couple of times now (Petronas Towers, Auckland, Sydney, Shanghai) and I was a bit disappointed that the observatory is “only” at like 452m (the building is >800m in...
by Martin | Feb 20, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
A relaxing day without too much on the agenda. Started with visiting the Dubai mall for some shopping (well for me: eating). We chose to go not for a “healthy, fat reduced burger chain” but instead went to “FAT BURGER”. The name is well chosen. Even though we didn’t...
by Martin | Feb 19, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
Youssef organized a Desert Safari for us. It started with dune bashing – driving ONTO the sand dunes with a 4×4 and not too slow! Really great – but next time I want a private charter. We had a 5-year old in the car and the driver had to slow down....
by Martin | Feb 18, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
Martin and I played a nice round of golf at the Emirates Golf Club. Really nice course and the skyscrapers in the background gave the course (layed out by Nick Faldo) a realyl nice touch. We both played a horrible round, but we had fun 🙂 The beer was...
by Martin | Feb 17, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
Luckily Youssef is working in tourism and very well connected in Dubai. We were able to get into the Burj al Arab and had our own private tour (normally it is only possible with a tour or a booking for afternoon tea – none of which is even close to what we were...
by Martin | Feb 17, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
We drove to Abu Dhabi as Youseff mentioned Friday (when we are there for the Stones gig) is not a good day to visit. We visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates PalaceNice buildings! I’m not so into Mosques, and anyone who is following my blog know that...
by Martin | Feb 16, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
Martin had his business meeting at the Grant Hyatt and I joined for a Shisha and some beers. What a...
by Martin | Feb 15, 2014 | Dubai Feb. 2014
Nice walk through the Dubai Marina (a place we were staying nearly every night for the next week – best area in dubai!) and “The Walk”.Went to the Mall of Emirates to get a local SIM card and visit the indoor Ski Arena – CRAZY!!! (I didn’t ski) The first...
by Martin | Jan 4, 2014 | Shanghai NewYears Eve 2013
After one week it was time to go back home. It was a nice time and a many things went on with no pictures or stories to tell 🙂 I enjoyed the time here as it showed me a different side of China compared to my visit last Year in Beijing and Hohot. Now I’d say it’s time...
by Martin | Jan 3, 2014 | Shanghai NewYears Eve 2013
A Water town approx. 1.5 hours outside of Shanghai. Totally different...
by Martin | Jan 2, 2014 | Shanghai NewYears Eve 2013
Wondering around the city again, and going up to the top of the Shanghai World Financial Center (474m). Nice views...
by Martin | Dec 31, 2013 | Shanghai NewYears Eve 2013
we had a great time …. 🙂 Pictures? deleted….
by Martin | Dec 30, 2013 | Shanghai NewYears Eve 2013
wondering around the...
by Martin | Dec 29, 2013 | Shanghai NewYears Eve 2013
It started off very well. I got upgraded to First Class on my flight to Shanghai and this was a very nice experience. Loads of Wine, caviar, fantastic food – and a bed. I slept really well! The captain was very cool as well – as was the whole crew. We then...
by Martin | Sep 19, 2013 | North East Asia
Well, this is the end of my one year journey around the world. I can’t possibly explain what an experience this was. Meeting the people, cultures, sights, beers, food, attractions, activities, mountains, dive spots, golf courses etc for which someone might need...
by Martin | Sep 16, 2013 | North East Asia
Quiet little town with even more churches 🙂 – was nice and relaxing – especially as I decided not to stay in the hostel from the tour but in a nice hotel with banya (russian sauna) attached. Really relaxing!!!...
by Martin | Sep 15, 2013 | North East Asia
Well, these are the last entries on my blog – and as the year is almost over and I’m about to go back to munich the last entries are a bit shorter 🙂 About Kazan: Nice little town, lot of churches, nice kremlin – FANTASTIC food. Might be a good idea...
by Martin | Sep 9, 2013 | North East Asia
Now we are in Irkutsk or more precise in Listvyanka at lake baikal. Much more interesting than Ulan Ude. What a lake! Lake Baikal is the most voluminous freshwater lake in the world, containing roughly 20% of the world’s unfrozen surface fresh water....
by Martin | Sep 7, 2013 | North East Asia
After another long wait at the border – we are now in Mother Russia!Not much to add to Ulan Ude. Not that much to see apart from a huge Lenin head – again failed to find a shisha...
by Martin | Sep 4, 2013 | North East Asia
was really nice! And it didn’t seem that there are too many tourists coming through and the camels are being used “normally” as well – and well taken care...
by Martin | Sep 3, 2013 | North East Asia
Now 3 days/2 nights of to the country side. Sleeping in ger camps – traditional Mongolian tents which are still being used my the nomads today (still a lot of people, I think our honcho said 40%, live a nomadic live). Long drives to get there (for example it...
by Martin | Sep 2, 2013 | North East Asia
On the first evening in UB we also went to a show/performance with music (traditional Mongolian throat singing) dance and Contortionist (“Schlangenmensch”). Was really VERY interesting. With some of their music they could have a show on a heavy metal...
by Martin | Sep 1, 2013 | North East Asia
After a long train ride and hours of waiting at the border (8 hours?) we arrived in Mongolia/Ulaan Baatar.We walked around the city a bit – I was on the (unsuccessful) adventure to find a shisha – and we saw the big statue of Chinghis khaan.Even though we...
by Martin | Aug 31, 2013 | North East Asia
On our way to Mongolia we had one day in Hohhot – Inner Mongolia (still china!). Not much to see in the town (a few pictures show mosques and more temples and a park… etc.) – nothing special – so we (the vodkatrain tour) went outside for the...
by Martin | Aug 28, 2013 | North East Asia
Sightseeing in Beihing – the usual suspects: – Tian’anmen square- Forbidden City- Jingshan park- Yu’er Hutongs Especially Forbidden City: just too many people for my taste…. and another Beijing Duck at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (apparently...
by Martin | Aug 27, 2013 | North East Asia
That has been the most impressive sight since a long time. Really impressive. And we went to the good part of the wall which is not crowded like the Octoberfest! (I have seen some pictures with so many chinese people on the wall that I thought it actually might...
by Martin | Aug 25, 2013 | North East Asia
Right after arriving I had a nice dinner with Joerg and a friend of him. Really cool and good again. Then we went for some drinks and I couldn’t resist to have a “Franziskaner Weißbier” in Beijing (only one, the other beers where local again). The...
by Martin | Aug 24, 2013 | North East Asia
Miyeon showing me Korea. Thanks so much. The food was so good – I will never forget that Korean BBQ – delicious and a lot of food! Then a good night out with beers and soju and after a “hangover soup” the next day (yes, that’s apparently...
by Martin | Aug 23, 2013 | North East Asia
This morning before going to Busan I went to the Gangnam district. Don’t know what the hype is all about – it’s not my...
by Martin | Aug 22, 2013 | North East Asia
After just having a beer and a Shisha the day I arrived (still hangover from Tokyo) today I went sightseeing in a quite efficient way: -Namchang Market- N Seoul Tower- Gyeongbokgung Palace- Bukchon Umgebung- really nice food/lunch- Cheonggyechon river- Itaewon...
by Martin | Aug 20, 2013 | North East Asia
At the end of the tour for the Sumo ringers Reiko invited me/us (Brandon) to a “Sumo Pub” – which turns out to be the smallest pub I’ve ever seen – run by an Ex-Sumo. All her friends were there as well (all tour guides – so no...
by Martin | Aug 20, 2013 | North East Asia
I never imagined that Sumo ringers train that hard. Absolutely stunning. Check the Video!This one guy was going so far beyond his limit – I really thought he will die just now! I have much more respect of that sport now – was a very good lesson! And so...
by Martin | Aug 18, 2013 | North East Asia
The trip from Gotemba to tokyo took a bit longer than planed (4 hours instead of 2 hours by bus) – as there was so much traffic (end of Obon). But once in Tokyo I had to rethink my “not much English here” experience. The hotel staff spoke very good...
by Martin | Aug 18, 2013 | North East Asia
Japans highest Mountain. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Fuji What a nice hike. The view was nearly a bit like Chimborazo as there is no other mountain near with similar hight (nr. 35 of mountains sorted by prominence...
by Martin | Aug 16, 2013 | North East Asia
Based on recommendations from Miyeon I went to Nara to see some deer. Wow, there was a lot of deer! I really thought about “Hirschbraten” in one of my favorite Munich restaurants (Osterwaldgarten). Nice scene: It is amazing where this deer is laying...
by Martin | Aug 15, 2013 | North East Asia
Temples, Temples, Temples … was nice again – but seen enough temples now :)Has been a nice day (very hot again) – and the traditional clothes were interesting to see. But soooo many people … Apparently it was “Obon” where EVERYONE – has...
by Martin | Aug 14, 2013 | North East Asia
What a first impression: no queue at the immigration desk (Hello UK/US!!!!) and a beer vending machine while waiting for the speed train. Everything clean, modern – as expected. Had quite a nice hotel – even though the staff was not too friendly and only 1...
by Martin | Aug 11, 2013 | South East Asia
Hmmm… What’s there to see in Manila? Couldn’t find anything… ;)just another big city…(but I needed some time to “really” do nothing...
by Martin | Aug 8, 2013 | South East Asia
WOW. this was a nice trip. Again – see the Video “Diving in the Philippines” in the video section. Such a lovely group and really well organized by JC and Sito! Thanks so much to everyone. Don’t know what else to add to this what you cannot see...
by Martin | Aug 6, 2013 | South East Asia
While in Boracay I was thinking what other islands I should visit. Unfortunately I already decided that there isn’t enough time for “Palau” and “Chuuck” (diving) so I was deciding in between Palawan and Cebu… I chose Cebu for diving....
by Martin | Aug 5, 2013 | South East Asia
After a very exhausting travel from HCMC/Saigon to here (21 hours – 36hours awake – due to bad planing on my side) I arrived in Boracay. What a lovely beach – and very great nightlife – and good (not fantastic) diving. Shishas at nearly every...
by Martin | Jul 26, 2013 | South East Asia
Last day in HCMC/Saigon. Started of with sleeping in (didn’t sleep well the last 3 nights in Phu Quoc and Can Tho because of Waves/boat-noise) 🙂 – Then a Shisha, then to the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower and then to 4...
by Martin | Jul 25, 2013 | South East Asia
Nice little Island – apparently one of the best places in Vietnam for relaxing and beaches. It’s supposed to be Phuket but 10 years earlier. Well, the first thing: visit during the dry season – not the wet season like I did :)The island was quiet...
by Martin | Jul 23, 2013 | South East Asia
5.00am start!!!! How stupid am I? This is supposed to be vacation! But the reason was to see the sunrise on the Mekong and also the floating market which is much bigger than yesterday. We didn’t see a sunrise (or the sun for that matter 🙂 ) – but...
by Martin | Jul 22, 2013 | South East Asia
First day of a 2 day Mekong Delta Tour with my private tour guide Jason. 7:30 start and then a nice drive with a lot of information to Cai Be. There we spent a lot of time on a boat on the Mekong delta. Visiting the “floating market” (like a marketplace on...
by Martin | Jul 21, 2013 | South East Asia
… views from Henry’s flat … nice … Henry showed me many places. Really cool. Great nightlife with many bars with live-music (the first one we went to featured a kind of Vietnamese Heavy Metal band – how cool is that!). In that weekend we managed to visit ...
by Martin | Jul 20, 2013 | South East Asia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cu_Chi_tunnels Felt like in all those movies 🙂 – Amazing how small they are! (the ones you/a westerner can go through have been enlarged). All these “simple” but effective traps from the Vietcong – nearly felt...
by Martin | Jul 19, 2013 | South East Asia
Henry was so kind to let me have his scooter for the day (and following days) – Thanks so much :)How much fun it is to drive through Saigon with a scooter – unbelievable. Initially it looks crazy – but Saigon traffic has its own rules. I really...
by Martin | Jul 17, 2013 | South East Asia
First impressions of HCMC. Staying with Henry (friend of Jan) – Thanks! The War Remnants Museum was quite shocking. Interesting to see the “other” side compared to the american “version”. It’s really sad what happened – and...
by Martin | Jul 16, 2013 | South East Asia
Due to taking a plane instead of the bus I had one extra day in Siem Reap. As I had enough of temples I decided to visit a silk farm. The showed the whole process from the little worm to the big worm to the cocoon to the silk and weaving. Very amazing – that you...
by Martin | Jul 15, 2013 | South East Asia
Got to Siem Reap by bus (6 hours) and it was a nice drive. Nevertheless, after being on the bus for 2 hours I decided to change my original plan which was to use the bus again to get to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (Vietnam – 13 hours!) – and booked a flight...
by Martin | Jul 12, 2013 | South East Asia
Interesting country/city with different architecture. I liked the houses like the palace and so. Did some sightseeing with Temples, Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, Prison S-21, Killing Fields an more. There are two main things I take from my visit:1- By visiting the prison...
by Martin | Jul 9, 2013 | South East Asia
Spent 4 days – really interesting and I had a great time.The Petrona Twin Towers were amazing. The tour to the skybridge and then to the top. Impressive building.I also went to the Batu Caves in the north – quite interesting and many monkeys :)Then to the...
by Martin | Jul 6, 2013 | South East Asia
Just 2 days Singapore – but that’s also sufficient. It’s a city in the end :)The first evening started with a really good food. My hotel was in the center of Chinatown and I had some really spicy but delicious Korean food (spicy chicken). Next day I...
by Martin | Jul 5, 2013 | South East Asia
I have stayed on Bali for 29 days now (extended my original 23 day stay after the 2nd day). I loved it. It was so different from Australia and New Zealand. AUS and NZ were fantastic for sightseeing and doing stuff – but I wouldn’t go there for relaxing. In...
by Martin | Jun 29, 2013 | South East Asia
Today Jeremy (the other divemaster candidate) and I hired a car + driver and covered A LOT of attractions of the Island: We first stopped at the water temple of Taman Ayun – where we where still discussing whether it is a UNESCO world heritage site or just the...
by Martin | Jun 17, 2013 | South East Asia
Drove to the Russian Consul on Bali today to get my Visa. Quite expensive – 120USD! (instead of 50USD if I would have gone to the embassy in Jakarta). But hey, I’m happy I was able to get the Visa while traveling.Rented a motorbike in order to get there...
by Martin | Jun 8, 2013 | South East Asia
On Bali now until the 5th of July for -EFR Course – Rescue Course – Divemaster Course relaxing – no tours – no pictures … next update to expect in July 🙂 UPDATE: See Video! https://bronxi.de/?page_id=2889...
by Martin | Jun 7, 2013 | Australia
On the way back from Kakadu to Darwin (to catch my flight to Bali that same day) I stopped by to see some crocs (“salties”) jumping. Very cool 🙂 (I wouldn’t want to swim here 🙂 ) You can also see the really nice place I was staying in Kakadu as well...
by Martin | Jun 6, 2013 | Australia
On day 2 I went to different sites and also went to one of the “free ranger activities” where they explained even more about the land and the people. Again very interesting – which is a bit uncommon for me to enjoy but the ranger was fun and...
by Martin | Jun 5, 2013 | Australia
Instead of going with a tour I just hired a 4WD and did a 2.5 days tour on my own – and I don’t regret it 🙂 First day was a lot of driving (well, actually every day 🙂 ) – and I saw a couple of the (intended/planed) fires which are common during this...
by Martin | Jun 4, 2013 | Australia
Not much to tell about – not a “must see attraction in Australia” 🙂 (stayed there just one night to wait for the plane back to Darwin). The only noticeable thing: So far the UGLIEST lighthouse I have ever seen :)Ah, and: The Matso’s brewery....
by Martin | Jun 3, 2013 | Australia
Fitzroy Crossing and Geikie Gorge I just find it amazing that this “little creek” can be such a big river if the rain comes. You can see based on the color of the stones in the river. There were signs in the “visitor center” that shows the...
by Martin | May 31, 2013 | Australia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purnululu_National_Park (Purnululu National Park National Park) Just… WOW… Really interesting mountain range. First the sunset with champaign and Didgeridoo (even I played and apparently not that bad for the first time!). Next day a bit of...
by Martin | May 29, 2013 | Australia
6 days of camping with a nice group of Aussies (+1 French). I admit I was a bit worried in the beginning as I saw the average age of about … hmmm … 60? (including myself in the math!) … (max age about 72) – but it turned out to be a really great time. There...
by Martin | May 28, 2013 | Australia
nice little boat ride … enjoy the pics… At that point I realized that the average age on that train is probably >60 🙂 … Met Karen though – which was a really nice company until late evening in Darwin :)Thanks...
by Martin | May 28, 2013 | Australia
short: expensive and at least for the “Alice Springs => Darwin” part not really worth it. Problem is that you mainly travel at night (departure 18:00) – and don’t really see a lot… At 8am you arrive in Kathrine (where I did the “Gorge...
by Martin | May 27, 2013 | Australia
Today combine biking with hiking. Went up Mount Gillen which was originally planned for the first day in Alice Springs – this time with perfect weather (compared to just rain on the day we arrived).Rented a bicycle again to get to “Flynn’s...
by Martin | May 25, 2013 | Australia
I did the Heavitreetrek sections: http://www.larapintatrail.com.au/overnightwalks.html You can find KML data there – my GPS recording app crashed again after 30km – unfortunately that KML above isn’t quite accurate as well). It’s supposed to be...
by Martin | May 24, 2013 | Australia
A bit of cycling today (approx. 60km). Really nice and relaxing. Then some history on Alice Springs at Telegraph hill – very...
by Martin | May 23, 2013 | Australia
The Olgas were quite impressive – but the rock was amazing. I don’t exactly know what it is – but especially the climbing was different – because it is a rock! from the bottom to the top. About the “climb” (I wouldn’t call 30...
by Martin | May 22, 2013 | Australia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_Canyon_%28Northern_Territory%29 6:00am hotel pick-up… but worth it! just enjoy the pics – can you spot the rabbit? Unfortunately again one of these things that can’t really be captured on a photograph. Impossible to...
by Martin | May 20, 2013 | Australia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_ocean_road It started of with really bad weather – but I’m happy we still went for it. Hired a car, started our drive – it was quite dark… we went to an Info center in Torquay and the guy told us more rain is...
by Martin | May 19, 2013 | Australia
After a really cool night out the day before where Elena and I met some nice locals I gladly accepted the invitation from Tom to go to the MCG stadium for a game of AFL (Richmond vs. Melbourne).The stadium is really amazing – unfortunately not quite full 🙂 (I...
by Martin | May 18, 2013 | Australia
Took the ferry to Watson bay and then Bondi Beach. Really nice beach – but I have seen many in the last months :)Then a short walk to Bronte...
by Martin | May 17, 2013 | Australia
Another stroll through Sydney and a close-up of the Opera-House. Then Lunch at the 360 Restaurant at the Sydney Tower. Nice Views, right?...
by Martin | May 15, 2013 | Australia
nice views… not actual “mountains” by Austrian standards – but still beautiful! no hikes...
by Martin | May 14, 2013 | Australia
Sydney… hmm. what’s there to add? Did the “Free Walking tour” – which I really like (did this couple of times now) – a good way to see the sights of a city…...
by Martin | May 13, 2013 | Australia
Kangaroos: checkKoalas: checkmany other Aussi animals: check Again, the weather could have been better. But I didn’t expect to come that close to kangaroos. That was really nice. And the Koalas? really cool.Much better than a zoo (we were thinking of going to...
by Martin | May 12, 2013 | Australia
Wine tasting tour through “Mount Tamborine” area… made it to 6 wineries! Tour in Google maps:View Larger...
by Martin | May 11, 2013 | Australia
For today I organized a diving trip for Elena so she could do her first Scuba diving experience and on top of that do her first dive in the Great Barrier Reef. Wasn’t easy to organize due to time constraints and distances we want to cover – but I found a...
by Martin | May 9, 2013 | Australia
For the next 16 days I’m traveling with Elena – who I know from Buenos Aires (but she is American – was just in B.A. for a couple of months…) Today: Frasier Island with a 4×4 – that was fun (expensive fun – but wouldn’t miss...
by Martin | May 7, 2013 | Australia
Played golf on Hamilton Island Golf Club (which actually is not on Hamilton Island but on Dent Island 🙂 ). On the way there I met Bill and we decided to go on the course together. http://www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au/ Yes it was a bit more expensive as the other...
by Martin | May 5, 2013 | Australia
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-whitsunday/ Ok, so Aussies are as slow as Kiwi’s with hiking 🙂 — suggesting 3 days for a (flat) 30km walk… what are they going to do if they visit the Alps???? So I made it a bit more challenging and extended...
by Martin | May 4, 2013 | Australia
Full day out on the boat. First to Whitehaven Beach – the No. 1 “must-do” around here. Definitely one of the best beaches I’ve seen so far. The sand was really amazing – so white and so fine… Never seen anything like that before. You...
by Martin | May 3, 2013 | Australia
Airlie Beach… cute little town...
by Martin | May 2, 2013 | Australia
walking through Townsville. Nice beach area. As everywhere around here there is no one in the water to due the risk of stings. There are some areas with a net where you can go into the water… Luckily I’m not a “Beach guy” (except when playing golf...
by Martin | Apr 30, 2013 | Australia
Magnetic Island by Bike. Many really nice beaches on a hot day. 44km… Can’t remember all the beaches/bays 🙂...
by Martin | Apr 29, 2013 | Australia
Played golf again… Monday Madness… Play as much as you want for 15AUS – and get one beer for free!!!! (a beer normally is like 7AUS). Played 28 holes (couldn’t find tee off 19 – so I played 1 and 2 to get to tee off 20)… and a few...
by Martin | Apr 27, 2013 | Australia
Drove from Cairns to Port Douglas to meet up with Gary (from the diving). We went to the Daintree forest but then decided instead of going further into the forest we rather turn around and play golf on one of the top rated golf courses in Australia: Pullman Port...
by Martin | Apr 25, 2013 | Australia
As I stayed in Cairns and Brisbane is just a 2 hour flight away I went to the Black Sabbath concert! Really cool!!! Ozzy last year was great – but with Black Sabbath it’s just even better… What is there to add…. well one thing: they used D-LINK...
by Martin | Apr 22, 2013 | Australia
3 Days diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Can’t keep up with Galapagos – but the corals were really great! 9 dives in 3 days – with Dive No. 57 now. Second best dive experience so far 🙂 The low altitude flight (sometimes only 600m low) was really...
by Martin | Apr 20, 2013 | New Zealand
Been like 3500km with Campervan, ferry, bus, car and on foot. 🙂 most of them while driving… View Larger Map...
by Martin | Apr 19, 2013 | New Zealand
Similar to 3 days ago, I wanted to do nothing. Again it didn’t work out 🙂 – the weather was just too good. I thought I might have trouble walking after the hike/run yesterday but as it wasn’t so bad I went for another round of golf for 15NZD :)23...
by Martin | Apr 18, 2013 | New Zealand
Finally a challenging walk/hike/run in NZ 🙂 Did the “Routeburn Track” today. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/fiordland/northern-fiordland/routeburn-track/track-description/ Well, I thought 3 days is a too much for the 32km. So...
by Martin | Apr 17, 2013 | New Zealand
Rented the car today in order to do the Routeburn Track tomorrow. Just drove around without any plan – and found a beautiful lake… Really EVERYWHERE it’s beautiful ! 🙂 I like this country…...
by Martin | Apr 16, 2013 | New Zealand
Today I wanted to relax and do NOTHING (except maybe blog update). But when I finally got up at 11am I opened the window and the weather was sooooo nice – I had to go out and climb a mountain 🙂 I was a bit in a hurry, as I only started at 1pm and the hike to the...
by Martin | Apr 15, 2013 | New Zealand
just a night here – haven’t seen that much. Wanted to see what the Earthquake did to the city, but wasn’t really able to (arrived late yesterday evening, and taking the bus at 9am today to Queenstown). One interesting story though – showing how...
by Martin | Apr 14, 2013 | New Zealand
WOW. This day definitely appears in the top-10 of this world tour. I was expecting a couple of dolphins and thought the guide is taking the piss when she mentioned “approx. 400 dolphins” … well…. she wasn’t.They were so close. They were jumping all...
by Martin | Apr 13, 2013 | New Zealand
Hanmer Springs is famous for their hot-springs. But I said I need to earn the right for that first (including sauna). So I hiked up Mt Isobel....
by Martin | Apr 12, 2013 | New Zealand
Just some more scenery – a small hike to a really nice beach at Wharariki… Again the driving was just so cool. Probably the day with the most km. as I continued to Hanmer Springs. Total km today: 468km (Yes, I did take a picture of a dead sheep 🙂 ) Did I mention...
by Martin | Apr 12, 2013 | New Zealand
Well, quite nice. Mentioned in every tourist brochure of NZ. But not that special 🙂...
by Martin | Apr 11, 2013 | New Zealand
So today Kayak. We started at 8:30 and boarded a boat which was being transported by a tractor to the sea! The reason is the big difference in the tide. Haven’t seen that before. Where we were with the horses on the beach yesterday you now can see like 5 meters...
by Martin | Apr 10, 2013 | New Zealand
So now for some horseback riding on the beach. This time it was finally more what I wanted – it was more like 2 hours “lessons” on horseback riding compared to other tourist attractions where you just sit on the horse for two hours.The guide...
by Martin | Apr 10, 2013 | New Zealand
So the beach was nice – but the Microlight flight was … WOOOOOW… http://www.skyadventures.co.nz/ This “thing” has power! While Skydiving in Florida that plane was airborne quite quickly – but this ultra light “hanglider with engine”...
by Martin | Apr 10, 2013 | New Zealand
I did finally sleep a bit longer after quite a long drive yesterday and got into the I-Sight center to ask what I could do (like a “Fremdenverkehrsbüro” in Austria). The guy was really helpful – took I think an hour or 1.5! but then we had a plan…...
by Martin | Apr 9, 2013 | New Zealand
http://www.qctrack.co.nz/ Getting up early and doing a day trip for the Queen charlotte sounds track. The boat left at 8am for Torea Bay – then it’s a 24.5km walk to “Camp Bay” which should be 8 hours (you can see a picture with a sign that...
by Martin | Apr 8, 2013 | New Zealand
Well, the Wellington visit had to be cut short. I planned to stay there for 3 days, but after having such a great time with Trev I just stayed here for one night before catching the ferry to the south island (Picton) – even though I extended my camper-van rental...
by Martin | Apr 6, 2013 | New Zealand
As Trev, his sister, his parents …. ALL OF THEM .. are playing golf we went for a nice 12 holes golf course in Waipawa. After that we went bar-hopping in Napier – too many beers… WOW… I think we managed 7 bars – I had like 13 beers before we started with...
by Martin | Apr 5, 2013 | New Zealand
While Trev had to fly to a business meeting to Auckland his sister, her two daughters and I went on a tour around Napier. First we went up to Te Mata Peak – really nice views. Then just had a look at one of the best rated golf courses in the world: “Cape...
by Martin | Apr 4, 2013 | New Zealand
After driving down to Palmerston North to meet Trev and his sister we stopped by at the Tui Brewery on our way back up to CHECK (where their parents live). First of all I really can’t describe the hospitality I experienced. Even though we just met on the plane...
by Martin | Apr 3, 2013 | New Zealand
Today I was scheduled to drive down to Palmerston north to visit Trev (see earlier posts). But after reading that 9 hole green fee is only 15NZD (about 9.50EUR) I just had to get up early to play golf first (8.00am tee-off). Rentals 10NZD… WOW… Everything in NZ is...
by Martin | Apr 2, 2013 | New Zealand
10.000NZD in cash for a hole in one! I tried 50 balls. It is really hard, even though it’s “just” 102 meters. But really funny! (lots of spectators supporting you!). At least I was able to hit that small Island twice (which gets you one free...
by Martin | Apr 1, 2013 | New Zealand
http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/ First hiking in NZ. Probably the most common hike on the north island. Also famous for Mt. Ngauruhoe = Mount DOOM!!! (LOTR)They claim it is 8 hours for the crossing (crossing was closed so you had to walk back the same way –...
by Martin | Mar 31, 2013 | New Zealand
http://www.waitomo.com/waitomo-glowworm-caves.aspx There are several options you can do with the caves. You can do “standard” tours to go through the caves and look out for the glow-worms. Or you can go with the Black-water rafting company and have a more...
by Martin | Mar 31, 2013 | New Zealand
Ok, Yesterday I decided to leave Rotorua earlier as the forecast showed more rain, so I booked the Waitomo Caves (next blog entry) for 2pm. With a 2 hour drive I still had time to do some walking in the Redwoods. Originally I wanted to get up early and to the 3.5 hour...
by Martin | Mar 30, 2013 | New Zealand
http://www.tepuia.com/ Very impressive Geysers! Bubbling mud-pools and similar stuff. Didn’t do the Maori stuff as I did this yesterday already (and from what I’ve seen the Tamaki is better!) Pohutu GeyserThe most famous geyser, of the 65 geysers found in...
by Martin | Mar 30, 2013 | New Zealand
I was signed up to do some Kayaking (tandem) on a class V river. I was a not very happy in the morning as it was raining and quite cold. However when I arrived the sun came out and it was quite warm! Unfortunately the guide didn’t want to go ahead as apparently...
by Martin | Mar 29, 2013 | New Zealand
Again Culture! Some similarities to the Luau. Got to know the history and the customs of the Maori culture (indigenous people of NZ). Not many good pictures as it was quite dark and a lot of movement involved :)Nice dinner at the end with similar cooking then the Luau...
by Martin | Mar 29, 2013 | New Zealand
Today Hobbiton – the original movie set of LOTR and “The Hobbit”. I did like the additional info the tour gave. For example that the actors actually drank BEER while filming! (only 1% alc. but still!) – apparently in order to have authentic...
by Martin | Mar 28, 2013 | New Zealand
Nice...
by Martin | Mar 28, 2013 | New Zealand
Today I picked up the camper-van and started my journey through NZ. Just the driving was such a great experience (2900km in total at the end!) – I absolutely loved...
by Martin | Mar 26, 2013 | New Zealand
Summary of 3 days in Auckland: Good food. Nice people. After arriving at 5am Monday morning I was able to check-in at the hotel at 7am which was really appreciated. I needed some more sleep (also to get sober 🙂 ). In the afternoon I did the...
by Martin | Mar 24, 2013 | New Zealand
Well, actually that day didn’t exist for me due to crossing the international dateline! But the flight to Auckland was really cool (Business Class). A Kiwi sitting next to me (Trev) and I were chatting and drinking nearly the whole (9 hour) flight! Kiwis maybe...
by Martin | Mar 21, 2013 | Hawaii
After Pearl Harbor Lissy and I went to Germain’s Luau Culture Culture Culture… Amazing evening – a Birthday I will remember for a long time 🙂 Somehow they found out that it is my birthday – I normally don’t like to get up in front of I...
by Martin | Mar 21, 2013 | Hawaii
Visited Pearl Harbor with Lissy. I mean it is a must do in Hawaii, right? Was actually really interesting to get a bit history on my trip. The aviation museum was really interesting (well, I was more reminded of “Battlefield 1942” PC-Game 🙂 ) and the USS...
by Martin | Mar 20, 2013 | Hawaii
On St. Patrick’s Day Ed invited me to play at his club “Oahu Country Club”, so we did on Wednesday. Again what a lovely course! And my game wasn’t that bad at all!Another perfect day…. Thank you so much Ed!!! Ah – I nearly forgott:...
by Martin | Mar 19, 2013 | Hawaii
Today I finally went diving in Hawaii. 2 dives and 3 Wrecks, quite effective 🙂 At some point there should be a video about it at the video section.Getting up at 7am… what a vacation…. After the dive I went for a burger to “Ted’s Burger” – just...
by Martin | Mar 16, 2013 | Hawaii
That’s traveling in style! Mr Frank Baker picked us up at Maui with his plane. So great. We flew by (really close) by the tallest sea cliffs in the world (Kalaupapa, Hawaii)(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalaupapa,_Hawaii) The flight was amazing. We got some...
by Martin | Mar 14, 2013 | Hawaii
what a nice (again private) golf course! One of the members: Clint Eastwood – so you might get an idea of how exclusive this one was… Giant jacuzzi and sauna (and of course many beers) afterwards. Life is sooooo good to me...
by Martin | Mar 13, 2013 | Hawaii
OK. Martin P. really wanted to do this trip. Pools at Ohe’o or “seven sacred pools”. We got up at 5:30am as it was a long drive. Not much milage – but you couldn’t go fast. Well google said 2:20 minutes (which was exactely what it took...
by Martin | Mar 13, 2013 | Hawaii
Hiking with Scott. Thanks for everything 🙂 Then to the beach – then to the bar...
by Martin | Mar 12, 2013 | Hawaii
Arrived in Maui today. What a nice flat again!...
by Martin | Mar 11, 2013 | Hawaii
After fishing – playing golf! Nice course. http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/resort_activities/kings_course.cfm After that a couple of Mai Thais at the...
by Martin | Mar 11, 2013 | Hawaii
Fishing on Big Island. Even though we only caught one fish (actually Martin P. pulled it) it was quite a nice morning (7am to 11am). Martin P. wasn’t really feeling well (event though you might not see this on the pics), but he did a great job getting that Mahi...
by Martin | Mar 10, 2013 | Hawaii
Big Island!!! Yippi. So different. We took an early 8am flight to Kona. We met with Tim for a breakfast at “Taco del Mar” and then did a fantastic road trip. We drove by Mauna Kea to Hilo. There we saw another nice beach/trail. Then drove to Akaka Falls....
by Martin | Mar 9, 2013 | Hawaii
Hiking again 🙂 and then to Hanauma Bay Park for some swimming and snorkeling. Was snorkeling with BIIIIGGGG turtels and they were really close (didn’t have my GoPro with me 🙁...
by Martin | Mar 8, 2013 | Hawaii
Hiking with Ted and Ulf. A very hidden track around the ridge near his house. Not just did we have nice views but we were also the only ones as this is a track only locals know of. Thanks Ted :)You can get a nice view of Teds house while we were on the opposite site...