Tongariro Alpine Crossing: a step into Mordor
Wind, fog, and volcanic ash We arrive in Taupo on a night bus from Rotorua and get 3 hours of sleep before embarking early in the morning on a self-guided hike: Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park. The Maori guy at the reception is kind enough to let us stay in the lobby and wait half-asleep for the bus. Taupo is famous for trout and we ask where we can try it. The fish is protected and it’s not offered at restaurants, however, the guy says that he could have arranged something for us via local fishermen. Unfortunately, we have to skip the fish this time. Tongariro Alpine Crossing…
The curse of Tutankhamun
I arrive in London and spot Tutankhamun’s death mask at one of the London Underground stations. This is where I’m going today – Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh exhibition at Saatchi Gallery. The exhibition seems promising with more than 150 original artifacts from the Pharaoh’s tomb, some of which have never been seen outside of Egypt before. Unsurprisingly it’s popular and long lines are expected. I have all the time in the world and am unaware that I will need it today. I need a specific time slot to visit the exhibition. However, the ticket page malfunctions and it takes me an hour to buy a ticket. Not a…
To ride an elephant without knowing
We have a few more days in Bangkok and a visit to an elephant sanctuary pops into our minds. The idea is to feed the elephants, walk with them, and bathe them. As appealing and exotic as it may be, we decide against riding them. I’ve read somewhere that an ethical way to ride an elephant is skin to skin. Anything else is considered animal cruelty. We arrive in an area surrounded by a jungle. It’s hot and humid and adventure is in the air. A few minutes later, we change into blue outfits and with childlike excitement, feed the elephants with bananas and sugar cane. The animals devour them…
