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Madeira – Porto Moniz

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People from the south said “don’t go to the north it’s cold and stormy there …” but as soon as we arrived at the Aqua Natura Hotel it was sunny and the view was stunning. On the way we had a hiking trail (PR13) which will lead you through the fairy forest. Sure let’s do so, after my alpine hike the day before it sounded like an easy task, Just 6 km.

It was great to walk the path (even my hamstrings hurt downward…) and it felt really like Frodo will cross the path on the next corner. Way back wasn’t that easy , the last 3 km we walked on the road and in total it was 12 km. Well, recovery hike … ;)

Hotel in Porto Moniz … 4 star eco hotel. And while stepping into the lobby we saw this

Breathtaking view. The Atlantic ocean in front. And from our balcony…

Wow. Breakfast included so we would need only a place for dinner and found via google Armandos Take away, where we had dinner for 20€ , a full plate of meat

Armandos Take Away - meat platter

Yesterday was for real recovery, no hikes , only reading and relaxing and dinner at the hotel restaurant (we got a 10% voucher)

octopus carpaccio

Today it was time for the last Levada hike, an entry hike the travel guide said. 13 km in total no heights to cross , and two tunnels in the way.

typical Levada landscape waterfall

Perfect for the last hike. So thanks for reading , an d keep showing up

Madeira- hiking trail PR 1

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Today I did the PR 1 trail, from Pico Arreiro to Pico Puivo. Just 15 km there and back. No not an easy task if you never did it 1.800 mtr above sea level. It was a challenge for me on several levels, my leg and the heights and the wind and …. Mandy was not able to do so and I understood it. Long story short, i made it. And took some spectacular pictures while trying to stay alive.

My personal fear was this stairway.. left and right 1.000 mtr down and I squeezed the metal ropes and pinned my eyes down on the ground

So stay tuned, thanks for reading and keep showing up.

Madeira – Ribiera Brava

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We arrived late @Funchal , got a rental car and went straight to the guesthouse The View, which is operated by a german guy. You can find it on AirBnB , if you want to see Madeira you should stay there. It’s brand new and all rooms (8 in total ) have a stunning view.

First day we had a short trekked Levada hike, and dinner at a local restaurant. Good for the start. Today we got a recommendation for a Levada hike and it was really awesome. 8 km in total , there and back on Levada nuovo. First Levada (ask a search engine of your choice about Levada) was on approximately 800 mtr above sea level and Mandy was brave enough to walk on the edge. She fears heights and I assume it was a great therapeutic hike ;)

Downwards for 800 mtr. The way back was on a smaller Levada, and we reached our car after 2:15 hrs.

Went to Funchal , capital of Madeira but too busy and overcrowded. All cruise ships stay there for a day trip and today there were 3 of it. Best thing in Funchal: burn your credit card @decathlon store :) Dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse and it was delicious and served with a great attention to customers. We paid less than the day before :)

Tomorrow we need to get up early. goal is to have a hike on the tablet mountains, 1.800 mtr above sea level. 20 km or may be more , let’s hope there will be no fog …..

Nice things are

panoramic view through glass floor :)

A lot of beautiful flowers , so now we know why Madeira is called the flower island.

Chiang Mai

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We arrived in Chiang Mai today and we decided to take a plane this time. Just 10€ more than the train and it’s worth it. Guesthouse is the same as 3 yrs ago and the Parami GH is still good and valuable. Tomorrow- half day elephant care camp. No elephant riding any longer. More political correctness. Like this. Doi Sue Thep is on tue list as well as massage and may be a scooter rent. Remember: scooter tuning is not a crime ( for those who bought Hands stuff sometimes…)

Bangkok – last night

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We spent two quiet days in BKK. Shopping was done at the MBK within 2 hrs. So time to enjoy the pool at Galleria 12 Hotel and for sure, we have been out for dinner at the same place as for the first night. delicious and yummy as always. BTS  was overcrowded but less than Sukhumvit road itself. Time for more beer at the pool and a little recap of this trip.


After all, it was great and I feel relaxed. Even I had some stress with myself for two weeks. But anyway. Went to bed early and get up early as well, enjoyed Malaysia, especially Penang and Pangkor, food was great everywhere.  Met some interesting people and some others to skip. Will not book everything in advance for the next time, gives us more flexibility , just in case a flight is canceled like the AirAsia one this year.  Unfortunately I did not finish all the things I had on my list. Postponed for next time. So tomorrow will go back via Milano and Zurich. And yes I’m looking forward being home again, see my friends and relatives, back at our house and on my desk.  Yes stupid german as I’m  ;)

Koh Payam – retro

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We had a great stay st the island. as always. met old friends and spent plenty of time with nothing. nice chats and talks and tons of food. the only drawback at this time : sand flies. the most evil animals ever. got bits all over the body, more than 50 I guess. itching all over. horrible, the last two nights at Payam we were not able to sleep even we had this green herbal oil and antibiotic creme. now while being in Bangkok it seems to get a little better.


and right now in BKK sitting poolside and having breakfast 

Koh Phayam

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The island. Again and again. And never get tired of. A very warm welcome and a nice bungalow (one of the new stuff with private roof top terrace) We habe power all night long which is really a benefit so the ceiling fan runs all night. We met Oi as well she returned from Canada couple of days ago and hasn’t established the massage business yet. She is doing cashews :) But she recommends Joys massage to go and so we did. Was good. Bunch of german people here and even a few small kids. But it’s still pre season which makes it affordable and still quiet. And again even we have seen this stunning view so often we never get tired of it.


and for sunset, as always ;)

last post Malaysia

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right now sitting at KLIA2 , waiting for boarding and going back to Thailand.


We discussed how to kill the day in BKK , several options like access the pool at the Westin hotel for 500 THB each or hang around at Siam square before we need to be at the bus terminal. Bus departing 9pm.