Winter Hiking in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains

By |February 15th, 2015|Europe, Germany, Journeys, Outdoor, Rock, Winter Sports|

"To hell and back" was our hiking weekend's motto. "Wild Hell" is the name of a hiking trail that ended with a heavenly view. Although I've already heard of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, I have to admit, it would not have occurred to me to go hiking there. Unfortunately, I am one of those people [...]

The Pants for Every Purpose

By |December 8th, 2014|Gear, Journeys|

I've been wearing them almost  every day for ten months straight, no matter if I was horse trekking in Mongolia, on a glacier expedition in Kyrgyzstan or on a desert tour in Uzbekistan. My Fjällräven Barents G-1000 never let me down. Before the trip, I bought it  in a shop for hunting gear and I [...]

Is Switzerland the new Lake Garda?

By |June 20th, 2014|Europe, Journeys, Outdoor, Rock, Switzerland|

To start with, the name sounds unfamiliar: "What is it called again, Bierwaldstättersee?" Simone asks on the phone. - "No, not beer, but Vierwaldstättersee", I repeat, as I describe the destination, the Lake of Lucerne. Therefore, later, the Lake is always referred to as "Biersee", translated "Beer Lake". My VW bus friends from Munich had [...]

Snow Hiking in Ala Archa

By |November 15th, 2013|Central Asia, Journeys, Kyrgyzstan, Outdoor, Winter Sports|

Who likes to sit in front of the PC all Sunday? Certainly not the European expats in Bishkek. The spontaneous decision: "Let's go hiking in Ala Archa!" The National Park is located about 40 kilometers outside of Bishkek, which is a nice day trip. It's four of us and we conveniently share a taxi. It [...]