Success !!! On the Summit of Mt. Everest on 21st of May 2017 - 5am (Nepali Time)

Success !!! On the Summit of Mt. Everest on 21st of May 2017 - 5am (Nepali Time)

Martin May 21, 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: function addLoadEvent1(func) { var oldonload = window.onload; if (typeof window.onload != 'function') { window.onload = func } else { window.onload = function() { if (oldonload) { ...

Success !!! On the Summit of Mt. Everest on 21st of May 2017 – 5am (Nepali Time)

Martin May 21, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Everest-Summit-small-190x118.png

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 Everest:

Summit Push…. no updates in the next days

Martin May 10, 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 …

Full relaxation program (New Tingri – Shelkar – 4330m)

Martin May 6, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/18275199_1208441215948525_1385608421199753223_n-190x126.jpg

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 …

Rest day at ABC

Martin May 3, 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 …

Return to ABC – Summary of our rotation

Martin May 2, 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 …

Tent broke on 7050m – but I continue to sleep well…. (VIDEO)

Martin May 2, 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 …

Full day at North Col. (7050m)

Martin May 1, 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, …

Climb to North Col. (7050m)

Martin April 30, 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 …

Advanced Base Camp (ABC – 6380m)

Martin April 27, 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 …

Walk to ABC (6380m) (via Intermediate- / Middle- Camp) (VIDEO)

Martin April 25, 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 …

360° Images

Martin April 22, 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 …

Timelapse Basecamp (14.04.2017)

Martin April 22, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3936-190x142.jpg

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 all!

a small hike to 6090m

Martin April 19, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3925-190x142.jpg

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. …

Puja (prayer ritual)

Martin April 18, 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 …

Day 3 at Basecamp

Martin April 15, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3895-190x142.jpg

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 …

Arrived in Everest Base Camp (Tibet) – 5165m (approx.)

Martin April 13, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3883-190x142.jpg

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 …

New Tingri – Shelkar (4330m)

Martin April 12, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3858-190x142.jpg

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 …

Xigatse (3840m)

Martin April 10, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3828-190x106.png

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 acclimatization

Lhasa Day 2

Martin April 9, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3797-190x142.jpg

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 …

Arrived in Lhasa / Tibet (3650m)

Martin April 8, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3788-190x142.jpg

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 …

The long mile …. to Lhasa

Martin April 7, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017-04-07-PHOTO-00000001-190x106.jpg

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) …

Sightseeing Kathmandu

Martin April 6, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_3769-142x190.jpg

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

Summit Oxygen training

Martin April 5, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_37072-190x142.jpg

Neil from http://summitoxygen.com showed us how to use the oxygen system….

Arrived in Kathmandu

Martin April 4, 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 (tour operator) is making …

Everest I’m on my way!!!

Martin April 3, 2017

Boarding the plane to Kathmandu ..

Training: current status

Martin March 3, 2017

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IntegritySeries-SummitTrainer-L-190x190.jpg

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 floors) – unfortunately the gym near work „only“ has a summit trainer. 19 out of 28 days …

Training: Ski & Hiking

Martin December 27, 2016

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!!!)

Training: Wildspitze

Martin December 18, 2016

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_5263-190x142.jpg

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 to Alex – a really great guide!!!!

A new adventure…

Martin December 1, 2016

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/csm_mounteverest_nord_1_97a93d7cc9-190x142.jpg

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: http://www.furtenbachadventures.com/programm/expeditionen-8000/mount-everest-nord/

Honduras, Roatan Island

Martin February 6, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015_01/09_Honduras_Roatan/IMG_2434-190x142.jpg

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 …

Nicaragua, Managua, Superbowl

Martin February 1, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015_01/08_Nicaragua_Managua_Superbowl/IMG_2427-190x142.jpg

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 …

Nicaragua – Ocotal – MMA Fight event

Martin January 31, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015_01/07_Nicaragua_Ocotal_MMA/IMG_2417-190x142.jpg

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 …

Nicaragua / Ometepe Island / Volcano Conceptión

Martin January 30, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015_01/06_Nicaragua_Ometepe/P1130108-190x142.jpg

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 need to book a transport for 15$ or …

Granada / Nicaragua – first impression

Martin January 29, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015_01/05_nicaragua_granada/P1130085-142x190.jpg

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 …

Golf @ Jacaranda Golf Club (Fort Lauderdale)

Martin January 26, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015_01/04_Golf_Florida/IMG_2393-190x142.jpg

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 …

70.000 tons of Metal => Jamaica

Martin January 24, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015_01/03_70000_tons/IMG_2380-190x142.jpg

What should I say. It was great again. Difficult to explain – just join me next time. Enjoy the video and the pics.

Powerboat Tour – Bahamas

Martin January 20, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/P1130046-190x142.jpg

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 …

Shark feeding / diving – Bahamas

Martin January 19, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/thum_for_video-190x118.png

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 …

Hello Caribbean!

Martin January 18, 2015

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_2324-190x142.jpg

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 …

Last day in Dubai

Martin February 23, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1861-190x142.jpg

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 …

The last evening :(

Martin February 22, 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 …

Diving in Oman (Musandam)

Martin February 22, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1921-190x142.jpg

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 …

The Rolling Stones (14 on Fire Tour / Abu Dhabi)

Martin February 21, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1914-190x142.jpg

“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 …

The Beach and a nice meal

Martin February 21, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1906-141x190.jpg

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 …

Burj Khalifa – At the Top

Martin February 21, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1120958-142x190.jpg

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 …

A day in Dubai

Martin February 20, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/P1120948-142x190.jpg

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”. …

Desert Safari

Martin February 19, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1120893-190x142.jpg

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 …

Emirates Golf Course

Martin February 18, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1872-190x142.jpg

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 …

Burj Al Arab

Martin February 17, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1120863-142x190.jpg

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 …

Abu Dhabi

Martin February 17, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1120819-190x142.jpg

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 Palace Nice buildings! I’m not so …

Grant Hyatt

Martin February 16, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P11208091-190x142.jpg

Martin had his business meeting at the Grant Hyatt and I joined for a Shisha and some beers. What a hotel!

Dubai Marina, Mall of Emirates

Martin February 15, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1120767-190x142.jpg

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 …

Back home…

Martin January 4, 2014

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 …

Daytour to Zhouzhouang

Martin January 3, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1120731-190x142.jpg

A Water town approx. 1.5 hours outside of Shanghai. Totally differnt world!

More Shanghai

Martin January 2, 2014

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/P1120690-e1393790758679.jpg

Wondering around the city again, and going up to the top of the Shanghai World Financial Center (474m). Nice views again.

New Years Eve in Shanghai!

Martin December 31, 2013

we had a great time …. Pictures? deleted….

First impressions – The Bank

Martin December 30, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1732-190x66.jpg

wondering around the city…

Flight to Shanghai

Martin December 29, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-190x142.jpeg

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 …

Russia: Moscow – END OF MY JOURNEY

Martin September 19, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/23_Moscow/P1110471-190x142.jpg

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 …

Russia: Suzdal

Martin September 16, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/22_Suzdal/P1110423-190x142.jpg

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!!!

Russia: Kazan

Martin September 15, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/21_Kazan/P1110413-190x142.jpg

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, …

Russia: Siberia: Lake Baikal

Martin September 9, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/20_Irkutsk_Baikal/P1110376-190x142.jpg

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 …

Russia: Siberia: Ulan Ude

Martin September 7, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/19_ulan_ude/P1110351-190x142.jpg

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

Mongolia: Riding a camel

Martin September 4, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/18_Camel_ride/P1110320-190x142.jpg

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 of.

Mongolia: countryside and gers

Martin September 3, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/17_Mongolia/P1110254-190x142.jpg

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 …

Mongolia: UB “local” Performance

Martin September 2, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/16_UB_Performance/P1110225-142x190.jpg

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 …

Mongolia: Ulaan Baatar (UB)

Martin September 1, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/15_Ulaan_Baatar/P1110195-142x190.jpg

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 …

China: Hohhot

Martin August 31, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/14_Hohhot/P1110153-142x190.jpg

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 …

China: Beijing Sights

Martin August 28, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/13_Beijing_sights/P1110119-190x142.jpg

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 quite …

China: The Great Wall

Martin August 27, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/12_Great_Wall/P1110056-190x142.jpg

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 …

China: Beijing Dining

Martin August 25, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/11_Beijing_dining/IMG_1403-190x142.jpg

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 …

South Korea: Busan

Martin August 24, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/10_Busan/IMG_1342-190x142.jpg

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 …

South Korea: Seoul: Gangnam

Martin August 23, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/09_Seoul_gangnam/P1100976-142x190.jpg

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 style….

South Korea: Seoul Day 1

Martin August 22, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/08_Seoul_day1/P1100948-190x72.jpg

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 …

Japan: Tokyo: another evening with the locals

Martin August 20, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/07_Tokyo_sumo_evening/IMG_1297-190x142.jpg

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 …

Japan: Tokyo: Sumo Training

Martin August 20, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/06_Tokyo_sumo/P1100848-190x142.jpg

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 …

Japan: Tokyo

Martin August 18, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/05_Tokyo_day1/P1100829-190x142.jpg

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 …

Japan: Mount Fuji (3776m)

Martin August 18, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/04_Mt_Fuji/P1100784-190x142.jpg

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 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_peaks_by_prominence) Got up at 3am in the …

Japan: Nara

Martin August 16, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/03_Nara/P1100684-190x142.jpg

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 …

Japan: Kyoto

Martin August 15, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/02_Kyoto/P1100595-190x142.jpg

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 …

Japan: Osaka

Martin August 14, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/NEA/01_Osaka/P1100556-190x142.jpg

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 …

Manila

Martin August 11, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/19_Manila/P1100541-190x142.jpg

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 again…)

Dive Safari Southern Leyte

Martin August 8, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/18_Leyte/IMG_1157-190x142.jpg

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 …

Philippines – Cebu

Martin August 6, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/17_Cebu/P1100540-190x142.jpg

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. …

Philippines – Boracay

Martin August 5, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/16_Boracay/IMG_1114-190x142.jpg

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) …

Good Bye Saigon

Martin July 26, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/15_Vietnam_Saigon_letzter_tag/IMG_1074-190x142.jpg

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 …

Phu Quoc Island

Martin July 25, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/14_Vietnam_Phu_Quoc/P1100500-190x142.jpg

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 …

Mekong Delta – Can Tho

Martin July 23, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/13_Vietnam_Mekong_Delta_Day2/Jason_Day2/IMG_0909-190x142.jpg

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 …

Mekong Delta – Cai Be

Martin July 22, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/12_Vietnam_Mekong_Delta_Day1/Jason_Pics_day1/IMG_0734-190x142.jpg

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 …

Saigon by night

Martin July 21, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/11_Vietnam_Saigon_night/P1100445-190x142.jpg

… 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 …

Cu Chi Tunnels

Martin July 20, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/10_Vietnam_Cu_Chi_Tunnel/P1100442-190x142.jpg

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 sorry for the americans (but …

Saigon / HCMC by scooter

Martin July 19, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/09_Vietnam_by_roller/P1100431-190x142.jpg

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 …

Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon

Martin July 17, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/08_Vietnam_HCMC/P1100422-190x142.jpg

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 crazy what the …

Cambodia – Silk Farm (@Siem Reap)

Martin July 16, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/07_Cambodia_Silk_farm/P1100401-190x142.jpg

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 …

Cambodia – Angkor Wat

Martin July 15, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/06_Cambodia_Angkor_Wat/P1100271-190x142.jpg

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 …

Cambodia – Phnom Penh

Martin July 12, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/05_Cambodia_PP/P1100161-190x142.jpg

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- …

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur

Martin July 9, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/04_Malaysia_Kuala_Lumpur/P1100141-142x190.jpg

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 …

Singapore

Martin July 6, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/03_Singapore/P1100002-190x142.jpg

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 …

Bali – Summary

Martin July 5, 2013

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 …

Bali – Daytrip

Martin June 29, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/02_Indonesien_Day_tour/P1090798-190x142.jpg

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 …

Bali – Uluwati

Martin June 17, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/SOA/01_Indonesien_Uluwatu/P1090760-190x142.jpg

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 …

… gone diving …

Martin June 8, 2013

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! http://www.bronxi.de/blog/?page_id=2889

Jumping Crocodiles

Martin June 7, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/34_Jumping_Crocs/P1090570-190x142.jpg

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 …

Kakadu National Park Day 2

Martin June 6, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/33_Kakaud_Day2/P1090466-142x190.jpg

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 …

Kakadu National Park Day 1

Martin June 5, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/32_Kakaud_Day1/P1090369-142x190.jpg

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 …

Broome

Martin June 4, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/31_Broome/P1090272-190x142.jpg

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, …

Fitzroy Crossing and Geikie Gorge

Martin June 3, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/30_Fitzroy_Crossing_and_Gorge/P1090204-190x142.jpg

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 …

Bungle Bungles

Martin May 31, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/29_Bungle_Bungles/P1090164-190x142.jpg

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 … well … hiking …

The Kimberley’s

Martin May 29, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/28_The_Kimberleys/P1080964-190x142.jpg

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!) … …

Katherine’s Gorge

Martin May 28, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/27_StKathrine_gorge/P1080895-190x142.jpg

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 …

The GHAN Train

Martin May 28, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/26_Ghan_Train/P1080887-190x142.jpg

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 …

Mt. Gillen & Flynn’s Grave & Desert Park & Anzac hill

Martin May 27, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/P1080865a-190x142.jpg

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 …

Larapinta Trail (50KM!!!) @West Macdonnel Ranges

Martin May 25, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/24_larapinta_trail/P1080769-190x142.jpg

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 a 42km and should take …

Biking: Simpsons Gap and then to Telegraph Hill

Martin May 24, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/23_simpsons_gap/P1080700-190x142.jpg

A bit of cycling today (approx. 60km). Really nice and relaxing. Then some history on Alice Springs at Telegraph hill – very interesting!

Kata Tjuta (aka “The Olgas”) and Uluru (aka Ayers Rock or just “The Rock”)

Martin May 23, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/22_Ayers_rock/P1080680-190x142.jpg

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” …

Kings Canyon

Martin May 22, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/21_Kings_Canyon/P1080499-190x142.jpg

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 capture the real feeling…

The Great Ocean Road

Martin May 20, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/20_great_ocean_road/P1080350-190x142.jpg

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 …

AFL Game (footy) @MCG in Melbourne

Martin May 19, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/19_Melbourne_MCG/P1080317-190x142.jpg

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 …

Bondi Beach

Martin May 18, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/18_sydney_bondi/P1080292-190x142.jpg

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 Park.

More Sydney

Martin May 17, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/17_sydney_opera_360/P1080260-190x142.jpg

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?

Blue Mountains and 3 Sisters

Martin May 15, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/16_Blue_Mountains/P1080189-190x142.jpg

nice views… not actual “mountains” by Austrian standards – but still beautiful! no hikes today.

Sydney!

Martin May 14, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/15_Sydney/P1080116-190x142.jpg

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… http://www.imfree.com.au/

Gold Coast and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Martin May 13, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/14_Gold_Coast/P1080018-190x142.jpg

Kangaroos: check Koalas: check many 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 …

Mt. Tamborine Wine Tasting

Martin May 12, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/13_Mt_Tamborine/P1070943-190x142.jpg

Wine tasting tour through “Mount Tamborine” area… made it to 6 wineries! Tour in Google maps: View Larger Map

Town of 1770 and Agnes Water

Martin May 11, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/12_Agnes_Water_1770/P1070922-190x142.jpg

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 …

Frasier Island

Martin May 9, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/11_Frasier_Island/P1070839-190x142.jpg

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 …

Hamilton Island Golf Course

Martin May 7, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/10_Hammilton_Golf/P1070798-190x142.jpg

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 …

40km – Hiking near Airlie Beach (Conway National Park)

Martin May 5, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/09_Airlie_Beach_Great_Walk/P1070784-190x142.jpg

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 …

Whitsunday Islands

Martin May 4, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/08_Whitehaven_Beach_and_Diving/P1070732-190x142.jpg

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 …

Airlie Beach

Martin May 3, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/07_Airlie_Beach/P1070703-190x142.jpg

Airlie Beach… cute little town …

Townsville and ReefHQ

Martin May 2, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/06_Townsville/P1070660-190x142.jpg

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 …

Magnetic Island

Martin April 30, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/safe_image.png

Magnetic Island by Bike. Many really nice beaches on a hot day. 44km… Can’t remember all the beaches/bays http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/200523734

Townsville Golf Club

Martin April 29, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/04_Townsville/P1070586-190x142.jpg

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 …

Port Douglas – Daintree – Golf

Martin April 27, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/03_Port_Douglas_and_Daintree/P1070549-190x142.jpg

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 …

Black Sabbath !!! YEAH!

Martin April 25, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/02_Black_Sabbath/P1070512-190x142.jpg

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 …

Diving the Great Barrier Reef

Martin April 22, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/aus/01_Liveaboard/P1070484-190x142.jpg

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 …

Various pictures from driving in NZ

Martin April 20, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1060860-190x142.jpg

Been like 3500km with Campervan, ferry, bus, car and on foot. most of them while driving… View Larger Map

Golf (Queenstown)

Martin April 19, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1070437-190x142.jpg

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 …

Routeburn Track (Queenstown)

Martin April 18, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/final3/routeburn/P1070392-190x142.jpg

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 I decided to do this in one day. But as this wasn’t challenging enough I …

Lake Kirkpatrick (Queenstown)

Martin April 17, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/final3/lake/IMG_0791-190x142.jpg

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…

Ben Lomond (Queenstown)

Martin April 16, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/final3/ben_lomond/P1070207-190x142.jpg

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 …

Christchurch

Martin April 15, 2013

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 …

Swimming with Dolphins (Kaikoura)

Martin April 14, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/s21_kaikoura/P1060923-190x142.jpg

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 …

Mt Isobel (Hanmer Springs)

Martin April 13, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/20_hanmer/P1060902-190x142.jpg

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. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/north-canterbury-and-arthurs-pass/hanmer-forest-park-tramping-tracks/ As I thought the proposed 5-6 hours are more like 3 for …

Golden Bay, Farewell Split, Wharariki Beach

Martin April 12, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/19_golden_bay/P1060852-190x142.jpg

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, …

Pupu Springs

Martin April 12, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/18_pupu_springs/P1060805-190x142.jpg

Well, quite nice. Mentioned in every tourist brochure of NZ. But not that special https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Waikoropup%C5%AB_Springs

Kayak (Abel Tasman National Park)

Martin April 11, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/17_Kayak/P1060773-190x142.jpg

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 …

Horseback Riding (Abel Tasman National Park)

Martin April 10, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/16_Horse/P1060756-190x142.jpg

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 …

Microlight flight (Abel Tasman National Park)

Martin April 10, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/15_Flight/P1060713-190x142.jpg

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” was airborne in like …

Abel Tasman National Park

Martin April 10, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/14_Abel_tasman/P1060698-190x142.jpg

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 …

Queen Charlotte Sounds track

Martin April 9, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/13_Queen_charlotte_track/P1060643-190x142.jpg

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 …

Wellington and Ferry to Picton

Martin April 8, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/12_Wellingtonferry/P1060592-190x142.jpg

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 …

Golf (Waipawa)

Martin April 6, 2013

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 …

Napier, Te Mata Peak, Cape Kidnappers Golf Club

Martin April 5, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/11_Napier/P1060547-190x142.jpg

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 …

Tui Brewery (Mangatainoka)

Martin April 4, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/10_Tui_brewery/P1060533-190x142.jpg

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 …

Golf (Taupo)

Martin April 3, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/09-golf_Taupo/P1060499-190x142.jpg

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 …

Hole-in-one Challenge (Taupo)

Martin April 2, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/09_Taupo/P1060492-190x142.jpg

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 …

Tongariro Crossing

Martin April 1, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/08_Tongariro/P1060371-190x142.jpg

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 …

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Martin March 31, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/07_Waitomo/P3310055-190x142.jpg

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 …

Redwoods (Rotorua)

Martin March 31, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/06_Redwoods/P1060351-190x142.jpg

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 …

Te Puia (Rotorua)

Martin March 30, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1060300-190x142.jpg

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 Geyser The most famous geyser, of the 65 geysers found …

Rafting (Rotorua)

Martin March 30, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/nz/05b_Rafting/thumb-126x190.jpg

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 …

Tamaki Maori Village (Rotorua)

Martin March 29, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1060263-142x190.jpg

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 …

Hobbiton

Martin March 29, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1060226-190x142.jpg

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 …

Rapaura Water Gardens

Martin March 28, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1060153-190x142.jpg

Nice garden… http://www.rapaura.com/

Campervan

Martin March 28, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_0690-190x142.jpg

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 it.

Auckland

Martin March 26, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1060133-190x142.jpg

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 ). …

On the plane to New Zealand!

Martin March 24, 2013

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 …

Germain’s Luau

Martin March 21, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1050976-190x142.jpg

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 …

Pearl Harbor

Martin March 21, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1050974-190x142.jpg

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 …

Golf with Ed @Oahu Country Club

Martin March 20, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1050910-190x142.jpg

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 …

Diving in Hawaii (Wrecks) – and then a Hike

Martin March 19, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P1050889-190x142.jpg

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 …

Maui => Oahu in private plane

Martin March 16, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050856-190x142.jpg

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 …

Golf @ King Kamehameha Golf Club

Martin March 14, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1060114-190x142.jpg

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 …

Pools at Ohe’o (seven sacred pools)

Martin March 13, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050948-190x142.jpg

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 …

Hiking on Maui with Scott

Martin March 13, 2013

Hiking with Scott. Thanks for everything Then to the beach – then to the bar

Maui

Martin March 12, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P10506631-190x142.jpg

Arrived in Maui today. What a nice flat again! www.honuakai.com/

Golf @ Waikoloa Golf Course

Martin March 11, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050674-190x142.jpg

After fishing – playing golf! Nice course. http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/resort_activities/kings_course.cfm After that a couple of Mai Thais at the Hilton…

Fishing

Martin March 11, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P10505811-190x142.jpg

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 …

Big Island Road Trip

Martin March 10, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050460-190x142.jpg

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 …

Maunawili Falls Trail & Hanauma Bay

Martin March 9, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050255-190x142.jpg

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 )

Hiking again

Martin March 8, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050586-190x142.jpg

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 …

Oahu Road Trip

Martin March 7, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tour-190x133.png

Road Trip around Oahu. First some nice beaches (a lot of them!) – then we continued to Waimea Falls. Nice botanic garden and then we had a swim in the falls. Really refreshing. Then we had a late lunch at …

Beer Cruise (Waikiki)

Martin March 6, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050550-190x142.jpg

Beer Cruise (or Booze Cruise) Going for the sunset on a catamaran – with “all you can drink” – what a fantastic idea

Manoa Falls

Martin March 5, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040827-190x142.jpg

Hiking Day (after being back at Teds house) In the morning a short hike to the top of the mountain just next to Teds house. Nice view from there. Then we got our rental car and made our way to …

GOLF @ Waialae Country Club

Martin March 5, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050504-190x142.jpg

Ted invited us to play golf on the course he is member of (private). A bit difficult (holds the Sony Open in Hawaii) but what a fun day! My score wasn’t that great – but at least I had many …

Waikiki (Oahu, Hawaii)

Martin March 2, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0627-190x142.jpg

2 days at Waikiki Beach. Staying at a really nice appartment directly on the beach (some of the pictures are from the balcony of this amazing appartment). Enjoying the sun, the water, the sand and everything else Really hard to …

Welcome in Oahu

Martin March 1, 2013

Nice welcome at Ted’s house. What a great house… Jumped into the jacuzzi right away Thanks Ted! And some shopping the next day.

Cabo San Lucas

Martin February 26, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1050167-190x142.jpg

Inigo was so impressed that Interjet has a good Whiskey on board that we had to drink Whiskey at 10am… Well, there are worse things Los Cabos was quite nice – but like Cancun too close to the US. Felt …

Canopy again (Puerto Vallarta)

Martin February 22, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_1282-190x126.jpg

It could have been a really nice day – but the guides of that tour just rushed everything. The normal canopy isn’t really dangerous, but they had a “special surprise” where you go down really steep and cannot break yourself. …

Whale Watching (Puerto Vallarta)

Martin February 21, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040824-190x142.jpg

saw some whales

Puerto Vallarta

Martin February 20, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0549-190x142.jpg

What should I say about the location of that hotel – other than perfect. On the beach – sea view (thanks to Inigo) – beers at the beach. Inigo and I started our visit with a 30 minute running exercise …

Mexico City

Martin February 19, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040336-190x142.jpg

The next day we just took a “hop-on-hop-off” bus tour. The information given was not that much, but we did see a few sights, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (I did like the guy who cleaned the …

Hot Air Ballon / Teotihuacan / Mexico D.F

Martin February 18, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040204-142x190.jpg

Hot Air Ballon / Teotihuacan / Mexico D.F Arrived yesterday in Mexico City with Inigo and we made plans right away. A “Hot Air Balloon” flights over the ruins of Teotihuacan. What an experience. Yes, I know that a couple …

Fuentes Georginas (Hotsprings)

Martin February 15, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040170-142x190.jpg

It was a really good suggestion from the guy in Lago Atitlan to do the Volcano Santa Maria in the morning (4am) – so you can go to the Hotsprings “Las Fuentes Georginas” in the afternoon. They are in like …

Volcán Santa María – 3,772 m (12,375 ft)

Martin February 15, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040158-190x142.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Mar%C3%ADa_%28volcano%29 Ok. I arrived in Xela (Queztaltenango) at like 6pm, quickly looked what I can do and came across a nice hike: Volcano Santa Maria (had been suggested to me already at Lago Atitlan). As it was only like 19EUR …

Lago de Atitlan

Martin February 12, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040136-190x142.jpg

Not that many pictures, but was nice there. It’s a “volcanic lake” at 1500m asl. You can see the REALLY nice view from my hotel – first 4 pics (but in any other respect it has been the worst hotel …

more from Antigua

Martin February 11, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040130-190x142.jpg

a few more pics from antigua – from the roof top terrace of my hotel. You can see Vulcano Acatenango which I climbed yesterday (the middle one where there are 3 peaks – on the left is Fuego on on …

Acatenango – 3,976 m (13,045 ft)

Martin February 10, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040097-190x142.jpg

I didn’t hike the volcano just next to Antigua (Agua) – as it is supposed to be very dangerous (very likely to get ropped – more on this toppic on Volcano Santa Maria… later…) So I hired a private guide …

Coffee Tour (Antigua Guatemala)

Martin February 9, 2013

http://www.bronxi.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/P1040069-190x142.jpg

As I know how to brew beer – the only other beverage (except water) I need is coffee. So let’s see how this is done! Went to a nice plantation near Antigua to learn the process from the very beginning. …

TravelBlogger Theme developed by FreeTravelWebsiteTemplates.com | Powered by WordPress