Dali, China

Of all of the places that we've been in China so far, Dali - in Yunnan Province - is the #1 place that I would recommend to anybody planning a trip to East Asia.
Dali is my brother Colin's home-away-from-home. It was the first place in China where he put down roots as well as the location choosen for his first Salvador's restaurant.

It is a beautiful mountain city with a physical environment and architecture that reminds me of the mythical Shangri-La. It has a number of ancient Buddhist pagodas that date back to when it was an independent kingdom. It also has a vibrant local culture which presents a mix of the 22 ethnic groups that share it as a home.

Colin has recently rennovated a century-old home inside the walls of the old city.

For a good adventure in Dali, one only needs to put on their walking shoes.

Kunming, China

Kunming is one of many cities in China with over 5 million people that most of us have never heard about.
Most important to us, it is where my brother Colin has lived for most of the past 7 years. It is also where his restaurant, Salvador's, is located.
Salvador's is famous for it's home-made organic ice cream and coffee as well as a well-stocked bar and lively late-night atmosphere.

The creative use of wood and glass create a relaxing and chilled-out environment, which is a treasure in this otherwise hectic and noisy part of the city.

The weather was perfect for sitting at the outside bar and enjoying a Brooklyn IPA (Seriously!! They have it!! The first non-lager beer that I'd had since leaving Europe!)

Colin's girlfriend, Aling, has a store in Kunming where she sells her handmade purses and bags. She is on the right in the picture below. Her sister is on the left.

Some of Colin's friends had us over for dinner at their incredible apartment in New Kunming. This dinner, which highlighted at least 5 varieties of wild mushrooms, will soon be added to our International Foodies Awards as the "#1 Homemade Meal".

Lhasa, Tibet

Expedition to Everest Base Camp, Tibet

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Monkey Temple.

Candle vigil at the base of the Monkey Temple.
The maze that is downtown Kathmandu.

Trek Near Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

After a long uphill stretch, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Annapurna Himalaya.
Having already completed a number of treks, it is clear that Nepal is best-equipped for trekkers of every level and for treks of any length imaginable. You could literally walk into these mountains with a small backpack filled with just a toothbrush, a book, and a wad of Nepalese rupies, and expect to survive for months in the villages that dot the mountainous landscape.

View of the Fishtale - a mythical peak that is off-limits to climbers.

Lost?

A pretty decent breakfast spot.

Although the wilderness is the highlight, some of the most interesting moments come when walking through the mountain villages.

Motorcycle Trip to Lake Begnas

It was supposed to be a really easy ride.

6 Flahives and 3 Bikes.
The paved road ended and the real adventure began.

As hard as it was on bikes, most people in the valley did not have motor power of any sort. Plus, their loads were considerably larger.

We survived slips and falls, but it took a flat to really slow us down.

We really should have paid a little more for the new bikes! Each of the three used bikes that we took turned out to be a lemon.

Pokara, Nepal

In terms of food, lodging, shopping, access to the great outdoors, bars, coffee shops, steak-houses, pizza, cheap (but quality) pirated outdoor equipment, fresh air, and amazing views, Pokara may be the best place on Earth . . . if you are into those kinds of things.

Keep that Karma Wheel spinning, ladies.
Hackey sack?

Finishing touches.

Our hosts for tea and cookies at the Tibetan Refugee Camp.

Prayers and chanting in the monastery.

Schoolgirls at the refugee camp.

Rush hour.