SEA2014 - End Lyrics

Being back after #SEA2014, it is not more than normal that I thank the people who have made this experience what it has been: magnificient.

SEA2014: Day 19-20: Asia to Europe: Homecoming

The end of #SEA2014. Going back home is always a two-sided medal. In a way, you want to go back home, but on the other side, being gone is the thing that makes you love home the most. 

SEA2014: Day 16-18: Lloret Del Myanmar - Chaung Thar Beach

Enjoying the beach at Chaung Thar, SEA's own Lloret Del Myanmar. 

Breakfast with a view over the Bengal Sea. 

SEA2014: Day 12-15: Inlay Lake Chilling

 Hanging out with lakeside views, wine tasting and a good book.

SEA2014: inbetween

More pictures from Beautiful Bagan, watch, enjoy, become jealous and prepare your trip to live it yourself. 

SEA2014: DAY 10-11: Beautiful Bagan: City of 10.000 Temples

During my time in Myanmar, I had heard the most incredible stories and anecdotes of Bagan. The town, and its surroundings, are even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It was clear that I had to put it on my to-do list while travelling through Myanmar and so be it. Arriving in the early evening was the perfect preparation for a weekend full of discoveries.

Representing Belgium

SEA2014: Day 9: From Mandalay to Bagan: Cruising the Irrawaddy River

After three days of Mandalay, it was time for the next stop: Bagan! At 6AM, I embarked on a boat which would bring me to Beautiful Bagan in about 10hours. This gave me 10hours to enjoy the views from a river boat, relax and prepare myself for the next stop of SEA2014. 

View from the boat

SEA2014: Day 7-8: Mindblowing Mandalay City & Mingun, a small big village

Day 2: Mandalay City

On my second day in Mandalay, I wanted to make sure to be able to continue my journey before anything else. One of the things I’ve learned about trekking is that: The first thing you do when getting to a certain place, is figuring out how to get to the next spot. Because: ‘It’s not the destination that counts, it’s the journey” (anonymous quote).

SEA2014: Day 6: Mindblowing Mandalay Surroundings

The moment I got off the bus at Mandalay Bus Station, I was almost attacked by taxi and motorcycle drivers, offering me their services to bring me to a hostel. As it was merely 5AM, I decided to avoid them and enjoy a little breakfast and the bus station. I had not booked anything beforehand, but as September is low season (with way too high temperatures) in Myanmar, I wasn’t doubting about finding a good bed. Once I finished my breakfast, I found myself a cheap motorcycle driver and with both my bags, me and the driver on it, we headed for the city centre. I had heard good feedback from AD1 Hotel, which is located very centrally in Mandalay, and could stay in a twin bed room with private bath room for 16000Kyat (€12,5) per night, breakfast included.

Incredible guide

SEA2014: Day 5: From Yangon to Mandalay

Arriving in Yangon Airport was my sign to show that SEA2014 had really started. After checking by border control and getting my Visa accepted (be sure to do this in advance, back home you pay €25, while here you're expected to pay around $50 in cash -with plain dollar bills that are not accepted if wrinkled), I took a cab to the city. Although I was not planning on staying in Yangon for more than a day, I knew it was going to be a good one as I was going to meet up with Wim, a good friend of mine I got to know via AFS in Belgium and whom is now temporarily working in Yangon/Myanmar.

SEA2014: inbetween

I'm having trouble uploading my written posts about Yangon-Mandalay & Mandalay itself. Hopefully I'll get a proper internet connectio soonn. In the mean time, please do enjoy some spectacular pictures from the past few days in Myanmar.

peace out_

posted from Bloggeroid

SEA2014: Day 1-4: Blasting Bangkok

Arriving in RM Guesthouse and getting a shower was probably one of the best feelings ever, after the long trip from Brussels. A noodle soup later I found myself in Khao San Road, having drinks with random people from all over the world. Well drinks... Cocktail buckets (€8 for 3buckets!) with a dutch lady as the bar owner was something one can only encounter in Bangkok. Go visit Oxxi's Place, and be sure to give her my greetings!

SEA2014: Prequel

SEA stands for South-East Asia. 

After a long semester at Coventry University, and finishing my thesis back in Belgium, I finally found the time and possibility to travel again. This year's big trip is going to South-East Asia, hence the name SEA2014. More specifically, I will be visiting Bangkok, capital of Thailand, and Myanmar, formerly known as Burma and a new destination as it used to be a closed country.