Asia
Asia
(Please click on the photographs for more information)
Cambodia
Between the 9th and 15th centuries where could the world's largest pre-industrialised city be found? Covering some 390 square miles with an estimated population of a million, the city of Angkor and its suburbs in Cambodia held this accolade.
Fast forward to the present day and are left with a vast collection of temple structures and the largest religious complex on earth in the shape of Angkor Wat. It's all highly impressive and if you have spare time on your hands use a local tuk-tuk for the day to try and avoid the crowds or to visit the less busy parts.
Of course, there is a darker side to the country as in the killing fields while the pure opulence of the royal palace is so far removed from the stilt houses on Tonge Sap. The tasting of roadside snacks is for the brave or foolish depending on your viewpoint.
China
The Chinese dynasties were once the envy of the world with their advanced technology and trading routes and with imperialism playing a pivotal role in its history. Although my experiences were centred on walking various sections of the Great Wall, enough was sampled to appreciate the powerhouse of days gone by and a country once again on the rise. There is certainly unfinished business here for me with plans to revisit high up on the list.
Japan
Everyone wants to go to Tokyo or so it seems. A vast high tech city with its reputation possibly molded for us in the west by the TV and films. The rail pass was all I needed to get around and although the subway and rail systems in Tokyo were overwhelming at first, I soon got to grips with things.
I have to say the cleanliness and the people's efficiency in dealing with life's chores are second to none while the shopping malls are hugely impressive. In many ways, I preferred downtown Osaka and its neon signs by the river to Tokyo.
Add to this the culture of Kyoto, the history lesson which is Hiroshima. A massive life tick was photographing a snow monkey in hot springs. I'm so glad this crept up my travel list. See the world marathon page to see why this trip also has a special significance for me.
Nepal
The mountain kingdom of Nepal is the destination for many if they really want to get to grips with the Himalayas if not the ultimate challenge of Everest itself. For me, the trek to Everest base camp would be enough.
The chaos of Kathmandu is something to behold while the runway at Lukla always seems to always feature in the top 10 of the world's most dangerous landings but is a must, as getting into the Himalayas would take too long overland.
As to the trek, it has to be a slow staged approach to allow for the altitude gain with lots of black tea drunk. Slowly but surely you rise above the treeline to a land of white peaks, stunning views, and a feeling of remoteness. You won't see any vehicles on this trek, everything has to be carried by pack animals or manually.
Eventually, weather permitting, you will reach the greatest prize of them all, a great view of Mount Everest, a boyhood dream which I never expected to become reality.
Sri Lanka
Sometimes referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a great destination with 3,000 years of history giving the country a great cultural heritage with the bonus that most of the major highlights can be explored in a circular route over a fortnight.
Buddhism plays a big part and its story in these lands will be encountered on an almost daily basis. The island is big enough to be diverse but small enough to let you leave with a good appreciation of its history and culture.
Turkey
Although Turkey can claim to be a transcontinental country, in reality only 3% of its landmass can be found in Europe. But it's this location which made it a crossroads for trade and would be as far west as the camels of the Silk Road would reach.
The cities from antiquity left for us to see today are just outstanding, Aphrodisias being a personal favourite with low visitor numbers. And who can fail to enjoy the beauty of the Turquoise coast and the great food and weather which typifies the region.
The travertine hot springs at Pamukkale leave a rare landscape while Turkey's journey from ancient to modern times has left us a trail of palaces and mosques leading to the end of the sultans with the republic being born under the guidance of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Lastly, getting lost in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is almost mandatory and is one of several reasons why Istanbul is one of my favourite cities.
Vietnam
For many, the name will be synonymous with the war of the late 60s early 70s but this is only one part of a varied history. Crossing the road in major cities needs nerves of steel where past French colonial influences can be seen as well as the legacy of a thousand years of Chinese rule.
Of course, there is always the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay listed as a World Heritage Site. But for me, it was seeing the cottage industries at work which left the biggest impression.
It's a great place for street photography. Eating in the local eateries with freshly prepared noodles and spring rolls was a treat.
