My educational journey began in the old village of Chungkha, in Bhutan. I, Ugyen Rangdrol, spent seven formative years in the local primary school before moving on to Pakshikha Middle Secondary School for my 10th grade. The subsequent two years saw me immersed in Arts, Business and Mathematics at Kelki Higher Secondary School, culminating in my successful qualification with the Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment (BCSEA) in the 12th grade. My passion for technology led me to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT). During my time at GCIT, I delved into real-time project development and the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). In 2018, a friend and I embarked on a remote freelancing venture, undertaking projects that spanned Bhutan and Switzerland, crafting web systems catering to travel agents across Asia. After my graduation, my professional journey unfolded in the software development domain. Over three months at Thimphu Techpark, followed by a year at Yang Khor Private Limited, and eventually two years at Bhutan Insurance Limited, I honed my skills in software documentation, client system training, web hosting, system deployment, and application development. Concurrently, I co-founded "Webdyno Bhutan" with Tandin Wangchuk, located in the heart of Thimphu town, Bhutan. In August 2023, a new chapter opened as I embarked on a postgraduate journey in the United Kingdom, pursuing an MA in Virtual and Augmented Reality at York St John University. Hailing from a developing country like Bhutan, my vision is to introduce Virtual and Augmented Reality solutions that revolutionize tourism, education, health, and insurance sectors, propelling economic development. Currently engaging in research on "The Impact of VR/AR in Post-Occupancy Housing," my objectives include exploring immersive technologies' effects on residents' comfort and satisfaction, alongside identifying challenges and opportunities in integrating VR and AR in residential settings. My research includes collaborations with construction companies, envisioning offsite construction with AR-guided assembly. My aspiration is that this study will play a pivotal role in fostering economic development in Bhutan. I aim to align my exploration of research studies with the government's vision of Gross National Happiness (GNH) for a technologically equipped nation BHUTAN. Thank you, Ugyen Rangdrol

Dans son village du nord du Sénégal, Yao, grâce à ses lectures, rêve de voyages et d'aventures. Quand il apprend que Seydou Tall, son auteur préféré, sera bientôt à Dakar, il part à sa rencontre. Et Seydou, ne pouvant laisser seul un enfant si loin de chez lui, décide de le raccompagner. Commence alors un formidable périple où l'adulte et l'enfant apprennent à se connaître, chacun faisant découvrir à l'autre les secrets de son monde. Un voyage dont naîtra une profonde amitié... et une vocation d'écrivain. In his village in northern Senegal, Yao, thanks to his reading, dreams of travel and adventure. When he learns that Seydou Tall, his favorite author, will soon be in Dakar, he goes to meet him. And Seydou, unable to leave a child so far from home alone, decides to accompany him. Then begins a wonderful journey where the adult and the child get to know each other, each helping the other discover the secrets of their world. A trip from which will be born a deep friendship... and avocation as a writer. In seinem Dorf im Norden Senegals träumt Yao dank seiner Lektüre von Reisen und Abenteuern. Als er erfährt, dass Seydou Tall, sein Lieblingsautor, bald in Dakar sein wird, macht er sich auf den Weg, um ihn zu treffen. Und Seydou, der ein Kind so weit weg von zu Hause nicht allein lassen kann, beschließt, es zu begleiten. Dann beginnt eine wundervolle Reise, auf der Erwachsene und Kinder einander kennenlernen und sich gegenseitig dabei helfen, die Geheimnisse ihrer Welt zu entdecken. Eine Reise, aus der eine tiefe Freundschaft entstehen wird ... und eine Berufung als Schriftsteller.

Sindhu Utthan Kendra (SUK) Nepal is a Non Government Organization (NGO) founded by Nepalese youth and a swiss group at 2011. The motive behind the establishment of SUK is to take supportive action for the protection and promotion of the neediest, helpless, underprivileged, socially-exploited children, women, and elderly as well as People with Disabilities. We believe that good quality education to pre and primary level school children in the poor rural areas will help them to get a better start in life. Also, changes in the education system in Nepal at large have a better chance to be successful if they are implemented at the bottom and then work their way up. Since its establishment project remain as an organized, self-governed, non- profitable, non-political. Vision and Goal: Enhancing quality education of the children at rural part of Nepal and architecting pathways to build their better future. Then gradually addressing the need of the Nepalese rural communities at the level of livelihood, health and rural infrastructures. Dhanyawaad - For more information, please visit https://suknepal.org

The living standard of most Himalayan people are based on nomads and farming. They all are followers of the Buddha Dharma. Let me introduce a Himalayan boy from the hidden valley, Tsum, Gorkha district which is situated between 2000 to 3500 ft in the Northern part of Nepal. My valley is rich in ancient art, culture and tradition. It's a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage site. In 2005 I was born to Father Ambee Lama and Mother Tsewang Bhuti Lama. My both parents are subsistence farmer. I have four younger brothers and one sister. We have more than 10 yaks and goats. I am the eldest, so I used to go with my grandpa with our yaks to graze in the forest and my younger brother looks after Goats. Ghee, milk and cheese are our main local products from yak. It was my job to collect small pieces of wood and branches for our kitchen fire. When we went with the animal rearing, we took small bags full of fried maize and wheat for our lunch and we usually returned around 5 or 6 pm, when it was getting dark. In my village there was no good way, transportation, Health services and Communication. Most of our Himalayan people are healthy and strong because they eat their local food products like potatoes, wheat and maize which was grows on their own farm. When I was six years old, I was very lucky to join Shree Mangal Dvip Boarding School (S.M.D) in Kathmandu with the help of my uncle who was also a monk of the Thrangu institute established by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Our Rinpoche’s (Founder of our school, and Buddhist scholars) main aim is to preserve Himalayan culture and tradition and flourishing the Buddhist way of life. I Came to Kathmandu with dream of better education and future. It takes five days to reach Kathmandu from my village and 4 days by walking and another one day by taking bus. I joined SMD School in 2010. I was missing my family badly because they left me at school. In this way days, weeks, and months passed and I got to make many friends. Later, I get to know all SMDers family then I felt as, a member of SMD family. In 2017 when I was in Grade 7, I joined HMG (Himalayan Makers Guild) robotics club as a member and after a year I was selected as a leader. This project is related to Technology and we have Code Club too. It was founded by Harry Pigot with graduated with a biotechnology engineering degree from Canada. One day Harry organized two projects which were a solar project and a car project. My members got a chance to do the car project - the car follows a black line drawn on a flat surface. It was the best achievement I ever gained in that club and I led them as a project manager. I joined an eco-club in 2016. In 2017 I participated in The Voice of S.M.D (for singing competition), House Debate, house quiz competition, typing competition and art competition, and many more. I joined Root & Shoot (koryug) as a new member in 2019. And I also got a chance to be a Room Captain in the hostel for two years. I also got a chance to teach prayers to the juniors for 2 and half years. In 2019 the school administrators appointed me as the School Captain. That experience gave me the opportunity to build my confidence level and learn leadership skills also. As for my hobbies, I enjoy playing football as well as basketball. Mostly I spend my free time making art, painting, reading books and enjoying most of the indoor games. I like to play musical instruments like the Tibetan guitar (Danyern), Flute, western guitar, madal (drum), piano and others. I also love to sing as well as making beats. I am interested in graphic designing and I also illustrated the digital art of our root guru Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche whom I admired for his generosity, and our school. Furthermore, I made a personal website by using websites designing languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Not only that, I love Videography and photography, as well as editing. In 2020 COVID-19 Virus spreading continuously around the globe and times were and still are very challenging for all of us. Because of the pandemic, my school shut down so I went home to protect myself from the pandemic. I continued my studies by attending online classes. Lockdown was the best opportunity for me to learn and explore new things. I'm interested in graphic designing, coding, videography, and photography. So I utilize my free time to become more productive rather than wasting it. Through the internet, I started learning about graphic designing, coding, editing, and arts. I took my final government exams online. I did my best and my results were as expected. I am a recent graduate from SMD and I am very happy to give a year of service in Thrangu institutions. After that I am planning to continue my education by taking computer studies. In the future I want to be a graphic designer and a social worker. I will preserve my Rinpoche’s' aims by preserving our Himalayan language and traditions and by helping the Buddhist way of life to flourish. I will support my school as much as I can and I hope to be a good exemplar in my community. I want to help my villagers as well. I joined SMD School in 2010 and now it has been 10 years. SMD has taught me how to stand on my own foot. I have learned about different cultures, languages, and traditions and received both Buddhist and secular education. SMD has given many of us the strength to be a future pillar for the needy children of the Himalayas. I learned Buddhist way of life, love and compassion. Firstly thank you our Thrangu Rinpoche and school sponsors for you love and kindness toward us and also thank you school administrators, supporters, teachers, Staffs, friends and each and every SMDers.

My name is Pema Tsering Gurung and I was born in Kuwa (Ku); I left my family when I was about 7 years old and went to the big city of Kathmandu for schooling, not knowing where was going on there and what to expect. I was admitted to the Snowland Ranag orphanage school where I completed my lower secondary schooling and later graduated from Islington College higher secondary school. Today, I realize that I have been extremely lucky to get these opportunities because most children there, and even now, do not have the chance to attend secondary school. I am very thankful to my parents and to the school for their help to be who I am today. I decided to move forward with my studies and get a Bachelor’s degree. However, one teacher who was supposed to teach in Ku fell sick and I was requested by the villagers to teach their children. This left me in a real quandary: should I pursue my studies or return to my village as a teacher? Even asking my friends for advice did not help in this difficult decision-making process. As a native from Ku I felt responsible and understood that a lot of hope rested in me at the village. Was I the right person to help them? In the end, I decided to go back home as a local volunteer teacher. After ten days of hard trekking,I finally arrived in Ku. A teacher’s life in Dolpo is hard since there is not only a lack of educational resources such as textbooks, notebooks, pencils and classrooms but also a lack of food and adequate clothing. Additionally, we have to do the cooking; both for the students and ourselves. There is no time for a private life. Yet, when I started teaching,I fell in love with the children immediately. Their enthusiasm and energy for everything we were doing made me enjoy every single lesson and happiness filled my heart. After some months, it was time for me to leave my village and return to Kathmandu. I wanted to find a way to provide the students with food, shelter, clothes and to establish a better education. When the day came for me to leave, all the children surrounded me and one, sitting on my lap, asked, “Pema, Sir, are you coming back next year or not?” Shedding tears I promised to return with many books, notebooks, pencils and school uniforms; enough for every one of them. I`ll never forget the joy in their eyes. On reaching Kathmandu,I had various projects in mind. Finally, I founded “The Rising Ku.” This project is to protect a child`s right to education that not only plays an important role in reducing poverty and child labour but promotes democracy, peace, tolerance, development and economic growth alike. I have made it my mission in life to take care of the children from Ku. I want to share their journey into a brighter future. However, this project cannot move forward without your support.Please, become a friend and supporter of “The Rising Ku“. As little as the price, you pay for your daily cup of tea or coffee will enable a child to go to school and be provided with the basics. We therefore always need your support, either individual or collective, to be able to support the children’sof the Himalayas region. 100% of the donations received by The Rising KU are donated to the kids of Himalayas region in their education and health sector.

UNESCO added Kokoxili located in Tibet to its World Heritage list in July 2017. Kokoxili (Hoh Xil in Chinese) is the world's largest and highest plateau at a height of more than 4,500m above sea level and maintains sub-zero temperatures year round. There was strong opposition among Tibetans in exile as they feared the decision will give the Chinese government an opportunity to displace more Tibetan nomads from the area despite assurance by the authority that the nomads will not be affected and their lifestyle would be respected. In August 2017, I visited Lhasa to see a long time friend and business associate, Massimo Taddie. We had arranged the hotel and logistics support in Tibet for Massimo who flew into Lhasa from mainland China with a group of 16 Italians. After our meeting in the Kichu hotel in Lhasa, I planned to visit a destination that I had not been to earlier. Immediately Lake Namtso came to mind, one of the holiest lakes and considered to be the largest one in Tibet. The day trip to Lake Namtso (4,718m) was indeed a memorable one as it was a scenic drive through natural beauty, pasture land and occasional sighting of nomads’ tents en route. Interestingly there was a significant number of domestic travelers from mainland China which almost gave a feeling that the lake was all set to be a destination for over-tourism. On the way back, I checked with our guide, Tashi if we were allowed to visit a nomad family en route. He was more than happy to arrange that. I was excited and looking forward to learning more about nomadic families and their lifestyle. We were welcomed with a genuine smile inside the tent which was warm. We were immediately offered with a hot cup of ‘Yak butter tea’ which I thoroughly enjoyed although the smell of butter was rather very strong. The family appeared to be very simple and fully satisfied with their nomadic lifestyle. Our guide helped us communicate as he translated our conversations. However, their warmth itself was enough to feel the genuine hospitality. An hour passed away in fleeting moments as we conversed and tried to understand their lifestyle better. My key observations were: • There was no private land ownership of pasture • They had complete freedom of movement in the gorgeous landscape as they wished • The tent was made out of natural materials and took only a few hours to pack & pitch. • They were hospitable out of kindness, no plastic smiles • They were in a remote area, at the mercy of nature. The more I talked to them, the more I understood how nomadic lifestyle was influenced by mother nature leading to zero waste. It was impressive to see how little things they owned (Travel light : you only carry what you need). I could only wonder whether the minimalism movement in the western world was inspired by Tibetan nomads. Their philosophy strongly believe that they are just passing through this life, people come and leave naked, why build and get attached to house when your life expectancy is less than 100 years? Instead better to invest in tradition, heritage and seize the opportunity of living the moment. It is a simply profound insight leading to true form of freedom. Nomadic philosophy would work out the best for a sustainable way of travelling when global tourism restarts significantly post pandemic. I am sure that the nomadic family near Lake Namtso must be one of the few lucky people who are least affected by the ongoing pandemic, probably they have little or no idea about how badly the world is suffering at the moment. Needless to say, just an hour of conversation and experiencing life in their shoes be it for just some moments made me realize how at times ignorance can truly become a bliss. We tend to curse nature when things go south. However, we rarely realize that the only way we can live in harmony with nature is to take it as a blessing rather than a barrier.

Born and raised in the Himalayan Nation of Nepal, Binod Baral is a Head of the Asian Research & Development Department and Innovation Kitchen at the World’s Best Gourmet Entertainment Group. He is a UK Global Goodwill Ambassador nominated by GGA and a co-founder of MOMO&ROTI in London. Baral is also the Brand Ambassador for Gurkha Beer. A proud British Nepalese chef, he is also a writer, author, and charity worker. He believes in giving back to the community that has always cared for him. He has organized a number of fundraisers and participated in them in order to help those in need. A spice pundit by training, he is an empathetic human being serving humanity with his goodness! I am so excited to publish Binod Baral’s opinion here: I’m very proud that I’m from the top of world, Mt. Everest, and, moreover, a chef representing 128 communities. I am a born-in-Nepal, made-in-the-UK chef. I am currently based in Great Britain and work globally. The country with the strongest trekkers, the Sherpa, the bravest soldiers in the world, the Gurkhas, and coolest people from any religion, the Buddhists. The Himalayas are famous for their high peaks, with more than 110 jutting into the sky at 24,000 ft (7,315m) above sea level. Mount Everest soars to elevations of 29,035 ft (8,848m). We have 8 out of the 10 tallest mountains in the world. The lowest point in Nepal is 59 m above sea-level in the Terai region. We are very rich in natural water sources, the second-richest in the world. The population is about 29 million people, with 2.5 million alone in Kathmandu. The country measures 55,348 square miles and, within this area, 128 communities are settled. Being a small, landlocked country, the only thing we don't have is the sea.But we do have 10 heritage sites, 7 of which are in Kathmandu valley. What is even more interesting is that all of these 7 World Heritage Sites are within a 12-mile radius. Kathmandu is the city with the highest number of World Heritage Sites in the world, when compared to any other city. These cultural sites have been nominated as World Heritage Sites based on their cultural and natural values. We have China in the north and the rest of our border is with India. They have most the popular food in world. We are in the middle, so I don't see any boundaries to globalising Nepali Heritage Cuisine. We are the country of yarsagumba, Himalayan Caterpillar Fungus Viagra, Jimbu Himalayan Chives, and Timur Nepali Sichuan Pepper, just to name few things. Just pick a few national identities from above and connect with food, recipes, and cooking techniques from 128 communities, using produce, pairing and marrying herbs and spices with local organic produce from the Himalayan range, the highest region in the world, whose mountainous part is organic and wild and whose lower part, the Terai region, makes our food not only special, but also unique on the global food map. And food can be a new tourism product for Nepal!

It’s always a happy Moment to travel to my village. I will get to see my mom and dad and spent time with them which only happen twice or thrice a year. But every season is not favourable to travel to village. Especially during monsoon it’s dangerous to travel by vehicles. My village is located in Helambu Region, which is highland and 80 km always from Kathmandu. To the certain places road is good enough to travel even during rainy season. But during raining season it’s almost impossible to travel by bus to my village, due to the damage of road by landslide and muddy road. So during monsoon we only have two options, either to travel by foot or travel by private jeep or tipper on own risk. It was 26th of July and heavily raining season. The relatives and people of my village, who reside in Kathmandu, had to travel to village to attend and manage the puja. It was the puja of senior citizen who passed away one month ago. As it was rainy season, there was no buses to my village, even small private jeeps were not willing to go due to bad condition of the road. So we had to manage 4W tipper which transport construction materials like bricks, sand, rod etc..We were around 25 people from Kathmandu to travel to the village. And our journey start in the morning 8:30 am. After we crossed Kathmandu, the off-road start and journey on the tipper was not smooth. It was rainy and always shaking, jumping and throwing here and there at back of the tipper. Two to three times we were stuck in muddy and had to push the vehicle. Somehow we were able to make it to village without any unexpected accident. Though journey was rough, we were happy to reach our destination safely. Next day, the day starts with preparation for the puja. Our monastery were destroyed during earthquake, so we had to make temporary puja hall. We also had to prepare foods, drinks and place to sit for the guests. Around 400-500 guests were expected to attend the puja. Main day : On the main day of the puja, people started to gathering from early morning. So we had to prepare breakfast, lunch and snacks. Cooking and serving all had to do by people of our village. So it was a whole busy day. As expected we received more than 500 guests from our neighbour villages. This puja is to perform after 21 days of the death of the deceased. It is performed for well being and well rebirth of the deceased. The puja ended well and we returned back Kathmandu. - OM MANI PEDHME HUNG !

Monsoon usually brings in rain which we know but it's not just a geographical phenomenon. With the season change along with patterns of winds, the month from April to August across the Asian continent sees rainfall and mostly during July hits the pick in the South Asian subcontinent. It's an annual function to see the roads being turned into river. The regular devastation of floods and landslides are evergreen pervasive. Coastal cities from South East Asia like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh to Indian cities Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai sees the pale brown water dipping the city. So, waters are good when it's just jade, not when its brown. China, Nepal and North India sees big or small floods. Monsoon season has been fatal for humans in the Asian continent, specially living in the rural setting. It has just been an annual routine for floods to come, landslide to occur and few good humans and animals to leave this world. Saddening part is either mother nature is so cruel or the authorities of these region are not able to tame the monsoon madness. And the effects post monsoons are the mosquitoes and the mass diseases like malaria, typhoid, dengue that goes wildfire around the area. It has been part of human life in the Asian continent to expect floods and landslides along with monsoon. Apart from the disaster, for agriculturally rich continent like Asia, monsoon also determines the food production. Monsoon rains are in fact the livelihood for farmers up in the hills in Nepal and China where irrigation system is no so abundant. Despite that large chunk of Asian population have to face the problem of potable water access. Rain water harvesting during the monsoon has become fashion from the slums to riches of Bangladesh. So monsoon waters are life saving for many either. Tourism during the season is quite low. But other advantages are the price of hotels and tour operators come to the lowest during this season. And the view across Asia, be it China, Cambodia, Nepal, Bangladesh or Pakistan has the best one to be offered as the rain washes the air and the abundant lush greenery is a picturesque view one can gather. The tourists are quite low during this time. Only few MICE types of tourists and other pilgrimage, Bol Bom and Kawad is one mass pilgrimage( considered as touristic activity) that occur annually during monsoon across Nepal and India. Noting the silver lining in the dark cloud, monsoon season has been an agonizing and appalling one yet appealing either. Asian Monsoon is just a time to watch out. In spite of the treacherous news and stories about the devastation that happens, this season is a lifeline for the people here either. The smiling sky and reflection of earth at the horizon is felt at it's best post monsoon and then the start of festivals joy and happiness all across Asia. Thus, life goes on!!

'I love train trips and I love travelling around India. If you do too, then this book is a wonderful companion' Irvine Welsh When she was a child, Monisha Rajesh's family uprooted to Madras in the hope of making India their home, but soon returned to England with a bitter taste in their mouths. Two decades on, Monisha turns to a map of the Indian Railways and takes a page out of Jules Verne's classic tale, embarking on an adventure around India in 80 trains, covering 40,000 km - the circumference of the Earth. Her journey takes her on toy trains, luxury trains, Mumbai's infamous commuter trains and even a hospital on wheels. Along the way she meets a kaleidoscope of characters and discovers why the railways are considered the lifeline that keeps the country's heart beating. Most of all, she hopes that these 80 train journeys will lift the veil on a country that has become a stranger to her.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 60 SECONDS is Nas’ unpredictable 1,000-day world tour in book form. At times a striking portrait of the most uncharted places in the world, at others a touching exploration of the human heart, this collection of life-affirming stories and breathtaking photographs changes how we think about humanity and community and invites us all on a journey to see the world, and each other, anew. Nuseir “Nas” Yassin is a Palestinian-Israeli who grew up in the village of Arraba in the country’s northern district. Fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, he left Israel in 2010 to attend Harvard University on a full scholarship, where he graduated in 2014 with degrees in economics and computer science. Twenty months into his first post-college job as a software coder for Venmo, Nas made the decision that would change his life: to quit his job, gather his savings, and travel the world, sharing his adventures and discoveries on his dedicated Facebook page, Nas Daily. On January 5, 2019, Nas reached Day 1,000 of Nas Daily, having garnered an international audience of 12 million followers and 4.5 billion video impressions. He continues to post weekly videos on Nas Daily and has relocated to Singapore, where he is launching a media and video company with his best friends.

In June 1863 an English lady set off by train on the trip of a lifetime: Thomas Cook's first Conducted Tour of Switzerland. A century and a half later, travel writer Diccon Bewes, author of the bestselling Swiss Watching, decided to go where she went and see what she saw. Guided by her diary, he followed the same route to discover how much had changed and how much hadn't. She went in search of adventure, he went in search of her, and found far more than he expected. Slow Train to Switzerland is the captivating account of two trips through the Alps: hers glimpsing the future of travel, his revisiting its past. Together they make a journey to remember. This is a tale of trains and tourists, of the British and the Swiss, of a Victorian traveller and a modern-day Englishman abroad. It is the story of a tour that changed both Switzerland and the world of travel forever.

At twenty-six, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's rapid death from cancer, her family disbanded and her marriage crumbled. With nothing to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to walk eleven-hundred miles of the west coast of America - from the Mojave Desert, through California and Oregon, and into Washington state - and to do it alone. She had no experience of long-distance hiking and the journey was nothing more than a line on a map. But it held a promise - a promise of piecing together a life that lay in ruins at her feet. Strayed's account captures the agonies - both mental and physical - of her incredible journey; how it maddened and terrified her, and how, ultimately, it healed her. Wild is a brutal memoir of survival, grief and redemption: a searing portrayal of life at its lowest ebb and at its highest tide.

This text is a magical fable about learning to listen to your heart, read the omens strewn along life's path and, above all, following your dreams. The book tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of travelling the world in search of a worldly treasure as fabulous as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers, and from there into the Egyptian desert, where a fateful encounter with the alchemist awaits him. With a visionary blend of spirituality, magical realism and folklore, the author hopes that "The Alchemist" has the power to inspire nations and change people's lives.

Matthew Kepnes knows what it feels like to get the travel bug. After meeting some travelers on a trip to Thailand in 2005, he realized that living life meant more than simply meeting society's traditional milestones, such as buying a car, paying a mortgage, and moving up the career ladder. Inspired by them, he set off for a year-long trip around the world before he started his career. He finally came home after ten years. Over 500,000 miles, 1,000 hostels, and 90 different countries later, Matt has compiled his favorite stories, experiences, and insights into this travel manifesto. Filled with the color and perspective that only hindsight and self-reflection can offer, these stories get to the real questions at the heart of wanderlust. Travel questions that transcend the basic "how-to," and plumb the depths of what drives us to travel — and what extended travel around the world can teach us about life, ourselves, and our place in the world.

'An endless supply of campfire stories' Scotsman IN AFRICA, ONLY FOOD RUNS... DON'T RUN, WHATEVER YOU DO! The Okavango Delta, Botswana: a lush wetland in the middle of the Kalahari desert. Aged 19, Peter Allison thought he would visit for a short holiday before going home to get a 'proper job'. But Peter fell in love with southern Africa and its wildlife and before long had risen to become a top safari guide. In Don't Run, Whatever You Do, you'll hear outrageous-but-true tales from the most exciting safaris. You'll find out when an elephant is really going to charge, what different monkey calls mean and what do in a face off with lions. Sometimes the tourists are even wilder than the animals, from the half-naked missing member of the British royal family to the Japanese amateur photographer who ignores all the rules to get the perfect shot. Don't Run, Whatever You Do is a glimpse of what the life of an expert safari guide is really like. 'You can't help but get caught up in [Allison's] infectious enthusiasm. He writes beautifully about the rhythm of bush.

Der junge Amerikaner Jack hat einen Traum. In Afrika, das sagt ihm eine innere Stimme, wird er sein Glück finden. Also macht er sich auf eine "abenteuerliche Reise". Er begegnet der alten weisen Frau Ma Ma Gombe, auch sie ist auf der Suche. Am Ende ihres langen Lebens möchte sie den sagenumwobenen "Geburtsort von allem" finden, von dem ihr einst ihr Grossvater erzählt hat. Ma Ma Gombe wird Jacks Führerin und so wandern die beiden monatelang zu Fuss durch die Wildnis. Ma Ma Gombe vermittelt ihrem Schüler Jack viele Lebenslehren. Jack begreift, dass jeder seine eigenen fünf grossen Ziele erkennen muss, wenn er ein erfülltes und glückliches Leben führen will. Am Ende ihrer langen Reise gelangen die beiden an das Ziel Ma Ma Gombes und auch Jack weiss, dass er die Verwirklichung seiner Lebensträume nie mehr aus den Augen verlieren wird.

Die wahre Geschichte hinter einer aussergewöhnlichen Reise beginnt in jener Nacht, in der sich Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche dazu entschliesst, sein bisheriges , wohlbehütetes und privilegiertes Leben als Abt eines wichtigen buddhistischen Klosters hinter sich zu lassen. Unbemerkt schlüpft er aus dem Tor und ist zum ersten Mal alleine mit sich selbst. Auf dem Weg in die ihm unbekannte Welt, die ganze vier Jahre andauern wird, muss er sich vollkommen neu zurechtfinden und entdeckt tief verborgene Wahrheiten über das Leben, sich selbst und die Welt um uns herum, die seine Lehre für immer prägen werden. - Mathieu Ricard bezeichnet das Buch als "Eines der inspirierendsten Bücher unserer Zeit".

Ferien in der Schweiz sind angesagt. Was Millionen von Ausländern längst entdeckt haben, finden wir nun selber wieder heraus: Die Schweiz ist ein unglaublich abwechslungsreiches Reise- und Ferienland. Außer dem Meer gibt es hier alles, was es auch anderswo gibt, aber auf viel kleinerem Raum und oft in besserer Qualität. Von den höchsten, fast arktischen Alpengipfeln und ihren Gletschern bis hinunter zu subtropischen, mit Palmen bestandenen Seeufern, viele von ihnen mit Sandstränden. Von einsamen Hochmooren, ausgedehnten Weinbergen, weitem Weideland, Flüssen und Wasserfällen bis hin zu zerklüfteten und zerfurchten, archaischen Landschaften. Nicht zu reden von behäbigen Bauerndörfern, mittelalterlichen Städtchen und Großstädten mit internationalem Flair und weltweitem Renommee. Um zu zeigen, dass sich die Schweiz vor keinem anderen Touristenziel zu verstecken braucht, zieht dieses Buch sechzig nicht ganz ernst gemeinte Vergleiche: Saint-Tropez am Zürichsee, die Seychellen im Waadtland, Kanada oder Grönland in den Bündner, Berner und Innerschweizer Bergen. Sogar die chinesische Stadt Wuhan findet ein Pendant – oder besser gesagt ihr berüchtigter Markt. Überraschungen sind garantiert. Arthur Kilian Vogel, der Autor von "Eine Weltreise durch die Schweiz", lebt in Bern und schreibt auch Reisereportagen. Außer Australien, Grönland, Kamtschatka, Madagaskar, Nepal und Norwegen, die noch auf seiner Wunschliste stehen, hat er alle in diesem Buch dargestellten ausländischen Destinationen bereist.

Drei Dinge darfst Du nie im Leben tun, Enaiat, aus keinem Grund: Erstens, Drogen nehmen, Zweitens, zu den Waffen greifen. Versprich mir, dass deine Hand nicht einmal einen Holzlöffel halten wird, wenn er dazu dient, einen Menschen zu verletzen. Drittens, stehlen. Was dein ist, ist dein, was nicht dein ist, nicht. Und merke dir, dass es sich immer zu leben lohnt, wenn man einen Wunsch vor Augen hat, wie ein Esel eine Karotte. Mit diesen Worten verlässt die Mutter ihr Kind. Sie hat Enaiat ausser Landes geschmuggelt, mehr kann sie nicht für ihn tun. Die drei Lebensregeln sind der einzige Kompass des Jungen auf seiner "Überlebensreise", die viele Jahre dauert. Also macht er nichts Böses, was auch immer geschieht. Arbeitet, gleich was, und besteht Tag für Tag das Leben, findet Freunde, zieht weiter. Und sucht immer nach einem Grund, um glücklich zu sein. Kurz nach seinem (vermutlich) einundzwanzigsten Geburtstag hat Enaiatollah seine Geschichte zu Ende erzählt. Sein Geburtsdatum wurde vom Einwohneramt festgelegt: Es ist der 1. September. Er hat soeben erfahren, dass es im Meer tatsächlich Korkodile gibt.

Anlässlich des 25-jährigen Firmenjubiläums hat PRIORI Reisen ein neues Buch mit dem Titel "Madagaskar - Kultur und Kulinarik" erstellt, welches Informationen rund um verschiedene Themen in Madagaskar sowie traditionelle Rezeptideen zum Nachkochen vereint. Madagaskar. Die Insel im indischen Ozean hatte Millionen von Jahren Zeit, eine ganz eigene Pflanzen- und Tierwelt zu entwickeln. Vor keinen 2000 Jahren liessen sich Menschen nieder. Sie kamen aus Indonesien, brachten ihre Sprache, Kultur und Gastronomie mit. Im Laufe der Jahrhunderte gelangten Menschen aus Afrika nach Madagaskar und brachten die Rinderhaltung mit. Sie drückten der indonesisch-madagassischen Kultur einen entscheidenden Stempel auf. Auch Leute aus Indien, China und Europa führten neue Elemente in den madagassischen Alltag ein. Am meisten wohl die Franzosen durch ihre Kolonialherrschaft. Madagaskar unterlag Einflüssen aus allen Richtungen des Windes. PRIORI. Die Reiseorganisation , die Nepal Travels and Tours kennt, nahm vor über 25 Jahren ihren Anfang in Antananarivo und ist fest in Madagaskar verankert. Sie organisiert Touren und Trekkings in ganz Madagaskar. Das Piratenmuseum ist einer der kulturellen Beiträge der PRIORI für Madagaskar. Das PRIORI-Madagaskarhaus in Basel ist das Informations- und Reisezentrum für Madagaskar. Sehr empfehlenswert !

Die Geschichte handelt von einem Fünfjährigen, der in einem fernen Land lebt, ein kluger, behüteter Junge, der wie alle Kinder seines Alters seine Zeit mit Spielen und Träumen verbringt. Bis plötzlich Erwachsene in sein Leben eingreifen ... Es ist die bewegende Geschichte von Fahim, der von zu Hause flüchten und die Menschen, die er liebt, verlassen muss, der mit gerade einmal acht Jahren alles verlor. Sie handelt davon, wie das Schicksal ihn versehrte und beinahe zerstörte, bevor er sich das Recht zurückeroberte, ein normales Leben zu führen. Sie handelt auch von seiner Begegnung mit einem ungewöhnlichen Menschen. Vor allem Letzterem ist es zu verdanken, dass in diesem modernen Märchen die Solidarität und die Hoffnung den Sieg davontragen. Buch- und Filmtipp: Spiel um Dein Leben, Fahim! "Gestern war ich ein Unbekannter, ein Illegaler, ein Obdachloser, ohne Heim und ohne Heimat. - Ich war ein Niemand!" "Heute war ich französischer Schachmeister und endlich ein ganz normaler Mensch!"

Marian Grau, den ich persönlich sehr gute kenne und schätze, ist 9 Jahre alt, als sein schwer behinderter Bruder Marlon stirbt. Fast 10 Jahre lang war das einzige Reiseziel das Kinderhospiz. Nach Marlons Tod machten sich Marian mit seiner Mutter Manuela auf, gemeinsam die Welt zu entdecken. Aus einer Reise nach Kambodscha wurden Dutzende in 39 verschiedene Länder dieser Welt - immer mit dabei: Marlon. „Bruderherz“ ist eine Hommage sowohl an das Reisen und diese Welt, als auch an den „besten Bruder überhaupt“. Auf seinem Blog »GeoMarian« schreibt er über seine Reisen und gibt Tipps und Tricks für andere Weltenbummler: Nachdem mich meine Mutter 2013 mit nach Kambodscha genommen hat und ich dort meine erste „richtige“ Reise unternehmen konnte, habe ich mich unheilbar mit dem Reisefieber infiziert. In meinem Fall kann man vermutlich von einem besonders schwierigen Fall dieses Fiebers sprechen, denn es ist stark – sehr stark. - Ich liebe das Fliegen an sich, interessiere mich sehr für die Luftfahrt, obwohl ich manchmal sogar ein kleiner Schisser bin, wenn es doch mal wackelt.