Buzz
Embarking on this New Zealand journey, Khương dedicated a year to immerse himself in the landscapes of The Lord of the Rings film series. Choosing the path of adventure meant working on the road, residing in a camper van (visible in the picture below) to cut living expenses. Additionally, capturing more photos for a livelihood was part of the plan.
During the initial 3 months, I resided in the van at the edge of the forest. Each evening, it was a tranquil space amidst nature, an exquisite feeling. Subsequently, I spent 2 weeks driving with friends, exploring the entire southern island of New Zealand. Next, I flew to the northern island to trek Tongariro (the filming location of The Lord of the Rings), Auckland, Taupo, and finally halted at the capital city, Wellington. My impressions are vividly portrayed through the shared photo series. It was the age of youth, wildness, and a touch of madness for the journey of exploring the world.
Everest Base Camp Trekking Expedition
Go, experience the majestic nature! The magnificent Himalayas instilled a longing for conquest when I first glimpsed it in a photograph. After 3 years of preparation, in April 2016, I could embark on a month-long journey, an unforgettable expedition.
No porter, only armed with a map, my brother and I successfully conquered Everest Base Camp and crossed the Cholapass to reach Gokyo peak. The most memorable was Cholapass because the danger at the summit was unforeseen, leading us to lose our way. It was truly a memorable night, with only a few pieces of cheese and a bit of water for sustenance, descending from an altitude of 5,386 to 4,700 meters. Fortunately, the night sky was studded with stars. Cholapass, undoubtedly, drained much of our strength.
The beauty of the Himalayas is beyond imagination, enchanting in terms of people, customs, and even the animals (my favorite being the Yak). Every journey leaves an indelible memory.
Rinjani Volcano, Indonesia – Towering Majesty
Standing at 3,726 meters, Rinjani is the second-highest peak in Southeast Asia (Indonesia) but is hailed as the most beautiful mountain to climb in the country. The active volcano poses challenges not only to physical endurance but also to the climbers' determination. Rinjani is like a capricious and proud maiden, unveiling the beauty of different seasons at every stage of the journey, enticing players and urging them not to give up.
Mt Kinabalu – Le Tan Bao Thong
“You will find your answer when you are at the top,” I replied when a fellow adventurer in the conquest of Kinabalu asked about the purpose of this journey. Mt. Kinabalu – towering at 4,095 meters above sea level, a picturesque crown of Southeast Asia. I spent 48 hours from sea level to the highest point of the Crocker Range. Standing at the summit, witnessing the sunrise, with white clouds stretching endlessly below, I breathed out a sigh of tranquility.
For I found the answer for myself. “Days may be long, but life is short. In the end, we are tiny in the immensely vast Universe.”
After all, setting the backpack down, sitting down to enjoy a steaming bowl of egg noodles and a smoky cup of tea, reflecting on it all, every hardship can be overcome.
Salzburg – Hallstatt – First Love with Austria (Doan Chi)
Despite studying and living in Germany for almost 4 years, it wasn't until the beginning of this spring that I had the opportunity to visit Austria, specifically the city of Salzburg. Salzburg is perhaps most famous for its ancient streets and is known as a city of music, art, and the homeland of the musical genius Mozart.
From Salzburg, a 20-minute bus ride takes me to the suburban area with interconnected lakes and mountains. The lake is crystal clear, revealing even the stones lying at the bottom. On the last day of the 4-day trip, I dedicated the entire time to Hallstatt, a small village over 70km from Salzburg. Nestled amid four mountain hills, this tiny village boasts a history dating back 7,000 years.
Sitting on the train, watching the village gradually unfold before my eyes, I was completely captivated by the grandeur of nature. All around, there were closely packed hills, the lake water was vibrant green, creating a vast and peculiar sensation. The village nestled against the mountain base, untouched by direct sunlight. Here, one can easily explore every nook and cranny of the village within a few short hours.
After wandering through the village's narrow streets and small houses, I followed the long staircases leading up the mountain. After about a 2-hour mountain climb, I reached the summit of a quite sizable peak. From here, one can gaze far into the distance, overseeing the entire village and even touching the drifting clouds. Standing casually on the viewpoint bridge constructed on the mountain top, for the first time in my life, not falling in love with a person, but falling in love with a destination. Hallstatt, for me, can be considered a first love.
According to Tri Thuc Tre
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Reference: Travel Handbook from Mytour
MytourAugust 24, 2016
