World trip 2010–2012 · Travel blog by Mathias Hentrich

Summary

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:29:18 +0000

- A picture is worth a thousand words -

From an unplanned trip to the East it ended up as a two-year solo trip around the world across all 7 continents. On this blog I kept you up to date that I’m fine at least once a month. Now after I finished this journey there’s no need anymore. But no worries, I’ll process the tens of thousands of photos, videos, diary entries, etc. over the next few years and notice you when it’s finally done. :) If you are interested about the coming updates, just send me a mail to e-mail address (JavaScript required) and I’ll put you in the mailing list.
In the meantime I have a complete blog-redesign in mind and I’ll do some irregular updates on the page when I’ve time. Like today: The complete route together with some interesting short infos on one picture [click].
If you’ve time I would appreciate a short feedback. :)

Take care and keep in touch,

Mathias

6 weeks after

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 07:29:44 +0000

We write the sidereal time „6 weeks later“ – which means something like „6 weeks after return“. Outside it’s cold, gray, rainy, simply uncomfortable. Today is Halloween. Two years ago I was in Lhasa, Tibet, and a year ago in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (where a liter of gasoline costs only 32 cents). Now I’m in the countryside of Germany (where petrol is 5 times as expensive) sitting in front of my TFTs in a heated room surrounded by electronics, folders and delicious snacks. In another currently not heated but much larger room my collected travel souvenirs are stored on an oversized triple-pull giant table. On multiple harddisks photos and videos are waiting for their attention as well as a whole bunch of travel notes. Two years every day “carpe diem”.
Outside, it’s still cold and gray – it will probably remain like this for a while – but it gets better, the sun comes through. I munch some almonds and look through my in Japan purchased „special-computer-eye-caring-glasses“ on the brightly lit TFTs. Whether the glasses with the great name „J!NS PC“ work or not I don’t know, but certainly I look smarter – at least it feels smarter… Whatever. In recent weeks I hadn’t much time to think about such nice trivialities and so most probably the next few weeks. Before some people think „Yo bro’, didn’t you learn anything during your trip?“ I can only say reassuringly, „Yes.“ and „…it keeps exciting.“

In this sense, I’m now better to go on and wish everyone every now and then – even outside of the ~~stress~~peaceful Christmas time – to quietly take out a few moments of “Muße”.
See you soon, Mathias 🙂

The view from my room.
Germany

Europe, Africa and ...back home! :)

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:00:08 +0000

By container ship from Canada across the Atlantic Ocean, a brief exploration of the Iberian Peninsula, to North Africa and across the Sahara to the real Africa. Finally the straight way back to the beloved homeland (with real bread and best sausage). 🙂

Here we go, across the big pond getting closer back home.
Coast of Quebec, Canada, Hanjin Palermo, Atlantic Ocean

Muscle power. 😉
Engine room, Hanjin Palermo, Atlantic Ocean

Set foot on European land after a looooong time.
Algeciras, Spain

A quiet moment just before the encounter with the roof guard dogs.
Secretly on the hotel roof, Algeciras, Spain

In the British Empire in Southern Spain.
Europa Point, Gibraltar, UK

This city makes a surprisingly good impression.
Bus Terminal, Seville, Spain

A quiet nice atmosphere.
Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal

Almost 40°C – a good preparation for Africa.
Royal Palace, Madrid, Spain

On the way to the last continent.
Strait of Gibraltar, Mediterranean

Done! To all 7 continents without airplane!
Tanger, Morocco

On Ramadan before sunset over the medina.
Rabat, Morocco

A brief recovery before heading into the last adventure of this journey.
Plage de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco

And off into a very controversial area…
Somewhere in the Western Sahara

…from one military checkpoint to the next deeper and deeper into the desert.
Somewhere in the Western Sahara

Hitchhiking to one of the best Kitesurf spots in the world.
Beach 25km, near Dakhla, Western Sahara

Met through many coincidences and truly helpful buddies.
Nighttime in Dakhla, Western Sahara

Spontaneously with seven Senegalese further south…
Somewhere in the Western Sahara

…through one of the most dangerous places during my trip (and in the world).
No man’s land between Western Sahara and Mauretania

Those who leave the unlabeled path will probably blow up – as it happens sometimes –
my driver has somehow managed it to get lost twice in this unknown minefield.
Alive after an unforgettable ride through the no man’s land, border of Mauretania

Such an … experience welds together – the fate meant it well with us.
Border of Mauretania

Glaring heat and the latest headwear trend! (Calvin be careful.) 😉
Nouakchott, Mauretania

The vastness of the further spreading largest desert in the world.
Sahara, Mauretania

Decadent: With a Mercedes in the desert.
Sahara, Mauretania

In an over-crowded car (two people on the co-driver’s seat + 8 behind) to Senegal,…
Somewhere in Mauretania

…continue with the moped (with my big backpack in front)…
Somewhere in Senegal

…and finally on a homemade rear seat (with no leg space) to the capital.
Somewhere in Senegal

During the muggy low season / rainy season in sub-Saharan Africa.
African Renaissance Monument, Dakar, Senegal

With a common toothbrush (the stick in my mouth) on city exploration.
Dakar, Senegal

Just 340 km BUT: A broken off front wheel, a rear tire burst, a broken off
rear wheel, an exploded radiator, a broken gearbox and a mechanical breakdown.
Dakar to Banjul, one of many stops on the way to Gambia

On an overcrowded ferry with interesting discussions about Malaria, HIV, prostitution…
Ferry across the Gambia River

…and of course poverty, corruption and …kidnapping.
Ferry across the Gambia River

A bus ride is fun, a bus ride is … less comfortable but very … interesting.
Somewhere in Gambia

My hair is still as full as 15 years ago – just the airstream pulls the forehead long. 😉
Somewhere in Senegal

A sad look for the camera (and then continue to joke around).
Taxi stand somewhere in Senegal

A very helpful buddy in Algeria and with great strides back towards home.
Book shop, Algiers, Algeria

Back in Europe and with the bus straight on.
Bus terminal, Madrid, Spain

Sunrise in Europe – today I return home.
Somewhere in France

Several days without bed and little sleep – my excitement is still evident.
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, Germany!

Arrival…
Overath, Germany

…and reunited with the (for me) best parents in the world. Just in time I was
able to congratulate my mother at 23:30 as a surprise birthday gift.
Overath, Germany 🙂

And now?
Two years, more than 160,000 km (without airplane) and always close to the locals.
On the water and overland across all three oceans, to all seven continents and over 50 countries.
From a very spontaneous and totally unplanned trip eastward, it has become a real world travel.
Daily notes, GPS precise routes, over 800 contacts from more than 70 countries, >50,000 shot photos, >260 GB video material, hundreds of interviews, countless impressions………
What can I say?
How will I summarize this journey?
How is it to be back home?
What now and most importantly, what happens next?
Let’s put it this way: It remains exciting! 😃

USA and Canada - The Road Trip!

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:22:52 +0000

In two months, zigzagging through the U.S. and Canada to see the main highlights – is possible. Challenging, demanding, exhausting but at the same time stunning, impressive and highly interesting. In no part of my trip, I took so many photos and videos. >18,000 km between 5 °C and 45 °C, below sea level and 3,000 m above, between dust storms and huge snow drifts, from the deepest desert to the most vibrant city in the world, from high end luxury to the forgotten slums, from quiet mother nature to the largest amusement resort, fat squirrels, hungry coyotes, family grizzly bears and unforgettable natural spectacles – through 27 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces – it was unique. For a first glimpse pictures are better than too many words. Here is a brief summary:

In two months in a zigzag through the U.S. and Canada.

Short warm-up: The professional (abdominal) surfers from Surf City. :D
Huntington Beach, California, U.S.

Ready, steady, goooo: Let the games / the road trip begin.
California, U.S.

Sunset with moon next to the largest YUCCA palm species.
Joshua Tree National Park, California, U.S.

Sunset at the Grand Canyon…
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, U.S.

…and its incredible expanse.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, U.S.

It goes on through unique…
Arizona, U.S.

…and extremely hot landscapes…
Arizona, U.S.

…to the most beautiful canyon in the middle of the Navajo Nation Reserve.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona, U.S.

Wide widths, high rocks, special colors.
Zion National Park, Utah, U.S.

Suffering at >40 ° C – the heat is incredible!
Zion National Park, Utah, U.S.

„Cooling down“ in Sin City with all its human abysses.
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

”Here comes the man in black…” – MIB in a perfect alien camouflage.
Close to Area 51, Nevada, U.S.

Sunset next to sandstorms at one of the hottest places on Earth.
Death Valley, California, U.S.

Not necessarily healthier but a little break from the ubiquitous burger junk food.
Small and very religious city, California, U.S.

Breathtaking sceneries…
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

…give new strength and energy.
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

Was it really necessary to built roads through trees?
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

After a bitterly cold night in the car, chef at work for a healthy 3-course meal.
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

Not without reason, one of the most famous national parks.
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

The „standard view“ on the way to Glacier Point.
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

“Je ne sais pas.”
Rural California, U.S.

Sexy Sunnyboy-biologists at work.
Stanford University, California, U.S.

Waiting for the up to 25 m high Maverick waves.
Mavericks, California, U.S.

A divine moment: For almost two years, finally REAL BREAD!!!!!!!!!!
International Food Shop, Redwood City, California, U.S.

The golden gate to the Pacific and the most famous place for suicides.
Golden Gate Brigde, San Francisco, California, U.S.

After virtual dinosaurs (Jurassic Park, BBC, IMAX) now a primate at work / climbing.
Fern Canyon, California, U.S.

No tree is safe from me and will proudly be climbed…
Fern Canyon, California, U.S.

…well, except for these… (Coast Redwood, tallest living trees).
Redwood National Park, California, U.S.

The camouflage is great. Where is the wrong moose?
Redwood National Park, California, U.S.

There are truly really pretty landscapes out there…!
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, U.S.

Check, check, check – every little button needs to be pressed – ready for takeoff.
Boeing Center, Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Modern cruise ship in danger – Traditional pirates at work.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

„Just a short walk to get to know the area.“
Mount Seymour Provincial Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Cool & Cool – you’re the next!
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

A glacial lake with a very special staining.
Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

♪ “…shut up and drive…” ♪
Somewhere in Alberta, Canada

Snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.

Relaxing meal surrounded by idyllic nature.
Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.

….driving, driving, driving….
Somewhere in Montana, U.S.

A settlement does justice to its name.
Big Sky, Montana, U.S.

Traveler at work.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.

Traveler in focus.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.

Geysers at work and in focus.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.

No photomontage but a … let’s say very interesting way to park.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.

A really unique and unusual lunar landscape in the middle of nature.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.

Olé olé in the Rodeo Capital of the World.
Cody, Wyoming, U.S.

The name says it all: A monolith made of pure magma.
Devils Tower, Wyoming, U.S.

Deceptive confusion…
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, U.S.

Camping cooking in the most luxurious hotel of the trip.
Hot Springs, South Dakota, U.S.

The long drive through the big, wide center…
Nebraska, U.S.

…along rivers,…
Colorado, U.S.

…wide fields,…
Kansas, U.S.

…oil pumps, cows…
Oklahoma, U.S.

…states…
Texas, U.S.

…and in general not much exciting.
Arkansas, U.S.

A Mississippi paddle steamer in the birthplace of jazz.
New Orleans, Louisana, U.S.

Elvis lives! Here his bodily reincarnation!
Mississippi, U.S.

Howdy Cowboy! (Ok, the hat is missing.)
Alabama, U.S.

In scorching heat, surrounded by heaps of lazy alligators.
Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, U.S.

Pretty touristy but still nice.
Everglades National Park, Florida, U.S.

Beach exploration in the wrong t-shirt (and forgotten swimsuit…).
Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.

Cornered by colorful fish.
Key West, Florida, U.S.

Sunsets are always nice.
Key West, Florida, U.S.

Cuba is so close but from here not reachable.
Southernmost Point on Continental U.S.

From reality into the dream world…
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, U.S.

…and I’m back in the „typical“ Germany. 😉
Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, U.S.

If I’ll see them in Africa?
Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida, U.S.

”A picture says more than thousand words …”
Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World, Florida, U.S.

The Enlightenment in the dream world.
Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World, Florida, U.S.

Indeed, I miss the thrill of the real jungle a little bit.
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida, U.S.

The first step toward independence of the U.S. was made here.
“The Birthplace of Freedom” Halifax, North Carolina, U.S.

Drive-in boxes, drive-in ATMs, drive-in food stalls – no way to walk.
Virginia, U.S. (but also in most of the rest of the country)

The area around „Honest Abe“ is thanks to „Fallout 3“ well in my memory. 😉
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., U.S.

Reaches up to the sun – the world’s tallest obelisk.
Washington Monument, Washington, D.C., U.S.

Heavy smile: Hottest month ever for the U.S. in one of her hottest cities.
White House, Washington, D.C., U.S.

A bit of relaxation…
Maryland, U.S.

…and some gynmastics at the roadside…
Pennsylvania, U.S.

…before it goes to the incredible street fight. NYC taxi drivers are ****.
Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.

Done! After 16,000 km drive by car recovery between homeless.
Central Park, New York City, New York, U.S.

A truly impressive place that indeed never sleeps.
Time Square, New York City, New York, U.S.

Many tragedies with global scale began here.
NYSE, Wall Street, New York City, New York, U.S.

High buildings on the left: The new World Trade Center under construction.
Staten Island Ferry, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.

Miss Libertas – the most famous landmark of the U.S.
Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York, U.S.

In a blockbuster musical on Broadway with my best clothes. (16 € fake
sweater (China), 1 € Shirt (Bangladesh), repeatedly patched trousers, 8 € slippers)
Musical Ghost, Broadway, New York City, New York, U.S.

Back to reality: Suddenly, without car there is “a bit” more to carry.
Bus Terminal, New York City, New York, U.S.

After a sleepless night and inconvenient arrival – recharge.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

On the „Maid of the Mist“ – rubbing shoulders with the waterfalls.
Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Semi-dried and ready for new adventures.
American Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

A symbol of Canada and for decades the world’s tallest structure.
CN Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Truly a little France in North America.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

With much lighter luggage ready for the next and last continent. 🙂
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

…it’s not over yet. Africa is the last of the seven continents, which I want to reach and explore without airplane, before I return back home after two long years. I’m looking forward to see you soon, yours Mathias

North America Road Trip #B - end

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:49:19 +0000

In more than 10,000 miles across North America or in other words: Over 16,000 km by car + nearly 2,000 km by public transport through 27 states of the US and 4 provinces of Canada. From Los Angeles up to Vancouver, down to Key West and finally up to Montreal. The highlights compressed into two months and nearly always on the move. It was exciting, challenging, beautiful, exhausting, unique, expensive, surprising, shocking, interesting and in any case a truly memorable experience - an exceptional journey within civilization. Now, 6,000 photos wait to be selected and 6 hours of video material to be edited - highlights of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree NP, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion NP, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite NP, San Francisco, Redwood NP, Crater Lake, Seattle, Vancouver, Banff NP, Glacier NP, Yellowstone NP, Rodeo City Cody, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, the wide middle of the US, New Orleans, Miami, Key West, Walt Disney World, Washington, New York, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal and much more. However, before I can make at least a small photo selection from the new 100 GB of data, the journey goes on: After two nights in Montreal I hop on the container ship across the Atlantic Ocean toward Africa.
…as always it remains exciting…

GPS route
–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012July/FB2js3a6.htm
(zoom out to see the full route)
USA (Montana > Wyoming > South Dakota > Nebraska > Colorado > Kansas > Oklahoma > Texas > Arkansas > Louisana > Mississippi > Alabama > Florida > Georgia > South Carolina > North Carolina > Virginia > Maryland > Pennsylvania > New Jersey > New York and then by public transport: > New Jersey > Pennsylvania > New York) > Canada (Ontario > Quebec)

North America Road Trip #A

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 03:50:40 +0000

By car through the U.S. from sunny California, through the various national parks in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, back to California, through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia in Canada and from there back to the U.S. over Alberta to Montana. …and it goes on…

GPS route
–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012June/FB1mz2Ss.htm
(zoom out to see the full route)
USA (California > Arizona > Utah > Nevada > California > Oregon > Washington) > Canada (British Columbia > Alberta) > USA (Montana) - to be continued…

After Latin America and before North America

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:20:54 +0000

What a trip in the last few months. Exhausted but not tired and after several hours more, I managed the tangled-bureaucracies to finally set foot on U.S. soil. Matthias, a very good Stifti-friend from university days, welcomed me and showed me some awesome spots in his neighbourhood. After a few days of regeneration, I went to a special place for my 30th birthday, to digest the last months and to prepare the next adventures. Unfortunately, a few days ago my (9-month-old, super-expensive SSD) notebook hard disk crashed without warning. Although I had backups, I lost four weeks of valuable data, including time-consuming paperwork. Cheer up, there are worse things in life – and more important from the other point of view: much better things! Here are some pictures of the last weeks:

Done, I made over the hardest and most used border.
Border between Mexico (Tijuana) and the US (near San Diego)

Still so young and sweet as ever.
San Diego, USA

Tasty stuff. Thumbs up from the chef. ;)
La Jolla, San Diego, USA

Memories of good old GTA-times…
Santa Monica, USA

…of course with a suitable vehicle. :D
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, USA

Superman, Spiderman and Predator protect me from the curious tourists. ;)
Walk of Fame, Hollywood, USA

Obligatory Hollywood picture.
Hollywood, USA

A piece of home: Real German “curry sausage” from an emigrant.
Los Angeles, USA

True, I look fresh like 25 but I’m indeed 30 now. ;)
Tokyo, Japan

At exactly the right time of the year…
Ueda, Japan

…amidst of cherry blossoms.
Ueda, Japan

A yeti, a yeti!
Mountains of Nagano, Japan

Oktoberfest in May with the best party atmosphere.
Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

”Friendship between Japan and Germany”
Kusatsu, Japan

Best place with the best view…
Tokyo, Japan

…to the annular solar eclipse.
Tokyo, Japan

The moon passes (here the dark, not the light ;) )…
Tokyo, Japan

…and the sun can shine again (including two sunspots).
Tokyo, Japan

Let’s see what else will happen soon – it keeps exciting. :)

South America, Antarctica, Central America

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:22:39 +0000

Hard to believe but true: Time doesn’t stop – now I turned 30. Although I couldn’t celebrate together with you, I’ve thought of you! :)
A brief summary of the recent months.
After I crossed the Pacific and went through the Panama Canal, I left the container ship in Colombia in late January (after 31 days on the ship). I had only 3.5 weeks to cross the entire South American continent (without airplane) to reach the southern tip – if I really wanted to see the Antarctica. Anyone who has been in South America would tell me I’m crazy – that was the reaction of the travelers I met on the road. The continent would be too big, too long the distances and too many stops on my plan. Of course on the way I wanted to see and learn about country and people. To make it short: It was an unforgettable challenge … and it worked! :) Each day I changed the places, half of all nights I slept in buses and during the day the discovery of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
From this adventure I went non-stop to the next: The White Continent – Antarctica! Whales, penguins, leopard seals and much more between pack ice and icebergs embedded in an exceptional landscape. It was breathtaking in many ways.
After this unique experience I went back to South America to explore Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil, before I started to cross Central America. Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize – many small countries with a lot to offer – again, in more ways than one. Finally, Mexico was the last stop of my truly intense trip through Latin America.
How was it? Here is a small series of pictures of the recent months. :)

First foot on Latin America.
Port Cristobál, Colón, Panama

Welcome at best weather,…
San Felipe Castle, Cartagena, Colombia

…delicious coffee and traditional Ajiaco soup.
Bogota, Colombia

One of many moments in the bussssssssss…
On the way to Ecuador

View from my hostel.
Quito, Ecuador

Food procurement: Lama-hunting.
Machu Picchu, Peru

Change of plan: Lama is too small and needs to gain more weight.
Machu Picchu, Peru

Inka site in heavy rain.
Machu Picchu, Peru

After rain comes the sun.
At Moon Island with view to Sun Island, Lake Titicaca near Copacabana, Bolivia

Thrill on the world’s most dangerous road.
Yungas Road (Death Road), near La Paz, Bolivia

>3000 altimeter downhill through snow, rain, waterfalls and endless mud!
Yungas Road (Death Road), near La Paz, Bolivia

No photomontage – total reality!
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Floating in the sky.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The lama has gained enough weight – now it’s eating time… ;)
At around 4000 m altitude somewhere on the Altiplano of Bolivia

At the Stone Tree at 4600 m altitude.
Altiplano, Bolivia

Off steam at almost 5000 m…
Solar de Manana Geysirs, Bolivia

One of many huge volcanoes in this vastness (see car to compare).
Near the border to Chile, Altiplano, Bolivia

Cool & the Gang on the ship through the fjords of southern Chile.
On the Navimag ferry, Sur Grande, Chile

At the biggest glacier of the southern hemisphere* with ship’s flag and a real Chilean. ;)
Brüggen / Pio XI Glacier, Chile (*exclude Antarctica)

After four days on the ship: Carnal lusts.
Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrival on Fireland after crossing the Strait of Magellan.
Tierra del Fuego, Chile

Gynmastics in the world’s southernmost city.
Ushuaia, Argentina

Final preparations before departure to the real end of the world.
Ushuaia, Argentina

Crossing the wildest waters worldwide – and it gets colder…
Drake Passage

…and colder and the icebergs getting larger and larger.
Drake Passage

Preparation for the first landfall – 8 layers of clothes.
Antarctic Dream Expedition Ship

Disguised among penguins…
Cuverville Island, Antarctica

…the definitely coolest birds…
Cuverville Island, Antarctica

…with the funniest behaviors. Just supercute!
Cuverville Island, Antarctica

Greeting from a humpback whale next to our zodiac.
Paradise Bay, Antarctica

A monster leopard seal in action.
Paradise Bay, Antarctica

First footsteps on continental Antarctica-mainland – in the midst of penguin shit.
González Videla Base, Antarctica

Researcher in research station at work.
González Videla Base, Antarctica

Magnificent research result: Antarctic icicle is icy cold.
Near Pleneau Island, Antarctica

Another important result: Even snow angels (and snowball fights) are possible.
Dorian Bay, Antarctica

Crunching and crashing through pack ice…
On the way to the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

…from one breathtaking landscape…
Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

…to the next unforgettable scenery.
Neko harbour, Antarctica

A curious group…
Dallmann Bay, Antarctica

…of humpback whales…
Dallmann Bay, Antarctica

…during their nearly two-hour…
Dallmann Bay, Antarctica

…and impressive…
Dallmann Bay, Antarctica

…exploration game with our expedition ship. More than stunning!
Dallmann Bay, Antarctica

Curious-lazy seal (the mammalian left). ;)
Deception Island, Antarctica

Expedition ship, 0°C water temperature and me *…* Indeed, it was f*** COLD!
Deception Island, Antarctica

Skin and limbs without feeling is no reason to be sad. :D
Deception Island, Antarctica

In the chocolate paradise in the south american Switzerland.
Bariloche, Argentina

Exploring Argentina’s capital.
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Relaxation in a truly great country.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Moments of life: Pure beauty…
Iguazu-Falls, Argentina

…and an incredible power at this unique natural spectacle.
Iguazu-Falls, Argentina

Exploration of what was once the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant.
Itaipu Dam, Paraguay

View from the other side to…
Iguazu-Falls, Brazil

…the by far most impressive waterfalls in the world.
Iguazu-Falls, Brazil

In one of the largest favelas of South America…
Rocinha Favela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

…and spontaneous dance fun with the kids.
Rocinha Favela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The most significant landmark of Rio…
Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

…and the view from the Sugarloaf.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Back in Panama and the start of my travel through Central America.
Colón, Panama

Gray in gray in gray in gray in gray.
Panama City, Panama

Always close to the locals.
San José, Costa Rica

View over a charming town just before sunset.
Granada, Nicaragua

Smuggled into the picture. ;)
Granada, Nicaragua

Insight into the active hellmouth.
Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua

Volcano crater hike with great views to other volcanoes around.
Masaya Volcano National Park, Nicaragua

Scary fun in a by lava flows formed bat cave.
Masaya Volcano National Park, Nicaragua

42°C and still look “cool” – that’s only possible at distance. ;)
Choluteca, Honduras

Waiting for the bus in the heat of the day – no shadow around.
Southern Honduras

Oh you dear cool water.
San Salvador, El Salvador

:)
Hostel in San Salvador, El Salvador

Exploration in one of the most violent cities in the world.
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Quite impressive Maya buildings.
Tikal, Guatemala

In close contact with over 1300 years old mayan artifacts and skeletons…
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, Belize

…in a breathtakingly beautiful…
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, Belize

…and quite challenging cave system…
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, Belize

…off from civilization protected in the jungle.
Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, Belize

At night, amid the deepest ghetto after getting to know the local gang leaders.
Belize City, Belize

Pretty touristy but still nice to be here.
Tulum, Mexico

Everything is a matter of perspective. ;)
Tulum, Mexico

On the Tepeyac mountain – the most visited pilgrimage site in the world.
Villa de Guadalupe, Mexico-City, Mexico

Price Question 1: What am I doing there?

Price Question 2: What am I doing here?

Magnificent aztec pyramids.
Teotihuacán, view from the Pyramid of the Moon to the Pyramid of the Sun, Mexico

Mexico drug war: Stop at one of dozens (!) of military checkpoints.
Hardcore 50 hours bus trip from Mexico-City to Tijuana, Mexico

Some of the experiences in the past few months have been only possible by the support of unique people. Again my heartfelt thanks for your trust! I’m looking forward tell you in person about this trip soon. :)
What’s next and when I’m back? There are still some exciting months ahead: The crossing of North America, crossing the Atlantic, and a little bit of Africa. A few days ago I booked a container ship across the big pond and that means for the first time I can announce my arrival in my beloved homeland with great certainty. It’ll most probably be the September 2012 – after two uninterrupted years and through more than 50 countries in a truly diverse adventure – now, I’m looking forward to return! :)
There are priceless things in the world, that includes sincere appreciation: If you like to support me on that last mile and want to be forever a part of this journey, my thanks is certain. [For more information please click here.]

It remains exciting,
yours Mathias

[GPS] Across South America to the Antarctica

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:02:25 +0000

After I arrived in Panama, it took me day more to arrive by ship in Colombia to start my almost four-week-hardcore-trip across South America to Ushuaia (south tip of this continent), to get one of the last ships to the Antarctica. A 10 day Antarctica exploration later I moved on to transverse South America until Rio de Janeiro. Have a look at the GPS data.

! don’t forget to zoom out of the map to see the full route !

–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012February/FB8DgJFG.htm
Colombia: Cartagena > Bogota > Pasto > Ecuador: Tulcan > Quito > Tumbes > Peru: Lima > Cusco > Machu Picchu > Titikakaka lake > Bolivia: Copacabana

–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012February/FBuEgJFG.htm
Bolivia: La Paz > Uyuni > Salar > Chile: San Pedro de Atacama > Santiago > Puerto Montt > Puerto Natales > Argentina: Ushuaia (world’s most southern city)

–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012March/FB9DgJFG.htm
to the Antarctica and back – just awesome!

–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012March/FB1EgJFG.htm
Argentina: Bariloche > Buenos Aires > Uruguay: Colonia > Salto > Argentina: Iguazu Falls > Brasil > Paraguay: Itaipu Dam > Brasil: Iguazu Falls > Rio de Janeiro

[GPS] Across the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:55:23 +0000

…takes quite a while without airplane. You find the newest GPS-data below:
(Don’t forget to zoom out.)

–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012January/FBpDgJFG.htm
After arrival from Taiwan a short 2.5-week exploration of Australia.

–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012January/FB6ctCzu.htm
From Australia via the rough Tazmanian Sea to New Zealand and a quick exploration of the south and north island.

–> http://www.my-travel-log.com/facebookApp/shareData/2012January/FBqDgJFG.htm
A long travel on the container ship from New Zealand across the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Including crossing of the date line, seven time zones, equator and the Panama Canal.

My best wishes,

Mathias :)