All posts by Willemijn (Dutchess on the Road)

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #11: avoiding the crowds at the Great Wall and the Forbidden City

I woke up after my first night in Beijing, hoping that the morning would be less hot than the previous day. It was, but it wouldn’t stay that way for long.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #11: avoiding the crowds at the Great Wall and the Forbidden City

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #9: wildlife spotting in Mongolia

The second half of the Gobi desert tour turned into a little bit of a safari. We went in search of mountain goats on a morning hike in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, and tried to find wild horses in Hustai National Park.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #9: wildlife spotting in Mongolia

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #8: staying with nomads in the Gobi desert

Last week, I travelled to the south of Mongolia on a week-long guided tour. Along with the guide, two drivers and 7 other travellers from Holland and Belgium, we set off from Ulaanbaatar in 2 Russian 4×4 vans, to explore the Gobi desert.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #8: staying with nomads in the Gobi desert

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #7: my first days in Mongolia

I spent my first few days in Mongolia in the capital city. I prepared for my week-long trip into the Gobi desert. This included grocery shopping, but also getting to know the country and some of its history before heading south.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #7: my first days in Mongolia

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #6: exploring Irkutsk and leaving Russia

The city of Irkutsk was my last stop in Russia. After the tough but beautiful hike at Lake Baikal, I had one free day left to explore the city, before I would take the train to Mongolia.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #6: exploring Irkutsk and leaving Russia

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #4: four nights on the Trans-Siberian Railway

I have to admit I was a bit sad when my train rolled into Irkutsk Passazhirskiy station this morning. Living on a train for 83 hours was everything I hoped it would be, and more. It was the ultimate way to get to know Russia.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #4: four nights on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #3: How to see Moscow in one day

When the plans for my trip were made, it became clear pretty quickly that I would have only one day to explore Moscow. In order to make the most of that day, I planned it all out in advance.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #3: How to see Moscow in one day

Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #2: The night train to Moscow

After yesterday’s crazy adventure, the second day of my journey to Moscow was a breeze. Not long after boarding the train, my roommate and I folded away the seats and pulled the beds out of the wall so we could sleep, setting our alarm clocks for 05:00, for the border crossing between Poland and Belarus.

Continue reading Holland to Hong Kong travel journal #2: The night train to Moscow