Author: Juanita Pienaar

Jay has travelled and lived extensively in Asia and Africa. Part gypsy, part nomad and part mermaid, she aspires each day to satisfy her wanderlust in any way possible.
Riding Sand Dunes In Asia? Make It Happen In Mui Ne, Vietnam

Riding Sand Dunes In Asia? Make It Happen In Mui Ne, Vietnam

, November 4, 2019
When one thinks of sand dunes, normally Africa or the Middle East come to mind, but you can still get the same thrills and spills in Vietnam.
Carved From Solid Rock: Kailasa Temple In Ellora, India

Carved From Solid Rock: Kailasa Temple In Ellora, India

, September 30, 2019
Considered one of the most remarkable cave temples in all of India, Kailasa Temple is a megalith carved out of a single rock. Its size, architecture, and sculptural treatment are also what makes it so impressive.
The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, India

The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, India

, September 23, 2019
Upon first glance, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram isn’t very different from most other ashrams around it. It was possibly the most famous ashram in all of India thanks to four British men who we know as The Beatles.
Hsinbyume Pagoda: The Taj Mahal Of Myanmar

Hsinbyume Pagoda: The Taj Mahal Of Myanmar

, September 12, 2019
In a town near Mandalay, an all-white pagoda rises above the landscape, creating a striking image against an ombre blue sky. Hsinbyume Pagoda is referred to as the Taj Mahal of Myanmar.
The World’s Oldest & Longest Teakwood Bridge: U Bein Bridge, Myanmar

The World’s Oldest & Longest Teakwood Bridge: U Bein Bridge, Myanmar

, September 4, 2019
At first glance, the U Bein Bridge may seem unimpressive. It’s a simple structure with teakwood pillars supporting its teakwood decks. So, what makes this bridge such a popular tourist attraction?
Visit Japan’s Last 12 Original-Build Castles

Visit Japan’s Last 12 Original-Build Castles

, August 21, 2019
There are over 300 castles throughout Japan, but only 12 original-construction castles left that have stood the test of weather, war, and time. Here’s the low-down on them:
Experiencing Kagura – Japan’s Oldest Performance Art

Experiencing Kagura – Japan’s Oldest Performance Art

, August 16, 2019
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performance that includes dances and music performed as part of a Shinto ritual for native Japanese gods, called Kami.
Tsuruoka, Japan: The Three Mountains Of Dewa, Mummies, And Record-breaking Jellyfish

Tsuruoka, Japan: The Three Mountains Of Dewa, Mummies, And Record-breaking Jellyfish

, August 5, 2019
Tsuruoka is often described as the ‘hidden Japan’. Its main attractions include three sacred mountains, two mummified living Buddhas, and a massive aquarium listed in the Guinness World Records.
The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Laos

The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Laos

, July 22, 2019
An estimated 270 million sub-munitions from cluster bombs dropped on Laos and still litters the country. COPE has helped UXO survivors with mobility-related disabilities by providing prosthetics at no charge,
Upcycling Laos: Turning Bombs Into Boats & Spoons

Upcycling Laos: Turning Bombs Into Boats & Spoons

, July 18, 2019
During the Vietnam War, the United States of America dropped more than 270 cluster bombs on Laos. The inhabitants of Ban Napia have taken to collecting unexploded munitions and upcycling them.
Skiing At Lebanon’s Cedars

Skiing At Lebanon’s Cedars

, June 3, 2019
You wouldn’t think it, but should one want to go skiing in the middle east, make a trip to the Cedars Ski Resort located in the Bsharri mountains of north Lebanon.
Visiting Roman Ruins In The Middle East

Visiting Roman Ruins In The Middle East

, June 2, 2019
All roads lead to Rome, or so the saying goes. Here are two impressive Roman ruin sites to visit next time you are in the Middle East.