© 2020 Thomas Brackmann
Printed in Germany
Herstellung und Verlag: BoD – Books on Demand GmbH, Norderstedt
ISBN 9783752692754
Name a country and I will tell you a story. This is how I feel when I meet people on my travels around the world. People say that if someone goes on a trip, he has a story. Well, I have been flying around the world for about 10 years, with the goal of travelling to all countries. Intensive. Fast. Every now and then very effective or efficient. I do all of this traveling as a hobby: I have no sponsors, nor do I work for a travel company. I work around 40 hours a week and take around 30-40 vacation days a year. In my vacation time, I visit 30 countries every year. On average, 20 of them are new countries on my list. True to the motto "New is always better," I try to avoid travelling to the same countries because that would waste my budget and (vacation) time.
Maybe waste is not exactly the best word for visiting a country again. However, with the goal of travelling to every country in the world without taking great stretches away from the office, it feels that way. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule such as family visits, weddings, or funerals. Going to these is obligatory, as is reporting on my travels. In addition, I still try to do something extra in each place: I taught judo in the steppes of Kyrgyzstan, I flew for honeymoon trips to the Seychelles or Mauritius, did an Ironman triathlon in Australia, and practiced one-armed push-ups in Machu Picchu. Some type of exercise or competition is always possible. Therefore, this book includes some of my athletic and sporting adventures too.
Every chapter is about one country. Sometimes very personal, sometimes full of emotions, sometimes quickly, sometimes short or long. In some countries, I remained longer, visited more often, or explored more intensely. The most important thing is that there is always a story to tell. So that nothing gets lost, all of the chapters are arranged alphabetically.
Just as I am always on the go, so is the text: quickly told, choppy, and sometimes not in the best Goethe, Schiller, or Shakespeare style. My mind is on the best prices for my trips, dreaming of new travel destinations, or sitting on my racing bike and training again. So, despite or because of that: Enjoy! If you find a mistake in grammar, spelling, or in a logical twist, it is maybe I wrote that story while being in a submarine with all kind of stinks, sitting in Afghanistan freezing my butt off, just in pain after a bike flip over in Saudi Arabia or recovering from food poison in Cambodia.
"Nothing is good in Afghanistan," once said a Protestant pastor. That sounds too general. There are definitely bright spots. You just have to discover them. As a soldier and private individual, I had the pleasure of flying to the Hindu Kush several times. Therefore, I saw some highlights. It is not for nothing that the country is famous from the days of the Hippitrails with short-skirted women during the 1960s.
Kabul as a birthday gift
“But when the Soviets marched in, failed and the Taliban settled in, a lot changed. In 2006, on time for my birthday, I flew to Kabul for the first time. Men with grim expressions on their faces, children mostly barefoot and women hidden under the total burqa scurried through the streets. The landscape around Kabul - barren, dusty. Armored vehicles everywhere, donkey carts and the certainty, that insurgents hid the next roadside bomb around the corner. Fear seemed to be everywhere.
Manicure at the bomb alert
First, turn 5 months in uniform. Together with the civilian population. International and local civilians in my team. New territory for me. (They cannot even stand at attention). In addition, in the case of the bomb alarm, while we soldiers are getting our military uniform on with helmet, weapon, and protective vest - the civilian employee first makes her fingernails according to the motto, the strength lies in the calm. If dead, then at least as a beautiful corpse.
Tactical education on the bed sheet
The soldiers among us were not so hard-nosed. Some could not get over the misbehavior of their own troops. My Portuguese roommate from the sea container (10 square meters) kept telling me in the evening with small tanks how to drive better and safer. "It can't go that way and that. It is all wrong“, he said. However, in our mixed team we had different military background and with different military philosophies. It was just a diverse international group – forced together for just a couple of months. By the time everyone was aligned, the mission was already over for one or the other.
Christmas in November
For the mass of my comrades in my immediate work environment, this should be before Christmas. Despite all the differences, we were somehow a family, so I initiated a Christmas in the middle of November. In crazy countries, you do crazy things. The whole thing we did with decoration, Christmas music, elves and Christmas chorales. Celebrating and firing just welds together. Two weeks later, there was a typical American party with American music, Bonanza movie, and sandwiches. When an American team of friends arrived with the cool American SUV, the Hummer, and four neat woman soldiers got out; the day was perfect.
Panzer-Diesel cleans the stomach
Simple solutions are sufficient in complicated situations. Everything does not always have to be perfect. For example, I was on a break with a squad. There was coffee from a 0.2-liter water bottle. "How did you get the coffee in there," I asked the soldier. "Quite simply, I used the oil funnel" Practical approach. Nevertheless, after that nobody wanted to have more coffee. Understandable.
Crowning conclusion on the journey home. One of the veterans on the plane said: "A pilot would have said when he re-entered German airspace: To all women here: They are all ugly again." I think; the Airforce fired the pilot.
Tips for Afghanistan:
They say; in Albania, there are more bunkers than inhabitants. Thanks to Enver Hodscha's paranoia shortly after the Second World War, the small country in the Balkans has sufficient protection in the event of an attack.
In addition, Albania has nice people, chic landscapes and many castles. In some of these castles, you can find beautiful restaurants. These ones offer great opportunities to enjoy your lunch with a magnificent view.
Tips for Albania:
Shortly before 10 in the evening. No single soul at the airport. No exchange office open. Police? No one there! Only brazen crooks it seemed there were still waiting for prey. Were they taxi drivers or tough criminals? Maybe both? Noone knows.
With a fistful of dollars in my pocket and reserve euros, I went to the exit. "You want a taxi?" Asked one of the men. I initially refused briskly. I was hoping for a better version. An official taxi or a money cash machine.
Scoundrels at night
Nevertheless, nothing there. A cold breath blew through the entrance hall. There was nothing left at the late hour. No business was open anymore. No official taxi rank, police officer or anything. So courage to take risks. I had to give in to the taxi crook. I agreed to his chauffeur services. Immediately the taxi driver dug out his phone and mumbled something in French-Arabic. I thought I had ended up in the wrong crime film and saw myself already cold from four or five Algerian villains at night.
Small talk with the villain
However, when the taxi driver got his car key out from under the front left tire and said that it would be safer because of possible police checks, I knew, that I would not be robbed tonight. Because if a petty criminal just shares his tips and tricks with you, then he can either not be very bright or not a violent offender, or both. He also hid around 1,000 euros under his driving seat. Oh, lord – I felt saver now.
Tips for Algeria:
You come to Andorra for skiing, shopping or having a nice hot spa treatment. From Barcelona, it is only a short hop, or rather: Just a short bus tour.
In my case: I did not want to shop, spa or ski. Only the country point. Easy peasy. One night is enough here. Still took a little ride on the slopes with a snowmobile, hot alcoholic drink after, and nice snow photos for social media. In the evening then delicious Spanish dinner and wine in the old town. Ok. The spa followed since it was damn cold, but next day back to Barcelona.
Tips for Andorra:
Angola is one of the more interesting countries in the world. A colonial African country, but neither the French nor the English were up to mischief here.
Well, the Portuguese were here and influenced the country. Therefore, everyone speaks Portuguese. Only Angola, Mozambique, as well as Sao Tome and Principe are the only countries were Portuguese is the single major spoken language. In Equatorial Guinea, they also have French and Spanish.
Expensive country club
In addition, the country was one of the communist countries in the Cold War. From a travel perspective, as in other countries, the authorities have eased noticeably visa regulations in recent years. This easing process went hand in hand with a dramatic increase in costs, especially for hotel stays. This places Angola in the profound list of expensive plasters in the world: Norway, Iceland, Japan, Djibouti, and Switzerland. I had to pay around 80 bucks to go by taxi to my hotel. However, the morning runs at the beach were quite cheap. Actually, for free.
Tips for Angola:
How do you interrupt a conversation among Germans? Right: HITLER! Everything is silent. How does it work with Americans? Exactly: TRUMP. This is particularly fun, if you cruise on a cruise ship with Americans for several days shortly after Trump's victorious presidential election. Best to the end of the world - to the Antarctic.
Ticking off the last continent
10 days trip into the Antarctica. Ok, it is not a country but a continent. After that, I would have done it all. I believed I would see the snow, ice, penguins, different birds, and sea lions. So I thought it might be a bit boring, because I am not an animal lover aside of having them served medium on a plate. As well, photo shoots are only for Facebook quality and it is not my hobby. Nevertheless, running the marathon there would be too expensive for me. Therefore, I booked a trip with Quark Expeditions leaving from Southern Argentina.
When angels travel, they get an upgrade
Since I was short on budget, I booked the cheapest category. I still needed money for other country points of course. Therefore, I got three people in total in one indoor cabin. No window. Sharing with 2 strangers for 6000 US Dollar plus another 800 for the connection flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the harbour fees for disembarking, including one night in a 5 star hotel in BA. I had also booked in advance a night stayover outside in Antarctica and a mountaineering tour. However, three weeks before the trip kicked off, I got an upgrade worth 4000 US Dollars: Room share only with one person plus having a little window to see Antarctica from the room. Super! Oh, so I could take with me another lady theoretically since I was single again at that point of time. Unfortunately, all requests were denied and excuses came in no time; no money, no vacation, different priorities. However, I strongly believe, that not all these peeps will never make it. Paradise they will never see. If you want to reach something special in life, you have to make also some special moves – especially outside the box of comfortability.
Globetrotter meets travel rookie
At the check-in desk of the five Star hotel in Buenos Aires the night before the flight down to Ushuaia to the cruise boat, I met my roommate, a young American boy in his early 20ies. The young investment banker had seen only three or four countries. “Why not go directly to Antarctica?” – was his response to my question why he was going in his early travel years to the seventh continent. So what will come after? Booking a flight to Mount Everest or directly to space? If he wants to move up, the level of travelling then it will be hard to top it. To get along with each other I took him out for a sightseeing bus ride, some wine and of course a steak house. Argentina without wine and steak – impossible. 800-gram steak for dinner. Bam! As a hobby vegetarian, I had to sacrifice. Travel hospitality has a higher priority than some calories. I am not every weekend in Argentina as well. I also agreed on having one or two glasses of red wine, even knowing another ironman race will be coming up soon. When not training correctly all the time, then at least the nutrition should be ok. At the end, we had killed three bottles. The youngster finished two of them. The last was for me, but for me as his theoretical dad and sportsperson the impact of food and drinks were tremendous. All in during the evening in the restaurant, all out during the night at the rest room. I am not used to stuff like that anymore.
Upper class travels to the south
Lucky me: No hangover during the next morning. Only a small coffee and a croissant for breakfast, then meeting all the other adventurous people in the lobby of the hotel. Strangely, all people that were sitting in the bus around us were the core travel mates for the next 10 days on the boat. It was a colourful mix of people: An older person working as psychologist, my roommate the travel greenhorn, a blonde young New Yorker girl, a Boston tough woman in her 30ies (looked like Michelle Obama) and Mister Shorty – a family day guy travelling alone always wearing shorts. All American! Awesome peeps.
Superb service on-board
After the short flight to the south of Argentina, I got my first surprise on board the “The ocean Endeavour”. This excursion boat was one of a higher class. The service was great. Twice a day a house cleaner came to clean the cabin, made the beds and tidied up. Every time a little piece of chocolate was sitting on the pillow. These are the small things in travel life that make the difference. In addition, on top was the treatment in the restaurant. Three course dinner every evening with the choice of different dishes for each course. Beer and wine on a refill basis included. Before the trip, I planned one glass of wine a day but this quickly turned into a bottle a day. Social drinking rules! The better the travel company the better and harder the drinking. I directly gave a compliment to the chef of the restaurant: “I expected penguins, snow and ice but not this excellent service.”
Adventure stories from the cold continent
Here in the Antarctic I had so many first timers: Stand up paddle boarding, mountaineering, and camping in the ice. I could even do Judo with a real Japanese man – also a black belt, while the little sweet penguins were passing by. I told this story to my fellow travellers and promptly had to teach them one session on board, but the real highlight came on day 3: The polar plunge. We stopped in a silent, calm bay. No wind. Sun was up. Blue sky. 4 degrees Celsius. My cabin mate told me there would be the jump into the ice-cold water. In the beginning, I was not that happy about it. Water is not my element; and cold water I hate. Usually I swim in 30 degrees Celsius pool water in Riyadh. But everything went really quickly. Bath robe, swimwear on, and lining up with around 80 people getting ready to jump, saved from falling overboard by a rope. All these people wanted to have this polar plunge. I thought: “When even the old retired people jump, or the young ladies, me as an Ironman have to do the same.” The social pressure was on. When all people jump, I do the same.
Screaming in the ice of eternity
Finally, it was my turn. I made a step forward. I screamed. I was a bit afraid somehow. Platsch. I was in the water. Instinctively I started swimming. I stayed in the water for around 20 minutes. One of the crewmembers asked me to do the butterfly. However, for years I did not learn it so far. Damn! Then I got a little scared since I knew getting a shock in the cold could happen ad-hoc. Therefore, I made my way to the safety stairs. Quickly out, and into some warm dry clothes.
The best restaurant in the world
What happened next is one of the best travel moments in my life. On the rear deck, the crew had arranged a BBQ a la après ski parties with Jagertee, nice electro music, hot grilled meat, and pork sausages. In combination with the stunning landscape, the cold, the icebergs, the snow and all the happy plunge survivors – breathe taking. Using the word “wonderful” for explaining travelling experience would make you ashamed if you have not been to the Antarctic before. After this cruise, it is hard to use this term. Definitely, this trip brings travelling to the next level.
Tips for Antarctica:
My travel companion and I booked a sightseeing tour on arrival. Great landscape with mountains and beaches. This is how the day should be spent. A group from Brazil in a minibus. English beginner level, but they got happy and smiling faces on. The sun rose while chatting about martial arts.
Throwing first, drinking second
Then it turned out that the Brazilians, in addition to drinking Caipiriniha, celebrating carnivals and playing football, are also fighters. The Capoeira is a hybrid of dancing and self-defense, but the Companero from Brazil also knew about judo. Therefore, we had a social media performance on the beach of Antigua. As a reward, I handed him rum from the big bottle - typical of the Caribbean Islands. Thumbs up!
Tipps for Antigua:
“How does an Argentinian commit suicide? He just climbs onto his ego and jumps down.” This is a joke that travellers tell, when they speak about the people of South America. Once you travel there or you meet someone from there, you will quickly recognise, the Argentinian is very confident and is not always welcomed in neighboring countries. Sounds like the Germans across the Atlantic.
The best of South America
I did a test of this fact at an expat party in Skopje, Macedonia, when I asked a gaucho what the self-esteem is all about. "Well, we're better than the others in South America" Aha. At least not in football. The Brazilians are usually one-step ahead. Even Uruguay has won the World Cup twice. Still, wine, beef and tango should not be bad. Therefore, off to the south and after the sun!
Hot spot of tango dance
Three nights in Argentina, the home of Maradona. My childhood hero. For “Pele” I was born too late. First Soccer World Champs: 1986. Mexico mi amour! There Diego won the title nearly alone! He is nearly a soccer god. The Gauchos have founded a religion after him. That was the reason to visit also the stadium where he played, including the Boca Juniors soccer museum. In addition, I had on the agenda: Tango show, Wine tasting and Argentinian steak. 3 days should be enough.
Wine and moon shine
On arrival having a walk down to the harbour and entering a beautiful restaurant and sampling Vino Tinto here we go and Steak Vamos Muchacho was a treat! We are in Argentina. Short night, only because of a planned early morning sightseeing bus trip, also tired from walking in my shoes. For developed, relatively safe cities a combination of Hop on – hop off bus tours with a sightseeing walk is the best for cost – benefit ratio. First, for getting an easy overview of the city and second, deepening my knowledge on the points of interest.
Hoopla hoop in to the bed of heaven
After the morning foot march through the Argentinean capital, I lacked sugar intake. Flat! K.O.! Hungerast – the German Tour de France champion Jan Ullrich would have said. Therefore, I went quickly into a cafe around the corner and took reinforcement via carbohydrate intake plus a caffeine load. At the same time, I checked a map of the surrounding area and made a battle plan for further day’s activities. Promptly, I could catch the look of a nice blonde over my right shoulder. She seemed interested in what that strange guy is doing with old-fashioned maps. My touristic taxi ride espanol helped me to make the first contact, and after the quick fact checking, I had to do some arrangements for dinner that night. If the lady is happy about the dinner she would join some cocktails in a bar of my “tourist to do list” of Buenos Aires. Therefore, it went. With the motivation of enjoyment of food and drinks satisfied, the mutual taxi drive ended at my hotel. Four stars double room is usually better than an eight peeps hostel room, when engaging with a lady while travelling. It seems when I travel solo and I am single, I am never alone.
Never change a running system
After a short day trip to Uruguay, late afternoon I was back in Buenos Aires. Tango Show! Per couple, and table, there was a vino Tinto bottle! Lucky me! Senorita did not want to join coz: Been there, seen that, done that. The whole bottle of red wine just for me. Tops! I am the winner! However, here I could not finish the race. After 80 %, I gave up. Was not in that great drinking shape or better: the cut off time was over since the restaurant and the real tango presentation were in two different locations and we had to move! In this transition process, I crashed into another caliente lady – this time from Portugal. She seemed to be impressed by my travel stories, and click clack the eyes clapped. Like in a 90ies TV, I had to make the decision now for the last night in BA. A Portuguese new entry or the senorita from last night. Better safe than sorry! Back to 4stars hotel and trusting the force of the first night. For future trips, a safe harbour is set – even although I was not a sailor.
Tips for Argentina:
What is the difference between Armenia and Georgia? Quickly recognized in Armenia: the beer is terrible, but the women are better. Better looking. Ok. Beauty is in the hands of the beer drinker. Classic beauties from Armenia like Kim Kardashians, Cher…, who wants to argue with that.
Tips for Armenia:
A surf instructor without a six-pack is not a surf instructor! - This thesis I wanted to test, when flying to Australia. Bondi or Manley Beach - the main thing, dream beach in Sydney. Moreover, if you are ever in Australia, it is a good idea to take a surf course.
Especially if you come from the Brandenburg province in East Germany and are otherwise more likely to walk. Just like in the "Baywatch" TV series of the 90s, the surf instructors were tailor-made. Long blond hair, weather-tanned and tanned skin. In addition, of course the washboard belly. Ha, so he is the six-pack.
Celebration decadence in downunder
It seems that all teenagers from the Anglo-American sphere of interest flock to Australia to party. There are countless offers from surf camps with beach stays, party boats and other offers. Besides, there are always binge drinking - the cultural link of western decadence. Just like in the Cologne Carnival, the motto is, “Da simmer dabei. Ja, das ist prima!” – Always, be there and join in. Yes, that's great.” Alternatively: “Eins, zwo – gesoffen!” One, two – drink!” OK. That was the motto of the Oktoberfest in Munich. However, beer is beer and schnapps is schnapps. Party on and getting wasted and laid, mate!
Tips for Australia:
Austria betrayed the world twice: Once when they told the world that Hitler was a German, and a second time whey they said Beethoven was an Austrian, at least that is what an Austrian diplomat told me. It turns out, the German neighbors to the south have a sense of humor! However, the little brother of the Germans also offers unique backdrops and history.
Ironman Austria
Similar to Switzerland, there are numerous opportunities to do sports in Austria. That is why my first Ironman Triathlon was here. The Ironman was the start of another great summer trip. Of course, one could have trained more, but that is always the case. It is a typical excuse for a triathlete. Anyway, the competition was to take place in Klagenfurt about two hours by car from Vienna Airport. The accommodation was not far from the racecourse on a beautiful forest lake in a small hotel. Super. Pure and idyllic. When the birds are chirping, the water is rippling, the treetops are swaying in the wind, and the bicycle hub is whirring, what more does the athlete's heart want?
Best weather for best times
Everything was great on the day of the competition: the weather, the motivation, the equipment. I started in the last men's group, and the women who started after us overtook me as I am a rather bad swimmer. Side effect: Many nice bodies in front of me on the bike segment. Of course, as a man, this motivated me to try harder. It is like in the gym: As soon as a woman comes in, the guys pump twice as hard. These are certainly the genes that the old macho bear killers and princess saviors have.
What you have to climb up, you can enjoy going down later
The course went up and down the mountains and everything went like clockwork. Even the final marathon was good after 4 kilometers of swimming and 180 kilometers of cycling. The runners passed tourists and locals several times, cheering and cheering for a hearty beer and barbeque. The unique backdrop with the Wörthersee was inspiring! There was also a Red Bull stand on loop course. As you know, the Haribo drink gives you wings. Exhausted but happy, I unfortunately had no energy left for a reward beer at the finish.
Schnitzel reward in Vienna
The next day, it was a quick van ride to Vienna. I had an obligatory schnitzel and met my ex-colleague, Max, for breakfast, and then I we immediately took a boat to Bratislava for a day trip. There, I had a pork platter for lunch because I wanted to reward myself again after the Ironman. I had plans to go to Zurich in three weeks because I had booked another Ironman, but that depended on whether I could complete my recovery by then.
Tips for Austria:
Old town café with excavations. In the middle of the capital Baku. While in Germany, a demarcation around excavation sites is usually made or even a museum is created from it, there are even business opportunities here in Baku, which are located in the middle of the excavations.
No barriers, but delicious local delicacies and in the background the gold-illuminating facades of the inner city seem - all thanks to rich gas deposits and their commercial exploitation.
Tips for Azerbaijan:
You were not in Bahrain unless you were in Diggers. In this pub with an English touch, Chinese ladies are waiting for customers who are willing to pay. Nevertheless, the music is great, experienced visitors always tell me. Yes exactly. Sounds like this: I buy the Playboy magazine because of the great articles. No matter - Bahrain is the entertainment paradise and red light district of the Middle East.
Party Place Bahrain
Again, this time it was party, party, party. In parallel to my travel hobby, organizing dinners in Riyadh for the Expat community is my pleasure. That is the way to meet new people, do business networking and having something else to do than only work. Soon I reached the point that I wanted more. Therefore, I started setting up little get-togethers, mostly in a chillier relaxing atmosphere to set off the day. Best time is at sundowners where the light, temperatures, and the whole atmosphere changes. Now I wanted to test this format abroad in Bahrain. I activated around 20 friends, colleagues and other peeps from Riyadh, Bahrain and UAE. Beach club march! 20 US Dollars entry fee should be ok. Live resident DJ, small beach bar, Jet skis for rent. Agenda: 14.00 to 20.00 eating, drinking, Jet Ski rides, sun burning and having a good time. Sun high in the sky, background skyline of Bahrain with skyscrapers, and hip-hop vibes. Women ratio 50%. In the Middle East, it is very important. With some drinks in the blood, people fly over the water by Jet Ski or dance to the music at the beach. Life is good with good company and sunshine!
Sundowner at its best
After several hours full power drinking and enjoying sunshine, we slowly got tired. Same for the sun that went down and threw long shadows. Therefore a clever move: Taking the sun beds into the shallow water and turning them into the sunset direction. Cold drink here, hot bodies there. Fun here we come! Clearly, there was not much going on this evening anymore. However, hey party and fun should not be only at night. The day has 24 hours available. The most of us were finished. The alcohol and the heavy sun burned the heads away. Ok a little good night drink in a roof top bar had to be conducted anyways. However, there we could not even increase the power by using Vodka – Red Bull. No wings made us fly. Shortly before 11, the lamps went off! Good night my lord!
Champagne brunch attack!
As regular early bird, I could not sleep long and woke up the companions. Off your beds friends! Drink readiness here we go and enjoy! Close to 10 already prepared for drinking at the hotel pool bar. Prost! Someone told us the night before there is a Radisson Blu hotel offering champagne brunch for around 60 bucks open buffet all you can eat including champagne. That sounded like a great deal. As a stingy East German fellow, I needed to try this one. At least 2-3 drinking buddies were up and running already and saw a benefit in this brunch exercise. Taxi! Here we go. Of course, we had our luggage with us because of German planning and effectiveness we checked out before and wanted to hit the brunch and drinks followed by up and away back home via airplane. If you plan properly, you can reach more in (travel) life: More countries, more fun, more drinks.
Eat, drink, and repeat!
On arrival the Radisson Blu, offered in the entrance hall was a big variety of food tables: Sushi, Indian, Italian, Life cooking, Ice creams, deserts and, and, and! In Dubai, Abu Dhabi or in Bahrain: In bigger hotels there are such all you can eat brunches, partly with bubbly and other spirits included. You should fast for 2-3 days prior such a feast It is a cool thing to meet friends, colleagues and other tourists for an eating and drinking event for more than 3-4 hours at descent prices.
Rapid refill rush
Yet even before you could empty the first glass, the next load was there already. In da background live music changed with an electro resident DJ. Add on, and very handy, A descent pool with swim elements and floaty in ten meters distance next to the little dance floor stage. Champagne glass, flup, flup, into the hand and onto the air matrices. 35 degrees. Sunshine pure. Bam. That hit the brain. I even tried to do experiments to figure out the optimal filling for the glass: Preventing the glass from falling over and making it swim when I put it next to me into the water for swimming. Result: Between 30% and 70%, glass load the glass is swimming perfectly without any support. In total, such an afternoon is much better than the Ballerman -parties on Mallorca since it is more cost effective. For a day at least. It is definitely a recommendation when visiting the Middle East.
Tips for Bahrain:
In Dhaka, you get killed on the road without realizing it. At least that is what I thought when one of my teaboys led me out of the office through the hectic capital Dhaka. A so-called Teaboy is a service worker who brings coffee, tea and treats to the employees' tables in the open-plan office. In terms of salary, he does not get much in the lower range.
Poor guy hosts rich man
But when the well-off German expat showed up in the homeland of the Teaboy and arranged a meeting, Mister Teaboy, Johir, was a great host: sightseeing tour through the crackling mixed-up area of cargo carts, motorcycles, heavy-duty transporters and, and, and. There was also an invitation to a local shopping mall with dinner and t-shirt. All attempts to refuse failed. He wanted to present himself as well as possible. I just thought, oh, you get more cash per hour than he does per week or month. Yet he was hospitable and proud of his country. That is the hospitality in Bangladesh.
Tips for Bangladesh:
In the Caribbean, there are dream islands that give you that holiday feeling: Jamaica, Bahamas, and of course Barbados. On my Caribbean cruise, these islands were necessary to visit. While hiking, walking and jungle excursions were on the program in other neighboring island states, Barbados we planned as a beach day. A little relaxation with various swim training should also do you good.
Massages with VIP treatment