Travelling 2018 to Asia for the first time was very exciting. The fact of meeting new people and their traditions made it very special as if it were an enigma to discover, and so it was.

The first arrival to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, the plan was to stay for a week visiting Temples such as Swayambhunath Monkey Temple, among thousands of people celebrating Buddaha Jayanti on the full moon day, the birthday of Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama.

Boudhanath Stupa was full of candles and I really enjoyed the magic smell of incense. Besides, Swayambhu Mahachaitya and their religious mendicant called Sadhu or Holy man, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Darbar Square in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.

Making street photographs, testing the local food, and connecting with the most amazing people was the goal. They were everywhere giving me smiles and candor. Mostly on the streets, meeting with the vendors, watching what they do for a living, and sharing sometimes parts of their stories, their lives.

After a week in Kathmandu I flew towards the west and soon after landed I was on the road towards Dobato a place elevated at 1800 above sea level. In between many trekking around the area, a Nepali family took care of me, cooking delicious typical food for dinner. I’m very glad to have met them and spend time between their labour day with the cattle, very appreciated moments.

I left Dobato in direction of Ilam and was pleased to see their wide and marvellous green plantations of tea, cardamom, and ginger.

Then, travel by road towards the border with India, precisely to arrive at Singalia National Park, reaching Bikhay Bhanjyang at 3280 altitudes and from there, enjoying the view of the magnificent Mont Everest in the distance.

The next adventure was visiting Myanmar, Yangon, with its chaotic street life and traffic, markets, parks, and tea shops. Incredible Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important religious monument in Myanmar is located at the city centre of Yangon with its golden figure shining everywhere. Monks and congregations of devoted Buddhist celebrate the day and share their meals after a long walk to the city on that special religious day.

After a few days was time to fly to Bagan with their “four million pagodas”. One day at lunchtime, I have the privilege to share time with young boys at a school learning about Buddhism and becoming monks.

Then after wonderful days in Bagan, I landed at Mandalay which as far as I know, is home to more than half of the total population of monks in Myanmar. The busy and second largest city in Myanmar with its streets full of rickshaws and bicycles, a very active commercial place in contrast with the peace found in its monasteries and pagodas.

It was magnificent to stay ten days in Myanmar and meet their people, especially my guides and drivers.

My next stop was Vientiane with Buddhist temples and in particular The Pho That Luang besides finding the Buddha huge sculptures made with stone at That Luang.

350 km up north Luang Prabang was my upcoming visit, touring their busy streets markets, old fashion barbers, and vendors in the old town which is very close to where two rivers meet Nam Khan and Mekong. It was also fantastic to drive to Kuang Si waterfall and give a kind of splashdown in its crystalline waters apart from visiting the near sanctuary of bears that have been rescued around the world.

The following day, I took a cruise with Mia, my beautiful guide through the Mekong river to see The Royal Palace Museum at Oak Ou Caves, where hundreds of miniature statues of Buddha reside among religious items and weapons, stunning display. An unforgettable week in Laos with the hope to visit one more time.

Then, one more time, ready to fly to Hanoi, Vietnam, and meet their culture, habits, and lifestyle. Meeting with my guide Thang who show me proudly his city, walking around while we both were taking photographs and at the same time knowing its history. We also spent a morning at the famous Long Bien Bridge symbol of Hanoi first steel bridge that crosses Hanoi’s Red River. it was built by French colonialism. Soon after, we went to check on local food stalls, and very delicious and flavourful choices I tested.

I would like to thank Thang, my guide. Also, Toan father of my very best friend Thuy Doung and her friend Van invited me for dinner!

After three days in the magical Hanoi and it was time to go to the south of Vietnam and discover the trading port of Hoi An Unesco World Heritage Site, with its Japanese Bridge symbol of the city. The fish market with its lovely people, and also discovering the monumental Champa ruins established in 192 AD and situated 50 km away from the city of Hoi An.

It was time now to fly to Java, Indonesia, meet my guide Arinto at the airport, and drive into the colourful streets of Yogyakarta and its Buddhist temples. It was extraordinary to be at the monumental Borobudur. The Unesco Prambanan ancient Hindu temple was built in the 9th century and dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. We drove after to Jogia city and made an easy trek towards Mount Merapi with its active Volcano which is about 2.900 meters high above sea level. At the base and by surprise, I found a newly married couple being photographed that allowed me to have my picture.

We jump early next morning into a train with the direction to Eastern Java enjoying its volcanic landscapes from my sit and arriving at Jombang station when we meet the driver who took us towards Malang making a short stop in the incredible Coban Jahe waterfalls and where a group of monkeys with their newborn babies caught my attention.

It was almost dawn when we arrived at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park which is protected since 1919 as a natural beauty. We stayed and wait to admire the spectacular sunrise behind Mount Bromo, an active volcano that soon and after thirty minutes of steady climbing, we finally reached the top of the crater. I had to wear a mask because the volcano was spreading sulfur into the air.

Magnificent views from above and a sense of respect for its power.

I finished my trip flying the next day to Semarang and taking a tiny plane to Karimunjawa Archipelago, reaching Menjawakan Island which is a very green, private tropical islet about 22 hectares large, with white sand beaches, turquoise waters and no roads, is located between Java and Borneo.

It was an amazing ending to my trip after almost fifty days of exploring the mysteries of Asia, its spirit, and its glorious soul. My eternal gratitude to all my guides and the people who I have meet on the road that I will never forget.