http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Another day on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in Nepal. It just gets harder and harder. Trekking in Nepal is not easy but it helps when you are sharing the misery with 14 other people and have wonderful Sherpas, always ready to give a hand.

http://TravelsWithSheila.com The Festival began with a fast hike up the hill at altitude trying not to miss any part of the Tongren Aboriginal Festival held once a year. This video highlights Shaman #1 in a trance, pawing the ground and making horse sounds. Offerings and prayers in the temple, intricate dance routines. A "not for tourist" event - that is becoming more popular every year.

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com The Yu Gardens (full name - Yu Yuan Gardens) were built in 1559 in typical Chinese fashion. Halls, pavilions, little bridges over small ponds. The inner section has turned into one huge bazaar and is one of Shanghai's most popular destinations for tourists (including us). When you go, definitely try the steamed dumplings (xiaolong bao) and watch out for 3rd degree burns. The extremely hot soup inside squirts out when you bite into them, and don't forget to dip in vinegar. Sounds awful...tastes wonderful. Yu Gardens is always good for a fun time...

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Join us as we make our way through the Heart of Cambodia, beginning in Phnom Penh. A newly vibrant city emerging with gusto from all the years of hardship. You never know what you're going to see. An elephant walking down the street, sidewalk barbershop, boats on the river, or just sit and enjoy a beer at one of the many sidewalk cafes.

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Heading on a 14-day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, we had only one day to explore Kathmandu. A noisy, busy, touristy area, it was almost overwhelming. Touts, beggers, bicycle rickshaws, and taxis sharing the very narrow streets with pedestrians. Pizza, western food, Nepali, Indian, Tibetan...you name the food...they've got it. A big plus? It's completely safe to walk around...day or night. And? Great shopping!

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Central Hua Hin has a three-mile long white sand beach with lounges, chairs, umbrellas and food for sale along the entire distance. Sellers carrying food and items for sale, horses and ponies to ride, banana boats, jet skis and windsurfing. The entire beach is open to the public and is crowded with tourists enjoying themselves. Either stay in this area or travel up and down the coast for more accommodations and beaches. Hua Hin is more compact and less expensive than Phuket and other fly-to destinations in Thailand. Only 2-1/2 to 3 hours from Bangkok, a fun and easy to get to resort.

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Khao San Road was once a mecca for hippies but is rapidly becoming "gentrified." There are still budget accommodations and the occasional drugged-out person wandering down the street but also new, upscale places to stay and eat. Pat Pong is altogether a different street to walk around. Safe and very interesting with it's abundance of "companionship" and all that goes with it. Visit both places in Bangkok.

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com There was jackfruit, sticky rice, pineapple, tamarind and the familiar bananas, pineapple, prawns, chicken (these chickens have run back-and-forth to get to the other side a few too many times)...and the very unusual. Marijuana, freely available but if you are caught, prepare to spend mega-years in a Cambodian jail. Fried frogs, snakes and the utterly gross - huge Tarantulas. All swimming in a puddle of who knows what they fried them in... Definitely not for me...

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com The Panjiayuan "Dirt Market" only takes place on Saturdays and Sundays. If you've never visited during a Beijing visit, do! One of the best flea markets I've ever been to anywhere in the world with something for everyone including a rare antique (not that I would know but see serious shoppers there). Mao junk, pottery, tibetan, porcelain, old clothes, furniture, jewelry, village handicrafts from all over China...you name it...it's probably being sold. I wouldn't think of visiting Beijing on a weekend without a stop at the Dirt Market. Too much fun for words...

Hanazono Stomping Ground in Niseko Japan..