The Wandering Wasp | LIVETRIPS

The Wandering Wasp

My Big Farewell Hug

Left Olympus for the main city of Antalya.

A random of group trekkers, hitchhikers, overland from Singapore, Turkey, Cyprus, Czech Republic

After camping in this tranquil resort, it was time to move on to the next place, Olympus.

Caught up with Radim, another motorcycle traveller in Turkey.

Pamukkale, Turkey – How often do you see tourists in bathing suit queuing for tickets to get into

Bülent’s family warmly took me into their homes when I was in Bursa and Izmir.

I took a short day ride to Ulu Dag wearing just a T-shirt.

Met 60 year old retired engineer Bülent Esin who has been following my trip.

With the oilsucker problem, I did not expect myself to cover 450km in a day and arrive in Istanbu

I had to make my way to Istanbul to check on a oil sucker problem which has been bugging me since

Samsun, Turkey – Nurettin from Gezginler (means Travellers) Motorcycle Club received me warmly wi

Sis Dağı, Turkey - Thanks you my host Hassan, his son Kaan, his friend Sercan, we did a ride to

Çayeli, Turkey – Policeman paid for my lunch!

Usghuli, Georgia - It is deemed as the highest settlement in Europe at 2100m high.

Kutaisi, Georgia – Caught in a real heavy rain on my way to Kutaisi.

Gori, Georgia – Birth place of Joseph Stalin.

Tusheti National Park, Georgia – The road to Tusheti was featured on BBC’s World’s Most Dangerous

Rainy ride along the Georgian Military Road, arriving in Stepantsminda aka Kazebegi.

Tbilisi, Georgia – A new country welcomed me in one of my sickest moments.

15kms later at the border, the bloody custom demand 15,000 drams ($30) for custom clearance on to

A cheeky victory smile for shaking off corrupted officers in Armenia.

GRAPHIC PHOTO: Armenia Genocide Museum – During and after World War I, up to 1.5 million Armenia

On the way to Yerevan, I could see Mount Ararat, the national symbol of Armenia.

Noravank Church - 13th-century Armenian monastery located in a gorge, flanked by tall red cliffs.

Just before leaving Goris, the owners of the Hotel Vivas invited me for coffee and introduced me

It was a rainy ride up switchback roads to Tatev Monastery.

So I crossed the border from Iran into Armenia. The biggest cultural shift I ever experienced.

The shortest route may not be the fastest route. I learn this the hard way.

Grand bazaar of Tabriz, the largest covered Bazaar in the world and also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Visa time bomb was ticking. It was time to leave Iran.

Exploring Kelardasht and the Alborz mountains.

If I have to fix my scooter, it would be in Tehran as I could get parts there.

Night view of Tehran from Tochal. Population of 8.8 million.

A visit to the Omidvar Brothers Museum got me an invitation to meet one of the brothers and many

In Iran, it is illegal for women to ride motorcycles on the streets.

Historical village of Abyaneh dates back to 2000 years ago.

Bridges in Esfahan are sights to behold.

Esfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the largest public square in the world.

Night view of Jameh Masjid of Yazd from the roof of my hostel.

Yazd's tallest windcatcher lies in Dowlat Abad Garden.

On my way to Tower of Silence, I met Majid who happens who to be riding a Vespa scooter as well.

Tower of Silence - Sky burial is not only a unique custom in Tibetian Buddhism.

Only with a photo and a GPS location of their shop, I set off to Abadeh to find a family who host

Mausoleum of Saadi Shirazi, another celebrated poet in Iran.

Eram garden. Sina has been really kind to show me around Shiraz for a few days.

At the Tomb of Hafeez with friends. Caught up with Paul again for the 8th or 9th time.

On my way to Shiraz, I was drawn to the calm reflective surface of Maharloo Salt Lake.

At the supermarket, I was buying supplies for night's wild camping.

Standing on the flanks of a fissure caused by an earthquake.

Here in the longest salt cave in the world, Namakdan on Qeshm Island.

I received many offer to send me a rear hub so that I can get back on the road.

Back in Bandar Abbas and got a local contact to get the rear hub for my scooter.

I can't seem to travel without two wheels!

Spotted two scooters used as shop display in Bandar.

Just as I arrived in Bandar Abbas, met a couchsurfer, my scooter couldn't propel forward.

After the past week of riding in desert, I was caught unprepared for the sudden cold.

An earthquake in 2003 devastated the town of Bam and its inhabitants, leaving at least 26,000 dea

Arrived at Akbar's Guest house in Bam.

Exploring the ruins at the Khajeh mountains.

Centuries old mud houses not too far from Afghanistan border.

Dahaneh Gholaman - Ancient city from the Achaemenid Era.

We drove from Zahedan to Zabol, passing Pakistan border on our right and then the Afghanistan bor

Met up with the Italians at Mir Javeh Border again.

My last meal in Pakistan was with the Levies officers in Taftan.

At Yakmach, saying farewell to Attaullah, head of Levies security in Dalbandin.

It was Balochi Cultural Day in Dalbandin. Unfortunately, I can't attend the event.

Requested to leave Quetta at 7.30am but the police escorts only arrived at 9am.

It is easier to arrive than to leave a place. Quetta brought a new meaning to it.

Police man with funky hair colour at Sibi.

Managed to crawl my way to Shikarpur from Sadiqabab for 200km.

An excursion to Pattan Minara while getting my scooter sorted out.

Trying to chew a raw sugarcane without breaking my teeth.

After a tour of his plantation, Umais brought me to a contemporary café in Rahim Yar Khan.

The drive around sugarcane plantations in Sadiqabad.

Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-alam, mausoleum of the said Saint in Multan.

Old farm house that used to belong to Nawab of Bahalwapur.

I spent two nights in the desert with other bikers from all over Pakistan to catch the 11th Choli

From the snow-capped mountains peaks in North Pakistan to Cholistan desert of the South.

Grandeur of Badshahi Mosque. Wow!

Scooter have been emitting weird sound from the engine for a long time.

Back in Lahore again for the third time!

Leaving is always harder than arriving. Here with my host Osama in Gujranwala.

Appreciating the sunset and having dinner by Chenab river with my host family.

First time appearing live on ATV Channel with riders from Pakistan Bikers and Hikers Club.

Back in Islamabad.

A replica of Minar-e-Pakistan made with salt bricks at Khewra Salt Mine.

Off road!

Clock tower of Faisalabad, one of the oldest monument from the British Raj.

The entrance of Chiniot’s Shahi Masjid.

Rode 30km from Faisalabad to visit Chinoit, the city renowned for wood carvings.

I have the privilege of attending a wedding ceremony in Faisalabad which span over 4 days.

Park visit with Lahori motorcyclists Taiba and Shoeb.

Faces of jubilation after the rally which marks the completion of their motorcycle course and the

Excursion to Rawal Lake with the kids.

4 adults handling 13 kids for a visit to Bahria Enclave Zoo.

Islamia University in Peshawar, with more than 100 years of history.

Yep that is right, one man carried my scooter on his back up to the top of the bus.

The longer I stay in Hunza, the harder it is to leave.

Baltit Fort. Baltit means "that side" in Tibetian.

Catching the sunset from Eagle's Nest. Breath taking view of Central Hunza Valley from there.

After crossing Attabad Lake and on the way back to Karimabad, I made an impromptu detour to Hoppe

Met Moin Khan of A Different Agenda in Hunza, with his help, I managed to put my scooter on a boa

On the way back to Karimabad, light from the setting sun painted the mountains in a mysteriously

Leaving Gulmit Continental Hotel on a cold cloudy day after waking up every morning to the view o

With the rangers who showed me the animals found in the Khunjerab and offered chai.

Borith Lake - many ducks basking in the sun here. Nice place to camp in Summer but not now.

Passu glacier. Too much time sitting on scooter is not healthy. Time for some trekking.

Pasu with the famous Pasu Cathedral behind me. Look like super imposed image right?

Exploring area around Gulmit with Jasmine, Zahir and Uncle Ali.

Having Laksa in Pakistan - nice way to spend my 6 months anniversary on the road with a Singapore

In 2010, a landslide obstructed the Hunza river and led to the formation of the Attabad lake.

In Karimabad, Hunza Valley.

After the past few days of drizzle and clouds, I am blessed with clear weather and the blue sky i

Breakfast with Yaaqub, who runs Madina Hotel 2 in Gilgit.

I have finally hit the good and beautiful part of Karakoram Highway.

The village of Tha Kor lies along the silk route and Karakoram Highway.

In Mansehra, Pakistan, lies one of the Edicts of Ashoka.

At Chinese restaurants with my new found family.

Ilyasi mosque - It is the oldest mosque in Nawanshehr and it is built over natural ground water.

Having my super brain checked out in the EEG at my host's neuropsychiatry clinic.

Abbott Museum in Abbottabad.

At Faisal Mosque with my host and his Triumph bike from 1952.

So, Paul's bike broke down shortly after we left the hostel.

After spending 3 and half months in India, I have finally moved on to country number 6 - Pakistan

Wagah Border Closing Ceremony happens every day since 1959 on both India and Pakistan side.

Jallianwala Bagh memorial park is a landmark for India's struggle for freedom.

Golden Temple aka Darbar Sahib in Amritsar - the holiest temple for Sikhs.

If Dakar Rally is out of reach in terms of cost and distance, there is Raid de Himalaya - the hi

No Piaggio parts, LML parts also can.

View of the Himalayan mountains from Beas River in Manali.

Rode up to the mountains and saw Kullu from the top.

In Manali, Saurabh, Mansi and I trekked to Jogini waterfall.

Patiently waiting as rock blasting was going on at Rohtang pass.

I have the company of Saurabh on the return leg from Pang to Manali.

At roof top of Juniper House, I was star gazing with another crazy girl who is cycling from Leh t

Parted ways with Saurabh at Khardulang. I was on my own.

Went to Khardung La again - world's highest mountain pass. This time with the scooter.

Turquoise water at Pangong Lake - a place I have been wanting to visit since I watched 3 Idiots.

Back on the scooter after travelling in a car for two days!

Picturesque town of Turtuk in Nubra Valley.

In Hunder, the view of Nubra Valley from Sand Dune View Guesthouse.

Left my scooter in Leh and joined two new friends made on Manali-Leh Highway in their car to Nubr

Shanti Stupa in Leh.

Taglang La - Second highest mountain pass in the world.

Finally some good road at Morey plateau.

Spent a sub zero night in tented accommodation in Sarchu.

Baralacha pass at 4850m high.

At Patsio, I saw Jack and Lacheon boating at a lake. Jack waved as I rode past.

On top of Rohtang Pass.

Oh yes. This is Manali, surrounded by lush deciduous greenery and snow cap mountain peaks.

On the way to Manali, mountain, lakes and gorges makes me feel so tiny.

Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a one of the most impressive art work I have seen.

I finally left Rishikesh after 6 and half weeks there.

Beatles Ashram: In 1968, the Beatles came to Rishikesh, Maharishi Mahesh Ashram for Transcendenta

A hot day in Rishikesh calls for Pappu Lassi - the best Lassi in Rishikesh.

Morning meditation and breathing exercises next to the Ganges River.

Taking a dip with Kasia at Neer Waterfall.

My YTT classmates from all over the world, USA, Poland, Spain, Brazil, Columbia, Australia, Turke

Yoga by the Ganges. Need a little help to get that leg straight.

In India, sending a parcel involves going to the tailor to get your package sewed up nicely with

Dancer pose with Om.

Ganga River at Rishikesh, gateway to the Himalayas and also World Capital of Yoga.

In Rishikesh, will be there for 4 weeks attending my yoga teacher training.

Lumbini - Birthplace of Lord Buddha. Here is the Eternal Peace Lamp at the end of the canal.

Caught up with Russian friend again after we went separate ways in Guwahati a month ago.

Paragliding today with my pilot Vlad from Romania.

Wanted to camp in Pokhara.

Left my foot print at Rum Doodle Bar and Restaurant where many travellers and adventurers left t

Sunset at Nagarkot with Rajiv.

20km of gruelling ride on damaged, steep hairline loops.

Country number 5 - Nepal. Making my way to Kathmandu from Hetauda.

Makai Bari Tea Estate. One of our companions during the tour around the tea garden.

Finally left Cherrapunjee after 8 days there.

Trekked for one and half hour.

I ditched my scooter in Sohra for a few days to trek to Nongriat village where the famous double

Rode through some rough roads to get to Kynrem Falls

View of Bangladeshi Plains from Thangkharang Park

Not far from Mawlynnong, in the village of Riwai, lies one of the many living root bridges in Meg

Mawlynnong - the cleanest village in the Asia. I am trying to find litters on the ground.

In Guwahati, Arnab is a great help. I have been here a few days nursing an infected toe.

Kohima, capital of Nagaland, city in the clouds.

It was raining heavily and we stopped for lunch. Heavy military presence in Manipur.

It is raining heavily now. Across the bridge, I will be in India!

Curiosity drew a crowd once we stopped our bikes.

In Monywa, here is the tallest standing Buddha in Myanmar.

Bagan and the 2270 Pagodas.

We crossed the border into Myanmar yesterday. It was a long and bumpy ride.

We safely arrived in Mae Sot after taking the Mae Sot-Tak Highway.

Receiving Thai Foot Massage from Auntie Yong next to Ping River.

Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

We left Bangkok in the wee hours to avoid the traffic madness. Nearing Ayuthaya.

Dinner again with new company.

Engine getting a thorough check and overhaul by Sam.

Dinner with Stacy another Singaporean friend lovely Aom and Sam who serviced legendary Giorgio Be

Arrived in Bangkok with the scooter arriving an hour after me.

She helped me with the train, hotel and fed me lots of my favourite Mango Sticky Rice.

With Vespa peeps of Hatyai.

At Sadao with my Penang and Kedah friends.

Dickie, also a Vespa rider, put me up at his cosy guest house, 28 Bahari, in George Town.

Buddy Aimpro and Rostan helped me sort out my scooter yesterday.

We met in Penang two years ago at the Petrol station and passed us his namecard.

Aimpro accompanied me from Malacca to Ipoh. And now from Ipoh to Penang.

The journey to Malacca was faced with a little hiccup.

This morning's send-off was with tears and well wishes.

Information

The Wandering Wasp

A Singaporean lady with a crazy dream to see the World and learn about its inhabitants from her Vespa scooter, Ebony. Vespa is the italian word for Wasp.
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by : Juvena Huang

Vehicle: Motorcycle

Dates: 16.05.2015 - 11.05.2018

Trip status: Finished

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Countries

Armenia

Georgia

India

Iran

Malaysia

Myanmar

Nepal

Pakistan

Singapore

Thailand

Turkey