Country Counting- Part 2

In the last post I counted the first five countries I visited. It is time to count the next five countries out of the total 16 that I have visited till now. The countries I saw next are Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Thailand. So, this post in second in the series of the countries I visited. The image above is from Thailand.

Malaysia (with Malaysia Tourism Board)

Malaysia is always going to be very special to me because it was my first blogging invite from a foreign country. I was thrilled to bits. I always had a fascination to see the world but I never thought my blog would take me places.

It also helped that I visited Malaysia twice. The place I liked most was the Redang Island. In KL I visited Petrona’s Twin Towers but I cold not go to the top. However, there is a beautiful view of the city from the KL Minara Tower as well. I also enjoyed visiting the bird garden in KL. The second trip involved a 1000 kilometer road trip where I saw smaller places in Malaysia as well. We were 100 media people from all over Asia, moving in a 30 car convoy with police escort! Traffic would stop for us when we approached traffic lights!

Nepal (Personal Trips)

If you love mountains you are bound to have an intense affair with Nepal. As I am originally from Gorakhpur, I had seen bits of Nepal when I was in school and college as well. But I truly fell head over heels for Nepal on my Everest Base Camp Trek in 2012. It has been an epic journey for me. I was never sure if I would be able to complete the trek or not. I was able to do it in the end but barely so.

I went back the next year to do the Annapurna Circuit trek but the weather gods had other ideas and I had to give up the trek at Letdar. I certainly wish to go back to Nepal.

Sri Lanka (Personal trip)

The Sri Lanka trip was a hugely memorable trip as my younger nephew and I traveled together. He behaves like a piece of luggage, I have to manage everything. And he talks too much, non stop. Truth be told I enjoy it. We enjoyed the beaches of Unawatuna, Mirrisa and Galle. I enjoyed watching stilt fishing in Unawatuna. We enjoyed the food, we enjoyed the wine and beers. It was a fun trip.

South Africa (with South Africa Tourism Board)

South Africa is one of the most gorgeous countries I ever visited. It was never on my agenda. And if someone told me I would go there one day because I blog, I would have laughed. And yet it happened.

The wildlife in South Africa is undoubtedly grand. It is so scenic, I will always remember the drive through the Panorama Route. The South African sense of humor is loud and peculiar. I survived South Africa as a vegetarian. I am quite nostalgic about this trip even now.

Thailand (with Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Thailand is one of my most favorite countries in the world. I have been to Thailand four times. I consider myself blessed. I particularly enjoyed Koh Lanta and Krabi. I have been on a speed boat ride where I had the whole boat to myself. I remember very fondly the road trip up to Cambodia from Bangkok. And I guess I am going back to Thailand soon!

That brings up the 10 countries I have visited. I will wrap up the last 6 countries soon.