Leisure & pleasure; sound of silence.

Erfoud to Merzouga, this amazing 55 km trip brings you right to the edge of the pink majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi.  this is 1994, things have changed by now.
'head out from the morning market into the flat basalt desert, keep going until you see the electric wires in the distance. Don't get confused by the many tracks going everywhere. Once you see the electric wires, turn right and drive a parallel route. You will come across a lonely red house on the left. Past the house take a slightly more left bound course, and soon you can see the dunes. Drive past the town of Merzouga, about three to four hundred meters on you can have a fresh beer in a small pub in front of erg Chebbi.'
Despite the lack of confidence in the route description, I headed out. I reached the little pub, just to find out they ran out of beer. But it is an amazing place, and it was a great ride.
Nowadays there seems to be an asphalted road for most of the way, running from Erfoud over Rissani to Merzouga.

Good to know 0007

A diary page from November 2006, Vietnam. Starting of a Cat Ba island in Vietnam (Halong Bay area) to a hotel in Ninh Bin. Get a motorcycle taxi to the nearest bus stop for starters. Arriving at a hotel on another motorcycle cab just in time to get your evening dinner. Being a tourist takes a lot of effort...for some at least. Not having a travel plan might get you stranded, but there is always a solution around the corner. This stage worked out fine, one might opt for the less satisfying all in travel package.

Leisure & pleasure; Cambodian rice fields!

                Cruising The Cambodian rice fields, near Siem Reap. You can rent a 
                bike, bringing your own or a rental from Thailand might cost you a
                little fortune at the border. And, yes... sock coffee is nice. Hot or Iced.