1) Romblon became 1976-1980 our Mainbase from where we explored the Philippines. 2) 1978 Ko Samui was an extremely lonely island with just three accomodation possibilities, and at night time you better stayed near your bungalow because the same criminal pirates who were robbing and killing vietnamese boat people were not to far… . 3) Legian was an emotional recovery from witnessing the  impacts of the islamic genocid in Kalimantan and Java. 4) One of the most overwhelming places I have been the last century: Maymo with a comfortable dormitory in an  old English villa.

5) and 6) One of  the best ideas we had preparing a trip: traveling with our Starwatcher-Tent to absolutely unspoiled and unsdiscovered parts of the South Pacific. This tent was a loyal companion, was honeymoon and shelter during all our travels 1990 til 1999 – it allowed us to stay at some of the most breathtaking spots we have ever been, as several times at Thangalei Island. 7) A traditional fijian house, called Mbure. Walls and roofs were always a living Biotope. 8) Another south-pacific-paradies: Leleuvia Island, where we got our dive-certificates and were swimming with dozens of Dolphins and Riffsharks.

9) and 10) A Fale is a traditional Samoan house which is always open and with no walls, using blinds made of coconut palm fronds during the night or during rainfall. To get a bit of privacy we often used our Starwatcher in the Fales as „Moskitonets“ … . 11) and 12) Since my time in Samoa I understand the expressions „collictive Wellbeing“,  „Matriarchy“ or „Doing Gender“ not only theoretically! And as a proud man it was quite confusing, but I have to confess: I fellt in Samoa every minute deeply happy, specially at the Tanu Beach Fales in Manase.

13) On bicycles along the Mekong. When passing villages children ran to the street and gave us high fives. Lorries slowed down an tossed tomates to us. And at 6pm the owner called everybody to have dinner together. 14) When we travel in Northeastern Thailand, we always stay at the Mut Mee Guest House! 15) One of our huts in the early times in Ko Phangan. The costs were 1/2 Swiss Franc per night. 16) For many years a quiet place: Rin Beach Bakery Bungalows. But mid 90’s different visitors arrived with different lifestyles. Sex, Sports and Rock n’Roll was replaced by No Sex, Drugs and Goa Parties. After 4 people died in 3 days, we left Haad Rin.

17) The good old Rose Bungalows. 18), 19) and 20) Our home from home for 20 years: Shea Shore Bungalows. Year by year the houses got more comfort: No more lifting the mattress to make sure there’s no snake or scorpion hiding. 24 hour electricity, private bathroom, warm water, fan in the room.  But year by year the same delicious food in the restaurant. Always the most wonderful people from all over the world, bone fires at the beach and serious, not so serious, erotical, philosophical and very personal conversations. Today Sea Shore is sold, replaceed by an awful expensive resort. And Mango, „my“ dog, is an angel in the dog-sky…

21) Our first rental-house at Mae Nam, just behind the former Sea Shore: Aircon, TV, fridge and kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a huge veranda. And Wifi. 22) Mango’s last year, taking care of us on the veranda. When he was a puppy, he was cracy about having a swim in the sea on my head. 23) Before we fly to NZ, this is usually our stopover-place in Thailand: Khao Lak, Seafan B&B. As older as I get, as more importang is sleeping-comfort (soft mattress), a clean and quiet hostel and free Wifi. I get it there!

24) Army tent in the wilderness of Cap Tribulation. 24 hours later we were evacuated because cyclon Ivor was going to hit Australias Eastcoast. 25) Three phenomenal weeks at NZ’s first Maori-run Backpackers, which changed our attitude towards Maoris forever. 26) The Innlet Backpacker: since 1993 our home from home on NZ’s South Island. Here the Christmas -Party with great people from 13 different nations. 27) Living in nature, the tree house in Kohukohu. 40 km to Mitimiti, if you don’t care the gravel road, to the 30 families in my „Capital of Nowhere“.