Hi Dave. I figure 50 years warrants a big trip. So, basically east fromLombok to the Timor Leste border then back to Lombok via Sumba, rest a week then to Sumatra, turn around there and head back to Lombok. I expect the trip to take up to four months. I'll be traveling by motorcycle.
There are some places from 50 years ago that are still operating - the Restoran Karang Mas and the Hotel Fatelau in Kupang are two. But this trip is going to be one of discovery, not just a stroll down memory lane. There are a lot of places I am yet to visit so I hope to fill in a lot of gaps.

Hi Celia,
I'm so excited for you! Our family has been traveling full time in an RV across the US for just over 1 year now. We have a family travel blog that I continue to add more tips each month to help families such as yourself. Feel free to reach out with any questions as you plan for your family gap year!

The only Kyrgyz settlements I know of are in or around Karakul Lake, though I believe there are also some on the road to the Irkshetam Pass. But I'm not an expert on the matter! Traditional "Tajik" (basically Wakhi) settlements are only in and around Tashkorgan, as far as I'm aware, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Does Kashgar now look like Ürümqi, with an 'International Grand Bazaar' in place of street markets?

I can only speak of the last time I was there, and not today. Nearly all the residential districts on the old city have been torn down, and replaced with modern buildings. Most of the buildings are only about 3 storeys tall, and painted a kind of adobe colour, but are not traditional in anyway. There was one small, traditional corner left when I was there, which was in a very dilapidated state, as though a half-hearted bulldozer had been through, taking some whacks here and there. Most of the houses were a mess, but people were still living there. A recent New York Times article seems to indicate that that neighborhood will be completely bulldozed sometimes soon. At least one sections of the old city was completely flattened and turned into a parking lot. There's a brand new "old gate" in a place where a city gate never used to exist, and some other modern tourist constructs nearby.

The traditional markets near the Eid-gah Mosque are long gone. The more modern market-like streets there still existed somewhat when I was last in Kashgar, but on a much reduced level to what they used to be like. No one sells anything in the big square in front of the Eid-gah Mosque anymore. Almost no-one prays either. A nearby night market was still in operation, mostly for tourists. There's heavy security to get into the night market (even though it's just in the middle of a street), heavier security still if you're Uighur. All the knives are chained up, as elsewhere in the city. It doesn't really feel like a night market.

The Sunday market was still bustling the last time I visited, though there's heavy security to get in there too.

Bit like a Gap Year. Some want time to do other things away from the books. For others, they need to keep their nose in their books. Why not think along similar lines. If a job comes up you' d like, why not take it. Otherwise keep on holidaying.
When my son went to Sth Korea to teach, he had a wheelie plus a carry on size backpack. And a guitar case. Came home with the same but he had to leave stuff behind. So don't be surprised if over the year, unlike short holidays, you don't add to your luggage.

It will be cold at night in the highlands and elevations over 4000ft....a few layers and fleece should do, and ski cap and gloves and thick socks...nothing you cant pick up in the local markets..

San Jose Easter Sunday will be very quiet, stay out near the airport SJO, in Alajuela. Taxi is $5 to airport. From downtown SJ, about $40. Red Bus at Coco Cola terminal goes to Alajuela/and Auropuerto

You're a legend!

I did a Google and all I could come up with was Paradise Bar but I wasn't sure if it would be a goer or not, so I'm happy to read your message. I'm arriving to Antalya tomorrow and will be dragging my Sth African friend along to watch the game. I'm forcing her to wear a blue cap. ;)
If the bar has trouble finding a good stream I have a Watchnrl subscription I will give them.
Thanks again for your message!
GO THE BLUES!!!

Ridiculous amounts of money people, particularly Gap Year students shell out for the pleasure of letting the world see they help the poor ...

When in fact the situation is as you described all over the world in many similar places.

I'm afraid you hadn't done your due diligence ...

There are real volunteering opportunities but those will be rigourous, ensuring you have the necessary skills. Many of these won't charge you

Beware! It's not just all about Facebook selfies with smiley faces

Kira

Hi Michel,

Indeed, is better to try bear-watching earlier rather than later, as the weather is good for the next few days - one week, according to WindFinder: https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/bunloc
Bunloc is a place where I use to go paragliding and is very close to the main bear-watching area near Brasov
As a matter of fact no-one knows when the bears become less active, during the year, not even the forest rangers, but as a rule I would say as long as it doesn't get very cold there's still a pretty good chance to see them.

You can leave from Cluj Napoca going to Târgu Mureș and from here to the medieval town of Sighisoara or Sibiu. Both worth a visit, Sighisoara is small and you can see the old town in two hours. Sibiu is a city, but the interesting part is the historic city-centre. Sleep one night in Sibiu or Sighisoara and head over towards Brasov afterwards.

I guess you already looked on the maps, but just to have an idea of the distances from Cluj to Sighisoara there is a 2.5 hrs drive. Are you going to rent a car or do you plan to travel by train or bus? I'm asking because on the road there are other places to stop, both in between Cluj Napoca and Sighisoara, in between Sighisoara and Sibiu or around Brasov area.

Best,
Radu