2014 was an incredible travel year for ArcticTropic. We explored Myanmar ( Burma), European Russia,Siberia,Mongolia,China,Japan,British Colombia,Canada,Singapore,Philippines and Panama. Here’s 184 clips in 11 minutes. This version is natural sound,a musical version will be uploaded soon.

2014 was a busy travel year for ArcticTropic. In all, we travelled an equivalent of more than twice around the world.The voyage to Myanmar in March ,via Frankfurt and Singapore was to the opposite side of the world and back the same route. In May and June we travelled in a continuous Eastbound direction until we ended up back where we started. In contrast, the 2.5 hour hop to Panama was a mere commuter flight.

ArcticTropic Panorama of this summer’s stop in Japan on the Round The World Journey .

Yamanouchi is an ancient village in the Japanese Alps, in the Prefecture of Nagano. Snow monkeys live in the forests and bathe in the volcanic hot springs. For a few months the forests are free of snow and the monekys give birth to many offspring.

A protective Mother.

Geysers shoot boiling water up from the volcanic ground.

While melted snow fuels the icy waterfalls.

Mother and Child in the forest.

Yamanouchi is an ancient village built atop thousands of hot springs. Buildings are heated naturally.

Social life revolves around the baths.

Inside a men’s bath. Cold water is mixed with hot to create a bath of 42 C ( 107 F ) .

A Zen Dinner at the Ryokan.

For adventures in Japan, CLICK HERE

The best way to explore Japan is on the 200 mph , 320 kph High Speed Shinkansen network on Japan Rail. The Japan Rail Pass allows 7 days of unlimited travel for $ 279 – only non-resident foreigners are eligible. Distances in Japan are great – but seem close on these trains that seem to fly along the ground.

In Kyoto, the highest pagoda in Japan.

A Shinto Shrine.

Kyoto has delicious cuisine. Here is some venison sashimi.

Locusts.

And Bee Larvae

For Adventures in Japan, CLICK HERE

Japan does not normally conjure images of adventure, but ArcticTropic stopped in for several days to be totally immersed in this vibrant modern/ancient culture.

Tokyo is always the City of the Future.

Gundam ! Japan s the world’s merchandising capital.

Food choices not found elsewhere.

In vibrant Shinjuku ,where we stayed.

The best neon anywhere.

Our flight trajectory did not take us over North Korea even though we were in a Chinese plane. We passed about 50 miles south of that path.

For Adventures in Japan, CLICK HERE

There are only two ways to fly to Japan from Ulaanbataar, either though Seoul or Beijing, Beijing was the cheaper option and one of our travelers had not yet been there.

China has recently instituted a 72 hour visa-free program. One must be flying from one country,though a major city in China with an international airport and then fly on to a third country. One may not leave that city in that time frame.

Unlike last year at his time,Beijing skies were incredibly clear on a beautiful very dry 90 degree day.

Distant mountains were visible ! Third time in Beijing and first time seeing them.

A two hour flight on our Round The World Adventure.

The East is Red. But Capitalist.

Snake For Dinner.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE

Bagan is surrounded by tiny villages where life changes very slowly. On a silent electroscooter and GoPro strapped to my head I was able to coast through villages almost undetected quickly gathering everyday scenes. Since upload time is too slow here in Yangon , still clips will be posted for now.

Along the mighty Ayarwaddy. In monsoon season this spot will be thirty feet under water.

Water is hauled from a common well by oxcart.

1960s PLA Surplus.

More pictures to come, internet excrutiatingly slow. This much has taken over an hour !

For adventures in Burma, CLICK HERE

Yesterday ArcticTropic arrived in Yangon, Myanmar ( formerly Rangoon,Burma ) after flying 25 hours from New York via Frankfurt and Singapore. After a delicious lunch we flew onwards to Bagan ( formerly Pagan ).

Baggage being unloaded from Air KBZ in Bagan. As of this writing it is 7:30 AM and off to explore the sacred temple city.

For adventures in Burma, CLICK HERE

ArcticTropic last visited Beijing in March 2010. The Forbidden CIty then – covered in snow, with sparse crowds – was very different on this foggy summer day. The huge crowds are 95 % Chinese – showing a great love for domestic tourism. ArcticTropic is also in Chines – well positioned for current and future adventure travelers – both domestic and overseas. ArcticTropic is now on Weibo as well as Renren – major social media hubs for China. Click to March 2010 for the earlier trip.

The most important attraction in Tiananmen Square is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. It is here the Great Helmsman rests for eternity where all the people of China and the world can pay homage. Photographic equipment is strictly forbidden – above is a Google stock photo.

Big Screen Entertainment and Information in Tiananmen.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE