What is the point of living a life that has been given to you, if all you do, is stand in one place
Join Phil's epic motorcycle journeys across continents – with exciting stories, equipment tips and unforgettable routes.
About me
Hello, my name is Philippe – a passionate traveller and motorcyclist at heart, originally from Switzerland.
Over the course of my journeys, I have crossed breathtaking landscapes, discovered fascinating cultures, and ridden roads that will stay with me forever.
This site is my personal travel journal: here I share my stories, photographs, and advice on the gear that has accompanied me throughout my adventures – in the hope of inspiring others to set off exploring… or simply to dream.
Whether you are a fellow biker, a globe-trotter, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, I am delighted to welcome you here.
Welcome to Carawanserai – where every journey opens a new chapter.
Recently published
The Iranian word is kârvânsarâ (Persian: كاروانسرا, sometimes formerly transcribed in French as kervansaraï). Other terms are also used, such as khan (Persian: خان, transliterated xân, Turkish han), fondouk (Arabic: فندق, transliterated funduq), especially in the Maghreb, or zongo in the Hausa-speaking Sahel.
The French word caravansérail (pronounced [karavɑ̃sɛʀaj]) originally comes from the Persian: کاروانسرا / kârvânsarâ, a compound of kârvân (کاروان, “caravan”) and sarây (سرای, “palace”, “large house” or “courtyard”).
The Arabic funduq in turn derives from the Greek πανδοχεῖον (pandokeion), meaning “inn” or “hostel for all.”
A caravansérail might best be compared to a European coaching inn, or, depending on the region, to a ryokan in Japan, a lǚguǎn in China, or a tambo in the Andes.
