“I speak and speak. But the listener retains only the words he is expecting." So cautioned Marco Polo as he left the court of the great Kublai Khan in Dadu (modern day Beijing) in the year 1295 C.E. Certainly this was a timely reminder for me as I stepped off the plane in Beijing for the first time. Over the years, I had heard lots about Beijing, most of which with a negative slant. Much to my delight, I encountered a wonderful and fascinating … [Read more...]
Visiting the best of Northern Vietnam
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live with in a rural community, deep in the northern mountains of Vietnam? Eating local delicacies and drinking happy water into the later hours of the night? Away from the bustling noise of the city and all the tourism? Waking up with the farmers as the sun comes up, hearing the sound of roosters singing in the valleys? I always … [Read more...]
Suzhou, China: An Edible Garden of Eden
If I were a philosopher, my motto would be “I eat, therefore I travel.” My first step towards understanding a culture is through food. Taste is the silent thread that binds me to fellow gastronomes around the globe. This is especially true when I visit a country where I know not a soul nor a single word of the native language, my exact situation during my recent visit to Suzhou, China. As alien as I felt upon arrival, I correctly suspected that … [Read more...]
Between the Traditional and the Modern, there Lies Ulaanbaatar
Somewhere between the modern and the traditional, there lies Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s fascinating capital is a city evolving before our very eyes. Its population is rapidly trading its ancestral, nomadic ways for a more modern life while still trying to retain the uniqueness of its rich culture. Ulaanbaatar is a city in transition, moved by dynamics bigger than itself. It lies at the intersection of globalization, capitalism, the legacy of … [Read more...]
The Delightful Mai Samui
The calmness of the sea and the towering palm trees full of coconuts alerts you to a paradise awaiting inside the Mai Samui Beach Resort and Spa. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a smile and an ice-cold drink. But you are distracted by what’s around you. The rooms tower above and border the swimming pools below. Your eyes are spoiled at the sight and you know from the beginning that your stay at Mai Samui will be a vacation that you’ll never … [Read more...]
Welcome to Bali – Tropical Paradise or Living Hell?
What comes to mind when you think of Bali? Vacation? Beach? Beauty? Something else? For me, this Indonesian island has always been a bittersweet kind of place. "YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED A PLAN. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO BREATHE. TRUST. LET GO. AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS." -MANDY HALE It is a beautiful place - the people as much as the land itself. But, it's also where a number of Australians (my local breed) go on holidays due to its proximity and … [Read more...]
On a Bike Through an Indonesian Kampong
On a bike through an Indonesian Kampong Indonesia is a fascinating country. The collection of islands close to the equator has everything from beaches, volcanoes, rain forest, legends and smiling people trying to make you feel at home. It's a gorgeous, mind boggling country that stole my heart already years ago. It was good to be back after many years. I arrived in Jakarta and was hurried to the car my friend had sent for me. ‘We have to go … [Read more...]
Ultimate Guide To Chiang Mai’s 10 Most Exceptional Markets
Anyone who has ever planned a visit to Chiang Mai has, most likely, come across the recommendation to experience one of the massive and remarkable markets. Whether doing research online or just asking others who have visited, tourists find that visiting a market while in Chiang Mai is one of the top things to do. Whether it's due to the liveliness, inexpensive goods, tasty treats, or the fact that the temperature is perfect year-round and … [Read more...]
How I Had a 5D4N Budget Vacation in Singapore for P7200 (RM 620)
So I've just grabbed a three days off from my work here in Malaysia and was wondering where to go to? Since I have limited resources, I've selected the two countries accessible by bus transport from Malaysia - Thailand and Singapore. With time consideration, I heard from a local colleague that a bus ride to Thailand will take me 8 hours to Hatyai (but not yet Bangkok - only on the border of Malaysia-Thailand) and only 4 hours to … [Read more...]
5 Quirky and Interesting Facts about Japan
Japan is one of our favourite countries in Asia. They just get it right in every way, whether it's the outstanding customer service, the UNESCO listed cuisine (you read right!) or the jaw dropping temples. Japan's nailed it. There's a quirky side to the country as well which adds to its charm. Here's our 5 favourite interesting facts about Japan: 1. Make an X sign to get the bill Instead of pretending to scribble something on a notepad … [Read more...]
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