My friend dropped me off at the base of Penang Hill. He had strongly recommended I climb this in the early morning, but the night before we were out until nearly midnight enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities. Borrowing his umbrella, a lifesaver from the hot tropical sunshine, I set out on the Heritage Trail. This path, founded in 1890, led nearly straight up the mountain, climbing some nearly 800 meters to the top. It followed the funicular … [Read more...]
The Laid-Back Charm of La Union
The morning sun casts its golden rays across the South China Sea, surfers dot the horizon at Urbiztondo Beach, their silhouettes dancing atop the waves that have made La Union the undisputed surf capital of Northern Philippines. Located approximately 280 kilometers north of Manila in the province of La Union, this coastal paradise has transformed from a quiet fishing community into a vibrant beach destination that perfectly balances rustic charm … [Read more...]
Bataan: Where History Meets Natural Beauty
The morning sun cast long shadows across the Mt. Samat National Shrine as I stood at its base, gazing up at the towering Memorial Cross that has become synonymous with Bataan. This peninsular province, merely a few hours drive from Manila, holds within its borders both profound historical significance and remarkable natural beauty. My journey through this historic region would prove to be an enlightening exploration of the Philippines' past and … [Read more...]
Wine Tasting in India?
When I told my brother in law that we were visiting Nashik in India to try their wines, his response was something like, "when I was growing up in Chennai, Indian wines were not considered very good". That was in the 1970s and 1980s. Things have changed in this regard with a select number of Indian wineries having elevated viticulture practices and winemaking, Chandon India being on the forefront of doing so. I arrived in Mumbai from Bangkok; … [Read more...]
The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2025 — Henley & Partners
Singapore reclaims its crown as the most powerful passport in the world with visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide, leaving Japan as runner-up with a score of 193, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, which ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations they can access without a prior visa, and is based on exclusive official data from the International Air Transport Association … [Read more...]
Visiting Macau – What To Know and Where To Go
Macau is often referred to as the Las Vegas of China, but it's so much more than that. Macau can be found an hour to the West of Hong Kong and is a destination for those who love unique culture, delicious cuisine, gambling, and beautiful architecture. Here's what to do and see and what to know before you visit. Macau’s Key Points ● Macau was once a Portuguese colony and that cultural influence can still be felt in the region. ● Macau’s … [Read more...]
Sea Links City, Mui Ne Vietnam – September 2024
This massive resort encompasses some 167 hectares and is located in Mui Ne, a fishing community located along the shores of the South China Sea - abut a 4-5 hour ride from Ho Chi Minh City. Created by Vietnam based entrepreneur Mr. Nguyen Van Dong (Chairman of the multi-faceted Rang Dong Group), Sea Links City is a lifestyle community featuring several resorts and restaurants. Centered around a challenging 18-hole golf course the resort attracts … [Read more...]
Paris Guide- Hidden Gems
Paris syndrome is so real. Although it seems pretty extreme if you look it up online, with symptoms listed such as delusion, hallucination and even vomiting, I just mean that when I first arrived I was a bit confused over what all the fuss was about, and I can see how it can be a bit of a shock when things don’t seem like they do in the movies. I honestly can’t remember much at all from the first few months of when I moved to Paris in September … [Read more...]
How to live like a king – or Queen – at Thornbury Castle
On the approach to Thornbury Castle its already apparent that we’re in for a memorable experience in this little corner near the Cotswolds and Welsh borders. Believed to be the UK’s only Tudor Castle where you can stay the night, this Relais & Chateaux Hotel is one of the finest examples of the way Tudor housing trends transformed from fortress to palace. Once owned by Henry VIII – acquired in the bloodiest of fashions from the Edward … [Read more...]
Dan Buettner, Founder of Blue Zones & New York Times Bestselling Author
Dan Buettner is a National Geographic Fellow, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of five books on longevity and happiness, and a three-time Guinness World Record holder for long-distance cycling. In 2003, Buettner founded Blue Zones, where he has studied communities with increased longevity, including Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Nicoya, Costa Rica. His study of longevity has been adapted into … [Read more...]
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