For some reason, whenever I have connected with one of the 5 segments of my round the world ticket, drama comes up and this 4th leg was just as difficult that I had to recap for the memories and laughs for years to come. Notice the times of all this as it adds to the fun/drama. […]
Malaysia – My holiday from traveling
Malaysia was a quick detour on my plan as Milena and I decided to try to find a beach somewhere in SE Asia to meet up for Thanksgiving. Here was our thought process: I was going to be flying from China and she was going to be flying from Tokyo (or western Australia). Where can be […]
China Part 3: Shanghai, Hangzhou and Random Thoughts
Heading out to Shanghai was my last major stop in China. After looking at overnight train and flight options, I opted to fly as it was just a little more money, but much faster. Speed was the name of the game in Shanghai, as once I got off the plane, I headed over to the […]
France (2007)
China Part 2: Xi`an (2008)
I decided to go to Xi`an (pronounced “Shee Han”) to see the famous Terra Cotta Soldiers so I knew it would be a quick stop, but something I wanted to do as I was so close. After three full days in Beijing, I just wanted a day of rest. Kinda like my weekend if there is such […]
China Part 1 – Beijing (2008)
I was very excited to get to Beijing as I was going to be meeting Gina and Ben. Gina is one of best friends from high school and Ben was one of my best friends from college. I introduced them in 2000 and they later got married. I was thrilled to get to meet them in Beijing. Ben`s […]
Macau (2008)
Macau: Since Macau is just a quick hour ferry ride away, I decided that would be my last day. So off on a ferry. I have to laugh as when it was time to board, all the locals RAN for the boat and I just waited to be the last on. I don`t understand why […]
Hong Kong (2008)
Since Hong Kong and Macau are both part of China, yet separate in many ways, and I spent 4 nights between the two, I wanted to group them together. It was interesting as I needed my passport to travel between the two, yet no visa was required like mainland China. Hong Kong: Hong Kong was […]
Singapore (2008)
After a really long transit to Singapore, I arrived at my hostel and it had to be one of the cutest ever! It was right in the Arab quarter and the hostel must be used to all the late night arrivals as they made it so easy for my 2am arrival by leaving a door […]
South Korea: Seoul (2008)
Seoul is best described as expectation vs. reality. Expectation… 1. Original expectation was a day of sightseeing (FAILED – new expectation in works) 2. Next expectation – Get Visa for China as follows: -Arrive at airport at 6am-Find way into town (90 minutes by bus) and find China Embassy -Get visa for China -Get back to airport […]