tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119041092898064022024-03-14T02:59:21.092+08:00Roving Light TravelPhotoBlogTravel Photo Blog of beautiful, interesting and often off-the-beaten path destinations around the world.
<p>
Check out <a href="http://rrr.roving-light.com/">Roving Random Ramblings</a> as well, which is a blog about my 448-day backpacking trip around the world.</p>Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-18803645290625621872017-11-02T14:16:00.000+08:002017-11-03T10:47:54.700+08:00A Different Side of Hokkaido<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been to Hokkaido Japan two times before, once in winter and then in summer. It is certainly one of my favourite places in Japan. And then, out of the blue, I got an opportunity to go on a trip organized by a group of tourism-related companies in Hokkaido, who wanted to let travelers know some lesser known tourism aspects of the island. They collaborated with a few travel agents/companies from several countries, and I am thrilled to be going under Singapore-based adventure company <a href="https://www.x-trekkers.com/">X-Trekkers</a>. <br />
<br />
One of the main highlights of this trip is the number of sports activities, with particular emphasis on cycling! Over the course of three days, we are introduced to several cycling possibilities in the Sorachi region of Hokkaido (the area around Sapporo). Aside from bus and train, we are exploring the idea that the cycling paths around the region could provide an interesting way to appreciate the beauty of Hokkaido.<br />
<br />
The whole group was further split into two groups, with one heading northwards to cover northern Hokkaido while my group, who included a travel writer from HongKong, covered the Sorachi region. And leading our group is Kunie our English-speaking guide.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Day 1</b></i></h3>
<br />
Our first stop was Lake Shikotsu, which incidentally I have not been in my previous trip. In fact, quite happily, all the places we would be going on this trip were new to me! And even more happily, Lake Shikotsu (and many parts of Sapporo and arounds) are in the peak of the koyo (autumn) season! So in our very first scheduled stop, which was to the visitor center, we were already slightly behind schedule because all of us were so busy taking pictures of the fall foliage! And mind you, the planned schedule was already quite tight!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SxgllcbA8s/Wflra1Ka63I/AAAAAAAAD-w/oAcDPvSSNpAYhKSQMuA7XQtd9aXWPHWzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9425w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SxgllcbA8s/Wflra1Ka63I/AAAAAAAAD-w/oAcDPvSSNpAYhKSQMuA7XQtd9aXWPHWzwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9425w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to the Visitor Center at Lake Shikotsu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lake Shikotsu in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is quite a well-known attraction. A caldera lake born from volcanic activity, it is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The visitor center, like many in the country, is very well done with excellent information in all media. We were shown a very good video in their screening room, which highlighted the various things one can do in Lake Shikotsu in all the seasons. Interestingly, I didn't see any kayaking in the video, which would be our activity for the afternoon. Information for this activity was rather vague, and I was wondering how tough would the course be since my last canoeing experience was more than a decade ago........<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YLNcpFAjl48/Wflxi7KkIxI/AAAAAAAAD_I/ui92ItQOvrAXu1V672mWGsKOHb62fXRngCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04163w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YLNcpFAjl48/Wflxi7KkIxI/AAAAAAAAD_I/ui92ItQOvrAXu1V672mWGsKOHb62fXRngCLcBGAs/s640/DSC04163w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Volcano Mt Tarumae rising above Lake Shikotsu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GIo3WxH9i0/Wflxi_3LT0I/AAAAAAAAD_M/jZyEsAZ8EZ4VfJ9JLhw8TDc7STtCqvWtACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9402w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="800" height="452" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GIo3WxH9i0/Wflxi_3LT0I/AAAAAAAAD_M/jZyEsAZ8EZ4VfJ9JLhw8TDc7STtCqvWtACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9402w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside our lunch restaurant azzurro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But before that, we had lunch at a Japanese-Italian restaurant <a href="http://www.suimeikaku.jp/azzurro/">azzurro at Lakeside Villa Suimeikaku</a>. Like its namesake, it is situated right by the lake-side and with big glass windows, the setting was perfect for some relaxed dining. Serving Italian cuisine with fresh Japanese/Hokkaido produce, the fare was fabulous. The bread that accompany the onion soup was just so heavenly, I couldn't bear to finish it. It was followed by two starter pastas - Salmon Mushroom spaghetti and Biei Porkball spaghetti. The mains was chicken thigh from Shiretoko in northeast Hokkaido, with the skin fried to perfect crispiness. The condiments were simplicity itself, but with premium quality, simple is enough - pesto with balsamic vinegar with additional choices of mustard and sea-salt for those who love mix-matching tastes. And how do you end an Italian meal? A scoop each of pear and coffee sorbet would certainly do fine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLrC5jNvrKU/Wfm7DFoA5GI/AAAAAAAAECo/0p4twwmhlzAQGNY_Xsa6ZGjvjFSc1mlhwCLcBGAs/s1600/lunchsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLrC5jNvrKU/Wfm7DFoA5GI/AAAAAAAAECo/0p4twwmhlzAQGNY_Xsa6ZGjvjFSc1mlhwCLcBGAs/s1600/lunchsoup.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Onion Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edPWBdKmNQY/Wfm7EJJrHMI/AAAAAAAAECw/tbvxEYcr5J4CetBTw8KD3p-vMKyC7vIzQCLcBGAs/s1600/lunchstarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edPWBdKmNQY/Wfm7EJJrHMI/AAAAAAAAECw/tbvxEYcr5J4CetBTw8KD3p-vMKyC7vIzQCLcBGAs/s640/lunchstarter.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two mini starter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUz916Zby1o/Wfm7DMLCZqI/AAAAAAAAECs/yTf3Ne4pZ84dUWTJ9FgO8ezl9UbAzv3KwCLcBGAs/s1600/lunchmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUz916Zby1o/Wfm7DMLCZqI/AAAAAAAAECs/yTf3Ne4pZ84dUWTJ9FgO8ezl9UbAzv3KwCLcBGAs/s1600/lunchmain.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main - Chicken Thigh from Shiretoko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEprH-FmESM/Wfm7DHmGWzI/AAAAAAAAECk/0wHSstKCslgL0C808dR94gBeJoIV1Qi3QCLcBGAs/s1600/lunchdessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEprH-FmESM/Wfm7DHmGWzI/AAAAAAAAECk/0wHSstKCslgL0C808dR94gBeJoIV1Qi3QCLcBGAs/s1600/lunchdessert.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert - Sorbet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We did not waste any time and headed straight to the kayak operator, which was housed in Guesthouse Shikotsu Kamui. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that excellent gear were all provided. I had brought my wind+water proof jacket, but they had everything covered - jacket, pants, boots, gloves and neck-gaiter even. We were paired up, and brought to the riverbank where the glass-bottomed kayaks were. Yes, the 2-man kayaks had a square glass bottom in front of each rowers feet. I knew there were sightseeing boats with glass bottom, but I didn't realize they have them for kayaks as well! <br />
<br />
We were given a 5-minute crash course, and off we go! Well, the lake was particularly choppy today, so we would be only paddling along the river. Thank goodness for that, as later we did try to paddle out to the lake and the waves were quite strong. But one thing was certain, whether along the river or on the lake. The clarity of the waters here is legendary, and hence the glass bottom boats and kayaks. As you'll see in the video, even with the thick glass bottom and the waterproof housing of my GoPro, the clarity of the bottom is quite astonishing! That is probably why Lake Shikotsu waters had been rated the clearest in Japan for many yeasrs. And also, there were some nice autumn colours along the river as well, so the short 1+ hour paddling around the area was quickly over. But I think the objective was achieved - we have experienced first-hand this interesting activity in Lake Shikotsu.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h4WwMylx_C4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h4WwMylx_C4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
After returning everything, we barely had enough time to take a couple more photos (yes, it's peak autumn foliage!) before heading out to our next activity - cycling. In fact, cycling would be the common activity for the three days. Which somewhat makes sense - the idea is to experience cycling routes where there are interesting activities, and thus we could try to piece out an itinerary for a "cycling trip" that would be interspersed with interesting activities instead of just a pure cycling trip.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FcAhtMaaEPo/Wflu0vhPyPI/AAAAAAAAD-8/s3HYBsjjnf0PEwejxqmWmwE-p6pfV7VZgCLcBGAs/s1600/GOPR0382w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FcAhtMaaEPo/Wflu0vhPyPI/AAAAAAAAD-8/s3HYBsjjnf0PEwejxqmWmwE-p6pfV7VZgCLcBGAs/s640/GOPR0382w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking in autumn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBVvkfnX3wI/WflyhSlqmnI/AAAAAAAAD_U/3lQcVM1hEWwr7Bo5an80Zxsmy_6NvXZBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9469w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="800" height="472" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBVvkfnX3wI/WflyhSlqmnI/AAAAAAAAD_U/3lQcVM1hEWwr7Bo5an80Zxsmy_6NvXZBQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9469w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last minute photo-taking of fall foliage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were met with our cycling "leader" who would be leading our route. It would be a sampler route covering just 8km, which would enable us to see what the scenery would be like. Obviously, the route would not be a flat 8km like in Singapore, and I guess this would be taken into account if formulating an itinerary for the general "non-serious" cyclists. Which brought me to my next point - the bikes provided were racer bikes, which we thought were not really suitable for a general cycling trip (unless it's a confirmed all-pro cyclists). Nevertheless, we of course took to the course, and I've extracted and combined segments of our three days of cycling scenery, and compressed them into a short timelapse video. Like I said, this will let you see what/how it is like to be cycling in Hokkaido.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dP6ylqqicPI/Wfl07lkg8RI/AAAAAAAAD_g/up6DawdOthkyqxawVXVPFmBIenaTzrNggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9500w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dP6ylqqicPI/Wfl07lkg8RI/AAAAAAAAD_g/up6DawdOthkyqxawVXVPFmBIenaTzrNggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9500w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our racer bikes prepared for us...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Personally, one thing I have to highlight is that the autumn scenery added so much to the joy of cycling. But be forewarned that it can get quite cold in the autumn air! Some sections of the path are for bicycles only, while most inadvertently are shared with motorized vehicles. However, the parts that we covered over the three days were relatively low in traffic, so it was still very pleasant. Apparently, it is also quite possible to be cycling during winter as well, in which case, they will replace the bicycle tires with suitable ones for winter. But I guess this would only be hardcore cyclist travelers!<br />
<br />
The video below is a compilation of certain segments of all the short cycling routes we took over the three days. I figured it makes more sense to put all the cycling together and I've sped up the frame rate such that it becomes a manageable two-and-a-half minutes timelapse. The idea is just to show the road conditions, scenery etc of the cycling route. And unfortunately as you can see from the video, some parts were rather wobbly because of my first-time handling of the racer bike :p.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ti7oMBpp1BE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ti7oMBpp1BE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Dinner was sushi at a Cafe Maru, where a queue of local patrons is always a good sign. While obviously the sushi was very good, there wasn't really something that stood out for me. Given the variety, all seemed equally good, and of course we had to have Sapporo Classic, their local beer which is only available here in Hokkaido!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBxVNPSxP8/Wfl1ueUDLHI/AAAAAAAAD_o/VUGtrBlTCR825oRSpRaE-zj5ZFiCpX5LgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9539w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBxVNPSxP8/Wfl1ueUDLHI/AAAAAAAAD_o/VUGtrBlTCR825oRSpRaE-zj5ZFiCpX5LgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9539w.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapporo Classic ... only available in Hokkaido!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1447T2fMgU/Wfl1uhuymMI/AAAAAAAAD_s/YNKsO6uX2h8MffIWWQjDydNJNXxp8OymACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9546w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1447T2fMgU/Wfl1uhuymMI/AAAAAAAAD_s/YNKsO6uX2h8MffIWWQjDydNJNXxp8OymACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9546w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Day 2</b></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
So Day Two started with us heading to <a href="http://wildmustangs.jp/">Wild Mustang's</a>, where we would be doing some horse riding. It was actually situated next to a vineyard/winery at the foot of Mt Hakkenzan. Now, I have not heard about Hokkaido wines before, and this caught my interest and we wandered in to take a look. Apparently, they are experimenting with growing various grape varieties, and see which ones are best suited for the climate here. So it was not surprising to see that each row of the grape vines are labeled with different grapes!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3mr36t_h7I/Wfl7bY9YFHI/AAAAAAAAD_8/HFxygHkjwdY5EJnJ_7R1OSkN_Fjful91gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9570w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3mr36t_h7I/Wfl7bY9YFHI/AAAAAAAAD_8/HFxygHkjwdY5EJnJ_7R1OSkN_Fjful91gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9570w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winery/Vineyard under Mt Hakkenzan - Wild Mustang's is just next to this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEIb91Le8GA/Wfl7beWVO1I/AAAAAAAAEAA/Adj6z5OTnGwVWDtWTAikFV4dwQAAdx_DgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04178w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEIb91Le8GA/Wfl7beWVO1I/AAAAAAAAEAA/Adj6z5OTnGwVWDtWTAikFV4dwQAAdx_DgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC04178w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experimentation with various grapes grown in Hokkaido soil/climate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After this unscheduled stop, we finally reached <a href="http://wildmustangs.jp/">Wild Mustang's</a>, whose office is literally modeled into a Wild West Saloon. And to complete the whole "Wild West" feel, all participants can choose from a wide range of cowboy accessories to wear during the riding, eg. boots, hats etc! :)<br />
<br />
However, we were not allowed to bring our cameras on top of the horses for safety reasons. In fact, there were alot of emphasis on the safety aspect which of course is a good thing. But we had limited time, and after our lesson and practise inside the manege/ring, we were brought out for our actual riding... for like ten minutes or so! So it was a little disappointing for me... I guess if this was your very first horse-riding experience, it may not be so bad, but for me, it was the least interesting of all the activities. But at least the vineyard visit was interesting! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjyIRVFHI74/Wfl8qo6QE2I/AAAAAAAAEAM/XXntSWFIy8cIs_ftWslUch1uDmjU-VgaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9572w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjyIRVFHI74/Wfl8qo6QE2I/AAAAAAAAEAM/XXntSWFIy8cIs_ftWslUch1uDmjU-VgaQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9572w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowboy apparel for your riding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VK0gVwTnPVM/Wfl8q4KWuSI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/6XWqrpxJEKIlHkoVol-zeGUedHfhW8OcQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04182w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="800" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VK0gVwTnPVM/Wfl8q4KWuSI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/6XWqrpxJEKIlHkoVol-zeGUedHfhW8OcQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC04182w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Mustang's is also a family friendly horse-riding place - in fact, while we were there, a group of kids were also riding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think due to the unscheduled time spent in the vineyard, we were quite behind schedule. So our next stop <a href="http://yuni-garden.co.jp/">Yuni Garden</a>, which would also be our lunch stop, had to be shortened. Yuni Garden is a British styled garden with a revolving cast of flowers that reflect the seasons, as well as a herb garden. The gardens cover over 14 hectares of land, but we could only admire what we could from the upper floor of the visitor center/restaurant. Our lunch was also reduced to a half-hour, which is a shame, as the restaurant had a buffet which was really quite good. Nevertheless, we still had our fill, so as to be ready for our next cycling route!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmNc0c946tQ/Wfl_BJ0ZOTI/AAAAAAAAEAc/H3m2IFVZID8Q6U1Ils813FSfsc9wACeiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9584w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="482" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmNc0c946tQ/Wfl_BJ0ZOTI/AAAAAAAAEAc/H3m2IFVZID8Q6U1Ils813FSfsc9wACeiACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9584w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuni Garden main building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1-ZqWNiXDw/Wfl_BCIp_0I/AAAAAAAAEAg/ud8jlUO7AD0jeRVQ7RBb_t_Mit65ukpHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9591w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="800" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1-ZqWNiXDw/Wfl_BCIp_0I/AAAAAAAAEAg/ud8jlUO7AD0jeRVQ7RBb_t_Mit65ukpHACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9591w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful landscaping of the garden grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN8sm6Euwz8/Wfl_8Bs2IiI/AAAAAAAAEAo/ctCkdaXxgw0tPvVbB_5SbwxdqLoab5G8ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04212w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="800" height="378" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN8sm6Euwz8/Wfl_8Bs2IiI/AAAAAAAAEAo/ctCkdaXxgw0tPvVbB_5SbwxdqLoab5G8ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC04212w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely autumn colours along the cycling route</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBbJ0LLx3T4/Wfl_8NHsZ6I/AAAAAAAAEAs/jvC9DaNkkJAfhyXyoL3xF9jQknqRzCejwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9599w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBbJ0LLx3T4/Wfl_8NHsZ6I/AAAAAAAAEAs/jvC9DaNkkJAfhyXyoL3xF9jQknqRzCejwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9599w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed by many farmland and orchards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the cycling, the last activity of the day was something I looked forward to. Paragliding! However, what got me excited was that it would NOT be a tandem paragliding! Really?! Is this for real?? We would be on our own? We had many questions but we would soon find out!<br />
<br />
As it turns out, of course we would not be paragliding off a cliff or something. Basically, we would be having paragliding lessons, and we would be actually handling the chute (aided/guided by the instructor from <a href="http://sunny-side.net/">Sunny Side Paragliding School</a>) down a ski slope. This means that we would be actually airborne, <b><i>on our own</i></b>, albeit only for a couple of seconds. Each of us would only have three attempts, and so all of us hope to have a fairly good "airborne" experience, as the feeling is just awesome! Now, some people actually prefer the tandem paragliding, as they just want the experience without doing anything. But in this case, you are the one controlling and braking etc (with guidance), so there is a certain amount of effort, but hey, that's what the experience is all about! So this activity was one of my highlights, and I'm glad I can share the availability of such an activity here. Below is a short clip of one of my poorer attempts, so you can see what it is all about. (My second attempt had me airborne higher for a wee bit longer, wheee!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5Fc85yhFqZ8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Fc85yhFqZ8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCFJIk7_arc/WfmBdy18fMI/AAAAAAAAEA4/yDnvSjb7CBsChow0sy4agdAryU-yXq9-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9617w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCFJIk7_arc/WfmBdy18fMI/AAAAAAAAEA4/yDnvSjb7CBsChow0sy4agdAryU-yXq9-ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9617w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Day - Ready to launch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOxOJWto0Ko/WfmBpov_8mI/AAAAAAAAEA8/bw9CtB1maOUyjA9ey__blY1_V0yDpKnbwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04222w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOxOJWto0Ko/WfmBpov_8mI/AAAAAAAAEA8/bw9CtB1maOUyjA9ey__blY1_V0yDpKnbwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04222w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we are in the air on our own!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The paragliding site was near Iwamizawa, and so we would be staying the night in the town. The dinner for the day was another highlight for the trip. Kunie and Okawado-san, the man responsible for this whole trip, brought us to a very local joint serving just hotpot and yakitori. Situated in a nondescript building with a really non-conspicuous entrance at the back, a tourist would never know of its existence! So a guide here would be a definite necessity. And once we stepped in, it's like entering a scene from one of those Japanese TV or movie. A really authentic cosy local place where people come to wind down with family and friends. <br />
<br />
While the food may not compare to the Japanese-Italian restaurant on the first day, the whole experience was such a rarity. I mean, the menu consists of just the hotpot (with really tasty soup) and two types of yakitori! But the conversations were free flowing, of course aided by some good local Sapporo classic and sake!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLq95nvXBIc/WfmIBeM9PAI/AAAAAAAAEBM/344rZm2D3qkl9jQpj8r8H7zKfAMZ0abHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9657w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLq95nvXBIc/WfmIBeM9PAI/AAAAAAAAEBM/344rZm2D3qkl9jQpj8r8H7zKfAMZ0abHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9657w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small inconspicuous entrance behind a building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCpB2qkF1lg/WfmIBkLgBXI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/czhSzNPg-yU4lvhlm-ZzRzlKyP6dIbhtACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9684w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCpB2qkF1lg/WfmIBkLgBXI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/czhSzNPg-yU4lvhlm-ZzRzlKyP6dIbhtACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9684w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have bar counter-top eating/drinking space as well as the normal sitting table space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjLCalTvRdA/WfmILrNcAWI/AAAAAAAAEBU/vYGLKEaH0_ct-kGciE--qXn8mUE6siUZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9660w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjLCalTvRdA/WfmILrNcAWI/AAAAAAAAEBU/vYGLKEaH0_ct-kGciE--qXn8mUE6siUZwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9660w.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard hotpot set laid out, wooden walls with age-old posters/menu, hangers for your jackets - just your friendly neighborhood eating place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3GObZl7SsYo/WfmIL2cmoJI/AAAAAAAAEBY/NpOkuYwxhXICb6a87bawCs4JXlqHe-uuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9672w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3GObZl7SsYo/WfmIL2cmoJI/AAAAAAAAEBY/NpOkuYwxhXICb6a87bawCs4JXlqHe-uuwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9672w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotpot and yakitori, the main menu for the place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7Im6yhkZ7k/WfmKD-JGysI/AAAAAAAAEBk/IZgMxZ_UhX85NP9Q4RDxcUkXIN7-w5lPACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04233w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="800" height="418" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7Im6yhkZ7k/WfmKD-JGysI/AAAAAAAAEBk/IZgMxZ_UhX85NP9Q4RDxcUkXIN7-w5lPACLcBGAs/s640/DSC04233w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of a wonderful day in Iwamizawa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day 3</h4>
<br />
Thankfully, our third and final day still went on time ;). It was a visit to <a href="http://www.artepiazza.jp/english/">Arte Piazza Bibai</a>, a sculpture park with works from Kan Yasuda, a renowned sculptor. His sculptures are mainly made from white marble and black bronze, and the placement of all his works in the 17 acre park is specially planned to harmonize with the surroundings. And in the different seasons, they invoke different ambience to the park as well. This was also one of the more touristy sites we visited - there were many tour buses and groups when we were there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cqlX014IiU/WfmMTdTjaUI/AAAAAAAAEB4/K9p7g8hpmR4qzWmMdxMuxVUt33A1hDl1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9699w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="571" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cqlX014IiU/WfmMTdTjaUI/AAAAAAAAEB4/K9p7g8hpmR4qzWmMdxMuxVUt33A1hDl1wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9699w.jpg" width="569" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture and Art installation in a beautiful setting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJq75dUMgZ4/WfmMTZa06MI/AAAAAAAAEB0/PnHvySKOuFk-m_LyyCeTp8umquPS27dJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9704w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJq75dUMgZ4/WfmMTZa06MI/AAAAAAAAEB0/PnHvySKOuFk-m_LyyCeTp8umquPS27dJwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9704w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kan Yasuda's art is carved from a single block of white marble</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNUOz_sf6Jo/WfmMTENGA5I/AAAAAAAAEBw/wEXEuA-1vlwpGC5iNdk4QR0HS7SxBINVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9726w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNUOz_sf6Jo/WfmMTENGA5I/AAAAAAAAEBw/wEXEuA-1vlwpGC5iNdk4QR0HS7SxBINVACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9726w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn setting </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a relaxing walk around the park, it's time for some cycling again. This time, we cycled close to 10km to Takikawa city for lunch. Inevitably, our lunch would be at Matsuo Genghis-Khan, the city's local specialty of marinated BBQ lamb. In fact in Hokkaido, this form of grilling lamb together with vegetables and a special sauce, is so famous that now people refer to the dish as Genghis-Khan, which kinda got me confused for a while.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-095my_EokGw/WfmN-vHtAwI/AAAAAAAAECI/9zROqm9C6PIeR0iPpowkfP2P2gj7svFNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9737w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-095my_EokGw/WfmN-vHtAwI/AAAAAAAAECI/9zROqm9C6PIeR0iPpowkfP2P2gj7svFNgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9737w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycling in Takikawa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KS0VXU-E46c/WfmN-RJVX9I/AAAAAAAAECE/saLJTckxrQU-N2ywdzSYd1skue4kqAiGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9741w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KS0VXU-E46c/WfmN-RJVX9I/AAAAAAAAECE/saLJTckxrQU-N2ywdzSYd1skue4kqAiGACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9741w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">According to instructions, we put the mutton at the center while all the vegetables are placed around it. Then we pour in the special sauce...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After lunch, it was another exciting activity. Like paragliding, our itinerary just stated "MOTOGLIDING", and we were left wondering how involved are we in the activity. We reached <a href="http://takikawaskypark.com/">Takikawa Skypark</a>, where the gliders are, and it seemed apparent that this time, we would be just passengers enjoying the ride!<br />
<br />
The gliders here do not have any engines, nor propellers (as far as I can see), and taking off is assisted by an actual small aircraft (so technically, we are not doing "motorgliding" which I presume would have an engine/motor). Once into the air, the glider can manoever, fly/glide etc just by using air, its weight, and its wing/tail configuration etc.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJxTpeEurc/WfmQbFJUWYI/AAAAAAAAECU/yzxDEnVMB9gQosdvH-GTtq_t8CWEDSJkwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9750w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJxTpeEurc/WfmQbFJUWYI/AAAAAAAAECU/yzxDEnVMB9gQosdvH-GTtq_t8CWEDSJkwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9750w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our motorless, propeller-less glider and our pilot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The gliders are two-seaters, and the pilot sits in front while the passenger sits behind. There are control sticks and panels in the back seat as well, which move in tandem to the ones in front. Well, the Skypark is actually also a school, where one can learn to fly these gliders. Thus this allows the instructor to guide the trainee pilot during lessons. This school, in fact, is the only one available in Hokkaido! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and again, this is one that not many would know about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LeGsaCznKLs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LeGsaCznKLs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Nuvac4diytw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nuvac4diytw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
We did our final cycling route before stopping for a nice coffee break at Cafe Horno. It would be a long drive back to Sapporo, and enroute, we would be stopping at what is known as a Roadside Rest Area. Many highways around the world have these rest areas or rest stops for drivers to take a break, service their vehicles or... shop. Here in Hokkaido, many of these rest areas contain specialty shops, and some are like attractions itself! The one we would be stopping by is Riceland Fukagawa. That area is known for its quality rice, and inside the station, there is a rice processing and polishing machine. Visitors can come in, buy and see their rice being dehusked, sorted, polished and packed right before their eyes. And all this in a highway rest area!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsWeQbgSBzY/Wfm8r2rWLjI/AAAAAAAAEC8/4faG5Uvb9NUw8_nuhQzLKcvBKfzz8pm8QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04309w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="800" height="560" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsWeQbgSBzY/Wfm8r2rWLjI/AAAAAAAAEC8/4faG5Uvb9NUw8_nuhQzLKcvBKfzz8pm8QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC04309w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice grain sorting and polishing machine - Japanese machinery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk6fkikSf4U/Wfm-FoE5PWI/AAAAAAAAEDU/VM18ZnyZiT4T12NMrI0fNkbMpQZmbB3vwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9804w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk6fkikSf4U/Wfm-FoE5PWI/AAAAAAAAEDU/VM18ZnyZiT4T12NMrI0fNkbMpQZmbB3vwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9804w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Operated by inserting 200yen into the machine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, there are like hundred over such roadside rest areas in Hokkaido, and the relevant authorities have come up with another innovative idea. They came up with a booklet that contained all the main roadside rest areas on the island in each page. Each rest area have a special stamp/chop that one can stamp onto the booklet. So whoever can complete all the stamps in the booklet within a year would be able to get something in return. Not exactly pokemon hunting, but I thought it was a cool and fun idea that would stimulate traffic to these rest areas and thus the shops. Like I said, many of these have specialty shops within them, and are attractions in itself, like Riceland Fukagawa. Even self-drive tourists can have a go at this "game", even if they are unlikely to complete it. It's kinda fun! At the end of this trip, we have collected three such stamps, and I am bringing this booklet home as a souvenir! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhU6yviS8kQ/Wfm9XCBB4KI/AAAAAAAAEDE/fpcCpZYMOrsyD22t8KP2bNH2HzQ9mNy2ACLcBGAs/s1600/stamping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="885" height="462" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhU6yviS8kQ/Wfm9XCBB4KI/AAAAAAAAEDE/fpcCpZYMOrsyD22t8KP2bNH2HzQ9mNy2ACLcBGAs/s640/stamping.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue symbol would indicate that this Roadside Rest Area has the stamping facility, and on a counter within the rest area, it would indicate which page on the booklet to find this rest area </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEwdpmDG5Dc/Wfm9XZDXGvI/AAAAAAAAEDI/iUEr9RLMpBMjokIckOpABAQk0SgXymozQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9484w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEwdpmDG5Dc/Wfm9XZDXGvI/AAAAAAAAEDI/iUEr9RLMpBMjokIckOpABAQk0SgXymozQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9484w.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each Rest Area stamp is different (and usually very cute), and you would then stamp the date that you reached</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We reached back to Sapporo late in the evening. We headed straight to dinner at a modern Japanese fusion restaurant, and even though we have scheduled a debrief session the next day, we were already talking about the experience. It had been a packed but fruitful trip. In my previous trips to Hokkaido on my own, I had covered many parts of the island, from the north to the far east. But in this trip, we covered an area at most two hours away from Sapporo only, yet the activities we did and experiences we had were so varied and interesting. It was really a different side of Hokkaido for me.<br />
<br />
While some of the activities can be done independently, for those who are keen on exploring a "cycling trip" can contact <a href="http://www.x-trekkers.com/">X-Trekkers</a>, who would be planning out some itineraries. The trip would handle most of the bicycle logistics etc. You can email their <a href="mailto:japan@x-trekkers.com">dedicated team</a> for more info.<br />
<br />
And I'll like to end off with special thanks for Kunie and Okawado-san for making this such an enjoyable trip! Thank You!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obgyOrRA7gU/WfqCw-Qn5qI/AAAAAAAAEDk/EHoVHKWe9tMcWCCioBDND_MbBN44oL7owCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9780w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obgyOrRA7gU/WfqCw-Qn5qI/AAAAAAAAEDk/EHoVHKWe9tMcWCCioBDND_MbBN44oL7owCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9780w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-24301071485124193762017-10-11T14:11:00.000+08:002017-10-11T14:11:25.765+08:00Tips On How To Handle Long Train Rides<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-37ca738c-00fd-ca50-53b3-3939343f59ef" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
Today, we have another guest post, this time from Outreachmama. This guest post "Tips on How to Handle Long Train Rides" is written by Wendy Dessler. </div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Enjoy The Experience</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />While there can be a lot of beauty in traveling alone, if you’re hauling your own luggage around, that beauty will be metered with fatigue.<br /><br />It can be easy for your luggage to get lost in the shuffle when you’re traveling during the holidays. <a href="http://stagetecture.com/best-holiday-travel-tips/">Here are some tips to make holiday travel less arduous</a>; but one thing worth considering is that you don’t have to haul your bags around as you go from one place to another. This is especially good news for those who have larger moves ahead of them!<br /><br />Now certainly, if you’re traveling on a train, losing your luggage will be less likely. It stays on the same train throughout the journey! But it could be expensive, depending on how much you have to bring with you. Additionally, some may have access to it that you would prefer didn’t.<br /><br />My personal statement is that traveling on a train today is a bit of a novelty in the USA. Nobody travels by train anymore. They usually take a vehicle or a plane. But on a train you can work, or watch movies, or read a book throughout the journey. In Europe is quite different - people do have common practice to travel by train a lot, especially in between countries. You can watch the landscape go by and meet new people in the varying passenger cars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjBVISpuIhA/WdtlChuenrI/AAAAAAAAD-I/T5X3J7wEnDsC5vbJ-xeXc0cp-sPSA0ylwCLcBGAs/s1600/glacier-express-1935942_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="960" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjBVISpuIhA/WdtlChuenrI/AAAAAAAAD-I/T5X3J7wEnDsC5vbJ-xeXc0cp-sPSA0ylwCLcBGAs/s400/glacier-express-1935942_960_720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from : https://pixabay.com/en/glacier-express-1935942/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-37ca738c-00ff-6bb2-a447-9e42ab410443" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">A New Kind Of Train</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />The anatomy of a modern passenger train may take several forms, but for longer journeys, you can expect to find several different kinds of cars. There will be “first class” cars, there will be luggage cars, dining cars, cocktail cars, observation cars, and on some trains even a smoking car—that will depend on your region, though.<br /><br />If you’re on a really long trip, you want to get to know each of these cars. Trains are great to travel in because you can get up and move around. That said, if you have a bag with you the whole time, you’ll be worried about how it sits—especially if you are traveling alone.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJOzCE4fE24/Wdtlhw_Z2sI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/JXoUE0ED-H801GSRTcCjOgNdoONG7-T-QCLcBGAs/s1600/luggage-2708846_960_720.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJOzCE4fE24/Wdtlhw_Z2sI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/JXoUE0ED-H801GSRTcCjOgNdoONG7-T-QCLcBGAs/s400/luggage-2708846_960_720.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from : https://pixabay.com/en/luggage-stack-old-antique-2708846/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: large;">Surprising Possibilities</span><br /><br />If you really want to enjoy your travel, why not send your luggage on ahead of you? The <a href="https://www.unibaggage.com/">No.1 Student Shipping Company</a>, UniBaggage.com, are: “…experts at shipping students’ effects around the world. We make worldwide luggage delivery convenient for University Students, Holidaymakers, the Forces, and Seasonaires.”<br /><br />Consider this: if you work from a computer, during a ten-hour journey you could conceivably work through your backlog and arrive at your destination without anything else to drag you down.<br /><br />If you plan it right, you can send your luggage on ahead of you while you enjoy all the many things a train has to offer. Bring a book, or watch a movie on your tablet. Meet that pretty young person in the bar and get to know them better—you may even be going to the same place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5E8rnUxL7Y/Wdtl7-SYmuI/AAAAAAAAD-U/gXQwjAguvUIP8nPW9bSGOjLiH3VpgGHQACLcBGAs/s1600/photographer-428388_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="960" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5E8rnUxL7Y/Wdtl7-SYmuI/AAAAAAAAD-U/gXQwjAguvUIP8nPW9bSGOjLiH3VpgGHQACLcBGAs/s400/photographer-428388_960_720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from : https://pixabay.com/en/photographer-camera-photo-photos-428388/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Look at the scenery. There’s a passenger train which goes through Montana all the way to Glacier National Park. On its observation car, you can see some of the purest breathtaking vistas in all of North America. Many other trains have similar routes that are likewise astonishing, and can change your view of the country in certain ways.<br /><br />If you’re a photographer, you can catch some truly beautiful shots—the kind you wouldn’t be able to find any other way. Some trains will go through a gorgeous mountain pass where for as far as the eye can see, no sign of humanity is visible.<br /><br />However you spend your time on a train, there are new experiences to be had, and convenience to be enjoyed. In some cars you can even take a nap in the provided bed. So if you haven’t tried traveling by train, maybe it’s time to give it a shot!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Author Bio</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br />Wendy Dessler<br />Wendy is a super-connector with Outreachmama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.</span></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-37647292496227368902017-07-29T13:18:00.001+08:002017-07-29T13:19:50.740+08:00Salzburg on a Budget using the Salzburg Card<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Being a "slow" traveler, I am usually not a fan of those "City Cards", a tourist travel card that gets you free admission to tons of attractions (alot of it are museums), get discounts in shops and ride the local bus/metro free. Many of the popular cities in Europe have these cards (sometimes called "Pass"), eg. Lisbon Card, Granada Card, Firenze Card etc. I feel that I usually do not "use up" the value of the card as I usually visit very few attractions a day. Some of these Cards allow you to skip queues or grant priority access and for these, I think they are certainly worth considering (esp to those mega popular sites).<br />
<br />
Now obviously not all the cards are created equal. I visited Salzburg Austria over the New Year last year, and found the <a href="https://www.salzburg.info/en/hotels-offers/salzburg-card">Salzburg Card</a> amazing value (for me). The card comes in 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour versions. Here's sharing some info and tips on how I used a 24-hour card over a 2-day period!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9nywx3NBOk/WXs6oE4tiEI/AAAAAAAAD5E/uUW4nEKSrOwVei_hQ9RZbMSblm6DrfCYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3814w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9nywx3NBOk/WXs6oE4tiEI/AAAAAAAAD5E/uUW4nEKSrOwVei_hQ9RZbMSblm6DrfCYQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3814w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Salzburg city from Hohensalzburg Fortress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, the 1st thing to note is that it's a 24-hour card. This is different from some other cards, which may be a "1-Day card" or "3-Day pass" etc. Because it's based on hours and not on a date, you can actually use this card over a 2 day period. Today's technology is such that entry into attractions are through bar-codes and QR-codes etc, so the Salzburg card (which has a barcode) activation is done on your first use/entry into an attraction. <b>The 24 hours validity of the card start from this activation time</b>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2G6hsz599A/WXs7VD1o1pI/AAAAAAAAD5M/whvsCAr6LigmIyOH3XBxYvD967CMS4aWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3919w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2G6hsz599A/WXs7VD1o1pI/AAAAAAAAD5M/whvsCAr6LigmIyOH3XBxYvD967CMS4aWACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3919w.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mozart's Birthplace, now a museum of course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So on my first day, I walked around the city in the morning, which is what I usually do when I reach a new city. I love to just walk around and get a feel of the place without visiting any attraction. Sometimes I can spend a whole day just walking (told you I am a "slow" traveler). I only started using the card like 1.30pm. Now, the list of <a href="https://www.salzburg.info/en/hotels-offers/salzburg-card/free-admission">free admission</a> and <a href="https://www.salzburg.info/en/hotels-offers/salzburg-card/discounts">discounts</a> attractions are quite numerous. So read your favorite guidebooks or on internet to see which attractions interest you. Obviously, most of the Mozart/Sound of Music stuff are included in the list :). The key tip is, leave your favorite attraction or one that you know will take up the longest time to the last. So next day, just make sure to reach it before the activated time, eg. for me, I made sure to reach before 1.30pm. Once you enter, you can enjoy the attraction however you like even though your Salzburg card is past the validity since the validity is only checked on the point of entry! (by the machine scanning the bar-code on your card)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9QlBODxGzA/WXs6GEEnHzI/AAAAAAAAD5A/a98UKmKZiD4PEg_NkERiIDKlGAtK2LM8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3952w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9QlBODxGzA/WXs6GEEnHzI/AAAAAAAAD5A/a98UKmKZiD4PEg_NkERiIDKlGAtK2LM8wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3952w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cable-car up Untersberg - the cost of the cable car is 23.5<span class="st" data-hveid="46" data-ved="0ahUKEwiItN_41KvVAhVDgLwKHbaqAU4Q4EUILjAB">€, which is almost the cost of the 24hr Salzburg Card!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="46" data-ved="0ahUKEwiItN_41KvVAhVDgLwKHbaqAU4Q4EUILjAB">The cost of the 24-hour Salzburg card in winter is 24</span><span class="st" data-hveid="46" data-ved="0ahUKEwiItN_41KvVAhVDgLwKHbaqAU4Q4EUILjAB">€ and the cost of all the places I've visited worked out to be 84</span><span class="st" data-hveid="46" data-ved="0ahUKEwiItN_41KvVAhVDgLwKHbaqAU4Q4EUILjAB">€, so I figured it's really value for money ;). As opposed to those "1-Day" kind of cards, where you'll have to cram visiting all the attractions in 1 full day, this allows you to split your "touring" over 2 days with an overnight rest! (assuming you activate it in the early afternoon like me)</span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="46" data-ved="0ahUKEwiItN_41KvVAhVDgLwKHbaqAU4Q4EUILjAB"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="46" data-ved="0ahUKEwiItN_41KvVAhVDgLwKHbaqAU4Q4EUILjAB">For those who are only staying a night, arriving late morning/noon and leaving next day afternoon, can also utilize this card perfectly. Remember this card also includes free local transportation, so you could take the bus etc to the train station free. I have to say though, that Salzburg deserves more days! So enjoy this tip, and oh, it may be applicable to other "City cards" as well, so do read the fine prints / details!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OAfxWSPHyw/WXwahvto2mI/AAAAAAAAD5o/qotzW0Va7zYAkQEqrSPHs-B8hEn5NPdRQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01698w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OAfxWSPHyw/WXwahvto2mI/AAAAAAAAD5o/qotzW0Va7zYAkQEqrSPHs-B8hEn5NPdRQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01698w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salzburg at Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PO1Xi6in9Qg/WXs83NwYVCI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/vxu9eESc_9sucidWqIktDibeMk2FLxzSACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3920w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PO1Xi6in9Qg/WXs83NwYVCI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/vxu9eESc_9sucidWqIktDibeMk2FLxzSACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3920w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the river in Salzburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-689109781423607192017-06-11T22:58:00.000+08:002017-07-13T11:08:24.065+08:00Galapagos Islands on a Budget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have never really looked at the Galapagos islands as one of my destinations, mainly because of my perceived costs of the cruises going there. But a chance conversation with a friend pointed me to the possibility of a Galapagos trip in an "independent" fashion. And so, I made it to the Galapagos Islands on a "budget"!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YffC9vankU0/WT1Ot9N8G1I/AAAAAAAAD3o/_tP-FTf0mNou_dDe_IaYdUAiplG0I6-UQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1562w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YffC9vankU0/WT1Ot9N8G1I/AAAAAAAAD3o/_tP-FTf0mNou_dDe_IaYdUAiplG0I6-UQCLcB/s640/IMG_1562w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Galapagos Islands lie about 900km west of Ecuador (which it is part
of), and consists of a couple of main islands, a dozen other smaller
ones and many more islets. They are well-known for the biodiversity
available only in this region, which contributed largely to the
formulation of Charles Darwin’s famous theory of evolution.<br />
<br />
Of these islands, only Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal have access to an
airport. So, independent travelers can fly in/out of any one of two — you could also fly in one, and out from another, which can be a nice arrangement if you are doing island-hopping. Several airlines fly there from either Quito or Guayaquil, so check out your favorite airline booking site. Flights can get as cheap as US$350 return, so do buy your tickets in advance. My trip to the Galapagos was a last minute decision, so I could only afford 5 days, and so I limited myself to only 1 island, and got myself return tickets to Santa Cruz island from Quito. <b>TIP</b>: If you ever fly airlines on the oneworld alliance, it may be worthwhile to signup LATAM's frequent flyer program and clock your miles in there, esp if you have intention of going South America. On my flight to Iceland from Singapore 2 years back, I decided to do just that and got myself about 16k miles. And guess what? Return flights to Santa Cruz from Quito can be redeemed for 16k miles (so 8k 1-way). So I only paid us$50 taxes for my flight to the Galapagos! :) :)<br />
<br />
Now, the airport is actually on Baltra island, a tiny island just for the airport, and then you'll get a free shuttle transfer to the ferry port. From there, a US$1 ferry brings you to Santa Cruz island proper where you will then take a US$2 bus transfer to the town of Puerto Ayora.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmyLTMck-KI/WT1OZgFZBaI/AAAAAAAAD3k/qG6uUadIjiEFq1MgNaVNVy3WBxqcH50zACLcB/s1600/IMG_2339w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1024" height="528" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmyLTMck-KI/WT1OZgFZBaI/AAAAAAAAD3k/qG6uUadIjiEFq1MgNaVNVy3WBxqcH50zACLcB/s640/IMG_2339w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are clear information in the airport on how to connect to the islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From Puerto Ayora, there are many tourist agencies that can arrange all manner of activities - from wildlife viewing to scuba-diving. Now, one of the advantages of coming to Puerto Ayora for independent travel, is that Santa Cruz itself has quite a number of attractions that you can visit yourself! Of course, for more intimate encounters with wildlife, especially those underwater, an arranged tour with an agency would be inevitable. So set aside some budget for that. But you do have the option and flexibility to choose what and where to go. There are a variety of day tours in all the agencies you can choose from, so you can shop around. Various islands in the Galapagos offer different wildlife viewing
opportunities, and most of the uninhabited islands can only be visited
by official tour operators and cruises. This ensures that the delicate
ecosystem within the Galapagos is not overly affected by tourism. A typical day tour costs from us$130-$180, and there are of course 2 or 3-day tours as well. Do readup on the various attractions in your favorite guidebook.<br />
<br />
As for accommodation, options range from hostels with dorm beds to comfortable hotels, so there's something to cater for everyone. I got myself a hotel with private bathroom for us$30+ a night, so it wasn't as bad as I initially thought! (Tip: It can get quite hot during the day, so having air-conditioning is a good thing....) <br />
<br />
And similarly for the food, there are actually budget options in the form of small local eateries offering set menu del dias (menu of the day) at us$5! There are also more upscale restaurants, as well as touristy night markets that offer fairly good seafood!<br />
<br />
The other two islands (Isabela and San Cristóbal) that support independent travel infrastructure similarly has budget options, although it may be slightly more limited than Puerto Ayora. I did not have time to visit them, so I could not provide more info but the point I am putting across is that the Galapagos islands can be visited and enjoyed in some manner by budget travelers. And you could actually mix the independent budget travel with a cruise too, as many agencies on Puerto Ayora offer last minute discounted cruise deals!<br />
<br />
And the Galapagos islands are indeed a destination worth checking out! In one of my wildlife encounters, someone was taking photos with an iPhone, and someone remarked that only in the Galapagos could someone shoot wildlife with a mobile. Indeed, one could get really close to the wildlife here, and as testament to that, all photos shown in this blog post are taken on an iPhone 7plus!!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X59L33Ex6c4/WT1O3WSfEuI/AAAAAAAAD3s/tPnvldIX9XsdmBSMflnLbGhfhb2XERqHACLcB/s1600/IMG_1494w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X59L33Ex6c4/WT1O3WSfEuI/AAAAAAAAD3s/tPnvldIX9XsdmBSMflnLbGhfhb2XERqHACLcB/s640/IMG_1494w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKuPxizGBUo/WT1PMaxANwI/AAAAAAAAD3w/MvHgrCkhON8qn5hrJM39UWXjyg5fZ2jEQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1640w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKuPxizGBUo/WT1PMaxANwI/AAAAAAAAD3w/MvHgrCkhON8qn5hrJM39UWXjyg5fZ2jEQCLcB/s640/IMG_1640w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qPfdMC-maA/WT1PMxhxHqI/AAAAAAAAD30/Z5rBhy6GWJQ5SFqg_dU0nPeW8EVO3G1EACLcB/s1600/IMG_1664w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qPfdMC-maA/WT1PMxhxHqI/AAAAAAAAD30/Z5rBhy6GWJQ5SFqg_dU0nPeW8EVO3G1EACLcB/s640/IMG_1664w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting real close to birds and wildlife</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQxqFvt28UA/WT1PesqVd1I/AAAAAAAAD34/-oHvCbnnsDol61wNNtm6TbcpHRAip7fMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1440w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQxqFvt28UA/WT1PesqVd1I/AAAAAAAAD34/-oHvCbnnsDol61wNNtm6TbcpHRAip7fMwCLcB/s640/IMG_1440w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkLcJ7UQcFI/WT1QVh5WCeI/AAAAAAAAD38/qN3f-IsWJwwuUvUJzcvQz7T-d4tS5wjsgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1749w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkLcJ7UQcFI/WT1QVh5WCeI/AAAAAAAAD38/qN3f-IsWJwwuUvUJzcvQz7T-d4tS5wjsgCLcB/s640/IMG_1749w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8gZHJ80GSE/WT1QVuJ9YBI/AAAAAAAAD4A/aPNGQET02jMQuzvmCVdztHBK61H1NTjGwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2139w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="800" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8gZHJ80GSE/WT1QVuJ9YBI/AAAAAAAAD4A/aPNGQET02jMQuzvmCVdztHBK61H1NTjGwCLcB/s640/IMG_2139w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-61350116861514319182017-04-09T21:36:00.000+08:002017-04-09T21:36:35.731+08:00Travel Photography with the iPhone II (dual lens!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
This is an update to my blog entry on <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2016/05/travel-photography-with-iphone.html">Travel Photography with the iPhone</a>. Specifically, an update to the point about add-on lens for the iPhone to expand its focal length. As many would have known by now, the iPhone 7 plus now comes with dual lens inbuilt. This effectively means that I can now have a always-carry-around-with-me camera which wields a nice 28-56mm focal length!<br />
<br />
In addition to the expanded focal length, the IOS Camera app is also updated with a new feature called "Portrait Mode". Now, Photographers all over love taking people photos with beautiful "bokeh" - the creamy blurred background that makes the subject stands out so beautifully. The portrait mode in the Camera app essentially tries to emulate that - pseudo digitally. It uses the 2 lens in the camera, and digitally combine them to simulate the bokeh effect. The purpose of this article though, is not to explain the technical aspects of this portrait mode. Rather, my aim is to show what can be achieved with this feature in reality, esp for travel photography!<br />
<br />
Now, the portrait mode is far from perfect. However, with some understanding of the behavior/quirks of the feature, I have to say that the results can be pretty impressive! Here's a few pointers on utilising the portrait mode of the iPhone 7 plus :<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Firstly, while its labeled as <i>"Portrait"</i> in the Camera app, you obviously <b>don't</b> need to use it for people portraits. You can use it for any subject that you want to isolate and have a nice blurred background. After all, after "processing" the shot, the image is marked with a <i>"Depth Effect"</i> label in your image gallery. So yes, essentially you can use "portrait mode" for anything that you want to create a "depth effect"...!</li>
<li>In order for the Camera app algorithm to create the bokeh/depth effect, the focal length is fixed at the "tele" end, ie 56mm, and the subject needs to be literally confined to a certain distance from the camera (the app will tell you to move further/nearer etc). So it is not as flexible as like a DSLR with a 50mm lens with a wide aperture. Learn to know this distance so that you know what sized subject is best for your creative composition.</li>
<li>Choose well-defined subjects too, so that the app can clearly "guess" the whole subject. Subjects like bushes with thin branches/stems or subjects with fuzzy lines will confuse the app. </li>
</ol>
</div>
That seemed rather restricted, isn't it? But the reality is that, I now DO have the additional creative capability. Remember, all my other points about travel photography with the iPhone (in my previous post) are still very much valid! I still carry a DSLR or mirrorless with me on my travels, but as a testament to what I've written about "the best camera is the one with you", 60+% of all my photos which I've selected and deemed suitable for sharing/display is from the iPhone!<br />
<br />
Check out the gallery of images below taken during my 3-months trip to Europe and South America. They are all taken using the depth effect of the portrait mode of iPhone 7 plus. Looks good?<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdaSse5Xkrw/WOn2AbhTeOI/AAAAAAAAD00/-F4QNkgFrGkVHJ_cZvLTOhMT_EBtMe_vwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7501w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdaSse5Xkrw/WOn2AbhTeOI/AAAAAAAAD00/-F4QNkgFrGkVHJ_cZvLTOhMT_EBtMe_vwCLcB/s640/IMG_7501w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc9vozZLQos/WOn2UiRKzEI/AAAAAAAAD04/3isFgvEbZ24P8PtsseJdouTuZtFGPRMNQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc9vozZLQos/WOn2UiRKzEI/AAAAAAAAD04/3isFgvEbZ24P8PtsseJdouTuZtFGPRMNQCLcB/s640/IMG_8296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EFKrPLRko0/WOn2t432zGI/AAAAAAAAD08/pMaLRU5Xc2oGvPB1lkddtKweT-CnXDQPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7910w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EFKrPLRko0/WOn2t432zGI/AAAAAAAAD08/pMaLRU5Xc2oGvPB1lkddtKweT-CnXDQPgCLcB/s640/IMG_7910w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGqxNtccww/WOn21ycljrI/AAAAAAAAD1A/Tj8HFsK28xg1QSPo4HfcmiD-Q5Gib2Z6wCLcB/s1600/IMG_8356w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QGqxNtccww/WOn21ycljrI/AAAAAAAAD1A/Tj8HFsK28xg1QSPo4HfcmiD-Q5Gib2Z6wCLcB/s640/IMG_8356w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6WMbur3n6I/WOn3JQ-KZ5I/AAAAAAAAD1E/ZSGNI99UmvMIYMKcrs5OnQBJvIUHkfjrgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8290w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6WMbur3n6I/WOn3JQ-KZ5I/AAAAAAAAD1E/ZSGNI99UmvMIYMKcrs5OnQBJvIUHkfjrgCLcB/s640/IMG_8290w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhQUe57ysS0/WOn3MOGIpUI/AAAAAAAAD1I/-ydUE_NcCQs44SUCkvMXNVrgIBspQV38gCLcB/s1600/IMG_8093w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhQUe57ysS0/WOn3MOGIpUI/AAAAAAAAD1I/-ydUE_NcCQs44SUCkvMXNVrgIBspQV38gCLcB/s640/IMG_8093w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tc2IzkwLsg/WOn4fvLbT9I/AAAAAAAAD1U/P9pKoQ-27ic7PpPKpvpqMnIgf8cNma6hACLcB/s1600/IMG_9042w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tc2IzkwLsg/WOn4fvLbT9I/AAAAAAAAD1U/P9pKoQ-27ic7PpPKpvpqMnIgf8cNma6hACLcB/s640/IMG_9042w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nOBglcb6bs/WOn414TuOHI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/B8Ps8w1zfuICqNrC1ZRpLTcClcWACeaRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_9810w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nOBglcb6bs/WOn414TuOHI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/B8Ps8w1zfuICqNrC1ZRpLTcClcWACeaRgCLcB/s640/IMG_9810w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9F5KbniCHM/WOn5QMnFsdI/AAAAAAAAD1g/DAaupvZIPAQJyaGhA_qP1Bw1SPzEzJYkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0001w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9F5KbniCHM/WOn5QMnFsdI/AAAAAAAAD1g/DAaupvZIPAQJyaGhA_qP1Bw1SPzEzJYkgCLcB/s640/IMG_0001w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aorMqp1Libo/WOn5QNDzbDI/AAAAAAAAD1c/Osk4o2saw1w8LWF0CvC-HossxI854_b6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3079w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aorMqp1Libo/WOn5QNDzbDI/AAAAAAAAD1c/Osk4o2saw1w8LWF0CvC-HossxI854_b6ACLcB/s640/IMG_3079w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjI_6JL8_tM/WOn5Y2VrigI/AAAAAAAAD1o/-nya_bL4HYkZQS9ZbzRTGBurRPkxK9fgwCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B2w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjI_6JL8_tM/WOn5Y2VrigI/AAAAAAAAD1o/-nya_bL4HYkZQS9ZbzRTGBurRPkxK9fgwCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender%2B2w.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66DIG4bryZs/WOn5Y10wQhI/AAAAAAAAD1k/HCQqIhyCYwkFiSILQGc1wo8Wblh26eMhACLcB/s1600/IMG_0407w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66DIG4bryZs/WOn5Y10wQhI/AAAAAAAAD1k/HCQqIhyCYwkFiSILQGc1wo8Wblh26eMhACLcB/s640/IMG_0407w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8U55Mtbh04/WOn5txNVOfI/AAAAAAAAD1w/fV3uN3B277UGi37ydEXFkTJRKHtlaxkxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2652w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8U55Mtbh04/WOn5txNVOfI/AAAAAAAAD1w/fV3uN3B277UGi37ydEXFkTJRKHtlaxkxwCLcB/s640/IMG_2652w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y2nJ4VTp3U/WOn5tiJNRRI/AAAAAAAAD1s/x22s3IAqt-8YADcEJe2jQquz4RLXjSSKACLcB/s1600/IMG_4958w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y2nJ4VTp3U/WOn5tiJNRRI/AAAAAAAAD1s/x22s3IAqt-8YADcEJe2jQquz4RLXjSSKACLcB/s640/IMG_4958w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6UBXOoHLRE/WOn6MTVUyII/AAAAAAAAD10/nR6CF4jo90s2Drc3bVhHobCW8qkA6xKgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9098w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6UBXOoHLRE/WOn6MTVUyII/AAAAAAAAD10/nR6CF4jo90s2Drc3bVhHobCW8qkA6xKgwCLcB/s640/IMG_9098w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, here's one example that the app failed to properly define the subject :<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02QKMuhkmqc/WOn6oiMddFI/AAAAAAAAD18/5OnzqcJComkQRPY64_ic5eTg7OXs11aQACLcB/s1600/IMG_9373w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02QKMuhkmqc/WOn6oiMddFI/AAAAAAAAD18/5OnzqcJComkQRPY64_ic5eTg7OXs11aQACLcB/s640/IMG_9373w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5LrPOSV3as/WOn6swu-erI/AAAAAAAAD2A/i6RFYoBvDfMCirgGw6CA-XXNJDoADNJqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9373poor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5LrPOSV3as/WOn6swu-erI/AAAAAAAAD2A/i6RFYoBvDfMCirgGw6CA-XXNJDoADNJqQCLcB/s640/IMG_9373poor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice how the leaf on the right has lost its branch, which has been "blurred" by the app...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-22385969892159872672016-12-13T22:21:00.001+08:002016-12-13T22:21:44.990+08:00Patagonia from the Air<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was just chugging along in my Santa Cruz trek in Huaraz region of Peru when I overhead the guy behind me mentioned about flying from Punta Arenas to Santiago. He was saying something along the lines about having the most amazing view of Mt Fitz Roy in Patagonia. This jolted me alert as I had been contemplating flying down to the Patagonia region due to my limited schedule, but somehow had never thought about the ability to see the famed mountain from the air. I spoke to him briefly, and before I know it, my heart was kinda set on the flight.<br />
<br />
Of course, it was all down to the flight cost. I have been searching on and off and it was only in Cuenca Ecuador when I finally settled down to confirm my plan. Apparently in summer, there are flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales and I managed to find, on the Chilean LATAM airlines site, a flight from Santiago to Puerto Natales at US$87 all-in! Considering that this 3-hr flight saved me a few days of travel southwards, and likely money as well, as the long distance buses while comfortable, do add up, it was a done-deal. And of course, there are the views :).<br />
<br />
The tip from my trekking friend Thomas was, on the northbound flight, seat on the right. So for me, I had to seat on the left. 23.5hrs to my flight, I login to the airlines website to check-in and select my seat, and to my horror, all the leftmost window seats are all taken! I had to settle for a middle seat and kept a tiny flicker of hope that I might still get a window seat somehow.<br />
<br />
Well, the flight was quite full. So there I was, a fidgety figure frequently looking wistfully over to the window and trying to take pics. The lady at the window seat was very understanding though, but it was still rather inconvenient stretching across (her chest) to the window to take the pictures. But ironically when Fitz Roy came into view, I still did not recognize it and wondered briefly which beautiful mountain was that! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44DWiuqJFY0/WE3IoxEcCDI/AAAAAAAADv0/Y7NEp4GputkDHisLwJt2MrOEPUzJxw6MgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2423w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44DWiuqJFY0/WE3IoxEcCDI/AAAAAAAADv0/Y7NEp4GputkDHisLwJt2MrOEPUzJxw6MgCLcB/s640/IMG_2423w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cerro Fitz Roy and even Cerro Torre partially covered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Somehow, up to this duration of the flight, it did not occur to me that beside Mt Fitz Roy, there are more to Patagonia from the air... At some point, some guy at the front mentioned Perito Moreno, and an internal lightbulb connected. I was almost standing up, craning my neck to its limits but alas, the clouds seemed to have thickened quite abit further south and I could not even catch a glimpse of it, or even what I am seeing. I can only cross my fingers and my toes and take whatever pics I can. When the plane flew over the Towers of Paine, the clouds eased up a little just to tease me with a glimpse of where the Towers are. It was a little disappointing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R06oRMez1_I/WE3Jmfe12EI/AAAAAAAADv4/d4fDLFHp1Z8Nxtt_1T81W1lNxeywls3VACLcB/s1600/IMG_2445w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R06oRMez1_I/WE3Jmfe12EI/AAAAAAAADv4/d4fDLFHp1Z8Nxtt_1T81W1lNxeywls3VACLcB/s640/IMG_2445w.jpg" width="521" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torres del Paine covered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDLLpzcr6M0/WE3JmXDbRBI/AAAAAAAADv8/NtMAGEOikiIt8F1OSMn2lZIxvmwpl_RfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2447w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDLLpzcr6M0/WE3JmXDbRBI/AAAAAAAADv8/NtMAGEOikiIt8F1OSMn2lZIxvmwpl_RfQCLcB/s640/IMG_2447w.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torres del Paine covered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Nevertheless, I'm really still quite happy to see the landscapes of Patagonia from up in the air. While I have seen the famous landmarks of Patagonia on land (Cerro Fitz Roy & Torre, Perito Moreno glacier, Torres del Paine), it would be cool to be able to see all of them in the air in one flight. And that commercial flight path just allowed that. The notorious weather of Patagonia had allowed me to see one and I guess I should be contented.<br />
<br />
For those who's doing the Patagonia route should consider this flight. Aside from Santiago, you could also fly from/to Puerto Montt as I believe the flight route down to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales should be the same. Aside from LATAM, Sky Airlines fly some of these routes too and they have affordable fares if booked in advance! And remember, for southbound, get the window seat on the left. For northbound, get window seat on the right. And hope for good weather (less clouds)!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, enjoy the views below! :) <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZCtOhBIxFI/WE3KMmAssPI/AAAAAAAADwA/-te5A_4v7-gkOfh9bCaXYNC8F3sZRuZTACLcB/s1600/IMG_2391w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZCtOhBIxFI/WE3KMmAssPI/AAAAAAAADwA/-te5A_4v7-gkOfh9bCaXYNC8F3sZRuZTACLcB/s640/IMG_2391w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the colours of the lakes!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwq7Oi6zj28/WE3KNLSRwYI/AAAAAAAADwE/m1ULADAJRZk0-Vn_nxAy0fgqrV_pEUBhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2395w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwq7Oi6zj28/WE3KNLSRwYI/AAAAAAAADwE/m1ULADAJRZk0-Vn_nxAy0fgqrV_pEUBhgCLcB/s640/IMG_2395w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I47oTJhPbEA/WE3KNId1zJI/AAAAAAAADwI/-FYrwB70jp40NedJ3V0M8TIGUFcvemZxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2408w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I47oTJhPbEA/WE3KNId1zJI/AAAAAAAADwI/-FYrwB70jp40NedJ3V0M8TIGUFcvemZxwCLcB/s640/IMG_2408w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmZNRL5Zk-E/WE3KOATFx5I/AAAAAAAADwQ/_J6nQLjLqok71UAVuJVzA1w5C5qGfYL3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2414w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmZNRL5Zk-E/WE3KOATFx5I/AAAAAAAADwQ/_J6nQLjLqok71UAVuJVzA1w5C5qGfYL3QCLcB/s640/IMG_2414w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCSGMQK1maQ/WE3KOBfnL3I/AAAAAAAADwM/31FvpcHGXY40DQEIJ6l9HzGOdqOODeUcwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2416w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCSGMQK1maQ/WE3KOBfnL3I/AAAAAAAADwM/31FvpcHGXY40DQEIJ6l9HzGOdqOODeUcwCLcB/s640/IMG_2416w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a glacier I believe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaC7k_7KIts/WE3KOObfJUI/AAAAAAAADwU/K8RMVAqcELgnuhje7AzUUu66Elj8FJm3wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2426w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaC7k_7KIts/WE3KOObfJUI/AAAAAAAADwU/K8RMVAqcELgnuhje7AzUUu66Elj8FJm3wCLcB/s640/IMG_2426w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niFbolklGyQ/WE3KOuOEB2I/AAAAAAAADwY/Xtj9pAaBHkQZWUKjZUqe5eW0LXh_93shgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2437w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niFbolklGyQ/WE3KOuOEB2I/AAAAAAAADwY/Xtj9pAaBHkQZWUKjZUqe5eW0LXh_93shgCLcB/s640/IMG_2437w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can see its a glacier but doesn't look like its Perito Moreno</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B925VWgOafY/WE3KO4LkiyI/AAAAAAAADwc/AvdeluurIZ0OxwgKR6Bfz9Lj8Uu3ZyK5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2442w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B925VWgOafY/WE3KO4LkiyI/AAAAAAAADwc/AvdeluurIZ0OxwgKR6Bfz9Lj8Uu3ZyK5gCLcB/s640/IMG_2442w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-31818019342500789262016-09-18T12:29:00.000+08:002016-09-18T12:29:43.388+08:009 Most Iconic Architectural Pieces in Southeast Asia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today's blog post is actually not written by me. I have decided to include articles and posts from other writers and bloggers, and today's guest post is from the folks at <a href="https://www.tripovo.com/">Tripovo</a>, a startup based in Kuala Lumpur.<br />
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:-2147476737 14699 0 0 536871103 -671678464;}
@font-face
{font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-alt:"Segoe Print";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:32771 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:none;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Mangal;
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin-top:12.0pt;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:3.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:lines-together;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:1;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Mangal;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:22.0pt;
mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:22.0pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">9 Most Iconic
Architectural Pieces in Southeast Asia</span></h1>
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:Arial;
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:-2147476737 14699 0 0 536871103 -671678464;}
@font-face
{font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-alt:"Segoe Print";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:32771 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:none;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Mangal;
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}
h3
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin-top:12.0pt;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:3.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:lines-together;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:3;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:13.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Mangal;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-parent:"";
color:navy;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
span.Heading3Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3";
mso-ansi-font-size:13.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Southeast Asia is one of the most notable havens
of enchanting historical sites and fascinating buildings. And over time, the
region has built some contemporary structures to keep up with the shifting
culture. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">No! South East Asia is not just paddy fields and
a big jungle filled exotic felines and orangutans. It is so much more than
that, you, not well travelled European (serious though, my Eureopean friends
think Asia is a big rice field). Enjoy the virtual trip as we zoom in some of
the most iconic structures in Southeast Asia. All these architectural pieces
are definitely worth a visit!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">This architectural and luxurious marvel is
located in the heart of Singapore. Marina Bay Sands is a high-end resort that
caters a hotel, mall, museum, skating rink, casino, theatres and restaurants.
What more could you ask for? And to sum it up, it is considered as the most
expensive stand-alone integrated resort. Book your <a href="http://www.tripovo.com/destinations/singapore">trip to Singapore</a>,
maybe?</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aotaro/25135398942/in/photolist-Ei8uph-cEjLFC-pw4DPU-7AUccs-9cumBt-DfGkT1-kWbJNn-9cxwuL-9cusQk-oa6sWm-7MQb4U-cCS1Tb-drki8F-9kmAnF-deQTN7-DRCDUG-bd7oSF-92kp19-fSLg7r-fSMyfk-fSKQ6h-guj1so-9RbhdF-p9Lgrv-8ofuP6-suMppW-9cuiAT-Hrc6vk-DFFiCj-ayU7zW-cpqM25-95Tpuu-7WKvtM-arpxDx-fSNJR1-9cuk1v-fSNxCb-fSP9hP-efNcGt-fM7vZk-fSKZAs-jYJecw-9kpiTQ-o4R9nC-9x32gH-otNitH-dDqG7i-qwvCUU-9kpuqA-m6vV9n" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Light Show at Marina Bay Sands"><img alt="Light Show at Marina Bay Sands" height="333" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/2/1544/25135398942_05ff839c67.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina Bay Sands, Image Source : aotaro, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:Arial;
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:-2147476737 14699 0 0 536871103 -671678464;}
@font-face
{font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-alt:"Segoe Print";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:32771 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:none;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Mangal;
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}
h3
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin-top:12.0pt;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:3.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:lines-together;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:3;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:13.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Mangal;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}
span.Heading3Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3";
mso-ansi-font-size:13.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode";
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Mangal;
mso-font-kerning:.5pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style> </div>
<h3>
Petronas Towers, Malaysia</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 359.3pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When you talk about
Malaysia, most travelers could think about the iconic Petronas Towers. These
towers are the most popular buildings in Kuala Lumpur and they were once the tallest
structures in the world. It certainly deserves a spot on our list!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 359.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51252776@N04/6923670787/in/photolist-bxPC7g-84A626-8LcjPW-92CPTr-qWNBLd-KucsB-hd2zfZ-nT9TUc-goNQ8T-goNrQt-goNUH4-fLF57-goNN3d-goP5dg-goNKpY-goNSA8-goNMJV-9ETFbJ-goPJz9-7W8B9K-fLF8D-nTjceq-tXWfXK-goNNSg-wYT2w-nT9ThF-5Dmzhb-37PSzk-37PJDK-d3vGn9-w66M2g-84CWxU-qUA4QE-hFktWq-37PWwr-84D1BC-hFkPYt-7mRBrP-37UzKY-pZT1f5-ot42Wv-37Q1tK-37Uveo-oKvS97-nZLGC-goGGiP-goGXqJ-9wDoR6-37UpgN-37PS5p" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Petronas Towers at Night 2"><img alt="Petronas Towers at Night 2" height="333" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7037/6923670787_21d28bb7c3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petronas Towers, Image Source : Colin Capelle, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Shwezigon Pagoda, Myanmar</h3>
The golden Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan is one of the most significant, oldest and impressive religious buildings in the country. The structure sparkles bright in the whole city. Such a golden sight!
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slapers/11772815174/in/photolist-iWjKMY-p83bgq-iWip6v-iWjK8S-pMrpj9-iWjAE8-iWiTdF-iWmue1-iWjKzJ-iWhzVZ-q2Jhgb-6Uieua-7ZuCoo-6Uid1T-eysBN6-hoxZ4x-eyv7Sf-hoxZzH-iWmum5-iWiTov-dTy9eR-96vQDH-Da9joo-CKkrEy-DcsrYp-kzoNZ2-eyt13g-kzq7WG-e2k3KQ-hoxZVT-eyszaF-eysEsF-kzoyVk-eyt2Gt-mXU8Ak-kzqK7s-pMsDyP-eyv3Ym-eysd14-eysao8-q4PJF2-eyvxT3-kzqL4C-kzoZAk-kzrr16-eyvvdN-eysqig-eyvBn5-kzovz2-kzoA6g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Shwezigon pagoda in Nyaung U (Myanmar 2013)"><img alt="Shwezigon pagoda in Nyaung U (Myanmar 2013)" height="375" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/3/2874/11772815174_08988c06ef.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shwezigon Pagoda, Image Source : Paul Arps, Flickr</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Angkor Wat, Cambodia</h3>
Angkor Wat is a mesmerizing masterpiece of Angkorian architecture. The structure served as a temple to the Hindu god Vishnu and a personal mausoleum of the monarchs. The interior details of the temple depicts the historical events and mythological stories which is still visible in the country up to date.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jafsegal/16113819560/in/photolist-qxVxab-6vzwZS-9fyFW5-qQtT1Z-9y338-b4JCvx-9376n-ngadn-itrTM3-hbBznZ-PWxim-4oBFLU-e3scXg-qQTpAo-242sP-5tjv1X-dGUna7-5tjw8V-q3ELnK-GnXSp-93gAt-4oFqwJ-9q8Prs-r2PQg5-6qyTMw-4jb9rE-7FMWVY-5uw4rZ-9TNefZ-4yq9zd-92265m-4omP9J-f4Sy19-6rNeTr-Go8dV-dvTN9z-AduSo-9X6DVf-4TaQT1-grSmd-9X3u2a-baGqsZ-6rSoHC-9w4146-4TaQxq-7FMUSb-r72Ft2-yw3NL-cmNtwL-baGqsB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Angkor Wat, Cambodia"><img alt="Angkor Wat, Cambodia" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8571/16113819560_5afc683851.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Temples of Angkor, Image Source : Juan Antonio, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Pha That Luang, Laos</h3>
Pha That Luang or 'The Great Stupa' is the most significant Buddhist shrine in Laos. It is a golden fortress bordered by towering walls and splendid interior designs. The large golden stupa covered with gold, portrays the beautiful architectural Lao style - classical and regal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/derfussi/15103164960/in/photolist-p1BEKS-p33JqQ-p7WoZi-9fxrcs-jDkrRb-HSTtx9-BiXYx-kAzNkt-9wkW7t-cPkwUy-9trFQG-864AQR-j7vrZU-7G9rQW-864yYX-9woWv7-cPkzuf-ocxZmo-7G5v3z-qFWBdB-9woWyh-oaEyTL-apreSF-aprem8-6qLMSa-dwddUx-AAPtC-9woWtJ-bbaGiM-8wTcaa-cPkzD5-69aErz-7t6mSY-4FcLij-4tntaZ-9woWr3-4trvxG-9wkVSk-6cBJAg-9wkVMR-4wSxw9-9wkVPB-nVdg69-9wkVsM-oetNYe-9wkVFV-cPkzqf-duEuCH-9fuiKM-AATdS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pha That Luang"><img alt="Pha That Luang" height="321" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3861/15103164960_25c30929a3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pha That Luang Temple, Image Source : Stefan Fussan, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Grand Palace, Thailand </h3>
The architectural design of the Grand Palace was inspired by Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. The Grand Palace is a large complex of buildings that illustrates the finest Thai style, such as artistic crafts, paintings and Buddhist sculpture. To add, Thailand in itself is such a great place for everyone its cities Bangkok are great for nightlife and shopping. No wonder it is such a hit amongst the Western crowd.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasoneppink/8421115985/in/photolist-dQ9qoV-qjRs2J-sjHjXo-q3tx2v-sjSvY6-qjV9v6-igbUWw-ddkMjg-9hB3F4-pK1o1F-m2w1NS-ddmfKD-ddmcZ8-4N1hBP-ddkKZS-ddkT64-936zQ1-kys8h-5gqFcU-2ckzSo-933vcM-G9fB9S-6zHVjA-78Uoyy-73Y5HY-5nbURZ-6Bhfi6-HJZRbU-m2M2zc-2cg6ae-4gs3Bb-5AKrPf-2cg5K2-6zdReM-6z2kVu-dPe8W9-jXHcVn-6AHn7r-6zHWr5-5pzE3N-PaYZ4-kry8e-79MWSR-6yMZwa-6AEPk8-6zHMS9-6AqkNV-6zrvPS-6zpz3c-7amXyh" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Grand Palace"><img alt="The Grand Palace" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8471/8421115985_6bbf811c1c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Palace, Image Source : Jason Eppink, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the frenzied city of Manila, Philippines, University of Santo Tomas stands out as an attractive and peaceful sanctuary. UST is the oldest university in Asia and is one of the world's largest Roman Catholic colleges.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kilaadame/13850249065/in/photolist-dcGoeu-6kTrE7-n6QwFk-n6U9vF-n6ToWX-an4N5P-n6Uor5-n6SHvc-n6TPiw-n6R1Xa-n6RGRr-n6Roqt-n6Snce-n6SVaK-9fKcp8-aXazJZ-4mkyqM-btf2T3-4yitJZ-4jF6Wd-4k9EH9-4k9ENu-4tYXki-4mpDph-35JP7G-CvdDcj-BBGXo-4jB4jB-4jF77U-9d6thN-4k5Dic-iqhMPj-Jgrnwy-2uGH2g-9CAPqQ-a1Rjdc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="University of Santo Tomas"><img alt="University of Santo Tomas" height="331" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7114/13850249065_8a33326175.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University of Santo Tomas, Image Source : kila.adame@ymail.com, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Turtle Tower, Vietnam</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Aside from the ever popular Halong Bay and wonderful waterfalls, Vietnam is also packed with iconic structures. One of the most notable buildings in Vietnam is the Turtle Tower of Hanoi which is a very popular destination for tourists.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/miniprince/3829311773/in/photolist-nU1DVE-4ktFuT-amD7ur-nT8H8a-jHzaBT-6QodYM-amCYwr-fVd5AV-3pZnhg-bV72us-7Wa6nu-7KNsfi-7WacaL-H3jxvR-ujqQNn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hanoi Sword Lake Turtle Tower"><img alt="Hanoi Sword Lake Turtle Tower" height="334" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3464/3829311773_811fbacfd6.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Turtle Tower, Image Source : HoangP, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The splendid work of art was named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The royal mosque which is located in the capital of Brunei, is considered as a symbol of the Islamic faith in the country. Definitely a majestic sight to witness.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jlascar/18404149198/in/photolist-5KVFuE-ooMgfm-6UFcMF-5Zqpbp-upc1JR-u3kJ3U-ujUq4v-u3jPdf-u3j5nd-gzFey2-tnYkFc-5ZuxwQ-5ZuBfN-5ZuxTh-nQyTAN-98K4fs-u3ePsJ-tnY6zB-bmqAxP-gzFfhC-u3baSs-u3fEvG-uhpVKW-ujmPnq-uhtfSY-ujV66t-u3oEVp-uhtR1s-tnNQKf-tnUwna-ujQv86-uhvFNW-ujKA5F-ujPMRD-u3fSDw-tnN2rY-u3fw2E-uhtue7-tnZpwM-xGqpc3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The golden domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque"><img alt="The golden domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque" height="334" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/354/18404149198_2500940eb2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="attribution-info">
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Image Source : Jorge Láscar, Flickr
<br />
<div class="view follow-view clear-float photo-attribution" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1474172206860_808">
<span class="relationship">
</span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Wisma 46, Indonesia</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wisma 46 is the tallest building in Indonesia. It is commonly known as the Fountain Pen building. The structure dominates the Jakarta skyline and other commercial buildings in the Central Business district with its exceptional design and stature.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thisisinbalitimur/23836373301/in/photolist-pSsrVc-2zqsY8-5wEizn-5wJDLE-CjkDkt" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kota BNI"><img alt="Kota BNI" height="500" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/622/23836373301_de6d9f166d.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisma 46, Image Source : BxHxTxCx, Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-19533266236274595292016-05-14T20:57:00.001+08:002017-06-06T20:37:54.470+08:00Travel Photography with the iPhone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Technology has changed the world - how we live, how we travel etc. And of course, how we take photographs. I started photography using film, but of course progressed to digital, and once I laid hands on a DSLR, I have never looked back. Naturally, my DSLR have been an integral part of my travels.<br />
<br />
It was barely 2 years ago when I finally found a compact camera that I could comfortably bring for general travels in place of a DSLR. The image quality and capability of todays compacts have become pretty impressive. But all these while, I've never considered mobile phone cameras to be anything serious - until late last year. In December last year, I finally laid hands on a iPhone 6s plus.<br />
<br />
In February, I embarked on a 3-month trip to parts of Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba &amp; Panama), including a "transit" stop in Spain. I brought my iphone along, and my experience have completely changed my views on mobile phone photography.<br />
<br />
Here's sharing my views and experiences on the iPhone (particularly the 6s plus) for travel photography :<br />
<br />
1. Image Quality<br />
First and foremost for me when choosing a camera is that the image quality must be good. And I think this is the main reason why I have not looked at mobile phone photography as I've always thought that the resultant images are not up to par. But I have under-estimated the progress of technology! Turned out the iPhone's camera is mighty impressive. In fact, since the iPhone 5, Apple has made significant improvements to its camera system. I find its images really good!<br />
<br />
2. The best camera is one that is in your hands<br />
Well, its a well known saying, and so darn true. Now, I am someone who tries to carry my camera with me all the time. With a casing, my compact camera can fit into my pocket (barely) and most often than not, I bring it along when I carry a pouch or a small bag. But a mobile phone? Most of us carry it all the time! So in essence, now I have access to a (good) camera almost all the time!<br />
<br />
3. Street Photography<br />
I discovered that a mobile phone camera is excellent for street photography. For some strange reason, when you bring up a huge SLR to your face, people tend to react to this. Bring up a mobile phone to take a photo, and well... people may not even know you are taking a photo of them! I am also pleasantly surprised with the iPhone's quick focusing system, and in my 3-month trip, I find myself taking more street photos than I normally would. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfRgWZ4M7RQ/Vz5vug-vjEI/AAAAAAAADn4/V86auP2-EvAHESdhM_2VWI3nXSsFfmuPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1499w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfRgWZ4M7RQ/Vz5vug-vjEI/AAAAAAAADn4/V86auP2-EvAHESdhM_2VWI3nXSsFfmuPgCLcB/s320/IMG_1499w.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invisible Street Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. iPhone Camera App<br />
The default camera app in the iPhone has quite excellent features, two of which I like alot - the Time-Lapse and the Pano. I have been creating panoramic images and time-lapse videos using software on my desktop, which entails certain amount of effort and time. So I take images with my DSLR or compact, and then when I get back from my trip, I do the crunching. For long trips with gazillion photos taken, sometimes I had forgotten that I had taken a sequence of photos which was meant for making a panorama. With the iPhone camera app, creating a panoramic image and a time-lapse video is downright simple. True to Apple's style, everything is intuitive and easy. My video and pano is ready there and then! And a really good job at that!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRywty7Jy-A/Vz5wJa03p3I/AAAAAAAADoA/C14E4FwWrAEsWsVagVL2RWKK73pJ6LwZQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3409w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRywty7Jy-A/Vz5wJa03p3I/AAAAAAAADoA/C14E4FwWrAEsWsVagVL2RWKK73pJ6LwZQCLcB/s640/IMG_3409w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent in-camera panorama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Add-on lens<br />
For travel photography, my main "complaint" of the iPhone camera so far is its fixed lens. Nevertheless, there are add-on/clip-on lens in the market that help address this somewhat. The common add-on lens are for fisheye, wide-angle and macro. I was again, pleasantly surprised at the results, especially for the macro lens add-on. It enabled some extreme closeup photos. And these add-on lens are infinitely lighter and easier to bring around than an actual macro lens!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEMppE8Rq2o/Vz5vaPT6zDI/AAAAAAAADn0/gnmt_ZXY1A87osLqDk0-NsUTw4fXT12fwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3733w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEMppE8Rq2o/Vz5vaPT6zDI/AAAAAAAADn0/gnmt_ZXY1A87osLqDk0-NsUTw4fXT12fwCLcB/s320/IMG_3733w.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A macro clip-on lens does wonders!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Posting/Sharing on Social Media<br />
I have been sharing my travel images online and in social media for some time now. I have my own website and blog, where I put up my image galleries after each trip. For on-the-fly or in-the-field sharing of images, I use Instagram. I believe that Instagram was developed as a mobile photo-sharing platform, and so I use it as such. By mobile photo-sharing, I meant that the images are either direct from a mobile device or a wifi-enabled camera, have not gone through any desktop processing, and often "in that moment". Today, many use it just as a photo-sharing tool to reach the masses, where the images are usually post-processed to perfection already. Whatever the case, for me, I have been using a wifi-enabled camera to send the images to my mobile to post to Instagram. With the excellent image quality (see point 1 above) of the iPhone, I now post to Instagram direct. And with a travel data sim card, I can now truly do mobile photo-sharing on the go.<br />
<br />
So, as mentioned earlier, I took alot more photos from my mobile than I would have in all my past trips. It has, in fact, become my always-with-me camera. Below is a gallery of Instagram posts I have done with the iPhone 6s plus throughout the whole 3 months. Check it out and hope you enjoy the images of central america and Spain! You can also go to my Instagram gallery to see the other non-iPhone photos taken during the trip.<br />
<br />
(You can click through the image to open another window to see full captions and hashtags etc) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- LightWidget WIDGET --><script src="//lightwidget.com/widgets/lightwidget.js"></script><iframe src="//lightwidget.com/widgets/24879582b4fd5e49b05073f61cd27831.html" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true" class="lightwidget-widget" style="width: 100%; border: 0; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-49146777306574720432015-12-05T23:46:00.000+08:002015-12-05T23:46:23.797+08:00Singapore Street Art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the things I would often stop to admire in my travels is the street art and wall murals in various towns/cities around the world. In particular, I was so impressed with <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2012/07/street-art-graffiti.html">Rio de Janeiro's street art</a> that I made a specific post about it. Of course, there are alot of others, like Valpairiso, Buenos Aires etc, that has wonderful street art culture.<br />
<br />
Closer to home, Penang's Georgetown have its wall mural very well publicised here, thanks to its easy access from Singapore and the various media. In fact, Singapore also have the same street artist's art gracing our walls. But wouldn't it be better if we have our very own local artists' creations? Well, recently we do, thanks to the efforts of a Yip Yew Chong.<br />
<br />
Yip Yew Chong is a self-taught artist who is actually in the accounting profession. On a career break, he started painting several wall murals that garnered plenty of attention and praise. The thing that set his murals apart is his theme - his murals all depict scenes of Singapore from a bygone era. It is no wonder that it struck a chord with many locals passing by who saw the artwork. I'm sure he had made many new friends while working on set. Many who particularly appreciated his work were of a certain age group (including me), and I had a good time reminiscing the "good old days" with him, discussing brands of milk cans and biscuit tins and details on grating coconut etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEKYn66e2Io/VmKvgI9RqmI/AAAAAAAADkA/o_lC7Zeak_8/s1600/DSC04914w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEKYn66e2Io/VmKvgI9RqmI/AAAAAAAADkA/o_lC7Zeak_8/s640/DSC04914w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06a-dFVpnA4/VmMFmEDxV2I/AAAAAAAADlM/bJwY5MQwM-U/s1600/DSC02799w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06a-dFVpnA4/VmMFmEDxV2I/AAAAAAAADlM/bJwY5MQwM-U/s640/DSC02799w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYRgteMZIYQ/VmKvw_7Jh3I/AAAAAAAADkQ/1QDt4Wvf3xo/s1600/DSC04631w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYRgteMZIYQ/VmKvw_7Jh3I/AAAAAAAADkQ/1QDt4Wvf3xo/s640/DSC04631w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUyJc4FxdMc/VmKvxK2gE3I/AAAAAAAADkU/uyJcTYT2iXU/s1600/DSC04915w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUyJc4FxdMc/VmKvxK2gE3I/AAAAAAAADkU/uyJcTYT2iXU/s640/DSC04915w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCaZGr1u-gs/VmKwA-y3mII/AAAAAAAADkg/bhX_PzuDRHk/s1600/DSC04766w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCaZGr1u-gs/VmKwA-y3mII/AAAAAAAADkg/bhX_PzuDRHk/s640/DSC04766w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr7BRfvwRFk/VmKwEecPj0I/AAAAAAAADko/hkHT4-PgRS8/s1600/DSC04760w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr7BRfvwRFk/VmKwEecPj0I/AAAAAAAADko/hkHT4-PgRS8/s640/DSC04760w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tux0mEhSc0/VmKwSK3KYvI/AAAAAAAADkw/esqiVM8eSdU/s1600/DSC04768w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tux0mEhSc0/VmKwSK3KYvI/AAAAAAAADkw/esqiVM8eSdU/s1600/DSC04768w.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, the murals can be appreciated by any as the quality of work is top notch, with many works showing an almost 3D nature in the appropriate light. His murals is currently being featured in the various local media and personally, I'm very proud that now, we have our own local street art, by our local artist, about our local culture. Tourists can now see some of old Singapore through these murals!<br />
<br />
You can go to Yew Chong's <a href="http://yipyc.com/">website</a> to find out the details on how to reach the various murals. Go check it out! <i>(Check out his incredible travel map too!!)</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFXkrHNfjMo/VmKuYk-jpfI/AAAAAAAADj0/VULckDokZhE/s1600/DSC04759w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFXkrHNfjMo/VmKuYk-jpfI/AAAAAAAADj0/VULckDokZhE/s640/DSC04759w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yip Yew Chong's website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JANsbD8kztU/VmKwgRkgKYI/AAAAAAAADk4/kWJuAkm5IeU/s1600/DSC04919w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JANsbD8kztU/VmKwgRkgKYI/AAAAAAAADk4/kWJuAkm5IeU/s400/DSC04919w.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist painting his latest mural</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-36758450414964188332015-11-10T22:28:00.000+08:002015-11-10T22:28:31.887+08:00Catching the Aurora Borealis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Catching the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights display is on many people's bucket list. It was on my list as well. Now that I had several encounters with the phenomenon, and having seen many questions and misconceptions in travel forums etc, I would like to share what I know on the hunt for the Aurora Borealis.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_bp1GjJLAU/VkHr45MjWgI/AAAAAAAADi0/o2YVvy5LEXU/s1600/IMG_4926w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_bp1GjJLAU/VkHr45MjWgI/AAAAAAAADi0/o2YVvy5LEXU/s640/IMG_4926w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Generally, the lights occur in locations above the Arctic Cirlce, and can be seen on dark clear nights. The two main criteria in order to see the lights are the the weather, or rather the cloud cover, and the "aurora activity" (the amount of the charged electrons in the atmosphere which causes the light show). Needless to say, you would need a night of clear weather (no/little clouds) and high activity. There are many websites that provide a forecast of this "aurora activity". The one I use is at the <a href="http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast">Geophysical Institute</a>, University of Fairbanks Alaska, where you can select which region/zone for the forecast. As for the cloud cover forecast, you would typically go to the respective country's weather forecast page. Which brings me to the next point, which country/place is the best?<br />
<br />
I have been to Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland for the sightings, and frankly, if the above two conditions are met, any of these countries, including Alaska/Canada are all good bets. However, the aurora visibility window is generally between late September to late March, which means it is mostly late autumn to winter at those places. So, it would boil down to what kind of trip you want it to be.<br />
<br />
If you like to DIY, be flexible and have your own time, then a self-drive trip to Iceland or the <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2015/05/driving-through-lofoten-in-winter.html">Lofoten islands in Norway</a> are great choices. In addition, if you have time for more than just aurora hunting, then Iceland certainly come up tops as there are many other attractions, including volcano visits and waterfalls etc. For a full-blown winter holiday though, note your driving capabilities in the various countries. For those who are going with family and kids should look at Finland as
there is a Santa Claus village which I'm sure the kids would enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFZH0h2qE2E/VkHqY1tq75I/AAAAAAAADio/n4vCvblPGCA/s1600/IMG_4922w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFZH0h2qE2E/VkHqY1tq75I/AAAAAAAADio/n4vCvblPGCA/s640/IMG_4922w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-drive allows you flexibility to go to more remote dark areas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If however, you can't (or don't want to) drive, then relying on public transportation is trickier. Of course, signing up custom tour packages is the easiest (and costliest) choice. However, I do not have much information on that, except that Tromso in northern Norway is a popular destination for Aurora hunters as there are many tour agencies specialising in that.<br />
<br />
For the independent traveler (solo or otherwise) relying on public transport, then the Lofoten islands may be the better bet. Even better, check out <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2013/12/abisko-national-park.html">Abisko National Park</a> in Sweden. I do feel that the availability of trains and slightly better transport connections make them better alternatives to, say Iceland and Alaska, where it would be logistically more challenging in winter especially for the solo backpacker.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDuVz9jqsCU/UrZdZZTBNAI/AAAAAAAACpg/7rdMPNLJpjo/s1600/IMG_1411w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDuVz9jqsCU/UrZdZZTBNAI/AAAAAAAACpg/7rdMPNLJpjo/s640/IMG_1411w.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the Aurora Borealis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A point to note, based on my own experiences, is that even though the aurora forecast indicate low activity, but the cloud cover for the night is clear, it is always worth a shot to check out the sky periodically. I had 2 occasions where I had good sightings even though the forecast was low. It is a forecast after all. So for those who are planning the trip on your own, make sure your accommodations are in less light-polluted area (preferably not in the city) or you are able to reach one. But if you are really lucky, when the aurora activity is really high, they can be seen even in the cities!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClXDMibheE0/VkHpZtolrwI/AAAAAAAADig/EAOtiJT3Lg8/s1600/IMG_5497w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClXDMibheE0/VkHpZtolrwI/AAAAAAAADig/EAOtiJT3Lg8/s640/IMG_5497w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Aurora display is so strong it's visible in the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Finally, I would like to touch on the expectations of a Aurora Borealis sighting.<br />
<br />
For me, I have grouped sightings generally into these 3 types :<br />
<br />
1. The lights appear really faint, and some cases you are not even sure they are the famed northern lights. You can only confirm through longer exposures on your camera to see the stronger green lights.<br />
<br />
2. The lights appear clear and beautiful. They slowly appear and dissipate, changes shape gradually, and is absolutely mesmerising to watch, though whether they last 10 seconds or 10 minutes is another matter. But it is truly worthy of its place in all the 'bucket list' lists in the world!<br />
<br />
3. And then there's the <i><b>performance</b></i>. The lights swirl in the sky like a writhing snake and danced across the sky like a leaping ballerina. You'd think it's a timelapse movie but it's all live action. Totally mind-blowing and out of this world!<br />
<br />
Sadly, some people only managed to see (1), and mistakenly described it to other people as<i><b> </b></i>how Aurora Borealis actually is. Which is rather blasphemous I would think. Words and photos really can't describe the experience of seeing it in person, especially of type (3) above. So, best to see it in person! :)<br />
<br />
Aurora activity follow a 10-12 year cyclical pattern and recent reports indicate that the peak had just passed and chances will be lower in the following years. For those who have this in their bucket list (you mean there are people who don't have?), you have now till March next year to try to catch it. (You can still try in later years of course, just that it's lower chance of sighting, that's all). By all recent accounts (including my own glorious sighting in Sep), the sightings this year had been phenomenal.<br />
<br />
Good luck, and may the Lights be with You!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XaLxb75jy0/VkH1z22aFvI/AAAAAAAADjE/w4bXJgJsTzU/s1600/startrailsstackflat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XaLxb75jy0/VkH1z22aFvI/AAAAAAAADjE/w4bXJgJsTzU/s640/startrailsstackflat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star trails and Aurora Borealis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-30352079884034824752015-10-03T21:50:00.000+08:002015-10-03T21:50:57.899+08:00Nature's Art at Vesturdalur, Northern Iceland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For travelers to northern Iceland, whether as part of the Ring Road or otherwise, Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon should be part of your itinerary. Formerly a national park on its own, it now falls under Vatnajökull National Park.<br />
<br />
If you had planned to visit Dettifoss or Ásbyrgi canyon, then you're essentially visiting Jökulsárgljúfur already. Basically, Ásbyrgi marks the northern while Dettifoss marks the southern end of Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon. However, what I found the most interesting is in the middle - Vesturdalur.<br />
<br />
Vesturdalur is prime hiking area, with weaving trails leading to many lava rock formations all around. In particular, Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks) and Rauðhólar (Red Hills) trails can be easily done from the carpark in a 2-3 hour loop. The basalt rock (formed by rapidly cooling lava) formations at Hljóðaklettar is the highlight for me. You may have seen the basalt columns in Vik, or the many lava fields all around Iceland, but nothing quite like this. Here, the basalt rock lined <i>horizontally</i> (hence <i>columns</i> is not the right word eh), and even at bizarre angles. Parts of the rock formations are also being cut off yielding eye-catching honeycomb patterns! It's mind-boggling how rapidly cooling lava can produce such "art pieces"! There are also lava caves formed by these basalt formations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0Y53hAiDZc/Vg_aPzUOS4I/AAAAAAAADgk/8ErYZUFeNV8/s1600/DSC03620w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0Y53hAiDZc/Vg_aPzUOS4I/AAAAAAAADgk/8ErYZUFeNV8/s640/DSC03620w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZNfT_y_q6Y/Vg_aQDDcHPI/AAAAAAAADgo/ZTVb_C8r7bw/s1600/DSC03623w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZNfT_y_q6Y/Vg_aQDDcHPI/AAAAAAAADgo/ZTVb_C8r7bw/s640/DSC03623w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU4q41D-Yes/Vg_afcm2S2I/AAAAAAAADg0/LrKkAQZ-74g/s1600/IMG_5042w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU4q41D-Yes/Vg_afcm2S2I/AAAAAAAADg0/LrKkAQZ-74g/s640/IMG_5042w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUSpb-uIFnQ/Vg_afqvSTnI/AAAAAAAADg4/6hgIkPVvCBk/s1600/IMG_5085w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUSpb-uIFnQ/Vg_afqvSTnI/AAAAAAAADg4/6hgIkPVvCBk/s640/IMG_5085w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTC-SFts_MI/Vg_atiUMMwI/AAAAAAAADhI/vdJFBeJXo4I/s1600/DSC03626w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTC-SFts_MI/Vg_atiUMMwI/AAAAAAAADhI/vdJFBeJXo4I/s640/DSC03626w.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Gt6WuA3C8/Vg_atTd2KkI/AAAAAAAADhE/HffMFnffmzo/s1600/DSC03636w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Gt6WuA3C8/Vg_atTd2KkI/AAAAAAAADhE/HffMFnffmzo/s640/DSC03636w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mY5l0XhfAtU/Vg_bpwI45tI/AAAAAAAADhg/kncQc_NyYXo/s1600/DSC03638w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mY5l0XhfAtU/Vg_bpwI45tI/AAAAAAAADhg/kncQc_NyYXo/s640/DSC03638w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Rauðhólar is a crater row which provides a wonderful panoramic view of the canyon, and itself offers some colorful touch to the landscapes. It is easily done together with the Hljóðaklettar trail. For those who have more time and energy, there is a popular 2-day trek that goes from north (Ásbyrgi) to south (Dettifoss). Otherwise, there are parking lots on all 3 sections of the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poTPUmCuvso/Vg_b-xkljFI/AAAAAAAADho/F_gYvn1pcKk/s1600/DSC03660w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poTPUmCuvso/Vg_b-xkljFI/AAAAAAAADho/F_gYvn1pcKk/s640/DSC03660w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Rauðhólar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you are using public transport, there are summer buses going to all these places from Akureyri or Mývatn but do check the schedules carefully at http://www.sba.is/<br />
<br />
Check Hljóðaklettar out !</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-61573310838031338962015-08-08T18:14:00.000+08:002015-08-08T18:14:45.508+08:00Singapore Botanic Gardens & Our Golden Jubilee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Singapore is having our Golden Jubilee this year. Yes, we're having our 50th birthday bash, and a month before the day, the nation received our birthday present - our very own UNESCO listed World Heritage Site!<br />
<br />
While there are over 1000+ World Heritage Sites in the world, there are only 3 Botanic Gardens in them. So, we're indeed honored to be one of the three, and not only that, we are the first and only tropical Botanic Garden in it (the other 2 is in England & Italy). Since establishment in 1859, the development of our Gardens from a British tropical colonial botanical garden to today's multi-faceted site for conservation, cultivation, education and recreation certainly proved its worth for inscription into the World Heritage Site list.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eodL6tKDF3o/VcXRJbn4CKI/AAAAAAAADeg/LZBGEnxCclI/s1600/DSC02068w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eodL6tKDF3o/VcXRJbn4CKI/AAAAAAAADeg/LZBGEnxCclI/s640/DSC02068w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Light in our 1st UNESCO World Heritage Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Visitors to Singapore would be delighted to know that admission to our Botanic Gardens is free (with the exception of the National Orchid Garden), and is open whole year-round, right till midnight! Within the Botanic Gardens grounds, there are various other gardens like the National Orchid Garden which is the only one that charges an admission fee. There are also a few historic buildings, many meandering paths to enjoy the flora and picnic spaces for family gatherings and outings. Particularly, the space n front of the Symphony Lake is especially popular as there is a stage set up there for performances during weekends.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqRb5qh-7A/VcXRmi2qHJI/AAAAAAAADeo/zSr-OT9BiQU/s1600/DSC02073w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqRb5qh-7A/VcXRmi2qHJI/AAAAAAAADeo/zSr-OT9BiQU/s640/DSC02073w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tzqSHJMrXM/VcXSrgnQRVI/AAAAAAAADe0/hbU25_Y9bAU/s1600/IMG_4098w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tzqSHJMrXM/VcXSrgnQRVI/AAAAAAAADe0/hbU25_Y9bAU/s640/IMG_4098w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching a concert in the Botanic Gardens during our Golden Jubilee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, for botany enthusiasts, there is a Botany Centre where a library on Botany & Horticulture, a Herbarium and an Orchid breeding centre is. There are also heritage trees within the park, in particular the Tembusu tree that is pictured in our Singapore 5-dollar note. It is also estimated that 70 per cent of all rubber latex in the world originates from the 11
rubber trees originally planted in this garden in 1877. The Singapore Botanic
Gardens was truly a test bed for economic plant cultivation in early
Singapore.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CuS3SM2DUg/VcXTB-SIiSI/AAAAAAAADe8/27fNSpaHv8g/s1600/DSC02121w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CuS3SM2DUg/VcXTB-SIiSI/AAAAAAAADe8/27fNSpaHv8g/s640/DSC02121w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many types of orchids in our Botanic Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27D9EGLmR2U/VcXTS8ThnjI/AAAAAAAADfE/W_BdwgFNQMs/s1600/DSC02052w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27D9EGLmR2U/VcXTS8ThnjI/AAAAAAAADfE/W_BdwgFNQMs/s640/DSC02052w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful atmosphere in the Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Check out their <a href="https://www.sbg.org.sg/">website</a> for more information, especially the guided tours to the gardens. They are very informative, and are conducted by very passionate guides. And tomorrow is our National Day! Here's wishing Singapore a<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">Happy 50th Birthday!!! </span></span></div>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-78030554936788455842015-07-19T20:02:00.000+08:002016-08-26T17:50:54.533+08:00Radda in Chianti, Tuscany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tuscany is my favourite part of Italy so far, especially the UNESCO listed site of <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2015/06/val-dorcia-pienza.html">Val d'Orcia described in my previous post</a>. But the more famous region of Chianti certainly lives up to its reputation too, and a trip to Tuscany should not be a quick drive through this beautiful countryside.<br />
<br />
There are a couple of villages/towns worth stopping in in Chianti, with Greve in Chianti probably the most famous as its considered the "gateway" to the Chianti region from Florence. Others include Gaiole in Chianti and Radda in Chianti etc, and the latter was where I decided to spend more time in.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4qYrR0oU0Q/Vah9Ej2GyjI/AAAAAAAADdU/1eOrf70oU5Y/s1600/IMG_3498w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4qYrR0oU0Q/Vah9Ej2GyjI/AAAAAAAADdU/1eOrf70oU5Y/s640/IMG_3498w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Information Centre in Radda in Chianti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01xOMAwutu4/VXg9ijj_9DI/AAAAAAAADZk/j18igLDenac/s1600/DSC00159w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01xOMAwutu4/VXg9ijj_9DI/AAAAAAAADZk/j18igLDenac/s640/DSC00159w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from Radda in Chianti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All these villages are small, and so is Radda in Chianti. You can probably finish walking the streets of Radda in like 15 minutes! So "stopping" in the villages of Chianti for a night or two usually means staying in one of the many bed & breakfasts, farmhouses, vineyards etc scattered around these villages. Of course, from Radda in Chianti itself, being perched on a hill, you can get fantastic views of the countryside, and the ambience of the whole place is really laidback. I stayed in <a href="http://poggerino-chianti-italy.com/">Fattoria Poggerino</a>, a family-run vineyard cum B&B some 2km from Radda. Set in their traditional stone house handed down from their ancestors, the setting is fabulous. Even right from the house, I could get beautiful sunrises and sunsets. And all the while sipping their Chianti Classico. What an enjoyment!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQNZbhYopqk/VXgwNSZVNrI/AAAAAAAADYw/r1TRPUV23qM/s1600/IMG_3434w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQNZbhYopqk/VXgwNSZVNrI/AAAAAAAADYw/r1TRPUV23qM/s640/IMG_3434w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My B&B house!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tveeBeGuBUg/VXgwhT3C6WI/AAAAAAAADY4/2pgNg_DaRms/s1600/IMG_3450w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tveeBeGuBUg/VXgwhT3C6WI/AAAAAAAADY4/2pgNg_DaRms/s640/IMG_3450w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can rent a scooter to tour the countryside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm sure the various accommodations around Chianti all offer equally enchanting experiences. The point is that one can, and should be enjoying the sights of Chianti/Tuscany by basing oneself in one of these homey establishments and then taking excursions out. Of course, all these is best done with a car, though those intending to do wine tasting tours have to manage it properly, For solo travelers, another option is renting a scooter like the Vespa. So you could take a bus from Florence to Radda in Chianti (or one of the other villages) and then rent a scooter to tour around. Do note that bus schedules are quite limited though.<br />
<br />
For wine enthusiasts, landscape photographers, B&B/farmstay lovers, and generally anyone who just loves the countryside, check out Chianti and Tuscany!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx3SfRyM4yY/Vah93imfBGI/AAAAAAAADdc/agKDEJjZF0M/s1600/IMG_3456w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx3SfRyM4yY/Vah93imfBGI/AAAAAAAADdc/agKDEJjZF0M/s640/IMG_3456w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chianti wine country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58APbR0k0ZA/Vah-VEbi26I/AAAAAAAADdk/b4OyzWWPH3k/s1600/IMG_3475w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58APbR0k0ZA/Vah-VEbi26I/AAAAAAAADdk/b4OyzWWPH3k/s640/IMG_3475w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Radda in Chianti from Fattoria Poggerino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIKYCqJYzZg/Vah-m1kixsI/AAAAAAAADds/wAhv66RYp1I/s1600/DSC00176w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIKYCqJYzZg/Vah-m1kixsI/AAAAAAAADds/wAhv66RYp1I/s640/DSC00176w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the Tuscan Moon - Dawn view from Fattoria Poggerino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-74742357185625685892015-06-28T13:20:00.000+08:002015-06-28T13:20:36.981+08:00Val d'Orcia & Pienza<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The landscape in Tuscany is well-known, and many breathtaking images had been made there. Aside from the famous Chianti region, famed for its wine, there are other areas with equally enchanting landscapes. In particular, I am somewhat enamored with Val d'Orcia.<br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Val d'Orcia is added into UNESCO's World Hertiage Site list only in 2004. According to wikipedia, one of the criterions is :<br />
"The Val d’Orcia is an exceptional reflection of the way the landscape
was re-written in Renaissance times to reflect the ideals of good
governance and to create aesthetically pleasing pictures."</span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><br /> </span><br />
I am absolutely won over by the <span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">"aethestically pleasing pictures" part. Indeed, with the rolling hills, the varied shaded fields, and well placed trees, the light play during the early morning and late evening hours is truly mesmerizing. The light and shadows on display create endless possibilities for a stunning image. A landscape photographers' dream scene.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXWlU8yS7wQ/VY9n2f56NgI/AAAAAAAADao/WiBgFEJ_Dqo/s1600/IMG_3651w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXWlU8yS7wQ/VY9n2f56NgI/AAAAAAAADao/WiBgFEJ_Dqo/s640/IMG_3651w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Aoo-qwOWis/VY9n2KH6fxI/AAAAAAAADak/3FXyV5pNIdk/s1600/IMG_3658w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Aoo-qwOWis/VY9n2KH6fxI/AAAAAAAADak/3FXyV5pNIdk/s640/IMG_3658w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTLEgHNjQ6w/VY9n2uxebAI/AAAAAAAADas/egD80O6kVF4/s1600/IMG_3694w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTLEgHNjQ6w/VY9n2uxebAI/AAAAAAAADas/egD80O6kVF4/s640/IMG_3694w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tuscany is a region that is best experienced with a vehicle. Public transport is limited to buses with limited schedules and only certain towns are linked by trains. However, it is still possible to appreciate Val d'Orcia on public transport and come away with its beautiful landscape pictures. One of the possible village/town to stay is Pienza, which has bus connections with Siena. The town itself was declared a UNESCO site even earlier, and perched on a hill overlooking the valley, it is an excellent site for photographing the landscape right within the town itself!<br />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANNM6cREit4/VY9kGJcu2FI/AAAAAAAADaE/JDlrFYuqWV4/s1600/DSC00305w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANNM6cREit4/VY9kGJcu2FI/AAAAAAAADaE/JDlrFYuqWV4/s400/DSC00305w.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
</td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LW84GPdsGjY/VY9kGttQ_lI/AAAAAAAADaI/xjVsWfn0Z1w/s1600/IMG_3678w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LW84GPdsGjY/VY9kGttQ_lI/AAAAAAAADaI/xjVsWfn0Z1w/s400/IMG_3678w.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y37-lSpgqmo/VY9l8Q5AKDI/AAAAAAAADaY/3iI-168fit4/s1600/DSC00316w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y37-lSpgqmo/VY9l8Q5AKDI/AAAAAAAADaY/3iI-168fit4/s640/DSC00316w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pienza, a beautiful old town with beautiful views </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pienza is also situated between Montalcino and Montelpuchiano, both famous wine town/regions. Hence Pienza benefits from their success as well. Good selection of the Brunello Montalcino and the Nobile Montelpuchiano (both very highly regarded wines) are available everywhere, and it is a good life staying here with different wines for each of your meals. Pienza itself is also famous for its <i>pecorino</i>, a kind of Italian sheep cheese. Thus a stay in Pienza entails enjoying Italian food with great wine, sampling <i>pecorino</i> with great wine, and photographing stunning landscapes with great wine. What is there not to like about Pienza? :)<br />
<br />
Check out Pienza and Val d'Orcia when you next visit Tuscany!</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-48495053900551718582015-05-15T16:05:00.000+08:002017-08-05T22:38:54.336+08:00Driving through the Lofoten in Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is not often that I have a driving road-trip with friends, and it was by a stroke of luck that I had managed to get two friends to join me on a short part of my Norway trip - the Lofoten islands.<br />
<br />
The Lofoten is an archipelago well beyond north of the Arctic Circle, and is famed for its natural beauty of mountains, seas, bays and islets. In summer, it is popular for hiking as well as boat trips and water-based activities. In winter, things die down quite a bit though, with alot of tourist facilities closing or operating at very limited hours. However, it is a wonderful location for Aurora hunting. In addition, the winter scenery is just phenomenally spectacular. and so appreciating it on your own terms in your own transport is probably the best bet.<br />
<br />
The easiest and fastest way to the Lofoten is flying into Svolvaer, the administrative centre for most of the Lofoten. My friends flew in (from Oslo) and by their accounts, the flight in was absolutely beautiful. I flew from Oslo to Narvik (on mainland Norway) instead, on <a href="http://www.norwegian.com/en/">Norwegian</a>, a low-cost airline, and then took a bus in. The bus journey to Svolvaer to meet my friends had me glued to the window already. For those who prefer to do overland travel from Oslo, you can take the train from Oslo to Bodo, and then take a ferry. Finally, if you find yourself in Kiruna Sweden, getting to Lofoten is also easy. Get onto the <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2013/04/narvik-to-abisko-along-arctic-circle.html">Arctic Circle Train</a>, and then bus in. You'll be spell-bound on all segments of your journey!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh_hIVerko8/VVWewYrSkAI/AAAAAAAADYE/KwdowPJtAPI/s1600/IMG_1641w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh_hIVerko8/VVWewYrSkAI/AAAAAAAADYE/KwdowPJtAPI/s640/IMG_1641w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bussing in the Lofoten in winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We rented a car in Svolvaer, and then drove around the islands. It was arguably one of the most beautiful drive trips I had. If you ever have the opportunity, and love winterscapes, do check it out. In the meantime, enjoy a timelapse snippet of our drive through Lofoten in winter! (Remember to maximise the youtube screen :) )<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DpoqIgerd8E/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DpoqIgerd8E?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-26444360905958918712015-04-05T11:01:00.002+08:002015-04-05T11:01:30.397+08:00Republic of Artsakh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Republic of Artsakh, or officially Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, is one of the more interesting "countries" that I've visited. Landlocked between Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is a de-facto independent state that is currently unrecognized by the United Nations and most of the world.<br />
<br />
As a "oblast" (something like province) in Azerbaijan during the Soviet Union era, it came under dispute after the Soviet Union's collapse with both Armenia and Azerbaijan laying claims on it (majority of the people in the region are ethnic Armenians). It declared its own independence in 1991 (with support from Armenia) resulting in the Nagorno-Karabakh War from 1991 to 1994. While the war had ended, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh remained unresolved, even till today.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iav3Ymejkck/TqU4NimSGEI/AAAAAAAABos/z_TIVubzI2k/s1600/IMG_2960w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iav3Ymejkck/TqU4NimSGEI/AAAAAAAABos/z_TIVubzI2k/s1600/IMG_2960w.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I visited in 2011, they are celebrating their 20th year of independence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The only way to visit Nagorno-Karabakh is through Armenia, on a land-border crossing. In fact, a visa is needed as well. Interestingly, this visa can be gotten in the capital Stepanakert itself which means that somehow, you have to get into the country first to get the visa....! Apparently, at the border crossing, you will be issued some papers, and the visa collected in Stepanakert, and all these to be checked upon exit of the country. However, it is better to get the visa in Yerevan, which is what I did. It is rather painless and takes just 1 working day. Because of the sensitive issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding Artsakh, visitors who intend to visit Azerbaijan in the future may not want the visa affixed in the passport. Travelers will be denied entry when entering Azerbaijan if immigration officals find a Nagorno-Karabakh visa in their passport! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-je7pho9XuuQ/VSCfcPjobiI/AAAAAAAADU8/i8_CGPsiGas/s1600/IMG_2944w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-je7pho9XuuQ/VSCfcPjobiI/AAAAAAAADU8/i8_CGPsiGas/s1600/IMG_2944w.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My visa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The typical attractions in Nagorno-Karabakh, like Armenia, centers around its churches and monasteries. I visited Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Holy Savio in Shushi, as well Gandzasar Monastery in <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2015/03/quirky-vank-nagorno-karabakh-republic.html">Vank, which is an attraction in itself</a>. However, what left the deepest impression was the people I met. Those that I spoke to who could speak English were friendly, and what struck me was that <b>all of them</b> seemed especially proud of their country, with sentences comprising of <i>my country</i> this, and <i>my country</i> that. In fact, when I was browsing in a cake/pastry shop, the owner asked me what I liked and I pointed to a cake. As probably one of her rare foreign customers, we had simple conversation and at the end, the cake was offered to me free with a farewell, "I hope you like <b><i>my country</i></b>."!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPX1-VMH8s/VSChSYNeDPI/AAAAAAAADVI/5S21W9P5dYw/s1600/IMG_2964w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPX1-VMH8s/VSChSYNeDPI/AAAAAAAADVI/5S21W9P5dYw/s1600/IMG_2964w.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepanakert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zYKZFY7bF4/VSChcT-5waI/AAAAAAAADVQ/mDACoVA7iZM/s1600/IMG_0343w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zYKZFY7bF4/VSChcT-5waI/AAAAAAAADVQ/mDACoVA7iZM/s1600/IMG_0343w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otmk3Xeuy1E/VSChpDdDzBI/AAAAAAAADVY/_jOTy-F-GVE/s1600/IMG_0079w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otmk3Xeuy1E/VSChpDdDzBI/AAAAAAAADVY/_jOTy-F-GVE/s1600/IMG_0079w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of Christ the Holy Savio in Shushi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, no visit to Nagorno-Karabakh is complete without visiting their "We are Our Mountains" monument, which is something of a national symbol. Known locally as <i><b>Tatik-Papik</b></i> (translated as Grandma and Grandpa), it is also found in their coat-of-arms, as well as the visa that you receive, which makes for a great souvenir!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-de317yfI9iU/TqU3x7V8hzI/AAAAAAAABok/FjyzMCGQWno/s1600/IMG_0123w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-de317yfI9iU/TqU3x7V8hzI/AAAAAAAABok/FjyzMCGQWno/s1600/IMG_0123w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tatik-Papik monument</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you like off-the-beaten-path destinations, how about visiting this unrecognized country! </div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-12779270970365305472015-03-08T22:15:00.002+08:002015-03-08T22:15:58.201+08:00Quirky Vank, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the stranger villages I've visited in my travels happened to be in a country that has remained unrecognized internationally for over two decades. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is a <em>de facto</em> independent state situated in the Caucasus region, and the town in question is Vank.<br />
<br />
Situated in the northern part of the disputed region, Vank is the go-to village when visiting the historical 13th-century Gandzasar monastery. Well preserved of its Armenian architecture, this medieval monastery hold relics believed to be from St. John the Baptist, and so its one of the more "well-known" tourist attraction in Nagorno-Karabakh. However, aside from Gandzasar, Vank has turned out to be almost an attraction in itself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qXPYS_v9MI/VPxRNS26v2I/AAAAAAAADTw/cq3aVI-iDek/s1600/IMG_0011w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qXPYS_v9MI/VPxRNS26v2I/AAAAAAAADTw/cq3aVI-iDek/s1600/IMG_0011w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Gandzasar Monastery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You see, the village happened to be the birthplace of a certain Levon Hayrapetyan, a Moscow millionaire businessman, who decided to give back to his hometown. He pumped in money building a modern new school, a lumber mill, and a bizarre hotel named Hotel Eclectica, which everyone calls Hotel Titanik, presumably because, well, it is shaped like a ship!!<br />
<br />
Together with the huge modern school building, the "Titanic" looked perfectly and spectacularly out of place in a village of simple stone houses. And somewhere between them, a street runs with a wall-fence of some sort that seemed to be made of rusting car license plates. Which in fact, it is. Apparently, these are car license plates from Azeris who had fled during the Nagorno-Karabakh War! (The Nagorno-Karabakh War is an ethnic war fought between the Armenians in this region and Azerbaijan)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBq7fp7v0pw/VPxSQZjNXCI/AAAAAAAADT4/mI65W-_74FU/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBq7fp7v0pw/VPxSQZjNXCI/AAAAAAAADT4/mI65W-_74FU/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village of Vank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-EczP67rbM/VPxSa9Qg1EI/AAAAAAAADUA/hw9QUagPhMs/s1600/IMG_0060w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-EczP67rbM/VPxSa9Qg1EI/AAAAAAAADUA/hw9QUagPhMs/s1600/IMG_0060w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village school building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHLPbmp4uZU/VPxTFgfQIaI/AAAAAAAADUI/BcwDJZBdsDs/s1600/IMG_0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHLPbmp4uZU/VPxTFgfQIaI/AAAAAAAADUI/BcwDJZBdsDs/s1600/IMG_0057.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Eclectica/Titanic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45s7XjtT7tc/VPxTFwP4HbI/AAAAAAAADUM/GVJEaRWwsNc/s1600/IMG_0062w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45s7XjtT7tc/VPxTFwP4HbI/AAAAAAAADUM/GVJEaRWwsNc/s1600/IMG_0062w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Eclectica/Titanic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaz4Rwv0pZE/VPxTzyFpH9I/AAAAAAAADUY/Nu7I_XoochE/s1600/IMG_0063w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaz4Rwv0pZE/VPxTzyFpH9I/AAAAAAAADUY/Nu7I_XoochE/s1600/IMG_0063w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure you can guess which part of the hotel this is....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYKY9xQuyRw/VPxT3yFUrnI/AAAAAAAADUg/Ej_BPV0RtE4/s1600/IMG_2982w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYKY9xQuyRw/VPxT3yFUrnI/AAAAAAAADUg/Ej_BPV0RtE4/s1600/IMG_2982w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsoQS0_WNjU/VPxUu2JUs7I/AAAAAAAADUo/eIzXbTiKAvI/s1600/IMG_0058w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsoQS0_WNjU/VPxUu2JUs7I/AAAAAAAADUo/eIzXbTiKAvI/s1600/IMG_0058w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall of license plates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I stayed only 1 night in a cold unheated room in the Titanic @ 6000 (Armenian) dram a night (I remember it was approx us$16-18 then). I believe I was the only guest in the hotel. I was certainly the only guest in the restaurant and the food took 50 minutes to arrive. And I didn't have time to visit another "attraction" - a lion carved out of a mountainside rock. Apparently, it will roar when visitors walk past it. Hmm. <br />
<br />
Vank is easily accessed via <i>marshrutkas</i> from Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. I will cover more of Nagorno-Karabakh in my next post. Watch for it! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-59456110485733595022015-02-08T21:05:00.001+08:002015-02-08T21:05:40.694+08:00Valbonë and the Accursed Mountains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Albania may not be that well-known as a tourist attraction in Europe, let alone as a trekking & hiking destination. But its Albanian Alps is not just any hiking destination - it's a truly spectacular one. <br />
<br />
Also known as the 'Accursed Mountains', the most popular trek/hike is between the villages of
Theth & Valbonë. Unfortunately, I visited Valbonë in early spring, and the mountain pass between the two villages are still closed due to heavy snow, so I couldn't do the trek. In fact, the two days I was there, it was snowing and raining intermittently, and so the day-treks that I could do around Valbonë itself was also limited. Nevertheless, the mountain scenery was still breathtaking even if the canvas was a cloudy grey.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NFLpHMvxvk/U1dx3_HkwCI/AAAAAAAAC68/V62rNAJHj88/s1600/DSC03185w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NFLpHMvxvk/U1dx3_HkwCI/AAAAAAAAC68/V62rNAJHj88/s1600/DSC03185w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in the Albanian Alps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46ACW0jExpY/VNddxiaNAHI/AAAAAAAADSU/sjjwvTv61ww/s1600/IMG_6983w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46ACW0jExpY/VNddxiaNAHI/AAAAAAAADSU/sjjwvTv61ww/s1600/IMG_6983w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking from this.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1yRlkrOO1w/VNddx_PwaaI/AAAAAAAADSY/2hXQUtX9QxI/s1600/IMG_7001w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1yRlkrOO1w/VNddx_PwaaI/AAAAAAAADSY/2hXQUtX9QxI/s1600/IMG_7001w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...to this! Too much snow for further hiking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gcd_aXwEvY/VNddyFsZ2QI/AAAAAAAADSc/uj0FMJEfAww/s1600/IMG_7031w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gcd_aXwEvY/VNddyFsZ2QI/AAAAAAAADSc/uj0FMJEfAww/s1600/IMG_7031w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful clear pools too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The best resource for this region is the website <a href="http://www.journeytovalbona.com/">Journey to Valbona</a>. Catherine, the driving force behind that setup, is a pot of energy and enthusiasm. Accommodation info, trekking maps, friendly chatter and all-round hospitality is available at her place. When I visited her, she was busy with the preparation for the official start of the trekking season due in a week. (Yes, I was early by 1 week! :( )<br />
She even arrange local volunteers to check the hiking trails to ensure that the signs and markers are still visible. I stayed at the 'Farmhouse' just to savor Nene Sose Selimaj's homecooked food! A truly pleasant stay.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJV_NUnYut0/VNddR5kGXsI/AAAAAAAADSE/bCbr7ZLBcOc/s1600/IMG_6977w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJV_NUnYut0/VNddR5kGXsI/AAAAAAAADSE/bCbr7ZLBcOc/s1600/IMG_6977w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guesthouse in Valbona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRfmLARtndQ/VNddXBjnY_I/AAAAAAAADSM/vxmTF2xyxf0/s1600/DSC03222w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRfmLARtndQ/VNddXBjnY_I/AAAAAAAADSM/vxmTF2xyxf0/s1600/DSC03222w.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homecooked food by Mother Sose Selimaj</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Local minivan transport is available between Shkodra (a place to visit in is own right) and Theth, while Valbonë is similarly reached via the town of Bajram Curri. The lonelyplanet guide highly recommended the Koman Ferry route from Shkodra to Fierza (on Lake Komani) and then to Bajram Curri by minivan. Otherwise, if you are in Tirana, there are minivans plying between Bajram Curri and Tirana, but note that the route goes through Kosovo (ie you will go through entry and exit immigration to Kosovo!). For me, it worked out great as I planned on visiting Kosovo after Valbonë and it was just 2hours between Bajram Curri and Prizren.<br />
<br />
Visitors to Albania would no doubt usually cover Tirana and the UNESCO sites south of it (Berat,
Gjirokastr, Butrint) but for those who love nature and hiking, check out Valbonë and the Accursed Mountains up at the north!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyWV2iCEXgc/U1dybZHEWMI/AAAAAAAAC7M/rBpMn7j4Enc/s1600/IMG_7123w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyWV2iCEXgc/U1dybZHEWMI/AAAAAAAAC7M/rBpMn7j4Enc/s1600/IMG_7123w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpenglow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-21048045208646761672015-01-25T21:45:00.000+08:002015-01-25T21:45:11.035+08:00Dallol & the Danakil Depression<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After visiting <a href="http://blog.roving-light.com/2015/01/erta-ale-danakil-depression.html">Erta Ale</a>, the next highlight of the Danakil Depression is equally surreal, and no less easy to visit - the salt mines and sulphur springs of Dallol.<br />
<br />
This time, our base is the "village" of Hamed Ila that consists of more of the rickety "tree-branch" huts that is common in the Afar region. Like the night in Erta Ale, sleeping options were just "safari beds" - outdoor collapsible camping beds, which was laid out outside the hut. It would be much cooler to sleep in the open.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuO7sv1oszs/VMTo_q3P9jI/AAAAAAAADQQ/Npe6SiyiAcE/s1600/IMG_1804w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuO7sv1oszs/VMTo_q3P9jI/AAAAAAAADQQ/Npe6SiyiAcE/s1600/IMG_1804w.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Afar homestead, and the only accommodation option (though we slept outside)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Again, military escorts were brought in, and the visit to the sulphur springs was first. This time, we were driven barely an hour and then it was "only" a 30-40 minutes walk to the site. But it was a walk through a broken land of sharp rocks, bizarre-shaped formations, and soul-sapping heat. I had brought a 1-litre bottle of water along and it was barely enough.<br />
<br />
The yellow-brown-stained landscape is an eye-opening sight. I had thought the Bolivian Altiplano desert to be unearthly but the scene here is downright alien. Bubbling pools of yellow-white sulphuric acid smear the reddish-brown hardened ground, with pockets of greenish mineral ponds and ghastly weird protrusions scattered throughout. Admiration of the scene though, was somewhat marred by the suffocating sulphuric air (even with a face mask) and the constant heat. So remember to bring a good face mask and plenty of water! I was on the verge of a heat-stroke on return to our vehicle!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3U2JCv6ShY4/VMTqqKer8PI/AAAAAAAADQc/kLVjzwMElVM/s1600/DSC08233w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3U2JCv6ShY4/VMTqqKer8PI/AAAAAAAADQc/kLVjzwMElVM/s1600/DSC08233w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military escort vehicle leading us through broken and used land - this used to be covered with salt!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKIeKPdStTA/VMTqrLY6sGI/AAAAAAAADQk/uubVAJW77Rw/s1600/IMG_1893w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKIeKPdStTA/VMTqrLY6sGI/AAAAAAAADQk/uubVAJW77Rw/s1600/IMG_1893w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short hike to the sulphur springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yaQvA5M4OQc/VMTrQhBZcqI/AAAAAAAADQs/yU2ZkdzhWBw/s1600/IMG_1867w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yaQvA5M4OQc/VMTrQhBZcqI/AAAAAAAADQs/yU2ZkdzhWBw/s1600/IMG_1867w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alien landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sox57kijRk/VMTrfmFTKHI/AAAAAAAADQ0/Wu4yNKxMFlk/s1600/DSC08254w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sox57kijRk/VMTrfmFTKHI/AAAAAAAADQ0/Wu4yNKxMFlk/s1600/DSC08254w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alien landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZW1oCK2A20/VMTswP1JDpI/AAAAAAAADRA/G2r9cyA5p7o/s1600/DSC08272w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZW1oCK2A20/VMTswP1JDpI/AAAAAAAADRA/G2r9cyA5p7o/s1600/DSC08272w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sulphur deposits and acid pool </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The visit to the open-plain salt mine is relatively "straitforward", as compared to the other sites. The depression was created as a result of tectonic plate movements, and as a result, seawater flooded the depression many years ago. When the seawater dried up, a layer of salt encrusted the entire ground. When we reached the "mining site", it was in the middle of nowhere, and there was nothing but some waiting camels and a group of Afar men hacking, cracking and prying salt blocks from the ground using primitive tools. There was absolutely no sign of any permanent structure or machine, and when enough salt is harvested, the salt merchant would then transport the salt out using their camel caravans. I could never imagine how they could work under such conditions with barely a shelter in sight!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOe2ObeLNVM/VMTt-0Ob-CI/AAAAAAAADRM/LdMfUNYiPJM/s1600/IMG_1919w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOe2ObeLNVM/VMTt-0Ob-CI/AAAAAAAADRM/LdMfUNYiPJM/s1600/IMG_1919w.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaking the salt ground and prying out the salt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRB_4J4NmVE/VMTuMMvio3I/AAAAAAAADRU/3oJbAKcmI50/s1600/IMG_1918w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRB_4J4NmVE/VMTuMMvio3I/AAAAAAAADRU/3oJbAKcmI50/s1600/IMG_1918w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocks of salt would be cut into standard size and loaded onto the camels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As mentioned in the previous post, most trips to the Danakil Depression start from Mekele in northern Ethiopia, and include both Dallol and Erta Ale. Trips can be arranged in Addis Ababa and while overland trip is possible, you will need 2 more days to-and-fro from Addis. Flights to Mekele will make sense if your international flight to Ethiopia is on Ethiopian Airlines as you would get very competition prices for their domestic legs. So check out the prices before you decide.<br />
<br />
The sights in the Danakil Depression are indeed extraordinary, and for those who are willing to face the hardship, they would be rewarded with a very memorable trip, though probably in more ways than one!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tqMRG06LLg/VMTu0WzshcI/AAAAAAAADRc/MVsb95kQUrM/s1600/DSC08221w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tqMRG06LLg/VMTu0WzshcI/AAAAAAAADRc/MVsb95kQUrM/s1600/DSC08221w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt merchants transporting salt in their camel caravans </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcndrsqbeBU/VMTyntczWxI/AAAAAAAADRo/8ZD2beYmdwk/s1600/10507016_10152691241071069_8277389825629197161_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcndrsqbeBU/VMTyntczWxI/AAAAAAAADRo/8ZD2beYmdwk/s1600/10507016_10152691241071069_8277389825629197161_o.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-120m below sea level and 45 degrees Celsius</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-51349775978288780872015-01-12T23:45:00.000+08:002015-01-12T23:59:33.021+08:00Erta Ale & The Danakil Depression<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have visited only a couple of volcanoes up-close (mainly in Indonesia), and none of it with any visible lava activity. So I was pretty excited when I finally came face-to-face with a lava lake in the crater of a volcano!<br />
<br />
There are not many volcanoes out there with an active lava lake, and Erta Ale in northern Ethiopia is one of them. However, reaching it is an endeavour not to be taken lightly. Erta Ale lies in a region known as the Danakil Depression - a geographical depression and one of the lowest places/land in the world (-125m). It is also one of the hottest places in the world with temperatures reportedly soaring above 50 degrees Celsius, and with almost no rain year-round. Needless to say, this harsh and inhospitable land poses a logistic challenge to anyone who wants to go there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOcsW5VzWtg/VLPd7KbJOgI/AAAAAAAADOY/LyhstDgvTY0/s1600/IMG_1672w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOcsW5VzWtg/VLPd7KbJOgI/AAAAAAAADOY/LyhstDgvTY0/s1600/IMG_1672w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afar nomads in the harsh environment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEcreYuH3o/VLPfn-KH6WI/AAAAAAAADOk/grSQq5M5kN8/s1600/DSC08095w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEcreYuH3o/VLPfn-KH6WI/AAAAAAAADOk/grSQq5M5kN8/s1600/DSC08095w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drought-stricken land</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In order to visit the volcano, permits, military escorts and local politics add to the complexity. The Afar region, as it is also known, with its proximity to Eritnea and Djibouti, is pretty lawless and so a permit and four military personnel are required for a visit. Two local policemen were also deemed necessary for company, and of course, a special local Afar guide. And then it's hours of bumpy and dusty jeep ride in 40-ish degree or more temperatures (we went in Oct). While our jeeps have air-conditioning, oftentimes our driver had to switch it off intermittently for fear of engine overheat and/or to conserve power to maneuver over harsh terrain etc.<br />
<br />
Finally, our jeep could only bring us to a El Dom, a village "base-camp" of sorts, close to Erta Ale itself. Led by the Afar guide and the militia, a 3-4 hour hike in darkness over jagged rugged volcanic terrain would then bring us up to near the crater to see the lava lake. The hike should only be attempted after the sun set, as otherwise, the heat would probably suck our bodies dry! <br />
<br />
But brave through all of the above, and you would be rewarded with one of the most surreal and mesmerizing nature displays on earth....!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Utr4BvhnsUw/VLPgElllZiI/AAAAAAAADOs/r856FDhJrtc/s1600/IMG_1696w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Utr4BvhnsUw/VLPgElllZiI/AAAAAAAADOs/r856FDhJrtc/s1600/IMG_1696w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards the glowing crater mouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRfPJ8V5wNk/VLPgU7eANCI/AAAAAAAADO0/qIpRED2dYw8/s1600/DSC08138w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRfPJ8V5wNk/VLPgU7eANCI/AAAAAAAADO0/qIpRED2dYw8/s1600/DSC08138w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lava Burst</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXZzIXHYNf8/VLPg9mvi73I/AAAAAAAADO8/lk2Coo7D_Tk/s1600/IMG_1701w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXZzIXHYNf8/VLPg9mvi73I/AAAAAAAADO8/lk2Coo7D_Tk/s1600/IMG_1701w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographing the lava lake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1dx0PurdbKY/VLPkjB2bunI/AAAAAAAADPQ/peL-fv503_8/s1600/IMG_1714w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1dx0PurdbKY/VLPkjB2bunI/AAAAAAAADPQ/peL-fv503_8/s1600/IMG_1714w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowing Inferno</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pardon the poor timelapse video, which was done using an old GoPro2<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='420' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mCRpF67xqVs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The hardship is not over yet! A short nap in some ramshackle huts close to the crater allowed us some rest and before sunrise, we had to head back to El Dom. This time though, the brightening sky made the going easier. Otherwise, we certainly wouldn't want to be caught in the heat when the sun rose too high!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b11MUzLQyFw/VLPhXhHWyYI/AAAAAAAADPE/W74kfcFwTUQ/s1600/DSC08165w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b11MUzLQyFw/VLPhXhHWyYI/AAAAAAAADPE/W74kfcFwTUQ/s1600/DSC08165w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our soldier guide resting on the volcanic terrain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If it's not evident already, visiting Erta Ale is certainly quite costly. Most trips start from the city of Mekele, and typically would include another highlight of the Danakil Depression - the sulphur springs and salt mines of Dallol which I would cover in the next blog post. So, watch out for it!</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-78899708369545492682014-12-25T10:54:00.000+08:002014-12-25T10:54:48.063+08:00Season's Greetings!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yADir2wTL80/VJt8FsqOjpI/AAAAAAAADOE/ai6b0reWntg/s1600/xmascard2014w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yADir2wTL80/VJt8FsqOjpI/AAAAAAAADOE/ai6b0reWntg/s1600/xmascard2014w.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-25560615103722887112014-11-30T11:00:00.000+08:002014-11-30T11:03:50.558+08:00Qinghai-Tibet Railway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is one of the great rail journeys of the modern world. The QingZang Railway, as it is called (<i>Qing</i> refers to Qinghai province in China, while <i>Zang</i> refers to Tibet), connected remote Tibet to China. The last section from Golmud to Lhasa was only completed in end-2005, and it was hailed as one of the major engineering marvels of China.<br />
<br />
I did not quite take this train journey for the engineering feat though. Some of the reasons for the difficulty of building this railway is that altitudes at this part of the world exceeds 4000m and majority of the rail track would be on permafrost! But with such conditions, the scenery and landscapes along the way are also super fabulous, and I had wanted to see such remote landscapes.<br />
<br />
There are already alot of information on the internet regarding the QingZang Railway, but whichever you choose, do note that <i>train schedules may change</i>. Note also that there are a number of trains that cover this rail journey, with different starting points, so note the various train numbers and the time of your point of embarkation. However, if you are trying to take a train from eg. Xining, and want to get the tickets for the train that originate from Beijing (but will stop at Xining too since all the trains that go to Lhasa will stop by Xining), the tickets are harder to get. There is, however, a train that originate from Xining (K9801). It is this train that I took (which starts at 14:55), and unfortunately, it is NOT the best of timings as I was to find out.<br />
<br />
As described by many Tibet tour sites, the QingZang Railway is the world's highest railway, and will pass through the world's highest rail station (5068m) near Tanggula Pass. However, this Xining-Lhasa train (K9801) passes through this pass in the wee hours of the morning, and so we can't see anything of the pass nor the station! (And there's supposed to be a viewing platform on this station!) So for those who specifically want to see/take photos of this, you would have to either take the Lhasa-Xining train, or one of the trains that leaves Xining in the evening.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, the landscapes along the way is still stupendous. And I'm glad I am able to finally ride the QingZang Railway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lb_LFF-f2s/VHqG5UsdzdI/AAAAAAAADM8/GvopJjUF-CQ/s1600/DSC08470w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lb_LFF-f2s/VHqG5UsdzdI/AAAAAAAADM8/GvopJjUF-CQ/s1600/DSC08470w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dJMOhCcM_E/VHqG5gF1z9I/AAAAAAAADM4/QwUo6xocEWU/s1600/DSC08501w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dJMOhCcM_E/VHqG5gF1z9I/AAAAAAAADM4/QwUo6xocEWU/s1600/DSC08501w.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourists glued to the train window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY2aLLzoArA/VHqIAUrtmeI/AAAAAAAADNo/RW-h0MUouF4/s1600/DSC08461w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY2aLLzoArA/VHqIAUrtmeI/AAAAAAAADNo/RW-h0MUouF4/s1600/DSC08461w.jpg" height="640" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meals in the dining car were actually pretty good (though expensive)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbzvTbrHkH8/VHqHRj0xUVI/AAAAAAAADNI/K3cOAFC0Btg/s1600/DSC08517w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbzvTbrHkH8/VHqHRj0xUVI/AAAAAAAADNI/K3cOAFC0Btg/s1600/DSC08517w.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phenomenal landscapes along the QingZang Railway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9vAGRR3YUs/VHqHRunUmSI/AAAAAAAADNM/TvyVzIcXzas/s1600/IMG_2142w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9vAGRR3YUs/VHqHRunUmSI/AAAAAAAADNM/TvyVzIcXzas/s1600/IMG_2142w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6HUV6QXwyI/VHqHmV3eSDI/AAAAAAAADNY/BPRrYdAOR1w/s1600/IMG_2168w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6HUV6QXwyI/VHqHmV3eSDI/AAAAAAAADNY/BPRrYdAOR1w/s1600/IMG_2168w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHDaKedNDUY/VHqHmRZADBI/AAAAAAAADNc/MoolNVhb9zg/s1600/IMG_2183w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHDaKedNDUY/VHqHmRZADBI/AAAAAAAADNc/MoolNVhb9zg/s1600/IMG_2183w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-52755018714365302502014-11-15T13:50:00.001+08:002014-11-15T13:50:49.606+08:00Helambu Trek, Nepal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nepal is one of the top trekking places in the world, with the famous Annapurna Himalayan range as one of its most popular and most visited backdrop. Treks range from 3-18 days, so there is one to fit most people's schedule and fitness. And this is only one part of Nepal!<br />
<br />
I've decided to try a less touristy trek, and I have 6 days. So I opted for the Helambu trek, which is part of a bigger Langtang-Gosainkunda-Helambu trek. The Langtang region is also a beautiful trekking region, and Helambu is south of the mountain range. Here's some feedback regarding this trek.<br />
<br />
One of the plus points of this trek is its accessibility from Kathmandu. Trekkers to the Annapurna region would have to get to Pokhara, which is either a 7-8hr bus ride or a flight. The Helambu trailhead, on the other hand, is just an hour bus ride away from Kathmandu! At the end of the trek at Melamchi Puul Bazaar, it is also just a 4hr bus back to Kathmandu.<br />
<br />
The highlight of the trek is the 3rd day/night at Therapati (3600m). So essentially, the first 2 days of the trek is the ascent to reach Therapati (from 1500m), and the 4th+5th day is the descent. The thing I didn't like about the trek is that most of the ascent (and descent) is all "bunched up". Especially the 4th day after Therapati, it was a <i><b>continuous</b></i> 4-hr <b>steep</b> descent which is a sure recipe for feet blisters and damaged knees. <br />
<br />
The scenary during the trek is mostly of terraced fields and villages against the mountainous backdrop of the Langtang Himal, Jugal Himal range etc. So expect plenty of greenery. However, my first 2 days of the trek was marked by heavy mists and clouds, which is not common at this time of the year (Oct). So even though at Chisopani (first night), famous for its sunrise views and popular for weekend trips by the locals, I didn't quite get to see a good sunrise. Luckily, when I arrived in Therapati, the weather turned for the better, and it was a spectacular highlight. The lodge/guesthouse was set amidst a spectacular backdrop of mountains, and the setting was picture-perfect. Add to it a beautiful sunset, and an equally enchanting sunrise the next morning, it certainly washed away any negativity of the previous days.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, I had mixed feelings for the trek. If not for the wonderful highlight at Therapati, I would not have enjoyed the trek as much, the main gripe being the long continuous steep ascent/descent on the trek. I also didn't get good weather for half the trip but weather is not something anyone can control.<br />
<br />
So for those wanting to experience a short less touristy trek, as opposed to something immensely popular like the Poon Hill trek, this is something to consider.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rTmGXTeLO8/VGbmliDeyxI/AAAAAAAADL0/HAEVMy7MgoE/s1600/10352903_10152805000926069_1889473105956435803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rTmGXTeLO8/VGbmliDeyxI/AAAAAAAADL0/HAEVMy7MgoE/s1600/10352903_10152805000926069_1889473105956435803_n.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terraced fields with snowcapped mountains as backdrop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-070_AoRH73g/VGbnJ_i7qPI/AAAAAAAADL8/lgHKdgbLJiM/s1600/10393948_10152805002891069_8144334831623830736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-070_AoRH73g/VGbnJ_i7qPI/AAAAAAAADL8/lgHKdgbLJiM/s1600/10393948_10152805002891069_8144334831623830736_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contrast of the fertile land and bare snowy mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoqMRvxrKDU/VGbngLfjM_I/AAAAAAAADMI/iEfOtDUCN8w/s1600/1380492_10152805002156069_1312557852182525754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoqMRvxrKDU/VGbngLfjM_I/AAAAAAAADMI/iEfOtDUCN8w/s1600/1380492_10152805002156069_1312557852182525754_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpenglow on the Jugal Himal range at Therapati</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obOx5KBbveA/VGbngE7YOlI/AAAAAAAADME/bkg_xxif-dQ/s1600/10270407_10152805002171069_437344779639067256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obOx5KBbveA/VGbngE7YOlI/AAAAAAAADME/bkg_xxif-dQ/s1600/10270407_10152805002171069_437344779639067256_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Therapati - High in the clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxUuCtftNYs/VGbnysEy7-I/AAAAAAAADMU/08ers_wL8pA/s1600/10788_10152805002366069_1160016905115973361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxUuCtftNYs/VGbnysEy7-I/AAAAAAAADMU/08ers_wL8pA/s1600/10788_10152805002366069_1160016905115973361_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guesthouse in the mountains (Therapati, 3600m)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlokFAL8v68/VGbpFoMX8-I/AAAAAAAADMo/kKe1jGsnoCQ/s1600/10649617_10152805002416069_7826561651772459730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlokFAL8v68/VGbpFoMX8-I/AAAAAAAADMo/kKe1jGsnoCQ/s1600/10649617_10152805002416069_7826561651772459730_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty atmospheric post-sunrise at Therapati</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2yY8FtTaPY/VGboAOJjuUI/AAAAAAAADMc/cRflZ2vpxbY/s1600/10391378_10152805002996069_591203311165414605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2yY8FtTaPY/VGboAOJjuUI/AAAAAAAADMc/cRflZ2vpxbY/s1600/10391378_10152805002996069_591203311165414605_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village life - one of the key aspects of the trek in Helambu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-7578455360432985432014-08-25T03:03:00.000+08:002014-08-25T03:03:33.097+08:00Hermanus, South Africa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Travelers to the Western Cape in South Africa are no doubt spoilt for choice in the things to do and attractions to see. Capetown alone offers so much, and for those who can afford to tear themselves away, check out Hermanus, especially if you are a whale fan!<br />
<br />
Hermanus is a town just 1.5hours away from Capetown, and is renowned for one thing - whale watching. In fact, it is reputed to be the best destination for <i><b>land-based</b></i> whale watching.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh26iC-uCIo/U_o008uvolI/AAAAAAAADK8/H7sPQWWGgzs/s1600/DSC05978w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh26iC-uCIo/U_o008uvolI/AAAAAAAADK8/H7sPQWWGgzs/s1600/DSC05978w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale watching right from the town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's right. From June to November each year, the Southern Right Whales would come to Walker Bay to calve. And that's where Hermanus is situated - a coastal town hugging Walker Bay and a series of rocky cliffs. From the town, a Cliff Path Walking Trail is available where visitors could leisurely stroll along the coast and sight the whales! And even if no whales are in sight, the rocky cliff formations are quite a sight as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z5LxlyMT1o/U_ox10ILwtI/AAAAAAAADKQ/3GLMz3Kw_pg/s1600/IMG_8783w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z5LxlyMT1o/U_ox10ILwtI/AAAAAAAADKQ/3GLMz3Kw_pg/s1600/IMG_8783w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from Hermanus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fe2o46w_qZw/U_ox6JFborI/AAAAAAAADKY/ZJ9CqdDZALE/s1600/DSC06000w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fe2o46w_qZw/U_ox6JFborI/AAAAAAAADKY/ZJ9CqdDZALE/s1600/DSC06000w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from Hermanus!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The whales are known to come quite near the shore though, particularly in September (hence its land-based whale watching title). Naturally, a <a href="http://www.whalefestival.co.za/">Hermanus Whale Festival</a> is held, though the dates do vary. Personally I think its just an excuse to increase prices....:p The town's tourism draw is so big that there is even a town crier. Yes, whenever a whale is sighted, he would sound a horn that could be heard all over town!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwNHqGKReWo/U_oxPTFGH_I/AAAAAAAADKI/cG8nMbvYu60/s1600/IMG_8768w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwNHqGKReWo/U_oxPTFGH_I/AAAAAAAADKI/cG8nMbvYu60/s1600/IMG_8768w.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Whale Crier of Hermanus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For those who want to get even closer, there are whale watching cruises available as well. The cruises last 2-2.5hrs and they bring you to the spots that the whales frequent, and prices range from ZAR450-600 (~ USD42-56).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu_Qgdof3FI/U_oz91WPRhI/AAAAAAAADKk/cqTG6feaWrU/s1600/IMG_8835w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu_Qgdof3FI/U_oz91WPRhI/AAAAAAAADKk/cqTG6feaWrU/s1600/IMG_8835w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sighting the whales during the boat cruise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noF1EuddWgc/U_oz-qj67NI/AAAAAAAADKs/zQGeJ9UJFKQ/s1600/IMG_8852w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noF1EuddWgc/U_oz-qj67NI/AAAAAAAADKs/zQGeJ9UJFKQ/s1600/IMG_8852w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIO6PHWjRs0/U_oz-V06DsI/AAAAAAAADKo/4tRQ12W-lLs/s1600/IMG_8900w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIO6PHWjRs0/U_oz-V06DsI/AAAAAAAADKo/4tRQ12W-lLs/s1600/IMG_8900w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, we could not see the whales do a "breaching", ie leap out of the water!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While Hermanus can be easily visited in a day (it's supposed to be a very popular day-trip from Capetown), an overnight stay is recommended as the town is indeed a very nice town to relax by and there's plenty of nice accommodation options with sea views. Unfortunately, there are no public buses from Capetown, and while it is listed as a Baz Bus destination, it is technically not. The Baz Bus drops you at quite a distance from Hermanus, and you would have to fork out additional money for the transfer into Hermanus. So, self-drive would still be the best bet!</div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611904109289806402.post-77633370644522862462014-07-10T15:58:00.000+08:002014-07-10T15:58:24.133+08:00Discovering Kota Kinabalu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The reactions and questions were identical. I had told my family and friends that I would be visiting Kota Kinabalu (commonly shortened to just KK) for a couple of days. And that hiking up Mt Kinabalu was <b><i>not</i></b> part of the itinerary. So what would I be doing there if not for climbing up the highest mountain on the island of Borneo? The funny thing is, I did not know either.<br />
<br />
Well, I would be finding out myself. Together with 2 other bloggers, we were invited to experience the hospitality of KK. As we chatted over our late dinner in Cafe Boleh in the Pacific Sutera hotel, it seemed a common misconception that aside from climbing Mt Kinabalu, what else is there?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPDVFcU5JBE/U7zfRVHLgQI/AAAAAAAADIQ/iaSlccPMBxk/s1600/DSC05315w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPDVFcU5JBE/U7zfRVHLgQI/AAAAAAAADIQ/iaSlccPMBxk/s1600/DSC05315w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Flight</b></div>
<br />
Our flight to KK was an evening flight, and our trip discovery began with a fabulous start in Changi airport as <a href="http://www.airasia.com/sg/en/home.page">AirAsia Singapore</a> had extended their Red Carpet Service to us! This service is available only in certain airports, and KK is one of them. We had a special check-in counter (red-carpeted of course ;) ), and our baggage tagged prominently with <i><b>"</b>Priority</i>". During boarding, we were also given priority boarding as part of the Red Carpet service. I did not notice till boarding that we were also given seat number 1. Yes, that is the spacious <i>Hot Seats</i> - perfect for those with long legs (like me)! Once in the air, we were also served <i>Hot Meals</i>. It's not often that I have in-flight meals on low-cost carrier flights since most flights are short, but I have to admit the food taste great! I'm glad AirAsia Singapore had provided these <i>Hot</i> additions! ;)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zj_UbjHpUo/U7tb3Kes97I/AAAAAAAADCM/IhiFrAeN47A/s1600/DSC05130w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zj_UbjHpUo/U7tb3Kes97I/AAAAAAAADCM/IhiFrAeN47A/s1600/DSC05130w.jpg" height="400" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fellow bloggers on the red carpet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQmlkyKniGs/U7yr3WbSXcI/AAAAAAAADC8/b1YhUp8pT7c/s1600/DSC05136w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQmlkyKniGs/U7yr3WbSXcI/AAAAAAAADC8/b1YhUp8pT7c/s1600/DSC05136w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boarding pass marked "Red Carpet"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were pretty impressed then, when at the KK airport baggage claim, even before the baggage carousel started moving, our luggage were carried out to us separately from a side door! Now <i><b>that's</b></i> priority! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI2cXoA_OKo/U7tcDwIKtQI/AAAAAAAADCU/AS5BXHhS2do/s1600/DSC05152w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI2cXoA_OKo/U7tcDwIKtQI/AAAAAAAADCU/AS5BXHhS2do/s1600/DSC05152w.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priority baggage handling! Yes, all the others are not even out yet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were hosted by <a href="http://www.suteraharbour.com/">Sutera Harbour Resort</a>, which have 2 hotels in its premises - The Pacific Sutera Hotel and The Magellan Sutera Resort. The Pacific Sutera, equipped with business suites with wonderful views, as well as access to the Pacific Club Lounge, is popular for business travelers. The Sutera Harbour Marina Golf and Country Club sits between the two with facilities like a 104-berth marina and 27-hole a golf course. Our stay for the night was at the Pacific Sutera.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOnIz6kezBc/U7tjhJ12S6I/AAAAAAAADCk/ekCpfjGDySc/s1600/IMG_8181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOnIz6kezBc/U7tjhJ12S6I/AAAAAAAADCk/ekCpfjGDySc/s1600/IMG_8181.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The comfortable room in the Pacific Sutera hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Journey Back in Time & Sunset Cruise</b><br />
<br />
We were introduced to the Pacific Club lounge the next morning for breakfast with
Tracy Lim, the Communications Manager for Sutera Harbour Resort, and our
host for the trip. Situated at the top of the hotel, the day can't
start any better with such views for breakfast!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVhfGPhN2p4/U7ysUaZjMPI/AAAAAAAADDE/eCvu-49zOTY/s1600/DSC05180w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVhfGPhN2p4/U7ysUaZjMPI/AAAAAAAADDE/eCvu-49zOTY/s1600/DSC05180w.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver sharing his "Breakfast with a view" at the Pacific Club Lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oal1Frj8no/U7ysUeGppzI/AAAAAAAADDI/CxWhMbIne_U/s1600/DSC05181w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oal1Frj8no/U7ysUeGppzI/AAAAAAAADDI/CxWhMbIne_U/s1600/DSC05181w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly staff at the Pacific Club Lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our first activity of the day was a ride on an authentic steam-engined train - the North Borneo Railway. Brought back to life from a museum, the train now runs twice weekly for tourists, from Tanjung Aru to Papar. The firing of the train engine was quite a draw, as everyone clamored to see the engineers throwing log wood to feed the fire that build the steam that drives the train. It was definitely a throwback to the old days. This was not the only throwback, as the seating and service attire within the train was reminiscent of the olden days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKxfFHyfx-o/U7ytAFYl--I/AAAAAAAADDY/4qqpkj25AmM/s1600/DSC05187w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKxfFHyfx-o/U7ytAFYl--I/AAAAAAAADDY/4qqpkj25AmM/s1600/DSC05187w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Aboard! At the North Borneo Railway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvwOHtkic9o/U7ytANk-RtI/AAAAAAAADDg/jUdgml9XBt8/s1600/DSC05192w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvwOHtkic9o/U7ytANk-RtI/AAAAAAAADDg/jUdgml9XBt8/s1600/DSC05192w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An authentic working steam engine train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpJNAA7Rm9k/U7ytAUGc1NI/AAAAAAAADDc/5bD-w7HbFAM/s1600/DSC05195w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpJNAA7Rm9k/U7ytAUGc1NI/AAAAAAAADDc/5bD-w7HbFAM/s1600/DSC05195w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firewood is still used to run the train!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our guide Grace Leong, with over 20 years of experience under her belt, was on hand to fill in all the details of the journey. Passing through traditional villages and small towns, paddi fields and mangrove forests, the ride was really pleasant, except for the tropical heat. Through it all, Grace enthusiastically plied us with information and history on the surrounds and also Sabah in general. There were stops along the way where we could disembark for a short walk around, and the highlight for me was a visit to a local market where Grace introduced us to a local fruit - <i>Tarap</i>. Found nowhere else, it looks like a jackfruit but taste like soursop!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIPS6Cw_GUg/U7yt2vdKvzI/AAAAAAAADDw/Bc5clb51LRo/s1600/tarap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIPS6Cw_GUg/U7yt2vdKvzI/AAAAAAAADDw/Bc5clb51LRo/s1600/tarap.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local<i> Tarap</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0JM5XP5dcw/U7yvDcF656I/AAAAAAAADEM/NlrYOs6Rt_A/s1600/IMG_8258w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0JM5XP5dcw/U7yvDcF656I/AAAAAAAADEM/NlrYOs6Rt_A/s1600/IMG_8258w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jiayu taking a snap for social media sharing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The service onboard was really thoughtful as after each outing, we were presented with this cold-pressed towel which was a god-send in the sweltering heat. To complete an overall wonderful experience, and a further throwback to old times, lunch was then provided in tiffen boxes! Cute!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3ZhqVc4nW8/U7yvjcXkw-I/AAAAAAAADEU/JOpgpjewzDs/s1600/DSC05201w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3ZhqVc4nW8/U7yvjcXkw-I/AAAAAAAADEU/JOpgpjewzDs/s1600/DSC05201w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Service on board the North Borneo Railway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1oy-87EcvHc/U7yuOIVqv5I/AAAAAAAADD4/tvjk4Y1ZxDE/s1600/DSC05241w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1oy-87EcvHc/U7yuOIVqv5I/AAAAAAAADD4/tvjk4Y1ZxDE/s1600/DSC05241w.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch served in original tiffen boxes, and a happy Tracy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSgpVYShMeI/U7yuOMuy4gI/AAAAAAAADD8/rp5yzhHqeZY/s1600/DSC05243w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSgpVYShMeI/U7yuOMuy4gI/AAAAAAAADD8/rp5yzhHqeZY/s1600/DSC05243w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And its really delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What better way to close the day than a sunset cruise? That's exactly what we did in the evening. At the Sutera Harbour Marina, we boarded the Puteri Sutera and went cruising round the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. I would think for group outings, these sunset cruises make excellent options. There are very little things that could beat chilling out on a deck of a beautiful boat with good company and feeling the wind massaging your face and blowing all your worries and stress away. Just before the sunset hour, some tapas and refreshment were brought out to complement the experience. We did not know it then, but this happened to be the best sunset of the few days we were there!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stoWYByh8hI/U7yw_us_k-I/AAAAAAAADEg/UXJJugFopwc/s1600/IMG_8278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stoWYByh8hI/U7yw_us_k-I/AAAAAAAADEg/UXJJugFopwc/s1600/IMG_8278.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful company for a cruise - onboard the Puteri Sutera </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q9Ttqj4UFM/U7yw_n8YUNI/AAAAAAAADEk/g3QOTNiDdeg/s1600/IMG_8304w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q9Ttqj4UFM/U7yw_n8YUNI/AAAAAAAADEk/g3QOTNiDdeg/s1600/IMG_8304w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jiayu enjoying the breeze</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2eVEL0fIpo/U7yxSRC7LDI/AAAAAAAADEw/iRNW6iMB5Gs/s1600/IMG_8316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2eVEL0fIpo/U7yxSRC7LDI/AAAAAAAADEw/iRNW6iMB5Gs/s1600/IMG_8316.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't complain with the sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mohXjXxbDoU/U7yxSTzMGzI/AAAAAAAADE0/UZubpNKVtuA/s1600/IMG_8334w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mohXjXxbDoU/U7yxSTzMGzI/AAAAAAAADE0/UZubpNKVtuA/s1600/IMG_8334w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of Day - Homeward bound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Fun-filled Day</b><br />
<br />
Day 3 brought out new excitement for us as the day was scheduled to be out on a reef pontoon. Our host for the day, Mr Youngcrippen from <a href="http://www.borneopassages.com/">Borneo Passages</a>, was all smiles. We'll call him Young for short. After all, today's activities are certainly targeted for the young!<br />
<br />
For me, I was doubly excited as the first activity was something I had wanted to do for the longest time - parasailing! As I sat on the harness of the "parachute" (known as the parasail wing), the grin on my face seemed permanent. But apparently, I realized my grin could go even wider when I lifted off into the air! The views were amazing and it was exhilarating floating up in the air. Like I said, these activities are perfect for the young, and Mr Young was on-hand to help us take photos as well! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFyN79geXt8/U7zQMBj7g7I/AAAAAAAADFI/PerHpVLFPcU/s1600/DSC05335w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFyN79geXt8/U7zQMBj7g7I/AAAAAAAADFI/PerHpVLFPcU/s1600/DSC05335w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver up in the air!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wdKRYxxEyY/U7zQMd1ymTI/AAAAAAAADFM/0r23nlWnIq4/s1600/GOPR0009w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wdKRYxxEyY/U7zQMd1ymTI/AAAAAAAADFM/0r23nlWnIq4/s1600/GOPR0009w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhilirating!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up was something that sounded no less thrilling. The world's longest island-to-island zipline! We were brought to Sapi island where Coral Flyer, the operator of the zipline, is situated. It was a spanking new attraction, barely a few weeks old. After the formalities are done (which included the signing of an indemnity form), we were brought to the neighboring island where we would be ziplining back to Sapi. In all the excitement, I was still carrying my bulging camera slingbag! Would I be zipping through the air with my slingbag dangling by my side? The staff nonchalantly affirmed that it would be so... I wouldn't need to be worried though. The gradient of the slope was actually quite gradual, and as such, the speed was alot less than I imagined it to be. Which kind of made the activity less "exciting" to me. However, the views more than made up for it - the waters around Sapi island are out of this world!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gBd2wFuM1o/U7zRFEHxy1I/AAAAAAAADFY/Q594CMPDzE8/s1600/IMG_8374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gBd2wFuM1o/U7zRFEHxy1I/AAAAAAAADFY/Q594CMPDzE8/s1600/IMG_8374.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver on the zip-line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='576' height='480' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gfEHZt9IaiI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmo41V1UlIQ/U7zSCA_1RKI/AAAAAAAADFg/Yx4T2x9j2yY/s1600/IMG_8358w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmo41V1UlIQ/U7zSCA_1RKI/AAAAAAAADFg/Yx4T2x9j2yY/s1600/IMG_8358w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing waters of Sapi island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBAvLHs_NDM/U7zSCFlqRlI/AAAAAAAADFk/waySdAWnofo/s1600/IMG_8363w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBAvLHs_NDM/U7zSCFlqRlI/AAAAAAAADFk/waySdAWnofo/s1600/IMG_8363w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing waters on Sapi island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Back at the pontoon, Jonathan Wheeler, manager at the <a href="http://www.borneoreefworld.com.my/online/">Borneo Reef World</a>, gave us a tour of the pontoon, which included an underwater observatory! We had a quick lunch, cooked fresh on the pontoon, before eagerly "plunging" into our next activity. Another first for me, we got to experience a "sea/scuba walk". Essentially, we could literally walk underwater with just a specially fitted "helmet" placed over our head. We could breath normally under this helmet, and so we just concentrated at gaping at the beautiful corals and schools of fish swarming about us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3arqVlkKpk/U7zSpuRNgWI/AAAAAAAADFw/MrmhglbDKqE/s1600/GOPR0153w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3arqVlkKpk/U7zSpuRNgWI/AAAAAAAADFw/MrmhglbDKqE/s1600/GOPR0153w.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloggers Unite! - Underwater Sea-walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And as if that was not enough, it was followed by a "Discovery Dive". We were given a 10-minute crash course on diving, complete with scuba gear - flippers and oxygen tanks and all. The instructors then led us on a short dive to marvel at the wonders of the sea floor. The underwater world is a whole new world, and it was easy for me to be completely lost in it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdIelTK-wOA/U7zTFnobEzI/AAAAAAAADF4/wY98aEMBF08/s1600/GOPR0142w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdIelTK-wOA/U7zTFnobEzI/AAAAAAAADF4/wY98aEMBF08/s1600/GOPR0142w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colours of the underwater world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1KqaqI5Is/U7zTFtfbnHI/AAAAAAAADF8/Lzj3gRznKG0/s1600/IMG_8402w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1KqaqI5Is/U7zTFtfbnHI/AAAAAAAADF8/Lzj3gRznKG0/s1600/IMG_8402w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Whole New World</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Back at Sutera Harbour Resorts, we have moved to the Magellan Sutera for our stay. The hotel lobby was magnificently huge and modeled after a Sabah longhouse. They even engaged someone dressed in the ethnic tribal attire to play some traditional music during certain hours. The rooms are absolutely fabulous, as befitting a 5-star resort. Targeted towards families and couples, the decor and ambience would certainly ensure a comfortable and relaxing holiday.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXeoRiUOxJ4/U7zTnSEywOI/AAAAAAAADGQ/Uf6g8uek2MU/s1600/DSC05411w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXeoRiUOxJ4/U7zTnSEywOI/AAAAAAAADGQ/Uf6g8uek2MU/s1600/DSC05411w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Magellan Sutera Lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPePm36BLyI/U7zTnjtDgWI/AAAAAAAADGM/HOxJD1nDV0g/s1600/IMG_8423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPePm36BLyI/U7zTnjtDgWI/AAAAAAAADGM/HOxJD1nDV0g/s1600/IMG_8423.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfortable airy room in the Magellan Sutera resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Kota Kinabalu Tourism</b><br />
<br />
Breakfast the next day was at Five Sails, which provided both local and international fare. Even Korean kimchi and Japanese sushi were part of the spread. But nothing beats local laksa made like what you see at the hawkers', except that well, this was in a 5-star environment ;).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcdPLo-JbIc/U7zUFzw5F0I/AAAAAAAADGc/WFvCGAtZ0-Q/s1600/DSC05435w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcdPLo-JbIc/U7zUFzw5F0I/AAAAAAAADGc/WFvCGAtZ0-Q/s1600/DSC05435w.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakesa made-to-order</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Grace was again our guide as we embarked on our Kota Kinabalu City tour. We visited several sights including a "floating" mosque (City Mosque) and a "hanging" tower (<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Menara Tun Mustapha), but the highlight for me was the visit to the Sabah museum. It was a fascinating visit with excellent commentaries from Grace, though unfortunately, no photography was allowed. There was also a heritage village where replicas of the longhouses and village artifacts of the various ethnic groups were displayed. However, we couldn't linger long as we were ravaged by mosquitoes. Considering that more than 50% of Malaysia's mangroves are in Sabah, perhaps that's why the mosquitoes here are particularly numerous. In fact, as Grace have enlightened, there is even a mangrove reserve in the city itself. Interestingly though, Grace was unaffected by these mozzies, which led me to believe that the local mosquitoes prefer foreign blood :p</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OKpaonC3pAQ/U7zUxY6deWI/AAAAAAAADGk/WL2tT4vURww/s1600/IMG_8431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OKpaonC3pAQ/U7zUxY6deWI/AAAAAAAADGk/WL2tT4vURww/s1600/IMG_8431.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Longhouse replica in the Heritage village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9gk7pWCeqY/U7zUxchifJI/AAAAAAAADGo/KBLMVdahO2k/s1600/IMG_8444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9gk7pWCeqY/U7zUxchifJI/AAAAAAAADGo/KBLMVdahO2k/s1600/IMG_8444.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of a Murut longhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrWST_O-wXI/U7zXwd974gI/AAAAAAAADHE/pWnhymjN5YU/s1600/IMG_8443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrWST_O-wXI/U7zXwd974gI/AAAAAAAADHE/pWnhymjN5YU/s1600/IMG_8443.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replica artifacts displayed include liquor jars used by the tribes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8ICMKQ3-iI/U7zVy5jugJI/AAAAAAAADG8/Isx2n3u4G7A/s1600/DSC05443w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8ICMKQ3-iI/U7zVy5jugJI/AAAAAAAADG8/Isx2n3u4G7A/s1600/DSC05443w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Menara Tun Mustapha</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">KK city also boasts one of the best seafood around, particularly their huge tiger prawns. Thus, our lunch stop was a recipe for a cholesterol overdose. Crabs, prawns, mussels and cockles, it was unfortunately so so good that I had to have a helping... ;p</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-NTPGyLK_Q/U7zYUeOIq-I/AAAAAAAADHM/b9qmLgcTvSM/s1600/DSC05465w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-NTPGyLK_Q/U7zYUeOIq-I/AAAAAAAADHM/b9qmLgcTvSM/s1600/DSC05465w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Seafood Spread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Sutera Harbour Resorts is also home to a 27-hole championship golf course, </span></span></span><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">divided into 3 distinct 9-hole set - </span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">the Lake Course, the Heritage Course and the Garden Course.</span></span></span> So naturally, in the late afternoon, we had a short stint at the driving range. Unfortunately, it would seem I am not cut out for golfing, with my golf balls skewing away in dangerous directions! And a blistered thumb for my efforts too :(. But it was still a happy ending, as later, we were driven around the golf course in a buggy, where we could appreciate the beautiful and thoughtful landscaping.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMBq-Ebx8Kg/U7zY_qsbPhI/AAAAAAAADHY/yZqJ1HqDKCM/s1600/DSC05483w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMBq-Ebx8Kg/U7zY_qsbPhI/AAAAAAAADHY/yZqJ1HqDKCM/s1600/DSC05483w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful landscaping in the golf course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qyQc89q9ms/U7zY_19g62I/AAAAAAAADHc/xn6ILQ4OfGU/s1600/IMG_8495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qyQc89q9ms/U7zY_19g62I/AAAAAAAADHc/xn6ILQ4OfGU/s1600/IMG_8495.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is even wildlife found within the resort!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">It was the final night of our stay, and a farewell dinner was specially arranged for us. After freshening up (those golf swings are tiring!), we </span></span></span><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">adjoined at the Ferdinand's for some fine dining. Also invited were </span></span></span><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Jason and Josephine,</span></span></span> the marketing team from Sabah Tourism Board, who had kindly co-sponsored this campaign. In between fine food and wine, feedback and opinions were gathered and exchanged. If they had wanted to show another side of KK besides scaling Mt Kinabalu, they had certainly succeeded. During the past few days, I got acquainted with many other faces of Sabah, which I have yet to experience. In particular, the wildlife and nature within Sabah have so much to offer. From Proboscis monkeys to Orang Utans, and from fireflies to the astonishing Rafflesia, I had envisioned that a revisit would be forthcoming. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuxcuwU3RwI/U7zZeQXXkxI/AAAAAAAADHo/y0c91mThZQI/s1600/finedining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuxcuwU3RwI/U7zZeQXXkxI/AAAAAAAADHo/y0c91mThZQI/s1600/finedining.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely food and presentation in Ferdinand's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">To our surprise, </span></span></span><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">at the end of our dinner, </span></span></span>we were gifted with a memento - a Proboscis monkey plush toy! No doubt, this would be a constant reminder for me about my revisit to Sabah!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU1HyL6wJZU/U7zaD5fayoI/AAAAAAAADH0/HCZ08lLFWVI/s1600/DSC05496w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU1HyL6wJZU/U7zaD5fayoI/AAAAAAAADH0/HCZ08lLFWVI/s1600/DSC05496w.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our nice memento</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Relaxed Departure</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Next day, while we would be flying back home, it was not the end of our trip yet. The flight was early afternoon, and so we had a morning to relax by. And relax we did - in <a href="http://www.mandaraspa.com/">Mandara Spa</a>. Mandara Spa is a luxury spa treatment brand, of Balinese origin and international presence - they are found in over 70 locations worldwide. Its presence certainly complements the facilities available in </span></span></span><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".c.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Sutera Harbour Resorts. </span></span></span>I was given a choice of 6 different essential oils for my massage session and I think the whole session might have been sooo relaxing that I can't remember which of the oils I have chosen! :p</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv8C8RV8v6g/U7zau4iZhZI/AAAAAAAADH8/1s4FwAlR43c/s1600/DSC05513w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv8C8RV8v6g/U7zau4iZhZI/AAAAAAAADH8/1s4FwAlR43c/s1600/DSC05513w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandara Spa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAR3IS1nSbo/U7zaze-eqQI/AAAAAAAADIE/3GKtISkDac0/s1600/DSC05509w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAR3IS1nSbo/U7zaze-eqQI/AAAAAAAADIE/3GKtISkDac0/s1600/DSC05509w.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandara Spa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I guess a good massage is a good way to end a trip. And so, as I sat on my AirAsia flight back, I pondered - what have I discovered in Kota Kinabalu?<br />
<br />
I have ridden on a historic steam-engine train, dived its crystal clear waters, savored its succulent seafood, zip-lined across its islands, cruised its shimmering seas, golfed its lush green courses, visited its cultural sites and parasailed its wide-open skies.<br />
<br />
And I have not climbed Mt Kinabalu! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>* Special thanks to the following sponsors that have made this trip possible :</i><br />
<i>AirAsia Singapore</i><br />
<i>Sutera Harbour Resorts</i><br />
<i>Sabah Tourism Board </i></div>
Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11015451115592815164noreply@blogger.com6