Beijing Day 2 - Exploring the vast complex of the Ming Tombs

The second day started out real early as we needed to meet our tour guide at 7am. Yes, that early! As a result, we rushed through breakfast just to get to the hotel lobby on time where we will be picked up.

We hopped on the van, along with the other folks who will be joining us, to start the long journey towards the Ming Tombs. To start off, our tour guide provided a few details about Beijing and how life goes on around here. There’s also a bit of introduction amongst the folks who are with us in the van. So, all in all, we were 8 – a Japanese couple, a solo traveler from Hong Kong, and our group.

Beijing Day 1 - Reliving the Olympic spirit at the Olympic Green

Still having plenty of daylight left, we headed on to the Olympic Green – the venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The vast complex is really grandeur. Spanning about 2,800 acres, the iconic structures which identify the place really stood out. Also, the wide open spaces can surely fit in thousands of patrons at any given time. A really nice place to explore!

Bird's Nest in daylight

The commute towards here is relatively easy. We just hopped on the subway, transferred a few lines, and a few minutes later got to the Olympic Sports Center station.  

Beijing Day 1 - Learning about Chinese history and heritage at the Capital Museum

We woke up a bit late to get some sleep as we took the midnight flight into China’s capital.  Luckily for us, we still got to avail of the breakfast buffet at the hotel which served a really nice combination of both Asian and Western flavors. However, as it was bird flu season during this time, we avoided all poultry dishes just to be sure.

We decided to take it easy on our first day. Right after breakfast, we explored the vicinity of the hotel to see where we can buy some necessities like drinking water. We didn’t go far to get to the nearest 24 hour local convenience store. There were lots of products to choose from so it was like a mini supermarket of sorts. Great find!

facade of Beijing's Capital Museum

Then, we headed on to the nearest subway station to get to the Capital Museum. Thinking it was just a few blocks away – judging from the map – we decided to walk. Apparently, blocks here in Beijing are really wide so after 30 minutes, we were dead tired. Giving up on the idea, we just took a cab to get to the station as it was just too much effort on foot.

Hong Kong Day 4 - Joining in prayer at the Chi Lin Nunnery

Strolling around Nan Lian Garden was such a therapeutic and relaxing experience. To add a bit more to the serene feeling, we ventured next to Chi Lin Nunnery just across the garden. You don’t even need to trouble yourself with crossing the street as there is a footbridge that connects both places. Very convenient!

temple grounds

Hong Kong Day 5 - Last minute shopping and grocery hunting at Causeway Bay

Staying at Causeway Bay has a lot of perks for those who love to shop and window shop. There’s a wide array of everything at this place – from high end fashion brands to street side markets. There’s so much to see, hear, taste, and do here that one day isn’t even enough to explore. With that, we started early as this is the last day of our stay here at the vibrant and dynamic city of Hong Kong.

Causeway Bay at night
courtesy of www.discoverhongkong.com

Hong Kong Day 4 - Appreciating nature at Nan Lian Garden

It’s out and about in Kowloon for the day. Wanting to experience something more close to nature, we paid a visit to Nan Lian Garden. It’s easily accessible via the MRT network - only one MRT ride away from the city center!

Nan Lian Garden gate

Not a staple tourist attraction of Hong Kong, this place gives visitors some space to take a breath of fresh air. It’s a very nice place to visit especially for those folks who are already tired of the city’s noise as it immediately gives a peaceful vibe once you enter. It felt like I just went to an oasis of calm within the bustling metropolis.

long winding paths

Hong Kong Day 3 - Finding inner peace at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Today, we set out to the parts of Hong Kong not frequented by many tourists – the northern part of the New Territories.  Our destination is quite a unique one as it is quite hidden. Not in the sense that it is inaccessible but rather because it will take a keen eye to spot its location. So, the destination is actually the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.

Located in Sha Tin, this place has been gaining the attention of travellers recently since many are intrigued by its name. What’s not to be curious about finding ten thousand Buddhas all situated in one place?

Hong Kong Day 2 - Enjoying the seaside atmosphere at Stanley Bay

If you think Hong Kong is just all about the hustle and bustle of the city, then you haven’t been exploring hard enough. There are so many places here where you can get a relaxing vibe – places where you can actually slow down and enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace.

One of those places is Stanley Bay. Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, this place is likely to transport you to a side of Hong Kong you didn’t think would exist.

small boats around Blake Pier

Taipei, Taiwan - 4 Days / 3 Nights Itinerary

Another one of my summer trips was the one in Taipei, Taiwan. I actually thought that I would not be able to go through with this one due to some unforeseen circumstances. However, with pure determination and a little bit of luck, I managed to go ahead with it anyway.

As I did not have much time to plan out this trip, my itinerary started out to be a list of places I wanted to visit. In any case, I survived throughout this trip with just that. Ticking out more places than I had expected – also, visiting some areas that are not even part of my list!

Seoul Day 5 – Enjoying the traditional houses at Bukchon Hanok Village

During my last day in Seoul, I decided to explore the area most close to where I was staying. I intentionally slid this to the back of my itinerary as it was just there.

It was really cold today as the wind coming from the mountains was quite strong. The surroundings felt gloomy as well since the sun didn’t show up from behind the clouds. Though that was the case, I still went on to walk around the narrow streets that wind about Bukchon Hanok Village.

narrow streets at Bukchon Hanok Village

Beijing, China - 5 Days / 4 Nights Itinerary

During the Labor Day holidays, some colleagues and I went to Beijing, China for a well-deserved vacation.

It was my first time to visit the city and I found so many interesting things to do here. The experience was very much enjoyable due to the spring weather. It was very easy to explore around with the cool atmosphere. The city was filled with beautiful colors as well thanks to the sprouting greens and blooming flowers everywhere.

Seoul Day 4 - Learning political history in Sarangchae at Cheongwadae President Museum

Continuing the morning tour, we headed on to Sarangchae at Cheongwadae. Here, you can learn so much about Korea’s modern history. With various exhibitions that showcase Korea’s past presidents and their corresponding political policies, this is the place to visit for all you folks who love to keep up with governments.

facade of Sarangchae
courtesy of http://www.english.president.go.kr 

Seoul Day 4 - Spotting high ranking officials at Cheongwadae (Blue House)

After my morning stroll within the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, I headed on straight to Cheongwadae. Commonly referred to as the Blue House, this structure has over 150,000 traditional Korean blue roof tiles. Known for their regal color and intense durability, these tiles will last for over 100 years without fading or cracking. Simply amazing!

view of Cheongwadae at the foot of Mt. Bugaksan

Hong Kong Day 1 – Bargain hunting at Mongkok

When you’re in Hong Kong, you better prepare some cash (or your credit card, if you like the more expensive stuff) for shopping. There are literally hundreds of stores selling almost anything that anyone would fancy here!

One such place to find good bargains is Mongkok. Located at the Kowloon side, this place has a wide array of selections to choose from – from high-end shopping malls to street markets. Simply pick a street to start from and explore the numerous possibilities!

the busy streets of Mongkok
courtesy of http://www.discoverhongkong.com/

Hong Kong Day 1 - Reminiscing Childhood at Hong Kong Disneyland

It was a perfect sunny day to be out and about today! Perfect that the weather cooperated since today is Hong Kong Disneyland day! Definitely, you don’t want to have it rain when visiting an outdoor theme park.

night view of the Hong Kong Disneyland arch

Mickey during the Flights of Fantasy Parade

Seoul Day 4 - Culture seeking at Gyeongbokgung Palace (Part 2)

The next area we went to was the Sajeongjeon. It was here where the king held early morning meetings to manage routine state affairs. Early is not an understatement! These meetings started at 3:00am in the morning! Imagine getting up at that hour to discuss political matters!

Next stop was the king’s living quarters, the Gangnyeongjeon. The structure was divided into 9 sections with the center being the king’s room. It is here where the king read books, rested, and attended to state affairs in private. 

at the front of Gangnyeongjeon

Seoul Day 4 - Culture seeking at Gyeongbokgung Palace (Part 1)

It was a fine morning during my fourth day at Seoul. Finally, the sun decided to shine bright today after hiding in the clouds for the past days! I really appreciated this blessing of good weather since this was the day designated for my Gyeongbokgung Palace tour.

a nice view of the main throne hall amidst the mountainous backdrop

Hong Kong - 5 Days / 4 Nights Itinerary

My family went to Hong Kong for a vacation last February.

Although I frequent this place, I seem to never get tired of it. Hong Kong always has something new to offer each time I visit. Such a dynamic city worth coming back to!

The weather was just right at that time – not too cold but not too warm. I actually got to wear clothes that I enjoy sporting when going around town.

As we wanted a more relaxed trip, I listed down just a few places to visit per day. With that, we can have a relaxed and unhurried pace.

Seoul Day 3 - Lunch at Flora by Chef Cho Woo Hyun

Between touring Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong, I came to Flora by Chef Cho Woo Hyun for lunch. Conveniently situated at the hilly neighbourhood of Samcheongdong, it was a great place to have a quiet and relaxed lunch.

Chelsea Market & Café at the Podium

While at the Podium, one restaurant immediately piqued our interest. This is the Chelsea Market & Café located on the ground floor. With both an al fresco and indoor dining space, the restaurant caters to various types of diners.

interiors