I went to Thailand back in January this year.  Last time I went there was at least 6 years ago.  Time flies so fast I don't exactly remembered where I went.  While I was cleaning up my computer, I came across these old pictures I took while I was in Bangkok.  After going through them, it's surprising to realize how advanced has Thailand become today than a few years ago.  More metro routes, more tranpsortations and malls that were not developed back then.  There were a few wealthy or more modern malls that can be compared with malls in Hong Kong or Dubai.  I tried to avoid going to those places this trip because I want to see the local side this time, but it is somewhat tough in the city since it was made for tourists.  However, the food was great and cheap compared to the Thai food in Hong Kong.

My flight to Najing (Nanking), China

Global warming to some is a fact and other as an alternative fact.  Not here to argue if it exist or not.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and I have pictures which I captured in early May 2017 while I was flying to Nanjing that may make a statement to some.  You decide.  In my opinion, I saw drought and much of the river is dry up throughout the region, which is not normal since Spring should be raining season and there should be plenty of water to fill up the river. Unfortunately, the images below are telling otherwise.  These abnormal weather condition will have major consequences to the people and their health in the long run.

Dubai Food

One of the best ways to blend into the culture of the country you are visiting is trying their food.  In Dubai, you can taste the following popular dishes:

 Balaleet  

Lugaymat

Nakhi

Mahashi

Shish Taouk

Hommour

Tabouleh

Robian

Khoresh-e Bamieh

Or just try Macdonld's McArabia

After tasting all these delicious food, you can try a cold refreshing beer, Almaza.

Enjoy your trip in Dubai, and most importantly enjoy your meal!

Where will you go in 2013?

Happy New Year! Since 2013 has finally arrived, any plans on where to travel? I recently read lots of articles relating to top destinations to travel to in 2013, and I found this one article by Lonelyplanet suggested some very interesting locations that I am interested to visit now. Check it out!

Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 Countries 

I think Ecuador would be an amazing place to visit. I would love to take a picture at the 0' equator line that separates the north and the south hemisphere. 

Besides countries listed above, here are my top 10 places that I want to visit this year.

1. Venice, Italy

One reason is this place is sinking.  It's like a race against time to get there before is underwater.

2. Prague, Czechs Republic

The spending power here is much higher than countries like France and Switzerland.  Therefore, you can shop for more in this romantic and beautiful country.  Did I mention that there's church that is made out of human bones?

3. Casablanca, Monocco

If you ever see a picture of the lighthouse in Casablanca or the landscrapes surrounding it, I think you will be interested to go there as well.

4. Moscow, Russia

Russia is not only getting more modern and rich.  It has transformed into one of the powerful countries in the world.  It is also rich in culture and history, and the spending power is still high even though things are getting more pricy as the living standard increases.

5. St. Petersberg, Russia

Moscow and St. Petersberg are like brothers. You can't meet one, without meeting the other.

6. Warsaw, Poland

As much as depressing the trip will become, I want to go visit one of the concentration campes in there.

7. Hawaii, USA

Visit beaches and volcano islands. I might get a chance to learn the hulu dance.

8. Barcelona, Spain

One of the inspirational cities.  There are many things to do and see there, as well as surrounding cities.  Since the economy is declining, this is one of the best places to spend Euro.

9. Fiji

A less populated version of Hawaii.  It's becoming a popular traveling desitination.  I think is better to go now before wildlife there slowly becoming extincted due to developments.

10. New Guineas

Nature Call!  Sometimes you want to become Ace Ventura by getting out of populated cities to places more nature to get relax and learn more about wildlife.

If none of the countries listed above interested you, I am sure there are other similar articles related to this one that would be suitable to you. One reason none of these places listed here is in South America is because I had not intention to visit amazing countries there until 2014. However, I would suggest people to travel around South America.


Nevertheless, happy traveling if you found the destination you want to go! 

Penguins in Cape Town

The Two Ocean Aquarium in Cape Town is amazing.  Recommend everyone to stop by there to see all these cool animals.   If you want to see penguins in wildness, I would suggest people to go to the Boulders beach in Simon Town.  It is a conservation beach where you will see over 50 penguins resting on the beach or hiding in the bushes.  The entry fee is around R40, which is a good price and at the same time help preserve these little mammals' living space.

If people are interested on learning more about this, let me know and I will post more pictures here or in future posts.

Greek Islands

I found an article yesterday regarding 10 best Greek Islands.  The link is very helpful.  I wish I read this before I went to Greece last May.  Regardless, take a look if you are planning to go there soon. 

I would recommend people to go to Crete, because it is one of the largest islands in Greece.  There are so many things you can do there, but it will take you at least 12 hours to get there by cruise ship from Athens. It is also obvious that you should go to Santorini, one of the best islands to see the sunset.  However, it will get crowed during summer since it is one of the most commercial islands for tourists.  I would suggest you travel there early May, which is not the peak season.

10 Best Greek Islands

Picture taken at the edge of Cape of Good Hope.  The most South western point of Africa.  Many people thought this is the most southern point of Africa, but if you look at the map closely is not.  Either way, I am glad that I was there!  If you are planning to come for a visit, I would suggest you to come by driving or taking one of the local tours that they offered in cape town. Believe me, your journey there will be more enjoyable and less hassle if you do so.  Unless, you are interested in biking or hiking to there.