Shanghai Museum
Passageway to Museum
Entrance to gallery
My friends asked me why I am writing more and more about Asia – i replied maybe it is because i miss home very much? maybe it’s the traveling I am missing and all the interesting things that i missed sharing and the adventures I have had before. I haven’t really been home for a long time and Asia has changed so much and this picture taken by a friend reminded me so much of the time we encountered the lovely apprentice Geisha when we were in Kyoto.
Before living in Japan for a few months because of work – I’ve often wondered if the shows with Geisha – were they just traditional ladies that doesn’t exist now – since Japan is so modern and if they do exist – what kind of benefits do they get. For sure – this old trade – of cultural entertainment – may not be everyone’s cup of tea no more. Normal companies in Japan offers good benefits like a retirement plan, insurance and disability insurance for those doing labor jobs – so what does these ladies who started training really young have in store for them? But of course, we will never know because this trade is so secretive it seems – that even taking pictures of them are rare.
We did go for a Geisha show and it’s nothing like what we thought it would be – but a cultural show with dances, a puppet show and a tea ceremony. The art of dancing by the Geisha – was truly precise and refine – nothing like those I’ve seen – it was an eye opener for me at least. The Geisha are still pretty much a mystery and if only i can get to find out more about them – i certainly would. Movies and stories portray them as a high class prostitutes/mistresses for rich men – during the olden days – but i’m pretty sure they are not just that. Are you as curious as I?
For those who don’t know this Singapore is my home and me being in Canada doesn’t mean that I don’t know a thing or two about the happenings in Singapore. The niece who was invited to the launch recently sent me some beautiful pictures of her and her friends – the beautiful people of course – during the launch party. I asked her if i could use a few of her pictures for this blog – to show you all what a beautiful and amazing place Singapore is.
This is an outdoor pool i think – and the rates are at USD $400 a nite.
Phnom Penh has changed quite a bit since I was last there according to a friend who had just got home from there. She said there was a steel building just at every corner they turned in a cab. So yes – not only is Phnom Penh a touristy place now – it’s pretty industrialize too. Check out the evening market at Sisowath Quay but they were more for food – if you are into trying local cuisine but if you have a weak tummy – i think you should skip that.
Don’t be too surprised if you are frisked when you visit the Heart of Darkness – the security is really tight there and it’s not about the terrorists that they are afraid of – but more like the locals trying to gun down each other in a dispute – so i heard. For those who loves their drinks – Phnom Penh is the place to be – because they are dirt cheap – we had our filled that night and went bar hopping till wee hours in the morning. More on Phnom Penh in another post.
The Bayan Tree Resort in Asia must be one of the most luxurious resort I’ve been to – but one wouldn’t expect anything less from the Bayan Tree brand who have been around for many years now. We were attracted by the spa and massage they offered and the privacy of your own pool. Within the resort itself – they had many restaurants and 24 hrs room service – if you don’t want to get out of your room. There were massage tables in the privacy of your own room or even if you were to set out on the private beaches in Phuket – you an see many canopy of rooms with massage tables all around – it’s like we’ve gone to heaven.
Private pools in each room that faces the sea and you can have your breakfast, lunch and dinner here. In some suites – in know they even have an LCD TV right by the pool and the jacuzzi.
Breath-taking view of another of our friends room.
Enjoy and relax under luscious coconut trees.
And a scented bath before your massage – to end your day.
The girlfriend who was visiting her in-laws in Colorado had invited me and some of my friends to go with her one year and we agreed. The host were very gracious and brought us to the Grand Canyon for a day tour. It wasn’t too far from where they lived and we took a road trip and arrived way before lunch. The sight was breath-taking of course and we only managed to take a few photos because – the in-laws wasn’t feeling too hot.
You can imagine how hot it was – but there are tour buses if you are not living nearby and want to go visit the Grand Canyon – we saw quite a few that day.
Some people do a little hiking – some a little rafting – some just sit around taking a sip of water and enjoying the wonders of the world – but we ? we ate – hahah!! we brought a picnic lunch.
The Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon seems to be the most popular - layers and layers of rock here. And if you are a first time hiker – the Bright Angel Trail apparently will be your best bet. The Grand Canyon is known as a very spiritual place. People come here to find peace and/or be amazed by the grandness of our planet. So if you are in Arizona – make sure you make a trip up here – shuttle buses do come up here.
For those who have never been to Malaysia – the rustic part of Malaysia is usually the best part – not only do you really get to feel and experience the real culture of the Malaysians – one get to try out the famous durian – king of fruits – by the roadside. You don’t see this very often in Kuala Lumpur but if you travel further into Malaysia like Batu Ferringhi – you will see many of these stores around – and these are the most awesome places to eat. Don’t be deceived by the dirty looking environment – because they are not only cheap but they have the best durian here.
Some awesome view after taking the windy and spiral road up to Batu Ferringhi.
No ! no ! i’m not turning my travel blog into a food blog - but somethings cannot be missed when you are traveling right? with travel comes food – comes shopping and lots of food – besides sightseeing – so yes – when I find something really good – I just have to share it and when you are in Philly – you have to try the Belgium Waffles.
The ones that i had were nice and fluffy – i had mine with maple syrup while the friends had theirs with ice cream – but the waffles were so huge – you would have to share it – if you eat like me – and i am a big eater I tell yer.
Well – almost summer – we were there in May this year. If you remember – i complained that the many times we went to the Niagara Falls was still in the winter – sometime in March or April – but this time we went in May instead. Unfortunately, as you can see – the weather still wasn’t perfect either – it was quite gloomy that day.
And I’ve noticed that if you visit the Niagara Falls earlier in the day – the traffic is almost none – you got the whole street to yourself. Sure we saw some people but unlike in the summer – where there is folks all around.
The bridge that joins – Canada and USA – the Rainbow bridge – i believed it is called. And here I tell you how i became a illegal crossover to USA some 11 yrs ago. You see i was just visiting then – and the spouse’s cousin and us decided to go to Niagara Falls but took a wrong turn and went towards US custom. I didn’t have my passport with me – so i was detained and had to swear that i wasn’t trying to enter USA as a stowaway – HAHAHAHAHA! But the immigration in USA was pretty thorough and even checked my credentials and tried to verify who i was with immigration Canada. It took a good hour before we were sent on our way.
There – Niagra Falls from the Canadian side.
Maid of the mist – take a boat tour across the Niagara River – don’t forget to wear your rain coat – if you don’t want to get wet.
A magnificent sight
A closer look at the fall.
No i wasn’t there silly – but the nephew was – his company sent him there – a US based company – with lots of perks like health care for the entire family with Blue Advantage – I often wonder if it was anything like the Blue Cross here. But it is always good to have some health insurance if you are traveling a lot like the nephew of mine.
There was a parade for the opening of the show – but he was pulled away to attend a meeting – so this was the only picture he got – bummer!
This is the Netherland and Holland Pavilion
The Croatia Pavilion
The Australian Pavilion – look at the line up! i guess ppl do like to be in Australia eh. If you are not a participant – you can still buy a passport to enter the expo - and of course lots of food to try out and souvenirs that one can buy. The Shanghai Expo is a cultural exchange for lots of countries coming together in one place – as you can see – it is a huge event – i wished i was there – large scale expo like these are only hosted by countries with the capability – not only in manpower but resources to accommodate tourists and event planners from various countries. Shanghai is definitely proud of itself.
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