I am not a good writer but always love to share, especially about my travel experiences. Those are usually integrated with my personal and emotional stuff. I am forgetful but I do not forget every places I have been to though I might be too lazy to mention about all my trips here. I hope you enjoy them and hope they'd be your next-trip guidance. Feel free to write me at aor@ggberry.com
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"Your trip inspire me to go there, especially, "Black Dragon Pond". If I have chance to go Li Jiang in future, may I ask you for the trip plan so that I can have wonderful trip as you did"
Christmas 2007 - Jan 02nd, 2008 Sukhothai, Thailand - "Sukhothai", a small town in between the northern and the middle part of Thailand where two UNESCO World Heritages are located at; Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai Historical Park. "Sukhothai" is less mentioned by tourists in term of "Fun" - referred by hostelworld.com hostel reviewed. Why is that?
*(1) The Sukhothai kingdom was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. It existed from 1238 till 1438. The old capital, now 12 km outside of New Sukhothai in Tambon Muang Kao, is in ruins and is a Historical Park.
*(2) Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a number of fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture. The great civilization which evolved in the Kingdom of Sukhothai absorbed numerous influences and ancient local traditions; the rapid assimilation of all these elements forged what is known as the 'Sukhothai style'.
Sukhothai is considered too peaceful to whoever looks for activities. It seems nothing to do during day time unless you do not go to the parks. However, there are numbers of tourists (especially who are into history, arts, peace, and local culture) and photographers appreciate Sukhothai in its own way (count on me too). I have several simple recommendations for whomever reluctantly considering to plan a trip to Sukhothai.
> Plan your trip for couple days only > Stay in New Sukhothai (12 km from Sukhothai Historical Park) > "Cocoon" or "Lotus Village" Guest house are good choices > Take a bike (must) in Sukhothai Historical Park (evening) > Take photos of beautiful sunset in Sukhothai Historical Park > Wake up early to walk around the fresh market in New Sukhothai > Drink traditional coffee (near fresh market, the shop called "Ta-Noi") > Have (must) Sukhothai noodle > Have Sukhothai style Pad-thai > Have dinner at Sukhothai Night Market (To-Rung) > Drink beer, chat stupid things at "Fueng Far" Sukhothai food restaurant
Sukhothai's motto is "Dawn of Happiness", it is the the happiest era out of all eras of the Kingdom of Thailand. What you could notice should be the arts and architecture of Sukhothai Buddha and temples comparing with Ayutthaya. Those expressed pleasures.
I picnic with family in the park and took this shot at night
"Ta-Noi" coffee shop, the shop has been running for 40+ years. They sell Thai traditional coffee, tea, and other easy-to-find-drinks. The special thing is the way they made coffee and tea. Taste is also good.
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June 23rd - 30th, 2007 Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland - This trip was not so laid back. I tag along my hubby to Geneva. I traveled around along the lake all over main cities in the region by myself almost the whole trip (hubby had to work so, couldn't help it). That should be 'why' I led this topic with 'discover'. Overall, it was a great trip!
I created the other version of "Discover Switzerland" blog - by Mac. The content was organized and described in different areas of my visit. You will have an idea how those places impressed me. Hope you enjoy the blog and its photos. Here are the lists of the cities where I visited along Lake Geneva: Geneva-Lausanne-Montreux-Vevey-Chillon-Château-d'Oex-Gstaad.
Old Town Bern, World Heritage - full with culture and entertainment. The day was ending, live starts. Bern was the only city out of Lake Geneva Region that we visited. Bern is Switzerland Capital.
A view from the GoldenPass Panoramic Train (Montreux-Zweisimmen) These ultra-modern trains are able to give the traveller the unique sensation of being totally at one with the grandeur of the unfolding landscape.
Swiss Pass - Travel by train in Switzerland for 4, 8, 15, 22 days or a whole month with the Swiss Pass. You have the option of 1st or 2nd class travel.
Inside Château de chillon (Castle of Chillon), at the extraordinary stunning scenic location. Check out more castle photos.
Students from Vevey - cute and friendly. They all jumped actively to sit beside me and act to the camera. I should have had more time with them if their teacher was not there. Behind us is the Giant Fork, in front - Charlie Chaplin Statue (another notable people who chose Vevey to be their home). Vevey is the site of the world headquarters of Nestlé. Check out more photos of lovely Vevey.
Ahh, My favorite... Bündnerfleisch (Grisons)
For any of you who are planning for Lake Geneva Region trip, pls combine my 2 blogs and links of some local info provided for your guidance.
You may base in Montreux. Take Montreux your hub to visit other lovely towns and cities nearby. Hotels in Montreux.
Recommended accommodations:
(1) 210,000 Hotels Worldwide + 500,000 Hotel Reviews + Bestprices + Free Booking. This site is new and quite good, based in Europe offerring budget hotel for any occasion; beauty & spa hotels, apartment hotels, book short breaks, etc. Check it out.
(2) Or if you prefer a cottage - Euro Relais holiday homes – Simple and Charming: 1 and 2 star homes for budget travelers (click here to book online!)
(3) I recommend this Geneva hotel rates & reviews because it include every classes and styles regarding to your preference, check them out
November 16th - 19th, 2006 Old Town Lijiang, Connect old and new - I gave myself a birthday present by Lijiang trip in China. Old Town Lijiang is connected between the old and the new world. Lijiang is unique, but consumer oriented (well, very commercial in term of tourism and mass production).
*(1) Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China - the Old Town which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of Lijiang and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region.
*(2) The Old Town Lijiang has a history going back more than 800 years and was once a confluence for trade along the old tea horse road. The Old Town Lijiang is famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges. The old town of Lijiang differs from other ancient Chinese cities in architecture, history and the culture of its traditional residents the Naxi people, therefore people there are called 胖金哥 and 胖金妹 (male and female respectively).
----------------------------- Travel Solo Go where you want. Go when you want. Do what you want. -----------------------------
I did not expect Old Town Lijiang this busy and commercial. My imagination was totally wrong. I thought and hoped I could take a bike along the streets in Old Town Lijiang, but it's not allowed and wow, battles of Chinese tour group blocked the ways. However, I did avoid them by not walking on the main streets, but some small streets throughout the residential areas. By doing that, I did see what I expected to see - traditional *Naxi lifestyle. I wish I could stay in Old Town Lijiang longer because I would wake up early to absorb the local culture and the way of life in the morning (without those tour groups :P).
Note: 1) Recommended Hotels in Old Town Lijiang 2) What others say about Lijiang are in the bottom of the page
(1) The Naxi elder was setting up her shop selling same mass production of Naxi stuff (to the tourists) in her old house on the street of an Old Town Lijiang
(2) I walked all the way through the very small streets till I found the fresh market where most of those tourists would not intend to look for it. People kept shouting to each other and arguing all the time. I could really not stand for long. However, it was good to see.
(3) 'Roofs', popular scene which is in Lijiang "must-take" shot among the tourists. I paid 2 Yuan for 1) taking photos 2) drinking tea. The local family set up 1) balcony for tourists to climb up and to take photos and 2) the tea tables for tourists to drink tea and absorb the atmosphere in the morning. The nicer place, the more expensive. There are many coffee shops and hotels which are also up to the hill do the same thing.
(4) Old Town Lijiang today - Tourists tourists tourists, everywhere tourists tourists
(5) Many shops and restaurants closed quite late at night (11:00 PM). Never expected this busy in the Old Town Lijiang. It is also a lot of bars no matter where we went. Tourists came out to sing, to drink and to dance even on the street, even it's late at night and even it's very cold. Tourists seemed really enjoy an Old Town Lijiang in this way.
(6) Another "Must-Take" shot of Old Town Lijiang. I thought if I didn't take this shot, I didn't arrive Lijiang. This is called "Black Dragon Pond". Background is "Jade Dragon Snow Mountain" where we already climbed up to the top. Very impressive. We took 2 cans of oxygen up there. I used both of them till they ran out whereas my friend didn't use any. Read its history "Jade Dragon Snow Mountain".
-- Good Bye Lijiang --
Recommended Hotels in Old Town Lijiang:
> Zen Garden Hotel - Considered upscale hotel with upscale price also, however, it is not considered too costly. Their decoration is nice and it is located nearby the Old Town main streets which is quite convenient.
> Swiss Snow Inn - Price is ok with more or less 160 Yuan, however you can find other clean and nice local family hostels somewhere up on the hill with 80 Yuan. Well, if you prefer staying in the Center Old Town, Swiss Snow Inn is RIGHT in there.
> HostelWorld.Com - Try searching hostels in Lijiang from hostelworld.com, I did, most of them look ok, also they come with reviews. Those help.
**Remark**:There are many nice hostels up on the hill where you can see the whole view of Lijiang and some of those are operated by the local small families who rent their rooms out. By that reason, you'd get a good price. Their balconies are also not bad. Some could get a very nice one by walking in. Well, if you don't mind walking a bit farer up to the hill, you might consider.
What others say (+ photos) about Old Town of Lijiang
"So Lijiang is quite nice. Very touristy, but the Old Town is completely charming. I love the cobblestone streets, canals, and tile roofs..." "Running from the Clouds" by SF Girl *Recommended* "The Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997, is criss-crossed by canals, bridges and a maze of narrow streets. All houses here are built according to the Naxi architectural style. The town is beautiful - actually almost too beautiful and very tourist oriented (all streets are lined with souvenir shops)..." Lijiang Old Town Photo Gallery by Alfred Molon
========================================= Lijiang Travel Blogs and Photos (All blogs and photos here are permited by authers to make use of)
January 2006 KL, Malaysia, I'd never had any picture of Malaysia in my head before. I did not even know what language Malaysians usually use in their daily life. I did not know how their city looks. I went to *source (1) Kuala Lumpur for business and it was a short trip. Tell you truly, I did not remember that whole things where I visited in KL :P. If I knew I would write up this travel blog, I would have noted them and taken a lot more photos :P Sorry about that. Oh there was only one thing that I remember: Pitronas building :P Of course everybody knows that. Anyway, it was impressive looking through the window traveling by tour bus. KL was over my expectation. While riding around Golden Triangle, I was surprise. Really. I'd never imagined KL looke this western, modern, and being bustling metropolis. Golden Triangle is the commercial hub of the city where most of shopping malls, five-star hotels and trendy bars are. Golden Triangle also contains the famed *source (2) Petronas Twin Towers and has a hectic nightlife. I stayed in that area and went out with friend that night. Anyway, KL was not as busy as Bangkok even on Friday night.
The next day I went for sight seeing. *source (3) The National Monument was one of the spot that I guessed most of travelers must drop by. After that we went to have some photo shoots in fromt of the palace and back to the Golden Triangle again to the shopping mall which I also don't remember what it called. We just rided around that area at all time. I didn't have any chance to take the MY monorail. Well, I think MY should have many more attractions that I missed. Those are what I must find them out!
Tokyo, Japan, I got 2-week time spending there in Tokyo during December 2005 – January 2006. It was really good fun over there since my husband was there, my sister was there, my cousin was there, and I had nothing to worry about. Last couple times, I was traveling with worries due to some emotional troubles. Well, it doesn't mean that those time were not good, they were, but there were just something bothering me occationally durring last both trips.
Talking about this time, we were lucky that my husband was sent to his Tokyo office. I was a follower :P He went there 2 weeks ahead. To stay with him did not mean we did not have to pay. I’m not sure whether in some other countries, the hotels charge per head. In Japan, they do. My experiences, I didn’t. Well, it was fine for that.
Most of my three times spending in Japan were in winter. I didn't choose to visit there in winter, but for some reasons, I had to be there in winter every times. I don't like Coldddd weather...
Alright, I’d better start my tale. This time in Tokyo, we stayed in Hotel Villa Fontaine, Roppongi. *(1) Roppongi is a district of Minato Ward, Tokyo, Japan, chiefly known for its nightlife and the presence of Western tourists and expatriates, although the vast majority of visitors are Japanese. The area features numerous bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment including hostess clubs and cabarets.
We daily took a train by using the station that connected right in the hotel. The station looks quite new. *(2) It’s Roppongi-itchome Station - Numboku Line (well, please don’t let me describe all about details :P Follow my link and you would have a clue) It was quite convenient cuz we took only like not over 2 minutes from the station to get into our hotel. Last couple times, I stayed in my cousin’s places which were >1st in Yokohama and 2nd> in Kawasaki. Both are located around Tokyo and it didn’t take long to ride from there to the city. It was also convenient, but it took about 10-15 minutes walk from the station to her place. Sometimes, it took 30 minutes or longer than that cuz I dropped by the shops along the way walking back to her place :P Sometimes bookstore, sometimes restaurant hehe :P
Before I finish this chapter up, if I do not talk about Roppongi landmarks, people would not believe that I really reached there. First is Tokyo Tower which we went for New Year Count Down. We just could not find any other landmark but here which was nearest to our hotel. We had been waiting there for 3 hours outside with 0/-1 degree C till they started counting down. Wait just for shouting 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! Then nothing rather than that. After that we walked back to hotel, dropped by Family Mart and bought some instant noodle :P Hence now I could tell people I had New Year count down at Tokyo Tower, no one of them knows how suffer it was. I hate colddddd. Anyway, we got many nice photos from that spot :) It was packed with teenagers and tourists. Some were crazy, they took out their shirts -_-" walking to show off their bodies on the street.
The other is Roppongi Hills. *(3) Roppongi Hills is a newly multi-purpose complex located in the heart of Roppongi. Called the city that never sleeps, it houses more than 200 stores and restaurants in addition to a hotel, a movie theater complex and a membership library. Its proximity to Ginza and Kasumigaseki, where prestigious shopping and dining establishments and most government offices are located, has assured its status as Tokyo’s new center for business, commerce and entertainment. More Roppongi Hills photos (1)(2)
No, Not My Day (@ Mount Jeans Ski Resort, Nasu) If I'm not wrong, my husband got 5-day New Year holidays so we planned to go out of town for ski like other Japanese do. We did not plan to stay over night since the place we were going to is not far from Tokyo.
Our destination was “Mount Jeans Ski Resort”, Nasu. It took about 2 hours to reach Mount Jeans Ski Resort from Tokyo Station. It took 1.5 hours by *(1) Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train - Shinkansen is a high-speed rail system that serves as the core of Japan's rail transportation network. In the almost 40 years since it opened, the Shinkansen network has carried over 6 billion passengers without a single major accident - WOW!!) and 0.5 hour by bus.
His friends went over there for 1 night ahead and met us up the next morning at the bus terminal where I totally had no idea where it was. Why’s that? Because I woke up soooo early. We went out of the hotel at around 5:30 AM. Since the first day in Japan this time, I woke up at noon almost everyday. Not sure why – whether? Time Zone? I only had half day in Japan everyday.
At *(2) Tokyo Station heading to somewhere at the bus terminal that I didn’t know, there were many of Japanese teenager brought along there ski gears. I think this thing might be what most Japanese “must do” lists in their teen hood. For me, I had had no experience on ski, but I almost did at Lake Tahoe, California. My husband is good at ski. He had had not ski for 10+ years so he was so keen for that and he looked forward to leaving out of town. He looked very fresh that morning. Maybe if there was not him that morning, I would have missed to go there :P (Because I might not wake up).
Why was it not my day? – My husband's friends, they went there as a couple. The boyfriend is very good at snowboarding. His girlfriend could do, but not good. They both could do though. When we met, they asked us which one we preferred. My husband definitely chose ski. For me, I just thought that maybe snowboard was cool so I said “of course, take snowboard for me, it looked cooler”. There was a small slope for the snowboard beginner but I did not noticed until I came back down the hill. They (my husband's friends) did not ask whether I wanted to practice it first because that was my first time for snowboarding. We took the lift up to the top of the mountain. Oh man, that was too high (too practice). I practiced snowboarding up there. I didn’t know how to begin. The way to do snowboarding is to put the snowboard across the slope because it can stop. I didn’t! So I slip down and fell miserably. Worse than that, hahaha… I can’t help laughing - sorry, I didn’t tell you that my husband changed his mind to do snowboarding (although he was very keen for ski) and he tried to help me on that so not only me who fell that bad, but both of us fell and rolled by sticking together. I laughed so mad, but other didn’t -_-. When our (couple) friends went snowboarding by themself. We both were left somewhere at the top of the mountain. I still tried pushing myself able to slide properly. How much I tried, I just could not get it right. While laughing so hard together with trying, I was sliping down again and my body was twisted and the upper and lower part of my body went opposite side since the snowboard was so heavy that I could not easiily get it to the proper way. Oh my godddd, I hurt my knees finally. Right that moment, I stop laughing and all along the way back to the bottom of the mountain, I was so upset.
Want to know how I and my hubby went down? We both just carried our snowboards and walked down the moutain whereas most of the people all around the area are happily playing their ways. Shame on me. My hubby had to return his snowboard and hired ski gear, then went ski while I was waiting for him down there. poor huh?
We planned to go some hotsprings in Nasu but time did not permit so we went for dinner at Nasu Kanya restaurant right away. The place was good and the food was great.
Traveled on August 2003 Santorini, Greece, We looked forward to leaving for Santorini after our 4-night in London. My boyfriend booked Santorini tour package from London. We had never heard of *(1) 'Santorini' before. We had no idea what it would be like except the white houses along the cliff postcards. I didn’t expect that it took quite long to fly from London to Santorini. It was 4+ hours. And I did not expect to see that this island is very v-e-r-y far away from Athens. I could not believe that human live this far.
*(1) The Greek island of Santorini Greece or Thera is located in the Cyclades islands, in the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean at coordinates 36°25' N 25°26' E . Santorini Island Greece is with Mykonos, the most famous holiday destination. It is a small group of volcanic islands and its name was given by the Venetian in reference to Saint Irene.
The island was also called Strongili and Kalisti and was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions but what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera. The island of Santorini is related to the myth of Atlantis, the amazing views from the villages of Fira, Oia perched on cliffs, the sunset, the black and red beaches, the wine ...
While plane wheels were touching runway, I looked through the window and could feel hot outside. It really was - in August, it was summer. The agent bus took us passed by Fira, Santorini capital to Oia Mare Villa Hotel, Oia, a village, one the most beautiful Sunset spot in Santorini.
Oia Santorini: Oia, pronounced ‘Ia’, is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. It is known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic sunset, and is certainly the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini. The village is also situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia. Oia is situated on the north of the island, 11 km away from Fira.
Source: http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/santorini/santorini-villages/oia-santorini.htm The bus actually did not take us right to the hotel, we walked there together with Santorini taxi – donkey (In Santorini, they drive only on the main road that connects the villeges. In such areas, walk ONLY). There were full of steps on the way to the hotel, good that we had him – donkey, otherwise we would probably die there. Even walking down the steps with bare hands in the afternoon, it was suffering (for me). Imagine I walked up and down the steps every single day in 7 days. This was fun though. We laughed every times we were climing the street. When we forgot something, I was the one who did not go back to get those, so he was. That was part of the funny things over there.
Below - Some pictures of Oia Mare Villa, the hotel we stayed. Oia is famous for its imaginary sunset and its narrow passageways get crowded in the evenings. The most popular spot to watch sunset is by the Kastro walls. Oia Mare Villa is considered the clostest to the spot.
When you come up with plan to travel in Santorini, I recommend you stay in "Oia". Other villeges on Santorini island are where you can visit during the day. Click on source link below to see more Oia pictures and info.
Food in Santorini: Greek Salad - Gyros -Souvlaki Hmmmm... Yummy One thing that I had never expected was I hardly found Chinese restaurant there in Santorini. I always had a perception that there’s no way that I would never be able to have Chinese food at any where on this planet. Here in Santorini planet, there’s only one I guess and it’s not in Oia, it’s in Fira.
Fira, capital of Santorini, it’s packed with travelers. Of course, everywhere in Santorini was packed with travelers. In Fira, there were more backpackers I guess. If I’m wrong, pls correct me. You can find cool local stuff here. Well, maybe, do not expect some local stuff with very local price, Santorini is small; economy here is mostly for tourism. Most product prices are absolutely not local. Fira is fun, but if you look for hideaway trip, hide yourself in Oia, absorb peace and nature in Oia, and fun in Fira - to take a bus from Oia to Fira is 10 minutes long with 12 Kms distance.
Back to my opened topic, we had first Greek meal in Fira - "Greek Salad" and *(2) Gyros (Kebab lookalike - Blend of beef and lamb topped with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce). First Gyros in Greece was ok to us. Greek Salad was great! When we were back in Bangkok, I made Greek Salad but no one seemed to like it :(
*(2) A “gyros” is a full turn and the verb “gyrizo” means “to rotate”. In Greece, gyros is also a type of fast food. The gyros turns, cooks and becomes a sandwich for hungry passers-by.
One night, we planed to have a romantic dinner in our hotel because the terrace looked so good. We therefore walked down the hill to buy a "big" Gyros pack with some beer from one of the food shops right at Oia bus terminal. This Gyros tasted totally different from the first Gyros we had in Fira. Our impression on Gyros totally turned from "ok" to "great".
We ended up with unromantic dinner, we were just too impressed with this great meal. Plus, we laughed a lot while I was showing him my stupid gestures. The whole conversation we had was just about stupid funny talk. This would probably be considered romantic. Do you think so too? :)
After that night, we forgot every single restaurant but this shop (@ Oia bus terminal). If you go there, you will definitely find this shop.
Gyros from the mentioned bus terminal food shop... We had it almost every nights. Not only great taste but also good price - We picked good choice!
And this is the father and son who operate the shop and make such nice food
------------- 0O0 ------------------------------------------------------------- Yes, we did have a romantic moment in "Santorini"
My boyfriend (then) is not a type of people who expresses himself well. He always expresses by his meaningful actions or what he provides to me (could be things or else). London-Santorini trip was a trip that made me considered that he became a big part of my life. Romance for us was not to be under candle dinner or stuff like that. He took care of me very well. I could notice that every single thing he did, he cared about me. He tried to do everything to impress me. (We were not just a newly couple, we had background - good or bad I won't tell :P and our relationship had been like three years by then) Well, by now he'd probably forget about it :P He becomes my hubby now.
While we were walking pass by a local jewelry shop, I dropped by to have a look at one of the pretty rings there. That was pretty. It's a Santorini ring. It has Santorini church on the ring. It's not an expensive one. It's just a simple silver ring. I said to him right that moment not even consider to buy for me because we'd been paying quite a lot already. Next day, he did and gave it to me. The ring therefore represents my meaningful memory rather than hundred photos and all that. It represents one of the best times in my life. We've been in the first year marriage (now it's July 2006), after wedding, I told him honeymoon was not needed. Santorini trip should be more than enough. We ended up with honeymoon in Japan though -_-'.
January 2006
Before I finish this chapter up, if I do not talk about Roppongi landmarks, people would not believe that I really reached there. First is 
