1Place 1Dream

INTRODUCTION

2014-03-27T23:16:00.000+08:00

December 2011 onwards only. While working on the end 2011 trip update, I deleted past photos unknowingly. When I picked up courage to look for the lost photos and journals, I could only manage with post December 2011. Note that all photos are delibrately shared in low resolution as I recognize that not all enjoy high network bandwidth.

FREE and EASY FAMILY HOLIDAY

Our family travel are always DIY self-planned mostly on the trip itself, ie go with the mood of the day. We do not want to be constrained by a fixed schedule, pigeon packed in coaches, forced shopping or staying further when we find the excitement wearing out.

We like the freedom to stop and have a cup of tea when we wish to, go to where the local go, check out old town, enjoy interesting architecture and local craft. We have combination of self-drive and using public transport depending on what makes sense for the location.

Hope our journal inspire you.

Links to

Bhutan Day 11

2014-03-19T00:07:00.000+08:00

The last day was an early morning flight out of Bhutan which concluded our trip.

The flight out was almost as exciting though we did not have the good sunlight to capture pretty photos as the inbound trip.

Bhutan is a not regular designation given the limited flight and cost of travel. It is best to plan it with festive season to see full colours of the country. Roads are still most under construction, so hopefully road journey will be more pleasant in time to come.

Following are references from the Drukair booklets.

Bhutan Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) Day 10

2014-03-18T00:06:00.000+08:00

You haven’t been to Bhutan if you have not been to Paro Taktsang aka Taktsang Palphug Monastery aka Tiger's Nest. It is Bhutan’s most iconic postcard picture. You will always remember it as the prominent monastery hanging by the cliff.

So the last touristic site for this trip is reserved for this long trek up the cliff in Paro. The Taktsang Palphug Monastery hangs on a precipitous cliff at 3,120 metres (10,240 ft), about 900 metres (3,000 ft) above the Paro valley, on the right side of the Paro Chu where we spent some time yesterday.

From the bottom of the valley at the starting point, it just seemed so impossible to ascend with steep slopes winding through rocks, bushes and woods. There are horses available to midpoint. Since many can make the trek, I should be able to, right? I was told that a typical trek up is 4 hours and descend is 2 hours as one could run down the trek. I took almost 3 hours with a coffee break at the café just past midway. Yes, I took a few short cuts of steep slopes through brushes instead of the wider horse route.
We made many photo stops along the way. The most stunning was at the last leg as we reached an adjacent cliff about the same height as the monastery. It was also the most pressing point – the destination looked so near and yet so far, the legs are wobbly, the mind says that you have less than an hour before the monastery close for lunch (from 1pm to 2pm) and you look at the U-shape trek ahead with great dismay. So bit the lips and press on!

No camera is allowed inside the monastery. The place is surprisingly smaller than it looked from afar. There are a few small “temples” housed in the complex structure which followed the natural shape of the cliff. There is a narrow opening with a long shaky descending ladder which supposedly lead to the tiger den. Now that was the legend of the Tigre Nest, a monk flew to the cliff from Tibet on the back of the tigress. The performed meditation there and emerged in eight incarnated forms and so the place became holy. The original structure was built around 1690s but was destroyed by a fire in 1998. The current structure was completed in 2005, said to be carefully restored to be the same as the original.
On the way downhill, we break for lunch at the café. The food was reasonably good despite being a monopoly vendor. Or, perhaps we were too hungry. We took quick steps down the slope, which was definitely much easier than uphill. The entire journey to reach starting point at the car park was about 1.5 hour.

On returning to Dewachen Resort, the sky starting pouring. It was just as well that we ordered the hot stone bath. The Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath needs to be ordered in advance because the river stones need to be heated with fire woods for 5 hours. Then the red-hot stones are dropped into a wooden bath tub with a compartment for the hot stones. That way, the minerals from the stones will release into the bath water without danger of getting burnt by the heated stones. The hot stone bath is said to have wonderful natural medical effect to overcome various complications and illnesses. For me, it was a nice relaxing hot bath with wonderful view as the Dewanchen hot stone bath room has full wall window view of the valley below. However the resort was not quite equipped to make the entire experience pleasant, eg no bath robe and slippers etc which they gladly took in our feedback. I hope subsequent guests will enjoy improved service.

Bhutan Paro Day 9

2014-03-17T00:04:00.000+08:00

The Bhutanese houses are built in consistent fashion of artful frames and painting on mud wall. As we went about in Paro, we came acrossed a family building their house. It seemed that home building is much a family and community work, with relatives and neighbours helping in the efforts. The ladies. the foundation laid, the drainage set out, the ladies pounding the mud into firm bricks for the wall and the men cutting out the wood for the frames.

We saw more apple and peach blosooms, and beautiful Bhutanese houses.

We then took a walk along the Paro Chu ("chu" means river) riverside and came across an abundant farmhouse. Although it looked abundanted for a while, wall and much of the frame were able to tell an interesting story of the past.

Having sat through the excitment of flying into Bhutan airport, we went to see the flight takeoff and and landing from the Paro airport. The fact that it was one of the world dangerous airport for takeoff and landing, there is even a designated point for flight view. So we saw how the incoming flight flew through the valley, sharp turn into the runway. And the flight taking off looking as though they were going to hit the mountain before making a sharp turn to fly through the valley.

Lunch was at a farmhouse with farm brew wine.

The Paro main street has only two main row of shops catering to daily needs as well as tourists. Quite a sleepy little place despite its proximity to the world famous Tigre Nest tourist site.

We visited the Nak-Sel and had a tour of the hotel that play host to international and business meetings. The hotel has a lovely painting of the King.

Bhutan Wangduephodrang to Paro Day 8

2014-03-16T00:00:00.000+08:00

Much of the day was spent on the road backtracking from Wangduephodrang to Punakha to Thimphu and finally Paro. We stopped by Dochula pass for lunch again and enjoyed the panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. We stopped at a garlic and carrot farm and amused at the big fat galic and carrot all farmed in organic fashion.

After a long journey to Paro through Punaka and Thimpu, we also had to bear with the rocky route uphill to Dewachen Resort and Spa. At the end of the journey, we were blessed with a large suite with full bay window and balcony overlooking the valley and farms, peach and apple tress in full blooms.

Bhutan Wangduephodrang Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Day 7

2014-03-15T23:47:00.000+08:00

Wangduephodrang is the largest district in Bhutan. Most noteable of the district is the Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey treks.

The Phobjika Valley is a vast U-shaped valley also known as Gangteng Valley. It is best known for the Black-necked Cranes from the Tibetan Plateau that vist the valley during the winter season to roost. Aparently the Black-necked Cranes circle the impressive Gangteng Monastry three times on arrival in October and repeat the process on returning route to Tibet in March. The Black-necked Cranes are priced for their graceful dances in the valley. Most unfortunate for us, the Black-necked Cranes decided on an early return to Tibet. Most of them left earlier in the month and with the last 5 (as according to the national paper) left just the day before our arrival at the Phobjika Valley.

Nonetheless we had a good time at the Gangtey trekking in the valley and up the hill. There was much difficulties as we encountered swamp and muddy fields.

We had lunch at a tradditional farm house with Bhutanese flair.

Bhutan Punakha Day 6

2014-03-14T23:34:00.000+08:00

The hotel we stayed in was well furnished and sited next to a rice field with stunning view of sunrise over the hill.

We spent some time around Punakha including a typical long chain bridge linking to a village. Interestingly, we saw vendors and gambling stalls.

We also saw interesting plants including marijuana along the river side. Aparently unknown to many locals, these were seen as regular wild plants and some fed to farmers' livestocks.

We visited Amankora Punakha after hearing much about the preservation of a traditional farm house and construction of the super luxury and exclusive hotel remaining close to the country site. Indeed we were impressed by the property and very attentive tour led by the very hospital manager.

Bhutan Punakha Day 5

2014-03-13T23:00:00.000+08:00

Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.

Most noteably is the wedding of the handsome King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his beautiful fiancé, Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong on 13th October 2011. Punakha Dzong is built at the confluence of the two major rivers in Bhutan - the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. The reflection of the Punakha Dzong in the river is a beautiful sight captured on many tourist lens and postcards.

We were right on the last day of the Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen festival. The Punakha Drubchen was to commemorate the triumph against Tibetan in the 17th century. And the Punakha Tshechu is a religious festival in keeping the Buddist teachings. It is a major event in Bhutan and definitely THE event for those in the Punakha. All the people travel out from their villages and homes, turn up at the Punakha Dzong in their traditional clothing. Actually Bhutanese wear their traditional clothing most time anyway. But during the festival, we saw a lot more colours. Most noticable are the happy children who have days off from school.

To enter the Dzong, one has to climb very steep steps up something like a 3 story building. After reaching the top, I wondered if we might need to decend to a concourse. I was so wrong. The main courtyard is actually level to the high entrance. Lots of Bhutanese, commoners and monks all seated around the courtyard watching performances.

We went around the Dzong and took many interesting photos of the people and especially the happy children. It was interesting to observe how some stairway then lead to the decending levels where offices and monks are housed.

The Bhutanese woman's traditional clothing is known as kera. It is an ankle length dress with a blouse under. The blouse is known as wonju, it is held in place over the shoulder with a buckle known as koma. And worn over the dress is an open jacket known as toego. The entire outfit is complimented with necklaces made from turquoise, corals, pearls and agate eye stone. These ‘dzi beads’ are called ‘tears of the gods’.

The Bhutanese man's traditional clothing is known as gho. It is almost like a dress, tied in place at the waist with a small hand-woven kera (belt). Above the kera a large pouch is formed in which the men can carry traditional items like betel nut and a bowl. This is also lovingly known as the biggest pocket. The costume is completed with long socks and shoes or tradional handmade boots, some with colour embroidery.

The side entrance was just as busy. We note that the bridge outside the Punakha Dzong was the only bridge we observed that did not have any Bhutanese prayer flag.

Bhutan Thimpu Punakha Day 4

2014-03-12T01:37:00.002+08:00

Along the way to the Choki Traditional Art School, we past by a monastry by a small river. The monks were sitting out in the sun, presumably having lessons or group session.

The Choki Traditional Art School is a private traditional art school established in the last 15 years to help children from broken or poor family. The school offers free education and lodging to the children, teaching them traditional art. The courese include Lhadri (painting), Jinzo (sculpting), Pap (carving), Thag-Zo (eeaving) and Tshem-Zo (embroidery) additioal to the regular school curriculum.

It was a pleasure to see how the traditional art craft were taught. But it was also hurting to see the hardship the children undergo as the hostel were without heating. The children were all well brought up, well mannered and gentle.

We left then for Donchula pass. Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular pit-stop as it offers panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range and also picturesque 108 chortens. Along the way we saw beautiful wild flowers, a few monks playing football in the woods and village vendors selling their produce.

Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens is the name for the cluster of 108 Namgyal Khangzang Chortens. It was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The monument vividly portray Bhutan's spiritual and artistic traditions with the chortens on a mound atop the mountain that offers an endless view. Each chorten is crafted of wood and stone in accordance to the Bhutan ancient legacy artwork. In the middle is a tall structure dedicated to His Majestry the King. The entire complex is a open concept, easily accessible from all direction to the 108 chortens. From the chortens, there are four main gateway to the main monument, two fleets of steps from the north and south directions, and two stairways along the ridge from the east and west.

There are two tourist restaurants nearby for lunch. We set off to Punakha after lunch, making stops to look at beautiful wild flowers, apple and peach blossoms.

It was a long journey of at least 3 hours to Punaka. We broke the journey, stopping by to take in the country side and received warm hospitality at the farm house although we called in unexpectedly. We were attracted by their red rice field and mustard seed farm.

We reached Punakha just as the daylight was about the end. we had a quick walk around the Punakha Dzong as it was already close for the day. We looked forward to joining the festivity the next day.

Bhutan Thimpu Day 3

2014-03-11T11:39:00.000+08:00

There is a tourist market in the middle of city that offered a good selection of the national craft - colour and bold.

There were many prayer flags at rooftop and most noteably at highland and hill side. The colourful flags fly pretty in the wind. The practice of tying prayer flags is believed to origingate in Tibet, which may have started for healing and blessing ceremonies. It is common practice for the Bhutanese to strung along the road, bridges, mountain ridges, peaks and even top of building - where wind fly the flags offering a pretty sight.

Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is a type of goat-antelope found in the eastern Himalayas have very distinctive head. The head is large with long nose and stout horns. Its coat is think and shinny, usually dark or reddish brown. It is found in Bhutan and parts of China, endangered and few in number. We visited the Motithang Takin Preserve where a number of the Takin are kept. There was nothing else except for the Takin.

There were a few good lookout points along the way going down hill that offered good view of the Thimpu city. The city sits in the valley with neat low buildings and few wide roads. We had a good view of the Tashichho Dzong from the high ground. The Tashichho is for both religious and central government administration, so it is where the highest Bhutanese's country powers reside. We were told that the building was built in all original form of mud and wood, without any metal or nails. Meanwhile construction is near completion for an identical building but much bigger and complete with modern facilities nearby. When the new building completes in one or two year's time, the government office will move to the new building and turn the existing palace into a musume. The King's palace Dechencholing Palace is just behind the government house.

At the highpoint of the city, we had a panoramic view of the city.

Bhutan Thimpu Day 2

2014-03-10T01:31:00.000+08:00

The weekend craft bazaar was across another typical Bhutan bridge with thousands of colour prayer flag. There were probably about 30 stalls with interesting crafts serving mainly tourist. The re-make ancient Bhutanese locks were particularly interesting. There were also singing bowls, wooden and metal crafts offering colours and beauty of art for the eyes to feast on.

There were archery teams playing against each other at the national olypmpics archery field. The men were dress in national wear but hang colour cloth strips around their waist. They danced when they played well and teased when the opposing team made mistakes.

we took a leisure stroll around the main streets. Apart from the Bhutanese architecture, everything else was much like any other town and people on the street. The shops were selling typically what you would find in any country, except they are usually the more dated version as usual of a developing country. The Building Rules of 2002 by Ministry of Work did a good job by ensuring the town maintain a distinctive Bhutanese achitecture style and painting.

There is only one main traffic junction manned by a traffic polic who gave instruction with almost dance-like hand gesture.

I love the Bhutanese school uniform, somehow I thought they looked Korean! Notice all of them carried lunch boxes.

Dinner was in town, comprising the local cuisine of chilli butter, cheese vegatables, dried beef, dried pork, roasted chicken - all mellowed down in terms of the chilli index. The Bhutanese food is too spicy hot for us. The local beer is strong at 8% alcohol.

We managed to be the last customers at the post office before they closed for the day. The Bhutanese pos office offered customed stamps with your personal photo. We got to have our personalized stamps without being royalty or famous. Meaningful souvenior to send home. The lady at the custom stamp counter was particularly patient and helpful as we had problem locating photos on our devices. Happy people :-)

Bhutan Parco Thimpu - Day 1

2014-03-09T01:30:00.000+08:00

The combination of architecture and culture made Bhutan an interesting country experience. I was not quite expecting that except for the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery hanging on a cliff.

Before I get there, my Bhutan experience started even at the airport. The flight was from Singapore by Drukair (the Bhutan national carrier) that can land in Parco. Restrictions on tourist visa are issued in preserving the World Happiest Country and the famous sites. The Tourism Council of Bhutan stipulates a standard Minimum Daily Package of USD 250 per person per day (USD 200 during winter). The Bhutanese tour agencies have to operate within this for accommodation, food and travel (all inclusive) and charge more for higher grade experience. We had 4 cities planned for the 11-day trip : Parco, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue. Bhutan aims to increase visitorship to 100,000 per year, currently about 40,000 a year.

Flight on Drukair A319 stopped over a Calcuttta in India for 45 minutes before that enchanting flight through the snow-capped peaks of Himalaya mountains, cutting through Parco valley dotted with a few farmhouses, then the world famous left turn to land on Parco International Airport runway 15. Apparently, only 8 pilots were qualified to do that amusing flight. I am grateful for the 2 pilots that skillfully took me through that awesome expereince. During that journey we saw the Alps (we think so but unconfirmed) pure and magnificent, at the far end, glided between snow peak mountains, the enchanting valley of Bhutan Parco and of cause that runway 15 landing.

After landing, we got onto the highway to Thimphu and stopped at the famous the Iron Chain Bridge built by monk Thangtong Gyalpo beneath the Tachog Lhakhang Dzong. It was said that this monk was a civil engineer who built 100s of iron chain suspension bridges around Tibet and Bhutan, several of which are still in use today. Bridges united villages in Bhutan which is mainly mountains and valley. And Dzong refers to a distinctive architecture in the Himalayan region that typically houses temple and government administrative office within the same building. It is built from stones and bricks, typically painted in white. The structure is distinctive with high slope wall, no window on the lower half and few windows on the upper half.

Tachog Lhakhang Dzong is located in the Paro valley off the highway to Thimphu. We did not visit the Dzong but spent some time around the bridge. The bridge was built from ircon chains and metal netting for support and safety. Thousands of coloured Bhutanese prayer flags tied on the side railing offered a magnificent sight above the running clear water in the valley. It took lots of faith for me to take the steps to cross the suspension bridge. Each step landing was slow for me, the iron chains are so flexible. As I watched my steps on the iron chains and metal netting, I saw the clear rushing river beneath clearly.
There is a smaller bridge running almost parallel to it but I could not find background on it.

What was interesting to note is the high material despites in the Bhutanese rocks and soil. The ground glitters and many of the rocks shined in silver or gold sparkles. I few a few small pieces home.

We then checked into hotel at Peaceful Resort which was sited among the government buildings and better residential area, about 15 minutes away from the main street in Thimphu. Basic class hotel - clean, comfortable, hot water (nice rain shower head!) and strong wifi. Then it was lunch at a Pizza restaurant on the main street. The pizza was exceptionally good, baked on wood fire oven. The restaurant also offer familiar cakes and pastry. I took a carrot cake that was generous with walnuts. Not to mention the local coffee was super, much like what I am used to at home.

After lunch, we went to the Cententary Farm Market which is a local market for farm produce - our usual preferred way to get to know a place that we visit. Lots of chilli, rice (from white to red), cheese (dried and hardened), spices, salted fish and vegatables. The items were either neatly piled up or packed in plastic bags. Of the produce on sale, I found the puffed rice interesting. Apparently that was made from rice kernels heated under high pressure steam. It was like small pop corn but made from rice kernels instead of corn. I also found the cheese interesting. But they were hard like rocks!

Sydney Seafood Market, The Rocks, Harbour Bridge

2014-02-23T21:42:00.000+08:00

Rise and shine to cheery morning view at Pyrmont.

Then off to Sydney Seafood Market.

Afternoon was spent walking to the Rocks, roll around the Rock Sunday Marketing.

Up the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

And dinner at Wild Fire at Circular Quay before they close due to the renovation of the Terminal.

Sydney from City Center to Paddington and back

2014-02-22T21:40:00.000+08:00

We decided to take a leisure stroll from Sydney City Center to Paddington Market. We cut across the busy city street, past the park, visted cathedral, breakfast cafe along the way.

Paddington Market was a disappointment through. It was not as big and varied as I expected. The most attractive highlight for me was a tree with interesting bark in the middle of the courtyard.

We decided to continue with long walk back to city center. This time, we cut across the Paddington district which was a pleasant area with neat picturesque residences and interesting cozy cafes.

Cutting across the park again.

We ended the day visting the Hillsong church. Then a train ride to Circular Quay.

Evening was dinner at Circular Quay and enjoying looking at the fireworks across the harbour bridge.

Sydney Bondi Beach

2014-02-21T21:25:00.000+08:00

Bondi Beach is not just a place for seaside fun, although most people do really go there for the waves and surf. We just wanted a good loving walk, enjoy the coastal sight and scenic walk. Basically a lovely summer holiday by the seaside without getting wet.

Getting to Bondi Beach is easy. The train and bus are both good options. We did the bus as that provided good street view through the town and suburb.

The Bondi to Coogee Walk is a picturesque coastal route featuring beaches, bays, rock pools, cliffs and of course stunning views. We entered the beach area, through the iconic Bondi Icebergs and went along the southern end of the beach.

There were mild upward to cliff top then downwards to bay. It was lovely just looking at the beach goers, swim, surf, beach balls or simply having fun.

We ended the walk with rich chocolate cake at the cafe before returning to town. Lovely 5 hours.

Bandung Indonesia Jalan Setiabudhi - shopping and what else?

2013-12-12T22:11:00.000+08:00

Volcano and crater lake Kawah Domas is nearest to Jalan Setiabudhi and airport. So it was a natural choice for last stop. But I must highlight that Jalan Riau offers much better experience for shopping - more bigger outlets and cheaper but quality stuff. We enjoyed the shopping most at Jalan Riau but there was nothing else. And the Paris Van Java was ashame, we were disappointed.

The volcano and carter lake was just worthy of a look and hike. There wasn't much excitment except attempts to avoid local hawkers trying to sell you all sorts of things.

We also visited this tourist place recommended by one of the hotel owners. It houses mini Bandung buildings around a lake. The only thing we enjoyed was the hawkers on the boats selling interesting snacks at reasonable price.

Overall this is still a good place for a relaxing getaway with shopping and little sidecars.

Bandung Indonesia Jalan Dago - shopping and what else?

2013-12-11T21:49:00.000+08:00

Adventure Park at The Valley Resort Hotel and shopping at Jalan Dago made up the first segment the trips. That fulfilled the family activities for both gender. And we created some sort of private excitment by setting of a sky lantern. Did anyone spot "moving star" above Bandung that December 2013 week? LOL

The Valley Resort Hotel is sited at hill top, giving a good spectacular view of the city. The Valley Bistro is very popular due to the view it offers. The Family Suite we stayed in was comfortable, we love having shower in the big and open bathroom. The gym is well equiped and you get to exercise with commanding view of the city.

The Adventure Park has quite a variety of activities though it is small. I thik the biggest attraction is the tree top climb and flying fox. But it takes lots of energy just to climb up again just for a thrilling flying fox trip. Other interesting activities are the mountain bikes, air guns, vertical bungee. There is also driving course and mini course for those who wants golf.

Shopping at Jalan Dago is just a short ride away. The big problem here is traffic jam. And when the rain sets in, you are stuck - no taxi.

Jiangsu 江苏 Day 6 Suzhou 苏州

2013-10-22T19:40:00.000+08:00

Hairy crab 大闸蟹 was in season. I used to think that eating hairy crab was not worth the efforts working through the tiny shellfish. The hairy crabs I had during this trip was much large than my palm! Well, the new Premier was cracking down on corruptions, so all were refrained from giving gifts to officials. So the market was flooded with large hairy crabs that were never seen by general publics, and at fraction of the price too. We were so thankful. I had at least 10 crabs to myself in that 5 days! The biggest I ate had shell that was > 4 inch in width.

We returned to Nanjing for flight back on the highspeed train.

Jiangsu 江苏 Day 5 Suzhou 苏州

2013-10-21T19:31:00.000+08:00

Santang Jie (Santang Street) 三塘街 is an old district by the river that comes alive in the evening especially. It is decorated with all sorts of lantans and lights. We went there for dinner and sight, we were not disappointed, except perhaps for the tourist crowd. Still, we went there twice during this trip.

Jiangsu 江苏 Day 4 Suzhou 苏州

2013-10-20T19:24:00.000+08:00

Old street Pingjiang Road 平江路 is an interesting modernized old tdistrict with unique character! It is lined with interesting shops and eateries.

Each of the shops unique, each takes pride in different speciality and theme and only present mid to higher end quality.

The eateries are different, from street side snack stalls to high end member-only cafe - you are spoilt for choice. I love the snacks - they are like the Hong Kong dimsum but with colours and characters. Many looked so cute that I thought they looked more Taiwanese or Japanese.

The place is full of young people, giving it a lively vibe. We enjoyed it so much that we returned the next day for a second visit.

Jiangsu 江苏 Day 3 Tongli 同里

2013-10-19T19:10:00.000+08:00

Tongli 同里 is full of narrow lanes - you never know where the lane was leading you to, all you saw was that little patch of same blue sky on top and white washed walls. The other attraction were the rows of houses built along the rivers. As compared to all the other water/river villages in Jiangsu, Tongli is well maintained and yet few tourist. Therefore don't expect to do shopping. This is an ideal place to just sit back, read a book, drink some tea.

We spent the next day exploring the narrow lanes, crossing the bridges to check the different views.

Jiangsu 江苏 Day 2 Tongli 同里

2013-10-18T19:01:00.000+08:00

Tongli 同里 is a sleepy Old Town. I believe it is similar to what Lijiang 丽江 was 15 years ago. Very sleepy, quiet, lazy and simple.

We took a train to Suzhou as a stop point then a coach to get to Old Town Tongli 同里. Tongli 同里 was actually our main objective for this trip, after seeing very poetic promotion of the place on Phoenix station.

We preferred hotels were fully booked. We took the next alternative which was also in a refurnished old building with a pretty suite. It sat in a sleepy inner lane so we took sometime to find it. But we were rewarded with a good lunch in the garden restaurant next door.

The main tourist must-see are within the old town inself - the narrow lands, the Three Bridges that cross the little rivers flowing through the town. And there is the The Retreat & Reflection Garden 退思园 which was a private residence and garden that has been selected by UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jiangsu 江苏 Day 1 Nanjing 南京

2013-10-17T18:45:00.000+08:00

Nanjing 南京 is just a stop over night for the flight hub. The Holiday Inn Nanjing was amusingly good, as good as Crown Plaza in the IHG group. The service staff was really great, even much more competent than other SPG or IHG or Marroitt hotels that I had stayed in Shanghai.

We walked to the Old Town for dinner and stroll. Quite a pleasant stroll for first landing point, though it is really commercial and touristic.

Sydney Darling Habour Pyrmont Bridge

2013-09-03T18:26:00.000+08:00

Views from Pyrmont Bridge and Four Points Sheraton - Darling Habour offers beautiful walk, even though this was just a sidebar on a business trip.

The room at Four Points Sheraton offers a great view of the habour and Pymont Bridge - I love both the day, evening and night views. Bought wine and fruits, enjoyed quiet evening by the bayview window in the hotel room.

Shanghai China Tianzifang 田子坊 evening

2013-06-27T18:09:00.000+08:00

Tainzifang 田子坊. is a cluster of old streets, some are really tiny narrow. Nice stroll and browse even if you are not intending to buy anything at all. The place is full of interesting shops, pubs and restaurants.

This is just a sidebar on a business trip at China Shanghai 中国上海. I was relieved to escape after last business appointment before any of my team could find me. I cannot need to see Shanghai beyond long business dinners.

The taxi driver recommended Tainzifang 田子坊.

I bought a cute notepad, almost ordered a ceramic painting, get an instant makeover photo (complete with technologically enhancement that slim and removed facial lines), had a beer and ended with dinner at a Taiwanese restaurant that is furnished with the last expected props!