First, let me say that I rarely go hiking. When it’s hot all the time, I just really don’t feel like sweating outdoors. And the journey to the top can truly be terrible sometimes. But most of the time, the views are completely worth it. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be one of those hikes. The Airbnb I stayed at in Penang was on the 12th floor (technically 13th) of a condo. To attempt to work off some of the super…
Dubai on a budget! Free or cheap things to do
When I booked my visit for Dubai, I only had a few things I REALLY wanted to do: go on a desert safari/ride a camel (check) eat a fancy brunch (check) go to the top of the Burj Khalifa (check) When I got here, I quickly realized that Dubai is freaking expensive and all these things cost way more than I thought. Not to mention just general things like a cell SIM card and transportation. So I needed to save…
A wander around the souks of Old Dubai
Dubai is a city of luxury and excess, skyscrapers and mind-boggling architecture. It’s basically the ultimate man-made playground. But as we know, all cities have to start from somewhere. So is there anywhere where you can experience a Dubai before the artificial extravagance? “Go to Old Dubai,” my Airbnb host said. “it’s the only area where you can see what Dubai used to be like.” Old Dubai is known for its souk (or marketplaces). They used to be the epicenter of the…
First time in Kuala Lumpur: where to stay, what to do, and where to eat
I thought it’s about time I wrote a post like this, now that I’ve been in Kuala Lumpur for almost a year (on and off). Over these months, I’ve had some friends visit, which requires me to brainstorm a list of things to do/eat for them. And some people who happen to find my blog also ask for suggestions. I’m by nooooo means an local expert, but so I don’t have to repeat myself over and over, I figured I’d put…
[Japan] Autumn colors and naked baths: a Hakone adventure
Sorry for the click-bait title, but it’s pretty much accurate. And I also apologize in advance for this mess of a post. It’s basically just a bunch of pictures and jumbled up thoughts. Having spent my childhood in Beijing and on the US East Coast, I grew up with 4 very distinct seasons: breezy springs, hot summers, colorful autumns, and snowy winters. And then we moved to Southern California, where we pretty much just got warm and slightly less warm….
Beijing Botanical Garden: A Study of Chrysanthemums
The smog has rolled into Beijing. Day after day, the city is enshrouded in a depressing grey haze and an air of toxicity lingers about. Once in a while, we’d get lucky and there’ll be a hint of sun, a peek of blue skies. Only then do we feel safe to venture outdoors for a much needed stroll without the precautions of an unsightly M3 mask. On these days, I’d go to the community park to use the exercise equipment or…
Day Trip from Taipei: Keelung Mountain hike in Jiufen
When I went back to Taipei for a short visit in the beginning of June, I met up with my local friend, Wanyi, and Jamie for a day trip to Jiufen. The first time I went to Jiufen was with Jamie back in December of last year. And because I’m such a laggy blogger, I never even wrote about it (but check out Jamie’s posts and pictures). Since nothing on my blog is in order anymore, I’m going to talk…
A self guided wat hopping bike tour in Sukhothai
Happy Travel Tuesday! This week is themed, with the theme being “a sporty adventure”, so link up any activity/sports/hiking/camping/snorkeling/etc. etc. post you’ve got! I thought hard about of what sporty adventures I’ve partaken in recently, and couldn’t come up with anything. This embarrassingly means I’ve been lazy (and my expanding waistline and thighs can confirm). But then I remembered that I never talked about my bike ride around the ancient wats of Sukhothai! Guess this is as good of a time…
Day trip from Taipei: Yehliu Geopark (in photos)
Happy Travel Tuesday! I thought I’d finally start to share some of my Taipei adventures, starting with this day trip to Yehliu Geopark. I hope you enjoy this (mostly photos) virtual tour! And also, next week’s link-up is themed. Find out the theme at bottom of post! I met Khee randomly at the mall on my first day in Taipei. D and I were there getting some phone SIM cards and I got distracted by a display of something sparkly and girly….
Fawned of Nara
Happy Travel Tuesday! First, some housekeeping: so I didn’t realize that today is the last Tuesday of the week and failed to give out a themed prompt. So next Tuesday will be themed if you wish to join. More details at bottom of post! And now, onto today’s post! This week, I will be bringing you to the ancient capital of Nara, Japan. Most of the time, my travels are fueled by the promise of good food. But occasionally, and no less strongly, I…