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Tian Tan Gong Yuan, Beijing

Back from China, Apr / May 2008

My 1st ever visit to China. Been putting China on hold for too long. My 1st packaged-tour in a very long time. Also, I hope to be my last, but will go to that later.
Everything you read about China on the media is true. This country is really booming! (But the gap of the filthy rich and poor seems to be huge!) Ads of automobiles and everything you can think of are all over the streets. The traffic in some major cities are much worst than KL.
Perhaps this is an understatement, China is really an interesting country, and the history, I don't even know where to begin. But you just have to careful in China, all the rip-offs on the streets and shops. But, perhaps the the biggest rip-off for me is the tour agency (Asia Cathay Travel a.k.a. Malaysia Harmony Tour & Travel) which sent us there. Very disappointed with the places they took us to, a lot of our time were wasted in silk factory, tea factory, jade factory and Chinese herbal factory. God knows the cut they made from us. I made my intention clear to the tour leader, but was told this is an "industry practice" for tours to China. But she is very kind and professional in dealing with pain in the as* like me. 1 thing I'm pretty happy with in this tour is the lunches and dinners, very good food indeed, and we got a good deal for 10 people.

It was a rip-off!! Instead of paying RMB 16 to the airport from Beijing city, I paid RMB 160 (but they asked for RMB250 on their 1st attempt). More on my Beijing page.

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Rice temple, from Kuta to Ubud

Bali, Apr 2008

My 3rd visit to Bali, won't be my last. This island never fails to disappoint me. Had some nice weather, took some wonderful pictures, especially those on the paddy fields.

Spent most of my time based in Ubud. Our driver took us to a nice paddy field in Jatiluwih, can't find this spot on Lonely Planet, pleasantly happy with this little discovery. Wanted to go to Candidasa, but can't find the time.

Also, our driver told us there will be a huge cremation for the king of Ubud on 15th July, the king died not long ago. The Hindu believes 15th July will be a good day for the cremation. Perhaps this is all the reason I need to go back to Bali.

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It's a grey, cloudless day in Stockholm

Stockholm, Dec 2007

My 1st winter holiday in Europe. Scandinavia specifically. Enjoyed Stockholm too much, but I think most would agree with me when I say Stockholm is at its best in the summer! For the little 4 days I was there, the sun is sorely missed, no snow though. Taking pictures in the grey, cloudless sky is quite a challenge, as you can see.

Also, check out my new pictures in Oslo. And the pictures I'm happy with in Vigeland Park, in white and golden.

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Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Brunei, Oct 2007

Don't quite enjoy my stay here. Bandar Sri Begawan is a sleepy city, perhaps I wasn't in the right place, walking down the streets in BSB on Friday evening, barely 8pm, but it feels like 4am. Dude, where is everybody?
Should have read my LP before boarding the plane. Was told our hotel doesn't serve any beer, even in the bar. Found it a bit hard to believe, picked up the phone in my room and got the operator on the line.
"Hi, I can't find any beer in my mini bar", I said, rather monotonously.
"Sir, this is a non-alcoholic country." Is the reply from the phone.
Need I tell you more what to expect in this country? In a way, I'm glad KL is none like BSB.
Spent a bit too long in Brunei, got there on Thursday. By Saturday evening, how much I wished I'm back in KL! Yawn......

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Reaching for the sky, Vigeland Park

Norway, July 2007

My most expensive travel destination to date! Everything is so exxxxxpensive in Oslo!!!! (Also, notice the absence of blue sky, it was mid summer, where is the sun when you need it?) From Oslo, we took the train to Flam & Bergen. Finally coming back to Oslo from Molde through Geiranger. The weather could be better the week I was there, but the views from the cruise and train is breathtaking.

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Dark clouds over the Grote Market, Antwerp

Belgium, July 2007

It was a wedding which got me to Belgium. More on the wedding later, but right now, I want to file a complaint. It's the rain! The rain come and go, as it wishes in Antwerp...... The Belgians I met can't stop complaining about the bad summer this year. One moment, it was pouring; the next, sunshine. Jacket off, jacket on; umbrellas, no umbrellas; well you get the idea.
But in all, I enjoyed Belgium very much. The food is superb, the beers is heaven (there are so many beers here, perhaps they should call it Beer-gium), the waffle and of course the chocolate!
I was based in Antwerp, travelled to Brugge, Brussels and Gent. Also, thanks to irisbe and raheni for organizing a VT meet for me the day before I left. I've a feeling I will be heading back to Belgium again.
Oh, the wedding was quite an experience. I don't know how to thank my wonderful host and hostess enough, Ronald, Lily, Prutch, Mark, Chris, Ronnie and many others I met in the wedding dinner. When I left the dinner party at 2 in the morning, the music was still playing and you would be lucky if you could find an empty spot on the dance floor. The Belgians surely know how to party! What a Belgian wedding not to forget!

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Sunset on Tanah Lot

Bali, Mar 2007

Finally, nice weather in Bali, and got the sunset I sorely missed the last time I was in Bali. Stay tuned for more pics.... (The guide said it's the rainy season now, but strangely no rain at all when I was there, climate change?)