tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14746393271339312102024-02-08T05:52:08.151-08:00Mr and Mrs Koh Around The WorldEKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-44967103771812589532012-11-07T03:51:00.001-08:002012-11-07T03:51:29.799-08:00 Vientiane<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/268.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_268.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lunch break during the 12-hour bus ride from Luang Prabang to Vientiane <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/269.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_269.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Songtheauw breaks down!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/270.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_270.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />World leaders are in town too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/271.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_271.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />No information could be found about this statue. Ek insists it's an important landmark.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/272.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_272.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wat Thad Luang<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/273.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_273.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wat Dam<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/274.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_274.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />a la champs élysées?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/275.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_275.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />a la arc du triomphe?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/276.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_276.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Presidential Palace<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/277.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_277.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another boat ride<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/278.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_278.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />BBQ lunch by the river<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/279.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_279.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />With a view like this<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/280.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_280.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/281.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_281.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And then we go ziplining!<br /><br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-65587806559773299272012-11-07T03:20:00.001-08:002012-11-07T03:54:00.328-08:00Luang PrabangThis is a town that's so pretty it looks and feels like a movie set!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/217.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_217.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Morning alms offering <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/288.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_288.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Breakfast at the lovely courtyard in our hotel <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/218.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_218.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Talaat Sao<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/219.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_219.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Our favourite cafe<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/220.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_220.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kuangsi Waterfalls<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/221.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_221.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Sunset seen from Mt Phousi<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/222.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_222.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Night market offerings<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-73976496930608579032012-11-02T19:38:00.001-07:002012-11-07T03:25:39.328-08:00Luangsay CruiseOur luxury cruise got off to a bad start. We didn't spot the Luangsay representative at Chiangkong, so cleared Thai immigration and crossed the river ourselves. Over at the Mae sai side the Luangsay greeter totally disregarded us when we went up to the Luangsay counter. We had to tell him we signed up for the luangsay cruise to elicit a "oh, really?" out of him. Guess they don't usually see too many Asian customers. <br />He told us to go over to the Luangsay office first, which we did. I asked for an immigration form that everyone else was filling out. I was told by a luangsay staff holing a stack of immigration forms to get the form next door at the immigration office. What? Again?<br />By then I have just about lost it. I got up at 5am, had no coffee, got snubbed 2 times and all this after planning my trip around this Luangsay cruise, and paying more than double the usual slow boat to Luang Prabang. I let my displeasure show and it became quite a ruckus, resulting in the other passengers (mainly European) not looking into my eyes for the rest of the day.<br />Anyway, the boat trip was nice. The slow pace of the boat allowed time for quiet contemplation of the Mekong river and its surrounding landscape. By the time I reached the Luangsay lodge in pakbeng that night, all angst in me had died. The manager at the lodge though, was very apologetic about the whole incident and offered us a bottle of wine as an olive branch. <br />We walked out to pakbeng town that night and saw a ton of decent guesthouses. That convinced that the premium we paid for Luangsay wasn't worth it. The boat was the same as any other long tail boat, albeit it is better outfitted. The Luangsay lodge is not exactly dripping with luxury. <br />***<br />Stopping by 2 tribal villages with the cruise was part of the itinerary. These villages are much poorer than those we saw in Chiangrai. Seeing the torn and worn clothes the children wore is enough to make your heart weep. Most of them don't go to school as each family only have enough money to send one child to school. And that is usually for only 5 years.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3280.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3280.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3281.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3281.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3398.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3398.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The Mekong<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3282.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3282.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/07/223.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/07/s_223.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3283.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3283.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3284.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3284.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3285.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3285.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-43236797595909454382012-11-02T19:09:00.001-07:002012-11-02T19:13:42.946-07:00PDA 1-day tour in Chiang RaiWe opted for a 1-day tour with non-profit organization, PDA, after hearing about the socially responsible tour packages they offer. We took a long tail boat ride, elephant ride and 2-hour trek plus visits to 3 different hill tribes.<br /><br />The elephant ride was something that left me unsettled. Seeing how they were shackled broke my heart. And when the guide told us that these elephants are bought from laos, I felt like I personally poached these elephants myself. <br /><br />However, PDA's work in not bringing tourists to Mickey Mouse hill tribe villages is something I applaud. We saw real working and living villages and no one is putting on a show for us. That means we only saw 1 villager in costume (picture below). We didn't see any long-neck tribal villagers, or little children dressed in tribal costumes. Which is more than fine by me.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3109.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3109.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Akha hill tribe villager <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3110.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3110.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Elephant ride<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3111.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3111.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Lunch at a lahu home<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3113.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3113.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Rice harvesting<br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-51293960095444499592012-11-02T18:47:00.001-07:002012-11-02T18:47:36.020-07:00Tachilek crossingSo much has been made of the border crossing between Burma and Thailand, due to the infamous golden triangle reputation. Expecting it to be dangerous and dark, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it's a bright and happy place with tons ifs day tourists from either side crossing over to the markets on both sides of the border. Some cross over for just an hour or 2, shopping for things as trivial as Chinese snacks. <br /><br />In fact the atmosphere at the market over at the tachilek side was simply wonderful. A melting pot of Thai, Burmese and Chinese people and goods, nobody cares where you come from. They just really want to cut a good deal.<br /><br />And clearing customs, surprisingly, was a breeze.<br /><br />We then took a songtheauw, a mini bus and then a coach into Chiangmai.<br /><br />Thank you, Chiangmai for being lovely.<br />Thank you, Mo Rooms for a quirky room and good breakfasts.<br />Thank you, Moon and pris for joining us there.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3055.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3055.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Crossing the friendship bridge<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3056.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3056.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Rabbit room at Mo Rooms<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3057.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3057.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tiger kingdom <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3058.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3058.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thai orchid cooking class<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3059.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3059.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Eclectic style at Mo Rooms<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/02/3060.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/02/s_3060.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thapae gate<br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-69609600804511500862012-10-30T09:42:00.001-07:002012-10-30T09:42:41.149-07:00Mandalay<br />Wow Mandalay...<br /><br />It's hard to love Mandalay, it's polluted, noisy and dirty. It's hard to find restaurants to eat at, there are hardly any cafes to chill in. The sun from 10.30am to 4.30pm is so unrelenting.<br /><br />It is made up for by the sincerest people that can be found anywhere. Hold up a map and you can be sure someone will to your rescue. Left your mobile phone in a cab? Call the cab company and the driver will bring it back on the same day. <br /><br />And best of all, come sunset and the city is transformed. The shadows cast gives a different dimension to everything. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1286.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1286.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1287.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1287.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />At the Jewellery market where foreigners are hardly found.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1288.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1288.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Young monks watching the sunset, not sure if the work of the tourism board; buses of them are spotted at u bein bridge.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1289.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1289.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Young nuns join in the fun too.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1290.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1290.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1291.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1291.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lovely Innwa. Can so imagine a banyan tree opening here. Great respite from the polluted streets of Mandalay.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1292.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1292.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1293.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1293.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Scenes at Innwa- not much has changed since colonial times. Locals wear longyis and drive horse carts. Europeans set up nice tables for lunch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1294.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1294.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Young monks doing their homework at the teak monastery at Innwa.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/30/1295.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/30/s_1295.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sunset at Mandalay hill<br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-47508848793997139222012-10-27T20:13:00.001-07:002012-10-27T20:13:57.846-07:00Balloons over BaganThe best way to experience Bagan is to go up for a balloon flight. Which we did at 5.30am. Champagne and croissants followed for a perfect end. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2234.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2234.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2235.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2235.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2236.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2236.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2237.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2237.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-35576970555849134452012-10-27T20:06:00.001-07:002012-10-27T20:06:31.432-07:00Nightmare Train Ride from Yangon to Bagan<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2211.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2211.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2212.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2212.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After reading conflicting reviews of this train, we decided to brave the 19-hour journey on it. Haha! Maybe we really shouldn't have.<br /><br />Hands down, it is the dirtiest train we have ever been on and the lack of air conditioning means the windows are open throughout the night. Which sounded fine really, cool and crisp country air, right? The problem starts after nightfall where we saw the beautiful sunset from the train. Once dark, insects from the wild get attracted into the cabin which is lighted all night long. We saw a praying mantis, lots of beetles, tiny flying things we couldn't identify and of course a cockroach. The locals are completely indifferent to the bugs and don't even notice them on the floor as they walk. Our waiter in the dining car swept a poor beetle back and forth while serving us.<br /><br />We heard much about the random and sudden bumpiness due to poor maintenance of the rail tracks. While it didn't make us nauseous, it made us dance to oppa gangnam style without really meaning to. Which was funny at first, and then not so funny when it rocked while we were trying to drink water.<br /><br />Ok, the silver lining was that the toilet was thankfully bearable and I didn't have to hold for the entire 19-hour journey.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2213.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2213.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2214.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2214.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2215.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2215.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2216.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2216.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2217.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2217.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-72260981647551400162012-10-27T19:41:00.001-07:002012-10-27T19:41:58.902-07:00Quirky Yangon <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2140.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2140.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Telephone booths- as in little tables by the road with 2 or 3 cable connected telephones that anyone can pay to make a phonecall.<br /><br /><br />Water stations- every 300 meters or so there will be water dispensers with a mug. Not suitable for the saliva conscious. (Sorry! we didn't take any photos.)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2141.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2141.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Vintage buses- bus conductors work hard in yangon; they yell out the route at every stop and help passengers up and down the buses that never seem to come to a complete stop<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/27/2142.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/27/s_2142.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Vintage movie tickets<br /><br /><br />Wishing you were here,<br />Mr and Mrs Koh<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-86772139244710672012012-10-19T12:49:00.000-07:002012-10-19T12:49:32.396-07:00Golden Triangle 20th Oct - 8 Nov 2012Finally, we are leaving for our trip tomorrow. All along, HM wanted this trip..ie to cover Myanmar, Laos & Thailand = The Golden Triangle. Planning for this trip started about 9 months ago. It was tough for her and easy for me cos she did everything, yes literally everything by herself, in the wee hours, after she finished work. I'd just shaked legs and gave a 'yes' or 'no' reply when she was trying to seek advice during her planning. (But at times, I was not sure if she was planning the trip on her laptop or watching Korean dramas).<br />
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The past one week or so was not easy too due to all the problems we faced in our respective jobs. Hence, packing for the trip was left to the last minute. Even now, I am not sure if we have brought all our necessary stuff, may have missed 1 or 2 items. Anyway, can't think too much about the packing anymore as both of us are 'injured'. HM has stiff neck - her head can only turn 45 degree to the left or right; me, I fell this morning and had a swollen ankle.<br />
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Seems like not a good way to embark on this trip. But who cares..looking forward tomorrow as 明天会更好 (lame, lame, lame)..<br />
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EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-7254452017179770252011-03-14T21:23:00.001-07:002011-03-14T21:23:37.205-07:00Version -1KTM to Penang <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/3528.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_3528.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It took us 14 hours to get to Butterworth on the KTM train 2 rakyat ekspress. And then onto the ferry to Georgetown and bus to the hotel. <br /><br />Nice to check into the Muntri Mews after such a long ride.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/3529.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_3529.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/3530.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_3530.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/3531.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_3531.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/3532.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_3532.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And we're leaving soon to catch the 2.20pm train to Bangkok. <br /><br />See ya in Bangkok tomorrow. Wish us luck for the overnight train trip!<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-10121296967435954042010-06-18T11:18:00.000-07:002010-06-18T11:36:20.329-07:00Postlogue - HMAnd so we're back from almost outer space<br /><br />The trip was for me almost too well-planned. Nothing went wrong, everything ran like clockwork. Not many impromptu moments, which is a good and bad thing. Good cos, we couldn't have afforded any hiccups. Bad cos it means there were no surprises.<br /><br />But in all, I'm so happy we finally went.<br /><br />And I think I had the best travel companion. My dear husband lets me decide where to go every step of the way. Of course, I'm expected to find the way to wherever we were going. Well, it's hard to find someone else so enthusiastic about flea markets. Plus, here's the most important part, he's willing to rough it out with me when we need to.<br /><br />I thought about coming up with the best (and worst) of everything as he has, but I simply love them all.<br /><br />So I shall just have a concluding thought. The best turns out to be the worst sometimes; just as the worst can be the best. Halong Bay gave me the most pleasant surprise. I expected it to be nice, in the end I was in awe. The five-day train journey was the most painful, now that is the part of the trip I thought I had the most fun. I looked forward to Paris the entire trip, but it didn't make me love it the way I did the first time I was there. Maybe it was the rain.....<br /><br />The best part of the trip was really talking to fellow travellers, locals, whoever! Sharing perspectives is the most important thing the human race has got going for it.<br /><br />Ok, so there! I now have to edit the 900 photos I took, that's excluding the iphone photos.<br /><br />Look out for version 2.0 (And i'm thinking about the silk road)EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-42361581799815460782010-06-18T10:41:00.000-07:002010-06-18T11:18:13.275-07:00Postlogue - EKSigh... We've been back to reality for 3 days now (yes, we're back to Singapore and I had to start work the day after touch down). The nightmare is not the work...it's lack of zzzz. See, my body is still running on Euro time zone..For the last few nights, I have been awake between 3am and 6am, yes literally eyes wide open. So is Hwee Min. We had to eat Supper at 3am (i.e. 8pm London time for dinner). Fortunately, we are in the midst of World Cup 2010 and I have the matches to accompany me. Still the feeling of not able to sleep sucks.<br /><br />As you know, we did not cover the entire world during this trip. But I think 30 days is good enough for me. Anymore, it will be too much for me to absorb and digest. Bearing in mind that I only have short term-memory (as what HM always say about me). In fact, I have already forgotten what we did in Hanoi while we were in Paris. So to complete this 'round the world', we hope to kickstart another trip that commences from London (where we stopped), down south to Africa and back up to the Nordic. Following that another trip to American Continent, up and down, left and right the whole land. Disclaimer, this is just an idea and nothing has firmed up yet.<br /><br />Meanwhile, summary of my thoughts for the entire trip:<br />Favourite European city - Berlin, Germany (everything there is neat and orderly)<br />Favourite Asian city - Xi Ann, China (Old, ancient city with lots of character)<br />Favourite Scenery - Ha Long Bay @ Hanoi<br />Favourite City to Migrate - London (why? Arsenal lah)<br />Best Shopping Experience - Paris (Got LV... that's not true)<br />Best Pubbing Experience - Houhai Lake @ Beijing (The stretch of the pubs just never end)<br />Best Flea Market - Berlin (I almost gapo everything in the market if HM had not stopped me)<br />Best Physical Exercise - Trekking on the Great Wall @ Beijing (Seriously, no joke climbing up and down and some steps are almost 90 degrees steep)<br />Most Torturous Shopping Experience - Shopping at Paris (we shop and shop and shop......)<br />Worst Moment - Puking in the toilet of the train from Mongolia to Russia<br /><br />Lastly, thanks to all of you who have either commented in this blog or Facebook. It's really fun to read your comments before going to bed during the trip. Let's keep in touch via phone or email: kkoohh7@gmail.comEKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-89377176147159201522010-06-14T10:06:00.001-07:002010-06-14T10:06:35.231-07:00London part two<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1088.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1088.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wellington arch<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1089.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1089.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The crowds at buckingham palace<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1090.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1090.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Furry hatted guards<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1091.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1091.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Westminister abbey<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1092.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1092.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Big Ben (or is it Big Tom)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1093.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1093.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nelson's column at Trafalgar Square<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1094.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1094.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Parliament House<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/1095.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/14/s_1095.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols fifth floor <br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-52716465061158530372010-06-14T02:02:00.001-07:002010-06-14T02:02:45.528-07:00Bad exampleWas watching CNBC last night and they were actually interviewing Allen Lew (Singtel CEO) and the CEO of Singapore Exchange.<br /><br />Apparently there have been some reception problems with the broadcast of the world cup matches in Singapore. And they were asking him questions about it. My goodness, he was so flustered and not able to answer the questions to the point, even after various prompts from the jounalist. It was painful to watch. And he continued to brag about Singtel at every opportunity he got. <br /><br />The objective of such interviews is not to tell people what you've got but really to win the media and public over with charismatic personality. If one has no charismatic personality? Decline such global media invitations.<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-614020482065404932010-06-14T01:49:00.001-07:002010-06-14T01:49:35.102-07:00Good newspaperSaw this story published on The Independent in London:<br /><br />A 19-year-old boy played a prank on his friend while camping by putting superglue on his face. When the kid woke up his eye was glued shut - in fairness, on a camping trip with another boy he was probably relieved to find it was glue and not .....<br />And why would he take superglue on a camping trip anyway?<br />To do a collage of the homosexual union the two of them will indulge in but will agree never to mention again?<br /> <br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-762374361138197302010-06-13T13:26:00.001-07:002010-06-13T13:26:10.055-07:00The Beauchamp HotelNot exactly at the best location in the city but really nice neighbourhood. And it feels good to have hotel facilities again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1705.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1705.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1706.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1706.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1707.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1707.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-34046815406919872932010-06-13T13:20:00.001-07:002010-06-13T13:27:03.720-07:00London part oneIt is quite a relief to get to country where we can speak the language again. <br /><br />Like any good (arsenal) soccer fan, first stop in London is the Emirates stadium <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1691.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1691.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The tube station that was named after the soccer club<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1692.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1692.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Massive stadium<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1693.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1693.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Players' dressing room<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1694.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1694.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Where the players enter the field<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1709.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1709.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Superb indian food in Soho<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1695.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1695.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Hyde park<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1696.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1696.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Portobello market - where EK continued his vinyl collection. We don't even have a turntable yet-the collection only started when we got to Europe, at first I thought he just wanted to buy the odd record or two, now it's looking pretty serious.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1697.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1697.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Buskers' vintage puppet show<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1698.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1698.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Camden market<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1699.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1699.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Vespa seats!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1700.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1700.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We stumbled onto the Marylebone Summer Fayre - perfect way to spend Sunday <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1701.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1701.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-58730982985189355482010-06-13T13:07:00.001-07:002010-06-13T13:07:08.724-07:00Paris to LondonVia the Eurostar<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1646.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1646.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1648.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1648.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-62112530321698492672010-06-13T13:05:00.001-07:002010-06-13T13:05:37.355-07:00Rue de RivoliPerfect location! We can literally jump into the chatelet metro station from our window. Also a nice walk to the louvre, notre dame and marais shopping area. So what if the washing machine doesn't work and it took us 2 days to figure out how to hook up to the wifi.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1641.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1641.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Comfy couch<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1642.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1642.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kitchen that we never used<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1643.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1643.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bathroom<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1644.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1644.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Supper in our apartment - in Paris, where you can get a good bordeaux in a half-bottle and it costs less than orange juice<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-56725304732473377672010-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:002010-06-10T14:25:00.303-07:00M.A.TYes, think I am to start a Movement Against Telemarketing (M.A.T) when I return to Singapore. Like previous trips, I had the following encounters with telemarketeers almost everyday:<br /><br />- they pick the right time to call i.e. In the middle of my sleep<br /><br />- their numbers are always blocked so I never know who's calling and have to pick up the call<br /><br />- their first question when I answer their call is "Sir, are u overseas?" Duh!<br /><br />- a classic one was when I acknowledged that I am overseas, he continued to ask whether I have travel insurance. This is really hard core.<br /><br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-56764783870485490152010-06-09T12:58:00.001-07:002010-06-09T12:58:44.755-07:00Shopping in ParisAt the asian-filled Louis Vuitton store in Champs Elysees<br /><br />EK: is it this busy everyday?<br />Salesperson: yes, busy everyday.<br />EK: Crazy asians!<br />Salesperson swallows her smile<br /><br />Yes, we are part of the crazy Asian movement!<br /><br /><br />On Rue du Faubourg<br /><br />HM: excusez-moi, can you tell me where is the Aye-mess store?<br />French lady: pardon?<br />HM: the Aye-mess store? There is or around here?<br />French lady pauses, then asks, what is Aye-mess?<br />I type out H-E-R-M-E-S on my phone and show it to her.<br />French lady: Ah! Errk-mess! Oui, walk straight, there is one 10 minutes from here. <br /><br />Now you know why I'll never make it on the socialite scene!<br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-35635930580187382282010-06-09T12:39:00.001-07:002010-06-13T13:10:29.497-07:00Paris - Our moveable feast<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1499.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1499.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Montmarche - I like!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1500.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1500.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Sacre Coeur feat Paris' beautiful summer sky<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1502.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1502.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Yep, we had to go there to take a picture, and nope we didn't go in for the overpriced show<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1503.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1503.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Eiffel Tower- worth all the hype<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1505.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1505.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />View from the top<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1506.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1506.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Arc de Triomphe - french drivers' rite of passage?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1508.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1508.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Champs Elysees<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1509.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1509.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Yes, the macarons here are that good<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1510.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1510.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I M Pei's glass pyramid<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1511.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1511.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Pesky tourists at the Louvre (I mean us)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1514.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1514.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Paparazzi stalking the famous Mona<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1660.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1660.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Centre Pompidou<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1662.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1662.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1663.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1663.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1664.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1664.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bastille<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1666.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1666.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Notre Dame<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/1667.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/13/s_1667.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Notre Dame from the back (or is it the front) <br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-18210760212051176102010-06-09T12:24:00.000-07:002010-06-09T12:34:51.013-07:00Berlin to Paris<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1469.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1469.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All ready to board the train<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1471.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1471.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nice cabin- a far cry from all the trains we've been on<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1472.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1472.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Private toilet and shower!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1474.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1474.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Even the landscape in Europe looks cleaner and neater<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/1475.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/09/s_1475.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Waiting for the train to stop <br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474639327133931210.post-76779159487125333832010-06-03T23:14:00.000-07:002010-06-03T23:55:32.138-07:00Snippets of the trip<br />- WP, HP<br />Over the course of the journey, we met several parties who were travelling as well and there was a common scenario: <br />Wife plans for the trip (WP)<br />Husband pays for the trip (HP)<br /><br />- Where to go?<br />She: I've been deciding where to go in Beijing for the last 2 days. How about you choose a destination today?<br />He (jubliantly): Sure,let's visit xxxx...blah..blah <br />She: Oh, why not go yyyy then...blah..blah<br />He (assertive): But xxxx is a must-go because...blah<br />She ( even more assertive): yyyy is definitely more interesting than xxxx....blah<br />Yap, you all know - we went to yyyy in the end because it more 'interesting'<br /><br />- Coke or Water?<br />During a stop at the station along our train journey from Mongolia to Berlin:<br />She: i'm very thirsty.<br />He dashed out from the train, ran more than 200m along the platform in the cold and came back with a big bottle of Coca-cola.<br />She: Coke? But I'm thirsty and I need water.<br />He: But u like coke and hate drinking water <br />He had learned not to argue with Her.<br />A few days later and at another stop during the same train journey:<br />She: I'm very thirsty. <br />He dashed out from the train, looking frantically for a drink kiosk and finally came back with a bottle of mineral water and with sactisfaction and a sense of achievement: <br />She: Water?<br />He: Yup, I thought you're thirsty?<br />She: Yes but I feel like drinking Coke now... <br /><br />- Men = Boys<br />In Berlin after a hard day of shopping, while climbing up a long flight of steps:<br />She: There's no way that we can cover so many places every day if we had to bring a kid. We will have to reserve at least one day to bring him to some children's places like disneyland or Lego land.. (interrupted by him)<br />He (suddenly eyes widen and full of vigour): There is a Lego land in Berlin?<br />She: Yes (pointing to a billboard ahead)<br />He (jubliantly): So, are we going?<br />She almost fell from her steps....<br /><br />EKHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481108287137897512noreply@blogger.com0