I was reflecting on my travels to the Far East and at first thought I hadn't really managed to visit that many of the cities that we all read about at school. As a geography nerd I had even seen some films and programs (of the non X-rated variety) that talked about magnificent temples, wonderful buildings, rivers that still provided a trading lifeline for millions and lots, lots more to inspire and create a desire for a visit and further exploration.
In my early twenties (some time ago I grant you) I visited Hong Kong as a newly wed. This famous city remained under British rule until 1997. When we arrived the city was a bit like London is on a daily basis except that everything was faster, busier, nosier. The sights and sounds filled your lungs and with so much to explore I wondered how five days there would ever be enough! We did all of the excursions that you'd expect - we ventured up to Victoria Peak and took in the amazing views. We went to Stanley harbour - ate seafood and shopped until we dropped. Lots have probably changed since my original visit and it's almost time for a repeat performance to check out just how Chinese rule has changed this amazing place.
Singapore was delightful. A much more recent trip I might add. We stayed at the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel which was perfectly located for exploring the city. We shopped, we found Raffles and enjoyed a cocktail in the Long Bar and threw the obligatory peanut shells on the floor (what's all that about? Tradition gone mad but everyone was insistent that it was the right thing to do!), we visited the marina, ate in marvellous restaurants but my favourite memory of Singapore has to be breakfast with the Orang-utans. Singapore Zoo is much famed for it's layout and conservation work. I loved walking through the enclosures which have been designed to make you feel like you are in the cage and not the other way round. Another attraction at the zoo are the night safaris - if you love wildlife you will really enjoy this! Singapore is definitely on my list of destination_blogs for our next trip to Oz!
Kuala Lumpar was our gateway to the beautiful beaches of Langkawi and then on to the coastal resort of Penang. Shopping was interesting - check out the Royal Selangor pewter and the architecture here is amazing.
And then there is a city that I have visited a few times. One that leaves me breathless with its pace, vibrancy and welcoming people. The city that is called Bangkok. This is a place that always reminds me of Frank Sinatra's lyrics in a song about New York - this city never sleeps. It's noisy, a bit dirty at times, it's full of amazing places to see including the Grand Palace and a particular favourite of mine - Jim Thompson's House. The smell of the food cooking in the streets, the gems of restaurants that appear around every corner. There are marvellous hotels, TukTuks to experience but most of all there is a feeling that the inhabitants of Bangkok are pleased to see you. Sure, some a traders and want to sell you the beautiful bespoke clothes that they make with an enviable ease. But in the main Bangkok is a city where you feel a passion - people love showing off where they live and they are proud. It's a great place to spend sometime in before you venture further afield and see what other delights Thailand has to offer.
In my next blog find out more about what Dubai has to offer!
