South Korea

 

Seoul was a very interesting city. We were staying in the Myeong-dong area near a subway station which was a perfect location.

 When we were tired on arrival and just wandered around our area had a coffee and, in the evening, had some rather delicious street food. The next day we planned to walk from our hotel to Changdeokgung Palace. We walked through Jongmyo Park We stopped in Nakseonjae a residential compound built in 1847 for King Keonjong. We then headed to the Palace Changdeokgung built in the early 15th century there is so much to see around the palace and gardens a grand greenhouse and also a secret garden. 

We left and ended up having lunch down a side street but unfortunately lost our bearings by getting out at the wrong subway station. The next day was our excursion to the DMZ.

Suspension Bridge DMZ

Up early to be on time at the meeting point. It was a very sobering tour. We learnt about the history surrounding the Korean War also how World War 2 impacted on Korea. We travelled to a suspension bridge which was built as a memorial to the British Gloucestershire Regiment which had been wiped out during the Korean War. We also went to a position where we could view North Korea. Tensions between the two Koreas has escalated recently.  It is definitely worth going on the excursion.

The following day went to Gyeongbokgung, Seoul’s largest palace. The grand buildings once held scholars, eunuchs, concubines, soldiers and servants. The original palace was built in 1395 and was the royal residence until 1592 when the Japanese invaded and burnt it down and remained ruins until 1865 when the king started to rebuild it.

There is a Changing of the Guard ceremony which is very interesting though it is mainly theatre as no one lives in the palace now as Korea doesn’t have a king anymore. We went to the palace museum and like all museums was very interesting. 

Changing of the Guard

Afterwards we went to Isandong a delightful pedestrian area artisan shops selling a variety of homemade goods, handicrafts and art supplies. The area also has Hanok style houses down side streets. After two nights of street food, we found a Chinese restaurant not far from our accommodation.

We were able to walk to the cable car on which we passed some of the city’s historic wall. The N Seoul Tower, it situated at the geographical centre of Seoul and gives a great panoramic view of the city. We unfortunately came back a different way and didn’t stumble across any of the cafes we saw on our way up. Finally, we found one and really needed a coffee. The only accompaniment was honey bread, when it arrived, we surprised to say the least, we were sharing and surprisingly it was sweet but not super sweet we thought it would be.

We visited Deoksugung Palace we missed the changing of the guard, behind it is the Seokjojeon a 19th century palace which completed in 1910 in a European neo-classical style designed by a British architect. One needs to book a tour to enter which run every half hour and can be booked on arrival. It is worth visiting. 

We love to go to bookshops wherever we travel and there is a superb one in Seoul, Kybo Bookshop at 1 Jong-ro easily found in a large building and close to a subway station. It is an amazing store.

Not far from there at the Four Seasons Hotel which hosts a speakeasy style bar called Charles.H. one has to pay to enter but it’s taken off after you bought drinks. (I think just stops people from just being sticky-beaks). We bucked at the prices at first but thought why not and we had a couple of drinks and some food. It was very enjoyable experience.

On our last day we went to Museum Korea of History showing the transformation from the beginning of the Joseon dynasty until the city as we see it today very informative. We then went the Namdaemun Market a huge market with hundreds of stalls selling clothes, handicrafts, food and much more. We found a small place to eat and I ordered gimbap (like sushi rolls). We sat down on stools, when called I went to collect our food, a lovely Korean woman next to us went and got the pickles and soup for us of which we had to help ourselves, but didn’t know about. 

Then we wandered the market some more then returned back to our hotel when there it bucketed down with rain. It was lucky that it stopped before we needed to go out for dinner. We ate Italian.

Next morning we took the train (pre-booked) to Gygeong-ju, on arrival we caught a taxi to our hotel (Lahan Select) a bit of a cultural shock for us as it is a resort and expensive. It’s next to a lake where there are a range of other hotels and resorts. We had lunch and had a short wander around part of the picturesque lake. That night we had drinks and an aperitivo platter at the bar.

The next day up early to go on our tour to the UNESCO World Heritage sites. There were only two others on the tour with us which was great. The weather was perfect, we saw many different sites which are spread out over a very large area. We learnt a lot about the ancient Silla Dynasty which ranged from 1st Century BC to                          7th Century CE, we visited the burial mounds and viewed many of the artefacts. Lunch was included which was delicious.

The following day we walked all around the lake, stopped in a café for our morning coffee, further along we came to a variety of buildings including some shops and ended up having lunch at one of the restaurants. 

Near one of the hotels is a Modern Art Museum and there was a delightful exhibition of Jean Jullien sketched and paintings.

Then back to our hotel for an afternoon coffee and later our aperitivo treat at the bar.

Last day we took a taxi to the Museum and had a free tour which lasted all morning and was very informative, well worth the visit. Had a very ordinary lunch there then returned to our hotel. We felt tired and couldn’t be bothered doing much else. Rested then had out usual aperitivo for the last time.

The next morning, we were off to Busan, with a private transfer. After we checked into the hotel we explored the city a bit, had some lunch, got some cash out, then returned to the hotel. I decided I’d like to eat Italian for a change. Looked up the restaurant and directions, thought I had it in the bag. I followed them exactly but somehow; they didn’t take us where we needed go. I finally gave up and asked some young fellows for help. They took us to the door of the restaurant Osteria Aboo they were really a very delightful group. Bonus the food there was delicious.

Gamcheon Culture Village is very colourful and stands out on the hilly terrain however it was a bit disappointing as the artisan shops were closed. We walked around and finally out of the village and caught a bus and got off at the last stop.

We were close to Yongdusan Park and the Diamond Tower. The Park was very peaceful and there is an amazing view from the top of the tower. We also went to BIFF Mall then the Market, which was full of the usual stuff. Then we caught the train back to base and as we were tired, we ate at the Sky Bar at our hotel. At the hotel they had robots that collected the dirty dishes from the tables when summoned, we thought they were rather cute.

The following morning, we planned to visit the UN Memorial Park, this was set up to honour the international fighters who died during the Korean War (1950-1953), it is a very poignant and sobering place. From there we made our way to the Busan Museum, which was very informative especially around the history from 1800s and the movement for independence from the Japanese. The down side was the Museum canteen as choice of food was extremely minimal and less than ordinary.

We’d had gone off track a bit, couldn’t find not only the subway we arrived at but any subway entrance. I asked various people as to the location of one of the stations to no avail. However, a lovely woman asked where we wanted to go. I pointed to it on the map and we followed her to a bus stop, spoke to the driver to make sure we got off at the correct stop, then pushed us on board and paid our fare.

. Our last day in Busan we took the train, then taxi to the Beomesa Temple, a large complex, a working Buddhist temple for retreats and worship. From there we returned to the city and visited the Art Gallery which was disappointing, it was a very large building with very few exhibits, some were interesting but others what I call ‘wankerish.’ We eventually returned to our hotel.

The following day we had a transfer to Gwangju as a stopover to catch the plane to Jeju Island. A late pick up had us arriving at 3.30pm. We were had a little walk around and that night went to an Italian Restaurant that was close by, it must be the worst Italian restaurant in the world, the meal and wine were spectacularly awful.

Next day off to Jeju Island, after arriving went to the tourist information office to get some maps which weren’t that helpful, had a bit of a look around, nothing spectacular.

The first full day we took a taxi Dongmun Traditional market, which had heaps of seafood and mandarins. Then there was a city tour bus, like the hop on hop off ones. This took us to the Yongyeon suspension bridge, then Dodubong Peak which is easy to climb ending with a great sea view and enjoyed a coastal walk. Our final stop was at the Gwandeokjeong Pavilion which was a training ground for soldiers during the Jeon Dynasty and is the oldest existing building in Jeju. The various buildings in the complex presented dioramas of those times. The following day we took a taxi tour.

Jeju is a volcanic island and famous for the women free divers gathering seafood. Many now are old as the younger women are no taking up this. The novel ‘The Island of Sea Women’ by Lisa See is a good introduction of that culture plus the history of the island during and after the Second World War. Now most of the women divers show tourists their skills but when we went on a taxi tour on a Monday it was their rest day, and a Memorial Park for the loss of the citizens during and after the war was also closed that day. We did go to lava tube which is the largest and longest in the world and truly amazing. We also visited Weljeon Beach, then Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak we didn’t go to the top as it would have used up too much time and we wouldn’t have had time to visit something else.

Unfortunately, my husband missed a step coming down a took a tumble, no broken bones but a lot of bleeding! It looked really bad, but didn’t require a hospital visit. The amazing aspect was how so many people came to the rescue, a couple appeared with a first aid kit, then a man insisting on putting a salve on the wound and gently applying the band aids. 

After this drama we visited a folk village, with people living there in traditional houses. It was very fascinating, we walked around without intruding. 

The next day we needed to get some better bandages for my husband’s wounds.  We eventually found a pharmacy but hesitated before we went in when a woman with no English wanted us to go to a doctor but with a bit of miming, we were dragged into the pharmacy, obtained the bandages we needed. I hesitated a little then another woman who was there took the bandage packet off me and insisted on putting them on my husband’s wounds.

From there we went to the Folk and History Museum which had a very informative and comprehensive display. We then strolled along the coast for a while but by then we were tired, accidently came across the place we had dinner the previous night so ate there then a taxi back to the hotel.

We found South Korea a very interesting place and everywhere people from young to old were most friendly and helpful. I recommend a visit. 

 

 

North Island New Zealand continued

 

Rotorua

The next day off to another long drive to Rotorua, managed to arrive at a reasonable time and book a tour to Te Puia home to the major attractions as well as being a Maori Arts and Craft Institute where Maori carvers and flax weaver can be observed as they are educating the next generation to preserve these skills.

Geologically the area is amazing with hot bubbling mud pools and geysers and their Kiwi breeding sanctuary we then returned to town.

Rotorua Geyser

We walked through the Governor’s Garden and watched people playing crochet in front of the Art Gallery which is sadly closed for renovations. We walked down to lake and around it’s edge and observed a flying boat mooring for the night.

The Buried Village is the result of the eruption of the volcano Mount Tarawera on 10^th June 1886 rock and lava spread over 15,5000sq.km and buried three villages. The remains of the of Te Wairoa have been excavated, there is an inescapable eerie feeling as one walks past the remnants of buildings froze in time.

Buried Village

Coming back from there we visited the Redwood Forest walking around theses giant trees make one feel very small.

That night we found an ‘Eat Street’ and ate at Leonardo’s an Italian Restaurant.

Whakatane

Outlook from accommodation

We eventually arrived in Whakatane our accommodation was in the Ocean View Holiday Studio a rather windy hilly drive. Magnificent view overlooking the bay. Getting back into town was easy as there are 87 pedestrian steps which get you into town, definitely easier than taking the car. We ventured into town for dinner at the Spice Junction Indian Restaurant.

The next day we walked along the coast and went to the small museum attached to the library. It was a pleasant day. We discovered a French restaurant Roquette where we had dinner.

Coromandel

The next day we headed for Coromandel a long winding road (like just about all of them on the north island) went without a hitch though we took route 309 which is a very scary unmade winding road, very narrow in places and a sheer drop on one side. Wandered around after we arrived. The town is very small and not many choices of places for dinner, we opted for the Pepper Tree.

Drove to Whitianga for Cathedral Cove excursion, definitely worth it

Cathedral Cove

Dinner at Uma back at Coromandel.

Driving Creek Railway excursion, the next day. Very interesting a Barry Brickell built a 3kms narrow gauge railway track over 22HA of hilly scrub covered land. Also, there is a pottery centre and gallery there as well After a trip on the train, there is a bush walking area.

After lunch we went back to our accommodation for R&R then out again to walk up to the look out. Lazy dinner of fish & chips.

Along Driving Creek Railroad

The next day it was back to Auckland to return our car. We left early and had a coffee stop at the town of Thames, it looked an interesting place plus being Saturday there was a market, but we wanted to return the car on time.

We had 2 nights back at the Avani Apartments. On our last day we breakfasted at Le Chef a little French café around the corner from us. We wandered down to the coast and went to the Maritime Museum which whiled away the morning and returned to our accommodation for a rest. The following day we would be on our way home.

Coromandel

 

New Zealand North Island March 2023

 

Auckland

We had a late arrival into Auckland settled into our serviced apartment then went to the supermarket to buy some breakfast supplies. As it was late, we didn’t want to go far to get some dinner. We wandered around the corner into Chancery Square and after looking at the various eateries chose Pocha a Korean inspires Asian restaurant and had an enjoyable snack.

The next day we were refreshed and walked down to and around the harbour. We decided to go to the Art Gallery and managed to go by the most roundabout route involving going through the gardens. If we had taken better notice of our map it was just down the road from out accommodation.

We spent some time there as had the ‘Light from the Tate’ Exhibition which explores the way artists have worked with light in its many changing forms. Plus, it was also very interesting exploring the art of New Zealand. We had our lunch in their restaurant and returned to our accommodation for a rest.

We then went to explore somewhere for dinner but it started to rain so we grabbed a pizza near our accommodation and a bottle of wine went back to our dry apartment.

The next day we went to Waikeke Island about a forty-minute ferry ride from Auckland. It is known for its wineries.  We initially to the bus to the end of the line to the coast which was picturesque then caught it back and went to the Mud Brick Winery for lunch. At first not sure if we would get a table as we hadn’t booked but it all worked out well and had a delicious lunch.

We started to walk back to the ferry but it started to rain so caught the bus back to the town and it wasn’t long before the ferry arrived and we were back in Auckland.

Bay of Islands

The next day we picked up our car I decided we would go to the Bay of Islands first, which was an extremely long drive, I’m sure we took the longest most circular route. We arrived late afternoon and found great accommodation Hananui Lodge and Apartments which backed onto the beach. We stayed in a ground level unit they called the boathouse which had a veranda with a beach view. That night we just wandered down the coast and had an enjoyable dinner at Seaside Restaurant.

Bay of 

Russell was a former sin city, when colonists arrived in the early 1830s lust and lawlessness prevailed with up to 30 grog shops operating on the waterfront. Christ Church was built as a response to this. Maori chief Hone Heke, who signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was disgruntled over government land dealings defiantly chopped down the British flagstaff, symbol of the new regime on Maiki Hill.

We went on a boat trip around the islands, there is an amazing 144 islands with the bay of varying sizes. Many are uninhabited and some are privately owned and others are reserves. Captain Cook arrived in this bay in1769 and gave the area its name. One of the highlights of the boat trip is going through Hole in the Rock, unfortunately we didn’t see any dolphins on our trip. We stopped for a short time at one of the islands long enough to have lunch and an exploratory walk. Stunning scenery from the hill on the island.

After our return we checked out the shops then went back to our room and relaxed and then went out to dinner at the restaurant Butterfish.

The mundane catches up like washing, we found a laundromat and had quite a pile of dirty clothes.

On return from our domestic duties, we went to Café at Pompallier Mission. This was on the site of the French Catholic Mission, unfortunately the museum for printing and bookbinding was closed. We had a very French morning tea and bought two filled baguette rolls for lunch.

We made tracks to Flagstaff Hill, which offered a panoramic view of Russell.

We rested and had lunch then went to the Museum which was next door to our accommodation which proved to be very informative about the history of the area.

Lazily we went back to Seaside restaurant for our last night here.

After Russell we decided to head south to Hamilton, I planned to do a side trip to Dargaville where there was a Kauri Forest, but changed my mind as it was going to be a long drive. Boy, was I glad we did as we had to skirt Auckland not only was it pouring with rain but traffic was travelling at a snail’s pace and took us over an hour before we could drive at a reasonable speed.

Cambridge

It was still raining when we arrived in Hamilton and as luck would have it there was no vacancy in any of the accommodation. My last port of call was the Ibis Hotel, I was desperate, anywhere even a cupboard or a floor would have been welcome.

The receptionist (a young man trainee) went to a lot of trouble to help me and found us 3 nights at Homestead B&B just outside Cambridge which was about 20 minutes away. I had directions, but as it was dark, when we arrived in Cambridge, we needed further directions. It was actually hard to find in the dark as it was on the side lead road to the freeway, we so relieved when we arrived and happily had toast for dinner after which flopped into bed. It turned out to be very enjoyable stay. On the property there were alpacas, sheep, chickens and a cow.

We had booked to go to the Waitomo Glow Worm caves, The caves and grottoes are sublime. There are thousands illuminating the roof of the cave, the larvae radiate a bluish light and also ‘dribble’ a saliva string down from their mouth and when an insect is caught on it then suck it back and eat it. Seeing all the little lights on the ceiling was awesome. One had to be very quiet while we explored the cave in a boat.

On the way back we stopped at the Kiwi House and had a quick look around as it was near closing time. Kiwis are nocturnal and they are housed in a dim glass enclosure and were lucky to see one, they are very cute.

Back to Cambridge we had a very enjoyable dinner at the Onyx Restaurant.

Marokopa Falls

The next day we decided to visit Marokopa falls which is on the main road past the glow worm caves. It seemed a long way and we eventually found the point of entry (not so obvious). It required a short fairly easy walk to arrive at the fall. On the way back we visited. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, again we were there late afternoon but were able to wander around it even after reception closed. We walked through an ancient forest, the trees towering majestically above us, we were able to explore various walking tracks, unfortunately we didn’t see much wildlife but from the trees we heard the calls of various birds.

We again decided to do a lazy dinner and get a pizza and a bottle of wine to take back to our accommodation. The one thing to note the pizza shop had many really weird toppings, which I think any Italian would have shaken their head over.

Northern Territory Australia

 

Darwin
N.T. June 2022 

We arrived in Darwin in the afternoon and caught a taxi to the Hilton. The heat was a shock after coming from cold wintery Melbourne. After settling in we went to explore the area walking towards the coast and there were a variety of eateries and recreation area are on the waterfront. We passed the outdoor cinema and checked what movies would be showing. We were rather tired from walking and the heat and returned for a rest. The Duke Hotel was just opposite our accommodation so took the easy option and went there for dinner.

The next morning, we caught the bus to the Museum and Art Gallery. We found it very interesting with a wide range of exhibits and managed to while away quite a bit of time there. We had a drink before catching the bus back to the city centre. The heat tired us out so we had a rest before going out to find a place for dinner.  WE came across a really good restaurant called Moorish which served Spanish style Tapas.

Our third morning we made our way to the Oil Tunnels, these were built in World War 2 to store oil, a hill in the town was excavated, however there was a great deal of difficulty in sealing them well enough for storage, they cost an extraordinary amount of money and were never used. We walked to Stokes Wharf to visit the Flying Doctor Museum, the history of this service was very interesting and well worth a visit. We had a coffee before we wandered back to our hotel.

Mindell Beach Sunset

That evening we visited the Mindel Beach Market, with many stalls selling a variety of cuisines plus ones selling handicrafts. It was very crowded and the highlight was sitting on the beach to watch the sunset. What was magical about it that there were hundreds of people there, some with little children, but it was quiet no-one was running around no shouting just a quiet murmur of voices waiting for the sun to set. It's great to think that even in this day and age of high tech that people can still find awe in the sun setting.

We picked up our car from the airport a brand-new small SUV, learning to start it was ‘fun’. Once that was worked-out we were on our way to Katherine 317kms away. We arrived in the afternoon, and booked into the Katherine Motel, something of time warp from the 50s, very ordinary to say the least, so is Katherine township. We booked a tour for Katherine Gorge for the next morning. We had dinner at a hotel near our accommodation.

Katherine Gorge

The trip down Katherine Gorge was majestic, with many interesting features, including some Indigenous Rock Art. We then booked to go to the Cutta Cutta Caves, these were found by a stockman in1900 and named it Smith’s Cave and in 1967 the area was handed to the Northern Territory Reserves Board and began cave tours shortly after. It is always interesting visiting caves and observing their unique formations of stalactites and stalagmites. There was a fascinating walk around the area of a tropical Savanna while the Karst Walk was only accessible by going on the cave tour.

That night we decided to look for another place to eat and wandered the streets and came across the Paraway Hotel, very interesting place with a unique variety of guests, mainly fly in fly out workers. Dinner was very tasty, BBQ with salads and bread.

We left early the next morning for Kakadu and like the previous morning the only place open was McDonalds and only takeaway. Better than nothing.

We were now on our way to Jabiru Kakadu 305 kms away. We stopped off at Edith Falls a pleasant oasis along the way. Then the long-haul drive to our destination. We booked an afternoon trip on the Yellow River for the following day. As it was afternoon and was very hot, so I had a refreshing swim in the pool.

The next morning, we went to the site of some Aborigin

Crocodile Yellow River

al Rock art, which was amazing. Then had a bit of R&R before our river cruise. The cruise was amazing, we spotted a lot of wildlife, many different birds, buffalo and of course crocodiles. The sunset was stunning.

The following day it was back to Darwin. Wandered around went to the Brush Traders for lunch which was delicious. We looked for the advertised laundromat but turned out to be non-existent.

The Botanical Gardens was well worth the visit. After that we went to Cullen Bay, obviously the wealthy part of Darwin. At the ferry terminal we booked a Tiwi Island tour for the following day. I was interested in visiting Bathurst Island as I had been there when it was still a Catholic Mission. It is amazing how much it has developed, and the people are doing great things. The museum there has many historic photos which interested me. It was well worth a visit.

Bathurst Island Enterprise

The following day we did very little but did go to the outdoor cinema and saw the movie ‘River’. A very pleasant way to watch a movie and spend the evening.

After our restful day we went to Lichfield National Park, the Cathedral Termite mounds were incredible. Then the waterfalls and pools are a delightful oasis. It was a very tiring day, so we just did a takeaway pizza dinner hat evening. The following day was another do nothing much. However, the following day we did a trip to the Corroboree Billabong, more wildlife of show and was great. WE then drove to Fogg Dam and had an interesting walk.

Jabiru - Black necked stork

Another easy day before leaving for Broome.

Kuching Malaysia July 2019

Sarawak River

We arrived in Kuching early evening and took a taxi to the Imperial Riverbank Hotel, which was not far from the main part of town. We wandered along the riverbank, where there were many eateries. We came across the musical fountain near the end of the performance, it was quite spectacular and we decided we would make sure we saw it all another night. We had dinner at one of the outdoor eateries on the river bank.

Kuching is a homophone for cat in Malaya and cats feature everywhere in souvenirs and statues around the town, it became fun noticing them all. On our first full day we discovered a food market but it was closing down when we arrived then found an ATM which we needed then

had a coffee at the ‘Fast & Furious’ café, its them was racing motorbikes, it actually wasn’t a bad place to eat or
drink. We then went down to the hub of the town to old Court House, then the Ranee Margaret Museum, the wife of one of the ‘White Rajahs’’.

We then walked across the main bridge where the Legislative building is situated, but it’s completely fenced and couldn’t easily get to the fort which was on the same side. We then decided to have a rest. We went out later and walked to the end of town and eventually ate dinner at an outdoor stall along the river. We then went for a drink at the bar at the Hilton.


We needed some laundry done and luckily there was one just across the road from our hotel, where we dropped off our clothes. We then took a boat across to the fort. We had to walk through a small village to get there. It’s now a museum of the history of the ‘White Rajahs, which was fascinating. They ruled Sarawak until after World War 2.


After we returned, we went the Museum Café which was quite pleasant. We revisited the market from the previous day. Then we booked a trip to see the orangutans and visit a longhouse. Dinner was at the Indan House Restaurant.


I love the orangutans; they are so human like and have such wonderfully expressive faces. They are in the wild and only come in when there isn’t any fruit available in the forest. There is information about each one and it was so touching to read it.

Orangutan

Then to the Anais Longhouse, which was fascinating. We saw pepper being dried, and various other food products drying and being sold. It was a very informative tour as we learnt about the nature of this environment.


Kuching has much on offer, we went to the Textile Museum, the Sarawak Museum, unfortunately the new museum was up and running but there was a small but very informative display close by. We then took a boat trip up and down the river which was enjoyable plus there was a small performance of folk dancing.


We also went to the night market but wasn’t overly impressed. The food stalls along the riverbank were better. We managed to catch the full performance of the musical fountain which was very impressive. There were more performances of music and dancing along the water front which added a festive air to the evening.


The following day we had a half day tour to the Sarawak Culture Village which was pleasurable and informative, there was also a performance of local dances of the various tribes of the area. It is here that the Rainforest Music Festival will take place. It would be a wonderful experience to attend.

We lunched at fried noodles and egg at Green Hill Restaurant

Cultural village playing sape

The next day we relaxed and didn’t do much really, coffee at the Hilton, lunch at the James Brooke Café went to the Chinese Museum and coffee at the Museum Café, so overall just enjoyed chilling out. We decided to cross the river for dinner as it looked as though it would be a good place to eat, we were bitterly disappointed, had a pretty ordinary dinner crossed back for drinks at the hotel across the road from ours.

We booked a trip on a Wetlands Wildlife cruise for the afternoon plus one to Bako National Park for the following day with Ooo Haa Tours & Travel who proved more professional than the previous tour company we used.


It was a pleasant trip and we were the only 2 on it. It took us along the river and into the south China Sea. We managed to see a proboscis monkey and a crocodile and fishing villages. Unfortunately, the weather was turning nasty and we had to return so missed out on some of the wildlife viewing, better than being caught in a storm and dangerous conditions in a small boat.  Our guide told us about a good place to eat called Top Spot which was close to our hotel and decided to go there for dinner.

The Big White Cat

There is a big white cat statue which is featured on brochures and I wanted to find it, so on ensuing day we went on the hunt. We found it no problem and discovered an interesting street in the bargain. As we returning back to base, we noticed a lovely little café a bookshop. The books were mainly relating to mediation and Zen like subjects, but the café was delightful with the beans freshly ground for each cup of coffee. It was such a quiet and peaceful place to relax I dubbed it the ‘Zen Café’’.

This night we decided to go to Top Spot for dinner. It was a huge area with many stalls where you choose the fish or meat and vegetables you want and then they cook it for you and bring it to your table. It definitely was a top spot!



The next day we were off to Bako National Park, we were guided on a shortish hike which seemed longer as the tangle of tree roots over the undulating path could be easily trip over or slipped on so was taken quite carefully. It was very pleasant surroundings and would be a good place to stay for greater exploration of the park.

Proboscis monkey Bako N.P.

We got up close to proboscis monkeys and native pigs. There were other monkeys also who were very cheeky and would grab food etc from people sitting outside the restaurant. It was ultimately relaxing getting away from town and into nature. We also reprised Top Spot for our dinner that night.



The subsequent day we visited the Sikh Temple and there was a guide there who explained the ins and outs of the religion, then to the Muslim Heritage Museum, both were worthwhile visits.

Our last night in town we decided to go to a more upmarket restaurant Bla Bla but checked out its location first that afternoon. It proved to be a good choice as the food was delicious.

Kuching has some amazing street art, and we watched the gradual completion of one outstanding piece featuring musicians.


Our last day we returned to our ‘Zen Café’ I had a foot massage went again to the Commons Restaurant for lunch. We did some final shopping, went back to pack then decided afternoon tea (coffee & cake) at the Hilton would be a pleasant way to finish our stay. There was also a conference that day and there were a lot of security and important looking people milling around. This related to the arrival of the Chief Minister of Sarawak who came to open the conference, then all the flurry quickly died down.

From the 'Zen'Cafe

Back to our hotel, taxi to the airport and no our way back home.

Loved Kuching and hope to return and explore more places in Sarawak in the near future.

Kuala Lumpur June 2019

Escaping some of the Melbourne winter we decided to go to Kuala Lumpur then to Kuching in Sarawak for about 2½ weeks. We hadn’t been to K.L. for many years so was expecting a lot of change.


It was easy to get from the airport to the city and our hotel was in K.L. Central Station so we had no trouble finding it which was great as we arrived late in the evening and after depositing our bags in the room went up to the roof top bar for a drink.


Rested the next day we went to explore the city. We took the train to the main square and we wandered around the main square and admired many of the old colonial buildings. The Textile Museum was nearby so decided to check it out, it proved to be very interesting. They had a small café and decided to have a coffee, it was quiet and they were set up for a group, but as we were the only ones there at the time we had a coffee and biscuit, but they also supplied us with a complimentary local treat as I think we were a rare foreigner to patronise the café.

 We then visited the Jamek Mosque after which we visited the Central Market what can one say about a market that sells a range of goods including souvenirs and jewellery. We had lunch at Old

Jamek Mosque

Town Coffee situated there. We then walked to China Town and visited a couple of temples, Guan Yin Temple and Chan See Shue Temple. After all the walking we returned to the hotel for an aperitif then went close by for dinner.


Next day we took a day tour to Malacca, a town that was colonised initially by the Portuguese the history and buildings were very interesting but the main street was a bit disappointing, though I’m sure more time there would have given a better opportunity to explore the town I more detail. One feature which was rather funny is the over the top decorated Pedi-cabs really kitsch.

Not far from our hotel was the National Museum but it was a rather convoluted way to get there. We were lucky to arrive just in time for the free tour. Our guide proved to be very informative and was well worth joining the tour.

Decorated Pedicabs Malacca

After the museum we went to and explored the Botanical Gardens and found a little eatery there for lunch The Bird Sanctuary was close by and decided to go there. Many birds we not in cages but I felt sorry for the ones who were especially the lone and forlorn looking hornbill.

That evening we went to little India and had dinner there.

Everywhere we go we love to explore bookshops and there was a great one, Kinokuniya in the KLCC shopping mall. I always buy a book from local authors when I travel this time and ended up buying two. We had lunch in the mall, then went outside and viewed the Petronas Towers the las time we were in K.L they had just been built.


We scurried back to base as there was a sudden downpour. After it eased off, we then went to find the Hindu Temple which was very colourful and then to Central Market again to get a few presents.

The following day was our last in the city before we flew to Kuching, Sarawak. We had most of the day as we weren’t flying out until 5.30 in the evening. We had time to visit the National Mosque the concept of the design which was explained to us was fascinating.

Hindu Temple

We then went to the Islamic Art Museum which had a wonderful display which included Qajar Ceramics reflecting Persian artistic expression.


Then off to the airport for the next part of our Malaysian escape.

London January 2019

We arrive in London early evening and by the time we arrived at our accommodation in Camden Gardens it was quite late. We were staying near St. Pancreas, Kings Cross which was very convenient. We ended up at a nearby pizza restaurant.

Our first impression of London was a bit of a cultural shock after spending three weeks in Europe and Scandinavia.

Our first full day in London we explored along the Thames then we caught up with a friend at Greenwich, travelling via the river, it’s always a great place to spend time as there is always so much to see. That night we ended up having dinner at the local pub which was just around the corner from our accommodation.

We were very luck as the British Library was close to where we were staying and they had a fabulous exhibition called ‘Anglo-Saxon Kingdom – War, Art and Word’. It had original documents, like the Doomsday Book and many others which was extremely interesting as well as looking around at other aspects of the library. We spent the whole morning there ending up with lunch.

In the afternoon we went to Leicester Square walking around enjoying looking in second-hand bookshops and tacky souvenir shops. We decided to book a play, then found a place for dinner.

The next day we went out to visit my cousin in Dagenham, she has often said she would like to see me again and it was the main reason for going to London. Later that day we walked the length Oxford Street. We love walking around cities as you see more and can take in the atmosphere of an area.

The following morning, we caught the train from Paddington station to Exeter (note even the cheapest tickets were very expensive). We went to meet another friend there for lunch. Exeter is a really pleasant university town, with an interesting Cathedral, and archaeological ruins, and very charming shops.

Exeter Cathedral

On our 4^th day we went to Tower Bridge and the exhibition of the original Engine Room which is now obsolete as the opening and closing of the bridge is now computerised, very informative. We then walked to Borough Market and enjoyed lunch there. We then went to the Tate Modern Gallery our full day was finished off by going to ‘The Play Goes Wrong’ in the evening.

There is always heaps to do and see in London and as it had been ages since our last visit there was always things to explore. We first had to go to the Bank of England to exchange some old pound notes we had for new ones we could use. We then walked to St. Martins in the Field for lunch and stayed for the free

Tower Bridge

concert, but also booked for a recital that evening and ended up having an early dinner at the Silver Cross Pub.

On our last day we went to the Tate Gallery for a Pre-Raphaelite Exhibition of the artist Edward Burne-Jones. We then walked back to Leicester Square and ended up at Foyles Bookshop and of course bought some books and DVDs. I checked out the travel books and they had my book Pieces of China in stock which was gratifying. Our last night we had dinner at an Indian Restaurant close to our accommodation, then packed up our cases ready for the trip back home.

The Tate Gallery