chienli

After much anticipation, I am finally here!!! We are staying at the "Stay and Learn" Hostel located conviniently right next to the central train station (well, and depends on your interest, right next to the red light district as well). But its a great place... quite clean and quite well organized. We actually got a semi-private bathroom with our room too, and its surprisingly new as well. I must say, when we got here, we didn't really know what to expect or how to get around. And we didnt have to. Everywhere we go, if people see us with our maps and looking confused, we were offered help to get back onto the right track. Its great! However, I must confess I am still not sure how to get around here by train or bus... it ... read more

In 4 days, I will be leaving for Frankfurt! Between now and the 29th, I need to drop by Chicago for some personal business and then off I go! Good ol Germany, right in the middle of the World Cup Quarter Finals too! Thats got to be exciting! I am a bit worried that all the madness there have 1. jacked up the price of everything 2. slowed down the public transport and overcrowd the popular areas I guess I'll find out soon, but tonight I basically have to make sure I am packed as I will be going straight from Chicago to Europe (I struggle with what to pack as it will be both business in Chicago for 2 days and then all pleasure and backpacking after that.... Oh, did I mention it is my ... read more

Phucket Island, one of the most touristy area in Thailand, was probably one of the most greatly damaged areas as well when the Tsunami hit the year before. However, by the time we got there, it was apparent that all the tourist money is definitely doing its work in revitalising this popular vacation area. Not only were new four star hotels built from the ground up, they were already running smoothly and effectively... internet, room services, laundry services, new swimming pools and spas. Many people often complain that Phucket is a bit too populated, and simply have way too many tourists. Almost everyone there was a tourist. English is definitely a car dominant language there and you can see stores, shops, foods all cater to American and European tourists. However, once you leave the vicinity of ... read more

To be honest, I did not know New Zealand was composed of two islands before I went. Yeah I know, I am pretty ignorant. Anyways, so our travel iteniary is pretty much the following. Fly into Auckland, which is the biggest city in the North Island, and then take another flight down to the southern tip of the North Island and take the ferry into the South Island. Rent the car at the South Island and make a loop around. After that, return to the north, rent another car, and start making our way back to Auckland airport again. Because the South Island was so desolate and unpopulated, coming back to the North Island almost felt like you are back in civilization in someways. Well, on the downside, it also meant more cars, more people, and ... read more

Another thing I figure I oughtta do before leaving this world is to spend new years eve in Times Square New York City. So after having gone to foreign countries 2 years in a row, I figure its time to get to know America a bit too. So, Big Apple here we come! What I remembered most about New York City is the fact that they actually have places to eat open later than 9pm! Boy thats a nice change from the Bay Area I tell ya. We could actually go back to our place at any hour during the night, and still buy some meatballs and sandwiches from the deli/grocery store around the corner. Very nice! ... read more

Of course, this was not about to be my last time in Shanghai as I would return in 2004 and probably many more times in the near future. What did I expect when I visited Shanghai in 2002? I expected it to be the city of the future, the model for all Chinese cities to come and it sure did meet my expectations. Word of advise though, don't go in the winter time. Its cold. If you look at pictures I took of myself, it really appears that I am wearing the same cloths everyday. Another word of advise, things are cheap there, but don't buy everything you see. I think that year I came back with tons of cloths and goodies... only to have to recycle or donate most of them within a few wash ... read more