Blogs from Asia - page 13

Last October my father was very sick after he got Covid while recovering from surgery. He was not expected to live so the whole family gathered and we were ready to say goodbye to him. Fortunately, he got better and went back home. I had the chance to catch up with my nephew Kevin who is now living in Sweden. At age 11, he was a nice bubbly boy and he was very different to the boy I saw years ago when he was growing up. It was a great chance for my family reunion. Kevin and his parents, however, couldn't go back to Hanoi for Tết this year as my sister is waiting for her residence visa. Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year - 9 to 13 February) is the biggest event of the year for ... read more

Yesterday was the first double training day, and it sure feels like it today. I was feeling the leg cramps after the session yesterday, and that feeling made itself know again last night. After about an hour of sleep, I had the worst thigh cramps I’ve ever had. Almost made me cry. It was one leg followed immediately by the other. I staggered around the room for about 10 minutes until they subsided. I grabbed some water, added some electrolytes, and drank it all and hoped for some serious sleep. Guess I am still in the jet lag area because I woke up for good around 1:30 am. Tried to be productive and even tried to go back to sleep around 4, but no luck. Maybe an afternoon nap will be on the agenda. I may ... read more

Je vais tenter d'ajouter quelques brèves expériences personnelles aux articles déjà très complets écrits par Linchy. Maintenant, fais toi lire ces quelques lignes, fermes les yeux et imagines ... ... Ce que je ressens : A l'excitation du départ, s'ajoutent : _ une concentration particulière à la préparation des bagages pour un voyage en mode sac à dos d'hôtel à hôtel. Le paquetage se devait d'être sécurisé, pratique et modulable : 2 sacs à dos de 80 à 120L pour transporter l'ensemble des affaires (et les souvenirs ...) et 3 plus petits sacs pour les excursions quotidiennes _ une appréhension des pickpockets ; plusieurs personnes nous ont avertis que nous sommes une cible pour les vols à l'arrachée _ une envie indescriptible de voir Linchy s'épanouir et trouver ce qu'elle recherche, peut-être même quelque chose à ... read more

I forgot to mention earlier that when I came into the hotel Tuesday, the one bellhop from last visit came running over to me and greeted me like we were long lost friends. I remember him because I was having him help me with write something in Thai for Fahlaep’s birthday surprise on my last day of the previous trip. And today, the manager of the Espresso Cafe in the hotel, where I’ve been having lunch and writing, came up to me and greeted me. A little disappointing to find the Espresso Cafe doesn’t have the sandwiches I was getting last time, so I’m going to have to find other options for lunch. I’ll probably still go there for the icy beverage and typing environment. It also gives housekeeping a chance to clean, and it’s always ... read more

In the morning, we'll begin our day with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, located along the picturesque northeast coast of Busan. This remarkable attraction offers a rare opportunity to experience a temple right by the shoreline. Afterward, we'll head to Gyeongju and enjoy lunch upon our arrival. Our journey will then take us to the Seokguram Grotto, a sublime masterpiece of Buddhist art and spirituality majestically perched on the slopes of Toham Mountain. Recognized as one of Asia's most splendid Buddhist shrines, this site invites you to immerse yourself in its sacred chambers and admire the intricately carved statues, providing an enchanting experience. Following this, we'll visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, believed to be the resting place of kings and court officials. Our exploration will continue at the Gyeongju National Museum, predominantly showcasing relics from ... read more