Geo: 13.7308, 100.521Really it was fun in the sun if you like the heat. It reached 97 degrees today. There's no stopping outside activities if you only have a few days so we began as usual. Even though it's hot we've learned that you can't go out too early because most attractions don't open early. After a nice leisurely breakfast we set out to find our first destination.The Jim Thompson House and Museum was where we were headed. He was an American who was born in Delaware in 1906. Before World War II he was an architect but volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. He spent time in Europe and was later sent to Asia. However, the war ended before he saw action. He was sent to Bangkok a while later and fell in love ... read more

Geo: 13.7308, 100.521This morning found us packing up and getting ready to move on to another vacation stop. We were able to have another one of those delicious breakfasts in the hotel dining room. Again it hit the spot and helped prepare us for the day ahead. Our trip to the airport went very smoothly, catching two subway lines and then an airport express train. We arrived in plenty of time. Our flight to Bangkok Thailand lasted two hours and forty five minutes. It went by pretty quickly even though it was another bumpy ride because of the winds. Through family and friends we were able to make a contact with a man who is a local resident of Bangkok. His name is Karn. He graciously offered to meet us at the airport and drive us ... read more

Geo: 22.33, 114.18This morning found us up and out at an early hour. We had lots of territory we wanted to cover. Our first destination required a forty five minute subway ride followed by another forty five minute bus ride up one side of a mountain and down the other to reach the village of Tai O which is located on Lantau Island. It was well worth the trip. The scenery was fantastic. All the way up and down we were surrounded by thick, lush greenery with an occasional glimpse of the water below. Tai O is a quaint fishing village located on the coast of Hong Kong's largest island. It's inhabited by the Tanka people. They live in unique homes along the water's edge. The Tanka houses are on stilts and are interconnected. The intimate ... read more

Geo: 22.33, 114.18Our journey began leaving on a flight from Toronto at 1:20 a.m. It was a long flight of fifteen and a half hours and at times a little turbulent. No hot beverages were allowed to be served until the morning meal because of this. But in spite of this it was a good flight.We arrived in Hong Kong at 6 a.m. And proceeded through immigration with no trouble. They did however take my temperature to make sure I was not sick and bringing in any illnesses. We easily caught a train and a subway to get us to our hotel to drop off our bags before setting out to see the sights. This part of arriving in a new city is always a little difficult but we were really prepared this time and it ... read more

Geo: 42.5962, -82.8766Traveling can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you personally prepare the travel itinerary without an agent. It can be informative and rewarding, however, when you organize everything for your likes and your plan all comes together. You need to select the right time for comfortable weather, (monsoon rains can be a disaster), the proper duration to cover important sights, the flight with minimal transfers and layovers, selection of highly rated attractions, and of course lodging in a centrally located neighborhood. This means doing your homework by reading many travel internet sights and current travel forums.At this point, our plans for our trip to southern Asia are completed. Our focus now needs to be on the details of packing. We have learned over the years to be minimalists-easy to say but hard to do. This ... read more