Siewch&#39;s Guestbook

Hongkers!
Awww this blog me feel a bit homesick for HK...I lived there in the early-mid 2000s and whenever I had overseas visitors, this was one of the three day trips I'd take them on. The cable car wasn't operational then, so it involved a MTR to the end of the line and a local bus up the mountain; and then that yummy vegetarian lunch at the monastery :) Thanks for rekindling that happy memory. Safe onwards travels! p.s. no pokemon catching on this transit stop? ;)

From Blog: I Like Big Bu..um..Buddhas and I Cannot Lie: The Hong Kong Edition

5th November 2017

No Pokémon...
Already caught Farfetch’d. Couldn’t justify the cost of a cellphone data roaming plan for a short layover :-)

From Blog: I Like Big Bu..um..Buddhas and I Cannot Lie: The Hong Kong Edition

4th November 2017

The Travels Begin Again!
Looking forward to reading about where your travels will take you this time :) Sounds like you made the most of your time in your Hong Kong stopover :)

From Blog: I Like Big Bu..um..Buddhas and I Cannot Lie: The Hong Kong Edition

4th November 2017

Thank you!
A big big thank you for allowing me (and many others) to share this amazing journey with you. I loved reading this summary, it reminded me of all your other blogs which I started reading on my own summer travels in West Africa, then which inspired me to plan my trip next summer to Japan (and Korea), and which I have continued to read as I have settled down once more into a new academic year again back in London. And what is more, your trip is extended! I'm looking forward to reading more! I love your photos also of the two local people chatting in Cuba, and the Blade Runner-esque scene in rainy Tokyo - wonderful :)

From Blog: Intermezzo

5th November 2017

Japan and Korea
I can’t think of a bigger contrast with West Africa! Your West Africa trip was certainly one of the more unique and adventurous ones on this site!

From Blog: Intermezzo

31st October 2017

Kitties!
Nice to hear of your feline family... a friend who works in cat rescue is always so happy to see black cats adopted, apparently the superstition about black cats means they are the hardest to find homes for :(

From Blog: Intermezzo

31st October 2017

Black kitties
Yes, I suspect that is why we had such a difficult time finding homes for them. Ah well. They’re going to have a good life with us.

From Blog: Intermezzo

31st October 2017

The Summary Part 1
How amazing that you get to extend your trip! Enjoyed reading your summary of the places you travelled, and look forward to seeing what's on the new itinerary. Can you send me your Melb dates in a private message? I'll definitely be back home in late Dec, but work meetings may take us there earlier as well... would be super cool to catchup for a drink :) Safe travels! xx

From Blog: Intermezzo

28th October 2017

Thank you!
Thank you for such wonderful insights into a country high up on my to-visit list, but also one which I know very little about. I may be wrong, but it seems that the package tour actually worked out well, and although independent travel was not possible for you on this trip, it still seemed you were able to interact meaningfully with the locals and get a real down-to-earth impression of the country. I imagine that by now you are well-and-truly resting at home again after what appears to have been an adventure-filled summer. Enjoy the rest and the contemplation!

28th October 2017

I am resting at home, but....
The Midlife Crisis Flashpacking Trip has been extended! I’m reasonably confident I have landed my next job. The position needs to be created and once that happens the job will start in January. I can’t think of anything better to do till then but travel! Watch this space!

28th October 2017

Mission Wee-Fee!
Lol, I guessed what the title of this blog entry would be referring to! I have often been on a "Mission Wee-Fee" in some far-flung destinations! I don't think I've been quite so unsuccessful as you guys have been in Cuba though, sounds tough!

From Blog: Mission: Wee-Fee

28th October 2017

French Colonial Influence
I agree with you on the French colonial influence here. I'm no expert either, but wide boulevards and shuttered windows are a key sign of their influence I believe.

From Blog: More Workers On Their Own Account

28th October 2017

Vinales
What a beautiful-looking place. It seems Cuba could really take off as a tourist destination if the state opens up to it a bit more. Interesting to read about the "Workers on their own Account", the effects of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and a place in the world still unaffected by the advent of modern technology in the form of mobile phones...!

From Blog: Workers On Their Own Account

28th October 2017

Cuba!
Well done on visiting Cuba! I totally understand the intrepidations you must have had about joining a package tour to visit, but if it's the only way of seeing the country up-close and in a family group, then it sounds like a good option. Your Havana photos are amazing! Looking forward to reading more :)

From Blog: Isolation and Adaptation

26th October 2017

Reflections
It might be the angle of this photo, but it looks like he's stood up in a hurry and is pulling his pants up? Hehe I doubt they would depict Che in that light though :) I was curious about race relations in Cuba too, the only real insight I have into the country was via my love for the Buena Vista Social Club, which gave me an idea of the Afro-Cuban life there, but not of the rest of the population. Thanks for sharing your travels...Cuba has been on our travel shortlist for a log time, and it might be time to give it a boost to the top!

27th October 2017

Boost It!
...before all the American brands start invading! BTW I am extending my travels. Will be in Melbourne Nov 30-Dec 1. Will post an interim blog shortly.

23rd October 2017

Wee-Fee
I'm glad you explained what Wee-Fee was, as I assumed it had something to do with paid public toilets! We almost take wi-fi for granted when we travel now, as even the most out of the way places seem to be able to offer it in some form; but I guess this is a whole different sort of country. Trinidad is so picturesque! Love the colourful streets.

From Blog: Mission: Wee-Fee

24th October 2017

Wee-Fee=Paid Public Toilets
Haha good one! We’ve gotten too used to staying connected while traveling, for sure.

From Blog: Mission: Wee-Fee

20th October 2017

TWtrips
TinaW

Also in Myanmar
Thanks so much for your blog, Siewch. I am about a month behind you on my travels and doing them in a completely different way. I was a backpacker 30+ years ago but due to limited time and worries of my fitness, I booked it all through an agent. I am loving it all!

From Blog: Yangon Part II

20th October 2017

Glad to be of help.
Isn’t Myanmar amazing? You’ll learn a lot more with a guide in tow, so there is an upside to traveling that way. I just returned from Cuba where I traveled on a group tour (my first since I was a teenager). I learned a lot more even though I did itch to be out there exploring on my own terms.

From Blog: Yangon Part II

19th October 2017

Janet
non-member comment

Thanks for sharing
Siew - thanks for sharing your perspective on Cuba. It's on my list, but highly unlikely place to go now that we have a little one. We left her with my parents for 10 days and think she forgot who we were. Super 😭. Dearest, a free Inchon airport tour for stopover cannot be your comparison to group travel. Stopover and free says it all. Korea, (definitely Seoul) can't be seen in 9 hours. While I don't normally go on group travel either, I had great time with Rick Steves tours. Still buy his books when traveling to Europe. My highlight of traveling was my Central America tours with Gap Adventures. Was young enough to join the YOLO from 18-39 ages and went to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala for 5 weeks. I suggest checking them out. Have a great time traveling!

From Blog: Isolation and Adaptation

21st October 2017

No YOLO For Me...
too old :-) Miss you lots. Give the little one a big kiss for me.

From Blog: Isolation and Adaptation

19th October 2017

“workers on their own account"
Excellent blog! Really enjoying the insight into the people, culture and food. I knew they used ration books, but didn't realise how it worked. The organic farm and other quirky eateries sounds amazing, as did the mojito making session. Lucky you to be ignored by the lady of the square, or should I say lucky Jeff? ;)

From Blog: Workers On Their Own Account

20th October 2017