I'm in love with places I've never been to, and people I've never met. Working on it!
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Random travel pics
It's no secret that travelling is my passion, and I'll continue to explore as much of mother earth as I'm able to. My wanderlust has not only taken me to many countries, but also to many out of the way places in a country, completely off the tourist map and holiday brochures. There are so many secret hideaways and quaint places to discover on these random road-trips, and I seem to have quite a talent for finding them.
One sure thing about my travel plans is that there usually isn't a plan, and I just wing it as I go along.
I'm not a "guided tour" kind of person - perish the thought of spending days or weeks with some not so nice people, visiting places I don't wish to see, or be hurried away from a place where I'd rather be. Quick pics taken on hundreds of stops en route to the final destination, and then trying to remember where and why you took those photos.
Besides my annual pilgrimage to SA for the last 5 years and my trip to Hong Kong and Macau, most of my travels have been in Thailand and other countries in South East Asia, but this post is about a few of my best finds in SEA - Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Some look pretty amazing while others feature solely because they afforded me hours of entertainment in one way or another.
Koh Samui, Thailand
These pics (below) feature a very special day when I went to the fishing village, clambered around on fishing vessels, and saw how and where the fishermen live when they aren't out at sea. Some precarious balancing skills on and off the water.
The fishing village - happiness in its simplicity
A welcome ice cold coconut drink after the long walk, dodging traffic and a few stops at the station and the square.
Stunning church both inside and outside
Outside the Museum - many coffees later with these 2 gentlemen
One sure thing about my travel plans is that there usually isn't a plan, and I just wing it as I go along.
I'm not a "guided tour" kind of person - perish the thought of spending days or weeks with some not so nice people, visiting places I don't wish to see, or be hurried away from a place where I'd rather be. Quick pics taken on hundreds of stops en route to the final destination, and then trying to remember where and why you took those photos.
Besides my annual pilgrimage to SA for the last 5 years and my trip to Hong Kong and Macau, most of my travels have been in Thailand and other countries in South East Asia, but this post is about a few of my best finds in SEA - Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Some look pretty amazing while others feature solely because they afforded me hours of entertainment in one way or another.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand - just because it's a lovely city and a gateway to the hill-tribe villages, Doi Suthep, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
Jakarta, Indonesia
These pics (below) feature a very special day when I went to the fishing village, clambered around on fishing vessels, and saw how and where the fishermen live when they aren't out at sea. Some precarious balancing skills on and off the water.
The crew taking a few minutes for a few photos
My ride to China town from the rickety pier and the welcome beer
A welcome ice cold coconut drink after the long walk, dodging traffic and a few stops at the station and the square.
Stunning church both inside and outside
My first visit to a mosque
Great place to watch the boats and enjoy Vietnamese Drip coffee
Outside the Museum - many coffees later with these 2 gentlemen
Jakarta was a very special trip and probably deserves a story of its own.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Hout Bay June 2016
Going Home - Ep 3
Right, so I've done the getting there story and some foodie stuff, a video about the Gordon's Bay day (as I like to call it), so here's a little about Hout Bay, or as the locals call it -"The Republic of Hout Bay".
The trip to Hout Bay is always unique, albeit traveling along the same roads. Mountains and the ocean along a long and winding road, with a couple of routes to choose from. The views are breathtaking, even on the not so bright winter days. Our chosen route was through the outskirts of the city, over Kloof Nek and bypassing the always busy main roads of Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay.
On a "good weather" day there are many boats available for cruises to Seal Island, The weather wasn't that good on the day we went, hence no boat trips. Fishermen however, braved the seas and went off on their daily forage for fish to sell at the harbour later on.
Usually there are rows of vendors selling their wares, from paintings to African style jewellery, caps, shirts and a huge variety of souvenirs, but again, it was rather quiet on our day due to the icy weather and the possibility of rain. A few formal curio shops are available for the less frugal shoppers. For the kiddies, there is the joy of watching the seals in the harbour, usually lured by the local harbour guys with fishy treats.
There are a couple of sit down restaurants as well as take-away options for those so inclined. After a short walk and a peek at the seals, we chose the refuge of the Lookout Deck Restaurant, where we enjoyed a rather yummy lunch. Since many locals and the scatterings of tourists had the same idea, we weren't fortunate to get a table at the "window" which is really just a plastic sheet covering an open deck on a good day.
Right, so I've done the getting there story and some foodie stuff, a video about the Gordon's Bay day (as I like to call it), so here's a little about Hout Bay, or as the locals call it -"The Republic of Hout Bay".
The trip to Hout Bay is always unique, albeit traveling along the same roads. Mountains and the ocean along a long and winding road, with a couple of routes to choose from. The views are breathtaking, even on the not so bright winter days. Our chosen route was through the outskirts of the city, over Kloof Nek and bypassing the always busy main roads of Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay.
On a "good weather" day there are many boats available for cruises to Seal Island, The weather wasn't that good on the day we went, hence no boat trips. Fishermen however, braved the seas and went off on their daily forage for fish to sell at the harbour later on.
Usually there are rows of vendors selling their wares, from paintings to African style jewellery, caps, shirts and a huge variety of souvenirs, but again, it was rather quiet on our day due to the icy weather and the possibility of rain. A few formal curio shops are available for the less frugal shoppers. For the kiddies, there is the joy of watching the seals in the harbour, usually lured by the local harbour guys with fishy treats.
On our way back we stopped at the ever popular lookout area just after the Llandudno turnoff for another breathtaking view of the ocean and the mountains, with the little "town" of Llandudno in the foreground - home to the rich and famous.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Cape Town, June 2016 Day 1 and 2
Going home
My annual holiday has come and gone, and as usual the destination was Cape Town. Flights from Bangkok via Singapore and Johannesburg, and 24 or so hours later I arrived at Cape Town International Airport. My very reliable car-rental lady from Cape View Car Hire was waiting with my rental car, and soon enough I was on my way, in my disheveled state, to my first stop at the old-age home in Panorama where mom lives. Greetings and hugs and too soon the visiting hour was over.
Next stop Bellville to collect keys from my son who kindly hosted his mother for the duration of the holiday. Onwards to Pinehurst, and a much needed soak in a hot tub, before a quick shop at the Pinehurst centre to pick up few necessities, like wine. The Cape does indeed have the finest wines, and surviving the cold winter weather certainly demands some of the Cape's best reds.
Since I never learn to catch up on a bit of sleep when I arrive (5 hour time difference), I was up late into the night, enjoying a few glasses of wine and catching up on the local news with my son, followed by a steak dinner at Saddles in Pinehurst with Sonja and her mom. Thumbs up to Saddles on delivering a perfect order.
Each day was the daily routine of visiting my mom in the morning, leaving the rest of the day free for meeting friends, road-trips, sight-seeing, shopping and dining, The first few days involved getting my mom prepared for her pending eye operation, meeting with the staff at the home, and sorting and stocking mom's cupboards. No need for too much detail.
Stellenbosch
My first drive out was to Stellenbosch which used to be a lovely, picturesque town mostly inhabited by "old money" and students attending the University. There was one small Mall and many quaint eateries and watering holes. Beautiful houses and wine farms made up the rest of this "once upon a time" town. I was shocked to see what a dump this place has become. It's dirty with more of an "industrial" look, crime-ridden, and seemingly the "hoody" gangs ruin and rule the town. The Mall is still standing, but many shops are vacant and theft is rife. Wine farms still appear to be flourishing - good news. As I'd already fallen victim to a bunch of thieves the previous day at Cape Gate Mall nearer home, I went into the Mall clutching my bag tightly and then to lunch with my nephew who works there. Dros was the only place which wasn't a fish or chicken take-away hut out on the street, so we had a fairly okay lunch there, but spent more time chatting than really caring about the food and service.
We found ourselves back at the Dros on my 2nd last evening before leaving, and then we did mind the food and service, which was appalling, and led to us cancelling our Don Pedros after 40 minutes of waiting.
Palms in Brackenfell
Definitely deserves a mention in the dining department. Snuggled away on a road I don't remember, this restaurant / pub is well worth a visit for a few drinks outside while watching whatever sport or music is on the tele outside, or for quieter dining inside with a hot fire to unfreeze the winter bones. The waitrons are attentive and helpful and the food is delicious. I opted for a 200g fillet with pepper sauce on the side and fries. while Sonja chose a "bit of both" burger which featured a chicken breast, beef pattie, bacon, cheese and mushroom sauce, and the usual tomato and lettuce on the rolls, with fries. Cooked to perfection, with more than enough to take home for the Rottweilers later on. Lovely evening, good food and great company.
CAPE TOWN
JUNE 2016
First few days
My annual holiday has come and gone, and as usual the destination was Cape Town. Flights from Bangkok via Singapore and Johannesburg, and 24 or so hours later I arrived at Cape Town International Airport. My very reliable car-rental lady from Cape View Car Hire was waiting with my rental car, and soon enough I was on my way, in my disheveled state, to my first stop at the old-age home in Panorama where mom lives. Greetings and hugs and too soon the visiting hour was over.
Next stop Bellville to collect keys from my son who kindly hosted his mother for the duration of the holiday. Onwards to Pinehurst, and a much needed soak in a hot tub, before a quick shop at the Pinehurst centre to pick up few necessities, like wine. The Cape does indeed have the finest wines, and surviving the cold winter weather certainly demands some of the Cape's best reds.
On the fourth night, late nights caught up with me, and I faded at about 8pm.
Each day was the daily routine of visiting my mom in the morning, leaving the rest of the day free for meeting friends, road-trips, sight-seeing, shopping and dining, The first few days involved getting my mom prepared for her pending eye operation, meeting with the staff at the home, and sorting and stocking mom's cupboards. No need for too much detail.
Stellenbosch
My first drive out was to Stellenbosch which used to be a lovely, picturesque town mostly inhabited by "old money" and students attending the University. There was one small Mall and many quaint eateries and watering holes. Beautiful houses and wine farms made up the rest of this "once upon a time" town. I was shocked to see what a dump this place has become. It's dirty with more of an "industrial" look, crime-ridden, and seemingly the "hoody" gangs ruin and rule the town. The Mall is still standing, but many shops are vacant and theft is rife. Wine farms still appear to be flourishing - good news. As I'd already fallen victim to a bunch of thieves the previous day at Cape Gate Mall nearer home, I went into the Mall clutching my bag tightly and then to lunch with my nephew who works there. Dros was the only place which wasn't a fish or chicken take-away hut out on the street, so we had a fairly okay lunch there, but spent more time chatting than really caring about the food and service.
We found ourselves back at the Dros on my 2nd last evening before leaving, and then we did mind the food and service, which was appalling, and led to us cancelling our Don Pedros after 40 minutes of waiting.
Palms in Brackenfell
Definitely deserves a mention in the dining department. Snuggled away on a road I don't remember, this restaurant / pub is well worth a visit for a few drinks outside while watching whatever sport or music is on the tele outside, or for quieter dining inside with a hot fire to unfreeze the winter bones. The waitrons are attentive and helpful and the food is delicious. I opted for a 200g fillet with pepper sauce on the side and fries. while Sonja chose a "bit of both" burger which featured a chicken breast, beef pattie, bacon, cheese and mushroom sauce, and the usual tomato and lettuce on the rolls, with fries. Cooked to perfection, with more than enough to take home for the Rottweilers later on. Lovely evening, good food and great company.
More to follow ....
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