Asia
Shanghai, China October 7, 2014
This morning we took the train to the Shanghai Circuit, most famous for F1 races. They also have go-karts that go incredibly fast! We started with the slow karts which were fast enough for me, but my husband went crazy drifting around corners in the pro karts that top out at over 100 kph. They … Continue reading
Shanghai, China October 6, 2014
I didn’t want to stay in a typical international hotel like the Hilton or Sheraton, so I chose a Chinese business hotel, the Central Hotel. I absolutely love it – very 1990s Vegas décor with lots of shiny brass and bright lights. By the time our flight landed in Shanghai and we took the train into … Continue reading
October 14, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Today was FABULOUS! We spent the day at Patara Elephant Farm. There are so many elephant tours to choose from, and I’m so glad we chose this one. The day started very early with an 8am pickup from the hotel. The 30 minute drive to the farm was beautiful, through the city, fields, and forest. I … Continue reading
October 13, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Sleep was in short supply last night due to a neighbor hacking up a lung and the symphony of roosters that started at 4:57am. Since the windows only have shutters but no glass and the outside walls do not meet the ceiling, it was the alarm clock from hell. After a fantastic breakfast of fried eggs and toast with strawberry … Continue reading
October 12, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Our day has been fantastic – rock climbing, rapelling, and caving with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. We are spending the night with a family in the mountain village of Mae Kompong. I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for rock climbing, but it was really fun. It is so incredibly … Continue reading
October 11, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
We started our stay in Chiang Mai with a private tour. I had read fantastic things about Paul Collins with Best Tuk Tuk Tours, so we hired him for the day. I had emailed him prior to our arrival with a few requests. I really wanted to see Doi Suthep temple, the cottage industries in … Continue reading
October 9, 2010 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We’re in Malaysia to go to a MotoGP motorcycle race at Sepang International Circuit. I’d read that the weather was unbearably hot and humid, but I had no idea until we stepped off the plane. I’ve never sweat so much in my life! We’re staying at the Tune Hotel, the closest hotel to the track. On race weekends, … Continue reading
October 7, 2010 Phuket, Thailand
We have spent the last 2 days exploring the island. I chose to stay in Rawai, on the southern tip of the island, because it’s very central to most major areas. Rawai is about 15 minutes from Phuket town, 10 minutes from Karon and Kata, and 20 minutes from Patong. It rained on and off … Continue reading
October 4, 2010 Phuket, Thailand
The flight from Hong Kong arrived in Phuket near midnight last night, so our drive to Serenity Resort in Rawai was very dark. The island looked pretty bleak at night – we weren’t really sure what we’d gotten in to. But I’d seen many beautiful pictures and our resort’s website was fantastic, so I knew … Continue reading
October 3, 2010 Hong Kong, China
We explored Kowloon today. Although Kowloon feels more authentic, it definitely has more street people and hawkers. Let’s just say I’ve had lots of offers for hand bags and watches. I read that everyone should experience Chungking Mansions once. We found foul smelling food stalls, lots of knock-off electronics, and shady men standing around. Yuen Po … Continue reading