The tiny islet of Gulang Yu across Xiamen Island was one of the first five treaty ports opened to foreign trade and residents after the Opium War in 1843. As one of the “concessions” in 1852, the island was set aside for foreign residence and then parcelled out to the British. This vehicle-free 1.7 sq-km island is full of European-style mansions overgrown with brilliant bougainvillea that were owned by consulates, foreigners and wealthy Chinese returning from overseas. Many are still owned by the families of overseas Chinese. The Catholic Church at Gulang Yu was built in 1917 and is still…
Xiamen
Located in Fujian province in the southeastern coast of China, the island of Xiamen (otherwise known by its Fujian name of Amoy) made it to Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Destination for 2012. In 1387, the Ming Dynasty built a fort in Xiamen to guard against pirates. In the 1540’s, European traders first visited Xiamen as it was China’s main port for exporting tea. Xiamen became a foreign concession in 1903 as part of the “Treaty of Nanking”. Much of the island has prospered together with the other major cities of China when it was designated a Special Economic Zone in…
Manila
“Manila can be a very discombobulated place”, according to the Lonely Planet, “for it is a collection of towns, with no definable centre.” Still, you will find lots of raw energy and fun, with genuine smiles, happy-go-lucky attitude and graciousness, in every corner. Often maligned and misunderstood — many tourists skip Manila altogether and head straight to the powdery white sand beaches of Boracay or to the underground river in Puerto Princesa, one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. Manila does have its own charm to offer — and how it has grown up in the past…
Hong Kong
The confluence of sensory contradictions – this is Hong Kong. Gleaming modern skyscrapers, highly efficient and expansive subway system, Michelin-starred dining establishments stand side-by-side with bamboo scaffolding, the Star Ferry, and many street side food stalls. Welcome to HK! I have stayed at several hotels in Hong Kong over the years and the Upper House Hotel is simply one of the best. Located at the Pacific Place complex, trendsetting designer Andre Fu collaborated with Swire Hotels to create this very private and exclusive hotel that offers massive sized rooms, outstanding service and delectable food. This hotel delivers – from the time…
Singapore
From the serenity and simplicity of Bhutan, I arrived in the very global and on the surface, very consumer-driven city-state of Singapore. Initially, it is a bit of a shock to the senses coming from a landscape of rice fields, mountains and monasteries to a canyon of steel and glass towers, well manicured avenues and high end shopping malls. However, upon a closer look there is a cultural soul. I stayed at the Fairmont Singapore at Raffles City. Location is execllent as it is above a shopping mall with a subway stop and close to the central business district. Service is very…
Kadriche
Today is my last day in Bhutan so I say Kadriche or “Thank you” to the true Shangri-la! The surreal beauty of the landscapes, the warm hospitality of her people (from offering biscuits to weary hikers like me or to farmers graciously inviting me to their homes), their strong focus on environmental responsibility, and the introduction to the philosophical banner of Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product. (A revolutionary philosophy that places real value on things such as cultural heritage, health, education, ecological diversity and individual well-being instead of economic measures.) All the people I have met along…
Tiger’s Nest
Located in the Upper Paro Valley is the Taktshang Goemba, or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The most famous monastery in Bhutan that is perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the floor of Paro Valley. Tiger’s Nest (elev 3200 m) was built in 1692 and considered a very holy place by locals and Buddhists. Many travellers into Bhutan consider this as the highlight of their journey to this Kingdom. This is my last hike in Bhutan that will take a total of 6 hours. The only way up is to walk or ride a horse. It took…
Paro
Paro Valley (Elev 2280m) is one hour west of Thimphu and is my last stop in Bhutan. Several treks begin in or near Paro. The charming small town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro Chhu (river). My two-hour hike today started from where I am staying at Uma, Paro – up along the forested hillside of a narrow path to Zuri Dzong and slight downhill to the National Museum.
Back thru Dochu La
Retracing our steps through the Inner Himalayan mountains and Dochu La (3,140m) pass and Thimphu to reach Paro. It snowed up in the mountains the day prior and the roads were just opened. The roads were still a bit treacherous and in many areas, we had to wait on one side of the road as it had room for only one vehicle at a time.
Punakha
One of the reasons I visited Bhutan this time of the year is to catch the Punakha Domchoe Festival. Part of the difference with other Domchoe festivals is that of the dramatic recreation of a 17th century battle scene of a Tibetan army invading Bhutan and eventually withdrawing. Quite unfortunate as it was raining today – but the “show” went on, albeit with less crowd in attendance. It was held at Punakha Dzong, a postcard perfect dzong that is serenely monastic. Built in 1637, this is the winter home of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and is the venue for…
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