My Travelogue

2009 November 6-11: Osaka, Japan

Unexpectedly Osaka??? Actually planning of this trip was way back to the first quarter of the year, with Ying Leng! Haha... we even did our homework and meet up at the Hongkong Cafe at City Hall to discuss till quite late for a couple of times... But why only materialise now? Ok, busy schedule to blame? Think about it, not a good excuse. In fact, it's even busier now!!! but managed to squeeze out the time (ok, travel bug to blame!!!!! Hahaha....). Of course, we are wary of the earthquake-prone Japan... Anyway, it's all up to "whoever up there" to decide...

Anyway, am hopeful to visit a few of the well-known places, including the world heritage site! Of course, YL reminded me of the Universal Studio, too!

Osaka: http://lohky-osaka.blogspot.com/

2009 September 18-22: Nanjing, China

It's interesting... never cross my mind that I'll go to Nanjing. Yes, why Nanjing? There are other parts of China that I would like to go, for example, Xi'an, Silk Road, and taking the train up to Highland Tibet!

Prior to doing homework, only know that it has a couple of places of interest, not that spectacular, I thought. However, as I carry out some homework (which I have to, since I'm going solo, and I better do), I realise that... ah! Not too bad a choice! It's where the 'heart' of the civilisation was! Where several dynasties had their capital here until the Ming Rulers decided to move the capital to Beijing! As I read on... it's such a culturally happening places, since long long ago where Li Bai, the Tang poet been here! Wow! Am a going to trace their footsteps? I wonder. Another exciting discovery - the grand Olympics Stadium! Wow! Let's see what I could get out of this trip...

Nanjing: http://lohky-nanjing.blogspot.com/

2009 Jan 12-23: London - Study Trip

It's going to be my 4th trip to London! I like London though it's not a very exciting place (at least that's what I could draw from my previous trips). It's the overall mood and feel... It's nice to walk on the streets, along the English Thames... I just enjoy that... simply.... It's going to be very cold... and the days would even be shorter, compared to my 3rd trip. Going to see more of the moon than the sun...

London Revisited (IV): http://lohky-london4.blogspot.com

2008 Dec 15-23: Raipur, India - (SIF) Fact-finding Mission

This is a new project that kicks off middle this year, with another NGO in India, APF. Missed the first one June. More updates along the way...

An Update (2008, Dec 01): Trip has been cancelled... because of the recent terrorist attack at Mumbi. See Special Report in ChannelNewsAsia website

2008 Sep 23-30: South Korea

A trip with mum... Hm.. for a moment, I wondered... was I joining a Senior Citizen group? Not really, after I saw the make-up of the group... It's a mixture - a young married couple, a few couples who were near retirement age, friends in pairs/4, etc.. Despite it's the first time going, did not read up much about the place... though brought one of the official Korea Travel guide that I collected at NATAS fair (about 2 years ago). Regret not doing the necessary homework... was pretty lost when only given limited information, especially during the "Free-and-Easy" periods (which were normally allocated for shopping). What a waste of time! If I had read up more about each places, would probably be venturing to those places while the rest shopped! Hm... lesson learnt: Never leave the programme totally in the hands of others...

South Korea: http://lohky-southkorea.blogspot.com/

2007 Dec 7-21: Switzerland + Paris + London

The original plan was Switzerland and Italy. In fact, Chai Noi and myself were very focused when we went to the NATAS fair this September, zoomed in straight to ITALY. Then after inputs from the agents, we decided to expand it to Switzerland... and it was quick, we decided within 2 hours inside the fair and still remember the remaining time, we were chatting outside the exhibition hall! So, exciting... However, because of our "unique" departure and arrival dates, we landed up with Paris and London (to 'substitute' Italy). What? Paris and London again and again? Some people might think I'm crazy... just went London last year... well, well,... that reminded me that I returned to Paris within 12 months after my first trip there... anyway, I don't mind... these 2 cities are lovely... and have good times there :D

Switzerland: http://lohky-switzerland.blogspot.com/
Paris (III): http://lohky-paris.blogspot.com/
London Revisited (III): http://lohky-london3.blogspot.com/

2007 June 9-13: Bangalore, India - (SIF) Feasiblity Study

Came to know about this project since middle last year. There were ad-hoc discussions and inputs about the project towards end of last year. Several emails bounced around... Only about 3 weeks ago, after the first meeting, the project is more or less firmed up. Yes, this time, will set foot to Bangalore, the 'silicon valley' in India. However, not to be caught in surprise - a community project at the 'silicon valley'? What can we do there? er... or one will question - Aren't they good enough to support their own countryman? OK, these crossed my mind... well, let's see what it's all about...

Project @ Bangalore: http://lohky-bangalore.blogspot.com/
Gallery @ Bangalore: http://gallery-bangalore.blogspot.com/

2007 May 9-14: Beijing, China

Beijing, a place I longed to go, to see the history at present. I am always amazed by the wonders that man can do... building the great wall, the magnificent palace, the huge parks... and where the wise people and great writers once were... A land where the ruler claimed to be the son of heaven. Also, to materialise one of my new year resolution, to go for a break during term time, which I never had the chance in days when I'm attached to the school... and yes, this time, I went solo again!

Beijing, I come: http://lohky-beijing.blogspot.com/
Gallery @ Beijing: http://gallery-beijing.blogspot.com/

2006 Nov-Dec: Hokkaido/Tokyo, Japan

It all started off with work! hahaha... with Chai Noi... It was decided in the morning that we'll go for a trip... next, in the afternoon we went to the NATAS fair... next moment, we zoomed into the tour agent counter and we booked the package... hahaha... a quick one... just because we both wanted to make sure we get out of Singapore for a year-end break.

Hokkaido-Tokyo: http://lohky-japan.blogspot.com/

2006 July: London, United Kingdom - a study trip (ETD)

It's a last minute trip - ok... taking into account the uncertainities until the week before setting off... yes, another working trip... when the stress built up as the day of departure came nearer and nearer... It's a good one - for professional work - learning much of the British system and sometimes just wonder... what happens if Singapore adopts a similar system? The culture difference, etc... what difference or impact will it make? On the other hand, it's one of the worst planned trip... forgive me, Shoo Soon... for this comment... I think we agree if there's time for us to plan the logistics well before setting off... that's going to make some difference... anyway, have learnt a lot from you, too... Thanks! This trip was also 'cursed' with lots of walking and walking... anyway, I enjoyed the times in London :D

London Revisited: http://lohky-london2.blogspot.com/

2006 June: Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei was a last minute decision - for both Lee Cherh and me! Yes, imagine, from Chiangmai to Taipei... 'cos we have to ensure the days are well spent... Yes, lots and lots of walking... and everynight's NightMarket! Well, I start to like the mua-chee and hor-laut-mee-suan... they are nice :D

2005 Dec: Hongkong @ Disney

It's the first time to bring my parents out... yes, lots of preparation, in terms of mental and logistics... hahaha... I'm just exaggerating... I guess it's one of the best way to create family time when all enjoyed... yes, an eye-opener to dad, also to bring out the child in him... Thanks to bro who's there to support all the logistics...

2004 July-2005 June: Bhutan

Nothing beats this trip! My very very own adventure! It's a real test to my determination and will... it stretched me beyond - my mental and physical ability... Thanks for the opportunity, where I learnt to walk out of my comfort zone and know how to make a difference too... to everybody around me... and to appreciate what I have, who I'm with and what I am many more times now... and am very sure, have left some footprints and good memories in the journey of those I came in contact too... [Click @ hyperlink to see more...]

My Bhutan Adverture: http://lohky-bhutan.blogspot.com/
Gallery @ Bhutan: http://gallery-bhutan.blogspot.com/

Indeed, I did a recee to Paro and Thimphu in March, in preparation of my temporary 'immigration'.

2003: Darwin, Australia

It's an interesting combination... I went with Karen... I guess it never cross our mind to be each other's travel companion! OK, both of us simply... die die must leave Singapore... hahaha... Thanks to her for seeing through all the arrangement! Yes, it's the first time people see me 'dragging' a 'dog' for a bagpack tour! Hahaha... The Ayers Rock... what a magnificent look during the sunrise! The Devils Marbles that defy the gravity! and we camped in the desert!!! What an experience!!! But we pampered ourselves with good nights at a good hotel :D Cheers!

2002: Bangkok

It's the first time travelling with Chai Noi... more like tagging along since wanted to leave the country quite deseparately... ok, it was a ritual to leave the country at least once, during the holiday... wah! it's so crowded, so dusty... still can remember clearly... in the afternoon when we were all in the air-conditioned car when all the windows were winded up... a tuk-tuk was right in front... and a huge bus was right in front of the tuk-tuk... out of the sudden, it released a cloud of exhaust gas!!! Oh no!!! The black soot blanketed the tuk-tuk and its passengers!!!

2001: Hongkong with E6 Cluster - study trip

The first time went with the cluster... yes, it's a working trip! and there's deliverable... Will not forget those daily debriefs that more than 20 people packed into a tiny hotel room...

2001: Paris, France

Yes, I came back, the 2nd time in less than 12 months. With Lee Choo this time, on our own... oh yes... Effiel Tower again! This time, we had the chance to go up... both of us were game to go... at night!!! It was so beautiful!!! It was so cold!!! It was so late at night (11pm)!!! We went Disneyland (again)... We went to Louvre Museum and spent one good day there... saw Mona Lisa... not so impressive though that's the most famous piece in museum... also the sculptures... yes, it's really impressive and I like it! Not forgetting those Disney characters that spoke french... hahaha... Hm... what else have Paris given me in those 5 days...

2000: London, United Kingdom - Paris, France

First time set foot in Europe, with Lee Cherh... we flew in to Paris first... yes, that's the first time we waited for more than an hour for the luggage to appear in the airport. How efficient it was!!! Was deeply attracted to the Effiel Tower... oh yes, also the Notre Dame Cathedral... still remember the guide said, if one touches the round disc in front of the church (which is supposed to be the central of Paris), one will sure return... Oh yes... I did, within the next one year :D The first time I travel by train is the Eurostar... yes, that's across the English channel... great and fun!!! Yes, London has beautiful weather... we went Cambridge, we cruised down to Greenwhich... we saw the changing of guards... we went shopping at Marks & Spencer! Yes, we regretted not bringing a bigger luggage bag... I'll keep in mind the next trip to London...

2000: Yunan, China

The first time set my feet to China... the most memorable moment - travelling by the Chinese Airline... it was like in a roller coaster when landing in Yunan Airport... hahaha...

1999: Perth, with NAS - study trip

It's the first on an official trip - going together with the troop (ok, the Chinese Orchestra) to Perth... led by Boh Koh, Ms Tan Hwee Pin, together with Li Lian... It was a night flight... and we arrived in unearthy morning hours... though tired, but have to put up an awaken look when received at the airport... It was relaxing, though... We also had a hard time looking for food... yes, we all ended up ordering the same dish in the restaurant!

1998: Spain-Portugal

Conquered 2 neighbouring countries with my long-time friend, Wei Ming... classmate at TJC. Was greatly attracted to the unique (or should I say, weird design) buildings? structures in Barcelona! I learn who's Gaudi... I was deeply attracted to the beautiful balconies at the residential areas... so country-like... The "Mango" fans and the Plala... yummy yummy... though the last day was spoilt by the Madrid pickpockets who took away Wei Ming's handbag with her passport... oh yes, I also had chickpox after this trip... what a misadventure!!

1998: Lake Kenya, Malaysia

It's the very first out-door trip where we stayed in the floating house, in the middle of the lake... it's fun, isn't it? With a big group of NIE friends... had a fun time... when crossing the rivers and rowing the boats... hahaha... oh yes, it's the first time I saw leeches... luck enough not bitten by one...

1997: Turkey

the first time crossing the globe with Gek Chew... when both of us nearly landed up in the waiting list on the return flight... Was attracted to the Mediterran culture... the dances in circles, the turkish delight, the famous apple tea... oh yes, the good-looking guide got us in the waiting list on the return flight... and the smoking seats that we covered our heads throughout the 14 hours journey!!!

1997: Gold Coast, Australia

I went with Chock Kwun here... where we had fun at the Movie World and Sea World... Yes, the Sunshine coast...

1996-1997: Penang, Malaysia

It was a 10-week stay in Penang when attending the RECSAM Course. There I met great buddies like Ying Leng, Gek Chew and Chay Eng... also acquaintances like Cheong Cheong and Hui... Remember the weekends that we went Compta and Sunshine... and loaded my haversack with oranges and apples? Oh yes, I we won't forget the weekends that make our way up Penang Hill... the morning, the afternoon and the evening ventures! Also the penang laksa store at the foot of ke-lo-si! The days that I needed to hunt down for one roll of white thread! That's unbelievable! hahaha... those were the days when I first spent my weekends out at night with these great peers!

PS: Ying Leng & me revisited Penang 2 years later...

1995: California, USA

It's another group travelling... a very rare one by then, as many already tied down with families... and was the last one probably... we flew from Singapore to Narita... oh yes, transit for 5 hours, what we did? Play UNO at the airport!!! hahaha... Late hours in Las Vegas... oh yes, the 6-mile walk, too... The grand canyon... the golden gate bridge at Sans Fransico, the theme parks - knots berry farm where the Peanuts are, Disneyland and the movie world!

1994: Tasmania, Australia

We got into the Chartered flight by SQ... Hm... with Lay Chin and Ming Woon. That's where we travel across the lsland - Lunceston and Hobart... oh yes... still remember that one of the members in the tour group guessed rightly that we were teachers... because of the 'tell-tale' sign... Lay Chin using the chopstick to point and talk... hahaha...

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