Category Archives: Asia

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30 Hour Trans-Siberian Train from Beijing to Ulan Bator

Following the Footsteps of Genghis Khan – Mongolia Day 1: Taking a 30 hour train ride from Beijing to the capital of Mongolia, Ulan Bator on a section of the Trans-Siberian and stopping for immigration and customs in Erlian. Excited for our Mongolia journey, we were up and ready at 5:30 am and soon in … Continue reading 30 Hour Trans-Siberian Train from Beijing to Ulan Bator

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Following the Footsteps of Genghis Khan – Mongolia

Following the Footsteps of Genghis Khan – Mongolia Exploring the mysterious and fabled Mongolia and celebrating country 50! “I’m a flail of god, if you had not committed great sins, god would not have sent a punishment like me upon you..!” – Genghis Khan, Genghis Khan’s Rules for (Warriors) Writers In the 13th century, the … Continue reading Following the Footsteps of Genghis Khan – Mongolia

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Exploring Bangkok on a 13 hour Layover

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 8 Making good use of a 13 hour layover, we set out on my second trip to Bangkok to see some major sites I missed on the last trip! After a bit of a delay at immigration to get a visa on arrival (1000bhat + 100bhat for the … Continue reading Exploring Bangkok on a 13 hour Layover

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Sun, Sea, and Kurumba, the Quintessential Maldives Experience

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 7 The sun is smiling on us for our last day at Kurumba. This is the Maldives experience. Snorkeling and sunbathing, before catching an evening flight to Colombo and arriving in Bangkok the next morning. We were very lucky to find that the storm has passed overnight and … Continue reading Sun, Sea, and Kurumba, the Quintessential Maldives Experience

Day 6

Speed Tourism Male in a Day

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 6 Putting the poor weather in good use with a tour of Maldives’ capital city, Male in a day. We started our 2nd day at Kurumba with a champagne breakfast at the Ocean Grill. The storm from yesterday did not yet pass so we enjoyed the view of … Continue reading Speed Tourism Male in a Day

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Kurumba Maldives the Resort that Started it All

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 5 Exploring and enjoying the very special Kurumba Maldives resort in a tropical storm. In 1972, Kurumba opened as the first resort of the Maldives, ushering in an age of exotic tourism for the country. Recently, Kurumba has completely renovated and refreshed their facilities to continue to lead … Continue reading Kurumba Maldives the Resort that Started it All

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Breezing through Colombo and Negombo in a Day!

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 4 Waking up in the grandiose Tintagel Colombo followed by speed tourism of Colombo and Negombo before taking off to the Maldives. Tintagel Colombo I awoke to the patter of rain on the balcony outside my room and was soon lost in thought of the significance of where … Continue reading Breezing through Colombo and Negombo in a Day!

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Sigiriya to Colombo with a Taste of Kandy

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 3 Visiting Sigiriya to Colombo with stops in Dambulla and Kandy. At 6:30 am, we surveyed the damage from the mosquitoes. Looks like the only war victim was Christina. Stepping out of our room, we had the first look of our hotel, The Lion Rock, in daylight. Breakfast … Continue reading Sigiriya to Colombo with a Taste of Kandy

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Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Make for a “Stupa-endous” Day!

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 2 Visiting Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, passing through Mihintale, and ending the day in Sigiriya! I awoke at 7 am to a tropical bird cacophony, my morning alarm. I marveled at the variety and number of birds that I saw and heard. With an uncomfortable car ride, a 2 … Continue reading Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Make for a “Stupa-endous” Day!

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Beijing to Anuradhapura, It Can Only Get Better from Here!

Paradise Found in the Indian Ocean: Day 1 Beijing to Anuradhapura with a flight to Colombo via Bangkok, experiencing one of the most annoying passengers I’ve ever encountered and then a long drive to Anuradhapura. Beijing to Bangkok My friend Christina and I grabbed the airport express train since cabs were so hard to find … Continue reading Beijing to Anuradhapura, It Can Only Get Better from Here!