Close your eyes. Now imagine Spanish palaces, Roman ruins, medieval castles, stunning landscapes and serene beaches. Is this a dream? Yes, it is. This is Andalusia Dreaming. These sights and more can all be found in the southern province of Spain. Andalusia has long been on my travel list and now I’m finally going to … Continue reading Andalusia Dreaming
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!
Day 10, UK: Exploring the Minster in York then a long drive back to London in time the opening of the Olympic games! We got the rest we needed to recuperate and after a quick breakfast we were on our way straight into the center of York. Yorkshire pudding anyone? York Minster At the ticket … Continue reading York Minster the Highlight of Yorkshire
Day 9, Scotland: Visiting Stirling and the Sword of William Wallace then onto Endinburgh and then south out of Scotland! I wanted to sleep in after that day of nonstop whisky on Islay, but knew I didn’t have the luxury. Up before 9 am for breakfast, I found it to be quite ordinary breakfast with … Continue reading FREEDOM! Reliving Braveheart in Scotland!
Day 8, Scotland: A full day of touring (and tasting!) the island where the best whisky in the world is made. Up around 6:15, we got ready and rushed out, pre-made hotel breakfast in-hand. We bid farewell to Tarbert and sped to catch our ferry to the island, Islay. Was the ferry named the Titanic? … Continue reading I’ve Died and Gone to Whisky Heaven – Islay, Scotland
Day 7, Scotland: A morning of speed tourism in Glasgow followed by a beautiful drive to Islay Up early around 9 am, I had quite a morning planned for us. We had half a day to check out the major sites of Glasgow, the largest Scottish city and third largest UK city. We checked out … Continue reading A Morning in Glasgow and a Drive to Islay
Northern Ireland Day 5: Day of sightseeing in Belfast featuring the City Hall, Crown Liquor Saloon, Europa Hotel, Grand Opera House, Waterfront, Albert Clock Tower, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Shankill Road, Queen’s Quarter, and Titanic Belfast. Then a drive to Derry, stopping at Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Giant’s Causeway. Up and ready a bit … Continue reading Bomb Scare in Belfast!
Ireland Day 4: Touring Dunguaire Castle, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Leamanagh Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Black Head, and a drive to Belfast. We got up at 9:30 am and were quite rested. After our simple breakfast at the village, we headed out on our driving tour towards the Cliffs of Moher. We planned quite a few stops … Continue reading A Misstep is Death on the Cliffs of Moher
Ireland Day 3: Visiting Galway’s City Center, Eyre square, Market Street, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway City Museum, the Spanish Arches, National University of Ireland NUI, Galway Cathedral, and Salthill Promenade. I woke around 5:30 thanks to my jetlag. I was surprised to receive a text from my sister Nathalie who had arrived this morning. … Continue reading A Day in Busy Busker Galway
The Mighty Dragon’s Head: Day 3 Beidaihe to Beijing Beidaihe 10:30 am – Rising a bit later than originally planned we headed out to grab some breakfast on the only restaurant street we could find. After almost eating at 6 spots, we eventually came to agreement on a pancake and porridge place on the side … Continue reading Day 3 – Beidaihe to Beijing