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Wilkommen in Deutschland 3: Cologne
Rains start to pound a little harder the next day and the temperature drops further, which makes our excursion to Cologne slightly uncomfortable. We sought refuge in the iconic Kölner Dom for a few minutes and try to listen to the sermon (it’s a Sunday) but we can’t understand a word since it’s in German. Sensing the…
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Wilkommen in Deutschland 2: Eisenach
The following day, another castle is on our itinerary: the Wartburg in Eisenach. Arriving at the humble city early in the morning, which is a Saturday, we witness a small parade punctuating a leisure walk at a narrow, cobbled street. Flower stalls line the plaza as locals perform various traditional German tunes. We have our…
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Wilkommen in Deutschland 1: Heidelberg
Situated at the crossroads of Western and Central Europe, Germany exerts a significant influence not just on the continent but on the whole world as well. This is, after all, the nation that gave us Einstein, Luther, Bach, Marx and MP3. While a relative newcomer as a political entity, Germany is a veteran in a…
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Amsterdam: Bible Study at the Red Light District
A Bible study at the red light district? Why not? This is Amsterdam. Tolerance has been the calling card of the Netherlands’ capital and while of late there seemed to have been a penetrating examination in the Dutch society amongst themselves of whether too much open-mindedness can be bad, the debate seemed to have died…
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Paris: Je t’Aime
Hollywood, in its usual preference to bypass subtleties for in-your-face stereotypes, usually like to portray the French at, if not at their impossibly worst, their impossibly best. So, I thought, if travel writers and casual tourists alike wax lyrical about the French capital like superlatives about La Ville-Lumière are going out of fashion, then they’re probably leaving…
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England: London and Around
It’s hard to believe that the United Kingdom, a small country separated from Continental Europe by a narrow channel, could play such a grand role in world affairs. Many critical points in past events were gestated in this island off northwestern France, and numerous iconic figures have called the nation home. A once powerful empire…
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Kota Kinabalu: A Glimpse of Malaysian Borneo
Sabah, Malaysia, located at the northern tip of Borneo, is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From its towering peaks to the pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage, this Malaysian state offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to tackle the challenging heights of Mt.…
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Macau: Vegas of the East
Just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macau is a unique destination that offers a fascinating blend of Portuguese colonial history and Chinese culture. Known as the Las Vegas of the East, Macau is famous for its casinos, but it’s not all about gambling. Macau boasts some incredible cultural landmarks, serene temples, and colonial…
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Hong Kong: Cantonese Dreams
Hong Kong is a city like no other, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. It’s a place where towering skyscrapers coexist with centuries-old temples and markets, making it one of the world’s most unique urban landscapes. A former British colony, now part of China, Hong Kong is a symbol of historical dichotomy. Its allure is…
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A Short Trip to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
If there was one thing I really regretted about this trip, it was that it was too short. With only four days in hand, much of our time was spent in Ho Chi Minh City and the nearby Mekong Delta. We didn’t even get to visit the Reunification Palace. Major bummer. But we did get…
The Tourist Gaze
A Traveling Outsider Looking In
The Tourist Gaze 