Day 13 : arriving in the paradise (Maldives)

Finally arriving in Maldives. Got picked up by Maldives Conrad staff and transfered to the private lounge waiting for the next water plane to fly to the resort. Even though it was only a short 25 mins flight, I found the view was amazing. We flew over Male (Capital of Maldives) and it looks like an island full of lego brick houses full of colors. On the way, we also flew over many reef and resort islands.

Day 12 of 100: The battlefield between Vietnam and USA

The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. The role of the tunnel systems should not be underestimated in its importance to the Viet Cong in resisting American operations and protracting the war, eventually culminating in an American withdrawal.

They are so skinny that they are able to hide in that hole..amazing!

It is a trap

Day 11 of 100: Exploring a new religion in Vietnam

Today, we went to the surban area of HCM city where there is a special religion (Caodaism) that basically worships every religious figures in other religions. You name it, they probably worship it. Caodaism is a syncretistic religion which combines elements from many of the world's main religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, as well as Geniism, an indigenous religion of Vietnam. Their main religious center is in Tay Ninh, about 60 miles (100 km) North West of Saigon. They currently have 7 to 8 million followers in Vietnam along.

I have never seen anything like this in the western world. I was so amazed about how manificient the interior of the "Church/Temple" is.

Even Victor Hugo (1802-1885), French poet
and author is one of the Saints

Day 10 of 100: Hotel Raider: Hotel Majestic Saigon

Uncompromisingly first class hotel opposite the Saigon river. Everything about this was what you would expect from a 5 Star establishment which has been there since 1925.  Part of the charm of the hotel is its historic nature, which is played up in copies of various old b/w photographs which line the walls. The room was fine and the bathroom nice. Staff were all very helpful. Breakfast is served on the 5th floor in a space half of which is outdoors, half indoors. On one day it was raining and so everybody was crowded into the indoor space which made things rather chaotic, but the next day the sun came out again and breakfast was a more peaceful and spacious affair. There was a wide range of food on offer for breakfast, including a good variety of freshly prepared fruit.

Lobby

  




Swimming Pool



Bedroom with a cute little balcony

Fresh fruit selection



Outdoor Breakfast area looking over the Saigon river



Day 9 of 100: Meeting with Mr. Ho in his city..(Hochiminh city)

Before I arrived in Hochiminh city (or Saigon or HCM city), I have heard from Vietnamese in Canada telling me how dangerous it is over there. They reminded me repeatedly not to bring a bag, sunglasses, wallet, watches, necklace...pretty anything when walking on the street...So i guess Will & I were a bit nervous when we arrived in Vietnam. We checked into the Majestic Hotel, an amazing historical hotel and we decided to walk around a bit to feel the city as well as the people. HCM city is a beautiful city with a french flair. Lots of colonial style buildings at the city centre such as the Post Office (designed by the same architect who build Eiffel Tower), Notre Dame, which is a bit smaller than the one in Montreal but looks like the original one in Paris!), Opera House (the one and only french style opera house in asia). Of course, I have to take pictures of those giant political propaganda poster everywhere... Oh..and people in HCM city are super nice and friendly. Tourists have no problem walking around even at nite.

Opera House

Notre Dame

Inside the Post Office

Post Office

Opera House at nite

Former South Vietnam Presidential Palace (now Unification Palace)

Mr Ho and Me!

Me and Mr. Ho's pic outside of Opera House

Day 8 of 100 (Part 2): arriving in Singapore

We finally arrived in Singapore. Met up my friend, James, who moved from Toronto to Singapore. He took us to enjoy a seafood dinner by the seaside...Singapore always maintains around 30c during day time (as it is almost located on equator, duh!) but at night, it is actually very breezy. Check out those seafood restaurants by the seaside and I have never seen so many people eating outdoor in Toronto or Vancouver...Oh...i saw something that I have never seen it in Canada as well....waterskiing in a pound??? check out the cool video.

Day 8 of 100: Leaving Tokyo...Who said there is nothing to see on the plane. Guess what I saw on the way to Singapore?

8 days done, 92 days full of adventure to go..!!!!  Bukle up your seat belt becuse we are taking off soon..

see you in Singapore...

Leaving Japan for Singapore!

I fly a lot both for work and pleasure. I always take a window seat because i can always look out and see something amazing...Guess what i saw on the way to Singapore? a HEART-SHAPED REEF ISLAND !!!!



Day 7 of 100 : Hotel Raider: Tokyo Conrad

Leaving Tokyo tomorrow so I decided to show you more of my home of the last 7 nights. Since day 1, i have decided to send myself a postcard to be my diary. So far, I have been keeping the practice but it will be getting harder and harder because so difficult to find postcard, stamps and mailbox....

This is my favourite tree at Conrad. It is located in the lower lobby, The hotel has done a good job matching the environment with some zen music...so enjoy...(Sorry, i know, I skewed up the orientation but it is still a nice zen moment....enjoy!)