Yogyakarta – in double time
Day 69 – Yogyakarta, Indonesia On my way to my first visit of the day, I finally received the answer I was waiting for: I’m going to spend 2 weeks in central Java with a family, exchanging English lessons against cultural lessons. But since I’m expected there tomorrow, I accelerated my visit of the city.…
Jakarta – National Museum
Day 66 – Jakarta, Indonesia I started by a visit to an old and quirky shopping mall, reputed, according to Lonely Planet, for its textiles. I must have been too early, because most of the shops were closed. I mean, it was only four hours after the official opening time. Pasar Glodok So since I…
Jakarta – Wayang Museum
Day 64 – Jakarta, Indonesia I started my day by asking where to find someone to sew my future new pants, thinking that I would be directed either to a local seamstress doing odd jobs or to a tailor shop. And I was indeed directed to a local craftsman: a seamster (that would be a…
Kuala Lumpur
Day 62 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I’m living the high life right now, sitting in a lounge bar (picture above) at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers (picture below) with a mango smoothie. Lugging your computer all day should have its compensations. I started my day with a cup of tea, finding hot water…
Churches and history
Day 59 – Malacca/Melaka, Malaysia Today was “be a tourist” day. I went to visit the main tourist attractions of the city. Well, the downside of being European and keen on visiting old buildings, is that looking at 16th century walls in ruins masquerading as St Paul Church leaves you underwhelmed. I’m used to visiting…
Tea and more tea
Day 57 – Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia I’m in Kuala Lumpur as I’m writing this, but I spent my day still in the Cameron Highlands, in particular in visit of the Cameron Valley Tea Plantation. This plantation is more easily accessible to the tourist, being right off the main road and not after a few…
Cameron Highland half-day tour
Day 56 – Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia I was picked-up at my hostel by the bus, as usual. We went first to see a butterfly garden. Frankly, it is a pathetic thing to see these magnificent insects apathetic, not moving when disturbed, letting themselves be picked up by the guide. Yes, it is fun…
George Town
Day 54 – George Town, Malaysia I started my day by asking the hostel if they had laundry services -no- or where I could find them. After clear explanations from the guy at the reception (left-left right-right, they are everywhere you will find them), I resolved to take my laundry with me on my way…
Marketing 101: get a puppy
Day 40-41 – On the Mekong river When I bought my slow boat ticket Sunday afternoon, the salesman confirmed that I would be picked up at my hotel at 7:30. Wanting to avoid rushing at the last minute, I planned to be ready at 7:15. So when there was a knock on my door at…
Kuang Si Falls
Day 35 – Luang Prabang, Laos (Yes, I know, the picture is not a waterfall.) As if to compensate for my lazy beginning, I had a (very) full day! I started with the visit of the Royal Palace, which is literally next door of my hostel. No pictures are allowed inside, and the gardens are…