tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42123119733402379282024-03-05T22:24:25.027-08:00Chris & Conniechrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-37377085785935554772012-11-29T05:38:00.000-08:002012-11-29T05:38:40.945-08:006D5NChiangmai-Chiangrai Tours 13-18Nov2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Day5</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">(17Nov2012)</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Chiangmai > Hadyai</span></div>
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Checked out <st1:placename w:st="on">Pornping</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Tower</st1:placetype>, proceeded to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Chiangmai</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place>
to fly back to Hadyai.</div>
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Checked in Golden Crown Hotel at Hadyai.</div>
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Van tour to the Floating market for food and shopping.</div>
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Free and easy for the night.</div>
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Day 6
(18Nov2012) Hadyai > Batu
Gajah</div>
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Free and easy in the morning. Checked out at 12.00 noon and home sweet home
by bus.</div>
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Stopped at Ah Keat Sea Food Restaurant at Butterworth for
dinner.</div>
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Reached home at 12.00 midnight.</div>
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Connie came back with a new look.!<br />
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The end.</div>
chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-68916789330202209882012-11-28T19:56:00.002-08:002012-11-28T19:56:34.932-08:006D5NChiangmai-Chiangrai Tours 13-18Nov2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 4 (16Nov2012) Chiangrai – Thai/Burma Border – Golden
Triangle > Chiangmai</div>
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Visited the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">White</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place>
in the morning.</div>
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We arrived at the Northern most point of Thailand, Mae Sai. We crossed the Thai/Burma border by a bridge to Tachileik, separated by the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mae</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">River</st1:placename></st1:place>.</div>
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Visited a small temple and the Golden Temple of Tachileik.</div>
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Then, went shopping at Tachileik market before crossing the border and back to Mae Sai.</div>
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Proceeded to the Golden Triangle.</div>
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We had lunch at a restaurant at the river bank of the Ruak river, a tributary of the <st1:place w:st="on">Mekong</st1:place>.</div>
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We boarded a boat at Sop Ruak Jetty for a cruise at the Golden Triangle – border of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Thailand</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Burma</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on">Laos</st1:country-region>. Stopped at Donsai at <st1:place w:st="on">Laos</st1:place>, shopping for “branded” handbags, souvenirs, dresses, etc. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Bus journey back to Chiangmai and stayed at </span><st1:place style="text-align: justify;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Pornping</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Tower</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="text-align: justify;"> again.</span><br />
[to be continued]<br />
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chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-30031594757418187252012-11-28T15:55:00.000-08:002012-11-28T15:55:34.980-08:006D5NChiangmai-Chiangrai Tours 13-18Nov2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 3 (15Nov2012)
Chiangmai > Chiangrai</div>
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Visited butterfly / orchid farm, monkey training centre,
snake show, mix hill tribes village of the long, white Karen, etc.We were amused by the monkeys which demonstrated their skills in plucking coconut, recognising numbers, selling medicine, shooting basketball like Yao Meng.</div>
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At Mae Tang Elephant Camp we watched elephant show and enjoyed the elephant ride, ox-cart ride and bamboo rafting down a tributary of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mekong</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</div>
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A painting by Charlie</div>
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Bus journey to Chiangrai. Half way we stopped at Hot Spring Village. There was a geyser that shoots every few seconds.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">After dinner at Yunnan Restaurant, we checked in Chiangrai Grand Room Hotel.</span><br />
[to be continued]chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-2328350588051993032012-11-28T06:39:00.001-08:002012-11-28T06:39:30.969-08:006D5N Chiangmai Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 2 (14Nov2012)
Chiangmai</div>
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Visited <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Doi</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Suthep</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place>
on top of a hill about 1000 feet a.s.l. At the temple compound I found an interesting nut brain-like shell.</div>
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Continued visiting Home industries at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">San Khan</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Pang</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Village</st1:placetype></st1:place> where major traditional handicraft centres were located. Bee products, jewelry, bird nest, umbrella,fan, etc.</div>
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After dinner at night, it was free and easy at the Kalare Night Bazaar.You could shop until you drop.</div>
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to be continued</div>
<br />chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-89842399691131912882012-11-27T20:01:00.001-08:002012-11-27T20:01:09.120-08:006D5NChiangmai-Chiangrai Tours 13-18November 2012<br />
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<span lang="FR">6D5NChiangmai-Chiangrai
Tours 13-18November 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Day 1 (13Nov 2012) BG
> Hadyai > Chiangmai</div>
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Started our bus journey from Batu Gajah just after mid-night
to Hadyai and arrived at about 10.00 am.
We had time to visit a leather goods factory/shop/bird-nest soup
restaurant, all in one location. Then we
proceeded to Hadyai International airport to take a two- hour- AirAsia flight
to Chiangmai. On arrival in the evening a double decker bus took us to
visit the Royal Flora Garden, an International Horticultural Expo
site. This botanical garden was a showcase
of landscape architecture with thousands of plant species.</div>
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Then, we checked in Pornping Tower Hotel for a quick wash-up
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The Kalare Night Bazaar was a stone throw away from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Pornping</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Tower</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
It was very convenient to go night marketing for anything or service one could
think of.</div>
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to be continued.</div>
chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-68623179720351078792012-07-13T22:42:00.001-07:002012-07-13T22:42:54.038-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Interesting food !</div>
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Coming from Ipoh where delicious cuisines are easily available and affordable, the food we tasted on the Silk Road tour was far from good, but we ate and enjoyed for the sake of filling our stomachs. Our usual dinner or lunch dishes were mostly vegetables ( 9 out of 10 ) with one or two meat dishes, man tau (plain pao ) and noodle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUJnIVTSD2k3e5DESwVACM7Q_Vt-4QZeoWG1APtKVdhNNuQA0I6aIEKjQCPiU_xZ8ZNG9mHyL_CoDnagrh9BJ6La56ZeUDkJeR9IElaBKy9PAuftqWkcflGuNSKc9O1lEP6J9jrZ38YFY/s1600/100_2239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUJnIVTSD2k3e5DESwVACM7Q_Vt-4QZeoWG1APtKVdhNNuQA0I6aIEKjQCPiU_xZ8ZNG9mHyL_CoDnagrh9BJ6La56ZeUDkJeR9IElaBKy9PAuftqWkcflGuNSKc9O1lEP6J9jrZ38YFY/s320/100_2239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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biang biang mee a.k.a belt mee famous in Xi'an</div>
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from the sound made when the mee dough beats</div>
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on the table while making. Nothing spectacular in taste. </div>
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A king size version of pan mee .</div>
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The Chinese character for biang is a big mouthful !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5r0_TeHSpaYThXFH61cqgaa8Cy0r2U0PZMPtcQ9y3N7ciJ3tZ7pVzhxHcYx6GUPHif9lUiy1TrMlGkZJDBpuPFfVeM1fCxB9XCilV8h3oRRFaltPmcNuAd_jTvisTdhg7ubgFyewGort/s1600/100_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5r0_TeHSpaYThXFH61cqgaa8Cy0r2U0PZMPtcQ9y3N7ciJ3tZ7pVzhxHcYx6GUPHif9lUiy1TrMlGkZJDBpuPFfVeM1fCxB9XCilV8h3oRRFaltPmcNuAd_jTvisTdhg7ubgFyewGort/s320/100_2192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30vTUOdDOc1kJWJuFd-lbdyHJnwg1SpI5phppOVMdgY29k25CT5_9-ITPIEYRUPzkWofXA6jjlIeFPxQidKbtTY3hW2Isp9-pEkQ9sCQP9rpfiR4TUVLo8pghCAiOtmMLqK0c1u37gBGd/s1600/100_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30vTUOdDOc1kJWJuFd-lbdyHJnwg1SpI5phppOVMdgY29k25CT5_9-ITPIEYRUPzkWofXA6jjlIeFPxQidKbtTY3hW2Isp9-pEkQ9sCQP9rpfiR4TUVLo8pghCAiOtmMLqK0c1u37gBGd/s320/100_2090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Savouring famous beef noodle in Lanzhou.</div>
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Cannot even find a piece of beef, just soup + noodle</div>
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No spoon for soup, so just hold the bowl and</div>
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SLURP ! </div>
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Our usual meal with mostly vegetable dishes cooked in</div>
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different style. Fresh water carp was quite common, but</div>
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we avoided it because of the many y bones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_aQ1VT3PgjE8YBHxmHbJy4cMrhWV3MZM6UittFePBJyherAePBVQ2Wv55kKzVhD_xPeco-M-8R1SC_svPR7MJvn897sCQqtVnKF0Es3I3RAHRSKMKzYxdnndKAVTcyXSpQunhLvuwAiG/s1600/100_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_aQ1VT3PgjE8YBHxmHbJy4cMrhWV3MZM6UittFePBJyherAePBVQ2Wv55kKzVhD_xPeco-M-8R1SC_svPR7MJvn897sCQqtVnKF0Es3I3RAHRSKMKzYxdnndKAVTcyXSpQunhLvuwAiG/s320/100_1732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ayatollahwas the 'head of the family', so he must</div>
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initiate the dinner by plunging a knife into</div>
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the roasted lamb.Beautiful khazak girls accompanied him. </div>
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Expected to enjoy eating the roasted lamb, but we were rather disappointed to </div>
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see the meat hand torn into odd shapes. Spoilt our appetite. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw7LcWJ-OO-AuZb47h6OAuOeHBb4QXnEoJAknMPba1D8lhNrHrOquSEjKG3QJwaqfgB210yryo4p_U65S8KIN23rmG_Jsl71LsKB8x9qcgyNBXDDWoW_dEqmX3Sd0YHhW9kd17BVu-w_R/s1600/100_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw7LcWJ-OO-AuZb47h6OAuOeHBb4QXnEoJAknMPba1D8lhNrHrOquSEjKG3QJwaqfgB210yryo4p_U65S8KIN23rmG_Jsl71LsKB8x9qcgyNBXDDWoW_dEqmX3Sd0YHhW9kd17BVu-w_R/s320/100_1749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Connie and the Khazak girls.</div>
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They performed a dance. before dinner.</div>
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</div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-80520632209497540822012-07-12T22:39:00.001-07:002012-07-12T22:39:15.936-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 12 (last day) 9th June 2012 </div>
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in the morning before departure.</div>
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Xi'an city wall.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt;">The City Wall of Xian is the most well-preserved and intact part of the Chinese ancient city walls. It is also the largest and most intact ancient city wall structures in the world. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty(1368-16440), the City Wall was function for military fortification. Now it has become a hot tourist attraction in Xian.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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to be continued.</div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-65954728988410835402012-07-12T08:11:00.002-07:002012-07-12T08:11:32.139-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 11 8th June 2012</div>
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Xi 'an -Terracota army museum</div>
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The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum in Lintong, Xian, Shaanxi Province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC). The State Council authorized to build a museum on site in 1975. When completed, people from far and near came to visit. Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travelers' itinerary.<br />
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Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigor.<br />
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The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. No. 1 Pit is the largest, first opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back. <br />
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No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. It was unveiled to the public in 1994.Archeologists came upon No. 3 Pit also in 1976, 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command center of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses.<br />
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Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.<br />
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Since Oct. 1st, 2010 the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum have been combined into one large tourist area, Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park, which also includes three other small sites opened in 2011. The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the nearby three unopened sites (namely the Museum of Terracotta Acrobatics, the Museum of Terracotta Civil Officials and the Museum of Stone Armor) constitute the so-called Lishan Garden. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is a sensational archeological find of all times. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.</span></div>
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Connie shook hand with Yang Qi De,one of the farmers that </div>
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discovered the pottery figures while digging a well</div>
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The statue of Emperor Qin Shi Huang</div>
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to be continued</div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-48793195842495960702012-07-10T06:28:00.001-07:002012-07-10T06:28:49.845-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 11 8th June 2012</div>
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-Xi’an museum</div>
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Located in the Small Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area, Xian Museum has more than 100, 000 fine cultural relics, most of which were unearthed in the important tombs and the capital sites of the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-221 BC), the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC), the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), and the Tang Dynasty (618-907). More than 2,000 of these articles reflect the outstanding technological achievements of past dynasties. It is a three-storied building, with an underground floor unseen from the outside. The underground exhibition hall features many relics that have been unearthed, showing the history of Xian, the one-time capital of 13 dynasties, its economy, social life, as well as cultural exchange <br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The pagoda was cracked by earthquakes on three occasions but miraculously these cracks were closed by later quakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The architectural design of the museum follows the traditional Chinese concept of the universe - a round heaven and a square earth. It has been recognized as one of the ten landmark buildings in Xian and offers excellent facilities for the display of precious cultural relics thereby ensuring their full appreciation.</span></div>
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to be continuedchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-28494483118410069162012-07-09T06:29:00.001-07:002012-07-09T06:29:07.873-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 10 7th June 2012 (evening)</div>
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Xi'an City</div>
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-Muslim Street</div>
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The Muslim Street is a fantastic place to wonder. All shops and restaurants in the street are operated by Muslims. The stalls lines the narrow alleys sell almost everything you can expect. There are a number of stalls selling small items of handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelries, dried fruits, clothings, etc. If you are good at bargaining, you can get some things at a really cheap price. <br />
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The restaurants in the streets are all Muslim ones, and a variety of Muslim food and snacks can be tried here, including the locals' favourites - roasted beef, roasted fish, and pancakes. Food served is diverse and complex but are very cheap. (We dare not try for fear of food poisoning.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">-Bell and Drum Towers (Zhonggu lou)</span></div>
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They are located at the end of Muslim Street.<br />As in many cities or towns in China, there are a bell tower and a drum tower in Xi'an to mark the center of this city. The bell and drum tower is one of the smaller highlights for a visit to the city. It has been considered a symbolic construction of Xi'an old city and is a nice way to fill out a day of sight-seeing.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">In ancient <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">China </place></country-region>, the bell was usually used to give the correct time or give an alarm of fire. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span><br />
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The bell tower behind Connie<br />
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Connie is sitting at a piramid fountain between the two towers.<br />
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The drum tower<br />
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to be continued.chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-71419172026681234542012-07-08T23:20:00.001-07:002012-07-08T23:20:11.074-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 10 7th June 2012 (Afternoon)</div>
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Baoji - Xi'an </div>
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-Famen temple</div>
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Famen Temple is located in Famen Town, Fufeng County, about 110 kilometers west of Xian City and 90 kilometers east of Baoji City. Initially established at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Famen Temple was given its name in the Tang Dynasty. With more than 1,700 years history, it is taken as the grandfather of temples and pagodas in Central China. Famen Temple became an imperial temple and a holy place for Buddhism. Famen Temple in the Song Dynasty reached its largest scale, and during the period of the Republican China, the temple received its most comprehensive reconstruction. In 1981, a mysterious underground palace was re-awoken after 1,113 years, when the provincial government decided to rebuild the Stupa. A great number of valuable relics and treasures were unearthed, offering us important data to study the society of the Tang Dynasty. Famen Temple houses ten unmissable major sites, including the real finger bone of Sakyamuni, the most ancient Stupa underground palace, Tang Dynasty Mandala, 13 hawksbill coins, an imperial tea set, a Buddhist ritual apparatus, including a tin staff, 13 pieces of colour porcelain, more than 700 pieces of silk article and Buddhist relic boxes. <br />
Statues and structures of modern architecture were recently added to enhance tourism.<br />
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to be continuedchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-55895721608444984562012-07-06T00:26:00.000-07:002012-07-06T00:26:09.207-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 9 6th June 2012</div>
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Lanzhou - Tianshui , a 2 hour journey. After lunch we visited the Fuxi Temple.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Fuxi Temple</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"> has numerous courts and four compounds. Ten historic buildings in the temple include the theatrical stage, archways, the main gate, the instrumental gate, <placename w:st="on">Congenital</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Temple</placetype>, <placename w:st="on">Taiji</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Temple</placetype>, <placename w:st="on">Bell</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Tower</placetype>, <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Drum</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Tower</placetype></place>, and Laihe Hall. Six new buildings include Waiting Rooms, the Tablet Gallery and exhibition halls. There are about 76 buildings.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Fuxi Temple is a large and well preserved Ming Dynasty architectural complex. It was built about the year 1490 to worship the god Fuxi who was believed to be one of the ancestors of all Chinese. </span></div>
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-Maiji mountain grottoes<br />
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Located 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) southeast of Tianshui City in Gansu Province, Maiji Mountain rises up abruptly 142 meters (about 155 yards) from the landscape. The people named the mountain 'Maiji' because it resembles a stack of wheat straw (mai meaning wheat, and ji meaning stack). <br />
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On the sheer cliff that marks the southwest side of Maiji Mountain, people have laboured for centuries carving niches and caves, giving rise to what is known today as the Maiji Caves. Inside the caves are clay statues, whose heights vary from 20 centimeters to 15 meters. Besides 194 Buddhist caves and niches, containing more than 7, 200 clay statues, there are also murals of over 1, 300 square meters in the Maiji Caves as well. These statues are works of art that reflect ancient craftsmanship and dedication to the Buddhist ideal. Rarely can one find caves and statues carved over sheer cliffs in China, and this is one of the most distinguishing features of Maiji Caves. Being carved on the cliff, these caves are connected by plank roads that hang precariously along the face of the cliff. Visitors can only reach each cave by using these plank roads, which offers a breathtaking experience.<br />
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to be continuedchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-73161897626839545772012-07-05T08:09:00.000-07:002012-07-05T08:09:01.053-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 8 - 5th June 2012 (evening)</div>
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Qinghai Lake - Lanzhou, another long journey over mountainous terrains and passed through many tunnels of unusual length. By the time we reached Lanzhou it was evening. We visited three tourist spots.</div>
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-The Mother River Statue</div>
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This sculpture is the best of its kind in China. The whole sculpture contains that of a mother and a baby. The mother with long hair, slim figure, lying on the undulate water looks happy and kind. On her breast hold a small kid who bear naive smile. The sculpture connotes that the Yellow River has nourished generations of Chinese. The statue presently is one of the most attractive sculptures nationwide which manifest the mother river of the Chinese nation- the Yellow River. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">-<place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Waterwheel</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Garden</placetype></place></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<placename w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Waterwheel</span></placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <placetype w:st="on">Garden</placetype>, built in 1994, is located in the <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">
Binhe Middle Road</address>
</street> (Binhe Zhong Lu) in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Lanzhou</city>, <state w:st="on">Gansu</state></place> Province. The garden covers an area of 1.45 hectares (3.58 acres) and is comprised of two waterwheels, a cofferdam, the recreation area and a house of water mill. In the garden, two huge waterwheels with striking appearances stand uprightly on the south bank of the Yellow River. They are modeled on the antique waterwheel, having quadrate buckets and a diameter of 16.5 meters (54.1 feet). In high water periods, they are driven by flowing water from the river; in low water periods, they are driven by water gathered by cofferdam. Owing to the two waterwheels and an advantaged position, the Waterwheel Teahouse attracts a lot of tourists. Here, visitors can appreciate the revolving waterwheels while enjoying a cup of tea. Moreover, the photo studio, stores and the house of water mill in the garden provide further entertainment and convenience for visitors. </span></div>
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In the garden, tourists can experience crossing the river on a sheepskin raft, which is the most primeval ferrying tool in the northwest region of the Yellow River. A visit to the Waterwheel Garden will provide an insight into the irrigation tools of ancient times.<br />
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</placetype></place></span><div style="text-align: center;">
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Sheepskin raft </div>
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<placename w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Huanghe Bridge</span></placename></div>
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<placename w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Zhongshan</span></placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <placetype w:st="on">Bridge</placetype>, also called the first bridge over the Yellow River, lies at the foot of <placename w:st="on">Bai</placename> <placename w:st="on">Ta</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountain</placetype> and in front of <placename w:st="on">Jin</placename> <placename w:st="on">Cheng</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Pass</placetype> in <city w:st="on">Lanzhou</city> city, the capital of <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Gansu</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Province</placetype></place>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the year 1907, under the proposal of local officers in <city w:st="on">Lanzhou</city> and <state w:st="on">Gansu</state> and the help of a <country-region w:st="on">Germany</country-region> businessman, the Qing Government began to build this first iron bridge over the upper reaches of the <place w:st="on">Yellow River</place>. All materials, even the rivets, were transported from <country-region w:st="on">Germany</country-region> to <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">China</place></country-region> using ships, trains, carts and any other means possible. The bridge was completed in two years, and named '<placename w:st="on">Lanzhou</placename> <placename w:st="on">Iron</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Bridge</placetype> over the <place w:st="on">Yellow River</place>'. In 1942, to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the bridge was re-named <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Zhongshan</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Bridge</placetype></place> (Zhongshan is the Chinese name of Dr. Sun Yat-sen).</span></div>
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to be continuedchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-34643996343800246362012-07-05T02:36:00.001-07:002012-07-05T02:36:17.731-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 8 5th June 2012 (morning)</div>
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Xining - Qinghai Lake. It was a pleasant 2 hour journey from Xining to Qinghai Lake with views of green pastures on mountain slopes and snow capped mountain ranges. Qinghai Lake<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"> is the largest inland and salt water lake in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">China</place></country-region>. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Shaped like an ellipse, <placename w:st="on">Qinghai</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Lake</placetype> lies northwest of the imposing Qinghai Altiplano.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">The lake offers year-round pleasure. Many prefer when it is a green and lively. The mountains and grassland wear a green blanket with herds of cattle and sheep dispersed over the grassland. The bank is connected with stretching farmlands, which is prospering with blooming rape flowers and rolling with wheat waves, sending blasts of fragrance to the lake. The water of the lake is also very limpid, which reflects the pretty green mountains in the deep like a mirror. The colour changes with time and varies in different depth of the lake, which produces a sense of mystery, hence the name '<place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Seven-Coloured</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Lake</placetype></place>'. Our group was lucky to witness the lake colour changes within an hour with very fine weather. </span></span></div>
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I soaked my feet in the Qinghai Lake !</div>
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to be continuedchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-69178658891229833442012-07-03T05:53:00.000-07:002012-07-03T05:53:29.319-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 7 4th June 2012</div>
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Zhangye to Xining, a long, long journey over mountain ranges to Qinghai Province. Our bus encountered countless hairpin bends, snaking up the mountain peaks and down to the valleys of the Qilian and Dapan Mountain ranges. The landscapes were awesome, snow capped peaks and scenic with green pastures but we had the fearful feeling travelling on the 'deadliest' road on earth. </div>
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'pee' stop at the peak</div>
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A decent building for us to deposit surplus of liquid and hard cash. The mountain breeze plus perfumery stench added pleasure in releasing our bladder pressure. </div>
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Oh, we could touch the snow ! </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">The Ta'er Monastery is a group of fine buildings in a combination of both the Han and Tibetan styles of architecture on the mountain slopes. It has lofty temples and halls rising one upon another. The palace buildings, Buddhist halls, sleeping quarters, as well as the courtyards echo each other and thus enhance the beauty of the whole area.</span></div>
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to be continuedchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-26650957852656318472012-06-27T21:34:00.000-07:002012-06-27T21:34:08.520-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 6 3rd June 2012</div>
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-Jiayuguan pass</div>
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Located about six kilometers (four miles) southwest of Jiangyuguan City in Gansu Province, the Jiayuguan Pass (Jiayuguan in Chinese) represents the western starting point of a section of the Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The pass covers an area of 33,500 square meters (eight acres) and lies at the base of a narrow valley, and takes its name from one of the surrounding hills, the Jiayu. Commonly referred to as the finest example of its kind on earth, the pass is the best preserved of the Great Wall's ancient military fortresses.<br />
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The Jiayuguan Pass was constructed as far back as 1372. Legend has it that the official charged with overseeing the building of the pass demanded that the foremen not squander a single brick. The builders were for the most part successful, and the project was finished with just one brick surplus to requirements. It was actually left at the site and has become famous among the tourists visiting the area.<br />
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The Jiayuguan Pass is constructed in three concentric layers: the central area is made up of an inner city, containing the largest of the pass' buildings; an outer city section, surrounded by a large wall dotted with watchtowers, turrets, and high-terrace pavilions; and finally, for purposes of defense, a moat. All of these features combined to make it a daunting prospect for any would-be attackers.<br />
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One brick remainder !</div>
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Dan Xia Colourful mountain in Zhangye. A mountain full of 'layered cakes'.</div>
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-Giant Buddha temple<br />
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Midway in the Hexi Corridor along the Silk Road lies the historic city of Zhangye, the centerpiece of which is the mysterious Giant Buddha Temple. Located in the southwest corner of Zhangye in Gansu Province, the Giant Buddha Temple is the largest architectural relic in Gansu Province of the Western Xia (1038-1227) period. China's largest reclining Buddha is well preserved in this temple. The Zhangye Museum is also located here. <br />
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Legend has it that a chancellor named Wei Mie of the Western Xia period ordered workers to dig into the ground to 1 to 1.3 meters deep to carve a reclining Buddha to be covered with glazed color tiles. The Giant Buddha Temple was built in 1098 to house the Buddha. In its 900 years the temple was restored many times during the Ming and Qing dynasties.<br />
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to be continuedchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-15571923377526951192012-06-25T07:06:00.002-07:002012-06-25T07:06:43.201-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 5 - 2nd June 2012</div>
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Mogao Grottoes - a shrine of Buddhist art treasures. The Mogao Caves are a depository of historical and cultural exchanges over more than a thousand years between China and other nations. </div>
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The 1st Pier of the Great Wall is the western most end of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty.</div>
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A Mini Canyon near the 1st Pier - Underground Valley with archeological find of dinosaur fossils.</div>
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Viewing down the cliff, standing on a platform of glass gave a 'chilling' sensation through the spine. </div>
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we are 'floating' in the air !</div>
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to be continued</div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-43004560276371437262012-06-21T06:56:00.000-07:002012-06-21T06:56:08.942-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 4 1st June 2012 Hami / Dunhuang</div>
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The Mausoleums Hami Urghur Royal Family.<br />
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It is the tombs for the burial of Islamic Kings of Hami in the Qing dynasty.<br />
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Hami Museum</div>
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A museum with collections of primitive society to the Ming and Qing dynasties, stone, bronze, pottery, wood, iron and many pieces of cultural relics.<br />
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Look delicious ! actually made of stones.</div>
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Echoing Sand dune – about the size of Singapore Island.</div>
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It is such a wonderful and spectacular landscape. We were here from 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm able to watch the sunset and moonrise at the same time. The echoing is more of an exception than a norm. One needs to be there at the right time, i.e. when the wind blows to shift the sand to produce the echoing sound. <br />
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Connie's body is glowing !</div>
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to be continued<br />
<br />chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-24594436306328252942012-06-19T22:52:00.000-07:002012-06-19T22:52:09.891-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 3 31st May 2012 Turpan</div>
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Sugong Minaret (Emin Minaret)<br />
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Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Tower, is the largest extant ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang. Standing 2 km (1.24 miles) east of Turpan, Emin Minaret was built in 1777 in honor of a heroic Turpan general named Emin Khoja. This 44-meter (144 feet) high minaret tapers to an Islamic dome without stories inside. In the center of the minaret is a brick-piled pillar with 72 steps around it spiraling to the top. The whole construction was made of grey bricks which were formed 15 different patterns such as waves, flowers or rhombuses, by smart Uygur architects.<br />
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Flaming mountain</div>
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The mountain lies 10 km (6.2miles) east of Turpan city, covering about 100 km (62miles) from east to west with a width of 9 km (5.6miles). The average height is 500m (1640feet), while the 831-meter (2726-foot) - high peak rises above Shengjinkou, a vital pass of the ancient city of Gaochang. Scientific explanation cites tectonic plate movement on the earth's surface during the formation of the Himalayas 50,000,000 years ago. The mountain is barren and extremely hot in summer. During the trek approaching the mountain, visitors will find the soles of their shoes soften in the intense heat. With the red sun overhead, the red mountain looks like a fiery dragon-truly an unforgettable spectacle. <br />
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Our tour guide took us only to the foothill for a photo session with the camels.<br />
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A giant thermometer</div>
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Ancient City of GaoChang</div>
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In the boundless desolate Gobi desert stand the ruins of the ancient city of Gaochang, shining like a resplendent precious stone inlaid in the barren desert and shining on the Silk Road. Gaochang is located at the foot of the Flaming Mountain, about 46 kilometers (about 29 miles) southeast of Turpan. Withstanding the test of time and weather, the ancient city of Gaochang, and the ancient city of Jiaohe, are the best-preserved ruins of the ancient cities in China.<br />
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The donkey cart ride from the entrance to the city ruin on the dusty road was fun and memorable.<br />
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A musician 'basking'</div>
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</div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-27325460707853284762012-06-19T07:05:00.001-07:002012-06-19T23:04:15.798-07:00THE SILK ROAD TOUR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
THE SILK ROAD TOUR (12D 11N) 29th May to 9th June 2012</div>
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ATTRACTIONS FROM URUMUQI TO XI’AN</div>
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A tour package filled with lessons on history, cultures, religions, civilisation, archeology, geography, ancient engineering, agriculture and sightseeing of awesome landscapes. The experiences in toilet facilities from most primitive to most advanced were memorable. The bus journey of about 4,000 km passed through the provinces of Xinjiang, Gansu, Qing Hai and Shaanxi. <br />
The tour group of 11 consisted of Ayatollah Cheah and Mrs.( Lim Siew Wan), Ms. Yong, Ms. Seow, Mrs. Ng Ai Tee, Ms. Wong, Ms. Ma, Lucy and Rose Foong, Connie and yours truly. Our tour leader was Ms. Lim Hui Yee from Parlo tours.<br />
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Day 1 29th May 2012 was totally occupied by the journey, van journey from Ipoh to KLIA, flew from KLIA to Guangzhou, then flew from Guangzhou to Urumuqi. We landed in Urumuqi International Airport at 10.00 pm but it was still bright because the whole of China observes only 1 time zone.<br />
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Day 2 30th May 2012 Urumuqi / Turpan<br />
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Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake)<br />
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Tian Chi is the most famous landscape near Urumuqi, particularly refreshing to travellers arriving in Urumuqi from the barren Xinjiang deserts or from the concrete jungles of the cities. The pristine scene is stunning. The group had a boat cruise on the lake.<br />
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The International Grand Bazaar is a magnificent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Islamic commercial architectural complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bazaar furnishes different kinds of goods made in Xinjiang as well as other neighbouring countries and offers all the ethnic food and souvenirs.</div>
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Grape Valley</div>
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Turpan is famous for its fruits. Among them, grape is the most famous. The group did not get to savour any fresh grapes because June is not the harvesting season. However, we spotted many unripe bunches hanging down from the vintage frames. We were happy to purchase raisins.</div>
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Karez Irrigation systems</div>
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The Karez systems are ancient major irrigation projects which are the life source of Turpan. They are very delicate irrigation systems made up of vertical wells, underground canals, above-ground canals and small reservoirs. Melting snow from the Tianshan mountain is the water source of the karez. Water is collected by vertical wells and conducted by the underground canals to the oasis, where the water is held in the ground canals for irrigation, especially to the grape valley.</div>
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to be continued..</div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-21560761265568145782012-01-28T03:13:00.000-08:002012-01-28T03:31:50.102-08:00No Secret Recipe - Doggy Duck<div><br /><div>DOGGY DUCK<br /><br />Ingredients: Amount:<br />Oil 1 ½ tblsp.<br />Ginger 100 gm (cut into slices)<br />Garlic 2 big cloves, minced<br />Duck 1 ½ kg (chopped into bite-size pieces)<br />Kitchap 1 tblsp.<br />Salt 1 tsp.<br />Spice mixture 20 gm (RM1.00) from Chinese Medicine Shop, crushed. 2/3 put in muslin bag.<br />of Pat Kok + Siao Fei remainder 1/3 sieve away fine dust and mix with duck meat.<br />( bunga lawang + cintan putih)<br />Msg ½ tsp<br />Oyster sauce 1 tblsp.<br />Black sauce ½ tblsp.<br /><br />Method:<br />Heat oil in frying pan.<br />Saute ginger and garlic till fragrant.<br />Pour in duck meat, stir fry awhile to seal the meat.<br />Pour in kitchap and stir fry for a minute or two to remove the duck smell.<br />Add salt ( 1tsp) and put in the 1/3 sieved spice mixture.<br />Add msg ( ½ tsp) and mix well.<br />Put in muslin bag containing the 2/3 spice mixture in the centre of the meat.<br />Pour in 1 liter of water or enough to cover the meat completely.<br />Stir once in awhile, add water when necessary, if the meat is not tender enough.<br />Put in oyster sauce and black sauce and mix well.<br />Check saltiness. Simmer till meat is tender ( about 90 mins ) and till desirable amount of gravy left..<br />Dish out, garnish and serve.</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702642234644201890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYByHc_f-nkHfphWd_OWs7icdK6PCt8a6Ho0LWD2YvFAJF2GPlCCOnE1TGouHT36OsmZH3TzTwKfp5zKe4JM_-QSDGwpuV-dEItiPwBTDs-GRy9-BeY6SZq7SMFtWj7Vh5llH-GSN5Oj4i/s320/100_0424.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702642238939915362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uDGsoPhT9b9T3VUiBxy_DlCAI3Lfntb2BdATw1xKXy00ffWt2GQIaYViulhmcw8YuEA_APcHacHYeYS0dSqfCyHTiC7FyFhqD6LNfEtk7FSp85enBb1z_TtQjf4QBn_HNpEej4ma1B_M/s320/100_0427.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-7448664803141767012011-12-04T20:18:00.000-08:002011-12-04T21:55:36.115-08:008d5n Italy Tours (final part)<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Day 6 – 10th Nov.2011 Pisa<br />After breakfast we checked out and proceeded to Pisa, Miracoli Square, the location of the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii48zNUUmHdchQ3dKptuNzHE10XD3BPHRNogAJmpR9WvEojHvhtjasGV0k55zTsygVVctbtX65g39lkMYgKXh-6Au52UYzk2FzOsoY1z1l3FrA4RJjjE5ZzXit6UZlpxBPSzEpJYb6B6-d/s1600/100_1151.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682499787201962738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii48zNUUmHdchQ3dKptuNzHE10XD3BPHRNogAJmpR9WvEojHvhtjasGV0k55zTsygVVctbtX65g39lkMYgKXh-6Au52UYzk2FzOsoY1z1l3FrA4RJjjE5ZzXit6UZlpxBPSzEpJYb6B6-d/s320/100_1151.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Leaning Tower of Pisa </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHv7gQVA8BzTmrkJxllffZz1DKmcDs8JugdsEVVDNBi568lLjbwwpRxKDNZHB1O8ptX7Qocvbi9YTol-pWhvFIcuy6LcIiIJd3_GqMAzALf7hrDprVEbRfFwpcnCF_VMOZ0p-SGeH-mnq/s1600/100_1148.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682499799042602514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHv7gQVA8BzTmrkJxllffZz1DKmcDs8JugdsEVVDNBi568lLjbwwpRxKDNZHB1O8ptX7Qocvbi9YTol-pWhvFIcuy6LcIiIJd3_GqMAzALf7hrDprVEbRfFwpcnCF_VMOZ0p-SGeH-mnq/s320/100_1148.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br />Cathedral + Baptistery + Leaning Tower</div><br /><div><br />We spotted the statue of the legendary twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, as babies being suckled by a mother wolf.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xuEkd_QLxSBYOKg26WBZIi7IyhMDwheyzxwmqf0zpMgxx3SLIdZmvIMMWXI2DPQvDBq4B40xPGlXmnBYTKzJpYiBJY6KQsmzf0i6dVKNWBy_eRCrTVaZkWanSmhSJXtF7aawicehRV1F/s1600/100_1160.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682516911961110434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xuEkd_QLxSBYOKg26WBZIi7IyhMDwheyzxwmqf0zpMgxx3SLIdZmvIMMWXI2DPQvDBq4B40xPGlXmnBYTKzJpYiBJY6KQsmzf0i6dVKNWBy_eRCrTVaZkWanSmhSJXtF7aawicehRV1F/s320/100_1160.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mother wolf suckled Romulus and Remus<br /><br />There were a lot of souvenir stores near the square. We then continued our journey along the west coast highway to Milan. It was a very pleasant journey with scenic view of farms and hills dotted with residences on the slopes. The highway was built on a mountainous region but a comfortable gradient was always maintained by good engineering with countless bridges across ravines and tunnels going through ranges. It was nice feeling to look at vegetation in autumn manifesting various shades of green, yellow, orange, red and brown in the process of senescence. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnUiPMfIgnUzNKH3aQk8oR_xZ6dTw6f1gynbcWHcSh15EkpsI3OuSAeGaJvM4XbWdxaRXOcc3xJS1kwP9hi3hfEzPUz6HjsQTcsqXPVSX-Xy_18KHP9-VmRBFxWa1yjGTWPCiZfsS4SHC/s1600/100_1187.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682509192026395250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnUiPMfIgnUzNKH3aQk8oR_xZ6dTw6f1gynbcWHcSh15EkpsI3OuSAeGaJvM4XbWdxaRXOcc3xJS1kwP9hi3hfEzPUz6HjsQTcsqXPVSX-Xy_18KHP9-VmRBFxWa1yjGTWPCiZfsS4SHC/s320/100_1187.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Vegetation in Autumn + farm </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O2tTVIiMOYoijGqvj4yfLFqtf48hOHF-Hx1qT7OxZ4aEGt6ew_3aGe0mnQoYTi3f068u0xwEtWYql6cvXAXH5L7D4i8CVvjlbV7B-r_hwhtxiaiRvaKDRMKaHrZSs9078cbdofa9O_B1/s1600/100_1173.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682509183269694674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O2tTVIiMOYoijGqvj4yfLFqtf48hOHF-Hx1qT7OxZ4aEGt6ew_3aGe0mnQoYTi3f068u0xwEtWYql6cvXAXH5L7D4i8CVvjlbV7B-r_hwhtxiaiRvaKDRMKaHrZSs9078cbdofa9O_B1/s320/100_1173.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />A town on hill top<br /><br />We arrived at Serravalle Designer Outlet park where one could find stores retailing A to Z brands of shoes, bags, sports wear, garments, etc. Surprisingly, most of the products were made in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. After 4 hours of shopping we proceeded to Milan arriving for Chinese dinner at Imperial Restaurant. We checked in at our last hotel of the tour – Novotel Hotel near Malpensa Airport.<br /><br />Day 7 – 11th Nov. 2011 Flew from Milan to Abu Dhabi<br />Not long after the plane took off from Milan one could have a good view of the Alps covered with snow.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvIoZj1yYwtL_h2ADzgqb_HX-stno4vkSrxv-HrMmQYwv-xwEXvHvZy_Pf51UErn74g47aZnOxwfQcBYQkExGvwQtI3ZiTeCqSprK7J-jFCw8lDiVzAqvsM05oUexqJJERYP5a280TFuE/s1600/100_1213.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682509193681240690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvIoZj1yYwtL_h2ADzgqb_HX-stno4vkSrxv-HrMmQYwv-xwEXvHvZy_Pf51UErn74g47aZnOxwfQcBYQkExGvwQtI3ZiTeCqSprK7J-jFCw8lDiVzAqvsM05oUexqJJERYP5a280TFuE/s320/100_1213.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Alps viewed through the window<br /><br />on transit for 6 hours at Abu Dhabi Airport.Day 8 – 12th Nov.2011 Flew from Abu Dhabi to KLIA and back to Ipoh by bus – home, sweet home.</div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-46682670408376898112011-12-04T07:56:00.000-08:002011-12-04T09:06:53.755-08:008D5N Italy Tour (continued)<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>Day 4 – 8th Nov. 2011 Florence - Rome<br />After breakfast we checked out and proceeded to Rome which took 4 hours, and reached at lunch time. We had a simple lunch of plain spaghetti, pizza, salad and ice cream. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCqnUAb-vKBG8vQo5fP22j2aM13aGfq9AknmyxwsES7tR8h1sASrPlObdibm697Gi_NecEgDWcV8JRh8mfYHzy_PZu-bPqxXnPbvJ9ESNvG1qlH1E3zARHq1ZFeUaYsD30cVPDF1h1tkG/s1600/100_1035.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682309103350360034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCqnUAb-vKBG8vQo5fP22j2aM13aGfq9AknmyxwsES7tR8h1sASrPlObdibm697Gi_NecEgDWcV8JRh8mfYHzy_PZu-bPqxXnPbvJ9ESNvG1qlH1E3zARHq1ZFeUaYsD30cVPDF1h1tkG/s320/100_1035.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Plain spaghetti<br /><br />In the rain we toured the Vatican City, St. Peter’s square + Basilica, Coliseum, Constantine’s Arch, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Fountain.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpJGTMQSZFCOUUw4zx1n9pUnuWskbNFeR2dXrL_DfxItJ5NNmp1gtA0Em6KKK3rV0OSvqt6KBt1QSSFF98ZYrGruxuBrsKanPCQJJYHVmX0r174qvOXRR64dhXctpkwWi9qie6WboilPR/s1600/100_1039.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682309105597466386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpJGTMQSZFCOUUw4zx1n9pUnuWskbNFeR2dXrL_DfxItJ5NNmp1gtA0Em6KKK3rV0OSvqt6KBt1QSSFF98ZYrGruxuBrsKanPCQJJYHVmX0r174qvOXRR64dhXctpkwWi9qie6WboilPR/s320/100_1039.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzWHflsIv5xhCHSOQKmFwOGMC7qXMW1UXAu3jMegW7p_dUScxRq_Aw5NtQ5TtQ1bWra9qwTOCsHNYGxQIqYT6lqsos6meLaxwWnEQUlZOVx7REU-PdKFsYASJH3CgEyLCzuISsztPNph0/s1600/100_1062.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>St. Peter’s Square + Basilica in Rome </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzWHflsIv5xhCHSOQKmFwOGMC7qXMW1UXAu3jMegW7p_dUScxRq_Aw5NtQ5TtQ1bWra9qwTOCsHNYGxQIqYT6lqsos6meLaxwWnEQUlZOVx7REU-PdKFsYASJH3CgEyLCzuISsztPNph0/s1600/100_1062.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682309115298982930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzWHflsIv5xhCHSOQKmFwOGMC7qXMW1UXAu3jMegW7p_dUScxRq_Aw5NtQ5TtQ1bWra9qwTOCsHNYGxQIqYT6lqsos6meLaxwWnEQUlZOVx7REU-PdKFsYASJH3CgEyLCzuISsztPNph0/s320/100_1062.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipptDQZxuqBCmgYGwbECPW3JuP_PRzUkrJFI0URaGS5BdU-HJRikaazvJege4N6aLHvSjIKCxdWjV_Z-4Sqf6wD5UZjUpGEsSkfjrwFvN08lkTydvP4GHO0L0oM7OO-hELqJVpx2ZlFBB2/s1600/100_1063.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Constantine’s Arch </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipptDQZxuqBCmgYGwbECPW3JuP_PRzUkrJFI0URaGS5BdU-HJRikaazvJege4N6aLHvSjIKCxdWjV_Z-4Sqf6wD5UZjUpGEsSkfjrwFvN08lkTydvP4GHO0L0oM7OO-hELqJVpx2ZlFBB2/s1600/100_1063.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682309118262042130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipptDQZxuqBCmgYGwbECPW3JuP_PRzUkrJFI0URaGS5BdU-HJRikaazvJege4N6aLHvSjIKCxdWjV_Z-4Sqf6wD5UZjUpGEsSkfjrwFvN08lkTydvP4GHO0L0oM7OO-hELqJVpx2ZlFBB2/s320/100_1063.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Coliseum – outside view<br /><br />The younger group went shopping for branded handbags instead of seeing the Trevi Fountain. We had Chinese dinner before checking in Idea Hotel in Rome for the night.<br /><br />Day 5 – 9th Nov. 2011 Rome – Florence<br />After breakfast we travelled back to Florence. We had a photo stop at Michelangelo’s Square where one could enjoy a panoramic view of Florence City.<br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tlTUUQjFhflsbDg8Xqx0-J3QFDOoQi13g5PODEXOS4WUgB7SdA6WJhzLBN5nFlIPm0BDHwpkHqC4SfQqyQqUqoVqeg-giF91S2M5Cr3_GWnI_3mtLRTvQM0kpx-wEqG9bdDFfZK_XFQz/s1600/100_1091.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 86px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682314227507890818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tlTUUQjFhflsbDg8Xqx0-J3QFDOoQi13g5PODEXOS4WUgB7SdA6WJhzLBN5nFlIPm0BDHwpkHqC4SfQqyQqUqoVqeg-giF91S2M5Cr3_GWnI_3mtLRTvQM0kpx-wEqG9bdDFfZK_XFQz/s320/100_1091.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Panorama of Florence City<br /><br />We had a good Italian lunch at Fantasia Restaurant – a generous helping of pasta and spaghetti, a big chicken drumstick and baked potato, salad and fruits.<br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvnw5RTvaodfLYwEDO7X4u5MolXtwqDTuqcaUZuX2XvbFBUdm_ZixY48yOd-2iuTuyC4D4-J7Dpod0PwwLNmz_ubH5sJIz0a18BdadypYlI19N9uLWVC-yQA2EPjcAWIYYLFT3dEjBv37/s1600/100_1100.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682314232438404242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvnw5RTvaodfLYwEDO7X4u5MolXtwqDTuqcaUZuX2XvbFBUdm_ZixY48yOd-2iuTuyC4D4-J7Dpod0PwwLNmz_ubH5sJIz0a18BdadypYlI19N9uLWVC-yQA2EPjcAWIYYLFT3dEjBv37/s320/100_1100.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Pasta + spaghetti + minced meat sauce</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ReWgVrfIY77R0FbSK2QpBz0X5i9avobRxuYvr7mKPiIsAi_y-Nlc7VSdV5waeDJOqLrsocl6IJyZMZgBYbvzSuTYKWuLPX6tZFeybtJGmYhvEjpAF630ZIVSu2qHFZtuokQvInApDuAS/s1600/100_1101.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682314242800542818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ReWgVrfIY77R0FbSK2QpBz0X5i9avobRxuYvr7mKPiIsAi_y-Nlc7VSdV5waeDJOqLrsocl6IJyZMZgBYbvzSuTYKWuLPX6tZFeybtJGmYhvEjpAF630ZIVSu2qHFZtuokQvInApDuAS/s320/100_1101.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Chicken drumstick + baked potato<br /><br />Then we had a guided tour of popular tourist spots of Florence City – the Arno riversides, Holy Cross Cathedral, Santa Maria Dei Fiore Cathedral. The striking feature of the construction of that Cathedral was the colour schemes of the walls and floors were formed with pieces of marble cut to the exact size and shape. Admirable workmanship !<br /></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4Q_wVlb5swhSsJBoftE54OWePxf2sbaOfFC1jqUUxyMk2t5k0Tdwkl24pUFqCX-8qnIkQOegMU4EIhP2q9HDmPaoFI38VhN8Br2qGbZvWXEs8NAJULyg-FXVd93p1Rrrehyphenhyphenu784PJupG/s1600/100_1132.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682318377088875010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4Q_wVlb5swhSsJBoftE54OWePxf2sbaOfFC1jqUUxyMk2t5k0Tdwkl24pUFqCX-8qnIkQOegMU4EIhP2q9HDmPaoFI38VhN8Br2qGbZvWXEs8NAJULyg-FXVd93p1Rrrehyphenhyphenu784PJupG/s320/100_1132.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Santa Maria’s Cathedral<br /><br />After some shopping for souvenirs, handbags, ice cream, etc, we proceeded to Pisa, 2 hour journey from Florence. We had dinner at Peking Restaurant and checked in at Tulip Inn for the night.</div><br /><div>(to be continued)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-60015112472785702702011-11-27T07:57:00.000-08:002011-12-02T23:22:55.462-08:008D5N Italy Tour<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>8 Days – Whole of Italy<br />5th – 12th November 2011<br /><br />Day 1 – 5th Nov.2011<br />We flew Etihad, Airlines of the UAE, from KLIA to Abu Dhabi, on transit for 3 hours, then from Abu Dhabi to Milan. We touched down at 7.00 am Italy time on 6th Nov.2011<br /><br />Day 2 – 6th Nov.2011 Milan – Verona<br />A tour coach picked us up at 8.30 am and took us to Milan City to visit the Duomo of Milan (Cathedral of Milan) – the World’s largest Gothic Cathedral, built in the 14th Century, which took more than 400 years to complete. The cathedral is a forest of stone pinnacles, flying buttresses, & more than 3500 statues and one could get a fantastic panoramic view of Milan from its roof. From the cathedral square, one could see the Opera House, Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aOt9AXt0dORvxNMRIxQTNdVnTqflfCTOCpWDHeQ99KoxO5_u9LVV4CfTtCH1z7zXyP20YX338sdAuMVltvRb6F1L8RpKv-yfTJNrUewVV7dY0FDP5pxZ-u21n6HeLAyfsTt7RAvSTTj4/s1600/100_0977.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680010107024854898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aOt9AXt0dORvxNMRIxQTNdVnTqflfCTOCpWDHeQ99KoxO5_u9LVV4CfTtCH1z7zXyP20YX338sdAuMVltvRb6F1L8RpKv-yfTJNrUewVV7dY0FDP5pxZ-u21n6HeLAyfsTt7RAvSTTj4/s320/100_0977.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Duomo of Milan</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00FnU4uQKqt2FW_GC43W2G688fOKYK0gPvlGkzCmo1mCljD_rQysRYfnG0mjKjJCx2TQUQsYmCpQXT3skrB3VBbrf4wbT0RRxpTGMEb3VKEZvYWH09TY9TUcN9dLXPOAV9Jbm2ijcSQUZ/s1600/100_0968.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679996347930052466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00FnU4uQKqt2FW_GC43W2G688fOKYK0gPvlGkzCmo1mCljD_rQysRYfnG0mjKjJCx2TQUQsYmCpQXT3skrB3VBbrf4wbT0RRxpTGMEb3VKEZvYWH09TY9TUcN9dLXPOAV9Jbm2ijcSQUZ/s320/100_0968.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Interior of the Duomo</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-2QYquEwp0XVN1_dpe91KKJtTbGq-XXrma92yg3yQtK3T3mP2AMnVlT9kfaEclhbICRIKQVibUNq-cMM6043rNcLx_Ka4tvI5UUsbaPyLCfhUa1di7WBOy59uJnTANIY3Z2gn7H_hJL_/s1600/100_0975.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679996352572016594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-2QYquEwp0XVN1_dpe91KKJtTbGq-XXrma92yg3yQtK3T3mP2AMnVlT9kfaEclhbICRIKQVibUNq-cMM6043rNcLx_Ka4tvI5UUsbaPyLCfhUa1di7WBOy59uJnTANIY3Z2gn7H_hJL_/s320/100_0975.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II </div><br /><br /><div>We were attracted by an old man ‘basking’ with his saxophone. He blew ‘Summertime’ and ‘Speak Softly Love’ rather sadly expresse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig02nSyHMBh7RQ_K4IeeS1_veTokF4z4nCwyT0PFTrMtQ9NfwaWH2UwgQLBQUlNlqj7R8FeZniqkvOhlUlrnpctcKF1ZYDZudfhy0IH8XkpnV3lTBbz-G-vv2uAFKzoiuY20H0ng9NZWQh/s1600/100_0987.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679996365886253858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig02nSyHMBh7RQ_K4IeeS1_veTokF4z4nCwyT0PFTrMtQ9NfwaWH2UwgQLBQUlNlqj7R8FeZniqkvOhlUlrnpctcKF1ZYDZudfhy0IH8XkpnV3lTBbz-G-vv2uAFKzoiuY20H0ng9NZWQh/s320/100_0987.jpg" /></a>d. Connie thought he deserved 1 Euro.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br />“Summertime”<br /><br />The square was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE_FW0yLaZj-H1zMRObUmXnjboBYmo0DRXT8WreNZiah8v_ksrORUVPTEzFxL2mquk_6eqWZzUdZKoYu2s-XTHc0LFTMwiKWY-Fp6jGUZ1xDKNKEZ_JcA6G7xLUfbg5e9ML-393-vSZRt/s1600/100_0981.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679996366787742690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE_FW0yLaZj-H1zMRObUmXnjboBYmo0DRXT8WreNZiah8v_ksrORUVPTEzFxL2mquk_6eqWZzUdZKoYu2s-XTHc0LFTMwiKWY-Fp6jGUZ1xDKNKEZ_JcA6G7xLUfbg5e9ML-393-vSZRt/s320/100_0981.jpg" /></a>full of tourists as well as pigeons crowding near tourists who fed them grains.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br />Pigeons expecting some grains from Connie<br /><br />We had lunch at a Chinese Restaurant before proceeding to Verona,169 km from Milan, to visit Juliet’s home. Juliet’s balcony was exceptionally popular for snapshots. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWrHIR3FgthRwAUTwWNAZOmhCOFEd6p_xQocHP915bwwlhAv78YKnmsQ05rsMcgwi0tc-lXlXAhUv05XvHhJNrSTovNGJPb_WLOHmGuT8TwSNy0ST8Fu8BtdLp8-_XtdMs9jpW3kZn3Re/s1600/100_0992.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680010114074556274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWrHIR3FgthRwAUTwWNAZOmhCOFEd6p_xQocHP915bwwlhAv78YKnmsQ05rsMcgwi0tc-lXlXAhUv05XvHhJNrSTovNGJPb_WLOHmGuT8TwSNy0ST8Fu8BtdLp8-_XtdMs9jpW3kZn3Re/s320/100_0992.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Juliew at the balcony<br /><br />There was also a ruined remain of the Arena.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHokhLUOOFlzFvwfKjBNzET4Jz0SsgqQdiY-rOlDJf8elA-SFLvuUo-sA2jzfOAQSOBxPhrqVimZ42UErFpsWuxGYkO4xehLUseKhuUB07F2B9udfrAOgaTFWZAgnfQLX4HRXrJtrTIJa/s1600/100_1004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680010115851393842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHokhLUOOFlzFvwfKjBNzET4Jz0SsgqQdiY-rOlDJf8elA-SFLvuUo-sA2jzfOAQSOBxPhrqVimZ42UErFpsWuxGYkO4xehLUseKhuUB07F2B9udfrAOgaTFWZAgnfQLX4HRXrJtrTIJa/s320/100_1004.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Arena<br /><br />The younger group of ladies preferred shopping for branded handbags. From 4-6pm we travelled to Venice and had dinner at Choong Hwa Restaurant before checked in at Novotel Hotel for the night. It was a very tiring and torturing start of the tour.<br /><br />Day 3 – 7th Nov.2011 Venice<br />Morning call at 6am, breakfast at 7am, and checked out at 8am. Proceeded to Port Tronchetto to take a boat toVenice. We had a gondola ride @25Euro/head for 30 minutes only.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryD-QqYOtiKRDGsVLoii8h7ADX_zddqdMxNbBDlB5H43LyJSB-P9saanE12XzQZeLYxG9MS-TOE9QAackGn7LbyDTVqDpARGQlsmcMu5pHcG9jJ2DE3zWFmqypbN2v-9JmF0IrXFh0wE-/s1600/100_1011.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680010127585500258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryD-QqYOtiKRDGsVLoii8h7ADX_zddqdMxNbBDlB5H43LyJSB-P9saanE12XzQZeLYxG9MS-TOE9QAackGn7LbyDTVqDpARGQlsmcMu5pHcG9jJ2DE3zWFmqypbN2v-9JmF0IrXFh0wE-/s320/100_1011.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Gondola ride<br /><br />A Chinese lady tour guide took us for a walking tour of Venice to visit popular spots of Venice – Doge Palace, St. Mark Basilica, St Mark’s Square, Bridge of Sighs, and a glass making workshop.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HXn1pwXkSF7LW9Se0yiJzm3mIAA9UIxIGFxcW2ahYoxQazFKNnaiv4Nwvi9jjvn_MAmt06NsTPvzkHEIgHPb8cm9fczYds5L0dclEljlQ3Inq_036CyIgc0bqafh7dEjQhs-gqdyK7l5/s1600/100_1008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680010133443525602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HXn1pwXkSF7LW9Se0yiJzm3mIAA9UIxIGFxcW2ahYoxQazFKNnaiv4Nwvi9jjvn_MAmt06NsTPvzkHEIgHPb8cm9fczYds5L0dclEljlQ3Inq_036CyIgc0bqafh7dEjQhs-gqdyK7l5/s320/100_1008.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />St.Mark’s Square </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbadAVDP0jlvYF6rK1N9HPzjAzj7-D-gCMldKhIRzrgm6QI6p3921Gbd77HcgOQkw5sKkU3vhpnfIoueMI1mrxNNOcO38SDL2fgSQ_p73bziDCCZdXrFqjTvQY0ttUxmzN9zo7sYbPX-E/s1600/100_1017.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680268166110219970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbadAVDP0jlvYF6rK1N9HPzjAzj7-D-gCMldKhIRzrgm6QI6p3921Gbd77HcgOQkw5sKkU3vhpnfIoueMI1mrxNNOcO38SDL2fgSQ_p73bziDCCZdXrFqjTvQY0ttUxmzN9zo7sYbPX-E/s320/100_1017.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>St. Mark’s Square viewed from the sea<br /><br />After that it was free and easy, shopping for souvenir, branded handbags, etc. For lunch we had squid ink sauce spaghetti. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5AjrZtNqJEAsnoBJQQgwbHRAJgcSAFgmeiqa7MjsZzFKhjFedgDGMRIXGctiE3UUVdqXPoZczWyVCG-ASpboR0fVqp6iKXwtwTCH-qAxHmN-7niqrnoA7XGyJTMFM4dgb0nUYdAAJwcK/s1600/100_1023.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270480490396770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5AjrZtNqJEAsnoBJQQgwbHRAJgcSAFgmeiqa7MjsZzFKhjFedgDGMRIXGctiE3UUVdqXPoZczWyVCG-ASpboR0fVqp6iKXwtwTCH-qAxHmN-7niqrnoA7XGyJTMFM4dgb0nUYdAAJwcK/s320/100_1023.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Squid Ink sauce spaghetti<br /><br />After lunch we went back to Port Tronchetto and continued our journey to Florence which took 3 ½ hours. We were just in time for dinner at Hua Qiao Restaurant. Then we checked in Hotel Croce Di Malta in Florence which looked old outside but modern inside.</div><br /><br /><div>(to be continued)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212311973340237928.post-63347424443786166242011-09-10T05:51:00.000-07:002011-09-10T08:36:24.814-07:00Phuket tour by bus<div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Hatyai-Krabi-Phang Nga-Phuket (5D/4N) 31/8/11 – 4/9/11<br />Super VIP Bus tour organised by Cai Shen Yeh Tour and Travel, Batu Gajah<br /><br />During the Merdeka / Hari Raya Puasa holidays, Connie and I joined a tour by bus to Thailand covering Hatyai, Krabi, Phang Nga, Coral Island and Phuket. The group of 30 consisting mostly of senior citizens from Batu Gajah, Pusing, Bemban, a young couple from Tronoh and a cute little girl of 2 years old brought along by the grandma and grandpa. The journey started at 12.05 am on 31/8/11 and reached the Thai border at about 7.00 am. We were greeted by our Hakka speaking tour guide, Mr. Lee Yew Choy from Betong. From then on there was never a boring moment for the group because he was able to keep us entertained with jokes, songs, stories, riddles, common words translation from Chinese to Thai which sounded vulgar in Hakka. On the whole, the tour was interesting, good food, good company, comfortable hotels and happy shopping, but the ending was rather distressing because the bus broke down just at the custom check point at Sadao, delaying our journey home. </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650718284462637586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PPAS96pVEQ6rGU3p0MEJKt-utr-ihQGdclbJFTAyowks_Dyy3y_fXsCPlzpE996K8e_d_kXg2TOjSLAoJ91VWRTV8ClvNI13Vo0IG-wRbYVTsGbqbu4gfrGygWWQ75poGfWzIUPUtVcQ/s320/100_0877.jpg" border="0" /> <br /><p align="left">Tour guide Lee Yew Choy singing<br /><br />Highlights of the tour.<br />a) Day 1 -31/8/11- BG to Krabi<br />On the way to Krabi we stopped at Emerald Pool – nicknamed mini Juijaigo (China). It was a disappointment because the pathway of wooden planks were in the process of replacement with concrete slabs. The beautiful part of the waterfall was not accessible.<br /><br />We arrived at Krabi at night, checked in Heritage Hotel to pass the night. Krabi is a tourist town, full of activities at night.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650741429581603890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbR3TjBQCo5wwaWH-e4KSIuTwV6IS0O68khuOqzxmJIYU1iaQwsHiob-WkWb9kC9Gc9dKju4RuTHcZSWwUwM1ZBml3y4anxqCUBEq1dPg5REsRePNpRg1uFeScqEQaJgaw9JGFYCUIyKm/s320/100_0855.jpg" border="0" /><br />Restaurant at Krabi </p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650741440334893410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtmrYTJszYwlIXQI3uBBgtvR7QA4hXMTGW0lw-XkZeT0TJaJRd5AHBSMoXKrEDZfu3yrtt8-mjq7W5tiPukJFgxOUc7_TzNCH3nUIUxbfh9tv356BRcQWq_O4Ldo05SqhDbOIoGQ78ftH/s320/100_0858.jpg" border="0" /><br />Heritage Hotel we stayed<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650741442922120306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fzUzcyyq7Ak1cxyjZYj3AGKvlIqNLCYwkbxP7n3tjCMdACpmfc63ND_5gmD6gGwGGGHFRF1ngq7FItAohPHKm0JjdChSDHmcOz74gg7g_vF275rLdiTs4wwBNXXmPiGhVobT0BtpcEW9/s320/100_0859.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Our tour bus<br /><br />b) Day 2 – 1/9/11 - Phuket<br />Cruise to PhangNga National Park to see two famous islands, Khao Ping Kan (Hills leaning against each other) and Khao Tapu (Nail ), known as James Bond Islands, in the Andaman Sea. Passed by a Floating Muslim Fishing Village with a few hundred families.<br />A Muslim Community – beside fishing they are also operating Restaurants for tourists.<br /><br />The boats went through a sea tunnel before reaching “James Bond” Islands. From the crowd gathering here and the number of souvenir stalls, one could conclude it is a popular tourist spot all because of the 007 show – The Man with the Golden Gun, filmed here in 1974.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650725958842667762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1fz-KYr9XGdiIXdPNU7wiGG9ZVoRFNF24QjoSziD61WjD8fwUMHY5j8eEEs0fCCrJHSXSU8YIrpWxT1y54RQO83JX3_kS3CSFmryeJHojqeY2thDTTouYN0QoHjhD9N-yq_PhHySJWmg/s320/100_0883.jpg" border="0" /><br />Sailing through a sea tunnel<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650725962971953778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2qyg3bDXsMWGQmlFyWEP1q-LGf8ejOyPN3g02CCYvlJ9x8sWkin2QGTT8snMQ-4QdX3zp9UQhdvIIZeMm7iGNqlFA47f0Y9BmL5B0BvNEgqwh1ZcXp60P5e-N0cFO6o1cKmgOOcj9UJN/s320/100_0890.jpg" border="0" /> Khao Tapu - boats and ships were prohibited from sailing to this bay.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650741447728603330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHMB20tRvVVQXEeGqY5TjX3ZC_bIUuWfFFK9evLoNap1qyiriSqFVZBGId8spvF3jJ_Q0pvwopGsVh6znavERNRHQeJ2lYa9aUfoLPjxVdIvvTqXW1wo0V71imLcgHjYw7BFKqhhcI-SG/s320/100_0902.jpg" border="0" /><br />Khao Phing Kan <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650741465791942306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jl_xKiejKKiAxNfgQBIOT-9ARZCxrxi0ndnVqvHYBm3q9yyuS9RPKVgQItLW4rilUYrv-wt1v5Hbdetqa0ACT4wb5WjJZ5kFHN1kBRIHgN8Fmk2GX5clQNVS3-2fKJzdmraVyVkFOofN/s320/100_0895.jpg" border="0" /><br />A geological mystery – how it happened ?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650725974264757602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRJmUeSOkfkuO5d1s6EfNBsBEnzZjRJQuMCFmYpAjf_TXJNME47rCcIdoIAy2dMxfLU4I4QXtYyTfcYV9E09AAB9l52c9Nji0bqwPz89RAsJqeoIElycaiYJn0_ouNYMW4nZEhJ5bL2cY/s320/100_0898.jpg" border="0" /><br />Look at those souvenir stores.<br /></p><br /><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650725979666850978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hH4v2puE1cAWi-fsWAVtb78invxTfLyRKG26KP5vwtQXfnTW5zQ1wyXwW_TUsmEmt3YXLMf6CltGVETiAIi7rofTaAdkaQNSmNWLc1mj6irwPt44Q2N-cW8HWyDqVKroCgDgRz19RbRI/s320/100_0900.jpg" border="0" /><br />Lee Yew Choy our tour guide.<br /><br />Visited a Gems Gallery with ISO 9002 certificate- claim to be the biggest jewelry factory in the world.<br /><br />Arrived at Aloha Villa, the hotel we stayed for 2 nights at Patong, Phuket. After checked in, it was free and easy to explore Patong and its night life plus some shopping. Patong is quiet and sleepy in the day but bursts to life at night till morning.<br /><br />c) Day 3 – 2/9/11 - Phuket<br />Visited a Buddhist temple before tooking a speed boat ride to Coral Island for swimming in crystal clear water on white sand beach. Other sea activities available were snorkeling, parachute sailing, scuba diving, coral watching on boat, etc, all come with additional charge. We wanted to try out parachute sailing (RM70 per minute ) but the crowd saved our money.<br />After coming back from Coral Island we had a nice buffet lunch at Thai Naan Restaurant<br />( > 50 dishes )<br />Next stop was the Laem Phromthep Cape on a hill where we could get a beautiful sea view of the Andaman Sea.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650731352765896722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOy4a2G4ClbRBjdvbHattempcOjBKojVxC7XhSvfcIElhcTNnLrTPhIKtlNyAsKEJ4ZaNrO9lAWIZdnFrkeQ62zLhHPnw5fQialTuMVAsAcXvp7rl21iNKzm85XQNVEkMu3mfWqJgsXg4/s320/100_0911.jpg" border="0" /><br />Connie says “I can fly!”<br /><br />Then, we proceeded to the Snake Farm which houses various types of poisonous snakes. After watching a snake performance we were introduced to snake products. Products from this snake farm included antidote for snake bite, pills for rheumatism, aphrodisiac from snake penis, plus other magical cures.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650731353346669218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FWcTm6SmuOk7csxYgLhR9MX2wMcm5O3sijjXnDEJoCYnJcRcgjdIuYLM36hpgH4C8PF6pYsyQtG2Ry6QCEE_Z995eV1VbR5RUbpwIZqtxUmVMm3DasC2OIK7rD-ewm9QTtlTw8srLR6v/s320/100_0914.jpg" border="0" /><br />Playing with cobra<br /><br />Next stop was a pearl factory<br /><br />The best item of the day was the FantaSea Show – a variety show of 75 minutes consisting of magic, circus, cultural dance, wayang kulit, etc. Strictly no picture taking in the theatre. Our cameras, hand phones, and video cams were quarantined till the show ended. Even Disneyland do not impose such a fuss. The location is a mini Disneyland with buildings of fanciful architecture and colourfully lighted at night. Entrance fee of RM165 comes with a grand buffet dinner in a ‘palace’ just before show.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650731357818094818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb8NHzLSqei16MzS8uq-9Ho1T8Lxzv8z17k6koM_3E6CQ84_U0v28vlIWaJ6HHJOeWTwUK1NnxVGthbRaNyUdSgkDZjqWS3EXHm-FNz8q9FFmb9PtHyaRe6Dzyxq60Z8z5BLCfNuS1Llj/s320/100_0917.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>Imitation of Khao Tapu </div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650731365220279442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0EQ_GoyMZH9Jg18lSJqTzJ20Tpx9lzrJo1x_8qX0iP_SRE_wymAF-Pk2cUE4HSQIA8UFL1MSbFC5kW0PLjeq9AlJTHhtLPYyf1IlqVJgIEJoKQdcxlBnYq5F7wQdMsXGIdaX90iqpscL/s320/100_0924.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>Buffet dining hall, like palace </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650746837660507330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYBYR-QTG6PviLo3jV85Nn3rY-hA-DINyfyKwGsnD5c6prTAwUbcXT4titD6ECXspuJCx_eduJEhcWmKSQIgirAiWYWwWd16qYiJlx91jy-_cqUG7cRp7-0E89bsG33Xy2fxn0tklNWdX/s320/100_0928.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>One of those fanciful buildings<br /><br />d) Day 4 – 3/9/11 Phuket – Hatyai<br />We left Phuket for Hatyai.<br />At a slope, the bus ran out of fuel. Our journey was held up for one hour. We stopped over at Trang for lunch.<br />Arrived at Hatyai, had dinner before checked in V.L. Hotel. It was free and easy for everyone – shopping, massage, sexy show, etc </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650746841185561234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecpFL-Dh-Zg8PJrGDXXqh3NGawcS-dtVkgAaNZ1Zbq8Ofyc-PO3eBcOpSlKK-hOTmrQ1MsMrC_fNvKQT7CVt_UYnFR-ITN1gbixUVO7cxvrnp9eG5sikbav6pxjcF3cTDOeiUPwbhgEeP/s320/100_0934.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ice cream block with durian flavour we enjoyed<br /><br />e) Day 5 – 4/9/11 - Depart Hatyai to home – a bitter but memorableA journey.<br />Arrived at Sadao custom check at 5.00 pm, the bus stalled for the 2nd time, again ran out of fuel. This time it was more serious – battery gone flat and starter coil burned. While waiting for the rescue bus from Ipoh to come, our tour leader’s wife spotted a bus passing through without a single passenger. She ran after the bus and managed to stop her to ask for help. The two bus drivers were young ladies ! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650746845621364002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93sK_VUAafYwdBXhYOHYrWLu5fTA7SzpKEAwmwto4YyWkIsE0WRdUESoEe60JnAkQQzabneZVukQMYkIEdgYfmY3CBgHtrSG883Jb0szjPKqwFvGskZPA5wMrOVOtvm8eBoe19hMoygtz/s320/100_0936.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Transferring our baggage and goodies to another bus at Sadao Custom check<br /><br />We were relieved to know that we would not be stranded at the check point till midnight. We stopped at Alor Star for dinner then to Juru to change to the rescue bus from Ipoh, arriving home at 2.30 am. on 5th September 2011 with sweet and unforgettable memories of the tour. </div>chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10909775686494492988noreply@blogger.com1