背包游记- 曼谷城中游

补充了一整天的体力， 今天就要开始流浪之旅的曼谷城中游了。

感谢神， 昨晚住宿的酒店为我upgrade房间， 让我有一张很大很大的床， 翻来翻去都没有问题。哈哈哈，还有我最喜欢的浴缸。早上很早就醒了， 赖一下床， 然后起身慢慢享受浸浴缸的滋味。

差不多八点多了， 就收拾好行李， 办登出手续， 要踏上这征途了。

其实， 这一趟的流浪记， 是没什么计划的， 随手拿起地图， 看看城中介绍， 然后就去了。 城中介绍中排首位的， 就是皇家宫廷了（Grand Palace）。

来到曼谷，有一点绝对要注意的就是， 别以为搭电单车会比较便宜, 其实最方便又便宜的是打车，以距离为单位的出租车。他们绝对不会乱开价，不会杀价，针表跳多少就多少。而且， 其实可以省了超过一半的价钱。

我很感恩的是， 我打上了一个会说英文的出租车司机。那位司机大哥的名叫 Diamond, 能操一口流利的英语。他还让我介绍了曼谷，以及建议我的观光路线。真是太感恩了！

原来， 满谷游是很方便的。旅游景点都在步行距离中， 停一个站，就能走好几个景点了。首先，我去了睡佛庙(Sleeping Buddha Temple)，据说是最大的睡佛吧， 然后坐的短距离的游艇到对面的Wat Arun, 佛塔庙吧， 还能顺便体会曼谷江河。 然后沿着河边的人行道一路走， 满街都是摆小摊的， 形形色色的摊子都有， 还蛮有意思的。 这人行道的尽头就是皇家宫廷(Grand Palace)和玉佛庙(Emerald Buddha Temple)的入口了。 这里的入门票超贵的， 400 Bath 一个人， 不过还好是蛮多东西看的。在这里要注意的是，别相信外面店里的衣服出租， 这里面就有免费的衣服出租了（因为进入这里，必需衣服端正， 短袖短裤全都不行）。

走完这里，也差不多快中午时间了。 再去一趟国家博物馆（National Museum）， 那我的旅程就可以告一段落了。国家博物馆距离这里有三四公里吧， 如果还有体力的，不妨慢慢走过去吧。 如果打车去，肯定不过50Bath。

由于这趟旅程的焦点是Pattaya Beach， 而满谷只是其中的暂停站， 所以我就直接去了Victoria Monument 那里的巴士站， 坐巴士到Pattaya 了。出租车才110Bath, 而去Pattaya的巴士也才97 Bath. 廷划算的。

就这样， 我告别了曼谷， 多两天再回来观光漂浮市集（Floating Market) 吧。

心得：总觉得曼谷有好多好多的庙， 去这几间就够了呗。几乎都识曾相识， 看多了反而就觉得腻了。而，城中的商业区， 就应该与世界其他各大城市的商业区类是吧， 很大的商业广场， 高高的建筑物， 世界各大品牌的商店。。。。。我个人还是比较喜欢文化类的东西，有个人民族代表的东西。

CNY Bali trip

    It is the season of celebration, and season of family gathering. It is Chinese New Year, the biggest celebration of all Chinese on the earth. As for me, this is the only time for all the family members to gather once a year.
   As for this year, we had come out with a brilliant plan of family trip during CNY. Since, we are just a small family, not much relative in hometown, and CNY is the only time for people like us doing business to plan a getaway, to close the shop for few days without any customer complaint. So, my elders brother, Peter had decide to bring all of us to Bali for this CNY trip. However, only Cyron the second brother couldn't join us this time. This is the sad part. Anyway, It was so great to be in Bali for my very first time. Although I had been travel to quite some place, but this is my first time to step on the land of Great Indonesia. Bali island is a very famous tourist spot in the world, and it attract a lot of Australian and Japanese through out all the years. There are more than 50% of foreigner in the down town compare tot he local, and you can really felt the Baliness scent in the air.

   One of the most attractive culture here, is the Hindu religion culture background over here. Bali is the only place in Indonesia where 90% of the local is Hindu. Not like others place in Indonesia, most of them are Muslim. What interesting is, they really kept a lot of historical site in a very original way. Although I am Christian, but i'm really attract with the heritage of their Hinduism culture, and it is so different from the Hinduism in Malaysia.  Due the this cultural influence, you can found a lot of great temple in Bali, such as Bedegul and Tanah Lot. This 2 are the most amazing and pretty temple U had seen in Bali. the Holy Water Temple is something very different temple, where a lot of local people actually purposely went there to take a bath, pray, offering and receive blessing from their master.
   Bali is also a volcano island, which make it so special. There are 2 main volcano on the island, and the last time where the volcano blow is just 2 years ago, but it was just a small one. These present of volcano, actually make the ground very rich of mineral, anything you plant you can get it, and is very good. unfortunately, my trip is too rush for me to hike up the to volcano, so I only manage to look at the volcano from far distance. Yet, this had capture me. And for this, I promise myself to come again next time to climb up the mountain.

 

   The food here is very different from Malaysia. As said before, this is a Hindu island, so you can found a lot of pork on street. One of the most famous food here is Baby Guling, which is the roasted pork. Don't get it wrong, it doesn't serve like the pork chop, but rather it serve like the chicken rice in Malaysia. All different part of roasted pork fried until very crispy, and serve with rice together. Yum Yum yum~~~ and also Crispy Duck, which they called Bebek there. These 2 is the MUST TRY food when you are in Bali. If you miss it, you miss the great of Baliness food. Others bali food such as Besok (meat ball), roast corn, gado-gado, port ribs, bali satay........all are very delicious also. Not forgetting the fruit there, due to the rich land they have, all the fruit grown there is very delicious, juicy and sweet. I especially like the Bali durian..haha...
    Since Bali is an island, it never disconnect from the beach and sea and water activities. Bali is a very famous surfing spot in South East Asia, and the wave is very strong. It can really goes up the 2 meter or higher, said the local there. During my 3rd day there, we went surfing for the whole day. it was great, and really fun. I manage to surf on the wave, fell like drift...hhaah...not forgetting, Bali is quite a famous place for diving as well. I had my 1st wreck diving experience in Bali, Tulamben. a 3 hours driving journey from Kuta beach, where i stay.
   There are also a lot of place for people that like to shopping. There are lot and lot of shop over here. I had been walking around few days, still I felt that place I been is still too less, there are still many place with lot of different shop here to be explore.
    Bali is an amazing place. you can really found anything you want here. Mountain hiking, safari exploration, temple and historical site, diving and surfing, shopping and food hunting, relaxing and spa,  extreme game such as water rafting and jungle trekking.....anything you want it, there is here...it is really amazing, and it suit almost every stage of people.
    In short, this bali trip is really amazing. not just because of the island itself with full of different activities to suit different people, but also the fellowship of family during this festival. We travel together, sharing together, and play together....it was really great. Although we only manage to gather once a year, but the trip bond us back together, connect as a family member again. When there is family, there is home.

吴哥（Ang Kor Wat）欢迎你！

柬埔寨一游，让我的世界奇观之旅的目录上又多添了一个项目。
吴哥窟，简称吴哥，是我这趟旅程中最大的收获了。
它，与中国的万里长城，同列新世界的奇观，又的说是世界七大奇观，有的说是第八奇观， 无论如何， 她都让我为她感到惊叹。简单说， 太有意思了！一新新人类的语言来说，就是'哇噻'，'酷呆了'。
踏入这古城的一霎那间，我就开始兴奋起来，感觉上都充满活力了。第一站，吴哥的微笑，让我不禁对这古迹充满兴趣。不单是她的规模大小，更重要的是她的历史背景。相较与文明的建筑物，这些古迹绝不逊色，而且更胜一筹。没有洋灰，铁钉，瓦块，的时代，她们却更鲜的突出。
吴哥窟的其中主要景点也包裹四面佛庙，还有一个被千年树木'蛀食'的大树庙（我朋友是这么称呼她的），都非常值得去参观，去了解。
至于购物呢？我还是劝大家，要便宜就不要在吴哥窟里购物了。虽然还是蛮便宜的，但晚上去 Siam Reap Town 的夜市逛一逛，你就会找到更便宜的了。吃也一样，平时一餐要一美元的食物，在旅游景点区就要三美元。

当然，来到了异乡，就不妨多吃当地的特产美食。这趟旅程，我可为收获丰富。吃了成形中的鸭蛋，鸭仔蛋；炸蜘蛛，香脆又甜蜜；烤蛇肉，有点象肉干的口感；生吃小螃蟹，有点噁，腥味很重；炸甲虫，炸小蚱蜢，蛮香脆的，完全没有虫虫的味道，就像吃零食一样。
其实，人类的心灵是真的很脆弱。古代的人类不想今时，没有很多的物质最求，所以心灵特别空虚。而当人类心灵空虚时，他们就会想尽办法填满这空虚，于是走向灵界的敬拜。因为人类有灵性，而且脆弱，他们需要一个能用肉眼看的到的偶像来填满这空洞，于是用他们的智慧建出了当今许多的文明古迹。。。埃及金字塔，柬埔寨吴哥窟，斯里兰卡的sirigaya。。。还有圣经中的巴别塔和今牛犊。。。
其实，真神不住在人手所造的，也不能被人约束；真神应该是无所不在，随时随在的。他就在我们身旁，在我们心里。

Everything happen in accordance...

Everythingg happen in accordance, everyone on street might heading to the same destination, every stranger can be a friend, any people can become a light to others.
The agenda was happen like this...
On the night when I back to Seoul, i get the information from the tourist information center regarding the Spa around this area. The lady officer recommend me to Siloam Sauna, which is located near the Seoul Station. However, I was missing my direction on the street while looking for the Siloam Sauna.
In a sudden, when I was still searching for that place, a French old lady came to me asking if I can speak English (most Korean doesnt understand English). Following, she asking me if I know the direction to Siloam Sauna. Amazing isint? 2 stranger, both foreigner, met on street, and looking for the same place. Well, since both of us having the same destination, we tag to each others. We were blessed as not long after that, we manage to get someone who are able to show us the direction, which is actually opposite the direction where we came from.
Here, the second agenda rise. While both of us walking pass the Seoul Station, a Negro young lady crying to us, asking if we can speak English. She is totally frustrated, losing control, and couldn't get help from others, she had standing there asking for help for half an hours, yet she couldn't found one. In fact, she was just looking for help to get to a destination, but she couldn't communicate with the taxi driver, thus none of the taxi driver willing to fetch her.
She came to us, but both of us don't speak Korean as well. I was actually thinking of calling Hywyoon or David to help to make the interpretation, then I realize I keep the card of the tourist information center in my wallet (this is only because the card is nice). She had a korean phone, so we can just use her phone to call the center, and ask the operator to help to do the interpretation, and talk with the taxi driver. Finally, she happy went on the taxi. I can see her emotion turn from helpless and frustrated, to peace and thanksful.Wow.....thing happpen in sudden and in accordance....

What actually I wanna say here, is...GOD is really amazing. I am just no body, but still He take care of me, and use me. If I not missing my direction, I wont met the 1st French lady; If not I like the design of the card, I wont take the tourist information card, then I wont be able to help the lady on street. If I didnt miss my direction, everything would had change and different story is going on. Missing direction, doesn't always a bad thing. I love the words in Bible, everything work in accordance and together, for the benefit of those who love GOD.

Nami island

Anyone that know the famous korean drama " Winter Sonata", should know Nami Island, the place where this heat drama is taken. In fact, this drama actually make this island become famous.

Since there are few people recomment me to come to Nami island, I decide to come back Seoul 1 day before just for Nami island. I was really glad and thankful, that I able to booked the last seat for the bus to Nami island at the day before departure. God is really amazing, He never dissapoint me on my journey, and prepare everything that I need all the time.

Hmm...how should I describe Nami island? It is gorgeous, a earthly paradise island on the middle of river. Although, I came in the wrong timing, but still it is nice for visit. Goshh~~ I should really visit here last week before most of the leave drop. haha...But, I still found the bold trees had it's beautiful as well, just learn to appreciate the difference of beautiness of it. Some part of the island, you still be able to found the yellowish trees along the path.

It is a really relaxing and enjoying day, a day of immerse myself totally in this big nature, in the wonders of His hand.

I was glad to see David and Hyeyoon again for the dinner. Since I will be leaving tomorrow, this dinner is consider a farewell dinner for me as well. We had shabu shabu near their university. Since both of them seen getting busy now, I don't really wish to go further place, or bother too much of their time. We had a great dinner, perhaps the best dinner I had in Korea. We shall meet again next time, in MALAYSIA....haha...that time will be my treat.

Guang Ju, Damyang, and Daejeon

Just realise I left too many empty spce in this korea journey, these few days had been busy and couldnt found a place to stay which provide wifi service.
basically, these few days had been to Guang Ju, Damyang and Daejeon. However, honestly speaking, there is no much place to visit in these few place, but Damyang is great to have the bamboo field which I found it quite worth and interesting.
However, I would love to take this opportunity to thanks to few people in Guang Ju, which had been very nice to me. First, the worker in the jin ji bang, a very young guy, probably around same age with me. He had given me too many hand. I stay in the same jin ji bang for 2 nite. the first nite, i ask him for the wifi password, but he dont really know. So, he asking here and there, search here and there, after an hour, finally he got the password for me, then only I can online in Guang ju and update my pic. The second nite, I was actually asking him of where can I find a laundry nearby, but there isint any laudry at here. So, he asking permisson from the boss for me to make the laundry, he help me to find a place to hang the cloth, and go to find a few hanger for me. I was so embaress with him. I keep on saying sorry, then he said he felt very happy to help me oso. i was glad, and really give thanks for all the help he given.
The second people, is the pretty lady in tourist information office of Guang Ju. This lady was very nice, she help me to sarch a lot of information, and give me good guide of where to go, where not to go. Damyang is the place recommend by her, and I glad i went there. Then she also recommend me to go Nami island, and look for the information of Nami island on internet for me. raelly thanksful to her.
Then, a nice guy i met on the bus station when I took the bus to Damyang. Since I not really know where is Damyang, and not even know where to get down from the bus, he help me to take to the bus driver, and ask the bus driver to drop me directly at the bamboo field. At first, i was just asking him direction, but end up we have a few chat on the bus. He was impress that I travel over korea wihtout knowing a korean word.haha...

I spend my Sunday in Daejeon, the main reason I went there is because of Deonne, a girl I knew years ago from my blog. This is the first time we meet, and it is in korean. Both Malaysian meet each others for the first in korea, is the amazing? haha...anyway, I went there because I was thinking of going to the church she attending on Sunday. Since it is Sunday, sabbth day, I dont really planning to travel as well. So, I spend almost the whole day in church, attending the church service in chinese, then following her cg to hiking, then went to bible study group with her, and in the end having dinner with her church member. This is basiccaly a very relaxing Sunday, day for GOD.

Day of hiking in Geumjeongsamseong fortress and Beomeosa temple

After a long rest in Dongnae Jin Ji bang. was greet by the fresh breeze of chilly morning wind. It is a great day for a hike!!
Without any knowlewdge of what is in Geumjeongsamseong, I just went up to the bus and get there. Was really blessed, as I looking at my tourist map, the lady sat beside me notice of my innorent, and she asked me of my purpose going there. Initially, I not even know Geumjeongsamseong is a place for people to hike, cause there is nothing said on the map, only with nice picture and direction to get there. The lady was very nice, she told me about the fortress, and guide me to the direction to get to Beomeosa. Now only I know I can get to Beomeosa from here, go through the mountain. I was actually plan to come see the fortress, then take a bus back and go to Beomeosa...Interesting! haha...God is wonderful, HE prepare the best for me before I had plan my trip.


The hiking journey was never easy, it is very hilly along the road, and the road condition wasn't good. But the scene was great, the air was fresh, and the voice of nature was very

harmony, birds and some tiny creature singing to each others all the time.

It took me around 1 and half hours to get to the north gate of the fortress. which is the nearest gate to Beomeosa temple. There is another branch road at the north gate, which lead to the peak of the mountain, 800 meter high above sea level. However, I dont really feeling to hike up there, it will took me another 2 hour. So, i just keep forward to the temple. There are 2 temple along this road, Beomeosa and another anonymous, both are located on the half way to the fortress. But I actually like the anonymous temple more than the famous Beomeosa. I belive it must be very difficult for people to hike up there, that's why it is not famous as compare to Beomeosa. However, after visiting so many temple in korea, I felt myself get saturated with temple, all look similar to each others, only the size matters.

Not forget to mention, I accidentally met the 2 pairs of old couple from Hong Kong again at Beomeosa. We were so suprise as we see each others, in chinese we said we very have " yuan fen". They take a cab back to the metro station and ask me get on their cab together. hahaa, wishing that we will meet again in the future, as we already met each others for 3 time inaccident.

city of Tradition and culture - Gyeung Ju

Gyeung Ju is a world cultural heritage city rich in thousand years long history and tradition, and was recognise by UNESCO as one of the most historical city in Korea, there were many of heritage left from the Silla dinasty, and were embedded in strong Buddhist environment and culture.

Was actually plan to explore Gyeung Ju with Deonne, but in the end she couldn't make it, so I just have to travel by my own again. There were 2 pairs of old couple from Hong Kong taking the same bus with me to Gyeung Ju, and we went to Buguksa temple together.

I am an adventure lover and very energitic. so instead of taking the shuttle bus up to Seokgurum temple, which is on the top of the mountain, I choose to hiki up a 2.8km mountain road to there. It was crazy and tire, but were filled with great satisfaction and achivement. The scenic along the road was amazing, especially the changing color of the maple from green to red. it took me a whole 2 hours to hike up and came down.

After that, I went to some of the others famous spot in town, all in walking distance. Anapji Pond, Nati0nal Museum, Observatory tower, and Royal tomb. In summary, only the National Museum is worth for visit, a lot of cultural history knowledge was gain from here, and the building on museum is spectacular as well. The others was not really good, although some were the land mark of Gyeung Ju, I dislike the Royal tomb the most, nothing to see at all, just a big hill which look like a tomb and were protected, thats all. Wonder why we pay to visit something for nothing.

Was plan to overnight at the Buman lake, but change my plan as the original plan had changed. So after the great meal of Beef rip soup and baby crab kimchi, I took the bus back to Busan, as I wanna to go to the fortress walk on the next morning.

all about Busan

leaving Seoul and came to a totally new place, Busan. Although, this place had been heard for a long time for it beach and film festival.
Had been here for 2 day, and almost finish everything that worth to visit here. So, basically I can say that Busan is a small place and can finish visit in 2 days. In deed, in a very relaxing and slow step, as I walk most of the time. Had visit Jagalchi, PIFF, Yondosun park, and Taedaejong on the 1st day, and overnight Taedaejong Spa, which is a very good and luxury Jin Ji bang. Oh ya, not forget to mention that, i met 2 young malaysia couple in Taedaejong Park, when they ask me to taking pic for them. I actually recognise they are malaysia on the 1st sight after I heard their very Malaysia english: SO Mah Fan!!........haha...we hav some chat, but couldnt have dinner together...
The next day, I took a bus to YongKungSa temple, which is very nice. The temple were build just on the cliff beside the sea. Then went to Haedong, nothign much to see at the beach, as Langkawi beach are LOT better than here. But the journey to Apex buidling was a good walk. SInce time still early, I decide to walk all the way until Gwangwalli Beach, it took me about 1 and half hours. But still, notihng really interesting over there. I am a bit dissapointed, as I heard too many good thing about it. Still, Langkawi beach a lot better than here. The only scenery here worth to see is teh Gwangan Bridge, is also called diamond bridge, as the bridge is light on in the night, very nice.
Plan to visit the fortress tmr morning, which mean I had cover almost everyplace in Busan.
So, in my conclusion, Seoul is a lot more better to visit than Busan, 2 day is enuf to walk through the whole Busan.

Seoul-day 4- Relaxing Hang Gang park walk.

Back from the Jin Ji Bang this morning, and everyone was so tired. More over, today is saturday, is weekend for everyone, so we decide not to have a heavy travel and have a long rest this morning.
Have a rest until noon time, I went to have lunch with Hyeyoon family together. Her father had treat me with a wonderful full set of korean tradition food. 20 side dishes include kimchi, oyster,tofu, dik bug guk, dessert, cold noodle, and many more. It was a very full lunch, and everyone was very satisfy.
Me and Hyeyoon went to visit the parliament building after the lunch, while others went back home for a rest. Nothing much to do, we have a slow walk along the Hang Gang river while chating, time flies fast and we had walk for more than an hours, take a sit and hot coffee at the riverside coffee house, and continue all the all until the end. i think the walk had around 3 to 5 km. It was a great exercide after the full lunch.
There was a topic shock me in the conversation with Hyeyoon, I just found out how blessing is Malaysia high school student. In korean, starting from elementary school, they have to go to school in the morning around 8am, and back to home at least 10pm. can you believe that?? They have school from 830am to 3pm, then have to stay back in school for study until 10pm every weekdays. So pity of them....
Anyway, we finally reach home by 6pm, walk in the park for 5 hours long....but it was a relaxing day.
Hmm...there is a strong feeling along the walk in the park, and this feeling always get back to me whenever i am in the park. The feeling of Victoria's life, relaxing and lay back life.....There were so many in the park cycling, roller skating, playing baseball, putting kite, fishing, picnic, dating, partying, playing some korean games.....a wonderful weekend for everyone. I suddenly felt sad that, back in my home town, although there are park yet not really utilize by the people. Everyone is too busy to share such a wonderful time together.
it was early in the night, but it was a relaxing day. traveling should be like this, slow tempo and enjoying each moment in sharing with others.

Seoul - Day 3 - Lotte world, Lantern Festival, Jin Ji Bang

David was very excited to show me around Seoul, and since Seoul have some great amusement park, he strongly suggest to bring me there together. Honestly, I haven play in amusement park for 10 years, time flies fast and I couldn't remember any of those childhood memory in Genting Highland. Hyeyoon has a meeting for her volunteering work in vietnam, so she couldn't join us, that is too bad!
Anyway, we both were blessed a lot. The admission fee for Lotte World was initially 30 dollar, but today were in the promotion period for the BC bankcard holder, which allow us to get the ticket for only 10 dollar, which is just 10000 won. This is the cheapest price ever for a big amusement park. Both of us know nothing about this, until the ticketing ladies ask if David had a BC bankcard. Are we blessed? or it was just coincident to come on the right day? You judge it.
We had a lot of fun time together, playing more than 8 kind of extreme roller coster. The most tiring was the spinning cup, we spin too fast, and I almost get threw out after that. In fact, I am almost immune to extreme game like this, not scary, not afraid, but it was tiring of log Q up at each of the game. Is just feel like the time had twist back to 10 years ago, when we were small; now that we getting older, happiness had become more complicated, not more merely candy and game. But it still nice to see so many small kids running here and there to catch up the play, making me feel even less energitic compare to them.
We meet up with Hyeyoon after dinner at the Lantern Festival in the evening time at Chengguk Cheung, the famous stream in Seoul. David orders some very good korean food for me, very special, pork back bone cook in korean soup. very nice. I would love to try this again anytime.
Once again, I am blessed. The lantern festival is just start today, and this was the 2nd lantern festival since last year. In associate with G20 summit in Seoul, the theme of this year Lantern festival is promoting World peace, with a lot of lantern representing each country that participate in G20, UNESCO, and also introducing korean culture through the lantern. It was nice to have 2 korean with me, telling me the fairy tale of each of the lantern as we pass by one by one. You could never know the meaning of the lastern without someone telling you, and you will not be able to enjoy and appreciate it as well if you dunno the story behind.
It was late when we reach home, around 11pm. As promise before, Hyeyoon's mother bring me and Hyeyoon to Jin Ji Bang - steam room. I was really amaze by the Jin Ji Bang over here in Seoul, it was so good and the facilities inside was more than completed. Before going into Jin ji Bang, everyone have to be naked in the shower room. but the shower room is not just to take shower, there are suana room, steam bath room, hot tube, and a complete jacuzzi set inside. I went into Jin Ji bang to meet with Hyeyoon and her mum after clean up, and we went to steam together. There are different kind of steam room, salted room, wood room, cave room....and few more...each with different temperature and they believe each of the room have different function which help to keep your body healthy, the salt and wood room can provide mineral for skin to have a better skin. I was too tired, after 1 round of steam room, I felt asleep while just resting. We stay in the Jin Ji Bang until next mornign 7am. Incredibly, I lost 2 kg in just a night. I weight before and after as there was a weighting machine in the shower room. However, it was too bad that I didnt bring my camera along, as I thought it is not allow to take picture inside, infact it is allowed.
I feel so great today, and it is such a relaxing day!

Koraen - 2nd day - Great Palace and great fellowship dinner.

After the full korean breakfast with Hyeyoon and her mum, we went out together to catch the bus and subway. Hyeyoon had a lot of worry, and a lot of concern, so she send me to the subway where I can take the direct train to GyeungbukGong, then only she went to her University to attending class.

It was amaze to see the splendor of GeungbukGong, the largest and oldest palace in Seoul. 1st was the GuangHuaMun, which is the front gate of GeungbukGong. The Royal Guardian of the palace standing in front , very serious, not even a movement for few hours. A lot of tourist taking picture with them, yet they never move, never smile, just standing there looking around with their static head.

I am blessed, as it was just the right time for chinese language tour to the palace, my tour guide is a Korean whitch can speak chinese very well, Miss Kim. She told us about the history of the palace, design of the palace, and introduce us some of the great emperior in Korean History. I found it was interesting, without the explanation, the tour in GeungbukGong will be just a sight seeing without leaning anything. The design of the building in palace is a great knowledge, which they actually have this knowledge 600 years ago. It is very difficult to explain the architecture work over here, to know more, ask me and i'll tell the story with the picture tgther.

The scenery inside GeungbukGong is comparable to its hsitorical value. I was told by Ms.Kim that this is the best season to visit, as the trees and leaves just start to change the color, full with yellow and red.

In fact, you will found that there are a lot of similarity between the ancient culture between Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. All using the 12 horoscope, have the same tales of " journey to west", using "si xiang ba gua", believing the same ancient creature of Dragon, there are still much more alike...

After GeungbukGong, I walked to Insa-Dong, which is told by my friend is a worth place to visit. I was initiall thought that it will be a cave or something like that, but it is actually a cultural street with a lot of commercial activities. I have my lunch there, eating korean Ramen, but the taste was very similar to Malaysia curry maggi mee. hahaha....finally found some food having malaysian taste. I am not a shopperholic, so Inso-Dong is not a place for me.

Take another walk to ChangedeokGung, it is good, but not as great as GyeungbukGung. In fact, all the palace in Korea look similar, with same design, just having different history. I would suggest people to go just GyeungbukGung, others palace had loosen their splendor if you had been to GyeungbukGung. There is a Secret Garden at Changedeok Gung, but I decide not to go in, as my leg start to get tired. I just take a rest at the road side, and eating some Korean street food. I dont know what it's call, but it taste good.

Last, went to DongdauMun, which is the biggest wholesales market in Seoul. They have a lot of thing to sale over there, and the compartment is very clear. Shoes street, fashion street, cosmetic street, food street, utilities street.....is very clear and very easy to find the thing you want, and it is cheap compare to others place. In others word, it is like Chi Cheong Kai in KL or pasar malam. For ladies, you can found a lot of cosmetic and skin care product over here, in very reasonable price.

We had a good gathering at Gang Nam, which told by David, it is the entertainment city of Seoul. There are a lot of people at night, a lot of pub, bar, disco, restaurant, game station...all you can name it. This is the first time for Dennis to have a gathering together after they come back to Korea, and he said I made tham together. We went to have some very good Korean 3 layer pork barbeque, which is a very popular korean food, and then went to a bar to have some drink. You must try So-Ju in Korea, it taste perfect with the pork together.

It was a tiring day, yet a lot of happening as well. I had a very good time with those old friend in Canada, and it was great to see them again. Sharing about cultural different, story in canada, and our story back in home.

Seoul - day 1

It had been a long journey yesterday, came out from my home 7 in the morning, and reaching the Soul of Asia-Seoul at 10 in the night. It was great to see Hyeyoon again, as she coming to pick me up, and I am going to stay at her place. Suprising me, her parent are so welcoming!! they were very nice people, keep on worry about me. And they giving a lot of guide on where to go and what to eat in Seoul.
Her mom made some very good Korean breakfast, korean sticky rice with beef and kimchi, I love it and ate 2 big bowl of it, haha!! Hyeyoon have a whole day class today, so she left the house early in the morning, her parent were off today and going to play golf. They send me to the Subway station at Dongjak, and her mum gave me her Pass to use for the subway and bus. I was very thanksful.
Following her mum recommendation, I went to Nam Sam park and the N Seoul Tower as the first destination. Nam Sam Park is beautiful, the weather is cold( chilly yet not freezing), and the air is very fresh. It remind me a lot of Canada as I walk in the park, the nature, air and weather. One of the best part about this park, is the public washroom, this is the best I ever seen. A public washroom with trendy design, full with scent of flower, and even with peaceful classical music playing in the washroom. It was amazing to see how good is the public welfare, and it show the civilization of korean nows day. However, many were told that this is just a mask to welcome the G20 that is going to be held in Seoul.
Went to NanDaemum, a street full with commercial stall and market, crowded with people. It is big, and i almost lost in side. Then to City Hall and Deaksugong. I was bless, as starting today there were a booth in front of Daeksugong witch offereing free korean tradition custume for poeple to take photo and experience it, also due to the G20. then to Myeng Dong.
Meeting David at their Univesity, and we having dinner together. It was great to see him again, talk a lot with him before we going to meet Hyeyoon. He is very nice, accompany me all the way from 6 to 11pm.

Day 25 of Cycling Journey - Niagara Falls to Toronto

22 May 2010, shower rain and cloudy

     Time had finally come to the end, I had successfully accomplish my journey all the way from Quebec city to Niagara Falls, but I wont bike on the same journey for the 2nd time. I will just easily take a bus back to Toronto this time, no more biking, and is time t have a good rest day, is the 1st time for me to just sit on bus and waiting to transport the another place.
     I am the 1st one wake up in the room, as usual 630am, then stretch a bit and go to clean up. Try not to make too many sound to wake others up, I clear my thing and get out from the room. I want to visit the Niagara in the very early morning.
     The morning of Niagara is huge different from that of the night, is quite and every shop is close. Especially when I am in the main tourist area, no one is coming here in the early morning, they were just back from the party. Biking around the town and found there are quite a lot of buffet breakfast over here. The breakfast buffet is cost only 7 bucks, and you have bacon, eggs, potato, pan cake, waffle, yogurt, fruits, sausage, cakes, eat as much as you can. But, they don't serve with drink, which the drink will cost 3 buck. Anyway, I have both, the food and the drink, and I eat for 5 round..until almost 10am, I think I eat too much...Ooppss!! haha...but not as much as the Japanese buffet I ate few days ago.
     It was suddenly get a heavier rain when I still biking around the town, and I just get in one of the 5 star hotel over here. Sit down in the lobby, and take the news paper to read, and play shoduku on the paper. It still raining outside, so I just keep on staying inside and reading my book. until almost 12 noon. I head right away to the bus terminal and get back to Toronto.

 

     There is actually nothing else I really wanna visit in Toronto, but it too early to go back house and doing nothing. So, I went to the Toronto Convention center. I actually do not plan to come here, just pass by, and found that there are Korea exhibition in the convention center. I went in and found there are a lot of people, and a lot of event. get the ticket, and you can try a few kind of korean food, just have to queue up for quite a long time. I have time, why not. I get fried glass noodles, dumping, and korean salad...and try a lot of korean product drink, the banana milk is damm nice!!

     Then, I went to the horbour front again, and found out that there is an festival today, for kids...there are a lot of event for kids, drawing, kayaking, lego building, comedy show, easy circus, balloons game.....and of course a lot of food as well. Seeing kids all so enjoy the atmosphere here, I also can catch their joyfulness. After that, walking around China town, and also Kensington market. There are very merry, very crowded and you can get a lot of cheap stuff over here.
     Was actually planning just to surf on internet then go to buy some bun to eat, but suddenly Rafeal send a hi to me on fb, said that he is in Toronto. So, I just went out to meet him, with his friend from Quebec as well. They are here in Toronto just purposely want to try a Japanese restaurant called- Guu Izakaya. This restaurant is not far from my place, 5 min biking distance. They actually on the way to Niagara for the vineyard trip, because they taking the course of learning how to taste wine, and his friend is the class president. The others member will go to Niagara tomorrow by bus, but they fly to here today, to try this restaurant, then will go to Niagara on train tomorrow. Amazing isn't it?
     They were both drunk when I saw them, cause they had been drinking since 2pm, due to the lose of Canada Montreal ice hockey team in the game. Rafeal was shock when he saw me, he said I become very tan than before in Quebec. We drink Sapporo and hot Sake, it was nice. Then go inside to have the main dish. They do the ordering, I just eat. They don't really know what to order as well, so just ask the server to come out what ever she think is good. We have 9 dishes, and it was so Great!  I have to admit, this is the best Japanese restaurant I ever been, they don't sell sushi or sashimi at all, sell only those elegant Japanese food, which not easily found in normal Japanese restaurant, all in small portion but is super nice; and the restaurant is crazy, everyone sitting together on the long table, and when there is people come in or go out, everyone in the restaurant greet them, by yelling, and i this single night, we had sand 4 birthday song in the restaurant, everyone singing...lolx...it is insane! Now, I can understand why 2 executive chef from private club want to come all the way to Toronto just to try the food...it is really good, more than good, it is great.!!
     I had a great night with Rafael, he is the 1st I saw in my journey in Quebec, and he also the last I will see in my journey. How great is it? This put a good fullstops to my journey, better than I can ever imagine.

Day 24 of Cycling Journey - Toronto to Niagara Falls

21 May 2010, Sunny and Hot.

  
( these are the 2 picture I like the most of the Falls, 8pm and 8am picture )

     The times had finally comes, the next destination will be my final destination, Niagara Falls!! The distance from Toronto to Niagara is actually 120km, but since I using the Waterfront Trail, it take me all the way to Niagara on the Lake, then only to Niagara Falls, it actually took more than 150km, which I believe is more than that. Today the wind is calm, the road is in very good condition, and I don't have any luggage at my back, so I go all the way in full speed, top gear for the front and rear, but still it took me 8 hour at least to reach there. My last journey, yet the longest journey.
     And guess what, today is very hot, the sun is so strong. I take off my shirts, and biking topless for 6 hours or more, not just because it is hot, but because I want my body to be as tan as my hand also, to make it more uniform. Some people are looking at me when I bike across the town area, but they don't really care. This is CANADA, not Malaysia. haha...
    Anyway, the trail was company by great view along the Ontario lake, a lot of beach, no traffic, a lot of park, and also a lt of vineyard when I reach Niagara region, is like more than 20km of journey is along the vineyard. No wonder people said: it is a compulsory to visit vineyard in Niagara, and go for the wine testing as well.
    I glad I finally reach Niagara before the day get dark. My leg is almost paralyze when I reach Niagara, biking too hard for too long, I loosing feeling of the leg. But the view of the Niagara Falls had rewarded my journey, it feel worth for everything you had done to get here. Just sit on the field, and drink a pop, rest for a while, looking the crowed from all around the world to come here just for the falls, you feel amazing, awesome!!
    Niagara Falls is one of the 7 wonders of the world, and it catch the most amount of waters from more than 100 of rivers. It separate US and Canada, but you only can see the beauty of Niagara Falls in Canada, surely not US. I was impress and amazed, when saw how much water it fall from the top, and the power of the falls cause such a huge amount of mist. you can even get wet when you standing just beside the falls, the mist raise from 50m height to hit you. Can you imagine that? what can I said? Awesome, Awesome, and Awesome.........the wonder of God's creation is so awesome.
    I was actually plan to just overnight by walking around here and find a 24h shop to rest inside, if I couldn't get a deal for bed. When I came to Red Carpet Inn motel, he was actually giving me 50 dollar per night, then we bargain and he give me 30 dollar per night. This price is actually reasonable enough, then I ask him where is the Hostel International, then he said he actually have dome room if I want, just for 10 dollar per night...Wowow...why not?? that is the cheapest deal I ever heard. I paid 10 dollar for a bed in a motel, with tower and hot bath tub...the room were 6, but there are only 3 in room. I think I am blessed. hhaha...

 

    I even more blessed, when I went to the reception to ask for tourist information, I was told that tonight there will be the 1st night of the open air concert and fireworks....this event is just start, and only on Friday and Sunday. My timing is just right at the time, not too early, not too late....I'm glad i am here at this time. The firework really nice, short but nice.

    The tourist area were so merry the whole night, even until late 2am still a lot of people on street. This is an unusual phenomenon in Canada, usually everything go off before 11pm. All the themes park, the museum, the haunted house, the skylon tower, everything is until morning. I not a big fans of themes park or museum or haunted house, I just like to seeing thing, seeing the culture, the atmosphere, and especially when I am travel alone. Something is only fun when you were with others, not by alone. There are different when you travel with others and travel on yourself.
     I took my dinner at 12 midnight in a chinese restaurant, just because I have the desire to eat rice. But, it was sooooo disappointing. I ordered a beef fried rice, and it was the worst fried rice I ever had in a restaurant. The whole fried rice have only a few beef, and few green onion, a egg, then the rest is just rice, absolutely nothing else. and the taste is only soya sauce, not salty, not sweet, basically is no taste. I pretty sure most people can cook a lot better than this, and I for sure can make better. Really, dont eat chinese food in Niagara, Never!!!
    

Day 23 of Cycling journey - Toronto

20 May 2010, Sunny

    Today is unusually hot, just like in the summer, it is 23 degree today. What I doing today is basically, just relaxing. Do nothing much but just relaxing. Sun bath at the urban beach for 1 hour, laying down, let the skin feel the warmth of the sun, yet it doesnt hurt or burn like the Malaysia's sun.

 

    Bike to Ontario place, then found out that it is off until the weekend, then stay there to take my lunch at the park. Went to Tim Horton to get an Ice Coffee and stay at urban beach to rest. The take the ferry to Toronto Island, and rest again. A slow slow day, a real holiday. Toronto island is pretty small, but also pretty nice. A lot of people went there just to relax, biking around the small island, rest at the beach, or picnic at the park. No one is rushing or hurry there.
    Have a dinner with Gefei at the Jazz bar. I have my first Nachos, it was so good and so hot, yet I cant stop eating it. Then come the burger, which likely is the best burger I ever have. I really like the burger, using Italian herb bread instead of normal burger bread, and the burger is cover with cheese and mushroom. It taste so good...!!Yummy.. We drink a beer, but Gefei start to feel dizzy, maybe due to tiredness of the work.
    today is just relax, and embracing the leisure of Toronto-ian. There is actually nothing much to see in Toronto, if you dun like shopping or museum, the only thing left is the CN tower and relaxing in park and harbor.

Day 22 of Cycling Journey - Toronto

19 May 2010, Sunny

     Went to University of Toronto- UoT, which is the 1st location pop up in my mind. It doesnt look like a university at all, look more like a small town, and the building were jut so similar to others big building in Toronto. UoT is very spread, the building is not concentrated at a place, but surrounding the parliament building and Queen's park. It is very huge indeed.

     Royal Ontario Museum - ROM is the biggest museum I ever been, as I can ever remember. There are a lot of different kind of museum inside it,Asia, Europe and Canadian, 1st people, Mineral, Dinosaur, Animals, Bats, Contemporary arts.....I spent 3 hours inside the museum.....although it is impressive, but I only can say "Oh", after that. I think I get almost saturated with Museum. Too many Museum in this journey, too many similar thing. I dont think I wan to go any others museum anymore after this.

    Biking around Toronto, went to Eaton Center and all the way down to the harbor. Gosh! I love the harbor very much, a lot of people walking around there, doing exercise. What most impress me is that there is an urban beach over there. A man-made beach in the mid of the deck, and a lot of people just laying there for sun bath. So relaxing, is feel like in Hawaii. I also laying down at the bench beside, and sun bath also for a while. I wish that my body color and balance with my hand. My hand get too dark during this cycling journey, while my body look white after compare with it.

    Drinking a Ice Capp from Tim Hortons, and an apple pie...under the sunny day, yet the sun is not strong to burn my skin...I love it....!! a lunch with great view of the Ontario lake, and there are always some flight take off at the air port on the Toronto island.

    Meet with Gefei after his work, then we go to CN tower. The tallest building in the whole North America. Not the highest, but is 100m higher than KLCC twin tower. 557 meter high, that is incredible! When we were on the top of the building, which is 443 meter high, that is the 1st time I can see the earth is in curve. We wait there until the sky get totally dark, enjoying the changing color of sky from redish orange to dark, and the light bulb from the street and building on the city, it was awesome! And, do you know that, CN tower is one of the 7 wonders of modern world? Me and Gefei decide to go to the others 6 wonders in our life time tgther..haha....hopefully we can do that.
    Toronto, simply said, is a highly urban city yet with lot of recreation park and harbour for people to get out from the tense of boring life.

Day 21 od Cycling Journey - Port Hope to Toronto

18 May 2010, Sunny

     It was so surprise, when I there is a paper bag on the table when I turn back, and Katherine told me that is for my birthday present. Wow!! She is such an amazing lady, so nice to me. All the present, is so design for me, is give specially on my need. I like you so much, Katherine..haha...

( The Stir for me to cook, the book about what am I gonna be in 5 years time, the card with blessing on my bike tour)


( Katherine and me while she sending me off, on the road)

     I follow the Waterfront Trail, as suggest by Katherine and her members from the bike club. It was a very nice road to take. One thing good about travel on bike, is the you never go on the highway, instead using the back road or the country road. The waterfront trail is design specially for cyclist, and the scene along the road was amazing, so nice, so natural. This is what that never make you get tiring on the bike, because you enjoying the journey. Honestly, this is the best route I ever take on this journey. Again, have to thanks to Katherine for print out all the trail for me, so I wont get lost.
 
    When I reach some place near Oshawa, I saw a lot of people over there, and police officer were there also, road is blocked. I was wondering what had happen? There are strike, an legal strike organize by the worker's union, because the company try to take away the pension of all the elders. Well, this really have nothing matter to me, but they have free hot dog and pop for everyone, just Q up and you will get it, why not?? hah...it was 11am, and is almost time to have lunch after 3 hours of bike. Really glad to have a hotdog and pop...haa..
    I reach Toronto at around 3pm, while waiting Gefei finish his job at 5pm, I went to The beach, and the 1st thing I think about is Ice Cream. Sitting at the bench, eating Ice cream and the zuchini cake made by Katherine, looking at Ontario's lake, it was so awesome, so relax. When the boss ask me how far had I travel, I told her 130km, she was shock!! haha...she havnt heard I biked for 160km yet....but, today is a long journey yet feel so short, because of the great scenery along the way.

     Gefei work and stay just right at the middle of Toronto Downtown, working with Cancer Care Ontario. It is easy to find his place, and is very convenient to access to anyplace in Toronto, because it is so near to all the hot spot in Toronto. We back to his place, arrange and prepare something, clean up my self with the cold shower ( the hot shower is run off), then we went to have dinner.

Day 20 of Cycling Journey - Port Hope

17 May 2010, Sunny

    Arrange by Katherine, I went to have a mountain biking with Sue, using Katherine mountain bike. Sue was an older lady, age of 56, but she is very fit in shape, and still very active, do a lot of out door and extreme activities. Mountain biking for Malaysian, maybe will just thinking of bike in forest, nothing special, but that was totally a wrong perception about mountain biking!!
   This is the 1st time i have such a kind of biking experience, it was amazing, fascinating, extreme, and so fun!!!! Mountain biking involve a lot of up hills and down hills, and bike on soft sand, you have to learn to balance your self during climb up the hills, and during high speed down the bumpy hills. This was an amazing birthday gift for me. Sue was more than double of my age, but she mountain bike a lot faster than me, I have to chase her with all my strength. But, still a lot of time I lost my balance and fall down. She is an awesome great lady, the pedal doesnt fit in my shoes, so she drove me to 1 of their fellow in the biking club, Rob, and he change a pedal that fit my shoes clip.
     We had 2 and half hours of mountain biking, done around 20km, 3 or 4 loops, but that is alrd a tiring day. I really enjoy mountain biking a lot !!!!! Thanks Katherine and Sue for all the effort that make my days so meaningful.
     Had a rest, and went to help Katherine to do with her garden. She wanna to clear the grass in front of her office today, so I volunteer to help her together, so we can make thing done earlier and easier for 1 person. She not kind of person that will ask ppl to help, but I love to help. This is one thing that I learn, dont always wait others to ask to help, go and volunteer to help before ppl ask you. They will appreciate your effort, and you gain more when you giving out.

 

     I had agree to make a good dinner for Katherine today, and since it is my Birthday eve, I also wish it can be a good meal for myself as well.Beside, is my last day in Port Hope, I wish to treat Katherine with a very good meal as well. Katherine has some salmon, and she love salmon a lot. So, I decide to make a ginger baked salmon, with asparagus sauce that I made myself, with dressing of Ceaser Salad and Fried Asparagus with Fettlehead. I had learn baked Salmon before in Victoria, and I wish to make it more special this time. So, I mix the ginger with maple syrup, made the paste to baked the Salmon, with some season of red wine vinegar, lemonade, garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese and fresh Basil. Katherine and I enjoy the meal a lot, and I really love it as well. It took me 1 hour to cook everything, but I really enjoy it, especially when you cooking for people that will love your meal. i even try to arrange the meal in very nice way, think that I had quite good of culinary art as well...haha....How was the look? Homemade thousand Island sauce for Ceaser Salad and Homemade Asparagus sauce for the salmon, it was perfect combination...
    Katherine made a cup of espresso for both of us, and serve with zuchini cake. It was a good supper or dessert. We had a almost 3 hours of meal, from dinner to dessert, non-stop of eating. But, we really have good time together.
    Tomorrow will have a long ride to Toronto, following waterfront train. and will meet Ge Fei there. Have to prepare to rest d.
    Happy and Blessed Birtday, Leon!! May GOD always grant me with Peace, Joy, and Love!! that is my Birthday wish.

Day 19 of Cycling Journey - Port Hope

16 May 2010, Sunny Sunday

     Have a great rest yesterday, and woke up 6am in the morning. I think both of them were still on the bed. It was Sunday, so I went out to the backyard to do my devotion, read bible, read the devotion book, meditation and pray. The air was so refreshing in the morning, the grass was so green, the sun was so warm, is like everything, every natural in Port Hope were greeting me a good day.

     I made the yogurt and coffee myself, while waiting them to wake up. Having some chat with them, then prepare myself to church, and visit around this little lovely small town. I went to the First Baptist Church, this was the 1st time I went to church service during my biking journey. I felt like being back to the home, so warmth heart, so belonging. When the song of praise were raise, it hold my spirit up as well, the desire to worship is deep inside beneath the bottom of heart, especially after you had experience so much of grace and mercy. A lot of brother and sister came to greet me, and bless me for my journey, although it seen a bit of crazy to them.
     The whole noon time were so short, I were just cycling in the town, a very slow cycling just to see the town and take picture. I really enjoy the light burden, so relaxing, so down to earth, feeling so right at the moment. It is surely a good way of spending a Sunday, just to make yourself back to the mother nature, seeing the masterpiece of natural work.
     Katherine had done a fabulous work for me. Help me to plan my journey to Toronto, following the water front trail, which I was planning to take the number 2 highway, she said is very busy and dangerous for bike. She mail her friend to ask opinion, and print out the route all the way from Port Hope to Niagara Falls for me. Not just that, she also called her president in the cycling club to have a mountain bike trip with me next day, and borrow me her good mountain bike as well. Arrange everything for me, so that I could enjoy Port Hope to the optimum.
     We had decided to have BBQ steak for the dinner, but Katherine is sick with steak, so she had her chicken. Claudie bought some sausage also, a true sausage, not wiener that we found in Malaysia, which taste a lot better. This is my first time to eat a bake Asparagus as well, with squash  and salad as well for the side dishes. We even have tea and chocolate as dessert later after the dinner. It was a great and full dinner. 
     I am really blessed, really glad, to have Katherine and Claudie here in Port Hope, to host me on my journey. Although she keep on saying I am her hero, for doing such a long journey, no planning, with big laptop, with forehead wind......but, she is my angel, that give me blessing on my journey.