I’m an avid cruise ship passenger
-logged over 5 months on the high seas on 25 cruise holidays in the Caribbean (East, West and South)
-cruised from San Francisco down the west coast to Mexico
-cruised Asia from Singapore, through South East Asia to Mumbai
-cruised the Mediterranean from Barcelona, through France, Italy and Tunisia
I’m a car passenger
-drove from Toronto down the east coast to Florida countless times
-toured the Grand Circle from Las Vegas, Nevada through to Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico
-drove the west coast from San Francisco down to Los Angeles
-hiked all the national parks that I could along the way
-shopped all the outlet malls that I could find
In Fall 2010, I spent 19 days traveling from Toronto to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket and Singapore.
Spring 2011, I plan on visiting with the King at Graceland.
Contributions
Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong
Created on December 19, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterLocated on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong between Jordan Road and Man Ming Lane is the popular Temple Street Night Market. Don’t be fooled by the nickname “Mens Street”; you name it and you can buy it at this Hong Kong night market frequented by both tourists and locals. From socks to silk cheong sams, hardware to tourist trinkets, toys to knock-off purses — they have everything imaginable. There are more than 100 stalls at the Temple Street Night Market and although the street shuts down at 4 pm for the market to begin, not all the vendors are set up and open for business until the dinner hour. It’s hard to believe that every night the vendors pack up all their belongings and ...
Birds of a Feather Flock Together at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore
Created on December 19, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterYou don’t have to be a bird watcher or bird lover to enjoy your day at Singapore's Jurong Bird Park. Home to approximately 8,000 birds from 600 species, the beautifully landscaped Jurong Bird Park located in the west end of Singapore contains the world’s largest collection of birds, and is perfect to spend a leisurely day. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the grounds of Jurong Bird Park encompass 50 acres. There is an air-conditioned monorail ride called the Jurong Bird Park Panorail with recorded commentary, and which circles the entire park for an extra fee, although Jurong Bird Park can easily be toured on foot. There are three stations where you can hop off, tour around and then hop back on. Within ...
At the Night Safari in Singapore, the Animals are not Sleeping or Hiding
Created on December 19, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterTouted as the world’s first zoo that’s only open at night, the Night Safari in Singapore is a must-see, and will no doubt be the highlight of your trip to Singapore. Opened in 1994, the Night Safari occupies over 40 hectares of land and houses over a thousand animals. The close proximity directly next to the Singapore Zoo makes a visit to both parks a great adventure to see in one day—albeit a long one. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the Night Safari is really just the Singapore Zoo explored at night. The Night Safari is a totally different park, and an entirely different adventure. The developers of the Night Safari really did a great job creating this animal experience. The surroundings and atmosphere ...
Boat along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to visit Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn
Created on December 19, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterThe Chao Phraya River in Bangkok is simply the easiest, cheapest and fastest mode of getting to any of the major Wat (temple) sites in Bangkok. Anyone that's been to Bangkok is instantly struck by one feeling: traffic congestion—be it from people, cars, tuk tuks or motorcycles. So, what better way to travel as the locals do, avoid the traffic and the heat, and see the sights along the river, than by taking a ride on one of the many Chao Phraya River ferries or longtail boats to the popular Wat Arun temple. The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates a regular ferry service as well as a special tourist boat service with commentary. A one-day all-you-can-ride pass is available on the tourist boat, and will ...
Ward Off Evil at Ta Prachan Amulet Market in Bangkok
Created on December 10, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterReligious amulets, charms, figures and talismans are sold throughout the streets of Thailand, and the largest concentration of these can be found at the Bangkok's Amulet Market. The entrance to Ta Prachan Amulet Market is well hidden, and there are no signs, so look for the crowds of people at the stalls located in a long and narrow alley across from Wat Mahathat, between Thalon Maharat and the Chao Phraya River. As you walk through Bangkok's Amulet Market, there are stalls on both sides of the alley displaying their wares. Along the way, you will see “experts” examining the amulets with loupes (jeweller’s eyepieces) to see the quality of each piece. Amulets, known as pra and talismans, known as kreung rang, come in all shapes, ...
Climb Aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier in San Diego, California
Created on October 28, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterThe USS Midway was an operational aircraft of the United States Navy for 47 years before it was decommissioned in 1992. The USS Midway was active in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War in the early ‘90s. It became a museum in 2004 at the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum in California. Since then, over five million visitors have explored the 1,001 ft.-long, 258 ft.-wide USS Midway Museum. When you see the USS Midway from the sidewalk, along the shoreline, you don’t quite grasp the sheer magnitude of its size until you climb aboard and start exploring. For example, there is 2,000 feet of anchor chain, the flight deck is constructed of 190,000 pieces of steel, 100,000 gallons of fuel ...
The Freshest Seafood in Bangkok at the Taling Chan Floating Market
Created on October 08, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterThe Taling Chan Floating Market is located just a one-hour bus ride from downtown Bangkok. Although not as well known as the famous Damnoen Saduak Market that was featured in a James Bond movie, the Taling Chan Floating Market is authentic, closer to Bangkok, and very few tourists make there way out here to enjoy some of the best Thai food around. Crossing the Chao Praya River to the Thonburi side of Bangkok you will find the Taling Chan Floating Market, a series of longboat kitchens tied to the pier. Have a seat at one of the low tables in the section of the “kitchen” that you wish to eat from, and one of the waitresses will approach you. You can order the ordinary phat ...
Savour the sights, food and aroma at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona
Created on September 02, 2010 by Mary Chong, WriterOfficially named Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, no trip to Barcelona, Spain, is complete without a stop at the famous La Boqueria market. This large public market has a long history dating as far back as 1217, and in all those years it has gone through many renovations, transformations and namesakes. Now a major tourist site, you can find just about anything from fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat, to baked goods, cheeses, sweets and nuts. Everything from the ordinary to the exotic can be found and tasted here. Located on Las Ramblas, North of the Liceu Metro Station, this large public market is open Monday to Saturday from early morning until 8:30 pm. Entering the market through the main entrance on the ...
Completed
Slip into Shallow Seas at The Baths in the British Virgin Islands
Battle Back to the Era of Ancient Rome When You Visit the Colosseum
Experience Thrilling Mists at Yosemite Falls
Revel in an Urban Masterpiece at Nuit Blanche
Trace the Trail of the Ancients in Monument Valley
Venture Through the Vibrant Tapestry of the Painted Desert Arizona
Experience the Wonders of Thaipusam in Malaysia’s Batu Caves
See the Tallest Trees in the World at the Redwood National and State Parks of California
Glide through a River of Grass in the Everglades
Pet a Ray at Stingray City in the Grand Cayman Islands
Highs and Lows in Death Valley National Park
Explore the Magnificent Ruins of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Be Entranced by the Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Meandering the Cobblestone Streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Location
Mississauga, Canada Experience Map
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