Wednesday 8 April 2015

{{ April 8th Canada : A postscript of a 91 day asian adventure

Now that I have returned from this adventure, I have some time to go through a considerable quantity of photos and will include a few I missed along with some comments. This will be in no particular order.

PUERTO GALERA - Philippines


Two lovely ladies working in a seaside bar. A small place, Puerto Galera offers several discos and bars which cater to the many tourists who visit. The place is fascinating from a tourists point of view and I would love some day to be able to spend the time to explore the place more.

BALUARTE DE SAN DIEGO - Manila, Philippines

Descending staircase at Baluarte De San Diego. An impressive structure full of history which the Philippines is trying to restore and could prove to be a valuable tourist draw.

WWII Japanese armament from the occupation of Manila at Baluarte San Diego

SEOUL, South Korea

Blossoms through a bay window

And of course Mandu - Korean dumplings .... Yummy!

YOGYAKARTA Indonesia
Perhaps one of the most unique things I saw were the illuminated pedal cars. I am including some extra shots of them not originally included in the blog.



BANGKOK Thailand




One of my favourite hotels in Bangkok, The Mandarin Silom. Few do up their lobby areas better. Real flowers and unique displays. Hotel has many things I like, especially when you can get a good deal on the rooms.


My favourite park in Bangkok, Lumphini Park is truly an oasis in the midst of this huge city.....

Yes, I must confess that Thailand still has that amazement factor for me. When one young waiter was being questioned over and over by an irate customer over some issues involving logic he replied after some thought and a beaming smile "Amazing Thailand".

Sunday 5 April 2015

{{ April 6th Facinating Manila and Fort Santiago and The Baluarte De San Diegoplus Gardens

To continue the tour, after lunch we walked along cobblestone streets of the old city until we came to Fort Santiago, built in 1571 by the Spanish. Damaged by earthquake, restored and strengthened, it was even used by the Japanese during World War 2.




Next to the Fort, an interesting and colourful tree.




In stark contrast to the calmness here is a squatters area just across

Next on to the Baluarte De San Diego, the oldest stone Fort in Manila built in 1586.




And then this sign...

Yes, a golf course is right beside the Fort. Better golf balls than cannon balls, I guess.


And the adjacent gardens with many amazing bonsais.





And an unexpected swarm of bees


More surprises

Jack Fruit



{{ April 6th Manila and the Orchidarium Luneta Park plus Intramuros the Old Town

On my very last day of a trip lasting 91 days I planned a fairly ambitious day but had no idea what lay ahead. Manila holds many wonders. A whole area of old Manila called Intramuros is filled with adventure and classic old architecture and history. But first, the Orchidarium. I bet you thought there would be no more flower pictures...wrong!
The Philippines most famous hero Jose Rizal and martyr depicted in some spectacular sculptures 



Some of the other flowers...

Inside Intramuros...












A break for lunch of Tamarind Soup and Cebu Chicken Inasal and desert of Halo Halo which is a curious and unique concoction which tastes marvellous. Comprised of shaved ice, evaporated milk, various sweet boiled beans and various fruit, it tasted so good I forgot to take a picture of it.


🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭 JW Bangkok, Thailand - March 7, 2024 - Lumpini Park and a little bit more

 Well, my last full day in Thailand and a warm one at 37C so a short trip to Lumpini Park. A great 2 month trip filled with lots of relaxati...