In San Deigo - California

This update is pretty backdated:
After 2 nights in the Inglewood Backpacker Paradise (a quite town, with nothing much happening - near to the airport) We decide to move to Santa Monica to stay in a the HI Santa Monica hostel which is twice the amount of the BP. But hey, although the staff at the front dest was not that helpful, we had a good thime in Santa Monica. This place is more happening than at Inglewood, lots of things to see, eat and buy. I met up with David (he lives in LA and and an aquaintant friend for dinner) It was good to walk down the Santa Monica Pier and teh 3rd street Promonade to see people fishing and performing their gigs.
Next day morning, both Jac and myself we signed up for a free nature walk tour round Santa Monica . It was good and relaxing walk, our guide Colin is a volunteer, he love doing this to meet people from all places and walks of life.
We came in to San Deigo late last night to this hip and funky hostel. Lots of people still hanging out at the front pouch, the atmoshpere of the hostel is there but the room and toilet condition was lousy (anyway, anyone who had been to China, should be able to handle the any worse condition here) So for me it was pretty ok expect for Jaclyn who is new to this hosteling stay and backpacking traveling style. But am proud of her to be able to flow along for so long.
In San Deigo, we went downtown to explore their famous port, visit Tijuana for a day trip, and Balboa Park. As our hostel is beside the beach, 4 of us girls went to hang out by the beach one of the night to do star glazing, it was fun. This is something that's really neat about traveling, you get to meet people and connected regardless of your race or religion.
But I was very upset for the past few days. Cos once again, my new camera is down. I thnk it was manufacturer error. The lens just got stuck and it could not be closed. Now I am travel without a camera. Thank God for Jacyln, she is able to take some photo shots of me when in Las Vegas and now in Grand Canyon.
I called up the agent from Bargain City.com, Adrain. I bought my camera from him via the internet. He is very helpful towards my needs, 1st he help me get my new camera sent to Fu Zheng my friend in Beijing, then I thought I lost my reciept for insurance claim and he help me send a new reciept to Axa for my insurance claim, now he is going to help me send my camera to Nikon in Singapore to have it repair (when my friend handcarry back for me sometime in Oct 15) So if anyone of you is wanting any camera and looking for good service and reliable source check out www.bargaincity.com
Next blog will be Las Vegas, more interesting story to share ;)


my email: joydive@gmail.com

Disneyland in Los Angeles

I arrived Los Angeles yesterday 22/9/05 safely and met up with Jaclyn (my travel companion for the western part of USA for 3-4 weeks). We check into our hostel, for the first time, I can found a very cheap hostel less than $15 with good facilities and free food and even a swimming pool. We even got clean linen and towels everyday. It was beyond my imagination of being luxurious for backpackers. But the catch is the hostel is near to the airport and that there is literally nothing much to do around the area unless you take a bus out to the town or places (which is about 40mins to 2hrs journey.

Today, both Jaclyn and myself went to the Disneyland on our own, having asked around for directions to Disneyland. Our hostel do offer daily trips to DL but we decided to find our own way there, 1st to save some extra cash, 2nd to experience local life in taking public transport, 3rd to be adventurer. It was fun I would say. But when we get to DL and found out that the entrance fee is $56, we were shocked but neverthless, we had came all the way and thus must go in to have a feel and look at this "famous" amusement park.
Mind you today is a friday (work and schoolday), the crowds are many and the are people everywhere, queue for food, for rides and almost everything. Maybe, I have been to mountain and beaches, whereby the number of people compare to DL is so much lesser. I wasn't really get use to it. Infact I dislike it, the words kept coming out from my mouth to Jaclyn is "I hate Disneyland". Well, I must say that DL is really nice, the setup and colour, costumes and shows were fantastic. But the rides were quite a disappointment, not as thrilling as I had exprienced it in Lotte world when I was in Korea.
At about 8pm, we were hungry and decided to eat, we gotta queue fro at least 35mins to order our so expensice fish and chips take away. After we got the food. we were looking for tables and chair to have our dinner, but most of the places were taken and reserve (how annoying) they reserve the chair beco there is going to be s show display around the area and the people just hang on to their seats not wanting to move away. I went around asking for chair (just one to share with share) But all rejected to loan me a seat. These people are really "kiasu" and selfish, all I asked was for couples of minutes so that we could seat down for a proper dinner, as the seats these people are reserving for are for children, who don't want to be seat and want to run around, or for their wife who went to do some shopping before coming back in time for the show. I find this really rediculous, the table and chairs are for people who want to have dinner not for them to hog on for a show time. For the first time I was really mad about the American atitudes. During my travels, I heard so many stories about America and the peoples. I could not believe it until I experience them now. Thus, I don't care about my reputations and I began to talk loud to Jaclyn about my disappointments and how bad I felt about America, and I know for sure, they are listening to me and all were very silence during the time while I stand by one of the table to have my lousy dinner. Yuk! I must let this out.

However, today we were lucky, we got to see the firework display and it was a spectacular show. Despites all my complaints and whinnings, I must say I do enjoy DL; after all DL is a beautiful place and as their theme is "To wish upon a star, to make dreams come true" I like it.

my email: joydive@gmail.com

In Colarado - Estes Park, Rocky Mountain

The usual blur Joy is losing her stuffs again. I left Miami on very early Monday morning and I left my contacts and important information notebook behind the Airport Shutter van. I was so panicked and could not really recall where I lost it (is it at on the van or at the hostel I stayed in). What more I could not remember the telephone no. of the airport shutter. But God always send me guardian angel to help me, and sat beside me in the airplane is a kind lady, she offered to help me search for the no. and loaning me her handphone to make a few phones call to the hostel.

Finally, when I reached Denver Hostel the staff told me that the shutter service called and said they found my notebook. I was really elated and thank God, the notebook contains all the friends I met during my travels and I really do not want to lose contacts with them.

The Hostel in Denver is a little bit run down but it is still in a better condition compares to some of the hostels we stayed in China. The staffs here are friendly and I can't believe they let you use free internet service, wow!

Yesterday, I went up to Estes Park Rocky mountain, I did a almost 7 hrs or hike, and I was really exhuasted (almost cannot walk anymore after the hike). Rocky Mountain is really beautiful, the weather was great and the leaves turns to red, orange and yellow and the scenery were just terrific. People here are very open and friendly, met a group of people fishing for touts in the lake, they are very friendly and funny people and had a great time chatting with them. Also met a retired pastor who hike alone and I did some hike with him, met a lady who escape from the katrina in New Orleans, her house was all blown away, she is a cardiology and she is going to find a new job in a new State to start her life all over again. But count it a blessing that she and her family are all saved.

I stayed a night in the Rocky Mountain national park. Boy, it was my first time experience living in a quite and empty hostel. After my dinner at about 8pm, I went back to the hostel, not a soul to be seen, I thought maybe the peopel would have gone for their dinner. I was dead tired and went striaght to sleep after my shower. but I suddenly woke up at about 10pm and realise that I am still alone, I began to be waried and I went around making sure all the doors are locked. Trust me I could not sleep after that, not until at about 11.45pm I heard some footsteps up to the dorm, and came in 2 campers, they just came back from their mountain climbling in Utah. Only then am I relief to know that I am not alone in the hostel and could thus sleep soundly. What an experience that I would not wish to happen to me again.

Today, I roam around the town, and came across this Nepal restuarant, they offer buffet lunch for $7.50 and this is my first time taking Nepalase food, it was sumptous and I was really full. Then I tried many times, calling the driver, who is suppose to send me down to another town Blouder, so that I will take a public bus back to Denver. I became panicked as I had already paid him in full yesterday and was afraid that he will play me out. Later, a Nepalane guy I met in resturant, said he will be going to the Public library and asked if I want to go too, I though why no, I can go to check on my emails. Lo and behold, I saw Jeff the driver, he was using the internet. It was such a relief to see him and know for sure I have a transport down to blouder. Otherwise, I will have to pay another $39 to get a taxi shutter to drive me one way down. But for Jeff, his price is really competitve, only $33 for 2 ways.

my email: joydive@gmail.com

Some of my travel photos

Hey, I would like to share with you some of my travel photos in my photos website: www.joydive.com
Am now in Denver, I stay in this newly established hostel, it is a very friendly and homely envoironment. Linda the owner of the hostel is such a nice and generous lady. I got to meet up with some friends and yesterday night, we went to roam downtown till 2am and it was fun.
Today, I will be taking a trip up to the Rocky Mountains and hopefully to be able to find a lodging and to spend a night there.
Will share more about my Miami and Denver trip on my next blog ;)


my email: joydive@gmail.com

Am now in Miami, and I check into The Clay Hotel, a well known place for the backpacker travellers. Miami has its charms for the sun and beach lover, also the night life party goer. The party here don't start till 12am and usaully lasted till 5 or 6 am.
In teh Hostel, I got to know 2 beautiful girl Jelena from Croatia, she came to USA to volunteer on a summer camp for 2 months and is not travel some part of USA for another 2 months. And Klovdije from Solvenia, she came to Miami with the intention to get a intership to study Marine life here, but she is also embarking to Costa Rica, as she intends to stay there for 2 months camping in tent to study marine lifes there (what a interesting life).

I was very happy on my first day in Miami I bump into this dive shop that offers day dives trip to Key Largo (well known dive site) Although I will have ot pay much more then I would have in Singapore, but is an experience I would not want to miss, so I sign up for the trip and I did not regret it, the water visibilty was clear and coral reefs were awesome. I really had fun and looking forward to do another wreck dive (speedo - US biggest wreck) this sat.

Yesterday, I took a day cruise trip to Bahamas, the journey was a a dread of almost 10 hrs and when we reach the Island, we only get to spend about 4 hrs. Bahamas has over 700 islands and is also well-known fro their beautiful beaches and white sand and diving too. I will come back one day to try diving here again.

Tomorrow, will be taking a trip to Key West (the island on the deepest end of Miami) almost a popular place for many beach lovers. Am looking forward for the trip. Will share more later ;)


my email: joydive@gmail.com

Canada Toronto

Am now in Toronto, the comospolictian city. A very big and friendly city. I arrived on 6/9/05 and took the airport transfer bus to the Hi-Toronto hostel. I wasn't very please with the service of the staff (kinda rude and unfriendly - very unlike HI personality). I arrived at the hostel about 2.30pm and after payment. I gotta know that the check in time is not until 4pm (so late). So I have to pay $2 to store my baggage behind the counter (kinda lame - not willing to do it).
Anyhow, I sat around and gotta chat with this Toronto guy Slyvester, his origin is form Hong Kong. But had been staying in Toronto since young. He was been chased out of his house to be independent. Hs is quite a character, an amusing and chatty chap though, cos within the same day I kept bump into him like 4 times.
Later in the evening, I met another guy Max, origin from Peru but now he is working in Missisppi (a police officer). He came to Toronto on his winning tickets and only here for 3-4 days. He actually did not slept for 30hrs by the time we met him. When he arrived Toronto it was already 12 midnight and not wanting to pay for lodging, he actually intend to sleep in the airport, but someone elderly lady who met him at the airport offer to give him a lift to the casino instead. So instead of resting, he played jackport for the whole night. Next day whole day he walk around Toronto town until he reached the Hostel in the evening. But he was very energetic and very chatty too. Not sure why, I bump onto these 2 funny chap, but that's all about traveling, you get to meet different people and having fun relating to them.

Next day morning 7/9/05 - I book a 2 days trip to Niagara Fall (this is my main intention of coming to Toronto) I was happy that I get to join this group. Got to meet a lot of fun and amusing travelers from all over the world. Like Marua and Sharmine (from Austrilia Brisbane), Loraine from UK and Jason from Germany.

Both Marua and Sharmine are friends and they will be traveling together for 3 months in Canada, Dublin, Spain and Paris. But Marua will be continue to stay in Dublin for a year (am so happy cos, I will be going there around Feb 06, so will be able to see here again and maybe do some hiking in Ireland). They are both fun-loving, friendly and cheerful ladies.

Loraine, is only traveling in Toronto for a week, cos she will be working in UBS bank in New York for a year ( a bright and intelligent girl). Jason, he is a contractor painter and his intention in traveling Canada was to see his grandparent (whom he had not met in his whole 24 years) but he claimed that his meeting with them was not a pleasant one, ended in a heated argument with his grandpa (almost the similar situation as mine).

Niagara fall is majestic and magnificient. The amount of water that fall fron lake Ontario is just tremendous. We went to the tunnel to hear the awesome thunderous sound of the fall and feel the water splashing on us was great. In the evening, we witness the beautiful lightnings that illuminate the fall with various rainbow colours (it was just marvelously beautiful). Next day morning, we took the boat out to have a close encounter with the fall. Our ferry brought us so near to the Fall and the sights was just awesome and undescribable. We could feel the water mist splashing on us and had a very close view of the fall right before our eyes. What is most iinteresting about coming to Niagara Fall was being able to meet these new friends, and we truly enjoyed each other company very well.

Yesterday 9/9/05, I met up with Mark (a friend got to know from Asiawork under the Leadership program I had attended before) he is a Canadian and had been working both in Hongkong and Sinagpore for many years before moving back to Toronto with his newly wed wife Tasia. I had a good time catching up and connecting with him. he brought me to this Italian restuarant down on Kings St, the food is delicious and my first time eating snail (yummy). One thing about traveling alone, you won't want to go to a fancy resturant for meal unless you got company. So it was good to meet up with friends and simply spending time together over a meal.

Later in the evening, I went to the CN tower (the single tallest monument in the whole world) to have a dusk and night overview of the city of Toronto with Miki (a sweet, gentle and independent Japanese gal). Met her in the HI hostel I was staying in. It was an awesome experience up in the Tower. We thank God for the fantastic clear weather, the sunset was also beautiful and later the night lightning flashing through the city was just fantastically amazing. We trully enjoyed the view and our time spend up there together.

Today 10/9/05, I gotta wake up up later, just lazing on the bed longer. Went for facial appointment, and walked to the Roy Thomson Theatre, got the ticket to view the Gala premier of one of Toronto Film Festival showing The Dreamer - A true story. This is a touching and heart warming movie, I was moved by the characters in the movie. After the movie, there was a food fair beside the theatre, went a a bite (had not been eating proper meal since morning) The food in the fair was delicious and great. And then went to Chinatown for a walk and sight seeing. After the walk, I just came back to the Global hostel (a better and friendlier hostel compare to Hi Toronto hostel) early to chill out and watch some television programs with some of the other nothing much to do travelers.

So tomorrow, I will be take a ferry out to the Toronto Island for a day of chilling out and strolling. So that's how my travelling life is, sometime exciting, meet new friends, sometime just boring and chilling only.


my email: joydive@gmail.com

Landscape Quilting

Eleanor and her workshop

I was very happy that Amy had brought me to Eleanor house and introduce me to Landscape quilting. When I saw Eleanor quilt works I was facsinated to this new form of art. And after the visit, I decided to attempt on the project and got some fabrics from Walmart and within 2 full days, I manage to make 4 quilts. Eleanor was very kind to give me good compliment on my workpiece and she brought me to another town to show me to the world of quilting. When I went there, I was facsinated to see so many different kinds of quilting works on display. It was a wow to me and frankly, I would like to develop my skill further in the future. Hereby, I like to share with you some of my baby works and introduce Eleanor.

my email: joydive@gmail.com

In Wisconsin

Back in Wisconsin, at Janesville in my sister apartment for about a week, basically to chill out, rest and slow down on my traveling pace and planing for the next phase of my trip. Ben was great, he offer to help me creat a website for all my travel photos, so friend be patient very soon, you will get to see my traveling photos.
Went down to Chicago for couple of days, and am so happy to find out from the Guatemala embassy that Singaporean is visa free to enter the country. I had difficulties entering the last time. So am really looking forward for Guatemala (Central America).
Over the last week 26/8 - 4/9, I was at Wis Dells, Ben's parent place (Jim and Amy). If anything that is interesting for my stay in Wisconsin, will have to be in Dells. Both Jim and Amy were very kind and hospitable to me during my stay at their comfortable countryside house. I enjoyed being near the big corn feild, big garden, and chilling out with both of them.
They bought us to their church Barn party on sat, and a relative 50th wedding anniversary at the Devil's Lake on the sunday I was there. I had fun meeting and chatting with their friends. And I went to Noah's Ark waterpark (consider the largest waterpark in USA) and I did all the different rides, but to be truthful I enjoyed on 2 of their rides. The rest are not that challenging for me ;) So it was quite disappointing. I still perfer our Fantasy Isand slide..
Just the past weekend, Ben and Josey came down to visit, and Ben cooked his long waited gourmet food, we had delicious roasted beef on sat and chicken on sunday to celebrate both Jim and Lawrence (Ben uncle birthday) Josey baked 2 cake, We were really stuffed but we had a great and fun time together over the weekend.



my email: joydive@gmail.com

At Alaska

I arrived Wisconsin Madison airport at about 11pm on 28/7/05 and next day will have to catch the afternoon flight to Fairbank, Alaska. As usual, upon arrival at Madison airport, I met up with my cheery bro-in-law Ben and sulky sister Josey (she was angry with me for not coming a day or 2 earlier and that leave her and Ben to handle all the camping preparation - which I think was not exactly any big deal) Anyway, as usual I have to face up with her nagging (but of course I choose to close my ear – and be selective listener).
Next day evening, we arrived Fairbank airport in the evening 8pm (but was still very bright), but one of our food baggage got ripped open (we used the China bag that I bought when in Beijing). Josey of course tries to ask for compensation, but got rejected because the officer argued that our luggage was over packed. Anyway, thank God we did not lose much stuff except for a packet of rice.
Early next day morning, we took the Alpine van to Railey Creek (foot of Mt McKinley – Denali), I was very excited about the trip and really looking forward to it every moment. But the weather was gloomy, in fact it rained the whole day and it was cold. I prayed very hard to God to bless us with good weather for the next few days.
On 1^st August, we woke up very early in the cold morning to unpack the tent to get ready to catch the 6am bus to Wonderlake (where we are intending to camp for the next 8 days). But the driver came in 1 hour late (because he need to fix the bus alarm). We had a pleasant ride to the Wonderlake and we got to see a white wolf walked pass our bus. After, we set up the tent and arranged our supplies in the food storage room (we were not to keep any food or scented material in the tent, as it might attracted the bear).
My impression of Alaska is so different from what I actually see. The country is very big and beautiful. Love the glacier, mountain, lake and river. We did quite a bit of hiking up the mount and hill. Ben is a great hiker and had enjoyed hiking with him on some of the difficult terrain. Had a number of close encounter with the bear, caribou, and moose. It was a great experience especially to see Mt Mckinley, Denali (when the weather was clear) with the alpine glow, it was such a beautiful sight to see the mountain range.
We actually camped out in Denali for 8 nights, the night did not come until about 1 or 2am and it was despite the cold chilly weather at night and morning, sleeping on hard ground in the tent, bathing in the cold lake; it was worth it all to enjoy all the beautiful sight, Denali and Wonderlake had to offer.
Met couple of wonderful and friendly people. In fact, we were fortune to have met Neil and Mary while camping at Santurary. They caught some big Salmon fish and offer to us some for dinner, it was a real treat for us, cos for the past 10days, all we had eaten are preservative food; it was real nice to eat fresh meat again.
We went down Palmer and Fairbank for couples of days after camping 8 days up in the mountain. On the way to Fairbank, had the opportunity to seat beside Magaritta from Puerto Rico (she had been a traveller) and she had retire and is traveling alone in Alaska for a month. She is a real interesting and amusing woman. Also met up with Ben's oldtime schoolmate Lawerence and his family, they live in a very lovely and comfortable house with beautiful garden. I had a great time chatting with Harriet (his mother in law) and Kurt (son). They are all very lovely and friendly people to hang around with.
Alaska is so beautiful and so many place to visit, I will surly come back again to visit this beautiful country. Despite some unpleasant encounter with my sister (as it always happen since we were young), I chose to ignore and not let any bad feelings or mood to get hold of me. Thus, I really had a truly wonderful and enjoyable time in Alaska.

my email: joydive@gmail.com

At Shanghai

Shanghai is a very modern and cosmopolitan city. When I first arrived at Pudong airport on 21/7/05, I was very impressed with the system and seeing how modernizes the airport is. Am blessed to have some friends working in Shanghai, so I got to stay over at my friend Kok How’s beautiful condominium. He is very kind and hospitable to me during my stay in Shanghai, making sure that my needs are all well taken care of.
It is very convenient to travel around in Shanghai with the well-organized subway system. I was able to get around places, and of course I visit the famous “bund” I love the neon lightning and the busy shopping streets, also I shop like crazy at “Xiang Yang” market place, I bought so many stuffs until the stall closes and ran out of cash.
On the first night in Shanghai, I was too naive and got cheated by some “beggars”, an elder couple suddenly walk up to me and beg me for some food, claiming that his wife has been sick and that they had not been eaten for days, asked if I could buy some food for his wife. I look at his wife and took pity on her (often time when I have beggar asking me for money, I would rather give food), so I went into the Macdonald to grab 2 chicken burgers for them, thinking that they should be ok, but next moment the elder lady ran up to me and asked for some cash to take transport home, I sensed amiss so this time I ignored her. Later I found out from some friends those were some common stories that beggars in Shanghai like to cook up.
Met up with Gabriel (a fun-loving friend from Singapore, who is working in Shanghai but can’t wait to go back Singapore) for church on Sunday at the Church for Foreigners. The church had strict regulations that do not allow local Chinese to attend and only foreigners are allowed. But I truly enjoyed the worship and sharing (was preached by volunteer expiates).
From Shanghai, I went to Suzhou for a day and Hangzhou for 2 days trip. Well, both places were not as I had expected it to be. They are quite touristy and in actual nothing much to see (well maybe I have seen the most beautiful part of China already). In Hangzhou, I got my hair cut and colored at about 9pm (almost closing hour for Singapore hair saloon). Wuxi river is one of the main attractions in Hangzhou and it is quite nice to just stroll by the river to enjoy the breeze and scenery.
Back in Shanghai again, I went to Yu Garden to try the famous dumplings. There was a long queue for the dumplings, actually it was rather cheap (20 dumplings for only Y8) but of course I can’t finish it and also it doesn’t taste good at all. Later in the evening, I met up with Kok How and Dot (Shaz ‘s friend and also a Singaporean working in Shanghai, but she has a calling to be in China – not her wish though) for my farewell dinner on a boat. It was a pleasant experience.

my email: joydive@gmail.com

At Beijing

We left Mongolia on 14^th July early morning to catch the early train to Beijing, it was going to be a good 24 hrs journey, together with the time taken for wheel changing. This time round the train journey back to Beijing was great, we met a young Dutch couple Camile and Isle, they will be traveling places and so happen that they will be visiting Guatemala around the same time I will be there, so we will be meeting again sometime in November, great. Even the train attendants were friendly and helpful, so different from the previous experiences we had.

When we arrived Beijing, together we checked into Jade International hostel, this is a great hostel; the furnishing and facilities all look so new unlike many of our previously stay hostel, but of course the price is even better.

I got my food poisoning on the last 2 days while in Mongolia; I was groaning and mourning in pain. But now Shaz had her food poisoning (not sure where she got it), sore throat and coughing (much worse than me). So most of the time in Beijing she will stay in the hostel to rest and I will go and run some errands or do some shopping basically.

We had a very weird Black guy from USA staying in the same dorm with us, he hardly goes out, most of the time he will be in the dorm and do funny thing like; mediating over a pot of water, chanting some weird stuffs and seems to be in a daze most of the time. Shaz was indeed scared to be alone with him in the dorm, what more her bed is just beside his. He was not popular with many of the dorm mates, in fact what I heard from Shaz who went back to stay in the dorm with her mum (a month later) he was still in the same hostel but got kick out because he was a disturbance to many of the guest and caught taking drugs. Well, it comes with the package; you will get to meet all kinds of people while traveling.

Shaz condition did not improve after couple of days, Kok How a friend of mine from Singapore, who work in Shanghai came over for the weekend and a Xern Xin a Singaporean and recent graduate (we met in Mongolia) went with us to the Beijing Foreigner Hospital at almost midnight, the fee is really expensive just for consultation. Mine cost almost Y300 for just the medical report and wound dressing.

Beijing is a very modern and advance city, so much different from 7 years ago when I was there. Now there are many new high-rise modern buildings, efficient transport system, and cleaner concrete road. Indeed, Beijing is getting ready for the 2008 Olympic. Going to the Great Wall of China was one of the attractions I was looking forward to. But on the day when I was supposed to be picked up, however I got missed (very sad). So I called up the agency and asked them to arrange another driver to fetch me (as Shaz will be resting) if the driver who missed me will not come. I was kind of impressed that they did arrange another driver to come (as I was not so hopeful of China system, but was pleasantly pleased that they think of a solution and alternative for me – this show me that they are ready for the Olympic). The Great Wall of China was indeed very impressive, the weather was not great - hot and humid but I do enjoy the climb up to the peak at Simatai, a spectacular view indeed. I was very amazed with the technology of the period then. The project of building GWC was real massive and indeed difficult.

Meeting up with Fu Zheng (friend in Beijing) was great, though she was very busy with her work and training workshop during the time I was there. But when we met for breakfast at one of the famous teahouse, we had a good time catching up. Indeed, it was great to meet up with good old friend and reconnect.

I was glad that I was able to get hold of the 50% discount air ticket to Shanghai from Beijing Y620 (include taxes and service charge) usual price will be Y1300. Indeed, you may ask how does this work, well there are various discount ticket from 10% to 90% and it really have to depend on your luck to get the cheapest you can find. Usually, 50% discount is the best you could get.

On the last night of our traveling in Beijing, both Shaz and myself went to the Famous Beijing Duck Restaurant to have our last supper together. Indeed, I am so blessed to have a travel partner with me in this part of my round the world trip. Both Shaz and myself have different traveling style and personality but I would say I enjoyed her company and this leg of my traveling would have been different (more lonely and less fun) without her

my email: joydive@gmail.com

Naddam Festival in Mongolia

Naddam in Mongolia is term as a joyful and happy occasion. 11^th to 13^th July 2005 is the Naddam Festival - national holiday for Mongolia, it is the big happy day for all the Mongolian. We were fortunate to be in Mongolia to join in the fun and we were very excited when we got our ticket from our guesthouse host to the opening and closing ceremony, as we were about to witness this big event of the year for the Mongolians.

Early morning on 11^th July, after we had our breakfast, together with some other travelers staying in the LG guesthouse, we strolled to the Stadium (about 30 mins walk). When we reached there, we saw many sets up stalls from food and drinks seller to games and souvenirs vendors selling all kinds of things. The stadium is not very big or well equipped with enough rooms, so many of the parade performers were waiting in their costumes outside of the stadium door, under the burning hot sun.

At about 9.45am, 15mins after the schedule time, the announcer started the program. We stood up as we sang the national anthem. I find whole parade performance very amusing. There was not a need for perfection; you can see the performers were not so strict in having the prefect timing, nor in their positioning; all they were interested was to havea fun time of celebration together. As a Singaporean who had attended big events like this type on our national day, I was very much amused to see the performer waiting for their turn by the side of the field or even gather around anywhere they can find a space in groups to chit chat till their turn come. This is a very different mindset from Singaporean style:(to be perfect and excellent). The floats were also interesting; all you can see is plain advertisement (with just a banner over the truck). Both Shaz and myself kept looking at each other in amusement. Of course, needless to say there were oversell of ticket, so at about 10am, the stadium was jam-packed with people at the entrances trying to push their way in to get into an empty seat. We were forewarned to be careful with our belongings, as pickpockets were very common during this festive season.

After the opening ceremony, the crowd began to disperse away to the various locations; to watch the Archery, Wrestling, knucker bone throw, and horse racing competition (to be held in the countryside about 1 hrs drive out of city).

It was very interesting to see the horseracing event, when we finally reached (having written down the wrong Mongolian wordings on “horse racing”) thus had taken the wrong bus to the airport, instead of the horse racing arena, it was funny though at least for me (what a blunder).

I enjoyed the horseracing event so much that I went back the next morning again for the 2^nd day match. Am sure glad that I went back because I got to see another side of the Mongolian culture. We came in time to see the first few horses that came in the finishing line. It was interesting to see that when the horses came in, the crowd would break loose the barrier set up by the police and ran towards the horse (hoping to be at least the first to touch the winning horse – so that they will have good luck for the whole year). Well, I can tell you that it was really amusing to see so many people running everywhere trying to touch the horses that came in the finishing line. Kids who ride the horses were from age 3 to 6 years and they have to ride fro 30 km, the first 10 km they will walk, next 10km – trot and the final 10km they will gallop. It was a very tiring competition for the kids, but yet you can see the pride and joy on their faces when they reached the finishing line, thinking to themselves “thank God, I finished the race.”

After the horseracing, we went back to the Stadium to watch the final wrestling match and closing ceremony. Half way through the competition, suddenly hailstorm hit and the whole stadium went chaos, my Dutch friend Marlene got stampeded by the crowd rushing down to get shelter. It was real scarily when I saw her came down to the shelter looking shattered. I was not feeling too well, got food poisoning from the food I bought at the food stall earlier on, and vomited very badly. Despite the some of the unforeseen incidents at the Naddam , we had our fair bit of fun and enjoyment.

my email: joydive@gmail.com