Back in LA, we explore iconic spots like Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, indulging in local flavors at Petit Trois and a Korean BBQ in Koreatown. Our drive through Death Valley is a scorching experience, with temperatures soaring to 49.2 degrees Celsius. The trip concludes with a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas and a return to Philadelphia for the 4th of July celebrations, before I finally head back home to Singapore.

Links:

• Tacos El Gordo — A popular taco chain known for its authentic Mexican tacos, particularly the Taco al Pastor.
• Cali Cream — An ice cream shop in San Diego offering a variety of homemade ice cream flavors and cookies.
• Morning Glory Breakfast — A trendy breakfast spot in Little Italy, San Diego, known for its diverse and delicious breakfast options.
• USS Midway Aircraft Carrier — A historic naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego at Navy Pier.
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — A state-protected historical park in San Diego that commemorates the early days of the town of San Diego.
• Casa Guadalajara — A vibrant Mexican restaurant in Old Town San Diego known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and festive atmosphere.
• Griffith Observatory — An iconic observatory in Los Angeles offering public telescopes, exhibits, and stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
• Neptune's Net — A famous seafood restaurant located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, known for its casual atmosphere and fresh seafood.
• Santa Monica Pier — A large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, offering various attractions and restaurants.
• The Beatles LOVE — A Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas that celebrates the music of The Beatles with a mix of acrobatics, theater, and dance.
• COMMENTS

The narrative shifts to a lively night out, filled with billiards, beers, and spontaneous club-hopping, ending with an unexpected stay at a nearby hotel. The next day, I rest and then wander through Petaling Street Market and Jalan Alor, soaking in the local atmosphere. My journey continues with a bus ride to Mersing and a ferry to Tioman Island, where I reunite with Misha and Verena. Despite basic accommodations and scarce food supplies, we revel in the island’s natural beauty, highlighted by an exhilarating jungle hike to a secluded waterfall. The trip concludes with a thrilling scooter ride and a nerve-wracking dash to catch a flight to Penang, setting the stage for future adventures in Thailand.

Links:

• The Red Beanbag — Official website of The Red Beanbag, a popular breakfast and brunch café in Kuala Lumpur known for its crab cakes and eggs benedict.
• Senai International Airport — An international airport in the town of Senai, Kulai District, Johor, Malaysia, serving Johor Bahru and the southernmost region of Peninsular Malaysia.
• Cataferry — Cataferry offers comfortable and spacious catamaran ferry services to Tioman and Langkawi islands.
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) — Comprehensive guide to KLIA2, the low-cost carrier terminal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Chow Kit Wet Market — A guide to Chow Kit Market, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and colorful wet markets, offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood.
• KLCC — Official website for KLCC, featuring the iconic Petronas Towers, a convention center, a shopping mall, and a park.
• Pavilion Kuala Lumpur — Website of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a premier shopping destination with a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Din Tai Fung — Website of Din Tai Fung Malaysia, renowned for its Taiwanese cuisine, especially xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
• Jalan Alor — Guide to Jalan Alor, a famous food street in Kuala Lumpur offering a wide variety of local Malaysian street food.
• Tioman Island — Tourism website for Tioman Island, providing information on travel, accommodations, and activities on the island, including diving and hiking.
• COMMENTS

As I adjust to being alone, my travels take me to the serene surroundings of El Nido. Opting for a secluded Airbnb in the jungle, I embrace the quiet, finding peace in the simplicity of my surroundings despite the initial boredom. Learning to ride a scooter becomes a thrilling necessity, opening up new vistas of lush landscapes and local life. Adventures to local waterfalls and beaches interspersed with moments of reflection and unexpected social interactions enrich my experience, marking a significant, introspective phase of my travels.

Links:

• Makati Shangri-La, Manila — A luxury hotel located in the business district of Manila, offering upscale rooms and a variety of amenities including a renowned breakfast buffet.
• El Nido Tourism — Official tourism site for El Nido, Palawan, providing information on activities, accommodations, and attractions in the area known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty.
• El Nido Tours A, B, C — Information about boat tours and Helicopter Island, a popular destination for boat tours in El Nido known for its unique shape and pristine beaches.
• Plaza de Roma — Historical plaza located in Intramuros, Manila, surrounded by significant landmarks and featuring a statue of King Carlos IV of Spain.
• Balut — Information about Balut, a traditional Filipino street food that is a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, considered a delicacy.
• Red Horse Beer — Information about Red Horse Beer, a popular strong beer in the Philippines known for its high alcohol content and distinct taste.
• COMMENTS

As the night unfolds, we join forces with Sebastian and Victor, fellow travelers, diving into Taiwan's lively night scene and later, its natural beauty. Together, we explore rain-soaked landscapes and hot springs hidden within lush forests, our days filled with unexpected adventures and culinary explorations, like the acclaimed Din Tai Fung. The warmth of newfound friendships and the thrill of rediscovery make every moment in Taiwan unforgettable, leaving us with vibrant memories and stories to cherish.

Links:

• Din Tai Fung — Renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain famous for its dumplings and noodles, recognized with a Michelin star, indicative of its high quality and culinary excellence.
• Taipei 101 — Iconic skyscraper in Taipei, known for its advanced engineering to withstand earthquakes. Once the tallest building in the world, it remains a major landmark.
• Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area — A picturesque lake in central Taiwan, popular for its scenic views and cultural significance, surrounded by mountainous terrain.
• Alishan National Scenic Area — A mountain resort and natural preserve known for its tea plantations and scenic railways, located in central Taiwan.
• Rainbow Village — A vibrant art project turned tourist attraction in Taichung, Taiwan, known for its brightly painted houses and streets.
• Hiking Elephant Mountain — A popular hiking spot in Taipei that offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including a clear view of Taipei 101.
• Hong Kong Tourism Board — Official tourism site providing comprehensive travel information about Hong Kong's attractions, including Victoria Harbour and Lantau Island.
• Lantau Island — The largest island in Hong Kong, known for the Tian Tan Buddha statue and its serene, natural environment.
• Victoria Peak — The highest point on Hong Kong Island, offering spectacular views of the city and its harbors.
• Ozone Bar — Promoted as one of the highest bars in the world, located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, providing luxurious nightlife experience with stunning views.
• COMMENTS

Our journey through Korea was marked by spontaneous decisions and new friendships, like meeting Frederick, a globe-trotting courier with an intriguing story. Each unexpected twist in Seoul—from our struggles with spicy octopus to insightful tours at the DMZ—revealed the essence of travel: the joy found in unforeseen adventures and the profound connections made along the way.

Links:

• Incheon International Airport — Official website of Incheon International Airport, providing flight information, airport services, and facilities in Seoul, South Korea.
• Kakao Maps — A popular local mapping service in South Korea, offering detailed maps and navigation services, optimized for local users.
• Brooklyn Pig Burger Cafe — Brooklyn Pig Burger Cafe in Seoul, a popular spot known for its American-style burgers.
• DMZ Tours — Official booking site for tours to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between South and North Korea, offering various tour options and educational resources.
• Haeundae Sand Festival — Haeundae Sand Festival in Busan, a popular event featuring sand sculptures and beach activities.
• COMMENTS

Yekaterinburg, however, shifts the mood. The city greets us with a grey, almost color-drained ambiance that starkly contrasts the vibrancy of Kazan. This part of the journey feels like stepping into a different world, where the vividness of life seems muted. Despite this, our spirits remain high, fueled by interactions with locals and the novelty of standing at the border of two continents. The Transib itself gives us a mix of thoughtful and fun moments, like a bizarre yet memorable visit to a train restaurant that could be a scene from a film. Moving forward, all these bits and pieces from our journey weave into a collection of memories that really show off the varied landscapes and cultural richness of Russia.

Links:

• Trans-Siberian Railway Official Site — The official website for the Russian Railways, providing detailed information on the Trans-Siberian Railway, ticket booking, and route planning.
• Visit Kazan - Official Tourism Website — Official tourism portal for Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan, featuring travel guides, accommodation options, and attractions such as the Kazan Kremlin and Kul Sharif Mosque.
• Kazan Kremlin — Official website for the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitor information, history, and architectural details of this historic fortress.
• Couchsurfing — A platform for travelers to find hosts offering a place to stay, fostering cultural exchange and friendships. It is often used for meeting locals and participating in group activities.
• Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land — Wikipedia site for the Church on Blood in Yekaterinburg, built on the site where the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, and his family were executed.
• Europe-Asia Border Monument — Video of the Europe-Asia border monument near Yekaterinburg, a popular spot for tourists to stand with one foot in each continent.
• Lake Baikal Guide — Comprehensive guide to Lake Baikal, offering information on the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, including activities, accommodations, and travel tips for Irkutsk.
• COMMENTS

Budapest presented itself as a city of contrasts. From the initial confusion at Simpla to the awe-inspiring views of the parliament by the Danube, and a somewhat disappointing venture into a local thermal bath, Budapest was a rollercoaster of experiences.

Links:

• Szimpla Kert (Budapest) — Szimpla Kert is the original and iconic ruin pub in Budapest, known for its unique atmosphere, eclectic decor, and vibrant social scene, attracting locals and travelers alike.
• Hungarian Parliament Building (Budapest) — The official site for Hungary's Parliament Building, providing information on its history, architectural grandeur, and visitor tours along the Danube River.
• Buda Castle & Castle Hill (Budapest) — This site offers detailed information about Buda Castle and Castle Hill, highlighting its historical significance, museums, and panoramic views of Budapest.
• Central Market Hall (Budapest) — Central Market Hall is Budapest's largest and oldest indoor market, offering a vast selection of goods including traditional Hungarian foods, souvenirs, and crafts.
• Gellért Thermal Bath (Budapest) — One of Budapest's most famous thermal baths, known for its stunning architecture, therapeutic waters, and extensive spa facilities.
• @getto.gulyas — Instagram profile of Getto Gulyas, the most excellent gulyas we had in Budapest.
• Gravita Pub and Grill (Bucharest) — Facebook page of Gravita Pub and Grill in Bucharest, where we had quite good burgers.
• @gradinaeden — Instagram profile of the "Garden of Eden" (Gradina Eden).
• Smokehouse (Chișinău) — Smokehouse seems closed now – but for memories, I found this blog article.
• Notabene Cafe (Chișinău) — Facebook profile of the Cafe Nota Bene in Chișinău.
• Ștefan cel Mare Central Park — The main park of Chișinău, including the infamous fountain.
• COMMENTS

The run-up to departure is a blur of research, packing debates, and a frantic last-minute visa chase. We decide on backpacks, gadgets, and even look up the best SIM cards for the journey. Despite a visa hiccup that almost derails us, we are fueled by the thrill of adventure. Our farewell is a mix of emotions, leaving home with just our backpacks and a plan. As we move from the familiarity of Vienna to the unknown of Bratislava, the trip truly begins to feel like the escape we had hoped for, filled with new sights, tastes, and the occasional challenge.

This episode ends before the journey even really starts though – so stay tuned for more.

Links:

• Trans-Siberian Railway Official Site — Official website providing information, ticket booking, and planning for the Trans-Siberian railway journey from Moscow to Beijing.
• TravelSim Official Site — Provides international SIM cards for travelers, offering coverage in over 200 countries to stay connected.
• Airalo — Even easier and my preferred eSIM provider for travelling these days (2024).
• Icebreaker Merino Official Site — Offers a wide range of merino wool clothing ideal for travel, known for its comfort and odor resistance. My favourite travel gear.
• Figlmüller — Place for Schnitzel in Austria.
• Bratislava Castle — Site for Bratislava Castle, with visitor information including hours and exhibitions.
• Mondieu Café in Bratislava — A chain of cafes in Bratislava known for its comfortable atmosphere and quality coffee and desserts.
• Devín Castle — Devín Castle is a castle in Devín, which is a borough of Bratislava.
• COMMENTS

The journey then transitions smoothly into Kenya, where the wedding festivities await. The anticipation builds with every flight segment, and the narrative weaves through the complexities of travel, the nuances of international friendships, and the universal excitement of attending a wedding—a celebration that transcends borders and cultures, setting the scene for an episode filled with adventure, connection, and discovery.

I'll dive into the second leg of our adventure in the next episode, where we embark on an unforgettable safari, encountering zebras, lions, and a host of incredible wildlife, followed by a relaxing weekend at Chale Island and a whirlwind, yet fascinating, 12-hour sightseeing layover in Dubai.

Links:

• Skyscanner — A global travel search site that provides comparisons for flights, hotels, and car rentals, helping find the best deals.
• Google Flights — A comprehensive flight search engine that allows users to find flights based on destination, price, airline, and flight duration.
• Giraffe Center — A conservation and education center in Nairobi, allowing close encounters with giraffes, aiming to protect the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.
• Carnivore — The BBQ restaurant in Nairobi we went to.
• Kenya Wildlife Service — Information about parks in Kenya.
• COMMENTS

The adventure also includes a whimsical sightseeing tour, featuring a charming ox ride and a traditional boat trip. A visit to Ba Na Hills is a unique experience, with its surreal European-themed architecture creating a quirky, yet enjoyable atmosphere. Sampling local delicacies, like bagels and homemade ice cream, adds to the richness of our journey. Sharing these moments on my podcast, I aim to offer my listeners a peaceful escape, leading them gently towards a restful night.

Links:

• Bòng tailor, Hoi An — Tailor shop in Hoi An, Vietnam for custom suits and dresses.
• Haiyan Beach Hotel and Spa, Da Nang — Accommodation in Da Nang near the beach.
• Hai Cafe Courtyard BBQ & Restaurant in Hoi An Old Town — Delicious traditional Vietnamese food in a courtyard setting.
• Ba Na Hills — Tourist resort in Vietnam known for its cable car and European-style village.
• Port City Bagel and Deli, Hoi An — Bagel shop in Hoi An known for delicious bagels.
• COMMENTS