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A long stairway flanked by two golden colored naga snakes leads to the main statue. From up there, the view is unfortunately not so clear.

See more at : https://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/pattaya-big-buddha-pattaya-145
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Located on Khao Phra Tamnak the small hill between South Pattaya and Jomtien, the Big Buddha (or Phra Yai in Thai) wwas builtin 1977 when the city was still a quiet little fishing village. Called Phra

See more at : https://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/pattaya-big-buddha-pattaya-145
Copyright © Thailandee.com

Travel is my passion, Hospitality is my industry, Photography is my creative outlet. Meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the globe, keeps me on my toes and itching to travel more!

Thailand - Bridge over River Kwai

Tending the graves Kanchanaburi War Cemetery Thailand

Bridge over the River Kwai Kanchanaburi Thailand

One cannot leave Bangkok in a hurry! The city just goes on and on but we did eventually get beyond the city limits on our way to the "Good Times" Resort in Kanchanaburi. The trip by road took 3 hours and traffic was well behaved. Once out of the city we passed rice paddies, sugar cane fields, and cows wandering alongside the road! On arrival in Kanchanaburi, we were really spoilt with a river facing room, private balcony and futon style bed. Have you ever tried to get in and out of such a low bed with bad knees? It's worthy of a "laugh a minute" video!

This spot is full of WW2 history so off we headed to view the bridge. We were lucky enough to be on the bridge when a train came past so we vowed to take a ride before leaving this town. The sad story of the Thailand-Burma Railway is depicted in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Death Railway Museum. So many lives were lost in the construction of this railway - how these folk could work in the searing heat and high humidity, I cannot imagine. It's a tear-jerking experience visiting both the cemetery and the museum. The cemetery is huge, beautifully maintained and shows the many lives lost during this period - British, Indian, Dutch and Australian.

To lighten the sombre mood, we headed off to find the Monkey Pod Tree. The GPS got us lost so we meandered past temples, cows, monks, strange chickens, a huge horse farm until we eventually found the big tree. It's huge - the biggest tree I have ever seen - 20 m high and 25 m wide, it offers shade up to 50m. Thankfully, this tree is protected and well looked after. The warning sign in both English and Thai says "Do Not Scrape the Tree" and "Do not sit Down"

And then, our train trip! We took the train from River Kwai to Nam Tok and back again. Riding on the Death Railway was an incredible experience. The sheer rock face in parts brought home the horrendous tasks that faced the prisoners of war during WW2. The track had a major overhaul in 2016, some 70 years after it was built. The area along the route is mainly agricultural - sugar cane, tapioca and whatever else grows locally. A highly recommended trip.

Thai Vendor Kanchanaburi Thailand

We chatted to this very friendly lady who was selling books on the Death Railway. She did not push us to buy anything but was happy to chat while we waited for the train to Nam Tok.


The beautiful River Kwai in Kanchanaburi Thailand

Kanchanabuii Thailand


The Giant Monkey Pod Tree

The beautiful views from the train Konchanaburi to Nam Tok

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

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Travel is my passion, Hospitality is my industry, Photography is my creative outlet. Meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the globe, keeps me on my toes and itching to travel more!

Thailand - Bangkok

Canals - Bangkok

Bangkok - what can one say? It's a city that everybody should visit at least once.
It's a blend of old and new, strange smells, street food vendors, traffic and extreme heat!

Siamotif Hotel on a Bangkok Canal!

Our first adventure (if one can call it that) was a trip into from the river into the canals.
Some of the houses were very basic, others quite posh but all built in water. This was an interesting trip for us given that we have explored the "backwaters" in Alleppy, India. Those backwaters in India were truly alive and totally fascinating - there seemed to be more life around than in Bangkok but perhaps folk were all out at work. There are many tourist boats around so it's a popular spot to visit.

Electrical Wires everywhere!

Next up was a city tour - the city is a mixture of old and new with very ornate government buildings & temples plus old city grime. Scooters and tuk-tuks are everywhere, as is usual in the East, yellow T-Shirts were very much in evidence in support of the new king. Street sweepers are very much in evidence so the streets are clean yet look mucky due to the old pavements. Chinatown drove me out very fast due to horrid biting flies! Never experienced that anywhere else thank goodness.

Bangkok

At the traffic lights near our hotel there was a sign " Beware of Snatch Thief" aimed at scooter passengers. We clung to our camera's but all was OK, thank goodness. I just loved the scooter guys laden with boxes, doing deliveries.

While having our supper at a restaurant on the canal below our hotel, we saw a young lady selling fish food. I don't think I would like to eat fish caught there as the smell of the water was rather off putting. This young lady left her young son to look after the stall while she took the baby home. While everybody appears to have some sort of basic income, poverty is real and sad here. Traditions are very evident in Thailand and we watched a chap praying at the bridge before scattering his fish food purchase to the fish. Rather special to watch.

Chao Praya River Bangkok

The Chao Praya River is very much part of the city so we headed off on foot to catch a boat ride to see the sights from the river. Passing through the grounds of Thammasat University where students were about their studies, we spotted their slogan - "Where we learn to love the people" That's different!

It's a lovely ride on the river offering views of temples, modern buildings, fancy hotels and the back of China Town. Unfortunately, the ticket office gave us incorrect information which led to an argument and extremely aggressive behaviour from the Thai staff. It was very unpleasant and not in the spirit of "The Land of Smiles" As they also forced us to get off the boat on the other side of the river, we were stranded and had to catch a taxi who also ripped us off with a huge fare.

A rather sad ending to our stay in Bangkok so I can't say that I fell in love with the city...but an interesting sojourn nonetheless.


Street Sweepers are everywhere - Bangkok is clean in the most part.


Riding the Canals Bangkok

Transport - Bangkok!

Dejected in Bangkok!!

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Travel is my passion, Hospitality is my industry, Photography is my creative outlet. Meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the globe, keeps me on my toes and itching to travel more!

23 June 2019

Singapore - the Jewel of the East

Singapore - a City for All

The Iconic Marina Sands Hotel

Singapore is such a modern city with amazing architecture. There is much to do - choose what you like best and start exploring! We were unable to explore every corner of this city in the short space of time that we had - here are some snippets of this interesting city.

Singapore River Cruise:

Bum Boats Singapore

While Singapore is an island, transport is mainly land-based. The bus, rail, and taxi make up the three main public transport modes in Singapore. Before the development of land infrastructure in early Singapore, boats and river transport played a key role in the transportation of goods and passengers.

The Singapore River itself was the centre of trade since the founding of modern Singapore. Boat Quay was the commercial centre where barge lighters or bumboats would transport cargo and goods upstream to the warehouses at Clarke Quay.

Clarke Quay

Bumboats have been in use from the 1600s in Europe although the ones in Singapore have adapted design variations from the original European-style lighters. Commonly known as twakows and tongkangs in Singapore, they were once extensively used for transport purposes along the Singapore River, Rochor and Kallang Rivers, and also along the coast of the mainland and other nearby islands.

Today, these beautifully preserved boats take tourists on the Singapore River to see the sights both during the day and for the lights at night.

Clarke Quay is a historical riverside quay in Singapore, located within the Singapore River Planning Area. The quay is situated upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River and Boat Quay.
The first quay was built in 1823 at Boat Quay, where major companies first set up in Singapore. ... The Singapore River was the heart of the town, and up to the 1840s, all shipping activities were concentrated at its mouth and along the crescent-shaped Boat Quay.

A trip on a Bum Boat is a must do! Doing this trip both day time and nighttime to get the different aspects is first prize. Starting at Clarke Quay and winding upriver towards Boat Quay, Merlin Park Jetty and the impressive Marina Sands. We went to the top of the Marina Sands for glorious views and expensive drinks! The entire roof is not open to the public - only guests are allowed in the swimming pool area.

Singapore Botanical Gardens:

Singapore Gardens - Orchids

The first botanical garden was set up by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore and a keen naturalist, in 1822 on Government Hill at Fort Canning, mainly to introduce into cultivation economic crops. It closed in 1829 and, in 1859, at the present Tanglin site a new garden was developed by an Agri-Horticultural Society, and later handed over to the government in 1874.

The Gardens has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Today, the Gardens is an important botanical institute

Of special interest to us was this Giant Cola Tree. The Former South Africa President was received in March 1997 when a VIP Orchid was named in his honour. A wonderful tribute to an incredible man.

The more than 150-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens is a star visitor attraction for the sophisticated traveller and the local resident. The Gardens possess an array of botanical and horticultural attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide significance.

Sculpture of Chopin overlooking the Symphony Stage

Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme, which began in 1928, deserve a place where they can be displayed in their full splendour. The very design of these orchids is, one could say, 'hand-crafted' by the Gardens' horticultural staff, dedicated to bringing out the finest in any hybrid cross.
With over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids on display, the splendour of these gorgeous blooms is absolutely a sight to behold at the National Orchid Garden.

Little India:

Little India Singapore

Originally settled by Indian labourers in the late 18^th century, Little India has transformed from a district of racehorse tracks and lime pits to a neighbourhood where traditional establishments and century-old temples merge seamlessly with boutique museums and budding art spaces.
Take a walk through this 200-year-old enclave, and be inspired by vibrant culture, traditional aesthetics and the myriad artistic activities on offer.

We were transported back to our visit in India - the smells, the bustle, the many Indians, the colourful shops - all add to an exciting visit to this area of Singapore..

Little India Singapore

The Sri Veeramakaliamman temple was built by Indian pioneers in the mid-19^thcentury, this place of worship is dedicated to the ferocious goddess Kali, and is one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples.

China Town:
Chinatown's maze of narrow roads includes Chinatown Food Street, with its restaurants serving traditional fare like Hainanese chicken rice, noodles and satay. Souvenir shops and indie boutiques dot the area, offering clothes, crafts and antiques, while Club Street is full of trendy wine bars. Cultural institutions here include the 1827 Sri Mariamman Temple and the ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.

Such a fun place to visit!
Shopping, food, wall art and a great street vibe.

Gardens by the Bay:

Floral Fantasy - Gardens by the Bay

Guided by its vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, Gardens by the Bay has earned numerous awards and accolades including the World Building of the Year in 2012, the President’s Design Award (Singapore) in 2013, the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Themed Entertainment Association in 2014, the Largest Glass Greenhouse (Flower Dome) in the Guinness World Records for 2015, and the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2016. These achievements are testament to the ongoing excellence of the Gardens and spur the team towards attaining greater success.

Floral Fantasy is the latest thematic attraction at Gardens by the Bay. Flowers, artistry and technology come together to create a dream-like, fantastical experience for visitors. It comprises four diverse garden landscapes, each showcasing a different concept, as well as a 4D ride.

Step into the Flower Dome and stand in awe of nature. Spectacular and innovative, it is the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records! Be amazed by changing display of flowers and plants from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.

Cloud Forest:
Explore the tropical highlands amidst orchids, pitcher plants and ferns from the cool-moist Tropical Montane region. Be amazed as you encounter the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 30 metres and descend through the surreal mist-filled Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk.

Cloud Forest

Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway
Of the 18 Supertrees in Gardens by the Bay, 12 of them can be found here at Supertree Grove, with the tallest one measuring up to 16 storeys in height.

Make a trip to the top of one of these towering Supertrees and be awed by splendid views of the Gardens and the surrounding Marina Bay area.

What's more, get an up-close look at the technical marvels of the Gardens' futuristic attraction by strolling along OCBC Skyway, which connects 2 of these towering Supertrees. This 128-metre long aerial walkway is an experience not to be missed, giving visitors glorious photo-taking opportunities to capture the scenic beauty of the surrounding flora.

Singapore is a shoppers paradise if that's what rocks your boat
Chinatown, Little India, Central at Clarke Quay and the famous Orchard Road.
Go crazy .....

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

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Travel is my passion, Hospitality is my industry, Photography is my creative outlet. Meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the globe, keeps me on my toes and itching to travel more!

12 April 2019

Cape Town - Simonstown Experience

Simonstown, Cape |Town, South Africa

Founded in 1680, Simon’s Town is a historic seaside anchorage nestled into the eastern flank of the Cape’s dramatic peninsula. For more than 350 years, this sheltered harbour, which overlooks False Bay, has served as a major naval base, first to the Dutch settlers, then the British, and now the South African Navy. Few other places in South Africa, never mind the Cape, can rival the maritime history of Simon’s Town but it’s for many more reasons than history alone that locals and tourists flock to this South Peninsula suburb. Let’s take a look at ten awesome ways to spend your day in Simon’s Town.

# 1 – Watch the sun rise over False Bay

With its face to the east, sunrises are something spectacular to behold in Simon’s Town. It might be a bit of an early morning but with the sun rising later in winter (07:00 and getting later until 21^st June), it shouldn’t prove impossible to peel the family out of bed. Getting to Simon’s Town earlier rather than later is also a good idea because the wind can pick up in the late afternoon.

# 2 – Grab a light breakfast and a coffee

With the sun firmly in the sky and everyone’s stomachs catching up with their eyelids, it’s time to grab a decent cup of coffee and a breakfast. St. George’s Street, the main road through Simon’s Town, is peppered with cafés. Monocle & Mermaid serves coffee, pastries, and light meals, and also sells local art and music; The Sweetest Thing dishes up a mouth-watering selection of baked goods, cakes, pastries, and pies; and Think Coffee is the place to go for a truly excellent cuppa.

# 3 – Go on an audio tour

Named after Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon’s Town is steeped in centuries’ old history. An audio tour is an engaging way to learn and appreciate this history while strolling down the town’s “historic mile,” taking in attractions such as the Admiralty House, St Francis Church, Simon’s Town Museum, The British Hotel, and more.

Simply download the audio tour for Simon’s Town, narrated by local author Maureen Miller, for only $1.99 or R30 from VoiceMap. The tour kicks off at the Simon’s Town train station (the last stop on the southern line from Cape Town) and ends conveniently in the village centre, where there’s lots to do and see.

# 4 – Visit Just Nuisance

Just Nuisance, Simonstown

One of Simon’s Town’s most beloved characters is the Great Dane Just Nuisance: the only dog to ever be officially admitted to the Royal Navy! From 1939 to 1944, Just Nuisance served on the HMS Afrikander and was buried with full naval honours when he passed away. He remains a beloved character to this day, so no trip to Simon’s Town is complete without a picture taken with his bronze statue in Jubilee Square. You can also visit his special display at the Simon’s Town Museum or walk the Cable Hill pathway up to his gravesite on Red Hill.

# 5 – Do a little shopping at Jubilee Square

Since you’re in Jubilee Square making your acquaintance with Just Nuisance, why not indulge in a little retail therapy? You’ll find scores of informal traders peddling traditional wares, arts, and curios in this scenic square, which also overlooks the water. On Saturdays, the trading erupts into a full-scale crafts market.

# 6 – Refuel! Go for a seafood lunch

With all that walking and shopping under the belt, it’s time for a hearty lunch! And being a seaside village, what better way is there to refuel than to sit down to a meal of fresh seafood? Bertha’s Restaurant is an institution in these parts and serves a mean fish and chips. They also do seafood platters, fresh oysters, and prawns, which can be enjoyed on their terrace with gorgeous views over the harbour. To the west, on Wharf Street, you’ll find the slightly less formal Salty Sea Dog and, to the east, Neptune’s Restaurant. A little further towards Cape Point, there’s the Black Marlin.

# 7 – Visit the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach

Perhaps the most famous of all Simon’s Town’s attractions is Boulder’s Beach, a wonderful sheltered little beach that’s home to a breeding colony of 3,000 African penguins. The recently constructed boardwalk offers decent views of the penguins; alternatively – and more favourably – you can pay the entrance fee and spend an hour or two chilling on the sand and swimming in the ocean (you’ll very likely share the water with the penguins).

# 8 – Go sea kayaking

Simonstown Cape Town

Another way to see the penguins is to sign up for a sea kayaking trip with a company like Kayak Cape Town, which offers daily adventures (all year) in and around False Bay. Glide in the shadows of the navy base’s retired warships, enjoy the brisk ocean air, and paddle side-by-side with African penguins. Look out for whales, seals, and dolphins, the latter two of which are year-round residents. No prior experience is needed and a professional guide will make sure you’re safe at all times.

# 9 – Whale watching with the Simon’s Town Boating Company

Get up close and personal with the Cape’s extraordinary marine life and visiting whales with a 10:30 or 14:00 excursion with the Simon’s Town Boating Company. Their highly qualified crew operate four custom designed vessels and all tours are accompanied by expert commentary. The most common visiting mammal to the western half of False Bay is the southern right whale, but sightings of Bryde’s whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and even orcas are not uncommon.

# 10 – Visit Simon’s Town’s museums

Simonstown Cape Town

Simon’s Town is a treasure trove of museums and carefully restored and maintained heritage sites, which radiate the antiquity and charm of this naval village. Whether you simply take a stroll down St. George’s Street to appreciate the heritage buildings or pop in to one of the many museums here – the Simon’s Town Museum (housed in ‘The Residency’, which was built in 1777), South African Naval Museum, or Warrior Toy Museum – it’s virtually impossible not to feel transported to a bygone era.

Thea Beckman

Simonstown, Cape Town, South Africa

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For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa