T i o m a n

We took a 2D1N offer to Pulau Tioman in December 2003. Sharon was hesitant about the trip since it is off peak and nobody enjoys a resort during the wet season. Well, it cannot be raining 24 hours everyday right? I retorted. And boy was I wronged! It was a miserable 2 days for us, all cooped up in the hotel room, less a couple of hours of cloudy daylight to venture out.

Rain on our arrival. Our hotel room is on the upper deck. No a soul in sight.

 Rain cloud descending, and boy it pours.

The rain persisted, and assisted by the wind, the sea got really rough. Swimming anyone?

 Soon, the mountain range was engulfed by the rain cloud.

And what do you do when you couldn't get out? Watching TV is the next best thing to pass time. But the TV programs sucked.

Has the rain stopped? Yes it has. Hooray, finally!

 People are out and about, time to hit the beach.

 And make some catch for dinner.

 Is that the rain cloud coming? Oh come on....Not again!

 Pulau Soyak, with the tide going really low

 Footprints on the sand, to be washed away soon by the tide or rain.

 A rare moment where the family got together to participate in a game of golf

 And the cat finally get a chance to relieve itself on its favourite litter ground.

 A primate looking for its mate, food or both?

 Poor birdie has to take shelter from the heavy rain.

The resident monitor lizards get a bit of the sun to recharge its cold blooded body.

Respite for us when it is time to go home, but guess what? The flight was delayed due to bad weather. Although I did not get a tan in this travel trip, I do learn a valuable lesson -  Never believe a deal too good to be true.   

And another travel trip awaiting....

L o n d o n

Our driving holiday finally ended in London, capital city of the United Kingdom. After spending more than 10 days on the road, we decided to take it easy in London. We returned the car and visited the places of interest by foot and used the tube.

 The iconic London Tower Bridge

Westminster Bridge with the House of Lords & Big Ben on the background

 A monotone to reflect the London mood.

 London Eye, and no we did not ride on it. Wife didn't like the idea of being hung so high up, and we were quite broke by then.

 Big Ben...

 ...And with London Eye.

Westminster Abbey

Modern developments along the River Thames

London is a vibrant and multi-cultural city, and with it come the exciting arrays of plays, food, shopping and nightlife. It is considered the largest city in Western Europe, and everyone seems to love this city. 

On a sad note, I did not appreciate a single bit of London and what it could bring. Perhaps it is a place of too much happening. After I have experienced those laid back and peaceful days, I did not find London comfortable. The contrast was too huge, and I just did not enjoy the sudden change. Well, I hope to give it another chance though. Perhaps.

And another travel trip awaiting....

L a n d ' s E n d

Ok. This is probably the only post that does not have a destination name to it. I wanted to group this post under Cornwall, but somehow, it just didn't seem right. As it is, Land's End is most appropriate here. The scenery here is simply breathtaking that I could not describe more to justify its beauty. So, less talk and enjoy.

 

 My travel companions decided to venture higher to catch a better view of the ocean. Good thing I have the tele-lens with me.

As the name suggest, this is probably the western most point of England mainland. With its magnificent natural setting, we spent some time strolling along the paths on the cliff curved out by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The battered coastline, the jutting rock formations and the shipwreck all but added a dramatic feel to the whole place. I loved it!

And another travel trip awaiting.

C o r n w a l l

Today we drove west towards Cornwall. We made a stop at Glastonbury to visit the Glastonbury Abbey.

 This ruined Abbey has a romantic charm to it from the many flower species that were planted on its ground.

 Inner Abbey in its barest form, exposed to the elements

Final inspection of the Abbey before we set forth to our next destination.

 This is Saint Michael's Mount, a monastery that was built on an island across Marazion. Now, it has a living community within it and has opened its castle's door to tourists.

At low tide, tourist could walk across on the granite path linking the main land to the Mount.

 You only get a few hours a day to visit the castle, when the tide go down. The siren would signal the time to leave as the tide come back in.

 Mural of the old settlements around Saint Michael's Mount.

 Sail boats literally left stranded and dry. 

View of mainland Marazion and the crossing from the top of the Mount. The view is awesome, but the climb was exhausting.

The visit to Saint Michael's Mount was educating. I appreciate how well the relic, antique furniture and ancestry paintings are preserved. A lot of hard work must have been given to maintain this place, in order to keep the tourists coming. It certainly made one tourist happy.

And another travel trip awaiting....

   

B a t h

When we mentioned hot springs, the first place we think about would be the onsen towns in Japan. Who would have thought to find a hot spring in the heart of England?

 Well, we did. It is in Bath where the Romans first built their spa town during their occupation in AD60s.

 Today, the popular city has museums, theatres, shops, and many more establishments that helped make it a major tourist attraction.

 Street performer is a common sight in the city.

 Not today corgi, you are on a diet.

 Bath Abbey stands at the middle of Bath City

 Visitors come in flocks to this beautiful city, and you can admire the view on an open top bus.

 Pulteney Bridge overlooking the impressive Pulteney Weir 

Reverse view of the Pulteney Weir

Large open field in front of The Royal Crescent. It is such a nice place to picnic here in summer.

Although I did not visit the bath museum, I enjoyed the rest of Bath. Its architecture and historical surroundings are a sight to behold. A walking tour is highly recommended as the attractions are closed to each other, and you probably need a day to see it all.

And another travel trip awaiting....