minalism travel

Did you miss the supermoon a few days ago? I missed the moon set on Monday morning and the moonrise on Monday night, which I was a little bummed about, but managed to wake up for the moon set on Tuesday. And it was honestly worth every minute of that pre-crack of dawn rise! The November 14th supermoon was the second of three supermoons this year, and was more like an extra special super moon, being the closest the moon has been to Earth since 1948. This means the moon appeared much bigger and significantly brighter (in fact it was 14% larger and 30% brighter!) at the point of perigee – when the moon is closest to Earth. This was certainly a supermoon of a generation, which can be appreciated by moon lovers around the world, as we won't be seeing a moon like this until 2034! Here's a really cool and short (3 minute) video from the LiveScience Team and NASA explaining in more detail about what we just witnessed a few days ago.               ...

Holiday birthday drinks and a spectacular view of Bangkok's stunning skyline from The Sky Bar @Lebua State Tower , April 2010 – Photograph by minalism  Moving to Thailand brought a very necessary calm to my already provoked senses, bringing the balance that I had been seeking. Bangkok being Thailand's hub of commercialism, classism, wealth, tourism and modern culture, like any big city it can certainly be quite a bitch at times. Admittedly, I have more than often escaped Bangkok craving the serene and peaceful ways of life that other parts of Thailand endlessly boasts. But even amidst all the madness and chaos, Bangkok still serves up a daily hum that cannot be replaced in this region of the world, with its comparatively free, liberal and hedonistic society. Bangkok's city skyline from The Sky Bar @Lebua State Tower , April 2010 – Photograph by minalism The first day that I ever set foot in Bangkok at none other than Khaosan Road , April 20...

Women enjoying cycling, circa 1900 – Photograph by Cycling History Blog "[Bicycling] has done more to emancipate woman than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a whe el. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she takes her seat; and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood." Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was a prominent 19th century American civil rights leader and women's rights activist during the emergence of a women's suffrage in the New World. Back in Susan's day the idea and sight of a woman peddling a single seater bicycle must have indeed been tremendously empowering, and a monumental statement for society. But today, when I read this lovely quote of her's, all I can think of is,         "... and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood. Until someone comes along in their bus, van, car, motorbike or bicycle and smacks that woman right off her se...

Some friends invited me over to their new abode for a house warming slash Chinese New Year dinner. Delighted, off course I accepted the invite to an evening of Chinese culinary perfection which surpassed any of my expectations, and left me at the end of the night wishing that I had asked for a doggy bag to take home. All the ingredients were bursting with fresh flavours. And most importantly, all ingredients were traditionally Chinese. Having a home cooked Chinese meal was a new experience for me and definitely something I would not pass up if I ever get the chance to have it again! Simply... the Menu (my interpretation of the menu at least. Apologies for any mistakes!) A variety of mushrooms including oyster, enokitake, dried shitake. Oysters. Sea cucumber. Freshly steamed chicken. Steamed fish. Sweet and sour pork with peppers and onions. Fish ball strips with green leaves sautéed in garlic. Grilled king prawns in a sweet soy sauce. Plain white rice. ...

The walkway between Hong Kong and Central MRT stations during rush hour – Photograph by minalism  It's m y second day back in Hong Kong after my winter vacation. I'm eager to get back into my routine, so I immediately throw myself back into work, also  throwing myself back into the crowds of Central and Hong Kong MTR stations. All or nothing, straight into the deep end. Within a week I'm reacquainted with Hong Kong rush hour manic walking. Bad walkers to put it lightly. Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong will know what this expression means. Walking on pavements, around the many shopping malls, in MTR stations, strolling in parks, around sports fields, walking to the supermarket, walking through the many back and side streets, running for a bus.... bad walkers everywhere! If you're like me, most of the time you remember these moments with a smile and have a chuckle about it. But when you're trying to get to a destination at a particular time, BEWARE! Add at ...

My secret patch of grass land. Thank goodness I found this place. If you know me well, you'll know that I need grass to survive! It calms me down when I'm feeling stressed, it helps me memorise and cram before exams or presentations, it grounds me in those moments of confusion and helps me connect with the Earth. It is my zen. So this was a big find for me, already feeling claustrophobic with all the grey, black and white of a concrete jungle. This is going to be my secret go-to when I'm feeling a bit anxious, or want an escape from my concrete neighbourhood. Although, I must say the grass is really itchy to lay on... but whatever, I can deal with it. A small cost to pay for a big reap!  ᐂ

It was a Wednesday afternoon and I was walking back to my apartment from the Mid-Levels, thinking about what to do for the rest of the day when I stumbled upon this place. Tucked away in an almost out of sight location, I had been walking past this a few days every week wondering what could be behind the wall of trees, thinking I should venture and explore someday. And so by doing that today, I couldn't believe what I found. Swings! Chess board like structures engraved onto solid stone block tables. Cute little seating areas dotted all around a tiny playground... The playground didn't really interest me much as it didn't have any slides big enough, and was missing a see saw. But still, this was a precious find! And, delightfully deserted during the midday. Aside of a few maintenance staff, I was completely alone in this secret little garden. I must have been a sight, as the ladies sweeping up the grounds had stopped in their tracks, staring at me,...

Repulse Bay in the Southern Part of Hong Kong Island I t's Wednesday, mid-week and the weather is still roasting. When the weather is like this all I can think of is being by the sea. So why not? I texted a few friends and fixed up a beach date at Repulse Bay . My last and only visit to Repulse Bay was on a random night out, with some crazy people, drunk and tumbling about looking for a BBQ site to have a late night feast. So I was definitely interested in spending some time at this beach during the day.  No one knows exactly how the bay got its name, as there is no circumstantial evidence to prove which story tells the true events of the bay. One popular belief is that in 1841, the area was being used by pirates as a base to disrupt trading between foreign trader ships and China. Due to the damaging consequences of the pirates positioning, they were 'repulsed' away from Hong Kong by the British Naval Fleet. The beach was artificially extended under the Br...

Tears are like rain. they loosen up our soil so we can grow in different directions.                                – Virginia Casey Monsoon season is upon us and the rain gods have ripped open the skies. I've always been a sucker for storms... especially in the tropics. The storm winds blow the rain horizontally which literally creates a multi-directional wall of rain pouring out of the sky. Almost as if a billion buckets filled with water was being simultaneously poured out by rain giants. A few things I love doing when its raining: ... Standing or dancing outside, day or night in the thick downpour of the warm humid monsoon rains. It's the only time you can get drenched to the bone and not freeze your arse off afterwards... unless, you're a drunk fool prancing around in the torrential rain on the top of the IFC towers , at the snazzy rooftop Red Bar + Restaurant  (which ...

Rough Trade Records East – Photograph by Tom McShane from East London Lines Magazine I had an early start to my day... I never really enjoy having to wake up early. I am defi nitely not a morning person. After skimming through a relatively productive morning, I was craving Korean food, so I headed for the Korea House food stall in Food Republic to get a take-away portion of the Kimchi with pork, seasonal vegetables and rice lunch set. Food in hand I worked my way back through the crowded hallways of the shopping mall, while replying to a text message at the same time, when the oddest sight stopped me in my tracks. There in front of me  a small old Chinese man   was wearing a " Rough Trade Records " t-shirt! ROUGH TRADE!!! The exact font of the record store logo . I had to back track a few steps on the escalator to get a second glimpse. I wonder if this guy knows what the logo represents? Whatever the case, a small victory for Brick Lane and for record stores was w...

My 'Small Victories' Entry That Made The Final Cut!   It was a standard Thursday night in Hong Kong, and my usual pre-cursor to the weekend's upcoming drinking and socialising. I was getting ready to go to a local exhibition around the corner from where I live. I love going to these events, meeting local artists and being able to share my interests in the creative side of life. And there on the walls of the Above Second Gallery, tonight my entry was on show, amongst 100 other entries that had made the final cut for the exhibition.  The gallery was showcasing a collection of photographs titled Small Victories , a concept created by  Jeff Hamada ,  a Japanese Canadian artist from Vancouver, BC. He came up with the brilliant concept of getting photographers of all levels from all corners of the world to send him copies of standard 4 × 6 prints of photographs capturing  "quietly beautiful, unintentionally funny, people and things all around us" . J...

Cosmopolitan London – Photograph from  Shutterstock Another beautiful day on Hong Kong island. I woke up with a really discomforting feeling so I leapt out of bed and ran straight out. The last few days have been sunny and hot, which has been really nice to run about in. Opening my email, a friend had sent me a really interesting but sad article  "Hospital Pays Compensation Over 'Racism' Death" , and then this follow up article,  "It Seemed Impossible, But At Last Martin Jacques Got Justice For The Wife He Loved" .  WOW this case really hit me hard. " Hong Kong's dirty little secret".  I immediately wrote a quick email to  Martin Jacques  to thank him for his writings, and for his lengthy fight for justice for his wife. I mainly wanted to thank him for his acknowledgment of a reality in Hong Kong and South-East Asia that many are not even willing to entertain. He is an example of a truly open expatriate, living his life abroad, and mak...

Soho Chillin'... Soho Area of Hong Kong – Photograph From Foodpanda Magazine It's been a good morning, I had a relaxed start, and headed out feeling good. After running a few errands around my neighbourhood lunch soon approached and I was starving, so I popped into Soho and ended up at a great little Mexican place called "El Taco Loco". Lunch agenda: Quesidilla Pollo Suprema with a Sol Cerveza to wash it down. Excellently priced and with friendly service, El Taco Loco is the perfect escape for homely Mexican interiors and tasty fast food. Sitting at the high bar by the window so that I could people watch while I hungrily scoffed my food I realised I had a spectator! A middle aged Chinese lady had stopped right opposite me, on the street outside the restaurant, and was taking a good, nosy look at my food. I figured she was just curious, so I tilted my food basket and showed her what was left of my meal. She smiled, nodded and continued her walk up the hilly r...

Singapore Changi Airport – Photograph from transturk.com.au So this is a nice surprise... I have been booking so many flights recently that all the different flight details seem to be merging into one. I'm on my way to Lanka and boarded my first plane not really checking or noticing any details about the flight route... I knew I had one stop over which I thought was in Bangkok. But alas here I am in Changi Airport, Singapore. Love these kind of random surprises. Time to go explore, so chat to you on the other side.  ᐂ

Sahara Restaurant on Elgin Street I t's been a while since I've written anything at all... I have had plenty of inspiration but lacking motivation. As upsetting as it is when I get into these modes, I'm trying to think of it as a break I didn't know I needed. Something like that... It feels like a heavy day trailing off from a heavy few weeks. I'm starting to feel like I'm going down a dangerous path that I know all too well, and have spent way too much time in the past avoiding to just let it slip back into my life. It's money and time consuming. And it drains every bit of life out of me, and numbs my brain. It's the dark side of my moon, and I'm not looking forward to when it hits.   After a busy day I met up with my friend Christine for a quick drink in the evening. I always enjoy her great company, so hanging out with her was exactly what I needed. So we went to one of our favourite rooftop wine bars and ordered our first glass for...