Have you watched a movie with breathtaking scenery and imagined yourself being there? It inspires you to pack your bag and see the world outside of your comfort zone.
But for now, all our leisure travel plans have to be put on hold. With many countries still closing their border and some imposing lockdown, the travel industry remains uncertain and is hampered by Covid-19.
On 21 September 2019, I arrived at Kunming Changshui International Airport at about 2am. I traveled with a friend and spent our night napping in an airport bistro. Our travel to Kunming is to trek the Tiger Leaping Gorge. In the morning, we boarded a train to the city center. Here are notes from my travel notebook: *** 21 Sept 2019 The Kunming airport has a subway. To get to Kunming Railway Station from the airport, one has to get on a Line 6 train and stop at East Coach Station. Get on a Line 3 train to Dongfeng Station, then board Line 2 train to Kunming Railway Station. There are basically two Kunming railway stations – one is for subway line, the second is for trains serving far away regions. The latter is where you go to take a sleeper train. It’s about a 10-minute walk down the streets, passing tunnel and back alley. So, we arrive in Kunming city, tired and greeted by a light drizzle. I have not had enough sleep. It …
Today is full of memorable moments. A memorable moment with loved ones having an okay-but-not-so-okay meal at Hilton Hotel, where the staff offered each of us a complimentary chocolate cake in conjunction with Hilton’s 100 years anniversary. A memorable moment when I finally built the courage to say “This is it. We are ready!” A memorable moment when I finally got my hands on Scott Schuman’s book at only RM12. Today is indeed beautiful and I will not say in another way.
[Above picture taken by NSTP/Khairull Azry Bidin] NOTE: Article written during the Sandakan parliamentary by-election coverage ****** A JETTY with a rundown bridge that connects the docking platform and the shore of Kampung Pulau Berhala greets visitors as they arrive at the small forested island near the Sandakan city centre. One can see wooden beams protruding from the eroded cemented walkway. With cracks everywhere, it appears to be a matter of time before the bridge gives way, endangering visitors and locals alike. “Slowly, one at a time,” said one villager as a group of media practitioners treaded carefully on the rickety bridge. Along the walkway are wooden stilt structures used to hold small boats and unfinished houses. According to Kampung Pulau Berhala chief Junior Jikirin, the 100-metre long cemented walkway was built five years ago during the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration, with no maintenance work carried out since. This, he said, is the only jetty for the villagers. There is also another jetty, but it connects to the Joint Task Force base on the far …
4 January 2019. Woke up quite late, at 11.30am. Had lunch at a new cafe, visited a thrift shop and bought a RM5 vintage designer necktie. Had sushi for dinner then coffee with mom. Did my laundry and witnessed disgusting incident. A day well spent. Cheers, A.Geraldine
a.geraldine 