Europe Highlights in Autumn

Itinerary was chosen by sister in law and we follow suit. Her dream destinations, Paris and Italy.  And there we went with GTT itinerary 14 days 12 nights via Emirates Airline that covered Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Netherlands.

Our first stop was Rome followed by Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Venice and Milan before we travel across to Lugano, Switzerland.  From Lugano we took high speed train cross the world's longest tunnel to Lucerne. Then to Bern and put a night in Beaune, France. From Beaune, we traveled to Paris. After Paris, we traveled to Belgium and last stop in Amsterdam where we flew back to home country. Yup just in 12 nights we covered all these countries and attractions.

The attractions that we covered:

Rome - Colosseum (new 7 wonder of the world), Renaissance Building, Baroque churches, Trevi Fountain
Vatican City - Peter's Basilica
Florence - home of Michelangelo, city view from Piazalle Michelangelo, Santa Maria Cathedral, Giotto's Bell tower, the gates of paradise, open air and gallery of Signoria Square
Pisa - Leaning tower of Pisa, Cathedral in Square of Miracles
Venice - Gondola rides, St Mark Square, Casanova's Bridge of Sigh, Doges Palace and St Mark Cathedral, See the world's best artisan in glass blowing factory
Milan - Duomo, Gothic Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, Galleria Victtoria Emanuele, Castello Sforzesco
Lucerne - Mt Titlis in Engelberg, Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, shopping for Swiss Chocolate
Bern - Bear Pits, Old Town, 
Paris - Drive along Champs Elysees, Arch de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Drive pass Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, visit 2nd level Eiffel Tower, shopping at Galeries Lafayette, La Vallee Vilage (Bicester Village Shopping), Fragonard Perfume Museum, Cruise on River Seine
Brussel - photo stop at Atomium, Chinese Pavilion passing by Grand Palace and visit cheeky Manneken Pis
Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans Cheese and Clog Factory, Volendam area of old fishing boats and traditional clothing worn by residents, glass doomed waterbus  cruise, diamond factory, Madurodam, The Hague (optional)

Italy meals that we went mainly pasta and pizza. It was unexpectedly snowing in Mt Titlis. Lucerne is beautiful with mountains and lakes. Paris is romantic. Brussel is famous for mussels. Amsterdam is interesting with lots of bicycles, beautiful and clean city. Glad that I have managed to cover all these beautiful countries.    

The Hague

Holland

Venice

Pisa

Adventurous Silk Road

Did not know what to expect and did not even bother to check on the itinerary as it was arranged by my uncle who asked us to join the tour of 9 days 7 nights via Air Asia direct to Lanzhou following Golden TourWorld Travel (GTT) with no shopping stop.

As end August, the systems at KLIA and KLIA2 went haywire, we were told to be earlier to airport 3.5 hours before flight depart at 5.25 pm that Sunday 8 September 2019.  The travels on flight took us 5 hours to reach Lanzhou and after so much queries at the custom airport, we reached the hotel almost passed midnight.  The next morning our flight to Urumuqi by Shandong Airline took us another 2.5 hours departed from Lanzhou at 10.30 am. Lunch served onboard but not to my liking with choice of chicken or fish.

Day 1 
Flight details (Via Air Asia which started to fly to Lanzhou)
8 Sept 2019 KL/Lanzhou (5 hrs) 1725/2220 hrs

Clearing of immigration has taken up quite a bit of time due lots of queries and they started with biometrics, so by time we check into hotel was quite late. Lucky the hotel, Ruiling International Hotel was not far from airport, approximately 9 km away.

Day 2 
Next morning we were told to wake up early as we need to board domestic flight
9 Sept 2019 Lanzhou/Urumuqi via Shandong Airline 1030/1300 hrs
After arrival straight to Heaven Mountain and Lake Tianshan
Check in U Hotel, the best hotel throughout the trip.

 

 

Urumuqi is the northern route of the Silk Road and is melting pot of various fascinating culture.

Heavenly Lake, a befitting fabled lake on high altitude

Day 3
Erdaoqiao Bazaar and then lunch before we leave to Turpan. The earlier the better to avoid any road closure due to wind and blowing sand.  When we drove through Xinjiang Highway to Turpan, we passed by Asia's largest windpower station. At Turpan, we visited Karez Well System, the main source of water supply to Turpan's citizen. After dinner, we check into Shuang Cheng Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 4
Visited Ancient City of Jiohe, the oldest largest best preserved earthen city in the world. Visited the Grapes Valley before we were treated with whole roast lamb for lunch.Visited hottest place in China, Flaming Mountain aka Red Mountain.  The temperature was 35 when we there thus not too "flaming" at all.  After dinner, we were back to hotel for early rest.

Falming mountain - a fling with the heat and the "monkey king".

Day 5
We were allocated 1.5 hours before our train depart to Dunhuang for strict custom check on your baggage and hand carry. No inflammable, knife or scissors are allowed. As for drinking water, is better to put into hand carry for them to check and they will ask you to have a zip in front of them. Lunch was onboard, box meal with rice, chicken, vege, beancurd. We visited Mingsha mountain as we arrived Dunhuang. Ride the camel and tour around Crescent Lake.   For dinner, we were served Snow Mountain Camel palm. We stayed at Fulihua International Hotel for a night.

Day 6 
We visited Mogao Grottoes, this cave is a shrine of Buddhist art treasures. Then leave by coach to Jiayuguan. We stayed in Sky Fortunes for the night.

Day 7
In Jiayuguan, we visited Jiayuguan Fort, Great Wall Museum before we leave by coach to Zhangye. The attraction Danxia Landform Geological Park with fascinating colorful mountain ridges of red rocks. We stayed at Xi Yu International 

 

 

Day 8
Proceed back to Lanzhou by train. Visited Lanzhou waterwheel, Sculpture of Mother Yellow River, Ancient Water Mill. Had dinner nearby airport and then check in for flight home.


Day 9
Home Sweet Home

Charming Chiang Mai, Thailand

It was 8 years ago the last we went on a Company trip to Chiang mai/Chiangrai. Since we still have points in RCI, we decided to utilize it for a week in Karma Chang  

We flew Air Asia and our flight was delayed 55 minutes. Once we have arrived in Chiangmai airport,  the custom was really packed. It gave me the impression that Thailand tourism is really doing well. After custom clearance, we went to collect our rented car Toyota Yarris with Thrifty at Hertz counter.  The car was rented for 7 days at THB6,051.50 and we added Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) RM1872.50. The booking was through Carspool online with total spent THB6,051.50 inclusive 7% VAT about RM787 i.e. RM112 per day with full fuel and clean, new and comfortable vehicle.

Karma Chang is located at Ping Riverside, Pa Daet though quiet but not too far from town centre.  Some food stalls and 7 Eleven are just 600 meters away.  Less than 3 minutes walk nearby there are food stalls too. Everyone was surprised why we spent a week there.  In fact, we did not even cover all the attractions within that week. Chiang Mai is not just about night markets and temples, there are beautiful mountains.

Day 1 (Saturday)
Wualai Waling Street
Silver Temple
Dinner

After checking into our lovely Lanna-style hotel, took our bath, we went off to Wualai Walking Street which only opens on Saturday and Sunday.  We parked our car at Ruyi Restaurant nearby and paid THB 60.  We had moo ping (meat skewer) and delicious noodle soup at stall which was just outside Wualai Cafe. You will pass by the beautiful Silver Temple at this night bazaar.

 

Day 2 (Sunday)
Mae Ping River Cruise  at Charoen Prathet Road 
Chai Mongkol Temple besides Ping River 
Khao Soy Nimman for Lunch
Sunday Night Market Rachadamnoen Rd

We went to search for dim sum but the shop was closed and we ended with a simple breakfast nearby before proceed to check on Mae Ping River Cruise and visited Chai Mongkol Temple at the same area.  We have decided that we should take tomorrow morning river cruise so that it would not be too hot.  

As we wanted to try Koa Soy (Curry Noodles), we went to Nimman and was packed with tourists. There is an open parking nearby but if you dine at Nimman, parking is complimentary with a stamp on the parking ticket. Nevertheless the queue was not too long but we do not find it suit our taste. We were then back to hotel for a rest before our Sunday night market at Rachadamnoen Road.

Day 3 (Monday)

Warorot Market

Tom Lam Yai Market

Brunch SP Grilled Chicken 

Massage at nearby hotel

Thajeen Chomchan Seafood

Anusarn Night Market
Haagen Dasz

Chiang Mai Cabaret Show

We started our day with visit to Warorot Market and Tom Lam Yai Market (opposite each other).  You can get your souvenirs, clothing or food stuff here such as cashew nuts etc.  Then we went to SP Grilled Chicken for brunch. We went few steps from SP Grilled Chicken and has foot massage at a hotel which I could not remember the name as the massage was alright but the place for massage was not so suitable.  

For dinner, we have chosen Thajene Chomchan which was 20 minutes drive away from Karma Chang.  After dinner we went to Anusarn Night Market as Chiang Mai Cabaret Show was located there.  It cost THB350 per person for free seating to watch an hour ladyboy show with a complimentary drinks/beer. Since we have time to kill before the show starts at 9.30 pm, we went to Haagen Dazs Ice Cream across the street.

 

Cant remember though the night stall we stopped by has the best mango sticky rice, believe it could either be near Warorot Market or Tom Lam Yai Market.

Day 4 (Tuesday)

Khao Soi Khun Yai (Mon till Sat 10am - 2 pm)

Wat Phratat Doi Suthep 

Bhuping Palace

Hmong Tribe Village

Lunch

The best Khao Soi (Curry Noodle) that you must try as we had a satisfied meal here. It is in the middle of two temples, one is Wat Rajamonten.

Then we drove to Doi Suthep. Doi means mountain.  Our first stop Wat Phratat, we have to climbed in total of 287 steps to reach to the top.  To visit temples in Thailand, the basic rule of your dress code is to cover your shoulders and knees (both sexes), and ideally to cover your ankles too.  The same dress code to visit Bhuping Palace. However we did not visit this palace due to unsuitable clothing.  And then we proceeded to Hmong Tribe Village where you may rent the local tribe costume for a minimal fee and enjoy taking photos there. SImple noodle lunch was after we finished with the village, on the way walking down to our car park which was good but I forgot the name of the shop but it was big, clean on the left hand side as we walked down.

Day 5 (Wednesday)

Hailam Chicken Rice

Pink Doi 

Yok Fa Noodle

Lila Massage Ratchapakhinai Rd

Cherng Doi Roast Chicken 

As hubby wanted to try Thai Chicken Rice which I was not fancy as we have so much better choices back home.  We tried the shop named Hailam Chicken RIce and had 2 plates of chicken rice  which cost us THB60 but is not up to our expectation. 

We intended to travel to Giant Treehouse Chiangmai for coffee but ended in Pink Doi Coffee instead. This place is at Mae On, Doi Saket District. The hilly road was steep if you were to travel up to Giant Treehouse as you need a 4 wheel drive or you can call them to take you up.  Pink Doi is definitely another option as the self- planted Arabica Coffee was good and price was cheaper compare to Giant Treehouse. We spent around at least 3 hours here looking at the mountain greenery, pesimmon tree, coffee tree and flowers here. It was just so peaceful and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of city life that we live in. It was a rainy day but the view of the mountain, mist and cloud was just amazing.  The young lady boss here, Suntareeporn is an agriculture graduate from University of Chiangmai and her motto is to be happy and money is not everything.  

After we drove back, we felt hungry and tried Ratna Sai Kai (Wat tan hor) THB45 and Pat See Lew (Fried Flat noodle) THB45, Mango Salad THB40, Ice Tea THB25 at Yok Fa located at Ratchapakhinai Road. A total THB155 for a satisfying meal as the noodles and mango salad were yummylicious, highly recommended.

There are quite a numbers of Lila Massage outlet in Chiang Mai.  I have chosen the one at Ratchapakhinai Road. Quite spacious and clean, we had a good massage there. The cheapest of 1 hour massage cost THB250. We opted for foot massage and reflexology 1.5 hours THB370 and Thai Herbal Hot Compress Massage 1.6 hours THB600. 

For dinner, we had at Cherng Doi Roast Chicken a plate roast chicken for THB85, Papaya salad THB40, Iced Milk Tea THB25 and Chysanthemum tea THB25. It is located at  just off Nimmanhaemin Road. The chicken was boneless and tender.

 

 

Day 6 (Thursday)

Aunjareun Noodle House

High Per Car Detailing Car Wash

Doi Inthanon National Park 

Cowboy Hat lady Kow Kar Moo (Pork Leg rice)

Just Sweet Enough

Our car needed to be washed as it was extremely dirty from yesterday rain so we went for a car wash which cost us THB150,  Nearby the car wash there was this corner shop, Aunjaerun Pork Noodle House which was a very clean shop. So we had our breakfast there while waiting for our car.  The noodle was good, the lady boss, Jeab was a friendly lady.

We had top up fuel for THB820 after few days of driving. We arrived at Doi Inthanon and paid the entrance of THB630 (car and 2 pax). We visited the beautiful Wachiratan Waterfall, Twin Pagoda, entrance was THB40 and explore the Ang Ka Nature Trail.
For more attractions, check out at https://www.thailandadventureguide.com/location/national-parks/doi-inthanon-national-park/

After Doi Inthanon, we had our dinner at Chang Phueak, the tender pork leg rice and superb mustard green, 2 plates cost us THB130.. Just look for a lady with Cowboy hat, that is the stall that you should go.

We were then searching for thai dessert and found one local thai dessert that you should go. Just Sweet Enough at Charoen Muang Road.

Day 7 (Friday)
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Iberry Ice Cream
Muu Yim Jim Jun (Thai Style Hot Pot)

As you enter the Huay Tung Tao Lake, you need to pay THB100 entrance fee.  We went around the area took some photos and decided stall no. 2 for our brunch.  Food was alright and we sat besides the lake. We ordered Tomyum Seafood THB160, Steam squid lemon juice THB160, Grilled Pork (very hard) THB80, Som Tum Salty Egg THB70, Ice THB30. Soft Drink THB15, RIce THB5.  Total meal for two was THB520.

After lunch, we went for second time to Iberry for ice cream. However there were not selling any of our favorite ice cream. 

Day 8 (Saturday)

Our check out time was extended. After checked out, went to Warorot to get cashew nuts for souvenir. Then proceed to Central Airport Plaza for shopping and lunch.  Pump petrol just opposite airport THB540 before we returned our car.

Trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

At least 15 years back the last I went with Company trip to Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu. Both my boys were still in primary school.

We decided for this trip as we missed the view of Mount KK and since it was my younger son semester break, so why not just a short 5 days 4 nights.

We took Air Asia on 20 June 2019 and landed just before noon, off we went with our rented car to lunch at Fatt Kee Seafood Noodle  and then drive to 2 hours to Kundasang.

Car was rented with LYL Car Rental KK a Proton Saga VVT Auto for 4 days at RM360.  We stayed at Kundasang Pine Resort 2 units superior standard facing Mount Kinabalu at RM280 per room per nite with 2 breakfast and 2 dinner included


Itinerary

Day 1
Touch down KK Airport at 11.15 am, Pick up car at airport
Lunch at Fatt Kee Seafood Noodle
One hour drive from KK, stop for Sinalau Bakas Roast Wild Board
Check in Kundasang Pine Resort
After dinner, drove to Ranau town which was 20 minutes away

Day 2
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm (open 8 am - 5 pm), Be early as best view of Mount Kinabalu before 10 am. Entrance RM5/adult, Tried yogurt, gelato ice cream, milk and bought cheese
Kundasang market for fruits.
Sabah Tea Garden (8am - 4.30 pm) for lunch, visited Tree House (RM5 or RM3 student)
Back to hotel
After dinner, drove to Kundasang town which was 3 minutes away. The only happening at night will be KFC.

There are other attractions which might interest you like Upside Down House RM12.70 entrance fee (7am - 7 pm), Ranau Rabbit Farm (RM3 entrance fee), Poring Hotspring (7am-6pm)
Kundasang Memorial Park (RM2 entrance fee).

Day 3
Kinabalu Park before we head back to Kota Kinabalu. Went to Fung Seng Frozen Seafood Supplies. They can send the seafood you bought to airport on your departure with proper packing for hand carry. We had Sang Nyuk Yook Noodle for lunch. We checked into Airbnb at Sutera Avenue Residence, opposite Gleneagles Hospital and Imago Shopping Mall.  Our unit was 2 bedrooms 1 bath at RM564.50 for 2 nights good for 4 pax.
Dinner at Welcome Seafood Restaurant before  Api-Api night food market at Gaya Street only open on Friday and Saturday 6 pm - 2am

Day 4
After breakfast went to Sunday Gaya Street Morning Market, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, Beef Noodle Lunch, KK City Mosque, KK Waterfront. Our dinner was at Shuang Tain Seafood Restaurant.

Day 5
Check out, breakfast at Sinsuran Sang Nyuk Mee, really good with tender meat before  we went to airport.

One Pot Meal

With domestic helper on three (3)weeks off, easiest way to cook a one pot meal instead of dining out and could no

t figure out what to eat.

I have over the years did not cook Bah Kut Teh at home ever since employing muslim domestic helper. 

Bah Kut Teh aka Chinese herbal soup cooked with pork ribs or chicken and seafood including vegetables. I have chosen pork ribs and 3 layer pork with slight fats and top with squid, prawn, fish maw and button mushroom.

Surprisingly, younger son looked glad to note that I was cooking this one pot meal. Elder son was commenting that it was tasty as good as Klang restaurant and requested me to cook more often.

Here you go for the recipe that enough for 5 persons:

1 packet of A1 Bah Kut Teh herbs
Pork Rib - 16 - blanch first
Prawn - 6
Squid - 2
Fish Maw
Tong Kwai - 2

Just follow the instructions at the back of the A1 herbs but I did reduce the sauces required and did not put salt.

Quantity of ingredients depend on your preference.

Boil the ribs till tender before adding fish maw, finally squid and prawn.