Tibet Autonomous Prefecture - Sichuan Region

HeeJW October 1, 2015

Getting a China Tourist Visa is a fairly simple process, you can apply one in most Chinese embassies or consulates around the world. It is extremely important that you do not to write "Tibet" on your application! If you write "Tibet" on your China visa application, the embassy or consulate will tell you to get a Tibet Travel Permit first in order to process your visa. The truth is, the Tibet Tourism Bureau will not process your permit application without a China visa, you will end up in a limbo of Catch 22.

Tibet Travel Permit was restricted during my visit to China, restriction was initially make effective only on the first week of September and expected to be lifted on the 12th of September, however, it delayed until the 20th September.
*Tibet Travel Permit was restricted due to 50th anniversary of Tibet Autonomous Region & the visit of China President Xi Jinping to TAR

I didn't make it to Tibet, this is not quite the "roof of the world".

Mountain Yala hiding behind the cloud during our treks at Tagong Grassland

Average Cost
Accommodation
1. Chengdu - Flipflop Lounge Hostel (RMB129/night - Single Room)
2. Jiuzhaigou - Amami Homestay (RMB200/night - Single Room)
3. Kangding - Zhilam Hostel (RMB200/night - Single Room)
4. Daocheng - Didn't stay at Daocheng, try Hu Xin Guesthouse or Yading Backpackers Hostel
5. Yading Nature Reserve - Guesthouse at Yading Village (RMB180/night - Single Room)

Food
1. Chengdu - Sichuan Hotpot (i'm not a fan, try at your own risk)
2. Jiuzhaigou - Tibetan's Food, Butter tea, Barley Wine - best meals i had was prepare by my host
3. Kangding - Yak Burger at Zhilam Hostel, Himalayan Coffee, Kangba Restaurant
4. Daocheng - Stewed Chicken with Matsutake
5. Yading Village - Nothing much to eat here, was on vegetarian

Transport
1. Chengdu Airport Shuttle to Town (Stop at Minshan Hotel near Xinnanmen) - RMB15 (Bus)
2. Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou - RMB156 (Bus) or RMB200 (Private Car)
3. Chengdu to Kangding - RMB139 (Bus) or RMB300 (Flight) or RMB180 (Private Car)
4. Kangding Airport Shuttle to Kangding Town - RMB35 (Airport Shuttle Bus)
5. Kangding to Tagong Grassland - RMB30 (Shuttle Bus) or RMB40 (Private Car)
6. Kangding to Daocheng - RMB151 (Bus) or RMB400 (Flight) or RMB180 (Private Car)
7. Daocheng Airport Shuttle to Daocheng Town - RMB35 (Bus)
8. Daocheng to Riwa/Shangri-la - RMB30 (Private Car)
9. Yading Nature Reserve - RMB120 Compulsory to purchase Park Shuttle Bus
**Click here to check Bus Ticket Schedule and Fare

Places to Visit
1. Chengdu - Panda Base, Sichuan Opera, Wenshu Monastery, Tea House
2. Jiuzhaigou - Jiuzhaigou Valley
3. Kangding - Tagong Grassland, Mugecuo, Gongga Mountain Trek
4. Yading Nature Reserve -
(½ Day) Chonggu Monastery & Meadow, Luorong Grassland, Milk Lake, Five Color Lake
(2 Days) Trekking from Yading to Lugu Lake

Notes of Wisdom:
1. Do not write "Tibet" as destination for China Tourist Visa
2. Google is an enemy, every-single-Google-thing doesn't work in China (Search, mail, G+, map...)
3. I was not able to connect to Yahoo Mail until connected VPN
4. There are some nasty cab or private car drivers, increase transport fare mid-way, scold them!
5. If can, get a local phone number to make Uber available, it'll change your life in China!
6. 99% of the people in China don't speak English; 99% Food menus are not in English

++ Shot on Nikon D750 + Nikkor 28mm PC + Sigma 50mm + Nikon 105mm DC ++

A TIBETAN EXPERIENCE MINUS THE PERMIT

Tibet has had a tumultuous history, it spends partially of its periods as independent entity and others ruled by the mighty powerful China and Mongolian dynasties. During the 1950s, thousands of troops were deployed by China to enforce its claim on Tibet; the inner Tibet became the Tibetan Autonomous Region and the borders were incorporated into neighbouring China's provinces - the "Greater Tibet" (Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan). During the China's Cultural Revolution in the 60s, most of the monasteries were destroyed, thousand of Tibetans are believed have been killed during the periods of repression and martial law.

It's not hard to see why, the strict policy on Tibet Travel Permit. When my Tibet's plan fell through, contingency plan is to explore the borders of Tibet - edge of Tibetan Plateau and Kham Region of Sichuan. I always wanted to visit Jiuzhaigou, but its reputation of overflowing tourists somehow constantly repulsed my thought. Ohh what the heck! The next thing i know, i found myself on a 11 hour bus ride to Jiuzhaigou. The bus spiralled its way up and down, like seriously a lot of ups and downs through the tree covered mountains draped with waterfalls. Tibetan praying flags sporadically wound up the the side of hills and fields of grazing Yaks over the terrain.

I pre-booked my accommodation at Amami Homestay through Airbnb, a pleasant surprise. The host's mother emerged in a full Tibetan garb of fluffy red and white hat, a long sleeved white blouse and a small braids cascade over; they also invited me for a home-cook dinner, and didn't take extra charges, seriously, a pleasant surprise.

Jiuzhaigou Park ticket counter opens around 7.45am, go in as earlier and queue up for your entrance ticket. Entrance to the park opens at 8.00am, I got on to the first bus entering into the park. Ticket counter and park entrance open at 7.00am during peak season. Jiuzhaigou Park splits in a "Y" shape; left point will get you to Changhai (Long Lake), right point towards Virgin Forest. Too avoid overwhelming tourists, I would highly recommend to go in by the Park Bus (towards Virgin Forest), slowly pace your way out from Virgin Forest towards Mirror Lake, then take the Park Bus to Nuorilang Restaurant, an intersection of both points, Changhai and Virgin Forest, from here you can take a rest and have your lunch, then follow the park bus towards the other "Y" point - Changhai.

Onto the first bus to "Virgin Forest" of Jiuzhaigou. Park Entrance RMB220 + Park Bus Ride RMB90

Jiuzhaigou means "Valley of the Nine Villages", home to 110 Tibetan and Qiang families. Part of the magnificent Min Shan mountains on the edge of Tibetan Plateau.

Extravaganza of natural wonders, pure unspoiled land of waterfalls, alpine lakes, tranquil grasslands, snowy mountains views and Tibetan villages.

Five Flower Lake, bottom criss-crossed by ancient fallen tree trunks.

There are several waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou Park, Pearl Shoal Waterfall is the first of three waterfalls in the reserve trekking by foot.

Amami's Homestay, you won't be able to find it on Google, try Airbnb.

Tibetan Home-cook Dinner from the host.

GATEWAY TO THE KHAM REGION OF TIBETAN PLATEAU

Jiuzhaigou back to Chengdu - towards Kangding, that's an 11 hours + 8 hours of bus ride. Kangding is a gateway to the Kham Region of Tibetan world - the wild wild west of Sichuan. It's highly recommended for travellers to stay for at least 1 or 2 days, as a buffer zone for high altitude sickness before the high plateau. Rest assure, there are enough to see and do to keep you busy for days. There are 4 monasteries in town (Ngachu Monastery, Lhamo Tse Monastery, Dordrak Monastery and Dentok Monastery). Not far outside the town, there's the high altitude lake of Mu Ge Cuo and the nomadic grasslands of Tagong.

Kangding wasn't what i pictured, it's a concrete jungle overshadowed by towering mountains. A distantly out of town Zhilam Hostel is the best place to get away from the mid-sized bustling town and constant assault of car horns, also high enough for an uninterrupted views of monasteries dotted mountain.

As we jolted our way towards the plateau, Tibetan prayer flags, and a scattered groups of Yak and nomad herdsmen began to appear. Tagong Grassland is 2 in a half hour away from Kangding Town, you can opt to stay at Tagong Grassland, Khampa Cafe & Guesthouse is a fantastic choice of accommodation. Clustered more or less around one main street, Tagong is a wild west sort of town populated almost exclusively by ethnic Tibetans, living bear the marks of life on the very fringes of Chinese society.

Visible Peak of Paoma Mountain rises at 5,500m above sea level.

Snow Mountain at Kangding, at 4,280m above sea level.

With the Tibetan nomad herdsman.

With fellow travellers (Michael, Brandon, Donna, Aline) i met at Zhilam Hostel, lunching at Khampa Cafe before our trek at Tagong Grassland.

A short hike towards a hill, we lay on the grass, overlooking Tagong Grassland. (4,000m)

View of Mountain Yala from Tagong Grassland.

A 1,000 years old Tagong Monastery right next to Khampa Cafe.

Monk at Tagong Monastery.

The air constantly filled with the sound of flapping prayer flags overhead, and one gets the sense that religion and survival are the elemental parts of life there.

Nestled in a valley by a fast flowing water, at an altitude of 3,600m, it's tempting to think that James Conway had Tagong in mind for the fictional Shangri-la of Last Horizon.

EDGING THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

A gruelling 12 hours bus ride from Kangding to Daocheng, another 3 more hours from Daocheng to Yading Nature Reserve (Aden Scenic Area), closely edging the Tibetan's border, one of the most beautiful places on the Tibetan Plateau - the Kham Region of Sichuan. Here, you can opt to stay at Daocheng, Riwa (Shangri-la) or Yading Village (inside Yading Nature Reserve).

If you intend to go into Yading Nature Reserve several times for photographing or other purposes, i recommend to stay at Yading Village. You have to purchase the entrance ticket to Yading Nature Reserve in Riwa, beyond Riwa, no private/rented vehicle allow to drive beyond the entrance point, except for local traffic and Yading bus. Yading Nature Reserve ticket is RMB150 per person and it's compulsory for you to purchase a roundtrip bus ticket for RM120 per person, a total of RMB270 per person, staying at Yading Village will save you the entrance fee if you're attempting several visits.

There are numerous hotels and guesthouses built along Daocheng and Riwa; in Yading Village, there are several basic Tibet-style guesthouse with clean rooms and basic Tibetan and Chinese dishes; there is no accommodation beyond Yading Village. From Yading Village, you can take the Yading bus towards Yading Nature Reserve entrance (Chong Gu Monastery), it'll take you 30 minutes, buses run several times a day from 7am to 5pm, transportation to the entrance is very convenient.

Some travel tips remain that you are able to hire Trekking Guide or Horse at Long Tong Ba, however as of Sept 2015 Yading bus no longer stop at Long Tong Ba, it went right into Yading Nature Reserve entrance (Chong Gu Monastery) where you can purchase tickets for electric cart (30 minutes ride) take you from the Chong Gu Monastery to Luorong Grasslands. Alternatively, you can walk from Chong Gu Monastery to Luorong Grasslands, i suffered from High Altitude Sickness, it took me 3 hours to walk.

From Luorong Grasslands, you'll get an amazing view of all 3 holy mountains, Mt. Chenresig, Mt. Chana Dorje and Mt. Jampelyang. After Luorong Grasslands, there's a path from Luorong Grasslands towards Milk Lake and Five Color Lake.

Mt. Jampelyang and Mt. Chenresig view from Yading Village.

Rainbow over Yading Village.

Distant view of Mt. Chenresig from Yading Village in the evening.

From Chong Gu Meadow, no view of the snow-capped Mt. Chenresig, hiding behind the cloud.

First rays of Sunrise shine on the rocky surface of sacred mountain.

Many tourists will queue up for the electric carts, but you're not allow to stop for photo while on the cart. Trekking from Chong Gu Monastery to Luorong Grasslands is tiring but rewarding.

Trekking from Luorong Grasslands to Milk Lake and Five Color Lake, the route is tough and difficult, trekking will take you 3.5 hours to walk; horse ride will take about 2 hours.

Trekking from Luorong Grasslands.

Towards the Milk Lake.

Didn't manage to capture any picture of the Milk Lake and Five Color Lake, it was pouring rain awfully heavy! However, Milk Lake and Five Color Lake is as far as you can go on the route, you can opt to continue a pilgrimage circuit (Small Kora) around Mt. Chenresig, it's possible to trek in a long 12 to 14 hours, or 2 days to complete the Kora, no trekking guide or permit is required for the Small Kora route around Mt. Chenresig. However, you're required to get here with your own tents, sleeping bags, food and water. Alternatively, if you plan to do a longer trek (Big Kora), around all 3 mountains or Lugu Lake, it is highly recommended to get a guide with you.

36 HOURS IN CHENGDU

Guttural tones of clearing throat, vulgar as if someone about to hock a loogie; Excessive violent and loud amount of chatters, unreasonable queue cutting... massive amount of cultural shock. Of course, layover at Chengdu is inevitable, it's a transit portal to the Tibetan's world - and i have 36 hours to spare. This typical concrete jungle proudly own the most private cars in the country, traffic is awfully chaotic! Surely enough the resentment probably due the contrary of city and nature landscape.

There are several things you can do at Chengdu if you have 36 hours here, cheap eats at the city's street, tea house, night of opera music and panda (overload)!

A fantastic morning jaunt, make sure you get to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base earlier, around 7.30 in the morning. Entrance fee is surprisingly reasonable, at RMB58. Lovely and huge sanctuary, various kind of bamboo trees planted along the pathway, very pleasant to stroll around, park shuttle service available for RMB20. The park has many different areas contain different stages of panda, from cub to adult; set in a very natural environment, as greenery as possible, in a cage.

A sub-adult Panda giving the tongue!

Foods are fed around mid-morning, it is also when the Pandas come to live. After meal, the pandas will be ready for their siesta and the show's over.

After half a day at the Panda base, back to Chengdu town. Blaring falsettos and crashing percussions, this is not a show for everyone. A taste of one of Chengdu's most famous and enduring art in an hour long performance, a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and it's not boring at all! There are several theatres at Chengdu, Yuelai Teahouse (show starts at 2pm), Jinjiang Theatre (show starts at 8pm), Chengdu Sichuan Opera Theatre (not sure what time was the show, it was close when i went there around 7pm).

Elaborate costumes and acrobatics.

Sleeve-twirling mask changing performance!

The next day, i spent my last 12 hours hopping around the streets of Chengdu. With a history of somewhat 1,400 years, the Wenshu Monastery is one of the most significant Buddha centers in China. Locals flock into the straggling complex of grey-tiled temples and the maidenhair-filled courtyard, incense from caldrons, slender iron-looking pagoda and prayers. A monastery reserved some of most ancient Buddha statues, complement along with paintings, calligraphy and a secret garden tea house.

I actually walked from Xinnamen Bus Station to Wenshu Monastery, an hour stroll.

Street food outside Wenshu Monastery, right next to the memorial hall.

The Cai-Er (ear-picking) specialist goes around the tea house making bell-like sound from the fancy set of tools, looking for customer.

This is unlike any urban tea/coffee house; laid back, all walks of life eating, talking, playing cards and drinking tea. My cup of Bamboo Leaf tea and vegetarian noodle.

An all round great place to hang out in Chengdu, peaceful and quiet - a great spot, to be inspired.

NOTES FROM THE ROAD - NOT QUITE THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

The conjures of monks, meditations, mountaintops; blue skies, red robes. The reality of Tibet that it is one of the least travelled areas in the world. The entrance to Tibet spend most of its time closed than open, if permit happened to be restricted during your visit, experience Tibetan's culture is not impossible, most of the Tibetans' homeland extends into the "Greater Tibet": prefectures in Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai. In fact, the Greater Tibet is twice the size of Tibet and 60% of the ethnic Tibetans live in these prefectures than in Tibet.

The escape is imminent, i can almost feel it on the horizon as if fettered down into a workload of ridiculous proportions. I almost wanted to set out my out-of-office reply to something like, "Sorry, i'm away exploring the highland of Tibetan Plateau and drinking yak butter tea...hahaha!" What an adventure it was, Tibet Travel Permit restricted a week before departure, improvise and makeshift plan to the Tibet's border. The history and culture of Greater Tibet is richly rewarding, the kind and friendly people, the awe-inspiring landscape, an incredible introduction of Central Asia and Himalayan culture. Spent an epic proportions of time battling High Altitude Sickness, one difficult to do as solo backpacking in a part of the world with a hanging cloud of uncertainty. The mystical power of the mountain range, wrinkles of nomad herdsmen' weather battling, sense of knowledge and strength in the chants of monks and the calmness of Monasteries. There is, the passion and purpose. A place of spiritual experience for the enlightenment of soul, enhancement of life.

THERE IS NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD LIKE IT, GO AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF.

JW.

Macro Photography - Into the Wilderness

HeeJW June 27, 2015

Macro Photography is an accent of my vision - discovering and exploring, crafts painted in light in a sliver of time. How our eyes drawn to? How can that be used to move intentionally direct the eyes through the frame? Macro photography is one of those joys and terrors of what i love.

This is very much like a Pokemon game; you walk around the path, bump into life in the undergrowth, these are the alderman of hidden beauty; they are spectacular in brevity macro, before you know it, it flew off, it takes tons of patience and skills to capture brief moments of magnificent and turn them into lasting magic!

Almost as soon as i began to explore, to read at all, i began to amaze by the formidable life in the undergrowth. For most i embrace the abundance life of tropical country co-exiting with such amazing creatures. Likewise, as much as trying to capture the quintessence of life in the undergrowth, to enhance photo collection, to expand new found species- Legendary Creatures!

Working out a dream, a road trip into the wilderness in search of these lovely critters! Travelled a few thousand miles; friendship, great foods, chatters and crawlers!

PHOTO ++ Shot on Nikon D750 & D7000 + Sigma 150mm + Tamron 90mm SP ++
VIDEO ++ Shot on Nikon D750 + Sigma 50mm ++

Leather-tramped 8km with 9kgs of Gears foraging the legendary Lanternflies

Beautiful chalet of the Khao Yai National Park enclosed by nature, awaken by the songs of cicadas and gibbons

Robber Fly (Asilidae) with Prey

Lanternfly, Pyrops ducalis

Lanternflies- Pyrops ducalis (left) and the legendary Pyrops candelarius

Lanternflies, Saiva gemmata

Lanternflies, Aphaena submaculata (left) and Aphaena dissimilis (right)

Emma Gray's Forest Lizard (Calotes emma)

Cute little bird chick

A barbet possibly peeping out from its nest

Baby Vogel's Pit Viper, female (Trimeresurus vogeli)

Baby Vogel's Pit Viper, male (Trimeresurus vogeli)

An adult Vogel's Pit Viper, female (Trimeresurus vogeli)

Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)

A groupie with German Wildlife photographer also an elephant specilist, Andy Merk

Founder of Khao Yai News

Retreats to the forest, exposed oneself to God- Seek His instruction in the forest. Living nature for the spiritual growth

Patience and skills capturing magical moments of undergrowth, turn into lasting charm!

Humble yet passionate and philosophical about his work, Kurt takes us on a journey into his incredible macro photography, how you may wonder, and look no further, here's a 2 minute preview of Macro Photography Workshop hosted by Kurt Orion G.

You can join his Macro Photography Workshop from the link below.

Macro Photography Worksop by Kurt Orion G (orionmystery)

Facebook Contact Kurt Orion G

[Viewer Restrictions on Mobile Device - Laptop/PC access only]

Embrace the meaning of life

JW.

Getting your first Hasselblad Film Camera

HeeJW May 6, 2015

Shushhhh! This is not a debate of Digital vs Film, quibble over different formats, battle of medium format manufacturers, nor comparison of 35mm with 120mm, this is simply not the why of Fry.

This one's for the Hasselblad Film Camera.

Medium format produces an extremely gorgeous images by expanding the field of view couple up with creamy bokeh! But it is not for the faint hearted, it requires so much more patience, technique and acceptance on quirky imperfection of film photography. I certainly don't claim the depth knowledge of medium format but what follows is an assembling of practical know-how on my Hasselblad.

I used to own a Mamiya RB67 which i used very much during my solo travelling days, so take these personal view that i'm explicitly choosing Hasselblad over Mamiya. The latter is relatively affordable nowadays as it's actually much more bulkier in size and weight, also feel very much flimsy. I wanted something soulful and timeless, i ended up selling the Mamiya, waited and looked for almost a year to find the right Hasselblad. Expensive, yes and worth it! The brainchild of Victor Hasselblad- 500C, hand built this beauty in Sweden, embodies a modular system that allows accessories to be mixed and matched with ease in creating the perfect system for specific assignment.

FINDING THE RIGHT ONE

When i got mine, i was terrified. Everything about this camera was different and so bloody beautiful! I simply couldn't care less paying a little more premium for the nostalgic square box. Every moment it clicks, it grows on me like no other camera ever did. Light meter out, waist prism up, compose, dark slide out, focus and click- REPEAT.

Testing the Little Black Box- Hasselblad Body

It looks deceptively simple, a square cube connects a lens and a film back. Generally, you want to look at the 500-series (also known as V series). Later versions have TTL flash metering and electronic coupling, i simply love the exercise of fully mechanical. Mine is a matching serial 500C with certificate dated to 1969.

When testing the body, the winding action should have a springy resistance, and the shutter action should be crisp- the mirror should get out of the way fast and stay there; same for the secondary shutter curtain at the rear of the body. Note that the mirror doesn't come down until rewind. Check for mirror alignment by turning the lens to infinity, find a distant subject and check for in focus with the magnifier- matching the rangefinder in the little mid-circle. Needless to say, check for dent, and there should be no loose or rattling parts inside- it is absolutely solid.

The Lenses

The body almost always come with the standard Carl Zeiss 80mm f2.8 Planar, it coupled aperture and shutter speed rings. It's either a non-T* or the T* (with fancy coating), the latter is slightly more expensive, high contrast and relatively low flare. I couldn't care less.

Note that the tip of one of the shutter blades may appear bent, this is a design feature to prevent shutters collide and jam at high shutter speeds. The shutter action of a lens should also be snappy and crisp; the slower shutter speeds tend to be where there are problems, so do test it at 1 second speeds with a stopwatch to get an idea if they're in spec. A slight metallic noise when changing shutter speeds is absolutely normal, especially traversing large range of shutter speeds- this is due to the internal spring changing tension.

The Film Back behind the Little Black Box

A12 is the standard back, it gives 6x6 shots on 120 roll, it comes with a dark slide- a piece of metal that slide in between body and back, if you don't have this, you won't be able to detach the film back. It's also to prevent light leaks when interchanging backs. Some sellers will note "matching numbers" which indicate the roller mechanism insides' serial number matches the housing. It doesn't make any functional difference, but it does seems to affect the price a bit more. Look out for a thing called "Dark Slide Holder", it clips your dark slide at the back of the film back. Fugly but functionally useful, seriously useful. I lost my dark slide in Melbourne, it sunk into the white sands of St. Kilda- well, at least that's what i believe, pff!

If you have the almighty buck, there are also digital back available, both from Hasselblad (CFV series backs) and other manufacturers. BUT, none of them make a true 6x6 back, there's always a crop factor. The earlier batch of CFV and Phase backs did have square sensors but a 1.5x crop, like a FX lenses on DX body. While the newer backs like CFV-39 uses.......wait, does it matters? I'm skipping this.

The Viewfinder

Various viewfinders available for a Hasselblad, standard finder is a collapsible waist-level finder. It's a simple flip up hood that prevents stray light hitting the focusing screen and allows comfortable viewing looking down the camera. For a super accurate fine tuning focusing, especially shooting wide open- which i always do, a popup magnifier is built into the top of the hood, released by sliding the catch fully to the right. Note that the viewfinder is laterally reversed on the screen, you probably need some times to get use to it.

There's also eye-level prism finders, metered or unmetered. Enough said. I simply doesn't fancy modification on the nostalgic Hasselblad, i kept it simple.

Metering

Unless you have a metered prism finder, the cameras are fully manual and unmetered. It's either you train your eyeballs to the sensitivities of light, or simply- get a light meter. Mine, a pocket-sized Sekonic L-308S, cheap and functional.

Pricing

To give you an idea, a good condition of 500C/CM, waist level viewfinder, Carl Zeiss 80mm f2.8/T* and A12 back with dark slide should run around $835-950 USD. A little more than the price of a DSLR kit- it can probably outlast you, to your children or grandchildren.

There are many reasons why i love my Hasselblad 500C, the mechanical precision, the substantial quality where you only get from hand-built, love even more of the loud clatter shutter sound and the unmatched quality. Every time i pull a freshly developed roll from the tank, i am blown away by the images, every single time!!!

So when you're getting your first Hasselblad Film Camera, remember not to rush in.

Much been said, the awesomeness of film;
Having the privilege to slow down, appreciate details, nuances and subtleties of crafts.
#buyfilmnotmegapixels #filmisnotdead

JW.

Laos, Please Don't Rush!

HeeJW March 15, 2015

Years of war and communist regime hinder travellers from crossing its borders, only until mid 90s, the government reversed their stance on tourism. It immediately emerged as a craze destination for backpackers, despite the flocking tourists, it's still far less commercial than its neighboring countries, the laid back vibes. A landlocked country borders with Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, it is the least developed country in SEA.

Cuisine of Southeast Asia meets French.

Off city limits, surrounded by dusty roads, children frolicking by the streets, tiny stores decorated in its most vintage way, entire families on motorbikes, thatched huts contrasting new modern developments.

Now that's, Laos.

Modest homes and small Hmong villages in Vang Vieng outskirt.

Average Cost
Accommodation
1. Hostel/Dorm- $4-8 USD
2. Hotel with private bathroom- $9-15 USD

Food
1. Local Laos Food (Stall)- $0.74-0.99 USD
2. Local Laos Food (Restaurant)- $3-3.70 USD
3. Western Parlors (Restaurant)- $5-10 USD

Transport
1. Vientiane to Vang Vieng (Cab)- $90 USD for a sedan cab
2. Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (Minivan)- $11 USD per person on shared van
3. Luang Prabang to Vientiane (Sleeper Bus)- $11 USD per person
4. Luang Prabang City to Kuangsi Waterfall (Minivan)- $5.50 USD per person on shared van
5. Vientiane City to Buddha Park (Sedan)- $4.5 USD per person on sedan car
6. Bicycle rental- $3 USD each bicycle

Places to Visit
Vang Vieng
1. Blue Lagoon & Tham Phu Kham Cave- entrance $1.23 USD
2. Tham Nam Water Cave Tubing- entrance $1.23 USD
3. Sunrise/Sunset Hot Air Balloon ride- entrance $70 USD- skipped
4. Plain of Jars- didn't visit

Luang Prabang
1. Mount Phousi (Sunrise/Sunset)- entrance Free
2. Wat Xieng Thong- entrance $2.50 USD
3. Kuang Si Waterfall- entrance $2.50 USD
4. Pak Ou Caves- entrance $2.50 USD- didn't visit

Vientiane
1. That Dam (Black Stupa)- entrance Free
2. Wat Si Saket- entrance $0.60 USD
3. Wat Si Muang- entrance Free
4. Pha That Luang (Golden Stupa)- entrance $0.60 USD
5. Buddha Park- entrance $0.60 USD + $0.40 USD for camera
6. Patuxai (Arc of Independence)- entrance Free
7. Mekong River Bank- entrance Free
8. Watch a football game at Chao Anouvong National Stadium- entrance Free

Notes of wisdom:
1. Exchange Thai Baht to Laotion Kip in Banks (not booth)
2. Laotians are super sweet and nice, please respect their culture
3. Bicycles are your best friends!
4. Pre-book your accommodation
5. Long sleeve and pants for entering temples- Respect their culture!
6. If you have enough time, you should visit Nong Khiaw and Bolaven Plateau
7. Do not trust Google Map travel duration!
8. Do not trust Wikitravel suggestion to used Thai Baht and USD for transaction, profound stupidity!
9. At Laos, please don't rush!

++ Shot on Nikon D750 + Nikkor 28mm PC + Nikkor 50mm f1.2 ++

VANG VIENG

We hop onto a cab head over to Vang Vieng immediately after we've touch down Vientiane Airport (Wattay), an unappealing 4 hours potholes dirt road drive from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. This is probably the most implausible party town, laying deep in the central Laos, the once tranquil farming village turn into a backpackers mayhem, most for the party but we, thankful to its natural beauty along with towering limestone peaks, dense with caves, lagoons and forests.

You may come here for tubing but stay for the stunning riverside scenery, beautiful mountaintop and lovely limestone crags. Hire a bicycle and explore Vang Vieng- it may just be the most rewarding experience you have on your trip.

Not to forget slack off at any cafe, order a beer and enjoy the endless reruns of Friends and Family Guys. Absolutely surreal!

We ought to cross a wooden bridge to the bamboo charm of Champa Lao Bungalows.

Probably exhibit the best authentic experience, a beautifully appointed Laos style in bamboo charm of Champa Lao Bungalows, arranged around lush tropical garden courtyard, incredible cosy area with hammocks overlooking beautiful greenery, 5 minutes walk from the city center.

7km ride from Vang Vieng city to Blue Lagoon, riding along potholes, pit-run gravel, it turns out to be one of the most memorable experience on our trip.

The water was in a stunningly shade of blue from limestone around.

Stopped for photo with the majestic limestone crags.

Vang Vieng town- abundance of good food with quiet beer and night activities.

Slack off at cafe with beer and endless Friends and Family Guy reruns.

Vang Vieng nightlife.

ROAD FROM VANG VIENG TO LUANG PRABANG

It was nice waken up by rooster with this view from our bungalow.

Sunrise view from Champa Lao Bungalows.

Western breakfast at the Belgian cafe for another adventure of cliff drives.

Six hours of jostling around on a minivan, veering close to the edge of cliff, and the driver's bathroom breaks, well off the aforementioned cliff. Driving through some of the most beautiful mountain ranges i've ever seen, worth it, this is probably one of the must do thing in Laos! For most of the way it lined up with wooden huts and market stalls, women selling surplus produce of farms, children play sands in dust at roadside, chasing plump puppies.

Mountain range from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.

6 hours through the twists and turns of mountain roads.

We reached Luang Prabang at noon, quaint, beautiful, romantic of French colonial architecture, delicate temples, drenching at the confluence of of Mekong river and Nam Khan river. First day, filled ourselves at JoMa bakery for hi-tea, explore historic temples, hike onto the Mount Phousi, shop at the foothill night market.

Nam Khan River

Buddha in storage of Wat Xieng Thong, alongside the cremation chariot of Lao king with large naga heads at front and urn at back.

A small chapel at the side of Wat Xieng Thong with tree of life mosaic in colored glass on a dark red background, the craft shows worshipers and Buddha images in pastoral setting with trees, plants, and animal, the mosaic was crafted in 1960s by Lao craftsmen.

Dok So Fa- a decorative element in the center of the main roof.

The tree of Life- Wat Xieng Thong was remodeled in 1960s, becoming a splendid temple we see today, roof was repaired, entrance gilded, both interior and exterior covered with black, glossy lacquer and decorative figures, and symbols in gold leaf.

Monk at Mount Phousi.

Sunset at Mount Phousi.

Distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline, overlooking across the city and temples surrounding landscape

Colonial French buildings sitting at the foothill of Mount Phousi.

A kilometer long night market across the French colonial buildings.

Lot of interesting items on display, but some are not cheap, you probably need to bargain your way out but don't expect a huge discount.

Located along Sisavangvong Road from Royal Palace Museum, Here's something not to be missed in this charming city, it offers a selection of extensive handicraft made by local ethnic groups.

Sabaidee Barbeque Restaurant, along Nam Khan river, is a fun spot try to cook your own meal, Lao style.

The UNESCO world heritage city of Luang Prabang says it all, this is the perfect place to see one of the most sacred Lao traditions, the Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony. Alms is giving daily as sun rises, begin on the main street of Luang Prabang before spreading out to all sides of streets. Tourists can buy their own offerings in advance and arrive with plenty of time to spare as it's offensive to disrupt the ceremony once it has commenced. It's a peaceful and spiritual ceremony to ancient Lao tradition, please do not use camera flashes on monks!!! It will bring you bad luck and curse for the rest of your life.

Around 200 Buddhist monks depart from their various temples to gather their daily meal.

Although the main purpose is for the locals to give alms to monks, you will also notice there are children with basket in the hope that the monks will share some of their alms so that they can take food back to their family.

Monk giving.

Monks in their daily routine, cleaning their stupa.

The tranquil event happens in an extremely fast pace, make sure you got to the main before it broke of dawn, this was taken after alms giving ceremony, the sun is barely awakes.

Gorging ourselves a big breakfast at an Aussie bar.

KUANG SI WATERFALL- LUANG PRABANG TOWN & 11 HOURS ON THE BUS!

Crispy clean, and cold water cascades gently over limestone formations, gathers into layers of stunning turquoise pools, a rewarding journey just an hour from Luang Prabang town. Halfway between the park entrance and waterfall is the Asiatic Black Bear rescue centre, houses a couple of animals rescued from poachers and traffickers. A beautiful way to spend the day, we booked a mini van from travel agency next to our hotel,Villa Merry Laos III.

The rush of tumbling waters gushing downhill.

There's also trails where allow you to climb all the way up to the top where you can see the stream feeding into the falls and enjoy some natural pools. Trails can get slippery and steep but bearable.

Back to the Luang Prabang town while waiting for our 8pm sleeper bus to Vientiane.

Now coffee is definitely something worth a try, it comes with rich and strong aroma, mixed with sweet condensed or evaporated milk, there's pretty much no better way to spend a afternoon in a laid back Laos and explore the town while waiting.

Luang Prabang to Vientiane will take you 11 hours on a dry season, probably longer travel time in wet season. We won't want a day went wasted, assured, we got our sleeper bus ticket from the same travel agency next to our hotel. If you heard about the insecurity on the road, i think the only thing you should be worried about is the quality of your bus, make sure it's a sleeper bus for the long ride, of course don't expect cosy and comfy.

11 hours bus ride from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, and a tuk-tuk ride from Vientiane bus station to town center.

THIS IS VIENTIANE!

This is a place long way from buzzing cities like Bangkok or Siem Reap, probably quite likely to be one of the smallest capital cities you'll ever visit. You should start your day with a Lao Coffee, on ice, local style and brace yourself for an intense dose of caffeine and sweetness. We decided to rubber tramp, but of course you should pedal your way around. That Dam- Patuxai- Pha That Luang- Wat Si Saket, that's how you should do it, with long sleeves and long pants as well.

There are many raw cultural experience that command your attention; temple Wat Si Saket stand chief among them, the oldest Buddhist temple in Vientiane, it was build in Thai structure, thus escape the fate of being burn down or destroy during the Siamese raid in 1828. In the inner cloister, you will find many Buddha idols made of stone, wood, silver and bronze, photography is not allowed inside Wat Si Saket cloister.

If you have enough time to spare, be sure to check out the Lao National Museum, where it detailed the history of this tiny landlocked nation carved from French Indochina. Artifacts include jars from the Plain of Jars, as well as war remnants from the struggles against Siamese, French and Americans, also the notorious Ho Bandits!

Lao Coffee made in European style with a side of pastry at one of those Vientiane's French cafe.

Pha That Luang.

Reclining Buddha of the Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang).

Inside the resting area of monk, preparing for Alms Giving Ceremony.

Stone craved sitting Buddha of Pha That Luang.

And yes! Some football actions at Chao Anouvong National Stadium.

Vangthong evening food market is definitely the place for some local dinner, it right outside of Chao Anouyang National Stadium, it samples the best of everyday Laotian food that is authentic, delicious and amazing value. You have every right to worry about sanitary but it is such a popular local eating spot and the ingredient is always fresh.

The best way to experience Vangthong is simply stroll from one end to another, buy some small quantities of various snacks and foods.

Vangthong Evening Market.

One of the most common food to try Bla Kan Sung- Grilled river fish and Laos sausage.

It swarms with locals.

Beef Jerky!

Stroll along Chao Anou Road, you will find your way at the Mekong Riverside night market, this is a market aimed primarily for tourists with all manner of merchandises that make great souvenier.

BUDDHA PARK, MORNING MARKET AND MEKONG RIVERBANK

Buddha park is famous for its sculpture park with more than 200 religious statue with a huge 40 meters high reclining Buddha. It was built by a monk in fascination of Buddhism and Hinduism, all the sculptures cast in concrete, the sheer scale is impressive with slightly garbled images of Buddha, Shiva, Vishnu...

Breakfast at the hotel, Vientiane Star Hotel.

Inside the pumpkin-like sculpture, entering through the demon's mouth.

Climb up three stories that represent Hell, Earth and Heaven.

The reclining Buddha.

Giant of Buddha Park.

Adapting the P.D.R culture.

Monk at Buddha Park.

Talat Sao Morning Market and Shopping Mall, it splits into 2 areas, the one and only air-conditioned shopping mall, and the cavernous morning market with mass-produced t-shirts, trinkets and souvenirs. A genuine experience, the market might be disoriented but the walkways are tiled and clean.

The labyrinth of alley ways stock a mishmash of stacked high products.

Goldsmith at the morning market.

Yet again, another caffeine fix.

The whole riverside area come alive in the evening, joggers, cyclists, badminton players, the whole exercise class taking advantage of the cooling breezes and stunning backdrop of sun lazily sinking into the Mekong river. Small food stalls emerge along the wide river bank selling barbecue, sticky rice, and other local foods.

One of the highway lane shuts down every evening for the access of Mekong river bank.

The wide spread of meadows and sands.

At the edge of Laos' Mekong riverbank overlooking Thailand, Nong Khai province.

And yes, horse riding adventure on Mekong riverbank.

Probably the whole class of Vientiane people are out here.

A must try local delicacy- Barbecue Cuttlefish!

We spend our last night exploring Vientiane's night.

LEAVING.

Laos is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful countries i've been to, our 5 days were magical, If you are still lukewarm on a Laos' trip, i say go! Go for sure, before it changes, becomes a "Disneyfication" of Laos.

Here's to our 3rd Annual Trip!

HIGH FIVE, LAOS! FOR BEING PRETTY DAMN AWESOME!

JW.

Equipped with GoPro and home made selfie pole, here a travel 360 degree panorama wanderlust.

Melbourne Road Trip

HeeJW October 26, 2014

The weather of the world- most countries have their seasons in a year, but Melbourne has four seasons in a day. It might sound exaggerated but it is almost as true, a day can start off cloudy or rainy, sun and blue sky come through if you'd wait awhile; the weather can alternate between sunshine and rain, an October "Springmer" they called. Melbourne vaunted the town with a series of unique alleys and arcades that filled with al fresco eateries, cafe, street art, galleries, hidden boutique and heaps of lovely green spaces.

The vibrant city makes an excellent base for exploring Victoria, such as, The Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley wineries, Phillip Island, Mornington and Dandenong Ranges.

Average Cost
Accomodation
1. Hostel Dorm Room (Backpacker)- AUD28- AUD36
2. Hostel Private Room (Twin)- AUD78- AUD105
3. Three Stars Hotel (Queen)- AUD167- AUD189
*Personally recommend King Street Backpackers, Melbourne Connection Travellers Hostel and Melbourne YHA Central

Food
1. Fast Food (McD, KFC)- well under AUD10
2. Asian Food- AUD10 for a big portion fried rice
3. Noodles bar (Ramen)- AUD15- AUD18
4. Pizza and Pasta Parlors- AUD16- AUD22
*Thus, expect to pay AUD20 for most sit down restaurant

Transport
1. SkyBus from Airport- AUD15 for return, AUD18 for single
2. City Circle Tram- Free tourist tram operate around Melbourne CBD
3. Yarra tram- Extensive tram network get you around Melbourne- Need MyKi Card
4. Metro Trains- Operates in a metropolitan network- Need MyKi Card
5. V/Line- Passenger rail/ coaches run in regional Victoria- Need MyKi Card
6. Buses- Independent bus operators run Victorian metropolitan and regional- Need MyKi Card
7. Melbourne Bike Share- Daily subscription AUD2.80
*The City had done an extremely good job integrating public transport system around free tram, extensive tram, train, bus, and bicycle.
*Get yourself a Myki Visitor Value Pack for AUD14 (inclusive AUD8 of travel value)
- Myki is a card gives you access to trams, trains and buses (except SkyBus)
- Unlike most public transport system, Melbourne capped a maximum daily fare at AUD7.16 for ZONE 1, AUD4.96 for ZONE 2
- a 2 hours fare at AUD3.58 for ZONE 1 and AUD 2.48 for ZONE 2
- here's a ZONES reference

It sounded confusing at first, it is actually pretty simple, for example:
"You wanted to travel from Melbourne CBD to St. Kilda, which both located at Zone 1, you plan to spend an evening at St. Kilda or Mornington Peninsula, and you manage to travel to and fro St. Kilda within 2 hours, it will cost you at AUD2.48 on the same day"

"If you plan for a whole day out, Morning- afternoon to the Zoo and Museum then evening to St, Kilda and a night at Footscray, which all located at Zone 1, it will cost/capped you AUD7.16 and nothing more. With that, you can travel to any places in Zone 1 for AUD7.16 on the same day"

Activities- Things to do
1. Road trip to The Great Ocean Road
2. Penguin Parade at Phillip Island
3. Wine Tasting at Yarra Valley
4. Enjoy the State Library of Victoria
5. Visit to St. Patrick Cathedral
6. Journey through a world of wildlife at Melbourne Zoo
7. Visit to ACMI/ Federation Square/Melbourne Information Centre/Yarra River
8. Sunset view from Eureka Skydeck 88
9. Watch a musical at Regent Theatre
10. Wandering around Melbourne CBD
11. Hitch a ride on Classic free City Circle Tram
12. Evening stroll at Brighton Beach
13. and yes, Picnic at Flagstaff Garden or Royal Botanic Gardens!!!

++Shot on Hasselblad 500c + Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f2.8 & Nikon FA + Nikkor 20mm f2.8 ++

MELBOURNE CBD

Remember to grab yourself a visitor guide at the airport, extremely helpful stuff. Take a SkyBus from the airport which take your to Southern Cross Station in 20 minutes, do get a return ticket if you can, it stays valid for 3 months from the date of purchase and it's cheaper. Once you reach Southern Cross Station, you can easily navigate your way in Melbourne CBD with the map on visitor guide.

Melbourne is really something for everyone, no matter what's your budget or tastes are. The city is laid out on a grid line, easy to navigate, all you need is a city ambassador- the Map! It bends over backwards to impress tourists, the CBD offers so much to see, taste and listen. We checked in King Street Backpackers, then take our time exploring the city.

Tram it! Hop on route 35 City Circle Tram, it's free!

Great way to travel and mingle with locals and other visitors.

Explore CBD's narrow lane lined with intricate facades built in style

Federation Square, do visit the Visitor Information Centre here, they are extremely helpful, you might as well get yourself a MyKi card as well, the extension network to get around Melbourne- Zoo, St Kilda or Brighton Beach

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

We rest earlier for the night, out of the hostel the next morning, breakfast at Queen Victoria Market and head on to Franklin Street to fetch our rental car. Most of the reputable rental car service are located at Franklin Street, only a junction away from Queen Victoria Market (McDonald's side). I rented the car from Budget, it was cheaper that others at the time, I took a risk, turn out it wasn't as bad as most reviews claimed they are.

Got myself a local sim card with 1GB internet, Waze my way out. Here we go! to the Great Ocean Road! If you're driving from Melbourne, here's your route- Melbourne > Geelong > Lorne > Apollo Bay > Princetown > 12 Apostles Visitor Facility > Port Campbell. We pre-booked a room at Port Campbell, Portside Motel- very decent place.

Pit stop :) We actually took a inner route skip pass Geelong, right to Lorne

We parked our car at 12 apostles visitor facility, accessible to Gibson Steps and 12 Apostles viewing

The rugged splendor of 12 Apostles

Magnificent rock stacks rise up majestically from Southern Ocean of Victoria coastline

Sunset at 12 Apostles, the limestone cliff created by constant erosion of 10-20 millions years ago

From the strategically located Port Campbell, you'll be able to access to Gibson Steps, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and Bay of Islands. We manage to visit 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge on the first day, and London Bridge on the next day. We spent a night in a tranquil Port Campbell, had a decent Pizza and Pasta at Nico's, got to say, the Seafood pasta is really great! Expensive though, but worth it.

We head out the next morning, exploring Port Campbell surrounding and London Bridge.

Port Campbell

Scenic drive of The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road

London Bridge

Loch Ard Gorge

Cruising from Apollo Bay to Lorne

We head back to Melbourne from Port Campbell, checked in at Melbourne Central YHA, it's more expensive compare to King Street Backpackers with the same twin room but YHA is rather decent with a fresh refurbished rooms.

PHILLIP ISLAND

We went to the same Budget rental car, this time for 3 days, you can also get a day trip to Phillip Island via public transport. 90 minutes drive from Melbourne into the spectacular coastal scenery and an abundance Australia wildlife. We pre-purchased a 3 parks pass (Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm), if you have extra budget, get the Ultimate Adventure Tour. Here's a recommended itinerary for around Phillip Island, we got our place at Cowes, Amaroo Caravan Park. Once you've cross over the bridge from mainland to Phillip Island, you'll reach Churchill Island Heritage Farm first, so that's can be your first stop or last stop before leaving Phillip Island, then the Koala Conservation Centre and evening at Penguin Parade.

At the Churchill Island

YARRA VALLEY- HEALESVILLE

2 hours drive from Phillip Island to Yarra Valley, an enviable reputation as one of the great wine region. Wineries with stunning mountain views and pristine environment. We picked Domaine Chandon as our wineries visit, and lunch. Heavenly seating with a truly beautiful piece of vineyard, languish awhile with a glass of pinot noir and a platter of cheese.

Wine tasting session of Domaine Chandon

Heavenly view with flavorsome food

Oak wine barrel Fermentation

Storm brewing above the vineyard, Methode traditionanelle wines made exclusively from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grape varieties, each imparting classic varietal flavors and finesse

Entrance into Domaine Chandon

Old homestead, renovated now an admin building for Domaine Chandon

Regal, towering oak tree

Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule), also called "Champagne Bubbles" are planted every year in front of homestead, within the front yard star shaped flower bed mirrors the logo of Domaine Chandon

After the winery visit we checked in Sanctuary House Resort Resort Motel, Healesville, only 10 minutes drive away from Domaine Chandon. Healesville located in the famous Yarra Valley grape growing region, surrounded by mountains, forests and rolling hills dotted with wineries, fruits and berry farms.

There are several things you can do at Healesville beside visiting wineries, it offers beautiful gardens, commercial centre along the tree-lined boulevard, Healesville Sanctuary specialize in native Australian animals and Yarra Valley railway.

Breakfast at Mocha and Lime, Healesville

Quaint little shop with just the right atmosphere

Mocha and Lime

Healesville railway line, century old steam train bring you through beautiful winery, river and through tunnel

We decided to have a little romance of picking berries, half an hour drive from Healesville to Silvan, Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, there are numerous berry farms in the region, this happen to be one with a beautiful tree-lined.

Blue Hills

Chemical free berry farm

Lovely tree-line at the farm

BACK TO MELBOURNE- EUREKA!

Another one hour drive from Silvan back to Melbourne, we are off the rental car, checked in Melbourne Central YHA for the rest of our 3 more nights in Melbourne. The free City Circle Tram strategically located right outside Melbourne Central YHA, brilliantly convenient.

Wandering, enjoying the vibes of Melbourne.

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

City from above Eureka Skydeck 88

City night line

MELBOURNE ZOO- BRIGHTON BATHING BOXES

The visitor pack for MyKi card pre-loaded with AUD8 for tram system, I mentioned earlier on how the system works, as long as you're travelling within Zone 1, the charges will kept at a maximum AUD7.16 for a day, nothing more, regardless how many times you hop on and off on Yarra Tram, Zone 1 well covered the extension of Melbourne, Zoo, St Kilda and Brighton Beach.

When you decided to travel on tram, make sure you put into good use.

Journey through the world of wilderness, Melbourne Zoo has some of the most exquisite range of exhibition. I've been to Singapore Zoo, Beijing Zoo, and this is something special, it's large with great range of animals you don't see in other zoo.

Banded Rock Rattlesnake

Beautiful garden setting of Melbourne Zoo

We took another train route from Melbourne Zoo to Brighton Beach- for the colorful bathing boxes, originally used as ladies' changing sheds in the 1800s. The vibrant boxes remain a pricey mystery to many, some ranged at AUD260,000 for an essential shed without electricity and water. Beautiful to look at, precious to hold.

Striking colors of bathing boxes

Iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes

Sunset at Brighton Beach

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

We took the City Circle Tram outside YHA, drop off around Queen Street, brief stroll to Queen Victoria Market. A place more than just a city fresh food shopping mecca- it's a historical landmark of Melbourne. Spread over several city blocks, with 600 retailers, a true reflection of a metropolitan make up. Here, you can find everything from fruits to fashion.

Burgundy and gold City Circle Tram offer free travel to city sights

A mock up nutcracker figure at QVM retailer

Queen Victoria Market

A must try! Get yourself a tray of Coffin Bay Oyster!

Seafood and Oyster spot at QVM

Fruit and vegetables supply at QVM

This deserve a special mention, some of the best coffee in Melbourne, Market Lane Coffee. A hidden gem of coffee place, I was draw in by the beautiful aroma of coffee, worth savoring!

CHURCHES- CHINATOWN

The reminder of Melbourne's rich history in numerous historical buildings and monuments around the city. Home to a number of outstanding and architecturally significant churches, among the best lavish Renaissance colonial churches.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Impressive stonework of decorated Gothic church

Absorb the tranquil sounds of water and spiritual quotes, seeking sanctuary beneath spires.

Step through the grand red gates of Melbourne's Chinatown and enter a whole new world of Asian Cuisine and hip fashion boutique. Explore the strip of 19th century buildings between Swanston and Spring street on Little Bourke Street.

Australia's oldest Chinatown

PICNIC AT FLAGSTAFF GARDENS

Small but nice, there are several lovely green spaces in Melbourne, but this is my favorite, you get to see sunset from the park! A hanging garden in the city, a picturesque place that reminds you of beauty and opulence, lush green grass perfect for picnic.

The oldest park in Melbourne, dated back to 1840s.

Sunset skyline from Flagstaff Gardens

An evening walkies with dogs :)

Towards the light, sunlight creeps through the buildings, lead to a wonderfully dramatic long shadow

YOU MAY NEVER WANT TO LEAVE!

This is a city that gets under your skin, it has its way of weaving scent to your heartstrings and never let go.

JW.