Author Archives: Chris Desmond

Mexico, Vera Cruz 6 Nov 11

Posted on Monday, 7-November-2011 by Chris Desmond

I left Tampico at 0900 finding my way through the narrow one way streets of the Centro onto the highway, being Sunday there was no traffic, a lot different to when I arrived yesterday afternoon. The terrain is a very … Continue reading →

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USA, Hawaii, 16 – 23 September 2011

Posted on Saturday, 24-September-2011 by Chris Desmond

Hawaii was ruled by a Monarchy until 1893 when it was overthrown by American businessmen. It then became a Republic until 1898 when it was annexed by the United States as a territory, becoming the 50th state in 1959, hence the “Hawaii … Continue reading →

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Taiwan, Taipei, 24 – 30 June 2011

Posted on Thursday, 30-June-2011 by Chris Desmond

Taipei capital of Taiwan, this is where Chiang Kai-shek and the Kuomintang fled to when the communists under Mao took over the mainland. It is now a big modern city with a population of 7 million. The GDP per capita of … Continue reading →

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South Korea, Seoul, 17-24 June 2011

Posted on Friday, 24-June-2011 by Chris Desmond

Seoul – population 9.8 million, very clean, modern, organised, extensive subway system and some of the best dressed people on the planet. South Korea has a GDP in excess of 1 trillion dollars ranked 13th in the world. The country … Continue reading →

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Laos, Vientiane, 9-16 June 2011

Posted on Friday, 17-June-2011 by Chris Desmond

I flew from Siam Reap to Vientiane via Kuala Lumpur. This is a much quieter place hardly any traffic or tourists, lots of signs in French. The population of Vientiane is 210,000 and the whole country is only 6.5 million. … Continue reading →

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Cambodia, Siam Reap, 05 – 09 June 2011

Posted on Friday, 10-June-2011 by Chris Desmond

I travelled from Phnom Penh to Siam Reap by bus. Cost $6, pickup from the hotel is at 0930, bus leaves at 1000 and arrives in Siam Reap at 1545. It stops twice and you can have fried crickets or … Continue reading →

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Cambodia, Phnom Penh, 01 – 05 June 2011

Posted on Sunday, 5-June-2011 by Chris Desmond

Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers population 2.2 million. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge wiped out 25% of Cambodia’s population when they ruled from 1976-79. Independence Monument, Killing Fields … Continue reading →

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Thailand, Bangkok, 25 May – 01 June 2011

Posted on Thursday, 2-June-2011 by Chris Desmond

Bangkok, population 14 million, lots of things to see and do. The river is part of the public transport system and the King is popular with his people. Temples and the Palace which is a big complex, allow at least … Continue reading →

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Vietnam, Saigon, 17-25 May 2011

Posted on Wednesday, 25-May-2011 by Chris Desmond

Officially known as Ho Chi Minh City but the locals still call it Saigon, population 9 million. Saigon City Tour Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels Mekong Delta Tour Art Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and Vietnam Museum   … Continue reading →

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Malaysia, Penang, 10-16 May 2011

Posted on Tuesday, 17-May-2011 by Chris Desmond

I took the train from KL to Penang, $22 for a 1st class ticket, journey takes 7 hours, much nicer than flying though I did return to KL by plane. Once you arrive at Butterworth Station you can take a … Continue reading →

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