Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi: THAILAND

The biggest trip of all, together with one of the best companies I could wish for, to a country everyone just starts thinking of bright times, briefly saying:

8 days of Thailand together with my family.

We left Singapore now two weeks ago and went to Bangkok City to spend the first two days of our trip there. The resume is easy: Bangkok is no city anyone of the four of us would fall in love with. The best part of it was actually our place to stay which I recommend to all visitors of Bangkok exceedingly. The hotel is called Phranakorn Nornlen, located in the north of the "old city" and voted number 3 out of all hotels in Bangkok by tripadvisor.com. I can just agree on it, it was our oasis where we could find a break from all dust and smog and dirt in Bangkok and where no stupid betrayers were running around trying to fool tourists. But have a look yourselves, it was the sweetest and nicest guesthouse (=hotel=hostel) I have stayed in so far and I would definitely go back anytime.

Phranakorn Nornlen in Bangkok

My sister stepping into our new library

It's my dad in the picture, uhm, mirror :)

We felt warmly welcomed.

And I went on a bike trip, almost :)

Anyway, for all the travelers who are planning on going to Bangkok some day, I need to mention the following: Never ever trust anyone on the street. Most of the people starting talking to you are betrayers, people who tell you that the Grand Palace is not open on Saturdays or that it is closed until 2:30 pm for tourists and only open for monks in the mornings. The only goal is to get you in a tuk-tuk which is supposed to go on an exciting sightseeing tour through Bangkok, but you will end up very likely in a big jewelry store the tuk-tuk driver gets free gasoline vouchers from for every tourist he brings, or a tailor who is trying hard to sell you a suit or a dress or whatever you like. We met so many people on the streets who told us about their bad experience and experienced part of it on our own, unfortunately. So please be aware and read the lonely planet carefully before going there, which describes exactly the case I did right now.

The sleeping Buddha in BKK City.

Bangkok was a good experience, but nonetheless after having spent a lot of time in Singapore City, all of us were looking forward to a destination on the beach. And by booking it one day before our flight went, we decided on going to Phuket, the largest island of Thailand, straight in the south, waiting for us with a bunch of beautiful islands and beaches and not to forget incredible diving spots around.

We saw James Bond Island, Hong Island, Khai Island, Ko Phi Phi, and so many more of which I just forgot the names^^ Plus, I went for diving in Racha Yai and Racha Noy, maybe someone has already seen the dive spots. They were so good, much better than in the Philippines, and I am even more falling for scuba diving now. I saw lobsters crawling on the ground, moraines looking out of their holes, a huge mackerel passing by, stone fish (I hope this is the proper name for it^^), and all the time huge fish swarms buzzing around us.

My mom holding part of the James Bond Island in her hands.

We went for canoeing through these giant islands...

...and saw amazing nature.

This was were we ended our first island hopping trip and went for swimming.

Ko Phi Phi

Monkey Beach, as you can see :)

shortly before the attack, have a closer look on its face ;)

Khai Island

National park on Ko Phi Phi

I will spare you more text to read since there is a lot of pictures to read from :) and am just adding that it might have been the last trip during my stay in Singapore. Anyway, there will be some posts coming up from TEDxWomen, as a second TEDxSingapore event during my stay (the first was TEDxYouth, and a big success), and not to forget from ZOUKout, where David Guetta is gonna be the main act, mid of December.

So, keep in touch. Until then I might just be a nice student and prepare my final exams :)

Cheers, Ju

White Beach, Boracay, Philippines

There is one week in the Singaporean semester called Recess Week and designed for the preparation of all upcoming midterms the week after, but simultaneously the best opportunity to leave the country and go for traveling when you are on exchange. You can imagine what we did. We TRAVELED. To the Philippines.

Light travelers, Sara's backpack had 5kg :)

On Friday afternoon, after finishing last classes, last presentations and last homework, Sara and I packed our stuff and went to the airport to catch our plane to Manila. After one night in a very backpacker like hostel in the capital of the Philippines we continued our traveling and finally arrived in the paradise.

Boracay

White Beach

White Beach is said to be one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world and after one week of experiencing the white sand, the crystal-clear water, the palm trees and - as long as the typhoon did not bring us rain and stormy winds - the warming and lovely sun, we can definitely agree with it and could add that so far, it was the most beautiful beach both of us have ever seen.

Turquoise water, all around the island

Sara enjoying herself, and the sun :) 

Fortunately, we used the first day and lied at the beach for several hours, just enjoying ourselves and the water. As you might have heard in the news, there was the strongest typhoon for this year in the whole world going on in the Philippines for - yeah, exactly our week of traveling. Anyway, we were at the edge of its circle and "only" needed to fight against some rainy hours and a lot of wind.

Marianne and me

Under water, the weather did not matter. I took my Scuba Diving License during our stay there and can state that I am absolutely falling for it. I had four dives with my great French instructor Marianne, who taught me everything in so short time that we were able to see and enjoy under water life in a most amazing way. I pity that I didn't bring an underwater camera as I would love to share colorful corals, huge octopus, "flying fish" also known as squid :), seahorses, or lobster hiding in the holes with you. But the fun I had will definitely be continued in Thailand in about two weeks, maybe with a camera by then.

My very own BCD

There was a lot to enjoy when the sun had set in the evening. We had a fish market around the corner called TaliPapa (when you ever have the chance to get to Boracay, don't miss out on the food here, amazing!). We went there and bought fresh lobster and prawns, brought it to a nearby cookery and got the best food we had during our whole stay in Asia.

Who finds the mistake? Here we got our fresh lobsters.

And here is the result, best food ever.

I cannot miss out on telling you about our accommodation. Sara and I were so lucky. We met this amazing Canadian couple on our way to the island who gave us a ride on their jeep to a beautiful and cosy accommodation, Nigi Nigi Nu Noos (or similar^^). We had a huge double room with a big balcony facing the jungle around this place. And after six nights had passed by, the staff seemed to think that it was our honeymoon, at least that is what the towels on our bed that night said :)

Swans on our bed, I guess they just wanted to be kind^^

All in all, I need to state that this one week with my wonderful roommate and friend Sara has been the best week since I came to Singapore. The diving, the good food, the beach, the sun, the company of a fun friend and the Filipino way of life made my recess week and I will keep it in best memory.

On our way to the airport, in a typical tricycle

Saying goodbye to Boracay

This was definitely not the last traveling in Asia. The story will be continued from Bangkok and Koh Samet :) Until then, I need to write some midterms and pass some assignments. Spending some time in the harbor of studying, waiting for the next exciting trip... 

Cheers, Ju

Best friend in town!

After a long time of no show, here is some news coming up from my last two weeks.

Right after the end of Oktoberfest in Munich, Gabi took a flight over here and visited me for ten days. The summary is pretty easy, it was an awesome time together with my best friend in one of the best cities I have been to so far. I tried to show her as many unforgettable places as possible and as it turned out at the end of her stay, she totally approved it.

We went to Singapore Zoo (Claudia, I hope you read this!) and turned 6 years old again while watching the largest snakes, which actually live in Singapore too, crocodiles, Gabi's favourite: the monkeys and on top of all this: three of the almost extinct White Tigers. And because this was not enough, two days later we went to the night safari and saw these amazing animals you would never be able to see during the day. Huge bats, either hanging from the trees or flying around your head. So, if you will ever come to Singapore, please visit the Zoo, it is so worth it!

The baboons, Kirk, I guess they were just scratching themselves ;) 

Moreover, we went to Little India, saw the biggest technology mall you can imagine, had wonderful Asian food like Hot Pot (saying hello to Academy Consult's Hot Pot and especially to Tianyi over here, thanks for showing me). Of course, I showed her the famous New Asia Bar, in which we already celebrated Sara's birthday two weeks ago. But have a look :)

Singapore from the 71st floor

The Esplanade at Marina Bay

Well, and after the compulsory cultural sights, I finally removed the leash and allowed Gabi to go shopping in Singapore, which might have been a mistake^^ Fortunately, the exchange rate had become beneficial during the last few weeks. And as a tourist, you can even get the tax back when leaving the country. Hence, your shopping wasn't that expensive at all :) I had a very good time, thanks Gabi!

And by the way, the Canon EOS 550D is gonna be purchased right after recess week and the Philippines. So, you can be looking forward to a lot of amazing pictures :) Apropos, the Philippines, we are leaving the day after tomorrow, and the travel goal is White Beach, Boracay, which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I am gonna tell you about in a bit more than one week :)

Hugs to Germany,
yours Ju

Bintan, Indonesia, and the Formula 1!

Hey together,

this was definitely the best weekend in Singapore so far. It was filled with everything I could have dreamed of last week, traveling to Bintan, Indonesia, chilling in the sun, experiencing the Jungle, the beaches and the whole atmosphere in Indonesia, and on the other hand watching one of the most exciting sport events live from a balcony at Marina Bay, Formula 1.

Since I assume that most of you are far more interested in the second part, the F1, I will change the chronology and start with devastated Hamiltons, burning cars, 100 decibel on average, and an amazing Sunday in Singapore.

Safety Car Stage

"Our" S-curve

We had an incredible race day, found this amazing hot spot at Marina Square from where we were able to watch the race as if we were sitting in the front row. And we were really lucky having an expert with us, Fabius from Academy Consult (Munich), who just came over to Singapore for three days to support the McLaren Team. He preferred our place although he had an All Zones Ticket(!) which got him to the boxes earlier. You see, we saved 130$ and actually had the best seats around the city :) nice one.

Michael Schumacher at the driver parade

@Marina Bay

Sara and me :)

Our view throughout the whole race, beautiful Singapore

And on top of the Formula 1, we actually went to Indonesia the day before. The plan was on having a nice trip with six girls having a lazy time at the beach and around the island, but we ended up in a big beer splash exchange students party in a rather bad resort. Nevertheless, we just skipped most of the party and got up quiet early (at least some of us, you sleeper Carina and Sara^^) to have a look at Bintan. For those, who are still seeking for trips over here, I do not recommend it and would rather safe the money for some other worthy travel adventures. But anyway, finally, we had a very good day, as we joined the mangrove tour on a river, saw snakes, monkeys, lizards, and neon blue birds. I should mention the "the world is going down rain" on our way to the specific spot in a small nutshell, getting all wet. But see the pictures:

Charley in our nutshell at the mangrove tour

Who can see the monkey?!

Nice residence, especially at high tide^^

The beach we stranded after the tour

By the way, I am joining the soccer team at NTU now and just came back from my first training, which was awesome :)

For those who are staying in Singapore, do not forget: It's Sara's birthday tomorrow ;)

Cheers, Ju