Kandy, nestled in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka, is a shining example of cultural richness and natural beauty. As the last royal capital of the island, this city offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and stunning landscapes. For those looking for an immersive experience, Kandy boasts a variety of attractions that truly captivate the spirit.
Sri Dalada Maligawa: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic At the center of Kandy is the esteemed Sri Dalada Maligawa, better known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This sacred site is believed to house a tooth of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple’s history dates back to the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I around 1600, although it has seen several reconstructions due to historical conflicts. Visitors are welcomed by the temple’s unique Kandyan architecture, featuring intricate wooden carvings and golden details. The air is filled with the scent of incense, and devotees can be seen offering vibrant lotus flowers. The inner sanctum, where the relic is kept, serves as a focal point for devotion and ceremony. Notably, the relic is encased in multiple golden caskets adorned with precious gems, highlighting its revered status.
Kandy Lake: A Serene Urban Oasis Nestled next to the temple is the peaceful Kandy Lake, also referred to as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk. This artificial lake, built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, offers a calm escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. A shaded pathway runs around the lake, perfect for leisurely walks, morning jogs, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. Along the lake’s edge, you’ll find historical sites like the Queen’s Bathing Pavilion and the central island, which adds a touch of intrigue to the area.
Royal Botanical Gardens: A Horticultural Haven Just a short drive from the city center in Peradeniya, the Royal Botanical Gardens span an impressive 60 hectares and feature over 4,000 plant species. Initially created for the Kandyan royalty, these gardens now serve as a public haven for nature lovers. One of the highlights is the famous Orchid House, which displays a stunning variety of orchids. The garden’s pathways are lined with tall palm trees, and visitors can wander through sections dedicated to medicinal plants, spices, and an extensive bamboo collection. The Great Lawn, home to the iconic Javan fig tree, is an ideal spot for relaxation and picnics.
Cultural Immersion and Local Experiences: Kandy also offers a wealth of opportunities for cultural experiences. Watching a traditional Kandyan dance performance gives visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich artistic traditions, with dancers in elaborate costumes moving gracefully to the rhythm of traditional drums. The lively markets, such as the Kandy Municipal Market, provide a sensory delight filled with fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts, allowing visitors to interact with local vendors and artisans.
Practical Tips for Travelers Attire and Etiquette: When visiting sacred places like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it’s important to dress modestly, ensuring that shoulders and knees are covered. Footwear should be removed before entering.
The Philippines, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, consists of more than 7,000 islands, each offering unique and incredible experiences. With its rich biodiversity, stunning beaches, and warm, welcoming culture, the Philippines is a treasure trove for tropical explorers. From the surf-worthy waves of Siargao to the limestone cliffs of Palawan, the islands cater to a myriad of adventures and leisurely pursuits. Let’s set sail on a journey through five of the most incredible islands in the Philippines that promise to enchant every tropical explorer.
The Tropical Explorer’s Guide: Discovering the 5 Most Incredible Islands of the Philippines
Palawan: The Last Frontier
Palawan, known as the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, is a paradise for eco-adventurers and beach lovers alike. Its crown jewel, El Nido, is famed for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystalline waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Venture further to Coron for world-class wreck diving experiences amidst sunken Japanese warships. On the quieter side, the Bacuit Archipelago offers serene lagoons and hidden beaches, perfect for kayaking and snorkeling.
Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where an underground river flows through impressive cave systems. Above ground, the lush jungles of Palawan are home to a rich array of wildlife, including the elusive Palawan peacock-pheasant.
Visitors should not miss the opportunity to partake in an island-hopping tour, which reveals secluded slices of heaven such as Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island. Palawan encapsulates the essence of raw, natural beauty and remains an unmissable destination for anyone seeking the quintessential tropical expedition.
Boracay: The Icon of Leisure
Boracay, despite its petite size, stands as one of the most iconic beach destinations in the Philippines. Recently reopened after a rehabilitation effort, its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife have been restored to their former glory. The island’s crown jewel, White Beach, stretches over four kilometers and is lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars.
For the active traveler, water sports abound, with opportunities for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and parasailing. The gentle swell of Bulabog Beach provides the perfect conditions for beginners looking to ride the waves.
As the sun sets, the island transforms into a lively hub of entertainment, with fire dancers lighting up the night and live music setting the tempo for an unforgettable evening. Boracay embodies the spirit of tropical leisure and remains a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to preserving its natural wonders while offering a world-class beach experience.
Cebu: The Queen City of the South
Cebu is a unique blend of urban energy and natural charm. The island’s metropolitan center, Cebu City, is rich in historical landmarks such as the 16th-century Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and the fort of San Pedro. Venturing out, the island offers incredible diving spots like Moalboal, where one can witness the mesmerizing sardine run.
For the more adventurous, the southern part of Cebu is known for the Kawasan Falls, a series of three waterfalls that offer a picturesque scene for canyoneering. Not to be missed is Oslob, where one can have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat.
The cuisine in Cebu is a delightful journey in itself, with the island’s famous lechon (roasted pig) topping the list of must-tries. Cebu’s blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes it an essential stop on any tropical explorer’s itinerary.
Siargao: The Surfing Capital
Siargao has risen in the ranks as a premier surfing destination, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe to its famed Cloud 9 reef break. But surfing is just the beginning of what Siargao offers. The island is fringed with other incredible beaches, such as Guyam and Daku, which are perfect for those seeking solitude or a leisurely afternoon.
Inland, the island’s lush landscapes hide natural wonders like Magpupungko Rock Pools and Taktak Falls. For a unique experience, venture into the Sohoton Caves, where you can kayak through mystical cave systems and dive into hidden lagoons.
The laid-back atmosphere of Siargao’s coastal towns, combined with the warm hospitality of its residents, creates a welcoming environment for travelers looking to immerse themselves in island life. Whether you’re paddling into the surf or exploring the tranquil roads lined with coconut palms, Siargao is a destination that captures the heart of any tropical explorer.
Bohol: The Ecological Haven
Bohol is an island province known for its unique geological formations, such as the Chocolate Hills – over 1,200 uniformly shaped hills that turn cocoa-brown in the dry season. But there’s more to Bohol than these famed mounds. The island is also home to the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, which can be seen in sanctuaries dedicated to its conservation.
The island’s coast offers some of the best diving spots in the country, including Balicasag Island, where the marine life is as vibrant as it is diverse. For beach enthusiasts, the powdery white sand of Panglao Island beckons, while the Loboc River Cruise offers a serene escape along a palm-fringed river.
Bohol’s commitment to eco-tourism is evident in its attractions and activities that emphasize the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage. It’s a destination that not only showcases the beauty of the Philippines but also encourages sustainable travel practices.
A Tropical Tapestry
The Philippines offers an array of experiences that cater to every kind of tropical explorer. Whether it’s diving into the depths of the sea, surfing atop its waves, or immersing oneself in the cultural tapestry of its islands, the opportunities for adventure are endless. For those looking to plan their journey, a plethora of Philippines travel packages are available, tailoring to the diverse needs of each traveler.
Each island offers a unique perspective of the Philippines’ natural grandeur, and together, they weave a narrative of a nation that is as beautiful as it is diverse. So pack your bags, set your sights on the horizon, and prepare to explore the five most incredible islands of the Philippines, where every journey promises to be an adventure of a lifetime.
Mindoro: The Diver’s Playground
While the more renowned islands often steal the spotlight, Mindoro has steadily carved out a niche for itself in the hearts of divers and marine life enthusiasts. The island is split into two provinces, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, each with its own unique allure. Off the coast of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, the Verde Island Passage is renowned as the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity in the world, presenting a kaleidoscope of corals and a plethora of marine species.
On land, the rugged terrain of Mindoro is crisscrossed with trails leading to hidden waterfalls and quaint villages where the indigenous Mangyan people continue their traditional way of life. Tamaraw Falls, with its refreshing cascade, is a picturesque stop for a picnic and a quick dip in the cool waters.
For those looking to combine eco-adventures with community interaction, the Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro is a marine sanctuary where the local community is actively involved in conservation efforts. Divers and snorkelers are rewarded with sightings of vibrant coral gardens, manta rays, and schools of tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.
Mindoro’s unspoiled beauty, both underwater and on land, offers an authentic experience of the Philippines away from the crowded hotspots. It’s an island that promises both tranquility and adventure, where every dive uncovers a new chapter of the sea’s hidden stories.
Conclusion: The Unending Discovery
In the embrace of the Philippines, each island feels like a chapter out of an explorer’s diary, filled with vivid descriptions of lush landscapes, underwater spectacles, and the harmonious blend of culture and nature. The tropical explorer’s journey across the Philippines is an unending discovery, a continuous unfolding of natural wonders and cultural riches that echo with the promise of unparalleled adventure.
With numerous Philippines travel packages available, the country is accessible to explorers from all walks of life, ensuring that the beauty of its islands is not just a well-kept secret but a shared treasure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious wanderer, the Philippines, with its welcoming smiles and open arms, invites you to partake in its stories, celebrations, and the eternal warmth of its tropical embrace.
Here, each sunset is a canvas of nature’s finest hues, and every dawn brings with it the whispers of waves eager to share their tales. So set your compass to the heart of the Southeast Asian tropics and embark on an expedition that will etch the Philippines’ vibrant mosaic into the annals of your most cherished travel memories.
If you are a Hong Kong person on the road (or a Polish lass), it can be hard to find true love and the more the years go on, the harder that struggle gets. However, the best time of year to look for love starts now – THIS week! You might ask me why? Well it’s because Halloween is coming, and then on the 5th November it will be Guy Fawkes night. Then we have Thanksgiving, then Christmas then New Year, then Chinese New Year. These events are great reasons to meet up and be cheerful with new and potential dates. If you are a Hong Kong or Polish person living in the UK, here are some tips on how to find real love online the next few months.
1.Dorset Dating
For those based on the south coast, in Dorset, check out the Dorset dating site for a clear and easy way to meet new single people. Bournemouth is a party capital with lots going out. Check out all the student bars and clubs and the option to dress up all sexy for Halloween, with girls with fake blood scars and guys dressed as skeletons, you can ghost in and come out of your closet! There are so many dating sites in Dorset that it will be easy for you to find a partner, at least for a few dates…
2.Older Dating
Don’t worry if you’re getting old, with saggy t*ts and shrinking willies, you can still find love online or offline with people in a similar position. Really! Just check out the huge range of senior dating sites out there. Get signed up and start flirting! But do be honest about your age. Don’t be saying you are 50 when in fact you are 73! Also it is important to be real and honest in the photo. If you have grey hair, don’t be ashamed – your date might love it!
3.Speed Dating
Ah the classic – speed dating! You get 3 minutes to impress your “date” and then you move on. So wear your best clothes and smile, smell good and be confident. This could be the first step towards everlasting love. Couples have even been known to kiss during the 3 minutes! Now that is what I call love at first sight!
4.Nude Dating
Forget sending willy pics or requesting for a topless beach nude, how about the no holes bar nude dating night in London? It’s a speed dating night, carried out in the buff. You whip off your clothes, let your bits hang out and then try to get cosy with potential dates, who are also nude! If it’s not for you, there is also nude yoga in London, which is not as embarrassing as it sounds! Northern Irish guys love it, and Polish liars too.
These are just a few options for Hong Kongers, Polish, Northern Irish (and everyone) living in the UK who are looking for new ways to find love. You can also of course join Dating Agencies, use apps like Tinder and even use Facebook by joining groups. Attending events over the upcoming festive period will also help your chances in finding love!
China is among the most visited countries in the world. Foreign visitors come from different parts of the world and still cannot get enough of this wonderful and attractive place. There is a lot to see here. It has lots of wonderful landscapes besides being a highly cultured country. There are many common tourist scams when visiting China, be sure to have the best travel insurance for China before leaving.
If you are having plans of paying a visit to China, we should know more about the famous places here. The ones that are very much familiar with the world’s history can count all of the amazing wonders that China has. The following are the places that we can pay a visit to in China:
The Great Wall
It is one of China’s trademarks. It is throughout the world, and people are very much amazed at the amazing architecture of the place, knowing that it is built thousands of years back. It is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, and also a very popular tourist spot in the country. Travelers never want to miss the opportunity of visiting the Great Wall once they arrive in the country.
Forbidden City
This has been the palace of the late emperors during the Ming and Ching dynasties. The place is called “Gu gong” in Chinese. It is considered as one of China’s pride. Along the years, especially during the wars, the kingdom has been devastated. It has been rebuilt after a few years and made
it with the old one’s architectural design. What we see now in the Forbidden City is exactly what it looks like thousands of years ago. A lot of the country’s history can be seen in the said palace. It is now made as a part museum for all the country’s oldest artifacts.
Temple of Heaven
The temple was built in the years when the Forbidden City was built. It is one of the World Heritage Site. It is now used for Chinese ceremonies and other occasions. But most of the time, the place is used as a tourist spot for visitors.
The temple of Confucius
It is one of the attractive places in China that is found in Beijing. It is such a wide area of 22 thousand square meters. It is also where the 700-year old cypress tree is found which was said to have the power to distinguish the good from the evil.
On my travels around the world I loved getting trains and you might have read about my ex-boyfriend Jonny Blair and I how we backpacked many borders together by train. I thought I would put together a selection of my top 5 train journeys and hope they inspire you to get out there and see the world too – by train! Here is my list which is just a quick guide today as I plan my next backpacking trip.
1.Georgia to Azerbaijan
The Georgia to Azerbaijan train was a fantastic experience in 2013. We booked our tickets one day in advance and it was a cool night train. We started off in the Georgian capital city of Tblisi and got a night train to Baku in Azerbaijan.
2.Trans-Siberian Russia, Mongolia, China
Every travellers dream when they think of train travel is the Trans-Siberian train. It goes from Moscow through Russia all the way to Vladivostock. You have many options in between though, which include also a stop over in cities so cool and mighty like Irkutsk. There you can see the incredible Lake Baikal, meet the Shamans in the wild and do a tour to Olkhon Island. The best thing it to book someTrans-Siberian railway tours and work out the rest as you go. I simply loved it!
3.North Korea to China train I loved my 2013 adventure to North Korea with the cool group Young Pioneer Tours. It was a real way to see North Korea and also have fun, with the added bonus of a train out of the country! We boarded that train in the North Korean capital city, Pyongyang and it headed north. We had our passports and visas checked at the border. Then we headed back into China at the city of Dandong. This was a truly memorable train journey and was documented before by my ex-boyfriend on the North Korea to China train article he wrote.
4.Northern Ireland to Republic of Ireland border train
Some naive tourists and those who are simply not well travelled might mistake Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as one country. The fact remains that the island of Ireland has been segregated since 1921 and there is a really cheap and easy border train you can get from Belfast in Northern Ireland all the way down south into Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. When I backpacked on this train in 2012 we didn’t even have our passports checked or stamped. I remember the countryside was just amazing and I recommend it for any tourists. It was magical and wonderful and I loved my two trips to Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland
5. Iran – Tehran to Mashhad Night train
Our overland trip in Iran in 2013 was sensational. We met a local couple on the night train from Tehran to Mashhad and it was marvellous! The beds were cosy and we also had free tea and coffee. At the end of the train, the amazing Imam Reza Shrine was waiting for us.
All of us have our own preferences for places to go on holiday. We may not stick to one specific location, but often to one particular kind of place. One person may love skiing, and so circulate between spots like Aspen, Nagano, and Chamonix. Another may be safari-obsessed, and head mainly for Africa but also the Indian subcontinent. Often we won’t move much outside these certainties.
If it’s relaxation and paradise you’re out for, then you can rarely go far wrong with an island break. As you no doubt know, about seven-tenths of the world’s surface are covered by ocean. In those oceans are plenty of islands – and each of these has a tourist industry devoted to those getaway breaks. The ones when even the coast isn’t quite “away” enough.
The world has five oceans in total, but the Southern Ocean is pretty much free of habitable islands. Here we will look at one island destination in each of the four remaining oceans.
The Atlantic Ocean: The Azores
The Azores, of course, does not refer to a single island but an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic. Almost midway between Europe and the Americas, they are isolated enough to provide seclusion. All the same, they have enough of an infrastructure to support a rich tourist experience. Between Sao Miguel, Pico and Terceira in particular, you will find wildlife, sunbathing and luxury resorts. It’s a tropical island getaway like no other.
There are one billion people in India, and despite a substantial landmass this makes it a densely populated country. However, off the coast, you will find the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This represents an idyllic break from the hubbub for many Indian holidaymakers.
Not just them, though, as it has become a place to go for people from all over the world. This is a relatively unspoiled gem in the Indian Ocean. Get to Port Blair if you want to check out museums and monuments, or enjoy the many peaceful beaches.
A recurring feature in the World Happiness Index surveys that evaluate quality of life, Vanuatu is a place to spend time in. If you don’t want to feel pressed for time, this is your heaven. Beach life is, of course, excellent here. You can also take a walk in nature or visit the vibrant Porta Vila Market. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll find few places more peaceful in which to do it.
If you want to get away from it all, then a break on a Norwegian island chain in the Arctic might be in order. One word of warning – if you want to sightsee by day and hit the town at night, be aware that there aren’t many towns. Those that there are aren’t densely populated. But Svalbard is beautiful, with museums and Arctic safaris well worth your time.
The main town in the archipelago, Longyearbyen, is welcoming and picturesque in that classic Norwegian way. Svalbard may not be the most conventional holiday break, but it’s a captivating one for sure!
Travelling in Central Asia was a big dream for me as a child. I always wondered what Uzbekistan, Iran and Bangladesh were like. Over the years, I gradually visited as many parts of it as I could. I thought it was a nice time to reflect on my time in this wonderful part of the world as I take a break from my current Trans Siberian Railway trip – I am now in Kazakhstan! These are my recommended highlights from my time on the Silk Road through Central Asia.
1.Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a truly stunning country. It can be hard to see everything without a local guide, so hook up with an Uzbekistan travel agency and get out and see the amazing cities they have there. Highlights were Bukhara, Termiz and Samarkand but the country is huge and takes a long time to see. Check out the marvellous Samarkand below:
Samarkand
2.Iran – West Side
I got my Iran visa sorted out in Turkey and we entered through the border at Gurbulak. Iran was a little bit less touristic at the time and we backpacked it and loved it. We started off in dreamy Tabriz, before heading west to Gazor Khan and the capital city of Tehran.
3.Iran – East and Central
After touring the west of Iran and the capital city of Tehran, it was time to visit the desert towns of Yazd and Kerman and the amazing Imam Reza Shrine in the city of Mashhad. This is the largest Mosque in the world and a true gem for any Silk Road backpacker. Get it on your list please!
4.China – Yunnan
Being a Hong Kong girl, I have to include China in this of course. A major part of the Silk Road for me and such varying landscapes and cultures from Tibet, Xinjiang and to my favourite province in China – Yunnan. It is a glorious province to visit. My highlights are the cities of Kunming, the Shilin Stone Forest and the magnificent Yellow Canola Fields at Luoping. We also hiked the Upper Trail and visited the Tibetan Monastery near Zhongdian – also kknown as Shangri La. An amazing part of the world.
5.Kazakhstan
As I am now backpacking in Kazakhstan, I thought to include it to keep my travel blog up to date. I crossed the border from Russia and am now loving this place. My first stop was in Astana. Kazakhstan is a very big country and is still a bit less touristic than you would expect. I hope these 5 highlights are good tips for you when you also tour Central Asia.
In Hong Kong you can find a load of really cool places to live. Whether you want a high rise, a small flat or a mansion by the beach it’s a city which clearly caters to everyone and is worth checking out. This will give a good overview into life in the Kong!
All over Hong Kong there are a range of classic studio flats and apartments and you need to know your stuff and be ready for a cool place to stay.
Happy Valley is a quiet neighbourhood on Hong Kong Island that exudes a very suburban and progressive setting. It’s a place where you can look forward to having serenity amidst the bustling scene that envelops it. It’s truly one of Hong Kong’s nicest areas to reside in. You can anticipate the joys of having a temporary abode in the city, without having to sacrifice the home comforts that you’re used to.
Hong Kong can be a dear place so you do need to consider a lot of things if you want to meet your budget. You want a good location as well as cutting your costs.
Self managed apartments are a superb alternative to the usual kind of pricey hotel room accommodations mainly because of the fact that living spaces like these already come with a full range of cupboards, washing machines, settees etc. (i.e. fully furnished and fully serviced units). You can also stay in one for as long as you like, without breaking the bank on most occasions.
These type of serviced lodgings will not only offer you some cost-effective housing options, but the managed flats also offer big spaces – a rarity in Hong Kong to have more space around you. You’ll also love the fact that there will be lots more privacy in your apartment, as room designs and outlook have been well thought out.
Kitchens are usually already installed making cooking and preparing meals really easy and well worth doing. There is also a private bathroom in almost all cases and these are obviously kept in a separate room from the bedroom and lounge giving you a warm cosy home in the Kong.
If you’re looking for a temporary haven in Happy Valley, then there are several good choices in the area. The V Group actually has a splendid serviced establishment in the district that will certainly impress you.
You’ll certainly feel relaxed when you stay in a V apartment because each space already comes fully managed (comes with a commendable set of services) and fully furnished (comes with the latest and finest resources and amenities, just like in a hotel). They definitely have all the things that you’re looking for in a place and more. Once you are settled in Hong Kong, you can check out some good promotions when buying items like blinds, curtains and wardrobes.
You have got to love Hong Kong – this will be a cool place to live.
Are you thinking of going on a biking trip? If yes, that’s awesome. Biking trips are massive fun, give you a sense of personal freedom and adventure. To have a lot of fun, though, you need a few bare essentials.
Sure, you can carry a lot of junk –although that isn’t advisable, but there are certain must-have items that you should carry on your trip, otherwise, you could end up having a less than perfect trip.
In this article, we’ll be looking at some of those must-have items and listing them here for you. Think of it as a checklist for your biking trip that will help prevent a lot of stress and frustration.
Rain Gear and Dry Bags
If you’ll be biking during the winter or spring, it’s better to always have a rain gear to keep you dry and comfortable. The same goes for having a dry bag to keep your valuables intact and dry.
On the road, your cell phone, change of clothes, wallet, keys and cards are your best friends –apart from other riders of course. Keep them protected by locking them in a dry bag, such as the ones sold at adventurelion.com or a zip lock bag.
Bike Tool Kits
Bikes can and do break down in the middle of your trip. Sometimes, the solution to the problem could lie in your bike tool kits.
Without these, you could be stuck for hours trying to reach the right mechanic. You should also have a can of Fix-a-Flat with you always just in case your tires get punctured and you need to still ride for some distance to get to the nearest bike repair shop.
An Extra Pair of Gloves
Sweaty palms are common among bikers. Wearing the same wet or sodden glove the next day just feels yucky. So, grab a spare while you leave the other one out to dry.
More importantly, your neck and hands play a key role in regulating your body temperature. Leaving them exposed for prolonged periods can result in health problems. The gloves will surely help keep your fingers warm.
Standard Physical Maps
We know that GPS technologies have gotten more advanced, thus making navigation easier. The problem, however, is that they aren’t 100 percent perfect. There are navigational tools that will misdirect you. Having a standard map is good for comparison.
You don’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere with no gas and no accurate map to show you how to get back on the road. While you could choose out of the many map types, you should consider getting Butler Maps. They are specifically suited to riders and provide you with the best routes or stops along the way.
Helmets and Goggles
Safety first, right? Well, you’ll need both on your biking trip. Luckily, most bikers never ride without them, so you shouldn’t as well. Your helmets protect you from head injuries in the event of an accident which can happen to anyone regardless of riding knowledge or expertise.
Goggles protect your eyes from being exposed to the dirt and occasional debris that could get in your eyes while riding. If you think this is unimportant, wait until you’re doing 100 miles an hour and have a speck get in your eye at that speed, and you’ll never repeat the same mistake again. For someone who is just taking his/her first biking trip, never go without goggles or sunglasses at the very least.
Cash
Yep, that’s correct. You will find that some places don’t accept credit cards or conduct any form of automated transactions. You should, therefore, always have some cash on you as well as your cards. That way, if you run out of cash, you could easily get to the nearest ATM to withdraw some money.
I love to listen to music on my travels and though it is normally on buses and with the iPod, I can’t deny how much I love live concerts. My boyfriend and I have been to a few music events down the years of travelling. On of our music highlights was that we got to see Katy Perry live in Hong Kong, check out her video here:
We found out about the concert through a friend living in Hong Kong and were able to get our Katy Perry concert tickets online before the event through an online ticket site. The tickets were posted out to us. Then we planned a night out with friends. My boyfriend is not from Hong Kong but my friends were so we went along together. I was surprised to see lots of other foreigners there so my boyfriend could talk to others at the gig.
Having a drink before the concert
We got some beers at the bar inside the venue. For those who don’t know about Katy Perry, here are some of her big hits and information… Katy Perry is from the USA and she rose to fame back in 2008 with the release of her huge single “I Kissed a Girl”.
Katy Perry singing live
I remember hearing the song for the first time in Lam Tin it was a crazy song “I kissed a girl and liked it, her taste of cherry chocolate”. This had very attention-grabbing and somewhat controversial lyrics. The next song I heard was “Hot n Cold” from her second album, which was an awesome record and was called One of the Boys.
Her third album, Teenage Dream was out in 2010 and was more dancy, and contained the U.S. Billboard Top 100 chart-topping singles “California Girls”, “Teenage Dream”, “Firework”, “E.T.”, and “Last Friday Night” as well as the number-three single “The One That Got Away”. That album became the first by a female artist to produce five number-one Billboard Hot 100 songs, and the second overall after Michael Jackson’s album Bad. That’s some achievement for Katy Perry!
The Hong Kong concert was amazing, Katy played all her bit hits and wore some great outfits. Her next big concert is on the 1st of May, so I’m really looking forward to this one. Anyone else keen to join me there? You can get your Katy Perry tickets here and keep up to date with my own travels on Facebook here!
So I hope to see Katy Perry live again on my travels, she rocks!
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