2011 Travel Review

I had the opportunity to visit a few new places and revisit some familiar ones. If possible, I'd love to revisit every place I've been to because I couldn't have possibly seen everything and more importantly, I get a different perspective at different ages.

I started off the year with a trip up north to Chiang Mai where I stayed with a local/dad's friend. Her hospitality was impeccable and I got to see most of the important sites there and enjoyed delicious Khao Soy, a local specialty. It was such a relaxing trip that I returned home energized and calm (I must've absorbed all that energy from the many temples we visited). If I get a chance, I'd like to go into the mountains next time to get a full dose of nature.

A month later, I went to Beijing to see an old friend. It was a great time since she has moved to Shenzhen and had a baby girl. We got to really spend time together and she knew where to take me. I would've felt so lost had I gone by myself (I probably wouldn't go at all if I didn't know anyone there). I felt like I learned so much about the history and culture. I hope to visit China again- I've set my sights on Harbin.

A month later (I don't seem to do anything in moderation), I spent two weeks in Kuwait. I wanted to visit a nearby country but the unrest in the area at the time didn't make it possible. My aunt and cousin visited a week later so I got to redo the tourist thing. Everything is so modern there so there are shops and restaurants from Europe and America- everything was available. At the same time, the culture is so different, it is just interesting to me.

I took a break to focus on a project before venturing off on a weekend getaway to Singapore with friends. Universal Studios was the main attraction, but it was quite a letdown. I really had fun shopping (it wasn't fun when the bill came) and hanging out with friends.

A few months later, I went to Seoul with my family. People are surprised I liked it there, which I have to stress that, yes, in terms of historical sites, there's not much there, but there are lots of shops and cafes.

Before the year ended, CK squeezed in a trip to Suanphung in Ratchaburi province. It's a picturesque area with not much to do, but of course, it's all about spending time with friends. 

So what's in store for 2012 travels? I'm planning a trip with my brother to a very exciting place, and then I have a very big, extended trip (if you can call it that). More details coming soon.