Day (1) Arriving in Dubai

Our flight was delayed by an hour, so our transit in Doha was short - as was our flight to Dubai.

Before we knew it, we arrived in the concrete jungle that is Dubai. We were greeted by the friendly staff of Arabian Adventures who escorted us to immigration. Getting our luggage was done with ease and we soon made contact with my dad and brother to wish them Merry Christmas!

We realized that the airport was very close to the hotel we were staying at - Ibis One Central. Check in was hassle-free, but we were a bit surprised to learn that there were no porters around. Made me wonder if we are too spoiled in South Africa!

 

Dubai (0) Getting ready to go

Friday, 23 December 2016
We were lucky to be able to leave work early, giving me a little extra time to run some errands, do my laundry and pack my suitcase. I'm usually a bit anxious the day before I travel, but I took it easy and decided to go with the flow.

Saturday, 24 December 2016
On Saturday, packed and ready to leave home, I had a really nice Uber driver take me to the airport. I still can't believe that I passed out and slept through almost the entire flight to Johannesburg. I knew that when I arrived in Johannesburg, I would head straight to Woolies Cafe for a nice hot wake-me-up drink.

At first, I sat at the counter, chatting to the barista, but soon met two sisters who just arrived back from Mauritius. My mum arrived shortly afterwards and we were just in time to meet Chancharmasi, who had just flown in from Cape Town. We didn't spend too long with her as we needed to start making our way to international departures. Mum and I had a light bite to eat before making our way to the boarding gate. The excitement was definitely starting to bubble!

Dubai (0) The idea to go

I remember calling my mum, saying to her: "Mummy, I don't know about you, but I need to travel. I need to use my passport! Let's go to Dubai."

My mum actually seemed quite keen and it was from then that I knew the ball would start rolling very soon!

The adventure begins

Good morning

I'm en route to the airport now and I feel like I'm sleeping with my eyes open.

Will be meeting my mum in Johannesburg and then we will take our international flight to....

*drumroll*

MUMBAI, INDIA :)

I woke up with a sore throat and a feeling of fragility. Honestly? Can't wait to just hug my mum in a few hours.

Malta: The Meeting

The week long meeting turned out to be a super success. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet others, swap ideas and standardize much of what we already do.

I have no doubt that despite timezones, we will all continue to be each others primary resource and support system.

Really grateful for the opportunity!

Malta: The Arrival & Excitement

I passed the time quite easily with movies on board. After the two (yes, two) Bollywood movies I watch, I felt like they really pulled on my heartstrings like no other. <I watched Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara & Yeh Jawani Hai Dewani>

When Nuncio (the driver) picked me up, I was giddy with excitement. As we drove from Malta International to my hotel, I felt like I was in the midst of a story book. The only way I can describe it (from what I know) is that it looked like Greece meets Egypt.

Checked in at hotel and couldn't wait to take a long, hot shower. Tiredness began to come over me, but I forced myself to get dressed and go out. Went to an Italian restaurant around the corner, but unfortunately found the people to be quite unfriendly. Came back to the hotel ready for bed. Best to get an early night and wake up fresh in the morning!

Malta: Seven hours in "Do Buy"

Thankfully, I sat next to two fairly pleasant gentleman on the flight from Cape Town to Dubai. We arriving in the UAE in the wee hours of the morning. I forgot to mention that I met a young lady called Geraldine at the boarding gate. She was from Holland and had been traveling for the past few weeks. We planned to have a drink and bite to eat together. We somehow lost each other in the midst of the crowd of passengers flocking all over at the airport - especially around the food court. Anyway - I ended up doing my own thing.

I was adamant that I needed to walk. And walk I did! It was in the final stretch of the transit that I was beginning to lose steam. I was in transit for seven hours. We were going to fly through Cypurs. Stop over to drop off and pick up new passengers for about an hour...

Then the final stretch. What I've been waiting for...

Malta: The journey begins

I had been so busy preparing for my LOA (leave of absence) that I hadn't really given myself time to become excited about my first trip to Malta.

Contrary to many other trips I've been on and had sleepless nights the night before departure, I slept quite easily this time. I woke up in the morning feeling a bit out of sorts...almost emotional.

There's an Academic Year Coordinators Meeting, and since I'M an AYC, it was a great surprise to know that I would be traveling before the end of 2013. I don't hide the fact that I am grateful. SO grateful to have a job. In the past I have been quite expressive about my very dark phase of trying to find work when I came back from South Korea. The only thing that got me out of that funk was gratitude.

I began in December 2011. Five or six months later, I started getting more responsibilities. Seven months after I started, I was offered a promotion. I assumed the position in January 2013 and in July it was announced that I would be the first AYC to travel to Malta for this meeting.

As many would know, living alone comes with many responsibilities - as little as trying to remember to turn off all plugs and the geyser when traveling for a couple of weeks or more. I did all this - with the help of many lists!

At precisely 10:00, I was on my way to CPT International. A million thoughts running through my mind, but mostly my mental checklist hoping that I hadn't forgotten anything. Before long, I was seated and ready to take to the skies.

Next stop: Dubai or rather "Do Buy" ;)

Jeju (8) Goodbye Jeju, I love you!

Jeju (1) The idea to go
Jeju (2) The Hotel
Jeju (3) The Sauna
Jeju (4) Carb-loaded Continental Breakfast
Jeju (5) Halla Botanical Garden
Jeju (6) My Ninja Massage
Jeju (7) Diamonds bouncing on the water

Friday, May 7 2010

It was getting a bit chilly at the beach and beach sand was beginning to fill my handbag so I thought I'd stroll back to the hotel and maybe head to the airport. Perhaps I'd be lucky and get an earlier flight.

Confession: As I started making my way back to the hotel, I couldn't leave just yet! I was literally a few meters away from the hotel when I turned around and went back to the beach where I stayed for about 30 more minutes. I just had to take it all in before I went home - back to screaming children and noisy vans with loud speakers.

Well, I couldn't get an earlier flight, so I passed time at a coffee shop with my netbook. I was feeling very tired. What is it about the beach that makes one feel so drained after leaving? It's not like I even went for a swim or anything.

Anyways, I arrived at Gimpo Airport safe and sound. A cab driver approached me asking where I was going. When I told him, he walked me to his car. It was a black taxi and I remember my friend telling me that black taxi's are very expensive. He told me it would cost 35,000 Won to get home. I looked at him as if he was crazy. He said the other taxi's lined up were all going to Seoul so they wouldn't take me. Ha! 

I made my way to the alleged "Seoul-only" taxi's lined up and a few men tried to get to the car before me - I assume they wanted to tell the driver that I was wanting to go to **** for an amount of **** Won. I politely told them to please go away and that I could talk to the driver myself.

Well, guess what? He obliged! An hour later, I was back in my apartment. I no longer had the view of the stunning blue ocean before me. Instead, I was looking onto rooftops of apartment buildings.

I was already missing Jeju, but as they say - back to reality!

    

Jeju (7) Diamonds bouncing on the water

Jeju (1) The idea to go
Jeju (2) The Hotel
Jeju (3) The Sauna
Jeju (4) Carb-loaded Continental Breakfast
Jeju (5) Halla Botanical Garden
Jeju (6) My Ninja Massage

Friday, May 7 2010

I spent about 4 hours here. The different shades of blue of the water meeting the sky was simply breathtaking. The sun reflecting on the ocean looked like little diamonds bouncing around on the surface. I couldn't get enough of the beauty before my eyes. I sat here reading and just enjoying the beautiful scenery - and of course, the peace and quiet...that is, when there were no kids around!

Jeju (8) Goodbye Jeju, I love you!

Jeju (6) My Ninja Massage

Jeju (1) The idea to go
Jeju (2) The Hotel
Jeju (3) The Sauna
Jeju (4) Carb-loaded Continental Breakfast
Jeju (5) Halla Botanical Garden

Thursday, May 6 2010

After spending the afternoon at the botanical garden, I went back to the hotel and took a nap before my massage appointment.

I think I saw white light during the massage! It was incredible, and I left feeling like I was floating on a pink cloud. My body was pretty sensitive the next day, though.

I got to bed quite late and when I woke up the following morning, my eyes fell to an area on the floor under the curtain. Was that sunshine peeping through?!  Please - let me open the curtains and see clear blue skies! I was dying to go down to the beach.

This was the view from my balcony on Friday morning

Jeju (7) Diamonds bouncing on the water

Jeju (5) Halla Botanical Garden

Jeju (1) The idea to go
Jeju (2) The Hotel
Jeju (3) The Sauna
Jeju (4) Carb-loaded Continental Breakfast

Thursday, May 6 2010

The last time I was in Jeju, I went to the Halla Botanical Garden. I wanted to go back there because I remembered how peaceful and fresh the air was. I spent about 3 hours just walking around. There were no sounds of traffic - just the crunch of the earth below my feet as I walked slowly. I came across an area I remembered from my last visit. I stayed there for 2 hours reading. It was just...bliss!

I didn't even use my iPod, which says a lot. The only sounds I could hear were the leaves whooshing in the gentle breeze above my head and the sounds of birds singing. ...and the occasional tourists walking by. It was exactly what I wanted and needed. I felt so refreshed after being there. I made my way back to the hotel and rested before my massage later that evening.

I always thought that I was a city slicker and loved the thought of living in a concrete jungle. I've never been "outdoors-y", but recently I have realized how much I really love to be in the midst of natural surroundings - trees, plants, open blue skies. Looking at these photos again, I can almost smell the air - can you?

My spot

Click here to read Jeju (6) My Ninja Massage

Jeju (4) Carb-loaded Continental Breakfast

Jeju (1) The idea to go
Jeju (2) The Hotel
Jeju (3) The Sauna

Thursday, May 6 2010

I took it easy on Thursday morning. Since Mr Kim told me that rain was expected in the morning, I thought I'd venture out into the city in the afternoon. I went down for breakfast rather late, even though I was up at 6am - forgot to turn off my wake-up alarm!

The Continental Breakfast consisted of a glass of water, a choice of juice (orange, pineapple or tomato), a slice of white bread, a mini bread roll, a mini croissant and a tasteless something which I guess was meant to be a muffin. All this was served with a ... fish knife which I had to use to spread butter / jam on the breads. Talk about a carb-overload, right?!

Mr Kim came over to where I was sitting. He pointed to the sky, indicating that it wasn't raining. I told him I wanted to go to the city - to one of the botanical gardens. I asked him how much a cab ride would cost.

"My car," he said.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"Together, in my car," he said again.
"You're working," I told him.

"Today is off day," he replied.
"Uh, no thanks - I'll go alone."

Flashback > Singapore: December 2008. Same thing! Man at reception offered to take me on a tour. Of course, I declined. This Mr Kim, however also kind of reminded me of Sam from Egypt - remember him?

View from the breakfast table:

Click here to read Jeju (5) Halla Botanical Garden
   

Jeju (3) The Sauna

Jeju (1) The idea to go
Jeju (2) The Hotel

Wednesday, May 5 2010

Since it looked like it was going to rain, I didn't want to head out to the beach. Also, my massage was only the following day, so I decided to go to the sauna.

FYI > A Korean sauna is basically a public bathhouse. I've only ever been with my friend, Hye-jin here in my city. Since I was (fairly far) away from home, I thought I'd try it out alone. At this point, can I just add that even I'm surprised at the things I do?!

Mr Kim gave me a coupon which would give me a discount at the sauna. Looking at me over his glasses, he raised his eyebrows and asked with a half grin, "You go to sauna now?"

I replied, "No, I'm going for a walk on the beach." I didn't want to give him mental images of me at a public bathhouse, so I just lied. How would he know anyway? It wasn't too difficult to find and after I paid at the front desk, the lady gave me two towels and told me that it was on the second floor.

First, you put your shoes into a shoe locker, and then you find another locker to keep your bag and clothes in. There were only two or three ladies in the locker room, and I told myself, "I can do this!" After getting undressed - yes, naked - I walked into the actual bath area.

You know those recurring dreams that some people have? Where they're completely naked and everyone's staring at them? Well - that actually happened to me! The first thing one does at a sauna is take a shower. I was very aware of people's eyes on me. Even young girls were staring at me, some poking others and then pointing at me. I guess no foreigners ever go there?

I found a pool in the corner and sat there for a while before moving to a few others. As I turned my back, I saw an area where two women were scrubbing. When I asked them how much it was and if I could be next, they were very friendly and told me to wait just a moment before I could go.

One lady had short hair and was super energetic. They tried talking to me, and it just seems natural to me that I reply in Korean. To be honest, sometimes I don't want to let other Koreans know how much of the language I actually understand, because then they try to talk too much to me and I really don't understand everything they're talking about or I battle to reply. They asked where I'm from and after I said "South Africa", they immediately said "World-uh Cup-uh"

One lady asked if I was a student. I just went with it :-)

After a while, the stares from other women didn't bother me. In fact, I even smiled at some of them. About an hour after my scrub, one of the lady's came out to where I was in one of the pools and told the six ladies sitting across from me that I was from South Africa and that she loved my eyes. Just imagine this - I'm sitting in a pool completely naked opposite six (naked) Korean women staring back at me...some of them smiling. Time to move on, perhaps?!

I think I spent about three hours there before I decided to go back to the hotel. It had been raining while I was at the sauna, but the fresh air was lovely!

I spent the rest of the evening in the hotel room watching South Park (my latest obsession) on my netbook. I went to bed feeling squeaky clean and hoping that the sun would be out the following day.

Click here to read Jeju (4) Carb-loaded Continental Breakfast
   

Jeju (1) The idea to go

Wednesday, May 5 2010

As with most of my travels, the idea to go to Jeju Island was pretty spontaneous. Since I had a few days off from work, there was no way I was going to waste it. I left on the morning of Wednesday, May 5 2010. It was Children's Day and I thought I'd hit a lot of traffic on the road. This time, I'd be departing from Gimpo Airport and instead of hassling to take a bus and subway, I thought I'd cut that entire time in half and just take a cab. It worked out pretty well, I think.

I was very early to check in and even managed to get onto an earlier flight. The last available seat on the next flight was literally right at the back of the aircraft. Last row, against the window. The reason I decided to get away was to take a break from what has become a mundane routine of daily life. Work-Gym-Home-Sleep and then back at it the following day.

I have also been very sensitive to noise - whether it's traffic, loud machinery or even children screaming. It's also still been a bit chilly here, even though it's May. So basically, all I wanted (and needed) was a few days away of warmth, peace and quiet.
Read that as: I needed an escape!

Image from Google Images

Finding a hotel was a nightmare and I made countless calls to hotels only to be told that they had "no booking" or "now is full". Apparently, there was a holiday somewhere else - China or Japan, so a bunch of foreign tourists were occupying all the hotels I wanted to stay at. I finally managed to get in at a particular one - in the city.

The night before I left, I took a chance by calling another hotel which was situated on the beachfront. They had a room! I booked it instantly.
 
Since I teach at an elementary school, it is only logical to assume that children are part of the majority of my day. While teaching can be one of the most rewarding jobs out there, it is also one of the toughest. Teaching children day in and day out is draining - to say the least. All I was wishing and hoping for was to have a children-less holiday. I said a silent prayer to the travel gods. Please, let there be no screaming babies. Let there be no tantrum-throwing toddlers. Please.

Well, if there's one lesson I've learned, let me share this with you: You can't avoid children. It's impossible. They're everywhere. Everywhere. Still, I was determined to have a relaxing time.

Click here to read Jeju (2) The Hotel

Fly and cry: Babies divide air travelers

Whenever I fly (especially on international flights - mostly 10+ hours), I say a little prayer hoping that there are no crying babies on board. Nowadays we have MP3 players / iPods to block out wailing babies or children throwing tantrums while their parents do one of two things: 1) Hush them or 2) Ignore them.

 

I've just come across this article on the CNN site. It's something I've always said - and hope airlines will implement it ^_* What do you think?

By A. Pawlowski, CNN

March 16, 2010 -- Updated 1310 GMT (2110 HKT)

 

 Many air travelers list crying babies as one of their biggest frustrations in flight.

(CNN) -- You're stuck in a cramped metal tube with hundreds of strangers for hours, when it invariably happens: A baby starts screaming and the passengers' collective blood pressure seems to rise along with the decibel level.

The issue of crying babies and unruly children on flights is a passionate one for air travelers.

Many say they're exasperated by parents who seem to do little to quiet or control their offspring, while others counter that fliers should be more patient and understanding.

The comment section of a recent CNN.com story about a smelly passenger being kicked off a flight soon diverted to a heated discussion about children.

"Babies should be banned from planes, movie theatres, restaurants, and any other public place for that matter.

The rest of the world doesn't think your kid is as cute as you do," wrote one poster.

"How do you expect families to visit relatives overseas without flying?" countered another. "The onboard entertainment is so good these days and headphones are cheap enough that a crying baby could be blocked out."

Some posters suggested that airlines should seat families with children in one section of the plane or offer flights for adults only.

Beijing (25) Buildings & Bye Bye Beijing!

Beijing (1) The idea to go

Beijing (2) Leaving Korea
Beijing (3) Arriving in Beijing

Beijing (4) Welcome on the bus 

Beijing (5) Lunch on Saturday PM
Beijing (6) Forbidden City is Closed
Beijing (7) Cute Pandas
Beijing (8) Summer Palace
Beijing (9) Flying Acrobatic Show
Beijing (10) Hotel & Dinner
Beijing (11) Great Wall
Beijing (12) Great Wall Shopping
Beijijng (13) Lunch on Sunday PM
Beijing (14) Ming Tombs
Beijing (15) Traditional Tea House
Beijing (16) Peking Duck Dinner
Beijing (17) Shopping for Munchies
Beijing (18) Olympic Stadium at Night
Beijing (19) Just me and Jackie Chan
Beijing (20) Tiananmen Square
Beijing (21) Forbidden City
Beijing (22) Silk Factory
Beijing (23) Temple of Heaven
Beijing (24) Hutong Tour

Monday, February 15 2010

I love cool architecture and Beijing has some awesome buildings which I managed to capture while on the bus. Here are a few of them. I wish I knew what buildings they were, but I took these pics while driving past.

 

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 My week-end in Beijing has come to an end and we are at the airport. Jenifer walks us in right through to our check-in desk. After saying goodbye to her, everyone checks in individually. I'm really surprised to note that not a single person greets each other. Everyone really kept to themselves in this group (14 of us).

  

  

It's still a very long time until we have to board and I'm still feeling very cold. I have no intention of shopping, but walk around anyway. After about 45 minutes, I head to my boarding gate. This airport is really big and takes forever to arrive at the gate.  Once I'm there, I see some people from my tour group, but they don't look up.

We still have to take a bus to the aircraft. I'm one of the first people on board, and I pray that no one asks me to move my seat. This is my (vegetarian) dinner: A slice of cucumber one one finger looking slice of white bread, and a slice of tomato on the other. Sigh...

  

When we land in Incheon, I rush out quickly since I'm sitting near the front of the aircraft. I didn't check in luggage so I head straight for passport control. After that, I'm also relieved that customs don't stop me (they usually do).  The father in the group (visiting from Canada) passes me and touches my arm saying, "It was very nice to meet you." I tell him it was a pleasure meeting him too and when I turn to greet his daughter, she doesn't even smile. I knew she had an attitude problem from the first time we spoke at lunch on Saturday afternoon. 

I still have to buy a ticket to get home. Standing in the bus queue, a man says I could go in front of him. I thank him in Korean and he starts a conversation - in Korean! Thank goodness I can understand the questions and reply with the correct answers. Basic things like where I'm from and where have I just arrived from. I was quite chuffed because he thought I was a student ^_^

An hour or so later, I'm back in my apartment. It's good to be home!

It was such a good weekend and I didn't expect to like China as much as I did. Then again, Jenifer did say that we were lucky the city was practically empty because all the locals were traveling. We did a whole lot in 3 full days. I'm so glad I found out about the tour when I did. I would have kicked myself if I stayed home for the Lunar New Year weekend!

Thanks for reading my Beijing blog xxx

 

Beijing (24) Hutong Tour

Beijing (1) The idea to go

Beijing (2) Leaving Korea
Beijing (3) Arriving in Beijing

Beijing (4) Welcome on the bus 

Beijing (5) Lunch on Saturday PM
Beijing (6) Forbidden City is Closed
Beijing (7) Cute Pandas
Beijing (8) Summer Palace
Beijing (9) Flying Acrobatic Show
Beijing (10) Hotel & Dinner
Beijing (11) Great Wall
Beijing (12) Great Wall Shopping
Beijijng (13) Lunch on Sunday PM
Beijing (14) Ming Tombs
Beijing (15) Traditional Tea House
Beijing (16) Peking Duck Dinner
Beijing (17) Shopping for Munchies
Beijing (18) Olympic Stadium at Night
Beijing (19) Just me and Jackie Chan
Beijing (20) Tiananmen Square
Beijing (21) Forbidden City
Beijing (22) Silk Factory
Beijing (23) Temple of Heaven

Monday, February 15 2010

Hutongs are a type of narrow streets or alleys with traditional courtyard residences.

In recent years, hutongs in Beijing have decreased because they've been demolished for new roads and buildings.

There are a few hutongs that have been preserved to showcase the cultural aspect of Chinese history. In many cases, there could be up to 9 families living in one courtyard.

We were taken on a rickshaw ride and stopped to walk around. We even got to visit a family to see what homes in this area look like! It was a very cool experience...

Here I am wearing four layers of clothing!
How cool that we even get blankets to cover our legs ^_^

 

The rickshaw drivers getting ready to GO!

  

  

 

 

Video from the rickshaw:

In the video, you can see Linda, our Hutong guide riding past on her bicycle

  

  

People put these wooden planks up to protect their tyres from dogs urinating on them!

  

  

Some families in this area have opened their homes to

tourists to get an idea of what a typical house looks like inside.  

We went to the home of a sweet old couple and allowed us 

to take photographs of their room and kitchen.

  

Here's a video of Linda talking a bit about the couple:

Their fridge is filled with magnets given to them by visitors from all over the world.

  

Bedroom

 

  

 Kitchen

 

 Here I am with the couple.

I really wanted to give them something, but I had nothing on me,

so I gave them money.

  

Outside area

  

 

 

Beijing (25) Buildings & Bye Bye Beijing!