tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46484626708672461902024-03-05T10:33:27.091-08:00merveilles of the worldSarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-19935684479819832272015-05-11T21:02:00.002-07:002015-05-11T21:02:09.864-07:00Copacabana (Lake Titicaca), BoliviaAfter our history lesson at Machu Picchu and overly ambitious shopping trips in Cusco, it was time to hit the road again towards Lake Titicaca (cue the giggles). The lake is not only the largest in South America but it is the highest navigable body of water in the WORLD ;) At 3,800+ meters above sea level and 8,300+km2, this massive body of water spans across both Peru and Bolivia. It was a toughSarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-86904927689162722852015-01-31T17:24:00.003-08:002015-01-31T17:29:16.324-08:00Machu Picchu, Peru 2014We started our morning "trek", and by trek I mean bus ride, towards Machu Picchu at 6AM. Some of our hostel mates started their actual hike at 4AM .. unbelievable. The road up is not at all accommodating to hikers let alone huge buses using the narrow roads as two lanes. When in South America! We wanted to get up there early to avoid the herds of tourists (despite being one ourselves), which was Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-25184410054711449692014-12-30T23:47:00.002-08:002015-01-10T16:50:33.162-08:00Cusco, Peru 2014From 40+ degrees Colombian beach weather, it was a very different scene upon landing in Cusco, Peru at 3400m elevation. The South American vibrancy remained intact with all the colourful textiles, silver and markets. We made Cusco our home before making our way to Machu Picchu to get acclimatized to the extreme elevation. With all the amazing food, shopping and sights it was difficult to leave!&Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-12120084551803122092014-12-30T21:30:00.001-08:002015-01-10T17:02:53.447-08:00Parque Tayrona, Colombia 2014The next Colombian city was Santa Marta which lies only 230km away to the north east from Cartagena. However, with Colombian traffic, flooding highways and the condition of our van being a tad questionable, it took nearly 6 hours to get there. Unfortunately, our misfortune did not stop there with our quest to Parque Tayrona taking a few turns for the worst with an illegal driver and road closuresSarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-16502037204038276612014-11-16T19:42:00.000-08:002015-01-10T16:59:22.250-08:00Cartagena, Colombia 2014It was about time to conquer a new continent so luckily, I had some awesome coworkers who were also down for an epic adventure in South America - a whole new world with chaos and beauty at every step of the way. The first step on the South America tour was Cartagena on the north coast of Colombia in the Caribbean region: beach, heat and Colombian flair all in one little city! Read about our Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-56655568364635115572014-04-28T23:28:00.003-07:002014-04-28T23:30:05.424-07:00Koh Samui, Thailand 2012Getting away from the bustle of Bangkok, we jetted over to Koh Samui. Most people just stick to Chaweng beach but I strongly suggest renting a scooter and driving to the many other great areas the island has to offer. Unfortunately, most of our trip was underwater or in other non-photo friendly environments.Nonetheless, here is a small preview:
Chaweng Beach
Watching the sun set in theSarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-52021804253714578452014-04-28T22:18:00.001-07:002014-04-28T23:29:35.539-07:00Hanoi, Vietnam 2012Considering that within the first 10 minutes of landing, the border guard attempted to scam me into paying for another visa.. me & Hanoi were not off to a good start. I have never been to a place where "chaotic organization" would make more sense. It takes a while to get accustomed to the locals' mannerism, traffic's flow and overall atmosphere that is Hanoi. But your trip would not be Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-30717869319956816832014-04-26T22:47:00.003-07:002014-04-28T23:29:27.217-07:00Singapore, Singapore 2012A quick pit stop to Singapore for Formula 1. Was able to take a few shots from our short stay.
A stroll around Clarke Quay
Can't stay away from pretty colours!!!
Roof top bar to enjoy our last night. View of the infamous Marina Bay Sands
Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-26483400380285010922014-04-26T22:42:00.000-07:002014-04-28T23:29:20.990-07:00Bangkok, Thailand 2012It might be because I was scared from all the horror stories but my trip to Bangkok was amazing and just left me begging for another visit. From the amazing temples, dodging scam after scam, negotiating with tuktuks, eating the delicious food to venturing outside the city to visit the floating market and play with the animals, Bangkok has it all. This colourful city must not be missed - Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-9499532038348117742014-04-18T10:52:00.000-07:002014-04-18T10:52:42.351-07:00Angkor Wat, Cambodia 2012After learning all there is to learn about tea at the Cameron Highlands, we jetted over to Siem Reap in Cambodia to check out Angkor Wat. Our awesome guide picked us up directly from the airport and took us to check out some "local" spots first. Given that it was rainy season, we had to make a big detour as our destination was completely flooded. Instead, we took a boat ride along the extremely Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-82399285112785157622014-04-14T23:12:00.004-07:002014-04-14T23:12:51.050-07:00Malaysia, 2012After Hong Kong, it was off to the "Truly Asia" country of Malaysia. We spent a couple of nights in Kuala Lumpur in the bustling area of Bukit Bintang and ventured out to the Cameron Highlands.
The Petronas Tower - the twin skyscrapers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
the Batu Caves, a short drive away from the busy city centre
Monkeys were to the Batu Cave as Deers were Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-10986824900869199092014-04-14T00:23:00.000-07:002015-01-08T23:08:48.000-08:00Vancouver, BC 2014This weekend was the most gorgeous weekend Vancouver has seen in far too many months. I also had a new toy to play with (a Canon 7D) which made it the perfect opportunity to go out & about and shoot.
hidden spot under the oak street bridge
learning the new lens' feature
everyone was out to have some fun
maneuvering around treacherous terrains to get to this cherry blossom Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-14628914669355555662014-04-12T23:30:00.003-07:002015-01-08T23:28:25.274-08:00Hong Kong 2012Although I've been to Hong Kong countless times, each visit marks more adventures to be discovered. Hong Kong in 2012 was the meeting point as I flew from Japan to meet Derrick, who flew from Vancouver, to kick start out South East Asia trip and celebrate my 24th Birthday ;)
The famous Buddha in Lantau Island
A sight at the little hong kong islands
Making it a point to take all Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-76479982804735278842014-03-27T23:48:00.002-07:002014-03-29T02:24:02.854-07:00Osaka, Kyoto & Nara, Japan 2012
Rewind back to September 2012. After spending a month backpacking around Europe, I crossed the Atlantic Ocean and made my way back to Vancouver for a quick pit stop (and much needed laundry session). Within 24 hours it was back on the plane heading over the Pacific Ocean enroute to Japan. Well, it was first to Narita Airport then a quick connection to Kansai Airport in Osaka and a long bus ride Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-45435344939434099102014-02-02T10:54:00.002-08:002014-03-29T02:24:02.829-07:00Prague, Czech Republic 2012The next stop on the 2012 European adventure was to Prague, Czech Republic. Although the city was extremely touristy I still LOVED it. Such a colourful city with so much to see and do at every corner. I'm still super sad that my camera was on the wrong setting for the entire trip (up until Cambodia) because the resolution is absolutely dreadful hence the grainy spots :*(
Walking across CharlesSarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-90240841030726324512014-01-26T02:47:00.000-08:002014-04-01T15:39:31.597-07:00Normandy, France 2012There is never a better way to explore an area than by car. This quick stop to Normandy and the surrounding areas allowed me to satisfy the history geek in me and cross off an item on the bucket list.
St Pierre Cathedral at Caen. The home base of the Normandy adventure
The most recognized flower to any Canadian. The infamous poppy growing at Juno Beach.
Paid respect at the CanadianSarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-40210989638373498272014-01-26T02:17:00.000-08:002015-01-08T23:42:44.904-08:00Paris, France 2012After a relaxing few days traveling along the Rhine, it was back to Paris, France! The wonderful thing about visiting a city for the second time is the chance to stray away from the touristy must-sees, slow things down and if need be, revisit a few spots. With no specific itinerary on hand, I was free to wander!
Pont des Arts. What makes Paris la ville d'amour.
All things academic at Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-18582525879249250022014-01-25T00:08:00.002-08:002014-03-29T02:24:02.801-07:00Frankfurt & the Rhine, Germany 2012I realized that I never quite got around to posting my 2012 European escapade as my last/only post was on Denmark back in November of 2012. With a sudden surge of determination, right at the start of busy season, I will resume the editing/posting process. As to when I will get through remaining 6 countries that makeup this European adventure.. well, that's another story.
Next up! Deutschland. Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-25689786482572593342013-12-29T21:54:00.000-08:002014-03-29T02:31:00.627-07:00Oh Canada! 2013 (St John's, NF)Journey to become truly Canadian. Summer 2013 objective to visit all of Canada's wonderful 10 provinces from coast to coast :)
Final pit stop of the cross Canada journey was St John's, Newfoundland. From its breath taking views, rows and rows of jelly bean houses to its wacky culture (eg. screeching: reciting nonsensical native jargon, taking a shot of screech & kissing a fish), St Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-57302572026939637952013-12-29T17:34:00.001-08:002015-01-08T23:23:53.859-08:00Oh Canada! 2013 (Halifax, NS)Journey to become truly Canadian. Summer 2013 objective to visit all of Canada's wonderful 10 provinces from coast to coast :) Final stop in the Nova Scotia segment was to Halifax, a small little city filled with character.
the famous clock tower along Halifax's Citadel Tower
taking a morning stroll along the pier
every nook and cranny has a bit of character
en route to Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-52289101870424845662013-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:002015-01-08T23:24:00.818-08:00Oh Canada! 2013 (Cape Breton, NS)Journey to become truly Canadian. Summer 2013 objective to visit all of Canada's wonderful 10 provinces from coast to coast :) Next stop on the maritime adventure was a quick stop to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia's hidden gem. The Cabot Trail that loops around Cape Breton is approx. 300KM and remains largely uncommercialized meaning minimal establishments in the surrounding area & limited cell Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-72893741289861993042013-11-26T21:43:00.001-08:002014-03-29T02:24:02.852-07:00Oh Canada! 2013 (Cavendish and Charlottetown, PEI)Journey to become truly Canadian. Summer 2013 objective to visit all of Canada's wonderful 10 provinces from coast to coast :)
Second stop along the maritime tour was Prince Edward Island. One of my main goals for the trip was to drive across the Confederation Bridge which connects New Brunswick to the island. It was hard to appreciate the beauty along this 13KM bridge but it was Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-79798753718866813742013-11-24T16:33:00.000-08:002014-03-29T02:31:37.204-07:00Oh Canada! 2013 (Bay of Fundy & Aboiteau Beach, NB)Journey to become truly Canadian. Summer 2013 objective to visit all of Canada's wonderful 10 provinces from coast to coast :)
After my summer program in Saskatoon wrapped up, I took the one week we had off before heading back to work, to explore the remaining 4 provinces in 5 days. It was quite the challenge but definitely worth it! First stop in the maritime tour: New Brunswick.
Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-33028722640195020392013-11-23T19:13:00.000-08:002015-01-08T23:17:59.414-08:00Oh Canada! 2013 (Toronto, ON)Journey to become truly Canadian. Summer 2013 objective to visit all of Canada's wonderful 10 provinces from coast to coast :) Next Stop: Toronto (Canada's concrete jungle).
catching the sunset from saskatoon en route to toronto
exploring cabbagetown
after over a dozen trips to toronto, i can officially say i've been to the famous yonge street.
new meets old
random findings Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648462670867246190.post-64645521045592001352013-07-31T20:32:00.000-07:002014-03-29T02:31:53.595-07:00Oh Canada! 2013 (Winnipeg, MB)Journey to become truly Canadian. Summer 2013 objective to visit all of Canada's wonderful 10 provinces from coast to coast :)
@ Winnipeg's Red River
spotting Gandhi hanging out in the middle of Winnipeg :)
a whole morning spent just watching these guys
amazing history at the Legislative Building (in my opinion, more impressive than Ottawa's Parliament)
finally spotted a Sarah Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130039288187007669noreply@blogger.com