Why I’m Turning 50 in Xinjiang (And Not on a Beach Like a Normal Person)

When people ask what I’m doing for my 50th, they expect one of two answers: a big party with a cheese tower, or a sensible beach holiday somewhere with reliable Wi-Fi and poolside cocktails. Instead, I tell them I’m going to Xinjiang — China’s vast, rugged, otherworldly far northwest — and watch their faces do something complicated. “Where?” some ask. “Why?” ask the rest. Both … Continue reading Why I’m Turning 50 in Xinjiang (And Not on a Beach Like a Normal Person)

travelmadsereneMay 27, 2026May 27, 2026Leave a comment

Travel

Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze mansion or more known as the Blue Mansion was once belong to The Rockefeller of Asia, Cheong Fatt Tze. It was designed with strong Chinese architecture style of the Imperial period with the Feng Sui (风水) beliefs to bring good luck and many years of prosperous and good health to the family. To elaborate his wealth and power, there are western influences … Continue reading Blue Mansion

travelmadsereneApril 11, 2025Leave a comment

Travel

Jawi Peranakan Mansion

Jawi Peranakan Mansion is located at the Hutton Lanes which was also known as the Malay Millionaire row. The lane is named after Dr James Hutton who was one of the first doctors in Penang who arrived in 1805. The building was acquired and restored in 2012 to how it once was, an elegant Anglo Indian mansion. Jawi Peranakan refers to the locally born, Malay … Continue reading Jawi Peranakan Mansion

travelmadsereneMarch 14, 2022March 14, 2022Leave a comment

Travel

The Edison Georgetown

The heritage hotel is located at the Lebuh Leith, a road named after the Sir George Alexander William Leith who was the first lieutenant-Governor of the Prince of Wales island. It was built in 1906 and was once belong to a business tycoon Yeo Wee Gark as a family home and later was used as the Japanese Administration Center during the Japanese Occupation, an opium … Continue reading The Edison Georgetown

travelmadsereneMarch 12, 2022March 12, 2022Leave a comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

Rhodes

Rhodes also known as Knights island. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece. It was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Things to do in Rhodes: The Medieval City of Rhodes It is an UNESCO World Heritage and is the largest and the most preserved fortified city. Throughout the centuries, the islands was … Continue reading Rhodes

travelmadsereneSeptember 19, 2021September 19, 2021Leave a comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

Lindos, Rhodes

Lindos is known for its clifftop Acropolis. The temple of Athena Lindia sits above an earlier temple and at the lower site is the 14th century castle of Knights of Saint John. There is a saying that the trip to Rhodes is not complete without visiting to Lindos. Lindos was one of the 3 important town in the old days and the archeological site is … Continue reading Lindos, Rhodes

travelmadsereneSeptember 18, 2021September 16, 2021Leave a comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

Chalki

Chalki, also known as Halki, is a small island near Rhodes, around 30 minutes boat ride from the Kamiros Skala port. It is a low profile island but rich with history. Many places in the island unfortunately can only be reached by foot only. Nimborio is the island’s only town today and that’s where the harbour is located. There is only couple hundred of population … Continue reading Chalki

travelmadsereneSeptember 16, 2021December 9, 2022Leave a comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

Symi

Symi is a small island not far from Rhodes, more known for its colourful neoclassical houses near the port and the 18th century monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis. Personally I think the island has been overrated and overpriced. For a day trip would easily costed €30-€50 for a return trip. Almost everything is more pricey than Rhodes as they rely on boat to transfer most … Continue reading Symi

travelmadsereneSeptember 15, 2021December 9, 2022Leave a comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

Faliraki, Rhodes

Kalithies is one of the big village in Rhodes. It is more famous for its Faliraki resort and its nightlife which is around 2km from the Kalithies. It is around 30-40 minutes bus ride from the old town. From the bus stop, I passed through the local village and a monastery before reaching the municipality hall of Faliraki. There are plenty of hotels and resort, … Continue reading Faliraki, Rhodes

travelmadsereneSeptember 13, 2021September 11, 2021Leave a comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

The Medieval City of Rhodes

It is an UNESCO World Heritage and is the largest and the most preserved fortified city. Throughout the centuries, the islands was held by the Greek, the Romans, the Knights, the Ottoman, the Italians and the Greek again and this makes the islands fill with abundant of rich histories and vast cultures from the different occupations. It is an impressive fortified city and you will … Continue reading The Medieval City of Rhodes

travelmadsereneSeptember 10, 2021September 12, 2021Leave a comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

Kalymnos

It took 4 hours ferry ride from Rhodes to Kalymnos by Star Ferries 2. I had a friendly host for a week stay at Pothia. Kalymnos is known as the Sponge-Diver island. Natural sponges has been the main income for many families in the ancient time. Our host’s father too worked as a sailor on the sponge fishing boat. It is a small island and … Continue reading Kalymnos

travelmadsereneAugust 25, 2021December 9, 2022Leave a comment

Greece, Travel

Short Stay in Thessaloniki

I have finally waited to the day to start my journey for the summer holidays. I received a text message from British Airways to drop my luggage a day before the travel date to avoid queue. When I reached the airport, it was not crowded. I checked my bags in without much hassles but I had to wait at the airport until the next day … Continue reading Short Stay in Thessaloniki

travelmadsereneAugust 17, 2021December 9, 2022Leave a comment

England, Travel

Where the Time Began, Greenwich

Greenwich is where the Eastern and Western Hemisphere meet and also home to a World Heritage Site. Greenwich is located in South East London. You can travel from Central London to Greenwich by riverboat, train, tube and DLR. I arrived early and I first visit the Cutty Sark. Cutty Sark was one of the fastest ship during its time, and it is used to transport … Continue reading Where the Time Began, Greenwich

travelmadsereneJuly 12, 2021December 9, 20221 Comment

England, Travel

The City – City of London

London is an expensive city. My last visit was in 2003, a passing through when I was on my way to Edinburgh to attend a University Convocation. It is good to revisit London again. Early in the morning, I took the early train to the Victoria Station and take a tube to the booked hotel. I am welcome by the hotel staff with a surprise … Continue reading The City – City of London

travelmadsereneJuly 9, 2021December 9, 2022Leave a comment

Europe

Innsbruck, Austria

Snowing in October is rather rare, and the day before I visited Innsbruck, many places at Alps region were pouring snow. And we were wondering if Frau Holle, also known as Mother Hulda, is making the bed. Frau Holle is a German fairy tale. and she shakes her bed and out come snow from heaven. Innsbruck is a capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is … Continue reading Innsbruck, Austria

travelmadsereneApril 29, 2018September 15, 2021Leave a comment

korea

Jeju Island, Korea

Jeju island also known as Jejudo is the largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula and a popular holiday destination these days. Jejudo has a moderate climate; even in winter, the temperature rarely falls below 0 °C. When I was little, I was told that Jeju Island is a Barbarian island, it was called hanja or 島夷 in Chinese. I went to Jeju island in … Continue reading Jeju Island, Korea

travelmadsereneApril 28, 2018June 26, 20211 Comment

South Asia, Travel

Kingdom to Happiness in Bhutan

If you are looking for peace, calm, untouch beauty of the scenery with warm hospitality from the local, Bhutan will be an ideal destination to visit. Anytime is a good time to visit Bhutan with different scenery due to the weather, however, December is a good time for photographing as the sky is clear and you able to capture the blue sky. If you are … Continue reading Kingdom to Happiness in Bhutan

travelmadsereneDecember 29, 2016July 9, 20211 Comment

Europe, Greece, Travel

Massari, Rhodes

Massari means village in the mountains. There are much green vegetation around the area. Local town in Massari village Haraki beach Fekralos castle The castle is on top of the hill over looking at the Aegean Sea and the Charaki village. More photos of the sea view Continue reading Massari, Rhodes

travelmadsereneSeptember 17, 2021March 14, 2022Leave a comment

Travel Mad Serene’s Journal

Once a year, GO SOME PLACE you’ve never been BEFORE ~ Dalai Lama

Why I’m Turning 50 in Xinjiang (And Not on a Beach Like a Normal Person)

Blue Mansion

Jawi Peranakan Mansion

The Edison Georgetown

Rhodes

Lindos, Rhodes

Chalki

Symi

Faliraki, Rhodes

The Medieval City of Rhodes

Kalymnos

Short Stay in Thessaloniki

Where the Time Began, Greenwich

The City – City of London

Innsbruck, Austria

Jeju Island, Korea

Kingdom to Happiness in Bhutan

Massari, Rhodes