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

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

Mandraki, Rhodes

Outside the Old Town of the fortified wall of Rhodes is where the new town, Mandraki, is located. Place to visit in Mandraki: Colossus of Rhodes Memorial It was one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. The colossus of Rhodes was a giant statue of the Greek sun-god Helios, as high as the Statue of Liberty, but it was destroyed during the earthquake … Continue reading Mandraki, Rhodes

travelmadsereneSeptember 12, 2021March 14, 20221 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

Russia

The Venice of the North, Saint Petersburg

Traveling to Russia Due to the complication of getting Russia Visa to enter, it is not in many people’s mind that we can actually travel to Russia on a free and easy tour. Many would opt for a easier route by joining the tour package through their travel agent back in home country and the cost can be quite absurd. It is true that many … Continue reading The Venice of the North, Saint Petersburg

travelmadsereneApril 26, 2018September 15, 2021Leave a comment