Photo Update
Hey folks,
Have a look at my recent photos:
Slideshow: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coryschadt/show/
View them on a map: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coryschadt/map/
Recent Updates RSS
-
Cory
-
Cory
Greetings from Bali
After we left Singapore we jumped back into Malaysia and stopped for a few days in a town called Melaka.
Melaka is a very laid back town with a large Dutch Influence. We basically explored by foot taking in some temples and the night market on Jonker street in Chinatown.
After Melaka we spent a few days in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur. KL was definitely interesting compared to Singapore. Gone were the ultra clean streets and subways while cheap eats and accommodation were abundant. We stayed in KL’s large Chinatown district and used the MRT and LRT to get around which is very efficient. We hit the main touristy areas such as the Batu caves and the Petronas Towers and did some shopping. Then we hopped on a flight to Bali Indonesia.
We have been in Bali now for about two weeks, mainly in the town of Ubud. Ubud is a chilled out town surrounded by rice terraces, temples, ancient sites and volcanoes in the distance. Highlights of Ubud were taking in a traditional Balinese Legong dance, visiting a Balinese village, Kayaking in Lake Batur at the foot of the still active Volcano Gunung Batur and purchasing some beautiful wood carvings.
Tomorrow we are heading to the Island of Java and then on to Sumatra.
Cheers,
Cory -
Melissa
Singapore
I’m not sure that this is a city that can be really be described with words or photographs. I’m sure it has to be experienced to be believed. For the past few days it was easy to forget where in the world I was as this metropolis has very little in common with any other South East Asian city that I’ve ever seen (or any city anywhere for that matter). The only brief reminders were the sticky heat that clings to your skin as soon as you step out of an air conditioned building, the giant lizards scampering across pathways in front of you, and the cheeky monkeys that charge at you and steal your picnic lunch in a public park.In the city centre, incredibly modern architectural designs line the unusually clean streets. Mall after mall, housing a superb variety of stores, makes up what must be some of the best shopping selection in the world. The only other past time for the people of Singapore that seems to rival with shopping is eating. The restaurant signs boast foods from every corner of the world, and at night the small street vendor shops serving up Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes at bargain prices become more visible.Singapore is a country that likes to show it’s money. Nowhere else have I seen as many BMWs and Lamborghinis parked along the streets. For a budget traveller, Singapore can be a hard hit to the wallet, but the experience is worth every penny (at least for a few days). For those with bottomless pockets, Singapore’s possibilities could be endless. Sentosa Island holds a myriad of theme park-like attractions and the newly constructed Marina Bay Sands hotel complex is the definition of luxurious. The multi-towered structure is in an amazing waterfront location and holds shops and restaurants so incredibly up-market that I could barely even look at them without feeling out of place.Since our pockets do have bottoms, we decided to get away from all of the glitz and glam for a day and headed to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. The day was supposed to be a relaxing reprieve from several days filled with endless walking and exploration, however we ended up going on about a 10km jaunt along a jungle trail and over the Tree Top walk suspension bridge. The scenery was beautiful and we crossed paths with only a handful of other people, showing just how under promoted Singapore’s free natural attractions are. Several hours later, our tired feet and hungry bellies (those darn monkeys!) guided us back onto the MRT towards a plethora of restaurants and our humble, air-conditioned room. Our last night was spent partaking in the one other past time that Singaporeans just can’t get enough of- going to a movie.My suggestions for anyone voyaging into Singapore – hop on the MRT (made simple with your EZ Link card) and let the train take you to somewhere you may otherwise not have gone, and sleep the mornings away and be prepared to stay up into the wee hours as the real pulse of this urban playground can best be felt after the sun goes down. -
Cory
A quick update.
Hey folks.
Thought I would give you an update while we have readily available internet access.
From Penang we travelled to the Cameron Highlands and are now in a town called Kota Bharu. We are off to the Perhentian Islands tomorrow.
We fly out of Malaysia into Indonesia on August 18th. We plan to spend 4-8 weeks exploring Indonesia.
Short post for now, just though i would let everyone know that we are fine and dandy.
Here are some more recent photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coryschadt/sets/72157624481492417/
Cheers,
Cory
-
Alicia
glad you guys are enjoying yourselves. We miss u around here. Keep the updates coming
Great pics Cor -
jan
i am so jealous. the perhentian’s are my favourite place on the planet. enjoy and love all the pics.
-
Cam
Brilliant photos! We’re all very jealous back here. Keep the updates and photos coming.
-
-
Cory
Another Stamp – George Town Malaysia
After about 20 hours of train and high speed mini bus, we have landed in Malaysia.
Our last few days have been spent on the island of Penang in George Town. George Town is one of those places that really grows on you. Noisy motos and cars, decaying buildings, and and an abundance of open holes in the streets, which you could easily fall into, make you want to think twice. It is once you start to explore on foot that you begin to see the appeal.
Georgetown is a melting pot of Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian cultures. In one day we we able to explore Muslim Mosques, Chinese temples, sample Ginger Duck, Curry Mee, Satay, Samosas, and Fish and Rice wrapped in a Banana Leaf. What more could you ask for?
Tomorrow we hope to explore a small fishing village, then on the the East Coast of Malaysia for some Island time.
Check out a few photos so far: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coryschadt/sets/72157624481492417/
-
Melissa
Setting Forth
So the journey has begun. We arrived in Bangkok after an uneventful flight. Booking the hotel ahead for the first night was a good move. Having an air conditioned room and a comfortable bed was greatly preferable over sitting up in a Khao San bar all night.
After waking up early we decided to try our luck and headed to Hualumphong train station to attempt to book a train into Malaysia. As predicted, all trains were full, so Bangkok is the place for us for a few days.
First, well actually third, impressions of Bangkok-not a city with immediate appeal. The taxi along the freeway provided views of industrial concrete jungles and well weathered shacks. After that, the backpacker mecca of Banglampu screamed tacky. However, after wandering the streets for a bit my mood improved as it is easy to slip into shopping mode here. The streets are lined with a variety of clothing and souvenir stalls to peruse and, of course, the price is always right. Note to self- next time come with only a few items of clothing and a half-empty bag.
Only a few short blocks away from Khao San road the food prices drop significantly and the quality improves. I realized that a lot has changed since our last visit when an older woman in charge of one of the food stalls invited us in and then proceeded to explain what each dish was and how spicy, all in perfectly clear English.
Soon we will be on our way to Malaysia and we are both ready to start soaking up some new experiences.
-
Wendy
Glad to hear you guys made it safe. I am so excited for you. Enjoy your trip and I look forward to following along even if it is from Alberta.
-
-
Cory
Greetings from Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlottes)
Just a quick update from Haida Gwaii. Melissa and I have been up here for about a week in a half, enjoying some sight seeing, fishing and relaxing.We are out of here this week and back to Victoria for another week. Then on July 23rd we flight out to Bangkok for the big adventure.
Here are a couple photos so far: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coryschadt/sets/72157624471913504/
-
Joel
Awesome stuff Cory!
-
-
Melissa
Hi There. We made it to Victoria safely. It’s good to see friends and family again. I started off the visit by taking in a zip line tour in Sooke. I would highly recommend trying it if you get a chance. Tomorrow morning Cory and I will be up bright and early heading on to Haida Gwaii. Hopefully those big fish are ready for me
-
Katherine
We are heading ziplining tomorrow for Craig’s bday! We will see you tomorrow night
Glad you guys have a travel blog going, can’t wait to hear about Asia.
-
-
Cory
A Beginning
It is 6:00 am and in about 3 minutes Melissa and I are going to embark on a 7 month adventure. We have left our jobs in Calgary and are set out to explore approximately 6-8 countries throughout South East Asia.
We plan to use this blog to show you our progress and to share photos and video of our trip. We hope to update the blog every week or two.
Time to go. Driving to Victoria today.
See ya.
Homer, and 
Cam, 
jan, and 
Alicia are discussing. 
Wendy is discussing. 
Katherine are discussing. 
Rocket French Review 8:55 pm on August 15, 2010 Permalink
Sounds awesome. Very jealous of your journey!