Traveling better than bitching

It's another Sunday.

We were supposed to take a rest today.

Well, at least that's what the Christian tradition says.

I'm not a Christian, but since that's been also the way it is in this country, I think I want to take a rest too.

No heavy stuff for this one, okay.

Yes, I know, the DAP evangelists are today still busy spewing their anti-Umno sermons from the pulpits, but I am too fed up to care....at least for today.

I want to instead write a bit about overseas travels, my favorite past time....whenever I have extra money.

Okay, it's just about the top five places I had been which made me happy:

5. Great Wall of China, Beijing : Walking along the ancient wall in winter was a thrilling experience for me. It's the only Seven Wonders of the world I have ever visited.

4. London: I just enjoy walking around the city. It's friendly and I understand the language. The food is also great.

3. Somerset, UK: Staying at a hotel which building is older than the oldest functioning building in Malaysia. Crisp fresh air and blooming flowers of English countryside in spring. Simply splendid.

2. Ubud, Bali: The most restful place. Walking around the town, shopping for souvenir, getting traditional massage etc. Friendly people.

1. Shanghai: I was happiest during my travels at this city. Eating the famously delicious dumplings, shopping and eating hairy crabs at Yu Yuan Garden, walking along Nanjing Road in a night drizzle, best massage ever, and the most unforgettable moment at the Bund...among other things.

Hmmm...nice memories. I like to remind myself of those happy moments. It made this life worth living.

Well, at least it was better than to write about all those hate mongering of hypocrite politicians.

Anyway, I admire those who manage to make traveling their livelihood such as Anis Ibrahim, the writer of Five Foot Traveller which I had included in my blog roll.

Today I also updated my blog roll to include:

- Chuah Bee Kim's new blog Ardent Indulgence for the latest in my home state Johor and some light reading,

- Firdaus Abdullah's APANAMA at its new web address,

- and Israq Adventure to monitor the progress of the motorcycle expedition of Rocky and gang to the Holy Land.

Okay, that's about it for today. I am driving back to KL later in the afternoon. Today is the last day of my longest break from work in more than six years.

It's been a restful lovely two weeks. I spend most of it sleeping under a bamboo tree :-)

Cheers everyone.