Category: Travels

~ February Adventures – Wan Chai’s Historical Gems ~

Back in February we had a few days in Hong Kong. Normally February weather can be quite bleak, getting ready for the Chinese New Year cold snap. We were surprised this time by how mild it was, we even saw blue skies.

I’ll be linking to Monday Windows and The Changing Seasons hosted by Brian and Ju-Lyn.

There was somewhere particular I wanted to see after spotting it on google maps. It wasn’t too far from our hotel so one morning we took a walk there. Just my luck that the day we went it was closed. Anyway I was still able to take a few photos. It was called simply “The Blue House”.

Stone Nullah Lane, Wanchai

The building was constructed in 1920 and is a four tier tenement block. It was fully renovated around ten years ago and the original tenants were allowed to stay. The Housing Society came up with a plan of HK$100 million to preserve nine Chinese-style buildings in Wan Chai. I’m glad that money is not just being spent on high rise buildings, it’s great to see a glimpse of the past.

Emas – Wooden Plaques for writing prayers

Inside the courtyard of the Blue House – decorated for Chinese New Year

The front of the building is in Stone Nullah Lane.

At the start of the 20th century, shops that processed soybeans were established near Stone Nullah Lane. Because of the unpleasant odour emitted during the processing, this led to protests from residents in the neighbourhood. Eventually, the shops were forced to move to other areas. The nullah, (a water channel made of stone or concrete was located on the street ) which also emitted a foul stench, was culverted in 1959 and relocated underground, where the stream from The Peak still flows today.  Although the nullah can no longer be found on the lane, the street name was left unchanged. Source: Stone Nullah Lane.

Disappointed that we couldn’t enter the house that day we wandered down the street to Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple. It was built in 1863 by locals and is dedicated to Pak Tai, a martial deity.

Red framed windows of the temple

A Door God to protect against evil spirits and intruders
Entrance to the Temple

Ornately carved eaves and beams

I didn’t want to intrude on the people worshipping and praying, so no photos from inside.

Street Scenes

As we wandered back to our hotel I took some photos of everyday street scenes.

As fresh as it gets! – not sure about the joint on the ground

Fishmongers hard at work

Orange trees in preparation for Chinese New Year

Every time I visit Hong Kong I always see a different tram.

It was good to spot a mural without graffiti for a change

I’ll finish with this photo that I took from the top of the bus. Another side of Hong Kong. I’m wondering is he homeless or selling some wares? He has a few too many items to pack up.

~ Adventures in Hua Hin, Thailand – Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park ~

Continuing with our week in Hua Hin, today we set off for the wetlands in a nearby national park. We had missed out on the abundant lotus flowers blooming but were hoping to see some birdlife.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

This national park is surrounded by towering majestic limestone mountains. There is also a kilometre long boardwalk to view the surroundings or you can hire a boatman and his boat, which we did.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Viewing Tower

The first thing I noticed was the complete silence with maybe the occasional bird call. You are immediately struck by the serenity and peace here.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Boats for Hire
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Our happy captain

The birds were there of course, hidden by the long grasses so it was difficult for me to take any decent shots.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

It was a hard job for our tiller man to navigate through the reeds. Going slow or fast or stopping completely to untangle the propellor. He did need to get out a few times to push us through!

The photos below are the best of the bunch. It was tricky trying to focus, especially when Mr. Tiller only briefly slowed down.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Gliding through the reedy waters and looking out for the birds was a great way to spend an afternoon. We were on the boat for around 45 minutes and our backsides were getting quite numb.

One of the boats on a tour

A pagoda to sit and relax and watch for wildlife

This is a tour well worth taking, reasonably priced and well organised.

After this we stopped at a small place for iced coffee. Although try as I might I find iced coffee too bitter for my liking.

Behind the kiosk there was a large cactus display showing some very quirky and colourful blooms.

A Gallery of Cacti

If you’re ever in Hua Hin, I highly recommend setting aside a day for this amazing outing. It’s a wonderful escape from a day at the beach.

🐎 Kung Hei Fat Choi 2026 – Year of the Fire Horse 🐎

Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone, Happy New Year of the Fire Horse. Although the Chinese New Year Calandar cycle is every 12 years, the year of the Fire Horse is only once every 60 years. After shedding the year of the snake in 2025, 2026 is meant to be an abundant year for all. This is something I am hoping for anyway, after a somewhat stressful 2025.

Having recently been in Hong Kong I took the opportunity of snapping a few shots of some of the decorations I saw.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Hong Kong can always be relied upon for ornate decorations whatever the event.

The lotus blossom is a powerful, auspicious symbol for Chinese New Year  representing purity, harmony and abundance.

We stayed in Wanchai on Hong Kong Island and below are photos I took at different times of the day from our window.

Above is a video playing of different images of horses.

In case you are wondering what animal you are I have added a photo of a Chinese New Year Calandar. I am a dog, faithful and loyal. Which one are you?

How did these particular animals get chosen to represent the Chinese Calandar? For your information I looked this up!

According to legend, the 12 Chinese New Year animals were chosen by the Jade Emperor or Buddha to compete in a great race across a river. This was to determine their place in the zodiac. The first 12 animals to finish secured their spots, resulting in the order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 

1. Rat: Won by hitching a ride on the Ox and jumping ahead at the end.
2. Ox: Diligent, but outsmarted by the Rat.
3. Tiger: Strong, powered through the current.
4. Rabbit: Nimble, hopped across stones and rode a log.
5. Dragon: Strong, but stopped to help others.
6. Snake: Hid on the Horse’s hoof.
7. Horse: Spooked by the snake.
8. Sheep; 9. Monkey; 10. Rooster: Worked together to cross.
11. Dog: Delayed by bathing in the river.
12. Pig: Stopped to eat and nap.

🔥 Wishing everyone a Happy Year of the Fire Horse 🔥



~ Exploring Hua Hin – A Week of Adventure ~

We recently spent a week in Hua Hin with Anthony’s brother and wife in their beautiful apartment. On our first night I managed to capture the bright orange moon from their verandah.

Hua Hin, Thailand

Daytime photos

Hua Hin

Our first morning was spent walking around Khao Tao Lake. It is a serene and tranquil man-made reservoir. There is a running track and cycle path. We met plenty of other walkers on our way.

Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin
Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin

Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin
Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin
Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin
Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin

The lake is surrounded by ornate gold lamp posts topped with turtles. Luckily for us the water lilies were still blooming.

A fresh fruit juice bar to quench your thirst after your walk sits on one side of the lake.

Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin
Khao Tao Lake, Hua Hin

A traditional fishing village is located just by the lake.

Hua Hin
Brothers in Arms

A quick stop at the beach for breakfast

After a lovely morning walk we headed to a local shopping mall where I could get a pedicure.

We decided to get a tuk tuk back instead of waiting for a taxi. Such fun weaving through the traffic with the wind in our hair. Our tuk tuk was a “Hello Kitty” style, decked out with small toys and painted pink.

Hua Hin Thailand
Hua Hin

A selfie of me and the driver!

Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the week brings.

Adding to Jo’s Monday Walk

~ Just another Manic Monday in Bangkok ~

We were back in Bangkok for just one night before flying off to Hong Kong.  Staying at the Conrad this time. 

A capture from the 27th floor

For Monday Window

~ To Market, To Market to buy a Fat Pig ~

Sarah from Travel with Me has challenged us this week on Monochrome Madness with the theme markets.

Markets have been around for thousands of year. Amazing when you think the concept has not changed much. People visit markets for a bargain, cheaper produce and fresh food. The oldest market still operating is The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul dating back to 1455. We have visited this market but I found it quite hot and claustrophobic.

I loved a market when I was younger and visited many London markets when I was working. Petticoat Lane, Camden Market and Roman Road to name a few. I was very much into vintage clothing back in the day and these were wonderful places to find antique items. Of course my mum was horrified when I came home with a black bin liner of old clothes.

Nowadays many of the stalls found at a lot of markets have items made overseas, as locally made goods cost so much more. Although you do come across some artisan markets but you won’t be finding a bargain there.

Girokaster, Albania – Perusing old army items
He did buy one of the white hats and wore it throughout our time in Albania.

Kruje, Albania

Sihanoukville, Cambodia – A lady sorting shellfish

Hong Kong – Dried Vegetable Stall

Hong Kong – Flower Market

Wanchai Street Market, Hong Kong

Central, Hong Kong – Looking for another hat!

Covent Garden, London

Night Market, George Town Penang, Malaysia
Anthony skipping right to the head of the queue and requesting a special order from the chef!

I realise I have the same title as Sarah, but I had already finished this post and thought it was quite original. Great minds as they say.

~ My Favourite Photos of 2025 ~

Tina from Travels and Trifles has asked us to post our favourites of 2025 for Lens Artist Challenge this week. It took me a while to look back and select just 12, one for each month.

January

A wonderful start to 2025 with my son Laurence marrying his fiancee Maddy. Such a happy day.

February

I took this in my garden, these little birds are usually hard to capture.

March

Also taken from my garden, most probably relaxing with a glass of wine watching the sky change colour.

April

Another from the garden! I did leave the house, I promise.

May

Somewhere in England

June

Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia

July

Zac on the pier, Nedlands, Western Australia

August

Cheeky Galah, Perth, Western Australia

September

The Munchkins, Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia

October

Comporta, Portugal

November

Leaving Portugal and returning to England

December

Sensory overload! Father Christmas arrived much to the delight of the munchkins.

Thanks for the memories Tina, this was a difficult challenge but happy I took part.

~ Last Blast from the Past Year (2025)- Alte, Portugal ~

Our flight back to the UK wasn’t until much later that day, so on checking out we drove to a village on the way to Faro. It was the pretty village of Alto. Before we arrived there Graham had a bee in his bonnet about wanting to swim by a waterfall.

We stopped at Queda do Vigario after seeing some beautiful photos. It was a fair walk down and also the photos were nothing like what appeared at the bottom. Anyway with the bit in his mouth off Graham trotted down the stairs. The water was murky and brown, with food floating in the pond. Not to be thwarted he jumped in. He didn’t stay in for long.

Views from the carpark at the top. I didn’t realise that the painted hillside was of the Portuguese Flag.

Satisfied he had achieved his goal, we drove onto Alte. We found a cute and scenic cafe where we had a delicious lunch. We came just in time as a few bus loads of tourists arrived shortly after.

Grilled cod with roasted garlic. The last fish dish I will be eating for a while.

Cobblestoned Streets of Alte

I could have bought many items from these artsy shops, but with my luggage limit on Ryan Air it was impossible.

Street Scenes of Alte

Ubiquitous Cats of Alte

Pull Up a Seat by a Reflective Window
Winsome Windows
Magical Murals

More Magnificent Murals

There was a definite musical theme running through the village. The murals depicting instruments, players and dancers. Loving murals I was in my element.

As I was climbing up the stairs, these ladies were walking down. One of them stopped me and said I know you. She did look vaguely familiar, it was then it clicked. These were the lovely ladies who sat with me in a wine bar in Cascais watching the rain pour down. Miles from there we just happen to be in the same tiny village at the same time, spooky.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day to end this wonderful trip to Portugal. I will definitely be back to explore the towns, villages and beaches of this beautiful country.

On another note, a week after I returned to Perth my brother Graham fell seriously ill. He contracted a nasty virus in his arm muscle and apparently was close to losing his arm. Maybe it was the waterfall swim but they couldn’t find out what caused the infection. Happy to say he is on the mend now and he said the care was second to none in a Lisbon hospital.

Thank you for coming along on this glorious excursion to Portugal and wishing everyone all the very best for a healthy 2026.