Rodez

Rodez Cathedral

In my many years of travel, there were less known touristy places such as Rodez which I felt lucky enough to be able to visit. We came from southern france en route to Paris but had to stay overnight in the suburbs of Rodez. Didnt have much time to stroll around the city except for the Cathedral.

Rodez is situated in the heart of the Aveyron and the capital of the Rouergue. Lying in the centre of a triangle formed by Toulouse, Montpellier and Clermont-Ferrand, its geographical location makes it the focus of local representatives’ attention.

I hope to be able to visit the city one day and this time try to find the quaint old town they say is a sight to behold.

Nevers

Chapel at St. Gildard, Never

This was the place where the body of St. Bernadette Soubirous was lain before she was buried. Its located in a tiny chapel inside the Church complex of St. Gildard, Never (France).

The incorrupt body of St. Bernadette can be found inside the church. She died at age 18 thats why you will see a lovely woman dressed in a nuns habit, seemingly sleeping inside a glass coffin in the altar.

Nevers is around three hours from Paris.

My Trip to North Pole

maan glacier tour

In my several decades of travel since I was 5 years old, there are various favorites, and unforgettable experiences and places, too long to put in one post. One particular place which always stuck to mind, is our adventure to north pole. Dad is very adventurous like me and he made sure we visited the top of the world, which is North Cape. That will be the subject of a different blog.

When I checked the map though, I noticed a higher place which was Spitsbergen. I was curious and to cut the long story short, we flew to this place locally known as Svalbard. I almost didnt see the beauty of the glaciers in north pole for after going out of the airport all I saw was mud road and wildnerness! I wanted to turn back but dad said we need to go on. The rest is history - flora, fauna, wild birds, polar bears and the ice age. Quite a different and unforgettable experience.

Macao

Old town square in Macao

When Bebette suggested visiting the place I readliy agreed. We almost didnt make it since we both woke up late. We planned to leave early morning so we can see a lot. Noon time I decided we go and we did! I didnt see a lot but was impressed at the changes I saw since I last visited which was eons ago.

I think I was 10 yrs old when dad brought me here the first time. I remembered taking a small hydrofoil. Today one takes a huge fast ferry. Bebette and I took a cab to go to the last island whose name I cant remember right now so we can take lunch at Fernando's a famous authentic portuguese eatery. Unfortunately being labor day, even the owner went on vacation so it was closed! We took another cab to bring us to Shangri la for our much delayed meal.

After late lunch, some tea with scones and lingering awhile, we headed to the old town. I loved the ambiance of the place, very european. I think its called plaza senador. There was no more time to visite the famous St. Paul ruins, although I have seen that in the past. At least I was able to see one church near the square. I was able to buy some souvenirs and one comfortable sandal.

Honkong April-May 2004

Lai Kwan Fong with Bebette

This was my last foreign trip to date. I knew my friend Bebette may leave her job soon and didnt know then where she will go next so decided to visit her in Honkong. It was the first time I visited the country after the dreaded SARS scare. Despite the several times I had been to this country it was the first time I got to see Lan Kwai Fong, the jazz place which livens up only starting late at night. Its a fun place, great to people watch, very much lighted and full of expats.

I was also able to visit Macao again during this trip. Its so different from the last time I visited with dad when I was still a kid. Carol was supposed to meet up with us but she had dinner with the family and their place was an hours away from honkong island.