2009 - A Travel Review

2009 is done. And what a year it's been, for me. Whenever the new year comes, I always take stock of what I've done over the previous year. And this year, I decided to look back over 2009 and define my top 10 travel destinations. I've been a lot of places this past year, and had many wonderful memories. I've been to more than 10 places of course, but here is a list of my favourites this year (in chronological order)...

1) Sydney, Australia

This was my first time in Australia. I actually arrived in Sydney in 2008, but stayed there over the New Year, making it my first location in 2009. Sydney surprised me. I often hear that it's a beautiful city, and a great destination, but I still kinda doubted it. But when I was there, I was impressed with the place. The harbour, the nightlife, the people - all wonderful. I am considering returning in a few months.

2) Melbourne, Australia

I was in Melbourne when it was my birthday. Of the two cities I visited in Australia, I preferred Melbourne. It has a thriving artists community, and the city center is beautiful. If I was to ever live in Australia, I think it would be in Melbourne.

3) Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, and certainly one worth visiting. The city has a slower pace and it's own style, and feels quite different from Bangkok. I was there during the annual umbrella festival, which was an amazing event.

4) Hong Kong, China

I have always had a soft spot for Hong Kong, and have spent more time in this city than any other place in Asia. I feel very comfortable in Hong Kong, and have many friends that I consider important. I ended up 'living' in Hong Kong for a total of 6 months this past year, and got to know it even better than before. I've learned that it's very expensive, and difficult to live in, if you are not connected to the right people. But, it's still a highlight of my year.

5) Xitang, China

When I was in Shanghai in April/May, I visited this small village a few hours away. It is a beautiful little town with a small canal system. It's overrun with tourists now, since it was featured in the movie Mission Impossible III, but it's still very beautiful and worth the short trip.

6) Beijing, China


I kind of knew in advance that I'd like Beijing, before I arrived there. It has all the things I like in a city: historical monuments, thriving art community, non-stop culture and great shopping. Seeing the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall is something that everyone should do in their lifetime.

7) Bali, Indonesia

Bali is certainly the most beautiful part of Indonesia. I've been 4 times now, I think. And each time, it's better, as I find nicer Villas to stay in, and better beaches to visit. Bali has a recognizable style all it's own, and there are so many amazing properties and restaurants/clubs. Well worth seeing, again and again.

8) Penang, Malaysia

Penang has so much going for it, and is among the best little places I've visited in Asia. Since it is a World Heritage site, it's protected, and much of it's history is still very visible. I've shot a lot of great photos around the island, and would recommend visiting it to any photographer. And it's one of few places in Malaysia that you can get pork. =)

9) Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, and Cambodia in general, is amazing. Of course, the highlight of Siem Reap are the historical Angkor Wat temples. I spent a week there in September, visiting as much of the park as I could. It was well worth it, as I've amassed a huge library of great images from this park that may one day be closed to visitors.

10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I quite like the city of Ho Chi Minh (or Saigon as it's often known). The monuments to the Vietnamese War are interesting, the food is great (but not the coffee), the shopping is cheap, and the people are very nice. I think Vietnam's time for a tourism boom has come. I'd certainly like to return, and to visit more areas in the country.

Christmas in Asia

This is my second Christmas in Asia since I moved here in Oct 2008. Last Christmas, I was in the island paradise of Bali. This year I will be in the crowded city of Bangkok. And much to my surprise, Christmas is celebrated everywhere.

I guess I thought that Christmas was a western thing, or at least a Christian thing. But it's simply not the case. It's impossible to walk down the streets or in a mall in Bangkok, without seeing Christmas decorations and hearing carols. Christmas movies are on TV (Grinch, Fred Claus, Jingle All The Way, Miracle on 34th, etc.), and fake snow is everywhere.

Growing up in Canada, I always thought of Christmas as a religious event that became a commercial event. But it still had the Christian base behind it. People still understood what Christmas meant (the birth of Christ, etc). The concept of Santa Claus and the myth of the flying reindeer was secondary at first, but then became the primary focus of the period. The Christmas season became a huge stressful event that people saved up for all year. And there were images and totems that became associated with Christmas, such as the decorated tree, the snowman and candy canes.

But here in Southern Asia, where Christianity is uncommon, and snow is impossible, Christmas is as prevalent as it is back in Canada. However, the religious aspect of Christmas is removed in most cases. What's left of Christmas are the images of a cold weather festival. That's what confuses me the most. Is that what Christmas is about - snow? And if so, why is it celebrated here?

I was in Ho Chi Minh City last week, because my Visa for Thailand expired, and I had to exit the country to obtain a new one. While I was there, I was amazed at the volume of Christmas decorations covering the city. And it seemed quite strange to me, to see all the Christmas trees and the Santa Claus statues everywhere. Young families were dressing their children in festive clothing, and placing them in front of the displays to be photographed. I believe that 99% of the people in Vietnam have never seen snow, but at Christmas time, the city is covered in the fake stuff.

One more thing that Christmas means to me, is spending time with family and other loved ones. My family is only a few people now, and I miss them all. My friends are many, and I cherish the time I have with them, and the happiness they bring to my life. I wish all a Happy Festive Season (as they call it here), snow or no snow.