My few days in Bangkok - The City of Life.

This past November I went on a big trip to southeast Asia-- Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The first city I discovered was the city of temples and tuk tuk’s – Bangkok.

One of the streets in Bangkok.

It took 25 long hours of air travel to get there from Entebbe. I was eager to get off the plane, relax, walk about, and try the food everyone praises. The humidity was certainly the first thing I noticed. It was like I didn’t have enough air. The temperature was sticky sweaty and hot.

Bangkok is the biggest modern city I have ever visited, and I felt like an ant amongst the giants in a land of intense street sights of serenity and seduction.

On my first evening I attended a couch surfing meet-up group where I met other travelers and was introduced to Thai culture. It was nice to try local cuisine and learn some Thai phrases. If there is one phrase that definitely sums up Thai life, it’s “same same” -- a simple life-is-life philosophy that you’ll see on more than one t-shirt or handbag. Here’s an explanation:

Tourist: Are those expensive sunglasses, or cheap sunglasses?

Thai: Same-same.

Tourist: Is that a lady, or a lady boy?

Thai: Same-same.

Thais use simple English when communicating with foreigners which is really unique, cute and endearing.

Art Museum.

That evening I toured around Siam (an area in the Pathum Wan District of Bangkok) with the highlight being a museum dedicated to the memory of the late King Bhumibol Adulydej. The art was gorgeous! There were a million street cart vendors who can set your mouth aflame!

Fancy tuk tuks in bangkik. These are expensive.

First time sightseeing in Bangkok.

Fellow African in the city of Life.

Later in the day with a Tunisian friend I had met we decided to go to the Chatuchak weekend market, the biggest in Asia. I had never seen a market this big. They do sell all kinds of clothing and trinkets at very reasonable prices. It was my second day of the trip and I was fighting so much temptation not to buy anything. I did my best but still got some small gifts. After wandering around, we sat to have some lunch and then window shopped.

Chatuchak weekend market.

Some of the door signs.

Having a coconut ice cram at Chatuchak

I did not find the transport system in the city that cheap but I used the metro frequently (it’s called the BTS Sky Train) and it’s simple. They have a transport app called “GRAB” which you can use to move around by either taxi or bike, the meter taxis are reasonable but you can still negotiate a price by asking the driver not to use the meter. I did that a lot. You are supposed to haggle on everything if you want to save and travelling on a long term basis.

GRAB is green and yellow while pink is Meter Taxi.

The next day I visited some amazing sacred sights! Upon crossing the Chao Phraya River I noticed the striking Wat Arun temple (translated as The Temple of the Dawn). It looked spectacular even before we got in! We walked around though could not enter because it is still under renovation. I just could not get over its beauty! It was one of my most amazing views on this whole trip. There is nothing like it and be sure to seek it out when in town.

The next sight on my list was the Grand Palace. It was so big and beautiful but with many tourists! It is hard to take a decent photo. There were many beautiful buildings within, each looking different. The palace was the official residence of King Siam since 1782. Do not leave Bangkok without visiting this palace. Dress code is long clothes and shoulders covered. Don't be caught off guard and start buying new pants and shirt on the street.

My last activity of the day was visiting the Royal crematorium. This is the most amazing crematorium I have ever seen, it is where the late King Bhumibol was serviced. Inside there are buildings that present the culture regarding the ancient ceremony and an exhibition about the life of his Majesty. The kind King died on October 13, 2016 followed by one year of national morning. Cremation occurred on October 26,  2017. The crematorium was all golden and the architecture is brilliant. I am glad I got chance to see it as of now it is permanently closed.

The gorgeous Wat Arun temple.

Wat ARUN

Outside the Grand Palace.

Inside the Grand Palace

The crematorium.

Later I went to meet a friend at the BMK Shopping Center which is one of the world’s largest malls with 600 shops, restaurants, cinemas and games. We had delicious sushi and then participated in a physical adventure game that involved solving a riddle. It was so good! It’s called “The Escape Room,” and each room had a different theme with varying levels of difficulty to solve.

This was one mean sushi

Right after the game.

Bangkok never sleeps. It’s always awake, at all hours.  From sun up to sun down the sights never cease. I visited the famous Khao San road and it was really crazy and memorable. There are many bars, street food, shops, massage parlours and big crowds of tourists. If you like to party, the night life here won’t disappoint.

I went to Soy cowboy, a notorious red light district. All these months later I’m still not sure how to process it! Make sure you check out a sky bar in Bangkok, it’s so worth it!

If you need some quiet time to decompress and meditate, visit Lumphini park. A small lake’s there and you can rent a paddle boat while feeding the fish.

Excitement at Khao San

A certain sign at Soy Cowboy.

Bangkok skyline

Bangkok might be busy but spending a few days to explore it will be unforgettable. The ornate shrines and vibrant street life contribute to making it a world renowned city every traveler should check off their list!
Will be back with Krabi!

South Africa, My New Found Love!

South Africa was not on my list this year of places to explore. Zambia, Namibia and Botswana were, but my budget and work commitments did not allow it. I heard it was difficult to obtain a visa for Africa’s southern tip, but I tried and thankfully I was accepted!

Skyline of Johannesburg.

 

Johannesburg was unlike any other place I’ve ever experienced. South Africa’s largest city (4.5 million citizens according to Wikipedia) is colourful and diverse. A tour opened my eyes to street art that made my eyes pop. I loved their art galleries and museums. The skyline view was rich with skyscrapers that kissed the sky.

Soweto was quite an experience. I expected to see only people in tough economic circumstances as it houses the biggest slum in Africa, but every social status lives there—rich, middle-class, and in between. Posh houses were not too far from ram-shacked houses built of iron sheets. The history in this place was really interesting. Everything I had learned was from school but it was good to hear first hand about history with some evidence. Nelson Mandela's first home is here, a single-story red brick house. Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s place is not too far away.

Strolling down Maboneng- Joburg

Jumping over Clean streets.

A building with Mandela's painting in Maboneng.

In the background is one of the 2010 World Cup stadiums in Soweto.

On this trip I was able to visit my penpal whom I have been writing for four years. We visited the Mandela National Museum (or Mandela House) which is a must see. We also visited the Cradle of Humankind, a world heritage site that tells the story of “stones and bones.” It was interesting to learn about the evolution of our species. It was cool to go inside a cave and witness ancient carvings.

Pretoria was visited on a rainy day but South Africa’s capital city did not disappoint. You must visit the union buildings. They house government offices and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see President Jacob Zuma as his office is there. The union buildings also offer an amazing view of the city. The Voortrekker Monument, located just south of Pretoria, is a huge granite monument on a hilltop that tells the story of Dutch settlers. The history of the great trek is told with illustrations carved in stone.

My penpal Lizelle and her husband while at the Mandela Museum.

The Apartheid Museum.

Maropeng- Cradle of Human Kind.

Mandela's statue.

The union buildings.

As my time to leave Johannesburg arrived I was looking forward to Cape Town. I traveled to O.R Tambo International Airport on a posh train known as the Gautrain. It took only about 15 minutes from the downtown core, and the flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town was about an hour. If you’re on a leisurely pace, you can easily drive there. The sights on the coastline are gorgeous.

Cape Town was the highlight of my trip! The city was so nice and clean. It was  modern and majestic with beautiful ancient architecture (my favourite). I had to remind myself that I was still in Africa, it looked like a European nirvana. I took a million photos as the city left quite an impression. Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are such a beautiful backdrop to Cape Town. The sunsets are spectacular.

Some of the architecture in Cape Town.

The view of Lion's head from Table Mountain.

On Table Mountain.

Magical sunsets in Cape Town over the Ocean.

Be sure to bring your hiking shoes and climb Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. You can go alone or with some friends because using a guide is pretty expensive. We climbed up taking a longer route that was less hectic. Back down we used a cable car because it was a tiring hike. Afterwards we ended up by the beach and watched some amazing sunsets and waves.

While in the area I suggest you check out Bo-Kaap, a colourful Muslim township located on the slopes of Signal Hill. The neighbourhood houses every colour of the rainbow lined with cobble-stone streets. Walking and bus tours are available. From there I traveled along the Garden Route of the Eastern Cape which is one of the most scenic areas I’ve ever seen. It’s named as such for their natural gardens and magnificent forests. Since I’m such an adrenaline seeker, I was looking forward to jumping off the highest bridge in the world located at Tsisikama National Park. It’s 216  meters high (don’t need to be an engineer to know that’s a long way up). I had never tried bungee jumping but was anxious to try and placed my faith with the good people at “Face Adrenalin- Bloukrans Bungy.” The instructors are great and put you at ease with their professionalism as music plays while you’re getting strapped up. I took the plunge and had no time to think about how fast I was travelling in the air. When I reached my destination 700 plus feet below, the fear was gone but the euphoria remained. It was so energizing.

Bo-kaap neighborhood.

Bloukrans bungee bridge at 216 meters.

The big jump!

Do you know there’s such a thing as African penguins? Yep! They’re located at Boulders Beach in the Cape peninsular near Simon's Town towards the Cape Point. Absolutely adorable as they waddle through sparkling sand. If you like big jaws maybe you’ll see sharks or goofy seals like I did at Muizenburg Beach. We had our lunch inside the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park with the ocean providing a spectacular view. If you’d like to sample some grapes a wine farm is nearby.

Chapmans Peak Drive (affectionately known as “Chappies”) is about a twenty minute ride from Cape Town and is a beautiful coastal road. It’s ideal for cyclists and many American movies have been filmed here. My last evening in Cape Town was enjoyed with a friend when we went bar hopping on Long Street, a famous party neighbourhood.

Muizenburg beach.

Trying a headstand on the way to the Cape of Good Hope.

Penguins at Boulders bridge.

Chapman's drive.

Camps Bay, the Beverly Hills of Cape Town.

Cape of Good Hope

Before leaving Cape Town I had to visit Robben Island Museum and see where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated along with so many political prisoners. It was sad to hear about apartheid’s past through the stories of former inmates but these stories should never be forgotten.

I flew to Durban though I did not do much here here. I spent two nights here, I went walking around with a friend and then spent sometime at the beach where by we got chance to visit the marine park. If you are into water sports activities, Durban would be great for you.  

At Ribben Island with Table Mountain in the back.

Along a beach in Durban.

Beautiful architecture.

At the marine park with a mate.

I finalised my time in South Africa along the Drakensberg mountains. There is a gorgeous waterfall located at the top; Tugela Falls, the highest on the continent at 983 meters (3,200 feet) and second in the world. I even saw snow for the first time (who would’ve thought I’d see penguins and snow on Africa’s southern tip!). These last three days was a perfect way to end my travels. I stayed at a hostel named The Amphitheatre  Backpackers lodge, a beautiful place to stay if you’re on a budget.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss the Drakensberg Amphitheatre; it houses one of the most beautiful cliffs on earth.

Snow!

Tugela Water fall.

Breathtaking views.

Ascending down after the hike.

We made it to the top!

There is crime in South Africa, but like every populated country you should be smart and aware of your surroundings. If you go around at night, take a licensed taxi. South Africa isn’t cheap, so I recommend preparing your own meals to save your dollars for the big sights.

South Africa is internationally known for its beauty. Its the most amazing in Africa according to research. Experience it. I guarantee it’ll live in your heart long after you return home.

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Kabale- The Switzerland of Uganda.

Kabale is my favorite place in Uganda. I love to go here every year when the city gets too overwhelming. It is called the Switzerland of Uganda because of the many beautiful hills in the region. I first discovered it in 2010 and have returned ever since. Its located in South Western Uganda 400 Kilometers away, and it neighbors Rwanda and Congo.

View of Lake Bunyonyi.

Back in 2014 when I first visited the equator, you wont miss seeing it on your way to Kabale.

Going by bus takes 8 hours but sometimes you have to be careful what bus you choose, the first time I went where the bus took almost 10 hours because it stopped frequently to pick up passengers. Lately there are good buses that you can use like the Post Office Bus which is very reliable, Bismarkan coaches and a few others. The town is quite small and there is not much to do but the magic starts when you get out.

A terraced hill in Kabale

Black and white Colobus monkeys on the way to Bwindi.

The first thing that catches your eyes are the hills. Their slopes are spectacular and the views are like a painting.There is one amazing activity done 51 kilometers away from the town to Bwindi impenetrable forest and that is Gorilla tracking. When I did my tracking, the drive from the town to Ruhija in Bwindi took us two hours. We stayed at one budget camp called Ruhija Community Rest Camp. The view of the thick forest was so amazing and we saw some monkeys and multi-colored birds frolicking. 

The beautiful Bwindi impenetrable Forest

Up-close with the mountain gorilla.

The best part after tracking the mountain gorillas gorillas, is chilling by Lake Bunyonyi. "Bunyonyi" means birds, so if you love feathered friends, you will be amazed by so many species.This is the most beautiful and freshest lake for you to enjoy Don't worry about any parasites because there isn't any,so jump right in! You will be awed by the many islands on this lake and views once you do some short hikes. I recommend you rent a canoe and explore. Check out the Punishment island. The story is unfortunately heartbreaking but the story must be be told. Women pregnant before marriage were sent here and left to die.Some were rescued by single men unable to afford dowry but looking for a bride. Today Punishment island no longer serves as a punishment island but a sobering reminder of past injustices. 

Take some village walks and hikes of which you will get amazing views once on top. Don't forget to try the delicious cray fish from the lake.

The view of the many islands on Lake Bunyonyi

More Views of the lake.

Visit a Batwa community.  This is a community if pygmies who are the most voiceless and marginalized group of people in Uganda. They used to live in Echuya forest but were resettled away from there by the government. You can learn a lot about their culture and feel free to buy from their handcrafts or make some donations if you wish so.

On the canoe with clients to explore some islands.

The Batwa community.

Kabale is always a rewarding experience. Surrounded by clean air, hills and a lake you feel as one with nature. With so many birds singing songs of welcome, how could you not be transformed?

Experience this diamond in the hills. You won't regret it. 

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