Taken in the train from Galle to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Train is favourite kind of transportation (except the excitement of riding the airplane). Sri Lanka railway offers the best view train can; the Indian Ocean. The train route of the west part of the island mostly runs by the ocean. Although the weather is scorching hot, the view of the ocean can make you feel cool a little bit. As always, sunset was spectacular.

Taken at Peranakan Mansion in Penang, Malaysia

The Peranakan Chinese (known as Baba and Nyonya) are terms used for the descendants of late 15th and 16th-century Chinese immigrants to Malay Peninsula and Singapore. Peranakan Mansion in Penang is built in late 19th century, and now it is open to public as a museum. It is the typical home of a rich Baba that recreated to offer a glimpse of their lifestyle and their many customs and traditions.There are over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display.

Taken at Galle Fort (Dutch Fort), Galle, Sri Lanka

I spent the majority of time in Galle in a cafe, writing, or in the guest house balcony, working. When I went out to the fort after dinner, the sky was prepared to present an amazing sunset. People were walking on the fort, flying their kites, and taking pictures of the sky. Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera, but was with my phone. The sunset made a great silhouette.

#Photo was taken with iPhone 3G.

Taken at Penang, Malaysia

On a extremely hot day, I was longing for a cold drink on my way to attend Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion tour. I saw him around the corner, and bought ‘three-lemon-mixed’ cold drink. He asked us where we are from, and added a special ingredient (some kind of seed, I still don’t know what it is) because Koreans like them.

This is why I love Malaysia; food and drinks are everywhere, and people are genuinely happy and friendly. It makes easy for travelers like us.

Taken at Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

While walking on the fort to photography this historic town during sunset, we stumbled upon a group of students. They looked like on a school trip, with a few of their teachers. They were taking pictures of the group with the phone, and small cameras. I slowly approached and ask if they would like to take a picture with me. They were shy at first, but after one or two shutters later they were all over my camera and started taking pictures of us. For a change, I was the subject of photography.

I took photos of girls, and then curious boys joined the group. One of the girls were keep shouting ‘take a photo! take a photo!’, meaning, she wanted me to take a picture of her. She grabbed her friends and smiled for my camera. They were from a small town in northern Sri Lanka, 200km away from Galle Fort (Colombo is 99km from Galle). They were on a two days and one night journey from their small town, drove 10 hours by bus.

While I was having a hard time getting used to this country, this short encounter made me very happy. Now I have a photos of them and myself together, with a story to tell.

Taken at the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

Taken at the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

The Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay are the new hottest sight to see in Singapore. I got so curious after glanced at them a couple times on my way to Malaysia in the bus. They are trees are constructed with steel and filled with live plants. Along with the Marina Bay Sands, it is one of the members of the new Singapore Marina Bay skyline.

The park with the Supertrees is free of charge for everyone.

More information: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg 

The Petonas Twin Towers is the most significant landmark in Kuala Lumpur. It is beautiful during the day, but it is dazzling more at night. It has been the tallest building in the world for six years until Taipei 101. This gorgeous tower can be seen from most of the part in KL. You can go to the sky bridge, that connects both towers, for the view of the city.

Taken at the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.

Visiting BOH Sungai Palas tea plantation field was an unique experience for me, a big tea drinker. quote unquote one of my comments on the photo essay from this place, this is where English people go once they die. Seeing the continuous green wave must be special for the people who are from tea-loving country. Drinking a cup of coffee while looking out the spectacular view was one of the highlights of my Malaysia trip.

Taken at Cameron Valley tea plantation, Malaysia

To a big tea drinker like me, visiting tea plantation gives a special feeling. I got to visit Cameron Valley at Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Here they produces two biggest tea brands: Cameron Valley and Boh. Walking around the tea plantation field was great. I enjoyed watching the plants, and dreaming about these turning into actual tea leaves.