Stories behind the stories. By Travel Writer, Amy McPherson
Several years ago a friend and I wanted to visit the Great Ocean Road, knowing that it was a great strip of coast hugging highway. We pulled out a map, traced the route with our fingers and found our eyes wandering off the sides… while the Great Ocean Road was the main attraction, we became …
Photos by Bell Chan The ancient village of Hongcun is in Anhui province, situated at the foot of Mount Huangshan. Tranquil, serene and calm, the architecture and many carvings in the village are said to be the best examples of the Qing and Ming dynasties in China. The village became an UNESCO site in 2000, and …
While travelling around Cambodia I noticed a particular “tourism” campaign that locals were feeling strongly about: Many tourists who visit developing and third world countries somehow have this urge to want to visit an orphanage as part of their sightseeing activities. They won’t call it sightseeing, and you’ll find these people coming home boasting about …
Photos by Amy McPherson Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia had exactly 2 modern skyscraper at the time of visit. Tourists flock to the riverside to enjoy the view where the local Tonle Sap river meets the mighty Mekong, where the grand Palace watches over the waters and where cheap beers can be bought. A …
Many people have told me that they were disappointed with the food in Cambodia. To them, the food in Cambodia just wasn’t interesting, and it wasn’t special. I can’t say I agree. Yes, there were many similarities between Khmer cuisine to other Asian cuisines (such as Thai), but that’s because Khmer culture pre-dates Thai culture …
Kap, little sister to the popular Sihanoukville is popular with local holiday makers. Phnom Penh’ers come here on the weekend to soak up some sun and breathe in some sea air and intrepid travellers come here to enjoys its fresh seafood. Especially the crab. In Kampot, I’ve already had a taste of the crab this …
Closer to the coast of Cambodia,is a town made famous by its peppers. Kampot peppers have drawn celebrity chefs from around the world to come and sample its flavour, some made cooking shows along the way. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have the tongue to distinguish between Kampot pepper and the average supermarket ground peppers. …
Photos by Amy McPherson Every time I travel, I remember the people the most. In Cambodia I have met may friendly and kind souls that have welcomed me with open arms into their homes, under their homes or allowed me to use their toilets. Many have very little, but their warm smiles and offers of …
The only thing I knew of Battambang was that Maddox from the Jolie-Pitt gang came from this province, and that there is a foundation in his name for the orphans here. So I was almost expecting to see pictures of Angelina everywhere, or at least, Santa, seeing that it was Christmas day and we haven’t …
Well, I am glad the world didn’t end, as we’ve been having so much fun since the 21 Dec and have had some fantastic experiences out in the countryside of Cambodia since. Tonle Sap, the heartbeat of Cambodia as the locals call it, accommodates many communities that relies on the lake for its water and …
Photos by Amy McPherson Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient Angkor Wat, is a destination in itself. The lives of those who live there are touched by tourism in an otherwise poor town. Tourism has brought jobs that they wouldn’t normally have jobs and the city’s Build Bright University have educated many in languages and …
So it’s true. Thrones of tourists (yours truly included) descend upon this ancient Khmer Hindu temple each day. Arriving on a tuk tuk, I was immediately herded along to the entrance, past the children chorusing “buy a postcard from me” and the ladies at the street stalls shouting “cold water ‘mam?” into Cambodia’s most recognisable …
Checked in: 20 Dec 2012 Checked out: 21 Dec 2012 Room: 223 Price paid: approx. $50 with 12 hours of air-con, and one towel set and breakfast Tune Hotels are low cost airline Air Asia’s answer to low cost accommodation. Being a fan of the airline itself, I have been aware of their existence since …
Checked in: 14 December 2012 Checked out: 15 December 2012 Room: 1522 Premium Harbour View room Price paid: $275 with breakfast When staying around the Darling Harbour of Sydney, it is worth looking into a harbour view room, and Four Points by Sheraton has one of the best locations for such views over looking Pyrmont Bay with its Premium …
Photos by Bell Chan When in Macau, you can be forgiven for being confused. On one hand, it is like a small Portugese town, with a quaint town square and its beautiful European styled buildings and a skyline dominated by the Ruin of St Paul’s at the top of the hill; turn your back and you …
Photos by Bell Chan Singapore is a kaleidoscope of cultures past, present and the future. It is where major world religions live side by side in harmony, where the old charming colonial buildings complement the skyscrapers of the modern world. This selection of photographs by Bell is the perfect over view of such combined vibrancy of Singapore’s society. …
I can’t find my family. They are only a few steps in front of me, yet all I see is the dense white fog. I keep walking and find myself pushed against metal railing that separates me and the cliff yonder. I am at Echo Point and I can’t even find my fingers, let alone …
On my way to work this morning I was thinking about what else I can do with Footprints and Memories other than post news and stories about travel. I thought about the quote I’ve based the website on – “take only memories, leave nothing but footprints” – and really considered what it means to travellers. …
Checked in: 2 November 2012 Checked out: 3 November 2012 Room: 2513 City view room Price paid: $221.00 (Family and friends discount, room only) The hotel has one of the best locations in Sydney, and is popular with celebrities and sporting teams that attract fans who would camp out on the streets just for a glimpse through the windows. …
(continued from Chasing festivals around the world in 2013 January to June) JULY Gion Matsuri Old Japanese tradition turn tourist attraction, Gion Matsuri represents the occasion when dignitaries paraded through Kyoto to request the god of plague leave the city back in AD869. The main even happens on the 17 July each year, however you can watch …
There may be different ideas about how to have a party but who doesn’t like a good party? One way to explore and travel the world is to chase the festivals of different countries, cultures and religion. Some of the best times on my trips have been around festivals, which often bring out the spirit …
According to Traveltalk, men misses more flights than women, blaming bad traffic, late connecting flights, and getting too carried away in bars, restaurants and duty free shops. The same article also reports that while this is the case, men often ‘charm’ their way into the next flight, while the same attempts by women are less …
I uphold the belief that travel is the best education a person can get. I am not dismissing the importance of our formal educations at schools, colleges and universities, I am not saying that we don’t learn just as much from our elders and our peers. What I am saying is that there are things …
Summer is when Sydney really shines. As the weather gets warmer, organisers are busy doing their last minute preparations to the many festivals to come. Now is the time to really enjoy this harbour city. October Starting with Crave Sydney International Food Festival, which began earlier this month and will run until 31 October 2012. …
