2014 was a great year for travel for me, as I traveled just over 52,000 km, visiting four countries of which three of them – Thailand, Singapore and Japan – were for the first time. All in all, I visited eleven cities, stayed in 16 hotels, tested seven airports, eight lounges and flew by five different airlines.
Miami – Jan 2014
My travels started right at the beginning of the year. I was attending an IT conference in Miami, but once the conference was over it was time for some fun too.
Miami reminded me more of Central and South America than a North American city, because of the happy-go-lucky nature of the locals, most of who do have some sort of link to this region. I cannot think of a North American city where a street known for fun and food will be full of people, some with kids, at nine pm on a Sunday night, enjoying the evening.
Miami Beachfront
I was in Miami at a time when it was dead cold in Toronto, so I enjoyed the weather.
But perhaps the aspect I enjoyed the most was the food. I took a liking to mojitos and caipiroskas, along with fresh seafood.
Seafood in Miami
Seafood in Miami
Atlanta – May 2014
Again, I was attending a conference, but I used up the opportunity to stay a few extra days to enjoy the city.
Martin Luther King Memorial, Atlanta
Atlanta is a more serious city, but there is the southern Charm. People great you and can talk to you as if they are the happiest on earth. Atlanta is also a historic city, being home to the Martin Luther King Memorial, the Carter Library and the CNN (yes, as the TV station that heralded a new era in breaking news coverage, CNN should be considered an icon).
Carter Library
Southern Food
The Magdalen Islands (Les Iles de la Madeleine), Quebec, Canada – Aug-Sep 2014
It was time to explore Canada. I flew via Quebec City and Gaspe to land in Magdalen Islands (more known by its French name Iles de la Madeleine).
It is a group of islands, which can appear to be quiet even during the most hectic summer period when thousands of tourists converge to enjoy cycling, wind surfing and kite buggying and great seafood. I tried out kite buggying which was a great experience.
Kayaking in the Magdalen Islands
Fishing Trawlers
Mussels
On my way back, I stayed a few days in the old city of Quebec City.
Quebec City reminds of old European cities, with their forts, churches and cobble-stone streets with great baguettes, cheese, escargot dishes and fois gras.
Quebec City
Quebec City
Thailand, Singapore & Japan, Nov-Dec 2014
The year ended with a bang, as I traveled to the three countries. The itinerary actually was Toronto-Taipei-Bangkok-Singapore-Tokyo-Bangkok-Tokyo-Chicago-Montreal-Toronto. All in all, I traveled just over 42,000 km, seven cities and nine hotels.
Pattaya, Thailand
The trip began with Thailand. I headed first to Pattaya, a touristy place closest to Bangkok.
Just hours after reaching Pattaya, I tasted one of the cheapest but spiciest lunches, in a mall.
The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya, Thailand
I visited the Sanctuary of Truth Prasat Sut Ja-Tum wooden temple and the Mini Siam complex which, despite its rather restrictive name, is about miniature versions of most of world’s greatest archichitectural wonders.
I also took a short trip to the Koh Larn Island.
In Bangkok, I took a boat tour and visited the temples. And it was time to enjoy good food and do some shopping
Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
While in Singapore, I visited the China town and Little India and again enjoyed great food, including the famous chilli crab.
Chinatown, Singapore
Little India, Singapore
Chilli Crab in Singapore
Then it was time to fly to Japan.
In Tokyo, I visited the Imperial Palace Park and the Oedo Onsen in central Tokyo. I also visited a number of JR stations, including the massive Tokyo station complex as well as the Tsukiji Fish Market.
I also visited Nara, and went to the deer park and the temples.
Kyoto, Japan
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Next was the historic Kyoto city. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, so my adventures were limited to visiting a couple of temples and partaking in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Then it was Osaka, where I simply took a stroll, taking in the sights and sounds of Japan’s second largest city.
Tokyo Subway and Train Map
In between I enjoyed the lounges of all airports.
That was it, for 2014. Reviews will follow.
