West Lake in Hangzhou China

When I think about China, "enchanting" is not usually the first word that comes to mind. It is indisputable that the country has a rich history, but its rapid pace of development in recent years has really ruined the charm of most cities. Before visiting Hangzhou, everyone told me that the West Lake has retained the charm of old China. I don't know how a lake could be very exciting, but I was willing to keep an open mind. 

My hotel was directly across from West Lake, and when I arrived at 8PM, there was a large crowd watching a fountain show. Compared with fountains in Dubai and Vegas, this one was much smaller and the music sounded like Chinese opera. Excitement level was starting from the ground floor...

The first morning, I woke up early for a run around the lake. I didn't expect to find many other people awake before 7AM, which proves just how little I know about China. Before even leaving the hotel grounds, I noticed several people practicing tai chi. There was complete silence, no music and no counting...Just peaceful coordinated movements in sync with each other (well, almost in sync). 

Tai chi - with and without swords

Practicing tai chi in silence on an early morning

Nearby, I saw a man with a giant paintbrush in one hand and a small orange bucket of water in the other. I then looked down at the ground and noticed that he was painting Chinese symbols on the pavement. I have no idea if the characters were writing a message, but it was a beautiful form of art, nonetheless. He carefully drew on the ground, despite the fact that very few people were there to appreciate his work.

A man paints on the ground with water

I continued running, with the water on my left and the road winding alongside. Sheltering me were old trees that formed almost a canopy with their thick branches and oversize leaves. The gray brick buildings on the other side of the road reminded me a little of the French Concession in Shanghai, with a more colonial style than the typical Chinese architecture. There were no high-rise buildings dominating the lakefront view, which made me very happy.

The edge of the lake was dotted with lily pads, while a man rowing a small boat was picking the dying plants and placing them behind him. If I didn't look carefully, I may have even missed that he was a maintenance worker. 

A worker cleans up the lake on this early morning

The eastern side of the lake contained a lot of inlets, but there was a straight road cutting through for the traffic to pass easily. I ascended over occasional small bridges, which kept the running route even more exciting. The water views on both sides of me were quite nice, despite the onset of tour buses that began to roar past.

The southern edge of the lake was much more developed, and I found myself battling large tour groups that were already arriving to visit the famous Liuhe pagoda on the adjacent hill. There were even a few motorbikes racing towards me on the sidewalk, which I dodged as though I was part of a video game. (Since when did it become ok for people to ride their motorbikes on the sidewalk?)

The last section of the lake was probably the most spacious, with a large park and plenty of benches for people to sit and take in the scenery. 

Gates leading into a park on the southern edge of the lake

After returning to my hotel, I was amazed by how much activity I encountered on just a regular weekday morning. It's almost like I had walked into a movie set, filled with actors who were portraying a picturesque morning in historic China.

Throughout my week in Hangzhou, I found myself being inexplicably drawn to the lake. Some evenings, I went for a walk after work, enjoying a cup of tea (which Hangzhou is also famous for), and I even rented a paddle boat one afternoon. 

A small child blew bubbles across these lanterns sitting in the water

Enjoying some tea while the sun began to set

There was always a lot of activity, but it felt so much less chaotic than the crowds in Hong Kong or any other major city in China. One evening, I saw people dancing in a gazebo over the water. Every day, I noticed people practicing various styles of tai chi. It was obvious that the West Lake holds great appeal - even for locals. 

Dancing on the lake

A more relaxed and fluid form of tai chi

Ladies with swords as the morning sun shines brightly through the trees

Coming from someone who grew up next to a lake, I always appreciate how such a scenic landmark can bring a community together. I don't think I would necessarily spend days upon days just staring out over the water, but it was really nice to just relax in the peaceful surroundings before and after work. In an odd way, I felt right at home. 

View of West Lake from the front of my hotel

Hakone, Japan

Japan's idea of a resort vacation involves laying naked in a pool of hot water.  

The tradition is called "onsen" and these mineral-rich hot springs are the biggest tourist attraction in Hakone. This mountainside resort town is surprisingly convenient to reach from Tokyo, which makes it really popular for both local and foreign tourists.

From Tokyo, I took a 90-minute train ride in the "RomanceCar". I was reluctant to ride a train with such a suggestive name, but it lived up to the high standards that Japan's rail system is known for. As we raced through the countryside, I enjoyed the views of rural Japan. 

I hope there is no romance on this car...

I got off the train at a town called Odawara, which is larger than the village of Hakone and easier to get taxis. As expected, the taxi driver did not speak any English, so I was happy that I had asked one of the train employees to write the address of my hotel in Japanese on a business card. I always get a little nervous when the taxi driver does not appear confident in our destination, but I was relieved to reach the hotel without any problems 20 minutes later. 

The hotel felt like an exclusive ski resort (minus the skiing). There was a fire burning in the lounge, and people sitting around in robes while they drank red wine. No one was dressed formally, and several people were even wearing the traditional wooden sandals that were in pairs at the doorway of every guest room.

Looking down on the lobby lounge at the early hours of the morning.

 

Traditional wooden slippers were available in all guest rooms

The hotel rooms were beautifully designed

In my guest room, there was a card with instructions of how to use the onsen, which I studied carefully before I went down to the spa. The last thing I needed was to do something wrong while I was completely naked. 

The pools are only about the depth of a bathtub, and everyone is expected to rinse off before submerging in the water. Once clean (and naked), you lie down in the water and cover your head with a wet wash cloth. There is not much to look at, other than a greenhouse of plants on the opposite side of the onsen. Obviously no one would dare look left or right, because there may be other people next to you.

Lying in the water invoked a strange, almost mildly breathless sensation. I started being able to relax after a few minutes, but I never felt totally at ease. Perhaps it was the minerals in the water, or maybe it was just my lack of appreciation for this type of relaxation. I stayed in the water for about 10 minutes before feeling as though I had put in my time. When I returned to the locker room, I saw an older woman cleaning the room without any acknowledgement that she was surrounded by naked men. At this point, I just laughed to myself. I needed to get out of there. 

Japanese people believe that the vast array of minerals in the water help to heal aches and pains, and even treat certain illnesses. Maybe I'm too uptight, but I just couldn't relax enough to buy into the hype. The experience felt as though I was bathing with a bunch of strangers.

Fortunately, there are several other things to do in Hakone that I really enjoyed. The Hakone Ropeway is a large gondola that takes tourists 1.4 kilometers up the mountain where onsen water can be found. On the way up, you can even see the steam coming up from the mountain. 

Steam coming up from the mountainside (as seen from the gondola)

Steam is even present at the top of the mountain

At the summit, there is a visitor center with restaurants, shopping, and other small exhibits. I was also spellbound by the amazing views of Mt. Fuji from just about everywhere. While at the summit, we walked along this path that took us through a peaceful stream, past some religious fountains, and up to a hot pool of onsen water that is used to make hard boiled eggs. In this part of Japan, everything is about celebrating onsen.

Volcanic gas can be dangerous...

Here's our group in front of a scenic lookout point

This is where the eggs are boiled in onsen water

The hard boiled eggs are by far the most popular purchase among tourists who are mesmerized by the black shells. I was told that the minerals in the water cause the shells to turn black, although the inside part was completely normal (white and yellow), and without any noticeable difference in taste.

Eggs boiled in onsen water

Before heading back down the mountain, we tried some black ice cream, which is purely a gimmick for tourists (no onsen water was used to make the ice cream). Our mouths turned black, but it was completely worthwhile. 

Eating black ice cream (tasted like vanilla)

Stunning views from the gondola

The entire excursion does not last for more than a few hours (including lunch), but it is definitely worth seeing if you make it all the way to Hakone. Although the onsen culture is not my preference, I found it quite interesting to observe the popularity of this tradition among locals. 

Another reason for anyone to visit Hakone should be the food. Tokyo may be home to the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, but the Japanese appreciation of fine dining certainly extends to this mountain resort as well. I am obsessed with Japanese food, and my expectations were surpassed at almost every meal. I just love how much detail and effort goes into every dish. In Japan, food is art. 

Sushi dinner on my first night in Hakone

It was almost too beautiful to eat...almost.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Hakone because I felt as though I finally got a taste of real Japan. The town has a very unique atmosphere that you simply can not find in the big cities. Even my hotel room felt like a Japanese home (well, what I would imagine a Japanese home to look like), including the famous Japanese toilets, which I wish would become more popular in other countries. I don't think I will be rushing back any time soon to experience onsen again, but I really enjoyed having the opportunity to explore a more relaxed side of Japan. I can't wait to discover more of this amazing country.

2014: Year in Review

2014 was another incredible year. I continued to fuel my passion for international travel, and I had the opportunity to spend my entire summer close to home. As I close out the year, it's always fun to think back on all the amazing experiences from the past twelve months:

- Wore a traditional Indian outfit...in India...while my local colleagues wore western clothing.
- Celebrated Chinese New Year with dim sum in Bangalore, India.
- Ate fertilized duck egg ("balut") in Manila.
- Sang karaoke in Manila while we ate seafood that was swimming only minutes before hitting the plate.
- Slept on the floor of the Delhi airport (actually, I didn't really sleep but I spent the entire night there thanks to a 10-hour flight delay).
- Visited Golden Temple in Amritsar, India (and learned about the Sikh religion).
- Got 'hit on' at Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Watched a cricket match in the hotel garage in Amritsar.
- Drank alcohol at a house party in the dry city of Ahmedabad, India.
- Smiled at the 'matrimonials' section of the newspaper every weekend in India.
- Went bungee jumping in Nepal.
- Got the worst food poisoning of my life in Nepal and lost 10 pounds in 3 days.
- Ate banh mi in Saigon (minus the mayonnaise, of course).
- Visited the birthplace of Cao Dai religion in Tay Ninh province of Vietnam.
- Crawled through the cu chi tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
- Learned that the Vietnam War is known as the "American War" in Vietnam.
- Joined an American friend for dinner in Singapore who I studied with in Shanghai. I love crossing paths with people in the most unpredictable locations around the world. 
- Took a selfie in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
- Saw a dinosaur walking around the mall in Kuala Lumpur.
- Spent two weeks without going outside once (in Gurgaon, India).
- Used Air BnB for the first time ever in Canberra, Australia.
- Ran in the Canberra Half Marathon.
- Watched my colleagues in Sydney win their recreation league basketball championship.
- Spent Easter in Sydney with a classmate from LSE that I hadn't seen in over 12 years.
- Saw Prince William and Duchess Kate at Manly Beach.
- Drank German beer at a German pub served by a German guy...in Australia.
- Went hiking in the Blue Mountains.
- Worked out with Cameron Diaz and Kate Upton.
- Celebrated ANZAC day in the rain.
- Went running along the Sydney Harbour.
- Ate at Hungry Jack's in Melbourne (once was more than enough).
- Drove on the left side of the road.
- Ran the Great Ocean Road Half Marathon.
- Celebrated my birthday with a Kit Kat bar.
- Ran in the Melbourne Mother's Day Classic with local staff.
- Had my name published in the newspaper in Perth.
- Went to the horse races in Perth.
- Went Sandboarding in Western Australia.
- Touched a Koala.
- Fed a Kangaroo.
- Bicycled through King's Park in Perth.
- Rode a tuk tuk in Mumbai (and Bangkok). The experiences were entirely different.
- Watched a tug-of-war contest in a hotel ballroom in Mumbai.
- Accepted a promotion.
- Ran a 10k race with my friend who inspired me to run my first marathon.
- Spent 4th of July with family.
- Enjoyed a day on the lake in my brother's boat.
- Watched a Red Sox game in Fenway Park.
- Ran the Old Port Half Marathon with one of my oldest friends who I have known since birth.
- Returned to Chicago as a tourist (and discovered why people love the city so much in the summer).
- Stayed up until 3AM the night before the Minnesota Half Marathon (but still managed to finish in under 1.5 hours).
- Genuinely surprised my parents at their 40th anniversary party.
- Got sunburnt in Aruba.
- Went to Orlando (twice) without visiting Disney World.
- Celebrated both of my parents' birthdays with them.
- Went to a Boston College football game.
- Ate a cannoli from Mike's Pastry.
- Ran a 5k in Chicago that was followed by country line dancing.
- Ran the "Run to the Rock" Half Marathon in 90-degree heat and finished 2nd in my age group (6th overall).
- Took a 24-hour vacation to San Diego.
- Visited Pike Place market in Seattle.
- Ran the Smuttynose Half Marathon with a friend's number and won the female category (before I was disqualified).
- Moved to HONG KONG.
- Got drunk with my boss and all my new colleagues in Singapore.
- Signed an apartment lease for the first time since 2009.
- Went out in Hong Kong with an MBA classmate from the UK who now works in Switzerland and another from France who now works in Korea. The world is truly shrinking. 
- Visited floating markets in Thailand.
- Ran the Bangkok Half Marathon with the registration of a 53-year-old Thai man.
- Watched Taiwanese Opera (even though I didn't understand any of it).
- Flew on a Hello Kitty airplane.
- Went skiing in China.
- Witnessed a marriage proposal in Changbaishan.
- Spent Christmas with coworkers in China.
- Watched the fireworks display to ring in the new year in Hong Kong.

As I look forward to 2015, I am full of optimism. My job has so many possibilities, my new life in Hong Kong is starting to take root, and I already have a flight booked to return home for one of my favorite holidays. Just like hiking through a winding path, I cannot anticipate what will be ahead but I am excited to continue exploring. 

Day trip from Bangkok

Even the best cities in the world deserve an escape. Thailand has such a rich culture and identity, but it’s hard to absorb it all in Bangkok. Like any big city, Bangkok has been infused with international chain restaurants, Western fashion brands, and activities that appeal to any international traveler. It is an easy city for tourists to enjoy, but the urban environment is hardly reflective of Thailand’s history. I was excited join a tour with some colleagues and visit a few markets and temples in the outskirts of Bangkok.

Our first destination was the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which was like a photographer's paradise. Shortly after arriving, we all piled into boats and set off for our shopping adventure on the river. Our driver navigated the busy waterway while we looked around in awe. Some of the vendors sat in narrow boats and sold everything from fresh fruits to fried noodles. The river was also lined with many small shops. To be honest, there were so many things surrounding me that I found it difficult to focus. 

View of the Damnoen Saduak floating market from a bridge over the river

Whenever one of us showed even the smallest interest in anything on display, the shopkeeper would pull in the entire boat using a long stick with a hook attached. It is not possible to get out of the boat and walk around the shop, so all you have to do is point at the things that interest you. The whole experience felt like full-service window shopping. It’s hard to say 'no' to a purchase when you look at the faces of people who have clearly lived a very difficult life and who work hard for every dollar they earn.

Shopkeeper at the floating market

Shopkeeper at the floating market

Two women fill their boats with fruit to sell along the river

There were a lot of traffic jams on the river, while the boats stopped for passengers to buy things. It was obvious that this market no longer caters to locals, but it was fun to get a hint of what the floating markets are like for people living in rural Thailand.

View of the river from our boat

A woman travels down the river

After the first floating market, we had lunch at a very local seafood restaurant located in Don Hoi Lot. The restaurant literally stood above the water on a wide dock, where we could enjoy unobstructed views of the river. Occasionally, a loud motorboat would pass with a lone fisherman on board, but otherwise, the atmosphere was completely peaceful. The restaurant required us to leave our shoes at the entrance and for everyone to sit cross-legged on the floor. I was constantly fidgeting because my knees are not used to this seating arrangement, but the authentic flavors and gracious service made up for the sacrifice in seating comfort. 

One of many seafood dishes served to us at lunch

Next, we stopped at Maeklong's Umbrella Market (also called the “railway market”), which was an experience I will never forget. This market was set up alongside railroad tracks and the vendors sell mostly food items that include seafood, produce, and raw meats. At first glance, it looks just like another local market. However, several times each day, the vendors are required to pull back their displays in order to allow a train to pass.

Railway Market

Railway Market

A few minutes before the train arrived, a public announcement was made (in Thai), and suddenly, we witnessed the quiet commotion of the vendors raising their awnings and pulling back their displays. They knew exactly which items would remain safe beneath the train and how far to pull back their displays in order to avoid getting hit.   

Railway market prepares for the train to arrive

I don’t think any of us expected just how wide this train was because we were all in awe as it passed within inches of the food. Within seconds of the train passing, all of the awnings were down again and the market was back in business. 

We all agreed that we would not be excited to eat at any of the nearby restaurants, out of concern that they are serving produce that was literally sitting underneath the passing trains. Sometimes in a foreign country, we are forced to put blind faith in restaurants and just hope that we have strong enough immune systems!

Next, we visited the Wat Bang Kung - also known as the "temple in a tree". I’ll be honest- when I first heard about this place, I imagined it to be more like a tree house. In reality, it is just a regular temple that has become encased in the roots of nearby banyan trees. Outside the temple, people lit candles and prayed quietly. Once inside, they paraded around the Buddha – offering gifts and peeling off small pieces from the gold gilding. 

Outside Wat Bang Kung Temple

Adjacent to the temple is a memorial to commemorate a battle between Siam and Burmese invaders in the 18^th century. Apparently it was an important victory that allowed Siam to maintain control of a nearby naval base (or something like that), but to us, it just looked like a series of strange statues in various martial arts poses. I found the statues to be a little tacky, but they were at least worth a quick photo.

This is Thailand's idea of a memorial

Our final stop for the day was at Amphawa Floating Market. Unlike the market in the morning, this was not entirely located along the river. Instead, the vendors set up on both sides of a narrow road, selling mostly prepared food items. Along the river, there were a few boats selling food, but they were docked and selling to people who walked along the sidewalk. It's a good thing we had just enjoyed a large lunch, because otherwise, I would have wanted to try almost all the food for sale.

One of the boats selling food at Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa market felt less touristy than the one we visited in the morning, but it was also a lot more crowded. After a quick walk through half of the market, we were all tired of being bumped every 10 seconds, so we stopped at a little waterfront café and had a makeshift happy hour to pass the time. With a beer in one hand and shaved ice in the other, it was a nice way to end our very full day of sightseeing. 

Overall, we had an awesome excursion out of the Bangkok. In some cities, day trips involve relaxation and enjoyment of the relaxing countryside. However, that's just not the way things work in Thailand. Everywhere you go is full of life and energy. Anyone who travels to Bangkok should certainly venture out of the city to see these unique sites, but they shouldn't necessarily expect a quiet and relaxing day. Relaxation can be enjoyed on the Thai beaches!

Enjoying the floating market with some colleagues!

World's Best Museums

Today, CNN posted an article with the World's 20 Best Museums (as rated by TripAdvisor users) and I was anxious to see how many I had experienced.  I scrolled quickly through the list, but I was almost embarrassed to see that I had only been to six of the museums listed.  

Here's the list (with the museums I have visited in bold font): 

1. Art Institute of Chicago
2. National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
3. State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg
4. The Getty Center, Los Angeles
5. Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence (2013)
6. Musee d'Orsay, Paris
7. Metropolitan Muesum of Art, New York
8. The Acropolis Museum, Athens
9.  Prado Museum, Madrid (2010)
10. Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, Jerusalem
11. National WWII Museum, New Orleans
12. The National Gallery, London (2002)
13. Vasa Museum, Stockholm (2001)
14. National Gallery of Art, Washington
15. British Museum, London
16. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (2012)
17. Instituto Ricardo Brennand, Reclife (Brazil)
18. Galleria Borghese, Rome
19. Musee du Louvre, Paris (2002)
20. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

My favorite from this list: Hagia Sophia (2012)

Why have I not been to more? I have already traveled to 17 of the 19 cities that contain these world-famous museums, so I can't really use the excuse that they are still on my bucket list. Even worse, the top-rated museum is in Chicago - a city I called home for 2 years - yet I never even bothered to step foot inside. 

Before I rushed to reserve a spot on the next available tour at the Art Institute of Chicago, I thought a little more about the natural bias in this article. The list is comprised of reviews from people who not only took the time to visit the museums, but also made the effort to review them on Tripadvisor. These are museum people!

"Museum People" admiring the Mona Lisa at the Louvre (2002)

Me?  I'm an activity person. I much prefer to discover local culture by signing up for a running race, walking around aimlessly without a map, and taking public transportation with the locals. Some museums can be interesting, but I always seem to quickly forget all the details about what I learned. I never look back at the pictures of ancient weapons or period clothing hanging on museum walls, but I always remember the feeling at the finish line of a race, while the local residents cheer me on. 

Travel is a personal adventure and it should never be about feeling obligated to see the biggest tourist attractions. Some people will get a thrill out of seeing a museum that was rated among the best in the world and I am sure they will enjoy the experience. After all, these museums were rated highly for a reason. However, I also applaud the travelers who boldly customize their vacations in a way that does not include the most talked-about sites. 

"Admiring" artwork at the Tate Modern in London (2001)

Do I regret having missed out on so many popular museums? Not at all. I had incredible trips to Athens, Amsterdam, Rome, and other cities on the list. I do find it humorous that I have toured the Heineken brewery, yet I never found the time to visit the museum dedicated to art and history. As a college student visiting Amsterdam, I was much more interested in the history of this iconic brand of beer than I was about the contributions from artists that lived centuries ago. 

Drumming at the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam (2002)

I love the role that TripAdvisor plays in social media. Contributors can vent their complaints (or share their praises), businesses can use the candid feedback to improve their service, and travelers can look at the reviews to better informed choices. The overall ratings are no more scientific than any one person's opinion, but it is still fun to read about the experiences of random strangers and the way they perceive certain things.
 
My guess is that most people clicked on this list with the same intent as me: to discover how many of the top-ranked museums they have visited. How many have you been to?

On the road again...

The next round of travel will involve a tour of Asia.  I will spend seven weeks in India, two weeks each in the Philippines and Nepal, then a week of vacation in Vietnam and Singapore.  Flights between the US and Asia are rough and there's just no way to make them any easier.  

The first part of my journey was an overnight flight to London.  My flight arrived just before 6AM and was faced with a seven-hour layover.  I debated whether it would be worthwhile to venture into the city but then decided against it.  The college-aged me would have definitely jumped at any opportunity to run around London for a couple hours, but the world feels smaller now.  I will have plenty of other opportunities to visit London again in the future. 

The next challenge involved staying awake in the British Airways lounge while I killed time during the extended layover.  I watched a little TV on my computer until the other travelers arrived and took all the Internet bandwidth!  By lunchtime, all I wanted to do was take a shower and sleep.  

My second flight to Hyderabad felt really long and I, once again, couldn't sleep. I get so jealous of the people who can just doze in any airplane. Arrival in India the next morning had me feeling like a zombie but at least the passport control line was quick and easy (an amazing feat for India...)!

On the way to the hotel, I noticed this strange fish-shaped building along the side of the highway and I thought I had completely gone insane. 

Fish building in Hyderabad

Turns out, it wasn't just my imagination.  This building is the office of the National Fisheries Development Board.  First question: What is a land-locked city in the middle of India doing with a fisheries development board?  Second question: Has this architect ever heard of subtlety!? 

I arrived at the hotel around 5:30 in the morning - two days after departing and without any real sleep.  I set my alarm for noon and slept like a rock.  

Unfortunately, jet lag is the next challenge to conquer and it is not easy when traveling to a place that is 10.5 hours ahead of my sleep schedule.  It usually takes almost a week for me to get completely accustomed to Asia time because I am literally flipping my internal clock.  During the transition, I wake up SUPER early (3AM) and start to feel like a drunk person by 4 PM.  Needless to say, the first couple days of work are never very productive during the mid-afternoon until I get my second wind.  

Visiting Asia from the United States is always an exotic experience but I wonder whether the biggest challenges are the long overnight flights and the jet lag.  Hopefully my sleep pattern will be back to normal soon. 

Travel: A Never-ending Quest

Recently, I saw a news story about a 24-year-old British traveler who became the youngest person to have visited every country in the world. 

My first thought was that it was a ridiculous goal to pursue.  I scrolled quickly through the photos and it looked like he just went to the most touristic places in each country for a photo-op before moving along to the next destination.  I couldn't help but wonder whether he was simply going through the motions to reach a new record or if he actually enjoyed the journey?

To be honest, I don't think that I would ever want to be the youngest person to visit every country in the world.  At my age, I couldn't break his record even if I wanted to, but my sentiment does not stem from jealousy.  For me, the joy of travel goes beyond the passport stamps.  It's not simply enough to say: "I have been to (insert city name)" or "I have taken a picture in front of (insert tourist site)."  

I'll admit that I used to take great pride in visiting as many countries as possible.  During my study abroad year in London, I think I traveled to seventeen countries - none of which I enjoyed for more than a long-weekend.  I even flew to Venice once for a day trip with a classmate, just because I found a good deal on a flight and it seemed like a fun way to spend a Wednesday.  In fact, we spent more time in transit than we spent at our destination!

Of course it was fun.  We ate gelato, rode through the canals on a gondola, bought a Venetian carnival mask for my mom (which is still hanging in my parents' house), and took pictures feeding the pigeons in St Mark's square.  But, beyond simply saying that I have been to Venice, do I really know much about it?  Not really. 

At least we got a good touristy picture in Venice!

I wonder if this new world-record holder will ever look back on his accomplishment and wish he didn't rush through things so quickly.  With so many amazing places to visit, there is really no need to rush through every country in such a short period.     

After I read the story, I thought more highly of his approach to accomplishing this goal.  It sounds like he took the time to meet people and even to get part-time jobs in some places.  Learning about a country from people who live there and feeling like part of the community adds so much more value than simply visiting the sites that are mentioned most in the guidebooks.  

Today's world is so saturated with social media that actually visiting certain tourist attractions is almost unnecessary.  Sure, you can take a cliched tourist photo, but seeing most popular attractions is never as special as discovering the unknown and under-appreciated gems.

Now that this guy has seen every country in the world, does this mean that he will stop traveling?  I can almost guarantee that the answer is no.  Travel is like an addiction and there is an endless supply of places to visit.  

Simply visiting one place in every country would be like eating only an appetizer at every restaurant you visit.  You get a taste of the ambiance, but sometimes, you just want to try the wider range of options on the menu.  In Spain, for example, Barcelona is nothing like Madrid and both cities are completely different than Bilbao, even though they are all part of the same country.  To visit only one city in Spain is doing a disservice to the amazing diversity that exists throughout the country.  This rationale applies to many other countries as well. 

In addition to visiting new cities, it can also be exciting to revisit some cities for a fresh perspective.  I have returned to London four times since living there in 2001-2002 and each trip has been special.  In 2004, I stayed in a penthouse suite at the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Knightsbridge.  Then, just two years later, I slept on the floor of my friend's tiny dorm room at the University of London and we kept the trip very casual.  In 2010, I spent my birthday driving around in a Porsche, and drinking Pimm's No 1 around Chelsea.  My most recent trip in 2012 was to the financial district and I experienced what seemed like a completely different city.  

Cliche London photo: 2010 edition

To announce that this guy has visited all 195 countries implies that he has seen the entire world.  It is certainly an amazing achievement, but there will always be new places to discover.  From my perspective, the record should say that he finished the first stage of global discovery by "testing" every country.  The real fun will come in stage two, when he can return his favorite countries and discover even more about them.   

Guide To Being An International Citizen

There has been a lot of recent interest surrounding The Unofficial Goldman Sachs Guide To Being A Man.  Personally, I think it should be re-titled: "How to be an overconfident New York banker", although it did have some good tips to keep in mind.  For those who want to be more than just a stereotypical rich guy in the Big Apple, I have created another list with more of an international application: 

• Don't compare things to home.  Appreciate the diversity that exists throughout the world.
• Learn a few words in the local language.  You'll be amazed at people's reactions.
• Get your daily news from at least two different international sources.  There are multiple sides to every story. 
• Smile at everyone - especially the service people and anyone who notices that you are a foreigner.
• Start every day with a short cardio workout.  Like it or not, physical appearance is the first thing people will notice about you and it's better to make a positive first impression. 
• Always carry cash...but not too much.  You never know when you may be pick-pocketed and you don't want it to ruin your entire trip. 
• The best public restrooms are in hotels (good advice from the Goldman Sachs list). 
• Don't be afraid to get lost.  The best discoveries happen when you're wandering around aimlessly.  
• Experience nightlife - both the dive bars and the upscale joints.  They will all provide a unique perspective of the city that you won't get during the day.  Just don't drink so much that you wake up regretting all the fun you had the night before. 
• Always wear an undershirt...and plenty of deodorant.  A lot of countries are warmer and more humid than New York. 
• Comb your hair, brush your teeth, and wear decent clothing every time you step out of your hotel room.  You're not at home and no one wants to see you in a bathrobe.     
• Do not hire hookers or take strangers back to your hotel.  You never know where they have been. 
• Keep your phone turned off when you are out in public.  You will be amazed by what you see when you're not preoccupied. 
• Ask questions about local culture.  People love talking about themselves and you will learn some pretty amazing things. 
• Do not visit any chain restaurants that you can go to at home.
• When you order your meal, ask for the local specialty.  Try it, even if you don't think you will like it.   
• Don't be afraid to ask people to take your picture.  It's even better if you have someone to pose with you.  
• If you are unsure of the dress code, wear a blazer.    
• Navigate public transportation.  Not only is it a fun challenge, but you will remember the layout of the city long after you depart.  
• Look at local clothing styles and try to adapt at least one piece into your personal wardrobe.  People at home will appreciate your unique style.  
• Itineraries are too restricting.  Enjoy things at your own pace and feel free to skip the museums if they sound boring. 
• If the waiters recognize you and remember your preferences, you are being too predictable.  Keep trying new places and ordering different items from the menu. 
• If you get invited to a party, you should definitely go.  Bring an appropriate gift for the host.  
• Use your passport at least once per year.  The stamps will represent some of the greatest experiences of your life.  

International Flights

I love most things about travel except the act of traveling.

The experience gets a lot nicer when I can relax in the airline lounges or when I get upgraded to the front of the plane while people in coach class walk past me and wonder if I'm someone important.  But, aside from that, there isn't much joy in being stuffed into a tiny seat and served microwave dinners. 

I usually try to book non-US carriers because I consider them to be a step up from any domestic airlines.  I'll admit that there isn't a major difference in terms of economy-class comfort, but the entertainment and food options are undeniably better.  I also keep dreaming that someday, I will be important enough to fly like this guy: 

Etihad first class cabin

For my trip to Chennai, I decided to go with British Airways.  At least I would be assured of some sexy accents and a personal entertainment system.  

I rarely watch movies when I'm at home because I can't get myself to sit still for two hours, so I enjoy having the chance to catch up on some flicks while I fly.  As someone who never sleeps on a plane, I can usually watch multiple movies and tv shows on a transatlantic flight.   My favorite film on my first flight to London was Side Effects, which had a fun little twist in the middle.  My least favorite was The Bling Ring, which was just plain stupid.  

My connection in London gave me a nice workout after I lost track of time in the lounge and looked up to see my flight marked: GATE CLOSING.  I literally ran through the terminal like a fool.  When I got to the gate, my heart was pounding and there were at least a few minutes before the gate actually closed.  Geez, way to give me a heart attack, BA!

I arrived in Chennai at 3:30 the next morning and stood in the immigration line for almost an hour.  When I approached the desk, the agent looked at my entire form and asked: "What is the phone number of your hotel?" I told him I have no idea.  His response: "Didn't you ask your friend?" 

I gave him a puzzled look: "Which friend?? I'm traveling alone.  And, even if I did have a friend on the flight, how would he know the phone number for my hotel?"  At that moment, I looked past the desk to find a giant sign advertising my hotel.  It was almost comically ironic.  I asked for my form back, walked over to the sign, and copied down the phone number so he can call me, maybe. 

Next stop was baggage claim and I waited for what seemed like another hour for my suitcase to arrive.  It was one of the last ones and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous that it had gotten lost.  

While I waited, I noticed this gem of a sign:

Make sure your external boundaries are accurate before entering India!

Of all the things one could sneak into India, are maps with incorrect external boundaries really one of only two prohibited items???  By the way, I'm sure everyone has already violated the first thing on the list.  

I picked up my bag and wheeled it past the border control agent - no questions asked.  With another 20-hour journey in the books, my next task would be adjusting to the 9.5-hour time change. 

Helsinki, Finland

For some reason, I keep convincing myself that I’m too good for jetlag.  I’m also in a competition with nobody to visit as many countries as possible.  These two factors inspired my decision to book my flight via Helsinki and to spend my 10-hour layover exploring a new city. 

I arrived in Finland without any sleep on the flight (what else is new…) and my first stop was to the FinnAir executive lounge for a quick breakfast and some city research.  

I can't plan a day of sightseeing without first consulting Wikipedia

Once my planning was complete, I went through passport control and was shocked to see the border control agent writing down the dates of all my previous stamps to ensure that I never spend more than 90 days in the Eurozone region.  He also started questioning me about why I had traveled to so many random countries.  Even though I knew I was perfectly fine, I actually started getting a little nervous.  After discussing my past travels for about 5 minutes, he reluctantly let me through.

As I traveled into the city center, I started wondering why I was the subject of so much questioning at passport control.  Of all potential cities to “sneak” into Europe, would Helsinki really be a popular target?  Sure, the people are beautiful and the welfare state is generous, but I prefer a climate that is actually habitable for more than 3 months a year!

Once I arrived in the city center, orienting myself took longer than normal because I couldn’t find the street signs!  Eventually, I noticed these tiny white panels affixed to the side of buildings, which weren’t much bigger than a business card…Could you imagine trying to drive around and read a sign for Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu (yes, that’s actually a street name), which is set 2 meters back from the road?? 

That white thing next to the window is a street sign

Not surprising for Europe, the majority of sites to see happened to be churches, so I started with the most unusual-sounding one, Temple Church, which was carved into a rock formation.  Prior to entering, I witnessed a surprising conversation between a beggar and a security guard.  He approached her and stated that begging is not allowed so she would have to leave.  For me, Europe is synonymous with beggars, but the high Nordic taxes must have some benefit.

Here's the outside of Temple Church...the beggar is sitting right next to the rubbish can

When I entered, I was surprised to hear a children’s choir singing a hymn in English.  Obviously, it was for me :) …But really, I was shocked at how adept these people are at languages.  Score one for Finland. 

Here's the inside of the church.  Obviously not very well attended :-(

From Temple Church, I ventured to the Greek Orthodox church, which may be the most recognizable landmark in Helsinki (if there is such a thing as a ‘recognizable landmark’ in Helsinki).  Perched up on a hill, it is really a site to behold.  Since it was a Sunday, I was fortunate to experience yet another service.  This one was completely different than the last one – more social and free-flowing.  The building interior was small, but lofty.  No photos were allowed, so I will just remember the experience. 

This is what the outside of the Orthodox church looks like

Here's a view of the church from a nearby pier

On the way back to the city center, I stopped at the Helsinki Cathedral because it seemed like an important building.  Or, perhaps, people just like to get extra exercise on the way to their weekly services:

If I wasn't so tired, I would have sprinted up these stairs

The inside was very understated and it reminded me a little of the old protestant churches in New England.  One big difference is that each row of seats has its own door.  I wonder if they keep the hinges squeaky to prevent people from leaving early?

Do they lock people inside if they are bad? 

As I continued walking through the city, I also stumbled upon this unusual piece of architecture downtown: 

Mini Ikea store? 

It turned out to be another chapel (Fins must be very religious!).  Here's what the inside looks like: 

I'll just call this the Ikea chapel since I don't know the real name

By the time 4pm hit, I felt like I could easily fall asleep on a park bench somewhere.  I would imagine that this action in Finland may send me straight to prison, so instead, I decided to head back to the airport a little early so I could relax in the lounge until it was time for my flight. 

Although my visit to Helsinki was short, I saw more churches than I normally do in an entire month.  If I go back again, I’d probably use the city as an embarkation point for boat trips to Tallinn or St Petersburg.  Still, I'm glad I went and the best part of the stopover is that I can finally cross another country off my list!