Broadly speaking, my trips are classified into two types.
Tourist trip
The main aim is to relax the physical and to invigorate the mind. The time between wakefulness and sleep is spent in retail therapy, trying out my bargaining skills. When the legs are tired, I pamper them with massages. Diet is thrown out of the mind. Evenings will become an adventure to seek the best night spot in town. Hotels with comfortable beds. My favourite tourist destination for such kind of trips are Bangkok, then Barcelona and Berlin. (coincidently, all these city names begin with the letter B)
Travelling trip
Exploration is the main objective so light luggage is a must. Sometimes it gets tough, especially with the harsh climate and the extreme temperature. In this kind of trip, local people is the most important factor that determines the level of enjoyment. Difficulty in communicating with the locals can be one big obstacle. There will be no visits to nice restaurants but to taste the real essence which the local people savour. The key word is “Do what the locals do”. It makes me humble because there is so much things to learn from them. How they live and what they think. They are special because they are different. Discovery can be tiring yet fulfilling. A camera in hand is vital too.
My favourite travelling trip destination are Bombay, outskirts of Guangzhou, Casablanca.
Ho Chi Minh city is too modern to be explored yet it is not as colourful to be a popular tourist destination. Therefore it does not fit into my 2 travelling motives. Fortunately I met a few local friends there whose warmth and kindness made me discover a new aspect of travelling. The friendship was bonded by a geninue respect and understanding. Now I realise travelling needs not be hectic or comprise with lots of fanfare. A drink by the road side kiosk in the evening, a motor ride and some shared laughter is just as good.
For a few good friends, it is worthwhile to travel a few hundred kilometres.
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