Friday, February 29, 2008
從牛過路至擔柴山
2008年2月17日，貪睡之過，1時半才到達海下，找了一陣才找到上牛過路的小徑，路雖然草密，但綁帶亦清晰。但走至牛過路平原時，有點迷路，但亂打亂撞亦找對了上擔柴山的路。雖然天氣不錯，但沿路一個人也沒遇上，於擔柴山山頂欣賞海下的景色。由擔柴山下降南山洞的路段，開初尚明顯，但稍後亦變得模糊。從南山洞經白沙澳回海下。
有朋自遠方來，遠走老虎笏
2008年2月23日星期六，下著細雨，和自外地回來的老友遠走船灣內灣老虎笏，踏著沉悶的水壩，沿路除有少數釣友外，一個行山人的也沒有。下老虎笏的路入口，沿路有綁帶，下至內灣，沿紅樹林綑邊而行，需要找路往養珠場，一度錯走回郊遊徑，最後也找得正路，但蔓封情況嚴重。沿山徑下降至已蔓封嚴重的水泥路，在廢屋小休後，便往斷裂石壆欣賞內灣景色，雨越下越大，便離開回走小徑上接回郊遊徑。
老虎笏為境內唯一的珍珠養殖場，可能是冬天關係，場上一個人也沒有。更多關於老虎笏的資料
老虎笏為境內唯一的珍珠養殖場，可能是冬天關係，場上一個人也沒有。更多關於老虎笏的資料
Friday, February 15, 2008
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
看了電影，對原著甚感興趣，便買了一本來看。書的內容一樣感動，電影基於時間關係，把部分內容刪去，當然亦無損原著精神。但唯一可能不應刪去的情節，便是如何把Hassan的兒子帶回美國。
年初一登高
無奈退了去杭州的機票，第一個農曆年在香港渡過，4日假期百無聊賴，一向不用拜年，年初一便往蚺蛇尖走一趙，天氣又陰又寒，仲要好大風，行的是classic route，即大浪坳上落，路上遇鬼多個人，正是大年初一吧。山頂實在凍得要命，逗留了10分鐘便匆匆離開。
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Kite Runner
上星期天看了Kite Runner，期待已久的電影。片中除主線描寫主角的友情，亦可從影片中窺看到神秘的阿富汗面貌(雖然外景是在新疆而非阿富汗拍攝)。影片展現了Kabul今昔面貌的強烈對比，在前蘇聯入侵前，Kabul的繁華市面，仍有外國遊客，風箏比賽的場面，至Taliban政權當政，主角重回以前居住的城市，畫面中看到有人在屋外吊頸自盡而沒人理會，城市充滿殘疾人士，孤兒院院長的表白，對我來說相當震撼。
絕對是值得推薦的電影!
Kite Runner Official website
絕對是值得推薦的電影!
Kite Runner Official website
Sunday, January 27, 2008
物換星移大蛇灣 船隻監獄深篤灣
陰寒的星期六，往糧船灣暢遊。下午2時才出發，由創興水上活動中心側的”此路不通”山徑進入，山徑雖然雜草叢生，但路徑尚算清晰，中途亦沒有支路，先在山腰路經過深灣，該處灣內泊了很多船隻，包括一些沉船，原來是海事處的船隻扣留中心。雖則該路“此路不通”但中途則有漁護署豎立的座標柱。經淡水灣至大蛇灣。早前從網上得悉大蛇灣應只有一間荒棄的酒家，但未到已見該處大煙火，行至灣內，才發現酒家已差不多完全被翻新變為渡假屋及酒吧，，但仍有工人趕工進行工程。該處由荒廢的村落變為頗有泰國風情的渡假村，真是物換星移。離開大蛇灣往北丫的路，已由早前的小路變成非常大的泥路。到北丫已是5時多，本打算往白腊，但天色漸黑，還是沿水泥石級路返回萬宜路。用了1.5小時行著沉悶的水泥路，但寒風細雨的晚上，感覺非常不好，7.15才到達巴士站。
深篤灣
大蛇灣渡假村
北丫漁村
更多糧船灣洲的資料
深篤灣
大蛇灣渡假村
北丫漁村更多糧船灣洲的資料
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
短咀
星期日出了短咀，從北潭坳出發時間已是12時15分，由東灣上經米粉頂，再出咀。天色非常好，因此上蚺蛇尖的人川流不息。但一離開上蚺蛇尖的路，出咀便又人煙疏落。由米粉頂下山往短咀的路乃碎石坡，非常不好走。3時才找到正路出咀，還來不及完全出咀，便要掉頭回去，因回去的路途遙遠，結果都是摸黑出北潭坳，到巴士站已是7時15分。
上米粉頂的斜路
由米粉頂出短咀的路
海中兩孤島為和尚洲與牛屎缽
右手邊海中的孤島為黃茅洲，左邊中間的咀便是三咀之一的米粉咀
從短咀看長咀
夕陽斜照東灣
上米粉頂的斜路
由米粉頂出短咀的路
海中兩孤島為和尚洲與牛屎缽
右手邊海中的孤島為黃茅洲，左邊中間的咀便是三咀之一的米粉咀
從短咀看長咀
夕陽斜照東灣
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
何耀生《買餸煮飯--尋找街坊鄰里市集的故事》
剛閱擺《買餸煮飯》一書，作者透過傳統街市，指出香港的發展模式一直都是“發展性破壞”，一個個傳統街市陸續消失，取而代之是往超市買餸，“社會資本”漸漸失去。通風的街市，如中環及灣仔街市，被空調的超市所取代，一幢幢屏風式樓宇，冷漠的賣買模式，社區文化遺產漸漸失去。
值得推薦的書籍!
值得推薦的書籍!
火紅海岸
縱然天氣不好及寒冷，星期天仍是往印洲塘走走，此次目的地是紅石門，亦是再遊，上次恐怕有7、8年前，當年從鳳凰笏頂，下烏洲塘，綑遊至紅石門。今次則相應難度較低，從紅石門坳入，原路往返。路徑尚可辨認，而沿路亦頗多綁帶，尤其在有支路的地方，能到達紅石門，真要多謝前人留下的布帶。
Saturday, January 12, 2008
In memory of Sir Edmund Hillary
Watched late news and learnt that Sir Edmund Hillary, the first one who reached the summit of Mt Everest was just dead. He devoted his whole life to the Sherpa. The world has lost a great hero. May he rest in peace.
I have bought the book High Adventure a couple of years ago and yet to be finished. :< Took out tmr and started the reading again!
For more information about Sir Edmund Hillary
I have bought the book High Adventure a couple of years ago and yet to be finished. :< Took out tmr and started the reading again!
For more information about Sir Edmund Hillary
Sunday, January 06, 2008
綑走西流江至牛屎湖村
好不容易才捱到星期天，又是出外走走的時候。今天是舊地重遊綑遊西流江至牛屎湖村，下三椏涌。雖說舊地重遊，上次可能已是5或6年前的事。
由西流江近觀印洲
西流江的小狗，初時以為牠們會吠我，但原來只是喜歡跟著我尾，除居民友善，其小狗也一樣
陰森的牛屎湖廢村?與鎖羅盤相比，不相伯仲。
從牛屎湖山欣賞三椏灣
由西流江近觀印洲
西流江的小狗，初時以為牠們會吠我，但原來只是喜歡跟著我尾，除居民友善，其小狗也一樣
陰森的牛屎湖廢村?與鎖羅盤相比，不相伯仲。
從牛屎湖山欣賞三椏灣
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Turkey and Greece Itinerary
2005年6月30日至7月17日(共18日)
D1:HKG-->IST (土航；13小時 stopover bkk，票價5200未連稅)
D2:遊Istanbul (overnight bus to goreme)
D3: self trekking in rose valley and sword valley.
D4: local tour open air museum + goreme周邊景點
d5-7: local tour to mt. nemrut+urfa. (180usd全包宴)
d8: local tour to underground cities + Ihlara valley (overnight bus to pamukkale).
d9: 巴士只是往Denizli，於那裡轉車往pamukkale(有可能是免費車，約半小時)遊pamukkale/hierapolis. 黃昏坐公巴往Denzil再轉車往marmaris.
d10:坐船往希臘的rhodes island day tour，回marmaris.
d11: 坐車往selcuk，遊selcuk
d12: 遊ephesus，黃昏坐車往bregama
d13: 遊pergamum (市內完全沒有公交往景點，全部要搭的士或hitchhike)
d14: 坐車往Bursa
d15: 遊bursa
d16: 坐車回istanbul(約3小時)，下午ist市內遊
d17: ist市內遊，晚上坐機回港。
d18: 到港
D1:HKG-->IST (土航；13小時 stopover bkk，票價5200未連稅)
D2:遊Istanbul (overnight bus to goreme)
D3: self trekking in rose valley and sword valley.
D4: local tour open air museum + goreme周邊景點
d5-7: local tour to mt. nemrut+urfa. (180usd全包宴)
d8: local tour to underground cities + Ihlara valley (overnight bus to pamukkale).
d9: 巴士只是往Denizli，於那裡轉車往pamukkale(有可能是免費車，約半小時)遊pamukkale/hierapolis. 黃昏坐公巴往Denzil再轉車往marmaris.
d10:坐船往希臘的rhodes island day tour，回marmaris.
d11: 坐車往selcuk，遊selcuk
d12: 遊ephesus，黃昏坐車往bregama
d13: 遊pergamum (市內完全沒有公交往景點，全部要搭的士或hitchhike)
d14: 坐車往Bursa
d15: 遊bursa
d16: 坐車回istanbul(約3小時)，下午ist市內遊
d17: ist市內遊，晚上坐機回港。
d18: 到港
Sri Lanka Itinerary
2004年曾作短暫旅遊7日，主要是culutral triangle，行程如下：
2004年1月20日至26日
D1: 夜機到，宿colombo第二區
D2: 坐長途車往Kandy，參觀佛牙廟，下午往遊elephant orphange
D3: 坐巴士往Sigirya，登山欣賞5世紀的壁畫，在山上等日落。
D4: 坐三輪車往Dambulla Old Cave Temple，觀光完後，坐巴士往Polonaruwa，包車遊Polonaruwa的遺址。
D5: 坐巴士往Anuradhapura，包車遊覧景點。黃昏坐車回colombo。
D6: 暢遊colombo，包括鐘樓、fort, Liberty Plaza等。但不太習慣可倫坡街上處處是沙包陣。
D7: 再見斯里蘭卡，直往機場。
2004年1月20日至26日
D1: 夜機到，宿colombo第二區
D2: 坐長途車往Kandy，參觀佛牙廟，下午往遊elephant orphange
D3: 坐巴士往Sigirya，登山欣賞5世紀的壁畫，在山上等日落。
D4: 坐三輪車往Dambulla Old Cave Temple，觀光完後，坐巴士往Polonaruwa，包車遊Polonaruwa的遺址。
D5: 坐巴士往Anuradhapura，包車遊覧景點。黃昏坐車回colombo。
D6: 暢遊colombo，包括鐘樓、fort, Liberty Plaza等。但不太習慣可倫坡街上處處是沙包陣。
D7: 再見斯里蘭卡，直往機場。
溫度
在外旅行，通常都不知道真正的溫度，一般多只靠感覺，印象中以下為”最”：
最凍：
在Palmyra, Syria看日出時，除下手套按快門，手指差不多麻木，不能按快門。真正未必太冷，可能是日出前及風大關係。
在世界最南城市usuahia，在3月，秋天的濕凍，也很要命。
最熱：
Mandalay, Burma，市內遇上塞車，在狹小的車廂三個朋友一起擠在後座，40度以上，真是全身盡濕。
Aswan，由Abu Simbel回Aswan的路上，沙漠公路塞車，於4月近正午時份，汗流浹背。
最凍：
在Palmyra, Syria看日出時，除下手套按快門，手指差不多麻木，不能按快門。真正未必太冷，可能是日出前及風大關係。
在世界最南城市usuahia，在3月，秋天的濕凍，也很要命。
最熱：
Mandalay, Burma，市內遇上塞車，在狹小的車廂三個朋友一起擠在後座，40度以上，真是全身盡濕。
Aswan，由Abu Simbel回Aswan的路上，沙漠公路塞車，於4月近正午時份，汗流浹背。
Ecuador Itinerary
I visited Ecuador in 2006 (27.10.06 to 16.11.06)(21 days). My itinerary is as follows：
27.10 & 28.10
HKG --> LAX (via MNL) by PR
LAX --> Miami --> Quito by AA
29.10 to 5.11
Quito --> Galapagos (via Guayauil) by TAME
I booked a 8-day Galapagos cruise (including flight ticket to Galapagos) thro' a travel agent in Ecuador before my departure from HK. The boat I took was a tourist class boat known as Rumba.
5.11
Flied from Galapagos to Guyayail
Guayauil to Cuenca by bus
6.11
A.M.
Cuenca --> Ingapirca by bus
Sightseeing there
P.M.
Ingapirca -> Cuenca
Visit a Panama hat factory in Cuenca
7.11
A.M.
Sightseeing around Cuenca including Santo Domingo, New Cathedral, Rio Tomebamba
P.M.
Cuenca --> Alausi by bus (Alausi is really a very very small town)
8.11
A.M.
Bought train ticket (from Alausi - Sibambe - Alausi) in the morning and toured around the little town Alausi. Alausi is only a stop over station. So the trained arrived at 11.00 a.m. was already full of ppl on top of the train (no one will sit inside the carrier), that's the selling point Sibambe is actually a disuse station at the bottom of Devil's nose.
P.M.
We returned to Alausi around 1.40 p.m. We left Alausi for Riobamba by bus in the afternoon. We changed bus in Riobama for Latacunga in the evening.
9.11
A.M.
Took a bus from Latacunga to Saquisili at 6.30 a.m. Enjoyed the traditional animal market there (Thursday market). Spent whole morning there.
P.M.
Returned to Latacunga. Left Latacunga for Quito in the afternoon. Toured around Quito in the evening including Santo Domingo, Independence Plaze, Presidential Palace etc.
10.11
A.M.
Continued our sightseeing in Quito including San Franciso, San Agustin, Cathedral, La Compania
P.M.
Visited Mitad del Mundo. Took bus to Otavalo at 5.00 p.m.
11.11
Visited craft market in Otavalo (Saturday market). Spent whole morning and afternoon there. Bought lot of souvenirs there. Took bus back to Quito in the evening.
12.11
Visited El Panecillo in the morning to have a view of Quito. Sightseeing again around Quito in the afternoon including Museo del Banco Central.
13.11
Morning flight from Quito to Miami. Miami to LA
14.11
Stayed in LA for one day with relatives.
15-16.11
From LA to MNL, MNL to HKG
27.10 & 28.10
HKG --> LAX (via MNL) by PR
LAX --> Miami --> Quito by AA
29.10 to 5.11
Quito --> Galapagos (via Guayauil) by TAME
I booked a 8-day Galapagos cruise (including flight ticket to Galapagos) thro' a travel agent in Ecuador before my departure from HK. The boat I took was a tourist class boat known as Rumba.
5.11
Flied from Galapagos to Guyayail
Guayauil to Cuenca by bus
6.11
A.M.
Cuenca --> Ingapirca by bus
Sightseeing there
P.M.
Ingapirca -> Cuenca
Visit a Panama hat factory in Cuenca
7.11
A.M.
Sightseeing around Cuenca including Santo Domingo, New Cathedral, Rio Tomebamba
P.M.
Cuenca --> Alausi by bus (Alausi is really a very very small town)
8.11
A.M.
Bought train ticket (from Alausi - Sibambe - Alausi) in the morning and toured around the little town Alausi. Alausi is only a stop over station. So the trained arrived at 11.00 a.m. was already full of ppl on top of the train (no one will sit inside the carrier), that's the selling point Sibambe is actually a disuse station at the bottom of Devil's nose.
P.M.
We returned to Alausi around 1.40 p.m. We left Alausi for Riobamba by bus in the afternoon. We changed bus in Riobama for Latacunga in the evening.
9.11
A.M.
Took a bus from Latacunga to Saquisili at 6.30 a.m. Enjoyed the traditional animal market there (Thursday market). Spent whole morning there.
P.M.
Returned to Latacunga. Left Latacunga for Quito in the afternoon. Toured around Quito in the evening including Santo Domingo, Independence Plaze, Presidential Palace etc.
10.11
A.M.
Continued our sightseeing in Quito including San Franciso, San Agustin, Cathedral, La Compania
P.M.
Visited Mitad del Mundo. Took bus to Otavalo at 5.00 p.m.
11.11
Visited craft market in Otavalo (Saturday market). Spent whole morning and afternoon there. Bought lot of souvenirs there. Took bus back to Quito in the evening.
12.11
Visited El Panecillo in the morning to have a view of Quito. Sightseeing again around Quito in the afternoon including Museo del Banco Central.
13.11
Morning flight from Quito to Miami. Miami to LA
14.11
Stayed in LA for one day with relatives.
15-16.11
From LA to MNL, MNL to HKG
Tunisia Itinerary
I just spent 7 days in Tunisia in 2004. My itinerary is as follows:
D1: Tunis --> Sousse by train
D2: Sousse -- Visited Sunday market. By bus to Kairouan and visited Great Mosque, 3-door mosque, Barouta, Zaouia of Sid, Abid el-Ghariani, Maison du Gouverneur, Aghlabid basins, Zaouia of Sidi Sahab, Zaouia of Sidi Amor Abbada. Returned to Sousse by train.
D3: Sousse --> El Jem by bus. Visited Colosseum. Took louage to Mahdia. Visited Fatimid Fortification, Jewish cementary. Returned to Sousse by loage. Went to Ribat, Zaouia Zakkak, Museum Koubba.
D4: Sousse --> Mohadir by louage. Visited Ribat and Mausolem. Took bus to Sfax. Visited medina there. The medina I like most coz it is a vibrant rather than touristic community. Returned to Sousse.
D5: Sousse --> Tunis by louage. Visited Bardo Museum. Took train to Sidi Bou Said, a high class residential area. The houses here look like those in Greece with many colorful and well decorated doors! yes doors, the main attraction here. Returned to Tunis by train.
D6: Took train from Tunis to Carthage. Spent a lot of time in this UNESCO site. Returned to Tunis by train. Paid a visit to the medina of Tunis, another UNESCO site.
D7: Left Tunisia for Morocco by flight.
D1: Tunis --> Sousse by train
D2: Sousse -- Visited Sunday market. By bus to Kairouan and visited Great Mosque, 3-door mosque, Barouta, Zaouia of Sid, Abid el-Ghariani, Maison du Gouverneur, Aghlabid basins, Zaouia of Sidi Sahab, Zaouia of Sidi Amor Abbada. Returned to Sousse by train.
D3: Sousse --> El Jem by bus. Visited Colosseum. Took louage to Mahdia. Visited Fatimid Fortification, Jewish cementary. Returned to Sousse by loage. Went to Ribat, Zaouia Zakkak, Museum Koubba.
D4: Sousse --> Mohadir by louage. Visited Ribat and Mausolem. Took bus to Sfax. Visited medina there. The medina I like most coz it is a vibrant rather than touristic community. Returned to Sousse.
D5: Sousse --> Tunis by louage. Visited Bardo Museum. Took train to Sidi Bou Said, a high class residential area. The houses here look like those in Greece with many colorful and well decorated doors! yes doors, the main attraction here. Returned to Tunis by train.
D6: Took train from Tunis to Carthage. Spent a lot of time in this UNESCO site. Returned to Tunis by train. Paid a visit to the medina of Tunis, another UNESCO site.
D7: Left Tunisia for Morocco by flight.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
從高流灣至蚺蛇灣
1月1日，天朗氣清，決定往西貢蚺蛇尖腳下的蚺蛇灣走走，沿高流灣的水管路直往蚺蛇灣，風景簡直一流，但近觀蚺蛇灣，則不少從海面沖上來的垃圾，大刹風景。離開灣後，沿水務署因舖水管開闢的”大路”直上蚺蛇坳。
Sunday, December 30, 2007
南北縱走吊燈籠
終於一嚐所願，登上吊燈籠，雖然今天不是天朗氣清的日子，有些煙霞，但由吊燈籠欣賞印洲塘的風景，絕對一流。往蛤塘的路，被草蔓封的情況不太嚴重，路徑尚算清晰，沿路亦有很多綁帶指示。蛤塘的村是否真的全廢?因為有些屋仍然上鎖，內裡的陳設非常整齊，而祠堂像是仍有村民會回來打掃。荔枝窩則人頭湧湧，像旺角多些。但可憐的百花魚滕，被一些無公德或無常識的人坐在上面影相。
從南面上山，奮勇向上。上山的路從犂頭石看似很斜，但實質並非如此。
從吊燈籠欣賞印洲塘
蛤塘廢村
從南面上山，奮勇向上。上山的路從犂頭石看似很斜，但實質並非如此。
從吊燈籠欣賞印洲塘
蛤塘廢村
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Jordan and Syria Itinerary
15 Dec 2006 to 7 Jan 2007 (24 days)
One of my most memorable journeys till now. Not only because of getting a Syrian visa at the border, but also the hospitality of Syrian people and superb historic sites. Though the weather was cold and daytime was short (sunset was around 4:30 p.m.) and many sites were closed at 4:00 p.m., you rarely met another tourists even in some world heritages. You can fully spent whole day to travel and no need to hide from the sun during midday as in summer.
D1-2: Doha and Amman (Hotel Palace on D2)
Flied from HKG to Doha by Qatar at 6.30 p.m. 12 hours transit time. Slept at the airport and waited and short city sightseeing in Doha. Took flight at 12.30 p.m from Doha to Amman. Arrived Amman at 4.00 p.m. Resided at Hotel Palace (Recommended by LP as author's choice). But no hot water for bathing :<
D3: Amman (Hotel Palace)
Called a taxis to Syrian Embassy and tried to apply visa there. The embassy is located in high class residential area. Mission failed. We were turned away in less than 5 mins. Great! Took taxis to Wahadat bus station and took a bus at 11:00 a.m. to Mahada. We spent half day there and took our dinner at Haret Jdoudna in an old traditional house. We took bus back to Amman after dinner.
D4: Amman (Hotel Palace)
Joined a local tour to desert castles in eastern Jordan including a world heritage Qusayr Amra with superb frescoes. Returned to hotel at 5:00 p.m. My friend from Hong Kong joined us at the hotel.
D5: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
As told by hotel owner, it is easier for those w/o visa to get a visa on arrival at Dera/ Ramtha border rather than Jabir/Nasib. We took a bus to Ramtha and changed for a service taxis at Ramtha. We were asked for only a few questions and waited at the arrival hall of Syrian border for 0.5 hour. Our service taxi driver dropped at the border bus station. We took a bus to Damascus. We toured around old city in the afternoon. We watched Casino Royale (007) at Cham Cinema (next to Cham hotel) for 3 USD only!
D6: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
We went to Syrian Air to buy ticket to Aleppo but was full today. We bought the air ticket to Aleppo for around HK$170 only. 'Shopping' at general post office. Then we visited National Museum and Suleimaniyya (handicraft market). Old city again, we visited Chapel of Ananias.
D7: Aleppo (Hotel Hanadi)
Our flight was at 7:00 a.m. and our passport was 'detained' by airline staff when boarding (strange practice). Perhaps the reasons was the final destination of the flight was Paris. Hanadi Hotel as mentioned by LP was a Barbie hotel, pink in color. We visited the souq again and then Citadel. After sunset at 4:00 p.m., we returned to souq again and visited Great Mosque (Omiyaad). The atmosphere of souq was great, not touristic at all.
D8: Aleppo (Hotel Hanadi)
We joined a tour (actually a car with driver) through hotel. We visited Ebla, different dead cities: Jerada & Ruweiha, Serjilla, Al-bara. Returned to Aleppo at 5:00 p.m. Dined at Al Jdeida (Christian area).
D9: Hama (Hotel Cairo)
Rented a car (Benz) again thro' hotel, we visited Mushabbak, St. Simeon Basillica, Deir Samaan, Ain Dara. The driver dropped us at the bus station and helped us to buy the ticket to Hama. Our bus left at 4:00 p.m.. The boss of Hotel Cairo was a classic businessman with fluent English. Afterall, I think we got a fair deal with him.
D10: Hama (Hotel Cairo) 24/12
Rented a car thro' hotel. Visited Apamea in the morning and then Musyaf. In the afternoon, we visited Krak Des Chevaliers at 2:30 p.m. Only 1.5 hours left before closing. We left at 4.20 p.m. (if we didn't leave, we would be locked up there). Happy silent night at a nice restaurant in the traditional old house! Restaurant is also owned by the hotel boss. We bought some Hama favorite brand chocolate: LEE.
D11: Hama (Hotel Cairo)
Benz again and visited Beehive villages (Sarouj village). Then Qasr ibn Wardan and Rasafa (a very raw site under excavation). We passed thro' Euphrates River with military checkpoint. Today's our final destination was Qala'at Ja'abar. We left at 4:20 p.m. and returned to Hama at 7:00 p.m.
D12: Hama & Lattakia (Al Hayat Hotel)
We visited the norias in Hama. However, because of the rain, the view was so and so. We walked to the citadel and then lunch. We took a 3:30 p.m. departed bus to Lattakia. Lattakia is actually a container port. We had a full meal at a high restaurant near the port.
D13: Palmyra (Palace Hotel)
We rented a taxis thro' Lattakia Hotel. We visited Qala'at Saldin. A feeling of Great Wall because of the overgrown. We took a bus from Lattakia to Homs at 1:00 p.m. It was snowing at Homs. However, we were stuck at Homs new bus station at 3:30p.m. So many soldiers took bus. We could only get the bus ticket to Palmyra which bus departed at 12:00 a.m. With the help of a nice lawyer, we took a taxi to old bus station to get the bus to Palmyra. Not only the station was old, so did the bus. Interior of bus turned into a disco after departure with loud music and crazy lightings and naughty little passenger. Fainted! With 4-hr bumpy ride, we reached Palmyra at 7:00 p.m. We dined at Spring Restaurant and then chit chat with some French customers till midnight about political system in Hong Kong and French.
D14: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
We left hotel at 6:20 p.m. I believed it was below 0 degree outside. We were just able to see sunrise at the site. Having breakfast at hotel after sunrise. Return to the site and visited some tombs also. We took bus at 2:00 p.m. back to Damascus and arrived at 5:15 p.m. Of course, we stayed at Ai Diwan hotel again. Ai Diwan was not targetted for backpackers, so they did not offer any local tour/ car rental. We looked for a car to visit Seidnayya,Maalula and Mar Musa. We finally found a car with driver at one of the budget hotels. However, whether we could go still depended on the road conditions (coz snowed a few days before). It was below 2degree at night in Damascus.
D15:Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
Our nice driver with his new car was waiting us at 8:00 a.m outside the hotel. We visited Seidnayya and Maalula and Mar Musa. We were invited for having free lunch at the Mar Musa monastery, on the road back to Damascus, our car hitted a dog suddenly run out of the highway. We were safe except the bumper broken. The dog ... sorry. Back to hotel at 5:00 p.m., tomorrow was the start of Islamic holiday(Eid al-Adha). Though Friday, the souq would open till midnight, just like our CNY's eve. We also tried the highly recommended ice-cream shop in town Bekdach. Yummy, though temperature might be below zero. Very crowded souq.
D16: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
Today was Eid al-Adha. We took bus to Bosra. The Roman theatre was really huge and with good acoustic design. Great basalt rock and fine carving. We met 4 Chinese in Bosra. They were working in a glass factory in Aleppo and travelled around Syria during holidays. Returned to Damascus and enjoyed a great meal at a Chinese restaurant in Christian quarter (recommended by those Chinese guys). You rarely encountered a person at the souq. Great contrast with last nite.
D17: Amman (Hotel Amman Palace)
Wandered along the Straight Street. Most of the shops were closed because of new year. Visited Azem Palace and Omayad Mosque. It rained heavily :< After mosque, we visited some old house i.e. Aqqad House (now Danish Institute in Damascus). Final stop was St. Paul's chapel where Paul was hung out in a basket when he fled from Damascus. Time to say goodbye to Syria this hospitable country. We had a little farewell with staff of Ai Diwan Hotel (they treated us a nice lunch after stayed in their hotel for 5 days). We went to take bus to Amman. They Duty Free shop at the border looked no difference with any one in developed countries. So many cheap alcohlic drinks to buy. Great temptation. However, we encountered some problem at Jordan immigration office. They required us to buy visa for HKSAR passport which supposed to be visa free. Because of our insistence and with the help of the nice bus staff, we 'succeded'. No visa required! Jackie Chan's movie was shown on board. wow even in Syria/ Jordan.
D18: Amman (Hotel Amman Palace)
Took a bus to Jerash and spent 5 hours in the site. The weather was nice and we left when the site closed. As no bus returned to Amman coz it was too late, hitchhiked a van back to Amman (of course we needed to pay).
D19: Petra (Rose City Hotel)
One of my friends left for Hong Kong today. I and the other friends went to Qatar office to reconfirm our ticket and took a bus to Petra in the afternoon. Today was mainly occupied by logistics and transportation stuff. The hotel we resided just provided accommodation. We looked for travel agent around the town and finally got what we wanted in a backpacker hotel Valentine Inn. We booked a tour to Wadi Rum there.
D20: Wadi Rum (sleeping under the stars and moon in a Bedouin camp (5-star hotel in Wadi Rum - romantic!)
We took a jeep to the desert with the big boss of the camp, Zidane, a very tall guy and two drivers. Our group had 9 ppl in total mainly Asians, koreans, japanese. Wadi Rum view was fantastic, superb. I liked the rock bridge most! Zidane's camp was superb comparing to my previous stay in desert (Egypt, Morocco, India). Not only beds but pillow ... what can i say? But it was very cold at night. I saw nice sunset and sky with many many stars and moon there.
D21: Petra (Valentine Inn)
Picked our stuff and returned to Petra after breakfast. Went to Petra by ourselves and bought a 2-day pass. The weather was very bad with rain and strong wind and mist. The first day, we just walked till theatre and did not go further. We bought tickets for Petra by night. We walked through the siq four times in a day. Tired and boring show.
D22: Amman (Nansy Hotel)
Petra again and no improvement on the weather. Walked up hill to monastery and high place sacrifice. supposed to have a nice view there, however, the dust storm and mist hm.... Returned to Valentine Inn, we booked Nansy hotel thro' Valentine Inn already. The boss of Nansy hotel just there and offered a free ride to Amman. Not only free ride but free beer. He said he had taken 12 beers since this drive from Aqaba. The speed of the car is over 100 km and also the road surface was with snow. Nevertheless, I safely arrived Amman in 3 hours' time. God bless me. The boss and his brother were very hospitable, not only free beer, free vodka in the hotel with all guests, but also free second hand smoking. anyway they prepared dinner for us also (need to pay this time) yummy meal. His brother learnt cooking in Beirut for a couple of years.
D23 & 24: Plane
Rained again. We went to Roman theatre and Citadel in Amman for a half day sightseeing. We went to the airport in the afternoon. Long long queue outside counter, we feared we could not check in on-time. but all the ppl in the queue were having same flight as us. I didn't understand why I needed not pay JD5 departure tax. Save a new banknote then (which is HKD60 almost). Journey was over. Flied from Amman to Doha and Doha to HK.
I really missed Syria and wanted to revisit sometimes in future. I missed the people, their chocolate and biscuits, and meals everything. I missed everything there.
My travel photos of Jordan and Syria (Yet to be finished)
One of my most memorable journeys till now. Not only because of getting a Syrian visa at the border, but also the hospitality of Syrian people and superb historic sites. Though the weather was cold and daytime was short (sunset was around 4:30 p.m.) and many sites were closed at 4:00 p.m., you rarely met another tourists even in some world heritages. You can fully spent whole day to travel and no need to hide from the sun during midday as in summer.
D1-2: Doha and Amman (Hotel Palace on D2)
Flied from HKG to Doha by Qatar at 6.30 p.m. 12 hours transit time. Slept at the airport and waited and short city sightseeing in Doha. Took flight at 12.30 p.m from Doha to Amman. Arrived Amman at 4.00 p.m. Resided at Hotel Palace (Recommended by LP as author's choice). But no hot water for bathing :<
D3: Amman (Hotel Palace)
Called a taxis to Syrian Embassy and tried to apply visa there. The embassy is located in high class residential area. Mission failed. We were turned away in less than 5 mins. Great! Took taxis to Wahadat bus station and took a bus at 11:00 a.m. to Mahada. We spent half day there and took our dinner at Haret Jdoudna in an old traditional house. We took bus back to Amman after dinner.
D4: Amman (Hotel Palace)
Joined a local tour to desert castles in eastern Jordan including a world heritage Qusayr Amra with superb frescoes. Returned to hotel at 5:00 p.m. My friend from Hong Kong joined us at the hotel.
D5: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
As told by hotel owner, it is easier for those w/o visa to get a visa on arrival at Dera/ Ramtha border rather than Jabir/Nasib. We took a bus to Ramtha and changed for a service taxis at Ramtha. We were asked for only a few questions and waited at the arrival hall of Syrian border for 0.5 hour. Our service taxi driver dropped at the border bus station. We took a bus to Damascus. We toured around old city in the afternoon. We watched Casino Royale (007) at Cham Cinema (next to Cham hotel) for 3 USD only!
D6: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
We went to Syrian Air to buy ticket to Aleppo but was full today. We bought the air ticket to Aleppo for around HK$170 only. 'Shopping' at general post office. Then we visited National Museum and Suleimaniyya (handicraft market). Old city again, we visited Chapel of Ananias.
D7: Aleppo (Hotel Hanadi)
Our flight was at 7:00 a.m. and our passport was 'detained' by airline staff when boarding (strange practice). Perhaps the reasons was the final destination of the flight was Paris. Hanadi Hotel as mentioned by LP was a Barbie hotel, pink in color. We visited the souq again and then Citadel. After sunset at 4:00 p.m., we returned to souq again and visited Great Mosque (Omiyaad). The atmosphere of souq was great, not touristic at all.
D8: Aleppo (Hotel Hanadi)
We joined a tour (actually a car with driver) through hotel. We visited Ebla, different dead cities: Jerada & Ruweiha, Serjilla, Al-bara. Returned to Aleppo at 5:00 p.m. Dined at Al Jdeida (Christian area).
D9: Hama (Hotel Cairo)
Rented a car (Benz) again thro' hotel, we visited Mushabbak, St. Simeon Basillica, Deir Samaan, Ain Dara. The driver dropped us at the bus station and helped us to buy the ticket to Hama. Our bus left at 4:00 p.m.. The boss of Hotel Cairo was a classic businessman with fluent English. Afterall, I think we got a fair deal with him.
D10: Hama (Hotel Cairo) 24/12
Rented a car thro' hotel. Visited Apamea in the morning and then Musyaf. In the afternoon, we visited Krak Des Chevaliers at 2:30 p.m. Only 1.5 hours left before closing. We left at 4.20 p.m. (if we didn't leave, we would be locked up there). Happy silent night at a nice restaurant in the traditional old house! Restaurant is also owned by the hotel boss. We bought some Hama favorite brand chocolate: LEE.
D11: Hama (Hotel Cairo)
Benz again and visited Beehive villages (Sarouj village). Then Qasr ibn Wardan and Rasafa (a very raw site under excavation). We passed thro' Euphrates River with military checkpoint. Today's our final destination was Qala'at Ja'abar. We left at 4:20 p.m. and returned to Hama at 7:00 p.m.
D12: Hama & Lattakia (Al Hayat Hotel)
We visited the norias in Hama. However, because of the rain, the view was so and so. We walked to the citadel and then lunch. We took a 3:30 p.m. departed bus to Lattakia. Lattakia is actually a container port. We had a full meal at a high restaurant near the port.
D13: Palmyra (Palace Hotel)
We rented a taxis thro' Lattakia Hotel. We visited Qala'at Saldin. A feeling of Great Wall because of the overgrown. We took a bus from Lattakia to Homs at 1:00 p.m. It was snowing at Homs. However, we were stuck at Homs new bus station at 3:30p.m. So many soldiers took bus. We could only get the bus ticket to Palmyra which bus departed at 12:00 a.m. With the help of a nice lawyer, we took a taxi to old bus station to get the bus to Palmyra. Not only the station was old, so did the bus. Interior of bus turned into a disco after departure with loud music and crazy lightings and naughty little passenger. Fainted! With 4-hr bumpy ride, we reached Palmyra at 7:00 p.m. We dined at Spring Restaurant and then chit chat with some French customers till midnight about political system in Hong Kong and French.
D14: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
We left hotel at 6:20 p.m. I believed it was below 0 degree outside. We were just able to see sunrise at the site. Having breakfast at hotel after sunrise. Return to the site and visited some tombs also. We took bus at 2:00 p.m. back to Damascus and arrived at 5:15 p.m. Of course, we stayed at Ai Diwan hotel again. Ai Diwan was not targetted for backpackers, so they did not offer any local tour/ car rental. We looked for a car to visit Seidnayya,Maalula and Mar Musa. We finally found a car with driver at one of the budget hotels. However, whether we could go still depended on the road conditions (coz snowed a few days before). It was below 2degree at night in Damascus.
D15:Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
Our nice driver with his new car was waiting us at 8:00 a.m outside the hotel. We visited Seidnayya and Maalula and Mar Musa. We were invited for having free lunch at the Mar Musa monastery, on the road back to Damascus, our car hitted a dog suddenly run out of the highway. We were safe except the bumper broken. The dog ... sorry. Back to hotel at 5:00 p.m., tomorrow was the start of Islamic holiday(Eid al-Adha). Though Friday, the souq would open till midnight, just like our CNY's eve. We also tried the highly recommended ice-cream shop in town Bekdach. Yummy, though temperature might be below zero. Very crowded souq.
D16: Damascus (Ai Diwan Hotel)
Today was Eid al-Adha. We took bus to Bosra. The Roman theatre was really huge and with good acoustic design. Great basalt rock and fine carving. We met 4 Chinese in Bosra. They were working in a glass factory in Aleppo and travelled around Syria during holidays. Returned to Damascus and enjoyed a great meal at a Chinese restaurant in Christian quarter (recommended by those Chinese guys). You rarely encountered a person at the souq. Great contrast with last nite.
D17: Amman (Hotel Amman Palace)
Wandered along the Straight Street. Most of the shops were closed because of new year. Visited Azem Palace and Omayad Mosque. It rained heavily :< After mosque, we visited some old house i.e. Aqqad House (now Danish Institute in Damascus). Final stop was St. Paul's chapel where Paul was hung out in a basket when he fled from Damascus. Time to say goodbye to Syria this hospitable country. We had a little farewell with staff of Ai Diwan Hotel (they treated us a nice lunch after stayed in their hotel for 5 days). We went to take bus to Amman. They Duty Free shop at the border looked no difference with any one in developed countries. So many cheap alcohlic drinks to buy. Great temptation. However, we encountered some problem at Jordan immigration office. They required us to buy visa for HKSAR passport which supposed to be visa free. Because of our insistence and with the help of the nice bus staff, we 'succeded'. No visa required! Jackie Chan's movie was shown on board. wow even in Syria/ Jordan.
D18: Amman (Hotel Amman Palace)
Took a bus to Jerash and spent 5 hours in the site. The weather was nice and we left when the site closed. As no bus returned to Amman coz it was too late, hitchhiked a van back to Amman (of course we needed to pay).
D19: Petra (Rose City Hotel)
One of my friends left for Hong Kong today. I and the other friends went to Qatar office to reconfirm our ticket and took a bus to Petra in the afternoon. Today was mainly occupied by logistics and transportation stuff. The hotel we resided just provided accommodation. We looked for travel agent around the town and finally got what we wanted in a backpacker hotel Valentine Inn. We booked a tour to Wadi Rum there.
D20: Wadi Rum (sleeping under the stars and moon in a Bedouin camp (5-star hotel in Wadi Rum - romantic!)
We took a jeep to the desert with the big boss of the camp, Zidane, a very tall guy and two drivers. Our group had 9 ppl in total mainly Asians, koreans, japanese. Wadi Rum view was fantastic, superb. I liked the rock bridge most! Zidane's camp was superb comparing to my previous stay in desert (Egypt, Morocco, India). Not only beds but pillow ... what can i say? But it was very cold at night. I saw nice sunset and sky with many many stars and moon there.
D21: Petra (Valentine Inn)
Picked our stuff and returned to Petra after breakfast. Went to Petra by ourselves and bought a 2-day pass. The weather was very bad with rain and strong wind and mist. The first day, we just walked till theatre and did not go further. We bought tickets for Petra by night. We walked through the siq four times in a day. Tired and boring show.
D22: Amman (Nansy Hotel)
Petra again and no improvement on the weather. Walked up hill to monastery and high place sacrifice. supposed to have a nice view there, however, the dust storm and mist hm.... Returned to Valentine Inn, we booked Nansy hotel thro' Valentine Inn already. The boss of Nansy hotel just there and offered a free ride to Amman. Not only free ride but free beer. He said he had taken 12 beers since this drive from Aqaba. The speed of the car is over 100 km and also the road surface was with snow. Nevertheless, I safely arrived Amman in 3 hours' time. God bless me. The boss and his brother were very hospitable, not only free beer, free vodka in the hotel with all guests, but also free second hand smoking. anyway they prepared dinner for us also (need to pay this time) yummy meal. His brother learnt cooking in Beirut for a couple of years.
D23 & 24: Plane
Rained again. We went to Roman theatre and Citadel in Amman for a half day sightseeing. We went to the airport in the afternoon. Long long queue outside counter, we feared we could not check in on-time. but all the ppl in the queue were having same flight as us. I didn't understand why I needed not pay JD5 departure tax. Save a new banknote then (which is HKD60 almost). Journey was over. Flied from Amman to Doha and Doha to HK.
I really missed Syria and wanted to revisit sometimes in future. I missed the people, their chocolate and biscuits, and meals everything. I missed everything there.
My travel photos of Jordan and Syria (Yet to be finished)
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