Singapore – the Lion City from the land’s end. Episode 1

For some, Singapore is the paradise of order, discipline and cleanliness– where else could you find an entire Indian neighborhood that is spotless? For others, Singapore is a sterile, conformist city, lacking color and taste, a city for androids (I don’t mean the operating system). But both parties are right. The city-state from Malay Peninsula is the embodiment of tranquility, order and discipline in a part of the world that is extremely colorful and vibrant. But even here, the atmosphere becomes a liberal and relaxed one and when” the iron government” of Singapore loosened up certain practices (for example, dancing on top of a bar was removed from the list of offences and the closing time of bars was extended ‘til midnight during the week and until 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays) fun entered the city in full speed. read more…

The legends of Hong Kong: Chungking & Mirador Mansions

In Kowloon peninsula from Hong Kong there’s an area called Tsim Sha Tsui. The area is also known as “Golden Mile” because here can be found the most expensive land in the world. Three years ago, the owners took the decision of demolishing Hyatt Hotel which had about 10 – 12 stories and preparing the setting for a much larger building which was still under construction in 2009 when I was last time in Hong Kong…The terrain below what used to be Hyatt Hotel,  costs probably more than a 5 star hotel. Well, on this “golden” ground, can be found two buildings for backpackers and immigrants – some massive grey blocks of about 15 – 16 stories that are housing a few hundreds of guesthouses. Millions of backpackers from all around the world have lived here during the last 50 years, thus transforming Chungking and Mirador Mansions into legendary places such as Thamel in Kathmandu, Khao San Road from Bangkok or Goa…The cheapest accommodation in Hong Kong located in the most expensive residential area in the world! read more…

Hong Kong – takes your breath away!

For decades, Hong Kong has been the capital of the East, the meeting point between the world and the Great China.  For many years, whatever was manufactured in China was being sold outside under the “Made in Hong Kong” label. For the British Empire, it remained for a long period of time as its “final frontier”. Starting with 1997, it becomes part of the Popular Republic of China, but under a special ruling granted for 50 years. Welcome to Hong Kong !!! read more…

The world’s last divided capital. Episode 3: The Green Line

Today, my steps will wonder through the more gloomy side of Nicosia… It’s the Green Line, the fortified and militarized area that is under UN control and which divides Nicosia in two. Although tension is long gone in most of Cyprus, in this area you can still feel it in the air… even though you do not see fully equipped soldiers, but merely remains – bombed houses, walls with bullet holes, barricades, barbed wire… read more…

The world’s last divided capital. Episode 2: Northern Nicosia.

For many years, the border between the Turkish Cypriots and Greeks was tightly closed… From one side to the other, only high officials and UN troops were passing by. Then, a passing point was opened, the famous checkpoint called Ledra Palace, next to what it used to be the coolest hotel of united Nicosia. After that, foreigners were allowed to cross on the other  side, but only by foot and provided they returned by 6 P.M. If they arrived late, The Republic of Cyprus did not accept them anymore in Southern Nicosia.

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