First trip to the Holy Land

First trip to the Holy Land - Jerusalem

Jerusalem - The Emirates flight took off on time and it was a smooth journey to Dubai with a connecting flight to Tel Aviv. The flight arrived in Dubai on time and there was an Emirates lady with a sign to bring me to my gate. In the future, 1hr layover is too short for the connecting flight - at least 2hrs would be good.

Jerusalem means 'City of Peace' and Mount Zion is where Jerusalem sits. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the wold and considered a holy city by 3 major religions - Christianity, Judaism and Muslim. Also both Israel and Palestine claim it as their capital. Today, the city walls define the Old City, which has been traditionally divided into four-quarters—known since the early 19th century as the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim quarters. The Old City became a World Heritage Site in 1981.

There are many taxi touts at the airport - their taxi apps of Uber and Gett is basically useless as the taxi drivers will call and ask you to pay cash, otherwise they will not take you. These touts will walk up to you "you want taxi", "where are you going", and when I say I am taking a taxi from app - he said "good luck". At first, I did not understand why until - I got into a Gett taxi and since I am paying cash - he cancelled my booking and told me the price is NIS 350 (which is about S$ 152.

There is even a big news in Israel on taxi rip offs.

My booked hotel is New Imperial Hotel, the new is a misnomer as there is nothing new about it. There are flight of stairs to my room for USD 180 /night.

my room

Cupboard

The cupboard was blocked by the dressing table - so cannot open the cupboard doors to hang my clothes.

Ceiling of the room

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Calesa around Intramuros

Manila - Together with Albert, we took a calesa (horse drawn carriage used in Philippines) around Intramuros. Albert and Lesley Albert and I Intramuros is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. The walled part of Manila was called intramuros, which is Latin for "within the walls"; districts beyond the walls are known as extramuros meaning outside the walls. Construction of the defensive walls was started by the Spaniards in the late 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasions. Guarding the old city is Fortaiago wich is located at the mouth of the river. Gallery of Philippines past and present presidents General MacArthur Battle HQ Entrance of General MacArthur HQ Manila Hotel Manila Hotel in the distance Manila hotel is the oldest hotel in the Philippines and the most well known icon. Baluarte De San Andres Cannons lined in a semi-circle Colegio de San Juan de Letran was founded in...

Cheong Guk Jang - fermented bean soup

Seoul - Lunch with Youngjin was at a traditional soup restaurant and it was crowded. Youngjin asked me many times Cheonggukjang "ok", I said ok not knowing what to expect. I have tried many weird and smelly good in Seoul, so I was very prepared. My first time tasting Cheonggukjang and I like it. CheongGukJang 청국장 is fermented soybean soup aka Stinky soup. Actually, I like fermented food and the smell does not put me off. I like fermented food because of the many health benefits and also we have them here in Singapore - tempe, belachan, fermented bean curd (which I love with my porridge), chincaluk, etc.. very hot Cheonggukjang I always buy danjang paste and bring home to make soup. I understand that they are the same but the difference is Cheonggukjang beans are uncrushed and are fermented for a longer period of time.

Temple Street Night Market

Kowloon - This flea market is full of quirky, Hong Kong souvenirs and t-shirts to take home. The actual market on Temple Street is in the Yau Ma Tei and Jordan sections of Temple Street. The flea market starts in the late afternoon every day and continues throughout the evening. You can find fake’designer' handbags, sunglasses, clothes, and electronic gadgets. The atmosphere was filled with many tourist of different nationalities. Along the sides were many seafood restaurants, mostly crowded. You will also find fortuner teller stalls plying their trade.

Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

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