In search of family-friendly activities in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we proceeded to the Chiang Mai Zoo after our visit to the elephants at the Elefin Cafe. Our timing was just right as it was not so hot, and we also saw performances from both professional entertainers and the amazing animals! In between, I took a moment to reflect on life so far—while enjoying the Chiang Mai sunset before me.
Over the mountains, orange and red hues; reminders of life wrapping up everyday, as it should and would continue to do so. Exploring a new place is always special to me, but this winter sunset in Chiang Mai while on trip with family somehow hit differently—a sight to behold for a future that continues to unfold.
If there is anything that I miss in Hong Kong apart from the Dimsum and Noodles, it will be the Ocean Park. Yes, if I can only choose one between Ocean Park and Disneyland, I would go for Ocean Park. I’d probably choose Dimsum over it, but that’s a story for another time. 🙂
Hong Kong Ocean Park was actually an hour longer/farther away from where we lived as compared to the short time it takes to get to Disneyland. However, the majesty and quiet brilliance of water creatures easily trumps the glamour and pomp seen in Disneyland. No, I will not debate whether animals should be in man-made environments but rather, I will invite you to open yourself to the possibilities.
Hong Kong Ocean Park offered my family, with infant and toddler at the time, to have a glimpse of life in water which we otherwise would not have known. We marvelled at the creatures and stood in amazement at how elegant and hypnotic their movements are. We also learned more than a thing or two while visiting Hong Kong Ocean Park, and I’m hoping that the explorations and interactions at least took part in shaping our children’s understanding of the bigger, natural world around them.
Kite Beach is definitely among our favorite beaches in Dubai. Simple and unassuming as it was, it provided our family great fun and, more importantly, comfort when there was a lot of uncertainty in our lives during the early and waning days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Easily accessible by public and private (more common) transport, Kite Beach is a popular destination among families and friends looking for some fun in the sun and sand without much of the crowd (unlike in JBC). Not sure how it is now, but that was our experience throughout 2019, 2020, and 2022. And it’s free!
If someday I return to Dubai, I’d definitely head over to Kite Beach—not just for the old memories but to make new ones as well. Though UAE seems more like a transit than the destination for our family now, a visit to Dubai and its beaches is never off the table!
Definitely among the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen, The Little Mermaid (aka Den Lille Havfrue) is named/advertised correctly since it is, indeed, little.
Despite not being a gigantic, larger-than-life statue, The Little Mermaid draws crowds by the hundreds, if not thousands everyday. More actually, if we include tourists on the canal boat tours that capture her image from the water.
While some may think Edvard Eriksen‘s sculpture is “just sitting pretty” out in the water, The Little Mermaid actually lives a dangerous life—lost her head twice, arm was sawed off, and was bathed in paint. Kudos to those who fix her up, and for The Little Mermaid of Copenhagen for always take everything in stride, ready to leave in awe her new visitors every day.
E and Baby T having a moment (while we all were eating!)
We’ve always talked about going to Lake Pandin but it was only two Saturdays ago that we finally did. And it was a good decision to head out of Manila and venture to San Pablo in Laguna for a much-needed nature trippin away from the concrete jungle. I’ve heard about Lake Pandin from some friends and thought, it could be a good easy-breezy day trip. Imagine, a two-hour raft ride with a picnic lunch of fresh food prepared by men and women from the community. And it was. The 10-15-minute walk from the parking lot to the lakeshore was a good appetizer for our lunch of rice, grilled tilapia and chicken, fern (pako) salad with salted egg, butter garlic (mini) shrimps, bananas, pineapples and coconut water! A bit of swimming here, a bit of jumping there, a lot of eating and more of chatting — such a chill time! And baby-friendly too! I fully recommend for y’all to try going to this trip (except during really rainy days as the trek path might be too muddy/slippery) not just for the good lunch and scenery, but also to support local ecotourism at Lake Pandin.
Life is short so take a leap of faith. Let’s wander, explore and discover. Come and journey with me.
The Diarist Wanders 