Port of Kobe: Nostalgic Night Scene

A new post with an outdated photos of my stay in Hyogo Prefecture 3 years ago. During the 3 week stay for a training under the Youth Leadership Programme sponsored by JICA, I have the chance to visit several places of interest in the Kansai region of Japan for the very first time (at that time, year 2008). With a three weeks stay, definitely, I'm still having lots of photos to be blogged.

For starters, this post will mainly be about the visit to the Port of Kobe during the winter night of 2008.

The Kobe Port Tower, is a hyperboloid 108m structure in the port city of Kobe, Hyogo. With an observation deck, the tower completed in the year 1963 and is similiar to the Sydney tower. During the night, it is decorated with lights all over uniquely.

Below are the photos of Kobe Port Tower from different angle

Close-up 12x zoom, from here it looks like it's a miniature scaffolding of the tower, but it's not and it's for real :D

Side winder perspective

Meriken Park of Kobe

The Meriken Park consists of Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum, and a memorial to victims of the Great Hanshin earthquake.

A ferris wheel and A restaurant called Mosaic / or several restaurants with amusement parks. I went into one of the amusement center and I spent 5000 yen at that time (USD50) playing the catcha...crazy eh? and luckily I've got the adidas golden ball..At least it's worth it.

 The whole area with reflections of beautiful lightings, too bad that the sea was not really calm at that time. Thus, no perfect reflection like this posting in Kyoto.

That's me on the right with my two great Malaysian friends, Pak Zam and Pak Raj aka bird lover. really 1 Malaysia.

That's one of the coolest hotel design in Kobe, the Oriental Hotel

A beautiful crystal chandelier inside the Oriental Hotel dedicated to my readers :D. 

Be back for more :D

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Zebra Crossing Lodge: Cape Town's Backpacker's Lodge

First and foremost, this is actually a late posting by 2 years. I have always wanted to blog and review about the Zebra Crossing Lodge as it was the place I have stayed for 3 nights on my first visit to Cape Town. I have enjoyed the stay very much. Basically, I get to interact with many young foreign adventurer/tourist during my stay. You will not be able to experience such fun if you are staying in a standard hotel. The lodge are managed by two sweet ladies at that time, Ms Susan and Ms Stacey (I still hope that they are still in Zebra Crossing Lodge) and they have been a wonderful host for me such as arranging and planning tours around Cape Town. Too bad I did not have the chance for a picture with them.

Well, that's a past, but I have some great photos to shared with my friends and other future Cape Town tourists with hope that it will promote the lodge even more :D

That's the  Zebra stripe gate greeting you...Nice and simple :D

On the left, and right, the main entrance with proper locking system

And a fruit tree at the garden, is that lemon tree or tangerine?

Nevertheless, let's get over first hall. A nice and cosy place whereby you can enjoy some novel reading or even play the piano.

and here's the 2nd hall whereby I still remembered that I sat here enjoying the FIFA Confederation Cup Match between Italy and USA in the year 2009.

And this was my cosy bedroom at an affordable cost (sorry that I have forgotten how much is the cost for this room though)

And if you're hungry, you can make yourself a meal at the kitchen or you can even order some food at the cafetaria.

And that's my bowl of flakes in the morning before my departure back to Pretoria. And I have been picked-up by another nice Indian ethnic guy (sorry dude, I have forgotten your name)

Overall I would like to give Zebra Crossing Lodge a rating 5/5, for it's affordability, great backpacker's experience, courteous host, cleanliness, amenities and facilities (Free WiFi provided) and great location. 

I will DEFINITELY return to this lodge again in my next visit.

It is a highly recommended place for a budget traveler who loves to experience social communication with other travelers.

However, if you are expecting some luxurious experience or if you are a very private person, this place is not for you. 

Cheers! and Dankie!

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First Time in Hatyai: Khlong Hai Floating Market

4 months blog post hiatus, 8 months 'travel-less' life, a meagre 2 days trip to Hatyai, the nearest possible out of Malaysia location which I myself did not even considered it a trip. Even so, that's the first time I managed to visit Hatyai, Songkhla Province, in my 28 years of life on Earth even though I have been to other places in Thailand (I was in Bangkok for 2 years though). Well complains aside, I would like to connect back my travelogue by sharing about the short 'survey' of the Khlong Hai Floating Market in Hatyai. 

The Khlong Hai Floating Market..the feeling itself in the evening after heavy downpour

 Varieties of Foods to be tasted and enjoyed

 Very colorful foods

 Some steamboat stuff

 Since we're near the border of Malaysia, most of the Thai here are Muslim Thai, they can be identified by their dressings though sometimes they are mistaken as a Malaysian. (One of my friend accidentally spoken Malay to them which left them puzzled.)

A baby elephant performing for us..

That's all for now!! Goodbye and I will be back soon for more..well hopefully more..

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