Beyond the Dot, Paramotoring in Chiangmai, Thailand

Paramotoring in Chiangmai

Taking to the skies

I've been to Chiangmai a few times but I've never realized that you could sign up for powered paragliding or paramotoring as they call it. So on my latest trip I decided that it was an opportunity to try this out.

Beyond the Dot, Hue - First Impressions, Vietnam

Hue – First Impressions

I had only planned a day trip from Da Nang to Hue, which was the imperial capital of Vietnam from the 19th century until the mid 20th century. Now that I’ve been there, I think a day trip is too short and Hue deserves a proper visit of 2 to 3 days to really take in its ancient history and culture. So this trip will have to be a first impression for me.

Beyond the Dot, Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town

While Da Nang is the gateway to central Vietnam, Hoi An is probably the main hall where most visitors will end up staying. This UNESCO world heritage site is famous for its well preserved old town and an example of a 15th century trading port in South East Asia.

Beyond the Dot, Danang, Vietnam

Da Nang

I’ve been longing to visit the central Vietnamese cities of Da Nang and Hoi An for some time. But Covid19 had put a more than 2 years hiatus on all overseas trips until now. With the reopening of unrestricted tourism in most Southeast Asian countries it was time to plan my visit this August.

Beyond the Dot, Indonesia, The Tower of Medan

The Tower of Medan

With the cautious reopening of South East Asian countries to international visitors, it was time that air travel started to resuscitate this year. Business travel is more or less going full throttle as we start to meet business partners and colleagues in person rather through a Zoom call. So I took the first flight out without the need for any Covid tests or quarantine. It almost felt normal again.

Beyond the Dot, Laos, The Power of 2

The Power of 2

With most travel being cancelled for 2020, I took some time to look through some of my photos from past trips. It’s a great way to reminiscence on places and people, and perhaps find some insight which I missed out because I was busy catching up with work after a trip.

Beyond the Dot, Life on the Delta, Myanmar

Life on the Delta

It’s surprising how events have turned out. In February, alarms were being raised about COVID19 but few countries seemed to have heeded them seriously. And now in March through April, half of the world is on lockdown, planes and ships are mostly grounded, travelling is virtually non-existent and almost everyone is confined at home. So here is a trip made just before Stay At Home became vogue.

Beyond the Dot, China, The Circus

The Circus

If you like circus performances then the Chimelong International Circus in Guangzhou is one place you should visit. Featuring a large cast of international performers and animals, this is a treat for all kids and the kid in all of us.

Beyond the Dot, China, The Sandy Island

The Sandy Island

Continuing on my previous blog on Guangzhou, this one is about Shamian (沙面) Island, a former enclave of the European powers in the city. Given the historical context of the Opium Wars, rise of Communism and the Cultural Revolution, it’s a wonder that the colonial buildings here were not demolished in a fit of nationalistic rage.

Beyond the Dot, China, Guangzhou

Guangzhou (Canton)

I haven’t been back to the Middle Kingdom since 6 years ago, so this trip to China was to be an eye opener into the changes that have overtaken the country. This was also my first time visiting the city of Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities after Beijing and Shanghai.

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