A vacation sans Social Media, and discoveries there of…

Jan 10, 2013

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Over the holiday season, I decided to take some time off and travel to Asia – Hong Kong, Singapore, and India. The plan was to unplug — no blogs, podcasts, tweets, or Facebook posts — and smell the proverbial roses. I emerged with moderate success and decided to write this blog about a vacation sans social media.

This post has nothing to do with my usual topics – squash, tennis, or social media.

During my travels, a few random things caught my attention. I felt that some of them may make you think. So here they are.

A new appreciation for Sichuan cuisine

My ability to handle spicy food was brought seriously into question when I had to call it quits midway through my order at Chilli Fagara, a Michelin star restaurant, in Hong Kong.

The food was great!

The other patrons did not appear to notice that the food was being served on a bed of red chillies. The only non-spicy item in our order was the beer!

Cartier Boutiques in Hong Kong

There are eleven direct Cartier Boutiques in Hong Kong, where people were lining up to get in. It was not Boxing Day! To put things in perspective, New York City has three.

Ten shots challenge at the Marlin Bar, Hong Kong

Before I stumbled upon the Marlin Bar in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong, I had no idea that someone could down ten shots in less than eight seconds. Notice the Canadian in the winners list? I should get out more!

The natural beauty of Kerala

As per Google, my home state Kerala has become the most searched travel destination in India, overtaking the Taj Mahal!

#ad

Who knew? Must have had something to do with my moving out!

Houseboats in Kerala

Houseboats have become big business in Kerala. Some of them boast up to five well-equipped bedrooms and can set you back a cool grand.

Image credit: McKay Savage London, UK – India – Kerala – Houseboats for rent.

Marina Bay Sands and Casino, Singapore

Did you know that the Singapore government discourages citizens and permanent residents from using the casino by charging a $100 levy per day to enter, while foreigners can walk in free? Moral double standards? Or, a lesson for Toronto city councilors who are squabbling about a potential casino in Toronto?

#Ad

Singapore Casino — Courtesy: http://www.marinabaysands.com/

Singapore Sling

Singapore Sling, the cocktail, was developed by a bartender working at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore.

Unambiguous messages:

The disembarkation form filled out by every visitor to Singapore states in no uncertain terms “death” is the punishment for drug trafficking.

No room for misinterpretation.

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Dax Nair

Ex-Techie | Racquet Sports & Travel Blogger | Real-World Experiences

Comments

11 responses to “A vacation sans Social Media, and discoveries there of…”

yvonne Williams

January 22, 2013

Really enjoyed your blog Dax! I usually like new recipes but i think i’ll pass on that one and i don’t remember seeing 10 Cartier boutiques in Hong Kong when i was there over 12 years ago!!!

Reply
1. Dax
  
  January 22, 2013
  
  Thanks for the comment Yvonne! I would stay clear of the chilli chicken! Yup, when compared to other large cities, HK would appear to have a large number of designer stores/per capita.
  
  Reply
Upen Shah

January 15, 2013

Hi Dax,

Excellent blog. I definitely see travel/journalism in your future. Picture of food being served on a bed of red chillies was interesting & scary.

Upen

Reply
Venky Rao

January 13, 2013

Interesting read. Nice Pics.
Here is a tip – Canadian Audience needs a good travel related chanel!!!!!

Reply
1. Dax
  
  January 13, 2013
  
  It had not occurred to me that we do not have a good travel channel in Canada like they have in UK & the US. Are you suggesting that I become the next Anthony Bourdain? Here is the Kerala episode: http://bit.ly/ZXf1Ew and a pic of a “sadya” that I attended in Kerala. http://on.fb.me/11sVSuw
  
  Reply
An aquaintance

January 11, 2013

Loved the pictures, maybe become a photographer, instead of journalist.

This reminds me of the time you gave up having a beer for a whole month, which did you find harder to do. I would say giving up the beer, you were too busy to miss the social media scene, as you had much better scenery this time.

Reply
1. Dax
  
  January 11, 2013
  
  I would agree. Though I must admit that it keeps me occupied, especially now that I am off the squash and tennis courts for a few more weeks.
  
  Reply
Mohan Nair

January 11, 2013

Hey Dax:
Great blog dude. I think this is a first step toward travel journalism.
Maybe you could have expanded a bit.
Nice

Reply
1. Dax
  
  January 11, 2013
  
  Thanks Mohan!
  Trying to minimize the info over load by keeping posts short. Day will come when I join the “have money, will travel” set, and blog…
  
  Reply
Dax

January 11, 2013

Hans, Thanks for the comment. Agree with you that travelling through the Far East is an experience in itself. Certainly the hustle and the bustle takes a little getting used to. On the political correctness front, perhaps we take it a bit too far?

Reply
Hans

January 11, 2013

Everyone should travel through the east and experience the colourful culture. Amazing photos! the last photo of your Singapore entry document reminds me of a photo I took while standing in line re-entering Hong Kong from China a few years ago. The was a customs line at the Ferry Terminal that read “This Lane for the Weak and Disabled” Not politically correct but leaves nothing up for misinterpretation.

Reply