By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue Jun 10, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET Walking past gorillas and robots, followed by a church dating back 200 years, then skyscrapers with men in business suits pouring out and finally sitting down to a steak lunch while watching tango dancers…just another day in Buenos Aires. Navigating from neighborhood to neighborhood the scenes change quickly from graffitied buildings in San Telmo featuring gorillas and robots to the financial district with smartly dressed business men on Florida Avenue.
Buenos Aires has something for everyone and being such a walk-able place there is no better way to explore than on foot. Below is a short summary of my favorite neighborhoods in Argentina’s beautiful capital:
Monserrat
Home to the Casa Rosada where Eva Peron famously addressed the nation, Monserrat forms part of Buenos Aires’ business district. The concentration of significant public buildings and local history make this a requisite stop for any visitor. This small neighborhood can trace it’s roots back to colonial times, it was here in 1580 that Spanish conquistador Juan de Garay first arrived with settlers from Asuncion and Santa Fe.
Must see: Casa Rosada, the elegant pink government building (feature in the above photo)- guided tours are interesting and worth checking out, take a stroll around Plaza de Mayo, which is always busy and offers great people watching. You can see Buenos Aires oldest church in this barrio, Iglesia de San Ignacio de Loyola sanctified in 1734. And don’t miss Manzana de las Luces (Block of Enlightenment), a block of 18th century buildings including Buenos Aires National College
 Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is one of the newest barrios in Buenos Aires, located in the old port area, the brick warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants and offer excellent dining. Porteños (residents of Buenos Aires) spend weekend afternoons strolling along the docks, riding bikes on the wide pathways, and lingering over coffee and pastries at riverfront cafes offering great people watching.
Must see: Enjoy lunch at on of the many luxurious riverfront cafes, the all-you-can-eat lunch buffets are a great deal!
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Erica and Matt Chua: Buenos Aires Walking Tour
By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue Jun 3, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET Get up close and personal to whales, icebergs and flying penguins…what’s not to love about an Antarctic zodiac ride? A certain highlight of any Antarctica expedition are the zodiac rides cruising between massive icebergs, having whales swim up to check you out and seeing the unexpected beauties of Antarctica. While the view from the ship is great and the landings incredible, the zodiac rides provide an opportunity to get close to key parts of the Antarctic ecosystem.
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How often do you get to be in a boat that is dwarfed by an animal? Not just an animal, but a curious animal that wants to see what you’re all about? The sealife’s interest in the zodiacs is unforgettable, especially if you get to have a leopard seal try to eat your zodiak (it can’t, but that doesn’t stop them from taking a bite).
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Icebergs are beautiful from a distance, but stunning up close. Often I found myself just staring, mouth agape, at the array of colors, textures and angles of the icebergs. What my mind tells me should look like giant ice cubes are really so much more, acting as kaleidoscopes, coloring everything nearby.
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Erica and Matt Chua: Rafting Through Amazing Antarctica
By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue May 27, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET We have all made the argument before in our lives, pleading “I promise I’ll take care of it, I’ll feed it and walk it and bathe it everyday…it can even sleep with me.” This time the argument didn’t even need to be made, thinkCHUA wanted to take home a tiger too, only they weren’t for sale. On our visit to the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand we were able to pet the tigers, play with the cubs and take the tigers on a walk under the watchful eyes of the monks, but we couldn’t take them home. We were only able to take pictures and memories with us, even though the temptation was great to sneak a cub into our bags and back to our hostel.
thinkCHUA with tiger cubs at the Tiger Temple
The Tiger Temple or Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua is located in western Thailand, an easy day trip from Bangkok. This temple is a sanctuary not only for Buddhist monks but tigers and other wild animals. The temple was founded in 1994 and received their first tiger cub in 1999. Villagers brought tigers to the monks at Tiger Temple in cases where their mothers had been killed by poachers or the tigers were injured therefore unable to survive in the wild. Slowly their tiger population grew until they turned the operation into a conservation project and started breeding tigers. Tigers are expensive “pets,” which is where tourists come in.
One of the many devoted monks that care for the tigers at the temple.
It costs roughly 100 USD a day to care for a tiger and being that monks don’t earn any money to cover these costs, tourists can visit the temple for 600 baht per person (roughly $20 at 30 baht to the dollar). This is substantially higher than visiting any other temple but gives you the opportunity, as I mentioned above, to touch fully-grown tigers and to play with cubs. The money brought in by entrance fees covers the costs of feeding and caring for the tigers. The temple is also reforesting a large amount of land nearby (‘Buddhist Park’) in order to give tigers a chance to be released into the wild in the future.
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Erica and Matt Chua: Can We Take Him Home Please…
By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue May 20, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET Let’s be honest, sometimes you just do what’s easiest. Even on a quest to do everything, on-the-fly adjustments are based on convenience. For example, we took a night bus from Vientiane to Pakse to visit Vat Phou, pre-Angkor ruins. Coming off a 12-hour bus ride we realized that our enthusiasm would fade quickly, as it would take five hours of additional travel to Vat Phou, then a 3 hour bus ride to 4000 Islands; traveling with all our bags. As we considered our next move, a bus to 4000 Islands pulled up; hitting the easy button, we boarded.
The entry point to Don Dhet, the beach.
With plans as fluid as the Mekong which we stood on the banks of, we waited for additional travelers to share a boat to the islands. Though we intended to stay on Don Khone, the next travelers to arrive were going to Don Det. For the second time in one morning, our “plans” were pushed aside by the realities on the ground. We joined them on the boat to Don Det, knowing little about where we were headed.
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Erica and Matt Chua: Laos Unexpected II: 4000 Islands
By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue May 13, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET  Myanmar was not a “scheduled” country on our trip, in fact we knew very little about it until we had our tickets. Even after reviewing the Lonely Planet, it isn’t too often that you go to a place without a picture in your mind. Here are the thoughts that crossed our minds in the first days in Myanmar.
HE SAID…
I had no idea what to expect when stepping off the plane in Yangon. Really, no idea, I thought everyone could be riding horses around dirt roads or maybe a neon lit modern country. The first thing I saw was the airport, which, at a greatly reduced scale, was a dead ringer for the Bangkok airport we had left. Leaving the customs area, the I was surprised by the calm and quiet. It was like we had left Asia, there were no hotel touts and taxi drivers, instead, there were locals waiting for their family members to arrive.
The first night we went for a walk and were surprised by the tranquility and darkness. There were few streetlights in our area, but where there was light we saw very old vehicles and broken down roads. It reminded me of the outskirts of Havana, until the power went out. With no power, the dark roads turned pitch black for a few minutes until the roar of generators filled the air and lights came back on. Returning to our hotel we became horribly lost and started asking for directions, the people we encountered were as helpful as anyone could be, they sincerely wanted to help us, even if that meant leaving their store to show us where to go.
When daylight broke we headed downtown to explore. It was bustling and busy, but everybody was going about their own business, not hassling us. Kids didn’t follow us peddling trinkets. Men didn’t chase us offering taxi rides. Tour guides weren’t posing as friendly locals trying sell you a tour. While this looks like Asia, it is actually an alternate universe; we had entered the Twilight Zone.
I am looking forward to exploring Myanmar as everything I have encountered I have loved. The locals are helpful and friendly. The food is delicious, offering some of my favorites including Roti Pratha and proper, flakey, pastries. I am looking forward to what else I will find here.
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Erica and Matt Chua: He Said/She Said: Myanmar First Impressions
By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue May 6, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET Our Couchsurfing host asked us, “why do people visit Santiago?” Almost interrupting himself he clarified that he believed his city is a great place to live, but that there isn’t much for tourists. Having been there over a dozen times myself I wondered if anyone actually makes Santiago a destination. Then I remembered that one of my friends actually visited Santiago and at the time I wondered: why? Is Santiago worth a couple of days?
Do people visit for the views? Probably not. Even though one of the world’s great mountains is unbelievably close, you probably won’t see it because the city’s smog often obscures the view. OK…then is it the city itself?
The city of Santiago is clean and functional, much like Omaha or Minneapolis. There is as little to dislike as there is to thrill. Considering that the city was founded almost 500 years ago, it lacks the antiquated charm of other colonial towns in South America. It has neither the distinctive European charm of Buenos Aires nor the grittiness of La Paz. Even worse, it’s bested on both sides by it’s easily accessible neighbors of Valparaiso, Chile and Mendoza, Argentina. Head west 90 minutes and you are in the literal San Fransisco of South America, Valparaiso, which rises from the Pacific in a kaleidoscopic collage of precariously placed buildings. Head a few hours to the east and you’re in the Napa Valley of South America, Mendoza, which treats it’s visitors to over sized glasses of wine paired with overflowing Argentine barbeque. Pity poor Santiago, the city serves better as a gateway to other places than a destination in it’s own right.
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Erica and Matt Chua: Skippable Santiago Chile
By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue Apr 29, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET Formerly named Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s history is intertwined with it’s namesake tea. Luckily for visitors, the tea producing regions are also stunningly beautiful, featuring rolling hills, jagged extinct volcanoes, and the world’s best sunsets. Having been settled for thousands of years the hill country not only is modern, but has cultural sights worthy of the most experienced world traveler. Surrounding these areas are some of the globe’s best beaches, surfing areas and places for relaxation. A seemingly tiny country, Sri Lanka really has it all.
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DON’T MISS: Arugam Bay. It’s what surfing movies are made of: laid-back town, beautiful beaches, and a distinct lack of commercialization that ruins many of the world’s beaches. MUST SEE: The train from Kandy to Ella, one of the world’s great train rides that takes just 6 hours for less than $5 in comfortable second class. MUST TASTE: “Short Eats” Sri Lanka’s fast-food. Availability everywhere these snacks will fulfill any craving from meat to sweet.
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TRIP PLANNING: Sri Lanka is deceivingly small but packed with things to do. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy the beaches and see the sights. GETTING AROUND: Buses are great to get between major cities. With some strong negotiating rickshaws and taxis can be ridiculously cheap to get between places on your own schedule…but don’t accept the first five prices they offer you…
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OUR COST PER DAY (2 ppl): $32.26! Our cheapest country by FAR! COST OF A BEER: $1-2 for a 650ml beer. KEY MONEY-SAVING TIP: Take the A/C buses, they are 75% less than private transport (taxis) and will get you places in comfort.
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YOU NEED TO KNOW: Buses run on odd schedules such as only having connections early in the morning, check with your hotel to make sure you can make your connections. IF WE KNEW WHAT WE KNOW NOW: We would not bother going to Columbo at all. Negombo Beach is closer to the airport, easy to get to/from anywhere in the country, and much nicer than Columbo. HELPFUL LINKS TO LEARN MORE: Wikitravel Kandy, Wikitravel Airport, Wikitravel Sri Lanka.
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WE WERE THERE FOR: 3 weeks. OUR HIGHLIGHT: The T20 Cricket World Cup. We attended two matches and enjoyed every beer minute. WHERE WE WENT: Colombo, Kandy, Adam’s Peak, Ella, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Negombo, Dambulla WE REGRET MISSING: More beaches. After seeing three we wanted to see them all!
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Surfing, cricket, tea plantations and country life: what Sri Lanka is all about! Experience the best sights of Sri Lanka in our highlight reel of our three week visit to this amazing island.
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Discovering a true “surfer’s paradise” is what Arugam Bay is all about. This wonderland is a strip of beachside hotels, cafes and surf shops along an expansive bay of perfectly breaking waves. Experienced and novice surfers from the world over arrive to hit the waves, try surfing for the first time, or just enjoy the laid back surfer culture. It’s a can’t miss destination in Sri Lanka.
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The idea of 2000 year old Buddhist caves doesn’t excite many…until they step inside to discover the carefully carved, beautifully painted statues. Beginning in 100 BC local kings ordered these caves carved for future generations to marvel at, possibly making them more impressive today than when they were carved. Of the Ancient Cities in Sri Lanka this is the most impressive and reasonably priced, making it a must-see.
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Tea plantations rolling among cool hills is what Sri Lanka is all about. The country was formerly named Ceylon, a name which the world-renowned tea still bears. Ella and the Adam’s Peak areas give visitors the chance to marvel at the carefully tended hills, the other-worldly volcanic scenery and jagged peaks. By train, bus or foot, these areas are the Sri Lanka of legend.
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The only real city in “Hill Country” the cool air is a respite from the steamy coasts. Situated in a valley between lush green hills, the city is centered around a holy lake and a temple that purportedly houses one of Buddha’s teeth. It is a great town to relax and refresh while sipping tea.
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Find more experiences you could be having in Sri Lanka by clicking here!
By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue Apr 22, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET Indonesia has a little something for everyone. It is known for beaches, partying and diving, but there is so much more. Heading east, the hard-partying ends in Lombok and the party gives way to nature’s best in Komodo, Flores and all the way to Papua. Head north from Bali and Lombok and you’ll find much of the same in Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi. In all of these places you’ll find one of the most diverse ecosystems anywhere. This ecosystem extends to the sea, with some of the best diving in the world. Culture buffs, don’t worry, there are thousand-year old temples and indigenous tribes that have had little outside contact. If exploring and adventure isn’t what you’re looking for, don’t fret, there are thousands of miles of unspoiled beaches for you to enjoy. Indonesia, a place with everything, to insure everyone leaves happy.
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DON’T MISS: The Gili Islands off Lombok, it is what secluded beach dreams are made of. There is lodging for everyone, from $10 beach huts to $200 five-star hotels, all close to quiet, beautiful, beaches. MUST SEE: Prambanan (Yogyakarta, Java), Ubud (Bali), Gili Islands (Lombok) MUST TASTE: Soto Ayam, chicken soup with spice
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TRIP PLANNING: Indonesia is a vast archipelago. A week is enough to enjoy the beaches and diversions of Bali and Lombok. It takes at the very least two weeks to visit Komodo and Flores. It takes at least a month to fully see Borneo, but two weeks in East Kalimantan will do for most. GETTING AROUND: Tourist buses and ferries are the easiest way to get around, including island-to-island. Within cities only take the Blue Bird taxis as they are known to be the most honest taxis in Indonesia.
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OUR COST PER DAY (2 ppl): $58.44 COST OF A BEER: $3-4 KEY MONEY-SAVING TIP: The budget accommodations can be very nice. If you arrive and start looking for $20/night rooms you may find a comfortable room, free breakfast, wifi, a pool and gorgeous surroundings.
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YOU NEED TO KNOW: Bali, especially the Kuta/Seminyak area is like Cancun for Americans or Ibiza for Europeans, there are loud, drunken parties. However, there are plenty of places you can escape this, including northern Bali. IF WE KNEW WHAT WE KNOW NOW: We would have stayed for two months in order to travel east through Komodo and Flores, then up to Sulawesi. Travel takes more time and effort than expected, making long-distance travel difficult. HELPFUL LINKS TO LEARN MORE: Travelfish, Wikitravel. Please send us any sites you found useful and we’ll add them!
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WE WERE THERE FOR: 4 weeks OUR HIGHLIGHT: A friend’s Javanese wedding in Jakarta WHERE WE WENT: Java, Bali, Lombok, Kalimantan WE REGRET MISSING: Komodo and Flores…we’ll be back.
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Short on time? The highlight reel of our 4 week trip to Indonesia including ancient temples, a wedding, beautiful beaches, sunsets, dancing monkeys and more. Tour Indonesia in 26 photos!
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Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali offering a more laid back and cooler locale than the beaches of South Bali. Around Ubud are temples, ancient sites and whole villages producing handicrafts. The lush rice paddies and huge coconut trees lend a village feel, however the boutiques remind you that you’re in a tourist center. In many ways Ubud offers the best of both worlds, culture and comfort.
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The Central Mountains of Bali are dominated by the mighty Gunung Batur. The slopes of this and the other peaks in the central part of the island hold some of the most verdant rice fields, especially in Jatiluwh, and tropical vistas you can imagine. Along the northern coast Lovina offers attractive beaches. The best way to see the area is by your own transport, which allows you to enjoy the views at your own pace and get lost in the villages along the way.
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By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue Apr 15, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET South Korea is a testament to human will. It is one of only a handful of cultures that can claim 5000 years of continuous civilization. Of those 5000 years, the last century was one of the most difficult; few populations have ever been put through so much, yet it stands today as one of the world’s richest countries. Walking through its streets today it is hard to believe that just 60 years ago it was a smoldering war zone, having been leveled twice: WWII and the Korean War. From a tourist’s point of view the country has few draws as it seems like any modern country, until you look around and consider everything you see around you represents a miracle for even existing. South Korea jumped as many hurdles as any modern country ever has, making it a worthy stopover en-route to other Asian destinations.
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DON’T MISS: Busan. Insert any positive superlatives about a gorgeous, modern, beachfront city here. MUST SEE: SpaLand (Busan), Beomeosa Temple (Busan), DMZ, War Memorial of Korea, Seoul MUST TASTE: A traditional Korean dinner, Hanjeongsik, composed of an array of small dishes (banchan, directly translates to “side dishes”).
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TRIP PLANNING: A whirlwind weekend is enough to see either Seoul or Busan. Add more time to visit Gyeongju or Jeju Island GETTING AROUND: Public transport is fantastic inside Busan and Seoul, with affordable taxis everywhere else. To get between Busan and Seoul, take a bullet train and travel at 320km/hr (~200Mph).
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OUR COST PER DAY (2 ppl): $54.60 COST OF A BEER: $2-3 at a chicken and beer restaurant, make sure to try the fried chicken, South Korean fried chicken is delicious. KEY MONEY-SAVING TIP: Cabs are cheap, but don’t try to cross the city in one as Seoul and Busan are huge and the fare will sky rocket quickly. Use public transport to get as close to your destination as possible and then a cab if needed. In both Busan and Seoul you can get a transport card that makes subway and bus riding hassle free. Tourist information centers can help you purchase these cards.
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YOU NEED TO KNOW: Many/most of the young people know basic English. They may not be confident speaking, but if you need directions most can help you. IF WE KNEW WHAT WE KNOW NOW: We would have spent less time in Seoul as it can be done in just a weekend. HELPFUL LINKS TO LEARN MORE: Top things to do in Busan, Top 10 things to do in Seoul, Wikitravel. Please send us any sites you found useful and we’ll add them!
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WE WERE THERE FOR: 2 weeks OUR HIGHLIGHT: Couchsurfing with an American in Busan. It was nice to have someone that understood everything we said after months of broken English conversations. WHERE WE WENT: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan WE REGRET MISSING: Jeju-do (Jeju Island). We’ve heard many great things.
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Short on time? The highlight reel of our 3 week trip to South Korea including beaches, oceanside temples, fish markets, skyscrapers, fried chicken and more. Tour South Korea in under 15 photos!
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Busan is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world. The city is located on the southeasternmost tip of the Korean peninsula and is a source of pride for Koreans. As it should be, the wonderful beaches of Haeundae to the world’s largest department store in downtown this city should be a must-visit in Korea.
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Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC – 935 AD) which ruled most of the Korean Peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries. A vast number of archaeological sites and cultural properties from this period remain in the city. Gyeongju is often referred to as “the museum without walls”.
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Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea. A mega city with a population of over 10 million, it is one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world. Historic buildings are tucked in amongst the skyscrapers and apartment buildings are everywhere. From the indoor markets to the arts district Seoul has many different sides. While it may not be built for tourists you get a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of living in South Korea.
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By Erica and Matt Chua, on Tue Apr 8, 2014 at 8:30 AM ET The United Arab Emirates is a stage for the world’s super-rich to strut their stuff in pricey hotels, clubs and malls. For example, mall’s include ski slopes, ice arenas, massive aquariums and more high-end shopping than could ever afford. If the glitz and glam are too much, neighboring Abu Dhabi provides a taste of culture in the world’s most expensive mosque which puts the Taj Mahal to shame. For speed addicts, Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World boasts the world’s fastest roller coaster, while the traditional camel market in Al Ain provides a welcome counterpoint. Even if you don’t have the money to roll with the Emerati, you can still enjoy their playground.
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DON’T MISS: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, it has to be seen to be believed. MUST SEE: The Burj al-Khalifa (Dubai), the world’s tallest building, Al Ain camel market, Dubai Marina, Dubai gold souk and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. MUST TASTE: Possibly there are better choices, but after two years of traveling we indulged on New York’s famous Shake Shack burgers and other American delicacies.
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TRIP PLANNING: See the highlights of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in a weekend, but plan for a week to include Oman. GETTING AROUND: Make use of the excellent buses. Utilize airline’s free shuttles between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Getting around is substantially easier if you rent a car.
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OUR COST PER DAY (2 ppl): $64.71 COST OF A BEER: $5-$12 USD, alcohol is available exclusively at international hotels and pubs. KEY MONEY-SAVING TIP: Use Priceline for the best hotel rates, you can score a luxurious hotel for a great price due to the over-supply of hotels in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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YOU NEED TO KNOW: Conservative clothing is required and shows respect for Emirati culture, revealing clothing worn by men or women can be quite offensive. IF WE KNEW WHAT WE KNOW NOW: We would have spent more time in neighboring Oman. HELPFUL LINKS TO LEARN MORE: The New York Times recommendations for spending a weekend in Abu Dhabi.
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WE WERE THERE FOR: 7 days OUR HIGHLIGHT: Experiencing 1.7 Gs of force on the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. WHERE WE WENT: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain WE REGRET MISSING: The view from the top of the Burj al-Khalifa.
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Ferraris, gold, mosques and camels. See the best of the UAE in only 23 photos!
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Called the “world’s richest city”, Abu Dhabi is more than money. Rich with culture, entertainment and beauty it is a sight to behold.
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“World’s _____” begins many sentences about Dubai. Home to many of the world’s best, Dubai doesn’t disappoint, see why for yourself.
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