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Back in Montreal within 6 months. Am just glad that it’s early november where its not so cold and there are no minus temperatures. :) Weather was pretty good actually the 3 days i was there.

Am not so sure what to do in Montreal, i mean, I was told that if i want to see old architectures, they are all in Europe ? And that i should explore Quebec instead…. go out to the wilderness, visit the cabins and hunt some black bears? Er…..lets just say 3 days is not enough for that.

But I have wonderful memories of this place. I was last here 14-15 years ago as a student. Back then,  I met up with many friends, made new friends, slept thru half of the trip due to jetlag, went to the little chinese cafes where i had my cheap student dinners, seeing snow for the 1st time, had “frozen face” for walking too long outside  at -15 degrees celsius, watching movies at St Catherine’s….

Montreal will always be a special place for me.

Was staying at the fashionably hip Le Petit hotel in Montreal.

Situated along Rue St Paul Ouest in old montreal, its a gem of a find. The hotel is surrounded by art galleries and fancy restaurants. Its has the atmosphere of a hip bar where the coolest people hang out. The hotel staffs are extremely friendly and helpful. I was made to feel right at home the moment I stepped thru the door, of course, with them being good looking and beautiful helps. I hope you can understand what i mean.

“Zen” music fills the air  when i opened the door, very hip. The rooms are huge. I mean, if you have stayed in the hotels at Opera in Paris, you will know that the room consist of a bed and a walkway of the same width. In my room at Le Petit, its like 5-10 times the size of that !!

Breakfast is also decent. Croissants, yoghurt, fruits……

Within a short walk of Le Petit is Chinatown, not sure how far, maybe 3-5 km away. OK, its nothing spectacular like those in New York or Vancouver but its a place I have been 15 years ago. Looks like nothing changed except for the shops.

Ahhhh…Beef Congee on a cold sunday morning……memories……

Somethings does not change. I feel like a 20 year old again :)

I love Hong Kong for a very good reason, I love its food. Always, before a visit, I ended up planning the trip in advance so that I have time to visit these famous eateries. :)

I remember telling myself that Hong Kong is not all about food in my previous post and I thought to myself. How about a walk for a change ? Wing Lee street is a short street of not more than 50 meters with neglected houses that was supposed to be demolished for redevelopment….. until a certain movie filmed at its location won a top prize at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival.

Checked the map on the Iphone and its says to use Ladder Street. A big mistake, it’s the longest flight of stairs that I have ever taken,…ok, not more than 100-150meters but its still stairs ! And when you do not know the way, its seems like its neverending……I should have known when they called it “Ladder Street”.

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Some entrepreneurs are smart enough to ride on the popularity of the place…..bought some units over from the residents, refurbished and rent them out.

I managed to get on Wing Lee street after going up and then down and then circling around and surprised surprised….I have stumbled onto Wai Che Printing.

A 62 years old establishment, a printing factory from the past. Mrs Lee was sitting alone when I came along but she’s chatty. Yeh, I get the “no photo” part. They are probably sick of everyone walking past and talking a snap every now and then without asking.

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But spend some time, Mr and Mrs Lee are extremely nice people. Mr Lee, 80s++, is passionate about his art. I spent an hour listening to him. The old machines are not running anymore but he is extremely keen to preserve this history of his.

“its Heart” he says, pointing to his chest. I get what he means……

Perhaps he is encouraged by many signatures in the thick book of petitions he has gathered, all to appeal to the government of Hong Kong for help to assist him to keep a piece of Hong Kong history alive. I wish they had the same heart he has.

Times are hard though, they are moving in 1 – 2 months to a new location, couldn’t afford the increase in rental. Sigh, it wouldn’t be the same anymore, so visit while you can.

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Not sure what are the names for all these…..shall call them alphabet letters :)

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Mrs Lee has printed some postcards for sale and she has also secretly bunched up some of these alphabet letters for sale too.

“Mr Lee wouldn’t like it. They are all pieces of him” she chuckled.

Respect :)

The land of smiles, thats what Bangkok is called.

Or rather, i think many of us will remember these instead.

The incredible traffic jams…..it took me 2 hours to get from the airport to the hotel. I think its faster to walk if you are within the city center or take a tuk tuk. This little four stroke engine thing that takes you around town conveniently.

I had just 1 day (again) and i do not want to visit temples, visit caves, see some bridges, or shopping. I have read so much about the floating market and its bustling activities that i had to visit.

The nearest is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market about 90 kilometers away. Yes, its a mouthful to pronouce but wait till you check out Bangkok’s full name here. Skip to the 26 sec mark. :)

The journey took me through the river canals. Its an amazing man-made network that links the houses there. I was told that the King himself sanctioned this project 60-70 years ago so that everyone can get to the different places easily within the region. I guess he does not like cars…….and no its quite safe, there are no anacondas or crocodiles…..

Houses like this lined both sides of the canals. This was an extreme example which i visited. Most are now concrete based :)

Buddhism is a big thing in Thailand. Check out the oversize shrines at home as well as the family tree pictures. Respect :)

We reached the floating market soon after. And don’t say that i did not warn you. This place is now over teeming with tourists. Its incredible, i do not think i can find any local Thai tourists there.

Lady serves a fantastic bowl of braised innards and rice noodles. Check out the little brown pieces….little cakes of steamed blood. Yikes !!!

She is already a 75 year old grandmother…..and still going on strong with her banana fritters. She lives around the area and has a permanent spot.

“Aren’t you tired having the work the whole day ?”

“20 baht ! 20 baht !” I guess she does not understand english. Would love to get to know her better.:)

I was bored, everything is based on sell, sell ,sell.

Ended spending time with these kids. Its hard to talk to them when all they say is “20 Baht ! 60 Baht !” And mind you, these are no ordinary kids. They are cheerful and very street smart.

I tried my best to entertain them (or entertain myself….) but they would run off every now if they see an opportunity to sell their postcards to tourists. Look them in the eye and they hang around you for a full 10 mins or so, holding your hand at the same time.

“Buy, Madam ? 20 Baht.” Cuteness wins.

I ended up buying postcards from each one of them…..and thats including drinks and food.

Seeya next time Bangkok :)