Praslin, La Digue & Beyond, Seychelles 普拉兰岛、拉迪格岛, 塞舌尔
March 27, 2025
We spent two relaxing days at sea,……
在海上度过了两天宁静的航行后，。。。
March 27, 2025
We spent two relaxing days at sea, enjoying the many amenities offered on the ship. A typical sea day began with breakfast at the Market Place, accompanied by a latte and cappuccino. Afterwards, we would either head to the gym or take a walk around Deck 7.
At 9:30 a.m., sometimes, Chenggang attended a golf lesson, then joined Connie at 10:00 a.m. for a 45-minute lecture on destinations. During the 15-minute break before the next lecture at 11:00 a.m., we would stop by the Bistro on Deck 6 for coffee and snacks. After the second lecture, most likely on international fair and geopolitics, we typically enjoyed a buffet lunch at the Marketplace or dined at The BeefBar.
Our afternoons usually included a presentation on art performance at 1:30 p.m.. This was followed by a dance lesson at 2:30 p.m. and an art class at 3:30 p.m.—we would join one or sometimes both, depending on our energy levels.
After two peaceful days at sea, our ship finally anchored off Praslin Island, one of the sparkling gems of Seychelles. From there, we boarded a catamaran for an exciting day of island-hopping.
Our first stop was the nearby, privately owned Grande Soeur (Big Sister Island). We went ashore and hiked across the island to reach the beach on the other side — and what a beach it was. It was truly one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand we’ve ever set foot on. Along the way, we spotted crabs, tortoises, and a graceful white-tailed tropicbird soaring above.
After exploring, we swam and snorkeled our way back to the catamaran through crystal-clear waters.
Next, we headed to Coco Island, a tiny marine paradise known for its snorkeling. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate. Not long after we entered the water, the crew called everyone back aboard due to changing conditions. As soon as the last person was out of the water, the rain began — we felt lucky to have made it out just in time.
The catamaran then brought us to La Digue, a laid-back island famous for its car-free roads and relaxed vibe. From there, we were tendered back to the ship — just in time for a big, late lunch onboard. It was much needed after a morning filled with sun, sea, and adventure.
But our day wasn’t over yet.
In the late afternoon, Chenggang headed back out again alone, this time to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — the legendary Anse Source d’Argent. With its surreal granite boulders, powdery white sand, and turquoise waters, it was every bit as magical as we imagined.
He made it back to the tender boat just in time — in fact, he was the last passengers to board before it pulled away from the island. What a perfect ending to an unforgettable day of island adventures in paradise.
Our cruise ship was repositioned third times in a day to dock in Mahe Island. Tomorrow is a disembarking and embarking day. We will stay for the next segment. After dinning at The Waterside, we enjoyed 4-hand Piano Spectacular at the Cove.
普拉兰岛、拉迪格岛, 塞舌尔
2025年3月27日
在海上度过了两天宁静的航行后，我们的邮轮从亚洲来到非洲，停泊在了塞舌尔的明珠之一——普拉兰岛（Praslin Island）外海。从这里我们乘坐接驳艇到岸上，然后我们登上了一艘双体船，开启了令人兴奋的跳岛之旅。
我们的第一站是附近私人拥有的大姐妹岛（Grande Soeur，又称Big Sister Island）。我们先登上岛，在岛上光着脚踏着草地和石子路，来到另一边的海滩——那片沙滩简直美得令人窒息，洁白细腻，是我们踏足过最美的沙滩之一。途中我们还看到了几只陆龟、几只螃蟹，还有一只长尾巴的白色鸟儿在空中优雅滑翔。在那里短暂停留后，我们又回到登陆点的海滩，在清澈的海水中浮潜并游回双体船。
接着我们前往可可岛（Coco Island），这是一座迷你的小岛，以浮潜天堂而闻名。只是天气变化无常，我们下水不久后便乌云笼罩，船员出于安全考虑叫大家全部返回船上。就在最后一人回到船上的时候，雨点开始落下——我们感到非常幸运，及时避开了风雨。
随后，双体船带我们抵达了拉迪格岛（La Digue），这是一座节奏缓慢、几乎没有机动车的小岛，以其悠闲的氛围和纯朴的自然风光闻名。从那里，我们乘坐接驳艇回到邮轮，正好赶上了一顿丰盛而稍晚的午餐——在阳光、海浪和暴风雨中度过了四个小时后，这顿饭显得格外满足。
但这一天的旅程还没有结束。午餐过后，我们再次回到拉迪格岛，步行前往那被誉为世界上最美丽的海滩之一——安斯叙尔斯达让（Anse Source d’Argent）。一路上，我们穿行在一辆辆迎面而来、飞驰而过的自行车之间，仿佛置身于一场岛屿上的慢生活与快节奏的交织。
那片海滩果然不负盛名——巨大的花岗岩巨石仿佛来自另一个星球，错落地伫立在洁白细腻的沙滩上，映衬着碧绿如玉的海水，如梦如幻，美得不真实。
我们最终及时赶回了接驳艇——事实上，我们是最后一批登船的乘客，船才缓缓离开岛屿。
我们的邮轮今天第三次移动停泊位置，靠岸了马埃岛（Mahé Island）。明天是旅客下船与新旅客登船的一天，而我们将继续留在船上，开启接下来的航程。
Crossing the Equator 穿越赤道
March 25, 2025
Today was a sea day, and the ocean was as calm as……
今天是海上航行的一天，。。。
March 25, 2025
Today was a sea day, and the ocean was as calm as a mirror—resembling a serene, glassy lake.
We attended two lectures: one about the Beach Boys and their influence on pop culture, and another on the geological time scale of the Earth. The speaker even brought a 4.03-billion-year-old ancient rock for everyone to touch—possibly one of the oldest rocks ever found on Earth. And the artworks by students from the art classes Chenggang attended were on display at the Cove.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed a delightful Viennese tea time, complete with elegant pastries and live violin, before heading to the highlight of the day: the Equator Crossing Ceremony.
Our ship was set to cross the Equator today, and in maritime tradition, this milestone was celebrated with a spirited ceremony on the open deck. Historically, sailors who hadn’t crossed the equator by sea were known as “Pollywogs.” Having crossed it before in 2020, we were already “Shellbacks,” the title given to those who have previously made the journey.
To honor the occasion, the crew organized a lively Line-Crossing Ceremony. With plenty of laughter and good-natured antics, “King Neptune” and his queen presided over the ritual transformation of Pollywogs into proud Shellbacks. The event featured hilarious challenges, including the infamous “kiss the fish” rite and the messy fun of tossing noodles and colored food dye at participating crew members—yes, even the captain got doused before being gently “thrown” into the pool.
The whole affair was filled with laughter, creating a lighthearted and unforgettable atmosphere among everyone.
穿越赤道
2025年3月25日
今天是海上航行的一天，海面平静得如同镜子，宛如一潭宁静的湖水。
我们参加了两场讲座，一场讲的是“海滩男孩”（Beach Boys）乐队及其对流行文化的影响，另一场则讲述了地球的地质年代。讲师还带来了一块距今40.3亿年的远古岩石m might 供大家触摸，这可能是地球上最古老的岩石之。
下午，我们在船上享受了一场优雅的维也纳下午茶，一边品尝精致的点心和三明治，一边聆听现场的小提琴演奏，十分惬意。
而这一天最令人期待的，就是穿越赤道。按照航海传统，这一重要时刻会通过一场别具一格的“赤道洗礼仪式”来庆祝。在航海界，有一种说法：那些从未乘船跨越过赤道的人被称为“青蛙仔”（Pollywogs）；而一旦完成穿越，就会晋升为“海神的子民”（Shellbacks）。我们早在2020年就已完成了第一次穿越，因此这次是以“老兵”的身份参加。
为了纪念这一时刻，船员们在露天甲板上举行了一场热闹非凡的仪式。在一片笑声中，“海王尼普顿”（King Neptune）与王后隆重登场，主持了青蛙仔们的“转正”仪式。现场充满各种滑稽的环节，包括著名的“亲吻大鱼”传统，以及将彩色面条和染料泼向参与仪式的船员们——就连船长也未能幸免，最终在大家的欢呼声中被“温柔”地推入泳池。
整场活动笑声不断，气氛轻松愉快，给人留下了难以忘怀的回忆。乘客与船员们一同分享了这一特殊的航海传统，也让这段旅程变得更加精彩和生动。
Malé, Maldives-Day 2 马累，马尔代夫
March 24, 2025
This morning, we started early with a visit to the Malé Fish Market……
今天一早，我们前往马累鱼市和附近的本地市场。。。
March 24, 2025
This morning, we started early with a visit to the Malé Fish Market and nearby local market. The fish market was just opening and was quite small, but offered a glimpse into the city’s seafood culture.
We continued walking westward along the coast toward the Tsunami Monument, built in memory of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami victims. The monument itself was simple and, to be honest, not particularly impressive. But the walk there took us through a lovely coastal park, where we paused to enjoy the breeze and take a well-needed break.
Next, we visited two of Malé’s most important religious landmarks: the Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) and the Grand Friday Mosque. The Old Friday Mosque, built in the 17th century from coral stone, is a remarkable structure with intricate carvings and a deep sense of history. In contrast, the Grand Friday Mosque, with its iconic golden dome, dominates the skyline and represents modern Islamic architecture in the Maldives.
We were allowed to enter the mosque, but Connie needed to cover her head. A kind security guard lent us a scarf and even offered a brief tour, taking a few photos for us. He gently hinted that the scarf could be bought at the local market for $20. At the end of the visit, we decided to offer him $20 and kept the beautiful scarf — it may come in handy during the rest of our journey.
When most people think of the Maldives, they picture luxury resorts perched over turquoise waters. We didn’t see that — not in Malé. Instead, we walked through the heart of a working island city, witnessing everyday Maldivians living and working to support the tourism industry that the country is so famous for.
Spending a full day in Malé gave us a taste of authentic island life, far from the curated experiences of five-star resorts. It was raw, real, and deeply human.
As our ship departed the Maldives this afternoon, we looked out toward the horizon and finally caught a glimpse of those distant resort islands — little dots of paradise surrounded by endless blue. And while we didn’t get to experience that side of the Maldives firsthand this time, we left with something just as memorable: a deeper understanding of the people and places behind the postcard-perfect images.
马累，马尔代夫
2025年3月24日
今天一早，我们前往马累鱼市和附近的本地市场。鱼市刚刚开张，规模不大。随后我们沿着海岸向西步行，前往海啸纪念碑，该纪念碑是为悼念2004年印度洋海啸的遇难者而建。纪念碑本身较为简洁，坦白说并不令人惊艳。但沿途经过的滨海公园却非常宜人，我们在那里短暂停留，享受微风和片刻的宁静。
接着，我们参观了马累两座最重要的宗教地标：星期五古清真寺（Hukuru Miskiy）和国家大清真寺。前者建于17世纪，由珊瑚石建成，是一座极具历史感的建筑，雕刻精美，气质沉稳。后者则以其金色圆顶成为城市天际线的标志，展现了马尔代夫现代伊斯兰建筑的风貌。
我们获准进入大清真寺参观，但佩民必须遮住头发。一位友善的保安借给我们一条头巾，并热情地带我们参观，还帮我们拍了几张照片。临别时他轻声提及，这条头巾在市场上售价约为20美元。我们最终决定给他20美元并留下了这条漂亮的头巾——或许在之后的旅程中还会派上用场。
当人们谈起马尔代夫，脑海中浮现的往往是建在碧蓝海水上的奢华度假村。而我们这次没有看到那些画面——至少在马累没有。我们所见的是一座正在运作的岛屿城市，一群为旅游业默默付出的普通马尔代夫人。
今天下午，当我们的船慢慢地离开马尔代夫时，我们终于在地平线的远方看到了那些点缀在碧海上的度假小岛——如梦如幻，宛如天堂的点点绿洲。
Malé, Maldives-Day 1 马累，马尔代夫
March 23, 2025
The morning began with an unforgettable snorkeling excursion……
经过又一天的海上行。。。
March 23, 2025
The morning began with an unforgettable snorkeling excursion just off the coast of Malé. After being tendered to Jetty No. 2, we boarded another boat that took us to our first snorkeling site. The water was calm and crystal-clear. We spotted countless tropical fish and even a graceful turtle gliding by.
Unfortunately, our underwater camera had broken on a previous trip, so we have no pictures to share — but the memories are vivid. After about 30 minutes at the first reef, we moved to another site where even more marine life awaited us. Connie spotted a white-tip reef shark, while Chenggang was thrilled to see many Moorish Idol fish — the very same fish he had drawn in his art classes on the ship.
Gliding over coral gardens teeming with life, surrounded by vibrant fish, we agreed it was the best snorkeling experience we’ve ever had. After an hour in the water, we were completely exhausted — and more than ready for a delicious lunch back on the ship at BeefBar.
In the afternoon, we ventured out on foot to explore Malé. The city is incredibly compact and densely built — it feels like every square inch of land has been used. We walked along the island’s eastern coast, passing by King Salman Mosque, the Artificial Beach, and Lonuziyaaraiy Park, enjoying glimpses of daily life in the capital.
Our destination was the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, also known as the Sinamalé Bridge — a modern structure linking Malé with Hulhulé (home of the international airport) and Hulhumalé. Funded and built by China, the bridge is a symbol of international cooperation. Walking along the waterfront and seeing the bridge stretch across the sea was a sharp contrast to the older, crowded streets of the city.
We did walk a portion of the bridge, but the heat and humidity were overwhelming. Eventually, we turned around and made our way back to the ship. By sunset, traffic had reached its peak — motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians filled the streets. But when the adhan (call to prayer) echoed through the city, everything stopped. People headed to the mosques, and suddenly the streets were eerily quiet — no honking, no revving engines.
Then, as soon as the prayer ended, families gathered for iftar, breaking their fast together. It is Ramadan. From sunrise to sunset, they abstain from food and water. We deeply admired their spiritual discipline and sacrifice — we felt dehydrated even while drinking water!
马累，马尔代夫
2025年3月23日
经过又一天的海上行，我们的邮轮来到马累(Malé）岛——这座虽小却充满活力的马尔代夫首都。早晨，我们参加了浮潜，我们先乘坐接驳船抵达2号码头，然后换乘另一艘当地的小船，前往第一个浮潜点。那里的海水平静清澈，我们看见了无数热带鱼，甚至还有一只优雅的海龟从我们身边滑过。
可惜的是，我们的水下相机在上一次旅行中已经损坏，因此这次无法留下任何照片——但那些五彩斑斓的画面依旧清晰地留在我们的记忆中。大约在第一个珊瑚礁区停留了30分钟后，我们前往了另一个浮潜点，那里有更多的海洋生物等待我们。除了更多漂亮的鱼之外，Connie幸运的见到了一条白鳍礁鲨，而成刚则惊喜地看见了许多摩尔神仙鱼——这正是他在船上的艺术课程中曾画过的鱼。这是我们有史以来最棒的一次浮潜体验。水中一个小时后，我们已筋疲力尽，迫不及待地回到船上，在BeefBar享用了美味的午餐。
午后，我们上岸步行探索马累岛。整个城市非常紧凑且高度开发——几乎每一寸土地都被充分利用。我们沿着东海岸步行，路过萨勒曼国王清真寺、人工沙滩以及Lonuziyaaraiy 公园，一边走一边感受这座首都的日常生活气息。
我们的目的地是中马友谊大桥，它连接着马累、国际机场所在的胡鲁勒岛以及新兴的胡鲁马累岛。这座由中国出资并建造的现代化大桥，是两国合作的象征。在滨海步道上远望大桥横跨海面，画面与城市中老旧而密集的街道形成鲜明对比。
我们试着走上大桥，但炎热与湿度令人难以忍受。只走了一小段后便掉头返回船上。日落时分，城市交通达到了高峰——摩托车、汽车和行人挤满了街头。然而，当穆斯林的**祈祷呼声（adhan）**响彻全岛，一切都停止了。人们纷纷走向清真寺，街道突然变得出奇地安静——没有喇叭声，也没有引擎轰鸣。
祷告结束后，海边渔船及各种小游船上的船员们围坐一起，开始吃开斋饭（iftar）。正值斋月（Ramadan），从日出到日落，他们禁食、禁水。我们由衷敬佩他们的精神与自律——在炎热潮湿天气下，即便我们可以饮水，依然感到口干舌燥。
Colombo, Sri Lanka 科伦坡，斯里兰卡
March 21, 2025
After a day at sea, we were eager to see land again……
前天的印度旧果阿之行，。。。
March 21, 2025
After a day at sea, we were eager to see land again. As we disembarked, we were warmly welcomed at the port with traditional folk dances. Small booths had been set up along the terminal, offering local souvenirs for visitors.
We were originally on the waiting list for the city tour, so we planned to explore Colombo on foot. However, at the last minute, we managed to get tickets for the tour—a fortunate change that spared us from the intense heat.
Instead of walking, the tour bus took us around the city center, passing notable landmarks such as the Old Dutch Hospital, Pettah, the striking Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque), Independence Square, and several other sights before making a stop at the National Museum.
We spent about an hour in the museum, admiring a fascinating collection of artifacts. Unfortunately, the building lacks air conditioning, and the hot, humid air made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience.
Next, we visited the Gangaramaya Temple, a must-see Buddhist temple known for its eclectic architectural style. The temple houses a vast array of Buddha statues—from towering ten-foot figures to one so tiny it can only be seen through a microscope.
The tour concluded at the legendary Galle Face Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Asia and featured in “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz. At King of Mambo, the hotel’s oceanfront terrace, we enjoyed a light snack and a cup of famous Sri Lankan tea. With the sea breeze and beautiful view, it was a much-needed break from the heat and a perfect way to end the tour.
We were treated to a beautiful rainbow and a stunning sunset. At the night, the Lotus Tower lit up in shifting colors, while inside the ship, the White Night Party was in full swing.
科伦坡，斯里兰卡
2025年3月21日
前天的印度旧果阿之行，因为天气实在太湿热让我们有点中暑。二天的海上行，正好让我们好好休息一下，尽情享受邮轮上提供的各种设施。典型的海上航行日从在 Market Place 的早餐开始，配上一杯拿铁和卡布奇诺。随后，我们要么去健身房锻炼，要么绕着7层甲板散步。
早上 9:30，成刚会去上高尔夫课，然后在 10:00 加入Connie，一起听一场 45分钟的讲座。在接下来的 15分钟休息时间，我们会去 6层甲板的Bistro 喝咖啡、吃点小点心。第二场讲座结束后，我们通常会去 Market Place 吃自助午餐，或者选择在 The BeefBar 用餐。
下午的安排通常包括 1:30 的一场关于艺术与表演的讲座，之后是 2:30 的舞蹈课程和 3:30 的艺术课——我们会根据体力情况选择参加其中一项，或者两项都参加。
傍晚时分，我们常常会到 Cove 酒吧来一杯晚餐前的饮品，通常点一杯无酒精鸡尾酒（mocktail），一边欣赏现场钢琴或者小提琴演奏。之后，我们会在 6:30 左右享用早一点的晚餐，然后观看 9:30 的晚间演出。尽管船上的夜生活在演出结束后仍持续进行，但我们总是选择回房休息，结束一天的行程。
两天的海上航行后，我们已迫不及待地想要再次踏上陆地。下船时，我们受到了港口工作人员的热情欢迎，还有当地的传统民俗舞蹈表演。码头沿线还设有一些小摊位，向游客们出售当地的纪念品。
我们原本未能预定到科伦坡精华游，我们计划自己步行游览科伦坡。然而，就在最后一刻，我们很幸运等到了参团的票——这一幸运的转变让我们免受酷热的折磨。
观光巴士载着我们绕行市中心，沿途我们经过了许多著名地标，包括古老的荷兰医院、佩塔市场、造型独特的贾米·乌尔·阿法清真寺（又称红色清真寺）、独立广场等，最终在国家博物馆停留参观。
我们在博物馆内停留了大约一小时，那里收藏着不少文物。可惜的是，馆内没有空调，闷热潮湿的空气让我们难以尽兴参观。
接下来我们参观了甘加拉玛寺，这是一座必看的佛教寺庙，以其多元融合的建筑风格闻名。寺中收藏了种类繁多的佛像，从高达十英尺的巨像，到小到必须用显微镜才能看清的微型佛像，应有尽有。
最后一站是传奇的加勒菲斯酒店（Galle Face Hotel），这家酒店是亚洲最古老的酒店之一，也被帕特里夏·舒尔茨收录在《人生必去的1000个地方》一书中。我们在酒店面向大海的露台餐厅 King of the Mambo 享用了点心和著名的锡兰红茶。海风轻拂，景色宜人，这段悠闲时光为炎热奔波的精华游画上了完美的句号。
Exploring Old Goa 老果阿
March 19, 2025
Disembarking at the Mormugao cruise terminal,…..
今天是这次邮轮的第一站，。。。
March 19, 2025
Disembarking at the Mormugao cruise terminal, we set out to explore the historic churches of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its grand Portuguese-era architecture and deep Christian heritage. To make the most of our limited time, we hired a taxi, which initially quoted $90 for the tour, but after negotiation, we settled on $50—still well above the local rate.
The 45-minute drive to Old Goa took us through lush tropical landscapes, offering glimpses of the region’s rich history beyond its famed beaches.
Our first stop was the Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the most famous churches in India and a UNESCO-listed Baroque masterpiece. The church is best known for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, whose tomb lies within. No photography is permitted inside, which added to the solemnity of the experience. The basilica’s grandeur and historical significance made it a meaningful start to our tour.
Next, we walked across the street to Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. The vast white façade and golden altarpiece were impressive, but the experience of walking under the scorching sun to reach the entrance made us realize just how intense the Goan heat could be.
Our third stop was the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, a unique fusion of Manueline, Tuscan, and Baroque architectural styles. The adjoining museum housed colonial-era artifacts, religious paintings, and sculptures, offering a deeper look into Goa’s Portuguese legacy. However, with no air conditioning inside, the heat was unbearable, so we walked through quickly, barely taking in the details. We then made a quick stop at the Chapel of St. Catherine, one of the lesser-visited sites in Old Goa.
Our last stop in Old Goa was the St. Augustine Tower, one of the region’s most iconic ruins. Originally part of the St. Augustine Church, the 46-meter-high tower is all that remains of what was once one of the largest churches in Goa. Unlike the crowded basilicas, this area was nearly deserted, allowing us to take in the grandeur of the crumbling structure in solitude. The contrast between the well-preserved churches and these haunting ruins made this one of the most memorable stops of the day.
On our way back to the cruise terminal, we made a brief stop in Vasco da Gama town to visit Shri Narsimha Sateri Devi Temple, a small yet significant temple for the local Hindu community. We also paused for a photo at the Old Vasco Clock Tower, a historic landmark that once served as the town’s central timepiece.
This tour marked the end of our one-week visit to India, a journey filled with unexpected experiences and lasting impressions. India offers a vibrant blend of contrasts—where overwhelming crowds and never-ending honking meet warm hospitality, and where grand palaces and modern skyscrapers stand beside bustling slums. The resilience and ability to survive in challenging conditions left us with admiration and deep respect for the people of this fascinating country.
After returning from the tour, we dropped by the Bistro for a few light snacks. Dinner was at the long-awaited UMI UMA by Nobu, our favorite Japanese restaurant on the cruise. We ordered many of our usual favorites and also tried a new dish—Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Tartare. The deep-fried rice cakes reminded us of Chinese ci fan gao (sticky rice cakes). We liked it so much that after finishing the first plate, we ordered a second one.
老果阿
2025年3月19日
今天是这次邮轮的第一站，抵达莫尔穆冈（Mormugao）邮轮码头后，我们踏上了探索老果阿（Old Goa）的旅程。这座城市被联合国教科文组织列为世界文化遗产，以其宏伟的葡萄牙殖民时期建筑和深厚的基督教文化而闻名。旧果阿离我们的船码头有些距离，在码头外，我们租了一辆出租车，起初司机开价90美元，经过一番讨价还价，我们最终以50美元成交——但仍远高于当地的价格。
经过45分钟车程，我们的第一站是邦波耶稣大教堂（Basilica of Bom Jesus），这是印度最著名的教堂之一，也是一座联合国教科文组织列出的巴洛克风格杰作。教堂最为著名的是保存完好的圣方济·沙勿略（St. Francis Xavier）遗体安息在华丽的圣棺中，吸引着世界各地的朝圣者。教堂内部禁止拍照。
接下来，我们冒着炎炎烈日穿过街道，前往圣凯瑟琳大教堂（Se Cathedral）。这座教堂是亚洲最大的教堂之一，洁白的外墙和镀金的祭坛令人叹为观止。然而，在炙热的阳光下步行并不轻松，我们很快意识到果阿的酷暑是多么让人难以忍受。
我们的第三站是圣方济各·阿西西教堂（Church of St. Francis of Assisi），它融合了马努埃尔式、托斯卡纳式和巴洛克式建筑风格。毗邻的博物馆收藏了殖民时期的文物、宗教绘画和雕塑，展示了果阿深厚的葡萄牙文化遗产。然而，博物馆没有空调，闷热难耐，我们只能快速浏览后匆匆离开。随后，我们短暂停留在圣凯瑟琳小教堂（Chapel of St. Catherine），这是一处较少游客造访的历史遗迹。
在老果阿的最后一站，我们来到圣奥古斯丁塔（St. Augustine Tower），这里是该地区最具标志性的遗迹之一。曾经的圣奥古斯丁教堂如今仅存下一座高46米的塔楼，而这座教堂曾是果阿最大的教堂之一。站在遗迹之间，我们不禁想象着当年的辉煌景象。这座教堂因被遗弃和年久失修而逐渐倒塌，如今只剩下这座孤独的塔楼，与我们刚刚参观的完好无损的教堂形成鲜明对比。幸运的是，这里游客稀少，只有我们两人，让我们得以静静欣赏这片宁静而神秘的遗址。
在返回邮轮码头的途中，我们短暂停留在瓦斯科达伽马镇（Vasco da Gama），参观了Shri Narsimha Sateri Devi神庙，这座小型的印度教寺庙对当地社区具有重要意义。随后，我们在瓦斯科老钟楼（Old Vasco Clock Tower）前停留拍照，这座葡萄牙殖民时期的历史地标，曾是该镇的中心时钟。
今天的旅程标志着我们为期一周的印度之行的结束，这次的印度游有着许多意想不到的经历，给我们留下深刻的印象。
晚餐是期待已久的UMI UMA by NuBu, 邮轮上我们最喜欢的日本餐厅。点了许多以前常吃的东西，还尝试了新口味CRISPY RICE WITH SPICY TUNA TARTARE， 油炸的米饭糕块像中国的糍饭糕，吃完一份又叫了第二份。
Back on Crystal Cruises 重回水晶邮轮
March 18, 2025
Our weeklong journey through India was coming to an end……
近一周的印度游接近尾声，。。。
March 18, 2025
Our weeklong journey through India was coming to an end. Today, we were set to embark our beloved Crystal Cruises ship in Mumbai, marking the start of our next voyage—this time sailing from India to South Africa.
After breakfast, we took a stroll along the Marine Drive just outside our hotel. It was fairly quiet in the morning, though this seaside promenade—often called the most romantic stretch in Mumbai—is packed with people by night. We returned to the hotel to check out and ordered a car to the cruise terminal. To our surprise, the car that arrived didn’t have a trunk. As we were still wondering what to do with our suitcases, the driver and hotel staff expertly hoisted both pieces of luggage onto the roof—clearly a routine move for them.
After passing through multiple rounds of security checks at the port, we finally boarded the Crystal Symphony—the same ship we sailed on last summer in Spain. As per tradition, we headed straight to the buffet for a hearty meal. Although we both enjoy Indian cuisine, after a full week of it, we were ready for a change. Returning to familiar flavors felt like coming home.
At the end of last year, the cruise line replaced its former Asian restaurant with the only BeefBar at sea, part of a world-renowned luxury dining brand famous for its top-quality beef and creative dishes. Tonight, we decided to give it a try. Everything on the menu was included except the Kobe steak, which came at a hefty $500 per piece. We ordered Angus steaks, which were excellent, and the Korean-style beef buns were a creative twist.
At 7 p.m., the ship set sail from Mumbai, accompanied by the song “What a Wonderful World.” As usual, the evening show was scheduled for 9:15 p.m. While the first night’s performance tends to follow a familiar format, we still went along for the fun of it—just part of the cruise experience.
重回水晶邮轮
2025年3月18日
近一周的印度游接近尾声，今天我们将在孟买（Mumbai ）再一次登上我们钟爱的水晶邮轮公司(Crystal Cruises)的船，开启我们从印度到南非的邮轮之旅。
早餐后先去酒店门外的海滨大道走了走，人不多。这条被称为最浪漫的大道晚上是人满为患。接着回酒店退了房，叫了车去船码头。没想到等来了一辆没行李车厢的小车，我们俩还在想箱子该怎么办，司机和酒店人员已经熟练地把二个行李箱放到车顶上。
来到船码头，经过一遍又一遍的核查终于踏上水晶交响号（Crystal Symphony), 她是我们去年夏天在西班牙坐过的同一艘邮轮。老规矩，我们上船后直奔自助餐厅，好好地美餐了一顿。虽说我们俩喜欢印度饭，但一星期下来已吃腻，终于可以换口味了，回到熟悉的世界多好。
邮轮在去年底将之前的亚洲餐厅改为海上唯一的一家BeefBar, 它是享誉全球的高端餐厅品牌，以其顶级牛肉和创新料理而闻名。今天晚上我们就去尝个新鲜。菜单上除了Kobe 牛排是额外收费（$500 一块牛排），其它所有的美食都随便吃。我们要的Angus牛排的确不错，韩国肉包子也有新意。晚上七点我们的船在“What a wonderful world”的歌声中离开孟买（Mumbai）。音乐演出照旧安排在晚上9:15，其实这邮轮每次的第一场演出几乎都是一样的，第一天上船，我们也就去凑个热闹。
Half-Day Mumbai and Slum Tour 孟买半日游与贫民窟之行
March 17， 2025
Our tour began from our hotel, Oberoi Hotel……
昨晚飞到Mumbai。。。
March 17， 2025
Our tour began from our hotel, Oberoi Hotel, with a drive along Marine Drive, the iconic boulevard known as the “Queen’s Necklace,” offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
Our first stop was Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry, where hundreds of washermen (dhobis) hand-wash clothes for hotels, businesses, and individuals using traditional techniques and makeshift washing machines. Watching them work efficiently in this massive outdoor setup was fascinating.
Next, we visited the Gateway of India, a historic archway built during the British colonial era. Though under renovation, the waterfront remained bustling, with boats anchored offshore.
Driving through the city, we passed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), a UNESCO-listed railway station with grand Victorian Gothic architecture, and Oval Maidan, where locals played cricket against the backdrop of the Rajabai Clock Tower.
Our next stop was Crawford Market, one of Mumbai’s oldest and most famous markets. After a brief walk through its bustling alleys, we headed to the Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill. Lush and peaceful, the gardens offered a welcome escape from the city and provided sweeping views of Mumbai’s skyline and the Arabian Sea. What surprised us, however, was the guide’s explanation that the green, tree-covered area next to the garden is home to Mumbai’s famous Towers of Silence. Looking up, we noticed numerous vultures circling in the sky, a solemn reminder that the Parsi tradition of sky burials, practiced for over a thousand years, continues to this day.
Our final stop in the first half was Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, once Gandhi’s headquarters in Mumbai. The museum highlighted his life and contributions to India’s independence.
Afterward, our driver dropped us off at the tour company’s small office, where we had about 30 minutes before our slum tour began. We took the opportunity to relax at a nearby café, enjoying a latte and a chocolate croissant, before meeting our guide—a local who was born, raised, and still resides in Dharavi, Asia’s largest informal settlement.
Dharavi is often described as a slum, but stepping inside, we quickly realized it is far more than that. It is a bustling economic powerhouse, home to over two million people and countless small businesses. It also houses one of the world’s largest recycling industries, contributing significantly to Mumbai’s economy.
Walking through its narrow alleys, we saw workshops where artisans crafted leather goods, potters shaped clay, and recyclers processed discarded materials into something useful. Despite poor infrastructure and limited water supply, the resilience and resourcefulness of Dharavi’s residents were remarkable.
The tour left us with a deeper understanding of Mumbai’s contrasts—its wealth and struggles, tradition and progress, and the determination of its people.
孟买半日游与贫民窟之行
3月17日
昨晚飞到Mumbai ，接机的司机已经在机场门口等着我们。顺利入住酒店，终于可以好好休息。
今天我们的包车游从酒店门前的海滨大道（Marine Drive）开始。这条标志性的海滨大道被誉为“女王的项链”，沿途可欣赏到阿拉伯海的壮丽景色。
我们的第一站是塔塔洗衣场（Dhobi Ghat），世界上最大的露天洗衣场。成百上千的洗衣工（dhobis）在这里使用传统手洗技术或者简易洗衣机为酒店、商家和个人清洗衣物。在这片巨大的户外洗衣场中，他们工作场面令人惊叹。
接着，我们参观了印度之门（Gateway of India），这座历史悠久的拱门建于英国殖民时期。尽管正在维修，海滨仍然热闹非凡，水面上停泊着众多船只。
穿越城市，我们途经贾特拉帕蒂·希瓦吉终点站（Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, CST），这座列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产的火车站，以宏伟的维多利亚哥特式建筑闻名。随后，我们经过椭圆广场（Oval Maidan），这里的草地上，当地人正在打板球，而背景则是宏伟的拉贾拜钟楼（Rajabai Clock Tower）。
下一站是克劳福德市场（Crawford Market），是孟买最古老、最著名的市场。在那里转了一圈，我们来到在马拉巴尔山（Malabar Hill）的悬空花园（Hanging Gardens），这里绿意盎然，环境幽静，可俯瞰孟买市区和阿拉伯海的壮观景色。有点出乎我们的意料的是导游介绍说花园隔壁那一片绿树覆盖的地方就是Mumbai出名的沉默之塔（Towers of Silence)所在地，抬头看见不远处天空上无数秃鹫在盘旋，帕西人千年以来为逝者进行天葬的传统沿续到今天。
上半部的最后一站是马尼·巴范甘地博物馆（Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum），这座历史悠久的两层建筑曾是甘地在孟买的总部。馆内展示了甘地的生平事迹及其对印度独立运动的贡献。
随后，司机将我们送到旅行社的小办公室与后半段的导游见面。因为我们接下来的贫民窟之旅还有半小时才开始，在烈日下走了四个半小时的我们又饥又渴，于是就在旅行社附近的一家咖啡馆稍作休息，享用了美味的拿铁和巧克力可颂。
一位出生并仍然居住在达拉维贫民窟(Dharavi Slum)的当地向导带我们参观了亚洲最大的非正式住区之一，达拉维。
达拉维常被称为贫民窟，但当我们走进其中，才发现它远不止如此。这里是一个充满活力的经济中心，居住着超过两百万人，也是无数小企业的家园。这里还是全球最大的回收产业中心之一，对孟买经济有着重要贡献。
穿行在狭窄的巷道里，我们看到工坊里手艺人制作皮革制品，陶艺师捏制陶器，回收工人则将废弃材料重新加工，使其焕发新生。尽管基础设施有限，供水时间每天仅三小时，但这里的人们依然展现出惊人的韧性和创造力。
这次旅程让我们更加深入地理解了孟买的贫富对比与反差——它的繁华与困境、传统与现代，以及人们坚韧不拔的精神。
Golden Triangle 3-Days Tour — Jaipur 金三角包车游—斋浦尔
March 16, 2025
After leaving Agra yesterday,……
昨天离开阿格拉（Agra） 后，。。。
March 16, 2025
After leaving Agra yesterday, we drove to the final stop of our Golden Triangle journey—Jaipur, a city often referred to as the Pink City due to the rose-colored buildings that dominate its old town.
After breakfast, our driver picked us up from the hotel, then collected our local guide for the day. Our first stop was the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, one of Jaipur’s most recognizable landmarks. This pink-hued palace features 953 small windows, designed not just for aesthetics, but to allow royal women to observe the street scenes outside without being seen.
Next, we headed to Amber Fort, Jaipur’s most famous historical site, perched atop the Aravalli Hills. Originally built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, the fort was expanded over generations into a grand complex that functioned as a military stronghold, royal palace, and sacred space all in one.
We chose not to ride elephants up the hill and instead had our driver take us directly to the entrance at the top. Along the way, we passed through narrow streets of the old city and stopped at the Panna Meena ka Kund, a traditional 16th-century stepwell used for water collection. Its geometric symmetry and intricate design were truly mesmerizing.
At Amber Fort, we watched many tourists arriving on elephant-back through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), creating a scene that felt straight out of the Rajput era. The most breathtaking part was the Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors, its walls embedded with thousands of tiny mirrors that glittered in the light.
Although it was a Hindu royal residence, the fort’s architecture is also heavily influenced by Islamic design. Raja Man Singh I built separate quarters for each of his twelve queens, connected by a secret passageway that allowed the king to visit any queen in private. Our guide led us through this hidden corridor—it felt like peeking into a forgotten world of palace intrigue.
Standing atop the high ramparts of Amber Fort, the views of the surrounding landscape are truly breathtaking. You can gaze out over rolling hills of the Aravalli range, their rugged outlines stretching across the horizon. Below, the tranquil waters of Maota Lake glimmer in the sunlight, with the delicate pattern of Kesar Kyari Bagh, a geometric garden island, visible at its center. To one side, long fortification walls snake along the ridgelines like a stone ribbon, protecting the old city and blending into the hills—evoking images of the Great Wall of China. In the distance, you can spot tiny villages, temples, and palaces, dotting the dry, sunbaked terrain.
Later, we visited the Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, which sits quietly in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Submerged partially by the lake, only the upper two of its five stories are visible above water. Since the palace is not open to the public, we admired it from the lakeshore and took photos.
Our next stop was Jantar Mantar, an UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. This astronomical observatory features the world’s largest sundial (Samrat Yantra), accurate to within two seconds. The site also houses many other massive instruments used to measure time, track stars, and observe planetary movements—a testament to India’s advanced astronomical knowledge at the time.
We concluded our day at the City Palace, part of which is still the residence of Jaipur’s royal family. The sections open to the public showcase a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and exhibit a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, royal garments, and weaponry—each piece telling the story of a bygone era of opulence and power.
With this, our Golden Triangle tour came to a close. In the evening, we had an 8 PM flight to Mumbai, so our driver dropped us at the airport. We had planned to have dinner there, only to find that the pre-security area had almost no food options. With a few hours left before check-in, we simply waited at the airport, reflecting on the unforgettable memories from the past few days.
金三角包车游——斋浦尔
2025年3月16日
昨天离开阿格拉（Agra） 后，我们驱车前往金三角之旅的最后一站——斋浦尔（Jaipur），这座城市因其老城区的大部分建筑为粉红色，而被称为 “粉红之城”（Pink City）。
早餐后司机来酒店接我们，然后又去接今天的当地导游。今天的第一个景点风之宫殿，它是斋浦尔最具代表性的建筑之一。这座粉红色的宫殿拥有953 扇窗户，其设计目的不仅仅是为了美观，而是为了让宫廷女子在不被外人看见的情况下，透过窗户观看街道上的活动。
接着，我们驱车前往琥珀堡，这是斋浦尔最著名的历史遗迹之一，坐落在阿拉瓦利山脉（Aravalli Hills） 之上。堡垒最早由 拉贾·曼·辛格一世（Raja Man Singh I） 于 1592 年 建造，随后几代统治者不断扩建，使其成为一座集军事要塞、皇宫和宗教圣地于一体的壮丽宫殿。
我们没有选择骑大象上山，而是由司机直接送到山顶入口。从狭窄的古城小街穿过，我们先来到帕纳米纳阶梯井（Panna Meena ka Kund）。这座 16世纪修建的传统阶梯井，曾用于雨水收集，几何对称的阶梯设计令人叹为观止。
到达琥珀堡，我们看到许多游客骑着大象从 太阳门（Suraj Pol） 进入堡垒，仿佛穿越回了数百年前的拉贾斯坦王朝。最让人惊叹的是胜利大厅（Sheesh Mahal），也被称为 “镜宫”，其墙面镶嵌着无数小镜片。
琥珀堡不仅是一座印度教国王的城堡，其建筑也深受伊斯兰风格影响。曼·辛格一世为他的十二位王妃修建了独立的生活区，其中一条秘密通道让国王可以随时进入任何一位王妃的住所。导游带着我们走过这条隐秘小径，仿佛窥探到往日宫廷生活的秘密。
随后，我们来到贾尔·玛哈尔（Jal Mahal），又称水上宫殿，它静静地矗立在 曼萨加尔湖（Man Sagar Lake） 之中。宫殿的下面三层已被湖水淹没，仅有二面二层露出水面。由于宫殿不对外开放，我们只能在湖边欣赏并拍照留念。
接下来，我们前往简塔·曼塔天文台（Jantar Mantar），这座联合国教科文组织（UNESCO）世界文化遗产 由 贾伊·辛格二世（Maharaja Jai Singh II） 于 1724 年 建造。这里拥有世界上最大的 日晷（Samrat Yantra），时间误差可精准至 2 秒，此外还有许多用于测量时间、星象和行星运动的巨大天文仪器，充分展现了当时印度在天文学领域的先进水平。
最后，我们参观了 城市宫殿（City Palace），这是一座仍然由斋浦尔王公家族居住的宫殿。宫殿内部对公众开放的部分展示了 拉贾斯坦与莫卧儿建筑风格的融合，馆内珍藏着历史文物、皇家服饰和武器，每一件展品都诉说着昔日王朝的辉煌。
至此，我们的金三角之旅 画上了句号。晚上，我们已预订了 8 点飞往孟买（Mumbai）的航班，于是让司机送我们去机场。原计划在机场内用餐，但到达后才发现安检前的候机区域几乎没有餐饮店。由于距离值机还有几个小时，我们也只能在机场耐心等待，回味这几天的精彩旅程。
Golden Triangle 3-Days Tour – Agra 金三角包车游—阿格拉
March 15, 2025
Yesterday afternoon, we drove for over three hours……
昨天下午驱车三个多小时从新德里来到阿格拉,。。。
March 15, 2025
Yesterday afternoon, we drove for over three hours from New Delhi to Agra and went straight to the hotel to rest.
Early this morning at 6 a.m., our driver arrived at the hotel on time to pick us up. After a short drive, we reached one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Taj Mahal. We met our local guide at the entrance, who then led us into the site. A quick note here: security checks at the Taj Mahal are separated by gender, and all small bags must go through security scanning, separated from their owners for some time. After the check, visitors have to squeeze through the crowd to find their bags on a long table behind a jam-packed conveyor belt—extremely chaotic and quite insecure.
Even though we had seen countless photos and films of the Taj Mahal, witnessing it in person was still awe-inspiring. Our guide shared the history with us: the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and took 22 years (1632–1653) of meticulous craftsmanship to complete. Since we arrived early, the crowds weren’t too overwhelming, but there were still lines at the best photo spots. Thankfully, our guide helped us take photos—though rushed, we still managed to capture some beautiful shots.
After the Taj Mahal, we headed to the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj—said to have inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. This tomb was built by Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg between 1622 and 1628. Having just come from the grand and majestic Taj Mahal, this smaller tomb felt rather modest and run-down by comparison.
We then returned to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, our driver took us to another major attraction—the Agra Fort. Built in the 16th century with red sandstone, this massive structure once served as the main imperial palace of the Mughal Empire. From the fort, we could also catch a distant view of the magnificent Taj Mahal.
In the afternoon, after bidding farewell to our local guide, we embarked on a five-hour drive to Jaipur, our next stop in the Golden Triangle journey.
金三角包车游——阿格拉(Agra)
2025年3月15日
昨天下午驱车三个多小时从新德里来到阿格拉, 直接入住酒店休息。
今天清晨 6 点，我们的司机准时来酒店接我们，经过短暂的车程，我们抵达了世界七大奇迹之一——泰姬陵（Taj Mahal）。当地导游在门口与我们会合之后便带着我们进去。这里要说一下，进泰姬陵的安检男女分开，随身的小包都必须过安检带，且与人分开一段时间，安检之后要人挤人的去让工作人员在堆得满满的传送带后面长桌上找自己包包，非常混乱且不安全。
尽管在无数照片和影视作品中见过它的身影，亲眼目睹泰姬陵的那一刻，依然令人震撼。我们的导游向我们讲述了泰姬陵的历史：它是莫卧儿皇帝沙贾汗（Shah Jahan）为纪念他的妻子穆姆塔兹·玛哈尔（Mumtaz Mahal）而建，经历了 22 年（1632-1653 年） 的精雕细琢才最终完成。我们去的早，人还不算太多，最佳摄影点都必须排队，好在我们有导游帮忙拍照，虽匆忙但还是留下了美照。
离开泰姬陵，我们前往伊特玛德·乌德·道拉陵墓（Baby Taj）——据说是泰姬陵的灵感来源。这座陵墓由莫卧儿皇帝贾汉吉尔的王后 努尔·贾汉（Nur Jahan） 于 1622-1628 年间为她的父亲 米尔扎·基亚斯·贝格（Mirza Ghiyas Beg） 建造。刚看完高大上的泰姬陵，再来看小泰姬，感觉就是一个老破小了。
然后我们回到酒店，吃完早餐后，司机又接我们去另一个景点——阿格拉堡（Agra Fort），这座建于 16 世纪的红色砂岩城堡，曾是 莫卧儿帝国的主要皇宫。在那里，还可以遥望宏伟壮观的泰姬陵。
下午与今天的当地导游告别后，我们开车五小时前往下一站斋浦尔（Jaipur），继续我们的金三角之旅。
Golden Triangle 3-Days Tour—New Delhi 金三角包车游—新德里
March 14, 2025
Our 3-day Golden Triangle tour began……
我们从Viator订了三日金三角包车游，。。。
March 14, 2025
Our 3-day Golden Triangle tour began with a morning pickup from our hotel by a private driver, arranged through Viator. After picking us up, the driver met with our local guide, who stayed with us throughout the day. Due to the Holi celebration, some monuments were closed, but we still managed to explore several of Delhi’s iconic landmarks, making the most of our time in the capital.
Our first stop was Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The grand red sandstone structure is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and continues to be an active place of worship. Like many religious sites in India, we were required to remove our shoes before entering. To avoid walking barefoot, we paid 200 rupees to borrow thin slippers. The mosque was nearly empty, with workers rolling out carpets in preparation for upcoming prayers. Through an open side gate, we caught a glimpse of Chandni Chowk Market, which our guide jokingly referred to as the “thief market.” The usually bustling market was quiet, closed in observance of Holi.
Next, we stopped for photos at India Gate, a war memorial honoring the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and other conflicts.
Due to the Holi holiday closures, our guide suggested an alternative site: Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, a stunning Sikh temple with a golden dome and a peaceful Sarovar (holy pond), which was under renovation. Both of us had to remove our shoes and cover our heads with scarves before entering. It was our first time inside a Sikh temple, and we were fascinated by the worship rituals. We also visited the temple’s langar, the community kitchen that serves over 20,000 free meals daily. While photography was not allowed inside the temple itself—preserving the sacred atmosphere—we were permitted to take photos in the kitchen area. The atmosphere there was truly humbling. People from all walks of life worked side by side, chopping vegetables, washing dishes, baking bread, and serving food. Witnessing this spirit of selfless service was deeply inspiring, and the sheer scale of the operation left a lasting impression.
We then visited Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest brick minaret in the world. Built in the 12th century, the towering structure is covered in intricate carvings and Arabic inscriptions from the Delhi Sultanate period. Remnants of an earlier Hindu temple stand beside the mosque, reflecting a history of religious transitions—a pattern we observed throughout India.
Our final stop in Delhi was the Lotus Temple, a Baha’i House of Worship known for its lotus flower-like architecture. Open to people of all faiths, the temple offers a serene space for silent reflection. We waited briefly before entering and sat quietly inside for a few minutes to absorb the tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding gardens were beautifully maintained.
Given the general concerns about hygiene among foreign visitors, our driver took us to a trusted restaurant catering to tourists. It offered both Indian and Chinese dishes. The clientele was entirely foreign, and we ordered butter chicken and Chinese noodles, both of which were satisfying.
Our local guide was knowledgeable and engaging, offering detailed insights into the history and cultural significance of each site. He also served as our photographer, which meant we didn’t have to rely on selfies—a thoughtful touch that made the experience even more enjoyable.
After lunch, we began the 3-hour drive to Agra. That night, we checked into the Holiday Inn, where dinner was included in our package. The buffet-style meal was decent and convenient after a long day of travel and sightseeing.
金三角包车游—新德里
2025年3月14日
我们从Viator订了三日金三角包车游，配一位私人司机和三位当地导游。今天是第一天，主要是在新德里转转。早餐之后司机先从酒店接上我们俩，再前往接当天陪同我们的当地导游。由于今天仍是洒红节（Holi Festival），一些景点关闭，但我们仍然游览了多个标志性景点，充分利用了在印度首都的时间。
我们的导游详细讲解了每个景点的历史和文化背景，使我们能够按照自己的节奏慢慢探索。他还兼职摄影师，帮我们拍下了许多美照，无需自拍，令旅程更加愉快。
新德里游览景点
贾玛清真寺（Jama Masjid）—— 印度最大的清真寺之一，这座 红砂岩建筑是莫卧儿建筑的杰作，至今仍是重要的宗教场所。打开侧门时，我们远望一处被导游称为 “小偷市场”的Chandni Chowk 市场。
印度门（India Gate） —— 印度战士纪念碑，矗立在新德里市中心，以纪念在战争中牺牲的印度士兵。P?锡克庙（Gurdwara Bangla Sahib） —— 一座宏伟的锡克教寺庙，金色圆顶在阳光下熠熠生辉。我们按照规定包上头巾，脱掉鞋袜，淌过水进入寺中，圣徒们坐在地上聆听颂经。里面不允许拍照。我们还参观了免费施食厨房（Langar），这里每天为2万人提供餐食，体现了锡克教的博爱精神。
古塔（Qutub Minar） —— 联合国教科文组织世界文化遗产，世界上最高的砖砌宣礼塔。
莲花寺（Lotus Temple） —— 巴哈伊教礼拜堂，以莲花造型闻名。这里的宁静氛围为游客提供了一个静思冥想的空间，对所有信仰的人开放。
在一天的游览结束后，我们享用了一顿美味的午餐，包括奶油黄油鸡（Butter Chicken） 和 中式炒面（Chinese Noodles），为这趟充满文化与历史的旅程增添了一份美食的满足感。
告别新德里及当地导游，司机载着我们前往三日游的下一站Agra。
Holi Festival 洒红节
March 12, 2025
Chenggang flew to New Delhi from Hanoi,……
当我们于2025年3月12日抵达新德里时，。。。
March 12, 2025
Chenggang flew to New Delhi from Hanoi, Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines, while Connie arrived on a United Airlines flight from New York City. We both enjoyed some relaxing time in our respective airport lounges before our flights. Connie landed in New Delhi about an hour earlier than Chenggang, and we met at the baggage claim area.
As we stepped out of the arrival gate, we saw a hotel representative holding a sign with our name. Shortly after, we were escorted to our car, and the hotel driver drove us to the hotel.
On the way, the driver mentioned that the next two days would be filled with vibrant Holi celebrations across India. Holi is one of the country’s most joyful and colorful festivals, marking both the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It’s famously known as the “Festival of Colors,” with people joyfully throwing colored powders (gulal) at one another in celebration.
March 13, 2025
This morning, we set out to explore Delhi on our own, without a guide. The hotel driver dropped us off at Aerocity Mall, but since most shops hadn’t opened yet, we decided to head to the nearby metro station. To our surprise, the newly built station wasn’t directly connected to the mall as we had expected—we had to circle around the mall to reach the entrance.
Once inside, we found the Delhi Metro to be a pleasant surprise: modern, clean, and nearly empty. We took the train to a stop near Connaught Placeand Central Park, but as we exited the station, we were quickly overwhelmed by large crowds on the streets—and even saw monkeys roaming freely, which was both surprising and a bit amusing.
As we made our way toward Central Park, a man approached us, claiming the park was closed and recommending a “nice shopping mall” nearby instead. Believing he might be referring to Connaught Place—our intended destination—we hesitated. A second man then joined the conversation and offered to walk with us. Though he may have meant well, we started to feel uneasy, especially as we walked into a neighborhood that didn’t feel particularly safe or clean.
About 10 minutes later, we arrived at Dilli Haat, an indoor handicraft market. While the market was interesting and featured a variety of local crafts, it wasn’t quite what we were looking for—we hadn’t planned to shop for souvenirs or clothes. Overall, it was a disappointing start to our day and not the experience we had hoped for.
After just a brief look around, we left and decided to trust Google Mapsinstead of unsolicited advice from strangers. That turned out to be the right call.
Contrary to what we’d been told, Central Park and Connaught Place were both open. We strolled around the famous circular market area, though nothing in particular caught our interest. So we returned to Aerocity for a simple lunch at the mall’s food court. The hotel driver picked us up afterward and brought us back to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we were invited to join the Radisson Blu hotel staff for their Holi celebration. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel welcome—handing us cheerful “Happy Holi” white t-shirts and playfully smearing colorful powders on our faces.
They had prepared a spectacular buffet of Indian cuisine, along with an open bar, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. With music playing, people dancing, and laughter all around, we found ourselves fully immersed in the festive spirit. We danced, laughed, and joined in the celebration with total spontaneity.
It was a truly unforgettable afternoon, filled with warmth, joy, and cultural connection—one of the most unexpected yet delightful moments of our trip. Holi turned out to be not just a festival of colors, but also a celebration of community, generosity, and the beauty of shared experiences.
洒红节
当我们于2025年3月12日抵达新德里时，接我们的酒店司机告诉我们，接下来的两天将是印度充满欢乐的洒红节。洒红节是一个充满活力的节日，象征着春天的到来和正义战胜邪恶。它也被称为“色彩节”，因为人们会互相抛洒彩色粉末来庆祝。
3月13日，我们与Radisson Blu酒店的员工一起参加了洒红节的庆祝活动。他们热情地为我们提供了白色T恤，并在我们的脸上涂上了五彩斑斓的颜料。此外，他们还准备了丰盛的印度美食和开放式酒吧，款待大家。现场气氛热烈，我们随着音乐起舞，欢声笑语不断，尽情享受着印度美食和节日的狂欢。这个下午充满了惊喜与欢乐，让我们沉浸在这场意想不到的文化体验之中。
Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
March 11, 2025
The breakfast at Le Premier Hotel was extensive,……
March 11, 2025
The breakfast at Le Premier Hotel was extensive, and their pho was arguably the best in town. I was usually among the first guests to arrive each morning, allowing me extra time to relax and prepare before heading out for the day’s adventures.
Today, I decided to take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus—a flexible and convenient way to explore Hanoi’s key landmarks at my own pace. Since I was staying at Le Premier Hotel near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, I boarded the bus at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, a central and bustling spot.
My first stop was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader rests. The square was vast, surrounded by government buildings and historical landmarks. A long queue had already formed, and it took me at least 30 minutes to enter and view the body. The atmosphere inside was solemn, with strict rules ensuring silence and respect.
Just a short walk away was the One Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple uniquely built on a single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond. Despite its modest size, the pagoda carries deep historical and spiritual significance.
Next, I visited Quan Thanh Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vu, the deity of the north. The temple’s intricate carvings, peaceful courtyard, and giant bronze statue made this stop a pleasant and culturally enriching experience. What really caught my attention was the food and drinks people put on the altars—stuff they hope their family and the gods can enjoy in the afterlife.
By the time I reached Tran Quoc Pagoda, it was closed for lunch. I wandered around looking for a place to eat and ended up at a nearby restaurant for a bowl of pho. But it gave me an opportunity to walk around the area where locals live. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the worst pho I’d ever had—the broth was bland, the beef tasted like cardboard, and the flavors were disappointingly flat.
After lunch, I returned to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples, perched on a small peninsula by West Lake. Its tall red pagoda reflected in the still water created a serene and picturesque scene.
I made a quick stop at the bright yellow Cửa Bắc Church (Northern Gate Church), a charming blend of French and Vietnamese architectural styles. Just across the street stood the ancient Northern Gate, still bearing two cannon holes from the French attack—a quiet reminder of the city’s turbulent past.
The next stop was the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that had served as Vietnam’s political center for over 1,300 years. Exploring the ancient gates, archaeological ruins, and hidden wartime bunkers offered a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi’s layered past. The highlight was the D67 Building, a wartime bunker and command center used during the Vietnam War. Walking through its rooms felt like stepping back in time.
I then arrived at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded to honor Confucian learning. Its serene courtyards, carefully manicured gardens, and peaceful pavilions provided a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle. The highlight was the 82 stone stelae, each resting on a turtle base and inscribed with the names of scholars who passed the royal exams between 1442 and 1779—a powerful tribute to Vietnam’s long-standing reverence for education.
However, this stop came with an unexpected challenge. Unlike other sites, where visitors could exit at the same point, the Temple of Literature required exit through a designated gate far from the bus stop. By the time I made it back, the scheduled bus had already left!
Just then, my friend called—he was already waiting for me in the hotel lobby for dinner. I called Grab, a ride sharing app to a restaurant for us to meet. The wonderful restaurant was special for Vietnamese stir-fried fish. It was absolutely delicious.
After bidding farewell to my friend, I walked to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater to try for a last-minute ticket to the 8:00 p.m. show. Although a “sold out” sign was posted, I decided to queue anyway—and luckily, there were one or two tickets left! I thoroughly enjoyed the show; it was lively, entertaining, and uniquely Vietnamese.
To cap off the evening, I boarded the Hop-On Hop-Off Night Bus, taking the same route without getting off. The city had transformed—its streets alive with lights, scooters, and the vibrant energy of Hanoi’s nightlife.
March 12, 2025
With a full morning free before heading to the airport for my next journey, I made my way to the legendary Cafe Giang to try their famous egg coffee. The drink was unique—rich, creamy, and surprisingly delicious. It was the perfect way to end my memorable stay in Hanoi.
HaLong Bay 下龙湾
March 10, 2025
Yesterday, I flew from Shenzhen to Hanoi……
March 10, 2025
Yesterday, I flew from Shenzhen to Hanoi and had a driver pick me up, which I had booked through Booking.com. I was glad I did, as the arrival area was chaotic, with crowds of people searching for taxis. Navigating my way out on my own would have been challenging.
The roads were heavily congested, and by the time we reached the area near my hotel after 7 PM, the streets had been closed off for the weekend. The driver had to drop me off a short walk away, so I dragged my luggage through the bustling crowd.
After settling into my hotel, I enjoyed my first delicious Vietnamese dinner there. Later, I headed out to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where a lively celebration was taking place. A free concert was happening near the lake, but since I didn’t recognize the singers or the songs, I opted for a leisurely walk around the lake, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
On my way back, I had to take a few detours, as some streets were also closed off to pedestrians, making the walk back to my hotel a bit more of an adventure.
I booked a day tour to Ha Long Bay, located about 170 km from Hanoi, through Viator. It is one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders, renowned for its breathtaking karst landscape, emerald waters, and thousands of limestone islands.
Today, I was picked up at 8 AM as one of the first passengers. For the next hour, the driver drove around Hanoi’s Old Quarter, picking up other tourists. Then, we had a three-hour drive to the bay, with a 30-minute stop at a pearl farm shop, where they tried to sell us pearl products.
At the marina, 36 of us from the same bus boarded a tour boat. Each table seated six people, and lunch was served as the boat sailed toward Ti Top Island. The meal included a variety of seafood and vegetarian dishes, all of which were delicious.
On Ti Top Island, we hiked up 400 steps, which were quite crowded. However, at the summit, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Some of the passengers from our boat also took a swim at the island’s small beach.
Our next stop offered three activity options: kayaking, riding a paddling boat, or riding a speedboat. The speedboat was the only option that required an extra fee of $10, which I chose. The driver took us out into the open waters at high speed, bringing us up close to several rock formations. He also performed high-speed maneuvers, making the ride thrilling. The view of the limestone formations from the boat was absolutely breathtaking.
The final stop was a visit to a cave on the island. The narrow path leading to the cave was crowded initially, but once inside, the space felt much larger. The caves were interesting but not particularly spectacular compared to others I’ve seen.
As we cruised back to the marina, the scenery of Ha Long Bay was simply stunning. The towering limestone islands, shimmering water, and peaceful atmosphere made the entire experience unforgettable.
After a three-hour bus ride back to Hanoi, I met up with a friend from Phoenix at my hotel. He took me out to try some local favorites: pho, bánh mì, and spring rolls. The food was flavorful and authentic. After dinner, we took a walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where the night views were charming. It was my first full day in Vietnam and a fantastic way to start the trip.
Macau 澳门
March 8, 2024
Yesterday, I visited my maternal uncle and his family in Panyu……
March 8, 2024
Yesterday, I visited my maternal uncle and his family in Panyu. The journey from Shenzhen took about 2.5 hours door-to-door via high-speed train and two subway transfers. I hadn’t seen them for decades, making the reunion both emotional and heartwarming.
Today was another packed travel day as I set out to visit Macau. Before heading to the ferry terminal at Shekou, I made a detour to Talent Park, where I took a leisurely stroll. The park was beautiful, and I wished I had more time to enjoy it.
From there, I called a Didi to the ferry terminal. Initially, I was seated in second class on the lower deck, where the seats were narrow and somewhat cramped. After a few minutes, I decided to upgrade to first class on the upper deck for ¥170. The upgrade was well worth it—there were only four passengers in the spacious and comfortable section, and the service included hot coffee and snacks. The sea crossing to Macau took about an hour.
Upon arrival, I took a free casino shuttle—amusingly called the “Getting Rich Shuttle”—to MGM Cotai. From there, I transferred to MGM Macau on Macau Island. The casino was bustling, the air filled with excitement, but since I wasn’t interested in gambling, I headed straight to the food court. I had clay pot rice (煲仔饭), which was delicious and suited my taste perfectly.
Afterward, I wandered around the area. Compared to Las Vegas, Macau’s casino district felt less glamorous. I took another free casino shuttle from Grand Lisboa back to Lisboeta in Taipa island. Then, I strolled from Lisboeta to MGM Cotai, passing by the impressive Wynn Cotai water fountain. The area around Wynn was noticeably more upscale and scenic.
After five hours in Macau, during which I visited four casinos across two different islands, I returned to the ferry terminal.
With this trip, I have now visited all of China’s territories: Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau—fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams.
In Shenzhen, I stayed at the Atour Hotel next to Huaqiangbei, the world’s electronics capital. I explored several massive, multi-level malls offering everything from surface-mount resistors and capacitors to drones and laptops. I was blown away by the sheer scale and diversity of electronic systems and components available. Huaqiangbei is truly a global hub for electronic supply and innovation.
Gulangyu Island 鼓浪屿
March 5, 2025
I took the 9:45 AM ferry from the First Ferry Terminal……
March 5, 2025
I took the 9:45 AM ferry from the First Ferry Terminal to Neicuo’ao. It was supposed to be a luxury ferry, but aside from everyone having their own seat, there was nothing luxurious about it—yet it cost twice as much as the standard ferry. After a short ride, I arrived at the terminal, only to be met with a shock: a dilapidated seaside building stood not too far away, immediately giving me a bad first impression. I had expected Gulangyu to be a high-end resort town with beautiful ocean views and stunning beaches, but instead, I continued to spot several more abandoned buildings occupying prime locations.
Before the trip, I had done my research, and my main goal was to walk along the coastline. I even bought an island map on the ferry to assist me. However, that plan quickly fell apart. Without any warning signs or notices, I found that several footpaths were inaccessible, either under repair or flooded. After walking downhill, I—along with other confused visitors—had no choice but to turn back and take the main roads instead. The scenic area was poorly managed, at the very least.
However, Sunlight Rock (日光岩) was an exception. The area was beautifully designed and well-maintained. As the highest point on the island, it offered panoramic views of both Gulangyu and Xiamen.
I had originally planned to visit Shuzhuang Garden, but after seeing so many traditional gardens on past trips, I decided to skip it. Instead, I went to Haoyue Park, home to the giant statue of Zheng Chenggong, the historical figure who played a key role in reclaiming Taiwan from Dutch rule in the 17th century. Unlike other parts of the island, this theme park was spacious, well-designed, and offered even more breathtaking views of Xiamen and its surroundings. I truly enjoyed my visit there.
When it was time to leave, I encountered yet another frustrating inconvenience. I was not allowed to board the short ferry back to Xiamen, as it was only for locals. Instead, I had to walk an extra 15 minutes to another ferry terminal and take a 25-minute ferry that dropped me off far from my hotel. This unnecessary detour wasted everyone’s time and fuel, not to mention its environmental impact.
After returning to Xiamen, I had one more stop: Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺). I booked a Didi ride, but once I got in the car, the driver tried to trick me into taking a longer route by claiming the temple was about to close soon. I told him, “Just take me there, open or not.”
As expected, the temple was still open for another two hours. It was beautifully designed and well-maintained, a stark contrast to the disappointment of Gulangyu. I really enjoyed the visit.
I had skipped lunch, so for dinner, I had a simple teppanyaki fried noodles (铁板烧炒面) for ¥28. Simple, but satisfying.
Four Dishes and One Soup 四菜一汤
March 4, 2025
Today, I joined a small group tour to visit Nanjing Tulou,……
March 4, 2025
Today, I joined a small group tour to visit Nanjing Tulou, one of the most famous tulou clusters in China. Our group consisted of five adults and a three-year-old girl. I was the last person to be picked up at 9 AM, and since I was the only solo traveler, I was lucky to get the comfortable front seat in the van. The drive from Xiamen to the scenic area took about two hours.
Upon arrival, I encountered a minor issue with ticket verification—the tour company couldn’t use my passport to purchase the ticket, so they used another person’s ID number instead. At the entrance, I was instructed to tell the attendant that I didn’t have the physical card, only the number. However, the deception was obvious because Chinese ID numbers include the birth year, and I was clearly not born in 1983, which is on the ID. Fortunately, the attendant didn’t question it too much, and I was able to enter without any problems.
Just as our tour started, rain began to fall, so we walked around with umbrellas in hand.
Our first stop was Hegui Lou, built in 1732. This is the tallest square tulou in Fujian, standing at five stories high. It was constructed in a marshy area, relying on wooden columns for support, giving it the appearance of floating on water. Inside, the wells have water levels slightly above the ground, reinforcing its name as the “Water Tulou.”
Next, we visited Cuimei Lou, which wasn’t included in the tour package, so we paid an extra $1.50 to explore the upper floors. Since this tulou was not part of the organized tour, it was much quieter—an excellent spot to admire the architecture and take photos without the usual crowds.
We then strolled through Yunshuiyao Ancient Village, known for its centuries-old banyan trees, cobblestone streets, and flowing rivers, creating a peaceful and poetic atmosphere. However, due to the gloomy weather, the village failed to impress me.
Our next stop was Zhongxing Lou, a square-shaped tulou that now serves as a tulou museum. We were allowed to go up to the upper floors and balconies, which provided a better view of Huaiyuan Lou, our next destination.
Built in 1907, Huaiyuan Lou is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful round tulou in Fujian. It features exquisite wooden carvings and perfectly symmetrical architecture, making it a prime example of classical tulou design. Traditionally, each floor had a specific purpose: the first floor was used as a kitchen and cooking area, the second floor for storage, the third and fourth floors for living quarters, and the fifth floor for miscellaneous purposes, including storing coffins before burial. Nowadays, very few people still live inside the tulou, except for some elderly residents.
After lunch, we visited Yuchang Lou, one of the oldest and largest round tulou in Fujian, built in 1308 during the Yuan Dynasty. This tulou is famous for its tilted wooden columns on the upper floors, which lean significantly due to construction errors, yet the structure has remained standing for over 700 years. Inside, every room on the first floor had a well—a rare feature.
Without a doubt, the best part of the tour was saved for last. The Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, nicknamed “Four Dishes and One Soup,” did not disappoint. This world-famous site features four round tulou surrounding a square tulou, forming a layout that resembles a traditional Hakka meal, with the round tulou representing four dishes and the square tulou symbolizing a bowl of soup. The aerial view of this cluster is iconic and breathtaking.
Despite the rainy start, the day turned out to be an unforgettable experience, offering a deep insight into Hakka culture, history, and architectural wonders.
Fu Dao 福道
March 1, 2025
Today’s highlight was undoubtedly my hike on Fu Dao (福道),……
今天最精彩的体验无疑是徒步福道(Fu Dao)，。。。
March 1, 2025
Today’s highlight was undoubtedly my hike on Fu Dao (福道), one of the most scenic urban trails in Fuzhou and often hailed as “China’s most beautiful city forest walkway.” Stretching approximately 19 kilometers, this elevated steel skywalk winds through various city parks, seamlessly integrating nature with urban life. I took the 5-kilometer classic route, and the panoramic city views along the way were absolutely breathtaking. The Fu Dao design and construction were impressive.
After the hike, I headed to Shangxiahang (上下杭), similar to three lanes and seven alleys, another historical district in Fuzhou, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, old merchant houses, and charming riverside scenery. I had lunch there—the food was good, but I ordered too much and couldn’t finish everything.
Next, I visited Yantai Mountain Park (烟台山公园) and its historic streets, but the overwhelming crowds made the experience less enjoyable. The area has a rich history, but I found it difficult to appreciate with so many people around.
Later in the day, I crossed a bridge over the Min River (闽江) and called a Didi to Gushan Shibajing Park (鼓山十八景公园), hoping to catch the sunset. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy, and the summit was packed with visitors. I spent only a few minutes there before deciding to head back to my hotel.
I had a light dinner at a nearby restaurant and called it a day.
2025年3月1日
今天最精彩的体验无疑是徒步福道(Fu Dao)，这条被誉为“全国最美城市森林步道”的福州著名城市步道。福道全长约19公里，由架空的钢结构栈道组成，穿行于多个城市公园之间，将自然与都市完美融合。我选择了经典的5公里路线，从3号口进5号口出，一路上城市的全景美不胜收，令人惊叹。这条步道确实名不虚传。
徒步结束后，我前往上下杭（Shangxiahang），这片历史街区与三坊七巷相似，以保存完好的传统建筑、古商铺以及富有韵味的沿河景观闻名。我在这里享用了午餐，食物很不错，但点得有些多，没能吃完。
接着，我前往烟台山公园（Yantai Mountain Park）及其周边历史街区。然而，人潮汹涌，使得游览体验大打折扣。尽管这里历史底蕴深厚，但在熙熙攘攘的人群中，我很难静下心来细细感受。
傍晚时分，我步行穿过闽江（Min River）上的一座桥，叫了滴滴前往鼓山十八景公园（Gushan Shibajing Park），希望能在山顶欣赏日落。然而，天气阴沉，山顶游客众多，景色并不如预期。我仅停留了几分钟，便决定返回酒店。
晚餐随意找了一家餐馆简单吃了些东西，随后便结束了这一天的行程。
Three Lanes and Seven Alleys 三坊七巷
February 28, 2025
Today marked the beginning of my first solo travel journey……
今天是我首次独自旅行的第一天。。。
February 28, 2025
Today marked the beginning of my first solo travel journey. I took a four-hour high-speed train to Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province. The ride was smooth, and I had pre-ordered lunch from a restaurant in Jinghua City through the 12306 railway app the day before. At Jinghua Station, a train attendant delivered my meal. While the food was average, the experience of having a pre-ordered meal delivered mid-journey was certainly unique.
Upon arriving at Fuzhou Station, I took a short Didi ride to the Hampton by Hilton for less than $3. After a brief rest, I set out to explore the city on foot. A 50-minute walk led me to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (三坊七巷), a historic district known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. The area was lively, lined with tea houses, local shops, and street food vendors. The most photographed attraction was a heart-shaped tree, but overall, the district felt similar to other historic pedestrian streets across China—a blend of old-world charm and modern commercialization.
For a local snack, I tried fish ball and Rouyan soup, both Fuzhou specialties. While they were decent, they didn’t quite impress me. Dinner, however, was a different story. I ordered lychee pork (荔枝肉) and another dish, both of which were delicious and full of flavor. On my way back to the hotel, I passed through a bustling night food market, but despite the tempting aromas, I resisted the urge to try anything more.
2025年2月25日
今天是我首次独自旅行的第一天。我搭乘了四小时的高铁来到福州，福建省的省会。旅途十分顺利，昨天在铁路12306App上提前预订了来自金华某餐厅的午餐。到达金华站后，列车员准时送来了餐食。虽然味道一般，但这种服务方式倒是颇具特色。
抵达福州站后，我叫了一辆滴滴，不用3美元就到了入住的希尔顿欢朋酒店。稍作休息后，我步行50分钟前往三坊七巷，一片保存完好的历史文化街区，充满了明清时期的古建筑。这里有许多茶馆、小店，以及各种当地特色小吃。最受欢迎的景点是一棵心形树，许多游客在此拍照留念。不过，整体逛下来，三坊七巷的体验与国内许多类似的历史街区相似，新旧交融，也略显商业化。
途中，我尝试了鱼丸和肉燕汤，这是福州的传统小吃。然而，味道一般。晚餐则完全不同，荔枝肉和糟菜炒笋香味俱全，让人食欲大增。回酒店的路上，我路过了一条热闹的夜市，摊位上飘来阵阵诱人的香气，但我最终还是没有继续品尝更多小吃。
Taihu Ancient Town 太湖古镇
February 6, 2025
After enjoying a lavish breakfast at the Sun Hotel,……
在太阳酒店享用了一顿丰盛的中西式自助早餐后,。。。
February 6, 2025
After enjoying a lavish breakfast at the Sun Hotel, which included both Western and Chinese buffet options, we called a Didi to head to another famous landmark in Huzhou — the Moon Hotel by Taihu Lake. The hotel also earned an unflattering nickname due to its unique design. The drive from Sun Hotel in Nanxun to the Moon Hotel by Taihu Lake took about fifty kilometers, and along the way, we realized that Huzhou was much larger than we had anticipated.
After checking in, we decided to explore the city. Our first stop was Yishang Street. While there were plenty of people, most of the street food sold by the vendors were common to many other places in China, with little to distinguish them, so we quickly lost interest and left. Next, we visited Zhuangyuan Street and Xiaoxi Street. The area wasn’t large, but it had its own charm, and it was definitely worth a visit. We got tired from walking, so we ducked into a small alley and took a break in a cozy café. The coffee was quite good, and the ambiance was peaceful and relaxing.
For dinner, we chose a restaurant by Taihu Lake, where we ordered a set meal featuring Taihu white fish and Huzhou’s famous thousand-layered dumplings. The meal was decent. In the evening, we headed to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy the light show at the Moon Hotel. The lake was calm that night, and the dazzling lights reflected beautifully on the water, creating a serene atmosphere. Afterward, we took a car to Taihu Ancient Town.
Taihu “Ancient” Town is a newly built theme park centered around ancient-style architecture, with food stalls and various performances. It was quite crowded with tourists. We watched a less-than-five-minute iron flower show and also caught a few minutes of a water light show. While the scenes were impressive, the overall experience felt lackluster. After walking around for a while, we decided to leave. Our impression of Taihu Ancient Town was not great. Some areas were littered with trash, seemingly unattended for several days, which detracted from the overall experience.
The next morning, we woke up to see the golden sun slowly rising over Taihu Lake. From our room’s balcony, the sunrise was spectacular, with the lake shimmering under the golden light. It was one of the most breathtaking sunrises we had ever witnessed. However, our stay didn’t live up to expectations. The breakfast at the Sheraton Moon Hotel, priced at ¥188 per person for a buffet, was average at best. The environment was not ideal, and the overall value was low. The hotel room also didn’t meet expectations — the facilities were outdated and didn’t live up to online reviews that claimed it could rival a seven-star hotel in Dubai, which seemed like an exaggeration. In comparison, the Sun Hotel where we stayed the previous night offered better service, dining, and accommodation.
2025年2月5日
在太阳酒店享用了一顿丰盛的中西式自助早餐后，我们叫了滴滴前往湖州的另一个更有名的地标 - 太湖边的月亮酒店。这家酒店因为它的独特设计，大家给它起了个不雅的绰号。从南浔的太阳酒店到太湖边的月亮酒店路程大约五十公里，途中才发现湖州比我们想象的要大得多。
办理入住后，我们决定先去市区逛逛。第一站是衣裳街，街上人流不少，但摊贩售卖的小吃大多是各地常见的美食，并无太多特色，因此兴致不高，匆匆离开。随后，我们来到状元街和小西街，街区虽不大，但颇具特色，值得一逛。走累了，我们拐进一条小巷，在一家小咖啡馆稍作休息，咖啡味道不错，环境也颇为安静惬意。
晚餐选择了太湖边的一家餐厅，点了一份套餐，品尝了太湖白水鱼和湖州千页包，味道尚可。傍晚时分，我们来到渔人码头欣赏月亮酒店的灯光秀，今晚的湖面很平静，璀璨的灯光映照在湖面上，倒是颇有意境。随后，我们乘车前往太湖古镇。
太湖古镇是一个新建的以仿古建筑群为主的游乐园，设有美食摊位和各类表演，游客不少。我们观看了一场不到五分钟的打铁花秀，另外还看了几分钟的水上灯光秀。虽然场面壮观，但整体体验觉得很一般。逛了一圈后，我们便离开了。对太湖古镇的整体印象并不好，部分角落垃圾遍地，似乎已有数日无人清理，影响了游览体验。
翌日清晨，金色的太阳在太湖上缓缓升起。站在房间的阳台上看日出，湖面波光粼粼，景色十分秀美，是我们见过的日出中较为惊艳的一次。然而，入住的体验却并不尽如人意。月亮酒店的喜来登每人¥188自助早餐不仅菜品一般，环境也不够理想，整体性价比不高。酒店客房亦未能达到预期，设施陈旧，与网上有人评价的“可媲美迪拜七星级酒店”相去甚远，多少有些夸大其词。相比之下，前一晚入住的太阳酒店无论在服务、餐饮还是住宿体验上，都更胜一筹。