2024 Showcase Gallery - 1st Half

With COVID long behind us, air fares have finally normalized in 2024 with low-cost airlines offering plenty of sales, making regional trips quite affordable. With my base shifting from Hong Kong to London, I was also surprised to find plenty of good deals for short-haul flights into Europe as well even on legacy airlines and out of Heathrow.

Seoul (January)

With Korea deeply entrenched in winter, I preferred finding indoor places to visit to keep warm. This historic Noryanjin fish market now has a new building, and everything looks cleaner and brighter.

Gyeongbokgung is the country's main royal palace and if you dress up in their traditional attire, you can visit for free. While renting these outfits is not necessarily cheaper than the admission fee, I noticed a lot of foreign tourists in various shapes and sizes try out their new outfits here.

The Starfield Library in the middle of COEX Mall is a photographer's dream come true. The 2-storey library has a bright atrium where plenty of natural light shines in. Bookshelves are stacked high, up to 13m, and arranged for the camera effect, but how do you access all the 50,000 books, especially those at the top shelves?

For more photos : [Seoul Gallery]

Bangkok (January)

It has been a number of years since I've been to Bangkok, and many changes have happened since. Bangkok has no shortage of skyscrapers and rooftop bars, but King Power Mahanakhon stands out with its unique facade and an outdoor observation deck on its roof.

Contrast that against some of the city's local markets, where you get a feast to the senses, a few shocks, and many surprises.

For more photos : [Bangkok Gallery]

Ayutthaya (January)

This amazing place now in ruins was the former Thai capital that was destroyed by the invading Burmese in 1767. This was once a huge city where a million people lived along many canals, and well worth a day trip from Bangkok to explore its historical legacy. There are many temples that have survived in bits and pieces but they're all quite spread out, so I opted for a tour instead of trying to figure out how to get around on my own.

For more photos : [Ayutthaya Gallery]

Taichung (February)

Located in the middle of Taiwan, this is a less touristy destination but there are a good number of sights to visit. Rainbow Village is one of them. It's a sad story of an old man trying to save his home by painting it into a tourist attraction. It worked, but the company that stepped in to manage it got a bit ahead of themselves and ultimately destroyed some of that legacy.

Taiwan is susceptible of nasty earthquakes and a really bad one struck in 1999 that killed over 2400 people. A collapsed school is now a museum on the event which highlights government corruption, shoddy construction, and the power of nature.

For more photos : [Taichung Gallery]

Alishan (February)

Mountains run along Taiwan's centre and Alishan is one of the best places for a getaway. There are plenty of hiking trails where you are immersed in nature, with huge trees all around, clean air, absolute serenity, and a feeling of peace.

For more photos : [Alishan Gallery]

Beijing (March)

There are so many historic attractions here thanks to its legacy as the imperial capital for the last few dynasties. While I've been to these places before, every time I return to Beijing, it seems there are more subway lines to make access easier.

Yuan Ming Yuan was built in the Western style during the 18th century. However, it lays in ruins after Anglo-French forces ransacked it during the Second Opium War as a reminder of foreign aggression towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. Many treasures have been taken to Western countries and appear at auctions every now and then.

Nearby, the Summer Palace was also destroyed but rebuilt with funds diverted from the navy modernization drive.

For more photos : [Beijing Gallery]

Osaka (April)

April is a peak season for Japan with the cherry blossoms coming online. I was lucky to reach Osaka at full bloom, and it was surely impressive. The area around the castle and nearby river had plenty to show.

For more photos : [Osaka Gallery]

Tokyo (April)

Jiyugaoka is an elite lowrise suburb in Tokyo's southern reaches with stylish cafes and trendy shops, catering to wealthier locals instead of the tourist crowd. Its name means "freedom hill", which came from a nearby high school where a new form of education that strayed away from authoritainism debuted.

For more photos : [Tokyo Gallery]

Edinburgh (June)

The UK's weather is unpredictable but I was very grateful blue skies hovered above when I landed in Edinburgh. However, I could get a huge variety of weather on the same day from sun to clouds to rain to hail.

The Royal Mile linking the castle with Holyrood down below is quite an elegant street now although it was a slum back in time. The neighbouring side streets are also quite atmospheric with plenty to see and photograph.

For more photos : [Edinburgh Gallery]

Glasgow (June)

Glasgow's vibe is entirely different to Edinburgh. It's more industrial and rugged here, but with far cheaper hotels, I chose to stay here and commute a little over an hour each way instead. I did spend half a day to explore a few qwerky attractions, such as its small subway stations and street art.

For more photos : [Glasgow Gallery]

Gothenburg (June)

Founded by King Charles IX in 1603 and re-founded by King Gustav II Adolf in 1619 after war destruction, Gothenburg is a relatively young city. Its importance grew alongside the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century, when it operated for 82 years with 132 expeditions to China. The maritime legacy is quite evident along its waterfront, and there is good seafood on offer.

For more photos : [Gothenburg Gallery]

Stockholm (June)

I first visited Stockholm in 2006 with great impressions. The weather was nice, locals were friendly, and the sun set very late. So I returned with a better camera and strong legs for long days of walking. The city comprises of many islands, so there are plenty of spots with good views and the waterfront promenades offer a good variety of scenery. I quite like this quieter European capital that hasn't been overrun by tourists.

For more photos : [Stockholm Gallery]