Travel has always been a big part of my life. Some of my earliest memories involve the cabin of a Boeing 747 en route to Canada, where I spent every summer poring over my grandmother’s extensive National Geographic collection. Struck by the stunning images and stories of far-flung places, I resolved to leave my native Hong Kong at the age of 18 to begin a new life in Europe.
After pursuing an architecture degree in the UK, I spent nine months in the beautiful Spanish city of Salamanca, living out the movie L’Auberge Espagnole and travelling through Iberia with every possible opportunity. Although I have since moved back to Hong Kong, I still hunger for the next trip to places I have yet to discover.
My name is James and these are the chronicles of my recent travels. Thanks for dropping by and feel free to leave a comment if you wish!
beautiful james. look forward to more!
What an exciting blog! The pictures are breathtaking!
I look forward to reading more!
Hi James. We’re loving your blog. We’re also glad that you’ve included our blog in your discover section. Always nice to stumble across a like-minded person.
Gary & Ro (yearlongbreakup.wordpress.com)
Thanks for your comment on my blog, much appreciated! And don’t let the lack of gear get in the way of becoming a photographer… a huge amount of the shots on my blog were taken with a point and shoot camera. (dont tell!) You just have to shoot lots, look at other photographers work, think about your composition, shoot some more and be critical of your results. And have fun, thats the most important part!!
Awesome blog!
Keep it up!!!
how much time will you stay in Spain?
I will be here until the end of June. After that it will be back to the realities of working life!
Nice posts!
Thanks for stopping by on the blog! Sounds like you’re living quite the exotic life
Hi James,
As a Toronto-dweller, I enjoyed your recent post about Toronto. It’s always interesting to see the city through a “stranger’s” eyes. You’re right, there’s more to Toronto than first meets the eye. Our city’s leaders are always going on about how “world-class” this city is, but I find that embarrassing. I’d prefer the city to be known for being a City of Neighbourhoods, which it is, and which is much more inviting in my opinion. Anyway, hope you’re enjoying Salamanca. I’ve not yet been there but it’s on my list. Thanks again for an interesting post.
Hi Elizabeth,
A similar thing is happening in my hometown of Hong Kong – the government is intent on branding it as “Asia’s World City” but as a citizen I find that there are many things that fall short of such a lofty title. Thank you for leaving such an insightful comment – I’m glad you enjoyed the entry!
Hey congratulations for your blog. It is really interesting. i am new in this area of travel. Just had been to Brazil. For me it will be nice to read.
Congratulations once again.
http://arjungabriel.wordpress.com/
Harish
Thanks Harish, I’ll be looking up your posts on Brazil.
Your blog is a wonderful opportunity for travelling from one’s desk or revisiting past memories. Expressive photos, and intelligent, informative comments, thank you, Lou.
I’m flattered Lou – thank you for leaving such kind, encouraging words. It’s comments like these that make my day.
I love your blog! Please keep posting.
Wonderful !!! Your blog is so simple, but full, well organized and to the point.
Wonderful blog, James! I love the way you document your trips across Europe.
Thank you Malou, I have to say that I love your insights on Dutch life!
Let’s continue sharing the many many wonders of alfresco adventures! Keep this blog alive.
Salamat Sony! One day I expect to be blogging about the Philippines.
Love your blog, James! And how lucky to have lived in Salamanca! We spent a night there in 2005 and were enchanted! Especially loved your post on Cordoba….your wonderful prose brought back memories! Looking forward to exploring your archives:-)
Thank you Madhu, Salamanca was absolutely unforgettable! I’ve just returned from a week in Beijing so I was delighted when I clicked on your blog – it looks like you’ve had quite the trip through China! I’ll definitely be following your posts from now on.
This is an exciting blog James. I share the same passion as you of travel, and I like to do photography too. Would be exciting to meet you some place on one of our trips:) Do you travel on your own or do you find sponsors? i mean, it must be expensive to go to all these places!
Thank you Bhaven, I love the photography on your blog!
I usually travel on my own – recently I spent 9 months living in Spain so that explains the wealth of posts on the country. Domestic travel there is very affordable and I stuck with buses and trains throughout my stay. A number of my overseas trips were done with family; in Canada I stayed with relatives and friends so that helped to keep the expenses down.
I would love to spend some time travelling around India, it’s not too far from Hong Kong and I’ve never been there. Perhaps we will meet when I make it to New Delhi!
You are absolutely welcome to visit India & New Delhi in particular. Its an amazing city with lots of history to it. Typical of a fast developing city with a curious mix of the new, old and the very old. Drop me a note if you ever are here.
Will do, Bhaven – I look forward to meeting you!
Amazing blog, James. Thanks for the inspiration and reminders of the powers of backpacking.
Misha
You’re welcome, Misha. I couldn’t agree more with your manifesto!
Powerful blog! keep writing!
Hi James,
I really enjoyed your piece about the Great Wall. We saw it at Simatai and were surprised to hear that it is closed for renovation. Sad… we chose it because it was not renovated!
Maybe you should consider Panama for one of your future trips. We are just back from several amazinjg months there.
Thanks
Keith
http://jkhowie1.worpdress.com
I would love to visit Panama – I have a family friend there so it seems like the right place to start a trip through Central America.
Have a look at my blog. Lots of ideas for things to do. Will be following your travels.
Thanks
Keith
Great pictures, great reports. I just started blogging after our recent trip to Cambodia & Vietnam. I’m hooked!
Thank you. I’m looking forward to reading your posts – I’ve never been to either one of those countries!
Great blog. Will dip in regularly. I hope you never lose the hunger for travelling.
Thank you Bob – I don’t think I ever will!
Thank you for inspiring us to continue writing! Fantastic blog
Thank you Anika & Jo – I love the title of your blog!
Cheers
We’re now an avid follower of your blog
Great Blog. Will be following. Keep up the good work. =)
Thanks! I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures.
James, I saw that you also comment regularly on Third Eye Mom’s blog (which I adore), so I thought I’d stop by here. Your blog is gorgeous! I can’t wait to read back through your posts and catch up on your story.
Cheers from a fellow wanderluster!
Thank you, Meghan! I can’t believe you’re in Russia right now – it’s been on my wishlist ever since I was given a wooden model of St. Basil’s Cathedral as a child. I’m an absolute sucker for those onion domes…
Glad you found me through Nicole’s amazing blog.
I will be following your adventures from now on – happy travels and all the best!