Nanxun / 南浔镇, China (06/29/2019 - 07/01/2019)

One tends to associate modern China with high density, ultra modern cities, or large industrial zones. Thankfully some of the historic towns have managed to survive, and even have been 'refurbished'.  Pingyao / 平遥 was the first of such I ever visited, back in 2007.  

Nanxun was a pleasant surprise, only a 90 minute drive away from Hangzhou. Dating from the 12th century, this Song Dynasty city was one of the wealthiest towns in the region, and featured quite prominently in the silk trade. 

I didn't come here for any particular agenda other than to just get away somewhere quiet and relaxing for the weekend, and discovered a real gem that made me feel like I was transported into another century.

Tallinn, Estonia II (05/14/2019 - 05/18/2019)

This was my second visit to Tallinn and my first during the late spring, which I have to say, was a much better time to visit than the winter. 

I don't have much more to say in addition to my first visit, other than to reaffirm my fondness for this quaint city. It manages to retain its ancient roots (and architecture) while being one of the most dynamic and innovative places in Europe. 

It's a place I am growing more personal and professional ties to, and only hope it doesn't lose what makes it special, as places often do with time and success.

Hong Kong III / 香港, China (04/09/2019 - 04/13/2019)

I had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong for a longer duration on the side of a business trip and explore parts that I hadn't been able to appreciate in the past 15 years - the less populated southern side of HK Island. 

I've associated Hong Kong with the hustle and bustle of Central and Kowloon, and was pleasantly delighted to visit a part that was filled with empty space, beautiful scenery, good hiking and more low-rise, rustic communities. 

This hidden gem was first uncovered to me with the new South Island Line that traverses the north to south entirely in only 1 stop from Admiralty to Ocean Park, which served as my 'base' for exploring Aberdeen (whose original name 'Hong Kong' was then applied to the entire island), Shek-O (beach, village, peak), and hiking the Dragon's Back trail. 

It was a very tranquil visit, that preceded the more tumultuous and uncertain times ahead.