Two weeks ago i came back from a fabulous trip in Thailand, the most touristy country in Asia. I went there for 2 weeks, partly with a friend for most of the trip.

I spent the first 3 days chillin’ on the sandy beaches of Koh Phi Phi, even though i spent most of my time underwater. I then joined my mate in Bangkok and off we went for the great North. We stopped in a few towns on the way before reaching our goal, Chiang Mai, where we hanged for a week.

Monkeys, tigers, elephants, fish spa, ruins, temples, exquisite food, interesting encounters. This is Thailand, and I love it. I will definitely come back to this dream land sooner or later.

Here are a few mouth watering pictures, and as always the full album is on Flick.

Last weekend i had the visit from my friend Sebastien, who now lives in Abu Dhabi. He was on his way to Vietnam and decided to stop for a few days in HK. We hadn’t seen each other for 2½ years, and i was really pleased to see him again.

On sunday we decided to go to Macau, which is in fact really close to HK, only 1h by ferry. You still have to go through the customs though, as it is yet another Special Administrative Region of China.

Macau is really refreshing compared to HK. There is much more space, even if they also have giant towers, and the old part of the town feels like a little Europe, with small sinuous streets. It’s too bad there was no sunshine, because i’m sure the coloured houses would be stunning in natural light.

The casinos are also all over the place, as Macau is the only legal place in China were gambling is authorized. We quickly visited The Venetian, which is 3 times bigger than it’s Las Vegas counterpart, and hopped on a Gondola for a ride in fake Venice.

Macau is definitely a lovely place, with a European atmosphere, as well as a close destination to escape HK’s madness from times to times. I will definitely come by again. As usual here are a few shots, and the whole album is also on my Flickr page.

I know I haven’t been giving lots of news recently. I finally moved into my new apartment. I couldn’t get the one in Happy Valley, but i found something nice in Wanchai. The flat is spacious and close from work, and the neighbourhood is really local and rich in terms of nightlife ,and I am also close to transports.

Finally getting settled is an enjoyable feeling, and now i can concentrate on other things, like getting back to sports, making the most of my week-ends, and also start thinking about holidays !

Here are a few recent shots from HK, the first one has been taken in Stanley, south of Hong Kong island.

This one is the view you can get on a clear day from the Peak.

It has nearly been a month since i landed in Hong Kong, and i have to admit i am still a bit confused. I have to admit i am amazed at how they managed to build so many buildings and stack so many people on such a small island, and sometimes it’s scary. But i started not so long ago to not hate this city, like i did when i arrived 4 weeks ago. I still can’t say i like it though, but it’s getting better.

But today is different. Today i have found a place to live, finally. Property hunting in HK is a time-consuming activity, and you often have to visit 15 to 30 places before finding something worth it. I’ll be living in Happy Valley, near the race course, quite close to work, and on top of that i’m in the same building as some really good friends ! I should be moving in on the 21st of November. I will finally be able to start enjoying HK, and getting away from the city on the week ends.

Oh, and here are a few shots from HK.

Exactly two years ago, around this exact time, i arrived in Sydney. I didn’t really know what to expect from this new start in my life, flying over half of the planet to land on this big piece of rock. The only 3 things i knew about Australia at this time were: kangaroos, surf and sun. At least that couldn’t be bad, eh ?

It’s been now 2 full years, and i learned to love this country. Those of you who came here know what i’m talking about. Everything here is so easy, people are kind and you think you could do everything you want ! Oh yes, i love Australia.

My time in Sydney was really interesting, i met lots of people, and some of them will even (i hope) be part of what i tend to call ‘best friends’. Those friends that will always be there for you, even in 5 or 10 years, even if you don’t hang out with them everyday.

But enough sentimentality. This is not just because i have been here for the last 2 years that i suddenly talk about Sydney and Australia. I am moving forward. In fact it’s quite a big leap forward, say 7830km north-north-west. See it? Hong-Kong it is, yes sir !

My company has started relocating its Sydney activity to the regional hub for the last 8 months now, most of my friends have already been sent out there, and now it’s my turn ! I’m eager to find out what the pearl of the Orient is made of, and i’ll tell you soon, as i am flying on Saturday the 10th.

Coming back to Australia, here are a few shots i took last week-end. Those are my last shots of Sydney, and a bit of a tribute as well to a city i loved, love, and will love forever.

Goodbye Sydney, goodbye Australia, and thanks for everything !