Sleepless in Singapore

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the final leg of my road trip down the West Coast of the United States, from San Francisco to San Diego, Tijuana, and back up to LA, ending in Death Valley. Our journey begins with a car swap fiasco at the LA Airport, where we end up with a convertible Chevy, perfect for cruising the Californian highways. San Diego offers us a culinary delight at Tacos El Gordo and a vibrant night at the Gaslamp District, while our brief Tijuana adventure is marked by a border-crossing mishap and a memorable breakfast at Georgina Restaurante. Back in LA, we explore iconic spots like Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, indulging in local flavors at Petit Trois and a Korean BBQ in Koreatown. Our drive through Death Valley is a scorching experience, with temperatures soaring to 49.2 degrees Celsius. The trip concludes with a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas and a return to Philadelphia for the 4th of July celebrations, before I finally head back home to Singapore.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the second half of my US road trip with Markus, from Nampa to the Mexican border. After a hearty dinner in Nampa, we set off early for Portland, capturing the beauty of the Blue Mountains and Mount Hood along the way. Portland welcomed us with its vibrant food scene, from marrow bones at LeChon to a memorable breakfast at Proud Mary Cafe. We explored Powell's Books, indulged in local delicacies, and even braved the cold on scooters to pick up my driver's license, much to Marcus's relief. Continuing our journey, we marveled at the giant trees in Redwood National and State Parks, enjoyed a cozy barbecue in Eureka, and admired the picturesque views of Mendocino. Napa Valley's rolling hills and wineries offered a taste of luxury before we crossed the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. The city's rich culinary landscape, from In-N-Out Burger to Burma Superstar, and the haunting history of Alcatraz left a lasting impression. Despite the challenges of homelessness and the pervasive smell of marijuana, the trip was a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, scenic drives, and culinary delights.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount an adventurous road trip along the West Coast of the United States with my friend Markus. Landing in Las Vegas, I am immediately struck by the ubiquitous gambling machines at the airport. Markus and I reunite at the Luxor Hotel, and after a brief delay due to my flight, we embark on our journey in a less-than-ideal Dodge Challenger. Our first stop is a hearty breakfast at The Egg and I, followed by a visit to the impressive Hoover Dam, capturing the essence of American engineering and natural beauty. Our travels then take us through the picturesque landscapes of Arizona, where we marvel at the Horseshoe Bend and explore the Navajo Arts and Crafts at the Cameron Trading Post. The vast red rock formations of Monument Valley leave a lasting impression, and we savor the tranquility of our remote Airbnb stays. As we journey through Utah, the green scenery of Monticello and the unique rock formations captivate us. In Salt Lake City, we are pleasantly surprised by the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, visiting charming bookshops and enjoying local delicacies. The Bonneville Salt Flats and the quirky Shoshone Falls in Idaho add a sense of wonder to our trip, culminating in a memorable dining experience in Nampa.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you on a journey to South Africa with my adventurous friend Hatim. Our escapade begins in Cape Town, where we accidentally dine and dash on our first night, only to return and pay, much to the relief of the waitstaff. The next day, we explore the stunning Cape Point, marvel at the powerful ocean, and visit an ostrich farm (sadly without Marty), where we feed the birds and take countless photos. Our adventure continues with a visit to the South African Penguins, an evening at a sushi bar, and a trip to the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The following days are a whirlwind of experiences: from an insightful slum tour to the breathtaking Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where we admire unique African flora. We indulge in ice cream at Tapi Tapi, enjoy a dramatic drive through the mountains to a secluded Airbnb, and savor a traditional braai under a starlit sky. Our journey wraps up with a visit to Stellenbosch's wineries, a Segway tour, and a final night of local food and dance in Cape Town.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the third and potentially final part of a road trip with my friend Marcus along the US East Coast. We begin in Jacksonville, where we miss meeting an old friend but enjoy a Brazilian barbecue at Terra Gaucha. Our journey continues with a hearty breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Kingsland, Georgia, a delightful city tour in Savannah, and a restful night at a golf club in Litchfield Beach. We explore Wilmington and the Outer Banks, taking a ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke, marveling at the remote beauty. Reaching Kitty Hawk, we stay in a charming Airbnb and experience local culture, including a memorable evening meeting a NASCAR driver. The trip concludes with a brisket feast in King of Prussia, a visit to Gettysburg National Military Park, and a glimpse into Amish life, before I finally return to Singapore.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you along the second leg of my US road trip with Markus, starting with a visit to the Mammoth Cave system in Kentucky. Despite its fame as the world's longest cave system, the accessible parts left us slightly underwhelmed. Yet, the experience was unique, especially with the measures to protect the bats, like the special shoe-cleaning stations. Our journey continued with a memorable lunch at Ski Daddy's and concluded the day in the vibrant nightlife of Nashville, Tennessee, where we immersed ourselves in the local honky-tonk culture and danced the night away. The adventure didn't stop there. We made our way to Memphis, exploring Elvis Presley's Graceland from the outside and indulging in a classic American barbecue. Our stay in a former recording studio-turned-Airbnb added a quirky twist to our trip. The journey took us further south to New Orleans, where we reveled in the French Quarter's charm and embarked on a thrilling swamp tour, encountering massive alligators up close. The culinary delights continued with alligator bites and a taste of the local nightlife, capping off an unforgettable segment of our road trip.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the first epic road trip through the United States with my friend Markus in 2022. Our journey began in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, where Markus lives, and we mapped out an ambitious route that took us from Philadelphia down to New Orleans, then along the southern and eastern coast and back up to Pennsylvania. The adventure kicked off with the longest flight in the world from Singapore to New York, followed by a quick train ride to Philadelphia. With Markus's 470-horsepower Mustang, we set out on our American odyssey, starting with a hearty diner breakfast and a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Driving along the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, we soaked in the breathtaking views, stayed in rustic cabins, and indulged in local delicacies like Philadelphia cheesesteak and grits with butter. The journey was a blend of serene landscapes and quintessential American experiences, from flying drones in the park to navigating through small towns with sketchy motels. Each day was a new chapter, filled with exploration, and the simple joy of the open road. As we ventured through Tennessee, Alabama, and beyond, the road trip became a tapestry of unforgettable moments that captured the essence of a true American adventure.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you through the last stretch of my journey that began in April 2017. From the stark American feel of Guam, complete with fast food chains and wide roads, to the culturally rich experiences in Korea and Japan, my travels have been a whirlwind. In Seoul, my friend Yijoo introduced me to the unique Korean sauna culture and local delicacies, while in Japan, I explored hidden gems with a native friend, indulging in everything from bamboo forests to raw chicken dishes. Returning to Singapore for a brief yet memorable evening with friends, I reflect on the transformative nature of this trip. The journey's end is bittersweet, filled with gratitude for the people I've met and the experiences I've had. As I prepare to share future adventures, including a US road trip with my friend Markus, I cherish these moments that have profoundly shaped me.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my whirlwind visit to Brunei, a spontaneous detour after returning from Bali and Timor-Leste. My stay at a hostel run by a former dentist named Bel set the stage for an immersive experience. Bel, a knowledgeable guide, took us on a boat tour down Brunei River, showcasing everything from the local fauna to the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque with its legendary golden rooftop. The adventure included a visit to a stilt village, a bustling wet market, and a memorable, budget-friendly haircut complete with an unexpected massage. From Brunei, I hopped over to Manila, where a rainy arrival led to a brief but enjoyable exploration with a newfound Polish friend. Soon after, I journeyed to the remote island of Palau, where I was embraced by a warm Chinese couple at a cozy hostel. Despite a mishap with my drone, the dive trips revealed breathtaking underwater landscapes and pristine beaches. The camaraderie and stunning natural beauty of Palau left an indelible mark, making it one of the most remarkable and cherished destinations of my travels.

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my second visit to Singapore, a stark contrast to my first underwhelming trip in 2012. Invited by my friend Hama, I dive into the vibrant nightlife, savoring steamboat dinners, partying at Clarke Quay, and enjoying shots at Chupitos. The whirlwind tour continues with visits to Gardens by the Bay and local hawker centers, where I indulge in Singaporean delicacies like laksa and chicken rice, creating a tapestry of newfound appreciation for the city. Our adventure doesn't end there; we spontaneously decide to explore Bali and Nusa Penida. Despite a brief setback with a friend's illness, we relish the island's beauty, riding scooters and enjoying the serene villa life. My journey then takes a solo turn to Timor-Leste, where I navigate the unfamiliar terrain and cultural quirks, culminating in a memorable, if slightly perilous, motorbike ride back to Dili.