Chapter 1

Welcome to Chapter 1 of our journey!
This chapter marks our journey along the Silk Road. We will be traveling overland 🚂🚌🛥️ (without airplanes❌ ✈️) from Toronto 🇨🇦 to Hong Kong🇭🇰! Read more

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Day 24
Friday, December 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM
Altitude: 21 m
England Westminster Hall 51.498686, -0.12469551°29’55” N 0°7’29” W
Day 24: Palace of Westminster
December 29, 2023 in England
After visiting Westminster Abbey, we walked around the outside of The Palace of Westminster, the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. We had lunch near the outside of the Palace of the Westminster, while enjoying the view.Read more
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Day 24
Friday, December 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Altitude: 18 m
England Big Ben 51.500696, -0.12456451°30’3” N 0°7’28” W
Day 24: Big Ben
December 29, 2023 in England
Big Ben! The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. There are 5 bells in it. It was recently being renovated, so it was all shiny when looking from the outside.
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Day 24
Friday, December 29, 2023 at 3:30 PM
Altitude: 12 m
England Buckingham Palace 51.500916, -0.14285551°30’3” N 0°8’34” W
Day 24: Buckingham Palace
December 29, 2023 in England
Walk walk walk! We walked to the Buckingham Palace. But too many people! Is it really a Royal Residence in London? It was full of people! We only stayed for a short visit.
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Day 24
Friday, December 29, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Altitude: 43 m
England London Paddington railway station 51.515441, -0.17543751°30’56” N 0°10’32” W
Day 24: Paddington Station
December 29, 2023 in England
This is the other end of the Great Western Railway in Bristol. The Bristol-Paddington route marked one of the UNESCO World Heritage. We didn’t ride the whole route, but we visited the Bristol Temple Meads Station and Paddington Station.

The train station is connected to a large food area. The underground station is interesting as it is one of the oldest underground stations.Read more
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Day 24
Friday, December 29, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Altitude: 13 m
England Big Ben 51.501028, -0.12543551°30’4” N 0°7’32” W
Day 24: Westminster Station
December 29, 2023 in England
We took the tube back to Westminster Station without exiting the gate. The reason is that my friend recommended an interesting design at this station. We had no idea where it was at the station. When we arrive at the station, we couldn’t see the design. But the passenger announcement was saying that the Jubilee Line stopped working. So, they don’t allow anybody to go to the platform. We suspected that the design was on the platform of the line. But we are so disappointed that we could not get into the platform even though we were not taking the underground!

I saw the elevator was still running (even there was a sign blocking people not to go to the platform). So i grabbed Chris to take the elevator and Down we go!!! Because of the service interruption, there was absolutely no one there! We had the whole place to ourselves. A staff came to us and mentioned that the line was not running. After we explained ourselves, he let us stay and take our time! So, taa-daa! We had got a private tour to ourselves! 🍀Read more
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Day 25
Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM
Altitude: 10 m
England National Maritime Museum Gardens 51.481739, -0.01063851°28’54” N 0°0’38” W
Day 25: Maritime Greenwich
December 30, 2023 in England
We went to another UNESCO site today, the Maritime Greenwich. We first took the tube and went to the Cannon Street Station, then transfer to the train to Greenwich Station. We could take the tube directly from Wimbledon, however, we got the 2For1 promotion again. So we had to take the train to there. But transit was pretty easy and straight forward.

We first walked around the town and the Cutty Sark area. Cutty Sark was a big ship that you could visit with a fee. But we didn’t spend time there as our focus was the Royal Observatory Greenwich. We then discovered an interesting foot tunnel nearby that could cross the water by your foot! We went to the opposite side of Greenwich and looked back at the Greenwich area.Read more
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Day 25
Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 12:30 PM
Altitude: 38 m
England General James Wolfe Statue 51.477591, -0.0015551°28’39” N 0°0’6” W
Day 25: Royal Observatory Greenwich
December 30, 2023 in England
This was the highlight of our trip in Greenwich. We always love to learn more about Time zones and the Prime Meridian. We could step on the Prime Meridian, a geographical reference line that passes through the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. The Museums are interesting to visit. A funny story that we missed to record the red ball dropping ceremony happening every 1pm every day since 1800s. We were having lunch at the park bench inside the observatory. We saw the ball was about to drop. But Chris said that it would happen every hour. So we thought we had another chance to record it. But, obviously we missed our chance. Oh well, at least we had got a chance to see it with our eyes😅Read more
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Day 33
Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 12:00 PM
☁️ 4 °C
Altitude: 19 m
England Ipswich Railway Station 52.050534, 1.14439752°3’2” N 1°8’40” E
Day 33: Ipswich
January 7, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C
A long visit (but short touring) of Ipswich. We were here over the over the year. Unfortunately, Chris got a chest cold with nasty cough. So, we didn’t tour around much. While we were going to Harwich today to get ready for the ship to the Netherlands, we finally had a chance to see the waterfront.Read more
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Day 33
Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 1:30 PM
☁️ 4 °C
Altitude: 13 m
England Manningtree Railway Station 51.949195, 1.0456651°56’57” N 1°2’44” E
Day 33: Manningtree station
January 7, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C
A short transfer at the Manningtree station, on our way to Harwich from Ipswich. The train was very quiet, we almost had our private car to ourselves.
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Day 33
Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 2:03 PM
🌬 5 °C
Altitude: 8 m
England Harwich International Railway Station 51.947565, 1.25532751°56’51” N 1°15’19” E
Day 33: Harwich International
January 7, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 5 °C
As our ship left very early on the next day, we decided to stay nearby the port one day earlier. The Harwich International station is connected to the ferry pier. How convenient!
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Day 34
Monday, January 8, 2024 at 8:00 AM
🌬 3 °C
Altitude: 7 m
England Harwich International Ferry Terminal 51.948547, 1.25198151°56’55” N 1°15’7” E
Day 34: Ferry to the Netherlands
January 8, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 3 °C
Our last day in UK, byebye 🇬🇧! This morning, we took the Stena Line from Harwich International to Hook of Holland. The boat ride took almost 7 hours. It brings vehicles to cross the sea to the Netherlands too. The boat was not busy at all. It was very well-facilitated. Berth is available for reserved if you would like a private space to rest. We found our own space to sit/sleep on the boat. Netherlands 🇳🇱 we are coming!Read more
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Day 34
Monday, January 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM
🌙 0 °C
Altitude: 4 m
Netherlands Station Hoek van Holland Haven 51.976063, 4.12753451°58’34” N 4°7’39” E
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Day 34: Hooks of Holland
January 8, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌙 0 °C
We officially arrived The Netherlands 🇳🇱 After a 7-hour boat ride, we arrived here! The port and terminal is very well-connected. We can easily take the metro to Rotterdam city! Here we go!
Thought you had managed to ditch the suitcase?? :) [T]
1/12/24Reply
World Vagabonding Yes! The suitcase was successfully returned to the owner after we arrived at Rotterdam! Feeling good to have four backpacks (2 large and 2 small) again! 😉
1/14/24Reply
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Day 34
Monday, January 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM
🌙 -2 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Leuvehaven 51.915346, 4.47546651°54’55” N 4°28’32” E
Day 34: Cityhub Rotterdam
January 8, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌙 -2 °C
A nice place to stay in Rotterdam! First try capsule hotel in Europe, it was such a nice experience. It was more spacious then we imagined. All facilities are nice and clean. 15 mins walk to Rotterdam Central Station. For CAD 50 per night, it worth recommending to other travelers who are going to visit Rotterdam.Read more
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Day 35
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM
☀️ -4 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Leuvehaven 51.909064, 4.48248151°54’33” N 4°28’57” E
Day 35: Kinderdijk Water Bus
January 9, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ -4 °C
We took a waterbus to the famous Kinderdijk, a UNESCO world heritage which we could walk around and see the windmills group.
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Day 35
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 12:30 PM
☀️ -2 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Kinderdijk 51.887835, 4.6379151°53’16” N 4°38’16” E
Day 35: Kinderdijk
January 9, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ -2 °C
Nineteen windmills for the nineteenth centuries! Kinderdijk is below sea level and instead of fighting the wind and the water, the windmills have been working hard to keep the area dry. It’s nice to see the working windmills in Kinderdijk.Read more
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Day 35
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 3:50 PM
☀️ -1 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Leuvehaven 51.909087, 4.4825351°54’33” N 4°28’57” E
Day 35: Waterbus back to Rotterdam
January 9, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ -1 °C
After walking around the Kinderdijk area for a few hours, we took the water bus back to Rotterdam. Just in time to see the sunset, it was gorgeous.
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Day 35
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:30 PM
🌙 -2 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Netherlands Station Rotterdam Blaak 51.920147, 4.4868951°55’13” N 4°29’13” E
Day 35: Markthal
January 9, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌙 -2 °C
A large market place with different food stalls. Our friend introduced the fish, herring, to us. It is a fresh fish that you could eat raw, like sashimi in japan. The local eat the whole fish by putting it in the mouth (without cutting) but we had it cut as it is easier to handle. It tastes very fatty and juicy, like the Toro in Japan.Read more
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Day 36
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM
☀️ -3 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Netherlands The Hague Central Railway Station 52.080593, 4.32477552°4’50” N 4°19’29” E
Day 36: Den Haag Centraal
January 10, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ -3 °C
A day tour to walk around Den Haag. First, we arrived at the Den Haag Centraal station, with beautiful white design and a very clean look. It’s nice to see lots of public transport network (but not parking lots) once you come out of a station. Definitely give a thumb up to the Netherlands in promoting public transit!Read more
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Day 36
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 12:00 PM
☀️ -2 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Netherlands Afvoerkanaal 52.086603, 4.29583152°5’12” N 4°17’45” E
Day 36: The Peace Palace
January 10, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ -2 °C
The Peace Palace in the Hague! It is a famous icon of peace and justice. We always hear the name on TV and we finally visited here. Unfortunately, there was no guided tour available when the palace is used as a working court. We could only visit the visitor centre with a self-guided tour (free of charge) and look at the palace from outside.Read more
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Day 36
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 2:30 PM
☀️ 1 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Netherlands Scheveningen 52.109954, 4.27313652°6’36” N 4°16’23” E
Day 36: Scheveningen Beach
January 10, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 1 °C
Scheveningen Beach! It is a beach resort area with a very unique promenade. We walked around 30 mins from the Peace Palace. It’s absolutely stunning. The promenade is filled with interesting art pieces. There is a shopping area with cafes and plenty of seatings inside for you to take a rest. We had lunch inside and enjoyed the lunch shining on us.Read more
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Day 36
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 4:30 PM
☀️ 0 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Netherlands Benoordenhout 52.105912, 4.31871152°6’21” N 4°19’7” E
Day 36: International Criminal Court
January 10, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C
International Criminal Court! Again, we heard about this name on TV most of the time. It investigates and ties individuals charged with crimes concerning the international community. This place is strictly secured. We could only visit by taking a look at the outside.Read more
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Day 36
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 5:30 PM
🌙 -1 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Netherlands Hofvijver 52.078026, 4.31115152°4’41” N 4°18’40” E
Day 36: De passage
January 10, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌙 -1 °C
The passage was opened in 1885, so more than 135 years of history! It’s the oldest shopping arcade in the Netherlands.
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Day 36
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 7:30 PM
🌙 -2 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Rotterdam Centraal railway station 51.9249, 4.46843651°55’30” N 4°28’6” E
Day 36: Rotterdam Central
January 10, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌙 -2 °C
Back to Rotterdam! Time to call the night and take some rest!
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Day 37
Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 11:16 AM
⛅ -2 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Netherlands Station Utrecht Centraal 52.089379, 5.11019452°5’22” N 5°6’37” E
Day 37: Utrecht Centraal
January 11, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C
Exploring Utrecht today! The vibe is very different from Rotterdam and the Hague. There is a mix of modern activities and old heritage style. Most impressive part of the Utrecht Central station is the bike parking area, it is a 4-storey bike parking area. It opens up our mind, it is totally possible for a country to promote an environmentally-friendly transit system. It also got us to think about why we have so many car parking area in the North America.Read more
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Day 37
Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 1:30 PM
☁️ 1 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Netherlands Centraal Museum 52.08393, 5.1257852°5’2” N 5°7’33” E
Day 37: Miffy Museum
January 11, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C
The birthplace of Miffy is in Utrecht!
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