Eric Hallin, the real legend of Chiang Rai

Mention the name Eric Hallin—or Khun Eric, as he’s known in Thailand—to anyone in the hospitality, travel, or tourism industry, and you’re bound to receive a smile in return. Known for his charm, composure, and dry wit, Eric has spent over five decades shaping travel experiences, including more than 43 years as a hotelier and over 40 as a General Manager.

Roll Over Moldova

Nostalgia for the former Soviet Union is alive and well in Moldova and Transnistria. Ros Freeman revisits what was once - and perhaps still is - the USSR.

Main photo: Flickr user AMWRanes

The little red train tore through the tunnels of Cricova. The tunnel complex is huge, so lengthy there are road signs along the way. We whizzed past Cabernet Street and along Sauvignon Street, stopping at the occasional red light. Oh, how I wished to detour along Rosé Road, Pinot Parade or Champagne Crescent, but our train driver was on a course.

Could you survive an aircraft emergency? This is why you put the tray table up.

Straighten up and fly right

ALL the rules and procedures about flying on planes can make the journey a real drag. Buckle this, stow that, turn that off. Are all these regulations just to intimidate passengers and make aircrew feel important?

Paul (not his real name) flew as cabin crew with a major Australian carrier for more than a decade. I asked him about some of the rigmarole that most of us ignore.

Navigating the Bangkok Mass Transit Systems

No matter where I travel, I try to experience public transport, especially trains and light rail. You’d think that after living in Sydney for 40 years, I would have had more than my fill, but I still have a fascination with the emerging technologies, and I much prefer a ride in a tram or train to sitting in a traffic jam.

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Having visited Bangkok for 20 years, I have noticed the evolution of mass rapid transit in that sprawling city. Despite at least three independent systems (BTS, MRT, and SRT) that initially required circus-like athleticism to negotiate, these once isolated systems are becoming increasingly contiguous.

Norway: Chasing the Northern Lights

One of the very best travel pursuits is people watching. In the cosy confines of a downtown cafe I perched upon a stool studying the passing parade. There’s a certain look about Norwegians I decide; tall, lean, stylish and always with beautiful skin and hair. It’s the first of Oslo’s sunny days and the mood is elevated. People take off their beanies and gloves and face the sun, a form of worship that includes vitamin D. A tall stocky man walks by sporting a beard and a long white mane. Pure Viking. All that was missing was a horned helmet. A little later, I encountered him again. ‘G’day’, he said. No escaping the Aussies.

Enchanting Vietnam

While Vietnam’s recorded history goes back thousands of years, the Vietnam War (referred to by the Vietnamese as the American War) which raged from 1961 to 1975 is what largely features in the minds of many foreigners. Vietnam is now a country at peace with the upwardly mobile younger generation knowing very little of the disastrous years that killed millions, destroyed much of the countryside and slowed the country’s economic development for years afterward.

Enchanting Malaysia

Malaysia is a vibrant destination that retains many elements of its diverse culture while having cities as modern as elsewhere in Asia. The people of Malaysia are open to and interested in foreigners and are, as such, welcoming and friendly. They are justifiably proud of the wonderful range of dining delights in the country and are more than happy to share a meal with visitors.

Hotel Review: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa

We were on a quick business trip to Nadi - and decided to soak up a bit of sun and luxury at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. We used Welcome Pickups to organise a transfer from Nadi Airport - the service was excellent both ways - and good value.