Laos – October 31 – November 4, 2018

Posted on by Mahlayah Mullaney

Getting to Laos was the most unplanned, uncertain day of any trip I’ve ever been on, but what a grand adventure it was! I loved the day we spent taking the slow boat on the Mekong River, and the afternoon we spent swimming and exploring the Kuang Si Waterfall (just outside of Luang Prabang). The days we had there were some of my favourite from the trip so far.

Laos was a beautiful surprise that filled my heart with joy, and truly re-inspired my backpacker spirit. The stress and headache was all worth it.

October 24-28, 2018 – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Posted on by Mahlayah Mullaney

Highlights included: an attempt at whitewater kayaking (turned out to just be a class 1 float), a hike through the beautiful Doi Suthep-Pui National Park (filled with various butterflies, waterfalls, swimming spots and a stick bug ‘attack’), buying cheap electronics and seeing the movie Venom, getting a Thai massage, having a few drinks at our hostel’s rooftop bar, walking through the night bazaar, and dancing the nights away at the Zoe in Yellow club.

24 by 24 in Macau – October 19, 2018

Posted on by Mahlayah Mullaney

Today was a truly important day for me as it marked 24 countries by 24!

We spent the day in Macau (the Las Vegas of Asia) exploring Portugese colonial UNESCO sites. Interestingly enough, Macau wasn’t granted independence from Portugal until 1999. I really enjoyed Macau for it’s unique blend of European and Asian influences. We unfortunately ran out of time in the old district, and made our way to the House of Dancing Water, a water-based Cirque du Soleil style show complete with motorbikes and aerial acrobatics, at the City of Dreams Hotel.

Stay tuned for 25 by 25!

Hong Kong – October 15, 2018

Posted on by Mahlayah Mullaney

In the morning we visited the Ten Thousand Buddha’s Temple, before heading off to Hong Kong Disneyland for our second – and final – day of fun.

Our favourite rides were: Mystic Mansion (by far the best ride at the park in our minds – incredibly creative and beautifully executed), Grizzly Gulch Rollercoaster, and Hyperspace Mountain.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada – September 25-October 5, 2018

Posted on by Mahlayah Mullaney

 

Well I finally made it out East! It was an incredibly memorable trip as it was my first time in Ontario and we were visiting Liam’s family. Although our schedule was full, it still seemed like there was so much more (especially hiking) to discover – I guess we’ll just have to come back soon!

Highlights from my time in Sault Ste. Marie were: Bellevue Park, an intro to tai chi with Darcy, walking by the locks and through Whitefish Island with Fiona, a family trip to the Bushplane museum with craft beer and pizza to follow at the Boiler Room, seeing the Group of Seven’s exhibition at the Art Gallery of Algoma, seeing the hieroglyphics beside Lake Superior, Supertroopers 2 and all-you-can-eat sushi with Chris, giving Jodi pets, and last but definitely not least, hiking and seeing the maple trees change colour in Hiawatha Highlands, Stokely Creek Lodge and Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Throwback Thursday – London/Oxford, England – December 16-19, 2016

Posted on by Mahlayah Mullaney

In England, I shared a great weekend with my new friend Kate exploring Oxford, and a small portion of London as well as Reading. Oxford was my favourite part of the trip. It was stunning and witnessing the different architecture from various time periods was beautiful. We walked along the streets, went to Oxford Castle, ate delicious pub food and went to the cinema to watch ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’.

Highlights from my time in London were: Camden Town, King’s Cross train station (where I was able to jump into the magical world of Harry Potter’s Platform 9 3/4), Big Ben, London Bridge, The Underground, and walking along Queen’s Walk.