Wish you were here
CHINA: On a spring visit to Quanzhou and the Fujian province, Palo Alto residents Mei and Ben Young “took a bamboo raft cruise, with a guide pushing the river bottom with a long bamboo stick,” says Ben, who was behind the camera. “The river is calm, but at times will hit rapids. So hold on and sit still.”
TRAVEL TIPS: “Quanzhou city has been known for its historical and educational center since the Ming Dynasty. The nearby mountain and river are favorite vacation spots. Make sure to wear warm clothing and carry an umbrella when you go river cruising. One may easily get wet. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.”
SINGAPORE: A spring break trip to Singapore was the first time back for the Darrow family — Tricia, Travis and daughter Kaylin — who moved to Burlingame last year, “after 10years living in Hong Kong and Singapore for JPMorgan, Barclays, Salesforce. com and Thomson Reuters on international assignment,” Travis says. Among the highlights on this trip was a walk “from downtown and the famous site of the Merlion (pictured), to a ‘hawker’ center near the Esplanade Theatres. Great views of the water and sunset on the Marina Bay Sands, too.”
TRAVEL TIPS: “In Singapore you have to go for the local hawker center food. So affordable and so delicious. We suggest Curry Laksa, Ice Kopi C, Chow Kway Teow and lime juice!”
PANAMA: San Bruno residents Ron and Kuen LaPedis and some famous chipmunks were on board when the Disney Wonder transited the Panama Canal as the first passenger vessel to go through the canal’s new set of locks on April 29. Disney execs were on board for a ceremony, and all passengers received a personalized certificate memorializing the occasion.
TRAVEL TIPS: “If you are on the Disney Magic or her sister ship, the Wonder, be sure to check out the brunch at Palo on deck 10, which is only available during at-sea days,” Ron says. “And don’t miss the after-hours adults-only fun in the kids clubs after they’re in bed. When was the last time you were the size of a toy in someone’s bedroom?” Share your travels with us! Send your vacation selfies to kbennett@bayareanewsgroup.com. Be sure to tell us who’s who, where they’re from and where you are — and include a couple of travel tips to help fellow readers globetrot, too. Find more Wish You Were Here features at www. mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here.