HoliDaze Archive

locals / local life

The Psychedelic Painting Priest Of Pushkar

Pushkar Psychedelic Art

After visiting countless Hindu temples across the globe now I truly have a deeper grasp….of the phrase “same same but different” 😉 After the first few dozen they all start to blend together. The only exceptions are those rare offbeat temples that are so strangely unique they become impossible to ever forget. Like this one … Read More

Traditional Alcoholic Beverages To Try While Traveling

Sake in Tokyo, Japan

Do you love an ice cold bottle of beer or a glass of wine? No, I’m not going to tell you to stop! In fact I’m most likely the one urging you to have another glass. Just don’t drink the same thing on vacation that you would be at home — try something new! Like … Read More

Boats Boats Boats! The Regatta Lepa Festival in Sabah

Derek Freal at the Lepa-Lepa festival in Semporna, Sabah

Sometimes you discover awesome things by accident. That is the only way I learned of the Regatta Lepa festival of Semporna, a quiet dive town on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. I had been scuba diving Sipadan and neighboring islands for a few days and decided to take a day off on dry land. … Read More

Shah Alam Street Art @ Laman Seni 7

Laman Seni 7 street art scene in Shah Alam, Malaysia

There is good, and then there is great. That is the difference between Penang and Shah Alam street art. Everyone who has ever visited Malaysia knows about the impressive street art of Penang. Sure, it is cool and unique. And it can be fun hunting around to try and find them all. Don’t get me … Read More

First Impressions Of Finland: A Friendly But Puzzling Land

Aerial view of Oulanka National Park in Northern Finland

Finland is amazing. The country is gorgeous, its food delicious and its people polite and friendly. In many ways the entire country runs so smoothly (often solely on the honor system) that we can all learn from Finnish people. Things here just work. Flawlessly….Except for those few puzzling times when they don’t and you just … Read More

Christmas in Colombia: The Colors Of El Alumbrado in Medellin

El Alumbrado in Medellin, Colombia

Ever spent Christmas in Colombia? Specifically Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring. This business city turned tourist hub may never be able to shake away the memories of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin cartel, but that’s okay. History builds character and the modern Medellin has become one of the safest (and most fun) cities in … Read More

Haiphong Road Temporary Market: Hong Kong’s Hidden Gem

Derek Eats That! Haiphong Road Temporary Market in Hong Kong

When traveling, the best way to get to know the country and the culture is to get off the beaten tourist path. Go where the locals go. Eat what the locals eat. Do what the locals do. That is how you have the most authentic experience possible. And exactly how I discovered the Haiphong Road … Read More

JJ Green: Thailand’s Cool, Quirky & Offbeat Night Market

JJ Green night market in Bangkok is the coolest and quirkiest night market in all of Thailand

Night markets are common not just in Thailand but throughout most of Asia. However they all tend to have the same kind of souvenirs, local handicrafts, and traditional foods. Same same but different, as they say. Until I found Jatujak Green ‐ more commonly known as JJ Green night market ‐ the best place in … Read More