Episodes

  • Episode 28: US East Road Trip (pt. 2) – Along the Mississippi

    Episode 28: US East Road Trip (pt. 2) – Along the Mississippi
    Jul 28 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you along the second leg of my US road trip with Markus, starting with a visit to the Mammoth Cave system in Kentucky. Despite its fame as the world's longest cave system, the accessible parts left us slightly underwhelmed. Yet, the experience was unique, especially with the measures to protect the bats, like the special shoe-cleaning stations. Our journey continued with a memorable lunch at Ski Daddy's and concluded the day in the vibrant nightlife of Nashville, Tennessee, where we immersed ourselves in the local honky-tonk culture and danced the night away. The adventure didn't stop there. We made our way to Memphis, exploring Elvis Presley's Graceland from the outside and indulging in a classic American barbecue. Our stay in a former recording studio-turned-Airbnb added a quirky twist to our trip. The journey took us further south to New Orleans, where we reveled in the French Quarter's charm and embarked on a thrilling swamp tour, encountering massive alligators up close. The culinary delights continued with alligator bites and a taste of the local nightlife, capping off an unforgettable segment of our road trip.
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    47 mins
  • Episode 27: US East Road Trip (pt. 1) – Blue Ridge Mountains

    Episode 27: US East Road Trip (pt. 1) – Blue Ridge Mountains
    Jul 21 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the first epic road trip through the United States with my friend Markus in 2022. Our journey began in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, where Markus lives, and we mapped out an ambitious route that took us from Philadelphia down to New Orleans, then along the southern and eastern coast and back up to Pennsylvania. The adventure kicked off with the longest flight in the world from Singapore to New York, followed by a quick train ride to Philadelphia. With Markus's 470-horsepower Mustang, we set out on our American odyssey, starting with a hearty diner breakfast and a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Driving along the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, we soaked in the breathtaking views, stayed in rustic cabins, and indulged in local delicacies like Philadelphia cheesesteak and grits with butter. The journey was a blend of serene landscapes and quintessential American experiences, from flying drones in the park to navigating through small towns with sketchy motels. Each day was a new chapter, filled with exploration, and the simple joy of the open road. As we ventured through Tennessee, Alabama, and beyond, the road trip became a tapestry of unforgettable moments that captured the essence of a true American adventure.
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    47 mins
  • Episode 26: World Trip I (pt. 17) – Guam, Seoul & Kyoto

    Episode 26: World Trip I (pt. 17) – Guam, Seoul & Kyoto
    Jul 14 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you through the last stretch of my journey that began in April 2017. From the stark American feel of Guam, complete with fast food chains and wide roads, to the culturally rich experiences in Korea and Japan, my travels have been a whirlwind. In Seoul, my friend Yijoo introduced me to the unique Korean sauna culture and local delicacies, while in Japan, I explored hidden gems with a native friend, indulging in everything from bamboo forests to raw chicken dishes. Returning to Singapore for a brief yet memorable evening with friends, I reflect on the transformative nature of this trip. The journey's end is bittersweet, filled with gratitude for the people I've met and the experiences I've had. As I prepare to share future adventures, including a US road trip with my friend Markus, I cherish these moments that have profoundly shaped me.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 25: World Trip I (pt. 16) – Brunei, Palau & Yap

    Episode 25: World Trip I (pt. 16) – Brunei, Palau & Yap
    Jul 7 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my whirlwind visit to Brunei, a spontaneous detour after returning from Bali and Timor-Leste. My stay at a hostel run by a former dentist named Bel set the stage for an immersive experience. Bel, a knowledgeable guide, took us on a boat tour down Brunei River, showcasing everything from the local fauna to the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque with its legendary golden rooftop. The adventure included a visit to a stilt village, a bustling wet market, and a memorable, budget-friendly haircut complete with an unexpected massage. From Brunei, I hopped over to Manila, where a rainy arrival led to a brief but enjoyable exploration with a newfound Polish friend. Soon after, I journeyed to the remote island of Palau, where I was embraced by a warm Chinese couple at a cozy hostel. Despite a mishap with my drone, the dive trips revealed breathtaking underwater landscapes and pristine beaches. The camaraderie and stunning natural beauty of Palau left an indelible mark, making it one of the most remarkable and cherished destinations of my travels.
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    48 mins
  • Episode 24: World Trip I (pt. 15) – Singapore, Bali, Timor-Leste

    Episode 24: World Trip I (pt. 15) – Singapore, Bali, Timor-Leste
    Jun 30 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my second visit to Singapore, a stark contrast to my first underwhelming trip in 2012. Invited by my friend Hama, I dive into the vibrant nightlife, savoring steamboat dinners, partying at Clarke Quay, and enjoying shots at Chupitos. The whirlwind tour continues with visits to Gardens by the Bay and local hawker centers, where I indulge in Singaporean delicacies like laksa and chicken rice, creating a tapestry of newfound appreciation for the city. Our adventure doesn't end there; we spontaneously decide to explore Bali and Nusa Penida. Despite a brief setback with a friend's illness, we relish the island's beauty, riding scooters and enjoying the serene villa life. My journey then takes a solo turn to Timor-Leste, where I navigate the unfamiliar terrain and cultural quirks, culminating in a memorable, if slightly perilous, motorbike ride back to Dili.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 23: World Trip I (pt. 14) – Laos, Thailand, Myanmar

    Episode 23: World Trip I (pt. 14) – Laos, Thailand, Myanmar
    Jun 23 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my first trip through Southeast Asia, covering Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. The journey begins with a memorable flight to Luang Prabang, Laos, on a small prop plane with a unique laminated boarding pass. The landscapes below are a breathtaking mix of green mountains and the brown flow of the Mekong River. Once in Luang Prabang, I explore the local market, savoring street food, and visit the stunning Luang Prabang waterfalls, capturing their beauty through my camera lens despite some technical challenges. Moving on to Chiang Mai, Thailand, I reunite with Karen, a friend met earlier in Cambodia, and we embark on various adventures, including visiting an elephant sanctuary and making onsen eggs in hot springs. The journey continues to Chiang Rai, with its winding roads and unique charm, before heading to Myanmar. In Myanmar, we delve into the rich cultural tapestry, visiting ancient pagodas in Bagan and experiencing local customs like chewing betel nut. Each destination offers a distinct flavor of Southeast Asia, creating a tapestry of vivid memories and immersive experiences.
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    49 mins
  • Episode 22: World Trip I (pt. 13) – HCMC & Siem Reap

    Episode 22: World Trip I (pt. 13) – HCMC & Siem Reap
    Jun 16 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. My journey begins with a near-miss on a scooter taxi, a thrilling initiation into the city's chaotic traffic. At my hostel, I join a communal dinner, savoring spring rolls and beer with fellow travelers, creating memories that would draw me back years later. My exploration includes a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, a labyrinthine network that once sheltered and supplied soldiers during the war. Crawling through these narrow, dark tunnels, I feel a mix of claustrophobia and fascination, a stark contrast to the amusement park-like atmosphere of the site. Next, I venture into Cambodia, landing in Siem Reap with the majestic Angkor Wat on my itinerary. After a serendipitous encounter with Fortunata via Couchsurfing, we meet a local taxi driver who takes us to an unexpected yet delightful restaurant experience. Despite initial skepticism, the evening turns out to be a culinary adventure, complete with impeccable service and unbelievably low prices. The following day, Angkor Wat's grandeur leaves me in awe, and a chance meeting with Hama, who would later invite me to Singapore, marks the beginning of a life-changing encounter.
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    48 mins
  • Episode 21: World Trip I (pt. 12) – Hanoi

    Episode 21: World Trip I (pt. 12) – Hanoi
    Jun 9 2024
    In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the continuation of my Southeast Asia trip, focusing on my experiences in Vietnam. I remember opting for a cheap flight from Bangkok to Hanoi, which, in hindsight, I regret due to the discomfort and long queues. Upon arriving in Hanoi, I stayed in a charming boutique hotel in the old quarter, where the hospitality was heartwarming. My first night in Hanoi was memorable, not just for the delicious local food like pomelo salad and pho, but also for a pivotal text from my friend Nikki, which eventually led me to cut my trip short and return to Germany for a new job opportunity. Exploring Hanoi, I was captivated by the city's vibrant street life, where tiny chairs and Heineken beers became the backdrop for life-changing conversations. My journey took me to significant sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Hoa Lo prison, where history felt both real and surreal. A bus tour to Sapa introduced me to the lush, green rice fields and the warm hospitality of a homestay, despite the muddy trails. My adventure concluded with a visit to a quieter bay near Halong Bay, where the beauty was somewhat overshadowed by the throngs of tourists. Returning to Hanoi, I treated myself to a luxurious stay by West Lake, offering a peaceful end to my Vietnamese escapade.
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    42 mins