Where I've actually been.
Each entry is anchored to a YouTube video. Read for what didn't fit the cut, watch for the rest. Grouped by country and then by city so a place lives in one place.
China
Guiyang, China
First Impressions of Guiyang, China (Visiting My Mum's Hometown)
First impressions of Guiyang, China, as a Kiwi visiting my mum's hometown: what surprised me, what I got wrong, and what I'd do differently next time.
#guiyang#china#first time#guizhou#asian diaspora
Captain George Coffee Guiyang: An Honest Review (2025 WBC Winner)
Captain George Coffee in Guiyang: I waited 40 minutes for the 2025 World Brewers Cup winner's coffee. Honest review of the wait, the brew, and the verdict.
#guiyang#china#coffee#captain george#honest review
Where to Stay in Guiyang, China: A Real Comparison of Every Zone
Where to stay in Guiyang, China: honest comparison of Nanming, Yunyan, Guanshanhu, and Huaxi, with hotels in each. From a Kiwi visiting family.
#guiyang#china#where to stay#guizhou#coffee
Mexico
Bacalar, Mexico
Where to Stay in Bacalar, Mexico: A Real Comparison of Every Zone
Bacalar's geography splits accommodation into four very different trips. Honest comparison of the zones, with hotels in each.
#bacalar#mexico#where to stay#yucatan#lagoon
Mérida to Bacalar: ADO Bus Times, Tickets, and What to Bring
ADO bus from Mérida to Bacalar in honest detail: how to book, what to bring, where to grab cash on arrival, and the first stop before the lagoon.
#bacalar#mexico#merida#ado bus#yucatan#first time
Is the Bacalar Lagoon Worth It? An Honest Review
Bacalar lagoon got a 6 out of 10 from me, the town overall a 9. Honest review of why both numbers are right and when to visit for clear water.
#bacalar#mexico#honest review#lagoon#yucatan
Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia
Where to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia: A Real Comparison of Every Zone
Cartagena's neighbourhoods are more legible than most tourist cities. Honest comparison of Old Town, Getsemaní, Bocagrande, and Manga, with hotels in each.
#cartagena#colombia#where to stay#old town#getsemani
Is Cartagena Worth Visiting? An Honest Review from a Kiwi
Cartagena earned a 9 out of 10 for me. Honest review of the Old Town, the food, the Bocagrande beach, the touts, and who Cartagena actually suits.
#cartagena#colombia#honest review#is it worth it
First Day in Cartagena, Colombia (As an Asian Traveller)
First 12 hours in Cartagena, Colombia as an Asian Kiwi: the selfie requests, the heat, the Spanish barrier, and what to actually do on day one.
#colombia#cartagena#asian traveler#honest review#first time
