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As night falls, join me on 'Sleepless in Singapore' for a laid-back journey through my daily life in Singapore and tales from travels around the world. Then, fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Goethe, Schiller, or Kant being read in a calming voice.
In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the transition from Korea to Japan, starting with a curious encounter with a kimchi pastry in Busan. This prelude to our travels led us to a ferry ride to Fukuoka, where Japan presented itself not with the anticipated high-tech spectacle but with serene, orderly streets and an unexpectedly quiet ambiance.
Settling into our modest accommodations, we dove into the local cuisine with a bowl of hearty ramen and marveled at the advanced features of Japanese toilets. The culinary journey peaked with our first taste of Kobe beef, an experience marked by its subtle, buttery texture and rich flavors, highlighting the unique culinary heritage of Japan and setting the tone for a trip filled with surprising discoveries and quiet reflections.
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In tonight’s episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I reminisce about when my brother Philipp and I unexpectedly ventured into South Korea seven years ago. Originally aiming for China, visa complications rerouted us to Seoul, a city that took us by surprise with its modern vibe and technological advancements. This unplanned detour turned into a deep dive into Korean culture—sampling spicy local dishes, navigating Seoul's efficient public transport, and experiencing the DMZ's tense atmosphere.
Our journey through Korea was marked by spontaneous decisions and new friendships, like meeting Frederick, a globe-trotting courier with an intriguing story. Each unexpected twist in Seoul—from our struggles with spicy octopus to insightful tours at the DMZ—revealed the essence of travel: the joy found in unforeseen adventures and the profound connections made along the way.
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In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount our journey from Irkutsk to Mongolia, an adventure that brought unexpected friendships and breathtaking natural beauty into our lives. Upon arriving in Irkutsk, we didn't linger, quickly moving on to meet Katya, a local who shared incredible tales of her solo travels, from scaling Everest's base camp with minimal gear to navigating deserts and jungles on a shoestring. Her stories, filled with humor and resilience, were both inspiring and a stark reminder of the vast experiences the world has to offer.
Our next major stop was Lake Baikal, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty. This part of the trip was a profound experience, offering moments of reflection and connection with nature. The simplicity and magnificence of Baikal, coupled with the shared moments with friends old and new, underscored the journey's essence. As we moved into the Mongolian steppe, the landscape shifted to endless horizons and a profound sense of tranquility. This segment of our trip, marked by the rugged beauty of the steppe and the simplicity of nomadic life, offered a deep connection to the earth and a peace seldom found in urban existence.
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In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," we hop on the Trans-Siberian Railway, excited and a bit anxious. We’re moving from Moscow’s busy streets to Russia’s wide-open spaces. Our first big stop, Kazan, brings us together with Dina, a fellow traveler whose warmth and tips really stand out. Kazan itself is a revelation, a mix of historical beauty and the unexpected, like finding the perfect pair of sneakers after a minor mishap and discovering an ointment that magically cures smelly feet, making for some quirky travel tales.
Yekaterinburg, however, shifts the mood. The city greets us with a grey, almost color-drained ambiance that starkly contrasts the vibrancy of Kazan. This part of the journey feels like stepping into a different world, where the vividness of life seems muted. Despite this, our spirits remain high, fueled by interactions with locals and the novelty of standing at the border of two continents. The Transib itself gives us a mix of thoughtful and fun moments, like a bizarre yet memorable visit to a train restaurant that could be a scene from a film. Moving forward, all these bits and pieces from our journey weave into a collection of memories that really show off the varied landscapes and cultural richness of Russia.
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In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount a trip across Southeast Asia with Hatim, starting with a lucky break on a ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon. We accidentally found ourselves in a plush seating area without paying extra, a nice little win that kicked off our adventure. The trip was a mix of comfort, confusion over local names, and the joy of unexpected freebies. From there, we embarked on a train journey filled with friendly chats, even with language barriers, and the quirky charm of traveling through Thailand by rail.
The adventure continued with us navigating through Thailand, sampling local food (even when it meant accidentally ordering chicken feet), and dealing with police checkpoints in a way that turned potential hassles into fun stories. The trip wasn't just about moving from place to place; it was about the people we met, the sights we saw from the back of a scooter in Chiang Mai, and the peaceful days spent on a boat down the Mekong River. Despite the occasional discomfort and the laughable moments of misunderstanding, it was the kind of journey that brings stories to life, connecting us more deeply to each other and the world around us.
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In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you along the first leg of a journey from Singapore to Laos, venturing through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and almost touching the edge of Cambodia, before flying back home. This trip is a deep dive into some of the beauty of Southeast Asia, marked by the decision to travel light. After a hefty trip to Japan loaded with camera gear, Hatim and I opt for minimalism, packing just a small backpack each. This choice transforms our travel experience, allowing us to move freely and immerse ourselves fully in every moment, from sipping coffee in Malacca to exploring the Cameron Highlands.
The essence of this journey lies not just in the places we visit but in the experiences we gather along the way. From a stolen but recovered GoPro to the simplicity of traveling with just a few essentials, the trip is a collection of small adventures that weave into a rich tapestry of memories. Each destination, from the hustle of Georgetown to the tranquility of Koh Tao, offers its own unique flavor.
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In tonight's episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I share my adventures in Kiev and Moscow. The journey kicks off in Kiev, where our Airbnb host, Kolya, turns out to be a real-life elf guiding us to astonishing views of the city from a precarious rooftop. This unique introduction to Kiev, alongside a quirky dining experience at a restaurant called Pervak, sets the tone for an exploration filled with cultural surprises and delicious local cuisine.
The narrative then moves to Moscow, where the experience deepens. Here, making friends at the Kremlin Lights hostel, celebrating birthdays with new acquaintances, and getting a taste of local life beyond the tourist trails define our visit. Moscow stuns with its massive subway system and a military parade that's both awe-inspiring and a bit intimidating.
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In this episode, Philipp and I navigate a quirky mix-up with a bar named Szimpla. Initially landing in a lackluster pub we mistook for our target, our spirits weren't dampened for long. We soon discovered the real Szimpla, a vibrant, welcoming spot that felt like a slice of Berlin right in the heart of Budapest. This unexpected twist turned our night around, leading us into a whirlwind of social connections and fun that exemplified the unpredictable joy of traveling.
Budapest presented itself as a city of contrasts. From the initial confusion at Simpla to the awe-inspiring views of the parliament by the Danube, and a somewhat disappointing venture into a local thermal bath, Budapest was a rollercoaster of experiences.
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In this episode, I kick off my biggest trip yet, starting from grandma's house near Mannheim, Germany, and aiming for Beijing, before exploring Southeast Asia. The journey is sparked by a rough patch in my career, leading me to quit my job without a backup plan for the first time ever. In search of a fresh perspective, I ring up my brother Philipp and pitch him the idea of taking the Trans-Siberian Railway all the way to Beijing. Without hesitation, Philipp is in, asking only about the budget and timing. Just like that, we're set to plan this massive trip, diving into preparations with a mix of excitement and a bit of anxiety.
The run-up to departure is a blur of research, packing debates, and a frantic last-minute visa chase. We decide on backpacks, gadgets, and even look up the best SIM cards for the journey. Despite a visa hiccup that almost derails us, we are fueled by the thrill of adventure. Our farewell is a mix of emotions, leaving home with just our backpacks and a plan. As we move from the familiarity of Vienna to the unknown of Bratislava, the trip truly begins to feel like the escape we had hoped for, filled with new sights, tastes, and the occasional challenge.
This episode ends before the journey even really starts though – so stay tuned for more.
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In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I delve back into my Kenya trip with a story about our safari adventure. The day kicks off with a bit of drama at the hotel over unsettled bills, before we rush to catch our train. The train station surprises us with its airport-like security checks, where a small company-branded Hanso pocket knife in my luggage causes some trouble. Thanks to Hatim's quick thinking and a small "token of friendship" to the security, we're on our way – pondering over how big the "tokens of friendship" would have to be for more serious contraband.
Our safari journey is the real highlight, starting with a warm welcome by Maasai warriors and a ride in open-top Land Cruisers that sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. The campsite is luxurious, blending comfort with the raw beauty of the savannah. From cold eucalyptus-scented towels to gourmet meals under the stars, every detail is a treat. The wildlife encounters, serene landscapes, and moments of camaraderie with friends make this safari an absolute dream. It's a tale of adventure, unexpected comforts, and the sheer joy of discovering Kenya's natural wonders.
The story rounds off with our last day spent in Dubai, a stark contrast of city life to the savannah's tranquility.
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Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
