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The Roof of the World: Why Travelling to Tibet Should Be On Your Bucket List

Lucky enough to take a trip to this amazing place high up near the Himalayas, Tibet was a once in a lifetime experience. Let me take you through our journey inside the roof of the world, where the people of Tibet were so welcoming, friendly and peaceful and the landscape was incredible. A place like no other, I’ll also give you the lowdown on what to do and how to tour Tibet.

The Hawaii of the East: Is Sanya a Hidden Gem in China’s Crown?

China and the tropics aren’t two words you would usually put together, right? The Middle Kingdom’s all about being a fascinating contrast of strapping concrete jungles and ramshackle villages, often side by side….the old and the new….the Ferraris and the Tuk Tuks, all cobbled together to make up the world’s biggest and busiest population. But I found a little escape from the manic pace in the form of a little island called Hainan! There lies Sanya, home to a 20 kilometre stretch of white, sandy beach! A little pocket of bliss, check out why Sanya should definitely be on your mini break list! 

Painting the Town Red: Chinese New Year through a Child’s Eyes

To my Small Person, eating 饺子 Jiǎozi over Chinese New Year is probably more natural than throwing a sausage on the barbie for Australia Day. She’s seen more Spring Festivals (or Chinese New Year events) than your average Western 5 year old. So what does it all mean for the kids? Is it the lucky red envelopes, the firecrackers or the lively Lion dancing? Either way, in a country draped in those ubiquitous red lanterns, it’s a special time of year for many locals, adults and children alike! Here’s what happens. 

Calling SOS: An Expat in China’s Worst Nightmare

Ask any expat living in China what they worry about most? Usually you’ll get a resounding, “getting sick!” For foreigners, China’s hospitals are not what we’re used to, in any way, shape or form! One trip can leave you feeling at best, highly amused or at worst, completely traumatised. Here’s how it works….

Will the Real China Please Stand Up

Visiting China? Of course it’s always good to lay eyes on those magnetic first tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai that are bursting with energy as they tug furiously at the future. But what about the real China; a peek into life further inside China’s colossal Middle Kingdom!

Xi’an is a place, that for all its tall buildings, fast train lines and mammoth crowds still bears the elements of a bygone era. 

As second tier cities become global attractions, airlines are launching direct flights from major cities. Mint Mocha Musings is proud to have one such airline – Cathay Pacific – as a partner on this post. Click here for more.

Repatriation is Not a Dirty Word

Expatriating is no easy task but what about repatriating? The longer you’re an expat the more that one question lingers in the air. “When is it the right time to go home?” It’s almost every expat’s dilemma. Lists of pros and cons are made, expenses weighed up, family and friends tug at heart strings, schools for the kids come into play, buying a house and of course getting a job back home. It’s a daunting thought, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some top tips for repatriating and doing it well. 

Made in China: Not Sold in China – Why Global Brands are Missing from the Shelves

Living in China, everyone assumes I must be shopping up a storm, after all isn’t (almost) everything made in China?! This may be true but much to my disappointment, this doesn’t mean everything is sold in China. There are a few very good reasons why though, aside from China’s protectionism about what it imports, most global brands that do make the cut, must be tailored to the local market. Ever wonder why KFC is doing so well?

So how does an expat keep supplies up away from home? There are few ways to ensure you don’t miss too many of those home comforts or necessities. One way is a virtual mailbox with US Global Mail. Click here to read more about this intriguing situation in one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Why Every Expat Needs a VPN: How to Choose One

What’s the one question I get asked all the time? Living overseas, how do I stay connected, especially in China where Facebook, Google and this blog are banned. Well it’s with the help of my little friend, a VPN. Being technically challenged I had no clue what it was or how to get it, but quickly had to ‘get with the program.’ Hopefully this post helps you if you’re in the market for one, pronto!

Calling All Expats! How to send money overseas quickly, for less… 

If you’re living away from home you probably know that sending money overseas can be expensive if you’re using the major banks. Mint Mocha Musings has partnered with ClearFX and through them it’s relatively easy to transfer money faster and for a lot less!  To find out more about this super amazing deal, click on the title.

 5 Ways to Save Money (After Christmas)!

Let’s face it, for some of us, saving money is not that straightforward, especially around this time of year when the silly season is on our doorstep. It feels like every spare dollar is spent on presents, food, decorations, cards, holidays and even booze….

When American Express asked Mint Mocha Musings to collaborate on this piece, I hesitated for a mere second and quickly realised I too could do with a few pointers on putting away my pennies. So, without further ado, five top tips for saving money. Go on… check it out. Sometimes we can do with a reminder or two. 

Spoken Like a True Expat: Learning Chinese!

It’s every expat’s nemesis, Mandarin! So many tones, sooo many complex characters. Learning the local language where ever you go is an effort to say the very least, but Chinese can seem as thought it’s in a completely different league. Alas, I wasn’t even aware my toddler was counting in Mandarin…(“What? That’s just gibberish isn’t it!”) It seems the language Gods felt sorry for me and set about righting my lazy expat wrongs. Before I knew it, I was online learning Putonghua! Guess what? It wasn’t so bad! Want to walk the plank with me?

Mint Mocha Musings Giveaway, thanks to Blacklane Limousines

***WINNER ANNOUNCED***Our gift to you! Enter this June for the chance to win the ultimate ride in super star style! Courtesy of Blacklane Limousines and Mint Mocha Musings a ride to the value of US$100 if you live in any one of the 140 cities represented. Go on, you deserve it! Click here to WIN

So Many Photos? So Little Time? You need this! 

You know the drill… these days with technology at our fingertips, we photograph almost everything and anything, right? Come on, admit it! It’s the new digital age! Whether it’s the exquisitely created dessert we’ve just been served, the new LBD we’re trying on for size, our latest holiday in the tropics…..we take it, we upload it! AND if you’re a parent  – heck, forget it – where does the picture taking begin and end??! Lord help me! Well check out this for organising photos. The ‘baby book’ has been reinvented with BlinkBuggy! I’ve scored a great deal for my subscribers too!

Making a Game Out of Visiting Macau

If you’re in any way fascinated by the casino industry, you’ll no doubt know that Macau in South East China is famous the world over as the supposed ‘casino capital’ of Asia! Naturally, a huge chunk of Macau’s tourism industry is made up of excited new comers or keen punters looking to soak up the bright lights, glitz, and glamour of the gaming nightlife, but it’s not the only holiday experience that curious travelers can take part in….for more, click the title.