Having chalked up almost two years in China, I often get asked advice on where to go and what to see, so I thought it was high time I put together a 'go to' post, if the Middle Kingdom's on your bucket list. Given the vastness of China, we've seen a mere blip of the world's most populous nation that's home to 661 cities. Nonetheless, we've managed to tick off quite a few, on the journey thus far! If you've got the urge to come and see what all the fuss is about and want the adventure of a lifetime, here are my top recommendations, for first timers, at least. First Stop: Shanghai Given that most airlines fly direct to Shanghai from most cities across the globe, China's biggest and brightest city is probably a good place to start exploring this unique part of the world. This city of 24 million people is buzzing with all the excitement of modern day China. With a skyline that's literally 'out of this world', Shanghai is renowned as the 'Paris of the East!' Bustling with a charismatic fusion of the East and West, the city has a unique blend of the sassy and sophisticated with the culturally quaint essence that is 'old China' running through her veins. Dip your toes in Shanghai and gradually get a feel for life in China, without throwing yourself in the deep end. For a list of what to do and see... click on my post: Shanghai Shenanigans: A Weekend in the Paris of the East Note: There are two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport, the latter is closest to the city centre. Two to three days should be enough time to indulge in the city high life... Hangzhou If you've got extra time in your schedule, take a side trip down to the place they call 'China's Paradise on Earth!' Hangzhou is just a 45 minute train ride from the metropolis of Shanghai so it makes an easy day trip. The top must-see...the country's famous West Lake (just steer clear of national holidays)! If you're up for staying overnight, the area is also famous for its Longjin Tea Plantation. For more on what to do in Hangzhou or if you're unsure whether or not to add it to your itinerary, check out my post: China's Paradise on Earth: Hangzhou is it Worth the Visit? If you're up for another day trip from Shanghai and a taste of mini Venice in the East - head to one of the area's classic ancient water towns. I'll be honest with you, we missed these on our first trip but visiting one is still on the bucket list! Beijing If you've made the decision to visit China, it's hard to go past the nation's capital! The great political hub where the past and future collide in a hot pot of cultural ideologies. Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, you can immerse yourself in China's rich history and get a sense of the how the headquarters of the world's second fastest growing economy ticks. Of course, access to one of China's greatest treasures, the Great Wall of China is just a stone's throw from the city (well, a two hour drive). A once in a life time moment -- you can soak up tradition and the mere scale of the great wall itself, which stretches across China. (Just be prepared for heart palpitating chair lifts up and a toboggan ride down that will have you hanging on by the skin of your teeth!) Beijing has a cold winter and very hot summer so choose your times wisely. March to May and September to November are ideal. For more on what to do in China's capital: check out my post: Visit Beijing: The World's Super City in the Making Harbin Time permitting and depending on the time of the year you're visiting (early January to mid February), take a trip up to Harbin to see the famous ice sculpture festival. Not for the faint-hearted, Harbin has without doubt one of the most bitterly cold winters in China, but if you're game -- I have it on good authority that the "Ice City" is pretty dam spectacular! At night these gigantic snow and ice sculptures are bathed in a kaleidoscope of brilliant colour. (Just think -- all of those Frozen fans visiting their own real life Arendelle!) A two hour flight from Beijing, Harbin bears the influences of Eastern Russia, so harbours its own distinct flavour. (Tip: I'm told you don't want to go too late in winter or the sculptures start to melt and get a little dirty.) Xi'an Of course, there's no visiting China without taking a trip to the so-called cultural cradle of civilisation! Pop in to say hi to those world-famous Terracotta Warriors (oh and me)! There's no shortage of things to see in this historical city, from a bike ride around the ancient city wall to the mesmerising and utterly mad Muslim Quarter, the 1300 year old temple we like to call our neighbour, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.... and an opportunity to soak up what I like to call the "real China!" For more - this post has got you covered: 48 Hours in Xi'an: Top 5 Things to Do! Note: Xi'an has two seasons, a cold winter and a hot summer, so if you don't want to get caught in the icy winter pollution or summer furnace, the best times to visit are between March and May and September and November. Xi'an is just under two hours flight from Beijing. Luoyang If you have time for a side trip from Xi'an, I would highly recommend catching the high speed train to Luoyang. It's a one and a half hour trip through the countryside to the city of six million and from here you can visit the mystical Shaolin Temple high up in the Song Shan Mountains -- this is the birthplace of Buddhism and is still an active monastery today, as well as being home to the world's largest Kungfu academy. The world famous Longmen Grottos are a 45 minute drive from Luoyang and here you can get up close and personal with incredible gigantic sculptures carved into the side of cliffs that are still clearly visible centuries later. For more information on visiting these hot spots, check out my post Kungfu But No Panda: Welcome to 3rd Tier China. Tibet Sustaining spectacular landscape, spiritual traditions and a mythical-like culture, the Buddhist region of Tibet is a once in a life time wonder....which also boasts the world's highest peak, Mt Everest. But this is a magical place in which you need time up your sleeve to visit. At around 3000 metres above sea level, Tibet is the highest region on earth so it takes time to acclimatise, which means ideally at least four to five days in the region and even better, stretching the journey there over several days to avoid altitude sickness on arrival. (Note: Altitude sickness doesn't discriminate, so regardless of age, gender or fitness there's generally no rhyme or reason as to who gets hit and who doesn't.... If you suffer from any illnesses, you should definitely check with your doctor first if you do plan to go to Tibet.) Experts say, taking the train to Tibet makes acclimatising easier......but you can easily fly from many cities in China, including Xi'an, Chengdu, Beijing and Shanghai. It is difficult for non-Chinese citizens to travel independently in Tibet with various restrictions on foreign tourists. All foreign travelers are required to join an organized tour operated by authorized travel agencies and Chinese authorities often close Tibet to foreign tourists altogether in March. If you have the desire for adventure, take time to schedule a trip to the place they call the 'roof of the world' into your itinerary. Chengdu If you love cute and furry teddy bears, aka Giant Pandas - Chengdu is the place to see them in China. Just a short one hour flight from Xi'an, Sichuan Province is where you'll find the majority of these furry critters lounging about, just chewin’ on bamboo. It’s predicted just over a thousand live in the wild and the China Conservation and Research Centre in Chengdu is home to around 80 of the provinces most famous residents. Head to Chengdu for an overnight trip. For more check out my post Pandas in Chengdu: Don't Mind if I Do! Yangtze River Yangtze River known as Cháng Jiāng - or longest river is the largest in China and the third largest in the world after the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America. It spans over 6000 kilometres and traversing eleven provinces and cities from west to east! Tourists can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Three Gorges while exploring the ancient cultural sites along the river. There are a myriad of different packages, boats and routes to take so you'll need to pick your package carefully... whether you take one that winds from Beijing to Shanghai over 10 days or just a few days between Chongqing and Wuhan, there are many options. I'm yet to tick this off my list but for more information, check out these sites: The Travel China Guide The Yangtze River Cruise Guide Guilin One of the most beautiful and quaint places I've seen in China, Guilin has definitely earned it's nickname ‘Shan shui jia tian xia’ meaning Guilin’s ‘mountain and water scenery is the best under heaven’. Guilin city is the stepping stone to places like Ping An Village where you can see the China of old in all her glory. From Guilin Airport, Ping An is a 2.5 hour drive up into the hills.... spend a night here and soak up the unique and rich culture of this 600 year old village that oozes unrivalled charm amongst a setting of stunning rice terraces. A world away and a breath of fresh air from China's manic side! Catch a ferry up the river to Yangshuo and marvel at the limestone karsts that jut from the sea in their mesmerising shapes and sizes. No wonder they call it a ‘jade ribbon winding among thousands of Karst Hills.’ Yangshuo Village is the perfect place for a fun adventure. Ride bikes along the river path or catch a bamboo raft and glide your way down the river. This post will give you the lowdown! China's Pearl of the Orient: Why Guilin is Compulsory Viewing! Hong Kong It's not part of the mainland, but my advice is after all of that adventure, you need to end your trip on a high note....perhaps amongst Hong Kong's glittering sky scrapers? The 'city that never sleeps' is home to 8000 plus restaurants, not to mention some beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Oh and let's not forget the fabulous shopping! Finish off your amazing trip to the East with a relaxing couple of days in the fragrant harbour. Hong Kong gets very humid, so avoid the blazing summer months from June to August. Travelling to Hong Kong? This page has it all. Oh and if you're still not convinced...check out my post Four Good Reasons You Need to Travel China If you are convinced.... don't forget to read this! Travelling to China: Top Ten Things to Pack! Happy Travelling! This is China. Pssst... feel free to message me with any further questions and I'll try to help. Nicole@mintmochamusings.com … [Read more...]
Five Fail-Safe Ways to Save Money (after Christmas)!
Ahhh "money" and "saving" in the same sentence. I know! Trust me, it's not exactly my area of expertise (or enjoyment for that matter)! Just ask my husband and he'll tell you how (for want of a better word) hopeless I used to be at "saving!" But! Yes, there's a but…. When American Express asked if Mint Mocha Musings would like to collaborate and come up with some surefire tips for saving cash, admittedly I thought, while I've largely improved on the money front, I could probably do with some sage advice myself. You too? Read on. Let's face it, while it's not exactly the time of year to hold back on the spending (at least that's what I'm telling myself) it would be handy to have some extra cash up my sleeve once the jingle bells have rung out and Santa's skipped town. From where I stand, it's pretty easy for the festive merriment to hinder that normally sane judgement and hijack your hip pocket! Or is that just me convincing myself the carefree spending is all in the name of gallant gift giving and 'so and so' really needs that gorgeous handbag to go with that scarf and those earrings you've already bought! By Christmas Day I'm sure I'll be ready to quietly dip my head in the egg nog in a bid to while away the damage! January could be a lean month. So….I guess, the obvious thing here is to try and save money all year round, so by the time Santa's knocking on your door, asking for a list, well, you won't need to check it twice and cross off those expensive items. While this post is specifically talking about Hong Kong today, don't be thinking you can stick your head in the sand, my friends. Most of these savvy saving tips can apply to all and sundry, wherever you might be tucking into Christmas pud. So before you hit delete on this post, do yourself a favour and have a quick scan ahead! Ok so here goes….. five fab tips for making sure your Christmas (next year) is not fraught with a hefty price tag hangover! 1) GO PUBLIC Let's face it, in the sophisticated urban sprawl of Hong Kong, public transport is pretty remarkable. No arguments there right? For most people having a car is a luxury as opposed to a necessity. Taxis are (on a global scale) comparatively cheap but even better, there is the MTR, which is super clean, runs like clockwork and costs under $20 for a basic round trip. But you know what's even more cost effective? Yep, get out your brolly! Hong Kong's busses. Ok so the driving can be a little on the hairy side, tearing through the Kong in a 16 seater mini bus. But, at a fraction of the price of a cab, it's worth the 'fly by the seat of your pants' ride! Hong Kong's City Bus company is also pretty cost efficient for a longer journey across the city and out to the 'burbs. So next time you flag down an all too convenient taxi, give yourself a stern talking to and run to the nearest bus stop (just don't forget your brolly)! Ok, there are some exceptions like high heels, so if (like me) you still prefer the more convenient and comfort of a roaring red taxi here's my hot tip - rumour has it, there are 'discount taxis' with 20 per cent off the metered fares if you call ahead and spend a minimum of HK$50. Try it. Note: If you haven't purchased yourself an Octopus card you should be very ashamed!! Kidding, just hurry up and get one, pronto! It will save you money on both train and bus fares plus various other expenses like the 7-Eleven and Starbucks. (Not to mention its super convenient! You'll wonder how you EVER got along without one.) 2) GET WET Ok, so this applies to almost anywhere in the world, but particularly Asia, where Wet Markets are a way of life for locals. If you don't already shop like this, perhaps it's time to grab your shopping cart and get on board for some serious local action! (I'm assured the fruit and veges are equally as tasty and healthy as any you'd buy in the supermarket and at a third of the price.) There are Wet Markets all over town from Sheung Wan to Central, Wanchai, Kowloon and beyond….find your nearest spot and start stocking up. Hot tip -- Kwun Tong Wet Market is regarded as the cheapest in town. For a comprehensive list of where to get all your produce at rock bottom prices, check out this popular post by Mango Menus. And for a complete guide to what you can get at the markets and more importantly, what you can do with it, look no further than the fabulous Jasmine & Ginger! Sharon's got you covered from Dried Mushrooms to Lotus Root, Snake Beans and everything in between. 3) SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP Yes! Sometimes the last thing you feel like is heading to more than one place for your weekly groceries, but your budget will thank you for it. Shopping around is always a smart start to savvy savings. As well as getting your fruit, veg and meat at a reduced price, think outside the box and visit places like JUSCO for great for home ware; Prizemart for a great selection of cheaply priced toiletries…..take trips out to Sham Shui Po for party favors, arts and crafts and all your technical delights. Head to Sneaker Street and Sim City in Mongkok for all your electronic needs. Check in on chemists which often sell toilet rolls, wipes and the like at a cheaper price. 4) PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT You know the drill… you get an offer for a gazillion points or a chance to redeem cash back and well, it all seems too hard and far too unlikely to ever eventuate into anything meaningful. But, this is what you need to do… throw out that laissez faire attitude and start collecting your money's worth, because these card offers can turn some simple procedures into pure gold! Just to name a few, ParknShop.com has money back offers including gift coupons and awards. City Super offers a loyalty program and Mannings Chemist currently has a MannCard with points which can surprisingly add up very quickly! The Cathay Pacfic credit card enables you to collect points enables you to collect points shopping/wining and dining which can later be used to purchase flights around Asia. So, next time you get asked to sign up for a loyalty program, I urge you (and myself) to take the time and do it. 5) OWN IT ONLINE Yes! We all spend far too much time online, trawling our way through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, but how about we put that finger tapping to good use? There are a myriad of online forums to buy, swap and sell just about anything your heart desires. You need to find these forums and follow them with vigor! Here are some that you should be on top of! mysale.hk SwapitHK BuySellSwap - Facebook HK Bargains - Facebook HK Mommy Marketplace - Facebook Hardly Worn It - Facebook Buy Sell Trade HK - Facebook HK Swap Toys - Facebook Free Hong Kong - Facebook Asia Xpat - Super Mondays Budgeting and Saving - Facebook Groupon Hong Kong iHerb NB: No matter where you are there's bound to be a few online groups singing to a similar tune. And with that, I bid you all a very Merry Christmas and a New Year, where you are free to spend up large!! *Sponsored by American Express....all ideas and words are my own.* … [Read more...]
Let Asia Entertain You! **GIVEAWAY** ENTER HERE!
***Competition now closed*** A huge congratulations to all our fabulous winners and thanks to everyone who took part! Mint Mocha Musings GIFT to YOU! Enter to WIN. It's been awhile since I've had my hands on one of these babies! Back in the day in Sydney I was an Entertainer book convert, eagerly purchasing a new one with each new year that rolled around. What's not to love! With a 'Buy One Get One Free' concept applying to all your favourite things - whether it be the city's hottest restaurants, night spots, cafes, attractions, spas or salons the Entertainer is your one stop shop! So, I won't harp on about its merits, all I can say is the Entertainer has found me in Hong Kong and I'm hooked....as well as potentially saving you thousands of dollars, it's the perfect opportunity to get you doing things you might otherwise pass up. If you want a sneak preview of what's on offer, check out the Entertainer website here! Clearly things have progressed since I last owned one of these bibles, because now there's also an app!! You can either purchase it on your smartphone or stick with the hard copy in book form. I'm a bit slow to catch on to new technology but I can definitely vouch for the app. Easy to download and even easier to use. I've been out and about ordering two for one Mint Mochas all over town! Now, here's the exciting bit....usually these babies cost about HK$595, but guess what? I've got a surprise for you! As loyal Mint Mocha Musings friends, all you need to do is enter you details below and you are automatically in the draw to win one of 15 Entertainer books.YES! I've got 15 to give away! Even better, the choice is yours, either the Entertainer Hong Kong, Entertainer Singapore or Entertainer Malaysia. Bonus! You don't need to live in any of these places to use the book....heading to one of these destinations for a holiday any time soon? How handy would it be to have one these? Think of it as your key to the city! OK, it's easy, enter below and WIN! a Rafflecopter giveaway … [Read more...]
The Big 5: Shop till You Drop in Hong Kong
The top five shopping spots in the Kong. Recently here at Mint Mocha Musings we brought you The Big 5: Transport Yourself into Hong Kong's Heartland, a list of those can't miss sights, when you're making that flying visit into the frenetic fusion where east meets west. Let's face it, we all like to have the insider's lowdown before we visit a new city and if we live in Hong Kong and are having visitors, it's a god send! As you may know, Mint Mocha Musings is (in the near future) moving to China! (And hopefully, you'll come with me (virtually of course.) So as my parting gift - this month, ladies and gents, it's about the true essence of Hong Kong. Yep! We're going shopping! All you self-confessed shop'oholics out there, grab your most fashionable walking shoes and arm yourself with a serious pair of bag-carrying biceps. First time in the world's shopping capital? It's game on. Having paced the streets for a good few years now, sniffing out the best spots for some serious retail therapy, I'm going to narrow it down to those five areas worth trekking to, especially if you're on a tight schedule in the mighty Kong. #1 CENTRAL - Like it or not, you just can't miss an excursion to downtown Central. This is undoubtedly Hong Kong's hub and even if you don't pick up anything in your travels, it's certainly worth a look for the sheer frenzy-factor alone. Warning: it's crowded, so prepare to make like a bull in a China shop and charge! (Either that or get swallowed up in the madness.) From luxurious designer digs like LV, Coach and Prada, to the ancient lane ways, bearing cheap and cheerful trinkets, there's something for everyone here, you just have to look. The Landmark Shopping Mall on the corner of D'aguilar Street/Queens Road is where you'll find a myriad of glamorous high-end shop fronts like Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, Armani and Jimmy Choo as well as Asia's only Harvey Nichols. Opposite is the famous Abercrombie & Fitch standing statuesque with its red velvet carpet, glitzy chandeliers and booming tunes. Up a little further, in much the same vicinity you'll find flagship retailers like Marks and Spencer, Cotton On, Gap, Top Shop and most recently the city's biggest and brightest Zara! There's also a very suave Shanghai Tang just off Queens Road in Duddell St. If you're after a quality Chinese suit, dress or handbag to remind you of those oriental days in the fragrant harbour, this sophisticated store is the place to be. Further down, you'll find quintessential Hong Kong. Li Yuen Street West and Li Yuen Street East, known as The Lanes are markets selling everything from Chinese dresses, kid's clothes, silks, handbags and trinkets, at very reasonable prices. If you're up for a walk, keep trekking along Queens Road to Sheung Wan, where you'll find a smorgasbord of dried food shops stocking all sorts of weird and wonderful treats, including dried abalone, black moss and snakeskin - essential items for the traditional Chinese kitchen! There's also Cat Street, which has nothing to do with our furry friends, but instead houses plenty of souvenirs (including much-treasured Ming Dynasty furniture). There are also plenty of charming little cafes springing up along Tai Ping Shan Street, if you need to relax and regroup before the next retail round! Head further up the hill, either on foot (heels not advised) or take the Central-Mid Levels escalator (this is the world's longest outdoor escalator by the way) and stop off in Soho for a host of cute boutiques, galleries and historic antique shops. Here you'll find that something extra special and out of the ordinary. It's thirsty work but don't worry, there's a plethora of cafes and restaurants beckoning you to take a pit stop. Stay on until early evening and soak up the lively Soho/LKF outdoor bar atmosphere. Watch as the city really wakes up! #2 CAUSEWAY BAY - It's shopping mania and if you haven't keeled over yet from all the excitement, jump on one of the city's oldest modes of transport, the double decker tram or for a slightly quicker arrival (depending on traffic) take a red cab and head to Hong Kong's New York city equivalent, Times Square! With 16 floors, you'll find it heaving with everything from high end to high street fashion. But if you feel like you've seen it all before, don't despair - head over to the city's biggest department store, Japanese retailer SOGO. A mere 13 floors, SOGO sells everything from beauty to fashion, as well as electrical goods. Don't forget to stop in Forever 21 on the way past, this clothing store is worthy of a good browse with endless racks bringing catwalk fashion prices to the affordability of high street! (Don't miss the top floor for a treasure chest of accessories.) For some more market action, it's worth scooting through the narrow and crowded Jardine's Bazaar, just in case there's a teeny tiny stall holding a bargain with your name on it. Don't be afraid to venture into some of the smaller shopping malls in Causeway Bay either - it's here you'll find all sorts of quirky fashion pieces. #3 STANLEY MARKETS - First time to Hong Kong (even second or third) you really can't miss Stanley Markets. Away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, this quaint village is a scenic ride (via cab or bus) that winds along Hong Kong's stunning south coast. Here, you'll find everything from local trinkets and oriental souvenirs to galleries boasting paintings of all things 'Hong Kong,' handbags (two for one ladies), linen, costume jewellery, sneakers, kids toys (big and small) and kids clothes, plus men's clothing in larger sizes. Keep your eyes peeled because you might also come across some genuine designer brands on display as imperfect seconds or factory surplus stock! NB: Most stores do allow bartering for your bargain, but beware - prices are not as low as other Hong Kong markets. The best bit, after you've huffed and puffed your way through the narrow lane ways, treat yourself to lunch or dinner alfresco style. Perch yourself on a seat along the picturesque promenade at one of the many western style restaurants. Exhale and cast your eye across the beautiful bay. You're in Hong Kong! #4 MONGKOK LADIES MARKETS - Got a taste for the local market scene? Then, my friends, the famed Ladies Markets are not to be missed. Open every day of the year, except the first day of Chinese New Year, this is officially the world's most crowded and prosperous corner! Located on Hong Kong's Kowloon side, take the MTR or a taxi where you can spend at least an hour roaming this one kilometre stretch of stalls that are literally overflowing with more hand bags, iPad cases, children's dress-up costumes, cheap jewellery, travel goods and denim than you can poke a stick at! Here, bartering is in full force, so you can haggle to your heart's content. The rule of thumb is to go down to a quarter of the cost and if need be, double it so you end up paying around fifty per cent. Bear in mind if you're one of the first customers of the day, you're considered 'lucky' and might be in line for a cheaper price. Don't forget, much of Hong Kong sleeps until noon and these markets don't really liven up until around 2pm. If your bargain seems to good too be true, relax, there's every chance it is. The busiest corner of the world is home to a lot of counterfeit goods. (You can check out my previous post 'Counterfeit Craze' here.) With everything produced in China, it's shipped over the border and sold at rock-bottom prices. In other words you get what you pay for. It's all in the name of good fun though! Right?! While you're there, adjacent to the markets, you'll find Sneaker Street and Sim City. Sneaker Street is loaded with shops carrying the obvious. Sim City is an electronic lover's paradise, with computers, accessories, software and cameras lining the shelves... and all of reputable quality, I might add. (Trust me on this, I even brought my husband's birthday present here!) Still cashed up? The day's not over yet - walk under the subway across Nathan Road and you'll find Langham Place - with more than 200 shops, including an entire floor dedicated to shoes and another one purely to cosmetics, shoppers, how can you go wrong! It also sporting a very busy H & M with Esprit and Gap just a hop, skip and a jump across the road. All this shopping making you a bit famished? Don't be afraid to try the city's famous Dai Pai Dongs or street food stalls. You might be surprised at just how tasty fish balls, congee and milk tea are (not to mention dirt cheap)! More money to shop with right! #TSIM SHA TSUI - Locally known as TST, on Kowloon side - you can catch the iconic Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island. Here you'll find everything in one block (albeit a rather big one). Harbour City Shopping Centre is (naturally) packed with your regular designer digs (you're in Hong Kong remember) including Manolo Blahnik, Hermes and Chanel. Upstairs Zara and Nine West flank swanky cafes along with a range of shops perhaps a little more unique to Hong Kong. Walk right through to the end and you'll find yourself in Ocean Terminal. This is mainly for the little people. Kid's clothes galore in every shape and size (warning: they may be for the small person, but many are still designer digs, and come at a designer price!). There's a rather GI-normous Toys R Us, that you may never, ever escape once you enter. If you can, from here, it's worth a walk up Canton Road for a spot of gold jewellery shopping (and plenty of people watching) or start the trek along busy Nathan Road, which is filled with nail salons, tailors, more jewellers, cosmetics and quite simply, most things imaginable. Don't mind the local hawkers trying to sell you copy watches and bags, they really are pretty harmless! Phew! So, from me to you, that's one way of shopping till you drop in the mighty Kong! If you have the time and want to get a bit more local with your shopping experience, this post here, Word on the Street might just satisfy your curiosity. Happy Shopping! … [Read more...]
Singapore: Slick, Sophisticated and Sassy – but does it lack Soul?
As a certified 'virgin visitor' to Singapore, I had no preconceived ideas about the so-called 'Lion City' (aside from the rather titillating fact that 'Singapore Slings' would no doubt be a feature on the local cocktail menu)! Given Singapore lies within the heart of Asia and 75 per cent of its population is Chinese, admittedly I expected it would possess a touch of the orient (naturally infused with the west, given its colonial roots) so I was a little taken aback when my first encounter with the island had me immersed in a bubble of extreme 'westernisation' (at least at face value anyway). (I am also sure this perspective is clearly shaped by my frenetic four years spent amongst a culture of chopsticks, chicken feet and years of playing charades with non-english speaking taxi drivers in the mighty metropolis of Hong Kong!) After a four hour (slightly chaotic short-haul toddler tortured) flight south west of the Fragrant Harbour - I could almost fool myself into thinking I'd landed under the great 'blazing' southern sky DownUnder. (Yes! That's Australia!) I'm told 30 years ago, stepping onto the tarmac in Singapore I would have been met with a vastly different and definitely more oriental feel. Obviously the country's modern-day aesthetics play a huge part in this initial face to face meeting, but it had me reflecting back to my first rendezvous with Hong Kong almost four years ago. I realised just how foreign the 'Fragrant Harbour' really can be to an outsider from the West, with its eye opening and omnipresent Chinese influence... and of course how naturally ingrained it is in my psyche today (I think they call that acclimatization)! ;) Stepping out of a very English feeling Changi Airport - perhaps that's what threw me at first….the fact that all of the signs were in plain English only. Ignorantly, being in Asia, I had expected that much like its counterparts, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, Vietnam and Taiwan, there would be a second, native language on display. A little research and I find out that more than 20 languages are still spoken in Singapore. (Malay, Chinese, Tamil Indian and English are the four official languages.) From there it was into a reasonably modern taxi (not so common in previous Asian cities I've encountered) where we cruised ever so calmly along a wide, spacious freeway (at a pace that wasn't verging on something out of 'Mad Max' - again a rarity in most chaotic Asian streets I've had the pleasure of 'cruising'). Leafy green trees boldly lined streets, in some places over-hanging the road resembling a lush tropical rain forest. Skies were bright, fresh powder blue with those puffy, cotton wool clouds that seem to sit ever so still above you. We emerged into a heat that was bordering on unbearable until a slight breeze wafted through for that perfect summery feel, but mostly it was bordering on oppressively hot! (I'm used to Hong Kong's intense humidity by now, but here…it felt like a double whammy - the harsh sunlight of Australia coupled with Hong Kong's summer sauna-like heat.) Reaching our hotel in the city - shiny, sleek high rises were the order of the day…. but unlike Hong Kong, these weren't the skyscrapers I've become akin to (butted together like dominoes straddling the city for an eternity). Nothing much stood higher than 50 odd floors, which to me, means a relatively mellow 'low rise' city. (I know! Like I said, my immersion in the skyscraper capital has given me a unique perspective on the definition of a bona fide "busy city!") What it was though, was 'futuristic' in style. Perhaps a little Dubai-esque? Buildings that were designed with more than practicality in mind, these babies were impressive works of art, sleek structures that defied the modern day oblong of ordinariness and made for impressive observation. The Westin Hotel still in its infancy at six months old was the epitome of suave sophistication. With a view out to Marina Bay, I was immediately conflicted by the scene. The colors before me had me in Sydney looking out across the harbour, while the seemingly infinite number of containers stacked on top of each other, flanked by untold container ships in the background had me back in Kowloon. In the spirit of delivering a few facts, the port is the world's busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage handled! Whenever I take these short trips I always feel spoilt for choice and utterly torn between being the intrepid adventurer wanting to explore a new city and the relaxed tourist wanting to do as little as possible (somebody bring me a cocktail ploise!) So with my travelling heart in two minds…we tried as best we could to do a bit of both, with limited time at our disposal (not to mention a very unpredictable small person in tow)! Day One: We did the obvious things expected of any tourist in the Lion City.(For the record, the term 'Lion City' is derived from the Malay word Singapura but it's thought lions never actually lived on the island, and the beast that founded and named Singapore, was indeed a tiger.) Go figure! Wild cats aside, our first stop - the MRT to the famous Orchard Road (NB: Just like Hong Kong, the train system is a dream) don't ask me why, but I expected to (rather naively) find an oriental stretch laid out before me, revealing old Singapore in all its glory, but instead, what I got was quite the opposite. Beautiful? Yes! Quaint? No! With its green foliage painting a picturesque scene along the stretch, before me was a modern day shopper's paradise (which I am, by no means, complaining about!) revealing a glossy portfolio of shops all in one easy, accessible spot!! With a scorching heat that threatened to turn us into crisps in a matter of minutes, we wandered in and out of the air-conditioned havens eyeing up the goods. (Well, I did anyway)…and naturally this sweaty stroll called for an ice-block pit stop! Like Hong Kong's summer, you can't stay out for long or you'll melt into the pavement. Later that night we made our way to Marina Bay Sands. If Victoria Beckham was strutting her stuff in this super slick spot (actually the world's most expensive building) then you can bet I was going to get in on the action too! (Thanks for the heads-up Instagram!) Arriving, we were met with another massive shiny shopping centre (also more glamorously known as 'The Shoppes') again filled with a plethora of dreamy designer goods on display, really not at all unlike Hong Kong's label-crazy retail nirvana, not to mention Macau-like casinos, a luxury hotel and giant convention centre. The atmosphere was buzzing inside, and little did we know outside as well! Disappointed to find the famous Marina Bay Sands roof-top 'vanishing edge' pool was only open to hotel guests, (sorry VB, next time we can swap fashion tips over a Singapore Sling) we ate inside in one of the French bistros with cosmos and burgers (how can you go wrong?) before wandering outside and discovering what was nothing short of a giant Darling Harbour. Hello Sydney! Bustling with buskers, night owls and a plethora of al fresco dining establishments, it was entertaining and a little bit electric. OK so by now I was starting to get what Singapore was about. Clean, sophisticated and oh so shiny… but the journo/blogger in me was craving a bit of Singapore's underbelly. With a few places on the agenda, we had to choose between Chinatown and it's famous Food Street, Arab Quarter and Little India. We figured as cool as Chinatown may be, coming from Hong Kong, we can see hawkers selling fish balls and waving-cat souvenirs anytime….so after um-ing and ahh-ing and a bit of inside knowledge, we ended up in Little India. I've yet to have the pleasure of visiting India, so perhaps this was a little taste? Originally a former settlement for Tamil convicts, its location along the Serangoon River originally made it an attractive spot for raising cattle and trading in livestock. Today, it's heaving with local Tamils and Little India, also known as Tekka, is clearly the place to gather for Saturday shopping,socialising and much eating! Horns rang out, bicycle bells were chiming and crossing the road was clearly a case of "in Little India, do as in Big India"- i.e. walk out in front of fast oncoming cars with a mere flick of the wrist to let them know to stop. Not something I was game to attempt! A vibrant and chaotic mix of shops and stalls selling cheap and cheerful Indian jewels, trinkets, textiles and homewares fringed the streets; Bollywood music was blasting out of old fashioned record stores; and flower vendors, spices and hawkers were selling authentic Indian food hide down side streets and alleyways. Let's just say, even as a 'Gweilo' - often more conspicuous than I'd care for in HK, this place was a little intimidating for us 'whiteys' who stood out like sore thumbs amongst the masses lingering in the streets. Undeterred though, we made like locals and squeezed single file down narrow footpaths, observing and photographing the mildly overwhelming scene. We ended up inside 24 hour retail hub Mustafa! I reckon you could just about find anything you wanted in here! Shelves upon shelves overflowing with pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, clothes and electronics. The mind was well and truly boggled! The intense heat adding to the authentic 'Indian' experience, but eventually bringing our adventure to a raging halt. Safe to say I'd had the adventure side of me satisfied, and like all good tourists, we hightailed it in an air conditioned cab to Sentosa! Hello paradise! An island literally a stone's throw from the city - once you cross through the tolls, you are in another world. A little island paradise. A British Military Fortress in World War Two, today it's tagged 'Asia's Favourite Playground' and there's definitely no shortage of attractions, including Universal Studios, the world's biggest aquarium, stunning beaches, bars, restaurants and several hotels! As we drove through, I felt like I'd left the big smoke of Sydney and headed north to Queensland's Gold Coast…namely Sanctuary Cove (complete with ride-on buggies)! Rolling out of the heat and into the W, had me at hello. The familiar quirky, funky and fun atmosphere taking me back to Hong Kong and as the W Hotelier's wife, our home away from home. This though was an idyllic resort and that meant we got to sit back, relax and rejuvenate. Heaven! Sipping my first Singapore Sling was nothing less than sublime to say the least! But it was definitely a case of so little time, so much to see! So, have you been to Singapore? What were your first impressions? Great holiday spot but am I a delirious expat who's spent far too long in China to see this city for what it really is? Shoot me a comment…. I'd love to hear your thoughts. PS… Thanks to being a part of the passionate and friendly blogging-world along with the vibrant and helpful Twitter community, I was met with some amazingly helpful Singapore residents online. If you're heading to Singapore anytime soon and want a more detailed (dare I say it 'expert' opinion) on the island city….check out the following blogs Expat Kiwi: Singapore and Beyond, A British Girl in Bangkok (and Singas) and My Life in Sin Cheers! … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 6
- Next Page »