January 27, 2012
We are following the dragon into Singapore’s chinatown which now looks a lot more like Chinatown than ever. Although the buildings have been spruced up in quite contemporary colors and decor, practically every other restaurant or establishment is now Chinese (mainland) run, harking back to Singapore’s first Chinese immigrants as far back as the late 1800′s.
With the growing number of tourists from the mainland as well, many of the area’s former retail outlets or offices have become backpacker’s inns or proper hotels. Here is one that is looking quite good, at least from the outside.
Wishing everyone a blessed and healthy 2012!
Posted in Singapore 
No Comments »
November 25, 2011
There is a really good restaurant in Shanghai that serves up the best Tapas in Asia hands down. I haven’t been to all the Spanish restaurants in Asia obviously but this place really rocks. It’s called El Willy and I thought it was a cheeky name until I found out that the chef is called Willy and that the name was a nod to the unfortunately now defunct michelin starred, super award winning restaurant in Spain called El-Bulli and is now a foundation. (It even won world’s best restaurant for several years!)
Aside from Spanish food which I love, I also adore its language, its people
and architecture. Antoni Gaudi’s genius is beyond belief and up until now I’ve ever only seen pictures in museums. Mind you, several of Gaudí’s works have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO: in 1984, the Park Güell, the Palau Güell and the Casa Milà; and in 2005, the Nativity facade, the crypt and the apse of the Sagrada Família, the Casa Vicens and the Casa Batlló in Barcelona, together with the crypt of the Colònia Güell in Santa Coloma de Cervelló.
Yes, I believe it’s time to go check out some Barcelona vacation rentals and finally make my way there after a 20 year hiatus.
Barcelona here I come!
Posted in China, Good Food No Comments »
November 10, 2011
It’s not as cold as it was a couple of years ago when it started snowing in Beijing as early as October, but cold it has become nonetheless. The winds are starting to blow bitterly, the only consolation as my skin cracks are the blue skies overhead.
Almost all the trees and vines that turn colour have reached their vibrant hues and will soon fall away, leaving the bird nests exposed and empty as their little wings fly south for the winter.
A time of death will come soon, and after that a time of renewal.
Posted in China No Comments »
August 10, 2011
Seven (7) museums are giving free admission in August as part of National Day celebrations so be a Singaporean and go while it’s free!
The museums will be free of charge to all visitors on National Day (August 9) and Hari Raya Puasa (August 30). For Singaporeans and PRs’ all permanent galleries in the museums from August 1—31.
Which museums are participating you ask? The Asian Civilisations Museum, the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, the Singapore Philatelic Museum, the Peranakan Museum, Memories at Old Ford Factory, and Reflections at Bukit Chandu.
Posted in Memory Lane, Singapore No Comments »
content rss