tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271392412024-03-13T10:15:33.265-04:00[Min] - (Tal) * 0 ™Travel BlogMintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-69360171877221665982014-04-10T02:00:00.000-04:002014-12-25T23:18:48.961-05:00Bali Fresque<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here the truism of the day: traveling with young kids is different than traveling without. <br />
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For young kids novelty is part of their daily life. Everyday new stuffs are being thrown at them like nobody’s business. It’s when adult that novelty become a more difficult experience, since it has to be filtered by all previous experiences to assess the situation or relate to own being. When young, the assessment has been outsourced to all adults around in the hope that the experience will not disturb too much your cognitive experience, and the focus is only on the experience itself without judgement or reservation.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Young Balinese Kids <br />Watching Sunset Before a Dance Performance</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Near Seminyak</span></div>
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Adults on the other hand have to think and understand the experience throw kids’ eyes and their own at the same. This schizophrenia is usually deceptive yet part of the parenting experience. Why young kids don’t like what we think is best for them?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Fishermen around Nusa Dua beach </span></div>
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On the other hand, kids do not worry too much of what the experience is and also of the others’ experience (actually just enough to not be trigger the unhappy feeling). Tension rises when too much fun is associated with no value in the experience. Why young kids don’t like watching this beautiful sunset?
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunset Picture Taking near Seminyak</span></div>
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It doesn’t matter in reality whom had experienced what and what were the feeling or passion felt at the time, because for each side of the equation the unknown is constant and the solution is obvious: do without under-appreciating. Young kids should play and parent should have fun. But why young kids don’t like eating this beautiful meal?
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Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-47506538382384120892014-04-09T02:00:00.000-04:002014-12-26T00:33:25.322-05:00Bali New Addresses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everything has been said about Bali and everything has been (re)view about Bali, but still everybody is going back to it drawn by a hope that something will be identical yet different.
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Sunset Lovebird at Seminyak</span></div>
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Some new places have been discovered, and some have been re-evaluated. <br />
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<tr><td width="10%"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 50px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 50px;" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Buah Bali Villas</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Jalan Petitenget Gang Cempaka, Kerobokan, Bali 80361, Indonesia</span>.<br />
[<a href="http://thebuahbali.com/enx/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g608486-d1756281-Reviews-The_Buah_Bali_Villas-Kerobokan_Bali.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/The+Buah+Bali+Villas/@-8.678348,115.15271,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x2dd2470ded5a0a9b:0xc63d4a3c07cf1c3a">Map</a>]<br />
A Japanese business fell in love with Bali a long time and made a promise to live on the island of thousand smile. Few years later he bough a piece of land and build a place where a handful of isolated and nicely decorated villas are sitting next to their own private pool. A Japanese trained staff with Balinese smile. This place is too nice to not been mentioned in this blog.<br />
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<tr> <td width="10%"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 50px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 50px;" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Semara Resort and Spa Seminyak</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia, +62 361 8476661</span>.<br />
[<a href="http://www.semararesorts.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g469404-d2066666-Reviews-Semara_Resort_Spa_Seminyak-Seminyak_Bali.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/Semara+Resort+and+Spa+Seminyak/@-8.679282,115.153209,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x2dd2471200a894c9:0x71e0c7787c4bd175">Map</a>]<br />
When luxury is done at it best. These small appartment/unit are here to make you feel at home while having the splurge of what 5 stars can give you. Very nice if you can afford it.<br />
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<tr> <td width="10%"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 50px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 50px;" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, BTDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, +62 361 771906</span>.<br />
[<a href="http://www.westinnusaduabali.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g297698-d304528-Reviews-The_Westin_Resort_Nusa_Dua-Nusa_Dua_Nusa_Dua_Peninsula_Bali.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/The+Westin+Resort+Nusa+Dua+Bali/@-8.795775,115.230617,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x2dd243214cc53a45:0x1804a0b94a2d2549">Map</a>]<br />
From the kids gift package to the good bye at the door, this resort is a kid paradise. Food, pool, kids' playground and activities the resort was build with one thing in mind: How can we make a family vacation good for everyone? I strongly recommend this place if you want to have a beach vacation with young kids.<br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 50px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 50px;" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Biku</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">285A Crown St Surry Hills, NSW, 2010</span>.<br />
[<a href="http://bikubali.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g608486-d1381049-Reviews-Biku-Kerobokan_Bali.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/Biku/@-8.67843,115.15373,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x2419add201324cce?sa=X&ei=BeycVMyEM4mSuATyrYLoCQ&ved=0CJABEPwSMA0">Map</a>]<br />
I really don't know what would have happen without Biku at our side to feed the youngster. Not only the food and the atmosphere are great, but the staff was very patient with the all you can eat on the floor attitude.Thank you for being so close to the villa (or was it the other way round?).<br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 50px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 50px;" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Merah Putih Restaurant</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Ash Street, Sydney, Australia</span>.<br />
[<a href="https://merahputihbali.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g608486-d3966416-Reviews-Merah_Putih_Restaurant-Kerobokan_Bali.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/Merah+Putih/@-8.676927,115.154491,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x4120f69ff839482d">Map</a>]<br />
It looks like a movie decor and it was a movie decor: everything looked beautiful before you taste. This is a place to bring a date and not to enjoy food. Who cares what you have in your plate when you look at someone eye?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Teck-O-Coco Showroom</span></div>
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<tr> <td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 40px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 40px;" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teck-O-Coco Furniture Design</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Jalan Pura Petipenget No.110X, Indonesia. Open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm</span>.<br />
[<a href="http://www.teckococo.com/home">Website</a>] [<a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/search/teck+o+coco/@-8.6773832,115.1563559,17z">Map</a>]<br />
This contemporary showroom focuses on Coco Design furniture. Plus they can ship oversea. A must visit anyway.<br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 50px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 50px;" /></a></td> <td><b>Lollipop's Playland and Cafe</b><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Jl Sunset Rd No 902, Seminyak. Phone: 0361 8475987 - 8475992</span>.<br />
[<a href="http://littlebalilove.com/play/activity-02/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g469404-d2639794-Reviews-Lollipop_s_Playland_and_Cafe-Seminyak_Bali.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />
Recommended by the Buah Bali Villas staff, this kids friendly place should help parents in dispair for indoor fun when time/weather is not on your side. A good address to keep in your back pocket in case of ermergy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Sunset Picture Framing at Seminyak</span></div>
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Going back again any day.<br />
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Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-62989804702628776272012-01-05T09:00:00.003-05:002012-01-28T23:31:25.654-05:00Beautiful SydneyI left the place 15 years ago with the convinced idea that Australian Sydney was the best city on the planet to live in. I returned to it with the firm conviction that this is the best city to have lived in and to leave from.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCVLhgyQtOc/Tx-bkKesLXI/AAAAAAAACLU/5Hnze7QzguM/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCVLhgyQtOc/Tx-bkKesLXI/AAAAAAAACLU/5Hnze7QzguM/s320/IMG_4707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701446698865012082" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Opera House, Sydney</span></div><br /><br />It sounds hypocritical but it is not. In reality nothing has changed. Sydney is still a great place to live in, on this planet. Who could refuse such a gorgeous spot, with a languid life style, beaches and natural swimming pool on every corner street, and a decent food and music scene. Not to mention the most (de)lightful NYE fire works I ever seen in my life. Since my last trip way back then, many things happened: an Olympic Game, renovations, gentrifications, new harbor, and a new central district.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCxURRk05Q/Tx-bkabYbGI/AAAAAAAACLg/UZugyMeGbzY/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCxURRk05Q/Tx-bkabYbGI/AAAAAAAACLg/UZugyMeGbzY/s320/IMG_4756.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701446703146101858" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney</span></div><br /><br />In fact the city has improved even more than what I could have imagined. The economic boom of the last decade seems to have benefited the city and its horde of neo “Bobo”. Poverty has been pushed away from the city, and the famous red light district have tainted pale in the colored rainbow.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E9cCDMesYU/Tx-bkog1wlI/AAAAAAAACLs/ehjSWVN7AuM/s1600/IMG_4852.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E9cCDMesYU/Tx-bkog1wlI/AAAAAAAACLs/ehjSWVN7AuM/s320/IMG_4852.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701446706927092306" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">St. John's Church in Darlinghurst, Sydney</span></div><br /><br />More international and local tourists are embracing the many attractive attractions that the city has to offer, despite the horrible price hikes. Sydney has now moved to a different scale. The city is now in the same category as other interesting destinations in the world such as Amsterdam, Montreal, Buenos Aires and Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bmjMuq3SA8/Tx-bk8gl-DI/AAAAAAAACL8/a4JIAxQLSnQ/s1600/IMG_4913.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bmjMuq3SA8/Tx-bk8gl-DI/AAAAAAAACL8/a4JIAxQLSnQ/s320/IMG_4913.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701446712294766642" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Manly Beach, Sydney</span></div><br /><br />Old trendy places have moved to new spots. Corky and funky restaurants have emerged from residential neighborhoods. Free shuttle buses run for tourists to enjoy the best parts of the city. Everything seems to look even better, cleaner and simpler than before. Sydney is a great place on the planet. Nothing changed except for the better.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JazWzuL1bck/Tx-blZap_cI/AAAAAAAACME/oqwBJtUZ60E/s1600/IMG_5059.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JazWzuL1bck/Tx-blZap_cI/AAAAAAAACME/oqwBJtUZ60E/s320/IMG_5059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701446720054492610" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Surfer at Mackenzies Bay, Sydney</span></div><br /><br />What has changed in reality is … me. I wish I had chosen to live there 15 years ago to learn to surf and rock ‘n’ roll, so that today I would have been happy to leave from Sydney ... to explore the world.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-54745929347825154662012-01-04T09:00:00.010-05:002012-01-28T23:31:14.438-05:00Sydney AddressesWith a population of approximately 4.6 million people, Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and is the state capital of New South Wales. Sydneysiders are the most blessed cosmopolitan populace of Pacific, with the Tasman Sea at their feet and the mountains behind their back. Sydney is one of these few cities in the world that is turned inside out and exist for the beauty of its landscape. In short, Sydney has it all: nature, ocean, hills, cosmopolitan lifestyle. If only if wasn't at the end of the world, it would be the best place on the planet. Actually it might be because it is at the end of the world that Sydney is the way it is today.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI0NQNlYhrI/Tw7RwbWG3qI/AAAAAAAACG4/LdnlyNa5ZRk/s1600/IMG_4733.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI0NQNlYhrI/Tw7RwbWG3qI/AAAAAAAACG4/LdnlyNa5ZRk/s320/IMG_4733.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696721208574664354" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocks,_Sydney">The Rocks</a>, in Sydney<br /></span></div><br />On a long weekend trip these are the addresses that could be recommended, but be warned that Sydney like any other cosmopolitan city changes fast, the addresses of today could be the wrong ones the next day.<br /><br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Park8 Hotel</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">185 Castlereagh Street, Sydney 2000, Australia</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.8hotels.com/sydney-hotels/park8-hotel/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255060-d1932096-Reviews-Park8_Hotel_Sydney_by_8Hotels-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=185+Castlereagh+Street,+Sydney+2000,+Australia&hl=en&geocode=+&hnear=185+Castlereagh+St,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2000,+Australia&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=0">Map</a>]<br />At the corner of two very busy streets (<span style="font-style: italic;">Castlereagh St. </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Park St.</span>), the hotel holds all the floors of a corner building. The small entrance leads to small rooms and a cozy ambiance. The diligent and fun staff does not erase the loudness of the street noise and the final bill. This place is too expensive for what it has to offer.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pensione Hotel Sydney</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">631 - 635 George St, Sydney 2000, Australia</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.8hotels.com/sydney-hotels/pensione-hotel/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255060-d501434-Reviews-Pensione_Hotel_Sydney_by_8Hotels-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=631+-+635+George+St,+Sydney+2000,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.878504,151.205564&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.873088,151.209576&sspn=0.009318,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=631-635+George+St,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2000,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />Also part of the 8Hotels group, Pensione is less central than its slightly bigger sister, Park8. Still based on the same boutique hotel concept (refurnishing an old building into a contemporary hotel), Pensione has more caché and is less expensive than Park8. The street noise has been suppressed with triple-windows. Note that the a free-bus stop is at the doorstep of the hotel, and runs from 9AM to 3PM covering a popular main street route. Convenient for tourists and locals alike.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Swissotel Sydney</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">68 Market St, Sydney 2000, Australia</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Australia/Swissotel+Sydney/Hotel%20Home/Hotel%20Description?cmpid=Gslsyd01sg&s_kwcid=TC%7C17526%7Cswissotel%20sydney%7C%7CS%7Cp%7C6958072266&gclid=CPiC8p2gyq0CFcEc6wodLgvDfw">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255060-d256595-Reviews-Swissotel_Sydney-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=68+Market+St,+Sydney+2000,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.870629,151.207366&spn=0.009318,0.013797&sll=-33.878504,151.205564&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=68+Market+St,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2000,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />Perfectly located at the corner of George St. and Market St., Swissotel Sydney is what you'd expect of a large hotel chain: vast room, great service, solid staff and consistent quality. Would go back to the Swissotel if budget permits.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Winery</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">285A Crown St Surry Hills, NSW, 2010</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.thewinerybygazebo.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.truelocal.com.au/business/the-winery/surry-hills/review/BCFA603B-87C6-46A5-8A09-062E82282623">TrueLocal</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=285A+Crown+St+Surry+Hills,+NSW,+2010+&hl=en&sll=-33.870629,151.207366&sspn=0.009318,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=285A+Crown+St,+Surry+Hills+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />The Winery, on Surry Hills' Crown Street is the sister venue to Elizabeth Bay's Gazebo. Whether planning something more large or you're just coming in for a drink, you'll find something on the menu to suit from starters and tapas to mains and desserts. Great tapas, great wine list and great atmosphere. What else to ask for on a Sunday afternoon lunch - early dinner.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Felix - Bistro and Bar</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ash Street, Sydney, Australia</span>.<br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1557528/restaurant/CBD/Felix-Bistro-and-Bar-Sydney">[UrbanSpoon</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255060-d1988260-Reviews-Felix_Bar_Bistro-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=Ash+Street,+Sydney,+Australia&hl=en&sll=-33.881524,151.214484&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=Ash+St,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2000,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />In a dark back alley, between clubs lies a French bistro. Menu, wine list and service look all as good as a French bistro could be 20,000 km away from France. Nevertheless the price does not justify the fluffiness of the service. Special mention to the cheese soufflé on the dessert menu.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yulli's</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">417 Crown St, Surry Hills 2010, Sydney, Australia</span>.<br />[<a href="http://yullis.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255060-d2267374-Reviews-Yullis-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/yullis/">Eatability</a>]<br />Located in front of "The Clock" bar, this vegan place is a must try for your green tooth. Menu is short but consistent and varied, service funky but fast and low key, bill is small but quick and non-biodegradable. Nice vegan spot in Crown St.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Restaurants Recommended</span><br />Sydney is a nice place for eating-out options. Among the many recommended:<br /><br />SURRY HILLS<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Toko</span> (High-End Japanese) [<a href="http://www.toko.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/toko-surry-hills/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=490+Crown+Street++Surry+Hills+NSW+2010,&hl=en&sll=-33.866568,151.207664&sspn=0.009318,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=490+Crown+St,+Surry+Hills+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Porteno</span> (Barbecue Restaurant) [<a href="http://www.porteno.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/porteno/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=358+Cleveland+Street++Surry+Hills+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.89067,151.21022&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.886803,151.213852&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=358+Cleveland+St,+Surry+Hills+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Norfolk</span> (Tapas Bar) [<a href="http://www.thenorfolk.co/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1452492/restaurant/Sydney/Surry-Hills/The-Norfolk-Redfern">UrbanSpoon</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=305+Cleveland+St,+Surry+Hills,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.890563,151.209254&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.890937,151.21228&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=305+Cleveland+St,+Redfern+New+South+Wales+2016,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Longrain</span> (Urban Thai DJ) [<a href="http://longrain.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/longrain-restaurant-bar/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=85+Commonwealth+Street++Surry+Hills+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&sll=-33.890563,151.209254&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=85+Commonwealth+St,+Surry+Hills+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bentley Restaurant and Bar</span> (Sitting Classy Dinner) [<a href="http://www.thebentley.com.au/home.php?pg=m1&pw=768&ph=576&pl=1024&pt=0">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/bentley-restaurant-bar/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=320+Crown+Street++Surry+Hills+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.881016,151.215026&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.87949,151.21086&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=320+Crown+St,+Surry+Hills+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mahjong Room</span> (Modern Chinese) [<a href="http://www.mahjongroom.com.au/home.php">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/mahjong-room/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=312+Crown+Street++Darlinghurst+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.880659,151.215026&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.881016,151.215026&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=312+Crown+St,+Darlinghurst+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trinity Bar</span> (Pub & Cool) [<a href="http://www.trinitybar.com.au/home.aspx">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/trinity-bar/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=505+Crown+Street++Surry+Hills+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.888693,151.213181&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.880659,151.215026&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=505+Crown+St,+Surry+Hills+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Local Taphouse</span> (Pub & Music) [<a href="http://www.thelocal.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1503292/restaurant/Sydney/Paddington/The-Local-Taphouse-Darlinghurst">UrbanSpoon</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=355+Crown+Street,+Surry+Hills,+NSW+2010&hl=en&ll=-33.884097,151.214125&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.888693,151.213181&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=355+Crown+St,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Commons</span> (Beer Festival & Bar Food) [<a href="http://thecommons.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1484710/restaurant/Sydney/The-Commons-Darlinghurst">UrbanSpoon</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=%0932+Burton+Street++Darlinghurst+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.878183,151.215112&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.884097,151.214125&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=32+Burton+St,+Darlinghurst+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Victoria Room</span> (Smooth Dinning) [<a href="http://www.thevictoriaroom.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.truelocal.com.au/business/victoria-room/darlinghurst">TrueLocal</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=235+Victoria+St++Darlinghurst+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.877898,151.221399&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.878183,151.215112&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=235+Victoria+St,+Darlinghurst+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Slide Bar</span> (Show + Set-Menu) [<a href="http://slide.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/slide-lounge/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=41+Oxford+Street++Sydney+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.877934,151.213374&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.877898,151.221399&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=41+Oxford+St,+Darlinghurst+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br /><br />NEWTOWN<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">ZanziBar </span>(Roof-Top Tapas Bar) [<a href="http://www.zanzibarnewtown.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/zanzibar-newtown/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=323+King+St++Newtown+NSW+2042,+Australia&hl=en&sll=-33.890439,151.195307&sspn=0.037263,0.055189&vpsrc=0&hnear=323+King+St,+Newtown+New+South+Wales+2042,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br /><br />PADDINGTON<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bellevue Hotel</span> (Sophisticated Bistro) [<a href="http://www.bellevuehotel.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255060-d738579-Reviews-Bellevue_Hotel-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=159+Hargrave+St,+Sydney+2021,+Australia&hl=en&sll=-33.896969,151.179054&sspn=0.009315,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=159+Hargrave+St,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Darcy's Restaurant</span> (Home Cooking Italian) [<a href="http://www.darcysrestaurant.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/darcys/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=92+Hargrave+St++Paddington+NSW+2021,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.884276,151.233995&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.885402,151.2354&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=92+Hargrave+St,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">L'Etoile Restaurant</span> (High-End French) [<a href="http://www.letoilerestaurant.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/letoile/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=211+Glenmore+Rd++Paddington,+Sydney+NSW+2021,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.882245,151.227665&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.884276,151.233995&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=211+Glenmore+Rd,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lucio's Italian Restaurant </span>(High-End Italian) [<a href="http://www.lucios.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255060-d726927-Reviews-Lucio_s_Italian_Restaurant-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=47+Windsor+St,+Sydney+2021,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.884952,151.232879&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.882245,151.227665&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=47+Windsor+St,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Print Room at Durty Nelly's</span> (European-Aussie) [<a href="http://www.durtynellyssydney.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/durty-nellys-bar/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=9-11+Glenmore+Rd++Paddington+NSW+2021,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.883403,151.222837&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.884952,151.232879&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=9-11+Glenmore+Rd,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">A Fish Called Paddo</span> (Casual Seafood) [<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1461810/restaurant/Paddington/A-Fish-Called-Paddo-Seafood-Emporium-Sydney">UrbanSpoon</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/a-fish-called-paddo-seafood-emporium/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=239+Glenmore+Road++Paddington+NSW+2021,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.882316,151.22848&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.883403,151.222837&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=239+Glenmore+Rd,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Avido Restaurant</span> (International Dinning) [<a href="http://www.avido.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/avido-restaurant-wine-garden/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=438+Oxford+Street,+Paddington&hl=en&ll=-33.887731,151.231184&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.882316,151.22848&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=438+Oxford+St,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Buon Ricordo</span> (Must-Try Italian) [<a href="http://www.buonricordo.com.au/page/home.html">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/buon-ricordo/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=108+Boundary+Street++Paddington+NSW+2021,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.879484,151.224275&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.887731,151.231184&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=108+Boundary+St,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Four In Hand</span> (Classy French Dinning) [<a href="http://www.fourinhand.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/four-in-hand-dining-room/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=105+Sutherland+Street++Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.883723,151.234488&spn=0.009316,0.013797&sll=-33.879484,151.224275&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=105+Sutherland+St,+Paddington+New+South+Wales+2021,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Shopping --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Artery</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">221 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.artery.com.au/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=221+Darlinghurst+Road,+Darlinghurst&hl=en&ll=-33.876562,151.220734&spn=0.009317,0.013797&sll=-33.883723,151.234488&sspn=0.009316,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=221+Darlinghurst+Rd,+Darlinghurst+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />This contemporary art gallery focuses on Aboriginal paintings. They deal with all the artists directly and return all of their profits to charity. You can order online if you want and they can ship. This is the best place in Sydney to buy modern Aboriginal paintings. A must visit anyway.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- Shopping --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Karlangu</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">129 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.karlangu.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=129+Pitt+Street++Sydney+NSW+2000,+Australia&hl=en&sll=-33.876562,151.220734&sspn=0.009317,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=129+Pitt+St,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2000,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />Karlangu is the opposite of Artery. Central, large, with established painters and very expensive. If you want to buy the best of the classic Aboriginal paintings, this is the place to bring your Amex.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- Drinks --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvhsDVG5UYo/Twv9j1yBUhI/AAAAAAAACFk/o8Q8wuZtA4w/s1600/Final_Drink.jpg"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvhsDVG5UYo/Twv9j1yBUhI/AAAAAAAACFk/o8Q8wuZtA4w/s200/Final_Drink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695924945914253842" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Clock</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">470 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.clockhotel.com.au/ClockHotel/527/n/3/0/0/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/clock-hotel/">Eatability</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=470+Crown+Street++Surry+Hills+NSW+2010,+Australia&hl=en&sll=-33.867245,151.208466&sspn=0.009318,0.013797&vpsrc=0&hnear=470+Crown+St,+Surry+Hills+New+South+Wales+2010,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />A hotel transformed into a giant multi-level bar with a nice terrace from which you can watch passing-by. The happy hour is a fantastic deal in town and is already well known judging by the number of people coming over.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYXAAXWVILs/Tw7RwhJ6fCI/AAAAAAAACHE/tWdaJkp_Hro/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYXAAXWVILs/Tw7RwhJ6fCI/AAAAAAAACHE/tWdaJkp_Hro/s320/IMG_4871.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696721210134133794" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Terrace at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.clockhotel.com.au/">The Clock</a></span></div><br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><!-- ToDo --></tr><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NYE Fireworks</span><br />[<a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/new_years_eve_2011">Website</a>]<br />With crowds of more than 1.5 million people, Sydney has the second largest New Year celebrations worldwide, after Rio de Janeiro (over 3 million people on Copacabana Beach). For a nice view of the fireworks, four options for you: [1] know someone with a nice view of Sydney bay; [2] <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_crNUYe3q8g">watch it on TV</a>; [3] camp at 10AM for a <a href="http://www.artphototravel.net/the-pacific/sydney-fireworks/">nice spot</a> and wait until midnight; [4] pay a lot to reserve a <a href="http://www.newyearsevesydney.net.au/">cruise</a>, <a href="http://www.newyearsevesydney.net.au/">dinner seat</a> or a <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/new_years_eve_2011">botanic event</a> place. Whatever you do, don't miss it, it's grandiose.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- ToDo --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sydney Walks</span><br />[<a href="http://www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au/">Website</a>]<br />Sydney is a walkable city with easy public transit access. The diversity of its landscape and the nearby ocean make the walking discovery a must try. Among the places to visit, you should definitely gun for <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rocks - Opera House - The Bridge - Botanic Garden - Darlinghurts - Elizabeth Bay - Potts Point - Double Bay - Woolloomooloo - King Street - Newtown - Gebe - Oxford St - Crown Street - Surry Hills</span>.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- ToDo --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manly Beach by Ferry</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Circular Quay, Pier 3</span>.<br />[<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=circular+quay,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2000,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.861863,151.210585&spn=0.037275,0.055189&sll=-33.852384,151.2111&sspn=0.03728,0.055189&vpsrc=0&hnear=Circular+Quay,+Sydney+New+South+Wales,+Australia&t=m&z=14">Map</a>]<br />A nice and quick afternoon trip is to take the ferry from Circular Quay (Pier 3) to Manly. You will be able to see the Opera House and the Bridge from the water, and land a half hour later on the quaint beach of Manly. The Corso has now become a shopping mall for tourists, but if you are ready to walk few hundred yards away from the popular spots, you can have the beach to yourself.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- ToDo --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Walk</span><br />[<a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/sydney-walking-tour-3/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.ytravelblog.com/bondi-to-coogee-beach-coastal-walk-sydney/">blog</a>] [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?q=190+Arden+Street+Coogee+NSW+2034,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.920447,151.256826&spn=0.009312,0.013797&sll=-33.91847,151.257319&sspn=0.009313,0.013797&vpsrc=0&dirflg=w&hnear=190+Arden+St,+Coogee+New+South+Wales+2034,+Australia&t=m&z=16">Map</a>]<br />Take a bus to Coogee beach ("Cuji" as in "Muji") and walk all the way north to Bondi along the bays. You will encounter the beautiful beach of Clovelly, Bronte and Tamarama. A full afternoon, especially if you start with a brunch at Coogee.<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaY1sbp_EmY/Tw7RxQmKnwI/AAAAAAAACHQ/uf5BViXwYDQ/s1600/IMG_5073.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaY1sbp_EmY/Tw7RxQmKnwI/AAAAAAAACHQ/uf5BViXwYDQ/s320/IMG_5073.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696721222869098242" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bondi_Beach">Bondi Beach</a>, in Sydney<br /></span></div><br />Sydney is a city surrounded by nature and you should explore everything that the city as to offer, such as parks, ocean, terraces, restaurants, bars and shops. This ultimate modern city at the end of the world is a must try on any traveler's list. Make sure you don't go there for the NYE time, or bring a lot of cash with you because this is very very very expensive.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-84867049345430254992011-12-31T08:57:00.013-05:002012-01-28T23:31:02.012-05:003XL SouthAotearoa, which means "<span style="font-style: italic;">Land of the long white cloud</span>" in Maori, brings a strong imagery in people's minds, and most of it is coming from the South Island of New Zealand. Contrary to the North, the South Island is much bigger, larger and deeper. It is almost as if the South was three sizes bigger, an XXXL vs. a L t-shirt.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcgrrUG7UJA/Tx-YJeEVd5I/AAAAAAAACKs/53NO3uNzFyk/s1600/Panorama%2B-%2BQueenstown2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 94px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcgrrUG7UJA/Tx-YJeEVd5I/AAAAAAAACKs/53NO3uNzFyk/s320/Panorama%2B-%2BQueenstown2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701442941731829650" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Queenstown from the Gondola</span></div><br /><br />In this part of the country, Kiwis (named after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiwi_%28people%29">flightless bird</a> during WWI) and tourists alike are outnumbered by cows (<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/7200605/Cows-outnumber-people-in-New-Zealand.html">6 million</a>) and sheep (<a href="http://population.govt.nz/myth-busters/myth-8.aspx">40 million</a>). Traveling in South Island is like driving across a giant farm with one asphalt road crossing the estate. You don’t actually need a GPS, because [a] it’s usually out of focus and [b] it gives useless info (“<span style="font-style: italic;">Turn Left in 180 km</span>”). No matter how you want to explore the South Island (clockwise or counter clockwise), the only decent road that goes around the country could not be missed.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMppvHZMUTU/Tx-YCl392SI/AAAAAAAACKM/ORYiAE69cq4/s1600/Panorama%2B-%2BGlenorchy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 72px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMppvHZMUTU/Tx-YCl392SI/AAAAAAAACKM/ORYiAE69cq4/s320/Panorama%2B-%2BGlenorchy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701442823568349474" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lake Wakatipu on the road to Glenorchy</span></div><br /><br />Everywhere where eyes can lay has cattle or sheep in the picture. The good thing about it is, there is nothing bad to say about the lamb rack and other meat meals except that daily intake is a gargantuan delight, and also that portions were sized up for a hungry giant sheep shearer who requests his first meal after a three-week tramping across the mountains. You can gain kilos by just looking at menu. Everything is XXXL, including meals.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63ua9seLUpQ/Tx-YCaJFwBI/AAAAAAAACJ8/ZFElhAKpzAE/s1600/Panorama%2B-%2BFox%2BGlacier.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 54px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63ua9seLUpQ/Tx-YCaJFwBI/AAAAAAAACJ8/ZFElhAKpzAE/s320/Panorama%2B-%2BFox%2BGlacier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701442820418945042" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Fox Glacier</span></div><br /><br />Volcanoes, valleys, plains, rivers, lakes, glaciers, national parks, and one road. Everything has been designed to enjoy nature at its best. From Queenstown, the adrenaline-pumping city to Wanaka, the-quiet family village, the south part of South Island is covered with world-class trekking and jaw-dropping landscape. Take your time to explore the Southland region even more than the other parts of the islands.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOPql-kzM34/Tx-YC7KHz4I/AAAAAAAACKc/-3je3UKFi4o/s1600/Panorama%2B-%2BLaka%2BWanaka2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 34px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOPql-kzM34/Tx-YC7KHz4I/AAAAAAAACKc/-3je3UKFi4o/s320/Panorama%2B-%2BLaka%2BWanaka2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701442829281644418" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lake Wanaka</span></div><br /><br />Nothing can beat the things you can see in this part of the world, and it is very difficult to extract one or two places out the many there. But under pressure, one can mention that Queenstown, Wanaka, and Fox Glacier regions are must-do. It will depend on what you prefer, how much time you have and what you can afford to trace your travel plans, but these three destinations must be attacked head first. It seems that even if you spend a life time exploring the region you wouldn’t see everything that nature has to propose.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2caIB9NEE5A/Tx-YJCINKWI/AAAAAAAACKk/0AeKKo46L4w/s1600/Panorama%2B-%2BQueenstown.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 67px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2caIB9NEE5A/Tx-YJCINKWI/AAAAAAAACKk/0AeKKo46L4w/s320/Panorama%2B-%2BQueenstown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701442934231869794" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Queenstown from the Gondola</span></div><br /><br />For me, South Island is reasoning with long drives across fantastic landscapes, cutting though changing weathers, listening to 80’s music, dipping marshmallows in hot chocolate and trying to fit the 360-degree, larger-than-life panoramas inside my tiny camera. It was also a compilation of first-timer experience for me: first time walking on a Glacier, flying in a helicopter, receiving a speeding ticket, and experiencing an earth quake.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvbYP05uyiM/Tx-YCQs003I/AAAAAAAACJ0/2TCoSZPjnKE/s1600/IMG_4122.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvbYP05uyiM/Tx-YCQs003I/AAAAAAAACJ0/2TCoSZPjnKE/s320/IMG_4122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701442817884476274" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Queenstown Sunset</span></div><br /><br />XXXL South Island is a must-do in a traveler's life, and certainly the best way to do it would be to drive around in a camper home to be able to stop on a heart beat to appreciate the landscape.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-2271365100492034002011-12-30T09:00:00.021-05:002012-01-28T23:30:49.274-05:00New Zealand - South Island AddressesEven more than in the North, the South Island part of New Zealand needs a lot of time to explore. If you don't have time to do so, you will need to choose from a gigantic list of places and activities.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRyngi82_gQ/Tw2UKLtdN3I/AAAAAAAACGI/ZWEXmgbfVXM/s1600/IMG_4197.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRyngi82_gQ/Tw2UKLtdN3I/AAAAAAAACGI/ZWEXmgbfVXM/s320/IMG_4197.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696372006356596594" border="0" /></a><br />Many things will be left out, but some need to be seen for sure, such as mountains, lakes, glaciers, wines and oceans. This is what I chose for a one week vacation on the South Island in New Zealand.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j410Ufaj5R8/Tw1V6bz0tvI/AAAAAAAACF8/yBAFgAw-OUc/s1600/SI-Route.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j410Ufaj5R8/Tw1V6bz0tvI/AAAAAAAACF8/yBAFgAw-OUc/s320/SI-Route.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696303566079440626" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">New Zealand - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/855k4py">South Island Itinerary</a></span></div><br /><br />Of course by choosing this itinerary, I left out a lot of nice and unforgettable places to visit, but so was my choice. More time could have given me more options though ....<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Queenstown</span><br />"Speechless" was the first thought I had when entering the beautiful city of <a href="http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/">Queenstown</a>, and then minute after minute the initial impression faded out to be replaced by another one: "natural beauty". QT is by nature a natural wonder in the New Zealand landscape. Only a few places in the world can combine beauty, elegance, majesty and peacefulness altogether in one shot. It seems to be the central place for serenity in New Zealand. One can stay one year and still not do everything possible around the beautiful city, but a few days must be put aside to enjoy some of the things the city can offer: skiing in the winter and sweating in the summer. If I have to remember only one place in NZ, that would be QT.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Corner Earl Street and Marine Parade, Queenstown 9197, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-5308-novotel-queenstown-lakeside/index.shtml">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255122-d273207-Reviews-Novotel_Queenstown_Lakeside-Queenstown_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The Novotel is just in front of the lake, but don't get too excited as no room has really a great view of the lake. You might have a peak at the water if you lean over the window, but not much. In reality no hotel has a great lake view, since all buildings are pretty low rise for keeping the QT vibe. This small fact aside, the hotel is extremely well located and has everything needed to spent a week ... and more.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">fiNZ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Beach St, Queenstown 9197, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.finzdownunder.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255122-d723133-Reviews-Finz_Seafood_and_Grill_Queenstown-Queenstown_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />At the end of the wharf lies many restaurants facing the pier and the TSS steamboat when it is at quay. Among them is the fiNZ, an expensive and ordinary fish restaurant. Not too sure why so many people were lining outside ... maybe because it was one of the few open for Boxing Day.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fergburger</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">42 Shotover Street, Queenstown, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.fergburger.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255122-d1102295-Reviews-Fergburger-Queenstown_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Do I really have to present the world-famous Fergburger !?! OK, so this is the place to have a giant yet freshly made burger in the city. After 3 days tramping the mountains or a full day of skiing, anything from Fergburger is more than necessary and welcome. Don't panic when you see the line outside, the throughput is phenomenal, plus that will give time to buy Fergburger clothes or look at the pictures on the wall.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- ToDo --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gondola</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Brecon St, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.skyline.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g255122-d301483-Reviews-Skyline_Queenstown_Gondola_Luge-Queenstown_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />It wasn't the luge (although it looked fun), but the view at the top that I came for. The NZ$25, 2min ski-lift made the visit atop worthwhile despite the crowd. If you walk 15 minutes more after the luge you will be at the paragliding takeoff spot with a beautiful view of the lake beneath.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- ToDo --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sweating</span><br />[<a href="http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attractions-g255122-Activities-Queenstown_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />If you are bored in QT, it's because you want to be. I never saw so many different activities offered in one place. It's so big that the visitor center is as big a train station with guides who watch you entering the place with daring looks: "So you are an adrenaline junky? Welcome home !" Going fast, going down, going up, fly high, flying low, running slow, driving down, watching high, surfing fast .... everything is possible at QT, just ask and some has done it before. When the day is going away to give you a chance to rest for the next day, don't miss the sunset on the beach. You won't be alone though. Now if you are into tramping, the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g255122-d2098300-Reviews-Queenstown_Hill-Queenstown_South_Island.html">Queenstwon Hill</a> (2-3 hours) is supposed to be unmissable, so is the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/fiordland/fiordland/routeburn-track/">Routeburn Track</a> (2-3 days) or the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/fiordland/fiordland/milford-track/">Milford Track</a> (4-5 days).<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Glenorchy</span><br />At the end of the road hides a small village, away from the busy Queenstown. Glenorchy is the perfect picture of what could be a village lost in the mountains with 4 streets and 3 cafés. Locals are here to listen to trampers' stories and tourists' questions. A nice place to rest a bit for the next big thing you are going to do that day.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Foxy's Café</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cnr Mull & Argyle Streets, Glenorchy, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g1025721-d1759464-Reviews-Glenorchy_Lodge_Foxy_s_Cafe-Glenorchy_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Large portions of protein and lot of space in this saloon. If it was the last open place in town you might want to consider it, otherwise find something else (or pack a sandwich).<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Wanaka</span><br />Like its sister QT, Wanaka is primarily a resort town but has both summer and winter seasons and is based around the many outdoor opportunities. Considered less upscale, the city kept a grounded touch that make it more livable for tourists. Until when ?<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kai Whakapai </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ardmore St, Wanaka 9192, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g612500-d723749-Reviews-Kai_Whakapai_Cafe_and_Bar-Wanaka_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Slow service, great food and large portions make this place a must try in Wanaka. Make sure you have a spot with a lake view, your meal will be even more relaxing.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Fox Glacier</span><br />The homonym city of the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Glacier">Fox Glacier</a> is a quiet place dedicated to the day tourist. No fancy stuff around this small crossroad in the plains. If you want more action you better go to the next bigger crossroad, the Franz Josef village.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bella Vista Fox Glacier Motel</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">55 Main Road, Fox Glacier, 7859, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.staybellavista.co.nz/bella-vista/fox-glacier-motel/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g609169-d1550554-Reviews-Bella_Vista_Motel_Fox_Glacier-Fox_Glacier_Westland_National_Park_Te_Wahipounamu_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Drop in, drop out, car park, plastic shower, cozy sleep, on the main road. The owner is very diligent and ready to answer any questions.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pizza Café Nevé</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Main Rd, Fox Glacier, 7951, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g609169-d722416-r120647079-Cafe_Neve-Fox_Glacier_Westland_National_Park_Te_Wahipounamu_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />No restaurant is open at 4PM in Fox Glacier, so the only warm food was a pizza. I did not expect anything and I got a pizza in return. Was on the expensive side for what it was.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matheson </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Café</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lake Matheson Rd, Fox Glacier, 7859, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.lakematheson.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g609169-d909147-Reviews-Matheson_Cafe-Fox_Glacier_Westland_National_Park_Te_Wahipounamu_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Sold as the best place in the region to eat, my expectation were high when I pushed the door of the terrace. It is true that the lake view, and the Alps as a side view are great. As for the food I found it a bit too expensive for a below average "sous vide" fish.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Saddle Café & Saloon</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">19 State Highway 6 Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.scenic-flights.co.nz/cook-saddle-cafe-saloon.html">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g609169-d722772-Reviews-Cook_Saddle_Cafe_Saloon-Fox_Glacier_Westland_National_Park_Te_Wahipounamu_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />If you are hungry after 10 days' walking in the mountains, you have $10 left in your pocket and you are ready to eat a cow by yourself, then Cook Saddle Saloon is the place for you. Wooden chairs, round tables, and chimney in the back are the decor of the restaurant. As to what is comes on your plate, don't you worry you will have enough to content you and your calorie-burning activities for the next few days.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- ToDo --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matheson Lake Walk</span><br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Matheson">Website</a>]<br />Lake Matheson offers a 90-minute easy circuit walk takes you through a forest. After the walk, the evening sunset over Mount Cook and Mount Tasman provide unforgettable views at the entry/exit of the walk.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- ToDo --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier</span><br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Glacier">Website</a>] [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Josef_Glacier">Website</a>]<br />When people think of glaciers, they usually think high mountains, 4,000+m altitude, and long and perilous walks to see a glacier at close sight. New Zealand offers many glaciers, but these two are accessible within less-than-an-hour easy walk. Both are magical and surprising. The one to one-and-half hour walks are both surreal and help grasp what nature can do. This is a must do. Now if you have time you might want to envision walking on either of them. Many shops offer a one day (8 hours) walk up and down the glacier. This is moving ice and must be taken seriously, accidents do occur despite taking a lot of precautions.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- ToDo --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Helicopter Line</span><br />[<a href="http://www.helicopter.co.nz/glaciers.asp">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g658483-d1153736-Reviews-The_Helicopter_Line_Mount_Cook-Mt_Cook_Village_Canterbury_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />I booked the day before for an early flight in the morning. At 9:45AM I was ready to fly off to see Mount Cook and the two glaciers. The one hour flight was PHENOMENAL above the glaciers, and the landing on Fox glacier was even more magical than I anticipated. Like magic the clouds opened up when we were in the sky and closed after we landed. That day we had the perfect window to fly high in the sky. Helicopter Line was very professional, gave us the security advices, and made our try above ground a unique experience.<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Franz Josef Glacier</span><br />The Maori name for the glacier is Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere ('The tears of Hinehukatere'), arising from a local legend: Hinehukatere loved climbing the mountains and persuaded her lover, Wawe, to climb with her. Wawe was a less experienced climber than Hinehukatere but loved to accompany her until an avalanche swept Wawe from the peaks to his death. Hinehukatere was broken hearted and her many, many tears flowed down the mountain and froze to form the glacier.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Landing</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">SH 6, Franz Josef, 7952, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g609170-d726069-Reviews-The_Landing-Franz_Josef_Westland_National_Park_Te_Wahipounamu_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This is the place to stop after a long walk. Portions are huge, service fast and bill still acceptable. One advice though - order from the kids menu as you will not finish what they bring to the table otherwise.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Christchurch</span><br />Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's third-largest urban area. On 22 February 2011 at 12:51 pm, an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KetOf15Q3lc&feature=related">earthquake</a> with magnitude 6.3 occurred. The intensity and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfcWraeZvcw&feature=relmfu">violence of the quake</a> was among the strongest ever recorded globally in an urban area. The quake resulted in the deaths of 181 people and in the declaration of New Zealand's first National State of Emergency. Many buildings and landmarks were <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=f8Lic4MCNek">severely damaged</a>, (e.g., 'Shag Rock' & Christchurch Cathedral), and since then the city center has been declared a "<a href="http://cera.govt.nz/cbd-red-zone/red-zone-cordon-map">Red Zone</a>" (unsafe to walk in) and waiting to be to be demolished one building at the time (<a href="http://cera.govt.nz/">latest news</a>). The city has been totally damaged by the earthquake and it will take a while before normal activities will finally resume, if ever. The remaining question is why <a href="http://cera.govt.nz/recovery-strategy">rebuild</a> on such a sensitive earthquake ground?<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">City Center Motel</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">876 Colombo St Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.citycentremotel.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255118-d1600411-Reviews-City_Centre_Motel-Christchurch_Canterbury_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />One of the few remaining safe downtown places to spend the night at. Rooms are still standing, very spacious, and the two old ladies that run the place are very diligent and knowledgeable.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Copthorne Commodore Hotel</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">449 Memorial Ave Burnside, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.commodore.net.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255118-d255609-Reviews-Copthorne_Hotel_Commodore_Christchurch_Airport-Christchurch_Canterbury_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The airport hotel you want to have at every airport in the world. Spacious, comfortable, nice room, vast bathroom and free pick-up and drop-off to and from the airport. Might be on the upper side of the price list though.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kheo Thai</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4 Papanui Rd Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://keothai.co.nz/home/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255118-d1548004-Reviews-Keo_Thai-Christchurch_Canterbury_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />In a city center destroyed by an earthquake it is hard to find an untouched or still standing place to eat. Among the remaining places around downtown at the fringes is this tucked-in Thai restaurant. Portions are once again huge, service fast and price average. For when hungry.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flying Burrito Brothers</span><br />Northland Mall.<br />[<a href="http://www.flyingburritobrothers.co.nz/cantina-tour/christchurch">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255118-d1596354-Reviews-Flying_Burrito_Brothers-Christchurch_Canterbury_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Displaced burrito place from the city center, is now located 20-min drive away in Northland Mall for convenience and safety. The only open fast food chain on a Friday night, the place was packed and therefore service slow. Potions were OK for once, but the bill was not. I guess they drove out the competition.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Winery --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Mud House Winery & Café </span>(Formerly Canterbury House Vineyards)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">780 Glasnevin Road, Waipara 7447, New Zealand</span> .<br />[<a href="http://www.mudhousewineryandcafe.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g658487-d257079-Reviews-The_Mud_House_Winery_Cafe-Waipara_Canterbury_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />40km or so away from Christchurch is a nice wine valley for tourists on the go. Among the few wineries there The Mud House also proposes a restaurant. Vast place with a high turn over cannot provide the service that should be deserved. Nevertheless, the wine and food mix was descent and should not be overlooked.<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--twAFn8WOL8/Tw2VKstMuJI/AAAAAAAACGU/2MNZrifsA8M/s1600/IMG_4471.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--twAFn8WOL8/Tw2VKstMuJI/AAAAAAAACGU/2MNZrifsA8M/s320/IMG_4471.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696373114725513362" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chicken Salad at Bully Hayes, Akoroa<br /></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Akaroa</span><br />The French <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.akaroa.com/">Akaroa</a> is 84 km by road from Christchurch. Set on a beautiful harbor and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills, Akaroa is a popular resort village and in the summer the temporary population can reach 7,000, far over the 500 permanent residents in the winter.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bully Hayes</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">57 Beach Rd, Akaroa 8161, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.bullyhayes.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g285727-d722178-Reviews-Bully_Hayes_Restaurant_Bar-Akaroa_Canterbury_South_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />After walking the town and checking menu selections and prices at all the restaurants, I settled on Bully Hayes. The restaurant was in a very good location overlooking the harbor and a great place for people watching. Decent seafood restaurant with great selection of snacks. Portions were again huge and prices were accordingly.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />In conclusion, besides sheep farming, tourism in South Island is the only thing going on and therefore prices are high and quality average. Hotels in general are OK but standard for the price. Food to the contrary was abundant but poor in quality. Activities when not free, are very expensive. In other words, New Zealand South Island is an expensive tourist destination but with a memorable, unforgettable scenery.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-55363508243220872692011-12-25T09:00:00.002-05:002012-01-28T23:30:09.954-05:00Eruptive NorthWhen people look at a map of the world, one of the four ends of the planet, on the bottom right corner, is a strange shaped group of islands called New Zealand (Dutch cartographers in 1645 renamed the land Nova Zeelandia after the Dutch province of Zeeland). This large place with only four and half million inhabitants is well known around the world. Immediately pictures of large lakes, high mountains and vast valleys with glaciers come to mind. Nothing is more inaccurate of these images than the New Zealand - North Island.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT1g0X3agls/Tx5t-HLA2OI/AAAAAAAACHk/oC5R-fjQHfo/s1600/IMG_3483.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT1g0X3agls/Tx5t-HLA2OI/AAAAAAAACHk/oC5R-fjQHfo/s320/IMG_3483.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701115092142184674" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu, near Rotorua.<br />65m diameter lake at 62 m depth,<br />its surface temperature is 74 degrees Celcius.</span></div><br /><br />Three quarters of the population live in the North Island. The smaller of the two islands is in fact the best place to find all the great opportunities that New Zealand has to offer. The north side of North Island has the best beach spots around; Auckland and Wellington are continuously fighting for the heavy-weight best-food-champion title; and the region around Taupo-Rotorua has the best live observable volcanic activity in the Pacific region (must see the <a href="http://www.waiotapu.co.nz/">Wai-O-Tapu</a> volcanic park, and its daily 10:15am geyser eruption).<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cadQUAfsR54/Tx-eOxuPoPI/AAAAAAAACMQ/eUOV5iSNFQo/s1600/IMG_3646.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cadQUAfsR54/Tx-eOxuPoPI/AAAAAAAACMQ/eUOV5iSNFQo/s320/IMG_3646.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701449629976994034" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Te Awa Winery</span></div><br /><br />But North Island is not deprived of natural beauty and national parks. In fact <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/whanganui/">Whanganui National Park</a> (river canoe, tramping), <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/tongariro/">Tongariro National Park</a> (tramping, skiing) and <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/egmont/">Egmont National Park</a> (tramping around volcano) are among the most visited and oldest protected parks in the world. Some of the National Park <a href="http://www.firstlighttravel.com/lotr/">landscapes were used</a> for the now famous “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_film_trilogy">Lord Of The Ring</a>” movie trilogy.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpYy_nFG_oY/Tx5t-CF1i0I/AAAAAAAACHw/uTr2tTAiglw/s1600/IMG_3606.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpYy_nFG_oY/Tx5t-CF1i0I/AAAAAAAACHw/uTr2tTAiglw/s320/IMG_3606.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701115090778295106" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Art-Deco Napier</span></div><br /><br />North Island is very much blessed by Mother Nature. The hilly valleys spread around the southern part of North Island offer fantastic day-trip chances to tie trekking-shoes on and to tickle the camera power button. But also the moderate climate and rich soil provide the basic ingredients for an authentic and powerful wine. From the art-déco Napier to windy Wellington, the <a href="http://www.classicwinetrail.co.nz/">long road</a> gives many opportunities to stop and enjoy a delightful lunch with a glass (bottle) of wine.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPNMXzM70e4/Tx-Z2wfJyUI/AAAAAAAACK8/7VOHXekxB0Q/s1600/Panorama%2B-%2BTe%2BMata.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 76px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPNMXzM70e4/Tx-Z2wfJyUI/AAAAAAAACK8/7VOHXekxB0Q/s320/Panorama%2B-%2BTe%2BMata.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701444819281889602" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Te Mata, near Napier</span></div><br /><br />Nothing will be enjoyable without a nation ready to welcome the lost tourist. Both the Pakeha and the Maori are delighted to explain what makes their nation the best nation on earth when it comes to sailing around the world, playing rugby against the world, or taking their time in life despite the world. Maori culture, one of the oldest on this planet, has managed to free itself up to us despite war, germs and colonization. It is depressing to find that the only chance for tourists to encounter the oral Maori culture is around Rotorua in the rebuilt villages (<a href="http://www.maoriculture.co.nz/">Tamaki Maori Village</a>) or at <a href="http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/">Te Papa Museum</a> in Wellington. More should be done to recognize what happened then and what is done today.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6Ofoytez7k/Tx-Z3Cu4aoI/AAAAAAAACLE/ZUHY8085aFM/s1600/Panorama%2B-%2BWellington.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 69px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6Ofoytez7k/Tx-Z3Cu4aoI/AAAAAAAACLE/ZUHY8085aFM/s320/Panorama%2B-%2BWellington.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701444824179698306" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">View of Wellington from Mt. Victoria</span></div><br /><br />Nevertheless it was a very special time around Christmas 2011. New Zealand had just won for the second time the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup">Rugby World Cup</a> (1st in 1987 and 2nd in 2011 both times against France). The entire nation came together to enjoy what was thought to be a well deserved World Cup, since it was played at home. The entire nation was still dressed in All Blacks months after the final victory, recovering from a massive French champagne hangover with large smiles crossing their faces. The sense of pride only equaled their scare they experienced during the World Cup. What if we lose the Web Ellis trophy at home? Once again the rugby gods dropped the ball on the right side and made a rugby nation even crazier about the game, if it was even possible (a TV channel dedicated to rugby!).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5Uc22Bhw2E/Tx5t-ldrsmI/AAAAAAAACII/cZrYPmsX5BU/s1600/IMG_3770.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5Uc22Bhw2E/Tx5t-ldrsmI/AAAAAAAACII/cZrYPmsX5BU/s320/IMG_3770.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701115100273554018" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Napier's Sunset</span></div><br /><br />One week is not enough to enjoy what North Island has to offer, but a tactical planning, the chance to meet great people, and an enjoyable weather can turn a short stay into a memorable and fun trip.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-82823905680893347962011-12-24T09:00:00.026-05:002012-01-28T23:30:37.500-05:00New Zealand - North Island AddressesUnless you decide to spent an entire life exploring New Zealand, one has to choose on where to go and not go for a short vacation trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PivtL4EAVg/Tw2XZ6rPAkI/AAAAAAAACGg/dnOllYMb7nQ/s1600/IMG_3648.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PivtL4EAVg/Tw2XZ6rPAkI/AAAAAAAACGg/dnOllYMb7nQ/s320/IMG_3648.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696375575196664386" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.teawa.com/">Te Awa</a> Winery at Hawke's Bay</span></div><br /><br />The first big question is to decide between the vibrant and lively North and the immense, scenic South. And then when settled down one has to still choose between mountains, volcanoes, cities, plains, tramping, surfing or sunbathing. This is what I chose for a one week vacation on the North Island in New Zealand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2aym19tQV5I/TwwDOP1pVJI/AAAAAAAACFw/hKIoSEmkDPk/s1600/NI-Route.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2aym19tQV5I/TwwDOP1pVJI/AAAAAAAACFw/hKIoSEmkDPk/s320/NI-Route.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695931172021425298" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">New Zealand - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/8xev8sb">North Island Itinerary</a><br /></span></div><br />Of course by choosing this itinerary, I left out a lot of nice and unforgettable places to visit, but so was my choice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Auckland</span><br />Auckland is a city squeezed between two oceans. Anywhere you look at you can see the sea. This is what could be considered as an ideal capital for a fisherman. Low rise houses make it even more manageable for investigation around the place. A nice online resource is the <a href="http://www.biglittlecity.co.nz/">Auckland Big Little City</a> guide, also available in pocket format for free.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Skycity Hotel</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Cnr Federal & Victoria Streets, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.</span><br />[<a href="http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/Hotels/SKYCITY-Hotel.html">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g255106-d614453-Reviews-SKYCITY_Hotel-Auckland_Central_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This 4-star hotel has it all. Very central (imagine living at the bottom of the Sky Tower) clean and very spacious, the hotel is in fact the primary destination for all the casino addicts in the city. If you want to enjoy a nice view, you'd better find something else. The convenient idea is that from anywhere in the city you'll be able find and see your hotel.<br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />SPQR</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">150 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby 1011, New Zealand.</span><br />[<a href="http://spqrnz.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255106-d725461-Reviews-SPQR_Cafe_Bar-Auckland_Central_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />I would not have chosen this Italian restaurant unless it was the only one open on a rainy Sunday night on Ponsonby Rd. Despite the large plate and OK service, I would not go back again, especially after seeing the bill at the end of the dinner.<br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Revive</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">16 Fort Street, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Auckland, New Zealand</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span><br />[<a href="http://www.revive.co.nz/info/revive-home">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255106-d725021-Reviews-Revive_Health_Bar-Auckland_Central_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This unpretentious vegan place could be the hidden gem of the city. Cheap, fast, healthy and large portions are making happy faces around Auckland.<br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Grove</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Saint Patrick's Square, 43 Wyndham Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.</span><br />[<a href="http://www.thegroverestaurant.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255106-d726050-Reviews-The_Grove-Auckland_Central_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Fine dinning in Auckland. Next to a church, and at the end of a long cul de sac, the 20-table restaurant offers some of the best in the city. Excellent food and service are here to pleased the difficult crowd. Must try and book in advance when on a celebration.<br /></td></tr><!-- To Do --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Sky Tower</span><br />[<a href="http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/Attractions/Skytower.html">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g255106-d256867-r119171734-Sky_Tower-Auckland_Central_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />You can't miss it. It's right in the middle of the city at the highest point in town. The 360-view from above is nothing short of spectacular. If you want to have a bit of thrill, you can try to walk around the tower on a tiny metal path 300m above the ground. And if this is not enough you can also fall in less than 11 seconds attached to a string!<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">City Center & Harbor</span><br />Auckland is a walkable city and among the many things to do, the newly renovated harbor for the RWC11 and the city center are worth a try. There is a free bus for tourists that can bring you from Britomart Train Station up to Myers Park.<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Roturoa</span><br />A small country-side city that is worth visiting if you don't know what to do otherwise. This is the place to sleep and explore the neighboring interesting sites.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ibis Rotorua Hotel</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lake End Rangiruru Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g255111-d595461-Reviews-Ibis_Rotorua-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_North_Island.html">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-5689-ibis-rotorua/index.shtml">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Plastic hotel in a lake town next to the most import building of the city: the restaurant lane. Working Ibis hotel with a parking.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fat Dog Café</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1161 Arawa St, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.fatdogcafe.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255111-d1185494-Reviews-Fat_Dog_Cafe_Bar-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Unmissable café with its blue and yellow facade. The portion are as huge as the painted dog outside. A safe bet would be to order for one and share with another person.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lime Caffeteria</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1096 Whakaue Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255111-d723856-Reviews-Lime_Caffeteria-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Tucked away from the city center, Lime is almost facing the lake a couple of blocks away. Outside tables makes the breakfast experience a delight in the city. Be sure to try all the small cakes in the window before someone else has the same idea as you and take them all. Never had a better idea to start a long day driving than with a hot chocolate at Lime. Must stop by.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- To Do --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span class="st"><em></em></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tamaki Maori Village</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1220 Hinemaru St, Rotorua, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.maoriculture.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255111-d256949-Reviews-Tamaki_Maori_Village-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Discrete by nature, the Maori culture is all in at Rotorua, and among the best three Maori villages in the neighborhood, Tamaki seems to be the place where the food was acceptable. Taken away by bus, hordes of tourist land in an authentic yet transported Maori village in which tattooed locals are explaining what their millennial traditions used to be. A traditional meal seals the end of the 3-hour evening tour. If you choose Tamaki make sure you end up with Mark the hilarious yet knowledgeable bus driver. The 45-minute drive back and forth will fly fast, guaranteed !!!<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redwoods - Whakarewarewa Forest</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Long Mile Road, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.redwoods.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255111-d1956917-Reviews-Redwoods_Whakarewarewa_Forest-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />If you love the outdoors this area is for you! Famous for its magnificent stands of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods it is just five minutes drive from the city center. Here you can experience some of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world. Not to mention taking in superb panoramic views of Rotorua city, lake and surrounding district.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blue Lake, Green Lake & Lake Tarawera</span><br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Tarawera">Website</a>]<br />Lake Tarawera is the largest of a series of lakes which surround the volcano Mount Tarawera in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 18 kilometers to the east of Rotorua, and five kilometers to the west of the mountain. The route to see the Lake Tarawera is crossing a Blue and a Green lake where locals enjoy their time off to cool off from the hot city. This short drive represents best of what New Zealand has to offer: mountains, lake and quiet time to enjoy the scenery around you.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lake Rotorua</span><br />This giant lake is the primary destination for tourists hungry for water activities in the region, but there is so many lakes in New Zealand that I would rather go somewhere else, although the drive along the shore to Lake Taupo is impressive.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wai-O-Tapu Loop Rd, Rotorua, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.waiotapu.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255111-d258116-Reviews-Wai_o_tapu_Thermal_Wonderland-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The "Sacred Waters" (in Maori) is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Center, just north of the Reporoa caldera. The area has many hot springs noted for their colorful appearance. Worth noting are the Champagne Pool and the Artist's Palette among the various mud pools, geysers, steaming volcanic lakes and mineral terraces available to see in the 18 sq km park.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Waimangu Volcanic Valley</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua 3043, New Zealand (</span>20 mins south of Rotorua<span style="font-style: italic;">)</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.waimangu.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255111-d258117-Reviews-Waimangu_Volcanic_Valley-Rotorua_Rotorua_District_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Self-guided walks and hikes or guided eco tours are available through the world's youngest geothermal system. Created from the massive 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu today offers a choice of easy walks through volcanic craters, advanced hikes and the Lake Rotomahana boat cruise. Depending on how much time you have to wander through the site, activities range in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours. An hourly bus will bring you back to initial parking lot.<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Taupo</span><br />Taupo is the quieter sister to Rotorua, with more family-oriented activities. If you want to get away from tourists, Taupo would be a better spot for you than Rotorua, although this place is quite a hot spot during the high season.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Replete Food Company</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">45 HeuHeu St, Taupo 2730, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.replete.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255113-d725018-Reviews-Replete_Food_Company-Taupo_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Replete Food Company is regarded as a local institution. Established in 1993, it was designed originally to sell a wide range of deli products, anything from homemade Stilton pate to bacon and egg pies, but the shop moved quickly to the next door shop, and opened a restaurant. The main objective, as its name suggests, is to have the cabinet completely stocked with tasty but simple food, and for their customers to feel replete. Guess it's working pretty well indeed.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- To Do --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Huka Falls</span><br />[<a href="http://www.hukafalls.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255113-d300537-Reviews-Huka_Falls-Taupo_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The falls are more like a massive swarm of rapids, a sort of horizontal Niagara Falls, ready to be mastered by crazy water jetboats . The falls area is viewable from an easily accessible bridge nearby. At Huka Falls ("foam" in Maori), the Waikato River which is normally 100m wide, is squeezed through a 20 meter-wide gorge and over a 20-meter drop. Every second, up to 220,000 liters of water gush through the gorge and shoots out over 8 meters beyond to create a beautiful blue-green pool.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lake Taupo</span><br />[<a href="http://www.laketaupo.co.nz/">Website</a>]<br />With a surface area of 616 sq km, Lake Taupo is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, and the second largest freshwater lake by surface area in Oceania after Lake Murray. Lake Taupo has a perimeter of approximately 193km and a deepest point of 186m. Tourism is a major component of Taupo's commercial sector, and the city attracts over 1.2 million visitors per year, specially around busy Christmas and New Year. The lake is in fact closer to an internal ocean than a true lake, and is a must-do for sunset.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tongariro National Park</span><br />[<a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/tongariro/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g616351-Tongariro_National_Park_North_Island-Vacations.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status which recognizes the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tongariro Northern Circuit</span><br />[<a href="http://www.nationalpark.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g255105-i403-k3043914-Tongariro_Northern_Circuit_Walk-North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongariro_National_Park">Wikipedia</a>]<br />Hiking (or tramping) is the main activity in the park. It is home to one of the most famous day hikes in the world -"<a href="http://www.newzealand.com.au/tongariro-crossing-walks/">The Tongariro Crossing</a>". The park has numerous huts for those who wish stay overnight in the park doing extended hikes. There are various multi-day hikes available with tracks crisscrossing the park. The famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongariro_Northern_Circuit">Great Walk, the Tongariro Northern Circuit</a>, is very popular and takes four days to complete a circuit around Mt. Ngauruhoe.<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWiux6vAPMM/Tw2YZnGMpzI/AAAAAAAACGs/7in5py4KGAQ/s1600/IMG_3342.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWiux6vAPMM/Tw2YZnGMpzI/AAAAAAAACGs/7in5py4KGAQ/s320/IMG_3342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696376669452674866" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Really? How So?</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Napier</span><br />With over 122,000 people, Napier-Hastings is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in New Zealand. On February 3, 1931, the center of Napier was destroyed by the earthquake, and later rebuilt in the Art Deco style popular at that time. Today the city still has a fair amount of Art Deco inspired buildings and is a well situated city to explore the nearby wineries.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Western Fairley Motor Lodge</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Corner Tareha Street & Meeanee Quay, Napier, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://fairley.bestwestern.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255109-d1187062-Reviews-BEST_WESTERN_Fairley_Motor_Lodge-Napier_Hawke_s_Bay_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Just outside the tiny city of Napier, the motor lodge is a car park hotel next to the sea. Quiet and clean, this hotel is designed for travelers who want to sleep well between long drives. No stay over for a long period of time despite the kitchenette.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Restaurant Indonesia Napier</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">409 Marine Pde, Napier 4001, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://restaurantindonesia.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255109-d723530-Reviews-Indonesia_Restaurant-Napier_Hawke_s_Bay_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />It is quite unusual to find an Indonesian restaurant outside SE Asia, and this one has some flavors that could be close to what an Indonesian restaurant would offer outside the motherland. The food is average and price OK, but does not deserve its enthusiastic reviews on TA. I never like it anyway when an owner asks me to write a good review on TA to keep their top spot.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Café Ujazi</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">28 Tennyson St, Napier 4001, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255109-d726435-Reviews-Ujazi-Napier_Hawke_s_Bay_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Greasy, expensive and too-big portions. Only the Maori bread was an interesting experience in this over-raved place.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Winery --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mission Estate</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">198 Church Road, Greenmeadows, Napier, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.missionestate.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255109-d946574-Reviews-Mission_Restaurant-Napier_Hawke_s_Bay_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Housed in an elegantly restored historic seminary building with sweeping views of Napier, Mission Estate offers visitors a complete wine experience with tasting, visits and restaurant. The backyard is certainly the best place in the city to enjoy a nice lunch and glass of wine under the shade of a vineyard. Special mention to their Cabernet Franc 2008.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- Winery --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Craggy Range</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">253 Waimarama Road, PO Box 8749, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.craggyrange.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g255105-d517044-Reviews-Craggy_Range_Winery-North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Certain places are blessed by their location. Craggy Ranges one of them. At the foot of the Te Mata Peak, Craggy is protected by a giant. The wine that comes out of this spot is unique and rich at the same time. Their restaurant "Terroir" (means "soil" in French) is a immense round living room with a sizable chimney in its middle. The poured French influence (music included) has been well distilled by local owner to provide what New Zealand can give best to the world's wine community. Special mention to their "Le Sol" 2007.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- Winery --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Te Awa</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2375 Rte 50, Hastings 4201, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.teawa.com/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255680-d725735-Reviews-Te_Awa_Farm_Cafe_and_Winery-Hastings_Hawke_s_Bay_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Te Awa is in the west of Hastings, and is considered to be one of the best restaurants in the region. Wines are OK, but not as rich as what the region [<a href="http://www.winehawkesbay.co.nz/">Wine Hawke's Bay</a>] can propose.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- Winery --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elephant Hill</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">86 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.elephanthill.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g982740-d1788497-Reviews-Elephant_Hill_Estate_Winery-Te_Awanga_Hawke_s_Bay_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This is exactly what I don't like in a winery: concept estate (a life-size elephant sculpture in a winery), over designed with white couches and floating curtains, mixed wine to tailor to a vast range of customers. Unless you like tainted wine and bling-bling, you should focus on something else instead.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Te Mata Peak</span><br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g255109-d301111-Reviews-Te_Mata_Peak-Napier_Hawke_s_Bay_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />At the end of a long, curly road stands a giant peak overlooking the valley. Te Mata viewpoint is a must do when you want to have a look at the lovely surroundings.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Hastings</span><br />The other city of the "the Twin Cities", Hastings has much less to offer than Napier, and should be skipped if necessary, except maybe for ...<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opera Kitchen</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">312 Eastbourne St, Hastings</span>.<br />[<a href="http://operakitchen.co.nz/">Website</a>]<br />Opera Kitchen is the award-winning place to eat here, with Hawke's Bay's finest produce sourced from roadside stalls to the local farmers market.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Palmerston North</span><br />If you need a place to eat, stop or sleep, you might want to consider the tiny Palmerston; otherwise you should go somewhere else more north or south for other options.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Halikarnas Café</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">99 Dixon St, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255104-d1034103-Reviews-Halikarnas_Cafe-New_Zealand.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Random Turkish restaurant in a random city. Portions are large and bread freshly made. What else to ask when on a pit stop between two main cities.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- To Do --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Te Apiti Wind Farm</span><br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Apiti_Wind_Farm">Website</a>]<br />Te Apiti is a wind farm located on 11.5 km² of land north of the Manawatu Gorge near Palmerston North. It was New Zealand's largest capacity wind farm until September 2007, when the third stage of the nearby Tararua Wind Farm was completed. The $100 million wind farm consists of 55 separate turbines. Each turbine is atop a 70m high tower. It is fitted with 3 blades each 35m in length.</td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Wellington</span><br />Wellington is the capital city and second most populous urban area of New Zealand, after Auckland. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It is home to close to 400,000 residents. Squeezed between nearby mountains and a natural bay, Wellington is called the windy city.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><!-- Hotel --><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ibis Wellington Hotel</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">153 Featherston Street, Wellington 6001, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-3049-ibis-wellington/index.shtml">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Review-g255115-d257701-Reviews-Ibis_Wellington-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Very centrally located, the hotel is very convenient, clean and quiet. Room are small, but the bill is not.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">White House</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">232 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6001, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.whr.co.nz/page/home.aspx">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255115-d726347-Reviews-The_White_House_Restaurant-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />No mistake for this dinning experience. All was close to perfect. View, service and food were all excellent. Very nice Christmas dinner indeed.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Logan-Brown</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">192 Cuba St, Wellington 6001, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.loganbrown.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255115-d1231766-Reviews-Logan_Brown-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Logan Brown restaurant is a 1920s revamped bank chamber with high ceilings, private dining room and a separated dining booth. In 1996 Al Brown and Steve Logan had a vision. They wanted to take the standards of fine dining in New Zealand to a new level. Today, their success is well deserved and must be tried out to compare with other great restaurants in the region.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- Restaurant --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ambeli</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">18 Majoribanks Street Mount Victoria 6011, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.ambeli.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255115-d1379268-Reviews-Ambeli-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />A detached house transformed into a restaurant, Ambeli has everything to be the best place in town. Nice food, sassy (and sometime long) service, great wine list. If I had to recommend only one restaurant in the North Island in New Zealand that would be Ambeli.<br /><br /></td></tr><!-- To Do --><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mt Victoria Lookout</span><br /><a href="http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/mount_victoria_lookout">[</a><a href="http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/mount_victoria_lookout">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g255115-d291415-r122744900-Mount_Victoria-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Atop the nearest mountain in Wellington, the lookout is stunning across two bays. This is a must-do if the weather permits.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cable Car</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lambton Quay, Wellington, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g255115-d547258-Reviews-Wellington_Cable_Car-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The Wellington Cable Car is one of the oldest and most popular tourist attractions of the city. The cars run from Lambton Quay in the heart of the central business district, and within 5 minutes whisk you from under the corporate towers of The Terrace past Kelburn Park and Victoria University to the top entrance of the Wellington Botanic Gardens with its magnificent lookout over the city and harbor - Te Whanganui-a-Tara (The Great Harbour of Tara). A great place to watch the sunrise.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- To Do --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s1600/Final_Todo.png"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvumYwL1F0s/TwvzjF9LHbI/AAAAAAAACFY/KT2zkPfaQAA/s200/Final_Todo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695913937959853490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Te Papa Maori Musuem</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">55 Cable Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/pages/default.aspx">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g255115-d257133-Reviews-Museum_of_New_Zealand_Te_Papa_Tongarewa-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Certainly the biggest and most enjoyable Maori museum in New Zealand, this 5-level museum describes mostly what was their life before settlers arrived, as well as what is New Zealand today. You can spend an entire afternoon in this modern and large museum targeted to adults and kids of all age.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><!-- Drinks --></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvhsDVG5UYo/Twv9j1yBUhI/AAAAAAAACFk/o8Q8wuZtA4w/s1600/Final_Drink.jpg"> <img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvhsDVG5UYo/Twv9j1yBUhI/AAAAAAAACFk/o8Q8wuZtA4w/s200/Final_Drink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695924945914253842" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">St Johns</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Heineken Hotel 5 Cable Street, Te Aro 6011, New Zealand</span>.<br />[<a href="http://www.stjohnsbar.co.nz/">Website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g255115-d2234368-Reviews-St_John_s_Heineken_Hotel-Wellington_North_Island.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This is the place to have a drink after a long museum visit next door. Usually people are lying on the grass in the front when the sun is out.<br /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />In conclusion, the North Island of New Zealand is a mix of urban place with some National Parks in between. Large concentrated population gives one a chance to have the best food at reasonable prices in the country. The North is not at vast as the South but is more accessible money-wise and distance-wise. Should not be ruled out if you want to have a complete New Zealand experience. The South island provides the New Zealand scenery.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-8186207254399823472011-09-27T00:00:00.005-04:002012-01-28T23:30:24.826-05:00Taipei for RealOn my way to C&J's wedding in Taipei, I managed to squeeze few extra days to visit the place. Taipei is the capital of the Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan. With close to 7 million inhabitants Taipei is the largest metropolitan area of Taiwan and its 23 million people. Founded in the early 18th century, Taipei was a place of constant battle against invaders (Japanese & Chinese), and has therefore developed over the years a sense of pride of being independent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQuEDR8GN3A/Tqt8aUnqB0I/AAAAAAAACEc/79lofQgQacM/s1600/AIMG_3223.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQuEDR8GN3A/Tqt8aUnqB0I/AAAAAAAACEc/79lofQgQacM/s320/AIMG_3223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668761347629385538" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">National Palace Museum</span></div><br /><br />Walking along the streets of Taipei reflects this long lasting battle of independence. Notable above all historical monuments is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The controversial military leader outside the island is considered on island as a true hero who liberated the country from both oppressive Chinese and Japanese invaders. Until recently, it was a widespread practice for Taiwanese people to hang portraits of Chiang in their homes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHRX3nMAD7M/Tqt8a_t-9JI/AAAAAAAACE0/Tv_mXhhfApQ/s1600/AIMG_3249.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHRX3nMAD7M/Tqt8a_t-9JI/AAAAAAAACE0/Tv_mXhhfApQ/s320/AIMG_3249.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668761359198647442" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall</span></div><br /><br />For some, Chiang was the national hero who led China to the ultimate victory against Japan in 1945. Some see him as a champion of anti-Communism, and the leader who led Free China against a possible Communist invasion. However, Chiang presided over purges, political authoritarianism, and ruled throughout a period of imposed martial law. His governments were routinely accused of being corrupt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiLT1kSPJUI/Tqt8aponsrI/AAAAAAAACEo/f3lCGWVRVq0/s1600/AIMG_3229.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiLT1kSPJUI/Tqt8aponsrI/AAAAAAAACEo/f3lCGWVRVq0/s320/AIMG_3229.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668761353270571698" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Longshan Temple</span></div><br /><br />In Western countries, Chiang was often perceived negatively as the military leader who lost China to the Communists. His steady demands for support and funding earned him the nickname of "General Cash-My-Check". The truth certainly lies in between.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvmU5q8kIxQ/Tqt8bSTVReI/AAAAAAAACFA/mcc0pxpr3IM/s1600/IMG_3117.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvmU5q8kIxQ/Tqt8bSTVReI/AAAAAAAACFA/mcc0pxpr3IM/s320/IMG_3117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668761364187137506" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Taipei 101 at night</span></div><br /><br />Nowadays modern Taipei (the Financial district and the famous Taipei 101 Tower) and traditional Taipei (National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall) cohabit together in a charming and peaceful manner for the betterment of Taiwan.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-79530367221344914742011-09-26T23:00:00.004-04:002011-10-28T23:59:21.077-04:00Taipei Addresses<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Hotel]]</span><br />Majority of the nice hotels are around the central <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da%27an_District">Da'an district</a>. This is the financial and entertainment district (bars, restaurants, parks, ...). Among them<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taipei Fullerton Hotel</span><br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293913-d503406-Reviews-Taipei_Fullerton_Funan-Taipei.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://www.taipeifullerton.com.tw/">Website</a>] - 41 Fu-Xing S. Rd Sec. 2<br />The hotel is well situated, next to a MRT station and close to all major destinations. Service is nice, room smalls and breakfast is mixed (Continental/Asian). </li></ul>Other suggested options in the area are:<br /><ul><li><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fullon Hotel</span> [<a href="http://taipei.fullon-hotels.com/">Website</a>] </span></strong></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Park Hotel</span> [<a href="http://parktaipei.com/">Website</a>]</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fu Hau Hotel</span> [<a href="http://www.fuhauhotel.com.tw/start.php">Website</a>]<br /></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jF1Zo7mT-U8/TqttiBBfAoI/AAAAAAAACEE/yPqk7XlGd4s/s1600/IMG_3085.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jF1Zo7mT-U8/TqttiBBfAoI/AAAAAAAACEE/yPqk7XlGd4s/s320/IMG_3085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668744987133543042" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Street Food Along Daan Area</span></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />[[Restaurants]]</span><br />Taipei food is a mixed of "cheap-street" food and "luxury-restaurant".<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Din Tai Fung</span><br />Xinyi Restaurant<br />No. 194, Sec. 2, Xinyi Rd., Da-an District,<br />Taipei City (entrance of Yunkang St.)<br />[<a href="http://www.dintaifung.com.tw/">www.dintaifung.com.tw</a>]<br /><br />If there were only one to go to, that would be the one. The chain is quite large and consistent across Asia, but the original place is a must go to place. Ordering is done outside while waiting "in line". As soon as seated, drinks, dumplings and other Asian delights start arriving and no particular order. Best Dumplings ever had !!! <br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shin Yeh</span><br />2F, No 112, ZhongXiao East Rd, Section 4.<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293913-d796318-Reviews-Shin_Yeh-Taipei.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://www.shinyeh.com.tw/">www.shinyeh.com.tw</a>]<br />This authentic institution is a fantastic opportunity to discover the great and diverse food Taiwanese, on a not too expensive bill. Bring your extra stomach. <br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sukhothai</span><br />2nd floor of the Sheraton Hotel.<br /><span class="st">No.12, Zhongxiao East Rd. Sec.1</span><br />[<a href="http://www.sheraton-taipei.com/english/r_fuze.htm">Website</a>]<br />Tired of Asian food? What about Thai instead. This black and old restaurant serve huge and exquisite Thai plates. Portion are too big, so is the bill.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shilin Night Market</span><br />This is the place to go when hungry when the moon is up in the sky. No matter what you think you will find something for your stomach, wardrobe, or apartment. Shop, shop and shop.<br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shilin_Night_Market">Website</a>]<br /></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HcBFcefQuA/Tqtth2EJNrI/AAAAAAAACD4/vH867dvdIac/s1600/IMG_3077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HcBFcefQuA/Tqtth2EJNrI/AAAAAAAACD4/vH867dvdIac/s320/IMG_3077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668744984191907506" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Original Din Tai Fung Restaurant,<br />on </span>Xinyi Rd</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[To Do]]</span><br />Taipei is the Capital of the large Taiwan island. With over 7 million inhabitant in the city, the large parks and avenues help to feel more in a village than a megalopolis. The Mass Rapid Transport (subway) is the best public transport to go from one place to another. If you don't know try a taxi with a Chinese interpreter to help you out.<br /><br />Take a bus from the airport (<a href="http://www.airbus.com.tw/">www.airbus.com.tw/</a>). It's cheaper and faster, and drop you at the major intersection.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall</span><br />Strange to see this gigantic memorial to one of the most controversial (outside the island) leader of modern history. Considered by some Taiwanese as a national hero, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Kai-shek">Chiang Kai-shek</a> has still a long way to enter human pantheon for being the last freedom fighter in China.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taipei 101</span><br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101">Website</a>]<br />Officially known as the Taipei International Financial Center, this 101-floor, 508-meter high skyscraper is in the Xinyi District of Taipei and is the second tallest skyscraper in the world, and tallest building in Taipei. There is no chance that you can't miss it, since it's usually used as a compass for tourists alike in the city. Go visit at night the last floor to see the damper. Food court is amazing.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">National Palace Museum</span><br />[<a href="http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/home.htm">Website</a>]<br />The museum is in Shilin. The nearest MRT station is Shilin, with frequent buses from Shilin heading for the Palace Museum. But it's better to use a taxi to go there. It's a must-see for first time visitors. This is a crowed place and guided tour are done on fast pace.<br />The world's best collection of Chinese historical artifacts and antiquities. It is the national museum of the Republic of China, and has a permanent collection of over 677,687 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks, making it one of the largest in the world. The collection encompasses over 8,000 years of Chinese history from the Neolithic age to the late Qing Dynasty. Most of the collection are high quality pieces collected by China's ancient emperors.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Longshan Temple</span><br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longshan_Temple">Website</a>]<br />This temple is where countless generations of Taipei citizens have come to pray and seek guidance at times of trouble. As the temple is dedicated to Guanyin is officially defined as Buddhist, but there is a great amount of folk religion mixed into the fabric of the beliefs at this temple.<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buoa96084HQ/Tqttidd0vCI/AAAAAAAACEU/EO-XaUTs2vA/s1600/IMG_3089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buoa96084HQ/Tqttidd0vCI/AAAAAAAACEU/EO-XaUTs2vA/s320/IMG_3089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668744994768600098" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Street Food Along Daan Area</span></div>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-6983970110579483752011-05-24T23:37:00.023-04:002011-05-25T08:28:02.318-04:00Un-annoying HanoiAnything could be said about Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular, but certainly not “annoying”.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yndHdxaK-rg/TdyCokzpHTI/AAAAAAAACCM/f0Z0mdwOc-E/s1600/IMG_2377.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yndHdxaK-rg/TdyCokzpHTI/AAAAAAAACCM/f0Z0mdwOc-E/s320/IMG_2377.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610502869383454002" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vietnamese Flag</span></div><br /><br />Since my last trip in the region, four years back, many things happened. The country with 90 million people became the 13th most populous country in the world, kept growing economically despite a severe global crisis and reached the quarter final in the Asian Soccer Cup Finals in 2007.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nIFxDiUYM4/TdyHXvjosOI/AAAAAAAACCc/KaReoKyVzsU/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nIFxDiUYM4/TdyHXvjosOI/AAAAAAAACCc/KaReoKyVzsU/s320/IMG_2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610508077769470178" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Traffic Junction</span></div><br /><br />Even the traffic intensity has changed, and not for the better. Most bicycles have been replaced by convenient scooters (Vespa being the leader), which can be treated as a family bus (2 adults + 3 kids), movable grocery store, or even as a sleeping device depending on the time of the day. Impacts are quite huge, [1] the air pollution has becoming quite thick to even breathe properly (although comparable to major Asian megalopolis), [2] speed of the city increased, and [3] traffic crossing became even more difficult and dangerous.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-593LVcDasKU/TdyHXPFmnmI/AAAAAAAACCU/Efsfq0kSYWU/s1600/IMG_2383.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-593LVcDasKU/TdyHXPFmnmI/AAAAAAAACCU/Efsfq0kSYWU/s320/IMG_2383.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610508069053570658" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Old Quarter in Hanoi</span></div><br /><br />Life is on literally on the sidewalks of the traffic, transforming houses for sleeping activities and storage capacities only. Depleted colonial government buildings, old churches & temples, and low rising “tunnel” houses (to avoid paying taxes based on the length of the house front) make the Old Quarter a popular place for locals to shop for tomb stones, exotic flowers, or mechanical parts; but also tourists for their old propaganda posters, lacquer paintings and multicolor handicraft gifts. Walking in the Old Quarter is a pleasure that only a few people refuse, and the number of street restaurants, stool-bars and shops on the sidewalk make the exploration of the city a paradise for photographer of all talent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ximkwCSKehs/TdyCniUSt1I/AAAAAAAACB8/9mrOlhDwymM/s1600/IMG_2298.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ximkwCSKehs/TdyCniUSt1I/AAAAAAAACB8/9mrOlhDwymM/s320/IMG_2298.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610502851535222610" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Kid on a Scooter</span></div><br /><br />50% of the population in Vietnam is under 25 years old. Everybody in the street has a kid at hand, in hand or to give a hand. It is not rare to see two kids on a scooter watching the street going by, doing their homework while moving or smiling at the “gringo” who is taking a picture of them. Kids are playing all the time everywhere, in and outside the school, at main places, around lakes, in their pajamas, shorts or uniforms. Hanoi is like a crazy busy summer camp for kids on steroids.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5b33JFTdSU/TdyCoEtT2CI/AAAAAAAACCE/LyOWLt98BoI/s1600/IMG_2302.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5b33JFTdSU/TdyCoEtT2CI/AAAAAAAACCE/LyOWLt98BoI/s320/IMG_2302.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610502860766959650" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Street Food</span></div><br /><br />Sidewalks are the arteries of the city life. Everything is happening on the sidewalk: shopping, drinking, and eating. Food in Vietnam starts with a noodle soup at any time of the day, then grill, fried rice, fried noodle, spring rolls (raw or fried) make the best bet for dining. Street food although cheap could be a pleasant surprise, but in the last years Hanoi has upped its game in the high end restaurants. With a French Quarter turning into a business district, restaurants have now ventured outside the five star hotels. You will need more than a long weekend to try out all the best options available to you in Hanoi.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dmwso6qwq2k" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Traffic Video, in Hanoi</span><br /></span></div><br />It didn’t take long for the Vietnamese to understand how capitalism works. In a short time frame many activities have flourished around the city. Porsche, Bentley and Hummers are now roaming around the city of Hanoi. The French Quarter hosts many international hotel and famous Luxury Brands. Large multinational consumer electronics companies have established warehouses around the international airport (Canon, Panasonic or Toshiba) benefiting from a cheap labor force and high government subsidies. Trickle-down effect is working in a place like Vietnam where everything has to be built, even though only a few will really benefit from it. But it seems for the most part that Vietnam is smiling and the Asian miracle is still alive.<br /><br />Hanoi is one of these cities that never sleep ... maybe because it’s too noisy and too chaotic.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-19392596605569623062011-05-23T23:27:00.007-04:002011-05-25T08:10:46.705-04:00Hanoi Addresses<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Hotels</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hanoi Elegance Diamond</span><br />32 Lo Su Street [<a href="http://hanoielegancehotel.com/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g293924-d1224737-Reviews-Hanoi_Elegance_Diamond_Hotel-Hanoi.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Prime location in the Old Quarter, 2 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, boutique in size & style with streamlined service & luxury rooms, elegant decor with modern technology. A plaisant surprise in chaotic Hanoi.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel</span><br />48 Ngo Huyen, Hanoi [<a href="http://www.hanoibackpackershostel.com/">website</a>]<br />If you are under 30 and you are looking for a backpacker feel in the Old Quarter, this is the place for you. The original place downtown extended to this 5 story high building with the same feeling of backpacker. Note this is the first time I saw a double bed in dorms ($9/night)<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3HIFzQWEJk/Tdx5FcGnJtI/AAAAAAAACAs/OK8ty8ra6Vw/s1600/IMG_2185.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3HIFzQWEJk/Tdx5FcGnJtI/AAAAAAAACAs/OK8ty8ra6Vw/s320/IMG_2185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610492370147026642" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >View from Hanoi Elegance Roof Top Bar</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Restaurants</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quan An Ngon</span><br />18 Phan Boi Chau [<a href="http://maps.google.com.sg/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=quan+an+ngon+hanoi&fb=1&gl=sg&hq=quan+an+ngon&hnear=0x3135ab9bd9861ca1:0xe7887f7b72ca17a9,Hanoi,+Vietnam&view=map&cid=4471576750020760150&ll=21.026788,105.843337&spn=0.009874,0.013797&z=16&iwloc=A">map</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293924-d1124698-Reviews-Quan_An_Ngon-Hanoi.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The Giant Food Court upgraded to a bigger and faster food court. Service is still great, fast and direct. Food is Vietnamese, moderate portion and no so cheap anymore. Don't forget to try the Vietnamese pancake, Pho Bo (beef soup), spring-rolls, any BBQ. Closing at 9:30PM sharp, be there on time otherwise you will only eat noddle and left over shrimps. If it was one, that would the one.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green Tangerine</span><br />48 Hang Be [<a href="http://www.greentangerinehanoi.com/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293924-d808373-Reviews-Green_Tangerine-Hanoi.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Imagine a quiet and tuck away nice fusion restaurant where French and Vietnam fuel each other in exquisite delicacies. This delightful restaurant is not for everyone, and must serve well the more delicate pallets.<br /></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyoGOGdfmZk/Tdx5GfvJ7tI/AAAAAAAACBE/ftlFzdN60vk/s1600/IMG_2462.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyoGOGdfmZk/Tdx5GfvJ7tI/AAAAAAAACBE/ftlFzdN60vk/s320/IMG_2462.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610492388302253778" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Pho Bo (Beef Soup)<br /></span></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green Mango</span><br />18 Hang Quad Street [<a href="http://greenmango.vn/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293924-d779094-Reviews-Green_Mango_Hotel_Restaurant-Hanoi.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />One Vietnamese dish, but what a dish on the menu of the green Mango. The Vermicelli Soup is a delight and seems lost in this western menu. But hesitate to have it and you will be happy for the day.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Koto</span><br />59 Van Mieu [<a href="http://www.koto.com.au/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293924-d941423-Reviews-Koto-Hanoi.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />KOTO (which stands for Know One, Teach One) is an Australian non profit association that helps street kids to find a job in Vietnam in the restaurant business. What a treat to eat well and do a positive thing that change lives. After your visit at the Temple of Literature stop over for a quick bite or long one if you prefer, that will be for a good move. More over it's good Vietnamese food.<br /><br /></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lk-_ySyDAI/Tdx5GHUOJTI/AAAAAAAACA8/-blhepqV5y4/s1600/IMG_2269.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lk-_ySyDAI/Tdx5GHUOJTI/AAAAAAAACA8/-blhepqV5y4/s320/IMG_2269.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610492381746832690" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Baguette in the street<br /></span></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">nineteen11</span><br />01 Trang tien Street, next to the Opera House [<a href="http://www.nineteen11.com.vn/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293924-d1416221-Reviews-Nineteen11-Hanoi.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Bring your best outfit, best date and best wallet for this luxury dinning experience in Hanoi. The Food is superb, the ambiance fantastic and the service impeccable. No wander why it's in Miele guide ...<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fqoJvitMto/Tdx5FtuodmI/AAAAAAAACA0/hp3lF5CJqzI/s1600/IMG_2202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fqoJvitMto/Tdx5FtuodmI/AAAAAAAACA0/hp3lF5CJqzI/s320/IMG_2202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610492374878287458" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Le Pub offers a pitcher of Martini for US$ 3<br /></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Shopping</span><br /><br />Shopping is difficult in Hanoi because you have basically everything you can get at a moderately cheap price. Quality will be average and counterfeit high. When you add that usually you need to check any change given back to you for fake or used money ... transactions could be plain painful. Now if you like shopping don't hesitate to look around for the best deal in town, it keeps moving.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kien Boutique</span><br />1B To Tich, Old Quarter<br />Famous for hand made embroidery and tailoring. Great silk scarfs and design top. Average price.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vietnam Quilts </span><br />13 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District [<a href="http://www.mekong-quilts.org/">website</a>]<br />This non profit organization helps women selling their craft work for a living. Specialized in hand made quilts, baby products and accessories. </li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmFSxK4-Pa8/Tdx5G8rGLXI/AAAAAAAACBM/24hHA1nxfj4/s1600/IMG_2614.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmFSxK4-Pa8/Tdx5G8rGLXI/AAAAAAAACBM/24hHA1nxfj4/s320/IMG_2614.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610492396069858674" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Courtyard of the Green Tangerine Restaurant<br /></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Galleries</span><br /><br />There are plenty galleries around the city, a few are famous (Apricot Gallery, Maison des Arts, Green Palm, or Viet Fine Art) and therefore expensive. Many are cheap and not great of quality. Among the many I visited, here are the most interesting for a reason or another.<br /><ul><li>Song Thu Art Gallery (13 Nha Chung)</li><li>Hanoi's Smile (12 Nha Tho, 8 Nha Chung)</li><li>Ha Noi Gallery (16 Hang Bac)</li><li>Goldenart Decor (46 Hangbe)</li><li>Hoamai Gallery (??)</li></ul>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-81306377943885526002011-04-26T00:26:00.014-04:002011-04-26T03:18:32.655-04:00Bali AddressesAway from the now overdeveloped Seminyak, Bali has other places that propose enough bargain for your bucks. <a href="http://www.baliblog.com/files/2007/06/seminyak_petitenget.gif">Petitenget</a>, Umalas, and northern Canggu offer the best of the Island of the Gods: shopping, restaurants, and nice hotels next to the beach. To build on the previous blog entries (<a href="http://www.mintalo.com/2007/04/bali-indonesia.html">Part1</a>, <a href="http://www.mintalo.com/2009/04/bali-addresses.html">Part2 </a>and <a href="http://www.mintalo.com/2010/02/bali-addresses.html">Part3</a>) here are some more addresses to keep an eye on when next in Bali.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAJZTB-bISY/TbZVt9VgyDI/AAAAAAAACAk/LgPMbFqHkVc/s1600/IMG_9639.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAJZTB-bISY/TbZVt9VgyDI/AAAAAAAACAk/LgPMbFqHkVc/s320/IMG_9639.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599757434729056306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puri Madawi</span> [<a href="http://www.madawi.com/">www.madawi.com</a>]Located [<a href="http://www.madawi.com/animated/map%20seminyak_%202006.pdf">map</a>] at the end of a dirt road in Petitenget, Madawi is a group of 10 or so bungalow/suite rooms with a shared garden and small pool to relax. Bungalows have a Balinese outdoor bathrooms, and Suites are on two levels with a net above the queen-size bed.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rascals </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Kuta Square, </span><span>and </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Kuta Bali; Tel. +62(0)361 754 253.</span><br />Rascals has some very interesting batik sets with matching sarong on the very high end of the price scale. Expensive but nice.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lucy's Batik</span> [<a href="http://www.lucysbatik.com/">www.lucysbatik.com</a>] <span style="font-style: italic;">Jl. Raya Basangkasa No.88, Seminyak; Tel. +62(0)361 7951275 / 736098.</span> Authentic batik at a reasonable price for all handmade clothing lovers. A must stopover in your shopping delight in Bali.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%">Along Jl. Raya Kerobokan, one can find furniture warehouses where teak is the new tic. Among them <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ikat Art Galeri</span> is one of the most impressive in size, less so in quality.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Youri’s Art Shop </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Jl. Lesmana 105, Oberoi Kuta, Bali; Tel. +62(0)361 731122. </span>This shop in the middle of a restaurant strip is one of the most authentic yet affordable antique shop in the area. Usually filled with old masks, crafts and statues in disarray, the warehouse has also some nice pieces of old furniture from all over Indonesia. Don't hesitate to pop your head in the back of the shop to see their impressive collection of ancient doors and baby beds.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ganesha Bookshop</span> [<a href="http://www.ganeshabooksbali.com/">www.ganeshabooksbali.com</a>] <span style="font-style: italic;">Jl. Petitenget 888, Kerobokan (@Biku Restaurant).</span> The bookstore was established in 1986 as a small family business by Ketut Yuliarsa and his wife Anita Scheeres. Ketut Yuliarsa is a well known writer and actor/musician in Bali and together with Anita had the desire to see a bookshop in Bali that would cater to the needs of all the avid readers, collectors and researchers who passed through Ubud, Bali.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BIN house</span> [<a href="http://www.binhouse.com/mainpage.html">www.binhouse.com</a>]<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Warung Made II, Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta, Bali 80361 </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- International Departure Lounge</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Discovery Shopping Mall, #MG30, Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Bali 80361</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- other </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.binhouse.com/contactus/index.html">places around</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> the world as well. </span><br />Bin House cloths are one of a kind creation. A piece of Bin House cloth may take many months, sometimes even a year to finish. Individual pieces of fine silk, adorned with intricate motifs, and displaying a harmony of colors, have been the heart of the the Bin House line. In the last 20 years, traditional techniques of cloth making have been revived and combined with modern approach to produce such beautiful cloth. Hand-woven, hand-dyed, and hand finished, these individual pieces are a result of great dedication and care. One of the best batik shop I ever seen.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Biku</span> [<a href="http://www.bikubali.com/">www.bikubali.com</a>]<span style="font-style: italic;"> Jl. Raya Petitenget no.888, Seminyak, Bali 80571</span>. Restaurant, bookstore, tea house, tarot booth ... everything one can think is there in Biku to satisfy the never ending stream of visitors. Food is fantastic and there is room for many visits to finish the never-ending menu. A place to visit many times in your visit in the Island of the Gods.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chandi </span>[<a href="http://www.chandibali.com/">www.chandibali.com</a>]. Chandi is a haute cuisine Indonesian restaurant in the heart of Seminyak. You will need many days and visit to grasp the full length of their menu. The New York City’s most awarded and talked about chef (Nobu, Spice Market, Perry Street and Budhakan) came to Bali to create a Gastronomic Twist on Indonesian Cuisine using Organic Spices and Greens, mostly sourced through Big Tree Farms of Ubud. A must stop over on your food exploration in Bali.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%">Other place that need some attention could be the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Warung Sulawesi</span> [<span style="font-style: italic;">Jl. Petitenget 200Y, Bali</span>] where the back garden is suppose to offer the best traditional Indonesian cuisine in the neighborhood, but also <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cafe Bali</span> [<span style="font-style: italic;">Jl. Petitenget 45</span>] and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trattoria Pizza </span><a href="http://www.trattoriabali.com/bali/">[website]</a> were always seemingly full with tourists and local expats. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gourmet Cafe</span> [<a href="http://www.balicateringcompany.com/cafe/">website</a>] or <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Tuck Shop/The Corner Shop</span> [<span style="font-style: italic;">Jl. Kayu Aya Petitenget</span>] looked nice and can offer light breakfasts/lunches for hesitant visitors and expats in the search of western food.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKJvO-A1hc/TbZN9qQ96zI/AAAAAAAACAc/LCMZFb565GM/s1600/map_bar.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 35px; height: 36px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKJvO-A1hc/TbZN9qQ96zI/AAAAAAAACAc/LCMZFb565GM/s320/map_bar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599748908394605362" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Living Room</span> [<a href="http://www.livingroombali.com/">website</a>], <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Lucciola</span>, or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hu'u</span> [<span style="font-style: italic;">Jl. Oberoi, Petitenget</span>] have found a magic formula: the restaurant-bar-club. Depending on the time of your visit, you can enjoy a cocktail before a meal, a swim or a dance ... open late until the wee hours.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKJvO-A1hc/TbZN9qQ96zI/AAAAAAAACAc/LCMZFb565GM/s1600/map_bar.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 35px; height: 36px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKJvO-A1hc/TbZN9qQ96zI/AAAAAAAACAc/LCMZFb565GM/s320/map_bar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599748908394605362" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Potato Head Beach Club Bali </span>[<a href="http://ptthead.com/blog/">website</a>] is a competitor to the famous <a href="http://www.kudeta.net/">Ku De Ta</a> with a small twist into it. This place is a family place with alcohol, loud music, green space and a swimming pool overlooking the beach. If KuDeTa was for the young, single and beautiful, then Potato Head is for the almost young, already parent and still beautiful.</td></tr><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKJvO-A1hc/TbZN9qQ96zI/AAAAAAAACAc/LCMZFb565GM/s1600/map_bar.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 35px; height: 36px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKJvO-A1hc/TbZN9qQ96zI/AAAAAAAACAc/LCMZFb565GM/s320/map_bar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599748908394605362" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%">Now for those who do not want loud music and expensive bill but still want to enjoy the beautiful sunset, a better place would be to walk along <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jl. Batubelig</span>, and hop in any local warung/bar to watch the sun setting above the sea. It's a 5 minutes walk North by the beach of the large hotels in Petitenget (<span style="font-weight: bold;">The W</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oberoi</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Legian</span> ...). It will be the same sun at a fraction of the price.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>For those who want to find out what's going on in Bali, a quick look at BeatMag [<a href="http://www.beatmag.com/">www.beatmag.com</a>] will save them some precious hours of online research.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-80150556669454788432011-03-28T04:30:00.002-04:002011-03-28T08:59:40.937-04:00Relaxed LangkawiFor a quick beach weekend gateway from Singapore, there is quite a few places you can go to: Bali, Phuket, or Bintang. But all of them present a major inconvenient: they all packed with tourists and all the annoyance that come with massive sightseeing. On the other hand Malaysia has been quiet for a very long time with its beauty and its richness on the international scene, but very loud with its regional clientele. This actually, might pay off in the long run.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-8Rj9G96fg/TZBIv9UO9UI/AAAAAAAAB_8/vmoOI310MrI/s1600/IMG_2154.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-8Rj9G96fg/TZBIv9UO9UI/AAAAAAAAB_8/vmoOI310MrI/s320/IMG_2154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589047126317266242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands (104 at low tide), on the north east side of main Malaysia, next to the Thai Border. If Krabi, Phuket and others Koh Phi Phi are not to be presented anymore to the international scene, Langkawi has yet to be. Just few kilometers south of the major Thai gateway, the group of islands has an international airport with direct access to fantastic 5 stars resorts and cheap rental with view on the beach. Jungle and rice pady on the back door and warm sea on the front, the 2 km long of Pantai Cenang street is a delight for the tourist on search for relaxing time. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q20iqgyqq8/TZBIvo1FEaI/AAAAAAAAB_0/edVmfQ5c5Io/s1600/IMG_2118.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q20iqgyqq8/TZBIvo1FEaI/AAAAAAAAB_0/edVmfQ5c5Io/s320/IMG_2118.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589047120817885602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cheap food, drinks and accommodations since Langkawi is duty free, the islands are a paradise for budget conscious traveler who do not want to compromise with quality or activities in their vacations. It is then normal to see some backpackers who wanted to expand their island hoping experience up to the south side of the marvelous Thai jewelries. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqIAJOofmS8/TZBIvJql3GI/AAAAAAAAB_s/fPEF9GxOEWE/s1600/IMG_2112.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqIAJOofmS8/TZBIvJql3GI/AAAAAAAAB_s/fPEF9GxOEWE/s320/IMG_2112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589047112452398178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Of course, one can always complain about the slowness of the islanders and the lack of services that one can find in the area, but in reality, Langkawi is a descent compromise for those in search of relaxing relaxed time on the low side of the wallet with some sun and good food. And what is Langkawi could be the next hot spot to discover on the Asian side of the planet?Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-89351079968741338242011-03-26T03:52:00.009-04:002011-03-28T09:04:20.400-04:00Langkawi AddressesLangkawi is an archipelago of 104 islands at low tide and 99 island high tide in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia, and on the border with Thailand.<br /><br />The best way to reach the main island is by plane from Penang, KL or Singapore. Some ferries from Thailand and mainland Malaysia also could be a nice and slow entry or exit point from the island.<br /><br /><b><u>Hotel</u></b><br /><br />Basically you have 3 mains options to go to.<br />[a] Or you prefer a reclusive all inclusive resort and the further away the better it will be for you. The only thing you will do then will be moving from the swimming pool to the restaurant and finally to the room.<br />[b] The capital Kuah and its duty free mall and ferry<br />[c] 2 km long beach along Pantai/Cenang<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nELIxx-gzS8/TZBCx35eeEI/AAAAAAAAB_k/p3n8qhCFJKc/s1600/IMG_2081.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nELIxx-gzS8/TZBCx35eeEI/AAAAAAAAB_k/p3n8qhCFJKc/s320/IMG_2081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589040562152831042" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">False Ads !?!<br /></span></span></div><br /><br />Tengah/Cenang beaches offer a certain vibe where you could almost decide where you would want to eat and do for leisure.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Villa Molek</span> (Pantai Tengah)<br />[<a href="http://www.villamolek.com/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298283-d1497559-Reviews-Villa_Molek-Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />12 bricks Villas with bedroom/living room/kitchen to spare your luggage. Nice, quiet, clean, and elegant with some Ikea touch sometimes. Breakfasts are copious with mix of western and Malay (Nasi Lemak & Roti Prata). This location is on the high side but is clean and well located for couple only (no kid allowed). </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Casa Del Mar</span> (Pantai Cenang)<br />[<a href="http://www.casadelmar-langkawi.com/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1096282-d307707-Reviews-Casa_del_Mar_Langkawi-Pantai_Cenang_Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This all inclusive is probably the best located 4/5 stars of all hotels. Right on the beach yet quiet, the clientele seems to be over 65. Recommended only if this is the last resorts available.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bon Ton Resort</span> (Pantai Cenang)<br />[<a href="http://www.bontonresort.com.my/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298283-d317751-Reviews-Bon_Ton_Resort-Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Reclusive, Exclusive, Elegant. Voted among the best hotel in Malaysia. If money is not an issue, highly recommended even if it's close to the airport (the 10 or so daily flights will not spoil your stay) and not on the best beach spots.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beach Garden Resort</span> (Pantai Cenang)<br />[<a href="http://www.beachgardenresort.com/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1096282-d557761-Reviews-Beach_Garden_Resort-Pantai_Cenang_Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Swiss chef, German Beer, International clientele. If you want to play it safe and still have the villa on the beach, close to nature experience, this place is for you. (next door to the Casa Del Mar) .<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunset Beach Resort </span>(Pantai Tengah)<br />[<a href="http://www.sungroup-langkawi.com/sunset/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298283-d511083-Reviews-Sunset_Beach_Resort-Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Off the beaten track, this small place and its 20 or so small cabanas next to the ocean offer an quiet retreat away from the "noise" of Cenang. The beach is nice but has a wild side to it. If you have kids and do not want to spend the entire days worried about the current and the waves better go somewhere else.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Malibest Resort</span> (Pantai Cenang)<br />[<a href="http://www.agoda.com/asia/malaysia/langkawi/malibest_resort.html">Agoda</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298283-d648765-Reviews-Malibest_Resort-Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The resort itself is a low profile bungalows next to each others, except that they have 5 tree houses and 2 wooden villas sitting in front of the sea. If your deal is see the ocean sunset from your tree, this is the only place you should at. Make sure you ask for <span style="font-style: italic;">Semarak </span>villa, <span style="font-style: italic;">Meranti</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Cengal</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Jati </span>(<span style="font-style: italic;">Menpar </span>is a tree-house but behind <span style="font-style: italic;">Meranti </span>and does not have an ocean view).<br /></li></ul><br /><b><u>Restaurants</u></b><br /><br />The 2 km long beach along Tengah/Cenang are your best best for good food on the island.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEXGckgPubU/TZBCxE_vDAI/AAAAAAAAB_U/Ptxk3bVFdYQ/s1600/IMG_2126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEXGckgPubU/TZBCxE_vDAI/AAAAAAAAB_U/Ptxk3bVFdYQ/s320/IMG_2126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589040548488875010" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">View from Beach Garden Resort<br /></span></span></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kantan </span>(Pantai Tengah)<br />Next to the Sun Spa on Pantai Tengah<br />This Malay traditional house serve Malay traditional food. All you can imagine is there. Although we find out that they rae still looking for a chef, waiter and bartender (which is never a good sign for a restaurant). Good Malay but not extraordinary</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Unkaizan </span>(Pantai Tengah)<br />Next to the Ishan Malaysian Spa on Pantai Tengah<br />[<a href="http://www.unkaizan.com/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298283-d948680-Reviews-Unkaizan-Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This Japanese restaurant has been rate among the best restaurants in Malaysia since 2005. The food is fresh and the sushi excellent. A true Japanese experience in a Malay island. If the awkwardness does not bother you, don't hesitate to seat on the top floor overlooking the sunset with a platter of fresh sushi or sashimi.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beach Garden Resort</span> (Pantai Cenang)<br />[<a href="http://www.beachgardenresort.com/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1096282-d557761-Reviews-Beach_Garden_Resort-Pantai_Cenang_Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Swiss chef, German Beer, International clientele. Food is consistently good and large in portion with a western side of it. Comfort food is so comfortable that with a beer at 4.5 RM (happy hour) and your feet in the sand, this is the best place to over com your sunburn.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red Tomato Garden Cafe </span> (Pantai Cenang)<br />[<a href="http://www.redtomato.my/">website</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298283-d1022135-Reviews-Red_Tomato_Garden_Cafe-Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />This place is also very popular among the tourist in Langkawi. Watch out with a copycat name <span style="font-style: italic;">Tomato</span> is this one is not that great !!!<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Chocolatine </span>(Pantai Tengah)<br />next to Chill Out Bistro<br />[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298283-d2045950-Reviews-La_Chocolatine-Langkawi_Kedah.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Orange shop with some Paris posters on the walls, this place try to recreate an atmosphere that some Parisian would not find unfamiliar. Now when it come to food, all patisseries you can have are true to the letter of what could be found back in France at a corner store of every village. Special mention to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eclair</span> (both Coffee and Chocolate) and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mille Feuilles</span>. Everything is good. If there is one place to go to in Langkawi that would be the one.<br /></li></ul><br /><b><u>To Do</u></b><br /><br />This island is a paradise for those who wants to relax essentially.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oaHX5V2Wpes/TZBCxU7VTrI/AAAAAAAAB_c/_cO8okawRPQ/s1600/IMG_2149.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oaHX5V2Wpes/TZBCxU7VTrI/AAAAAAAAB_c/_cO8okawRPQ/s320/IMG_2149.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589040552765378226" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wooden Bungalow at Malibest Resort<br /></span></span></div><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shopping</span> is almost mandatory when you know that there is not sales tax on the island. So everything you want is there at a very low price. Alcohol, clothes, or handicrafts everything is a stiff discount. Many Duty Free mall (no tax) are along the main road, and the capital Kueh is just a long road of discount mall after another. Gaya Minami [<a href="http://www.gayaminami-langkawi.com/">website</a>] is probably the most interesting of all handicrafts shops.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cable Car</span>: The view is fantastic on top of the highest point of the island ... is its not raining of course.<br /><br /></li><li>Any <span style="font-weight: bold;">Water Sports</span> under the sun: Scuba diving, wake boarding, jet-ski, ....<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tanning</span> of course !!!<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flying Of</span> : Firefly [<a href="http://www.fireflyz.com.my/">www.fireflyz.com.my</a>] is a new regional airline company that propose interesting inter-cities flight at a discounted fares.<br /></li></ul>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-26505064293466556252011-02-28T06:49:00.004-05:002011-03-11T03:18:02.275-05:00Coasting South AfricaFew countries in the world transpire palpable history as much as South Africa does these days. Everywhere one turns his or her eyes to, one can see evidence that this country has been through a major paradigm shift in it own narrative. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5GWvdbjOJo/TWzrPOlVrFI/AAAAAAAAB98/oz-RetBZMtY/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5GWvdbjOJo/TWzrPOlVrFI/AAAAAAAAB98/oz-RetBZMtY/s320/IMG_1448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579092685250473042" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Good Hope</span></span></div><br /><br />South Africa has been known for years as the country at the bottom of Africa that has two oceans melting at the famous Cape of Good Hope; but it has also been flagged as a country that has produce light wines, a strong rugby, and a distasteful apartheid. Then a strong and dedicated man, stood up free after having spent 27 years in jail to become a symbol of modern human history.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXgRp12TSB4/TWzrO4ztz_I/AAAAAAAAB90/bS0F4o3wIek/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXgRp12TSB4/TWzrO4ztz_I/AAAAAAAAB90/bS0F4o3wIek/s320/IMG_1287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579092679405195250" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vineyards in Franschhoek</span></span></div><br /><br />Recognized as living hero in our world history, Mandela is in reality in South Africa acknowledged as an icon placed above all, a guiding star in the dark day of the past and a moral trustee in the hopeful days of the future. Men of reconstruction are usually not the men of (re)action, but in this particular case he was, and because he is still alive the icon Mandela has impacted more his country that one could have hoped for, by managing his own legacy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtV1Ea27Qig/TWzrOv-qpdI/AAAAAAAAB9s/MkAYbVjAypU/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtV1Ea27Qig/TWzrOv-qpdI/AAAAAAAAB9s/MkAYbVjAypU/s320/IMG_1049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579092677035206098" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Little Karoo Road</span></span></div><br /><br />Today the country is firmly standing on the ground of free speech and reconciliation, economic growth and judiciary equality, and on past achievements proudness and future mistakes fear. Even though few people are mixing cultures to embrace a new newness, people are respectful of the other side, not in fear of the unknown but much more on a tacit acknowledgment that it will be better for the nation to change the course of action and become a rainbow nation (all colors are put side by side but not mixed together) as oppose as a melting pot nation. The next generation will take care of the rest later on, as long as no one will avenge himself or herself on the wrong basis of inequality.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52WGcJmL4jQ/TWzrhqsqJtI/AAAAAAAAB-M/HXGYqUD6cbg/s1600/Pano_Franschhoek.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 74px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52WGcJmL4jQ/TWzrhqsqJtI/AAAAAAAAB-M/HXGYqUD6cbg/s320/Pano_Franschhoek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579093002035013330" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Franschhoek Panorama View</span></span></div><br /><br />Because South Africa has everything it needs to growth, the country can become a light in Africa, the same way Mandela was and still is a light in South Africa. It seems that Mandela's sense of honor and courage has transpire over an entire nation, and the entire nation sensitive to his sacrifice has decide to stand up and become free of the past fear and hopeful of the future.<br /><br />Every conversation or discussion I had the chance to have made me feel that I was in between two oceans of overwhelming sensations: a dark past still marching on the footstep of the country shadow and the bright hope of an exhilarated future ahead. This ambivalence made me feel right at the center of mankind history in which you could fail over one side or the other, feeling alive and reflected at the same time, part of the present and the past, but also part of the present and the future.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-482Ye3YFdIk/TWzrhjO07kI/AAAAAAAAB-E/PYFjhJTWGeo/s1600/Pano_CapeTown.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 74px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-482Ye3YFdIk/TWzrhjO07kI/AAAAAAAAB-E/PYFjhJTWGeo/s320/Pano_CapeTown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579093000030842434" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Town Panorama View</span></span></div><br /><br />Still there is a long march ahead for South Africa to overcome the major disparities that exist in the country (economic, racial, ideological …) but the future seems brighter at the end of the trip than at the beginning of it. My wish would be that Mandela vision will survive his already considerable achievements, and let the next generations to continue walking on his legacy.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-87591451749459081322011-02-27T03:29:00.032-05:002011-03-02T09:07:34.359-05:00South Africa AddressesHere is the list of addresses from the southern part of my South African <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Port+Elizabeth,+Eastern+Cape,+South+Africa&daddr=Knysna,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:George,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Oudtshoorn,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Montagu,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Vrede+en+Lust,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Franschhoek,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Stellenbosch,+Brede+River+DC,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Cape+Point,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Hout+Bay,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa+to:Cape+Town,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa&geocode=FaA6-v0dniqGASkr1v9FACl7HjEmQonNNyP9hg%3BFXqU-P0dXQtgASnZDAGWQOp4HjHNzlB14bkqvg%3BFbW1-f0dUI9WASm_8ZbY0RrWHTGzvtP3mk-4Fw%3BFQ-B__0d6rdSASm1E7XqhsHVHTFh6wiOdEdDjQ%3BFYp7_P0d5PYyASnrJ_dH4kXSHTFoIP2K65uYag%3BFTLZ-_0dmi8hASHHWO4-BDN9yQ%3BFQV5-v0dlfMjASnPsgVoB73NHTH5slbTVIa0PA%3BFdFf-v0dQ9wfASml4ohR97LNHTHia-PeAKoJcA%3BFRrA8_0d3D8aASnbnDqkymrMHTF5YcA4UkLMcA%3BFUuX-P0d-_4XASmJMOGSU2jMHTH2qlb0FiHx2Q%3BFUxZ-v0d3DcZASl3qAKn7l3MHTFwiedGKAWfQA&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-33.843117,18.963175&sspn=0.032579,0.055189&ie=UTF8&ll=-33.85217,22.543945&spn=8.336077,14.128418&z=6">trip</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz78B1o15xI/TWyuvXw_urI/AAAAAAAAB9U/LsJ_bgZkPbc/s1600/IMG_1721.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz78B1o15xI/TWyuvXw_urI/AAAAAAAAB9U/LsJ_bgZkPbc/s320/IMG_1721.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579026167261805234" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >So True !</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Port Elizabeth</span><br />This city is not a great spot to stop over if you want some entertainment. The city is in fact a large regional airport with a ferry dock attached to a pier.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carslogie B&B<br /></span>[<a href="http://www.carslogie.co.za/">http://www.carslogie.co.za/</a>]<br />15 min away from the airport, this well <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312559-d580890-Reviews-Carslogie_House-Port_Elizabeth_Eastern_Cape.html">rated</a> B&B deserved a particular note. Rooms are comfortable and clean, while the breakfast generous and fresh. A nice place to start a trip.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ginger </span><br />[<a href="http://www.ginger-restaurant.co.za/">http://www.ginger-restaurant.co.za/</a>]<br />The restaurant is well located, next to the Boardwalk entrance facing the ocean nearby. Plates are as large as the service, and the place should be recommended only if you do not feel picking in others “local” restaurant nearby.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Boardwalk</span><br />Put together many shops, restaurants and entertainment on the way to the casino entrance and you have an open mall concept that only a post 70’s, seaside, depleted touristy village can dream of.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHmGqtVTLMY/TW5EUa0tu2I/AAAAAAAAB_M/fc0SzsRVruE/s1600/final_trip.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 89px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHmGqtVTLMY/TW5EUa0tu2I/AAAAAAAAB_M/fc0SzsRVruE/s320/final_trip.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579472105947118434" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trip Journey</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Knysna</span><br />This city is the right spot to explore the <a href="http://www.gardenroute.co.za/">Garden Route</a>, tucked inside an unusual bay, the area is a natural habitat to grow oysters. Thanks to the recent World Cup, large sum of money was invested to upgrade, renovate and create entire districts, shopping strips and activities. This tourist paradise will certainly grow bigger despite its distance from larger cities.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Protea Hotel</span><br />[<a href="http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-knysna-quays.html">http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-knysna-quays.html</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312664-d304596-Reviews-Protea_Hotel_Knysna_Quays-Knysna_Garden_Route_Western_Cape.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />The Protea Hotel is nicely located at the tip of the pier, next to the restaurants & shopping area with a back door entrance. Pool is small, and so are the rooms. Nice and clean makes this place a must-do stopover for large tour group and family-oriented vacation time. If you prefer having a nice view and quiet time, investigate rather a B&B on the hills of Knysna, a property facing the ocean or the Thesen Island instead.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">34 South</span><br />[<a href="http://www.34-south.com/">http://www.34-south.com/</a>]<br />Between a warehouse and a local market, this concept chain restaurant has managed to attract the lonely tourist on his way to dinner. Portions are huge and bill moderate. This is not fine cuisine but who cares when hungry. Fresh oysters are by number on a plate of ice and could be eaten with Tabasco or lemon.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">L’ile De Pain</span><br />[<a href="http://www.iledepain.co.za/">http://www.iledepain.co.za/</a>]<br />The first time I encountered L’ile de Pain was at 6 AM on my jet-lagged morning picture hunt. The smell was filling the entire island and it was really easy to spot the source of my stomach butterflies. Anything you can think of is spot on, and comparable (if not better) to most French boulangeries in France. <span style="font-weight: bold;">A must try!</span><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Drydock Food Company</span><br />[<a href="http://www.drydock.co.za/">http://www.drydock.co.za/</a>]<br />This restaurant was recommended to us [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g312664-d1372008-Reviews-The_Drydock_Food_Co-Knysna_Garden_Route_Western_Cape.html">TripAdvisor</a>] for oysters and seafood in general (closed for lunch).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71v_Ux13ffI/TWyuvopcVrI/AAAAAAAAB9c/oJCVnPfaP80/s1600/IMG_1755.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71v_Ux13ffI/TWyuvopcVrI/AAAAAAAAB9c/oJCVnPfaP80/s320/IMG_1755.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579026171793528498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.addisincape.co.za/">Addis in Cape</a> Set Menu</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Oudtshoorn</span><br />This "ostrich capital" of South Africa was once a beautiful place to live for the feather farming millionaires before the high plumed ladies hats went out of fashion (thanks to the invention of cars - the hats would blow away). In the middle of the Little Karoo, the city is the central point to explore the area. Hot and dry most of the year, the city has some to offer those who want to explore. Farm visiting, cave exploring, lodge watching, restaurant eating and B&B sleeping are all the main activities that tourists are faced to do in the once upon a time capital of the expensive feather.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td><td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">88 Baron van Reede<br /></span>[<a href="http://www.88bvr.com/">http://www.88bvr.com/</a>]<br />Probably the most welcoming B&B I had on the trip. Zoe & Huw Thomas' knowledge of the region is as good as their enthusiasm to share it with anyone. Rooms are spacious, clean and quiet. This is the place I would recommend to stay in the region.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kalinka</span><br />[<a href="http://www.kalinka.co.za/">http://www.kalinka.co.za/</a>]<br />Make sure you have a place outside in the veranda or on the terrace to watch the stars when dining at Kalinka. The best restaurant in town is usually packed with tourists and locals who have time to go over a large menu of delights. Food is great and service impeccable. A must try in the capital of ostrich.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jemima’s</span><br />[<a href="http://www.jemimas.com/home.php">http://www.jemimas.com/</a>]<br />It used to be the place where people had to travel from far away to taste the imaginative menu. It seems that the restaurant had dipped a bit recently; nevertheless food is interesting, surprising and fresh. Where else can you eat an ostrich-foie gras burger or a fried camembert with springbok anyway?<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buffelsdrift Game Lodge</span><br />[<a href="http://www.buffelsdrift.com/">http://www.buffelsdrift.com/</a>]<br />The artificial dam attracts the wild life around when the sun is setting (before 7PM). You do not need to rent a private lodge to watch the animals, go there for a drink or dinner and enjoy the peaceful time watching the wilderness.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ostrich Safari</span><br />[<a href="http://www.safariostrich.co.za/">http://www.safariostrich.co.za/</a>]<br />Out of the few ostrich farms in the region, Safari was pointed out to us for its simple, dedicated and low key environment. It was a nice experience and enjoyment to see, touch and ride ostriches. Don’t forget to buy at the shop any ostrich leather artifacts if you wish since anywhere else it will be prohibitively pricey.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHoALLw0U3A/TWyx7mg15cI/AAAAAAAAB9k/Bf0yzGEL6pQ/s1600/IMG_1608.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHoALLw0U3A/TWyx7mg15cI/AAAAAAAAB9k/Bf0yzGEL6pQ/s320/IMG_1608.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579029675913897410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.timeout.com/cape-town/shops/venue/1:23812/mali-south">Mali South</a>, Cape Town</span></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Franschhoek </span><br />Franschhoek ("<span style="font-style: italic;">French Corner</span>" in Dutch) is a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns of the Republic of South Africa. It is about 75 km from Cape Town. Thanks to ideal summer weather, snowy peaks in winter and proximity to Cape Town, the village began experiencing a boom since the 1990s. The city is notable for having some of the top restaurants in the country and is now rightly considered to be the "<span style="font-style: italic;">food and wine capital</span>" of South Africa.<br /><br />The best way to explore and taste wine is to grab a map of the valley (vineyards had better maps than the Franschhoek tourism office) and settle down on a few. I used the <a href="http://www.wineonaplatter.com/">Platter's South African Wines 2011</a> guide which compile and rate over 1000 South African wine producers, and only selected the 4.5 and 5 stars (out of 5) of the valley.<br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Le Ballon Rouge<br /></span>[<a href="http://www.ballon-rouge.co.za/">http://www.ballon-rouge.co.za/</a>]<br />A stone's throw away from the best restaurants in town, the Ballon is a simple yet cozy B&B to stay. Make sure you ask your questions before 6PM otherwise nobody will be there to answer you since the place closes early.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Le Quartier Francais<br /></span>[<a href="http://www.lequartier.co.za/">http://www.lequartier.co.za/</a>]<br />The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais is ranked 31st in the world by the San Pellegrino "<a href="http://www.theworlds50best.com/awards/1-50-winners">World's Best Restaurants</a>" ratings in 2010. If you cannot have a table at this Relais & Chateaux restaurant, you should definitely envision spending the night at the Common Room instead where tapas like plates will content any hungry stomach and refine the palate. One of the best tables I had during my SA trip. You must book one month in advance if you want a table. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Must try!<br /><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reuben's<br /></span>[<a href="http://www.reubens.co.za/">http://www.reubens.co.za/</a>]<br />Considered by locals to be the best restaurant in the valley, Reuben's is a fantastic place to have dinner. Any item on the menu is a delight for the taste buds and a joy for the eyes. You must book one week in advance if you must try.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Petite Ferme</span><br />[<a href="http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za/">http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za/</a>]<br />This place was mentioned to us as a great dinner place with breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine and luxury accommodation situated on a working winery.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Craft Market</span><br />Among all the shops around, only few could be mentioned for their good quality-price ratio. In general it is way too expensive for what it is and you will find better and cheaper somewhere else. Only the outdoor craft market could be a good place to stop if you want to chat and bargain some of the displayed traditional African artifacts.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Delaire Graff Estate</span><br />[<a href="http://www.delaire.co.za/">http://www.delaire.co.za</a>]<br />The estate is nicknamed the <span style="font-style: italic;">"Vineyards in the Sky</span>" for a good reason. Suspended on top of the valley just between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, the view you have of the winery is fantastic. Certainly the best view of the region. The wine tasting room is open, spacious, and breezy. Wine itself is great, with special attention to it rosé. This is the place to go if you want to eat at a nice restaurant and enjoy a great view.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boschendal </span><br />[<a href="http://www.boschendal.com/">http://www.boschendal.com/</a>]<br />Boschendal is one of the oldest wine farms in the valley and has gained many acclaims in South Africa and overseas. The wine tasting room is located far away from the main warehouse, but is quiet and refreshing under a giant tree. On the other side of the mansion lies a quiet area where picnic tables under pine trees are disposable for visitors to enjoy. Special mention for their Sauvignon Blanc & Shiraz.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Graham Beck</span><br />[<a href="http://www.grahambeckwines.co.za/">http://www.grahambeckwines.co.za/</a>]<br />The estate has recently been renovated and presents a new face to its public. Mixing also art and wine, the tasting room is square and dark ... a little bit like its wine. Special mention to the Cabernet Sauvignon & Ad Honorem<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Motte</span><br />[<a href="http://www.la-motte.com/">http://www.la-motte.com/</a>]<br />La Motte is the total opposite of Graham Beck estate: clear, fresh and large. The wine tasting room (inside or outside) offers simple but very nice wine in the region. One of my favorite Chardonnay in the valley.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boekenhoutskloof</span><br />[<a href="http://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/">http://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/</a>]<br />Simple and small the Boekenhoutskloof tasting room offers a simple selection to choose from but still propose its best. The Chocolate Block is a strong and nice wine to drink.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s1600/Final_Grapes.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kC4GoDCYUlw/TW4bEVhBHQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/SAvMH5zyHK0/s200/Final_Grapes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579426749667679490" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons</span><br />[<a href="http://www.rupert-rothschildvignerons.com/">http://www.rupert-rothschildvignerons.com/</a>]<br />At the foot of the spectacular Simonsberg mountain in the Franschhoek Valley lies the historic French Huguenot farm Fredericksburg, established in 1690 and now home to Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons. The Rupert family and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild of France share this prestigious partnership in wine production. This not possible to wine taste, but still easy to buy bottle in the area. Special mention goes to their Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-0FEY4-Jbw/TWyuvERa5fI/AAAAAAAAB9E/DhSjZM0_s8M/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-0FEY4-Jbw/TWyuvERa5fI/AAAAAAAAB9E/DhSjZM0_s8M/s320/IMG_0804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579026162029094386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.iledepain.co.za/">L'ile De Pain</a>, Knysna</span></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Cape Town </span><br />What everybody knows about Cape Town is that the city is squeezed between two oceans and a mountain at the end of the African continent. What not a lot of people know about the city is that it's a great place to live. Imagine a city that can have four seasons in the same day, with nice restaurants between white sand beaches, surrounded by wineries, and still manages to have a convenient size to be able to move around easily.<br /><br />The city is very walkable and still offers great day trips in the region for everyone to enjoy. My only hope would have been to have less windy weather for a short while so that I could have seen the city from above the Table Mountain, but I guess you always have to leave something behind come back to. For me that something in Cape Town would have been the <a href="http://tablemountain.net/">Table Mountain Cableway</a>.<br /><br /><br /><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td width="10%"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s1600/Final_Sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnKKIE76Sw4/TWz8dPawp9I/AAAAAAAAB-8/42txX3FH8Hk/s200/Final_Sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111617690380242" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="90%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Westin</span><br />[<a href="http://www.westincapetown.com/">http://www.westincapetown.com/</a>]<br />Well situated at the end of Long Street and next to the convention center, the Westin is a nice place to stay (if you can afford). Breakfasts are amazing and the view form the top floor is stupendous. Too bad highways are too close to the windows.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hudsons (The Burger Joint)<br /></span>[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1722390-d1724605-r57975006-Hudsons_the_Burger_Joint-Cape_Town_Western_Cape.html">Kloof Street</a>]<br />A burger joint that offers decent finger food for you to upload some calories on your way down Kloof Street.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aubergine</span><br />[<a href="http://www.aubergine.co.za/">http://www.aubergine.co.za/</a>]<br />Sophisticated fine dining in Cape Town, this place has been ranked among the top restaurants in the city for many years. Service, wine and atmosphere are all here to prove that food is not the only thing that matters when you want to have a nice dinner. Make sure you book in advance for dinner. On the contrary lunch is usually easy to show up at the last minute … if it's between noon and two.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Colombe</span><br />[<a href="http://www.constantia-uitsig.com/">http://www.constantia-uitsig.com/</a>]<br />La Colombe is ranked 12th in the world by the San Pellegrino "<a href="http://www.theworlds50best.com/awards/1-50-winners">World's Best Restaurants</a>" ratings in 2010. What to say, except that this was the best restaurant I went to during my trip. Everything was excellent. If there was only one restaurant to choose from, this would be the one. <span style="font-weight: bold;">A MUST TRY!<br /><br /></span></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Africa Café</span><br />[<a href="http://www.africacafe.co.za/">http://www.africacafe.co.za/</a>]<br />This traditional restaurant in the city centre serves communal feasts consisting of traditional Ndebele, Xhosa and Zulu dishes. The only option to choose from is from the wine list. The rest will come as a set menu (14 courses) and by waves of different taste. At the end of the dinner, all waiters came together to sing traditional songs for guests. Typical café to eat when visiting Cape Town.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s1600/Final_Eating.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhx9qp1NQUU/TWz8c6aJUeI/AAAAAAAAB-s/gvwPNpeK5yc/s200/Final_Eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111612050657762" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Addis in Cape</span><br />[<a href="http://www.addisincape.co.za/">http://www.addisincape.co.za/</a>]<br />Addis is an Ethiopian traditional restaurant with a large platter to share the different short and very tasteful dishes you can select from the menu. Unroll your injera bread and dip it in the various foods on the communal platter. Make sure you have time for the traditional coffee ceremony at the end.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pan African Market</span><br />[76 Long Street]<br />A large house converted into many shops to sell art & crafts at a more decent price than many other markets in town. Don't forget to bring time and a bargaining tongue while there.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Greenmarket Square</span><br />[Between Short and Long Market Streets]<br />You cannot visit Cape Town and not visit one of its oldest markets. This is where Capetonians have been buying their clothing, jewellery, sandals, crafts and knick-knacks for years. Don't miss it or you would have lost a classic tour. Don't forget as well to look around the square in the shops in which you could see fantastic pieces of art at more expensive prices.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Waterfront Craft Marke</span>t<br />[<a href="http://www.waterfront.co.za/">http://www.waterfront.co.za/</a>]<br />Recently built (with Dubai money), the waterfront area is a brand new place for the young & wealthy to play the shopping game. Malls, restaurants, shops, museums, art and crafts are all there to make any visitor happy. Prices are not that funny though.<br /><br /></td></tr><tr> <td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s1600/Final_Shopping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 43px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bC-ve0Jtgo/TWz8dHBJPaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ziINQG3VKjU/s200/Final_Shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579111615435455906" border="0" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mali South</span><br />[90 Long Street]<br />This place is a delight to stop by when you have time. The owner will explain everything in his shop and can make your day by telling you all the stories you want, including the one in which he sold 41 Obama print shirts on New Year's Eve to American tourists.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bWgRsNOKT4/TWyuvZS_00I/AAAAAAAAB9M/2L5Hmo3akDs/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bWgRsNOKT4/TWyuvZS_00I/AAAAAAAAB9M/2L5Hmo3akDs/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579026167672853314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wine Tasting at <a href="http://www.delaire.co.za/">Delaire</a></span></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">More Comments</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.hermanus.co.za/">Hermanus</a> is on the Garden Route and is only 1.5 h away from Cape Town. If you want to see whales or Great whites (check the season) that is the place to go.</li><li>Addo Elephant National Park [<a href="http://www.addoelephant.com/parks/addo/">http://www.addoelephant.com/parks/addo/</a>] could be a nice alternative to see wild life if you are not into private lodge, national parks and mosquitoes.<br /></li><li>Robben Island Museum [<a href="http://www.robben-island.org.za/">http://www.robben-island.org.za/</a>], where Nelson Mandela spent most of his prison time, is a half day visit from Cape Town by ferry. Must get tickets in advance [<a href="http://www.webtickets.co.za/robbenisland/">http://www.webtickets.co.za/robbenisland/</a>] though.<br /></li><li>Rental cars are the best way to see most of the country. Main providers are the usual suspects: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.budget.co.za">Budget</a>, <a href="https://www.hertz.co.za/">Hertz</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.avis.co.za">Avis</a>. Only <a href="https://www.hertz.co.za/">Hertz</a> accepts an English-translated driving license, the other two require an English language driving license or International driving permit.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://www.traveljigsawgroup.com/">TravelJigsaw</a> can help you make your rental car search.</li><li>Cape Heritage Hotel [<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.capeheritage.co.za">www.capeheritage.co.za</a>] in Cape Town was highly recommended with a great location, and an excellent staff.</li><li>Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus [<a href="http://www.citysightseeing.co.za/">http://www.citysightseeing.co.za/</a>] is a great way to visit the city.</li><li>The Blues Restaurant [<a href="http://www.blues.co.za/">http://www.blues.co.za/</a>] at Camps Bay is a nice seafood place.<br /></li><li>It takes one full day of driving to visit Cape Point from Cape Town.<br /></li><li>The best way to drive around the Cape Peninsula is to go around clockwise. Start at Kalk Bay, then go along Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town, all the way to Cape Point (Lighthouse + Cape Point). Drive along the western coast to Hout Bay, via Chapman's Peak Drive for amazing cliff views and look-out points. Then come back at sunset along Camps Bay for dinner.</li></ul>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-81762904278533068262011-01-18T11:37:00.006-05:002011-01-19T21:15:32.057-05:00New York City with a blanketFew cities in the world are more famous than the country they reside in, and among this small list only few of them are not a capital of their own country. I can only think of four major cities that are tag along this line: Sydney, Shanghai, Montreal and New York City (I am sure that there is more out there, but I am using these four as examples for my entry since I had a chance to visit them in my life). The communality of this four fantastic is that they all are (or were) a financial center of their country and an art reference of their own regionally if not globally. It is almost if by refusing political power, theses cities had to find another form of power to exist, and money and arts were the only two available.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcYzmF8cfI/AAAAAAAAB74/xP99Hhgp8cU/s1600/IMG_9364.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcYzmF8cfI/AAAAAAAAB74/xP99Hhgp8cU/s320/IMG_9364.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563943139317412338" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Empire State Building</span></span></div><br /><br />When traveling to one of the four fantastic, people often do not mention the country first and circle down to the city, but say it simply as a trademark or put it reverse if some misunderstanding is still lagging. We go to New York, or Montreal. We do not go to China - Shanghai, or Australia - Sydney. The four fantastic are standing by themselves alone and are magnets for urban adventurers. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcY0KdUkAI/AAAAAAAAB8A/MsE9v3HtM1M/s1600/IMG_9644.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcY0KdUkAI/AAAAAAAAB8A/MsE9v3HtM1M/s320/IMG_9644.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563943149079138306" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Central Park Snowed Out<br /></span></span></div><br /><br />But among all of these fantastic cities, New York City is a very peculiar city itself. Build around villages, all urban tribes reside in the city. If you prefer roaming around money, the Financial District is for you; if you prefer the trendyness, Williamsburg in Brooklyn is for you; if you prefer X, Y is for you. Each and every urban tribe has a place to draw its boundaries against the others ones, and define it own identity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcY0pTPjKI/AAAAAAAAB8I/CnBJ-dumj-0/s1600/IMG_9838.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcY0pTPjKI/AAAAAAAAB8I/CnBJ-dumj-0/s320/IMG_9838.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563943157358365858" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brooklyn Bridge</span></span></div><br /><br />Spending time in each and every borough of New Yrok City gives you an understanding of what mixity, mixture and mixed could result and influence on each other. No judgments is passed on you because you like of prefer certain things, everything exist and survive if enough people would like to congregate around a common desire. These places are a unique center of exploration and tolerance for self discovery among a group of people.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcY03fxYdI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/3XxiGvuaUnE/s1600/XIMG_0033.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcY03fxYdI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/3XxiGvuaUnE/s320/XIMG_0033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563943161169011154" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MoMA</span></span></div><br /><br />And because everything exist under the sun in a city like New York City, accessible all the time, and a tip of a toe, the city has manage to change and behave like the world is doing, Responding to the rhythm of the world and filling it. Big Apple is in a certain way a mini planet where everything is possible if you spend enough time doing it. It is because specifically everything exists, that people who can handle the megalopolis urban life will end up living into it. New York City is not for everybody, but New York City is everybody.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-52845767453210954402011-01-17T09:47:00.002-05:002011-01-19T20:57:32.471-05:00New York City AddressesTo add from the previous <a href="http://www.mintalo.com/2007/08/new-york-city-address-usa.html">list of addresses</a><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Hotels]]</font><br /><ul><li><font style="font-weight: bold;">Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan SoHo Village</font><br />66 Charlton Street [<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1537">Link</a>]<br />Very centrally located hotel, in the middle of SoHo and between TriBeCa and Chelsea. The small rooms are a bit pricey and could maybe be upgraded to a higher standard for Sheraton standard.<br /></li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></ul><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcJ4KCT_vI/AAAAAAAAB7g/oyo9Yk3NVMo/s1600/IMG_9530.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcJ4KCT_vI/AAAAAAAAB7g/oyo9Yk3NVMo/s320/IMG_9530.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563926725010915058" border="0"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><font style="font-weight: bold;">Bubby's</font></font></div><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Restaurants]]</font><br /><br /><ul><li><font style="font-weight: bold;">Bubby's</font><br /><font style="visibility: visible;" id="search">120 Hudson Street [<a href="http://bubbys.com/">Link</a>]<br />This restaurant in TriBeCa is an institution in New York City for brunches. Plates are not only good, but also large and tasty. Line up over the weekend is much larger than the menu and don't expect to still a table with a smile, bring a portable chair for your waiting at the entrance. Think laterally and go there at 8AM or 10PM for brunches. Must Try. </font><br /></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcJ4RK0gPI/AAAAAAAAB7o/yO7W-N_pBXI/s1600/IMG_9805.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcJ4RK0gPI/AAAAAAAAB7o/yO7W-N_pBXI/s320/IMG_9805.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563926726925648114" border="0"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><font style="font-weight: bold;">Blueberries Pancakes at Bubby's</font></font></div><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><font style="font-weight: bold;">The Odeon</font><br /><font style="visibility: visible;" id="search">145 West Broadway</font> [<a href="http://theodeonrestaurant.com/">Link</a>]<br />Titled mirrors, red velvet banquettes and high ceilings make this place a typical French restaurant in the middle of TribeCa. Better make a booking call than showing up at the door without a reservation. No wonder why this restaurant has been there for so long.<br /><br /></li><li><font style="font-weight: bold;">202 Restaurant</font><br />Inside Chelsea Market [<a href="http://www.chelseamarket.com/">Link</a>]<br />One of these restaurant that sell clothes, accessories and wines. This large place with small tables is a perfect setting for drinks and discussions.<br /><br /></li><li><font style="font-weight: bold;">The Harrisson</font><br />355 Greenwich Street [<a href="http://www.theharrison.com/harrison.php">Link</a>]<br />Modern French Cuisine with old style service in TriBeCa.<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcSCiwX7_I/AAAAAAAAB7w/V3i4YaGjaLM/s1600/IMG_9318.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTcSCiwX7_I/AAAAAAAAB7w/V3i4YaGjaLM/s320/IMG_9318.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563935699538276338" border="0"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><font style="font-weight: bold;">Best Cheeseburger in NYC<br />is at Corner Bistro [</font></font><a href="http://cornerbistrony.com/"><font style="visibility: visible;" id="search">331 West 4th Street</font></a><font size="2"><font style="font-weight: bold;">]</font></font><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Bars]]</font><br /><ul><li><font style="font-weight: bold;">Apotheke</font><br />9 Doyers Street [<a href="http://www.apothekenyc.com/index2.html">Link</a>]<br />Don't get repulse by the strange window and push the door. A large bar at the back provides ample of drinks for the small tables disperses around the place. Cocktails are listed as cures for health conditions but go much better than any remedies I took in my life.<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><font style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Ice Cream]]</font><br /><ul><li><font style="font-weight: bold;">The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory</font><br /><font style="visibility: visible;" id="search">65 Bayard Street</font> [<a href="http://www.chinatownicecreamfactory.com/">Link</a>]<br />What's wrong with a homemade ice cream in Chinatown ? Maybe because the ice cream is warmer than the weather outside, but beside this small detail must try it.</li></ul>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-79258546476075722572010-12-16T20:57:00.006-05:002012-01-25T06:10:13.117-05:004-0 in ParadiseCrossing a line is always exhilarating and it is usually the result of hard work, detail planning and skilful execution. When I cross the 40 years old cross line I experience nothing of this. I was more filled with happiness or contentment than complacence or comfort. I realized that I made a mark on a calendar for other people to look at rather than a mark in life to look after. In fact I consider that my real life was finally beginning, and my training life was lastly ending.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetohucV1I/AAAAAAAAB8g/Mhyc0eyysxc/s1600/IMG_8650.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetohucV1I/AAAAAAAAB8g/Mhyc0eyysxc/s320/IMG_8650.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564106776399075154" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Maya Bay at Phi Phi Leh<br /></span></div><br /><br />With my wife and my family at my side, my 40 year old birthday took place in paradisiac Thailand. Never in my life I would have imagined that [a] one day I would be in Thailand [b] all the persons I love would be around me for a birthday, and [c] cross the 40 years mark. It runs in my family that men have a tendency to rush to the finish line earlier than most of the rest of the population, and therefore I would also be part of the family ritual. Nothing was certain, but it always lay low in my mind that this is something that could happen not expected though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetpL522gI/AAAAAAAAB8o/t9pz1RRJOq4/s1600/IMG_8801.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetpL522gI/AAAAAAAAB8o/t9pz1RRJOq4/s320/IMG_8801.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564106787721239042" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chaise Longue on Khai Nai Island<br /></span></div><br /><br />My early years of my life were therefore dedicated to collect as much as possible for the maybe later stage … if it ever happen. And then the time made its mark, I realized that I could go on longer and maybe faster than most family habits. After careful investigations, deep explorations, and evitable detours I encounter what I consider to be my solid foundation in my new next stage in my life: my wife. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetp8mWoeI/AAAAAAAAB8w/qgDvlkvJwt4/s1600/IMG_8840.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetp8mWoeI/AAAAAAAAB8w/qgDvlkvJwt4/s320/IMG_8840.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564106800792773090" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Khai Nai Island</span></div><br /><br />In picture perfect Thailand, next to the beach chaise longue and under the equatorial sun, my decision was made clear then. In my next 40 years I will build on what I was doing so far, enjoying traveling around the world, and build on a new family of my own so that one day someone could also take the person he or she loves in a unique place to celebrate a 40 years birthday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetqL6IqDI/AAAAAAAAB84/kQ0kn0bwnLY/s1600/IMG_9004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTetqL6IqDI/AAAAAAAAB84/kQ0kn0bwnLY/s320/IMG_9004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564106804902275122" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Elephant at a Farm<br /></span></div><br /><br />In reality 40 is not a big number, not even scary when it passes next to you. It doesn’t have a weird face, large shoulder and strange accent. 40 is in fact a plain normal number. It is what you have decided to do with it that could be big.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-52026454301677743902010-12-15T20:56:00.005-05:002011-01-19T22:17:21.394-05:00Phukhet Addresses<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Hotel]]</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boomerang Village</span><br />9/11-13 Patak Rd | soi 10, Kata, Phuket 83100, Thailand [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1210687-d618541-Reviews-Boomerang_Village-Kata_Phuket.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://www.phuketboomerang.com/">Link</a>]<br />On top of the hill of Kata, 15 minutes away from the beach, resides a hidden place full of bugallows and large smiles. Rooms are simple yet clean and spacious. Views are certainly the best of the place and should be given to anyone in town. A safe place in paradise.<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTeoueDDwtI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/vI84OpW0IDI/s1600/IMG_9074.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TTeoueDDwtI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/vI84OpW0IDI/s320/IMG_9074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564101380932879058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Restaurant]]</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kampong Kata Hill</span><br /><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">4 Karon Road, Kata, Phuket, Thailand [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1210687-d1792406-Reviews-Kampong_Kata_Hill-Kata_Phuket.html">TripAdvisor</a>] [<a href="http://www.phuket.com/magazine/kampong-kata-hill.htm">Link</a>]<br />The </span>service is as good as the place and the food combine together. This must try place in Kata is a sea food place where the best meet the greatest. Among all the best things on the menu, curies and fish are the most rewarding entertainment plate out.</li></ul>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-87456672005127280732010-10-04T03:40:00.007-04:002010-10-10T22:39:29.901-04:00KL Per HourThere is nothing worse than coming back from a weekend trip with food poisoning … except maybe starting a weekend trip with food poisoning already. This is what happened to J. unfortunately, on our weekend escape to Kuala Lumpur (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuala_Lumpur">KL</a>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3CnYeBGQI/AAAAAAAAB6c/WECuQYEzzRo/s1600/IMG_7867.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3CnYeBGQI/AAAAAAAAB6c/WECuQYEzzRo/s320/IMG_7867.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525286299692505346" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Twins</span></div><br /><br />On a Thursday night, out of a sparkling moment of joy we decided to change our busy weekend routine to take a flight out of Singapore on a run to the nearest destination. After few clicks and quick investigation, the capital of Malaysia seemed to be a fair deal for the buck: major food capital of Asia, with large and new shopping centers and the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petronas_Towers">Petronas Twin Towers</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3Cn4D9fiI/AAAAAAAAB6k/dWbDdlKRcNI/s1600/IMG_7884.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3Cn4D9fiI/AAAAAAAAB6k/dWbDdlKRcNI/s320/IMG_7884.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525286308173151778" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Twin View from Aside</span></div><br /><br />Hotel was booked, flights were locked, camera was charged, and bag was for once almost packed the day before and all of that within a couple of hours. Nothing could spoil our weekend well deserved after all the work we have been putting in lately. But it all started early in the morning and the breakfast did not stay long enough in the stomach to make a lasting impression on J. With some careful planning and smart logistics we both managed to reach the hotel lobby with less than more damage. Legs were weak and stomach light, but nothing that a long and comfortable night could fix, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3CoOFp8GI/AAAAAAAAB6s/gJ807Zv6-iU/s1600/IMG_7917.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3CoOFp8GI/AAAAAAAAB6s/gJ807Zv6-iU/s320/IMG_7917.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525286314085838946" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Smile at the Twins</span></div><br /><br />ERROR #1<br />With no strength to move around the bedroom of the hotel, it was certainly not possible to explore one of the most humid and hottest cities in the world. The goal was then to trick the beast, and to charcoal the bug while refueling fluids to keep a minimum of energy level. The scam seemed to work out perfectly. We squeezed just enough time for the two of us to explore the shopping center district and its AC-ed promise land, and to visit the Petronas tower from afar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3HTUBut8I/AAAAAAAAB60/JpY3tmozYaE/s1600/IMG_8039.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3HTUBut8I/AAAAAAAAB60/JpY3tmozYaE/s320/IMG_8039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525291452460873666" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Twin Towers at Night</span></div><br /><br />With so much rebound joy and with the largest Malay food menu in front of you, no one could resist the temptation, and the cooling night at <a href="http://www.bijanrestaurant.com/">Bijan</a> was a parenthesis in the life of the traveler with a bug. The immediate refueled energy out of the marvelous dinner at Bijan lasted just enough for us to take few pictures of the fantastic tower at night from underneath and from afar at the <a href="http://www.skybar.com.my/">SkyBar</a>. The night of dancing that we planned before at the nearby <a href="http://www.zoukclub.com.my/">Zouk</a> was replaced instead by a mocktail at the hotel Sky Lounge watching the outside line-up growing longer by the night club under a light rain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3HTxJqHzI/AAAAAAAAB68/eHOvUCI5KKY/s1600/IMG_8089.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3HTxJqHzI/AAAAAAAAB68/eHOvUCI5KKY/s320/IMG_8089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525291460278755122" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Twins under the Spotlights</span></div><br /><br />ERROR #2<br />J. spent instead the long night dancing in the bathroom while I was inconsiderately sleeping my food off in the bedroom. The next day, after a long flight back of 45 minutes fighting against crowd, delays, traffic, low budget airline and bureaucracy we both made it on time back in Singapore for a scheduled recovery in bed and hot congee.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3HUBrgmRI/AAAAAAAAB7E/e3al1IRMZqk/s1600/IMG_8151.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK3HUBrgmRI/AAAAAAAAB7E/e3al1IRMZqk/s320/IMG_8151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525291464715704594" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Clouds Stuck in Towers</span></div><br /><br />No traveler with a bug can recover in 24 hours and food poisoning should not be taken lightly at all.<br /><br />As for KL, the city seems to be as good as it looks. Food seems great, shopping interesting and the city has even some surprising places to entertain the pleasing crowd at night. KL looks like what Singapore was maybe 20 years ago with some pockets of modernity here and there, but in of serious urban planning. We have to go back there to make sure we have the right impression and this time with no bug inside!Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-56412794237090963292010-10-03T03:37:00.007-04:002010-10-07T06:22:57.568-04:00Kuala Lumpur addressesEven though downtown Kuala Lumpur (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuala_Lumpur">KL</a>) is small in size, it is quite difficult to move from one district to another. Highways and construction sites prevents tourists from jumping from one spot to the next unfortunately. The best way to discover the city would be to use taxis or the over pass monorail that cross the city from North to South.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Hotel]]</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotel Maya</span><br />[<a href="http://www.hotelmaya.com.my/">http://www.hotelmaya.com.my</a>]<br />Off the main road, in front of the tower, Maya Hotel is a brand new modern 20+ levels where you can find design room for your taste. The glass bathroom is as big as the bedroom overlooking the space. Make sure to bring your earplug since you are squeeze between the highway, the Muslim cemetery, Zouk and the main road to the towers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK2SK2YDlGI/AAAAAAAAB6U/0_BEjF16GaY/s1600/IMG_8148.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK2SK2YDlGI/AAAAAAAAB6U/0_BEjF16GaY/s320/IMG_8148.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525233032946226274" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Sky Lounge @ Maya Hotel</span></div><br /></li><br /><br /><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur</span><br />[<a href="http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/kualalumpur/traders">Link</a>]<br />Opposite the Towers, across the KLCC park, the Traders host not only the famous SkyBar but also nice restaurants and large room for your stay. Not easy to find but quiet and reclusive. If price is not an issue then Traders will suit you.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nikko Hotel KL</span><br />[<a href="http://www.hotelnikko.com.my/">http://www.hotelnikko.com.my/</a>]<br />From outside, the giant chandelier overlooking the entrance is a mark of what bing-bing China could have exported around the world. But for business or leisure Nikko is at an ideal location for any stay in KL.<br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Restaurant]]</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bijan Restaurant</span><br />[<a href="http://www.bijanrestaurant.com/">http://www.bijanrestaurant.com</a>]<br />If I had to choose one, that would be the one. Not that I try any other restaurant in KL, but this one was nicely placed, decorated and delivered. Malay cuisine at its best with fantastic taste and great presentation. Bill was on the high side but was fine to swallow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK2SKC8LFOI/AAAAAAAAB6E/KnN1nPlz2eE/s1600/IMG_8020.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK2SKC8LFOI/AAAAAAAAB6E/KnN1nPlz2eE/s320/IMG_8020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525233019139069154" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Bijan Restaurant</span></div><br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jalan Alor (Street Food)</span><br />Less and less food stolls survive the KL's Mall Frenzie nowadays, but the best of the rest are only in on place: Jln Alor. Ask any taxi driver to drop you off at Alor Jln, at night and you will enjoy a great time of pick and choose before you move.<br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Shopping]]</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pavilion Kuala Lumpur</span><br />[<a href="http://www.pavilion-kl.com/">http://www.pavilion-kl.com/</a>]<br />Once enter in the mall, you forget that you are in KL, but wonder if you haven't landed in Dubai or USA. Large space with great inventory shops with plenty of light and seats along the way to make you stay as long as possible to spend your few $. The food court (Food Republic + others restaurants) is a true alternative to street food.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">KLCC Suria Mall</span><br />[<a href="http://www.suriaklcc.com.my/">http://www.suriaklcc.com.my/</a>]<br />Under the Petronas Tower reside a large shopping mall where all brands compete to display their latest inventory. Nice stay over after the visit of the Towers<br /><br /></li><li style="font-weight: bold;">Bukit Bintang Street<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Along the shopping commercial street you will fins all the new and modern mall that you could imagine. Since KL is in constant make-over, don't be surprise to see a 30 yrs old shopping mall next to the latest one.</span><br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Bar & Dancing]]</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sky Bar</span><br />[<a href="http://www.skybar.com.my/">http://www.skybar.com.my/</a>]<br />At the Level 33 of the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s international hotel seat a Bar overlooking the KLCC and the Twins Tower. Be sure to come between 8PM and Midnight to enjoy the lights on the Towers and the techno lounge music at the same time. Too bad that the swimming pool could not be converted into a dance floor at night, because it is taking too much of the nice Sky Bar space.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK2SKnZOWeI/AAAAAAAAB6M/A9UPww8tZy0/s1600/IMG_8107.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/TK2SKnZOWeI/AAAAAAAAB6M/A9UPww8tZy0/s320/IMG_8107.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525233028924594658" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Sky Bar @ Traders Hotel</span></div><br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zouk</span><br />[<a href="http://www.zoukclub.com.my/">http://www.zoukclub.com.my/</a>]<br />The sister (or mother I should say) ship in Singapore has an international reputation crossing the ocean. The on in KL has also a fantastic line-up and a splendid location. Saturday night is a fight to get in and a move your body on the dance floor. When on the road to KL do not forget your dancing shoes, that would be a mistake to skip this place.<br /></li></ul>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-55329895903767825792010-03-16T20:55:00.006-04:002010-03-17T05:11:46.696-04:00Ski, Sauna & SushiThe first picture that came to my mind when my friend Y. proposed a few weeks ago to do some skiing in Japan was the now defunct indoor ski slopes at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSAWS">Japan SSAWS dome</a> that you can see when you are taking the bus from Narita airport on your way to downtown Tokyo. Not very exciting, yet interesting to try for a day or so; but I was willing to get myself into trouble for the sake of swallowing some snowflakes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6ArVVhvZEI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/AbqPdqzliIA/s1600-h/IMG_7091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6ArVVhvZEI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/AbqPdqzliIA/s320/IMG_7091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449403194674209858" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">[Niseko Ski Resort]</span></span><br /></div><br /><br />The problem was that the last time I spent more than two days skiing in a row, George W. Bush Senior was president of the US, and my skis were bigger than me by a large 20cm. I was a bit anxious to find if the latest technical advancement, the ones called the “<span style="font-style: italic;">curved ski</span>” could fit my feet the same way I remember the large and heavy flat pieces of wood did. Nonetheless I was extremely pleased to picture myself falling in the snow powder, and finally put my four months' of new routine daily running to a more useful goal than the one I found so far: impress the two dog walkers I have met so far in the park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6ArV838dFI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/ReBTmEDqL4Y/s1600-h/IMG_7095.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6ArV838dFI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/ReBTmEDqL4Y/s320/IMG_7095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449403205236323410" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">[Bus Ride to Niseko Ski Resort]</span></span><br /></div><br /><br />My Japanese friend Y. convinced us that the best place to ski in Japan was to go as far away from civilization as possible. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niseko">Niseko</a> in the northern Hokkaido Island would be the place to spend five consecutive days for the winter ski vacation. A red-eye flight plus a local connection flight and a bus trip later helped all of us reach safely the lost hotel, which was covered by snow, ready to be spoiled by human giant feet named ski.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6ArWbP336I/AAAAAAAAB5g/TEm_0-bjNv0/s1600-h/IMG_7149.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6ArWbP336I/AAAAAAAAB5g/TEm_0-bjNv0/s320/IMG_7149.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449403213389750178" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">[Old Hokkaido Government Building<br />(Akarengo), Sapporo]</span></span><br /></div><br /><br />Although Singapore is not the reference on the planet to do winter gear shopping, we managed just before the plane take-off to do a weekend shopping for the minimum equipment needed for enduring the cold days of Hokkaido. To my surprise all of our winter equipment was almost adequate for the trip, but was definitely lacking the sex appeal that now winter sport-men and sport-women inflict upon each other. We neither had flashy pants nor flamboyant jackets; just few supposedly water repellent outfits that might protect us from the lubricious snow which always finds its way down to your underwear no matter how many layers you put on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqAeTr4MI/AAAAAAAAB4w/Kj-IGvSzrH8/s1600-h/IMG_7306.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqAeTr4MI/AAAAAAAAB4w/Kj-IGvSzrH8/s320/IMG_7306.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449401736742297794" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">[Sapporo Beer Museum]</span></span></div><br /><br />On my first day on the slopes I was shocked by what I saw around me. Looking at the crowd confirmed that I was now part of the second last generation, and the only way to confirm my age would be now to use the carbon dating technique. I was barely the only skier around with this awkward instrument named skis, everyone around me had snowboards. The over supply in skis at the rental place should have alarmed me, but I was blinded by my over-excitement of going down the slopes again. Details exist to be paid attention to and I should have been more careful. But I didn’t care and confronted the entire planet; and like a pine tree in a snow storm I was ready to bend but not give up. Ski was my decision; ski will be my tools of enjoyment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqAwZFbzI/AAAAAAAAB44/DfPFZiJYNXk/s1600-h/IMG_7315.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqAwZFbzI/AAAAAAAAB44/DfPFZiJYNXk/s320/IMG_7315.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449401741596782386" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">[Sapporo Beer]</span></span></div><br /><br />My first runs were a delight in one of the best powder I had ever had the pleasure to scar. Long curves in a light and dry snow powder were my winter happiness under the sun of Hokkaido. It took me a few slopes to adjust myself to the new style and put back in mind the memory muscle I had built over my young age of downhill race competition across the French mountains. Like a Grandpa would say, “<span style="font-style: italic;">the new skis are easier to turn with and less difficult to manage. In my days…</span>” The first three days were a compilation of hot chocolate drinking, slope runs swallowing, picture and video taking under the glorious sun of Niseko in Japan. With a small caveat though, my fellow winter snowboard companions were complaining more often than usual about sore muscles and weak leg ligaments. And the double intake of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen"><span style="font-style: italic;">Onsen</span></a> (Hot Spring and Sauna) at the hotel was becoming insufficient to heal the daily effort and contusions. My revenge was touting around the forest of pine trees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqBd_mC9I/AAAAAAAAB5A/xfAelR9tqL4/s1600-h/IMG_7411.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqBd_mC9I/AAAAAAAAB5A/xfAelR9tqL4/s320/IMG_7411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449401753837898706" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">[JR Tower West View, Sapporo]</span></span></div><br /><br />With an angelic smile and honest suggestion, I proposed to my snowboard friends (yes I have snowboarder friends) to teach them a more easy way to endure the runs, but that would require them to sacrifice their cool factor and switch to the ancient practice of skiing. I think that the curiosity of using a depleted technique as well as the extreme state of pain they put themselves into, pushed them to accept my proposition for the last two days of our winter vacation. I have to say that I was quite impressed by the progress they made over such a short period of time, but it took them only few runs to handle the antique practice of ski and enjoy themselves in a far easier way that the one they were doing prior.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqB-IHiZI/AAAAAAAAB5I/apxi3ZBw614/s1600-h/IMG_7425.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6AqB-IHiZI/AAAAAAAAB5I/apxi3ZBw614/s320/IMG_7425.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449401762463582610" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">[JR Tower South View</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">, Sapporo</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">]</span></span></div><br /><br />I was not alone anymore. We were now three skiers on the slopes of Niseko. It took me a few days to convince two snowboarders to switch to ski, and now, only few million left to go.Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27139241.post-31774688877973538032010-03-15T20:45:00.012-04:002010-03-17T05:12:00.347-04:00Sapporo Addresses<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo">Sapporo </a>is the fifth-largest city in Japan by population and the capital of Hokkaidō Prefecture. Sapporo is best known outside Japan for hosting the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_Winter_Olympics">1972 Winter Olympics</a>, the first ever held in Asia, and for the annual Yuki Matsuri in the city, internationally referred to as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_Snow_Festival">Sapporo Snow Festival</a>, which draws more than 2 million tourists from around the world.<br /><br />English maps are usually accessible at every tourist office and is a must have to wander around this small city of northern Japan.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Hotel]]</span><br /><br />Among the central hotels under 5,000 yen a night, some reference-able ones are:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.gracery.com/en/sapporo/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotel Gracery Sapporo</span></a><br />[<a href="http://web.travel.rakuten.co.jp/portal/my/info_page_e.Eng?f_no=635">Rakuten</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298560-d677314-Reviews-Hotel_Gracery_Sapporo-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Centrally located in front of the JR Train Station, the hotel is known locally by the elderly taxi drivers as the Sapporo Washington Hotel (its previous name). Rooms are small yet modern and clean. Nothing can beat the location and the hotel will give you everything you need for a short stay. The electronic check-out kiosk is a must try if you never did it before.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.aspen-hotel.co.jp/english/frame.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aspen Sapporo Hotel</span></a><br />[<a href="http://web.travel.rakuten.co.jp/portal/my/info_page_e.Eng?f_no=625">Rakuten</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298560-d319652-Reviews-Sapporo_Aspen_Hotel-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Another under the 5,000 yen a night per person hotel, centrally located but less modern than the Gracery. In case the previous hotel is full.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.richmondhotel.jp/en/sapporo-ekimae/index.php"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Richmond Sapporo Ekimae</span></a><br />[<a href="http://web.travel.rakuten.co.jp/portal/my/info_page_e.Eng?f_no=50125">Rakuten</a>] [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298560-d1091448-Reviews-Richmond_Hotel_Sapporoekimae-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br />Back-up plan if you cannot find a rooms in previous spots.<br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Restaurants]]</span><br />Sapporo is well known in Japan for its fresh Seafood (Hairy Crab, White Crab, Sushi, etc...), locally produced Beer and Ramen culinary expertise.<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.ebikanigassen.co.jp/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ebikanigassen</span></a> (Ph: 011-210-0411)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">F45 Bldg.12F,S4,W5,Chuo-ku,Sapporo</span><br /><br />In this well established place which does more than 70 types of prawn and crab dishes, the view is nice overlooking the Susukino. “All-you-can-eat plan,” which is offered at reasonable prices is very popular among locals and tourists. “<a href="http://www.sapporo-cci.or.jp/suishou/restaurant03.html">Ebikanigassen</a> party course,” which is also substantial and reasonably priced is winning great popularity, even among local people.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.fusion.co.jp/kikuzushi/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kikuzushi </span></a>(Ph: 011 511 9357)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Minami 5 Nishi 3, Grand Taiyo Building, Sapporo, 064-0804</span> [<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298560-d1197806-Reviews-Kikuzushi-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html">TripAdvisor</a>]<br /><br />This sushi restaurant has been in continuous operation since the Taisho period (1912-26), and it is considered to serve the some of freshest fish and seafood in the whole of Japan. The extremely reasonable priced <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omakase"><span style="font-style: italic;">Omakase</span></a> (which will let the chef choose your meal) includes both miso soup and as much green tea as you can drink. Also renowned for its huge selection of Japanese sake, the restaurant always delivers on what is consider the best place to eat sushi in Japan.<br /><br /></li><li><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://ramen-zero.com/">Sapporo Noodle Zero</a> (Ph: 011-219-5200)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chuo-ku Minami 2, Nishi 1-chome, Sapporo (Tanuki Koji, 1-chome)</span><br />5-min walking distance from South Station subway line 5<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6Amod_0jkI/AAAAAAAAB4o/tVEl26yuZEY/s1600-h/IMG_7235.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uSvUTw_ek_Q/S6Amod_0jkI/AAAAAAAAB4o/tVEl26yuZEY/s320/IMG_7235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449398025807236674" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sapporo Noodle Zero Ramen Restaurant</span></span></div><br /><br />Sapporo has two main Ramen streets, the <a href="http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/hokkaido/sapporo_ramen_yokocho.html">Ramen Alley</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo#Cuisine">New Ramen Alley</a> to choose from. But a nice Ramen place called Noodle Zero lived up to its local recommendation. Before you sit, pay at the machine by push-button selecting the item you want, give the ticket to the waitress and wait a few minutes to have the bowl of hot noodle in front of you.<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Drinks]]</span><br />Usually located around the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susukino">Susukino</a> district (Sapporo's version of Tokyo Ginza), bars are everywhere if you look for them. Sunday sees bars closing at midnight and only few places offer some late drinks.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://eightcafe.jimdo.com/">eight Ricefield cafe</a> (Ph 011-531-4681)<br />The place was one of the few that was open late at night serving food and drinks. An interesting concept at the time was the all-you-can-eat or all-you-can-drink for a limited amount of time (90 minutes usually). A great idea to load up on carbs or alcohol before going to the next step.<br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[To Do]]</span><br />Sapporo is a walking city. Make sure you are located next to the train station for your shopping experience or at Susukino for your night life experience. If you are in one of these two spots the cab transfer between places will never go over 1,000 yen.<br /><ul><li>Don't miss the annual, seven-day <a href="http://www.snowfes.com/english">Sapporo Snow Festival</a> that takes place in early February. Ice sculptures will be displayed around the city for your eyes' delight.</li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_Clock_Tower">Clock Tower</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Former_Hokkaid%C5%8D_government_office_building">Former Hokkaido Government Building</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_Dome">Sapporo Dome</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_JR_Tower">JR Tower</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Okura_Ski_Jump_Stadium">Ski Jump</a> are the must-stop tour guide references.<br /></li><li>But a much deserved long stop at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_Beer_Museum">Sapporo Beer Museum</a> will take you along the process of making beer from collecting flower to drinking a variety of flavors.<br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susukino">Susukino</a> night life.</li><li><a href="http://www.smarttravelasia.com/Hokkaido.htm">More information</a>, and some <a href="http://uk.holidaysguide.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-7387-sapporo_travel_guide-i">more information</a> as well.<br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[[Transfer]]</span><br /><ul><li>The best way to get to/from <a href="http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/">New Chitose Airport</a> is by train. It's cheaper, faster and always on time. The <a href="http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/access/chitose.html">map</a> gives you an easy point of reference for future transfers to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_Station">Sapporo Train Station</a>.<br /></li></ul>Mintalerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15635135115775915357noreply@blogger.com