Cheerio

Categories: Accommodations · England · Europe · Food · London · TravelTags: · ·

Or goodbye, as they say. Another whirlwind of a break, in London this time, for a long weekend. Back to the trusty Michelin Guide for restaurants to try out. A Michelin Bib Gourmand rated casual spot is Polpetto, serving Italian fare. A neighbourhood restaurant serving British dishes is Hereford Road. Located in a converted butcher’s shop, this restaurant serves first rate tasty dishes. I would have not gone for Taiwanese food while in London, but obtaining a Bib Gourmand rating made me want to try out Bao. And I am glad I did! A friend who lives in London recommended…

Artsy London

Categories: Art · England · Europe · London · Photography · TravelTags: · · · · 2 Comments

I made it back to Jolly Old London before Brexit takes place (or not). It has been close to three years since I was last here. One of the main attractions for this trip is to visit the Dale Chihuly exhibit at Kew Gardens, featuring his luminous glass pieces in a spectacular landscape. The other main reason for this long weekend visit is Photo London. Now on its fifth year, this international photography fair features 114 world leading galleries showcasing the work of over 400 artists, both established and emerging.

Hvala Vam

Categories: Accommodations · Croatia · Dubrovnik · Europe · Food · TravelTags: · · · 1 Comment

“Thank you” in Croatian. Goodbye to the magnificent city of Dubrovnik, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch at LAJK Restaurant was very pleasant serving good family style local food. Not to mention the nice view of a church down the street. Located right at the foot of the Jesuit stairs is Konoba Kolosseum, serving both local and international food. The first Michelin Plate restaurant I tried was Restoran Dubrovnik. Located on a rooftop with a very polished service, the dishes were delightful. They serve both tasting and ala carte menus. The best meal I had was at another Michelin…

Dubrovnik

Categories: Croatia · Dubrovnik · Europe · TravelTags: · · ·

The loveliest old city in Croatia, many say, is Dubrovnik. Located in south of the country fronting the Adriatic Sea and in the middle of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is a place that is medieval, mythical and occasionally, magical. The walled-off Old City has parts which date from the 11th century. If it weren’t for the hundreds of other tourists like me, wandering the Old City’s steep cobblestoned streets would feel like time travel. Although this country has existed as Croatia for only 28  years, more than two million tourists descended on Dubrovnik last year. That is undoubtedly helped along by…

Stari Grad

Categories: Architecture · Croatia · Dubrovnik · TravelTags: · · ·

The “Pearl of the Adriatic” became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although it was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration co-ordinated by UNESCO, as it has been designated as a World Heritage site. The entire Stari Grad, or Old Town, is surrounded by the medieval ramparts and city walls, which is Dubrovnik’s main claim to fame. One is able to stroll the…

Mabuhay

Categories: Food · Manila · Philippines · TravelTags: · · · 1 Comment

“It’s always more Fun in the Philippines” as the travel ads say – and indeed it is! It has been five years since I last step foot in the bustling city of Manila. Far too many travelers arrive in this city only to jump on a plane to Boracay or Palawan – it’s their loss as the capital has plenty to offer. There came a point in my visit that I simply had to stop myself from eating – as it seems that the only activity I did during the five days I was here was to stuff myself. Hands down the…

Sawadee

Categories: Accommodations · Bangkok · Food · Thailand · TravelTags: · ·

สวัสดี (Welcome)! My last visit to the Land of Thousand Smiles was in 2013 for a day – as a transit stop on my way to Bhutan. I am back in the city for a reunion with old University friends. Bangkok is an exhilarating attack on the senses – the intense humidity, fast moving tuk-tuks, aromatic spices, gleaming skyscrapers, and the seemingly peaceful boats gliding along the Chao Phraya River. Be it street Food or Michelin restaurants, Bangkok has a lot to offer. Bombyx is one of the restaurants by Jim Thompson (purveyor of silk products) that serves flavourful Thai…

Venice

Categories: Europe · Italy · Travel · VeniceTags: · · ·

Ciao Venice! I can’t believe that my last time to this enchanting city was in 2003 – fifteen years ago! I must admit that part of my hesitation to return to Venice is the several news accounts of daunting crowds of tourists outnumbering locals by two to one. I keep reminding myself that one is never more than a bridge or alley away to a more quiet campi (square) or neighbourhood. Venice continues to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Biennale: Vatican Chapels

Categories: Architecture · Italy · Travel · VeniceTags: · · · ·

Undoubtedly, the Holy See Pavillion stole the show at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale. The Vatican Chapels, located in the woodland of San Giorgio Maggiore Island, felt more intimate away from the main Giardini and Arsenale grounds. The project consists on ten pavilions by ten different practices from around the globe. The roster of names rangers from heavyweights such as Norman Foster and Eduardo Souto de Moura to Smiljan Radic.