Montenegro

Categories: Europe · Montenegro · TravelTags: · · · 1 Comment

Since I had such an impressionable experience on my trip to Dubrovnik in the spring, it was an easy decision to head back to the Adriatic. Montenegro, or the “Black Mountain” is part of the Balkans and adjacent to Croatia. I keep hearing about this tiny and young (having declared its independence in 2006) country as having its moment — although I did not feel that the place had been as spoilt (as yet). Montenegro‘s coastline crams in some of Europe’s most spectacular seaside scenery. With just a population of 600,000 people, Montenegro has a meandering coastline that leads to…

Vielen Dank, Wien

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Austria · Europe · Food · Travel · ViennaTags: · · ·

“Thank you very much, Vienna“ It was a short visit, but sweet, as they say, to what many refer to as “The City of Dreams” (because it was home to the world’s first psycho-analyst Sigmund Freud). There is no shortage of excellent eateries and coffee houses in Vienna. Cafe Museum is a traditional Viennese cafe that opened in 1899 and designed by the famous Adolf Loos. It is also here that the famous Thonet chairs can be found. Erich was named the best restaurant in Vienna by Time Out Magazine. Located in a subterranean bar-restaurant, they serve breakfast, lunch and…

The Belvedere

Categories: Architecture · Art · Austria · Europe · Travel · ViennaTags: · · · ·

The Belvedere was built by Prince Eugene of Savoy upon his arrival at the Habsburg court from Paris at the age of nineteen as a summer home. It consists of two palatial buildings, the Unteres Belvedere (Lower Belvedere) built in 1714 to 1716 and Oberes Belvedere (Upper Belvedere) built between 1721 and 1723. During the reign of Maria Theresa, the Upper Belvedere was used for the first time as a picture gallery to feature works from the imperial collection. Masterpieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele can be found in the Gallery.

Vienna

Categories: Art · Austria · Europe · Travel · ViennaTags: · · · ·

Fifteen years have past since I last visited the majestic city of Vienna. There are plenty of reasons to fall for this Imperial city – as it charms from the first time and simply intensifies each time I come back. Consistently ranked as offering one of the highest quality of life in the world, Vienna entices with magnificent architecture, museums, fabulous eateries — all in a very walkable environment. Museums Quartier is Vienna’s art complex that is home to several renowned museums, including Leopold Museum (with its numerous works by Schiele and Klimt, momok, Az W Architekturzentrum Wien (Architecture museum),…

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…

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…