September 17, 2011
by Mags
Comments Off on The Only Hotel Overlooking Saint Mark’s Square in Venice
Hotel Concordia, the only hotel overlooking Saint Mark’s Square.
From the small, narrow lane of Calle Larga San Marco, it’s hard to imagine what treasures could be secreted within Hotel Concordia. It’s the only hotel of its kind, backing onto the famously historic Saint Mark’s Square, giving guests and diners a panoramic view that’s surely priceless.
September 17, 2011
by Mags
Comments Off on Doncaster Races: UK Horse Racing
Hats off to the Doncaster Races!
How would I describe Doncaster to a non-British tourist? Let’s put it this way – wherever you hail from, there’s a 99.5% chance that it’s somewhere much nicer. There are few places in the world which rival Doncaster’s mediocrity, but it doesn’t matter how much focus there is on soaring teen pregnancy and abundance in council housing, the Doncaster Races is a notable event for people from all walks of life.
September 15, 2011
by Mags
6 Comments
Cupcakes, the international sign for happiness
Cupcakes = me happy. It’s a simple equation. Wherever my tiny little travel boots take me (I have small oriental feet), a cupcake can turn a frown upside down, a 9 into a 10, and a blank void into an Atomic Kitten song.
September 15, 2011
by Mags
2 Comments
Rijsttafel, the saving grace for Amsterdam restaurants.
One of the biggest culinary crazes in Amsterdam is a little (big) Indonesian outfit called Rijsttafel. Rijsttafel, meaning “rice table”, is a voracious feast of mini set dishes, all beautifully presented and lovingly prepared in Amsterdam restaurants.
September 5, 2011
by Mags
Comments Off on Things to Do in Amsterdam: House of Bols
A test of the senses for liqueur lovers.
Van Gogh was apparently a genius. But other than his lacerated left ear and the lacking sense of dimension in his paintings, his work doesn’t offer anything too exciting. Call me an ignorant philistine, but he had absolutely no dimensional awareness. Down the road however, is House of Bols – if you’re looking for fun yet educational things to do in Amsterdam (or you just want to get tipsy on liqueur), make sure you stop by.
September 4, 2011
by Mags
1 Comment
Yeah, “coffee”, the sort you smoke.
If you’re hankering for a tall, frothy latte with lashings of caramel syrup and grated nutmeg, don’t, whatever you do, go to a “coffee shop”. In Amsterdam, coffee shops are not to be confused with cafes. Unless you want a slightly elevated surprise. Of the mind, that is.
September 1, 2011
by Mags
1 Comment
A story about fashion and Amsterdam bicycle hire
I look pretty damm good on a bicycle. But when you’re accompanied by the brains and espadrilles behind Men’s Fashion Tips in Amsterdam, you have to presage the possibility of being overshadowed by a neater, slicker, more preppy-looking ensemble. His name is Andrew.
August 25, 2011
by Mags
Comments Off on Holidays to China: Manners? What Manners?
Holidays to China, without the awkward silence.
Spitting in the street, pushing and shoving, barefaced staring – just a few of the characteristics you may experience from people when you’re travelling around China. It’s all a part of the Chinese charm; an old man crouching on the side of the street fanning himself with an old newspaper and spitting on the floor, an earsplittingly loud food stall owner pushing her way through the crowd, a subway train bursting at the seams with shoulder to shoulder sardines. There’s just no place like China.
August 25, 2011
by Mags
1 Comment
Siu Mei, the ultimate food in Southern China
Siu Mei simply describes meat which is roasted on a spit or a special rotisserie oven, and you’ll see ovens jam-packed with whole ducks and whole chickens around every street corner if you’re looking for food in Southern China. You can almost smell the succulent juices, and the tasty aroma is inescapable, day or night.
August 23, 2011
by Mags
Comments Off on Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Roll): Food in Southern China
Cheung Fun and exciting times in South China
Yet another glutinous (not gluttonous – well, maybe) addition to ‘Food in Southern China’. Served with a sweet and mysterious sauce called Timzheong or Sweet Black Sauce, Cheung Fun is yet another strange looking taste sensation which defies all explanation. How can something that looks so unappetising taste so wonderful?
