In the land down under, there is no shortage of things to do. If you’re traveling to the most populated city in this land of extremes, you may be searching for the most extreme experiences to write home about. Here’s a few of the adventure sports Sydney has to offer your starved adrenaline glands.
Shark Dive in Sydney
This Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary shark dive will take your breath away. Well, not literally, as they do provide oxygen for all divers. But when you dip your toes into the main oceanarium and you see sharks, stingrays, and turtles circling you, you’ll wish everyone could witness you frolicking in this underwater wonderland. At 30 minutes long, this dive may seem short, until you remember you’ll be surrounded by sharks with sharp teeth that might bite you if they weren’t well-fed. After contemplating that, 30 minutes sounds like more than enough time to get a shot with your favorite enormous sea creature.
Jetboat Sydney Harbour
If you haven’t heard of jetboating, imagine sitting in a boat with your closest family and friends. Now imagine a madman takes the wheel. That’s the gist, and it’s way more fun than it sounds. This boat is designed for maximum speed and maneuverability, so you’ll be getting drenched as your skilled driver makes 180 and 270-degree spins, intense fishtails, turns and powerslides at high speeds. Every now and then, you’ll get a chance to breathe and take in the beautiful sights of Sydney Harbor as well. Just hold on tight!
Canyon in the Blue Mountains
If you’re looking for a challenging abseiling experience that mashes the thrill of witnessing pristine nature and adrenaline-pumping physical activity, canyoning in the Blue Mountains is for you. You’ll adventure through the highest and deepest of the canyon as you navigate the breathtaking terrain. Trek, climb, jump, swim, and rappel your way through Australia’s most beautiful region to get a personal look at untouched caves and magnificent waterfalls. There’s two difficulties to choose from, so if you aren’t up for the challenging Rainforest Canyoning experience, the beginner-friendly Empress Canyon welcomes you.
There’s plenty to do in Harbour City, but these experiences are guaranteed to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re an underwater adventurer, fan of extreme water-sports, or a hiker who enjoys a challenge, you’ll be happy you made it to Sydney.
So, you have decided to hit the road. Sure, it sounds nice now – saying goodbye to everything, but a lot of questions arise when you decide to make that decision. What are you going to do with your training sessions? Where can you find a job? Do you think that you can find a job easily in, say, Tokyo?
These may be some of the questions running through your head, but you have to know that there are simple answers to them. Keep reading and find out which are the most exclusive luxury gyms in the world, with only the best amenities in which you as a fitness instructor-globetrotter can find a job.
1. Quads Gym, Chicago (USA)
If you want to find your peace in the United States, make sure you head straight to Chicago first, because you will stay there for good. Quads Gym may be the greatest gym in Illinois (in fact, in 2005 it was declared one of the 10 best American gyms) and is famous for being the official weightlifting home of Ed Coan, the greatest powerlifting legend in the world, who has set over 71 world records. The very fact that you would be working in a gym that fostered one Ed Coan truly inspires an awe.
2. Original Temple Gym, Birmingham (UK)
This 62 years old gym, founded in a Birmingham basement, accepts all people who find themselves fit to train there. It consists of a unique combination of old school equipment and the newest high tech gadgetry. One of the biggest pride they have is the original Nautilus equipment.
3. Tiger Muay Thai Gym, Thailand
If you area of expertise includes martial arts, Tiger Muay Thai Gym should be your final destination. Their high-standard luxurious martial arts programmes offer the most perfect setting for training. Its amenities include even yoga, strength training equipment, truck tires, heavy bags, as well as large conditioning facilities. Their unique payment system includes paying for how much you have used their services, that is, for the time you have spent in their facilities and used certain amenities.
4. Symmetry Gym, Dubai
The experienced team inDubai-based Symmetry Gym is one of their biggest prides, but not the only one. Their facilities house “only state-of-the-art equipment, that is maintained at the highest standards”. Their philosophy includes long-term commitment in order to achieve the perfect bodily shape, and they also take care of your mind and psychological state in order to achieve the best results. Indeed, they offer symmetry between body and mind.
5. Titan Fitness, Sydney (Australia)
One of the best features Titan Fitness gym has is that it appreciates quality. This elite gym was founded 26 years ago, and since its inception it valued customer service as their top priority. This is why there are even facilities which include child care, free healthy eating programs, and the best staff in the world. They may actually be the freshest personal training group in the whole southern hemisphere, so make sure to check them out if you find yourself in the neighbourhood.
No matter if you plan to leave your hometown for good, or just want to spend a few years away from home, fear not that you will not find a good job somewhere in the world. As you can see, there is a plethora of luxury gyms in the world which look for experienced trainers and instructors, meaning that there is room for you in at least one of them. Do not hesitate and give them a call.
Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the Southeastern region of the Europe, Montenegro is a relatively small country with an upper-middle income status and a tremendous potential for growth. This potential is solely concentrated on the Montenegrin tourism industry, since this country’s number of visitors is on a constant growth. One of the main reasons behind this occurrence is definitely the complex called the Dukley Gardens, a real estate investment that caught the attention of media worldwide.
Mr. Neil Emilfarb, an American investor and founder of the Stratex Group, found this piece of paradise in a phase of development, while the local government was still struggling with the translation to an open market economy model. The town of Budva, nestled between mountains and sea, famous for its ancient monuments and well preserved medieval fortress, and a popular destination because of its sandy beaches and a very active nightlife, is the very center of the Montenegrin tourism. During the year 2013, Budva reported almost a 4,500,000 overnight stays, and a total of almost a 700,000 of tourist visits. That number is on a constant increase, and for the small city of no more than 14,000 people, this number of visits is astonishing.
The Dukley Gardens
Some of the most popular beaches on the south Adriatic are located right here. However, if you are looking for a little bit of privacy, you can still find secluded sanctuaries nearby and enjoy in the serenity of this wonderful place. The most beautiful and completely private beaches are located inside of the Mr. Neil’s real estate complex, the Dukley Gardens.
For the residents of this complex, there is a great variety of services available. There are tennis courts, pools and find many other activities offered for your convenience; or you can visit one of the restaurants and a lounge bar which is situated in a sandy beachfront, in the shades of palms and cedar trees. The panoramic views from this place will encaptivate you, and an obvious presence from centuries old societies that left their mark on the town of Budva will make you believe that you’ve wandered off in a timeless haven.
The great thing about Dukley Gardens is that this place welcomes families as well as individuals. The younger crowd will have no trouble in finding some excitement as well. It is designed for every need or desire possible, so if you are looking for a day-care center – you will find it inside of the complex, with educators and animators available for your child’s needs and amusement. If you are looking for a good time – the old town of Budva is a regular host to some of the greatest pop stars, and even movie stars like Steven Seagal, are known to visit their residences as well.
So if you are already planning your 2016 vacation, consider Budva as your destination. The Dukley hotel will be open for business by that time, and if you are a yachting enthusiast, you will have no trouble finding port here. In fact, it is one of the popular Adriatic destinations for yacht owners too. With beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an amazing cuisine at affordable prices – this hidden paradise will offer you peace, amusement, and memories that will keep calling you back to Dukley all year round.
Bangkok has over 300 hotels in the central area so it can be extremely difficult to decide on where to stay in this sprawling city. A recent trip introduced me to the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association which I discovered has eight major central city hotels as members.
The location is the most central in Bangkok so all the major shopping centres, some of the major tourist attractions, and many restaurants and night-time venues are walkable or within easy reach by the BTS Skytrain system. It seems a logical choice for everyone.
While the member hotels are all four or five-star properties, rates are attractive compared with many other cities and low transport costs help further. It is possible to walk between all of the hotels so it is possible to stay in one but dine and use other facilities in some of the others. Here is a quick run-down of what I found.
St Regis Bangkok
This is one of the newest five-star resorts. With 176 stunning large rooms and 51 suites, this is a great hotel. I stayed here for three nights and it was very clear to me that the hotel is very serious in providing what it calls the ‘art of living experience’ with an exclusive spa, well-appointed exercise room, outdoor swimming pool and contemporary poolside cafe. There is 24-hour butler service to every room which includes free pressing of two items per day amongst a host of services.
The hotel has a large lounge and the Jojo Restaurant on the ground floor then reception, another lounge and the all-day VIU Restaurant are on floor 12. Rooms are above here so all provide good views, many over the Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s green fields. The Jojo Restaurant offers Italian cuisine, Decanter has a gentlemen’s club ambience and a vast wine cellar, while the Drawing Room has a traditional Afternoon Tea.
The Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
The 354 rooms and suites at this five-star hotel are delightful and I have considered this a favourite for nearly 30 years. There is a choice of award-winning restaurants and what is probably Bangkok’s best Sunday brunch. The spa, outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour health club are all superb while the cooking school is a must for culinary enthusiasts.
Everyone seems to have a favourite restaurant here. Mine is Spice Market which is designed to resemble a charming old Thai spice shop and has fine Thai cuisine to match. I’m sure others like Madison, a contemporary steakhouse; Shintaro, a lovely Japanese restaurant; or Biscotti with its Italian offerings. Several other outlets offer casual and light bites.
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
This is just metres away and it is another fine five-star property with 380 guest rooms. It is directly linked to a Skytrain station so going further afield is easy. There is plenty to keep you here, however. One is its stunning new i.sawan Residential Spa & Club which has six residential spa cottages, nine treatment bungalows, hair salon, nail bar, health and fitness studios, and a free-form swimming pool.
Erawan shopping mall is attached to the hotel so there is wide choice and this contains the lovely Erawan Tea Room which is my choice for afternoon tea and Thai cuisine. Tables Grill offers meat and seafood dishes, The Dining Room has all-day buffet dining while Spasso is an Italian restaurant and late night entertainment hot spot.
The Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
This has 333 guestrooms and suites and the mandatory spa, swimming pool and 24-hour fitness centre all within 160 metres of Chidlom Skytrain Station and 200 metres from Erawan Shrine. Guests can relax with a soothing massage at Quan Spa or in the steam rooms. The hotel also offers free fitness lessons at its gym, and an indoor pool.
All-day dining with international dishes is available in the stylish environment of Flavours Restaurant. Fei Ya offers fine Chinese dishes while La Tavola Restaurant has a wine bar. The R Bar transforms during the day from Italian coffee and Danish muffins in the morning to tapas and fine wines as you groove to the latest beats with the resident DJ in the evening.
The Intercontinental Bangkok
Another 5-star hotel is just across the road. It has 381 luxury guest rooms, including Club InterContinental rooms and a range of suites. The hotel has an ambience of understated luxury and this extends to the rooftop swimming pool, the many restaurants and bars, and to the Spa Intercontinental where I recently experienced a relaxing treatment to die for.
Restaurant choices include the Fireplace Grill which serves prime steaks and fresh seafood; the Grossi Trattoria with Italian and Australian influences; Espresso which serves dishes from around the world; and Summer Palace with Cantonese cuisine and daily Dim Sum lunch.
Centara Grand at Centralworld
The largest of the hotels in this area soars almost 200 metres into the sky with 505 5-star rooms over 55 floors. The rooms have state-of-the-art equipment and the nine World Executive Club floors offer even more. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre with aerobic studio, sauna, tennis courts and Spa Cenvaree. There is a steak restaurant, an al fresco bistro and bar, Ginger which serves Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and a 24-hour world dining restaurant.
Centara Grand is part of Centralworld, Bangkok’s first totally integrated hotel, convention venue and mega shopping centre. With over 500 stores, 100 restaurants, 15 cinemas and much more in the complex it really is a one-stop destination. You may never leave the complex.
The Holiday Inn Bangkok
This slightly less luxurious 4-star property with 379 rooms in two towers provides an attractive alternative. You can have the same location benefits at a cheaper price. The hotel has a fitness centre, a pool, sauna, children’s playground, and three dining options. The hotel has a ballroom which can seat up to 900 theatre style.
Hotel Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam
This is a very modern 283 room 4-star family-friendly hotel in the heart of the fashion district, ideally located above Platinum Mall. The hotel has a restaurant and two bars but these are complemented by many others in the mall. There is an outdoor pool, fitness centre and Turkish bath.
For those individuals who love taking a historical look at the Bathurst area, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is a fantastic place to check out. This hot spot is actually the home of the Somerville Collection, which is an internationally renowed collection of the work from Professor Warren Somerville. Within this museum, you will be treated to all kinds of rare fossils and minerals from around the globe. Of course, though, there are also a good amount of specimens showed here right from Australia. These really are the world’s finest assortment of minerals and fossils.
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre
The Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre is a 650 seat Theatre City Hall that can hold up to 1100 people. Here, visitors are treated to all kinds of shows, plays and productions. There are also four conference rooms located here, which is ideal for seminars and other meetings. This Entertainment Center is a member of the APACA Publication. It’s open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
National Motor Racing Museum
Anyone in Bathurst that loves motor racing needs to take a look at the National Racing Museum. This is a museum that truly celebrates and enlightens all visitors on the history, racers and overall achievements of Australian Motor Sports. This includes the history of items like the speedway, drag, solar, rallying, open wheeler. There is also information here on sports car and the opportunity to see touring cars. The two main displays found at the National Motor Racing Museum are the Mount Panorama and the Bathurst 1000. The history of Motorbike racing is heavily focused on here.
Turon Technology Museum
Engines are a big draw here in Bathust, which is what you will get to see up-close in Turon Technology Museum. This museum homes a bunch of different exhibits on the development of the stream and internal engine and how it eventually transitioned into the internal combustion engine and then the stream engine. The Turon Technology Museum is not your average Australian museum. Visitors can attend guided tours here that take roughly two hours. However, there are many different attendees that will stay at the Turon Technology Museum for five hours or more. There is no rush to leave here, as visitors can also sit down and enjoy the beautiful nearby scenery with a lazy lunch.
Located on the Southern Coast of China, the city of Hong Kong is famous for its beautiful harbor, breathtaking architecture and futuristic financial district. Yet Hong Kong is also home to some of the best shopping facilities in the East. From trendy boutiques and sprawling markets to luxury designer stores, Hong Kong boasts a range of shopping areas that cater for all tastes and budgets. Read on for some of the best places to shop in Hong Kong, so that you know where to browse the racks and pick-up some incredible clothes and gifts on your next trip to the Pearl of the Orient.
Frequently mentioned on top ten lists as the ultimate place to shop in Hong Kong, Causeway Bay is plastered with a huge array of shops, departments stores and markets. This is where you will find SOGO, which is the largest department store in Hong Kong, as well as the Times Square Shopping Mall which has a whopping 230 shops spread out over 16 floors. The shopping center is also a great place to sample some local cuisine or watch a movie. Wander the shop-lined streets to find hidden gems like independent fashion retailers for some hip and young clothing. You can get to the Causeway by taking the MTR to Causeway Bay.
Another popular shopping destination is that of Mongok. Mongok is an area that is known for being the most densely populated area (square meter for square meter) in the world. Amongst the crammed walkways you will find hundreds of market stalls that are overflowing with products such as electronic items, flowers, tourist souvenirs and Chinese fashion. Prices are cheap, just remember to bargain politely before making a purchase. There is also a large electrical outlet store called Mongkok Computer Center, which provides a great spot to pick up affordable computers and related accessories. You can get to Mongkok by taking the MTR and getting off at the Mongkok stop.
If you’re looking for some high-end fashion boutiques that wouldn’t look out of place in London or Paris then you should head to Hong Kong’s Central District. Here you can find world famous brands such as Luis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols. Lane Crawford luxury department store also offers a host of designer garments for the fashion conscious traveler. Check out Shanghai Tang for some beautiful fashion pieces that are popular with Honk Kong’s in-crowd. Jewelery-lovers can shop at De Beers, Larry Jewelery, Pianegonda and Tiffany and Co. The area is also home to the Michelin Star Restaurant, Caviar Gaspia, which is located inside of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Central has its own MRT stop which puts you right near to the heart of the shopping action.
After a long day browsing the rails and snapping up some beautiful garments and gifts you can relax and unwind with a pampering treatment or massage at a spa. Hong Kong has some exclusive massage centers which are highly-rated and provide the perfect tranquil oasis so you can relax and unwind away from Honk Kong’s bustling streets. Happy shopping!
From cavernous comedy clubs to swanky burlesque dugouts, the nightlife in London is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. The feeble-lights, blaring music, Bohemian drag and dress-up dancers, meandering comedy gigs and silhouetted secret party venues have prominently branded London on the international nightlife map.
Often called as the New York of Europe, the clubs in London regularly host diverse programs by top artists of international fame. The nightlife in London caters for all tastes. Be it theatre, adult shows, musicals, comedy or simply chilling out, London offers a huge variety of party options. Below are the most intriguing London party areas, which should be on your checklist during your trip to the British capital – Soho – Located in Central London, Soho is the hub of all the activity for London’s LGBT community. It is an exciting place to wine and dine. At night, one can witness the multi-flavours and diversity of Soho that attract the tourists and Londoners alike. Apart from its diverse nightlife and night shows, Soho is also known for its stupendous boutique shops.
Leicester Square – From cacophonous street dancers to buzzing tourists and theatre lovers, Leicester Square is one of the busiest sections in London. Flooded with the paparazzi, Leicester Square is also famous among partygoers owing to its dazzling cafes, bars and swanky nightclubs.
Camden Town – Often called as the Mecca for music lovers, Camden Town is famous for its brilliantly adorned small bars and pubs, playing exceptional live music. The best place to shake a leg, Camden Town is a place that attracts music lovers of all genres from indie, jazz, pop, hip-hop, R&B, electro to country pop and soul. West London – London is not just about raving street dancers, outlandish performances and blaring live music. If you are one of those archetypal, old school travellers, head straight to West London as it is home to bars and clubs that offer the most quintessential drinking and clubbing experience.
Unlike other national capitals, the best part about nightlife in London is that you won’t require a map to find the famous party dugouts. The city is home to thousands of live music venues, cabaret clubs, bars and lounges. So if you are seeking a cosy little intimate bar or a sprawling opera house, you can simply find one with the blink of an eye.
Whether you are a hardcore party animal or a placid traveller, nightlife in London won’t disappoint you. Be a part of a scintillating nightlife experience at the most remarkable and intriguing venues in London.
Sarah Benjamin is one of the two winners of the first season of Food Hero. Her obsession with food was also supported by her family since young age. She began to develop her passion in cooking Asian specific foods and started her own cooking blog and shared great cooking experience and food styling. Her spirit and unique character comes to culinary and traveling passion.
Here, Sarah shares her passion for food, food blog, discusses Must Try:Asia, and offers advice on how to create a new recipe. Read on:
Would you please tell us why you’re interested in Asian food?
“Growing up in Singapore, I was exposed to such a diverse range of flavors, especially Asian flavors of all kinds. I really love how Asian food has such great balance of flavors and cooking styles – for example, a bowl of soupy noodles with something crispy and fried on the side. Or a bowl of plain steamed rice topped with punchy, spicy curry.”
You’re a great food stylist! Could you share how you developed this skill?
“Thank you so much! To be very honest, when I first started my food blog, www.kitchenhoarder.com, my photos were really nothing to look at. However, I’m a perfectionist, so I worked very hard at it, really studying other food stylists and photographers’ work and practicing. I think the most important thing is identifying your personal style and sticking with it.”
You studied social and political sciences in university, do you have any plans in furthering your career related to these fields of study?
“I absolutely loved studying sociology and politics, and it really taught me about the world around us. I currently get to utilize those parts of my education in my consulting work, but I really hope to blend my love for food and love for society and culture together in the future, as I think it’s really important to understand the people who cook food before you can truly understand the food itself.”
What is your favourite Asian food?
“This is such a difficult question because I love so many foods! But my real comfort food has got to be Hainanese chicken rice. I love how such an unassuming looking dish can be so full of flavour.”
Do you think there is any correlation between food and culture?
“I think there’s a really important relationship between food and culture. Food only comes out of the society it exists in, so I really think you need to understand a culture before you can understand its food. Conversely, food can tell us a lot about a culture as well. For example, Japanese food is so meticulously made, and such attention is paid to its presentation and the processes of cooking. This immediately tells us about how people in Japan like to live their lives. That’s one of the biggest reasons I love food – it helps us understand the world.”
How many TV shows have you hosted? And how are food programs different to other programs?
“My first show for the Asian Food Channel, Must Try: Asia, aired at the end of 2014. Since then, I’ve been working on digital content, creating short video recipes that anyone can follow with my web series Simply Special. I’m also currently filming my next show that will air later this year! I think food programs are such a perfect balance of entertainment and education, in that you can actually learn how to cook new things or about new places, but it’s still lots of fun.”
Interview with Sarah Benjamin
I see that you also post about food on your own blog. How important would you say keeping on your own blog is for your career in the food industry?
“My blog started out simply as an outlet for me to record recipes and thoughts about food. I never thought other people would be interested in it, but as it began to take off, I was really encouraged to experiment more in the kitchen and come up with my own recipes. On a personal level, having the blog has really spurred me to improve my cooking and achieve more in the kitchen. I think blogs and websites are great reading for anyone interested in food, and it really helps build a community of food lovers and food experts.”
What are some interesting differences between food and fashion?
“I really love fashion, but I do think that food is a lot more instinctual than fashion. I think that everyone immediately knows what they like to eat and what they dislike, so although you might be interested in food trends, you are guided by a very basic taste instinct. Fashion is shaped more by trends and the opinions of experts and designers.”
In your opinion, which Asian food is most difficult to cook?
“I think every dish has its challenges, but some dishes are just designed to be cooked in a restaurant. For example, with traditional Chinese food, you really need a powerful flame to fire your wok. Without that intense heat, you just can’t recreate the ‘wok hei’ or ‘spirit of the wok’ in your cooking.”
What are some common components/flavours between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore cuisine in your opinion?
“To an outsider, the food and flavors of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia may seem really similar, but there is so much diversity in the food of this region. I think what ties it together is a love for balanced flavors even while using a wide range of spices. Cooks in this region always make sure to balance the elements of spice, sweetness, saltiness and sourness, as well as tempering it with coconut or coconut milk.”
When did you realise your love for cooking?
“When I was 5 or 6 years old, I cooked a 3 course meal for my father’s birthday. I remember making a carrot and ginger soup as a starter. Although it now seems like such a simple dish, my family was really impressed with it. I’ve never forgotten the satisfaction I get when people enjoy the food I’ve prepared, and that was the first one I realized I loved to cook.”
What are some of the initial steps you take when in the process of creating a new recipe?
“I am constantly thinking of new ideas for recipes, and always on the lookout for inspiration. A flash of inspiration can strike at any time, so I make sure to write down all my ideas. Then when I have time, I’ll try out the recipe and refine it further until I’m happy with it. But to me, a notebook is one of the most important tools of my kitchen.”
Sarah Benjamin
Who is your favourite mentor/chef that influenced you?
“Someone who really inspires me is Yotam Ottolenghi, a London-based chef. I love how his food is so clearly guided by his middle eastern heritage, yet he isn’t afraid to experiment and improve on his dishes using modern techniques. I hope to bring the same sense of heritage to my cooking, but with the same open-minded attitude to innovation.”
Do you have any interest in attempting to cook European cuisine?
“I actually learnt to cook European cuisine first, and only developed my Asian cooking skills when I was studying overseas and had no access to good Asian food. I’m a very adventurous cook, and I love trying new things in the kitchen, so I would never confine myself to one cuisine over another. It’s all fun for me!”
Do you have any plans to open your own restaurant?
“I would love to open my own restaurant, and I’ve had serious visions of places I would be so proud to call my own. However, I’m currently focusing on this wonderful adventure of hosting that I’m on. I always want to do the best I can, no matter what I do, and there’s so much I want to achieve, but who knows what will happen in the future?”
Could you share with us what you intend to further achieve in the culinary world? Besides cooking, what are your other hobbies?
“I would love to write cookbooks, and host more shows. Most importantly, I would love to share my passion for cooking with people and inspire them to cook and have fun in the kitchen. Besides cooking, I love to write, photograph and play the cello. I also love to travel, and hope to do alot more of it.”
Please share some advice for others who are interested in being a chef?
“I think the most important part of learning to cook is learning to eat. What I mean is that developing your own palate is the first step to being a great cook. When you become a discerning eater, you can distinguish between subtle differences in flavour and texture, which will really help you develop your cooking techniques and style. Also, always remember to have fun when eating and cooking! Never take food too seriously, and always retain a sense of adventure.”
Must Try! Asia
Food Hero winner Sarah Benjamin and the ever-innovative Chef Malcolm Goh travel across Asia’s most popular capitals and tuck into the city’s signature dishes in Must Try! Asia. Whether it’s Singapore’s famous Chicken Rice or Bangkok’s tasty stir-fried rice noodle, this adventurous duo will show you how creative you can go in re-creating these iconic dishes in your kitchen! Only on the Asian Food Channel.
The City of Zadar is located in the south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean with a world famous harbor. Zadar is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, because of its beautiful sights and the influences of the Roman culture, which are very much visible in the city itself. Its total population is about 75,000 inhabitants. With its Romanic forum, historical buildings and long, beautiful beaches, Zadar is the ideal tourist destination.
The old town of Zadar is perfect for trips and sightseeing tours. It is located on an half isle and surrounded by Venetian walls. Especially the “fountain square” with its Corinthian statue is a must see destination. Zadar has also a lot of museums to offer, like the Museum of Science, or the Archaeological Museum of Zadar and many others. The churches in this city are also as beautiful as numerous. There is, for example, the Church of the Holy Anastasia, which was built by the Romans in the 13th century, that is famous for its paintings and well-handcrafted marble altars.
Ruins of Roman Forum and Church of St. Mary in background
From unique paintings and churches, to the most unique and interesting thing in Zadar to see, the sea organs. First installed in June 2005, the organs make a unique noise, when sea waves pressure air into the “organ holes” in the ground. As different the speed of the waves is, the different these organs sound, making a sound natural and unique, as the nature itself. Not far from the sea organs, the same architect installed a circle of 22 meters with 300 accessible glazed flagstones, which absorb the sunlight and provide an incredible light after the sunset.
Famous sea organs
Especially for sailors, Zadar is a must visit destination. The many islands which surround Zadar are ideal for people who like to discover new places and sail by their own. The untouched nature, as well as the beautiful landscape, is unique in the Zadar area. The shapes and outlines are impressive. The island Galesnjak, for example, has the shape of a heart and has an untouched nature, which just alone is worth a visit. Nin is just 17 kilometers away. This old lagoon town is connected with the mainland just by bridges. These are just two of many more islands that surround Zadar.
When you decide to visit Zadar, you will be delighted to see, that the Zemunik Airport is about 10 kilometers away from the main bus station and 12 kilometers away from the city center. It’s also possible to rent a car, if you come from a country which is allowed to drive in the European Union. There is a direct bus line between the airport and the main bus station. This line costs 25 Kuna, which is about 3 Euros or 4 Dollars. Another common transfer possibility is the taxi. The taxis are the fastest way to go around in Zadar, but will cost you about 20 Euros or 22 Dollars. If you wish to visit the districts of Borik or Diklo, it is highly recommended to use taxis to get to these districts, because if you would take the bus, you would be forced to change the bus at the bus station.
Kolovare beach
Zadar is a city which has been influenced by the Roman culture. It has a lot of beautiful churches, the Romanic forum, the old town with its Venetian walls, as well as the very individual and interesting sea organs. Zadar is a city with many specters and facets, but still modest and beautiful, and that makes it the perfect destination for your next holiday.
Bangkok has great attractions, lovely people, some of the world’s best shopping, and a whole cultural experience to enjoy. For me these far outweigh the problems of pollution, overcrowding, horrendous traffic and lack of green spaces seen in all megacities. Just look at a few aspects of the city.
Palaces and Wats (temples).
The Grand Palace must be one of the great architectural complexes in the world. From certain angles, this represents all that is best about Thailand and Thai culture. It is a sight guaranteed to impress the most blasé traveller. The whole complex just assaults the senses from all sides.
Wat Po is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and is often called Thailand’s first university. The main attraction is the gigantic 46-metre long reclining Buddha, entirely covered in gold leaf but there is much more to see.
There are over 400 wats in Bangkok and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is one of my favourites. It sits beside the Chao Phraya River and is particularly spectacular in the early morning.
Don’t miss a visit to Vimanmek Palace which is billed as the world’s largest golden teak building. Also worth visiting is Suan Pakkad Palace, where five traditional Thai houses overlooking a lovely garden display a large collection of Thai arts and antiques.
Food.
Thai food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world. If you enjoy it in your home country, you will love it in Bangkok. Contrary to popular opinion, Thai food is not always hot. In fact some of the dishes I most enjoy are those where the subtle flavours of the herbs and spices slowly fill the mouth for a special experience.
I love sitting on a rickety stool on a street footpath watching the passing throng just as much as I do sitting in a fine-dining restaurant. A meal on the footpath will cost less than $2 while in the restaurant it may be $30.
The food courts in the shopping malls are also fun. You can wander around and select from stalls selling all sorts of food. If there are several of you, a gourmet meal to share can be easily assembled.
For a different experience, visit Cabbages and Condoms in Sukhumvit Soi 14. This is run by Thailand’s Population and Community Development Association which believes in getting the safe sex message out to all customers. The food is good and the setting sublime despite its popularity with tourists.
Shopping.
Bangkok has Asia’s best shopping. The combination of markets, thousands of small retailers, huge department stores and gigantic malls offers variety seen in few cities around the world. Add wonderful Thai handicrafts, world famous Thai silk, smart fashion and great prices and it is hard to beat.
I recommend you start at Chatuchak Weekend Market perhaps the largest weekend market in the world. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. You will be amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise.
If you are looking for an up-market shopping experience, one of the huge central city megamalls is the answer. Those around Siam Square have long been favourites of locals and visitors but several new malls have opened recently which challenge this area.
The Cultural Experience.
Walk down the side streets and you will find a wonderful city. You will see life on the streets, spectacular little temples, street eateries, and Thais going about their normal business. It’s available to every visitor and it’s free.
Take a ferry along the river and see a different side of the city. For less than a dollar, you can go several kilometres, calling in on floating piers, weaving in and out of cross-river traffic and enjoying a cool breeze on the face.
There are also plenty of deeper experiences. I recently discovered the Wat Mahadhatu Meditation School. You can learn meditation from the monks by turning up to the daily classes.
Thai massage is something that many non-Thais find fascinating. I usually manage at least one massage in Bangkok but enthusiasts can enrol in the Wat Po Massage School and learn all the finer points of this art form from the experts.
