Whether you want to spend your weekend in Tasmania enjoying the pristine beaches, take a longer trip to explore the rugged wilderness that Tasmania is famous for or experience a bit of culture and fine cuisine, there is much to see and do for the whole family.
Cradle Mountain National Park
Wilderness-bound: Cradle Mountain National Park
Take an excursion in the countryside to Tasmania’s famous Cradle Mountain National Park area. Hire a car and drive up to Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair, a World Heritage Site. There are picturesque hiking trails, waterfalls, glaciers, lakes and cool crisp mountain streams. You can also arrange to explore the area by horseback. The area is famous for its friendliness and hospitality, with first class accommodation options just neighboring the National Park.
Freycinet Peninsula
Touring Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay
Situated midway along the east coast of Tasmania is the Freycinet Peninsula, with its red and pink granite mountains and pure white sandy beaches. A veritable paradise for kayakers and swimmers on the sheltered landward side of the bay while on the seaward side, photographers can climb to the top for an incredible view. Charter a cruise or hike for the day on one of the many trails in the Freycinet National Park.
MONA Museum in Hobart
MONA Museum of Old and New Art
The MONA Museum in Hobart, opened in 2011, is renowned for its unique buildings and exhibitions. A definite must as you pass through Hobart, MONA is also within one of Tasmania’s premier wineries, the Moorilla winery. Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone and experience the true passion and pure talent as you explore the permanent and rotation collections of this museum. To give you an idea, the founder of the museum, David Walsh describes the museum as a “subversive adult Disneyland.” Before you go on your trip, check the dates for the annually hosted wintertime Dark Mofo Festival, a huge public art exhibition with art, film, and music – not your ordinary solstice celebration.
Salamanca Markets
Sullivan’s Cove and Salamanca Markets
Hobart is also famous for Salamanca Place within Sullivan’s Cove, where you can visit the regular Saturday Salamanca market. It comes alive with traditional Tasmanian artisans, fresh produce, coffee and tasty confections. More than your average tourist attraction, you can experience the heart of Tasmanian life here. Enjoy your treats while sitting down at a table overlooking Hobart’s waterfront. This important historical area is where Hobart was established in 1804. Accordingly, Sullivan’s Cove features some of the oldest buildings in Australia. Besides visiting the Saturday market, take advantage of the thriving arts scene along Salamanca Place, with many art galleries and live entertainment venues.
Pine Lagoon
Fishing in the Central Highlands
Travel out of the cities and into the heart of Tasmania to the Central Highlands, famous for the largest freshwater lake in Australia, Great Lake, which is also the home of Tasmania’s hydroelectric supply. Great Lake, Lake King William, Pine Lagoon and Arthur’s Lake are just some of the waters in which you might cast your line – there are literally hundreds of lakes in this region filled with trout.
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 first season of Food Hero has made the name Sarah Benjamin popular whole over the world. She was known not only for her fond of cooking and passion for culinary world but also for her gregarious and down-to-earth personality. Born in food-crazy and industrious country, Sarah Benjamin has an undeniable passion for food and travel. Her straight-thinking personality is developed in a helping family. Yes, she was grown up in a warm family of a British father and a Chinese mother.
Sarah Benjamin
Development of Cooking Passion in Sarah Benjamin’s Life
Singapore is known for its craziness about foods and culinary-related things. This is certainly a good environment for the development of her cooking and travelling passion. Her obsession with food was also supported by her family since young age. Little Sarah was used to help her grandmother cooking Chinese specific cakes and foods, such as Yam Abacus, particularly when they were to welcome important celebrations, such as Chinese New Year.
Therefore, she admitted that her grandmother and grandaunt were culinary role models for her. Uniquely, her grandaunt was blind; therefore, she helped Sarah cooking by using hearing, smell, and touches, despite the fact the she could chop the ingredients! A unique tradition in her family was preparing foods, which were enough for twice the number of people who wanted to eat them. Therefore, there were always many foods on their dining table. How could she not fall in love with culinary things?
Sarah Benjamin used to prepare foods for her family and friends. Yes, she always smiles after finishing preparing delicious and healthy foods for her loved ones. She loves home cooked meal and stays away from junk foods. She brought this tradition until the time for university. When she moved to Scotland for political and sociological study at the University of Edinburg, she began to develop her passion in cooking Asian specific foods. She started her own cooking blog and shared great cooking experience and food styling.
Sarah Benjamin
Sarah Benjamin’s Professional History in Cooking
After graduating from Edinburg University, Sarah did not immediately return to Singapore. In Singapore, she then worked as a marketing executive for a restaurant chain. She still frequently appeared as a corporate host. Aside for her professional job, Sarah Benjamin actually prefers to try out need foods and new cooking recipes at home. Therefore, her mission to feed people and make them happy really makes sense.
Sarah Benjamin’s popularity began when she won the first season of Food Hero. It is an online and on-air program held by Asian Food Channel and Food Network. The program received mostly positive responses from the spectators in many countries of Asia. Sarah Benjamin is one of the two winners for the program. Sarah Benjamin from Malaysia and Michele Lean from Malaysia were announced by Scripps Network Interactive – a provider of home design, food, and travel contents – as the winners.
As Michele Lean does, Sarah Benjamin excelled more than 300 participants of the program and she won it because of her spirit and unique character when it comes to culinary and traveling passion. As the reward, Sarah would become a host for Must Try: Asia – program owned by Scripps Network. The program is suitable with her passion since she and the team would visit many areas in Asia, try out the foods, and find out unique things about the culture and culinary traditions of the country.
Amidst her busy schedules, Sarah Benjamin keeps writing in her food and culinary blog. She shares unique culinary creations with online community, where she can get great responses, supports, and ideas from the readers. Her capability to write in Mandarin, English, Malay, Korea, and Cantonese is an advantage since she can reach more readers, thanks to her multi-cultural family.
How Sarah Benjamin Develops Her Passion in Food and Culture
Her passion in food and culture is not questionable. Sarah Benjamin is creative in creating fresh recipes, which other people might never think of. She is always encouraged to create her own recipes, and always shares them in her food blog. Writing (whether in her blog or notebook) is her way to make the ideas for recipes real. She is really food of cooking Asian foods even though she cooked European cuisine for the first time. As an adventurous cook, she tries out any new things in the kitchen.
Despite her skills and passion, Sarah Benjamin still focuses on her wonderful adventures in hosting the cooking shows. In the near future, her focuses are writing her own cookbooks, sharing them in her blog, inspiring others to have fun in the kitchen, and hosting more shows to encourage others to love their country’s cuisine and culture. She realizes that every country has its own unique recipes and spices, which cannot be found in other countries; so are the cultures.
When trying out cuisines in different countries, she is always inspired to develop new ideas. For her, a discerning eater is able to distinguish between flavor and texture. This way, she can develop new styles and technique in cooking. The most important thing is having fun in cooking as well as eating.
Interesting Facts about Sarah Benjamin
Aside from her cooking and culinary passion, Sarah Benjamin has an interesting personality, since she was grown in a helping and sensible family. She has a unique way of seeing the world, thanks to her multi-cultural parents, experience in journalism, and multi-lingual competence. She also loves fashion, photography, and playing cello and piano. She also has special interests in travelling, as she loves to see new places, meet new people, and learn others’ cultures. Anytime she visits a country, she always learns something new.
When she was a child, Sarah Benjamin had many unusual bedtime stories, which spanned some centuries, thanks to anthropologist and sociologist parents. They even included myths, history of Singapore, Malay culture, and society. Her mother (who is a researcher) frequently told her the history from some Asian countries, including local folklore from Indonesia. Her parents also took her for fieldwork to interesting areas in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is not surprising that Sarah Benjamin socializes well with local people. She used to stay in kampong houses when they did field trips.
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 Victoria Peak in Hong Kong is a must visit when you are in this magical city. It is a mountain that is located directly above central and is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. In the past, it was home to the early colonial administrators, but today it is a residence of choice for politicians, rock stars, and the city’s playboys as it has some of the costly real estate in the world. Most importantly, it is the most exclusive city that you will find in the area.
Why is is a top tourist destination Tourists and residents alike love the peak for its stunning views, lack of humidity, and greenness?
Victoria Peak
A view that will leave you speechless
The cityscape view people enjoy here remains one of the greatest man-made views on earth. You have probably never seen such a view as during the day your eyes will be lucky to stretch across the Victoria Harbor and sparkling skyscrapers into the green hills of the New Territories. As the night sets in, the panorama melts into orange and pink before it reincarnates into a dazzling galaxy of light that shimmers warmly beneath you. If your ears are wide open, you will be lucky to hear the city humming at a distant. People also like the fact that it is relatively undeveloped with entertainment complexes, and only two shopping malls known as Peak Galleria and Peak Tower that feature a host of coffee bars and restaurants
How to get to the Peak
There are two major ways the Peak can be accessed, one of them is the Victoria Peak Hong Kong Tram. This is a traditional, and undoubtedly the most scenic way of climbing this Peak. It was built more than a century ago, and it used an improbable angle to climb offering some of the best views of the city below. The scenic bus route is another option available if you want to get to the Peak. Take the number 15 bus that weaves its way up the Victoria Peak. Although it is a little slower than the tram, rest assured that the stunning views it offers over central and Happy Valley Racecourse are more than worth it. To get pleasure from the best of both worlds, it is advisable that you use both means of getting to the Peak, one going up, and the other going down.
Other things
When you are done with the Victoria Peak something that you are bound not to have enough of, there are other interesting activities you can take part in the city to create unforgettable memories, and some of them include: Shopping – Hong Kong brings the phrase “shop till you drop” to life. It offers an extensive range of shopping malls and markets where you can find almost anything that you would like to purchase.
Try the delicious local cuisine – Prepare to tantalize your taste buds if you have never tried authentic Asian cuisine. There are numerous restaurants where you can pop in and try local cuisine to your heart’s content.
Enjoy a relaxing massage – after a long day sightseeing, your body will appreciate a massage that is professionally done allowing you to reach new relaxation heights. You will be spoilt for choice when looking for a relaxing Hong Kong spa where you can pick the one that has the type of massage you are interested in. Hong Kong has a long history with ancient massage techniques and tradition, chances are you have never experienced a relaxation like they can offer and that is one more reason you should visit their spas and get the most out of you holiday trip.
Vegas is known for its luxurious shops, glamorous casinos and its fine dining – so we ask, is it possible to be able to visit Las Vegas on the cheap while still doing all there is to see and do? Continue reading Is It Possible To Do Vegas On The Cheap?→
You’ve probably been gearing up for a visit to Europe and perhaps wondering what exotic destination to visit on your cruise. Well, the Dalmatian region in Croatia is a second-to-none target destination. Dalmatia’s popularity is exhibited by the large number of cruise liners and charter fleets that visit the region, especially during the peak tourist season that spans July to August. It also attests to the value that a visit to the region offers to tourists.
An ideal starting point on your cruise to Dalmatia is Split. Locals christen Split as Dalmatia’s capital. A look at the exciting attractions on offer in Split will quickly point out why it is so popular. A visit to Diocletian’s Palace will unearth Croatia’s historical past, a cultural heritage enlisted by UNESCO. Other historical gems like The Old City Centre comprise of architectural masterpieces that are worth visiting.
Ideally, the numerous magnificent structures in most of Dalmatia, especially its northern part each have a story to tell. For instance, Vodice in North Dalmatia remains one of the most popular cruise destinations in Croatia, accounting for numerous tourist visits yearly. In fact Vodice has previously been awarded the “Tourist Flower” an award offered to cities or places that are the most attractive to tourists. This is a testament to Dalmatia’s standout experiences.
Hvar is Dalmatian island that makes for a unique offer. Hvar is arguably the longest Island in Croatia, featuring an expansive coastline that is very beautiful. The clear beaches are a great prospect for an evening walk or some sun-bathing. Talking of the sun, the Mediterranean climate in beautiful Hvar, and most of the Dalmatian region provides an inviting appeal to many tourists. You can also enjoy a nature walk in the unspoiled parks that make up Hvar, where you can sample the scented olives in the calming atmosphere. In fact, a visit to Hvar would be incomplete without a trip to the world-renowned Devil’s Islands. This collection of islands surrounded by narrow bays and shallow water offers a warm and tranquil experience. Even if you are merely coming into Hvar for a day’s visit on your cruise trip, the secluded beaches offer great and varying spots for your family to nest.
Anyone (young and old) visiting Dalmatia will find something exciting in the area. Kids can enjoy an amusing semi-submarine ride where they can view the rich coral life existing underwater without getting their feet wet. Adults can take a boat offshore and engage in various relaxing activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. For those who would rather stay on land, a visit to the many historical sites in Dalmatia is an eye-opening opportunity to learn about Croatia’s history. You can also have chat with the locals who are always eager to engage visitors. You will be amazed by the friendliness of Croatia’s people, and their pride in the resort cities that are always teeming with life.
A cruise to Dalmatia would be incomplete without sampling the food. The choice of high quality cuisine is very expansive and so is the variety. You can expect to come across Italian delicacies, Greek fare as well as most of the Eastern European favorites you can think of. In fact, visitors are often spoilt for choice in terms of expertly prepared food that whets everyone’s appetite. As such, you can enjoy a sundowner with your friends in many of the resorts available in the Dalmatian region while downing these great treats. The staffers in the resorts are also very hospitable, making every guest feel at home and thereby enjoy their experience.
The expansive coastlines, numerous beautiful Mediterranean islands, historical sites, loads of fun-filled activities, and great cuisine make Dalmatia a top pick for any tourist intending to cruise around the Adriatic Sea. Visit Dalmatia and learn more about these unique sites and the exciting prospects available.
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