26 January 2012 13:39:00
There are three things I remember distinctly about my trip to Cambodia: the overwhelming heat, the temples … of course, the main reason for traveling to Cambodia, and the ever-present aftermath Khmer Rouge.
It was one of those decisions made on a whim, and after exchanging few emails, my friends and I had decided to meet in Cambodia. So, instead of getting together at a corner cafe, we all flew in from different part of world and landed in its capital, Phnom Penh.
I knew so little of Cambodia prior to my visit, and even now, after visiting and seeing most of the significant sites, I’m still uncertain as if I can grasp the enormity of the atrocities the Cambodian people were subjected to for nearly three decades.
There are two faces to Cambodia: one shiny and happy, the other dark and complex, but such is the yin and yang of Cambodia, a country that inspires and confines.
Phnom Penh
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| Royal Palace |
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| Tuol Sleng |
Siem Reap
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| Ankor Wat |
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| Angkor Thom |
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| Bantaey Srei |
Recommended hotel in Siem Reap:
Angkor Village Hotel 855 (0) 6396 3361
Recommended restaurants: Lemongrass (14, Khemarak Phomin, Phnom Penh 01299 6707), Le Grand Café (Old Market, Pop Street, Siem Reap 01266 4567)
21 January 2012 07:54:00
There are travel experiences that change the way you look at the world, and for me, that was my trip to Vietnam.
The most profound aspect of visiting Vietnam was to see and witness a place … a country that has survived on its own terms, and although have gone through an arduous history, numerous foreign colonization and occupation, Vietnam and its people have maintain their dignity, graciousness, and indomitable spirit that was humbling to see and experience.Hanoi
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| an evening stroll in Hanoi |
Our trip in Vietnam started out in its capital, Hanoi. Although still a bit rough around the edges, the beauty and the serenity of the city blew me away … even with hundreds of motorbikes swarming around you.
For anyone looking to travel to Vietnam, I highly recommend a tour company,
Focus Travel and if possible, ask for a guide named Nguyen Cong Ha, who not only did a wonderful job showing and guiding us around Hanoi, but being a history teacher, he was a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the history of Vietnam. And like much of the people we had met in Vietnam, I found him to be proud, resourceful, knowledgeable and infinitely wise.
Of course, Hanoi is a magical city. Being one of the most ancient capital in the world, Hanoi is packed with museums, monuments, and historical sites … not to miss: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda (especially seeing it glistening off the Turtle Lake during our evening strolls), Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), Quoc Tu Giam (National University), Ngoc Son Pagoda at the end of Hoan Kiem Lake. There are also wonderful cafes and restaurants all around the city … my favorite being the neighborhood near the St Joseph’s Cathedral.
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| Hoan Kiem Lake |
Also, Hanoians are extremely proud of their cuisines … and after having tasted the delectable meals in Hanoi and throughout Vietnam, I can definitely understand why, and anyone interested in learning more about cooking classes, walking tours and language lessons in Hanoi, I recommend
Hidden Hanoi. Ha Long Bay
As sad as we were to leave Hanoi, I could not have been happier once we arrived in Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site situated about 170km (3 ½ hour drive) north of Hanoi, and it is without a doubt one of the most spectacular natural sites I have seen in my life. This densely concentrated zone of stone islands is world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, and resembles a geographic work of art.
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There are many tour companies that offer different types of sailboats and junk boats (the traditional Chinese sailing vessel), but we opted to rent a private junk boat for ourselves, which was preferable in comparison to sharing a larger boat with 10-15 others.
Being one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam … and in SE Asia definitely has its downside; Ha Long Bay is definitely touristy, and everywhere you go, you will be bombarded by hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors at all times. However, if you rent a private boat, you have the option to sail around the bay at a more leisurely pace, choose the course and where you want to go.
Also, the biggest highlight of our trip was that as part of the tour, we were provided with a freshly cooked meal. We were actually taken to boat vendors and were able to choose and buy fresh seafood & vegetables from them, and our meal was prepared right on the boat, which turned out to be one of the most delicious and memorable meals I’ve had.
DanangAfter spending 2 days in Ha Long Bay, we returned to Hanoi to catch our flight to Danang. I’m sure there are many transport options, but having only 2 weeks, we opted to fly to major destinations.
Vietnam Airline and
Jet Star Asia have great domestic connections throughout the country, and you can get a good rate if you book through a local travel agent, which you can easily do even after you arrive in Vietnam.
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| Cham Museum |
Aside from the
Cham Museum, there aren’t a lot to see and do in Danang. However, we absolutely loved nearby China Beach, which was absolutely gorgeous and isolated from most of the tourists.
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| China Beach |
HueFrom there, we were able to drive to Hue and Hoi An. Although not as scenic as Hanoi or Hoi An, from cultural and historical standpoint, Hue is definitely a must see. It was once Vietnam's Imperial City and later the country's capital under the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), and not visiting Imperial Citadel in Hue is like visiting China without seeing the Forbidden City.
Although much of Hue including most of Vietnam's walled Citadel and Imperial City was destroyed during wars with the French and the Americans, there's still much to see. However, I recommend that you find a good English-speaking guide who can help you understand the background and the history of the place; otherwise, you might see just walls and rubble.
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Hoi AnThen, we were headed to Hoi An (about 3 hour drive), a meticulous little town reminiscent of a Hollywood movie set. Hoi An has a distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tile-roofed houses and narrow streets, and the original structure of some of these streets still remains almost intact.
Unfortunately, like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site draws in hordes of foreign tourists, and as beautiful as it is, at times, the atmosphere of the city feels a bit Disneyland-like in a way that everyone sitting around you and near you in cafes and restaurants are tourists.
However, our lovely hotel Thuy Tien Hotel and Hai Scout Café, a charming little restaurant near the Japanese Bridge where we had a tasty meal for next to nothing were definitely the highlight of our visit.
Of course, the tailors of Hoi An … overall getting cloths custom made in Vietnam … have been well-known and publicized, and without a doubt the workmanship of the tailors and cloths that we had it made in Hoi An were impeccable and inexpensive (and delivered to our hotel). However, unless you’re looking to have custom made suits or dresses, I found that the ready-to-wear cloths found in stores, esp. in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City suit my style better and were definitely more up-to-date than the tailored clothing.Ho Chi Minh CityThen, our last stop in Vietnam was Ho Chi Minh City. There’s nothing more I enjoy than finding a vibrant modern city in Asia, and despite the misconception and the stereotype of Asia being a hodgepodge of underdeveloped nations, there are numerous cosmopolitan modern cities that rivals Europe and North America, and HCMC is definitely one of Asia’s metropolis (9 million in population) that should not be missed.
Whether you want the finest hotels and restaurants or the classiest designer boutique (on Dong Koi Street), HCMC has it all, but what I enjoyed most was just sitting in one of the many cool cafes or open-air restaurants around Ben Tanh Market, and sipping Vietnamese coffee and people watching for hours.
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| HCMC Post Office |
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| HCMC City Hall |
Also, I recommend visiting the Cuchi Tunnels and the temple of the infamous Cao Dai sect, which are nice day trips from HCMC.
However, beyond the elegant façade are remnants of HCMC and Vietnam’s torrent history, and no place are the atrocities of war(s) more clearly displayed than at the War Remnants Museum … a stark reminder of the devastation that Vietnam and its people suffered and endured during the French colonial period and America’s occupation told from the viewpoint of the Vietnamese people.
Needless to say, for anyone who was raised in America like myself, this is a perspective that we are rarely exposed to, and after visiting the War Remnants Museum, I have learned to look at the world, especially my own and the political choices that are made in my own country in a more critical way, as all too often, history is told by those in power.
Although Vietnam has been well discovered by now, what makes the country so fascinating for me is its intricate culture and history, and how in spite of outside world’s … and much to my chagrin, most foreign visitors’ misconception of labeling this vibrant land and culture as something of a relic, a so-called “exotic land”, Vietnam continues to flourish.
I, for one, can’t wait get back to Vietnam to witness its evolution.
13 January 2012 09:29:00
Without a doubt, some of the most significant and profound travel experiences I’ve had were in Asia, and the diversity of the landscapes in Southeast Asia is absolutely awe-inspiring.
From bustling cities like Bangkok, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur to tiny fishing villages, sublime coastlines to serenely breathtaking rural hamlets, from the jungles of Malaysian Borneo to the deluxe resorts in Damai, from temples of Angkor in Cambodia to the modernity of Saigon, Vietnam, Southeast Asia offers a glimpse of the extraordinary, an explosion of colors, sounds, smells, textures, and life that will send you home with a wider vision of the human experience. 
And no country embodies this wonderful diversity in landscape, culture and people of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, and it has everything that one can hope for in vacation destination, a great mixture of cultures, history, people and some of the most delicious food I've had in SE Asia!
Being a major hub in SE Asia, naturally, our trip started out in Kuala Lumpur. KL, as I like to call it, is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city, not as big or crowded as Hong Kong or Shanghai, but big enough to provide all the conveniences. 
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From there, we rented a car, and although driving on the left side of the road (as in the UK) took some getting used to, overall, the highways and road conditions in Malaysia was absolutely superb … dare I say, better than the highways in California … and with a good map, we had no trouble navigating through the country.
Next, we were off to Georgetown (Penang) … aka “heaven for foodies”. Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as its people, and the mélange of Chinese, Malay and Indian … and even German (Café Edelweiss) dishes I had in Georgetown were some of the best I’ve had in the world.
Also, one of my favorite travel experiences was staying at the beautifully restored
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, which was like staying overnight at a living museum.
Then, on to a gorgeous mountainous area called Cameron Highlands, known for producing some of the world’s finest teas and lovely plantations.
Of course, no trip to Malaysia would be complete without visiting Melaka, a charming little town about 3 hours north of Singapore. We really enjoyed staying at a beautiful little
Hotel Puri in the heart of old town, and
Cafe 1511 was our favorite spot for meals, snacks and everything in between.
Our last stop in Malaysia was Borneo. We took a quick and easy flight on
Air Asia, which by the way is an extremely economical and convenient way to travel in not only Malaysia but also SE Asia, to Kuching and stayed at Damai Beach.
Less known to foreign tourist then other beaches in SE Asia, Sarawak (Borneo) is a verdant land, home to ancient rainforests with endangered inhabitants such as orangutans and sun bears. It's also a richly diverse landscape and offers a great mixture of breathtaking beaches, lush tropical forests and even jungles (Bako National Park).
We really enjoyed our fabulous hotel Holiday Inn in Damai Lagoon, and the fantastic little café next door on the top of the hill … and watching the breathtaking sunset there every evening was definitely the highlight of our trip!
My favorite part of Malaysia, however, was the warmth of its people, and there are only few countries in which I have traveled where I was treated with such remarkable hospitality, kindness, and generosity (S. Korea & Turkey being the other). I've found the Malaysian people to be genuine in their approach to foreign visitors, another fine byproduct of the underdeveloped tourism industry, and unlike other countries in SE Asia where the majority of tourists tends to be Westerners, in Malaysia, most of the vacationers and tourists were Malaysians, which I really appreciated and enjoyed.
Overall, our 3 weeks in Malaysia was an absolutely unforgettable experience ... one we hope to repeat someday soon!
31 December 2011 17:03:00
NYC, New York 
My 1st year ... my 1st New Year's Eve in NYC was an unforgettable experience.
I had the same crazy idea millions of New Yorkers AND tourists have, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Time Square. So, there I was with a scorching cuppa Joe (aka. cup of coffee) in my hand with few friends by my side, and we began inching our way towards the infamous “ball”. We were more than 10 blocks away from One Time Square, when we began encountering hordes of people. It took us half an hour to walk four blocks, and when we got to W. 53rd & Ave. of the Americas, we were stuck in a grid of people. I think every inch within 10 block radius of Time Square was covered with people that night, and the closest we’d gotten to seeing the “ball” drop was on TV the morning after.
However, the best part of the night was the festive atmosphere and the energy of the people around us, and although we couldn’t see the ball drop, we certainly felt the excitement of it, as we heard tens of thousands … perhaps even millions of people cheering, hugging and kissing … it was truly an unforgettable moment!
Then, 1st year after my husband and I’d moved to Germany, we went back to NYC to celebrate the holidays, and this time, we decided to ring in the new year in a more tranquil way. We spent the day reminiscing and visiting the places that we’d enjoyed while living there. Around midnight, as we were stroller through our old neighborhood in Morningside Heights, we decided to attend the midnight service at the Riverside Church.
Although neither my husband nor I believe in or affiliate ourselves with any particular religion, it was a wonderful experience to ring in the new year at a place that we’d loved so much, amongst hundreds of New Yorkers.
Aspen, Colorado With all the hype and craziness that surrounded the coming of new millennium, I wanted to be as far away from big cities, and I could not have pick a better place than Aspen. Spending the day skiing, going for a quiet stroll in the evening after dinner with my family, and watching the fireworks above the mountain at midnight was a beautiful way to end the 20th Century.
San Francisco, California
No doubt there are fabulous parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations all over the city; however, I will never forget our 1st year in San Francisco when my husband and I’d decided to spend a quiet evening at home, just the two of us.
Then, at midnight, as we were about to toast the new year, we heard a loud noise outside our window. When we stepped out onto our balcony, we realized that the fireworks were literally right outside our apartment over the Bay Bridge … one of the big benefits of living in a high rise in SOMA.
So, there we were, huddled up in a blanket enjoying a private fireworks from our balcony!
Paris, France 
I know it sounds like a bit of a cliché to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris, but the city lives up to and every bit of that cliché … and more! Paris is absolutely gorgeous during the holidays, even more so than usual, and add Christmas illuminations and decorations to the city of light; what you get is pure magic.
There are so many wonderful places to ring in the new year in Paris, but we opted for the most traditional spot, underneath the Eiffel Tower among thousands of Parisians and tourists. Nevertheless, it wasn’t as crazy or crowded as I’d feared, and although we’d arrived only an hour before midnight, we were able to walk through le Parc du Champs de Mars with ease and were able to find a spot where we had a phenomenal view of the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower and the light show.
It was absolutely unforgettable to watch the tower lit up like a Christmas tree and to be amongst all the people screaming joyfully, "Bonne Annee"!
Strasbourg, France 
Strasbourg is a beautiful place to be anytime of the year, but during the holidays, the city turns into a winter wonderland.
Being on the border of two countries, Strasbourg has flavors of both France and Germany, and although it embodies the charm of a small village, being the home of the European Parliament, it is one of the more cosmopolitan destinations in France.
I lived in this beautiful city and visited many time, but being there on New Year’s Eve, I'd learned how much the French love to partay! Few friends of ours had mentioned that they wanted to spend New Year’s Eve outside of Germany, and I thought Strasbourg, being only 2½ hours from Frankfurt, would be a perfect place for a quaint celebration. Little did I know, it turned out to be one of the more lively New Year’s Eve festivities I’d experienced.
Rome, Italy 
It was a particularly rainy winter that year, and New Year’s Eve was no exception. My husband and I had trudged all over Rome enjoying the spectacular sites in spite of the rain; however, we were too tired to fight the crowd and have to deal with the frenzy of the New Year’s Eve celebration. So, we headed over to the most tranquil place we knew, the Vatican, and indeed, it turned out to be one of the quietest New Year’s Eve I’d experienced.
However, New Year’s Day was quite the contrary. Every year, while the rest of the world sleeps in and tries to get over their hangover, ens of thousands of Romans and anyone else who happened to be in the city gather in St. Peter's Square, filling the streets with pageantry and music, to celebrate and receive the Pope's New Year's Day blessing. A focal point of Rome's holiday season and the Pope's Worldwide Day of Peace, the Rome New Year's Parade celebrates life, cultural diversity and international good-will.
Then, New Year's Parade proceeds along the grand Via della Conciliazione and culminates in St. Peter's Square, and in keeping with the Italian tradition, enthusiastic spectators (dressed to nines, mind you) fall into step alongside the bands, showing their appreciation with whistles and waves.
All this came as a wonderful surprise to us while my husband and I were strolling in the morning on New Year's Day. It was as if we were invited to a fabulous block party.
Venice, Italy
My 1st New Year’s Eve celebration in Europe, and I can still remember it clearly as if it was last year.
We’d stayed in a charming little hotel, Hotel Ai Do Mori, literally steps away from Piazza San Marco, and near midnight we heard the crowd began to gather. Once we stepped outside, we were in the midst of a truly festive atmosphere, and when the bell tolled twelfth time, tens of thousands of people cheered "Happy New Year!" in all languages … of course, the most predominant one being Italian, while hugging and kissing everyone and anyone in sight.
Skiing in Austrian Alps & Tyrol
Skiing holidays in the Austrian Alps & Tyrol (mountainous area at the border of Germany, Austria and Italy) are fantastic. You can experience the charm of a quaint little village but yet have access to all the comforts you need as a tourist … and what better way to begin a new year than skiing in the midst of such glorious nature!
Railay Beach, Thailand 
Celebrating the New Year’s Eve in Railay Beach was an absolutely unforgettable experience. A paradise for rock climbers and beach goers alike, this small island located 2 hours south of Phuket provided such a wonderful backdrop for a New Year’s Eve Celebration.
At midnight, people gathered on the beach, and quietly, everyone lit their paper lantern and released them into the night sky, adding to the hundreds already up there. For hours on end a constant stream of glowing points drift upwards from all over the beach, and it was absolutely mesmerizing to watch all the lanterns lit up and rising against the darkness and stillness of night.
Kyoto, Japan 
New Year’s Eve in Kyoto was a quiet affair. For many Japanese, New Year's Eve is time for a peaceful celebration with family, and I decided to honor that tradition while there with my husband and friends.
On the night of the 31st, we'd found a lovely Buddhist temple to hear the JOYA NO KANE, which is the temple bell tolling 108 times (symbolizing the 108 worldly desires). Then, after midnight, we headed over to a Shinto Shrine for Hatsu-Mode (first visit to a shrine), where we prayed and wrote our wishes on votive tablets. It was beautifully serene way to begin a new year.
12 December 2011 20:55:00
Sure, I love lounging on a white-sand beach, but nothing beats the feeling of cold wind on my face as I swoosh downhill, waves of powder snow parting like feathers, blue mountain sky beaming above, and of course, the spectacular scenery that surrounds you when you’re on top of a ski slope. And some of my most memorable vacations have been skiing or snowboarding in the midst of the majestic mountains, where the hills truly are alive with snow ... lots and lots of snow. 
MEGEVE, France
This picture-perfect postcard town about 2 hours west of Geneva is as charming a ski resort as you're likely to find. There is a wonderful selection of shops selling traditional goods and local delicacies, 5-star quality lodging and restaurants. My favorites are le Torrent, where I had the most perfect scallop dish, and Sous les Pres, a charming little hut on top of the Alpette that served up the most incredible selection of meat dishes.
Also, Hotel les Aravis, located within a walking distance from one of the main lifts, Princess is an absolutely charming hotel, and as the runs are not too difficult and wide, it makes Megeve an ideal destination for moderate skiers and snowboarders.
ASPEN, Colorado
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| photo courtesy of http://enewsspot.wordpress.com |
Colorado Rockies are filled with great ski resorts, Beaver Creek, Vail, Steamboat, Telluride, and of course, the grand daddy of them all,
Aspen. While the city is famous for its glitz and glamor, the skiing is also some of the finest in the North America and offers everything that one can hope for in a ski resort.
Also, there are 3 other major ski resorts all within the same area, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands, and a great shuttle/public transportation provides an easy access to all four mountains.
ZERMATT, Switzerland
Zermatt, a small village at the base of the Matterhorn, is one of the world's top ski resorts and is known as one of the most challenging places to ski in Europe. Due to its remote location and car-free environment, this bustling town which is filled with tens of thousands of tourists in any given day is remarkably peaceful.
Although the price of the lodging as well as the limited amount of mediocre restaurants in town are highly inflated, the skiing is absolutely superb, and nothing beats the feeling of starting your day on Swiss Alps, crossing the boarder on skis to Italy for lunch and returning to Switzerland for après ski.
LAKE TAHOE, California
The slopes and terrain in
Lake Tahoe,
Heavenly and
Squaw Valley are world-class, coupled with stunning views of the lake and the mild Northern California weather. The skiing is also fantastic with large areas of widely spaced trees and fabulous fresh powdered snow.
Lake Tahoe is also great because being near San Francisco and the Bay area, it will give you a lot of options for sightseeing and other adventures. The only downside is that the hotels, condo, and vacation homes in California tend to be bit pricier than other ski resorts. Nevertheless, the skiing and snowboarding in Lake Tahoe is spectacular … the scenery alone is worth the trip.
OBERTAUERN, Austria
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| Salzburg, Austria |
The Sound of Music city and Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg is a ski destination with a difference, combining history with culture and the best of a city break, while the surrounding ski resorts, such as Zell am See, Kitzbühel, OBERTAUERN, Gastein Valley, Leogang and Schladming, provide the perfect opportunity to ski.
TAOS, New Mexico
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| photo courtesy of http://www.123rf.com |
I learned to ski in
Taos, New Mexico.. When my father told me that we were going to New Mexico to ski, my first thought was, “We’re going to ski in the desert?!?” Little did I know, Taos, New Mexico turned out to be one of the loveliest places I’ve ever been.
Located in the Southern Rockies of North Central New Mexico, Taos combines the lore of the European Alps with the charm and beauty of the Southwest.
A combination of world renowned terrain, amazing food, and friendly people makes Taos one of the best kept secret ski resorts in the US. Also, the cost of the lift tickets, ski rentals as well as lodging are fraction of what they are at the more well-known ski destinations, and the scenic Town of Taos, located just 15 miles down the road, is a vacation destination in its own right, including an 800 year old Native American Pueblo.
VIPITENO, Italy
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| lovely little inn located beneath the Wolfsthurn Castle (Schloss Castel Wolfsthurn) |
Known as the "Pearl of the Alps" and Bolzano is one of the most famous holiday resorts in the Austrian Tyrol, and
Vipiteno is a charming little ski village located about an hour north. This 700-year-old village offers visitors the charm of an alpine village and a world-class on-piste terrain; thus, it’s the perfect combination of peaceful mountain charm and exhilarating skiing opportunities.
My next ski destinations:
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea
WHISTLER, Canada
MONT-TREMBLANT, Canada
JACKSONHOLE, Wyoming
PARK CITY, UTAH
Also, check out
National Geographic's top 10 ski resorts around the world.
06 December 2011 08:16:00
There’s no better way to experience the festivities of the holidays than Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) in Germany.
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| Frankfurt |
The markets take place usually in the center of the town, and you'll find all manner of stalls selling a wide array of crafts and tasty regional delicacies, sweets, cakes, food, mulled wine (Glühwein) and other delights. Especially, if/when there’s snow, the atmosphere is absolutely magical.
Almost every city, town and village in Germany has its own Christmas market, and deciding on which one to attend is not easy, as each of them are unique and reflect local & regional culture. I’ve enjoyed almost all of the ones I’ve been to, but my favorites are the markets in Heidelberg and Frankfurt.
Heidelberg is an absolutely lovely city (located about an hour south of Frankfurt), and the market on Karlsplatz is stunning, with a spectacular view of the Castle and surrounded by trees glistening with hundreds of stars … and as if that wasn’t enough, there’s even an ice skating rink.
Frankfurt, of course, is a bigger city and an ideal location if you’re planning to travel around Germany or Europe, and if offers great access to a lot of different venues. The Christmas market on Römerplatz is gorgeous, and what I really like about the atmosphere of this market (and the city in general) is its diversity of people and exposure to different ethnic groups versus other cities in Germany, which tend to be rather homogeneous.
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| Römerplatz, Frankfurt |
Berlin also has a wonderful market(s). I’ve been told that there are 60 markets in total; however, my favorite is the one on Gendarmenmarkt. It is one of Berlin’s most charming and picturesque, with the German and French Cathedral and Berlin Concert House beautifully lit surrounding the market. Located in Gendarmenmarkt Square, one of the most scenic squares in the centre of Berlin, the Christmas market is conveniently located, and there are endless market stalls offering traditional souvenirs including wood crafts, jewellery, toys and confectionery, and the market has a performance stage for musicians, jugglers and acrobats. Of course, the city itself is fantastic … my favorite city in Germany … and offers a lot of great sites, restaurants and activities. For more
information & recommendations on Berlin.
In addition, there are quite a few other well-known Weihnachtsmarkt throughout Germany: Braunschweig, Nuremburg (located about an hour north of Munich), Cologne (Köln), and of course, Munich (München). But beware, although the Christkindl market (Christkindlmarkt) at Marienplatz in Munich is marvelous, it can get extremely crowded and touristy.
One thing to keep in mind, most Christmas markets start in the last week of November and run through to Christmas Eve or a day or two before. They are usually open every day from 10am to about 8 or 9 pm. Also, as Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in Europe, most of the businesses (shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc) can be closed for 3-4 days in a row.
Visiting the Christmas markets in Germany is an absolutely magical experience, and some of my fondest memories in Europe were at Weihnachtsmarkt, huddled with a cup of Glühwein, sharing laughter and festivities with friends.
01 December 2011 12:20:00
If there’s paradise on earth, it would be Kauai. It is without a doubt one of the most sublimely serene and beautiful place I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to.
Kauai offers everything a traveler could want or need for an ultimate vacation experience: breathtaking beaches, lush forest, majestic cliffs and emerald valleys, and as if the breathtaking scenery wasn't enough, surrounding you always is the majestic Pacific Ocean, by turns coral blue, crystalline green or shimmering golden with the light of the setting sun.
Renting or having access to a car is a must while traveling in Kauai, as there is so much to see around the island, and although we’d stayed in Princeville, a beautiful area on the northern coast, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches and nature to explore and discover.
I’ve read in a travel guide that there are nearly 70 beaches on the island of Kauai; however, during our 8 day stay, we made it to five: Anini, Hanalei, Lumaha'l, Ha’ena and the beach at the Lydgate State Park.
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| Lumaha'l Beach |
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| Anini Beach |
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| Hanalei Bay |
Surprisingly, each of them offered different atmosphere and scenery as well as advantages and highlights. However, I must admit that my favorite was Ha'ena Beach. Nestled along the romantic North Shore of Kauai, Ha'ena Beach is a near perfect, two-mile long half-moon of golden sand with a dramatic back drop of mountain laced with lush forest. Hollywood could not have designed a more perfect beach.
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| Ha'ena Beach |
Also, Hanalei (about 10 min drive from Princeville) is a wonderful little town where its picturesque main street are with filled with a great selection of shops and restaurants, and the sunset at Hanalei Bay is definitely not to be missed.
On top of the beautiful surroundings, what makes Kauai truly special is the diversity in culture and its people, which is also reflected in the unique variety of cuisines you can find on the island. One of our favorite restaurant was
Postcard Café where we ended up having dinner quite a few times during our stay, but there are also a variety of fish taco stands, cafes and restaurants that will sure to satisfy any and all appetite.
About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking, because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot, and the sheer amount of outdoor activities on the island is remarkable, everything from backwoods hiking through Waimea Canyon to kayaking up the Wailua River. Kauai is a mecca for all things outdoors and all persons looking for adventure.
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| Waimea Canyon |
Like all of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai's scenery is ever changing as you head around the island's coastal roads. Your surroundings are certainly never boring ranging from sugarcane fields to rainforests, pristine beaches to ranch lands.
Kauai is considered to be semi-tropical and is home to a variety of micro-climates depending on your location around the island. So, it's very common to be in rain one minute on Kauai, and in full sun the next, which of course makes up beautiful rainbows.
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| double rainbow! |
The best part of vacationing in Kauai is that it’s a wonderful place for an entire family, especially ideal for families with small children. Unlike other swanky beach destination in Mexico or the Caribbean, Kauai tends to attract more family-oriented travelers. It offers not only an array of kid-friendly hotels, but everywhere you go, you are genuinely welcomed and feel welcome as parents.
Here are family-friendly hotels & places I recommend.
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| Westin Princeville |
Westin Princeville – A collection of studio and 1 bedroom condos that has all the amenities of a hotel but has fully equipped kitchen. Also, the collection of swimming pools including a kiddie pool with slides and waterfalls that makes this a real kids' paradise.
Hanalei Colony Resort – These spacious two-bedroom condos close to our favorite Ha’ena Beach come equipped with full kitchens. Management has badminton and croquet sets on hand for the whole family, as well as toys, puzzles, and games for the kids.
Marriott Resort & Beach Club – Simply the fact that they have the largest pool (26,000 sq. ft.), in in Hawaii should say it all, but in addition, there a new kids' pool, lagoons, waterfalls, fountains, a 5-acre circular swimming pool (the largest on the island), and a terrific stretch of beach.
Lydgate State Park – There is a wonderful playground & area for children directly across from the beach, perfect for children who are "beached out".
the train ride at
Kauai Plantation Railway
Restaurants
Kapaa: Ono Family Restaurant (4-1292 Kuhio Hwy), Ono Ono Shave Ice (next door to Ono Restaurant), Scotty's Beachside BBQ (4-1546 Kuhio Hwy),
Lihue: Fish Express (3343 Kuhio Hwy Ste 10), Garden Island BBQ & Chinese Restuarant (4252 Rice St), Mark's Place (1610 Haleukana St Ste A)
Hanalei/Princeville: Dolphin Restaurant (5-5016 Kuhio Hwy), Lapperts Ice Cream (several locations throughout Kauai), Nanea (Hotel Westin Princeville), Postcards Cafe (5-5075 Kuhio Hwy Ste A), Taro & Juice Co (5-5070 Kuhio Hwy B)
Koloa: Plantation Gardens (2253 Poipu Rd)
14 November 2011 17:21:00
Just when I thought I’d seen it all, NYC outdoes itself. The High Line Park is a true testament to the city’s incredible ability to reinvent itself, and it has transformed, brought life and vibrancy to an entire area that was formerly known as “Death Avenue”.
My interest was sparked immediately after first hearing about the High Line, and I knew I had to return to NY to see it … and indeed, it did not disappoint.
The 30+ blocks from Gansevoort Street to West 30th Street (along 10th Ave) is a wonderful stroll, with a breathtaking view of the Hudson River on one side, and the spectacular scenery on the other, and when you’re sitting in one of the many stylishly designed benches … because after all, this is NY, and even the park benches must reflect its panache … you feel as if you’re truly isolated from all the hustle and bustle of the city.
Frank Gehry's IAC Building whose sheen changes with the seasons, and hour by hour.
The Standard Hotel
and a great view of the Statue of Liberty
My favorites & recommendations in NYC
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There are three things I remember distinctly about my trip to Cambodia: the overwhelming heat, the temples … of course, the main reason for traveling to Cambodia, and the ever-present aftermath Khmer Rouge.
It was one of those decisions made on a whim, and after exchanging few emails, my friends and I had decided to meet in Cambodia. So, instead of getting together at a corner cafe, we all flew in from different part of world and landed in its capital, Phnom Penh.
I knew so little of Cambodia prior to my visit, and even now, after visiting and seeing most of the significant sites, I’m still uncertain as if I can grasp the enormity of the atrocities the Cambodian people were subjected to for nearly three decades.
There are two faces to Cambodia: one shiny and happy, the other dark and complex, but such is the yin and yang of Cambodia, a country that inspires and confines.
Phnom Penh 
Recommended hotel in Siem Reap: Angkor Village Hotel 855 (0) 6396 3361
Recommended restaurants: Lemongrass (14, Khemarak Phomin, Phnom Penh 01299 6707), Le Grand Café (Old Market, Pop Street, Siem Reap 01266 4567)
The most profound aspect of visiting Vietnam was to see and witness a place … a country that has survived on its own terms, and although have gone through an arduous history, numerous foreign colonization and occupation, Vietnam and its people have maintain their dignity, graciousness, and indomitable spirit that was humbling to see and experience.Hanoi
Also, Hanoians are extremely proud of their cuisines … and after having tasted the delectable meals in Hanoi and throughout Vietnam, I can definitely understand why, and anyone interested in learning more about cooking classes, walking tours and language lessons in Hanoi, I recommend Hidden Hanoi. Ha Long Bay
As sad as we were to leave Hanoi, I could not have been happier once we arrived in Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site situated about 170km (3 ½ hour drive) north of Hanoi, and it is without a doubt one of the most spectacular natural sites I have seen in my life. This densely concentrated zone of stone islands is world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, and resembles a geographic work of art. 
There are many tour companies that offer different types of sailboats and junk boats (the traditional Chinese sailing vessel), but we opted to rent a private junk boat for ourselves, which was preferable in comparison to sharing a larger boat with 10-15 others.
Being one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam … and in SE Asia definitely has its downside; Ha Long Bay is definitely touristy, and everywhere you go, you will be bombarded by hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors at all times. However, if you rent a private boat, you have the option to sail around the bay at a more leisurely pace, choose the course and where you want to go.
Also, the biggest highlight of our trip was that as part of the tour, we were provided with a freshly cooked meal. We were actually taken to boat vendors and were able to choose and buy fresh seafood & vegetables from them, and our meal was prepared right on the boat, which turned out to be one of the most delicious and memorable meals I’ve had. 
DanangAfter spending 2 days in Ha Long Bay, we returned to Hanoi to catch our flight to Danang. I’m sure there are many transport options, but having only 2 weeks, we opted to fly to major destinations. Vietnam Airline and Jet Star Asia have great domestic connections throughout the country, and you can get a good rate if you book through a local travel agent, which you can easily do even after you arrive in Vietnam. 
However, beyond the elegant façade are remnants of HCMC and Vietnam’s torrent history, and no place are the atrocities of war(s) more clearly displayed than at the War Remnants Museum … a stark reminder of the devastation that Vietnam and its people suffered and endured during the French colonial period and America’s occupation told from the viewpoint of the Vietnamese people.
Needless to say, for anyone who was raised in America like myself, this is a perspective that we are rarely exposed to, and after visiting the War Remnants Museum, I have learned to look at the world, especially my own and the political choices that are made in my own country in a more critical way, as all too often, history is told by those in power.
Although Vietnam has been well discovered by now, what makes the country so fascinating for me is its intricate culture and history, and how in spite of outside world’s … and much to my chagrin, most foreign visitors’ misconception of labeling this vibrant land and culture as something of a relic, a so-called “exotic land”, Vietnam continues to flourish.
I, for one, can’t wait get back to Vietnam to witness its evolution.
And no country embodies this wonderful diversity in landscape, culture and people of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, and it has everything that one can hope for in vacation destination, a great mixture of cultures, history, people and some of the most delicious food I've had in SE Asia!
Being a major hub in SE Asia, naturally, our trip started out in Kuala Lumpur. KL, as I like to call it, is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city, not as big or crowded as Hong Kong or Shanghai, but big enough to provide all the conveniences. 
Then, on to a gorgeous mountainous area called Cameron Highlands, known for producing some of the world’s finest teas and lovely plantations.
Of course, no trip to Malaysia would be complete without visiting Melaka, a charming little town about 3 hours north of Singapore. We really enjoyed staying at a beautiful little Hotel Puri in the heart of old town, and Cafe 1511 was our favorite spot for meals, snacks and everything in between. 
Less known to foreign tourist then other beaches in SE Asia, Sarawak (Borneo) is a verdant land, home to ancient rainforests with endangered inhabitants such as orangutans and sun bears. It's also a richly diverse landscape and offers a great mixture of breathtaking beaches, lush tropical forests and even jungles (Bako National Park).
We really enjoyed our fabulous hotel Holiday Inn in Damai Lagoon, and the fantastic little café next door on the top of the hill … and watching the breathtaking sunset there every evening was definitely the highlight of our trip!
My favorite part of Malaysia, however, was the warmth of its people, and there are only few countries in which I have traveled where I was treated with such remarkable hospitality, kindness, and generosity (S. Korea & Turkey being the other). I've found the Malaysian people to be genuine in their approach to foreign visitors, another fine byproduct of the underdeveloped tourism industry, and unlike other countries in SE Asia where the majority of tourists tends to be Westerners, in Malaysia, most of the vacationers and tourists were Malaysians, which I really appreciated and enjoyed.
Overall, our 3 weeks in Malaysia was an absolutely unforgettable experience ... one we hope to repeat someday soon!
My 1st year ... my 1st New Year's Eve in NYC was an unforgettable experience.
I had the same crazy idea millions of New Yorkers AND tourists have, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Time Square. So, there I was with a scorching cuppa Joe (aka. cup of coffee) in my hand with few friends by my side, and we began inching our way towards the infamous “ball”. We were more than 10 blocks away from One Time Square, when we began encountering hordes of people. It took us half an hour to walk four blocks, and when we got to W. 53rd & Ave. of the Americas, we were stuck in a grid of people. I think every inch within 10 block radius of Time Square was covered with people that night, and the closest we’d gotten to seeing the “ball” drop was on TV the morning after.
However, the best part of the night was the festive atmosphere and the energy of the people around us, and although we couldn’t see the ball drop, we certainly felt the excitement of it, as we heard tens of thousands … perhaps even millions of people cheering, hugging and kissing … it was truly an unforgettable moment!
Then, 1st year after my husband and I’d moved to Germany, we went back to NYC to celebrate the holidays, and this time, we decided to ring in the new year in a more tranquil way. We spent the day reminiscing and visiting the places that we’d enjoyed while living there. Around midnight, as we were stroller through our old neighborhood in Morningside Heights, we decided to attend the midnight service at the Riverside Church.
Although neither my husband nor I believe in or affiliate ourselves with any particular religion, it was a wonderful experience to ring in the new year at a place that we’d loved so much, amongst hundreds of New Yorkers.
Aspen, Colorado With all the hype and craziness that surrounded the coming of new millennium, I wanted to be as far away from big cities, and I could not have pick a better place than Aspen. Spending the day skiing, going for a quiet stroll in the evening after dinner with my family, and watching the fireworks above the mountain at midnight was a beautiful way to end the 20th Century.
San Francisco, California
No doubt there are fabulous parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations all over the city; however, I will never forget our 1st year in San Francisco when my husband and I’d decided to spend a quiet evening at home, just the two of us.
Then, at midnight, as we were about to toast the new year, we heard a loud noise outside our window. When we stepped out onto our balcony, we realized that the fireworks were literally right outside our apartment over the Bay Bridge … one of the big benefits of living in a high rise in SOMA.
So, there we were, huddled up in a blanket enjoying a private fireworks from our balcony!
Paris, France 
I know it sounds like a bit of a cliché to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris, but the city lives up to and every bit of that cliché … and more! Paris is absolutely gorgeous during the holidays, even more so than usual, and add Christmas illuminations and decorations to the city of light; what you get is pure magic.
There are so many wonderful places to ring in the new year in Paris, but we opted for the most traditional spot, underneath the Eiffel Tower among thousands of Parisians and tourists. Nevertheless, it wasn’t as crazy or crowded as I’d feared, and although we’d arrived only an hour before midnight, we were able to walk through le Parc du Champs de Mars with ease and were able to find a spot where we had a phenomenal view of the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower and the light show.
It was absolutely unforgettable to watch the tower lit up like a Christmas tree and to be amongst all the people screaming joyfully, "Bonne Annee"!
Strasbourg, France 
Strasbourg is a beautiful place to be anytime of the year, but during the holidays, the city turns into a winter wonderland.
Being on the border of two countries, Strasbourg has flavors of both France and Germany, and although it embodies the charm of a small village, being the home of the European Parliament, it is one of the more cosmopolitan destinations in France.
I lived in this beautiful city and visited many time, but being there on New Year’s Eve, I'd learned how much the French love to partay! Few friends of ours had mentioned that they wanted to spend New Year’s Eve outside of Germany, and I thought Strasbourg, being only 2½ hours from Frankfurt, would be a perfect place for a quaint celebration. Little did I know, it turned out to be one of the more lively New Year’s Eve festivities I’d experienced.
Rome, Italy 
It was a particularly rainy winter that year, and New Year’s Eve was no exception. My husband and I had trudged all over Rome enjoying the spectacular sites in spite of the rain; however, we were too tired to fight the crowd and have to deal with the frenzy of the New Year’s Eve celebration. So, we headed over to the most tranquil place we knew, the Vatican, and indeed, it turned out to be one of the quietest New Year’s Eve I’d experienced.
However, New Year’s Day was quite the contrary. Every year, while the rest of the world sleeps in and tries to get over their hangover, ens of thousands of Romans and anyone else who happened to be in the city gather in St. Peter's Square, filling the streets with pageantry and music, to celebrate and receive the Pope's New Year's Day blessing. A focal point of Rome's holiday season and the Pope's Worldwide Day of Peace, the Rome New Year's Parade celebrates life, cultural diversity and international good-will.
Then, New Year's Parade proceeds along the grand Via della Conciliazione and culminates in St. Peter's Square, and in keeping with the Italian tradition, enthusiastic spectators (dressed to nines, mind you) fall into step alongside the bands, showing their appreciation with whistles and waves.
All this came as a wonderful surprise to us while my husband and I were strolling in the morning on New Year's Day. It was as if we were invited to a fabulous block party.
Venice, Italy
My 1st New Year’s Eve celebration in Europe, and I can still remember it clearly as if it was last year.
We’d stayed in a charming little hotel, Hotel Ai Do Mori, literally steps away from Piazza San Marco, and near midnight we heard the crowd began to gather. Once we stepped outside, we were in the midst of a truly festive atmosphere, and when the bell tolled twelfth time, tens of thousands of people cheered "Happy New Year!" in all languages … of course, the most predominant one being Italian, while hugging and kissing everyone and anyone in sight.
Skiing in Austrian Alps & Tyrol
Skiing holidays in the Austrian Alps & Tyrol (mountainous area at the border of Germany, Austria and Italy) are fantastic. You can experience the charm of a quaint little village but yet have access to all the comforts you need as a tourist … and what better way to begin a new year than skiing in the midst of such glorious nature!
Railay Beach, Thailand 
Celebrating the New Year’s Eve in Railay Beach was an absolutely unforgettable experience. A paradise for rock climbers and beach goers alike, this small island located 2 hours south of Phuket provided such a wonderful backdrop for a New Year’s Eve Celebration.
At midnight, people gathered on the beach, and quietly, everyone lit their paper lantern and released them into the night sky, adding to the hundreds already up there. For hours on end a constant stream of glowing points drift upwards from all over the beach, and it was absolutely mesmerizing to watch all the lanterns lit up and rising against the darkness and stillness of night.
Kyoto, Japan 
New Year’s Eve in Kyoto was a quiet affair. For many Japanese, New Year's Eve is time for a peaceful celebration with family, and I decided to honor that tradition while there with my husband and friends.
On the night of the 31st, we'd found a lovely Buddhist temple to hear the JOYA NO KANE, which is the temple bell tolling 108 times (symbolizing the 108 worldly desires). Then, after midnight, we headed over to a Shinto Shrine for Hatsu-Mode (first visit to a shrine), where we prayed and wrote our wishes on votive tablets. It was beautifully serene way to begin a new year.
With the bluest of blue water and the greenest of green surrounding forest, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America at a surface elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m). Outdoor lovers flock to this natural paradise, spending their days skiing California's best slopes in winter, and hiking, paddling and camping in summer. 
MEGEVE, France
This picture-perfect postcard town about 2 hours west of Geneva is as charming a ski resort as you're likely to find. There is a wonderful selection of shops selling traditional goods and local delicacies, 5-star quality lodging and restaurants. My favorites are le Torrent, where I had the most perfect scallop dish, and Sous les Pres, a charming little hut on top of the Alpette that served up the most incredible selection of meat dishes.
Also, Hotel les Aravis, located within a walking distance from one of the main lifts, Princess is an absolutely charming hotel, and as the runs are not too difficult and wide, it makes Megeve an ideal destination for moderate skiers and snowboarders.
ASPEN, Colorado
Zermatt, a small village at the base of the Matterhorn, is one of the world's top ski resorts and is known as one of the most challenging places to ski in Europe. Due to its remote location and car-free environment, this bustling town which is filled with tens of thousands of tourists in any given day is remarkably peaceful.
Although the price of the lodging as well as the limited amount of mediocre restaurants in town are highly inflated, the skiing is absolutely superb, and nothing beats the feeling of starting your day on Swiss Alps, crossing the boarder on skis to Italy for lunch and returning to Switzerland for après ski.
LAKE TAHOE, California
The slopes and terrain in Lake Tahoe, Heavenly and Squaw Valley are world-class, coupled with stunning views of the lake and the mild Northern California weather. The skiing is also fantastic with large areas of widely spaced trees and fabulous fresh powdered snow.
Lake Tahoe is also great because being near San Francisco and the Bay area, it will give you a lot of options for sightseeing and other adventures. The only downside is that the hotels, condo, and vacation homes in California tend to be bit pricier than other ski resorts. Nevertheless, the skiing and snowboarding in Lake Tahoe is spectacular … the scenery alone is worth the trip.
OBERTAUERN, Austria
My next ski destinations:
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea
WHISTLER, Canada
MONT-TREMBLANT, Canada
JACKSONHOLE, Wyoming
PARK CITY, UTAH
Also, check out National Geographic's top 10 ski resorts around the world.
Kauai offers everything a traveler could want or need for an ultimate vacation experience: breathtaking beaches, lush forest, majestic cliffs and emerald valleys, and as if the breathtaking scenery wasn't enough, surrounding you always is the majestic Pacific Ocean, by turns coral blue, crystalline green or shimmering golden with the light of the setting sun.
Renting or having access to a car is a must while traveling in Kauai, as there is so much to see around the island, and although we’d stayed in Princeville, a beautiful area on the northern coast, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches and nature to explore and discover.
I’ve read in a travel guide that there are nearly 70 beaches on the island of Kauai; however, during our 8 day stay, we made it to five: Anini, Hanalei, Lumaha'l, Ha’ena and the beach at the Lydgate State Park.
On top of the beautiful surroundings, what makes Kauai truly special is the diversity in culture and its people, which is also reflected in the unique variety of cuisines you can find on the island. One of our favorite restaurant was Postcard Café where we ended up having dinner quite a few times during our stay, but there are also a variety of fish taco stands, cafes and restaurants that will sure to satisfy any and all appetite.
About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking, because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot, and the sheer amount of outdoor activities on the island is remarkable, everything from backwoods hiking through Waimea Canyon to kayaking up the Wailua River. Kauai is a mecca for all things outdoors and all persons looking for adventure.
Like all of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai's scenery is ever changing as you head around the island's coastal roads. Your surroundings are certainly never boring ranging from sugarcane fields to rainforests, pristine beaches to ranch lands.
The 30+ blocks from Gansevoort Street to West 30th Street (along 10th Ave) is a wonderful stroll, with a breathtaking view of the Hudson River on one side, and the spectacular scenery on the other, and when you’re sitting in one of the many stylishly designed benches … because after all, this is NY, and even the park benches must reflect its panache … you feel as if you’re truly isolated from all the hustle and bustle of the city.
Frank Gehry's IAC Building whose sheen changes with the seasons, and hour by hour.
The Standard Hotel
and a great view of the Statue of Liberty
My favorites & recommendations in NYC
