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Must Visit Restaurants in Shanghai

Travel Destination - Shelia - May 12, 2020

Flying to Shanghai soon for a business or family trip? Despite being a booming city, Shanghai has managed to preserve its traditional side, including its culinary art. What’s more, Shanghai’s gourmet landscape is certainly not limited to Xiao Long Bao and buns alike. With the plethora of cuisines blooming in every corner of Shanghai, taste buds are having a party in this food paradise! Fly to Shanghai and get a taste of the diverse Shanghai culinary delights. Here’s our pick of 4 must-go restaurants to satisfy your cravings on a wide spectrum, from upmarket and fine-dining restaurants to affordable but nonetheless quality restaurants that will satisfy your cravings for Shanghainese culinary delights.

1. Jia Jia Tang Bao

Probably the best Xiao Long Bao in Shanghai, if you don’t mind the long queue! The restaurant is so beloved that it’s sought after by long lines of people every day. But it’s worth the wait! The simplistic interior of the restaurant draws attention to its exquisite dumplings. Each dish is served in steaming hot bamboo steamer, with mouthwatering scent filling up the rather packed medium-sized restaurant, impossible to ignore. Dumplings have different fillings which you can order, such as crab meat filling or port meat filling. Dishes here are marked at reasonable prices. Every dish is prepared after you make the order, so expect a 10-15 minutes waiting time. Each steamer contains 12 dumplings! The dumpling skin is nice and soft, so thin that you can feel the soup inside almost bursting out when you grab it with chopsticks! Carefully lifting the bun without poking the skin and wasting all the soup inside is challenging. There’s always a friend who gets messy with Xiao Long Bao… But for long-time fans of this classic Shanghai dish, delicately lift the dumpling and dip it into the vinegar. Enjoy the outpour of umami flavours on your tongue! As the price here is not expensive, you can order as much as you can without breaking the bank. You will surely get your money’s worth here!

Address: 90 Huanghe Lu, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm

2. M on the Bund

M on the Bund specializes in cuisines where East meets West. Established by an Australian restaurateur in 1999, the upscale restaurant overlooks the Huangpu River and Pudong. Dishes served here incorporate luxurious ingredients such as black truffles and foie gras in its main courses and side dishes. Some of the signature dishes are sunckling pig, lamb, tagine with saffron and so on, with a mix of Australian, North African and European flavours of course. The Art Deco terrace is given an oriental twist, exuding sophistication and creativity. Dine alfresco on the terrace while enjoying a magnificent view of Shanghai skyline and glittering river. It is a great venue for formal parties, business dinner, and will make memories for you. Trying to impress someone over a dinner date? Make a reservation in advance and get a table with a stunning view. This restaurant is perfect for a formal dining experience with your loved ones, especially if you wish to create a memorable occasion.

Address: 7th Floor, 20 Guangdong Road, Shanghai, China
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

3. T’ang Court Shanghai

T’ang Court Shanghai is a Michelin three-starred restaurant, and is in fact the only restaurant in Shanghai with three Michelin stars. Treat yourself to a feast of exquisite dishes with impeccable flavours! This fine-dining restaurant is possibly the best restaurant in mainland China. Executive chef Justin Tan has created a Cantonese menu which is authentic yet with a Western hint. T’ang Court’s signature dessert is an elegant swan-shaped pastry coupled with an almond tofu pudding. The beautiful dish, as well as other dishes on the menu, is overwhelmingly detail-oriented that it’s almost a shame that it’s gone bite by bite. This upmarket Cantonese restaurant has won multiple awards over the years, perfect for a dinner with which you wish to make a long-lasting impression. Don’t forget to make a reservation before you go.

Address: 5/F The Langham Xintiandi Shanghai, No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai 200021 China
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

4. Shanghai Ren Jia

Experience a diverse array of Shanghainese cuisines here! All Shanghainese staples can be found on the authentic menu here. We recommend you to go in a group and book a table in advance, as you can try out more dishes in one go. The taste may vary from branch to branch as the chef has his own preference, but the authentic Shanghainese flavour is always there. One of the signature dishes is the Drunken Shrimp, which is freshly made by marinating raw shrimps in alcohol soy sauce. The shrimp is sweet and fresh, perfect for an appetizer. A more well-known Shanghainese dish is the Braised Pork Belly, fattening but irresistible. The meat is well-cooked and tender, marinated in sweet and savory sauce. The fat just melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more! Go with a group of four or five, you can share the signature dishes with your friends or family. A delicious dining experience is elevated when it is a shared one!

Address: 41 Middle Yunnan Road, Shanghai (other branches available)
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

A young and vibrant city, Shanghai offers many unknowns for foodies. If you are there for a business or family trip, do not miss out on the opportunities to try out the modern Shanghainese culinary delights! Or are you secretly yearning for a culinary enlightenment? Book a flight to Shanghai with Cathay Pacific. Experience top-notch in flight service and a variety of entertainment options. Watch the latest films and classic TV series in the air. You will land in Shanghai before you know it! Enjoy a safe and pleasant flight before diving into your gourmandizing journey!

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Top 5 Best Things to do in the Sunshine Coast

Travel Destination, Travel Tips - Shelia - April 30, 2020

Discover the top things to do in the Sunshine Coast and enjoy your Queensland Holiday in the sun.

1. Visit the beaches

If you go to the Sunshine Coast, you have to visit the beaches; they’re what the coast is known for! Check out popular beaches like Bulcock beach with its local playgrounds, perfect for families. Or visit Noosa Heads for classic fun in the sun. Surfers will enjoy a trip to Coolum Beach for the opportunity to paddle out and hang ten. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

2. Climb a mountain

Along with a lot of beaches, the Sunshine Coast has a lot of mountains that you can climb. One of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast if you like getting active, try one of the local mountain climbs. Mount Coolum National Park features Mount Coolum, a dome-shaped mountain that stands 208m tall and overlooks the Sunshine Coast lowlands. Of course, Mount Coolum isn’t the only mountain with impressive views of the Sunshine Coast. The Glass House Mountains are also full of popular hikes with stunning scenery.

3. Enjoy some ginger

Something you might not expect on your trip to the sunny, seaside Sunshine Coast is ginger, but you’d be surprised how enjoyable a trip to The Ginger Factory can be. The Ginger Factory is more than just a store that sells ginger and ginger-flavoured food (though there is plenty of that). There’s also rides and activities for visitors of all ages. There’s also an attached rainforest for when you want to reconnect with nature. Then you can enjoy a meal at the café, and maybe some handmade ice cream for a final treat.

4. Go to Aussie World

If the fun rides at The Ginger Factory weren’t enough for you, all the excitement of Aussie World might be one of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast for you. Thrill rides, family rides, sideshows and more can be found at Aussie World. The park is full of brightly coloured attractions that are sure to capture the attention of any young ones with you.

5. Check out the markets

Like a lot of seaside Australia, the Sunshine Coast is home to many markets. The Original Eumundi Markets are some of the most popular markets, full of art, craft, entertainment, and more. But there’s also markets like Nights on Ocean with artisan stalls, live music and performers, and street food—a great way to spend an evening in the Sunshine Coast. You can also check out the Sunshine Coast Collective Markets, the Caloundra Street Fair, and so many more markets and marketplaces. The markets are a great way to get a feel for the culture of a town and find a memento to take home with you.

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How To Make the Most of Your First Yacht Charter Experience

Travel Tips - Shelia - April 5, 2020

Warm weather is just around the corner, and chances are you have some cabin fever right now. Why not start planning your summer adventures? One excellent choice is chartering a yacht. Whether you’re stepping aboard with family or a large group of friends, there’s nothing quite like sailing across the open water and soaking up the sun. Check out these tips to help you make the most of your first yachting experience.

Read the Contract Thoroughly

When you charter a yacht, you’ll need to sign a contract. Read it thoroughly to ensure you understand what you’ll receive, which rules you’re expected to follow, and which fees you may incur during the course of your experience. Check the size of the yacht first. If you’re only taking a small group of friends, a small one is fine. On the other hand, if you’re hosting a large party, you want to make sure everyone has enough space to move around.

Next, read the insurance clause. Some charters provide the insurance as part of the cost. Others expect you to pay more for optional insurance. Verify how much the deposit is and what happens if you need to cancel. In addition, read the rules regarding whether smoking is allowed on board, how old children must be and whether they can roam freely (younger children should not, regardless of the rules), and whether you’re allowed to bring your own food aboard.

Pack Only What You Need

Chances are you’ll be on your charter yacht for the entire day and possibly into the evening, so it is important to pack essentials. Naturally, you’ll want to have bathing suits with you to enjoy the sun, but you can save space by wearing them under your regular clothes. Remember, being on the water can be chilly in the evening, so check the temperatures and consider packing a sweatshirt or light jacket.

In addition to layered clothes, pack plenty of sunscreen (and remember to apply regularly). A lip balm with an SPF and a large hat will help to protect your scalp and face. Avoid tanning oil, as it can stain the boat’s deck. If you’ll need it, pack essential medications, as well as some pain reliever and anti-nausea medication.

Finally, bring the fun stuff. A deck of cards and a Bluetooth speaker are great for music and entertainment on the water. A flashlight and matches help with light for evening sailing. Pack smartphones, tablets, and other electronics in Ziploc bags to protect them from the water.

Practice Good Etiquette With the Crew

The crew running your yacht charter is there to make your experience as special as possible, so practice excellent yacht crew etiquette. In addition to treating the boat itself well, listen to all of the crew’s instructions and follow them. The rules are not only to protect the boat but to protect you as well.

After listening to instructions for your trip, give the crew the space they’ll need to work safely. Avoid their quarters and work space, and never expect them to take care of any children you have aboard with you. If you do have questions, ask the captain first. If the captain can’t help, he or she will direct you to someone who can.

Finally, part of practicing good etiquette is tipping well. The standard rate is between 10% and 20%. You can offer cash to individual crew members or tip a lump sum that they can divide between themselves. Some charters automatically add a gratuity for large groups, but tipping above and beyond shows your appreciation and ensures you’re treated well if you ever book another sailing trip.

Take Advantage of the Offered Stops

As nice as it is to lay back on the deck and watch the waves and the sun, part of the experience is taking advantage of the stops you can make. Some charter experiences allow fishing, while others will stop at popular beaches or spots where you can watch for dolphins or other sea life. Many charters sail along shores that provide a variety of shops and restaurants right by the water. For example, charters in southern Florida often stop at waterfront restaurants Miami. If you have the chance to eat at one of them, some of the popular ones include Seaspice, Zuma, and Texas de Brazil.

Before you know it, temperatures will soar, the sun will shine, and you’ll be itching to feel it on your skin. By planning and preparing your yachting experience now, you ensure smooth sailing down the line.

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Best Places to visit in Costa Rica

Travel Destination - Shelia - March 31, 2020

Wondering about the best places to visit in Costa Rica on your trip? Then you will get to know about the best places to visit in Costa Rica in this particular post.

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in Central America. It’s also one of the most visited travel destinations in the world. People love to explore this splendid place mainly because of its attractive beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests, and unique wildlife.

Even though Costa Rica is a small country in landmass. This place is known as the world’s biggest natural playground because of its border.

It’s called the world’s biggest natural playground mainly because of its natural border. This place is bordered between Nicaragua and Panama, and it has the largest density of flora and fauna as well.

Costa Rica is not as cheap as other places, so lots of budget travelers skip this place. But frankly, you should check out this place at least once by saving your money. However, there are lots of ways to explore Costa Rica on budget.

Now, let’s find out the best places to visit in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica:

In this list of best places to visit in Costa Rica, I have included splendid places which you shouldn’t miss out on your trip to Costa Rica.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve:

One of the best places to visit in Costa Rica is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. If you are a wildlife lover, then you will love this Cloud Forest Reserve mainly because of its Lush green mountains, tropical jungle, exotic birds, and unique animals.

This cloud forest reserve is located in the heart of Costa Rica, and it’s one of the country’s most coveted tourist destinations, mainly due to its astonishing scenic views, extraordinary biodiversity, and more. It is the nation’s premier cloud forest and largest eco-tourism hub in the country.

You can find lots of private and public tours and trips to the Cloud Forest Reserve. You shouldn’t miss out on this special place to visit in Costa Rica.

Puerto Viejo:

Puerto Viejo is an accessible location in Costa Rica for young backpackers who love to explore great beaches for their surfing activities and party culture. This place is located on the banks of the Caribbean coast right near Panama. You can find lots of beautiful scenic spots in this place. Apart from that, you can stay in luxurious hotels as this place has some best hotels for tourists. You can even find Jaguars on this place as a Jaguar rescue center is very nearby.

Arenal Volcano:

Arenal Volcano is one of the best attractions in Costa Rica. It is sitting at an elevation of 1670m and it’s one of the many volcanoes in Costa Rica you should have a look. While visiting this place, you have to be careful as it still erupts from time to time.

If you’re lucky enough, you can see some lava flowing down the volcano at times. But, its rare site nevertheless you still have a chance as it used to be the most active volcanoes in the world. This place is surrounded by lots of incredible scenic sights and other adventure activities.

Cahuita – Gorgeous Small town:

Cahuita is a gorgeous small town which is located right next to the stunning national park. It is the best place to relax for all the tourists. They can have a glance at the most beautiful and lively spots in this location. It’s just about an hour from the north of Puerto Viejo. You can do animal spotting, swimming, surfing and even go for hiking as well.

This region is popularly known for its Afro-Caribbean influences, because of its food and local culture. The best food you have to try here is grilled chicken. It tastes different than what we get in our town, but it’s better than us.

Tortuguero – Land of Turtles:

Exploring the land of turtles is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. The Tortuguero is a Costa Rican version of the Amazon Rainforest. This has a vast northern coast, with Tortuguero national park. It is over 77,000 acres, which is significant in size. The massive area is having a series of rivers and canals that cross the jungle. This attracts tourists to explore the place. On this tour, you can find hell lot of turtles so it got that name as Land of turtles.

The best place to visit this spot is in April and May where you can see Turtles nesting. If you are on your trip for other months, then don’t worry, you can still go hiking and participate in several cruises.

Corcovado National Park:

Never miss out exploring Corcovado national park on your trip to Costa Rica. This is the best place on the remote Osa Peninsula in the southwestern Costa Rican. It was established in 1975, and this gorgeous park covers a vast area of around 424 Square kilometers.

Corcovado is filled with a wide range of bird species and marine life. Because of that, it draws most of the visitors.

But, the problem is it’s not easy to explore this peninsula as the path of this place is quite hard to move ahead. If you’re an adventure freak, then you can easily explore this because of your hiking skills. All your efforts to visit this place will be fulfilled as this place is full of great hikes, camping, marine life, and unique wildlife as well.

Manuel Antonio:

Manuel Antonio is a popular beach destination on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The white sand and warm blue water make this a perfect spot for beach lovers to enjoy swimming and other water activities. There is a national park in this spot which was opened in 1972 since then it has attracted lots of tourists to the spot. It’s an excellent place for hiking trails and has many secluded beaches.

Conclusion:

These are the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Along with these, if you have time, you can also explore areas such as Poas Volcano, Santa Teresa, Dominical, Tamarindo, and Jaco.

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Best Things to do in Brussels

Travel Destination - Shelia - March 25, 2020

Are you planning a trip to Brussels and wondering what things to do in Brussels are? Then don’t worry, you’ll discover the best things to do in Brussels in this post.

Brussels is one of the picture square cities with splendid places waiting for you to explore. It’s the capital of Belgium, and this place is packed with history in every street and alleyway.

This unique place has a lot to offer for tourists, especially if you’re a fan of beer! Then you’ll love this place. Apart from that, there are lots of places to explore in Brussels, which I’ll cover below.

It’s a great stop between Amsterdam and Paris. So, you can plan a visit to those locations as well. Now, let’s check out the best things to do in Brussels.

Best things to do in Brussels:

If you’re striving to enjoy your trip to Brussels? Follow the below things to do and see in Brussels to make your trip memorable. The multi-layered atmosphere of Brussels makes it a great city to visit for travelers.

Pay a visit to Grand Place:

The Grand Place is one of the Brussels popular scenic attractions that is in the centre of the city. As a traveller, when you have a glance at the Grand Place, you’ll be amazed. It’s a gorgeous 15th-century city hall with six guild halls around it.

This place is worth visiting several times at different times to capture fabulous pics to break your Instagram. You’ll find a flower market at that place on certain days, which you shouldn’t miss out in Brussels. Watching the Grand Place is definitely one of the best things to do in Brussels.

Never Miss out Exploring – The Royal Palace:

The Royal Palace of Brussels was originally constructed in the 18th century, and it’s where King and Queen host receptions, organized parties, handle state affairs, but they don’t live there full time.

Although they won’t live in that royal palace, its size is enormous. The astonishing thing is the facade is 50% longer than Buckingham Palace. So, you can imagine how big the royal palace is, never miss out to explore the royal palace of brussels.

Explore Brussel’s Notre Dame Du Sablon:

Notre Dame Du Sablon is a gothic catholic church that began life in the 14th century, but it was later extended in the 15th century due to the popularity. This church is officially titled as “The Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon”. It’s also the home of Baroque chapels that were added in the 17th century. If you’re a history lover, then you should explore this ancient church.

Le Botanique (Botanical Gardens):

Le Botanique is one of the historical places in Brussels. It is a botanical garden of the city that attracts lots of tourists regularly.

The greenhouse which was constructed in the 19th century, now regularly plays a range of performance arts and acts as a cultural center as well.

If you’re a true lover of greenery, then you’ll never miss exploring these beautiful gardens. This is one of the best things to do in Brussels as well.

Laugh at Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis:

Manneken pis and Jeanneke Pis are the two odd statues that have grown into the popular tourist attractions in the city. Although a few categories of people do not like it, others enjoy it.

The statue is nothing but children peeing. These two statues meant to reflect the Belgian sense of humour, so these are attractive. Getting to these statues requires a little bit of skill as it’s not there on many tours.

Visit Petit Sablon:

The Petit Sablon is a park that has a collection of 48 statues; each represents the history professions which were common in that city. All pillars and statues have unique designs and do have an iron fence for protection. This is one of the best things to do in Brussels as well.

Take fresh Air in Parc Du Cinquantenaire:

The Parc Du Cinquantenaire or Jubel Park is the largest park in Brussels. This park has been around since the reign of Leopold II. Whether you are on a picnic or want to explore old architecture, then this is the perfect place for your trip. This park has a vast collection of arti-facts and housed museums as well.

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries:

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries are glazed shopping arcades in the heart of Brussels. This is having the oldest shopping arcade in the entire Europe and is home to cafe’s, chocolate shops, restaurants and more.

It was specially designed in a way to create a shopping area. So, you have to explore this place to check out how the oldest shopping mall used to be.

Tour to Cantillion Brewery:

Cantillion brewery is the oldest brewery which was founded in 1900, and now it is offering tours to the public. So, on your trip to Brussels, you can watch the beer-making process in live-action. You can even learn about old brewing methods and equipment as well. If you’re a beer lover, then you can have some samples as well.

Go on a Belgian beer Tasting tour (Don’t forget to Visit Delirium):

Belgians are always proud of their beer, and of course, it has played a vital role throughout the history of the city. So, you can take a beer tour and have a blast at the city breweries. Also, never miss visiting Delirium. Delirium has the longest beer menu in the world, and it has even won Guinness record for it as well.

You can find over 60 countries beer in this special crowded tourist place. It’s the best place to try local beers. So, don’t miss this to keep it on the list of best things to do in Brussels.

Conclusion:

These are the best things to do in Brussels, so don’t miss out on these. If you are striving to explore more places in Brussels then you can try out experiencing nightlife, broodhuis, and more.

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