#COCKTAIL BAR IN CENTRAL HONG KONG

[bradleyschnickel1]

What eating places are the most well-liked ones?

Ethnic food continues to be a significant factor in restaurant revenue in the United States. According to Nation's Restaurant News, fast-food burger restaurants experienced a decline in appeal in 2017. The good news is that despite the weak economy, many eateries continue to serve delectable food. Some of the finest are as follows:

Popular eatery Abe's offers traditional dining fare. The selection offers award-winning wines, quality steaks, fresh seafood, shared sides, and more. Abe's provides both delivery and takeaway. Orders placed online or through an app will be delivered right to your home.

There are poultry and seafood dishes on the menu in addition to Abe's burgers. The cuisine is delicious, and the rates are fair. Additionally, the eatery serves vegan specialties like salmon without seafood and banh mi. In the heart of central Los Angeles, the eatery is close to Cooke Park.

A hamburger topped with chile, peanut butter, or cinnamon cream cheese is one of many choices. Additionally, there are numerous varieties of cooked eggs to choose from.

Chef Jordy Navarra, formerly of The Fat Duck in the UK and Bo Innovation in Hong Kong, is the proprietor of the Filipino establishment Toyo Eatery, which places emphasis on regional tastes, dining customs, and contemporary Filipino architecture. Fantastic and inviting, with hefty acacia tables and unpolished concrete floors.

The three-cut pork BBQ, a straightforward street snack grilled over coals and wood before being finished in swine bone broth, is one of the most well-liked meals here. In Toyo Eatery's rendition, three different cuts of pork—belly, shoulder, and butt—are layered and then grilled for twelve hours to elevate this pig BBQ to a new level.

The garden vegetable entrée, a playful salad that creatively mimics soil by dehydrating eggplant and peanuts, is another standout dish. It is based on the well-known children's song Bahay Kubo, which has lines that name each of the 18 veggies.

The Bistro at Madison Square Garden is a fantastic option if you're searching for a fine dining restaurant close to MSG. There are 19 beers on draft, 19 traditional drinks, and fried green tomatoes with burrata on the menu.

Every year, millions of sports enthusiasts visit Madison Square Garden. The proximity of the stadium to some of the finest restaurants in the city is also a significant draw.

Even though the costs may be higher than what most people anticipate spending for a meal at MSG, the expenditure is worthwhile. The eatery provides a seasonal eight-seat omakase selection, but customers can also choose a complete prix fixe dinner for $55 per person.

The Carnegie Deli and Her Name is Han are two other excellent places to eat close to MSG. The Carnegie Deli, which is close to sections 105 and 106, offers mouthwatering smoked pastrami sandwiches and cheesecakes for dessert.

You can get a drink, play a game, or croon your heart out at Abe's, a lively and engaging sports pub. Additionally, it is well known for its trademark dishes, which include Philly steaks, filet tips, and crispy chicken wings.

The atmosphere was beautiful, with the main bar's long, meandering layout decorated in a tiki-inspired style. The Bambu Chute, a well-made and delectable cocktail, was one of the welcoming beverage options on the menu. The Crispy Crab Rangoons were a delicious delight to enjoy. The best aspect was how reasonably priced they were! If you are in the neighborhood, I urge you to go to this one.

The menu combines Asian and American dishes, and it includes both standard fare and some novel offerings. They have a complete bar and a patio where you can drink cocktails and take in the sunlight.

[snneha091]

 Runway Hong Kong, a 1950’s vintage flight concept bar located right on Wyndham Street Central Hongkong formed by a passion to bring a unique and original concept to Hong Kong - the theme of travel complemented with a modern touch.

[newstfionline]

Sunday, May 16, 2021

IRS to the rescue? Tax audits eyed for infrastructure cash (AP) Republicans say they won’t raise taxes on corporations. Democrats say they won’t raise taxes on people making less than $400,000 a year. So who is going to pay for the big public works boost that lawmakers and President Joe Biden say is necessary for the country? Enter the IRS. Biden is proposing that Congress build up the depleted and often-maligned agency, saying that a more aggressive collection of unpaid taxes could help cover the cost of his multitrillion-dollar plan to boost infrastructure, families and education. More resources to boost audits of businesses, estates and the wealthy would raise $700 billion over 10 years, the White House estimates. It’s just the latest idea emerging in the bipartisan talks over an infrastructure bill, which saw Biden huddle at the White House this week with congressional leaders and a group of Republican senators. The GOP senators, touting a $568 billion infrastructure plan of their own, said they were “encouraged” by the discussion with Biden, but all sides acknowledged that how to pay for the public works plan remains a difficult problem.

DarkSide, Blamed for Gas Pipeline Attack, Says It Is Shutting Down (NYT) The criminal hacking group DarkSide, which the F.B.I. has blamed for carrying out a ransomware attack that crippled fuel delivery across the Southeastern United States this week, has announced that it is shutting down because of unspecified “pressure” from the United States. In a statement written in Russian and provided to The New York Times on Friday by the cybersecurity firm Intel 471, DarkSide said it had lost access to the public-facing portion of its online system, including its blog and payment server, as well as funds that it said had been withdrawn to an unknown account. It said the group’s main web page and other public-facing resources would go offline within 48 hours. “Due to the pressure from the U.S., the affiliate program is closed,” the statement said, referring to intermediary hackers, the so-called affiliates, it works with to break into corporate computer systems. “Stay safe and good luck.” What that pressure may have been is unclear, but on Thursday, President Biden said the United States would not rule out a retaliatory strike against DarkSide that would “disrupt their ability to operate.” Cybersecurity analysts cautioned that the DarkSide statement could be a ruse, allowing its members to regroup and deflect the negative attention caused by the attack.

Spanish politics (Times of London) Isabel Diaz Ayuso, 42, head of the Madrid Assembly, is Spain’s rising conservative star; Pedro Sánchez, 49, is the prime minister. She inflicted a humiliating defeat on his Socialist government when she doubled her Popular Party’s number of seats in snap regional elections last week, in large part due to her keeping open the Spanish capital during the pandemic. Their defeat has rocked Spain’s political landscape. Ayuso walloped the Socialist party, shaking Sánchez’s standing, while totally wiping out the centre-right Citizens party and hobbling the advance of the far-right Vox party. Dismissed by her opponents as a Trumpista populist and lightweight novice, Ayuso is now tipped as a future national leader and her brand of liberal conservatism is being held up as a model for winning future general elections. While the left licks its wounds and looks for scapegoats for its loss, in the streets of Madrid people stop her to hail her as a heroine. “You are a fighter. You have courage,” a woman interjected to say to her during her interview with The Times. “Thank you for defending us.” Ayuso believes Sánchez’s days are numbered. “The election has generated enormous hope in Madrid and across Spain for those who are looking for an alternative type of politics,” she said.

Masks off, Poles cheer reopening of bars and restaurants (AP) Poles pulled off their masks, hugged their friends and made toasts to their regained freedom as restaurants, bars and pubs reopened for the first time in seven months and the government dropped a requirement for people to cover their faces outdoors. The reopening, for now limited now to the outdoor consumption of food and drinks, officially took place on Saturday. Yet many could not wait for midnight to strike and were out on the streets of Warsaw and other cities hours earlier on Friday evening to celebrate, gathering outside popular watering holes. Some brought their own beer to hold them over until the they could buy drinks at midnight—though some bars were also seen serving up beers and cocktails early. “Now they are opening and I feel so awesome. You know, you feel like your freedom is back,” said Gabriel Nikilovski, a 38-year-old from Sweden who was having beer at an outdoor table at the Pavilions, a popular courtyard filled with pubs in central Warsaw. “It’s like you’ve been in prison, but you’ve been in prison at home.”

Spy Agencies Seek New Afghan Allies as U.S. Withdraws (NYT) Western spy agencies are evaluating and courting regional leaders outside the Afghan government who might be able to provide intelligence about terrorist threats long after U.S. forces withdraw, according to current and former American, European and Afghan officials. The effort represents a turning point in the war. In place of one of the largest multinational military training missions ever is now a hunt for informants and intelligence assets. Despite the diplomats who say the Afghan government and its security forces will be able to stand on their own, the move signals that Western intelligence agencies are preparing for the possible—or even likely—collapse of the central government and an inevitable return to civil war. Courting proxies in Afghanistan calls back to the 1980s and ‘90s, when the country was controlled by the Soviets and then devolved into a factional conflict between regional leaders. The West frequently depended on opposing warlords for intelligence—and at times supported them financially through relationships at odds with the Afghan population. Such policies often left the United States, in particular, beholden to power brokers who brazenly committed human rights abuses.

India’s coronavirus crisis spreads to its villages, where health care is hard to find (Washington Post) BANAIL, India—The illness traveled silently through the narrow lanes of this prosperous village in Uttar Pradesh, infecting both young and old. People complained of fevers, cough and breathlessness. Then they began to die. Vipin Kumar, a farmer in his 40s, was one of them. More than 20 people with coronavirus symptoms have died in the village over the past two weeks, according to locals, a significant increase over the three or four deaths per month the village saw before the pandemic. Most of them, like Kumar, were never tested. “Not a day goes by when there are no deaths,” said Hariom Raghav, a farmer and businessman who had just returned from a cremation. “If things continue like this, the village will empty out soon.” The story of Banail has been playing out in villages across India as the virus continues its deadly surge: Rural areas, where over 65 percent of India’s 1.3 billion people live, had been spared in the first wave of the pandemic but are now facing devastating numbers of infections. Three quarters of all districts in India are reporting a positivity rate of more than 10 percent, a health official said Tuesday, an indication of how widely the virus had spread.

China lands on Mars in major advance for its space ambitions (AP) China landed a spacecraft on Mars for the first time on Saturday, a technically challenging feat more difficult than a moon landing, in the latest step forward for its ambitious goals in space. Plans call for a rover to stay in the lander for a few days of diagnostic tests before rolling down a ramp to explore an area of Mars known as Utopia Planitia. It will join an American rover that arrived at the red planet in February. China’s first Mars landing follows its launch last month of the main section of what will be a permanent space station and a mission that brought back rocks from the moon late last year.

Back-to-back tornadoes kill 12 in China; over 300 injured (AP) Back-to-back tornadoes killed 12 people in central and eastern China and left more than 300 others injured, authorities said Saturday. Eight people died in the inland city of Wuhan on Friday night and four others in the town of Shengze, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) east in Jiangsu province, local governments said. Tornados are rare in China. In July 2019, a tornado killed six people in the northeastern Liaoning province, and another tornado the following month killed eight on the southern resort island of Hainan.

As protesters flee Hong Kong, Taiwan quietly extends a helping hand (Washington Post) Bobbing off the coast in a Zodiac speedboat scrubbed of identifying features, Kenny and four others waited nervously for the last leg of their desperate, 350-mile journey. The five had been arrested months earlier on the front lines of demonstrations in Hong Kong. They had escaped across the South China Sea, steering toward Taiwan with just some snacks, identification and a satellite phone. Now came the final hurdle: convincing the approaching Taiwanese Coast Guard—and the government—not to turn them back. Taiwanese authorities brought the five ashore, housed them in a government complex and provided clothing, cigarettes, television, table tennis games—even English teachers. Eventually, the Taiwanese, who treated the presence of the five as a state secret, helped arrange flights to the United States, their new home. The experience of the five shows the lengths to which self-ruled Taiwan has gone to protect and help fleeing Hong Kong protesters. As Beijing tightens the noose around Hong Kong’s democracy movement, Taiwan has emerged as a key destination for those escaping the dragnet—just as Hong Kong offered sanctuary for dissidents from mainland China in the 20th century. “Hong Kong was once a safe harbor, but now, Hong Kongers need a safe harbor,” said Samuel Chu, a second-generation activist whose father helped students flee China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Israel strike in Gaza destroys building with AP, other media (AP) An Israeli airstrike destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza City that housed offices of The Associated Press and other media outlets on Saturday, the latest step by the military to silence reporting from the territory amid its battle with the militant group Hamas. The strike came nearly an hour after the military ordered people to evacuate the building, which also housed Al-Jazeera, other offices and residential apartments. The strike followed another Israeli air raid on a densely populated refugee camp in Gaza City killed at least 10 Palestinians from an extended family, mostly children.

Medics: Israeli airstrikes kill 26 in downtown Gaza City (AP) Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flattened three buildings and killed at least 26 people Sunday, medics said, making it the deadliest single attack since heavy fighting broke out between Israel and the territory’s militant Hamas rulers nearly a week ago. The Gaza Health Ministry said 10 women and eight children were among those killed, with another 50 people wounded in the attack. Rescuers raced to pull survivors and bodies from the rubble. Earlier, the Israeli military said it destroyed the home of Gaza’s top Hamas leader in a separate strike in the southern town of Khan Younis. It was the third such attack in the last two days on the homes of senior Hamas leaders. Israel appears to have stepped up strikes in recent days to inflict as much damage as possible on Hamas as international mediators try to broker a cease-fire.

With strikes targeting rockets and tunnels, the Israeli tactic of ‘mowing the grass’ returns to Gaza (Washington Post) For more than a decade, when analysts described the strategy utilized by Israel against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, they’ve used a metaphor: With their displays of overwhelming military strength, Israeli forces were “mowing the grass.” The phrase implies the Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and their supply of crude but effective homemade weapons are like weeds that need to be cut back. But the long-term benefits of the “mow the grass” strategy have come under question. Zehava Galon, a former lawmaker with the leftist Meretz party, wrote for Haaretz that the strategy results in “perpetual war” that forgets “human beings are also able to talk, not only to carry a club.”

Arab World Condemns Israeli Violence but Takes Little Action (NYT) The Arab world is unified in condemning Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the way the Israeli police invaded Jerusalem’s Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites. Governments have spoken out, protests have taken place, social media is aflame. But by and large the condemnation is only words, not actions—at least so far. The region’s concerns have shifted since the last major Israeli incursion into Gaza in 2014, with new fears about Iran’s influence, new anxieties about popular unrest in Arab countries and a growing recognition of the reality of Israel in the Arab world. Even those countries that normalized relations with Israel last year—the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco—have all openly criticized Israeli policies and called for support of the Palestinians and the defense of Jerusalem. The escalation of violence has put a great strain on those governments, which had argued that their closer relationship with Israel would help restrain Israeli actions aimed at the Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza. “I have not seen any Arab state that has not expressed support for the Palestinians on a rhetorical level, and it would be very difficult for them to say anything otherwise,” said H. A. Hellyer, a scholar of Middle East politics at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington. “But what they do about it is very different.”

[bountyofbeads]

Hong Kong Updates: More Than 1,000 Detained at a University, and a Warning From Beijing https://nyti.ms/2OkEpS8

Hong Kong Updates: More Than 1,000 Detained at a University, and a Warning From Beijing

After a three-day standoff with the police only about a dozen protesters remained on the campus of the besieged university.

By Elaine Yu, Steven Lee Myers and  Russell Goldman | Published Nov. 18, 2019 Updated Nov. 19, 2019, 7:54 AM ET | New York Times | Posted November 19, 2019 |

About a dozen protesters remained holed up inside a Hong Kong university on Tuesday evening, after a three-day standoff between the students and the police turned a prestigious institution into a battlefield and ended with hundreds of young people behind bars.

More than 1,000 protesters who had spent the previous day clashing with the police were detained after heavily armed officers surrounded the school on Sunday and gave the protesters few options but to surrender and face arrest.

Nevertheless, a number of students managed a daring escape, rappelling from a nearby bridge to be whisked away by waiting motorbike drivers. Others failed in an attempt to flee through a sewage pipe.

As much of the territory remained gripped by the drama at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the central government in Beijing on Tuesday condemned a decision by a Hong Kong court that overturned a ban on face masks worn by the protesters.

The Hong Kong protests began in June over legislation, since scrapped, that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, and have expanded to include a broad range of demands for police accountability and greater democracy.

Here’s the latest:

A dozen protesters remain as standoff fizzles.

Pinned in from all sides by the police, most of the campus occupiers had surrendered or fled the PolyU campus by Tuesday morning.

By then, on the third day of a standoff, only 100 protesters remained inside. Several hours later, the remaining holdouts numbered fewer than 20.

The protesters, many of them high school and university students and armed with only bows and arrows and homemade weapons, held the police at bay for three days in the most violent confrontation yet in six months of protests.

The battle at PolyU, in which the police fired more than 1,000 cans of tear gas and rubber bullets, represented the police force’s most direct intervention yet onto one of the city’s university campuses.

Ted Hui, a pro-democracy lawmaker who stayed on campus during the clashes, escorted several dozen students out of the university on Tuesday evening.

“This is not a surrender and we are not turning ourselves in,” Mr. Hui said. “We are simply leaving.”

Nevertheless the leaving protesters were searched by the police and those older than 18 were put in a police van to be booked.

Mr. Hui, a member of city’s Legislative Council, was not arrested. That decision, he said, “shows there is political selection in who they arrest and that there are arbitrary arrests.”

The final dozen occupiers said they would not resist or fight the police, but would not leave until officers entered the campus to arrest them.

At least 200 of the protesters who occupied and left the campus were minors, Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive, said in a news conference on Tuesday.

Those under 18 were questioned by the police but were not arrested on the spot. The juveniles may still face arrest pending further investigation, she said.

Mrs. Lam said the “special arrangements” that had been made for minors were intended to achieve “a peaceful and reconciliatory resolution.”

Videos take from inside the university showed an eerily deserted campus covered in trash and debris, a ransacked convenience store, boxes of unused petrol bombs, and the words “Liberty or death” emblazoned on a building.

Outside that campus, a group of parents awaited news about their children. The parents held signs that read: “Son, come out safely!” and “Save the kids, don’t kill our children.”

Elsewhere, hundreds of office workers poured into the streets of the Central business district during their lunch breaks in solidarity with the university holdouts.

What Happened at Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Most arrests on a single day.

About 1,100 people were detained near the PolyU campus between Monday and Tuesday, said Kwok Ka-chuen, a police spokesman. That figure would represent the largest roundup of protesters on a single day, making up almost a fifth of the total number of arrests since the protests began in June.

Those arrested on Monday and Tuesday were charged with offenses that included rioting and possession of offensive weapons. Rioting carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and many of the PolyU protesters were reluctant to surrender in order to avoid the charge.

Mr. Kwok also said 1,458 rounds of tear gas and 1,391 rubber bullets were fired on Monday, putting a figure to the dizzying display of smoke and gunfire witnessed on the second day of the siege.

At the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which was the site of clashes with the police last week, more than 3,900 Molotov cocktails were seized on Monday, representing the most found in a single location, he said.

He called the prestigious university a “manufacturing base” for fire bombs.

A number of protesters who had left PolyU on Tuesday, including several wrapped in emergency Mylar blankets, waited to to be taken to a hospital. Some of the protesters appeared to be suffering the effects of hypothermia after they had been struck by a stinging dye that had been shot from a police water cannon.

Beijing warns it alone can interpret Hong Kong’s laws.

In Beijing, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress took the unusual step of criticizing a Hong Kong court’s ruling that struck down a contentious ban on the wearing of face masks in public, effectively saying that the central government alone has the authority to rule on constitutional issues in the territory.

The Hong Kong High Court found that the ban, enacted in October, violated the territory’s mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law. In a statement released on Tuesday, a spokesman for the standing committee warned that the ruling “seriously weakened the lawful governing power” of the Hong Kong government.

The National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislative body, has the authority to interpret legal matters involving national issues — and to change the Basic Law itself — but the timing of the ruling raised new fears of Beijing’s efforts to erode the territory’s autonomy.

“When the state loses, she changes the rules of game,” Joshua Wong, a prominent opposition leader, wrote on Twitter. “Beijing never intends to play by the rules.”

Article 158 of the Basic Law does, however, give the congress the final authority over interpreting whether the Basic Law conflicts with national law. It also calls on Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal to seek the legislature’s interpretation in considering cases whose legal significance extends to national issues.

The statement suggested that Beijing was prepared to act decisively to restore the mask ban, but the implications could be much greater, showing that there are limits of the national government’s tolerance for an independent judicial system that has been a pillar of Hong Kong’s singular political and economic status.

In another statement on Tuesday, a spokesman for the Chinese government’s office that handles Hong Kong affairs, Yang Guang, also criticized the court’s decision to overturn the ban, saying it had “a gravely negative social impact” and “brazenly challenged the authority of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and the governance powers of the chief executive conferred by the law.”

New chief calls on public to condemn protesters.

Hong Kong’s embattled police force, once regarded as “Asia’s finest,” has a new boss.

Tang Ping-keung, formerly the territory’s No. 2 police official, was named commissioner of police on Tuesday after approval from the central government in Beijing.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Mr. Tang blamed the public for tolerating the protests and in turn encouraging their violent acts. “If everyone had come out earlier to condemn the violence, society would not have turned into this state in five months,” he said.

“We can only end the unrest with society’s condemnation, reflection by the rioters, plus our appropriate tactics,” he added.

Mr. Tang also rejected a key demand of the protesters: setting up an independent commission to investigate police conduct during the protests.

“Our staff might think they are being particularly targeted if the well-established mechanism is bypassed. We will be disappointed,” he told the Post.

Katherine Li and Tiffany May contributed reporting.

🍁☕🍂🍞🍁☕🍂🍞🍁☕🍂🍞🍁☕

[thearmoury]

New feature up on thearmoury.com . For our HK Spring/Summer 2019 lookbook, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite spots around Central for food and drinks. We picked a range of places which we hope show different sides of Hong Kong – from cheap eats to speak-easy cocktail bars to high-end Michelin 3-star restaurants. We hope there is something here for everyone! Link through on bio! (at Foxglove) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Ut7McpDFE/?igshid=klfsk9lm0a05

[forallthingsdelectable]

Captain’s Bar

Cuisine: Classic cocktails Location: Mandarin Oriental, Central, Hong Kong Price Range: $$$

Recommended: Pandan Spritz from Aperol Summer Spritz Collection,

[bites-kms]

HK Bars: Re-loaded

It’s vox populi that Hong Kong nights are great. The city is alive between the tetris buildings, live music venues, the poured-to-perfection drinks and the incomparable chill and fun vibe people foster. This is a re-vamp of the previous bar-hopping post on Bars in HK. This time, I had the opportunity to explore further and different neighborhoods with friends and fun colleagues. 

Iron Fairies  LG, 1 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong.

With sister locations in Bangkok and Tokyo, this bar is undoubtedly great and one never gets tired of visiting either this or any of the other locations— and, in all cases, it’s quite unlike anywhere else in the city. Sutton’s establishments, one very well renown interior designer and bar entrepreneur, are known for mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, eclectic decor, and The Iron Fairies is no exception. Indeed, this is one bar you’ve got see in person to believe. In LifeStyle Asia Editor in Chief, Micheal Alan words’ the “metal-making tools line the walls, vials of ‘fairy dust’ hang from the ceiling in clusters and — most incredible of all — some 10,000 preserved butterflies dangle overhead, suspended on tiny metal rods (...) are incredible. Watching them sway back and forth is simply mesmerizing”. I guess I’ll have to go to the Tokyo one to make an Iron Fairies hat-trick!

Iron Fairy by LifeStyle Asia  The Woods  G, L, 17-19號 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong.

This was a great venue where I met my friend Sammie from Singapore. It’s an eclectic bar, around the main area of LKF, where a mirror door disguises it, and a museum-kind-of-display about different cocktail elements merged with design fashion runway aesthetics is part of the charm. Drinks were delicious and music was great. It’s a fantastic alternative to the mainstream happening in the neighborhood. I dared to have a different approach to an old fashion and it was delicious, with a little of spices and herbs. Great choice. Foxglove + Frank’s Library  18 Ice House St, Central, Hong Kong.

This is a great hidden speakeasy featured as a deluxe umbrella shop. Delightful venue, with even more striking and delicious drinks, with super charismatic bartenders made our stay a memorable one. There was this jazz band playing stellar music and then a Philippine guy took the mic and literally brought the house down with his songs (I mean, Frank Sinatra “Fly me to the Moon”, of coz!) and voice. It was so much fun!  There’s a little speakeasy within the speakeasy called “Frank’s Library” and it serves a smaller, more selected list of drinks, in a library setting that isolates the music from Foxglove, turning this little bar into a cozier, more familiar one.  The Old Man- Ernest Hemingway  Lower G/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Photo Credits: The Old Man - Ernest Hemingway Website Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to this one. I did have nights to spare, but some of them I just strolled around, got lost and experience some great night walks and dinners, where I ended up with food-commas and completely exhausted. But I’m gonna write it down so I don’t forget to go next time I’ll visit the hood. It was honored as one of the World’s Top 50 Bars in 2018, so it’s a set date for sure. With unique decor, on its website one can read the true inspiration and homage this place gives to the author: “He was a sophisticated drinker, a lover of fine spirits, and a true connoisseur who sought out the best bars from Paris to Pamplona. The Old Man honors Hemingway by taking inspiration from his novels, history, and folklore, and by using novel ingredients and culinary accoutrements – thereby paying tribute to the spirits and cocktails he loved.” Damn... just realized I walked by its door so many times... I guess this time wasn’t meant to be! Piqniq R/F (Rooftop) HQueens, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong.

This is a nice surprise in the middle of Central HK. After a beautiful Yayoi Kusama art piece and strong pink and red decor that highlights the instagrammable worth of this rooftop, one finds a breathtaking terrace in the middle of Hong Kong skyscrapers with an unforgettable view of the bay and the mountains. A solo glass of prosecco, in between dinners and another bar date closer to the hotel, was exactly what I needed to bond with Hong Kong. 

Sevva  10 Chater Rd, Central, Hong Kong.

This was a fantastic double recommendation from my friend Mau and my friend Angelica. I remember Angelica mentioned it the first time I went to HK but, as it was expected, I was on its door and didn’t manage to find it properly. But this time, I went and enjoyed one of the few last nights with my ex-boss. We managed to find it and dare to take the elevator to the beautiful heights of its bar. It had a great drink list which I decided to pass on and go with my default and solid choice of prosecco to quench my thirst on this warm and cloudy Hong Kong night. We toasted for the good times and for the success we had over these days regarding our pitch.  It was a great experience which definitely made me grow as a professional and as a leader, where I needed to juggle, define, forecast and ask for the resources I needed to make it happen, that included a physical trip to this city to lead in-house workshops. 

Skye  Hong Kong, Causeway Bay, Gloucester Rd, 310號27樓

Skye Bar, provided by Pullman Hotel in Trip Advisor. Promise, this would be my last cheat-recco since I didn’t make it to this one either - although I managed to go to the Ozone Bar at the Ritz Carlton. This bar is similar,  it’s part of the Pullman hotel chain, and the literal cherry on top it’s its funky rooftop bar. Looks fun and with a memorable view.  Ophelia Shop F39A & F41A, 1/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Rd E, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

What a bar! Also, quite hard to find in a small pedestrian street in Wan Chai, on a third or four floor, without a sign on it’s outside facade. It’s completely hidden to the naif eye. But this bar, on top of its completely outstanding fashion, hosted by a hot, tall, blond, thick-accented and not quite friendly Russian, is something to experience at least once or twice in a life time. They allowed us to seat on a reserved table since we arrived early and then, when prime time started, the weirdness also made their appearance. This bar has actual women laid down on it’s shelves and bars, with fans, burlesque and S&M outfits, as part of the kitsch decor. I didn’t know how to feel about that but certainly caught my attention and was something I’ve never seen before (and trust me, I’ve seen some weird s*it over the years and trips!)

Ping Pong 129 Second Street L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong.

What a beautiful and great recco from my friend Pink. I wish we had made it together, but I saved the best for last. Hours before leaving to the airport and after a blogging session in a beautiful cafe near to my hotel (where I almost leave my credit card!) I went for a second-to-last drink to toast for this comeback to Asia and this amazing time in Hong Kong. Below a hidden normal door with no actual sign but an bull-eyed window that, after a closer look one realized is a ping pong paddle, there’s a long stairs that leads you to the best and probably only “Gintoneria” I’ve ever been to. People get crazy with Tequila or Wine bars, but man, this one, was finding Neverland for me. What a fantastic idea. More than Gintoneria, it was paradise. This beautiful neon means “Take care of your body. Seriously, can it get any better than this?? I ended up talking to a video designers and producers from China with rusty English but with tons of willingness to talk to me and make themselves understood from Shenzhen, and actually followed my company on Weibo and managed to connect to FB to follow and add me as a friend. What a great, great finding and an even more fantastic night, today’s font and dear memory! 

[halsteadproperty]

Small Business Spotlight Series: Best Ice Cream Shops in the NY Metro Area

Sweltering temperatures, heat vapors rising from the black tar streets, wafts of cool air hitting you as you pass open storefronts; the summer heat in the city can wear you down. Yet, there is always one common treat that will serve as Ol Reliable – and that is the cool taste of ice cream. From gelato to sorbet, sundaes to Italian ice, our agents all around NY, NJ and CT have the best recommendations for your next summer treat.

The Lemon Ice King of Corona

52-02 108th St, Corona, NY 11368

When you want some fun, a change of scenery and the perfect cool treat on the dog days of summer, look no further than The Lemon Ice King of Corona, Queens! “This family owned business with a homemade, secret recipe offers 100 flavors of the best Italian ices in all of New York, dare I say the world!” says agent Maryann Johnson. “On a hot summer night, my girlfriends and I would get in the car and drive on the LIE to 108th Street Corona and order not one, but two or three of the most flavorful, homemade, fresh summer flavors, like lemon, coconut, watermelon, mango and so much more!” The Lemon Ice King has been a unique and colorful dessert destination for over 60 years. Stay and enjoy your ice while watching a traditional and competitive Bocce game in Spaghetti Park, or head over to Citi Field and cheer on the NY Mets.

(Recommended by Maryann Johnson of our Upper West Side office)

Milkcraft

1215 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824

“New technology ice cream with lots of novelty makes Milkcraft a Connecticut staple,” says agent Sheila Higgins. The trendy creamery freezes every scoop to order with food grade Liquid Nitrogen, which creates smaller ice crystals when freezing, and results in the smoothest possible ice cream. Their caramelized Hong Kong style waffles are made from scratch to order and their hot Creamee buns are made fresh daily, along with artisan toppings.

(Recommended by Sheila Higgins of our Wilton office)

Emack and Bolio’s

389 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10026

Emack & Bolio’s is so good that The New York Times called it “an ice cream shop with more than a lick of promise” and Good Housekeeping labeled them as “the best ice cream purveyors in the country.” Talk about a seal of approval. According to agents Keith Marder and Olga Bidun of the OK Team, their best flavors include ice cream based Deep Purple Chip, S’Moreo, salted caramel chocolate pretzel, chunk of funk and grasshopper pie as well as “The Original Oreo.” They also have sorbet and low-fat options. “Most flavors have great texture with the addition of Oreos, chips, pretzels, etc. and for some added crunch you can get a gargantuan waffle cone dipped in things like Nutella, Cookie Krisp cereal, sprinkles and Capt’n Crunch,” says the team.

(Recommended by the Olga and Keith Team of our West Side office)

Sugar Hill Creamery

184 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10026

An indie ice cream shop in Harlem, this family-owned spot offers scoops (including non-dairy varieties) in both familiar and creative flavors.

“They use really high-end ingredients and have funky, savory flavors. In the summer they need to have an employee making ice cream all night long to keep up with summer demand.” – Jeffrey Green of our Harlem office

“Sugar Hill Creamery has an old-fashioned neighborhood feel with an artsy flair from the mural on the wall to the roasted corn and jalapeno flavors. The owners are there scooping and greeting folks at the door!” - Leanne Stella of our Harlem office

Saugatuck Sweets

575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880

A unique spot located in the beautiful river-front inlet neighborhood of Saugatuck in Westport, Connecticut. Nothing like a moonlit night sky near the waterfront and an awesome ice cream cone creation of your own making,” says agent Sheila Gallo. Saugatuck Sweets is within walking distance from the train and serves as an easy night out of Manhattan.

(Recommended by Sheila Gallo of our Westport office)

Anopoli Ice Cream Parlor and Family Restaurant

6920 3rd Ave Brooklyn NY, 11209

In an age of trendy ice-cream shops dishing up exotic flavors, agent Shira Rosenhaft always loves to visit this tried and true time capsule of a diner and soda fountain that happens to make their own ice cream, too. It’s like stepping back in time - the Kelly-green booths are the perfect place to enjoy an old-fashioned sundae or a root beer float, and much of the place looks unchanged since the early 1900s. The ice-cream flavors are simple - chocolate, vanilla, pistachio - but delicious. And, its central location amongst the hustle and bustle of Third Avenue’s shops and restaurants in Bay Ridge makes it the perfect spot to stop and cool off. 

(Recommended by Shira Rosenhaft of our Global Services office) 

Ample Hills Creamery

623 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Extraordinary ice cream is an understatement when it comes to Halstead favorite, Ample Hills Creamery. At one point in time cows grazed on Brooklyn's lush ample hills. Although the cows are gone, and the grassy hills have made way for rows of brownstones, the pastoral small-town spirit of old Brooklyn lives on at our neighborhood ice cream shops and in the playful, nostalgic flavors we create.

“What makes Ample Hills ice cream special is the mix-ins. My personal favorite is the Pistachio Brittle. They make pistachio brittle (think “peanut brittle”) and put large chunks of it in wonderfully flavored pistachio ice cream. The flavors are creative and unique with fun names and again, those mix-ins!” – Jenet Levy of our Park Avenue office

“The Ample Hills Creamery down on Union Street in Gowanus is a favorite stop.  Located at the corner of Union and Nevins, it stands out as an oasis in the post-industrial landscape. And of course, the Ice Cream is fantastic.” - Lisa Gaytan of our North Slope office

“Flavors change regularly, and they are currently offering Oooy Gooy Butter Cake and PB Wins the Cup among many others - plain and fancy!” - Perri Defino of our Bed-Stuy office

“Best ice cream by far is Ample Hills. Specifically, the vibe of the Vanderbilt Avenue location. Peppermint Patty with hot fudge is to die for. My boys always go for Chocolate Milk and Cookies and my husband is partial to Salted Crack Caramel. The staff is always full of energy, super nice and the cone size is enormous! Gets my vote for best ice cream in NYC!” - Karen Wolfe of our Park Slope office  

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

1 Water Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 

What is better than waterfront ice cream with views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge? “The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is one of Brooklyn’s best ice cream shops,” agent Jared Goodloe says. Whether you are taking the ferry after a long day, walking your dog along the pier, or just out on the town Brookly Ice Cream Factory is the perfect stop. “Due to high demand, the line can be a little long but don’t let that stop you. The factory has a vast assortment of flavors and toppings to fit all your desires,” Goodloe says.

(Recommended by Jared Goodloe of our Park Slope office)

Gofer Ice Cream 

1020 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820

Gofer Ice Cream opened in 2004 in the heart of Darien on picturesque main street. People passing by can see families enjoying their unique products like Gofer Lite, Go-Yo, Milk Shakes, Razzles, Gofer Cakes and more. It is a favorite spot for locals to walk or bike into town for a summer treat. The shop features a few small tables inside, but most people prefer to sit out on the patio watching the buzz downtown. They have been so successful that agent Cheryl Williams placed them in a second location in Wilton, CT in 2014 near the Wilton High School, Wilton Deli and adjacent to the football field. You can hear kids across town asking their parents if they can "Go Fer" ice cream tonight!

(Recommended by Cheryl Williams of our Darien office)

UES

1707 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

This ice cream shop is like no other (keep reading for the secret info!). The large neon cone awning strikes you from a distance along with the typical line of patrons eagerly awaiting entrance, but nothing is what is seems.  The vibrant and cozy bubble-gum pink shop offers a unique rotating menu of delicious flavors such as banana brownie, ginger and espresso cookie coupled with chocolate chip and M&M cones. Why is everyone dressed to impress for ice cream? Say the magic words and you are transformed to an elegant 1920s prohibition-style speakeasy behind the mystery door serving decadent cocktails at the large bar or tufted banquets outfitted with chandeliers, exposed brick and other classy homages to Upper East Side culture. Contact Rory for the secret password!

(Recommended by Rory S. Clark of our Village office and Elissa Drassinower of our West Side office)

Sundaes and Cones

95 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003

“On East 10th St. in the East Village is the best ice cream shop I have ever encountered,” agent Robert Brody says. Though located on a side street, it still attracts a big following. The scoops can be in a cup or cone. “Though a bit pricey, it is worth the extravagance,” explains Brody.

(Recommended by Robert A. Brody of our East Hampton office)

Fro-Yo

43 S Euclid Ave, Montauk, NY 11954

Katie Haggerty’s favorite spot on Euclid street in Montauk is Fro-Yo & Gelato. “It’s right next to the jitney spot and the minute you arrive to Montauk you are welcomed to the best little ice cream spot,” she explains. The days you leave Montauk you grab your treats at Fro-Yo and back to reality, leaving your happy place in Montauk.

(Recommended by Katie Haggerty of our East Hampton office)

Scoop Du Jour

35 Newtown Ln, East Hampton, NY 11937

Snuggled amidst all the beautiful high-end shops and restaurants is Scoop Du Jour, a tiny shop on Newtown Lane and one of Margaret Turner’s favorite ice cream spots. “When you walk in to the narrow shop you feel like you’re back in the 70's with the dim lighting, the old posters and pictures of earlier times in East Hampton and the old rod iron chairs with lumpy cushions. But you’ll delight on the yummy ice cream in over 15 flavors and tons of different toppings,” says Turner. If you don't feel like ice cream, you can order a good old grill cheese sandwich or burger.

(Recommended by Margaret Turner of our East Hampton office)

Brendan's 101

101 Rowayton Ave, Rowayton, CT 06853

Brendan's has continued its 133-year tradition as the centerpiece of village activity. “Whether a grocery store, library, arts center, lobster house, antique house or the gathering place for the "Rising Sons of Temperance" to keep liquor out of Rowayton, Brendan’s 101 has always been Rowayton's place to meet,” says agent Gwen Alexis.   Now open year-round and offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, it's signature all-natural ice cream remains it's heart and soul. Each year at the town's major fund raiser, the River Ramble, Brendan's donates the coveted "Golden Cone," giving the highest bidder an ice cream cone a day for life! To date there are 30 "Golden Cones" in existence.

(Recommended by Gwen Alexis of our Darien office)

Van Leeuwen

48 1/2 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003

The Classic Michel Cluizel chocolate ice cream is to die for! Homemade dark chocolate fudge and chunks of homemade gooey chocolate chip brownies is such a rich treat, no other chocolate ice cream compares!  The vegan ice cream in coffee flavor is a winner too! You will be in heaven on earth!” – Roni Pall of our Cobble Hill office

(Recommended by Fern Hammond of our Park Avenue office and Roni Pall of our Cobble Hill office) 

Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain

513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

“They serve Adirondack Creamery ice cream which is the purest you can get. It was converted from an actual pharmacy and now is set as an old fashioned “soda shoppe.” They have live music and amazing food too.” – Anna Shagalov of our Village office

“This place looks like you walked back in time and the sundaes are unique.” – Marta Quinones

Bischoff's Confectionary

468 Cedar Ln, Teaneck, NJ 07666

The best ice cream in NJ, and in Sabina L. Feiler-Fluger’s opinion, the entire country, is at Bischoff's Confectionary in Teaneck, NJ. Going to Bischoff's was like winning the lottery when she was a kid. “We would select a flavor and sometimes sit at the bar, or at the booths in the back and the ice cream was always served in old school, metal dishes on top of a small white ceramic plate. They still do that today,” explains Sabina. This place is legendary and exactly what you would imagine a traditional ice cream parlor to look like. It opened in 1934, has been family run through generations. It still maintains relics of a 1950's style parlor with wood paneling, an antique mirror with the logo etched on it, two sides to the shop- one with ice cream in a multitude of flavors scooped out of antique metal freezers, and the other side sells candy- chocolates, hard candy, gummies, even toys. “They have the BEST coffee chip ice cream, and all sorts of flavors- basic and unique, even weekly specials,” says Sabina. They have been written up in many publications as one of the top places to go in NJ for ice cream.

(Recommended by Sabina L. Feiler-Fluger of our Hoboken office)

Serendipity 3

225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022

Divinely decadent and devilishly delectable, Frozen Hot Chocolate is the signature item at Serendipity! In addition, you can find the most outrageous sundaes, milkshakes, cakes, pies, and cookies to satisfy any sweet tooth. “You can’t beat the drugstore sundae at serendipity,” says agent Zoraida Morales.

(Recommended by Zoraida Morales of our Park Avenue office)

Uncle Louie G

157 Prospect Park SW, Brooklyn, NY 11218

From stick ball on the street to sitting on the stoop, out of all the memories, the one treat that made summer what it was, in all its sweet goodness was Italian Ices. Uncle Louie G’s has been a staple in Brooklyn and continues to provide that old-fashioned feeling when you enter. It’s just a great spot on the stroll along the park in Brooklyn.

(Victoria Vinokur of our Park Avenue office)

Dolce Brooklyn

305 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Dolce Brooklyn gelato starts with all natural, award winning milk from the Hudson Valley and only the finest ingredients are added to create our gelato & sorbetto (vegan).  Each flavor is made on premise in small batches to ensure freshness. Chef Kristina sources many of the fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farmer's market and other top ingredients from specialty markets. Agent Gerard Splendore recommends the chocolate bourbon gelato!

(Recommended by Gerard Splendore of our Brooklyn Heights office)

L’Albero Dei Gelati

341 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

“They have some of the best gelato that I've eaten outside of Italy. In fact, I like the consistency of the gelato here just a little bit better because it doesn't melt quite as fast.” - Joanna Mayfield Marks

(Recommended by Joanna Mayfield Marks of our Cobble Hill office)

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Fine Dining in Melbourne

Fine Dining in Melbourne means that you have the best cuisines, accommodation and ambiance available in this city. Fine Dining in Melbourne means enjoying the Melburnian gastronomy and cuisines of this global city. Melburn has some of the most exclusive and stylish restaurants where you can taste mouthwatering cuisines and savory snacks. If you are looking for fine dining in Melbourne then the La Tania Restaurant at Glades Central is a great place to start with. With an international flair and a warm welcoming atmosphere, this fine dining restaurant offers a wide array of delicacies from five-star delights to the simple pleasures of a home cooked meal.

Other excellent restaurants in the city include Raffles Hotel Melbourne. This restaurant is one of the best Australian restaurants, offering gourmet dining, comfort food, modern wine bar and award winning cocktails. The Raffles Hotel Melbourne offers an on-site restaurant that offers gourmet cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere. Some of their dishes are based on the Thai culture, such as Pad Thai, which is made with Pad Thai noodles, coconut milk and topped with Thai Rosemary leaves. The restaurant also serves authentic Italian pastas and a variety of seafood and pasta dishes. The La Dolce Vita Restaurant at the Grand Arcade Building is another contemporary Italian restaurant that serves up scrumptious Mediterranean fare that has a unique style and freshness not found in other Italian restaurants.

Melbourne's West End has some great fine dining restaurants such as The Australian, The Restaurant at Point Eighty and Masala n' Masala. The restaurant at Point Eighty offers an eclectic mix of Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and European cuisine. The Restaurant at Point Eighty is known for its "muscular" Asian food. For starters, you can get Thai or Chinese stir fry, chicken curry or Hong Kong or Japanese sushi. All the food is prepared by experienced chefs and is served with excellent side dishes like tamarind rice and roasted corn.

The Restaurant at Masala n' Masala also serves traditional Greek foods that is wrapped in banana leaf. This restaurant is also famous for its large portions. You can order a pasta or a main dish and get it to go. Other popular Greek restaurants in the area include Paraskevakos and Agostona.

If you are looking for ethnic food, then you should check out Koffmann's Delicatessen, Beaute Claire and Maison Martin. These three restaurants specialize in the classic Moroccan and French cuisines and are popular with locals as well as tourists. Many of these restaurants are run by local families and the chefs use locally available ingredients whenever possible. The Moroccan cuisine offers a variety of dishes with chicken, lamb, goat and rice being the most popular.

If you are looking for a good Italian food, then head down to Raglan Road and dine at Cavalli or Viniotto al Volo. Both of these fine dining restaurants have an extensive menu of meat dishes, fish, pasta and salads. For dessert, you can opt for the tiramisu or chocolate truffles. Italian cuisine is also popular at Via Bella, another fine dining spot in Melbourne.

Japanese, Thai, Chinese and other regional cuisines are offered at Ivy Restaurant. The sushi bar offers customers a variety of sashimi, sushi rolls, tempura and beef sashimi. The buffet offerings include chicken loin, crab meat, squid and octopus. The bar offers a variety of Japanese sake, specialty beers, Japanese sake and other liquors. Other Japanese dishes include soy sauce pancake, tofu egg roll and other favorites.

Chinese, Indian and Pakistani cuisine is also popular in the area. There are many Chinese, BBQ and Pashto restaurants around the Flinders street food area. Indian food is a big favorite at the nearby Indian Food and Tea Lounge. Pakistani and BBQ are also popular here. Pizza is also a favourite of visitors.

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@beckalyfranks 💛 #DNAyourLife Meet our Change Maker Beckaly Franks. A unique person with endless energy, positivity, surprise, and joy. She is a vibe that Hong Kong represents. I feel very special to coach her in her health & fitness journey. Especially this month when we dedicate March as Women's History Month. Next time you are in central HK, go and find her and try her cocktails innovation... Where? You can find her at the Pontiac (her own creation), a craft cocktail dive bar, celebrating inclusivity and rock and roll. . ... B. thank you for outgoing support @mackfitt . . . ....... #GeneStartyourLife #GeneStartNutrition #dnatest #wellnessday #fitness #MackFitt #MackFitTeam #healthylifestyle #GeneStart (at WellnessXperts HK) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL-9JJaD8JW/?igshid=18hpz76gn4wsh

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20 of the world’s most stylish dog-friendly hotels

The year of the pandemic has also been the year of puppy love, with more of us turning to our furry friends for comfort than perhaps ever before. Where would we be without our four-legged companions during lockdown (and life in general) to break up our working-from-home days with cuddles, chasing tails, and a much needed breath of fresh air on a lunch break outing.

If your daily ‘walkies’ are starting to feel a bit too familiar, why not swap the local park for one of these canine chic boutique hotels, where pups can expect to be pampered as much as any other guest. From doggy afternoon tea, V.I.Pooch packages, personalised bedding and dedicated dog room service menus, these paw-fect places are the pick of the luxury litter. Because your dog deserves a holiday as much as you do…

The Farncombe Estate, Cotswolds – UK

An eclectic village-style assortment of houses, huts and hideaways set within the picturesque grounds of the Farncombe Estate, The Fish Hotel barks up all the right trees (and treehouses). Welcoming medium sized, well behaved pooches to their cosy selection of dog-friendly rooms, which are located on the hillside and spread throughout various individual buildings in the grounds. Be sure to book one of the Medium Rooms, Veranda Rooms, Small Suites, and Big Suites if you’re planning to bring your pup along, or one of the magical treetop cabin-style suites complete with underfloor heating, wrap-around decking with heated tubs, and woodland views. These rooms have wooden floors and easy access to your car along with 400 acres of Cotswold countryside on your doorstep for those all-important dog walks. Every doggy desire has been catered for throughout the estate, including dog hydration stations, a ‘dunk your dog’ bath tub (with canine shampoo and conditioner), a dedicated dog agility course, and doggy afternoon tea – luxury tit-bits from the likes of Woof & Brew and The Barking Bakery feature on the menu.

A stick’s throw from The Fish is the honey-hued Dormy House, which also welcomes dogs in their Danish Court rooms, including Rose Cottage, Courtyard Suites, and Comfy Rooms, all a short walk from the main farmhouse.

Paws for thought: A charge of £30 per dog per stay applies and includes a cosy dog bed in the room, two dog bowls, some lovely doggie treats, and a dog towel. You are welcome to relax in the bar and lounge with your pooch and you can dine from the bar menu, but note that dogs should not be taken into the main restaurant at The Fish. Dogs are welcome to dine with their owners in The Potting Shed at Dormy House.

Ovolo Hotels, Sydney & Brisbane – Australia & Hong Kong

A colourful collection of contemporary boutique hotels in Australia and Hong Kong, Ovolo Hotels offer an indulgent V.I.Pooch package at Ovolo The Valley Brisbane, Ovolo Woolloomooloo in Sydney, and Ovolo Central Hong Kong. Wake up in one of the trendy, art-filled suites and roll over to your furry friend, who will be provided with their own doggy bed, food and water bowls, and a doggy bag with especially designed toys and treats. With dog-friendly staff on hand to help with late-night walkies (because dogs can feel jet-lagged too!) and recommend local dog-friendly dinner spots, you and your pooch will be made to feel instantly at home with Ovolo Hotels.

The Plymouth South Beach, Miami – USA

Top left image credit: @wtfrenchie

This four-storey luxury hotel is a peach-and-cream Art Deco icon with a contemporary twist, where you’ll never have to leave your best friend behind. Spend days beneath a pastel parasol by the pool or private beach at The Plymouth South Beach with an expertly-crafted cocktail in hand, and your pooch by your side – with personalised Plymouth doggy bowls included in every canine booking. Watch the famous South Beach sunrises as you snuggle up to your pup, before enjoying one of the hotel’s doggy brunches and a sun-soaked walk in the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens or the Collins Park, located just around the corner from this Art Moderne masterpiece.

Kristiania Lech, Lech am Arlberg – Austria

An exquisitely decorated Alpine retreat with the feel of a private residence rather than a hotel, Kristiania Lech is just a short walk from the centre of the upmarket ski resort of Lech. Dogs are welcome to stay in every single one of the 29 rooms and suites at Kristiania Lech, so both you and your canine companion can enjoy the original pieces of artwork and spectacular views over the pretty village of Lech and towards the Alps. Warm up with some cuddles after a day on the slopes on the hotel’s sun terrace or Kaminzimmer (fireplace), or ask the resident leisure consultant for the best Alpine walks if you’re looking for more mountain air – the hotel would be more than happy to arrange a picnic in the snow for you and your pup.

Paws for thought: A charge of €45 per dog per day applies – well-behaved dogs are allowed everywhere except the restaurant. 

Château La Chenèviere Hotel, Normandy – France

An elegant 18th-century château surrounded by attractive gardens and parkland, Château La Chenevière Hotel combines the feel of an English country house with classical French style. Claiming the Country House Hotel of the Year title at the SLH Awards 2020, every pastel tinted room has a garden view, making it the perfect place to enjoy the countryside charm of Normandy with your chien in tow. Explore the 12 acres of parkland with your pooch, with secluded walled gardens and a heated outdoor swimming pool (which is open from May-September). Or venture outside the hotel on one of the hotel’s bicycles (if your pup is basket-sized!) for a day trip to Omaha Beach or historic Bayeux.

Forestis, the Dolomites – Italy

The South Tyrolean mountainscape is a playground for pups and nature lovers alike, with endless forest trails and snow-dusted scenery surrounding Forestis – a summit-level sanctuary in the UNESCO Dolomites. You and your pooch will be greeted by resident chocolate Labrador, Amadeus, who can show you all the dog-friendly places to rest your paws. Make the most of the surrounding greenery in the summer, and pick up some snowshoes in the colder months to trek through the high altitude wilderness. This is a boutique escape designed to help you switch off and immerse yourself in the regenerative power of nature.

The Nare, Cornwall – UK

Flanked by colourful gardens and overlooking the gentle waves of Gerrans Bay, The Nare has all the exclusivity of a dog-friendly private island. The Nare’s beachside position puts Cornwall’s captivating coast at your feet, and with the newly-kitted out country house boot room courtesy of partners The Original Muckboot Company, guests can borrow a pair of comfortable wellies for strolls along the sandy beach or coastal footpaths. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in all the rooms and gardens at The Nare, with dinner from the dogs’ table d’hôte menu included in the daily dog charge.

Paws for thought: As with all guests at The Nare those with special dietary requirements and desires are well looked after. The dogs’ à la carte menu has a wider choice. Outdoorsy types and working dogs that don’t need to come into the hotel may prefer instead to stay in the working dogs’ kennels on self-catering terms, for which there is no charge.

The Sukhothai Bangkok – Thailand

Experience serenity and relaxation in the heart of the city at The Sukhothai Bangkok. Take your pooch for a stroll in the carefully landscaped hotel gardens, before enjoying a dip in the 25-metre infinity pool. Rooms blend traditional details with contemporary flair – you’ll be cocooned by polished teak and the Thai silks, with large flat-screen TVs and Bose audio systems for a modern interlude.

Paws for thought: A charge of 500 TBH per dog is applied to each stay, and dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when on hotel property (except in your room).

The Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Springs – USA

When you first walk through the impressive entrance of The Adelphi Hotel, it’s easy to cast yourself back to the old world grace and grandeur of the 19th-century New York social set. Welcoming pets of all sizes for a one time fee of $75, dogs are allowed practically everywhere in The Adelphi – from all guest rooms, the lobby, all common areas to all three of the hotel restaurant patios overlooking Broadway. With especially designed canine amenities, including cosy beds, food and water bowls, leashes and collars, The Adelphi keeps its four-legged family front of mind.

Hotel Lilla Roberts, Helsinki – Finland

With its location and elegant, homely atmosphere, Hotel Lilla Roberts puts you and your pup in prime position for a luxury Helsinki holiday. While away an afternoon in the Art Deco lounge cosied up beside a crackling fire, or ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction for the best local parks to play fetch, Finnish style – and with over 80 dog-friendly parks and dedicated doggy beaches to choose from, this Scandi city is the paw-fect choice for pooch parents.

Hotel Tannenhof, St. Anton am Arlberg – Austria

Close to pristine, powdery slopes and a picturesque village with traditional Tyrolean lodges and stone farmhouses, historic church and cosy restaurants, Hotel Tannenhof is set within a true winter wonderland. You and your pup will be given a warm welcome by resident black Labradors Emma and Tommy, before settling in to one of just seven elegant, wood-panelled suites. Cuddle up on the hotel’s custom-made beds, or have a post-ski snooze beside one of the open fireplaces.

Hôtel Crillon le Brave, Provence – France

Left image credit: @victoria_steiner

A quintessentially French bolthole that fuses the charms of a 17th-century hamlet with contemporary luxury, Hôtel Crillon le Brave is simply Provençal perfection. The hotel’s nine stone houses possess all the charm of French countryside living, with terracotta tiles, colourful throws and handpicked antique furniture. If you can bring yourself to leave this hilltop hideaway, take a tour of the nearby vineyards and wineries or wander the fragrant lavender fields of Sault.

Paws for thought: Be sure to book one of the Prestige Rooms if you’re planning to travel with your pooch, as pet-friendly rooms must be requested in advance. Small dogs (weighing under 10kg) are welcome to stay at Hôtel Crillon le Brave for a charge of €30  per night. 

The Nimb, Copenhagen – Denmark

A Moorish-styled palace with a striking Venetian marble façade, all rooms but one at The Nimb have a log fire and view of the Tivoli Gardens. Dogs are welcomed with a hamper of goodies, including toys, turndown treats, luxury bedding, food and water bowls, and a ‘Do Not Disturb/Dog Sleeping’ card. A whole team of doggy dedicated staff are on hand at The Nimb, from dog sitters and walkers, to groomers and a veterinary service, your four-legged friends will hardly need to lift a paw.

Paws for thought: Dogs are not allowed in Tivoli Gardens (except for the annual Dog’s Day in June). Dogs are also not allowed in The Nimb’s restaurants, so be sure to request a pet sitter at least 24 hours in advance.

Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm, Salamanca – Spain

A former monastery overlooking the River Tormes, Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm is a magnificent wine resort with an impressive history that dates back to the 14th century. Look out for the working sheep dogs on the nearby farm, just a 10-minute trip from Hacienda Zorita where guests can enjoy cheese tasting and an authentic countryside meal experience. Therre are plenty of vineyard walks to enjoy with your canine companion, before indulging in some of Hacienda Zorita’s specialities, including extra virgin olive oil, local cheese and pata negra produced on the estate.

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, East Sussex – UK

A listed 19th-century mansion set in 186 acres of landscaped parkland, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club puts the natural beauty of Ashdown Forest at your feet. Book one of the dog-friendly Fairway Junior Suites, with French doors that open directly out onto the parkland, complete with a private terrace and outdoor furniture. Four-legged guests at Ashdown Park can expect the royal treatment, with their own dog basket, blanket and bowls provided along with dinner and a goodie bag from Arden Grange, a family-run business that has been developing superior, premium food for animals since 1996. Be sure to ask the concierge for a map of nearby dog walking trails, along with their recommendations for dog-friendly pubs in the area.

Paws for thought: A supplementary charge of £30 per dog, per room, will be charged in addition to the room rates. Dogs are regrettably not permitted in the Main House.

Villa La Madonna, Piedmont – Italy

Verdant hills, vineyards, and terracotta roofs – Villa La Madonna overlooks the Bormida Valley in Piedmont, north-western Italy where guests are guaranteed to get a taste for rural life. Run by Swedish couple Helen and Mikael (with their adorable dog Stella), your pup will keep good canine company at Villa La Madonna, which is also the seasonal home to some truffle hunting hounds in the autumn months. If you can tear yourself away, the Alps are only two hours to the north, and the Italian Riviera one hour to the south – with plenty of picturesque walks for you and your cane to enjoy.

Crossbasket Castle, High Blantyre – Scotland

Steeped in history, Crossbasket Castle is a landmark Scottish retreat. Michelin-star chef Albert Roux has created a special menu for man’s best friend, featuring a a selection of salmon, mackerel, spinach and brown rice risotto, turkey and sweet potato stew and meatloaf with chicken jelly. Each item on the ‘dog’s dinner’ costs £10.50 and is available to order via room service, so you can treat yourself to a cosy night in. If you need to walk off all the night’s indulgence, the castle grounds include a large woodland area, extensive nature walks and a beautiful stretch of river with majestic waterfalls.

We have plenty more paw-fect places to choose from, just look out for our pet-friendly icon under the key features of our hotel pages!

The post 20 of the world’s most stylish dog-friendly hotels appeared first on Small Luxury Hotels.

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[tripinsingapore]

10 things that make you want to travel in Singapore

Singapore with many interesting things is expected to attract tourists to our island with its hundred-year-old temples, bustling hawkers ‘ centers, and lush green spaces. You will never regret if you choose to travel to Singapore.

This city has an extremely varied festivals and events, which gives travelers plenty of possibilities for traveling, indulging and sharing their passions.

Make a fashion statement

Today, with its range of multinational brands and local handicrafts, Singapore has become a global metropolis center.

There are plenty of chances for fashionistas to look for items that reflect their style, from the shopping heaven on the Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands to the Joo Chiat and Tiong Bahru chic boutiques.

In 2019 many new malls opened in our island including the  Jewel Changi, Funan’s modern shopping center and Design Orchard–the house of Singaporean influenced by craftsmen.

Keep an eye on annual festivals with excellent offers and holiday vibes. In keeping with the time of the year you visit, during Chinese New Year you will be able to buy traditional Chinese food, go hunting during Great Singapore or grab your loved one’s precious gift on A Great Street for Christmas.

Read more: Top 10 sale venues for shopping addicts in Singapore

Discover inspiring art everywhere

In addition to being a town with world-class museums, art galleries, conferences, and concerts, Singapore is a town in which creativity and art are incredible.

Upon visiting the grand halls of the Singapore National Museum and strolling through the vast exhibition of South-East Asian art in the Singapore National Gallery, you can explore how art comes alive on our island.

Visit the street art of the Gelam galleries, search for wall mural in our island or outdoor performance at Esplanade— Theatres on The Bay against the backdrop of our beautiful city skyline.

Indulge in world-class eats

Singapore is the home of flavors for any palate with its well-recognition as an international metropolis.

There are 44 Michelin-restaurants in our area, including Les Amis and Odette three-establishments.

Don’t forget to explore the dynamic tastes of Peranakan at Candlenut or experience the cheapest Michelin food in the world with Liao Fan Hong Kong’s soy sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle at Burnt Ends, or go down the street for an Australian barbeque. 

Surpass your mental and physical limits

Daredevils and thrill-seekers alike are going to the full range of adrenaline-pumping events to break their limits.

Enjoy the mystery at Universal Studios Singapore by yourself, overcome the fear of the high with the AJ Hackett Sentosa Bungy jump and seek the controlling ability at Singapore Wave Park in Singapore

Test your endurance in Singapore Clim Central, try a new dynamic workout at the Sports Hub in Singapore or gather friends and family at the trampoline park. The choices for you are unlimited.

Discover hidden sights and new horizons

Districts such as Tiong Bahru, Joo Chiat / Katong, and Kampong Glam are wonderful mixtures of tradition and modernity, which will uncover adorable apartments, boutiques, and stunning street art.

Equally interesting is the unique Singaporean hawker cuisine with our centers serving dishes from chicken rice, fish head curry to rojak and satay, Spanish Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian cuisine.

Marvel at Marina Bay Sands ®’s to enjoy the elegance, explore the vibrant world of the Gardens of Singapore, or stroll on the wild side with the nightlife of the Night Safari.

Check out: Top 7 activities for families to enjoy the nightlife of Singapore.

You’ll take a trip to the sea to visit and discover the green scenery of the offshore islands such as Cones Islands, Kusu Island and Pulau Ubin, to drive you off the beaten path to see new horizons.

Find your muse at our annual cultural events

Artists, actors, and writers from all areas come together to share new perspectives and works of art at Singapore’s annual cultural events. One of the exciting activities that await the tourists is the M1 Fringe Festival, Singapore Arts Week, Singapore International Arts Festival and Singapore Writers Festival.

In Singapore, there are also many cultural events and gatherings, including the pounding drums and riveting river races of the Dragon Boat Festival to feats of religious devotion during Thaipusam and the kaleidoscope of colorful personalities at Chingay Parade.

Find more Singapore events here

Live it up at electrifying music festivals

Whether you are a rock & roll addict, a jazz hound or an irrepressible lover, the annual music and dance calendar in Singapore will certainly attract you.

The audiences taking part in this music party should expect more rhythm and positive vibes, including world-renowned DJs spinning Neon Lights and local artists dancing and singing on Baybeats.

Feast on new flavors at our food festivals

Eating is definitely the heritage of our country, and tourists will engage in a wide variety of fascinating festivals and activities in our love of food and drink.

The Singapore Food Festival offers local dishes such as kopi (traditional local coffee), satay (grill meat dumplings) and chili crab, and alcohol enthusiasts can deepen their appreciation for hand-crafted liquor, cocktail, and mixology.

Party till dawn in a city that never sleeps

Singapore’s nightlife is more than just a sight–it is a venue for entertainment, from an underground watering hole to some of the hottest clubs and bars in this country.

11 Singaporean bars listed the Asia’s 50 Best Bars of 2019, with a select oasis 28 Hong Kong Street and NATIVE inspired by Manhattan in the 1920s offering cocktails made from local ingredients.

Roar with the crowd at thrilling sports spectacles

Professional sports are a show of desire, commitment, and intellectual power, not just of the athletic ability. The city of Lion has a number of thrilling annual events, which are the priority of the world’s athletes.

F1 in Singapore

Every year the competition of cars is taken place in our town center with the Grand Price Sea Singapore. During international competitions like the Singapore HSBC Rugby Sevens and International Champions Cup, sports enthusiasts are filling to our stadiums.

Singapore’s buzzing nightclubs have stalwarts such as Zouk and a new haunts like MARQUEE— a huge room with an indoor Ferris Wheel that you are looking to bring on your dance shoes.

The post 10 things that make you want to travel in Singapore appeared first on Make a wonderful trip in Singapore.

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[onedraycott]

Orchard Road - A Location, Best for Buying a Home

Orchard Road- A Location, Best for Buying a Home

Singapore has turned out to be the best destination to search for high-end condos, apartments and other residential buildings. However, apart from the Singaporeans, the condo buyers in Singapore are also from Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, US and Europe. In the present years, Singapore has started showing advancement in different sectors, including medical section, financial industry and overall infrastructure. It is one of the major reasons behind investing in the apartments and condominiums for permanent residence. Now, the question is – Why should you look for the prime location to find the condominium for sale in Singapore?

Convenience and amenities, easily available to the apartment buyers–

These are major factors, contributing to the higher value of metropolitan areas of Singapore. The luxury apartments Singapore are very close to the business and commercial amenities. The Central Region presents you with different types of accommodations. This region connects you with the remaining part of the country very easily.

The most notable amenities that attract lots of condo buyers are- entertainment centers, public transport network and malls.

Prestige- Another factor affecting the decision of condo buyers–

The apartment and condo buyers always look for prestigious location of their accommodation. Mature neighborhood and world-class amenities enable the residents to enjoy an amazing lifestyle.

Advanced transportation facilities–

By the year 2030, Singapore will turn out to be easily accessible to everyone due to the introduction of new MRT lines. The Downtown Line and Thomson Line will take the public transport system to a different level. The residents, residing near those transport links will have no problem to move to any part of the country.

These are the potential reasons to look for the ‘prime location’ to invest in residential properties. However, while searching for this location, the name that easily comes to our mind is Orchard Road. Known as the best entertainment and retail hub, Orchard Road has become the most notable location, where you can your residence or condo.

Let us analyze the reasons behind the popularity of condos, near Orchard Road.

Presence of shopping malls–

ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and Paragon have created a shopping belt in Orchard Road. From retail stores to designer boutiques, everything is there in Orchard Road. Metro, Robinson’s and Takashimaya are the best departmental stores to buy your essentials. What’s more, Great Singapore Sale starts every year on the month of June.

Tranquil settings for nature lovers

Although the shopping belt is a bustling site, Orchard Road has also a serene environment for you. While staying near Orchard Road, you can keep away from noise by having a visit to the sites, like-

Ardmore Park

Grange Road

Lenonie Hill Road

Cairn Hill

Hullet Road

Easy to access the restaurants for foods and drinks–

It is amazing to try out some local cuisines in some air-conditioned restaurant in Orchard Road. Basement Food Court and Tang Plaza and ION Orchard are the best sites to the foodies. Whether it is a special occasion or weekend trip, you can visit Wild Rocket, located at Mount Emily Park

The wine lovers may also hop into the decent bars, located near Emerald Hill Road. You can enjoy cocktails and ice cold beers with amazing live music.

Best for career development–

Lasalle College of the Arts and School of the Arts are the major attractions to the young residents. Moreover, Singapore Management University is also close to Orchard area and it is easily accessible for MRT Station.

Thus, Orchard Road has turned out to be heart of Singapore. For the above reasons, you can choose this site for buying home in Singapore. Although it is much crowded for tourists and locals, you will have the best from residing at this place.

[foggyinjapan-blog]

3rd Nov. Birthday!!

For some reason I am up and awake at 6.30. I’m like a kid on Christmas morning. How did this happen? I have been struggling to wake up at 8.30 for the last week and now I'm up before the sun. I have to be in Kyoto at 10am to meet up with the hosts that will be showing me an authentic samurai experience. I leave plenty of time to get ready but of course, still rush out the door. I really don't want to be late for my date with a katana! As I ride my bike I’m singing, I don’t care if anyone hears because it’s my birthday and I’m bloody happy!! I see a police car has pulled someone over. The lights are flashing and the funniest thing ever! It’s like they have extender arms underneath them to lift them higher hahaha! I feel like that is super pointless but whatever, you go Glen Coco! 

An American girl meets us at the nearby station. She is wearing a kimono and will be our interpreter. We arrive at the Samurai house which was an old samurai’s house built about 200 years ago. The lady explains that the house is in very good condition for being that old and that is a very larger house to have owned back in that period; it includes bedrooms, a tea room and kitchen, plus a guest house (3 rooms), front and back garden and an outhouse. She said for someone to have built this, they must have been in a very high role. Inside is some beautiful artwork and a statue. First we are dressed in the samurai clothing that they would have worn back then. It looks really hard to tie up and it has to be precise! In the second room we enter there are 12 panels around the room. Each panel has a picture and they all represent a month of the year. November is 2 crows in the autumn leaves. Above one of the walls there are 2 symbols cut out over the wooden beam. One symbol represents the samurai's side of the family and the other one represents the woman of the house's side of the family. They are first carved separately and then together. Beautiful. Our sensei for today explains how he is worried that Japanese history is being forgotten by some as the culture modernises. (This all coming from him and then translated by the American interpreter)

We are shown the katana and a traditional performance that is done often when practicing the art. First he bows to the audience and then the sword. When he bows to the sword, the left hand is placed on the floor first and taken off last. This is in case an enemy tries to attack while you are bowing and so you can quickly grasp your sword with your right hand. He then starts to whip it around. The sounds it makes is so loud! The art of a samurai has a lot to do with meditation. You need to be focused and mentally able to face anything. I’m very impressed with his skills. And very close, I feel like if I were any closer, I would’ve gotten a hair cut. We are taken into the back garden where the samurai demonstrates what we will be doing today. A straw mat is in front of him, and in 2 seconds flat he has sliced it up like your favourite dessert. He is very good! After this it is our turn. We go to the front garden and are all given a wooden sword. When handing a katana to another person the blade has to be facing you with your hands cupped at the bottom. We practiced the foot steps first, and then the motions with our arms. Very cool!

The interpreter asks who would like to go first. Awkward silence so I volunteer! WOOO LET’S DO IT! I am given the katana the way I just explained and have a few practice movements. It’s a lot heavier than the wooden one and it’s a little bit rickety. I move over to where the mat is standing and again, practice movements. Like when you practice your golf swing but absolutely no momentum. Right, it was time to go. The first swing was ok. I hit it really high up which meant there was a lot more mat to slice! The second one went flying over the garden, woo! By the fourth one I was a winner!! That was so much fun! I walk over to the others and I am literally shaking. What a crazy and one-of-a-kind experience!

After everyone else had had their turn, we drank some tea and headed back inside. Next to experience was meditation. I have tried many times before but haven’t actually reached full zen. It is a difficult skill for one to have. To help with today’s meditation, they have metal bowls which make a beautiful sound when played right. We face outwards and take deep breaths through the nose, out the mouth while our hosts play the sounds from the bowls. Taking in turns, a bowl is placed on our heads and played. It feels like someone is pushing really hard on your head but the sounds easily takes that feeling away. These bowls actually originate from Hong Kong (maybe?? I can’t remember!). The reason they didn’t use the Japanese version is because they were too heavy and would’ve squashed us haha! Our sensei then plays us a song on a traditional Japanese flute. It sounds exactly like historic Japan. So beautiful! I have had such an amazing experience and I’m so glad I got to do this on my birthday. November 3rd is also culture day in Japan, I have learned about the culture and history of the samurai today. Culture - check!!

I leave the samurai’s house and venture into central Kyoto. I’m pretty hungry so if I see somewhere I’d like to go for lunch, I’m going to stop. On a random side street there is a restaurant, a lot of people seem to be going in so I am intrigued. I walk in and there’s some other people waiting too; if you have to wait in a restaurant in Japan, you know it’s going to be good! I am seated on a larger table where other people are sitting too. They hand me an English and Japanese menu, brilliant! I end up ordering pork tenderloin cutlet with crab croquette which comes with rice, salad and miso. Oh, of course a beer! A couple is seated next to me and we get talking! His English is so good! I was saying how I am going to Hakuba for the winter to snowboard and he said lived in Vancouver for years. Brilliant, this is my type of person! We talked about so much shit including his eBay business and how not many people in Japan use eBay (random); ideas for my business plans in the future; how Japanese don’t speak in English a lot and it must be hard for me (it’s not); she is a DJ at a famous club in Kyoto as well! So cool! They also gave me a couple of bars to go to! Brilliant people! As we were talking they bought out sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle. No idea what to do so I start crushing them like everyone else. Once crushed, you can add your choice of sauce which are in front of you then dip your cutlets in it. Cool! The food was amazing and I’ve really stumbled onto a winner here! We cheers-ed to a great meal and I was on my way again!

I choose to do a bit of shopping after because my sister and her family sent me some money! Have a browse in the antique stores and other stores. I end up buying a shirt that says “fisherman’s club - hookers” hahaha and a brilliant hat which I am so in love with! I stop at a cafe called Cream Soda. Everything made here looks like it’s from a cartoon, cute! The girls behind me are staring at me... why! I can see you! Have you never seen a gaijin before?? (Gaijin means forgiener but literally translates to outsider haha!) I order a strawberry milk with whipped cream. It’s pretty delicious and the straw is a love heart! “I love it!”

After this I need a drink. The only bar I can find that's open at this hour (3.30pm) is an Irish bar, great! Pint of beer. Cocktail for Ash because I’m missing her! Scooner, and I am pissed haha! I had a good chat with the bartender but the only other people that were in the bar were a group of middle aged tourists. Time to go home and get ready! I’m feeling some fried chicken so I stop for some of Lawson’s famous chicken. Delicious! So bad for you though.. I’m pretty drunk at this stage and I start singing and minding my own business. Are you allowed to ride a bike when you’re intoxicated? Oh well, I’m on vacaaay!! I blink and suddenly realise that I don’t recognise anything around me... I think I’ve missed the turn. This is what I get for singing and prancing about. There’s a 7/11 on the next corner so I stop, wifi, toilet, ask for directions and leave with some more chicken hahaha! Back the way I came... I missed it by a long shot!

I get ready and grab a taxi to Zaza Pub. My taxi driver is the nicest man ever! He doesn’t know much English and my Japanese isn’t great either but we still manage to make conversation. The words we understood were: Koala, kangaroo, the station where I was going, little, have a nice day, thankyou so much. I think that was it haha! I walk into the bar and grab myself 2 Heinekens - don’t want to have to come back so soon. I end up playing darts with some French guys. The French are actually so about themselves hey! I could tell that was how they were bought up though... surely they’re not doing this on purpose. I start talking to some Brazilians and this old Japanese guy. What a legend! He knows everything! Hahaha we had great conversation to my recollection and many ‘o’ beers!! We ended up drinking and talking until late. Great guys! Time for Lawson’s chicken and bed though. Lucky I didn’t ride my bike into the city... She would not have held up!

4th Nov.

It's a write off. So exhausted and hung. The only thing I can do is make spaghetti at dinner.