#best restaurants king street wharf

[qnewsau]

Introducing Eastside Sydney!

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/introducing-eastside-sydney/

Introducing Eastside Sydney!

The micro-precincts of Eastside Sydney are just a stone’s throw from the CBD, nestled within sprawling parklands, sprinkled with heritage architecture and are home to some of Sydney’s best food, drink, late night entertainment and retail experiences.

WORDS Lorraine Lock

The newly branded Eastside Sydney comprises Woolloomooloo, Potts Point, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.

It’s long been home to a diverse mob of misfits, scoundrels and dreamers; from the razor gangs that fought over sly grog in the 1920s, to post WWII immigrants who added countless flavours to its cultural milieu.

Hosting Sydney’s famous Golden and Glittering Miles of Oxford Street and Darlinghurst Road, Eastside is a melting pot of people, arts and culture: fiercely independent, eclectic, creative and queer!

A handful of micro-precincts reside here, each with their own style and specialities.

Sydney’s ‘alter-ego’ is easily accessed by walking, as you flow effortlessly from one precinct to the other, making it the ideal area to explore over a day or a weekend – or longer!

Taster of the precincts

What can you expect around Eastside Sydney?

It would be impossible to pick out a favourite with all of the neighbourhoods having a different style but it’s definitely an art, design and food led culture with offerings to tantalise – anything from quirky street style to sophistication and the budget to match.

Take the Kings X Quarter, once a notorious area, now reinventing itself with a clutch of small bars, speakeasies and upmarket nighttime destinations.

Explore the streets and alley-ways off the main drag just behind the famous Coke Sign and discover your own new favourite late-night venue with burlesque, live music and cocktails flowing.

Around the corner, past the El Alamein Fountain is Potts Point Village – the more genteel end of the point with fashion and interior stores selling highly curated local and international designer brands and upmarket French and Italian brasseries and bars offering a wide range of cuisine options day and night.

The Rainbow Precinct encompasses Taylor Square and Oxford Street, long-time home and stomping ground of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community, where you can find a drag or variety show every night as Oxford reaffirms its place as a place to go for a good time with like-minded people. Here’s the place to find your tribe!

Nearby, the Hollywood Quarter is indisputably one of Sydney’s best dining destinations with a clutch of hatted restaurants nestled together in just one square kilometre. HQ also boasts trendy boutique hotels; old school pubs with live music; and its very own arthouse cinema and bar.

Eastside Sydney is also book-ended by the National Art School, the Australian Museum, NSW State Library, NSW Art Gallery and Botanic Gardens so there’s plenty to explore and enjoy both indoors and out.

Exploring Sydney’s Eastside is an invitation to discover the true charm of this area’s inner city vibe where locals and visitors alike can relax, have fun and enjoy the best that Sydney has to offer.

The Heart of Surry Hills is centred around the “community hub” of the library and Shannon Reserve, known for its relaxed vibe and trendy atmosphere.

Here you can satisfy your taste buds and quench your thirst with fabulous eateries, charming cafes, and cosy bars and pubs all within a few blocks.

Plus, there’s plenty of designer shops to spark your curiosity.

Woolloomooloo combines waterfront luxury with post-industrial charm and is surrounded by the lush Botanic Gardens and sparkling Sydney Harbour.

There is some seriously fine dining on the water in a spectacular converted industrial finger wharf.

The local pub scene is strong too with untouched heritage gems and refurbished establishments dotted through the neighbourhood.

It’s a simple walk between half a dozen venues variably offering water views, beer gardens, pub grub, trivia nights, tv sports and local interaction.

Micro-precinct

What’s a Micro-precinct? Well it seems to be the buzzword right now with the NSW Government supporting an initial 21 precincts across Sydney to “develop their local business communities and grow their districts into vibrant going-out hubs”.

It’s the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy for Greater Sydney!

For more information go to: www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/greater-sydneys-24-hour-economy/uptown accelerator

-Lorraine Lock is the manager of Eastside Sydney and the Rainbow Precinct Coordinator

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[toursinsanfrancisco]

Embark on the most effective of San Francisco - Traveling the Embarcadero

Flanked by a rejuvenated midtown district and the San Francisco Bay, the Embarcadero (Spanish for "the location to begin") absolutely measures up to its name. Stretching from the junction of 2nd and King roads near the Bay Bridge and also AT&T Park to Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf, this beachfront street is a direct line to the very best of San Francisco. Shop hotel accommodations, sights, shopping, farmers' markets, home entertainment as well as beautiful food are within very easy reach of the Embarcadero. Whether you select to check out through a conventional wire auto ride, by car or on foot, bring your cam and your cravings san francisco private tours. Photo opportunities as well as cooking delights will certainly border you every which way around of San Francisco.

Deluxe Hotel Lodging Puts You in the Heart of the City

Whether taking a trip for company or satisfaction, sightseeing is easier in the midtown district of San Francisco with a deluxe hotel on the beachfront. Search the neighborhood destinations, after that go back to your space to save your treasures before navigating even more treasure-hunting or supper and a program.

The Highlights of the Embarcadero

As you make your method up the Embarcadero, you'll find many of San Francisco's favorite views:

Rincon Park - Cupid's Span

Virtually everybody has actually crooned along with famous vocalist Tony Bennett as his gold voice sang, "I left my heart in San Francisco." As a homage to that timeless, sculptors Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen erected Cupid's Span in Rincon Park in 2003. The bow, with its arrow implanted in the ground, neglects the San Francisco Bay.

Ferry Building Marketplace

This abundant industry bustles with a flurry of visitors daily searching for the freshest and most special food and various other rewards. Fishmongers offer regional selections of fish captured from the bay. Gourmet delicious chocolates, artisan cheeses, organic fruit and vegetables and other tasty deals with can also be located. Delight in lunch bayside at one of the lots of extraordinary dining establishments and cafes, then browse through the large selection of stores found out there or from the many local farmers' fruit and vegetables during the weekend's farmers' market. The Embarcadero The Embarcadero Center uses seasonal fun consisting of an ice skating rink from November till January plus year-round tourist attractions such as the Farmer's Market as well as the Embarcadero Center Cinema. The cinema is house to numerous prominent independent movies as well as ranks nationally among the most prestigious and also effective movie theaters. Fisherman's Wharf A very easy ride, compliments of the F Market trams, takes you to the world-famous Fisherman's Wharf. Go to Pier 39 where you'll twist via a typical boardwalk atmosphere full with video clip game, road performers as well as more. Not to be missed are the sea lions, who have their very own docks for dozing; stores loaded with keepsakes; family-oriented amusement as well as a variety of scrumptious food from street suppliers to fine dining. Boutique resort accommodations, sights, shopping, farmers' markets, home entertainment and also elegant food are within very easy reach of the Embarcadero. Photo possibilities and culinary delights will border you at every turn in this area of San Francisco. The bow, with its arrowhead dental implanted in the ground, overlooks the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy lunch bayside at one of the several extraordinary restaurants as well as coffee shops, then surf through the huge choice of shops located in the Market or from the numerous regional farmers' produce throughout the weekend's farmers' market. A very easy flight, compliments of the F Market trams, takes you to the world-famous Fisherman's Wharf.

[europeantravel1]

10 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam 

Amsterdam is arguably one of the best cities to visit in the world and it is a great place to visit museums, art, coffee shops and culture — but there is much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. Within an hour from Amsterdam, you can visit the tulip fields, windmills, and even climb up sand dunes and lie on the beach and work on your tan! The Netherlands is a relatively small country, so you can get to Utrecht in 30 minutes or even Belgium in 1.5 hours since the country is relatively small. Even traveling from the northernmost city in the Netherlands (Groningen) to the southernmost point (Maastricht) takes roughly two hours. The Netherlands has an excellent system of public transportation that allows travelers to travel anywhere in the country. The trains generally run on time and are modern and comfortable. The Dutch railway company NS has a website on which you can get train schedules. Holland is the world capital of cycling! There are over 32,000 kilometers of bike paths stretching out in all directions, letting you cycle from one city to another with ease if you wish. For nearby cities like Haarlem and Leiden, it is possible to bike from Amsterdam Centraal in an hour to these cities. With this list of the top day trips from Amsterdam, you can get away from Amsterdam and explore the rest of the Netherlands.  

Amsterdam Day Trips

In this list of day trips from Amsterdam, only places within a two-hour train ride from Amsterdam were included. It is possible to access all of these sights in one day by public transportation.  

Recommended Amsterdam Day Trips

1. Haarlem

The short train ride to Haarlem makes it an ideal day trip from Amsterdam. Haarlem is often described as a smaller, more compact version of historical Amsterdam. Haarlem is less hectic than Amsterdam and offers a more authentic experience. It is essentially a suburb of Amsterdam so it is easy to get to. In fact if the hotel prices in Amsterdam are to high for you staying in Haarlem is a good alternative. Haarlem is seen as a quieter, gentler Amsterdam – which is in fact only 15 minutes away by train. Haarlem's Christmas market is quite possibly the top Christmas market in the Netherlands. The event is centered around the city’s Grote Markt (main square). On a regular Saturday, however, the square will have local stalls offering cheese, clothing, souvenirs, and more. There is a church located right near the square and a variety of bars and cafes. Throughout your stay, be sure to enjoy a boat ride along the canals, observe the authentic windmill located directly in the city, and finish the day at Jopenkerk, a church-turned-brewery. And, trust me the beer here is way better than the beer at the T'ij brewery in Amsterdam even though that one is located in a cool windmill.   2. Tulip Fields in Lisse and Keukenhorf, Netherlands

Most tourists come to the Netherlands in the springtime to view the world-famous tulip fields. Lisse is the best place to see them. Just 40 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Lisse is an easy day trip from Amsterdam. The striking colors of the flowering tulip bulbs are a typical sight in Holland during the spring. The bright red, pink and yellow colors are overwhelmingly beautiful and are a must see, or should we say, a must experience! Keukenhof is situated in Lisse, and is one of the world's largest flower gardens. The park is home to over 800 beautiful tulip and flower arrangements. There are several attractions around the gardens, including a petting zoo, art installations, restaurants, and boat trips. Tourists do tend to overcrowd this area. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase fast-track tickets that include transfers. You don’t have to go to Keukenhof to see the tulips; there are plenty of tulip fields scattered all over the Lisse province that are open to the public. We suggest renting bicycles and cycling around the fields to admire them. You can also take a tulip bicycle tour with a guide to see them.   3. Zaanse Schans

The Netherlands isn’t complete without mentioning the iconic Dutch windmill and wooden clogs. The Dutch are known for their windmills, and the closest one to Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, a town dating back to the 19th century. Looking around you at the Zaanse Schans, you will see nothing but history. Take a tour of the wooden windmills and try on traditional Dutch clogs and savour some Dutch cheese. Zaanse Schans is one of the very best places to visit in the Netherlands. The Zaanse Schans takes its name from an earthen sconce, a fortification from the Eighty Years’ War (the uprising against Spanish rule). From 1961 to 1974 old buildings from all over the Zaanstreek were relocated here from all over the Netherlands. Getting to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by bus can be accomplished in 30 minutes from Central Station.   4. Delft

In the Netherlands there is no shortage of adorable towns, however, Delft stands out as my favorite. Delft is best known for its pottery, especially Delftware pottery! There is even a factory here that produces Delftware. Delft is not only known for the pottery, but also for its beautiful churches, charming boutiques, and cozy cafes. Delft is a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands, famous for its historical connections with the reigning House of Orange-Nassau, for its blue pottery, for being home to the painter Jan Vermeer, Vermeer is buried in the Old Church. Make sure you climb the clock tower for the best view in Delft. Delft is the perfect place to visit if you'd like to see beautiful Dutch architecture without the crowds that Amsterdam attracts.   5. The Hague (Den Haag) & Scheveningen Beach

The Hague is located approximately one hour train ride away from Amsterdam and is the perfect day trip destination. The city is beautifully designed and the city has a sense of calm about it, even though it is surrounded by a large amount of activity. It is a city on the western coast of the Netherlands on the North Sea. It is famous as the place where war criminals are tried but it is much more than that. Koningsdag, or King's Day, is held annually on 27 April. It is traditionally celebrated with fairs and flea markets throughout the city. On this day, the color orange predominates at a festival (which sells orange cotton candy) and has scores of informal street markets. The Hague is also home to one of the finest beaches in the Netherlands called Scheveningen Beach. This beach is one of the most popular attractions to The Hague and is particularly popular with tourists and locals alike. The white sand beach stretches for miles and includes a Ferris wheel on its pier. 6. Alkmaar Cheese Market

If you are eager to experience the world-famous cheese of the Netherlands, then you should visit Alkmaar. Alkmaar, not Gouda is the cheese capital of the Netherlands, and there are many cheese-related attractions for visitors to enjoy! Every Friday from March through September, there is a cheese market, which is particularly interesting to say the least. Alkmaar has many medieval buildings that are still intact, most notably the tall tower of the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, where many people from Alkmaar hold their wedding ceremony. This Dutch city is 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train and has more than just cheese. Visit the Dutch Cheese Museum or the National Beer Museum, while Belgium and Germany are more well known for beer, the beer scene in the Netherlands is very healthy.     7. Rotterdam Among the most popular cities near Amsterdam, Rotterdam is one. The reason for its popularity is that it is modern and different than any other state in the country. During World War II, the whole city was destroyed by bombs and rebuilt in a totally different style. Rotterdam is home to many fine examples of modern architecture, much of it inspired by the city's waterside setting, as well as a response to the devastation of WWII.

This unique city can be reached by a fast train in just 45 minutes. This allows plenty of time for exploration. The most popular sites here include the famous cube houses, the Markthall (market hall) and the Erasmus Bridge. Nevertheless, a leisurely stroll through the streets and a discovery of the city is much more enjoyable.   8. Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and has a fascinating history. This city is located only 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam and is among the most popular Amsterdam day trips. While most people think of Amsterdam when they think of the Netherlands. Utrecht is the lively, beating heart of Holland, an ancient university town built around the Dom Tower. Utrecht is known for its city center with wharf cellars along the canals housing cafes and terraces by the water. Utrecht is celebrated for its canals, which run through the center of the city. In addition to the unique design, the lower section of the canals is complemented by outdoor eating areas for restaurants during the warmer months. Besides the unique canals and restaurants, Utrecht is an amazing city to stroll around and explore. Upon exploring the city, you'll find that Utrecht is full of special places. For example, you can drink the best coffee in the city in the vibrant Voorstraat, find all your groceries in the multicultural Lombok and taste and feel the city's archaeological history at Castellum   9. Leiden

Leiden is an old and historical city in the Netherlands that can be reached by train in 30 minutes from Amsterdam. It is best known for its historical significance as a university town and for its stunning old architecture dating back to the year 1575. It reminds me a lot of Leuven in Belgium or Heidelberg in Germany. It is the best place to explore museums, canals without tourists, restaurants, and coffee shops. Although Rembrandt spent much of his life in Amsterdam, he was born and raised in Leiden. In fact, he attended classes at the city’s university for some time before deciding to pursue a career as an artist. There are several tributes to Rembrandt around the city including a plaque on Weddesteeg that marks his birthplace. The Floating Christmas Market in Leiden is another favorite of Amsterdammers. This quaint market boasts more than 90 stalls that sell a variety of festive foods, warm drinks, and handcrafted items. You'll also find a floating ice rink, as well as a small stage where performances are performed round the clock. This yearly event has won multiple awards, including the “Best Christmas Market in Europe” in 2016.   10. Antwerp, Belgium

Taking a day trip from Amsterdam does not necessarily mean remaining in the Netherlands. By crossing the border into Belgium, you will arrive in Antwerp in no time at all. It may seem impossible to travel from The Netherlands to Belgium in one day, but thanks to the high-speed Thalys train it is quite doable. Antwerp is an ancient center of medieval architecture and history, completely distinct from the Netherlands. Taking this day trip will provide you with a chance to explore another country, learn about a different history, and see a beautiful city nearby. The old city center is steeped in history. You will find it in ancient building-fronts on narrow streets or in the imposing Grand-Place. The Plantin-Moretus Museum is the only museum in the world to be classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. Belgian beers are world-famous, and Antwerp is an excellent place to improve your acquaintance with them. The De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery offers an ideal introduction to the world of beer. Het Pakhuis and Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie are other breweries where you can taste authentically brewed Belgian beer. One of the top-rated beer bars in the world, the Kulminator is located in Antwerp and there are a host of other good pubs.   Related Story: Amsterdam Red Light Area Bars   Read the full article

[chipcoffeyblog]

Looking for something fun and totally outside the (candy) box for you and your special someone to do for Valentine's Day? Something totally different and a little bit off-the-wall? Then keep reading! Most of us enjoy spooky TV shows and movies, right? We love that delicious adrenaline rush of being creeped out just a bit by thoughts of ghosts and the paranormal! If that sounds like you - and/or your special Valentine - then keep reading! Wouldn't it be big fun for you and your Valentine to spend a night (or weekend) at a haunted hotel? Just imagine what you might experience! And think of the bragging rights you'll have when recounting your ghostly adventures to family and friends! As part of my work as a psychic and medium, I have traveled extensively and stayed at some of the most interesting - and haunted - hotels in the United States. I like to stay at places that have a rich history, combined with stories about the spirits that reportedly roam throughout the properties. I have seen and heard otherworldly things that would send delicious little goose bumps up and down the spines of most people! Below is a list of some of the haunted hotels that I have enjoyed visiting and predict that you will enjoy visiting, too. New York City: The Jane Hotel - Some of the survivors of the sinking of the Titanic stayed in the building that is now the Jane Hotel in NYC's Greenwich Village. Guests report seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing the sound of sobbing . And the elevator often appears to have a mind of its own, traveling up at down between floors randomly. Guest rooms are inspired by luxury ship and train cabins and tend to be on the small side, many with shared baths. If you desire an en suite bathroom, choose to stay in one of the Captain's Cabins. Added bonus: You're in NYC! There is so much to see and do! Visit all the sites and see a Broadway show!

New York State - Catskills area: Burn Brae Mansion in Glen Spey, NY - Spectral apparitions and ghostly sounds are often heard by guests at this lovely bed and breakfast that was once the elaborate Victorian home of the widow of George Ross MacKenzie, third president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Other unexplained occurrences include doors opening and slamming shut; the sound of children playing; the sound of animals when no animals are present; and the sound of an organ playing, although there is no organ in the house. During my visit there, I distinctly smelled cookies baking in the downstairs area, but no one was baking cookies. Added bonus: The surrounding area is beautiful! Go for a hike, horseback riding, rafting, etc. Los Angeles, California: Millennium Biltmore Hotel - The ghost of Elizabeth Short is said to haunt the Biltmore. Ms. Short was last seen alive at the Biltmore shortly before her gruesome demise in 1947 and that still unsolved case has been dubbed "The Black Dahlia Murder." Soldiers who stayed in the building during and after World War II and young children are also said to roam around the hotel. Perhaps iconic stars from bygone Hollywood days pay post mortem visits to The Biltmore? Added bonus: Hollywood, with all its star studded sites, is close by...and so are California beaches! Atlanta, Georgia: Georgian Terrace - In December of 1939, this hotel hosted the "Gone With the Wind" Gala after the movie's premiere in downtown Atlanta. Clark Gable (and wife, Carole Lombard), Vivien Leigh (and future husband, Laurence Olivier) and other stars of the movie were in attendance. Some say that a gangland-style murder and other deaths have occurred here and there are frequent reports of ghostly activity occurring within the hotel. Added bonus: The haunted Fox Theatre is across the street from the hotel...and you're close to downtown ATL.   Austin, Texas Driskill Hotel - This lavish hotel, located in downtown Austin and completed in 1882, was built by Colonel Jesse Driskill, a cattleman who spent his entire fortune to build "the finest hotel south of St. Louis." He is said to haunt the hotel, along with a little girl who fell down the grand staircase while chasing her runaway ball and two brides who allegedly took their own lives in the bathtub of room 525, exactly 20 years apart. Added bonus: There are great places to eat, drink and be merry nearby. Do your part to help "Keep Austin Weird"! Denver, Colorado Brown Palace - One of the spirits that is said to haunt the Brown Palace is a young boy, dressed in Victorian era clothing, who has been seen rifling through the luggage of hotel guests. During one of my stays there, I returned to my room to discover that little intruder looking inside my backpack that was sitting on a chair! When we saw each other, we both gasped and he instantaneously vanished, leaving me startled and wide-eyed! Added bonus: The hella haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is about an hour drive from downtown Denver. The stately hotel was the inspiration for author Stephen King's best selling novel, "The Shining," which he wrote after he and his wife were guests there. The hotel has been featured on numerous paranormal TV shows. Kansas City, Missouri area Belvoir Winery and Inn - This cozy and comfortable, yet quite elegant, 9 room bed and breakfast, with its 1,500 square feet bridal suite, is located in Liberty, Missouri on the site of a huge former Odd Fellows complex. The inn was once an orphanage, so the sights and sounds of children who once called this building their home are regularly seen and heard by Belvoir guests. Numerous television shows have filmed at the inn and on the property, including Kindred Spirits, Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters and American Pickers. Added bonus: Have a glass or two of Belvoir's wines or your favorite cocktail at the inn's lovely bar located on the main level. And visit George, the inn's "mascot," who just happens to be a real skeleton! New Hampshire Omni Mount Washington Hotel - Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, this property is simply spectacular! The most prominent spirit that is said to haunt the hotel is Princess Carolyn, former owner of the hotel, whose lovely suite is now available for guests to occupy. The hotel's dining room has a permanently set up table for Princess Carolyn in case she happens to stop in for lunch or dinner.  Added bonus: Sightings of the elusive Bigfoot have been reported in the area! Soak up the gorgeous scenery! Take the cog railway to the top of Mt. Washington. Go skiing on the nearby slopes during winter months. Boston, Massachusetts Omni Parker House Hotel - Rich in history and hauntings, the Parker house is the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls! The Kennedy family, arguably America's "royal family," often visited this hotel. It is said that future president John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier at a table in the hotel's restaurant. At one time, civil rights activist Malcolm X, Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse were employees of the hotel. While staying there, I was confused when I encountered the spirit of John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. My encounter finally made sense when the hotel's historian told me that Booth had frequently stayed at the hotel and had even practiced firing his gun nearby. Added bonus: Granary Burying Ground (cemetery), final resting place of numerous Revolutionary War patriots, including Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, is nearby    Tampa, Florida area The Don Cesar - Affectionately known as "The Pink Palace" and located in St. Pete Beach, not far from Tampa on Florida's west coast, this hotel, like others on my list, is said to be haunted by its original owner. Wealthy New Englander Thomas Rowe built the hotel in 1925 in remembrance of his unrequited love for a lovely Spanish opera singer. The star crossed lovers are said to haunt "The Don," as are members of the New York Yankees baseball team, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, due to the fact members of the team once stayed at the hotel during spring training. Other reported spectral guests include gangster Al Capone and World War II era soldiers who may have stayed (and died) there while the building was being used as a convalescent hospital for aviators and pilots. Added bonus: The hotel has a lovely Gulf of Mexico beach.  San Francisco, California Queen Anne Hotel - A charming Victorian era boutique hotel located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. Both the public areas and guests rooms are furnished in an eclectic style. The hotel was once an exclusive boarding school for young ladies, as well as a brothel that housed "ladies of the night." The headmistress of the girl's school, Miss Mary Lake, reportedly haunts the hotel, sometimes unpacking suitcases, tucking guests in at night and singing to them while they fall asleep. The most haunted room is said to be room 410, which was once Miss Mary Lake's office. Voodoo queen Mary Ellen Pleasant lived across the street from the hotel in the 1800's and it is thought that perhaps her spirit also roams the halls of the Queen Anne. Added bonus: Enjoy all that The Golden Gate City has to offer! Ride a cable car; eat some great seafood at a waterfront restaurant; visit Fisherman's Wharf and the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts, built for the 1915 World's Fair. Portland, Oregon The Benson - A world class luxury hotel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Simon Benson and opening its doors in 1913, it is believed that Mr. Benson is the primary spirit who haunts the hotel. He is frequently seen on the grand staircase, in the hotel bar and dining room, and on the 7th, 9th and 12th floors of the hotel. A small and mischievous little boy, whom people assume is the ghost of one of Benson's sons, often appears and plays pranks on hotel guests. The ghost of a former porter who worked at The Benson is also sometimes seems, as well as the spectral images of a lady in white (doesn't every haunted property have a lady in white? LOL) and a lady in blue. Added bonus: Take a trip to see the nearby and spectacularly beautiful Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls! New Orleans, Louisiana Bourbon Orleans Hotel - Once the location of the Sisters of the Holy Family's convent, girl's school, medical ward and orphanage, the Bourbon Orleans is reportedly haunted by the spirits of those who resided there during that earlier time. A Confederate soldier has also been seen at the hotel, as well as a lonely ghost dancer, seen dancing solo in the hotel's ballroom. The 3rd and 6th floors are said to be some of the most haunted areas. Added bonus: Laissez les bon temps rouler and enjoy all of the delicious and decadent delights that The Big Easy readily serves up! Savannah, Georgia East Bay Inn - This stately old building was built in the mid-1800's and once housed the offices of cotton merchants, as well as warehouses for cotton. In the mid-1980's, the property opened as a charming inn with 28 guest rooms. The rooms are spacious, with wooden floors, exposed brick establishing walls and high ceilings. A friendly ghost named Charley, a former worker in the building, allegedly haunts the inn. It is claimed that he is heard walking the halls late and night and sometimes will jiggle the doorknobs. Witnesses have said that lights flicker and some of their personal belongings mysteriously disappear. Room 325, known as "Charley's Room," is said to be the most haunted. Added bonus: Is there really anyplace in Savannah that isn't haunted? Visit them all! Walk along River Street. Take a ride on the riverboat. Put on your walking shoes and visit Savannah's numerous squares. And don't miss a visit to the magnificently beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. San Antonio, Texas The Menger Hotel - The land on which the Menger sits is part of the historic site of the Battle of the Alamo. It is said that between 32 and 45 ghosts haunt the Menger. (Who came up with that number?!?) Among those ghosts are Teddy Roosevelt; Sallie White, a former chambermaid at the hotel who was shot nearby by her common law husband and died on the hotel's 2nd floor; and Richard King, a cattle baron who often stayed at the Menger and died in his suite on the 3rd floor. If you are brave enough, you can stay in the King Ranch Suite where Richard King died and sleep in the same bed where he took his last breath! Added bonus: Visit The Alamo. Walk along the River Walk. Dine in some of San Antonio's fabulous eateries. San Diego, California (Coronado Island) Hotel del Coronado - The elegant hotel, located on Coronado Island, has a resident ghost named Kate Morgan. Kate was a guest at the hotel in 1892 and killed herself with a gun a few days after an ugly break-up with her male lover. Guests at the hotel have reported seeing Kate's ghost walking in the hallways and along the hotel's lovely beach. During my visits to the hotel, I always hope to encounter the spirit of Marilyn Monroe, who shot the film, "Some Like It Hot," on the property back in 1958. Added bonus: While in the San Diego area, pay a visit to the haunted Whaley House in Old Town San Diego, where you can also shop at some of the area's charming stores. Washington, DC Hay-Adams Hotel - Washington socialite Marian Adams, known by the nickname Clover, reportedly haunts the Hay-Adams. Clover was an amateur photographer who died after ingesting some of the potassium cyanide that she used while developing her photographs. Her death was ruled a suicide, but some believed that she had been murdered. The ghost of Clover Adams haunts the hotel's 4th floor. Maids have told stories of hearing a woman sobbing, calling out their names and asking "What do you want?" in unoccupied rooms. Some guests say that visits by Clover's spirit are accompanied by the scent of almonds. Potassium cyanide, which caused Clover's death, is extracted from almonds! Added bonus: Visit the many beautiful monuments in DC, as well as The Smithsonian and nearby Arlington Cemetery. 

[architectnews]

Shenzhen Building News, Guangdong Architecture

Shenzhen Architecture News, Guangdong Building Designs, Architects, Chinese Property Photos

Shenzhen Building News

Contemporary Chinese Architecture Developments: Guangdong Province Built Environment Updates

post updated 6 Sep 2020

Shenzhen Architecture News

Shenzhen Architectural News, chronological:

Shenzhen Architecture Designs – chronological list

28 Aug 2020 Prince Plaza, Shekou District Design: OMA / David Gianotten photograph © Seth Powers, courtesy of OMA Morden Wharf Greenwich Peninsula Prince Plaza was commissioned by CMSK (China Merchants Shekou Holdings). The mixed-use podium tower is located at Shekou’s most prominent view corridor linking the Nanshan mountains and the Shenzhen Bay.

26 Aug 2020 SUSTech School of Medicine & Hospital – Tender

25 Aug 2020 Shenzhen Fuwai Hospital Phase III

7 August 2020 SHUIBEI International Centre Building, Luohu Architects: Aedas photo : CreatAR Images SHUIBEI International Centre Building Design Shaping the city’s skyline with contemporary urban renewal developments, he states that, “Urban regeneration is not simply replacing old and weathered buildings with new ones, but rather building a new relationship and a deeper connection between the city and its people through these new developments. This connection requires more than just space as it also integrates everyday organic synergy from the community.”

13 May 2020 China Resources’ MixC Market Hall Architects: 10 DESIGN image courtesy of architects office China Resources’ MixC Market Hall Sungang MixC Market Hall, China Resources’ new mixed-use development is under construction in Shenzhen, China with anticipated completion by Q3 2022. Located on a former industrial zone, this retail-gastronomy destination will provide an immersive gastronomic experience under one roof.

18 Feb 2020 C Future City Experience Center, Shangsha Architects: CCD/ Cheng Chung Design (HK) image courtesy of architects office C Future City Experience Center Shangsha used to be a coastal fishing village, which has developed along with the renewal of the city, while now it is witnessing the rising of C Future City. Through reflecting on the values that rooted in the village, CCD finally decided to take “marks of the fishing village” as the starting point for the design.

10 Feb 2020 Qianhai Talents’ Apartments Design: Foster + Partners image © Foster + Partners Qianhai Talents’ Apartments Shenzhen An innovative residential project in Shenzhen aimed specifically at the rental market. The project is envisaged as a building exclusively for ‘talents’ – professionals who would have an intensive work-centred lifestyle.

Shenzhen Building News 2019

16 Dec 2019 Ensue Luxury Restaurant, Futian District Design: Chris Shao Studio LLC photographer : Common Studio: Lit Ma & Kelly Puleio Studio Ensue Luxury Restaurant in Shenzhen Simple and natural elements engage the guest with a new experience of fine dining, by way of redefining a luxurious and opulent experience with a more naturalistic aesthetic that still embodies refined detail.

14 Dec 2019 Huitong Hybrid Tower Design: Jaeger Kahlen Partners Architects photographer : 叶文锐 Wenrui Ye Huitong Hybrid Tower in Shenzhen A novel idea in skyscraper design: part world-class office space and part high-tech car park. By efficiently and seamlessly integrating parking spaces into the design, JKP increased buildable area under zoning regulations and maximized the value of the project to both the users and the city.

8 Nov 2019 Konka Tower Architects: Mecanoo image courtesy of architects Konka Tower The city is searching for new models for urban and architectural innovation to replace the traditional model of large-scale indoor shopping malls and focus on flexible development.

21 Sep 2019 MORPH, Nanshan District Architects: Various Associates photograph : Shao Feng MORPH, Nanshan District Occupying a corner of a building, MORPH is a mixed-use space with a total construction area of 1,000 sqm. With an urban park and Houhai business circle nearby, it’s a rare tranquil place amidst the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.

11 Sep 2019 Typhoon-proof Shenzhen East Coast

16 July 2019 Futian Civic Cultural Centre Building

5 July 2019 Folding Residence, Longgang District

3 July 2019 Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan, Xili Hotel

18 June 2019 The King’s School Shenzhen International, Nanshan Architects: Walters & Cohen image from architects The King’s School Shenzhen International Building Located in Nanshan, China, the school offers pupils aged 2 to 18 a combined Chinese and British curriculum, with a greater emphasis on the latter as pupils progress through the school.

8 Jan 2019 Qianhai Data Centre Architects: Mecanoo image from architects Qianhai Data Centre Shenzhen Building Infrastructural facilities are the functional heart of modern cities. Although usually concealed, these buildings are essential for urban daily life. When visible, they have the capacity of being a symbol of the technological achievements of our time.

More contemporary Shenzhen Building News on e-architect soon

Southern Guangdong Province Architecture Updates 2018

7 Aug 2018 Shenzhen Energy Company Office Skyscraper Architects: BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group image : Chao Zhang Shenzhen Energy Company Office Skyscraper Building The new home for Shenzhen Energy Company looks different because it performs differently: the building skin is developed to maximize the sustainable performance and workplace comfort in the local subtropical climate of China’s tech and innovation hub.

8 Aug 2018 Sunac – Smart Valley Shenzhen Architects: BLVD International image courtesy of architects Sunac – Smart Valley Shenzhen Building The overall design intentionally breaks people’s stereotyped perception of the tediousness of science and technology, integrates the ecological concept into the geometry and modernity of technology, and transforms the lines of science and technology into the surface treatment in the real space.

11 Aug 2018 Shenzhen Bay Square Waterfront Design: MAD Architects image courtesy of architects Shenzhen Bay Square Waterfront by MAD Architects MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, win two international competitions – the winning masterplan (36 hectares), and architectural design (15 hectares), will see an ambitious urban development project bring a vibrant cultural complex to the area that connects Shenzhen city to the waterfront, surrounding ecological corridor, and nearby mountain ranges – creating a harmony between humans and nature.

26 Jul 2018 Forest and Sports Park in Guang Ming Architects: LOLA, TALLER and L+CC picture courtesy of architects office Forest and Sports Park in Guang Ming LOLA, TALLER and L+CC won the international competition for a 600 hectare forest and sports park in Guang Ming, Shenzhen, China. The other competitors were JCFO, SWA and TCL.

10 Jul 2018 Qianhai SZ-HK Fund Town Architects: Leigh & Orange photo : Leigh & Orange Qianhai SZ-HK Fund Town Building The project is located at the Qianhai district in Shenzhen China. Known as “Qianhai SZ-HK Fund Town”, it consisted of a variety of low-rise building typologies designed to suit different office and commercial uses. These include midrise row-offices, corporate villas, stand-alone retail pavilions and a basement retail street.

7 Jul 2018 Longgang Chuangtou Tower Architects: URBANUS Architecture & Design photograph : SHU He Longgang Chuangtou Tower in Shenzhen Building The architecture is a container that captures light, just like how a musical instrument captures music. Light needs a structure that can show it. VC&PE has an open spatial structure, is interspersed with deconstructed blocks, and has a rhythmical unit form, which gives light the best expression carrier.

4 Jul 2018 Pingshan Performing Arts Center Design: OPEN Architecture photograph : Zhang Chao Pingshan Performing Arts Center Building OPEN’s Pingshan Performing Arts Center in Shenzhen has moved another step closer to its expected completion this year. With the building envelope now fully installed, the focus has shifted to the interior fit out and landscape construction phase.

5 Jun 2018 Space in Mutation, Berlin, Germany Curated by Doreen Heng Liu, NODE Architecture & Urbanism, Shenzhen Collage Shenzhen © NODE Architecture & Urbanism Space in Mutation Opening: Friday, 29 June 2018, 6.30pm Exhibition: 30 June – 15 August 2018 Location: Aedes Architecture Forum, Christinenstr. 18-19, 10119 Berlin Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6.30pm, Sunday-Monday 1-5pm Special Opening Hours: Saturday, 30 June 2018, 1-5pm

Symposium: Friday, 29 June 2018, 4pm Location: ANCB The Aedes Metropolitan Laboratory, Christinenstr. 18-19, 10119 Berlin

9 May 2018 DJI’s new HQ, Shenzhen, China Architects: Foster + Partners image : Foster + Partners DJI HQ Building News Foster + Partners today unveiled their vision for the new headquarters for DJI, the world leading robotics company, currently under construction in Shenzhen.

2 May 2018 Shekou Sea World Culture and Arts Center Architects: Maki and Associates photo © Shu He Shekou Sea World Culture and Arts Center The building highlights openness and connectivity, so that people, space and nature can have quiet dialogues. The lighting coincides with them to hide among buildings and landscapes to give off soundless beauty.

Prince Bay Development Design：John Portman & Associates image © John Portman & Associates Prince Bay Shenzhen Development News John Portman & Associates is happy to announce a first-place finish in the international design competition held by Shenzhen Prince Bay Shang Long Real Estate Co., LTD for the architectural and engineering design of Prince Bay lot DY02-06A in Shenzhen, China.

23 Apr 2018 ROARINGWILD · UNIWALK Interior Interior Design: Kingson Liang | DOMANI photograph © Shaon Liu Store Interior Shenzhen City China’s native original Tide brand ROARINGWILD roaring in the 7th year, the brand rooted in Shenzhen which opened the first entity stores. Space designed by DOMANI, consistent of the fierce strokes presented shake the soul of the visual impact and sensory illusion.

20 Apr 2018 Sky Club House Architects: DOMANI photograph : Shaon Sky Club House Shenzhen City

More Shenzhen Architecture Design News online soon

Shenzhen Architecture News

Location: Shenzhen, China

Chinese Buildings

Hong Kong Walking Tours

Hong Kong Skyscrapers

Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning

Shenzhen 4 in 1 Towers

Ensue Restaurant

Chinese Buildings

Comments / photos for the Shenzhen Building Design News page welcome

Website: Architecture

The post Shenzhen Building News, Guangdong Architecture appeared first on e-architect.

[inferior-fag-blog]

Traveler Dream Destination: California

Traveling places, meeting new faces and exploring the unique part of being you, can be one of the favorite pastimes of an adventure hungry soul. Well, when it comes to travelling, one can never ignore the beauty that California has within. A unique place which houses the Tallest, Largest, And Oldest Trees of the World. Known as the Mecca of Wine, Silicon Valley, and birthplace of Apple, Disneyland, the Barbie dolls and what not.

This place is full of matchless attractions which can satisfy the needs of any traveler to the fullest. California is fortunate enough to have magnetic stunning natural attractions, Beautiful beaches, tranquil deserts, majestic mountains, magnificent ancient monuments and more.

Your experience in California can get more comfortable and world class by renting an exotic car which will transform your journey into a memorable one. So let's begin the things you must never miss if you happen to be in California.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is favorite sport for wine lovers as it offers variety of luxurious accommodation including well cushioned beds, luscious meals, adoring boutique hotels with the unique blend of world class spas to rejuvenate, refresh and relax your body. This place is full of adventurous activities like guided wine hiking tours, hot air balloon rides and Night Camping.

Sequoia National Park & King Canyon National Park

Located next to each other both have joined sequoia trees as long as 300 feet, it also houses Mountain Whitney (one of the highest peaks of USA) and an amazing diversity of wildlife species. This place is famous for camping, exotic midnight bonfires, adventure sports, hiking. It has more than 15 campgrounds available for travelers.

San Diego Coastal City

Blessed to be surrounded with beautiful beaches, superb luxurious family attraction, houses America's world famous zoo, also featured in many Hollywood movies. Sea world San Diego, birch aquarium, and never ending beaches are eternal source of joy and pleasure.

San Francisco

Far known for the Golden Gate bridge, where tourist can drive exotic cars, ride bikes or even walk across this legendary bridge which is an epitome of modern technology. One can also enjoy stunning views and photography over this bridge. One can also visit the Lombard Street known for its tight curves. Fisherman's Wharf and Infamous Prison on Alcatraz Island can make you visit worth it.

Death Valley

Recognized as the hottest, driest place in the United States offers awesome and luxurious outdoor activities like ancient sites of Scotty's Castle, Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, ruins of Ghost Town. The Valley is well known for snow capped mountains, colorful sand dunes and beautiful Vista of Zabriskie Point.

Los Angeles: City of Angels

Surrounded by scenic attractions like Pacific coast, Sky touching Mountains. This place has a variety of outstanding attractions like Venice beach and Malibu. World's best amusement parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. Shopping here in Beverly hills can be your favorite pastime. Here one also has the chance to visit restaurants where rich and famous celebrities dine.

Santa Barbara

Beautiful coastal City also known as the American Riviera is known for mild temperature, California mission style architecture and Stearns Wharf.

The list of magnetic luxurious attractions is endless in California which also takes the credit of opening world's first McDonald restaurant. This place has of all the stuff to surprise the travelers every time they visit. Residents of this place are very friendly and helping in nature which makes your stay more comfortable and easy. The adventure sports of this place are an enthralling experience indeed. God has blessed California profusely. Visiting this wonderful place is a matter of great fortune as it is a dream destination.

[fartoobusydancing]

the best of (north) London for Wembley attendees (aka a list of green spaces and good pubs)

ok so i reckon a lot of people are coming to London to see Taylor at wembley so i thought I’d write down a few things you can do in North London that doesn’t include the usual tourist hotspots as they are easily googled :) And these places are all reasonably priced or free.

( @taylorswift i hear you’ve spent a lot of time in north London so perhaps we can swap suggestions ;)

In no particular order.............

Alexandra Palace aka ALLY PALLY

this place is always going to have a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my childhood. and features views such as this over London. 

Its got beautiful grounds, a boating lake and a DEER enclosure.

also nearby in Muswell Hill, there is a Wetherspoons pub called The Mossy Well which is my favourite spoons. (Spoons is a chain of pubs that do reasonably priced drinks and is a UK staple of life. Especially in London because no one wants to pay £5.70 for a pint...)

(Ooh and opposite the Mossy Well theres a pizza restaurant called Franco Manca which is the best place ever.)

Hampstead Heath

this place is gorgeous, and if we’re lucky enough to get a good sunny weekend, you will find most of North London picknicking and drinking on the heath here. its huge so you can get there from many directions... just make sure your tube stop is near a sainsburys/tescos local so you can pick up snacks/beers. (P.s. don’t forget a bottle opener....like I always do...)

After the Heath you can go and explore Hampstead which has lots of nice places to eat and theres a pub there called King William IV which is pretty good and from what I remember not too pricey...

OR you can head the other way and go to Kentish Town (another place I love because its where I lived as a student). Theres a pub there called the Bull and Gate which is definitely not reasonably priced but is really beautiful on the inside, and if you go upstairs I am 99% sure Taylor filmed part of the End Game music video here. The kebab shop in the video is a few doors down. This is a picture of me there....I am knackered after work and the two pints have clearly gone to my head...

While in Kentish Town you can walk down to Camden Town which has the famous market, which although very busy/touristy is really cool. The street food section is great and there’s another spoons there called the Ice Wharf. (I’m beginning to look obsessed with pubs...) 

From Camden you can walk through to Primrose Hill which is another popular place when the sun is out. Primrose Hill is extremely pretty and would be a lovely place to live, but you can sit in the park for free! And then walk into Regents Park which is lovely and has London Zoo inside it (not cheap...).

I could ramble on about London for ages, this isn’t by any means a complete list, but a few ideas. Feel free to message me and ask for stuff to do :) Not sure that anyone’s actually going to read this so thanks if you did ;)

[moutoshidotcom]

EXPERT CHOICE: 10 BEST 5-STAR HOTELS IN LONDON

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. Tourism of London according to the London Government website the statistics are:

Visitor Count: 21 million

Spending Amount by Visitors: £2,104 million

The Number of Overnight Stays: 1.3 million

Visits Per Day: 19.7 million

In Britain, tourism is the fastest growing industry. Up until 2025, it is expected to grow by 3.8% a year, creating 10% of all jobs. In 2016, overseas travelers spent £22.5 billion in the UK. Here is a listing of the 10 Best 5-star Hotels in London.

List of 10 Best Most Visited 5-star Hotels in London

1. Vintry & Mercer

2. Intercontinental London — The O2, an IHG Hotel

3. Hilton London Bankside

4. Shangri-La The Shard, London

5. The Ampersand Hotel

6. ME London by Melia

7. Kimpton — Fitzroy London, an IHG Hotel

8. Andaz London Liverpool Street — a Concept by Hyatt

9. The Langham London

10. London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf

1. Vintry & Mercer

The five-star Vintry & Mercer in London offers a fitness center and bar 700 m from St Paul’s Cathedral. Nearby points of interest include Sky Garden, Tower of London, and Borough Market. A business center and free WiFi are available at the property.

Every room and suite has a bespoke interior design and includes a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms at Vintry & Mercer feature a balcony as well as a private bathroom with free toiletries.

The property offers a continental breakfast. Restaurants on-site specialize in British and Asian cuisine. You can get advice on what to do in the area at the reception.

The accommodation is 1.7 km from London Bridge. The property is a short walk from Mansion House station. The London City Airport is 12 kilometers away.

Based on independent reviews, this is our guests’ favorite part of London. The location is especially popular with couples, who rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

2. Intercontinental London — The O2, an IHG Hotel

The InterContinental London — The O2, an IHG hotel, is located on the Greenwich Peninsula. Free WiFi and a spa are available onsite. It takes 5 minutes to walk to the O2 Arena from the hotel via a covered walkway.

All rooms have a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and complimentary luxury toiletries. Three restaurants and two bars are available to guests. Both Clipper Bar and Eighteen Sky Bar offer views of Canary Wharf and the River Thames.

IHG’s InterContinental London — The O2 has a 24-hour reception and a large conference center. In the UK, the Arora Ballroom is the largest pillar-free event space. 19 additional meeting rooms are available.

The InterContinental London — The O2, an IHG hotel, is 8.2 km from London City Airport. The Excel Arena is 6.4 km from the hotel. Five minutes walk from North Greenwich Tube station and ten minutes walk from Emirates Airline Greenwich is the North Greenwich Tube station. For a two-person trip, couples rated the location 9.6.

3. Hilton London Bankside

Hilton London Bankside has an indoor pool, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a cocktail bar, as well as free WiFi. The hotel is located on London’s popular South Bank, 11 minutes from Borough Market and Waterloo Station.

There is a 42-inch flat-screen TV with pay-per-view channels, a radio, air-conditioning, and a Hilton Serenity Bed in each room. The room has a seating area, a work desk, and a refrigerator. There is a shower or a bath in the en suite bathroom, as well as bathrobes, a hairdryer, and free toiletries. A few of the rooms offer a view of the city. Restaurant service is available all day long as well as 24-hour room service.

Shakespeare’s Globe is a 7-minute walk from the Hilton London Bankside, and the Shard is a 14-minute walk away as well. The London Eye, Southbank Centre, and SEA LIFE London Aquarium are all nearby.

According to independent reviews, this is the favorite part of London for our guests. Couples rated the location 9.0 for a two-person trip.

4. Shangri-La The Shard, London

The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London occupies levels 34 to 52, offering breathtaking views of the capital and beyond. The highest bar in London serves cocktails until late and has an exquisite restaurant.

In addition to floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the city, all of the hotel’s rooms maintain the theme of Oriental elegance. In addition to the body-contouring Shangri-La Bed, rooms include a TV, coffee maker, complimentary WiFi, and binoculars.

Marble-clad en suite bathrooms come with underfloor heating, separate bathtubs, and a glass-enclosed shower. There are plush bathrobes, Acqua di Parma toiletries, and mirrors with TV screens. As part of the building’s integrated sun-shielding, all rooms are equipped with climate control.

TING, a signature restaurant and lounge on level 35, and Bar 31 are two of the hotel’s dining and drinking options. GŎNG, located on level 52, is London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar.

London Bridge Station is less than one minute walk from the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. You can walk to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge in 20 minutes. Enjoy a stroll along with the South Bank of the River Thames to The London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster, located approximately 2.4 km away.

According to independent reviews, this is the favorite part of London for our guests. Guests rated the location 9.5 for a two-person trip.

5. The Ampersand Hotel

In a large Victorian building, The Ampersand is a cosmopolitan hotel with a Mediterranean restaurant and is a short walk from South Kensington Underground Station. There is also a gym and a games room at the hotel.

An elegant chandelier cascades down a grand staircase in the pillared foyer. A patisserie menu is available in the hotel’s drawing rooms, while the downstairs bar area has an urban feel with exposed brick arches.

All of the rooms at The Ampersand have original Victorian features and bold contemporary wallpaper designs. There is a minibar, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and an en suite bathroom in each room.

Additionally to the hotel’s well-equipped gym, guests will have access to information about horseback riding, private trainers, and running routes.

A short walk away from the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrods and Hyde Park is just 15 minutes away.

According to independent reviews, this is the favorite part of London for our guests. Couples rated the location at 9.7 for a two-person trip.

6. ME London by Melia

ME London by Melia overlooks Somerset House from its location on the Strand. This elegant hotel offers international fine dining at the STK London restaurant. The River Thames, Covent Garden, Somerset House, and Soho are all just 2 minutes away. The Radio Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views of London.

This innovative hotel features cosmopolitan interiors and contemporary music. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views, a media hub, an LCD TV, and a Bali shower in the en suite bathroom. Guests can also enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour gym access, and 24-hour room service.

The radio rooftop offers a variety of breakfast options and in smoothies, pastries, and coffees in the Marconi Lounge Bar, or guests can enjoy a cocktail on the radio rooftop bar. A Suite and breakfast rate also includes breakfast at the rooftop Radio restaurant, with views of the city.

Guests at ME London by Melia can request tailored tourist information and reserve tickets for events and attractions. Only 5 minutes walk from the bright lights of the West End is the hotel. Ten minutes by foot will take you to Trafalgar Square, and five minutes will take you to Temple Tube Station.

According to independent reviews, this is the favorite part of London for our guests. For a two-person trip, couples rated the location 9.6.

7. Kimpton — Fitzroy London, an IHG Hotel

The Kimpton Fitzroy London is a landmark building on the eastern flank of Russell Square in Bloomsbury. A short walk from Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, and The British Museum, this lavish property features a striking terracotta exterior and luxurious contemporary designer interiors.

The rooms and suites have been completely redesigned throughout the hotel to create a sense of modern luxury throughout the hotel. All rooms come with free WiFi, Smart TVs, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms with high-end toiletries.

On-site dining options include Burr & Co., a casual coffeehouse by day, and a wine bar by night. At Fitz’s bar, guests can relax with a drink. The Neptune Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the Palm Court serves afternoon tea.

Hotel guests have access to eight meeting and event spaces, including a ballroom that can hold up to 300 guests.

The Kimpton Fitzroy is just steps from Russel Square Tube Station and less than 1.6 km from Oxford Street and the West End’s theatres. In less than 10 minutes, you can reach King’s Cross, St. Pancras, and Euston stations by car.

According to independent reviews, this is the favorite part of London for our guests. Couples rated the location 9.4 for a two-person trip.

8. Andaz London Liverpool Street — a Concept by Hyatt

This five-star hotel is adjacent to Liverpool Street Station and has 267 stylish rooms and suites, 7 restaurants and bars, free WiFi, a 24-hour health club, and complimentary wine and canapes in the hotel’s lobby every evening.

All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, Yukata bathrobes, REN toiletries, and a free non-alcoholic minibar with juices and snacks.

At Eastway Brasserie, you can enjoy casual dining, traditional English pub food at Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen, or authentic Japanese cuisine at Miyako. Guests can also enjoy all-day dining, beverages, and live music at Rake’s Café Bar.

The Andaz London Liverpool Street has located just 1.6 km from the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as a short distance from vibrant and creative Shoreditch, with its array of boutiques, markets, and nightlife. Located in central London, Oxford Street is only a 7-minute Tube ride away.

Independent reviews indicate that this is the favorite part of London for our guests. For a two-person trip, couples rated the location 9.4.

9. The Langham London

An award-winning glamorous bar, Artesian, and a stylish restaurant, Roux at the Landau, are located at the top of Regent Street. Oxford Circus tube station is a 5-minute walk away, and there is free WiFi. In the local area, there are numerous shops, theatres, and restaurants.

Among Langham’s bars and restaurants are the award-winning Palm Court, Artesian Bar, and The Wigmore, all overseen by Michel Roux Jr. Currently, the Landau restaurant Roux is closed.

A 16-meter swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, a fully equipped gym, and treatment rooms can be found at Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club. Each room at Langham London features an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV.

It was Europe’s first grand hotel when it opened in 1865, and it has hosted royalty, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities in luxury for 150 years.

Our guests’ favorite part of London, according to independent reviews. The location is particularly liked by couples — they rate it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

10. London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf

Luxury rooms and a gym are available at this 5-star landmark hotel in Canary Wharf. The O2 Arena and London City Airport are easily accessible.

The spacious rooms at London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf feature LED TVs with Google Chromecast, luxurious beds, and comfortable seating areas. Room service is available 24 hours a day, and there are USB outlets in the rooms.

In addition, many of the rooms overlook Canary Wharf and the skyline of London’s business district.

Manhattan Grill Steakhouse offers prime USDA steaks in a stylish environment. You can also relax at the G&Tea Lounge, which offers a variety of gins, cocktails, snacks, and full meals as well as afternoon tea.

The Marriott Health Club offers a wide range of fitness facilities, including a fully equipped gym and a relaxing sauna.

West India Quay Station, 200 m from the hotel, is served by the DLR. In the public areas, executive rooms, and suites, Wi-Fi is free. Couples like the location the most — they rate it 9.2 for a two-person trip.

These are our expert choices for the 10 Best 5-star Hotels in London. We hope you enjoyed this article. Please share your views through comments. We are wishing you all the best in spending your holidays in Mauritius. Thanks for being with moutoshi.com.

[mariaclaragomez276]

The ultimate London city guide

What to do in the king (or queen) of all capitals

You’d be forgiven for wondering where to start when it comes to a break in London. The city’s size, scale and layers of history mean the options can seem overwhelming. But combine a few famous sights with a sprinkle of lesser known gems and you’ll soon see why London is the city that everyone falls in love with. And why millions of people from around the world have made it their home.

  A short round-up of London’s must-see sights…

St Paul’s Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren’s domed masterpiece, offering the best views over the city from the Golden Gallery, a gasp-inducing 528 steps up.

Tate Modern: The best international modern art showcased in a former power station on the Thames, with an awe-inspiring turbine hall.

National Gallery: Masterpiece follows masterpiece, set in Trafalgar Square and watched over by Nelson’s column – and several thousand pigeons.

Buckingham Palace: Look out for the flag – if it’s at full mast, the Queen’s at home.

Tower of London: The crown jewels, 1000 years of history and ravens all in one place.

Westminster Abbey: Visit the place where royalty are crowned, married and buried. Poet’s Corner is the final resting place of legendary writers from Chaucer to Dickens.

      … and some ideas to round off your trip

Magical markets

If you’re in the city at a weekend, make time for street markets. For independent arts and crafts, head to Spitalfields. Colombia Road Flower Market fills the street with blooms as far as the eye can see – get there early for the best picks. Portobello Road is the destination for antiques and to admire the pastel facades of the upmarket Notting Hill area. And Borough Market is a mecca for food and drink – including (probably) the best toasted cheese sandwich in the world.

  Parks and gardens

London isn’t short of green spaces. Historic Hyde Park sits proudly in the centre of the city, and is famously endorsed by the royals. But venture just over the Thames and Battersea Park is a hidden gem – with gardens, a boating lake and a children’s zoo. Just north of the centre, leafy Hampstead Heath has city views and swimming ponds that are open all year if you’re brave enough.

  Jaunts on the water

The beating heart of the city, the River Thames connects many of London’s best sights and you can easily base a day around its banks. After a ride on the London Eye, taking in Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, stroll along the scenic Southbank. Grab a coffee on a riverside terrace, or stop at a pop-up bar for a craft beer. Then hop onto a river bus for a cruise east, past the glass towers of Canary Wharf, to Greenwich – where you’ll find the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and… another palace.

      What – and where – to eat in London

For dinner with a view…

When you’re on the 31st floor of London’s tallest building, you’re guaranteed a vista. Aqua at the Shard doesn’t disappoint

For afternoon tea…

The city is your oyster for this most quintessential of English traditions – but for a quirky, one-of-a-kind experience try sketch

For a roast…

Britons take Sunday lunch very seriously. Head to a gastropub like The Harwood Arms for the best offerings

For fish and chips…

This is where your local chippy outshines most of the top offerings. Douse your chips in vinegar and lashings of ketchup

For international flavours…

Brixton Market is a must-visit for a true taste of the melting pot that is London. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants there are gaining serious reputations

For celebrity spotters…

The Chiltern Firehouse is a safe bet if you’ve got your eyes peeled for A-listers

      A haven in the heart of the city

The best boutique hotels in London to retreat to after a day in the thick of things.

THE AMPERSAND… unique interiors inspired by London’s most famous museums, including the V&A.

THE LALIT… Indian hospitality meets British tradition, with rich colours and a fusion spa.

THE FRANKLIN… Gatsby-era glamour round the corner from the luxury shopping of Knightsbridge.

VINTRY & MERCER… quirky luxury boasting an exclusive speakeasy bar and a roof terrace restaurant with skyline views.

DUKES LONDON… a sophisticated home-from-home, featuring the bar that inspired James Bond’s famous martini.

THE PRINCE AKATOKI… minimalist, clean décor with Japanese influences, and a fine selection of whiskies and sakes to indulge in after a day in town.

FLEMINGS MAYFAIR…a chic townhouse hotel in one of London’s most exclusive addresses.

ST. JAMES’S HOTEL & CLUB…a hidden gem conveniently placed for the best West End shopping and theatres.

THE CAPITAL HOTEL & APARTMENTS…enviably located just yards from Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

THE ACADEMY…straight from a Georgian period drama complete with library – the perfect spot for a craft gin cocktail.

      The post The ultimate London city guide appeared first on Small Luxury Hotels.

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[pfcanada]

Past Toronto restaurants

Hello Tumblrverse, I have made rare appearances on this blog for the past few years but I will contribute more as I have lots to say. Mostly food-related but also about city-living, pop culture and life in general. Today, I take advantage that I stayed home nursing a cold to reminisce about my fair city's culinary history by remembering some of the defunct restaurants I had the priviledge of frequenting in my 25 years and a half in the 416, all of them, being now defunct. I do not know all the addresses but I well remember where they were, the types of food served, my station inlife at the time and specific food memories linked to people or activities.

If anyone has specific memories related to any of the places I will mention, feel free to chip in.

So here are my restaurant memories in no specific order, restaurants and food shops that were around between June 1994 to January 2020 and have closed for good.

Kapatos bakery - Danforth Avenue

The Tulip Steakhouse - Queen East, Leslieville Oliver's - Yonge and Eglinton

Max Bistro -Yonge and Lawrence

Spoon -King West

Fred's not here and The Red Tomato - King West

Milano- King West

Mistral -Yonge and Saint Clair

Blue Begonia -Rosedale

Didier- Mount Pleasant (amazing soufflé!)

Vines Wine Bar - Wellington street east (St Lawence Market area)

Penrose Fish and Chips - Mount Pleasant

Café des Artistes - Yorkville

Coffee Mill - Yorkville

Chubby Subby (submarine sandwiches like MIke's in Quebec) -Yorkville

Just Desserts (all locations)

Desserts Desserts - Yonge and Eglinton

Daily Planet - Yonge and Eglinton (became the Summit House in the late 90s)

Friendly Greek - Yonge and Eglinton

Matignon - Yorkville area, St Nicholas street Segovia (spanish) - St Nicholas street

Camarra's (famous pizzeria) - Dufferin south of Lawrence

Coleman's deli - Lawrence and Bathurst L'Europe (hungarian) - Bloor street west in the Annex

Csarda(hungarian) - Bloor street west in the Annex

Pan on the Danforth - Danforth Avenue, Greektown

Ouzeri - Danforth Avenue - Greektown

Mystery Pizza - Leslieville/Scarborough

Spot Coffee - Bremner Avenue

Crush Wine Bar - King West

Canary Restaurant - Cherry Street

Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar - St Lawrence Market Town and Country Buffet - Harbourfront Nataraj (Indian) - The Annex

Indian Rice Factory - Dupont Street

Agra (Indian) - North York

Lee Garden - Chinatown (there ued to be one in Yorkville as well)

Yitz's deli - Eglinton West

China House - Eglinton West

Hoo Wah Garden tavern - Dufferin near Castlefield

Sky Ranch (argentinian) - Dufferin and Roselawn

Arepa Café (venezuelan) - Queen West

Katz's deli - Yorkdale area

Eden Chinese Food (Gerrard street east)

Jaipur Grille - Yonge and Davisville

Ed's Warehouse -King West

Ed's Seafood - King West

Café Brussel - Broadview and Danforth, first on Broadview, then in a bigger location on Danforth, at a time the best mussels in Toronto The Host (indian) - Yorkville

Future Bakery - Yonge and St Clair

Senior's Steaks - Yonge and St Clair

His Majesty's Feast - Lakeshore

Barbara Caffé( my first butternut squash agnolotti ever) - Etobicoke

Lick's (my first exposure to "Gourmet" burgers) - all Toronto locations

Onassis Pizza (best homemade tzatziki ever) - Eglinton and Laird

Shopsy's - Front Street

Fisherman's Wharf Lghthouse - Financial District

Steamie's (hotdogs and smoked meat) - good but brief on Mount Pleasant Road

Ginsberg & Wong (deli and Canadian-Chinese) - Village by the Grange, near OCAD.

Lisa Marie - Queen West

Spacco - Yonge and Eglinton

The above list is made of restaurants I have been to and therefore, does nt include places I have not been to like Susur or Bistro 990. What are your Toronto memories of defunct restaurants?

[tauers-go-dutch]

Why Bristol?

I can’t really describe why I wanted to go to Bristol.  Being a beer geek, I quickly realized that the UK has really good craft beer- most everyone’s probably heard of BrewDog, but there is also Siren, Burning Sky, Magic Rock, Buxton, and Wild Beer, to just name a few.  As I kept trying new beers, I started paying attention to where they were brewed.  I noticed that Wild Beer, Arbor, Moor, Tiny Rebel, and others were from Bristol, or at least nearby.  Doing a bit of research, I saw there was also a Bristol Beer Week in October, where several of the neighboring breweries and bars team up to bring rare beers to the public. That, plus I had actually found that Bristol is a bit of a foodie town, I was sold- even if literally everyone asked me why I’d want to go to Bristol.

So we got into Bristol Friday evening after a bit a flight delay. We had an easy bus ride from the airport to our hotel, which was right by the main Temple Meads Station. After checking in, we had enough time for one drink.  We were only a fifteen minute walk from downtown, so we wandered down to Kongs of King Street. This student bar brought me back to my college days- with a ping pong table, arcade video games, blaring rock music, and a killer beer list.  Yes, even the killer beer list reminded me of college (I did go to school in Fort Collins). Despite the throwback, we definitely aren’t college kids anymore, so we called it early and got some sleep.

On Saturday, we had a food tour scheduled with the Bristol Food Tour, but it didn’t start until noon. So we strolled around and found some coffee at the Full Court Press. This small café really knew their coffee. There were several beans with different origins- Guatemala, Indonesia, Ethiopia. I went with a flat white with the Guatemalan origin bean that gave a raspberry chocolate flavor with earthy undertones- one of the best coffees I’ve ever had!  Mariah had the cold brew, which was also delicious. Even though we were going a food tour, I also had a cinnamon scone and stopped at another café for a quick mushroom and halloumi brekkie sandwich (again delicious). I underestimated the amount of food that would be on this food tour- skip breakfast if you go, the quality and quantity of food is truly epic. You will not leave famished.

It was a bit of a hike to get to the starting point in Stokes Croft, the hipster neighborhood of Bristol, but we met our guide, Anika, who was a Canadian who relocated to Bristol to work in the restaurant industry. Like I said, Bristol is a bit of a foodie city- I was excited.  Also, remember how literally everyone asked why we were going to Bristol?  That included the people who were also on the tour- they were all local Bristolians who wanted to see what the next best thing is to eat in their town. After the initial jabs at my American accent, they all were very welcoming and very pleasant to converse with over the next three hours.

Our tour started at The Parlour, a local ice cream shop that used to be a hair parlor (yes, I am American and will leave out the ‘u’ when it isn’t in the name) in the 70s. Three generations later, the same family that owned it in the 70s runs the show today. We got to sample as much as we want, but I truly recommend the cappuccino- it was divine. Next was Flour & Ash, a pizza parlor (see what I did there J) that was started by an ex-corporate banker who wanted to do something different- don’t we all. The pizza cannot be understated; we tried three of the ever-changing selection. I loved the mushroom, but the chorizo was top notch as was the vegan featuring smoked eggplant (no aubergines here). Our guide stopped to show us a Polish Church (read Catholic Church- not common in Protestant England) and shared with us baklava from Bristanbul (I love a good pun). It was good, if almost forgettable, among the other treats on the tour. Next was a café in a laundromat (really a good idea), that featured a drink that could not be named (it was butter beer- come at me JK). Honestly, it wasn’t for me- kinda tasted like eggnog without the alcohol. Meh. Mariah was even less thrilled.

You should always start the tour with ice cream

Mariah was disappointed to find that the Butterbeer from her beloved Harry Potter books tasted more like melted butter than the cream soda she’d imagined.

Always time for some baklava

We crossed the street to a local pub called The Pipe and Slippers.  We received a selection of four burgers, including the fried halloumi veggie burger.  Sidenote- I’d never heard of halloumi before moving to Europe, but the English love it. It is a stiff Turkish cheese that is delicious when grilled, but it can be excessive (such as when using it to replace meat in a burger). The fried chicken and chorizo (the English love chorizo, too) burgers were good, but I actually loved the seasonal Blood and Guts burger, which featured a slab of blood sausage. If you Google blood sausage, it’s easy to get turned off, but I promise it is good. The fries (not chips) are solid too. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a local brew from the bar.  

At this point I’m getting full, but we walked a little further while admiring the street art. Bristol has a vibrant street art community, probably most famously known as the home of Banksy.  Stokes Croft has ton on display, and I was loving it. Our next place was a brunch spot called Ceres that was started by a Melbourne chef, and it was amazing. Serious, each time I think I’ve found the best brunch, someone just raises the bar. The food in England gets a bad rap, but the brunch game is on point. We had a dish with maize pancakes with a perfectly poached egg, but the black rice porridge with coconut milk, mango, and lemon balm sealed the deal. That dish was epic, and worth the price of admission.

The amazing black rice pudding

Afterwards, our guide brought us to the Bear pit, which is an outdoor art venue where aspiring street artists and practice and display their work. We had a bit of chocolate from Zara’s Chocolates- I really enjoyed the mint chili crisp. Then we walked back to the downtown area, saw more stunning street art, and eventually made our way to St. Nicolas Market. There we found a gyoza restaurant called eatchu (not capitalized). It was started by some locals after living in Australia and studying under a Japanese chef, and the handcraft love and care that goes into the more than 500 gyozas sold each day really shows. Meanwhile, our guide went and brought us some delicious cakes from Ahh Toots- the Orange Chai was my favorite.  

In the Bear pit

Selfies are hard

So ended our tour, but we had plenty of other sites to see… but they’d have to wait until tomorrow because the sky opened up and the rain came down. Well, we just holed up in local brewery- Zerodegrees. These guys specialize in lagers, and they make some good ones. I enjoyed the slightly meltier Vienna lager, while Mariah enjoyed a black currant Berliner Weiss. Once the rain died down, we made our way to Wild Beer Co. I definitely recommend these guys if you’re looking for something different. They specialize in beer fermented with wild yeast, creating unique flavors, which can range from bone dry funk to juicy sour fruit. Maybe not always great, but definitely unique. We closed the night going to two fantastic beer bars, Small Bar and The Beer Emporium. Small Bar might have had a better tap list, but The Beer Emporium had a unique ambiance in an old underground cellar.  

The next day we finally saw more of the city, but not after heading to another great brunch spot, Brew (not going to lie, I seriously debated going back to Ceres). Brew held its own with solid poached eggs, bacon, and toast. So we made our way to the Clifton Bridge (the park to the right has a great view), and back to Cabot Tower. It is free to climb Cabot Tower, and there is a great view of the city. Afterwards, we had a ‘treat yourself’ moment at the Bluebird Tea Co. The people there were extremely friendly, and explained how the quaint little tea shop is rapidly expanding all over England- including just opening a store in London. Their teas are still house blended by the founder, who also creates cute puns to name the blends (serious, I think puns are a source of English pride). We bought the founder’s book, an Advent calendar, several bags of loose leaf tea, and a gift set or two for the holidays (can’t spoil who they’re for). We then saw a vintage Banksy (unfortunately splattered with blue paint). We fought the wind walking the Wapping Wharf, and got a burger at the local joint, Squeezed. The burger was good, but the fries were really tasty since they had a light dusting of both salt and sugar. We went back to the Wild Beer Co. (also at Wapping Wharf), and enjoyed a beer before getting on our afternoon flight home.

The famous Clifton Bridge

Mariah was in heaven 

Cabot Tower and the view from the top

A Banksy original, ‘Well Hung Lover”

Overall, Bristol was the least touristy place we’ve been so far, which was refreshing. Admittedly, it is a little sleepy, but there is enough culture, from the street art, to the food, to the beer, to justify a weekend trip. While we didn’t have enough time to do this, you can spend more time in the area by taking a quick train to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, Bath, home of the famous Roman ruins, and Stonehenge. Definitely keep this small city on your radar if touring through England!

Tot ziens for now.

[lovedaisyandeleanor]

San Francisco!

Backstory:  Several years ago, we noticed (actually my Dad did) that Daisy’s left-arm was growing quite a bit larger than her right.  We brought her to her pediatrician and he referred us to some specialists here in Boise.  After going through an MRI, ultrasound and other tests - they deemed it a vascular malformation and recommended no further treatment. He did refer us to a few centers nationwide that further specialized in cases like this.

Fast forward 3 years later: we decided to take additional action (nothing seemed worse, but we just wanted to be SURE).  We ended up contacting specialists at UC San Francisco to look at Daisy’s arm, and with a 3-4 month lead time, they were able to schedule us for an appointment in July.  That made for the PERFECT quick getaway to a new city as part of a summer vacation.

We decided to leave Eleanor at home (they said to anticipate several hours at the hospital) and my parents were able to come out to play babysitter (+ dog-sitter and house sitter).  It also helped cut down costs (we didn’t have to buy an additional airplane ticket).   It ended up working really well, as she got some pretty rare 1-1 time with her Papa and Mama.

Day 1: a minor flight delay had us land in San Francisco a little later than planned, but we hit the ground running.  After taking an Uber and dropping our bags at our hotel, we headed out to wander Fisherman's Wharf for the afternoon/evening.  It was SUPER cold and windy (I had looked at the weather forecast ahead of time, but coming from 100-degree dry heat to high 60's was quite the shocker) so walking around helped keep us warm. I bought a multi-attraction punch card ahead of time that we used on our first attraction - a ferryboat tour across the bay!  We had some time to kill beforehand so we walked around in search of some yummy food.  Eating good seafood was on my trip agenda, and it proved harder than we thought to find a good restaurant.  They were either way too fancy, or too greasy-looking. We pretty much just ended up plopping down at the closest place and the food wasn't spectacular, but it wasn't bad.  We killed enough time until it was time to board our ferry cruise.

It was COLD and windy but we all had a great time - especially Daisy.  She really seemed to enjoy the little excursion.  We all had headsets that narrated the tour as we cruised around the bay.  I wasn't able to get tickets to visit Alcatraz (I didn't realize how much in advance you had to make reservations) but the cruise took us around Alcatraz Island, underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, past Ghiradelli Square and I'm sure more landmarks I can't remember :) It was a super fun way to check off several items off our list in a short time!

We wandered around Fisherman's Wharf a bit more afterward, went through the gift shops and saw a few sea lions before calling it a day!  We splurged a bit on our hotel room, and the room was pretty nice.  A king-size bed and a full pullout sofa bed (that Daisy thought was pretty neat) was our home for the next few days :)  Darnell and I snuck across the street to Trader Joe's to grab us some snacks for the room and we settled in for the night!

Day 2:  we slept in a little bit, but still got up to seize the day (considering we had such a short time in San Francisco, I didn't want to waste precious time) and were up and out of the hotel around 10 AM.  We headed to the California Academy of Sciences and it was super cool! Another attraction that was included in my punch card that sounded super unique to the area! It was pretty neat - there was a "real" rain forest, aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all in one! So we were able to check a lot of our boxes with just one stop! The museum was huge, and we got tired before we wandered around the entire thing - but we enjoyed it.  Daisy loved the rain forest, the planetarium was a good place to sneak in a quick cat nap, and the aquarium was impressive.  Daisy's favorite part was getting to dissect an owl pellet - cool!

After several hours we were wiped, so we grabbed an Uber back to the hotel and relaxed for a bit before walking to China town to find dinner! We had fun looking at all the cool unique shops, and wandering the fun streets.  Darnell did some quick research and was able to find a good Chinese restaurant that definitely did not disappoint!  Dim sum was another item on our list and it was super yummy. Daisy is a lover of all things fried rice, so she was satisfied :)

Day 3: The big day (actually it wasn't really a big deal, but it was the reason for our trip!).  We headed out to the UCSF hospital campus - such a pretty area!  We got there early enough to grab coffee and a quick breakfast before checking in.  The entire process and appointment itself was pretty neat.  We met with one doctor who walked us through their process, and then an entire team of 12 doctors joined us in our exam room.  They did a couple exercises with Daisy, went over her results (they more accurately defined it as a venous malformation) and that the best course of action is just to monitor (not surgery).  It was the news we were hoping for/anticipating so that was a good thing!

We headed out to lunch at a super cool spot Darnell found on Yelp - the Old Clam House and it was SO GOOD. Like so, so good :) The restaurant has been around for over 100 years and had a really neat authentic vibe to it.  We got an order of mussels and crab and it did not disappoint.  Hands down it was the best meal of our trip!

Our last big stop of our trip was a visit to the San Francisco Zoo.  I tried to pick activities that Daisy would like, that were also unique to the area.  It was a bit of a jaunt out to the Zoo (it was along the coastline) but it was mostly freeway driving so it didn't take much extra time. It was chilly but sunny (and we were well dressed) - the perfect day for the Zoo!  We enjoyed seeing the huge variety of animals that we don't normally get to see (the gorilla was super neat!) and spent a good few hours wandering around.

Daisy and I both passed out in the back of the Uber on our way back to the hotel. We didn’t do much on our last night - Darnell and I snuck upstairs to the rooftop hotel bar called “The View” - and it was a pretty spectacular view! Daisy seemed content enough to hang out in the hotel room by herself watching TV. We were all pretty tired at this point, so a quiet night was nice.

We left for home the next morning and got to the airport with plenty of time (so we didn’t have to stress) and it was PACKED. I have never seen a security line SO long (there were actually 3 different lines, all leading up to the next line).  I was super glad we got there with plenty of time to spare, otherwise, that would’ve been super stressful.

Unfortunately, when we made it to our gate we were greeted with a delay (that always happens when you’re actually running on time).  We kept near the gate, and they kept pushing out the departure time.  It created a small domino effect (we would miss our connecting flight) and ended up waiting in SFO for close to 3 hours.  Coupled with our later flight out of the connecting airport (another 2 hours) it was a LONG day.

BUT we finally made it home and Eleanor and the dogs (and my parents) were happy to see us.  Despite the reason for the trip, we had such a great time!  It was so fun to have true one-on-one time with Daisy - I hope it’s a trip she’ll remember for a long time (I know I will!) :) 

[srmintz-blog]

A2 Flat Mag: Copy 

50% original Copy

Newcastle is all about coastal living, it has a thriving music and arts culture, along with an exquisite array of culturally diverse restaurants. Romantic Italian, authentic Asian cuisine, Brazilian steak, contemporary Australian or seaside fish and chips. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot, a quick bite to eat or a good old-fashioned pub feed, Newcastle has it all. The following restaurants come highly recommended and are sure to give you a taste of what Newcastle has to offer.

First, if you’re after a laid-back meal with a touch of flare The Locale is the place for you. The Locale is found in New Lambton, on the corner of Alma Road and Regent Street. This trendy café is open 7 days a week and at night from Thursday to Saturday. The Locale uses locally sourced seasonal produce to create a divine menu, the poached eggs, with hash browns and BBQ pulled pork is bound to make your mouth water.

Second, we have a romantic date spot, where you can enjoy Mediterranean styled tapas, Rustica. Dining with a view of the beach, Rustica is home to hand-crafted pieces by local artisans and Dion Ackland-designed interiors. This restaurant will take you on a journey through the Mediterranean with its tapas and share-style banquets. The creamy arancini balls and the slow cooked lamb shoulder is to die for, you will eat like a king!

Thirdly, Parry Street Garage is a restaurant that can’t be missed. You wouldn’t believe that this incredible restaurant was once a smash-repairs, and printing press. It has been redesigned into an atmospheric venue that combines a dramatic and cosy into the one space. With the option to drink cocktails and eat marvellous food at the bar or sit down at the tables for a finer dining experience, the choice is yours. Parry Street Garage offers an Italian style menu of pizza and pasta, complimented with an array of desserts and cheeses. The mouth-watering lamb pappardelle with wood roast lamb ragu is sure to impress your Nonna and leave you wanting more.

Finally, we have Raj’s Corner in Hamilton. Although, it isn’t your A class, fine dining venue. Raj’s Corner is the perfect the place to visit after a night out or during a busy week when you can’t be bothered to cook or if you’re simply looking for a hangover cure. The authentic Indian cuisine will be sure to leave you warm, full and satisfied. Not to mention, it’s super cheap!

The official Newcastle City Tourism website recommends the following venues for a cheeky cocktail, a laid-back lunch or a sea-side dining experience.

50% Copy from official Newcastle City Tourism website

Merewether Surfhouse

The award-winning building has spectacular ocean views up and down the East Coast and provides the perfect venue for your Wedding, Private Function, Corporate Event and anything in between. Merewether Surfhouse is home to a Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Café, Pizza Shop & Merewether Surfhouse Events, all with a 270-degree view sweeping over the Newcastle waterfront, Visit Newcastle Australia (n.d).

5 Sawyers

Our inspiration for 5 Sawyers came from the idea of creating a place with great atmosphere that is deeply rooted in something authentic and what better story to tell than our past in this city. Together with a relaxed environment where you can enjoy the fruits of our region such as a glass of Hunter wine, chilled craft beer or a cheeky cocktail. The 5 Sawyers food philosophy is to only use in-season, fresh and where possible, local ingredients. With a nod to the past we are using some traditional cooking methods like slow cooking but with a modern twist. Our seafood is sourced locally, and oysters are opened to order. We can cater to groups and we're open from Tuesday to Sunday 4pm till late so come and see us. We'd love to share your good times! Visit Newcastle Australia, (n.d).

Blue Door Café

Blue Door has set the benchmark in Newcastle for simple food, done well. It is Newcastle’s landmark cafe and a symbol of its healthy lifestyle. Blue Door Café delivers a balanced menu filled with the freshest seasonal ingredients that will leave you feeling good. Blue Door café is always looking for a unique way of doing things and believes in delivering a world-class experience in the heart of Newcastle, Visit Newcastle Australia, (n.d).

Queen’s Wharf

Relax in the comfortable surrounds of the hotel and savour the panoramic views over a pint of one of our many Australian and International beers. Whether you want to let your hair down and party, enjoy a delicious meal or just have a quiet drink with friends, The Queens Wharf Hotel is the best location in Newcastle.

Vietking

When combining the culinary techniques of different regions of Vietnam, regal indoor and outdoor seating areas, and the talent and flair of Chef and Owner, Hanh, Vietking offers you a delectable dining experience. Located on vibrant Darby Street Cooks Hill, Vietking is your convenience to have fun and indulge. Perhaps begin in the lounge area with a cocktail steeped in modern Asian flavours or choose from the impressive wine cellar list. At Vietking, the generous menu will see you leaving both impressed and satisfied, from your first to your last course, at an affordable price. These recommended restaurants will allow you to immerse yourself into the food culture of Newcastle, while taking you for an around the world taste experience.

References

Visit Newcastle Australia, (n.d), Eat & Drink, Visit Newcastle Australia, viewed 14th October 2019, < https://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/eat-drink >

Tom Smith, 2017, The 10 Best Restaurants in Newcastle, Australia, Culture Trip, viewed 14th October 2019, < https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/the-10-best-restaurants-in-newcastle-australia/ >

[newmonk]

UK TRIP

Day 1 // 18th July 2019

- Landed at London Gatwick —> Switched two trains to get to Waterloo —> Walked down Webber Street to figure out exactly where it is - 130, Webber Street: My home for the next two weeks! - Went to the supermarket, got basic supplies, beers & a local SIM - Walk around Union Street, found a chill park - Chose to have dinner at Bala Baya, instead of Gordon Ramsay’s Union Street, because I don’t do mainstream stuff. LOL, kidding. I found Bala Baya’s menu & aesthetic more attractive. - Shopped for more supplies from TESCO at Southwark - Walked back home - Didn’t do much, just trying to get a hang of the city & people

Day 2 // 19th July 2019

- Train from Waterloo —> John Wood's - Starts raining as I walk towards the coveted Lord’s Cricket Ground - Met Dudeja outside Lord’s & started our Lord’s tour - Went to the great hall, merchandise store, the dressing rooms - the place where Ganguly took off & flung his jersey during the Natwest 2002 finals - Bus from Lord’s —> Oxford Circus - Walked around Oxford Street, its a shopping freak show. Since I’m averse to shopping, I didn’t like this street, but the kind of consumerism that exists in London is intense - Went for lunch to The Chipping Forecast: Fish & Chips, Avocado salad & Guinness stout was consumed - Followed by desert at Chin Chin - Met Deep in the evening & we went to Soho Theatre to watch comedy show, which I didn’t know would go on to inspire me to such an extent: DEMI LARDNER - Walked around Piccadilly Circle, China Town, Leicester Square, the popular places of London. Too much fan-fare around these places, very commercial, whereas I prefer the quiet, quaint lanes. Anyway, I couldn’t go to London for the first time & not visit these places, they’re too  iconic too skip! - Walked around the Soho again, had a very good beer while walking - Dinner at Japes Pizzeria with Simon, Dudeja & Deep. Their pizzas were amazing! - Train from Oxford Circus —> Waterloo —> Walked home

Day 3 // 20th July 2019

- Walk from home —> BFI IMAX Waterloo —> Walk down to Tate Modern - MIND EXPLODE at Tate Modern, must’ve spent 5 hours easily, just absorbing - Bus to Nando’s —> Walk to BFI IMAX Waterloo - Watched Lion King at BFI (UK’s largest IMAX screen) - Tried a Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream for the first time. It was nice, normal - Walk back home from BFI - Reached home, then stepped out again - Spotted Andrew Scott outside the Old Vic Theatre! O.M.G. YES - Met Sumit, Sam & Dudeja & The London Eye around midnight, their keys fell into a gutter outside the London Eye & we struggled to get it, Sam & Sumit wrote a note on paper which had their name and contact number & put it through the grill - We went to a supermarket to get magnets since we thought we'll use that to pull out the keys from the gutter, but the shop-owner(from the subcontinent) warned us not to do such stuff, since it would come across as extremely suspicious. - Walked with Dudeja around Union Street - We saw hordes of people line up outside a train bridge, figured there was some underground boxing match happening there. - Walk back home.

Day 4 // 21st July 2019

- Took a train to North Greenwhich, was sent back to Canary Wharf, cozy the observatory is closer from there - SRK’s 'Challa' was shot at Canary Wharf - Heron Qauy-DLR Walk - Got off at Cutty Stark - Walk in Greenwich was amazing, it's a beautiful area - Walked to the observatory, crossing Cafe Rouge, Greenwich theatre & the huge park - Touched and stood on the prime meridian line(EXACT vertical centre of the Earth) & walked around the observatory - Walked down to the National Maritime Museum and saw some cool naval stuff (I didn't know that museums would fascinate me so much!) - Walk through Cutty Stark, bought a couple of vinyl LPs for myself although I don't have a player -_- It's a long term plan, sometimes you get accessories for something that you don't have & that motivates you to get the actual product, right? *I hope it's not just me* - Walked the Thames underground tunnel, it was quite cold down there - Walked across multiple parks to reach Isle of Dogs, (the name of this area inspired Wes Anderson to create a fictional film) which was quite disappointing, since I was expecting some film references, alas, One shouldn't expect too much. I didn't even find a direction symbol or a milestone that read 'Isle of Dogs' - Train back to Canary Wharf --> Switch at Green Park --> Piccadilly Line --> Hyde Park Corner - Met Dudeja, Deep & Simon at Hyde Park - We had a couple of beers, spoke, played catch & frisbee'd - Took a bus to Original Lahore, we were joined by Upmanyu there for dinner - Mediocre food at Original Lahore - Upmanyu walked us around the area, it was the same area where he stayed during his previous visit - Walked to Baker Street & saw Sherlock Holmes house. 221B - Took the bus home.

Day 5 // 22nd July 2019

- Started the day late. Did laundry, dishes, following up with clients regarding work back in Bombay. I was glad I didn’t carry my laptop along!  - Walk to Southwark - Train to Victoria Station - Oxford Tube bus from Victoria Coach - Chill bus ride, reached the majestic city of Oxford - Walked around Oxford University, Christ Church College, by the river that flows through the city - I think I ate the best burger that I've ever eaten at Oxford. It was a smoked beef burger at this restaurant 'Head to the River' - The bartender mocked me coz I said 'I want beer beer'. These two guys made a quick gag, and went on to ask me if I wanted any 'Food Food' 'Water Water' & later apologised for their behaviour by saying they're 'Sorry Sorry' and 'Immature Immature'. I liked the dry humor, that’s my thing too. - Long walk by the river - Slept under a tree at the park, saw ducks, kayaks - Walked around the city for about 2-3 hours - Gelato Ice cream at George & Co - Saw a man in a hat & suit entertaining a group of kids - The architecture here was different from London. - Went to Sainsbury, found lactose free milk - Caught the bus back home --> Oxford Tube --> Victoria Coach London --> Bus no #211 from Victoria to Waterloo - Walk home - Made a cheese sandwich & drank that lactose free milk - Spoke to Varun for long & slept.

Day 6 // 23rd July 2019

- Walk to Southwark --> Train to King's Cross --> Walk across the street to St. Pancras - Train to Brighton with Dudeja - Walk to Brighton Beach through the lanes of the city - Chill at the Brighton Pier - Ate fish & Chips + Calamari on the pier. - Walk down the pebble beach - We’d planned for this, so I was carrying a sheet, we spread it and soaked in the sun for a couple of hours - Took a couple of dips in the water(English Channel) - Beer + Truffle Chips at the beach - Sid played an FKJ playlist & we slept on the beach - Walked ahead to the Naturist Beach Park, saw a beautiful lady there! - Shot 'Otherside' pilot with Dudeja - Started walking to get water & stumbled upon a bunch of boys playing cricket; they were from Afghanistan. We were elated and ended up playing cricket with them for over an hour, made friends with them. One of those boys aped Bumrah’s action to the T, he was a fan! - Walked back on the Brighton promenade, saw the axe throwing booth - Back at Brighton station, we took the train to London - Got off at Southwark & walked home

Day 7 // 24th July 2019

- Walk to Borough Market - Ate pork wrap from Hobbs & gobbled an entire box of strawberries - Walk to London Bridge, walked the tower bridge - Bus to Potter Fields garden/park - Walk at Hay's Galleria (I think the architechture of Hiranandani in Powai is heavily inspired by this place) - London Bridge Underground station --> Train to Camden - Walked around the entirety of Camden - Found 'The World's End' pub and had their house beer 'The World's End Ale', one word: OUTSTANDING! The bartender & I spoke about Edgar Wright and his amazing films! - Bus to Shoreditch - Walked across the Grafiiti streets and reached a fine dine Burmese restaurant: Lahpet (with Dudeja - his reccomendation!) - Pork gravy + Rice with Prawn dim sums on the side - Walking beer from Shoreditch, walked around Shoreditch while sipping on the beer - Went to another restaurant 'Bird' and got Fried chicken parcelled - Bus to Tower Bridge - Walked tower bridge at night - Sat by the Thames and finished that fried chicken with blue cheese sauce! Blue Cheese FTW! - Walked back home through Borough Market.

Day 8 // 25th July 2019

-  Saw a priesthood ceremony in a church - Walked to the Imperial War Museum, intensely intrigued by the history behind World War II & The Holocaust. What a museum, must visit! - Walk back home - Lunch at Borough Market (Pork Hot Dog) + Gelato (Pistachio) - Train to West Hampstead - Met Sumit Anand, Sam & Dudeja, we booked our tickets to Cardiff (Wales). I also booked my tickets to Edinburgh (Scotland) - Train back home - Chilled on the terrace, had a couple of drinks - Walked to Tower Bridge & by the Thames with Maitry - Chilling again on the terrace, even Dudeja joined, spoke about Indian politics, because... how could we not!

Day 9 // 26th July 2019

- Leave for London Victoria with Dudeja in the morning - Missed the bus by 2 minutes, had to book the next bus which was after an hour :( - Walked to Victoria Street for breakfast - Beautiful breakfast at Granger & Co. Oh my god, the scrambled egg there is heavenly - Got on to our bus, headed to Cardiff - Checked in to our hostel the Riverside, one of the better ones, recommend it! - We headed out, but the city seemed a bit slow that day - Pizza & Beer at The Gatekeeper - Walked around the city, deserted, empty vibe, we thought we chose wrongly - Went to the Roald Dahl park - Took a bus back to the hotel, played mini pool in the courtyard & then slept like logs

Day 10 // 27th July 2019 - Breakfast at the hostel, our locker with passports got locked, so we had to break the lock to get our stuff out! With the hostel’s permission of course, they only got us a bolt cutter - Checkout & walk to Bute Park - Experienced one of the fun-nest event ever, that too randomly, we stumbled upon it! The Homeless Football World Cup & loved the vibe of it! Saw the opening ceremony + 1st match Denmark beat Wales (Penalty Tie Breaker) The Homeless World Cup is a sporting event organised by Homeless World Cup Foundation, a social organization which advocates the end of homelessness through the sport of association football - Walk out to the castle short walk, went to Joke store, comic store, etc. - Walk through various arcades - Loved walking in the arcades - Cardiff Market - Local market walk. Had Cannabis lollipop, slightly buzzed - Walk in arcades, quick lunch at Gregs. - Very cool stores, vintage video game parlor, skateboarding shops, fun toy shops, our perception of Cardiff as compared to the previous day had completely changed, it was such a fun place! - Dinner + Red Beer at Corner House - Walk to Sophia Garden, board the bus to London Victoria

Day 11 // 28th July 2019 - Reached home late at night, ate basic stuff - Morning, wasn't feeling too well (bunch of things mentally + homesick). - Chilled at home, cleaned everything, kitchen, laundry, etc. - Went to the park near Webber St. for a walk - Ate a fruit, video called Akshita, she looked cute, was watching Kapoor & Sons - I went back home, packed my stuff for Scotland, spoke to Akshita again, we had an emotional moment. - I took the bus to Victoria & left for Edinburgh, that was a tough ride, I was very uncomfortable through the journey, won't forget that night for sometime man! Phewww!

Day 12 // 29th July 2019

- Reached Edinburgh early in the morning. Walked down to the hostel. - Crashed in the hostel's (Baxter's Hostel) cafeteria since my check-in was 6 hours later. The people running that place were v sweet! 10/10 would recommend. - Got to my bed at 2 PM. Slept immediately. - Woke up at 5 PM, met Nimesh (Indian connect ftw, he was from Canada), he was gracious enough to lend me his hop on/hop off bus ticket, that was valid for the next day as well - Walked around Waverley Mall, ate a quick Chinese meal. Booked my ghost tour for 9 PM the same night, but reached the incorrect meeting point - Walked around the city & went back to the hostel by 10:30 PM, not a lonely walk, since the fringe setup/arrangements were on, Edinburgh was buzzing!

Day 13 // 30th July 2019 - Woke up late, fresh finally! Quick shower & out.  - Bright sunny day (Thank god for that!). - Grabbed a subway & took the hop on - hop off bus - Reached the entry point to Arthur's seat. Trekked Arthur's seat. Beautiful. Spent an hour there, ate fruits while I chilled with myself. - Went to the Scottish Parliament - Took rounds of the city on the bus, got to know about the significance of Edinburgh in J.K.Rowling's life & the world of Harry freaking Potter. (Trivia: Rowling incepted Harry Potter in Edinburgh. She wrote The Sorcerer's Stone at a cafe 'The Elephant House' & the Deathly Hallows in suite 501 @ The Balmoral (Bang opposite Baxter Hostel)) - Walked the lovely Victoria Street, ate a heavy meal @ Nando's - Finally went for my Murder & Mystery walk at Victoria Street, too much fun! - Walk to the hostel, slept.

Day 14 // 31st July 2019 - Woke up late, breakfast @ McDonald's - Bus to Glasgow [ Wanted to visit another part of Scotland, since I hadn’t pre-booked my Highland’s tour :( ] - Wrote a couple of Thumb-stopper scripts on the way, kept me engaged & distracted - Reached Glasgow, walked around - Went to a Gurudwara, needed to visit an Indian place of worship, felt extreme comfort - Visited the Botanic Garden - Walked across the city, found the film+book+music store - Went to the riverside : Clyde River - Continued walking around the riverside, long walk, its a lonely city, it started drizzling, no one around - Didn't find anything interesting in Glasgow, quite low. Maybe I didn't go there on a good day, went back to Bus Station, phone got spoilt in the rain. Got a bus back to Edinburgh & bunked at the hostel

Day 15 // 1st August 2019 - Woke up early, had to meet Aditi & film The Otherside episode with her! There was a kick in my walk finally, after the last couple of days of gloom and Aditi's energy was so positive & happy, it just pulled me out of where my mind was looming.  - Met & shot the episode with her at Assembly @ George Square, we ate some lovely crepes later. - Walked around Edinburgh, visited The Scottish Art Gallery, saw my favorite painter: Rembrandt’s original, authentic work!!! Saw his mentor Pieter Lastman’s work as well. Oh man! (I know I left Edinburgh the same day when the Fringe was beginning, it was mistimed... my trip there, didn’t plan it that way, so please don’t remind me that :( & anyway I had fun there) - Bus to airport ---> Flight to London Stansted ---> Train to Tottenham ---> Underground switch  - Reached Southwark, picked up basic groceries from the supermarket - Home: Started packing, cleaning up, laundry stuff

Day 16 // 2nd August 2019

- It was a sunny day, had to do final packing, shopping & visit the places that were on the check list, all in the limited number of hours & considering that I wake up late, anyway, I think I managed to do a great job!  - Kept all my bags ready & headed out after cooking myself a quick meal at home - Went straight up to Green Park, chilled for a while - Walked around Buckingham Palace - Went to Harrod’s, that’s a mind-boggling shopping space. Crazy! - Had to visit the iconic Abbey Road and click a picture of that street. There’s too much artistic history in London! What to do. - And I cannot thank Kunal Rao enough for recommending Hampstead Heath, it is the BEST park ever. What diverse experience. Yoga, silent open air disco, writers sitting in isolation & writing, young couples chilling, boys playing football, people having wine, some men fishing, while some swam, it was all happening there. Perfect example of Mutual Co-existence. Spent a couple of hours there, ate fruit, absorbed the air, my trip was coming to an end, what a bummer :( - Ran to Oxford Street, had to do all the shopping, then & there. - I shopped from LUSH, Sports Direct, Primark, Adidas, Marks & Spencer. You’d want to spend all your money on that street, it’s peak capitalism, but too attractive to not spend. Such dilemma for an existential person yaar. (Notice the change in me from day 2 to day 16?) - Reached home late in the night, bid adieu to this beautiful house in the heart of London, very grateful! - Picked luggage & left for Harsha Di’s place, saw a film shoot happening on the street when I left, now the person I am, I found that symbolic like: chalo beta it’s time to go back to films (Bombay), haha! - Got on a train to Wembley, met Harsha Di & jiju, went to their place, she’d made fresh indian food! Tasted a roti after 17 days, oh man, that is unmatchable, the hype is true! - Chilled with the two of them & crashed, had an early morning flight.

Day 17 // 3rd August 2019

- Woke up early, Harsha di & Alok jiju drove me to the Heathrow & the trip came to an end! What an experience man. Wow! I was amazed.

SPECIAL THANKS TO HRISHIT, SIDDHARTH & HARSHITA DI FOR THE MAKING SURE I HAD THE BEST TIME! AND TO KUNAL, ASHISH, VASANI & AKHIL FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND AS ALWAYS, MOM (FOR EVERYTHING)

I also realised that I quite enjoy my own company & thoughts, so was able to spend almost 20 days by myself, of course I met friends, comics & stuff, but for the most time, I was alone & I think I did well. Took care of everything, from food, travel, laundry, mopping, grocery shopping, managing expenses while on a budget trip along with having an absolutely kickass time and enormous learnings.

Special Mention & MUST HAVE: ‘Citymapper’ App (It sorted my life from day 1. No other App is required if you have this App)

OVERALL TRIP AFTERTHOUGHT:  I absolutely loved my time in U.K. It’s the culture, the architecture, the people who make the place, all of which were very good & the best part is that they have preserved and maintained their history, they hold it so dearly (even though most of the wealth is a result of imperialism & looted from other nations, they have cultivated a culture & market out of it) and that’s something that I think we lack as a nation. I recently read an article that said RK Studios in Chembur has been demolished since they were running losses and the land has been sold to a big real estate company for apartments to be made. All the memorabilia, the emotions, the films which were shot in that iconic studio gone! All at once. Somehow I feel, that in another country perhaps, it would have been valued more, art would be given much more respect.

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Bristol Harbour Festival 19th - 21st July 2019

The Bristol Harbour Festival is back this weekend - Friday 19th July to Sunday 21st July.   Celebrating its 47th year, this free festival brings over 250,000 people together and is held annually to celebrate the city’s maritime heritage and the importance of Bristol’s docks and harbour.

Most of the activities are free, including live music, street performances, dance acts, interactive theatre, international circus acts, daredevil stunts and a variety of other live entertainments which are held on or near the waterfront of Bristol Harbour.

The outside venues include Queen Square, Lloyds Amphitheatre, Narrow Quay, Merchants, Quay, Hannover Quay, Millennium Square and Cathedral Walk, with seagoing vessels moored nearby. The liveliest part of the festival is quayside and the main attractions are entertainment designed to engage all the communities of Bristol, as well as entertain the thousands of visitors to the city.

Find your way around the Bristol Harbour Festival’s Performance Areas - Downloadable Map  See the program of events further down the page.

Market Locations

Narrow Quay,  Merchants Quay,  Queens Square and Hannover Quay

The City has hosted the festival since 1971, when it was started as part of an, ultimately successful, attempt to save the docks from being filled in.  In 2012, the festival attracted over 200,000 visitors, its highest ever attendance at that time, with the Irene and the Matthew being two of the tall ships in attendance that year.

The festival is held every year in July over a weekend and many of the bar and restaurants put on extra entertainment to keep visitors happy during the late evenings. In 2018 visitors were be able to watch for the first time, the Power8 rowing sprints battle it out on the water, as teams from eight cities compete to be the best.

The highlight of this year’s festival will be the arrival of three very special tall ships - The Etoile Molence, Irene and Iris.  Also Power8 Sprints will also be headlining with their 350 metre, high octane rowing action on the water.

More than 250 boats of varying shapes and sizes will be tied up at every available mooring along a four-mile stretch of the Harbourside, with familiar sights such as the SS Great Britain and the Matthew all set to appear.

There’s so much entertainment to keep you engaged, including music at the huge outdoor concert area “the Lloyds Amphitheatre”, top quality circus and street theatre acts from Circus Bijou.  Western Boat Show, showcasing all kinds of sailing boats and power boats, rowing competitions, general fun and games in the water, dedicated family areas, plus the Continental Food Market at Queens Square, a fantastic line-up from across France, Italy, Spain and Germany providing olives, cheese, crepes and more, an experience for the taste buds together with traditional gifts and crafts and lots of Harbourside fun for everyone.

Travel – Head for the City Centre, follow signs for Harbour Festival.  Further travel info Here.

Parking

There is plenty of parking and it is advised to arrive early to get as close as possible to the available Harbourside Parking.  You will also find parking within a short walking distance of the Harbour at the following places -

St Mary Redcliffe Car Park, NCP – Redcliffe Parade, NCP – Queens Charlotte Street, Trenchard Street Car Park, The Gallery Car Park, Nelson Street Car Park, College Street Car Park, Mardyke Wharf Car Park, Oldfield Place Car Park

  Program of Events

Saturday 20th July

Music - Amphitheatre – Music Stage

12.45 pm             Bristol Community Big Band

2.00 pm               The Hucklebuck – Blues Music

3.15 pm               Camo Clave – Cumbia Music

4.30 pm               Phantom Ensemble

5.45 pm               Matuki  - Afrobeat, reggae fusion

7.15 pm               Doreen Doreen – Marsh up Band

8.45 pm               Rod Smith RSD

Music - Brunel Stage at SS Great Britain

11.00 am             Framptoon Shantymen - All Male Choir

12.00 pm             Samba - Reggae drumming band

1.00 pm               Ceili - Traditional Irish/Celtic acoustic music

2.00 pm               Gentle Hooligans - Rock 'n ' roll fusion

3.00 pm               JI & The Rainbirds - Up beat feel-good folk

4.00 pm               Eden Root’s Reggae Band - Red hot Reggae

5.00 pm               The Bare Souls - Rock, blues, soul and funk fusion band

Music - Centre Stage at Cascade Steps

12.00 pm            The Great Sea Choir

12.50 pm            Rosina Keri - passionate dreamy pop

1.40 pm               The Harrisons - Blues, country and americana band

2.30 pm               Barnacle Buoys - Acapella sea shanty singers

3.25 pm               Julu Irvine & Heg Brignall - Folk duo

4.20 pm               Mireille Mathlener - Vocalist

5.15 pm               Laimu - Sultry vocals

Music - Dockside Stage at the Grove

2.00 pm               Punk Rock Aerobics

3.00 pm               Richard the Fourth - Neo soul and slow funk

3.30 pm               Hush Mozey - Miz of spa, punk and garage

4.30 pm               The Rupees - Hi energy rock band

5.30 pm               Sam Brockington - Fantastic vocal talented singer

6.30 pm               Farebrother - Indie rock quartet

7.30 pm               Joe Probert - Super cool soul

8.30 pm               Katy J Pearson - Catchy melodies

Dance and Entertainment at Millenium Square

11.45 am             Bollyred Dance Company

12.15 pm            Urban Cookie: Dance Zumba Gold

1.20 pm               Performance from Gerry’s Attic Dance Company

1.55 pm               Making Tracks Youth Music

2.55 pm               2 O’clock Beauty Queens

3.15 pm               Dance Extreme BS13/Storm

3.25 pm               Bristol Salsa Ladies Styling Team

3.30 pm               Subline Dance Troupe

3.40 pm               Rise Youth Dance

5.00 pm               Hype Dance

5.20 pm               Swing Dance Bristol and Swing Riot

Entertainment, Family Fun Activities, Music and Food at The Circus Playground - Queens Square

Continental Market Food - a selection of everything you will expect will be on offer

Bubbline – Fun with bubbles

A.P.E Project CIC – Mobile Adventure Playground

Sounds Right Phonics Bristol – Music, games, movement, bubbles and poms poms for little ones

Marky Jay – Compere & Street Theatre – Jokes, Juggling and puppets

Avon Valley Wildlife Park – Interact and discover more about small animals

Bristol Taiko – Traditional Japanese Drumming

Bocadcalupa Arts – Bee Garden

Avon Valley Wildlife Trust

Baby Racing

Cirocomedia – Youth Circus Showcase and Workshops

Giddy Kipper – Sloth Time

Tiny Little Clouds Theatre – How to Build a rainbow

Don’t Drop The Beat – Live Drumming and Juggling

Above & Beyond – Mini Flying Trapeze Rig

Dragonbird Theatre – Pyjama Island

Angie Mack – The Super Hooper Jula Hooping Street Show

Korri Aulakh – World Class Aerialist performances

Rob Lewis – Cello

Kat Lyons Storytelling and Spoken Word

King Edmunds Acrobatic Club

Angie Mack – Have a go Hula Hoop Workshops

Cathedral Walk – Spoken Word, Music and Performances

11.30 am             Poetry Machine – Performance

12.00 pm            South West Showcase - Performance

1.00 pm               Yoniverse Takeover - Performance

2.00 pm               Guest Artist – Joelle Taylor - Performance

2.30 pm               Poetry Machine – Performance, Family

2.50 pm               South West Showcash – Performance, Family

4.30 pm               Guest Artists – Rebecca Tantony and Dominie Hooper – Performance & Music

Bristol Harbour Festival - Sunday 20th July

Music - Amphitheatre – Music Stage

12.00 pm             Tan Teddy - Sharing Jamaican culture through song

1.10 pm               Nuala Honan - Folk music from Bristol based Australian singer-songwriter

2:20 pm               Amdodu Diagne & Yakar - Modern blues and funk

3:30 pm               Dizaeli - Jazz-tinged band

5:00 pm               Sheelanaig - Balkan swing, celtic music

Brunels Stage at SS Great Britain

11.00 am             South Wales Clarinet Choir

12.00 pm            North Somerset Samba - Reggae drumming band

1.00 pm               Bee Bakare - Soulful pop

2.00 pm               Zyla - Soul-infused funk

3.00 pm               Sol Feo - Rock, funk, grunge, metal and folk bended band

4.00 pm               Baraka - Afro beat dance band

Centre Stage at Cascade Steps

12.00 pm            Storm Force 10 - Shanty band

12.50 pm            Jodie Mellor - Singer

1.40 pm               Bristol Sea Slugs - Shanty, folk band

2.30 pm               Charlie Limm - Vocalist

3.25 pm               Jazz the Two of us - Jazz classics with a twist

4.20 pm               Maaike Siegerist - Swinging jazz and dark folk

5.15 pm               Sounds of Harlowe - Grunge soul collective

Dockside Stage at the Grove

1.00 pm               Gabriel Templar - Indie pop

2.00 pm               Luke Marshall Black - Vocalist

4.00 pm               RVBY - Quirky pop

5.00 pm               Agata - Vocalist

6.00 pm               Imprints - Gypsy, pirate, folk-rock band

Millennium Square – Bristol Dances

11.00 am             Diddi Dance

11.45 am             Dancin Tots

12.20 pm             Afon Sistema – Brazilian Dance in Bristol

1.10 pm               Mumtaz Dance Company – Bollywood Dance

1.25 pm               Original Spinners - Dance, Performance

1.40 pm               Untold Dance Theatre - Dance

2.00 pm               Cabaret and Drag Dance Show

3.10 pm               Funk Supreme

3.20 pm               Piloexcersize - Dance

4.20 pm               The Hills School of Irish Dance Performance and Workshop

5.00 pm               Celidh Dance with Mr Medler - Dance

Cathedral Walk – Spoken Word, Music and Performances

11.30 am             Poetry Machine - Performance

12.00 pm             South West Showcase – Performance & Music

1.00 pm               Guest Artist – Dizraeli – Performance & Music

1.30 pm               Poetry Machine – Family Performance

2.00 pm               The Urban Word Collective Takeover – Performance

3.00 pm               Guest Artist – Deanna Rodger - Performance

3.30 pm               Bath Spa University Poetry Showcase - Performance

3.45pm                South West Showcase - Performance

4.30 pm               Guest Artist – Toby Thomson – Family Performance

The Circus Playground – Queens Square

Entertainment, fun for the family, food and Music all day from – 11.00 am – 4.00 pm.

Avon Wildlife Trust, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Bubblina – Family entertainment with bubbles, Sound right phonics Bristol, Circomedia – Circus Workshops – Great Family Fun, Traditional Japanese Drumming, A.P.E Project CIC – Mobile Adventure Playground, Marky Jay – Street Theatre, Bocadalupa Arts – Bee Garden and much more.

Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoy the content - Whilst visiting Bristol you may also find the following useful

Family Owned Italian Restaraunt Bristol

Cuban Rum Bar and Restaraunt Bristol

St Nicholas Indoor Quirky Market

21 things to do in Bristol 

Looking for accommodation in Bristol - check availability HERE or email for more information.

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Sydney Life

You dont need a pocket full of pennies to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Weve asked some fellow Sydney-based travel bloggers about their favourite things to do in Sydney that wont cost you a thing. Check them out below!

Bradleys Head, Sydney Managing a website about hiking, its no surprise that my favorite free thing to do in Sydney is discovering new walking tracks. Hiking in Sydney is the best way to fully appreciate everything this beautiful city has to offer. Sydney has a very diverse landscape, so you can walk the beaches, the bush, the mountains and of course the magnificent Sydney Harbour.Whats great about Sydney Harbour is that it is home to countless walking tracks that take you past secluded beaches, beautiful parks, picturesque bays, old lighthouses and much more. And you can discover all these exciting places with the city literally only a stones throw away. Some parts of the Harbour also hold lots of relics from Sydneys military history. At Bradleys Head for example you can find a fortification complex that was built in the 19th century to protect New South Wales against invaders. And Goat Island, right in the middle of the Harbour, once served as a massive gunpowder store. So go ahead, dust off those hiking shoes and head outdoors to discover the goodness that Sydney has to offer, for free! Families visiting Sydney can find all sorts of economical activities. For younger kids visits to some of Sydneys truly amazing playgrounds are a must. Visit a playground by a beach and you have a great free fresh air day out. Great playground and beach combos can be found at Bondi, Bronte, Watsons Bay, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral, Collaroy and Mona Vale. Families with older children might enjoy snorkelling, free if you bring your own kit. Try Shelly Beach at Manly for vibrant sea life, rays, wobbegongs and even (harmless) juvenile dusky whaler sharks. Ocean swimming is another super healthy Sydney sport you can enjoy for free. Explore the many rock pools on the ocean beaches. Check out the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad if you are a confident sea swimmer. Dozens of swimmers enjoy their daily dip at 7am each morning. Meet at Manly SLSC and ask for a free pink cap. One of our favourite free things to do in Sydney is the Bondi to Bronte walk. This iconic cliff-top walk is 2.5km long and joins two of Sydneys most famous beaches. The views of the ocean and the coastal cliffs along the walk are stunning, making this a real Sydney must see. The walk takes us around 2 hours with two young kids in tow. Adults doing the walk without kids could easily do it in one and a half hours. There is also the option to continue the walk all the way to Coogee Beach, which is a further 3 kilometers. The walk is also a popular jogging route, and has a few workout stations dotted along the path. When doing the walk with kids, we usually stop off at Tamarama Beach or Park on the way for a rest and a snack, and end the walk by playing on the beach in Bronte. Bronte has a lovely park with a playground and plenty of nearby cafes, making it ideal for families.The Bondi to Bronte walk is absolutely stunning and one of the most popular places in Sydney for taking photos, so dont leave your camera behind! Sarah Shrapnel Love Swah If youre a culture vulture in the mood for some creative inspiration without breaking the bank, then Sydney is the place for you! This notoriously extensive city is home to a huge selection of budget-friendly art galleries showcasing artworks from emerging and prominent artists, many of which you can visit free of charge. Firstly head on down to the Museum of Contemporary Art to enjoy their impressive permanent collection. Not only does it feature an array of world class modern art from around the globe, this collection is also free! Another permanent collection worth checking out is at the Art Gallery of NSW which is filled with an eclectic range of Australian, Asian, Western and Pacific art works. A local favourite on the smaller end of the spectrum is White Rabbit Gallery situated in Chippendale, which houses one of the largest collection of modern Chinese art in the world.

King Street, Newtown Exploring Street Art in Sydneys Inner West I love exploring the thriving street art culture in the inner Sydney suburb of Newtown. World class murals adorn walls on almost every corner here thanks in part to a local government initiatives aimed at reducing tagging by matching property owners with street artists. Newtown has always been colourful community, but the volume of work by local and international artists here makes it a perfect place for any street art lover to explore. Add to that some great small bars, cafes and several local craft breweries and you have plenty of great rest stops too. Check out Lennox Street Newtown if youre after a high reward to effort ratio with half a dozen full-scale murals in just 2 blocks. Alternatively make an afternoon of it, take the train to St Peters station and snake your way through the back lanes to a nondescript warehouse in the backstreets that is home to local brewery Young Henrys. This is the perfect spot to taste some really inspired local brews and reward yourself for all that walking! Sydneys own street art nirvana is only 10 minutes by train from the CBD. Tip Along the way pick up a lamington from Flower Drum on King Street or a great meat pie from Black Star Pastry, in Australia Street, Newtown! Nothing beats snorkelling in one of Sydneys stunning beaches on a scorching summer day. All you need is a snorkel and mask, and its easy to learn, even if youre new to the sport. Snorkelling is the best way to discover a new side of Sydney, and come face to face with incredible marine life, including rays, blue gropers, wobbegongs, seahorses, and a wide variety of colourful fish, kelp, and rocky reefs. Dont forget your GoPro! In the Eastern Suburbs, Gordons Bay (complete with underwater nature trail!), and Clovelly Beach are perfect places to get started. Clovelly offers easy beach access in a sheltered bay, making it the perfect spot for first-timers. Clovelly is also famous for its resident blue gropers, so keep your eyes peeled for these friendly fish. On Sydneys north, Shelly Beach, near Manly, is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, and offers pristine blue waters teeming with marine life. Its also popular with divers.Wherever you end up, youre sure to have a fantastic time- snorkelling is one of the best free things to try in Sydney. Bring a friend, some sunscreen, and dive in! Tucked away in one of the myriad bays and inlets on the northside of Sydney Harbour is my favourite Sydney walk. Only a few kilometres long, you can stroll the entire path in less than an hour. The path follows the harbour shoreline beginning at Cremorne Point wharf and ending at Mosman Bay wharf, making it easy to get to by inner harbour ferry. Before you set out take a short detour through Cremorne Point Reserve for spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, or better yet, bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Dont miss Robertson Point Lighthouse, still a working lighthouse guiding boats safely past the point. You cant go inside but you can get quite close. Heading north from the reserve, the path winds past some of Sydneys most exclusive Federation mansions and million dollar water views. At Mosman Bay wharf either catch a ferry back to the city or retrace your steps as far as Hodgson Ave. Follow the street to join up with a parallel path on the east side of Cremorne Point for the best views of theSydneyOpera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge has to offer. Living in Sydney we are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic natural attractions. One of my favourite free things to do in Sydney is walking the different parts of the The Coast Track in Royal National Park. The entire track is 26km-long and takes two days to complete but it doesnt have to be done all at once. You can easily do parts of the track as spectacular day hikes. The northern part of the track takes you from the village of Bundeena to Marley beach along one of the most beautiful stretches of Illawarra coastline. On top of the dramatic scenery, this walk also gives you the perfect chance to spot Humpback whales during their migration between April and December.The southern part of the coastal track takes you from Otford train station to Burning Palms beach via the Palm Jungle loop trail. This track has the best of all worlds: towering cliffs of the rugged coastline, eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, beaches, grasslands and even a palm jungle! Attending a conference I discovered this self-made walking trail from North Sydney. Its a great way to watch the city wake and spring to life.Starting on Blues Point Road and passing the eclectic mixture clothing shops, restaurants and bars, walk to Henry Lawson Avenue.Wander alongside Blues Bay to the iconic Sails Restaurant at Lavender Bay. Stop and take in the views of the Harbour, The Bridge, Circular Quay and Opera House. Next, follow the laneway from Sails to E Cres Street veering right onto Bay View Street. Youll walk passed beautiful homes with Bay views. Continually hugging Lavender Bay, walk round to the left into King George Street taking the laneway to the right soon after.Stroll down the lane until Wendy Whiteleys Secret Garden. This marks the beginning of Peter Kingston Walkway. This will take you pass Luna Park and North Sydney Pool.Follow the signs up onto the Harbour Bridge. Explore the Rocks area at the end and walk through to the Quay and Opera House.If you do this walk early in the morning, when the sun is just rising over the harbour, you can enjoy your own private Rocky moment up the Opera House stairs! For more fun and free activities in Sydney, click here! ]]> http://www.sydney.com/sydney-life/feed