Eating and traveling goes hand in hand in my opinion and if you want authentic and unique cuisine, my ex-boss had told me once that I needed to travel for it.  Well, I beg to differ because you now can get fresh crab meat flown to you from Louisiana seafood.  You will be really pleased to know that they deliver it fresh to your doorstep, what more can one ask for, right?

Of course they do have more than just crab meat; they have oysters, shrimp and Louisiana’s famous craw fish. Ordering online is so easy, even my mother knows how to do it.  As for pricing, one can expect really competitive pricing and good value for their money, plus excellent customer service.  Their assurance to you, the consumer, is nothing less than top quality, if you are not happy about the quality when it is delivered, be sure to call and let them know and they will take care of it for you (although I know they rarely get these kinds of calls).   Want fresh seafood?  You don’t have to travel around the world for it, order it online like I do (especially now that I don’t get to travel so much).

My girlfriends asked me.. about what they should bring when they are only going away for the weekend with their boyfriends.  Well.. first thing one has to remember is never to bring 10 luggages .. on a romantic weekend away.. for the boyfriend is gonna think that you must be high maintenance.  Surely, that is not the impression you want to give him.. after all, he might be the potential husband right..??

A weekend getaway with the boyfriend means.. 1 duffel bag.. and that’s it.  But why a duffel bag instead of a suitcase..?? well.. it’s easy to carry around.. and you don’t have to check it in.. nor wait for it in the carousel of luggages.. and waste time.  Plus a duffel bag is easy to store away in the airplane.. unlike bulky suitcases despite only 1.

Bring only the necessities but never forget the sexy lingerie afterall, it’s the weekend.. you need to impress right..?? Sunscreen very important.. if you are anywhere that has got the sun.  As much as I loved the comfort of using my own shampoos and body conditional.. I leave them behind.. on short getaways .. those things wear a ton..!! and i’ve no room for them.  Using other shampoos for a day or two.. isn’t gonna damage  your hair.  So donch sweat the small stuff.. and think of the big picture.

Bali is definitely a mystical place.  When i was much younger, the first thing i did when i arrived in Bali and after a long car ride to the hotel, I would head out to the city .. and look for a drinking hole or even some kind of entertainment or better yet shopping.  But these days, when i head out to Bali, i head out to the mountains.. or the lesser known.. where there isn’t too much tourist around.

This was taken in the lake of Ulu Danu, located at the west side of Lake Bratan, it is actually a small island near a village of the Candi Kuning. At Ulu Danu, there is a Balinese Hindu Temple - it is definitely .. a very lovely place .. with very lovely sceneries.  Very serene, very mystical.. i could spend a few days here.. taking in the fresh air and feel rejuvenated.

A temple that people pray in ..  and very lovely architectural inside and outside of the temple.

Many statues and pagodas.. plus you see lots of monuments around.  The stunning mountain and the magnificent sight is really the most relaxing place I’ve been. Good for people who wants to just relax and for some worship and even to find inspiration.  Of course, the resort has got more than just temples and monuments.. they do have nice golf courses as well and on the other side of this village, you can do your water skiing and snorkelling and other water sports.  I will show you more in another post.

Yes.. we drove across the Golden Bridge in San Francisco in a convertible just because.  We rented a red convertible from Thrifty Rental but thought later that it need a new air conditioning compressor. But that’s another story for another day.  Having worked in United States, in different cities, we thought it would be a good idea to do it .. just this once.

But one should know that renting a car in San Frans is a lot more expensive than in other cities.. which we didn’t really think of at first.  But we had a few people with us.. so we just chipped in .. and it was alright.. plus don’t you forget to get that insurance paper and all.

The inside of our convertible that sat 4 of us comfortably .. but if you have a familywith kids, please don’t get a convertible, it can get really messy especially if you go visit San Franscico in September like we did.

A view of the Golden Bridge from our sports car.

On the golden bridge now.  As you can see a lot of ppl do walk on the side of the bridge.  Unlike our Mackay Bridge and Macdonald Bridge in Halifax, Nova Scotia.. i definitely haven’t seen  anyone walking on it.

Marina Mandarin Hotel is not as old as her parent hotel - the Mandarin Hotel at Orchard Road but it is neither new too, I think it had to be up and running for a good 20 yrs now.  But a 5 star hotel it is .. that’s for sure.. but the Marina Mandarin is definitely a modern version of the Mandarin Hotel.  Owned by bankers if i am not wrong.. I think Alfred Lien is still at the helm.  And if you know Mr Lien .. not the older one.. but the younger Lien, you would come to like him a lot too.

Of course, not all the rooms looked like that.. this is the bridal suite.. but the Marina Mandarin had gone thru’ several renovations.. and had kept this property up to date, even the bathrooms are equipped with  Hansgrohe shower faucets, if i am not wrong.

Although claimed to be in the heart of the city, I beg to differ .. because if you are not driving .. it can be quite a walk.. and if you are it is quite a roundabout turn to get to the hotel.  But there are buses and the train to get you to Marina Mandarin.. but if you were a tourist .. you kinda have to depend on taxis.. and taxis although compared to other countries.. Singapore taxi or cab services are pretty reasonable.. but one cannot say it is cheap either.

Marina Mandarin Hotel Singapore is a 5 star luxury hotel and is the only member of The Leading Hotels of the World® in Singapore. It does have a breathtaking view of the Marina Bay and near to the financial district and if i am not wrong, they own the Marina Square shopping mall that one can access to directly from the hotel.  21 level with more than 500 rooms to house your whole company’s function or conference, I think they do tour groups as well.

Amazing architectural inside of the hotel which always leaves me in awe whenever i am visiting the lounge or staying for the weekend during business trips.  The atrium lounge always had someone playing the piano.. where one can sit and relax after a long day of business meeting and savor some wonderful pastries and mini sandwiches.   They also have a chinese restaurant called Peach Blossom that serves dim sum and cantonese fare.  I especially like the concierge service .. although i have to let you all know that locals are not served the same as the expats. Be prepared to pay as much as $200 for a standard size room.  Yes, they have business centers and the works.. and although i also enjoy the italian restaurant .. i have to say.. i’ve tasted better elsewhere and less expensive.

The Keizersgracht

Amsterdam summer months are wonderful.. and the weather is just nice. .not to hot.. and not too cold. And i guess the city lives outdoors during the summer. Go anytime besides summer.. you may find yourself in the rain all the time.. and for a tourist.. it can be quite devastating..!

Touted as one os the world’s best hangouts.. it’s is truly a blend of the old and new. Bicycles are aplenty here.. and a friend living in Netherland confirms by buying his own bicycle as well. It does look like at times.. the city is full of tourists. Very Dutch feeling, when you see the old crooked houses, the cobbled streets and tree lined canals and generous parks contributed to the atmosphere.

The Brown’s Hotel in London was one of the very first that I had stayed in many years ago. But at that time it was under another management . .another owner. It is a very charming and intimate hotel and as one can expect . .it is very English like in decor and everything else. The Brown’s Hotel shouts respect .. and distinguished.

Located in Mayfiar on Albermarle Street, The Brown’s Hotel is actually one of the most historic hotels as it was the first hotel to be opened in London in 1837. Within a short walk from Bond Street where you can get all your exclusive handbags and shoes and clothings.

They had 29 luxurious suites and more standard rooms in Brown’s and I was privileged to have stayed in one. Each suite i learned later .. that they were individually designed with a sophistication that has become the trademark of The Rocco Forte Collection. Of course, the service staff goes about their work quietly and never disturbing your peace. The people in the hotel were friendly.. but not over hospitable I have to say. They do keep a distance.. and talk when spoken to.

Even if you didn’t get a chance to stay at the Brown’s Hotel, one must try going to the famous English Tea Room. Relax to the sounds from the Baby Grand Piano and indulge in Brown’s award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea which consists of a choice of 17 teas, including Brown’s own blend, along with succulent finger sandwiches, an assortment of delicate pastries, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, as well as a choice of freshly baked cakes from the trolley.