Travel Log:Hitting the shopping district of Nanjing West Road/Xi Lu

I love shopping, though I don't necessarily have to buy something every time I'm out on a shopping trip.

Shopping is also the chance for me to see and feel (I'm one of those people that has to touch a piece of clothing or decor in a store), hang out with friends, and soak in the environment and architecture of an area.  I was on Shanghai's Nanjing Road and was definitely there to get a feel for the district, rather than buy anything.
Tip: International brands are usually more expensive in Asia (up to 30-40% more depending on the country) except for Hong Kong.  Save by shopping in the US for most brands (or Europe for European brands!

The area itself was quite serene and intimate at night.  The buildings were relatively low and accented by soft lighting and understated architecture.

Beautiful sign (and shoes of course!)

Some malls will leave a spot empty for KFC franchises.  The fast food chain is that popular and will bring the necessary food traffic (don't mess with the Chinese people's love for chicken!)

Travel Log: Escaping to the past in Qibao, Shanghai

I am a city girl, through and through.  

But sometimes I like to escape from the usual concrete jungle and step into a different environment.  I visited Qibao aka Seven Treasures in Shanghai and got to see a bit of what an ancient town would have looked like.  The town itself was established around the 900s, but the main temple and streets were rebuilt only 10 years ago; only a large bell from the Ming Dynasty survives.  The town streets were super crowded so be warned if you visit during the weekend!  But it is an interesting change of pace from the usual Shanghai scene and the small pockets with fewer tourists are nice.

Old and new...museum in front of apartment buildings...

Bubbles!

Quail eggs inside a salt dome!  What a snack!

This was a beautiful poem and plea written by someone on the street.  I hope he gets what he is seeking!

Travel Log/Hotel review: Living in the 1500s via Fort Neemrana in Rajasthan, India

What was life like before air conditioning, the internet, and smart phone (seriously, I barely remember life before the internet  - ahh the dark ages!)

Overall Review
I embrace the trappings of modernity, but am also enamored of architecture and sites that recall the past.  It is pretty amazing and difficult to find sites like Neemrana Fort-palace in Rajasthan that was built in 1464.  My good friend got married there and it was a great chance to stay at the fort as well.  While you have to endure a 3+ hour drive from Delhi to the fort, you will see so many interesting things (the drive itself is an adventure and we got in an accident on the way back - keep your eyes closed).  We slowed down for camel traffic and saw the city melt away into the country side.  Have patience during your drive and don't be afraid of oncoming traffic (I would have a heart attack if I drove here!)

The fort itself has such beautiful character.  The outdoor areas had such vibrant color without being too bold.  Don't you love the turquoise chairs?  I also loved all the beautiful doorways - each one peeked into another corner of the fort.

Room
I loved attending a wedding at the fort and getting to stay here.  Keep in mind that the amenities aren't super modern so the shower may take a little longer to warm up and you'll have to remember to bring your large key around.  There is a wide variety of rooms too so I'd recommend a splurge if you want a bit more space.

Service
Service is great and there is always someone to help with a bag or offer a drink.  There is a lot of staff around, but their English isn't always great so keep that in mind.

Pricing
The pricing really ranges - right now the rooms range from 2500 to 22000 Rps (or about $50-$440).  If you're with a group, get a suite for a lot less!  Our room was on the lower-middle end of the range.

Facilities
Be careful and wear comfortable shoes around the complex because there are a lot of stairs everywhere as well as a steep walk up from the front gate.  Otherwise the restaurants were modern and the pool well maintained.

I hope you enjoyed my peek inside this fort palace!

Travel Log: Details in downtown NYC

I love being a visitor in my own city.  I really recommend breaking out of the routine and doing something out of the ordinary - talk a stroll down a different street, look at the details in a place you pass every day, or just pause and observe the people passing around you.

I try to get back to NYC every June because the weather is usually mild and the days are already a bit longer.  This is the first time I had my DSLR with me and it was fun to actually the normal details I never really noticed before.  I miss the details everywhere in NYC: beautiful moldings, plaques in the most unexpected places, and funky signs everywhere.

What are details you appreciate in your city?

Travel Log/Worthwhile Activity: Seaside Strolls and Famous scenes at the Embarcadero in San Diego, CA

There are some things that remain beautiful, serene, and intimate. Seaside strolls are one of those things for me. I have been to San Diego a few times. I recall wonderful seafood (mmm fish tacos and grilled calamari) and beautiful ocean view via La Jolla (posted here).

I didn't have as much time in San Diego when I visited last month.  But I did get to walk along North Harbor Drive in the Embarcadero with my family.  If you have an interesting in ships, you can definitely pass by the "Star of India" and view an old beauty that is nearly 200 years old.

It is also nice to pass by a few famous scenes including a 25 foot statue of the "Victory Kiss" between the nurse and the sailor.

I also love the re-enactment of Bob Hope entertaining the trips.

This is definitely a great chance to witness pieces of American history (for free!) and catch some typical Southern Californian sunshine.  Enjoy!

Have you visited the Embarcadero?  What else is a must visit there?

Travel Log/Restaurant Review: SunnyHills Bakery for Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes and Hotpot at Shaburi

There are a few famous Taiwanese foods (besides their street food at the night markets which is so fun to eat!) Otherwise, two of the most authentic and affordable Taiwanese eats are hotpot (or huoguo) and pineapple cakes.  I went to a few of the more famous restaurants for these treats and wanted to share my experiences.

What is hot pot?  It is basically shabu shabu or fondue or food you boil yourself.  It can be a fun individual or group meal.  You order a list of raw foods based around a type of meat - usually fish or beef.  Then you order your stock which can be light or spicy.  Your soup selection is brought to you along with vegetables (cabbage, enoki mushrooms, etc.) and starches (handmade noodles and fish dumplings - they are better than they sound and not fishy!)  It is SO fun just chatting with friends while leisurely cooking your meal.  You get to create your own dipping sauce as well (mmm for sacha sauce with dried shrimp!)  It is a cool, somewhat healthy way to eat out.

We went to Shaburi which is in ATT 4 Fun (who named this mall?) and has a really great ambiance.  It is a little pricier, but comes with salad and dessert as well.  You can save a little by going a la carte as well though sesame ice cream is definitely a great way to end this meal!

899 NTD (about $30)
ATT 4 Fun mall

To be honest, I never loved pineapple cakes.  Some brands were too greasy, others were too sweet.  But SunnyHills Bakery sets itself apart.  First, there are the ingredients: this international cast of ingredients includes butter from New Zealand, flour from Japan, and free range eggs as well as organic pineapple from Taiwan.  This adds up to a simple, flakey, and perfectly sweet (not too sweet) cake.  The second draw of the bakery is the location.  It is based in a quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood in Taiwan.  The environment is artistic and chic and I loved the random art work throughout the place.  You can order cakes to go and the bakery will invite you to sit down for a complimentary cup of tea and a pineapple cake (two cakes for the price of one - score!) The last two pictures are from the website because I quickly devoured my cake and there was none left for photos!

350 NTD for 10 cakes (about $12)
No. 1, Alley 4, Lane 36 Section 5 MinSheng East Road, Songhan District

Travel Log: A Northern Indian Wedding at Neemrana Fort-Palace in Rajasthan, India

What do you imagine when you picture an Indian wedding?

If you envision vibrant jewel tones, contagious singing and dancing, and a visual delight of ceremony and fashion you are right on! This was actually the fifth Indian (Hindu) wedding I've attended but my first one in this region. The wedding venue, Neemrana Fort-Palace, only added to the romantic vibe of the occasion. The beautiful arches and architecture hailed from 1464 and have been restored in beautiful detail.   I'll write a separate review about the Fort because it was really lovely.   It was quite an experience walking on such lovely and historic grounds.  The warm colors and grand spaces just enhanced the beauty of the wedding itself (really when will you witness a wedding in an amphitheater?!)

Here are the highlights of the wedding:
The bride receives henna and there are lots of performances at the sangeet the day before the ceremony.

Flower petals adorn the grounds during the wedding day.

The bharat band and groom are here on the wedding day!  Don't try to out dance a middle-aged Indian lady.  You will lose and I can only say "Told you so!"

The ceremony progresses (for a while - it is actually common for most guests to leave because it is so long and the poor couple and family are left alone on stage!)

I told you it was in an amphitheater - lovely venue!

 What a way to end the night!

Travel Log: Journey to the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

What is the biggest thing you have ever done for love?

Hmm, I can't say I'm sure what my answer would be but I do show my husband I love him every day in small ways (so that adds up right?)  I also can't begin to compete with grand acts of love like building a 561 foot marble ode to my partner.  The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal; this white marble mausoleum is the finest example of Mughal (Indian, Persian, Turkish) architecture that exists today.

So it goes without saying that it is a must visit site if you are spending some time by Delhi and can spare 5 hours to get to Agra.  Yes five hours on a highway with no distinct lanes, traffic rules (think cars coming towards you from the opposite direction), and camel traffic.  Yes camel traffic.  While I'm actually more traumatized by the traffic than the mild car accident we experienced, I am glad we got to visit the Taj Mahal.  It is a long drive there so I would actually go again and stay at least one night so I can visit the nearby forts and Fatehpur Shikri (I visited once and it is truly stunning!)

Tip: Stay at or have a meal at the Oberoi Amaravilas.  The hotel is simply stunning and luxurious -like an oasis in the city.  You can also buy your tickets to the Taj Mahal in advance from them (the ticket office is a few blocks away from the site) and they will send you there in a golf cart for free since cars aren't allowed within a few blocks of the Taj Mahal.

Since you will be waiting a while just to enter the Taj Mahal (the queues can be crazy!), take your time, look at the beautiful detail, and enjoy the grounds. Oh and you might want to consider bringing socks because you have to remove your shoes or wear shoe covers!