First time I am seeing this. And now I am confused. All I know is that I cannot U-Turn or right turn. Help!
Highlights
KKB and the Grilling (2x): what a quaint little town this! The Container hotel turned out to be an oasis amidst the trees. Can't believe that was this in January the first time. So much has happened since!
A day trip to Bangkok to deliver 40Kg of magazines for an event. Cos it is cheaper than sending it via courier. Out at 6am, back in the evening after a relaxing lunch with friends.
MCVE 2024: Yet another exciting exhibition we hosted, the 6th of its kind. Living in the Organiser's Office again for a week and having to deal with all sorts of things that go Murphy's Law.
My first Busworld, this one in Jakarta. And immediately after MCVE 2024 with barely a day to reorganise things. Followed by a trip to Bangkok for another event. Some Michelin bib gourmanded restaurant left an impression.
Making it 4 "Happenings" in a row, the trip to China following the visit to the Agritechnica was a real "Woah" moment. Things have changed since I have been to Beijing in 1998. I would have liked to spend the evening in the Tsing Tao brewery, but the program organised by the hosts has also been rather exciting. I would say that Qingdao is worth another visit, for leisure.
WhiskyPLUS in Penang turned into a bit of a tour of the country with stops along the way. And several interesting additions to the collection from the event. Details are a little bit sketchy about the later part of the evening.
Kuching for the food festival. This time we went for 2 nights. The first to scout the place and the second to really get the food game on. Highly recommended event to experience the best of East Malaysia!
What was most enjoyable about the trip to Germany were the walks to the bakery. I do miss some good bread rolls. Yes, we get them here, but it is a major logistics undertaking to have a steady supply. Lucky with the weather, sitting outside and letting the world go by.
Having been an extra in 2 TV series and 1 commercial. I learned a lot during these gigs. Not that there is much of me to see, but I know that I am in it. Even though these were not Hollywood blockbusters, it was amazing to see what it takes to get a few seconds of footage done.
The Japan holiday took on epic proportions with a lost and found bag containing passports. For a change, this was a trip devoid of any commitments to clients, so it was a different vibe. I have now been on the Hakone Tour four times, but this was the first with a stop on Fuji. I got shoes!
Christmas market in Shanghai: would have enjoyed it even more if buying the tickets wasn't such a hassle. Recommended for the mulled wine and the near perfect ambience, the most authentic to being a German Christmas market I have seen.
Having "just one bottle of wine" in BoozeIt in Publica. What civilised afternoon that was. Four bottles later. Amazing concept to have the option to just sit there at the source. Good meat platter too.
Naturally, there was also a lot of grilling, the week-long celebration of Chinese New Year, trips to Penang and Melaka, that dinner in Sabayon would rank high on the memorable events list too. Lost 4 kg in excess weight and continuing to shrink.
Source “SmartShanghai”
Shanghai,
with its dazzling skyline seen from across the Bund, being the largest City in
the country, may not immediately come to mind as a destination to celebrate
Christmas and the cheerful time leading up to it. Those seeking a more
authentic experience of Christmas may find themselves emersed in a winter ambience
quite similar to the European mainland. The chilling air, with temperatures
dropping to near Zero degrees Celsius only add to the atmosphere.
Shanghai’s Christmas market is an authentic representation of
European traditions
The famous
German Christmas Market returns to the Bund this year, bringing you the festive
spirit of a traditional German-style market on the charming YuanmingYuan road
and square, next to the Rockbund and the Peninsula Hotel. Chiming in, the
Peninsula Hotel itself sports a dazzling display of light and deco to get
guests into the right mood. This wonderful scenic spot tucked in between
the historic Union church and the Shanghai skyline is the perfect spot for our
romantic Christmas market. Wooden stalls line the street where vendors offer
handicraft, foods of various cuisines and of course, mulled wine. With the
cold, chilling down the air drastically after sunset, the atmosphere is getting
as close to what one would experience the Christmas markets to be in Germany.
Those Germans having joined the event on the Bund would certainly attest to it.
To make the most of this, it is recommended to book tickets early as the
organisers are very concerned about the experience, thus limiting access.
Many shops, hotels and restaurants put up Christmas deco. Many hum along to the
Christmas carols.
With the
trees changing colours, a low-set sun makes for stunning visuals. An afternoon
spent in the French Concession will be feast for foodies, snap-happy
Instagrammers and seekers of a scenery away from high-rise buildings. Many of
the shops sport Christmas decoration, sharing the joy of the season. With the
rays still having warming-power, one is easily tempted to sit outside one of
the many cafes that line the streets of this quint neighbourhood. It is a
parading ground for dogs of all sizes, many of which are dressed by their
owners in the spirit of Christmas and often photographed by tourists.
The cold
season is also a good reason to sample Mulled Wine. It is a true Christmas
tradition to impress your friends with your own concoction. While meandering
the streets around the Fuxing Park several opportunities will arise to sample
the local interpretations of this seasonal beverage. The Boxing Cat Brewery is
just one of many that serve up Mulled Wine. For those seeking something unique
may find themselves in a Kweichow Moutai flagship store where
Moutai-infused icecream is served. Alternatively, the Snowbeer brewery sounds
like they offer a fitting drop matching the mood. The Intercontinental Shanghai
Ruijin offers an abode in the
heart
of the French Concession.
Early December is also the best time (in the opinion of this here writer) to visit the Xitang Water Town. Located some two hours by car, it is a beautiful town that seems like a completely different world from the hectic and concrete of Shanghai. One will find cobbled streets, old buildings, bridges arching over canals, rowing boats lingering on the river, and locals singing folk songs. Those with a bit more time may opt for a stay in the village’s hotels. Mornings in Xitang bring fresh air and light fog; by evening, the setting sun casts a rosy, enchanting glow. Many locals will flock to this charming location to dress in traditional Chinese dresses for photoshoots; it is less busy in winter, making for a more serene experience. Several pavilions are themed, providing educational insights into the life in ancient China. In modern times, the village has also been a filming location for Mission Impossible 3.
The ancient town of Xitang invites for a romantic getaway
Back in town, the Westin Bund Centre is perfectly located
for a Christmas getaway. Within walking distance to several shopping centres
and specialty stores, a pedestrian zone lined with shops offering local
souvenirs as well as high street fashion brands. The ideal locale to explore
for Christmas gifts! Famous for their Sunday Brunch, the Westin has themed
sessions like “The Nutcracker” during December. Adding to the free flow of
Champagne and lobster, crab, oysters and roast, the performances and live orchestra
are in tune with the festive season, adding charm to the occasion. During this
festive season Shanghai transforms into a magical Christmas destination
blending Eastern charm with Western festive traditions. From the enchanting
German Christmas Market to serene afternoons in the French Concession, the city
offers surprises for everyone. Its festive spirit, rich experiences, and unique
cultural fusion make it an unmissable holiday destination.
(Images: Stefan Pertz, unless otherwise indicated
Update on https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/2285495372779849830/3719618931095106319
After a full day of messing about with different phone, downloading loads of Apps that I will need only once in my life, lots of swearing and frustration, I finally managed to spend 8 EURO. Remember the days when you called your local cinema and just reserved tickets????
The organiser was very apologetic and I acknowledge that things may not always be easy (in China).
