Beijing Great Wall of China - Contributed by GC Teo 30Sep2013

Beijing - To Stay
Beijing - To Do
Beijing - To Eat

Beijing - To Do 
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Day trip to Great Wall of China
*Text and Pictures Contributed by GC Teo*

Getting There, Quick and dirty via Hotel
(Option1)

Hotel Concierge charges RMB800 (SGD160) for a private car to the Great Wall for an entire day.

If you can get a company of 3 or 4, its quite worth it.

Getting there the local way
(Option2)

1. Start the day early 0515 or 0700, depending on which train you want to catch. (see image below)

2. Take a cab to 北京北站 (Beijing North Railway), Cost about RMB30 (SGD6). Traveling time 20mins from the hotel.

3. Head to the middle of the station building, they have a dedicated booth selling tickets for the S2 train which you will be buying. Tix cost RMB6 (SGD1.20)

4. Enter the station and join the queue for the train.

5. When the gate for the train opens, don't be shock to see the locals squeezing and rushing to be the first to get onto the train, you are doing the local way in China after all. The locals will run for the train, so be prepared.

6. Try to get the window seat on the left as you enter the train for a better view. Travelling time 1.5hrs.

7. Tickets for the Great Wall cost RMB45 (SGD9). You can choose to purchase this at the entrance of the wall or if you want to skip the queue, the tickets are also available with the train conductors for RMB80 (SGD16) which includes another ticket to a theatre which cost RMB40 (SGD5) separately. Not much of a premium to skip the queue in my opinion.

Alight at 八达岭站 (Badaling Station) and walk about 800m to the left and you will reach the great wall.

8. You may want to spend about 2-4hrs at the wall.

9. To return, set aside sufficient time to descend the wall and reach the train station preferably 30mins before the train departs (See train schedule). Else you may find yourself standing for the entire 1.5hr ride back, though seats are still not guaranteed.

10. Take a cab back to the hotel and get some rest!

Total cost of the trip, RMB152 (SGD30.40)!

Have fun.
*Text and Pictures Contributed by GC Teo*

Amsterdam - To Do Contributed by Denison Tan 24Sep2013 (Royal Palace Amsterdam)

Amsterdam - To Stay
Amsterdam - To Do
Amsterdam - To Eat
Amsterdam - To Buy

Amsterdam - To Do

*Text and Pictures Contributed by Denison Tan 24Sep2013*
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Royal Palace Amsterdam

At first glance, the Palace House of Orange hardly resembles what one expects of a Palace. There are no barricades or gates to separate the teeming masses from its walls. The famed Redlight District is just a stone's throw away! It took a bit of surveying to distinguish the Palace from the other stately buildings in the area.

The consternation at the state of affairs is addressed by the presentation in the Palace Walls, taking one through the Palace's previous incarnations as a Town Hall for the people to visit to a Napoleonic Palace to its current role.

A tip is not try and assimilate the history in all the rooms - Amsterdam's taxation history hardly makes for lively listening. Of interest will be the opulence on display, along with the awe-inspiring sculptures in the Citizen's Hall.

The statue of Atlas looms over the Citizen's Hall.

City Council Chamber.

Visit the Execution Chamber where public hangings were conducted from and the City Council Chamber where transfers of power takes place. Along the way, the Proclamation Gallery, the backdrop for Royalty and visiting VVIPs to greet the masses.

The Execution Chamber.

Proclamation Gallery

It costs 10 Euros to enter, and a free audio guide is available to roam the halls at your own pace. 
 Not exactly a must-see, but worth a look nevertheless.*Text and Pictures Contributed by Denison Tan 24Sep2013*
Click here for ABBA location of the Royal Palace, Amsterdam Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam - To Eat *Contributed by Denison Tan* 24Sep2013 (Wok To Walk)

Amsterdam - To Stay
Amsterdam - To Do
Amsterdam - To Eat 
Amsterdam - To Buy

Amsterdam - To Eat
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*Review Text and pictures by Denison Tan 24Sep2013*
Wok to Walk

Reported cheap, good and pricing around €8-€12 which is opened till late.
*Suggested orders were fried brown rice with chicken and hot sauce/vegetarian option which piles on the vegetable serving.*

Click here for ABBA location of Wok To Walk located near Marriott Hotel
Click here for Review contributed by Denison Tan of Wok to Walk

*During the last stay, the WTW near the hotel was damaged by a fire! So had to venture a bit further to another WTW nearer the Central Station at 8 Kolksteeg.*

Pretty straight forward to order, chose from each of the three columns, pay and wait for your meal.

The ingredients are laid out for your perusal and the open concept lets one see your meal being prepared.

From the WTW website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxgOEFBxzVw

Cramped interior, which is to be expected for a take-out joint.

Today's pick - brown rice with beef and the Saigon (garlic and black pepper sauce). With a drink, came to 9 Euros.

Verdict: Definitely has speed going for it despite the stream of customers. Every spoonful had a sliver of beef, so value for money in my book. They could have gone a little easier on the sauce though, something that could be mentioned when placing orders. Otherwise, a welcome taste of Asian cooking for the homesick.

 

*Review Text and pictures by Denison Tan*
Click here for ABBA location of Wok To Walk located near Marriott Hotel

Australia - Melbourne, To Eat (Mekong Vietnam, Stalactites)

Melbourne - To Stay
Melbourne - To Do
Melbourne - To Eat

Melbourne - To Eat
11Aug2012

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Mekong Vietnam
original Vietnamese Rice-Noodle Soups

This place got well known after the patronage of Chinese celebrities. It further shot to fame when then, President Bill Clinton, patronized this outlet, advertised as ordering two bowls of Pho! They were probably smaller bowls backs then.

Overall, big noodle servings, but felt its large patronage was more of its celebrity patronage novelty than anything else. Beef was done just right and noodles not over cook. Soup stock was average, but border-lined on salty. Chili and pickled onion condiments were excellent though.

What was ordered:

Beef Pho x1

Chicken Noodles x1

Vietnam white Coffee Cold x1

Hot Black Coffee x1

Total AUD25

Fed2
Overall 7/10

Open 7 days

Mon-Fri 9am-10pm
Sat-Sun 10am-10pm

ABBATip: Place gets crowded by about noon. Arrived at 1140 without much trouble on getting a seat.

Click here for ABBA location of Mekong Vietnam located 241 Swanson Street

Stalactites
Open 24hrs 7days a week

The decor absolutely suits the name of this 24-7 joint to a T. 

Ordered the Lamb Souvlaki, AUD10.50. Beautifully caramelized meat, dripping with juices carved off the rotisserie, served with fresh cabbage and tomatoes, served up in a  warm wrap. Absolutetly delicious and whats more. Did I stress on 24-7?

Only a stone throw walk from the Grand Hyatt, this place delivers big on flavor. Will definitely be back to try the other stuff on the menu.

Click here for ABBA location of Stalactites 177-183 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Royal Arcade *located opposite Myers*

 - Kokomo black-

 Located opposite Myers shopping centre, down one of the many beautifully arched shopping arcades found in Melbourne, stretches a wide range of handmade truffles and chocolate pralines to satisfy you.

A great place to stay sheltered, and people watch as you enjoy a Cuppa. Letting the day wind down, with half-hourly and hourly chimes by GOG and MAGOG, two 7feet giant striking time since 1892.Click here for Royal Arcade and location of Kokomo Black Shop 4,Royal Arcade/335 Bourke Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000, Australia 

Krispy Kreme

E'Nuff said. What is it for the unintiated? It's super awesome doughnuts, with the cream filled, sugar-saturated ones, going for about 500+KCALs or more a pop. Sugar overload, wonderful greatness in a oval shaped oval! Order in boxes of dozens or more to bring back home.

Click here for ABBA location in the city nearest to Hyatt Hotel55 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

U.A.E - Dubai, To Do (Dubai Creek)

Dubai - To Stay
Dubai - To Do
Dubai - To Eat

Dubai - To Do
15Sep2013
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Dubai Creek

Watch a life in the day of a port worker at this active bank. The constant loading of all sorts of goods to be shipped all over. From textiles, millions of toothbrushes, big brand electronics, and many more, many of which are still loaded by hand.

One could even take a boat ride at AED1 (one way) to cross to the older  part of Dubai, where alley ways are filled with textiles and tourist gift shops. Alternatively, one could pay a bit more for a river cruise up and down the Dubai Creek.
 

Although not much in terms to see, the entire atmosphere and build seemed to come right of a set of an Indiana Jones movies.


For the experience, and granted not too hot a day of a reported high of 37degree C, we had walked the entire way from hotel, to the creek. Followed by a boat ride to and fro the older part of Dubai. An experience in itself, but a great one, as you get to see port workers go about their daily routine, under the sweltering heat and only imagine what's it like for a whole day and in hotter times.

ABBATip:
Nuts in the older part of Dubai seemed cheaper. When asked a random shop, roasted almonds were charged at AED10 for 1kg as compared to the shops near port side, which were going for AED9 for 500g.
Click here for ABBA location of Dubai Creek from Hotel.

Sydney - To Eat (Opera Bar, The Milk Bar by Cafe Ish)

Sydney - To Stay
Sydney - To Do
Sydney - To Eat

Sydney To Eat
09Sep2013
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Opera Bar

Located just below the iconic Sydney opera house, this place has an amazing view of darling harbor, and an awesome live band playing song covers. Overall a very relaxing place, with groovy chill out vibe. Seating extend right outside to the banks, definitely the best seats in the house. 

 Ordered:

Pumpkin, Sage, Spinach & Pecornio AUD18

*Who'd had thunk this would work. But it's really good. Sweet tender goodness from the pumpkin really accented the dish. Sage wasn't over powering and spinach and cheese combo is always a sure win. A really good recommendation from the bar tender and worth a try.*

Chilli Salt Squid AUD14

*A good fry with powdered spice sprinkling. Although titled as chilli salt squid, a little restraint in the salt would have been better. Taste fine with condiments. Squids succulent, juicy and slice was just right*

Beer battered flathead fillets,chips,tartare sauce AUD27

*Perhaps unfamiliar to flathead, but it tasted strongly familiar to frozen, store bought, boxed fish sticks. Served atop a bed of fries which were leaning towards the, cold soggy side.*

Pure Blond and Corona AUD17

*A little pricy for beer by auzzie standards, but guess its the premium for the location and overall atmosphere.* 

Click here for ABBA location of Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia 

ABBATip: Take the free shuttle bus, 555 which runs up and down George Street with a stop at the rock. Click here for more details.
- The more happening side for eats and great vibe was on the Sydney Opera side. On the opposite side of the banks, it was pretty much a ghost town.

The Milk Bar By Cafe Ish 
*Recommended by Dershini*

Ordered:

Fried Mac and cheese AUD8 (Pictured Left) 
*A special during our visit. macaroni pushed into rectangular molds and deep fried. A heavy and sinful starter. Its like having deep fried mars bars. As is, is great, but frying makes it better.*
Ai's freaking Awesome Chicken Wings AUD14 (Pictured Center)

"Fried free range chicken wings w a choice of sauce,
vinegar and shallot, crab sauce or hot sauce."
*Order came with Vinegar and shallots. Essentially Asian infusion, chicken, hot wings. Sweet & sour sauce, of some preserved bean, caramelized onions and a fresh kalamansi lime squeeze to drizzle. Unique and tasteful.* 
Crab Omelet AUD27 (Pictured Right)

Kara-age soft shell omelette, encased in egg w avocado and shallots, garlic, chilli, soy, ginger dressing.
*A unique dish. The sauce maybe best described as a similar sauce used in chinese steamed fish with chili and preserve bean. Little or no heat from the chilies. A Popular dish at location but a tad pricy. There is a cheaper alternative for individual portions at AUD15.5*

 Steak Sanga "Coorong" Angus rump steak, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, wasabi mayonnaise."

*Great char on the meat with, simple setup of fresh greens. A large serving with home made bread. Great taste and value for money. Wasabi mayonnaise lacked in punch and didnt even know about it until writing this review.* Cold water served.

Fed3 Total:AUD61.50

Looking for Japanese-fusion, breakfast, brunch, lunch, this is a place you could venture to, for a unique blend of above average fusion flavors, at reasonable prices. All breads are made fresh at location. Sandwiches and burgers are good sized and value for money.

ABBA details
Opens for breakfast and lunch only.
Quite packed from Wed-Fri due to office lunch crowds from 1pm onwards. Fri to Sun full all day.
Mon-Fri 7am-4pm 
Sat-Sun 9am-4pm 
Click here for ABBA location of The Milk Bar by Ish located at 105 Regent Street, Redfern, New South Wales, 2016, Australia 

ABBATip: Take the free shuttle bus, 555 which runs up and down George Street with a stop at the end of China town for a shorter walk to location. Click here for more details.

Makanai

Ordered:

Teriyaki Wagyu Beef Don AUD14.50

*Taste like plain beef. Nothing Wagyu about it. A space filler.*

Curry Udon AUD12

*No meat at all. Just basic curry and fish cake. Nothing to scream about. Another space filler.*

Chicken bento box set AUD17

*For the extra few dollars, definitely the more, value for money order compared to the rest. Taste fine. Expect supermarket standard Shashimi.*

Green tea AUD1 Bunderberg Ginger Beer AUD4.

For a quick and dirty meal. Located right beside Hilton hotel.

Click here for ABBA location of Makanai.

Sydney - To Do (The Australian Museum)

Sydney - To Stay
Sydney - To Do
Sydney - To Eat

Sydney - To Do
09Sep2013
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The Australian Museum

The oldest Museum in Australia is home to a collection of artifacts, dedicated to natural history. A reasonable range of stuffed animals, insects and birds, which are largely native. Apart from a few standout pieces, most displays lacked dynamism.

The museum does have a good kid friendly and interactive learning section, with both live, physical and preserve artifacts to see, learn and touch. 

There seemed a general lack of flow to the entire Museum, with a sporadic sprinkling of displays, with potential of missing some sections. 

ABBA details:

2hours would more than suffice for a visit.
Adult AUD12
Concession AUD8 

Click here for ABBA location of Australian Museum, Australian Museum, College Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia