Monday, December 30, 2013

27Dec2013 - Mile High Shot, Moscow Airpot. UUDD.


 View of Moscow Airport. 27Dec2013

Russia - Moscow, To Do 27Dec2013 (Church, Central Armed Forces Museum, Ekaterininskiy Park)

Moscow - To Stay
Moscow - To Do
Moscow - To Eat

Church along Трифоновская
Take a look at Russian architecture. Same same, yet different from many other churches found in Europe. Great angular designs and through the beautifully carved wooden doors to a beautiful interior. 
 Central Armed Forces Museum


Unfortunately, apart from the signage, all displays are written up in Russians. It was great to have actual pieces of war machines and munitions of war on display with great art works,  and pictures to paint a story. 
The best part to the museum were the large static displays of decommissioned warplanes, copters, and artillery guns. They've got a missile parked outside. How cool is that!? 
Open from 10a.m to 5p.m.
CLOSED on MONDAYS and TUESDAY
You can be in and out within an hour or so. Entry for adults 120Rubles

Ekaterininskiy Park
A park for jogs, walks. Not going to elaborate a lot more on this. Really scratching the bottom of the barrel for things to do on this trip. Even here, Elvis is king.

Russia - Moscow Azimut Olympic Hotel 27Dec2013/09Aug2015

Moscow - To Stay
Moscow - To Do
Moscow - To Eat

Moscow
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Azimut Olympijskij
Moscow Russia Olympijskij 


Caution: Depending on traffic, its a very, very long bus ride to the hotel, ranging from 1/1/2hrs to even 3hrs or more.

Bringing a family member or on own visit
- Getting a Moscow Visa is tedious and long drawn process for a couple of reasons.
Things you will need:

- You will require a notification of invite at the hotel with which you are staying at for the time and duration of your stay. (Notification of invite maybe either a single or double entry and this is restricted by the licensee they have.)
Depending on the hotel you stay in, they can either issue a single or double entry visitation pass. In this instance, Olympijskij Hotel only iissue a SINGLE entry visitation. Re-return to the hotel from antoher location is unlikely. Apparently the Russian Embassy Singapore side have become stricter on this as supposedly they once accepeted double single entry letter of invitations. 
P.S.(Two separate single entry slips do not count and the Russian embassy in Singapore will not issue a double entry Visa to you if you so intend to enter Moscow again from another location. Transit is not a problem and does not require a VISA.
- Russian Embassy is very particular on your first and last name and everything must be spot on. 
- It take a lot of time to process the VISAS.
Express Visas take 4working days and standard up to 6 working days. (price of visa maybe another $100 more
The Russian embassy doesn't work every weekday of the week and neither on public holidays or weekends. Although 6days maybe a week, plan greater lead time for processing the VISA. (Not inclusive of wrong Last and first names)
- Prices of a Visa are not cheap and vary (personally, yet to be successful to apply) They may range from 100-200 dollars (assuming its chargeable in USD)
$$$ Money Changing $$$
Note There are no Rubles for exchange at Changi Airport!
Exchange at Moscow Airport is horrible. Buying at 1 SGD for 14Rubles, Selling 1SGD at 28Rubles or something like that.


Money exchange is now available
at Azimut Hotel basement! (Same floor as gym)

SGD Approx 46Rubles on 9Aug2015
Open 24hrs and operated by a bank teller. Ex-Changed 100USD, versus internet rate, lost out a total of 5SGD only.
- Does not change SGD

- USD and Euro prefered and not a problem
 
Alternate Money Exchange
- Upon visit, money changer was non-serviceable. Alternate bank location was located
around the corner.
- No queue number is required. Proceed to cubical 8 behind closed door where a staff will tend to you. Accepts Singpoare dollar and when exchanged was at near internet rate. 1SGD -> 25 RUBLES during time of visit.
Weekdays Open form 8:30 - 1930
Weekends Open from 9:00 - 1700

Click here for ABBA location of Alternate Bank, located 600m away from hotel. 

Alternatively:
You can change USD at the hotel machines downstairs. Bring USD as its much easier to change and apparently the rates are much better.


Really depending on the weather during time of visit, essentials such as money changer or transportation services maybe seen relatively near or far. However, the Hotel does provide shuttle services to various tourist locations in town.
ABBA details
- Free Wifi available in the lobby. Complimentary wifi is also available in-room.
- Complimentary shuttle service to various sights and tourist sports to and Fro the city center. Destinations include Tsvetnoy Shopping Centre and metro station, Pushkin Square, Red Square and much more. Note there are special services which run only on the weekends.
- Complimentary lounge excess to senior crew with light breakfast and dinner, drinks and eats.
Breakfast starts from 6am-1030am and Dinner Service from 5.30p, to 7.30pm.

- Supermarket located across the street.
Click here for ABBA Location of Hotel (It was ongoing a name change upon time of visit)


Getting around
Moving around is relatively easy. One can purchase a metro tap card for number of pre-purchased rides. The more rides purchased, the cheaper it is. Tapping in its the only requirement. No tap out required.
The cards themselves, to my knowledge are not able to be topped up, but a single tap allows for a single, unlimited transfer and distance ride. That is fine so long you do not vacate the train station. That in itself is one of the cheapest tours one is going to enjoy in Moscow, catching the different designs in each of the stations. Click here for some of the stations seen.


The trains lines are color coded as well as numbered both on signs and on the ground for easy identification of where you need to go. 

Further more, the signs in the trains are lit up accordingly, to show which station you are at and going to. Simple, timely and easy. The trains lines are color coded as well as numbered both on signs and lit up accordingly, to show which station you are at and going to. Simple, timely and easy.



Fire At Azimuth
on 9thAug2015

Word has it that as renovations were on going, a spark had gone off which led to the fire, setting the connecting building to Azimuth hotel ablaze. The fire did not spread beyond that. Reports were that the fire probably started around 1630hrs lasting all the way through the night till 1230hrs and on.
*Allowed to go back in at 2300hrs to collect luggage for the move to Metropol. Firemen were hacking windows and taking down insulation. Lobby of hotel was completely smoked out up to 6th floor or so.*
*The aftermath approximately 9days after. Hotel is reopened to accept guest with the gym facilities, located beneath the dome temporarily shut down*


Metropol Hotel
 
Hallways to the rooms
*Junior Suite*
*Standard Rooms*
Everyone was moved to the very grand and old Metropolitan hotel which played host to a varied range of celebrities, sports personalities and delegates. Location wise couldn't be any better, being a mere 5min walk from the red square or a short stumble from bars after a night out. The hotel does provide tours of the Hotel itself on Wednesdays and on Saturdays. Prior booking is required.
 
*Gyming Facilities and a small pool accessible from a separate lift*

 
A fabulous breakfast spread, dined in elegance, wrapped with music from a harp! Full priced breakfast is at 2000Rubles. Incredible.

Russia - Moscow - To Eat 27DEC2013 (495)

Moscow - To Stay
Moscow - To Do
Moscow - To Eat

Moscow - To Eat
27DEC2013
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495
(Crew get 50% discount of total bill at the hotel)

Too cold, and tired to go outside? Grab a bite indoors at the hotel's restaurant 495. Being the first visit to Russia, why not dine in distinct Russian cuisine. 
Ordered:
 Traditional Russian Borsch 700
*A beet root, carrot and vegetable soup with tokens morsels of beef cubes. Very clean and basic soup and not overly sweet. Defiantly not filling especially after a long day out.*

Traditional Russian Pelmeni 830
* Glorified dumplings. Hugely similar, just that their dough skin is a little thicker, but their filling meaty and tasteful. Pelmeni = dumplings. Wasn't even sure the liquid they served in was a soup or merely a poaching liquid, but either way, it tasted good. Probably a chicken stock of sorts.*
Fed 1: Total 1740 additional 210 for still water. (Prior discount)

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Tech - Apps (Airbnb/Trip Advisor/Metro)



 Airbnb (Free)
A great way to find cheap accommodation, and/or even put up your space for renting out. A day, a week? Its entirely up to you.
Click here to find out more about Airbnb.
 TripAdvisor (Free)
Pre download TripAdvisor of the country you want to visit. A place looking a little dogey? Perhaps use tripadvisor to see if its legit or a total scam. Best function has to be restaurants, best near by. It automatically list from highest ranking to lowest ranking via distance from where you are. Next time you meal joints won't be a crap shoot any more.
Metro (Free) Apple Only
*Contributed by Steve*
Trains are simple enough to follow and take from one point to another. Now with Metro, you can get to any location via trains or even buses. Download the country you are going to, and type in destination in which you are visiting and the app instantly comes up with the necessary public transport to take.

USA, San Francisco - To Eat (02DEC2013) (The Old Siam, You's Dim Sum, The Stinking Rose, Akiko's Sushi Bar, M.Y China)

San Francisco -To Stay
San Francisco - To Eat
San Francisco - To Do

San Francisco - To Eat 
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Day1
02DEC2013
The Old Siam

Opens till 11pm. Located 50m from Parc 55 Hotel.
(Warning: 20% gratuity for dine in. Perhaps take away would be cheaper.)


Ordered On: 

05March2016
Pad Woon Sen USD9.95
Stir-fried bean thread with chicken, shrimps, egg,  
napa cabbage, tomatoes, onions and green onions.
 *With crew discount of 10% (Remember to bring ID) and its extreme close proximity to Parc55, its absolutely perfect on a rainy day. Totally worth it with a fair amount of ingredients and decent servings. They come packed with the condiments as well. Perfect for wet weather, in-door camping.* 

Ordered on:
02Dec2015

On Special Spicy Moo Krob USD11.95
*I think its roasted pork and then deep fried, and stir fried with the usual Thai spice blends to deliver this dish. Frying with the pepper corn fruits were nice. 
IP A T,"Nothing Special"*

Eggplant Salad USD8.95
*The Eggplant seem cursory in nature. Very similar to Thai glass noodle salad. Basil and minced pork dressed together in a sweet sauce vinaigrette.*
 Vegetarian Egg Rolls USD5.95
*Oily spring rolls, but with very crispy exteriors*

Pad Thai USD8.95

*Flavorful but more noodles than anything else.*
 

Green Curry USD9.95
*Watered down and more on the sweet side. Perhaps tending to the western pallet. Use of young bamboo shoots and red and green capsicums are more of the western influence. Don't expect traditional green curry here.*

Chang Beer x3 USD4.25

Fed 4 Total:Too much. Price as shown but with 20% gratuity.
Perhaps best option is to have takeaway. The 20% gratuity was absolutely not worth it. Apart for convenience and being right next door, a stomach filler meal with decent food.

Day2
03DEC2013
You's Dim Sum 
Porridge
Noodles

*Noodle were good. Similar to fried Udon Noodles*
Spring Roll x3
*Oily and soggy*
Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice
*Lacking in sauce on the inside but good flavor*
Steamed BBQ Pork Bun
Baked BBQ Pork Bun
*Pork buns were huge. That's all I can say. Filling and sweet bun flavors.*
Chee Cheng Fun

*Really thick skin, but still enjoyable with the sauce
found table side, which we had didn't realize till much later.*

Carrot Cake
Siu Mai x3

*Really meaty pieces of monster Siu Mai. Great tasting
and value for money for sure. Should have ordered more of these.*

Fried Yam Bird Nest
*A nice crispy exterior but really oily.*

Fed 3 Total:13USD
I would definitely come back here for the cheapest, breakfast found so far. Especially if one were heading onwards to the pier or planning to rent a bike to cross the golden gate bridge. Highly worth it. Where could feed 3 guys at 13USD total! You had to clear your own plates thereafter, a small 'price' to pay for these unbeatable prices.

Day2
03DEC2013

The Stinking Rose
(Relocated)


Old location and look of the stinking rose.

I now know there is a limit to how much of a beautiful thing you can eat. They don't call it the stinking rose for no reason. You'll soon be gasing up your room no doubt.
  Ordered On:
11Nov23
*Their signature appetizer and ice cream are still as good as I remembered and the staple to eat when at the Stinking Rose. This relocated venue still serves up amazing food. Unfortunately the prime rib has been reduced to more of a well-prepared steak than a larger prime rib like back in the day. The 40clove garlic chicken however was beautifully prepared, juicy, flavorful and a delight. New location, reduced menu and at 40USD/pax with tip.*

 Ordered On:
15Aug2016
Signature Garlic Appetizer

 The Slab Prime Rib
(no longer on the menu)
 *The SLAB. Largest cut is just about sufficient to feed 4 individuals. Their mash is superb as is their cream of spinach! Still delivering even after 3years since the last visit*
Roasted Garlic Potato Onion Soup with Pastry Cap

*Really good soup with nice puff pasty. Filling, rich and delectable.*
Signature Garlic Ice-cream Dessert


*Probably the only thing that can't be had especially after a Garlic Meal. Garlic on garlic on garlic, the Ice-cream seem to have less punch. Its better to be had as is after a meal from else where to truly enjoy it and get its full effects*
Total Fed4 100+USD

Ordered on 
06May2014 for dessert
*Ordered Signature Garlic Ice-cream which didn't disappoint. A savor sweet dessert and this time we tried the Tiramisu, which was light and divine! A lighter substitute to the Mouse.*
Apart from the appetizer and dessert which really followed the theme and spirit of garlic galore which were fantastic. The rest seemed cursory in nature just to fulfill the theme. Would return here for a more selective order. Definitely the Prime Rib and the garlic Ice Cream. Their signature slow roasted appetizer maybe a bit much for two to finish. Three was already a struggle.

Ordered On:
3rd Dec2013:
Bangna Calda (Appetizer)Garlic cloves, oven roasted in extra virgin olive oil and butter with a hint of anchovy, a windfall treat for spreading on our house-baked focaccia bread, served at your table in an iron skillet. USD5.95

*The description itself sells the dish. A fantastic spread. Had so much of it, with garlic oozing out the wazoo. Goes fantastically with the warm bread, soaking up the anchovies and garlic olive oil. A great appetizer that must be ordered for all garlic fans.*
Lotsa Crab 3+lbs (2 to Share) USD49.95
 *My first time having Dungeness crabs prepared in such a fashion (Crab in garlic is done similarly in a myriad of places found along fisherman's wharf). Personally, I did not fancy the crab done this way and it's flavor profiles was a pseudo, wet version, of a salt egg crab styled dish, only thing done with garlic. Even so, the garlic flavors wasn't very prominent, but it's not meant to over power the dish. Sweet meaty piece of crab found in the legs and body, but somehow they shortchanged us the heads of the crab. an experience but won't try it again. That said, my buddy was for the dish, so it's a preference. Give it a try of how classic way in which San Fran prepares for the dish.*
Baby Back Ribs, garlic encrusted USD19.95


*Everyone didn't care too much for it. The garlic flavors did not permeate the meat so to speak. Though juicy, but probably due to cooking technique of having steamed the meat first then bbq it on the hot stove for the char and carablaization. Not much in terms of flavor or smokey sauce. Will likely not be ordering this agan*
 Garlic Roasted Prime Rib served with garlic yukon on gold mashed potatoes and creamed Swiss chard. (The Slab Size) USD49.95
*You know the feeling when a movie is really good? After you leave the cinema, you're still talking about it and still talking about it in the continuing days after? Yeah it's exactly that, but with this beautiful piece of beef. Unbelievable, tender, juicy cut of prime rib. Perhaps, it's because we had the largest possible cut to share, that its roasted evenly and unbelievably good. A sensual, sexy pink, medium rare through out. At first glacé, we thought we had over ordered way too much, but no objections here to finish this beau. The decorative roasted garlic and mash is merely a check in the box to meet the theme of the restaurant and a distraction to the star here. A solid piece of prime rib. Will definitely return just for this, and with the meat sauce, blissful, caveman-portioned, heaven! IP A T," Better than Lorry's."
Desserts Ordered

Gilroy's Famous Garlic Ice Cream with caramel mole sauce USD7.95
* A smokey garic flavor permeates throughout this creamy ice-cream. Amazing. A definite must order.

Chocolate Walnut Brownie Martini Mousse USD9.95
*The Mousse was rich and layered beautifully. None of that airy, light stuff. Only the good stuff found here. Even though we were stuffed to the brim, the desserts were completely finished.*

Fed3 Total: 156.27

ABBATip:
Planning for a big meal? Get Gift Cards from Costco and they give you up to 20% discount of some of your favorite restaurants.

Day3
04DEC2013

Akiko's Sushi Bar
Closed and replaced with Hinodiya Ramen


Ordered:
Most menus come with salad and miso soup shown above.
10 Piece Sushi: Chef's choice 6piece Nigiri & 4 pieces spicy Tuna Roll. USD14.95

*Quality over quantity. For those who need their sushi fix. A short walk from Parc 55 hotel and a simple meal. Sushi are decent sized cut fishes and reasonable for the pricing.*

Unagi Boburi: Fresh Water EEL with mixed greens over rice USD12.95
*Simple food fare at reasonable prices. Especially with the set which includes the soup and salad.*
Fed 2 Total: USD30.55

A very small, quaint location with a seating cpacity of no more than 20. Literally a hole in the wall kind of place, but a quality over quanity joint for japanese cuisine. Great for a simple lunch.
Click here for ABBA location of Akiko's Sushi Bar, 542 Mason St San Francisco, CA 94102


Day3 04DEC2013
M.Y China

Celebrity Chef, Martin Yan
(Yet to be reviewed)
"A fantastic chap. Down to earth and humble. Will definitely try his restaurant some other time for a review. Just lucky to catch him on a day that he was there in his restaurant."