Monday, July 31, 2023

Singapore - To Do (Chestnut Nature Park Nothern Loop)

Singapore - To Stay
Singapore - To Eat
Singapore - To Do

Chestnut Nature Park Northern Loop

*The Wash Point and toilet in the area*

 
One of the few parks in Singapore which has a dedicated place for Mountain Bikers to go full out in the wild. Though there are demarcated paths for both Hikers and Bikers, sometimes the lack of clear signage may cause an infringement of each other's lane which can be a little cause for concern for happy wanderers. 

A simple hike but there are much more scenic and iconic walk trails that do not span as far.
Click here for ABBA Location of Chestnut Northern Loop Carpark

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Singapore - To Eat 28July23 (Don Dae Bak - Korean BBQ)

Singapore - To Stay 
Singapore - To Eat

Singapore - To Do

Don Dae Bak
(Downtown East Branch)

At SGD34.90++/pax this 100% charcoal bbq buffet place at 90mins per seating, this chain came up a number of times in some reviews as well. Known for charcoal BBQ and authentic Korean side dishes. We headed down to the downtown east branch to avoid the crowds in town. 

Ordered On:
28July23
Added SGD5 for the cheese dip. Fun little side dip.

Food 3/5
*Cuts were nice and thick, but really no seasoning at all for the pork cuts. If they'd provided a little more sauce options, maybe it'd be better. (Only Korean chilli paste and seasame oil and salt dipping sauces). They could have provided a larger variety of marinated meats as well. Their accompanying sides were nice thou.*
Service 2.5/5
*Its a toss up. They were very conscientious to have the grill plates frequently changed. In an hour of dining, the grill plate was changed about four times. However, the rest of the queries with regards to the food, seemed more of burdening questions to the wait staff.*
Ambience 3.5/5
Value 2.5/5
Total paid SGD92.40 for 2

Great portion control with the serve for two and the crisp, cold lettuce helped cut the heavy meats. All-in-all, will probably try other Korean BBQ joints next time. The excellent exhaust system did however manage to keep our clothes relatively smoke free from cooking.  

For a charcoal experience BBQ, one might be interested in Three Peacocks for a huge variety of selection and outdoor offerings.
Click here for ABBA location of Don Dae Bak at Down Town East.

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Paris - To Do 24July23 (Moulin Rouge , Love Wall, La Basilique du Sacré Cœur, Rue Foyatier, Pierre Hermé, Pierre de montmarere , Place Du Tertre, View from Gallarie La Fayette,Bouquiniste ParisMural Homenaje a Salvador Dali,The Centre Pompidou)

Paris - To Stay
Paris - To Do
Paris - To Eat

 In total about a 9km walk for day

(DAY1)
La Grande Arche de la Défense
The Arche de la Défense is aligned with the historical axis of Paris, connecting the Louvre Museum, the Place de la Concorde, and the Arc de Triomphe. Its design is a modern interpretation of the iconic Arc de Triomphe, creating a visual link between the historical past and the contemporary present.
Click here for ABBA location of Arche de la Defense


Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is an iconic cabaret located in the Montmartre district of Paris, France. Established in 1889, it is renowned for its extravagant and vibrant performances, including the famous can-can dance. Throughout its history, the Moulin Rouge has attracted celebrities, artists, and visitors from all over the world, making it a symbol of Parisian nightlife and cultural allure.
Have a morning French Breakfast at Le Vrai Paris
(A random walk in for some a start to the day. Typical French Breakfast)
A classic French breakfast entails some bread, jams with butter, a juice and a coffee. Simple but enjoyable start in the alfresco setting.

Wall Of Love
The Wall of Love in Montmartre, Paris, is a 40 sqm love-themed wall with 612 enamelled lava tiles, displaying "I love you" 311 times in 250 languages, representing a universal message of love. Created in 2000 by Fédéric Baron and Claire Kito.
La Basilique du Sacré Cœur
(Sacred Heart of Montmartre)
Fantastic panoramic views of the city and the finale lead up and final scene to where John Wick 4 was filmed. One can scale to the top either through Rue Foyatier where the staircase scene was filmed, and highly recommended the track through the garden for both experiences. 

 
 
Rue Foyatier
(Either on the trip up or down from
Sacré Cœur)
The steps in Montmartre leading up to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, known as "Rue Foyatier Steps," are steep and consist of 222 steps. There is a mechanical lift at the side for a fee but enjoy the whole experience. 

- Historic Climb: The steps were constructed in the late 19th century to facilitate access to the basilica, which sits on the highest point in the city. They were completed in 1914.
- Pilgrimage Site: As the steps lead to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, they are often taken as part of a pilgrimage route for both locals and tourists seeking a spiritual experience.
Click here for ABBA location of Rue Foyatier

Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé is a world-renowned pastry chef and chocolatier hailing from France. Often referred to as the "Picasso of Pastry," he has revolutionized the world of desserts with his innovative creations and artistic approach to pastry-making.
Prices are fixed even if you buy more at 2.80each. Gift boxes are a small additional charge.
We tried their two most popular and staff recommendations. A chocolate and passion fruit mix, double up order on their star rose and lychee flavored one and an additional yogurt and zesty one. All were home runs and quite the experience.
You too can buy an Herme, cash and color of choice.
Click here for ABBA location of Pierre Herme

Pierre de Montmartre
One of the oldest surviving churches in Paris.
Click here for ABBA location of Pierre de montmarere

Place Du Tertre

Highly recommend to check out Place Du Tertre a unique and charming square located in Montmartre. It is famous for its artistic atmosphere and historical significance. Its a free art gallerie by artist creating work in their own unique styles. One could also get their portraits done there or take home a one-of-a-kind art piece of Paris.
View of Dome and Rooftop at
Gallarie La Fayette
 
Renowned shopping center for luxury goods and brands. 

Definitely come here to check out the incredible dome as well as a scenic roof top view which grants you another Panoramic view of the city and especially of the Eiffle Tower.
*View of La Basilique du Sacré Cœur*

  
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 (DAY2)
Bouquiniste Paris
Enjoy the unique sellings along the river bank of old used book stalls. It was raining today with only a few stalls open, however its still a great look through at their retro posters as well as old magazines, while making one's way to Notre Dame
Click here for ABBA location of Bouquiniste Paris 
 
Mural Homenaje a Salvador Dali
*After a long 11km walk*

The Centre Pompidou
The Paris Pompidou Centre caused uproar when first unveiled in 1977. With its guts of pipes and tubes on display, it was denounced as a blight on the skyline. Home to the museum of modern art for a future visit perhaps. Take picture first, google about it another time. Another famous architectural building like MoPop in Seattle.