Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Copenhagen - To Do (15May23 Day trip out to Sweden, Township of Lund and Malmo)

Copenhagen - To Stay
Copenhagen - To Eat
Copenhagen - To Do
Copenhagen - To Buy

Copenhagen - To Do
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Day Trip to Sweden

Visiting the City of Lund and Malmo
Done it all in Copenhagen? Take the short trip across the pond to check out these two popular side towns for a different vibe, and at the time, cheaper bites with the different exchange rates. Click here for more things to do in Malmo from ABBA contributor Denison

Both are quaint townships. I wouldn't call it as impressive or as big as other major cities but for a different change of pace and views, check them out. Some of their "rated tourist spots" for picture taking has to be taken with a more laid back, casual lens. A real nice 50mins journey to explore these two small townships and the company and camaraderie helps!
ABBATip:
- No Passport required!
- Frequent Trains!
- Train Conductors WILL CHECK each sector so pay the right amount. Cost about SGD20 each way.

Lund

Grand Hotel in Lund

Lund Botanic Gardens



Enjoying a Cuppa in the spring weather.

One of the "tourist photo spots"




Malmo

Strortorget or known as the Great Square in Malmo.
It has the feels of Amsterdam square or Munich's main town hall.

Turning Torso is a neo-futurist residential skyscraper built in Malmö, Sweden in 2005. It was the tallest building in the Nordic region until September 2022
Kungsparken, Malmo, City's Oldest Park with walking paths.
Malmo Castle, It has its own charm. Different feels from Nagoya's Castle.
Slottsmollan - Castle Mill in Malmo, See the real deal with a self guided tour to Amsterdam windmills.
Great company and planing makes for any location and place a great day out. Till the next one.

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Singpore - To Do 01May23 (Woodlands Waterfront Park)

Singapore - To Stay
Singapore - To Eat

Singapore - To Do

Woodlands Waterfront Park

Click here for ABBA location Woodlands Waterfront Park
*Nice wide spaces for cycling on the Jetty with a view of Malaysia in the distance.*

*From here you can cycle all the way to beside the heavily used Woodlands causeway which connect Singapore to Malaysia.*

*There's a nice focal point challenging rope course for the kids to take on.*

The woodlands River Park has nice scenic stretches that has views of the causeway and Johor Bahru across the straight. Its not as long as East Coast which maybe a little daunting for little bicyclers.
Another short cycling route is to explore Changi Bay Point. Click here for our Cycling trip
Great introduction stretches with a view, jetty with a restaurant and a respectable rope playground. There are water cooler facilities and lavatories on site.

Singapore - To Eat 30April23 (Spago Dining Restaurant)

Singapore - To Stay 
Singapore - To Eat

Singapore - To Do

 Singapore - To Eat
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Spago Dining Restaurant
(by Wolfgang Puck at Marina Bay Sands)
American Restaurant


Spago is located on the top floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands which would other wise be only accessible by hotel guests to the iconic infinity pool. Click here for staycation at Marina Bay Sands. The Menu is relatively straight forward. The set meal features the best the place has to offer, and one is allowable to top-up to swap out items for the meal. (Well worth it)
ABBATip:
- Note this is a fine dining establishment and kids below a certain age is not allowed entry.
- Parking coupon is available on request after your email. Saves a fair bit on the parking.
Click here for ABBA location of Spargo Dining Restaurant 10 Bayfront Avenue L57, Sands SkyPark, Hotel, Tower 2, Singapore 018956
Ordered On:
30April23
First
Hamachi and Hokkaido Scallop "Ceviche"
Soy, Yuzu, Ikura, Coriander, Kinome
*Beautifully presented and flavors were impeccable.*

Charcoal Grilled Octopus +10SGD
Jalapeno-Lime Aioli, Amela Tomatoes, Cucumber, Mint, Coriander
*Will definately try with some spice and heat whilst making a fancy Aioli next time. One of the better chargrilled Octopus. The best still goes hands down to how Duck & Waffle prepares theirs.*

Second
Grilled Iberico Pork Loin
Carrot-Ginger Puree, Young Onions, Caramemized Black and Golden Garlic
*The pork could be slightly more raw as that how we liked it though the recommendation was to take it to a medium. However, the refreshing surprise was the carrot-ginger pureee. Absolutely stunning and show stopper working very well with the pork loin.*

Double Lamb Chop (190g)
Mint-English Pea Pesto, Zucchini, Kalamata Olives, Lemon, Garlic, Lamb Jus
*Amazing pea puree. Cooked perfectly and has a great gamey flavour to it.*

Dessert
Salted Caramel Souffle
Fuji Apple Sorbet, Creme Fraiche

Buah Keluak-Coconut Coffee
Handmade Chocolate Truffles
*In summation both desserts didn't blow the socks off like the starter and mains did. The Buah Keluak-Coconut Coffee kind of worked but its a little of a stretch. More like a dark chocolate coffee and nice and frothy like Vietnam egg coffee.*

Food 4/5
Service 4.5/5
Ambience 4.5/5
Value 4/5
Fed 2 at SGD220

Overall food and ambience was excellent. Even with the upgrade "swap outs" it didn't break the bank. The cursory breads served prior, came together with impeccable service to deliver and amazing meal experience. Though the dessert took a little while longer to come out, the overall experience and non-rushed dining experience with views were all well worth the experience and perfect for a celebratory meal.

Not every meal in Marina Bay Sands is a hit. From personal experience, will still avoid Koma for over priced food and maybe during that time, horrible dining experience. Hopes that they have improved since then.

Click here for ABBA location of Spargo Dining Restaurant 10 Bayfront Avenue L57, Sands SkyPark, Hotel, Tower 2, Singapore 018956

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Amsterdam - To Eat 11April23 (Frens Haringhandel, Cannibale Royale)

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

Amsterdam - To Eat
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Frens Haringhandel
(Located across from the Flower Market)


Very happy. Quest completed.

*Ordered On11Sep25 6.50Euros now. Over touristy priced.*


A classic must have when in Amsterdam. You either love it or you don't. The soft bun, with the sweet chopped onions, sweet fresh pickle slices with the smooth delicious haring. A classic must have quick bite when in Amsterdam. One of the famous stalls and it is commonly found at their markets as well! At around 5Euros a bun and easiest way to enjoy them. 

You might be interested in world famous 100year old market, Albert Cuypt Market where they have also another famous strooples and Hering served.
 
Cannibale Royale
Sweeny Todd meets, Haunted mansion meets strange. A mix match of decoration to form this dining joint, Cannibale Royale. Seating is pretty decent and they have beer on tap. 
Ordered On:
10April23

55Euro Total
Meh. The sides were nice, but the ribs without the sauce was really dry. The crispy pork sandwich for those unaccustomed to horse radish styled mustard may not find it to their pallet.
For tried, tested and popular ribs in Amsterdam, Castell and Cafe De Klos are the hall mark long standing joints people go to.