TIANZIFANG ART STREET. SHANGHAI

Quaint alleyways with Shikumen architectural townhouses converted into shops & restaurants.
SOHO OF SHANGHAI. ART GALLERIES. BOUTIQUES. LAID-BACK CAFE CULTURE & ARTISAN RESTAURANTS.
Location: Lane 210. Taikang Lu(Road) in Luwan District Map
Getting there:
* Subway Line 1: Get off at Shanxi Rd Station; line 4: get off at Luban Lu Station;
line 9: get off at Dapuqiao Station & take exit 1.
* Buses:
- From Jianguo West Road, take bus 24 or 96;
- From Shannxi South Road, take bus 17, 41, 146 or 786
- From Chongqing South Road, bus 36, tunnel line 8, or bus 899, 986, 932, 786, 933 or 36

* This fashionable neighborhood is constantly evolving and reinventing to the latest trends and fads. What is "in" one minute is "out" the next. Many of the restaurants and retail shops are also casualties of this and close down quickly.

Eats:
1. Kommune: Lane 210 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* In the back alley lanes of Taikang Lu, it is worth scoping out for not only its simple, yet tasty food and drinks, but also for its epicenter of Shanghai's creative quarter. Outdoor seating is usually overflowing with artsy locals and hipster expats. Don't forget to check out the indoor and back courtyard.

2. That's Amore: Tianzifang, Lane 200 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Tratttoria style restaurant. It has a terrace on the roof overlooking the Taikang Lu lane shops. Traditional home cooked meals.

3. New York Style Steak and Burger: Lane 155 Jianguo Lu, near Ruijin Lu
* This tucked away grill offers USDA Prime beef mainly of half-pound burgers and slabs of steak.

4. Cafe Mojo: Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Small laneway cafe. It serves vietnamese coffee.

5. Origin: Lane 155 Jianguo Lu, near Ruijin Lu
* Cafe restaurant serving up healthy dishes from breakfast to dinner. Minimal decor.

6. Bohemia: Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu
* Cafe that serves light snacks like breakfast, sandwiches and salads. Wireless internet available

7. Cafe Dan:Taikang Lu, Lane 248, No. 41, backstreet
* Serves Japanese comfort food and tea, wine and desserts.

8. Miss Ginger: Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Visitors can relax and escape the crowds in the cozy interior, or feast their eyes upon the bustle from the outdoor seating. Ideal for lunch, afternoon tea or evenings of relaxation.

9. Mollica Di Pane: Tianzifang, Lane 200 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Italian bakery

10. Bell Bar & Cafe: Tianzifang Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu

11. Ginger Indochine: Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Serves South East Asian dishes such as Vietnamese Banh Xeo Hue Turmeric Crepe filled with Shrimps, Chicken & Herbs amongst other favorites.

12. En: House 20, Lane 248, Taikang Lu (Tian Zi Fang), near Sinan Lu
* A multi-story Japanese bar and grill, with teppanyaki, robata, yakitori, and a pocket-sized bar on the top floor. They also have a few unique Okinawan dishes, which fall somewhere between common Chinese and Japanese cooking, and they serve awamori, an Okinawan rice liquor similar to shochu.

13. Cotton House: 248 Taikang Lu
* Coffee bar. Popular with the locals.

14. Tai Wine: No 38/39, Lane 248, Taikang Lu. Phone: +86 (0) 21 6473 3001
* Cozy wine bar / restaurant with a great wine list. One of the few wine bars in Shanghai that retains the “old-Shanghai” feel.

************************************************* Cafe Dan****************************
Boutiques & Shops:
1. Nuzi: Shop 30, Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Sells New Zealand goods: 42 below vodka, wines and furniture and gift items.

2. Milkymomo Boutique: 274 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Lu

3. Chou Chou Chic (Taikang Lu): Unit 47, 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Kids fashion boutique by French designer in collaboration with Shanghai designer.

4. Casa Pagoda: 15-17 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Offers an eclectic array of goods that don't fit neatly into one overall style of artificially distressed vintage-look couches, tables, and armoirs; Union Jack tote bags and wall hangings, etc.

5. Plastered: Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Lu

6. La vie: Lane 210 Taikang Lu, Near Sinan Lu
* Flagshop store of Boutique fashion designer Jenny Ji.

7. NuoMi: Lane 274 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Lu
* Boutique store selling clothing ranging from bathing suits to tailor made sneakers on the pricey end. All clothing designed by local designers.

8. Harvest Studio: Suite 118, Bldg 3, Lane 210 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Miao minority women hand embroider ethnic-flavoured cushions, clothing and bags.

9. Hi Panda: 240 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu
* Chain store selling clothes with the cartoon Hi Panda, hipster-ish clothing started and designed by local designers.

10. Giotto: Taikang Lu, Lane 210, No. 15
* Hand-made leather shoes

11. Finland Design: 242 Taikang Lu
* Sleek Finnish design products, such as home décor and lifestyle accessories.

12. Shanghai Code Vintage Glasses: No. 2 Back Door, Lane 274 Taikang Lu
* Vintage retro frames & glasses and vintage alarms, water flasks, watches and travel bags

13. Eco Goods: No. 11B, Lane 210 Taikang Lu
* House wares – such as kitchen utensils, office supplies, gardening tools and décor – made from eco-friendly materials

Galleries:
1. Nancy's Gallery: Room 110 & 112, Building 5, Lane 210 Taikang Lu
* Contemporary fine art by foreign and Chinese artists

2. Deke Erh Art Center: No.2, Lane 210, Taikang Road. Phone: +86 (0) 21 6415 0675
* Black & white photos capturing the soul of Shanghai.

3. Mandy's Art Gallery: No. 5, 210 Taikang Lu. Phone: +86 (0) 21 6445 3949
* Original artworks by Mandi and artworks by other local artists

Photos
www.tripadvisor.com
www.potatomato.com
www.whereiscat.com

LORD HOWE ISLAND

A tiny remote island off of the mainland of Australia with abundance of endemic plants & animals.
ACCENTRIC. RICH BIO-DIVERSITY OF BIRDS & PLANTS. CONSERVATION OF NATIVE SPECIES. TRANQUILITY.
Location: On Tasman Sea off the east coast of Australia; two hours by air from Sydney or Brisbane.
Weather: Sub-tropical. Summer temperatures average 25C; winter is only 6 degrees cooler.
Getting there:
* Qantas Airline offers various connections to Lord Howe, including a daily service by QantasLink.
* For further information, visit Tourism Australia .
Size: Island is just under 7 miles long and 1 and 3/4 across at its widest
* there are only six miles of road with a blanket speed limit of 15mph
Web: www.lordhoweisland.info

Tips & Info:
* There are only 400 licensed tourist beds on the island. Book as early as possible.
* There are no mobile phones, though there is internet, and no automatic cash machines or public transport; most visitors either walk or cycle.
* There is one petrol pump, one Give Way sign, four hospital beds, six rental cars, fewer than 200 private vehicles (restricted in size), one police cell and one policeman.

Attractions & Things to do:
1. The island's social center is the Bowls Club where noisy dances are held every Friday (they don't start until 10pm)
2. Chicken Run bowls tournament on Thursdays
3. Arrival of the supply ship every two or three weeks; everything on the island is imported.
4. Ned's Beach: wetsuits, surfboards and snorkelling gear kept in the kiosk; Public BBQ grills
5. Climbing on non-active volcanic Gower Mountain. It's a day's strenuous hike to the top, and you have to be accompanied by a licensed guide.
6. Blinky Beach: Public BBQ grills
7. Island Museum: It has more models, documents and photographs than actual artifacts
8. Fishing
9. Nature walks & cycling & bird watching
10. A nine-hole golf course
11. Snorkeling & scuba-diving
12. Pleasure of doing absolutely nothing but unwinding and basking in the sun with a good book.

Lodging:
1. Capella Lodge: Starts $496
2. Arajilla Retreat: Starts $1,217
3. Pinetrees
4. Leanda-Lei Apartments
5. Somerset Apartments
6. Ocean View Apartments
More options

Photos:
www.worldheritages.com
http://dxing.at-communication.com
www.bradspictures.com
http://photo.net
www.goaustralia.about.com

BALENBOUCHE ESTATE

A family run organic farm plantation with guesthouses for rent near the city of Choiseul
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME. ANCIENT TREES. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. HISTORICAL HOME.
Location: Near Choiseul, south-western coast of St. Lucia Island on the Caribbean Sea
Airport: Hewanorra International airport; 20 mins away
Passport: British, Canadian, and French nationals do not require passports for entry into Saint Lucia on short stays (up to one week). The US nationals require a passport to travel to St. Lucia.
Web: http://www.balenbouche.com
Tips:
* The best way to get around the island is to rent a vehicle. You will need a local permit, which costs US$ 22 and is valid for three months (unless you have an international driving license)
* A 4x4 is necessary for certain hiking trails and beaches
* Driving in St Lucia is on the left
* Most vehicle rental agencies have offices at the airports and require the driver(s) to be a minimum age of 25 and have three years of driving experience.
* Local bus service is available but with limited routes.
Volunteering: http://www.balenbouche.com/volunteering/volunteering.htm

Photos:
http://www.wheretostay.com
http://www.tripadvisor.com

DHARAVI SLUMS. MUMBAI

An economically innovative and self-sustaining slum shantytown in the middle of the city of Mumbai.
CHAOTIC. LABYRINTHS AND MAZES TO NEW DISCOVERIES. VIBRANT. MODEL OF FUTURE URBANIZATION
Tips:
* To tour the village, you must do so with a guide. Navigating is extremely difficult and you can get easily lost.
* No cameras allowed during this tour.
* This tour isn't for the faintest of hearts. Littering, a lack of sanitation and other related problems persist from the sheer high volume of people living together in a condensed concentrated area and also from a lack of proper utility, sewage and hygiene services.
* To better understand the daily life and its people of Dharavi, please read this article.
* Dharavi Slums' future remains uncertain as the city government and developers hope to bulldoze and redevelop with modern skyscrapers and condos. Visit before it's too late!
* Be open-minded and non-judgmental. You will find warmth and kindness of the local people.

Tour operator:
http://www.realitytoursandtravel.com: An organization that gives back to the people of Dharavi by setting up educational facilities and collaborating with the NGO's working in Dharvi . A several touring options are available to better accommodate your time, budget, and experience.

Photos:
http://www.zimbio.com
www.boston.com.

PUBLIC SPACES. SEOUL

Finding peace in public spaces and parks to escape the loud congested street noise of Seoul
GREENERY IN A CONCRETE CITY. FINDING SOLITUDE IN A CITY OF MILLIONS. NATURE WALKS. PICNICS.
1. Seonyudo Park: A former water treatment center in Seonyu Island on Han River transformed into a thriving diverse ecosystem park.
* Hours:
- 06:00 - 24:00 (Exhibit Hall: Summer Time 09:00 - 18:00/ Winter Time 09:00 - 17:00)
* Getting there:
- Take subway line 2 to Dangsan Station and go out of Exit # 1 >> Take bus #605, 6623, 6631, 6632, 6633 and get off at Hanshin Apt. >> Cross over Seonyudo Bridge
OR
- Take subway line 2 or 6 to Hapjeong Station, Exit # 8) >> Take bus #604, 5712, 6712, 6716 and get off at Hanshin Apt. >> Cross over Seonyudo Bridge

2. Namsan Park: Hannam District Botanical Garden.
* Web: http://parks.seoul.go.kr
* Namsan Botanical Garden is open all year, with free entrance fee and located across the street from Hyatt Hotel
* Getting there:
- Taxi: Hyatt Hotel, Yong-san.
- Bus: Subway Seoul station exit #4, take the highway blue bus 402 or local bus (smaller bus) 0014. Get off at Hyatt hotel
- Local green bus 003: from Yongsan Station (Line 1), walk to E-Mart Store. Across the street. Turn left. Keeping walking til you see a booth island at E-mart parking ramp, turn right (You might see a well dressed female in the booth greeting the customers). Look for the bus stop (just around the corner) on your right. *Samgatchi Station (Line 4): Exit 1. Walk to the 1st stop sign and look behind for 2nd bus stop sign. or *Noksapyeong Station (line 6) Exit 1: Past the bus stop. Look for a staircase leading to the underground pedestrian bridge. Across the street. Look for a bus stop sign. Hyatt Hotel is the last stop.
- Hangangjin Station (line 6): Exit 2 then take bus #0014 and get off at Hyatt Hotel (Bus comes every 10 minutes / takes about 10 minutes)

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream: Once a neglected polluted stream, it has been revitalized as a walk-way path through the downtown of Seoul.
* Getting there:
- Subway Line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseoldong Station
- Line 2: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Euljiro 3-ga Station, Euljiro 4-ga Station, Sindang Station, Sangwangsibni Station
- Line 3: Jongno 3-ga Station
- Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
- Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station
- Exit towards Cheonggyecheon Stream
* I recommend the starting point at City Hall Station (Line 2)
* Best enjoyed in the evenings. Avoid during festivals or other events held in downtown
* Web & Tour info: http://english.sisul.or.kr

4. Yeouido Park: Although overcrowded, highly recommended during early spring for the celebration of Cherry Blossoms on Yunjunro Street stretching 6kms, behind the National Assembly Building.
* Getting there:
- Taxi: Yoi-e-dow Gong-wan (as in magic "wand" but no "d")
- From Exit # 1 of Yeouinaru Subway Station (Subway Line 5):
walk 10 minutes towards SBS TV Station.
- From Exit # 3 of Yeouido Subway Station (Subway Line 5), walk 5 minutes
towards the National Assembly building.

Worthy mentions located just outside of Seoul:
5. Bok-hansan: Mountain national park just North of Seoul. Streams, Buddhist temples, giant rock formation statues, and a great aerial view of Seoul. Many trails offered. Some can take you all the way to the top for about 7-9 hours of hike.
* Web: english.knps.or.kr
* Getting there:
- Dobong Area: At Exit # 2 of Dobong Subway Station (Line 1) walk 15-20 minutes or take bus # 141. (5 minute intervals/ 10 minute ride)
- Bukhansan Fortress: At Exit # 1 of Gupabal Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) take Bus # 704. and get off at the entrance of Bukhansan Fortress. (10 minute intervals, 20 minute ride)
- Ui Area : At Exit # 3 of Suyu Subway Station.(Subway Line 4) take City Bus # 130, 1217, 170. Get off at the Doseonsa Temple at Ui-dong. (10 minute intervals)

Buddha statues at Choenchuksa Temple

6. Hwaseong Fortress: A fortress 30 km South of Seoul in the city of Suwon which was built during the late 18th century in remembrance of murdered Crown Prince Sado. It is one of the best well preserved fortresses in South Korea and has been declared as an Unesco Heritage Site.
* Web: http://ehs.suwon.ne.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* Activity Information:
- Traditional Archery: 5 arrows = 1,000won (additional 5 arrows = 1,000won / max 20 arrows)
* Operating Hours:
- Summer season 09:00 - 18:00 / Winter season 09:00 - 17:00
* Admission Fees:
- Adults 1,000 won ($1.00) / Youth 700 won / Children 500 won
- Group (over 30 people) - Adults 700 won / Youth 500 won / Children 300 won
* Getting there:
- From Yongsan Station in central Seoul (line 1): Ask the Information Desk about how to get on the faster subway train to Suwon Station (Line 1). Then take city bus No. 2, 7, 7-2, 8, or 13 and get off at Jongno 4-geori (intersection). Walk 5 min.
- Bus: The following options may be a bit more challenging if you are not familiar with the Seoul bus transit system.
1)Suwon~Jamsil:
Take bus No. 1007 from Suwon Station, Whaseo-mun,Kyunggi province police agency,
Suseo Station, Jamsil Station, Seokchon Station or Garak market and get off at Jongno.
2)Suwon~Kangnam,Yangjae:
Take bus No.3000 from Suwon Station, paldal-mun, Jangan-mun, Hanil town, Pajang-dong, Yangjae Station or Kangnam Station and get off at Jongno.

Photos:
http://sweetieroom.webs.com
http://www.myspace.com/visitseoul
http://hosgor.wordpress.com
http://www.cabe.org.uk
http://www.enjoyitaewon.com
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr
http://www.korea.ericfries.de
http://www.cnngo.com
http://www.travelpod.com

ONE & ONLY. REETHI RAH

A secluded hide-away resort in the island of North Male' Atoll surrounded by turquoise Indian Ocean
SOPHISTICATED. SLEEK. EXCLUSIVITY. FAMILY WELCOMED.
Web: one&onlyresorts.com
Location: Island of North Male' Atoll, Maldives

Photos:
oneandonlyresorts.com

ULAAN BAATAR ( Ulan Bator)

The capital city & gate-way to your awaiting adventures in Mongolia.
LAND OF NOMADS & ENDLESS DESOLATE OPEN PLAINS. WILD HORSES. HOSPITABLE PEOPLE. EXTREME WEATHER.
Getting there:
* Fly
* Take the train to Ulaan Baatar from Beijing, China or Moscow, Russia.
* Trans Siberian Express Train Schedule: From Moscow or Beijing

Requirements to enter:
* Passport and Visa required to enter Russia, China, and Mongolia
* An "Invitational Letter" may be required by Mongolian Embassy. Request one from your booking agency, hotel or tour-guide agency in Mongolia.

Tips:
* International credit cards are not widely accepted outside of international hotels and touristy areas in Mongolia. Make sure to have a plenty of cash and traveler's cheques on hand.
* Mongolian weather can be extreme from the summer to winter. Pack your clothes accordingly. Average temperatures over most of the country are below freezing from November-March and are about freezing in April and October. January and February averages of -20° C (-4 F)are common, with winter nights of -40° C(-40 F)occurring most years. The winters often feel much colder with the freezing Siberian wind traveling downwards from Russia. Summer extremes reach as high as 38° C (100.4 F) in the southern Gobi region and 33° C (91.4 F) in Ulaan Baatar

Hotels in Ulaan Baatar:
1. Zaya Backpacker Hostel:$12-25
2. UB Guesthouse: $6-18.
3. Backpackers Guesthouse: Starts at $10 (includes breakfast)
4. Apartment rental with Happycamel Tour Agency: Starts at $48
5. Mika Hotel: Starts at $50
6. Evergreen Hotel: Starts at $45
7. Flower Hotel: Starts at $70
8. Palace Hotel: Starts at $79
9. Narantuul Hotel: Starts at $98
10. Bayangol Hotel: Starts at $145
11. Puma Imperial Hotel: $100

Tour Guides: Many types of tours offered.
1.www.happycamel.com : Belgium owners. It can be found at Chez Bernard Tourist Cafe on Peace Ave. Ph:(976) 998-44844
2. www.discovermongolia.mn
3. www.garditours.com
4. www.gomongolia.com
5. www.tripsmongolia.com
6. http://tserentours.com/
7. www.samarmagictours.com
8. www.gertoger.org: Foundation and agency which works with the local communities for promoting responsible tourism.
9. www.mongolian-ways.com

Tours:
Cultural home-stay at a traditional house, Ger with a nomadic family:
* PBS documentary made with Julia Roberts in 1999
* Many options offered by Gertoger Organization

My friend, Jess with her host family

Naadam Festival (Mongolian National Holiday):
* July 11 - 13 held annually
* A thousand year old warrior festival of competitions in traditional wrestling, archery, horse racing with kids as the jockeys and along with traditional food, music, and other festivities.

Horse Trekking
* An itinerary sample by National Geographic

OR

For more intrinsically rewarding journey, volunteer at one of many orphanages. The poverty and high unemployment rate have been steadily on the rise since the fall of communism in 1990's. The elderly and disabled adults and poor children most often end-up being victimized as a result. There is an estimate of 3,000 orphaned and abandoned children in Ulaan Baatar.

* http://www.projects-abroad.org
* http://www.lotuschild.org



Photos:
ridingworld.com
flickr.com
journals.worldnomads.com
thecareyadventures.com
www.keyposters.com
www.nationalgeographic.comn