Royal Caribbean has announced that its new Wonder of the Seas ship is set to debut in March 2022, sailing from Shanghai toward Japan.
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The new Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean is scheduled to make its debut in March 2022, sailing from Shanghai toward Japan. The ship will be able to accommodate nearly 7,000 guests and an additional 2,200 crew members with its almost 2,900 staterooms. Between March and November, the cruise ship will sail from Shanghai and several ports in Japan, including Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Ishigaki and Miyazaki. The ship will head to Hong Kong for the winter, journeying from there to destinations such as Chan May in Vietnam, Busan and Jeju in South Korea, Kochi and Okinawa in Japan and Taipei.
According to the Royal Caribbean, the ship is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France and will be arranged into a collection of other seven neighbourhoods, including one that is meant to be what Central Park is to Manhattan, just at sea. This neighbourhood is lined with specialty restaurants and high-end shops. The open-air space features over 20,000 plants, plenty of seating and live music in the evening. The vessel is also slated to feature an 80-foot zip line, in addition to the world’s tallest slide at sea. An all-suite neighbourhood will offer a more exclusive experience with a private sundeck, lounge and restaurant. The ship’s itineraries range from four to nine nights and can be booked online.
Booking a cruise tour with Royal Caribbean, guests will be immersed in the local culture, language, customs and practises of the region while enjoying the ship’s signature service and amenities. Are you ready for next-level discoveries in Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and beyond onboard an all-new ship designed for adventure? Whether you choose to kick off your unforgettable escape in futuristic Shanghai or vibrant Hong Kong, you are in for an epic exploration in the Far East.
Instead of going on road trips, forest escapes, beach vacations or taking tours to travel around the world and indulging in city breaks to soak up the atmosphere on the streets, people are now looking for new ways to take care of themselves. Wellness tourism is not a new trend, but amidst the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a collection of deeper, more accessible wellness experiences are emerging.
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WHAT IS WELLNESS TOURISM?
Wellness tourism was a very popular trend before Covid-19, but that does not mean everyone understands the nature of this genre of tourism. Wellness tourism is a travel trend that is associated with the pursuit of promoting a healthy lifestyle, raising awareness in a holistic way and connecting with nature. Not only does a well-being retreat improve your holistic health, but it is also the opportunity for everyone to better understand and listen to their own bodies. Under the guidance of experts, through a combination of unique practices, healthy diets and an abundance of intensive wellness activities such as meditation, yoga, spa, hot springs and daily massage, travellers can take an immersive approach to reset their mental health, equilibrium and rediscover their core values that may have been forgotten.
The concept of wellness tourism dates back thousands of years, to a time when Greek pilgrims travelled to the Saronic Gulf called Epidauria, a sanctuary of the healing god Asklepios from the vast Mediterranean. Since then, Epidauria has been known as the world’s first wellness destination. At that time, people used hot springs as a type of medical and wellness practice, which helped patients to unwind and relax their bodies. This was also considered the first well-being practice. After a wellness vacation, you will find yourself distanced from any regular anxiety or stress and welcome a new, positive vitality for your mental and physical health to bounce back into the hectic routine of daily life.
MANY SWITCHED TO A GREENER LIFESTYLE DURING COVID-19
Before 2020, travelling was all about exploration, adventure and the desire to conquer new experiences. However, Covid-19 has changed the world in the blink of an eye. When normality resumes, we are well in need of a peaceful trip in a safe environment. Thus, wellness tourism can satisfy people’s thirst for adventure. It is said that during this period of social distancing, there has been a surge in demand for a wellness-centred lifestyle. Wellness retreats and travel not only help travellers to satisfy their wanderlust whilst they are dreaming of those ultimate bucket-list trips, but it also reshapes the way we live during the lockdown as it allows us to focus our energies differently and learn how to enjoy nature.
Previously, there was a common misconception that wellness tourism was only suitable for the elderly or those in need of treatment. However, wellness tourism attracts a wealth of young people who face a lot of pressures from their work. There are many different levels of a wellness retreat, which vary from premier to budget, making it accessible for a wide market of travellers. According to the Global Wellness Institute GWI, there are two types of wellness travellers: those whose trip or destination choice is primarily motivated by wellness and those who seek to maintain wellness whilst travelling whether for business or leisure.
A JOURNEY WITH MIRACULOUS BENEFITS
The art of wellness and the tourism industry connected to that is not necessarily something that comes naturally. Wellness and self-care are the trends of a new era that will encourage sustainable values for the future of the tourism industry. Experience a sense of newness that is extremely beneficial to your health through intensive relaxation therapies, sensible food supplements and healthy entertainment. Throughout the history of human evolution, humans have always had a strong bond with nature, but the hustle and bustle of the industrial pace of urban life have left us isolated from nature. Wellness tourism will allow people to return to the wilderness, truly immerse themselves in its pristine beauty, enjoy the peaceful ambiance and observe the surrounding environment in a very positive way. Through the art of wellness, you can spread happiness and provide great inspiration to many people.
Aside from offering a vast variety of physical and spiritual healing therapies, wellness tourism is also an opportunity for travellers to build and maintain a positive environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Each wellness trip not only gives us the opportunity to really engage with our surroundings and discover unique local cultures, but also show our respect for nature, protect plants and animals and take responsibility for local communities. In addition, the increased demand for wellness tourism has created a potential market that will support tour operators and local communities who can diversify services in order to offer visitors many different types of unique experiences and it will provide economic assistance to improve the living conditions for local people.
HOW TO CHOOSE A WELLNESS DESTINATION
Most travellers who opt for this type of tourism aim for one single purpose: switching to a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, a quiet location, calm and intimate spaces are always the main requirements. Currently, there are many luxury resorts and five-star hotels that make a huge effort to create a wellness-focused experience for their guests. With a beautiful setting in nature, a lot of accommodation providers have developed an integrated wellness system, built large and cutting-edge spa centres for guests to experience the best rejuvenating treatments.
In addition to dedicated healing experiences and curative therapies, a pristine and fresh natural environment is important. Especially, during the pandemic, plenty of us are looking for breaks in places devoid of crowds to freely explore nature, enjoy ultimate seclusion and a true escape from the daily grind. Many people also choose a wellness retreat to help themselves evaluate their precious values that are being overwhelmed by the hectic rhythm of the day-to-day. This experience can help guests gradually reduce their negative impact on the environment, encourage the use of public transport, support indigenous ecosystems, provide local food and inspire the preservation of distinct cultural traditions.
A GREAT SENSE OF TIMELESSNESS AND ENJOYMENT
After the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, wellness activities have become even more enriching and compelling. In the past, we were just looking for relaxation through spa treatments, meditation, yoga classes or hot springs, we now create new restorative experiences in the midst of nature. We can immerse ourselves in an incredible variety of exhilarating activities, for instance, forest bathing, trekking, forest biking, visiting local spiritual destinations, eating healthy food, growing our own fruit and vegetables and taking care of animals. With such an amazing incentive, your wellness vacation will be a truly memorable experience, leaving your soul and mind peacefully refreshed.
The world is in a perpetual state of change. In spite of isolation and confinement due to the current pandemic, our passion for venturing out and hope for a brighter future is stronger than ever. It is clear that wellness tourism will flourish and diversify more and more so that as soon as the world returns to a state of normality, we will go in search of a peaceful location to kick back and reward ourselves through meaningful, inspiring lessons about nature, people and a healthy way of life.
Casinos typically conjure images of flashing lights and wailing slot machines, but not all of them fit that Las Vegas stereotype. If you are looking for a glamorous casino in Europe, then check out these five destinations on your upcoming trip to this amazing continent.
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CASINO DI VENEZIA, ITALY
No European tour is complete without a visit to the oldest gambling destination in the world. Located right on the Grand Canal in Venice, Casino di Venezia still welcomes lots of gamblers today. Opened in 1638, the casino was designed in a classic Italian style, complete with mirrors, embellished pillars, felt ropes for handrails and a private garden overlooking the canal. It is also used as a venue for the Venice Film Festival. This building is immense with vast spaces for slot machines, poker, roulette and other table games, as well as rooms designated for dining and entertainment. Furthermore, a free boat shuttle service is also available to ferry guests to the casino from all over the city.
CASINO DE MONTE-CARLO, MONACO
Originally founded in the mid-19th century, Monte Carlo was destined to be a European gambling capital thanks to its gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, frescoes and tapestries. Known as the most famous gambling destination in Europe, Monte Carlo intrigues more than 7,000,000 tourists every year. If you are not a gambler, this place is open to groups and tours every day from 9am to 1pm. For the perfect experience, make sure to have a dress code, pay a modest 10-Europe fee and behave respectably.
THE RITZ CLUB, LONDON
Located in the basement of the famous Ritz Hotel in London, the Ritz Club not only offers table games but also private gaming salons furnished with rich tapestries, red carpets, chairs with crushed velvet cushions and ornate domed ceilings. There are also more intimate private rooms for high rollers. The club dates back to 1909 and has gone through several iterations, but has served as a casino since 1977. To join the club, you must submit an application form and be recommended by an existing member. The dress code is strict and men are required to wear a jacket and collared shirt at all times.
CASINO WIESBADEN, GERMANY
Established in 1771, Casino Wiesbaden is now located in the wine parlor of the Kurhaus spa house – the social centre of old Wiesbaden. Like Monte Carlo, visitors will be stricken by its fantastic crystal chandeliers, as well as cherry woodwork and an intimate, refined atmosphere. Men are asked to dress in a shirt and jacket, jeans are unacceptable, though trousers can be rented from the cloakroom for a fee. There are also two bars inside for your preference.
CASINO DE SPA, BELGIUM
If you are looking for a place to gamble in Belgium, then Spa should be added to your bucket list. The town is not only the home to one of the world’s oldest gambling destinations, but it is also Belgium’s premier relaxation place for the wealthy since the 14th century. The Casino de Spa is actually connected to the famous cold springs, making it easy for visitors to take a dip after they have lost their shirt at the craps table. This destination also features a ballroom, cultural centre, theatre and several restaurants, including La Brasserie du Casino, with stunning panoramic views of the city.
As an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain smothered in mountains, Japan is truly an ideal destination for road-trip enthusiasts. Here are the most popular routes for Japan road trips that you must definitely explore on your next vacation in this country.
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COAST-TO-COAST HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
With its wide-open spaces, national parks, active volcanoes, forests of silvery beach, forlorn coastlines and remote fishing towns, Hokkaido is ideal for road trips. The recommended coast-to-coast drive traverses more than 400 miles of the open road from UNESCO-recognised Shiretoko Peninsula in the east to the old colonial port town of Hakodate in the west. This journey will provide you a wealth of natural scenery and worthwhile diversions, including the 17-mile “Road to Heaven” highway, the primeval forests of Akan-Mashu National Park, Sapporo, a lively entertainment hub and the largest metropolis north of Tokyo and many others.
– From Rausu to Hakodate – Distance: 434 miles
THE MT. FUJI DRIFT
If you are a driving enthusiast, then make sure to check out the epic Mt. Fuji drift. The coastal highway passes through Shimoda, a surfers’ haunt and historic port town and Hiigashiizu, the site of the fabled moon road power spot where waxing moons trace a beam of light across the Pacific. Finally, you can finish this road trip in style on the Hakone Skyline, a famous mountain road that serves as an inspiration for the Hollywood movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
– From Minamiizu to Hakone – Distance: 71 miles
KYUSHU
As Japan’s largest caldera and active volcano, Mt. Aso offers the best course, weaving along the caldera’s outer rim and perpetually casting its gaze toward the belching volcano in the middle. From here, you can head south along the spine of Kyushu toward the most southern tip of Japan’s four main islands, Cape Sata. Make sure to spend a night at one of the many onsen towns en route or a pit-stop in the laid-back subtropical city of Kagoshima.
– From Mt. Aso to Cape Sata – Distance: 200 miles
SHIKOKU’S 88 SHRINES PILGRIMAGE
If you want to embark upon a pilgrimage on four wheels in Japan, the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage with 88 temples is a must on your bucket list. Entering from Kobe along the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge with a main span of 1.2 miles, you will marvel at an array of jaw-dropping sea-to-coast vistas. The temple route traverses all four Shikoku prefectures, runs through its most buzzing port cities and encourages plenty of stops for bucolic forest walks and short temple sojourns. If you get lost, keep your eyes peeled for white-clothed pilgrims replete with bamboo walking sticks trudging along the roadsides.
– From Naruto in Tokushima to Sanuki in Kagawa – Distance: 745 miles
COASTAL WAKAYAMA
Located on the bulbous Kii Peninsula south of the Osaka-Kyoto conurbation, Wakayama prefecture is the gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. This coastal road passes through the onsen resort town of Shirahama, where evening suns set behind the moon-shaped hole of Engetsu-to Island. Here, you will be mesmerised by the toothy rock features and soaring cliffs of Kushimoto in the south before heading toward the Mie Prefecture border, where Kamikura Shrine marks the spot upon which Japan’s Shinto gods first descended to the earth.
– From Wakayama City to Shingu – Distance: 110 miles
VENUS LINE, NAGANO
Starting from the city of Chino, the drive passes through a number of nature spots before hitting the city of Ueda. It connects Nagano’s central highlands and feels as if you are cruising through the clouds at a staggering altitude ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 metres. This road trip can be split into a two-day adventure with multiple sights and stops to enjoy along the way. You can end your road trip in Matsumoto, artist Yayoi Kusama’s hometown. Note that parts of the Venus Line road are closed due to snowfall during winter.
Hoi An is world-famous for its unrivalled ancient beauty, making it a popular tourist destination amongst both locals and travellers. The town is increasingly becoming busy and dynamic, making you want to take a step back and appreciate the nostalgic, peaceful charm that still runs deep through the streets of Hoi An. It exudes an elegant and gentle ambience with idyllic street corners and an alluring river.
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A SERENE, PICTURESQUE AND SOOTHING BEAUTY
A far cry from a buzzing metropolis, Hoi An has a historical twist and its unique ancient beauty oozes from every corner. When thinking of “an ancient beauty”, many people would assume that it is old-fashioned and cramped like cities tended to be in the past. However, Hoi An is completely different as it is an excellent infusion of stunning ancient colours and eclectic architecture.
For those who are passionate about finding a relaxing ambience in Hoi An, then going out at sunrise is a must. At the crack of dawn, Hoi An sparkles in the gentle morning sunshine. There is not the typical cacophony of sounds and hustle and bustle on the streets. Instead, you will have the chance to enjoy a serene and hassle-free atmosphere. Looking out over the road alongside the fantastic Thu Bon River, you will get a view of cyclists jingling their bells and flocks of birds basking in the morning rays.
Taking a stroll around Hoi An at sunrise is truly the most joyful experience when travelling to Central Vietnam. The town’s streets are deserted at dawn, the wooden houses are still closed up and you are free to wander through the maze of beautiful yellow walls. While meandering around the quiet jigsaw puzzle of streets, you might also see a glimpse of young couples snapping photos and videos. Their gentle smiles and obvious chemistry add a heartwarming sense of romance to this little town. An amalgamation of old and new, serene and charming, Hoi An is the perfect destination for many couples. It has been said that Hoi An draws endless inspiration for love, literacy and nostalgia.
MAKE THE MOST OF THE PEACE AND QUIET IN HOI AN
If Hoi An is not teeming with throngs of domestic and foreign tourists, how does it sound? Pure, calm and gentle. Instead of hoards of visitors and their subsequent noise make the most of the natural sounds of this quaint little town. Listen as the leaves rustle in the gentle breeze, hear the murmur of the Thu Bon River flowing gently or the melodious birdsong sounding from the sun-drenched ancient houses. Aside from the array of natural sounds, Hoi An whirs with a variety of joyful and familiar sounds of life – the signature culture of the local residents. There are lots of interesting sounds, for instance, traders hawking or simply the pitter-patter of footsteps on the alleyways. This colourful blend of sounds pulses with vitality and brings an interesting insight into the daily lives of the locals.
It is hard to put into words what I heard during my time in Hoi An. I just know that the peaceful sounds and the humdrum of people going about their daily tasks was heartwarming and comforting. My heart tells me that there is no other place that exudes such an exquisitely serene ambience mixed with timeless architecture. Travelling to this scenic town on a tourist-free day will bring endless joy and comfort to your heart. There is no high street shopping stores or throngs of people like in a modern city; instead, keep an eye out for the Thu Bon River and listen to the magical sounds of Hoi An.
BATHED IN YELLOW AND CLAD IN LANTERNS
The brilliant colour of yellow is the signature feature that contributes to the quintessential uniqueness of Hoi An. A fantastic plethora of colourful lanterns hung on the moss-grown walls also adds a sparkling elegance to the town. The distinctive shade of yellow in Hoi An is different from that in other places as it is a sophisticated reflection of long-standing history. An epic and nostalgic beauty, this sunny colour has people falling in love with this little town. Your trip to Hoi An would not be complete without marvelling at the yellow-coloured houses and moseying along the winding alleyways to take some stunning photos.
Aside from the signature yellowness, Hoi An is adorned with a vast array of brilliantly-painted lanterns hung all over the town. You will be captivated when meandering around the ancient streets decorated with an abundance of reds, oranges, yellows and blues. As dusk falls, Hoi An boats an unparalleled romantic beauty with illuminated traditional lanterns. There is nothing more wonderful than taking a walk under the starry sky, marvelling at the shimmering lanterns and indulging in the idyllic sound of the ancient town. The staggering landscapes and serene ambience of Central Vietnam will definitely fill your heart. Do not wait to visit Hoi An as it is beautiful all year round whether it is sunny or rainy, at dawn or dusk, on holidays or any day. Pack your bags, travel to Hoi An and appreciate its exquisite beauty and tranquillity.
W.TIPS TO HOI AN
TRANSPORTATION
Travelling by plane is a popular choice to reach this little town. However, if you are keen to marvel at the gorgeous natural landscapes en route, a trip by coach or train is a good idea. Additionally, when you arrive, you should rent a bicycle to get around the peaceful roads in Hoi An.
CLIMATE
There are two distinct seasons in Hoi An, including dry and rainy season. The dry season from January to July is an ideal time for a getaway to Hoi An. Between February to April is the best time to visit Hoi An as the weather is cool and mild. However, you can also visit Hoi An in the rainy season to enjoy its unrivalled peaceful ambience.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Hoi An is home to an amazing variety of ancient architectural structures, for instance, Cau Pagoda (Japanese Covered Bridge), Chua Ong, Fujian Assembly Hall, Old House of Tan Ky and Hoi An Handicraft Workshop. If you want to explore and experience the local life in Hoi An, hanging out at a rooftop café is a must to add to your bucket list.
HOI AN CUISINE
Hoi An cuisine intrigues a large number of foodies with its exquisite and impressive flavours. You will be spoilt for choice with a plethora of gourmet dishes such as chicken rice, Cao Lau (a kind of rice noodles), Hoanh Thanh (fried wontons), noodle soup, Quang noodles, Banh Mi Phuong and sweetened gruel. The roadside stalls are an ideal place to embark on a traditional culinary journey.
As one of the most ruthless hunters in the ocean, sharks bring terrifying but fantastic experiences for most. If you are looking for breathtaking shark experiences, these excursions will definitely leave you in awe.
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FIVE-DAY GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVE, GUADALUPE ISLAND, MEXICO
Located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 210 miles west of San Diego, California, Guadalupe Island has become the world’s best location for diving with great white sharks. By booking a trip with Horizon Charters, a professional cage diving operator at Guadalupe Island since 2000, you will be transported from San Diego to Guadalupe Island in a liveaboard shark diving boat for five days. Food and drink will be offered. There are two giant shark cages and 16 shark diving guests on board. You will get to drop below the surface of the water and see great white sharks close up from the safety of a specially designed cage system that is built for beginners and non-divers.
OPEN-WATER SHARK SNORKEL, OAHU, HAWAII
If you get annoyed by overcrowded tourists blocking your view or hampering your experience, the North Shore of Oahu is a fantastic destination for you to swim with sharks in the open ocean. One Ocean Diving provides small dives with six to eight people at most and plenty of time to swim alongside sandbar, Galapagos and tiger sharks. Submerge below the blue Hawaiian waters as these awe-inspiring creatures of the ocean gracefully swim around you. Furthermore, you will have the chance to learn about the creatures, how to interact with them in the water and how to help with conservation efforts.
SCUBA DIVING WITH TIGER SHARKS, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, BAHAMAS
For underwater photographers and adventurers who are keen to get up close and personal with tiger sharks, Tiger Beach in the Bahamas is a must on your bucket list. The waters are known for their resident tiger sharks and hammerheads, depending on the season. Here, you will have the opportunity to get close to these giant beauties and enjoy cage-free shark dives when booking a trip with Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures. Trips are capped at 10 divers and the liveaboard boats depart from West Palm Beach, Florida. Additionally, you will need a scuba certification and a little planning.
FIVE-DAY SCUBA DIVE IN A SHARK SANCTUARY, PALAU
As a smattering of tiny islands off the coast of the Philippines, Palau intrigues shark lovers with the world’s first shark sanctuary, Palau Shark Sanctuary. This destination is home to over 135 species, including grey reef, leopard and whitetip reef sharks which are all protected from commercial fishing. Here, you can dive in these protected waters with Palau Dive Adventures and take on a five-day excursion including 13 dives alongside just 10 other lucky visitors. Make sure you get a scuba certification before trying the most overwhelming experience in your life.
GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVE, SIMON’S TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Having a good reputation as the spot to see great white sharks in their natural habitat, South Africa is an ideal destination for those looking for amazing shark experiences. Taking a trip with African Shark Eco-Charters, you will come within inches of these giant creatures from the safety of a cage with their “first do no harm” approach. To get the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, groups are capped at 18 with only four to five people in the cage at a time.
SCUBA DIVING WITH 50 SHARKS AT ONCE, PACIFIC HARBOUR, FIJI
Created to study the resident sharks and support conservation efforts, Fiji’s Shark Reef Marine Reserve will blow your mind of the dives with Beqa Adventure Divers. Visiting here, you will have the opportunity to see up to eight different species, including bull, tiger, sicklefin lemon and silvertip sharks. An intimidating and awe-inspiring experience of diving with as many as 50 at a time will definitely leave you in awe.
MULTIDAY DIVE WITH HAMMERHEAD SHARKS, COCOS ISLAND, COSTA RICA
No shark adventure would be complete without travelling to Cocos Island, Costa Rica, known for its hammerhead shark population, in addition to tiger, Galapagos and silvertip sharks. For the most breathtaking shark experience on the stunning island, make sure you book a spot on a liveaboard boat with an excellent dive crew and check out Bajo Alcyone, an area that attracts dozens of hammerhead sharks.
As a staple ingredient in the diverse cuisine of China, sesame seeds are toasted and used as a topping for cakes and dim sum snacks. Thanks to the slightly bitter flavour of sesame, it can balance out the sweetness of desserts. Here are six Chinese desserts with sesame seeds you should try on your travels.
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BLACK SESAME SOUP
Black sesame soup or tong sui, also sometimes known as black sesame paste is one of the healthy and traditional Chinese desserts. Typically served warm, toasted black seeds give this soothing soup a nutty, earthy flavour. It is usually served as a cap to a meal, but it can also be served in a dim sum spread. This Cantonese dessert is a popular treat when winter comes. If you are strolling along the streets of Sheung Wan in Hong Kong, you will find small restaurants making these traditional desserts.
BLACK SESAME ROLLS
No Chinese food tour would be complete without trying a piece of black sesame rolls. Known as a popular dish in Hong Kong, these black rolls are a common dim sum dessert. This treat has a smooth, jelly-like texture, achieved by creating a thin paste from black seeds. It is often shaped into a thin sheet that is then refrigerated before being rolled into a cylindrical shape. The recipe is very simple, so you can make it at home.
BLACK SESAME DUMPLINGS
Many Chinese people believe that round food symbolises completeness and family gatherings. Commonly called tang yuan, these sweet rice balls are made with a glutinous rice outside that is filled with black seed paste and submerged in liquid. It is often prepared and eaten during the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of Chinese New Year, which is usually a raucous celebration that symbolises the revelers’ hopes for a prosperous new year.
NIAN GAO
Typically eaten around the Chinese New Year, Nian gao is considered good luck and prepared as an offering to the kitchen god Zao Jun. The texture is similar to other food made with glutinous rice flour. It can be flavoured in different ways and used in sweet or savoury dishes. This sticky rice cake is either steamed or pan-fried with an egg. Nian Gao is then commonly covered with sesame seeds or other toppings such as dried dates.
JIAN DUI
Jian Dui, sometimes also known as mu tuan, is a popular dim sum snack and is also eaten for breakfast in China’s Guangdong Province. These fried sesame balls are believed to have originated during the Tang Dynasty from 618-907 when the snack was often enjoyed by members of the royal court in the imperial palace. The crispy outside is covered in sesame seeds and fried, while the chewy inside is often filled with red bean or lotus seed paste.
MOONCAKES
When it comes to the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, mooncakes are always high up on the list. Although mooncake flavours can range from green tea to red bean paste, one popular filling is black sesame. Some people usually combine the sesame seeds with mung bean to create a smooth, fragrant paste while others combine the black bitter seeds with nuts for a crunchy texture. There is also a version with a salted egg yolk filling surrounded by black sesame paste.
Not only does the luxury hotel design generate its own electricity, but the eco-floating hotel in Dubai also collects and reuses rainwater and food waste, making it very unique when it comes to sustainability.
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The eco-friendly concept in Dubai, from the Turkish design team at Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio (HAADS) adopts a strategy “minimum energy loss and zero waste”. This floating structure will utilise the water current with wind turbines and tidal power to spin on itself and convert energy into electricity. Its movement is to be controlled by a computer-controlled system used to maintain the position and direction of ships, as well as propellers and thrusters. However, guests will not be able to feel any dizziness as it takes 24 hours for the hotel to spin a full 360 degrees.
According to the designers, the floating hotel will initially be located in Qatar. When it is completed in Dubai, the project can also be located anywhere with the right current due to its movable feature. The hotel also aims to treat any used water it produces so that it will not harm the environment as well as develop waste separation units for the recycling of substances.
Measuring over 35,000 square metres, the hotel in Dubai will include 152 rooms and can be accessed via a floating pier connected to the mainland, helicopter or boat. What’s more, the hotel will have luxurious amenities typically found at five-star hotels such as indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, gym and a mini-golf course. The project has been in the works since March 2020 and is still in the design phase but is estimated to be completed in 2025.
Floating hotels are popping up everywhere, creating a boom in the tourism industry. In addition to the eco-floating hotel, Sea Palace Floating Resort near Dubai Marina, built by Seagate Shipyard, a ship-building company, is currently in the final stages of its construction. The resort will be a floating luxury hotel surrounded by six floating houses, each of which can detach and sail independently.
If you are interested in the fantastical worlds of Dr. Seuss exhibit, make sure to check out the magical immersive experience this summer that will allow you a chance to magically step into the pages of famous books like Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who and The Sneetches and more.
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Designed to be an incredible experience in the Seuss universe, the Dr. Seuss exhibit includes completely immersive spaces, where visitors could take on an awe-inspiring journey through nine different books. Visitors will feel like they are one of the characters as they head through a balloon-filled maze from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, listen for Whos in a field of clovers from Horton Hears a Who! and walk under Truffula Trees from The Lorax.
The Dr. Seuss exhibit is not just about promoting literacy but about the pro-social messages in Dr. Seuss’s books. “The Lorax” teaches environmental stewardship, while “The Sneetches and Other Stories” teaches tolerance and individuality.
Apart from living your favourite childhood stories, there will be a lot of Instagram opportunities within the interactive 15,000-square-foot-space. After the Dr. Seuss exhibit was debuted in Toronto, Canada in 2019 and 2020, it is now making its way to the US in 2021, starting with Houston, Texas from 15th May to 15th August. There are plans to take it to Boston and Seattle, but specific dates and locations have yet to be announced.
Another aspect is that the Dr. Seuss exhibit will change in every city. Some rooms will be flipped out to be replaced by rooms based on other Seuss classics. The rooms will even change based on the time of year, with a How the Grinch Stole Christmas room planned for the holiday season. The Houston exhibit will take place at George R. Brown Convention Centre and tickets will be on sale starting 17th April 2021.
Whether it is shredded, turned to custard or jelly, whipped into ice cream or sprinkled onto a cookie, coconut holds a reserved status in the realm of dessert. Here is the list of the best coconut desserts worth trying as you travel the world.
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ALFAJORES FROM ARGENTINA, CHILE, URUGUAY, COLOMBIA, PERU, BOLIVIA
These butter cookies are popular throughout South America, especially Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. Two cookies sandwich a layer of creamy filling which is then topped with powdered sugar and rolled in coconut or dipped in dark chocolate. Rumour has it that the name for this cookie probably comes from the Arabic word al-hasú, which means “filled”. This dessert is both made at home and sold in supermarkets or convenience stores around South American countries.
ES TELER FROM INDONESIA
Originated in Jakarta, where the idea for the drink came to its creator in a dream, this fruit cocktail could also be considered Indonesia’s national beverage. The refreshing concoction combines coconut flesh, chopped jackfruit and avocado in a dish filled with shaved ice, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. Today, many sellers modify this drink with other ingredients such as cincau, cocopandan syrup and kolang-kaling. You can also easily find this drink anywhere on the street, especially in Java or in any food court.
ONDEH-ONDEH FROM MALAYSIA
Ondeh-ondeh is one of the traditional dishes in Malaysia. This mouth-watering dessert in Malaysia is bright green glutinous rice balls wrapped in a furry coat of grated coconut. Each bite into the small dessert brings the sensation of liquid palm sugar bursting in your mouth. Variations are also made in Brunei and Singapore. In Indonesia, these sweet balls are called klepon.
BUKO PANDAN FROM THE PHILIPPINES
A popular summer treat, buko pandan is a Filipino cold dessert that features vibrant green cubes of pandan-flavoured jelly, young coconut meat and sweetened condensed milk. Buko pandan is typically served during a Filippino salu-salo, a dinner party or gathering amongst friends and is especially popular around Christmas. Buko panda is a version of samalamig, which are sweet beverages featuring jelly ingredients.
ITIM KATI FROM THAILAND
For all ice cream lovers alike, this Thai-style ice cream will blow your mind. Itim kati is made with rich young coconut cream and is served in a coconut shell. It can be customised with many types of toppings such as peanuts, sliced mango, condensed milk, red beans, corn and sticky rice. Aside from itim kati, Thailand also serves coconut ice cream in sliced bread buns as a treat, called itim khanom pang. This dish is widely sold by roving street vendors throughout the country.
QUEIJADINHA FROM BRAZIL
Originated in Portugal, but queijadinhas are now very popular in Brazil, especially in the Northern region. Known as one of the most delicious Brazilian sweets, queijadinhas look like a firm coconut custard. The inside of the queijadinha has a looser, pudding-like texture from the parmesan cheese, coconut and condensed milk filling. If you want to get an insight into traditional Brazilian desserts, make sure to try this sweet favourite as you are in Brazil.
COCONUT BURFI FROM INDIA
A popular dessert in India, these bite-sized coconut rectangles have a texture similar to fudge. Instead of chocolate, coconut burfi is often made with milk and sugar, then flavoured with cardamom. Coconut burfi is a popular treat to serve at celebrations like Diwali. On such special occasions, burfi is often topped with edible silver leaf. The name for this dessert might derive from the Persian word barf, which means “snow”, due to the fact that the primary ingredient is shredded coconut.
