Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 82 of 195

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 7 museums every traveller should visit

7 museums every traveller should visit in Chicago, Illinois

Museums give you a chance to get to know some of the world’s top creative minds and can provide quite a relaxing reprieve during a trip. Here are the seven best museums in Chicago, Illinois to add to your next trip.

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MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 7 museums every traveller should visit in Chicago, Illinois

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, one of the largest science museums in the world, is home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. Besides its impressive displays, this museum also offers a whole host of tours and experiences. Board an actual U-505 German 252 feet submarine from World War II or step inside Science Storms – a 40-foot simulated tornado with the forces of nature of lightning, fire in action.

Address: 5700 Street Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
Opening hours: Daily 9.30 am – 4pm
Cost: $21.95 at door, $19.95 if bought online

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

Located in downtown Chicago in the USA, the Art Institute is one of the world’s great art museums, housing a collection that spans centuries and the globe. It is home to roughly 300,000 works of art, from ancient to contemporary. Made up of eight buildings and covering nearly 1 million square feet, the museum is a work of art in and of itself, displaying elements of historic Beaux-Arts architecture while simultaneously showcasing Greek and Roman influences with its Corinthian columns and friezes.

Address: 111 Street Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60603, USA
Opening hours: Daily 10.30am – 5pm; Thursday until 8pm
Cost: $25 adults / $19 students

SHEDD AQUARIUM

Located on Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium, the world’s largest aquarium in downtown Chicago, is home to over 19,000 aquatic creatures from around the world. Explore amazing galleries and cool ocean exhibits including Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising. Discover beluga whales, sea otters and sea lions at the Oceanarium and witness the dolphins dance at the beloved Aquatic Show. Save time for a 4D movie about sharks and predators in the deep blue for a must-see viewing experience.

Address: 1200 Street Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA
Opening hours: Weekdays 9am – 5pm (6pm in the summer); Weekends 9am – 6pm
Cost: $39.95 adults / $29.95 children. 50% discount for Chicago residents

THE FIELD MUSEUM

For ornithology enthusiasts or would-be archeologists, you will find your thrills at the massive Field Museum. Home to more than 20-million specimens placed in a 480,000-square-feet exhibition space, the Field is one of the most prestigious institutions in the USA. Impressive exhibitions include SUE, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever unearthed while around the corner is a reconstructed Egyptian tomb and the hands-on lab for kids.

Address: 1400 Street Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA
Opening hours: Daily 9am – 5pm; Closed Christmas
Cost: $38 adults / $33 students for general admission

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO

If you are looking for a kid-friendly museum in Chicago, then the Museum of Contemporary Art or MCA is a must to add to your bucket list. There is a constant rotation of thought-provoking works and artist retrospectives in the galleries; a cutting-edge mix of dance, music and theatre on the stage and a menu of seasonal cuisine from a top Chicago chef in the kitchen. Alfresco concerts and outdoor installations would be added in the warm-weather months.

Address: 220 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
Opening hours: Daily 10am – 9pm
Cost: $15 adults / $8 students, teachers and seniors. Free for kids under 18 years of age

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

From fashion to photography, this museum in Chicago is well worth a visit. The Chicago History Museum is home to an excellent collection of 600 objects which allow you to better understand both Chicagoan and American history such as the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Souvenir shopping is great at the museum store.

Address: 1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614 – 60638, USA
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.30am; Tuesday until 9pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cost: $19 adults / $17 students

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

Founded in 1961 by historian Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the USA. It is home to more than 15,000 significant pieces, including art, print pieces and historical mementos that illustrate the role of African Americans in major events throughout US history, culture and art. In addition, this museum hosts special temporary exhibits throughout the year, topics of which might cover the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panther Party or the Emancipation Proclamation.

Address: 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, Illinois 60637-1408, USA
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 5pm; Closed Mondays
Cost: $10 adults /$7 students

Wanderlust Tips

Hau Giang Province, Vietnam: The perfect choice for an amazing adventure

Situated on the Mekong Delta, Hau Giang Province is home to a unique culture and rustic lifestyle. Hau Giang intrigues travellers with its unrivalled natural views of rolling rice fields, winding canals, peaceful pace of life and hospitable locals, making it one of the most unmissable destinations in Southern Vietnam.

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LUNG NGOC HOANG NATURE RESERVE

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | Hau Giang Province, Vietnam: The perfect choice for an amazing adventure

Located in Phuong Binh Commune, Phung Hiep District, Hau Giang Province, Lung Ngoc Hoang (god’s wild swamp) stretches from the west of Hau River to U Minh. Home to a huge diversity of distinctive flora and fauna, the site plays a crucial role in the conservation of the biodiversity and remains one of the most important wetlands in Vietnam. Covered with swamp and fascinating wildlife all year round, Lung Ngoc Hoang has people falling head over heels for its unspoilt beauty and mystifying charm.

This reserve, hailed as “the lung of the Mekong Delta”, spans an amazing area and is home to a wealth of plants and animals. From a watchtower, cast your eyes over the reserve, feel momentarily staggered by the spectacular panoramic view of dense green melaleuca forests and winding canals. An abundance of wildlife awaits as you make your way through the melaleuca swamp and tropical forest, where you can catch a boat to enjoy a scenic ride and the refreshing ambience.

PHU HUU ECOLOGICAL TOURIST SITE

Located in Phu Nghia Hamlet, Phu Huu Commune, Chau Thanh District, Hau Giang Province, Phu Huu Ecological Tourist Site is truly an incredible attraction for people looking to put their feet up after work. This spot is home to a vast array of exhilarating traditional activities in Southern Vietnam. Aside from the enchanting orchards and lush coconut trees, you can get a fascinating insight into local life with plenty of experiences, for instance, canoeing, fruit picking and fishing.

XA NO PARK IN HAU GIANG PROVINCE

Conveniently located in the inner city of Vi Thanh, along the 15-kilometre banks of Xa No Canal, Xa No Park boasts a very special charm. It is not only covered with lush green trees, for instance, Java red areca, Filipino coconut and red willow, but it is also home to several white stone structures, making it the perfect blend of nature and architecture. When night falls, the park dazzles in bright lights which only enhance its beauty. Take a stroll around the paved streets in the evening and get an authentic taste of Hau Giang Province.

TU SANG BAMBOO-LINED WALKWAY IN HAU GIANG PROVINCE

Situated in Thanh Hoa Commune, Phung Hiep District, Hau Giang Province, the bamboo-lined walkway is a popular destination amongst travellers. Created by Mr. Dang Van Sang, an 83-year-old local farmer and spanning 500m through a verdant bamboo garden, the path embodies a rustic countryside charm. As you stroll through this lush bamboo forest, its striking tranquillity and soothing atmosphere will certainly win over your heart.

MARVEL AT CAU DUC PINEAPPLE FIELDS

Aside from famous tourist attractions, Hau Giang Province intrigues many backpackers with the emerging Cau Duc pineapple fields, ideal for new adventures and unique Instagrammable pictures. Located between Tan Tien and Hoa Tien Communes, about 16km from Vi Thanh City and 80km from Can Tho Airport, Cau Duc pineapple fields is one of the largest pineapple fields in Hau Giang Province. If pineapples are your favourite fruit, then this site is definitely a must to add to your Hau Giang travel itinerary.

Wanderlust Tips

The most scenic drives in the USA

America is home to stunning drives around the country that show off jaw-droppingly dramatic landscapes and dreamy nature. Here are some of the most scenic drives in the USA that will stoke your wanderlust.

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GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD – GLACIER, MONTANA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most scenic drives in the USA

Almost 50 miles carved into the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in Montana, USA is the only road that traverses the park, providing access to Logan Pass at the Continental Divide. This alpine road is so winding it takes up to ten weeks for snowploughs to clear them each year, so the best time to visit is later in the summer and early autumn. For safety reasons, 45 miles per hour is the speed limit in the lower elevations of the road and 25 miles per hour in the alpine section. Please be careful around blind curves as animals and pedestrians do cross the road.

SKYLINE DRIVE – SHENADOAH, VIRGINIA

Skyline Drive in the USA is a 105-mile mountain road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia while giving grand vistas at every bend in the road. There are 75 overlooks, providing stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont. It is extremely stunning in the summer and autumn. You can park your car on an overlook, get out and let your eyes wander the expansive surrounding scenery in fronts of you such as cascading waterfalls, rock summits, colourful flowers and marvellous birds of prey and appreciate its beauty.

CADES COVE LOOP, TENNESSEE

Located deep into Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop makes for a perfect leisure drive. Spend 2 to 3 hours exploring an early 1800s European settlement and appreciate the fresh air and beauty of the mountains. There is a working grist mill, called Cable Mill. Come on inside and talk with the miller, open daily March to October and on weekends in November. Cades Cove can get very crowded, so plan to visit early in the day or in the off-season to beat the traffic jams.

THE OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MIAMI TO KEY WEST

The Overseas Highway, sometimes called ‘The Highway that goes to sea’, stretches from Miami to Key West through all the Keys in the USA. Drivers can experience the natural beauty of the ever-changing scenery of the seas and wilderness bordering the roadway and the magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Holiday weekends aside, Miami to Key West should not take more than four hours. Take note that the winter months tend to attract more tourists.

NORTH CASCADES SCENIC BYWAY, WASHINGTON

This 140-mile byway spans the section of the Cascade Loop from Twisp in the Methow Valley to Sedro-Woolley in the Skagit Valley in the USA. It is surrounded by jagged peaks and valleys, waterfalls and more than 300 turquoise azure glaciers within the North Cascades National Park. Like most mountain passes, this is closed in the winter due to snow. North Cascades is relatively far away from society, the nearest airport is Seattle. Do not forget to stop at Ross and Diablo Dam Overlooks for iconic photos.

US RT 163, MONUMENT VALLEY, UTAH

US Rt 163 is the 64-mile highway stretching from Arizona through the Navajo Nation in Southern Utah, showing off the dramatic and beautiful landscapes of Utah in Monument Valley. This drive will allow you to take in the red rocks and cliffs, one of the most iconic scenes in the USA. Plan about two hours to make this drive and take time to stop for photography. The nearest major airport to Monument Valley is in Flagstaff, Arizona.

PARK LOOP ROAD – ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE

The 27-mile Park Loop Road is the primary avenue for navigating through Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island by vehicle. It offers scenic ocean vistas where the rocks hit the water and the forest changes colours with the seasons. Make sure to plan extra time to stop for hiking and photography. Do not be afraid to check out surrounding areas, but always use caution whenever near the shore and especially when near the high cliffs.

TRAIL RIDGE ROAD – ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

If you thought the journey to Rocky Mountain National Park in the USA was beautiful, just wait until you experience Trail Ridge Road. Known appropriately as the ‘Highway to the Sky’, the road crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. This high alpine road is only open from Memorial Day through mid-October when roads are clear of ice and snow.

Wanderlust Tips

The best movies and shows to watch before visiting to Paris, France

When it comes to a visit to Europe, Paris, the capital of France, probably tops your list of must-visit-at-least-once destinations. There are many movies and TV shows that take place in Paris and celebrate its architecture, music, artwork, fashion and museums, reflect the city’s iconic stature. Here are the best movies and shows to add to your viewing list.

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CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 (1962)

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 best movies and shows to watch before travelling to Paris, France

Released in 1962, Cleo from 5 to 7 is a classic French film about a woman waiting on cancer test results, written and directed by Agnès Varda. The story starts with a young singer, Florence Cléo Victoire as she goes through the motions of a typical day in Paris, from a hat shop to her apartment, the streets of Montparnasse to a city park. In the movie, the footage of Paris is haunting and beautiful.

AMÉLIE (2001)

For those who love the City of Light, Amélie is a must to add to your viewing list. It is a romantic comedy directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Audrey Tautou as the titular character. At the centre of the movie is a woman whose goal in life is to make people happy. This movie also depicts Parisians the way they are with their qualities and faults and shows Paris how it really is. Amélie was released in 2001 to immediate acclaim and is still well-loved today.

PARIS, I LOVE YOU (2006)

Paris is known for its romance and that reputation is highlighted in this film. It stars Natalie Portman, Elijah Wood, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Willem Dafoe and Steve Buscemi. This movie is based on an array of classical literary works that portray Paris through the eyes of lovers and show us the diversity of the city by introducing us to relatable characters of all backgrounds.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (2011)

The romantic comedy follows a screenwriter played by Owen Wilson as he travels back in time to meet famous writers from history who decamped to the city in the 1920s, like Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. Midnight in Paris shows a city that is perfect for walking in all weather – something that is just as true in real life. The movie is entertaining, it gives the impression of an all-white city where everyone lives a glamorous life of wealth and comfort centred around touristy locations.

ALICE IN PARIS (2016)

Alice in Paris is a food-focused travel show that follows a very loose fictional plot line while taking you around some of the city’s most incredible eateries, from bakeries to soup stations and fine-dining. At the centre of the show is a woman who is searching the city for the best food. The show has stunning cinematography and manages to spotlight the history and noteworthy accomplishments of many Parisian chefs. Although the show is fiction, it features real restaurants.

EMILY IN PARIS (2020)

If you have kept up with any Paris-related TV talk over the past year, then you have heard of the Netflix show Emily in Paris. The movie is about a Chicago woman, Emily Cooper, who moves to Paris to provide an American point of view to a French marketing firm. After landing her dream job in this city, she embraces her adventurous new life while juggling work, friends and romance. The amazing footage gives us a glimpse of the life, culture and beauty of the City of Light in France.

Wanderlust Tips

The best cassava dishes to eat in Brazil

In spite of being known as a carnivore-friendly country, Brazilians also love to eat cassava, commonly called mandioca. There are many ways to make it savoury and sweet, from boiled, fried, toasted to sprinkled on other foods. When the time for a journey to Brazil is right, here is the list of the best cassava dishes that you should try in Brazil.

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CASSAVA FRIES

Not a far cry from the potato variety, you can make cassava into fries, but cassava fries have a crunchier texture, making them extra hard to resist. The taste is lightly sweet and similar to French fries and Brazil’s cassava fries are similar to the yucca fries served in Cuba and other Caribbean islands. People usually eat cassava fries with fish, chicken or as a snack at a beachfront shack. The mojito garlic dipping sauce is perfect to add lots of flavours.

FAROFA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best cassava dishes to eat in Brazil

Your trip to Brazil is not complete unless you have tried farofa at least once. This dish is basically fried tapioca flour mixed with small pieces of fried bacon and served alongside rice and beans. Additionally, it has a similar appearance and texture to seasoned breadcrumbs and can be sprinkled on a dish to season and add texture. Each region has its own blend of seasoning, always considered the very best version by its locals.

PIRÃO

As a porridge-like substance made from cassava flour and broth, pirão is often an accompaniment for seafood dishes in Northern Brazil. Seafood broth is usually used and the puree is served alongside shrimp or fish. Although the thick texture can be off-putting for some, the flavours from the broth provide a nice complement to many dishes. Take a visit to a tropical restaurant and you will not be disappointed with the flavours you discover.

TAPIOCAS

The tapioca crepe is one of the most popular street food in the northeast of Brazil. Made from the starch of the cassava root, this dish is first moistened and passed through a sieve as a coarse flour, then sprinkled on a hot pan. The heat makes the starch bind together, resulting in a grainy flatbread. It is often served at small street stalls as savoury with cheese, tomato and ham or as a sweet with chocolate, strawberries, bananas and nuts.

PÃO DE QUEIJO

One of the most famous snacks in Brazil is pão de queijo, which translates literally to cheese bread. Made with cassava flour so it is totally gluten-free, these little puffs are crispy on the outside, squidgy on the inside and filled with cheesy flavour. These little rolls can be sold in packets with mini cheese balls inside or as great balls the size of large oranges. Generally eaten for breakfast or as a snack with coffee, pão de queijo can be found at street corners in Brazil.

Wanderlust Tips

Shot Bar is now open at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Washington

Over the course of the pandemic, people have responded to new restrictions with creativity and resilience. Celebrity Seattle chef Kathy Casey has introduced a bar that sells only shots at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Washington.

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In the era of Covid, getting through the airport is difficult and drinking in the airport even more so. In response, Seattle-Tacoma Airport has introduced a new pop-up concept named Shot Bar, a quick-serve counter for alcoholic drinks at Rel’Lish Burger Lounge in the airport’s B concourse. It serves only chilled hard liquor in mini plastic red Solo cups. It is billed as the first concept of its kind to open at a US airport.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shot Bar is now open at Settle-Tacoma Airport

A single shot will set you back $7 and a double costs $10. The drink menu features several options to accommodate the spirit palates of every guest ranging from Fireball, Hornitos Crystalino tequila, Ketel One cucumber and mint-flavoured vodka, Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey to Brown Sugar Bourbon. Shots are served beneath a plexiglass barrier at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in true pandemic style. All drinks must be consumed at the counter and the bartender is allowed to cut off anyone who takes one shot too many.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shot Bar is now open at Seattle-Tacoma Airport

The dining tenants at Seattle-Tacoma Airport are currently limited to a restaurant occupancy of just 25%, under Covid-19 restrictions. Each tenant implemented procedures for safe operations such as mandatory masks, physical distancing to limit close interactions, sanitation and hand hygiene protocols. “Shot Bar addresses that in a fun and pioneering way. Plus, there is nothing more fun than a quick shot to kick off vacation. Shot Bar offers a fast and safe solution to serve today’s traveller during the pandemic”, said Chef Kathy Casey, who is behind the concept.

Aside from Rel’Lish Burger Lounge, Kathy Casey runs two other food & beverage locations at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, in the shape of Lucky Louie Fish Shack (Central Terminal) and Dish D’Lish (located in Concourse C).

Wanderlust Tips

Visit the most unique trees around the world

Looking for somewhere spectacular and exotic? Here are the most unique tree spectacles around the world that will give you an inspiring love for nature.

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AVENUE OF THE BAOBAB TREE, MADAGASCAR

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

When it comes to Madagascar, the ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ springs to mind which you can easily find enormous trees – approximately 100 feet – lining the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina. Tree avenue is considered the most accessible place to see baobabs in Africa and the most marvellous road in Madagascar. In sunny evenings, hordes of tourists are seen wandering along this idyllic road and taking countless pictures.

WISTERIA TUNNELS, JAPAN

Every spring, Japan intrigues a large number of visitors to take a walk underneath the mesmerising wisteria tunnels of the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, Japan. As a type of flowering vine, the wisteria tree can be bent to create mystical designs, including a spectacular 100-metre tunnel. Visiting Japan in spring, you should not miss the Wisteria Festival (Fuji Matsuri) in late April or early May which you can indulge in colourful natural spectacles and admire the enormous wisteria ‘tree’ of Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi.

RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS TREE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES

Originated from the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the rainbow eucalyptus is an unusual tree with a beautiful trunk. Once its bark is shed, the rainbow eucalyptus reveals its astonishing beauty with striking shades of green, purple, orange and pink that are reminiscent of your average four-pack of assorted highlighters. Aside from the Philippines and Indonesia, you can also admire these unique trees in the US, including Balboa Park in San Diego, California, as well as in specific spots Kauai, Maui, and Oahu in Hawaii.

DARK HEDGES, NORTHERN IRELAND

Located on a quiet road near the town of Ballymoney in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges intrigue with 90 with beech trees twisted branches forming an arch over the road. This eerily tree-lined road is well-known for being featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Today, the Dark Hedges become the most photographed location in Northern Ireland. Tour buses stop regularly here in the afternoon, so get there early to avoid the crowds.

TA PROHM, CAMBODIA

As the mystical backdrop for the 2001 Hollywood hit starring Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm is one of the many beautiful temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The 1000-year-old temple impresses visitors with the ceiba and fig trees that are slowly reclaiming the centuries-old stonework, their roots encroaching on the ruins, in a scene that shows the power of nature. Strolling around the temple’s corridors, you will be mesmerised by the ancient trees surrounding the temples and the natural maze created by the expanding roots.

BLUE JACARANDA, SOUTH AMERICA

The blue jacaranda is a sub-tropical deciduous flowering tree native to South America, particularly north-western Argentina and southern Bolivia. This fabulous plant is known for its bell-shaped violet flowers. You can admire the striking beauty of the blue jacaranda in many other countries such as Australia, Hawaii, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia. Aside from its fascinating beauty, the blue jacaranda is listed as a Category 3 invasive species in South Africa.

BANYAN TREE, INDIA

If you are a nature lover, India is a must-visit country that is famous for its rich vegetation. Banyan trees are short and stout trees native to India. What makes these trees a popular tourist spot is that their aerial roots develop from their branches and drop to the ground to grow new trees. Apart from having amazing physical features, this grand old tree is also regarded as a holy place. Nothing can be better than sitting idly under the shades of nature and gazing at its spectacular beauty and magical charm.

Wanderlust Tips

The 5 major Asian regions for tea lovers

As the most popular drink on the planet, tea is integral to the identity, culture and politics of the Asian continent. If you are a tea lover, then make sure you visit these 5 major tea-growing countries when you are in Asia.

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CHINA – A TEA PARADISE IN ASIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions in Asia for tea lovers

China is the largest producer of tea on the planet, cultivating around 35 per cent of the tea exported across the globe. It is also the world’s largest consumer of tea, drinking around 1.6 billion pounds of tea leaves every year. There are four major tea-growing regions in China, including Jiangbei (north of Yangtze River), Jiangnan (south of Yangtze River), Southern China and Southwest China which produce oolong, green, black, white and rare yellow teas.

The Zhejiang Province is famous for its green tea and Longjing (or dragon well) tea in particular. China, the beautiful country of Asia, also specialises in oolong teas and the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong produce some of the best in the world. In Anhui Province, the speciality is black tea. Qimen, harvested in Anhui, is China’s premier black tea and is featured prominently in many English breakfast blends.

INDIA

In 1835, tea exports from India were among the top exports alongside indigo, spices and herbs in Asia, but tea consumption across the country was relatively low. As a result, the Indian Tea Association try to popularise tea as a drink. There are three main tea-growing regions in India, including Darjeeling, Nigiri Hills and Assam. Assam is famous for its black breakfast teas which are typically described as having a malty or honey flavour. Meanwhile, the Darjeeling region in West Bengal produces black, green, white and oolong tea from the Camellia sinensis. Fragrant and smooth black teas are grown in the Nilgiri Hills region. If you are keen on Indian culture and cuisine, you might know masala chai (or spiced tea), a medicinal Aruyvedic beverage consumed in India for at least 5,000 years.

SRI LANKA

Located mainly in the central highlands, complete with the fertile soil, humidity and higher rainfall, Sri Lanka is one of the main tea-growing countries in Asia. Here, you will find rolling hills clad with row upon row of luscious, green tea plants, making it the perfect escape from the heat of Sri Lanka’s glorious beaches. The seven main tea growing areas in Sri Lanka are Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uva, Uda Pussallawa, Ruhuna, Sambaragamuwa and Kandy, with flavours that range from mellow, to tangy to full bodied.

JAPAN – HOME TO THE TEA CEREMONY IN ASIA

Aside from being famous for natural sights like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, cutting-edge technology, Japan is home to the art of the tea ceremony in Asia. Shizuoka and Uji are the most tea-growing regions in Japan. Although Shizuoka produces the most tea in Japan, accounting for 40 percent of the country’s tea plantations, it is said that Uji produces the best-tasting tea and Uji Gyokuro is the highest grade Japanese green tea. Today, green tea (or ryokucha), the most widely produced and beloved tea in Japan, is consumed in two principle ways: Sencha involves simply infusing the whole dry tea leaves in hot water and Matcha is finely ground green tea leaf powder that can be infused into noodles, ice cream and coffee.

TAIWAN

If you are a tea drinker, you have probably heard of Taiwan’s teas in Asia. Taiwan’s Wulong (or Oolong), also called Formosa Wulong, are considered the best Wulong teas in the world and are highly sought-after exports. The Nantou region, home to Dong Ding oolong, is responsible for producing half the island’s tea. Sun Moon Lake in Nantou also cultivates Taiwan’s most renowned black tea, a sweet, rich variety called red ruby. In Pinglin, Taipei, tea plantations grow pouchong, an exceptional green-hued oolong famous for its floral aromas. “Come in and drink tea” is a common greeting to guests in Taiwan.

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A guide to the most delicious curries in Africa you should try

No matter the exact origin of curry in Africa, there is no doubt that this dish has an intricate history on the continent. A simmering bowl of freshly made curry can take you on a journey of the senses. Here are some of the most delectable curries everyone should try on their next trip.

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CAPE MALAY CURRY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curries in Africa you should try

If you are seeking a dish that carries hundreds of years of history, Cape Malay Curry should be a must-try. Deriving from East Asia in the 1600s, the dish makes its way to South Africa with a different group of immigrants, known as the Cape Malay people. Cape Malay curries usually include dishes such as bedie, a tomato-based stew-like dish with mutton, breyani and bobotie (made with spiced minced meat). These curries also incorporate turmeric, cumin, coriander and masala curry powder and sometimes served with sambals.

DURBAN CURRY

Another African curry awaits the wandering gastronome, Durban curry. The origins of this dish can be traced all the way back to the indentured servants who were brought to South Africa by the British to work on sugar plantations. Bunny chow is basically a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with curry. Today, Durban, South Africa, is home to 800,000 Indian people and Durban curry and bunny chow remain iconic and beloved dishes throughout the country, which usually incorporate chunks of fish, potatoes or lamb and are characterised by their searingly spicy flavour, oily texture and deep rich red colour.

KUKU PAKA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curry dishes in Africa you should try

Kuku is the Swahili word for chicken and paka is the Bengali word for delicious. This rich dish of chicken in a spiced coconut sauce comes from Mombasa, a coastal city in southeast Kenya. Seasoned with cumin, coriander, turmeric and garlic, kuku paka gets a zing of freshness from lemon or lime juice. Also known as kuku na nazi, the dish is also popular in Uganda and Tanzania, where there are large communities of Indian migrants. Chowing down on a bowl of kuku paka is an essential part of any trip to this amazing African country of Kenya.

TAJINES

A tagine is both a North African dish and the earthenware pot in which it is made. This Morrocan dish shares many similarities with other African curries. It is usually seasoned with garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger and turmeric. Chicken, lamb and beef are all common in both tajine and curry dishes and are cooked in a broth until thickened. One big difference is that tajine is not served over rice or couscous, whereas curry is usually always served with rice. Traditional recipes aside, tagines are excellent utensils for many one-pot, low-and-slow dishes.

CARIL DE CARANGUEJO OR CRAB CURRY

Drawing on strong influences from the Arabic, Portuguese and native African food cultures, Caril de caranguejo is one crab curry you will not want to miss in Mozambican cuisine. This unique dish often incorporates various types of seafood and is served hot with rice or cornmeal dough and pickled mangoes. Fish and shellfish curries are often seasoned with peri peri, the iconic pepper sauce created by Portuguese colonialists.

Wanderlust Tips

Entertainment venues in New York can reopen in April

A variety of entertainment venues in New York will be allowed to reopen next month with new capacity rules. Accordingly, everyone will still have to wear a face mask and socially distance.

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New York’s indoor entertainment venues will be able to open next month with new capacity rules in the state’s latest reopening announcement. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that beginning April 2^nd, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity, with up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present a negative Covid-19 test, venues will be able to accept up to 150 people indoors and 500 people outside. Social distancing and face coverings in New York will remain in effect.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Entertainment centres in New York can reopen in April

Manhattan‘s Radio City, Lincoln Centre and comedy clubs will be able to open their doors. Broadway will remain dark, but a series of pop-up shows will become available at select theatres. Following the successful reopening of arenas such as Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Centre, the state has also developed an app to make safe entry an even more seamless process.

Individuals will be able to use the app as a mobile airline boarding pass in New York. Once they have uploaded their data, like their Covid-19 test result, they will receive a QR code, which they can print out or store in their phone’s Wallet App. Venues will then scan the code, receive the confidential data transfer and confirm attendees’ Covid health status.

The app was recently tested at a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Centre and a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. What’s more, the Governor also issued new travel guidance. Domestic travellers to New York State who have been vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine or test out within 90 days of full vaccination and vaccinating performers will be a priority.

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