South-East Asian Stories
What to do on a Hong Kong Stopover – ask your taxi driver!
My big tip when travelling to somewhere new is to talk to your taxi driver on the way from the airport. They normally know the best spots to eat and will soon poo-poo any of your suggestions as being too touristy or expensive. On a recent stopover in Hong Kong, with a limited 2 night and 3 whole day stay ahead, I made sure to get the lowdown from our taxi driver Barry.
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Five Famous Film Locations to Visit in South East Asia
South East Asia offers a never ending choice of options of places to visit and fall in love with. From cosmopolitan cities to small ethnic villages, rice paddies to beaches, the region is teeming with must-see places. It’s no wonder that many of its landmarks were featured in popular films. Thanks to movies, these spots in particular have enjoyed a boost in tourism in recent years.
Low Plastic Stools, Delicious Noodles and cold Hanoi Beer - the Anthony Bourdain affect
President Obama perfectly summarised Anthony Bourdain within hours of his death with this tweet “Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer. This is how I’ll remember Tony. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him”.
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Arguably the best soup in the world - Khao Soi
From my very first visit to the charming Thai city of Chiang Mai almost 20 years ago Khao Soi has remained one of my top dishes to indulge in and I try to indulge in it as often as possible. With its rich, creamy curry sauce with the combination of soft and crunchy egg noodles Khao Soi is the Thai version of Malaysian Laksa. The addition of the ubiquitous garnishes of pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime takes it to a whole new level of tastebud sensations. Add your chosen amount of chilli paste and you're good to slurp!
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So much to see and do in Singapore
Singapore is a multi-cultural city state, an island country with a tropical climate and the gateway to Asia. Singapore is a global financial centre, a shopping mecca and a food destination like nowhere else on earth. It has its own thriving design culture, the result of a melting pot of Malay, Indian, Chinese and European/Expat influence. Whether you're stopping over for a couple of days, or heading to Singapore for a family holiday there's so much to do to keep you busy. And don't forget to head to a hawker centre for satay, chilli crab and stingray, fish head curry, roti, popiah, carrot cake (with no carrots), Hainanese Chicken Rice and every other amazing Singaporean dish while you're visiting.
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Hanoi, the City that Really Grows on You
On my recent visit I stayed at the Apricot Hotel, one of the only hotels facing the Hoan Kiem Lake. This meant I was able to wander out early in the morning (building up an appetite before their phenomenal buffet breakfast), cross the road and experience the Hanoi of the locals; strolling past the seniors practising Tai-Chi, joggers and the dog owners walking their tiny dogs before work. As the sun sets the lake becomes a hive of activity again – families are out socialising and drinking coffee, kids are playing, groups of young friends are sitting on ubiquitous low plastic stools and chatting whilst couples walk past in hand in hand. It became abundantly clear on this trip to Hanoi what I’d been missing – to appreciate Hanoi you have to slow down and just walk. So I walked around the Old Quarter until late at night just taking in the life – the views across the lake, the food, the coffee and of course the shops.
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Vientiane - Spotlight on the Capital of Laos
Meditate With Monks
Every Saturday, the monks at Wat Sok Pa Luang offer an open meditation session that starts at 3 p.m. The monks describe the various types of mediation. They then teach visitors how to perform the various techniques. They hold a Q&A session at the end, during which they answer questions about meditation, Buddhism, or their lives as monks. While the older monks speak English fluently, many of the younger ones are just learning and use the sessions to practice their English.
Top 5 things to do with Mum on Mother's Day
Lasting memories are created when learning something new, so live, love and most importantly, laugh and do it together. Treat Mum to that lesson she always wanted to learn - Tai Chi, Italian, Kundalini Yoga perhaps. If you have a country loving Mum, go for gardening, berry or fruit picking or horseback riding. For those who love sand between their toes, hit the beach for surfing or stand up paddle lessons. All Mums have a longing for creativity, so try a dance, painting or flower arranging class together. It's all about sharing those lasting memories.
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Top 5 Gorgeous Pieces to Choose from to Spoil Mum...Or Yourself
I went shopping for my Mum, wanting, needing something special to spoil her and now I want and need to treat myself too. We love our Mums, they deserve every bit of spoiling they receive on Mother’s Day (and every day really) and you will love these pieces that will appeal to all ages and tastes, spoil, delight and be cherished the wonderful woman your life with, on Mother’s Day and every day.
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Vietnam's Favourite Ethical Fashion House are coming to Australia, in collaboration with Temples and Markets
Laura and Diego, two Spanish fashion designers, created Chula Fashion after they visited and fell in love with Vietnam back in 2004. They made Hanoi their home and Chula and their "wearable art" has since become a recognised and loved brand across Vietnam, Asia and Europe. Although their boutiques are based in Vietnam, Chula pops up in cities around the world too.
Laura and Diego drew inspiration from the people, the food and the culture of Vietnam and transformed it into beautiful works of wearable art. Their philosophy believes in inclusion, cultural traditions, happiness of life, sense of humor, handmade fashion and suitable small scale projects.
Scholarships for Cambodia
Earlier this year, my son and I had the opportunity to visit Human and Hope Association, a grassroots community centre in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I had been supporting this not-for-profit for quite some time; by being a monthly champion, donating proceeds from a VIP night and also through selling their gorgeous handicrafts through Temples and Markets.
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Creating a Welcoming Home (the Temples and Markets way).
As Jane Austen once said, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” As with many of Jane’s musings it is eternally true. Everyone is comfortable in their own home and wishes others to feel the same. Here, five home and interiors professionals share their tips for creating a welcoming home.