Starbucks is the largest coffee chain worldwide and although it doesn’t serve the
best coffee (sorry Starbucks fans!), it is always very comforting to be
able to spot a Starbucks from afar in a foreign land, especially in
China.

And you’ll be surprised.

Many of these Starbucks stores are architectural marvels in their own right too.

I was amazed to find not just one, but two very beautiful Starbucks stores in Nanjing alone. There are many other branches around the worldthat fit the bill just as well, and today I’ll be sharing where all these gorgeous stores are located. If you are a Starbucks fan, be sure to put these on your bucket list! Even if you’re not a fan, I assure you that these stores will make excellent backdrops for your travel photos!

5. Tukwila, Washington (USA)

 Have you come across other Starbucks stores that are just as beautiful? I would love to hear from you so do leave a comment or drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com!

I usually travel with friends or family but I have had to go solo on a number of trips for both work and leisure.

Is it safe for a lady to travel alone to a foreign land? Well, it really depends on where you choose to go, how you present yourself, how well-prepared you are, and your attitude when things don’t go as planned.

Some smart travel tips can also be useful, but if you’re thinking of going solo, here are a couple of tips from my personal experience that I hope you’ll find useful!

Do some research online (e.g. Tripadvisor) and shortlist some hotels within your budget. I can’t emphasise how important it is to err on the side of caution when you’re traveling alone, which is why I prefer to avoid Airbnb until stricter regulations come into play. At the end of the day, hotels have a reputation to protect, but not all homeowners do.

Get a wireless router before you depart or buy a local SIM card upon arrival. Personally, I only use Google Maps or Baidu Maps (in China) on my mobile phone. Holding a map in your hand seems like the most sensible thing to do in a foreign country, but unfortunately, this only highlights to the rest of the world that you are a tourist. It only gets worse when you hold a map and look like you’re completely lost, which brings me to my next point.

I don’t always have the best sense of direction but Google Maps definitely makes me feel like I know where I’m going ( make sure your phone is fully charged and bring along a portable charger). Double check the addresses and directions with your hotel concierge before heading out and if all fails, pop by a cafe or eatery to ask for directions.

Always look like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, even if you don’t. Look confident, remain calm, and never have fear or lost written all over your face or you’ll risk being singled-out by scammers and pickpockets. If you do get approached by random strangers, just keep moving. Yup, now’s the time to put on your “resting bitch” face.

Shanghai – Yu Garden

 

4. Dress in neutral or dull colours

The whole idea is to be able to blend in with the crowd. The last thing we want is to attract unwanted attention when we are alone. Research the locations that you’re traveling to and find out what the locals typically wear. If you obviously can’t pass off as a local due to your race, at least try to pass off as an expatriate who has been living there for a long time.

Always do your research and find out where the potential danger zones are located – e.g. dodgy neighbourhoods and certain modes of transport or transport companies that should be avoided. It is also important to find out where the nearest clinics/hospitals are, what the local police hotline is and where your country’s embassy or consulate is located in case of emergencies.

I once booked an accommodation in a relatively unsafe neighbourhood (I found out only on hindsight) when traveling alone. Fortunately, nothing untoward happened but it was rather unnerving to have to live in fear, even if it was only for a few days.

 

6. Keep your valuables close to you at all times

Never place important documents like your passport, cash and credit cards or valuables like your laptop or iPad in your luggage. I always keep them close to me, preferably in a sling bag that comes with a zip. I also make it a point to keep a separate stash of cash in a hidden compartment in another bag. This will come in handy in the event that I do fall prey to pickpockets.

 

London – Exploring Buckingham Palace on my own

 

7. Never provide real-time updates on social media

Being a social media addict myself, I know how tempting and instantly gratifying it is to share real-time updates. To protect myself, I never ever reveal the name of my hotel when I’m traveling alone, and even when I do share pictures on my social media platforms, these are not real-time updates. With so much public information readily available these days, you’ll never know who is trying to keep track of you.

 

8.  Keep in touch with friends and family back home

You may be miles apart, but letting your family and friends back home know where you are at every point of your journey is important when you’re traveling alone. In the worst case scenario that you get into trouble, they’ll have a better idea of how to reach you.

 

9. Don’t be penny wise, pound foolish

Thriftiness is a virtue, but not when safety is compromised as a result. There are just some things that aren’t worth scrimping on. Choosing to walk down an empty street late at night instead of forking out extra cash to take a cab puts you at a greater risk of getting into trouble. Whatever it is, we need to constantly remind ourselves that safety should always be our top priority.

 

10. Buy Travel Insurance

As I travel pretty frequently, I always make it a point to purchase annual travel insurance for peace of mind. Comprehensive travel insurance is relatively affordable these days and will adequately compensate you for loss of baggage, delayed baggage and medical expenses incurred overseas.

*****

These are just some general rules that I abide by when I travel and I find that they have worked well for me thus far. If you’ve any other travel tips that you’ll like to share, do drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com.

For more of my latest travel updates, follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/shoppingqueenshaven)

*****

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Hotels Combined.

 

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that Tibet would end up as one of my favourite travel destinations of all time. Besides the spectacular National Geographic-worthy scenery, I thought I would share some reasons why you should visit Tibet at least once in your life:

Tibet is every photography enthusiast’s paradise

Tibet is very photogenic. When it comes to natural scenery, no other country comes close, except probably New Zealand and Switzerland, but there is a wilder and deeper side to Tibet that makes it breathtakingly beautiful.

Think dramatic white clouds, beautiful turquoise lakes, vast frozen glaciers and rocky, towering mountains that are largely uninhabited. You don’t even have to visit the 3 holy lakes to be treated to spectacular views like these.

 

 

Panoramic view of Lhasa

Also, have you ever visited a destination where every walkway, building and passerby looked this photogenic? Keep your eyes peeled and cameras handy, because pleasant surprises await at every turn.

 

Tibetan Pilgrim

 

There are more Tibetan pilgrims in winter compared to any other time of the year.

 

;;;

Masquerading as a Tibetan pilgrim (Told you there are surprises at every turn!)

 

You’ll be intrigued by their cultural heritage and religious traditions

Did you know that the bold, intricate designs of the traditional costumes worn by local Tibetans are not just beautiful works of art? They tell a story too. From the costumes alone, you can ascertain which part of Tibet a person is from and whether he/she is a farmer or nomad.

 

Tibetan pilgrims and sporty-looking tourist (aka me)

Tibet’s culture and identity are inextricably linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Visits to places of worship and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Jokhang Temple are eye-opening experiences as Tibetan Buddhism is unlike any other religion.

Sera Monastery

The Monks Debate at Sera Monastery aims to deepen the monks’ understanding of the holy scriptures. Monks who are seated are questioned by those who are standing. Depending on the quality of the answers, the standing monk will either clap his hands with both palms facing each other (this means the answer is good) or with both palms facing up (meaning the answer isn’t satisfactory and requires further justifications)

 

Potala Palace, the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959

Tibetan Knot  – Blue symbolizes the sky, white symbolizes the air and wind, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes water and yellow symbolizes earth.

Rituals are a vital part of the culture and their meticulous attention to detail can be seen from the way these places of worship are constructed, to the Tibetan prayer bells, wheels, flags and even the way pilgrims pray by sliding on the ground continuously in full prostration.

Tibetan pilgrim holding a prayer wheel at Bakhor Street

Prostrating Tibetans (Gotta love those stylish braids too)

 

Tibetan cuisine is delicious, if you avoid tourist traps

We had a very good Tibetan guide (his name is Chimple) who brought us only to restaurants frequented by the locals. After hearing horror stories about how tough and tasteless yak meat is, I was pleasantly surprised that the yak meat we had at every meal was succulent and tasty. It is compulsory to hire a guide in Tibet, so go on, ask your guide to take you to his favourite local joints!

Butter tea is a common beverage in Tibet and Chimple brought some of his home-made butter tea to sample. Did you know that authentic butter tea is made using milk from the female yak (also known as nak) but most butter teas found in shops today use ordinary butter? It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to savour this delicacy.

Tibetans are a welcoming bunch (and they can speak Mandarin too)

Everywhere we went, Tibetans would smile warmly at us. It is useful to have a decent command of the Chinese language because Tibetans can speak Mandarin too.

Exploring a Tibetan village

We had the chance to visit a Tibetan village and some of the local houses, which gave us a deeper understanding of their living environment and how Tibetan Buddhism is a way of life for everyone.

Typical Tibetan house

 

Tibetan living room

Even when the rest of the house looks like it needs a makeover, their dedicated prayer room is always spick and span. As most Tibetans are still devoted to the Dalai Lama, who is currently in exile in India, religious activities are closely monitored by the Chinese government.

Altar in the prayer room

 

Flour cakes made with flour and butter for prayer rituals

 

 

Butter lamps for praying

Words and photographs alone cannot adequately express how enchanted I am with Tibet, and I would urge you to visit this beautiful destination at least once in your lifetime. You’ll only truly understand what I mean when you’ve personally experienced the wonders of Tibet.

Plus, where else can you enjoy such a gorgeous view during a massive traffic jam?

*****

For more information on my trip to Tibet, click on the links below to read my previous posts:

Tibet: Altitude Sickness & Acclimatisation Tips

Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa

You may also be interested in this article on preventing altitude sickness in Tibet written by YoWangdu Tibetan Culture business and website:

Altitude Sickness Prevention in a Nutshell

 

 

Being able to truly experience the four seasons is one of the simple pleasures of life that I have come to appreciate in China, although I have to admit that I do miss the blazing sun on chilly days. I remember running towards the sea of red maple leaves at Hangzhou’s West Lake, catching a glimpse of the very last cherry blossom in Suzhou’s classical gardens before it withered, jumping out of bed at 7am in Nanjing just to catch the first snowfall, and now that Spring is upon us, I have been photographing flowers in bloom from every angle imaginable. The fleeting beauty of each natural phenomenon makes every moment more precious than it already is, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be able to reconnect with Mother Nature.Just a few days before I returned to Nanjing from Singapore, I read in the news that the plum blossoms in Nanjing have bloomed prematurely. Overwhelmed with excitement, we told our driver to take us to Plum Blossom Mountain for the annual plum blossom festival the day after we arrived.

An ocean of marshmallow pink and white greeted us along with throngs of visitors on an early weekday afternoon. The plum blossoms, also known as Nanjing’s national flowers, were in full bloom in end February, a rarity since they usually bloom in mid-March. Not unlike Japan’s cherry blossom season, we found visitors settling into their favourite spots, picnic baskets brimming with food in tow and just enjoying a leisurely afternoon with their loved ones. The plum blossoms danced to the rhythm of the wind, and when the sun cast its rays upon them, that was when their beauty came to life.

The beauty of photography lies in its ability to capture magical moments that bring back beautiful memories and today, I hope these moments captured in time will put a smile on your face as we take on another week ahead.

Food was the highlight of my recent trip to Bangkok. We literally spent every waking moment hunting down cafes, restaurants and local eateries in the Land of Smiles. If you follow me on my instagram and snapchat accounts (@reginachow_sg), you would know that aside from my personal style posts, they were filled with pictures of food!

For once, shopping took a backseat, something that I didn’t think was possible in the past. I probably already gave you a flavour (pun intended) of what and where to eat in Bangkok on your next trip but I wanted to share more details in this post so you’ll know what to expect and more importantly, how you can get to these locations as well.

  Audrey Cafe is one of the prettiest cafes in Bangkok that also offers an extensive range of authentic Thai and Thai-fusion fare. Popular items on the menu include Tom Yum Pizza and Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake (very soft and delicious!). I would also highly recommend the fluffy omelette with Thai sweet chilli sauce as the perfect accompaniment.

There are many branches in Bangkok, but do visit its first flagship stand-alone cafe in Thong Lor to truly bask in the beauty of its French country-inspired interior.

Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake

Address: 
136/3 Soi Thonglo 11, Vaddhana, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok
(Take BTS to Thong Lo, followed by a short walk)


Opening Hours: 
11am – 10pm 

Directions to get to Audrey Cafe

 

Other than Thong Lor, the Ekkamai area is home to several quaint cafes. One Ounce for Onion is an example of a lovely hole-in-the-wall café that serves coffee and light meals in Ekkamai.

Popsicle waffles is definitely the highlight of this café. The flavours blend together seamlessly and leave you wanting more with every bite.

Popsicle Waffles at One Ounce for Onion

 To get here, you can take the BTS to Ekkamai and catch a cab. If you enjoy walking in the heat, you can do so as well, but do note that the walk takes at least 15-20 minutes on average.

If you’re an early bird, you would also be happy to know that One Ounce for Onion opens at 9am, unlike most cafes which only open from 11am onwards.

Karmakamet Diner needs no introduction as you probably would have seen its Instagram-worthy signature dessert, Strawberry In the Clouds, circulating on the internet by now. How does it taste? I am happy to report that the strawberry cheese cake in the cup beneath the massive rainbow coloured candy floss is pretty satisfying.

But what struck me most when I stepped into this restaurant is how it instantly transports you to a land of magic and mystery. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in all of Bangkok and is the perfect location to spend a leisurely afternoon or for romantic dinner dates.

To get to Karmakamet Diner, take the BTS to Phrom Phong and head towards Emporium Suites hotel. You will see this signage right after the multi-storey carpark.

Look out for this signage after the multi-storey carpark

Address:
30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24 Bangkok (take BTS to Phrom Phong station)

10am – 1130pm 

Honey Shibuya Toast

After You is another popular café in Bangkok with several branches in major malls including Siam Paragon and Central World. Their Honey Shibuya Toast is the bomb. Crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, it is an absolute delight to sink your teeth into this delicious dessert.

If Shibuya Toast is not your cup of tea, try the Kakigori Strawberry Cheesecake. Essentially flavoured ice (think bingsu) with chunks of strawberry cheesecake hidden within, this is my preferred choice of dessert for beating the heat.

If you are staying in the Siam area, as with most Singaporeans, head to the Ground Floor of Siam Paragon Shopping Centre or the Ground Floor of Siam Square One (nearest BTS: Siam). There is also another branch at the 7th floor of Central World (nearest BTS: Chit Lom).

5. Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe

Carbonara pasta stole the show at Chu

Located at the Exchange Tower that is directly linked from Asoke BTS and diagonally across from Terminal 21 shopping mall, Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe is one of the more accessible cafes in Bangkok.

It serves up a wide range of brunch options including perennial favourites such as eggs benedict and french toast, but in my humble opinion, the carbonara pasta stole all the limelight. Topped with a perfectly poached egg, the pasta was cooked to al dante perfection in a light creamy sauce that was tasty yet not overwhelming on the palate. Two thumbs up!


Address:
2nd floor, Exchange Tower (Asoke Intersection) – linked to Asoke BTS


Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 730am – 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am – 9pm

 

6. Roast

Strawberry Honey Iced Tea & Cafe Latte

Roast is another popular brunch spot that is equally known for their coffee (try their iced coffee!) and Strawberry Honey Iced Tea.

Iced Coffee from Roast

Its main location at The Commons is currently under renovation, but you can still visit its branch at Emquartier, a luxury mall linked to Phrom Phong BTS station, which is even more accessible to the masses. You can expect snaking queues at this joint throughout the day.

Address:
First floor, The Helix, Emquartier (take BTS to Phrom Pheng)

Opening Hours:
10am – 10pm daily

 

Brace yourself for the long queue at the famous Sabx2 Wanton Mee stall. Located across Platinum Mall at Soi Petchburi 19, this simple yet addictive bowl of wanton mee is a must-eat for most Singaporeans (including myself) in Bangkok. In fact, downing two bowls per person seems to be the norm here. In my opinion, the secret ingredient lies in the generous serving of crispy pork lard which makes this dish out of this world.

If you prefer true-blue local food frequented largely by the Thais, Rod Dee Det is a good bet. This long-standing institution is known for their beef and pork ball noodles drenched in a peppery, flavourful broth that is bound to set your heart aflutter. Servings are small, so you can either have it as a snack or order two portions to make it a meal. Since it opens bright and early at 7.30am, you can even have a light breakfast here.

The shop is located directly across from TMB Bank. One thing to note about this shop is that its signage is entirely in Thai. To make it easier for you to locate the shop, here’s what it looks like:

Rod Dee Det

 

Address:
420 Siam Square Soi 7, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (Take BTS to Siam)


Opening Hours:
7.30am – 8pm

9. Inter

Affordably priced authentic Thai food

Inter is an affordable option for authentic Thai food. It is very popular among locals and is usually packed during meal times. Typical Thai dishes such as Morning Glory with Sambal, Basil Chicken, Garlic Pork and the likes will not disappoint, but if you were to ask me to pick my favourites, the Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai would make the list as they are breathtakingly good.

Address:
432/1-2 Siam Square 9, Bangkok (Take BTS to Siam)


Opening Hours:
11am – 930pm

10. Number One Thai Iced Milk Tea

Me & my daily dose of Number One Thai Iced Milk Tea

If you are a huge fan of Thai Iced Milk Tea, Number One Brand’s version is a must-try. It is suitably thick and has just the right hint of sweetness to give you that extra kick. There are several kiosks and stalls around Bangkok, usually accompanied by long queues. You can find the kiosks at several BTS stations and at the food courts of major malls. For your easy reference, I have also included a link with a full listing of its stalls below.

Address:
For the full list of stores, refer to the link below:
http://chathai.herokuapp.com/stores

*****
 
For live updates on where I am and what I’m up to, remember to follow me on my instagram (@reginachow_sg) and snapchat (reginachow_sg) accounts!

I peered out of the window where a vast expanse of mountainous landscape stretched out to the horizon. The view from the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (the world’s highest railway) alternates between snow-capped mountains and meandering lakes against the backdrop of the blazing sun and azure blue skies; a feast for the eyes if you are a nature lover. My eyes were glued to the breathtaking scenery and despite being at an altitude of 15,000 feet, all my worries about possible altitude sickness were cast into oblivion. There was just something extraordinary about this harsh and hostile environment that I found remarkably attractive.

The sun rays began streaming in in the most unforgivable manner at close to 9 a.m. Even in winter, at temperatures way below freezing point, the sun in Tibet is scorching. I remember forcing my eyes open as I wanted to soak in the beauty of what laid before me. At one point, there was an announcement that we were about to pass by Namtso Lake, the second largest salt lake in China and the highest salt lake in the world. I sat up in excitement, armed with my camera, and gasped in amazement when I set my eyes on the sparkling turquoise blue waters that seemed to span across eternity.

Namtso Lake, the highest salt lake in the world

Time came to a standstill before majestic mountain ranges came back into focus, and in the blink of an eye, three long but fruitful hours had passed. All this while, my husband was sound asleep as he was experiencing mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

It is possible to suffer from altitude sickness on the train, since it reaches a highest point of over 16,000 feet above sea level. Barring that possibility and the 15-hour total travel time from Xining to Tibet (or even longer from other cities), I could still completely understand why the Qinghai-Tibet Railway remains highly popular among travelers to Tibet. Mother Nature definitely spent a little more time on the roof of the world, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway gives you unrivaled access to its raw, untainted beauty.

Northern Tibet

The train ride itself is also pretty comfortable if you are in the first class soft sleeper berth, which is frequently sold out in the peak season. The staff and fellow passengers are genuinely friendly and surprisingly polite especially if you speak Mandarin. Truth be told, I never felt more relieved to have a relatively decent command of the language. I had a long chat with a college girl traveling alone from Changsha all the way back to her hometown, Golmud, for the Chinese New Year festivities. She gave me a tip or two on places to visit in Tibet as we munched on some snacks before calling it a night. I don’t usually warm up to strangers quickly but in this situation, talking to her felt very comforting and was a much welcomed distraction from the fears of falling prey to altitude sickness.

Me in my soft sleeper berth

I have heard horror stories about the toilets on board but personally, I found the condition of the toilets rather acceptable. Although the train offers meals and the food selection isn’t too shabby, most passengers bring their own food and so did we. We stocked up on Japanese cup noodles (we were overjoyed that they came with slices of meat!), snacks and drinks for the journey. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride and would highly recommend it over taking a plane.

You can take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from many cities, including Xining (where we boarded), Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Lanzhou. It is necessary to hire a guide for your adventures in Tibet and you can easily book the tickets through your appointed guide.

*****

For more information on battling altitude sickness in Tibet, read my previous post here:

Why is Tibet worth visiting? Read my latest post about Tibet below:Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

Having received many queries from friends and readers on my recent trip, I will be sharing 6 tips on overcoming altitude sickness and acclimatizing in Tibet based on my personal experience in today’s post.

My
trip to Tibet was a spontaneous decision made less than a month ago. We
had a few days to spare before Singapore beckoned and winter seemed
like the perfect time to avoid the tourist crowds in the land of snows. At the back of my mind however, I was worried that JW and I would fall prey to altitude sickness at the roof of the world.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is common when you travel to altitudes of more than 8000 feet (2500m) due to lower oxygen levels. There are three types of altitude sickness, the mildest being Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which causes headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) causes breathlessness due to the build up of fluids in your lungs, and may be accompanied by cough, fever and frothy spitum. HAPE can be fatal in a few hours, so do take extra care to descend to a lower altitude if you or your traveling companion experiences this.

High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) is like a more severe case of AMS, except that symptoms such as headache, nausea and the works progressively worsen and cause unsteadiness, confusion, drowsiness and ultimately, coma. Again, it is important to descend immediately as HACE will also kill you in a few hours.

Who is more susceptible to Altitude Sickness?

Unfortunately, no one is able to tell who is more susceptible to altitude sickness, but the good news is, you can take preventive measures to alleviate symptoms as and when they arise:

1. When you go to Tibet makes a difference

Winter may not be the best time to head to Tibet, but it is remarkably beautiful even at this time of the year.

Winter is probably the worst time to head to Tibet as altitude sickness worsens during this time of the year due to the lack of vegetation and thus oxygen. I think we took a risk by going there in winter, but taking medication before the trip definitely helped (read on to find out more).

Spring and summer are apparently ideal seasons for travel in Tibet but do take note that you would also have to deal with the tourist crowds due to peak season.

2.  How you get to Tibet matters

 

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (credit: Wikipedia)

If you fly straight into Tibet, the possibility of getting serious altitude sickness is much higher as a result of the sudden change in altitude.

On the contrary, taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway would lower the risk or at least lessen the extent of altitude sickness. That said, the train does climb to very high altitudes (up to 15000 feet) between Golmud and Lhasa, which is not ideal for acclimatization. To give you a better comparison, Lhasa is only 11975 feet (3650m).

Based on reviews on TripAdvisor, it appears rather common for travellers to suffer from nausea and vomiting on the train.

For the reasons above, it is generally advisable to acclimatise in a lower highland (about 8000 feet) for 1-2 days before heading to Tibet. You can fly into Xining (7464 feet), capital of Qinghai and tour for 1-2 days before continuing your journey to Lhasa by train.

 

3. Take altitude sickness medication before your trip

Due to time constraints, JW and I couldn’t afford to spend extra time in Xining. We flew to Xining in the day and boarded the train to Lhasa in the evening on the very same day. I think luck was on our side as I only experienced very mild light-headedness while JW had fatigue.

I believe we could have had it worse if not for the medication that we had been taking prior to our trip.

Here are 3 types of altitude sickness medication that you can consider:

i) Hong Jing Tian

 

Hong Jing Tian, 红景天

This popular Tibetan herb helps your body to adapt to high altitudes. Personally, I would highly recommend this herb for its effectiveness and lack of side effects. We took this continuously 2 weeks before the trip and throughout the entire duration of our trip. During the trip, we experienced very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

We bought this in China, but if you are heading over from Singapore, you can purchase this from the Chinese emporium at People’s Park.

 ii) Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Diamox is the most commonly prescribed western medication for altitude sickness. If you are based in Singapore, you can only purchase this from pharmacies located in hospitals (I got mine from Guardian pharmacy at Gleneagles Hospital), but before you head down, be sure to first obtain a prescription from your GP.

What I didn’t like about this medication was the side effects. I took Diamox the day before I flew to Xining and I experienced numbness and tingling sensations on my hands, feet and even face, as well as increased urination. I decided to stop Diamox immediately and reverted to Hong Jing Tian, which served me well.

iii) Dexamethasone 

I didn’t take this medication at all and I am no doctor, but based on my understanding, this should only be taken when you experience severe altitude sickness such as HACE. For such cases, Dexamethasone and Diamox might even be taken together.

 

4. Take it slow in Tibet

Walk slowly and have ample rest throughout your trip. The air is much thinner and you might have difficulties breathing, especially when sleeping.

If you can, try to regulate your breathing by slowing it down with longer inhalations and exhalations. I found this particularly helpful whenever my breathing went out of whack.

 

5. Stay at a better hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa, Tibet

Since the majority of travellers experience altitude sickness, it makes sense to put up at a comfortable accommodation with an in-house clinic and oxygen bar. I’m talking about the Shangri-La Hotel, the only hotel in Lhasa currently that has an oxygen bar.

The hotel has an excellent heating system which is perfect for winter travel, amazing beds and sumptuous western buffet breakfast so you can start your day on the right foot.

6. Eat Carbohydrates, Drink Water & Avoid Alcohol

Resting and eating well are of paramount importance when it comes to battling altitude sickness. As a lot of walking is required and more energy is lost due to breathing difficulties, it is advisable to stick to a diet that is made up of 80% carbohydrates. It is also important to drink more water than usual, and to avoid alcohol which only dehydrates your body further.
I followed this routine strictly while I was in Tibet and found that it worked for me.

Butter Tea – Made of yak butter, black tea, water and salt

According to the Tibetans, butter tea (made using yak butter, black tea, water and salt) gives you energy and helps with acclimatisation too. We tried this courtesy of our guide and it really tastes just like liquid butter.

*****

I wish I could tell you that by doing all of the above, you would be completely unaffected by altitude sickness in Tibet.

The truth is, altitude sickness affects each individual differently, and even the fittest person may not be able to escape unscathed. That said, by taking good care of your health and ensuring that you take the necessary preventive measures for acclimatisation as shared above, I believe you’ll be more likely to wing it and make it through!

I hope you found this post useful. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

For first dibs on my Tibet trip and other upcoming adventures, follow me on my social media platforms below:

Facebook

Instagram 
Have a great week ahead!

*****

Read more about my adventures in Tibet below:

Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa 

 

 When it comes to food in Copenhagen, I have to admit that traditional Danish delicacies such as herring can be an acquired taste, but the street food and pastries are definitely among the best in their league.

Aside from the famous 2-Michelin star restaurant Noma (impossible to get a reservation unless you book early), here are 3 interesting places for good food and pastries that I would personally recommend.

Papiroen Street Food (Paper Island) 

Indulge
in street food, people watch and soak up the sun outdoors with a group
of friends at Papiroen (Paper Island) along Copenhagen Harbour.Why is it called Paper Island? The building once served as paper storage for the Procurement Association of the Danish Press, but the raw halls have since been transformed into a place where colourful trucks and vans serve up a dazzling array of street food from all over the world. These street food vendors are temporary occupants whose lease will be up in end 2017, so do visit Paper Island while you still can!

http://copenhagenstreetfood.dk/en/ 

Cinnamon Buns at St Peders Cafe (Sankt Peders Bageri)

I have never been a fan of pastries, but St Peders Cafe changed my mind for good. Cinnamon rolls are the highlight of Copenhagen’s oldest bakery (founded in 1652) and you instantly know why when you sink your teeth into its fluffy goodness.

 Words fail to describe how incredible it is to have a piping hot crispy cinnamon bun on a cold morning.

 Their cinnamon rolls are also known as Wednesdays snails, with over 4000 of them flying off the shelves every Wednesday!Address:
Sankt Peders Stræde 29
1453 København K

Contact No.:
+45 3311 1129
 

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe is a popular spot in town (even Oprah has visited this cafe!) known for its reinterpretation of the Smorrebord, an all-time Danish staple. Smorrebord is essentially an open-faced sandwich, typically with rye bread as a base and loaded with toppings like herring and the works.

Bite-sized Smorrebord, also known as Smushi

Royal Smushi created its own version of beautifully crafted bite-sized Smorrebord, lovingly termed Smushi. You can pop a few of these delectable goodies into your mouth and try all the different flavours without feeling overstuffed. I love the guilt-free experience. Oh, and did I mention that the cafe itself is just as captivating? It is hard not to fall in love with the whimsical decor and those Arne Jacobsen Ant chairs!

Address:
Amagertorv 6,
1160 Copenhagen

Contact No.:

If you’re interested in reading more about my adventures in Copenhagen, click here for my previous post on Travel: 5 Sightseeing Spots in Copenhagen.

Have a great weekend ahead! I’ll be heading to Tibet tomorrow, and keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that I wouldn’t be hit by altitude sickness. Please keep me in your prayers ok?

After traveling around China for a few months, I have come to realize that one of the country’s greatest draws lies in its rich historical heritage. Every monument, garden and pagoda tells a story and it is through these stories that each attraction takes on a life of its own, coming alive right before my eyes as I embark on an experiential journey to deepen my appreciation of China’s cultural intricacies.

My fascination with cultural heritage and ancient buildings was what led me to Che’fle Canal Hotel, a new luxury hotel in Hangzhou,China.

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Open Concept Reception

Elements of Chinese culture in the hotel lobby

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

 Located at the former site of the Renhe Granary in the Ming Dynasty and the State Silk Warehouse in the 1950s, the independent buildings that used to be a part of the warehouse have now been restored and transformed into the Che’fle Canal Hotel of today. These buildings are listed as protected historical architecture in Hangzhou. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal, the longest, greatest and oldest canal in the world, which dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period more than 2500 years ago.

Believe it or not, the canal flows through Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing and Tianjin. You can still experience the hustle and bustle of this ancient waterway through the scenic canal cruise, as well as many traditional streets and alleys dotted with eateries, cafes and retail shops.

The Rooms

A stunning motif of the Grand Canal adds a cultural touch to the entrance of every room

Returning to a cozy, welcoming room is something that I look forward to after a hectic day of traveling.

Hotel rooms are decorated to reflect the Silk Culture of the hotel

 

 

The decor at Che’fle reflects the hotel’s State Silk Warehouse heritage, as can be seen from the flowing motifs and silk artwork that extend from the corridors to the rooms.

Shanghai Tang bath toiletries

Nespresso coffee machine

 

The room amenities reflect a taste for finer living and the hotel’s attention to detail. Some pampering treats that you can indulge in include the Shanghai Tang bath toiletries (Che’fle is one of the few hotels that has an exclusive partnership with Shanghai Tang), Nespresso coffee machine and a selection of exquisite Chinese tea, not to mention the amazing turndown service that ends your day on a sweet note.

Che’fle Canal Hotel’s Turndown Service ends the day on a sweet note

Breads & Pastries

The delectable east-meets-west breakfast buffet is bound to leave you spoiled for choice. A western spread comprising quality cold cuts, cheese platter, breads and pastries and breakfast cereals are accompanied by eastern delights such as dim sum (the xiao long bao is surprisingly delicious!) and porridge. The wide variety of fruits, cereals and freshly squeezed fruit juices will also appeal to the health-conscious crowd.

Breakfast Cereals

Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou Breakfast

For lunch, visit one of Han Palace Chinese Restaurant’s Private Dining Rooms for an intimate dining experience with bespoke menus as you sit in the comfort of lavishly designed rooms.

Han Dining Chinese Restaurant

Han Dining Restaurant’s Private Dining Room

 

If you have a sweet tooth, you would be happy to know that Che’fle Hotel has a dedicated cakes and pastry shop helmed by their very own pastry chef. We had afternoon tea at the Buddha Bar, which transforms into a great spot to chill out at night with a drink or two.

Lovely cakes for afternoon tea

 

Macaroons by the hotel’s in-house pastry chef

The macaroons are my personal favourite as they resemble the famous zumbarons created by renowned Australian pastry chef Adrianna Zumbo.

Fitness & Relaxation

Fitness junkies will love the hotel’s fully equipped gym and saltwater pool, the first of its kind in Hangzhou.

First saltwater pool in Hangzhou

At the end of the day, wind down, relax and disconnect from the world by pampering yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa operated by award-winning arom:D Academic Spa from Thailand.

Spa

Spa Menu

 

Overall Experience

Che’fle Canal Hotel is a
prime example of how the old and new can coexist in harmony.

Bricks from the former State Silk Factory can still be found here

Aside from
the building structures, take a closer look and you will find traces of
the old State Silk Warehouse in the form of bricks (not one brick can be knocked off!), signage, or window
grilles.

 

I was constantly on the lookout for surprises at every corner,
very much like a child on a treasure hunt. If you too would like to
experience a slice of history without compromising on modern-day
comforts and luxuries, Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou is the place to be.

*****

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Address:
7 Lishui Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou

Tel:

Reservations – (86) 571 88090928

E-mail:
info@cheflehotelhz.com

Website:
http://www.cheflehotelhz.com

Happy New Year!!

If
you don’t already know by now (I’m guessing many of you do if you’re
following me on instagram @reginachow_sg), I have been shuttling between
Singapore and China in the recent months as JW is currently based in
Nanjing.

Over these few months, I had the opportunity to explore Nanjing and new cities such as Hangzhou (courtesy of Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou – do watch out for my review soon), Suzhou, Kunshan. I also revisited Shanghai, one of my favourite cities in China.

The Bund, Shanghai

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Beautiful autumn foliage in Hangzhou

Much to my surprise, my experience thus far has been fairly pleasant. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone yells at the top of their voices (these are usually farmers from the rural areas) and the habit of cutting queues is also fast-becoming a phenomenon of the past. I am honestly very impressed by how civilized they have become in just a matter of years. The service quality, especially in restaurants, is excellent. We have been getting the royal treatment, and I am not even exaggerating. I am also particularly drawn to the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage as it gives me deeper insights into my ancestry and roots. Of course, it helps that the scenery doesn’t disappoint and is particularly mesmerizing during autumn. 

West Lake, Hangzhou

Autumn in Nanjing

Xiema Bridge Ancient Village, Kunshan (Read more about it here)

The past year has also taken me to Bangkok, Gold Coast 

(courtesy of Scoot who sponsored the SAF50 bloggers contest winners – click here to read more about my adventures in Australia), Copenhagen (click here to read more about my trip) and London. 

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Burger & Lobster, London

Traveling is a big part of my life and I truly believe that traveling together with your partner and loved ones helps to forge closer bonds. Uncertainties abound when you step foot in a foreign land and to overcome these challenges as a unit while still managing to have fun is no mean feat.

 For 2016, my key priorities are to travel and to lead a healthier lifestyle. More traveling
awaits in 2016. My first stop is Tibet in end January with JW before
jetting back to Singapore for Chinese New Year, and then to Bangkok in
February for a short getaway, followed by girly
trips in April and July. The other months are blank canvases for now,
but a little spontaneity never fails to spice up our lives right? In a bid to lead a healthier lifestyle, I
have been attending yoga lessons, attempting to eat clean by
including more organic food in my diet and trying very hard to go to
bed earlier (still not happening unfortunately).

What about you? What are your priorities? 

Whatever your priorities may be, may you be blessed with good health, happiness and a fruitful year ahead!