berlin new europe free walking tour - a great introduction to the city

The best way to get to know a city is to get lost and explore on your own. However if its really cold outside and you don’t have that many days to spend in said city, you might want to consider a free walking tour which is what I did in Berlin. 

I don’t remember where I first heard about the New Europe free walking tour (click link for more info) but there are a few all around Europe and they’re a great introduction to any city. 

Some highlights from the Berlin walking tour that I went on included Bradenburg Gate, the Parliament (which I went back to visit at night), parts of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Hilter's former bunker (its now a carpark pictured above) and stopping for hot chocolate midway because it really was that cold outside. 

Try it, it's free! And if you do, let me know what you think. 

notting hill & hummingbird bakery

Tourists who visit Notting Hill tend to fall into one of the following categories; cupcake enthusiast, fans of the movie and/or in search of antiques. 

I on the other hand was trying to 'stalk' Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. I read somewhere that they lived in the neighbourhood and naturally I wanted to see what their townhouse looked like. Needless to say, I was largely unsuccessful in my attempt. 

Update: The couple have since consciously uncoupled and moved to LA. 

So I settled for a quick walk around the charming market and a red velvet cupcake from Hummingbird Bakery, easily the best in town. 

bochinche review

From September 2013: 

Bochinche

22 Martin Road #02-01

Singapore 239058

When it comes to finding new places to eat at that I love, I'm usually quite selfish until today. Bochinche, which the head chef told us is Spanish slang for making noise, is an Argentine tapas place that recently starting serving weekend brunch. Everything from the setting (dark wood and leather bar chairs)to the service was perfect. I particularly enjoyed sitting at the counter watching the chefs at work and loved that brunch menu (though hardly extensive) was different from your typical eggs benedict hipster-type-cafes that you find all over Tiong Bahru and Jalan Besar. We had the smoked salmon & scrambled eggs with capers, red onions and dill cream cheese and the boCHINche beef "chimcurri" burger version 2.0 with provolone cheese, tomato, onions, pancetta & fried egg. Both dishes were amazing and I'm definitely going back!   

tokyo photo diary

From August 2013:

I had a wonderful week in Tokyo and can't wait to go back. Having said that there were definitely a few lost-in-translation moment;  I accidentally ordered potato curry with rice and walked into a shop I thought sold baby clothes only to realise it was selling clothes for dogs. For now, here some highlights in pictures.

where to stay in bali

When planning a trip to Bali, its important to remember that its actually quite a big island and that each area has its own characteristic. Where to stay would depend on the type of holiday you are after. 

Here's guide on the different locations in Bali to help you decide. 

SEMINYAK

All the best bits of Bali can be found here- beach, food, shops , landscape and entertainment. Seminyak should be your top choice of where to stay if it's your first visit. Central and close to the other attractions around the island. 

What's great: The best private villas  on the island at extremely affordable prices. Each villa usually comes with your own butler and a lovely breakfast spread. 

What's not so great: Average beach in terms of scenery.

NUSA DUA & ULUWATU

Paraside in the form of seaside cliffs and luxury resort. 

What's great: The best place to unwind, chill and relax. 

What's not so great: High end luxury tends to come at a hefty price tag. Not the best place if you are on a budget. 

UBUD

Here you will find the true spirit of Bali and the cultural heart of Bali. Ubud is located at base of the mountains and this is slightly cooler temperature wise. Surrounded by lush greenery and paddy fields- the landscape here is absolutely amazing. 

What's great: Exploring the paddy fields and the many art galleries. Hotels and resorts here have the best service. 

What's also great: The green movement here! You will find loads of vegan, vegetarian and raw food places as well as yoga schools and mediation centres. It goes without saying that Ubud is the best place for a mind, body & soul retreat. 

What's not so great: Ubud is the hillside area of Bali, there are no beaches here.

KUTA

The tourism center of Bali. If you are young traveller, than this is the place to see and be seen. Recommended for action, excitement and nights out with an impressive array of restaurants & bars to choose from. It goes without saying that Kuta is where you come to have fun. 

What's great: The nightlife! Enough said. 

What's also great: The long and huge stretch of beach. And yes, it is possible to find a nice relatively quiet spot. 

What's not so great: Kuta should not be your choice if you are on a family vacation or honeymoon. Also, the traffic jams here are notorious. 

Also check out the following for:

JIMBARAN - surfing!

AMED - diving!

LOVINA - unspoilt & undiscovered beaches!