They say, if you want 2000 years of Chinese history, go to Xian, for 1000 years, go to Beijing and for 150 years, go to Shanghai. It is a fascinating city – we were there in mid-June. If big buildings, shopping, nice restaurants and glitz are your cup of tea, it’s for you. I rather …
Beijing has become avant-garde, in its own way. We already posted about the art scene – now a bit about the trendy club/dining scene. Not too long ago, night life for foreigners in Beijing meant private dinner parties for the powerful or alcohol-soaked karaoke bars followed by visits to massage parlors for those so-inclined. Foreigners …
WOW – That was scary. May 12 at 2:38pm we were in Terra Cotta Warrior Pit #3 near Xian when the earthquake struck. Dario, who at lunch had drunk one nasty clear liqueur with a three snakes in it and another with a seaturtle, seahorses, seastars and who knows what else, thought it was the wine. I …
It was the most extraordinary gala dinner I have ever attended. Twenty-six of us, dressed in gold silk jackets hand-tailored for the Golden Birthday event, relished a 6 course meal on the Great Wall of China. We were attended to by an army of waiters who fanned around the massive table to synchronously serve each …
Built by the Russians in the early 1950s as part of a war-reparations deal with Germany, the large-scale state-owned plant in Beijing -then officially named Factory 798 – churned out electronic radios and components by the million. Architecturally, the sprawling complex was, and remains, pure Bauhaus. But its significance as a state-owned entity waned in the 1990s …
May 23 – Spent a lovely weekend here in the valley of the Kings, fine wines and gourmet fare. This time, we sojourned in a small chateau that Globe Bleu uses on its luxury breaks. More like an old Bentley than a gleaming new Rolls Royce, the place is a step back in time. Our …
Dubai is the ultimate size queen’s dream. Cranes abound and concrete is everywhere. The new 2300-ft high Burj Dubai skyscraper (not to be confused with the Burj Al Arab – Dubai’s landmark 6-, no make that 7-star (or is it now 8?) hotel) was slated to be the tallest in the world, until the Saudis …
by BobP I hadn’t been to Istanbul in 10 years and was pleasantly surprised at how much the city has progressed. The most striking difference can be seen along the shores of the Bosphorus – which separates Europe from Asia. The Ortakoy district is delightful at night and full of pretty and prosperous people. This hopping waterfront …
We had the most wonderful 4 days in Venice this week. The city sparkled under the brilliant sun and crisp winter air. Absent the summer crowds and cruise shore-excursions, it was a true pleasure to stroll down the streets, grab an espresso, hop on a vaporetto and even walk right into St Mark’s with nary …
The most luxurious boat on the Seine has front and rear decks, gangways, a roof that opens above the dining room, a fireplace in the living room, velvet-covered armchairs, Baccarat glassware and candle holders, a degustation menu, a Michelin star (2) chef, and much more. It is also one of a select few places in …
Read morePARIS’ POSHEST PRIVATE YACHT CRUISE – 2 MICHELIN STARS