Got Tales?

SnowGlobe

Wishing for a white Christmas? For those living in tropical December, white Christmas usually remains a dream. Today the Fad people brings you to London, NYC and some parts of Europe, to gaze at the Christmas lights of these great cities. Who knows, you might just give in to that temptation of booking the next flight to your White Christmas destination.

Last Call for Paris?

Whoever says that you need loads of money to visit Paris is obviously very lacking in creativity. Here's a Fad twist: the theory of second best. Travel from the comfort of your very seat. No queues, no hassles, no cost!

I love Paris (the Fad girl here). It's my favouritest city in the world. And I can't stop talking about it. Paris is not only, nor always, just about the Eiffel Tower, the snobbish locals, the croissants and baguettes, Renoir, Monet, and the Louvre. There are many ways to see it and now, Louis Vuitton has shown it through the eyes of French actress, Catherine Deneuve.

Before the Fad people launch our regular travel instalments (WATCH THIS SPACE!) for those of you preparing to backpack (or luggage-pack) your way across the globe, here's a glimpse of Paris to whet your appetite for adventures!

Last Call for all passengers going to Paris, this is part of Louis Vuitton's very interesting online campaign to glorify The Art of Travel (Art du Voyage). The LV website contains travel experiences narrated personally by the celebrities who live in the cities that are featured. In addition to Denevue: Paris, we have the Agassi couple: New York and ex-Soviet president, Mikhail Gorbachev: Berlin.

So calling all Paris-enthusiasts and you there bitten by the travel bug! If you are keen, if you need some artistic inspirations (site's pretty!) or merely if you need a break from anything Singaporean (and can't afford a seat on board SIA), visit http://www.louisvuitton.com/ pronto!

Hong Kong, the Pearl of the East

Yes, the Fad boy is back from HK. It happens to be my first trip and thus I was excited about the entire trip! The sights and sounds.. the buzz of the city (yes, Singapore is a city as well) but the feeling it gives is different.

The breakfast of Nai Cha (kinds like our te-peng) and boluo bun (buttered buns) are really good. But if you prefer a heavier meal, just enter any Cha Chan Ting (Tea House) and you can choose from a few sets (usually with bread, noodles and a drink). But do remember you have to be there before 11am!

For lunch, you might want to yum cha (which is dim sum) and you will be spoilt for choices. From buns to pork ribs back to prawn dumblings finally to siew mais, I am sure there will be something that will be wet your mouths.

There must be something that I have to remind you about. In HK, if you speak chinese you might reach the correct level. But if you only understand English, you might want to try a floor higher when people tell you any floor. IF you want to get to the groundfloor, its not 1 (like in Singapore) but G for Groundfloor.

And one no. 1 recommendation is the Dessert Restaurant: Xu Liu Shan. Its amazing and its everywhere. So you will not have any trouble finding it. Furthermore, look out for my review of the restaurant in theFadgourmet. You won't regret it!

One must go, is The Peak. It provides a panaromic view of the entire HongKong Island. And it really is a sight! Go during sun set and it might be the best picture of HongKong you can get. Else, the night scenery is breathtaking with all the lights illuminating the Island. (my first picture of this post)

The nightlife of HongKong is vibrant with shopping, eating and drinking at every corner of the island. Make your way down to Time Sq and see the number of people still prowling the streets at close to midnight. And also the no. of shops still open, it makes you wonder if it was just 6pm.



MongKok also offers late night snacking and shopping (I had Steamboat on a weekday night from 12am - 2am!). Just walking around is enough to fill all your senses. If clubbing is your cup of tea, make your way down to Lan Kwai Fong and you will be bowled away by the amount of pubs and clubs that are for your picking! But entrance to a club in HK is not cheap, I paid SGD40 for mine!

That kinda explains why I only had a few coins left at the end of my trip!

Just to remind any future HK - bound Travellers, accomodation in HK is really expensive and be prepared to get a small room even if you booked into a hotel.

Budget:

Airfare - SGD450 (budget airline but booked only 3 weeks in advance)
Accomodation - SGD40 per person per night (Hostel: USA Hostel)
Food - SGD8 - SGD infinity!
Clubbing - SGD40 (Entrance)
Beer - SGD2.50 (7-11) SGD8 (Club)
MTR Ride - SGD1 - SGD2.50 per ride