Wednesday, 27 February 2013. News from last night Asia time and today.
The ASIA Travel Tips Team
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
27/2/2013 Standard Chartered HK Marathon - Exclusive HD Video Interview with Chairman.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-HongKongMarathon.shtml
27/2/2013 Some of the World's Best Riders to Compete at Longines Hong Kong Masters; Begins
28/2.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-HongKongMasters.shtml
27/2/2013 Park Hyatt Opens in Busan.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-ParkHyatt.shtml
27/2/2013 SKAL to Celebrate Relaunch of Pattaya and East Thailand Club.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-SKAL.shtml
27/2/2013 Thailand to Host FIM Motocross World Championship Grand Prix in March.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-Motocross.shtml
27/2/2013 Chinese Hotel Management Group - Ahn Luh - Appoints CEO.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-AhnLuh.shtml
27/2/2013 Mövenpick Signs Hotel in Hua Hin, Thailand, and Enshi City, China.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-MoevenpickHotels.shtml
27/2/2013 AirAsia Reports Q4 2012 Results.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-AirAsia.shtml
27/2/2013 Etihad Airways Completes Big Switch to SabreSonic.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-BigSwitch.shtml
27/2/2013 Hertz Becomes Official Vehicle Hire Supplier of Rugby League World Cup 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-RugbyLeagueWorldCup.shtml
27/2/2013 Caterina Murino Becomes a Fan of Mandarin Oriental.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-CaterinaMurino.shtml
27/2/2013 Four Seasons Joins Strategic Corporate Alliance Program at Cornell.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-FourSeasons.shtml
27/2/2013 AirAsia X Offers Passengers Red Carpet Service.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-RedCarpet.shtml
27/2/2013 Hawaiian Airlines to Increase Honolulu - Sydney/Brisbane Flights.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/272-HawaiianAirlines.shtml
26/2/2013 Hong Kong Disneyland Reports its First Annual Profit.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-HongKongDisneyland.shtml
26/2/2013 STR Reports Global Hotel Performance for January 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-RevPAR.shtml
- Prefer the convenience of an RSS Feed? The ASIA Travel Tips daily travel news RSS Feed is at:
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/travelnews.xml
____________________________________
Advertise here contact: webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
END
Established in 1997, ASIA Travel Tips was the first online daily travel news service in Asia. If
you know of any colleagues or friends who may be interested in receiving our daily travel news
email, please do ask them to subscribe. Thank you.
To unsubscribe, simply reply to this email and place "unsubscribe" (in English) as the subject.
To change your email simply reply to this email and place "change email" (in English as the
subject, be sure to let us know both the old email address, as well as the one you wish to
change it to).
If you receive an error trying to connect to any of the above pages, please go to
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/LatestTravelNews.htm and use the links there. If that fails please
feel free to contact us: webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
All editorial comments should be sent to the Editor - Steven Howard - editor@asiatraveltips.com
Special Travel Trade and Media Rates -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelTradeRates.shtml
Calendar of Travel Trade Shows and Exhibitions -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelTradeShows.shtml
Latest Travel News - FAQ -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelNewsFAQ.shtml
Travel News Archives (since 2000) -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelNewsArchivesMenu1.shtml
To enquire about sponsorship opportunities please send an email to:
webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
____________________________________
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Asia Travel Blog
Asia Travel Blog |
| Jetstar Asia is the First Singapore Carrier With Sharklets Posted: 26 Feb 2013 06:29 AM PST Jetstar Asia is the First Singapore Carrier With Sharklets |
| Homestay Program in Malaysia – Life in the Country Posted: 26 Feb 2013 03:08 AM PST Homestay Program in Malaysia – Life in the Country |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Travel-Asia-Tips.Com - Asia Travel Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
CNNGo.com
CNNGo.com |
- Where does the world’s best drinking water come from?
- 3 ways mobile will change the way we travel by 2015
- Sydney's small bar scene takes off
- Myanmar hit by severe hotel shortage
- World’s best beach is …
| Where does the world’s best drinking water come from? Posted: 26 Feb 2013 06:02 AM PST Though all eyes were on the Academy Awards show in Hollywood, another exciting ceremony was taking place in the United States last weekend -– the 23rd annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting. Held in the spa town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, it's the largest water tasting competition in the world, according to organizers. The "international" signifier is a bit misleading. Though the awards do encourage global entrants, U.S. water samples dominate. On Saturday night, 11 judges spent hours tasting and selecting from among 82 waters sourced in 21 U.S. states and 10 foreign countries. There were 32 municipal waters -- straight from the tap -- from a dozen states, as well as Canada, South Korea and Thailand.
At the end of a tough day of sipping, the town of Emporia, Kansas, was awarded the top prize for its municipal H2O. A Canadian brand won best bottled still water in the world -- Canadian Gold from Marchand, Manitoba. A total of 30 bottled waters were tasted. Two sparkling waters tied for first place: Touch Sparkling Mineral Water of Manitoba and Celvik Dobri Kiseljak of Bosnia. Ten sparkling waters entered the competition. The purified category was won by Rain Fresh Oxygen Purified from Garland, Texas. More on CNN: World's 50 most delicious drinks The 11 media judges included representatives from regional and national media, who were instructed by organizers to look, sniff and taste each water according to guidelines similar to those in a wine tasting. The waters were rated for each attribute including appearance (it should be clear -- or slightly opaque for glacial waters), aroma (there should be none), taste (it should taste clean), mouth feel (it should feel light), aftertaste (it should leave you thirsty for more). Here's the full list of winners. Best Municipal Water 20131. Emporia, Kansas Best Bottled Water 20131. Canadian Gold Artesian Water (Marchand, Manitoba, Canada) Best Sparkling Water 20131. Touch Sparkling Mineral Water (Marchand, Manitoba, Canada) and Celvik Dobri Kiseljak (Tesanj, Bosnia) (tie) Best Packaging 20131. Lumen (Dallas, Texas) Best Purified Drinking Water 20131. Rain Fresh Oxygen-Rich Purified Water (Garland, Texas) More on CNN: Seoul's Shinsegae water bar: 80 ways to stay hydrated      |
| 3 ways mobile will change the way we travel by 2015 Posted: 25 Feb 2013 09:49 PM PST Travelers want instantaneous information at their fingertips when they fly, and technology is quickly catching up to their expectations. Air travel technology specialist SITA has came out with a report Flying into the Future that looks at how the industry will change in just three years, by 2015. 1. Mobile bookings and purchases will become more prevalent Although SITA predicts a humble 5 percent increase by 2015, other sources believe mobile could count for as much as 50 percent of online bookings by 2017. Social media is also expected to be a major sales channel for about 13 percent of airlines and airports, an idea that seems even more realistic after American Express launched its buy-by-tweet program. The day may not be far off when airlines' Twitter feeds become a source for spontaneous bookings with travelers tweeting a hashtag to take advantage of special fares. 2. Self-service airports will become the norm
Apple's Passbook and near-field communication are making it possible for fliers' boarding passes to pop up when they approach the gate, leading to a more seamless check-in process. Boarding, flight transfers, and baggage are the still the biggest obstacles to creating a complete self-service check-in; however, several airports are making headway with the introduction of a self-service bag drop. 3. Fliers will have more control and information during various steps of their journey
The majority, 85 percent of fliers, want to turn to mobile apps for flight status updates, but only 43 percent of airlines and 42 percent of airports currently offer these mobile notifications today. By 2015, 90 percent of airlines and airports say they will have developed and executed this technology. Flight tracking and airport terminal maps are other functions that would drive customer satisfactions. Story from Samantha Shankman, at Skift. Other stories from Skift:    |
| Sydney's small bar scene takes off Posted: 25 Feb 2013 05:59 PM PST For years, a night out in Sydney meant downing schooners at a huge, street-corner pub before hitting one of the gaudy mega-clubs in Kings Cross. Now, however, drinkers are turning their backs on raucous pubs and heaving nightclubs in favor of smaller, more intimate watering holes. Since a change in licensing laws in 2008 made it easier, and far cheaper, for potential proprietors to open so-called "small bars" –- with capacities under 120 and, significantly, no gaming machines -– more than 50 of these pint-sized drinking dens have sprung up across the city. "Melbourne had always led the way with the small bar movement and, much to Sydney's disdain, we were never able to do the same thing," says Chris Lane, who opened the city's first small bar, the appropriately-named Small Bar, in 2008. "People had been to these other cities and wanted to see the same sort of bars in Sydney. The market was ready for it." "We had a history of only having large pubs here in Sydney," adds Jason Scott, co-owner of three of the city's most popular small bars, including Shady Pines in Darlinghurst and the Baxter Inn in the city's central business district. "We'd never had small, owner-operated bars, which feel more authentic than the large, corporate-owned chains." 'More character and passion'Often hidden in basements and laneways, with little or no signage to distinguish them from their surroundings, these quirky new venues have added some much-needed vigor and vibrancy to Sydney's bar scene. "Each one has its own personality and style," explains James Bradey, owner of Grandma's Bar. "They're a little bit more personable and they're focusing on quality of service and the experience. While every single one may not appeal to everybody, there's going to be one or two out there that are exactly what you're looking for." From Western-themed saloons and 1920s-style speakeasies, to kitsch cocktail bars and grungy rock 'n' roll joints, the small bar trend has seen all manner of venues open their doors. "Most big pubs all have the same eight beers, whereas smaller operators, who are more enthusiastic about providing a different service, will seek out the little craft boutique beers, so there's a wider range of products on offer," says Scott. "You can see that the owners are showing you something about themselves, so therefore you get more character and passion coming through." With new places seemingly opening up each month, the trend shows little sign of slowing down, with Sydneysiders looking to discover the next big thing in small bars. Five of Sydney's best small barsBaxter Inn If you can find this American-style drinking den, which is tucked away in a basement at the end of an uninviting alleyway off Clarence Street, you'll be rewarded with perhaps the best selection of whiskey in the city. There are more than 300 bottles to choose from, all proudly displayed behind the bar. The low lighting, jazz soundtrack and exposed brick walls –- all adorned with retro boxing and horseracing paraphernalia -– make this the perfect place to sit back for a dram or two. Basement, 152-156 Clarence St.; Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; www.thebaxterinn.com Bulletin Place
Cocktails are, unsurprisingly, the stars of the show, with an ever-changing selection –- drinks make use of whatever is in season -– displayed on a roll of paper behind the bar. The rustic décor, casual atmosphere and exquisite cocktails –- all made by knowledgeable bar staff -– look set to make Bulletin Place a firm favorite with Sydney's small bar connoisseurs. 10-14 Bulletin Place, 1/F; Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight (opens at 6 p.m. on Saturdays); www.bulletinplace.com Grandma's Bar
The extensive cocktail menu includes classics such as daiquiris, margaritas and mai tais, as well as more exotic concoctions from around the world. The doilies, teacups and patterned wallpaper accentuate the homely feel of this warm and welcoming watering hole. 275 Clarence St. (basement); +61 (0)2 9264 3004; Monday-Saturday, noon-midnight (opens at 5 p.m. on Saturdays); www.grandmasbarsydney.com.au Mojo Record Bar
Australian craft beers dominate the menu, but there's also a decent selection of cocktails. The bar's vast record collection ensures that you can enjoy plenty of good tunes. 73 York St. (basement); www.mojorecordbar.com Uncle Ming's
Lit with a soft red glow and furnished with retro Oriental décor –- complemented by a whiff of burning incense -- Uncle Ming's is a world away from most Sydney small bars. Add in Japanese whiskey, Asian beers and cocktails served in teapots –- plus dumplings to snack on –- and you have a sure-fire winner. 55 York St.; www.unclemings.com.au    |
| Myanmar hit by severe hotel shortage Posted: 25 Feb 2013 02:00 PM PST Myanmar might be on the hot list of places to visit, but visitors should be wary of touching down in Yangon without a hotel reservation. The surge in visitor numbers in the last few years has vastly outstripped hotel room supply, and the city is struggling to meet demand. It's an issue that's not going away any time soon -- the major hotel shortage is expected to continue for the next five to 10 years. Visitor numbers have been steadily increasing for some time. Between 2009 and 2011, international visitor figures grew about 25 percent each year. Last year saw a 54 percent increase in arrivals, as the country undertook economic and social reforms. More on CNN: Myanmar records one million tourists, surge in tourism income What does all this mean for travelers? Not only do they need to book well ahead, they've got to be prepared to pay comparably big bucks for a room. Two- and three-star hotels are charging more than US$100 a night for average rooms. Rising accommodation costs
The company's senior vice president Andrew Langdon has direct experience. When he visited Yangon in 2011, he stayed in a four-star hotel and paid US$70 a night. He returned in December 2012 and paid US$260 for the same room. "In the space of about 12 months the rate had gone up almost 400 percent -- and it's going to go higher," says Langdon. It's a simple matter of supply and demand. In 2012, hotels were running at an average 70 percent occupancy. This year, occupancy is expected to run at 80 percent, according to Jones Lang LaSalle research. Meanwhile, last year's room rates were up 50 percent on 2011. That will likely increase another 20-25 percent this year. Myanmar's Ministry of Tourism estimates there are 8,000 hotel rooms in Yangon, of which 1,500 to 2,500 are of international standard. The few name brand hotel groups that do have a presence are almost exclusively Asian -- large American and European hotel groups have been kept out by strict economic sanctions. Thomas Henseler, general manager of one of Yangon's most exclusive hotels, The Governor's Residence, recommends guests book at least six months in advance. More on CNN: Myanmar: Is now a good time to go? "Last year was extremely busy with average occupancy for the year going up from 55 percent in 2011 to 75 percent in 2012," says Henseler. Among the current crop of big brand hotels are the Parkroyal from Singapore, The Chatrium Hotel from Thailand and the Sedona Hotel from Malaysia. Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts is one player that's ahead of the game. In 1996, the group opened a 22-story property in Yangon's central business district -- Traders Hotel Yangon. A year later, the group built two 21-story towers near Kandawgyi Lake, intended as serviced apartments. The project was put on hold as the Asian financial crisis struck, but last year work restarted on the project, which will put 240 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments on the market. More on CNN: Aung San Suu Kyi draws thousands to Myanmar's first literary festival No room at the inn? Build more inns
The serviced apartment market is strong, according to Langdon. Yangon has only a handful of quality serviced apartments and they're running at 100 percent occupancy, with a waiting list of more than 100 people. "A friend told me that there are lots of new expats being sent there, they're in their early thirties and they're being given a US$10,000 per month housing allowance because that's what it costs to rent anything decent there," says Langdon. Other upcoming hotels include the 270-room Centrepoint Towers Hotel, set to open in April, and the 100-room Nawarat Hotel in Hlaing Township, which is also scheduled in the spring. Vivienne Gan, public relations vice president at Langham Hospitality Group, says the group is looking at a number of sites in Yangon. But hotels take time to build -- three years on average -- and even those groups that manage to buy the land soon or do a joint venture hotel still won't be up and running until 2016 at the earliest. The message to tourists is clear: book your accommodation well before you fly, especially during the peak season from November to February. There have been reports of unprepared visitors who have found themselves on the streets or knocking on monastery doors, but this isn't only ill advised, it's against the law. International visitors are required to register with local authorities before they arrive at a private residence. Myanmar Travel agent Nway Nway stresses the importance of booking a hotel room in advance. "In truth, we don't allow our tourists to stay in local houses or monasteries for their own security," she says. Have you visited Myanmar recently? Share your experiences in the comments box below.    |
| Posted: 25 Feb 2013 06:02 AM PST The world's best beach has been named and, though you may not have heard of it, hundreds have given Rabbit Beach on a remote island in the Mediterranean Sea top marks during TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice 2013 awards. "Caribbean colors, white beach, unique setting. The crystal clear sea makes it difficult to leave," the travel site said of the beach, which is located on the island of Lampedusa. The island is officially part of Sicily, despite being located more than 100 miles from it. Also on CNN: World's 50 best beaches, our picks The awards are based on feedback from "millions of travelers" over the last 12 months, the site says. This year best hotels and best "hotels for romance" have been awarded, too. At the time of writing, 346 TripAdvisor reviewers have given Rabbit Beach the top "Excellent" rating, while one voted it "terrible." Perhaps that voter prefers Grace Bay on Providenciales, which came in second. "We have come three times and definitely returning! We recommend highly to those who love white, silica sand with clear, turquoise waters," wrote one reviewer. Australia's Whitehaven Beach, a perennial favorite on "best beaches" lists, came in third. Brazil, Puerto Rico, Spain, Bermuda, Aruba and Wales also had top 10 entries. Yes, Wales, more often known for its rainy days and baritone male choirs, beat out places in the Pacific, West Indies and Thailand with Swansea's pretty Rhossili Bay. Also on CNN: World's 50 best beach bars Check to see if your favorite beach is listed below, then share your thoughts in the comments sction. World's best beaches according to TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice 2013 awards
   |
| You are subscribed to email updates from CNN Travel To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
Monday, February 25, 2013
Latest Travel News Daily Email from ASIA Travel Tips.com
Tuesday, 26 February 2013. News from last night Asia time and today.
The ASIA Travel Tips Team
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
26/2/2013 Hong Kong Disneyland Reports its First Annual Profit.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-HongKongDisneyland.shtml
26/2/2013 STR Reports Global Hotel Performance for January 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-RevPAR.shtml
26/2/2013 Asia Pacific Airlines to Lead Global Demand for Larger Aircraft.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-AirbusForecast.shtml
26/2/2013 Starwood Opens New Westin Hotel in India.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-WestinHotel.shtml
26/2/2013 Archipelago Opens favehotel in Balikpapan, Indonesia.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-Balikpapan.shtml
26/2/2013 Etihad Airways to Increase Capacity to Melbourne.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-EtihadAirways.shtml
26/2/2013 Carlson Rezidor Appoints New CEO and Chairman South Asia.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-CarlsonRezidor.shtml
26/2/2013 Chancellor Merkel to Open ITB Berlin 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-ITB.shtml
26/2/2013 Company in Singapore Charged for Operating Without a Travel Agent Licence.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-TouristWorld.shtml
26/2/2013 Ibnu Amar Samsudin of Prince Hotel KL Earns Les Clefs d'Or.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-PrinceHotel.shtml
26/2/2013 Amadeus Studies Long Distance Rail Traffic in Europe.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-RailTravel.shtml
26/2/2013 United to Launch Flights to Anchorage and Traverse City from New York.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-UnitedAirlines.shtml
26/2/2013 Boeing Delivers First 777 Built at Increased Rate.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-KoreanAir.shtml
25/2/2013 Julius Maisei and Misiker Demissie Win Hong Kong Marathon 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/252-HongKongMarathon.shtml
24/2/2013 Pictures of the Hong Kong Marathon 2013 - Page 1 of 8.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/PicturesofHongKongMarathon2013.shtml
- Prefer the convenience of an RSS Feed? The ASIA Travel Tips daily travel news RSS Feed is at:
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/travelnews.xml
____________________________________
Advertise here contact: webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
END
Established in 1997, ASIA Travel Tips was the first online daily travel news service in Asia. If
you know of any colleagues or friends who may be interested in receiving our daily travel news
email, please do ask them to subscribe. Thank you.
To unsubscribe, simply reply to this email and place "unsubscribe" (in English) as the subject.
To change your email simply reply to this email and place "change email" (in English as the
subject, be sure to let us know both the old email address, as well as the one you wish to
change it to).
If you receive an error trying to connect to any of the above pages, please go to
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/LatestTravelNews.htm and use the links there. If that fails please
feel free to contact us: webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
All editorial comments should be sent to the Editor - Steven Howard - editor@asiatraveltips.com
Special Travel Trade and Media Rates -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelTradeRates.shtml
Calendar of Travel Trade Shows and Exhibitions -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelTradeShows.shtml
Latest Travel News - FAQ -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelNewsFAQ.shtml
Travel News Archives (since 2000) -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelNewsArchivesMenu1.shtml
To enquire about sponsorship opportunities please send an email to:
webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
____________________________________
The ASIA Travel Tips Team
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
26/2/2013 Hong Kong Disneyland Reports its First Annual Profit.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-HongKongDisneyland.shtml
26/2/2013 STR Reports Global Hotel Performance for January 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-RevPAR.shtml
26/2/2013 Asia Pacific Airlines to Lead Global Demand for Larger Aircraft.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-AirbusForecast.shtml
26/2/2013 Starwood Opens New Westin Hotel in India.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-WestinHotel.shtml
26/2/2013 Archipelago Opens favehotel in Balikpapan, Indonesia.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-Balikpapan.shtml
26/2/2013 Etihad Airways to Increase Capacity to Melbourne.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-EtihadAirways.shtml
26/2/2013 Carlson Rezidor Appoints New CEO and Chairman South Asia.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-CarlsonRezidor.shtml
26/2/2013 Chancellor Merkel to Open ITB Berlin 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-ITB.shtml
26/2/2013 Company in Singapore Charged for Operating Without a Travel Agent Licence.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-TouristWorld.shtml
26/2/2013 Ibnu Amar Samsudin of Prince Hotel KL Earns Les Clefs d'Or.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-PrinceHotel.shtml
26/2/2013 Amadeus Studies Long Distance Rail Traffic in Europe.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-RailTravel.shtml
26/2/2013 United to Launch Flights to Anchorage and Traverse City from New York.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-UnitedAirlines.shtml
26/2/2013 Boeing Delivers First 777 Built at Increased Rate.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/262-KoreanAir.shtml
25/2/2013 Julius Maisei and Misiker Demissie Win Hong Kong Marathon 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/252-HongKongMarathon.shtml
24/2/2013 Pictures of the Hong Kong Marathon 2013 - Page 1 of 8.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/PicturesofHongKongMarathon2013.shtml
- Prefer the convenience of an RSS Feed? The ASIA Travel Tips daily travel news RSS Feed is at:
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/travelnews.xml
____________________________________
Advertise here contact: webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
END
Established in 1997, ASIA Travel Tips was the first online daily travel news service in Asia. If
you know of any colleagues or friends who may be interested in receiving our daily travel news
email, please do ask them to subscribe. Thank you.
To unsubscribe, simply reply to this email and place "unsubscribe" (in English) as the subject.
To change your email simply reply to this email and place "change email" (in English as the
subject, be sure to let us know both the old email address, as well as the one you wish to
change it to).
If you receive an error trying to connect to any of the above pages, please go to
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/LatestTravelNews.htm and use the links there. If that fails please
feel free to contact us: webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
All editorial comments should be sent to the Editor - Steven Howard - editor@asiatraveltips.com
Special Travel Trade and Media Rates -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelTradeRates.shtml
Calendar of Travel Trade Shows and Exhibitions -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelTradeShows.shtml
Latest Travel News - FAQ -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelNewsFAQ.shtml
Travel News Archives (since 2000) -
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TravelNewsArchivesMenu1.shtml
To enquire about sponsorship opportunities please send an email to:
webmaster@asiatraveltips.com
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
____________________________________
Asia Travel Blog
Asia Travel Blog |
- China Airlines Promotion Special Airfare Discounts and Sale
- Malaysia Airlines Offers Higher Checked Baggage Allowances
- Qatar Airways Launches Mobile Applications for BlackBerry, Android, iPhone
| China Airlines Promotion Special Airfare Discounts and Sale Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:56 PM PST China Airlines Promotion Special Airfare Discounts and Sale |
| Malaysia Airlines Offers Higher Checked Baggage Allowances Posted: 24 Feb 2013 05:15 PM PST Malaysia Airlines Offers Higher Checked Baggage Allowances - Reduced Excess Baggage Charges |
| Qatar Airways Launches Mobile Applications for BlackBerry, Android, iPhone Posted: 24 Feb 2013 04:41 PM PST Qatar Airways Launches Mobile Applications for BlackBerry, Android, iPhone |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Travel-Asia-Tips.Com - Asia Travel Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
CNNGo.com
CNNGo.com |
- Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants: Tokyo's Narisawa the region's top feed
- Hottest new hotels for 2013
- The darker side of Bali: Drugs, mules and tourism
- How to see the best of Sydney in a week
- History and great buys in Okinawa's Tsuboya Pottery District
| Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants: Tokyo's Narisawa the region's top feed Posted: 25 Feb 2013 05:11 AM PST Narisawa, which combines French cuisine with earthy Japanese tones, has been named Asia's best restaurant at the inaugural S.Pelligrino Asia's 50 Best Restaurants awards held in Singapore on Monday. Led by chef Noshihiro Narisawa -- known for his wild imagination -- the restaurant has grown a massive following by serving nature-focused dishes made with seasonal ingredients. A signature dish: Wagyu rump roast marinated in leek, basted in olive oil before having its exterior carbonized. The top gong was not unexpected -- Yoshihiro Narisawa's Tokyo-based restaurant has consistently rated among Asia's highest on the S.Pelligrino global list. Narisawa was ranked 27th on the World's Best Restaurants 2012 list. This year saw a version of the awards focus solely on Asia. Another Tokyo restaurant, Nihonryori Ryugin, placed second. In third place was Bangkok's Nahm restaurant -- one of two Thai eateries in the top 10. Amber restaurant, in the Landmark Mandarin hotel, was fourth while Singapore's Restaurant Andre rounded out the first five places. The full list of 50 is below: 1. Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)
   |
| Posted: 25 Feb 2013 02:02 AM PST We know, we know. You haven't gotten around to staying at last year's top new hotels and now this bursts onto your screen. The good news is, 2012 is so last year. The best new hotels of 2013 are higher, shinier and deluxier than their one-year-older peers.
1. Mukul Resort & Spa, Nicaragua
Part of Guacalito de la Isla, a 676-hectare, eco-sensitive resort on four miles of untouched Pacific coast, Mukul has only been open a few days as of this posting, but is already a benchmark for luxury in Nicaragua. The brainchild of entrepreneur Carlos Pellas, the retreat takes its design cues from local culture: villas and bohio-styled huts crafted from native teak and pine are distinguished by an ancient Mayan numerical system, reclaimed rum barrels are used in headboards and the Pellas' family rum is the nightcap of choice. Book the six-bedroom Casona Don Carlos, Pellas' private beach residence, and you'll also enjoy a pool and oceanfront living area. Spa treatments offered in themed suites include a crystal temple, rainforest room and hammam using a bounty of local ingredients: raw cane sugar crystals, seaweed and Nicaraguan volcanic clay. There are plenty of more active diversions, such as golf on an oceanfront course -- its 18 holes were chiseled without cutting down a single tree. Mukul Resort & Spa, Kilometer 10, Carretera Tola-Las Salinas Rivas, Nicaragua; rooms from US$550 per night; +505 2563 7100; www.mukulresort.com 2. Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa, China
The first five-star hotel in the jungle-laced Xishuangbanna region of China's southern Yunnan province, Anantara is set on a sweeping curve of the Luosuo River, its 105 rooms and villas overlooking tropical forest and water features. The week-old hotel (as of this writing) offers plenty of diversions, including an Indochine specialty restaurant and a spa focusing on traditional Chinese medicine. Anantara excels in cultural offerings and experiences. Guests can visit nearby Dai minority villages, trek through the Hengduan Mountains, where the Lancang River later becomes the Mekong, or visit a nature reserve where China's last remaining wild elephants roam wild. The hotel's "tea guru" is also on call to lead excursions into the surrounding mountains, where fields of pu'er tea, the country's most prized brew, are opened to guests for picking, followed by tea ceremonies at the resort. Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa, Xishuangbanna, China; rooms from RMB 1,800 (US$289) per night; +86 691 893 6666; xishuangbanna.anantara.com 3. Nobu Hotel, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
Actor and hotelier Robert De Niro, Hollywood film producer Mier Teper and notable chef Nobu Matsuhisa are behind this newcomer, opened at the start of February. Part of the Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas empire, the Nobu Hotel will be positively petite in comparison to the Caesars Palace property that it adjoins: the hotel, the first of its kind, will feature 181 Japanese-inspired rooms, conceptualized by New York interior designer David Rockwell. While all rooms come with niceties such as Japanese artwork and traditional Umi-tiled bathrooms, the Sake Suites take things up a notch with a home theater and pool table; the Nobu Suites come with a sushi counter and personal chef. Guests have access to the extensive Caesars facilities next door, but will also enjoy priority access to the Nobu Restaurant, the largest in the group's portfolio, covering some 1,040 square meters. Three additional Nobu hotels are in the pipeline, set to open in London, Bahrain and Riyadh. Nobu Hotel, Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard S., Las Vegas; rooms from US$249 per night; +1 866 227 5938; www.nobuhotels.com 4. W Guangzhou, China
The first W Hotel in mainland China opens on March 12 with all the pizzazz we've come to expect from the Starwood brand. The who's who of the design world -- New York's Yabu Pushelberg, Glyph of Toronto, Hong Kong's AFSO, A.N.D. of Tokyo -- were called upon to fit out the property. Touches include a dramatic four-story glass loft suspended from the side of the hotel, illuminated by optical fiber strings of light. Welcome to WooBar. Yan Yu, the signature Chinese restaurant, is more restrained in its design, with orchid motifs and dapper waiters done up in a rainbow of silk uniforms: mandarin, fuchsia, lemon, lime and plum. The visuals continue throughout the public spaces, with larger-than-life installations, such as a three-story "luminous waterwall" and an oversize "nest," creating an entry you won't forget. Bookings open from the end of February. W Guangzhou, 26 Xian Cun Road, Pearl River New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; room rates to be announced; +86 20 2213 1000; www.starwoodhotels.com 5. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
The Mandarin Oriental hotel group hasn't cut any corners at its newest outpost, expected to open at the start of April. Located in Shanghai's booming Pudong district, on the east bank of the Huangpu River, the property unites Asian styling with every modern touch imaginable. The 362 rooms and suites come designed with verve and vision, from the peacock-inspired bed throws to the black marbled counters and curved leather armchairs. Six restaurants and bars will include Yong Yi Ting, where a pared-back dining room belies impeccable Chinese fare. Other highlights include Qi Bar, with lavish chandeliers, marbled floors and velvet sofas, and the Mandarin Cake Shop, stocked with signature MO pastries, cakes and truffles. Spa facilities include 13 suites alongside all manner of Jacuzzis, saunas and showers. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shangahi, 111 Pudong Road, Pudong, Shanghai; room rates to be announced; +86 21 2082 9888; www.mandarinoriental.com 6. Capella Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Opening on April 1, Washington D.C.'s newest hotel is a canal-side darling offering just 49 guest rooms and suites, each appointed with lavish European fixtures: original modern art, hand-crafted paneling, Italian marble flooring, handmade upholstery. Added niceties include mini-bar snacks included with the room, and access to "personal assistants" around the clock. With al fresco seating, the restaurant will serve grilled meats, but the pick of the dining options will be the rooftop bar, where cocktails and canapés are only outdone by views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center and Washington Monument. Guests can have a personal assistant organize after-hours retail therapy, backstage passes to the ballet or a winery tour to Monticello and Thomas Jefferson country. Capella Georgetown, 1050 31st St., Washington, D.C.; rooms from US$745; +1 202 617 2400; www.capellahotels.com 7. Shangri-La Hotel, at the Shard, London
Due to open in May, the Asian-based Shangri-La Hotel Group's first property in the United Kingdom is located from levels 34 to 52 in the spire of London's Shard -- at 310 meters, one of the tallest buildings in Europe. The property offers views over the city from each of its 202 rooms and suites, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano. No detail has been overlooked, from heated bathroom floors to designer LED televisions, high-speed Internet access and butler service available in all suites. The first new-build five‑star hotel in the central London area in more than a decade comes with four restaurants and bars, as well as an infinity pool and 24-hour fitness center on level 52 -- over the edge of the pool you can see St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London on the hotel's doorstep perch on the south bank of the River Thames. Shangri-La Hotel, at the Shard, London, 32 London Bridge St., Southwark, London; room rates to be announced; +44 22 3102 3704; www.shangri-la.com 8. Banyan Tree Kerala, India
Resorts don't get much more exclusive than the Banyan Tree's debut property in India, set on a private island in Kerala's backwaters and due to open in the first half of the year. Guests sail into the lobby of the all pool-villa property, inspired by Kerala's highly stylized Kathakali art -- elaborate teak woodwork and carvings, decorative copper artwork, coir handicrafts and vivid fabrics. With Kerala's appeal as a wellness destination, the Banyan Tree offers multi-day spa packages that incorporate a range of Ayurvedic treatments alongside yoga and spa cuisine, inspired by the tri-dosha concept of Ayurveda. Poolside, hotel butlers roam with cool towels, platters of fruit and refreshing sprays. Those looking for more fast-paced diversions will want to catch a boat to the hotel's neighboring Activity Island, where a climbing wall, archery range and obstacle course await, or indulge in immersive tours such as backwater houseboat jaunts, cooking classes focusing on southern Indian specialties and clam-diving excursions. Banyan Tree Kerala, Nediyathuruthu, Panavally, Cherthala, Alappuzha District, Kerala, India; room rates to be announced; kerala@banyantree.com; www.banyantree.com Other notable hotel openings in 2013:The 12-room Mahali Mzuri, Richard Branson's Kenyan safari lodge in the Motorogi Conservancy in the northern region of Maasai Mara; The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, with seven restaurants and a sprawling spa; the Peninsula Paris, the first European outpost from the hotel group, set to dazzle near the Arc de Triomphe by the end of the year; Sofitel So Singapore, opening in July and only the third So-branded property in the world; the Oberoi Dubai, its 250 rooms overlooking Burj Khalifa; the Regent Bali, located beachside in Sanur.
   |
| The darker side of Bali: Drugs, mules and tourism Posted: 24 Feb 2013 10:02 PM PST The following story is adapted from Kathryn Bonella's new book, "Snowing in Bali," for which she spent 18 months interviewing convicted drug criminals in Bali's Kerobokan Prison. When Rafael, a Brazilian surfer, flew into Bali for the first time, he quickly fell in love -- not with his girlfriend, but with the island. It was everything he'd dreamed of as a boy in Rio so, at the end of the holiday, he waved goodbye to the girl and stayed. He quickly discovered a lifestyle of sunsets, surfing and sex with beautiful girls -- all he needed now was a way to fund it. Enter another Brazilian, who offered him quick cash for a quick job -- as a drug runner. This was the mid 1990s and the island's Western drug dealers, most of whom had found the island the same way as Rafael, were making big bucks. Rafael soon became one of the island's top cocaine bosses. Living a drug lord's dream
"Rafael was the boss: really rich, big car, big gold chains, tattoo on both arms, diamonds in the teeth; you see, he is a drug dealer, like he has a sticker 'drug dealer' across his forehead," says Andre, a fellow Brazilian drug boss, talking to me from his prison cell in the notorious Kerobokan Prison, also known as "Hotel K." Rafael was living his hedonistic dream -- orgies, parties and surfing, buying whatever he wished: cars, motorbikes, first-class travel, designer clothes. He once paid €25,000 (US$33,400) in cash for a Rolex and built his dream house on the beach with all his boyhood fantasies, including a diving board off his bedroom balcony. Others in the game bought villas, bars, restaurants and shops, investing their drug money into legitimate businesses. Many still flourish today, some still subsidized by drug money. And the island's endemic corruption ensures no one ever asks where the cash comes from. All this, from a chance trip made as a tourist, looking for a little vacation. Tourists among us
Some 2.9 million people visited the island last year, nearly equal to its population. This allows traffickers to slip in and out of Bali, carrying windsurfers, backpacks, surfboards, kite sails and hang gliders stuffed with cocaine, surrounded by real tourists with the same gear. But the traffickers must blend and look the part, or face suspicion. Luis Alberto Cafiero, 27-year-old Brazilian, was departing Brazil to Bali when customs officers noticed he had surfboards but no suntan. It instigated a full search, uncovering 7.3 kilos of cocaine in his luggage. "He did not look like a person who's always out on the beach," a federal police officer told local media. Tourists also provide a camouflage for dealing, according to the drug bosses. One told me of how he once buried 250 grams of cocaine on Legian beach, surrounded by tourists. The trouble came the next night, when his client wanted it back. "I knew that the place was very, very dodgy to go at night, because a lot of Indonesian cops hang around there because a lot of local drug dealers hang around at night," he said. Having retrieved the coke, he became convinced some men lurking in the shadows were undercover cops. He raced across the sand to the water, and started wading towards Kuta. With the dark figures still following after two miles, he lost his nerve and dumped the US$20,000 worth of cocaine into the water -- staying out of jail, for the time being. Drug-inspired innovation
"I used to joke with my friends that I'm the only one riding a Jimny that's worth a Ferrari, because I had all the doors stocked up with coke," the dealer says. Although the dealers work among them, most tourists have little clue transactions are going on all the time. The closest one might come to noticing anything is seeing the desperate locals hanging outside clubs or in lanes in Kuta, calling out, "You want ephedrine, hashish, ganja?" displaying their fake drugs, which might only be headache tablets, in their palms. For the Western dealers, the tourist and expat markets are only a part of the equation. Huge profitsThe real cash comes as the cocaine makes its way to Australia, where it has the highest price tag on the planet, to Japan, which also has a big party market, and to other locations around Asia. The margins are huge. A kilo of coke costs US$1,000-2,000 in South America, and sells for between US$20,000-90,000 in Bali, the rate dictated by whether it is "snowing in Bali" -- a term used to describe how much coke is on the island -- and up to US$250,000 in Australia. Bali is an ideal transit point because the bosses are able to switch runners, ensuring those trafficking to Australia or other Asian countries don't have South American stamps in their passports, which creates extra scrutiny. But the big downside to working in Bali are the huge penalties for being caught. In January, British grandmother Lindsay Sandiford, 56, was sentenced to death after being busted at Bali's airport with 4.7 kilos of coke in her suitcase lining. She'll now spend years in Kerobokan Prison while she appeals, joining three other foreigners in the jail on death row and a revolving door of Westerners doing months or years for drugs. Lessons learned?
Last year there were 22 arrests -- including four Brits -- and 23 the previous year, including a Danish woman. But according to the dealers I interviewed, no more than 10 percent of traffickers to Bali get busted.    |
| How to see the best of Sydney in a week Posted: 24 Feb 2013 05:58 PM PST Thanks to warm weather, relaxed vibe, beaches, bars and world-class restaurants, most visitors to Sydney never want to leave. Some don't. But if you've just got to get back home, this harbor-side itinerary will get you to the best spots in short order. Day one: It's OK, just be a tourist
No matter how far off the trodden track you wander, Sydney's most famous icons -– the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House -- will always suck you back in. This iconic duo has helped make Sydney one of the most picturesque cities in the world and, whether you catch a show at "the House," scale the "coat-hanger" or simply stand in admiration enjoying the view from Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Botanic Gardens, no trip to Sydney is complete without paying homage to the city's crown jewels. If that's not enough tourist action, amid the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks you can grab a drink in one of the city's oldest pubs, such as the Lord Nelson (19 Kent St.), or catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, where there are stunning views of the city alongside elephants and giraffes. More on CNN: Harbour Bridge climb guide "worried about heights" Day two: Turn your back on fame
While areas such as Circular Quay, The Rocks and Bondi draw the most visitors, Sydney's other suburbs are worth a look, too. In the city's Inner West, Glebe and Newtown are both eclectic enclaves full of arty hipsters, ethnic eateries, alternative bars and live music. The Inner East is home to trendy, gentrified areas such as Surry Hills, Paddington and Darlinghurst, which all offer vintage boutiques, galleries, cocktail bars and award-winning restaurants. We like to start with coffee at The Wolf and Honeybeein Newtown(206 Edgeware Road), where you can view work by emerging artists in the café's exhibition space; or kick off the day with boiled eggs and soldiers at The Bunker in Darlinghurst (399 Liverpool St.). For lunch, there's Glebe Point Diner (407 Glebe Point Road), which has an ever-changing menu featuring local, seasonal produce, or Reuben Hills café in Surry Hills (61 Albion St.), where you can pair a Reuben sandwich with a salted caramel milkshake. In the evening, relaxed nightlife options include jazz at 505 in Surry Hills (280 Cleveland St.) or bourbon and beer at Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst (4/256 Crown St.). Day three: Slather on the sunscreen
Sydneysiders are rightly proud of their beaches and hitting the waves for a surf is among the quintessential Aussie experiences. While the notorious Backpackers Express rip current at Bondi Beach has seen many a novice surfer dragged out to sea –- much to the chagrin of the local lifeguards –- the mellower waves of Manly, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, offer beginners a more sedate surfing experience. Manly Surf School runs group lessons daily. Whether or not you hit the waves, it's worth making the trip to Manly for the 30-minute ferry ride to enjoy the views of the harbor; nearby Shelly Beach and Fairlight both provide excellent snorkeling in sheltered bays. If you're after a more serene seaside excursion, east from the city to Coogee you can take the six-kilometer coastal walkway north to Bondi Beach, enjoying dramatic cliff-top views as you pass beaches at Clovelly, Bronte and Tamarama. Day four: Look at things talented people make and do
Sydney packs cultural clout, with dozens of museums, galleries and historic buildings. A fine place to start is the Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can check out modern masterpieces before heading to Cadman's Cottage –- the oldest surviving residential building in the city –- and The Rocks Discovery Museum to learn about Sydney's earliest settlers. A short walk away is The Museum of Sydney, where state of the art displays reveal the city's entire history. Also recommended are Parliament House and Hyde Park Barracks, which show different sides of 19th-century life in Sydney. From there, you can wander into the Domain to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to enjoy works by European masters and Aboriginal painters, before strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens to Government House to admire the Gothic Revival architecture. Consider finishing the day with a show at Sydney Theatre in Walsh Bay, or simply have a drink in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge at the theater's excellent bar, The Bar at the End of the Wharf. Day five: Watch some guys get pushed around
Aussies love their sport. With its Grand Slam tennis tournament, world-famous horse race and colossal MCG stadium, Melbourne can rightly claim to be the country's sporting capital, but Sydneysiders aren't far behind in their devotion to all things active. No matter what time of year, there's some kind of major sport on offer, with rugby league and Aussie Rules football dominating autumn and winter and cricket taking precedence in summer. Major rugby games take place at ANZ Stadium, in the Olympic Park, or Allianz Stadium, near Moore Park, while Aussie Rules and cricket are usually held at Sydney Cricket Ground. To fit in with the locals, place a bet and stock up on beer and meat pies –- they're all as much of an Aussie tradition as the sport itself. To create sporting highlights of your own, there's "barefoot bowls," a laid-back -– and often boozy –- take on the traditionally stuffy game of lawn bowls. Clubs across the city offer special deals, with Paddo Bowls usually the most lively and Clovelly providing awesome cliff-top views. Day six: Ignore Sydney (she'll still be waiting when you come back)
Sydney has incredible sights on its doorstep that are perfect for a day trip. In the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is just an hour-and-a-half from the city. Here you can enjoy stunning scenery on one of the area's many bushwalks. Hikers are advised to carry a map and plenty of water. Alternatively, a two-hour drive north from the city will take you to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, where you can sample the region's famous semillon and shiraz. Day seven: Spend, eat, spend
Paddington Markets (395 Oxford St.), held every Saturday, features more than 150 stalls from designers, local artists and jewelers. The weekly Glebe Markets (40 Glebe Point Road) offers a mix of secondhand clothing, books and furniture, with live music helping to create a festival atmosphere. Sydney's markets also have something for food lovers, with Sydney Fish Market (Bank Street, Pyrmont) offering visitors a chance to watch live wholesale auctions before eating the freshest seafood in town. The monthly Pyrmont Growers' Market (Pyrmont Bay Park, Pirrama Road) features seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as live chef demonstrations. More on CNN: Trash and treasure: 5 Sydney flea markets    |
| History and great buys in Okinawa's Tsuboya Pottery District Posted: 24 Feb 2013 04:10 PM PST
But it does have its share of charming nooks and crannies. One of them is the centrally located Tsuboya Pottery District. "People from mainland Japan come here to get gifts," says my guide, Keiko Gibo, as we stroll along the winding, coral-and-limestone-paved Tsuboya Yachimun Street. "Okinawan pottery is well known. And it's very good quality." Long historyThe origins of this area date to the 17th century. At the time, craftsmen and pottery kilns were spread out across Okinawa. The administration of the former Ryukyu Kingdom decided to centralize the industry in Naha.
That continued for about 300 years until the 1970s, when many in the industry had to relocate again because the smoke from the concentration of kilns was having a negative impact on Naha's air quality. But the legacy of that period endures. Just off Tsuboya Yachimun Street, Gibo shows me the remains of a crumbling kiln, sheltered by a traditional red-tiled roof. Several cylindrical-shaped pots lean against a tree. Another tree sits atop a pile of broken wares, its twisted mass of roots seeming to hold hundreds of fragments together. Stores galore
Our first stop is Guma Guwa, a shop so small it can fit fewer than a dozen people. Glazed mugs, bowls, plates and pitchers line the shelves, some bearing delicately painted designs. Guma Guwa and its sister shop, Kamany, are operated by Ikutouen, a family-run business that's been making earthenware for six generations and which offers pottery lessons. We reach Ikutouen's hilltop location after walking down a quiet back alley.
We also wander through nearby Yonaha, which specializes in shisa, the Ryukyuan statue that looks like the product of a lion and dog coupling. People in Okinawa place pairs of shisa -- one with an open mouth and one with a closed mouth -- on their roofs or beside the gates to their homes to ward off evil.
In this district you'll also find Chatarol Cafe, a hole-in-the-wall that offers tasty meals, desserts and coffee. It's here I meet Jonas and Jutta Martens, honeymooners from Finland enjoying a quiet moment filling out postcards to send back home. "It looks really cozy," Jonas says of the Tsuboya Pottery District. "It's more traditional Okinawa than what we've seen in the bigger parts of the city."    |
| You are subscribed to email updates from CNN Travel To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)