Travel & Eat

A collection of our trips around the world to enjoy authentic food and more.

Shangri-La Day 5: Exploring Tiger Leaping Gorge & the Fairy Terraces of Baishuitai

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Our one-day private car tour from the Dukezong Ancient Town to the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge and the dreamlike beauty of Baishuitai (White Water Terraces) was a whirlwind journey. It shows two dramatically different, yet equally stunning faces of Shangri-La‘s wild nature. We were lucky to find a great driver, Mr. He (和师傅), who offered us […]

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Shangri-La Day 3: A Journey to Paradise at Pudacuo National Park

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After exploring the spiritual heart of Shangri-La in Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, it was time to answer the call of the wild. Our third day was dedicated to the legendary Pudacuo National Park. Located in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is the first national park in mainland China and a crucial part of the “Three Parallel Rivers”

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Shangri-La Day 2: The Golden Majesty of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

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The Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (also known as Songzanlin Monastery🎬) in Shangri-La is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in all of Yunnan. Built directly into the mountainside, its structures rise in cascading, layered tiers, creating a fortress-like silhouette that exudes both mystery and solemnity – earning it the title of the “Little Potala Palace.”📍 Location: No. 3 Niwang Road, Jiantang

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Shangri-La Travel Guide: 6-Day Itinerary, Hotels, and Transport Tips

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In Search of Shangri-La: A Trip to the Heart of Tibet in Yunnan, China The word “Shangri-La” itself comes from British novelist James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, where it described an isolated, harmonious valley nestled among mountains, where people lived in peace and near-immortality. Over time, it became a byword for paradise on earth. But

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Madrid Part 1: Food, Transit, Hotels & a 3-Day Itinerary Beginning at Mercado de San Miguel

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Long before Madrid became the dazzling capital we know today—buzzing with tapas bars, royal palaces, and sunset-lit rooftops—it was called Magerit, or “land of abundant water,” by the Moors. This poetic name hints at its origins: in 865 AD, Emir Muhammad I ordered a fortress to be built along the banks of the Manzanares River

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Dinant, Belgium Part 1: Scenic Waters, Historic Citadels, and a Saxophone Legacy

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As we arrive in Dinant, Belgium, the temperature hover near freezing, yet the sun’s gentle rays bathe the town in a golden warmth, making the chill almost unnoticeable. Our journey leads us past the impressive Rocher Bayard, a towering 40-meter limestone formation split dramatically in two. Folklore has it that the giant horse Bayard split

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Lisbon Part 6: From Jerónimos to Belém Tower – A Journey of History and Portuguese Flavors

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Today marks the final chapter of our Lisbon journey. So we started the morning with our habitual Portuguese breakfast—eggs paired with crispy bacon or ham, simple, pleasant and satisfying. The sky was a vivid blue, a perfect backdrop for the day’s plan to explore Belém. This area is home to three iconic landmarks: Mosteiro dos

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Lisbon Part 4: Dreaming in Color at the Fairytale Pena Castle and Savoring Local Food in Sintra

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Another day full of energy! Breakfast in Lisbon is always a treat – fresh orange juice, omelettes stuffed with crispy bacon, the famous pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts), samosas, and their beloved pastéis de bacalhau, a fried snack made with soft codfish inside. Breakfasts here can be so rich and flavorful that we often

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Lisbon Part 3: The Cathedral, Alfama’s Charm, Castelo de São Jorge, and Tasty Portuguese Traditions

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As we continue our tour of Lisbon’s central area, this time, we’re heading to the enchanting Alfama district, where the charm of the old town wraps around you with its narrow streets, historic architecture, and breathtaking views of the city and ocean. Wandering through Alfama, you’ll be serenaded by the nostalgic notes of Fado drifting

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Gran Canaria: From Sioux City’s Old West Thrills to Allende 22º’s Global Cuisine

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Sun, beach, mountain, and culture have been the key words in our travels through the island of Gran Canaria so far. As we mentioned in our previous post, apart from its natural beauty, this island is not short of countless man-made entertainment opportunities such as amusement parks, golf and tennis clubs etc. Normally, when visiting

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