I peered out of the window where a vast expanse of mountainous landscape stretched out to the horizon. The view from the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (the world’s highest railway) alternates between snow-capped mountains and meandering lakes against the backdrop of the blazing sun and azure blue skies; a feast for the eyes if you are a nature lover. My eyes were glued to the breathtaking scenery and despite being at an altitude of 15,000 feet, all my worries about possible altitude sickness were cast into oblivion. There was just something extraordinary about this harsh and hostile environment that I found remarkably attractive.

The sun rays began streaming in in the most unforgivable manner at close to 9 a.m. Even in winter, at temperatures way below freezing point, the sun in Tibet is scorching. I remember forcing my eyes open as I wanted to soak in the beauty of what laid before me. At one point, there was an announcement that we were about to pass by Namtso Lake, the second largest salt lake in China and the highest salt lake in the world. I sat up in excitement, armed with my camera, and gasped in amazement when I set my eyes on the sparkling turquoise blue waters that seemed to span across eternity.

Namtso Lake, the highest salt lake in the world

Time came to a standstill before majestic mountain ranges came back into focus, and in the blink of an eye, three long but fruitful hours had passed. All this while, my husband was sound asleep as he was experiencing mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

It is possible to suffer from altitude sickness on the train, since it reaches a highest point of over 16,000 feet above sea level. Barring that possibility and the 15-hour total travel time from Xining to Tibet (or even longer from other cities), I could still completely understand why the Qinghai-Tibet Railway remains highly popular among travelers to Tibet. Mother Nature definitely spent a little more time on the roof of the world, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway gives you unrivaled access to its raw, untainted beauty.

Northern Tibet

The train ride itself is also pretty comfortable if you are in the first class soft sleeper berth, which is frequently sold out in the peak season. The staff and fellow passengers are genuinely friendly and surprisingly polite especially if you speak Mandarin. Truth be told, I never felt more relieved to have a relatively decent command of the language. I had a long chat with a college girl traveling alone from Changsha all the way back to her hometown, Golmud, for the Chinese New Year festivities. She gave me a tip or two on places to visit in Tibet as we munched on some snacks before calling it a night. I don’t usually warm up to strangers quickly but in this situation, talking to her felt very comforting and was a much welcomed distraction from the fears of falling prey to altitude sickness.

Me in my soft sleeper berth

I have heard horror stories about the toilets on board but personally, I found the condition of the toilets rather acceptable. Although the train offers meals and the food selection isn’t too shabby, most passengers bring their own food and so did we. We stocked up on Japanese cup noodles (we were overjoyed that they came with slices of meat!), snacks and drinks for the journey. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride and would highly recommend it over taking a plane.

You can take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from many cities, including Xining (where we boarded), Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Lanzhou. It is necessary to hire a guide for your adventures in Tibet and you can easily book the tickets through your appointed guide.

*****

For more information on battling altitude sickness in Tibet, read my previous post here:

Why is Tibet worth visiting? Read my latest post about Tibet below:Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

Having received many queries from friends and readers on my recent trip, I will be sharing 6 tips on overcoming altitude sickness and acclimatizing in Tibet based on my personal experience in today’s post.

My
trip to Tibet was a spontaneous decision made less than a month ago. We
had a few days to spare before Singapore beckoned and winter seemed
like the perfect time to avoid the tourist crowds in the land of snows. At the back of my mind however, I was worried that JW and I would fall prey to altitude sickness at the roof of the world.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is common when you travel to altitudes of more than 8000 feet (2500m) due to lower oxygen levels. There are three types of altitude sickness, the mildest being Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which causes headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) causes breathlessness due to the build up of fluids in your lungs, and may be accompanied by cough, fever and frothy spitum. HAPE can be fatal in a few hours, so do take extra care to descend to a lower altitude if you or your traveling companion experiences this.

High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) is like a more severe case of AMS, except that symptoms such as headache, nausea and the works progressively worsen and cause unsteadiness, confusion, drowsiness and ultimately, coma. Again, it is important to descend immediately as HACE will also kill you in a few hours.

Who is more susceptible to Altitude Sickness?

Unfortunately, no one is able to tell who is more susceptible to altitude sickness, but the good news is, you can take preventive measures to alleviate symptoms as and when they arise:

1. When you go to Tibet makes a difference

Winter may not be the best time to head to Tibet, but it is remarkably beautiful even at this time of the year.

Winter is probably the worst time to head to Tibet as altitude sickness worsens during this time of the year due to the lack of vegetation and thus oxygen. I think we took a risk by going there in winter, but taking medication before the trip definitely helped (read on to find out more).

Spring and summer are apparently ideal seasons for travel in Tibet but do take note that you would also have to deal with the tourist crowds due to peak season.

2.  How you get to Tibet matters

 

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (credit: Wikipedia)

If you fly straight into Tibet, the possibility of getting serious altitude sickness is much higher as a result of the sudden change in altitude.

On the contrary, taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway would lower the risk or at least lessen the extent of altitude sickness. That said, the train does climb to very high altitudes (up to 15000 feet) between Golmud and Lhasa, which is not ideal for acclimatization. To give you a better comparison, Lhasa is only 11975 feet (3650m).

Based on reviews on TripAdvisor, it appears rather common for travellers to suffer from nausea and vomiting on the train.

For the reasons above, it is generally advisable to acclimatise in a lower highland (about 8000 feet) for 1-2 days before heading to Tibet. You can fly into Xining (7464 feet), capital of Qinghai and tour for 1-2 days before continuing your journey to Lhasa by train.

 

3. Take altitude sickness medication before your trip

Due to time constraints, JW and I couldn’t afford to spend extra time in Xining. We flew to Xining in the day and boarded the train to Lhasa in the evening on the very same day. I think luck was on our side as I only experienced very mild light-headedness while JW had fatigue.

I believe we could have had it worse if not for the medication that we had been taking prior to our trip.

Here are 3 types of altitude sickness medication that you can consider:

i) Hong Jing Tian

 

Hong Jing Tian, 红景天

This popular Tibetan herb helps your body to adapt to high altitudes. Personally, I would highly recommend this herb for its effectiveness and lack of side effects. We took this continuously 2 weeks before the trip and throughout the entire duration of our trip. During the trip, we experienced very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

We bought this in China, but if you are heading over from Singapore, you can purchase this from the Chinese emporium at People’s Park.

 ii) Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Diamox is the most commonly prescribed western medication for altitude sickness. If you are based in Singapore, you can only purchase this from pharmacies located in hospitals (I got mine from Guardian pharmacy at Gleneagles Hospital), but before you head down, be sure to first obtain a prescription from your GP.

What I didn’t like about this medication was the side effects. I took Diamox the day before I flew to Xining and I experienced numbness and tingling sensations on my hands, feet and even face, as well as increased urination. I decided to stop Diamox immediately and reverted to Hong Jing Tian, which served me well.

iii) Dexamethasone 

I didn’t take this medication at all and I am no doctor, but based on my understanding, this should only be taken when you experience severe altitude sickness such as HACE. For such cases, Dexamethasone and Diamox might even be taken together.

 

4. Take it slow in Tibet

Walk slowly and have ample rest throughout your trip. The air is much thinner and you might have difficulties breathing, especially when sleeping.

If you can, try to regulate your breathing by slowing it down with longer inhalations and exhalations. I found this particularly helpful whenever my breathing went out of whack.

 

5. Stay at a better hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa, Tibet

Since the majority of travellers experience altitude sickness, it makes sense to put up at a comfortable accommodation with an in-house clinic and oxygen bar. I’m talking about the Shangri-La Hotel, the only hotel in Lhasa currently that has an oxygen bar.

The hotel has an excellent heating system which is perfect for winter travel, amazing beds and sumptuous western buffet breakfast so you can start your day on the right foot.

6. Eat Carbohydrates, Drink Water & Avoid Alcohol

Resting and eating well are of paramount importance when it comes to battling altitude sickness. As a lot of walking is required and more energy is lost due to breathing difficulties, it is advisable to stick to a diet that is made up of 80% carbohydrates. It is also important to drink more water than usual, and to avoid alcohol which only dehydrates your body further.
I followed this routine strictly while I was in Tibet and found that it worked for me.

Butter Tea – Made of yak butter, black tea, water and salt

According to the Tibetans, butter tea (made using yak butter, black tea, water and salt) gives you energy and helps with acclimatisation too. We tried this courtesy of our guide and it really tastes just like liquid butter.

*****

I wish I could tell you that by doing all of the above, you would be completely unaffected by altitude sickness in Tibet.

The truth is, altitude sickness affects each individual differently, and even the fittest person may not be able to escape unscathed. That said, by taking good care of your health and ensuring that you take the necessary preventive measures for acclimatisation as shared above, I believe you’ll be more likely to wing it and make it through!

I hope you found this post useful. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

For first dibs on my Tibet trip and other upcoming adventures, follow me on my social media platforms below:

Facebook

Instagram 
Have a great week ahead!

*****

Read more about my adventures in Tibet below:

Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa 

 

 When it comes to food in Copenhagen, I have to admit that traditional Danish delicacies such as herring can be an acquired taste, but the street food and pastries are definitely among the best in their league.

Aside from the famous 2-Michelin star restaurant Noma (impossible to get a reservation unless you book early), here are 3 interesting places for good food and pastries that I would personally recommend.

Papiroen Street Food (Paper Island) 

Indulge
in street food, people watch and soak up the sun outdoors with a group
of friends at Papiroen (Paper Island) along Copenhagen Harbour.Why is it called Paper Island? The building once served as paper storage for the Procurement Association of the Danish Press, but the raw halls have since been transformed into a place where colourful trucks and vans serve up a dazzling array of street food from all over the world. These street food vendors are temporary occupants whose lease will be up in end 2017, so do visit Paper Island while you still can!

http://copenhagenstreetfood.dk/en/ 

Cinnamon Buns at St Peders Cafe (Sankt Peders Bageri)

I have never been a fan of pastries, but St Peders Cafe changed my mind for good. Cinnamon rolls are the highlight of Copenhagen’s oldest bakery (founded in 1652) and you instantly know why when you sink your teeth into its fluffy goodness.

 Words fail to describe how incredible it is to have a piping hot crispy cinnamon bun on a cold morning.

 Their cinnamon rolls are also known as Wednesdays snails, with over 4000 of them flying off the shelves every Wednesday!Address:
Sankt Peders Stræde 29
1453 København K

Contact No.:
+45 3311 1129
 

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe

Royal Smushi Cafe is a popular spot in town (even Oprah has visited this cafe!) known for its reinterpretation of the Smorrebord, an all-time Danish staple. Smorrebord is essentially an open-faced sandwich, typically with rye bread as a base and loaded with toppings like herring and the works.

Bite-sized Smorrebord, also known as Smushi

Royal Smushi created its own version of beautifully crafted bite-sized Smorrebord, lovingly termed Smushi. You can pop a few of these delectable goodies into your mouth and try all the different flavours without feeling overstuffed. I love the guilt-free experience. Oh, and did I mention that the cafe itself is just as captivating? It is hard not to fall in love with the whimsical decor and those Arne Jacobsen Ant chairs!

Address:
Amagertorv 6,
1160 Copenhagen

Contact No.:

If you’re interested in reading more about my adventures in Copenhagen, click here for my previous post on Travel: 5 Sightseeing Spots in Copenhagen.

Have a great weekend ahead! I’ll be heading to Tibet tomorrow, and keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that I wouldn’t be hit by altitude sickness. Please keep me in your prayers ok?

After traveling around China for a few months, I have come to realize that one of the country’s greatest draws lies in its rich historical heritage. Every monument, garden and pagoda tells a story and it is through these stories that each attraction takes on a life of its own, coming alive right before my eyes as I embark on an experiential journey to deepen my appreciation of China’s cultural intricacies.

My fascination with cultural heritage and ancient buildings was what led me to Che’fle Canal Hotel, a new luxury hotel in Hangzhou,China.

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Open Concept Reception

Elements of Chinese culture in the hotel lobby

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

 Located at the former site of the Renhe Granary in the Ming Dynasty and the State Silk Warehouse in the 1950s, the independent buildings that used to be a part of the warehouse have now been restored and transformed into the Che’fle Canal Hotel of today. These buildings are listed as protected historical architecture in Hangzhou. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal, the longest, greatest and oldest canal in the world, which dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period more than 2500 years ago.

Believe it or not, the canal flows through Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing and Tianjin. You can still experience the hustle and bustle of this ancient waterway through the scenic canal cruise, as well as many traditional streets and alleys dotted with eateries, cafes and retail shops.

The Rooms

A stunning motif of the Grand Canal adds a cultural touch to the entrance of every room

Returning to a cozy, welcoming room is something that I look forward to after a hectic day of traveling.

Hotel rooms are decorated to reflect the Silk Culture of the hotel

 

 

The decor at Che’fle reflects the hotel’s State Silk Warehouse heritage, as can be seen from the flowing motifs and silk artwork that extend from the corridors to the rooms.

Shanghai Tang bath toiletries

Nespresso coffee machine

 

The room amenities reflect a taste for finer living and the hotel’s attention to detail. Some pampering treats that you can indulge in include the Shanghai Tang bath toiletries (Che’fle is one of the few hotels that has an exclusive partnership with Shanghai Tang), Nespresso coffee machine and a selection of exquisite Chinese tea, not to mention the amazing turndown service that ends your day on a sweet note.

Che’fle Canal Hotel’s Turndown Service ends the day on a sweet note

Breads & Pastries

The delectable east-meets-west breakfast buffet is bound to leave you spoiled for choice. A western spread comprising quality cold cuts, cheese platter, breads and pastries and breakfast cereals are accompanied by eastern delights such as dim sum (the xiao long bao is surprisingly delicious!) and porridge. The wide variety of fruits, cereals and freshly squeezed fruit juices will also appeal to the health-conscious crowd.

Breakfast Cereals

Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou Breakfast

For lunch, visit one of Han Palace Chinese Restaurant’s Private Dining Rooms for an intimate dining experience with bespoke menus as you sit in the comfort of lavishly designed rooms.

Han Dining Chinese Restaurant

Han Dining Restaurant’s Private Dining Room

 

If you have a sweet tooth, you would be happy to know that Che’fle Hotel has a dedicated cakes and pastry shop helmed by their very own pastry chef. We had afternoon tea at the Buddha Bar, which transforms into a great spot to chill out at night with a drink or two.

Lovely cakes for afternoon tea

 

Macaroons by the hotel’s in-house pastry chef

The macaroons are my personal favourite as they resemble the famous zumbarons created by renowned Australian pastry chef Adrianna Zumbo.

Fitness & Relaxation

Fitness junkies will love the hotel’s fully equipped gym and saltwater pool, the first of its kind in Hangzhou.

First saltwater pool in Hangzhou

At the end of the day, wind down, relax and disconnect from the world by pampering yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa operated by award-winning arom:D Academic Spa from Thailand.

Spa

Spa Menu

 

Overall Experience

Che’fle Canal Hotel is a
prime example of how the old and new can coexist in harmony.

Bricks from the former State Silk Factory can still be found here

Aside from
the building structures, take a closer look and you will find traces of
the old State Silk Warehouse in the form of bricks (not one brick can be knocked off!), signage, or window
grilles.

 

I was constantly on the lookout for surprises at every corner,
very much like a child on a treasure hunt. If you too would like to
experience a slice of history without compromising on modern-day
comforts and luxuries, Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou is the place to be.

*****

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Address:
7 Lishui Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou

Tel:

Reservations – (86) 571 88090928

E-mail:
info@cheflehotelhz.com

Website:
http://www.cheflehotelhz.com

Happy New Year!!

If
you don’t already know by now (I’m guessing many of you do if you’re
following me on instagram @reginachow_sg), I have been shuttling between
Singapore and China in the recent months as JW is currently based in
Nanjing.

Over these few months, I had the opportunity to explore Nanjing and new cities such as Hangzhou (courtesy of Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou – do watch out for my review soon), Suzhou, Kunshan. I also revisited Shanghai, one of my favourite cities in China.

The Bund, Shanghai

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Beautiful autumn foliage in Hangzhou

Much to my surprise, my experience thus far has been fairly pleasant. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone yells at the top of their voices (these are usually farmers from the rural areas) and the habit of cutting queues is also fast-becoming a phenomenon of the past. I am honestly very impressed by how civilized they have become in just a matter of years. The service quality, especially in restaurants, is excellent. We have been getting the royal treatment, and I am not even exaggerating. I am also particularly drawn to the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage as it gives me deeper insights into my ancestry and roots. Of course, it helps that the scenery doesn’t disappoint and is particularly mesmerizing during autumn. 

West Lake, Hangzhou

Autumn in Nanjing

Xiema Bridge Ancient Village, Kunshan (Read more about it here)

The past year has also taken me to Bangkok, Gold Coast 

(courtesy of Scoot who sponsored the SAF50 bloggers contest winners – click here to read more about my adventures in Australia), Copenhagen (click here to read more about my trip) and London. 

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Burger & Lobster, London

Traveling is a big part of my life and I truly believe that traveling together with your partner and loved ones helps to forge closer bonds. Uncertainties abound when you step foot in a foreign land and to overcome these challenges as a unit while still managing to have fun is no mean feat.

 For 2016, my key priorities are to travel and to lead a healthier lifestyle. More traveling
awaits in 2016. My first stop is Tibet in end January with JW before
jetting back to Singapore for Chinese New Year, and then to Bangkok in
February for a short getaway, followed by girly
trips in April and July. The other months are blank canvases for now,
but a little spontaneity never fails to spice up our lives right? In a bid to lead a healthier lifestyle, I
have been attending yoga lessons, attempting to eat clean by
including more organic food in my diet and trying very hard to go to
bed earlier (still not happening unfortunately).

What about you? What are your priorities? 

Whatever your priorities may be, may you be blessed with good health, happiness and a fruitful year ahead!

New Zealand is one of my favourite destinations for scenic hikes and although I have only been there once back in summer 2012, its beauty remains fresh in my memory. The skies and lakes come in a beautiful shade of turquoise, and you can always find snow-capped mountains all year round. I was just reminiscing about my vacation through the many photos that were taken and today, I thought I’d share some photos (all unedited!) taken during my hike up Queenstown Hill to prove my point.

The hike up Queenstown Hill is a rather steep and physically demanding one, which could leave you feeling breathless, but all you have to do is bite the bullet and you’ll be handsomely rewarded with glorious, breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu right at the top. I highly recommend this hike as Queenstown Hill is located right in the heart of the city and it takes all but 2-3 hours to complete the hike. 

Although I am very much a city girl at heart and certainly possess an appreciation for the finer things in life, there are times when I crave to be at one with nature and to enjoy Mother Nature’s creations in their full glory. 

As you may already be aware, I will be traveling extensively in the next year. I will be heading to China again very soon and am beyond excited to be spending next weekend in Hangzhou. Tibet beckons in January, and while I am a little apprehensive about the possible onslaught of altitude sickness which apparently worsens in winter (not forgetting the lack of proper toilets too!), I cannot deny that a part of me is secretly jumping for joy in anticipation of the many adventures that lie ahead.

For real-time updates on my travel adventures, do follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg).

Meanwhile, here’s wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! 

Today’s Fashion Fridays post marries both my love for travel and fashion. Traveling around China for the past 2 months has given me a glimpse into the lives of the Chinese, their thoughts and reflections on how they are progressing in the global arena, and more importantly, what their dreams and aspirations are.  

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy traveling for an extended period of time. I relish the opportunity to live among the locals and
truly immerse myself in a completely different culture and environment, propelling me to open my eyes and mind to fresh, new perspectives.

For
the average man on the street here, traveling overseas remains a dream,
and in their quest to better their lives, you can feel
their hunger and drive for success, a commendable quality that seems to
be fading into oblivion in Singapore. It appears that we have forgotten how privileged we truly are in the grand scheme of things and have
begun to take our nation’s stability and prosperity for granted. Sometimes I wonder, have we transformed into frogs in wells?

Perhaps
it is time for us to step out of our comfort zones and experience
living (and not just traveling for a week or two) in a less privileged
city. Perhaps only then will we be able to appreciate what we have back
home. Go back to basics and live in a rural town, or travel to preserved ancient villages, some of which are still occupied by villagers. 

  

Preserved ancient villages are popular tourist attractions in China. I much prefer ancient villages to museums. Not only can you marvel at the beautiful architecture that reflect rich historical and cultural roots, taking a stroll in these villages gives you a peek into ancient China and transports you to a bygone era. 

Xiema Bridge village is an ancient village located in Jia Chuan Town in the city of Kunshan. One of the 120 preserved villages in Kunshan, it was formerly known as Wang village and was a bustling trading hub. 

Buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Xiema Bridge built by war hero Han Shi-zong and the 500 metre long flagstone road are all painstakingly preserved in Xiema Bridge village.

 

Unlike
its more touristy counterparts, Xiema bridge is an oasis of
tranquility. A few villagers still live here and there are hardly any tourists around, hence you can soak in
the beauty of this slice of history at a leisurely, unhurried pace. 

Here’s what I wore:

Minimalist chic with a twist (background: Xiema Bridge)

I have been checking out several Chinese designers via Taobao recently and Have Rice饭馆 is one of my favourites. Its selection of basic pieces with a twist, such as this unique cross-over panel culottes, caught my attention immediately and the fit is great for petite ladies too. I am officially a fan!

Now, who said greys and blacks had to be dull and boring?

I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays! Have an amazing weekend ahead!

The start of my addiction to Europe began right after our honeymoon in Italy and Paris. Year after year, we would visit a new country or city in this vast continent that we hold close to our hearts. 

This year, we seized the opportunity to visit Copenhagen, a Scandinavian city that has been on our bucket list for ages. It was an impromptu decision as I absolutely love the dose of excitement that accompanies spontaneity.

Copenhagen is known for several attractions, including Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid and world-renowned top restaurant Noma.   

What else is there to do? 

 There are many things you could do depending on what tickles your fancy and for your convenience, I will be sharing more about my favourite spots for sightseeing today.

Website
www.nyhavn.com

 2. Canal Tour

Other than cycling, the next best way to experience Copenhagen in summer is to take a canal tour as it gives you a quick overview of the city. This is perfect not just for time-strapped travelers, but also for travelers who enjoy sightseeing from a different perspective. The tours are conducted in several languages including English, German and French.

On board the canal tour

Nyhavn

Papiroen (Copenhagen Street Food)

Naval ships spotted during the canal tour

Black Diamond (Extension of the Royal Library)

Backview of The Little Mermaid

Website:
http://www.stromma.dk

3. Church of Our Saviour – The Spire

For a bird’s eye view of Copenhagen, there is no better place to go than the Church of Our Saviour, also known as The Spire. After all, the view from the top of the spire was voted the best in the city.

Church of Our Saviour – The Spire

 The steep climb up to the top of the tower can be a little challenging if you have a fear of heights as the last part of the climb (150 steps) is done entirely outdoors. 

Last flight of stairs leading up to the top

Nonetheless, the rewarding view makes it all worthwhile.

Bird’s eye view of Copenhagen

Bird’s eye view of Copenhagen

Bird’s eye view of Copenhagen

 
Website:
http://www.vorfrelserskirke.dk/

4. Freetown Christiania

After scaling the Spire, take a short walk to Freetown Christiania, an autonomous neighbourhood governed by a special Christiania law outside the Danish legislation. This neighbourhood is home to a hippie community and is currently the only place in Denmark where the cannabis (weed) trade thrives. 

This is one of the most interesting and controversial tourist attractions in Copenhagen. Weed is sold here and aside from hippies doing yoga, meditating and performing on the streets, local art and craft is sold here and you can even catch a music festival if luck is on your side. One of the biggest draws of Christiania lies in its air of mystery that stems from the community’s alternative lifestyle. 

Photography is not allowed within the neighbourhood. They take this very seriously and some friends actually had their cameras thrown away. Just follow the rules and you’ll be safe.

Freetown Christiania

Photography is not allowed once you are inside, but you can take photos at the entrance.

Website
http://www.visitdenmark.co.uk/en-gb/copenhagen/attractions/christiania

5. Tivoli Gardens

Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and is considered a national treasure in Copenhagen. Apparently, both Hans Christian Anderson and Walt Disney visited the amusement park and fell in love with it.

And it is not hard to see why, with the nostalgic yet fairy-tale atmosphere, rides that cater to both children and thrill-seekers (the ride Vertigo was voted Europe’s best in 2014), and lush surroundings dotted with architectural marvels.

Tivoli Gardens

Not a fan of theme park rides? Take a stroll in the garden!

This isn’t the Taj Mahal. It’s the Nimb Hotel, located within Tivoli Gardens

There are rides for all ages.

Kiddy rides

Vertigo, voted Europe’s best ride in 2014

Traditional theme park rides

Website
http://www.tivoli.dk/ 

 

Additional Tips for Getting Around Copenhagen

Get the Copenhagen Card as it covers free travel via public transport and complimentary access to 74 attractions. It is generally very convenient to move around by public transport as these places of attraction are easily accessible via metro or bus.

Apart from sightseeing, I will be sharing more about the food and cultural aspects of Copenhagen in time to come, so do keep a lookout for my upcoming posts!

The
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall was one of the attractions that I
intended to visit during my stay in Nanjing, along with a list of other
historical spots such as the Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum, Ming City Walls and the Temple of Confucius. 

I have always been fascinated with history and culture, but my
interest in Chinese history was piqued after watching a drama series on
Empress Wu, starring Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing (if you have yet to
watch it, please do!). Nanjing is definitely one of the best Chinese
cities to visit due to its rich history and culture, having been the
capital of China for many years in the past.

I was amazed by how well documented the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall was. In my opinion, it is one of the best war museums I have ever visited globally.

Photography may be prohibited inside the museum but the brutality of the event was recorded through detailed accounts from survivors and powerful yet graphic images of the atrocities committed by the invading Japanese troops, including exposed remains and skeletons of the dead. Everything remains fresh in my memory till this day.

What struck me most was how the seemingly grim and solemn atmosphere transformed into one of hope for our future generations at the end; hope that peace would prevail and that mankind would learn from our mistakes and continue to step up on our peacekeeping efforts to keep our world safe and free from war.

Hopefully, Japan’s march back to militarism will not jeopardize the peace and stability that we have been taking for granted all this while.

Towards the end of the tour, we walked into a meditation hall filled with candles to pray for those who lost their lives in this event.

I was deeply moved by the Chinese prayer at the end of the room. Unfortunately, I felt that while the English translation captured the gist, it didn’t bring out the essence and beauty of the prayer:

Let the white bones fall asleep

Let the grieving souls rest in peace

Turn the slaughtering sword to the cast of a warning bell

May the names of the departed be engraved in history

Let the children no longer have to be in fear

Let mothers no longer shed tears

Let war be distant from all mankind

Let peace spread fully to the world.

The statue of Peace marks the end of the tour, against the backdrop of white doves taking to the skies above, leaving you in amazement and wonder as you step out of the premises feeling a sense of renewed hope. 

I was just sharing on instagram (@reginachow_sg) about how grateful I am to be given the opportunity to learn more about my roots in such a fun and engaging way during my stay in Nanjing. Before I came over, I was told that there was nothing much to do or see in this city, but I am glad that this hypothesis has been proven wrong on several fronts. 

Having lived here for a while now, I have come to realise that Nanjing is one of the most liveable cities in China, complete with good food, friendly people (still, please beware of pickpockets in crowded areas), and beautiful places of attraction that are steeped in history. 

Don’t get me wrong. I still miss home (not the haze though) because there’s no place like home and I still intend to shuttle between both cities, but for now Nanjing seems like quite the perfect home away from home. 

Stay tuned to this space for more updates on what I’m up to, or if you prefer live updates, follow me on instagram!

 

 For ease of travel and packing, my minimalist wardrobe now comprises several matching sets and comfy flats or sneakers. I
never used to like sneakers but the Adidas Stan Smith collection caught
my eye and had me head over heels in love, so much so I had to get them
in both white and navy. The slim cut is a refreshing change from the
classic Adidas Superstar range (and more sleek in my opinion). The fact
that it is made from genuine leather also gives you unparalleled comfort
without compromising on style. 

Today, I will be sharing with you some minimalist looks featuring my trusty Adidas sneakers and matching top and bottom sets.

Top and pants set from random shops in Singapore

Cap from Brian Lichtenberg

Bag from Givenchy

Sneakers from Adidas Stan Smith

Shades from Marc by Marc Jacobs

Top and shorts set from MURUA

Flats from Pazzion

Top and skirt set from random shops in Singapore

Sneakers from Adidas Stan Smith

 If
you have been following me on instagram (@reginachow_sg) or Facebook here, you would
have realized that I am currently in Nanjing. I am on sabbatical this
year and will be shuttling between Singapore and China (yes, my blog
will still be active!) as JW is based in Nanjing for the coming year.

 What
a whirlwind the past few months has been. Thankfully, we are settling
in well and we are finally getting the hang of things. Besides improving
my grasp of the Chinese language and mastering the art of Taobao
shopping without the use of agents, traveling ranks high on my
priorities this year and I hope to explore as many cities as I possibly
can. Some cities on my bucket list are Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chengdu,
Mongolia and Tibet. I also plan to visit North Korea and Russia if time
permits. 

For now, I can’t wait to explore Nanjing and the many
historical sites it has to offer. If you have any suggestions on where
to go or places to visit, please let me know!