The sun was shining brightly, the cool wind brushed our shoulders, the scent of jonquils and hyacinths filled the air, and the beautiful sight of tulips make spring the most beautiful season in Canberra. We were at the Floriade 2014, an annual celebration of spring showcasing one million flowers in bloom throughout Canberra’s Commonwealth Park! These photos will give...
[tps_header]THINGS TO DO IN XIAN: THE XI’AN CITY WALL IS THE OLDEST AND LARGEST SURVIVING WALL OF ITS KIND IN CHINA.[/tps_header] Its history began literally in the Stone Age 3000 years ago and served as the capital of China for several ancient dynasties. A great metropolis that was as important as Rome in its hey days. It was the starting point of the ancient...
It’s springtime in Australia and Mother Nature is having a makeover. The bare tree branches near my home are beginning to bloom with pretty flowers. The Cherry Blossoms trees in the city have bees humming around the opening buds. More butterflies are seen sitting on flowers and the screechy Cockatoos seem camouflaged between the flowering trees. It is also when...
Imagine arriving at an airport where you need to wait for your next flight beyond the transit zone. Perhaps you need to wait eight hours or more and paying for regular hotels may not be an option, when all you need is a place to unwind for a few hours. You may also need to grab a bite, send some emails, browse through the Internet for a bit and would love to take a...
Through my slightly parted hotel room curtains, I saw the gabled roofs of the Kumamoto Castle at the crack of dawn. The early morning sun reflected off its walls gently bathing it with warm golden hues. It stood there in majestic glory, proud of an ancient past. And as I gazed at the castle, time stood still. It appeared to me that the castle was beckoning to me to...
The multi award winning Regent Singapore is located on Cuscaden Road – central to the business district, the tranquil Botanical Gardens and a minutes’ walk away from Orchard Road, the city’s most exclusive shopping and entertainment hub. After a comprehensive facelift, Regent Singapore is unveiling its 440 newly refurbished guestrooms. Here is an account of my...
Cooing pigeons flew over my head. The sound of temple bells inviting the Gods to accept the prayers of the devoted reverberated around me. The temple guardians (dvarapala) stand vigil protecting the sacred precincts from malevolent forces. Resident macaques scale the limestone walls and the colossal 140 feet tall golden statue of Murugan, the primary Hindu deity...
This trip back home to Malaysia has been about food and only food. I have been on a mission to eat as many dishes as I can and document it. Malaysia, my home country is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds making it an amazing destination to satisfy a curious palate. Cuisines vary from Chinese to Indian, Malay to Nyonya, Eurasian to East...
This year has been a great year for our blog. We won several awards and even recently got nominated in the Top 10 Singapore Blog Awards 2014. But the Versatile Blogger Award is where you are nominated by your peers – and that’s something very special. Thank you Travel Notes & Beyond for selecting us! It is truly an honour to be in your list of...
Representing Travel and Beyond, Todd Beltz writes about his experience staying at Big Hotel, Singapore. Anytime someone thinks or mentions the word “big” the first thoughts that come to mind is well, something that is big in size. My first stay in the year old property, BIG Hotel, may not exactly be big in size, but it sure is big in comfort and experience. First...