Georgetown – An (almost) untouched jewel in Asia

I recently had to visit Georgetown for business, a lovely town in Western Malaysia in the state of Penang. I didn’t know much about the city, boy was I in for a surprise.

Three nights in Beijing….

Air miles can expire! Who would’ve thought that? Faced with the choice of a) letting them expire, b) exchange them for some useless products I don’t need or c) travelling somewhere alone leaving wife and children at home I decided to go for the latter. Beijing – baby. 

A day trip to Shenzhen

It’s been a while since I went back to Shenzhen. I pass the city every week but my interaction is limited to leaving the Hong Kong – China border, heading to the train station and taking the train to Dongguan.

I read about a new Book store,本来书店, that opened in a new shopping mall in Futian called 深业上成 with an extensive children’s book section.

Back to Taiwan….

It’s been more than 1.5 years since we visited Taiwan. Time to come back, this time with the entire family including all nephews, nieces and in-laws. Total of 16 people. This time we didn’t go to the (for us) usual places such as Taipei or Taichung but to Yalin, a city in the north-east of the island. I’ve been to Taiwan many times but never to the east coast, which is far more laid-back and remote compared to the urbanised west-coast.

PMQ – Hong Kong’s art hub (or is it just another shopping mall)?

I have to admit I still hadn’t been to PMQ. And that despite working in the Product Design and Development industry. I know there’s no excuse but a busy work schedule, too many China trips and two small children kept me busy. However, yesterday, I finally managed to drop by. 

Taiwan, I love you….

Taiwan… A much underrated island of the coast of China.

As my wife’s father’s family is from Taiwan we typically go there once a year. There are many reasons why I love Taiwan. Among them is the nature, the food and most of all the people.

They’re just the nicest people on earth. And they take pride in their service. 
We landed at Taichung airport and needed a room to change our son’s and daughters diapers. 

In Europe you might find a public toilet with a baby changing facility. Not so in Taiwan.

There was a special room for breastfeeding and baby care. Inside, there was a baby changing facility, water in different temperatures, diapers in three (!!!!) sizes, baby body lotion and even heated wet towels (they got a special machine to wet the towels).

Taiwan, I love you….  I’ve never ever seen anything like this.
 

Shaoxing (绍兴) – China’s wine city

Over the Easter weekend I flew up to Hangzhou, a city around 200km south of Shanghai to visit a friend of mine. We spent a few days, eating and drinking way too much.

He also took me to Shaoxing – China’s wine city. Before we set of, I though that I heard the name Shaoxing before but I wasn’t able to connect the dots.  Finally I did. Around five years ago, while working for a sourcing company, I visited the city, although only the factory belt. I skipped the downtown area completely which is a shame….

Vegetarian and Vegan food in Taipei – you’ll be in for a surprise

For those of you who are familiar with Taiwan, you know that Taipei is a foodie’s paradise. Particularly if you’re into street food – like me. You’ll find every strange kind of food on Taipei’s famous night markets. 

Old Shanghai – an exhibition you shouldn’t miss

If you’re living in Shanghai or happen to visit the city anytime, don’t miss out on the “Old Shanghai” exhibition on display in the “Shanghai Urban Planning and Exhibition Centre” at People’s Square. I’m not a culture vulture myself, but I was really impressed by the paintings of Hè You Zhí (贺友直).

That poor BMW….

I haven’t been to Shanghai for four years but last week I had the opportunity to fly up again. While walking on the streets in the French concession I came across something appalling. Revolting…

It was a BMW.

But not any normal BMW.