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Venice – The Ultimate Tourist Guide

November 10, 2014

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Venice – The Ultimate Tourist Guide

Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and attracts visitors from all over the world. It has a reputation of being an incredibly romantic place, full of honeymooning couples taking a candlelit trip on a gondola along the canal and can deliver a beautiful setting for a romantic getaway.

It is an art-enthusiasts heaven, with picture-perfect views down every street and galleries to visit on every other block.

What to see and do

Grand Canal

Venice is famed the world over for its complex network of canal ways. The main waterway of the whole city is the Grand Canal and it really is quite something to see it for real. I studied the books and read up on the history of Venice before going there to visit, and I had seen photos and paintings of the iconic view of the Grand Canal dozens of times, but nothing compares to standing there and seeing it for yourself.

If you want the best photo opportunities then I would definitely recommend going there early in the morning, before all of the days’ crowds arrive and block your view. It can get very busy during the daytime.

St Mary of the Friars

Santa Maria dei Frari is an iconic Venetian church constructed during the mid-13^th century. The architecture is in itself a masterpiece but the church is also home to many important renaissance works of art. Titian’s “Pesaro Madonna” is perhaps the most well-known of these, and Titian himself is actually buried in the church as well.

Teatro La Fenice

The Teatro La Fenice is Venice’s Opera House and dates back to the year 1789. Since it was built it has burned down twice, but the restored theatre is definitely worth a visit today.

You can take a guided tour to find out all about the history of the building and the performances which take place there. If you like ballet, opera or classical music then you should have a look online to see if you can get tickets to see something while you are in Venice.

I can assure you that the overall experience will not disappoint.

Dorsoduro

The Dorsoduro is a neighborhood in Venice which is home to most of the city’s renowned art collections. It is a great place to stop for a drink to enjoy the view as there are usually a few less people wandering around this part of town.

The area is also home to the Peggy Guggenheim collection which is a must-see for any art enthusiasts as it houses works by Picasso, Mondrian, Pollock, Miró and Marini. As a keen photographer I easily spent a whole day walking through the beautiful and picturesque streets.

Where to stay

Venice is much less relaxing than I had expected. For a city with so much water and from all of the picturesque photos that I had seen, I actually found that it was quite a shock to arrive in such a busy and bustling city.

If you are looking for a relaxing, romantic getaway, it is probably a good idea to choose a hotel which is a bit further away from the manic city center.

Staying in the center

The Bauer II Palazzo is located right on the Grand Canal itself and offers luxury 5 star accommodation within walking distance of all of Venice’s main attractions. It has a roof terrace which offers breakfast with stunning views out over the city and the canal.

If you are looking for something a little less expensive, the Ca’pisani is another city center hotel and is decorated following the art-deco style of the first half of the 20^th Century. I absolutely loved the fact that every room is different, it felt much more special to feel that the room was in some way unique.

Staying away from the center

The Ca’dogaressa hotel is still on the canal front so the center of the city remains easily accessible, but the hotel itself is removed from the intensity of city center life. There is a canal side café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee ‘al fresco’ and definitely embodies the perfect compromise between the price you pay and the service you receive.

Getting around

Getting around the city of Venice can end up costing quite a bit of money. The cheapest and best way of seeing the city itself is to walk from site to site, and although Venice is quite a small city, this can get a bit tiring after a day or too.

The canals act as roads in Venice, and the easiest way of getting from place to place whilst resting your feet is by water bus. You can buy a ticket to let you travel for a single journey of up to 60 minutes, or a travelcard which will allow you to have unlimited travel around the city for a given number of days.

Unlimited travel over a 24 hour period will cost you 20 euros (about $25) and 48 hours will cost 30 euros (roughly $37).

If you have somewhere to be at an exact time, the fastest way of getting from A to B is via private water taxi. These are not cheap by any means, and will charge extra if you book them over the phone and for any journeys taken after 10pm or on Sundays, but they are quick and efficient.

Where to Eat

If you are in Venice for a special occasion, why not celebrate by eating at one of the best restaurants in the world. Antica Osteria Cera is a restaurant which has been awarded two Michelin stars and serves traditional dishes served to an exceptional standard. It has a particular reputation for being a fantastic place to eat fish and seafood.

Quadri is a restaurant with one Michelin star and is one of the places to eat in Venice. It is much more creative with the food it serves and the restaurant itself screams decadence and luxury.

Whatever you are looking for from your trip to Venice, just be aware that it is an extremely expensive city, and whatever you choose to do will probably end up costing you rather a lot of money (it doesn’t help that the value of the Euro is still high).

If you are at all worried about how much your trip will cost you, I would recommend choosing a hotel in the city center and walking to most of the attractions that you want to visit. This, honestly, is the best way to see the city.

When looking for places to eat, choose the restaurants on the side streets which are a bit further from the tourist hoards and you will see that the prices are often significantly lower. And if you’re looking to learn more enjoyable ways of using the water ways, check out my post here.

Enjoy!

Israel Myth: Seeing Past Popular Misunderstandings

Israel

November 4, 2014

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Israel Myth: Seeing Past Popular Misunderstandings about the Holy Land

I’ve lived in Israel for over two years, called it my home, and had made some of the best friendships I ever made living there.

Entrance from Damascus Gate, Arab Quarter, Jerusalem

Israel not just the hotbed of religion, it is also, for many unfortunate reason, the hotbed of controversy. I cannot even begin to start telling you about the preconceived idea that people have about Israel around the world, and this post is my attempt in debunking some of those myths.

Israel Myth #1: You won’t be allowed into Israel if you have a passport stamp of an Arab/Muslim country.

Fact: That is not true! Israel recognizes that you are a free traveller and may have been to countries that do not have good diplomatic relations with Israel. But this does not mean that you won’t be allowed into our beautiful country – the Holy Land – because you have been to an Arab/Muslim country whether on the same trip or before.

In fact, Israel has open borders with Jordan and Egypt, both Muslim countries. If you have stamps from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan or Syria, you will most likely be asked questions at Immigration, but immigration will let you in.

Israel Myth #2: Israelis are constantly at war and have no semblance of a normal life.

Fact: Any progressive nation faces threats from hostile countries, and Israel is no different. Israel has a strong army, and they work non-stop to keep Israel safe, so people living there may live their lives the way they want to.

They are not afraid of getting on buses, watching movies and going to concerts, malls or restaurants and live life just as normal as yours. I can personally vouch for this – in our everyday lives, never once have I felt that we are under threat or been scared of a stray shrapnel.

Israel Myth #3: Israel sends its youth to fight at the borders

Fact: We have mandatory military service for everyone at the age of 18, but that does not mean our young men and women are immediately packed off to combat. It is strictly training, and involves various disciplines – technology training, combat training, army intelligence, etc. It is the same kind of military training people receive when they enlist for the army in UK or US.

This method of training is very popular all over the world where youth have to serve in the armed forces for a certain amount of years. However, Israeli’s love to have a great time and can easily seem them hanging out in all the local places and enjoying life.

Citadel and the Tower of David in Jerusalem at night

Israel Myth #4: People are very surly in Israel

Fact: Not in the least. In fact, Israelis are essentially warm people who know how it feels to be on the receiving end of bad behavior so we steer clear of it. Those born in Israel are known as Sabra’s, a plant that is prickly on the outside, and the fruit inside is super sweet.

Sabra, prickly on the outside, sweet on the inside

Israel Myth #5: There is nothing to do in Israel except pilgrimages

Fact: No, not quite. I agree, a large part of tourism revenue comes from people interested in the pilgrim sites in the country, but Israel has a lot more to offer than just pilgrimages. Tel Aviv has a bustling nightlife and really knows how to party. Dead Sea is a prime attraction for people who want to feel its gravity-defying buoyancy. We have more museums per capita than anywhere else, and our natural sights are spectacular!

These are only some of the myths that exist about Israel. The country is incredibly safe and never did I feel unsafe or unwanted in all the times living there. My wife (she was my girlfriend then) had lived with me there also and she fell in love with the place, too. We had gone to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem together. It always seems you’re meeting fascinating people from all over the world and there truly is so much to see, do, eat, and enjoy.

Cherry Blossoms – Hanami Festival

November 3, 2014

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Cherry Blossoms – Hanami Festival

Ever heard about the celebration of budding cherry blossom trees? Hanami is the thousand year old Japanese traditional custom of rejoicing at the bloom of ‘sakura’ or cherry blossom trees and their beautiful flowers; it’s an annual spring celebration that is celebrated with great pleasure and jubilance and taken very seriously. Amazingly, it is one of Japan’s top ten cultural events.

Sakura start blooming in February and wrap the whole country in their charm until early May. The opening of the Sakura buds is tracked quite carefully, and the blooming forecast is made each year by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The Hanami festival is awaited so much that the blossoming of the buds is shown on the daily news, but the Japanese set out to celebrate Hanami in its full fervor only after official opening of the season has been announced with respect to the cherry blossom trees at Yasukuni shrine.

Getting this news at its earliest is considered quite important for party planning as the seasons lasts for only a week or two.

Hanami literally means “flower viewing”, and people celebrate it by picnicking amidst the cherry blossoms, and these picnic parties that last way into the night are quite a big gathering. This festival is one way that Japanese have found to unplug from their stressful lives and tune back into nature.

Japanese like to celebrate Hanami in its complete splendor, and hence plan extensively. Some of them actually claim picnicking spots beforehand, while others casually stroll around a venue and spend time walking around sakura trees.

In essence, it is all about enjoying the budding of cherry blossom flowers, which in itself turns out to be quite a refreshing experience., however the party crowd, especially goes out to picnic for the food and drinks.

Rivers, gardens, and parks are known as the popular Hanami celebration spots, but some places are really famous for their much talked about cherry blossom festivals.

Another prime spot is the Ueno Park in Tokyo. Its 1200 cherry blossom trees create a stunning sight for their beholders when they flourish in all their glory.

The blossom viewing tunnel at Japan Mint, Osaka is another eminent spot, known for its 100 cherry blossom varieties on display, that are greatly admired by the public. The Yoshino-yama Mountain in the Nara Prefectur that boasts home to a 30000 sakura trees, has one of the most spectacular and mesmerizing views, and attracts thousands of people to its festival as well. One has to be careful about the festival celebrating dates of each location to not miss the glamour of Hanami that they have to offer.

Food and drink stalls or ‘yakai’ can be found at various spots, selling delectable food varieties like okonomiyaki (savory vegetable and meat pancake), yakisoba (fried noodles) and takoyaki (octopus dumpling), and you can’t just avoid them if you are a foodie.

Did you ever think that cherry blossom flowers could be a part of any meal? Well you’re in for surprise: Japanese not only like to see them, they like to eat them too. The pink flower is usually salted before it is added to a dish, and is consumed in tea too!

People seeking out a refreshing and serene holiday in spring, should definitely visit Japan’s Hanami festivals and they would be spellbound by the natural beauty and charm of the cherry blossom trees in Japan. And if you’re interesting in learning more about this beautiful event, The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration book was amazing.

Enjoy!

Tipping in China – To Tip or Not to Tip?

October 31, 2014

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Tipping in China – To Tip or Not to Tip?

It was just after I arrived in China for the first time back in 2000. I was part of a team coming from New York to meet with suppliers in China about our ongoing and future projects. I remember we had a great lunch in China, me thinking “real Chinese food from China!” and when we paid I realized no one left a tip on the table.

I was curious and cautiously asked my host why he didn’t tip, as I didn’t want to offend him after such a good meal (but as mentioned before Chinese are very open about discussing etiquette), and being my first time in China.

He said that tipping in China was not common practice, the server was simply doing his job.

Tipping customs and habits are different not only in different countries of the world, but in different restaurants of the same city as well. This is why you can never really be too careful when it comes to respectfully tipping the server or the staff for giving you a proper service.

During my visit to China, I noticed a considerable difference between the Chinese culture, traditions and customs and the American culture, traditions and customs. Chinese do not necessarily appreciate the tipping custom as we Americans do. Therefore, I think, it is important that you understand if you should tip at all.

In American cities, it is customary to give a generous tip. Each city and State has a general rule, some tip 10%, some double the tax, but tips are normal and considering that the server worked hard for you to get your meal. The tip is a healthy amount of money to express and pay for the gratitude that you feel towards the server.

However, when tipping in China, in most restaurants, the servers in restaurants never really get the tip you give them. Yes, it is true! In fact, the tip that you award the server for his good performance goes right into the pocket of the owner who had nothing to do with serving you the food you ate that night.

This is one of the reasons as to why tipping in China is considered a token gesture instead of anything else. In some restaurants, the tip that the servers get is divided equally among the staff of the restaurant to promote financial equality and goodwill. This means that there is no competitiveness and that the servers work with one another in harmony.

In some local restaurants that only cater to the citizens of China, there is absolutely no tipping policy at all! The restaurant owners do not promote tipping as they believe it is not a healthy practice. However, restaurants that get many foreign customers do bend the rules a little when it comes to tipping the servers because the foreigners are playing by the rules of their own country and would find it hard to understand why they should not tip the server who catered to their needs.

Nevertheless, in the view of many Chinese restaurant owners and locals alike, tipping is perceived to be a very common yet not always understood why a foreigner may just “give away money.”

Tipping is generally considered an unnecessary practice. Therefore, whenever you hire a car or get a bellhop to take your things up to your hotel room, you do not have to particularly worry about this practice as it can make you feel unwelcome in certain circles. Always judge the atmosphere you are in and observe if the people around you are following the practice or not. In other words, if you’re traveling and you’re staying in a known worldwide hotel, the staff and probably most of the customers are used to tipping. If you’re staying in a more local establishment, more so not.

If you feel comfortable, you can even ask your server if tipping is the norm here or not.

Even though tipping servers in restaurants might be a custom that the Chinese have adopted in restaurants that cater to foreign individuals, the habit of tipping bellhops and taxi drivers is still something foreign to them. However, if you want to show your gratitude, do it in a respectful way and tell them that you enjoyed the service they provided you with.

In the end though, with so many westerners visiting and traveling, tipping in China is being accepted, so if you feel like go ahead, nothing bad will come from it.

Thanks!

Crossing the Street in China Safely

October 30, 2014

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Crossing the Street in China Safely

Even after 7 years, crossing the street in China sometimes felt like I was tempting fate. That’s not to say that it isn’t safe, but upon first arrival it can feel like an ordeal just crossing the roads. I remember seeing people just walk across without looking, or cars making turns from the right lane over 4 lanes of traffic at the last moment to make a left!

Eventually I got used to crossing the street in China and just accepted that was the way of life. But it made for some great stories.

The Chinese traffic poses a great risk to your safety and can even result in your death as well if you try meddling with it too much.

The roads in the country are almost always jam-packed with traffic (once took me 4hrs to travel 60 miles). Cars, trucks, cycles, bikes, rickshaw and taxi- you name the vehicle and you will see it on the road. Apart from the heavy traffic, another factor that makes walking on the roads extremely difficult is the lack of driving experience of the drivers.

The country had about 10 million vehicles during 2000. This number increased to 70 million in 2010, with more being bought each year. Most of the drivers on the roads of China are first-generation drivers. Most of them do not know the basics of driving. The country only has about 3 percent of the world’s drivers, but most of them are unaware of road systems.

Unfortunately, due to a lot of inexperiences, many drivers with fake licenses, not enough time on the road, has lead China to having one of the highest death rate in the world by car accident, something to keep in the back of your while while crossing the street in China.

To make sure that you don’t become a victim of these serious accidents, you need to be very careful while crossing the streets in China.

If you are a pedestrian, then you need to follow the rules set by the vehicles on the road. Follow these simple rules to ensure that you are able to cross the streets safely.

Never Expect Cars to Stop: Yes, you must NEVER expect a single car to stop while you are attempting to cross a street. Drivers in China often run red lights, even several seconds after the red traffic light begins shining. Hence, you must always wait for all cars to pass before beginning to cross the road.
Walk Slowly: Make sure to walk slowly while crossing the road. While crossing in a hurry, you can get hit by a fast paced car (or bicycle), so don’t hurry while crossing the road and be cautious.
Look at Both the Sides of the Road: While stepping on the road, make sure to look at both sides to ensure that no vehicle is passing by. Once you are sure of this, you can start crossing the road.
Use the Right Side of the Street: Though the law states that the vehicles should use the right side of the streets and roads, the right side is seldom seen packed with traffic. This is because the middle lane is quite safe to travel and slow-moving cars and pedestrians normally use the right side, so you should try using this side often.
Let a Vehicle Overtake: If you hear a vehicle honking loudly, give it space to overtake you by moving to the right side.
Beware of a Vehicle Turning Corners: According to the law, vehicles are allowed to take a right turn even when the red light is showing on the traffic signal (in many cities not all). So, if you see a turn, lookout for any vehicles waiting to use it and use it carefully.
Be Extra Careful on the Roundabout: The roundabout is a very scary place to walk around. You’ll find the traffic cluttered around a roundabout on roads in the country. Hence, you need to be super careful while crossing the streets near a roundabout.

While I wouldn’t call it an art form crossing the street in China safely… it does take some time getting used too. In the major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, you’ll see many more vehicles stopping at lights and obeying the laws. Many of these drives are professional trained by taxi companies and are fined if the customer complaints (if taking a taxi, always ask for a receipt. It has the correct total on it and the number to call if there was a problem).

You’ll see plenty of westerners crossing the streets as well and most get used to it after a while. While it sure is an experience, enjoy your trip, too!

Scams in China – What’s Common How to Avoid Them

October 27, 2014

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Scams in China – What’s Common and How to Avoid Them

After living in China for well over 7 years, I’ve experienced first hand or heard from friends just about every scam out there. They exist everywhere, so be ready to face some interesting ones on your trip to China as well. My wife is from China and having many friends there, they hate when these things happen to both Chinese citizens and tourists as it completely takes away from such a rich experience!

I have listed here some of the commonly experienced scams in China so you can avoid them when a scammer approaches you.

Scams in China: Tea House or Practice English

Unfortunately this happens all too often, often with young tourists looking to meet new local friends.

The ‘tea house’ or ‘practice English’ scam is a very long-running and popular scam of the country and is practiced almost everywhere in the country. A scammer practicing this scam will approach you and engage you in a conversation. After a little while, that person will ask you to practice English, try a Chinese tea or go for karaoke in a restaurant nearby.

On reaching that restaurant, that person will excuse herself for using the restroom and soon, you’ll be presented with a huge bill. That person won’t return and you’ll be obliged to pay the bill.

To make sure that you don’t fall into this trap, you need to stay on a lookout for any attractive people, especially girls who might seem interested in talking to you. Your scammers could also be a friendly couple, or a group of young people. If you are approached by such people, you should politely refuse to talk to them and take another way. Even if you do talk to them, never go to any place with them.

Scams in China: Black Taxi Scams

Of all the scales in China, this one, I believe, happens the most.

Illegal taxis referred to as ‘black taxis’ are widespread in the country. They are mostly found around tourist spots and the airports in Beijing. If you sit in a black taxi, you will be at the mercy of the driver. The taxi driver could use a fake meter to produce a huge taxi fare based on wrong rates.

Besides that, the driver could drop you off at a random destination after collecting the fare from you; or he could drive off with your luggage after you get out of the taxi.

To protect yourself from this scam, you need to wait for a taxi by using the official queue for taxis at the airport. Moreover, always grab the taxi that has a license plate starting with ‘京 B.’ if a taxi driver approaches you, then either ask him to leave or tell him you have already booked a taxi.

Counterfeit Money Scam

This scam is practiced all across the country. There are many counterfeit notes in circulation and the tourists visiting the country are easily fooled by these bills. To make sure you are not offered a counterfeit bill, you should properly inspect all the notes given to you when you get change from a store or pay any bill (be sure to read my post about currency in China). Take care of the Y100 and Y50 bills and if a note feels slippery, thin or has a wrong watermark, you should reject it. If the person providing you with that note doesn’t take it back, then cancel the transaction.

Cheap Tour Scams

Tour scams are often practiced near the tourist spots like the ‘Great Wall of China.’ The scammers practicing will lure you into traveling on a cheap bus and will make you believe that you’ll get the best tour of your life. You will be charged way more than the actual worth of the tour. However, in reality, the tour will be extremely cheap and you won’t be shown the major tourist attractions.

To keep these scammers at bay, you need to avoid impulsively jumping on any tourist bus or paying for any tour without examining its details in depth. Moreover, ask several questions from your tour guide to ensure you are not being scammed. Another good tip is to select a tour organized by the hotel you are staying in.

I’m also collecting a list of top tour guides in China that I’ve personally used and would recommend.

Because language barrier can be such a problem, you have this problem, I have this problem. I went out and spent a full day researching it to find our solution. I found this, and so far I have to tell you, it’s working pretty well. Here’s the link so you can check it out for yourself: learn the Chinese Language with Rocket Chinese

Unfortunately, scams in China do exist and it’s for a variety of reasons that I’ll be writing about in other posts. But remember, you’re there for fun! Enjoy the ancient country, amazing sites and awesome food!

Traveling Around London like a Local

October 26, 2014

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Traveling Around London like a Local

Like any capital city, London is teeming with life and is busy at all times of the day. This can make traveling around the city a somewhat daunting task. This article aims to give you a few tips and pointers to help make your journeys as smooth as possible.

Buses

Perhaps the most iconic method of traveling around London are on those double story red buses! They are a symbol of London all over the world and it is a great novelty to be able to travel inside one. If you are new to London, traveling by bus is a great way to see other sights whilst on your way to your destination. You get a real feel for what London life is like as you watch the city unfold from the view from your window. This is a luxury which the tube does not offer. But if you choose to take the buses, you are of course susceptible to the infamous London traffic. It could take you a while to get from A to B.

The Tube

Traveling around London like a local definitely includes the tube.

Note that it is not called the subway, nor the metro, but the tube. This is very important, true locals will take it personally if you call it by the wrong name.

If you really want to conquer the tube like a local then you need to keep moving at all times. Don’t block the passageways by stopping to look at the signs and the maps. Of course, if it is your first time in London then this will be nearly impossible, but preparation is the key. Know whether you are traveling northbound, southbound, eastbound or westbound and what the final destination of the train you want to take is. This will hopefully prevent you from having to stop and ask a less-than-friendly businessman for advice.

Download an app

There are a number of really useful apps which can help you to plan your route while traveling around London, and will give you all of the information you need to know about any given journey. For the tube, there are apps which let you type in your starting station and your destination, and they will calculate the fastest way of making the journey, at which stations you need to change and how long the overall journey will take you. Transport for London make the most comprehensive journey planners.

Oyster Cards

If you are going to be in London for a while then an Oyster card will probably work out being the most cost effective (and fun) way to get around. You can buy one of these cards from a machine in all major stations, and you top it up with cash at any oyster point around London.

The cards are limited, so there is a maximum that you can spend per day but you will still get unlimited travel across all of the tube lines and zones. You can use them on the buses as well, and you just tap the card against the oyster logo at the station gates or by the driver on the bus and the card is charged wirelessly. The novelty of hearing the beep and the gates opening automatically doesn’t wear off even for the locals!

Black Cabs

The black cab is another classic icon and makes for a great way for traveling around London.

If you are only planning a couple of journeys a day and there are 4 or 5 of you traveling together, then cabs can actually work out cheaper per person than taking the bus or a tube. Talking to the driver can also be a great way to get up close and personal with the cockney accent, although cabbies aren’t always from London, of course.

All cab drivers in London have to pass a rigorous exam called ‘The Knowledge’ which can take up to 3 years to prepare for. It is by no means easy to pass, and in order to get qualified all drivers must have an impeccable knowledge of the city. You won’t be ripped off in a London cab; all of the drivers know the fastest routes between any two given points in London and will take you directly to your destination.

Traveling around London is so much fun and you can easily to do it like a local. The easiest way is the tube. But, even during rush hour times, be prepared to wait for a few trains and squeeze into any available spaces. All of the other methods of transport function perfectly well but the tube is definitely the form of transport which is the most direct, most efficient and easiest to get to grips with.

One book that was highly recommended to me by a friend of mine living in London is Fodor’s London 2015 (Full-color Travel Guide).
This book came in super handy every time I travel around London. I’d totally recommend it.

However, if you’re looking for some great outdoor enjoyment, nothing beats the buses! Sitting up on top is an automatic throw back into a far off time!

Enjoy your stay!

Surviving in China – Be Resourceful

October 20, 2014

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Surviving in China – Be Resourceful

China is a amazing country, ancient, yet breaking at the seams with all that is new and exciting, filled with tall buildings, fast pace of life, great foods, sights, smells, interesting people, and more. However, like any country, China’s approach to many of the same things we deal with, like going to a bathroom and having toilet paper, are approached differently.

I spent most of my days in China visiting factories, whether in southern or northern China, and whenever I met someone going into China for the first time and they asked me the top suggestion for surviving in China? Bring your own toilet paper!

Now, most places that people visit have most modern amenities that people need, certainly most restaurants, hotels and shopping centers in major cities, like Shanghai, but for those more adventurous or even those looking to take a day trip to visit some ancient Buddhist Temple, these tips to surviving in China can be invaluable:

Apart from the regular checklist of things that you need to keep with yourself whenever you are out in a strange country, there are several other things that you need to carry with yourself in China because they are simply not provided to you in the country as they are in the West (I always carry my own shaving kit and shampoos and bottle of water.) Apart from the passport, the VISA, your Identity verification cards, etc. there may be other things that you need.

Some things that you may be looking for might not even be available in many department stores. This is because China has a completely different culture than the American culture and there may be many things that you are used to that the Chinese people do without. Here is a list of things that you need to bring with you:

Deodorants – You might find it hard to believe but reality is that you will not find deodorants in Chinese department stores (unless you can find a Walmart). If you want a deodorant, you have to bring it with you.
Umbrellas (the best kinds are those that fold and collapse so they fit into your bag) – Although they are available in stalls, the cheap ones will rust after a week and the expensive ones might be a little too expensive for you. Bring an umbrella because you will need it in sunny days and when it rains. You cannot survive the sun in China without one (be sure to check out more of my travel tips for weather).
Travel Umbrella
Toilet Paper (or boxes of tissues) – Yes, that is right! Carry toilet paper because most (at least 90%) restrooms in China do not carry them. You might end up in a washroom and discover that it has no toilet paper and then you can end up finding yourself in a very tough situation. Always carry a roll of toilet paper or sanitary wipes with you just in case. Also, bring enough for the trip because toilet paper may not even be available in the stores (or at least most of them).
Tissues or toilet paper can easily fit into you bag
Shampoos, Conditioners and Hair Products – If you are a picky user then you better bring your own shampoos and conditioners from back home. This is because China has only a few well known brands and even in those brands the chemical composition of the shampoo or the conditioner is different than what you and your hair are used to. If you use any particular hair products then it is best that you carry them with you as well because the products you use frequently might not be available in China.
Sunscreen – Many Chinese stores do not carry a lot of sunscreens and even if they do, they do not have them in a wide variety of SPF. This is why you have to carry your own if you want to protect your skin. Chinese people have different melanin consistency in their skin, which is why their skin care products are specifically designed keeping their skin needs in mind.
travel sunscreen
Medicines – If you are on some kind of medication, it would be best for you to bring them with you because sometimes you might not find the right kind of medicine for you in China. There might be similar medications but apart from that, you might have difficulty locating the right one for you. In addition, I’ll have in another post the experiences of walking into a pharmacy in China.
Insect repellant – Take it from me, no local brand has an effect on the creepy crawlies.

Tampons – If you do not use pads and use tampons instead, you will have a hard time in China during that time of the month. Pads are widely available but tampons are not.
Shoes for Large Feet – If you have large feet then take care to bring your own pairs of shoes because finding shoes of your size might be a very difficult task for you.
Pepto Bismol – You might have some trouble adjusting to the kind of water that is available in China so it is wise to carry some pepto. This is not widely available in China so bring yours from home.
Hand Sanitizer – You might need this because of the unavailability of soap in many Chinese washrooms.
travel hand sanitizer
A small flashlight – Short electrical blackouts are common in the country so it is wise to carry a flashlight in case you are stuck in a dark room or end up getting lost in a dark unlit street. Yes! Even for surviving in China, a small flashlight can be in handy. I could tell some stories about walking down a street in Shanghai that was fully lit then turning onto a street that was dark. Having that flashlight was great!
Cash – If you are in China, you will find out that many restaurants and shops do not have a liking for credit cards so they do not accept them. Carry some cash around with you so you are not faced with any difficult situations.
Varying forms of Chinese currency

I would say those are your best bets to bring with you. But, don’t worry too much, most of these things are small and cheap, can easily fit into day bags, and you may not think you may need it, but if you do, you’ll be happy you took it! One great example of a travel kit that has never personally failed me getting through airport security or fitting into my travel bags is the Travel Smart by Conair Transparent Sundry Kit

There is so much more for surviving in China to write about on this topic alone so be sure to check my other posts.

Did you know there is a difference between Chinese Yuan and RMB?

Enjoy!

Venetian Water Bus – Perfect for Getting Around the City

October 18, 2014

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Venetian Water Bus – Perfect for Getting Around the City

In the historic center of Venice, water buses are a unique and well-used means of transportation. Since travel is by water, you won’t be surrounded by tour buses, cars and ground taxis, as is the case in many tourist meccas.

Water buses travel to various points in town and even to some of the 100 outlying islands. The fleet includes 150 boats, with routes that extend into even the farthest Venetian Lagoon corners.

Vaporetto and Motoscafo on the Grand Canal

Although you could walk to most points of interest in Venice, taking Venetian Water Bus is a unique mode of travel that will enthrall you. They are especially of value if you are staying on one of the islands of Venice.

Visiting the islands of the local lagoon, you may watch glassmaking on the island of Murano. Venetian Water Bus provide a pleasant Grand Canal cruise of nearly an hour. If you have been walking all day, sightseeing, the water buses will show you through elegant canals and back to your hotel.

What You Should Know

Riding a motonave, motoscafo or vaporetto, the local water buses in the city of Venice, is no more complicated than taking city buses or subways in any town.

Waterbus stops can be found on maps of Venice, and you will no doubt see signs pointing them out if you do some sightseeing on land. The floating platforms are yellow and white, and quite easily recognized. Make sure you are on a landing for the line you wish to take. There may be multiple platforms at larger stops.

Purchase a Pass or Ticket

You may purchase 12-hour to one week Tourist Travel Cards of Venetian Water Bus tickets at any local ticket booth. Some large stops also have ticket machines. There is also the tourist version of the city pass for Venezia Unica, which will gain you admittance to city museums and public restrooms.

The Streets and Alleys of Venice

Venice is at its heart a maze of narrow, twisting streets and blind alleys. On the Venetian Water Bus, you will enjoy the relaxation of a trip to San Marco, on the Grand Canal. Grand old homes and Gothic palaces dot the Grand Canal, and, unless you enjoy walking, viewing them from a water bus will be much more relaxing.

Gondolas are used mainly for the experience in Venice. They will give you a romantic ride, but if you want to go somewhere, you’ll need a water bus. Things move slowly in Venice, and you may find that you enjoy the pace. Realistically, enjoying the sights and getting from one point to another is an experience to savor. As you gaze at the sights, you won’t mind the slow speed.

Vaporetto are your best choice for longer trips in Venice, and will carry you to the islands in the area. Motoscafu are protected from rain and wind, and they travel outside the more sheltered Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basin and Guidecca Canal. Single-deck motonave motorships travel the Venetian Lagoon. Double deck motonave will take you to the Lido, and they operate near the Piazza San Marco.

Riding water buses is unlike riding city buses. You will enjoy the views of the wondrous sights of Venice, from a seat on a spacious water bus. It’s something you simply need to experience to believe.

http://www.comune.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/EN/IDPagina/1

Florence Attractions – Best on Limited Time

October 17, 2014

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Florence Attractions The ‘Must-See’ if You’re Limited for Time

It’s quite a shame, if you only have a limited amount of time to spend in Florence. It is a city full of impressive and historically important attractions and sights. From churches to museums and significant squares, you’ll find this Tuscan town elegant and endearing.

The Florence Attractions You Must See:

Most of the top tourist Florence attractions are in the central historic district. There is simply not as much to see in the outskirts of town. You can access the most interesting sites from the center of town.

Piazza della Signoria

This is the most well-known square in Florence. It has much historic value and features an open-air exhibit of sculpture. The Piazza della Signoria is the political center of Florence, and has been so since the middle ages. Within the square, you will find the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall.

Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore

A visit to Florence is not complete without a visit to the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore. This gothic duomo was started before 1300 and can seat 20,000 people. The marble exterior shows interesting statues and doors. Brunelleschi’s Dome inside is a true masterpiece.

Palazzo Vecchio

This is the civil power symbol for Florence. The construction rests atop an ancient Roman theater from the Florencia colony. The ruins viewable in the underground level are awe-inspiring.

The Bell Tower of Piazza del Duomo

The bell tower, known locally as the Campanile, was originally designed by Giotto di Bondone, an Italian architect and artist. He contributed greatly to the Italian Renaissance. He was respected as a sovereign painter. Climbing over 400 steps to the top, you will experience wondrous views of the city and its surroundings.

The Baptistery of Saint John the Baptist

Built in the 11^th century, the Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, and highly recommended to see as a Florence Attractions. It features three reproductions of bronze doors now housed in the Duomo Museum. The white and green marble creates a truly lovely building. The inside is home to a marble zodiac pavement and intricate mosaics.

The Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Museum

These are the most often visited of Florence’s museums. The interesting and famous art works within the Accademia Gallery must indeed be some of Michelangelo’s finest works. The most famous work of art here is David, the magnificent marble statue that almost everyone knows on sight.

The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

The Basilica is a fine example of the architecture of Tuscan Romanesque work. It is found outside of the city of Florence on a monte (hill). The views of Florence from this vantage point are truly breathtaking.

Boboli Garden

The Boboli Garden is one of the most elegant and largest of the Italian gardens. It has been extended through the years, with several periods of restructuring and enlargement. The earlier works were close to the palace, and although drawn by Niccolò Tribolo, the actual work on these lush gardens would be completed after his death.

Ponte Vecchio

This old bridge was once the only one across Florence’s River Arno. In 1345, it was rebuilt following a flood. In World War II, the Germans did not destroy this bridge, although they did so to all other bridges over the River Arno. Rather, the Germans chose to block bridge access by laying waste to the buildings located on either side.

Spending even a short time seeing Florence attractions will underscore your belief in the beauty of Italy. I personally adore the city of Florence and Florence Attractions and it is so easy to feel lost and at home at the same time in this amazing city. Be sure to check back for some wild stories of late night runs for the worlds (arguably) gelato, getting to the front of the line to see David, and personal journeys in and around the city.

It is truly a city not to be missed.

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Palazzo_vecchio.html

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