Thai Lush Life

Phuket is certainly a spot to splash the cash in Thailand. Everything is focused around tourisme, and about indulging into the good life that we all wanted at some point in life. 

We really didn't have in mind a luxurious holidays when we were planning our trip to Thai-Land, but we do love a couple of days of #treatyoself after a lot of sightseeing and moving around. Having said that, we still weren't sure about travelling and staying in Phuket Town, as the reputation it precedes is not the greatest. 

Instead, we looked for a remote spot around the capital, and as I love checking Conde Nast Traveler while I go on holidays, our dream hotel popped up: Keemala.

Very instagram worthy from the moment you step foot at their lobby, I would say Keemala is meant for honey-mooners and retired people; from time to time, also people like us, ready to mess the whole system up. 

A villa meant for 2 was shared by 5, with a private pool and tones of activities to enjoy. We particularly loved the "cocktail masterclass" which involved us getting fed champagne and snacks for a whole hour, while just taking in the sunrise and solving our first-world-problems...

Not that I am a yoga enthusiast (except for HOT yoga) but I particularly enjoyed getting up with the sunrise to do a wholesome yoga class. The teacher was pretty badass and breakfast afterwards felt like heaven on a plate.

If you stay here, there's not much more you'll need to do. Just sit back, relax your private pool, and maybe venture out for a day, if you want to go to the open sea. But this is all about treating yourself to the max. Let go. You are in GREAT hands. 

We stayed for two nights and it was too short. We reckon that the ideal no. of nights is about 3 nights. But prepare your wallet! The Resort includes transportation to the little village (where you can get great deals on thai massage) and breakfast (YUM!), on top of the daily activities that include yoga, photography and few others, depending on the day. A MUST!

Stay tuned for more, 

TCB XX

The Noguchi Museum

Photography by Steph from City + Palm

Following the thread from my previous article about 'The unknown LIC', I'd love to dig a little bit deeper unto what's cooking in this part of town. 

I'm a fan of the arts, especially if this is abstract and contemporary. I love making things up when I see a an art piece (Isn't that part of the fun?) and lucky me there was a museum in the Queens neighborhood I haven't visited before: The Noguchi Museum. 

The museum was founded by the American artist by the same name, and he was definitely a pioneer of his time on building a museum to portray his work. The museum itself is a piece of art, with plenty of sculptures and abstract design; but what brought us here really was his exhibition Akari, a modular ecosystem of lightweight, collapsible paper lanterns that can create and transform space. For some, IKEA paper lanterns, for others art. For us, SO MUCH FUN to be had.

We spend a good hour wandering the different rooms theorizing what we saw, and I highly recommend you check it out if you are around the area. If it's a sunny day, you can then head to the park in front of it for a little picnic :)

TCB xx

The Spanish Hangover

I’ve always been quite reluctant to visit Thailand, but I must admit it was more fun than I initially anticipated.

My pretty gurls and I like to #treatourselves and travel to a beach destination once a year, and after the success of Philippines last year, we decided another South East Asian country would be a good choice.

One-hour foot massage for four pounds, taxis with on-board wifi and high-end hotels delivering everything you need at your doorstep don’t even begin to explain everything you can get in Bangkok. This city is certainly made up to please all crowds.

I personally really enjoyed getting lost in the streets of Chinatown, trying all those street food stalls that may or may not play well with my stomach (such a rebel!). Not to mention the never ending street market, selling all sorts of crap that I also love. Totoro and Hello Kitty’s (and rubber duckies!) all over the place. What else could I ask for?

Some prefer to ride til you die at the infamous Khao San Road, which everybody should check out at least once, but I think a good balance between culture and pleasure is best.

If you are only in the kingdom of Thailand for few days, I suggest you check out the following:

• For those wanting shopping: Chatuchak Weekend Market

• For those wanting a good massage: Chinatown

• For those wanting temple crawling: the Wat Phra and Wat Arun were our favourite

• For foodies: 80/20, Mr joe crispy pork, Err, and Jai Fai are defo a must

• If finding yourself with extra time check out one of the many floating markets and/ or go for another massage! You deserve it.

Millenium Hilton Bangkok

An Oasis in a hustling city

As for where to stay, the options are endless. You can splash the cash into a 5-star hotel or go budget at a hostel. We did both and I have to admit the later was quite impressive and exponentially cheap. In some instances, like when you are by the sea, it may make more sense to go a bit out of your way to stay at a stunning resort, but if you are gonna be out and about in the city, there’s really no need to go for it. You’ll be in good hands either way.

Breakfast with a view

Stay tuned for more,

TCB xx

There's always time to dress up

Photography by Steph from City + Palm 

There's always time to dress up. Specially if you are head over heels in your favourite US city: New York. 

A good friend of mine once told me how amazing the spot her husband chose to propose to her in the city, and it wasn't until my last visit, that I got to understand what she meant. They got engaged a couple of years back at Gantry Plaza State Park, "with great views of Manhattan!" she said. 

Skeptical me though: why going to such a remote spot when you can get amazing views of the city in Brooklyn, Williamsburg, for instance? Oh gurls, I was wrong. This spot has indeed GREAT views. And best of all, it's not crowded. There's even sun lounges to lay in during a hot sunny day! Only drawback is that there is not much around it. If you plan heading that way, make sure you grab some essentials (i.e. cigarettes, alcohol and minimal nibbles). You'll need them.

I was feeling quite fabulous that day, so I put on my favourite preppy style look from J. Crew :) Ah, I love mixing minimal white dresses with a splash of colour, specially if that is in gingham! I must admit my obsession for stars and gingham is worryingly increasing, but hey ho, off we go!

TCB xx

WHAT I WORE (if old, or sold out, there's similar items!)

Christmas In Central London

I can't believe we are only two days away from December, where did this year go? I am not going to start recalling how great this year has been; there's been awesome times and not so nice days, BUT, if there is something I am exciting about this December is the xmassy vibe that London gets. 

People are cheerier and more willing to spend (yikes!), most streets are full of pretty fairy lights and restaurants and shops have the best displays. I love this time of the year! Just wandering the streets makes you feel completely different. Of course, I wouldn't advise you going to the city centre over the weekend as you may then hate Christmas (the over-crowding is surreal) but it is worth checking out any other time of the week. 

That's what my team and I did recently, and I thought I'd share our lil day out with you. It started early in Covent Garden, precisely to avoid crowds, which turned out positively to our benefit as we met the market providers to the Apple Market, where you can get little crafts for Secret Santa or the perfect Christmas decorations for your home. 

For those beauty lovers, you certainly need to stop by The Abnormal Beauty Company from Deciem. They may not have all the products on your wishlist (check Fenwick if so), but the customer service is great. I also love having a pit-stop at Laduree, just in case they have a new special edition box and I have an excuse to indulge into my favorite macarons.

After wandering around the Piazza, we headed for breakfast to The Ivy Soho Brasserie, which has one of the best Christmas decorations in Soho. I mean, it's whimsical, really! Food was great and so was the ambiance, the service and the check! I had eggs benedict and waffles with berries & yoghurt (I was hungry, ok?) and I was in heaven. I can't recall when was the last time I had such a hollandaise sauce. MMM mouthwatering NOW.  

After we filled our bellies up, we decided to continue with a long walk across Carnaby, Regent St and Oxford St, taking in all the pretty lights in preparation for Santa's arrival. After all, what's best than taking in what the city has prepared for you?

TCB xx

WHAT I WORE:

ZARA Red Boots
ASOS Star Dress
Tartan Scarf
Gucci Dyonisus Bag
Rayban Round Sunglasses

Foodie Monsters LA Edition

One cannot think well,

love well,

sleep well,

if one has not dined well

So here's our favourite Foodie Monster spots at the City of Angels

Melrose

• Carrera Cafe for printed cups of coffee, including the infamous LA PLAM TREES, but also Kim Kardashian’s crying face and Ryan Gosling’s sexy look.
• Urth Caffe is probably one of the busiest places around the area; as he name say they are very ‘earth’, healthy and organic food at its best.
• For dessert lovers like moi, you’ve got one of the best ice-creams around: Salt & Straw and Carmela; the latter does a lavender and honey cup that is surprisingly amazing.
• Of course, let’s not forgot Alfred Tea Room. I mean, you could not miss this spot even if you wanted! Probably the most instagrammed café of LA, this trendy spot is perfect for pink lovers and matcha addicts.

Silver Lake & Surroundings

• Italian? Sure. Cosa Buona for authentic pizzas and Alimento for an italian menu with a twist
• Night+Market Song is probably THE best thai in town, serving street-food style dishes from the mainland
• Of course if there’s an Israeli place, I’ll go there; Mh Zh and Kismet are top choices, if you ask me
• A bit out of the way you’ll also find Salazar, serving mexican tacos to hungry customers

West Hollywood

• If you want to upscale your dining options, then you should totally pay a visit to Chateaux Marmont. Ecclectic and baroque, this place is like no other. Chilled at their indoor bar, listen to the pianist at their lounge or have a romantic meal in their garden. Such a gem! Make sure you book.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel is definitely very LA. The place to ve for certain clientele, in here you’ll find 4 restaurants with different styles. In a sunny day, I love having brunch at their Cabana Café, dipping in to their pool, which by the way, has music underwater.
• Another Night + Market restaurant here, a bit less crazy busy and with more seating area.
• Guisados is perfect for a hungover fix, all their tacos are soooo good. I never know where to choose from.

Downtown LA

Downtown LA is all about rooftop bars. The Standard, Ace Hotel, Freemans...you know, he classics.

Now if we are talking food, there’s two places, at least, you shouldn’t miss.

• Bottega Louie for that french-chic vibe. Macarons at the entrance and delicious food (incl. fire-wood pizza!) at their restaurant
• Eggslut for a perfect american-style brunch
• Otium for fine-dining/ contemporary american. Does Chef Timothy Hollingsworth ring a bell to you? There you go then.
• If you still have room for dessert, hit Astrodonuts & fried chicken. Food coma.

Several Locations: In-n-Out

A trip to LA wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t stop by at In-n-Out. I know, it's junk food! You must be thinking. But damn, these burgers are good. And there's a reason why everybody loves them.

Roll your sleeves guys, you are gonna need the energy.

TCB xx

Hot Pockets in LA

Photography by Simply Adri

Silver Lake and Melrose could not be more different from each other and yet be so similar. One is youthful and unpretentious and the other the complete opposite, but both cry hipster out loud.

If you are looking for great vintage shopping and delicious and unique food spots, then Silver Lake is probably more your cup of tea; whereas if you prefer a bit more upscale shopping and tons of uber cool cafés and terraces, then Melrose & Fairfax are problaby more your thing. Having said that, the latter hosts one of the biggest Flea Markets around the area, and on a weekly basis! So things can get confusing here...

As I said, both are great spots, so if your undecided on where to go on this sunny day, then I suggest you check out traffic times and decide where you want to be!

If you head to Silver Lake, you are in for some good vintage loving. Sleeper, Foxhole and Furst of a Kind were definitely my faves. Also,  The Maven Store does not sell loving but their curated selection of current clothing and accessories is worth checking out.

If you head to Melrose, then start your morning at Kosher News with a bit of reading. This is probably the biggest magazine store in the area, if not all of LA. Once you've got your coffee fix, it's shopping time!

Every time I come to the states, I need to go to Marc Jacobs. It kind of feels like a staple to me, and despite the clothes being too expensive for my taste, the handbags and accessories are awesome and affordable. 

If you want to be the cool kid in town, of course you need to check out Supreme and GOLF, the newest opening from Tyler, the creator.

Passing by Melrose without stopping at Paul Smith would be like going to London and miss the Big Ben. It's such a staple! That pink wall needs some good loving. Next to it you'll find Reformation Vintage, a new concept for its original flagship, curating vintages from all over the globe. If you are ready to splash, then Maxfield should be your last stop.

They are my latest faves. Soon hopefully yours, too. And if you are missing my favorite #foodiemonster spots, then you should see my next post coming. NEAAAAT!

TCB cx
 

90210

If you wanna feel like a star, play like one. If you ask me, that calls for a ride out to West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Don't you think?

Nothing feels better than riding your old-school american car through Sunset Blvd, music playing, glasses on and sun shining. Ok, that’s a lie; a drink at Chateaux Marmont or breakfast by the Cabana Pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel is pretty spot on too. Of course, we did both. When in Rome, hey!

I must admit, LA has proven to be super fun. Despite the never ending driving and constant traffic, I got to meet tons of beautiful people, which made my trip a thousand times better so far. Adventures definitely taste better with great company.

TCB xx

Photography By Karina, at Overdressed LA

City of Angels & Superstars

City of Angels

Los Angeles certainly is peculiar. City of Angels and Superstars, this is a place like no other.

Everywhere and anywhere you go in LA, you’ll need a car, and as a result, you won’t be able to see many people in the streets. But there is always a silver lining in every cloud: as people and cars spread out, LA becomes your own set and you are star at this movie.

As one of the few people that walks in this city, beware you can get fined for jaywalking, that is, crossing the street when there’s no crossing or red lights are on. CRA-ZY.

Each area has a different vibe, and pretty much every ethnicity has its own neighbourhood: Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Little Armenia,… you name it.

Hollywood is a touristy place, probably comparable to Leicester Sq and Picadilly in London, and you’d only go there for a specific reason, or when somebody is visiting. Having said that, it would be sad to miss it. People watching here is super fan, and you get to see the walk of fame while at it.

Hollywood has a decadent feel to it, in my opinion. Many stories have happened here and nothing has changed for a long time because of it. It feels Hollywood is doomed to live off the golden times, and we all love it because of it, of course.

TCB xx

Photography by Simply Adri

WHAT I WORE:

Vintage GUESS shirt
ZARA Red Skirt
Leather Sandals (oldie)
Handmade Strawbag
GIGI x Vogue Eyewear cat eye sunglassess

The West Series: Dating Richmond for a day

Morning careless readers! Today I've been up earlier than usual and I feel buzzed! Work out, shower and a coffee by 8.30am? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK. I am sure I will be having my second coffee before lunchtime but hey ho! It felt good. 

Last weekend I went with my beaut pal Ines for a stroll in Richmond, which to us living East, felt like a day out of the city. And I must confess, it was delightful. I forgot how pretty, rich and clean the West feels, everything is picture perfect. Even more so now that Autumn is coming.

Since it took us 1h to 1h30m to get there, we decided to make the most of it. And so should you. What can you do in Richmond? You may we wondering. That's FAR, you may be thinking, too. Ok, you are absolutely right, but it is definitely worth the trip. Specially on days like this, while seasons are changing. 

Start your morning by jetting off to Richmond Station and start strolling down the river, it is beautiful out there! If you are lazy you can take a ferry but it is a very nice walk and if you are lucky and the sun is out, there will be plenty of ambiance. If you walk long enough, you'll enter an enchanted little path that will lead you to the dreamy Petersham Nurseries. That my friend, is a MUST. 

Name may ring a bell as they have a shop and a deli in Covent Garden, but the true deal is in Richmond. Fine dining at a glasshouse? Yes, please. Feeling like Cinderella while being treated to yummy food and shopping the coolest flowers and home deco? YES, PLEASE.

Food at their Cafe (not to be confused by their self-service Teahouse, next door) was exceptional, and more so was their service. Prepare your wallets (average lunch incl. a bottle of wine ~£60-80) and your palate, cause you are in for a delicious treat. 

Menu changes fairly often, so TCB suggests you to ask the somelier to pair your wine with your food (they are extremely helpful!) and to have 1 starter, 1 main and obviously dessert. It was difficult to choose what was best, but our favorites included the Bucatini Verde and the Grilled polenta. Yep, we went veggie for the day. 

After your well-deserve meal, you can either continue the adventure by sightseeing deers at Richmond Park and sipping coffee at Pembroke Lodge Cafe or Gates on the park, you can get rid of all the calories you've indulged by heading to the Golf Course oooor head back to the city center and walk by the little antique shops around Brewers Ln. 

All in all, the perfect day in the city. Gah, love being a tourist in London.

TCB xx

Tangier Visual Memoirs

Tangier was my first and final stop during my trip to Chaouen, and I must admit I was greatly surprised about it. Only 10-15km away from Spain by sea, this Moroccan city has plenty to offer, from local markets inside the Medina to high end services at their international hotels and kewl restaurants.

Of course, we tried both. You know I like to take on whatever is happening where I go. I don't like to be picky and in most instances I will adapt to the situation. I like to feel part of the community. Having said that, I also love to treat myself from time to time. Tangier was perfect for it!

Go hustling during the day, take on the heat and the sun, eat with the locals and lots of mint tea at Cafe Hafa and stroll around the little bookshops and antique shops around the medina.

Then sit back and relax at one of their beautiful hotels, such as the Grand Hotel Paris or Hotel Nord- And probably have dinner at Tangerina. BLISS.

TCB xx

Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl

If there is something I love about travelling is how much you can take on different cultures and how important is to respect them.

Morocco is a beautiful country with beautiful people, in mind and in body. Super friendly and accommodating, you'll fill right at home. Specially, if you are spanish or french, these guys speak the language like natives! Obvs related to history but nevertheless impressive.

I was mesmerised on my first visit to the Morocco, when I explored Marrakesh. But it was the Blue Pearl of Chefchaouen what I was missing. It is not easy to get there (one flight from London to Madrid, then another flight from Madrid to Tangier and a 2h taxi ride from there to Chaouen) but it is worth it.

I was lucky to visit this city the best way possible, with friends. Living like locals at one of its blue houses, eating tagine and couscous non stop, sipping the strongest coffee I had in a long time and strolling around the medina.

Chaouen is a place to observe, take on its beauty, and overall relax. You'll feel like you are travelling back in time, but you'll want to remain there for days.

TCB xx

I <3 NYC

What can I say that you don't know, really. I love this city. I could not feel more identified with any other place than NYC. Buzzing 24/7, inspirational, full of fun. It's my 4th visit to the big apple and less than a year, so I guess that's gotta mean I quite like it, right?

As I've been here many times over the past, I luckily don't feel as much of a tourist anymore. I rather spend time doing things that I enjoy, rather than visiting than cuing for two hours to go up the Rockefeller building. Been there, done that. 

That is probably why I've been having such a great time just being with friends, socializing, shopping (obvs!) and indulging on what the city has to offer.

My last visit to the states was quite a tour. Chicago, Boston, Cape Cod, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. All in LESS THAN A MONTH. Yep, roller-coaster of emotions! Luckily, NYC was my home-base, and I managed to score unforgettable moments with my friends. Always in style, of course.

Spending a week at Sixty Hotel in LES was DREAMY, but so it was when I moved with a friend to BK for another week, or when my friends from London spend my last weekend in there at the W Hotel in Times Sq...BLISS.

TCB xx

YANKEES, a Foodie Monster in NYC

People sometimes tell me I am mistaken, but I really need to check my facts here cause I definitely feel NYC is small when compared to London. We have about the same amount of people leaving in both cities (8.7M in Greater London vs 8.5M in NYC) but when it comes to distances London feels definitely larger.

Distances and travelling time are reduced in NYC, which is kinda nice from a Londoner's point of view. I wonder though, if I would then ran out of places to try out? Then again, this is NYC. A new restaurant pops up every week, if not more often. 

This time around my troupe and I mainly stayed around Soho, Chinatown and LES (with some BK adventures, obvs), so all my suggestions will be mainly centered there!

Enjoy it careless readers, 

TCB xx

The Beach Gals

Photography by Jasmint

Life IS better by the sea, there is no doubt about it. 

I wonder whether your perception may change or not, but the more I've been in London, the happier it makes me when I go by the sea. 

Don't get me wrong, I am in looove with my city; but there's something about being by the sea that changes everybody's mood. Don't you agree?

The breeze is different, there's a particular smell, and people genuinely seem to be on a different schedule. Ah, the beach life. Of course, being in San Francisco, I could not miss the opportunity to get some tan and have a walk by the sea. Are there any better views to have on your morning walk than the Golden Bridge Gate? Hm, don't think so. 

TCB xx

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WHAT I WORE:

Mango Citric Tee
Mango Check Tote Shopper Bag
Topshop Dogstooth Skirt
 

Seoul, I'm PSYched about YOU

If you think New York is the city that never sleeps...think again, cause you were wrong. 

Seoul, capital of South Korea, is probably the most active city I've ever seen in my 29 years. And trust me, I've seen many urban cities. The city seems somnolent at dawn, it's almost difficult to find a coffee shop at 8 A.M., and they have a cafe every two shops in this city. 

However, come 1 A.M. and all beauty shops and clothing stores remain open, for those ready to pick up a new outfit for the night. And I am not talking about a 3 A.M. close, but rather a 7 A.M. one, if no later. Kids play in music in the park, break dance, or just indulge into tteok-bokki, amongst many other korean street-food delicacies (which, by the way, are not made for all western bellies, you have been worn).

People here seem to be happy with nothing other than being surrounded by the people you like. Girls are loud and gossip a lot, as well as they nervously laugh at boys. It all looks so candid it's almost unreal, Now speaking of girls. I am sorry but those porcelain girls we've been told come from Korea, are more a myth than a reality. Yes, fat does not exist neither in China or Seoul (which came in handy when shopping for moi) but when it comes to beauty they are as good as any. 

Now speaking of shopping...PA-RA-DI-SE. I must say I was more shocked by the style in Beijing, as I didn't expect it to be so on point, however Seoul cried out INSPIRATION. So many young talents and so much on offer, I certainly came back home with plenty of ideas (and fewer dollah left on my account).

Now here it depends what you are looking into when it comes to shopping. 

• Do you want cheap and cheerful and everyday school girl / beach girl vibes? Then Hongdae or Ewan's Womens University are your areas. Here you'll go mad cause it's certainly FUN town. Music, food and shops are everywhere you go. There's no escape my friend. And for westeners like us, it's also quite cheap.

• They say Dongdaemun is the paradise of shopping, but that certainly depends on your taste and your patience. Here you have two options:

  • 1. to hassle at the chaotic wholesale malls where nothing can be found at once BUT everything is cheap OR

  • 2. to spend extra money for an item just because it is beautifully displayed even though you can find the same thing in Hongdae for half the price.

• Good thing though? Malls in Dongdaemun are open until dawn. Yep, you heard right. Department stores like Doota or Migliore are open until 6am, and if you didn't have enough, there are also street stalls selling pretty much the same outside the station.

• Now if what you are looking for is those Korean designers and young talents all western fashionistas we love so much, then probably you'll end up spending all your money around Gangnam and Sinsadong.

Seoul is certainly a city of contrasts, because you go from crazy narrow streets with vendors and neon lights all over the place, to temple-like areas, which seem to have kept part of their ancient history. Certainly a place to visit, and certainly a place I will go back to. 

Stay tuned, 

TCB xx

Beautiful Escape

29 GREAT WALLS.

First morning of my 29 and here I am, breathing nature at one of the wild parts of the Great Wall of China, one of 7 World Wonders. Does it get better than this? I don't think so. You see, sometimes money isn't everything.

As I stroll along this ginormous trail, only with my backpack and a book, I realize how great exploring new places is for the mind and the body (gosh, I sound so zen!). Not many things go through my mind right now, I just want to take in what's in front of me. In fact, I barely took any pictures! Considering my regular ratio, that is.

If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, I highly recommend you doing a hiking/trekking through the wild side (unrestored) of the Great Wall to finish by the more touristy/restored side. I warn you, though, this is 5hour hike through the mountains (sometimes even free climbing is involved) at temperatures of 28-35 degrees over summer with sometimes bare shade. GET READY. However, there's a great reward at the finish line: A SLIDE! You can make your way down to the villages possibly sliding down for a bout few kilometers. SO FUN.

Be a kid again and recharge at this beautiful landscape. It's mesmerising.

TCB X

P.D: Also, if you find yourself wanting a driver to get yo there, John from Here Is Beijing is DA best!

Xie Xie, Beijing

Social Media Cleanse

Fun Facts and Travel Stories About Beijing

Morning Careless Readers,

 TCB writing you from the Hello Kitty Café in Seoul! A year older and a little wiser, I am hoping.

If there is a word that sums up this year (so far) is travel. Lately, I have been feeling I am spending more time on air than on public transport in London! Hey, nothing to complain about, really; thought it can get tiring at times. Yep, #firstworldproblems right there, and also, self inflicted.

In any case! Since I just recently gained access to all my social media channels (remember in Mainland China there is no access to Google, Facebook or Instagram, for example) I wanted to tell you about my birthday trip to Beijing.

Beijing has plenty to sightsee: the Forbidden City and Summer Palace a must. But I encourage you to take on not only those touristy spots but also what the city has to offer culturally and socially. Get lost in the city little alleys, try the street food and engage with the community, when possible. Sometimes you don't need words to communicate.

On my 5-day stay there were few things that I learned and that I love to share with you,  hope you are as amazed as I was and that they serve of reference for your travels!

1. WeChat IS the app to have in China. Everything you wished for in one app! Instant card payment by QR code while chatting to your friends. (Sidenote: even homeless people there have QR codes for payment!).

2. No facebook, no insta, no google. DUH!

3. Uber was bought by a Chinese company, being the only country where the app and the company is run differently.

4. Silk Street is very real, very huge and very money-danger zone.

5. Coffee is a precious (and expensive) thing.

6. You can have bubble waffles without having to cue for hours (like at Bubblewrap waffle in London).

7. Pollution can be so high you can be sometimes in danger (though I was quite lucky in that sense, as thanks to the One Belt, One Road Summit I didn't quite feel it!)

8. The government is kind of 'getting rid off' the excessful immigration by putting lws that ban business in the streets. SAD!

9. There's only one rooftop in Beijing (called Migas) and it is run by a Spanish guy (smart!)

10. All foreigners hang out at Migas or at Great Leap Brewing, basically where the booze is.

11. You can have a meal for less than £2. And super yumm.

12. Apparently all lakes in Beijing are human-made (I really need to check this fact, though).

13. Sanlitun is the neighborhood to be if you like fash-un! Or partying. Either way.

14. Beijingers do not smile much but apparently they are happy.

15. Beijingers are also very loud. And phone obsessed! Never felt more ok by taking tones of pics.

16. There are smart TVs running on the subway-tunnels, which you can watch for a micro-second while your train is going from one train station to the other.

17. There are toilets EVERYWHERE, very handy. Sometimes no toilet paper, though, and they are crouch-style. So, not so handy?

18. There is a lot of people here, but it doesn't feel as crowded as the streets are super wide.

19. Roast Duck is THE best.

20. Burping, Farting and Spitting. They are all publicly accepted and mostly done and repeated by men. DUH!

EXPERIENCE. ENJOY. LIVE. LOVE. RE-CHARGE! That's what travelling does to you, and I love it. 

TCB x