The Scoop: World Expo "Better City Better Life"

Here's the scoop:
My fascinating Shanghai-residing Uncle William told me about this and convinced me to go. A little hesitant I went and was totally impressed! I didn't want to leave...

What is it:
From May 1st until October 31st Shanghai, China is hosting an utterly grand and magnificent event, the World Expo.(http://en.expo2010.cn/) Titled "Better City Better Life", this is a chance for each country to showcase itself: it's history and what it has to offer now and going into the future. It is astonishing and overwhelming and if you can get there it's well worth seeing! You won't be able to do it all in one day (or even get close) so map it out and make sure you stick to your plan.

Who it's for:
A. Anyone who likes to travel
B. Anyone interested in history
C. Anyone interested in the future of the world
If you picked any of these, this is for you!!

Don't miss:
-Italy: The one-of-a-kind Ferrari 599 HY http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/02/sneak-peek-ferrari-hybrid/, what a dream(not sure about the green color) and a reason to see this pavilion in itself, so sexy!
Also there are gigantic 10ft. tall Avatar-sized original pieces from Versace, Zegna and Dolce and Gabbana, so if you like fashion it's a treat. The wine, pasta, architecture and overall feel make this a delight! (FYI these pics don't do justice)


-Japan: Check out Toyota's single-person concept car, Canon's new camera that takes 3-Dimensional photos http://usa.canon.com/industrial_bctv/pressrelease_20100408_3D.html and the robots playing violins. Crazy. End of Story.


-Canada: The acrobatic theatre troupe, Cirque Du Soleil http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ was in charge of this pavilion. Need I say more?


-Turkey: My favorite. They have a 360 view theatre playing birds-eye and POV footage of present day Istanbul from sunrise to well after sunset. The bustling city life and the Hagia Sophia (http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/Default.aspx?pid=343) , street vendors, waterfront, cafes and more. There are no words to describe this. I felt like I was really in Istanbul....Splendidly SURREAL! (they don't trap you either! you can come and go as you please)

-Belgium: Best food! In this order: Get the Belgian fries from the outside kiosk. (ask for little or no mayo, they go a bit crazy with it) Then head straight to their cafe and order the Chicken Stew. Seriously, the meat is so tender it's falling off the bone and it's served in the most divine broth. You won't leave a drop. Finally, head back outside and indulge in the Belgian waffle and ice cream for dessert. You will need the calories from all the walking.


Can pass on:
-France: Really? This is all you could come up with! The highlight was a glowing tree with a Louis Vuitton trunk beneath it. Come on FR, I know you have more to offer!
-USA: Call me unpatriotic but I've heard enough rhetoric from Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama that a few hours break isn't too much to ask for. This pavilion's short comings are probably the reason why they don't promote the World Expo in the US!
-Thailand: Lived there and know that this was one long advertisement from their tourism board. They trap you in a series of rooms with bad videos. Just don't do it! The exterior is beautiful though.
-Australia: Again, trapped! Just when you start to enjoy and appreciate the Auzzie's efforts they pull some concentration camp-like action. If you do get stuck....RUN for the exit!


Tip:
Go during off-peak hours (very early or late), when the weather isn't the best...anything to avoid the seriously long queues! If you get burnt-out at the Expo, don't worry, there's so much more to Do and See in Shanghai...stay tuned!

Aloha Kauai!

First stop, the picturesque and charming island of Kauai! White sand and turquoise waters set among the black lava rocks and lush vegetation, this peaceful, small Hawaiian island is not to be overlooked.

Where to stay:
To the north there is the St. Regis Princeville (http://www.princevillehotelhawaii.com/) or Pure Kauai Custom Luxury Vacations
(http://www.purekauai.com/). Pure Kauai has fantastic villas to chose from and will take care of every last detail. May I suggest requesting Chef Megan, for the most delicious and fresh dishes and surf instructor Ian who's skill and patience can even teach the highly uncoordinated!


The Sheraton Kauai Resort (http://www.sheraton-kauai.com/) in Poipu was a pleasant surprise with updated and spacious rooms, a beautiful beach, mai tai receptions, and ocean-front yoga. This little gem is a real steal! (make sure you stay in the ocean-side buildings)

Obviously relaxing was first and foremost but when I needed a break I decided to check out the hiking. Wow. On the West Coast are Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park. After some trial and error with less appealing hikes, I took the Pihea Trail which is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook. The vistas are stunning especially on a clear day. On the way back Jo-Jo's Shave Ice is essential. Seriously?!?! The mac-nut ice cream/pineapple and mango shaved ice/shredded coconut combo is a reason to go to Kauai in itself.



My favorite hike was the Kalalau Trail along the Na pali Coast. This hike is stunning! I chose to stop at the secluded beach, however you can go further and even camp overnight.



Scuba diving: Not the most amazing coral however there are so many species of fish endemic to Hawaii, it's worth checking out. If you aren't certified, Kauai is an ideal place to do so. The adorable Travis Higgins at Bubbles Below Scuba (http://www.bubblesbelowkauai.com/) will take care of you!

Golfing:
North Shore: The Princeville ( http://www.princeville.com/golf.html ) course at the St. Regis in Hanalei is absolutely stunning.

South Shore: Poipu Bay at The Grand Hyatt. (http://www.poipubaygolf.com/) If you aren't staying there just have your concierge call and get $100 off! If you are looking for a budget course check out Kiahuna Golf Club. (http://www.kiahunagolf.com/homepage/start_page.php) It's challenging and easier on the wallet.

Eateries:
North Shore: Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza. Both located in Kong Lung Center, Kilauea Rd. (off Hwy. 56 on the way to the Kilauea Lighthouse) You can't go wrong with the macadamia nut shortbread cookie or the macadamia nut roll. Also a great place for gluten-free and vegan options. At the pizzeria try the Pesto Mystic or Classic Scampi. Bar Acuda (http://www.restaurantbaracuda.com/) has incredible tapas and a fantastic wine list.

South Shore:Poipu Fish Market is a must! The freshest poki and other savory treats! Also check out The Beach House (http://www.the-beach-house.com/) for an amazing sunset and delicious food. Their signature Mai Tia is amazing. ;-)

I am a fan of Roy's but it can be skipped this trip. With all the gorgeous scenery who wants to dine in a strip mall?!

Spas:
North Shore:
The Hanalei Day Spa at the Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena will impress you with their treatments. I recommend their specialty, an Ayurvedic massage. The Halele'a Spa at the St. Regis is another decadent option. Their Voyage from the Sea signature 4 hand massage and marine repair facial is pure bliss!
South Shore:
Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt offers a heavenly Island Pupu package which includes pineapple papaya body polish, mango butter massage and a facial.

Aloha!

The No Nonsense Traveler Begins!

Have you ever felt as though planning a trip was exhausting? That those hours on Trip Advisor, Yelp, or some latest edition of the guide book of the month was steering you in the wrong direction. Or that upon arrival at your selected resort, restaurant, or specialty shop you were let down, ripped off, or simply sucked into some new tourist trap? (Like we can't tell!) I know I have gone through these mishaps more than enough times...

So, after years of traveling all across the world and countless requests for travel advice from my family(which is huge by the way!), friends and even friends of friends I decided to publicly document my findings. Posted will be new places to visit and sprinkled in here and there will be some recommended leisure activities, because everyone knows you can never have enough leisure!