When it comes to writing trip reports I focus almost exclusively on the journey as opposed to the destination. That's not because I don't do anything on the ground, but rather it's because I feel that's where I can add the least value when it comes to my reviews/thoughts. There are tons of resources out…
Continue reading: Thoughts on Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Zurich, and Taipei
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
"Singapore where I flew ANA new first class, Thai A380 first class, and Singapore first class"
Definitely this.
Bring on mom first. I mean, she birthed you after all.
BTW, while I agree that you add more value describing premium cabins, hotel suites and how you snagged them, I did enjoy your descriptions of the cities. It adds a bit of context and reminds us that the purpose of those first class cabins is to actually get someplace. I think the way you did it by giving your brief impression was fine.
PS On occasion during your hotel reviews you don't mention what part of town you're in. I would also love a quick sentence about where it is and what it's close to.
I totally share your impressions of the cities you visited in this report and particularly look forward to your report on Bali as I'm going back there next May after a 27 year hiatus.
However, in terms of priority I'd love to read your analysis of the AA-U. S. Air antitrust action (oops, that wasn't one of your options).
Bali, for sure! From the little bit you posted about it, sounds like you and your mom had a great time.
I vote for Bali since it was last year you helped us with our flights to there, and we stayed in that same resort. Did you walk back from the beach. Now that was a set of stairs! I think you even stayed in our exact villa! My quads hurt just looking at the pictures, but it was more then worth it and I would do it again.
Loved the report. As you said you are not providing a travel guide to the place but your impressions which are very valuable. Singapore and Bali please and keep them coming.
Thanks for the overview. Too often the "vibe" of a place is lost in discussions of cities. And really that is what you take away from it. The comparison of Nice and Cannes is quite helpful as we are planning to spend some time in southern France soon.
Trip to Singapore. When I first read your blog, I thought you were Asian who was so fascinated with East Asian destinations until you revealed that you have a German passport, which comes in handy when visiting South American countries. You also mentioned few times about Cathay/ Singapore flight attendants but not from other Western/ Middle East airliners. Also, will you share your analysis on AA/ US Airways possible merger or not.
Bali - and also get your mum to write a blog post to see her views as well!!
And do you really think Singapore and Zurich are similar? I wouldn't call singapore sterile - i actually find it really enjoyable!
@ Justin -- I didn't say Singapore was not enjoyable, I actually love it as a stopover point if I'm headed somewhere else. But compared to most other major Asian cities I do think it's a bit sterile.
Bali and the Mama trip!
And to chime in, I also appreciate when you do talk a bit about where you were/what you did/etc. I know that's not the gist of your blog and I don't come here looking for tips on what to do/see at places, but your style is quirky/funny and I appreciate your commentary. 🙂
PS the idea of getting your Mom to write a blog post is awesome and you totally should!
Bali please. We've got an Aman trip coming up so I would like a little preview.
FDW
I totally agree with you on those cities, except for Taipei (never been there). We went to the south of France, Monte Carlo and Zurich just last summer. These places were on our way to Italy from Paris, so they were on our list to cross-off. It would have been nice to rub shoulders with the rich and royalty, if you can find them. We passed and gawked at the Monte Carlo casino and the kids said, "this is where Iron Man was filmed."
Skip the flights and hotels. Just tell my why u should go to Bali, given that there are many nice places in the Caribbean or even Thailand. I don't care much for the actually trip there destination over getting there and back.
I really don't care about which you do as long as the reports are detailed and fascinating (no problem for you). If you do the Bali trip first and you have a picture of your mom, please post it.
@ ABC -- Well if you don't like the experience of getting there then by all means go to the Caribbean.
Why Bali? There's some indescribably mystery element that makes Bali really, really special. But beyond that the people are literally the most sincerely hospitable and friendly of anywhere I've been and it's reasonably priced compared to other areas. For what it's worth I don't find service in most parts of Thailand to quite be on par with what you'll get in Bali.
@ Stuart Falk @ globetrotter -- Hah, sadly I was traveling that day, and by the time I was at a computer and actually able to share my opinions I felt like everything had been said by just about everyone on the internet. And I don't feel like I have enough government/legal expertise to contribute to the conversation beyond that.
Do I want to see the merger go through? Assuming the airlines would otherwise survive on their own (which it seems like they would based on recent results), heck no.
Legally, should the merger be blocked? I don't think so, but again, I'm no expert on the law.
Do I think the merger should be blocked based on my views? No way... as much as I'd like to be able to say yes.
If there's any further news hopefully I'll be on top of it and can share more of my opinions there.
Thanks for the interest!
The trip to Bali. And a +1 for the idea of getting your mom to write a guest post!
Chun Shui Tang claims that they invented boba milk tea to begin with, so even though you're paying a hefty price (90 NT for a cup vs. 35 NT out in a typical store), you're guaranteed quality. I'm glad you enjoyed Taipei - not a lot of non-Asians place Taipei on their list of must-see places. Taipei really is an interesting mix of old and new, and it's also constantly changing. And while Taipei is great, next time in Taiwan you should take the opportunity to roam around and explore the island more, not to mention sampling the variety of food Taiwan has to offer. Perhaps I can even show you around if we happen to be there at the same time!
Thank you so much for writing up your thoughts, which I would appreciate even if they didn't neatly echo my own 🙂
Obviously you missed the shopping and the sights shopping in Cannes.........but I guess if you like traffic jams and exhaust fumes then Nice is a superior location............but Eze and Cap Ferrat are the true destinations but they don't have budget places or hostels.............and Grasse and other Relais and Chateau locations have a great vibe if you have the money to go there..................
Bali please! You sold me on that trip and I dropped everything and flew there right after you got back 🙂 Thanks for that!
And Monte Carlo really does have a sorta misogynistic vibe that would appeal to some mindsets........sorta straight out of a Dr Strangelove movie.............
Bali and Aman report first please. A guest post by your Mom would be great if she is willing. Your teaser posts while you were there inspired me to book a similar trip to HKG and Bali on CX First with my Mom next year. My Mom has never even been on domestic first much less International First. My Mom is still worried about your Mom's swollen legs from the trip!
Bali does have an added appeal to the young, uncommitted male in search of the sex trade...........certainly seems to be a demographic and psychographic consideration here...............
Zurich can be quite nice, it´s just that it takes a while to really learn about everything. E.g. search for "Limmatschwimmen" which is held every year and something I haven´t seen elsewhere.
Or, next time you´re here, let me know and you´ll get a tour 🙂
Being a Taiwanese and long time reader to this blog, I am excited to read your articles about my home town , Taipei. There are actually a lot of very good bubble tea stands in night markets throughout Taipei. Please do come back and spend more time to enjoy what Taiwan has to offer.
The treasures of Zurich are a little hidden, I agree. Next time you're around, I'll give you an inside tour through the vibrant parts of the city - there's plenty of culture and excitement to be had if you go look for it 🙂
I vote for the Amans first. In particular, I'm curious whether you found the Aman experience worth the added cost relative to other Bali properties you've stayed at in the past. Also, I'm curious how the Amans compare to other high end properties that we all might be more familiar with, such as Park Hyatt (anywhere) as a Diamond.
So what exactly do you mean when you say Zurich is "kind of the Singapore of Europe"? Certainly doesn't compare in terms of size, landscape, buildings, population, food, climate. The only parallel I find is the banking industry although that is even much more obvious in Zurich than in Singapore IMHO.
What exactly did you mean? Thanks
Really enjoyed this post with your thoughts on the cities. I hope you continue to do it for other destinations as well.
Both sound good.
I dug the 'vibe' reporting here. Once you are off the plane, checked into the hotel, drop your stuff off, and set off into the city proper, you get an immediate vibe. I would argue it can be very neighborhood specific, so a sense of how much exploring you did and how specific your comments are to the immediate hotel area would be helpful.
I thought I saw you in ORD yesterday but decided I must be wrong - the person I saw was buying food and I've never heard of you doing that.
My BF spent 3 weeks in Singapore for work last year and described it as like being in a theme park of what they think the US is like. I have another friend who compared it to a high end shopping mall in New Jersey. I've heard Zurich described as being very business-focused and and light on the cultural options, so I see what you're getting at.
I do agree that cities have vibes, and sometimes I get one that surprises me - I'm a huge fan of Brit movies, shows, and literature, but my visit to London & Manchester left me mostly disappointed. On the other hand, I never get tired of Paris, even when it's raining and cold in February.
I agree with your thoughts on Zurich. It is definitely worth a stopover, but not quite a true destination. plus they give you yummy chocolate when you fly Swiss! If you make it back there, definitely do a day trip to Lucerne. Rick Steves has great walking tours of both cities.
Ben, I am traveling later this year to Hong Kong with my wife. We both love HK and but since this will be our 3rd time we are looking to add another destination to our trip. We've been to many places in Asia but never to Taipei or Macau. Which of these two destination would you recommend ?
@ FabinhoBP -- Hmmm, that's a toughie. Guess it depends how long you have. Personally I prefer Taipei to Macau, but if you don't have much time then I think a trip to Macau makes more sense. Otherwise I'd probably do Taipei.
Someone must of pointed you to the right places in Taiwan. Bubble milk tea was invented at Chun Shui Tang in the early 80s. They still make the best milk tea.