New York Cuisine

New York Cuisine

When travelling to America, food itself plays a vital role in attracting tourist. Therefore in New York, food is a must try. There are many variety to choose from and the foods are listed below.

Pizza

A classic New York styled pizza. It is good for a quick feed for tourists.

Hot Dogs

A fan favourite in New York, these hot dogs are a must try when travelling to America. 

Burgers + Sandwiches 

Burgers and sandwiches in New York are filled with tender loving care. With numerous types of burgers and sandwiches this is perfect for all types of foodies.





Barbecue 

Smokey flavours of various types of meat (beef, pork, lamb etc) New York styled barbecue is a great food experience to try. 

New York's Bustling Attractions

In the largest city of the United States there is never a dull moment with an abundant amount of things to see and do. From Central Park, to Times Square, the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, the Unisphere and the Brooklyn Bridge, there are plenty of iconic landmarks to visit during your stay.

Landmarks of New York: Central Park, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge

For a little adventure, West Village is a neighbourhood of quaint brownstones clustered along tree-lined cobblestone streets, remaining essentially the same since the 19th century. Navigating its puzzling geography requires a map as it's one of Manhattan’s few areas which strays from the orderly street grid. Highlights include former women’s detention center, Jefferson Market Courthouse, and shops along Bleecker St. and Commerce St, arguably the most beautiful block-long side street in NYC.

West Village

Broadway

For those with an interest in the performing arts, plenty of live shows and event occur both on and off Broadway. Broadway is known for the best productions in town, with shows such as Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables, and hundreds more to have been performed here.

Art and history buffs will have an amazing time exploring the world-class cultural institutions the city has to offer. Museum Mile, the stretch of Fifth Avenue, from East 82nd to East 105th Streets, is home to one of the densest concentrations of culture with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Neue Galerie, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the National Academy Museum & School, and National Design Museum, all residing here. Other museums around the city include the American Museum of Natural History.

New York's Language and Culture

New York is filled with history and tradition. It wasn't just the capital city of the USA, it was once home of Native American tribes. New York has played a central role in much of the nation's history. It was the site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War and at least one-third of that war's battles were fought here. It was the birthplace or home of many of the fathers of the new nation; it was a centre for debate and activism related to the abolition and suffrage movements; and it was the primary port of call for immigrants arriving to the US in the 19th century and beyond. New York is often associated with the Statue of Liberty, which was gifted from France to the USA and erected in the New York Harbour in 1886. During this time millions of European immigrants entered New York’s waters and the statue became an American symbol of freedom. In this age of immigration, New York City in particular became a multicultural hub and the standout example of the US's “melting pot” demographics.

In New York, Catholics represent 40% of its population, while 30% of New Yorkers identify as Protestant. Smaller Jewish and Muslim minorities comprise 8.5 and 3.5% of the population, respectively. Approximately 13% of New Yorkers say they have no religious affiliation. While visitors' perceptions of New York State may be that of a liberal state, keep in mind that that perception is shaped primarily by and about New York City. It is often forgotten that there is more to New York State than the New York metropolitan area, where because of their heavy accents and fast-paced lifestyle downstate New Yorkers are prone to being stereotyped as abrasive, loud and snobbish Though they are not an insignificant part of the state's population (indeed, they number more than 8 million of the state's 19.5 million residents), they are also not representative of the larger norm. Practices, behaviours, and forms of dress and speech that are perfectly acceptable in New York City may be considered inappropriate in other parts of the state.

Outside of New York City, it is generally considered impolite to discuss religious or political beliefs among acquaintances. People meeting for the first time typically shake hands rather than kiss or embrace. Outside of the city New Yorkers are known for their friendliness.

From downstate to upstate, New York has a very diverse population. Because of the myriad cultures and religions New York possesses an eclectic mix of social conventions, but while cultural diversity is visible in other parts of the state, it is not as evident as in New York City.

The official language of New York is English. Many New Yorkers, particularly in New York City, may speak another language (or languages) as a primary or acquired language. Spanish is the second most-prevalent language spoken in the state, though Mandarin Chinese is rapidly increasing. More than 140 languages are spoken in New York City, where 46% of the population speaks a language other than English at home.

New York travel tips

These are five essential tips for tourists planning to visit New York City:

1. Map. Before going to NYC be sure to buy a good old fashioned map and don't rely solely on your electronic device as they can be unreliable and confusing for some travellers. Some old fashioned maps are extremely detailed and can be useful in many situations. Red Maps are recommended as they have a great variety for NYC. http://site.redmapguides.com/buymaps.html



2. Learn the addresses. NYC is a huge place and therefore it is split into east and west addresses. It is essential to learn this in order to get around town. Fifth avenue is the dividing line and if you are on it facing north/uptown east east is on the right and west will be on your left. For example, 23 West 48th will be on the 48th street between fifth and sixth avenues.

3. To capture some amazing pictures of the majestic city, plan to do one of the following: see Top of the Rock, or the Empire State Building; Walk the Brooklyn Bridge; ride the Staten Island Ferry. Especially at night.


4. Transport. You will save a lot of money by taking the subway or buses. If you ever get lost there are plenty of locals willing to help you out. Furthermore, the MTA trip planner is extremely useful for getting directions. tripplanner.mta.info/




5. NYC can be very expensive. Be sure to have a room with a refrigerator in case you may need to purchase groceries. In comparison with many other popular tourist destinations, NYC is relatively expensive when it comes to dining out, especially at many tourist sites and department stores. Be sure to bring a water bottle. Furthermore, there are many food trucks around town which are safe to purchase from and serve tasty sandwiches and other snack foods.

General Information on New York

New York Skyline

Being America’s safest large city, New York is located on the North-East Coast of USA. New York is one of the many states of the US with Albany being the capital. New York is composed of five boroughs including Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. These five boroughs were combined into one city in 1898.

New York is also known as the “Empire State” as it is the main financial and cultural center of the US.  Often described as the ‘capital of the world’ New York is the largest hub for the finance, media, fashion, research and technology industries.

Having a total land area of 1,214 square kilometres, New York is the most densely populated city in the US, with a population of over 8.491 million. Having a dense, culturally diverse population, New York is approximately 44% white, 25% African American, 28% Hispanic, 12% Asian and the rest is mostly Native Americans or Pacific Islands.

Central Park

There are many famous landmarks in New York including The Empire State Building, Central Park, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Statute of Liberty and Times Square.

The weather in NY can vary day to day but the best time to travel would be during May to September as there is an average of 27 degrees Celsius. Travelling during the winter months means snow and less daylight with an average temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. It is advised to travel during Spring and Summer as it allows you to explore the bright, sunny side of New York.

Singapore Cuisine

Singaporean Cuisine

Singaporean cuisine is diverse and contains elements from several ethnic groups. Food culture is very popular and is known to be an "national obsession" in Singapore. To gain a memorable experience in Singapore, it is important to try the dishes that the locals love.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

This is the national dish of Singapore. It can be found anywhere in Singapore and is a local favourite and a must try for tourist. The cantonese influenced on flavours along with the use of young chicken and rice (cooked in chicken stock with ginger and pandan leaves) make this a very delicious dish.



Chilli Crab

Seafood is very popular in Singapore therefore crabs is a must have. One of the most popular type of crab dish is "chilli crab". The sauce itself is very satisfying (sweet, spicy, savoury) and is made with ingredients such as tomatoes, chilli paste and eggs. This complemented with mantou (type of bread) that used to soak up the flavour of the sauce.  

Hokkien Prawn Mee

This is another popular dish in Singapore. This is a simple stir-fried noodle dish that consist of egg noodles, prawns, beef, pork, squid, egg, vermicelli served along with sambal chilli and lemon.   

Roti Prata 

An indian inspired type of dish, this is an speciality in Singapore. The rotti "type of flat bread" is complemented with fish or curry. The rotti can be served with other choices as well ice cream,  chocolate, durians which can make turn this dish into a dessert.

Singapore's Language and Culture

Singapore is a multi-ethnic society where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions coexist beneath the veneer of a western cosmopolitan metropolis. The three main ethnic groups are religiously and culturally diverse. Singapore has attempted to promote a national identity in its land of immigrants since its independence in 1965.  As part of this effort, Singapore has four national languages: Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. For business and politics, English is the language of choice
Similarly to Malaysia, the concepts of group, harmony, and mutual security are more important than that of the individual. The family is the centre of the social structure and emphasizes unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly. The term, 'family' generally includes extended family and close friends who are treated as family members. Respect for the elderly and seeing the family as the place one goes to for support, both help retain core values in this island nation. 
Additionally, face and respect are also significant values which is integrated into Singaporean culture. Having face indicates personal dignity. Singaporeans are very sensitive to retaining face in all aspects of their lives. Face is a prized commodity that can be given, lost, taken away or earned. It is a mark of personal qualities such as a good name, good character, and being held in esteem by one's peers. It can also be greater than the person and extend to family, school, company, and even the nation itself. Face is what makes Singaporeans strive for harmonious relationships.


The differing languages of Singapore have certain methods involving greetings which can make even the basics difficult to learn. 
Chinese traditionally have 3 names. The surname or family name is first and is followed by two personal names. Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which of their two personal names to use. Some Chinese adopt more western names in business and may ask you to call them that.
Many Malays do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the connector bin. So Noor bin Isa, would be Noor, the son of Isa. Women use the connector binti, so Zarina binti Isa would be Zarina the daughter of Isa. The title Haji (male) or Hajjah (female) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca. The name Sayyed (male) or Sharifah (female) indicates that the person is considered to be a descendent of the prophet Mohammed.
Many Indians in Singapore do not use surnames. Instead, they place the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. The man's formal name is their name 's/o' (son of) and the father's name. Women use 'd/o' to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father. Since many Indian names are extremely long, they commonly use a shortened version of their name as a sort of nickname. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname. Sikh Indians all use the name Singh to denote themselves as Sikhs.

Singapore travel tips

Singapore is a large and vibrant city great for a travellers/tourists to visit. Without further ado, here are some of my top travel tips for Singapore!

1. Weather. Singapore is extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging around 25-35 no matter what season. Therefore, it's recommended to pack shirts, shorts and any other light clothing. It can also be a good option to bring an umbrella to cool off from the sun rays and also in case of any rain.

2. Tourist pass. Travellers can purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited bus and train transport for 1 to 3 days. These are available at Changi Airport or TransitLink ticket Offices. Alternatively, they can also be purchased online. Public transport is extremely convenient and easy to use. However, taxis are also a good alternative although a little more expensive but more convenient.




3. Hawker centres can get extremely busy during lunch hours so make sure to reserve a table placing a packet of tissues on it. Afterwards, feel free to explore all the stalls.

The Sites of Singapore

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is a perfect example of Singapore’s transformation to become one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations, boasting some of the city-state’s most iconic hotels and attractions.

The Merlion

No trip to the independent city-state is complete without a visit to the mythical symbol of Singapore, the Merlion, a half-fish, half-lion statue weighing 70 tonnes and standing at 8.7m tall. Located in Merlion Park, the statue includes a water fountain, shooting out into the picturesque Marina Bay.

Clarke Quay's Nightlife 

Originally a centre of commerce, Clarke Quay is now a labyrinth of restaurants, concept bars, retail stores and recreation outlets, with this party hub now most famous for its nightlife. A wide assortment of themes and attractions, there are plenty of choices available for after-sunset indulgence. Try Bar Cocoon or Bamboo Bar at The Forbidden City, Lunar Asian Fusion Bar for great shows, or Bar Opiume at the Empress Place by the riverside and then Attica or Canvas for an after-hours rave.

Sentosa Island

The best of the island life is experienced at its finest on a day trip to Sentosa Island, with world-class entertainment opportunities like Madame Tussauds Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Garden By the Bay Surpertrees at night

Singapore’s latest green space,
Gardens By the Bay is well worth a visit. Located in the bay area of Singapore, the huge, vibrant futuristic indoor park is home to famous structures like the Supertree, the steel-framed ‘tree’ plantation, towering over gardens, offering an impressive skywalk over the gardens. Over 200 difference species of plants and flowers cover the exterior of these tall upright gardens and twice a night they are a centrepiece of the gardens’ light and music show casting a glow over the park, creating a modern fairytale-like atmosphere.

Gardens By the Bay Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Floral Clock 

General Information on Singapore

Singapore in located in Southeast Asia. Being an independent city-state, Singapore is approximately 648 square kilometres and has around 4.3 million in population.

Around 76% of people in Singapore are Chinese, 15% Malaysian and 6% Indian. It is known to be one of the most urban societies in the world. Singapore has successfully promoted racial harmony and national unity.

Having a racial diverse population, Singapore’s has multiple languages. The main languages include Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil. Malay is the national language and english is the administration language. The government encourages use of all the languages, making most Singaporeans bilingual or multilingual.

The Singapore Flag

The Singapore currency is the Singapore dollar or simply, the Sing dollar (SGD). It’s conversion rate is 1AUD=1.01SGD.

Singapore has a warm, humid climate. The minimum average temperature in Singapore is 23 degrees and the maximum average reaches up to 31 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is frequent mainly in the monsoon season (November - January). The average rainfall per year is 95 inches. 

Personal Favourite Travel Destinations: Amsterdam

Hi, my name is Jess and I'm one of the bloggers, posting on things to do and sites to see in the various locations we blog about. Growing up in a family that loves to travel, I have been to the USA, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and various destinations throughout South-East Asia. Recently, I have travelled around continental Europe with some friends and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!!! The best place of all? AMSTERDAM

Map of the Netherlands

ABOUT AMSTERDAM

The nominal capital city of the Netherlands, it’s the nation’s most visited city roughly attracting 3.5 million foreign visitors per year. Situated in Western Europe, the Netherlands, often called Holland, shares its borders with Belgium in the south and Germany to the east while its north and west are bordered by the North Sea. Like most countries within the European Union, the currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (€, EUR).

Probably the most planned city of northern Europe, Amsterdam has long been a well-known city. During the 17th century the city was the centre of world economy, while in this day and age its known for its tolerant character and the diversity present. 

With a population of more than 820,000, the city’s main form of transport is by cycling with roughly 600,000 of the population using bicycles as their main form of transport. Arguably the greatest small city in the world, it has the benefits of a big city but is quiet, mainly due to its extensive canals, resulting in minimal road traffic. In this city your destination is never far away.

THE MANY SIGHTS OF THE CITY

There is plenty to see and do in Amsterdam, home to cultural highlights including the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum and the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s world-famous Nightwatch. The Van Gogh Museum, along with the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, are known as the big three, fanning out around the grassy expanse of Museumplein.

Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum

 The Anne Frank House, situated in the western canal ring, brings the poignant history to life, as the location where the Frank family hid from the Nazis in a secret annex for over two years, and Anne wrote her immortal diary.

Anne Frank's House

 The lively Dam Square is the main square located in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Overlooking in the square is the Royal Palace, Koninklijk Paleis, the official residence of the royal family.

Vondelpark

The city’s best loved escape it Vondelpark, a 47 hectare English style garden complete with ponds, footbridges, winding footpaths, and many sculptures.

I Am Amsterdam Letters

Take a photo with the iconic 'I Am Amsterdam' letters. Though a typical tourist picture may seem cheesy at the time, it makes for a great souvenir.

MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS'

Bicycles along a bridge in the canal ring

1. For the most authentic view of the city, a bike tour and canal cruise is a definite must to any traveller. Even for someone like me who hasn't ridden a bicycle since before my teenage years, riding a bike in Amsterdam was no big feat due to its relatively flat surface and little road traffic.

2. Pedestrians are low down the pecking order so be very careful and watch out for trams, cyclists and cars when walking around.Look both ways when crossing bike lanes (marked with white lines and bicycle symbols) and never walk along them.

A Coffeeshop

3. Know the difference between a cafe or Koffihuis and a coffeeshop. If you are in the mood for a caffeinated beverage, make sure you go to a koffiehuis (coffee house) which sells coffee as well as light meals. A cafe on the other hand is a casual restaurant or bar while a coffeeshop is the name referred to a licensed seller of cannabis products. 

I Amsterdam Card

4.To avoid massive queues at popular museums/attractions, pre-purchase your tickets online for fast-track entry. If you're hitting a lot of museums,an I Amsterdam Card is worth to be invested in, with a canal cruise and public transport included. 

Kuala Lumpur travel tips

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city in Malaysia. A melting pot of cultural delights, food, some of the cheapest high quality hotels in the world and some amazing sights to see, Kuala Lumpur is a great location for anyone looking for an exciting travel destination. Here are my top 3 travel tips for visiting KL:

1. It can get really hot and humid. Average temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 30 degrees Celsius and the sun can be unforgiving. Plan any strenuous activities in the early morning or in the afternoon/night. If you can't handle the sun, cheap umbrellas are available at convenience or drug stores. These are great for cover from the sun and also useful in case of rain.

2. Transport. Kuala Lumpur is quite a messy and unstructured city so taking the taxi is not a bad option and also quite cheap. Public transport is also good but taxis are much easier. Furthermore, if drivers demand a fixed price, find another as taxis in KL have meters.




3. Tipping is quite common in Kuala Lumpur both in restaurants and taxis. If the service merits it, don't be afraid to tip 10% of the charge and for taxis don't be afraid to give a few extra ringgit which is not much at all.