Japan Ski Resorts – The less known ones!

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Japan, Tokyo

Again, this post serves as my future reference. I am still waiting to see what happens to me in the second half of Jan 2011. If my boss decides to send me to Tokyo, I AM STAYING THERE FOR MY FIVE DAYS CNY HOLIDAY!

Then this post will definitely come in handy:

Source: The Straits Times Life 21 December 2010

Nozawa Onsen Resort

Where: Nagano Prefecture

Price: From JPY 3,000 for a two-hour morning ski lesson only

What: It has five slopes and snowfield sightseeing tours and snowmobile excursions

Go to: www.nozawaski.com

Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort

Where: Niigata prefecture

Price: From JPY 30,000 for group lessons for four to eight skiers

What: It has 17 slopes and spa facilities and is easily accessible from Tokyo station by bullet train.

Go to: www.galaresort.jp

Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort

Where: Yamagata prefecture

Price: From JPY 12,000 for a half day private lesson

What: Great for those who love a good soak in an open-air hot spring after skiing. The resort has 15 slops and trekking routes.

Go to: www.zao-spa.or.jp

The Singapore Pavilion

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Shanghai, Singapore

Unknown to many, I am a follower of our minister’s, George Yeo, blog.

Recently I noticed that he was in Shanghai to visit the Singapore Pavilion being built for the World Expo that will be taking place in Shanghai soon (i.e. 1 May 2010 to 31 October 2010).

I have been a follower of this Shanghai World Expo and I have made plans to visit it. How and when? I do not know. If I cant find any excuse to transit in Shanghai before the expo ends, I will just pay for my own air ticket to visit the Expo.

What caught my attention was the design of the pavilion.

Photo taken from the official page of the Shanghai World Expo

Must it look like a durian husk, as usual?!

I do not understand but it does not matter. In case you are still wondering what the World Expo is about:

Expo aims to promote the exchange of ideas and development of the world economy, culture, science and technology, to allow exhibitors to publicise and display their achievements and improve international relationships. Accordingly, the World Expo with its 150-year history is regarded as the Olympic Games of the economy, science and technology.

In short, its meant to be a learning experience, akin to a round the world trip within Shanghai as some had claimed.

Prices for SQ air tickets to Shanghai has soared. Recently I checked the prices of one ticket to Shanghai in end June and it cost a whopping SGD 1,200 plus plus, enough to travel to Beijing and beyond.

I have not checked out the hotel prices during this period.

I am sure going to burn another hole in my pocket, what’s new?

Travelling Gourmet

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Beijing, China, Hong Kong, Shanghai

Today, the Sunday Times ran an article on where well-known chefs fly to for their gourmet. There were some which I thought I may have the opportunity to and may be interested to try.

I have reproduced those relevant ones here, for my own future reference:

1. Hong Kong

• Fook Lam Moon

(Source: http://www.fooklammoon-grp.com/en/home.htm)

53-59 Kimberly Road, Timshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong (tel: 2366-0286)

35-45 Johnston Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong (tel: 2866-0663)

It has the best shark’s fin soup in Hong Kong, made with a truly superior stock. It is rich with the flavour of Chinese Jin Hua ham, and unlike other shark’s fin soup, it is clear, not cloudy, which makes the dish more attractive.

2. Shanghai

• Dragon Phoenix Restaurant

Fairmount Peace Hotel, Level 8, 20 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, China (reopening this year)

Hong Shao Yuan Quan – which is braised grass crap eyes. The large fish eyes are very soft and the delicious sauce embodies the characteristics flavour of Shanghainese cuisine, rich, oily and sweet.

3. Beijing

• Jingui Xiaoshan Cheng

Four outlets including 253 Dongzhimengnei Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China (tel: 10-8402-0856)

The ma la steamboat here is unforgettable because of its spicy and robust flavour. Its mini hairy crabs, packed with roe and fried with salt, pepper and other Sichuan seasoning, are also good. It serves the crabs all year round…