Basic HTML Version
97
{ }
LOCAL SPEAK
Say
“Pai ma
pi”
to flatter someone or, literally, “to
spank the horse’s *ss.”
INSIDER TIP
Looking for love?
Check out the matchmaking corner in
People’s Square Park.
BEST DINNER
Come for
Restaurant Week in September,
where you can enjoy five-star dinners
for less than PHP1,676.
COUNTRY CODE
+86
CURRENCY
RMB1 = PHP6.82/US$0.16
TOUCHDOWN
If you’re taking a cab from the
airport (or anywhere in Shanghai), do ask for
the
fapiao
(receipt). This way, in case you forget
something, you have a way of tracking it down.
www.shanghaiairport.com
BY DAY
Join a one-day bike tour with Cycle China
and explore the nooks and crannies of Shanghai.
You can also pretend to go apartment-hunting to get
a free tour around the old lane houses in Shanghai’s
French Concession area.
BY NIGHT
Have dinner at Kota’s Kitchen, a
Beatles-themed
yakitori
bar-restaurant that looks
like it’s straight out of Shinjuku. Or slip into your
sexiest
qipao
(Chinese dress) and heels to go
ballroom dancing at The Paramount.
SLEEP
For Old Shanghai glamour, check into
the Fairmont Peace Hotel
(www.fairmont.com/
PeaceHotel)
. Another option is Quintet
(www.
quintet-shanghai.com)
, a five-room B&B.
BJ
Macatulad
owner/manager,
Strip + Browhaus
Shanghai
CHINA
SHANGHAI
BEST BREAKFAST
Dàn bing
or tasty egg cakes are offered in many
flavors, and can be found everywhere.
INSIDER TIP
“Ni hao!
” (“hello”),
“hao chi”
(“delicious”), and
“xiè xiè”
(“thank you”).
BEST DINNER
An assortment
of steamed dumplings and
mouthwatering beef noodle soup —
this is Taiwan at its best.
COUNTRY CODE
+886
CURRENCY
TW$1 = PHP1.43/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN
Taxis to the city will cost you
TW$1,100 (PHP1,568). Private bus companies run
trips from both terminals, and will cost you a more
manageable TW$110–140 (PHP157–200). To get
around, take the MRT.
BY DAY
Head to the top of Taipei 101 for an
aerial view of the city. Admire the grounds of CKS
Memorial Hall or NTU Campus. Outdoorsy types
can check out the waterfalls near Wulai or soak in
the hot springs after hiking Yangmingshan.
BY NIGHT
Night markets are plentiful; check out
Shilin, Raohe, Shida or Tonghua. Stop for food
and drinks at the Taiwan Beer Bar. The teahouses
in mountainous Muzha offer scenic views of Taipei
via the Maokong Gondola.
SLEEP
Treat yourself to a night or two at Taipei’s
Grand Hotel. The classical Chinese architecture
and the grounds that surround the hotel are
spectacular.
www.grand-hotel.org
Jennifer
Turek
blogger,
groovegrrrrrl.
blogspot.com
TAIWAN
TAIPEI
09LKH Smile
Ser 4
091-103 Trip Journal - International.indd 97
12/1