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How to take tea around the world
a tea lovers guide to a cuppa abroad By Holly Gurr
Milk and two sugars or strong and black? Holly Gurr takes a look at how the some of world's biggest tea drinkers take their cuppas‌ China It is widely believed that tea began its rise to world domination in ancient China. Legend has it that the drink was first discovered around 2737 BC when the Chinese Emperor Shennong found a tea leaf in his freshly-boiled drinking water that had blown from a nearby bush. Upon drinking this circumstantial concoction, tea, or cha, was invented and thus began its momentous journey to being one of the most-loved beverages in the world. Today, tea is one of the seven necessities in China (along with
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other foodstuffs rice, oil and salt) and is consumed by those from all walks of life. Green tea is the most popular and still greatly esteemed for its medicinal properties, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. The tradition of making tea is a-wholenother kettle of, well, tea. Different provinces will take various brewing times, temperatures and quantity of tea. It's best left to the experts. As a cherished antique of Chinese history, tea is just as much shrouded in ceremony as it is a commonplace beverage. Tea ceremonies are ritually held as part of celebrations or as a gesture of goodwill and there are many customs. If you ever need to apologise to someone in China pouring them tea can make amends.
Morocco Anybody who has travelled to Morocco will know that tea is much more than a simple beverage; it is a national institution and a highly symbolic custom. Although disputed, it is thought that tea was introduced to Morocco sometime around the mid-19th century. The favoured version of its origin is that it was first introduced when trade between Maghreb and Europe began to flourish, however some historians believe that it came to the country’s shores via maritime piracy in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans. Though there may be some doubt about its origin, there is certainly none concerning the way it should be served. The tea is primarily a mixture of green tea, mint leaves,
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plenty of sugar cubes, and a solid dose of dedicated care and respect for tradition. It makes for a tasty and refreshing cuppa. The tea is ceremoniously poured from a height (of up to half a meter) into dainty glasses, and is a non-negotiable offering to visitors – so be prepared to take tea with strangers. Russia As one of the coldest countries in the world, it won’t come as a surprise that in Russia tea time is all the time! In this part of the world, tea is never served cold and is almost always black. To sweeten the taste it is common to add sugar, lemon or honey, and from time to time, mashed berries or a fruit preserve. Though now a drink consumed by all, when tea was first introduced to Russia in the early 18th century, it was jaw-droppingly expensive. This was mainly because it could only be imported via an epic 11,000 mile journey, taking around 16 months on camelback. Today, however, the real allure around tea preparation in Russia is the Samovar. A truly ingenious invention, it is a (usually decorated) metal kettle with two compartments. One on top to diffuse the tea, and one underneath in which water is constantly kept hot by an inbuilt heater. Much like other tea cultures, this beverage is ritually offered to visitors alongside the perfect place to perch. Plus, unlike Russia's other more alcoholic pick-me-ups it won't leave you giddy on your feet or with a banging headache.
notably in the west. Depending on the region of India, the recipe or preparation of chai varies, though the strong black Assam tea is usually its starring ingredient. It is brewed with milk, sweeteners such as sugar or honey, and a concoction of vibrant spices – most commonly cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and pepper. The finished product is a tantalising taste that is highly reflective of chaotic Indian culture. It's India nearly impossible to traverse any Indian As one of the largest tea exporters in the street without meeting a stall that offers this world, India is the place to visit if you are delectable beverage – all travellers are at risk passionate about tea. from failing to resist temptation. Chai tea, or masala chai (literally 'mixed Tibet spice tea'), is not only the most popular beverage in India, it is swiftly becoming When boiling your kettle at home, ready to widely available all around the world, most infuse your favourite blend of tea, few of us
Airports with free WIFI Airfarewatchdog chart tells that and more By Terry Gardner
DOWNLOAD WIFI CHART HERE The downloadable chart even details airports that give as much as 60 minutes of Wi-Fi for free
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Wi-Fi is free at San Francisco International. At Los Angeles International, only basic WiFi is free; a speedy connection will cost you. Those are among the airports for which Airfarewatchdog’s new chart provides the Wi-Fi scoop. Its Airport Wi-Fi Chart details the nitty gritty of Wi-Fi access for most major U.S. and international airports.The downloadable chart even details airports that give as much as 60 minutes of Wi-Fi for free. Oakland International and London
would decide to add butter to the mix. In Tibet, however, this is the way of tradition In fact, the main ingredients for Tibetan tea are tea leaves, yak butter and salt. The tea leaves are customarily boiled in water for up to half a day before the other ingredients are added. Though some health-conscious readers may wince, the calorific content of the beverage replenishes the fat and energy lost by living at a high altitude. It has been an essential addition to the Tibetan diet since the dawning of the 9th century. To this day, Tibetan nomads live by the appealing mantra that one's tea glass should never be empty, and so will consume up to 40 cups every day.
Heathrow International both offer 45 minutes of free access, according to the chart from Airfarewatchdog.com, the Smarter Travel-affiliated website that steers travelers toward airfare deals, provides info on baggage fees and more. U.S. cities with airports offering free Wi-Fi include Anchorage, Boston, Dallas (DFW), D e nve r, L a s Ve g a s, N e w O rl e a n s, P h i l a d e l p h i a , P h o e n i x , Po r t l a n d , Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. International cities with complimentary airport Wi-Fi include Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, Moscow, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna and Wellington.
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Something special: Thailand’s dazzling candlelit hotel By John O'Ceallaigh
Time your visit to Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Thailand correctly, and you’re guaranteed an arrival that will make an indelible impression. By the Strait of Malacca in the coastal town of Krabi, t h e r e s o r t ’s We l c o m e Pavilion is illuminated each night by a shimmering display of 2,000 candles. The Welcome Pavilion is the closest the resort has to a lobby and it is here that guests will first arrive. Darkness falls on the region by 6.30pm each evening throughout the year and at 6pm every day a number of the resort’s staff set about lighting the wax candles that envelop the pavilion. The process takes about half an hour and the candles burn for a further two hours. The area is designed to resemble a Thai temple and features a still pond and a domed centrepiece made of solid wood. Once they reach the canopied area, guests are provided with a welcome drink of lemongrass with ginger, cold towels and, for females, a garland of flowers. After being greeted by the manager, new
Phulay Bay offers unspoiled views of the naturally rugged shoreline and dramatic limestone karsts, which make up this beautiful part of southern Thailand.
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arrivals are then introduced to their butler, who completes the check-in process. For all its charm (and perhaps contributing to it), the pavilion lacks the
traditional desk and computer screen travellers are faced with when entering most resorts – instead guests are taken to their villa where the check-in process is
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Budget Travel Tips free things to do while in Singapore By Shawn Low, Lonely Planet
Though Singapore may be one of the most expensive countries to visit in Southeast Asia, there are plenty of free things to see and do to ease the wallet pain. Here are some of our favourite Singapore freebies. Tour Peranakan history at Baba House The exquisitely restored Peranakan (Straits Chinese) heritage Baba House near Chinatown can only be visited on a free hour-long tour, which offers a great insight into the life of a rich local family circa the early 20th century. The tours are run by appointment only, on Monday (2pm), Tuesday (6.30pm), Thursday (10am) and Saturday (11am). Email babahouse@nus.edu.sg. Marvel at the colourful Sri Mariamman Temple Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple (located in Chinatown, go figure), Sri Mariamman is built in a colourfully ornate Dravidian style and well worth gawking at. Aim your camera lens at the elaborate gopuram (gateway) before taking a walk around the temple compound. It’s particularly festive during the Deepavali festival period (generally October or November).
Stroll among overgrown tombs at Bukit Brown Cemetery First established in the early 20th century, Bukit Brown was once Singapore’s largest Chinese cemetery but was subsequently abandoned. Today it’s a birding and wildlife spot, and has been identified as a heritage site worth preserving (the government promises redevelopment within the next 40 years). Enthusiasts, historians and activist groups run free walking tours of the
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cemetery; check out their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bukitbrown) and website (www.bukitbrown.com) for dates. Explore Singapore’s hawker traditions at the National Museum of Singapore You’ll need to shell out S$10 to see the National Museum’s permanent collection but the excellent Living Galleries are free to visit. Photography and film are covered but it’s the food gallery that will tantalise and make your stomach growl for some of Singapore’s famed hawker dishes. Also look out for free guest exhibitions via www.nationalmuseum.sg. Walk the Southern Ridges The Southern Ridges Trail – spanning Mt Faber, Telok Blangah, Kent Ridge and Hort parks – is one of the best walking trails in Singapore. It meanders through 10km of lush forest and canopy walks, and crosses the Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. Don’t forget to take water, sunscreen and a hat; see www.nparks.gov.sg for details. Get classical with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra As part of its ‘community outreach’ program, the SSO conducts free concerts at various tertiary institutions, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Singapore
Racecourse. The Classics at the Park sessions at the Botanic Gardens are particularly atmospheric: come early and bring a picnic basket. Check dates and locations via www.sso.org.sg/outreach/ family-concerts.html. Discover Fort Canning Park Overlooking central Singapore, Fort Canning Park was once the centre of the British administration and was technically Singapore’s first botanic gardens, founded by Sir Stamford Raffles. Visitors should check out the spice garden and various historical sites. Free tours are run monthly; check the website (www.nparks.gov.sg). Soak up the arts at the Esplanade Ogle the Durian-like architectural style of the Esplanade before heading inside the Jendela gallery (www.esplanadesingapore.com) to check out art exhibitions. The Esplanade also hosts free short films, scads of other exhibitions and music festivals. Chill out at East Coast Park In space-starved Singapore, the 15km stretch of beach known as East Coast Park is a breezy spot to swim, work on your tan and get away from the madding crowds (though you should avoid it on weekends when the crowds descend). BBQ pits are gratis and you can even camp for free – BYO beer and chicken wings, of course. Apply for a camping permit via www.axs.com.sg. Stride above the trees at MacRitchie Reservoir’s Treetop Walk
TRAVELMONTHLY ISSUE 1-13 While most of Singapore is clad in concrete, you’ll find swathes of greenery outside the city centre. Head to MacRitchie Reservoir Park for an 8km round-trip hike to the Treetop Walk, where you can climb to a 250m suspension bridge that soars above the rainforest canopy. For details check out www.nparks.gov.sg. Get an education at the National University of Singapore Museum The local university is home to a museum well worth checking out, and not just because it’s free. The NUS Museum features historical artefacts and the excellent Lee Kong Chian art gallery. Look out for the (also free) Natural History Museum, due to open in early 2014. Go all-out kitsch at Haw Par Villa What happens when you earn a fortune selling Tiger Balm? You use the money to build a kitsch and colourful theme park, of course, featuring scenes from Chinese
legends and mythology. That’s what the Aw brothers did, at Haw Par Villa, where more than 150 dioramas depict everything from famous Chinese stories to scenes in ‘hell’ (where it seems that disembowelment will be the least of your worries). Go green at Singapore Botanic Gardens Founded in 1859 by the British, the Botanic Gardens today occupy a swathe of quiet green space at the edge of the commercial Orchard Rd. Come early for a pleasant walk and people-watching. Keen botanists should check the website (www.sbg.org.sg) for free walking tours. Slow down at Thian Hock Keng and Kong Meng San Phor Kark See temples Temples might be moderately commonplace in Singapore but these two are particularly atmospheric. Thian Hock Keng is Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple (circa
1839) and is replete with elaborate carvings. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See (a mouthful to pronounce) is a working monastery housed in a massive Escher-esque building with a bell and drum tower, statues, and various halls. Free vegetarian meals are served in the dining hall. Celebrate at a smorgasbord of festivals With festivals that range from the eclectic (Buskers Festival – www.facebook.com/ sentosabuskers) to the artistic (Singapore Arts Festival and the Singapore Night Festival – brasbasahbugis.sg/nightfestival) to the musical (Mosaic Music Festival – www.mosaicmusicfestival.com), there’s quality free entertainment for visitors most months of the year. Check out www.yoursingapore.com for listings. Pose with a Merlion Singapore’s most iconic sculpture, the Merlion (a half-lion, half-fish creature), is free to visit. Pose with the water-spouting critter before taking a walk around Marina Bay for more free sights. Pop into nearby Fullerton Hotel and the Fullerton Bay Hotel – the former used to be Singapore’s General Post Office and the latter was the bustling Collyer Quay. Both are pristine restorations of colonial-era architecture. Get freebies at Changi Airport Got a few hours to kill at the airport? No worries, there’s plenty to do: take a walk through the butterfly garden, surf the net or Skype using the free wi-fi, chill at a TV lounge, or plonk into a massage chair. If you’ve got five hours (or more) of transit time, book a free city tour (www.changiairport.com).
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The Siam Supper Club step into a parallel world By Phuket.com
Siam Supper Club is a well-known place to socialize, network and, of course, to enjoy some first-class food. Located in Tinlay Place at the entrance of Laguna Phuket Complex, this restaurant is ranked highly among the most recommended venues for fine dining in Phuket. With unique décor and intimate lighting in a luxurious environment, Siam Supper Club brings chic to a new level. It is indeed the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail in good company, helped along, of course, by cool and soft jazz. In effect, entering Siam Supper Club is like stepping into a parallel world. This L-shaped restaurant is lined with amusing fifties-themed black-and-white shots of Hollywood and musical luminaries. Its dark wood walls and ceilings lend the flavour of a gentleman’s club while the long bar is a social centre in its own right and is as important to Siam Supper Club’s overall character as the cuisine. The gentleman’s club theme is enhanced on live jazz nights but with a difference; people party easily here and as a result it enjoys a much more relaxed atmosphere than at other Phuket restaurants in the same price strata. Lighting is an important factor, too: discreet and atmospheric, it enhances the exclusive feel of the restaurant.
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The menu mostly features Western cuisine: baked French onion soup to grilled goats cheese to pan-roasted mahi-mahi fillet to truffle honey roast chicken, as well as a choice of pizzas and pastas. Thai food lovers will also be pleased with the selection of a few local delicacies such as massaman curry and tom yam kung. With some of the best cheesecake in the world, this funky, hip restaurant and lounge is an institution among the island's well-to-do residents and regular visitors. Don’t forget to try their homemade chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream. The wine selection offers a large choice of new and old world labels: Australian, American, Chilean, French, Italian, you’ll find a good selection from all these areas. In such a jazzy place, cocktails are also an important part of the drinks list; Siam Supper Club’s mixologist can prepare at least 20 different cocktails according to your mood and taste. Siam Supper Club Opening Hours: 18:00 – 01:00 Location: Tinlay Place at the entrance of Laguna Phuket in Cherng Talay, Phuket, Thailand
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The Sail Spin: go island hopping around Phuket, Thailand By Vivien Cheng - Sassy Hong Kong
The Sail Spin is a new company offering a different spin (pun intended!) on your typical tropical holiday. Instead of your usual hotel or beach resort, you stay on a yacht with up to eight other people, spending your days sailing around rarely visited islands and beaches, and your nights eating and socialising. All yachts include a skipper, so no sailing experience is needed! The trip technically starts at Phuket’s chic Catch Beach Club, but since I could only catch a later flight, I was whisked straight to the marina; The Sail Spin arranges transportation to your yacht, so all you have to do is cross your fingers that your luggage didn’t get mislaid!
the pantry is stocked with everything you’d ever need – not just chips and soft drinks, but a surprising amount of fresh fruit and veg, cold-cuts, bread, pasta… they even had my fave brand of yoghurt! Don’t be shy and be sure to open every drawer and cupboard; I was too short to notice one of the higher cupboards and missed out on the muffins sneakily stashed inside! There’s plenty of drinking water on board too and The Sail Spin also arrange for ice deliveries every morning (so don’t worry about sipping warm beer)! Note that alcohol isn’t included, so make sure you stock up using the alcohol order form given to you on the first night (be prepared to fend off other thirsty sailors who come to Our new floating home looked absolutely amazing – but “borrow” your booze!) and bring enough cash to pay for The Sail Spin weren’t kidding when they said pack light! everything. The good news is there are a lot of nooks and crannies in your cabin that you can put clothes in… Still, other What to do than swimsuits, tanks and shorts, you really won’t need During the day, The Sail Spin took us around the most much else! The Sail Spin also has a handy Pinterest beautiful pristine beaches and waters I had ever seen. board listing everything you should and shouldn’t bring, These are the beaches that tourists don’t normally go to; plus they’ll also send you a logbook pre-trip so you can since you need to sail to get to them, they’re isolated see the places you’ll be visiting. Remember though that and free of floating trash! I especially loved Phang Nga since you’re at the mercy of the weather gods, there is a Bay, which boasted some crazy rock formations that you chance there’ll be minor deviations from the itinerary. definitely wouldn’t be able to see here in HK. Don’t Since this is more of a social holiday, The Sail Spin forget to ask your skipper to take you to the makes a huge effort to make sure that all the yachts “hongs” (lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs) and if know each other – no cliques here! As there are around you’re feeling more adventurous, try snorkelling, cliff eight other yachts on each trip, you’ll never get bored jumping or exploring the beaches on your own. ‘yacht hopping’ – there’s always something going on! Every night, you have dinner on shore with the rest of Dinner is different every night as you island-hop your fellow travellers; dinner is paid for, but you’ll have through Phuket. As hard as it is for me to pick just one to buy drinks yourself so bring cash when you go on- favourite, our last dinner at Village Resort on Coconut shore at night. Island was something special, a tucked-away resort that screams destination wedding, boasting a candlelit path Similarly, food on-board is also included in the cost and through the beach to the private villa, complete with a
The Sail Spin Your best friends. Your own yacht. The party of a lifetime. Up to 20 yachts sailing together through Thailand's natural playground. A unique way to explore the islands off Phuket.
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sunken pool. The buffet had a pad thai station, hence making it the best buffet I’ve ever had. Yes, I became very close friends with those pad thai station cooks! After you’re full, it’s time to party! You then usually have the option of going back to the boat or spending the night on the beach – just be sure to tell one of the staff what you decide so they don’t accidentally leave you behind the next day. Once you’re back on-board, drag some cushions out and sleep on the deck – how often do you get to sleep under hundreds of stars and take in the ocean spray? I ditched any reservations I had about sleeping without shelter (the cabin itself gets a bit stuffy at night anyway); it was the best sleep I ever had and a total must-try for any Sail Spinner! However, the best part of this sailing trip is that you don’t actually have to sail. Your skipper takes care of that and is more than willing to teach you a few sailing tricks if you want to learn. Who’d have thought I’d learn what a cleat is? Your skipper is also trained in first aid, which is handy if you happen to step on a pesky sea urchin (yep, that would be me)!
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Sassy’s Top Six Tips 1. As tempting as it is to “save food for later”, try and remember where you’re saving the food. The fridge is quite small, and food tends to go bad and make the entire cabin
stink… especially if it’s left out in the Thai heat for five days! 2. Do take advantage of the alcohol ordering form – you’ll most likely be sharing your supplies with the other people on your yacht anyway, so there’s no such thing as “too much”! 3. Bring giant bottles of sunscreen. About three times more than you think you’ll need. You’ll be in the sun for the entire day and reapplying every hour… you do the math! 4. Hydrate. Need I say more? 5. Get an early flight in and a late flight out. By the end of it, you won’t want to leave so savour every last minute! 6. Don’t be shy and make friends! This is what makes The Sail Spin so special. Despite the inevitable downsides (stepping on a sea urchin, narrowly escaping jellyfishes, awkward tan lines), The Sail Spin is something that I would definitely do again. This is a great alternative for your typical Phuket resort holiday, and fingers crossed that they’ll expand to other routes and destinations soon! So as they say on The Sail Spin, “Work like a Captain. Play like a Pirate!”
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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain
Marmalade Toast, bespoke travel & destination management - a year on In August last year, David and I travelled to Koh Samui in Thailand for a much needed break to regroup and evaluate how the public had responded to the Marmalade Toast rebrand. It was while we were sailing through the Gulf of Thailand, on azure blue waters on board a 99ft yacht, that we decided that experiences like these were to be shared and we set on to create a product offering, the likes of never seen before in South Africa. The aim? To encourage our clients and friends to explore the world differently. A year on, we have successfully managed to integrate our office into the proverbial ‘cloud’, and after setting up a small support team in South Africa, have been based in South East Asia for the last six months. Our initial objective was to explore the region, from Singapore to Hanoi, and put together a product offering that we thought would fit the Marmalade Toast brand and company ethos. Six month’s later we realise that there is far more on offer here than we anticipated and we needed to expand our thought process and ‘guidelines’ for products and be receptive to new concepts and ideas that our contacts and suppliers here were
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giving us. This open way of thinking has given us the opportunity to explore some of the worlds most incredible places and be privy to a culture and a lifestyle that few actually get to experience. I can honestly say that I have given my heart to South East Asia and Indochina. After much planning and negotiating, the time has come to share all of this with you in the only way we know how creatively! The Travel Monthly newsletter has been created to share new and unique travel experiences (with a focus on South East Asia and Indochina) with you and we are hoping that it will become your premier source of travel inspiration! Further to this, we are working with our new development team on the ‘Marmalade Toast app’ (for both iOS and Android) to provide a unique way of delivering our destination/accommodation guides and as well as preferential rates directly to your iPads, tablets and smartphones, keeping you up-to-date without unnecessary mails clogging up your email client. The new look Marmalade Toast website (www.marmaladetoast.co.za) is live and further developments
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are in the pipeline including an secure online payment gateway to make payments for services even easier. We hope that through all these new tools and with all these new products and experiences that we are able to encourage you to travel inspired. In the words of the All Saints, Pure Shores (from the movie, The beach) Take me somewhere I can breathe I've got so much to see This is where I want to be In a place I can call mine In a place I can call mine Yours in inspirational travel,
Lance van den HeeverLiebenberg, Managing Director Marmalade Toast, bespoke travel & destination management
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