After enduring a wearisome week of back to back exams, I jetted off to China for a reprieve from all that academic madness. Owing to my laziness and intolerance of the inclement weather, I hardly ventured from Nanjing, where the bulk of my trip was spent. The only anomalies were trips to Shanghai and Suzhou. This holiday, however, was unlike most of my previous travels which were exploration oriented. Instead, Gaiatri and I indulged in la dolce vita which was made possible with the luxury of time as well as affordable commodities.
I, in my opinion, think that a significant part of living the sweet life is being a couch potato. Having missed every possible drama series in the past 24 years of my life, I watched season 1 of The O.C . and found it rather enjoyable. It was turbocharged with drama which revealed certain truths on the human condition and showcased lavish lifestyles we could only vicariously experience. Once The O.C ended, we went on to watch various havoc comedies which aided the regular sustenance of our laughter quota. Looking back, I find it kind of sad not being able to take watching shows at a stretch for granted in light of my impending legal career which lurks around the corner.
Next, our stellar experience thus far was supplemented with much delectable food. Beginning with the Chinese cuisine, we devoured numerous portions of peking duck, xiao long bao, tang bao (jumbo xiao long bao infused with extra broth), beef noodles and fried rice without any weight/health related inhibitions. Drinks wise, both of us chilled at the Shanghai Tang Bar on a random evening. We also had traditionally served Chinese Tea in an old skool house in Suzhou that doubled up as an art gallery.
We took no prisoners as our culinary quest extended to the European frontiers. These cravings were mainly satiated at Shanghai, a metropolitan city pervaded with western culture and starbucks cafes strewn all over. Notably, we had splendid prime rib, wagyu steak with truffle fries, heavily truffled lobster and pigeon with ravioli, foie gras as well as an exceptional Sunday brunch. On a random note, I was reminded that having a long breakfast would soon become a luxury once worklife begins.
Not to forget, I had my virgin scoop of ice cream at Coldstone Creamery. Unlike your run of the mill ice cream parlour, Coldstones unique style encompasses mashing toppings such as kit kat and brownies into the slightly gooey ice cream on a stone cold surface. In retrospect, I find it rather peculiar to have learnt of this American based franchise in China despite having traveled to USA before.I, in my opinion, think that a significant part of living the sweet life is being a couch potato. Having missed every possible drama series in the past 24 years of my life, I watched season 1 of The O.C . and found it rather enjoyable. It was turbocharged with drama which revealed certain truths on the human condition and showcased lavish lifestyles we could only vicariously experience. Once The O.C ended, we went on to watch various havoc comedies which aided the regular sustenance of our laughter quota. Looking back, I find it kind of sad not being able to take watching shows at a stretch for granted in light of my impending legal career which lurks around the corner.
Next, our stellar experience thus far was supplemented with much delectable food. Beginning with the Chinese cuisine, we devoured numerous portions of peking duck, xiao long bao, tang bao (jumbo xiao long bao infused with extra broth), beef noodles and fried rice without any weight/health related inhibitions. Drinks wise, both of us chilled at the Shanghai Tang Bar on a random evening. We also had traditionally served Chinese Tea in an old skool house in Suzhou that doubled up as an art gallery.
We took no prisoners as our culinary quest extended to the European frontiers. These cravings were mainly satiated at Shanghai, a metropolitan city pervaded with western culture and starbucks cafes strewn all over. Notably, we had splendid prime rib, wagyu steak with truffle fries, heavily truffled lobster and pigeon with ravioli, foie gras as well as an exceptional Sunday brunch. On a random note, I was reminded that having a long breakfast would soon become a luxury once worklife begins.
Oh yeah.. as a testament to the vast array of cuisines in China, we whacked butter chicken, chiken tika, naan etc in a spontaneous and unexpected visit to an indian restaurant in Nanjing.
Anyway, I must say taht I really enjoyed myself in China with Gaiatri. To top it off I downed 5 flutes of champagne filled to the brim and saw a shooting star from my window on the flight home to Singapore.
-kendamainmanfromdamainland
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