February 29, 2016

Bali, Indonesia: Natrabu Minang Restaurant; restaurant review

Natrabu Minang Restaurant  

Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 163 (Sanur), Denpasar. 

Specializing in Minang cuisine, Natrabu Minang Restaurant serves many small dishes that are sort of like rijsttafel.  It also features an ornate stage where diners can take a break, dress up in exotic royal head wear, and snap some fun pictures.  

rijsttafel dinner at Natrabu Minang Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia
rijsttafel dinner at Natrabu Minang Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia


rijsttafel dinner at Natrabu Minang Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia
rijsttafel dinner at Natrabu Minang Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia


playing dress-up after dinner at Natrabu Minang Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia
playing dress-up after dinner at Natrabu Minang Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia



More things to do in Bali.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.


images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  


February 26, 2016

Guest Post: We loved New York even more with a CityPASS

We loved New York even more with a CityPASS


Guest Post by Connie Terwilliger, with Debbie Murray
images ©2016 Debbie Murray


at Mews near Washington Square, Big Storm of 2016, NYC
at Mews near Washington Square, Big Storm of 2016, NYC


On a late January trip to NYC with my sister, Debbie, to visit our niece and her new family members--identical twin girls—in Queens, we decided to explore Manhattan for a couple of days first.  Turns out, we had the experience of our lives when we encountered one of the biggest snow storms in NYC history.   Because that evening of the storm it had been outlawed to drive cars or taxis or buses--even the subway  was closed—adults and dogs as well as kids were playing in the streets in the snow.  Everyone hung around their homes and threw snowballs.  Amazingly, policemen were still out there patrolling.

But, being tourists, we forged on with our plan to use our CityPASS to save some money and effort on our adventures.  However, because of the exceptional conditions presented by this major snow storm, we didn’t do as much or save quite as much as we had anticipated.


The Metropolitan Museum of Art 

I was impressed with how efficient and quick it was to get our passes approved for entry.  The regular charge for admission is a voluntary donation, so in essence this museum is free, but the recommended donation is $25 and most people pay that.   With the entry sticker attached to your clothing, you can come and go for the entire day.
Connie’s favorite exhibit:  Contemporary Art section
Debbie’s favorite exhibit:  room devoted to Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright room at Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
Frank Lloyd Wright room at Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC


Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 

Here, we got to go to front of line with CityPASS—quite a handy feature when the museum just opens and it has a long line.  Unfortunately, the museum was redoing the central spiral ramp so we were unable to walk there, but the exhibits we did see were impressive.  Admission is $25, but because the museum wasn’t fully open it was discounted that day.  More about the Guggenheim.
Connie’s favorite exhibit:  the Kadinsky paintings 
Debbie’s favorite exhibit:  the Kadinsky paintings

Kadinsky painting at Guggenheim Museum, NYC
Kadinsky painting at Guggenheim Museum, NYC


Empire State Building Experience

By chance, we chose an amazing time to visit here—5 p.m. on a Sunday, and a day after the second biggest snow storm in the history of NYC.  Consequently there was absolutely NO line.  We could tell that the line must generally be long, because it took us a good 10 minutes to “walk the line” to the elevator to take us to the 86th-floor viewpoint.  It was a clear night, and there were perhaps 80 people viewing the sites.  I am sure I wouldn’t have done this if I’d had to wait in a long line, but I definitely would have if CityPASS had taken me to the front.  The normal admission charge is $30; $60 for skipping to the front of the line.

sunset from atop Empire State Building, NYC
sunset from atop Empire State Building, NYC


American Museum of Natural History 

Debbie says:  I went here alone the day after the snow storm.  I arrived at about 2 p.m. and there was no line, but the pass did permit me to go to the front of the members’ line.  Because some areas of the museum were closed, the ticket desk didn’t want to take my pass then, so that I could come back again on another day.  Admission here is $22. 
Debbie’s favorite exhibit:  the dinosaur skeleton in its own room on the main level

dinosaur skeleton at American Museum of Natural History, NYC
dinosaur skeleton at American Museum of Natural History, NYC


Debbie says:  Though due to the snow storm we were unable to do everything we’d planned, the storm was my favorite part of the trip in Manhattan.  Visiting my niece and her new twins were the best treat in Queens.  I want to go back to NYC again in December for Christmas.
 
Connie says:  If you’re planning to visit from three to five of the places on the CityPASS, it’s well worth any extra cost just to get to the front of the line!  Originally we were planning to visit all of the places in the CityPASS booklet, including the “Top of the Rock” Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center, but we were slowed down a bit by the storm.

image ©2016 Suzanne Flores


Note:  CityPASS provided two New York adult booklets ($114 each) for this adventure.  You can buy your pass booklet at any listed attraction; it is valid for 9 days.  

(Connie Terwilliger is the author of “Art Travel Guide” and the operator of The Art Cottage & Art Studio overnight lodging in Nevada City, California.)

 


February 22, 2016

Bali, Indonesia: Tanah Lot, things to do

Tanah Lot  

One in a chain seven sea temples along the south-western Bali coast--each established within eyesight of the next--the expansive Tanah Lot temple complex is always spectacular, but morning light provides the best photos.  Sunset is good, but bus-loads of tourists arrive then and the rock is in shadow.  If you’re here then, perhaps the best way to watch the sunset is fortified by a cold beer or refreshing fresh coconut water in one of the bluff-top cafes.  Souvenir stalls are plentiful, and hawkers offer interesting items as you walk around.  The temple name translates as “small island floating on the sea.”

Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia
Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia


taking selfies at Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia
taking selfies at Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia


Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia
Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia


sunset from a cafe at Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia
sunset from a cafe at Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia



February 19, 2016

Bali, Indonesia: Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar; hotel review

Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar  

Jl Danau Tamblingan 99a, Sanur, +62 361 8497 000.  4 stars.  338 rooms.  Pool; children’s pool; beach club passes; fitness room; poolside massage.  Restaurant; swim-up pool bar, lobby bar. 

Located in the heart of the popular Sanur beach area, with plenty of shops and restaurants located just outside the property, the stylish Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar hotel has a Balinese touch.  A large open-air lobby is a comfortable place to gather and to people watch.  A large free-form pool with wonderful lukewarm water dominates the interior courtyard.

pool at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
pool at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia


There are plenty of lounge chairs, and many of them are sitting right in the shallow water—the way I like it, and perfect for toe-dangling.

pool at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
pool at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia


More lounge chairs await on the nearby beach, reachable by a 10-minute walk or free shuttle ride.  I think the best guest rooms are those on the bottom floor with their own little shallow plunge pool right off the deck.

plunge-pool rooms at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
plunge-pool rooms at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia


But I did like my third-floor room with a private whirlpool tub for four on my outside deck.  And I liked that it looked out to the roofs of village homes, and I could hear the roosters and other animals in an adjacent barnyard in the morning.

third-floor guest room view at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
third-floor guest room view at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar
in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia


Room decor is contemporary, with soothing earth tones and wood trim.  White cotton sheets and duvet cover keeps things comfortable.

guest room at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
guest room at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia


Bathrooms have a Toto toilet with all the bells and whistles.  Shower and toilet stalls are separated by opaque glass, and the counter is extra-large.  All rooms have a balcony, and the A.C. is gentle, quiet, and efficient.  Breakfast in the morning is in an open-air restaurant by the pool.  I favored an area in the back that fronts a quiet residential road, and I adored the French toast with papaya jam.  

breakfast room view at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
breakfast room view at Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia


Sanur beach and shops


Sanur Beach in Bali, Indonesia
Sanur Beach in Bali, Indonesia


restaurant by Sanur Beach in Bali, Indonesia
restaurant by Sanur Beach in Bali, Indonesia


shopping street by Sanur Beach in Bali, Indonesia
shopping street by Sanur Beach in Bali, Indonesia



More things to do in Bali.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  


February 5, 2016

NYC: Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant; restaurant review

Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant  

5 Mott St., Chinatown, (212) 566-8388.  Daily 10:00am-9:30pm; $. 

In addition to being kosher and vegetarian, Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant uses no MSG and is very vegan.  It is a small restaurant with a large following, and so usually there is a wait.  I ventured here on Christmas Day, so wait we did.

waiting outside at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
waiting outside at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
in NYC


packed interior at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
packed interior at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
in NYC


Finally seated, we ordered a head-spinning array of dim sum dishes.  Everything we selected was delicious, and nothing was left over.  Our hands-down favorite was the barbecue pork, which tasted so good and so meaty in texture that I was sure something hard I crunched down on was a bone.  Of course it wasn’t, but I still wonder WHAT was it?  Our tab for four adults and a child came to just over $50; it was so reasonable that we didn’t bother double-checking it, which we usually do.

vegetarian barbecue pork at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
vegetarian barbecue pork at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
in NYC


fried taro custard at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
fried taro custard at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC


rice roll at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
rice roll at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC


sticky rice in bamboo leaves at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
sticky rice in bamboo leaves at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
in NYC


fried greed peppers stuffed with veggie meat at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
fried greed peppers stuffed with veggie meat 
at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC


chow fun noodles at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
chow fun noodles at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC


child digs in with chopsticks at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
child digs in with chopsticks at
Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC


And the clientele is almost as wonderful as the food.  A nearby couple who were finished and leaving stopped by our table and offered our group a neck massage with one of those roller massagers.  It was a surprising, fun, and satisfying encounter with “real” New Yorkers.

diners at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant in NYC
diners at Buddha Bodai One Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
in NYC


In fact, everyone in the restaurant rolled into a festive mood once they were fed.  Outside, when leaving, we were approached by another local character who was with a group waiting in line down the street.  He wanted to know what we thought of our dim sum brunch and we were happy to tell him.  He walked off considering jumping ship and bringing his group to Buddha Bodai.  



Dim sum photo gallery.   

More vegan-vegetarian places.   

More NYC attractions.

More NYC restaurants.


images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 12-26-20

February 3, 2016

Bali, Indonesia: Indus, Ubud; restaurant review

Indus  

Jin. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud. 

The owner of atmospheric Indus, situated inside a vintage building, Ketut Suardana, is a story in himself.  So is his wife, Janet DeNeefe, who is a noted expert on Balinese cuisine and hosts the town’s annual food festival.  Together they own three top restaurants in Ubud plus a guesthouse.  The couple also sponsors an annual writers conference.  This restaurant’s open-air dining room overlooks a vast jungle area and is both nicely decorated and comfortable.  My Asian-fusion lunch here included some crispy appetizer chips and a delicious shrimp curry.  It was among the best cuisine I enjoyed in Bali.  And I must mention that the restrooms, located downstairs and with a view into the garden, are surprisingly special and a don’t-miss.

dining room at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
dining room at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


children's area in dining room at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
children's area in dining room at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


view from porch at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
view from porch at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


crispy-chip appetizer at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
crispy-chip appetizer at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


orange fruit drink at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
orange fruit drink at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


shrimp curry at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
shrimp curry at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


shredded chicken and fish stick at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
shredded chicken and fish stick at Indus restaurant in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

  


More things to do in Bali.

February 1, 2016

Bali, Indonesia: Puri Candikuning + Bali Botanic Garden/Eka Karya Botanic Garden; things to do + restaurant/hotel review

Puri Candikuning  

Jl. Raya Candikuning KM 52, Baturiti, Tabanan, +62 368 203 3252. 

Located in the highlands, the serene luxury resort Puri Candikuning overlooks Lake Bratan.  The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and the views exceptional.  Though I did not stay here, I enjoyed a lovely meal in the dining room and later toured the atmospherically decorated accommodations. 

Nearby, the Bali Botanic Garden/Eka Karya Botanic Garden is a good place to enjoy the cool central Bali upland.  It is popular with both locals and visitors, who enjoy the highlands scenery combined with the vast collection of tropical plants--many of which are rare--and wildlife viewed in their natural habitat.  The giant and rare Rafflesia blooms several times each year.  Bali Treetop Adventure Park, with six main circuits stretching from tree to tree, is also found here, and a Balinese-style guesthouse provides onsite lodging.  A trip to the gardens is commonly combined with recreational activities at Lake Bratan and visiting the iconic Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.


view of Lake Bratan at Puri Candikuning in Bali
view of Lake Bratan at Puri Candikuning in Bali


dessert plate at Puri Candikuning in Bali
dessert plate at Puri Candikuning in Bali


lodging at Puri Candikuning in Bali
lodging at Puri Candikuning in Bali


garden statue at Puri Candikuning in Bali
garden statue at Puri Candikuning in Bali





images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

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