Acca Kappa, made in Canton, China

Nonetheless when some don't like products made in China, there are more and more European premium brands having their locally bottled or made in China.  Acca Kappa Italy is the one among them.  It was quite a pleasant surprise to see Vista Wanda hotel using this premium brand toiletries.

Wanda Vista hotel, Kunming, China

As when I checked in, the housekeeping lady was still checking the mini-bar.  She felt sorry for having been there when I got in.  She then offered more than 6 bottles of water to make sure I have more than enough.  When I tried to give her some tipping, she strongly refused to accept it.  I thought it was a single incident, but when I went to the restaurants or passing by the hotel lobby, I felt the staff trained here are very polite.  In general, the locals are very friendly as compared to the other Chinese cities.

The room of this hotel is quite in its details from cabinets, bedding and deco.  US$110 net incl. breakfast is much worth it.

一份關懷的傳承 - 雲南過橋米線, 昆明，雲南

當年娘子為了送上一碗熱烘烘的湯麵給寒窗苦讀的丈夫，想出在熱湯上放一層油作保溫。 看似簡單的點子，就這樣成了家傳户曉過橋米線。 

日映雲霞，馬里市的一個下午。

Seagull restaurant, Male City, Maldives

Brought friends to try this restaurant and seeing this restaurant again reminded me of those times of gathering.  At this recent visit, the restaurant still maintained its good food and service quality.  

Civil Coffee Society, Male City, Maldives

This cafe caught my attention when the taxi dropped us on the opposite side at Novina hotel.  The deco. was very cozy and together with the 4pm sunlight coming in from the high window, the coffee and the almond croissant tasted much better.

 

Belle Amie Bistro, Somerset Hotel, Male City, Maldives

Stayed at Somerset Hotel several years ago but didn't try their restaurant.  Browsed the forum and learned the Italian restaurant of this hotel was on the no. 1 hotpick.  So I came here for a tuna salad and a Nasi Goerang (Indonesian fried rice).  Perhaps this restaurant might be good for Indian food rather than Italian and other Asian food. These 2 dishes weren't that surprising, though they weren't bad either.

Novina Hotel, Male City, Maldives

As there have been more hotels built in Male City and Airport area, the hotels and inns have had competition on the prices.  When you have a very late night flight departure, you can consider to book a hotel for a day use.  This time I checked for this one. The room is very clean and tidy and conveniently near the Sultan Park and many good restaurants nearby.

The Orca inn, Hulhulmale, Maldives

Waited over an hour for the hotel pickup.  Ended up I had to go for a taxi and the receptionist was sleeping and didn't realise there was a booking until I showed him the voucher.  So the hotel offered a complimentary hotel to airport transfer.  The hotel was quite clean and it's very near to a mosque that you could hear chanting in the early morning.

Moments in Vilamendhoo Maldives

Seafood grill platter, by Asian Wok, Vilamendhoo Maldives

Noticed there was a promo. offer for a seafood grill set at US$90 net (supposed you have a full board meal and this is an extra price).  The set covers a lobster, 2 tiger prawns, 2 tuna filets, some squid and mussels.  It was said to be good for 2 persons, but I'd feel like some bread, rice or pasta to fill it up.  The lobster and tuna were quite fresh, but the tiger prawns were somewhat marinated, probably good for a longer storage time.