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Free Falling from the World’s Highest Bungee Jump

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The first time I tried to jump, I got all the way up to the top of the A.J. Hackett Macau Tower. I saw people suiting up. I saw the line of nervous individuals surely rethinking their decision as they sat there staring straight ahead, wondering if they could back out. If this was refundable. Well, it’s not. Future jumpers, take note: you’ll need to do the deed or lose $474 with speed, and all you’ll go home with is a bruised ego and a craving to try it again.

After I chickened out in 2010, I knew there would be another chance. I was right. This summer, as I flew to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, there was a knot in my stomach that wouldn’t ease up. The closer we flew to Hong Kong, the more intense the knot became. I knew what it was. Anxiety was sure enough setting in. An hour ferry ride was the only thing between me and Macau Tower where the world’s highest commercial bungee jump stood in all its glory.

I was only in Hong Kong for the day before traveling on to Bali, so I knew this was my chance. I had to do it fast before logic came into play. That, or before my dad called. After checking into the hotel, I did some research on the bungee jump. Note: watching YouTube videos of people jumping off the Macau Tower is not how you should spend your time before doing it yourself. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I spent many minutes meticulously counting each second that passed between the point where jumpers’ toes left the platform to the bungee’s lowest point near ground level. Ten seconds. I could do anything for 10 seconds…

I took the MTR (transit railway system) to the ferry with my passport (necessary to gain entry into Macau). I bought the ferry ticket (~$25) and waited for boarding to begin. As I looked out the window, I began to think about what was ahead while I watched the weather come in. Oh hello, clouds. Are those sprinkles? Is that rain? A call to the A.J. Hackett Macau Tower affirmed that they were “still allowing jumpers,” so I pushed on, wishing, hoping, thinking, and praying. For what? I don’t know. My anxiety wanted a natural disaster to happen to rid me of any chance of building leaps today. “Hong Kong to Macau #283 BOARDING” flashed up on the screen. Cue everyone and their dog jumping (pun intended) out of their seats and through the open doors to the ferry. As for me, I stayed seated. It’s like my brain couldn’t connect with my legs. HELLO. WE ARE BOARDING, LEGS. LET’S MOVE. Nothing. I sat for another minute or two before getting up and turning away from the boarding doors.

“Today is not the day to jump off buildings,” I thought to myself.

Okay. So I blamed it on the weather. It was a good excuse since I don’t believe people on the ground could’ve been able to see jumpers above them and vice versa. It’s all about the photos, people, and these would not have turned out well. I knew there’d be a next time.

Not only was there a next time, but the stars aligned to make this the most perfect jump of all. I was scheduled to give Hong Kong a proper visit a few weeks after that one dreadful day before departing for Bali. A few days before I arrived in Hong Kong again, I was contacted by a company who wanted my participation in a campaign they were running. The campaign name? Fearless to the core. What was it all about? Helping women face their fears, and it was launching on the day that I was back in Hong Kong. I knew what had to be done.

To help other women face their fears, I had to face my own first. I suppose both could be done at the same time, summed up into one leap off of the world’s highest bungee jump. So I did what had been done before. I made my way to the ferry terminal, I bought another ticket and I waited for boarding to begin. With a campaign attached to me and many viewers tuning in LIVE via Periscope, there was no backing out now. I was going to swan dive Pocahontas style off of a building, even if the staff at A.J. Hackett had to push me.

No push necessary. As I rode in a taxi to the tower, I was oddly at ease. This was going to be a ton of fun, even if I was all alone. After a few initial Periscope videos at the bottom, I made my way towards the elevator. Okay, so maybe I wasn’t exactly at ease. I was getting anxious, but once at the top, the staff calmed my nerves. What I loved about this establishment was that every single employee has jumped off the tower. It’s a pre-req to being hired and a brilliant idea so that at each step of the way, there’s a staff member telling you how much fun you’re going to have, and how badly you’re going to want to do it again. Ehhhhh. “We’ll see,” I said.

As I desperately tried to get service 764 ft. above ground to stream the jump live, I was very distracted – which was the best thing that could’ve happened. As soon as I realized service was never going to come, I walked the plank and stood before all of Macau. I put my arms up in Pocahontas fashion and heard the yelling of “5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” I was off the platform and free falling toward the bounce-around creation below – as if that was going to catch my fall 😉

The first half (4-5 seconds) felt terrible. All I remember is that stomach pain of free falling, like when I rode the Tower of Terror at Disney World, or when planes catch an air pocket and turbulence sends you a few feet off flight path. The second half, however, completely made up for how bad the first half was. Reality kicked in and a signal was sent to my brain, saying “Hey! We made it! We’re alive. That was fun!” And ahhhh, it really was.

Third times a charm.

Ready to see me in action? Check out the jump on my YouTube Channel! Get excited for many more crazy videos to come.

Bungee Jump Full Package – US$474 (includes t-shirt, eCertificate, membership card, photos, HD video and GoPro video on USB. Plus bragging rights)

The A.J. Hackett Macau Tower has never had an accident. On average they’ll see around 40 jumpers a day but can do upwards of 100. Book beforehand. Night jumps are even offered – do you dare?

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to the tower as a guest, however my opinions are as always, my own.

Travel Tag: The Peninsula Hong Kong

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The Experience

Never have I ever been received by airport personnel in such a manner than when I landed at Hong Kong International Airport. I had just stepped off the jet bridge when I saw a man carrying a sign with my name on it and a buggy not far behind him. We loaded in and headed straight for Customs & Immigrations and on to baggage claim. Having stayed with The Peninsula Hong Kong once before, I knew what was coming next. I was ushered into a Rolls Royce from the famous fleet of custom “Peninsula Green” Roll Royce vehicles, complete with refreshments and my favorite: complimentary Wi-Fi, a travel bloggers best friend.

Few hotel arrivals are as dramatic as the ride from the airport in one of The Peninsula’s signature custom Rolls Royces past the fantastic Hong Kong skyline, and it doesn’t end there. Few locations are as perfect as The Peninsula Hong Kong, situated on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront facing Victoria Harbor on the Kowloon side with many attractions within reach. Looking for things to do in Hong Kong? Read and learn from my recent blog post.

Staff members are beyond impressive and attentive, clad in pressed white suits and eager to tell the bests of Hong Kong. Staff members are beyond impressive and attentive, clad in pressed white suits and eager to tell the bests of Hong Kong.

The Suite Life

Recently having undergone renovations, The Peninsula guest rooms are even better than they once were – and that’s hard to beat. After checking into room 2707, it was made very apparent that the Harbor View Suite was anything but ordinary. Showered with hot tea, sweet treats and almost 1,200 sq. ft. in which to relax, I knew one thing for sure: it was good to be back.

If you’re looking for a bit of secluded luxury and a lot of good vibrations, this is what suite dreams are made of. After a short tour, I knew where I’d be spending the majority of my time when I wasn’t sweating profusely in the hot Hong Kong sun or sleeping in the fluffy cloud-eque bed. First up, the bathtub. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen my love fest with this unrivaled body of water.

Secondly, this robe plus this view? Get out of here. The vintage brass telescope aided in my survey of Hong Kong’s dramatic views, and many minutes were lost in thought while overlooking the water and mountains, comparing this trip to my last visit. I had traveled here with my best friend in 2010 on a graduation trip, and here I was now, traveling alone, a year into The Road Les Traveled. I was definitely counting my blessings!

It should also be noted how far along The Peninsula is in its tech game. With a focus on convenience and ease of use, I noticed how simple it was just to close the curtains at night. I realized I only needed to press a button to lower the bathtub blinds, separating me from the rest of the city. If I needed to charge my phone, iPad, or computer, every charger was at my disposal, no adapter necessary. My favorite tech touch of all? Simply hit the “Make Up Room” button on one of the three tablets in the suite and the message is sent directly to the maid’s smart phone.

The Spa

Where to even begin? After soaking up a delicious tea concoction and dousing my hands and face in the most decadent body oil around, I made the journey to the women’s lavish hammam-style steam room, sauna and crescent-shaped aromatherapy experience shower that smelled of sunshine, daisies and rainbows. I had a new favorite in town, and it was called the Lifestyle Shower.

I was in a pure state of bliss and my massage hadn’t even started yet. I must have hit the Cold Mist button (complete with a hint of mint!) half a dozen times before stepping into my robe. Can you imagine this thing in your house? I’d never get anything done. Productivity? Not today. Lifestyle shower is on the schedule.

The Peninsula Hong Kong’s pool has a thing for floor-to-ceiling windows, and I have a thing for The Peninsula Hong Kong’s pool. The sun deck, skyline view and Roman-inspired design had me swimming and dining in here more than once. It’s tough to venture elsewhere when pure opulence surrounds you.

Tea Time

Pinkies up! The Peninsula Hong Kong serves the most renoun afternoon tea outside the British Isles. I don’t know about you, but Darjeeling black tea, Moroccan mint and classic English breakfast all sound inviting after a long day of sight-seeing. Don’t forget the raisin scones with clotted cream, cucumber and salmon finger sandwiches alongside macarons, miniature pies and puff pastries. If you’re killing yourself on the Paleo diet or all about posting your #cleaneating photos on Instagram, you’re missing out. If anything, perhaps you can sip on some tea and let your ears be filled with sounds of classical music from the Lobby Strings.

Speaking of the lobby, the grandeur and tradition has been kept alive here for decades – ever since doors opened on December 11th, 1928. Soaring columns and gilded plasterwork are hard-to-miss features when indulging in afternoon tea. If that’s not extravagant enough, take to the 80 designers shops only steps away. Just as your stomach fills up, your bank account will empty. Enjoy!

Terrific Transportation

Tea time, lifestyle spa showers and suites fit for a royal family are plenty to write home about, but what makes The Peninsula Hong Kong stand out is the rooftop helipad. Complete with bragging rights as the only hotel with a helipad up top, The Peninsula Hong Kong knows transportation. What’s it going to be? One of 14 Rolls Royce vehicles to bring you into the city from Hong Kong International or bypass all traffic on the China Clipper? The Peninsula’s helicopter isn’t just for airport transportation if well-heeled guests choose to book this route. It’s more so used for sightseeing tours over Victoria Harbor and aerial tours of UNESCO Hong Kong Geopark. If guests so choose to throw in dinner at 32,000 ft. as well, it’s welcomed. Ah oh. This is beginning to sound like a Bachelor date. ABC, you need to get on this.

Ready to book that flight to Hong Kong yet? I thought so! Check out more images from my time at The Peninsula Hong Kong below. 

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to the hotel as a guest, however my opinions are as always, my own.

Wanderlust Wednesday: Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flat

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The world’s largest salt flat isn’t playing around. Covering 4,086 square miles and with 11,995 feet above sea level, this landscape attracts worldly visitors who dare to make the trek for the mirrored images one can receive. Full disclaimer: Traveling to Bolivia is a bold move. You’ll most likely fly into the capital of La Paz, the world’s highest capital city, so make sure to have that Tylenol Extra Strength readily available and in plentiful supply. Headaches will plague you and shortness of breath won’t be far away either. Am I selling it yet?

If you can survive the elements of La Paz, you’re in for a real treat. Make the most of your time there and try your hand at biking Death Road, only for the adventurers at heart. It will take an entire day from 7am to 9pm, so make sure to set aside two nights in La Paz if you decide to brave the World’s Most Dangerous Road. Check out the Stannum Boutique Hotel to rest your limbs after the rough day. From La Paz, you can arrive in Uyuni one of two ways – via plane or bus. If you have an extra $400 to spare, I’d suggest skipping the 12-hour bus ride with 50 of your potential new Bolivian BFFs and fly. My boyfriend and I, however, took the overnight bus for a cool $48. The 12-hour bus ride turned into a 14-hour bus ride, and on mostly unpaved, bumpy roads, it felt like a 16-hour bus ride. Oh well.

Heaven is worth the wait.

Once in Uyuni, you’ll need to choose a tour operator. If you do your research like a good little traveler, I’m sure you will notice the not-so-stellar reviews from any operator within the salt flats. All is not lost. In the end, Wade and I went with Red Planet who not only had the best reviews on average, but I knew friends who used them on previous occasions and didn’t have any problems (one of the most prevalent problems being drunk tour guides trying to operate/drive the 4×4 through the region. No thanks!).

Tip: During rainy season (January – April), a few inches of water lie on the ground, creating unbelievable reflection photos. Call it the world’s biggest mirror, call it heaven, call it beyond dreamy. Whatever it is, it’s pure magic. 

Most clients of Red Planet choose their three day/two night tour. You’ll see not only the salt flats but much more of the Bolivian countryside, including:

Laguna Colorada

Laguna Verde

Stars Out Of This World

Salt Flat Yoga

Note: Luxury and Bolivia aren’t exactly well acquainted yet, so don’t visit expecting white tablecloths and polished silverware. You’ll search all the way to Chile for these luxury items! Speaking of Chile, once you’ve driven through the Bolivian attractions, I’d highly suggest ending your tour in San Pedro de Atacama. Here is where the world’s driest place on earth boasts out-of-this-world landscapes (seriously, the place looks like Mars) and gorgeous hot springs for some relaxation station. Check out Tierra Atacama, sister property of my recent stay at Tierra Patagonia. Beware: If Bolivia didn’t draw you in, Chile will have you falling head over heels.

What to do on a Layover in Hong Kong

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View from Victoria Peak - a must do when in HK. View from Victoria Peak – a must do when in HK.

What to do on a layover in Hong Kong?

Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha)

This is a great option to start with if you’re flying into Hong Kong International Airport. Take the MTR (metro) from Airport Express Line to the Tung Chung Line – they are very close in proximity.

The easiest way to reach the big bronze Buddha is through the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, which takes about 25 minutes. Ride the cable car to where Big Buddha sits and get a work out in by climbing the 268 steps to the top! Make a visit to Po Lin Monastery next door while you’re at it.

Tea at the Peninsula Hotel

Darjeeling black tea, Moroccan mint, classic English breakfast…sound inviting yet after a long plane ride? Don’t forget the raisin scones with clotted cream, cucumber and salmon finger sandwiches alongside macarons, miniature pies and puff pastries. The famous Peninsula Hotel lies on the Kowloon side of the city. Go indulge! Beware: peak times have long lines.

Junkboat Ride

A junkboat across the Harbor at sunset can’t be beat as this city’s skyline is one of my favorites. It provides a perfect experience for couples or friends, enjoying a beer or two while sailing across the Harbor. Many different types of boats exist including the classy junk below. Visit Saffron Cruises if you’re looking for a certain kind of gilded authenticity.

Symphony of Lights on Victoria Harbor

Happening every night at 8pm, a light show is conducted on Victoria Harbor incorporating lights, lasers and around 45 waterfront buildings on both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. It’s best seen from anywhere along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront or a junkboat on the water. This was the view from my room at the Peninsula Hong Kong:

Cat Street Market

I knew I should’ve bought these three little gods for HK$250! How cute are they?? If you’re a lover of antiques, or worn gems in general, Upper Lascar Row is where you’ll find a good bargain on jade, silk and wooden handicrafts. Take a little piece of Hong Kong home with you. Location: Across the way from Tsim Sha Tsui on Hong Kong Island. Take the Star Ferry across the harbor for next to nothing!

Man Mo Temple

In 2010, I visited this temple with my best friend. We bought incense coils with pieces of red paper in order to write our wishes, then we hung the burning incense coils from the ceiling. Mine was about figuring out what the hell I wanted to do in life. Five years later, I’m learning wishes really do come true. Location: Near Cat Street Market. Knock them both out in minutes.

The Little Bao

If you’re hungry and you know it, head to Little Bao. Good news – it’s in close range to where you’ve been exploring (market and Man Mo Temple). With truffle fries that will blow your mind and an organic beef boa that is equally amazing, you’ll be fat and happy for the rest of your long layover. I’m getting hungry and nostalgic just thinking about it, so we’ll have to move right along…

Tim Ho Wan // Ho Lee Fook

Oh look. More food! Tim Ho Wan, known for their dim sum, is the most inexpensive Michelin-rated eatery on the planet. Ho Lee Fook (chuckle) is contemporary Chinese cuisine tucked away on Elgin St. in Soho (again, near many of the above mentions).

Bungee in Macau

What isn’t exactly near the above mentions is the world’s highest bungee jump in Macau, China. An hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, you’ll need a longer layover and a love for adrenaline if you decide to go this route. I highly recommend it – definitely worth the time and money for the bragging rights!

Over to you! What are your can’t-miss activities when in Hong Kong?

72 Hours at Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

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The Experience

Koh Yao Noi is an island situated between Phuket and Krabi where the best kept secret of the Phang Nga region exists in a barefoot-chic resort. Six Senses Yao Noi is for the luxury adventurers of the world wanting to get away from it all, but not too far away. Only a 30 minute speedboat ride from Phuket, staff members of Six Senses escorted us to an exotic paradise full of unique activities, mouth-watering cuisine and ridiculous views – basically a triple threat to a perfect vacation.

The Itinerary

Friday

1. 6:45pm | Arrival at Six Senses Yao Noi

Our GEM (Guest Experience Maker) whisked us away to Villa #3 via buggy. After pushing open an unassuming door, I had my jaw on the floor and my camera shooting at 90 mph to capture the beauty that was laid out before me.

We had the ultimate setup with two separate living areas, a private pool and beach access only steps from our villa. And neighbors? What neighbors? Natural vegetation and lush landscaping provide privacy between the elevated villas. Go wild.

2. 7:30pm | Dinner at The Dining Room

This may look like an ordinary carrot to you, but I assure you, it’s not. Chef Alex Oddy can turn any ordinary vegetable into masterful gastronomy. Make a visit yourself to taste the excellence.

Saturday

3. 9am | Breakfast of Champions

The hours between 7 and 10am when it’s acceptable to indulge in pancakes, waffles, eggs, cereal, fruits, pastries, etc, is my favorite time of day. Breakfast is my jam, and yes I like toast. All breads and anything that goes inside the carbohydrate food group is always tempting. Lucky for me, I also like to exercise.

4. 10am | Property Tour

I always love taking a tour through each hotel because it allows me to get a better sense of place than just walking from point A (the room) to point B (the pool) to point C (the swim up bar). Who knew there was a chicken coop at Yao Noi? Guests can pick out their own eggs for breakfast! There’s also a mushroom hut, herb, and vegetable garden where I gathered our veggies for dinner. Simply sustainable – one of the many reasons I fell in love with Six Senses back in the Maldives.

5. 11:30am | Island hopping by Longtail boat

You know the exotic places you see on social media over and over on travel accounts? Think fairytale lands, places you see in coffee table books or read about in high profile travel magazines. This is Thailand for me, specifically the view below.

We took a longtail boat out on the water to snorkel around caves, swimming directly above sea urchins while dodging massive jellyfish. After a long, hard day’s work, we enjoyed a picnic on the beach with some new friends – monkeys!

A note on snorkeling here: My mother and I both received strange welps on our bodies immediately after jumping into the water. I believe they came from the floating and detached tentacles of jellyfish, but I’m not certain. The pain subsided later that night, but it made for an uncomfortable day. Please beware!

6. 7pm | Dinner at Leisure

There was hardly anything leisurely about this dinner as it was my mother’s birthday. You only turn 30 once, so we decided to throw a party with Chef Alex Oddy at The Chef’s Table. Mojitos, mai tais, five courses and a cake later, we were fat, happy, older, wiser and ready for bed…

7. 9:30 | Enjoy “An American in Paris” under the stars with popcorn at Mai Thai Beach

…So ready for bed that we missed the movie on the beach. Better luck next time. I’ll catch it on Netflix, which obviously won’t be nearly as cool.

Sunday

8. 8am | Yoga overlooking the ocean

I can’t lie. It’s hot and buggy here, and mosquitoes love me. I don’t know what it is. There’s a recent report saying certain people’s DNA attracts them, so lucky me! Insect repellent is a must here (or at least for those who have the world’s best DNA).

9. 10am | Bike tour around the island 

It’s nice to go out of bounds every now and then. Leaving the resort for a bit is refreshing in the sense that you’re able to see how the locals live.

10. 4pm | 60-Minute Signature treatment at Six Senses Spa

This wasn’t just your average swedish massage. This appointment was a spa journey that I wanted to be on for years to come! Nestled into the lush tropical hillside, a longhouse suite was modeled after a typical village Thai house that includes treatments rooms, yoga platforms and exercise equipment. Spa life, never let me go.

12. 6pm | Cooking Class with Chef Alex

It’s a toss up between kayaking and cooking for winner in the activity department – and I’m no Ina Garten, so this comes as a huge surprise. Six courses and five hours later, I learned how to make out-of-the-box creations like champagne gel, pickled beetroot, chocolate dirt, and best of all: bacon polenta. Bacon is one godsend, polenta is another. Put them together and you have the kingdom of heaven. Many thanks to Chef Alex for putting up with me and my questions. Gotta polish my skills somewhere and might as well be from a cut-throat kitchen chef in Thailand.

Monday

12. 10am | Kayak at Thalane Bay with guide and picnic lunch

Kayaking through a mangrove forest was straight out of a naturalist’s fairytale. The narrow, complex channels required some skill and expertise, but we managed to get it done and rewarded ourselves with a couple of Singha Lights.

13. 4pm | Late Departure

Parting is such sweet sorrow, especially in a paradise such as this.

Photo taken at the Hilltop Reserve with its stunning pool overlooking spectacular Phang Nga Bay. Photo taken at the Hilltop Reserve with its stunning pool overlooking spectacular Phang Nga Bay.

See more images from my time at Six Senses Yao Noi below!

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to this property as a guest, but my opinions are as always, my own.

The Best of Asia: 6 Food + Beer Pairings You’ll Want to Write Home About

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The region has a multitude of fine beers, mostly lagers, with many brands founded in the late 1800s-early 1900s by European colonists trying to acclimate to SE Asia’s tropical climate. I don’t know if you’ve ever ventured to this part of the world, but it’s hot hot HOT. The best way to rehydrate after a hot day working (ahem, sightseeing) in the sun is probably the water of a green coconut. However, popping the top off a beer is much more fun.

Pairing together like Jay Z and Beyonce, like fish and chips, like Nutella and a spoon, and like Chris Harrison and a bright red rose….these dishes and their brews go hand in hand. Feel free to replicate these pairings when you experience this incredibly delicious part of the world!

1. Bali, Indonesia 

Food: Nasi Goreng is one of Indonesia’s most notable dishes made with stir-fried rice and a combination of meats, vegetables and fillings, ranging from scrambled eggs, diced beef, strips of chicken, shrimp, anchovies, lamb, crab, green peas, and soy sauce.

Paired with: This pilsner, which for all you beer rookies out there means a clear, bottom fermented lager, is the perfect compliment to your Nasi Goreng.

Setting: Enjoy on the coast of Bali near Jimbaran Bay where the beach meets the sea, and all your problems seem to fade away…

2. Singapore, Singapore

Food: The famous Singaporean dish is made from the tasty crustacean of a crab and served in a thick tomato and chili based sauce. You can’t visit Singapore and NOT order the Chili Crab. Yeah, that was a double negative there, sue me.

Paired with: Enjoy Chili Crab next to this national Singapore beer!

Setting: It’s best enjoyed at a Hawker stall – a place where local cuisine reigns supreme. Note – It’s best to come here with an open mind. Things could get weird.

3. Kuda Huraa, Maldives

Food: A goold ol’ Margarita pizza and fish tacos. #cheatday

Paired with: Singha beer, a national staple in Thai restaurants around the world.

Setting: Okay. So maybe this is a Thailand beer, but I enjoyed it beachside while in the Maldives which is an Islamic country, basically meaning they import all their beer.

4. Chiang Rai, Thailand

Food: Pad Thai. What else? Short answer: nothing.

Paired with: I don’t know if I could choose anything else other than this can with elephants staring me in the face. Not only refreshing, but oh so cute!

Setting: Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Burma and the Ruak Rivers while at Four Seasons Tented Camp.

5. Sibounheuang, Laos

Food: Seared tuna bites and tomato soup. Beer and soup? Why not?

Paired with: Beer snobs and backpackers in Laos have found something to agree on – Beer Lao is the cat’s pajamas. The premium rice beer brewed from a blend of European and Laotian ingredients enjoys the popularity among locals and foreigners alike.

Setting: You can throw a rock at Laos from your perch in Chiang Rai. So what are you waiting for? Make a hop, skip and a jump over the river and through the woods for more beer!

6. Beijing, China

Food: You have permission to start salivating. Bao, buns, noodles, duck and dumplings – basically a whole lotta carbs. Mmmm. Good for the soul, not good for the thighs. Moderation is key in China!

Paired with: Having bragging rights of the oldest beer in China, Harbin beer knows flavor with its crisp and refreshingly smooth finish from a longer aging process. The first glass was brewed in 1900 and has undoubtedly some strong staying power.

Setting: Relax with a Beijing brew while overlooking the skyline, if you can see it through the smog, that is. You’ve made it to China! You won’t be able to sign into social media anyway due to government regulations, so might as well kick back and take it all in.

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