The Story Behind the Famous Café Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City
Nestled at 42 Nguyễn Huệ Street in Ho Chi Minh City, The Café Apartment stands as a testament to Vietnam’s dynamic history and cultural evolution. Constructed in the mid-1960s, this nine-storey edifice has witnessed the city’s transformation over decades, evolving from a residential complex to a vibrant hub of creativity and commerce. Initially, the building served as accommodation for government and military personnel, including American advisors during the 1960s. Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the apartments were repurposed to house shipyard workers, reflecting the shifting socio-political landscape of the era. By the early 2000s, the building had fallen into neglect, mirroring the rapid urban development that surrounded it.…
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Brings Back Dinosaurs in Real Life
This May, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay will transport visitors back to the prehistoric era with the launch of “Jurassic World: The Experience.” Opening on 29 May 2025, this immersive exhibition will be housed within the Cloud Forest conservatory, offering an unparalleled adventure among life-sized animatronic dinosaurs set amidst lush, ancient flora. Upon entering the Cloud Forest, guests will be greeted by a towering 8.5-metre-tall Brachiosaurus, nearly three storeys high, setting the stage for the thrilling journey ahead. The exhibition features various thematic zones designed to captivate visitors of all ages. Highlights include an up-close encounter with the formidable Tyrannosaurus rex and an interactive petting zoo area where visitors can…
A Culinary Celebration: Raya Food in Southeast Asia
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, glorious month of Syawal, is a joyous occasion celebrated with family, tradition, and, most importantly, food. Across Southeast Asia, the festival is synonymous with feasting, as households prepare an array of mouth-watering delicacies, each unique to their country yet sharing common themes of festivity and gratitude. Malaysia & Singapore: A Feast of Tradition In Malaysia and Singapore, ketupat, a diamond-shaped rice dumpling wrapped in woven palm leaves, is a staple of the Hari Raya spread. It is often served with rendang, a slow-cooked, spice-infused beef or chicken dish that is rich and tender. Another must-have is lemang, glutinous rice cooked in bamboo with coconut milk, creating a…
Tourists and Locals Delight in the Fleeting Beauty of Tokyo’s Cherry Blossoms
Every spring, Tokyo transforms into a breathtaking sea of pink and white as cherry blossoms, or sakura, burst into bloom. This ephemeral spectacle draws tourists from around the world and captivates locals, who take part in time-honoured hanami (flower viewing) traditions. The cherry blossom season, lasting only a couple of weeks, is a much-anticipated event in Japan. The sight of delicate petals dancing in the breeze symbolises renewal and the fleeting nature of life, a sentiment deeply rooted in Japanese culture. In Tokyo, iconic spots such as Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Meguro River become prime locations for picnics, strolls, and photography, as visitors marvel at the beauty of…
Google Unveils AI Innovations for Seamless Travel Planning
Google has recently unveiled a suite of AI-driven travel planning tools, with a particular emphasis on its advanced AI model, Gemini. These innovations aim to enhance the travel planning experience by offering personalised and efficient solutions for users. A notable feature is the integration of Gemini into Google Maps, introducing the ‘Ask about place’ suggestion chip. This allows users to pose specific questions about locations directly within the app. Upon inquiry, Gemini provides comprehensive information, including directions, estimated travel times, and pertinent location details. This development transforms Google Maps from a mere navigation tool into an interactive travel assistant. In addition, Google Maps now offers a feature that identifies…
