CNN Travel

10 Tumblr sites that make travel more interesting

jdurston01 — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:45:17 +0000

Tumblr isn't as big as Twitter, but some are using it to make some great travel blogs

Reports this weekend from AllThingsD point to Tumblr being acquired by Yahoo for nearly $1.1 billion. Although popular, Tumblr has yet to become a necessary part of any brand’s content strategy, the way way Pinterest or Twitter have.

But that doesn’t mean people aren’t doing interesting things on the platform.

We looked at sites that are adding something new to the Web or, if they’re curating something else they found, at least adding their own distinctive twist.

It’s often used by bloggers looking for a fast way to share a distinctive, expert voice or brands looking to experiment under the radar. We’ve collected 10 that tumbl travel well.

Reid on Travel

Ex-Lonely Planet U.S. editor Robert Reid shares his thoughts and videos, the latter being the most clever travel videos online. reidontravel.tumblr.com

The Looking Glass

A Disney-run blog that curates photography by shooters invited to Disney parks. disneyparksphotoproject.tumblr.com

Anthony Bourdain

"A continuous dribble of stuff we're thinking about and think you should know about," the site says, but it also includes Bourdain unfiltered by CNN. anthonybourdain.tumblr.com

Beyond the Boardroom

Starwood Hotels uses Tumblr as a corporate blog, but one that appeals beyond the confines of the company. starwoodhotels.tumblr.com

FANmail

The Mandarin Oriental New York City's Tumblr account gets deep into Manhattan, with posts about all sides of the city -- even those that can't afford a night at the hotel. mandarinorientalnewyork.tumblr.com

Roads & Kingdoms

The site dedicated to travel and journalism uses Tumblr to curate snippets of its own travels and that of others. roadsandkingdoms.tumblr.com

Sébastian Dahl - Oslo to Beirut

The photo blog of a young photographer who hitchhiked from Oslo, Norway to Beirut, Lebanon and captured everything along the way. blog.sebastiandahl.com

Atlas Obscura

The self-described "definitive guide to the world's wondrous and curious places" focuses on other people's curious explorations on its Tumblr account. atlasobscura.tumblr.com

Eat Drink Think Go

This doesn't look like a Hyatt-run site, but it is. The hotel chain uses Tumblr to share what it's global network of chefs is up to. eatdrinkthinkgo.tumblr.com

Tasmania Behind the Scenery

Tourism Tasmania uses its own photos and those of others from Tumblr and sources like Instagram to remind people why Tasmania's natural beauty is so impressive. mag.gobehindthescenery.com.au

From Skift.com

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Beijing travel: 72 hours in the Chinese capital

karlac1 — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

You can now visit the city visa-free for up to 72 hours. Here's how to cram the best of Beijing into three days

Travelers looking to visit Beijing without the hassle of obtaining a visa are in luck: at the beginning of 2013, the Chinese government lifted visa requirements for tourists laying over in Beijing or Shanghai for up to 72 hours.

Are three days enough to take in the best of Beijing? It's a tight squeeze, but here’s how to make the most of a 72-hour trip to one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

More on CNN: Visas waived for Beijing transit travelers

Day 1

Lama Temple was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he was enthroned in Forbidden City during the Qing Dynasty. Occupying more than 66,000 square meters, it's the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the city.

3 p.m.: The best way to settle into Beijing after checking into a hotel is with a long walk from the city's Lama Temple to Houhai Lake.

Most choose to begin the trip with a quick temple visit, then a walk west through Wudaoying Hutong, a street that captures the spirit of the city’s hipster scene.

You’ll find quirky shops selling everything from fixed-gear bicycles to succulent plants, and even a cat cafe.

If you turn south until you hit Gulou East Street, and continue west through the hustle and bustle of endless vendors and cafes, you'll reach the Drum and Bell Towers. There's a 4:30 p.m. drum performance, worth checking out before heading to Houhai for a lakeside stroll.

We suggest skipping Houhai’s bars and restaurants, which tend to be underwhelming tourist traps. And have fun trying not to get coerced into a rickshaw ride by the notoriously pushy drivers.

Lama Temple, 12 Yonghegong Dajie; Bell and Drum Towers, north end of Dianmen Dajie

7 p.m.: No need to leave this happening neighborhood for dinner. Dali Courtyard offers some of the city’s best Yunnan cuisine, a region of China that takes culinary cues from neighbors Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.

Flavorful dishes such as crispy shrimp with lime leaves pair well with a mug of Dali beer and the intimate traditional courtyard setting.

For a restaurant that hits closer to Beijing, Mr. Shi’s Dumplings offers homey and typical but tasty Chinese dishes such as kung pao chicken and delicious pork and chive fried dumplings.

Dali Courtyard, 67 Xiaojingchang Hutong; +86 (10) 8404 1430
Mr. Shi’s Dumplings, 74 Baochao Hutong; +86 (10) 8405 0399

9:30 p.m.: For a few drinks, there's nearby Modernista, where you may be able to catch live music or dance performances. The bar has a Parisian jazz age feel, a lively crowd and reasonably priced drinks.

Modernista Old Cafe & Tapas Bar, 4 Baochao Hutong; +86 (0)13 6712 74747

More on CNN: For Beijing's best food, hit the hutongs

Day 2

For a less crowded Great Wall experience there's "wild" Jinshanling, about 125 kilometers outside of Beijing.

8 a.m.: If you're only in China for a brief visit and a trip to the Great Wall is on your gotta-do list, the best way to get there is to hire a driver or join a group tour.

The trip should take two to three hours, depending on which section you visit. Sections in the “wilder” parts of the Wall, such as Jinshanling or Jiankou, are unrestored and have fewer crowds.

Athletic types may want to join expat hikers for the day; Beijing Hikers frequently offers all-inclusive trips to the Wall at competitive prices.

Beijing Hikers; +86 (10) 6432 2876

4 p.m.: The best way to relieve achy muscles after climbing the Wall is a Chinese massage. Dragonfly and Hummingbird spas are dependable and clean with Western facilities and English-speaking staff.

Dragonfly Retreat, 60 Donghuamen Dajie; +86 (10) 6527-9368
Hummingbird Retreat, Tower 26, Central Park, Chaoyangmen Wai; +86 (10) 6533 6922

6 p.m. One of the top places to pick up traditional Chinese knickknacks and other fun souvenirs is the Silk Street Market. This is the place for handbags and inexpensive pearl jewelry, Chinese costumes and iPhone cases. Be prepared to bargain hard.

Silk Street Market, 8 Xiushui Dongjie; +86 (10) 5169 9003

8 p.m. Tonight's the night to feast on Beijing’s most celebrated dish, Peking duck.

Tourists and locals alike flock to Da Dong for some of the city’s best crispy-skinned, juicy duck accompanied by delicate pancakes. Other top dishes here include a delectable pork belly and hearty chestnut and chicken soup.

Da Dong, 5/F, Jinbao Place Shopping Mall, 88 Jinbao Jie; +86 (10) 8522-1111

More on CNN: The old road: How to cycle around Beijing

Day 3

Who says the best views have to be sky high? Even on smoggy days -- there are many -- Capital M doesn't disappoint.

9 a.m. For a Chinese-style breakfast off the street, widely available favorites include steamed buns and jian bing, a tasty crepe with fried egg and sauce. Next stop: the Forbidden City.

You can spend all day at this Beijing icon without coming close to seeing it all. If viewing imperial art from the Ming and Qing dynasties is a priority, spare a bit of time for the Palace Museum.

Forbidden City, 4 Jingshan Qian Jie

Noon: One of the best places in Beijing to sit back and people watch is Tiananmen Square, where throngs of Chinese tourists visit from all over the country and vendors bustle around.

For lunch, at the south end of the square there are many cheap and cheery restaurants in the hutongs.

Karaiya Spice House, a Beijing hotspot. 2 p.m.: Contrary to popular belief, there are green spaces in Beijing. Jingshan Park has lush scenery and traditional architecture.

It's also quotidian China at its best: retirees dancing and singing, doing water calligraphy and exercising their caged birds. A climb up the park’s hill to Wanchun Pavilion offers sweeping views of the Forbidden City.

Jingshan Park, 44 Jingshan Xi Jie

More on CNN: Insider guide: What to do in Beijing

5 p.m.: Time for a drink. The terrace at Capital M in Qianmen offers some of Beijing's best views and the beautifully decorated restaurant is a great place for an evening aperitif -- even on a smoggy day.

Capital M, 3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street; +86 (10) 6702-2727

7 p.m.: The best place to experience Beijing’s modern, flashy side is Sanlitun, a highly developed area popular for its bars and restaurants such as Karaiya Spice House. This trendy, super spicy, Hunanese restaurant serves up incredible chili-crusted ribs.

Carb lovers can hit up the Noodle Bar for delicious, handmade noodles.

Karaiya Spice House, 3/F, Bldg. 8, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Road; +86 (10) 6415-3535
Noodle Bar, 1949- The Hidden City. Courtyard 4, Gong Ti Bei Lu; +86 (10) 6501-1949

9 p.m.: When the weather is nice Beijing's fine young things head for the rooftop of Migas, a trendy lounge and restaurant. The rooftop patio has space-age touches, like egg-shaped cabanas.

Another popular place is Apothecary. Offering homemade infusions and bitters, it's arguably the best cocktail bar in Beijing.

Migas, 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun North Road; +86 (10) 5208 6061
Apothecary, 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun North St.; +86 (10) 5208 6040

More on CNN: Beijing's 'big 4' sites

Day 4

The Tower of Buddhist Incense, at Beijing's Summer Palace. 9 a.m.: Last day in Beijing. You didn't think we'd leave out Beijing's Summer Palace, did you?

It's a great place to spend a few hours exploring the massive gardens and pavilions. It's also home to Kunming Lake and Empress Cixi’s infamous marble boat.

If you're looking to splurge on a final luxurious lunch before you leave the city, the Aman Hotel’s Cantonese restaurant is the place to relax over dim sum before you head to the airport to catch your flight.

Aman at the Summer Palace, 1 Gongmenqian St., Summer Palace; +86 (10) 5987 9999

iReport assignment: What are your favorite spots in Beijing?

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Rising from the revolution: Life in Benghazi

francescha — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

There may be a little too much gunfire to make Benghazi a top 10 holiday destination, but this hopeful Libyan city makes for one fascinating tour

Currently, few visitors to Benghazi arrive on leisure trips.

The murder of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three colleagues profoundly shook confidence in “Free Libya.” The United States advises against all travel to the city while hearings continue over the American response to last September's attack.

The backlash against Islamist militias, however, has seen their presence and influence much reduced.

Although the prevalence of private weapons remains problematic, these days, the city feels remarkably relaxed.

As I traveled around town recently, it was impossible not to be affected by the honesty and hopefulness of Benghazi’s locals. They know everything can only go up from here.

Entryway

Post-revolution Benghazi: broken streets, tired buildings.

“Welcome to Benghazi -- cradle of the revolution,” announces a sign on the tarmac at Benina airport.

Despite the sign’s upbeat message, the airport’s facilities are more akin to a hard-up flying school than an international gateway, giving the impression that the keys to the worn-out terminal might normally reside under a brick round the back of the main hanger.

And so it is with the rest of post-revolution Benghazi -- all broken streets, tired buildings and flyblown wasteland.

In the center of town, behind the clamor of Arabic signage, shadowy lettering of Italian colonial institutions endures.

An abandoned twin-domed cathedral lies half-shrouded in scaffolding, while more Ottoman facades show decades' worth of decay.

With the heady atmosphere of revolutionary fervor behind it, the city looks forward to a better future, knowing that things can only improve.

Five-star accommodation endures

During the 2011 revolution the international press inhabited the concrete fortress of the five-star hotel Tibesti.

Located about a kilometer south-east of the city center, overlooking Benghazi Lake on Sharia Gamal Abdel Nasser, the white concrete and glass hotel has 270 rooms over 14 floors, a swimming pool and three restaurants.

It's open, costs $152 per night including breakfast and has a functional Internet connection -- an attraction during the fighting, but these days this isn’t a unique selling point.

The Tibesti’s dated business-style rooms are no longer in such demand.

Next to the same lagoon on Sharia Al Jezayir is the Ouzu, another similarly priced hotel undergoing refurbishment and another sign that the city is prepping for future travelers.

Try-before-you-buy gun sales

Wheelbarrow men will transport market purchases for a few extra dinars.

Early morning sees activity peak among stalls at the Al Funduq market off Shari Al Aquriyyah, about a kilometer north-east of the old city center.

Fruit and vegetables, livestock and poultry are serviced by a fleet of wheelbarrow men who transport purchases for a few dinars.

Occasionally the sounds of the market are punctuated by the staccato of automatic gunfire.

There’s no need to take cover though -- it’s the “try before you buy” transactions by freelance weapons traders on the fringes of the market.

Directly across the main road is the garment section of Souk Al Jareed, where tailors line up at their sewing machines, ready to measure the insides of legs.

The long covered bazaar stretches towards the center of the old city, with vendors selling wares ranging from electronics to ceramics to jewelry.

The covered bazaar sells everything from electronics to ceramics to jewelry.

The forlorn shell of the old Italian town hall looks across Maydan Al Hurriya towards a parade of Misratan gold merchants and money changers, the latter occasionally filling car trunks with bundles of notes.

Libya is definitely still a cash economy.

Alcohol banned but available

Alcohol was banned as one of the first edicts issued by the Free Officers of Gaddafi’s 1969 coup.

That said, smuggled booze and potentially lethal home brewed bokha (a bad batch recently claimed 51 lives) is available on the black market.

Macchiato and Turkish coffee vie with black and green tea as the preferred drink at the cities' cafés.

Downtown, Café Tikka on Sharia Omar Al Muktar is the best example of Benghazi’s morning café society.

Inside the shop, black and white images on the walls recall scenes of well-kept city streets, ordered traffic and finely dressed people.

The shelves are lined with telling keepsakes: heavy caliber cannon shells, an automatic pistol and pennants for Al Ahly, Benghazi’s much followed soccer team.

Behind a high counter two bearded baristas, sons of the father whose picture sits alongside that of King Idris and anti-colonialist freedom fighter Omar Muktar, turn out concentrated shots of top quality coffee and freshly brewed sweet tea to an exclusively male clientele until late in the afternoon.

Food is cheap

Benghazi’s morning café culture.

On the street, ubiquitous shawarma stands serve up roasted chicken or beef wrapped in a bread roll, sometimes sprinkled with eye-wateringly hot harissa.

Quick, tasty and cheap, shawarmas are great introduction to the local food, which is just as well, for although several Turkish restaurants exist, eating out well Libyan style is nigh impossible.

The only recommendation-worthy venue is the downtown Restaurant Bodraa on Sharia Rafiq Al Mahdui near Souk Hoot, founded 64 years ago.

Its meat or fish tajines, filfil (various stuffed peppers), abrak (stuffed vine leaves), osban (rice and liver sausages) and salads are all excellent meals from $8.

No car? No problem

Petrol is cheap in Libya, cheaper than water, and less than $5 will fill up an average car.

As a result the city’s roads are choked, the narrow line between parking lots and traffic jams blurred.

Exploring old Benghazi’s compact center on foot makes a lot more sense.

Walking north-east from Maydan El Catedraeya and its landmark derelict cathedral leads onto Sharia Al Corniche.

First constructed during the colonial period, this wide pavement is the venue for a Libyan-Italian fusion of the passeggiata -- little walks in the evenings.

Keeping the sea to the left, a little further along lies Court Square, also referred to as Maydan Al Hurriya, Benghazi’s other Freedom Square.

During the 2011 revolution, it was here, in front of the courthouse, that tents were set up, crowds gathered, speeches given, poems recited and prayers said amidst hoardings pasted with pictures of those killed.

Continuing on the way to the Italian lighthouse, the best macchiato in town can be found at Café Benghazi.

Another menu favorite: soothing sahlab (thin millet porridge) sprinkled with cinnamon, which tastes much better than it sounds.

If you are going

Taxis from Benghazi’s Benina airport to most downtown locations cost around 15 dinars ($12).

Visas are required for most visitors and all holders of Western passports. Visa criteria are subject to change.

Reputable local tour operators include Temehu whose website is a mine of practical information and historical background on the city.

More on CNN: Why some travelers seek out the world's most dangerous locales

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Crazy addictive travel game of the week

jdurston01 — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Damnit we have work to do … but not before we have another go on this annoyingly difficult web-based game

You see a picture, and have to guess where it was taken.

A simple premise for a surprisingly difficult-but-not-impossible game, that threatens to destroy productivity levels in the CNN Travel office for the next week.

GeoGuessr.com throws up five random images from Google Street View and asks you to pinpoint them on a map.

You get scored depending on how far away you are -- the closer your guess, the more points you rack up.

It’s a bit like “Man Vs Wild” for mouse clickers. You get dropped in to a strange, often wild place, and have to navigate the area till you find civilization.

Come the 29th attempt, your score chart could look this good, too. Only instead of Bear Grylls vine-swinging through jungles, eating frogs and whip spiders, it’s pasty office rivals accusing each other of cheating while munching on Starbucks muffins.

Be prepared for reflex vocals along the lines of “Whaaa?” when you drop your pin into what is definitely, unquestionably rural Mexico, only to be told you were actually looking at a field in Hunan Province, China.

And be prepared to be lambasted if you spend too long scrolling through every image till you see a giveaway road sign.

“(Unnaturally descriptive expletive deleted) cheaters -- I want the record to show that my score was pure -- though I admit to playing about 20 times to get it,” said Chuck Thompson, CNN Travel’s editorial director, on hearing the news his PB was only good enough for third place.

Nothing like a bit of hateful competition between friends.

The CNNI league table currently looks like this:

Jason Kwok, design and photo editor: 16,311
Andrew Demaria, executive producer: 15,605
Chuck Thompson, supervising producer: 12,804
Maggie Wong, associate producer: 12,474
Hilary Whiteman, senior producer: 11,532
Karla Cripps, digital producer: 11,518
James Durston, senior producer: 11,355
Frances Cha, digital producer: 9,812

What’s your score? Put it in the comments box and tell us what you think of the game.

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Hong Kong art explosion: What to see this month

karlac1 — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again -- the world's art greats have invaded the city for Art Basel, Hong Kong Eye and more

‘Tis the season for art in Hong Kong.

Increasingly each year, the month of May ushers in a flood of modern and contemporary art events, anchored by Art Basel in Hong Kong, the region’s largest contemporary art fair (formerly known as ART HK).

In the past few years, Hong Kong has cemented its place on the international art calendar, with the steady expansion of ART HK, the entrance of several blue-chip Western galleries and the city's growth -- it's now the world’s third-largest auction market after New York and London.

Whether you have a novice appreciation or a long-time love of art, a penny or a million to spend, a taste for Chinese abstract expressionism or American pop art, there are plenty of opportunities to look, learn and purchase.

Here’s our guide to the key art affairs taking over Hong Kong this month -- and our top picks to help you navigate the crush of events.

Art Basel in Hong Kong

Chen Wei's "Dance Hall (Sober)."

Date: May 23-26

Art Basel will hold the sixth edition of ART HK under its own brand, after its parent company purchased a 60% stake in the fair’s organizer two years ago.

This year, the fair has attracted nearly 250 galleries from 35 countries and is divided into four sections: Galleries (leading modern and contemporary galleries from around the world, including many blue-chip regulars); Insights (galleries based in Asia or the Middle East exclusively exhibiting artists within those regions); Discoveries (galleries showcasing one or two emerging artists); and Encounters (large sculptures and installations from artists around the world).

Zhu Jinshi's "The Song of Lhasa 2," painted in 2012. To kick off the fair, “Paper Rain," a cinema-themed artist parade choreographed by Brazil-based Arto Lindsay, will unspool along the harborfront on May 23.

Fair highlights include Marnie Weber’s eerie “Log Lady & Dirty Bunny” (Simon Lee Gallery), Zhu Jinshi’s richly layered abstract expressionist paintings (Pearl Lam Galleries) and Chen Wei’s fanciful photographs of purpose-built installations (Leo Xu Projects).

There are also daily free talks. Visitors can learn more about Indonesian contemporary art (May 23) or attend the book launch of revered Hong Kong graffiti artist, the King of Kowloon (May 25).

Intelligence Squared will also host a live debate on the motion, “The market is the best judge of art’s quality.” (May 24)

Art Basel; Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai; admission HK$250/$150 concession for one day, four-days is HK$750/$450

More on CNN: Glamorous photos of '60s Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Gallery exhibitions

Tired of the fair crowds? Aside from Art Basel, dozens of galleries in Hong Kong will host exhibitions in their own spaces.

Highlights include de Sarthe Gallery, which will showcase bronze sculptures by French legend Auguste Rodin, including versions of iconic pieces such as “The Thinker,” “The Kiss” and “Eternal Springtime.”

Lehmann Maupin will present “Writing Without Borders” -- works by 11 acclaimed artists, including Tracey Emin, Barbara Kruger, Teresita Fernandez and Shirazeh Houshiary.

Hong Kong installation artist Nadim Abbas will show new work at CL3 Architects, inspired by visual similarities in microscopic bodies, animated GIFs and graphic production technologies.

Several artists will have their first solo exhibitions in the city. Pearl Lam Galleries will unveil 26 new abstract oil paintings by Zhu Jinshi. “Oil skin” painter Angel Otero will be featured at SCAD. The figurative drawings of Fabien Merelle will hit the walls of Edouard Malingue Gallery. The Gagosian will feature neo-expressionist paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Christie's

Fernando Zobel's (Filipino, 1924-1984) "Arganda," an oil on canvas painted in 1961. Estimate auction price: HK$900,000-1,200,000 (US$115,400-153,800). From May 25-29, Christie’s will host 10 Asian art auctions, ranging from Chinese imperial ceramics and works of art and Chinese classical and modern paintings to Asian 20th century and contemporary art.

Modern and contemporary highlights include works from painters celebrated for blending Eastern and Western techniques, including Zhou Chunya, and Chinese-French abstract expressionist masters Chu The-Chun and Zao Wou-ki, the latter whom passed away in February.

Sanyu’s “Two Standing Nudes,” which has been compared to Picasso’s “Group of Nudes” and Moore’s “Reclining Figure," will also be up for auction.

Southeast Asian artists will also have a strong presence, including the Philippines’ Fernando Zobel, acclaimed for his blend of classical Western chiaroscuro, Chinese calligraphy, and minimalism.

From May 23-27, Christie’s will also hold three private sales featuring Andy Warhol, Chinese contemporary ink and Impressionist and Modern Art.

Not sure what the fuss over art is about? From May 22-26, Christie’s will hold its Art Forum –- free daily panel discussions and tours led by leading collectors, academics and art specialists.

Topics range from collecting art, Andy Warhol’s influence in Asia, or Qing Dynasty cloisonné enamel. For HK$9,000, you can attend a two-day course on Asian contemporary art.

Christies; Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai; free admission; +85 (0)2 2760 1766

Hong Kong Eye

"Five Tallest Buildings in Hong Kong." Painted in 2011, ink and gouache on silk.

Date: On now until May 31

A showcase of 24 local artists, Hong Kong Eye is a welcome addition to an art calendar often criticized for excluding homegrown artists. A smaller version of the exhibition received nearly 200,000 visitors at London’s Saatchi Gallery in December.

There's none of the characteristic Mao imagery of mainland Chinese contemporary art, although some pieces, such as Leung Kui Ting’s “Vision: Change No. 2” ink on silk scroll, pay homage to traditional Chinese landscape painting.

Others are wholly of the 21st century, especially Justin Wong’s “Difficult Life Situation,” a touch-screen display featuring a quirky variety of stress reduction programs laid out in an iPhone-like grid format. Wong also delights in “Object-Oriented-Objects”, which sorts images of everyday objects -- such as a book, hole puncher and USB cable -- according to internet search engine filters.

Wilson Shieh’s ink and gouache drawing on silk appropriates Hong Kong’s five tallest commercial buildings, transforming these phallic symbols into feminine forms as women in dresses.

What draws the most eyes (and ears) is Adrian Wong’s prone Mr.-Potato-Head-like animatronics figure with his hand on his stomach, rolling from side as side as he grunts monosyllabically, seemingly in pain or “In search of Primordial Idiolect IV” as the installation is named.

During Art Basel, Wong will also cull Hong Kong culture to create “Wun Dun,” a performative, participatory "art bar" installation at the Fringe Club, complete with an animatronic backing band and custom cocktails.

ArtisTree; 1/F Cornwall House TaiKoo Place, 979 King’s Road Island East Hong Kong; free admission; +85 (0)2 6210 4520

More on CNN: Hong Kong: An art hub minus grassroots buzz

Mobile M+: Inflation!

Date: On now until June 9

Curated by M+, the flagship visual culture museum under construction in the West Kowloon Cultural District, this open-air exhibition of six enormous inflatable sculptures and a temporary performance piece test the limits of public art.

Visitors can sit inside Cao Fei’s roast suckling pig, jump on Jeremy Deller’s Stonehenge-shaped bouncy castle or venture over to Paul’s McCarthy’s pile of excrement. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

If you can wake up at dawn on May 25 or June 8, you can witness the temporary staging of Tomas Saraceno’s solar-powered iridescent dome, inspired by hot air balloon technology.

Free guided tours are available on weekends, as well as a series of interpretative musical performances and workshops led by local artists.

Mobile M+: Inflation!; West Kowloon Cultural District promenade (closed Mondays); free admission

More on CNN: Fowl play? Giant rubber duck drowns in Hong Kong

Asia Society

Date: On until September 1

“Light Before Dawn: Unofficial Chinese Art 1974-1985” showcases influential Chinese contemporary artists from the Wuming (No Name), Xingxing (Stars) and Caocao (Grass Society) collectives that quietly operated under the highly restrictive conditions of the period, inclusive of the Cultural Revolution.

To go deeper, there's an introduction by its curators on May 21.

The society will host several contemporary art panel discussions this month, including a look at the state of Hong Kong’s art scene with renowned Chinese contemporary art collector Uli Sigg, and a screening and discussion with Pia Getty about her documentary “China Power: Art now after Mao.”

Asia Society Gallery; 9 Justice Dr., Admiralty; admission HK$30

Sotheby's

Zhang Daqian’s self portrait, executed in 1960. Estimated value: US$320,000–$510,000.Date: May 27 (auction preview May 23-26)

Sotheby’s will auction a second set of paintings by 20th-century Chinese master Zhang Daqian from the private Mei Yun Tang collection -- one of the world’s leading compilations of the artist’s work.

In 2011, Sotheby’s first auction of works from this collection set an auction record of nearly US$26 million for the artist.

The 25 pieces will range from fine-brush traditional portrayals of birds, flowers and landscapes to expressionistic “splashed ink” paintings from his later period. These works haven't been publicly exhibited since 1997.

Sotheby’s gallery, 5/F, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; free admission; +85 (0)2 2524 8121

Parasite

Date: On until July 20

“A Journal of the Plague Year. Fear ghosts, rebels. SARS, Leslie, and the Hong Kong story.”

This multi-artist exhibition examines the cultural and political fallout of the 2003 SARS outbreak that killed 299 Hong Kongers. It links it with a deadly plague during the British colonial period, the suicide of pop icon Leslie Cheung, a mass protest against a security bill that toppled the city’s first leader and the thorny relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Ai Weiwei will debut a brand new sculptural installation on the divisive problem of baby formula in China –- a food safety scandal in the mainland has led to a controversial formula shortage in Hong Kong.

From May 17-26, the exhibition will be split across Para Site’s office in Sheung Wan, the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Exhibition Hall and a private apartment on 5/F, 30 Queen’s Street, Sheung Wan. Afterward, it will run at Para Site’s office until July 20.

Para-site; G/F, 4 Po Yan St., Sheung Wan, Hong Kong;+85 (0)2 2517 4620

Asia Contemporary Art Show

Luu Tuyen's "The Cover 3" is a 140x150 centimeter oil on canvas piece. Dates: May 23- 26

In the second edition of this fair focused on emerging artists, the rooms on the top four floors of the J.W. Marriott hotel will be taken over by 75 galleries from 17 countries.

Among the highlights are Shen Jindong’s quirky paintings of soldiers (Art Futures Group), the red-lipped girls of Attasit Pokpong (A Gallery) or the paintings of plastic-wrapped dolls by Luu Tuyen (Art House Vietnam).

Asian Contemporary Art Show; J.W. Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway; admission, HK$120 (VIP $240)

More on CNN: Do you care if your hotel has good art?

OI!

Date: May 22- August 18 (closed Mondays)

“Embark Beyond the Horizon” will kick off the opening of Oi!, a new government exhibition space renovated from a former yacht club.

Hong Kong’s Cédric Maridet, Tang Kwok-hin and Tsang Kin-wah and mainland China’s Yuan Gong have created site-specific works for the heritage building, based on the theme of the sea as a metaphor for transformation.

Oi!; 12 Oil St., North Point; admission is free

Asia Art Archive

Dates: May 23-25

The Asian contemporary art archive will host four talks exploring what “global” means in the context of art, with the keynote lecture by Delhi-based critic, author and curator Geeta Kapur.

It will also offer monthly talks until July on the development of Hong Kong art.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong; free admission; +85 (0)2 3111 9600

More on CNN: Chinese hotels open a new window on Chinese art

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Glamorous photos of '60s Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

hiufu — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:02 +0000

It was once the tallest building in Hong Kong, had a prime position by the harbor and was the only hotel in Asia with a bath in every guest room.

Half a century later, the 27-story Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong can no longer claim those titles, but it’s still one of the region's best hotels as well as a staple of the Hong Kong skyline since 1963.

To mark its 50th anniversary, the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is filling the year with celebrations of its chic 1960s style, including a photo exhibition featuring the hotel as it was in 1963.

The exhibition (select images in the gallery above) was launched last month at the Clipper Lounge, the hotel’s cafe.

Upcoming anniversary activities include a 10-course dinner at the hotel's gourmet restaurant, the Krug Room, with a menu by executive chef Uwe Opocensky recreating recipes from the 1960s.

In addition, a Golden Celebration Stay package promotion includes a bottle of champagne, $50 spa credit and other gifts for guests staying a minimum of two consecutive nights. Package rates start from HK$4,399 (US$567).

Art Basel at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

This year the hotel will also host the "Art Basel in Hong Kong" art exhibition.

Chosen as the official hotel of Art Basel Hong Kong, the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong will host the “Hong Kong Eye” exhibition at the Clipper Lounge. The show will feature some 20 local artists.

The fair will feature the “strongest-ever lineup anywhere in Asia to date” for Art Basel in Hong Kong, declares exhibition director Magnus Renfrew.

1963 dishes with a 21st-century twist in the Krug Room, until December 2013; +852 2825 4014 or email mohkg-krugroom@mohg.com for reservations.

Golden Celebration Stay package, from HK$4,399 (US$567) plus 10% service charge, includes breakfast, more.

Details for Art Basel Hong Kong (May 6-26) at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong here.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2522 0111

Bangkok nightlife: 9 best new bars

karlac1 — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Looking for a new watering hole? These Bangkok bars, clubs and live music venues will keep you out from afternoon to the small hours

Though fans of Bangkok nightlife have favorite pubs and clubs that have stood the test of time, the city's drinking scene continues to evolve.

Seemingly every month a quality Bangkok bar opens, promising world-class mixologists, top chefs and innovative spaces. All serving to remind us why it's worth braving Bangkok's evening traffic to get out and have a drink.

To help ease the pains of keeping up with the latest and greatest Bangkok bars, here's a look at nine of the top new venues to open in the last year.

Apoteka

Almost as fun as having free run of a pharmacy. This apothecary-themed joint is a relatively recent addition to Sukhumvit Soi 11’s ever-changing scene and it's already opened a second location on the city’s other nightlife thoroughfare, Soi Thong Lor.

The wrought iron railings, glass bottle displays and French doors that open to the street are vaguely reminiscent of New Orleans (at least the NOLA in your mind).

Unlike the other chic clubs, dives and bars on the same street, Apoteka keeps a focus on live music, local DJs and other live acts, notably some pretty good blues from Danny California Blues All Stars.

The drinks list at this Bangkok bar has concoctions with apothecary-esque potency, as well as imported craft beer.

The bar has recently launched a weekend rarity in Bangkok: a Sunday backyard grill event with live music, beer and artisanal hot dogs.

Apoteka, Sukhumvit Soi 11; BTS: Nana station; +66 (0)83 720 5586

More on CNN: World's best nightlife cities

Badmotel

Neither bad nor a motel, Badmotel plays up its derelict origins. Picture a super-contemporary, all-white art installation inspired by the derelict buildings of Bangkok and you have Badmotel in a nutshell.

Only it really is in a once-derelict, three-story building, now restored and freshly painted, but with many of its original flaws highlighted and preserved.

This Bangkok nightlife space has many zones. There's the front room, with a bar and dining tables, where Thai hipster youth eat high-end versions of Thai food and drink, like vodka infused with Thai herbs and fruits.

The tiled, leafy outdoor space in the back is a gem. An external staircase leads to a modest rooftop with its own small bar, so you don’t have to go back down for top-ups.

The bar has hosted edgy art openings, product launch parties and sets by visiting DJs. On a typical night, local DJs spin funk, electronica and some eclectic stuff.

Bad Motel, Soi Thong Lor between sub-sois 15 and 17; BTS: Thong L

Le Derriere

Le Derriere is Bangkok's only absinthe bar.If Ernest Hemingway weren’t perpetually broke during his Paris years, perhaps he’d have spent time at places like Le Derriere.

Located behind the popular Q Bar (you have to walk through it to get in), this lounge feels a lot like 1920s Paris, with a beautiful zinc bar, red velvet furniture, frilly hanging lamps, mirrors and beveled wall panels.

There’s a semi-outdoor space with decaying white walls for smokers (cigars available).

Booze-wise, the main attractions here are the champagne and absinthe -- when we last checked, the bar carried 17 varieties of the latter -- and the small food menu does French things like oysters by the dozen and cheese and cold cuts.

Le Derriere, Behind Q Bar, 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11; BTS: Nana; +66 (0)2 252 3274

More on CNN: Where to party: The complete guide to Bangkok nightlife

Grease

On the top floor of Grease, a small al fresco rooftop bar. The first floor is home to the unfortunately named "Any Winehouse." The location of this new nightclub is a bit unusual -- a residential neighborhood near Samitivej Hospital.

But thanks to owner and publishing heir Dan Hetrakul’s network and know-how, Grease is seeing a steady flow of well-heeled and savvy young Thais and expats who come for frequent DJ sets -- spinning everything from funk and hip hop to dubsteb and electro.

The multi-level shophouse offers a slightly different vibe on every floor.

The dancing happens on the third level, a low-ceilinged room covered in LED lights. To grab dinner and pre-game beforehand, there's the brightly lit, modular bar on the first floor, called Any Winehouse.

There’s a smaller bar on the rooftop.

Grease, 46/12 Sukhumvit 49 Road; BTS: Thonglor or Promphong; +66 (0)2 662 6120

Levels

Levels is Bangkok's newest high-end club. Levels is a nightclub similar to Sukhumvit Soi 11 mainstays Bed Supperclub and Q Bar.

Peripherally attached to Aloft Hotel, this high-end club is accessible by a separate set of elevators that lead to the sixth floor and an enormous, high-ceilinged room whose centerpiece is a circular, glowing bar with a jazzy LED chandelier overhead.

There are house-heavy DJs every night, with the occasional visiting big deal international act coming in. (For those shows, there's a cover charge.)

If you don’t like to dance, you can get a table at the mezzanine and look down on the crowds.

There’s a smaller club room for a tighter squeeze, as well as an outdoor terrace bar for a more laid-back evening and decent city views.

Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11; BTS: Nana; +66 (0)82 308 3246

Maggie Choo's

Like most of Ashley Sutton's Bangkok bars, you have to visit more than once to really appreciate all the details. It may be located in the basement of a hotel (accessed via a separate, dark entrance), but this speakeasy-esque bar with a Shanghai opium den vibe comes with the solid pedigree of nightlife mogul Ashley Sutton.

Sutton is behind several of the city’s time warp-inducing establishments, such as Iron Fairies and Fat Gutz.

At Maggie Choo’s, you get live jazz, leather armchairs, bank vaults and Queen Victoria busts juxtaposed with cocktails, tile work, latticework and heavy wooden doors. Beautiful women clad in cheongsams hang from swings and drape themselves across the bar.

Allegedly, there are secret passageways, too.

If you’re hungry, you can sit on stools at a round wooden table in a restaurant attached to the bar and gorge on decent Chinese egg noodles with duck. Maggie Choo's itself serves a selection of hors-d'oeuvres.

Maggie Choo's, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Road; +66 (0)2 635 6055

Moose

Moose serves nice Thai drinking food, like spicy salads and shellfish omelets. From the people who do Bangkok’s beloved Sonic and Cosmic Café, Moose is the latest stronghold of the local hipster scene.

The tastefully ramshackle space is tucked away at the end of Soi Ekamai, not far from another local favorite, Tuba, The decor is a mix of industrial touches, lots of wooden furniture and lovely hanging plants.

And yes, there’s a moosehead -- well, skull -- mounted over an exposed brick wall.

It’s not a dancey type of place, but there are regular live bands and DJ sets pretty much every night of the week. The daily happy hour, and a full-on Thai drinking food menu of spicy salads and shellfish omelets, mean that you can make a night of it.

Moose, 24 Ekamai Soi 21; BTS: Ekamai; +66 (0)2 108 9550

Opposite Mess Hall

Opposite Mess Hall is one of Bangkok's most anticipated new venues.While not officially open until May 25, Opposite Mess Hall (OMH) is one of the most talked-about and anticipated new venues in a long while, thanks to the cred lent by its previous iteration, Opposite, and the people behind it.

The cozy, second-floor, so-called “bar with food” is co-owned by Christopher Wise and Somrak Sila, of enduring WTF bar and gallery fame, and chef Jess Barnes, formerly of Quince.

Though the pair is transitioning from Opposite to OMH, they've promised to keep the poetry, storytelling, art and music events that have made the former space so renowned -- except with a steady drinks list and a rustic but exciting bar menu courtesy of the beloved chef.

Neither menu is finalized for the moment, but at a recent event, Barnes served steamed rice buns with pulled pork, homemade pickled vegetables and crostini topped with tuna tartar.

Oh, and we’re told that the kitchen will stay open till past midnight.

Opposite Mess Hall, 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51; BTS: Thonglor; +66 (0)2 662 6330

More on CNN: The rise of Bangkok's indie dining scene

Sonic

Sonic has already made a name for itself as one of Bangkok's top places for live indie music. Sonic is owned by the same people who do Moose and live music hot spot Cosmic Café.

With a giant white statue of a mustachioed hipster out front, Sonic positions itself as a dancing venue.

They've already hosted a number of local party series, such as the well attended Paradise Bangkok gigs and collectives like Trasher and Dudesweet.

Sonic has also hosted acts such as Skrillex and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. That doesn’t leave much room for a regular night, but on that rare occasion, you can buy an unpretentious drink and grab a table at the outdoor space, where resident DJs spins indie rock.

Frequent local bands perform, both on the main stage and in small party rooms.

Sonic, 90 Ekamai 63, between subsois 8 and 10; +66 (0)2 382 3397

More on CNN: Where to party: The complete guide to Bangkok nightlife

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Best London tea experiences

hiufu — Tue, 14 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Nothing wrong with a mug of builder's brew and a biscuit. But when you need a little extra, this city has you covered

Loading up on scones, cholesterol-heavy clotted cream and liters of tea is an English tradition that dates back to the days of Dickensian urchins and Queen Victoria.

But your average London tea experience can be a stuffy event, all ancient china and tedious rituals.

Thankfully, a string of new venues (plus a couple of old favorites) across the city, have turned London tea into a far more inviting, gluttonous treat.

Dean St Townhouse

Small enough to devour all six and still have room for dinner.

This is one of London’s hottest new hotels, run by the Soho House group.

Forget weak tea and piddly sandwiches. This London tea bargain served in the hotel’s classy dining room is all about hefty slices of Victoria sponge, colorful Battenberg and proper finger sandwiches that won’t leave you searching out the nearest Pret when you leave.

What makes it really stand out for us are the buttered crumpets. An English delight sorely lacking from the more mainstream teas out there, these should be obligatory eating for all London visitors.

Dean St. Townhouse, 69-71 Dean St.; £16.75 ($25.50) per person

The Orangerie at Kensington Palace

Great value for great quality London tea.

Afternoon tea in a proper English country garden, in London.

The tea might cost less than a tenner, but you get indulgent cakes, a huge selection of teas from around the world and the chance to sit on the terrace.

Pay an extra £6 ($9) and you’ll get a glass of champagne, too.

It’s far better value than the expensive, dressy London teas you’ll find in some of Mayfair’s fancier establishments and comes without waiters fawning over you.

If the weather’s bad (pretty likely), then the high white walls and stunning arches of the 18th-century building are just as good for spending a few hours in gluttonous glee.

The Orangerie at Kensington Palace, Kensington Palace Gardens; £9.95 ($15) per person

The Modern Pantry

Perfectly balanced between savory and sweet.

A perfect example of the unfussy, but lovingly prepared food that’s becoming increasingly available across London, The Modern Pantry’s afternoon tea is one of the finest you’ll find in the center of town.

The booze selection alone makes it worth a visit. There's a passionfruit Bellini and some worryingly easy-to-drink Prosecco to get you in the mood before a hefty serving of fruit scones and cakes made fresh every day.

Unlike its rivals, The Modern Pantry also offers savory treats on top of traditional sandwiches, such as cheese scones.

Coffee roasted at nearby Caravan, one of London’s growing breed of New York-style coffee joints, makes this an ideal option for those who don’t want the same old offerings that dominate most afternoon teas.

The Modern Pantry, 48 St. John’s Square, Clerkenwell; £20 ($30) with champagne, £15 without, per person

Le Chandelier

"Waiter, there's a ballerina in my scone."
You’ll need to schlep out to East Dulwich in deepest south London to get the full Le Chandelier experience. But the train ride, followed by a short hop on the bus, is worthwhile.

Le Chandelier’s afternoon tea offers buttery soft scones with the sweetest organic jam.

Instead of petit fours you get a pastry selection that'll leave you wishing you lived nearby so you could buy croissants daily. There’s a champagne option that will set you back £22.

Le Chandelier, 161 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich; £16 ($24.50) per person

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5 of the world's best kebab joints

karlac1 — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:01:02 +0000

Sorry. That little doner kebab place you hit on the way home from the pub didn't make the list

Kebabs: the food of ancient Ottoman emperors, Persian courts and, in recent times, inebriated persons.

In much of the Western world, particularly Europe, the kebab has become the must-have meal for all variety of people falling out of pubs and clubs between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

This couldn’t be further from the situation in the Middle East. Here, grilled meat served with salad and flatbread or rice is a meal for all the family.

Here’s where to find some of the world’s best kebabs.

1. Barbar in Beirut, Lebanon

Even at 5 a.m., Barbar's chefs smile while preparing chicken shawarma. Beirut is a cosmopolitan city where food standards are high.

When it comes to kebabs, Barbar is a Beirut institution. It’s a snack bar with branches throughout the city, but its flagship store is in trendy Hamra, where it takes up a whole block and overflows with customers night and day.

You can eat almost anything at Barbar and be happy, but the chicken shawarma is the tastiest pint-sized snack.

Marinated in spices including cardamom and cinnamon, the chicken is sliced off the rotating shawarma, laid in a piece of warm, fresh Lebanese bread with a smear of garlic paste and a pickle.

Barbar, Hamra, between Hamra main road and Emile Edde (leon) Street, Hamra, Beirut; +961 (0)1 747 721

More on CNN: 10 of the best bars in Beirut

2. Öz Asmaalti Kebap & Döner Salon in Adana, Turkey

Order a kebab in Adana and a variety of mezzes come free of charge. Looking for a town that's crazy about kebabs? Adana, in southern Turkey might be what you're craving.

Adana is famous for its spicy minced lamb kebab cooked on an iron skewer over an oak wood barbecue.

The kebab is brought to your table on flatbread that’s been collecting meat juices as it’s cooked. Charred tomato and pepper come alongside, as well as a tasty salad of onion, parsley and sumac.

To enjoy it like a local, you’ll need to crush the tomato and pepper with your fork, smear it onto some bread, add a little kebab, then top it with onion salad, roll it up and munch.

Öz Asmaalti Kebap & Döner Salon is the place for authentic Adana action.

Öz Asmaalti Kebap & Döner Salon, Kocavezir Mah, Pazarlar Cad. No:11, Kuruköprü, Seyhan, Adana; +90 (0)322 351 40 28

More on CNN: Turkey's best kebab restaurants

3. Nagí in Abu Ghosh, Israel

In Abu Ghosh, Nagí is a legend.In Israel, the kebab joint is one place where Jews and Arabs can agree on something: kebabs are good.

In the Arab village of Abu Ghosh, where residents became famous for their "hummus wars" with Lebanon, you’re guaranteed a plate of memorable meat.

At Nagí, chefs mix minced beef thigh with onion, parsley, pine nuts and a little fat before threading it onto an iron skewer.

It's cooked on a barbecue and served with rice or salad, a little pink on the inside.

Nagí, 4 Mahmoud Rashid St., Abu Ghosh; +972 (0)57 943 8242

4. Santorini and Kolonaki, Greece

Friendly service isn't on the Souvlaki Stop menu. But it's easy to overlook the attitude given this irresistible monster is only 2 euros. The Greek island of Santorini is a place where all kinds of dreams come true -- especially kebab dreams. All across the island you can pick up snack-sized gyros for bargain prices.

Pork gyros is a favorite early lunch. The crispy outer layer of the gyros is shaved onto a warm pita, topped with tomato, a little onion and some creamy, sharp tzatziki. It’s presented with paprika-sprinkled fries sticking out the top.

The Souvlaki Stop on the Kamari Beach Promenade makes particularly good pork gyros.

The same goes for the souvlaki at Kalamaki Kolonaki in Athens. Halfway up the hill toward Mount Lycabettus, this charming little taverna has mastered the art of making street food look smart.

It's the kind of place where you can order a few chicken souvlaki and a potato salad and wait for everything good about Greece to come to you on a plate.

Kalamaki Kolonaki, Patriarchou Ioakim and Ploutarcho 32, Kolonaki, Athens; +30 (0)210 7218800

5. Salva Restaurant in Bijar, Iran

Failing an invitation from a local, Salva Restaurant's kabab-e koobideh can't be beat. If you’ve been to Iran, you’ve likely eaten kebabs. In fact, that may be all you’ve eaten, such is the ubiquity of kababis, or kebab houses.

But never say you’re tired of Iranian food until you’ve been to Bijar, a town famed throughout the country for its succulent kebabs.

Kabab-e koobideh is minced lamb or beef, marinated in onion juices, spices and saffron. The meat is molded onto flat iron skewers, cooked over a fiery charcoal barbecue and served on top a mass of rice with a dollop of butter.

The side dishes make it magic. Raw onion, charred tomato, beetroot and even kiwi fruit must be eaten with the kebab to balance the meal, according to ancient Persian philosophy.

Being Iran, there’s every possibility that a stranger in the street might invite you to their home for dinner, in which case, you should say yes. Failing that, try Salva Restaurant.

Salva Restaurant, Shohada Street, Bijar; +98 (0)872 423 7331

More on CNN: World's 50 most delicious foods

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Gallery: 5 guided Costa Rica rainforest adventures

jasonkwok — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Costa Rica -- home of the three-toed sloth, spider monkeys, fer-de-lance snakes, 894 types of birds and a half million more plant/bird/mammal species.

With 4% of the entire world’s biodiversity packed into a small territory, it’s only natural that Costa Rica trips gear toward seeing as much of the country’s biodiversity as possible.

Thanks to a government that's historically been hyper-sensitive to environmental sustainability (Costa Rica aims to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021) and a year-round tropical climate, Costa Rica is the preeminent eco-travel destination on the planet.

But visitors shouldn’t expect to see howler monkeys or furry cowatees at every turn -- on their own, anyway.

Even the most independent travelers will admit that a trained guide can be one of the most important elements of a Costa Rica trip.

Through rainforests, “cloud forests,” rivers and dives, these five Costa Rica activities are better with a guide.

1. Rainforest walks

The best way to experience a rainforest? Go for a walk among its spectacularly high treetops.

After biologists discovered that approximately 90% of all rainforest organisms live in the treetop canopy, they built suspension bridges to explore and study the complex ecosystems up high.

The Sky Walk offers guided two- to three-hour tours on six different suspension bridges at Monteverde, a small town in Puntarenas known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Costa Rica. National Geographic dubbed it “the jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves."

Spanning canyons and drainages, the bridges can take up to 12 people at one time.

The boardwalk at Cinco Ceibas is Costa Rica’s newest attraction. The private reserve and adventure park is three hours north of San Jose and offers an interesting perspective of the rainforest basin.

The reserve has an extraordinary mile-long wooden boardwalk and personable guides who explain the details behind the green cathedrals of life. The guides also serve another useful purpose: protecting visitors from deadly insects and venomous snakes, such as the fer-de-lance.

2. Diving off Cano Island

Approximately an hour's boat ride from Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast, Cano Island is a tantalizing destination, especially since most of it is off-limits to visitors.

Only a tiny section of beach and a handful of dive sites are open on the protected island, which means it’s also home to some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs and best diving.

Rapidly changing currents bring in an abundance of big fish (sharks, rays, large grouper), but it takes experienced dive masters to point out the more elusive moray eel, tiger snake, puffer fish and sea anemones.

The dive center at the Jinetes de Osa Hotel leads various dive trips; 506 2231 5806 (in Costa Rica), 866 553 7073 (in United States)

3. Birding at Corcovado National Park

A pocket of untouched beauty, Corcovado National Park in Drake Bay is described by National Geographic as the “most biologically intense place on earth.”

Guides can help spot many of the recorded 894 species of colorful birds hidden throughout the dense treetops and shrubbery.

They also provide expensive telescopes.

Reservations with the park’s administration must be made at least one month in advance. Official reservation confirmation is required by guards at various stations throughout the park.

Corcovado National Park, Edificio de ACOSA, frente al aeropuerto de Puerto Jimenez, Peninsula de OSA, Costa Rica; +506 2 735 5036

4. Kayaking

Costa Rica has no shortage of raging whitewater rapids and deep rainforest canyons to paddle.

Water temperatures stay around 21-24 C (70-75 F) year-round, even in the rainy season (May-November), so it's never a bad time to pop into the water for a swim.

Multi-day rafting trips are highlighted by intense hikes and camping, with pit stops for fruit picking, photo ops and rope swings.

Rafting guides are a must. Not only do they know where to go, what fruit to eat and necessary safety measures, they're good for pointing out sloths, toucans and other creatures above.

Costa Rica Descents offers a number of raft trips, from day trips to longer excursions.

5. Horseback riding

Horses have long been an integral part of Costa Rican culture.

With many cattle ranches that have been breeding their own horses for generations, Guanacaste (one of the first areas conquered by the Spanish) has a pronounced cowboy culture.

Throughout the rest of the country, locals often use horses as transportation and hold frequent horse parades to show off the best animals and riders.

Horseback riding is a popular, inexpensive and low-impact way to explore the country, from riding on the sandy beaches of Puerto Viejo de Limon to galloping along the stunning Lake Route from Arenal to Monteverde.

A variety of guided tours to suit any level can be booked through Anywhere Costa Rica.

More on CNN: Living large in Costa Rica

World’s sexiest nationalities: America votes

Guessy1 — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:01 +0000

New survey by travel dating site picks out the world’s sexiest men and women

Travelers looking for eye candy on holiday can forget about Asia, Africa, Australasia and any of the Pacific islands.

A survey voted on by Americans has picked out British men and Colombian women as the world’s sexiest, with the top 10 nations on each list dominated by Europe and South America.

More on CNN: World's coolest nationalities: Where do you rank?

British men will be applauding Misstravel.com for finally putting some science behind what they’ve been proclaiming about themselves ever since Roger Moore strapped on a leather holster and destroyed female inhibition with a single eyebrow.

Others may be wondering how any man who goes lobster-red after five minutes in the sun while struggling to suppress his pendulous beer gut can still exude the kind of confidence normally reserved for athletes, Hollywood extras and Colombian women.

Colombian women, of course, have rightfully been heralded in the number one spot. We’re all much safer that way.

Sexiest of all. Of greater note perhaps are the also-rans. Irish men were voted second sexiest by the nearly 31,000 women who were polled. Brazilians came third, Swedes fourth and their fellow Americans fifth.

Italian men will be distraught at failing to make the list. Feel free to gesticulate wildly in the comments box below.

After Colombian women, the 13,000 American men voted for Brazilians in second spot, then Americans, Spanish and Russians.

Misstravel.com calls itself an “online dating site for travelers.” It hooks up wealthy frequent flyers with poor but attractive travel wannabes.

“We match generous travelers who hate to travel alone with attractive travelers who would love the opportunity to travel the world for free,” its website says.

This unabashed travel-for-companionship business model (it has an entire page dedicated to warding off escorts), does then offer a silver lining to any nationalities not represented in the survey: get rich, then you too can become “attractive.”

Also on CNN: World's 12 sexiest accents

Sexiest men according to American women

1. British
2. Irish
3. Brazilian
4. Swedish
5. American
6. Spanish
7. Scottish
8. French
9. Greek
10. Puerto Rican

Sexiest women according to American men

1. Colombian
2. Brazilian
3. American
4. Spanish
5. Russian
6. Dutch
7. French
8. Bulgarian
9. Swedish
10. Italian

Which nationalities do you think are sexiest? Tell us below

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Monstrous, big-breasted 'Skywhale' takes to the skies in Canberra

francescha — Fri, 10 May 2013 06:00:12 +0000

It looks like something out of “Spirited Away” or maybe “Where the Wild Things Are.”

The Skywhale is a 34-meter-long, 23-meter-high (that's 112 feet by 12 feet) bizarrely imaginative hot air balloon created by Australian sculptor Patricia Piccinini. The floating leviathan was commissioned by the city of Canberra as part of its 2013 centenary celebrations.

It took 16 people seven months, 3.5 kilometers of fabric and 3.3 million stitches to make the half-ton floating sculpture, which can hold a pilot and two passengers and fly to an altitude of 914 meters (3,000 feet).

Of all the exhibitions, performances and events in the year-long birthday celebrations, the Skywhale marks the largest commission made by the government unit in charge of the program.

“(Piccinini's) highly imaginative work invites us every time to think about the human condition, and it was this relationship with the very concept of ‘life on earth’ that made me think of her,” said centenary creative director Robyn Archer in a statement explaining the decision to commission Piccinini.

The total cost was A$172,000 (US$173,000), A$50,000 of which was donated by the Aranday Foundation.

Reception

Response to the Skywhale has been varied, from anger over its cost to appreciation of its unique qualities. The government opposition party has criticized the commission for overspending.

“(Spending) $170,000 on a whale-shaped hot air balloon -- incredible,” said opposition leader Jeremy Hanson, as reported by ABC News.

Responses on social media have varied.

“There are people in poverty in Australia, and Canberra spends $170,000 on a balloon that looks like a whale with a deformed scrotum?” tweeted Carly Haigh.

Others find the design intriguing.

“Nightmarish but strangely tender, with an overabundance of sexual references,” tweeted Gerard Atkinson.

The sexual references likely pertain to the sculpture's large breasts, which are meant to reflect that whales are mammals and breastfeed their young, said the artist in the ABC report.

Others find the Skywhale a potential reason to travel.

“Thinking of booking a trip to Canberra just so I can see the skywhale” tweeted Simon Copland.

Scheduled for a symbolic flight over Canberra on Monday, the Skywhale will then be trotted out at galleries and festivals throughout Australia, before being sent to other countries on tour.

More on CNN: Hong Kong's giant rubber duck

10 anti-tech getaways: Best places to escape the wired world

francescha — Fri, 10 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Bye bye Facebook, Twitter, email. At these isolated resorts, guests are forced to wing it unplugged

With tablets linked to sleep disorders and media multitasking habits frying our brains into unproductivity, vacations should provide a break from tech addiction.

Many hotels cater to society’s digital obsession, outfitting every inch of their estates with the latest gadgets and high-tech room controls. But others offer the opposite -- an unplugged hideaway far from any blinking screens.

Unplugged doesn’t mean a cabin in the wild with no running water or toilets however -- these unwired stays offer a great mix of modern comforts and old-fashioned activities.

1. Fairmont Kenauk, Le Chateau Montebello, Quebec

The only blackberries at this Canadian wilderness luxury retreat are growing on bushes.

The log cabin chalets at the Fairmont Kenauk are completely off the grid -- as in, there's no electricity. Instead, solar panels run the high efficiency fridge, fully equipped kitchen and water pump.

There’s also no cell reception or TV -- just a two-way radio for emergencies. Encounters with grizzlies, for example.

Other on-site activities: hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking and shooting at a sporting range.

Fairmont Kenauk,1000 Chemin Kenauk Montebello, Quebec; +1 819 423 5573; rooms from $219 per night

2. Casa de las Olas, Tulum, Mexico

No air-con -- just ocean breeze.

Located 80 miles south of Cancun, this five-suite oceanfront Mexican villa is rehab for gadget addicts.

Electronics, blow dryers and curling irons (anything with a plug, really) must be checked at the door of this eco-conscious and 100% solar-powered property.

There’s limited Wi-Fi in the common area for the weak-minded who simply can’t go cold turkey, but there are no televisions, phones or air-conditioning.

Guests get their own private beach and can explore caves, fresh water springs and the world’s second largest coral reef.

Casa de las Olas, Tulum Beach Road, Solidaridad, Tulum, Mexico; rooms from $180 per night

3. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Talking on cell phones in public is not allowed.

Guest rooms (aka “sanctuaries”) at this hillside Caribbean resort are entirely missing a fourth wall -- which translates to incredible unobstructed views of St. Lucia’s Pitons and the sea.

There are no clocks, phones, Internet or TV. What they do have are private infinity pools.

And to drive the anti-tech theme home, talking on cell phones in public is not allowed.

Jade Mountain, 100 Anse Chastanet Road, Soufriere, St. Lucia; +1 800 223 1108; rooms from $1,075 per night

4. Amankora, Kingdom of Bhutan

Digital detox in Bhutan: Just do what the Buddhists do.

Spread across forested valleys in the secluded Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan are Amankora’s circuit of five lodges.

The luxury accommodations offer tranquility in the form of a spa, limited (if any) cell and Internet service and no TVs.

Further digital detox can be found in the form of Buddhist activities: spiritual hikes, visits to ancient monasteries, prayers with monks and meditation.

Amankora, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang, Kingdom of Bhutan, +<975 8 272 333; rooms from $775 per person all inclusive

5. Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

There won’t be any sharing pics on Facebook here.

Getting to this isolated Gobi desert camp is a bit complicated -- a chartered flight followed by a one-hour prop plane followed by an hour-and-a-half drive, but once at the camp, the wired world can be quickly forgotten.

Sheltered by a 54-million-year-old Mt. Bulagtai volcanic outcrop, 50 luxurious gers (traditional nomadic tents) stand powered solely by the wind and sun.

The typical activity here are wild adventures such as birding expeditions and dinosaur fossil excavations.

There’s no Internet, TV or cell service -- just a satellite phone and backup generator (primarily used to keep the beer in the fridge cold).

Three Camel Lodge, Mt. Bulagtai, Bulgan County, Umno-Gobi Province, Mongolia; +976 11 325786; rooms from $180 per night

6. andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

Wi-Fi is only available in the common area.

This private island lodge off the coast of Zanzibar is a digital-free haven with white-sand beaches, diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and private beach dinners.

There are no TVs in the bandas (thatched houses), just old-fashioned entertainment in the small library in the form of board games, books and magazines.

andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar; +27 11 809 4314; rooms from $790 per person

7. Travaasa Hana, Maui

Private porches come equipped with hot tubs and insane Pacific vistas.

This Hawaiian hideaway is located on the less touristy side of Maui, in the rural community of Hāna amidst green hills and palm trees.

The Sea Ranch cottages are free from radios, clocks, Internet and TVs and each comes with beautiful lanais -- covered porches that function as outdoor living rooms.

What to do with all that time and no Internet distraction? The resort offers hula dancing, lei-making or ukulele lessons.

Travaasa Hana, Maui, 5031 Hana Hwy, Hana, Hawaii;+1 808 359 2401; rooms from $375 per night

8. Greyfield Inn, Cumberland Island, Georgia

There are 18 miles of empty beaches and one giant mansion on this island.

This land-protected retreat off Georgia’s mainland is as undeveloped and free from crowds as it is unplugged from social media.

With limited access to reach this private island (the only way in is via ferry), guests at the Greyfield Inn’s four-story, 16-room, early 20th century mansion have the whole island to themselves. That’s 18 miles of wide empty beaches to explore.

The only connection to the outside world is just one on-site radiophone for emergencies.

Greyfield Inn, Cumberland Island, Georgia; +1 904 261 6408; rooms from $425 per night all inclusive

9. Arkaba Station, Australia

Backdrop for a period piece.

Australia’s Flinders Ranges offers a unique 19th century, gadget-cleansing experience.

Set on a 60,000-acre working sheep ranch with awe-inspiring outback scenery, this elegant five-bedroom, 1850s homestead holds on to its past with thick stonewalls, claw foot tubs and corrugated roofing.

Keeping with the period feel, there's no TV, phone, Internet connection or mini-bar in-room. Instead, amenities include a nightly carafe of rainwater, Australian bird book and binoculars for spotting wildlife.

Arkaba Station, Flinders Ranges National Park, Hawker, South Australia; +61 8 8648 4195; rooms from $790 per person all inclusive

10. Turtle Island Resort, Fiji

With this much sun, it's not hard to go 100% solar powered on Turtle Island.

This South Pacific island paradise goes au natural from technology.

Not only did the resort recently complete a groundbreaking solar installation, making it nearly 100% solar-powered, its “bures” or guest villas are free from radios, TVs, Wi-Fi and phones to the outside world.

The resort takes just 14 couples at a time. Isolationist duos can live out their “Blue Lagoon” fantasies (yep, this is the setting for the film) at the private white-sand beaches with sunrise horseback rides and twosome hammocks.

In the evening, the Fijian staff sing beautiful local tunes for guests’ entertainment.

Turtle Island, Yasawa Islands, Fiji; +1 877 288 7853; rooms from $2,499 per night all inclusive

More on CNN: World's best coastal resorts, by continent

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South Korea's No. 1 national treasure reopens after five years

francescha — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Seoul's 600-year-old Great Southern Gate burned to the ground in an arson attack. A $23 million makeover has brought it back to life

After a massive, five-year restoration project involving 35,000 workers, scientists, historians and artisans, Sungnyemun, Korea’s top-ranked national treasure, finally reopened to the public this week.

Commonly known as Namdaemun or the Great South Gate, Sungnyemun is considered the most important historical and cultural treasure in South Korea for its 600-year-old history as well as its symbolic role as protector of the king and capital, which was why it was given the official title of the number one national treasure by the government's Cultural Heritage Administration.

Following a Buddhist ritual known as cheondo, meant to rid the building of bad luck, the May 4 celebration was marked by a military band parade, music, dancing, prayer ceremonies and free admission to all four royal palaces in Seoul.

After an arsonist set fire to Sungnyemun in February 2008, the country watched their TV screens in horror at images of the 600-year-old icon blazing into the night. The building finally collapsing into itself, despite the frantic work of more than 300 firefighters.

The fire began at 9 p.m. on February 10, 2008, and blazed until 2 a.m. The fire headlined local media for weeks as the nation mourned the destruction.

As shocking was the realization that the landmark had little security to protect it from the arson attempts of a 69-year-old man, who reportedly explained his actions by saying he hadn't been paid enough for land he'd sold to a development company.

Number one treasure

Erected in 1398, the tiled and painted gate was Seoul’s oldest building, having withstood numerous Chinese and Japanese invasions.

Located next to the largest traditional market in South Korea, Namdaemun originally served as an entrance to the walled capital city. In recent decades it became a popular tourist attraction.

Following the fire, the first floor remained 90% intact, while the second floor was 90% demolished. The five-year restoration, which cost ₩24.5 billion ($23 million), became a heartfelt nationwide effort, with individuals donating pine wood and others privately raising funds.

“A number of things were changed about the gate in the restoration -- we reverted back to how it was before the Japanese changed it during the occupation,” a member of the restoration team told CNN.

“The stairways were widened to the size they were before the occupation, and, of course, we also focused a great deal on fire resistance."

The five-year, $23 million restoration project involved 35,000 people. Despite the landmark being restored to its former appearance, Koreans have not yet forgotten their sense of loss and anger at the devastation of the arsonist's work.

“It’s still heartbreaking and embarrassing that we allowed our number one national treasure to get burned up,” said So Hyun Lee, 24, an office worker who works across the street from Namdaemun.

“All the restoration work in the world can’t make it what it was before.”

Sungnyemun, Namdaemun-ro 4-ga 29, Jung-gu, Seoul; open Tuesdays-Sundays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mondays; upper story tours available every weekend. In honor of the reopening, the gate’s opening hours have been extended until 7 p.m. every evening in May.

More on CNN: Seoul's architectural wonders

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Look, but don't stare! Hanging out with Kyoto's macaques

karlac1 — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, have earned celebrity status for their wintery antics.

When the cold weather hits, the adorable red-faced primates love nothing more than to warm up with a dip in the hot springs, an incredible photo op what with all that snow and the ice that forms on their fur.

But you don't have to brave the cold to get cool snaps of the Japan's snow monkeys in action. Just ask CNN iReporter Matt Swinden, who took the above photos during his recent trip to Japan.

Gallery: Gratuitous photos of monkeys in hot springs

"If traveling to the western suburbs of Kyoto, you must visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park on the slopes of Mount Arashiyama, where you can spend a good part of the day just hanging out with the monkeys and enjoying the view of Arashiyama and Kyoto," says Swinden.

"After hiking for 30 minutes up the slopes of Mount Arashiyama, you will come to an area where the 170 or so monkeys run free and you can buy food to feed them. While feeding the monkeys, the humans are in the cage and the monkeys are on the outside."

The park is located on the bank of the Oi River, which flows through the Arashiyama area. It's inhabited by a troop of more than 150 wild monkeys.

After feeding the monkeys, Swinden recommends heading outside to sit and enjoy the view of Kyoto and watch the monkeys.

"Walk further past the feeding building up the hill and you'll find an area where the 'kids' hang out and play," he says.

Swinden says visitors can feed the monkeys through the fence, but aren't allowed to touch them. Also, visitors are directed to not look the monkeys directly in the eye, as they view this as a sign of aggression.

Iwatayama Monkey Park, 8 Arashiyama Genrokuyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Gallery: India’s traveling ‘talkies,’ a dying cinematic icon

karlac1 — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:32:44 +0000

As Bollywood divas gyrate to a raunchy dance number, hollow giggles can be heard coming from a group of elderly men huddled together.

Children exchange smiles as a roar of excitement erupts from a group of young men.

It's a common scene inside India's famed touring “talkie” tents -- temporary cinemas pitched on large, dusty festival grounds.

I recently spent a month traveling across the Indian state of Maharashtra -- the birthplace of Bollywood -- on a battered green truck assembled from parts found in various garages.

But it’s not the truck's appearance that's noteworthy. It's what's inside that transports villagers to the glitzy world of Indian cinema, which this month celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Plastered with movie posters, the truck has been fitted with two 1930s-era projectors, perched parallel to one other. Canisters of 35mm film are scattered around the floor.

Pilgrims, visitors and local villagers look forward to these annual talkie visits -- it's the closest many will ever get to an actual cinema.

An array of movies are shown, including the latest Bollywood hits, regional and religious films and even Hollywood blockbusters dubbed in Hindi or Marathi.

Dying cinematic experience

Once an integral part of the state of Maharashtra's rural village culture and a common fixture at religious fairs (jatras), the traveling talkie industry is today on the brink of collapse.

"The concept of watching movies in a tent no longer appeals to audiences in the drought-ridden state’s villages," said a recent article on the website Bollywood Life. "(People) prefer cable TV or DVDs at home."

Though opportunities to view a movie in a rural Indian tent are becoming rare, travelers can still visit Maharashtra's jatras for a taste of this dying cinematic experience.

These include festivals in villages such as Deulgaon Raja, not far from the city of Aurangabad; Shikhar Shingnapur in southwest Maharashtra; and Pusegaon in Maharashtra's Satara district.

Those heading to this month's Cannes Film Festival can check out the next best thing. Among scheduled screenings is the new release, "Bombay Talkies," produced in honor of Bollywood's 100 years in film.

The movie features four short stories by four Indian filmmakers -- Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee.

More on CNN: How to become a Bollywood extra

CNNGo TV in Chengdu: More than pandas and spicy food

hiufu — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Rabbit head snacks, panda cuteness or the latest in contemporary Chinese rock, Chengdu offers an eclectic variety of visit-worthy scenes

Chengdu: The mecca of spicy food
Ancient Chinese street offers relaxation
Chengdu's monastery food haven

CNNGo TV this month heads to Chengdu in China, Sichuan province's capital, to seek out the coolest attractions in the city.

From the beloved hot pot skewers to Sichuan's notorious tongue-numbing pepper to snacking on rabbit head along Jinli Street, the city's food culture is one of China's most celebrated.

But did you know about the face-changing opera? The hip music scene?

And yes, we couldn't forget those cuddly, bubbly pandas.

Yulin Chuan Chuan Xiang

Skewer, boil, eat, repeat.

Yulin Chuan Chuan Xiang is Chengdu’s most popular hot pot restaurant.

Chuan Chuan Xiang has a unique way of eating hot pot in Sichuan. Diners boil all the food -- from pork to chicken offal to dumplings -- on a bamboo skewer.

58 Yulin Street, Sichuan

Shu Feng Ya Yun

Birth place of Sichuanese opera.

Shu Feng Ya Yun, a famous Sichuanese opera house, brings one of the best Sichuanese opera experiences to the stage.

In addition to Sichuanese opera, the theater also performs "face-changing shows," where performers wear and dramatically change a variety of masks depending on the character's mood.

It also performs fire and puppetry shows.

108 Qintai Rd., Chengdu, Sichuan; +86 28 8611 1025

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

World's cutest tourism ambassador.

The biggest stars in Chengdu are undoubtedly the giant pandas, who reside at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

The facility is home to more than 80% of the world's giant pandas and as well as undertaking research and conservation, offers educational tours.

26 Panda Rd., Northern Suburb, Chengdu, Sichuan, www.panda.org.cn

Little Bar

Little Bar hosts the best rock shows in town.

Chengdu's home to rock and alternative music.

The bar regularly throws gigs by local as well as international bands.

1F, Yulin Shang Wu Gang, 87 Fang Qin Rd., Chengdu, Sichuan, +86 28 8556 8552

Jinli Street aka Snack Street

For all your rabbit head cravings.

CNNGo TV met up with Chinese singer Yu Kewei to sample local snacks on Jinli Street, also known as snack street.

Travelers can brave local treats like rabbit's head here.

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Abu Dhabi Airport debuts futuristic sleeping pods

francescha — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

GoSleep pods convert to beds and will store luggage and charge phones

Call it the next iteration of the capsule hotel.

Abu Dhabi International Airport -- dubbed the best airport in the Middle East by Airport Council International (ACI) in April -- introduced the world’s first GoSleep sleeping pods this week.

For 45 dirhams ($12.25) an hour, sleep-deprived travelers can curl up in their own Finnish-designed cocoon.

The futuristic-looking chairs can convert into a bed and shut out the rest of the world with a sliding shade.

While there are certainly more fashionable pod designs out there, these are pretty cool for an airport.

Currently two pods have been installed in the Al Dhabi Lounge in Terminal 1 while eight have been set up at a Terminal 3 boarding gate, with 35 more pods on order. All pods are currently free for passengers as they are in the soft launch phase.

"We've tested them before and the feedback was very good," an airport representative told CNN. "We'll be collecting more feedback this week since we only began operating them today."

The technology-obsessed airport is already thinking about the next upgrade for the pods: the chairs will soon be equipped with Internet, luggage storage and outlets for charging electronic devices.

May we also suggest a massage function?

More on CNN: China’s first capsule hotel opens in Xi-an

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