Chinesewhispers the Latest Travel News and Inspiration from Wendy Wu Tours

NOVEMBER 2016 CHINESEWHISPERS THE LATEST TRAVEL NEWS AND INSPIRATION FROM WENDY WU TOURS

WALK ON A TASTE OF ASIA With top Asian chef, THE WILD SIDE Jeremy Pang On our new Worldwide tours

UNDISCOVERED INTRODUCING CHINA INDIA Learn about China’s A first timer’s guide most ancient province

HEAD TO HEAD THE BIG Group touring VS INTERVIEW tailormade travel With TV’s Andrew Castle A MESSAGE IN THIS ISSUE...

FROM WENDY FALL FOR THE BIG WHAT, VIETNAM INTERVIEW WHERE, WHEN? Page 7 Pages 16-17 Pages 28-29 We interview former UK We tell you why Vietnam Find out the best times to Number One tennis player and travel to your destination should be on everyone’s broadcaster, Andrew Castle of choice. travel list. about his travel experiences.

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE A TASTE INTRODUCING Pages 14-15 OF ASIA INDIA

Find out more about our new Pages 26-27 Pages 30-31 destinations – Costa Rica, With expert Asian chef, A first timer’s guide Galápagos Islands, Namibia Jeremy Pang. to India. Welcome to our latest issue of Chinese Whispers, filled with inspiring and South Africa. travel articles, tour ideas and the latest news at Wendy Wu Tours. With the nights drawing in and Christmas decorations already in the shops, next year will be here before we know it! And looking to the year ahead, we’ve been working hard to give you even more choice for your 2017 holiday – with even more destinations and tours to choose from, we’re certain there’s a tour to spark your interest. If you’re still considering ‘when to go’ to your destination of choice, take a look at pages 28-29 and you’ll find our recommendations. To give you a taster of what’s in store, we’ve branched out to even more corners of the world, including Namibia, Costa Rica, the Galápagos Islands, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand – all destinations that you, our valued customers have told us are on your travel lists. Plus, now with dedicated brochures for Japan and India too, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Turnover and you’ll find out even more! You’ll also come across many of our favourite features, including The Big Interview with broadcaster, Andrew Castle, Customer Corner, Undiscovered China and Head to Head, plus don’t miss out on our exclusive 2 for 1 offer. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and we look forward to welcoming you on a Wendy Wu holiday soon.

Best wishes, TRAVEL TALES Page 33

We share first-hand Wendy Wu, experiences of two of Owner & Founder, Wendy Wu Tours our more active China Discovery tours.

Cover image: Indian sadhu, Rajasthan

|2| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |3| MORE TOURS A NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER: TO CHOOSE FROM! For 2017-2018 we’ve introduced some really WHAT’S NEW? exciting new products which we hope you will love STOPOVER IN as much as we do! OUR EXPERTS BRING YOU THE LATEST NEWS FROM WENDY WU TOURS Firstly, Japan… CAMBODIA OR With our brand new Japan brochure comes two new Japan tours – one active HONG KONG EVEN MORE Discovery tour and one Exclusive Collection tour for those looking for a bit of DESTINATIONS added luxury. ‘Trails of Japan’, BEYOND ASIA the Discovery tour, features FOR FREE! a hike around the base of Due to popular demand, our 2 for 1 offers After 20 years of leading thousands of Mt Fuji, the chance to chant with Buddhist monks and visit a Robot Restaurant. The Exclusive have returned! people through the wonders of Asia, Collection tour, ‘The Golden Route’, includes a sushi making Why visit just one iconic destination when you can visit it’s time to start exploring the rest experience, the art of Zen meditation and a Maiko performance. of the world Wendy’s way! After the Certain departures on both tours also include tickets to see two in one trip? If Vietnam is next on your travel list, we’re success of Grand Tour of South Africa sumo wrestling! currently offering you the chance to add on a 3 day stopover in Cambodia, visiting the breathtaking Temples of Angkor. and Best of South America, we’ve Secondly, India… introduced a host of new worldwide Or perhaps it’s China or Burma that you want to visit next? Bringing back a dedicated If so, we’ll fly you to Hong Kong for 3 days for no extra cost! destinations. Now you can explore the India brochure means there’s Galápagos Islands, Patagonia, now a wider range of India Both free stopovers include accommodation, breakfast, Costa Rica, Namibia, Russia, Australia and Sri Lanka tours. Two of touring and flights with award-winning Cathay Pacific. and New Zealand in true Wendy Wu which are ‘Himalayan Heritage Trail’ which traverses the style. So that’s all of our expertise, northern foothills of the mighty incredible value, authentic, pioneering Himalaya, whilst ‘Enticing India’ touring and world-class guiding. journeys through northern India, delving deep into Rajasthan plus To find out more visit incomparable Varanasi. wendywutours.co.uk/worldwide And not forgetting that we have even more China and Southeast Asia tours and of course all of our brand new Worldwide Tours! To find out about our full range of tours, visit wendywutours.co.uk

MEET THE WENDY WU EXPERTS Early next year, the Wendy Wu Tours team will be attending three travel shows to provide you with expert travel advice and inspiration for your upcoming adventures! Come and see us at any of the following shows: A WIDER CHOICE The Telegraph Travel Show: 13 to 15 Jan OF BROCHURES The Adventure Travel Show: 21 to 22 Jan Destinations Travel Show: 2 to 5 Feb This offer is only available until Alongside our usual exciting offerings, this year three new brochures have joined the Wendy Wu portfolio. Japan has become so We’re providing discounted tickets 30 Nov, so make sure you don’t miss out! popular that we decided only a dedicated brochure would do, whilst our India tours have got us so excited that it only seemed right to let especially for our customers, so do drop them have their own brochure as well. Last but certainly not least is our brand new Worldwide offering with a selection by and say hello. of wonderful tours to Latin America, Africa, Russia and Australasia. Wendy Wu is taking over the world! See wendywutours.co.uk/2for1 for more details and full terms & conditions. Order your free brochures at wendywutours.co.uk Claim your tickets and find out more at wendywutours.co.uk/shows

Recommendations Our star YOUR LOYALTY MATTERS and reviews are really letter wins As a thank you for your loyalty, there important to us here at a gourmet are a series of rewards for your valued Wendy Wu Tours – and STAR LETTER hamper! custom with Wendy Wu Tours: we always enjoy hearing Every aspect of the service from booking about your stories from FALL FOR your trips with us. the trip, to the flights, hotels and touring was excellent. The hotels were far better than we anticipated There are many ways as was the transport. We particularly enjoyed eating in which you can tell at different restaurants for lunch and dinner – some VIETNAM us about your SAVE £100pp when you book your second great meals were had. We gained a wonderful Vietnam has all the things needed to make one fantastic experiences. So tour with us. Just quote ‘loyalty discount’ why not get in touch understanding of Vietnamese culture and were able at the time of booking. travel destination. Turning its back on a turbulent past, it is a via social media, to see some beautiful sights, including Halong Bay country very much on the up, attracting traveller Trip Advisor, email, which was a highlight. All in all a 5 experience. after traveller with a combination of unique heritage, enchanting feefo or even John Rhodes, natural scenery and a seriously delicious cuisine. by sending us a traditional letter! travelled on our Vietnam Panorama What more could you ask for? tour, via feefo SAVE £200pp if you book another tour with us within 4 weeks of returning home. Just quote ‘welcome home’ at the time of booking. We couldn’t fault our holiday at all. Jason in particular made the holiday for us; he was a truly exceptional guide who I had a wonderful time on the Dreams couldn’t do any more for us. of Nature tour. It was my second The sights too were incredible. Wendy Wu tour to China and was We saw it all from the Great equally as good as the first. Eileen, our SAVE £250pp become a Wendy Wu Tours Wall, the Yangtze, pandas local guide looked after us brilliantly VIP when you book three or more tours. Just and the city of Lhasa. We and everyone in the group got on like quote ‘VIP’ at the time of booking. enjoyed every minute and the a house on fire. The walks were one organisation was excellent. of the highlights, even if the humidity We’ll be booking another was a challenge at times, it was worth holiday with Wendy Wu. every drop of sweat as the scenery was just incredible! Christine and William Yates, CULTURE to the magnificence of Halong Bay’s karst colonial past in several tasty mouthfuls travelled on our China Audrey Dickinson, travelled on our towers, to the rich, lush greenery of the – a French-style baguette filled with & Tibet Discovery tour, Dreams of Nature tour, via feefo SAVE A FURTHER £155pp if you return to Vietnam’s culture is a bit of a mishmash Mekong Delta. One of the most wonderful delights such as pork belly, China within 2 years of your visa issue date. via feefo of influences, but all the more fascinating things about all this beauty is how easy Vietnamese sausage, pate, For full details of loyalty discounts and terms & it is to access – an overnight train from egg or tofu with pickled Book by for it. Under the influence of China for a conditions, visit wendywutours.co.uk/loyalty millennium and part of French Indochina Hanoi up to the spectacular views of Sapa, carrots, coriander 30 Nov and add for 70 years, this is a country where about a couple of hours by road from Saigon and cucumber. on Cambodia into the heart of the Mekong Delta. In half of the population earn their living for FREE! RECOMMEND US from agriculture. As you can imagine, the Vietnam you are never far from some exotic If your friends or family book through Vietnamese people’s way of life, beliefs and landscape or another. How to get in touch with us! your recommendation, we’ll send you values are very different from our own – a delicious hamper! ancestor veneration is a part of everyday life and plenty of people still wear traditional FOOD TAKE ME THERE dress. To get a taste of the country through Vietnam’s cuisine is not only one of the VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS facebook.com/ the ages try Hanoi – a compelling mix of world’s healthiest, but also one of the [email protected] traditional, crumbling French grandeur most delicious! Full of distinctive flavours, Appreciate the best of Vietnam’s culture, wendywuofficial natural beauty and culinary delights as you Service rating: % and the contemporary, whilst Saigon is the created by perfectly balancing salty, sweet, 97 journey from the south to the north. powerhouse city driving the country forward sour and hot, it is the use of plentiful fresh What is feefo? with a big nod to its colonial past. ingredients, herbs and spices that make it so PRICES 0800 977 4888 @WendyWuToursUK Independent review platform, feefo good. Whether you are eating in a high end FROM FOR £2,590PP 18 provide you with reviews you can trust. restaurant, or find a mouth-watering snack DAYS Once you return home, you will receive NATURAL BEAUTY on one of the plentiful street stalls, your food To book call 0800 977 4888 Wendy Wu Tours, Cottons Centre, an email from feefo asking you to rate Vietnam’s landscapes are wonderfully will be prepared and cooked to order – be it wendywutours.co.uk/blog your experience. Any feedback from Cottons Lane, 47-49 Tooley Street, diverse, stretching from the mountains and summer rolls, pho or a banh mi. Speaking of, you will be most welcomed. rice terraces of the northern highlands, the banh mi perfectly encapsulates Vietnam’s London SE1 2QG

CUSTOMER “highlight was Myself and my husband, Bruce had been looking for a cultural holiday for quite getting to the

some time – and having heard so much about Japan recently, it seemed to be the 5th Station at ‘top’ destination to visit, so we started researching and Wendy Wu Tours had the Mount Fuji, the “ best offering for us. views were out of this world CORNER The whole trip was fantastic, there was nothing we didn’t like; the food was Tell us about your Wendy Wu holiday interesting and very different to British cuisine, a lot of fresh fish – it was Golden Pavilion great to try it all, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Every place was rich in culture, in particular Tokyo; it was such a vibrant city, with something wacky on one At Wendy Wu Tours, we’re always encouraging our Tokyo corner and then something historical on the next. In fact, each and every customers to let us know about place visited was different to the next, from the stunning, serene gardens at their tour experience with Kenrokuen, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto which was particularly beautiful in us and always enjoy reading the sunshine, Buddhist temples in Koya-san and Osaka – Osaka Castle is a about your travels. We receive hundreds of complimentary splendid sight and the city had brash lights, busy shops and restaurants letters, emails and online which we enjoyed exploring. But for me, my absolute highlight was getting to Mount Fuji reviews telling us about your the 5th Station at Mount Fuji, the views were out of this world and we could favourite sights and sounds. see the Fuji Five Lakes below us. Japan is full of beautiful scenery wherever Maureen and Bruce Huntley you go, but this was something else! are just one example of this

– and have shared with us Something that surprised us about Japan is how clean everything is, there their best bits and top tips from their very first Wendy Wu was no graffiti or litter anywhere, you could see that the Japanese really holiday, ‘Discover Japan’. took pride of their country. The people were so charming and polite too, the school children especially, who were interested in us tourists and were eager Sushi to practice their English.

It was a pleasure sharing our holiday with others, the group all gelled and it added to our whole trip. In our opinion an escorted tour was the best way of seeing Japan, as we were taken to places we wouldn’t have gone to otherwise. Plus, our guide, Miya was able to give us insider knowledge. She was a great addition to Osaka Castle Maureen & Bruce our group, she had a wonderful sense of humour and made the trip special for us.

We would We would certainly travel on another tour with Wendy Wu, it fulfilled everything we were looking for – and Japan without a doubt is a “certainly travel on TAKE ME THERE another tour with must-see destination. If you haven’t been, you must! We loved every moment. Our advice would be to try everything and don’t be afraid DISCOVER JAPAN Wendy Wu, it fulfilled Koya-san to sample the culture and the food to its fullest extent – that way you See lush paddy fields, ancient temples

everything we were and modern cities on this comprehensive

looking for – and will enjoy it as much as we did! tour of Japan.

PRICES Japan without “ FROM £4,590 FOR “ PP 13 a doubt is a DAYS In our opinion, an escorted tour was the To book call must-see destination 0800 977 4888 “ best way of seeing Japan

|8| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |9| THE LANGHAM, HONG KONG IS A FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE FIVE-STAR HOTEL THAT REPRESENTS THE EPITOME OF LUXURY WITH ITS TIMELESS EUROPEAN ELEGANCE. TRANSFORM YOUR HONG KONG STAY INTO SOMETHING TRULY MEMORABLE.

SUPREME LUXURY FINE DINING Indulging in the high life, guests will reside The hotel is home to six award-winning in supreme comfort and convenience. From restaurants and a bar, all offering unique luxury furnishings, blissful beds, Italian marble dining experiences. Including the three bathrooms with separate shower and deep Michelin-starred T’ang Court serving soaking bathtub, they’ve thought of everything authentic Cantonese cuisine, known for not to ensure that your stay is a perfect one. only its first-class dishes, but also for the lavish décor inspired by China’s Golden Age and its stellar service. The Bostonian LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY Seafood and Grill introduces a shipyard chic Crafting the art of the stay, the hotel captivates scene and shows off a spectacular selection the senses with its signature amenities. Guests of the freshest seafood and imported steaks, are welcomed with the aroma of the Langham while Main St. Deli delivers classic New Ginger Flower scent, one-of-a-kind visual York deli favourites. For all-day dining, The works of art that’s decorated throughout the Food Gallery restaurant is fueled by culinary lobby and public areas, as well as a display creativity showcasing generous helpings of of breathtaking bouquets created by the both Asian and Western fare in its dramatic in-house florist. Committed to curating unique open kitchen. Guests can also try “The experiences, every floor has dedicated Guest Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood” Experience Managers, while Shopping Butlers experience with signature sweet and are on hand to fulfil fashion and lifestyle needs, savoury delicacies. and pretty in pink Service Stylists to assist with every request. PERFECT LOCATION As the residence of choice in the sought-after address of Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon, the hotel is perfectly placed for TAKE ME THERE exploring Hong Kong’s wealth of attractions. Within walking distance, guests can take a HONG KONG STOPOVER scenic Star Ferry ride across glittering Discover all of Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island, or sights including a stay at the luxurious head to the ferry terminal for a day trip 5-star Langham Hotel. visit to China or Macao. Surrounded by couture boutiques and over 700 shops PRICES FROM FOR within the fashion quarters of Canton Road, £390PP 3 the hotel is right across the street from DAYS the Harbour City shopping mall, the largest To book call 0800 977 4888 in the city for serious shoppers.

|10| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 CHOW, AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Hobart, Tasmania Wellington, Hobart’s recently emerged North Island foodie scene celebrates the Both New Zealand’s official AUSTRALASIA! produce of this beautiful isle. and culinary capital, A wander through the markets Wellington is the place to highlight what a bountiful indulge in New Zealand’s vast place it is, with everything Think the Aussies are just chucking another shrimp on the barbie? diversity of foods and taste from locally made cheese to Convinced the Kiwis are munching through lamb and pavlova every the innovative flavours of locally caught oysters and those cooking here. Luckily on night? Then you’ve missed the Australasian foodie revolution! locally picked apples. ‘The ‘Grand Tour of New Zealand’ Great Australian Adventure’ Both Australia and New Zealand have gone all out with artisanal producers, you have a free evening includes a stop at an oyster in Wellington for culinary fresh, seasonal foods and fusion cuisines, and that’s before we’ve even farm for a tour and tasty lunch, plus a free evening where you explorations of your own. Good luck deciding though, the city is said can head out to find your own thoroughly Tassie flavours. mentioned the wines. It’s time to go Down Under and indulge! to have more eateries per person than New York!

Melbourne, Queenstown, Victoria South Island As well as being Australia’s Adventure-centre Queenstown cultural capital, Melbourne sits at the midst of a region has forged itself a reputation that is chockfull of vegetable as a foodie destination fields, orchards and most thanks to plenty of ethnic importantly, vineyards – eateries, inventive cooking there’s over 80 in the area! and eclectic flavours. On ‘The On ‘Grand Tour of New Great Australian Adventure’, Zealand’, you’ll get to visit you can dine on sensational, a local winery for a tasting seasonal Melbourne flavours and wine cave tour, as well and sip on locally-produced wine onboard a colonial-era tramcar as sampling the divine cuisine served up in the town – there’s that trundles through the streets – just one of the city’s exciting a free night to find your own delicious dinner plus a meal atop dining experiences. Bob’s Peak, full of local produce.

Yarra Valley, James Heremaia Rotorua, Victoria North Island The place for indulgent Rotorua is the place to sink food and wine experiences, your teeth into traditional the Yarra Valley is first and Maori cuisine. In fact, on foremost a wine producing ‘Grand Tour of New Zealand’ region. With award-winning you can, as you’ll attend an vineyards you can taste the evening of Maori culture and wares in their well-stocked partake in a traditional ‘hangi’. cellars – something that This cooking technique you’ll get to do on ‘The Great involves taking baskets of Australian Adventure’! The fertile soils also yield acres of fruit and meat and a range of local veggies including kumara, and placing vegetables which are used to create a wealth of artisanal goods, them in a pit with hot stones and buried for several hours to slowly such as bread, preserves and chocolate. cook. The result is rich, succulent and quintessentially Kiwi.

Chefs in both Australia and New Zealand are fusing the old colonial dishes, the traditional foods of the TAKE ME THERE indigenous people and the flavours of immigrants who Wendy Wu Tours now offers tours to both TAKE ME THERE GRAND TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND have travelled to Australasia from all over the world, Australia and New Zealand, and whilst the THE GREAT PRICES with their wealth of seasonal produce to create bold focus isn’t just food and wine, they do visit AUSTRALIAN ADVENTUREFOR FROM and innovative foods. Paired with wines that are 21 £5,990 FOR all of the above foodie destinations, and give PRICES PP DAYS To book call PP 22 highly-regarded, locally-produced and designed to FROM £6,590 DAYS you plenty of free time which you can use for 0800 977 4888 perfectly complement the native fare and you’re onto 0800 977 4888 your own culinary explorations. What better To book call a winner. “Where can I taste these delights?” you cry. way to get a taste of this fantastic countries? Let us tell you…

|12| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |13| A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE A number of Wendy Wu Tours’ new Worldwide destinations offer some of the world’s best wildlife experiences. Whether it is out on a safari, gazing up into the lush rainforest canopy or bobbing about in a boat out at sea, we’re here to help you truly embrace your inner Attenborough! Here are the top wildlife destinations you can visit with us:

1. Costa Rica 2. Galápagos Islands 3. Namibia 4. South Africa When it comes to biodiversity, Costa Rica is Holding a special place in the heart of anyone with the For a land that at first glance often appears barren and South Africa is a place where animals like to be. In fact, incomparable. And the best thing about it? The wildlife slightest interest in naturalism, the Galápagos Islands lifeless, Namibia is actually wonderfully rich in animals. it is so abundant in both flora and fauna that it is ranked is easy to see. An astonishing 500,000 species call are one of the most fascinating natural habitats on the Due to the country’s huge expanse of desert landscapes, 4th out of 17 of the world’s megadiverse countries! With it home (that’s 4% of all the species in the world), planet. Whilst not many species live on the islands due you’ll be able to spot incredible creatures in different a range of habitats, including savannah, grassland and thanks to the fact that Costa Rica is part of the bridge to their isolated location 600 miles off of Ecuador’s environments, such as lions, rhinos and elephants forest to support all of this wildlife, South Africa has that connects South and North America – the perfect coast, those that do are utterly unique – evolved specially adapted to their desert surroundings. Namibia almost 20 national parks, the most famous of which is place for the species of what were once two separate cousins of mainland species who made the treacherous is also working incredibly hard to conserve the native Kruger, which is home to about 10,000 elephants and continents millennia ago to mingle. crossing centuries ago. wildlife – it’s even in the country’s constitution! 20,000 buffalo. The numbers say it all! What might you get to see in this biodiverse paradise? What can you expect to experience on these What might you spot amongst these What could you spy amongst these lush habitats? Ocelots, sloths, toucans, tree frogs, anteaters, four incomparable islands? magical landscapes? The Big Five (elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo), species of monkey, jaguars, bats, hummingbirds, Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Wild dogs, black rhinos, white rhinos, lions, zebra, cheetahs, hippos, giraffe, baboons, bushbabies, scarlet macaws and snakes. penguins, fur seals, blue-footed boobies and finches. cheetahs, elephants, pangolins, giraffes, springbok, meerkats, aardvarks and wild dogs. hyenas, geckos and toads.

TAKE ME THERE TAKE ME THERE TAKE ME THERE TAKE ME THERE COLOURS OF COSTA RICA ISLANDS AND INCAS NAMIBIA: WILDLIFE & WILDERNESS GRAND TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA

PRICES PRICES PRICES PRICES FROM FOR FROM FOR FOR FROM FOR £3,790PP 16 £5,490PP 14 FROM £4,590PP 16 £4,290PP 17 DAYS DAYS DAYS DAYS To book call 0800 977 4888 To book call 0800 977 4888 To book call 0800 977 4888 To book call 0800 977 4888

THE Tell us about your first holiday memory? If you had to put together a two-week tour, what regions of the world would you visit and My first holiday memory was going down to Swanage and what would you do? to Corfe Castle. We had a couple of dogs, Tessa and Kipper. I was always worried that they were going to fall off Corfe The first thing I would do, because I haven’t done it yet, is to go Castle and my dreams reflected that. I don’t know what that on a safari, but I would like freshly turned out cotton sheets and says about me but I loved the holiday. a chocolate on my pillow. Is that possible at all or do I have to rough it? I really want to feel being out there. People tell me it’s What about your first foreign holiday? a very moving experience. Then I’m going to take a week on a beach in Southeast Asia. I might even go to Vietnam because I This is interesting because in the old days and this is what hear great things about that country and I’ve not been to Vietnam this is, the old days, nobody used to go on foreign holidays before. Whilst I’ve been to Malaysia and I’ve been to Thailand or if you did, you were quite exotic. Now it has become and lots of other places in the region, I understand that Vietnam BigINTERVIEW with Andrew Castle open to absolutely everybody, hasn’t it? At 13 years of age, is absolutely the coming place and Burma as well. I went on an aeroplane for the first time, to Barcelona, but that was a working holiday. I was playing in the European During your tennis and commentary career, Andrew Castle is a former British Number One tennis player and a double Tennis Championship under 14s. Asking about my first you must have been to some incredible locations. foreign holiday is actually a very difficult question because Which ones stick out? Olympian, having been a member of Great Britain’s Olympic teams in Seoul in I was always going abroad for tennis. Tennis aside, I would 1988 and Barcelona in 1992. say Barbados was the first one. We left the kids at home. Well when it comes to the most amazing locations, again I have They were both quite young. The mother-in-law promised us been blessed. I have played in 50 countries as a professional He is also one of the most experienced live presenters in British broadcasting, as a wedding gift that while she was able and healthy and tennis player, lost in every one of them but had a great time just well, she would look after our children for two weeks so we about everywhere that I went. I would say if I had to pick one, having occupied the GMTV sofa as an anchor for ten years and currently as the could get away together. So we did that when the children I can’t answer the question. I’ve just been to New York City for BBC’s lead commentator during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. You can were quite young and, of course, we cried and missed them. the US Open though. I had forgotten how amazing it was. I was now hear Andrew every week on both LBC and Smooth Radio. But anyway it was Barbados and we stayed in a not very last there in the ‘90s. It has completely changed now. It feels expensive place and we had a brilliant time. much more safe. I found when walking the streets, people were We recently caught up with Andrew to uncover his own travel memories. extremely polite and very, very courteous, unlike many European cities. Just the sheer size and the scale of it and the pace of it. “I think the place that moved me the most Also, the fact that they treat just about all their politicians with with its power when I first went there was total contempt. The Lower East Side and the Upper East Side are just full of neighbourhood bars. The service is quick. It’s just South Africa, Cape Town.” a fantastic place. People are friendly and the sidewalks are wide enough to actually have a bit of a meander home afterwards, which was glorious as you potter back to Manhattan. What a city! Have you ever visited Asia at all, and if so, what were your highlights? What have you learnt from your travels? I’ve visited Asia so many times. I was at the Seoul Olympics in ’88, but I had been there in ’86 and ’87 as well because Travelling broadens the mind. You end up making lists in your they had some big tennis tournaments there. So obviously head. You end up knowing what’s important back home. It that was a professional calling to begin with, but I’ve been puts everything into perspective. So I would recommend that there on holiday as well. I’ve been to a lot of places in Asia, everybody travels. At some point, I recommend travelling I have to say. Seoul in Korea certainly, obviously Tokyo, but alone as well, because then your mind is entirely your own in terms of a holiday, the one that I remember the most is and it can wonder unlike anything that it can do at home, our honeymoon in Phuket, where we met two other lovely because you’re surrounded by things that are from home and couples and had a brilliant holiday. you have associations with everything. Somehow to go out, to travel, to be vulnerable really, to throw yourself upon the What is your favourite destination world and say, “Here I am.” It changed my life utterly and or region of the world? completely and shocked me to the core when I was young.

Home. That’s my favourite region of the world, I have to be Where are you off to next? honest. I used to spend 40 to 45 weeks of the year on the road, so when I came home, it was special. I think the place We’re probably going to pop back to Spain because it’s easy. that moved me the most with its power when I first went It’s two-and-a-quarter hours away and I’ve only got five days. there was South Africa, Cape Town and within a couple of But the next big holiday we take might well be going around hundred kilometres of it. I was amazed by Africa and the Croatia on a boat. I hope I don’t get seasick. I don’t know

Table Mountain combination of sights, sounds and cultures and everything anybody that has done that kind of ‘on a boat’ holiday and not else that South Africa brings. come back and said it was brilliant.

Andrew Castle presents weekend breakfast every Saturday and Sunday morning from 7am to 10am on Britain’s biggest commercial news talk radio station LBC (digital radio, lbc.co.uk, the LBC app) and also The Great American Songbook every Barbados Seoul Phuket Vietnam Sunday night from 6pm to 10pm on Smooth Radio (97-108 FM, digital radio, smoothradio.com, the Smooth app).

|16| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |17| TAKE ME THERE HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA See colonial Galle’s resident fishermen amongst many other cultural delights, as you travel through the tropical paradise that is Sri Lanka.

PRICES FROM £2,990 FOR PP 15 To book call DAYS 0800 977 4888

|18| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |19| HEAD TO HEAD DID YOU KNOW? GROUP TAILORMADE As a global Asia specialist, let us share a few fun and interesting facts about Wendy Wu Tours TOURS TRAVEL that make us proud of who we are and what we do! TO JOIN A GROUP TOUR OR CREATE YOUR OWN? OUR TWO TOP TOURING OPTIONS TAKE TO THE RING TO FIGHT IT OUT. IN TOTAL A EVERYTHING IS people in each group from different WHOPPING TAKEN CARE OF corners of the world, you’re bound There’s no worries on a group tour. to form friendships that often Travelling through Asia is sometimes last a lifetime – you may even seen as a daunting experience, choose to travel on future tours but our escorted group tours make together. Whether you’re travelling 6.4 things easy. Absolutely everything as a couple or solo, it’s a great is taken care of by your National experience for all, so embrace it Escorts and Local Guides, plus your and let your travel companions ULTIMATE flights, meals, accommodation, enrich your experience over a drink FLEXIBILITY touring, entrance fees, local or two and discussion of the Travelling on a tailormade itinerary MILLION day’s adventures. 85 transport – and even your visas are means that you are in control. COUNTRIES included in the price! From what time you wake up in the PRIVATE TRAVEL HAVE BEEN VISITED BY THE CHOPSTICKS HAVE morning, where you go for lunch, Sometimes life just gets in the to what hotel you stay in – it’s all way, so holidays are the ultimate UK WENDY WU TOURS TEAM BEEN USED ON TOUR your choice. And of course, the opportunity to spend quality time sights that you visit are entirely with your friends or loved ones. down to you too; each itinerary is So whether it be a special trip for truly unique. For those moments of two, a group of 20 members of inspiration, our tailormade team are your extended family or a special on hand to give you all of the advice interest holiday for your local you need. Fulfil your dreams – walking club – no matter what 150,000 PASSENGERS the size or requirements, it’ll just where you want, for as long as you want, on the dates that you want. be you and your party on any TRAVELLED SINCE THE VERY FIRST TOUR SEE ALL A VARIETY OF tailormade holiday, accompanied OF THE ICONIC SIGHTS TOURING STYLES GET OFF THE by your dedicated expert guide. As the experts in group travel, DEPARTED 18 YEARS AGO We understand that every BEATEN TRACK we know the very best things to ADD THE ELEMENTS traveller is different. Which Tailormade touring gives you the see; and we can guarantee that YOU WANT is why we have a number of opportunity to delve that little bit those ‘bucket list’ and authentic Any group tour can be adapted different group touring styles. deeper into your destination of ALL GUIDES HAVE A MINIMUM sights will be visited. Not only and made into a tailormade As well as our ‘Classic’ range choice and spend as much time will they be visited though – your holiday. So if you like what you – comprehensive tours visiting there as you wish, without the National Escort will take you and see or want to combine elements the most iconic sights, you can worry of keeping to a schedule. ZERO your group at the very best times of several group tours together, no also choose from ‘Discovery’ This could be anything from joining OF 5 YEARS so you’ll have more space for a local family for lunch, walking problem – the options are endless. PASSENGERS LOST tours, aimed at those with yourself to soak it all up. Or perhaps you’d prefer to piece an adventurous side and through remote countryside, finding together your trip from scratch? TOURING EXPERIENCE our ‘Exclusive Collection’ – secret streets within bustling cities ON TOUR It’s all possible. luxury tours with little added or even concentrating entirely on extras. Each style has its own a special interest that you may personality to bring your want to explore further – the OF ALL CUSTOMERS TRAVELLED THERE ARE OVER holiday alive. options are endless.

Visit 100 TOURS wendywutours.co.uk Conclusion Group and tailormade travel both offer the ultimate touring experience; to find out more TO CHOOSE FROM, but it’s down to you as to which one suits you the best. If you’re looking  97% for a flexible approach with just your loved ones, we recommend opting about our different

PLUS AN UNLIMITED CHOICE LIKE-MINDED for a tailormade holiday. However, if sharing your experiences with touring styles WOULD TRAVEL TRAVELLERS fellow travellers is more for you, a group tour may be more your style. WITH WENDY WU TOURS AGAIN OF TAILORMADE HOLIDAYS What’s special about group travel Whilst both touring styles differ; each and every tour has the same is the like-minded people you unrivalled service and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. travel with. Ranging from 6 to 29

Group travel is special in so many ways – and Whilst it may have been hard to in particular for bringing like-minded people imagine taking your children or together and giving them the opportunity to share grandchildren on a holiday where incredible experiences on tour. We get emails, you would explore the mountain letters and calls every week from our customers passes of Tibet or the Rajasthan desert by jeep ten years ago, it’s telling us about the long-lasting friendships now easier than ever. they’ve developed on tour. Travel helps to broaden one’s horizons, and none so more than children. Their introduction to new environments and Solo travellers and Wendy Wu Tours Lynne and I met on my second tour, different cultures as they travel can lead to a unique ambassadors, Kay Fackrell and Lynne ‘Discover Japan’ and we got on well from experience not found on our national curriculum, where the start. We had the same, dry sense adventure and education blends into one epic holiday. Borland are just one wonderful example of humour! We even explored together in With a wide array of fun things to do and wonderful places to of how long-lasting friendships can be our leisure time, which I may not have Kay & Lynne in Fife made on tour. They both travelled on our had the confidence to do by myself. see, the options are endless – but here are just a few ideas from our specialist tailormade team, Asia Inspirations. ‘Discover Japan’ tour in June and became friends almost straight away. So much so that they have now even booked their next Wendy Wu tour together to South America. On all of the 7 trips “ I’ve been on with Here they share their story… Wendy Wu, the group LYNNE: On all of the 7 trips I’ve been on with have integrated well.

Wendy Wu (all of which were solo except the

first), the group have integrated well. And And that’s partly down that’s partly down to the exceptional level of organisation of the tours. On a couple of the early to the exceptional “ Panda Volunteering Disney Magic Club Med Guilin trips, I was the only Brit – and being a Scot the level of organisation A visit to China isn’t complete without a visit With Disney parks in Tokyo and Hong Kong, Located in one of China’s most picturesque Australians I was on tour with found it difficult to to see the Giant Pandas. Better still, we can as well as a brand new park in Shanghai, regions, Club Med Guilin is bursting with understand me at first, but we had a good laugh of the tours. offer you intimate volunteering experiences it’s easier than ever to add a fun side trip activities. Including tennis, cycling, rock about it and by the end they were fluent in Scots! where you can help to feed the Pandas and and experience both the magic of Asia and climbing and yoga, it makes for the perfect KAY: I absolutely agree with Lynne. I’ve travelled get up close to their furry selves. your children’s favourite characters. add-on to any China holiday. with Wendy Wu twice and both times made wonderful friendships with other solo travellers We had an excellent time, particularly and couples, one of whom I go to photography Family Cooking Class Borneo Wildlife

shopping in Kyoto. What helped is that there events with all around the UK. was an introductory ‘meet and greet’ on the What better way to have fun Discover Borneo’s

first morning of the holiday which gave us than in the kitchen? Get stuck unique wildlife on an in and have a try at creating Asian ‘safari’. Full of the chance to meet everyone before the tour “ began, which helped break the ice. traditional Chinese dumplings scenic National Parks, ...we got on well or Dim Sum, Vietnamese soup you can go in search of LYNNE: It really did. Since our trip, Kay noodles or traditional Indian Borneo’s Orangutans, came up from Kent to visit me in Fife and I from the start. “ curries under the watchful Proboscis Monkeys and have plans to visit her neck of the woods in eyes of a culinary expert before Sun Bears by river or late November to see the Christmas lights in feasting on all your creations. on foot. London. We’re also planning to come in and see some of the Wendy Wu team to discuss the ‘Best of South America’ tour that we’ve If you would like to share your booked together for 2018. story, email us at Call 0800 977 4888 or visit asiainspirations.co.uk and start planning your family adventure [email protected] We cannot wait, it’s something to look forward to over the next 17 months – not that I’m counting! We would love to hear it!

|22| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |23| Did you know? There are still almost 40 million people living in caves all over China, many of them in the Shanxi Province. UNDISCOVERED CHINA Shanxi OneAncient of the standout Relics sights are the Yungang Caves. This series of grottoes carved from the sandstone cliffs in the 5th century, are filled with intricate Buddhist imagery and statues. Close by is the 1,400-year-old, gravity defying Province Hanging Monastery, which seems to float 50 metres up the cliff face. Amazingly you can climb up to the temple which will test anyone’s fear of heights to the limit. With thousands of years of fascinatingly diverse history, Beijing Shanxi China is one of TheNoodle noodle is heavenking in Shanxi. There are the world’s oldest Xian almost 1,000 types of noodle and you’ll Shanghai get a chance to try a fair few of them. civilisations. Much The ancient city of Datong in particular is of this ancient famous for its knife cut noodles. But as history can be found in the Shanxi well as noodles there are lots of delicious dishes including well flavoured broths, Province, a region in north eastern China flatbreads, sweet potatoes, spicy aubergine that shares a border with Inner Mongolia. stews and several pork combinations. You If you’ve already ticked off China’s main certainly won’t go hungry in Shanxi. Plus, being only an hour from Mongolia, there sights, then a tour of this intriguing region are lots of food influences using lamb as is a must for a second visit. the main ingredient.

Go back in time The Great Wall A trip to China’s Shanxi Province will take you Travelling around the north of back in time about 5,000 years with its ancient the province, you will pass by history and rich culture. Not to be confused with ancient sections of the Great its neighbour, the Shaanxi Province, famous for the Wall. Many of these sections Terracotta Warriors, this northern region contains are even older than the parts some of the most significant ancient relics in China. you can see around Beijing. Interestingly, they are made One of the highlights is the ancient walled town of mud instead of brick and of Pingyao. It is probably the most famous city were built to defend the region in Shanxi and considered the best preserved in from marauding hordes from the whole of China. The wall surrounding the city Mongolia and beyond. stretches about 6 kms, enveloping the 50,000 people still living inside. Spending the night in a restored guesthouse, within a traditional courtyard setting is one experience not to be missed. Walking along the cobbled streets, dating back to the Zhou TOP ANCIENT SIGHTS Dynasty (827-728BC), will give you a real flavour of TAKE ME THERE what life may have been like centuries ago. ANCIENT CHINA A fascinating tour of the Shanxi Province to see China’s ancient sights and civilisations.

PRICES FROM £2,890 FOR 11th century PP 18 5th century 1,400 year old DAYS The walled town Hanging Monastery Wooden Pagoda To book call of Pingyao Yungang Grottoes 0800 977 4888

I’m sure many of us eat stir-fries at home, a cookery school service whereby customers ASIAN CUISINE SITS AT THE VERY TOP OF OUR FAVOURITE FOODS LIST. BUT WITH SO MUCH what’s the secret of successful Wok cooking? were the ones who did all the chopping, preparation and cooking under my guidance. I READER OFFER Chinese cooking, especially wok cooking is INCREDIBLE VARIETY, IT’S OFTEN DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHERE TO START. WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH started teaching people in their own homes how 90% preparation, 10% actual cooking, which THE YOUNG AND TALENTED ASIAN CHEF, JEREMY PANG, TO GIVE US A DELICIOUS INSIGHT INTO to cook Chinese food. I would turn up with a Save 15% means you need to be organised before you bag of knives, wok and the ingredients for their on cooking classes THE MOST VARIED CUISINE ON THE PLANET. heat up your wok! I teach and use what I call three requested dishes and teach them how to a ‘wok clock’. Using a large dinner plate, prep cook seriously good Chinese food. A lot of my Valid on any 3hr and full and then place your ingredients in the order in customers from those days actually stopped day classes After several career changes, Jeremy Is there a particular style of Asian cuisine that 4. If there aren’t over 100 dishes on a menu, which you’ll use them around the dinner plate, going to the local takeaway on a Friday night and decided to follow his heart and bring you prefer to cook? If so, why? the restaurant isn’t authentic starting at 12’o’clock and working your way would cook for their families instead – result! Visit schoolofwok.co.uk and round. It saves you from having to go back and the world of Chinese cuisine to fellow Given my background, my go to is Cantonese These misconceptions are what fuel my passion enter code SOWWT15 consult a recipe, leaving whatever ingredient to food enthusiasts. In autumn 2009 he cuisine as my parents were originally from to teach people. In my view, Chinese food is It signalled to me that I had something unique one of the most adaptable cuisines in the world, burn in your wok, or under cooking your meat Book by 25 Dec 2016 established School of Wok in London, Hong Kong. But I also crave hawker centre to offer, and it was time to expand and create food from Singapore and Malaysia quite often: which is why it is so popular internationally. or over cooking your veg. a mobile cookery school specialising in something permanent. School of Wok Covent Nasi Lemak, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Prawn The cooking techniques allow it to change and Garden opened in May 2012, where I began teaching Eastern cuisine to students in the The other tip I would give to start someone off Laksa and Char Kway Teow all reminds me of mould itself into different environments, using to offer classes in all types of Oriental & Asian would be to add oil in little bits, rather than comfort of their own homes. Following the my childhood, living in Singapore and travelling new ingredients and experimenting with food. cuisine. And that’s how it still runs now, over all at once. Add a little bit at a time, let it heat success of his mobile kitchen, School of to Southeast Asia... so I cook from all around It’s a very versatile type of cooking, which is four years later. Anything from wok cooking, up, then add your ingredient and fry. You can Asia really! what people love to learn once they have gotten to dim sum, to Thai, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Wok opened its first permanent professional repeat this process over and over with each past these types of misconceptions. Korean and Japanese can be yours to try, learn, kitchen in May 2012 in Covent Garden. new ingredient you add in if necessary. By Do you think there are any common master and enjoy! Jeremy, you come from a long line of cooks, misconceptions about Chinese food in the UK? adding it a bit at a time you won’t be left with was it inevitable that you would follow in oil-soaked food at the end, but a crisp, fresh- Yes, plenty of misconceptions that are hard to their footsteps? tasting stir fry instead.

get past. Here is a list of some of them:

Not inevitable, the true ‘golden triangle’ for 1. Chinese food is terrible (due to bad What inspired you to set up your cookery Chinese food is a Chinese family with three kids (I have two experiences, and not necessarily knowing how school, ‘School of Wok’? sisters) is for the children to become a lawyer, a to order a variety of dishes for a balanced meal) one of the most “ I was always looking for an excuse for a “ doctor and an accountant.... So my oldest sister 2. Chinese food should be eaten on only one is a lawyer, my middle sister a doctor, and I fun business concept in food. In 2009, adaptable cuisines plate, meaning only eating one particular dish, eventually became a chef! But in my heart, it simultaneously, my father passed away in maybe with some rice on the side was always clear that I had a passion for the Hong Kong, and I lost my job, so I decided it was in the world... food industry and wanted to explore it at least. 3. The best Chinese dishes are either stir fried time to do something positive for myself to help or deep-fried only get through the tough time. I wanted to create

|26| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |27| WHAT, WHERE, WHEN? We’ve reached that time of year where next year’s holiday is constantly in our thoughts. Deciding where to go might be easy, but do you know the best time of year to explore your destination of choice? We often get asked ‘when is the best time to go’, so here is a little helping hand… SEPTEMBER: JULY: MONGOLIA AUGUST: BORNEO BURMA Contrary to many destinations in Asia, More and more mentioned by our The lushest, greenest of jungles awaits customers, Burma is fast becoming a ‘hot’ Mongolia is best in the summer months. you in the month of August – our Days are long and you’ll get to experience all destination to visit. For keen botanists, the recommended month of travel to Borneo. beautiful, remote countryside will be at its manner of Mongolian traditions, including The activities will be a-plenty too – and of the Nadaam Festival where you’ll witness freshest and greenest in September, the course, the adorable orangutans will be end of the rainy season. wrestling, horse racing and archery. waiting to meet you! TAKE ME THERE: TAKE ME THERE: TAKE ME THERE: 12 day Irrawaddy Voyager private tour 23 day Mongolia & The Naadam Festival 11 day Into the True Heart of Borneo tour from £4,990pp, departing 08 Jul 2017 from £3,440pp, departing 06, 20 & private tour from £3,640pp, departing 27 Sep 2017 10 Aug 2017

MARCH: INDIA JANUARY: VIETNAM FEBRUARY: LAOS A friendly bunch, the Vietnamese celebrate Filled with bright colours, music and Vietnam and Cambodia’s laid-back cousin, a buzzing atmosphere, March sees the the start of the new year in January with Laos has so much to offer in February, celebrations of India’s most important the famous Tet Festival. With temperatures the peak of the dry season. Experience all OCTOBER: reaching 22 degrees, perfect for walking and not-to-be-missed festival of the JAPAN CAMBODIA it has to offer from its unspoilt, pristine year, Holi. So get into the party spirit and NOVEMBER: AUSTRALIA DECEMBER: and exploring in the daytime, you’ll heritage and vivid colours to its haunting Don’t just think cherry blossoms when be geared up to join in with the local get to know India’s vibrant and history and enduring French legacy – you think Japan. Autumn is just as November sees the start of the long, warm December is prime time to visit the celebrations come the evening. colourful character. there’s so much to explore. special. See a plethora of red, yellow and summer days in Australia, no matter incredible temple that we know as Angkor TAKE ME THERE: TAKE ME THERE: golden leaves on the trees across the where in the country you are. So get your Wat. With an average of eight hours’ TAKE ME THERE: 18 day Highlights of India tour from countryside and cities, plus you’ll have shorts and t-shirts at the ready and start sunshine and temperatures reaching a 18 day Vietnam Panorama tour from 17 day Laos & Cambodia Unveiled tour £2,790pp, departing 15 Jan 2017 £3,490pp, departing 03 & 10 Mar 2017 more space for yourself to soak up the exploring the monumental landscapes, gorgeous 30 degrees, you’ll enjoy less from £2,990pp, departing 10 Feb 2017 scenery and culture! bustling cities and wild waters of the humid days, meaning you can focus on Great Barrier Reef. what’s standing right in front of you. TAKE ME THERE: 11 day Jewels of Japan tour from TAKE ME THERE: TAKE ME THERE: £4,190pp, departing 02 & 23 Oct 2017 21 day The Great Australian Adventure tour 17 day Angkor to the Bay tour from from £6,690pp, departing 13 Nov 2017 £3,390pp departing 01 & 08 Dec 2017

APRIL: CHINA MAY: TIBET JUNE: RUSSIA

There are so many good times to visit May brings clear, azure skies to Tibet, June is the peak month for ‘white nights’

China. However, we would consider April giving you the ultimate views of Everest, in Russia. The sun never quite sets

to be a great time. Although the weather the ‘roof of the world’ and its stunning and dusk continues on through the varies from place to place, enjoy the most surroundings, including mystical Lhasa, whole night, but beware of the rain and

comfortable temperatures in April, with where temperatures reach a pleasant wind – always carry a light jacket just comfy, spring-like days following you 20 degrees. in case! wherever you go.

TAKE ME THERE: TAKE ME THERE: TAKE ME THERE: 18 day China Delights tour from 23 day Tibetan Wonders tour from 15 day Russian Dreams tour from £3,190pp, departing 10 Apr 2017 £3,990pp, departing 06 & 20 May 2017 £5,890pp, departing 18 Jun 2017

|28| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |29| INTRODUCING INDIA India. Home to 1.3 billion people, land of the world’s highest cricket ground and the place that The Beatles found enlightenment. High on many a travel bucket list due to its incomparable history, colourful culture and incredible sights, India can also be a daunting prospect if you’ve never been before. So, for those thinking about embarking on that first India adventure, here are our top tips:

India is huge, busy and absolutely heaving And experiencing it is all part of with things to see, do and experience. Been to India before? Here No wonder people who are considering a trip our final tip – open your mind, here have no idea where to start when heart and soul and embrace it! are our top destinations for a it comes to deciding the what, the where It’s true of any country that if you open second visit: and the when. your mind to it you will have a much better Varanasi: And so that is our first tip – and more fulfilling time there. India is a challenging place for us shy and retiring A sacred city on the banks of the don’t try and see it all at once. Brits, but be safe in the knowledge that your River Ganges, Varanasi exposes National Escort will be there to take care of stark humanity in a big, messy and India isn’t going anywhere and to really get anything that would stop you wholeheartedly magical experience. a feel for a destination you need to spend a enjoying yourself and soaking it all in. Once Try our Highlights of India tour. bit of time in one place. That’s why many you’ve tasted the history, culture, spirituality people begin their love affair with India by and cuisine of this great nation there will be Darjeeling: travelling around the Golden Triangle of Delhi, nothing to stop you falling head-over-heels. India’s archetypal hill station, Agra and Jaipur. With this route you get a And who knows, you might even end up Darjeeling nestles amongst lush tea capital city that combines both traditional and finding enlightenment just like John, Paul, plantations, watched over by the many colonial history, you get to see one of the most

George and Ringo once did. faces of the Himalaya. beautiful buildings on earth, the Taj Mahal and Try our Himalayan Kingdoms tour.

to experience the grandeur and exoticism of Rajasthan. Another great option for a first-timer Leh: is to explore the lush and beautiful Kerala. “ At the very tip of the country, the days are ...you will run into An adventure to reach, but so worth sunny, the daily life laidback and the beaches a sacred cow in the it when you do, Leh sits amongst a delight. You get all the colourful culture here “ mountains in some of the world’s most too, it’s just a whole lot more relaxed, slower- middle of a city... enchanting scenes. paced and less in your face. Try our Trans Himalayan Journey tour. Which leads nicely into our second tip – you will get a big culture shock. TAKE ME THERE A lot of superlatives get flung around about India – chaotic, intoxicating, exasperating, GOLDEN TRIANGLE wonderful and rewarding are just a few. These The perfect first-timer tour to India. Experience bustling streets, architectural are all true. India is such a huge blend of wonders and the vibrant sights of Delhi, cultures, religions, philosophies and just loads of people, that it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Agra and Jaipur. You will see and experience things that you’ve PRICES FROM never seen before. You will have the locals NEW £1,790 FOR PP 9 showing a great interest in you and wanting BROCHURE DAYS To book call to know all about you and you will run into a OUT NOW! 0800 977 4888 sacred cow in the middle of a city – that’s just India. Experience it and then you can choose superlatives of your own.

With a unique Portuguese-Chinese heritage, enchanting • cultural experiences and a dazzling night scene, there’s never HONG MACAO KONG a dull moment in Macao. And just a one hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, it makes the perfect stopover destination. So let us give you a flavour of our 3 day Macao stopover…

Dali, Lijiang

Rowan on tour immense. Gubeikou is really special, it’s the Was there a stand out moment for you? most authentic section and you can climb to My personal and most unexpected highlight the top of the watchtowers to feel what it was of Yunnan was when we walked up through like for soldiers to survey the surrounding hills. Our Product Manager, Rowan Goldthorp the forests of Weibaoshan. This Taoist But it wasn’t just about the epic sights for me. recently joined two of our more active mountain is home to 22 beautiful, ancient I also walked deep into the Hutongs in Beijing Discovery tours, ‘A China Adventure’ and temples and we visited about four of them. At and found a fantastic little hole-in-the-wall ‘Tibetan Wonders’, experiencing all manner the top of our walk, we joined a Taoist master crepe vendor that sold delicious veggies crepes who taught us the principles of meditation of adventures on-route. We recently caught for about £1! And in Yunnan, I had the most in the courtyard. The atmosphere was so up with her to find out all about it… amazing time exploring the quirky food stalls peaceful and spiritual. On the way back down in Dali and Lijiang. Mighty skewers of meat we visited Longtan Temple, which means and vegetables were cooked right in front of THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF MACAO MACAO AT NIGHT So tell us about your latest trip to China? ‘Dragon Temple’. Inside, we found a beautiful me; I then sat down and enjoyed them with a courtyard garden with little stone bridges and The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes 30 beautiful With a plethora of night-time activities, you’re In May, I was lucky enough to join two of our number of locals. buildings, all with their own story and unique look. Let the spoilt for choice. In particular, we recommend immaculately kept flowers and plants. The new Discovery tours. Even though I’d been These were just a few experiences that dazzling churches and temples, colourful streetscapes and seeing world-class musical production, The House whole time we were in Weibaoshan, we only to China before, this visit opened up my eyes differed to my first visit, which all have given regal mansions impress you as you take your afternoon stroll. of Dancing Water, a theatrical extravaganza. saw one other visitor and a few Taoist priests. to new experiences and also off the beaten me a greater understanding into China’s track areas within China. incredible culture. If you could sum up your whole experience in a sentence, what would you say? What was different about this trip What were you looking forward to the last time you visited? to the most? On this trip I experienced a whole new side of China I had never seen before, and I fell in Although I’d already done some of China’s The hike on the Great Wall was the most love with it all over again. ‘classic’ sights, this trip showed me sides of exciting thing for me. ‘A China Adventure’ is China which I didn’t even know existed! On the the only tour which features the challenging ‘China Adventure’ section of my trip, we hiked (but very rewarding) walk from Gubeikou to TAKE ME THERE on a really wild and rough section of the Great Jinshanling, and I was very lucky to have the Wall, from Gubeikou to Jinshanling – and the opportunity to do it. It definitely surpassed A CHINA ADVENTURE FOR views were constantly changing and totally my expectations! 17 PRICES PP DAYS TAKE ME THERE FROM £3,190 ROWAN’S TOP CHINA SIGHTS 0800 977 4888 FREE MACAO To book call

STOPOVER TAKE ME THERE Add Macao onto your China TIBETAN WONDERS or Burma holiday for MACANESE CUISINE PRICES no extra cost! FROM £3,990 Various cooking traditions, dining styles and flavours of the east and west FOR Must book by 30 Nov. To book call PP 23 meet in Macao. Whether you’re experiencing a sizzling side street wok or 0800 977 4888DAYS a traditional pastelaria (pastry shop) in the famous food street ‘Rua do Visit wendywutours.co.uk/macao Hiking remote sections Walking through Trying local delicacies Exploring the bamboo Cunha’, there’s plenty to try for breakfast, lunch and dinner! of the Great Wall the forests of in Yunnan’s markets forest and rope bridge for full details Weibaoshan, Yunnan at Jinli

|32| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |33| HOURS IN... TRAVEL 48 SEOUL SURGERY At Wendy Wu Tours, all our staff have travelled extensively Seoul is a dynamic, round-the-clock city – consumerist and cutting edge as it may be, amongst the skyscrapers, nightlife and shopping throughout Asia. So we thought we’d put them to the test malls there is an exceptional amount of culture and tradition, from with some of your most frequently asked questions. bustling teahouses to magnificent palaces. While Seoul’s treasures old and new are must visits, the very best way to see into Seoul’s soul is Question from William Fylan, via email to stroll the narrow old streets, eat at the plethora of incredible street food stalls and soak up the atmosphere. Q: I’m hoping to travel to China next year for the first time, but I’m finding it difficult to Gyeongbok Palace decide what style of tour suits me best. The HERE’S HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT 48 HOURS… ‘Discovery’ tours look great, but I wanted to make sure that we’d be up to the challenge. Myself and my wife are in our mid 60’s, of Day One Day Two average fitness and love exploring! Answered by Chloe Tower, MORNING MORNING AND LUNCH Head straight for the 12th century Gyeongbok Markets are often the lifeblood of a city and Seoul Product Executive Palace to get a sense of Seoul’s past. This was is no exception. Head out early to the Gwangjang A: Our Discovery tours are our most active Amber Fort, Jaipur the principle residence of the King and for those market to observe the locals go about their range of tours – they include trips such as that have visited Beijing, it has echoes of the business. The variety of vegetables, meat and fish North Seoul tower a 6-hour hike on the Great Wall and cycling Forbidden City. Stop for a quick pick me up at on display is astonishing. Upstairs you can even through China’s countryside. They also give India has bustling cities, a varying history and whether there’s someone to share a room with one of the many traditional tea houses serving pick up some bargain silk, satin and clothes. you the opportunity to interact with local cultures and beautiful beaches in the south, or not. a huge variety of teas. Opt for the ‘5 flower iced Make sure you stay for lunch and pick up some people, go off the beaten track and include a while Sri Lanka has a more laid-back approach We have a dedicated single traveller page on tea’ for a herbal infusion of jasmine, ginseng, of the local dishes. Most meals have lots of ginger and lemon. Don’t forget to leave your little more free time than the Classic tours that with so much natural scenery and wildlife our website too, to help put your mind at rest: small dishes to share with rice, broths, meat and across the whole country. Alternatively, if you shoes at the door. vegetables. Try the local pancakes with the we offer. Both our Discovery tours range and wendywutours.co.uk/single-travellers wish to travel to both of these destinations world-famous Kimchi on the side. Classic tours will give you the opportunity to AFTERNOON see China in all of its glory, but it’s whether within one trip, you could opt for a tailormade Question from Daphne Watts, via email Take a stroll through Seoul’s oldest district, AFTERNOON you prefer a more active style of touring or holiday, which will allow you to visit the places Q: I was so excited when I saw that you Insadong, where narrow lanes meander through Arrange a tour to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) travelling at a more comfortable pace would that interest you the most. traditional arts and crafts shops, art galleries now have two Russia tours! It’s been on that divides North and South Korea. This 4km suit you better. Our new India and Sri Lanka brochure is my list for a little while now and having and tea rooms. It would be easy to while away area divided the country in two at the end of the Gwangjang market ready to order from our website now enjoyed holidays with you before I’d prefer a whole afternoon here, soaking up the vibrant Korean War (1950-1953). You will be led around You can find out more about our to travel with you again. What are the main atmosphere. Before you head back to your hotel, by US soldiers who patrol the southern side and Discovery tours range at Question from Diana Stewart, via email make your way to the top of the North Seoul it provides a fascinating insight into this long wendywutours.co.uk/discovery-tours differences between the two tours? Tower for incredible views over the city. Q: As a solo traveller, group dynamics are running conflict. Just make sure you do what the Answered by Liz Cathcart, Personal soldiers tell you! Question from Graham McGrath, really important to me. Do you get many EVENING via Facebook solo travellers on your tours and is it easy to Travel Consultant For a flavour of modern Korea, a visit to the EVENING interact with other members of the group? A: Russia has been mentioned to us by our restaurant ‘Chicken in the Kitchen’ in the Enjoy a traditional Korean BBQ to end your stay in Q: I’ve travelled with Wendy Wu twice customers many times, so we’re pleased to university district is a must. Made famous after Seoul in style. You’ll have your very own BBQ in before, to China and Vietnam and am now Answered by Lorraine Bowman, hear that this excites you. Both tours visit the Hairy Bikers stopped by on one of their TV front of you on the table. They will light the coals considering my third trip. Both India and Customer Care Executive shows, they serve fried chicken in every way for you and leave you to cook your own meat and Sri Lanka really interest me, but I’m not sure Russia’s two main cities, Moscow and you can imagine. Make sure you book though as vegetables. It’s a great social experience and if which one to choose. Are there any tours A: Absolutely. Almost 20% of our customers St Petersburg, but they then differ. Our queues stretch around the block for their original you also try the local firewater, Seju, the that offer both countries? are solo travellers so there’s no need to worry. Russian Dreams tour takes a 6-night luxury take on the humble chicken. evening will be sure to go with a swing. Customers who travel on our group tours often cruise along the Volga River, passing some Answered by Arti Gondalia, make friends for life and sometimes even incredible beauty along the way, whilst our TAKE ME THERE Personal Travel Consultant travel with each other again! Meal times are Timeless Russia tour is all land travel, visiting A: Unfortunately, there aren’t any group tours spent together as a group which helps people more of Russia’s historical cities. Whichever TOP SEOUL EXPERIENCES SEOUL STOPOVER that offer both India and Sri Lanka together. gel – and generally everyone’s like-minded so you choose, you’ll experience luxury Including hotel, transfers & touring. However, we have just launched a brand new the group dynamic is a really positive one. As accommodation and fine dining throughout. Seoul can also be included in an extended a single traveller, you do have the option of tour of South Korea, please call for details. India and Sri Lanka brochure with a wider Find out more about our Russia tours at range of tours to both of these destinations. ‘willing to share’ too, which means you don’t wendywutours.co.uk/worldwide PRICES Both of these countries are so very diverse; have to pay a single supplement, regardless of FROM FOR £510PP 4 DAYS To book call If there’s a burning question that you’re dying to be answered, we’d love to hear it. 0800 977 4888 [email protected] Gyeongbok Palace Insadong district Gwangjang market Demilitarised Zone Simply email us at or send us a message via facebook or twitter and you could be featured in the next issue.

|34| CHINESEWHISPERS | Call us on 0800 977 4888 chinesewhispers.co.uk | CHINESEWHISPERS |35| TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE WENDY WU TOURS CHINESEWHISPERS n Over 19 years’ experience n Unrivalled knowledge and expertise n Comprehensive range of group, private and tailormade holidays n Depart from many regional UK airports n Fully inclusive prices with no hidden extras n 97% independent customer rating n Award winning guides n Specialist advice from our experienced consultants n Authentic dining and delicious local cuisine n Hassle-free visa service included n Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL & IATA

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