Mandalay

  

  

The huts scattered along the empty but well-paved road from the airport were all decorated by advertising. Headlamp would have been useful for the nocturnal adventures. I should have learnt my lesson in Inner Mongolia and brought light, regardless of in which kind of hotel we stay..

The formula for Sendosa was a smooth welcome, the goldfish rush, very colonial (very George Orwell) dining rooms , the wine in the corner, the coffee and cakes across the hall, the “daily friends” delivery, and the perfect view thanks to low season. Architectural delight of teak wood, teak wood, mirrors, gold leaves, gold paint... and I went a bit over the top with arches.

The culinary touch: Fine dining was fine, The Green Elephant won by ambiance, Too Too served good local food and I thought it was worth the trip (not an undisputed view), local tea house was awesome and Café Jay Jay was decently average but hey the wifi was great!