calligraphy suzhou

Calligraphy in Suzhou & Trip Giveaway to Suzhou, China!

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Garden of Cultivation Suzhou I only returned from exploring Suzhou, China two weeks ago and still am reeling from such an eye-opening, visually stimulating and immersive trip!

Suzhou is just what you expect traditional China to be.

Though there are high-rises and busy modern center, the old town is basically in a time warp. As you walk the cobbled street or cruise down the canals on a wooden boat helmed by a singing local, you will truly feel that you are 2500 years in the past.

I was exploring Suzhou to shoot a series on the ancient arts and traditions. My cameraman, translator, guide and other team members joined me in what would be a jam-packed 4 days of Suzhou culture. Each episode in our series included working with a local artisan or master craftsman.

These are my favorite types of stories to tell–the real stories of the local people.

Through meeting these masters, learning their skills and understanding their stories, I was able to understand what is Suzhou today by understanding its history.

You will be seeing 4 Master Class videos from this culture series: Calligraphy, Bonsai, Dumplings & Silk. These four elements are woven in the fabric of daily life yet have been important in Suzhou’s culture for centuries.

My first episode is released today (!) and it is focused on Calligraphy. We went visited the Garden of Cultivation, an ornate garden with rock formations, caves and a lovely central pond with lily pads. There was also a popular teahouse in this garden and we had a private room inside to conduct our calligraphy lesson. Our master, Fanwu Zheng, didn’t speak any English so he and I used a translator to communicate. But quickly, we were able to understand each other through laughs, gestures and brushstrokes.

Calligraphy in Suzhou

Suzhou was one of the premier places for calligraphy, being home to the Wu School of professional artists and some of the country’s most skilled calligraphers. Calligraphy was considered one of the highest forms of visual art, along with poetry and painting. It is much more than just writing, it is the creation of moving pieces of artwork.

The best way to understand Suzhou, our experience and the significance of calligraphy is through our first episode. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Now the travel giveaway! 

The contest is on Twitter only.

Prize:

  • Roundtrip airfare from the US or Canada to Suzhou, China (You fly into Shanghai then transfer)
  • 4 Nights Accommdations in Suzhou (hotels are nice!)
  • All meals included (YUM!)
  • The 4 Cultural Opportunities that I experienced with Calligraphy, Bonsai, Dumplings & Silk!

How to Enter:

  1. Follow @VisitSuzhou on Twitter.
  2. Retweet: All you have to do to enter is to Retweet my video launch tweet here OR Retweet the launch tweet from @VisitSuzhou.
  3. Enter by October 4th!

My tweet:


One lucky winner will be selected from there. I cannot wait to see who wins because this trip was so special to me and I want others to share it! GOOD LUCK!

Luxury Guide to Basel, Switzerland

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Basel, Switzerland is a city where old-world charm meets modern elegance. Nestled along the Rhine River and positioned at the intersection of France, Germany, and Switzerland, Basel offers a rich cultural heritage, world-class art institutions, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations. For travelers who appreciate sophistication, Basel delivers an unforgettable experience across every aspect of a luxury escape.

Where to Stay: Top Luxury Hotels in Basel

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
One of the oldest city hotels in Europe, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is located in the heart of Basel’s Old Town with picturesque views of the Rhine. The hotel exudes classic European elegance, featuring antique-filled suites and attentive service. Its restaurant, Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, holds three Michelin stars and is a destination in itself for gourmet travelers.

Mövenpick Hotel Basel
This sleek and modern hotel designed by Matteo Thun offers sophisticated interiors and spacious rooms with panoramic views of the city. Located near Basel’s main train station, it combines convenience with top-tier amenities and hospitality.

Hotel Märthof
Blending heritage architecture with contemporary luxury, Hotel Märthof sits in the center of Old Town. Its boutique style, art-filled spaces, and fine-dining restaurant make it ideal for travelers who want a more personalized experience without compromising comfort.

Fine Dining: Gourmet Cuisine in Basel

Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl
Housed within the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Cheval Blanc is widely recognized for its exquisite French cuisine infused with Mediterranean and Asian flavors. With three Michelin stars, it offers an elegant dining experience that emphasizes precision, creativity, and seasonal ingredients.

Restaurant Stucki – Tanja Grandits
Led by celebrated chef Tanja Grandits, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its artistic presentation and innovative flavor combinations. Located in the residential Bruderholz area, it offers a peaceful setting for a refined culinary journey.

Im Ackermannshof
Set in a beautifully restored historic building, Im Ackermannshof emphasizes seasonal ingredients and contemporary European cuisine. The ambiance is relaxed yet refined, appealing to those who value a quiet yet elevated dining atmosphere.

Luxury Shopping in Basel

Freie Strasse
This is Basel’s most prominent shopping street, where high-end international brands meet iconic Swiss labels. Luxury watches, designer apparel, and fine accessories line the cobbled street, creating an elegant shopping experience.

Spalenberg
For boutique lovers, Spalenberg in the Old Town is a must-visit. It features independent shops, artisan studios, and one-of-a-kind jewelry stores. The narrow, winding streets add charm to the upscale retail experience.

Interior Design Showrooms
Basel’s luxury lifestyle extends beyond fashion. The city offers several high-end furniture and décor showrooms such as Wohnbedarf AG and Ligne Roset, perfect for design enthusiasts seeking unique pieces.

Arts and Culture: Experiences Worth Exploring

Art Basel
Each June, Basel becomes the epicenter of the contemporary art world with Art Basel. This international fair draws collectors, curators, and artists, turning the city into a dynamic cultural hotspot filled with pop-up exhibitions, gallery events, and private viewings.

Fondation Beyeler and Kunstmuseum Basel
These two institutions offer world-class collections ranging from classical to contemporary. Fondation Beyeler is especially notable for its serene setting, while Kunstmuseum Basel is among the oldest public art collections in the world.

Luxury Rhine Cruises
Enjoy Basel from the water aboard a private or small-group luxury cruise on the Rhine. These cruises offer views of the city’s medieval buildings and modern architecture, accompanied by gourmet meals or wine tastings.

Insider Tips for a High-End Experience

  • BaselCard: Guests who stay overnight in Basel receive the BaselCard, which offers free public transport and discounts on museums, guided tours, and cultural attractions.

  • Best Times to Visit: Visit during June for Art Basel or in December for the renowned Christmas markets. Summer months are perfect for the unique local tradition of swimming in the Rhine with a waterproof Wickelfisch bag.

  • Private Tours: Hire a private guide for exclusive access to hidden gems and behind-the-scenes tours of galleries, historic sites, or even backstage at the city’s famous opera house.

Basel is a city that combines luxury, culture, and refinement with effortless grace. Whether you’re strolling through historic alleyways, indulging in fine cuisine, or admiring masterpieces in renowned museums, Basel invites you to experience the very best of European elegance.

Food Guide: Basel, Switzerland

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Fondue, pretzels, flammkuchen, leckerli, beer… there is no shortage of deliciousness in Basel! Along with Swiss specialties like fondue, there’s also great international food in this diverse culinary hotspot. Of course, you’ll taste influences from nearby Germany and France, but the result is a unique type of quality Swiss food that you can only find in Basel.

I ate my way around this city, from breakfast, to lunch to dinner, to many sweets, pretzels, cocktails and beer in between. Trust me–bring your appetite and check out this video for suggestions of Basel’s best, before you go.
Featured: Confiserie Bachmann, Berower Park, Kunsthalle Basel, Walliser Kanne, Ueli Brewery

24 Hours in the Valais, Switzerland

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Glaciers, ziplines, mountain peaks and stunning views–Valais is one of Switzerland’s most gorgeous regions. I explore the best things to do in one full day from the Matterhorn to Gornergrat, fat biking in Crans Montana to dining on the best food ever. Oh and don’t forget apres ski. You will love your 24 hours in Valais.

Hotel Snob: The G.O.’s of Club Med Punta Cana

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I had never experienced Club Med before so I had no idea about the GO’s, or Gentil Organisateurs. GO’s are basically there to help–whether it’s with a particular activity or experience, or just to say hello in the mornings. These friendly faces definitely made the Club Med Punta Cana experience warm and inviting.

I got to spend time with a particularly wonderful GO, Christelle, and she gave me a great tour of Tiara, the 5 Diamond Luxury Space which she manages. Impressive rooms each with an ocean view, this exclusive space has it’s own bar, beach and infinity pool. When she invited me over for their daily champagne sunset toast, I couldn’t say no!

Hotel Snob: The Zen Oasis at Club Med Punta Cana

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At Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, there’s so much to do, see, experience and eat! However, not many know about the Zen Oasis. This is a resort within a resort, and the Zen Oasis was my favorite spot on the Club Med Punta Cana property. Lush, private and surrounding a magnificent swimming pool and the biggest hot tub I’ve ever seen, it was where I wanted to be for some real R&R. The villa style rooms are incredibly modern, sleek and comfortable. I’d definitely recommend staying here and watch my video to see why!

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Hotel Snob: Four Seasons Chiang Mai

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I have stayed at some of the world’s best properties. Here’s my review of the Four Seasons Chiang Mai in Thailand. I profile the rooms, pool villa, spa, activities, dining and overall experience so you can assess.

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Country Life in Saxony

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Live like a Local: Saxony, Germany
USTOA’s Travel Together Series hosted by Kelley Ferro
The cities were really picturesque but it wasn’t till I explored outside of the towns that I was truly blown away by Saxony’s beauty. Impossibly green, rolling hills, wildflower fields and lazy rivers—I can see why Saxony is popular for it’s hiking, biking and outdoor pursuits. The Bastei Rocks was a particular highlight.