UCoffee, Sanlitun, Beijing

I have had the most amazing time in Beijing. On a course sponsored by the Confucius Institute in Tsinghua University, I have met many wonderful people, that I honestly believe I will keep in touch with for a long time. Many things built the bonds between everyone on the trip: from spending 5 hours in a coach, to climbing the Great Wall after 2 hours sleep, to learning Chinese. But I think one of the biggest activities that made everyone closer was going out in Sanlitun. Traditionally starting with V Plus Lounge, and ending with Sirteen Nightclub, every single night spent in this crazy part of the city was unforgettable!

And guess what? Not far away, within this lively neighbourhood, close to a street full of local street food (I highly recommend Mr Shi's dumplings), UCoffee does great gelato!!

A cute setting, imitating European cities, from London to Rome, and with peaceful painting classes in the evening, the place is lovely!! 

Their coffee was good, and Jason tried their Pistachio ice cream. Although not the expected taste one would have for pistachio gelato, being fairly creamy, it was really good. The other flavours also looked really delicious, especially Tiramisu and berries!!! 

If you are in Beijing on holiday or studying, you cannot miss out on a Sanlitun night! And of course, if you have a sudden craving for good gelato, drop by UCoffee! 

Ice cream shop next to the escalator on Pearl Market's first floor

Tired of bargaining but still want to shop some more? This is the perfect break!!!

Lovely lovely people that give you many free sweets if you ask, their lemon and hazelnut flavour was particularly delicious!! 

After having bought bags, shoes, t-shirts, make-up, or any other thing you would like at this wonderful market, a gelato can easily be needed! And my advice is don't opt for Dairy Queen, the things you know, but instead try some gelato from this cute little stand. You can eat it whilst browsing before you go for the things you want (always a good idea), and it honestly feels so good, especially in Beijing's summer heat!

                      

Don't forget to ask to taste, because in this place once you ask for one, they make you try everything!! 

Pearl (or Hong Qiao in Chinese) market is the best fake market in Beijing, cheaper than the silk market and more open to bargaining than the others too. I would really recommend it, and of course, recommend the little ice cream stop during your time there!! 

Stopping at this shop is also a great opportunity to taste typical Chinese sweets, such as baitu!

http://www.hongqiaomarket.com

Hongqiao/Pearl market is just in front of the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful site that I would also recommend!! 

Closest metro stop: Tiantandongmen (天坛东门）

Havelock Place Bungalow, Colombo, Sri Lanka

                         

A hidden little hotel off a main road in Sri Lanka, The --- is full of vegetation, clean, and generally lovely. Stopping there between each of our trips, my family and I got to know the personnel, who are also very kind. 

Although we did not have the opportunity to try much of the restaurant's (very yummy-looking and quite inventive) menu, we did taste their gelato!!! 

The ---- has many quirky, homemade flavours, making the gelato experience quite exciting! 

I personally loved coconut & almond, which had a crunchy and creamy feel to it. My brother tasted dark chocolate, which he also enjoyed (judging by the speed he devoured it in). Some flavours were not available but seemed delicious, so if you happen to go taste one, let me know how it was please!

Sitting at a peaceful table surrounded by vegetation and the sound of trickling water from the small swimming pool, I highly recommend this restaurant (and the hotel itself) as a break from bustling Colombo. And of course, if you do go, don't miss out on their wonderful gelato! 

http://www.havelockbungalow.com

The Pedlar's Inn, Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

I'm The beautiful historical area that is Galle Fort, has lots for tourists to by and is filled with restaurants and cafes. However, The Pedlar's Inn, recommended by my Sri Lankan friend, soon became our favourite. 

With one normal cafe and one shop dedicated to their delicious homemade ice cream, the flavours at the Pedlar's Inn alternate depending on the season and products quality. 

After a day at the beach, at the swimming pool, or even in the rain (as you can see by the photos), The Pedlar's Inn gelato was perfect. However, if you plan on going, be careful as the ice cream runs out fairly quickly (a clear sign of how delicious it is). 

We became friends with Ifqah (very unsure how to spell it), the person that sells and makes the ice cream. Passionate about his ice creams, he bid us to taste all kinds of ice creams throughout the three days. 

Having tasted I think every single ice cream between the four of us, my family particularly enjoyed passion fruit, mango, chocolate and hazelnut.

I would really recommend getting one of these wonderful ice creams and meandering around charming Galle Fort, especially going towards the less touristy parts or walking along the fort to go see the light house. 

We ended our two week Sri Lankan journey in Galle, and the salty breeze, beautiful place, and delicious gelato, truly was a perfect conclusion.