TRAVEL TIDBITS: The Statue of Liberty reopens

New York’s most popular woman, the Statue of Liberty that had been closed for a year for renovations is now open to visitors. The renovations were primarily targeted at replacing the stairs to the crown as they were too steep. However, you will now have to go the extra mile to get up there, as there are now 393 steps as opposed to the former 354. The reopening took place on the lady’s 126th anniversary on October 28 this year.

TRAVEL TIDBITS: Hello Kitty themed restaurant opens in Beijing

The unprecedented popularity of the Hello Kitty franchise is undeniable. Be it accessories or apparel or even robots, it is said that the sales of its merchandise alone have acquired over $1 billion for its creators, Japanese company Sanrio. This top cat is also the official tourism ambassador of China and Hong Kong. Hard to beat that, no?


Coming back to the travel world. After Hello Kitty-themed airplanes, spas and a soon-to-be-built theme park that will open in 2014, there is now a Hello Kitty-themed restaurant in Beijing. Not surprisingly called Hello Kitty Dreams, its interiors are bathed in bubblegum pink and white, the entire restaurant is decked with the sprightly cat’s paraphernalia. The food however is known to be average; although it probably isn’t what attracts the visitors. So if you love pink, this is your haven.

                                        A screenshot from their website