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Welcome to Life of Shal!

Hi, I’m Shal! Welcome to Life of Shal — my little corner of the internet where I share stories, snapshots, and musings from my travels and everyday life.

I started this blog back in 2013 as an online diary to capture memories, moments, and all the fun things I discover along my travels. From wandering the streets of New York to sipping cappuccinos in Florence, this space is about celebrating curiosity, connection, and the joy of living.

Beyond travel, I’m endlessly inspired by books, art, and food. You’ll often find me curled up with a novel, wandering through art galleries, spending late nights in my studio or happily taste-testing coffees and desserts in cafés around the world. These passions sneak into my travels too — whether it’s losing myself in Paris, marveling at monuments in China or chasing down the best gelato in Italy.

One day, I hope our kids will read these posts and see the world through my eyes — full of wonder, laughter, beauty, and maybe a few too many desserts.

So grab a coffee, settle in, and come explore with me.

Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, London

When I visited London with my mom and her colleagues, one of the highlights was a dinner at Jamie Oliver’s famous restaurant, Fifteen. Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, Fifteen was more than a restaurant — it was a place where food met purpose, and every dish told a story.…

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Museum Schloss Moyland, Germany

One of my first adventures as a student in the Netherlands was a day trip to Museum Schloss Moyland with my student group, just after orientation and the start of classes. We caught a bus from Nijmegen early in the morning, the kind of crisp, cloudy European weather that promises…

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Cinque Terre: A Photo Diary

Tucked along the rugged Italian Riviera, these five little villages feel like they were painted onto the cliffs just for travelers like us to marvel at. With their pastel houses tumbling toward the sea, winding cobblestone streets, and the kind of sunsets that make you forget to blink, Cinque Terre…

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Lost in Time: Exploring Yu Garden, Shanghai

Nestled in the heart of the Old City of Shanghai, Yu Garden is a breathtaking reminder of how art, architecture, and nature can blend so perfectly in the midst of a city renowned for its skyscrapers.

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Silk Market, Beijing

Just a short walk from Yonganli Station lies the Silk Market. From tailor-made suits and silk scarves to jade jewelry and souvenirs, it’s the ultimate destination for both collectors and the casually curious tourist.

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Eating My Way Around The Globe

Welcome to the flavorful side of the blog!

Where I take you on a delicious journey across the globe… from cozy cafés and bustling bars to hidden restaurants and iconic bakeries… come explore the world with me, one bite at a time.

I’ve sipped tea at the famous Confucius Café in Beijing and savored the yummiest okonomiyaki in Japan, and of course, couldn’t resist a cupcake (or two) at Magnolia Bakery in New York. But… not every meal is as expected… I once unknowingly tasted shark fin soup in China and braved the rich, hearty flavors of haggis in Scotland.

Back in my own kitchen, I love whipping up something delicious and bringing a piece of the adventure to my table at home. It’s my way of keeping the flavors and memories alive, while experimenting, laughing and sometimes failing spectacularly along the way.

For me, tasting food around the globe isn’t just about flavors — it’s about immersing myself in culture and connecting with people through a hearty dish. Whether it’s street-side dumplings in Beijing or a comforting cappuccino in Florence, every bite is an adventure. So come along with me — let’s taste the world together, one unforgettable meal at a time.

Café Confucius, Beijing

Situated near the Confucius Temple in Dongcheng is a little Buddhist inspired coffee shop. Its mention in many China inspired guidebooks…

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Shark Fin Soup, China

Food forms a big part of Chinese culture with tradition and meaning accompanying almost every step of a meal. Business dinners,…

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A Scrapbook of Memories

There’s something magical about freezing a moment in time — the way the light hits a quiet canal in the Netherlands, the hum of a neon street in Tokyo, the soft glow of lanterns in China, or the way New York shimmers after dark. Each photo I take is more than just a snapshot; it’s a feeling, a memory, a story waiting to be told.

Through my photo diaries, I’m capturing the beauty of places as I’ve seen and felt them. From wandering Kyoto’s bamboo groves to walking along Amsterdam’s cobbled streets, from standing beneath the glowing skyline of Shanghai to chasing city lights in Manhattan. These aren’t just travel photos — they’re glimpses into the little moments that made each journey unforgettable.

So come along, flip through my online scrapbook, and see the world through my camera — one story, one photograph, one memory at a time.

A New York City Photo Diary

There’s no place quite like New York. The minute you step onto the bustling streets, it’s like stepping into the heartbeat of the world. Here’s…

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Hiroshima Photo Diary

While planning a trip to Japan may consist of the more popular cities like Tokyo and Osaka; Hiroshima has always been at the top of…

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Chapters & Cappuccinos

There’s nothing I love more than curling up on a cozy couch, wrapping myself in a blanket, with a good book in one hand and a hot cappuccino in the other. For me, reading is more than just turning pages — it’s about exploring new worlds, meeting unforgettable characters, and finding inspiration between the lines.

Here, you’ll find my little collection of book reviews — part reflections, part ramblings, always written with love (and usually fueled by far too many cappuccinos). Think of it as a cozy corner where we can share stories, swap favorites quotes and daydream together.

So grab a warm drink, find your comfiest spot, and let’s get lost in a book together.

Best places to visit in June

Whether you’re situated in the northern hemisphere or the south, June is the perfect time for a middle-of-the-year adventure. Wander the alleyways of European…

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