{"id":1882,"date":"2016-07-08T00:00:40","date_gmt":"2016-07-08T00:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/?p=1882"},"modified":"2022-07-20T22:00:19","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T22:00:19","slug":"discover-your-passion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/activities\/discover-your-passion\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Your Passion: Learn to Cook, Box or Make Gelato from Locals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"yoga-class\"<\/p>\n

The first time I travelled alone, I had a minor anxiety attack. I mean, yes, there are countless testimonials of how you just miraculously find yourself when you\u2019re alone in a completely different country. But that would entail getting lost and — at the risk of sounding like an urban drone \u2013 I didn\u2019t want that, especially not if I was going to be alone.<\/p>\n

So I decided to plan. I drew up an itinerary filled with activities.<\/p>\n

Scenic day tour? Check. <\/em><\/p>\n

Wine tasting? Check. <\/em><\/p>\n

A list of cafes to visit (reviews thoroughly combed through, of course)? Check. <\/em><\/p>\n

Bars and restaurants recommended by blogs and travel magazines? Check. <\/em><\/p>\n

But my list still had pockets of time undeclared. Now what?<\/p>\n

That was when I stumbled on a chocolate and patisserie school at my destination.<\/p>\n

\"pastry\"<\/p>\n

I\u2019d always dreamed about having a dessert empire to call my own, and they offered short day-courses. It was a no-brainer. One thing led to another and soon I managed to squeeze in a chocolate appreciation masterclass and a soap-making course. (I would have taken even more classes if I’d had the\u00a0budget!)<\/p>\n

As it turned out, I had to swap one of the classes, because I discovered at the last minute that my favourite rap artist was in town. But I thoroughly enjoyed myself nonetheless. There\u2019s something magical about actually doing something you\u2019ve always wanted to do, instead of simply dreaming about it.<\/p>\n

The whole experience inspired me to be more conscious of chasing my passions back home, too. Turns out, you don\u2019t really have to get lost to find yourself or at least what you\u2019re passionate about.<\/p>\n

So, where do you go to learn? Here are a few recommendations for fellow passion-seekers.<\/p>\n

Massage, Meditation and Yoga Classes in Bali<\/a>\"treatment-1327811_1920\"<\/h2>\n

Balinese relaxation is really in a class of its own. Specific rituals and techniques are deeply rooted in age-old beliefs and traditions, but the result is universally accepted as calming for the body, mind and soul. The next time you\u2019re in the country, make it a point to bring some of the good vibes home. A simple massage, meditation or yoga class will take care of that easily enough.<\/p>\n

[button style=’pink’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/things-to-do\/?location=Bali%2C+Indonesia&categories=Spa&pageNumber=1′ icon=’entypo-lifebuoy’ fullwidth=’true’] Find a Massage Class in Bali[\/button]<\/p>\n

Cooking Class in Thailand\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"thailand-cooking-class\"<\/p>\n

Exotic, vibrant and tasty \u2013 Thai cuisine will definitely ignite any cooking ambitions you might have. A cooking masterclass is super fun and a popular tourist activity. Chances are you could easily arrange for one at your hotel. More serious gourmands can opt to attend established culinary schools, which offer short day courses.<\/p>\n

[button style=’pink’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/things-to-do\/?location=Chiang+Mai+(and+vicinity)%2C+Thailand&categories=Food+%26+Drink&pageNumber=1′ icon=’entypo-lifebuoy’ fullwidth=’true’] Check out Food & Cooking Classes\u00a0in Thailand[\/button]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patisserie and Cake making Class in Paris<\/a>\"dessert-puff\"<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no place like France to learn the sweet art of pastry making. While you won\u2019t become a world-renowned pastry chef overnight (these guys train for years!), but you will be inspired to whip up a dessert or two when you get back to your own kitchen. Some of the world\u2019s top pastry schools are located here, as are the most accomplished pastry chefs, so you can be assured you\u2019ll be learning from the very best.<\/p>\n

[button style=’pink’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/things-to-do\/?location=Paris+(and+vicinity)%2C+France&categories=Food+%26+Drink&pageNumber=1′ icon=’entypo-lifebuoy’ fullwidth=’true’] Check out Food Classes & Dinner Tours in Paris[\/button]<\/p>\n

Barista training in Melbourne<\/a>\"barista\"<\/h2>\n

You simply can\u2019t go wrong with a barista training course in a place where people take their coffee very seriously. Sample your way through cafes, then pick your coffee education. Will you master the perfect espresso shot, a perfectly frothy flat white or Instagram-worthy latte art?<\/p>\n

[button style=’pink’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/Things-To-Do-In-Melbourne.d178283.Activities’ icon=’entypo-lifebuoy’ fullwidth=’true’] Check out more Things to do in Melbourne[\/button]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Flower Arranging Class in Japan<\/a>\"kimono-in-japan\"<\/h2>\n

Ikebana is the art of flower arrangement, dating back 500 years. It well and truly is an art, requiring a delicate balance of size, shape and colour. A course in it will surely allow you to pick up a thing or two about aesthetic quality and Japanese culture.<\/p>\n

Another popular activity in Japan is to book a tea ceremony. The tea master conducts a formal ceremony while you sit on tatami mats, serving you tea in the traditional Japanese style.<\/p>\n

Also popular is to learn how to have a full Japanese makeover, into an\u00a0oiran<\/em> (courtesan) or with full makeup and a kimono. As you are tucked into your outfit, get some insight tips about proper kitsuke<\/em>, including how to adjust various elements of your new garb. You can then wander the streets of Japan in your kimono!<\/p>\n

[button style=’pink’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/Things-To-Do-In-Tokyo.d179900.Activities’entypo-lifebuoy’ fullwidth=’true’] Check out more Things to do in Japan[\/button]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cocktail Masterclass in London<\/a>\"cocktail-class\"<\/h2>\n

Pub culture is big here, but trendier, more upmarket bars and restaurants have always been an important part of the London dining scene. Over the years cocktails have become increasingly popular as an indicator of creativity and flair among top dining and drinking spots around the city. You don\u2019t have to learn how to mix to appreciate a good tipple, but it sure does add to the fun.<\/p>\n

[button style=’pink’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/Things-To-Do-In-London.d178279.Activities’ icon=’entypo-lifebuoy’ fullwidth=’true’] Check out more Things to do in London\u00a0[\/button]<\/p>\n

Gelato-Making\u00a0Class in Italy\"ice-cream-865126_1920\"<\/h2>\n

Is there truly a right way to enjoy gelato? Well, no harm in maximising your gelato experience, at any rate, especially considering how you\u2019ll be tempted with the sweet dessert at every Italian street corner. Gelato appreciation is really just one big gelato tasting session, perfect for, well, everyone. More intensive gelato-making courses are available at renowned schools for prospective business owners.<\/p>\n

[button style=’pink’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/things-to-do\/?location=Florence%20(province),%20Italy’ icon=’entypo-lifebuoy’ fullwidth=’true’] Check out more Things to do in Florence[\/button]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You don\u2019t have to get lost to find yourself \u2013 you just have to chase a passion as far as it takes you. Find out how you can discover what you love on your next holiday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1883,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,110,20],"tags":[479,304,23,95,345,480,481],"authors":[],"class_list":["post-1882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities","category-attractions","category-food-drink","tag-cooking-class","tag-discover","tag-food","tag-foodies","tag-solo-traveller","tag-things-to-do","tag-try-something-new","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTake a Cooking Class or Learn to Make Gelato while Travelling - Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover a passion as you travel. 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