Thursday, December 3, 2015

Waiting

So much to look forward to. Anticipating. I just wait with uncertainties but I have faith. I know everything will work out as He desires it.

I will be patient. I wait.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

crazy weather and some blabbering

firstly let me say that the weather is just so bad that makes me want to just go somewhere else except sydney. just on the weekend it was so intensely hot. now someone walks in and turns the switch around and now its really wintery cold. whats wrong with you sydney. arggh!

then this crazy woman in the office whom i shall call ape girl "jane" take note she's an executive but keeps on blabbering left and right at the topmost range her squeeeeky voice. far out! i just hope someone has the guts to say a big SHUTDAFUCKUP!

there you go. i realised blogging makes my soul bit lighter now. And again, Jane has a counterpart who seats adjacent to her. I call him Gimli, the king of dwarfs. Although he has no hair he is so barbaric and always makes the annoying noise all the time. As frequent as he smokes like a chimney! Anyway my two cents is that executives should either be stripped from their title if they don't have the proper decorum on how to act their age and how to act their positions. Also, they can go back to their caves where they truly belong.

anyway living in the city can be a pain. firstly the security guards are so strict i.e., when it comes to guest you have to signin and they have curfew! they treat us like all of us are studying. we're decent professionals for crying out loud. just counting the days till the lease expire and off we go! also the pain of travelling everyday to work. although only takes me 25 mins but for some reason i always feel exhausted day in day out.

whatelse, oh the good thing is that i started to read again. i finished a book called a thousand splendid suns, it was phenomenal. there were so many things i didn't realise about the middle east and its culture. the dark ages in afghan history. the way the story unfolds was really riveting and i love how each character develops in the journey that intertwines their own stories. at the end i can't help but marvel at how laila has redeemed herself and mariams memory lives on...



Saturday, September 5, 2015

Save the best for last. Istanbul.

My memories of Istanbul is very specific and distinct. You can tell that from all the places that I have been, Turkey is the most interesting of them all. You find a different culture, cuisine, people in a city where irony and contradiction is just in front of you. From old town to modern posh hotels. Church and mosque coincide peacefully. Richness of its culture from the various spices, cuisine that it has to offer. From Europe to Asia.

Two days that I was there I try to get the best out of Istanbul as much as I can. I would have stayed longer and I would have spent more money here. But that's the problem when you save the best for last. I mean you have limited time and money to see and experience everything. But I did not fail myself. I went to most places and I can go in two days. I've seen Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi, Grand Bazaar, Taksim, Karakoy, Galatica Bridge/Tower, Kadikoy, Optimum Outlet in Asian side. I wasn't able to eat much this time around and it would have been better if I did experience the best of Turkish Cuisine including the interesting elastic ice cream I've been hearing. But there's definitely a next time. I would come back to Turkey.

Last night in Istanbul I went to a historic hammam to experience it. I felt like the scrub took away all the toxins buildup from the rest of my european trip and replaced it fresh fragrance of the soap that I was soaked in.

I did enjoy the hotel I booked. Million Stone's hospitality is unparalleled. Vault Karakoy is too commercial and lacks honest warm hospitality of the former but their façade is something they can boast to its guest. The only SLH where I didn't get the special treatment. But still its not too bad I like its hollow interior.

Contrary to Smart Traveller's advice of the high degree of caution due to danger. I did not feel any threat of danger at any point and perhaps this is one of the safest city I went to that I can think of. To be fair, I did walk past 12 at night on dark street but people are friendly and nice. Which makes Istanbul my second city after Paris that has special place in my travel vault.

Ja Taime, Paris

This city has its innate charms no matter what. The rained poured at night time but nothing can stop the allure that the city of lights can offer. I met my friends back in London randomly and we agreed to meet in Paris for our first night in the city. It was nice having photo taken at Tour Eiffel even with rain. I heard that Paris is more beautiful under the rain. I confirm it is equally beautiful no matter what.

Earlier that day we went to Hermes in Saint Honore, I believe this is the flagship. I was so gob smacked to see how massive it was and the range is endless. I did buy something for myself. Call it destiny but the belt I bought is a perfect match with my style.

Pressed with time I scanned my mind as to what I would be needing for the rest of the trip. I realised that I am about to ran out of clothes to wear. So thinking about brands, Zara is to Spain. Burberry is to. London. Hence, Kenzo is to Paris. I ended up buying the pair of shoes I've always wanted to buy online, this time I do have the size. Got a Tee as well with the infamous Kenzo Tiger.

Ended with a wonderful champagne and macarons complements from Les Jardin de la Villa. Ja'taime Paris. No matter what.

Except for custom pricks who confiscated my tax refund. schmucks!

Britain's Westend Fairytale and Wetlands. Pardon me, I meant Wasteland

London greeted me with a warm sunshine. Again it was concealing its true self. Similar to when I first arrive two years back. I went straight to my mates hotel just to drop of my bag and headed out to Westminister to see the familiar sites. For me the best hotdog in London is the stand just at Westminister Abbeys tail. While we were eating the heavy clouds started to breakout with light drizzle eventually turning into a crybaby pouring all over. It sucks because all our plans has to be cancelled and diverted into shopping spree. Yes I did get the shoes i planned for at Selfridges but. Marks and Spencer is nowhere to be found. Note to self is to research ahead of time. I taught I knew London very well as this is my third time in the city. I guess not.

Watched a musical at west end, it's one of the long running classics, Miss Saigon. Maybe it's the sheer exhaustion or the really bad weather dawning on me. But I think it's the vibe inside the theatre, warm and nourturing that quickly brought me to dreamland. To be fair I did enjoy the first half of the beginning act. The songs were familiar. But I struggled to snooze. The war scene and uprising is just to heavy to take. Yes I felt like I was in dreamland, fading away and not accomplishing anything. I was merely wishing things I planned for come into fruition. Oh well.

Felt like I wasted my time in London all for nothing. You are expensive. You are rude. You are unwelcoming. Your nothing but wasteland. Far out..

Weird Berlin.

The rain started in Berlin and went all the way to London and Paris. The experience was horrific. I went to Berlin Wall only to find out that it's only a tourist attraction at day time. It's completely hopeless at night. The signs weren't illuminated. To make it worse, Schoneberg is deserted. I read that Berlins nightlife is one of the best. But on a rainy Monday who would have guessed it was dead.

Two things stood out for me. One is the train s-bahn and u-bahn. I love the rail system in Berlin complicated yet easy to understand. Secondly, the people were nice. In particular the old lady who helped me navigate through the railway system. I talked with her all throughout the journey and learnt that she teaches German to foreign pupils. I got myself a quick session of the language with illustrations. She was nice and i realised that even though I wasn't able to see the historic places, sometimes going out to experience the warmth and hospitality like engaging with people is enough to satisfy my rainy journey in Germany.

Greece Vacation: Short but Sweet

The trip to Greece was only for a short while. It was a day trip to a Greek Island called Mykonos. Overnight stay in Athens and a very short visit to Acropolis. It was more of a relaxing vibe that only a minuscule of time was spent on an effortless hike to Parthenon. My overall assessment is that I would definitely go back and explore the many beautiful islands that Greece has to offer. And of course also explore the ancient ruins and the mystifying archeological sites.

Mykonos is too commercialise that sometimes they lack the warmth I was looking for. Unlike in Athens people are so welcoming and very friendly. To compensate, Mykonos has the natural beauty of cliffs, mountain and of course the blue Aegean Sea. I also like the white fascade of the hotels and organised huts situated on beach shore.

One of the reasons I flew to Greece is to do a mileage run to retain my gold membership with Aegean Airlines. At the back of my mind I was adamant to take this flight cos my mum suggested against it. The services of Aegean maybe simple (from lounge to aircraft configuration); however what they lack in that area was overcompensated with their warm hospitality. I flew business intro Europe. However within Greece I flew via Olympic Air (part of Aegean air). The airport in. Mykonos was so small, crowded and chaotic. The one in Athens is much better and just meet my standard.

I stayed at Sofitel Athens (5 star) which was just a quick walk from the terminal. It ticked all the boxes and exceeded my expectations. I stayed in one of the executive room with free access to the club room. It was just perfect cos I don't need to use any of my priority pass limited access (only one left and I am reserving it for Vienna). Sofitel also allowed me to leave my luggage for four days which sealed the deal as my preferred hotel. 

I spent more than 150-200 euros for this trip and majority of it went to transport via taxi. Mykonos' transport system is limited and Athens' broken Metro trains. The first spot I went to in Mykonos is. Kalafati straight from the airport and I paid 30 euros. Due to my tight schedule I was planning on catching another cab to Elia, however no response from taxi company so I decided to walk instead. First 20 minutes was good. The walk was scenic, however after the 30 minute line exhaustion took its place. I felt my skin getting burnt quickly and I decided to buy sunscreen which is a jumbo bottle for a whooping 20 euros. Eventually I threw it away. Then an hour has passed and on the verge of giving up as I sat in the middle of nowhere under the scorching heat of the sun. It's sweltering I tell you. I was drenched in sweat and my skin is darker than ever. Right when this guy in red car asked for directions. I told him that he went the wrong way and should go to next adjacent road. After he made a U turn, I muster much courage to finally look back and put an expression like puss in a boots. He did ask me where I am going and if I wanted a hitch. His name is Sam from Lebanon and he's here on a week holiday. He thought I was crazy to due such journey and it's ludicrous to do what I did. He finally parked and gave me tour of the area. According to him this is his favourite beach and I can see why. Left side is for straight and right side is for Lgbt. After that I stayed in hut and ordered my San Pelligrino and never felt this free and relax as before. 

A Week in Sunny Spain

My european holiday commenced 2-3 weeks ago and how frustrating that I just lost what I blogged back then. You cannot recreate the exact moment you felt back then. So I blame blogger for not syncing my posts from the offline version to live data. Such a waste and I hate it!

As I write this I am feeling the chilly breeze in Sydney and I just wish I can have the sunny humid weather I was complaining about back then. I need it now. So better still to close my eyes while I recall moments when I was in Spain.

I remember how I had my first impression of Spain while riding the bus from the airport to our hotel. I saw from the outside how beautiful the weather is and how exciting the shopping will be. There is no mistake about how vibrant and majestic Barcelona is. We got off at Plaza Catalunya and walk our way to our Hotel booked at Condes de Barcelona, which is really the best place to book when you want to do shopping at Passeig de Gracia. I later find out that Madrid has more choices of style, clothes especially you love Zara, Springfield and Pull & Bear.

Barcelona has all the Gaudi-creations, which I totally crazy for. Highlight of the trip to Barcelona is the overwhelming unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. We went inside and said a little prayer before heading off to the main hall, which was mixed with colours and modern architecture to its backside which has an intricate detail of the Holy Family but when you look from afar, it was just breathtakingly great. Perfection as I say it the first time I laid my eyes on it.

Casa Batlo is worth noting due to its complex architecture and you can see how creative Gaudi really is as he poured all his imagination on this marvellous creation.

In a nutshell Barcelona is very artistic and it was the perfect opening of the door for Spain, esp for us first timers.

The next day I went to Seville on a day trip and though it costs me roughly 250 bucks to get a return trip - it was worth it. Real Alcazar is really overwhelming especially the garden and its endless beauty, it felt like I was in another space, in another time. The city itself is beautiful and it showcases the best of Spain. For me its like looking at a painting yet you experience it in real life. Its a moving spanish painting, if i may say it.

After the touristy first three days, we went to begin our relaxing holiday moment as we enter Ibiza. Not only did the gloomy wet day put is to relax mode. But somehow it did slow me down and I was more relaxed and chilled out, just in time for the best sunset in Ibiza which is in the westend sunset strip at Sant Antoni de Portmany. After sunset we ate at Buddha bar and I met the most beautiful looking, better tasting goat cheese salad. It was huge serving but i did finish it as it was that good.

The next day we stayed at THB Los Molinos and this hotel is just topnotch fabulous. The view, the pool, the room. Everything is good in this hotel. It should have been 5-star in my opinion. Well, it was a good sanctuary as we recharge ourselves for a really big BIG night ahead. Went to Ushuaia which I can spell but not pronounce. Its a massive super club at Ibiza Town where The State of Trance was held. Early as 5pm we were already inside and enjoyed the endless front acts, RODG, Aya and Fila, and another one I couldn't recall cos I didn't really like his style. By the time Armin Van Buuren finally came in - more than 3 hours had passed. We only stayed a while cos of the need to freshen up for the next gig! Too bad but at least we did have a taste of 'how it really feels like'. and I said. This is what it feels like.

We then went to Patcha, where it was just over the moon because of how posh it was and how much convenient it was having the club indoor. Of course after waiting for 3 hours again. David Guetta finally arrived and I said. I am Titanium! I really felt strong and all weariness just went out the window. In all fairness, the one before him was really good. It kept me on hook as I dance endlessly into the mainstream EDM, that alone reminds me why I went to Ibiza.

I find that Ushuaia and Patcha are two distinct in the same way as Armin and David's music are different. The former brings you to a different place as you enjoy the music. While DG you live every beat and enjoy every moment of the EDM and it makes you even love it much better.

Finally we said goodbye to Ibiza and went to Madrid, where the shopping really is. I did buy clothes and shoes that I can wear for the rest of my European holiday. Thanks to my favourite Spanish apparel (Zara, Springfield and my new found love-Pull & Bear).

Oh credits to the best of Spanish cuisine from Paella (3x in a row for my dinner), Tapas, Chorizo, Jamon, Sangria, Empanadas, Churros. I just can live in Spain to eat and eat and eat. Next time though I think its worth experiencing the festivals and of course, more of Flamencos and Bullfight.  Lastly shout out to Vueling for the seamless perfect flights.

Sunday, May 31, 2015

The Art of Travel

Why do we travel? Why spend your hard-earned dollars into something that is not tangible? Some might say that it is better to invest and see your money grow. Some might say the only priority is to buy essentials like a house, car and build a decent home. Yet for few who have experienced what its like to travel and dip your heart into a pot of culture; It is something worth venturing for life is worth the experience.
"Take to the skies, free as the wind. With your head in the clouds, picture the wonders of the world, then - your feet firmly on the ground - set out to discover them. Explore the faraway lands, move to the beat of foreign cities, delight in the lives of others, and at last return home, at once different and the same." 1
Someone asked me before what is the big difference why you travel to another destination? It all looks the same. The only difference is the currency or the weather. And I realised that people who think like that might have not explored out of his country or if he did he slept all the way through that journey cos he was too tired to see the difference. For sure he would have seen the world as flat if he lived centuries before.
"Because every journey is an adventure, every destination a new experience that we hold forever in our hearts, like a treasure hidden at the bottom of a trunk. Lustrous with the patina of memory, loyal as our own shadows, our luggage ceaselessly beckons us to new horizons." 1
There is always something new when you travel, even if it is the same destination. You might not discover the hidden gems but you will surely discover something deeper within you that you have never thought you are capable of. It's like you're trying out a new dish or a newly opened restaurant, or a new cuisine you've never tried. You taste the unfamiliar exquisite spice that tingles your senses and you know you're in for quiet a ride. And you long for more...
"Today's travellers… cultivate wonderment like an elixir of happiness, which lends every journey the vibrant colours of life." 1
The art of travel. It is not which destination you go. But how you experience, interact and digest the diversity of the world with its many facets.

1 - Taken from Editorial of HISTOIRE(S) by Louis Vuitton.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Why I keep coming back to Tokyo?

My short but sweet days in Tokyo was really fun. Rain paused when I was there so I did enjoy strolling around Tokyo. Started off with fabulous two-michelin starred restaurant L'atelier de Joel Robuchon for lunch at Roppongi Hills.

Loved the quick stroll where we saw an overlooking sight of Tokyo Tower.



The food was great. They offer a delectable array for its five course meal of which I found La Feuillantine de Crabe and L'itoyori to be really exquisite.



Two brands I would have was exclusively looking for are Comme des Garcons and Burberry Black. The poshest place to look for designer brands is Ometesando. However I found that Comme des Garcons is not carrying the Black edition. Most of the designs they had were either too pricey or too abstract. I found that they have lots of good designs but it was really expensive so maybe next time.

I put my frustrated shopaholic self to rest by walking through Yoyogi Park-Harajuku-Shibuya. It was one hell of a walk. We've witnessed the last standing Sakura tree and an endless walk to the biggest crows I've ever seen.



Of course once you are at Harajuku - the street fashion alley. You will fall in love at every market stall you see and you literally just have to stop and look, appreciate the unique style. I regret not buying anything here cos I thought I can go back. I am hating myself for thinking that the next day is my all-inclusive shopping day. *ended up going out of town*

After the tiring window shopping at Harajuku finally I've seen some shops I'd like to see some anime toy kingdom, Margiella, Saint Laurent, Burberry Black, CDG MoMA etc… My stomach started growling. We've decided to eat at a Tonkatsu place which is heavenly. Its near the busy Shibuya crossing *perhaps 200m away* and it reminds me of the first Tonkatsu I've eaten a year ago in Shinjuku…

Went looking for an irish pub after the meal, its in the heart of Shibuya. My friend knows the manager and it was the start of the longest night in Tokyo. The drinks were pouring and the time seemed endless. I thought I danced in intervals whilst waiting for drinks and the hot spicy snack that got me all sweaty and crazy. Ended the night by carrying my drunk friend to my hotel and all 3 of us slept after a debacle on how to tame the shrewd. and for the record i still couldn't figure out who broke the phone in the hotel. Glad I didn't get charged though!

Next day with the worst hangover, I went to Kawaguchiko. That's the thing with deciding impromptu - you just go with what your heart is telling you. No need to think and no need to analyse. Went to Shinjuku and without a sweat I found the Keiko Highway Bus. The fastest way to Fuji 5 Lakes *less than 2 hours*


The day was promising and I started it off with a nice rotemboru *hot springs* i just loved how you soak yourself in the hot steamy water outside with mother nature. That took all the toxins away. After less than an hour I got bored and decided to go see Mt Fuji. Just when I was waiting for my bus ride it suddenly drizzled and the tour bus was saying that the Kachi Kachi ropeway was closed and Fuji-san is nowhere to be seen. *dark clouds rolled my aura* and I decided then and there to go back to Tokyo and start shopping! I hated Fuji-san for disappointing me second time around.







Shinjuku Isetan is a haven filled with all the brands I wanted but too little time and resource scarcity then decided that I go to Seibu Shibuya and buy two things on my wish list. Got myself Burberry Black (coat and bag) and new shoes from Y-3. And its all what I needed to buy.



Met my other friend for dinner at the obvious meeting point - Hachiko. You can never go wrong. Its the ultimate meeting place. We decided to dine in a quiet Izakaya in Akasaka. Then she helped me buy my green tea products and souvenirs at a closely shop. We both liked the shop when we visited this place before. We never realised that we are talking about one and the same place, and it is Picasso.






I have an early flight the next day to Beijing so I slept in. My body can't tolerate another drunken night but if I have more time I would have loved going to Shinjuku and time stands still in a place where you forget frustrations, problems and lose yourself wholeheartedly. and that's why I keep coming back to Tokyo.




Japan and China Travel 23 Apr to 27 Apr 2015

A week ago I did this crazy flight:

  • SYD-SIN (5 hours layover)
  • SIN-HND (2 nights stay)
  • HND-PEK (12 hours layover)
  • PEK-SIN (2.5 hours layover)
  • SIN-SYD
Intense is what it is as I travel from southern hemisphere to the north, all I was carrying with me are loads of games in my iPad and heaps of music.

It was not really that bad as long as you've got lounge access. So I am really thankful to my Miles and Bonus Gold, which obviously is my passport to unlimited booze and meals :)

Tokyo is undoubtedly my favourite Japanese city and I will always come back for vacation. Will blog more about what transpired in this ultra quick escape when I get a chance…