Because life is more than just travelling

Lessons of 2013

1. Love yourself, always. No one is going to do it for you.
You have to come first always. Everyone needs alone time, some more than others. Loving and trusting yourself is important. Self doubt will eat you away. Only with self love and respect, will you learn how to forgive yourself for mistakes made, and push past it.

2. It's ok to look back once in a while, and remember the good times. Just don't let it drag you down. 
Remember the good, and the bad. That's what makes the memories real. Learn from the past, don't wallow in it.

Merry Christmas

Heading back to Bali towards the end of Jan next year for some much needed r&r. Don't plan on doing much sightseeing other that chilling in the hotel pool and eating.

April looks exciting too with travel plans to Beijing. I've never been to China before so I'm pretty excited. Got to brush up on my Mandarin though!

This is gonna be my last post for the year! I'll hopefully be back with more next year. 

Merry Christmas all! :)

Travelogue - Bali, Indonesia

Bali is only a two and a half hour flight away from Singapore and yet, this was the first time that I'd been there. I was really excited about going to Bali as prior to the trip, I had seen many beautiful pictures of the island, and read about all the good food there. 

Travelogue - Kutná Hora, Czech Republic

While in Prague, we took a day trip out to the town of Kutná Hora. It was a simple train ride away! 

A little background information. Kutná Hora was previously a mining town. The city has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of several buildings there. 

And here are some of the places I visited. 

First up was Sedlec Ossuary. I unfortunately can't find the photos I took of the interior! (Do a google search!) But its a Roman Catholic church that contains up to 70,000 skeletons. While a little daunting to be inside, it's definitely worth a visit. 

However, I did manage to find a picture I took of the cemetery behind the church. 

Travelogue - Prague, Czech Republic

How do I even begin to describe Prague. 

The buildings here give off a historical vibe. It feels as though you've travelled a few years back in time. To a time where you could imagine white knights roaming around the streets, the fresh smell of baking bread wafting through the air. Although Prague is full of tourists, it does not feel that way. Yeah, the shopping here is pretty decent too. ;)

Travelogue - Lyon, France

Viva la France! Lyon was my second stop stop in France. And I love this city! The pace of life is so slow and relaxing. You can literally spend the whole Sunday strolling along the riverside. 

We were in Lyon while France celebrated Bastille Day. While most shops were unfortunately closed because of that, we got to experience the charms of Lyon by simply walking along the river, going to flea markets, and roaming around the vibrant city with no aim in mind. 

Travelogue - Paris, France

Oh, Paris. The City of Lights and City of Love. Also fondly remembered by me as, the city with lots of rain. I visited Paris in July last year, and was not prepared for the amount of rain I got when I was there. It rained almost every afternoon. But even the rain, was not enough to make Paris lose its allure. 

Travelogue - Krakow, Poland

As I write this, I'm sitting in the kitchen, keeping a watching eye over my first attempt at making Paella. Krakow is a city full of history, and yet exquisitely charming.

Alleyways and little corners are filled with charming cafes. The cobbled streets bring you back to the past. But once you turn into the old Jewish ghettoes of the past, you get a sense that this city, has a story to tell. 

Travel Tips

I figured that it's time for some traveling tips! While I was on exchange, I heard many 'horror' stories of friends having their phones and wallets pick-pocketed. I even had a friend whose passport of pick-pocketed.

Some of the items that I fear losing the most include:

1. My passport - the troubles one would have to go through to get a replacement
2. Mobile phone - I stored important information (flight details, booking refs etc) in my phone
3. Wallet - Losing cash is fine. I'd rather not lose my identification cards and credit cards.
4. My laptop (When I do bring it with me on travels)
5. My kindle (Unrealistic I know, but there are hours of entertainment in there!)

Some things I do to stay safe while traveling:

Travelogue - Auschwitz

The past we inherit, the present we create. 

One of the cities I visited whilst on exchange was Krakow. My friends really wanted to go to Auschwitz to see how it was like. Prior to going on exchange, I had zero interest in history. But after actually seeing the places you read about in books, and see in movies, it strikes you just how poignant history is. These places not only serve as reminders, so that those horrible episodes will not be forgotten. But they also teach. They teach the present generation to be thankful for what we have. When you're staring at a room full of shoes that used to belong to someone else from the past, someone who had their life ripped away from them, it strikes you deep inside. 

I found myself reading more about history after that, learning about the second world war, the cold war and recounts of those who by sheer strength and courage, survived. 

And this, is my journey to Auschwitz. 

Travelogue - Taiwan, The Last Few Days

Our last few days in Taipei were spent doing last minute shopping and checking out more night markets. This time we headed to Wu Pen Fu Night Market. The food there was needless to say, amazing! I especially love the grilled oysters! I would have eaten loads of it if I wasn't already so full. So. Damn. Delicious. 

Other delights at Wu Pen Fu include Braised Pork Rice, Pork Ribs noodle soup and more! Although this night market is smaller than others, the food is ridiculously good! Even though you're full, you tell yourself that you have to eat more because you don't want to miss out on any potential sumptuous dish. 

The last day in Taipei was spent shopping around, and hunting down more of our favourite food. We left the country happy, full of delicious food, and a resolution to go on a detox diet once we got back home. Taiwan was amazing, and I cannot wait to go back to explore other areas, and of course, try more food! 

And this, marks the end of my 2013 Taiwan trip. 

Chasing Life.

I'm starting to find it more and more challenging to be on track with updates. I'm two and a half months into my job, and the workload is starting to increase. More often than not, I find myself exhausted after a day of work, and having to come home to prepare for classes the next day.

Nonetheless, I enjoy work so much. Interacting with kids, and seeing their precious smiles can make your day. There's just something so heartwarming about a child you've taught before giving you a warm smile when they walk past you, or waving happily to you as though they haven't seen you in ages.

I'm going to do my best to be better at time management and dedicate some time weekly to sharing travel stories. Here's to better time management skills, easing (still!) into my busy work life, making time for friends, and hopefully, traveling more!

Till then.

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 11 (Taichung)

On the second day in Taichung, we set out to explore the Tung Hai University and the city centre. The highlight was the Luce Memorial Chapel - which was unique because of its architecture. The journey to the university didn't take long, and we got to enjoy some sights along the way. Traveling in Taichung is really easy, because the buses provide the stop names in both English and Chinese. We had a data plan which also came in useful at times. 

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 10, A little bit of Feng Jia

Woke up to a beautiful day! The sky was blue, the breeze just right. We didn't have much to do in the morning so we sat around the hotel's courtyard, taking in the sunshine, and enjoying a good read. This was our designated traveling day. 

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 9 (CingJing Farm)

After a night at Sun Moon Lake, we headed further up the mountains to CingJing farmlands. The nice cool weather was a welcomed relief from the hot humidity of Kaohsiung. We took a taxi up to save time! The drive up was scenic, and enjoyable, although I did fall asleep - I'm like that in cars. Once we stepped out of the taxi, it was like stepping into a fairytale. We were surrounded by greenery and clouds. To add to the magic of it all, there were adorable sheep all around, grazing as though they had naught a care in the world.  

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 8 (Sun Moon Lake)

One of the highlights of my Taiwan trip was our visit to Sun Moon Lake. I had done some research, and been wowed by the lovely pictures online. As a scenery lover, I could not wait to soak in the beauty of this lake. To my dismay, it was raining the day we went to Sun Moon Lake. The lake was shrouded in fog, and the weather, wet and cold.

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 7 (Fo Guang Shang Monastery)

Back with yet another day trip out of Kaohsiung. We took a bus out of the city to Fo Guang Shan Monastery. I found it really interesting to just soak in the sights and atmosphere of the monastery. It was a real change from the cathedrals I had visited in Europe. I found the buddha statues really (for lack of a better word) extravagant. The monastery was peaceful and calming, set atop a hill. 

A little R&R in Bali

Greetings from Bali! The trip's been lovely so far and today's my last day here. A little reluctant to head back to SG and back to work tomorrow. Alas, I take joy in the fact that everyday at work is different, and that interacting with kids is so much fun. Their little antics put a smile on my face. 

More about Bali soon, but here's some pictures! 

Bali's been lovely. Our hotel is awesome. 

I can't wait to be back again! 

Travelogue - Taiwan Day 6, Kaohsiung

Second day of my travels in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. We found ourselves waking up to a bright, sunny day. Kaohsiung is much more humid as compared to Taipei! We decided to spend the day exploring Lotus Lake, and boy was the lake huge. 

Travelogue - Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Day 5

Back with the 5th day of Taiwan. We took a long train ride down to Kaohsiung, even though we could have taken the high speed rail. Enjoyed some lovely sights along the way. We reached Kaohsiung in the afternoon, and immediately checked into our hotel. It did not take us long to get out into the sunshine and explore this town. 

We roamed around with no particular stop in mind, our end point being the night market. And we chanced upon a park! 

Travelogue - Taiwan Day 4, Taipei

Fourth day of Taiwan! We spent the day exploring some of the famous sights in Taipei itself. Our first stop was Taipei 101! The tallest building in Taiwan, and a sight to behold. Had to scurry around trying to find decent photo angles to get a nice shot of this building. 

This is home, truly.

As much as I love to travel, nothing beats coming home after a trip. Home is where my family is, my friends are, where the roads are familiar, and memories lurk around every street and turn.

Today is Singapore's birthday! So Happy National Day to us. As much as we complain about this tiny island, it's still awesome. Peace, stability, occasional great sights, and lots of gastronomic food.

:) 

Travelogue - Taiwan Day 3 - Beitou, Taipei

Day 3 of Taiwan! We headed up to Beitou to try out the hot springs. Beitou is supposedly the uprising place where many expats stay. Its easy to get into central Taipei via the trains, and yet quiet enough if you're looking for some peace and quiet. 

We decided to explore a little of Beitou before heading to the hot springs. And I must say, it's a quaint little town. I particularly love the library there! It was designed by a Japanese architect, and has a very zen feel to it. So relaxing! 

Travelogue - Taiwan Day 2, Taipei Day Trip

Day 2 of Taiwan saw us taking a day trip out of Taipei. We decided to spend the day exploring northern regions of Taipei.  Our first stop was Jiufen to explore some mouth-watering Taiwanese delights. We took a train down to RuiFang, and headed on to Jiufen by bus. 

We were immediately greeted by this lovely view upon alighting.

Travelogue - Taiwan Day 1, Taipei

Moving away from Europe for the time being and focusing on a place that's much closer to home. And that place is Taiwan. I was in Taiwan for a period of 2 weeks on my grad trip and had lots of fun. Taiwan is also most known for their night markets - and I must say, the amount of food there is crazy! I didn't even know where to start.

But before I delve into more details, the first leg of our travels in Taiwan was Taipei. Taipei has so much to offer, from food to shopping, temples to nature sights. There's plenty to do within Taipei itself, and you can also choose to take day trips out to see what surrounding counties have to offer. Our Taipei itinerary was pretty packed. I'm gonna do a day-by-day travelogue here because I took too many photos, and Taiwan just has too much to offer.

Our first stop after checking into our accommodation and getting a little rest was the Fo Guang Shan Temple! It's a really intricate piece of architecture, and would have been better, if it weren't for all the flashing tourist LEDs. Took a walk inside, while my friends offered prayers. Was really impressed by the detailing that was done! 

S.E.A Aquarium, Singapore

I visited the S.E.A Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa awhile back with my family. Having previously visited the aquarium in Ocean Park, I had high hopes for this one. Especially with all the hype that had gone on prior to its opening, and what was proclaimed to be host to the largest viewing platform. 

Travelogue - Ibiza, Spain

Hola! Since it's summer, I thought I'd do a short entry on my very short stay in Ibiza. The story on how I ended up here is pretty amusing. I was in Lyon prior to that, and Ibiza was the cheapest destination to fly out too. Story of my wanderlust exchange. And that's how I ended up in sunny Ibiza for 2 days, and flew on to cold and rainy Liverpool after that. 

If you don't already know, Ibiza is an island off the coast of Valencia  It is also home to some of the prettiest beaches and best parties. I'm going to be talking mostly about the beaches because I'm a beach/seaside kinda girl. 

Travelogue - Rome Pt 3 ( Fountains in the City)

Last entry on Rome. I've probably sang enough praises about the city already. 

Fountains have long since been a part of Rome's history and landscape. In the past, they used to provide drinking water for the people - and today, some of the still do. I can't tell you how appreciative I am of this. To be able to refill your bottle while the hot sun beats down on you and enjoy a cool drink is just so refreshing. 

Travelogue - Rome Pt 2 (Colosseo & Roman Forum)

Back with more on Rome! 

Life

So I just found out about the death of Cory Monteith.

I must say I'm pretty much in shock. I honestly thought my friend was joking with me when she texted me the news. I've been following Glee since its debut, and it's mad me laugh and smile at the end of a bad day. Finn Hudson was one of my favourite characters.

Yet again, we get reminded by the fragility of life. We never know when our time is up, or that of someone close to us. It's another reminder to live life to the fullest, and be happy everyday.

RIP Cory. May you suffer no more.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Travelogue - Rome Pt. 1 (Vatican City)

They say that all roads lead to Rome. Rome is so huge, so full of attractions, that I decided midway to split this post into parts. 

Rome to me, is a city that I would love to go back again. There's something special about the cobbled pathways, the bustle of city life, the faint smell of pasta and pizza, and being surrounded by ancient Roman architect that draws me to not only Rome, but Italy in general. 

Rome being the capital of Italy, is bustling with tourists and locals, business people and students, the elderly and the young. Rome is also home to the only sovereign state - The Vatican City. 

Why you should travel young

People normally say that your golden years are when you get to take time out to travel, see the world without having to worry about the future. I beg to differ.

Yes, traveling in your golden years does have its perks, but I feel that traveling should be done in the prime of your youth too.

Your 20s are the best time of your life to travel, have fun and do crazy things without having to worry about being judged. Well, we will probably still be judged, but not as harshly. Where else in life can you party without a care in the world, stay up till 3 or 4am in the morning and still have energy? Jump of a plane above the swiss alps or bungee jump down the Macau tower?

Travelogue - Venice, Italy

Needless to say, I was brimming with excitement about going to Venice. To ride on a gondola along the many canals, weaving through buildings and under bridges. To get lost in the maze that is Venice, winding through narrow paths and into little alleys. To admire the many masks and costumes, and the breath-taking scenery that this city has to offer. To walk through San Marco Square and admire the rich history of Venice.

Choosing to go on Exchange

In 2012, I went on exchange to Maastricht University. I was overseas for a period of 6 months (end Jan to end July) and it was, without a doubt, the best time of my life.

I knew that I wanted to go on exchange since starting university. It was just a matter of making it happen. Going on exchange changed me. I learnt so much more than I ever would in any classroom. I got to marvel firsthand at structures made by mankind centuries ago. Soak in the culture and traditions of a country so far away from home. Meet people from all walks of life. Live independently for 6 months where I was responsible for no one but myself. Travel as and when I wanted. Learn history lessons where history took place. And most importantly, embark on a journey of self discovery.

When I returned back from Netherlands, I was no longer the same girl who had left Singapore a few months ago. I was bitten by the travelbug, badly bitten. No longer was I content to stay in one place, and dream about trips. I now knew that I could make it happen with a little planning and foresight. I had learnt how to navigate, plan timetables, book tickets and accommodation and other important skills. No longer was I the sheltered girl, it was as if I was a bird set free and could not wait to see the world.

Exchange taught me that I could survive and live on my own. The experience taught me that the world out there was bigger than I'd ever imagined, and that I had to wise up to survive. It taught me to appreciate what I had back home, and at the same time, be grateful for where I was at the moment.

Yes, there were homesick moments, but the thrill of visiting new places, and expanding my knowledge made up for that. I hated history back in my younger days, but Europe taught me that history is something that I should learn from. I came back richer in knowledge, with a thirst to find out more about the past.

Exchange taught me to open up, and take risks, because that's how you enjoy life to the fullest. Yes, I have certain regrets from exchange - not doing more, not visiting more places etc. But I remind myself, that one day, I'll be back in Europe.

Go on exchange, take flight. Your world might be changed forever. You learn so much that no classroom will ever teach you. It's a time to discover yourself. Make new friendships, lose old ones. While some may be afraid that going overseas for so long can change your life back home, my advice is, your true friends, will always be there waiting for you. No matter how long you take to come home. Open your heart, mind and soul, and the rewards will be boundless.

Given a second chance, I would repeat the whole experience all over again.

Travelogue - Club Med, Bintan

Back to Club Med Bintan again after a long absence! I used to go there annually courtesy of my mom's company (family trips) but haven't gone in the past 4 years while I was at university. There always seemed to be some other event or other cropping up and preventing me from going. But I decided to go this year before my foray into the working world. 

Travelogue - Florence, Italy

If you haven't guessed by now, it's Italy time. Florence is impossible to not fall in love with. The city is so rich in the renaissance era. The city is scattered with various museums each specialising in a certain area. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest Museums in Florence and is home to some of the most astounding pieces of art. I believe I took more than 3 hours to cover this whole museum. 

Hazy Days

It's really hazy here in Singapore right now. I feel as though I'm breathing in smoke. Been hiding out in aircon places.

Doesn't help that I'm still recovering from a cough. I hope the smog clears up or that it rains soon. Visibility is really bad. Even the buildings across the road (while still prominent as ever) look fuzzy.

And the real kick is, I'm off to Bintan over the weekend. I hope all is good over on that side. Yikes.

For current updates head on to the following link: http://www.nea.gov.sg/psi/

Trip Planning

I love planning trips. There's something so magical and exhilarating about planning your next destination and hunting down cheap hotel and flight deals.

There was this period of time after my exchange where I went through a withdrawal period and just randomly surfed travel sites in an attempt to find a good deal - even though I was in school and could not simply jet off to somewhere.

Anyhow, when planning a trip, I usually do the following:
1. Stare long and hard at my calendar trying to maximise my trip
2. Search skyscanner for cheap flights. And also check out a few of my favourite airlines to see if they have any offers. (I usually fly budget for short haul flights though.)
3. After coming flight dates, its time for booking.com, hostelword, hostelbookers and agoda.com to source for cheap, but yet good accommodation. Accommodation is so important in my opinion.
4. Search tripadvisor for must see places. Lonelyplanet works too.
5. Random google search to see what others have blogged about.

I also usually download wiki travel into my kindle for on the go information. Tripadvisor also has city guides which are really really useful!

Finally, I pre download the map into my phone because you don't need wifi for GPS. Works like a charm every time.

And to end off, here is a random photo that I took at Gardens by the Bay awhile back. 

Updates

As previously mentioned, probably last month, I was in Taiwan for 2 weeks for my graduation trip. A part of me still can't believe that I'm done with school and that I'll have to start work soon. I do hope that in spite of having to work, I'll still be able to cram in a little travel and exciting activities. Fingers crossed to see how the path ahead unfolds. I do have to work to get money to travel after all. Life.

I'll probably try to start writing more about places to visit in my lovely island city as well as my recent travels in Asia. I've probably covered more of Europe than Asia (shame on me, I know), but I'm hoping that that will change in the coming few years.

A few upcoming trips include a weekend trip to Club Med Bintan this weekend and another weekend trip to Bali come late August. I haven't been to Bali before and am pretty lost on what to do there, where to stay, places to see etc. I guess more research would be needed!

I'm hoping to be able to squeeze in a trip to somewhere in Dec, but plans for that will be on hold till I figure out my job situation. Till then, enjoy!

Travelogue - Pisa, Italy

Pisa is most well-known for the leaning tower of Pisa. I traveled down to spend a total of 4 hours in Pisa from Venice, on my way to Rome. The main lull of Pisa was of course the Leaning Tower. 

We took a walk through the town down to the tower from the train station. It gave me an opportunity to take in the sights and the town itself. And to my amazement, I came across a lovely river, that was so picturesque that I had to stop in my tracks, heavy backpack and all, to snap a few photos. 

Travelogue - Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore

I figured it was time that I wrote about this little island city that I reside in - the sunny island of Singapore. Singapore officially gained independence in 1965 after the world war, and a merger with Malaysia. Since then, the country has steadily developed over the years, and is now (i would say) fairly well-known globally.

While many may gripe about the cost of living, and lack of things to do in Singapore, at the end of the day, it's home. Home is where the heart is. Whenever I am overseas, I feel heartened when I hear someone with a Singaporean accent.

Anyways, as you may know, in the past few years, Singapore has built two integrated resorts, with Sentosa playing home to a Universal Studios theme park (USS). I have been to USS several times, and I love this place - despite its pricey entrance fee.

Travelogue - Budapest, Hungary

Budapest was my first foray into Eastern Europe. I flew down to Budapest from Stockholm, and I must admit that I experienced a bit of a culture shock. While the streets of Stockholm were lined with old buildings that looked well preserved, and a sense of comfortable affluence, Budapest was the opposite. People there dressed differently, and the streets had people seeking for kind donations. Buildings weren't as brightly coloured and more draper. 

My Travel Essentials

I've always hated packing. Hated it with a vengeance  I'm a last minute packer, which annoys the hell out of my mom (she likes to pack for trips 1 week in advance at the least). I'm the type who will pack on the day itself if I have a night flight.

While I was on exchange, I mastered the art of packing. I was able to stuff 2 weeks worth of clothes and what-nots into my 30L backpack. Packing sort of became second nature after a while. I remember that at the start, my friend had to literally go through my backpack to make sure that I'd pack just the right amount of stuff, and not any nonsense that I wouldn't require.

So anyway, I thought I'd list down some of my travel must-haves just for the fun of it. :)

1. Passport + Travel documents(Always, always important.)
2. Pouch for money + Small wallet that fits into my pocket. (I don't like displaying all my money to everyone. I usually put a few dollars in my pocket so that I don't have to take out all my cash and slowly count it in front of everyone. Hide thy wealth while overseas.)
3. Handphone (Can't survive without it really. I load all my travel information into my email so that I can access it on the go.)
4. Kindle (How else will I entertain myself on long haul flights?)
5. Windbreaker (Multi-purpose. Protects me from the cold, and from the rain.)
6. Ziplock bags (Helps me to compress my clothes, and holds my liquids. What's not to like.)
7. Camera (I know phones nowadays take nice photos and all, but nothing beats a camera.)
8. Energy bars / chocolate bars (I usually pack a few because I'm the kind who can forget to eat lunch while traveling. I usually snack on the go. Plus if you fly budget, it makes for a handy snack.)
9. Headphones (To block out unwanted noise wherever you are. And because I can't live without music.)
10. Trusty daypack or sling bag (I made sure to buy a smaller bag that would be big enough for me to carry around while sightseeing, and yet have enough compartments to hid important things.)

And those, are my travel must-haves. What are yours?

Travelogue - London, England

Without further ado, here's my take on London. Upon descending into London, I was filled with a sense of excitement for several reasons:

1. Football matches

2. British Accents and people speaking English 

3. Musicals! 

London felt strangely familiar to me, despite having never stepped foot on English soil in my whole life. I think it's because Singapore used to be a British colony  so many street names are similar. Even the subway seems familiar and easy to navigate. The weather was picture perfect - which is really rare considering that London is renown for its gloomy weather.  

Travelogue - Emirates Stadium, London, England

Before I begin, I must apologise for my haphazard entries which are not in chronological order. I write based on whenever inspiration strikes me, and which city I feel like reminiscing over.

Emirates Stadium - home to my favourite football team, Arsenal. I've been an avid Arsenal supported since 2006. I came to support Arsenal because my neighbours, who introduced me to the wonderful world of football, were Arsenal fans as well. We used to spend weekends together cheering Arsenal on. I remember watching Theo Walcott grow into his position, watching Nasri develop from a no-one to a someone, and eventually leave us in the lurch. I witnessed the magic that is Van Persie, and let him break my heart when he unceremoniously left us for Man United (his leaving still hurts btw, especially for someone who claims to have made Arsenal his home, and the manner in which he left his teammates behind). 

Travelogue - Disneyland, Paris

Ah, Disneyland. The place where magic happens and dreams come true. I grew up watching Disney, and I still love Disney movies. One of my all time favourite movies is Lion King. 

I was tripping over with excitement about going to Disneyland, although I wasn't a kid anymore, let alone a teenage. But I firmly believe that everyone should have a Disney experience, and pretend to be a kid for a day again, regardless of how old you are. After all,  if you grew up in the 80s and 90s, you'd know all the Disney classics. 

Traveling with friends.

Over the past few years, I've come to realise that traveling with friends can be tricky. It's hard to adapt to different traveling styles, especially when you are so used to your own. It's even harder to find someone with a similar travel style to you.

I am one person who can do without a plan, but horribly anal about meeting plane or other transport times. Other than that, I'm pretty adaptable. I'm the kind of traveler who knows what I want to get out of a place, and I'll be able to work out a plan once in the country, as long as I have internet access.

Then there are those who need to have every single detailed worked out to a t. There are also those who are chill, and want to take their own time to see the sights, and it doesn't matter if they accomplish much, as long as they have fun.

Everyone has developed their own travel style, whether they know it or not. Traveling with different groups of people is never easy, especially when everyone wants something different out of the experience, or when one is unenthusiastic. It's just difficult.

I've never traveled alone, and it's something that I will definitely want to do one day. Being a girl, I've got to let my mom let me go, and not worry so much. Hopefully I'll be able to do this in the near future. I'll start with a country when I am able to speak the local language.

There are friends whom I travel well with, because we're so used to each other. And friends whom I can only travel with for a few days or go on with a certain type of holiday. There was this friend, who I developed a strong rapport with - our traveling style worked in sync, and was almost like second nature. Unfortunately, that friendship is gone (another long story for another time), and I can only hope to find someone whom I can travel so comfortably and with such ease again.

It really makes the whole traveling experience different when you travel with someone who has the same interests, is able to look out for you and vice versa, and knows you well enough. Till then, I guess I'm searching for a travel buddy to take the world on with.

Apologies for the rant. I just miss sharing traveling experiences with that someone, and I'm kinda stuck in a rut now.

As much as I love traveling, there's no place like home. A little less than 24 hours before I see my family again. :)

Travelogue - Manchester, England

Manchester was never on my travel plans. However, I ended up heading to this town because of a deal I made with a friend. Accompany me to watch my Arsenal match, and I'll go with you to a Manchester United one. But, no regrets coming to Manchester at all - also partly because I was introduced to the wonders of Primark while in Manchester. Also, although I visited England in late March, the country was undergoing a heatwave. As a result, I got pictures full of clear blue skies. In fact, the weather was so sunny that I had to walk around in shades. I was unfortunately prepared for cold, and didn't bring any shorts with me. Luckily the heat was bearable.