Winter Wonderland - Singapore Style

Visited Gardens by The Bay with a friend earlier in December to check out their Winter Wonderland. Since it's Christmas and all, I'm just going to post photos. 

Taken inside the flower dome where I absolutely loved the temperate - oh, and of course the decorations too. Please pardon the snowman spam. 

Travelogue - Blue Mountains, Sydney

Before heading to Sydney in July, I asked around for recommendations and everyone said I had to visit Blue Mountains. Some recommended tours, others said to head there on my own. In the end, we decided to make our own way there, and Blue Mountains did not disappoint. 

Travelogue - Beijing, Sights & Sounds

In April, I found myself on a plane, heading to Beijing. I was filled with anxiety because to put it simply, my Mandarin has deteriorated after years of not using it. Thankfully, the recesses of my brain still kept hold of all the words and phrases drilled into my throughout my years of education. 

We spent the first day exploring the Silicon Valley of Beijing and roaming around. There were no concrete plans due to our lack of sleep (oh, night flights). 

On one night, we decided to check out the Olympic stadiums before dinner, and there were a sight to behold! They were in their lighted glory with crowds trying to snap photos of them. 

Woah. I haven't been here in a month. June was crazily hectic with the many June holiday programmes at work. The World Cup also started and my sleeping hours went all erratic. Amidst all that, I was trying to find a new job - and I did it! I'm going to be starting work on the 21 and I'm filled with excitement and a little nerves.

That aside, I just got back from Sydney and I can't wait to post the photos! Photos from April's trip to Beijing has also been collecting dust in my laptop.

More updates soon I hope, especially now that I have some free time.

Irrelevance

FA Cup Champions.

Over the moon.

Travelogue - Great Wall of China

In April, I visited China for the first time. China's only a few hours away from Singapore, and yet I've never given much thought about visiting it. 

Prior to my trip, I did have certain apprehensions. Was I going to be able to communicate with the locals in my halting Mandarin? Would the city be crowded and jam packed with people? Were the people there friendly? More importantly, what was the toilet situation like. I honestly did not know what to expect. Nonetheless, I decided to ultimately toss my worries aside and conquer the Forbidden City. 

I visited the Great Wall on my second day in Beijing, which was a Friday. Luckily for us, it wasn't too crowded, but there were lots of children on school trips. After much research and deliberation (because of transportation and communication issues) we decided to head to the Mutianyu Section of the wall. 

Gardens by the Bay, Tulipmania

Spent the day at Gardens by the Bay Tulipmania reminiscing about the good old days back in the Netherlands. It's sort of become a yearly tradition for my friend and I to go see tulips (which are my favourite flowers). 

Istanbul Crossroads

The crossroads of Europe and Asia. My stay in Turkey was a definite eye-opener. Istanbul is a melting pot. I have such lovely memories associated with this country. When I read of the latest news about Turkey banning Youtube and Twitter, it makes me sad because Turkey has the potential to charm the world - with its history, people and unassuming charm.

Edinburgh; Scottish Charm

It dawned upon me that I've yet to write about Edinburgh. 

A city where every cobbled turn takes you to yet another precious sight. Edinburgh was a spur of the moment decision. I love everything that has to do with the UK. But Edinburgh, opened up a whole new dimension of awe and appreciation in me. 

Edinburgh is by far one of the most charming cities I've set foot in. The vibe, the history, the Scottish brogues and the friendly locals. Even the weather was beyond beautiful.  

Bali Lovin'

I spent my Chinese New Year over in Bali because a) I really needed a break and b) I didn't feel like fielding the usual barrage of questions while visiting relatives and friends. So I hopped on a plane with a friend, and off we were to this little island of paradise. 

Having already been to Bali once, we decided to spend a day visiting some other places. The weather was sketchy at times, but we nonetheless had a lovely day out. 

Singapore Airshow 2014

Earlier in Feburary, I spent a day at the Singapore Airshow which is an annual event

It was my first time there and I was in awe at the displays! The Airshow is held annually for trade visitors and exhibitors. 2 days are reserved for the public and tickets are usually snapped up really quickly - especially for Saturday. 

Titans of The Past - Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals

A few weekends ago, I decided to hop on down to the Art Science Museum to delve back into prehistoric times. I get geeky sometimes and develop this need to learn about stuff. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find such an extensive collection of fossils and paintings. Yes paintings. Of which some astounded me. I found myself staring at works of art, as they seemed so surreal. 

Travelogue - La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Before I went to Spain, I had never even heard of Gaudi. I must admit that I did not have much exposure to the world of art. Sure, I knew who all the famous people where, and I'd heard of all the famous paintings. But I just didn't get it. And it did take effort and a lot of understanding on my part, before I was able to appreciate the beauty behind an art piece. Sometimes I still struggle, but I'm slowly learning. 

If you venture into the city of Barcelona, his structures are everywhere. Buildings have been designed to reflect nature. When I first saw Sagrada Familia, I was in awe. I stopped in my tracks, the admire the size and grandeur of it. 

Travelogue - Nou Camp, Barcelona

Now, if you are an avid football fan, no visit to Spain is complete without visiting Nou Camp. The largest football stadium in Europe. Imagine playing before a home crowd. If you are the opposing team, I'd say that it provides a pretty daunting experience. The stadium is well over 60 years old and Barcelona being Barca, has well, a rich history. 

Travelogue - Seville, Spain

Laid back lazy days were spent mulling around in Seville. I have a love hate relationship with Spain. I adore the pace of life there. You feel as though you're just floating through. Late breakfasts and even later dinners. And the food. 

Seville is a city with narrow paths (sometimes so small that it leaves me in awe of how drivers manage to navigate through them). At night, the river lights up with cafes, music and dance. 

Travelogue - Granada, Spain

To be honest, prior to my trip to Granada, I had never even heard of this city. To date, its one of the cities in Spain that I look back upon with fond memories. Now, while I was on exchange, I was some sort of a lazy traveller - at the beginning at least. Planning is one important skill that I learnt on exchange - it's so important to always be prepared for a new city. But I digress. 

Although the city is small, it is beyond charming. I especially loved the alley ways where you could stroll down and look at stores displaying their wares - this resulted in a myriad of vibrant colours everywhere I looked. 

Soar

I wish I had the means to soar. 

The guts to pack up and go

at the drop of a hat. 

I wish to leave and explore. 

Drifting wherever the wind blows,

take hike and never look back. 

I've been feeling trapped lately. My life feels too routined. 

There are nights where I stare into the darkness, wishing I could fly. 

To say the least, I've got some figuring out to do. 

Made some changes to the layout and formatting for a cleaner look! :)

Travelogue - Madrid, Spain

I first started this blog as a way to slowly pen down on my exchange memories and for it to serve as a platform for me to look back on photos. I have too many on Facebook. Its much easier to look through a few that represent what the city is to me. While I'm struggling to find time to continuously pen down my thoughts because of my increasing work load, when I do find time to do so, its like taking a little trip down memory lane. It instils a yearning so strong. Day after day, I wished that I had the resources or the opportunities to simply book an air ticket to see more of the world. But till that day comes (if ever) I shall settle for my sporadic trips down memory lane.

My first stop in Spain was to the capital city of Madrid. I must say that I was expecting more from Madrid. Shopping wise, its lovely. But I'm not much of a shopper. 

Maybe we didn't plan our stay in Madrid properly, or maybe the city was not for me. Nonetheless, there were places that had their appeal. Photo below was taken while randomly strolling around the city.