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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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 - 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! 

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. 

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 - 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. 

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.