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.