Bali

Bali is such a popular destination that I don't think it will need much introduction or explanation. Even though its not my first time here, its the first time for my daughter. I have left it to her to plan our trip and due to that some tourist spots that I visited were the first time too. 

Our resort was quite a distance from the airport but it was a great location for a breakaway! 

We had to squeeze as many places to visit as possible in 2 days and here are some of the shots taken from the places we visited.

Its my first time in Safari Park. The entrance fee was a little steep but we both enjoyed the experience.

Right after lunch we went to Uluwatu. Though I have been here once, I never had the opportunity to take photos in leisure before. 

Our last wish for the day was to see the sunset at Tanah Lot but we didn't have the luxury of time. We only managed to stop at Jimbaran before nightfall.

The second day brought me to places that I have not been before. 

Mount Batur in Kintamani is an active volcano with a natural lake and a lot of history. And an awesome view! 

After a quick lunch we went to another popular tourist site. Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Ubud. It was hard but I managed to walked down the terrace and up again much later! 

And we also made a short stop at Campuhan Ridge Walk. It was agood 1.5 km walk uphill but it was worth the climb.  The wind on the hill was just so exhilarating! 

Before the end of the day we stopped at Ubud Art Center. 

Day 3 was spent at leisure in the resort. It was such a beautiful resort that it's ashamed not to laze around the place. So we decided to kick back and relax. We went for a walk, swam in the pool and had a message at the spa. 

It was an enjoyable getaway for the two of us before our planned trip in October to Eastern Europe which both of us looked forward to.  

Till then, have an awesome week end!

Travel date: 17-21 August 2016

Paris France

Paris. A city filled with romance. No? Oh yes! I said that about Venice too. 

Actually, I do not know how to really describe Paris. I have been here a few times but I can't really say much on how I personally feel. 

One thing for sure when we think of Paris first thing that comes to mind would be the Eiffel Tower. Right? 

And secondly it would be the Arc de Triumph. Am I right again?

And then of course the shops along Champs Elysees which include this one below. Right?

Oh ok. I may be wrong on this one.

But when in Paris a walk along the street of Champs Elysees is a must if you have the time. All the way from Arc de Triump to the other end. Whether during the day or evening. And it would be marvelous if you can stop at one of the cafe on the street for a cup of coffee and watch the world go by. Or maybe the tourist go by. He he...

             

Anyway, from my previous visit, the place that was etched in my mind was actually Sacre Coeur. But I went there in the evening when it was raining. Somehow the memory of walking on the wet stone pavement lit only by the street lamp gave me a nostalgic feel.  I told myself that I must come back again and visit during the day. And I just did. Alhamdulillah.

To be fair, there are some buidling worth taking pictures but because it was raining quite heavily we opted to simply view from the car.

As Paris was our final port of call the photo of the train station above seems apt. We got here by train from Zurich and soon we would be flying back home after almost two weeks in this part of the world.

Oh. Wait a minute. I must share photos taken at La Valle Village. Of course we went shopping! Why wouldn't we? As mentioned before, the shopping outlet are usually beautifully set up and La Valle Village is one of the better ones. We got there early in the morning when not many shoppers arrived yet and I had fun taking photos of the shops. 

Our tour leader is also a personal shopper therefore we had the advantage of getting shopping tips as well as how best to bring them all back on our flight! 

                                 

Anyway, I am one happy traveller who gets to see the beautiful sights, make new memories and friends as well got good bargains on good products to boot. And I have lots and lots of lovely photos.

Till we meet again! Insya-Allah.

Travel Date : 24-26 April 2016

Lucerne Switzerland

Its my first time in Lucerne. I think. For the life of me I cannot recall which town that I have visited the last first I was in Geneva way back in 1996 with my late husband. And he is not here now to remind me where we have been. 

Anyways, I just love Lucerne. A pretty little town that would have been even prettier in the pictures if it has not been raining.

We were given less than an hour to explore on our own but it was enough for me to fall for the charm of the village with cobble stone on the pavement and flowers on their window boxes. 

And from here we hopped on the cable car to climb Mount Pilatus. The real reason that were here. And its my first time up on the Mount Pilatus.

So happened that the temperature dropped significantly that there were snow up the mountain. Much to the delight of some of my friends who had their first encounter of the icy kind!

The view going up was simply breathtaking! With the snow capped gigantic mountain looming ahead of us everyone was filled with excitement and anticipation. 

We spent like an hour or so at the top, indoor and out door, marvelling at the sight. In deed nothing can ever compare to God's creation. Subhanallah.

The ride on the way down also filled us with wonder. The fantastic view of the mountain and its natural surrounding in its splendours were a sight for sore eyes. We were told that on a bright day, the view of the village below would have been awesome but we love this kind of weather too. The mist gave us sort of a mystical feel. For me at least. 

It continued to rain when we got back down to the village but it didn't dampen our spirit as we walked to the bus. I am sure everyone had a lovely time, making new memories in a place completely different from where we come from.

We were all tired but certainly happy with the day's outing. As I was falling asleep I told myself that I would like to come again and maybe spend a couple of nights in Lucerne and maybe go up the Mount Titilis next. 

Insya-Allah.

Travel Date : 23 April 2016