tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65503705093209205052024-03-13T09:01:52.656+08:00Love, Light & Life.Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.comBlogger404125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-3972252352106459792020-01-15T13:52:00.003+08:002020-01-15T13:52:49.942+08:00Journey to the LaplandHappy New Year! Its the new decade and a new adventure shall begin.<br />
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Truth be told, there are a couple of trips that I went that has yet to be written. There are so many lovely photos and so many new experiences to be shared. One of them was an unforgettable adventure in the land freezing temperature!<br />
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We flew in Helsinki on one cold February morning and hopped on a train the next day to Kemi after a short tour in Porvoo. Porvoo is a typical village full of charm under a thick blanket of snow. The overnight train ride was a novel experience itself. We have no problem getting a good sleep even with the rattling and chugging of the train. The challenge we had were taking showers in the tiny cubicle and also doing our prayer in a very limited space amidst the shake and rattle.<br />
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Our first stop and attraction was the Polar Explorer Ice breaker Cruise in Axelsvik which was actually located not in Finland but a part of Sweden. What it actually is a ship that traverse the frozen water breaking the surface several feet thick with ice. Its no ordinary ship. They are specially built to break the ice as they glide through the sea. Its really an incredible sight that filled us in wonder. The ship actually stopped in the middle of the Bothnia Gulf and we were allowed to walk down on the frozen sea.<br />
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We then made our way by bus to Rovianemi, a popular tourist town in Finland. This is where the Santa Claus Village can be found. And the virtual Arctic Circle line passed though this village. We spent almost half a day here taking in all the crisp air and fresh snow that we could get. After lunch and prayer we visited the Arktikum Museum. Oh. I almost forgot to mention that we went on a ride on the sledge pulled by a reindeer! It was quite a long ride with a pitstop for a hot cup of berry juice beside a campfire. I don’t know about the others but I found that it was kind of thrilling, I must say.<br />
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After two nights in Rovianemi and all the excitement with the reindeers, we hit the road again northbound towards Saariselka with a stop over in Ranua to visit the zoo. The zoo has many animals that are not found in our country like the polar bear and arctic fox. And also there a shop that sells Frazier chocolate at a fraction of the price sold in the city. And buy we must!<br />
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After a night stay in Saariselka we hit the road again and made our way to Kirkenes, a little town in Norway north of Finland. And this was when we got lucky with for aurora hunting. During our bus ride, we made an unplanned stop when an aurora was sighted in the sky. The bus driver was obliging enough to find a suitable and safe lay by for us to take a good shot. As it was our first sighting it was thrilling for us. Little did we know that we would see a grand sight when we reached Kirkenes. When we stepped out of the bus to check in at the hotel, the sky was decorated with green lights. Lucky that we took time to admire the grand sight and take photos because they were all gone when we came out later after we checked in.<br />
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Unfortunately for us that was the last sighting we had.<br />
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But then we had another highlight of the day. King crab fishing! Boy! We were shocked with the size of this crustaceans. They are bigger than our head. We didn’t actually catch the crab but we were shown how it was done. And yes of course we get to eat the crab later. They were so fresh and succulent that we are now spoiled with the taste that no other crab can compare. Wonder when I shall ever get to have that taste again.<br />
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The next day we head southbound with a stop over in Inari where we went ice fishing. Unfortunately none of us caught any fish. Not a single one! But that did not stop us from having fun on the vast frozen lake. And the snow mobile ride is part of the fun. And later on we even enjoyed the husky ride. A friend said that the best ride she ever had! The huskies were real fast and the road was bumpy so it was like a roller coaster ride!<br />
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Unfortunately we didn’t have photos of the huskies or the ride because it was dark and at the same the bumpy ride did not give us the good opportunity for great photo shoot.<br />
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We were almost at the end of our journey. We hopped on the train in Rovianemi for another overnight train ride and spent one more night in Helsinki before our flight home. All in all I had a marvelous time and thrilling first time experiences. One of my daughters came with me on this trip hence I am able to reminisce the nostalgic moments with her every now and then.<br />
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With this trip, I have planned to take a break from traveling to spend time with my first grand child. Till next time!<br />
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Travel date: February 2018<br />
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<br />Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-56318865220213174962018-06-10T11:19:00.001+08:002018-09-01T21:58:49.616+08:00Balkan Tour Part 2So sorry peeps. My excuse is no excuse so I shall not elaborate. Hahahaha.<div><br></div><div>Anyways, since I do not travel much these days, the late posting will be sort of fillers for the rest of the year.</div><div><br></div><div>To continue where I last wrote, there cities that we went to in this trip and each city was beautifully memorable. It would have been even more if we had a brighter weather but then again it has its charm. <div><br></div><div>Montenegro in the country borders to Albania in the south, and Bosnia & Herzegovina to the north. We stopped over at two old cities namely Budva and Kotor guided by a lovely and enthusiastic lady. I really enjoyed the old city with the rustic buidling. Its known for its well-preserved medieval walled city. Budva is actually one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. Kotor has also one of the best preserved medieval old town and is a UNESCO world heritage site. I have posted the photos in the last post but I shall include them again. </div><div><br></div><div>BUDVA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0t_mJ_eOf8M/WxyZoRNAdQI/AAAAAAAAC-w/fGo3bTtfhLwxwn2XJ8lGUiVIQkVl2EzgACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-689510824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0t_mJ_eOf8M/WxyZoRNAdQI/AAAAAAAAC-w/fGo3bTtfhLwxwn2XJ8lGUiVIQkVl2EzgACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-689510824.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">KOTOR</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ubhtQWEdCY/WxyZsZq3fXI/AAAAAAAAC-0/1NhwDlY-D50RxSo34aR-33haYTfrJOgfACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2030311663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ubhtQWEdCY/WxyZsZq3fXI/AAAAAAAAC-0/1NhwDlY-D50RxSo34aR-33haYTfrJOgfACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2030311663.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From Kotor we travelled to another town near the Adriatic Sea in the country of Croatia. The city of Dubrovnik has also joined the UNESCO list of Wprld Heritage site. It rained during our tour but it didn't dampen our excitement to walk around the old square. I simply loved the ambiance of the city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DUBROVNIC</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HpilKGC7PY4/Wx0oWV21tTI/AAAAAAAAC_I/PqAmkKTZW_4VlYYre0N93MwyN_KLQyg7QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2121139747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HpilKGC7PY4/Wx0oWV21tTI/AAAAAAAAC_I/PqAmkKTZW_4VlYYre0N93MwyN_KLQyg7QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2121139747.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After two nights in Dubrovnic we made our way too the last but certainly not the least, country in this trip. Bosnia and Herzegovina. We went to few historic towns in this country and the first one being a little town in Pocitelj where we had lunch in a lovely rustic restaurant sitting by the Buna River Spring. (see top right hand corner of the photos below). And immediate after we proceeded to Mostar, the fifth largest city and known for the Bosnia and Herzegovina's most recognisable landmark with the Old Bridge. The Bridge was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture in the Balkans. We also had time to walk around the cobbled little village and even stopped by one of the oldest mosque, Mehmet Koski Pasha Mosque. </span></div></div><div><br></div><div>POCITELJ AND MOSTAR<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GdcFeXkSFLw/Wx0oRRh09vI/AAAAAAAAC_E/ndi2KGp76NYUwyCmUo1pj7LjO1io3kCDQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1075533165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GdcFeXkSFLw/Wx0oRRh09vI/AAAAAAAAC_E/ndi2KGp76NYUwyCmUo1pj7LjO1io3kCDQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1075533165.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We made our way the day after to the largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is rich in history of religious and cultural diversity. Its the fastest growing city after undergoing post-war construction. We visited the Tunnel Museum and the town square. The following day we stopped over at two towns where we stopped by at the Etno Village and Plava Voda Spring in Travnik and visited a malaysian sponsored mosque in Jajce. We then spent the night in the loveliest hotel in Bihaj. Not only the room was superb but the view from the balcony was amazing. See the photo on the top right hand below an dyou onow what I mean! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>SARAJEVO, TRAVNIK, JAJCE, BIHAJ<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WkX4bbf0Afs/Wx0wImU03cI/AAAAAAAAC_g/lCUw1srx6SooKIjNNKAxfVVYxChF6i54QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1797369469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WkX4bbf0Afs/Wx0wImU03cI/AAAAAAAAC_g/lCUw1srx6SooKIjNNKAxfVVYxChF6i54QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1797369469.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally we made our way to the last city Zagreb, Croatia. On our way we spent a day in Pittvice National Park. Due to the altitude the park was covered in snow. I was told that its a lovely place to be in the spring and summer but I do enjoy the view and feel of the crisp cold weather and beautiful scenary painted with snow. We didn't feel the cold since we had to walk quite a bit and mostly uphill and anyways the surrounding was surreal to me that we forget about the cold. Btw, the park is not only the oldest and largest parks in Croatia but it is also added tot he UNESCO World Heritage site. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>PITTVICE NATIONAL PARK<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tccvLzUcPUs/Wx0v-U5AjxI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/Bmchw2wChiMOLsO9x8vSSosXC_EsJL6YQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1715583349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tccvLzUcPUs/Wx0v-U5AjxI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/Bmchw2wChiMOLsO9x8vSSosXC_EsJL6YQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1715583349.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the adventure in the park as well as a long but wonderful journey on the bus we spent our last night in the city of Zagreb. We spent the last day of our trip with a short tour of the capital city of Croatia namely the town square and the market place. And after lunch and prayer at the city mosque we made our way to the airport. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>ZAGREB<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aBn1iSTlBvw/Wx0wCnAoshI/AAAAAAAAC_c/vvl27c-6wIE0QwUT99FMrJhOm8W3HRvvQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--605316124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aBn1iSTlBvw/Wx0wCnAoshI/AAAAAAAAC_c/vvl27c-6wIE0QwUT99FMrJhOm8W3HRvvQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--605316124.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Phew! Quite a journey eh? It was one of the longest trip I have been but it has been totally worth the time (and money) spent. As mentioned before not only all the place that we visited were beautiful and full of history but the journeys between the cities were very picturesque and breath taking. Believe me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date: 6-19 November 2017</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-82067478221870017682018-01-01T22:11:00.001+08:002018-09-01T21:57:28.100+08:00Balkan Tour Part 1It's long past the new year of 2018 and yet I have not done with the last update of my travel for 2017. I had the pleasure of visiting the Balkan countries or some of the Balkan countries and it was such a wonderful trip and a fitting end to wrap up the year.<div><br></div><div>The Balkans is a region that includes countries on the Balkan Peninsula in the southeast of Europe, including most of the former Yugoslavia. A tour to the Balkans has become popular because not only the cities that we visited offers beautiful sight and historical architecture and background but the bus journeys between the cities or countries were made really pleasant with amazingly beautiful and picturesque view and scenary. <div><br></div><div>The first city we visited was Athen. I guess what comes to mind with the mention of this city is of course the Acropolis. Am I right or am I right? 😀</div><div><br></div><div>So, of course those are the places that we went, the old ruin from the era of the Bronze Age way back in the 4th century BC. To be exact we went to the tourist sites such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Erectheum and Temple of Zeus. We also had time to visit the Greek ancient market and shop for souvenirs at Syntagma Square</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vKghJfiUFGs/WkpBjUJHhII/AAAAAAAAC90/onA3lErnbI0Jk06pnrjNK_I1EHUca-xPgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-867836391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vKghJfiUFGs/WkpBjUJHhII/AAAAAAAAC90/onA3lErnbI0Jk06pnrjNK_I1EHUca-xPgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-867836391.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After two nights in Athens we made our way to another Greek city Kalampaka (pronounced as Kalabaka; the "mp" is like a "b". It was funny how we had a little argument on how it's to be pronounced and spelled. Tee hee...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyways, it's a quaint little village known as the Kastaki Village, famous for the meteora which features one of the biggest if not the biggest Greek Orthodox Church built on top of one of the meteora hill. It was not a long climb to the top and the incredible view was worth the while. A walk around the village at the end of day brought the visit even more memorable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--1TO4ayZToU/WkpZ5iHXsbI/AAAAAAAAC-I/lDNisaC8a701onCSpwSh80WIwi0rMhdVQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1060547686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--1TO4ayZToU/WkpZ5iHXsbI/AAAAAAAAC-I/lDNisaC8a701onCSpwSh80WIwi0rMhdVQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1060547686.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We left Greece the next day and made our way northbound to the city of Ohrid in Macedonia famous for the beautiful Lake Ohrid, the deepest and oldest lake in Europe. We went on a boat around the lake after a short tour of the little town. Its such a quaint little town but with some seriously fascinating architecture. With a beautiful lake and all if I have a wish to be granted, I would definitely choose this place as a place I would retire. Even the dogs were friendly! (We had one quietly followed us around as if looking after us. At least I like to believe so. 😊) </div><div><br></div><div>Anyways, you may not capture my feeling with the photos below but I hope you get the picture! No pun intended. 😉</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzctfWT1xwI/Wpc49uluRsI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/Wkf_j0RgqGcDcQZJQmACpqohShdePTlLwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-380795475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzctfWT1xwI/Wpc49uluRsI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/Wkf_j0RgqGcDcQZJQmACpqohShdePTlLwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-380795475.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLhZQJo6gE0/Wpc5B8lPoUI/AAAAAAAAC-c/4PZSSXMb9MERdWoHNArmpDpbRpFIkQwHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1249349123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLhZQJo6gE0/Wpc5B8lPoUI/AAAAAAAAC-c/4PZSSXMb9MERdWoHNArmpDpbRpFIkQwHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1249349123.jpg"></a></div><br></div>After a night's rest in Ohrid we left for another country for a short stop for lunch, prayer and a brief city tour of Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Albania is a small muslim country bordered by Montenegro in the north, Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south and the Adriatic Sea to the west. Its a small city with the main attraction centered at the Skanderbeg square. The famous Skenderbeg Monument stood proudly to reflect on history of the Ottoman era. The clock tower, national library, City Hall, National Historical Museum and a few Ministry offices can be found around the square. In one corner stood an 18 century mosque with Ottoman archicture. Et'hem Bey Mosque is a significant building to depict the Muslim country of Albania. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXRg5e43eVI/WkpBn0BeEtI/AAAAAAAAC94/__mWk6l_K_sHw6qWnIBpnUqnn2C1YLNZgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1203003557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXRg5e43eVI/WkpBn0BeEtI/AAAAAAAAC94/__mWk6l_K_sHw6qWnIBpnUqnn2C1YLNZgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1203003557.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If I recall correctly, Balkan trip is the longest tour that I ever participated in. I keep wondering whether to break the updates into 3 postings. Or remain in 2 postings as I usually have done.There are several more places and more interesting stories to tell. As I am writing this I am recalling those places and the happy faces that I met. So we shall see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe I should stop here for now and continue later. But meanwhile as a teaser the next country that we went to is Montenegro, covering two cities and shown around by a pretty and enthusiastic guide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So stay tune....! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div><br></div> BUDVA MONTENEGRO <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JMGux5V64g4/WkpBfonoGAI/AAAAAAAAC9w/P7Ncqh9yMJUp5Ihl8EqTlwOE5Vg1CVeUACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1243263354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JMGux5V64g4/WkpBfonoGAI/AAAAAAAAC9w/P7Ncqh9yMJUp5Ihl8EqTlwOE5Vg1CVeUACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1243263354.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> KOTOR MONTENEGRO </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDMpGN7x3Cw/WkpBbeeNrOI/AAAAAAAAC9s/c2QOpNyQpAEKpJD6ykV1l9M-noZXpNCOQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1562101563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDMpGN7x3Cw/WkpBbeeNrOI/AAAAAAAAC9s/c2QOpNyQpAEKpJD6ykV1l9M-noZXpNCOQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1562101563.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 6 - 19 Nov 2017</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-11245030709216430642017-11-02T12:24:00.001+08:002018-01-01T22:09:27.953+08:00Fall Foliage Road Trip Part 2<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On the fourth day we started to drive further inland towards Maine, New Hampshire. Along the way we started to see the colours of fall on both side of the road. But it wasn't until we reached Mt Washington state Park that we get to see the glorious autumn colours almost at its peak. Subhanallalh. We were in awe with the wonderful sight.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vi-8AnfaH0w/WkdAOMsUy5I/AAAAAAAAC8o/lXwQYPVXhhkpuucSrqQ-LMoMvxKhjlZ6gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1406532272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vi-8AnfaH0w/WkdAOMsUy5I/AAAAAAAAC8o/lXwQYPVXhhkpuucSrqQ-LMoMvxKhjlZ6gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1406532272.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-87Ds50NlLG8/Wkc_udhbLII/AAAAAAAAC8Q/pS_yPvWhBAcNzFPhpC8_7yVAZWZ2EbzwgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1314447990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-87Ds50NlLG8/Wkc_udhbLII/AAAAAAAAC8Q/pS_yPvWhBAcNzFPhpC8_7yVAZWZ2EbzwgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1314447990.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ck_Bd3u2JDs/WkdAJswUS1I/AAAAAAAAC8k/fkOCPQcOg14jt03OlKKAfN0tJxfVb7hEACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-809812102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ck_Bd3u2JDs/WkdAJswUS1I/AAAAAAAAC8k/fkOCPQcOg14jt03OlKKAfN0tJxfVb7hEACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-809812102.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alhamdulillah. I couldn't have asked for more. Its simply beyond my expectations. I feel truly blessed. Nature at its best. The change of colours from green to deep red as can be seen below is as good as anyone can get as a testimony of Allah's great creation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGHXDSYlCKU/Wkc_5oBUClI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/i0633eM0ivYcdxYIxY5MI5uCFcEFWcc9QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1180425485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGHXDSYlCKU/Wkc_5oBUClI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/i0633eM0ivYcdxYIxY5MI5uCFcEFWcc9QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1180425485.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D5WNXbQcFik/WkdAESlz0OI/AAAAAAAAC8g/_MsiGtk0vRogxRGRwGf45m8tQsMqzhpIgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1785998148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D5WNXbQcFik/WkdAESlz0OI/AAAAAAAAC8g/_MsiGtk0vRogxRGRwGf45m8tQsMqzhpIgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1785998148.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I shall end my post with some photos of people and places which has left me with fond memories </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrSrkVX1JbQ/WkdUY18rKoI/AAAAAAAAC9c/41QBlSJOfIYrdptyWerSKhSnfe80mUhXQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1325375612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrSrkVX1JbQ/WkdUY18rKoI/AAAAAAAAC9c/41QBlSJOfIYrdptyWerSKhSnfe80mUhXQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1325375612.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Insya-Allah we will meet again perhaps on another road trip. You will never know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 4 - 12 October 2017</i></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-43761244114571457532017-10-28T21:00:00.001+08:002017-12-30T15:39:42.106+08:00Fall Foliage Road TripI have always longed to visit New England USA ever since I knew that it is one of the top 10 regions famous for their Autumn colours. And my wish came true thanks to a good friend who is currently living in Dallas. <div><br></div><div>For those who are as ignorant as I was to geography of the USA, New England is a northeastern region of the USA comprising the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. We didn't go to all the states mentioned though as we focussed our travel to follow the trail of the fall foliage as it was about to peak in some states. </div><div><br><div>After a few days rest in Dallas, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">we flew to Boston and from there the journey began. </span></div><div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCP4tCjR8VE/Wfqdm2DHnwI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Ft_53huj4RUSFUVUgUnKjj9uKKnp-GMkACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2004146816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCP4tCjR8VE/Wfqdm2DHnwI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Ft_53huj4RUSFUVUgUnKjj9uKKnp-GMkACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2004146816.jpg"></font></a><br><div><br></div><div>We stayed one night in Boston and after a short visit of the largest city of New England (photos above), we started our road trip heading east towards Bar Harbour. On the way we made a short stop for lunch in Portland where we had our first lobster meal. We stayed in Bar Harbour for two nights and spent the time during the day around Arcadia National Park. </div><div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSPY0BG9Zdo/WfqdrCerOVI/AAAAAAAAC7o/XpNwFL3voLEfS_LJRatXYDuMS2OH8x1KQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1974285427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSPY0BG9Zdo/WfqdrCerOVI/AAAAAAAAC7o/XpNwFL3voLEfS_LJRatXYDuMS2OH8x1KQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1974285427.jpg"></a></font></div><div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3fVLWXsgsA/WfqdvCT3tHI/AAAAAAAAC7s/Deq5k6ybplA5JS4LU0xaRQH516AvZF-TQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1010815468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3fVLWXsgsA/WfqdvCT3tHI/AAAAAAAAC7s/Deq5k6ybplA5JS4LU0xaRQH516AvZF-TQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1010815468.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the forth day of our trip, we started to see more of the fall colours on the way to Maine and we were pretty excited with the beautiful foliage and the abundance of deeper shades of the leaves along the way. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-W381kawZ4/WfqddUNhPTI/AAAAAAAAC7c/pyt_8jk2B_0qrZYvIFYJHaxYtV2iQh4MgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1979899743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-W381kawZ4/WfqddUNhPTI/AAAAAAAAC7c/pyt_8jk2B_0qrZYvIFYJHaxYtV2iQh4MgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1979899743.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--LlLY49RdCw/WfqdiUtGlMI/AAAAAAAAC7g/DCFgsB1h5kMfTHvJW9pW4OJzTyy_cT6NQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1606773025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--LlLY49RdCw/WfqdiUtGlMI/AAAAAAAAC7g/DCFgsB1h5kMfTHvJW9pW4OJzTyy_cT6NQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1606773025.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whenever there was a good opportunity for us to stop, we would excitedly exit the car and take photos. We struck gold in one partucular stop where there was a completely still water reflecting the autumn trees. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-au-AgLwV7Vc/WfqrjbhQzkI/AAAAAAAAC8A/8afbF1y4EB07q4_QWLUmiuMJROXBVlpXwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1416265099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-au-AgLwV7Vc/WfqrjbhQzkI/AAAAAAAAC8A/8afbF1y4EB07q4_QWLUmiuMJROXBVlpXwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1416265099.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Masya-Allah. It was breathtakingly beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pv5cRbng0HM/WkdCu1cQyEI/AAAAAAAAC88/ql3cjaV7GR4WqNx_IRUB3QC4Tw4txyLSQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2069705874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pv5cRbng0HM/WkdCu1cQyEI/AAAAAAAAC88/ql3cjaV7GR4WqNx_IRUB3QC4Tw4txyLSQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2069705874.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gQN8nLi4kHU/WkdCp3dHDdI/AAAAAAAAC84/K5mjOFD9zuEhlqSQ-bP6YIHt7ZqfX-IrACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1121510327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gQN8nLi4kHU/WkdCp3dHDdI/AAAAAAAAC84/K5mjOFD9zuEhlqSQ-bP6YIHt7ZqfX-IrACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1121510327.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But, little did we know that an even more beautiful sight was yet to come! It made us feel so blessed to have out feet on this part of the world. I shall save those photos in the next posting though. And you will see what I mean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To be continued...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 4-7 October 2017</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-10152824411744093182017-08-26T00:28:00.001+08:002017-09-09T20:52:22.454+08:00A trip to Turkey (Part 2)<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hello again! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Before I continue, I have a confession to make. All this while I thought Cappadocia is a state or city and I was searching high on low for it on the map that we were given on the bus. It was only a couple of days later when I googled that I found that Cappadocia is actually a region in Central Anatolia which include Nevsehir, Kayseri, Kirsehir, Aksaray and Nigde provinces. No wonder I couldnt find it on the map. Duh...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I have heard so much about Cappadocia and apart from Pamukkale it is a popular tourist destination because of its uniqueness in geology. Due to the eruption of ancient volcanoes million years ago as well as erosion in the course of time, the earth produced hundreds of spectacular pillars and minaret-like form. Actually, they look more like mushrooms to me. You know, Korean king mushroom!!! Anyhow, there are still visible traces of ancient houses carved from the volcanic rocks. There are also cave hotels and cave restaurants available for tourists.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The best way to view the amazing earth natural formation is either on the hot-air balloon or the jeep safari. Either you get a birds eye view from the high above or up close and personal in the valley. We were all excited to experience the much-talked-about hot air balloon but alas the weather was not on our side. Thats how we ended up on a thrilling jeep safari. (If you wonder whats it like, its actually like being on a short bursts of roller coaster ride. He he). </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w4Rvr0ibNac/WaBP3bdzemI/AAAAAAAAC6s/fJi8my0fEDUsaqrvOCSO0R3z175tZLylgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1120556499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w4Rvr0ibNac/WaBP3bdzemI/AAAAAAAAC6s/fJi8my0fEDUsaqrvOCSO0R3z175tZLylgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1120556499.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oEk6Osto5RI/WaBPq7Clp3I/AAAAAAAAC6g/bKE-2zlJEYI3wo0CW_sL9NAMGtdDdoEbgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-616008197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oEk6Osto5RI/WaBPq7Clp3I/AAAAAAAAC6g/bKE-2zlJEYI3wo0CW_sL9NAMGtdDdoEbgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-616008197.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mtvPz2EaHVg/WaBQD-FHYdI/AAAAAAAAC64/YcANC-Zovfo-Fx9QETruToSLMGUbuB0pQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1613954457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mtvPz2EaHVg/WaBQD-FHYdI/AAAAAAAAC64/YcANC-Zovfo-Fx9QETruToSLMGUbuB0pQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1613954457.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After all the exciting adventures in Cappadocia we went northbound, by-passing Ankara, the capital city of Turkey and broke the journey in Bolu. The hotel that we stayed for the night was located in the middle of a pine forest near a lake and a mountain as the backdrop. It was so picturesque and peaceful that we wished that we could stay longer. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIgs9RAAG4w/WaBP7jBEfcI/AAAAAAAAC6w/hbyvsw7zFSInok5zR_LEockZgT4gmTnxwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--585624287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIgs9RAAG4w/WaBP7jBEfcI/AAAAAAAAC6w/hbyvsw7zFSInok5zR_LEockZgT4gmTnxwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--585624287.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last leg of our tour was centred in and around Istanbul. We had a great weather during our city tour but unfortunately the sky was grey during the Bosphorous cruise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent sometime at most of the tourist spots like the <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blue mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, Al Fatih mosque, and shop at the Spice Market and Grand bazaar. And I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise despite the unfavourable weather. </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wKdaZU_8hYc/WaBPmrCuH8I/AAAAAAAAC6c/W1MbUn-FErAJpJLcIRiRiUOak7k7CE4MgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1524522950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wKdaZU_8hYc/WaBPmrCuH8I/AAAAAAAAC6c/W1MbUn-FErAJpJLcIRiRiUOak7k7CE4MgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1524522950.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvmhM-2Dss4/WaBPzScbnAI/AAAAAAAAC6o/OykoXrywA10ehTptkTFZhumAXl0hh-D0ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2091829672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvmhM-2Dss4/WaBPzScbnAI/AAAAAAAAC6o/OykoXrywA10ehTptkTFZhumAXl0hh-D0ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2091829672.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KkgHHIscv9s/WaBPvJapTsI/AAAAAAAAC6k/nfcq5H5SYE4HxZ1pJRaIQfbGMGNLNHQyQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1630239912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KkgHHIscv9s/WaBPvJapTsI/AAAAAAAAC6k/nfcq5H5SYE4HxZ1pJRaIQfbGMGNLNHQyQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1630239912.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-tDz73TnFA/WaBP_9lBImI/AAAAAAAAC60/78hvy3txdT4EniCGFiarzpJYEmvMPxVHwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1522819538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-tDz73TnFA/WaBP_9lBImI/AAAAAAAAC60/78hvy3txdT4EniCGFiarzpJYEmvMPxVHwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1522819538.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All in all, it was a wonderful trip. If anyone ask me which country that I would recommend to go on a holiday, Turkey is definitely on top of the list. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And on top of that the people that I travelled with were wonderful too. Complete strangers in the beginning of the trip who later became friends. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrrcgoscFMs/WaBSts2bfuI/AAAAAAAAC7E/T8xC9-g2Ex0cMMOlZN_cC3MW-dFInsQDwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1470810465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrrcgoscFMs/WaBSts2bfuI/AAAAAAAAC7E/T8xC9-g2Ex0cMMOlZN_cC3MW-dFInsQDwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1470810465.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's one of the advantages of a group tour. We get to meet and make new friends. And this particular bunch of people are really great. Honestly, I have been to a few group tours and more often than not there would be at least one who can be annoying or picky, but not this time. And you know what? A good tour leader and tour guide also made a lot of difference. And this time around both of them were excellent! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alhamdulillah. I have been blessed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Will update on a couple of short trip real soon so meanwhile stay fit and be happy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 6-18 May 2017</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-37003605020569639482017-08-11T19:44:00.001+08:002017-09-04T17:04:45.222+08:00A trip to Turkey<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Last May I joined a group tour to Turkey. I have been to Istanbul on a 5-day-visit as a stopover from Paris to Kuala Lumpur and managed to explore some places of interest in Istanbul. But I have always wanted to visit again and explore other parts of Turkey especially Pamukkale and Cappadocia. And that I did.<br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Spring was almost over during our visit but we managed to catch the last bloom of tulip. But what caught my eyes were the roses. They were as big as saucers and in vibrant velvety colors. They were such a delight! </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3iy-QTgST5Q/WaBOZvu4LLI/AAAAAAAAC58/YaaoZPdpxtwBUerMSlrtXwSGLHR0T3CSgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1888794109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3iy-QTgST5Q/WaBOZvu4LLI/AAAAAAAAC58/YaaoZPdpxtwBUerMSlrtXwSGLHR0T3CSgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1888794109.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UeNxPUCUJbQ/WaBOMlJP4iI/AAAAAAAAC5w/aUCHrZFuZ5kS8QNoC49Tjx5_RmQ-EJWYQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1726668419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UeNxPUCUJbQ/WaBOMlJP4iI/AAAAAAAAC5w/aUCHrZFuZ5kS8QNoC49Tjx5_RmQ-EJWYQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1726668419.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyways, immediately upon arrival we made our way to Bursa and visited a couple of historic mosques. Ulu Mosque or Ulucami, was built during the Ottaman empire and has a unique architecture as well as a water fountain inside the mosque for ablution. It was said that this huge mosque with 20 dome was built instead of 20 small mosques around the region for a significant reason.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also made two other stops: the Green mosque and The Green Mausoleum (second photos below).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g2k_Li3ftm0/WaBORfGokEI/AAAAAAAAC50/VCXd5zJma80gw7Whp3ZC53x4pHo95aVbQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--572921626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g2k_Li3ftm0/WaBORfGokEI/AAAAAAAAC50/VCXd5zJma80gw7Whp3ZC53x4pHo95aVbQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--572921626.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1d2kHSNOWOI/WaBOrKYu7ZI/AAAAAAAAC6M/UnwPuLxP_zosSw5E60BJDfyWXgNBEMoTACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--235271891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1d2kHSNOWOI/WaBOrKYu7ZI/AAAAAAAAC6M/UnwPuLxP_zosSw5E60BJDfyWXgNBEMoTACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--235271891.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next day we head out to Pamukkale. One of the two places that I was looking forward to see. The antique city of hierapolis is an ancient city on hotspring in the southwestern Anatolia (adjacent to Pamukkale). It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hierapolis was founded as a thermal spa and became a healing center where doctors used the thermal springs as treatment for their patients. The remaining structure that we see today was mainly built during the Roman empire, destroyed by wars and earthquakes. The well preserved Roman ruins and museum are said to be underestimated as its being overshadowed by the natural wonder of the hot spring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The area is more well known tourist attraction for its large white limestone formation of the hotspring. Indeed, the natural formation is one that we have to see with our eyes. Not only the mineral rich water and milky pools shaped over millennia present a beautiful site but the view of the vast mountain is also a splendour. I wish I could stay all day here just to bask in the view with my feet soak in the theraupic water.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mA53EbFn1w4/WaBOVVD641I/AAAAAAAAC54/aXi4jk51g-wMvlOItOqlGtqpFU7pUrJ0wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-780291663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mA53EbFn1w4/WaBOVVD641I/AAAAAAAAC54/aXi4jk51g-wMvlOItOqlGtqpFU7pUrJ0wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-780291663.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lS5SDQxmyUc/WaBOd62qreI/AAAAAAAAC6A/0MhlH2YIVGgJNfoU1b3szn7PuAxYNHQBgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--602557069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lS5SDQxmyUc/WaBOd62qreI/AAAAAAAAC6A/0MhlH2YIVGgJNfoU1b3szn7PuAxYNHQBgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--602557069.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After spending a night in Pamukkale we travelled east towards Cappadocia. We made a stopover in Konya to visit Mevlana Museum which is also a mausoleum for a Sufi mystic known as Mevlana. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Its a pity that it was a cloudy day for the building structures and the garden around were so camera-worthy. And the tulips garden was still blooming in riot! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RpRH_23r1cA/WaBOiXJIP0I/AAAAAAAAC6E/7tr10BThuhY6Shn6z7S-lOE2-lgODCLIgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-539566791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RpRH_23r1cA/WaBOiXJIP0I/AAAAAAAAC6E/7tr10BThuhY6Shn6z7S-lOE2-lgODCLIgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-539566791.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also made a short stop at an ancient pitstop for weary traveller of the olden days. The roadside inn is called caravanserai. (Four top right photos below). And at the same I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the modern day pitstops that we had throughout our 10 days journey. (The rest of the photos below). The food was good, the rest rooms were clean and the mosques were beautifylly decorated. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-22BUNIXKv3E/WaBOvX7GIhI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/pxjQp_1XJzMplgmAtBP0qorjQssOc0LKQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1969511742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-22BUNIXKv3E/WaBOvX7GIhI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/pxjQp_1XJzMplgmAtBP0qorjQssOc0LKQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1969511742.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent the next 2 nights in Neysehir for the adventure in the Cappadocia. But first we must visit a historic underground city. The closest one was Kaymakli underground city. Like all underground cities they were built in the early century for protection. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What I find amazing is how the earth remain in position over centuries without collapsing! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xFw34gzM87k/WaBOmUILk1I/AAAAAAAAC6I/ZmGvF2Yf-Ws4ySwqWU_tcSoHJTC0h7lngCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1435954216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xFw34gzM87k/WaBOmUILk1I/AAAAAAAAC6I/ZmGvF2Yf-Ws4ySwqWU_tcSoHJTC0h7lngCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1435954216.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are a lot more stories to tell and many more photos to share but I shall put that on hold for now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Too many good things all at once will be too much too handle </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See you later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 6-18 May 2017</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-16272389204079432322017-05-17T22:17:00.001+08:002017-08-11T19:43:01.924+08:00Japan Food and StreetNo, I am not quite done with stories from Japan. He he <div><br></div><div>I am sure that some of you would have realised that I never talked about the food in Japan. I am saving the best for last. </div><div><br></div><div>As a family we are all a fan of Japanese food therefore we thought we should not have any problem with food during our trip. Nevertheless we still brought we us plenty of sustenance from home. You know. The usual stuff; instant noodles and ready to eat rice, etc. But of course we must try the local shashimi and ramen. The real thing I would say. </div><div><br></div><div>My daughter Hanna who planned the trip was told that one of the best shashimi one can get is at the fish market. So off we went in search of the freshest salmon shashimi and and grilled octopus, another family favourite. And we were not disappointed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We went to Tsukiji Fish market. And even stop over at the wet market. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cX4b_CdKpUc/WRz-UjwkOvI/AAAAAAAAC40/3uwrZMSmSAs-gp6sx9F5aQap0-aKJRL8QCHM/s640/blogger-image-478429391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cX4b_CdKpUc/WRz-UjwkOvI/AAAAAAAAC40/3uwrZMSmSAs-gp6sx9F5aQap0-aKJRL8QCHM/s640/blogger-image-478429391.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XWxxZ-jVxa8/WRxexYM5VBI/AAAAAAAAC4I/F8q8eZ8FBKQU7Th9iOyQ5rOkDIO4ZZ6EQCHM/s640/blogger-image-308052403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XWxxZ-jVxa8/WRxexYM5VBI/AAAAAAAAC4I/F8q8eZ8FBKQU7Th9iOyQ5rOkDIO4ZZ6EQCHM/s640/blogger-image-308052403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also had the chance to try out the full set meal in a couple of local halal restaurant. And they were goooood! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kfOaSPaYfek/WRxiOJOynYI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/bpRtBD98v8kj4k-FXjven9g9xOJtJKkkQCHM/s640/blogger-image--1783940575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kfOaSPaYfek/WRxiOJOynYI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/bpRtBD98v8kj4k-FXjven9g9xOJtJKkkQCHM/s640/blogger-image--1783940575.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLT3tF-P2p8/WRxiJNip7VI/AAAAAAAAC4U/oTKimFrUgcAVaGoW3-6FkOcpil4eAA8SACHM/s640/blogger-image--614260717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLT3tF-P2p8/WRxiJNip7VI/AAAAAAAAC4U/oTKimFrUgcAVaGoW3-6FkOcpil4eAA8SACHM/s640/blogger-image--614260717.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Other than food, I thoroghly enjoyed watching the street. Quaint shops as well as typically Japanese houses with aesthetic doorways. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BuZj-srxA9k/WY2XNxjB6MI/AAAAAAAAC5g/vs0MrXbjXm0YQVbdvkvud_E_Relsve8DACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-165771935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BuZj-srxA9k/WY2XNxjB6MI/AAAAAAAAC5g/vs0MrXbjXm0YQVbdvkvud_E_Relsve8DACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-165771935.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BducPstbbbw/WY2XJJtjF4I/AAAAAAAAC5c/Ts9ZxKOPFlYjSHZV20LECXLkI6NA7YxQwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-182905958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BducPstbbbw/WY2XJJtjF4I/AAAAAAAAC5c/Ts9ZxKOPFlYjSHZV20LECXLkI6NA7YxQwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-182905958.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A week is never enough to explore more but then it gives plenty of excuses to come back. At least I can now checked Japan in my list. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alhamdulillah. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Travel date : 9 - 16 April 2017</div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-82548696774530972112017-05-15T21:22:00.001+08:002017-05-18T10:31:15.764+08:00Japan Family Trip - Kyoto and OsakaEveryone I know who have been to Kyoto told me that it's a great place and I felt blessed to be able to experience it my self. The great thing about it is that the interesting tourist attractions are within a few train station away.<div><br></div><div>One of the most popular site is the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine. And it's the first place that we went to upon our arrival in Kyoto. The spot where it is located is only 5 mins walk from the station but be prepared for long uphill walk because the shrine gates are spread across an entire mountain! I was told that it will take about 2-3 hours to go all the way up the highest shrine and back. Well, of course I didn't make it that far. I was not even half way up. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EBT7Z1uPoEk/WRmrOzOVPYI/AAAAAAAAC3U/bunknp6xBwIEiRWtPG3Wswiz8KE-23AUACHM/s640/blogger-image-222704497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EBT7Z1uPoEk/WRmrOzOVPYI/AAAAAAAAC3U/bunknp6xBwIEiRWtPG3Wswiz8KE-23AUACHM/s640/blogger-image-222704497.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another most photographed sight in the city is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. There is just one main path through the grove and hence the throngs of visitors made it difficult to capture a good photo. There is also a pretty garden nearby with a scenic backdrop of the Arashiyama mountain and a lake. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QSkMnPdFbUM/WRmrFyaoZ2I/AAAAAAAAC3M/OR8-Uq_RgtIA8tyMwfGTlJoNQD1C81fqACHM/s640/blogger-image--757880605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QSkMnPdFbUM/WRmrFyaoZ2I/AAAAAAAAC3M/OR8-Uq_RgtIA8tyMwfGTlJoNQD1C81fqACHM/s640/blogger-image--757880605.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love the colours of the trees on the mountain and I was thinking to myself that they must be amazing in autumn colours too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next day we had the pleasure of seeing more beautiful cherry blossom panoramas. One of them was Tetsugaku-no-michi or also known as the Path of Philosophy.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yb9CaIAlDew/WRmrKLLjwpI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/ju1SD6SYeXQ1Kd6cl-hL-4e6Vye8U_t3gCHM/s640/blogger-image-1958934388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yb9CaIAlDew/WRmrKLLjwpI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/ju1SD6SYeXQ1Kd6cl-hL-4e6Vye8U_t3gCHM/s640/blogger-image-1958934388.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the other was Keage-incline. What's interesting about this place is that there is an old train track that is no longer in use and its lined with sakura trees. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmMVvMPhB50/WRmrb0T9u8I/AAAAAAAAC3g/9L8TXMFAb2wHimWSalAk70i8c5cblAnKQCHM/s640/blogger-image--501097827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmMVvMPhB50/WRmrb0T9u8I/AAAAAAAAC3g/9L8TXMFAb2wHimWSalAk70i8c5cblAnKQCHM/s640/blogger-image--501097827.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the following day we visited yet another popular tourist spot. The Heian-jingu Shrine. What made this popular is the garden that is located in the vicity. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7oSO_E15_4/WRmrTXN4bZI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/vtnzDIC-Al0bE-5AfU7_dHC8IqEvOYsawCHM/s640/blogger-image-1096717690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7oSO_E15_4/WRmrTXN4bZI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/vtnzDIC-Al0bE-5AfU7_dHC8IqEvOYsawCHM/s640/blogger-image-1096717690.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The garden has a lake surrounded by trees with beautiful colourful leaves or flowers. A walk around the lake or garden would give a peaceful and calming feel that would melt any stress or trouble away. At least that how I feel. I am pretty sure that in the peak of the cherry blossom season the garden would be even more beautiful and amazing. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-blmpvDLKxag/WRmrgKJZ-nI/AAAAAAAAC3k/Z3aC5JK0YRoUXAet9wqU_76pvQwi5CRlACHM/s640/blogger-image--667769610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-blmpvDLKxag/WRmrgKJZ-nI/AAAAAAAAC3k/Z3aC5JK0YRoUXAet9wqU_76pvQwi5CRlACHM/s640/blogger-image--667769610.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Much that we had wonderful time in Kyoto, we had to leave and depart to Osaka, our final overnight stay. Since we only had a whole day and evening we made full use of the time. Off we went to the Osaka Castle. It s a pretty popular spot for tourists and locals alike for there were several event and activities around the area. There were rock bands playing in one corner and a full orchestra in another. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There were jugglers and ninjas and even an old samurai. Believe you me!</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1b5tWfXhHHs/WRmrX5L0RqI/AAAAAAAAC3c/53bjVz_VaSwJ-FN-kkSQGvm3tWE4u8ZewCHM/s640/blogger-image--1394383291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1b5tWfXhHHs/WRmrX5L0RqI/AAAAAAAAC3c/53bjVz_VaSwJ-FN-kkSQGvm3tWE4u8ZewCHM/s640/blogger-image--1394383291.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQhdk2GF_Go/WR0HcgF0A7I/AAAAAAAAC5I/2VB4uNh69ywr8mKArYO3dgk5gyU4cFi3wCHM/s640/blogger-image--1750223011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQhdk2GF_Go/WR0HcgF0A7I/AAAAAAAAC5I/2VB4uNh69ywr8mKArYO3dgk5gyU4cFi3wCHM/s640/blogger-image--1750223011.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally the day came that we had to say goodbye to Japan. It had been a marvelous family bonding time. The time that we spent together in such a wonderful surrounding and the shared memories and experience will certainly be a treasure to us all. And I hope that we get to go for a family vacation every once in a while. I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">nsya-Allah. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AD530FeOtcE/WR0HZd2qETI/AAAAAAAAC5E/GvvuzqFM1J4J9XQw0e8xt_-mCIckMrn3wCHM/s640/blogger-image-1718051014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AD530FeOtcE/WR0HZd2qETI/AAAAAAAAC5E/GvvuzqFM1J4J9XQw0e8xt_-mCIckMrn3wCHM/s640/blogger-image-1718051014.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you Allah. I have been blessed. In deed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 13-17 April 2017</i></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-33209858155580473912017-04-30T09:06:00.001+08:002017-05-17T20:34:12.360+08:00Japan Family Trip - Tokyo<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Its the first family trip after a long while and Japan was everyones' choice as the land of the rising sun has a lot to offer as a tourist destination. And of course spring would be the best time to visit for the obvious reason. Yes! The cherry blsssoms. </span><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hence it's no surprise that it's the first place that we head out to on the first day of our outing when we were in Tokyo. Yoyogi Park. One of the favourite place that the locals go for 'hanami' party. While trying to blend with the locals having picnics under the sakura trees we were so obviously not one when we were busy taking photos after photos the moment we got there. </span></div></div><div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgBJ-qATfPQ/WQU4mbTP88I/AAAAAAAAC2Y/7ThcTrj49hYpOnOeNqbocR5h6XlMLn74gCHM/s640/blogger-image-783291508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgBJ-qATfPQ/WQU4mbTP88I/AAAAAAAAC2Y/7ThcTrj49hYpOnOeNqbocR5h6XlMLn74gCHM/s640/blogger-image-783291508.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We couldn't get enough of them. Even after taking multiple shots after multiple shots. As my daughter was saying "My eyes have been blessed". Indeed they were a sight for sore eyes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="direction: rtl; clear: both;"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MRy7ByI1pd4/WQU4qoF0G1I/AAAAAAAAC2c/MT-kyyDa0FM5TDigcIkOiq_RdS3FtB31gCHM/s640/blogger-image--1451190719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MRy7ByI1pd4/WQU4qoF0G1I/AAAAAAAAC2c/MT-kyyDa0FM5TDigcIkOiq_RdS3FtB31gCHM/s640/blogger-image--1451190719.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The park itself is quite a large area and everywhere you go there were families or friends having a fun day outdoor. And I enjoyed watching them enjoying themselves. </span></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nbi4CA8Ixek/WQU8Lv-pW9I/AAAAAAAAC2o/qisnDhwVYGYqLKJodD6Pqg90a_5nm9J4QCHM/s640/blogger-image--1907887358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nbi4CA8Ixek/WQU8Lv-pW9I/AAAAAAAAC2o/qisnDhwVYGYqLKJodD6Pqg90a_5nm9J4QCHM/s640/blogger-image--1907887358.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are other parks in many parts of Tokyo but we didn't have the luxury of time to visit them all. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We need to go to another popular site. Yup. You guess it right. Mount Fuji! 😍</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are several spots where tourists can view Mount Fuji and we chose to view it from Kawaguchiko Lake. Just a note though, for those making your own way, do book your bus or train ticket in advance. We almost didin't make it that day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Frankly, Mount Fuji would look more awesome with a little less or no cloud on its peak. We spent like 3 hours at the park hoping to get a better view while having our lunch but the cloud didn't seem to get any lesser. And just as we were about to catch the bus back the mountain decided to reveal its splendour! Even though ee were not in the right location to get the full view ofthe mountain, still we were grateful for that moment. Alhamdulillah. Our eyes have been blessed again.</span></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qfR-XrX_6sg/WRlYG_5TO5I/AAAAAAAAC24/Fa9ALXeDSeIR14fR5ciO1wh0eVjKCBbRwCHM/s640/blogger-image--2048513544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qfR-XrX_6sg/WRlYG_5TO5I/AAAAAAAAC24/Fa9ALXeDSeIR14fR5ciO1wh0eVjKCBbRwCHM/s640/blogger-image--2048513544.jpg"></font></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The photos above really didn't do justice to the real thing. You really need to see it with your own eyes to appreciate the beauty and grandeur that it presents. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After 4 nights in Tokyo we continued our journey to Kyoto. At this juncture let me continue the story of our adventure in my next posting. This has been pending for far too long. I have been to Turkey and back and have yet to complete this piece of article.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So for now, sayou nara!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Travel date 9-12 April 2017</i></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-45854014848735341242017-03-22T21:38:00.001+08:002017-03-23T18:38:26.720+08:00Scandinavia<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The term Scandinavia always includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden as well as Finland and Iceland. During my trip to Iceland, we spent two nights in Oslo and two nights in Stockholm before and after going to Iceland. In both cities we only had one full day of sight seeing with a tour guide. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oslo is a small city yet has some interesting building with unique archicture. We had a leisure walk to explore the city on the first day after lunch and prayer as well as the next at the end of our guided tour. <br></span><div></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKjs6o0XCRQ/WNKLBq8rUsI/AAAAAAAAC1k/rkNb8eaYpcc/s640/blogger-image-1203493322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKjs6o0XCRQ/WNKLBq8rUsI/AAAAAAAAC1k/rkNb8eaYpcc/s640/blogger-image-1203493322.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As for the guided tour we visited Norsk Folkemuseum, a Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Its an open air museum with more than 150 historic buildings and artifacts mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries but some goes all the way back to the 13th century, gathered from around the country, rebuilt and organised accordingly. </span><br><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhAlFeThetk/WNKK952SbTI/AAAAAAAAC1g/4ANCwfLJ4z4/s640/blogger-image--527171090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhAlFeThetk/WNKK952SbTI/AAAAAAAAC1g/4ANCwfLJ4z4/s640/blogger-image--527171090.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We then went to Holmenkollen where Holmenkollbakken, a large ski jumping hill is located. It has hosted the Holmenkollen Ski festival since 1892, the FIS Ski Jumping World Championship since 1980 and has also hosted the 1952 Winter Olympics. Truth be told, we were not really impressed with the ski slope as none of us could ski but what thrilled us was the snow! And on top of that it was snowing lightly when we were up there. It was a beautiful sight for us who come from a country with no snow at all. We spent too much time taking photos and having fun that we took longer than scheduled much to the annoyance of our guide. Hee....</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dLpQvcKKIfI/WNKK5-3LaTI/AAAAAAAAC1c/G2xUo-M9jAQ/s640/blogger-image-1118849707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dLpQvcKKIfI/WNKK5-3LaTI/AAAAAAAAC1c/G2xUo-M9jAQ/s640/blogger-image-1118849707.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We then had enough time to explore the city again and shopped before calling it a night. A good night rest was the order of the day as the next was the much awaited trip to Iceland. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0MBSlLDfxKg/WNKLFLhF7rI/AAAAAAAAC1o/SQ0qG1fonVM/s640/blogger-image-465391276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0MBSlLDfxKg/WNKLFLhF7rI/AAAAAAAAC1o/SQ0qG1fonVM/s640/blogger-image-465391276.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After an adventurous trip to Iceland, we spent our last two nights in Stockholm the capital city of Sweden. The tour guide insisted though that its the capital city of Scandinavia! Stockholm is a bigger city compared to Oslo and with a larger population too. The guided tour took us first to the City Hall. It may not look much from the outside but the interior is rather impressive.</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg-bVbMC1o0/WNKoK2_M0LI/AAAAAAAAC18/YoUal1nXdS0/s640/blogger-image-911119860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg-bVbMC1o0/WNKoK2_M0LI/AAAAAAAAC18/YoUal1nXdS0/s640/blogger-image-911119860.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEP1fGpLGZw/WNKoPGvczNI/AAAAAAAAC2A/qwLAK6P6jsw/s640/blogger-image--1780143061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEP1fGpLGZw/WNKoPGvczNI/AAAAAAAAC2A/qwLAK6P6jsw/s640/blogger-image--1780143061.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We then proceeded to visit Vasa Museum. Now this is something that I am impressed with. The museum displays the only almost fully intact 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged! The 64-gun warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage in 1628. Just imagine, the technology and skill during the early 19th century were not as advanced as today which made salvaging work even more inspiring! </span></div><div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6YLIeuv9Mnc/WNKoS4i3sRI/AAAAAAAAC2E/KLoROkGp7Nc/s640/blogger-image--1755995141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6YLIeuv9Mnc/WNKoS4i3sRI/AAAAAAAAC2E/KLoROkGp7Nc/s640/blogger-image--1755995141.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After lunch and prayer we opted to go on a cruise. Its chilly and some parts of the water was even frozen but we still enjoyed the view and the experience. </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKmi_1OAEWE/WNKn7ORoYGI/AAAAAAAAC1w/iFQ5fsGv4eE/s640/blogger-image--1114261483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKmi_1OAEWE/WNKn7ORoYGI/AAAAAAAAC1w/iFQ5fsGv4eE/s640/blogger-image--1114261483.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VvUFP98a9V0/WNKn_-lqinI/AAAAAAAAC10/kRkix0irYBY/s640/blogger-image--1002680396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VvUFP98a9V0/WNKn_-lqinI/AAAAAAAAC10/kRkix0irYBY/s640/blogger-image--1002680396.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Finally, it's time to fly back home. We woke up to a city covered in fresh snow and it was still snowing by the time we were departing. To me it was like a beautiful sent off to a wonderful holiday. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5z1r202d0h4/WNKoEww5mGI/AAAAAAAAC14/AR1rAnWtuy4/s640/blogger-image--570425598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5z1r202d0h4/WNKoEww5mGI/AAAAAAAAC14/AR1rAnWtuy4/s640/blogger-image--570425598.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oh yes. I have also made new friends during the trip. That the beauty of a group tour and even more so when travelling solo. When travelling with friends or family more often than not we tend to cluster in our own small circle. I am guilty of that too.</span></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5W3T03B2lE/WNKqojdp9zI/AAAAAAAAC2I/t9r8BFTcTjw/s640/blogger-image-1428198063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5W3T03B2lE/WNKqojdp9zI/AAAAAAAAC2I/t9r8BFTcTjw/s640/blogger-image-1428198063.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But then again you may find me wandering on my own half of the time to find a good shot. Afterall, photography is still my hobby even with a compact camera. There were many instances that I miss my DSLR but then again my ageing body and aching bones just could not manage the weight of the camera any more. I am saving all my energy for more trips to come! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Where will I be going next you may ask? Just wait and see in the next post!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Travel date: 28 Feb - 2 Mar 2017 (Oslo) and 5-7 Mar 2017 ( Stockholm)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-19627911469340839392017-03-16T09:14:00.001+08:002017-03-23T21:57:53.388+08:00Iceland<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Iceland has been one of my dream destinations ever since I watched a show on TV about Iceland. The aurora is one thing to look forward to but then that can be expereinced in some other countries nearby too. Its the ice and glacier that I wanted to see with my own eyes. Since I am not braved enough to travel on my own, I booked a trip with a tour group. Hence I am able to enjoy the trip without having to worry about reservation and logistics. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We flew to Oslo and stayed a couple of nights before flying to Iceland. And upon arrival we made our way straight to the Blue Lagoon. A man made thermal bath which was supposed to be good for the skin and general health. Its not the bath that got me excited though, its the sight all the way from the airport to the destination. We were told that it snowed the night before and with the sun shining on that day the view from the bus was very much foreign yet fascinating to my eyes. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3GwCBMmguaA/WMv3N9Mw_JI/AAAAAAAAC0M/BC3FjgoCQ84/s640/blogger-image-2124843880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3GwCBMmguaA/WMv3N9Mw_JI/AAAAAAAAC0M/BC3FjgoCQ84/s640/blogger-image-2124843880.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pt8TMDgn81o/WMv3RkeJSoI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/OjRfxi8Wets/s640/blogger-image-409381122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pt8TMDgn81o/WMv3RkeJSoI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/OjRfxi8Wets/s640/blogger-image-409381122.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The next couple of days were spent sight seeing. We went to see a couple of famous waterfall namely Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss as well as Reynisfjara Beach also known as the black sand beach. Yes, that's right. They are the famous locations used in a popular Bollywood movie. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1cm_Zj4wbog/WNJgm5VCJPI/AAAAAAAAC0k/VcHHPXSOJvs/s640/blogger-image-2000324136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1cm_Zj4wbog/WNJgm5VCJPI/AAAAAAAAC0k/VcHHPXSOJvs/s640/blogger-image-2000324136.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Later in the day we had just enough time before nightfall to visit Jokulsalon Glacial Lagoon. This is the place that I have been so looking forward to. And Subhanallah, it was immensely spectacular. My heart felt like it was going to burst. It is even more amazingly fascinating when we learnt the scientific explanations on how nature runs its course and made such a beautiful place. One cannot help but feel close to nature and even closer to Allah, the Creator of heaven and earth. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--CCwQW9visc/WNJgjI_lEuI/AAAAAAAAC0g/x-xrNeyKM-s/s640/blogger-image-2125918306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--CCwQW9visc/WNJgjI_lEuI/AAAAAAAAC0g/x-xrNeyKM-s/s640/blogger-image-2125918306.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wish that I could just stay there a little longer to absorb the sight and use the time to reflect but we had to rush to the beach to see the end of the journey of the melting glacier and ice. It's an unbelievable sight. Blocks of ice of different shapes and sizes were scattered all over the beach and the sea. Its something that one has to see with ones own eyes to really appreciate how beautiful and awesome it is. Everyone was simply awestruck with the experience. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had a 3 hour bus ride back the hotel and we were hoping that we would get lucky with an aurora sighting on the way. But alas it was to no avail. Upon checking in at the hotel we were informed that the reception would call our room if there is a high chance of the aurora appearing. And that he did! We were just about to get ready for bed when we got the call, and we quickly put our jumpers and coat on and rushed outside. It was very faint initially and our eyes were not trained to identify the light immediately. On top of that the surrounding area of the hotel were brightly lit which did not help to highlight the aurora in its true form. Unfortunately I only managed to get a couple of shots before giving in to the freezing weather. The next morning when I checked my camera, I wished that I had stayed longer and take more shots. What I should have done was put on more jumpers and got back out. Oh well, this would give me the excuse to check out the northern light in Finland some other time. 😉</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dpbjv87stQc/WNJgqwBvKfI/AAAAAAAAC0o/Kgu1_DpstiI/s640/blogger-image--1458011004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dpbjv87stQc/WNJgqwBvKfI/AAAAAAAAC0o/Kgu1_DpstiI/s640/blogger-image--1458011004.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The schedule for next day was a little more adventurous. It included a steep climb on a large truck with huge tyres all the way up one glacial mountain and we were also given the option to try the snow mobile. Which I declined politely. Hee.... Instead I spent the time absorbing the beautiful ambiance of the sun and snow. It another out-of-the-world experience for me. Its eerily quiet and you only see endless field of white snow right to the end of the horizon. It really can humble you to nothingness. If you know what I mean. Honestly, the photos below does not do justice to the real thing. So I suggest that you go there and see it for yourself! 😁</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v_c1YNJYmAM/WNJnh8OuwwI/AAAAAAAAC1A/FH_nk0DDFmc/s640/blogger-image--444604749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v_c1YNJYmAM/WNJnh8OuwwI/AAAAAAAAC1A/FH_nk0DDFmc/s640/blogger-image--444604749.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On our way down we stopped at Langjokull Geysir and Gullfoss Golden Waterfall. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtsW-EPpr8o/WNJnl7ZP1fI/AAAAAAAAC1E/dspO4jD3BWM/s640/blogger-image--210752814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtsW-EPpr8o/WNJnl7ZP1fI/AAAAAAAAC1E/dspO4jD3BWM/s640/blogger-image--210752814.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And after lunch we made our way to Keflavik, a little town in southwest of Iceland near the airport. Before going to bed we wondered if we would get lucky a second time with the northen light but I guess it was not meant to be.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nry9YwoENiY/WNJnd3xxGJI/AAAAAAAAC08/x58cxE6Vsao/s640/blogger-image-2064927327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nry9YwoENiY/WNJnd3xxGJI/AAAAAAAAC08/x58cxE6Vsao/s640/blogger-image-2064927327.jpg"></a></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We left Iceland the next morning with a heavy heart but with plenty of fond memories and new experience. I even sat by the window on the plane for a change to catch the last sight of Iceland.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tiu0dW9wSmo/WNJnqeX90xI/AAAAAAAAC1I/GCK7vvlBBtg/s640/blogger-image-1006808774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tiu0dW9wSmo/WNJnqeX90xI/AAAAAAAAC1I/GCK7vvlBBtg/s640/blogger-image-1006808774.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you Allah for making another of my wish come true. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Alhamdulillah. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Travel date: 2-5 March 2017</i></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-20207193003608091972017-02-11T21:05:00.001+08:002017-02-27T07:50:34.387+08:00Ireland - DublinI am about to embark in another journey and yet I have yet to complete my posting from last year. Indeed 2016 was my travel adventure year made possible with a travel buddy towards the second half the year. This year I have to fly solo again. <div><br></div><div>Anyways, after 2 nights in Killaloe, we booked a place in Dublin. A comfy apartment above a restaurant. Strategically located albeit a little busy on a friday night with the weekend merry makers.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3aEdJPf1Mc/WJ8L83OtKZI/AAAAAAAACug/zp52JgVX7Q4/s640/blogger-image-806022380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3aEdJPf1Mc/WJ8L83OtKZI/AAAAAAAACug/zp52JgVX7Q4/s640/blogger-image-806022380.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And immediately upon checking in we head out straight away to Trinity College to visit the famous library and the Book of Kells. We had just enough time before it closed.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R6pWqm28HVI/WJ8MJWqVHTI/AAAAAAAACus/wTYBMcUA08M/s640/blogger-image--1884395810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R6pWqm28HVI/WJ8MJWqVHTI/AAAAAAAACus/wTYBMcUA08M/s640/blogger-image--1884395810.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DfUaztfLGvI/WJ8MBCLF4-I/AAAAAAAACuk/-MR0WyI9KDg/s640/blogger-image--1226814914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DfUaztfLGvI/WJ8MBCLF4-I/AAAAAAAACuk/-MR0WyI9KDg/s640/blogger-image--1226814914.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFWAKaffunQ/WJ8ME2NmpxI/AAAAAAAACuo/rE3v9rTZM70/s640/blogger-image-1259821601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFWAKaffunQ/WJ8ME2NmpxI/AAAAAAAACuo/rE3v9rTZM70/s640/blogger-image-1259821601.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By the time we were done it was already dark and we head back to the apartment ready for bed and recharge for our adventure in the following day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was still dark when we walked to the pick up point but we were looking forward to it despite the freezing temperature at that early morning. Its a whole day tour to Belfast and North Ireland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The first stop was the Titatic Experience center. The place where the titatic ship was built. Somehow the film keep playing in my mind while walking about the center. I was half expecting Kate Winslet and whatshisname to jump out any moment.</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cJRn3G_IjoM/WKG_By437cI/AAAAAAAACvM/kTb-BaHtz3Q/s640/blogger-image-1451911962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cJRn3G_IjoM/WKG_By437cI/AAAAAAAACvM/kTb-BaHtz3Q/s640/blogger-image-1451911962.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQcj9QmOijA/WKG_JyH7JdI/AAAAAAAACvU/36PYJXC1hXs/s640/blogger-image-1479276052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQcj9QmOijA/WKG_JyH7JdI/AAAAAAAACvU/36PYJXC1hXs/s640/blogger-image-1479276052.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JH1O0WkT5_s/WKG_cjRnUDI/AAAAAAAACvo/4c7NdWytx7Q/s640/blogger-image--1871293173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JH1O0WkT5_s/WKG_cjRnUDI/AAAAAAAACvo/4c7NdWytx7Q/s640/blogger-image--1871293173.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next we stopped by at Carrick-a-Read Rope Bridge near Ballintroy. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickaread. By now the grey sky has turned blue but the wind from the sea was still chilly but then the long walk kept us warm and we were blessed with an amazing view.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5pPNkggbrPs/WKG-6epYYYI/AAAAAAAACvE/gVAgMuyPffw/s640/blogger-image--806157990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5pPNkggbrPs/WKG-6epYYYI/AAAAAAAACvE/gVAgMuyPffw/s640/blogger-image--806157990.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bzra-vomj0Y/WKG_RnjSbyI/AAAAAAAACvc/XYw4F9rvgD4/s640/blogger-image--376581623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bzra-vomj0Y/WKG_RnjSbyI/AAAAAAAACvc/XYw4F9rvgD4/s640/blogger-image--376581623.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The final stop for the day was the Giant Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its located in the County Antrim on the northen coast of Northern Ireland. Basically its a large area of rock formation as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3-cunTV_0gw/WKG_Nc_WfvI/AAAAAAAACvY/zBKfNsZ1MvQ/s640/blogger-image-505839409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3-cunTV_0gw/WKG_Nc_WfvI/AAAAAAAACvY/zBKfNsZ1MvQ/s640/blogger-image-505839409.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OBfHVSZCJeU/WKG--JSGD8I/AAAAAAAACvI/Mde772CfjMU/s640/blogger-image-577286459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OBfHVSZCJeU/WKG--JSGD8I/AAAAAAAACvI/Mde772CfjMU/s640/blogger-image-577286459.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LEvU0d2CitM/WKG_ZNVymVI/AAAAAAAACvk/eF5iJV5xkw4/s640/blogger-image--1824859817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LEvU0d2CitM/WKG_ZNVymVI/AAAAAAAACvk/eF5iJV5xkw4/s640/blogger-image--1824859817.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EagxlqQOv0I/WKG_GGvKMyI/AAAAAAAACvQ/kVekZ5wmV-Y/s640/blogger-image-974902965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EagxlqQOv0I/WKG_GGvKMyI/AAAAAAAACvQ/kVekZ5wmV-Y/s640/blogger-image-974902965.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't really know if there are any other place with such a site but I was just amazed by this natural wonder of God's creation. The interlocking basalt columns come in various shades and shape. The top of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. And of course the locals has an amusing folklore on how it happened. The driver with his strong Irish accent had us in stitches with his version of the story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Z_wjKQwqB8/WKG_VWk_kNI/AAAAAAAACvg/fX9qjNE9vPk/s640/blogger-image--1603003741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Z_wjKQwqB8/WKG_VWk_kNI/AAAAAAAACvg/fX9qjNE9vPk/s640/blogger-image--1603003741.jpg"></a></font></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-maz40Xpagqw/WKG_gItmytI/AAAAAAAACvs/q-yREdsYtZ8/s640/blogger-image--896900673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-maz40Xpagqw/WKG_gItmytI/AAAAAAAACvs/q-yREdsYtZ8/s640/blogger-image--896900673.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The walk back to the bus seemed longer as we had the hill to climb but the view we get to enjoy made every step worth the while. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was a tiring day but it was also a happy one for us. Nothing beats beauty and nature.</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z0wzEIHCjFU/WKHHep4tcvI/AAAAAAAACwU/d14muASBKh8/s640/blogger-image-502127617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z0wzEIHCjFU/WKHHep4tcvI/AAAAAAAACwU/d14muASBKh8/s640/blogger-image-502127617.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_YpopytYIQ/WKHHWGr4H9I/AAAAAAAACwI/_HiWU1d5uao/s640/blogger-image-1058267509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_YpopytYIQ/WKHHWGr4H9I/AAAAAAAACwI/_HiWU1d5uao/s640/blogger-image-1058267509.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hQSKK1ZNXLs/WKHHa_MBRaI/AAAAAAAACwM/0iLCtCUDw80/s640/blogger-image-1135416415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hQSKK1ZNXLs/WKHHa_MBRaI/AAAAAAAACwM/0iLCtCUDw80/s640/blogger-image-1135416415.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had to catch the flight back to Birmingham the next day but we managed to make a quick visit to Dublin Castle before making our way to the airport. All in all we had a marvelous time for our first experience in Ireland. There are many other interesting site to visit so we promised ourselves that we will be back again, insya-Allah. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 19-21 November 2016</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-71471583586384732802017-01-26T23:45:00.001+08:002017-03-17T14:37:48.457+08:00Korea Winter HolidayIt's not my first vacation in Korea but then again it was in a different season. Different season means different things to do and different view to see. At least thats my perspective. <div><br></div><div>And this time we decided to go with a tour group that would take us to places further away from Seoul. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And I particularly wish to visit Jeju Island.</span></div><div><br></div><div>On the day that we arrived, we had time to kill before the flight to Jeju hence our guide took us to visit Gyeongbok Palace. Its a beautiful royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It has been painstakingly recontructed and it also house a museum within the compound for the tourists as the National Palace Museum of Korea. The palace was the largest and the main royal palace during its time and is now regarded as the most most beautiful and grandest of the five palaces in Seoul. I simply love the ambiance of the palace surrounding area. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GdOlDVJrGH4/WMYABc8Xa6I/AAAAAAAACzo/gj9RKXyXr7M/s640/blogger-image-78401213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GdOlDVJrGH4/WMYABc8Xa6I/AAAAAAAACzo/gj9RKXyXr7M/s640/blogger-image-78401213.jpg"></a></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qZd6EiiluYA/WMX48puhmII/AAAAAAAACyo/X2ZeqE7gWMs/s640/blogger-image-777078077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qZd6EiiluYA/WMX48puhmII/AAAAAAAACyo/X2ZeqE7gWMs/s640/blogger-image-777078077.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then took off to Jeju where we stayed for 2 nights. Upon arrival we visited a couple of indoor attractions. Teseum Safari and Grevin. As it was wet and cold we were glad of the warmth in the premise. There sure were plenty of photo opportunity in there!</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mC55TRwAOiM/WMX5FFExpbI/AAAAAAAACyw/hcvDNzmr4TQ/s640/blogger-image--935983359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mC55TRwAOiM/WMX5FFExpbI/AAAAAAAACyw/hcvDNzmr4TQ/s640/blogger-image--935983359.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CArjFDKXyII/WMX5I8v4I-I/AAAAAAAACy0/sUadc1JZR4o/s640/blogger-image--1166340256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CArjFDKXyII/WMX5I8v4I-I/AAAAAAAACy0/sUadc1JZR4o/s640/blogger-image--1166340256.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the next day we spent the whole day outdoor. We went to Jeju Folk Village named Seongeup Folk Village, a traditional village but still lived in until today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sHD0FxYYm1Q/WMYGQVPUz6I/AAAAAAAACz4/2ByZ65AwWPI/s640/blogger-image-1703150317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sHD0FxYYm1Q/WMYGQVPUz6I/AAAAAAAACz4/2ByZ65AwWPI/s640/blogger-image-1703150317.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thereafter we went to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. We climb hundreds of stairs to reach the peak of the tuff cone which was formed by a volvanic eruption some 5,000 years ago. I took longer than others to reach the top but it was worth the while! The view was amazing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ECMMUDe8iE0/WMX5V8b-QHI/AAAAAAAACy4/M22uuY6lLTc/s640/blogger-image--325069820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ECMMUDe8iE0/WMX5V8b-QHI/AAAAAAAACy4/M22uuY6lLTc/s640/blogger-image--325069820.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the way back to the hotel we stopped for photo shots at a tangerine farm and granola field.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkDoLGbJG90/WMX5dsBu8yI/AAAAAAAACzA/pTZyCLSHm6A/s640/blogger-image--1005079212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkDoLGbJG90/WMX5dsBu8yI/AAAAAAAACzA/pTZyCLSHm6A/s640/blogger-image--1005079212.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then flew back to the mainland and visited Nami Island, a place that is never missed by tourists. But in my opinion winter is not the best time to visit as the island is more beautiful in brighter and warmer weather. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tyu3uuRrtW0/WMX5ZqmKq1I/AAAAAAAACy8/M_ApgGaSaPE/s640/blogger-image-1061533564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tyu3uuRrtW0/WMX5ZqmKq1I/AAAAAAAACy8/M_ApgGaSaPE/s640/blogger-image-1061533564.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thereafter we head out north to spent the night at a ski resort for the next day was the day for a ski lesson. Not me though! I was there to record the historic moment. He he. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RljChbRaMu4/WMX5hjj6CqI/AAAAAAAACzE/Blt8jkgiaSA/s640/blogger-image--634991242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RljChbRaMu4/WMX5hjj6CqI/AAAAAAAACzE/Blt8jkgiaSA/s640/blogger-image--634991242.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After half a day of ski lesson and fun in the snow we left and made our way to Mount Seorak National Park. If we had been here earlier we could have taken a cable car ride and view the mountain from above. Nevertheless we were fortunate to at least have the full view from our balcony of our apartment. Its really an awesome view to wake up to.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Haqas0UQCyI/WMX54g8HrRI/AAAAAAAACzU/y5e9uQNqrEU/s640/blogger-image--121795142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Haqas0UQCyI/WMX54g8HrRI/AAAAAAAACzU/y5e9uQNqrEU/s640/blogger-image--121795142.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We moved on the next day to spend a whole day being tourists in Korea. Kimchi making, hanbok wearing, adventure in Everland and last but not least souvenir shopping.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--qjH1egU98o/WMX5wgyhEAI/AAAAAAAACzM/9zxnM486fco/s640/blogger-image--1068038197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--qjH1egU98o/WMX5wgyhEAI/AAAAAAAACzM/9zxnM486fco/s640/blogger-image--1068038197.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jbif1C8gs5c/WMX505tWo6I/AAAAAAAACzQ/JIvKCerMhlw/s640/blogger-image--275671372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jbif1C8gs5c/WMX505tWo6I/AAAAAAAACzQ/JIvKCerMhlw/s640/blogger-image--275671372.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh. We must not forget the food. I thoroughly enjoyed the food prepared for us. And best of all, I got to taste the famous Jeju seafood and korean specialities like chicken ginseng broth. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KsQbwtqIlaI/WMX58v43MxI/AAAAAAAACzY/ojzdfXzjX1U/s640/blogger-image-63760447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KsQbwtqIlaI/WMX58v43MxI/AAAAAAAACzY/ojzdfXzjX1U/s640/blogger-image-63760447.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alhamdulillah. My wish to go to Jeju and eat their seafood has been full-filled. I would like to come back again in spring or late summer to explore every corner of Jeju in leisure. Anyone wants to join me? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date: 21-28 December 2016</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-62701128452356218262017-01-26T23:43:00.005+08:002017-03-12T23:49:42.931+08:00UK Part 2We travelled everyday once we were back from Dublin until the day we left UK. Either by train or car. Some trips were pre-planned while others were impromtu depending on the weather and transport.<div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A trip to London had been planned ahead, infact the first to be planned once we had our flight ticket booked. I promised Syaza that we would go to Harry Potter Studio.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the same time we both had a chance to meet up with old friends. And walked about in the city of London. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSNUHCHWJRA/WMVjnTSqfmI/AAAAAAAACyU/o-XUEm-tSwc/s640/blogger-image--2045612621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSNUHCHWJRA/WMVjnTSqfmI/AAAAAAAACyU/o-XUEm-tSwc/s640/blogger-image--2045612621.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bEucNKl0ss/WKMuH-Iqc0I/AAAAAAAACx0/VTP3YkQ9m-0/s640/blogger-image--77315983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bEucNKl0ss/WKMuH-Iqc0I/AAAAAAAACx0/VTP3YkQ9m-0/s640/blogger-image--77315983.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As for the HPS itself it was delightful and amazing much to my surpise. Of course Syaza enjoyed it tremendously!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iGejvzyWFJU/WKMtYEClPtI/AAAAAAAACxY/mcNN2K4UKYg/s640/blogger-image-85976869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iGejvzyWFJU/WKMtYEClPtI/AAAAAAAACxY/mcNN2K4UKYg/s640/blogger-image-85976869.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZbQFEE1fSQ/WKMtMknKM-I/AAAAAAAACxU/Q5nfl42dJLs/s640/blogger-image-622663549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZbQFEE1fSQ/WKMtMknKM-I/AAAAAAAACxU/Q5nfl42dJLs/s640/blogger-image-622663549.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Other than London we had a walking tour in Sheffied while visiting a couple of old school friend.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuM3rbmu2Zo/WKMtzWE7f1I/AAAAAAAACxs/T94q9-zqJMU/s640/blogger-image--1251611159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuM3rbmu2Zo/WKMtzWE7f1I/AAAAAAAACxs/T94q9-zqJMU/s640/blogger-image--1251611159.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And a half an hour train ride brought us to Birmingham for a day of shopping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-llMPdpJaFZk/WKLBc7jFCmI/AAAAAAAACww/0LTeIs5-pxg/s640/blogger-image-305551668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-llMPdpJaFZk/WKLBc7jFCmI/AAAAAAAACww/0LTeIs5-pxg/s640/blogger-image-305551668.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And last but not least we managed to squeeze a day trip to the Stonehenge. And we were blessed with a bright sunny day to boot. It was such a great day! A gloomy day would certainly not bring out the best of the Stonehenge.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1y7fVrvJWBs/WKMuMV4P_SI/AAAAAAAACx4/VloMdtAfLHw/s640/blogger-image--1914343193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1y7fVrvJWBs/WKMuMV4P_SI/AAAAAAAACx4/VloMdtAfLHw/s640/blogger-image--1914343193.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Its time to leave and go home to warm sunny weather. It has been a marvelous 16 days. And yet I feel a strong urge to come back again as there are still many places that I have yet to visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For sure I shall be back again but maybe not so soon. There are other countries to go too. Don't you agree?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 23-31 November 2016</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-77609105078633843252017-01-26T23:43:00.001+08:002017-02-11T21:27:00.312+08:00Ireland - KillaloeI have always wanted to go to Ireland. Its one place that I have not ventured into during my student days and my many visits to the UK much later on. And once the flight to London was confirmed, I made sure that Ireland would be in the agenda.<div><br></div><div>Much to my delight, an old school friend from my hometown has graciously invited us to her house in Killaloe, a little town about 20 km from Limerick. Thanks to her wonderful hospitality we had a little taste of the life of the Irish. 😁<br><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dSZgIYY-HxU/WJyQHDlScSI/AAAAAAAACtI/rbNdj2oquzY/s640/blogger-image-1570549175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dSZgIYY-HxU/WJyQHDlScSI/AAAAAAAACtI/rbNdj2oquzY/s640/blogger-image-1570549175.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's Soo Ling in the photo above sitting next to me and her family. I have her permission to share photos of her house which I find so adorable. From outside it may look like any other house (but then again even the exterior stands out from the rest) but once you step into the door, the warm ambience envelopes you immediately. I have always admired Soo Ling's artistic mind and skill in school and her house is filled with her handiwork and arts & craft. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--c4KEitDOXA/WJyP58rsFII/AAAAAAAACs4/MoINUXu30KE/s640/blogger-image-1488618957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--c4KEitDOXA/WJyP58rsFII/AAAAAAAACs4/MoINUXu30KE/s640/blogger-image-1488618957.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RhHiVld7T0A/WJyQKAzQznI/AAAAAAAACtM/Xkg32-eCCpk/s640/blogger-image--219295323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RhHiVld7T0A/WJyQKAzQznI/AAAAAAAACtM/Xkg32-eCCpk/s640/blogger-image--219295323.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Her artistic touch can be found in every nook and corner of the house. Even the kitchen is filled with colours and decor that you don't often see in many homes. I was awestruck with her creativity and handiwork. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TG-ahmgwIkA/WJyQNR3NbRI/AAAAAAAACtQ/an1znmYpiEg/s640/blogger-image-1618102885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TG-ahmgwIkA/WJyQNR3NbRI/AAAAAAAACtQ/an1znmYpiEg/s640/blogger-image-1618102885.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And she has her own little work room where she displays her handy craft and even holds classes upon request. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RsPLZ6962I0/WJyP2pXkgUI/AAAAAAAACs0/bY5WMpckvxM/s640/blogger-image-1670247997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RsPLZ6962I0/WJyP2pXkgUI/AAAAAAAACs0/bY5WMpckvxM/s640/blogger-image-1670247997.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And of course, she is an avid garderner as well. The garden was pretty even in winter and her charming garden and handiworks is truly a delight. I bet it will be awesome in the spring and summer.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vh6mYbOlCZI/WJyQD7MIgQI/AAAAAAAACtE/wsTLzPpmR4c/s640/blogger-image--589532775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vh6mYbOlCZI/WJyQD7MIgQI/AAAAAAAACtE/wsTLzPpmR4c/s640/blogger-image--589532775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A walk down the street one morning gave us a chance to explore the neighbourhood. Almost everything you need is just a few doors away. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XFN6Pl8haA/WJyP9BXyuHI/AAAAAAAACs8/0WlOkHMDXsU/s640/blogger-image--2067555662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XFN6Pl8haA/WJyP9BXyuHI/AAAAAAAACs8/0WlOkHMDXsU/s640/blogger-image--2067555662.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And after about 15 minutes walk we came to the edge of River Shannon. What an awesome place for walking or running. I have fallen in love with this quaint little town. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTvobDgRhqs/WJyQAmbZTqI/AAAAAAAACtA/ij-gsS7ldMA/s640/blogger-image-638227486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTvobDgRhqs/WJyQAmbZTqI/AAAAAAAACtA/ij-gsS7ldMA/s640/blogger-image-638227486.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aeT3HOew1gM/WJyQQwu8ghI/AAAAAAAACtU/CBmvDO2Ne-4/s640/blogger-image-1584109907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aeT3HOew1gM/WJyQQwu8ghI/AAAAAAAACtU/CBmvDO2Ne-4/s640/blogger-image-1584109907.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cDpZYdpVbNg/WJyQUXQ4RcI/AAAAAAAACtY/XOQBEZi8Nog/s640/blogger-image--103310431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cDpZYdpVbNg/WJyQUXQ4RcI/AAAAAAAACtY/XOQBEZi8Nog/s640/blogger-image--103310431.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">During my stay, I spent a day on a bus tour of the Ring of Kerry. Unfortunately it was a wet day but the scenery along the way was still awesome.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NiKskQoRaIo/WJ15XCLIUCI/AAAAAAAACt8/w5udlJTGNVU/s640/blogger-image-387666953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NiKskQoRaIo/WJ15XCLIUCI/AAAAAAAACt8/w5udlJTGNVU/s640/blogger-image-387666953.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XW8OZb5rcyg/WJ15e5QYNiI/AAAAAAAACuE/hdKHJA4nJLc/s640/blogger-image-1216465331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XW8OZb5rcyg/WJ15e5QYNiI/AAAAAAAACuE/hdKHJA4nJLc/s640/blogger-image-1216465331.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xr-MJGubJ4c/WJ15jS-59MI/AAAAAAAACuI/xQHxZoaG46g/s640/blogger-image--156122675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xr-MJGubJ4c/WJ15jS-59MI/AAAAAAAACuI/xQHxZoaG46g/s640/blogger-image--156122675.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p2fyp9jAAs8/WJ15ThTTEfI/AAAAAAAACt4/edh91vIRx1Q/s640/blogger-image--1280975578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p2fyp9jAAs8/WJ15ThTTEfI/AAAAAAAACt4/edh91vIRx1Q/s640/blogger-image--1280975578.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KckeKPpYdgw/WJ15a2BCPtI/AAAAAAAACuA/c6BQe6jjI8Y/s640/blogger-image--1018886725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KckeKPpYdgw/WJ15a2BCPtI/AAAAAAAACuA/c6BQe6jjI8Y/s640/blogger-image--1018886725.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMID6RAWZEI/WJ15QNyWS4I/AAAAAAAACt0/EvozCq86RKk/s640/blogger-image-589450517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMID6RAWZEI/WJ15QNyWS4I/AAAAAAAACt0/EvozCq86RKk/s640/blogger-image-589450517.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are still many parts of Ireland that are worth visiting and Soo Ling has recommended a few. I promised myself that I will come again. It took her two years to cover all the popular attractions in 32 counties and it will definitely take me more. Definitely much more! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dublin was my next destination and I shall continue my story another time. Writing this post made me reminisce over the time when I was there and made me wish that I could go back there this summer! Wishful thinking! But who know?! 😀</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date: 17-19 November 2016</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-73696586811753961172017-01-23T20:07:00.001+08:002017-01-27T14:39:27.742+08:00Munich Germany-City TourAfter the wonderful visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in the morning we made our back to the city for a short tour. And when in Munich we must of course visit the country pride and joy: BMW HQ.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mW7pRwuOEUA/WIXx3j84vjI/AAAAAAAACpU/gxUOKGtoF0M/s640/blogger-image--1784638521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mW7pRwuOEUA/WIXx3j84vjI/AAAAAAAACpU/gxUOKGtoF0M/s640/blogger-image--1784638521.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ov7FXuZH664/WIXx0YINfjI/AAAAAAAACpQ/77ikMszUs2o/s640/blogger-image--439387249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ov7FXuZH664/WIXx0YINfjI/AAAAAAAACpQ/77ikMszUs2o/s640/blogger-image--439387249.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1yU9M77vBD4/WIXx99sDzGI/AAAAAAAACpc/S32eqVrWafQ/s640/blogger-image--1082573422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1yU9M77vBD4/WIXx99sDzGI/AAAAAAAACpc/S32eqVrWafQ/s640/blogger-image--1082573422.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After taking photos with our dream cars, we spent a little time sight seeing in a couple of places of interest in the city. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gs4pKXLm6kM/WIX4YRVlIKI/AAAAAAAACqI/PKnr--Kr9aw/s640/blogger-image-945733575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gs4pKXLm6kM/WIX4YRVlIKI/AAAAAAAACqI/PKnr--Kr9aw/s640/blogger-image-945733575.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s260PPg7YsE/WIXx6rwa3VI/AAAAAAAACpY/NmrqUZFabc0/s640/blogger-image--1095131834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s260PPg7YsE/WIXx6rwa3VI/AAAAAAAACpY/NmrqUZFabc0/s640/blogger-image--1095131834.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-raHApW9YHAI/WIXxmy6sYII/AAAAAAAACpA/lQD9S15e5wY/s640/blogger-image-1497978691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-raHApW9YHAI/WIXxmy6sYII/AAAAAAAACpA/lQD9S15e5wY/s640/blogger-image-1497978691.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3_b5U5VJbaw/WIXxt2CivXI/AAAAAAAACpI/DeEWjqv0GqM/s640/blogger-image--10522760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3_b5U5VJbaw/WIXxt2CivXI/AAAAAAAACpI/DeEWjqv0GqM/s640/blogger-image--10522760.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dFGSpcpzK3E/WIX4D4Qi8kI/AAAAAAAACpw/M-KGexBE9xI/s640/blogger-image-342229620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dFGSpcpzK3E/WIX4D4Qi8kI/AAAAAAAACpw/M-KGexBE9xI/s640/blogger-image-342229620.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2l20YYBKSis/WIX4SKZWuWI/AAAAAAAACqA/hqODBr-3xBw/s640/blogger-image--1286847554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2l20YYBKSis/WIX4SKZWuWI/AAAAAAAACqA/hqODBr-3xBw/s640/blogger-image--1286847554.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--vHHuXz9DrQ/WIX4VTj8ygI/AAAAAAAACqE/dzpg_8R54xg/s640/blogger-image--770326621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--vHHuXz9DrQ/WIX4VTj8ygI/AAAAAAAACqE/dzpg_8R54xg/s640/blogger-image--770326621.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b2Ez9UqM47U/WIX4OQGWNTI/AAAAAAAACp8/HimWRFpqX7k/s640/blogger-image-1363828228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b2Ez9UqM47U/WIX4OQGWNTI/AAAAAAAACp8/HimWRFpqX7k/s640/blogger-image-1363828228.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KdFtzV3gKFc/WIX4Ki-ZlqI/AAAAAAAACp4/7uDAr63MwB8/s640/blogger-image--1547750851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KdFtzV3gKFc/WIX4Ki-ZlqI/AAAAAAAACp4/7uDAr63MwB8/s640/blogger-image--1547750851.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The afternoon sight seeing was so much fun all because of the tour guide on duty. He was not only knowledgeable but also passionately witty. </span></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3e0XOZwQOI/WIX4HW23tjI/AAAAAAAACp0/y3UPu6Al2PI/s640/blogger-image-568206279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3e0XOZwQOI/WIX4HW23tjI/AAAAAAAACp0/y3UPu6Al2PI/s640/blogger-image-568206279.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We left the city at dusk for our last dinner and night as tomorrow we would be flying home. The whole trip has been wonderful despite the weather that turned cold and wet at times. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The trip was over but the memory will last a life time. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Travel date: 30 September - 12 October 2016</i>. </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-37314054422923032692017-01-18T23:37:00.001+08:002017-01-20T17:02:28.541+08:00Salzburg Austria.Salzburg is a much smaller city compared to Vienna. With less places to see gave us the advantage to slow down our pace. I guess thats why I could recall much clearly the places that we visited.<div><br></div><div>Anyhow, the scenary that welcomed us as we reached Salzburg was simply breathtaking! </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8NHMPHhNE64/WIDZJkHh9eI/AAAAAAAAClg/VOg8cjUqQ9w/s640/blogger-image-1707520462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8NHMPHhNE64/WIDZJkHh9eI/AAAAAAAAClg/VOg8cjUqQ9w/s640/blogger-image-1707520462.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The hilly background made the city picturesque like in a fairy tale books. Maybe thats why this city was chosen to be the location for the classic movie the Sound of Music. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tq6tb73e4jE/WIDZyDQdfDI/AAAAAAAACmA/ZNfk3v1ILD0/s640/blogger-image-1896436096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tq6tb73e4jE/WIDZyDQdfDI/AAAAAAAACmA/ZNfk3v1ILD0/s640/blogger-image-1896436096.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here is the very garden that was used as part of the location in the movie. We spent quite a bit of time here and hence I was able to take shots of the garden from all angles. And I tried as best as I could to put the pieces together such that you can have a better view as well.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H57CMuBXj24/WIDZUvXwjmI/AAAAAAAAClo/ETQHoUYKeWg/s640/blogger-image-431655423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H57CMuBXj24/WIDZUvXwjmI/AAAAAAAAClo/ETQHoUYKeWg/s640/blogger-image-431655423.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Above is the south part of the garden and below is the north part. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8QD4oNu0N5o/WIDZmndUlWI/AAAAAAAACl0/kaSnugcPp9U/s640/blogger-image-594147578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8QD4oNu0N5o/WIDZmndUlWI/AAAAAAAACl0/kaSnugcPp9U/s640/blogger-image-594147578.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the rest below are the various nook and corners in the garden. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVyPt9EkTOw/WIDaHaEZM1I/AAAAAAAACmQ/rDpUBg3jDvQ/s640/blogger-image-646918598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVyPt9EkTOw/WIDaHaEZM1I/AAAAAAAACmQ/rDpUBg3jDvQ/s640/blogger-image-646918598.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ksVDcLX9qpA/WIDZRa3GX9I/AAAAAAAAClk/ocS9tQC4dz8/s640/blogger-image--1088964095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ksVDcLX9qpA/WIDZRa3GX9I/AAAAAAAAClk/ocS9tQC4dz8/s640/blogger-image--1088964095.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G7_GtJuqYeQ/WIHSEIP4HYI/AAAAAAAACmo/FQYNewHn2DA/s640/blogger-image-1405517046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G7_GtJuqYeQ/WIHSEIP4HYI/AAAAAAAACmo/FQYNewHn2DA/s640/blogger-image-1405517046.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abOvhErBbyw/WIHSIugGVxI/AAAAAAAACms/cmoBxM-IWTo/s640/blogger-image--652015794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abOvhErBbyw/WIHSIugGVxI/AAAAAAAACms/cmoBxM-IWTo/s640/blogger-image--652015794.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To go to the other side of the town we crossed a bridge that's popular among the locals and visitors alike. You can why below. The view from the bridge is also oh-so pretty! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3JdGVWUr1IE/WIDYz7DMY6I/AAAAAAAAClY/DgoNrnVwGE4/s640/blogger-image-31574992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3JdGVWUr1IE/WIDYz7DMY6I/AAAAAAAAClY/DgoNrnVwGE4/s640/blogger-image-31574992.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBgl1qOTr4U/WIDZ19DSarI/AAAAAAAACmE/vw6GvAzC-g0/s640/blogger-image--941655601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBgl1qOTr4U/WIDZ19DSarI/AAAAAAAACmE/vw6GvAzC-g0/s640/blogger-image--941655601.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we reached town we could see the uniqueness of the building especially in their signages. And I even found one with my daughter's name! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ySwO7C6XOX0/WIDZeZrwq1I/AAAAAAAACls/sHPJuIrKVGQ/s640/blogger-image-1818402780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ySwO7C6XOX0/WIDZeZrwq1I/AAAAAAAACls/sHPJuIrKVGQ/s640/blogger-image-1818402780.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Most of the buildings are not as arfully sculptured as in Vienna but they are packed with history. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d5eu6IMDj7I/WIDZt_2ndAI/AAAAAAAACl8/agHOUmLmXXU/s640/blogger-image--1287498362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d5eu6IMDj7I/WIDZt_2ndAI/AAAAAAAACl8/agHOUmLmXXU/s640/blogger-image--1287498362.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7P0pYKho0Ks/WIDZp7Zq-nI/AAAAAAAACl4/Bbqd6xTZ_1I/s640/blogger-image--1141673483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7P0pYKho0Ks/WIDZp7Zq-nI/AAAAAAAACl4/Bbqd6xTZ_1I/s640/blogger-image--1141673483.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ocNWTrYKvS0/WIDZD5Ot9NI/AAAAAAAAClc/aCyQbS0pVTI/s640/blogger-image-912408216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ocNWTrYKvS0/WIDZD5Ot9NI/AAAAAAAAClc/aCyQbS0pVTI/s640/blogger-image-912408216.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Somehow, for whatever reason, I have a better recall of Salzburg compared to the other cities visited earlier. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I have my best photos yet. To me anyway. Soon...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date: 8 October 2016</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-81013353277089147652017-01-17T22:13:00.003+08:002017-01-29T13:49:50.031+08:00UK Free and Easy - The BeginningWhen we bought the tickets to London, there were a few places that we specifically planned to go while the rest are free and easy. Nevertheless we planned for each day of the two weeks carefully and bought tickets where required. <div><br></div><div>Since I have a car at my disposal, thanks for my host, on some days we planned some destination that would take 1-2 hours drive. And since the days are shorter, we also made sure to drive back before the sunset. And so we ended in the following places:</div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>14 November 2016 - Shakesphere Village and Warwick Castle</b></div><div>These two places were the nearest from where we were staying. From Coventry it was just an hour drive. The day was wet and gloomy but it did not deter our first day of adventure. </div><div><br></div><div>Driving was made easy with the help of Waze Apps and British drivers are wild mannered and courteous bunch. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Shakesphere Village is just a little town where The famous writer was born. Whats interesting here were the traditional building as well as the quint little shops around there. Since its first sight seeing everything looked exciting and new. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qO7IGtDspOc/WIoVZejRb6I/AAAAAAAACrI/3XvTR4XtbyE/s640/blogger-image-1119810938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qO7IGtDspOc/WIoVZejRb6I/AAAAAAAACrI/3XvTR4XtbyE/s640/blogger-image-1119810938.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wdQ8EbgAiMc/WIoVcoOAiQI/AAAAAAAACrM/wINGstndZAY/s640/blogger-image--6014928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wdQ8EbgAiMc/WIoVcoOAiQI/AAAAAAAACrM/wINGstndZAY/s640/blogger-image--6014928.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a quick lunch, we drove to and spent quite some time at the Warwick Castle. By then the rain has stopped but its still overcast but the scenary was still amazing. I just love the autumn colours. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LkBDg2CeU1I/WIoVWRWmkhI/AAAAAAAACrE/HDgWZsrREvo/s640/blogger-image-732762414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LkBDg2CeU1I/WIoVWRWmkhI/AAAAAAAACrE/HDgWZsrREvo/s640/blogger-image-732762414.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tC9Vlg2Vh3k/WIoVTJgSE5I/AAAAAAAACrA/z7xt9_ZInxE/s640/blogger-image-180309420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tC9Vlg2Vh3k/WIoVTJgSE5I/AAAAAAAACrA/z7xt9_ZInxE/s640/blogger-image-180309420.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>15 November 2016 - Manchester</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We changed our plan for today and drove to Manchester instead. Its a good 2 hour drive but it took us longer due to slow traffic caused by an accident. Waze has diverted us to an inner road and upside was that we get to see a bit of the country side along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We didnt get to spend time sight seeing as the purpose of the visit was meeting up with my daughter's friends. We are not football fans anyway.... MU or otherwise. He he...</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0lka5W0rts/WIoY2_fRIuI/AAAAAAAACrY/5aTj8RVxY24/s640/blogger-image--1063563846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0lka5W0rts/WIoY2_fRIuI/AAAAAAAACrY/5aTj8RVxY24/s640/blogger-image--1063563846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>16 November 2016 - Oxford University (& Beicester Village 😉)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today was the day for shopping. Of course, we wouldnt miss it! But then my shopping days has really toned down a lot since I have retired. After all I do not need new clothes or shoes or bags, do I? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So after a couple of hours we made a detour and visited Oxford University. And wow, this university is huge. Its like a village on its own. And the buidling are a real classic! Superb! They even have their own little castle in the ground. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqO9lnXCl7U/WIr_7NbmPvI/AAAAAAAACr0/YaQPyItmXBM/s640/blogger-image--2061577599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqO9lnXCl7U/WIr_7NbmPvI/AAAAAAAACr0/YaQPyItmXBM/s640/blogger-image--2061577599.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bP_GMa9a5Tw/WIr_3scMmeI/AAAAAAAACrw/u2h6__IR01o/s640/blogger-image-453946461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bP_GMa9a5Tw/WIr_3scMmeI/AAAAAAAACrw/u2h6__IR01o/s640/blogger-image-453946461.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQd6E4gSOy0/WIsNKH5DIoI/AAAAAAAACsU/xuSBLAzW_7E/s640/blogger-image--212201336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQd6E4gSOy0/WIsNKH5DIoI/AAAAAAAACsU/xuSBLAzW_7E/s640/blogger-image--212201336.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>17 November 2016 - Warwick University</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We were scheduled for a flight to Dublin today but we left early to drop by Warwick University. Its crime to stay in Coventry and not visit Warwick University especially when we drove all the way to visit Oxford University and even planned to vsit Cambridge University. And we were glad that we did since there was a spot in the university that has a row of trees with amazing colours. The ground was a bed of pretty and vibrant red leaves. Super awesome. If it was not wet I would probably be rolling about the ground! Ha ha ha.... </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5kyT8jLsdMQ/WIsZVo25alI/AAAAAAAACsk/Q_y3FR04HuU/s640/blogger-image-1303810554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5kyT8jLsdMQ/WIsZVo25alI/AAAAAAAACsk/Q_y3FR04HuU/s640/blogger-image-1303810554.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, we then rushed to Birmingham airport for our filght to Dublin and my first trip to Ireland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was one of much looking forward trip and I shall have a separate post for it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See you in a bit! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date 14 - 17 November 2016</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-45214493300909559202017-01-17T22:13:00.001+08:002017-01-27T14:38:27.404+08:00Munich Germany-Neuschwanstein CastleOf all the photos that I have taken on this trip my favourites are from this particular day when we visited Neuschwanstein Castle. We made our way to the castle when it was still dark and when we were getting nearer to the destination the scene was surreal. I was thinking that it will not be often that I get to see the beautiful hills in the morning mist like this. Its was such a delightful panorama that I shall cherish this day. Masya-Allah. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3ArKyW_UY8/WIXjF2HeoJI/AAAAAAAACno/GyhyYgxKlN4/s640/blogger-image-861807805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3ArKyW_UY8/WIXjF2HeoJI/AAAAAAAACno/GyhyYgxKlN4/s640/blogger-image-861807805.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orYm3mRgSyM/WIXi_TDxcCI/AAAAAAAACng/75HX0nYnBIM/s640/blogger-image--362599371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orYm3mRgSyM/WIXi_TDxcCI/AAAAAAAACng/75HX0nYnBIM/s640/blogger-image--362599371.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y9gMHPHwKFo/WIXjiF5LiOI/AAAAAAAACoM/Cf5467r4bYY/s640/blogger-image-1645615523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y9gMHPHwKFo/WIXjiF5LiOI/AAAAAAAACoM/Cf5467r4bYY/s640/blogger-image-1645615523.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is a little village at the bottom of the hill where we had to catch the shuttle bus to go the castle. The bus only took us halfway and we had to walk a short distance up the hill to reach the castle ground.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2RQp7mod8XE/WIXjPEsNxoI/AAAAAAAACn0/qK8nMBZKCTc/s640/blogger-image-1563475305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2RQp7mod8XE/WIXjPEsNxoI/AAAAAAAACn0/qK8nMBZKCTc/s640/blogger-image-1563475305.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JZtdkCUx4wg/WIXjSON285I/AAAAAAAACn4/Lqlo78eSdjg/s640/blogger-image-1037518278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JZtdkCUx4wg/WIXjSON285I/AAAAAAAACn4/Lqlo78eSdjg/s640/blogger-image-1037518278.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfqG4E8HmrQ/WIXirvWmaLI/AAAAAAAACnI/Rle65sM-w-g/s640/blogger-image--1924463647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfqG4E8HmrQ/WIXirvWmaLI/AAAAAAAACnI/Rle65sM-w-g/s640/blogger-image--1924463647.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZMo8EfbBf0o/WIXiu_3nLZI/AAAAAAAACnM/DJLAQxhfris/s640/blogger-image--2131650269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZMo8EfbBf0o/WIXiu_3nLZI/AAAAAAAACnM/DJLAQxhfris/s640/blogger-image--2131650269.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The short walk in the early morning was pleasant in the cool and crisp air that we reached the castle ground in no time at all. We were not allowed to take photos of he interior of the castle though so what you see below are the exterior and the surrounding lush green hill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b6AnNhsCrH0/WIXjod8LoqI/AAAAAAAACoU/tKQ_VPB5NFw/s640/blogger-image-121646569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b6AnNhsCrH0/WIXjod8LoqI/AAAAAAAACoU/tKQ_VPB5NFw/s640/blogger-image-121646569.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GyU74Q5Lh8g/WIXjVO3P-lI/AAAAAAAACn8/tLWAbHRzVPQ/s640/blogger-image--1079283449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GyU74Q5Lh8g/WIXjVO3P-lI/AAAAAAAACn8/tLWAbHRzVPQ/s640/blogger-image--1079283449.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WbC2AIvMyJs/WIXkrF0Z7zI/AAAAAAAACog/ufQNKdvd9OA/s640/blogger-image--2018761376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WbC2AIvMyJs/WIXkrF0Z7zI/AAAAAAAACog/ufQNKdvd9OA/s640/blogger-image--2018761376.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was a balcony from which we can take photos from and the view from up there was pretty amazing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-gUzVHSqKA/WIXi1HAaSSI/AAAAAAAACnU/LbTjoQxHGns/s640/blogger-image-1961737111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-gUzVHSqKA/WIXi1HAaSSI/AAAAAAAACnU/LbTjoQxHGns/s640/blogger-image-1961737111.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDvatngiuxc/WIXik__ZXFI/AAAAAAAACnA/oSc3kBfzq1c/s640/blogger-image--533643596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDvatngiuxc/WIXik__ZXFI/AAAAAAAACnA/oSc3kBfzq1c/s640/blogger-image--533643596.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HGjpa1vEa_E/WIXje_8RwNI/AAAAAAAACoI/Vq6HKbbqQ_Y/s640/blogger-image--212528150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HGjpa1vEa_E/WIXje_8RwNI/AAAAAAAACoI/Vq6HKbbqQ_Y/s640/blogger-image--212528150.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we get to see more amazing view much later as we walk down the hill to the bus stop. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Prt7KKzh0LU/WIXjI69cZzI/AAAAAAAACns/jYRSTV0vzxg/s640/blogger-image-249235639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Prt7KKzh0LU/WIXjI69cZzI/AAAAAAAACns/jYRSTV0vzxg/s640/blogger-image-249235639.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MbnIgQ2aCrg/WIXjCqL9COI/AAAAAAAACnk/ffs_f1z_DFg/s640/blogger-image--616802371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MbnIgQ2aCrg/WIXjCqL9COI/AAAAAAAACnk/ffs_f1z_DFg/s640/blogger-image--616802371.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ichzZw2SKSk/WIXjbSCcUYI/AAAAAAAACoE/WBpOZHGqZLs/s640/blogger-image-941797693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ichzZw2SKSk/WIXjbSCcUYI/AAAAAAAACoE/WBpOZHGqZLs/s640/blogger-image-941797693.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dWDxJ5ctWSk/WIXjlDY0MvI/AAAAAAAACoQ/QYGI2lTocV8/s640/blogger-image-499131199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dWDxJ5ctWSk/WIXjlDY0MvI/AAAAAAAACoQ/QYGI2lTocV8/s640/blogger-image-499131199.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1RdKiEj0CYI/WIXi4SLpP5I/AAAAAAAACnY/2YVZEnqWyQQ/s640/blogger-image--1850150313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1RdKiEj0CYI/WIXi4SLpP5I/AAAAAAAACnY/2YVZEnqWyQQ/s640/blogger-image--1850150313.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We explored the little village a bit more once we got down. And later we brought our packed lunch and fed our hungry tummy while our eyes feast on the serene view. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PGTkEut42DY/WIXix8TpdJI/AAAAAAAACnQ/D_mXLM3AJ64/s640/blogger-image-1560644201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PGTkEut42DY/WIXix8TpdJI/AAAAAAAACnQ/D_mXLM3AJ64/s640/blogger-image-1560644201.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UR00DRLyqI8/WIXi7XTawoI/AAAAAAAACnc/F7P_cUT7HFc/s640/blogger-image-857597073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UR00DRLyqI8/WIXi7XTawoI/AAAAAAAACnc/F7P_cUT7HFc/s640/blogger-image-857597073.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nk3YrrlU4Y/WIXjYbzE4bI/AAAAAAAACoA/CfY-0pVxxOE/s640/blogger-image-892515733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nk3YrrlU4Y/WIXjYbzE4bI/AAAAAAAACoA/CfY-0pVxxOE/s640/blogger-image-892515733.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPWwGAkflZ0/WIXjL2oXZfI/AAAAAAAACnw/AGt7AjwxCEw/s640/blogger-image--210176214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPWwGAkflZ0/WIXjL2oXZfI/AAAAAAAACnw/AGt7AjwxCEw/s640/blogger-image--210176214.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VAnQc0G-3lo/WIXiok0cm8I/AAAAAAAACnE/jdJyREshV4I/s640/blogger-image-2138907993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VAnQc0G-3lo/WIXiok0cm8I/AAAAAAAACnE/jdJyREshV4I/s640/blogger-image-2138907993.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Despite the cold weather we had an immensely wonderful day. It's definitely a memorable ending to the trip to Eastern Europe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alhamdulillah. Thank you Allah for granting my wish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date : 9 October 2016</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-80417410404940383402017-01-17T22:11:00.003+08:002017-01-18T23:36:06.827+08:00Vienna AustriaWe visited two cities in Austria and the first stop was Vienna. Its a city that I have been yearning to see as I heard so much about the beautiful sight. And I was not disappointed. The day was overcast to begin with but it turned out to be bright soon after much to our joy and relief. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6NeI_06-qgA/WH9J98tDLoI/AAAAAAAACko/G6ht9ic3eKM/s640/blogger-image--356252023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6NeI_06-qgA/WH9J98tDLoI/AAAAAAAACko/G6ht9ic3eKM/s640/blogger-image--356252023.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FTicCGWxx8k/WH9KGpDjI9I/AAAAAAAACk0/wx9Rh2Jm4Mw/s640/blogger-image--1318398764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FTicCGWxx8k/WH9KGpDjI9I/AAAAAAAACk0/wx9Rh2Jm4Mw/s640/blogger-image--1318398764.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8771MCN8Is/WH9J3l_tIHI/AAAAAAAACkg/dXdUCuTQ_bc/s640/blogger-image-1397672325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8771MCN8Is/WH9J3l_tIHI/AAAAAAAACkg/dXdUCuTQ_bc/s640/blogger-image-1397672325.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Vkv000A2k8/WH9Jrtm3tTI/AAAAAAAACkQ/f4P6zoSMMYI/s640/blogger-image--448944076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Vkv000A2k8/WH9Jrtm3tTI/AAAAAAAACkQ/f4P6zoSMMYI/s640/blogger-image--448944076.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WKZt4s6QMKM/WH9KDl6YVII/AAAAAAAACkw/0zlXvx9CGM8/s640/blogger-image--483818403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WKZt4s6QMKM/WH9KDl6YVII/AAAAAAAACkw/0zlXvx9CGM8/s640/blogger-image--483818403.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bJoNEvLmeng/WH9J0tDB-7I/AAAAAAAACkc/UbduEttzNj8/s640/blogger-image-405095585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bJoNEvLmeng/WH9J0tDB-7I/AAAAAAAACkc/UbduEttzNj8/s640/blogger-image-405095585.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yDs-2qFKIzM/WH9J63Qoo2I/AAAAAAAACkk/rAJTsES_BXY/s640/blogger-image-445684577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yDs-2qFKIzM/WH9J63Qoo2I/AAAAAAAACkk/rAJTsES_BXY/s640/blogger-image-445684577.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tYsOuTCmbDw/WH9Junbk1yI/AAAAAAAACkU/vjKSEb5MiT8/s640/blogger-image-676985629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tYsOuTCmbDw/WH9Junbk1yI/AAAAAAAACkU/vjKSEb5MiT8/s640/blogger-image-676985629.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gnXHjm88C8A/WH9Jo7n9JFI/AAAAAAAACkM/ENgEUxriR1o/s640/blogger-image-1179244529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gnXHjm88C8A/WH9Jo7n9JFI/AAAAAAAACkM/ENgEUxriR1o/s640/blogger-image-1179244529.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QP7RMb0RWM/WH9JxoQtLnI/AAAAAAAACkY/litzLnhva5w/s640/blogger-image-172001386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QP7RMb0RWM/WH9JxoQtLnI/AAAAAAAACkY/litzLnhva5w/s640/blogger-image-172001386.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Wyhecoabb8/WH9KAobwiVI/AAAAAAAACks/wNonhWK5zPk/s640/blogger-image--1158725171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Wyhecoabb8/WH9KAobwiVI/AAAAAAAACks/wNonhWK5zPk/s640/blogger-image--1158725171.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hfl9AaN2zms/WH9JloZo9UI/AAAAAAAACkI/U1gn4uavwrU/s640/blogger-image--1108318948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hfl9AaN2zms/WH9JloZo9UI/AAAAAAAACkI/U1gn4uavwrU/s640/blogger-image--1108318948.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gkG6dq_qMkg/WH9NjcTDlAI/AAAAAAAAClI/5njMhqhG6Z8/s640/blogger-image-945175444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gkG6dq_qMkg/WH9NjcTDlAI/AAAAAAAAClI/5njMhqhG6Z8/s640/blogger-image-945175444.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x1nrYuCGTXI/WH9NgAbH0uI/AAAAAAAAClE/hOFGTvpn3t0/s640/blogger-image-1501396391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x1nrYuCGTXI/WH9NgAbH0uI/AAAAAAAAClE/hOFGTvpn3t0/s640/blogger-image-1501396391.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see above, the gardens and building structures were beautifully sculptured. In fact every where I turned I could see a subject to be captured (on camera, I mean). As we have many places to cover I had to rush and capture as many as I could. Thank goodness its the digital age! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, Vienna marked as the last of the 3 cities in my must-visit-places list. The other 2 being Prague and Budapest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alhamdulillah. My wish has been granted. Thank you Allah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But hey! The trip was not over yet as we still have a couple more cities to go. See you in Salzburg<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Travel date : 8 October 2016</i></span></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-77709280681853206212017-01-17T22:11:00.001+08:002017-01-18T23:13:23.782+08:00Budapest City TourIt rained again on the day of our city tour. I guess I have to count my blessing that the day before was a sunny day with blue sky. <div><br></div><div>Despite it all, it did not damper our spirit one bit. We jumped out of the bus and took pictures with raincoats and umbrella. ☔️</div><div><br></div><div>I can't remeber exactly the name of the places in the pictures below but when I checked back the list of places that we were supposed to visit it included the Millennium Monument, Parliment building, Heroes Square, Opera House, Buda Castle, Royal Palace and Gellert Hill.</div><div><br></div><div>Take a guess which is which! Hee...</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5IoYi4h5lxE/WH4wCE9g6VI/AAAAAAAACjc/a0Z8LzvPT4U/s640/blogger-image-864174059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5IoYi4h5lxE/WH4wCE9g6VI/AAAAAAAACjc/a0Z8LzvPT4U/s640/blogger-image-864174059.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_hWNYWOj1Zw/WH4v8AVRkyI/AAAAAAAACjU/DK3g3WdqPlw/s640/blogger-image-1152316857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_hWNYWOj1Zw/WH4v8AVRkyI/AAAAAAAACjU/DK3g3WdqPlw/s640/blogger-image-1152316857.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5O-DDADAHFg/WH4v_PoE0OI/AAAAAAAACjY/HjB81-iZaJU/s640/blogger-image--1515276040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5O-DDADAHFg/WH4v_PoE0OI/AAAAAAAACjY/HjB81-iZaJU/s640/blogger-image--1515276040.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RpmV7i7tD3Y/WH4wUNf5LkI/AAAAAAAACj0/rMhqu82uFIk/s640/blogger-image-1022189204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RpmV7i7tD3Y/WH4wUNf5LkI/AAAAAAAACj0/rMhqu82uFIk/s640/blogger-image-1022189204.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASpttuw_3aI/WH4wREtIqFI/AAAAAAAACjw/-7UMkqm0qKc/s640/blogger-image-1478501128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASpttuw_3aI/WH4wREtIqFI/AAAAAAAACjw/-7UMkqm0qKc/s640/blogger-image-1478501128.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9WBfx_KHSvI/WH4wFTcSSPI/AAAAAAAACjg/1YtwQWhoVhk/s640/blogger-image-2091956291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9WBfx_KHSvI/WH4wFTcSSPI/AAAAAAAACjg/1YtwQWhoVhk/s640/blogger-image-2091956291.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RWsdUi_tXdg/WH4wXLWF97I/AAAAAAAACj4/3sElxpidoWQ/s640/blogger-image--487844134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RWsdUi_tXdg/WH4wXLWF97I/AAAAAAAACj4/3sElxpidoWQ/s640/blogger-image--487844134.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pAO5GXQUC1M/WH4wOeq0BjI/AAAAAAAACjs/_Od5Uhyh4xY/s640/blogger-image-185274149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pAO5GXQUC1M/WH4wOeq0BjI/AAAAAAAACjs/_Od5Uhyh4xY/s640/blogger-image-185274149.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZgS0w2IqIM/WH4wLUu-aUI/AAAAAAAACjo/FVCGutql020/s640/blogger-image-1813770465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZgS0w2IqIM/WH4wLUu-aUI/AAAAAAAACjo/FVCGutql020/s640/blogger-image-1813770465.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CQe8K6lHPR0/WH4v5DNVXOI/AAAAAAAACjQ/gTuSrCTGtDY/s640/blogger-image-595708602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CQe8K6lHPR0/WH4v5DNVXOI/AAAAAAAACjQ/gTuSrCTGtDY/s640/blogger-image-595708602.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5OnRshXnKGI/WH4wIP55cnI/AAAAAAAACjk/hiNS3-O4mmo/s640/blogger-image--861922007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5OnRshXnKGI/WH4wIP55cnI/AAAAAAAACjk/hiNS3-O4mmo/s640/blogger-image--861922007.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It stopped raining later on in the day and we had a better time going around the city and even spent some time to buy some souvenirs. In fact we made a decision earlier on that we would buy all our souvenirs for the trip in Budapest. We just felt it would be the best city to symbolise our adventure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All in all it was another enjoyable day and we were ready for a new adventure in a new city!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Date of travel: 6 October 2016</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-20965786757528036392016-12-19T23:10:00.001+08:002016-12-20T09:54:34.084+08:00Budapest HungaryBudapest is another city that I have been wanting to visit for ages. Therefore I was delighted that we would be spending two nights which means more time for sightseeing. <div><br></div><div>The weather has also been kind to us. We arrived the historical city with warm blue sky. And the view as we were approaching were certainly welcoming</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sDITHS9kL8k/WFf4JJ2Wv2I/AAAAAAAACis/IIArobENJoc/s640/blogger-image-953705707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sDITHS9kL8k/WFf4JJ2Wv2I/AAAAAAAACis/IIArobENJoc/s640/blogger-image-953705707.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Budapest is blessed with the River Danube flowing in the city and history grew from both side of the river making the city what it is today. I managed to take beautiful pictures while I was on the bus as I have the advantage of the height versus the street view. Since it was a bright day and due to the traffic, the pictures turned out pretty well. Well at least I think so. Hee....</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BXXPNlJiKDI/WFf4SSkkRZI/AAAAAAAACi4/jq0ju993W6E/s640/blogger-image--1162354186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BXXPNlJiKDI/WFf4SSkkRZI/AAAAAAAACi4/jq0ju993W6E/s640/blogger-image--1162354186.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrwGwJsV15g/WFf4MJz0nOI/AAAAAAAACiw/kA5hnd1VPm4/s640/blogger-image-2093068308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrwGwJsV15g/WFf4MJz0nOI/AAAAAAAACiw/kA5hnd1VPm4/s640/blogger-image-2093068308.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After checking in, we went out again for the river cruise. By then the sky was overcast which means we would not get a good sunset photos. Unfortunately. Nevertheless we were still awed with the view.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UnxqyFZfCFs/WFf4DRESdMI/AAAAAAAACik/5mBTxxfqwfI/s640/blogger-image--1338542104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UnxqyFZfCFs/WFf4DRESdMI/AAAAAAAACik/5mBTxxfqwfI/s640/blogger-image--1338542104.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wk0t050r7l4/WFf4PWYT3uI/AAAAAAAACi0/-g18Or0EKuM/s640/blogger-image--965809096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wk0t050r7l4/WFf4PWYT3uI/AAAAAAAACi0/-g18Or0EKuM/s640/blogger-image--965809096.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhZ23ua2HpQ/WFf4GdnhjQI/AAAAAAAACio/As1eDP-_hkE/s640/blogger-image--1834764451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhZ23ua2HpQ/WFf4GdnhjQI/AAAAAAAACio/As1eDP-_hkE/s640/blogger-image--1834764451.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qaV4JtWkftE/WFf39kGMQ_I/AAAAAAAACic/shU2bNBj-iA/s640/blogger-image-1701516013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qaV4JtWkftE/WFf39kGMQ_I/AAAAAAAACic/shU2bNBj-iA/s640/blogger-image-1701516013.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xPgDOq2GwYQ/WFf36spN6EI/AAAAAAAACiY/DY_ZXyGe1go/s640/blogger-image-1897694364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xPgDOq2GwYQ/WFf36spN6EI/AAAAAAAACiY/DY_ZXyGe1go/s640/blogger-image-1897694364.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we made our back to the hotel at the end of the cruise we got a glimpse of the city at night, beautifully lit up like a fairy tale.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hU28jJeVwDk/WFf4AaZhTOI/AAAAAAAACig/yhtuSEKhfSI/s640/blogger-image-1700527355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hU28jJeVwDk/WFf4AaZhTOI/AAAAAAAACig/yhtuSEKhfSI/s640/blogger-image-1700527355.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next day would be a full day tour of the city and we really looked forward to that. Hopefully the weather would be as bright as today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date: 5 October 2016</i></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-55781767845345729132016-12-19T15:34:00.001+08:002016-12-19T17:42:47.026+08:00Bratislava SlovakiaBratislava the capital city of Slovakia which used to be part of Czechoslovakia at one time. Its a small country and Bratislava is also a small city compared to Prague for example. Nevertheless it does not lack any charm. I love the quaintness found in the city and I would have loved to stay longer. The pictures below would certainly pique your curiosity of the town. I hope. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WAxUthXlGLo/WFenEAuZGQI/AAAAAAAACiA/4W8rm1R6OZs/s640/blogger-image-49857390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WAxUthXlGLo/WFenEAuZGQI/AAAAAAAACiA/4W8rm1R6OZs/s640/blogger-image-49857390.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2CfgpdTin0/WFenHJl4jeI/AAAAAAAACiE/PeLTqpvMGpI/s640/blogger-image-534545007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2CfgpdTin0/WFenHJl4jeI/AAAAAAAACiE/PeLTqpvMGpI/s640/blogger-image-534545007.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FaSpWge02E4/WFemykV8X5I/AAAAAAAACho/kQ3rPboqT0k/s640/blogger-image--2125024536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FaSpWge02E4/WFemykV8X5I/AAAAAAAACho/kQ3rPboqT0k/s640/blogger-image--2125024536.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pC7WyAOD6Fo/WFem1pIJcWI/AAAAAAAAChs/ocKccfJZnOY/s640/blogger-image--946084040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pC7WyAOD6Fo/WFem1pIJcWI/AAAAAAAAChs/ocKccfJZnOY/s640/blogger-image--946084040.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16sNnH8sdag/WFem4fUVZeI/AAAAAAAAChw/skSxBLidFpU/s640/blogger-image--430390048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16sNnH8sdag/WFem4fUVZeI/AAAAAAAAChw/skSxBLidFpU/s640/blogger-image--430390048.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3mxCK56KkQ/WFemvgTaXAI/AAAAAAAAChk/vtz8wA6Garg/s640/blogger-image-2049075466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3mxCK56KkQ/WFemvgTaXAI/AAAAAAAAChk/vtz8wA6Garg/s640/blogger-image-2049075466.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2tfT4C0KDk/WFempw1-eOI/AAAAAAAAChc/OXrLL_qo-Lo/s640/blogger-image-710133262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2tfT4C0KDk/WFempw1-eOI/AAAAAAAAChc/OXrLL_qo-Lo/s640/blogger-image-710133262.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IAP59r1w3Y/WFemsspeRDI/AAAAAAAAChg/GU0ZDG-2H74/s640/blogger-image-1766639490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IAP59r1w3Y/WFemsspeRDI/AAAAAAAAChg/GU0ZDG-2H74/s640/blogger-image-1766639490.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZe_mxg6HzI/WFem7TMw78I/AAAAAAAACh0/7KfaxehAcGI/s640/blogger-image-50362412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZe_mxg6HzI/WFem7TMw78I/AAAAAAAACh0/7KfaxehAcGI/s640/blogger-image-50362412.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NVIHCWLyJSk/WFem-eb8PEI/AAAAAAAACh4/oQ5Vku0nN30/s640/blogger-image--1409102381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NVIHCWLyJSk/WFem-eb8PEI/AAAAAAAACh4/oQ5Vku0nN30/s640/blogger-image--1409102381.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6K-AuQ3iwyA/WFenBa9aL3I/AAAAAAAACh8/LBb_rpBg_cM/s640/blogger-image--372725156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6K-AuQ3iwyA/WFenBa9aL3I/AAAAAAAACh8/LBb_rpBg_cM/s640/blogger-image--372725156.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Places visited: Slovak National Theatre, Redita Residence of Government, Presidential Palace and Bratislava Castle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Travel date: 4 October 2016</i></div></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550370509320920505.post-70163606724780949302016-12-14T13:00:00.001+08:002016-12-19T15:34:43.750+08:00Prague Czech Republic<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Prague is one of tourist cities that I have always wanted to visit. And I was so excited to be here at last. And I am glad that we were scheduled to spend 2 nights here. Which means we would be spending more time visiting the sites.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Unfortunately it rained the whole day. Our tour guide was determined to show us as much as site as possible despite the downpour but then due to the weather condition the photos did not do justice to the beautiful town and places. Nevertheless everyone braved the rain and listened as well as we could to the guide and took as much photos as we could. </span></div></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAdrdatWwzc/WFD8grTZGvI/AAAAAAAACfw/HJiFh2xLSME/s640/blogger-image-2065602342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAdrdatWwzc/WFD8grTZGvI/AAAAAAAACfw/HJiFh2xLSME/s640/blogger-image-2065602342.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5tMnpTz3z2E/WFD8cEr0tTI/AAAAAAAACfs/9By4puruG7A/s640/blogger-image--1749071767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5tMnpTz3z2E/WFD8cEr0tTI/AAAAAAAACfs/9By4puruG7A/s640/blogger-image--1749071767.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-znf_ZJ5f0z0/WFD85N18NuI/AAAAAAAACgE/DuEIzEM4zFs/s640/blogger-image--1618237414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-znf_ZJ5f0z0/WFD85N18NuI/AAAAAAAACgE/DuEIzEM4zFs/s640/blogger-image--1618237414.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jteNOrZixH0/WFeCRURc_fI/AAAAAAAACg0/aKb6liuErNU/s640/blogger-image--1098682126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jteNOrZixH0/WFeCRURc_fI/AAAAAAAACg0/aKb6liuErNU/s640/blogger-image--1098682126.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njzoP8qwNu8/WFeCOfjFPAI/AAAAAAAACgw/lQSxOHe9JpU/s640/blogger-image-1115572596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njzoP8qwNu8/WFeCOfjFPAI/AAAAAAAACgw/lQSxOHe9JpU/s640/blogger-image-1115572596.jpg"></font></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzdNyhWoKlI/WFD80emLVVI/AAAAAAAACgA/WW0eI232uyw/s640/blogger-image--224614226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzdNyhWoKlI/WFD80emLVVI/AAAAAAAACgA/WW0eI232uyw/s640/blogger-image--224614226.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q0bZx6ADmZA/WFD8Q-4ahnI/AAAAAAAACfk/ODkG-GoC5eg/s640/blogger-image-2016218117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q0bZx6ADmZA/WFD8Q-4ahnI/AAAAAAAACfk/ODkG-GoC5eg/s640/blogger-image-2016218117.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_hoLwJgd92o/WFD8wGdTsjI/AAAAAAAACf8/-kgS4_g_K2s/s640/blogger-image--1269789158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_hoLwJgd92o/WFD8wGdTsjI/AAAAAAAACf8/-kgS4_g_K2s/s640/blogger-image--1269789158.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZAhoI2STHJk/WFD8nnZx3RI/AAAAAAAACf0/dKvge2GWdd4/s640/blogger-image-1171515944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZAhoI2STHJk/WFD8nnZx3RI/AAAAAAAACf0/dKvge2GWdd4/s640/blogger-image-1171515944.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iH9LAkxq3Vs/WFD8rvTaPUI/AAAAAAAACf4/xdMtEnab0Ik/s640/blogger-image--357389192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iH9LAkxq3Vs/WFD8rvTaPUI/AAAAAAAACf4/xdMtEnab0Ik/s640/blogger-image--357389192.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BPRATxb1_Xg/WFD8XtRFl1I/AAAAAAAACfo/j98N-lx0F6I/s640/blogger-image--1584376132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BPRATxb1_Xg/WFD8XtRFl1I/AAAAAAAACfo/j98N-lx0F6I/s640/blogger-image--1584376132.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZ7eX7keTGg/WFeBNjow5AI/AAAAAAAACgg/NYr0zxoFTw4/s640/blogger-image--1838149102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZ7eX7keTGg/WFeBNjow5AI/AAAAAAAACgg/NYr0zxoFTw4/s640/blogger-image--1838149102.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A-LJ1GzT4dk/WFeBIM0TJ9I/AAAAAAAACgc/1FusOx2CdBI/s640/blogger-image--756339690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A-LJ1GzT4dk/WFeBIM0TJ9I/AAAAAAAACgc/1FusOx2CdBI/s640/blogger-image--756339690.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SrHoM1jyFmI/WFeCLRveXUI/AAAAAAAACgs/6_mChuLxyAc/s640/blogger-image-629543186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SrHoM1jyFmI/WFeCLRveXUI/AAAAAAAACgs/6_mChuLxyAc/s640/blogger-image-629543186.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-MHIz3M3B0/WFeCVWWqChI/AAAAAAAACg4/MHqd31MLhE0/s640/blogger-image-1881767181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-MHIz3M3B0/WFeCVWWqChI/AAAAAAAACg4/MHqd31MLhE0/s640/blogger-image-1881767181.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We managed to visit Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square and Prague Castle. </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n06LFregFDY/WFeNAx1A8NI/AAAAAAAAChM/sg4HuYL2rfs/s640/blogger-image--1499770080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n06LFregFDY/WFeNAx1A8NI/AAAAAAAAChM/sg4HuYL2rfs/s640/blogger-image--1499770080.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M7xHScbN9ck/WFeM-B1OewI/AAAAAAAAChI/Qt-E1oJWhJI/s640/blogger-image-942281594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M7xHScbN9ck/WFeM-B1OewI/AAAAAAAAChI/Qt-E1oJWhJI/s640/blogger-image-942281594.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And at the end of the day we crossed Charles Bridge before making our way back to the bus. All in all despite the rain we had an eventful day. Cold and tired, we were ready for a good night rest before our next journey. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Travel date : 3 October 2016</i></span></div>Shah Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00416855684862404886noreply@blogger.com0