Ireland - Dublin

I 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. It was a tiring day but it was also a happy one for us. Nothing beats beauty and nature.

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. 

Travel date : 19-21 November 2016

Korea Winter Holiday

It'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. 

And this time we decided to go with a tour group that would take us to places further away from Seoul. And I particularly wish to visit Jeju Island.

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. 

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!

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. 

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! 

On the way back to the hotel we stopped for photo shots at a tangerine farm and granola field.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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? 

Travel date: 21-28 December 2016

UK Part 2

We 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.

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.

At the same time we both had a chance to meet up with old friends. And walked about in the city of London. 

As for the HPS itself it was delightful and amazing much to my surpise. Of course Syaza enjoyed it tremendously!

Other than London we had a walking tour in Sheffied while visiting a couple of old school friend.

And a half an hour train ride brought us to Birmingham for a day of shopping.

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.

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.

For sure I shall be back again but maybe not so soon. There are other countries to go too. Don't you agree?

Travel date : 23-31 November 2016

Ireland - Killaloe

I 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.

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. 😁

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. 

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. 

And she has her own little work room where she displays her handy craft and even holds classes upon request.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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! 

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?! 😀

Travel date: 17-19 November 2016