Hello everyone! I do apologize for the lack of blog posts recently. It has been almost a year since my last posted. Things got a little crazy a few months back, and I just haven't had the energy to blog. Or maybe I'm lack of idea after what had happened previously.
But boy, have I neglected this little baby?! Considering this was my first born blog, I feel quite dreadful for leaving it these past few months.
I still rememberred the reason I made a blog because I want to share some of good moments that I had with y'all especially the time I spent with my good friends. Previously the one that triggered me to have a blog was a good friend of mine. But then, things happened, something that I can't avoid and because of that it totally took away my passion to write.
Apart of that, I have also been busy bee in the time I have been gone and I got lots of news to share with you in the future. When I mentioned news it means a good news. Currently I'm preparing myself for another stage of life. Yep, I'm almost 25 years old and it just around the corner. Insya-Allah. Pray for my smooth sailing.
I may have been having some issues but all is now resolved. I think that's turning around now, and I hope to have thoughts to share soon.
Okay, enough with the chat and let's go to the main reason I write today. Actually I just want to share with you a great vacation I had last 2 weeks. It was an amazing trip and I enjoyed every single moments there. We went for an Eurotrip from one country to another.
(09/092013 - 11/09/2013 )
First country we went was Netherlands. We arrived at Schiphol Airport. We stayed at Amsterdam for 3 days 2 night. It was a great places to go. We did a lot of things there. Things that no one can imagined what I did there. But to think back, it was a nice experienced for me. We went to a lot of places as what I listed below for your quick reference for those whose planning to go to Amsterdam :
1. Dam Square
- Dam Square is a town square in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Its notable buildings and frequent events make it one of the most well-known and important locations in the city.
2. Red Light District
- A red-light district is a part of an urban area where there is a concentration of prostitution and sex-oriented businesses, such assex shops, strip clubs, adult theaters, etc.
3. Madame Tussaud
- It is a wax museum in London with branches in a number of major cities. It was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud and was formerly known as "Madame Tussaud's".
4. Canal Cruise
- The history of Amsterdam is intimately connected with water. Its 165 canals were created over the centuries to stimulate trade and transport and reclaim land to expand the city. Besides providing a stunning backdrop to the city’s historical centre, floating down Amsterdam’s canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city. Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor, everything in Amsterdam seems a bit more magical when viewed from a boat.
5. Sex Museum
- The museum about a sensitive area of human sexuality is located in the busiest spot of Amsterdam, at the Damrak street, just in front of the Central Station, in the real middle of the traffic madness. *Advisable only for adults.
6. Coffee Shops
- You must get to a coffee shop to buy weed. You’ll find about 200 coffee shops in Amsterdam, so there is always one close to your location. Although coffee shops are not allowed to make any advertising, you will be able to identify them easily. In order to enter a coffee shop, you must be 18 or over and have an ID. *The following details are for the purposes of education and information only. This should not be considered in any way to condone the use of cannabis, marijuana or other mind-altering substances.
7. Bijenkorf Mall :
- The biggest Amsterdam department store, centrally located at the Dam square - De Bijenkorf (The Beehive) is not to be missed. De Bijenkorf is an up market, luxury department store and not the utility warehouse. Do not expect a complete range of products in any of De Bijenkorf numerous departments. The choice is selective, sharp, intelligent. It will make your shopping a pleasure. Dam 1, deep left from the Queen’s Palace.
8. The Hash, Marijuana and Hemp Museum Amsterdam :
- Dedicated to cannabis and its many uses, the museum offers visitors information about the historical and modern uses of cannabis for medicinal, religious and cultural purposes. The museum also focuses on how hemp can be used for agricultural and industrial purposes, even including clothing accessories and cosmetic products made from hemp fiber in their gift shop.
9. Rottendam
- Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. You may find a lot of boats and huge ships around there. You may also find an interesting buildings there too.
All this places can be found in one place. It's very easy for you and you can go to each places by walking. Trust me, it's very near and convenient.
On our last day in Amsterdam, we bought a lot of souvenirs before continued our journey to London, United Kingdom to meet our friends. We went to London by Eurolines. It is a coach travel across Europe to UK or vise versa. Yes it is true the journey will be much longer compared travel by train, but for those who don't want to spend more money on transportation, travelling by bus is way cheaper than train.
(12/09/2013 - 16/09/2013)
Once we reach Victoria Coach Station in London, we took another bus called National Express to go to Cardiff. All of our friends stay in Cardiff, therefore we need to go there and again the journey took about 2.5 hours. It was tiring but worth it. We spent our days in UK for 5 days and 4 nights. During our stayed in UK, we went to a lot of places and thanks to our friends who spare their time for us and brought us visits UK. Listed below are the places that we went :
1. Bicester Village :
- An impressive collection of prestigious British & International luxury labels,Bicester Village is the premier destination for designer outlet shopping in the UK. They have more than 130 BOUTIQUES including ARMANI, BALLY, CELINE, CHURCH’S, COACH, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, DKNY, DUNHILL, FENDI, FURLA, FRATELLI ROSSETTI, GUCCI, JIMMY CHOO, LACOSTE, MARNI, MATTHEW WILLIAMSON, MICHAEL KORS, MONCLER, MULBERRY, PAUL SMITH, PRADA, ROBERTO CAVALLI, RUPERT SANDERSON, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, SERGIO ROSSI, SMYTHSON, TEMPERLEY LONDON, TOD’S, TOMMY HILFIGER, TORY BURCH, VALENTINO, VERSACE, YVES SAINT LAURENT, TAG HEUER, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, ZEGNA and many more. It is just the same like what we have in Johor, called as JPO. Surely the price is wayyyyy cheaper than what we have in Malaysia. I shopped a lot and I really love that place.
2. Bessemer Road :
- With a Fruit Market and Wholesale Market on site, Bessemer Road Market is home to Cardiff's biggest car boot sales. Open Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday to car booters and shoppers alike Bessemer Road is another popular one worth visiting.
3. Cardiff City Centre :
- Cardiff city centre is the central business district of Cardiff, Wales. The city centre in Cardiff consists of principal shopping streets: Queen Street, St. Mary's Street and the Hayes, as well as large shopping centres, and numerous arcades and lanes that house some smaller, specialized shops and boutiques.
4. Caerphilly Castle :
- Caerphilly Castle is a medieval fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales. Surrounded by extensive artificial lakes it occupies around 30 acres and is the second largest castle in Britain. It is famous for having introduced concentric castle defences to Britain and for its large gatehouses. You may also find a nice view around the castle. They also open the castle for visitors.
5. London :
- If you miss Malaysian foods and you're looking for it, please go to Paddington Street. They have two restaurant there, one is Bonda Cafe and another is Tuk Din Flavours of Malaysia. The foods was delicious and you will feel like you're in Malaysia. You will forget a moment that you are actually in London. And of course whenever you're in London, you should know what places you need to go around there such as Big Ben, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, etc.
6. Manchester United Stadium :
- My boyfriend and I is a biggest fan for Man Utd. Therefore to fulfil our dream, we went to Manchester from London. We went there by Virgin Trains. Like I said before, the fare quite expensive but since we have no choice (travel by bus will take 7.5 hours to destination), we chose train to go there (took only 2.5 hours to destination). It was an amazing and great experience ever. We were so happy because we had the chance to step our feet on its ground. It such an emotional moment ever. ;)
After 5 days we spent in London, again we started our next journey to France. We travelled by bus and it took 9.5 hours to reach Paris. Once arrived, I'm quite surprised because the place is not what I imagine. Yes indeed it is true that Paris is a nice place to go for visit. Furthermore people always refer Paris as a romantic city for couple. But for me, Paris is quite dirty and a bit scary especially its Metro train. Ever since, compare London, I never hop on from one place to another place by train. I found it is not that safe for me. So I suggest better take bus or any other road transportation rather than train.
(17/09/2013 - 19/09/2013)
Whenever you're in Paris, you need to beware with pick pockets. You will see a lot of sign of pick pocket. Despite all the bad things,, Paris still have lots of good things for you. We spent 3 days and 2 nights there. Below were places that I went in Paris :
1. Galeries Lafayette :
- It is a fashion institution in Paris that offers a men and women's designer collections, the latest trends in jewelry and accessories, home furnishings, or cosmetics. Galeries Lafayette also houses a gourmet food market called “Lafayette Gourmet”, a useful stop for hungry travellers. I really love shopping, therefore whenever I find a suit place to shop, I will take the chance and go because I know it will be worth it. I bought a LV Speedy 35 for about RM2400 only compare real price here which expensive a bit. Like I said, it really worth it to shop here.
2. La Vallee Village :
- The concept is just the same like Bicester Village or JPO. It is a brand outlet where you can get brand you want at a cheaper price. Except that at La Vallee Village, they don't have Prada outlet. Therefore for Prada lover, you can find Prada outlet at Bicester Village.
3. Eiffel Tower :
- You couldn't possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not want to visit this world famous structure, you will see its top from all over Paris. Probably the best known landmark in Europe, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and one of the city's must-see attractions.
4. Musée du Louvre :
- One of the not-to-miss sights in Paris is the Louvre Museum, possibly the most famous museum in the world with a fabulous collection. It is housed in the Louvre Palace, once the residence of France's royal family. The Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in the world. It is housed in the expansive Louvre Palace, situated in the 1st arrondissement, at the heart of Paris.
5. Notre Dame Cathedral :
- The Notre Dame de Paris is one of the first Gothic cathedrals ever built. Construction started in 1163 and lasted for almost two decades. From the lookout at the north tower you have a great view over the city. *We only see the view of church from outside even the entrance is free.
6. Champs-Elysées :
- The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the most prestigious and most famous street in Paris and possible in the whole world. It stretches all the way from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
7. Arc de Triomphe :
- The Arc de Triomphe, located at the Place Charles de Gaulle commemorates Emperor Napoleon's victories. The arch was completed in 1836, long after Napoleon's reign had come to an end.
8. Montmartre :
- Despite the many tourists here, Montmartre - once Paris's artist's enclave - has managed to keep a charming and village-like atmosphere. The most famous attraction in this area is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
9. Opéra de Paris Garnier :
- Now known as the Palais Garnier, this opulent building in Second Empire baroque style was constructed between 1862 and 1875 as one of the grandest opera houses ever built.
10. Moulin Rouge :
- Ever since it opened in 1889 as a 'temple of music and dance', Moulin Rouge has set the standard as the world's most famous cabaret. Today its show attracts visitors from across the world. *A must see.
11. Louvre Pyramid :
- The Louvre Pyramid was built in the 1980s as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. The modern glass design forms a nice contrast with the historic architecture of the Louvre Palace.
12. Gare du Nord :
- The Gare du Nord, built in 1866 after a monumental design by Hittorff is Paris's busiest train station. High speed trains depart here for international destinations such as London and Amsterdam.
13. Fauchon :
- For those who watch Gossip Girls series, they might familiar with this cafe. My boyfriend is a fan of Gossip Girls, that's why he brought me here. Fauchon is a complex of various cafés and food counters is a haven for food lovers. Since he loves macaroon very much, Fauchon is the best cafe you can go to get varieties of macaroon flavors you want.
On our last day in Paris, we took our time to buy souvenirs. Paris is such a big city. It will be much more easier if your spend some of your money and tour by hop on and hop off bus. They have 3 routes and the places I went only cover 1 route. I still have a lot of places that I want to go but due to lack of time, we're planning to come again soon. Insya-Allah. Like i said before, Paris still have a lot of interesting places that you can go for visit. Forget what I mentioned above. It just a small reminder to you from me.
(20/09/2013 - 21/09/2013)
Since our flight was from Amsterdam airport, we took Eurolines and travelled back from Paris. Once we reached Amsterdam, we spent our 1 night at our friend's home.
(21/09/2013 - 22/09/2013)
Yayyy, and it is time to go home. That time I miss Malaysia and my family very much. Eurotrip for 2 weeks is way than enough for me. Indeed the trip was fun because you can experienced a lot of things on every each countries, but the feelings to go back home is greater than having an extra day in people's country. *Betul ckp peribahasa melayu : Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, lebih baik negeri sendiri.
Below I share some links of my pictures for you. Enjoy!!!
So, that's all for today. Sharing my thoughts and experiences to you since I do miss sharing with y'all over here, Anyway, that's for now so stay tuned!
See y'all again.
Insya-Allah.
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