Vagueness and Sensibility

Hanging on a Cliff

2018-07-02T21:42:00.001+04:00

I wonder if this is how it feels for everyone. You know that feeling jumping off a cliff? Not the exhilarating kind. The one wherein you try to let go of your inhibitions and make a step and actually act on your good intentions? Yes that supposedly liberating feeling. Only, after all that struggle of finally ‘doing’, you are told that you’re doing it all wrong. So you’ve jumped off that cliff, and hit this rock.

Where does that leave you? What does that make of you? Who are you?

Now you wish you could just rewind and you should have just shut up. Undo. Undo. Undo.

But you know there’s no Ctrl-Z in life. So you just latch on the crap that you are and accept that even with your good intentions, you’re basically still a monster. So you cry silently for help, and drown yourself in your own pity. Sweeeet!

Kisses. Hugs. And good luck, Rein.

Half Empty, Half Full

2018-07-01T21:43:00.003+04:00

It’s July, baby!

It’s been a tough year, health-wise. So far, things aren’t being pretty easy to handle. I haven’t been easy. But. That craving for life that you don’t know how to satiate? I feel that now (and that’s way better than where I was a couple of weeks back). So here I am trying to plan a trip (which I don’t know I can pursue), to divert myself from the now.

I haven’t even had the time to go through last year’s holiday photos yet; I haven’t rekindled the fire stirred within me during that winter trip and actually write about it. I haven’t paused. I don’t think I have the courage to pause.

Another sunrise. Another sunset. And the next thing we know, we’re turning 30, and we still don’t know where we are, what we want; or worse, we don’t know who we are not, and who we want to be.

Let’s juggle and still not pause. Or shall we pause? Shall I? Can I handle this?

Huh! Monologue.

No really. I think I owe it to myself. So let’s try and pause. The glass has been half empty. Let’s make it half full.

Kisses. Hugs. And to taking in the sunset in that moment, and not just immortalizing it in photos.

Let It Be

2018-06-23T22:42:00.011+04:00

Speaking words of wisdom: let it be.

I just watched the Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney, and oh, my heart!

I’m honestly not in a good place right now, my mind’s been everywhere, and when it decides to pause, it chooses to dwell in those little dark corners that were meant to be shut tight. I’m helping myself out of here, with my Constants’ push and strength and being, but it has gotten to the point of physical symptoms.

But... 23 minutes of YouTube has got me stirred up. Emotions came crashing in. I was crying and smiling and hurting in this terrifying but also crazy and inspiring way. The kind wherein sadness, and pain, and anger are washed away (hopefully not so fleetingly), and for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to be hopeful. To believe that I can be better. I allowed myself to re-establish that connection to the stronger, hopeful, vibrant me.

Hopefully, not so fleetingly, I say, as just a few minutes after that Carpool Karaoke, while I was listening to some more Beatles, my mind went haywire and my stomach with it. Now, I’m left with a tummy that’s acting up and not letting me sleep, and a mind that’s playing tug-of-war.

"Blackbird singing in the dead of night / Take these broken wings and learn to fly / All your life / You were only waiting for this moment to arise"

But really, please just spare 23 minutes of your time to watch James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke featuring Paul McCartney. (you’ve already spent afew precious minutes in this page anyway (and thanks!)) Truly a joy! Those songs still warm my heart, still too powerful they haven’t aged.

Kisses. Hugs. "And any time you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain / Don't carry the world upon your shoulders / For well, you know that it's a fool who plays it cool / By making his world a little colder"

*I cannot stop crying!!!*

The Comeback

2018-06-17T21:45:00.006+04:00

It’s been more than a year since I got to check in on this little virtual world of mine!

It has been a tough one, really. Being too broken you never thought you’d cope, moving homes, changing jobs, mending relationships, coming home to family, going back to reality... It felt like I’ve lived in so many worlds as different persons in the last months, that I eventually lost myself.

So here I am. Trying to find me again. In spontaneous blabbers, in random posts, in composing sentences that will help me understand where I’m at and where I’ve been - to hopefully stitch pieces and unbreak me, and to find little joys and deeper meanings in this mundane life.

Kisses. Hugs. And to patching and catching up!

Dubai Lately: Sunsets and Tiny Steps

2017-06-13T12:41:00.003+04:00

Here I am, just mindlessly gazing out to the horizon for such lovely sunsets.

I am closing yet another chapter, and gearing up for a new venture in my career. Let's see how this goes.

Kisses. Hugs. And to a stronger heart, and braver head in taking steps out of the comfort zone.

Dubai Eats: When in a Life Crisis

2017-06-04T10:14:00.000+04:00

I've realized that I do not know how to stay put. I don't mind solitude, just not being in one place doing nothing for so long. Well, except by the beach, sure I can. But never in the city.

So when travel is out of the picture for one whole year more, this is what I decide to do. Binge eat. Like go crazy, pick a place, and just eat my sorrows (or boredom) away.

Featuring:

Little More Cafe, Dubai Marina Mall - so so so so.

Din Tai Fung, Mall of the Emirates - excellent food - Not just the Xiao Long Bao ^_^

Morelli's Gelato, The Beach, JBR - i scream for ice cream! Always.

K Pop Chicken, Jumeirah Lakes Towers - Pricey good Korean food. I'd say better than Kimchikin.

Miu Shanghai, Mall of the Emirates - again, so so. I did like the Pad Thai, though. Nothing else.

Pizza Express, Ibn Battuta Mall - One of the good Italian restaurants around here. :)

Kisses. Hugs. And could you please tell me what I'm doing with my life right now?

Dubai Lately: Spontaneous Sundays

2017-05-31T08:06:00.000+04:00

Kite Beach, 21 May 2017.

One Sunday afternoon from work, we decided to head down to the beach just to get JJ Chicken ;)

There's always something so satisfying with spontaneity, and breaks from routine. Things suddenly feel so right and so new, that an otherwise usual scene and situation feels fresh and new to you. It's refreshing that way. New eyes even for the mundane.

Kisses. Hugs. And to more spontaneous and satisfying days.

Dubai Eats: Lime Tree Cafe

2017-05-28T09:55:00.000+04:00

Making the most out of this part of town before the holy month of Ramadan, and before new ventures are taken. So here we are in my ultimate comfort cafe, Lime Tree.

Some days, you just need a whole slice of cake all to yourself. I'm having those kind of days more lately. Tsk. Time to re-wire this brain.

Kisses. Hugs. And Tiramisu, baby ;)

Random Walks, Random Talks

2017-05-24T08:28:00.000+04:00

Lately, I've been always too stiff with my days, just focusing on the planned and the scheduled and what's needed, I sometimes forget to breathe. Lucky for me, I've got a constant reminder to just pause, get some air, and really just chill. So when hints of being burnt out start to surface, I get out there and just be random.

Random walks around the Dubai Marina and The Beach. Random talks about life and love and friendship, reminiscences and probabilities. Random eats - featured here: Five Guys, The Walk, JBR. Denny's, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Kisses. Hugs. And let's take time to consciously breathe. Like really, breathe.

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2017

2017-05-21T08:34:00.000+04:00

I've been a bit (?!) of a lazy daisy these days, and have to thank my 1 hour commute to and from work, as it's the only time I don't get an excuse to read.

This year, I've kept my reading challenge goal to 14 just to make it feasible, but the actual goal is really 24. Hihi. Almost half of the year has gone, so here's a peak on my reads these past few months.

Robert M. Drake - Beautiful Chaos
Ransom Riggs - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Ransom Riggs - Hollow City
Ransom Riggs - Library of Souls
Nayyirah Waheed - Nejma
Rupi Kaur - Milk and Honey
E.L. James - Grey
R.J. Palacio - Wonder
Michael Faudet - Dirty Pretty Things
Jennifer Niven - All the Bright Places
R.H. Sin - Whiskey, Words, and a Shovel II
Ernest Cline - Ready Player One

I'm almost there! Well, not really. Considering my recent reads were mostly Poetry or Short Stories! So to make up for my being a lazy cheat with these books, I'm currently reading a classic, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. ;)

I've always said this - Instagram is always an inspiring place. Thanks to Instagram, I've found writers who speak to the soul. Words that pierce through your heart, and empathize at just the perfect time.

And thanks to Mimi, for letting me know where to get free ebooks! Else, I would have spent a fortune on these poetry books along with other books I hoard, and not know where to showcase them without clattering the room. Hihi I'm still a sucker for paperbacks, soooo... We'll see until when I'll stay put.

Kisses. Hugs. And to teleport-ing to another place and time, when the real world just won't let you. Yet.

Staycation at Yas Viceroy

2017-05-17T13:39:00.000+04:00

03-05 April 2017 - Yas Viceroy

Well, who doesn't love a little staycation every now and then. A break from routine is all one really needs to refresh the mind and maybe even get a new perspective about life.

We had a quick one in Abu Dhabi last month, and it was basically about watching Nat Geo the whole morning (because we're bummers like that), lazing by the pool the whole afternoon, indulging in big breakfasts at Origins, and sumptuous dinners in Amici (Italian Cuisine) and Noodle Box (Asian Cuisine).

The 5-star hotel did not live up to our expectations. The food was amazing though, so it was still worth it for me. Well, except for the municipality+service fees which we can't really do anything about, can we? Pffft.

Kisses. Hugs. And to more slow days that bedazzle you.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2017-05-14T09:46:00.000+04:00

End of the 2-week local leave, and we've fairly had a balance of busy days and lazy days. With moving apartments and all that hassle, and waking up at almost lunch time and deciding to do nothing for the rest of the day.

So after a lot of procrastinating, on the last day before getting back to work, I've had to try my new route of daily commute, so that's 2 hours on the road. After such, we're off to the beach for some coffee and doughnuts for breakfast! ^_^

Currently surviving on coupons and vouchers for every outside meal. Because we're easy like that. Well most days. hihi

Kisses. Hugs. And enjoying every perk that comes our way.

Ruuuunnn!

2017-05-10T11:48:00.000+04:00

On days when nothing seems to go right, I run! Or eat. Or just be out and about, until I find something to appreciate and undo my misery. Haha

These days, it's been about the view of the waters, people-watching, and slow sunsets, and always - random eats.

Kisses. Hugs. And if only we can devote the rest of the year (and even our lives) to loving ourselves more. Let's?

Food Trip: Dubai Eats

2017-05-04T12:49:00.001+04:00

Dumping stuff here again as this is my only surviving journal. Even though I have my Planners and my needy-of-a-notebook self with me. Pardon me for being MIA yet again for a while there.

Pizza Express, Dubai World Trade Center.

Leopold's of London. Oooh, love their Quinoa Risotto! And their lovely tea library is comfort to the eyes of an Obsessive Compulsive. haha

Days have also been about taking some quiet strolls around the Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Jumeirah Beach Residences area to appease the senses. And the joints. -_-

Manoushe Street, Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Tim Hortons, Jumeirah 1 (and found a gem from the House of Prose Bookshop :)

Real Madrid Cafe, The Beach, JBR.

Lunch date with the cousin from Ajman, and took her to The Beach! Temperature's starting to rise in this part of the deserts, and it's earlier and worse than the previous years. I didn't even get to use up my heavy clothes this 'winter'. Pffft.

Kisses. Hugs. And Dubai always has something for your mood. :)

Dubai Lately: LIving for the Smallest Reasons

2017-02-23T14:46:00.001+04:00

February has been one tough month to survive. It's been hard trying to find balance in days, that the month felt like torture. Bad vibes at work, at home, and in me. Soooo...

How am I coping? The usual. Eating like there's no tomorrow, sleeping like a school girl, burying my head in books, and just being the Introvert that I usually am.

Oh, and deleting Twitter and Instagram. They're toxic to me lately. So I'm back in Tumblr, instead! Words and photos that make me feel like I'm not alone. And no posts to weigh me down. Just pure comfort, and inspiration everywhere. So there.

I'd love me some Lime Tree brunch some time soon. And maybe some time to catch up with friends.

Hopefully, all these bad feelings go away now.

Kisses. Hugs. And to living for the smallest reasons, and keeping your good intentions.

World Tour at Global Village

2017-02-12T15:32:00.000+04:00

Global Village, Dubai. January 2017.

Around the world in a night. Previous years' experience - here and here.

One more reason to visit Dubai in the cool months of November till March! The Global Village is an attraction you can't miss. Seeing different tourist attractions all over the world in one place sparks the wanderlust in you! Beautifully created, with it's own twist and it's own character. All you need is a passport and have it stamped every year! Heee

Food, entertainment, retail - the world in a night really! Tickets are at 15 AED, And food stalls sell at a range of 20-30 AED per serving! You gotta try the Raclette Dxb and Takoyaki Spheerz - sinful goodness! Ooohhh, and don't miss the Turkish künefe (kanafeh) and enjoy some turkish ice cream, and the Arabic bread and desserts of course (forgot their names. sorry!) :)

Kisses. Hugs. And I'll be here daydreaming of travels and new experiences.

Farmer's Market at Bay Avenue Park

2017-02-04T16:31:00.000+04:00

Very rarely do I get out of the house earlier than 9 am on a Friday. I can drag myself out of bed for a good reason, though; and this was one of those days.

Farmer's Market at Bay Avenue Park. Fresh bread and pastries, organic vegetables, organic honey, and some pots of plants for sale. A lovely day to be out to enjoy a European summer weather (which is what winter is here in the Emirates) and some quality time with friends and family.

Kisses. Hugs. And let's leave our lazy selves, and be out and about to enjoy more of the great outdoors!

Riverland, Dubai

2017-01-29T13:10:00.000+04:00

Riverland, Dubai.

A scenic morning walk taking you to yesteryears, and to different parts of the globe. Another brilliant addition to Dubai's tourist attractions, and residents' hangouts. This city sure knows how to captivate travelers; whether in its futuristic and modern theme parks, or in its nostalgic and dreamy destinations, such as Riverland.

And oh, did I mention that it's for free? Yes, this charming village serves as the gateway to Dubai Parks, but doesn't require tickets. If not for its distance from downtown Dubai, I could spend every off-from-work day here. Hihi

Kisses. Hugs. And let's be tourists in our own cities.

Market Outside the Box

2017-01-24T09:44:00.001+04:00

Market Outside the Box is back! This food, retail and entertainment spot in Downtown Dubai pops up from time to time. It has become sort of a go-to place with this cool weather, whether you're out for a night stroll, or just looking for an outdoor hangout.

I am made for places like this - food trucks and food stalls, a selection of retail shops. Plus, a pop-up Cinema showing Audrey Hepburn's Funny Face, and my all time favorite Breakfast at Tiffany's! Just grab a quick snack from the stalls, grab a beanbag, and cozy up in front of their pop-up Cinema.

And if that isn't enough, this side of Downtown Dubai has a lovely, close-up view of the Dubai Fountain, with a much lesser crowd than when you watch it from the Dubai Mall.

Market Outside the Box (MOTB) is only up until the end of Dubai Shopping Festival, so go check it out! You've got a few days more till the 28th of January! :)

Kisses. Hugs. And to enjoying life's simple pleasures.

December in Phuket, Thailand

2017-01-22T08:23:00.000+04:00

Phuket, Thailand - 03-08 December 2016

This was one trip that I was looking forward to the whole of 2016. A 5-day getaway to Phuket with my Homies, my soulsisters, my Highschool best friends. I was so excited to finally be in one place with all four of us complete after, what, 6 years!

Unfortunately, the gods weren't ready for our get-together, and circumstances made them not push through. But for someone who has booked tickets and accommodations months ahead, (even before the trip to Europe was finalized), I couldn't not push through. So here we gooo...

Afternoon of Arrival Day.

12:30 nn. arrival in HKT.

1:30 pm. check in at The Charm Resort, Phuket in Patong.

2:30 pm. lunch at a random place by Patong beach, not worth a mention.

3:30 pm. Stroll at the beach, had some street food - literally handmade pancakes with oily nutella, and banana - which I was craving for every day of our stay there, and even when we got back to Dubai. And had some fresh coconut while people watching and enjoying the beach view, and not caring about anything else other than that moment.

6:30 pm. Joe's Downstairs. We should've come earlier to appreciate this beautiful view. Food was good (though the prices were really high, you're basically paying more for the view). Their Affogato was perfection!

8 pm. Walked home. Bought some drinks along the way, and called it a day.

Day 2.

6:30 am. Breakfast at the Charm Resort.

7:45 am. Pick up for our day tour to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island. And it rained!!! :(

Island hopping, and canoeing, and sightseeing with a not so good weather. But well, you gotta enjoy what you got! Oooohhh, and we had an 8-month-old baby in our tour, Arianna, who wasn't even complaining island hopping while it was raining. So yes, I was fine the whole time :)

Phang Nga Bay, Panji Island (James Bond Island), Hong Island, Bat Cave (canoeing and wishing I could shrink! I got soooo scared!), Panak Island, and some free time in Lawa Island.

6 pm. Back in Patong, a long hot shower, and we were off to eat!

7 pm. Unrushed walk to find the Sweet Restaurant. Their food was really good - the two of us finished a meal for 3. Yessireee! And giving 5 stars for their service! Plus, we found the best place to have Mango Sticky Rice in Patong. We even went back the next day just to have them. I would recommend the Sweet Restaurant to anyone visiting Patong.

8:30 pm. Off to Bangla Road, strolling, and just enjoying the electric vibe with a drink in hand.

9:30 pm. Crashed! We feel so old! haha

Day 3.

7 am. Early morning walk by the beach. It was still gloomy, and breezy, and we were just taking the view in. A real vacation means no concrete plans, and no fussing about anything, so there we were, inhaling all the good things.

11 am. Jungceylon Mall

12 nn. Pum Thai Restaurant and Cooking School. We wanted to try do some cooking but their scheds weren't free that day, so we booked one for our last day; and had some Mango Sticky Rice! Did not go a day without it. hihi

2 pm. We decided to go on an adventure and explore Phuket more, so we booked an ATV ride and see the Big Buddha in Wat Chalong.

2:30 pm. Sandwich Shoppe (good coffee!) while waiting for our ATV adventure pick up

An elephant appears to be crying after carrying heavy tourists. Poor gentle giants. :(

Leaving this sad truth aside, it was an exhilarating ride going up the steep roads to the Big Buddha, and then getting through these muddy, uneven roads without bumping into these lovely creatures.

6 pm. After a couple of hours, we asked to be driven to No. 9 2nd Restaurant instead of heading straight back to the resort. No. 9 2nd Restaurant was on top of Tripadvisor's must try cheap eats and authentic Thai food, but having tried Sweet Restaurant, I'd say it's still unbeaten.

8 pm. Back in the hotel and indulged in some downtime by the Charm Resort Rooftop Pool and Bar.

Day 4.

Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat.

Rough seas and me - we aren't a good match I tell you. It was terrible, it was almost traumatic. But when this view greets you after an hour of boat ride, it gets undone. Well not totally, but the trip becomes worthy of the seasickness and all.

Swimming and snorkeling the day away. I'd rather be in the seas, struggling with the big waves (with a life vest of course!, and with my trusty Tribord snorkeling mask. heee), than on the boat gasping for air, so if we stop for even 10 minutes, I get off and bathe in the cool waters, and be burnt by the scorching sun.

6 pm. Back in Patong, sunburnt and exhausted and starving! Showered and out and about for dinner.

7 pm. Break Point Restaurant for dinner. We wanted Sweet Restaurant again, but opted to try another place, so off we were to the restaurant across. Nope, not satisfied. Not even close. Hmp.

8 pm. Vayo Massage and Beauty Salon - Had a relaxing hour of full body massage. Aaaahhh!!

9 pm. Sweet Restaurant!!! We really couldn't help it. Back here for the Mango Sticky Rice! :D

Day 5.

7 am. Breakfast at the Charm Resort. Everyday for 5 days.

8 am. Patong Beach. Weather was better so we finally got to swim! :)

9 am. A leisurely stroll, while looking for those locals selling pancakes by the beach! No sign of them at this hour :(

10 am. Rooftop Pool and Bar. Swimming and camwhoring. Trying out the Dome we got for the GoPro Hero 4 we have. Mostly fail. But yep, we had bloopers, and we had fun!

2 pm. Jungceylon Mall for some souvenirs and gifts to take home. Shopping, and chilling without a care in the world. It feels like home - strolling in malls with no reason really.

6 pm. Pum Thai Cooking Class

8 pm. Back in the hotel. Packing up :(

Early morning by the beach on the morning of our departure day, people watching, talking, and laughing, and loving life.

Unquestionably, a trip to remember. Never mind the frustrations on not being with the Homies. Never mind no itineraries, and still coughing during the whole trip; and rainy days beaching. It was a beautiful experience with my favorite person, and a first. And yep. Hashtag blessed. haha

Kisses. Hugs. And to gaining a new perspective (and a few kilos;p) from vacations not as what you've expected and planned, but still making the most out of what you have, and opening your eyes to how beautiful this world and this life is.

Boardwalk and Sunsets

2017-01-17T08:33:00.000+04:00

Boardwalk - Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club - 30 December 2016

A heartwarming sunset while indulging in some lobsters and steaks and seafood pasta! And ooohhh, cocktails (or mocktails? haha).

Mediterranean feels. A lovely year-ender, indeed!

If you haven't been to this part of Dubai, do yourself a favor this week and book a table in time for sunset. Perfection that could give you the chills.

Kisses. Hugs. And to more beautiful moments forever etched in our memories this year. :)

P.S. Pardon the dirty lens. The downs of not even checking the lenses when taking photos, and refusing to edit them. haha lazy amateur right here. ;p

Dubai Lately: Dusty's Dubai

2017-01-13T08:29:00.000+04:00

Lately, it has been about getting as much good feels as you can as the new year has started, while also panicking on not having plans for the year ahead.

But this night, it's about celebration of life and family.

Ladies' Night at Dusty's Dubai

Ladies' Night at Dusty's Dubai with the ever crazy adoptive family. Good food. Lovely atmosphere.

Night cap at home with cakes and candles and flowers!

Kisses. Hugs. And cheers to moms and life and love!

15 Days Europe Trip: Photo Dump

2017-01-10T11:05:00.002+04:00

Fifteen days around Europe and our first extended tour anywhere in the world. This trip was full of ups and downs, and happiness and confusion and moods and love.

**Click on the city names for more photos and deets :)

Prague, Czech Republic. 1-2 August 2016.

Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti), Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), Lennon Wall, Prague Castle.

How we got there: Dubai to Prague via Emirates Airline.

What you cannot miss: Plzenska Restaurace at the Municipal House. Trdelnik and their Pilsner.

Rome, Italy. 2-5 August 2016.
The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain. Vatican City - St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museum.

How we got there: Prague to Rome via Czech Air

Where to eat: Old School Wine Bar CAVOUR 313, Ristorante Alessio.

Tickets: Roma Pass, Vatican Museums tickets.

What you cannot miss: Gelato. Gelato and some more Gelato.

Pompeii and Positano with Walks of Italy. 4 August 2016.

What you cannot miss: Pizza Margherita at Chez Black, and some Limoncello to take home!

Pisa, Tuscany. 5 August 2016.

How we got there: Rome to Florence via Frecciarossa; then return tickets from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale via Trenitalia.

Tickets: Leaning Tower of Pisa tickets, if you're keen to go up, and if you have time.

What you cannot miss: Golden hour at the River Arno

Florence, Italy. 6 August 2016.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's dome, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio. The Uffizi.

How we got there: Rome to Florence via Frecciarossa; then return tickets from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale via Trenitalia.

Tickets: Accademia to see Michelangelo's David. Uffizi Gallery if you have more time, preferably a whole day. heee

Greve in Chianti. Tuscany, Italy. 7 August 2016.
A half day trip from Florence via Viator. Wine tasting in Casa Emma, and taking this beautiful view in.

Venice, Italy. 7-9 August 2016.
The Grand Canal. Rialto Bridge. The Bridge of Sighs. Saint Mark's Square. The Doge's Palace.

How we got there: Firenze S.M.N. to Venezia Santa Lucia via Italo treno.

Where to eat: We've had random eats which I couldn't recommend really, except the one near Giardini Pubblici - The Hopera! Away from the hustle and bustle, and so worth the money!

Burano Island, Italy. 8 August 2016.
Just here, eating, drinking, and enjoying a day filled with colors.

Paris, France. 10-12 August 2016.

Tour Eiffel, The Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Tuileries Garden, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysées, Grand Palais, Trocadéro, and off to Montmartre for good food, good views, and good vibes :)

How we got there: From Venice Marco Polo Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport via Easyjet.

Tickets: Big Bus (Hop on, Hop off), the Louvre (which we did not get to see), and the Eiffel Tower (again, no time to go up there!)

What you cannot miss: Looking after your stuff. Seriously, pickpockets are everywhere!

Versailles, France. 11 August 2016.

Some tourist attractions are definitely just traps, but this one isn't one of those! You have to see and explore the Palace and the Gardens of Versailles. Be there when they open, and leave when they close. The nostalgic feeling of being in another time, another place, while also just being present in that moment. Beautiful.

Brussels, Belgium. 13 August 2016.
Grand Place, Royal Palace, Manneken Pis, Cathedrale des Sts Michel et Gudule, Galeries Royales Saint Hubert.

How we got there: Paris Nord to Bruxelles-Midi via Thalys Rail

Where to eat: Chez Leon 1893, Fritland, and chocolate tasting in every shop. heee

What you cannot miss: Frites and Belgian Chocolates and Belgian Waffles, please! And The Museum of Musical Instruments (which we did miss, shame. pfft)

Amsterdam, Netherlands. 14-15 August 2016.

Albert Cuypmarket, Sarphati Park, Red Light District, Oude Kerk, Dam Square, Vondel Park, Museumplein, Anne Frank House.

How we got there: Bruxelles-Midi to Amsterdam Centrale via Thalys Rail

Where to eat: Burgermeister (best burgers I've ever had in my whole 28 years of existence), Foodhallen and their vast choices of food and drinks, De Bakkerswinkel for breakfast :)

Tickets: Canal Cruise, Van Gogh Museum, and other Museums you're itching to see.

What you cannot miss: Stroopwafels! and the panoramic view of the city at the Sky Lounge at Double Tree by Hilton.

Kisses. Hugs. And to globetrotting and experiencing different cultures and living life a little more. Cheers!

36 Hours in Hong Kong: A Travel Diary

2017-01-02T15:50:00.000+04:00

Hong Kong - 01-02 December 2016

No concrete plans, just up for whatever. I have now appreciated not fussing on every detail of an upcoming trip. Traveling without cramming everything up, and not feeling bad about not getting everywhere, or seeing everything - this trip was a real breather.

Here's our very random itinerary for 36 hours in Hong Kong.

Day 1.

Noon: arrival HKG International airport after 9 hours of fly time. We then bought our Octopus Cards (public transport card) from the Airport and took the Bus A21 going to Shamrock Hotel in Jordan Area. That was almost an hour from Hong Kong International Airport I think.

Showered, changed, and oh so ready for some dimsum!

3 pm. Canton's Dim Sum Expert - Tsim Sha Tsui.

4 pm. Walked our way to the Star Ferry Port. Took the Star Ferry for a nice relaxing ride, crossing the Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula.

Starbucks (for my mug collection). Photos and just taking the view in.

6 pm. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Avenue of Stars was closed for renovation.

We were so tired we wanted to crash early. We didn't wait for the Symphony of Lights, and were back on our feet to go buy some souvenirs and pasalubong.

7 pm. Street Food and shopping at the Mongkok Ladies Market.

9 pm. BED! I was still feeling a bit sick so we just crashed for the night.

Day 2.

9 am. Breakfast at McDonald's. Heeee

10 am We skipped the Tian Tan Buddha and opted for the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin area instead. We just followed this blog for directions on how to get there :)

12 nn. Lunch at Delicious Kitchen. Stroll around Times Square, Causeway Bay.

2 pm. Tram ride to nowhere. We seriously had no real destination, so we just stood there studying the tram routes, and decided to go to the Sky Terrace seeing that there's a stop at the Peak Tram.

Of course we took the front seats atop the tram ;) Walked a few kilometers, took the Peak Tram to take us up there!

We could've gone to the Sky Terrace 428, but passed on it because we're travelers like that. Went up the Peak Galleria and had almost the same experience, just for free! haha

4 pm. Took the bus from the Peak to Central.

6 pm. Beat! Rested, freshened up, and out around Jordan Area for some dinner. Toast Box, and Bread Talk, and other random finds. I swear I could get used to this kind of traveling. Not a lot of expectations, stress-free and relaxed, while still enjoying and making the most of the time.

9 pm. Hotel. Packed up. And wrapped it up for an early flight the next day.

First time in Hong Kong, and I've got a long list of things to do and places to see and food to eat, but this was a good start. A break from reality, a break from familiarity.

Kisses. Hugs. And to more inspiring travels and soul-feeding experiences this 2017.

Dubai Lately: Christmas Feels

2016-12-27T09:12:00.001+04:00

'Tis the season to be jolly! Certainly so! With Dubai's lovely places to go to during the holidays, I am overwhelmed on happy faces and busy places this time of the year.

A Dubai First ;p

1. Century Village and the Irish Village

Nice atmosphere, good food choices, that feeling of being in some dainty place in Europe, and having some lovely quality time with friends.

Plus, the Irish Village's ambiance is sooo heartwarming. Kids and moms goofing around the place, while dads and friends are enjoying some cold drinks. And oh their sweet Christmas tree makes me grin so wide!

2. Souk Madinat's Festive Market

Oh, I am a sucker for pretty lights. This should be my favorite Christmas market yet. Children running around playing in the 'snow', cheering Ho ho ho every time Santa passes by in an Abra. I enjoyed an hour of live music, food and drinks, and just chilling at the top of the stairways, taking it all in.

Lots of activities are on for kids and kids at heart! A snow zone, North pole train, and a trampoline-jumping that would make you feel the cool cool breeze even more, and oh, some gingerbread decorating that brings out the creative spirit in you.

Today's the last day for the Madinat Jumeirah's festive market, so gooo experience this beautiful festive Christmas market.

3. Al Habtoor City's Winter Garden Market

A good combo of happy vibes and nostalgia. Featuring food from The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai, and The Westin Dubai; Santa's grotto, a pretty carousel, another mini train, and some face painting activities for the kids. They're open to the public until the last day of the year, so you've got time :)

Pretty lights everywhere (insert heart-eyes here)! All these make me want to go to Germany next year, and experience the real deal. Wishes, wishes ;)

Kisses. Hugs. And I hope you had a happy Christmas, and wishing you a beautiful and meaningful New Year!