Marj Travel Experiences: Fashion Travel Blog

How to get around Brussels

2012-11-01T02:52:00.005+13:00

On foot

Spending your holiday around the city of Brussels, while doing a lot of walking is simple that gets you in every tourist attractions. You can also easily catch the public transportation such as metro, bus, tram or even a taxi for those attractions that are farther or perhaps quite impossible to get by on foot. Riding the bus around the city, using the tram and tour bus along outside the city or town or even taking the train to other cities can be quickly, frequent, effective and inexpensive. You'll surely require a road map in order to get where you're heading to and find your way around among the streets. During late nights, it’s probably best to get a taxi to and from your destination for safety purposes. It won’t cost you too much as the distances are so small in comparison to other places like London.

Public transport

The trains and the systems are incorporated within the city, which is managed by Societe des Transports Intercommunaux Bruxellois (STIB). A large number of metro stations highlight the entire work of local artists. Together with enjoyable seats, the service is also satisfying even during peak hour. The fastest way to travel is through the underground premetro Gare du Nord, Place de Brouchere, Bourse and the Bruxelles-Midi Eurostar terminal.

The city centre and suburbs of Brussels are being provided with bright yellow and blue trams. You will be able to see the tram and bus stops that are shown in red and white coloured signs. All the route numbers and destinations are exactly visible on the front of the vehicle which is all available on request stops. Make sure that you get on the front entrance of buses and get off at the rear.

To discover Brussels with one key you can book your Brussels Card via www.brusselscard.be in order to obtain an unlimited travel plus. This also includes some discounts for 24, 28, 72 hours. Obtain a one day group ticket that will offer an unlimited travel for up to five people traveling together.

Metro

There are approximately six lines of metro in Brussels, which is certainly not hard for beginner. However, majority of the Metro are quite inaccessible for disabled passengers that are on wheelchair as there seems to be more stairs than elevators. Fortunately, they have made some changes on stations, which they are currently doing some refurbishment for easy access. It’s fairly good though as the metro is still reliable and traveling times are not long even though it can get very crowded on some of the routes during peak hours. The metro lines are easily identified with a signposts “M” numbered 1 to 6. The trains are quite informative as their announcements have a display in multiple languages that tells you which stop.

Trams

Trams also have“T” signposts and are also numbered with colour, which is similar to metro. The trams are mostly on the road as it provides a better view of the city while touring. However some of them are located in the metro stations underground. There are different types of trams with different doors and style, which can be an issue for some people especially the disabled ones and some children.

Buses

You can’t go wrong with buses in Brussels as they have a number along with a colour throughout the maps and signposts. Timetables for the bus are available on STIB website. Generally at each bus stop you can find a map and a timetable, which provides information of the bus routes.

The airport line is one of the exceptions standard bus fare that travel out to the airport. Unfortunately there is no metro or tram lines that provides transportation to the airport. The tickets for this are quite expensive at 3.50 euro per person or if traveling in groups of 10 for 25 euros and it is still considered as cheaper that the train, so after all it is a good value.

TEC and Delijn are the two different buses companies, which travels around the regions of South and North of the city instead of the inside the city itself. However you can still take advantage of their routes if they are actually going to the right choice of destinations.

Driving and parking

If you decide to rent a car and drive around Brussels while on holiday then it should not be much of a problem as many tourists have found it much easier to drive and park in Brussels compare to other European cities. Just make sure that you invest a really good map of the city to help you navigate without any problems. It might be possible to install the map on iPhone store. Bear in mind that some traffic is restricted during special events. Also, keep in mind that it is forbidden to drive around the middle of Brussels’ nearby Grand Place because of the streets being too narrow. This also involves parking on that streets is not so easy due to the traffic.

Photo by askthepixel

Photo by kevgibbo

What to do in Oxford Street London

2012-07-02T23:36:00.001+12:00

Oxford Street is one of the busiest cosmopolitan areas of London. There are so many things to do in Oxford Street, which will most likely take a whole day to have a complete experience. Oxford Street is considered as one of the most popular tourist attractions of London. It consists of beautiful scenery that includes historical buildings, exotic little alleyways, beautiful shops, surrounding squares and most of all different nationalities from all over the world. Firstly, I would suggest taking a long walk from one end to the other of Oxford Street as it gives you a chance to explore everything that includes cafes, restaurants, cinemas, variety shops, Oxford’s biggest department store (Primark), some other shopping stores such as Selfridges and John Lewis. Once you have decided what you want to do while you are in Oxford Street perhaps choose a cafe or a restaurant to eat and enjoy the moment before you explore further.

It is obvious that Oxford Street is well known for big chain stores that cater to everyone’s tastes so I doubt you’ll miss anything while you are there. Also it’s well known for pedestrians walking along the pathway despite being the most crowded and hectic area to be in London. However, I would still prefer to walk around Oxford Street even if I don’t end up buying a single item as this place definitely offers an exciting and vibrant experience. Think of Oxford Street as an equivalent of Champs-Elysees in Paris France. It is very central to everything within walking distance to Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Soho Square, Chinese Market, Madame Tussauds at Marylebone Road, Trafalgar Square, The British Museum, University of the Arts London and many more.

Photo by: netpalantir

Photo by: Spakhrin

Where to go clubbing in Barcelona: A night out in Barcelona

2012-06-15T00:19:00.002+12:00

If you are on a holiday in Barcelona include why not night out, visiting different bars and nightclubs? Barcelona is surely known as the best tapas city however it is also known as one of the best cities for night outings. You will find a variety of nightclubs that caters to every individuals taste. Here are some of the best clubs around Barcelona City.

La Terrazza

This club is located in Poble Espanyol de Montjuic just outside the city centre of Barcelona. Here you will find some of the best dj’s, dancers and fun people dancing their night away. I like this club as you will meet people of all ages and it is multicultural. The music ranges from a mixture of dance music, rnb and techno. It has a very lively atmosphere that allows you to enjoy dancing or a great terrace that offers a nice view of your surroundings. If you are dancing until 6am you will get to see a beautiful sunrise in Montjuic, just in time for a nice breakfast after dancing and drinking your night away.

Marula Cafe

This cafe/club at night is located at 49 Calle Escudellers in the Gothic Quarter. If you are into jazz, funk, disco, latin and soul music then this cafe/club is definitely the right place to enjoy your night. Aside from Jazz, funk and soul music, Harlem Jazz Club located in the Gothic Quarter is also one of the best jazz clubs.

Boulevard Club in Barcelona

This club is located at 27 LasRamblas right in the centre of Barcelona. This club is well known amongst tourists and as well as the locals. The music ranges from house and techno, electric and mixes by different djs. You cannot miss out this club as it’s located in Las Ramblas the liveliest main pedestrian street full of restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels.

Pacha in Barcelona

If you can’t make it to the Balearic Island of Ibiza, Pacha is also popular and packed with crowds located at Avenida Doctor Maranon. Music ranges from house and techno to dance music.

Sutton

This club is located right in Calle Tusset in the Gothic Quarter. This club is famous for its New York style dance club and is also known for its special guest VIPs.

On top of the Eiffel Tower

2012-06-06T03:44:00.003+12:00

Eiffel (I Feel) On Top Of The World!!!!

Here is a flashback experience during my second trip to Europe in June 2011.

11:45 am

The cold wind on my face assaults my senses. All round me is a cage of steel. My world is now the small landing that is the very top of the Eiffel tower...and my heart sings with the sights around me... Paris, the River Seine and the Arc de Triomphe... (More on this later...first let’s find out how I got there).

10:00 am

The queue stretches for ages with people from all walks of life. I’ve been in line with my lover for the last hour slowly snaking through and we are nowhere closer to the ticket booth! The sun is already high in the sky and I’m dying of thirst. I keep thinking about taking a taxi to the Champs Elysees but would never forgive myself if I did. I missed the Eiffel experience on my first trip to Paris so I am very determined to endure the never ending queue to the top.

11:00 am

We are finally at the ticket booth. I don’t mind the ticket price or the strict security requiring me to empty my handbag; we’re finally through the damn queue!

11:10 am

We are at the base getting ready to hop on the elevator and already my heart is throbbing...I’m finally getting to make a childhood dream come true. As the elevator lifts us to the heavens I see my favourite city in a way that I’ve never seen it before... it’s beautiful!

11:30 am

We have to get off on the lower level before taking another elevator to the very top and already the wind feels very cold but I don’t care. At this moment I am happy and try to get as many pictures as I can to remember this moment. I’m dressed in my sexy alluring best, I feel my best and want everything to be perfect.

11:40 am

We are at the very top. The wind is stronger now 896 feet above the city. I can hardly contain my excitement!

A view from the top of the Eiffel Tower...

Perhaps the most iconic location in the world the Eiffel Tower is truly the ultimate symbol of modern style and glamour and validates the phrase “you have to see it to believe it...”

Though there have been many modern structures that have surpassed ‘La Tour Eiffel‘ there is only one...well the one that I and countless other tourists that make the visit (pilgrimage some would say) are interested in.

I could go on about its history or specifications but I would be robbing you of romance and inspiration...

Rather enjoy these pictures from the top of the world... and hopefully they spurn something romantic in you today ;)

How To Travel Europe on a budget

2012-06-04T02:05:00.000+12:00

It is possible to travel throughout European countries on the spending budget despite the fact that a few cities within European countries are incredibly expensive and even if you're not really the actual backpacker kind of individual. In order to keep your budget with a comfortable, memorable and a satisfying journey you must organize your travel plans correctly. Let me suggests a few tips about how to travel on the spending budget within European countries based on my personal experienced as well as from what I have learned.

When is the best time to go when it’s incredibly affordable and how to find cheap tickets?

Travelling in a high peak season may considerably affect your spending budget on airline tickets it is therefore recommended to purchase your tickets as early as you possibly can or travel during off peak season. The months of December, June and July are generally the most expensive time to travel throughout Europe because airline tickets tend to have higher range of prices. However I quite enjoy going there in June and July due to the hot and summer weather despite having to deal with full of tourists everywhere. The main factor to look for an excellent as well as inexpensive plane tickets is usually to be adaptable. The online sites including Expedia.com, Easyjet.com, Ryanair.com, Kayak.com along with SkyScanner.com contain some flexible dates system, which usually enables you to discover through which days are suitable for your travel plans aided by the least expensive plane tickets. Another important key factor is to keep an eye with airline ticket sales within your nearest travel agency.

Among the beautiful and romantic cities associated with visiting European countries may be the chance of visiting numerous cities very easily. Prior to getting in the mood to the preparing method, I would recommend you to choose which countries you desire to explore as well as what you need to determine from every one of all of them. Perhaps it’s only one city, or possibly you need to go to several countries, regardless of exactly how considerable, definitely come with a concept of your general curiosity and interest.

Piazza del Duomo Milan Italy

2012-06-01T18:38:00.002+12:00

Piazza del Duomo - Milan, I

Piazza del Duomo is a Cathedral Square that stands out as the central piazza, and is situated in Milan, Italy. This piazza is well known and is dominated by the Milan Cathedral (the Duomo). The main piazza is located in the middle of the town and is significant to the town from a creative, cultural, ethnic and social perspective. The rectangle-shaped structure has an all round section of 17.000 m2. The entire piazza consists of many of the most important structures of Milan along with Italy in general. Although highly commercialized, the piazza is still undoubtedly the main destination desired by travellers to the city. This piazza somehow reminds me of the Piazza San Marco Square in Venice, Italy. It has a similar ambiance and atmosphere to it. It certainly is lively with crowds wandering in each corner or strolling around whilst taking beautiful photographs for future memories.

The entrance to the Duomo is free; however there are some fees applicable within the church (such as fees to access the Duomo roof). Don’t be surprised though, as there are some guards standing by the entrance to ensure that visitors are dressed appropriately without too much exposed skin. The bad news is that visitors are forbidden to take photographs inside the church therefore you will be advised to turn off your camera and even cellphones as you are also forbidden to use your mobile. I find this rather frustrating as you cannot take home the great memories you’ve experienced while inside the duomo.

However, the piazza will indulge you with excitement, fascination and emotions that can only come from such a historic place (as is the case with most places in old Europe). You can certainly feel the romance dwelling in your inner senses. There is an abundance of positivity amongst the locals and tourists. You can feel this energy through their eyes and expressions as they walk around the piazza. This beautiful place has good vibes and is an ideal spot to take a lover.

Piazza del Duomo - Milan, Italy

The Queens Walk South Bank London

2012-01-18T03:48:00.003+13:00

I toured around the Southbank of London without realizing that I was heading towards Queens Walk. The Queens Walk is an esplanade that is one of the liveliest areas located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge and under the Waterloo Bridge.

Upon my arrival at the Queens Walk I was astonished to see all street performers wearing various types of costumes. This place was also full of tourists, locals, and a food market! Despite the terrible weather, I still enjoyed experiencing the ambiance of the Queens walk and the scenery as it’s overlooking the River Thames, Westminster Bridge, the Big Ben and the London Eye. The pedestrian access is right by the river Thames of Southbank that allows you to sit down and watch people walk pass, watch all the performers or just relax while you have a coffee. When I was there it rained quite frequently so I headed towards the food stores to buy something to eat and a coffee. I had to eventually go inside a souvenir shop to escape the heavy rain...London weather...sigh. The Queens Walk is quite a long pathway and it does not have much shade for people to hide from the rain so make sure that you bring a rain coat. As you may have guessed, I did not stay very long as it rained continuously causing disruptions with my travel plans (and photo opportunities). So instead, I headed towards London Eye and the Westminster Bridge.

A video clip of the Queens Walk Southbank London

Enjoy :)

Share This Post:

Placa Reial Barri Gotic Barcelona

2012-01-15T22:09:00.002+13:00

Placa Reial is one of the most popular squares situated in the Barri Gotic, the heart of the historical city of Barcelona, Spain. In this square you get to enjoy the ambiance while sitting in any of the restaurants watching people pass by, enjoying the scenery of the historical and architectural buildings and most of all the many entertainers bustling in the square. There is also a fountain in the middle of the square with beautiful lamps surrounding it. This is certainly one of my favourite areas along Barri Gotic of Barcelona.

A perfect place to hang out and relax with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and of course if you are hungry there are lots of delicious menus to choose from different reaturants.

Find out more information and photos about "Barri Gotic: Barcelona, Spain".

Below are my photos and a video of Placa Reial Barri Gotic Barcelona, Spain.

A video clip of Placa Reial

Share This Post:

Hotel lloret Ramblas: Las Ramblas Barcelona Spain

2012-01-12T23:42:00.002+13:00

Hey everyone here is a video clip of Hotel Llorett Ramblas, which I have been promising to upload. I hope you will have fun if you plan to stay at Hotel Llorett Ramblas situated at Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain. "Where to stay in La Rambla, Barcelona - Cheap Hotel Lloret Ramblas" is another link that is related to this video for more information.

Share This Post:

Rome Italy June 2011: Summer Vacation Video

2011-12-06T22:42:00.001+13:00

A video clip of Rome, Italy during my holiday in June 2011.

Share This Post:

Madame Tussauds London: An afternoon with the Celebrities

2011-12-01T21:17:00.001+13:00

We’re not always fortunate enough to meet some of Hollywood’s a-list stars. Don’t we all wish we could meet someone famous anywhere in the world? Well, yes we can meet some of them but in a non-living wax museum in London called Madame Tussauds, located in Marylebone Road.

I met many famous celebrities during my first visit to one of London’s most popular tourist attractions in London (complete with unpredictable everlasting rainy weather that London is famous for).

After finally arriving soaked (thanks to the aforementioned lousy weather, I had to wait for almost an hour in an unbelievably long queue. Once inside, the place was packed with tourists overcrowding each famous celebrity figure for photographs. It was annoying at times because I could hardly have a decent photo without having some stranger accidentally (sometimes intentionally) stumbling into a photo shot.

Overall, I was satisfied and glad that I visited the famous wax museum in London. At least I got to see and touch some of my favourite celebrities (you can see who they were in the photos below). So, if you are visiting London don’t miss out on Madame Taussauds! I highly recommend you purchase your ticket online as it’s cheaper and that you can also get in much quicker.

Share This Post:

The Benefits Of Traveling The World

2011-11-14T22:11:00.001+13:00

There are numerous advantages and benefits that come from exploring and traveling the world. My perspective on traveling is that it enhances my life, educates me and empowers me! Traveling enables me to gain confidence and knowledge that is beyond my reach (and no looking at a video, webpage or magazine does not have the same effect – presence and immersion matters). Before traveling, I do tend to have doubts about the places or people that I am going to encounter in a strange city or the open road. However I do believe that once you gain exposure and become accustomed to new places and cultures, you will realize that all human beings are all the same regardless of the skin colour or background (with a few exceptions along the way!). The more I travel, the more open minded I become as my perceptions change with the new surroundings.

Traveling has provided me with remarkable opportunities to learn different cultures, learn new languages, taste different foods, experience fun adventures and meet various people from different walks of life. It’s also enabled me to identify with and meet people globally that have similar interests as me as well as the differences from me. I might be fearful when I first land in the strange city, however the only way to have a successful journey and an unforgettable travel experience is to overcome my fears. To overcome these fears, I have to believe in myself and I have to believe that every day is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I really do believe that traveling opens new chapter of our lives. Whenever I choose to travel to a new destination, I learn to appreciate and embrace a new chapter that I am about to indulge in a new city and learn about a new lifestyle that I’m going to experience with new people. If you cannot appreciate and learn how people live in their everyday life then you surely cannot embrace the essence of traveling the world.

Moreover, travels enabled me to discover various things that are distinctive and traditional to a country. This includes native people, clothing, souvenirs and traditional costumes. I explore and try to see as much as possible! I think the primary advantage of travel is the real growth of my personality and knowledge. I’ve not only learned and appreciated more of other cultures but I have also identified various places in new countries that I would love to live and work in.

To conclude, traveling certainly allows access to many opportunities that are in front of me - in other words it opens doors to attain a significantly broader outlook as to how I see the world. I consider all diversities of travel in order to take advantage and experience the many possibilities whilst traveling the world!

I believe the essence of traveling is:

See the sights,

Explore the landscape,

Meet the people,

Speak the language,

Experience the history,

Taste the food,

…and Love the Journey!

What are your thoughts? :)

Pantheon Rome

2011-11-13T17:26:00.001+13:00

I stumbled upon the Pantheon in Rome located at the Piazza della Rotonda whilst sightseeing along the Trevi Fountain. The Pantheon was erected as a Roman temple and soon after it was sanctified as a catholic church. This is a free entry admission with opening hours between 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Don’t miss out!!

Before I entered the Pantheon, I experienced the atmosphere of the Piazza della Rotonda, as it is filled with liveliness of people whilst sitting in the cafes, bars and restaurants. I also sat for a while by the steps of the fountain right opposite the Pantheon where I met other tourists. I also walked around the Pantheon’s exterior historic building and I could truly feel the history of this place. It’s definitely one of my favourite places in Rome.

Some of the Pantheon features are:

The Dome, which is the broadest stonework dome in Europe, is as high as it is broad. The oculus is a hole or a circular window at the dome’s centre. This window provides air, light and structural support.

The Dome

Hope you enjoyed this post :)

London Eye

2011-11-08T00:47:00.000+13:00

I arrived at the London Eye after walking through Queens Walk of Southbank, London. It’s true what they say about this being the tallest ferries wheel, which offers fascinating views over the whole of London. The wheel is situated by the western section of Jubilee Gardens along the Southbank River Thames. It is between the Westminster Bridge and the Hungerford Bridge, so you surely cannot miss it.

I could not be bothered waiting in the long queue just to get to the top of the London Eye. It was raining heavily, the queue was tremendously long and there was no shade at all. Most tourists waiting in line were soaked in the rain. I’m not sure how much it costs exactly to get inside but all I know is that this is the most popular paid tourist attraction in London. If you really want to get to the top it might be a good idea to arrive early in the morning to miss out the long queue.

Moreover, there are plenty of food stores around the area of the London Eye so you do not have to worry if you ever get hungry after having a nice view at the top. Afterwards, you can also walk along the Westminster Bridge to head towards the Big Ben or you can walk through the The Queens Park by the river Thames. There are lots of things to do around the area and it will probably take you almost a day to tour around the Southbank of London.

Hope you enjoyed reading this post :)

Gracia Barcelona Cafes

2011-11-07T22:53:00.000+13:00

While touring around Gracia in Barcelona, I found some reasonable priced cafes to relax and have some coffees during day time (or drink some wine or beer at night time).

Cafe del Teatre

This cafe is located in the intersection of Carrer de la Perla and Carrer de Torrijos. Majority of customers in this cafe are the friendly young crowd. This would be a good place to lounge prior to going out with friends. It is cozy and it definitely has soothing music to go with it in the background while you enjoy your drinks. It’s simple and an affordable cafe.

Cafe del Sol

This cafe is located at the bohemian Placa del Sol. It is a lively cafe crowded with young locals, expats and tourists and flourished so well in the attractive Gracia neighborhood. Occasionally it has a DJ playing soothing tracks. Drinks and tapas are quite affordable which naturally goes well with the beautiful Spanish atmosphere.

Holiday in Venice, Italy

2011-11-02T23:41:00.000+13:00

Ah...Venice, known as very romantic and an ideal destination for lovers. I definitely think that it comes second after Paris being the most romantic city you will ever visit:) There seems to be an everlasting amount of streets considering that vehicles or bicycles are not permitted on most of the streets and bridges in Venice. In the old days Venice was known as the city of lovers and assassins. It seems like the streets and alleyways were deliberately

designed for lovers (and thieves) to escape into. Add to this, bridges and waterways and you will quickly see how Venice conjures up images of passion and mystery in one’s mind.

As such the best methods of transportation are either by gondola/boats or on foot. Venice is a very popular destination and, like any other city in the world, you can easily get lost. However being lost in a new country can be quite stimulating as you imagine yourself arriving unexpectedly at one of the best tourist attractions such as Saint Mark’s Basilica or simply taking time to enjoy the breathtaking view of the waters at any of the abundant small bridges.

Tour the bridges in Venice

Venice City is overflowing with astounding architectures, precious paintings, and abundant historical sites and alluring bridges. You cannot miss touring the bridges as you can easily imagine yourself back in time during the days of old. The Torcello island has a fascinating bridge and it’s called the ‘devil’s bridge’. If you plan to visit this island by using vaporetto, you have to travel to Burano first then take another vaporetto to Torcello.

Remember, there is often more to just stumbling upon each bridge in Venice. You can definitely feel the cool air, smell the freshly baked Italian bread, and hear the Italian music in the restaurants and the streets. Listen to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as you walk along little alley ways, small bridges and any of the off beaten paths of tourists. In short... soak up the ambiance, preferably with a loved one in hand.

The romantic Gondola ride!

If you are in Venice there is no doubt that you would not want to miss a Gondola ride, even if fare can sometimes be quite expensive. A gondola ride is also a great way to experience the romanticism and scenery while being toured in the canal enjoying the exquisite views of the historic buildings. Some gondoliers will be able to sing for you whilst you are sightseeing (for a price!). Hearing the gondoliers greet everyone on the side streets or hearing the peaceful sound of water swishing the sides of the gondola will truthfully make you feel the essence of Venice.

After Paris, this is truly a spectacular city to visit and a must see. Let’s not forget the rich history, great food (Italian food!), culture and style that Venice is also well known for.

A word of warning though – Venice is busiest during the summer months and swamped with tourists. It can become quite crowded and in the peak of the hot season it’s not uncommon for the smells of the sewers and canals to become quite unbearable to those that are not accustomed to it (well it is a city on water after all!).

Enjoy Venice :)

New content and photos coming soon

2011-10-04T18:37:00.001+13:00

Hi everyone,

I have been receiving a lot of emails from my subscribers lately. I am still blogging and will be posting some more new interesting topics in 3 weeks. I apologize that I haven't been able to blog and post for a while, as I have been extremely busy. I should have more new topics and photos coming very soon so stay tuned.

Thank you for your support! xo

A hidden historic treasure of Auckland in Parnell

2011-09-20T00:24:00.001+12:00

Last night my fiance and I decided to have dinner at Parnell since we had not visited there in a awhile. We don't live very far from Parnell but somehow hardly spend time around that area. I adore Parnell because it is one of the (few) historical suburbs in Auckland despite being saturated with expensive restaurants and bars. I still prefer to visit Parnell from time to time as it is a wonderful feeling to indulge the beauty of historical buildings which intermixes with a milieu of retail shops, ice cream shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Yes, I am obsessed with historical buildings (I can't quite explain why) but perhaps it gives me a sense of continuity with the past and it also allows me to imagine how things could have been before. I also love the architecture of old buildings and how they were originally structured, which is also one of the things that interest me. In New Zealand there are many historical buildings however they are not as old as compared to European historic buildings. They still however, look magnificent and while attracting tourists attention.

Here are some photos below, which illustrates the splendor of Parnell at night. I managed to take some wonderful shots along little alleyways that are hidden away off the street in Parnell especially by the Casa del Gelato. I also found a beautiful shop in Parnell that sells paper from notebooks, leather items, personal stationery, stamps, invitations and calenders. I think I might check that place again next time during opening hours. So, if you are in Auckland next time why not check it out too - and oh, please visit the rest of Parnell too:)

View more Photos here (Parnell Auckland - a hidden treasure) :)

Where to stay in Paris: Hotel Cluny Square Paris

2011-09-18T04:17:00.000+12:00

This hotel is well situated right in the heart of the Latin Quarter (my favourite district). This is one of the best hotels that I’ve stayed in Paris. Its a 3 star hotel and they pretty much cater for everything that would suit your comfort needs. You cannot go wrong with the staff as they are absolutely helpful. When I arrived they greeted me with a warm welcoming greetings and gestures, which continued all throughout my stay. One of the ladies was also helpful when I needed them to assist me with setting up my pin code for the safety box in my room. They were very kind, genuine and helpful to foreigners. Well, I’m glad that I chose this hotel even though it was a little bit pricey due to its location as it’s right in the centre of Paris, which is easily accessible to neighboring districts and to all the tourist attractions.

The balcony at Hotel Cluny Square in Paris. View from the balcony

Upon entering this hotel I fell in love with its beautiful atmosphere, its cozy and the furniture and fittings were absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. My room was wonderful as they had offered me a room, which was in Level 5 that has a big balcony overlooking the main streets, the city and most of all the Eiffel Tower. The big French windows opened on the balcony so you could step outside and stand on the balcony while watching the City of Paris. So, I was impressed by their kindness in offering me the best room with view of Paris and as well as their service. My room was also strikingly beautiful as it was set up and decorated decently despite being slightly small. Nevertheless, I never complained as it was very tidy and included the bathroom with a toilet and most importantly it was also clean and nice. I was also impressed by the bathroom which was quite spacious considering the size of the room. I really love the interior design of Hotel Cluny Square as it makes you want to stay there for a while rather than staying in an apartment. Overall, Hotel Cluny Square in Paris is a good choice regardless if you’re a new tourist visiting Paris or even if you’ve been in Paris a few times. I would definitely go back there and stay for a few nights.

Hotel Cluny Square Description

This hotel does not have an elevator at the entrance so you need to walk up a spiral staircase to the first floor where the reception, hotel lobby and the kitchen are. To get to your room to the upper level the elevator is situated just across from the reception area. I would suggest carrying your luggage one at a time while walking up the spiral stairs as you will have difficulty if you try to carry multiple bags on your own. The hotel facilities and public access have everything you need. There are plenty of restaurants in each corner that you can almost get confused in choosing where to eat. There are also plenty of clothing shops (if you love shopping), souvenir shops and many more. Public parking is nearby if you are ever traveling by car. Public transportation is also right outside the hotel that includes the RER, metro and bus stops. This hotel is right in the intersection of Boulevard Saint-Michel and Boulevard Saint-Germain which are the popular boulevards in the Latin Quarter so you’ll be amazed seeing different tourists walking around the area. The hop and off Paris tour bus also stops right across the hotel so if you plan on seeing Paris by purchasing your hop and off tour bus then you won’t have a problem with it.

The lounge in the lobby is free for guests who are wanting to stay there and relax while waiting for their friends or just simply to read magazines or watch tv. All the rooms are fully furnished containing an en suite bathroom that has a shower, toilet, sink, soaps, shampoos, towels, hairdryer, toilet papers and power socket. The room amenities have an alarm clock, air conditioner, phone, radio, satellite television, mini fridge bar (with drinks and snacks), safety box, lamp shades, desk and wardrobe.

You cannot go wrong with this hotel as it’s near to everything especially the Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens, Cluny-La Sorbonne, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and many more.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in Hotel Cluny Square Paris if you plan to as I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. As mentioned above, I truly had a great experience there and never regretted the decision even after leaving the hotel. I forgot to mention that one of the best things about this hotel is the location itself as I was able to walk outside and grab something to eat whenever I felt hungry. Most of all I was extremely satisfied as this is one of the best locations and one of the safest areas to stay.

The balcony at Hotel Cluny Square in Paris.

The balcony at Hotel Cluny Square in Paris. View from the balcony!!

The balcony at Hotel Cluny Square in Paris.

My Bedroom at Hotel Cluny Square in Paris

My bedroom at Hotel Cluny Square in Paris

bathroom

bathroom sink

View from the balcony

View from the balcony!

Enjoy your stay at Hotel Cluny Square :)

La Pedrera Barcelona Casa Mila

2011-09-17T06:52:00.001+12:00

I can’t get enough of this artistic apartment building that is well known in Barcelona. I love it!! La Pedrera is also known as Casa Mila and is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. This apartment building is one of Antoni Gaudi’s works and is also one of the best tourist attractions in Barcelona. Gaudi (a Catalonian) was one of the world’s most famous Architects (1852-1926). The interior design of Casa Mila (La Pedrera) embellishes colorful and rounded shape walls with natural structures. Upon entering this building you will be amazed by its highlights as each corner of Casa Mila defines its character. The stunning roof is one of the highlights of Casa Mila as it’s overlooking a view of the city that attracts tourists’ attention. The unique roof components are made of broken tile mosaic, marble and ceramics. The roof seems as if it’s a dream landscape. The balconies are decorated in exquisitely crafted irons. This building is a style of art and architecture that embraces vibrant enhancing shapes. Gaudi’s architecture is unique and is mostly known for the extraordinary shapes. La Pedrera is regarded as one of Gaudi’s most ingenious works of art and architecture. Wouldn’t you want to live in La Pedrera? I recommend you to visit his buildings.

More photos of La Pedrera Barcelona.

Casa Mila Ground floor

Exterior view of Casa Mila

Interior view


Interior view

Casa Mila first floor level

Casas Mila entrance

Casa Mila Roof terrace

Casa Mila Interior

Casa Mila interior

Sky Tower Auckland

2011-09-14T02:59:00.000+12:00

The Sky Tower is one of the best tourist attractions in Auckland. This tower comprises of a luxury casino, a stylish café, bars, restaurants and a special revolving restaurant that is situated at the top of the tower. At the top you’ll also find thick glass segments of flooring that provides you with a clear view the ground below.

By the Viaduct Auckland

If you love bungee jumping you can visit the Sky Tower as bungee jumping is also allowed from the observation deck with a guided controlled cable. I actually have never tried bungee jumping at the sky tower but I am contemplating an attempt one day…perhaps if I’m drunk. I love the view of the Sky Tower in Auckland as it reminds me of the Eiffel Tower especially at night time when all the colorful lights are turned on. I should definitely go back and visit the sky tower again as the last time I went to the top of the tower was in 2004.

By the Viaduct Auckland

Taking photos and seeing the sky tower from the outside looks lovely as you can clearly see the exterior designs. However if you see the sky tower just outside the ground entrance it seems utterly long.

There’s no doubt you should not miss the sky tower if you plan on visiting Auckland some day.

By the Viaduct Auckland

Ponsonby Auckland

blurry

Santorini Greece

2011-09-12T21:40:00.001+12:00

Santorini Greece will be one of my next travel destinations. This magnificent island is situated in the Southeast of Greece.

The Santorini architecture is radically distinctive due to the design attributes. The extraordinarily unique buildings are scenically painted in hues of white, pink and blue and are situated on the top of high cliffs.

I absolutely adore the architectural style of Santorini as most of the houses seem as if it had been constructed in order to prevent damages from an earthquake. However, to me, it seems that the buildings were structured more for style rather than its functionality.

Spanish Steps Rome

2011-09-11T03:17:00.000+12:00

Sitting on the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy

The Spanish steps in Rome are popularly known amongst locals and tourists as Piazza di Spagna. This steps are the longest and the widest steps I have seen in Europe. At the top is where you’ll find the beautiful French church called Trinita Dei Monti, which was built in 1585. It’s a beautiful church and you can also hear the choirs singing in Latin. At the bottom you’ll find the fountain called Fontana della Barcaccia in the Piazza di Spagna.

Majority of tourists or even locals hangout by the fountain and as well as on the steps drinking beers or water. You will be surprised by the amount of tourists gathering within Piazza di Spagna as you cannot get a decent photo of yourself without having strangers included in a photo shot.

Shops near Spanish Steps

Nearby the Spanish Steps you’ll find many shops along Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, Via Ripetta, Via Condotti, Via Bocca di Leone and all the other little streets along the way. These shops range from the luxurious through to the most exclusive and expensive boutiques. Within this area you’ll definitely find a whole lot of designer shops such as Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Chanel, Burberry, Bulgary, Moschino, Luis Vuiton, Prada, Valentino, Versace and many more. I find that this is a very upper market area (thanks to the presence of the designer shops). However, you’ll also find some reasonable shops. Finding a good place to shop in Rome it’s not as easy as you think it is. I actually had to look through my Rome Budget Travel Guide book again to ensure that I was buying clothes that were affordable and of good quality - it also helps to purchase a good Rome Budget Travel Guide book.

Hotels in Spanish Steps

There are plenty of hotels near the Spanish Steps that range from 2 stars through to 5 stars. My personal view is that the majority of hotels that are close to Spanish steps are usually the most expensive ones. I would suggest booking your hotel away from all the touristic spots. Before my stay I found the perfect hotel by buying my own Rome Budget Travel Guide Book. The hotel was close to Saint Peters Basilica called Hotel Joli, which is also not far away from the Spanish Steps.

Piazza di Spagna - view from the Spanish Steps Rome

Restaurants in Spanish Steps

There are lots of pricey (and budget) restaurants within the area however if you are new to the country while touring in Rome it’s important to have a travel guide book, especially for finding nice restaurants to eat at. During my holiday in Rome I always carried my Rome Budget Travel Guide Book as I did not want to walk into an expensive restaurant without knowing or reading any reviews from a respected travel guide. Having a travel guide book really helped me a lot in choosing the best restaurants at the Spanish steps. Be aware that the most expensive restaurants in Spanish steps are usually closer to the centre.

Most of all, the Spanish Steps is worthwhile visiting as you get to indulge in the beauty and the romantic feel of the place itself. My first impression of this place is it’s overcrowded with tourists yet it looks absolutely magnificent and romantic. However be aware of those street peddlers and scammers who will try to sell you roses (they can be quite annoying and forceful). Also be vigilant of your belongings as there are a few pick pocketers roaming around the area. Before I forget to mention the flowers along the sides are also beautiful and it surely adds to the beauty of the Spanish steps. Moreover, the fountain, the widest steps and the church above the steps are incredibly striking so you cannot miss visiting the Spanish Steps on your visit to Rome.

View from Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps - behind is the church

Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy

A beautiful view of the church from Piazza di Spagna

The church by the Spanish Steps in Rome

The street lamp at the Spanish Steps in Rome


Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy

Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy

Have a wonderful day :)

Budget Shopping in Oxford Street, London

2011-09-07T04:17:00.000+12:00

Denim Co Leather Jacket - 19 pounds

Oxford Street is surrounded with very fashionable shops that cater to everything from branded clothing to budget bargain clothing. Oxford is one of my favorite destinations in London as you can feel the energy from different people especially as they show off their fashion trends. I have seen a variety of fashion shops there however one of the budget stores that really caught my eye was Primark.

Primark

This budget shopping store is one of the leading stores in the UK. Primark is situated in many different areas in UK and the Oxford Street store is the biggest and has the best selection of clothing. Primark has every fashion item that a woman (or a man) needs.

Menswear

Fashion for men - They provide a variety of brands from Cedarwood State to Denim Co, men suits, footwear, casual outfits, Denim Jeans, T-Shirts, Formal Shirts, Ties and work outfits. They provide all ranges from Butler & Webb of a variety of fabrics, with cotton shirts, silk fabric and other range of materials. For a sporty man, they also sell a range of fashion sportswear from tennis, golf and skiing specific clothing. Even for the most accessorized and fashionable man on earth - you can find an assortments of bags, hats, scarves, socks and ties. Footwear for men ranges from casual to formal and you can find anything that matches for any special occasion.

For example: Men’s work jeans starts from 15 pounds, shirts from 10-14 pounds

Womenswear

Fashion for women – Primark has everything for women as I’m sure that their goal is to provide you with a vast variety of options for women and ensuring that every woman who shops at Primark will get the right look and the right outfit. Ranging from the latest styles of summer dresses, bikini, winter dresses, tops, shirts, long sleeves, cardigans, jackets, skirts, shorts, jeans, leggings and many more from casual wear to a formal wear. Lingerie for women ranges from sexy to functional. Most women can’t go out with accessories therefore Primark has it all fully accessorized that ranges from make- up, jewelry, hats, bags and scarves. At Primark they have a complete collection to fulfill women’s fashion footwear that includes sporty shoes, sandals, high heels and comfy shoes.

Example: Ladies Denim Jeans from 9 pounds, Dresses from 9-12 pounds

Childrenswear

Primark has everything you can find for girls and boys in fashion at affordable prices. Most of the childrenswear are affordable yet fashionable and functional.

Example: Jeans from 4 pounds, jackets from 6-8 pounds

I hope this information is helpful for your budget shopping needs as it definitely is worth buying lots of good quality clothes that are affordable while you are visiting London.

Atmosphere - 29 pounds

Atmosphere 25 pounds

Atmosphere - 25 pounds


Atmosphere - 29 pounds


Atmosphere - 29 pounds

Denim Co - 19 pounds

Have fun shopping :)

The advantages of traveling by car in Europe

2011-09-01T19:03:00.001+12:00

Traveling by car throughout Europe is a pleasant experience yet it can be horrendous depending where you go. I decided to share my thoughts about the advantages of renting a car while on holiday in Europe for my next trip in the near future I plan to go back to Europe on a long road trip journey, which means it will probably take about 3 months of holiday. I’m sure it will be an exciting adventure.

I think that the best thing about having your own rental car while traveling throughout Europe is that you get to experience and see the villages and lifestyle. You’ll definitely meet a lot of friendlier and welcoming locals as compared to those locals in big cities. Traveling by car will definitely give you more of an adrenaline rush and an unexpected expectation while on a long road trip journey.

Advantages for travelers who prefer to travel in Europe by car

There are many advantages for travelers who prefer to travel in Europe by car depending on the length of stay and the distance of their vacation. Travelers also prefer to travel by car simply because of the freedom it gives - they can enjoy the journey at their own pace while traveling on the road independently. The good thing is if you travel by car you can easily drop by and visit some of the beautiful villages in each country along the way of your journey. You can certainly experience the beautiful lifestyle of small provinces or villages of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, Austria and many more. Traveling by car in Europe can be a fun or horrendous experience at times depending on where you go. Personally, I have traveled by car from Prague to Vienna in 2006 and it was an absolutely enjoyable experience as it went effortless. I have not had a long journey traveling by car during my recent vacation in France, Italy, Spain and UK as I traveled by air most of the time.

When is the best time to travel by car in Europe?

I have been getting some good advice from some of my friends who have had a long road trips throughout Europe. We all know that summer in Europe can be extremely hot and overcrowded with tourists everywhere you go. Especially big cities like London, Paris, and Rome where traffics can get really terrible during the day. So can you imagine what it would be like on the road throughout Europe? Well some of my friends who have traveled by car in Europe during summer say that it can be a pleasant experience. Depending on where you go as the road can be filled of cars and tourists driving along the European continent. Traveling on a long journey by car during spring, fall or early June just prior to the peak season is said to be the best time of the year to travel. Though, I'm not quite sure if winter time would be advisable to travel by car throughout Europe as it might be a dreadful experience if you get stuck on the road due to heavy snow and wet roads along the way. From my experience my friends and I traveled from Prague to Vienna in 2006 during winter but before we drove in the motorway we had to stop at the petrol station to put a snow chains for each wheel as it was snowing quite heavily. Fortunately we were glad that we didn't encounter any problems while on the road for almost 4 hours traveling from Prague to Vienna.

Cost for hiring a car in Europe

If you plan to see some places in Europe within 3 to 4 weeks by car it’s important that you do your calculations in terms of the costs for hiring a car, petrol and road toll charge. Now consider if you plan to hire a Peugeot 207 or similar with GPS which means it might cost you around EUR 718.30 for 26 days and or depending with the brand of the car. Parking tickets in some big cities in Europe like London is tremendously expensive. However in Paris the parking tickets are not as costly as compared to London as you can easily purchase your tickets online on a daily, weekly or weekend basis and again depending on which neighborhood of Paris you want to go and park your car while touring the whole day. In Paris if you prefer to purchase your tickets online you can also park in an underground parking as it is much easier and safer rather than parking on the street. Please take note that parking your car within central Paris can be extremely expensive so it’s best that you do your research prior to taking your car in a big city like Paris. Here is a good site ParkingsdeParis where you can find the cheapest parking deals from different neighborhoods of Paris. Another way to ensure that your car has a parking space is to contact as many hotels or apartments where you are going to be staying. Make sure that you inquire from each hotel and apartment as to whether they have free parking for the whole period of your stay. Thus, you should have a stress free holiday while taking a rental car anywhere in Europe.

My plan route for a long road trip journey that I am planning for my retuning holiday to Europe

Before I conclude, I decided to share my plan route for a long road trip journey that I am planning for my retuning holiday to Europe (hopefully in the not too distance future), which I think would be beneficial for everyone. I hope my plan is helpful in planning a road trip with similar journey in mind. If you have any recommendations or suggestions in relation to my plan route please do not hesitate to leave a message.

Here is my plan route for another holiday to Europe but this time with a rental car for two and half months. In my plan route, which I have gathered from Viamichelin recommendation. I have already calculated the approximate costs for Toll and Petrol for each kilometer between each cities that includes the distance and arrival time.

I plan to start my journey in Rome upon arrival.

Rome to San Marino - 4 days in Rome

Toll 6.40 EUR | Petrol 14.08 EUR = Total Costs 20.48 EUR

Time – 2 hours and 5 minutes drive

Distance 142 km

San Marino to Bologna - 2 days in San Marino

Toll 17.20 EUR | Petrol 27.36 EUR = Total Costs 44.56 EUR

Time – 2 hours and 22 minutes drive

Distance 289 km

Bologna to Milan - 2 days in Bologna

Toll 13.00 EUR | Petrol 20.67 EUR = Total Costs 33.67 EUR

Time – 2 hours and 19 minutes drive

Distance - 218 km

Milan to Verona - 5 days in Milan

Toll 4.20 EUR | Petrol 12.87 EUR = Total Costs 17.07 EUR

Time – 2 hours and 10 minutes drive

Distance - 122 km

Verona to Venice - 2 days in Verona

Toll 7.80 EUR | Petrol 11.29 EUR = Total Costs 19.09 EUR

Time – 1 hour and 52 minutes drive

Distance - 124 km

Venice to Vienna - 4 days in Venice

Toll 14.50 EUR | Petrol 54.67 EUR | Road tax 7.9 EUR = Total Costs 77.07 EUR

Time – 6 hours and 22 minutes drive

Distance - 587

Vienna to Prague – 3 days in Vienna

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 26.61 EUR | Road tax 17.6 EUR = Total Costs 44.21 EUR

Time – 3 hours and 44 minutes drive

Distance - 295 km

Prague to Zurich – 3 days in Prague

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 64.52 EUR | Road tax 38.82 EUR = Total Costs 103.34 EUR

Time - 6 hours and 39 minutes drive

Distance - 698 km

Zurich to Dijon - 4 days in Zurich

Toll 15.80 EUR | Petrol 31.44 EUR | Road tax 29.12 EUR = Total Costs 76.36 EUR

Time – 3 hours and 22 minutes drive

Distance - 340 km

Dijon to Paris - 4 days in Dijon

Toll 17.00 EUR | Petrol 28.55 EUR = Total Costs 45.55 EUR

Time – 3 hours drive

Distance - 315 km

Paris to Versailles - 7 days in Paris

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 3.06 EUR = Total Costs 3.06 EUR

Time – 35 minutes drive

Distance - 27 km

Versailles to Bordeaux – 1 day in Versailles

Toll 52.00 EUR | Petrol 52.93 EUR = Total Costs 104.93 EUR

Time – 5 hours and 17 minutes drive

Distance - 583 km

Bordeaux to Madrid - 3 days in Bordeaux

Toll 7.00 EUR | Petrol 64.88 EUR = Total Costs 71.88 EUR

Time – 7 hours drive

Distance - 703 km

Madrid to Porto - 5 days in Madrid

Toll 11.75 EUR | Petrol 52.42 EUR = Total Costs 64.17 EUR

Time – 6 hours drive

Distance - 563 km

Porto to Coimbra - 2 days in Porto

Toll 6.55 EUR | Petrol 11.70 EUR = Total Costs 18.25 EUR

Time – 1 hour and 24 minutes drive

Distance - 121 km

Coimbra to Lisboa - 2 days in Coimbra

Toll 13.05 EUR | Petrol 21.06 EUR = Total Costs 34.11 EUR

Time – 2 hours and 34 minutes drive

Distance - 219 km

Lisboa to Sevilla - 2 days in Lisboa

Toll 18.95 EUR | Petrol 42.28 EUR = Total Costs 61.23 EUR

Time – 4 hours and 36 minutes

Distance - 462 km

Sevilla to Cordoba - 2 days in Sevilla

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 14.87 EUR = Total Costs 14.87 EUR

Time 1 hour and 45 minutes drive

Distance – 151 km

Cordoba to Malaga – 2 days in Cordoba

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 17.39 EUR = Total Costs 17.39 EUR

Time – 2 hours drive

Distance - 167 km

Malaga to Granada – 2 days in Malaga

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 13.07 EUR = Total Costs 13.07 EUR

Time – 1 hour and 35 minutes

Distance - 132 km

Granada to Alicante – 2 days in Granada

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 34.51 EUR = Total Costs 34.51 EUR

Time – 3 hours and 41 minutes drive

Distance - 363 km

Alicante to Valencia – 2 days in Alicante

Toll 14.15 EUR | Petrol 16.98 EUR = Total Costs 31.13 EUR

Time – 2 hours drive

Distance - 179 km

Valencia to Barcelona – 2 days in Valencia

Toll 35.25 EUR | Petrol 33.29 EUR = Total Costs 68.54 EUR

Time 3 hours and 40 minutes

Distance - 352 km

Barcelona to Marseille - 4 days in Barcelona

Toll 38.45 EUR | Petrol 46.59 EUR = Total Costs 85.04 EUR

Time – 4 hours and 48 minutes drive

Distance - 507 km

Marseille to Monte Carlo, Monaco - 4days in Marseille

Toll 19.60 EUR | Petrol 21.27 EUR = Total Costs 40.87 EUR

Time – 2 hours and 14 minutes drive

Distance – 225 km

Monte Carlo, Monaco to Nice - 3 days in Monte Carlo

Toll 0.00 EUR | Petrol 2.52 EUR = Total Costs 2.52 EUR

Time – 30 minutes drive

Distance – 19 km

Nice to Florence - 4 days in Nice

Toll 54.00 EUR | Petrol 43.61 EUR = Total Costs 97.61 EUR

Time – 4 hours and 44 minutes drive

Distance - 438 km

Florence to Rome - 3 days in Florence

Toll 15.70 EUR | Petrol 26.56 EUR = Total Costs 42.26 EUR

Time – 2 hours and 48 minutes drive

Distance - 283 km

If you plan to hire a car for your trip to Europe please follow this Link for the best rental car deals.

Enjoy a road trip in Europe :)