Paella oh Paella [Spain Part 2]

Yummy Yummy Spain Cuisine. 

Sangria! Alcohol that makes the Asian girl flush

La Sagrada Familia [Spain Part 1]

Paul Goldberger: 'the most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages'.

La Sagrada Familia is always under construction. It is the main attraction in Barcelona. The building itself is inspirational being one of the creations of Gaudi. The interesting part that intrigues me is that why do fruit baskets appear on top of every columns. LOL.

La Ciotat [France Part 7]

The second day when we wanted to get back to Cassis, we ended up in La Ciotat instead. Big sigh. One of the guys working in the train station actually advised us that we can walk from La Ciotat train station to Cassis. Unfortunately, the walking distance is ridiculous. There were pebbles on the train track causing no train on that route and only replacement bus to certain stops. 

We had our first and last experience hitch hiking in La Ciotat. It's a small town whereby people are very nice I believe. A nice Ford car stopped in front of us to bring us down to the city on purpose. This sweet woman has two adorable twin girls at the back of the car. 

We got even luckier on our second time where this couple riding a Mercedes brought us to the bus station. I think they were heading to a meeting and had to make a call to inform they will be late. 

And yarr. This is the charm of being a girl. 

There is nothing much to do here besides the two calanques to visit. We didn't find it amazing. Also, we were hiking with our slippers since our plan was to go to Cassis and chill by the beach.

The Spell of Tranquility [France Part 6]

We went en route to Marseille after severe warning by the girls that we met along the way. Apparently it's not the safest place in France if you catch what I am trying to say. Being extra careful. We arrived at the place that we're going to stay for a night. To save time, we went out right after leaving our bags and took the train to Cassis, highly recommended by friends who had been.

The ice cream was pretty good. Most ice cream parlours at Southern France have around 100 different types of flavours! So exciting! It's a small town whereby people sitting on a hot afternoon enjoying alcohol, ice tea and coffee besides ice cream next to the port. The beach is right next to the port. They have a very laid back life  there.

In Cassis, you get to visit vineyards in which we didn't do as both of us have been to vineyards before and we didn't want to miss the last bus back to the train station.

Luxury in Monaco [Monte Carlo Part 1]

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, after Vatican City and the most densely populated country in the world. Glad that I have been to both upon finishing my degree! Famous for its casino, appearing in many movies, Monaco gives the impression of luxurious life. Many expensive cars were parked right outside the casino, surrounded by Michelin starred restaurants and branded shops.

The Monte Carlo F1 circuit is actually the road nearby the casino. You will be able to see the prints on the road.

When we were walking around, we hapenned to see a group of Chinese wearing the same clothes holding bags of expensive goods. Whenever there are shops like Cartier, Chanel, Hermes or LV, you will see Chinese. No doubt their spending power is the highest in the world with the rising economy.

I followed my friend to take a photo of this car. If I am not mistaken, it's a Bugatti. Pardon my shallow knowledge, should read more to extend it I know.

Eze Village [France Part 5]

 

Many tourists miss visiting Eze Village and head straight to Monaco but not us! Eze Village is very worth visiting. Lucky us that the thunder rain occurred only after our visit. Nonetheless we had to hide in a phone booth. A kind Korean lady actually came to us and offered us to sit in her car while waiting for the rain to stop. Ice were falling down and hitting our legs even though we were already hiding in the phone booth. The bus stop was already filled with people. She thought we are Koreans and started talking to us in Korean. This is to remind us, especially fellow Malaysians that do not trust in humanity anymore. Still, 害人之心不可有，防人之心不可無 in this society.

A funny thing that happened to us, as you can see in the picture later, we actually wore similar clothing on the same day unintentionally and "winning" us some stares.

The small medieval village is famous for its beauty and charms. It is actually a hill that you have to hike up. So I wore my shoes and brought my flats along. Wearing a dress or skirt to climb up a hill is okay for me. But not encouraged to do so.

My extra black and shiny hair that I am always proud of! I have just dyed it a little brown yesterday though.

The photo below had a short story behind. I insisted to take a photo there albeit having the rope telling people to not enter. There are people living inside. However, I sneaked in. When I let go the door knock I was holding, the man came out and stared at us, more like staring at my friend who was holding the camera 'cos I ran away with the speed of lightning.

A Foreign Place

Being young also means being adventurous and meeting people from all walks of society. Sadly, I have to admit that I am very protected back home and Malaysia itself is not a safe country. Parents have often taught us to not talk to strangers and stay away from people that we haven't known long enough.

This was my last encounter on my way back from Istanbul to London. There were three seats each, at each side. I was sitting in the middle, in between my friend and a Turk, which I later found out to be a friendly man. Being who I am, with little words, I rarely speak. He was the one who started the conversation and we had a good chat about many things. 

This young man was born in Turkey but grew up in Germany and then migrated to London with his whole family. It answered my curiosity of his fluently spoken English. I always think that people move to different places to get better lives or forget their past. More than often, these people are also more compassionate than others. He told me about his life and his family. I believe he is a very loving man. His sister and nephew appeared on his mobile wallpaper. Being very thoughtful as our flight arrived late at night in London, he offered to drop us where we wanted to in London. Furthermore, he also gave me the card of the restaurant that he works in for me to visit.

Of course, we did not take his offer. My mom would have dropped her jaw to see me chatting with random people. But.. In life, the more you listen, the more grown up you are. The more you open up yourself to the world, the more you will be rewarded, spiritually. However painful or extravagantly luxurious life can be, they all become a norm. By exploring the world and living the local's life, you learn to carry yourself humbly in the society. 

The card was thrown away after I came back home. As I know. I won't be visiting this place and a new friend that I have just met. I am sorry. Your name has also been forgotten. However, my heart has been touched and my view of the world has also changed a little in the three hours flight journey. You have also taught me to be more contented and feel at ease with things around. 

I wish for you to find your love and joy in life.

Day Out in Cannes [France Part 4]

Hi guys, guess what time is it now! 3.19am in the morning and as usual, nothing new, I can't sleep again. 

Following the previous post on Antibes, we took the train from Antibes and continued our journey to Cannes, the ever famous place for its International Film Festival, where you see all those artists walking down the red carpet. To be honest, the entrance doesn't seem as amazing. It might be because they put up all the decorations and the macho guards standing there that make the place looks more posh than it actually is. 

First time trying out Desperado upon my friend's recommendation. Not my thaaang. 

Sunny day out. Always love the sky in Europe. Less clouds.

We wanted to catch the sunset somewhere nearer to Nice city and hence decided to stop by this place called Beaulieu Sur Mer randomly. In the end, we gave up waiting as the sun sets around 10pm during summer. Having two girls wandering around a foreign city that late doesn't seem to be a good idea. 

This is me! Before I put on three kilos of weights. Holy mama. This moment is going to be missed forever being so carefree and relax. Not everyone, not every once in a while, we get to do this in life. Needa cassssh and timeee as we grow up. Fun can come in 'big' prices. 

Turning Twenty Two [Birthday]

Let's be honest. Age is going to be an issue from this year onwards. I am getting old and moving further away from the number 'one'. Being an unromantic person I am, celebrations never come to me as big things. It's more like another day to create an excuse for people to get together, which is a good thing.

I have grown a year older. But still seemed to be full of nonsensical rubbish in my head.

We had an earlier celebration as 17th fell on a weekday. Many thanks to those who brought me to Plan B. When I am back in Malaysia, I become the laziest person ever. I didn't bring my camera out and also thanks to myself for losing my iPhone, there are no pictures from me on that day. Plan B makes me miss London even more. The city has the best range of food ever. Nonetheless, English breakfast sets comes best when you eat them in England. Duh! After a whole month of traveling, my taste buds are also a little spoilt with food. However, when it comes to daily consumption of food, my mind says - anything edible, don't hurt the brain cells. Getting a little out of the topic, I like roti canai, like how a fat boy loves hamburgers hoho.

The durian ice was awesome though. I always have the weakness for desserts.

Many thanks to the driver who drove all the way to Malacca to get me a Nadeje cake. No pictures again. Sigh. Big hug for you. No one else in this world will do that for me.

Last but not least, many thanks to mommy for buying me another leather bag.

Hopefully, I can clear some of the rubbish in my head and become a little wiser before I turn 23. Adios.

French Food [France Part 3]

Some of the food that we have eaten in France. 

The first restaurant is in Antibes, owned by an old couple and the menu doesn't have a single word of English. We got the gentleman sitting at the table next to us to translate certain words for us and we ordered! The food was yumzeh! Love the savoury crepe. The salmon sandwich was good too. 

Also, you often see people walking with dogs in Southern France. Such a relaxing life. 

This is the meal that we had while waiting to take the train in Paris. Knowing that a meal in Paris would cost us a lot and we weren't that hungry, with the fact that we refused to eat Mcd, we ordered a main course with a starter. Starter was yumzeeeeh! Smoked salmon. No idea how unhealthy smoked food can be though.