London and Paris

I went for a 9 days trip to London, Brighton and Paris. I don’t really need to pull out my pocket maps searching for details for the tourist spots and stuff as Helen and JY (well I consider them the localsat the moment) were doing their impression and guiding us all the ways for the trip which was kinda really good. So I sit back relax and enjoy them pulling me thru the whole journey in UK.

My flight arrived at the Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport wee in the morning. Hours of gooey and sticky in the plane were finally over. I don’t feel fresh when I am on plane. It was a 12 hours journey flight, well not too bad. I slept for like 8 hours then munch my food; day dreaming and I don’t really enjoy the entertainment given on flight. It was dead as hell. I only miss dad.

So as we reached, (I went with my dearest aunt and cousin). We took a cab to the nearest airport hotel and took a shower as my cousin was there the night before. Then off to the inn by a taxi, we stayed over night in Mayfair which is in Oxford Circus. Yes we did loads of shopping that day. We traveled by the Chiltern Railways, got our tickets to Bicester North to the Bicester Village where branded outlets items were sold. So there we were shopping and getting weary the whole day. We returned to London, head to China Town for some crispy duck for dinner. In London, traveling is easy. All you have to do is to buy a one day ticket return for both underground and bus which is available at every underground station which is sold at approximately 6 Pounds for one person. Before night ends, we head to local bars for few pints then head to bed.

Bicester Village

Oxford Circus

A pint of beer wont hurt...

Underground

Oxford Circus

We continue shopping on the early of second day. Then off to visit the icons of London with our shopping bags. We made our stop at Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, The Eye of London, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Winchester Palace, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s cathedral then lunch at the in Borough Market. All icons can be access via underground and London buses. We took few snaps of the Great Britain’s Icon. We returned to our inn, packed and taxied ourselves to Brighton.

Eye of London

Big Ben

Tower of London

Trafalgar Square

In Brighton, our hotel was just in front of the bay front which was lovely. A slower pace and is also a lovely place to live in. It took around one and a half hour to travel from London to Brighton by a taxi. Not to mention the fare was costly too. I got to say that I had a great steak for dinner that night.

Watching the sea breeze and the sunrises at the bay front which is exactly sited in front of our hotel was mesmerizing. We went to the Brighton Pier as to our dismay it was still closed. So we ended up strolling in theBrighton. Window shopping, sight seeing. And then the main reason of this trip is to attend a special event of my cousin’s graduation. It was an honored to be invited to attend his graduation. I have been attending his graduation / convocation all this while. By night, he took us to Marina, where the restaurant is a boat serving Chinese food which is kinda like Jumbo restaurant in Hong Kong but smaller, for dinner. The food was totally awesome with real Malaysian taste bud.

Bay Front

Brighton Pier

Next day we return to London, a visit to Hyde Park is a must for me. It’s like visiting Central park in New York. After a short walk we then continue to Bond Street with more ladies shopping.

Helen returned to Taiwan and left us four with our journey to Paris. It took us 2 hours to reachParis via Eurostar. Weather was really freezing. Snow was to spot on the ground. I guess it snow the night before we arrived. Frankly, I hate the underground subway in Paris. It was a total chaotic and it’s pungent and dirty. Their amenities and services are not up to the standard. I was kinda disappointed to see such a romantic country in such a filthy way. While cousin was sleeping in the hotel, I brought my aunt and Jia Yuen for a stroll in St Germain – St Michael – Odeon and the Latin Quarters. Dog turds are spotted everywhere. It’s really disgusting. You might want to be aware where you are walking or stepping.

We opt for an open tour via a hop on hop off Double Decker bus for 2 days in Paris which is really convenient than to travel by the subways. The bus really does the entire job for us. We stop at the Lourve, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Bastile, Siene River. We just hop on and off as we like. I love that bus! By the end we stop at the Boulevard for our dinner. I got to tell you I love every meals serve in Paris.

Every one knows what this is

The lourve

Paris was more like sight seeing for us. Shopping is crazily expensive there. We stop at Champs Elysees had a stroll and shop a bit. The last day of Paris was truly unforgettable as we had French Cuisine in a fine dining restaurant in St Germain. It was lovely and a bit chaotic at first with the personal Seafood Platters. I am happy that I get to taste few authentic French Cuisine such as Foie Gras, French veil, Escargot, the fresh seafood platters which I worried I will get sick after few oysters well it didn’t happen. It’s only about food and sight seeing in Paris. I love French croissant!

The very next day we return to London. Flight back home was at night. Last minute shopping and family good byes….

What I love most about this trip is the experience, the love and honored which my aunt and her families have given me, the hospitality, and last but not least the amazing food I had through out the journey. This astonishing trip will never be forgotten and will be kept as an experience of a life time.

Trips advice - When sightseeing in London is best to travel via underground and buses. As for Paris for both sigh seeing and shopping its best you opt for the Open Tour!

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Miami!! Miami!

I can’t help my self I am missing South Beach so so much today! It has been 2 years and yes I am so missing it right now! I am bounding off my Krabi trip post today. Nothing about Krabi in this post.

I have taken almost a days time by an awful long haul flight journey  just to reach the beautiful tropical , mesmerizing Miami! The white sandy beach , the naked beautiful sexy ladies, the sweet sweet minty cold Mojitos, The Cuban Latin song that keeps playing in my head. It’s simply spellbinding! This whole trip has influence me to watch Burn Notice I am emphatically in love with the movie because of the scenery and beach. Well I love Michael Westin my self.

As when Kent and I reached Miami International Airport we taxied a cab to our hotel in Coconut Groove. While on the way to our hotel, we noticed masses of low rise building, palm trees and the sky is so saturated blue. The buildings are coiffure coordinately. The luxury private yacht, cruise and ships are all aligned beautifully  beside the beach. The excitement is unexplainable. My heart beats unusually fast that day. I am so charged up for the upcoming plans that I have  forethought  few months before.

                                 

I basked my short ride to the hotel. As we reached Sonesta Bayfront Hotel at Coconut Grove, we were welcomed by a concierge. The  hotel looks like an average building externally while  the hotel lobby is simply modern with few artistic pictures mounting on the wall.  Both of us are felicitous that we received a warm welcome from both the concierge and the reception. It was lovely.

The long haul flight really gets to my nerve. I was jet lag, air sick, light headed. There were so many things I want to do. My tired mind is simply lethargic. I had my shower, lay a bit, turn on my lap top, MSN my family that I have safely arrived. I recuperate a bit then prepared to stroll around the hotel area.

Right next to our hotel is the famous Coco Walk Mall and Mayfair Hotel. Kent and I saunter around the building and the Streets of Mayfair. There are various shops that sell varieties of the American brand trademarks. What caught my attention was Victoria Secret. My bosom needs to have an Americanize souvenir too. So I did a little shopping there, then had dinner in Johnny Rocket across the Street of Mayfair which is next to the hotel we are staying.

Kent and I had burgers and for starters we had chili fries. I got to tell you that I had the best Chili Fries ever! I love Johnny Rocket Chili Fries. Is a simple dish yet has this unique flavor with their special condiment and gravy! This is simply tempting, I am hungry for one now. We were served well by this young lad who is very meticulous and boy he is hardworking. He frequented asked us if our food is good and if everything is alright. We appreciated him a lot. Too bad that we didn't get note of his name.  Bless this young man!

We return to our hotel after our dinner.  Watching young people partying the night away!

                                    

We were charged up the next day. We woke up 7 am in the morning due to jet lag. It was odd. Everything from the outside was dark. No car or nothing not a single soul. It was wee Sunday. We tune our TV, nothing but advertisement, then tune to Comedy Central watch Sarah Silverman sniffing and licking her dogs butt. One heck of a movie. It was kinda time wasted sitting in the hotel watching TV. Kent and I finally decided that we move out to stroll at McFarlane Road hat wee morning.                 

                                   

The air was refreshing, the sky is crystal clear. Everything seemed so relax as if everything was pause for that moment. There were no one on the streets. We headed to the nearest Metrorail at Coconut Grove. No shops were open we were the only 2 weirdo that walks in the street. We snapped our picture at every corner. Along the way, there were massive beautiful bungalows. The Spanish home was irresistible. I can’t help my self but envy all those intricate beautiful designs of the houses. How we both wished we are able to owned a home that luxury and splendid. Awww…..While envying the enticing home, we met a friendly couple. From far, I can see both of them giving us a warmth smile. Without hesitating, I asked for the Metrorail direction just incase if we had walked the wrong way. The man gave us a clear direction and assure us that we are going the right way. Everything seems splendid and goes along my way.

                                       

We walked for almost 20 minutes and we finally hear the gushing and rushing sounds of the train. Yup we finally see the Metrorail across the street. Before we rushed over, we had our breakfast at  Subway which is just down the road. Then proceed with our journey to the Government Station where we switch to Metromover to downtown. Going downtown via Metromover is free for public.Well the thing is , it’s kind of dirty.

The panorama transformed from one station to the other. High rise building are to be seen in every corner. There is this big canal which can be seen stretch out in Miami. Looking at it makes you think of CSI MIAMI during the movies’ opening.

As we reached downtown, we walked to the Bayfront Park in the beautiful Biscayne Bay. Linger a bit here and there feel the vivid wind blew on our face. We had camera and video on our neck, holding each other hands, walking freely is simply relaxing. This is all I ever wanted, holding each other hands walking freely, feeling the serenity and panoramic view.

We came across the The Bayfront Park Amphitheater is located within Bayfront Park included permanent reserved seats; new, picturesque sightlines to Biscayne Bay; a new superior roof structure; state-of-the-art production capabilities; The Tina Hills Pavilion  is also located within the park and is available for smaller concerts, receptions, corporate events, and press conferences. 

                                  

We proceed to Bayside Market. Selling from souvenirs to Cuban goods, cruises to Cuba and the Caribbean, varieties of food and steak. We stop by for our lunch at a Chinese diner. Then hang out in Hard Rock shopping for goodies and souvenirs. Mostly about shopping and wandering in that area. We that walked to the Overtown, East of Little Havana experiencing the locals shopping and stuff which is kind of amusing. I do admit Latinos and Latinas are pretty people. Look at Enrique!

 

View Larger Map         

                                      

 

We took a cab to Miami Beach. The main aim was to go to Miami Ink. Kent and I were so eager to meet the Miami Ink celebrities. As when The cab reach the first junction of Washington Avenue I know I was near. We are very close to the place of our dream. The cab stop right in front of the shop. The excitement and the indescribable feelings is so enthusiast. Man , we snap pictures like crazy! As when I try to enter the shop, not even one person from the TV show was in there. That sudden rush of adrenalin all of the sudden seems to just stop. The butterfly just died in my stomach. Oh well, as long as I have been there and done that.  I didn’t get my tattoo there. What’s the point if it is not done by the celebrities.                        

   

After our craziness of photo snapping we walked towards the sound of the hypnotizing waves. South Beach here we come! The ladies with their bikinis, the macho man with their six packed abs all lying on the white sandy beach. I have never been so happy to be in South Beach, Miami Beach. Again me and hubby walk hand in hand, our legs in the sand , feel the cold waves rush through our legs. Is simply unforgettable… We spent the whole lovely evening there then return to our hotel in Coconut Grove.

We were dead tired after the whole day of strolling. We had dinner at a pizzeria which is right next to out hotel. Then head up to bed.    

                                   

The very next day I spend my whole day shopping in Coco Walk and Mayfair Street.  Walking in the park nearby MacFarlane Road. I did some how remembered while I was browsing magazines in a shop , well Boy Magazine,and there were so many eyes looking at me. It was funny though. I guess they have never seen an Asian lady viewing one before.

The beach , the sun , the romance, the drink, the music all keeps playing in my head. I am not sure when I will return but I will definitely return to MIAMI one day!

 

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Edited Part 3

Due to overwhelming response from friends who insist me to write detail stories about my student exchange life in Cagliari. I have edited my

Part 3 - School and Friends in Cagliari.

Thank you for reading! Please click the link to read.

Part 3. School and Friends

My schooling begun the next day. I was shy and petrified on the first day. Isabella and I went to the same school; Liceo Scientifico G. Brotzu. She showed me to my class then proceeded to her class room next door. Not knowing what I am supposed to do in class, if I should make the first attempt to introduce myself to the class. I kept silent. Everyone looked at me as if I was an alien who has just landed on their planet. Their facial expression gave me the sign.

Image via Wikipedia

My first lesson was “Dante’s Comedia” – Dante Divine Comedy. Good lord, what the heck is that? Cikgu tak ajar di sekolah le! The teacher mumbles her lecture with her soft, delicate sleepy voice. I pay no heed , it was cold and I dozed of in a blink of an eye. She blabs too much. Hahaha..
Next class, Latin. Holly … I felt like I was in a preaching home or something. Continued with French, Mathematics and etc….

Then it was when during recess, people started to gather around me asking me questions that have been boggling their mind earlier. They are bubbly, friendly and easy going. I was invited to go to their home, Christmas party, and was ask to hang out with them. It was awesome. I felt like the most popular student in school. Yeah I am going to win the prom queen. Pulling the leg of, it didn’t happen. LOL.

The school

The Amici

High School and Friends
The first one standing on the right side taught Dante's Comedia.

I received email from friends and was advised to write more details for this post. I got few readers who are interested with my student exchange program. Thank you for reading!

After my first day at school, the butterflies in my stomach have flown away. Everything was aplomb. I do not have to do any homework. That is the best school year of my life. I don’t have to take any examination. I slept in class. I precisely sat in front of the teacher. I was on the first row of the class. Cool and envious isn’t it? When others are concentrating on their study, I will do some sketch, write letters back home to my family in Sabah, and my mind will swing away dreaming in a cartoon world. For sure there were times I was bored. I did avoid few classes as in, I skipped class. LOL. I went back home to sleep. Did I mention the school is just few meters away from where I live? The 3 stories bungalow that I lived in was just behind the school up on a hill. I never tell Marge about this.

Few days in school, classmates became friendlier. I was introduced to friends outside the school which sounds like networking. I hung out with friends in a park sometimes in a shopping mall after school. I had an old video camera that recorded what we did in the park. We sang, we joked, and we flirt. Oh yes. It was fun. Language barriers doest exist but who cares. We will just laugh and try to help each other by translating using the mini dictionary. I was truly happy to be with them. To be honest I hate to go home after school. We were nuts! Those good old days! I do find the experience of studying overseas does differ and it does make one more gallant to approach to a person. When I am back here in Malaysia, I turned to a timid mouse again,

It was from there then I started to call some AFS students who were in Cagliari before me. I never met anyone of them. I grab a phone I just give them a ring and chat. Amazing eh? They were students from Brazil, Panama, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Austria, Republic Dominican, Iceland, Australia and Indonesia. I called each and every one of them. I was then invited to an organized trip to camp a day in Mont Fortubo. So guess what did I missed, if I didn’t make the random phone calls??

I was invited for a trip. At first it was skeptical. I am not sure if it is safe for me to travel with unknowns. I got 2 weeks ahead for the coming trip and I was worried. I do not own a mobile phone, GPRS, GPS, Internet during those days of cause, I was worried sick.

Finally, I pay no heed I went for the trip. It was a trip I will never going to forget. We travel to this peak by a MPV. Half way up the hill, it started to snow. That was my first time I encounter the snow. I was exciting and happy. “Salju salju” the Indonesian guy next to me exclaimed. It was his first time to encounter it too. I put my hand out of the window; the snow gracefully fell on my palm. I can see the delicate intricate snow flake. It was a truly unique and amazing. I was mesmerized. I was blew out of the water. Our AFS organizer Bruno stopped the car. I rushed out immediately. I think Wan (the Indonesian) and I were stun and speechless to experience the amazing phenomena. Other students rushed down to take their pictures too.

After awhile, we went back in to out car headed to the peak. There was a fort behind the hill that we need to do a bit hiking over to the next hill. Hiking is not a thing for me. I can’t hike with my body weight. The air gets thinner when I climb higher. I was wearied and suffocating. I was out of air. But as I came closer to the fort, again I stun by a mesmerizing scene was right in front of me. The peaks were all covered with snow. It was too beautiful for me to describe. How could Mother Nature be that beautiful?

It was a lovely setting. I was tired and glad to be there. I never regret going to that trip. I totally blocked the skeptical thought I had before. We ascend back down then walk to a nearby chalets. Three students were to share a chalet. Each chalet has 3 bunks. I shared my room with an Icelandic girl and Emma who is from Perth. The temperature drops by the evening. It was tremendously cold. The snow continued… I did not take any shower that day. It was weird for me not to take a shower. The water was too freezing.

We went to have our dinner at this barn a like dinning place. We were sitting in a long table. Authentic Italian meals were served and wine did the job for the rest of the day. We all got high and drunk. We danced, joked, laughed and fooled around. I, who was sober, sat at the corner taking photos of the drunk. I know I was like the geek in the group.

We head back when it reached midnight. I remembered as we walk back to out chalet, a student, I can’t recall who, wore a mask (the mask from the movie Scream) trying to scare us. We were shocked at first, screaming like an old lady (we were drunk) and then we ran chasing after him grabbing his mask. Placed snow under his pants! It was totally outrageous. How I wish I can turn back time for that moment. I would love to capture those moments again.

I was there for a day. I returned to Cagliari the next day and it was only a week left for me to return to Malaysia.

Friendship blossom, my friends and I started to hang out every single day. I attended party dinner, camping, I was taken care of, friends' parents loved me and I was doing all sort of things that I usually don’t do or allowed to do at home. Time flies. I started to love my life there until it’s time for me to head home. It’s sad that I have to leave every beautiful moments behind but I have gained my love from friends, had the best moment, knowledge of cultures and the unforgettable experience of a life time. The experiences that I have always cherish. I am proud to have supportive parents and has given me this once in a life time beautiful experience.

Visiting the seaside at Villasimius

Camping at Monta Fortubo

“Grab holds the opportunity right in front of your eyes as chances never comes twice.

Life is too short to not make it beautiful and memorable. Share it with your love ones”.”