Europe self-guided trip: Train and place to stay

Sorry it took me so long to update. I had been procrastinating once again. And I don't even know what's wrong with me these few days, lacking the will to even upload photos to facebook.

But as promised, here's a new blog post!

Before I start, let me briefly give some details of the trip. Me and my girl friends had planned to go for a long Europe trip and after rounds and rounds of discussions, we finally narrowed down to just 5 cities, 4 countries: Paris > Brussels > Amsterdam > Cologne > Berlin.

After listing out our tentative routes and calculating the costs, we decided to buy the InterRail Global Pass, which allows us to travel in Europe within a consecutive period (in our case, Travel 5 days within 10 days). It basically means that within that 10 days, you get to choose 5 days as your 'travel days' and on those days, you can just hop on any trains connecting cities to cities (unlimited amount of train rides on the same day). A pretty flexible and cost effective package I would say, but will only be worth it if you travel to many places or travel to as far as you can. Like for our case, if we did not plan to go up north to Berlin, we wouldn't have gone for InterRail. So I guess you just have to do some calculations before deciding to whether take up the package or just buy the usual point-to-point train tickets.

I suggest you read up this page it's really informative. My tip is that you should always avoid any high speed trains like Thalys for example because even with a valid InterRail pass you will still need to pay for the reservation fees which is very very expensive and not worth it. Apparently, any train connecting France is always the trouble maker so do check out the best option available. Other than that, in other countries, you can just hop on any IC or ICE trains you like and show your pass to the conductor when being asked to.

Anyway, we went to Paris by boarding the Eurostar from London (excluded from InterRail). The train ride lasted for 2 hours plus and we reached Gare du Nord around dinner time. First thing to do is of course, check in the apartment we have pre-booked online.

Throwback Macau trip Summer 2012

This is really way overdue. But I thought I should still post these up before the upcoming Europe trip's photos start flooding in my iPhoto.

So as you know I went to Hong Kong last August for summer vacation with two of my aunts. While trying to cover as many attractions as possible in such a short period, we still managed to allocate one whole day for Macau. Not that I was interested in gambling at the casinos but because I really wanted to try the famous Portuguese egg tart there.

HK getaway: 1st Night

I'm back from Hong Kong~ and it's time to update my blog and share my experience.

On the whole, I really enjoyed the trip because it was the first time ever I went overseas without my parents tagging along which means *coughs* I can do many things according to my will *coughs* haha.. Nola No :P

In fact, it sort of gave me a new definition of 'exploring'. The best part of the whole trip, to me, was utilizing the MTR(Mass Transit Railway) to the max in order to visit different districts and to try out famous local delicacies. I guess I could say this is a mini practice for me before any Europe trip in future. lol.

Flew using AirAsia. Except for their not-that-pretty air stewardess hahaha so cruel (maybe it's just me), it's actually not that bad when they don't delay their flights :) One thing I have to mention is their Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak was quite delicious for an in-flight meal. Try ordering next time!



We landed 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. *claps for AA* We then got transferred to the Hong Kong island by taking the 24/7 shuttle bus called 'Cityflyer'. Just follow the directions in the airport to get to the bus station and then line up at the bus stop according to the routes you prefer. We took bus A11 that would pass through Sheung Wan (where our hotel is located)

Do check before hand but even if you don't, you can still find your way out by studying the crystal clear directory in front of the bus station. 

While in London they call it Oyster, here in Hong Kong they call it Octopus. Seriously what's with all these seafood sea creatures? Haha

Basically, it's like my 'touch & go' for the next few days. Be sure to get one at any MTR station asap once you have arrived. It's really useful and convenient as you can use it for taking public transportation like the MTR, buses, ding ding trams, ferries or even buying cup noodles at 7-eleven.
Didn't try this but apparently, you can also use it in their Starbucks! what's this called if it's not awesome :D

 

Checked in 名乐居 Mingle Place 'On the Wing' , a boutique hotel in the historic Sheung Wan.
The standard room is super duper small (normal in HK) just like a box and there isn't much walking space. However, it doesn't really matter since as tourist, we just wanted a place to rest after spending the whole day outside exploring the city. Plus, it's kind of luxurious to me already. I mean look at the bathroom! mad love the shower ♥

After unpacking, we went out to explore using 'ding ding' tram, the iconic transportation in HK.
You need to know the rule: you hop on the tram from the back, drop off using the front door and that's when you pay using your octopus (or exact fare).

Pretty Caucasian in the tram behind ours. After I snapped a photo of her (like a paparazzi), she did the same to me (secretly as well) and oh, did I mention I purposely posed for her photo? You know, looking out of the window..acting as if I'm thinking of something hahaha ( ´ ▽ ` )

The initial plan was to take the tram straight down to Shau Kei Wan (last stop) to try out the famous 'wun zai qi'/ 碗仔翅 (shark fin soup w/out shark's fin) but since it's already 9 and our stomach were growling, we decided to drop off at any station where we could still see crowd. 

And then we ended up in some random cha chaan teng (tea restaurant, literally) in Wan Chai district. Oh not random lah, I actually jot down the name :D 

新丰记 牛什鱼蛋大王 (Sun Fung Kei)

149, Johnston Road, Wan Chai.

My 1st dinner in Hong Kong! haha I ordered this Fresh Prawn Wan Tan Mee out of sooo many options on the menu. don't ask me why. I can be very indecisive when it comes to food ordering and I was so scared that the waiter would give me the impatient look. Hence, it was just a random choice.

At first I didn't expect that much from them since it was supposed to be just a random restaurant and a random order hahaha.. but hey it was really good! *thumbs up* Their noodle was of the good quality ones i.e. egg noodles which has a good texture. And the prawns inside the wan tan were just so juicy and succulent! Not forgetting to mention their soup base, which is cooked using abalone as one of their main ingredients. *slurps*

My aunt ordered their Meatballs wan tan mee and I thought it was equally tasty as well.
However, we should have ordered their fish ball noodles instead since it's their specialization apparently. (I only found out after I had placed my order)

One downside of this restaurant is that the waiter sort of forgot to serve us the free hot drink (either coffee or tea) which was supposed to come along with the meal. Well I am not sure whether it's because he had really forgotten about it or was he trying to keep quiet unless we ask for it.

Either way, luckily I asked another friendlier waiter about it.
By adding HKD 2, we upgraded our free hot drink to 冻柠宾 (Iced lemon Ribena).

Trivia~ :

冻柠蜜 Iced Lemon honey
冻柠乐 Iced Lemon Coke
冻柠七 Iced Lemon 7 Up
咸柠七 Citrus+ Lemon+ 7 Up
龙凤柠乐 Citrus + Lemon + Coke

Awesome combination right! I wonder why we don't have it in our Kopitiam in M'sia? heh :3




Strolled around the area for a while before taking the tram back to Sheung Wan again.

and that was my first night in HK :)

Sightseeing: Hotel Penaga

I was having lunch with daddy in Georgetown yesterday when we happened to pass by this row of eye-catching reconstructed heritage building.

Converted from pre-war shop houses, this boutique hotel has infused its every space with modern amenities while preserving the heritage side of the building. It's a perfect blend of the old and new I would say.

Piqued by curiosity we went in to look around.

A mini swimming pool beside the hotel's restaurant. 

Pretty cool but I thought it's for kids only. I wouldn't want to swim in that small space (as if I'm very big sized) but that's not the point. My main concern is that..People eating in the restaurant can see you quite clearly. Isn't this awkward :P

 

I adore those coloured glass panels...

 

and the patterned tiles.. 

hmm they have got a lift. not bad..

 

You can definitely detect the nostalgic ambiance of Old Penang here.
The vintage houses where my paternal grandparents used to stay when they were still young.


 Didn't get to see their rooms but apparently they must be really beautiful inside.
RM450 per night. hmm....

A cool mural by local artist behind the hotel.


I wouldn't mind to pay and stay over if I'm not a Penangite ;P
too bad I am. oh well.

50% discounted dinner again :)

 Dad has signed up as Paradise hotel's club member again, and so...we got tons of complimentary coupons to use! weeee :3


Went to their Gaya restaurant to enjoy the goodness of food. All 50% off whcih means a dish of RM20 will become 10 bucks only. Better than eating a red bean paste mooncake right? Haha!
Ahh..good food with cheap price, I like!

Smoked Salmon Salad as starter. WTFish this is da bomb! yumzz the salmon was so juicy. lol. I dunno how to describe :P

Aglio Olio Linguini with lots of succulent prawns. First time trying this style. hmm I still think Cabonara tastes way better. I love creamy stuff :3

F.A.M.I.L.Y= Father And Mother I Love You
heh :) quote from I'm not stupid 2.

My 2 younger sisters. Don't be fooled by their angel-like faces. They told me that they worked at Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated..

LOL. watched too much phineas and ferb.

Drink of the day: sky juice. The cheapest and tastiest thing on earth. Simply delicious. No other drinks can beat it :D    I mean seriously, it's not like I am stingy or what but cold water's really refreshing enough!



oh. I'm now back in KTJ already. Stress is clustering around me but my positivity shall counterbalance it. YES. I'm damn semangat now! Wish me luck :D

Sudah Old Already

A short post with photos as main point.

Another weekend during the holidays, my relatives from KL came back to Penang. Particularly, it was Aunt Siew Lay and her family.

During their stay in Golden Sands Resort, we went there to pay them a visit and to enjoy the hotel's facilities. Hee :) It was like a mini family gathering since we usually meet once a year only.

Due to the poor quality of my camera, and also mainly because of my very-very-poor skills, I managed to pick a few 'presentable' ones only from what I'd captured on that day. Boohoohoo ='(

Felt so paiseh to those who wished to appear in my blog post. LOL. *slaps*

Aunt Siew Hong and my little cousin, Zi Heng. Apparently he wanted to play in the tiny sandpit......

......and secretly colonised it when nobody's around.

"Imma bulid a castle for my queen" =)

However, he found out that the sandpit was just way too small and lame. The king decided to migrate to the sea shore and built his empire there.

Here comes the pretty little mermaid, En Yu. 

 

"Sand sand! Step step step..." 

 

*Heart Melts* Why so cute huh? I knew that I wasn't that cute when I was younger.
Not Fair! Hahaha

Looking at these fellas, admit lah,  you and I sudah old already lor..
Cannot act cute from now on okay? T__________T

Grow up.

Fairy tales are just, tales. 

Pampered bliss at G Cafe

It's finally HOLIDAYS!! well, for a sixth former like me. =)

My oh-so-nice aunts brought me for a sumptuous buffet lunch like they had promised me earlier. It was like a reward or gift from them, as I have got the bnm's scholarship, and ehem, because I've been such a good girl. =) *claps hands*

And so, we went to G Hotel at Gurney Drive, Penang's famous boulevard. 

G cafe. 

It was the place where we dined in. Pretty interior design at the entrance, isn't it? LOL. And oh! Did you see the evian mineral water botel? I really thought that they would serve this 'classy' water to their customers. Well, I thought.

Peek into this posh cafe and trust me, you'll definitely wish to sit down and enjoy the bliss.

 

Guess what's this bluish thingy. Beautiful ey? =)

Btw..I don't think that they were so good to serve us with evian, do you?

 

OMG. The dessert spread is just soooo tantalizing. Even if you don't have a sweet tooth, I bet you'll surely fall for it as well! Slurp!

 

FYI, we went on Sunday and thus it was Hi-Tea buffet that day. If you go on other days, you might have other themes like Indian cuisine, Seafood spread etc.

 

The main course spread here is more like a fusion of Western and Asian dishes. From fried noodles to lamb chop, you name it, they have it. Well, I'm using hyperbole here. Not so great, in actual fact.

 

There were a few stalls outdoors.

Mee Goreng Mamak. Hmm, so not mamak.

My recommendation: Beef !

If you do eat beef, trust me, don't miss this.

I meant it. You will actually fly after having just one bite. It tasted like heaven I tell you, so awesome that you would moo out loud.  *MOO!*

 

Seafood Corner.  

Oh my.. isn't it tempting? Well, at least it worked on me.

However, after tasting, it was just okay, not very very nice lor.

  

From left: Aunt Siew Hong and Siew Siew. Smile :]

From Left: Aunt Siew Eap and her daughter, Yi Wei, which means, my little cousin. lol.

Aunts. They are all my mother's younger sisters. Haha, I have one more in KL.
*Waves to Aunt Siew Lay*

My appetizer as a warm-up. Salad and Potato Soup!( recommendation II )  It tasted like mashed potato, mashed gao-gaoly with extra gravy. LOL. Super delicious, my dear!

and...Here comes the main course.

Beef, lamb, Thai chicken, egg, harsh brown and seafood thermidor. Yum! I'm such a carnivore.

 

Recommendation III: Fettuccine Carbonara.

You can choose from an array of different Italian pastas and sauces, and then the chef will cook for you on the spot. Cool!  

 

Recommendation IV: Dessert!

 

Awww.

 

Aunt Siew Siew with her desserts. Sweet lady + Sweet food= Very Sweet Pic. Her bf will be the 1st to agree with me.*evil laughs*

 

Aunt Siew Hong with Me. =)

 

Waffle with Ice Cream topping. One word: YUMMY!

Oh ya, you can always ask for coffee or tea from the waiter as it was included in the buffet. However, you must ask from them or else, they won't serve you. Otherwise, you can always enjoy free flow of fruit juices or plain iced water.

Furthermore, there were also ice kacang.. but I didn't eat as I don't really fancy it. If only if they were serving Chendol instead, I would be clapping my hands. Too bad, nope.

 

I went to the classy washroom after drinking a lot. LOL. And of course, you know, my main purpose was to cam-whore! 

 

 Not nice I know. =.=

Ate from 12pm to 2.30pm. Siao. Damn bloated. *Burp* Thus, we walked to Gurney Plaza in order to promote digestion. After some shopping, we continued shopping at Queensbay. Siao again. LOL. Aunts' idea, not me. Bought a new dress from Voir. Weee! =) oh well, on the other hand, my money flew away.  T___T  

But seriously, we all need to pamper ourselves once in a while. Right? Heehee.

In conclusion, on my scale from 1 to 10, I shall give it a 6.5

I wouldn't say that the Hi-Tea buffet was very nice, but it's worth trying. At least, the posh interior and relaxing ambiance had won it all. 

Aunts said our next stop will be Hard Rock Hotel Penang. WooHoo! 

Ish, I shall be bloated again. 

 

Yea, Definitely.  =)