London in Summer

Well, hello there! You've be good ain't ya mate?

This is London in Summer. Exactly a week after the London Olympics 2012, and I cannot imagine the how crowded the place was during the games. It was the hottest week in London. And amazingly no rain fall during our 4 days there. Maybe there was in the early mornings, but as soon as noon came, boy was it boiling hot!

Oxford Street, London. 

Meet your inner shopping devil.

This is my third time to London, and our sole purpose was to renew our passports. It was a long journey. From Regensburg to Frankfurt, a 6am flight to London, reaching the Malaysia High Commission at 1030am. It was done really fast. By 2pm, we got new Passports. And I'm quite glad that my picture actually looks normal. While waiting for our Passports, I went to have roasted duck for lunch, then we went took a nap at St James Park because we couldn't check in yet. St James Park is 10 minutes away from the High Commission.

The next day, we went all touristy. We didn't get on the tour bus. Instead, we marked out places we wanted to go to, bought a day pass, which was much cheaper and sat on double decker busses where we could see everything.

 

This is St Pauls Cathedral. which stood here for a very long time. It used to be Londons tallest building back in the days.

There was also a wedding going on while we were there. And a gorgeous classic car tht the bride came in. The visitors came in hats like true Brits.

The Tower of London was castle built to defend the city.

People lining up to enter the Tower.

This is the London Tower bridge, holding up the iconic Olympic Rings. This bridge is often mistaken with the London Bridge which is further down the river. This is my first time seeing the bridge up close since we (mistakenly) went to see the London Bridge on my first trip to London. 

A trip to the Kingdom means a trip to see the grounds where the Queen lives. Here we are at the grounds of Buckingham Palace, with St James Park right across.

We only went to have a peep. Then we had a picnic at the park. One of my most treasured moments. We are people of happy hearts. We sat there till my bladder couldn't contain anymore water. 

The next day was shopping day. Going to London means lots of shopping choices (compared to Germany) and of course ticking off some things for people on the list. It was actually mad because the streets were full and packed and soo hot, our legs were already dying. We just got a few stuff that people ordered and some for ourselves then we went on a more pleasurable journey. 

Evening shot of the London Eye

For those who want a ride on this iconic ferris whell, I suggest that you do an online booking on their website, charge it to your credit card and collect the tickets at a tiny machine next to the 4D experience entrance. Waiting in line is like boiling yourself slowly but surely. 

A shot from the London Eye. The River Thames with the Big Ben.

Honestly, my best times spent in London was sitting on grass. This was surely one of it. Along the river, the promenade is filled with street artists. This man was the star because I was jumping like mad popping bubbles. Kids gathered around him while parents sat along the side. On that day, that time, the sun felt better, the grass was better, the air was better. It was like I was in a better place.

To put an end on our trip to the Olympic host of 2012.

Travel Checklist

My attempt of places to visit before clearing off the Europe map. I may not have visited all European countries (mostly western Europe and a handful of the South), but I do want to srike off these places by the end of next year. By all mean, hopes and dreams.

#Cinque Terre, Italy

Five Villages along the Italian Riveria. Cosy, colorful and not forgetting the beaufiful ocean. Trekking from one village to another is a must.

#Croatia

Once a war torned country, it has now built itself up into one of Europes famous destinations. Hopefully it stays the way it is and not turn into Ibiza or Mallorca since Split is slowly turning into a party destination.

#Nice, Southern France

Pebble beaches and sun. This place puts Paris to shame. Seeing pictures of it just makes me want to pack up and leave. Takes less than an hour to Monte Carlo, perhaps 10 minutes with a Lambo.

#Lisbon, Portugal

The Portugese people seem to be very foreign to me. Maybe that's why I'd like to experience this land. I shall start with its main city. Or maybe another part which is better, I'm yet to find out.

So far I have these few in my list. Maybe after I get a job I'll travel far into Eastern Europe. Any Eastern Europe destinations you'd suggest? I'm yet to visit Romania an Ukraine. Hopefully I live long and prosperous enough.

Chiemsee Picnic

Summer means a list of holidays and of course, the warmth of the sun and some nice bbqs. For the past few weeks, holidays are in abundance. Even today is a holiday. Today is Corpus Christi so in Bavaria is'a a public holiday because it's a Catholic State. Most people will extend their holidays when a public holiday falls on a Tueday or a Thursday. But for us students, it's the start of hard work because exam is next month. Remind me again when was my last exam.. only a few months ago.

During the 5 day holidays last week, we went over to Chiemsee for a picnic. Chiemsee is a huge lake with a few islands in it. It's 2 hours away by train from Landshut and it really is a pretty picture because as you enter the area, you can the the Alps standing gloriously topped with snow.

Apparently Chiemsee is very popular during the summer weekends and public holidays. We went on a Friday, which was not a public holiday so the local train wasn't in operation. This train takes you from the Prien am Chiemsee train station to the ferry point where you can hop on to the island of your choice. Because the train wasn't operating, we went by foot to the Ferry Terminal which was 20 minutes away. And I actually enjoyed walking in the warm weather. At the ferry teriminal, tickets are sold for single rides and also for day passes. We took a day pass because the single rides are only for the Herreninsel. We went to the Frauen insel which was further down.

The ferry ride was about 20 minutes

Fraueninsel 

We intentionally went to have a small bbq, just the both of us and have a dip in the waters but it was cold. The place was quite quiet since it was not a holiday. There are a few cafes and restaurants (serving a variety of grilled fish) and some handicraft shops. The place was small and lovely, very much 'kampung nelayan' like. We bought with us a disposable bbq pit and bbq-ed some Jerk Chicken. Jamie Oliver and Levi Roots style. 

 (L-R) We sat right next to the waters where a man was mending his boat :: 

Our lunch. I packed Nasi Goreng Kampung too

Some duckies were really interested in our food and we couldn't push them away. They were actually really annoving and they had their duckling with them which was hard to find because they we shorter that the grass! They were actually quite mad because we didn't feed them and decided to play duck jets with us. By duck jets I mean they purposely jump into the water and fly above us still wet! This was done by about 3 ducks.

Silly ducks. Try spotting their ducklings.

After eating, I actually took a nap for a hour (which I didn't realise) under the warm sun and I was red when I got home. It was soo cosy I didn't mind that the ground was hard. After that, we took a walk around the island and took our ferry back. 

The little houses had parking spaces for their boats and this one was really cute. 

It was such a good day despite the rain that has been going on that week!

Sarawaks Harvest Festival

Public Message Announcement : Selamat Ari Gawai to all Dayaks of Sarawak!

The harvest festival is celebrated every 1st and 2nd of June by the Iban and Bidayuh tribe of Sarawak. Lets not forget the grand happennings that'll keep you pumped up on the night of the 31st ushering in the Dayak New Year. Yes, for us Dayaks it is the new year. It starts when the Harvest is done and it's time for a celebration before the next batch is planted.  

Unfortunately, not a lot of people know about the Gawai festival, even Malaysians themselves. In the olden days, Gawai was the highlight of all yearly events. People would make Tuak (rice wine) beforehand and prepare Kuih Jala for guests. The newly harvested paddy (we call it new paddy) would be packed and given out to relatives. Almost everything would be rice base. Before the Dayaks turned to Christianity, they worshipped the elemental Gods. A sacrifice would be made to thank them for a good harvest, and is usually done by a Priestess on a swing, and lots of chanting in the middle of the village. 

Nowadays, Gawai is still celebrated although most of the Dayaks have turned to more professional jobs  and buy rice from the supermarkets. It's a celebration of tradition and culture. For those who still have paddy fields, the culture of giving away new rice is still done. In some communities, offerings are still given to the Gods, but most would attend a church service to thank Jesus for the Harvest.  

On the first and second of June, it's usually a huge feast with lots of eating and drinking. This is the time to visit friends and family (and meet new extended family you never knew), an act we call "Ngabang". The Iban dan Bidayuh villages will have a sweet smell of charcoal in the air as most of the cooking are done on an open fire. Instead of pots and pans, we trade them for something better. The bamboo. All sorts of dishes are cooked in bamboos. We have the "Pansoh" which is generally chicken or pork with tapioca leaves stuffed in bamboos and cooked on the open fire. Chicken rice in the bamboo is also a favourite. Besides that, we have "Pangkang" which is almost like lemang but without the banana leave on the outside. 

For me, the most exciting part of Gawai would be having roasted pork with cold beer and great company.  Although I haven't been back for the harvest festival for the 5th year this year, I still can remember details of the yearly event, especially when my late grandmother was still around. She would be fussing over going back to the village for about a monthe before the day itself. On the day itself, you won't have luck finding her in the house as she will be out visiting for the whole day.    

With this, I would like to wish all family, friends and all those celebrating, a Blessed Gawai!!

Czech Republic : The Bohemian Prague

I went to visit Prague during a weekend in autumn 2011. The weather was starting to get gloomy and windy, but that just adds more mysteries to this old celtic city.

This once huge empire which includes Germany is now a small country which does not accomodate euros. It's quite a pity actually since it came such a long way form the past few centuries. Many would not know Prague, nor where Czech republic is on the world map. But everyone knows Swarovski Crystals and Bohemian, which both are the core of this country. 

The view of this place at night is just amazingly stunning. Too bad I did'nt carry along a tripod to snap beautiful shots of it. Prague is also rated the worlds most romantic City. Comparing Prague to Paris, I'd vote for Prague on that list.

This is the view form the old city before the Charles Bridge. The Prague Castle is on the other side of the river bank up on the hills.  The Charles Bridge is a victorios icon for Prague which has been there since the 15th Century. Along the bridge, status are erected representing th saints and so I've heard, they were sculpted in Dresden and brought all the way.

All along the bridge, street artists and performers sell their pieces and perform.

Other than the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle its pride, which used to house the King of Bohemia. Withing the castle walls there are a few churches which represents the strength of Christianity in the Empire.

St Vitus Cathedral

Down in the city, one of the worls first astronomical clock is mounted on the walls of the cityhall wall. At every hour, "The walk of the Apostles" Sculptures move and a trumpet is blown at every 4 sides of the tower. During these times, the city hall would be crowded with tourists watching the Clockwork and applauding at every sound of the trumpet.

Town Square :: Astronomical Clock

Prague is considered a cheap place to travel in Europe, with lots of train connections and only a few hours drive from Germany. We drove for about 2.5 hours from where we were. The hostels are cheap and it has many clubs and lounges for entertainment.

Most clubs and restaurants are underground. This is because the underground floor used to be the first floor of all the building in the old town until one time, they had to stack the whole city up with soil till the 2nd floor (I've forgotten why.. there was a flood if I'm not mistaken), so the present city is actually ont the 2nd floor, therefore the once used to be first floor is the underground (Prague is also called an underground city.)

Rather than spending much money in overcrowded and touristy Paris, here's another choice for your romantic gateaway. And do not leave your tripod behind!

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Most people would have losing weight as their new years resolution. Something I used to have too till I gave up. Nowadays, I'm trying to keep myself as fit as possible, though it might seem impossible. My family has a lineage of big and heavy people. So I kind of gave up on loosing weight or being fit. My stamina is low and my legs can't even bring me joging.

I used to think it was because people wanted to look good that they wanted to exercise and loose weight. Especially young people. It's also easier to fit into clothes and you have lots of choices to choose from. For people of a bigger size, especially in Malaysia, the fashion industry doesn't really cater to you. So you'll have to give in and end up in t-shirts and aunty jeans because the good jeans don't even have your size.

Now I see it differently. With all the health problems the world brings in propotion to the modern lifestyle, different sickness comes running after you, and if you're obese, I don't think you might have a chance of running away. So the only thing way to get out of it is to change your lifestyle. Because most of us want to get married, have kids and grandkids and great grand kids. The future starts with you and you being healthy.

My visits to the Gynea will always end up with "if you want to have kids one day, you better loose weight". I thought I was the only one. My sister got the same advice too. The both of us are obese according to our body mass index. And maybe according to the sizes of our jeans too. It's not that we have never tried exercising. It just never works out (pun intended)!

After my practical stint in February, I shot up to a raging 70kg. I used to stay at 62kg. My ideal weight is 55kg. My life has been cut short. If it goes on like this, I'll probably have health problems in the next few years or might die because I can't swim or run to save myself. So I determine to change my habits. And to one day see how my grandchild looks like.

This may seem like the typical weight lost advice people might read online or in magazines, but I'm doing a testimony here.

1. Yoga

I started doing yoga since I came back from Morocco in early March. I've never actually attended a real yoga class nor do I have a yoga mat back home. I just downloaded the app from my phone and do it in the evenings on weekdays and in the mornings on weekends. My routine is only 15 - 30 minutes and I do it about 5 times a week. I don't do complicated ones that needs you to become a ninja. I just do simple ones. So far my stretching has been really good and I'm quiet satisfied doing it especially after spending a few hours in front of the computer with an aching shoulder.

2. Drink lots of water

This is the easiest part of it. No kidding. Read it here. I just learned that drinking water and lots of it would flush away toxic and also fat. And a way to "trick" your stomach that it is full to avoid having so much to eat. Drink water before a meal and at every chance you get. Not only will you loose weight. You will also have better skin. Everyone should drink at least 3l of water daily. And avoid soda drinks.

3. Eat frequently in small amounts

I'm not telling you to have roti canai and nasi lemak whenever you are hungry. Have a bit or two whenever you stomach seems to throw a tantrum. A apple, muffin, sandwich, chocolate. Just don't eatuntil u feel like puking. Eating frequently will increase your metabolism and helps you loose weight. Avoid having such a heavy meal. Also, cuting down on rice and fatty food intake will help generously.

4. Make fruits your best friend

Instead of munching on chips, try munching on grapes, apples, langsats and so on. A person should actually take 5 different kinds of fruits daily. But one will also do. Stock up on bananas and keep apples in your handbags or bring to work. You can have them when your tummy is hungry. Maybe God intended us to munch on fruits before humans made chips.

I have religiously been following this steps for the past one month. So far I have lost 7kg. Still a kilo above my usual weight and far behind my ideal weight. But now I am able to fit into my jeans without frustration even after drying it in the dryer. I feel better, healthier, I can jump a little and am much more active. I don't expect to look like Lara Croft but at least I'm conciously aware that I'm on the right track. So it's not too late for you to try change your lifestyle. Heaving an unhealthy one would just mean suicide on the long run.

*all pictures taken from google

Rough Budget : For Malaysians who want to travel to Europe

I've been asked this question multiple times from friends and families back home : "How much does it cost to travel to Europe".

Prior to this question, I've decided to do a rough budget for those who have this theme in their bucket list. As Malaysians, we often have the idea of travelling as a luxury and only those with real hard cash could afford, and the rest would just never go out of the country. Fret not, this post might give you a clear insight of how much does it actually costs you to travel!

This post is dedicated to students and young working adults with lots of energy and hunger for adventure. Like stated, this is a budget guide. Please do not expect five star furnished hotel rooms and fancy dinners.

1. A two way ticket to Europe

This may be the biggest challenge. Tickts from Malaysia to London, Paris or Frankfurt do cost quite a bomb. And it generally would be the biggest bill in your travel budget. Flights to main cities are cheaper. A two way ticket would roughly cost you 600€ during off season and up to 900€ for off season. Travelling during off season is much better ain't it? If you really want to travel cheap, do visit MATTA Fairs all over the country. You might get a chance to score tickets below RM2000.

2. Travel duration

This might be easier for students compared to yound working adults. Maybe you have just started work, maybe you have finished up your yearly leaves. Holidays in Malaysia are hard to get because we work 6 Days a week and only have 2 weeks of annual leave. So count them up!
So how many days do you plan to spend your Europe Trip? I'll roughly calculate for two weeks.

Prague

3. Destinations

Where would you like to go? The common places a Malaysian would visit would be London and Paris. Let's see other options that we can have. Why not visit Spain and Portugal? Or Italy and Germany? Czech republic maybe? The places you choose also determines your spending. Touristic places are far more expensive than small cities or towns. 14 Days is roughly enough for you to visit two countries. One country if you'd like to see all of its sights.

4. Group Travel

My ideal group size would be 4 people. 5 would be maximum. You know why? Some countries like Germany have group train passes for 5 people. If you were to rent a car, 4 people would fit nicely. If you were to take an overnight train, a cabin of 4 is the most comfortable. Most hostels gladly have room for 4. If you were to book a hotel room, you can book 2 double rooms (hotels in Europe charges per head, not per room). You can save money by travelling in this small group of yours (and borrow money if you've just been pick pocketed)!

Backpacking in Switzerland in 2009

7. Transportation

Travelling in Europe is dead easy when it comes to transportation. You are spoil with choices. Flight? Maybe with a train? Bus? Car? Trams, Subways, bicycles? Sometimes the prices of flights are way cheaper than trains. You can get a flight for 30€ from Frankfurt to Barcelona. From Barcelona to Granada? Flight, bus or train? Overnight trains can save you both transport and accomodation money (Barcelona-Granada, ~90€). How about a night bus from Nuremburg to Amsterdam (~60€)? Obviously flying saves more time than taking a train or a bus. But you do have to be at the airport 2 hours before the flight, and you have to pay for check-in luggages. Liquids for hand luggage should'nt be more than 100ml.
Budget flights : Ryanair, Easyjet
Train Pass : Eurail

6. Accomodation

Hostels would be your best friend. Read this post. They are cheap and fun. And most hostels now do have wifi. So you can skype with your worried sick mum who always thinks everyone wants to kidnap and sell her child to black markets. The rates for hostels varies and rooms comes in different sizes. The more beds in the room, the cheaper they are. If you're not fond of sharing a room with 17 other strangers, then opt for a 6 or 4 bedded room. Some rooms have toilets in them, they are called ensuite rooms. So a group of you can have your own toilet. Makesure you read the reviews before booking.
Hostels : Hostelworld, Hostelbookers

Farmers Platter in Budapest

7. Food & Drinks 

Going to Italy means you must try their homemade pasta and pizzas. Visiting Germany without a bite of Bratwurst? Not having a Paella in Spain? Food is part of culture, and we as Malaysian sware upon that. So travelling budget should'nt mean that you should have a piece of bread a day. I just learned that if you follow your guidebooks religiously, it'll only take you to touristy restaurants. Why not ask your hostel which places the locals go to? It's way cheaper even though you might not know how to explain what you would like to order. But that's all in the experience isn't it?

8. Souvenirs

I dare you to travel without bringing any souvenirs back. I bet you your aunty will say you're an ungrateful niece/nephew. To save, you don't have to buy souvenirs for everyone. Only ones that are important. A keychain or a magnet maybe. If you'd like to buy chocolates for the little ones, do buy them in supermarkets and not in specialty shops. It'll save you some cash for your next meal.

I'll roughly draw out a travel plan + budget for 2 weeks to London and Spain.

4 days 3 nights in London 

Flights : 

KLIA - London Heathrow, 2 ways (620€)

Accomodation :

3 nights in London (35€ x 3 = 105€)

8 days 7 nights in Spain 

Flights :

London - Malaga (70€, no check-in luggage)

Barcelona - London (70€)

Busses and Trains :

Malaga - Granada, approx 2 hours (10€)

Granada - Barcelona, overnight train in a 4 bed cabin (92€)

Accomodation : 

1 night in Malaga (20€)

2 nights in Granada (20€ x 2 = 40€)

3 nights in Barcelona (30€ x 3 = 90€)

Sum : 1217€ ~ RM4965

(not including personal expenses, subway/city tickets, food and entertainment)

Maybe you could add 600€ for your expenses. Should be cheaper than this actually. I usually spend a maximum of 250€ in a country.
All in all : RM7400

Have you started saving up for your trip to Europe?

First three months

So how was your first three months of the year? How has it been? Are you still holding on to your resolutions or are they already gone with the wind?

Ending January was a hectic pile. With all the exam preps and finishing my practical (which I really miss now) and moving. It was all over the place! Thank God everything went smoothly and I had so much fun myself. The we had our winter holidays which was for 4 weeks and ended last week. So I'm back to class (6th Sem yeay!!) for this whole semester. Feels kind of awkward after a whole semester sitting in an office. Nows the real deal. Final year.

For the holidays I promised myself I would do these two things. Even if nobody wanted to do it with me, I have to do it kind of spirit. And I did it!

First, it was attending a Faschings Karneval. After all these years, I have never been to a Faschings Karneval so I made sure I did it this year.

Faschings Karneval is something grand in Germany. It's like the Brazillian Mardi Gras and the Venetian Masquarade. In Europe these festivals mark the end of winter and the start of spring. People would dress up in all sorts of costumes and a parade with a heartful of candy will run the streets of cities and towns.

Where I stay, the Faschings Karnevals are not as grand. The biggest Karneval is the one in Köln. Budget wise and time wise, I did'nt have enough to go up till Köln because I was saving for my Morocco trip. So I went to join the Faschings Karneval in Frankfurt, and it was a blast. People on floats throwing candies at you, the candy fighting part was even better! Children are the most adorable! They would dress up and excitedly collect candies.

Kids across the street

Mr Racecar driver

Although the weather wasn't that amazing, we still had a great time. I did'nt bring my camera because I was just so lazy to take it with me. I just took photos with my handphone. I went as little red riding hood with my own self made cape out of a fleece blanket. Then we used it to catch falling candies from the sky.

Candies we collected

Second, is to do a winter sport. Again, after all these years, I have never went skiing or snowboarding. So I made sure I did it before all the snow melts and I won't have time to do it the next winter.

It all started after I went to Friedberg after the Faschings Karneval. My friends just got back from a snowboarding trip the day before and we were enjoying ourselves watching the videos. Whats worst is that they make snowboarding look as easy as frying a keropok! So, for my first winter sport ever, I tried snowboarding.

So a few weeks later, I went snowboarding at the borders of Germany and Czech Republic. And like everything else, starting is the hardest! Even the kids were professionals. Parents send their kids for skiing and snowboarding lessons as young as the age of 4. When I saw these kids slide down the hills, I was super amazed! It was hard to even balance on those equipments (or maybe I was just unfit and fat).

I fell so many times I could'nt count. But it was a good thing. I didn't stop at falling. I got up and fell, till my jeans were soaked. I didn't have ski pants and they don't rent out ski clothes (some places do). My friends were fast learners. After a few falls, they got the hang of it and started doing twist and turns coming down from the slopes. When it comes to sports, I am a very slow learner. Even though I still don't know how to snowboard, I had a good time and won't say no to a next time. Maybe I should enroll in a snowboarding class.

After a tiring day

So what about you?