{Travel Diary} Barcelona

reminisce

/ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs/

verb [ no obj. ]

indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events

synonyms: remember (with pleasure), be nostalgic about, recall.

Now that I’m back in the UK and in dire need to de-stress, I found myself reminiscing over my first ever Easter trip to Spain, Barcelona. Though jumping on the bed blasting Bieb’s new single sort of helps... 

Barcelona’s alive with two of my favourite things; art and food. The cosmopolitan city is echoed in vibrant murals and avant-garde architectures. My friends and I covered nearly every inch of Barcelona,including Las Ramblas, Camp Nou Stadium, Park Guell, Parc de Montjuic and Sagrada Familia. We even managed to escape the city ambience for a day and sneaked (well, got lost) in Sitges!

I'm excited to see what my next journey will bring me. Enjoy the remainder of Summer! xx

{Summer Diary} Bavaria, Germany

Sun drenched blue skies meant the perfect chance for me and my friends to see the Bavarian Alps as I've been wanting to see the Neuschwanstein Castle for quite some time. The castle is made for a Disney movie (which was eventually an inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's) and it is tucked in a perfectly rugged set of hills that offers a stunning view of the Hohenschwangau village.

I can draw a list of adjectives that would describe the beauty of the Alps but you really have to see it for yourself. You can read all about it on travel blogs, but being there is a different story. For me, it was the experience of hopping on the 2 hour train ride with scenic views that are postcards worthy, the hike up to see the castle and the friends we made along this journey. The results are worth the costs and the muscle cramps.

Have a great weekend ahead!

Four Days in the Balearic Islands

In the past week, it has been liberating to scale back from work and instead learn to enjoy quiet luxuries  like these as they come. I was fortunate enough to fly with my friend to Ibiza and with little time in between, we managed to fit in one more visit to another neighbouring island, Formentera. With no prior knowledge of the existence of Formentera, we really did not know what to expect besides a few Google images of crystal clear waters and locals telling us that the beach is the best in the world. As soon as we arrived, we knew we made the right decision to buy those ferry tickets :)

Best beaches in Ibiza: There were leafy nooks at every head turn as we got up to the top of the rocks that divided the two creeks; Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta. The only way to get to the latter is by swimming or hiking up the panoramic tracks to get the luscious scenery of the whole place. 

Formentera Island: Beautifully rocky coves and intimate hidden beaches are the perfect home to Formentera's crystal clear and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Ferries were the only way to get there and getting around the island was quite easy as we cycled our way to the beaches. 

Counting the days

In less than 3 weeks time, I will be en route to Spanish's White Island a.k.a Ibiza with a good friend of mine. Forgetting the singularity of Ibiza's party reputation, I've made a couple of mood boards of what I've envisioned Ibiza to look and feel like: tropical, fresh, vibrant, warm and anything but the bubble-soaked parties I've been hearing about. I am seething with excitement and I'm really hoping to finally have my much needed break (maybe rejuvenation is a better word for it) from all the University workload. Packing days are numbereddddd!!

{Summer Diary} Royal Palace

We gradually acquainted Phnom Penh with little adventures;one step at a time, and as from yesterday we visited the home of His Majesty, that is the Royal Palace. Known for its architectural achievement, particularly with its beautiful embellishments of golden coloured tiles, it also overlooks the riverfront park where we managed to capture worthy shots. There were families and tourists having a picnic outside the lawn as well as them feeding the pigeons that were flying over everyone's heads. (Luckily we were bird poo free!) We were however unable to tour inside the palace but since it was built at the lively Samdach Sotheros Boulevard, we had the privilege to stroll by the central riverfront before sunset. 

Hemmed in by narrow streets with French colonial constructions and spirited bustling locals, we wandered along the riverfront where monks strolled in packs, children engaged in various recreations such as football and badminton and the vendors owned the street as they scattered every metre- believe me when I say they sold fried frogs and BBQ snake on a stick... I am not entirely sure if it is sanitary but my sister said she would definitely give them a try. If you ever consider Phnom Penh as your primary destination and plan to go to the riverside, keep your personal belongings safe because this is a popular place of pick pocketing. 

The long walk led us to Amanjaya Pancam Hotel, which was speculated to where Tomb Raider megastar Angelina Jolie have stayed when she filmed the blockbuster in 2001. Tucked between the streets is where the night market is situated. It is not a shopping Mecca compared to Bangkok but you will find yourself spoiled with souvenir choices! You will be greeted with great qualities and bargains. It is worth a visit! 

Have a great Sunday,

{Summer Diary} Phnom Penh

Just last Tuesday, my sister and I ventured to a part of Phnom Penh that is just tucked between Norodum Boulevard and the Royal Palace; Street 240-also known as a magnet for the barang (Khmer for foreigners). We made the most of an interlude of sunshine and took a stroll through the busy tuk-tuk running grounds; happily getting lost in art galleries, boutiques and discovering all the wonderful indoor pursuits the street has to offer. Just like any other parts of the city, there are just one too many alleys, entrances and little squares that you're unlikely to ever notice. 

Luckily Trip Advisor has made it easier for us to find our ways, especially to a little vegan cafe called Artillery which was bursting out in blue and white Mediterranean loveliness and incongruity. We had a short break in between our little adventure over their delicious thirst quenchers and uber-fresh and healthy meals.

I won't pretend that the whole area is perfect as most of the parts are impoverished, but it is worth the stroll down the pavements and discovering cute little shops and cafes. I would definitely recommend walking through Street 240 and you will find yourself a little alley with more cute shops and Artillery is one of the few in Street 240 1/2 (yes there is such thing).

love,