Moscow Revisit : 26th April - 1st May It was a Thursday morning. I was supposed to fly on the 15th April. As I woke up to catch my flight at noon, I went online just to read news. Suddenly the news of the volcano ash appeared. It says that all flights from Heathrow are cancelled due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland. I pinch my cheek. I thought I was in a dream. Ouch, gosh, it hurt. I knew then, it was not a joke but a reality. I could not imagined the severity of the situation until I had to cancel and rebooked my tickets more than 2 times, and finally I gave up and postponed my flight to 11 days later.
I called my boss the next day and I asked whether I could come back to work, 'coz it was boring staying at home, waiting in anxiety, not knowing whether I would fly the next day. So, there I was, managed to reschedule my holidays as well. Thank God I had a month tourist visa, which gave me the flexibility on the dates as well.
So, I spent the week in Moscow, revisited the Kremlin many times again and again. Well I went there almost everyday as the hotel which we stayed in was situated literally 10-15 mins walk from the city. Having experienced a Russian Opera at the Bolshoi Theater 4 years ago with 2 of my travel mates which we ended up trying hard to stay awake, I've decided to give the opera a skip this time. Instead, we went for the Russian ballet called " The Taming of the Shrew" by William Shakespeare. It was brilliant. Most of my days were also spent reading, drinking and chilling out at the hotel VIP lounge. I also went for a swim and spa(bubble pool). On our last day we went to a park on our way to B's cousin's place for dinner. After a delicious home cooked food, a taxi picked us up for the airport just in time for our flight check in.
Unexpectedly, when we checked in (we were one of the last few), we were told that the flights were overbooked and there were no more economy seats. We thought that we may have to turn back and wait for another flight, which we do not really want as it was really time consuming. Finally, guess what? We were upgraded to the Business Class. Neat! What a brilliant way to end the holidays!
Northern Ireland : 18th July - 27th JulyInitially we wanted to go to one of the islands at the Southwest of England. Somehow, as we researched for the transport modes and costs, we ended up buying the air tickets to Belfast instead. Hence, our travel plans moved from Southwest to the North of UK. Haha, that is the extend of how fickle we can be
I would not elaborate much on the places we've been but rather summarize the highlights of the trip. On day 1 when we arrive Belfast, we took the bus all the way along the west coast, savoring every scenic moments during the journey all the way to Balintoy, a small village where I think the population is a mere 100k people. Despite of its tininess, we enjoyed the serenity, friendly people, calmness and fishing. Yeah, B managed to catch some fishes on our second day and we baked our very own fresh fishes for dinner. The highlight of the place was the "Carrick A Rede" aka the hanging bridge. It was a short but nonetheless a thrilling experience.
We also made friends with a couple from UK and Belarussia and they invited us for tea and sandwich at their place. The guy even invited us to cook for them the next day, but we decided not go to as we(or rather me) were shy. Anyways, the beginning of our holidays started well.
After Ballintoy, we left towards West to Portsrush (resort town and beaches), Giant Causeway (the World Heritage), Londonderry (the historical walled city), Omagh (for the boat ride to a secluded island and historic ruins) and back to Belfast. Despite the exhaustion from moving around, it was a fulfilling holiday, away from the buzz and busy lifestyle in London.
Norway : 26th Aug- 31st AugVanessa came to London in June and met up with me & Fi for dinner. She invited us to her place in Norway. That night itself, I looked up at the flight tickets and voila, I've booked the tickets the following week for Bergen and Stavanger. Fi was supposed to come along, but I reckon due to money and visa issues, she decided not to come.
So, I took the 30mins train from CJ to Gatwick on a Thursday morning, but the excitement was only dashed with the 8 hour flight delay. Gosh, killing time in an airport was not easy. My carelessness in leaving my flight, hostel and train itineraries at the departure hall had me calling my friends in getting the booking reference numbers. I was given 16 quid worth of vouchers to spend for food and beverages at the airport, as compensation. So, I went to have a full late lunch at one of the restaurants in the airport and bought some sandwiches for my trip.
I arrived late in the evening at Bergen, was too tired to walk around the city, which was a pity as the weather was really good. Nonetheless, I decided to sleep early and left early for sightseeing the next day. Given the size of Bergen, one could actually cover the whole city in half a day. Given the location of the hostel which I stayed, which was in the heart of the city also helps to speed p the sightseeing. I've visited the Brygen, the old, colourful wooden houses which was the Unesco World Heritage. I even had time to take the 2 hours hike up and down to the Mount Floyen. I met a Chinese student who was taking his PHD in Bergen and we chatted on our way up and down. The view from atop was amazing.. With 2 hours to kill before my train to Stavanger at night, I headed back to the hostel and cooked some Norwegian fish cakes and shared with 2 Koreans whom I met in the hostel. Oh, by the way during the 2 days stay, I also managed to have chats with a Japanese, Polish, Irish and British. It brought back many fond memories of backpacking experience years ago.
After dinner, I spent my last 30 mins in Bergen , taking night photos of the city with these 2 Koreans mates. A definitely memorable way in ending my trip in Bergen, and off I went for the 16hours train journey to Stavanger, with a change at Drammen.
The train ended up with train and bus , and an hour delay to Stavanger. Nonetheless, I have arrived safely; I guess that is the most important point. V met me at the station. Despite the exhaustion, I was excited and happy to meet V and the location of her apartment which was only 5-8 mins walk, really helps. After a long train and bus journey, I longed for a fresh shower. At that moment, I could feel how those homeless and travelers must have felt, Once arrived at her apartment, I took a shower and brush my teeth. After that, we relaxed at home for a while. It was a Friday night and V's friend, S invited us with some other friends to her place for dinner. I helped V to cook the baked mushrooms with bacon stuffing (a dish which I have learnt and loved) and the Brazillian dessert " The Little Black Guy". I really enjoy the baking and cooking.
We left the apartment to S's place which was just around the corner and met up with the rest: 2 German guys, a Portuguese, a Dutch, an Italian and V's flat mate.
We had the baked cod fish (apparently it is a traditional Portuguese dish) which was very original, home baked German bread which was really fresh and impressive. Finally the dessert i,e ice cream and some Portuguese wine and cocktail. We then headed to the living room for a more cozy chat with some German and Portuguese wine. I really felt warmth amidst the quiet city of Stavanger. Just a perfect night to start my stay in this city!
The following day we headed to the Preikestolen aka Pulpit Rock. The ferry ride on the way to the base of the mountain was good as along the way, we witness the beauty of Norwegian fjords, sea and mountains. Needless to say, the view from the top of the mountain after the 2 hours hike was brilliant! I kept repeating to V that the scenery was really beautiful- just like postcards. The 2 hours rocky hike was definitely worth it. I can understand now why V would not mind coming with me despite her 4th visit. I would reckon that I would feel the same and would come along too. The view, fresh air, walk and most importantly the company along the hike, was good. We reward ourselves with ham & cheese, bread, yoghurt, and water at the top, satisfying our hunger and quesnching our thirst, and feeling really contented. We have made it!
The next day, I walked around the small city. I read that prices and standard of living in Stavanger has actually been inflated by the well paid oil workers/expats. I went to the old town, which was recommended by V, stroll along a street near the harbour where I witness some small and colourful shops and buildings, which were truly impressive, bypass an oil museum and a playground made with some oil mining instruments and equipments. Then it was almost time for me to go home and meet up with V for another all girls meet up at H's place.
One thing good about this city is that you can basically walk everywhere :). After about 20 mins walk, we were already at H's place. I met the other expats who were really friendly and we had salmon salad as starter and vegetable pie for the main. Plus, the ice cream with fresh strawberries, topped with melted chocolate as dessert . The food was so good. The international companies were really friendly and hospitable. I would never have thought that my trip to Norway would be so 'delicious' and ‘warm’.
On my last day, I intended to go for boating and cycling. Unfortunately, the weather did not permit me to do so. I ended up watching a DVD and TV at home, which was not bad as I could relax with the fresh sea air blowing thru the balcony of her apartment.
I left about 1 hour plus before my flight and took the airport transfer from the Radisson Hotel at the corner. The 30 mins journey was pleasant as the bus moved along the narrow road bypassing the tiny houses, lakes and green fields.
I was glad that I came to Norway and spent some quality time with V, an ex-course mate of mine. Come to think of it, we studied together 4 years ago and back then we've never thought that we'll meet in Norway 4 years later. But here we were, met, ate, chat happily, even watched film together in a quiet city down South West of Norway. Ahh, how fate twist :)
MILANO : 17th Sep-18th Sep In 4 days time, I will visit the city of my Alma mater- Milan! It will be a business plus sightseeing trip, organized by my company. The venue would be at the Como Lake. I am looking forward for the workshops and the sightseeing at Bellagio (where the tip of the inverted U is located). So, here I will be again, 3 years passed and I will be revisiting Milan. I wonder 3 years later, from today, 12th Sep, where would I be?
Till then, stay tune. Ciao!
