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  • Hello UK: Kuala Lumpur – London – Newcastle Upon Tyne

    Hello UK: Kuala Lumpur – London – Newcastle Upon Tyne

    Hello UK: Kuala Lumpur – London – Newcastle Upon Tyne – Ladies and gentlemen, Nick Chan is now in the United Kingdom! I’ve been here for about 3 weeks and no, I am not here for travel, I am here to further my studies! It’s just a one year program for me to get a Bachelor Degree, like some sort of an advance entry into the final year program.

    Farewell Penang!
    Rainy night, I almost late for my connecting flight in KLIA, damn the delay,
    Farewell Kuala Lumpur from sky. I miss KL actually.
    London, here I come!
    It was my first time taking such a long flight trip from Kuala Lumpur direct to London Heathrow Airport. I was excited at first, you know, flying on A380, and travelling backwards in the timezone, but it’s not as fun as I thought. Trying hard to sleep in a 12 hours flight is a very difficult thing for me and A380 is just like no other flight when you are in economy zone. However, food was pretty good, nasi lemak and something chicken, mash potato thingy.

    My travel buddy – Alvin!
    Welcome to London Heathrow Airport!
    All the Penang-Lang at LHR!
    Oyster Card is a must for travelling in London.
    Tired face after 11 hours of flight.
    So, yeah, London, after 12 hours of direct flight from Kuala Lumpur, but I didn’t feel London actually because once arrived in London, I was stuck in the airport for about an hour to get through the immigration as there’s a bunch of international students like us. Then, I took the London Underground Tube to King’s Cross Station, I didn’t see Big Ben, nor the Tower Bridge, nor the city. The only London that I saw was King’s Cross Station and that’s it, and perhaps the surrounding. It’s just a transit for me to Newcastle Upon Tyne, the real current location of mine right now.

    First thing to do upon reaching King’s Cross Station is head to the ground and breath the London’s air. Oooo, just like this.
    King’s Cross Station! Modern shell on a classical terminal.
    Londeners, hello!
    Flying to Hogwarts at Platform 9 3/4.
    Bye London, time to head North to Newcastle!
    King’s Cross Station is not as huge as I thought, it’s just a train terminal connecting everywhere in the UK and the Harry Potter’s Platfrom 9 3/4 is just a fake prop at the station. First English breakfast in UK was quite pleasant, thinking of 5 times the currency rate, yet enjoyed the meal.

    The train ride was pretty smooth and fast; passed through vast green grasslands and farms and many horse and sheep, there’s nothing much to see out of the window actually and 3 hours later, I am in Newcastle. Wet, colder than London and still feeling energetic despite the long hour of journey.

    Newcastle Central Station. Checked!
    Welcome to Newcastle!
    Hailed for a cab, initially thought of Blue Line Taxi (a company), but I couldn’t find it so just simply hopped into one and it took us to my hostel. Checked in, and the rest and relax part haven’t started yet. I have to sort out the bedding thing as I have to sleep at night. Went for a small shopping at Primark (wow, everything is so cheap!), got back to hostel, no idea about what to eat for dinner, made an instant noodle, felt dizzy and floating, then fell into the bed of Newcastle and slept till the next day. Hello UK!
  • Louie Manalastas: Three Can’t Miss Destinations In The UK

    Louie Manalastas: Three Can’t Miss Destinations In The UK

    If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom (UK), you’re in for a real treat. An intriguing and beautiful mix of past and present, the UK is the gateway to Europe and has a fascinating and well-defined culture all its own. Prominent business marketing consultant Louie Manalastas has been there many times and he finds new things to love and explore each time he goes. Here are some top recommendations for things you must see when you get there.
    1. The Tower of London
    This site is almost a no-brainer for anyone visiting the UK. Arguably the country’s most popular and well-known tourist attraction, the Tower of London has been standing guard over the nation for nearly 1,000 years. Throughout its storied and checkered past, it has been a defense for the city of London, a royal residence, a treasury, a prison, a museum and more. Some of history’s most famous tales and enduring mysteries took place there. Such well-known historical persons as Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, Lord Guildford Dudley and more have found their final resting places within the Tower grounds. The infamous Princes in the Tower vanished from there in 1483 and their real fate has never been discovered.
    The Tower buildings and sprawling grounds provide plenty to see and do. Plan on spending an entire day at the Tower of London when you come. A visit here is almost like a trip in a time machine. It is definitely something that is not to be missed on a first visit to the UK.
    2. Stonehenge
    About an hour and a half drive north of London is one of the most famous landmarks of ancient history. The stone circle atStonehenge on the Salisbury Plain is recognized in images all over the world. Historians are still debating exactly when, how and by whom it was built. Estimates of its construction range from 4,000 to 10,000 years ago. Debate over its purpose continues to this day. Many fascinating archaeological finds have been discovered there that offer tantalizing clues, but no real answers. It’s an ongoing historical mystery. Louie Manalastas loves Stonehenge and is drawn to it nearly every time he goes to the UK.
    The government of the UK is very concerned with preserving the integrity of Stonehenge. Therefore, access to the stones themselves is much more restricted now than in the past. The stone circle is surrounded by a fence and the fence keeps most visitors at a pretty good distance. It’s still awe-inspiring to be in the vicinity of the stones, though. Not everyone is kept at arm’s length, however. One (and only one) tour company in the UK is authorized to take visitors beyond the fence to the stones themselves. Try to get on that tour if you can. There’s a waiting list. The government also opens up Stonehenge for everyone twice a year on the solstices.
    3. Rosslyn Chapel
    This chapel inspired some of the most exciting scenes in Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, “The DaVinci Code.” Located in Scotland (part of the UK), Rosslyn Chapel is a stunning example of medieval stonework. It was built in the mid-1400s by the Sinclair family and has a strong association with the Knights Templar and Freemasonry. Rumors circulate about the unusual architecture of Rosslyn Chapel and what certain symbols and adornments may mean. Some say that the Masons who built the chapel hid messages and even artifacts within their work. The chapel is also rumored to be the hiding place for the mummified head of Jesus, the treasures of the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail and the original Scottish crown jewels. This is a wonderful place to visit to immerse yourself in mystery and legend. Maybe you’ll even solve one of the chapel’s many secrets while you’re there.
  • Five Memorable Destinations With Touraj Vedadi

    Five Memorable Destinations With Touraj Vedadi

    Travel can provide valuable perspective and insight into the customs and conventions of other countries and distant areas of the world. Touraj Jason Vedadi understands the broadening effects of travel and frequently immerses himself in foreign cultures in connection with his golfing activities and his love of world travel. Vedadi has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to see many of the world’s great landmarks. Here are five of his favorites.
    The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
    Comprising more than three million artifacts, artworks and archeological rarities, the Hermitage in Russia is an inspirational destination for anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of the past. The Hermitage collection contains a number of separate complexes devoted to various elements of Russian and world history, including the famed Winter Palace of Peter the Great and the stately Menshikov Palace, once home to the first governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Menshikov.
    The Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Touraj Vedadi has visited the Anne Frank Museum, a historical site in Amsterdam that includes the attic where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II and where they were ultimately discovered and taken to their deaths. This somber memorial provides a historical background for these events and offers a melancholy look at the everyday life of the Frank family and the brave souls who protected them from detection. This moving experience has had a considerable impact on Vedadi andcontinues to be one of the most memorable destinations from his extensive travels.
    The Great Pyramid of Giza, Cairo, Egypt
    During his visit to Egypt, Touraj Vedadi had the opportunity to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza near Cairo. This hulking monument to human determination stands over 450 feet high. It is thought that the pyramid once towered to over 480 feet, but time and damage to the top of the structure have eliminated some of its height. The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is recognized around the globe as one of the most impressive feats of construction ever completed.
    The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
    Even in its ruined state, the Roman Colosseum still presents a formidable image for visitors to this area. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was once used for gladiator battles and public entertainments for the citizens of Rome. It was designed to serve as many as 80,000 spectators and was completed during the first century A.D. Touraj Vedadi made a special trip to this architectural wonder in Rome to soak up the historical atmosphere and to develop a greater understanding of the talents and tools Roman artisans used to create this iconic structure.
    The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
    More commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque, this elegant and beautiful structure was completed in 1616 and continues to be one of the most majestic mosques in a city filled with glorious architectural examples. Touraj Vedadi was fortunate enough to be able to tour this scenic structure and to enjoy the vaulted ceilings, exquisite chandeliers and stained glass windows of this center for religious worship.
    During his travels, Touraj Vedadi has seen many of the most beautiful and exotic areas of the world. By taking advantage of the opportunity to experience these scenic locations, Vedadi has broadened his experience to allow him a greater degree of perspective in his personal and business dealings at home.
  • The Cayman Island Offer Island Paradise For Visitors Like Sanjay Patil

    The Cayman Island Offer Island Paradise For Visitors Like Sanjay Patil

    Tourists like Sanjay Patil visit the Cayman Islands to savor the people, culture and experiences that are unlike any other Caribbean destination. The people of the Cayman Islands refer to the way they present their country’s resources and attractions as “Caymankind,” in recognition of the smiles, compassion and care island residents bestow upon visitors.
    A British territory located in the Caribbean 149 miles south of Cuba and 480 miles from Miami, the Cayman Islands are Cayman Brac, Little Cayman and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman is largest of the three islands. At 76 square miles, Grand Cayman Islandrepresents three quarters of the total landmass of the three islands with Cayman Brac comprising 14 square miles and Little Cayman, the smallest of the three, with only 10 square mile of land area.
    The Cayman Islands offer visitors like Dr. Sanjay Patil year-round weather that is perfect for just about any activity, including water sports, snorkeling, shopping or outdoor dining. With only limited precipitation and average annual temperatures ranging from 75 degrees during the winter months to 85 degrees in the summer, island guests get unhampered access to outdoor activities.
    Grand Cayman
    Grand Cayman Island offers Sanjay Patil and other guests every activity an island visitor could desire, including duty-free shopping at local vendors and artisans. Most visitors will eventually find their way to the clear, azure waters of the Caribbean and the many white-sand beaches, including Seven Mile Beach.
    Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, Seven Mile Beach is a popular destination for tourists like Sanjay Patil because it is open to the public. Seven Mile Beach is also home to many luxury resorts and hotels.
    Cayman Brac
    The cosmopolitan surroundings of Grand Cayman Island are in sharp contrast to the rugged splendor of the 14 square miles of Cayman Brac. Featuring a lighthouse atop a 140-foot bluff, Cayman Brac is popular among nature lovers and adventure seekers for its 200 species of birds, exotic plants and flowers, sinkholes and limestone caves, and vast assortment of fish and other aquatic life.
    Popular activities on Cayman Brac include scuba diving and snorkeling. Visitors like Dr. Sanjay Patil can explore the many shipwrecks and underwater natural features that exist just off the island’s beaches. For those visitors looking to relax and unwind, Cayman Brac offers plenty of quiet, secluded beaches to get away from the crowds.
    Little Cayman
    The smallest of the Cayman Islands at a mere 10 square miles, Little Cayman offers seclusion and natural beauty unsurpassed anywhere else in the Caribbean. A popular destination for honeymooners looking for a true island getaway, Little Cayman features some of the most popular diving sites in the world. The waters surrounding Little Cayman are alive with sharks, lobster, octopus, turtles, stingrays and tropical fish of every variety.
    Celebrations make Little Cayman come alive with an annual Mardi Gras, Pirates Week and the popular Little Cayman Cook-off.
  • Bangkok: Khao San Road

    Bangkok: Khao San Road

    Bangkok: Khao San Road – The Hangover 2 Place – Last year, I’ve wanted to go to Khao San Road during my Bangkok trip in 2012, but I didn’t get the chance cause I was busy checking out other night market. The recent trip had gave me another chance to visit the scene from Hangover Part 2 – Khao San Road!
    If you read from Lonely Planet or any online source, this place was very famous for Caucasian backpackers with lots of cheap hostel, bars, internet cafes and Pad Thai! But it gets even famous now, still to the tourist, but from everywhere of the world, Asian, Blacks, everyone young and energetic just loves this place.
    You can hear music blasting off the bar while walking pass food stalls, and imitation branded stuff stalls as well as some little fashion boutique stalls. Tourist roaming along Khao San Road and the alleys with a beer on hand, backpackers with handful of luggage and camera, booth that can help you make fake ID, Thai walking around selling exotic food like scorpion, mobile bar with Chang and Singha Beer… Well, this place is just awesome at night.
    I have a friend told me that it gets even more happenings after 12 when 7 Eleven stops selling beer and mobile bars move out all scale to sell you beer, music turns even louder, the whole street literally become an open party area. Too bad, I couldn’t experience that, it rained during my visit. Down. Nevermind, will go again the next time!
    Fruit seller!
    This is Khao San Road!
    Me, blocking the road.
    Angmo doing her selfy!
    Mr Thai Scorpion.
    Mango Sticky Rice.
    Miss Pad Thai.
    Pad Thai, I’ll call it the Thai’s Koay Teow which taste sweet and spicy.
    Cheers with Singha!
    BBQ stalls.
    They bring foot massage outdoor. By this, they can have more chair and more customer eventually!
    More of foot massage. You like?
  • Bangkok: Random Street Walks

    Bangkok: Random Street Walks

    Bangkok: Random Street Walks – I find Bangkok has culture, has style, and it’s very vibrant when comparing to Kuala Lumpur. Although lifestyle can be more luxurious in Kuala Lumpur, but then the what stands out in Bangkok is their culture, hardly being influence by others. Well, that’s the Thai-style. Malaysian-style is to follow what’s and who’s cool.
    One side of the road can be super modern shopping mall in Bangkok, and across the street, you might stumble upon some small alleys with good foods, small and cheaper fashion boutique, street performers by the pedestrian walkway and then you might come to a mid-end shopping mall, and again some interesting alleys. Best part of all, people are walking here and there, the city itself is happenings! Walking is not our Malaysian culture, we prefer to drive here and there, we are quite lazy huh? Haha.
    Woman’s heaven where you can shop till you really drop @ Platinum Fashion Mall.
    Walking to Central World, a very big shopping mall in Bangkok, you can find almost everything!
    Thai’s Steven Tyler. =D
    SIAM. You can find Siam Paragon, the luxurious mall and Siam Center, a new modern and young mall just side by side. Interesting!
    Got a free icy cool herbal drinks!
    No idea what these letter balloons are.
    SIAM BTS station.
    Stumbled into a back alley and found people queuing for Mango Sticky Rice! @ Mango Tango. It seems very cool, but we didn’t get a chance to try it out, long queue oh long queue!
    Lots of mango.
    MBK, place where you can find a lot of high quality imitation branded bags. I’ve read that there’s Thai’s boxing fight every week! Must check it out on the next visit. My parents are not interested in that.
  • Bangkok: Must-Eat Swensens Ice Cream

    Bangkok: Must-Eat Swensens Ice Cream

    Bangkok: Must-Eat Swensens Ice Cream – You know right, one of the must-eat thing in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand is Swensen’s Ice Cream. Why? It’s because it’s dirty cheap, no I should say low-priced! Yeah, the desserts are so much cheaper than the Swensen’s in Malaysia and Singapore. Ice cream desserts in Thai’s Swensen’s starts from 69Baht (about RM7), and in Malaysia it’s from RM15, there’s so much difference!
    After some research, I found out that Swensen’s actually specialize in ice cream desserts and founded in San Francisco, California. Somehow, the Swensen’s in Malaysia and Singapore serves food, which seems more to be a Western cuisine restaurant than ice cream restaurant.
    So in Thai, the Swensen’s only serves ice cream, and you must just try it out!
  • Bangkok: Golden Buddha Temple / Wat Traimit, Chinatown

    Bangkok: Golden Buddha Temple / Wat Traimit, Chinatown

    Bangkok: Golden Buddha Temple / Wat Traimit, Chinatown – Few days ago, I shared about the 4 Faces Buddha, now I would like to bring you to the Golden Buddha at Chinatown. I have been to Bangkok for quite a several time, but this time was my first time checking out this temple.

    Well, I don’t know, but the temple claims that the Golden Buddha is the world’s largest solid gold statue. WOW! Imagine how heavy and how much value it is. It’s really very magnificent for it’s solid gold material! As usual, did some prayers, got some blessings from the monk and off we go. 

    What face is this?
    Queuing for blessing from the monk.

    There’s a Kuan Yin Temple just right across Wat Traimit.
  • Bangkok: Erawan Four Faces Buddha Shrine

    Bangkok: Erawan Four Faces Buddha Shrine

    Bangkok: Erawan Four Faces Buddha Shrine – A must-visit for Buddhist in Bangkok as it’s a place I would visit for a little prayer every time I travel to Bangkok! It’s so famous that Buddhist from all over the world flock to this little corner at Erawan to do prayer! The Buddhist way of praying is actually wish for some good luck from the Buddha, and people claims that the wish comes true after praying here. I do not know a lot about prayers, I just seek for Buddha’s blessing and that’s it. Even if you are not a Buddhist, it’s nice to take a visit to this place, and see the devotees doing their prayer. Very culture-ful!
  • Bangkok: A Night Walk Around Pratunam

    Bangkok: A Night Walk Around Pratunam

    Bangkok: A Night Walk Around Pratunam – In my Bangkok trip, I stayed at a hotel named Ecotel Hotel and it’s located in the Pratunam District. You might thought it’s near to Platinum, Central World, but then it’s quite a far walk. Anyway, me and my family went for a walk around that area on a fine night after Thai food treatment. We were too full and a walk in the city helps the digestion, I guess.
    Do you just realised that Thai enjoys the night? They operate their street food stalls at night, just anywhere in the city, and there’s lots of stalls set up by the pedestrian walkway, selling clothes, bags and accessories. I know those are targeting the tourist, but I find it a good way to light up the night.
    Only in Bangkok.
    The night just never sleeps.
    Thai Queen’s portrait was up in conjunction with her birthday.
    7 Eleven, one of my favourite place in Thailand for sausage, but not anymore after the diarrhoea I had.
    Pad Thai in making!
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